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Quasicrystals (QCs), first discovered in 1984, generally do not exhibit long-range magnetic order. Here, we report on long-range magnetic order in the real icosahedral quasicrystals (i QCs) Au–Ga–Gd and Au–Ga–Tb. The Au65Ga20Gd15i QC exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at TC = 23 K, manifested as a sharp anomaly in both magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements, along with an appearance of magnetic Bragg peak below TC. This is the first observation of long-range magnetic order in a real quasicrystal, in contrast to the spin-glass-like behaviors observed for the other magnetic quasicrystals found to date. Moreover, when Gd is replaced by Tb, i.e., for the Au65Ga20Tb15i QC, a ferromagnetic behavior is still retained with TC = 16 K. Although the sharp anomaly in the specific heat observed for the Au65Ga20Gd15i QC becomes broadened upon Tb substitution, neutron diffraction experiments clearly show marked development of magnetic Bragg peaks just below TC, indicating long-range magnetic order for the Au65Ga20Tb15i QC also. Our findings can contribute to the further investigation of exotic magnetic orders formed on real quasiperiodic lattices with unprecedented highest global symmetry, i.e., icosahedral symmetry.

OBJECTIVE Although various guidelines have been established for the management of antithrombotic therapy during surgical treatments, surgical tracheostomy (ST) under continued antithrombotic therapy (CAT) remains challenging. Here, we investigated the risk factors for complications after ST by focusing on the application of CAT during ST. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study with medical records from 2009 to 2020. SETTING A single-center study. PARTICIPANTS This study included patients who had undergone ST at the Department of Otolaryngology of our hospital MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were the incidence of complications and blood test results. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS We identified 288 patients (median age: 64 years; 184 men [64%]), among whom 40 (median age: 67 years; 29 men [73%]) underwent CAT. Although the patients undergoing CAT had significantly longer activated partial thromboplastin time (p=0.002) and a higher prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (p=0.006) compared to antithrombotic naive patients, no statistically significant intergroup differences were observed for the risk of bleeding, infection, or subcutaneous emphysema. Instead, ST under local anesthesia (p=0.01) and ST for airway emergency (p=0.02) significantly increased the risk of early postoperative complications. CONCLUSION These results suggest that ST under CAT can be safely performed without any increased risk of postoperative complications. Nevertheless, surgeons should be extra cautious about early complications after ST under local anesthesia without intubation or ST for airway emergencies.

We examined the influence of liquid thickness levels on the frequency of liquid penetration-aspiration in patients with dysphagia and evaluated the clinical risk factors for penetration-aspiration and aspiration pneumonia development.A case series.Single-institution academic center.We reviewed medical charts from 2018 to 2019. First, we evaluated whether liquid thickness levels influence the frequency of liquid penetration-aspiration in patients with dysphagia. Penetration-aspiration occurrence in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study was defined as Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores ≥3. Second, the association between liquid thickness level and penetration-aspiration was analyzed, and clinical risk factors were identified. Moreover, clinical risk factors for aspiration pneumonia development within 6 months were investigated.Of 483 patients, 159 showed penetration-aspiration. The thickening of liquids significantly decreased the incidence of penetration-aspiration (Thickening of liquids can reduce the incidence of penetration-aspiration. Vocal fold paralysis, impaired laryngeal sensation, and history of aspiration pneumonia are significant risk factors of penetration-aspiration. Poor performance status, PAS score ≥3, and history of aspiration pneumonia are significantly associated with aspiration pneumonia development following recommendations on thickening liquids.3.

Aspiration prevention (AP) surgery may improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with severe dysphagia. However, not all patients can endure this type of surgery under general anesthesia because of their poor status. Herein, we describe the cases of 2 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who underwent AP surgery for palliative care. Although both patients had tracheostomy due to severe dysphagia and respiratory impairment and frequently needed suction, they were successfully managed with AP surgery under local anesthesia. A tracheostoma was reshaped to be sufficiently large for an airway to be secured without a cannula. Their respiratory failure gradually improved, and suction frequency markedly decreased after surgery; thus, they could receive medical treatment at home. When patients with HNC under palliative care have a tracheal cannula and cannot vocalize, AP surgery under local anesthesia is an option to improve their QOL.

