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In this article, a pseudo-stress for local residual and an algebraically derived consistent tangent are applied to elastic–plastic boundary value problems of shells. The authors define a coupled problem of the weak form of the equilibrium equation for the overall structure and the constrained equations for stress state, which include the yield condition and the plane stress condition, at every material point. Since the pseudo-stress for the residuals of yield criterion and plane stress state is incorporated into the linearized weak form of the equilibrium equation, the proposed scheme does not have any local iterative calculations and enables us to decrease the residuals in the coupled boundary value problems simultaneously. Some numerical examples using shell elements demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the procedures in complex situation with material and geometrical nonlinearities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the reaction system based on Pd(II) catalyst and Tl(OCOCF3)3 for the electrophilic C3−H alkenylation of 2,6‐dialkokypyridines with alkenes. Synergistic action of the Pd/thioether ligand catalytic system and Tl(III) results in efficient C−H alkenylation of various nitrogen heteroaromatics with complete regioselectivity. Remarkably, the use of a sterically hindered thioether ligand and the Pd(II)/Tl(III) system enables mono‐selective C3(5)−H alkenylation of 2,6‐dialkoxypyridines, and subsequent introduction of a second, different alkene affords unsymmetrical, multi‐substituted pyridine derivatives. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds via electrophilic thallation of heteroarenes followed by Pd‐catalyzed Heck‐type reaction. The utility of this method is showcased by its application to the late‐stage functionalization of structurally complex bioactive molecules having 2,6‐dialkoxypyridine as a core structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crispin Wright in his 1982 paper argues for strict finitism, a constructive standpoint that is more restrictive than intuitionism. In its appendix, he proposes models of strict finitistic arithmetic. They are tree-like structures, formed in his strict finitistic metatheory, of equations between numerals on which concrete arithmetical sentences are evaluated. As a first step towards classical formalisation of strict finitism, we propose their counterparts in the classical metatheory with one additional assumption, and then extract the propositional part of 'strict finitistic logic' from it and investigate. We will provide a sound and complete pair of a Kripke-style semantics and a sequent calculus, and compare with other logics. The logic lacks the law of excluded middle and Modus Ponens and is weaker than classical logic, but stronger than any proper intermediate logics in terms of theoremhood. In fact, all the other well-known classical theorems are found to be theorems. Finally, we will make an observation that models of this semantics can be seen as nodes of an intuitionistic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an introduction of pseudo-stress for local residual and an algebraic derivation of consistent tangent are presented. The authors define a coupled problem of the equilibrium equation for the overall structure and the constrained equations for stress state at every material point, and the pseudo-stress and the derived consistent tangent can be implemented easily to finite element analysis. In the proposed block Newton method, the internal variables are also updated algebraically without any local iterative calculations. In addition, the authors demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach for both J 2 plasticity and J 2 plasticity under plane stress state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agglomerates of ε -NbN hexagonal prismatic faceted grains with a size between 5 and 50 μm were formed by heating Nb 2 O 5 or NbFeO 4 powder and Na lump in a BN crucible at 900–1100 °C under an Ar atmosphere. Wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis demonstrated that the ε -NbN faceted grains have a nearly stoichiometric composition. In addition to the ε -NbN grains, powders of niobium nitrides containing δ -NbN and Nb 2 N, and water-soluble Na 3 BO 3 were included in the sample prepared from Nb 2 O 5 at 1100 °C, while powders of Fe and Na 3 BO 3 , and a trace of δ -NbN were included in the sample from NbFeO 4. These reactions were attributed to metathesis reactions in which the oxygen in the oxides and the nitrogen in the solid nitrogen source, BN, were replaced by the formation of Na 3 BO 3. An extra amount of nitrogen supplied from the starting material enhances the formation of ε -NbN and suppressed the formation of δ -NbN and Nb 2 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma daptomycin has not been fully characterized in diabetic and obese patients. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of plasma daptomycin with glycation of serum albumin and obesity. Infectious patients (n = 70) receiving intravenous daptomycin were enrolled. The plasma concentration of total and free daptomycin were determined using liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer. The associations of the plasma concentrations of daptomycin with clinical factors including serum albumin fractionations and physical status (obese including overweight, body mass index ≥ 25.0) were investigated. Daptomycin doses were adjusted using total body-weight. The serum albumin level was positively and negatively correlated with the plasma concentration of total daptomycin and its free fraction proportion, respectively. The serum non-glycated albumin was negatively correlated with the free fraction proportion. The dose-normalized plasma concentration of total daptomycin was higher in the obese patients than in non-obese patients when the body-weight was corrected with total and adjusted values. For the dose adjustment with lean body-weight, no difference was observed in the dose-normalized plasma concentration of total daptomycin between the physical statuses. For each body-weight correction method, physical status did not affect the dose-normalized plasma concentration of free daptomycin. The glycation of serum albumin and obesity did not associate with dose-normalized plasma free daptomycin. In obese patients, daptomycin dosage adjustment with total body-weight and adjusted body-weight may lead to an apparent excessive exposure resulting in overdosage compared to lean body-weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring ribozymes with a modular architecture are promising platforms for construction of RNA nanostructures because modular redesign enables their oligomerization. The resulting RNA nanostructures can exhibit the catalytic function of the parent ribozyme in an assembly dependent manner. In this study, we designed and constructed open-form oligomers of a bimolecular form of an RNase P ribozyme. The ribozyme oligomers were analyzed biochemically and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristic x-ray emission direction of a material indicates the direction of the bonding orbitals and spatial symmetry of the electron orbitals. Accordingly, the intensity of x-ray emission, which varies with the direction of emission and crystal orientation, provides crucial information regarding anisotropic electronic structures. This study utilized angle-resolved soft x-ray emission spectroscopy (SXES) on a layered material, NaAlSi, to ascertain the spatial distribution of the valence electrons. Distinct alterations in the spectral intensity distributions were observed in the Al–L2,3 and Si–L2,3 spectra with respect to the emission