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Objectives: To evaluate the impact of susceptibility artifacts from hip prosthesis on cancer detection rate (CDR) in prostate MRI. Materials and methods: This three-center retrospective study included prostate MRI studies for patients without known prostate cancer between 2017 and 2021. Exams with hip prosthesis were searched on MRI reports. The degree of susceptibility artifact on diffusion-weighted images was retrospectively categorized into mild, moderate, and severe (> 66%, 33–66%, and < 33% of the prostate volume are evaluable) by blind reviewers. CDR was defined as the number of exams with Gleason score ≥7 detected by MRI (PI-RADS ≥3) divided by the total number of exams. For each artifact grade, control exams without hip prosthesis were matched (1:6 match), and CDR was compared. The degree of CDR reduction was evaluated with ratio, and influential factors were evaluated by expanding the equation. Results: Hip arthroplasty was present in 548 (4.8%) of the 11,319 MRI exams. CDR of the cases and matched control exams for each artifact grade were as follows: mild (n = 238), 0.27 vs 0.25, CDR ratio = 1.09 [95% CI: 0.87–1.37]; moderate (n = 143), 0.18 vs 0.27, CDR ratio = 0.67 [95% CI: 0.46–0.96]; severe (n = 167), 0.22 vs 0.28, CDR ratio = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.59–1.08]. When moderate and severe artifact grades were combined, CDR ratio was 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58–0.93]. CDR reduction was mostly attributed to the increased frequency of PI-RADS 1-2. Conclusion: With moderate to severe susceptibility artifacts from hip prosthesis, CDR was decreased to 74% compared to the matched control. Clinical relevance statement: Moderate to severe susceptibility artifacts from hip prosthesis may cause a non-negligible CDR reduction in prostate MRI. Expanding indications for systematic prostate biopsy may be considered when PI-RADS 1-2 was assigned. Key Points: • We proposed cancer detection rate as a diagnostic performance metric in prostate MRI. • With moderate to severe susceptibility artifacts secondary to hip arthroplasty, cancer detection rate decreased to 74% compared to the matched control. • Expanding indications for systematic prostate biopsy may be considered when PI-RADS 1–2 is assigned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Acneiform rash is frequently observed in patients undergoing cancer treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody drugs and can often necessitate treatment discontinuation. However, the specific changes in skin parameters resulting from anti-EGFR antibody drug administration are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to longitudinally and quantitatively evaluate the changes in skin parameters (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], hydration level, and sebum level) caused by anti-EGFR antibody drugs and investigate their potential as control markers for skin disorders. Methods: This prospective study included 12 patients with colorectal cancer who received anti-EGFR antibody drugs for the first time. The assessment items included the grade of acneiform rash and skin parameters (TEWL, hydration level, and sebum level), which were observed for up to 6 weeks after administration of the medication. Results: The enrolled patients were classified into two groups based on the grade of acneiform rash caused by anti-EGFR antibody drugs: "Grade 1 and lower," and "Grade 2 and higher." The skin parameters were compared between these groups. The results showed that in the "Grade 2 and higher" group, TEWL in the face (at week 2 of administration), chest (baseline, weeks 2 and 6 of administration), and back (at week 2 of administration) were significantly higher than those in the "Grade 1 and lower" group. However, the two groups showed no significant differences in hydration or sebum levels at any time point. Conclusion: TEWL can serve as a marker for acneiform rashes induced by anti-EGFR antibody drugs during cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PET/MRI is a relatively new imaging modality with several advantages over PET/CT that promise to improve imaging of the abdomen and pelvis for specific diagnostic tasks by combining the superior soft tissue characterization of MRI with the functional information acquired from PET. PET/MRI has an established role in staging and response assessment of multiple abdominopelvic malignancies, but the modality is not yet established for non-oncologic conditions of the abdomen and pelvis. In this review, potential applications of PET/MRI for non-oncologic conditions of abdomen and pelvis are outlined, and the available literature is reviewed to highlight promising areas for further research and translation into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacterial blooms are widely known to cause problems in the aquatic environment, and their appearance has become more frequent due to global warming. Microcystis is one of the most widespread and dominant bloom-forming cyanobacterial genera, largely because Microcystis has the ability to control its buoyancy. A buoyancy experiment conducted on Microcystis sp. isolated from cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Senba, Japan, showed that buoyancy could be controlled using a combination of preculture under the dark conditions and the addition of powdered tightly bound extracellular polysaccharides (TB-EPS) and metal cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+). Preculture under the dark conditions, 96 h in length were the most effective treatment to reduce the cellular carbohydrate content of Microcystis and simultaneously increase its buoyancy. The addition of TB-EPS, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions increased the colony size of Microcystis and enhanced buoyancy in precultures under both dark and light conditions. Thus, the buoyancy of Microcystis can be controlled by reducing its cellular carbohydrate content by preculturing it in dark conditions for 96 h and increasing the colony size with the addition of 100 mg l−1 EPS, 80 mg l−1 Ca2+ and 80 mg l−1 Mg2+. This study contributes to establishing a novel removal method for cyanobacterial blooms dominated by Microcystis, especially in water treatment facilities. • Microcystis buoyancy was controlled by decreasing cellular carbohydrate content using preculture under dark conditions. • The addition of TB-EPS, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions increased the colony size of Microcystis and enhanced the buoyancy in precultures under both dark and light conditions. • This represents a novel removal method for cyanobacterial blooms in water treatment facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the inter-observer variability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of prostate lesions measured by 2D-region of interest (ROI) with and without specific measurement instruction. Methods: Forty lesions in 40 patients who underwent prostate MR followed by targeted prostate biopsy were evaluated. A multi-reader study (10 readers) was performed to assess the agreement of ADC values between 2D-ROI without specific instruction and 2D-ROI with specific instruction to place a 9-pixel size 2D-ROI covering the lowest ADC area. The computer script generated multiple overlapping 9-pixel 2D-ROIs within a 3D-ROI encompassing the entire lesion placed by a single reader. The lowest mean ADC values from each 2D-small-ROI were used as reference values. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using the Bland-Altman plot. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was assessed between ADC values measured by 10 readers and the computer-calculated reference values. Results: Ten lesions were benign, 6 were Gleason score 6 prostate carcinoma (PCa), and 24 were clinically significant PCa. The mean±SD ADC reference value by 9-pixel-ROI was 733 ± 186 (10−6 mm2/s). The 95% limits of agreement of ADC values among readers were better with specific instruction (±112) than those without (±205). ICC between reader-measured ADC values and computer-calculated reference values ranged from 0.736–0.949 with specific instruction and 0.349–0.919 without specific instruction. Conclusion: Interobserver agreement of ADC values can be improved by indicating a measurement method (use of a specific ROI size covering the lowest ADC area). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the clinical usefulness among three different semiquantitative computed tomography (CT) severity scoring systems for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods: Two radiologists independently reviewed chest CT images in 108 patients to rate three CT scoring systems (total CT score [TSS], chest CT score [CCTS], and CT severity score [CTSS]). We made a minor modification to CTSS. Quantitative dense area ratio (QDAR: the ratio of lung involvement to lung parenchyma) was calculated using the U-net model. Clinical severity at admission was classified as severe (n = 14) or mild (n = 94). Interobserver agreement, interpretation time, and degree of correlation with clinical severity as well as QDAR were evaluated. Results: Interobserver agreement was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.952–0.970, p < 0.001). Mean interpretation time was significantly longer in CTSS (48.9–80.0 s) than in TSS (25.7–41.7 s, p < 0.001) and CCTS (27.7–39.5 s, p < 0.001). Area under the curve for differentiating clinical severity at admission was 0.855–0.842 in TSS, 0.853–0.850 in CCTS, and 0.853–0.836 in CTSS. All scoring systems correlated with QDAR in the order of CCTS (ρ = 0.443–0.448), TSS (ρ = 0.435–0.437), and CTSS (ρ = 0.415–0.426). Conclusions: All semiquantitative scoring systems demonstrated substantial diagnostic performance for clinical severity at admission with excellent interobserver agreement. Interpretation time was significantly shorter in TSS and CCTS than in CTSS. The correlation between the scoring system and QDAR was highest in CCTS, followed by TSS and CTSS. CCTS appeared to be the most appropriate CT scoring system for clinical practice. Key Points: • Three semiquantitative scoring systems demonstrate substantial accuracy (area under the curve: 0.836–0.855) for diagnosing clinical severity at admission and (area under the curve: 0.786–0.802) for risk of developing critical illness. • Total CT score (TSS) and chest CT score (CCTS) were considered to be more appropriate in terms of clinical usefulness as compared with CT severity score (CTSS), given the shorter interpretation time in TSS and CCTS, and the lowest correlation with quantitative dense area ratio in CTSS. • CCTS is assumed to distinguish subtle from mild lung involvement better than TSS by adopting a 5% threshold in scoring the degree of severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the CT characteristics and detectability of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract.Methods: Between January 2007 and March 2020, 28 patients (mean age: 73 years, 25 male and 3 female) with 29 pure CIS lesions of the upper urinary tract (i.e., without concomitant non-CIS lesion) who underwent nephroureterectomy were identified. The most recent CT scan performed before ureteroscopy, systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or nephroureterectomy was selected for analysis. Twenty-eight patients without upper tract malignancy were selected as a control group. All images were evaluated for presence of upper urinary tract CIS using confidence levels ranging from 1 to 100 by two radiologists. The confidence level of 75 was used as a cutoff threshold for calculating sensitivity and specificity.Results: The median interval between CT scan and nephroureterectomy was 96 days. The number of true-positive lesions (per-lesion sensitivity) was 41% (12/29) and 52% (15/29) by readers 1 and 2. The true-positive lesion appeared as wall thickening in 83% (10/12) by reader 1 and 80% (12/15) by reader 2, and as a mass in 17% (2/12) by reader 1 and 20% (3/15) by reader 2. All mass-forming lesions were located in the renal collecting system. The per-patient sensitivity and specificity were 42% and 100% in reader 1, and 54% and 96% in reader 2.Conclusions: The common abnormal finding of pure CIS in the upper urinary tract was wall thickening. Pure CIS could also appear as a mass-forming lesion when it is located in the renal collecting system.Key Points: • The common abnormal finding of pure CIS in the upper urinary tract is wall thickening. Gradually progressive urothelial wall thickening and/or worsening symptoms should raise the suspicion of CIS. • Pure CIS in the upper urinary tract also appears as a mass-forming lesion when it is located in the renal collecting system. • Hydronephrosis and fat stranding play an auxiliary role in detecting pure CIS in the upper urinary tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe MR features of mucinous tubular spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney that may help differentiate from clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and papillary RCC (pRCC). Methods: 15 MTSCCs were retrospectively evaluated by MR with T2-weighted image without fat suppression (n = 15) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE), fat-suppressed T1-weighted GRE (n = 11). Size-matched ccRCC (n = 30) and pRCC (n = 30) were evaluated as control. T2 ratio was calculated as the signal intensity (SI) ratio of the lesion to the renal cortex on T2W images. Enhancement ratio (ER) was calculated as (SIpost − SIpre)/(SIpre), where SIpre (SIpost) is the SI of the entire lesion on each phase of DCE images. Early nodular enhancement was subjectively evaluated in MTSCC. T2 ratio and ER were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. Results: The mean value of T2 ratio was highest in ccRCC (1.24), followed by MTSCC (1.02), and pRCC (0.84). Difference of T2 ratio was significant between ccRCC and pRCC (p < 0.001), but not between MTSCC and ccRCC (p = 0.4) or between MTSCC and pRCC (p = 0.2). The mean ER of MTSCC, ccRCC and pRCC were 1.33, 1.53 and 0.38 in corticomedullary phase (CMP), 1.60, 1.61 and 0.69 in nephrographic phase (NGP) and 1.79, 1.35 and 0.77 in excretory phase (EP), respectively. ERs were significantly different between MTSCC and pRCC in CMP (p = 0.01), NGP (p = 0.003), and EP (p = 0.002). Early nodular enhancement was observed in 4/11 MTSCC (36%), 17/30 ccRCC (57%), and 2/30 pRCC (7%). Conclusions: MTSCC has distinct MR features that can help differentiate from ccRCC and pRCC. MTSCC enhances more avidly compared to pRCC and shows gradual progressive enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and Objective: Cancer drug treatment is often discontinued because of skin disorder aggravation. However, information on risk factors for skin disorders caused by anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody drugs is limited. The aim of this study was to analyse the factors associated with skin disorders caused by anti‐EGFR antibody drugs and establish a method to minimize such aggravations. Methods: We retrospectively examined 67 colorectal cancer patients treated with anti‐EGFR antibody drugs for the first time. Results and discussion: A higher proportion of males than females experienced drug withdrawal, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed body weight as a risk factor affecting drug withdrawal, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation because of an acneiform rash. An examination of methods to avoid the aggravation of skin disorders revealed the acneiform rash grade in patients who received prophylactic minocycline was significantly lower than that in patients who did not receive prophylactic minocycline. Furthermore, among patients with grade 1 acneiform rash at the initiation of minocycline, the proportion of those who withdrew, required dose reduction or discontinued treatment was lower than that among patients with grade 2 acneiform rash. What is new and Conclusion: High body weight was identified as a novel factor for skin disorder aggravation caused by anti‐EGFR antibody drugs. The aggravation of skin disorders during cancer treatment with anti‐EGFR antibody drugs can potentially be avoided by carefully observing the onset of acneiform rash in affected patients with high body weight and using minocycline prophylactically or as an early‐stage intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of extraction process on Cs isotope ratios was investigated by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) for nitric-acid (HNO3) treatments of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident-contaminated soil samples. In contrast to the consistent TIMS results for conc. HNO3 treatments at 90–200 °C, dilute HNO3 treatment provided a statistically significant 3.0‰-higher 135Cs/137Cs average isotope ratio than the conc. HNO3 treatment conducted at the same temperature. The higher isotope ratio is caused by a specific extraction process making detectable the deviated distribution of Cs isotopes in clay minerals or leading to matrix effects responsible for