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We present an archival Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) study of the cyanide radical (CN) N  = 1 − 0/carbon monoxide (CO) J  = 1 − 0 intensity ratio in nearby (z < 0.05) ultra-luminous and luminous infrared galaxies (U/LIRGs). We identify 16 U/LIRGs that have been observed in both CN and CO lines at ∼500 pc resolution based on 16 different ALMA projects. We measure the (CN bright)/CO and (CN bright)/(CN faint) intensity ratios at an ensemble of molecular clouds scales (CN bright = CN N  = 1 − 0, J  = 3/2 − 1/2; CN faint = CN N  = 1 − 0, J  = 1/2 − 1/2 hyperfine groupings). Our global measured (CN bright)/CO ratios range 0.02–0.15 in LIRGs and 0.08–0.17 in ULIRGs. We attribute the larger spread in LIRGs to the variety of galaxy environments included in our sample. Overall, we find that the (CN bright)/CO ratio is higher in nuclear regions, where the physical and excitation conditions favour increased CN emission relative to the disc regions. 10 out of 11 galaxies which contain well-documented active galactic nuclei show higher ratios in the nucleus compared with the disc. Finally, we measure the median resolved (CN bright)/(CN faint) ratio and use it to estimate the total integrated CN line optical depth in ULIRGs (τ ∼ 0.96) and LIRGs (τ ∼ 0.23). The optical depth difference is likely due to the higher molecular gas surface densities found in the more compact ULIRG systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although palliative radiotherapy for gastric cancer may improve some symptoms, it may also have a negative impact due to its toxicity. We investigated whether symptoms improved after radiotherapy with adjustment for the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) considering that patients with limited survival tend to experience deterioration of symptoms. This study was an exploratory analysis of the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group study (JROSG 17-3). We assessed six symptom scores (nausea, anorexia, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain at the irradiated area and distress) at registration and 2, 4 and 8 weeks thereafter. We tested whether symptoms linearly improved after adjusting for the baseline PPI. Shared parameter models were used to adjust for potential bias in missing data. The present study analysed all 55 patients enrolled in JROSG 17-3. With time from registration as the only explanatory variable in the model, a significant linear decrease was observed in shortness of breath, pain and distress (slopes, −0.26, −0.22 and −0.19, respectively). Given that the interaction terms (i.e. PPI × time) were not significantly associated with symptom scores in any of the six symptoms, only PPI was included as the main effect in the final multivariable models. After adjusting for the PPI, shortness of breath, pain and distress significantly improved (slope, −0.25, −0.19 and −0.17; P < 0.001, 0.002 and 0.047, respectively). An improvement in fatigue and distress was observed only in patients treated with a biologically effective dose ≤14.4 Gy. Shortness of breath, pain and distress improved after radiotherapy. Moreover, a higher PPI was significantly associated with higher symptom scores at all time points, including baseline. In contrast, PPI did not seem to influence the improvement of these symptoms. Regardless of the expected survival, patients receiving radiotherapy for gastric cancer can expect an improvement in shortness of breath, pain and distress over 8 weeks. Multiple-fraction radiotherapy might hamper the improvement in fatigue and distress by its toxicity or treatment burden. • Patients receiving radiotherapy for gastric cancer can expect improvement of symptoms. • Shortness of breath, pain and distress improved after radiotherapy. • Palliative Prognostic Index did not seem to influence the improvement of symptoms. • Multiple-fraction radiotherapy might hamper the improvement in fatigue and distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the post-operative indications for sinonasal topical steroid treatment using a corticosteroid (steroid)-eluting, sinus-bioabsorbable device and its effects in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Method: Post-operative courses were investigated in two groups: group A with patients who underwent sinonasal topical steroid treatment, and group B with control patients who did not. Results: Group A was significantly younger than group B (p < 0.01), and the pre-operative computed tomography score was significantly higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). In the post-operative stage, the nasal symptoms questionnaire component of olfactory loss and the post-operative endoscopic appearance score were significantly worse in group A than in group B (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These data suggest that younger age, more severe rhinosinusitis and post-operative olfactory loss led to the need for sinonasal topical steroid treatment to prevent relapsing inflammation after functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The reliable VLE data for R32/R1123 binary mixtures were measured. • Two recirculation type apparatuses located at different universities were used. • Systematic deviation from the available Helmholtz-type model was observed. • The modified Peng–Robinson equation of state were regressed with the present data. The vapor–liquid equilibrium properties of R32/R1123 binary refrigerant mixtures were precisely determined. Such mixtures have the potential to provide a reduced global warming potential although data regarding their properties is extremely limited, especially with regard to vapor–liquid equilibrium characteristics such as boiling point and dew point pressures, for which no actual experimental data exist. The present study acquired such data by means of two recirculation type apparatuses located at different universities. One apparatus, which was used to measure data in high temperature region, is installed at Toyama Prefectural University and includes an optical cell and two circulation loops with a thermostatted liquid bath. After thermal equilibration, a part of the sample in both loops is sandwiched between two valves and mixed with helium, following which the compositions are determined using gas chromatograpy. The other apparatus, which was for lower temperature region, at Kyushu University, has a similar design. The vapor–liquid equilibrium data were obtained between 300 and 330 K using the apparatus for high temperatures and from 273 to 313 K using the apparatus for low temperatures. These data were compared with predictions from the Helmholtz-type equation of state and a systematic deviation of approximately 1% was observed at low temperatures. A regression analysis using the binary interaction parameter k ij for the modified Peng–Robinson equation of state more accurately reproduced the present measurement results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments of ocean‐bottom pressure gauges (PG) have enabled us to observe various waves including seismic and tsunami waves covering periods of T ∼ 100–103 s. To investigate the quality for broadband observation, this study examined the broadband PG records (sampling rate of 1 Hz) around Japan associated with the 2010 Chile earthquake. We identified three distinct wave trains, attributed to seismic body waves, Rayleigh waves, and tsunamis. Clear dispersive features in the Rayleigh waves and tsunamis were explained by theories of elastic waves and gravity waves. Quantitative comparison between pressure change and nearby seismograms demonstrated the validity of the theoretical relation between pressure p and vertical acceleration az for ∼3 hr from the origin time. We also found a relationship between p and vertical velocity vz holds only at the first P wave arrival, but