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Extraction of As(III) from hydrochloric acid solution using various solvents on the basis of ion solvation has been reported, but a theoretical framework to describe the suitability of solvents for extraction has not been systematized. In this study, comprehensive extraction tests for As(III) using a variety of organic solvents were conducted to clarify the requirements for solvents to extract As(III). From the results of initial screening tests, various aromatics, ethers, and ketones were rated as candidates for the extraction of As(III) at high HCl concentrations, whereas aliphatic hydrocarbons were excluded. Many solvents showed high extraction capacity for As(III) to give organic fraction concentrations of 150 mM or higher. The logP value (P = partitioning coefficient between n-octanol and water) within a solvent class showed some correlation with extractability of As(III) but the correlation was invalid across solvent types. High correlation was shown between the Hansen solubility parameters of the solvents and As(III) extractability: Twenty of 22 solvents (90.9%) were appropriately classified as valid or invalid for the extraction of As(III) based on the Hansen sphere. 2-Nonanone was recommended as an ideal solvent for As(III) extraction because of its good balance between high extractability and its desirable physical properties for industrial operations. As(III) was quantitatively stripped from 2-nonanone into water with a concentration factor of 22.6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a double-mass dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) that rapidly reduces the motion of the object to be damped (main system) and converts it to the motion of the DVA. In this way, the DVA attenuates the vibration of the main system. A DVA is usually designed to improve the resonance amplitude and convergence time of the main system vibration, and the kinetic energy of the main system is dissipated as heat in the damping element of the DVA. We describe a novel configuration consisting of two DVAs connected by a spring and an inerter. This new structure enables a rapid response reduction of the main system and residual vibration in the DVA. By tuning the responses of both the main system and the DVA, two vibration modes can be realized: a damping mode and a residual vibration mode. The proposed device is optimized using a genetic algorithm and applied to a bridge to demonstrate its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: With global population aging, the number of older patients with cancer is increasing. However, few data are available on palliative care for these patients.Objectives: To evaluate differences in symptom prevalence and the need for medical interventions among patients of different ages in a palliative care unit.Methods: In this retrospective analysis, a consecutive sample of 1032 terminally ill patients with cancer were categorized into the following age ranges: <70, 70-79, 80-89, and ≥90 years. We evaluated symptom prevalence, the need for palliative medicines, opioid dose on the day before death, and the need for palliative sedation. Trend tests were used to examine whether the prevalence of findings increased or decreased with age.Results: As age increased, significant decreasing trends were observed in the prevalence of pain, dyspnea, fatigue, constipation, nausea, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and dysuria but not in appetite loss, edema, sputum production, or delirium. As age increased, significant decreasing trends were also observed in the need for opioids, benzodiazepines, antiemetics, and anticholinergics. The median opioid doses in the <70, 70-79, 80-89, and ≥90 years age groups were 118, 72, 48, and 48 mg oral morphine equivalents/day, respectively (P < 0.0001). The need for palliative sedation showed a significant decreasing trend as age increased (P < 0.0001).Conclusion: We found age to be inversely related to symptom prevalence and medical interventions among terminally ill patients with cancer, contributing to the understanding of the experience of older patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ternary sodium magnesium bismuthide, NaMgBi, has been synthesized from the constituent metals, and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. NaMgBi crystallizes in a tetragonal PbFCl-type structure corresponding to the space group P4/nmm, where Z = 2, a = 4.7123(4) and c = 7.8158(7) Å. The structure is composed of layers formed by edge-sharing Bi tetrahedra centered with Mg stacked in the c-axis direction, and these layers sandwich the Na atoms. First-principles computations based on density functional theory calculations have verified that the most stable atomic configuration is the one in which the Na and Mg atoms occupy the 2a and 2c sites, respectively. The electrical resistivity measured for a sintered polycrystalline sample of NaMgBi with a relative density of 70% was found to gradually decrease from 868 to 26.4 mΩ cm upon increasing the temperature from 297 to 506 K, and the Seebeck coefficient decreased from 273 to 180 μV K−1 upon increasing the temperature from 298 to 496 K. Electronic structure calculations have revealed that NaMgBi must be a semiconductor with a small band gap of ∼0.1 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southwestern Japan, soil water fluctuations from flooding to drought cause unstable soybean yields. Water table management (WTM) with sub-irrigation/drainage systems will overcome the soybean yield instability by inhibiting these fluctuations. Narrow row cultivation is expected to increase soybean yields. The effects of WTM and row width on soybean growth and yield in this region are not clear. We evaluated the effects of WTM with sub-irrigation/drainage systems and row widths (35 or 70 cm) on the growth and yield of one conventional (tall main stem) and two newly developed (short main stem) soybean cultivars. The WTM consisted of (1) fluctuation of the water table between the natural water table depth and that at 30 cm depth according to the growth stage and weather conditions, especially rainfall events (newly developed); (2) maintaining the water table at a 30 cm constant depth throughout the growth period (recommended in Japan); and (3) the natural water table with an underdrain (control). No significant interaction was observed between the WTM and cultivar or row width treatment, indicating that cultivars and row width treatments responded similarly to WTM. WTM 1 and 2 decreased the soybean yield by approx. 