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We measured differences in %C, %N, δ13C, and δ15N of plant functional types (PFTs) between burned and unburned ground surfaces soon after a wildfire on a north-facing slope in interior Alaska. The C and N were measured for 16 species and Sphagnum litter. δ13C differed among the PFTs and was low for trees and shrubs, suggesting that woody stems slowed C dynamics or showed low water use efficiency. δ15N concentrations suggested that the herbaceous plants depended less on the mycorrhizal associations that became weak on the burned surfaces. The shrub leaves showed the lowest δ15N of PFTs and showed higher δ15N on the burned surface, showing that N transfer from the soils to the leaves in the shrubs was slowed by the wildfire. Mosses showed the highest C/N ratio. Sphagnum litter decomposed faster on the burned surface, and %N and δ15N in the litter increased from the second to third year on both burned and unburned surfaces, while %C changed little. In conclusion, the responses to the wildfire differed among the PFTs as characterized by their C and N dynamics.

AIM This study is to investigate the role of amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis before and after the beginning of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in Japan. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of genetic amniocentesis at mid-trimester (15-20 gestational weeks) for fetal karyotype analysis at Nagoya City University between April 2006 and March 2020. The indications, test results, and the detection rate of fetal abnormal karyotype were compared before (phase 1, P1) and after (phase 2, P2) beginning of NIPT at April 2013. RESULTS A total of 2458 (P1: 1132, P2: 1326) amniocentesis were enrolled in this study. The most frequent indication was advanced maternal age in both phases (P1: 78.2% %, P2: 81.1%). In P2, 110 patients (8.3%) received amniocentesis after positive or nonreportable NIPT results. Other indications were fetal abnormal findings by ultrasounds (P1: 15.4%, P2: 17.7%), abnormal maternal serum screening results (P1: 8.0%, P2: 10%), previous child with fetal chromosome aberration (P1: 6.5%, P2: 3.5%), and translocation of either partner (P1:1.5%, P2: 2.1%). The detection rate for fetal chromosomal aberrations including all indications was significantly increased in P2 (15.9%, 95% CI 14.0-18.0) as compared to P1 (9.0%, 7.4-10.8). However, if the indication was only advanced maternal age, the positive detection rate kept low in both phases (P1: 5.2%, 3.7-7.1, P2: 4.2%, 2.9-5.9). CONCLUSION Since the initiation of NIPT, the detection rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities was higher in this study, suggesting that amniocentesis cannot be strongly recommended for advanced maternal age alone.

To investigate whether blastocysts that divide irregularly reduce subsequent blastocyst euploidy.Retrospective study.Private clinic.122 blastocysts for which consent for disposal and research use were obtained.None.Results of NGS analysis of the blastocysts and whether blastomeres by normal or irregular divisions subsequently participated in blastocyst formation or not.The embryos were classified according to their dynamics until the second cleavage. The blastocyst euploidy was 33.3% (19/57) in the normal cleavage (NC) group, 38.3% (18/47) in the direct cleavage (embryos with one cell dividing into three cells) (DC) group, and 72.2% (13/18) in the reverse cleavage (embryos with fused cells once divided) (RC) group. The rate of the RC group was significantly higher than that of the NC (P0.05). The blastocyst participation rate of the blastomeres were 95.6% in the NC group and 56.5% in that derived from DC of the first cleavage, and 91.7% in that of blastomeres derived from normal division of the second cleavage and 53.6% in that derived from DC of the second cleavage, both of which were significantly lower in the latter (P0.01), and in the RC group, the rates of fused and non-fused blastomeres were 62.1% and 87.5%, respectively, with no significant difference.The blastomeres generated by DC were often excluded from blastocyst formation, and we speculate that this is one reason why their division does not reduce blastocyst euploidy. The association between RC and euploidy of blastocysts merits further study.