not for later arrivals. Similar results were confirmed for various earthquakes with different source‐station distances and magnitudes, suggesting the robustness of these relations. The results demonstrate that the high‐sampling rate (≥1 Hz) is necessary to observe seismic‐wave dispersion and PG can record both seismic waves and tsunamis with reasonable quality for waveform analyses, whereas conventional onshore and offshore seismometers or tide gauges can observe either of seismic waves and tsunamis. Utilizing the high‐sampling PG in combination with the seismic and tsunami propagation theory for estimating earthquake source process or analyzing wave propagation processes in the ocean will deepen our geophysical understanding of the solid‐fluid coupled system in the Earth and contribute toward disaster mitigation. Plain Language Summary: Recent developments of offshore ocean‐bottom observation networks have enabled us to use high‐sampling (one or more samples per second) seafloor pressure gauge (PG) data. This study investigated PG records with broadband period range (seconds to hours) around Japan during the 2010 Chile earthquake. We identified a seismic P wave train arriving ∼20–30 min after the focal time. Another seismic wave train due to the surface Rayleigh wave during ∼70–110 min and tsunamis during ∼24–72 hr was also confirmed, which showed a dispersive feature; long‐period waves arrive earlier than short‐period waves. The dispersion theories obtained from the elastic and fluid dynamics thoroughly explained these features. We also compared wave amplitudes between the PG and nearby ocean‐bottom seismometer and confirmed the validity of the relationship between pressure and vertical acceleration and between pressure and vertical velocity. This study demonstrates PG can record both seismic and tsunami signals clearly with reasonable quality, while conventional seismometers or tide gauges can either. Ultrabroadband observation of PG plays an important role in deepening our understanding of geophysical wave propagation processes in the solid‐fluid coupled system in the ocean and enables delivery of essential information for earthquake early warning and disaster mitigation. Key Points: High‐sampling rate is important for pressure gauges to record seismic body waves, Rayleigh waves, and tsunamis and their dispersive featureTheoretical relation between pressure and vertical acceleration (p = ρwΗ0az) is valid for a long time (∼3 hr for the 2010 Chile earthquake)A relationship between pressure and vertical velocity (p = ρwc¯0vz) holds only at the first P wave arrival, but not for later phases [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we define the minimality of a partition for a critical Heegaard surface. The standard minimal genus Heegaard surface of (a closed orientable surface) × S 1 , which is known to be critical, admits a minimal partition. Moreover, we give an example of a critical surface that admits both a minimal partition and a non-minimal partition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dense and widely distributed tsunami observation network installed off northeast Japan detected millimeter‐scale tsunamis from an Mw 6.0 shallow interplate earthquake on 20 August 2016. Based on the fault model deduced from this data set, we obtained a stress drop of 1.5 MPa for this event, similar to those associated with typical interplate earthquakes. The rupture area was unlikely to overlap with regions where slow earthquakes occur, such as low‐frequency‐tremors and very‐low‐frequency‐earthquakes. The results demonstrated that this new network has dramatically increased the detectability of millimeter‐scale tsunamis. Some near‐source stations were contaminated by large pressure offset signals irrelevant to tsunami, and we must therefore be careful when analyzing these data. Nonetheless, the new array enables estimations of the stress drops of moderate offshore earthquakes and can be used to elucidate the spatial variation of mechanical properties along the plate interface with much higher resolution than previously possible. Plain Language Summary: Tsunamis are generated when an earthquake occurs beneath the seafloor. Far fewer tsunami observations have been recorded from moderate earthquakes than large to giant earthquakes because tsunamis created by moderate earthquakes have been too small to be observed. On 20 August 2016, a moderate earthquake occurred off Sanriku, in northeastern Japan, and a tsunami with a height of less than 1 cm was recorded by a new seafloor tsunami observation network. This network has many tsunami sensors distributed much closer to each other and over a much wider area than any other previous network in the world. Using these data, this study estimated the source location and size, and the slip amount of the 2016 earthquake with higher accuracy, which was impossible to achieve from past observations because they were too far away from the earthquake and the signals were too small. Using this source information, we could estimate the stress drop associated with the earthquake, which is important because the stress drop information deepens our understanding of how and why earthquakes happen. Key Points: Millimeter‐scale tsunamis from an Mw 6.0 earthquake were captured by the S‐net, a new nationwide pressure gauge array off Sanriku, JapanTsunami signals were identified from the pressure data adjacent to the source, which were contaminated by signals irrelevant to tsunamisWe inferred the stress drop of the earthquake from the tsunami data more reliably than could be done from seismogram analysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dense and widely distributed tsunami observation network installed off northeast Japan detected millimeter‐scale tsunamis from an Mw 6.0 shallow interplate earthquake on 20 August 2016. Based on the fault model deduced from this data set, we obtained a stress drop of 1.5 MPa for this event, similar to those associated with typical interplate earthquakes. The rupture area was unlikely to overlap with regions where slow earthquakes occur, such as low‐frequency‐tremors and very‐low‐frequency‐earthquakes. The results demonstrated that this new network has dramatically increased the detectability of millimeter‐scale tsunamis. Some near‐source stations were contaminated by large pressure offset signals irrelevant to tsunami, and we must therefore be careful when analyzing these data. Nonetheless, the new array enables estimations of the stress drops of moderate offshore earthquakes and can be used to elucidate the spatial variation of mechanical properties along the plate interface with much higher resolution than previously possible. Plain Language Summary: Tsunamis are generated when an earthquake occurs beneath the seafloor. Far fewer tsunami observations have been recorded from moderate earthquakes than large to giant earthquakes because tsunamis created by moderate earthquakes have been too small to be observed. On 20 August 2016, a moderate earthquake occurred off Sanriku, in northeastern Japan, and a tsunami with a height of less than 1 cm was recorded by a new seafloor tsunami observation network. This network has many tsunami sensors distributed much closer to each other and over a much wider area than any other previous network in the world. Using these data, this study estimated the source location and size, and the slip amount of the 2016 earthquake with higher accuracy, which was impossible to achieve from past observations because they were too far away from the earthquake and the signals were too small. Using this source information, we could estimate the stress drop associated with the earthquake, which is important because the stress drop information deepens our understanding of how and why earthquakes happen. Key Points: Millimeter‐scale tsunamis from an Mw 6.0 earthquake were captured by the S‐net, a