5% when the natural water table depth in control existed at 50–60 cm depths throughout the growing period, indicating that the natural water table depth in control was near optimum for soybean growth and yield. Before performing WTM, therefore, the natural water table depth should be measured and considered. The combination of newly developed cultivars with narrow rows had similar or greater yields than conventional cultivation (cultivar and row width), due mainly to an increase in pods m −2 and a decrease in yield loss without severe lodging. Thus, yield potential in southwestern Japan could be increased by narrow row cultivation, but cultivars with short main stem lengths should be cultivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Corticosteroids are often used to treat fatigue and anorexia, but occasionally produce delirium. Information on the predictors of delirium in corticosteroid-treated cancer patients remains limited. Objective: To identify potential factors predicting the development of delirium in corticosteroid-treated cancer patients. Design: An exploratory, multicenter, prospective, observational study. Setting/Subjects: Inclusion criteria for this study were patients who had metastatic or locally advanced cancer and a fatigue or anorexia intensity score of 4 or more on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale. Measurement: Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the predictors of delirium diagnosed by the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) within three days of initiation of corticosteroids. Results: Among 207 patients administered corticosteroids, 35 (17%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 12%-23%) developed at least one episode of delirium diagnosed by the CAM. Factors predictive of the development of delirium were as follows: Palliative Performance Scale ≤20, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) = 4, the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS) score of drowsiness >1, concurrent opioid use, parenteral hydration volume ≤500 mL, and the absence of lung metastasis. A multivariable analysis identified the independent factors predicting responses as ECOG PS = 4 (odds ratio [OR] 4.0; 95% CI 1.7-9.3), STAS score of drowsiness >1 (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.4-8.2), and concurrent opioid use (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.0-13). Conclusion: Delirium in corticosteroid-treated advanced cancer patients may be predicted by PS, drowsiness, and concurrent opioid use. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although corticosteroids are widely used to relieve anorexia, information regarding the factors predicting responses to corticosteroids remains limited. The purpose of the study is to identify potential factors predicting responses to corticosteroids for anorexia in advanced cancer patients.Methods: Inclusion criteria for this multicenter prospective observational study were patients who had metastatic or locally advanced cancer and had an anorexia intensity score of 4 or more on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the factors predicting ≥2-point reduction in NRS on day 3.Results: Among 180 patients who received corticosteroids, 99 (55 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 47-62 %) had a response with ≥2-point reduction. Factors that significantly predicted responses were Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) > 40 and absence of drowsiness. In addition, factors that tended to be associated with ≥2-point reduction in NRS included PS 0-3, absence of diabetes mellitus, absence of peripheral edema, presence of lung metastasis, absence of peritoneal metastasis, baseline anorexia NRS of >6, presence of pain, and presence of constipation. A multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors predicting responses were PPS of >40 (odds ratio = 2.7 [95 % CI = 1.4-5.2]), absence of drowsiness (2.6 [1.3-5.0]), and baseline NRS of >6 (2.4 [1.1-4.8]).Conclusions: Treatment responses to corticosteroids for anorexia may be predicted by PPS, drowsiness, and baseline symptom intensity. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Although corticosteroids are widely used to relieve cancer-related fatigue (CRF), information regarding the factors predicting responses to corticosteroids remains limited.Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify potential factors predicting responses to corticosteroids for CRF in advanced cancer patients.Methods: Inclusion criteria for this multicenter, prospective, observational study were patients who had metastatic or locally advanced cancer and had a fatigue intensity score of 4 or more on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the factors predicting two-point reduction or more in NRS on day 3.Results: Among 179 patients who received corticosteroids, 86 (48%; 95% CI 41%-56%) had a response with two-point reduction or more. Factors that significantly predicted responses were performance status score of 3 or more, Palliative Performance Scale score more than 40, absence of ascites, absence of drowsiness, absence of depression, serum albumin level greater than 3 mg/dL, serum sodium level greater than 135 mEq/L, and baseline NRS score greater than 5. A multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors predicting responses were baseline NRS score greater than 5 (odds ratio [OR] 6.6, 95% CI 2.8-15.4), Palliative Performance Scale score more than 40 (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.1-9.3), absence of drowsiness (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7-6.9), absence of ascites (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7), and absence of pleural effusion (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-5.0).Conclusion: Treatment responses to corticosteroids for CRF may be predicted by baseline symptom intensity, performance status, drowsiness, and severity of fluid retention symptoms. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a change in learning modalities, which led us to develop a remote personal training system for clinicians performing neuroendovascular procedures. A portable vascular model designed for practicing catheter navigation guidance, thrombus retrieval, and intracranial aneurysm coil embolisation was established. We created an environment that enabled interactive dialogue and communication across long distances using the Internet. The instructor conducted approximately 2 h of hands-on training with two to four trainees at a time. Despite the restrictions enforced by the Government of Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 online hands-on training were successfully conducted throughout Japan over 1 year for a total of 48 trainees. The developed remote training programme, to avoid the aggregation of a large number of trainees at a developed time, proved to be at par with the conventional learning system. The training was well-received since the operation time was longer and the question and answer sessions were more fulfilling compared to the conventional format in which a group of trainees had got a brief opportunity to receive actual hands-on experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral administration of medication is often difficult in terminally ill patients with cancer. These patients require intravenous routes for high-dose opioid administration and/or parenteral nutrition. When the superior vena cava (SVC) is unsuitable for central vein catheter insertion (i.e., in patients with mediastinal masses involving the SVC), alternative access routes are needed. Of these, the femoral vein is most utilized. In our experience, the femoral tunneled catheter (FTC) is easy