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Abstract We study the realization of spontaneous CP violation through moduli stabilization. In modular flavor models, the source of CP violation is the vacuum expectation values of the complex structure moduli of toroidal compact space. We demonstrate that the combined effects of Type IIB flux compactifications with modular invariant couplings between the moduli and matter fields can induce spontaneous CP violation without or with supersymmetry breaking. Furthermore, some general properties of CP and modular invariant scalar potentials are presented. It is found that certain modifications or partial breakings of modular symmetry are useful in generating spontaneous CP violation.

Abstract We study an approach to construct Siegel modular forms from Sp(6, Z). Zero-mode wave functions on T 6 with magnetic flux background behave Siegel modular forms at the origin. Then T-symmetries partially break depending on the form of background magnetic flux. We study the background such that three T-symmetries T I , T II and T III as well as the S-symmetry remain. Consequently, we obtain Siegel modular forms with three moduli parameters (ω 1, ω 2, ω 3), which are multiplets of finite modular groups. We show several examples. As one of examples, we study Siegel modular forms for $$\widetilde{\Delta }\left(96\right)$$ in detail. Then, as a phenomenological applicantion, we study quark flavor models using Siegel modular forms for $$\widetilde{\Delta }\left(96\right)$$ . Around the cusp, ω 1 = i∞, the Siegel modular forms have hierarchical values depending on their T I -charges. We show the deviation of ω 1 from the cusp can generate large quark mass hierarchies without fine-tuning. Furthermore CP violation is induced by deviation of ω 2 from imaginary axis.

In the natural sciences, a common methodology is to observe phenomena, formulate a hypothesis, and verify it. However, human errors such as pedal mis-operation occur very infrequently, making it difficult to apply this methodology. Therefore, we established a method to artificially generate a pedal mis-operation situation on a driving simulator. Specifically, the method is remotely changing the pedal position so that the driver would not notice it. In this experiment, we acquired video and driving data. In this paper, we extracted driver features from the accumulated data and investigated them. The results showed that aging slows down the transition from accelerator pedal mis-operation to correct brake operation. In addition, it was found that elderly drivers tended to press the accelerator pedal again after mishandling the accelerator pedal. It is inferred that the higher incidence of mis-step accidents among younger drivers in the statistics is due to the higher frequency of pedal misapplication errors. On the other hand, it was found that the influence of driving frequency and gender was small. We confirmed that driver characteristics can be divided into "ability axis" and "personality and driving habit axis" by principal component analysis. Furthermore, decision tree analysis was used to analyze the driver features that allow the driver to operate the brakes correctly even if there is a accelerator pedal mis-operation.

In recent years, the interest in cell transplantation therapy using human dental pulp cells (DPCs) has been increasing. However, significant differences exist in the individual cellular characteristics of human DPC clones and in their therapeutic efficacy in rodent models of spinal cord injury (SCI); moreover, the cellular properties associated with their therapeutic efficacy for SCI remain unclear. Here, using DPC clones from seven different donors, we found that most of the clones were highly resistant to H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity if, after transplantation, they significantly improved the locomotor function of rats with complete SCI. Therefore, we examined the effects of the basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and bardoxolone methyl (RTA402), which is a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) chemical activator, on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the resistance to H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity. FGF2 treatment enhanced the resistance of a subset of clones to H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity. Regardless of FGF2 priming, RTA402 markedly enhanced the resistance of many DPC clones to H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity, concomitant with the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H-quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1). With the exception of a subset of clones, the TAC was not increased by either FGF2 priming or RTA402 treatment alone, whereas it was significantly upregulated by both treatments in each clone, or among all seven DPC clones together. Thus, the TAC and resistance to H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity were, to some extent, independently regulated and were strongly enhanced by both FGF2 priming and RTA402 treatment. Moreover, even a DPC clone that originally exhibited no therapeutic effect on SCI improved the locomotor function of mice with SCI after transplantation under both treatment regimens. Thus, combined with FGF2, RTA402 may increase the number of transplanted DPCs that migrate into and secrete neurotrophic factors at the lesion epicenter, where reactive oxygen species are produced at a high level.

We have developed a method for designing polymer and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) composites that show high dielectric constants over a wide range of GNP contents. GNPs are dispersed in the composites through plasma-surface modification and aligned by applying an electric field (EF). This creates a large number of microcapacitor structures of GNPs separated by the polymer. The maximum dielectric constant of the sample to which the EF is applied is approximately twice that of the sample to which the EF is not applied. Furthermore, the maximum dielectric constants of the samples with plasma-surface modified GNPs are higher than those of the samples with unmodified GNPs. The composites show high dielectric constants (∼500 at 100 Hz) over a wide range of GNP contents (6 ∼ 10 wt%) while maintaining mechanical flexibility (Young’s modulus:12 ± 4 MPa).