Driving simulator usage is often accompanied by motion sickness, and techniques for its prevention are not yet established. To reduce visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), we investigated the effects of synchronised presentation of engine sounds and motorcycle vibration on VIMS. A total of 80 participants experienced a driving scene with a head-mounted display for 5 minutes with or without synchronised presentation of engine sound and vibration. The results showed that VIMS scores, as measured by the Fast Motion Sickness scale, were significantly lower in participants who experienced the driving scene with sounds and vibration than in those who experienced the scene with sounds only, vibration only, or neither. Multiple regression analyses revealed that susceptibility to VIMS consistently explained the severity of VIMS to some extent but not with perceived realism of the virtual reality (VR) scene, sex, and experiences about VR devices and vehicles. This study demonstrated that simultaneous presentation of engine sounds and vibration, which were synchronous to each other and tightly coupled with the visual flow speed, effectively reduces VIMS while experiencing motorcycling simulators. The findings not only improve practical knowledge for reducing VIMS in driving simulators but also provide evidence for understanding the mechanisms of VIMS.

Novel 3,5-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one scaffold compounds were synthesized and evaluated as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators. Unlike direct AMPK activators, this series of compounds showed selective cell growth inhibitory activity against human breast cancer cell lines. By optimizing the lead compound (4a) from our library, 2-[({1'-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-methyl-1',2',3',6'-tetrahydro[3,4'-bipyridin]-6-yl}oxy)methyl]-3,5-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one (25) was found to have potent AMPK activating activity. Compound 25 also showed good aqueous solubility while maintaining the unique selectivity in cell growth inhibitory activity.

Selection of assistive technology devices (ATDs), which are imperative for persons with disabilities to improve their quality of life, requires collaboration of users and multidisciplinary professionals. However, it is still unknown how to design and implement an adequate collaborative work flow and a professional team. Under Japanese governmental ATD provision system, based on the application by clients, ATDs are mainly selected through collaborative processes with the clients and health professionals in public organizations, rehabilitation counseling centers (RCCs). By employing qualitative study methods in this study, we investigated the ATD selection process in which health professionals in RCCs collaboratively assess clients with physical disabilities so as to support them in selecting the adequate ATDs. To identify the perspectives required for ATD selection completely, the assessment processes were recorded and analyzed with a pseudo setting in two RCCs. Content analysis of the conversations between the client and professionals revealed the characteristics of the information exchanged in the assessment processes. A total of 760 assessment items were identified, thus indicating a broad array of interest. Despite the richness of information collected for the assessment, half of the assessment items did not have corresponding items in the documents that were employed during the prescription process. Thematic analysis of the interviews that followed revealed the common values and collaborative processes in ATD selection, which were shared and elaborated among the staff in daily social interactions. To facilitate implementation of ATD provision in various areas with few resources, it may be effective to convert this tacit-to-tacit knowledge sharing into a more explicit sharing by promoting analyses of good practices.

A mobility scooter is a major assistive technology that replaces human ambulatory functions for people with disabilities. A license is often not required for driving a mobility scooter; therefore, less skilled drivers might create safety concerns. An effective way of reducing these safety risks is by assessing the driving skills of users. The existing assessment measures mostly score the task performance using manual observations. In this study, we have developed a novel assessment system that logs the driving operations by using add-on sensors. This system can monitor the operations of a mobility scooter including the angles of the throttle lever and the steering tiller. The subjects were seven older adults who participated in the driving test involving six tasks; the driver performances were video recorded, and the vehicle operation data were logged. The video analysis showed that two subjects crashed their scooters into objects or made contact with objects during the test course. To extract the characteristic patterns of the operations from the logs, 2D histograms of the operational status durations were investigated for each subject and task. Subsequent analysis of the operation logs identified the two subjects who had crashed their vehicles during the test drive. Our results proved that the driving operation logs could be used complementarily as a simple and low-cost tool for assessing a person’s driving skills.Clinical Relevance—The driving operation logging system that we developed can accurately and objectively evaluate the driving skills of mobility scooter drivers, such as steering and speed adjustment. Further, by accumulating such objective data, the system can be used for predicting and preventing accidents. Thus, the system will provide secure and safe community mobility for older persons and thereby improve their quality of life.

This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of novel indirect AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators. The series of compounds selectively inhibited cell growth in several human breast cancer cell lines by activating AMPK. We performed back-up medicinal chemistry synthetic research on ASP4132, a previously reported as a compound for clinical development that acts as an indirect AMPK activator. This led to the successful identification of 4-({4-[5-({1-[(5-ethoxypyrazin-2-yl)methyl]-4-fluoropiperidin-4-yl}methoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-carbonyl]piperazin-1-yl}methyl)benzonitrile succinate (27b), a potent, highly aqueous soluble and metabolically stable compound in human hepatocytes. Compound 27b also showed weaker human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene (hERG) inhibitory activity than that of compound 13 and ASP4132. Therefore, 27b was a promising AMPK activator and a second-generation clinical candidate for treatment for human cancer.