and safe to use. We retrospectively studied FTC outcomes in terminally ill patients with cancer. Materials and methods: Charts of consecutive patients admitted to the palliative care unit between April 2008 and December 2011 were reviewed. FTC is inserted into the vein by the single-puncture method using a 16-gauge catheter with a 14-gauge peel-away introducer. Results: Eleven patients underwent FTC insertion. In total, there were 207 days of FTC placement; the mean period in place was 19±15 days. Eight patients received parenteral opioid therapy, high doses in four cases, via FTCs. Complications were incidental arterial puncture and poor infusion rate due to hip joint bending in one case each. Neither catheter-related infection nor clinical venous thrombosis occurred. Conclusions: FTCs were successfully inserted, with a low complication rate. FTC, a simple technique, might be an acceptable alternative in selected terminally ill patients with cancer, when SVC insertion is difficult or contraindicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although corticosteroids are commonly used for symptom relief in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, few studies have addressed nationwide physician-reported practices and attitudes toward corticosteroid therapy in palliative care settings. Design and Subjects: To clarify physician-reported practices and attitudes toward corticosteroid therapy for anorexia, fatigue, and dyspnea, a 15-item questionnaire was mailed to all 178 certified palliative care units in Japan. Results: In total, 124 physicians returned questionnaires (response rate of 70%). The median percentage receiving corticosteroids among all terminally ill cancer inpatients was 80% (fatigue, 80%; anorexia, 80%; dyspnea, 80%). Physicians reported varying methods and attitudes regarding corticosteroid use in palliative care settings. Regarding withdrawal when patient death was imminent, 46% of respondents usually abruptly ceased corticosteroid use, while 33% reduced but did not stop administration, and 21% neither stopped nor reduced corticosteroids. As for dosage, 47% of physicians selected a minimum daily dose for fatigue <2 mg, while 51% chose 2-4 mg. As for administration period, 50% started administering corticosteroids for dyspnea regardless of the prognosis, while 30% regarded a predicted survival of less than 3 months to be an indication for corticosteroid treatment. For side effect management, 48% did not principally prescribe corticosteroids for patients with hyperactive delirium, while 44% cautiously prescribed corticosteroids. Conclusion: The use of corticosteroids is very common in Japanese palliative care units, but physicians reported varying practices and attitudes regarding administration protocols. Future studies are needed to determine the standard treatment protocol for corticosteroid use in the terminally ill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Methods: Corticosteroids are commonly used for symptom relief in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Consistent efficacy of corticosteroid treatment in palliative care remains controversial. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was mailed to representative managing physicians in certified palliative care units in Japan to clarify the physician-perceived efficacy of steroid treatment on anorexia, fatigue, and dyspnea in terminal cancer patients, to clarify physicians' experience of side effects of corticosteroid use, and to determine the Japanese palliative care physician-reported predictive factors for efficacy and lack of efficacy. Results and Conclusions: Many Japanese palliative care specialists perceived that corticosteroids are effective for each of the symptoms, are aware of the prevalence and importance of serious adverse effects, and predict the effectiveness of steroid therapy by etiological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Arabidopsis ENHANCER OF SHOOT REGENERATION (ESR)1 and ESR2 genes are thought to play critical roles in in vitro shoot regeneration. In this study, we investigated the functions and expression patterns of ESR1 and ESR2 during shoot regeneration by using their mutants and promoter-reporter systems. Shoot regeneration efficiencies of esr1 esr2 double mutants from hypocotyl explants decreased drastically; although the effects on shoot regeneration of the esr1 single mutation were much less marked than those of the esr2 single mutation, especially from root explants, their effects were additive. We found that ESR1 was initially expressed 1 day after transfer onto shoot-inducing medium (SIM), compared with 4 days for ESR2 expression. These results suggest that the functions of ESR1 and ESR2 in shoot regeneration are not redundant, even though they encode similar transcription factors and the ESR2 gene substituted with an ESR1 coding region complements the esr2 mutation. We also found that ESR1 expression was localized to a small number of cells in the lateral root meristem (LRM)-like structures, and the ESR1-expressing cells appeared to proliferate to form shoot apical meristem (SAM)-like structures. Thus, ESR1 may be involved in the change of LRM to SAM in tissue culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We compared the plant growth, stomatal conductance ( g), leaf water content (LWC), and root length density (RLD) of Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. Sensho (traditional upland), ssp. indica cv. Beodien (traditional upland), and ssp. japonica cv. Koshihikari (improved lowland) under two aerobic rice systems [well-irrigated (WI) and water-saving (WS) treatments]. Irrigation water was applied every 2 days from 21 to 68 days after sowing (DAS) and everyday thereafter in WI treatment and it was applied when soil water potential at 15 cm depth reached −15 kPa from 21 to 68 DAS and every 2 days thereafter in WS treatment to impose repetitive water stress. WS treatment used 35% less water than WI. Leaf area index (LAI) and shoot dry weight (SDW) were the lowest for Koshihikari in both treatments and the ratio of LAI and SDW in WS treatment to that in WI treatment was the lowest in Koshihikari. This indicates that aerobic cultivation was not suitable for Koshihikari even under well-irrigated conditions and that the effect of repetitive water stress was the most serious in Koshihikari. Midday g of Sensho and Beodien in WS treatment were affected by irrigation, whereas that of Koshihikari was low and stable. LWC of Koshihikari was smaller than those of upland genotypes in both treatments. LWC of upland genotypes in WI and WS reached maximum and minimum values at predawn and evening, respectively, and recovered at night, but LWC of Koshihikari in WS treatment did not recover at night. RLD of upland genotypes was higher than that of Koshihikari, but no significant differences were observed among treatments. These results indicate that genotypic difference of physiological traits under aerobic conditions (both WI and WS) was caused by the genotypic difference of water uptake capacity, which can be partly caused by the RLD. In Koshihikari, however, the LWC difference between treatments can