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To date, the lead-free perovskite has shown remarkable progress in solar cell development owing to its outstanding properties. Here, we report on the structural, optical, and photovoltaic properties of methylammonium bismuth iodide ((CH3NH3)3Bi2I9, MBI) and cesium bismuth iodide (Cs3Bi2I9, CBI) hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPeSCs) fabricated using the hot immersion method (HIM) with changing the composition x, ((CH3NH3)1-xCsx)3Bi2I9; from x = 0 to x = 1.0. The compact MBI and CBI films were successfully fabricated on FTO glass substrates at x = 0 and x = 1, respectively. On the other hand, the CBI/MBI mixed structure with a rough surface was obtained in the range from x = 0.2 to x = 0.8. An incorporation of CBI in MBI showed improvement, especially in optical properties, indicating that the absorption region was extended toward a longer wavelength region with increasing x. Interestingly, the open-circuit voltage of the hybrid cell was higher than that of the MBI or CBI cell, whereas the short-circuit current was lower than that of the MBI or CBI cell. This work provides alternative ways to fabricate lead-free PeSCs using a simple and low-cost method in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present characterization and storage methods for a high-finesse nanofiber Fabry–Pérot resonator. Reflection spectroscopy from both ends of the resonator allows for the evaluation of the mirror transmittances and optical loss inside the resonator. To maintain the quality of the nanofiber resonator after the fabrication, we have developed a portable storage container. By filling the container with dry, clean nitrogen gas, we can prevent contamination of the nanofiber during storage. This approach allows us to minimize the additional optical loss to less than 0.08% over a week. The portable container facilitates both the fabrication and subsequent experimentation with the resonator in different locations. This flexibility expands the range of applications, including quantum optics, communication, and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural crest cells (NCC) arise from the dorsal margin of the neural plate border and comprise a unique cell population that migrates to and creates the craniofacial region. Although factors including Shh, Fgf8, and bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to regulate these biological events, the role of parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (Pth1r) has been less studied. We generated an NCC-specific mouse model for Pth1r and researched gene expression, function, and interaction focusing on nasal cartilage framework and midfacial development. Wnt1-Cre;Pth1r fl / fl ; Tomato fl /+ mice had perinatal lethality, but we observed short snout and jaws, tongue protrusion, reduced NCC-derived cranial length, increased mineralization in nasal septum and hyoid bones, and less bone mineralization at interfrontal suture in mutants at E18.5. Importantly, the mutant nasal septum and turbinate cartilage histologically revealed gradual, premature accelerated hypertrophic differentiation. We then studied the underlying molecular mechanisms by performing RNA seq analysis and unexpectedly found that expression of Ihh and related signaling molecules was enhanced in mutant nasomaxillary tissues. To see if Pth1r and Ihh signaling are associated, we generated a Wnt1-Cre; Ihh fl / fl ; Pth1r fl / fl ; Tomato fl /+ (DKO) mouse and compared the phenotypes to those of each single knockout mouse: Wnt1-Cre; Ihh fl / fl ; Pth1r fl /+; Tomato fl /+ (Ihh-CKO) and Wnt1-Cre;Ihh fl /+; Pth1r fl / fl ; Tomato fl /+ (Pth1r-CKO). Ihh-CKO mice displayed a milder effect. Of note, the excessive hypertrophic conversion of the nasal cartilage framework observed in Pth1r-CKO was somewhat rescued DKO embryos. Further, a half cAMP responsive element and the 4 similar sequences containing 2 mismatches were identified from the promoter to the first intron in Ihh gene. Gli1-Cre ERT2 ; Pth1r fl / fl ; Tomato fl /+, a Pth1r-deficient model targeted in hedgehog responsive cells, demonstrated the enlarged hypertrophic layer and significantly more Tomato-positive chondrocytes accumulated in the nasal septum and ethmoidal endochondral ossification. Collectively, the data suggest a relevant Pth1r/Ihh interaction. Our findings obtained from novel mouse models for Pth1r signaling illuminate previously unknown aspects in craniofacial biology and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free perovskite solar cells have attracted attention as an environmentally friendly future energy source. However, their performance is still low at present due to the poor morphology of the film and the complicated process of fabrication. The annealing period, as a key parameter, has been identified to control the morphology of MA3Bi2I9 (MBI) perovskite film fabricated by the Hot Immersion Method (HIM) with the annealing period varying between 5 to 25 minutes. SEM images visually depicted that a longer period of annealing induced perovskite film to form a larger crystallite size with a compact film, resulting in a rougher surface. The MBI films fabricated at 25 minutes showed a high crystallinity of films and exhibited a high absorption with a longer absorption wavelength and a narrow bandgap, leading to enhanced solar cell performance. By optimizing the annealing time, the efficiency of the device has been