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of CO2 into C2+ products represents a promising solution to completing the carbon cycle, thereby fostering a sustainable energy supply. Single‐atom electrocatalysts (SAECs) have garnered significant attention as efficient electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction. Herein, we carried out a first‐principles study on the mechanism of C−C bond formation on single‐Cu‐atom‐modified covalent triazine frameworks (Cu‐CTFs), which are a promising platform for SAECs. Static density functional calculations indicated that the dimerization of CO, which is the main mechanism for C−C bond formation on bulk Cu metals, was not favorable for Cu‐CTFs because of the lack of adjacent Cu sites for co‐adsorption of CO molecules. Rather than CO dimerization, the reaction between adsorbed *CHO and CO to produce *COCHO has a relatively low reaction energy barrier. Constrained ab initio molecular dynamics analyses revealed that the C−C bond‐forming reaction proceeds via insertion of CO at the *CHO intermediate, which has a modest activation energy of 0.09 eV. Specifically, when CO molecule is constrained to be brought close to *CHO, CO insertion between *CHO and Cu occurs at a C−C distance of 1.8 Å. This insertion reaction is the transition step for this C−C bond formation.

Abstract We discuss how the moduli in modular flavor symmetric models dynamically select enhanced symmetry points at which the residual modular symmetry renders extra matter fields massless. The moduli dynamics non-perturbatively produces the extra matter particles, which gives (time-dependent) effective potential that traps the moduli to enhanced symmetry points. We show analytic estimates of particle production rate consistent with numerical results, and the dynamics of moduli based on the analytic estimates.

Abstract We study A 4 × A 4 × A 4 modular symmetric flavor models to realize quark mass hierarchies and mixing angles without fine-tuning. Mass matrices are written in terms of modular forms. At modular fixed points τ = i∞ and ω, A 4 is broken to Z 3 residual symmetry. When the modulus τ is deviated from the fixed points, modular forms show hierarchies depending on their residual charges. Thus, we obtain hierarchical structures in mass matrices. Since we begin with A 4 × A 4 × A 4, the residual symmetry is Z 3 × Z 3 × Z 3 which can generate sufficient hierarchies to realize quark mass ratios and absolute values of the CKM matrix |V CKM | without fine-tuning. Furthermore, CP violation is studied. We present necessary conditions for CP violation caused by the value of τ. We also show possibilities to realize observed values of the Jarlskog invariant J CP, quark mass ratios and CKM matrix |V CKM | simultaneously, if (10) adjustments in coefficients of Yukawa couplings are allowed or moduli values are non-universal.

Abstract We study fermion zero-mode wavefunctions on T 4/Z N orbifold with background magnetic fluxes. The number of zero-modes is analyzed by use of Sp(4, ℤ) modular transformation. Conditions needed to realize three generation models are clarified. We also study parity transformation in the compact space which leads to better understanding of relationship between positive and negative chirality wavefunctions.

Abstract The synthesis of multi‐carbon products (C2+) by electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising technology that will contribute to the realization of a carbon‐neutral society. In particular, efficient CO2RR to produce C2+ in acidic electrolytes is desirable because the conversion of CO2 to inert (bi)carbonate can be suppressed under acidic conditions, thereby increasing the efficiency of substrate CO2 utilization. Herein, since C2+ products are produced via the dimerization of carbon monoxide, an intermediate in CO2RR, the focus is on the carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CORR). A gas diffusion electrode loaded with copper nanoparticles is used in acidic electrolytes to investigate the conditions necessary for efficient C2+ production. The faradaic efficiency and partial current density for C2+ production attained 75% and 280 mA cm−2 in a pH 2.0 solution, and they reached up to 66% and 260 mA cm−2 even in a pH 1.0 solution. Numerical simulations showed that increasing the alkalinity of the electrode surface to greater than pH 7 by consuming protons is necessary to facilitate the production of C2+ during the CORR. When the desired level of alkalinity is achieved, the concentration and type of alkali cations present at the electrode surface have an impact on the selectivity for C2+ production.

Rapid and reliable bacterial detection methods are essential for appropriate antibiotic treatment of infectious diseases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is one of the most promising detection methods for the culture-independent detection of bacteria. However, standard FISH assays involve stringent washing procedures that result in poor reproducibility of assay results. Therefore, reliable FISH assays require fluorescent oligonucleotides that produce strong fluorescence in the presence of complementary RNAs. Here, we report the synthesis and photophysical properties of OMCbpy fluorescent oligonucleotides, which contain a 2′-O-benzo[a]pyrenylmethylcytidine (Cbpy) unit in the middle of each 2′-O-methyl RNA sequence. Fluorescence studies showed that the fluorescence emission of OMCbpy was enhanced up to 39-fold in the presence of complementary RNAs under slightly acidic conditions. Fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed that wash-free FISH with OMCbpy allows for detection of 16S ribosomal RNAs in fixed Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells with high reproducibility.