new nationwide pressure gauge array off Sanriku, JapanTsunami signals were identified from the pressure data adjacent to the source, which were contaminated by signals irrelevant to tsunamisWe inferred the stress drop of the earthquake from the tsunami data more reliably than could be done from seismogram analysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface chemistry and determining factors of the preferential crystal orientation are discussed through the deposition studies on hydrogenated chlorinated crystalline silicon films by rf plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of a dichlorosilane, SiH2Cl2, and H2 mixture. The growth of randomly oriented crystal Si films occurred from the initial growth stage. On the other hand, the incubation layer of amorphous Si was formed in the initial stage, and subsequently, the growth of (220) preferred crystal orientation proceeded. They are determined by the thermal abstraction of H from the growing surface at substrate temperature above 350 °C. Higher degree of Cl termination was effective in suppressing the oxygen incorporation into the Si network, although it did not contribute directly to the preferred crystal orientation. The insertion of atomic hydrogen to the Si–Si back bond in the subsurface region promoted the SiHClx complex formation, which was the most possible nucleation site for promoting the (220) preferential crystal orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although palliative radiotherapy for gastric cancer may improve some symptoms, it may also have negative impact due to its toxicity. We investigated whether symptoms improved after radiotherapy with adjustment for the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) considering that patients with limited survival tend to experience deterioration of symptoms. This study was an exploratory analysis of a multicenter prospective observational trial (Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group [JROSG] 17-3). We assessed six symptom scores (nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain at the irradiated area, and distress) based on the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory at registration and 2, 4, and 8 weeks thereafter. PPI prediction model contains five independent indicators: palliative performance scale, intake, edema, dyspnea at rest, and delirium. A higher PPI score means worse survival. We tested whether symptoms linearly improved after adjusting for the baseline PPI. Shared parameter models were used to account for potential bias in missing data. The present study analyzed all 55 patients enrolled in JROSG 17-3. The median age was 73 years (range, 50–93 years). The average PPI was 2.9 (95% confidence interval: 2.2–3.6). The median 20 Gy (range, 8–45 Gy) total radiation dose was delivered in a median of 5 fractions. At registration, 27 (49%), 36 (65%), 44 (80%), 38 (69%), 29 (53%) and 44 patients (80%) had nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, and distress, respectively. All six symptoms were evaluable for 48 (87%), 36 (65%), and 28 (51%) patients at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. With time from registration as the only explanatory variable in the model, a significant linear decrease was observed in shortness of breath, pain, and distress (slopes, −0.26, −0.22, and −0.19, respectively). Given that the interaction terms (i.e., PPI × time) were not significantly associated with symptom scores in any of the six symptoms, only PPI was included as the main effect in the final multivariable models. After adjusting for the PPI, shortness of breath, pain, and distress significantly improved (slope, −0.25, −0.19, and −0.17; p < 0.001, 0.002, and 0.047, respectively). Higher PPI scores were associated with higher symptom scores in all six symptoms. Shortness of breath, pain, and distress significantly improved after radiotherapy. Moreover, a higher PPI was significantly associated with higher symptom scores at all time points, including baseline. In contrast, PPI did not seem to influence the improvement of these symptoms. Regardless of the expected survival, patients receiving radiotherapy for gastric cancer can expect improvement in shortness of breath, pain, and distress over 8 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the superiority of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) over conventional external beam radiotherapy (cEBRT) remains controversial for pain palliation, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review of literature was conducted in PubMed on January 22, 2022, which included prospective RCTs published to date. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) RCT comparing SBRT with cEBRT for bone metastases, and (ii) endpoint including pain response. The primary outcome of interest was the overall pain response (OR) rate of bone metastases at 3 months in intention-to-treat analysis. As a subgroup analysis, the analyses on OR were performed in spinal metastases. Pooling of effect sizes across studies was conducted using random-effects models in a meta-analysis of risk ratios. After 1,246 articles were screened, seven articles comprising 964 patients (522 and 442 patients in the SBRT and cEBRT arms, respectively) met the inclusion criteria. The OR rates of bone metastases at 3 months were 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31–60%) and 36% (95% CI, 25–49%) in the SBRT and cEBRT arms, respectively. These studies showed no significant difference between the two groups (risk ratio = 1.19; 95% CI, 0.93–1.53; p = 0.14). In the four studies included for the calculation of OR rates of spinal metastases at 3 months, the SBRT and cEBRT arms included 390 and 307 patients, respectively. The OR rates were 40% (95% CI, 21–62%) and 35% (95% CI, 26–44%) in the SBRT and cEBRT arms, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (risk ratio = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.71–1.84; p = 0.44). The incidence of adverse effects and outcomes of health-related quality of life were comparable between the two arms. The superiority of SBRT for bone metastases and spinal metastases over cEBRT for pain palliation was not confirmed in this meta-analysis. Although SBRT is a standard of care, treatment indications should not be blindly expanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of the prevalence of retro-styloid lymph node metastasis (RSLNM) and associated risk factors may guide the selection criteria of level VIIb for inclusion in the target volume for high-precision radiotherapy (RT). However, data clarifying the selection criteria have not yet been established. We evaluated the prevalence of level VIIb RSLNM and associated risk factors in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC). Two board-certified radiation oncologists with an experience of 15 and 17 years in diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers retrospectively reviewed pretreatment [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) along with contrast-enhanced thin slice CT and magnetic resonance (MR) images of 137 patients pathologically confirmed as having OPC who underwent RT. Observers independently evaluated the images without prior knowledge regarding the clinical information of the patients, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. The location of LN was confirmed on the planning CT images. In addition to RSLNM assessment, which includes the short-axis diameter and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max), long-axis diameter of the largest LN in the upper limit of ipsilateral level II (caudal edge of the C1 lateral process) was recorded. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analyses were made to determine the risk factors of RSLNM. RSLNM was confirmed in 18 (13%) patients. All RSLNMs were located within level VIIb on the planning CT images. The median short-axis diameter and SUV max of RSLNM were 11 mm (range 8–15) and 5.2 (range, 1.9–9.4), respectively. No patients exhibited LNM in contralateral level VIIb. Furthermore, no patients with negative or single ipsilateral cervical LNM had RSLNM. Fisher's exact test revealed that smoking status (p = 0.027), multiple ipsilateral cervical LNM (p = 0.045), and LN ≥ 15 mm in the upper limit of ipsilateral level II (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with RSLNM. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the only factor significantly associated with RSLNM was LN ≥15 mm in the upper limit of ipsilateral level II (odds ratio: 977.297, 95% CI: 57.629–16573.308; p < 0.001). RSLNM is relatively common in patients with OPC with a prevalence rate of approximately 10%. The prevalence of RSLNM in patients with negative or single ipsilateral cervical LNM and contralateral RSLNM is extremely low; therefore, level VIIb can be excluded from the target volume in such patients. LNs ≥ 15 mm in the upper limit of ipsilateral level II is a risk factor for RSLNM. Ipsilateral level VIIb should be included in the target volume for patients with this risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total radiation dose does not predict pain response in conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for bone metastases. By contrast, in radiotherapy for solid painful tumours other than bone metastases, it is unknown whether there is a dose–response relationship. We sought to determine whether a higher total radiation dose predicted a higher pain response rate in palliative radiotherapy for non-bone painful lesions. We carried out a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study. For patients scheduled for radiotherapy for painful tumours, Brief Pain Inventory data were collected at baseline and at 1, 2 and 3 months after the start of radiotherapy. The predictive value of total radiation dose was evaluated using the Fine–Gray model, in which death without a pain response was treated as a competing risk. Of the 203 patients with solid painful tumours, 78 (38%) had non-bone painful lesions. There were no significant differences in pain response rate, the rate of the predominance of non-index pain or reductions in pain interference scores between the patients with non-bone lesions and those with bone metastases. Multivariable analysis showed that total radiation dose was an independent significant predictor of pain response in patients with non-bone painful lesions. This result was not robust to sensitivity analysis with Cox regression analysis. Higher total radiation dose seemed to be associated with a higher rate of pain response in patients with non-bone painful lesions. However, this finding was not robust to sensitivity analysis. Dose–response relationship should be investigated in clinical trials enrolling patients with these kinds of painful tumour. • Relationship between total radiation dose and pain response was investigated. • Patients with non-bone painful lesions and those with bone metastases were analysed. • Higher radiation dose seemed to be associated with higher pain response in the former patients. • Patients with non-bone lesions seem to have derived similar benefits from radiotherapy as patients with bone metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with osteoporotic fractures have an increased risk for secondary fractures. However, a rigorous study that assesses the effectiveness of individual osteoporotic drugs in preventing subsequent fractures is lacking. The purpose of this review was to analyze the effectiveness of anti-osteoporotic drugs in preventing secondary fractures. We searched for randomized controlled trials that showed the incidence of secondary fractures while using anti-osteoporotic drugs (bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, parathyroid hormone (PTH), or calcitonin) in MEDLINE, , and Cochrane Central Register databases. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and numbers needed to treat (NNT) to prevent secondary fractures. Twenty-six studies met our eligibility criteria. There was a significant reduction in RR (0.38-0.77) after the use of anti-osteoporotic drugs for secondary vertebral fractures. Bisphosphonates and PTH significantly reduced the risk of a secondary non-vertebral fracture (RR 0.59 and 0.64). PTH needed the fewest number of patients to be treated to prevent a secondary vertebral fracture (NNT: 56). Our study demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-osteoporotic agents included in our systematic review in preventing secondary vertebral fractures. Bisphosphonates and PTH were most effective in preventing non-vertebral fractures. We suggest that clinicians should prescribe these drugs to prevent secondary vertebral/non-vertebral fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures ( EIMFS) is an infantile epileptic encephalopathy characterized by refractory seizures, severe psychomotor delay, and multiple moving epileptic discharges. The genetic etiology of EIMFS is relatively homogeneous with the majority of causative mutations found in KCNT1. Currently, gene panel or whole-exome sequencing is used for testing. To verify the pathogenicity of a variant, co-segregation of the variant and the disorder in a pedigree is important; hence, de novo mutations that are judged to be deleterious may be considered pathogenic because the patients are isolated. In contrast, in cases from non-consanguineous families, genes that cause disorders in a recessive manner should remain as potential candidates. Herein, we performed gene panel sequencing of a patient with EIMFS from a non-consanguineous family, and found a compound heterozygous constellation consisting of a maternally inherited p. Ser399Leu and a de novo p. Arg880Leu in SLC12A5, which encodes the neuronal KCC2 cotransporter. These unique mutations show gene variants that act in a recessive manner may be pathogenic for patients from non-consanguineous families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-period (<1 s) seismograms are strongly affected by small-scale (<10 km) heterogeneities in the lithosphere. In general, short-period seismograms are analysed based on the statistical method by considering the interaction between seismic waves and randomly distributed small-scale heterogeneities. Statistical properties of the random heterogeneities have been estimated by analysing short-period seismograms. However, generally, the smallscale random heterogeneity is not taken into account for the modelling of long-period (>2 s) seismograms. We found that the energy of the coda of long-period seismograms shows a spatially flat distribution. This phenomenon is well known in short-period seismograms and results from the scattering by small-scale heterogeneities. We estimate the statistical parameters that characterize the small-scale random heterogeneity by modelling the spatiotemporal energy distribution of long-period seismograms. We analyse three moderate-size earthquakes that occurred in southwest Japan. We calculate the spatial distribution of the energy density recorded by a dense seismograph network in Japan at the period bands of 8-16 s, 4-8 s and 2-4 s and model them by using 3-D finite difference (FD) simulations. Compared to conventional methods based on statistical theories, we can calculate more realistic synthetics by using the FD simulation. It is not necessary to assume a uniform background velocity, body or surface waves and scattering properties considered in general scattering theories. By taking the ratio of the energy of the coda area to that of the entire area, we can separately estimate the scattering and the intrinsic absorption effects. Our result reveals the spectrum of the random inhomogeneity in a wide wavenumber range including the intensity around the corner wavenumber as P(m) = 