OBJECTIVES Esophageal dysmotility (ED) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ED in patients with MSA and to assess the relationship of esophageal abnormalities with other clinical findings and characteristics in these patients. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients with MSA and to compare them to the elderly controls without MSA (65+ years) who underwent a videofluorographic esophagram from 2014 to 2019. Disease type, disease severity, vocal fold mobility impairment, abnormal deglutitive proximal esophageal contraction (ADPEC), and intra-esophageal stasis (IES) were reviewed and compared between groups. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients with MSA were identified. The median age was 63 and 26 (70%) were male. These patients were matched to 22 elderly adults with presbylarynx but not MSA (median age 77, 68% male). In MSA patients, cerebellar variant type was predominant (59%), and ADPEC was recognized in 18 patients (49%). Disease severity level (P = 0.028) and existence of IES (P = 0.046) were associated with higher risks of developing ADPEC. The prevalence of IES was significantly higher in patients with MSA (95%) compared to controls without MSA (46%) (P

A magnetic order of the quasicrystal approximant Au70Al16Tb14 was investigated via single crystalline neutron diffraction experiments. In spite of some differences in the macroscopic magnetic properties compared with Au72Al14Tb14, the whirling antiferromagnetic structure similar to Au72Al14Tb14 was found. The robustness of the magnetic structure suggests the orientation of the magnetic moment dominated by easy-axis anisotropy of Tb. In addition, the critical exponent β indicates a mean field nature of the magnetic transition.

Objective Oral intake after aspiration prevention surgery (APS) is influenced by postoperative pharyngeal pressure and the dynamics of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). We examined the effects of less invasive APS combined with UES relaxation techniques (laryngeal closure with cricopharyngeal myotomy [LC-CPM] and central-part laryngectomy [CPL]) on pharyngeal pressure and UES dynamics. Study Design Retrospective, observational study. Setting Single center. Methods We assessed the high-resolution pharyngeal manometric parameters of patients who underwent APS from 2018 to 2020. Then, we compared the effects of bilateral cricopharyngeal myotomy (combined with LC: LC-CPM group) and total cricoidectomy (CPL group) on both pharyngeal pressure and UES dynamics pre- and postoperatively. Results Eighteen patients (median age, 68 years; 17 men [94%]) were enrolled. Primary diseases associated with severe aspiration were neuromuscular disorders in 13, stroke in 3, and others in 2 patients. Pharyngeal swallowing pressure did not significantly change before and after APS. UES resting pressure and UES relaxation duration were significantly reduced ( P < .001) and prolonged ( P < .001), respectively, after APS. Only the CPL group (8 patients: median 62 years, all men) showed an increase in the velopharyngeal closure integral after APS ( P < .05). More prolonged UES relaxation duration was recognized postoperatively in the CPL group ( P < .01) than in the LC-CPM group. Conclusion Less invasive APS minimally affects pharyngeal swallowing pressure, decreases UES resting pressure, and prolongs UES relaxation duration. CPL may be more effective for postoperative UES relaxation in patients with a short UES relaxation time.

We propose a method to measure the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM) using ultracold entangled francium (Fr) atoms trapped in an optical lattice, yielding an uncertainty below the standard quantum limit. Among the alkali atoms, Fr offers the largest enhancement factor to the eEDM. With a Fr based experiment, quantum sensing using quantum entangled states could enable a search for the eEDM at a level below 10−30 ecm. We estimate statistical and systematic errors attached to the proposed measurement scheme based on this quantum sensing technique. A successful quantum sensing of the eEDM could enable the exploration of new physics beyond the standard model of particle physics.

Objective: Although various guidelines have been established for the management of antithrombotic therapy during surgical treatments, surgical tracheostomy (ST) under continued antithrombotic therapy (CAT) remains a challenge. We investigated the risk factors for complications after ST by focusing on CAT use during ST. Method: Patients’ medical records from 2009 to 2020 were reviewed in this retrospective study. We selected patients who underwent ST at the Department of Otolaryngology of the University of Tokyo Hospital. Patient demographics, complications, and blood test values were recorded and statistically analyzed to identify the risk factors for postoperative complications. Results: We identified 288 patients (median age: 64 years; 184 men [64%]), among whom 40 (median age: 67 years; 29 men [73%]) underwent CAT. Although the patients undergoing CAT had significantly higher values of activated partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.002) and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (p = 0.006) than those of antithrombotic naïve patients, no statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in the risks of bleeding, infection, or subcutaneous emphysema. Instead, ST under local anesthesia (p = 0.01) and ST for airway emergency (p = 0.02) significantly increased the risk of early postoperative complications. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that ST under CAT can be safely performed without any increased risk of postoperative complications. Nevertheless, surgeons should be extra cautious about early complications after ST under local anesthesia without intubation or ST for airway emergency. Key points: 1. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for complications after ST by focusing on CAT use during ST. 2. Patients undergoing CAT had significantly higher values of APTT and PT-INR than those of antithrombotic naïve patients. 3. ST under CAT can be safely performed without any increased risk of postoperative complications. 4. ST under local anesthesia and airway emergency was a risk factor for complications after ST. 5. Among the complications, subcutaneous emphysema was significantly more frequent in ST under local anesthesia and under airway emergency.