Abstract We revisit the modular weights in type IIB magnetized D-brane models. The simple analysis of wave function shows that the four-dimensional matter fields have the modular weight -1/2, but it may shift as one in type IIA intersecting D-brane models. For example, the localized gauge flux as well as the localized curvature can shift the modular weight in the magnetized D-brane models. Such corrections do not affect physical couplings such as physical Yukawa couplings. However, it leads to differences in supersymmetry breaking sfermion masses, which depend on the modular weights, although the A-term coefficients and the sum of sfermion masses squared seem to be the same between two models.

Abstract We study constructions and classifications of three-generation models based on magnetized T 4 and T 4 /Z 2 orbifold as candidates of the compact space. We focus on chiral fermion zero-mode wave functions in the extra dimensions. Freedoms of constant gauge fields, called Scherk-Schwarz phases are taken into account. We classify three-generation models in a systematic manner, clarifying the relationship between different models. The Higgs sector is also studied by analyzing possible assignments of the magnetic flux and Scherk-Schwarz phases, etc. to left- and right-handed fermions.

Abstract Non-linear microscopy, such as multi-photon excitation microscopy, offers spatial localities of excitations, thereby achieving 3D cross-sectional imaging with low phototoxicity even in thick biological specimens. We had developed a multi-point scanning two-photon excitation microscopy system using a spinning-disk confocal scanning unit. However, its severe color cross-talk has precluded multi-color simultaneous imaging. Therefore, in this study, we introduced a mechanical switching system to select either of two NIR laser light pulses and an image-splitting detection system for 3- or 4-color imaging. As a proof of concept, we performed multi-color fluorescent imaging of actively dividing human HeLa cells and tobacco BY-2 cells. We found that the proposed microscopy system enabled time-lapse multi-color 3D imaging of cell divisions while avoiding photodamage. Moreover, the application of a linear unmixing method to the 5D dataset enabled the precise separation of individual intracellular components in multi-color images. We thus demonstrated the versatility of our new microscopy system in capturing the dynamic processes of cellular components that could have multitudes of application.

Abstract The phenomenon of membrane vesicle (MV) production is known to be common to all bacterial cells. Although MVs are expected to be employed in a variety of applications, improving MV productivity is essential for applications. Since the deletion of the degP gene, a periplasmic dual-function protease and chaperone, in Escherichia coli has successfully improved MV production capacity, we tried to enhance MV productivity in the thermophilic M. ruber H328 by deleting the degP gene. One gene (mrH_0331) was selected for degP gene from the H328 genome and we constructed the mutant strain ∆degP by deleting the degP gene of the H328 strain that was replaced with the htk gene showing thermophilic kanamaycin resistance by homologous recombination. The mutant strain ∆degP exhibited smooth growth but a lower level of turbidity at 60 °C although there was no difference in growth at 55 °C between the wild strain and the mutant strain. Finally, we have confirmed that incubation at 60 °C increases MV in the mutant strain ∆degP strain about fivefold by using two fluorescent dyes, DiI and FM4-64, which is followed by TEM analysis. The deletion of the degP gene presumably causes an increase in denatured proteins at 60 °C, leading to enhanced MV production. Meanwhile, the S-layer protein included in the outer membrane of the H328 strain increased in the MV fraction prepared from the mutant cells incubated at 60 °C. This indicates that this method is effective for MV production and that degP deletion enhances it in strain H328.

Abstract Straintronics is a new concept to enhance electronic device performances by strain for next-generation information sensors and energy-saving technologies. The lattice deformation in graphene can modulate the thermal conductivity because phonons are the main heat carriers. However, the device fabrication process affects graphene’s heat transport properties due to its high stretchability. This study experimentally investigates the change in the thermal conductivity when biaxial tensile strain is applied to graphene. To eliminate non-strain factors, two mechanisms are considered: pressure-induced and electrostatic attraction–induced strain. Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy precisely estimate the strain. The thermal conductivity of graphene decreases by approximately 70% with a strain of only 0.1%. Such thermal conductivity controllability paves the way for applying graphene as high-efficiency thermal switches and diodes in future thermal management devices.

