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We ubiquitously seek information to make better decisions. Particularly in the modern age, when more information is available at our fingertips than ever, the information we choose to collect determines the quality of our decisions. Decision neuroscience has long adopted empirical approaches where the information available to decision-makers is fully controlled by the researchers, leaving neural mechanisms of information seeking less understood. Although information seeking has long been studied in the context of the exploration-exploitation trade-off, recent studies have widened the scope to investigate more overt information seeking in a way distinct from other decision processes. Insights gained from these studies, accumulated over the last few years, raise the possibility that information seeking is driven by the reward system signaling the subjective value of information. In this piece, we review findings from the recent studies, highlighting the conceptual and empirical relationships between distinct literatures, and discuss future research directions necessary to establish a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals seek information as a part of value-based decision-making. Information seeking is an integral, yet often overlooked aspect of value-based decision-making. Kobayashi and Kable review recent findings on the neural mechanisms of information seeking, highlighting an emerging hypothesis that the reward system represents the subjective value of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few epidemiological studies have evaluated associations between lumbar facet joint (LFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LFJ OA in a Japanese community population and associations between LFJ OA and underlying diseases, including lower extremity OA. This epidemiological cross-sectional study evaluated LFJ OA in 225 Japanese community residents (81 males, 144 females; median age, 66 years) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). LFJ OA from L1–L2 to L5–S1 was evaluated using a 4-grade classification. Associations between LFJ OA and comorbidities were examined using multiple logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Prevalences of LFJ OA were 28.6% at L1–L2, 36.4% at L2–L3, 48.0% at L3–L4, 57.3% at L4–L5, and 44.2% at L5–S1. Males were significantly more likely to have LFJ OA at several spinal levels (L1–L2 45.7% vs 18.9%, p < 0.001; L2–L3 46.9% vs 30.6%, p < 0.05; L4–L5 67.9% vs 51.4%, p < 0.05). LFJ OA was present in 50.0% of residents <50 years old, 68.4% at 50–59 years old, 86.3% at 60–69 years old, and 85.1% at ≥70 years old. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed no associations between LFJ OA and comorbidities. The prevalence of LFJ OA as evaluated by MRI was >85% at ≥60 years old and highest at the L4–L5 spinal level. Males were significantly more likely to have LFJ OA at several spinal levels. Comorbidities were not associated with LFJ OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign systemic histiocytic proliferation characterized by massive lymph node enlargement and sometimes associated with extranodal involvement. Even though it is considered to be benign, death can occur depending on the extent and location. Our case highlights a primary extranodal site of the right pinna with extension through the Eustachian tube to the subglottis. A previously healthy 15-year-old female presented with 1-year right pinna swelling, slowly enlarging and becoming more bothersome. An incisional biopsy was performed on the ear along with S100 staining yielding a diagnosis. After multidisciplinary case discussion, clofarabine monotherapy and systemic therapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis has started. Rosai-Dorfman disease can be a general disorder, often affecting the lymph nodes. Unlike a nodal disease, extranodal disease could involve any site on the patient's anatomy. Head and neck lesions are the most common extranodal lesions. Rosai-Dorfman disease is self-limited in more than 20% of the cases with spontaneous regression without intervention; 70% of the patients have noticeable symptoms and vital organ involvement requiring treatments such as surgery, steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy. In our case, the patient had wide involvement and presented without any serious breathing difficulties; we decided to start with monotherapy with chemotherapy and systematic glucocorticoid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Visual function and treatment response after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy were compared between polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with and without hemorrhage. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study (mean, 26 months) for 49 eyes of 49 treatment-naive patients with PCV. Patients were classified into PCV with hemorrhage (26 eyes) or without hemorrhage (23 eyes). PCV with massive hemorrhage subgroup has four or more disc-hemorrhagic areas and included five eyes. Results: There were no significant differences in patient age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, presence of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, number of polyps, maximum polyp size, lesion area, and presence of pigment epithelium detachment (PED) between the two groups. Except for the course of PCV-related hemorrhage, treatment number and its response were similar between the groups. Best-corrected visual acuity at the last visit in PCV with hemorrhage was 0.33 ± 0.51 logMAR (20/41) comparable with 0.28 ± 0.41 logMAR (20/38) without hemorrhage at the last visit (p = 0.944). Maximum polyp size in massive hemorrhagic PCV was significantly larger (314.6 ± 111.4 μm) than that of small hemorrhagic PCV (229.0 ± 119.1 μm; p = 0.037). All PCV with massive hemorrhage was accompanied by large hemorrhagic PED. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, treatment intervention, or suppression of disease activity between PCV with and without hemorrhage. Final visual acuity of PCV did not differ with or without hemorrhage. Development of massive hemorrhaging in PCV may be associated with both large polyps and hemorrhagic PED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage logic theory provides a mathematical criterion to control network dynamics by manipulating activities of a subset of network nodes, which are collectively called a feedback vertex set (FVS). Because many biological functions emerge from dynamics of biological networks, this theory provides a promising tool for controlling biological functions. By manipulating the activity of FVS molecules identified in a gene regulatory network (GRN) for fate specification of seven tissues in ascidian embryos, we previously succeeded in reproducing six of the seven cell types. Simultaneously, we discovered that the experimentally reconstituted GRN lacked information sufficient to reproduce muscle cells. Here, we utilized linkage logic theory as a tool to find missing edges in the GRN. Then, we identified a FVS from an updated version of the GRN and confirmed that manipulating the activity of this FVS was sufficient to induce all seven cell types, even in a multi-cellular environment. Thus, linkage logic theory provides tools to find missing edges in experimentally reconstituted networks, to determine whether reconstituted networks contain sufficient information to fulfil expected functions, and to reprogram cell fate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum (DCHR) is a relatively rare benign vascular disease. DCHR is marked by recurrent bleeding and anemia, and it is difficult to diagnose correctly. Here, we report the case of a 34‐year‐old man diagnosed with DCHR by colonoscopy, CT, and endoscopic ultrasonography. The patient underwent a robot‐assisted anterior abdominal excision and subsequently recovered well from the surgery. Ileostomy closure was performed 3 months after surgery. Eight months after surgery, he had no evidence of rectal bleeding, and his defecation function was good, with no fecal incontinence. Regardless of the characteristics of DCHR and the susceptible age of DCHR, it is important to diagnose DCHR correctly as soon as possible and to treat it without a permanent colostomy. Robot‐assisted resection may be a good option for the treatment of DCHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ascidian embryos, the earliest transcription from the zygotic genome begins between the 8-cell and 16-cell stages. Gata.a, a maternally expressed Gata transcription factor, activates target genes specifically in the animal hemisphere, whereas the complex of β-catenin and Tcf7 antagonizes the activity of Gata.a and activates target genes specifically in the vegetal hemisphere. Here, we show that genes zygotically expressed at the 16-cell stage have significantly more Gata motifs in their upstream regions. These genes included not only genes with animal hemisphere-specific expression but also genes with vegetal hemisphere-specific expression. On the basis of this finding, we performed knockdown experiments for Gata.a and reporter assays, and found that Gata.a is required for the expression of not only genes with animal hemisphere-specific expression, but also genes with vegetal hemisphere-specific expression. Our data indicated that weak Gata.a activity that cannot induce animal hemisphere-specific expression can allow β-catenin/Tcf7 targets to be expressed in the vegetal cells. Because genes zygotically expressed at the 32-cell stage also had significantly more Gata motifs in their upstream regions, Gata.a function may not be limited to the genes expressed specifically in the animal or vegetal hemispheres at the 16-cell stage, and Gata.a may play an important role in the earliest transcription of the zygotic genome. • Upstream regions of genes activated in early ascidian embryos have many Gata motifs (83). • Maternal Gata.a regulates genes not only in animal cells but also in vegetal cells (82). • Weak Gata.a activity allows β-catenin/Tcf7 targets to be expressed in vegetal cells (83). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of antithrombotic drugs is increasing with the aging population. Prior to elective procedures, antithrombotic drugs are often discontinued. For emergency procedures in patients taking antithrombotic drugs, their effect cannot be attenuated which may lead to an increased risk of hemorrhagic events. However, there are few studies showing increased intraoperative blood loss in patients taking antithrombotic drugs who undergo emergency gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of antithrombotic agents increases intraoperative blood loss in emergency gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery between January 2013 and December 2017 was conducted. The primary outcome measure was intraoperative blood loss. Patients were divided into the antithrombotic drug group and a control group, and a propensity score was developed using multivariate logistic regression. We use 1:1 propensity score matching analysis to compare outcomes between the two groups. Results: Of 1555 patients included in this study, 1184 patients, including 170 patients taking antithrombotic drugs, were eligible for propensity score matching analysis. A 1:1 matching yielded 117 well-balanced pairs. There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss (antithrombotic drug group vs control group, median (interquartile): 60 (225–10) vs 100 (243–10) ml, p = 0.43). Conclusions: This study suggests that antithrombotic drugs do not increase intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery. Emergency gastrointestinal surgery for patients currently taking antithrombotic drugs can be performed safely, and the use of antithrombotic drugs is not a reason to delay surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the flow structures behind an atmospheric entry capsule at Mach number 0.4 through an improved detached eddy simulation and a modal analysis. The simulated flowfields reveal relatively low-frequency peaks of St ≈ 0.016 and St = 0.17–0.2 in the aerodynamic coefficient variation, where St is the nondimensional frequency. Then, the dominant fluid structures that cause the frequency peaks are identified through dynamic mode decomposition and the compressive-sensing-based mode selection method. Many of the dominant fluid phenomena have a frequency of St ≈ 0.2. In this frequency range, the fluid phenomena are mainly characterized with a large-scale vortex shedding separated from the capsule's shoulder part and with a helical fluid structure in the wake. Moreover, the variation in the lift coefficient of the capsule is mainly attributed to the large-scale vortex shedding phenomenon. Furthermore, a fluid phenomenon at a frequency of St = O(0.01) is found, which describes the pulsation, or periodic growth or shrinkage, of the recirculation bubble, accompanied by pressure fluctuation behind the capsule that exerts a large drag fluctuation of the capsule. Additionally, this phenomenon seems related to the dynamic instability phenomena of the capsule, as indicated by its time scale, which is close to that of the capsule's attitude motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many adolescent athletes experience low back pain; the most common cause is lumbar spondylolysis. Although early identification of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent athletes is critical, few studies have focused on identifying the early stages of spondylolysis in baseball players. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of early-stage spondylolysis in male adolescent baseball players.Methods: The participants comprised male junior and high school baseball players. Before magnetic resonance imaging, we recorded their demographic data, low back pain characteristics, and physical findings (lumbar flexion, extension, Kemp's test and the provocative tenderness of a spinous process). After the imaging evaluation, the association among low back pain characteristics, physical findings and the final diagnosis (early-stage spondylolysis or not) were investigated using univariate and multivariable analyses.Results: A total of 171 players were included in this study. Univariate analyses indicated that the characteristics associated with early-stage spondylolysis were longer duration of low back pain (P = 0.0085), low back pain-related interference while running (P = 0.0022), low back pain starting with laterality (P = 0.0001), lumbar extension (P = 0.022), positive Kemp's test (P = 0.020), and the tenderness of a spinous process (P = 0.0003). After adjusting for confounding factors (age and position), we found that early-stage spondylolysis was significantly associated with low back pain duration ≥4 weeks (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.42-6.92; P = 0.0048), low back pain-related interference while running (odds ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.30-6.46; P = 0.0094), low back pain starting with laterality (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.24-6.27; P = 0.0133), and the tenderness of a spinous process (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.36-6.57; P = 0.0062).Conclusions: Male adolescent baseball players with early-stage spondylolysis might have low back pain duration of more than four weeks, low back pain-related interference while running, and a history of low back pain starting with laterality. The tenderness of a spinous process might be helpful in the diagnosis of early-stage spondylolysis in male adolescent baseball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive information seeking is critical for goal-directed behavior. Growing evidence suggests the importance of intrinsic motives such as curiosity or need for novelty, mediated through dopaminergic valuation systems, in driving information-seeking behavior. However, valuing information for its own sake can be highly suboptimal when agents need to evaluate instrumental benefit of information in a forward-looking manner. Here we show that informationseeking behavior in humans is driven by subjective value that is shaped by both instrumental and noninstrumental motives, and that this subjective value of information (SVOI) shares a common neural code with more basic reward value. Specifically, using a task where subjects could purchase information to reduce uncertainty about outcomes of a monetary lottery, we found information purchase decisions could be captured by a computational model of SVOI incorporating utility of anticipation, a form of noninstrumental motive for information seeking, in addition to instrumental benefits. Neurally, trial-by-trial variation in SVOI was correlated with activity in striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, cross-categorical decoding revealed that, within these regions, SVOI and expected utility of lotteries were represented using a common code. These findings provide support for the common currency hypothesis and shed insight on neurocognitive mechanisms underlying information-seeking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the radio-frequency glow discharges of several kinds of gases to measure the ion sheath thickness at the cathode electrode. Role of the secondary electron emission from the electrode surface in the discharges; Electrical characterization of the relative frequency plasma processing system; Pressure dependence of the sheath thickness in the argon discharge.

Deals with a study which examined the optical emission profile between anode and cathode electrodes for monitoring planar radio frequency discharges of hydrogen, nitrogen and argon gasses. Information on radio-frequency excited glow discharges; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Presents a study that examined hard carbon films produced by rf glow discharge plasma decomposition of hydrocarbon gases diluted with hydrogen gas at relatively low temperature and pressure. Measurement of the optical emission spectra during the deposition of the carbon films; Correlation between the carbon film's properties and the condition of the plasma; Existence of diamond grains in the amorphous phase.

A non-destructive method for detecting sub-micrometer-sized micropipes on an entire wafer surface is investigated. Since it is difficult to detect sub-micrometer-sized micropipes due to their small core size, a non-destructively and accurately detecting method is required. To solve the issue, we focus on a characteristic depression generated around micropipes, namely, line-shaped depressions. In this paper, the location of line-shaped depressions is identified by using optical inspection, and the line-shaped depressions are distinguished whether micropipes exhibit line-shaped depression or not by using mirror electron microscope observation as high-resolution inspection. The accuracy of the distinction results is confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation, and electrical characteristics of the P–N diode are fabricated using the inspected wafer. Furthermore, the sub-micrometer-sized micropipes are observed at the sites of leakage current identified by emission microscopy. Additionally, device simulation of the blocking-voltage characteristics of P–N diodes suggests that the increase in leakage current depends on the electric field at the sub-micrometer-sized micropipes, regardless of their core size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidation of microstructures responsible for hydrogen embrittlement is hoped for research and development of high-strength low-alloy steel. For this purpose, a novel in situ scanning electron microscopy method of hydrogen embrittlement was developed by using a near atmospheric-pressure hydrogen microplasma jet excited by pulsed glow discharge. By the developed method, propagations of hydrogen embrittlement cracks in typical martensitic steel, Japanese Industrial Standards SCM435 steel, were successfully observed at frame rates at least up to 10.2 Hz with the same image quality as in high vacuum. The hydrogen microplasma jet neither elevated the specimen temperature nor damaged the specimen surface. Strain evolution prior to the crack propagations was also successfully observed in conjunction with the digital image correlation technique. It was found that a small electron scattering