Introduction: Acute stroke patients have problems with gait disturbance. Independent gait in hospitalized patients is important for early discharge to home. Therefore, we must find factors of disturbing independent gait following acute stroke and intensively treat them. Hypothesis: Impaired trunk control and cognitive function are factors of disturbing early independent gait. Methods: We included acute ischemic stroke patients who were admitted in our hospital from June 2017 to May 2018 and excluded patients with disturbed level of consciousness. We defined a score of 6 (modified Independence) or 7 (complete independence) in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as gait independence. We evaluated association of stroke subtypes, Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) of upper limbs, fingers and lower limbs, trunk control test (TCT) score and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score with early gait independence on the 7th day of a stroke onset. Results: One hundred twenty- six patients met our inclusive criteria and we analyzed them. Stroke subtypes had no relation to early gait independence. In gait independent and dependent patients on the 7th day, median BRS score of upper limbs was 5 and 5 (ns), median BRS score of fingers was 5 and5 (ns), median BRS score of lower limbs was 6 and 5 (p Conclusions: Impaired trunk control and muscle weakness of lower limbs were significant factors of disturbing early gait independence.

Introduction: Acute stroke patients have problems with toilet activities. Independent toilet activity in hospitalized patients is important for dischargee to home. Hypothesis: Lower limbs function, trunk control and cognitive function are important factors of early independent toilet activities and discharge to home within 7 days. Methods: We included acute ischemic stroke patients who 1) were admitted from June 2017 to May 2018 and 2) received early rehabilitation treatment. Patients with disturbed level of consciousness were excluded. Functional independence measure (FIM) scale of 6 or 7 was defined as independence and FIM scale of 5 or less as dependence. We evaluated Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS) of arms, fingers and lower limbs, trunk control test (TCT), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and investigated significant factors of early independent toilet activities and discharge to home within 7 days. Results: One-hundred twenty-four patients met our inclusive criteria. Their average age was 75.8 years, male gender of 63.7%, median BRS of arms, fingers and lower limbs was 5, 5 and 5, median TCT score and MMSE score were 94 and 24.7, respectively. Fifty-three patients were independent in toilet activity and 73 patients were dependent. All patients with independent toilet activity discharged to home within 7 days. In independent and dependent toilet activity patients, an average age was 73.6 and 77.4 (p Conclusion: BRS as lower limbs function, TCT as trunk control and MMSE as cognitive function were important factors of early independent toilet activities and early discharge to home.

Novel 3,5-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one scaffold compounds were synthesized and evaluated as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators. Unlike direct AMPK activators, this series of compounds showed selective cell growth inhibitory activity against human breast cancer cell lines. By optimizing the lead compound (4a) from our library, 2-[({1'-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-2-methyl-1',2',3',6'-tetrahydro[3,4'-bipyridin]-6-yl}oxy)methyl]-3,5-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one (25) was found to have potent AMPK activating activity. Compound 25 also showed good aqueous solubility while maintaining the unique selectivity in cell growth inhibitory activity.

Recently, high-performance mobile computer devices such as smart phones and tablet devices spread rapidly. They have attracted attention as a new promising platform for parallel and distributed applications. Based on the background, we are developing a cluster computer system using mobile devices or single board computers running Android OS. However, since mobile devices can move anywhere, node computers might leave from the cluster and new nodes might join the cluster. In this paper, we present an Android Cluster system that can reconfigure the system's scale dynamically. Our system can automatically detect the change in the number of computation nodes and reconfigure the cluster's nodes, even while parallel and distributed application is running. Furthermore, we show preliminary performance results of our system. The results show that our cluster provides the scalable performance to the number of nodes in parallel computation. Finally, it is confirmed that the mechanism of load balancing per process basis and the mechanism of switching to efficient data communication method can reduce the execution time of parallel applications. Our evaluation result shows that the execution time can be reduced up to 11.8% by load balancing per process basis, as compared to the load balancing per node basis, and shows that the execution time can be reduced 68% at maximum, by switching the communication method between processes to efficient one.