Contamination with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) often causes taste and odor (T&O) problems in drinking water due to its low odor threshold concentration. Microbial O-methylation of the precursor 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) would be the dominant mechanism for TCA formation. Simple and rapid measurement of TCP in the low concentration range is necessary to control the problems induced by TCA. In this study, the combination of microbial conversion and instrumental analysis was proposed as a method of TCP quantification. Fungi and bacteria were isolated from various water samples and examined for their ability to produce TCA from TCP. As a result, a strain exhibiting quantitative TCA production and a high growth rate was obtained and named Mycolicibacterium sp. CB14. The conversion rate of TCP to TCA by this strain was found to be high and stable (85.9 ± 5.3%), regardless of the applied TCP concentration, although within the range of 0.1–10 µg/L. The limits of detection and quantification for TCP by this proposed method were determined to be 5.2 ng/L and 17.3 ng/L, respectively. By improving the methods, Mycolicibacterium sp. CB14 could be used for the quantification of TCP at very low concentration levels, which is sufficient to manage the T&O problem caused by TCA.

The roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn and Angelica decursiva Franchet et Savatier are designated Zenko, which is a crude drug defined by the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. This crude drug is used as an antitussive and an expectorant and is included in the Kampo formula Jinsoin, which improves cough, fever, and headache. Although the anti-inflammatory effects of this crude drug have been determined, the constituents responsible for this effect remain unknown. To investigate biologically active compounds, rat hepatocytes were used, which produce proinflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) in response to proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β). A methanol extract of P. praeruptorum roots, which suppressed IL-1β-induced NO production, was fractionated into three crude fractions (ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble, n-butanol-soluble, and water-soluble fractions) based on hydrophobicity. The EtOAc-soluble fraction markedly inhibited NO production. After this fraction was purified, three biologically active compounds were identified as praeruptorins A, B, and E, the contents of which were high. A comparison of their activities indicated that praeruptorin B exhibited the highest potency to inhibit NO production by decreasing inducible NO synthase expression and suppressed the expression of mRNAs encoding proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, the three praeruptorins may primarily contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of P. praeruptorum roots.

Individuals with high fatigue resistance against a high-intensity conditioning activity (CA) may be able to avoid experiencing significant fatigue and enhance their voluntary performance. We examined whether the optimal contraction duration of dynamic knee extension exercises to maximize subsequent voluntary performance varies depending on the strength level of an individual. The study participants were 22 male American college football players. Initially, all participants performed a 10-s maximal isometric knee extension exercise and were classified as stronger individuals (n = 8) and weaker individuals (n = 8) based on their relative muscle strength. Each group then performed three types of dynamic CA with different contraction durations (6 s [6-CA], 12 s [12-CA], and 18 s [18-CA]) in random order. To observe the time-course changes in post-activation potentiation and performance enhancement, the twitch torques induced by electrical stimulation and isokinetic knee extension torques at 180°/s were recorded before and after each CA. The twitch torque increased at 10 s (29.5% ± 9.3%) and 1 min (18.5% ± 6.8%) after 6-CA for the stronger individuals (p < 0.05). However, no post-activation potentiation was induced in the weaker individuals in either protocol. Voluntary performance increased at 4 (7.0% ± 4.5%) and 7 (8.2% ± 4.3%) min after 18-CA for stronger individuals (p < 0.05). However, there was no post-activation performance enhancement in either protocol for weaker individuals. Thus, CA with a relatively long contraction duration was optimal to maximize the subsequent voluntary performance for stronger individuals. It remains unknown whether CAs performed with relatively short or long contraction durations were optimal for weaker individuals.

Computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens (COBRAs) are a next-generation universal influenza vaccine candidate. However, how these COBRAs induce antibody responses when combined with different adjuvants has not previously been well-characterized. Therefore, we performed in vivo studies with an HA-based H1 COBRA, Y2, and an NA-based N1 COBRA, N1-I, to assess this effect for the H1N1 subtype. We tested the adjuvants AddaVax, AddaS03, CpG, and Alhydrogel. AddaS03 performed the best, eliciting high IgG titers and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) activity for Y2 immunizations. Interestingly, serum antibody epitopes were relatively similar across adjuvant groups. Moreover, following N1-I immunization with these adjuvants, AddaS03 also elicited the highest IgG and neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) titers against the 2009 pandemic virus, A/California/07/2009 (A/CA/09). These results inform adjuvant selection efforts for H1 and N1 COBRA HA and NA antigens in a mouse model.

This paper describes the improvement in combustion efficiency achieved using streamwise vorticity and fuel injections when using hypermixer struts at high Mach numbers. The effects of fuel injection conditions on combustion were investigated using numerical simulations of chemical reactive flows with a detailed reaction mechanism. Hydrogen fuel was injected from the trailing edges of a separation-resistant strut. Fuel injection at sonic speeds led to an enhancement in efficiency with an increased injection angle at Mach number 2.5, but this improvement was not observed at Mach number 3.5. It was found that hydrogen accumulated in the vortex core because of the strong circulation generated from the strut at high Mach numbers. With fuel injection at speeds exceeding the sonic speed, the efficiency increased, and it improved further with an increasing injection angle. From the results, an important indicator for combustion enhancement was derived from the streamwise vortex circulation, fuel injection velocity, and inflow Mach number. To increase the combustion efficiency using the strut, the indicator value should exceed a threshold. This is crucial for ensuring effective fuel consumption during combustion. These findings provide useful insights into a good design of hypermixer struts in supersonic combustion.