cross section of the hydrogen molecule, a large density of hydrogen ions in the near atmospheric-pressure microplasma jet, and stabilization of the glow discharge by the electron beam of the scanning electron microscope play a crucial role in the realization of the in situ observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High humidity must be maintained inside polymer electrolyte fuel cells to achieve high ion conductivity. However, water condensation blocks the diffusion of the reaction gas in the gas diffusion layer under water saturation conditions which are produced by the product water. This effect is known as flooding and causes a sudden drop in the cell voltage. Therefore, advanced water management is required in such fuel cells. Internal water management is generally carried out by making adjustments to the gas diffusion layer. This study reports that the extremely highly flood-resistant gas diffusion layer has been developed, based on simple carbon paper. It was experimentally revealed that flooding is controlled by a gas diffusion layer with a smaller pore-structure facing the catalyst layer and it is one of the governing factors for flooding in the gas diffusion layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interplay between antiferromagnetism (AF) and superconductivity (SC) in cuprates is studied for the two-dimensional Hubbard model with a diagonal transfer t′, using a variational Monte Carlo method. Optimizing an improved function for strongly correlated values of U/t, we construct phase diagrams in the δ (doping rate)-t′/t space. It is found that the stable state is sensitive to the value of model parameters: For the extremely large values of U/t, a coexisting state is realized for t′/t ≳−0.15, whose range of doping rate extends as t′/t increases. In contrast, for t′/t =−0.3, AF and SC states are mutually exclusive, and a coexisting state does not appear. As U/t decreases, the area of pure AF extends, and that of coexisting state shrinks. As a result, the coexisting state disappears for t′/t =−0.15 and U/t =12, probable values for hole-doped cuprates. Compared with the t–J model, the Hubbard model has richer phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical properties of 2,6-diacetoxyanthracene 4 encapsulated in the self-assembled boronic ester cavitand capsule 3 in C6H6 are described. Upon excitation at 285 nm, the encapsulated 4 showed strong fluorescence emission as a result of the energy transfer from the excited 3 to the encapsulated 4, while 4 alone in C6H6 exhibited very weak emission. Upon photoirradiation at 365 nm, the encapsulated 4 also showed strong fluorescence emission and remained almost intact, whereas 4 alone in C6H6 gradually underwent photodimerization and photooxygenation to afford photodimers 5 and 5' and 9,1 0-anthraquinone 6 via 9,1 0-endoperoxide 7, respectively. Thus, the capsule 3 serves as a photosensitizer for the encapsulated 4 as well as a guard nanocontainer to protect against the photochemical reactions of 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coexistence of and competition between antiferromagnetism (AF) and d-wave superconductivity (SC) are studied for a Hubbard model on the square lattice with a diagonal transfer , using a variational Monte Carlo method. The following improvements are introduced into the trial function: (1) Coexistence of AF and d-wave singlet gaps that allows a continuous description of their interplay, (2) band renormalization effect, and (3) refined doublon–holon correlation factors. Optimizing this function for a strongly correlated value of , we construct a phase diagram in the (doping rate)- space, and find that for a coexisting state is realized, whose range of extends as increases. In contrast, for , AF and SC states are mutually exclusive, and a coexisting state does not appear. In connection with the “two-gap” problem, we confirm even for the present refined function that the gradient of momentum distribution function at the antinodal point mainly dominates the magnitude of the d-wave SC correlation function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries loses most of its ability to produce domoic acid when it is cultured axenically. However, domoic acid production recovers when bacteria from the original culture are reintroduced to axenic cultures, indicating a bacterial association with domoic acid production in this species. In order to determine the role of bacteria in domoic acid production, an axenic strain prepared from a nonaxenic strain of P. multiseries was inoculated into media in cellophane tubes, which were then placed in a bottle containing the original nonaxenic culture. Both strains showed characteristic domoic acid production similar to that previously observed. Domoic acid level in the cells of the axenic strain in the tubes was much smaller than that of the cells outside the tubes. These results show that direct contact between living bacteria and P. multiseries is necessary for producing high levels of domoic acid in P. multiseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We extend the doublon–holon binding wave function, which was recently often used to consider Mott transitions and -wave superconductivity, for the half-filled-band Hubbard model on square lattices with the diagonal hopping t′. We introduce two new features: (1) In the doublon–holon binding factor, more accurate configuration correlations are included. (2) The band renormalization effect owing to the electron correlation is introduced within the third-neighbor hopping, including the anisotropy between x- and y-directions in the nearest-neighbor hopping. Using an optimization variational Monte Carlo technique, we draw some definite answers to the topics concerning the above features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although intestinal Behçet's disease has been treated anecdotally with various therapeutic modalities, clinical evidence regarding management of intestinal Behçet's disease is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop consensus-based practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of intestinal Behçet's disease by using a modified Delphi approach. Three groups of Japanese gastroenterology specialists were involved in the study: moderators, an expert panel, and a professional group. Clinical statements for ratings were extracted from relevant literature, a survey of the professional group, and by discussion among the expert panel. The expert panel rated the clinical statements according to a nine point scale. After the first round of ratings, a panelist meeting was held to discuss areas of disagreement and to clarify areas of uncertainty. The list of clinical statements was revised after the panelist meeting, and a second round of rating was conducted. Thirty-two relevant articles were selected in a literature search, and 35 clinical statements were extracted. An additional 209 clinical statements were developed from the survey and discussion among gastroenterology specialists. In the first and second rounds, 56% and 60% of statements, respectively, received median scores ≥7. The range of scores decreased considerably from the first to the second round. 