enhanced almost eight times compared to a shorter period of annealing. Our findings suggest that the compact MBI films can be obtained by using this simple method (HIM), and yet the performance of solar cell devices can be achieved, thus providing another alternative way to fabricate MBI-based perovskite solar cells (PeSC's) in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cranial base synchondroses are the endochondral ossification centers for cranial base growth and thus indispensable for proper skull, brain, and midfacial development. The synchondroses are composed of mirror-image growth plates that are continuously maintained from the embryonic to postnatal stage through chondrocyte differentiation. Several factors, including Pth1r signaling, are known to control fetal synchondrosis development. However, there are currently no reports regarding any role for Pth1r signaling in postnatal cranial base and synchondrosis development. Also, the mesenchymal cells that source Pth1r signaling for synchondroses are not known. Here, we employed an inducible mouse model, a hedgehog-responsive Gli1-CreERT2 driver, focusing on the postnatal study. We performed 2 inducible protocols using Gli1-CreERT2;Tomatofl/+ mice that uncovered distinct patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes in the synchondrosis cartilage. Moreover, we generated Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice to assess their functions in postnatal synchondrosis and found that the mutants had survived postnatally. The mutant skulls morphologically presented unambiguous phenotypes where we noticed the shortened cranial base and premature synchondrosis closure. Histologically, gradual disorganization in mutant synchondroses caused an uncommon remaining central zone between hypertrophic zones on both sides while the successive differentiation of round, flat, and hypertrophic chondrocytes was observed in control sections. These mutant synchondroses disappeared and were finally replaced by bone. Of note, the mutant fusing synchondroses lost their characteristic patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes, suggesting that loss of Pth1r signaling alters the distribution of hedgehog-responsive chondrocytes. Moreover, we performed laser microdissection and RNA sequencing to characterize the flat proliferative and round resting chondrocytes where we found flat chondrocytes have a characteristic feature of both chondrocyte proliferation and maturation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Pth1r signaling in Gli1-positive cells is essential for postnatal development and maintenance in cranial base synchondroses. Our findings will elucidate previously unknown aspects of Pth1r functions in cranial biology and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean swell activities excite body‐wave microseisms that contain information on the Earth's internal structure. Although seismic interferometry is feasible for exploring structures, it faces the problem of spurious phases stemming from an inhomogeneous source distribution. This paper proposes a new method for inferring seismic discontinuity structures beneath receivers using body‐wave microseisms. This method considers the excitation sources of body‐wave microseisms to be spatially localized and persistent over time. To detect the P‐s conversion beneath the receivers, we generalize the receiver function analysis for earthquakes to body‐wave microseisms. The resultant receiver functions are migrated to the depth section. The detected 410‐ and 660‐km mantle discontinuities are consistent with the results obtained using earthquakes, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of our method for exploring deep‐earth interiors. This study is a significant step toward body‐wave exploration considering the sources of P‐wave microseisms to be isolated events. Plain Language Summary: The ocean waves excite persistent and random ground motions called microseisms. Since this excitation is independent of seismic activities, this wavefield has information about seismic structures that earthquakes never have. For the deep structure, such as the mantle and core, body‐wave microseisms are more suitable than surface‐wave microseisms because body‐wave microseisms have better sensitivity. Previous studies using body‐wave microseisms mainly adopted the cross‐correlation analysis known as seismic interferometry. This method assumes that the microseisms are excited everywhere. However, the inhomogeneous source distribution of body‐wave microseisms causes artifacts for exploration by seismic interferometry. We developed a new method which circumvents this problem. Assuming that the body‐wave microseisms are spatially isolated, this method extracted the P‐s converted waves beneath receivers from body‐wave microseisms. The 3‐Dimensional imaging result of extracted P‐s converted waves shows both 410‐ and 660‐km mantle discontinuities, consistent with results using earthquakes. This study shows the potential of body‐wave microseisms for exploring the deep earth structure. Key Points: The P‐S waves at mantle discontinuities were extracted from the ambient noise excited by the ocean swellsWe developed the source deconvolution method to generalize a receiver function method to P‐wave microseismsThe migration result of P‐S waves was consistent with previous studies, showing the potential of P‐wave microseisms to seismic structures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observation