angle. To interpret the anisotropic SXES spectra, the spatial distribution of each valence electronic state was simulated using first-principle calculations. Although the anisotropic emission intensity could not explain the symmetry of the spatial distributions of the isolated s and d atomic orbitals, the anisotropy of the SXES spectra could be interpreted as the spatial distribution of these orbitals when hybridized with p orbitals. Furthermore, the spectral structure corresponding to the electronic states near the Fermi level reflected the characteristics of the d orbitals. Therefore, angle-resolved SXES measurements can effectively discern the spatial distribution of hybridized electron orbitals with specific energy levels, which could enhance techniques related to electron distribution analysis, with potential applications in material science and electronic structure characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in high‐risk pregnant women. Methods: Pregnant women who underwent GeneTech NIPT, the most commonly used NIPT in Japan, between January 2015 and March 2019, at Japan NIPT Consortium medical sites were recruited for this study. The exclusion criteria were as follows: pregnant women with missing survey items, multiple pregnancy/vanishing twins, chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus other than the NIPT target disease, and nonreportable NIPT results. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated from the obtained data, and maternal age‐specific PPV and NPV were estimated. Results: Of the 45 504 cases, 44 263 cases fulfilling the study criteria were included. The mean maternal age and gestational weeks at the time of procedure were 38.5 years and 13.1 weeks, respectively. Sensitivities were 99.78% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 98.78–99.96), 99.12% (95% CI: 96.83–99.76), and 100% (95% CI: 88.30–100) for trisomies 21, 18, and 13, respectively. Specificities were more than 99.9% for trisomies 21, 18, and 13, respectively. Maternal age‐specific PPVs were more than 93%, 77%, and 43% at the age of 35 years for trisomies 21, 18, and 13, respectively. Conclusion: The GeneTech NIPT data showed high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of fetal trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in high‐risk pregnant women, and maternal age‐specific PPVs were obtained. These results could provide more accurate and improved information regarding NIPT for genetic counseling in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that results from chronic hepatitis caused by multiple predisposing factors such as viral infection, alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Accumulating studies have indicated that dysfunction of the gut epithelial barrier and hepatic translocation of gut microbes may be implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC. However, the translocated bacteria in HCC patients remains unclear. Here, we characterised tumour-associated microbiota in patients with liver cancer and focused on HCC. We observed that the number of amplicon sequence variants in tumour-associated microbiota was significantly higher compared with that in non-tumour regions of the liver. The tumour-associated microbiota consisted of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria as the dominant phyla. We identified an unclassified genus that belonged to the Bacteroides, Romboutsia, uncultured bacterium of Lachnospiraceae as a signature taxon for primary liver cancer. Additionally, we identified Ruminococcus gnavus as a signature taxon for HCC patients infected with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C viruses. This study suggests that tumour microbiota may contribute to the pathology of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activity of 225Ac was measured by the digital anti-coincidence spectroscopy technique using a 4πα–γ detector configuration, composed of a sandwich type 4π plastic scintillator and Ge detectors. Ultrathin plastic scintillators were used for selective detection of α-particles emitted from 225Ac and its progenies, and the α-counting efficiencies of a 4π plastic scintillation detector for individual nuclides in the decay chain were determined as well. A list-mode multichannel analyzer was employed to record coincidence/anti-coincidence events for off-line analyses. The time difference distribution spectra revealed α-particle emission following 213Po decay without β-particle interference from 213Bi. • Selective α-particle detection using ultrathin plastic scintillators for 225Ac. • Individual α-efficiencies determined by 4πα(PS)–γ(Ge) anti-coincidence spectroscopy. • α-particles from short-lived 213Po(T 1/2 = 3.7 μs) detected without interference. • Effect of β-particle from 213Bi confirmed from γ–α/β time difference distribution. • Results were consistent with those obtained using the CN method with LSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is essential for living organisms. Terrestrial organisms are incessantly exposed to the stress of losing water, desiccation stress. Avoiding the mortality caused by desiccation stress, many organisms acquired molecular mechanisms to tolerate desiccation. Larvae of the African midge, Polypedilum vanderplanki, and its embryonic cell line Pv11 tolerate desiccation stress by entering an ametabolic state, anhydrobiosis, and return to active life after rehydration. The genes related to desiccation tolerance have been comprehensively analyzed, but transcriptional regulatory mechanisms to induce these genes after desiccation or rehydration remain unclear. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the gene regulatory network in Pv11 cells and compared it with that of Drosophila melanogaster, a desiccation sensitive species. We demonstrated that nuclear transcription factor Y subunit gamma-like, which is important for drought stress tolerance in plants, and its transcriptional regulation of downstream positive feedback loops have a pivotal role in regulating various anhydrobiosis-related genes. This study provides an initial insight into the systemic mechanism of desiccation tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QOL‐AD) developed by Logsdon et al. in1999 is believed to be useful for evaluating responses from both patients and their caregivers. We previously confirmed both the reliability and the validity of the Japanese version of the QOL‐AD. However, the factor structure of this scale should be confirmed because the QOL‐AD covers multiple facets of dementia patients' lives. Thus, we performed a factor analysis of the Japanese QOL‐AD. Then, we examined the correlations between each of the identified QOL factor scores and the results of other scales. Methods: The Japanese version of the QOL‐AD was given to 132 AD patients and 132 caregivers. Four other tests were also performed at the same time: the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), the Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale (HADL), and the Short Memory Questionnaire. A factor analysis using Varimax rotation was used to examine the dimensions underlying the QOL‐AD. In addition, we examined the Pearson correlations between each of the identified QOL factor scores and the results of the other four tests. Results: Factor analyses of both versions of the Japanese QOL‐AD (both the patients' and the caregivers' responses) revealed three factors that were named 'psychological wellbeing', 'human relationships', and 'physical and social environment'. The 'psychological wellbeing' factor was significantly correlated with the Mood factor of the NPI. The 'human relationships' factor was significantly correlated with the Psychosis factor of the NPI. The 'physical and social