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Aim: This study aimed to investigate the improvement in gait velocity variability after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) elimination, and the association between gait velocity variability and gait and cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Methods: The gait velocity of 44 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) for a total of 10 times over 3 days each before and after CSF elimination. The coefficient of variation (CV) in the time required for the sequence of actions in TUG (TUG‐CV) was calculated using 10 TUG data, and used for measuring intraindividual gait velocity variability. Gait quality was evaluated with the Gait Status Scale Revised (GSSR), and cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Frontal Assessment Battery. Results: The TUG, TUG‐CV, GSSR and Frontal Assessment Battery results improved significantly after CSF elimination. The analyses using pre‐CSF elimination results showed that the TUG‐CV significantly and positively correlated with the TUG and GSSR results, and negatively with Mini‐Mental State Examination results, but not with age and the Frontal Assessment Battery results. The stepwise multiple regression analysis indicates that the TUG, GSSR and Mini‐Mental State Examination results were significant predictors of the TUG‐CV. The analysis using data of change after CSF elimination showed that ΔTUG and ΔGSSR were significant predictors of ΔTUG‐CV. Conclusions: Gait velocity variability improved after CSF elimination, and gait velocity variability was associated with gait disturbances and cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 693–699. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparse connectivity of a superconducting quantum computer results in large experimental overheads of SWAP gates. In this study, we consider employing a virtual two-qubit gate (VTQG) as an error suppression technique. The VTQG enables a non-local operation between a pair of distant qubits using only single qubit gates and projective measurements. Here, we apply the VTQG to the digital quantum simulation of the transverse-field Ising model on an IBM quantum computer to suppress the errors due to the noisy two-qubit operations. We present an effective use of VTQG, where the reduction in multiple SWAP gates results in increasing the fidelity of output states. The obtained results indicate that the VTQG can be useful for suppressing the errors due to additional SWAP gates. In our experiments, we have observed one order of magnitude improvement in accuracy for the quantum simulation of the transverse-field Ising model with 8 qubits. Finally, we have demonstrated an efficient implementation of the VTQG by utilizing dynamic circuits. This scheme reduces experimental overheads for implementing m VTQGs from O (10 m) to O (6 m). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraploidy is a hallmark of broad cancer types, but it remains largely unknown which aspects of cellular processes are influenced by tetraploidization in human cells. Here, we found that tetraploid HCT116 cells manifested severe cell shape instability during cytokinesis, unlike their diploid counterparts. The cell shape instability accompanied the formation of protrusive deformation at the cell poles, indicating ectopic contractile activity of the cell cortex. While cytokinesis regulators such as RhoA and anillin correctly accumulated at the equatorial cortex, myosin II was over-accumulated at the cell poles, specifically in tetraploid cells. Suppression of myosin II activity by Y27632 treatment restored smooth cell shape in tetraploids during cytokinesis, indicating dysregulation of myosin II as a primary cause of the cell shape instability in the tetraploid state. Our results demonstrate a new aspect of the dynamic cellular process profoundly affected by tetraploidization in human cells, which provides a clue to molecular mechanisms of tetraploidy-driven pathogenic processes. • HCT116 cells show drastic cell shape instability during cytokinesis, specifically in the tetraploid state. • Myosin II over-accumulates at the polar cortex in a tetraploidy-specific manner. • Pharmacological suppression of myosin II restores cell shape instability in tetraploid cytokinesis cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome compaction and activity in the nucleus depend on spatiotemporal changes in the organization of chromatins in chromosomes. However, the direct imaging of the chromosome structures in the nuclei has been difficult and challenging. Herein, we directly visualized the structure of chromosomes in frozen-hydrated nuclei of budding yeast in the interphase using X-ray laser diffraction. The reconstructed projection electron density maps revealed inhomogeneous distributions of chromosomes, such as a 300 nm assembly and fibrous substructures in the elliptic-circular shaped nuclei of approximately 800 nm. In addition, from the diffraction patterns, we confirmed the absence of regular arrangements of chromosomes and chromatins with 400–20 nm spacing, and demonstrated that chromosomes were composed of self-similarly assembled substructural domains with an average radius of gyration of 58 nm and smooth surfaces. Based on these analyses, we constructed putative models to discuss the organization of 16 chromosomes, carrying DNA of 4.1 mm in 800 nm ellipsoid of the nucleus at the interphase. We anticipate the structural parameters on the fractal property of chromosomes and the experimental images to be a starting point for constructing more sophisticated 3D structural models of the nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) have a unique translation mode, but little is understood about the process of elongation, especially the contribution of tRNA modifications to the maintenance of CSCs properties. Here, it is reported that, contrary to the initial aim, a tRNA‐modifying methylthiotransferase CDKAL1 promotes CSC‐factor SALL2 synthesis by assembling the eIF4F translation initiation complex. CDKAL1 expression is upregulated in patients with worse prognoses and is essential for maintaining CSCs in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and common cancers. Translatome analysis reveals that a group of mRNAs whose translation is CDKAL1‐dependent contains cytosine‐rich sequences in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR). Mechanistically, CDKAL1 promotes the translation of such mRNAs by organizing the eIF4F translation initiation complex. This complex formation does not require the enzyme activity of CDKAL1 but requires only the NH2‐terminus domain of CDKAL1. Furthermore, sites in CDKAL1 essential for forming the eIF4F complex are identified and discovered candidate inhibitors of CDKAL1‐dependent translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let M be a connected compact oriented surface with one boundary component. A C ∞ map f : M → R 2 is weakly admissible if it behaves locally like a stable map on a neighbourhood of the boundary ∂ M of M. The notions of the half boundary winding number of a weakly admissible C ∞ map M → R 2 and weakly-admissibly homotopic among weakly admissible C ∞ maps M → R 2 are introduced. Then, we show that weakly admissible C ∞ maps f 0 and f 1 : M → R 2 are weakly-admissibly homotopic if and only if the half boundary winding number of f 0 coincides with that of f 1 . Furthermore, we introduce a formula concerning the genus g of M for a stable map M → R 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine causeways are becoming more common in many coastal regions to improve vehicular transportation