techniques of high-energy gamma rays using air showers have remarkably progressed via the Tibet ASγ, HAWC, and LHAASO experiments. These observations have significantly contributed to gamma-ray astronomy in the northern sky's sub-PeV region. Moreover, in the southern sky, the ALPACA experiment is underway at 4,740 m altitude on the Chacaltaya plateau in Bolivia. This experiment estimates the gamma-ray flux from the difference between the number of on-source and off-source events by real data, utilizing the gamma-ray detection efficiency calculated through Monte Carlo simulations, which in turn depends on the hadronic interaction models. Even though the number of cosmic-ray background events can be experimentally estimated, this model dependence affects the estimation of gamma-ray detection efficiency. However, previous reports have assumed that the model dependence is negligible and have not included it in the error of gamma-ray flux estimation. Using ALPAQUITA, the prototype experiment of ALPACA, we quantitatively evaluated the model dependence on hadronic interaction models for the first time. We evaluate the model dependence on hadronic interactions as less than 3.6 % in the typical gamma-ray flux estimation performed by ALPAQUITA; this is negligible compared with other uncertainties such as energy scale uncertainty in the energy range from 6 to 300 TeV, which is dominated by the Monte Carlo statistics. This upper limit of 3.6 % model dependence is expected to apply to ALPACA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Denosumab-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw After Tooth Extraction and the Effects of a Short Drug Holiday in Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study," published online on July 26, 2023 is presented.

In this paper, the influence of post-annealing on the properties of methylammonium bismuth iodide (MBI) perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) fabricated through the hot immersion method (HIM) is reported. The post-annealing temperature varied between 100°C and 250°C. The XRD results showed that the crystallinity of the MBI film was improved, while the surface morphology showed that the flake-shaped structure was enhanced. On increasing the post-annealing temperature, an increase in the average grain size from 0.9 µm to 3 µm was observed. The increase in the grain size led to an enhancement of the optical properties with a narrower indirect bandgap at an extended absorption region towards a longer wavelength. Eventually, the performance of HIM-fabricated MBI PeSCs showed a twofold increase, i.e., from 0.14 V to 0.28 V, for open-circuit voltage, the short-circuit current density of the device increased by more than twofold, and power conversion efficiency increased up to 0.011% with a fivefold increase at 250°C. An improved morphology and enlarged grain size leads to a drastic increase in the efficiency of the devices. Our findings suggest that by using HIM, the performance of MBI solar cells can be improved by post-annealing, providing an alternative, simple method for the fabrication of Pb-free PeSCs in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents; however, it often causes intestinal mucositis with severe diarrhea. An efficient treatment strategy to reduce this side effect is lacking. Glutamate (Glu), a nonessential amino acid, is the most important energy source in the small intestine and has been shown to maintain intestinal morphology, barrier function, and antioxidative capacity. However, the effects of Glu on intestinal mucositis induced by chemotherapeutic agents have not been explored. This study aimed to demonstrate the alleviative effects of Glu on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Mucositis was induced in C57B/6N mice by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (50 mg/kg) for 6 days and assessed by histological and physiological analyses. Glu (500 or 1000 mg/kg) was orally administered as a pretreatment twice daily for 7 days before the initial treatment of 5-FU. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using Ki-67 immunostaining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Furthermore, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran infiltration was assessed to measure intestinal permeability. In vitro experiments using rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6 cells) were performed to clarify the effect of Glu on 5-FU-induced barrier dysfunction. Glu alleviated 5-FUinduced intestinal mucositis by reducing villi shortening, enhancing cell proliferation, and suppressing apoptosis. It also alleviated the 5-FU-induced increased intestinal permeability. In vitro studies revealed significantly increased trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in Glu-pretreated IEC-6 cells compared to that in 5-FU-treated and control cells. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide evidence for the potential of Glu to protect against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a functional solar cell device, the morphology of a layer is a key to the performance of Bi-based perovskite solar cells (Bi-PeSCs). Especially, pinholes generated during spin coating degrade the solar cell performance. This paper proposes a method to prepare pinhole-free methylammonium bismuth iodide (MBI) film by multi-step spin coating, with the thickness optimized by changing the layer number between 1 and 12 layers. A strong absorption band is observed at around the wavelength of ~ 500 nm for all the MBI layers. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) cross-section images visually depict that the MBI layers are free from pinholes at more than 6 layers, and we found that the maximum solar cell performance was reached at 8 layers of MBI with an open-circuit voltage of 0.18V, which is greater than using a single-spin coating. After that, it exhibited a decrease in its performance by increasing the number of MBI layers. The growth model and its mechanism for pinhole-free multi-MBI layers is also discussed. These results suggested an improvement of MBI layer morphology in the development of solar cell devices in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer methylammonium bismuth iodide perovskite solar cells (Bi-PeSC’s) were fabricated using multi-step spin coating by changing the spinning rates from 500 rpm to 5000 rpm with keeping the layer number at eight. The aim of this work is to study the effect of spinning rates on the multilayer Bi-PeSC’s performance. The SEM result shows the improved morphological properties at an optimum speed of spinning. At the same time, the XRD analysis exhibits that a very strong intensity and a narrow peak of MBI are observed at 12.67o (101) of 500 rpm, and it completely disappeared at 5000 rpm. The Dektak measurement showed that the thickness of multilayer Bi-PeSC’s is reduced from 600 nm to 300 nm as the spinning rates increased from 500 rpm to 5000 rpm. Furthermore, the multilayer Bi-PeSC’s showed an increment in the open circuit voltage with a maximum of 0.42V at an optimum spinning rate of 1000 rpm. The Bi-PeSC’s performance improvement is attributed to the formation of a moderate thickness of 568 nm. In brief, the spinning rate significantly influences the morphology, optical and structural properties of multilayer BiPeSC’s. In the future development of Bi-PeSC’s device, our research’s finding might have an appreciated contribution towards a better improvements of solar cells performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report a detaiμ study on the emission properties of fieμd emitter array (FEA) of micro-circuμar emitters of muμtiwaμμ carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The FEAs were fabricated on patterned substrates prepared with an array of circuμar titanium (Ti) isμands on titanium nitride coated tantaμum substrates. CNTs were rooted into these Ti isμands to prepare an array of circuμar emitters. The circuμar emitters were prepared in different diameters and pitches in order to optimize their structure for acquiring a high emission current. The pitch was varied from 0 to 600 μm, whiμe a diameter of circuμar emitters was kept constant to be 50 μm in order to optimize a pitch. For diameter optimization, a diameter was changed from 50 to 200 μm whiμe keeping a constant edge-to-edge distance of 150 μm between the circuμar emitters. The FEA with a diameter of 50 μm and a pitch of 120 μm was found to be the best to achieve an emission current of 47mA corresponding to an effective current density of 30.5 A/cm2 at 7V/μm. The exceμμent emission current was attributed to good quaμity of CNT rooting into the substrate and optimized FEA structure, which provided a high eμectric fieμd on a whoμe circuμar emitter of 50 μm and the best combination of the strong edge effect and CNT coverage. The experimentaμ resuμts were confirmed with computer simuμation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pre-existing inflammation, corticosteroid therapy, periapical periodontitis, longer duration of denosumab therapy, and female sex were significantly associated with an increased risk of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in patients with cancer on oncologic doses of denosumab. A short drug holiday did not protect against this complication. Introduction: This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between various risk factors, including brief discontinuation of denosumab, and development of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (DRONJ) after tooth extraction in patients with cancer who were receiving oncologic doses of this agent. Methods: Data were collected on demographic characteristics, duration of denosumab therapy, whether or not denosumab was discontinued before tooth extraction (drug holiday), duration of discontinuation, presence of pre-existing inflammation, and whether or not additional surgical procedures were performed. Risk factors for DRONJ after tooth extraction were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 136 dental extractions were performed in 72 patients (31 men, 41 women) with cancer who were receiving oncologic doses of denosumab. Post-extraction DRONJ was diagnosed in 39 teeth (28.7%) in 25 patients. Tooth extraction was significantly associated with development of DRONJ only in patients with pre-existing inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 243.77), those on corticosteroid therapy (OR 73.50), those with periapical periodontitis (OR 14.13), those who had been taking oncologic doses of denosumab for a longer period (OR 4.69), and in women (OR 1.04). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of DRONJ between patients who had a drug holiday before tooth extraction and those who did not. Conclusions: These findings suggest that inflamed teeth should be extracted immediately in patients with cancer who are receiving oncologic doses of denosumab. Drug holidays have no significant impact on the risk of DRONJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andes Large-area PArticle detector for Cosmic-ray physics and Astronomy (ALPACA) is an international experiment that applies southern very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy to determine the origin of cosmic rays around the knee energy region (1015eV − 1016eV). The experiment consists of an air shower (AS) array with a surface of 83,000m2 and an underground water Cherenkov muon detector (MD) array covering 5,400m2. The experimental site is at the Mt. Chacaltaya plateau in La Paz, Bolivia, with an altitude of 4,740m corresponding to 572g/cm2 atmospheric thickness. As the prototype experiment of ALPACA, the ALPAQUITA experiment aims to begin data acquisition in late 2021. The ALPAQUITA array consists of a smaller AS array (18,450m2) and underground MD (900m2), which are now under construction. ALPAQUITA's sensitivity to gamma-ray sources is evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation finds that five gamma-ray sources observed by H.E.S.S. and HAWC experiments will be detected by ALPAQUITA beyond 10TeV and ne out of these five - HESS J1702-420A - above 300 TeV in one calendar year observation. The latter finding means that scientific discussions can be made on the emission mechanism of gamma rays beyond 100TeV from southern sources on the basis of the observational results of this prototype experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation reports the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterization of dip-successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR)-prepared BiOI electrochemical cells in terms of various morphologies. Here, the photocathode BiOI has been prepared at various cycle numbers, which causes a change in the surface morphology that is observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The increasing cycle number until 30 brings the change in the BiOI film's flaky structures, crystal size, and effective surface area. At 30-dip-SILAR cycle, the film's uniformity of flaky structure and effective surface area reach their maximum values, resulting in the lowest film resistance and lowest charge transfer resistance (at the BiOI–electrolyte interface) recorded via EIS analysis. Hence, at 30 cycles (thickness 500 nm), the maximum photovoltaic performance has been observed: short-circuit current density JSC = 0.6 mA/cm2, and open-circuit voltage VOC = 0.43 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reanalysis datasets from atmospheric models and satellite products are often used for Arctic surface shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) radiative budget analyses, but they suffer from limitations and require validation against local‐scale observations. These are rare in the high Arctic, especially for longer periods that include seasonal transitions. In this study, radiation and meteorological observations acquired during the Norwegian Young Sea Ice Cruise (N‐ICE2015) campaign over sea ice north of Svalbard (80–83°N, 5–25°E) from January–June 2015, cloud lidar observations from the Ice‐Atmosphere‐Ocean Observing System and the Cloud and Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization are compared to daily and monthly satellite retrievals from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and ERA‐Interim and ERA5 reanalysis. Results indicate that surface temperature is a significant driver for winter LW radiation biases in both satellite and reanalysis data, along with cloud optical depth in CERES. In May, the SW and LW downwelling irradiances are close to observations and cloud properties are well captured (except for ERA‐Interim), while SW upward irradiances are biased low due to surface albedo biases in all datasets. Net SW and LW radiation biases are comparable (∼20–30 Wm−2) but opposite in sign for ERA‐Interim and CERES in May, which allows for error compensation. Biases reduce to ±10 Wm−2 in ERA5. In June downward LW remains biased low (8–10 Wm−2) in all datasets suggesting unsettled cloud representation issues. Surface albedo always differs by more than 0.1 between datasets, leading to significant SW and total flux differences. Key Points: Surface albedo, temperature, and cloud properties contribute to bias Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and ERA‐Interim surface irradiances, while ERA5 performs betterIn spring ERA‐Interim and CERES SW and LW biases compensate allowing estimates of total surface radiation to agree with surface observationsDifferences up to 0.1 in gridded surface albedo remain between the datasets and affect shortwave and total surface radiation budgets [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: What qualifies as optimal lymph node (LN) dissection in the surgical management of splenic flexure colon cancer (SFCC) still remains controversial because few studies have evaluated the distribution of LN metastasis of SFCC. The aim of this study was to clarify detailed distribution of LN metastasis and long-term outcomes of SFCC. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients who had curative colectomy for primary transverse or descending colon cancer of pathological stage I, II, or III at a single high-volume cancer center between April 2002 and December 2018. The 538 eligible patients were divided into three groups: patients with SFCC (SFCC group, n = 168), patients with proximal transverse colon cancer (PTCC group, n = 290), and patients with distal descending colon cancer (DDCC group, n = 80). LNs were classified into horizontal (pericolic) and vertical (intermediate and main) nodes. Intermediate and main LN station numbers were defined according to the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum classification. Distributions of LN metastasis and long-term outcomes were compared. Results: In the SFCC group, the mean age was 67.3 ± 10.5 years and 110 patients (65.5%) were male. The proportion of patients with LN metastasis in the intermediate or main region was significantly lower in the SFCC group (8%) than in the PTCC (37%) (p < 0.01) or DDCC group (29%) (p < 0.01) in pathological stage III patients. In the SFCC group, the incidence of pericolic LN metastasis on the oral side of tumor (43%) was significantly higher than in the PTCC group (21%) (p < 0.01) and was similar to that in the DDCC group (42%) (p = 0.51), while in the SFCC group, the incidence of pericolic LN metastasis on the anal side of tumor (17%) was lower than in the PTCC group (31%) and was also similar to that in the DDCC group (21%). There were no significant differences in disease-specific survival rates among all groups. Conclusions: LN metastasis occurred mainly in the pericolic region, especially on the oral side of the tumor in SFCC. It may, therefore, be important to have an adequate bowel resection margin, especially on the oral side, for SFCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We compared the bone strength measured via quantitative computed tomography-based finite element method (QCT/FEM) between healthy adults with and without ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). No statistically significant difference was observed in the bone strength between healthy adults with and without OPLL. Hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with the systemic bone strength. Introduction: Although patients with OPLL have been reportedly associated with increased level of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), little is known about the bone strength in OPLL subjects. The aim of this study is to investigate the bone strength measured via QCT/FEM in healthy subjects with OPLL using the medical check-up data, including whole-body CT scans. Methods: We examined 796 participants (529 men and 267 women) who underwent CT scans in a single health center between January 2008 and May 2009. We identified OPLL in whole spine and divided the subjects into two groups: non-OPLL and OPLL groups. We calculated the predicted bone strength (PBS) of the proximal femur using QCT/FEM and examined the bone mineral status of the calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). We compared the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups. Results: Seventy-four subjects (9.3%; 57 men and 17 women) were diagnosed with OPLL in the whole spine. The OPLL group was significantly older than the non-OPLL group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups in both sexes. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was noted in the PBS and the QUS parameters between two groups in age- and gender-matched analysis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with bone strength and bone mineral status at the extremities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the development of filterless deep ultraviolet photoconductive detectors using cerium fluoride (CeF3) thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). By varying the PLD laser power during thin film growth, we observed that CeF3 breaks down to CeF2 at PLD laser powers greater than 100 mW. This consequently leads to the formation of fluorine defects that effectively narrowed the optical bandgap of the thin films, resulting in the decreased resistivity of the photoconductive detector. Under ultraviolet irradiation, the detector using a thin film grown at 5 mW PLD laser power exhibited close to four orders of magnitude increase in photocurrent compared to the dark current. The spectral response of the photoconductive detectors can be tuned from 300 nm to 400 nm when PLD laser powers ranging from 5 mW to 400 mW are used to fabricate the thin films. The filterless nature of the detectors simplifies their production, and their tunability can extend their use to a wider range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the unimolecular dissociation of NO[sub 2] with classical and statistical mechanics on an ab initio three-dimensional global potential energy surface of the lowest adiabatic electronic state. Energy-resolved rate constants; Analysis of the transition state definition in the barrierlerss reaction; Rate of internal vibrational energy redistribution.