5-Aminosalycylic acid, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, enteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition, and surgical therapy were considered standard therapy for intestinal Behçet's disease. Infliximab, colchicines, thalidomide, other pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and leukocytapheresis were deemed experimental therapy. Based on a two-round modified Delphi approach, practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of intestinal Behçet's disease were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-cavitand 1 and tetra(4-pyridyl)-cavitand 2 self-assemble into a heterodimeric capsule 1·2 via four ArOH⋯pyridyl hydrogen bonds in CDCl3. The 1·2 expresses the orientational isomerism of an encapsulated unsymmetrical guest with high orientational selectivity because the electronic environment of the 1 unit is different from that of the 2 unit. For p-ethoxyiodobenzene and 2-iodo-6-methoxynaphthalene encapsulated in 1·2, the iodo group is specifically oriented to the cavity of the 2 unit. The orientational isomeric selectivity for methyl p-acetoxybenzoate and methyl p-ethoxybenzoate within 1·2 is 1:0.11 and 1:<0.05, respectively, wherein the methyl ester group is preferentially oriented to the cavity of the 2 unit. The delicate balance among electrostatic potential repulsion, CH-π interaction, or CH-halogen (halogen-π) interaction, in 1·2-guest assembly influences the orientational isomeric selectivity of unsymmetrical guests within 1·2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) array shows relatively low output power density, and has a greatly drooping current–voltage (–) characteristic. Therefore, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control is used to maximize the output power of the PV array. Many papers have been reported in relation to MPPT. However, the current–power (–) curve sometimes shows multi-local maximum point mode under non-uniform insolation conditions. The operating point of the PV system tends to converge to a local maximum output point which is not the real maximal output point on the – curve. Some papers have been also reported, trying to avoid this difficulty. However, most of those control systems become rather complicated. Then, the two stage MPPT control method is proposed in this paper to realize a relatively simple control system which can track the real maximum power point even under non-uniform insolation conditions. The feasibility of this control concept is confirmed for steady insolation as well as for rapidly changing insolation by simulation study using software PSIM and LabVIEW. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a model of the novel superconductor Na x CoO2 · yH2O, we study a triangular Hubbard model with doubly degenerate atomic orbitals, using an optimization variational Monte Carlo method. It is found that when the isolated Fermi surface overlaps the van Hove singularity points, and d+id-wave superconducting states, among various pairing symmetries, are appreciably stabilized by large Coulomb interactions. The pairing is originating from the potential energy gain induced dominantly by the enhancement of antiferromagnetic spin correlations. The possibility of triplet pairing is very slight in this model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A photovoltaic (PV) array shows relatively low output power density, and has a greatly drooping current–voltage (I–V) characteristic. Therefore, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control is used to maximize the output power of the PV array. Many papers have been reported in relation to MPPT. However, the current–power (I–P) curve sometimes shows multi-local maximum power points mode under nonuniform insolation conditions. The operating point of the PV system tends to converge to a local maximum output power point which is not the real maximal output point on the I–P curve. Some papers have tried to avoid this difficulty. However, most of those control systems become rather complicated. The two-stage MPPT control method is proposed in this paper to realize a relatively simple control system which can track the real maximum power point even under nonuniform insolation conditions. The feasibility of this control concept is confirmed for steady insolation as well as for rapidly changing insolation by simulation study using software PSIM and LabVIEW. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 153(4): 39–49, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20188 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The establishment of body axes and specification of early embryonic cells depend on maternally supplied transcripts and/or proteins, several of which are localized at specific regions of fertilized eggs and early embryos. The ascidian is known to exhibit a mosaic mode of development, and this mode is largely dependent on localized maternal factors. Using blastomere isolation, microarray and whole-mount in situ hybridization, the present study of Ciona intestinalis demonstrates that maternal transcripts of a total of 17 genes are localized at the posterior-most region of fertilized eggs and early embryos. Ten of them are newly identified in the present study, while the remaining seven genes have already been characterized in previous studies. In addition, maternal transcripts of two genes, in addition to 14 genes encoded by the mitochondrial genome, showed a mitochondria-like distribution. Despite the present comprehensive approach, we could not identify maternal transcripts that are clearly localized to the animal-pole side, the vegetal-pole side, the anterior-side or other specific regions of the early embryo. Therefore, we concluded that the posterior-most localization and mitochondria-like distribution appear to be major specialized patterns of maternal transcripts in early Ciona embryos. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Brucine inclusion crystals with neutral guest molecules exhibit guest-dependent polymorphism due to a hierarchical structure. Chiral brucine molecules are regarded as a primary structure and assemble to form a chiral tape with a 2 1 axis as a common secondary structure. Such tapes meet together in various modes to constitute different bundles as a tertiary structure. The bundle modes are theoretically classified into eight types, which were screened by alteration of guest compounds in the volume range from 39 to 150 Å 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An optimization variational Monte Carlo method is formulated for a two-dimensional Hubbard model with doubly degenerate atomic orbitals. We use generalized Gutzwiller-type wave functions, which include all the possible intra-atomic correlations. As a demonstration, we show results of energy and some correlation functions for a special case; at a quarter filling and for large Coulomb interactions, a ferromagnetic state with an orbital order overcomes paramagnetic and superconducting states. However, this ferromagnetism is destabilized by electron doping or by introducing a diagonal transfer in one direction, both of which work as substantial frustrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Conclusions . Postural responses differed according to the stimulus direction, i.e. vertical visual stimulation induced head rather than trunk displacements. Accordingly, it could be that center of foot pressure (COP) responses tended to underestimate the postural sway during visual stimulation. Objectives . To investigate head and body sway in response to vertical visual surround motion, and to examine the correlation between the displacements of head and body segments derived from video-motion analysis and COP measurements. Material and methods . Postural sway was assessed in 10 young female subjects by video-motion analysis of four different head and body segments, and by use of force-plate posturography. Head and body sway in the pitch plane was induced by rotating a random pattern of dots about the subject's inter-aural axis at a constant acceleration of 1°/s 2 or a constant velocity of 60°/s in darkness. Results. Generally, head displacement was greater than that of other body parts during vertical optokinetic stimulation (OKS). In most subjects, maximum head displacements were induced in the same direction as the visual motion. Downward OKS induced a forward head and body sway. The COP trajectory correlated well with the displacements of each head and body segment during downward OKS. In contrast, postural responses to upward OKS were complicated in terms of their time course. The correlation coefficient between each head and body segment and the COP varied among individuals for upward OKS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syntheses of various types of hexakis(4-functionalized-phenyl)benzenes 1 and hexakis [4-(4′-functionalized-phenyl-ethynyl)phenyl]benzenes 2 by the cobalt-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of diarylacetylenes and by the Sonogashira coupling reaction of le with arylacetylenes, respectively, are described. X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that host 1e or 2f forms a 2-D network by unique I· · ·I or CH· · ·O=C interactions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion Our results indicate that the illusion of self-motion is a significant factor leading to spatial disorientation. Objective Under normal circumstances, self-motion is perceived in response to motion of the head and body. However, under certain conditions, such as virtual reality environments, visually induced self-motion can be perceived even though the subject is not actually moving, a phenomenon known as "vection". The aim of this study was to examine the possible influence of illusory self-rotation (circular vection) on postural adjustments. Material and methods The subjects were 10 young females with no history of ocular or vestibular disease. Video-motion analysis was applied to measure postural movements during vertical optokinetic stimulation. Results For most subjects, movement of the visual surroundings induced head and body displacements in the same direction as that of the visual stimulus, regardless of the onset of self-motion perception. However, there was a significant increase in postural instability after the subjects began to perceive false self-motion in the opposite direction to that of the visual stimulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were performed to examine whether pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a useful indicator of arteriosclerosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In total, 72 patients were enrolled. Annual changes in PWV were compared to clinical parameters and therapeutic maneuvers. PWV increased in diabetic patients faster than non-diabetics (35 ± 10 cm/s/month versus 10 ± 4 cm/s/month, P < 0.05). Changes in PWV showed strong correlations to triglyceride level exposed during observation period (r = 0.50, P < 0.05) and HD duration (r = 0.46, P < 0.05). In addition, we found that PWV of some patients decreased (regressors), while the others increased (non-regressors). Regressors more frequently received combined treatment with angiotensin blockade and lipid-lowering drugs or vitamin E-coated dialyzers than non-regressors (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that PWV is useful as a marker of arteriosclerosis in HD patients. Furthermore, the present results suggest that combined treatment with both angiotensin inhibition and lipid-lowering drugs or vitamine E-coated membrane would slow the progression of arteriosclerosis in HD patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Meniscal healing is well known to be region-specific, and this is thought to be mainly due to its specific vascularity. The purpose of this study was to assess regional differences in the intrinsic healing potential of the meniscus, using an organ culture model to eliminate the influence of microvasculature and the synovium. A full-thickness circular defect, 1.5 mm in diameter, was created in the inner avascular zone in meniscal explants from rabbits. As a control, a column of 1.5 mm in diameter was removed then replanted in the area where it had been obtained (Group C). In the experimental group, a 1.5 mm-diameter meniscal graft obtained from the peripheral zone of the same specimen was implanted in the damaged area (Group T). These meniscal explants were cultured for 2, 4 or 6 weeks, and the relationship between the recipient tissue and the graft was examined using both gross and histological semiquantitative scoring. The 6-week gross-examination showed that the openings were more apparent in Group C, and the score of Group T was significantly higher than that of Group C (P=0.0152). Histologically, the healing responses after both 4 and 6 weeks of incubation were significantly better in Group T than in Group C (P=0.0237, 0.0281). These results using organ culture demonstrate that intrinsic healing potential differs even without the influence of vascular supply and the synovium, indicating that the superior healing potential in the peripheral zone may contribute to the good meniscal healing in this location. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dual Sonogashira coupling reactions of 1,3,5-tribromo-2,4,6-triiodobenzene with p-X-phenylacetylene followed by another p-Y-phenylacetylene (X, Y = OSiMe2Bu-t or CO2Et) produced a series of differentially functionalized hexakis(p-substituted-phenylethynyl)benzenes with D3h symmetry (3h: 1,3,5-X-2,4,6-Y) and C2v symmetry (3g,i: 1,2,3,5-X-4,6-Y; 3f,j: 1-X-2,3,4,5,6-Y). In a similar manner, 1,3,5-tris(p-X-phenylethynyl)-2,4,6-tris(p-Y-phenylethynyl)benzenes and 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(p-X-phenylethynyl)-4,6-bis(p-Y-phenylethynyl)benzenes (31: X = OSiMe2Bu-t, Y = NO2; 3m,n: X = N(n-octyl)2, Y = NO2; 3o,p: X = N(n-octyl)2, Y = CH(OCH2CH2O); 3q,r: X = N(n-octyl)2, Y = CHO; 3s,t: X = N(n-octyl)2, Y = CH=C(CN)2) were prepared. Compounds 3 with electron-withdrawing groups self-aggregated by a π-π stacking interaction and solvophobic effect. In the absorption and fluorescence spectra of 3, ∼max(abs) and ∼max(em) showed red shifts as the donor-acceptor dipole at the end functional groups of the para position was increased. In the absorption spectra, ∼max(abs) showed red shifts upon increasing the number of combination of electron-donating and -withdrawing groups on the diagonal line in a molecule, whereas λmax(em) in the fluorescence spectra exhibited red shifts upon decreasing the molecular symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extracellular signaling molecule acts on several types of cells, evoking characteristic and different responses depending on intrinsic factors in the signal-receiving cells. In ascidian embryos, notochord and mesenchyme are induced in the anterior and posterior margins, respectively, of the vegetal hemisphere by the same FGF signal emanating from endoderm precursors. The difference in the responsiveness depends on the inheritance of the posterior-vegetal egg cytoplasm. We show that macho. I, first identified as a localized muscle determinant, is also required for mesenchyme induction, and that it plays a role in making the cell response differ between notochord and mesenchyme induction. A zygotic event involving snail expression downstream of maternal macho-1 mediates the suppression of notochord induction in mesenchyme precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were obtained when the total RNA prepared from the axenically cultured cells of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries was amplified by using primers that were designed from the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) region of a bacterium isolated from the cells of Alexandrium tamarense, although the amount of the products was low. Some sequences of the PCR products were identical to those of bacteria that were isolated from the cultured medium of the original nonaxenic culture of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries strain. These results suggest that P. multiseries possesses intracellular bacteria that originate from the environmental water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The guest- or solvent-induced assembly of a tetracarboxyl-cavitand 1 and a tetra(3-pyridyl)cavitand 2 into a heterodimeric capsule 1·2 in a rim-to-rim fashion via four intermolecular CO[sub 2]H···N hydrogen bonds has been investigated both in solution and in the solid state. In the ¹H NMR study, a 1:1 mixture of 1a and 2a (R = (CH[sub 2])[sub 6]CH[sub 3]) in CDCI[sub 3] gave a mixture of various complicated aggregates, whereas this mixture in CDCI[sub 2]CDCI[sub 2] or p-xylene-d[sub 10] exclusively produced the heterodimeric capsule 1a·2a. It was found that an appropriate 1,4-disubstituted-benzene is a suitable guest for inducing the exclusive formation of 1a·2a in CDCI[sub 3]. The ability of a guest to induce the formation of guest-encapsulating heterodimeric capsule, guest@(1a·2a), increased in the order p-ethyltoluene < 1-ethyl-4-methoxybenzene ≤1-ethyl-4-iodobenzene ≤ 1,4-dibromobenzene < 1-iodo-4-methoxybenzene ≤ 1,4-dimethoxybenzene ≤ 1,4-diiodobenzene. The ¹H NMR study revealed that a CH-halogen interaction between the inner protons of the methylene-bridge rims (-O-H[sub out]CH[sub in]-O-) of the 1a and 2a units and the halogen atoms of 1,4-dihalobenzenes and a CH-π interaction between the methoxy protons of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene and the aromatic cavities of the la and 2a units play important roles in the formation of 1,4-dihalobenzene @ (1a·2a) and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene@(1a·2a), respectively. A preliminary single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of guest@ (1b·2b) (R = (CH[sub 2])[sub 2]Ph; guest = 1-iodo-4-methoxybenzene or p-xylene) confirmed that the guest encapsulated in 1b·2b is oriented with the long axis of the guest along the long axis of 1b·2b and that the iodo and the methoxy groups of the encapsulated 1-iodo-4-methoxybenzene are specifically oriented with respect to the cavities of the 2b and 1b units, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which evaluated the role of the suppression of macho-1-directed muscle fate by FGF and BMP in the formation of posterior endoderm in ascidian embryos. Analysis of what kind of tissue type cells the presumptive endoderm blastomered developed into under dissociation; Maternal endoderm determinants and cell interactions.

Many kinds of transcription factors and regulators play key roles in a variety of developmental processes. In the present survey, genes encoding proteins with conserved HMG-box, bZip domains, and some types of zinc finger motifs were surveyed in the completely sequenced genome of Ciona intestinalis. In the present analysis, 21 HMG-box-containing genes and 26 bZip genes were identified as well as four small groups of zinc finger genes in the Ciona genome. The results also showed that a less redundant set of genes is present in the Ciona genome compared with vertebrate genomes. In addition, cDNA clones for almost all genes identified have been cloned and distributed as a "Ciona intestinalis Gene Collection Release I". The present comprehensive analysis therefore provides a means to study the role of these transcription factors in developmental processes of basal chordates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structures for three types of three-dimensional (3-D) hydrogen-bonded networks of hexakis(4-carbamoylphenyl)benzene (1), the network morphologies of which depend greatly on crystallization conditions, have been determined. When this compound is crystallized from hot DMSO, the resulting crystals, 1.12DMSO (orthorhombic, Pca2[sub 1]), showed a 3-D hydrogen-bonded porous network (type A) via 1-D catemer chains as a hydrogen-bonding motif of six primary amide groups. The type A network creates chambers surrounded by six