not be explained only by the RLD. Further studies will be needed to clarify physiological mechanism responsible for the water uptake capacity of roots in aerobic rice systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine water uptake by rice in water-saving culture, we examined root hydraulic conductance ( L0), plant growth, and root anatomy of three rice genotypes ( Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica cv. Beodien, traditional upland; ssp. japonica cv. Sensho, traditional upland; ssp. japonica cv. Koshihikari, improved lowland) under three water regimes: water-saturated (hydroponic), well-irrigated aerobic (control), and water-saving aerobic in soil. In hydroponic culture, although shoot dry weight (SDW) and root number were the largest in Sensho, root L0 was the highest in Koshihikari. There was no significant relationship between root L0 and SDW in hydroponics, so root L0 might not limit shoot growth under flooding. Root L0 was much less in soil than in hydroponics, and that of Koshihikari was the lowest, especially in water-saving conditions. Root L0 was highly correlated with SDW under water-saving conditions but not in the control, so root L0 limits shoot growth under repeated water stress. Root anatomy was less affected by water regime than root L0 and is genetically controlled. Thus, root L0 may be more affected by water channels than by root anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Arabidopsis Enhancer of Shoot Regeneration 1 (ESR1) gene regulates initiation of in vitro shoot regeneration. In this study, we investigated the transcription-modulating potential of ESR1. ESR1 induced reporter gene expression when overexpressed transiently in Arabidopsis leaf cells. Experiments using a fusion protein with the GAL4 DNA-binding domain located a transactivating domain of ESR1 within the C-terminal region. A nuclear localization signal was also located within the AP2/ERF domain. These results demonstrated that ESR1 functions as a transcriptional activator. Furthermore, we examined whether transcriptional modulation by ESR1 affects the in vitro shoot regeneration efficiency. Overexpression of ESR1 fused with the VP16 transactivating domain enhanced in vitro shoot regeneration as well as overexpressed wild-type ESR1 did, while overexpression of ESR1 fused with a strong repression domain, SRDX, inhibited shoot regeneration. These results suggest that ESR1 induces shoot regeneration through its transactivating ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The stabilization of long-term memories requires de novo protein synthesis. How can proteins, synthesized in the soma, act on specific synapses that participate in a given memory? We studied the dynamics of newly synthesized AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) induced with learning using transgenic mice expressing the GIuR1 subunit fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP-GluR1) under control of the c-fos promoter. We found learning-associated recruitment of newly synthesized GFP-GluR1 selectively to mushroom-type spines in adult hippocampal CA1 neurons 24 hours after fear conditioning. Our results are consistent with a ‘synaptic tagging’ model to allow activated synapses to subsequently capture newly synthesized receptor and also demonstrate a critical functional distinction in the mushroom spines with learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although intravenous midazolam and flunitrazepam are frequently administered for primary insomnia in Japan, there is no empirical study on their efficacy and safety. Design and subjects: To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of midazolam and flunitrazepam, a multicenter retrospective audit study was performed on 104 and 59 patients receiving midazolam and flunitrazepam, respectively, from 18 certified palliative care units. Results: Median administration periods were 6 days and 9 days for midazolam and flunitrazepam, respectively. The median initial and maximum doses were 10 mg per night and 18 mg per night for midazolam, and 2 mg per night and 2 mg per night for flunitrazepam, respectively. There were no significant differences in the efficacy (91% in the midazolam group versus 81% in the flunitrazepam group, p = 0.084), hangover effect (34% versus 19%, p = 0.094), delirium at night (12% versus 10%, p = 1.0) and delirium next morning (11% versus 15%, p = 0.33), treatment withdrawal (4.8% versus 1.7%, p = 0.41), and treatment-related death (0% versus 0%, p = 1.0). Flunitrazepam caused respiratory depression defined as physician or nurses records such as apnea, respiratory arrest, decreased respiratory rate, and respiratory depression significantly more frequently than midazolam (17% versus 3.8%, p = 0.0073). The maximum dose was more highly correlated with the administration period in the midazolam group than in the flunitrazepam group (ρ = 0.52, versus ρ = 0.39), and, for patients treated for 14 days or longer, the daily escalation dose ratio required for maintaining adequate sleep was significantly higher in the midazolam group than in the flunitrazepam group (11% versus 2.6%, p = 0.015). The costs of the initial and maximum administration were significantly higher in the midazolam group than in the flunitrazepam group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Intravenous midazolam and flunitrazepam appeared to be almost equal about efficacy and safety for primary insomnia, but flunitrazepam is less expensive and shows lower risk of tolerance development. A future prospective comparison study is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous late-onset diseases as well as organismal longevity. Nevertheless, the genetic components that affect cellular sensitivity to oxidative stress have not been explored extensively at the genome-wide level in mammals. Here we report an RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that increase resistance to an organic oxidant, tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BHP), in cultured fibroblasts. The loss-of-function screen allowed us to identify several short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that elevated the cellular resistance to tert-BHP. One of these shRNAs strongly protected cells from tert-BHP and H2O2 by specifically reducing the expression of retinol saturase, an enzyme that converts all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) to all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinol. The protective effect was well correlated with the reduction in mRNA level and was observed in both primary fibroblasts and NIH3T3 cells. The results suggest a novel role for retinol saturase in regulating sensitivity to oxidative stress and demonstrate the usefulness of large-scale RNAi screening for elucidating new molecular pathways involved in stress resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case of cerebral infarction with transient cerebral arteriopathy in a 12-year-old female is described. The child showed with an acute onset of left hemiplegia, central facial palsy and aphasia. She was diagnosed with right internal carotid artery obstruction with no