instrumental mass bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An elastic layer plays an important role in deformation of the crust. At active volcanoes, its thickness would be effectively thinned by a higher geothermal gradient, particularly in a region beneath which magmatic activity is relatively high. This study examines the influence of elastic thickness non-uniformity on viscoelastic crustal deformation by magma emplacement. A 3-D linear Maxwell viscoelastic model is employed, in which an elastic layer underlain by a viscoelastic layer with a spatially uniform viscosity is thinned to be hi in the volcano centre, compared with hi + Δh in the peripheral regions, and a sill-like magma emplacement occurs in the upper layer beneath the centre. It is found that the post-emplacement viscoelastic subsidence is diminished or enhanced by the elastic thickness non-uniformity, depending on whether or not the horizontal width of the magma emplacement (ωs) is greater than the horizontal width (ωe) over which the elastic layer is thinner. The available signature of the non-uniformity is explored by comparison with a model that has a spatially uniform elastic thickness (UET) of hi. If an apparent viscosity (ηa) of the UET model is adjusted so that the difference in post-emplacement subsidence is minimized at the deformation centre, the non-uniformity appears in the overall deformation field as a displacement anomaly over the perimeter of the sill in which viscoelastic subsidence is greater for the non-uniform model. The anomaly is, however, by no more than the magnitude of ∼15 per cent of the maximal syn-emplacement uplift, though ηa is necessarily modified to be ∼0.2–10 times the non-uniform model viscosity (ηc). If ωe is larger than a few times ωs , a weak signature is no longer expected in the deformation field, and ηa is not significantly deviated from ηc. Since the signature appears so faintly in a displacement field, the InSAR data in the Kutcharo caldera for a period from 1993 August 13 to 1998 June 9 do not allow us to capture the non-uniformity. However, it can be concluded that if ωe beneath the caldera is comparable with or greater than the topographic caldera diameter (ωc) as implied by the spatial variation of the geothermal gradient, the non-uniformity has no significant influence. Otherwise, if ωe < ωc , the non-uniformity influences the estimation of the crustal viscosity, but does not affect the overall deformation field. The elastic thickness non-uniformity can be theoretically captured in the deformation field, but in practice, its influence, particularly on estimating crustal viscosity, cannot be properly inferred without other geophysical data such as the geothermal gradient in and around the caldera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between imperceptible T1 enhancement of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) on MR and intratumoral hemosiderin deposition. Methods: One hundred ten pRCCs (≤ 7 cm) were evaluated by MR with in- and opposed-phase spoiled gradient echo (GRE) and T1-weighted spoiled GRE with fat suppression before and after contrast. Hemosiderin deposition was assessed by SIindex and Dindex on in- and opposed-phase images. SIindex and Dindex are calculated as (SIin − SIopp)/(SIin) × 100, where SIin and SIopp are tumor signal intensities on in- and opposed-phase images and (Din)/(Dopp), where Din and Dopp are tumor diameters on in- and opposed-phase images, respectively. The degree of tumor enhancement was classified as grade 1 (no), grade 2 (subtle), or grade 3 (definite). Tumor enhancement on CT was assessed when available. Results: Five (5%), 10 (9%), and 95 (86%) tumors were categorized as grades 1, 2, and 3 enhancement, respectively. The mean SIindex was − 33.9, − 25.3, and 1.00, whereas the mean Dindex was 1.26, 1.05, and 1.00 in tumors with grades 1, 2, and 3 enhancement, respectively. Tumors with grade 1 enhancement had significantly lower SIindex (p = 0.001) and higher Dindex (p = 0.005) than those with grade 3 enhancement. Among six tumors with grade 1 or 2 enhancement and available CT, four tumors showed > 20 HU enhancement. Conclusions: pRCC with no subjective enhancement on contrast-enhanced MR showed hemosiderin deposition evident by lower SIindex and higher Dindex. Hemosiderin deposition might mask the tumor enhancement on MR. Key Points: • 5% of papillary renal cell carcinoma showed imperceptible enhancement on contrast-enhanced MR. • Hemosiderin deposition in papillary renal cell carcinoma might mask the tumor enhancement on contrast-enhanced MR due to T2/T2*-shortening effects. • A renal lesion with extensive hemosiderin deposition but no perceptible enhancement on MR should be considered suspicious for papillary renal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method based on dispersive microsolid phase extraction using graphene oxide (GO) as a solid adsorbent and total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry is proposed for trace determination of uranium. In the developed methodology, a suspension of GO was injected into uranium‐spiked multielement solutions including rubidium; after filtration, the membrane filter with collected GO was placed in a small volume of internal standard acid solution and the eluent containing uranium was deposited onto a fluorine resin‐coated slide glass, which is a disposable sample stage. Using GO was effective for removal of rubidium from the measurement solution to avoid interference between Rb Kα peak and U Lα peak. The high enrichment factor of 150 enables obtaining uranium detection limits of 0.042, 0.087, and 0.12 μg L−1 for ionic strength of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mol L−1, respectively. Such low detection limits were obtained by using a benchtop TXRF spectrometer with 5‐min measurement. The proposed method is suitable for trace uranium determination in water, including high salinity samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, local electronic structures of steps and terraces on rutile TiO2 single crystal faces were studied by second harmonic and sum frequency generation (SHG/SFG) spectroscopy. We attained selective measurement of the local electronic states of the step bunches formed on the vicinal (17 18 1) and (15 13 0) surfaces using a recently developed step-selective probing technique. The electronic structures of the flat (110)-(1×1) (the terrace face of the vicinal surfaces) and (011)-(2×1) surfaces were also discussed. The SHG/SFG spectra showed that step structures are mainly responsible for the formation of trap states, since significant resonances from the trap states were observed only from the vicinal surfaces. We detected deep hole trap (DHT) states and shallow electron trap (SET) states selectively from the step bunches on the vicinal surfaces. Detailed analysis of the SHG/SFG spectra showed that the DHT and SET states are more likely to be induced at the top edges of the step bunches than on their hillsides. Unlike the SET states, the DHT states were observed only at the step bunches parallel to [formula] [equivalent to the step bunches formed on the (17 18 1) surface]. Photocatalytic activity for each TiO2 sample was also measured through methylene blue photodegradation reactions and was found to follow the sequence: (110) < (17 18 1) < (15 13 0) < (011), indicating that steps along [0 0 1] are more reactive than steps along [formula]. This result implies that the presence of the DHT states observed from the step bunches parallel to [formula] did not effectively contribute to the methylene blue photodegradation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the crystal orientations and the residual stresses of diamond films produced by acetylene-oxygen combustion-flame method. Components of the total residual stresses of diamond film on a substrate; Presence of anisotropic stresses in the crystals; Results of the investigation.