environment' factor was significantly correlated with the HADL. Conclusions: Both the patients' and the caregivers' responses to the Japanese version of the QOL‐AD were composed of three factors: 'psychological wellbeing', 'human relationships', and 'physical and social environment'. The present results support the multi‐domain concept of QOL proposed by Lawton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) 3 together with cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 play a significant role in voriconazole N- oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of FMO3 and CYP2C19 genotypes on the plasma disposition and adverse effects of voriconazole in immunocompromised patients. Sixty-five Japanese immunocompromised patients receiving oral voriconazole were enrolled. Predose plasma concentrations of voriconazole and N- oxide were determined at day 5 or later. The adverse effects of voriconazole and the FMO3 and CYP2C19 genotypes were investigated. The patients with FMO3 E158K/E308G had a lower plasma concentration of voriconazole. The metabolic ratio to N- oxide was significantly higher in the FMO3 E158K/E308G group than in the wild group. In contrast, FMO3 V257M was not associated with the plasma concentration of voriconazole. No significant difference was observed in the saturation index, defined as a correlation coefficient of the regression line between the absolute plasma concentration of voriconazole and the inverse value of the metabolic ratio to N- oxide, between the FMO3 genotypes. CYP2C19 phenotype did not affect the plasma concentration and metabolic ratio of voriconazole. The saturation index of voriconazole rose in the order of CYP2C19 extensive, intermediate, and then poor metabolizer groups. However, the FMO3 and CYP2C19 genotypes and their associated voriconazole pharmacokinetics did not have an effect on the incidence of adverse effects. In conclusion, FMO3 E158K/E308G decreased the plasma concentration of voriconazole through its higher metabolic activity. The FMO3 genotype altered the plasma exposure of voriconazole, while the CYP2C19 phenotype affected the metabolic capacity in immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent conducting polycrystalline Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films with different thicknesses were deposited on glass substrates at a substrate temperature of 200 °C by ion-plating deposition with direct current arc-discharge. The dependences of crystal structure, electrical, and optical properties of the GZO films on thickness have been systematically studied. Optical response due to free electrons of the GZO films was characterized in the photon energy range from 0.73 to 3.8 eV by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The free electron response was expressed by the simple Drude model combined with the Tauc–Lorentz model. From the SE analysis and the results of Hall measurements, electron effective mass, m*, and optical mobility, μopt, of the GZO films were determined, based on the assumptions that the films are homogeneous and optically isotropic. By comparing the μopt and Hall mobility, μHall, an indication on the effect of ingrain and grain boundary scattering limiting the electron mobility has been obtained. Moreover, the variation in scattering mechanism causing thickness dependence of μHall was correlated with the development of polycrystalline grain structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed laser photolysis/pulsed laser-induced fluorescence technique has been applied to obtain rate coefficients for OH+CH[sub 3]C(O)CH[sub 3] and CD[sub 3]C(O)CD[sub 3] of k[sub H](298–832 K)=(3.99±0.40)×10[sup -24]T[sup 4.00] exp(453±44)/T and k[sub D](298–710 K)=(1.94±0.31)×10[sup -21]T[sup 3.17] exp(-529±68)/T cm[sup 3] molecule[sup -1] s[sup -1], respectively. Three pathways were characterized via the CBS–QB3 ab initio method to obtain complete basis set limits for coupled-cluster theory. Addition to form CH[sub 3]C(O)(OH)CH[sub 3], followed by dissociation to CH[sub 3]+CH[sub 3]C(O)OH, is negligibly slow. Variational transition state theory reveals that the dominant products are CH[sub 3]C(O)CH[sub 2]+H[sub 2]O formed by direct abstraction at higher temperatures and via a hydrogen-bonded complex below about 450 K. Inclusion of tunneling gives good accord with the observed kinetic isotope effect down to about 250 K. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arginine mineralization assay has been used to estimate microbial potentials of soil ammonification, but the validity of saturating arginine dose must be assessed before applying the assay to forest soils as well as cropland soils. We studied the Michaelis–Menten kinetics of 14C-radiolabeled arginine mineralization (14CO 2 production) at wide range of arginine doses (20–420 mg N kg−1 soil). The affinity constants (K M) of concentration-dependent mineralization rates (16–89 mg N kg−1 soil) increased with increasing soil N concentration but were even lower than the standard addition (140 mg N kg−1 soil). Arginine was selectively mineralized within 24 h in cropland soils, while arginine ammonification was slower in the coniferous forest soils with high C to N ratios (C/N > 20). The wide variation (11–90%) in the mineralization of arginine-derived N in 24 h is caused by the differences in microbial activities of arginine degradation and NH 4 + release. This supports the validity of the arginine ammonification assay (140 mg N kg−1 soil addition and 24 h incubation) to obtain rough estimates of microbial potentials of ammonification in forest and cropland soils within the soil N concentrations studied (<10 g N kg−1). The ammonification assay showed the repressed activity of microbial N release in coniferous forest soils with high C/N ratios. • Arginine dose (140 mg N kg−1 soil) was validated for ammonification assay. • Arginine N was selectively mineralized within 24 h in cropland soils. • Arginine ammonification was limited in coniferous forest soils with high C/N ratios. • Ammonification activity decreased with increasing soil C/N ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from a patient allergic to Japanese cedar pollens were transformed by Epstein-Barr virus infection. Some transformed B-lymphoblastoid cells (BLCs) secreted IgM class antibodies to cedar pollen extracts and tomato fruit extracts. One stable human-mouse hybridoma clone Y-22-3-3 secreting IgM class monoclonal antibody to tomato fruit extracts was established by cell fusion of BLCs with mouse myeloma cells. Western blot analysis of tomato extracts showed Y-22-3-3 monoclonal antibody recognized a tomato protein with a molecular weight of 40 kDa. The CBB-stained 40 kDa protein from antibody-affinity chromatography was analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF, and identified as tomato endo-beta-mannanase, which was previously reported as one of the potential candidates for tomato allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical procedure to couple shell to solid elements by using the Nitsche's method. The continuity of displacements can be satisfied approximately with the penalty method, which is effective in setting the penalty parameter to a sufficiently large value. When the continuity of only displacements on the interface is applied between shell and solid elements, an unreasonable deformation may be observed near the interface. In this work, the continuity of the stress vector on the interface is considered by employing the Nitsche's method, and hence a reasonable deformation can be obtained on the interface. The authors propose two types of shell elements coupled with solid elements in this paper. One of them is the conventional MITC4 shell element, which is one of the most popular