and social integration across landscapes segmented by bays and estuaries. The construction of barrier-type structures has profound implications by altering the geomorphological, hydrodynamic, and ecological conditions in the coastal marine environment. This study investigates the impact of one such newly constructed marine causeway in an enclosed bay in the Arabian Gulf. We hypothesized that the underwater structure of the bridge affects hydrodynamic and physicochemical conditions in the bay. Through extensive physicochemical monitoring, we found that the bridge acted as a physical barrier diminishing tidal currents, thereby resulting in decreased water exchange and heightened stagnation within the bay. Consequently, environmental gradients intensified and nutrient dynamics altered across the bridge. This will have implications for the plankton dynamics, ecosystem function, and overall health of the bay and its surrounding waters. Based on these results, it is recommended to increase efforts to mitigate the stagnation in the bay. Additionally, future coastal development needs to avoid further compromising the water exchange ability of the bay. Our findings also highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of such developments. [Display omitted] • Field surveys conducted inside and outside the marine causeway in an enclosed bay. • A rapid decrease in ocean current was observed across the bridge. • The blockage effect demonstrated the bridge piers as a significant physical barrier. • Spatial gradients in physical and chemical properties inside and outside the bridge. • Changes in chemical characteristics in the bay due to the blockage effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption layer system has shown great potential as a cost-effective and practical strategy for the recycling and management of excavated rocks containing potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Although this system has been employed in various civil engineering projects throughout Japan, its long-term performance to immobilize PTEs has rarely been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the adsorption layer system applied in an actual road embankment approximately 11 years after construction. The embankment system is comprised of a layer of excavated arsenic (As)-bearing mudstone built on top of a bottom adsorption layer mixed with an iron (Fe)-based adsorbent. Collection of undisturbed sample was carried out by implementing borehole drilling surveys on the embankment. Batch leaching experiments using deionized water and hydrochloric acid were conducted to evaluate the water-soluble and acid-leachable concentrations of As, Fe, and other coexisting ions. The leaching of As from the mudstone layer was likely induced by As desorption from Fe-oxides/oxyhydroxides naturally present under alkaline conditions, including the oxidation of framboidal pyrite, which was identified as a potential source of As. This was supported by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) observations showing the presence of trace amounts of As in framboidal pyrite crystals. Arsenic leached from the mudstone layer was then immobilized by Fe oxyhydroxides found in the adsorption layer. Based on geochemical modeling and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results, leached As predominantly existed as the negatively charged HAsO 4 2− oxyanion, which is readily sequestered by Fe oxyhydroxides. Moreover, the effectiveness of the adsorption layer was assessed and its lifetime was estimated, and the results revealed it still possessed enough capacity to adsorb As released from mudstone in the foreseeable future. This prediction utilized the maximum potential amount of As that could leach from the excavated rock layer with time. [Display omitted] • Arsenic-bearing excavated rocks were repurposed using the adsorption layer system. • The effectiveness of the adsorption layer in a real road embankment was investigated. • Arsenic leaching from the rock layer was induced under alkaline conditions. • The adsorption layer could adsorb As leached from the rock layer. • Leachable As will continuously be adsorbed by the adsorption layer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mt. Fuji is an active basaltic volcano near the Tokyo metropolitan area; future eruptions could thus have serious nationwide impacts. To better understand recent volcanism at Fuji Volcano, we here clarify temporal variations of eruption rate and magma composition since 5.6 ka based on time-series volumetric and geochemical data of eruptive products in a new stratigraphic sequence. Volcanic activity during the studied period consisted of (i) the emission of many lava flows that formed a new volcanic edifice between 5.6 and 3.45 ka, (ii) a period dominated by explosive events both at the summit and on the flanks of the volcano between 3.45 and 2.25 ka, and (iii) a period dominated by flank fissure eruptions since 2.25 ka. The eruption rate (dense-rock equivalent, DRE) was 3.5 km3 DRE/kyr during the edifice-building period, decreased to 0.8 km3 DRE/kyr during the explosive period, and then increased to 2.0 km3 DRE/kyr since 1.5 ka. Erupted magmas were dominantly basaltic and geochemically similar through time, except for increased Sr contents and decreased Ca/Sr ratios during the explosive period. Similarly, the geochemical properties of the parental magmas did not change greatly, although the Sr contents and Ca/Sr ratios of magmas erupted during the explosive period reflect the delayed fractionation of plagioclase due to the increased water contents of the parental magmas at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2.9‐Ma Hotokezawa Ignimbrite, which was ejected from the Aizu caldera cluster in the northeast Japan arc, is a typical monotonous intermediate ignimbrite, with 40–50 vol% crystals and an eruptive volume of >140 km3 dense‐rock equivalent. This ignimbrite filled Hiwada caldera and was deformed by post‐caldera plutonic intrusions that formed a resurgent dome. The Hotokezawa Ignimbrite is a calc‐alkaline, medium‐K dacite to rhyolite with SiO2 contents of 67.9–71.3 wt%, and has homogeneous trace‐element abundances and Sr–Nd isotopic ratios. These geochemical features suggest that the Hotokezawa magma was formed by partial melting of amphibolitic crustal rocks. This crystal‐rich magma did not appear during the post‐caldera stage. Therefore, it is plausible that the chamber of eruptible magma was emptied by the caldera‐forming eruption. In contrast, post‐caldera plutonic rocks exhibit a variety of compositions and have a clear SiO2 gap corresponding to the caldera‐forming magma: the early pluton (tonalite) and later ones (quartz porphyry, granite porphyries, and granite) contain 62.0–66.6 and 71.2–76.5 wt% SiO2, respectively. The tonalite and the Hotokezawa Ignimbrite form a continuous trend in their major‐element variations. The Sr–Nd isotopic ratios of the ignimbrite and tonalite overlap, but those of the porphyries and granite are more enriched. The early tonalite represents the more basic part of the Hiwada caldera system that was held in small pockets separate from the main magma chamber, because its trace‐element abundances are varied and distinct from those of the Hotokezawa Ignimbrite. The distinct compositional change from the Hotokezawa Ignimbrite to the late porphyries and granite indicates that the partial melting crust generating felsic magma was renewed by the subsequent intrusion of the mantle melts. The new felsic magma ascended through subsidence‐related faults into the shallow caldera system and emplaced as laccoliths forming the resurgent dome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts to develop holographic gratings in an optically isotropic state of polymer azobenzene liquid-crystal films. Observation of writing beams at 488 nanometer, first-order diffraction beams of a probe beam at 633 nanometer; Effect of the polarization of the writing beams on the first-order diffraction efficiency.