Given the growing interest in using proton beam therapy (PBT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is possible that transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) could be used for selected patients who have previously undergone PBT. However, these cases can be technically challenging to treat and require appropriate preparation. Thus, we aimed to identify angiographic findings in this setting. We retrospectively identified 31 patients (28 men and 3 women, mean age: 69 years, range: 43–84 years) who underwent hepatic angiography plus TACE or transarterial infusion chemotherapy (TAI) for HCC that recurred after PBT (July 2007 to June 2018). We discovered four angiographic findings, which we speculate were related to the previous PBT. 18 patients experienced recurrence in the irradiated field, and 13 patients experienced recurrence outside the irradiated field. 29 patients underwent TACE and only 2 patients underwent TAI. The mean number of previous PBT treatments was 1.3 ± 0.6 (range: 1–4). The median interval from the earliest PBT treatment to hepatic angiography was 559 days (range: 34–5,383 days), and the median interval from the latest PBT treatment to hepatic angiography was 464 days (range: 34–5,383 days). Abnormal staining of the irradiated liver parenchyma was observed in 22 patients, which obscured the angiographic tumor staining in 4 patients. Development of a tortuous tumor feeder vessel was observed in 13 patients. Development of an extrahepatic collateral pathway was observed in 7 patients. Development of an arterioportal or arteriovenous shunt was observed in 4 patients. Based on these findings, we conclude that PBT was associated with various angiographic findings during subsequent transarterial chemotherapy for recurrent HCC, and familiarity with these findings will be important in developing appropriate treatment plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microstructural and mass transport properties of compacted Na- and Cs-montmorillonites (Na-MMT and Cs-MMT) with different swelling properties at dry densities of 0.8 and 1.25 Mg m−3 were investigated by combining three-dimensional microstructure analysis using nanofocus X-ray computed tomography (CT), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and through diffusion measurement of deuterated water (HDO). The X-ray CT and XRD observations indicated that macropores (micrometer- and submicrometer-sized pores) in the dry state of compacted Na-MMT are filled with gel phases, and the grain sizes of clay particles shifted toward smaller values through the saturation and swelling processes. By contrast, no gel phase and no decrease in the grain and pore volumes were observed for saturated Cs-MMT. The D e of HDO of Na-MMT was reduced by half compared to that of Cs-MMT owing to the high swelling capacity of Na-MMT and the occupation of macropores with gel phases. The geometrical factors of the macropores, including tortuosity (τ) and geometric constrictivity (δ g), in the dry and saturated states of compacted Na-MMT and Cs-MMT were estimated from three-dimensional images of the macropores (and gel phases in saturated Na-MMT) and from the results of their statistical analysis. The estimated geometric factor (δ g /τ 2) of saturated Cs-MMT was consistent with the corresponding D e / εD 0 values derived in the HDO diffusion experiment. In the case of Na-MMT, the larger differences between the geometric factors (δ g /τ 2) evaluated by nanofocus X-ray CT and the D e / εD 0 values derived by the diffusion tests can be explained by the electrostatic constrictivity factor and the additional geometrical factors in gel phase and interlayer that are smaller than the detection limit of the nanofocus X-ray CT. Highlights • Microstructural and diffusion properties of compacted Na- and Cs-montmorillonites. • Three-dimensional microstructure analysis using nanofocus X-ray CT. • Geometric factors of the macropores, including tortuosity and constrictivity. • Comparison of geometric factors from diffusion test and X-ray CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate the velocity structures of P (Vp) and S waves (Vs) in southern Hokkaido, Japan, where a large number of crustal low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs) have occurred. To investigate the relationship between structure and crustal seismicity, we compare the obtained velocity heterogeneity between the crustal LFE regions, which are characterized by active volcanoes, Quaternary volcanoes, and seismic swarms. The tomographic results show that low‐velocity zones (LVZs) with high Vp/Vs are located around the Moho discontinuity beneath active volcanoes, and the LVZs extend horizontally from beneath the active volcanoes to other LFE regions. In southern Hokkaido, crustal LFEs also appear inside and below the upper crust as well as around the Moho discontinuity. These intermediate‐depth and deep LFEs are located around the LVZs with a high Vp/Vs ratio, indicating the contribution of partial melt to the LFEs genesis, even at a distance from the active volcanoes. At intermediate depths of the crust, LFEs are distributed even in the high‐velocity zones, adjacent to the LVZs. This indicates that the partial melt migrations within the crust affect the activity of LFE at the intermediate depths. Below the seismic swarms in the upper crust, LVZs with crustal LFEs are distributed, probably owing to upward migrations of fluid originating from the solidification of the partial melt; this indicates a link between the shallow and deep crustal seismicity in southern Hokkaido. Key Points: Constructing detailed P and S wave velocity structures in southern Hokkaido, JapanPartial melt and their movement are related to the genesis of crustal low‐frequency earthquakesShallow and deep crustal seismicity are linked through fluid and melt migrations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2018 Hokkaido Iburi Eastern Earthquake on 9 September 2018 was an inland moderate-sized Mw6.6 earthquake. This Mw6.6 earthquake demonstrated that even a moderate-sized earthquake can halt social activity in Japan, which is equipped with advanced earthquake disaster countermeasures. JMA Japan Metrological Agency GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System ETAS Epidemic type aftershock sequences PGA Peak ground acceleration PGV Peak ground velocity Qs S-wave attenuation Qp P-wave attenuation SAR Synthetic aperture radar InSAR Interferometric SAR Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

The temporal seismicity change in two seismically active zones around Hokkaido, northern Japan was investigated using the statistical estimate of the seismicity level (SESL’09) procedure. Hypocenter data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency from 1960 to 2013 were analyzed. The seismicity of two geographically different zones, formed by Pacific Plate subduction and Amurian Plate convergence, showed different statistical characteristics. Low cross-correlation values between the two zones also suggest independent seismic processes for each area. However, an anomalously high cross-correlation period was identified from 1996 to 2000, with a time lag of 8 weeks. A 6-month seismic quiescence period before the strongest Hokkaido Toho-Oki Earthquake (4 October 1994, Mj 8.2) was observed on the Pacific side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to establish a combined ALI and radiologic risk prediction model for disease exacerbation. The present study included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in our single institution from March to October 2020. Patients without clinical information and/or chest computed tomography (CT) upon admission were excluded. A radiologist assessed the CT severity score and abnormality on chest radiograph. The combined ALI and radiologic risk prediction model was developed via random forest classification. Among 79 patients (age, 43±19 years; male/female, 45:34), 72 experienced improvement and seven patients experienced exacerbation after admission. Significant differences were observed between the improved and exacerbated groups in the ALI (median, 47.6 vs. 13.2; P=0.011), frequency of chest radiograph abnormality (24.7 vs. 83.3%; P<0.001), and chest CT score (CCTS; median, 1 vs. 9; P<0.001). For the accuracy of predicting exacerbation, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.79 and 0.92 for the ALI and CCTS, respectively. The combined ALI and radiologic risk prediction model had a sensitivity of 1.00 and a specificity of 0.81. Overall, ALI alone and CCTS alone modestly predicted the exacerbation of COVID-19, and the combined ALI and radiologic risk prediction model exhibited decent sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid-phase split-type synthesis of all the stereoisomers of dendroamide A, which exhibits multidrug-resistance reversing activity, has been carried out. The key to the concise synthesis was the fluorous-Fmoc protection strategy of each of the starting materials ( D- and L-alanine and D- and L-valine). By using the fluorous-Fmoc encoding method, the target stereoisomers were effectively synthesized individually in fewer steps than by the corresponding linear