The larynx plays a vital role in respiration, swallowing, and vocal function. Thus, laryngeal fractures that are not appropriately managed may lead to permanent dyspnea, dysphagia, and voice disorders. In cases of laryngeal fractures, surgical repair by internal fixation has been performed with materials such as thread, steel wire, and titanium miniplates. However, thyroid and cricoid cartilage have a complicated morphology, and ossification at each site in the cartilage is not uniform; thus, in some cases it is difficult to perform internal fixation with conventional methods. In this case report, we describe two patients who underwent successful fixation of fractures in their laryngeal cartilage after trauma by using titanium mesh with thread and screws. Since optimal reduction and fixation of fractured laryngeal cartilage cannot be performed with conventional methods in patients with unossified cartilage, titanium mesh may be considered a safe and reliable alternative.

The control of the stoichiometry of Li 1 + x Zn 2 − y Mo 3 O 8 was achieved by the solid-state-reaction. We found that the best sample that has the chemical composition Li 0.95 ( 4 ) Zn 1.92 ( 8 ) Mo 3 O 8 was obtained from the starting nominal composition with Li : Zn : Mo : O= ( 1 + w ) : ( 2.8 − w ) : 3 : 8.6 with w = − 0.1 , indicating that the stoichiometry is greatly improved compared to those in the earlier reports. For larger w detailed structural analysis indicates that the mixed sites of Li and Zn are preferentially occupied by Li atoms, as well as the fraction of the non-magnetic secondary phase Zn 2 Mo 3 O 8 decreases. Magnetic susceptibility of the improved stoichiometry powder samples shows a broad hump in the temperature range of 100 T 200 K . This suggests that the development of antiferromagnetic correlations at the high temperatures is inherent to the ideal stoichiometric Li Zn 2 Mo 3 O 8 .

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) induces hoarseness due to progressive atrophy of the denervated thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle. Therefore, treatments aimed at regenerating the atrophied TA muscle are required. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is involved in muscle development and regeneration. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of bFGF injection on atrophied TA muscle. STUDY DESIGN Animal research. METHODS A recurrent laryngeal nerve-paralysis rat model was established, and low- (200 ng) or high-dose (2,000 ng) bFGF or saline (control) was injected into the TA muscle 28 days later. The larynges were excised on day 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after treatment. The cross-sectional area of the TA muscle in normal and paralyzed sides was compared, and the Ki67-positive (Ki67+ ) dividing cells, paired box 7-positive (Pax7+ ) satellite cells (SCs), and myogenic differentiation-positive (MyoD+ ) myoblasts were counted. RESULTS The TA muscle area of animals administered high-dose bFGF increased with time and was significantly larger than that of the saline-injected controls 28 days after treatment (P

Background: Glottic insufficiency negatively affects phonation and swallowing function. Injection laryngoplasty is a convenient and minimally invasive treatment for glottic insufficiency. This study assessed whether injection laryngoplasty is safe under continued administration of antithrombotic drugs, and aimed to establish measurable laboratory values under which such a procedure can be safely performed. Method: This retrospective medical record review covered the period from November 2012 to June 2018. We examined 17 patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty (47 injections) under continued administration of antithrombotic drugs at the University of Tokyo Hospital. We analyzed clinical and demographic profiles, complications, and blood test values. Statistical analyses were performed regarding the risks of complications due to injection side, route of administration, and number of antithrombotic drugs. Results: No patients exhibited airway narrowing or dyspnea; however, bleeding after injection laryngoplasty was observed in 3 patients. All patients exhibited values within the optimal treatment range. There were no significant differences regarding the risks of complications due to injection side, route of administration, or number of antithrombotic drugs. Conclusions: When the platelet count, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the optimal range prior to treatment, injection laryngoplasty could safely be performed, regardless of the administration of antithrombotic drugs.