8πε²a³/(1 + a²m²)², where ε = 0.05 and a = 3.1 km, even though past studies analysing higher-frequency records could not detect the corner. Finally, we estimate the intrinsic attenuation by modelling the decay rate of the energy. The method proposed in this study is suitable for quantifying the statistical properties of long-wavelength subsurface random inhomogeneity, which leads the way to characterizing a wider wavenumber range of spectra, including the corner wavenumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 160 gamma-ray pulsars were discovered by the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) since 2008. The most energetic of them, 12 objects with emission above 25 GeV, are suitable candidates for the detection with the current and future Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes above few tens of GeV. We perform an analysis of the Fermi-LAT data of these high-energy pulsars in order to determine if such objects can be detected with the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). Our goal is to forecast the significance of their point source detection with CTA. We analyse 5 yr of the Fermi-LAT data fitting the spectra of each pulsar at energies E > 10 GeV with a power-law function. Assuming no spectral cut-off, we extrapolate the resulting spectra to the very high energy range (VHE, E > 0.1 TeV) and simulate CTA observations of all 12 pulsars with the CTOOLS software package. Using different analysis tools, individual CTA sensitivity curves are independently calculated for each pulsar and cross-checked with the CTOOLS results. Our simulations result in significant CTA detections of up to eight pulsars in 50 h. Observations of the most energetic Fermi pulsars with CTA will shed light on the nature of the high-energy emission of pulsars, clarifying whether the VHE emission detected in the Crab pulsar spectrum is present also in other gamma-ray pulsars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methionine is an indispensable amino acid with an important role as the main methyl donor in cellular metabolism for both fish and mammals. Metabolization of methionine to the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) has consequence for polyamine, carnitine, phospholipid, and creatine synthesis as well as epigenetic modifications such as DNA- and histone tail methylation. Methionine can also be converted to cysteine and contributes as a precursor for taurine and glutathione synthesis. Moreover, methionine is the start codon for every protein being synthetized and thereby serves an important role in initiating translation. Modern salmon feed is dominated by plant ingredients containing less taurine, carnitine, and creatine than animal-based ingredients. This shift results in competition for SAM due to an increasing need to endogenously synthesize associated metabolites. The availability of methionine has profound implications for various metabolic pathways including allosteric regulation. This necessitates a higher nutritional need to meet the requirement as a methyl donor, surpassing the quantities for protein synthesis and growth. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the key metabolic pathways in which methionine plays a central role as methyl donor and unfolds the implications for methylation capacity, metabolism, and overall health particularly emphasizing the development of fatty liver, oxidation, and inflammation when methionine abundance is insufficient focusing on nutrition for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the magnetic phase transition in weak random anisotropy magnets amorphous holmium-iron and erbium-iron thin films. Experimental details; Results and discussion.

The effects of acid or radio-frequency (RF) CF4 plasma pre-treatments before a sputtered titanium carbide (TiC) hard coating thin film were investigated to increase the adhesion strength of TiC on WC-16wt%Co substrate. The arithmetic average roughness (Ra) was 182.5 nm after a 5-min aqua regia treatment at 60 °C and 247.8 nm after 30 min of RF CF4 plasma at a substrate temperature of 500 °C. Chemically bonded cobalt disappeared from the WC-Co substrate surface on treatment with aqua regia for 5 min based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The TiC thin film on substrate with Ra = 150.3 nm after CF4 plasma treatment at 300 °C for 30 min did not delaminate at up to 30 N, in contrast, the substrate with Ra = 182.5 nm after aqua regia treatment at 60 °C for 5 min underwent delamination at below 30 N. The adhesion strength was maximal, with a surface roughness of Ra ≈ 150 nm, with CF4 and aqua regia treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine Mx2 gene sequences were already reported, but further information about the gene properties is not yet available. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the structural properties of the bovine Mx2 gene mainly the promoter region and its possible functional role. If available, such information would help in assessing the functional properties of the gene, which was reported to confer antiviral action against recombinant VSV. Results: Examinations on the bovine genomic BAC clone-confirmed to contain the Mx2 gene-revealed 883-bp sequences. A computer scan unequivocally identified a 788-bp promoter region containing a typical TATA box, three ISREs and other promoter-specific motifs. Comparative analysis of nine bovine genomic DNA samples showed 19 nucleotide substitutions suggesting the existence of five different genotypes in the promoter region. The water buffalo Mx2 promoter region was determined by using primers based on the bovine Mx2 promoter region disclosing 893-bp, with 56 substitutions, two insertions, 9 and 1 nt at two different sites. A functional analysis of the putative ISRE indicated that ISRE played a synergetic role in the activation of bovine Mx2 gene transcription. Conclusion: Bovine and water buffalo Mx2 promoter region was identified disclosing, the conserved ISRE, located in the proximal end of the promoter region like other members of the antiviral family, suggesting functional activity under interferon stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to propose and validate a new clinical score to predict difficult ventilation through a supraglottic airway device.Methods: The score was proposed from our previously reported derivation data, and we prospectively validated the score in 5532 patients from November 2013 to April 2014. Predictive accuracy of the score was compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). We assigned point values to each of the identified four risk factors: male, age >45 yr, short thyromental distance, and limited neck movement, their sum composing the score. The score ranged between 0 and 7 points. The optimal predictive level of the score was determined using ROC curve analysis.Results: The AUC of the score was 0.75 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.84) in the validation data set, and was similar to that in the derivation data set (0.80; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.86). In derivation and validation data sets, the incidence of low risk categories (scores 0-3) was 0.42% vs 0.32% and of high risk categories (scores 4-7) was 3% vs 1.7% respectively. A score 4 or greater is associated with a six to seven fold increased risk of difficult ventilation through a supraglottic airway device.Conclusions: The new score for prediction of difficult ventilation through a supraglottic airway device is easy to perform and reliable, and could help anaesthetists plan for difficult airway management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of a theoretical study of influence of the electron velocity spread and the radial width on the efficiency and mode competition in a 300-kW, 300-GHz gyrotron operating in the TE22,2 mode. This gyrotron was developed for application to collective Thomson scattering diagnostics in the large helical device and 300-kW level high power single TE22,2 mode oscillation has been demonstrated [Yamaguchi et al., J. Instrum. 