synthetic routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the development of type 2 diabetes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leads to not only insulin resistance but also to pancreatic beta cell failure. Conversely, cell function under various stressed conditions can be restored by reducing ER stress by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, the details of this mechanism are still obscure. Therefore, the current study aims to elucidate the role of AMPK activity during ER stress-associated pancreatic beta cell failure. MIN6 cells were loaded with 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR) and metformin to assess the relationship between AMPK activity and CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) expression levels. The effect of C/EBPβ phosphorylation on expression levels was also investigated. Vildagliptin and metformin were administered to pancreatic beta cell-specific C/EBPβ transgenic mice to investigate the relationship between C/EBPβ expression levels and AMPK activity in the pancreatic islets. When pancreatic beta cells are exposed to ER stress, the accumulation of the transcription factor C/EBPβ lowers the AMP/ATP ratio, thereby decreasing AMPK activity. In an opposite manner, incubation of MIN6 cells with AICAR or metformin activated AMPK, which suppressed C/EBPβ expression. In addition, administration of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor vildagliptin and metformin to pancreatic beta cell-specific C/EBPβ transgenic mice decreased C/EBPβ expression levels and enhanced pancreatic beta cell mass in proportion to the recovery of AMPK activity. Enhanced C/EBPβ expression and decreased AMPK activity act synergistically to induce ER stress-associated pancreatic beta cell failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used Kelvin probe force microscopy to measure the potential barrier associated with grain boundaries in B-dopedp-type polycrystalline silicon. The potential barrier at non-contaminated grain boundaries varied approximately from 5 to 90 meV according to grain-boundary character. The random boundaries had a higher potential barrier than the coincidence boundaries. This barrier increased with increasing twist component of the grain boundary when the misorientation angle of two adjoining grains was almost the same. Copper and iron contamination caused a significant increase in the grain-boundary potential barrier, making the potential barrier depend more strongly on misorientation, probably because of anisotropy of grain-boundary segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between mean blur rate (MBR) obtained with CCD-equipped laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and capillary blood flow (CBF) obtained by the hydrogen gas clearance method in rabbit optic nerve head (ONH). Using Japanese white rabbits under systemic anesthesia, a hydrogen electrode was inserted an area of the ONH free from superficial capillaries. MBR was measured with LSFG near the hydrogen electrode. CBF and MBR were measured in the range of 32.4–83.5 mL/min/100 g and 3.5–6.0, respectively. MBR and CBF were significantly correlated (r = 0.73, P < 0.01, n = 14). After inhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2) or intravenous administration of endothelin-1 (ET-1), MBR and CBF were changed in the relative range of 0.74–1.27 and 0.76–1.35, respectively. The relative changes in MBR and CBF induced by CO2 and ET-1 were also significantly correlated (r = 0.67, P < 0.01). The current results suggest that MBR may correlate with CBF and also change with CBF, as an index of blood flow in the ONH, linearly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report on a step-selective time-resolved second harmonic generation (SHG) method using vicinal TiO2 (110) with regularly aligned step bunches. The step selectivity was realized by taking advantage of the symmetry-selective properties of second order nonlinear optical processes. In the time-resolved pump-probe SHG measurement, the step bunches displayed a unique temporal response or a sharp spike decaying within ∼100 ps, while no decay kinetics was observed for the (110) terraces within a nanosecond. The observed unique local dynamics at the step bunches was attributed to a transient change in their local carrier density. This carrier density change at the step bunches was discussed from the aspect of their local density of states (LDOS) by using step-selective second harmonic and sum frequency generation (SHG/SFG) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Small coseismic offsets detectable using GPS techniques were found more than 2300km away from the Great Tohoku 2011 earthquake epicenter. Area of the most intense far-field co- and postseismic deformations with the maximum offset values exceeding 40 and 18mm, respectively, extends westward from Honshu Island to the Korean Peninsula, northeastern China and southern Far East Russia. Sakhalin Island does not exhibit notable displacements caused by the earthquake, in contrast to the adjacent territories. A rectangular fault model with uniform slip was developed based on the GPS-detected far-field coseismic displacements using the spherically layered Earth assumption. Both far- and near-field coseismic deformations are generally well described by a single-segment rupture of 200×96km2, characterized by thrust slip with minor strike-slip component of about 33m and by the seismic moment value of 1.9·1022 N·m (Mw=8.8), which roughly constrains the major slip area. The resultant compact fault geometry revealed that the main portion of the seismic moment had been realized in a relatively small-sized rupture segment. The sensitivity of far-field GPS data to the major slip area might also be used in the development of a seismically generated giant tsunami warning system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We installed and operated a low-cost groundwater level observation system at intermittent hot spring wells in order to monitor volcanic strain signals from the active Meakan-dake volcano in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Data are sampled at 1Hz and are transmitted to the data center in real time. Evaluation of the water level time series with theoretical predictive tidal strain and coseismic static strain changes has suggested that the wells penetrate to the artesian aquifer and act as a volumetric strain sensor. An active earthquake swarm with more than 400 events occurred at the shallower part of the volcano from January 9 to 11, 2008. Three independent wells recorded pre- to co-swarm groundwater drops simultaneously, which represented a decrease in volumetric strain. The total volumetric strain change during the three active days was estimated to be from 6 to 7×10−7. The observed data, including changes in volumetric strain, absence of deformation in the GPS coordinates, and activation of deep low-frequency earthquakes, might imply possible deflation of a source deeper than 10km, and these preceding deeper activities might induce an earthquake swarm in a shallower part of the Meakan-dake volcano. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. Difluprednate (DFBA; 6a,9-difluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate 17-butyrate) is an effective anti-inflammatory agent derived from prednisolone. The present study aimed to evaluate the metabolite profile of DFBA in rabbit ocular tissues after instillation of DFBA ophthalmic emulsion. 2. The high-performance liquid chromatography with radiochemical detection was employed to analyze radioactivity in rabbit ocular tissues that had been instilled with a 3H-DFBA 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion. At 0.5 and 2 h after instillation, DFBA was not detected in the cornea, aqueous humor, or iris/ciliary body. Instead, 21-deacetylated DFBA (DFB), 17-debutylated DFB (DF), and an unknown metabolite were found. 