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal fungus in the family Hymenochaetaceae and commonly known as chaga. The sclerotium of this fungus has been used as a traditional medicine for long time. In this study, we present the mitochondrial genome sequence of I. obliquus. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is 119,110 base pairs in length and contained genes for 58 Open reading frames, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and 30 transfer RNAs. Consequently performed phylogenetic analysis indicates that this fungus is closely related to Sanghuangporus sanghuang which belongs to the same family Hymenochaetaceae. We first reported about the complete mitochondrial genome of fungi belonging to the genus Inonotus.

Purpose. To clarify the safety and feasibility of a 6-day protocol of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with intensive occupational therapy (OT) for upper limb hemiparesis. Methods. In-hospital combination treatment was provided for 5 post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis after more than 12 months of the onset of stroke. Over 6 consecutive days, each patient received 10 sessions of combination treatment with 1 Hz rTMS and intensive OT (one-on-one training and self-training). Motor function in the affected upper limb was evaluated by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Ten-Second Test at admission, discharge, and 4 weeks after treatment. Results. All patients completed the 6-day treatment protocol and none showed any adverse effects throughout the treatment. At the end of treatment, improvements in the scores of FMA, WMFT, and Ten-Second Test were found in all patients. No deterioration of improved upper limb function was observed at 4 weeks after the treatment. Conclusions. Our proposed protocol of combination treatment seems to be safe and feasible for post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis, although the efficacy of the protocol needs to be confirmed in a large number of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ovarian cancer patients often show peritoneal metastasis with malignant ascites. However, unmet medical needs remain regarding controlling these symptoms after tumors become resistant to chemotherapies. We developed KHK2805, a novel anti-folate receptor α (FOLR1) humanized antibody with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the anti-tumor activity of KHK2805 was sufficient for therapeutic application against peritoneal dissemination and malignant ascites of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in preclinical models. Here, both the ADCC and CDC of KHK2805 were evaluated in ovarian cancer cell lines and patient-derived samples. The anti-tumor activity of KHK2805 was evaluated in a SCID mouse model of platinum-resistant peritoneal dissemination. As results, KHK2805 showed specific binding to FOLR1 with high affinity at a novel epitope. KHK2805 exerted potent ADCC and CDC against ovarian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, primary platinum-resistant malignant ascites cells were susceptible to autologous ADCC with KHK2805. Patient-derived sera and malignant ascites induced CDC of KHK2805. KHK2805 significantly reduced the total tumor burden and amount of ascites in SCID mice with peritoneal dissemination and significantly prolonged their survival. In addition, the parental rat antibody strongly stained serous and clear cell-type ovarian tumors by immunohistochemistry. Overall, KHK2805 showed cytotoxicity against both ovarian cancer cell lines and patient-derived cells. These translational study findings suggest that KHK2805 may be promising as a novel therapeutic agent for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer with peritoneal dissemination and malignant ascites.

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are common in the elderly. In patients with SIF, objective neurological abnormalities such as sphincter dysfunction or leg paresthesia are uncommon. We present a case of SIF accompanied by spinopelvic dissociation with late neurological compromise treated by spinopelvic fixation. A 61-year-old woman presented to our hospital with low back pain without obvious trauma history. She had a past history of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and treatment with steroids. Her low back pain became worse, and she started to have radiating left posterior thigh pain and motor weakness in the left ankle and both great toes with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, constipation, and loss of anal sensation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an H-shaped sacrum fracture. We attributed the neurological symptoms to unstable SIF and performed lumbopelvic fixation. After the surgery, her leg pain and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence improved markedly, as did anal sensation. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient reported no low back pain and she was walking independently without pelvic complaints. CT showed bone union was achieved. Even minimally displaced SIF in patients with osteoporosis can be a cause of bowel and bladder disturbance. Lumbopelvic fixation is a treatment option for SIF with spinopelvic dissociation presenting neurological deficit.