Quasicrystals (QCs), first discovered in 1984, generally do not exhibit long-range magnetic order. Here, we report on long-range magnetic order in the real icosahedral quasicrystals (i QCs) Au–Ga–Gd and Au–Ga–Tb. The Au65Ga20Gd15 i QC exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at TC = 23 K, manifested as a sharp anomaly in both magnetic-susceptibility and specific-heat measurements. Quick magnetic saturation to almost the full moment (7μB/Gd3+) is observed under 100 Oe at 2 K. This is the first observation of long-range magnetic order in a real quasicrystal, in contrast to the spin-glass-like behaviours observed for the other magnetic quasicrystals found to date. Moreover, when Gd is replaced by Tb, i.e. for the Au65Ga20Tb15 i QC, a ferromagnetic behaviour is still retained with TC = 16 K. Although the sharp anomaly in the specific heat observed for the Au65Ga20Gd15 i QC is significantly broadened upon Tb substitution, neutron-diffraction experiments clearly show the marked development of magnetic Bragg peaks below TC, indicating long-range magnetic order for the Au65Ga20Tb15 i QC also. Our findings can contribute to the further investigation of exotic magnetic orders formed on real quasiperiodic lattices with unprecedented highest global symmetry, i.e. icosahedral symmetry.

Objectives/hypothesis Intracellular entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on the interaction between its spike protein with the cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and depends on Furin-mediated spike protein cleavage and spike protein priming by host cell proteases, including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). As the expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin in the middle and inner ear remain unclear, we analyzed the expression of these proteins in mouse ear tissues. Study design Animal Research. Methods We performed immunohistochemical analysis to examine the distribution of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin in the Eustachian tube, middle ear spaces, and cochlea of mice. Results ACE2 was present in the nucleus of the epithelium of the middle ear and Eustachian tube, as well as in some nuclei of the hair cells in the organ of Corti, in the stria vascularis, and the spiral ganglion cells. ACE2 was also expressed in the cytoplasm of the stria vascularis. TMPRSS2 was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in the middle spaces, with the expression being stronger in the nucleus in the mucosal epithelium of the middle ear spaces and Eustachian tube. TMPRSS2 was present in the cytoplasm in the organ of Corti and stria vascularis and in the nucleus and cytoplasm in the spiral ganglion. Furin was expressed in the cytoplasm in the middle ear spaces, Eustachian tube, and cochlea. Conclusions ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin are diffusely present in the Eustachian tube, middle ear spaces, and cochlea, suggesting that these tissues are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 131:E2013-E2017, 2021.

This work presents the inelastic neutron scattering spectrum on the spin-1/2 anisotropic triangular lattice antiferromagnetCa_3 ReO_5 Cl_2 , and show that the spinon-like continuum coexists with dispersive modes due to the formation of bound spinon pairs.

OBJECTIVE Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), exhibit not only respiratory symptoms but also symptoms of chemo-sensitive disorders. Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 depends on the binding of its spike protein to a cellular receptor named angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and the subsequent spike protein-priming by host cell proteases, including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Thus, high expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 is considered to enhance the invading capacity of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS To elucidate the underlying histological mechanisms of the aerodigestive disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2, we investigated the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins using immunohistochemistry, in the aerodigestive tracts of the tongue, hard palate with partial nasal tissue, larynx with hypopharynx, trachea, esophagus, and lung of rats. RESULTS Co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins was observed in the taste buds of the tongue, nasal epithelium, trachea, bronchioles, and alveoli with varying degrees of expression. Remarkably, TMPRSS2 expression was more distinct in the peripheral alveoli than in the central alveoli. These results coincide with the reported clinical symptoms of COVID-19, such as the loss of taste, loss of olfaction, and respiratory dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS A wide range of organs have been speculated to be affected by SARS-CoV-2 depending on the expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Differential distribution of TMPRSS2 in the lung indicated the COVID-19 symptoms to possibly be exacerbated by TMPRSS2 expression. This study might provide potential clues for further investigation of the pathogenesis of COVID-19. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:E932-E939, 2021.