10, c10002 (2015)]. Effects of a finite voltage rise time corresponding to the real power supply of this gyrotron are also considered. Simulations tracking eight competing modes show that the electron velocity spread and the finite beam width influence not only the efficiency of the gyrotron operation but also the mode competition scenario during the startup phase. A combination of the finite rise time with the electron velocity spread or the finite beam width affects the mode competition scenario. The simulation calculation reproduces the experimental observation of high power single mode oscillation of the TE22,2 mode as the design mode. This gives a theoretical basis of the experimentally obtained high power oscillation with the design mode in a real gyrotron and moreover shows a high power oscillation regime of the design mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous systematic reviews of conventional radiation therapy (RT) for painful bone metastases showed response rates of 72% – 75% for initial RT and 68% for re-irradiation. However, the definition of pain response differed among studies included in these reviews. The International Consensus Pain Response Endpoints (ICPRE) was published in 2002 and revised in 2012 to unify evaluation methods for pain response internationally and has been used in many studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the pain response rates assessed by ICPRE for both initial RT and re-irradiation. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for articles published between 2002 and 2021. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) the study designs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective studies, or studies based on prospectively collected data; and (ii) studies in which pain response was assessed using ICPRE. Our primary outcomes of interest were overall response (OR) rates (sum of complete response rate and partial response rate) for both initial RT and re-irradiation. The following subgroup analyses were performed for OR rates of initial RT: RCT vs. non-randomized studies, with vs. without exclusion criteria for complicated bone metastases, with vs. without eligibility criteria for no change in analgesic use at enrollment, and timing of response assessment (≤1 month vs. >1 month). Random effects logistic models were used to estimate pooled response rates. Of the 6470 articles identified in our database search, 32 and 3 met the inclusion criteria for analysis of initial RT and re-irradiation, respectively. The OR rates of initial RT in evaluable patients (n = 4775) and intent-to-treat patients (n = 6775) were 60.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.2–65.4) and 45.4% (95% CI, 38.7–52.4), respectively. The OR rates of re-irradiation in evaluable patients (n = 733) and intent-to-treat patients (n = 1085) were 70.8% (95% CI, 15.7–96.9) and 62.2% (95% CI, 5.3–98.0), respectively. Subgroup analyses of initial RT showed no significant differences in any of the comparisons, indicating similar response rates across different study designs. We determined the pain response rates of initial RT for painful bone metastases assessed by ICPRE. The OR rate assessed by ICPRE was lower than previously reported. The present review may provide benchmarks for future RCTs and non-randomized studies. Regarding the response rate for re-irradiation, the wide range of the 95% CI warrants that the OR rate based on ICPRE requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the magnetic properties and the microstructure of Nd-Fe-B and Nd-Fe-Co-Ga-B die upset magnets made from amorphous materials. Features of the Nd-Fe-B die upset magnets; Comparison of die upset magnets produced from as-hot-pressed magnets to die upset magnets produced from amorphous materials; Demonstration of the demagnetization curves of these die upset magnets.

Purpose/objective(s): In the largest prospective study to date, we examined the effectiveness of palliative radiation therapy for bleeding gastric cancer, and the association of the biologically effective dose (BED) with survival, bleeding response, or re-bleeding.Materials/methods: We recruited patients with incurable gastric cancer for whom palliative radiation therapy was planned. Eligibility criteria included blood transfusion or hemoglobin levels < 8.0 g/dL. The primary endpoint was the intention-to-treat (ITT) response rate at four weeks. Response entailed all of the following criteria: 1) hemoglobin levels ≥ 8.0 g/dL, 2) seven consecutive days from enrollment to blood sampling without blood transfusion, and 3) no salvage treatment (surgery, endoscopic treatment, transcatheter embolization, or reirradiation) for bleeding gastric cancer. Re-bleeding was defined as the need for blood transfusion or salvage treatment. Response was assessed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after enrollment; re-bleeding was assessed monthly during the 6-month follow-up. Sample size was designed with the probability of obtaining a 90% confidence interval (CI) ≤ ± 15% being set at 0.8, assuming a per-protocol (PP) response rate of 70% at 4 weeks.Results: We enrolled 55 patients from 15 institutions. A median total radiation dose of 20 Gy (range, 8-45 Gy) was delivered in a median of five fractions. Of the 55 patients, 38 responded to treatment; of the 38 responders, 19 (50%) died and 12 (32%) experienced re-bleeding. The ITT response rates were 47%, 53% (95% CI, 39%-66%), and 49% at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. The PP response rates were 55%, 78%, and 90% at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. Restricted mean response and re-bleeding time up to 8 months were 2.3 months and 0.8 months, respectively. The median overall survival was 3.8 months (median follow-up, 12.1 months). The multivariable Cox model showed that neither response (a time-dependent covariate) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.44-2.48) nor BED (alpha/beta = 10) (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95-1.02) were significant predictors of overall survival. The multivariable Fine-Gray model showed that BED was not a significant predictor of response (subdistribution HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99-1.06). The univariable Cox model on transition hazard from response to re-bleeding showed that BED was not significantly associated with re-bleeding (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.92-1.04). Grade 1, 2, 3, and ≥ 4 radiation-related adverse events were reported in 11, 9, 1, and 0 patients, respectively.Conclusion: The PP bleeding response rate increased to 90% during the 8-week follow-up period. The frequent occurrence of death from shortly after enrollment lowered the ITT response rate and shortened the duration of response. BED was not significantly associated with survival, bleeding response, or re-bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the effect of RGD peptides derived from dentine phosphophoryn ( DPP) on odontoblast-like cell in terms of differentiation and mineralization. Methodology Mouse dental papilla cell line ( MDPC-23), a rat odontoblast-like cell line, was used. Briefly, RGD peptides ( RGD-1: SESDNNSSS RGDASYNSDES, RGD-2: ANSESDNNSSS RGDA, RGD-3: S RGDASYNSDESKD) were immobilized onto tissue culture polystyrene dishes ( TCPS) assisted by carbodiimide chemistry. Surface characterization including carboxyl group quantification and amino acid analysis was carried out to ensure the existence of peptides on plates. Cells were inoculated to those peptides-modified and control dishes. Next, cell morphology was observed under phase contrast microscopy; cell numbers were counted manually using