molecules of 1 and channels along the c axis to give the highest porosity among the network polymorphs of 1 investigated here. Crystallization from a boiling mixture of n-PrOH and water gave 1·6n-PrOH (monoclinic, P2[sub 1]/c), which exhibits another type of 3-D hydrogen-bonded porous network (type B) via cyclic dimers as another hydrogen-bonding motif of six primary amide groups. The type B network leads to triangle-like channels along the a axis having a cross section of ca. 9.2 × 9.7 × 9.7 Å, (including van der Waals radii). The crystal structure of 1·H[sub 2]0 (monoclinic, P2[sub 1]/c), which was produced under hydrothermat conditions, showed a nonporous 3-D hydrogen-bonded network chain of amide groups (type C) composed of a mixed hydrogen bonding motif of helical catemer chains/cyclic dimer/catemer. Solvent-induced topological isomerism of these 3-D hydrogen-bonded networks of 1 arises from (i) the guest inclusion ability based on a radially functionalized hexagonal structure of 1, (ii) the correlation between the hydrogen bond donor ability of the syn and anti protons of the primary amide group in host I and the hydrogen bond acceptor ability of the oxygen atoms of I and guest solvents, and (iii) the polarity of the bulk crystallization solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to estimate the influence of flux on plasma refilling during hemodialysis (HD), prospective crossover studies were performed in 10 HD patients with low-flux and high-flux dialyzers. Hematocrit was continuously monitored to assess changes in blood volume. In addition, plasma osmolarity and total protein concentration were measured. Intradialytic reductions in body weight (-5 ± 1 vs -5 ± 1%) and plasma osmolarity (-5 ± 1 vs -5 ± 1%) were similar in both conditions. Although mean blood pressure remained unchanged in either state, the decrease in blood volume was larger in high-flux HD (-13 ± 2 vs -10 ± 2%, p < 0.05). In spite of greater contraction in blood volume during high-flux HD, total proteins were increased equally between low-flux and high-flux HD (11 ± 4 vs 11 ± 4%). Our data that although high-flux HD failed to induce significant drops in blood pressure, it elicited greater magnitude of decreases in blood volume, implicate the judicious application of high-flux HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the molecular interaction between sulfonium and sulfide sulfur atoms. Induction of Pummerer reaction of p-bis(alkylthio)-aromatic S-oxides; Process of preparing cyclic bis(disulfide) dimer; Equilibrium in the intermolecular interaction between sulfur atoms.

The optimal surgical indications for small rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are controversial. Generally, treatment guidelines for rectal NETs >2 cm or with potential lymph node (LN) metastasis recommend formal oncologic low anterior resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision (TME). However, rectal NETs have the potential to metastasize to the lateral lymph nodes (LLNs). To the best of our knowledge, there are no detailed reports in English on LLN metastasis from rectal NETs. A 47-year-old man diagnosed with a rectal NET underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The pathological diagnosis was NET G1. The tumor was 10 mm in diameter, and the tumor depth reached the submucosal layer. A period of 3 years after ESD, the patient was diagnosed with LN metastasis in the mesorectum and LLN metastasis on the left side from the NET. Robotic TME and bilateral LN dissection were performed. The pathological findings indicated that two of the 18 LNs in the mesorectum were metastatic, and all the LLNs on the left side were negative. In contrast, 1 of the 6 LLNs on the right side was metastatic. Early-stage rectal NETs can metastasize to the LLNs, and it is very difficult to detect LLN metastasis based on size alone. TME alone may be insufficient to treat rectal NETs, and additional LLN dissection may be an important treatment strategy. However, it is increasingly difficult to determine the surgical indications for optimally timed LLN dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the remote Pummerer reaction of the mono-sulfoxide of p-bis(methylthio)-aromatic. Remote Pummerer reaction via intermolecular through-space interaction between sulfonium and sulfenyl sulfur atoms; Deuterium-labeled experiment; Quench at the initial stage of the reaction; Reaction of diaryl sulfoxide with bis-sulfide.

Discusses the role of pi interaction in the complexation involving resorcinol cyclic tetramer 1 in chloroform. Binding of simple monools 4-10 through a cooperation of CH-pie and hydrogen-binding interactions; Incorporation of complexation-induced H NMR in the aromatic cavity of the host; Complexes derived from chiral secondary alcohols.

Abstract: Using a variational Monte Carlo method, we discuss the interplay between antiferromagnetism (AF) and superconductivity (SC) in a Hubbard model on a square lattice with a diagonal transfer . We simultaneously introduce the following improvements into the trial function: (1) coexistence of AF and d-wave singlet gaps that allows a continuous description of their interplay, (2) band renormalization effect in the range of fourth-neighbor hopping, and (3) refined doublon–holon correlation factors. For , appropriate to hole-doped cuprates, it is found that AF ordered state is stabilized near half filling, especially, for band width, by retrieving the nesting condition. As the doping rate increases, AF is weakened and a pure d-wave SC phase evolves for large U. The coexisting state of SC and AF orders appears only in a narrow range of U ( band width) and electron density n (). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a model of the novel superconductor , we study a triangular Hubbard model with doubly degenerate atomic orbitals, using an optimization variational Monte Carlo method. It is found that when the isolated Fermi surface overlaps the van Hove singularity points, and -wave superconducting states, among various pairing symmetries, become stabilized by large Coulomb interactions. The pairing is originating from the interaction-energy gain induced dominantly by the enhancement of antiferromagnetic spin correlations. The possibility of triplet pairing is limited for the present parameterization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have obtained x-ray phase-contrast images with high spatial resolution by using extremely asymmetric Si 111 Bragg diffractions near the critical angle of the total reflection. The x-ray image could be magnified to 294 times in both vertical and horizontal directions. By using this x-ray microscopy system, we have observed clear phase-contrast images of a 0.7-μm-wide gold-line pattern. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]