The crystal structures of highly-ordered Mg–Zn–Y long-period stacking-ordered (LPSO) phases with the 18R, 14H and 10H-type stacking sequences have been investigated by atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and transmission electron microscopy (Kishida et al., 2015) [1]. This data article provides supporting materials for the crystal structure analysis based on the crystallographic theory of the order–disorder (OD) structure and the crystallographic information obtained through the structural optimization for various simple polytypes of the highly-ordered Mg–Zn–Y LPSO phases with the 18R, 14H and 10H-type stacking sequences by first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

The many fracture accidents in engineering applications are related to fatigue crack initiation and growth. Therefore, the inspection of fatigue crack initiation and the arrest of crack growth are very important for the safe operation of a machine and the maintenance of a structure. Non destructive inspection has been developed in order to prevent a fracture accident resulting from the cracks or defects. When a crack initiates in machine equipment, continuous observation of the crack is carried out and the crack growth is arrested by some method. To arrest the crack growth, stop-holes are drilled at the crack tips in a case of initiation of a small number of cracks. Drilling the stop-hole is an effective method to prevent crack growth because it reduces stress concentration at the crack tip. Application of residual stress around the stop-holes and making a plastic hardening zone around the crack tips are effective to arrest crack growth. Applying a patch for repairing cracked parts is more effective than drilling stop-holes. In practical cases, patches are applied to repair cracked parts in airplane bodies, bridges, etc. However those methods cannot be used in some cases, because of the conditions of working space, for example. In this paper, an example of the application of a crack arrester at a car facility is introduced. Then, the effectiveness of the crack arrester is discussed. When many cracks are initiated and working space is very small, the crack arrester is a good tool for repairing the cracked parts. It is necessary to develop a method for stopping crack growth in order to replace cracked equipment, because new equipment should be designed carefully for preventing crack initiation again.

The shape modification of Si nanowires is demonstrated using faceted solid silicide catalysts. The Si nanowires were grown on Si(111) substrates covered with Au as a catalyst using MnCl2 and Si powders as source materials. The solid silicide catalysts were nucleated and formed in the Au-Si catalyst solution at the top of the nanowires during the growth. The faceted solid silicides grew larger with increased growth time and played a role as a solid catalyst. The faceted shape of the catalyst defines the shape of the faceted Si nanowire. The squared Si nanowires were grown with the growth direction of Si[111] and the sidewalls of {110} and {211} planes. The growth evolution of the faceted Si nanowires occurs by a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism followed by the silicide vapor-solid-solid mechanism.

A 25-year-old male presented with clonic seizures three days following a fever. The patient developed status epilepticus and required mechanical ventilation and intravenous anesthesia. The patient's epileptic seizures persisted despite administering intravenous anesthesia and multiple anti-epileptic drugs. The clinical presentation in this case, without pre-existing relevant neurological disorder and an active structural, toxic, or metabolic cause in the acute phase, was compatible with new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). After immunotherapy, including intravenous methylprednisolone, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, the epileptic discharge on electroencephalogram (EEG) decreased gradually, and mechanical ventilation was discontinued. Neversless the final outcome was poor. The patient's condition was finally diagnosed as cryptogenic NORSE. The IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid showed a significant increase between day 6 and 11 after onset, during which time there was a rapid escalation in seizure frequency on EEG. Considering this, IL-6 may be involved in the process of seizure exacerbation.

Background: Reports indicate that PDLIM5 is involved in mood disorders. The PDLIM5 (PDZ and LIM domain 5) gene has been genetically associated with mood disorders; it's expression is upregulated in the postmortem brains of patients with bipolar disorder and downregulated in the peripheral lymphocytes of patients with major depression. Acute and chronic methamphetamine (METH) administration may model mania and the evolution of mania into psychotic mania or schizophrenia-like behavioral changes, respectively., Methods: To address whether the downregulation of PDLIM5 protects against manic symptoms and cause susceptibility to depressive symptoms, we evaluated the effects of reduced Pdlim5 levels on acute and chronic METH-induced locomotor hyperactivity, prepulse inhibition, and forced swimming by using Pdlim5 hetero knockout (KO) mice., Results: The homozygous KO of Pdlim5 is embryonic lethal. The effects of METH administration on locomotor hyperactivity and the impairment of prepulse inhibition were lower in Pdlim5 hetero KO mice than in wild-type mice. The transient inhibition of PDLIM5 (achieved by blocking the translocation of protein kinase C epsilon before the METH challenge) had a similar effect on behavior. Pdlim5 hetero KO mice showed increased immobility time in the forced swimming test, which was diminished after the chronic administration of imipramine. Chronic METH treatment increased, whereas chronic haloperidol treatment decreased, Pdlim5 mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex. Imipramine increased Pdlim5 mRNA levels in the hippocampus., Conclusion: These findings are partially compatible with reported observations in humans, indicating that PDLIM5 is involved in psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders.