a hemocytometer. Furthermore, differentiation was examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity quantification, conventional and real-time RT- PCR. Finally, calcific deposition was observed by alizarin red staining and quantified using the cetylpyridinium chloride extraction method. Differences between the experimental groups and the control group were analysed statistically using one-way anova and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. Results Peptides were immobilized onto TCPS successfully as evidenced by carboxyl group density and amino acid analysis. Cell morphology remained unchanged between peptides-immobilized groups and control, but adhered cell numbers were higher on those peptides-immobilized dishes (significant differences existed between RGD-1-0.5 with control, RGD-2-0.1 with control, and RGD-3-0.5 with control, respectively). RGD-3-0.5 exhibited the highest ALP activity on day 7 ( P < 0.05) and promoted a twofold greater DMP-1 mRNA expression compared to the control on day 10 ( P < 0.05). RGD peptides grafted dishes accelerated the mineralization of cells, amongst the experimental groups tested, RGD-3 groups (comprising RGD-3-0.1 and RGD-3-0.5) had significantly higher amounts of calcific deposition as compared to the control ( P < 0.05). Conclusions RGD peptides originated from DPP especially RGD-3 promoted MDPC-23 differentiation and mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus-related hepatitis, known as lupus hepatitis, is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and is usually subclinical with mild abnormalities of serum liver enzymes. While cases with clinically significant and refractory lupus hepatitis are uncommon, treatment options for lupus hepatitis are to be established. Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old man with progressive lupus hepatitis accompanied by autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Lupus hepatitis of this patient was refractory to tacrolimus, azathioprine and cyclophosphamide, but was successfully treated by mycophenolate mofetil. Mycophenolate mofetil might be an effective therapeutic option for refractory lupus hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of theoretical study of mode competition during the voltage rise of a 300-kW, 300-GHz gyrotron operating in the TE22,2,1 mode. Simulations tracking eight competing modes show that, with a proper choice of the magnetic field, stable excitation of the operating mode can be realized, despite the presence of parasitic modes in the resonator spectrum. A finite voltage rise time, 1 kV/4 ns referred to as the slow voltage rise case, is taken into account to simulate realistically the experimental condition. Simulation results with the finite voltage rise time are in good agreement with the experimental test, in which the gyrotron demonstrated reliable operation at power levels up to 300 kW. Moreover, interesting phenomena are observed. Along with voltage rise, the oscillation manner changes from backward wave oscillation to gyrotron oscillation. In the range of the magnetic field lower than the magnetic field strength at which the TE22,2 mode attains to the maximum power, mode competition with the TE21,2 mode takes place although many other competing modes exist in between the two modes. In addition to the slow voltage rise case, the fast voltage rise case, 10 kV/ 4 ns, and the instant voltage rise case are considered. For these cases, simulations also predict stable oscillation of the TE22,2 mode with the same power level with the slow voltage rise case. This indicates that stable oscillations of the TE22,2 mode can be obtained in a wide range of the voltage rise time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiI 3 single crystals were grown by the physical vapor transport method. The repeated sublimation of the starting material reduced impurities in the BiI 3 single crystal to sub-ppm levels. The detector was fabricated by depositing Au electrodes on both surfaces of the 100-μm-thick BiI 3 single crystal platelet. The resistivity of the BiI 3 single crystal was increased by post-annealing in an iodine atmosphere ( ρ =1.6×10 11 Ω cm). Pulse height spectroscopy measurements showed clear peaks in the energy spectrum of alpha particles or gamma rays. It was estimated that the mobility-lifetime product was μ e τ e =3.4–8.5×10 −6 cm 2 /V and the electron–hole pair creation energy was 5.8 eV. Our results show that BiI 3 single crystals are promising candidates for detectors used in radiographic imaging or gamma ray spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the vector analyzing power A and the tensor analyzing powers A, A, and A in the reaction $\vec d$ d → H at the deuteron energy of 200 MeV are presented over a full angular range in the c.m. frame. The signs of the tensor analyzing powers for forward and backward scattering are found to be sensitive to the D/ S wave ratio in H and in the deuteron. High-precision experimental data are compared with the results of theoretical calculations performed on the basis of the multiple-scatteringmodel by using standard wave functions for the three-nucleon bound states and for the deuteron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal models have been developed for the study of rickettsial pathogenesis. However, to understand what occurs during the natural route of rickettsial transmission via the tick bite, the role of tick saliva should be considered in these models. To address this, we analysed the role of tick saliva in the transmission of Rickettsia conorii ( Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) in a murine host by intradermally (i.d.) inoculating two groups of susceptible C3H/ HeJ mice with this Rickettsia, and infesting one group with nymphal Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ( Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks. Quantification of bacterial loads and mRNA levels of interleukin-1β ( IL-1β), IL-10 and NF-κB was performed in C3H/ HeJ lung samples by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR, respectively. Lung histology was examined to evaluate the pathological manifestations of infection. No statistically significant difference in bacterial load in the lungs of mice was observed between these two groups; however, a statistically significant difference was observed in levels of IL-1β and NF-κB, both of which were higher in the group inoculated with rickettsiae but not infected with ticks. Lung histology in both groups of animals revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells. Overall, this study showed that i.d. inoculation of R. conorii caused infection in the lungs of C3H/ HeJ mice and tick saliva inhibited proinflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult airway practice guidelines include the use of a supraglottic airway device as part of the armamentarium to provide and maintain ventilation and oxygenation. We retrospectively reviewed 14 480 patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent general anaesthesia. We identified 74 (0.5%) patients whose lungs were identified as having been difficult to ventilate via a supraglottic airway device, and 29 (0.2%) patients in whom device placement failed. Multivariate analysis identified four risk factors for difficult ventilation via a supraglottic airway device: male sex ( OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.86, p = 0.02); age > 45 years ( OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.01-2.86, p = 0.04); short thyromental distance ( OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.31-8.17, p < 0.001); and limited neck movement ( OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.02-7.44, p = 0.04). Adverse respiratory events including oxygen desaturation, hypercapnoea, laryngospasm, and bronchospasm occurred in 17 patients (22%). The incidence of difficult