In this work, defect-free and high mechanical strength nickel films are deposited at a high growth rate using a high concentration sulfamate bath for applications in fabrication of MEMS components. Effects of the applied current density on the morphology, average grain size, Vickers hardness, micro-mechanical property, and thickness distribution are studied. The average grain size is refined to a minimum value when the current density is increased from 10 to 20 mA/cm2. The finest grain size obtained is 349.8 nm. The grain refinement effect is a result of the promoted nucleation rate as the applied current density increased. When the current density is beyond 20 mA/cm2, overpotential of the nickel reduction reaction is lowered because of the promoted hydrogen evolution and causes coarsening of the average grain size. The film electroplated at 20 mA/cm2 shows a high growth rate at 0.296 μm/min, the highest Vickers hardness at 371 HV, and the yield stress evaluated by micro-compression test is 1.3 GPa. Relationship between the average grain size and the applied current density follows the Hall-Petch relationship well. Unlabelled Image • Defect-free Ni films were electroplated at a high growth rate using sulfamate bath. • The finest grain size at 349.8 nm was obtained when 20 mA/cm2 was used. • Ni with the finest grain size had hardness of 371 HV and yield stress of 860 MPa. • Grain size and strengths of the films followed the Hall-Petch relationship well. • Films plated at 10 & 20 mA/cm2 had uniform thickness distribution on the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper demonstrates the effects of terrigenous sediment load reduction by watershed managements on coastal turbidity in Banate Bay, Iloilo located in central Philippines, using field observations and numerical simulations. Measurements of the total suspended solid and particulate organic carbon indicated that the bulk component of the coastal turbidity comprised terrigenous mineral particles rather than phytoplankton at the rise of the river after heavy rain. The suspended sediment concentration and underwater light intensity were simulated by an atmosphere-watershed-coastal ocean model to investigate the contribution of the terrigenous sediment load to the coastal turbidity in rainy season. The coastal sediment simulation indicated that the turbidity in Banate Bay is highly impacted by terrigenous sediment inputs from distant watersheds, which are transported to the bay by coastal currents. In contrast, the contributions of sediment loads from the adjacent watersheds to the bay turbidity were limited. The simulation also indicated that the majority of the bay is not inhabitable for seagrasses due to limited light availability caused by the high turbidity. Scenario analysis of the sediment load reduction demonstrated that significant reduction of turbidity and improvement of light penetration are conditionally expected only when the remediation is implemented with cooperative management of a series of neighboring watersheds because of the significant contributions of sediment loads from multiple basins. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Coastal turbidity and underwater light in Banate Bay, Philippines, were simulated. • Turbidity was highly impacted by terrigenous sediment loads from distant basins. • Light intensity was insufficient for seagrass in large percentage of the bay. • Scenario analysis shows sediment load reduction conditionally remedies turbidity. • Cooperative management among multiple basins is required for turbidity improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early Meiji, Karafuto (the Sakhalin Island) was transformed through the influx of settlers from Russia and Japan, causing a series of conflicts and violence among the residents. The Japanese historical record has framed the stories into competition with Russia over the territorial control, emphasising the place of the island in the emergence of the Meiji state. This paper contends that such framing should be the object of historical investigation. The main case studies are two homicides of commoners, which would have been easily forgotten without the larger political imperative. The lengthy interrogations of witnesses, conducted by officers from two governments, signified the interpretation of local violence into criminal offence, giving grounds for the intervention by the Russian and the Japanese authorities. Meiji Diplomacy utilised the pursuit of redress for a crime against its subjects as a way of strengthening territorial claims in the periphery. Once the border demarcation was concluded at the highest level of diplomacy, however, the murder and other crime cases lost their significance. Based on Kaitakushi manuscripts held in the prefectural Archives of Hokkaido, this article traces the impact of the national history paradigm that has affected our writing of the history of Meiji Japan's far north. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Near-haploidy is observed in certain cancer types, but ploidy-dependent alterations in gene regulation in the haploid state remain elusive. Here, by comparative transcriptome analysis between human isogenic haploid and diploid cell lines, we found lowering of cyclin D2 level in haploids. Acute genome duplication in haploids restored cyclin D2 expression to diploid level, indicating that the regulation of cyclin D2 expression is directly linked to ploidy. Downstream pathways of cyclin D2, such as Rb phosphorylation and p27 sequestration remained intact in haploids, suggesting that they adapt to lowered cyclin D level. Interestingly, however, haploid cells were more susceptible to cdk4/6 inhibition compared to diploids. Our finding indicates feasibility of selective growth suppression of haploid cells based on ploidy-linked gene regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of small metastatic liver tumours using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has not been fully established. Purpose: To assess the effect of low-keV virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) with non-contrast and contrast-enhanced DECT on the qualitative and quantitative image parameters of small liver metastases. Material and methods: Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated 92 metastatic liver tumours (5–20 mm) in 32 patients. Non-contrast and contrast-enhanced VMI were reconstructed at seven energy levels (40–100 keV) with 10-keV intervals. Lesion boundary, lesion delineation, image noise, and overall image quality were evaluated using the visual analogue scale. A high subjective score indicates good overall image quality, clear nodal boundaries and delineation, and less noticeable image noise. Subjective scores were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test. A quantitative analysis involving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was performed. Results: The lesion boundary was highest at 40 keV and significantly improved during the non-contrast portal venous phase compared to that at higher keV (p <.005). The lesion delineation score was significantly higher at 40 keV and tended to decrease at higher keV. Image noise and overall image quality were rated low at low keV; however, those at 80, 90, and 100 keV were rated the highest (p <.005). The CNR and SNR were highest for non-contrast CT at 100 keV. During the portal venous phase, no significant differences were observed in CNR and SNR at each keV. Conclusion: Low-keV imaging using non-contrast and contrast-enhanced DECT is useful for delineating small hepatic metastatic tumours. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a two case study related to two sporadic Japanese children with cantú syndrome (CS) resulting from novel ABCC9 variants. Topics include the CS being rare disease characterized by has generalized hypertrichosis, coarse facial features, neonatal macrosomia, and skeletal abnormalities, the ABCC9 and KCNJ8 genes in patients with clinical manifestations has generalized hypertrichosis, and abnormalities resembling MPS, and the coarse facial features and excessive hair growth.