elements in engineering applications. This approach shows the capability of discretizing the domain of the structure with the different types of elements. The other is the shell element with additional degrees of freedom to represent thickness-stretch developed by the authors. In this approach, the continuity of displacements including the deformation in the thickness direction on the interface can be considered. Several numerical examples are presented to examine the fundamental performance of the proposed procedure. The behavior of the proposed simulation model is compared with that of the whole domain discretized with only solid elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nitrogen (N) mineralization is generally limited by microbial N assimilation when microorganisms are exposed to substrates with high carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios. We hypothesized that microbial N release is also limited by repression of arginine-degrading activity in forest soils with the high C/N ratios. We analyzed the microbial assimilation and mineralization rates of 14C-labeled amino acid mixture, arginine, ornithine, and urea added to a variety of forest and cropland soils. The proportions of amino acid mixture derived 14C incorporated into microbial biomass (MB14C) in a 24-h incubation (3.7–20.4%) increased with soil C/N ratio and an increase in MB14C retards inorganic N release in the forest soils. Arginine mineralization displays a contrary pattern to amino acid derived MB14C and decreased with increasing soil C/N ratio. The reduced arginine-degrading activity in the forest soils with the high C/N ratios is consistent with general microbial N assimilation associated with growth, but it also correlates with the enhanced fungi-specific N preservation (e.g. , recycling of ammonium in urea-ornithine cycle and accumulation of arginine or ornithine in vacuoles). Arginine or ornithine degradation is one of slower amino acid degradation pathways and potentially retards N mineralization in N-limited forest soils. Highlights • Amino acid-N mineralization is slower in forest soils than in cropland soils. • Incorporation of amino acid into microbial biomass increases with soil C/N ratio. • Arginine mineralization rates decrease with soil C/N ratio. • Arginine or ornithine degradation is one of slow amino acid degrading pathways. • Repression of arginine-degrading activity retards N mineralization in forest soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of non-destructive radioactivity measurement equipments for screening radio-cesium in whole foods without sample preparation procedures. Wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots were collected and studied using five different non-destructive radioactivity devices, and activity concentration was determined by conventional gamma-ray spectrometry using a Ge-detector. Linear regression analyses of activity concentrations were conducted and prediction intervals determined as uncertainties. Overall, non-destructive radioactivity measurement devices found to be suitable for screening radioactive cesium contamination in foods with an effective screening level. • Radioactive contamination in food was checked via non-destructive measurement. • Wild mushroom and bamboo shoot varieties were collected as specimens. • Results were compared with activity concentration from gamma-ray spectrometry. • Applicability of the non-destructive devices in radioactivity screening was tested. • Results indicated the devices to be befitting for the screening purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of pulsed electric field (PEF) on the drying rate of foods during the hot air drying process is investigated. Nine kinds of fruits and vegetables and two kinds of marine products are used as the samples, and changes in the weight of these samples during the process are evaluated. PEF is applied to the samples using parallel plate electrodes. The applied voltage ranges from 0.4 to 3 kV, and the input energy of the sample ranges from 1.5 to 115.5 J/g. The samples are dehydrated using a hot air dryer after the PEF treatment. The drying rate of leafy vegetables, apples, and wakame seaweed is accelerated by PEF. The results show that the moisture permeability of membrane can be improved by destroying the cell membrane by PEF. On the other hand, there is no effect on root vegetables because their hard tissues are hard to destroy. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of nitridation on open spaces in thin AlONx films deposited by a reactive sputtering technique was studied by using monoenergetic positron beams. For AlONx films with x = 0%–15%, positrons were found to annihilate from trapped states in open spaces, which coexist intrinsically in an amorphous structure with three different sizes. Nitrogen incorporation into the Al2O3 film increased the size of the open spaces, and their density increased as the post-deposition annealing temperature increased. The effect of nitrogen incorporation, however, diminished at x = 25%. The observed change in the network structure was associated with the formation of a stable amorphous structure, which we could relate to the electrical properties of AlONx/SiO2/Si gate stacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possible extended utilization of a 68 Ge/ 68 Ga source as a surrogate 18 F reference source was studied. Some effects and uncertainties might arise from the difference of constructions between chambers that were used in the source calibration and those practically in use. To extend utilization of the surrogate source, response ratio of real 18 F to 68 Ge/ 68 Ga sources were determined for three models of chambers. Monte-Carlo simulation using EGS5 code was also carried out to evaluate uncertainties expected. The present result shows that such a surrogate source would adapt to calibration even for chambers have with different construction from the reference chamber used as the determination of 18 F equivalent activity of the 68 Ge/ 68 Ga surrogate source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A food inspection service system for home grown products or wild plants collected by individual consumers for self-consumption was implemented in Fukushima in Nov. 2012. About 500 NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometers were distributed to 300 or more temporary testing laboratories which were set up in public halls or meeting places of the municipalities. The screening method for radiocaesium was adapted to the present inspection service system. The performance of the equipment under field conditions was evaluated using sampled data obtained by temporary testing laboratories. From the present results of evaluation the confidence of these inspections was confirmed. Totally about 550,000 food samples have been tested with a pass rate of 90% or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimate of free surface velocity at the billet mold in magnetohydrodynamic calculation is important for steel surface quality. It is considered that the free surface velocity in the electromagnetic stirring operation is transferred through the wall, a boundary of the molten steel. Then the wall friction phenomena between the wall and the molten steel are modeled so as a wall friction, force is a function of wall velocity. The calculated velocity distribution in consideration of the wall friction in which the friction coefficient is estimated as 0.03 is in good agreement with the measured value. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on our progress in measuring the Boltzmann’s constant by Johnson noise thermometry (JNT) using an integrated quantum voltage noise source (IQVNS) that is fully implemented with superconducting integrated circuit technology. The IQVNS generates calculable pseudo white noise voltages to calibrate the JNT system. Thermal noise of a resistor placed at the temperature of the triple point of water was measured precisely by the IQVNS-based JNT. We accumulated more than 2000 data points to determine the Boltzmann’s constant. The experimentally obtained Boltzmann’s constant was kexp = 1.3806493 × 10−23 J/K with a relative statistical uncertainty of 8.6 × 10−6, which agreed well with the 2014 Committee on Data for Science and Technology value with a relative offset of +0.6 × 10−6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a quadrilateral shell element incorporating thickness-stretch, and demonstrates its performance in small and large deformation analyses for hyperelastic material and elastoplastic models. In terms of geometry, the proposed shell element is based on the formulation of the MITC4 shell element, with additional degrees of freedom to represent thickness-stretch. To consider the change in thickness, we introduce a displacement variation to the MITC4 shell element, in the thickness direction. After the thickness direction is expressed in terms of the director vectors that are defined at each midsurface node, additional nodes are placed along the thickness direction from the bottom surface to the top surface. The thickness-stretch is described by the movement of these additional nodes. The additional degrees of freedom are used to compute the transverse normal strain without assuming the plane stress condition. Hence, the three dimensional constitutive equation can be employed in the proposed formulation without any modification. By virtue of not imposing the plane stress condition, the surface traction is evaluated at the surface where the traction is applied, whereas it is assessed at the midsurface for conventional shell elements. Several numerical examples are presented to examine the fundamental performance of the proposed shell element. In particular, the proposed approach is capable of evaluating the change in thickness and the stress distribution when the effect of the surface traction is included. The behavior of the proposed shell element is compared with that of solid elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the direct electrolysis of liquid ammonia (NH 3 ) by using ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl) as an electrolyte to supply ammonium cation ( NH 4 + ) is performed. As a result, it is confirmed that a certain electric current is observed while voltage below 2.0 V is applied to the electrodes, which indicates that NH 4 Cl can work as an electrolyte for the electrolysis of liquid ammonia. Furthermore, generation of high compressed hydrogen by NH 3 electrolysis is successfully demonstrated, where the inner pressure reaches 20 MPa. However, it is confirmed that the electrode corrosion on the anode occur during the electrolysis. Then, the corrosion mechanism of the anode electrode composed of stainless or platinum are investigated by gas chromatography for the generated gas, and powder x-ray diffraction measurement for the electrolyte after the electrolysis. Finally, it is concluded that a metal ( M ) of an anode electrode is ionized in the ammonia solution to form metal chloride ( M Cl x ) instead of the primary oxidation reaction for the electrolysis of ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Some pregnant women develop significant proteinuria in the absence of hypertension. However, clinical significance of isolated gestational proteinuria (IGP) is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IGP in singleton pregnancies and the proportion of women with IGP who subsequently developed preeclampsia (IGP-PE) among all PE cases.Material and Methods: This was an observational study of 6819 women with singleton pregnancies at 12 centers, including 938 women with at least once determination of protein-to-creatinine ratio (P/Cr). Significant proteinuria in pregnancy (SPIP) was defined as P/Cr (mg/mg) level >0.27. IGP was defined as SPIP in the absence of hypertension. Gestational hypertension (GH) preceding preeclampsia (GH-PE) was defined as preeclampsia (PE) in which GH preceded SPIP. Simultaneous PE (S-PE) was defined as PE in which both SPIP and hypertension occurred simultaneously.Results: IGP and PE were diagnosed in 130 (1.9%) and 158 (2.3%) of 6819 women, respectively. Of 130 women with IGP, 32 (25%) progressed to PE and accounted for 20% of all women with PE. Hence, women with IGP had a relative risk of 13.1 (95% CI; 9.2-18.5) for developing PE compared with those without IGP [25% (32/130) vs. 1.9% (126/6689)]. At diagnosis of SPIP, P/Cr levels already exceeded 1.0 more often in women with S-PE than in those with IGP-PE [67% (33/49) vs. 44% (14/32), respectively, p = 0.031].Conclusions: IGP is a risk factor for PE, and IGP-PE accounts for a considerable proportion (20%) of all PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mechanism of Fe3+ion extraction was investigated in the tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP)/triethyl-pentyl-phosphonium (P2225) bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)amide (TFSA) system. According to the performed analysis, the Fe3+extraction is based on cation exchange with ionic liquids: Moreover, the removal of Fe and B by continuous extraction was investigated. It was determined that nine extraction cycles led to the removal of all B and most of the Fe and increased the concentration of rare earth ions in the organic phase by a factor of 2.2. The electrochemical behavior of the extracted [Fe(III)(TBP)3(TFSA)3] complex was investigated at 373 K, and two reduction steps were detected: Based on these results, potentiostatic electrodeposition from an electrolytic bath was carried out at −1.75 V at 373 K after the ninth cycle of continuous extraction. Electrodeposits with 0.8–0.9 μm diameter were recovered on the Cu substrate, and metallic Fe in these deposits was identified by their energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) spectra. Finally, the effectiveness of solvent extraction and direct electrodeposition in the recovery process was demonstrated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The extraction behavior of rare earth (RE) species was investigated on benzoyltrifluoroacetone (Hbfa) /triethyl-pentyl-phosphonium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)amide ([P2225][TFSA]) system in this study. The stoichiometry of the extracted complex shown RE: ligands = 1:3 by slope analysis regardless of the kinds of acid media in the aqueous phase. The extraction mechanism in this system was revealed as [RE3+]aq+ 3[Hbfa]IL[RE(bfa)3]IL+ 3[H+]aqand [TFSA]−anion did not participate in the extraction mechanism. The result of Raman spectroscopy also supported the stoichiometry of the extracted complex. Moreover, the chelate formation constant (β) of [Nd(bfa)3] and [Dy(bfa)3] was also evaluated by the direct measurement of [bfa]−anion by ion chromatography. The hypersensitive peak (4I9/2→2G7/2*) in the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum also confirmed the formation of [Nd(bfa)3]. The average chelate formation constants (logβ) of [Nd(bfa)3] and [Dy(bfa)3] were estimated to be 7.58 and 7.93, respectively. The value of logβ(Dy) was larger than that of logβ(Nd); thus, this result indicates that [Dy(bfa)3] was more stable than [Nd(bfa)3]. Furthermore, the optimized structure of the extracted complexes – [Nd(bfa)3(H2O)3] and [Dy(bfa)3(H2O)2] – were also evaluated by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. On the optimized geometries, the average bond length of the centered Nd3+ion or Dy3+ion against the O atom in the 1-carbonyl group was 2.728 Å or 