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Antiferroelectric materials have recently received renewed attention due to the increased demand for energy-storage ceramics and power electronics applications. This study demonstrates antiferroelectricity in a titanite-type oxide, SrTiGeO5, through direct observation of a double D-E hysteresis loop by polarization measurements. Temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity shows a cusp around 550 K, indicating a relatively high antiferroelectric phase transition temperature for SrTiGeO5. It is suggested that an electric-field-induced rise of permittivity in SrTiGeO5 has the potential for application in protective circuits of power electronics devices. The present study paves the way for the development of innovative antiferroelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional demand-prediction methods predominantly rely on past user behaviors to predict regular future transportation demands using acquired user preference data. Nevertheless, predicting unforeseen travel demands arising from bad weather or emergency events remains challenging owing to the absence of data on such future contingencies. This study introduces a method to predict travel demand by leveraging search history data, which potentially signal unforeseen travel requirements. We elucidate the correlation between the search count and integrated circuit (IC) card usage on an aggregate level. Subsequently, we propose a two-stage analytical technique to estimate the number of IC card usages based on route-search counts. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed model has superior accuracy, and the route-search count plays a pivotal role in predicting the number of IC card usages, especially unforeseen shifts in demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the motion of colloidal particles flowing in small spaces is a general issue in various fields such as thermal engineering and micro/nanofluidics. In the present study, we investigated the motion of fluorescent submicrometer particles in a 3-μm microchannel by defocusing nanoparticle image velocimetry. An optical measurement system with controlled spherical aberration and an algorithm for processing defocused particle images with multiple diffraction rings were developed. By detecting the centroid position and the diameter of the outermost diffraction ring, which is proportional to the distance between the focal plane and the particle, the position of particles was determined with the spatial resolutions of 154–204 nm in the streamwise direction and 76–311 nm in the depthwise direction, which are comparable to or smaller than the optical diffraction limit. A reusable microfluidic device containing a size-regulated microchannel made of glass was developed, which is suitable for optical measurements and precise flow control. By controlling the strength of low-temperature glass bonding, detachment of the bonded glass substrates, washing, and reuse were achieved. Based on this method and technology, the velocity of particles with diameters of 199, 457, and 1114 nm was successfully measured in pressure-driven laminar flow. Results suggested that for larger particles comparable to the channel size, the particle velocity is slowed from the flow velocity by particle–wall hydrodynamic interactions. Therefore, the motion of colloidal particles in 100-μm spaces is considered to be affected by particle–wall hydrodynamic interactions, as well as 102-μm spaces reported previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A number of agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, have become available for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, but the objective response rate of these drugs is currently only 30% to 40%. Therefore, the identification of new predictive biomarkers and an increased knowledge of the mechanisms of response or resistance to systemic chemotherapies are required. In the systemic drug treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, only the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib was available for a period. This was followed by the development of regorafenib as a second-line treatment after sorafenib, and then lenvatinib, a new TKI, proved non-inferiority to sorafenib and became available as a first-line treatment. Subsequently, cabozantinib, another TKI, was introduced as a second-line treatment, along with ramucirumab, the only drug proven to be predictive of therapeutic efficacy when AFP levels are >400 ng/mL. It is an anti-VEGF receptor antibody. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the mainstay of systemic therapy and can now be used as a first-line standard treatment for HCC. However, the objective response rate for these drugs is currently only 30% to 40%, and there is a high incidence of side effects. Additionally, there are no practical biomarkers to predict their therapeutic effects. Therefore, this review provides an overview of extensive research conducted on potential HCC biomarkers from blood, tissue, or imaging information that can be used in practice to predict the therapeutic efficacy of systemic therapy before its initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Redness of the facial skin is an important cosmetic concern. Although qualitative and quantitative modifications of sebum on the skin surface are major pathogenic factors of chronic inflammatory skin conditions, the relationship between skin redness, sebum, and mild inflammation on the cheeks of healthy subjects remains elusive. Aims: We aimed to explore the correlation between cheek redness and sebum and inflammatory cytokines in the stratum corneum (SC) of healthy subjects. We also examined the effects of representative sebum lipids on the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in cultured keratinocytes. Patients/Methods: This study included 198 healthy participants. Skin sebum was analyzed using flow injection analysis, and skin redness was assessed using a spectrophotometer. Inflammatory cytokines in tape‐stripped SC were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Cheek redness parameters positively correlated with the amount of skin sebum and the proportion of monounsaturated free fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:1) in the sebum. They also positively correlated with the interleukin (IL)‐36γ/IL‐37 ratio in the SC. Among the representative sebum lipids examined, oleic acid (C18:1, cis‐9) dose‐ and time‐dependently regulated the mRNA expression of IL‐36γ and IL‐37 in cultured keratinocytes, and this effect was attenuated by the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐type glutamate receptor antagonist, MK801. Conclusions: Skin surface sebum may be related to cheek redness in healthy subjects, and oleic acid‐induced IL‐36γ through NMDA‐type glutamate receptors may be a link between them. Our study provides a possible skincare strategy for mitigating unfavorable increase in skin redness by targeting the facial skin sebum, particularly oleic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally verified a proposed microstrip antenna model for high- T c superconducting coherent terahertz emitters. We attached conductive metal patches to single crystalline Bi 2 Sr 2 CuCu 2 O 8 + δ mesas to probe the electromagnetic resonance conditions near the mesa sidewalls, where the coherent terahertz radiation is emitted. A systematic experiment reveals that an internal cavity resonance, which is an essential ingredient for outside radiation, remains unaltered by the presence of the ambient microstrip patterns. We found that an emission frequency is well predicted by the proposed model and that, in contrast to the conventional microstrip antenna, the internal cavity mode is more robust to the external microstrip patterns than expected from the proposed model. The experimental result requires us to modify the model to allow for a spontaneous synchronization of intrinsic Josephson oscillations that stimulates the stable excitation of the internal cavity resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to selenenyl chlorides (RSeCl) or bromides (RSeBr), which are widely used in organic synthesis, the reactivity of selenenyl iodides (RSeI) remains largely unelucidated due to their instability. The thermodynamics of the reaction of RSeI with an olefin were investigated utilizing an isolable selenenyl iodide, BpqSeI, and the ΔH° value of its reaction with cyclohexene suggested analogous features of RSeI and I2 as electrophiles for their addition to olefins. Based on such characteristic thermodynamics, the efficient selenofunctionalization of olefins with external oxygen or nitrogen nucleophiles using BpqSeI was developed. In the presence of an appropriate additive, such as N-iodosuccinimide, various alcohols, a carboxylic acid, and aromatic amines were smoothly introduced into olefins to give the corresponding β-oxyselenides and β-aminoselenides in moderate to high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "bystander effect" is a transmission phenomenon mediating communication from target to non-target cells, as well as cell-to-cell interactions between neighboring and distantly located cells. In this narrative review, we describe the fundamental and clinical significance of the bystander effect with respect to cell-to-cell interactions in carcinogenesis, therapeutic response, and tissue regeneration. In carcinogenesis, the bystander effect mediates communications between tumor microenvironments and non-malignant epithelial cells and has been suggested to impact heterogeneous tumorigenic cells in tumors and cancerized fields. In therapeutic response, the bystander effect mediates communications between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells and may transmit both drug efficacy and resistance. Therefore, control of therapeutic response transmission via the bystander effect might offer a promising future cancer treatment. Finally, in tissue regeneration, circulating cells and stromal cells may differentiate into various cells for the purpose of tissue regeneration under direction of the bystander effect arising from surrounding cells in a defective space. We hope that the findings we present will promote the development of innovative cancer therapies and tissue regeneration methodologies from the viewpoint of cell-to-cell interactions through the bystander effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) after neurosurgery are common in daily practice. Although numerous reports have described SSIs in neurosurgery, reports specific to gliomas are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SSIs and glioma treatment characteristics, such as reoperations, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Methods: We examined 1012 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy for glioma between November 2013 and March 2022. SSIs were defined as infections requiring reoperation during the observation period, regardless of their location. We retrospectively analyzed SSIs and patient factors. Results: During the observation period, SSIs occurred in 3.1% (31/1012). In the univariate analysis, three or more surgeries (P = 0.007) and radiation therapy (P = 0.03) were associated with SSIs, whereas intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not significantly associated (P = 0.35). Three or more surgeries and radiation therapy were significantly correlated with each other (P <.0001); therefore, they were analyzed separately in the multivariate analysis. Three or more surgeries were an independent factor triggering SSIs (P = 0.02); in contrast, radiation therapy was not an independent factor for SSIs (P = 0.07). Several SSIs localized in the skin occurred more than 1 year after surgery. Conclusions: Undergoing three or more surgeries for glioma is an independent risk factor for SSIs. Glioma SSIs can occur long after surgery. These results are considered characteristic of gliomas. We recommend careful long-term observation of patients at a high risk of SSIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals possess a circadian central clock in the brain, where circadian behavioural rhythms are generated. In the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), the central clock comprises a network of approximately 150 clock neurons, which is important for the maintenance of a coherent and robust rhythm. Several neuropeptides involved in the network have been identified, including Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) and CCHamide1 (CCHa1) neuropeptides. PDF signals bidirectionally to CCHa1-positive clock neurons; thus, the clock neuron groups expressing PDF and CCHa1 interact reciprocally. However, the role of these interactions in molecular and behavioural rhythms remains elusive. In this study, we generated Pdf01 and CCHa1SK8 double mutants and examined their locomotor activity-related rhythms. The single mutants of Pdf01 or CCHa1SK8 displayed free-running rhythms under constant dark conditions, whereas approximately 98% of the double mutants were arrhythmic. In light-dark conditions, the evening activity of the double mutants was phase-advanced compared with that of the single mutants. In contrast, both the single and double mutants had diminished morning activity. These results suggest that the effects of the double mutation varied in behavioural parameters. The double and triple mutants of per01, Pdf01, and CCHa1SK8 further revealed that PDF signalling plays a role in the suppression of activity during the daytime under a clock-less background. Our results provide insights into the interactions between PDF and CCHa1 signalling and their roles in activity rhythms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current study, a test program is designed to observe the influence of wetting stress paths on behavior and instability of unsaturated soil in stress state space. The mechanical behavior was studied by performing three test series in constant matric suction plane. In first series, water infiltration was performed together with shearing starting from zero (0 kPa) deviatoric stress. In second series, first water was infiltrated at zero (0 kPa) deviatoric stress then samples were sheared in drained pore water pressure conditions. In third series, water was first infiltrated at zero deviatoric stress then specimens were sheared in undrained pore water pressure conditions. Instability was studied in constant shear stress plane by first shearing soil up to predefined level of deviatoric stress then infiltrating water keeping deviatoric stress constant on the specimen. This research also describes how unsaturated soil behavior and instability is varied with variation in net confining stresses when suction is decreased from initial measured value to start water infiltration with different wetting stress paths and their effect on shear state and failure surface in stress state space. The test results revealed that the movement of stress paths was independent of net confining stress, matric suction and shearing conditions employed in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We evaluated the effectiveness of antlerless sika deer culling on sika deer population dynamics, based on the population trends in response to spatial variation of antlerless proportion in imposed culls. Deer populations tended to decrease in areas of higher antlerless culling, while they increased in areas of lower antlerless culling, suggesting that a high proportion of antlerless culling can effectively decrease the deer population. Because increasing large herbivore populations have caused environmental damage around the world, antlerless-biased culling could be a crucial measure to manage overabundant populations of herbivores. Increasing populations of large herbivores have caused environmental damage around the world, and it is necessary to improve population management strategies. Culling is a traditional management method. Antlerless deer proportions, consisting of adult female deer and fawn in Cervidae in wildlife statistics, are directly related to population increases; thus, the culling-based removal of individuals from habitats and the removal of these antlerless individuals by game hunting and nuisance control might be effective approaches for reducing population sizes. We evaluated the effectiveness of antlerless culling on 17-year density trends in the sika deer (Cervus nippon) population across an area of 1175 km2 in Fukuoka Prefecture (Japan). In 11 out of 47 grids (area measuring 5 by 5 km), the densities of sika deer tended to decline; meanwhile, in the remaining 36 grids, the densities increased. These density trends were explained by changes in the proportion of antlerless culling, as the densities declined with increasing proportions of antlerless deer. The results affirm the theory that antlerless culling is effective in population management; it is posited that antlerless-biased culling could be a crucial measure in managing overabundant populations of herbivores, contributing to more effective conservation of forest environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lenvatinib is an approved therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved as frontline chemotherapies for HCC, and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been demonstrated to significantly affect HCC treatment. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with the TIME, and the dynamics of the NLR are associated with prognosis or treatment efficacy in various cancer types. The present study investigated the dynamics of the TIME using the NLR in 101 patients with HCC treated with lenvatinib. Immunostaining for CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was also performed in 9 patients who underwent liver tumor biopsy prior to subsequent chemotherapy for progression or discontinuation due to adverse events on lenvatinib treatment. The NLR values measured at the start of treatment (SOT), after 1 month of treatment and after 3 months of treatment were 2.78±2.20, 2.61±1.86 and 2.66±2.36, respectively (P=0.733). Among the patients with no reduction in the initial dose, there was no significant difference between the NLR after 1 month (2.34±0.25) and that at the SOT (2.86±2.33) (P=0.613). In patients who achieved a complete or partial response, the NLR at the time of the best tumor response was 1.65±0.56, which was significantly lower than that at the SOT (2.05±0.78) (P=0.023). In patients who did not respond to lenvatinib, the NLR at the time of disease progression was 3.68±3.19, which was significantly higher than that at the SOT (2.78±1.79) (P=0.043). Overall, 5 out of the 6 patients who did not respond to lenvatinib had low CD8+ TIL counts at disease progression. Although the present study included a limited number of patients, the NLR was associated with the therapeutic effects of lenvatinib. These findings suggest the potential of lenvatinib as an immunomodulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence following hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication has been previously reported, but the impact of HCV eradication on advanced HCC patient survival remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of HCV eradication on the survival outcome of patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. One hundred and three HCV‐related advanced HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib were enrolled in this study. Of these, 43 patients were administered antiviral therapy before sorafenib treatment (HCV eradication group), while 60 patients remained HCV‐infected (HCV non‐eradication group). We analysed the impact of HCV eradication on survival in advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the HCV eradication group than in the HCV non‐eradication group (24.0 months vs. 14.1 months; p = 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in the albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score at the start of treatment between the HCV eradication group and the non‐eradication group (p = 0.065), the ALBI score at 2 months after initiation of sorafenib treatment was significantly decreased in the HCV non‐eradication group (p < 0.001), but not in the HCV eradication group (p = 0.121). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed HCV eradication (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; p = 0.006) and ALBI score at the start of treatment (HR, 2.47; p = 0.002) as factors that may contribute to OS. HCV eradication may serve an important role in the survival outcome of advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of gap-graded granular materials – that is, mixtures of coarse and cohesionless finer grains with measurable differences in particle size – does not always conform to established frameworks of sand behaviour. Prior research has revealed that the role of the finer particles on the stress–strain response, liquefaction resistance and internal stability of non-cohesive gap-graded soils is significant and complex, and highly dependent on both the volumetric proportion of finer particles in the material and the size ratio of coarse particles to finer particles. Quantifying the participation of the finer particles in stress transmission and overall behaviour is central to understanding the behaviour of these materials. No experimental technique for directly quantifying the contribution of finer particles to the overall behaviour, however, has hitherto been proposed. This paper explores to what extent the participation of finer particles can be assessed using laboratory geophysics, recognising that granular materials act as a filter to remove the high-frequency components of applied seismic/sound waves. Discrete-element method simulations are performed to understand the link between particle-scale stress transmission and the overall response observed during shear wave propagation. When the proportion of finer particles is increased systematically, both the shear wave velocity (VS) and low-pass frequency (flp) increase sharply once a significant amount of the applied stress has been transferred by way of the finer particles. This trend is also observed in equivalent laboratory experiments. Consequently, the flp–VS relationship can provide useful insights to assess whether the finer particles contribute to stress transmission and hence the mechanical behaviour of gap-graded materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population dynamics of mosquitoes in temperate regions are not as well understood as those in tropical and subtropical regions, despite concerns that vector-borne diseases may be prevalent in future climates. Aedes albopictus, a vector mosquito in temperate regions, undergoes egg diapause while overwintering. To assess the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases in the future, this study aimed to simulate and predict mosquito population dynamics under estimated future climatic conditions. In this study, we tailored the physiology-based climate-driven mosquito population (PCMP) model for temperate mosquitoes to incorporate egg diapauses for overwintering. We also investigated how the incorporation of the effect of rainfall on larval carrying capacity (into a model) changes the population dynamics of this species under future climate conditions. The PCMP model was constructed to simulate mosquito population dynamics, and the parameters of egg diapause and rainfall effects were estimated for each model to fit the observed data in Tokyo. We applied the global climate model data to the PCMP model and observed an increase in the mosquito population under future climate conditions. By applying the PCMP models (with or without the rainfall effect on the carrying capacity of the A. albopictus), our projections indicated that mosquito population dynamics in the future could experience changes in the patterns of their active season and population abundance. According to our results, the peak population number simulated using the highest CO2 emission scenario, while incorporating the rainfall effect on the carrying capacity, was approximately 1.35 times larger than that predicted using the model that did not consider the rainfall effect. This implies that the inclusion of rainfall effects on mosquito population dynamics has a major impact on the risk assessments of mosquito-borne diseases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral C2‐symmetric 