We report a Japanese patient with a complaint of unilateral watery nasal discharge. Analysis of the nasal discharge showed it to contain high levels of sugar and transferrin, which indicated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. A diagnosis of sphenoid sinus meningoencephalocele was easily made on the basis of the CT, MRI and nasal discharge findings. We performed surgery by an image-guided endoscopic endonasal approach (IGEEA). An image guidance system (IGS) was used to confirm the position of the bone defect and the prolapsed brain lobe. We resected the brain lobe, and used fat tissue and fascia to create an extracranial-intracranial blockade. As of 18 months after the operation, there is no evidence of infection or CSF leakage. The IGEEA enabled us to successfully repair the middle skull base using a multi-layer sealing technique, while the IGS allowed us to confirm the anatomical structures and successfully avoid causing collateral damage to the surrounding tissues. This case exemplifies the beneficial effect that of the development of surgical support equipment on the operative approach that is now indicated for sphenoid sinus meningoencephaloceles: the endonasal approach has largely replaced other approaches, such as lateral rhinotomy., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The achiral hydrocarbon tetraphenylethylene crystallizes in enantiomorphous forms (chiral space group: P2(1)) to afford right- and left-handed hemihedral crystals, which can be recognized by solid-state circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis. Chiral organic crystals of tetraphenylethylene mediated enantioselective addition of diisopropylzinc to pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde to give, in conjunction with asymmetric autocatalysis with amplification of chirality, almost enantiomerically pure (S)- and (R)-5-pyrimidyl alkanols whose absolute configurations were controlled efficiently by the crystalline chirality of the tetraphenylethylene substrate. Tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene and tetrakis(p-bromophenyl)ethylene also show chirality in the crystalline state, which can also act as a chiral substrate and induce enantioselectivity of diisopropylzinc addition to pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde in asymmetric autocatalysis to give enantiomerically enriched 5-pyrimidyl alkanols with the absolute configuration correlated with that of the chiral crystals. Highly enantioselective synthesis has been achieved using chiral crystals composed of achiral hydrocarbons, tetraphenylethylenes, as chiral inducers. This chemical system enables significant amplification of the amount of chirality using spontaneously formed chiral crystals of achiral organic compounds as the seed for the chirality of asymmetric autocatalysis.

Four poststroke patients with motor-dominant aphasia received 10 treatment sessions of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Each treatment session consisted of 1,200 pulses of stimulation and the site of stimulation was an area homologous to the most activated site on functional MRI performed prior to rTMS. Consequently, rTMS was applied to the right frontal lobe in two patients and to the left frontal lobe in two patients. Treatment resulted in improvement of language function in all four patients. Our therapeutic rTMS strategy seems to be a clinically feasible neurorehabilitative approach for poststroke aphasic patients.

Purpose: To examine the safety and feasibility of therapeutic application of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with language therapy for post-stroke patients with sensory-dominant aphasia., Subjects and Methods: Two post-stroke Japanese patients with sensory-dominant aphasia were studied. In both patients, 10 sessions of 20-minute low-frequency rTMS with 1 Hz to the Wernicke's area were provided throughout 6-day hospitalization, followed by weekly outpatient rTMS treatment for 3 months. The language therapy was also provided through the period of in- and out-patient treatment. Language function was evaluated using the Token test and the Standard Language Test of Aphasia (SLTA) at the start and end of the in-patient treatment and the end of the outpatient treatment., Results: The therapeutic protocol was well tolerated throughout the in- and out-patient treatments, without any adverse effects. The scores of the Token test and certain sub-categories of SLTA increased in both patients after the in-patient rTMS treatment. Persistent improvement of the score was noted over the 3-month post-discharge period., Conclusions: The proposed protocol of long-term application of low-frequency rTMS to the Wernicke's area and language therapy is considered a safe and feasible therapeutic approach for post-stroke patients with sensory-dominant aphasia.

Case Report: The authors report a case of isolated atlas hypoplasia in an 18-month-old infant who experienced delayed motor development confined to the lower extremities, in the absence of other clinical features. Nonetheless, MRI revealed the upper cervical cord to be highly compressed with a high signal intensity lesion apparent at the craniovertebral junction. The patient underwent atlas laminectomy in addition to occipital decompression, resulting in a good neurological recovery., Discussion: We speculate on the significance of this unique clinical presentation and discuss surgical strategies for this condition.

Introduction: Total removal of the tumor is the most acceptable therapeutic modality in the management of craniopharyngioma; however, there are innumerable factors that can upset treatment plans. Unresectable lesions are often treated with gamma knife surgery (GKS). Reduction of the cystic volume is necessary, to decrease the area to be treated with GKS. An Ommaya reservoir system is usually placed during open surgery or by stereotactic access., Materials and Methods: The authors use a neuroendoscope for safer and less invasive placement of the Ommaya reservoir into deep-seated cystic lesions. The cystic component is aspirated, and the Ommaya reservoir tube is precisely guided and placed into the cyst cavity under neuroendoscopic control with a newly developed two-burr-hole technique. This neuroendoscopic procedure could make it easier to reduce cystic volume prior to GKS as the final procedure. This technique may also be used for instillation of chemotherapeutic agents and for repeat aspirations, making the achievement of cystic control more likely. This type of neuroendoscopic management is a safe and effective procedure and could be considered as an alternative management technique for some stubborn cystic craniopharyngiomas.