2.407 Å, respectively. This result suggested that the Dy3+ion would be combined more strongly with the [bfa]−anion than the Nd3+ion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nanoparticle coating is a potential technique for conferring functional properties to solid surfaces. The application of a titanium oxide (TiO 2) nanoparticle coating to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) open flow channels was investigated herein. Open flow channels with the widths of 0.5–1 mm were fabricated by milling. The effect of TiO 2 coating on the wettability of PMMA surface was examined by water contact angle measurements. The data show that nanoparticle coating was applicable to both square and round flow channels. The particle concentration of TiO 2 affected the evenness of the coating layer. Using TiO 2 -coated channels, spontaneous water flow was demonstrated, whereas the bare PMMA channel did not allow water flow. The spontaneous flow conditions observed here were summarized using the generalized Cassie angle. Finally, the possibility of selective liquid transport was demonstrated using parallel TiO 2 -coated and uncoated flow channels stemming from a single fluid inlet. This work offers a potential technique of nanoparticle coating for extending the applications of open flow channels. [Display omitted] • TiO 2 nanoparticle coating of PMMA open flow channel was investigated. • Surface wettability was controlled by TiO 2 nanoparticle coating. • Water transport was demonstrated in TiO 2 coated PMMA channels. • Spontaneous flow conditions were discussed referring to generalized Cassie angle. • Potential technique of selective liquid transport was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) are graded according to their live birth potential, and high-grade embryos are preferentially transplanted. However, rates of live birth following clinical ART remain low worldwide. Grading is based on the embryo shape at a limited number of stages and does not consider the shape of embryos and intracellular structures, e.g., nuclei, at various stages important for normal embryogenesis. Here, we developed a Normalized Multi-View Attention Network (NVAN) that directly predicts live birth potential from the nuclear structure in live-cell fluorescence images of mouse embryos from zygote to across a wide range of stages. The input is morphological features of cell nuclei, which were extracted as multivariate time-series data by using the segmentation algorithm for mouse embryos. The classification accuracy of our method (83.87%) greatly exceeded that of existing machine-learning methods and that of visual inspection by embryo culture specialists. Our method also has a new attention mechanism that allows us to determine which values of multivariate time-series data, used to describe nuclear morphology, were the basis for the prediction. By visualizing the features that contributed most to the prediction of live birth potential, we found that the size and shape of the nucleus at the morula stage and at the time of cell division were important for live birth prediction. We anticipate that our method will help ART and developmental engineering as a new basic technology for IVF embryo selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim In order to investigate the current status of prenatal testing for genetic disorders, we conducted a multicenter retrospective questionnaire survey. Methods The questionnaire was sent to 105 facilities with genetic counseling systems. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: (i) the number of prenatal tests conducted for genetic disorders from January 2010 to December 2012, whether the laboratory was combined with the counseling facility or separate, the sampling procedure method, the testing results, and the outcomes of the affected fetus in addition to treatment; and (ii) a survey of personal comments regarding prenatal testing for genetic disorders. Results We received responses from 69 of the 105 facilities (65.7%), and genetic testing was performed at 26 of these facilities. Nucleic acid sequential testing was performed on 45 disorders and 252 cases during a three-year period. There were 67 cases of affected fetuses. Six cases continued pregnancy and were treated. The comment survey highlighted difficulties in locating a laboratory to assess prenatal samples, as well as inadequate counseling and preparation for genetic disorders. Conclusions Our study revealed that a number of prenatal testing for genetic disorders are conducted in Japan; however, it is difficult for counselors to locate a laboratory capable of testing for specific genetic disorders. Inadequate counseling and healthcare providers' lack of knowledge is a current problem. A well-established system of prenatal testing for genetic disorders and the further education of general physicians is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gestational thrombocytopenia is more likely to occur in twin than singleton pregnancies. However, it is unclear whether platelets are more reactive in twin than singleton pregnancies. Methods Changes in spontaneous platelet aggregation and concomitant fall in platelet count were examined over 90 min after blood sampling in 171 and 52 citrated whole blood (CWB) samples from 59 and 17 women with singleton and twin pregnancies, respectively. Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) levels in the plasma were also determined. Results CWB 60 min after blood sampling during 2nd trimester exhibited significantly larger numbers of platelet aggregates (1297 ± 1600 vs. 497 ± 432/μl, P = 0.040) concomitant with significantly greater net decrease in platelet count (152 ± 55 vs. 115 ± 45 × 10 9 /μl, P = 0.036) in twin than singleton pregnancies, respectively. This was followed by significantly lower 3rd trimester platelet count (181 ± 43 vs. 229 ± 62 × 10 9 /l, P = 0.009) with significantly greater mean platelet volume (8.0 ± 1.2 vs. 7.1 ± 1.1 fl, P = 0.021) in twin than singleton pregnancies, respectively. The 3rd trimester sP-selectin per platelet was significantly higher in twin than singleton pregnancies. Conclusions Platelets were more reactive in the 2nd trimester of twin than singleton pregnancies. This enhanced platelet reactivity may explain the decreased platelet count in the 3rd trimester of twin pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present design and testing of a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) and a variable pulse number multiplier (VPNM) which are digital circuit subsystems in an integrated quantum voltage noise source for Jonson noise thermometry. Well-defined, calculable pseudo-random patterns of single flux quantum pulses are synthesized with the PRNG and multiplied digitally with the VPNM. The circuit implementation on rapid single flux quantum technology required practical circuit scales and bias currents, 279 junctions and 33 mA for the PRNG, and 1677 junctions and 218 mA for the VPNM. We confirmed the circuit operation with sufficiently wide margins, 80–120%, with respect to the designed bias currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine intrapartum factors associated with neonatal encephalopathy leading to cerebral palsy (NE-CP). Methods A total of 70 NE-CP patients who fulfilled study criteria (cephalic singleton pregnancy with attempted vaginal delivery [AVD] at gestational week [GW] ≥36; intrapartum occurrence of non-reassuring fetal status without apparent cause following reassuring fetal status on admission; and development of NE-CP) were compared with 210 AVD controls who had 1- and 5-min Apgar score ≥8 matched for GW, maternal parity, and use of uterotonics. Suboptimal care was defined as delayed reaction due to misinterpretation of fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, or inappropriate trial of instrumental delivery (TOID). Successful and failed TOID were defined as vaginal and cesarean delivery after TOID, respectively. The 210 controls were assumed not to have had suboptimal care. Results The rates of successful (34% vs 12%) and failed TOID (11% vs 0.0%), cesarean section (34% vs 14%), suboptimal care (57% vs 0.0%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (11% vs 2.4%), birthweight ≥3800 g (8.6% vs 1.9%), subgaleal hemorrhage (16% vs 0.0%) were significantly higher in NE-CP patients than in controls. Selection with the stepwise method and logistic regression analysis identified four independent risk factors for NE-CP: suboptimal intrapartum care (OR, 2.21; 95%CI: 1.99-2.47), cesarean section (OR, 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.31), successful TOID (OR, 1.14; 95%CI: 1.03-1.25), and hypertension (OR, 1.20; 95%CI: 1.01-1.42). Conclusions Training programs for improved interpretation of FHR tracing and appropriate TOID are required to prevent NE-CP among healthy and mature fetuses in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It was recently suggested that platelet reactivity is reduced in early pregnancy. This study was performed to determine whether the citrated whole blood from 33 pregnant women in their first trimester showed spontaneous platelet aggregation and whether it differed in extent from that of 11 non-pregnant women. Methods The platelet count and number of platelet aggregates (PA) were serially determined in the same citrated whole blood specimens at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 min after blood sampling using a hematology analyzer. Results The number of PA increased significantly at 30 min and thereafter in both groups, but was consistently lower for pregnant than non-pregnant women over the 90-min observation period. The platelet count decreased significantly in a time-dependent manner in both groups, but was significantly lower at 30 and 90 min for non-pregnant than pregnant women. The number of PA showed a significant positive correlation with net decrease in platelet count for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. PA counts were also significantly positively correlated with the mean platelet volume. Conclusion Platelet reactivity monitored by the increase in number of PA and the fall in platelet count was reduced in early pregnancy compared with non-pregnant healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The expression of hepatic CYP3A decreases with inflammatory response but increases with glucocorticoid administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of voriconazole and itraconazole under inflammatory conditions and glucocorticoid therapy. Methods Forty-one voriconazole- and 42 itraconazole-treated immunocompromised patients were enrolled in this study. Plasma concentrations of triazoles and their major metabolites at 12 h after dosing were determined. The relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP), prednisolone dose, and plasma exposure parameters of triazole were evaluated. Results Plasma concentration of voriconazole was not correlated with that of its N-oxide. A higher CRP was correlated with a higher dose-normalized plasma concentration of voriconazole and a lower plasma concentration ratio of N-oxide to voriconazole. Prednisolone dose was weakly correlated with the plasma concentration ratio of N-oxide to voriconazole. Plasma concentration of itraconazole had a good correlation with that of its hydroxide. Parameters of itraconazole were not associated with CRP and prednisolone dose. Conclusions An inflammatory state raised the plasma concentration of voriconazole through its metabolic reduction, while it did not have an effect on plasma concentration of itraconazole. Concomitant glucocorticoid administration slightly elevated the voriconazole metabolism, although it did not affect the plasma concentration of triazoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: It is unknown whether weekly maternal weight gain differs between Japanese women with singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancies. Methods: Gestational weight gain defined as net weight gain during pregnancy was analyzed in 135,036 pregnant Japanese women, including 128,838 with singletons, 5573 with twins, and 132 with triplets, who gave birth at ≥22 weeks of gestation between 2007 and 2009. Weekly weight gain was defined as follows: gestational weight gain÷[gestational week (GW) at Delivery-2]. Results: Length of gestation (weeks, mean±SD) decreased significantly (38.2±2.6, 35.3±3.0, and 32.7±2.8) with increasing number of fetuses, while overall gestational weight gain (kg) was significantly smaller in women with singletons than in those with either twins or triplets (9.6±4.4 vs. 10.9±4.8 or 10.9±5.2, respectively). Thus, weekly maternal weight gain (kg/week) increased significantly with increasing number of fetuses (0.26±0.12, 0.33±0.13, and 0.35±0.16). Among women with delivery at or after GW 34, difference in gestational weight gain (kg) was prominent between the three groups (9.8±4.4, 11.4±4.7, and 13.0±5.1 for singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancies, respectively, P<0.001 between any two groups). Conclusions: Weekly maternal weight gain increases with increasing number of fetuses. Our figures may be useful for advising Japanese women with multifetal pregnancies regarding gestational weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voids in SiO2 films deposited on GaN were probed by using monoenergetic positron beams. The films were fabricated on GaN substrates by using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The size and density of the voids in the films increased up to an annealing temperature of 800 °C and then decreased at 1000 °C. The observed annealing behaviors of the voids were attributed to the desorption of impurities incorporated during the deposition process and the shrinkage of the Si–O matrix by high-temperature annealing. Vacancy-type defects were introduced into the GaN substrate after 1000 °C annealing in O2 atmosphere due to the diffusion of Ga from the substrate to the SiO2 film. No out-diffusion of Ga into the SiO2 film was observed for the annealing in N2 atmosphere. Thus, the observed out-diffusion of Ga was attributed to the enhanced oxidation of GaN during the annealing in O2 atmosphere. The diffusion of positrons implanted into the GaN substrate toward the SiO2 film was suppressed by annealing, suggesting a decrease in the negative charges in the SiO2 film or near the SiO2/GaN interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine whether macrosomic infants with a birthweight of 4.0 kg or more have increased risk of cerebral palsy associated with neonatal encephalopathy ( Enc- CP). Methods A retrospective review of 132 singleton infants with Enc- CP fulfilling all of the following criteria: born at gestational week ( GW) 37 or more ( n = 126) or weighing 2.5 kg or more at birth ( n = 116) in or after January 2009 in Japan; no identifiable causes of cerebral palsy other than antenatal or intrapartum hypoxia; and exhibition of neonatal encephalopathy. National statistics of Japan were used to determine the numbers of infants according to birthweight categories. Results Of the 116 infants with a birthweight of 2.5 kg or more, 46 (39.7%), 49 (42.2%), 17 (14.7%) and four (3.4%) infants had birthweights of 2.5-2.99, 3.0-3.49, 3.5-3.99 and 4.0 kg or more, respectively. Corresponding figures among Japanese infants born in 2009-2011 were 42.8%, 45.4%, 10.9% and 0.90%, respectively. Infants with a birthweight of 4.0 kg or more had a relative risk (95% confidence interval) of