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in maintaining cellular metabolism. AMP or adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels rise during metabolic stress, such as during nutrient starvation, hypoxia and muscle contraction, and bind to AMPK to induce activity. Recently, activation of AMPK has been considered an attractive therapeutic strategy in the field of human oncology. Structural optimization of lead compound 2, a new type of AMPK activator with potent AMPK activation activity and attractive selective growth inhibition against human cancer cells, improved aqueous solubility, metabolic stability and animal pharmacokinetics (PK) and culminated in the identification of (5-{1-[(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl]piperidin-4-yl}-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)(4-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl}piperazin-1-yl)methanone ditosylate, ASP4132 (28). Studies on ASP4132 had advanced to clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.

Obesity and diabetes, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, are characterized by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Marine biofunctionals, astaxanthin (Ax) and squalene (SQ), were evaluated for their combined effect. Groups of male KK-Ay mice were fed high fat/sucrose diet for 4 weeks, supplemented with either 0.1 %Ax, 2 %SQ or 0.1 %Ax ? 2 %SQ. In comparison to control, Sod was elevated in only Ax ? SQ. However, Gpx was highest in Ax ? SQ, indicating the combined antioxidant effect of Ax and SQ. This was supported by elevated mRNA expression of Sod1 and Gpx1. Except adiponectin (elevated in Ax and Ax ? SQ), expression of other inflammatory markers was not altered. Blood glucose levels were decreased in SQ and Ax ? SQ while liver triglycerides decreased in SQ group. This is the first in vivo study demonstrating combined effects of Ax and SQ resulting in antioxidant effects and modulation of glucose/ triglyceride levels. This study highlights the benefit of utilizing Ax and SQ together for management of obesity/diabetes.

In all endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examinations performed at our hospital, the heart, vasculature, and mediastinal lymph nodes from the esophagus are observed after checking for gastrointestinal pathologies. Since the introduction of EUS using a convex linear-array echoendoscope at our hospital in April 2015, EUS examinations have been performed in 371 cases for examining pancreaticobiliary diseases, submucosal tumors, and other pathologies during the 3-year period, till March 2018. We diagnosed 2 patients with asymptomatic cardiovascular disease while observing the mediastinum during EUS examination to examine identified pancreaticobiliary disease. No subjective symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease were observed and the respective conditions had not been identified previously in either case. One case involved a left atrial myxoma while the other involved a saccular aortic aneurysm in the thoracic aorta. A left atrial tumor resection and aortic replacement surgery were performed in each case. Their postoperative courses have been favorable. As cardiovascular diseases are often life-threatening, as in the present 2 cases, observational screening of the cardiovascular system from the esophagus should also be performed during EUS examinations just as the pharyngeal region is examined during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

平成29年度

The formaldehyde capture process is investigated by a titanium ion (Ti4+)-based porous coordination polymer (PCP), MIL-125-NH2. This framework contains aromatic amino groups on the pore surface, wh...

This study investigated the concentration of decorin (DCN) in mature follicular fluid and the existence in the granulosa cells. It also investigated whether DCN is useful as a biomarker for outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 130 oocytes of 88 patients treated with ART because of unexplained infertility. The concentration of DCN in the follicular fluid (F-DCN) was 39.26ng/ml (median value); it was higher than that in serum. F-DCN of the oocytes fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was significantly lower than that of oocytes that were not fertilized (33.24ng/ml vs 40.18ng/ml; P=0.043). When a cut-off level of 34.5ng/ml was set according to the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the fertilization rate of the oocytes from the follicles in which F-DCN was lower than the cut-off level tended to be good compared to that of the oocytes with F-DCN higher than the cut-off level (P=0.052). DCN is less likely to be produced by the granulosa cells (GCs), because it was not detected in GCs by immunostaining and Western blot analysis. F-DCN has a possibility to be a biomarker indicating the quality of oocytes collected from the corresponding follicle.