Simple treatment of arenes with α‐bromoacetyl chloride and AlCl3, followed by the reaction with molecular iodine and aq. NH3, thioamides, or amidines gave the corresponding primary aromatic amides, 4‐arylthiazoles, or 4‐arylimidazoles in good yields, respectively. Aryl α‐bromomethyl ketones are the key intermediates in those reactions. Primary aromatic amides were formed from arenes through the reaction of aryl α‐bromomethyl ketones with molecular iodine and aq. NH3, and 4‐arylthiazoles and 4‐arylimidazoles were formed from arenes through the reactions of aryl α‐bromomethyl ketones with thioamides and amidines, respectively, in one pot under transition‐metal‐free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric, watershed and coastal ocean models were integrated to provide a holistic analysis approach for coastal ocean simulation. The coupled model was applied to coastal ocean in the Philippines where terrestrial sediment loads provided from several adjacent watersheds play a major role in influencing coastal turbidity and are partly responsible for the coastal ecosystem degradation. The coupled model was validated using weather and hydrologic measurement to examine its potential applicability. The results revealed that the coastal water quality may be governed by the loads not only from the adjacent watershed but also from the distant watershed via coastal currents. This important feature of the multiple linkages can be quantitatively characterized by a “stress connectivity matrix”, which indicates the complex underlying structure of environmental stresses in coastal ocean. The multiple stress connectivity concept shows the potential advantage of the integrated modelling approach for coastal ocean assessment, which may also serve for compensating the lack of measured data especially in tropical basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed photo-healable composite gels consisting of liquid crystal, microparticles, and gold nanorods. Upon irradiation with near-infrared light, the temperature of the composite gels rapidly increased above a gel-sol transition temperature by the photothermal effect of gold nanorods. Then, we successfully performed photoinduced gel-sol transition of composite gels based on the phase transition of liquid crystals induced by the photothermal effect. In addition, we achieved photo-healing of surface cracks made on the composite gels by means of the photothermal gel-sol transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article sheds new light on the opening of Japan in the late nineteenth century focusing on the legalization of overseas travel and the introduction of passports. It argues that the Tokugawa shogunate introduced passports as a belated endorsement of the increasingly common practice of undercover border-crossing as it feared losing the political grip. Once the new regulation was in place, most travellers went to China or Korea as petty merchants or low-skill labourers, in part recruited by Western merchants and consuls. The foreign ministry, fearing that unrestricted emigration of labourers and mercenaries might harm the country's international reputation and political stability, limited the number of passports to distribute to the treaty ports. Japan's passport system thus focused more on regulating the overseas travel than promoting it, in contrast to the positive light in which the opening of Japan is commonly portrayed. The government largely succeeded in preventing the unwanted emigration, but never fully controlled the process because of the less vigilant port officials and the ambiguity on some of the borders' exact location. Overall, the investigation into the first two decades of the Japanese passport travellers leads to a more complex understanding of modern Japan's opening of borders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of oligonaphthodioxepins was synthesized, revealing a helically arranged octamer, ( R, R, R, R, R, R, R)- 3, which showed intense circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) both in solution and in the solid state. The fluorescence quantum yields (ΦFL) in solution and in the solid state were 0.90 and 0.22, respectively, and the glum values in solution and in the solid state were +2.2×10−3 and +7.0×10−3, respectively. This is one of the highest solid-state CPL glum values yet reported. The high ΦFL and glum values were due to the rigidity, as well as to the fact that ( R, R, R, R, R, R, R)- 3 was a non-planar molecule. Moreover, ( R, R, R, R, R, R, R)- 3 was highly stable both chemically and stereochemically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) deficiency was recently discovered as a metabolic disorder of non-essential amino acids, and presents as severe progressive microcephaly, intellectual disorder, dyskinetic quadriplegia, and intractable seizures. Methods Two Japanese children with progressive microcephaly born to unrelated patients were analyzed by whole exome sequencing and novel ASNS mutations were identified. The effects of the ASNS mutations were analyzed by structural evaluation and in silico predictions. Results We describe the first known Japanese patients with ASNS deficiency. Their clinical manifestations were very similar to reported cases of ASNS deficiency. Progressive microcephaly was noted during the prenatal period in patient 1 but only after birth in patient 2. Both patients had novel ASNS mutations: patient 1 had p.L145S transmitted from his mother and p.L247W which was absent from his mother, while patient 2 carried p.V489D and p.W541Cfs*5, which were transmitted from his mother and father, respectively. Three of the four mutations were predicted to affect protein folding, and in silico analyses suggested that they would be pathogenic. Conclusion We report the first two Japanese patients with ASNS deficiency. Disease severity appears to vary among patients, as is the case for other non-essential amino acid metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article revisits the history of Russo-Japanese 'dual possession' of Sakhalin in the late nineteenth century from a multilateral perspective. Using unpublished sources from Japanese and British archives, and benefiting from recent research on Russian materials, it argues that Russia's attempt at the exclusive control of Sakhalin was aimed primarily at keeping out the Americans and the British, not the Japanese. It also reveals that Japanese and British officers in the region falsely believed that Russia was preparing the occupation of Hokkaido. The findings challenge the existing historiography, which has treated the island's history solely in the context of Russo-Japanese relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azobenzene liquid crystals, possessing two chiral moieties at both of the peripheral