predisposing factors for cerebral infarction. A serial MR image and MR spectroscopy of the brain was performed. MR angiography revealed reversible vascular changes in the right middle cerebral artery after several months. The ratio of choline/creatine was elevated and that of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine was depressed in the cerebral lesion, however, they were normalized during the remission phase with long echo time-MR spectroscopy. The elevation of the lactate peak was clarified with short echo time-MR spectroscopy. The longitudinal follow up using MR angiography, and MR spectroscopy with long and short echo time was useful for the evaluation of reversible vascular change with cerebral infarction in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is widely agreed that the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a useful international instrument that encourages and reinforces the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and also that it should be further promoted as a way to fill the gap in energy and GHG efficiency between industrialized and developing countries. A number of problematic issues have become apparent, however, during the past two and a half years of experience with the CDM. This paper identifies some of these and provides possible insights into their nature and possible resolution. While some technical aspects such as baseline setting are crucial and are being resolved gradually through accumulated experience, other political aspects such as the utilization of public funding need more discussion (rather than formal negotiations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rho family GTPases are suggested to be pivotal for growth cone behavior, but regulation of their activities in response to environmental cues remains elusive. Here, we describe roles of STEF and Tiam1, guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rac1, in neurite growth and growth cone remodeling. We reveal that, in primary hippocampal neurons, STEF/Tiam1 are localized within growth cones and essential for formation of growth cone lamellipodia, eventually contributing to neurite growth. Furthermore, experiments using a dominant-negative form demonstrate that STEF/Tiam1 mediate extracellular laminin signals to activate Rac1, promoting neurite growth in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. STEF/Tiam1 are revealed to mediate Cdc42 signal to activate Rac1 during lamellipodial formation. We also show that RhoA inhibits the STEF/Tiam1-Rac1 pathway. These data are used to propose a model that extracellular and intracellular information is integrated by STEF/Tiam1 to modulate the balance of Rho GTPase activities in the growth cone and, consequently, to control growth cone behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The United States' new Global Climate Change initiatives, proposed by the Bush Administration on 14 February 2002, reveal the attitude of the U.S. toward future efforts to address climate change. In this paper, the author clarifies this “attitude” by analyzing the content of these new initiatives, and discusses the inititiatives' theoretical consistency, feasibility, and so on. The examination of these initiatives reveals that—value judgements aside—they contain inherent theoretical inconsistencies. A future challenge for the U.S.'s new climate policy will be to make these initiatives effective by ensuring follow-up actions— something that cannot be realized sufficiently by the current scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assessed the rationality of the "official" reasons why the Bush Administration opposes the Kyoto Protocol and judges the Kyoto Protocol to be "fatally flawed". Most of the reasons why the Bush Administration made this judgment--lack of long-term goals, exclusion of developing countries and lack of linkages between the scientific base and policy--can be dealt with in the process of the development of the Kyoto Protocol much more easily than through the establishment of an alternative from scratch. We find some rationality in the Bush Administration's opposition to the ratification of the Protocol by the United States based on recognition of increases in US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions above the "payable" level, in addition to security concerns involved in purchasing permits from EIT countries. Other stances of the Bush administration, such as devaluing or neglecting the existing international framework which the international community has achieved through a decade of intense negotiations, e.g. the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, may cause delays in addressing climate change issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of an interleaving method in packet voice communications, called packet interleaving, is proposed as a means to reduce speech quality deterioration caused by packet losses. This interleaving method and methods of substituting for missing samples, are evaluated by subjective tests. The results show that the packet interleaving can reduce speech quality degradation significantly if the values of samples which are missing are replaced with the mean values of their adjacent samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Serial study using MR imaging and 1H-MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of unidentified bright objects (UBO) in a 9-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is described. UBO was indicated in the left globus pallidum at 3 years old, then appeared in the right globus pallidum at 5 years old along with left hemiconvulsion. These UBO gradually disappeared over several years. On 1H-MRS, the ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine and that of choline/creatine were each mildly reduced in the UBO. These ratios improved in parallel with disappearance of the UBO. In addition, elevation of the lactate/lipid peak was shown in UBO during the early stage, however, it disappeared in the latter. The longitudinal follow-up using MR image and 1H-MRS was useful for metabolic evaluation of UBO in patients with NF1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective We noticed that the X-ray absorption value of the tip of each microcatheter used for aneurysm treatment varied from product to product. We hypothesized that the differences were caused by variations in the metal's density braid, which could be related to the ability of the tip to retain its shape. Methods The X-ray absorption value of each microcatheter tip was measured. Next, heat forming was performed using a shaping mandrel at 6 mm and 90 degrees to determine whether there was a correlation between the X-ray absorption value and the forming angle. Next, the optimal mandrel angle for forming each microcatheter at 90 degrees was investigated. We also examined the shape retention after 20 times wire insertions into each microcatheter. Conclusion It was found that the higher the X-ray absorption value, the harder it was for the microcatheter to be formed. The mandrel angle required to form 90 degrees was determined by the X-ray absorption value. The higher the X-ray absorption