The magnetic susceptibility of the 1/1 approximants to icosahedral quasicrystals in a series of Cd85-xMgxTb15 (x = 5, 10, 15, 20) alloys was investigated in detail. The occurrence of antiferromagnetic to spin-glass-like transition was noticed by increasing Mg. Transmission electron microscopy analysis evidenced a correlation between the magnetic transition and suppression of the monoclinic superlattice ordering with respect to the orientation of the Cd4 tetrahedron at T > 100 K. The possible origins of this phenomenon were discussed in detail. The occurrence of the antiferromagnetic to spin-glass -like magnetic transition is associated with the combination of chemical disorder due to a randomized substitution of Cd with Mg and the orientational disorder of the Cd4 tetrahedra., 9 pages, 9 figures

ObjectivesIntracellular entry of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on the interaction between its spike protein to a cellular receptor named angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and depends on Furin-mediated spike 23 protein cleavage and spike protein priming by host cell proteases including 24 transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2).Tmprss1, Tmprss3,andTmprss5are expressed in the spiral ganglion neurons and the organ of Corti in the inner ear; however,Ace2, Tmprss2,andFurinexpression profiles in the middle ear remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyzeAce2, Tmprss2,andFurinexpression in the middle and inner ear of mice.Study DesignAnimal research.SettingDepartment of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tokyo.MethodsWe performed immunohistochemical analysis to examine the distribution of Ace2, Tmprss2, and Furin in the eustachian tube, middle ear space, and cochlea of mice.ResultsAce2 was expressed in the cytoplasm in the middle ear epithelium, eustachian tube epithelium, stria vascularis, and spiral ganglion. Tmprss2 and Furin were widely expressed in the middle ear spaces and the cochlea.ConclusionCo-expression of Ace2, Tmprss2, and Furin in the middle ear indicates that the middle ear is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections, thus warranting the use of personal protective equipment during mastoidectomy for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.

Neutron scattering experiments have been performed to elucidate magnetic properties of the quasicrystal approximant Au

A systematic investigation has been performed to elucidate effects of Rare-Earth (RE) type and local atomic configuration on magnetic properties of icosahedral quasicrystal (iQC) and their cubic approximants (2/1 and 1/1 ACs) in the ternary Cd-Mg-RE (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) systems. At low temperatures, iQC and 2/1 ACs exhibit spin-glass-like freezing for RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, and Ho, while Er and Tm systems do not show freezing behaviour down to the base temperature ~ 2 K. The 1/1 ACs exhibit either spin-glass-like freezing or antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering depending on their constituent Mg content. The Tf values show increasing trend from iQC to 2/1 and 1/1 ACs. In contrast, the absolute values of Weiss temperature for iQCs are larger than those in 2/1 and 1/1 ACs, indicating that the total AFM interactions between the neighboring spins are larger in aperiodic, rather than periodic systems. Competing spin interactions originating from the long-range Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida mechanism along with chemical disorder of Cd/Mg ions presumably account for the observed spin-glass-like behavior in Cd-Mg-RE iQCs and ACs., 12 pages, 8 Figures, 2 Tables

ObjectivePatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), exhibit not only respiratory symptoms but also symptoms of chemo-sensitive disorders and kidney failure. Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 depends on the binding of its spike protein to a cellular receptor named angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and the subsequent spike protein-priming by host cell proteases, including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Thus, high expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are considered to enhance the invading capacity of SARS-CoV-2.MethodsTo elucidate the underlying histological mechanisms of the aerodigestive disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2, we investigated the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins in the aerodigestive tracts of the tongue, hard palate with partial nasal tissue, larynx with hypopharynx, trachea, esophagus, lung, and kidney of rats through immunohistochemistry.ResultsStrong co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins was observed in the nasal respiratory epithelium, trachea, bronchioles, alveoli, kidney, and taste buds of the tongue. Remarkably, TMPRSS2 expression was much stronger in the peripheral alveoli than in the central alveoli. These results coincide with the reported clinical symptoms of COVID-19, such as the loss of taste, loss of olfaction, respiratory dysfunction, and acute nephropathy.ConclusionsA wide range of organs have been speculated to be affected by SARS-CoV-2 depending on the expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Differential distribution of TMPRSS2 in the lung indicated the COVID-19 symptoms to possibly be exacerbated by TMPRSS2 expression. This study might provide potential clues for further investigation of the pathogenesis of COVID-19.Level of EvidenceNA