Lightning is an important source of nitrogen oxides (LNOx). The actual global production of LNOx is still largely uncertain. One of the reasons for this uncertainty is the limited available observation data. We measured the concentrations of total reactive nitrogen (NOy), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxides (NO2) and then obtained NOx oxidation products (NOz: NOz = NOy - NOx) at a station at the top of Mount Fuji (3776 m a.s.l.) during the summer of 2017. Increases in NOy and NO2 were observed on 22 August 2017. These peaks were unaccompanied by increases in CO, which suggested that the observed air mass did not contain emissions from combustion. The backward trajectories of the above air mass indicated that it moved across areas where lightning occurred. The NOy concentration was also calculated by using a chemical transport model, which did not take NOx produced by lightning into account. Therefore, the NOy concentration due to lightning can be inferred by subtracting the calculated NOy from the observed NOy concentrations. The concentration of NOy at 13:00 on 22 August 2017 originating from lightning was estimated to be 1.11 ± 0.02 ppbv, which comprised 97 ± 2% of the total NOy concentration. The fractions of NO2 and NOz in the total NOy were 0.54 ± 0.01 and 0.46 ± 0.03, respectively. The NO concentration was below the detection limit. We firstly observed increase of concentrations of NOy originating from lightning by ground-based observation and demonstrated the quantitative estimates of LNOx using model-based calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted mercury (Hg) isotopic analysis, which has been expected as a new indicator for understanding the behavior of atmospheric Hg. The dominant atmospheric Hg species, namely gaseous elemental mercury (GEM, Hg0), were collected at the Cape Hedo Atmosphere and Aerosol Monitoring Station (CHAAMS) in Okinawa, Japan, for evaluating possible source(s) and transformation process(es) of Hg. The Hg isotopic compositions of GEM samples showed that the mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) of δ202Hg and the mass-independent fractionation (MIF) of Δ199Hg ranged from −2.15‰ to 0.79‰ and from −0.32‰ to 0.00‰, respectively. The results were classified into two groups: (1) negative δ202Hg and near-zero Δ199Hg in summer and (2) near-zero δ202Hg and negative Δ199Hg in the other season. According to the NOAA Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, the dominant air masses traveled from East Asia during winter and South and East Asia during summer. However, the air masses also traveled from mainland Japan and rotated around Okinawa before reaching CHAAMS. In contrast, clear positive correlations between δ202Hg values and CO and PM2.5 concentrations were observed during summer. A small peak of Ox concentration was observed at three atmospheric monitoring stations, namely Nago, Naha, and Miyako Island during summer. Since Miyako Island is located ∼370 km southwest of CHAAMS, the main emission source of GEM transported to CHAAMS was not from mainland Okinawa but traveled from the southwest during summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated boron doping into silicon using an argon fluoride excimer laser. Reason for expecting an excimer laser as a light source for novel material processing; Absorption spectrum characteristics of BF[sub3] at the ultraviolet region; Dependence of the sheet resistance on the beam energy density for samples which were irradiated in 50-Torr BF[sub3] ambients; Profiles of carrier concentration for the cases of BF[sub3] filling and of BF[sub3] adsorbed layers.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of subpontic tissue enlargement (STE) beneath a mandibular fixed partial denture. A 55-year-old Japanese woman received periodontal therapy and cross-arch fixed partial dentures were placed in the maxilla and mandible. After 18 years, STE developed in the left posterior region of the mandible. It was presumed that biomechanical loading in the mandible, along with other factors, might have caused the STE in this particular patient. Int J Prosthodont 2010;23:243-245. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the lamellar and lateral structure of intercellular lipid of stratum corneum (SC) can be evaluated from millimeter‐sized SC (MSC) by X‐ray diffraction. Materials and Methods: A 12 mm × 12 mm SC sheet from hairless mouse was divided into 16 pieces measuring 3 mm × 3 mm square. From another sheet, 4 pieces of ultramillimeter‐sized SC (USC:1.5 mm × 1.5 mm square) were prepared. Small and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (SAXD and WAXD) measurements were performed on each piece. For MSC and USC, changes in the lamellar and lateral structure after the application of d‐limonene were measured. Results: The intensity of SAXD peaks due to the lamellar phase of long periodicity phase (LPP) and WAXD peaks due to the lateral hydrocarbon chain‐packing structures varied in MSC and USC pieces, although over the 12 mm × 12 mm SC sheet. These results indicated that the intercellular lipid components and their proportion appeared nearly uniform. Application of d‐limonene on MSC and USC piece with strong peaks in SAXD and the WAXD resulted in the disappearance of peaks due to the lamellar phase of LPP and decrease in peak intensity for the lateral hydrocarbon chain‐packing structures. These changes are consistent with normal‐sized sample results. Conclusion: We found that the selection of a sample piece with strong diffraction peaks due to the lamellar and lateral structure enabled evaluation of the SC structure in small‐sized samples by X‐ray diffraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell plasticity of 'stem-like' cancer-initiating cells (CICs) is a hallmark of cancer, allowing metastasis and cancer progression. Here, we studied whether simvastatin, a lipophilic statin, could impair the metastatic potential of CICs in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-ovC), the most lethal among the gynecologic malignancies. qPCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to