value, the higher the shape retention of the tip shape. The heat formation and shape-retention conditions of the microcatheter tip were correlated with the X-ray absorption value of the metal braid. Even for unknown microcatheters, the optimum shaping conditions can be inferred from the X-ray absorption value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete and secure occlusion of the entire aneurysmal neck remains a problem despite major advances in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms using endovascular coil embolization. Here, we present our initial clinical experience using a novel strategy for endovascular coil embolization involving a microcatheter tip, known as the "Γ (gamma) tip method," and compare the in vitro results of this technique with those of conventional straight microcatheters. The microcatheters were bent at a right angle starting 1–2 mm from the length of the tip using a catheter-shaping mandrel and a hot air gun. The tiny right-angled tip is the "Γ tip." In aneurysm models, we assessed the efficacy of shaping during coil deployment. The Γ-tipped microcatheters demonstrated better movement and oscillation during insertion of the coil into the aneurysm compared with the straight-tipped catheters. Moreover, the Γ-tipped microcatheter provided less coil protrusion into the parent artery and less microcatheter kickback compared with the straight tip. With the Γ-tipped microcatheter, even if the first coil loop migrated into the parent artery, its subsequent dynamic movement routed it back into the aneurysm. The Γ tip method enabled smooth movement of the microcatheter into the aneurysm, demonstrating the safety and security of coil insertion using the Γ tip compared with the conventional straight tip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Various endovascular approaches have been reported for patients with intracranial aneurysms. However, the safety of navigating a microcatheter into the aneurysm remains debatable. In this study, we evaluated a novel method "dunk shot technique," in which a proximal balloon and a local balloon are used for navigation of a microcatheter into an aneurysm under challenging situations. Materials and Methods: We have reported two cases of unruptured internal carotid artery–superior hypothalamic artery aneurysm. An 8-F balloon-attached catheter was used as the guiding catheter. A local balloon catheter for neck remodeling and a microcatheter for coil insertion were navigated around the aneurysmal neck region. When it seemed difficult to navigate a microcatheter into an aneurysm, both the guiding balloon and a local balloon catheter were used for assistance. After inflation of the guiding balloon, the local balloon was inflated partially to negotiate the tip of the microcatheter. Results: The uncontrollable tip of the microcatheter could be intentionally moved by the local balloon. Conclusions: We evaluated the effectiveness of the balloon-assisted technique for the navigation of a microcatheter in cases with challenging anatomy. A little bit of direct effect to the tip of the microcatheter by a local balloon could produce effective outcomes under the proximal flow arrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose In our previous study, we established the utility of 8-F balloon guide catheters for anterior circulation aneurysms. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the proximal flow control method using 8-F balloon guide catheters for coil deployment into the aneurysms as a novel adjunctive technique for aneurysmal coil embolisation along with local balloon neck remodeling, stent assist and double catheter techniques. Materials and methods We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent endovascular coiling of anterior circulation aneurysms between August 2013 and December 2017. Results Of 206 patients enrolled in this study, the balloon of the guiding catheter was inflated to assist coil deployment in 43 patients (20.9%). In addition, the proximal flow control method found utility in cases with small aneurysms and relatively narrow-necked internal carotid artery. We observed no intraprocedural complications in this study. Conclusion This technique enabled secure coil deployment without navigating another microcatheter or balloon catheter around the aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of a flow reversal with two balloons and a filter protection device is one of the safest methods that can be used during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Although major adverse events did not occur under restrict protection, we experienced a case of in-filter thrombus during the procedure. A 68-year-old male presented with temporary right hemiparesis. The radiological examinations revealed 95% stenosis on the origin of the left internal carotid artery (ICA). The patient underwent left CAS of wherein a proximal common carotid artery balloon, an external carotid artery balloon, and a distal ICA filter, with continuous flow reversal to the femoral vein, were used. Although the reversal circulation was established, a massive newly developing thrombus was found in the proximal side of the filter. After an additional systemic heparinization, the thrombus disappeared. The procedure was performed without any complications. Physicians should be aware of the risk of developing intraprocedural thrombosis in a filter protection device. Because the filter protection device is designed for the antegrade flow, it may promote the development of thrombus against the retrograde flow. Thus, the filter protection device should be retrieved first under the flow reversal circumstance to avoid the distal migration of a clot around the filter device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of guiding an intermediate catheter from a new alpha-type guiding catheter placed in the ascending aorta to the carotid artery is evaluated in neuroendovascular treatment in challenging anatomic directions of the guiding catheter, such as the bovine aortic arch and type III aortic arch. The existing 8-Fr guiding catheter was given a strong bending shape at the tip to make it an alpha type. The total length of the catheter was 85 cm. This guiding catheter was inserted into the ascending aorta to verify whether a 6-Fr intermediate or aspiration catheter could be coaxially guided into the right and left internal carotid arteries. A silicone vascular model was used for evaluation and in actual clinical cases. Creating an alpha shape of the catheter at the aortic arch was very easy. The inner catheter could be easily guided from the brachiocephalic artery to the right common carotid artery by pushing the alpha shape guiding catheter toward the aortic valve. The catheter was easily guided into the left common carotid artery when the α-guide was pulled a little bit backward. The 0.071-inch lumen aspiration catheter reached the bilateral middle cerebral arteries. The 8-Fr alpha shape guiding catheter quickly guides the inner catheter into the bovine and the type III aortic arch by looking up from the ascending aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear memory extinction