3,3′‐bisaminomethyl‐binaphthol (AMB) is an organocatalyst for the asymmetric epoxidation of trisubstituted acrylonitriles. Using cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) as an oxidant, 3,3′‐bis((R,R)‐2‐phenylethylaminomethyl)‐(R)‐binaphthol (AMB2) catalyzed epoxidation of trans‐2‐aroyl‐3‐arylacrylonitriles at −30 °C to give the chiral epoxides as a single diastereomer with enantioselective manner ranging from 15% ee to 97% ee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-invasive acquisition of mRNA data from the skin can be extremely useful for understanding skin physiology and diseases. Inspired by the holocrine process, in which the sebaceous glands secrete cell contents into the sebum, we focused on the possible presence of mRNAs in skin surface lipids (SSLs). We found that measurable levels of human mRNAs exist in SSLs, where the sebum protects them from degradation by RNases. The AmpliSeq transcriptome analysis was modified to measure SSL-RNA levels, and our results revealed that the SSL-RNAs predominantly comprised mRNAs derived from sebaceous glands, the epidermis, and hair follicles. Analysis of SSL-RNAs non-invasively collected from patients with atopic dermatitis revealed increased expression of inflammation-related genes and decreased expression of terminal differentiation-related genes, consistent with the results of previous reports. Further, we found that lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated in the sebaceous glands of patients with atopic dermatitis. These results indicate that the analysis of SSL-RNAs is a promising strategy to understand the pathophysiology of skin diseases. Inoue et al develop a non-invasive method of analyzing human skin mRNA using RNA in skin surface lipids collected with oil-blotting films. The authors outline the validation of this methodology and describe an application to determine transcriptome in skin surface lipids in patients with atopic dermatitis versus healthy skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term changes in the activity of explosively developing "bomb" cyclones over the wintertime North Pacific are investigated by using a particular version of a global atmospheric reanalysis dataset into which only conventional observations have been assimilated. Bomb cyclones in January are found to increase rapidly around 1987 in the midlatitude central North Pacific. Some of the increased bomb cyclones formed over the East China Sea and then moved along the southern coast of Japan before developing explosively in the central North Pacific. The enhanced cyclone activity is found to be concomitant with rapid warming and moistening over the subtropical western Pacific and the South and East China Seas under the weakened monsoonal northerlies, leading to the enhancement of the lower-tropospheric Eady growth rate and equivalent potential temperature gradient, setting a condition favorable for cyclone formation in the area upstream of the North Pacific storm track. Along the storm track, poleward moisture transport in the warm sector of a cyclone and associated precipitation along the warm and cold fronts tended to increase and thereby enhance its explosive development. After the transition around 1987, a bomb cyclone has become more likely to develop without a strong upper-level cyclonic vortex propagating from Eurasia than in the earlier period. The increased bomb cyclone activity in January is found to contribute to the diminished midwinter minimum of the North Pacific storm track activity after the mid-1980s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) comprising dual neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components. Although the coexistence pattern of neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine components in definitive MiNEN is thought to overlap, there may be a coexistent pattern of both components, such as superficial carcinoma adjacent to NEN. The present study evaluated the histopathological findings of the coexistence pattern of superficial carcinomas adjacent to NENs in the esophagogastrointestinal tract. Methods: From 2000 to 2019, 35 serial NEN resections of the esophagus (n = 9), stomach (n = 3), and large intestine (n = 23), respectively, were performed at Gunma University Hospital. Borderline areas between NEN and resident superficial epithelium were observed in the 35 serial NEN cases as well as two additional cases from affiliated hospitals. Results: Among the 35 serial NEN samples, squamous cell carcinomatous/dysplastic components were identified 77.8% (7/9 cases) of esophageal NENs, and adenocarcinomatous areas were seen in 66.7% (2/3 cases) of gastric NENs and 26% (6/23 cases) of colorectal NENs. Thus, all superficial carcinomatous components adjacent to NENs were observed as squamous cell carcinoma/dysplasia in esophagus and adenocarcinoma in stomach and large intestine, which showed histological characteristics as the resident epithelial pattern in each organ. Conclusions: These findings suggested a potential "paratransformation" or "bystander effect" in resident epithelium by NENs. Thus, "bystander carcinogenesis" could be a pathogenic mechanism of resident epithelium transformation adjacent to NENs in the esophagogastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have reported that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) harboring WNT/β-catenin mutations exhibits iso-high intensity by gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI, i.e. EOB-MRI) during the hepatobiliary phase (HBP), thus indicating that EOB-MRI may help clinicians identify an immune exclusion class, which might not respond to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The present study analyzed the effi- cacy of lenvatinib for HCC with iso-high intensity during the HBP of EOB-MRI. Overall, 52 patients who underwent EOB-MRI for 140 HCC nodules were classified into iso-high-intensity and low-intensity groups during the HBP of EOB-MRI. The clinical and histological characteristics, and different responses to treatment of both groups were analyzed. The expression levels of β-catenin and glutamine synthetase, indicative of WNT/β-catenin mutations, were enhanced in the HCC with iso-high-intensity group. Nine patients had iso-high intensity, whereas 43 patients had low intensity. Tumor size was larger, and the levels of antagonist-II or vitamin K absence were higher in the iso-high-intensity group. Furthermore, 3/9 patients in the iso-high-intensity group had objective responses compared with 13/43 patients in the low-intensity group. Disease control was observed in 5/9 patients in the iso-high-intensity group and 26/43 patients in the low-intensity group. Median overall survival was 29.8 months for the iso-high-intensity group compared with 20.8 months for the low-intensity group. In the iso-high-intensity group, the median progression-free survival rate was 6.7 months compared with 5.6 months in the low-intensity group. No differences in best percentage change from baseline tumor size were observed in either group. Although few patients were included in this study, the present findings suggested that the efficacy of lenvatinib was unaffected by signal intensity during the HBP of EOB-MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently been developed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and interferon‐free DAA treatment has improved liver function of HCV patients. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence following HCV eradication has been previously reported, but HCC may have been missed following imaging diagnosis before DAA administration in previous studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify definite predictors of HCC occurrence ≥1 year after DAA treatment. Among 956 patients receiving DAAs for HCV infection, 567 patients who achieved sustained virologic response with no history of HCC treatment were enrolled in this study between September 2014 and July 2021. The incidence of HCC in HCV‐infected patients ≥1 year following DAA treatment, and the predictors contributing to HCC occurrence were identified using clinical characteristics and blood test results. In the present study, 25 patients developed HCC. The incidence of HCC was 1.4%, 3.2%, 4.9% and 6.8% at 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively, from the end of treatment with DAAs. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed serum α‐fetoprotein level at end of treatment (EOT‐AFP) >3.8 ng/ml ≥1 year following treatment with DAAs (HR, 9.7; p <.0001) as an independent factor that may contribute to HCC occurrence following DAA treatment. In conclusion, serum EOT‐AFP level may serve an important role in determining the risk of HCC occurrence ≥1 year after DAA treatment. Regular examinations are required even if serum EOT‐AFP level is low at treatment completion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen isotope stratigraphy and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy in the upper part of the Kiwada Formation, which is part of theKazusa Group in the Boso Peninsula in the central part of the Pacific coast of Japan, were examined to establish a high-resolution age model and estimate the age of the lower part of Pleistocene nannofossil biohorizons in the northwestern Pacific region. The new age model indicates that the upper part of the Kiwada Formation corresponds to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 41 through MIS 36. Two nannofossil biohorizons, the last occurrences of large forms of Gephyrocapsa (>5.5 µm) and Helicosphaera sellii, were recorded in the examined section. The LOof large Gephyrocapsa spp. coincideswith theMIS 37/38 boundary which is 1241.2 ± 0.4 ka. The LOofH. sellii is located in late MIS 40 and has a calculated age of 1291.4 ± 1.4 ka. These biohorizons are traceable even though the LO of H. sellii is a diachronous event. Size variations of Gephyrocapsa from approximately 1250 ka are discussed and fluctuations of small size Gephyrocapsa could represent cyclic changes of the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraconserved regions (UCRs) are 481 genomic sequences with 100% identity across humans, rats, and mice. Increasing evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs transcribed from UCRs are involved in various diseases, especially cancers. The human transformer 2β gene (TRA2B) encodes a UCR (uc.138) that spans exon 2 and its neighboring introns. TRA2B4 RNA is the only transcript that contains the whole exon 2 among five spliced TRA2B RNA variants (TRA2B1-5). TRA2B4 is upregulated in colon cancer cell lines, although it is not translated to Tra2β protein because of its nuclear retention. Nevertheless, the clinical significance and biological functions of uc.138 in colon cancer cells remain unclear. In this study, RNA in situ hybridization showed that TRA2B4 was predominantly overexpressed in the nucleus of colon adenocarcinoma and adenoma. Overexpression of TRA2B4 in colon cancer HCT116 cells promoted cell proliferation by changing the expression of G2/M-related cell cycle regulators. Moreover, TRA2B4 increased migration and cell viability in a uc.138 sequence-dependent manner. TRA2B4 significantly enhanced tumorigenesis in vivo. Taken together, uc.138 encoded in TRA2B4 plays an oncogenic role in tumor progression and may become a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma (ENEC) is an extremely rare type of tumor characterized by a high malignant potential, rapid growth, and poor prognosis. Because the standard therapy for ENEC has been poorly defined, we herein aimed to attain a clear view of the current state of treatment for ENEC by performing a large-scale, multicenter study. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based, retrospective clinical review of 142 patients with ENEC treated at 37 hospitals accredited by the Japan Esophageal Society from January 2010 to December 2015. Results: The most frequent main treatment performed was an operation, followed by chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endoscopic submucosal dissection. Among the 67 patients who underwent surgery, 28 (19.7%) were not accurately diagnosed with NEC or a combined NEC tumor by pretreatment biopsy. The 5-year overall survival rate of all patients was 33.2%. Among patients with Stages III and IV disease, the prognosis was significantly better in patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy than in patients who underwent other treatments. Among patients with Stages I and II disease, however, there was no difference in survival rates between those who underwent surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Conclusions: This nationwide survey is a valuable report of the current status of treatment of ENEC in a limited number of cases experienced at each participating institution. The survival benefit obtained from surgery was considered to be limited, especially for Stages III and IV ENEC. Accurate pretreatment histological diagnosis is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for patients with ENEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meflin (Islr) expression has gained attention as a marker for mesenchymal stem cells, but its function remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the generation of Meflin-CreERT2 mice with CreERT2 inserted under the Meflin gene promoter to label Meflin-expressing cells genetically, thereby enabling their lineages to be traced. We found that in adult mice, Meflin-expressing lineage cells were present in adipose tissue stroma and had differentiated into mature adipocytes. These cells constituted Crown-like structures in the adipose tissue of mice after high-fat diet loading. Cold stimulation led to the differentiation of Meflin-expressing lineage cells into beige adipocytes. Thus, the Meflin-CreERT2 mouse line is a useful new tool for visualizing and tracking the lineage of Meflin-expressing cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined sensory quality changes during the storage of pasteurized drinking yogurt (PDY), and the cause of off-flavor development is unclear. Off-flavors generated during 90-d ambient storage (25 °C) of PDY from reconstituted skim milk were investigated by sensory evaluation, volatile component analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-olfactometry. Rancid off-flavor was induced by increased fatty acid concentration due to fat decomposition by heat-stable lipase. Masking of off-flavors was inhibited by degradation of diacetyl, which originally contributed to yogurt-like flavors. Maillard reaction particular to ambient storage of PDY resulted in changes in the furaneol and sotolon levels, which may be involved in enhancement of off-flavors. Finally, our findings indicated that production of 4-vinylguaiacol may be involved in off-flavor development. The results of this study will contribute to the development of PDY with a longer shelf life and superior flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize next-generation capacitor materials with novel absorption properties under unconventionally severe conditions, the present study estimates the Maxwell-Wagner relaxation via investigation on (Ta+Ga) co-doped rutile-type TiO 2 ceramics with changing the nominal proportions of penta-/tri-valent dopants and sintering temperatures. The key roles of Ta and Ga on resistivities in grains and grain boundaries are clarified by carefully discussing the temperature- and frequency-dependence of permittivity, Cole-Cole plots, and activation energies. It is deduced that a mean free path of charge carriers in grains is longer for a Ta-doped sample than (Ta+Ga) co-doped ones, while Ga-rich samples are more resistive. High-temperature sintering tends to result in less resistive samples due to the generation of oxygen vacancies or more active donor-like defects like Ta5+ and Ti3+ ions. For ideal Maxwell-Wagner properties on rutile-type TiO 2 , it is promising to optimize the conductive-core/insulative-shell structure by manufacturing Ta-rich grains and Ga-rich grain boundaries with low-temperature sintering. • The Maxwell-Wagner behavior of (Ta+Ga)-doped TiO 2 ceramics was systematically investigated. • Ratio of donor-like Ta and acceptor-like Ga are critical on electrical conduction and insulation. • Conductive-core/insulative-shell structure is promising for "dielectric absorbers." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a piezoelectric acoustic sensor that responds to rodents' audible frequency range as a front‐end device for a small hearing prosthesis system appropriate for animal experiments. The proposed piezoelectric transducer uses a biomimetic hearing mechanism that mimics bandpass‐filtering functions realized biologically in the cochlear membranes and hair cells of rodents via a frequency‐selective piezoelectric cantilever beam array that will be used to stimulate auditory neurons in future applications to humans. First, to examine the frequency selectivity and response sensitivity, a piezoelectric acoustic transducer having a cantilever array structure with multiple beams were designed, and the mechanical resonance properties of the sensor‐device structure were analyzed using a numerical calculation method. Next, on the basis of the numerical results, we proposed a practical acoustic sensor design and sensor construction method using a multiple cantilever array structure and piezoelectric material. We built the sensor using standard microfabrication techniques and evaluated its piezoelectric properties in terms of sound sensitivity. Finally, we addressed future applications of an integrated system containing the proposed acoustic sensor, which could be combined with an electrical stimulation system and used as an auditory prosthesis system to compensate hearing losses in rodent models with hearing disorders and diseases. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Boerhaave's syndrome, involving esophagus rupture, is considered a pathological response to vomiting that may occur just before perforation. However, the mechanism of vomiting and occurrence of this disease have not been clearly demonstrated.Methods: We identified patients with esophageal perforation between 1995 and 2017 and reviewed endoscopic findings at retching during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Finally, we proposed a theory for the underlying pathological mechanism.Results: We retrospectively investigated 10 patients with esophageal perforation between 1995 and 2017. All patients presented after vomiting associated with large volumes of food and alcohol intake. Nine were treated by primary closure of the perforation and drainage of the thoracic cavity, and one was conservatively treated. In all cases, the perforations were longitudinal tears (1-4 cm) and located in the left of the esophagus, just above the gastric cardia.Conclusions: We hypothesize that vomiting occurred by retrograde propagation of gastrointestinal motor contraction from the jejunum to the gastric antrum, followed by prolapse of the gastric fornix mucosal into the esophagus. Subsequent esophageal perforation probably resulted from excessive prolapse due to strong contraction and destruction of the muscularis mucosa of the left side of abdominal esophagus, with longitudinal stretching of the whole left esophageal wall due to traction. We also propose that Boerhaave's syndrome is defined as "post-emetic esophageal perforation" to ensure broader recognition and more expedient diagnosis and treatment. Remaining conditions without any definite causes may be labeled "idiopathic" or "spontaneous" rupture of the esophagus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Application of an isolable selenenyl iodide BpqSeI (Bpq denotes 5',5'''-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,6,2'''',6''''-tetra-isopropyl-1,1':3',1'':3'',1''':3''',1''''-quinquephenyl-2''-yl) to selenofunctionalization of alkenes with external oxygen or nitrogen nucleophiles was investigated. In the presence of N-iodosuccinimide as an additive, alcohols, a carboxylic acid, or aromatic amines were smoothly introduced to alkenes to give the corresponding β-oxy or β-amino selenides in moderate to high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non‐bonding electron pair (n‐pair) of heteroatoms and π‐electrons are both efficient halogen bond (XB) acceptors. In solid and gas phase studies, n‐pairs generally prevail over π‐bonding orbitals as XB acceptors, whereas few studies have been conducted regarding the preference in solution phase. Herein, the Povarov reaction via the C−I⋅⋅⋅N XB interaction and [4+2] cycloaddition via the C−I⋅⋅⋅π XB interaction were evaluated, revealing that the n‐pair was more dominant in the XB catalysis system in solution. The XB donor‐catalyzed Povarov reaction gave diverse indolyl‐tetrahydroquinoline derivatives in good yields. Synthesis of indolyl‐quinolines was also developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly developed dinuclear bis(benzylimino)binaphthol (BIB)−Pd complex showed good catalytic activity for the Mannich reaction of aldimines and isatin‐derived ketimines with alkylmalononitriles to give the products in a highly enantioselective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Quadriceps strength is considered a key contributor to performance in various athletic tasks. Yet, past research has reported conflicting results based on population, with little data available in highly trained female athletes. Design: Cross-sectional. Method: To examine how athletic performance relates to quadriceps strength and neural function, we measured the quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction force (MVIC) and rate of force development over 0 to 50 ms (rate of force development [RFD]0−50ms), and various performance measures in 34 highly trained female athletes. Results: Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the quadriceps variables explained 16 of 21 performance variables (R2 =.08–.36, P ≤.10). Squat performance related to RFD0−50ms alone (R2 =.17–.20, P <.05; βRFD = 0.41 to 0.45, P <.05) but only MVIC explained the variance in sprinting and vertical jump performance (R2 =.08–.34, P ≤.10; βMVIC = −0.51 to 0.58, P ≤.10). The broad jump model included both parameters and their interaction (R2 =.20, P =.08; βRFD = 0.06, P =.76; βMVIC = −0.39, P =.03; βRFD×MVIC = −0.24, P =.10). Conclusion: The contribution of the quadriceps MVIC or RFD0–50ms varies in size and nature depending on the task or leg dominance. While quadriceps are significant contributors to performance, because our models leave most of the variance in performance unexplained, rehabilitation and performance professionals should refrain from interpreting peak athletic performance as a reflection of knee-extensors function in highly trained female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scalp arteriovenous malformation is a rare disease. In terms of treatment, surgical removal is often effective and performed. With the development of endovascular treatments, a combination of surgical removal and embolization is now often performed. A 44-year-old man presented with a mass in his left occipital region. Cerebral angiography led to a diagnosis of scalp arteriovenous malformation. Although he had no neurologic deficits, perfusion computed tomography (CT) scan showed a slight decrease in blood flow in the left cerebral hemisphere, which was presumed to have been caused by the scalp arteriovenous malformation. He suffered from a sleep disorder caused by tinnitus, and a discomfort with the lesion itself; therefore, we decided to surgically remove the lesion. To suppress intraoperative bleeding and safely perform the surgery, preoperative embolization was also planned. After treatment, he had no neurologic deficits and the sleep disorder improved. Perfusion CT scan performed after the surgery showed an improvement in cerebral blood flow in the left cerebral hemisphere. Because cerebral blood flow may decrease depending on the progression of the lesion, the cerebral blood flow should be evaluated. Considering the treatment modalities depending on the lesion can provide treatment with less recurrence and higher patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral organic base catalyst with halogen bond donor functionality catalyzed asymmetric Mannich‐type reaction of malononitrile with α‐ketiminoesters to produce α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acid derivatives in good