ends of the molecular structure, show characteristic chirality-originated liquid-crystalline and physical properties: emergence of stable smectic Q phases, a photoinduced phase transition between 3D liquid crystal phases, and induction of birefringence in the “liquid” phase. A dichiral compound, of which rigidity of the core is reduced by the introduction of ester groups, showed no smectic Q phases, but exhibited the antiferroelectric smectic C phase. The “liquid” phase of the less-rigid azo-compound was found to show electrically induced birefringence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] In vitro assays about the gene variation of human IRAK4 and MyD88 were performed. [•] IRAK4 R12C and R20W showed no significance in cell-based assays. [•] These two variants showed loss of protein interaction and/or protein instability. [•] In MyD88, cell-based assays were consistent with protein-interaction assays. [•] Loss of formation Myddosome could cause IRAK4 and MyD88 deficiency syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate effects of switching speed of a bias voltage on a time-dependent current in a quantum dot with a single energy level, weakly coupled with two electrodes. Our simulations based on non-equilibrium Green's function formalism show that the transient current in the case of the high speed oscillates around the value of the stationary current. On the other hand, the current in the opposite case monotonically changes with time. This difference is explained in terms of the wavelet spectra of the currents, which mainly consist of two time-frequency domains with high intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the effects of the nematic and smectic A (SmA) phase structures of liquid crystalline matrices on the viscoelastic properties of microparticle/liquid-crystal composite gels. The storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli of the gels were largely increased in gels containing SmA matrices with a layered molecular assembly. However, the critical strain at which the gel state transformed into the sol state by the application of mechanical strain showed no significant changes with variation in the liquid crystal phase of the matrix. These results indicate that the introduction of a layered molecular assembly could be effective for rigidification of composite gels, while maintaining their critical strains. However, the composite gels tended to show a metastable state when SmA matrices were used because G′ and G″ of the gels were close to each other in the entire frequency region. This behavior was in contrast to the gels with nematic matrices, which showed a larger value in G′ than that in G″. The metastable state of gels with SmA matrices was also reflected in the frequency dependence of G′ and in the deterioration of the recovery of the gel state after mechanical breakdown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical syndrome attributable to hemorrhage or hemorrhagic infarction of pituitary tumors or pituitary glands. The features of pituitary apoplexy associated with the endocrine stimulation test remain to be elucidated and the importance of surgical treatment has not been discussed enough. We report two rare patients who were treated successfully by endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery within several hours after onset of pituitary apoplexy associated with the endocrine stimulation test. Their postoperative course was uneventful. We reviewed earlier reports on this clinical entity, document its features especially as related to the endocrine stimulation test, discuss the significance of immediate surgical treatment, and present our treatment outcomes. Performing only conservative treatment is not recommended. We suggest that the necessity of endocrine stimulation test should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and in patients subjected to the test, and neurosurgical support should be sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical carbon dioxide has been widely used as solvent, although its solubility is much lower than that of typical organic solvents in liquid state in general. Entrainer effects are known and utilised, in which adding low-weight molecules, such as alcohols (e.g. methanol and ethanol) and hydrocarbons (e.g. pentane and hexane), increases the solubility and the chemical reactivity. In this study, we investigated the change of local fluid structure and thermodynamic properties with molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the entrainer effect. A monatomic fluid mixture model based on the Lennard-Jones model potential was adopted for simplicity; the parameters of which roughly correspond to those of carbon dioxide (solvent) and ethanol (solute). A series of simulations were performed in the vicinity of the gas–liquid critical point (CP). The radial distribution function and the coordination number reveal the enhancement of the solvent local density. The solvent chemical potential was evaluated with the Widom's particle insertion method. The chemical potential change by adding solutes is smallest in magnitude at the CP, qualitatively agreeing with recent experimental analysis and interpretation with a small-angle neutron scattering method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The Shirakawa ignimbrites were generated by caldera-forming eruptions in the Aizu caldera cluster, northeast Japan, during the Early Pleistocene. They have a total volume of >300km3 dense rock equivalent and consist of the Kumado ignimbrite (1.4Ma) from Ono caldera, the Ashino ignimbrite (1.3Ma) and the Nagurasawa ignimbrite (1.2Ma) from Tonohetsuri caldera, the Nishigo ignimbrite (1.1Ma) from Narioka caldera and the Ten-ei ignimbrite (1.0Ma) from an unknown, concealed caldera. These calderas overlap each other within a 20×20km area in the eastern part of the cluster. The Shirakawa ignimbrites are relatively small in the eruption rate and have sufficient interval times that are longer than the residence times for their magma volume. The individual ignimbrites are composed of 20–40% phenocrysts set in high-silica rhyolite glass and they lack vertical chemical zoning. The SiO2 content of the Kumado, Ashino, Nagurasawa, Nishigo and Ten-ei ignimbrites are 68–70wt.%, 67–70wt.%, 68–69wt.%, 72–74wt.% and 69–70wt.%, respectively. They plot within the medium-K field, but show distinct trends for most major elements at the same SiO2 ranges. Although they all have similar arc-related trace-elements patterns with Nb, Ta and Ti negative anomalies, high LREEs and flat HREEs, they differ in their Zr/Nb, Ba/Th and K/La ratios. Also, isotopic ratios of these pumices from each unit are distinct; 87Sr/86Sr varies from 0.7044 to 0.7047 and 143Nd/144Nd from 0.51271 to 0.51278. These results imply that the ignimbrite sources were renewed with every caldera-forming eruption. Seismic tomography and pre-eruption uplifting of the caldera cluster suggest that a substantial amount of mantle-derived magma was stored within the lower crust and contributed to the evolution of a crustal hot zone. Observed geochemical features also suggest that silicic magmas were generated by the melting of variably assimilated mafic intrusions. To explain the renewal of the Shirakawa magma system, melted materials must have been completely evacuated from a deep-seated source zone by each caldera-forming eruption and different mafic rocks subsequently subsided into the hot zone as raw materials for the next eruption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have investigated the distribution of external current injected from superconducting leads into mesoscopic