3. The unknown metabolite was identified as de-17-side chain-glucocorticoid metabolite (DF21C), which is a novel glucocorticoid metabolite formed by the scission of the 17-side chain via an unknown metabolic reaction pathway. The Ki value of DF21C was 5.6 x 10-7 mol/L, indicating very weak glucocorticoid receptor binding of DF21C (approximately 1000-fold less than that of DFBA and DFB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconium phosphate, HZr2(PO4)3 (HZP), was synthesized in inner pores of highly porous silica beads, and the ion exchange properties of HZP-loaded silica beads (HZP-SiO2) thus obtained were examined. The ion exchange properties of HZP-SiO2 were basically equivalent to those of HZP in the form of powders. Chromatographic lithium isotope separation was attempted using HZP-SiO2 as column packing material. The heavier isotope was effectively accumulated in the frontal part of the lithium chromatogram. However, the tailing phenomenon was observed at the rear boundary of the chromatogram, and no effective accumulation of the isotope separation effect was observed in the tail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To investigate the molecular design of drugs that have good penetration into the retina from anterior segment of the eye via ocular instillation, we optimized the length of methoxyethylene glycol chain (mEG) in the P3 region of an oral bioavailable calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 (2) as a model compound. Modulation of the mEG length led to the optimal balance between hydrophilicity and lipophilicity and provided the compound with higher retinal exposure via ocular instillation. Incorporation of a mEG moiety would be a useful and convenient approach to attain high intraocular penetration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Japan Marine Science and Technology Center installed a cabled geophysical observatory system off Kushiro, Hokkaido Island in July 1999. This observatory system comprises three ocean bottom seismographs (OBSs), two tsunami gauges, and a geophysical/geochemical monitoring system. 4 years and 2 months after the installation, a megathrust earthquake (the 2003 Tokachi-Oki earthquake, 26th September in Japan Standard Time (JST), M JMA 8.0) occurred along a plate boundary underneath a forearc basin where the system is located. The system recorded clear unsaturated seismograms just at 28.6 km from the epicenter. This paper demonstrates advantages brought by the cabled observatory to record the megathrust earthquake showing how earthquake detectability is improved dramatically combining permanent OBS and land-based observations around the region, and importance of the in situ monitoring on the seismogenic zone. In the present study, processing OBSs and land-based network together, and comparing magnitudes of common observed earthquakes with national authorized network, event detection level improved down to M 1.5, which is much lower than the previously designed as down to M ∼2. Comparing detection level before and after installing OBSs, we found dramatic improvement of the earthquake detection level in the interesting region. Real-time continuous observations of microearthquakes since 1999 have brought us tremendous findings. First, a seismic quiescence started about 10 days before the 2003 Tokachi-Oki earthquake. Second, aftershock distribution is not uniform over the focal area and can be divided into several sub-regions, which might indicate an existence of several asperities. We think that the geophysical observations helped to understand the initiation process of the rupture of the 2003 Tokachi-Oki earthquake and that observations including seismological, geodynamic, hydrogeological, and the other multidisciplinary observations would provide a clue to future understanding of seismogenic processes at subduction zones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spherical silica particles were dispersed in a polyamic acid varnish (PAAV) solution, and ultrasonic wave irradiation resulted in high-speed condensation of conversion to polyimide and in coating of the silica particles. The imidization reaction was verified by Fourier transform IR analysis, thermogravimetry, gel-permeation chromatography and moisture analysis. In addition, the particle coating was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Adsorption of polyimide acid onto the surface of the silica particles while achieving an imidization reaction by ultrasonic wave irradiation has been clearly shown to enhance the rate of the imidization reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica particles were distributed in polyimide varnish solution and ultrasonic wave irradiation caused uniform coating of the particles. The particle-coating process was observed according to the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, and by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The resistance to the acid and alkali solutions was evaluated with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. A comparison of the silica particles with and without a coating of 0.1 and 0.2 wt% polyimide showed obvious differences in silica dissolution behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intrathecal (i.t.) administration into mice of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a cysteine protease inhibitor, produced a characteristic behavioral response, the biting and/or licking of the hindpaw and the tail along with slight hindlimb scratching directed toward the flank. The behavior induced by NEM was inhibited by the intraperitoneal injection of morphine. We have recently reported that dynorphin A and, more potently big dynorphin, consisting of dynorphins A and B, produce the same type of nociceptive response whereas dynorphin B does not [Tan-No K, Esashi A, Nakagawasai O, Niijima F, Tadano T, Sakurada C, Sakurada T, Bakalkin G, Terenius L, Kisara K. Intrathecally administered big dynorphin, a prodynorphin-derived peptide, produces nociceptive behavior through an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor mechanism. Brain Res 2002;952:7–14]. The NEM-induced nociceptive behavior was inhibited by pretreatment with dynorphin A- or dynorphin B-antiserum and each antiserum also reduced the nociceptive effects of i.t.-injected synthetic big dynorphin. The characteristic NEM-evoked response was not observed in prodynorphin knockout mice. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, had no effects on the NEM-induced behavior. Ifenprodil, arcaine and agmatine, antagonists at the polyamine recognition site on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion-channel complex, and MK-801, an NMDA ion-channel blocker inhibited the NEM-induced effects. Ro25-6981, an antagonist of the NMDA receptor subtype containing NR2B subunit was not active. NEM completely inhibited degradation of dynorphin A by soluble and particulate fractions of mouse spinal cord. Collectively, the results demonstrate that endogenous prodynorphin-derived peptides are pronociceptive in uninjured animals, and required for the NEM-induced behavior. The NEM effects may be mediated through inhibition of the degradation of endogenous dynorphins, presumably big dynorphin that in turn activates the NMDA receptor ion-channel complex by acting on the polyamine recognition site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Micro-tsunami waves with a maximum amplitude of 4–6 mm were detected with the ocean-bottom pressure gauges on a cabled deep seafloor observatory south of Hokkaido, Japan, following the January 28, 2000 earthquake (Mw 6.8) in the southern Kuril subduction zone. We model the observed micro-tsunami and estimate the focal depth and other source parameters such as fault length and amount of slip using grid searching with the least-squares method. The source depth and stress drop for the January 2000 earthquake are estimated to be 50 km and 7 MPa, respectively, with possible ranges of 45–55 km and 4–13 MPa. Focal depth of typical inter-plate earthquakes in this region ranges from 10 to 20 km and stress drop of inter-plate earthquakes generally is around 3 MPa. The source depth and stress drop estimates suggest that the earthquake was an intra-slab event in the subducting Pacific plate, rather than an inter-plate event. In addition, for a prescribed fault width of 30 km, the fault length is estimated to be 15 km, with possible ranges of 10–20 km, which is the same as the previously determined aftershock distribution. The corresponding estimate for seismic moment is 2.7×1019 Nm with possible ranges of 2.3×1019–3.2×1019 Nm. Standard tide gauges along the nearby coast did not record any tsunami signal. High-precision ocean-bottom pressure measurements offshore thus make it possible to determine fault parameters of moderate-sized earthquakes in subduction zones using open-ocean tsunami waveforms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper proposes a rapid X‐ray fluorescence (XRF)‐based screening method for the determination of trace uranium in solutions. In this method, uranium present in a solution was adsorbed onto graphene oxide (GO), which was collected and subjected to XRF analysis. Upon increasing the sodium ion