yields with high enantioselectivities. The malononitrile‐derived amino acid was smoothly transformed to chiral aminomalonate without loss of ee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral benzazaborole‐catalyzed regioselective sulfonylations of unprotected carbohydrate derivatives have been developed. This methodology enables direct regioselective functionalization of the secondary OH group in carbohydrate in the presence of the primary OH group. By using the chiral organoboron catalysis, kinetic resolution of the carbohydrate derivatives was also achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many clinicians prefer to treat onychomycosis systemically. However, systemic therapy may not be suitable for all onychomycosis patients due to drug interactions, side effects of oral medications, or comorbidities. Two topical agents (efinaconazole 10%in 2014 and luliconazole 5%in 2016) have recently been approved for treatment of onychomycosis in Japan. We investigated the efficacy of these topical agents at Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan. We conducted a retrospective survey among patients diagnosed with onychomycosis at our outpatient clinic and had been treated with either efinaconazole 10%solution or luliconazole 5%solution. Prior to commencement of treatment, the disease severity was evaluated using the Scoring Clinical Index for Onychomycosis (SCIO). Furthermore, the efficacies of these agents were evaluated using turbidity scoring at each visit to our outpatient clinic. Sixty-two patients (33 men, 29 women) applied efinaconazole 10%solution, and 72 patients (35 men, 37 women) applied luliconazole 5%solution. The mean SCIO scores were 18.1 and 17.4, respectively, and the mean 5-grade evaluation scores were 3.5 and 3.4, respectively. Complete cure rates were 40. 3%(25/62) and 33.3%(24/72), respectively. The mean durations of treatment were 15.4 months and 11.9 months, respectively. There were no serious side effects in either treatment group. There were no significant differences between the two agents in improvement scores as assessed by the Tukey's test. Thus, efinaconazole 10%and luliconazole 5%topical solutions were effective for the treatment of onychomycosis. These topical agents may become important treatment options for this indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A screw pile has higher end bearing capacity than any other straight pipe piles due to its larger helix with respect to central shaft. However, larger helices are not frequently used as it will bend and may reduce the actual bearing capacity of the ground. In the present study, the effect of helix bending deflection on the load settlement behaviour and ultimate bearing capacity is investigated. To achieve the objectives, model scale pile load tests were conducted. The effect of helix bending on the load settlement behaviour at higher stress level was also investigated in this research. The helices with different helix-to-shaft-diameter ratios and thicknesses were used, so that clear difference of deformed and non-deformed screw piles in the load settlement behaviour can be observed. Dry Toyoura sand in dense state was used as a model ground. It is observed from test results that the helix bending deflection starts affecting the load settlement behaviour of the ground if it is more than the critical helix bending deflection. The ratio of critical helix bending deflection to outstand length decreases with increase in helix-to-shaft-diameter ratio, and its relationship is presented in this study. It is also observed that the Roark's formula for flat circular plate having uniform load over a very small circular area with fixed outer edges showed good agreement with the measured helix bending deflection. In order to estimate the optimum helix thickness, the well-agreed equation is also modified with respect to critical helix bending deflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin alpha (rhTM) has been developed as an anticoagulant with anti-inflammatory activity. Notably, acetaminophen (APAP) -induced liver disease (AILI) is caused by direct metabolite-induced hepatotoxicity as well as hepatic hyper-coagulation. To evaluate the utility of anticoagulant for the treatment of AILI, rhTM was administered in a mouse AILI model and liver damage was analyzed. AILI was induced in 8-week-old mice by intraperitoneal injection of APAP. rhTM (20 mg/kg) or placebo was injected at the same time as APAP administration. Serum alanine aminotransferase, fibrin degradation products and high-mobility group box 1 levels were significantly decreased in the rhTM-treated group compared with the control group. Furthermore, rhTM reduced the necrotic area and fibrin deposition in liver sections. rhTM suppressed the mRNA expression of heme oxygenase-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1, tissue factors, and inflammatory cytokines compared with the control group. rhTM did not change the hepatic GSH content at 2 h after APAP injection, but restored them at 4 h after the insult. rhTM ameliorated liver damage in mice with AILI, probably via the improvement in liver perfusion induced by it's anticoagulant acitivity, which can lead to the suppression of secondary liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion process of fluorine (F) atoms on the Si(111)-(7×7) surface is investigated using high-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The kinetic parameters of F hopping agree well with those of the diffusing silicon (Si) atoms, which implies that of all reaction processes, the Si diffusion serves as the rate-determining one. Deposition of Si on the surface is found to enhance F hopping, which supports the above-mentioned observation. Theory reveals that the replacement of F adsorption sites by diffusing Si atoms is the key process in the diffusion mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe retention of hydrogen (H2) bubbles generated by water radiolysis was quantitatively studied in a high-viscous suspension of carbonate slurry consisting of a mixture of suspended solid (SS) of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) precipitates under strongly alkaline conditions, like the radioactive wastes discharged from the coagulation sedimentation (co-precipitation) process at the multinuclide removal equipment in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.The H2 retention properties were evaluated in two types of carbonate slurry with different hydrophilicity: the hydrophilic “current type” and the hydrophobic “return type.” Then, their properties were compared with those in another suspension of clay suspension of bentonite. The hydrophilicity of the surface of the SS particles was evaluated from two different adsorption isotherms of water (H2O) vapor on the surface, as well as those of Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3 particles, simulating the precipitates in the slurry. The H2O molecules were strongly chemically adsorbed on the Mg(OH)2, while they were weakly physically adsorbed on the CaCO3. Since the amount of chemical adsorption on the SS surface of the hydrophilic slurry was almost the same as that on the Mg(OH)2 surface, Mg(OH)2 was found to be dominant on the SS surface.From the comparison between the amounts of chemical adsorption and H2O in the slurry, it was confirmed that H2O molecules must be shared among the SS particles, and this sharing of H2O molecules formed the structural viscosity in the slurry, different from that in the clay suspension where electrostatic bonding between the fine clay minerals forms the viscosity.The retention of H2 bubbles in (by) the slurry was evaluated from the difference in the amount of H2 observed with and without stirring the slurry after 60Co γ irradiation. The observed amount increased linearly with increasing absorbed dose by the slurry to obtain H2 generation yield (G-value): Gtotal (with stirring) and Gstat (without stirring). The Gtotal was independent of the sample height, whereas the Gstat decreased with increasing the height. This indicated that the higher the height, the more difficult it was for H2 bubbles to be released. From the