Objectives Spinal cord stimulation is a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of Parkinson9s disease (PD)-associated symptoms. Repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS) is a non-invasive and safe alternative for stimulation of spinal pathways that has not been studied for therapeutic efficacy in PD. We assessed the benefits of rTSMS on camptocormia, an often treatment-resistant postural abnormality observed in PD patients. Methods We compared rTSMS to sham stimulation in PD patients with camptocormia in a single-centre, randomised, single-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. PD patients with camptocormia were administered a single trial of rTSMS (a train of 40 stimuli) or sham treatment followed 1 week later by the alternate treatment. Primary outcome measure was thoracolumbar spine flexion angle in the standing position immediately after the trial. Results Of 320 PD patients examined, 37 had concomitant camptocormia and were randomly assigned to either the rTSMS first group (n=19) or sham first group (n=18). Flexion angle in the standing position decreased by a mean of 10.9° (95% CI 8.1 to 13.65) after rTSMS but remained unchanged after sham stimulation (mean, −0.1°; 95% CI −0.95 to 0.71). The flexion angle while sitting (secondary outcome) decreased by 8.1° (95% CI 5.89 to 10.25) after rTSMS, whereas sham treatment had no significant effect (mean, −0.8°; 95% CI −1.62 to 0.05). Conclusions We found an immediate beneficial effect of rTSMS on camptocormia in PD patients. Although the effect was transient, this successful trial justifies further studies to test if repeated rTSMS treatments can induce longer term improvements in camptocormia associated with PD. Clinical trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000011495.

Published online: 2 February 2014, Fire severity is predicted to increase in boreal regions due to global warming. We hypothesized that these extreme events will alter regeneration patterns of black spruce (Picea mariana). To test this hypothesis, we monitored seed dispersal and seedling emergence, survival and growth for 6 years from 2005 to 2010 after the 2004 wildfire on Poker Flat, interior Alaska, using 96 1 x 1 m plots. A total of 1,300 seedlings of black spruce and three broad-leaved deciduous trees (Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera, and Salix spp.) were recorded. Black spruce seedlings colonized burned and unburned ground surfaces for the first 2 years after the wildfire and established on any topographical surface, while the broad-leaved trees emerged less in areas of lower elevation, slope gradient and canopy openness and only on burned surfaces. Vascular plant cover on the ground floor increased the seedling establishment of black spruce and broad-leaved trees, most likely because of seed-trap effects. Black spruce grew faster on burned surface than on unburned surfaces. However, broad-leaved trees grew faster than black spruce on burned surfaces. Black spruce regenerates even after severe wildfire when the microtopography restricts the colonization of broad-leaved trees. The regeneration trajectories are determined soon after wildfire by a combination of seed limitation for black spruce and habitat preference for broad-leaved trees.

Aqueous alkali metal-ion batteries have attracted much attention, because they have three major advantages, namely non-flammability, high ionic conductivity and low cost. In addition, water can dissolve various salts in large amounts to provide a variety of electrolytic solutions. On the other hand, the 1.2 V theoretical electrochemical window of water restricts the selection of the cathode and anode active materials. However, three years ago, this issue was first addressed by U.S. Army Research Laboratory [1]. They successfully expanded the cell voltage of the aqueous Li-ion battery more than 2 V by introducing highly concentrated electrolytes, which effectively suppressed undesired electrolysis of water. To confirm the electrochemical window expansion of the concentrated electrolyte even in Na system, we also tried to realize a high voltage aqueous Na-ion battery by concentrated aqueous electrolyte. In preliminary measurement, 1.4 V average discharge voltage was obtained in the combination of Prussian blue-type Na2Mn[Fe(CN)6] (NMHCF) cathode and NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) anode with concentrated (17 mol/kg) NaClO4 aqueous electrolyte [2]. However, according to a CV measurement, the electrochemical window was almost 2.8 V [2]. Therefore, in order to further raise the cell voltage, instead of NTP anode based on Ti4+/Ti3+ redox, Prussian blue-type KMn[Cr(CN)6] (potassium manganese hexacyanochromate; KMHCC) anode based on Cr3+/Cr2+ redox was adopted. Then, 2 V class aqueous Na-ion battery was successfully obtained [3]. As this analogy, we have newly found the rechargeable operation of the aqueous K-ion battery in the combination of Prussian blue-type K2Mn[Fe(CN)6] (potassium manganese hexacyanoferrate; KMHCF) cathode and KMHCC anode with highly concentrated potassium triflate (19 mol/kg KSO3CF3; KOTf) aqueous electrolyte. The average cell voltage was approximately 1.5 V and the specific capacity was 118 mAh/g-KMHCF and 60 mAh/g-KMHCC, respectively. However, the two similar full cells suffered from capacity fading caused by degradation of Prussian blue-type structure induced by side reaction such as electrolysis of water solvent or electrolyte salt decomposition. The mechanism of degradation and our trial to improve the cyclability by changing the condition such as charging rate, cell configuration, electrolyte or its additives will be discussed in presentation. References [1] L. Suo, O. Borodin, T. Gao, M. Olguin, J. Ho, X. Fan, C. Luo, C. Wang, and K. Xu, Science, 350 (2015) 938-943. [2] K. Nakamoto, R. Sakamoto, M. Ito, A. Kitajou, and S. Okada, Electrochemistry, 85(4) (2017) 179-185. [3] K. Nakamoto, R. Sakamoto, Y. Sawada, M. Ito, and S. Okada, Small Methods, (2018) 1800220.