The formation and magnetic properties of Tsai-type approximants in the Ga–Pd–Tb system were investigated. The 2/1 approximant with a lattice parameter of 2.313 nm formed in the Ga50.2Pd35.3Tb14.5 alloy annealed at 973 K for 100 h. The 2/1 approximant transformed into the corresponding 1/1 approximant through annealing at 1073 K in the alloy. For the 2/1 approximant, magnetic susceptibility measurements showed a sharp cusp at T N ∼ 5.8 K, and both the field-cooled and zero-field-cooled susceptibilities coincided, indicating an antiferromagnetic transition at T N. This is the first instance of long-range magnetic order in 2/1 approximants. On the other hand, spin-glass-like behavior was observed in the susceptibility for the 1/1 approximant, which may be attributed to the relatively large frustration of the icosahedral clusters in the 1/1 approximant.

Laryngeal clefts are rare congenital malformations of the posterior part of the larynx. The severities are correlated with the downward extension of the cleft and can involve numerous clinical symptoms including dysphagia and respiratory distress. As significant comorbidities may be present, individual treatments depend on the child's general condition and type of cleft involved. Herein, we describe two cases of children with laryngeal clefts and severe comorbidities requiring mechanical ventilation. One child with type III laryngeal cleft was successfully managed with the lateral pharyngotomy approach. The other child with type II laryngeal cleft has not been able to undergo cleft-closure surgery because of severe general conditions, therefore has continued training for feeding and swallowing.

The hydrogenation capacities of CeNi 5− x Al x ( x = 0, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75) alloys were assessed. In contrast to LaNi 5 -based alloys, the addition of Al to CeNi 5 enables hydrogen absorption by creating larger interstitial sites as the result of an expanded lattice. Structure analyses indicate that each of these alloys maintained a CeNi 5 (CaCu 5 -type) structure in which Al atoms exclusively occupied Ni 3 g sites. Among these specimens, CeNi 4 Al absorbed the greatest proportion of hydrogen atoms, decreasing its c / a ratio from 0.826 to 0.802 upon the formation of CeNi 4 AlH 4.3 . This drastic decrease in the c / a ratio is attributed to an anisotropic lattice expansion along the a -axis, as verified by in situ X-ray diffraction under H 2 . The enhanced hydrogen absorption of these alloys is thought to be associated with the preferential situation of hydrogen atoms at interstitial sites located at the centers of octagons as well as a charge transition of Ce ions upon hydrogenation. It is verified that CeNi 4 Al after hydrogenation shows high catalytic activity toward propyne hydrogenation: 100% conversion of propyne even at room temperature.

We investigated the magnetic properties of the ilmenite-type manganates $\mathrm{MgMn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and $\mathrm{ZnMn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, both of which are composed of a honeycomb lattice of magnetic $\mathrm{M}{\mathrm{n}}^{4+}$ ions. Both compounds show antiferromagnetic order with weak ferromagnetic moments. In particular, $\mathrm{MgMn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ exhibits a magnetization ``reversal'' behavior which can be described by the $N$-type ferrimagnetism in the N\'eel's classification. The relationship between the magnetic properties and the crystal and magnetic structures probed by the neutron diffraction experiments indicates that the two honeycomb lattice magnets have different ${J}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{J}_{2}$ parameter sets, placing them in the distinct regions in the phase diagram; both nearest neighbor (NN) and next nearest neighbor (NNN) exchange interactions are antiferromagnetic in $\mathrm{MgMn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, while NN and NNN interactions become ferromagnetic and antiferromagnet, respectively, in $\mathrm{ZnMn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$.

A neutron powder diffraction experiment has been performed on the quasicrystal approximant ${\mathrm{Au}}_{72}{\mathrm{Al}}_{14}{\mathrm{Tb}}_{14}$, a body-centered-cubic crystal of icosahedral spin clusters. The long-range antiferromagnetic order was confirmed at the transition temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}=10.4$ K. The magnetic structure consists of noncoplanar whirling spins on the icosahedral clusters, arranged in an antiferroic manner. A simple icosahedral spin-cluster model with uniaxial anisotropy accounts well the whirling spin order as well as the in-field metamagnetic transition, indicating that the icosahedral symmetry is essential.

The crystalline electric field (CEF) level scheme and magnetic structure of a tetragonal antiferromagnet CePd