concentration, the aggregation of GO was promoted, facilitating its collection. Since the GO‐collecting membrane filter was significantly larger than the X‐ray irradiation field of the XRF spectrometer, it was folded to 1/3 of its original length and width. The folded membrane filter was sealed to prevent uranium from contaminating the device and to ensure that the folded membrane filter was sufficiently thin. Subsequently, the amount of sodium perchlorate added to the sample solution was optimized to attain a salinity meter reading of 3%. The minimum detection limit (MDL) for uranium using this method was 0.37 ng ml−1, and the time required to simultaneously analyze six samples was approximately 2 h. Converting the MDL to the radioactivity concentration under conservative conditions generated a value of 0.037 mBq cm−3. To demonstrate the applicability of this method, a standard seawater sample was subjected to analysis, and the uranium concentration determined using our calibration curve agreed with the actual value within a margin of error. Therefore, the proposed method is suitable for screening numerous uranium‐contaminated water samples of small volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no treatment for acute aortic dissection (AAD) targeting inflammatory cells. We aimed to identify the new therapeutic targets associated with inflammatory cells. We characterized the specific distribution of myeloid cells of both human type A AAD samples and a murine AAD model generated using angiotensin II (ANGII) and β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We also examined the effect of an anti-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) antibody in the murine AAD model. IL1B+ inflammatory macrophages and classical monocytes were increased in human AAD samples. Trajectory analysis demonstrated that IL1B+ inflammatory macrophages differentiated from S100A8/9/12+ classical monocytes uniquely observed in the aorta of AAD. We found increased infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes with the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the aorta and accumulation of inflammatory macrophages before the onset of macroscopic AAD in the murine AAD model. In blocking experiments using an anti-IL-1β antibody, it improved survival of murine AAD model by preventing elastin degradation. We observed the accumulation of inflammatory macrophages expressing IL-1β in both human AAD samples and in a murine AAD model. Anti-IL-1β antibody could improve the mortality rate in mice, suggesting that it may be a treatment option for AAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Our goal was to review our surgical experiences in patients with complex pathologies of the aortic arch who have undergone anterolateral thoracotomy with a partial sternotomy (ALPS). METHODS From October 2019 to November 2023, a total of 23 patients underwent one-stage repairs of complex pathologies of the aortic arch through the ALPS approach. The mean age was 61.9 ± 16.7 years old. The aortic pathologies were as follows: aorta-related infection in 11 (aorto-oesophageal fistula: 4, graft infection: 6, native aortic infection: 1); aortic dissection in 9 including shaggy aorta in 2, non-dissecting aneurysm in 1, and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in 2. RESULTS Eighteen patients underwent aortic replacement from either the sinotubular junction or the ascending aorta to the descending aorta; 1 patient underwent it from the aortic root to the descending aorta (redo Bentall procedure and extensive aortic arch replacement); 3 patients underwent it from the aortic arch between the left carotid artery and left subclavian artery to the descending aorta; and 1 patient underwent a descending aortic replacement. Ten patients underwent omentopexy, latissimus dorsi muscle flap installation or both procedures. The hospital mortality rate was 13.0% (3/23). The overall survival and freedom from aortic events were 73.3%±10.2% and 74.1%±10.2%, respectively, at the 3-year follow-up. There was an absence of aorta-related deaths, and no recurrent infections were identified. CONCLUSIONS The short-term outcomes using the ALPS approach for the treatment of complex pathologies of the aortic arch were acceptable. Further studies will be required to determine the long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of prostate carcinoma (PCa) associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prostate MRI of IBD patients could be expected to show a mixture of inflammation as well as higher than normal rates of PCa, which could impact interpretation and MRI performance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of prostate MRI in patients with IBD.Methods: 3140 patients with prostate MRI were evaluated. Coexisting IBD, PI-RADS score, and pathological results of prostate lesions (clinically significant PCa [csPCa]: Gleason score [GS] 7+, Non-csPCa: benign or GS 6) were assessed. The distribution of PI-RADS scoring and pathological result was assessed by chi-square test.Results: 71 patients had IBD (IBD group), whereas the remaining 3069 patients did not (Non-IBD group). The proportion of abnormal MRI (PI-RADS 3, 4 or 5) was 51 % (36/71) in IBD group and 47 % (1436/3069) in Non-IBD groups (p = 0.513). Total of 1285 patients underwent biopsy or prostatectomy. The proportion of csPCa at pathology was 35 % (12/34) in IBD group and 56 % (699/1251) in non-IBD groups (p = 0.017). The positive predictive value of abnormal MRI for csPCa was significantly lower in IBD group (39 %, 19/31) compared to Non-IBD group (63 %, 657/1047) (p = 0.007).Conclusion: The proportion of csPCa at pathology and positive predictive value of abnormal MR for csPCa were lower in patients with IBD group compared to Non-IBD group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates a single-scanning technology with a scan conversion method. Television display system characteristics; Problems of conventional display systems; Results of the evaluation.

Background: Endocytoscopy (ECS) enables microscopic observation in vivo for the gastrointestinal mucosa; however, there has been no prospective study in which the diagnostic accuracy of ECS for lesions that have not yet undergone histological diagnosis was evaluated. We conducted a surveillance study for patients in a high-risk group of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and evaluated the in vivo histological diagnostic accuracy of ECS.Methods: This study was a multicenter prospective study. We enrolled 197 patients in the study between September 1, 2019 and November 30, 2020. The patients first underwent white light imaging and narrow band imaging, and ultra-high magnifying observation was performed if there was a lesion suspected to be an esophageal tumor. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was later performed for lesions that were diagnosed to be ESCC by ECS without biopsy. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ECS for esophageal tumorous lesions.Results: ESD was performed for 37 patients (41 lesions) who were diagnosed as having ESCC by ECS, and all of them were histopathologically diagnosed as having ESCC. The sensitivity [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 97.6% (87.7-99.7%), specificity (95% CI) was 100% (92.7-100%), diagnostic accuracy (95% CI) was 98.9% (94.0-99.8%), positive predictive value (PPV) (95% CI) was 100% (91.4-100%) and negative predictive value (NPV) (95% CI) was 98.0% (89.5-99.7%).Conclusions: ECS has a high diagnostic accuracy and there were no false positives in cases diagnosed and resected as ESCC. Optical biopsy by using ECS for esophageal lesions that are suspected to be tumorous is considered to be sufficient in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dextrocardia associated with situs inversus totalis is a rare condition. A small number of patients with the condition have been reported after undergoing myocardial revascularization. We experienced a case of this rare disorder in an 83-year-old man. He was successfully treated by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic arteries and a saphenous vein. Except for the mirror-image anatomy, the surgical technique was similar to that used for a patient with situs solitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify dynamic CT features that can be used for prediction of local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after proton beam therapy (PBT). We retrospectively retrieved CT scans of patients with PBT-treated HCC, taken between January 2004 and December 2016. 