A 30-year-old male had been suffering from left temporalgia of six months duration and then developed left hearing disturbance. Craniogram and bone window CT revealed a well defined osteolytic lesion in the left temporal bone. CT scan showed an expansile heterogenous mass with calcification. Both T1 and T2 weighted MRI demonstrated a well lobulated mixed intensity mass, but no evidence of dural or intracranial invasion. The tumor exhibited homogenous enhancement on CT and MRI. Angiogram revealed a well marked staining supplied by the left middle meningeal and deep temporal arteries. Subtotal removal of the tumor was carried out with cranioplasty. Histologically, this tumor was composed of round or polygonal chondroblasts, scattered osteoclast-like giant cells with a foci of cartilage in the stroma. Many reports describe giant cell tumor can be differentiated by immunohistochemical demonstration of S100 protein. Although in our case, histological findings simulated those of eosinophilic granuloma, it was diagnosed as chondroblastoma because of the foci of cartilage in the stroma. Because this tumor is usually benign, recurrence of the tumor is rare after surgical resection. Post-operative irradiation has been reported to be effective in decreasing the recurrence of the tumor. But it should be carefully observed because of possible sarcomatous change in such tumors.

To investigate the effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on the responsiveness of human cerebral arteries to vasoactive substances, the authors measured the isometric tension generated in helical strips of basilar and middle cerebral arteries isolated from human cadavers. Contractions caused by KCl, prostaglandin F2 alpha, noradrenaline, and serotonin were reduced in arteries obtained from cadavers with aneurysmal SAH damage and compared to those obtained from cadavers with no indication of intracranial diseases. Endothelium-dependent relaxation elicited by substance P and bradykinin, and endothelium-independent relaxation induced by prostaglandin I2 and nitroglycerin were also markedly decreased in arteries affected by SAH. However, the reduction in relaxation response to prostaglandin I2 was significantly less than that to the other vasodilator agents. These results indicate that human cerebral artery functions are severely impaired after SAH and that poor responses to vasoactive agents may result primarily from dysfunction of smooth-muscle cells.

Pathophysiological mechanisms for vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) remain unclear and, so far, roles of cytokines in vasospasm have not been known. In the present study, we measured interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). ELISA assay were performed on 21 CSF samples from 7 patients with SAH and on 4 sera samples. Both IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in all CSF samples, but IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha were not detected. IL-6 and IL-8 were also detected in sera, but at much lower concentrations. This study indicates that IL-6 and IL-8 may play roles as immunomodulators in patients with SAH. In addition, it has been reported that IL-6 inhibits prostaglandin I2 production and increases the mRNA level of c-sis gene, suggesting that IL-6 may play an important role in vasospasm as vasoconstrictor.

This study demonstrated the time-dependent changes in postmortem responses of isolated human middle cerebral artery strips to vasodilators. The relaxation induced by prostaglandin (PG) I2 or nitroglycerin remained stable for 24 h postmortem. In arterial strips precontracted with PGF2 alpha, substance P and bradykinin both elicited relaxation that was almost completely abolished by removal of the endothelium. The endothelium-dependent response to both peptides was significantly degraded in strips obtained > 12 h postmortem. These results indicate a selective functional or anatomical vulnerability of the vascular endothelium compared with that of the vasodilator mechanisms of the smooth muscle in the postmortem period. However, cerebral arteries isolated from human cadavers within 12 h postmortem should be adequate for studies of both smooth muscle and endothelial reactivity to vasodilators.

A case of visual allesthesia is reported. A thirty-year-old right-handed man with a right temporo-occipital arteriovenous malformation underwent the surgery for extirpation of the lesion. Postoperatively he had left homonymous hemianopsia. Approximately 6 months after the surgery, he experienced the initial spell of generalized convulsion, followed by the episodes of visual allesthesia. He experienced illusory left hemonymous transpositions of objects viewed in the right homonymous field. The transposition occurred from normal to the defective visual field. The illusory image was palinoptic, persisting for up to several minutes after the real object was no longer in view. It was equal in shape with the original, and caused monocular diplopia. MRI showed a large area of postoperative changes. The lesion was located from the posterior half of the middle and inferior gyri of the right temporal lobe to the occipital and a part of the parietal cortex. And it extended into the right fusiform and lingual gyri. The right lateral geniculate body and the posterior part of thalamus were also involved. We speculated that this phenomenon may result from irritation of the affected brain and its surrounding areas, since the episode took place following the seizure.