has several characteristic behavioral features, such as spontaneous recovery, renewal, and reinstatement, suggesting that extinction training does not erase the original association between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US). However, it is unclear whether reactivation of the original physical record of memory (i.e., memory trace) is sufficient to produce conditioned fear response after extinction. Here, we performed pharmacogenetic neuronal activation using transgenic mice expressing hM3Dq DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug) under the control of the activity-dependent c-fos gene promoter. Neuronal ensembles activated during fear-conditioned learning were tagged with hM3Dq and subsequently reactivated after extinction training. The mice exhibited significant freezing, even when the fear memory was no longer triggered by external CS, indicating that the artificial reactivation of a specific neuronal ensemble was sufficient to evoke the extinguished fear response. This freezing was not observed in non-fear-conditioned mice expressing hM3dq in the same brain areas. These results directly demonstrated that at least part of the original fear memory trace remains after extinction, and such residual plasticity might reflect the persistent memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendovascular catheterization using fluoroscopy poses the problem to operators and staffs of cumulative radiation exposure. To solve this problem, we are developing a remote-controlled master-slave robot. Because a wire-like elongated treatment device is inserted into a blood vessel using a catheter, the robot requires a sensor to detect the insertion force of the wire. The proposed sensor is integrated into a robot installed in an X-ray fluoroscopy room that is remotely controlled from another room. The features of this sensor include measurement of the insertion force with sufficient accuracy, simple wire attachment, and an inexpensive disposable sensor head, rendering it very suitable for practical application. In this paper, we report on these features, as well as the results of a practical test of the sensor using a cerebrovascular model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptic inputs on dendrites are nonlinearly converted to action potential outputs, yet the spatiotemporal patterns of dendritic activation remain to be elucidated at single-synapse resolution. In rodents, we optically imaged synaptic activities from hundreds of dendritic spines in hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal neurons ex vivo and in vivo. Adjacent spines were frequently synchronized in spontaneously active networks, thereby forming dendritic foci that received locally convergent inputs from presynaptic cell assemblies. This precise subcellular geometry manifested itself during N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent circuit remodeling. Thus, clustered synaptic plasticity is innately programmed to compartmentalize correlated inputs along dendrites and may reify nonlinear synaptic integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do learning and retrieval of a memory activate the same neurons? Does the number of reactivated neurons correlate with memory strength? We developed a transgenic mouse that enables the long-lasting genetic tagging of c-fos-active neurons. We found neurons in the basolateral amygdala that are activated during Pavlovian fear conditioning and are reactivated during memory retrieval. The number of reactivated neurons correlated positively with the behavioral expression of the fear memory, indicating a stable neural correlate of associative memory. The ability to manipulate these neurons genetically should allow a more precise dissection of the molecular mechanisms of memory encoding within a distributed neuronal network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Van der Knaap disease, characterized by megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy and subcortical cysts, is a rare and recently defined condition. We discuss here the MR image (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) features in a 30-year-old man with S93L homozygous mutation in the MLC1 gene. MRI demonstrated high intensity diffuse white matter with T2-weighted image and subcortical cysts in the parietal and temporal lobes and MRS showed mildly reduced N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in areas of severe T2 elongation with a long TE sequence. A peak of lactate/lipid was indicated at a chemical shift of 1.3ppm with a short TE sequence. The peak for myo-inositol was normal in areas of severe and mild T2 elongation with short TE MRS. These findings suggest that demyelination progresses slowly in van der Knaap disease and that MRS with long and short TE is useful for the evaluation of neural metabolization associated with van der Knaap disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case of an 8-year-old girl patient with Moyamoya disease, who was diagnosed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The disease is characterized by the progressive obstruction of the internal carotid artery and the proximal cerebral arteries. The patient was treated by a form of revascular surgery called encephalo-duro-aerterio-myo-synangiosis (EDAMS). It offers information on the vascular change and cerebral metabolites in the patient before and after EDAMS.

Dbl-family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Dbl-GEFs) act as activators of Rho-like small G proteins such as Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA. Recently, some GEFs have been suggested to play important roles in the development of the nervous system. Here, we report a comprehensive expression profile analysis of 20 Dbl-GEFs that have yet to be well investigated. Northern analyses of murine mRNAs from brains of E13, E17, P7 and adult mice revealed expression of 18 out of 20 GEFs in some or all stages. In addition, we found that three human GEFs were highly expressed in the brain. Examination of the spatial expression patterns of five GEFs in embryos or neonatal brain by in situ hybridization revealed distinct patterns for each GEF. Our study reveals the dynamic and coordinated expression profiles of the Dbl-GEFs and provides a basic framework for understanding the function of GEFs in neural development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Advances in techniques of image diagnosis have enabled the detection of minute or small cancer lesions in the stomach. Patients with such cancer, in principle, were treated surgically, but accumulated histopathological data on surgical cancer specimens revealed that many of these patients did not have any metastatic lesions. For those localized cancers, local treatment of primary lesions by endoscopy gives curative results. It has been demonstrated that endoscopic therapy is curative in mucosal well-differentiated adenocarcinoma not more than 20 mm in diameter without ulceration. Efforts to cure early gastric cancer without surgery yielded fruitful results and a new treatment concept was established. Even if there is a recurrence of the