samples using time dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory. In particular, we have taken account of the current and field variation in the thickness direction. We have performed numerical simulations for the sample composed of two rectangular solids connected by two bridges. We have observed “switching” like behavior in the current distribution at the bridges, which corresponds to the change between vortex penetration and expulsion. This switching like behavior, as well as the magnitude of the currents, depends on the sample thickness in the direction of the external field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes a photooxidative cell membrane perforator that can improve intracellular manipulations. The cell membrane perforator was developed as a MEMS interface employing an ultraviolet excitation of a photosensitizer. The perforator consists of a movable planar probe and a suction hole having a self-alignment mechanism to aid manipulation. The tip of the probe modified with α-terthienyl is introduced to the cell clamped at the pre-aligned suction hole (Φ 5μm in diameter). The α-terthienyl is immobilized using the Au–S bond at the tip of the probe, which is 5μm wide and 400nm thick. The cell membrane is perforated by ultraviolet excitation of the α-terthienyl as a photosensitizer. Photooxidative perforation of the cell membrane was successfully performed using PC12 cells with a diameter as small as tens of micrometers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Six large Late Miocene to Quaternary calderas, >10 km in diameter, cluster together with several medium to small calderas and stratovolcanoes in a 60×30 km area of the Aizu volcanic field, southern NE Japan arc. These caldera volcanoes were built on a WNW–ESE trending highland coincident with a local uplifted swell since Late Miocene. The flare-up of felsic volcanism occurred synchronously along the NE Japan arc. Pyroclastic flow sheets from the calderas spread over the surrounding intra-arc basins and are interstratified with various sediments. Geochronological data indicates that the large-caldera eruptions have occurred six times since 8 Ma, at intervals of 1 to 2 million years. Late Miocene to Early Pliocene extra-caldera successions in the basin consist of nine sedimentary facies associations: (1) primary pyroclastics, (2) lahars, (3) gravelly fluvial channels, (4) sandy fluvial channels, (5) floodplains, (6) tidal flats, (7) delta fronts, (8) pro-delta slopes, and (9) pro-delta turbidites. The distribution of facies associations show westward prograding of volcaniclastic aprons, made up of braid delta, braidplain, pyroclastic flow sheet, and incised braided river deposits. The extra-caldera successions record: 1) an increase in felsic volcanism with an associated high rate of volcaniclastic sediment supply at about 10 Ma, prior to catastrophic caldera-forming eruptions; and 2) progradation of volcaniclastic aprons toward the back-arc side in response to the succeeding caldera-forming eruptions and sea-level changes, until about 3 Ma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During Japan Sea back-arc opening between 21 and 15 Ma, low-K tholeiitic basalts erupted in the Abukuma Mountains on the trench side of NE Japan. The basaltic rocks in this region are divided into two units by a hiatus. The lower unit consists of the 20 Ma Tenmyosan volcanic rocks, including many monogenetic basaltic volcanoes whose vents occur throughout the district. The upper unit is the Ryozen Formation that occurred at about 16 Ma. This Formation is composed of a subaerial basaltic polygenetic volcanic edifice, with a diameter of ca. 30 km. Minor amounts of andesitic and dacitic gravels occur in the distal portion of the Ryozen edifice. Low-K tholeiitic basalts of the Tenmyosan volcanic rocks and the Ryozen Formation have similar in major and trace element compositions. Their MgO content decrease from 13.2 to 3.4 wt.% with increasing incompatible element abundances and more pronounced negative Nb and Ta anomalies. Nd, Sr and Pb isotopic compositions of the Tenmyosan basalt display a range of values for SrI (0.7040–0.7050), NdI (0.5127–0.5129) and 206Pb/204Pb (18.2–18.5). These features suggest that the Tenmyosan monogenetic volcanism at the early stage of the Japan Sea opening was generated by intermittent ascent of minor mafic melts from heterogeneous sources. Isotopic data for the Ryozen basalt define a binary mixing trend between a depleted and enriched crust-like source, varying with SiO2 content. These chemical changes show that, as the opening progressed, the asthenospheric source of the Ryozen basalts became more homogeneous and depleted (SrI; 0.7043, Nd; 0.5129, 206Pb/204Pb; 18.2), and continuous ascent of the basaltic melt was able to make a large magma chamber that was associated with significant crustal assimilation. On the other hand, hornblende dacite in the Ryozen Formation has SiO2 contents between 66 and 74 wt.%, high Mg# from 41.7 to 54.3. The dacite also shows high Sr (417–650 ppm) and Sr/Y (35–112), and high La/Yb (12–20). Compared with the basaltic rocks, the Ryozen dacite has relatively low SrI (0.70436) and high NdI (0.5128–0.5129). These features show that the dacite has no genetic relationship with the basaltic rocks and can be considered an adakite, traditionally viewed as product of eclogitic slab melting. The 14 Ma Nodegamiyama andesite has SiO2 in 54 to 55 wt.%, high Mg# (59.0–62.3), high Cr and high Ni contents. The isotopic ratios of this andesite are enriched (SrI; 0.7054–0.7055, NdI; ~0.5127, 206Pb/204Pb; ~18.5). This high-Mg andesite may be generated by melting of subducting sediments and interaction of such melts with overlying mantle peridotites. Although the downgoing Pacific plate was Cretaceous in age and thus too cold to melt under normal conditions, incursion of the hot asthenosphere above the slab during the Japan Sea opening may have caused melting to occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Geochemical and isotopic data are reported for 20 Ma high-magnesian andesite (HMA) lavas erupted on the forearc side of Central Japan in the Choshi coastal area (Chiba). Rarely olivine-phyric (<3% vol), these rocks have ca. 56 wt.% SiO2, Na2O ranging between 3.9 and 4.2 wt.%, and relatively low K2O/Na2O ratios (ca. 0.44). Their Mg numbers are relatively high (ca. 0.64) and matched by high Cr (>345 ppm), high Sr (>520 ppm), high Sr/Y (ca. 30), and high [La/Yb]N (>8), conforming to the definition of low-silica adakites, transitional in character to HMA. However, despite slight negative Nb and Ta ‘troughs’ in a few samples, their incompatible element distribution patterns appear closer to those of intra-plate basalts, apparently confirming previous suggestions that terms such as HMA and adakite cover a diverse range of compositions. Enriched in radiogenic Sr and Nd (ca. 0.7040 to 0.7043 and 0.5128 to 0.51275, respectively), the Choshi HMA shows relatively low 206Pb/204Pb (18.25 to 18.35) and 208Pb/204Pb (38.37 to 38.48) ratios, resembling those of late Miocene intra-plate basalts in the Japan Sea and SW Japan. In this regard the Choshi HMA differs from those of the ‘classic’ Middle Miocene (14 to 12 Ma) HMA described from the Setouchi volcanic belt (e.g. Tatsumi, 1981), a short distance to the west which also shows relative high K contents. Although HMAs have been generally attributed to subduction-related processes, the lack of high field strength element (HFSE) depletions cf. large ionic lithophile elements (LILE) in most Choshi HMA suggests an absence of so-called ‘subduction signatures’. Accordingly, we suggest that the Choshi HMA probably tapped a fertile (asthenospheric) region of the convecting mantle wedge, primitive melt products having acquired HMA-like character as a result of shallow level modification by interaction with lithospheric components, aided by thermal input resulting from mantle extrusion, during the early stages of Japan Sea opening (23–15 Ma). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For a stable map of a closed and connected surface M into the sphere, let , and denote the numbers of cusps, fold curves components and nodes respectively. In this paper, in a given homotopy class, we will determine the minimal pair with respect to the lexicographic order. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigated photochemical transformation of asymmetric topological defects formed around water droplets dispersed in the azobenzene-containing liquid crystals. It was found that initial structures and the photo-induced phenomena of the defects were clearly affected by chemical structures of the azobenzene compounds. In quite strong homeotropic anchoring obtained by using the azobenzene compound with a long alky chain, the hedgehog was formed around the droplets at the initial state. When the anchoring strength was decreased by changing the carbon number of the alkyl chain, a novel asymmetric defect which will be an intermediate structure between the hedgehog and the Saturn ring was observed. The ionic groups had an influence on the photochemical transformation of the defects. The azobenzene compound with a smaller ionic group induced only a change in the anchoring strength, and a disappearance of the hedgehog was observed on the irradiation with ultra-violet light. In the case of the azobenzene compound with a larger ionic group, photochemical switching of the anchoring and the transformation into the boojums was achieved. The photo-induced phenomena could be qualitative explained by an effectiveness of the cis–trans photoisomerization depending on molecular areas of the azobenzene compounds determined by the ionic groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Photonic control of defect structures and colloidal chains has been performed in azobenzene-containing liquid crystals dispersed with glycerol or water droplets. When we dispersed the colloidal droplets into the host liquid crystals, we could observe, at an initial state, Saturn ring and hedgehog around the glycerol and water droplets, respectively, indicating that normal alignment of liquid crystal molecules was induced on the droplets by the adsorption of the azobenzene molecules onto the droplets. In the case of the glycerol droplets, we achieved photochemical manipulation of the defect structures between Saturn ring and boojums on irradiation with ultra-violet and visible light. For the water droplets, an inter-droplet distance of the self-organized colloidal chain could be controlled by changes of the defect size on the photoirradiation. Photoinduced structural changes in the topological defects can be explained by the modulation of surface anchoring of the droplets by means of the cis-trans photoisomerization of the adsorbed azobenzene molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) chiral selective growth, elucidating the mechanism of SWCNT chirality (n , m) selectivity is important. For this purpose, an accurate evaluation method for evaluating the chirality distribution of grown SWCNTs without post-growth processing or liquid-dispersion of SWCNTs is indispensable. Here, we used photoluminescence spectroscopy to directly measure the chirality distributions of individual semiconducting SWCNTs suspended on a pillar-patterned substrate. The number of chirality-assigned SWCNTs was up to 332 and 17 chirality types with the chiral angles ranging from 0 ° to 28.05 ° were detected. The growth yield of SWCNTs was confirmed to primarily depends on the chiral angle in accordance with the screw dislocation model. Furthermore, when higher-yield chiralities are selected, the chiral angle distribution with a peak corresponding to near-armchair SWCNTs is well fitted with a model that incorporates the thermodynamic effect at the SWCNT-catalyst interface into the kink growth-based kinetic model. Our quantitative and statistical data provide new insights into SWCNT growth mechanism as well as experimental confirmation of theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the application of a low-force robotic manipulator to guide a human user's movements to place a tool (or the user's hand) at a predetermined position or move it along a predetermined trajectory. This application is potentially useful, e.g., skill training for humans, rehabilitation, and human-machine coordination in the manufacturing industry. A proportional-derivative (PD)-type position control can be used for this application, but the parameters for the controller should be appropriately chosen for enhancing the human performance of positioning and trajectory tracking. We hypothesize that the robot's position control should be stiff and appropriately slow, i.e., the proportional gain should be high and the time constant (the ratio of the derivative gain to the proportional gain) should be appropriately large. Such characteristic has been difficult to be realized in ordinary PD position control because it requires direct high-gain velocity feedback. However, our recent technique, which is proxy-based sliding mode control (PSMC), is capable of producing such a hypothetically preferred response and allows us to empirically validate the hypothesis. The results of experiments using two distinctly different robotic devices supported the hypothesis, showing that the time constant should be set around 0.1 s rather than 0.01 and 0.5 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes the continuous and uniform organic encapsulated micro-bubble generation system in a water flow microchannel including a lumped gas and organic injection junction. The micro-bubble was formed by the blow of organic phase into a water phase in microchannel and the gas was encapsulated in the thin organic membrane. Multiphase microchemical systems provide the large interfacial area, fast mixing and fast reaction efficiency to achieve increased performance in microfluidic system. The diameter and thickness of organic micro-bubble were well controlled by the flow rates of water phase and organic phase. The diameter of the gas bubble encapsulated organic membrane was ranged from 110μm to 220μm, while the thickness of organic membrane from 4μm to 16μm. The generation rate of organic micro-bubble was 40 numbers per second with the uniform volume controllable, ranging from 214pL to 855pL. The organic membrane is applicative for the chemical reaction media, and the organic bubble is expected to apply as capsules of reactive gas handling in microfluidic system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated liquid-crystalline properties and photoresponse of a chiral azobenzene compound and found that it shows two kinds of highly-ordered liquid crystal phases. Studies on the optical textures and thermodynamic properties of the azobenzene compound suggest that the both mesophases are classified as the smectic Q (SmQ) phase which has been known as one of the chirality-induced three-dimensional (3D) liquid crystal phases. By the miscibility studies, one of the mesophases was confirmed to be T*I structure among the four structures of the SmQ phase. In a spectroscopic study of the chiral azobenzene compound in a tetrahydrofuran solution, it has been confirmed that a cis-trans photoisomerization can be induced by irradiation with ultra-violet light. Although the 3D structures are not sensitive to the applied electric field, we successfully demonstrate the “photo-switching” of these 3D structures by means of the photoisomerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes gastrointestinal dysmotility. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which express c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), are considered the pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal movement. The present study was designed to determine the role of ICC in the pathogenesis of gastroenteropathy in type 2 DM. Methods: We examined C57BL/KsJ- db/db mice as a model for type 2 DM. Gastrointestinal motility was evaluated by measuring gastric emptying, whole gut transit time, and isometric tension of the isolated small intestine. The area of KIT-positive cells in the gastrointestinal tract was examined by image analysis of fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of KIT ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), in the gastrointestinal tract was quantified by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Compared with 12-week-old db/+m control mice, diabetic db/db mice of the same age exhibited delayed gastric emptying, prolonged whole gut transit time, irregular frequency of isometric tension in the small intestine, smaller areas of KIT-positive cells in the antrum, small intestine, and colon, and lower mRNA expression levels of SCF in the small intestine and colon. Conclusions: We demonstrated disturbed gastrointestinal motility in db/ db mice with reduced areas of ICC and expression of SCF. Our results suggest the involvement of ICC in the gastroenteropathy of type 2 DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated photoresponsive behavior of azobenzene-containing liquid crystals dispersed with glycerol or water droplets. At an initial state, Saturn ring and hedgehog defects were formed around the glycerol and water droplets, respectively, indicating that homeotropic anchoring was induced by adsorption of the azobenzene molecules onto the droplets. For the glycerol droplets, we observed structural transformation between Saturn ring and boojums on irradiation with ultra-violet and visible light. For the water droplets, an inter-droplet distance varied by changes of the defect size on the irradiation. These phenomena would result from modulation of anchoring conditions by the photoisomerization of the adsorbed dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Let be a proper generic map between smooth manifolds with . We explicitly calculate the cohomology class dual to the closure of the set of points in N over which lies a specific singular fiber in terms of characteristic classes of M and N. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Flare-up of silicic volcanism has occurred in the back arc of NE Japan arc since 0.3 Ma; Sunagohara, Numazawa, Kinunuma, Hiuchigatake and Iiji volcanoes have all grown during this time interval. Although arc front volcanism has continued during the Quaternary period, back-arc volcanism varies in space and time. All ejecta of the back-arc volcanoes are medium-K calc-alkaline rhyolite to dacite in composition and 1 to 10 DRE km3 in volume. The Sr and Nd isotopic ratios of the ejecta vary widely among the individual volcanoes and suggest the origin of the felsic magmas may be generated by anatexis of mafic igneous rocks of the lower crust. Temporal variation in geochemistry of the 5 km3 Numazawa ejecta shows more details of the anatexis. Numazawa volcano erupted the Shibahara pyroclastics at 110 ka, the Mukuresawa lava at 70 ka, the Mizunuma pyroclastics at 45 ka, the Sozan lava at 40 ka, the Maeyama lava at 20 ka, and the Numazawako pyroclastics at 4.6 ka. The time-accumulated volume diagram of Numazawa volcano shows the increase of magma eruption rate through time. All elements of the Numazawa rhyolite to dacite define time-controlled, discontinuous linear trends. SiO2, K2O, Na2O, Rb, Y, Ba, and Nb decrease with the ascending eruption units, whereas MgO, Fe2O3, CaO, Al2O3, TiO2, Sr and V increase. SiO2 contents are variable from 72% in Nm–MK at 71 ka to 66% in Nm–NK at 4.6 ka. The rhyolite to dacite of the Numazawa ejecta are homogeneous with respect to the isotopic ratios. I show that the temporal linear trends for the bulk compositions of the Numazawa rhyolite to dacite are most plausibly caused by increase of batch partial melting at constant bulk distribution coefficient. The calculated patterns of trace-element abundances show that partial melting of high-alumina basaltic igneous rocks in the lower crust can generate the Numazawa rhyolite to dacite. In this case, the degree of partial melting varies from about 20% at 71 ka to about 60% at 20 ka and 4.6 ka. It is plausible that repeated intrusions of mantle-derived melts have gradually increased the ambient temperature of the cooled lower crust since 110 ka. The time-controlled systematic variation in bulk chemical compositions of Numazawa volcano suggests that the systematic felsic to intermediate compositional evolution is not due to shallow level processes but due to eruption of magmas generated in the lower crust with little upper crustal evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present a method for controlling the electron- and phononderived thermal conductances in carbon nanotubes with vacancy defects involving numerical analysis based on the nonequilibrium electron/phonon Green's function method. The electron-derived thermal conductance can be controlled by tuning the external gate voltage because the resonant backscattering level (dangling σ-bond states around vacancies) can be shifted by the gate voltage. In contrast, thermal annealing is effective in increasing the phonon-derived thermal conductance because the quasi-bound phonon state localized around a vacancy disappears due to the annealing-induced vacancy rearrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By modulating liquid-crystal alignment on a colloidal sphere, we successfully manipulated topological defects in glycerol-droplet/liquid-crystal emulsions doped with amphiphilic azobenzene derivatives. At an initial state, a disclination loop (Saturn ring) could be observed around the droplet, in which the azobenzene molecules should adsorb onto the droplet and liquid crystal molecules align normally to the surface of the droplet. On irradiation with ultra-violet light (λ =365 nm), the disclination loop was unfastened and transformed into two point defects called boojums. This should be attributed to the alignment change of the liquid crystal molecules from normal to planar arrangement triggered by trans-to-cis photoisomerization of the adsorbed azo-dyes. On irradiation with visible light causing cis-to-trans photoisomerization (λ =435 nm), the boojums went back to the Saturn ring reversibly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Both peripheral ends of some straight-shaped mesogenic compounds, possessing a biphenyl or azobenzene as a central rigid core, have been systematically modified, and the effect on the liquid-crystalline properties investigated. A fluorinated moiety introduced into the peripheral alkyl chains stabilized the smectic phase, whereas that into the terminally positioned phenyl rings resulted in the appearance of the nematic phase. Introduction of phenyl rings into the middle of the flexible chains produced a well-defined smectic layered structure. Further introduction of another phenyl ring at each terminal end was found to show a significant effect on the determination of the clinicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]