ventilation via a supraglottic airway device was 0.5% in a large cohort of South-East Asian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh.) is a perennial woody plant that undergoes a period of dormancy (in cv. Jonathan between late September and mid-December) to survive freezing temperatures of winter. DORMANCY-ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX ( DAM) genes play important roles in the regulation of growth cessation and terminal bud formation in peach. To understand the role of DAM orthologs in apple, we isolated and characterized four DAM-like genes (designated as MdDAMa, MdDAMb, MdDAMc, and MdDAMd) and monitored their expression in apical buds throughout the season by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. The transcription of MdDAMa peaked in October and that of MdDAMc was elevated from August to October, whereas MdDAMb and MdDAMd were practically undetectable. The tandemly arranged genes MdDAMa/ MdDAMb and MdDAMc/ MdDAMd were localized to chromosomes 16 and 8, respectively. Based on these observations, we infer that MdDAMa and MdDAMc acted in a dominant fashion on each locus and were correlated with the period of endodormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloids in deep underground water play an important role in the migration of radionuclides and are of great concern in the safety assessment of the geological disposal of nuclear wastes. Size distribution and elemental compositions of colloids in granitic and sedimentary deep groundwater were determined by flow-field flow fractionation (Fl-FFF) combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Great care was taken to examine colloids over a wide range of size and to detect trace elements associated with them. In the granitic groundwater organic colloids and various inorganic elements were found in limited size ranges. The presence of different types of organic colloids was suggested in this groundwater. Most of the inorganic elements exhibited similar size distributions at ＜10 nm, which largely overlapped with organic colloids rich in fluorophores. In the sedimentary groundwater small organic and probably inorganic colloids were found at ＜5 nm together with larger inorganic colloids. Organic colloids in this groundwater were homogeneous in terms of their sizes and the compositions of chromophores and fluorophores. The size distribution of inorganic elements at ＜10 nm depended on their types, indicating the presence of different host colloidal phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, our hospital started a new system of 100% procedural audit of anaesthesia work, in which we incorporated the reporting of critical incidents. This monitoring of critical incidents has enabled identification of the spectrum of incidents and risk factors and helped in the education of trainees and specialists. In this review, we analyse 379 incidents that had been reported among 44,915 anaesthetics administered in a two-year period. The risk of incidents was higher in patients of lower American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, anaesthesia of long duration and anaesthesia carried out after-hours. The most common incidents were airway problems and drug administration problems. Fifty-nine percent of incidents were evaluated to be preventable and adverse outcomes occurred in 48% of cases. Human factors were the major contributors to incidents. We suggest that incorporating critical incident reporting as part of a 100% procedural audit facilitated, rather than discouraged, the reporting of critical incidents, even though reporting was not anonymous. The rate of incident reporting increased from 0.37% to 0.84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, our hospital started a new system of 100% procedural audit of anaesthesia work, in which we incorporated the reporting of critical incidents. This monitoring of critical incidents has enabled identification of the spectrum of incidents and risk factors and helped in the education of trainees and specialists. In this review, we analyse 379 incidents that had been reported among 44,915 anaesthetics administered in a two-year period. The risk of incidents was higher in patients of lower American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, anaesthesia of long duration and anaesthesia carried out after-hours. The most common incidents were airway problems and drug administration problems. Fifty-nine percent of incidents were evaluated to be preventable and adverse outcomes occurred in 48% of cases. Human factors were the major contributors to incidents. We suggest that incorporating critical incident reporting as part of a 100% procedural audit facilitated, rather than discouraged, the reporting of critical incidents, even though reporting was not anonymous. The rate of incident reporting increased from 0.37% to 0.84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variations in cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) contribute to interindividual variability in the metabolism of therapeutic agents such as clopidogrel. Polymorphisms in CYP2C19 are associated with large interindividual variations in the therapeutic efficacy of clopidogrel. This study evaluated the in vitro oxidation of clopidogrel by 21 CYP2C19 variants harboring amino acid substitutions. These CYP2C19 variants were heterologously expressed in COS-7 cells, and the kinetic parameters of clopidogrel 2-oxidation were estimated. Among the 21 CYP2C19 variants, 12 (that is, CYP2C19.5A, CYP2C19.5B, CYP2C19.6, CYP2C19.8, CYP2C19.9, CYP2C19.10, CYP2C19.14, CYP2C19.16, CYP2C19.19, CYP2C19.22, CYP2C19.24 and CYP2C19.25) showed no or markedly low activity compared with the wild-type protein CYP2C19.1B. This comprehensive in vitro assessment provided insights into the specific metabolic activities of CYP2C19 proteins encoded by variant alleles, and this may to be valuable when interpreting the results of in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Principle and analysis for ellipsometers usable in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region up to about 25 eV, which are consisting of a sample mirror and an inclined photodiode, are described. Our ellipsometer has two degrees of freedom in rotation; the main chamber can rotate around the axis of incidence and, the analyzer unit can also rotate around the axis of reflection. All the unknown parameters (Stokes parameters of the source, ellipsometric parameters of the sample and the polarization sensitivity of the inclined detector) are obtained by rotating the main chamber and analyzer independently and solving the simultaneous equations with the measurands. Measurement results on polarization characteristics of photodiodes, Stokes parameters of the beam emerging from a synchrotron radiation beamline, and optical constants of AlN film are given. It is concluded that the ellipsometer is advantageous in the simplicity and worked as intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of three nucleon force (3NF) have been actively studied via the nucleon-deuteron ( Nd) scattering states. The differential cross sections and the vector analyzing powers A of the H( p, n) inclusive breakup reaction at 170 MeV were measured for the study of 3NF effects in the intermediate energy region. The polarized proton beam of 170 MeV was injected to the deuterated polyethylene (CD) target and the energy of scattered neutrons were measured by using TOF method. The data were compared with the Faddeev calculations based on modern nucleon-nucleon (NN) forces with and without the 3NF. Concerning the differential cross sections, we can see large discrepancies between the data and the calculations in the region of scattered neutron energies are low, which is similar to the results of the H( p, p) inclusive breakup reaction at 250 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]