direct observation of H2 bubbles after irradiation, the growth of H2 bubbles with increasing the dose was evaluated to obtain the resisting force of H2 bubbles to the slurry. The H2 bubbles were confirmed to be retained in the slurry because the resistance was lower than the shear strength of the slurry (yield value at rest).The ability of the slurry to retain the H2 bubbles was evaluated from the sample height dependence of the relative G-value, Gstat/Gtotal. The log-log plot of the G-value and height gave a straight line, and the slope of the hydrophilic slurry became larger than that of the hydrophobic one. This difference indicated the effect of structural viscosity, which was observed in the H2 bubble retention in the clay suspension. In addition, the slopes for the hydrophobic slurry and treated water were significantly different, and this indicated the effect of steric hindrance by the SS particles. Therefore, H2 bubbles were retained by not only the structural viscosity but also the steric hindrance in the hydrophilic slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a case study to assess 1) physical and mental changes; 2) self-assessments of symptoms; 3) coping strategies; and 4) adaptation to physical and mental changes by semi-structured interview survey among Vietnamese female migrant workers working in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program. We found they experienced female-specific physical changes, and some interns' symptoms worsened because they did not consult anyone about their symptoms. We propose increasing opportunities to learn about possible physical and mental changes caused by migration and to improve health literacy, including prevention, coping, help-seeking, and consultations about health concerns among female technical interns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current antiviral therapies cannot achieve eradication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can reduce but not eliminate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV infection. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors for HCC development by analyzing nucleoside analogue (NA)-treated patients as a retrospective cohort using fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4 index) as a non-invasive fibrosis marker. A total of 260 patients with HBV receiving NAs without a history of HCC between January 2001 and January 2021 were included in the present study. The incidence of HCC in patients with HBV during NA therapy and the factors contributing to HCC occurrence were identified using clinical characteristics and blood test results. Among the 260 patients, 40 patients (15.4%) developed HCC. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age [hazard ratio (HR), 1.03; P=0.045], male sex (HR, 3.14; P<0.01) and FIB-4 index at 6 months after NA treatment <1.95 (HR, 4.35; P<0.01) correlated with the incidence of HCC. The cumulative incidence of HCC in patients with FIB-4 index at 6 months after NA treatment >1.95 was significantly higher compared with that in patients with FIB-4 index ≤1.95 (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis in patients in which serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level at 6 months after NA treatment was measured showed that FIB-4 index >1.95 (HR, 8.27; P=0.014) and serum AFP level >4 ng/ml (HR, 4.26; P=0.033) contributed to HCC occurrence. FIB-4 index at 6 months after NA treatment and serum AFP levels at 6 months after NA treatment were predictors for the development of HCC in patients with HBV during NA treatment. Further study of hepatocarcinogenesis during NA with a longer follow-up period and larger numbers of participants is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homo‐ and cross‐[4+2] cycloadditions of 2‐alkenylindoles, catalyzed by cationic halogen‐bond donors, were developed. Under mild reaction conditions, 3‐indolyl‐substituted tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields. Experimental and quantum calculation studies revealed that the electrophilic activation of 2‐alkenylindoles was achieved by C−I⋅⋅⋅π halogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homo‐ and cross‐[4+2] cycloadditions of 2‐alkenylindoles, catalyzed by cationic halogen‐bond donors, were developed. Under mild reaction conditions, 3‐indolyl‐substituted tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields. Experimental and quantum calculation studies revealed that the electrophilic activation of 2‐alkenylindoles was achieved by C−I⋅⋅⋅π halogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that assimilation of water temperature measurements by sea turtles into an operational ocean nowcast/forecast system improves representation of mesoscale eddies and front variations in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Confluence region. For a period from August to December in 2009, vertical ranges of the measurements by six turtles covered from surface to maximum 150 m depth, and the number of the measurements in the region was comparable to that of usual sampling by research vehicles and profiling floats. Comparison of the turtle measurements and products of an operational ocean nowcast/forecast system JCOPE2M elucidated low-temperature bias in JCOPE2M due to assimilation of high-resolution satellite sea surface temperature data. Additional assimilation of the turtle data into a modified JCOPE2M system with correction of the low-temperature bias led to reasonable modification of horizontal temperature/salinity gradient associated with northward moving warm core rings separating from the Kuroshio Extension and southward moving the Oyashio water intrusion branches. Effects of the turtle data assimilation propagated to far east of the Kuroshio-Oyashio confluence region along the subarctic boundary and front through advection. Another experiment assimilating the in situ profile data excluding the traditional temperature/salinity profiles data but including only the turtle data showed that the turtle measurements captured the warm core rings better than the Oyashio intrusion branches, suggesting possible optimum design of future ocean observing systems composed of different kinds of animals and/or autonomous underwater vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla f. pubescens) is an abundant but underused biomass, for which measures are required to promote its utilization. To examine whether Moso bamboo extracts can be utilized as natural pesticides for plant protection, the inhibitory effects of various extracts on phytopathogenic bacterial and fungal growth were investigated by in vitro assays. Some ethanol extracts from leaf, branch, outer culm, inner culm, and knot exhibited significant but weak effects of inhibiting the growth of two Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 and Erwinia chrysanthemi) and two fungi (Glomerella cingulata and Trichoderma harzianum), whereas no hot water extract exhibited antimicrobial activities. Super-heated steam (SHS) extracts, particularly extracted from the culm at 210 °C, markedly inhibited the growth of two Gram-negative bacteria (P. syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 and E. chrysanthemi) and three fungi (Botrytis cinerea, G. cingulata, and T. harzianum) compared with ethanol extracts. Compared with bamboo vinegar, SHS extracts exhibited equal antibacterial and strong antifungal activities. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the SHS extract contained acetic acid, propanoic acid, furfural, and small amounts of phenolic compounds (phenol, guaiacol, etc.). An acetic acid dose (approximately 120,000 ppm) equivalent to its concentration (113,327 ppm) in SHS extracts inhibited phytopathogen growth at a level comparable with that of SHS extracts, suggesting that acetic acid is mainly responsible for the antimicrobial activity of SHS extracts. Additionally, pH-increased SHS extracts did not greatly inhibit fungal growth, indicating that the antifungal effects are pH dependent. Thus, it is more effective to use SHS for culm extraction for utilizing Moso bamboo biomass as a natural pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]