We aimed to detect the trajectories of forest-floor vegetation recovery in a Picea mariana forest after a wildfire. Since fire severity in boreal forests is expected to increase because of climate changes, we investigated the effects of ground-surface burn severity, a surrogate for overall fire severity, on the revegetation. We annually monitored vegetation < 1.3 m high in 80 1 m x 1 m quadrats at Poker Flat Research Range (65A degrees 12'N, 147A degrees 46'W, 650 m a.s.l.) near Fairbanks, interior Alaska, where a large wildfire occurred in the summer of 2004, from 2005 to 2009. Sphagnum mosses were predominant on the unburned ground surface. In total, 66 % of the ground surface was burned completely by the wildfire. Total plant cover increased from 48 % in 2005 to 83 % in 2009. The increase was derived mostly by the vegetative reproduction of shrubs on the unburned surface and by the immigration of non-Sphagnum mosses and deciduous trees on the burned surface. Deciduous trees, which had not been established before the wildfire, colonized only on the burned surface and grew faster than P. mariana. Although species richness decreased with increasing slope gradient, these deciduous trees became established even on steep slopes. The wildfire that completely burned the ground surface distorted the revegetation, particularly on steep slopes. The restoration of the Sphagnum surface was a prerequisite after the severe wildfire occurred, although the Sphagnum cover had difficulty returning to predominance in the short term.

The reaction of Mn(III) salen-type complexes with di- and tetraanionic α-Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs) was performed, and three types of Coulombic aggregations containing Mn(III) out-of-plane dimeric units (abbreviated as [Mn(2)](2+)) that are potentially single-molecule magnets (SMMs) with an S(T) = 4 ground state were synthesized: [Mn(2)(5-MeOsaltmen)(2)(acetone)(2)][SW(12)O(40)] (1), [Mn(2)(salen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2)[SiW(12)O(40)] (2), and [Mn(5-Brsaltmen)(H(2)O)(acetone)](2)[{Mn(2)(5-Brsaltmen)(2)}(SiW(12)O(40))] (3), where 5-Rsaltmen(2-) = N,N'-(1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene)bis(5-R-salicylideneiminate) with R = MeO (methoxy), Br (bromo) and salen(2-) = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminate). Compound 1 with a dianionic POM, [SW(12)O(40)](2-), is composed of a 1:1 aggregating set of [Mn(2)](2+)/POM, and 2, with a tetraanionic POM, [SiW(12)O(40)](4-), is a 2:1 set. Compound 3 with [SiW(12)O(40)](4-) forms a unique 1D coordinating chain with a [-{Mn(2)}-POM-](2-) repeating unit, for which a hydrogen-bonded dimeric unit ([Mn(5-Brsaltmen)(H(2)O)(acetone)](2)(2+)) is present as a countercation. Independent of the formula ratio of [Mn(2)](2+)/POM, Mn(III) dimers and POM units in 1-3 form respective segregated columns along a direction of the unit cell, which make an alternate packing to separate evenly identical species in a crystal. The nearest intermolecular Mn···Mn distance is found in the order 231. The segregation of the [Mn(2)](2+) dimer resulted in interdimer distances long enough to effectively reduce the intermolecular magnetic interaction, in particular in 1 and 3. Consequently, an intrinsic property, SMM behavior, of Mn(III) dimers has been characterized in this system, even though the interdimer interactions are still crucial in the case of 2, where a long-range magnetic order competitively affects slow relaxation of the magnetization at low ac frequencies.