Enc- CP of 3.89 (1.52-9.95) compared to those with a birthweight of 2.5-2.99 kg. Conclusion Japanese infants with a birthweight of 4.0 kg or more have increased risk of Enc- CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: If high-energy beta particles are required for the efficiency determination of surface contamination monitors, wide area filtered 90Sr/90Y sources are commonly used instead of short-lived pure 90Y sources. In this work we show how the instrument efficiencies are dependent on filtering. Significant difference in the instrument efficiencies between filtered 90Sr/90Y and pure 90Y source was obtained due to spectral degradation of the beta emission spectrum. Changes in the β-particle spectra were investigated by the use of a plastic scintillation spectrometer and the anisotropy of β-particle fluences was examined to clarify the possible reason of such discrepancy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The risk of abortion is known to be high in women with essential thrombocythemia (ET). However, a few studies have focused on the risk of stillbirth among fetuses reaching gestational age compatible with life. Methods: Review of medical charts of pregnant women with ET who received cares at a single center between January 2003 and June 2013 and the English literature in which more than 20 pregnancies with ET were dealt with regarding outcomes. Outcomes were classified into three categories: spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery before GW 24, stillbirth at and after GW 24, and live birth (LB). Japan national statistics was used to estimate the risk of stillbirth among women with GW 22 or more. Results: In all nine pregnancies in four women with ET at our hospital, two miscarriages, one stillbirth (intrauterine death at GW 35), and six LBs occurred. There were six reports in the English literature in which a total of 374 pregnancy outcomes were described: 110 miscarriages (29%), 14 stillbirths (3.7% of all 374 pregnancies and 5.3% of 264 pregnancies with GW≥24), and 250 LBs (67%) occurred. Japan national statistics between 1995 and 2011 indicated that the risk of stillbirth was less than 0.50% among women with GW≥22. Conclusions: The risk of stillbirth was extremely high among women with ET. More intensified monitoring of fetal wellbeing may be required to improve outcome of pregnancy complicated with ET. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim The aim of this study was to better characterize the nature of abruptio placentae ( AP) with regard to the timing of onset. Material and Methods Prevalence and prospective risk of AP according to gestational week ( GW) were determined among 293 899 women who gave birth to singleton infants at and after GW 30. The prospective risk of AP at gestational week N was defined as the number of all women who experienced an AP at ≥ GW N divided by the number of all women who gave birth at ≥ GW N. Results AP developed in 2649 (0.90%) women. The prevalence of AP (6.7% among women who gave birth at GW 30-33) sharply decreased with advancing GW at delivery to 0.9% for GW 37 and 0.1% for ≥ GW 42. The highest prospective risk of AP, 9 per 1000 women at GW 30, decreased linearly with advancing gestation to 1 per 1000 women at ≥ GW 42. AP accounted for 4.7% (1591/33 725) of all preterm births at GW <37, while prevalence of AP was 0.41% (1058/260 174) among term births. Preterm AP accounted for 60.1% (1591/2649) of all AP. Conclusion Our figures indicate that AP is more common in preterm births than in term birth and may be helpful for better understanding the epidemiology of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to underscore problems associated with the dipstick test and determination of protein concentration alone in spot-urine ( P-test) compared with spot-urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ( P/ Cr test) and to determine whether urine collection for 24-h test was complete. Material and Methods Dipstick and P/ Cr tests were performed simultaneously in 357 random spot-urine specimens from 145 pregnant women, including 35 with pre-eclampsia. Positive results were defined as ≥1+ on dipstick test, protein concentration ≥30 mg/dL on P-test, and P/ Cr ratio ≥ 0.27 (mg/mg) on P/ Cr test. Sixty-four 24-h urine tests (quantification of protein in urine collected during 24 h) were performed in 27 of the 145 women. We assumed that P/ Cr ratio ≥ 0.27 predicted significant proteinuria (urinary protein ≥ 0.3 g/day). The 24-h urine collection was considered incomplete when urinary creatinine excretion was <11.0 mg/kg/day or >25.0 mg/kg/day. Results Forty-four percent (69/156) of specimens with a positive test result on dipstick test contained protein < 30 mg/dL. Dipstick test was positive for 25.7% (69/269) of specimens with protein < 30 mg/dL and for 28.8% (79/274) of specimens with P/ Cr ratio < 0.27. P-test results were positive for 7.3% (20/274) and negative for 18.1% (15/83) of specimens with P/ Cr ratio < 0.27 and ≥0.27, respectively. Incomplete 24-h urine collection occurred in 15.6% (10/64) of 24-h urine tests. Daily urinary creatinine excretion was 702-1397 mg, while creatinine concentration varied from 16 mg/dL to 475 mg/dL in spot-urine specimens. Conclusion Dipstick test and P-test were likely to over- and underestimate risks of significant proteinuria, respectively. The 24-h urine collection was often incomplete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Women with imminent premature labor ( IPL) are transported to a tertiary hospital equipped with neonatal intensive care unit ( NICU) even during the night. However, there have been no extensive studies of the occurrence rate of night IPL. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence rate of night IPL in an area with a population of 2 million. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using data collected by the Sapporo Obstetric System for Emergency Patients launched in October 2008, in which women, physicians, and ambulance staff who sought appropriate obstetric/gynecological facilities available in the night (19.00-06.00 hours) were informed of candidate hospitals by coordinators through telephone consultation. This system covered the Sapporo area, which has a population of 2 000 000 and 17 000 births annually. Approximately 14% and 86% of women received antenatal care at six and 35 obstetric facilities with and without NICU, respectively, in this area. Night IPL was defined as a threatened premature labor and transport to one of six tertiary hospitals with NICU between 19.00 and 06.00 hours the next morning. Results During a 4-year period from 1 October 2008 to 30 September 2012, the Sapporo Obstetric System for Emergency Patients received 158 ± 23 (mean ± standard deviation) monthly telephone consultations (range 114-218 per month). The monthly number of patients with night IPL was 3.0 ± 2.2 (range 0-9 per month). Conclusions The monthly number of cases of night IPL was around three among women who received antenatal care at obstetrics facilities without NICU in an area with a population of 2 000 000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powders of transition metal silicides, CrSi2, MnSi1.7+δ, and CoSi, were prepared by heating powder mixtures of Cr, Mn, and Co metals and Si with a Na flux at 773-823 K for 12 h. The grains of the prepared metal silicide powders were composed of primary particles with sizes smaller than those of the source powders of the metals and Si. The bulk samples prepared by sintering the metal silicide powders were characterized. Maximum ZT values of 0.10, 0.42, and 0.13 were obtained for the samples of CrSi2 at 873 K, MnSi1.7+δ at 773 K, and CoSi at 623 K, respectively. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]