17 recurrent lesions and 34 non-recurrent lesions were retrieved. The attenuation difference between irradiated tumor and irradiated parenchyma (ADHCC-IP) was compared in the two groups by using the Mann–Whitney U test. Cut-off value of ADHCC-IP was estimated by using the Youden index. The follow-up time after PBT initiation ranged from 374 to 2402 days (median, 1069 days) in recurrent lesions, and 418 to 2923 days (median, 1091.5 days) in non-recurrent lesions (p = 0.892). The time until appearance of local recurrence after PBT initiation ranged from 189 to 2270 days (median, 497 days). ADHCC-IP of recurrent lesions [mean, −21.8 Hounsfield units (HU); from −95 to −31 HU] was significantly greater than that of non-recurrent lesions (mean, −51.7 HU; from −117 to −12 HU) at 1–2 years in portal venous phase (p = 0.039). 5-year local tumor control rates were 0.93 and 0.56 in lesions with ADHCC-IP at 1–2 years in PVP < −55 and ≥ −55 HU, respectively. The attenuation difference between irradiated HCC and irradiated liver parenchyma in portal venous phase at 1-2 years after PBT can predict long-term local recurrence of HCC after treatment. We identified a cut-off value for contrast enhancement of HCC after PBT that could predict future local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present location of the tectonic boundary and the convergence rate between the Amur and Okhotsk plates in northern Hokkaido, Japan, were herein estimated from the velocity field using data from a continuous GNSS network. The observed velocity profiles are in agreement with the theoretical ones calculated from a tectonic block collision model. The estimated kinematic boundary agrees with both geological and seismic boundaries. Overall, this indicates that the geological boundary acts like a mechanical one. The calculated convergence velocity of 14.0–16.5 mm/year is consistent with predictions from regional plate motion models and suggests that a considerable amount of interplate convergence is in progress along this boundary. Deep crustal seismicity is also in agreement with the estimated elastic thickness of 20.5–25.5 km. The non-occurrence of large earthquakes during the past several centuries, and the estimated convergence velocity suggest that there is a high potential for a large event in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the capability of high-gain Faraday detectors equipped on a multi-collector-ICP-mass spectrometer (MFC-ICP-MS) in performing both particle size and Ag isotopic ratio determination for individual silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Two high-gain Faraday detectors equipped with 1013 Ω resistors were used to detect transient signals emanating from individual NPs (particle events). A continuous ion-monitoring method (CIM) was adopted to obtain reliable isotopic ratio data from the particle events. The CIM measurements of the signal intensities obtained from Ag NPs (40, 60, 80, 100, and 200 nm) exhibited a good linearity with the sizes of the Ag NPs. The variations of the measured 109Ag/107Ag ratio for the particles of each size in the isotopic ratio measurements (about 100 particles sampled per size) were about: 12% for 40 nm, 4.9% for 60 nm, 1.9% for 80 nm, 1.2% for 100 nm, and 0.26% for 200 nm. The resulting precision of the 109Ag/107Ag ratio measurements can be basically attributed to both shot noise (counting statistics) and background fluctuation on amplifiers. The data obtained here demonstrated that the MFC-ICP-MS system combined with the CIM can be employed to determine both the NP size and isotopic ratio of constituent elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxicity associated with bevacizumab are unclear. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in podocyte injury and proteinuria, and its level increases in most cases of kidney disorders. Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), a transcription factor, is a major determinant of ET-1 promoter activation and is regulated by protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation-dependent nuclear exclusion. We evaluated the effect of bevacizumab on ET-1 production in human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells (hGECs). We analyzed the changes in the mRNA and protein levels of ET-1 in hGECs treated with bevacizumab using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in the protein levels and phosphorylation status of Akt and FoxO1 in hGECs treated with bevacizumab were analyzed by western blotting. After cell lysis, FoxO1 protein was isolated from the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions. We also investigated the effects of AS1842856 (a FoxO1 inhibitor) on bevacizumab-induced ET-1 production. Bevacizumab significantly and dose-dependently increased the mRNA and protein levels of ET-1 in hGECs (p < 0.05). Bevacizumab treatment also led to a decrease in phosphorylated Akt protein levels. Inhibition of Akt activity by LY294002 promoted ET-1 production. Bevacizumab also induced an increase in FoxO1 protein levels in the nucleus. Inhibition of FoxO1 activity by AS1842856 resulted in decreased ET-1 levels in bevacizumab-treated hGECs. ET-1 axis activation, Akt inactivation, and FoxO1 nuclear localization are the molecular mechanisms underlying bevacizumab-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, inhibition of renal ET-1 production could be a promising approach to protect against or treat bevacizumab-induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on analyses of global navigation satellite system data since 1996, we investigate the spatiotemporal strain field around the Ishikari-Teichi-Toen fault zone, which is a major active fault zone close to the epicenter of the 2018 Eastern Iburi earthquake in Hokkaido, Japan. Strain rates during almost whole periods, except for the timings of two distant large interplate earthquakes and following several years show an E–W to ESE–WNW contraction of ~ 0.1 ppm/year. This strain rate is approximately an order of magnitude larger than that of the surrounding area. Strain rate disturbances due to large earthquakes diminish within several years and return to the original level, suggesting that there is a uniform strain accumulation along this fault zone. Strain rate profiles that traverse the fault zone are characterized by a major contraction, corresponding to the Ishikari lowlands where a significantly thick low seismic velocity layer exists. A relatively high strain rate around this fault zone may reflect some amount of inelastic strain accumulation in addition to the elastic strain accumulation along the faults originating from complex fault and crustal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotopic ratio measurements for 235U/238U and 234U/238U ratios were made for a series of solid materials using laser ablation multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). To extend the dynamic range of the isotopic ratio measurements, three Faraday detectors with different amplification gains (amplifiers with 1011 and 1013 ohm resistors) were employed. To reduce the sampling volume, isotopic ratio measurements were made on transient signals obtained by short-time LA duration (<3 s). From the transient signals obtained using the LA technique, measured 235U/238U ratios were approximately 3% higher than values noted in the literature when a conventional tau correction technique was employed. This was mainly due to incomplete correction of the slow response of the Faraday amplifiers. To overcome this, continuous ion-monitoring, rather than tau correction, was applied to the isotopic ratio measurements from the transient signals. Typical precision for the 235U/238U and 234U/238U ratio measurements were 1‰ and 7% (2SD), respectively, and the resulting 235U/238U ratios for zircons and glass materials showed good agreement with values observed in the literature. The isotopic ratio measurements revealed heterogeneity of 235U/238U ratios among titanite grains. The measured 234U/238U ratios were consistent with the value of the secular equilibrium in the 238U series, except for FCT titanite. Herein, a possible cause for the discrepancy in the measured 234U/238U ratio in the secular equilibrium is discussed. The data obtained in this study demonstrate that the present data acquisition protocol can serve as a benchmark technique for isotopic ratio measurements derived from transient signals using Faraday detectors, particularly when using high-gain (e.g. 1013 ohm resistors) amplifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]