Simultaneous field data collections and Advanced Land Observing Satellite/Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) full polarimetry observations were performed in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Alaska (USA). Permafrost is present at the Alaska test sites. Backscattering copolarization ( σco-pol0) values derived from the PALSAR data were compared with those calculated using the integrated equation method (IEM) model, a popular theoretical model describing surface scattering. PALSAR data taken in Ulaanbaatar matched the IEM model results to within a few decibels, whereas data taken in Alaska were 5 to 7 dB lower than those calculated using the IEM model. On the other hand, the σcross-pol0 (σVH0) components estimated from the Oh model were well matched to the PALSAR data in both Ulaanbaatar and Alaska. Moisture levels of the sphagnum moss layer in Alaska were estimated to be about 10% while moisture levels of the underlying organic and mineral layers were 25% to 79%; the moisture values of the organic and mineral layers were factored into the IEM and Oh models. When surface moisture levels of 10% were assumed for Alaska ground conditions, the σco-pol0 values calculated using the IEM model and those derived from the PALSAR data were well matched. From these observations, we conclude that the sphagnum moss layer, which is a seasonally unfrozen layer that occurs above permafrost, plays an important role in radar backscattering processes in permafrost regions and is a main contributor to the σco-pol0 backscattering component; the underlying organic and mineral layers contribute mainly to the σcross-pol0 backscattering component. A two-layer model was applied to the data from a test site in Alaska; the model described the co- and cross-polarization backscatter (σ0) derived from PALSAR data with off-nadir angles of 21.5° and 34.3°.

Oxidative stress is widely recognized as being associated with a number of disorders, including metabolic dysfunction and atherosclerosis. A series of substituted 4-quinolone derivatives were prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). One compound in particular, 2-({[4-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutoxy)pyridin-2-yl]oxy}methyl)-3-methylquinolin-4(1H)-one (25b), inhibited ROS production from HUVECs with an IC50 of 140 nM. This compound also exhibited low CYP2D6 inhibitory activity, high aqueous solubility, and good in vitro metabolic stability. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study of this compound in SD rats revealed high oral bioavailability and a long plasma half-life.

We conducted an experimental geotour, which was monitored by professional nature guides, to improve our geotour plan and guiding techniques. We asked the nature guides to fill out a questionnaire and give advices to improve the geotours. The experimental geotours were conducted at the Shikaribestu volcano group and Shikaribetu Lake in central Hokkaido, Japan. We explained the geological history of the volcano group and the mechanism of cold talus slopes filled with ice, in as simple terms as possible. However, the nature guides judged our geotours to be “rather difficult”, indicating that our plan and interpretation need to be improved. Based on the results of questionnaires and comments from the nature guides, we propose some ideas to improve the geotour in general: (1) Eliminate technical terms where possible in the explanations; (2) Use clear figures and pictures in explanations; and, (3) Make a story to connect all the geosites included in a tour. To improve guidebooks: (1) Use bird's-eye view map or other 3D maps instead of contour maps to make it easy to understand the landform; (2) Add glossary of technical terms and scale of geologic time; and, (3) Send the guidebook to participants before the geotour. These ideas may help to deepen the participant's' understanding and to achieve high-level of satisfaction among participants.

Unique boreal forest, consisting mainly of sparse larch (Larix cajanderii), creeping pine (Pinus pumila) and birch forest (Betula ermanii), occurs above the lower elevational limit of discontinuous permafrost of about 500 m above sea level in the area around Esso, central Kamchatka (∼56°N). Permafrost is present beneath surfaces covered by Sphagnum or creeping pine, but is absent beneath birch forest. Thermal conductivities in mid-September are low in Sphagnum (0.07–0.19 W/(m·K)) and in the thick (13–20 cm) litter layer beneath creeping pine-covered areas (0.06–0.09 W/(m·K)). Seasonal changes in the subsurface ground temperatures beneath creeping pine show that the surface litter prevents ground temperature increases at depth in summer, resulting in a thin active layer (several decimetres). The surface organic layer appears to be the most important factor controlling the presence or absence of permafrost in this area. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.