residual or metachronous lesions, they can be treated by further endoscopic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Parenteral morphine is widely used for dyspnea of imminently dying cancer patients, but the outcomes to expect over time remain largely unknown. We examined outcomes after the administration of parenteral morphine infusion over 48 h in cancer patients with a poor performance status.Methods: This was a multicenter prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were metastatic/locally advanced cancer, ECOG performance status = 3-4, a dyspnea intensity ≥ 2 on a Support Team Assessment Schedule, Japanese version (STAS-J), and receiving specialized palliative care. After initiating parenteral morphine infusion, we measured dyspnea STAS-J as well as Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS), item 9, and Communication Capacity Scale (CCS), item 4, every 6 h over 48 h.Results: We enrolled 167 patients (median survival = 4 days). The mean age was 70 years, 80 patients (48%) had lung cancer, and 109 (65%) had lung metastases. The mean STAS-J scores decreased from 3.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.0-3.2) at the baseline to 2.1 (95%CI = 1.9-2.2) at 6 h, and remained 1.6-1.8 over 12-48 h. The proportion of patients with dyspnea relief (STAS-J ≤ 1) increased to 39% at 6 h, and ranged between 49 and 61% over 12-48 h. In contrast, up to 6.6 and 20% of patients showed hyperactive delirium (MDAS item 9 ≥ 2) and an inability to communicate (CCS item 4 = 3), respectively, over 48 h.Conclusions: Overall, terminal dyspnea was relatively well controlled with parenteral morphine, though a significant number of patients continued to suffer from dyspnea. Future efforts are needed to improve outcomes following standardized dyspnea treatment using patient-reported outcomes for imminently dying patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variegatic acid is inhibitor of β-hexosaminidase release and TNF-α secretion from RBL-2H3 cells, the inhibitory mechanism involved inhibition of PKCβ. • Anti-inflammatory effect of variegatic acid was studied in RBL-2H3 cells. • Inhibitory effects were observable after the increase of intracellular Ca2+ ion. • It suppressed degranulation & inflammatory cytokine secretion via PKCβ1 inhibition. • Variegatic acid could be a possible candidate for new anti-allergic agent. Variegatic acid, isolated from Tylopilus ballouii dry fruiting bodies, is an inhibitor of β-hexosaminidase release and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, with IC 50 values of 10.4 μM and 16.8 μM, respectively. On the other hand, it inhibits PKCβ1 activity with an IC 50 value of 36.2 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When endovascular clot retrievals are performed using a stent retriever and/or an aspiration catheter, identifying the accurate position of a clot is extremely important for a successful immediate recanalization. Herein, we report a new technique called microcatheter withdrawing angiography, which facilitates the identification of the precise position of a clot. The negative shadow appearance of the clot on angiography was referred to as the actual crab claw sign. When a 0.027-inch microcatheter penetrated the clot after inserting a 0.014-inch microwire, selective angiography was conducted using the microcatheter. Simultaneously, the microcatheter was slowly withdrawn with continuous contrast media injection, while the microwire was kept in the distal vessel. The precise position of the clot was found, which was referred to as the actual crab claw sign. Next, we conducted in vitro and in vivo analyses. The actual crab claw sign could be identified in the vascular model and in actual clinical settings. Therefore the sweet spot of the stent retriever could be set over the clot, and an accurate contact aspiration could be performed using an aspirator. Microcatheter withdrawing angiography can help identify the actual crab claw sign. This technique has a higher success rate and faster recanalization than conventional strategy, particularly in challenging cases of unsuccessful recanalization during the first attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical thrombectomy has been widely used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. During this procedure, operators must navigate the microcatheter with a microguidewire (MGW) into vessels that cannot be visualized on fluoroscopy as rapidly as possible. In this study, we developed a modified pigtail-shaped MGW (MPMGW) for security and controllability. Moreover, the efficacy of the MPMGW for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke was assessed. The MPMGW was designed using 0.014 MGW. Because we created four MPMGWs during a clinical evaluation before the launch in the market, these wires were used in four consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke in the single institution. The occluded arteries were the basilar artery (n = 1), middle cerebral arteries (M1 and M2, n = 2), and internal carotid artery (n = 1). All four procedures were conducted without any complications. The procedures included navigating the MGW and passing it through the clot. Complete recanalization was achieved in all cases. The average time between femoral artery puncture and recanalization was 15 min. The use of the preshaped MPMGW in acute thrombectomy was effective in terms of both security of procedure and reduction in recanalization time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor fever and infection are common febrile etiologies among advanced cancer patients. To date, only few studies have been conducted to differentiate between tumor fever and infections. Objective: This study aimed to identify discriminating factors that provide rapid results and are feasible and minimally invasive for discriminating between tumor fever and infection in advanced cancer patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Advanced cancer patients with clinically diagnosed tumor fever or infection, who received medical treatment from palliative care specialists in 10 nationwide Japanese hospitals, were consecutively identified during August 2012 and November 2014. The symptoms, physical findings, blood test results at baseline and during fever, imaging findings, and sociodemographic factors of these patients were retrospectively extracted. Results: Thirty-three patients with tumor fever and 72 patients with infection were identified. Their mean age was 68.8 years, 68 (64.8%) were men, and the median palliative performance status (PPS) was 50. Statistically significant factors predicting tumor fever by logistic regression analysis were as follows: deterioration of PPS (odds ratio, 0.078), shaking chills during fever (0.067), and change from baseline data of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of ≥5 (0.14). Conclusions: Shaking chills during fever, and changes from baseline of performance status and white blood cell differentiation can be useful to differentiate between tumor fever and infection among advanced cancer patients. Further confirmatory studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]