assess simvastatin effects on proteins involved in stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal cell plasticity (EMT). Its effects on tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated using different models (e.g., spheroid formation and migration assays, matrigel invasion assays, 3D-mesomimetic models and cancer xenografts). We explored also the clinical benefit of statins by comparing survival outcomes among statin users vs non-users. Herein, we demonstrated that simvastatin modifies the stemness and EMT marker expression patterns (both in mRNA and protein levels) and severely impairs the spheroid assembly of CICs. Consequently, CICs become less metastatic in 3D-mesomimetic models and show fewer ascites/tumor burden in HGS-ovC xenografts. The principal mechanism behind statin-mediated effects involves the inactivation of the Hippo/YAP/RhoA pathway in a mevalonate synthesis-dependent manner. From a clinical perspective, statin users seem to experience better survival and quality of life when compared with non-users. Considering the high cost and the low response rates obtained with many of the current therapies, the use of orally or intraperitoneally administered simvastatin offers a cost/effective and safe alternative to treat and potentially prevent recurrent HGS-ovCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) assay was developed for the identification of three species of whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED), major pests in the greenhouse. Each of the specific LAMP primer sets was designed based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequence. The mLAMP reactions using primer mixtures labelled with fluorescent dye were performed at 63°C for 60 min and centrifuged with polyethyleneimine. Thus, T. vaporariorum, MEAM1 and MED were clearly identified by the colour precipitates under UV light. The mLAMP procedure described in this study is cost‐effective and can be performed in the field not only in the laboratory, because this method is a single analysis and does not need a special gene amplification device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: What is known and objective: The risk of new‐onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in Japanese patients using low‐dose hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) has not been previously examined. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of NODM associated with use of high‐ and low‐potency statins in Japanese patients taking low‐dose statins. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 2554 Japanese patients who started treatment with a statin was conducted. Only patients taking the same dose of the same statin were enrolled, and patients were separated into high‐ and low‐potency statin groups. The outcome was incidence of NODM during statin treatment. Results: The incidence rate of NODM in the cohort was 7.4% (n = 190). Kaplan‐Meier survival curves showed a significantly higher rate of NODM in patients taking high‐potency statins compared with those taking low‐potency statins (P < .001, log‐rank test). Baseline fasting plasma glucose levels, use of high‐potency statins, male gender and combination treatment with calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants or steroids were identified as factors that significantly increased the risk for NODM using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. What is new and conclusion: The use of high‐potency statins at a low standard daily dose significantly increased the risk of NODM in Japanese patients compared with low‐potency statins. Furthermore, clinicians should also be careful when prescribing statins in combination with steroids or immunosuppressants due to the increased risk of NODM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymerization of aniline and 3-trifluoromethyl aniline was carried out by in-situ chemical oxidative technique using slow dispersion of silver nanoparticles. The prepared copolymer was characterized by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, electrical conductivity and humidity sensing techniques. UV-Vis spectrum shows absorption bands around 320 and 620 nm respectively corresponding to π-π* and n-π* transitions. Band gap value of the polymers confirms its semiconducting nature. SEM analysis shows highly agglomerated spherical morphology and the particle size ranges from 100 to 200 nm. The XRD pattern shows amorphous nature of nanocomposite. The electrical conductivity of this nanocomposite changes from 1.86 × 10-9 to 2.86 × 10-11 S/cm due to the steric effect of trifluoromethyl group. The relative humidity sensing was studied based on the resistance variations due to the absorption of water molecules in the polymer matrices. It was observed from the fabricated sensors that the resistance decreases from 400 to 230 MΩ when the relative humidity (% RH) changes from 17 to 47%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collective behavior can spontaneously emerge when individuals follow common rules of interaction. However, the behavior of each individual differs due to existing genetic and nongenetic variation within the population. It remains unclear how this individuality is managed to achieve collective behavior. We quantify individuality in bands of clonal Escherichia coli cells that migrate collectively along a channel by following a self-generated gradient of attractant. We discover that despite substantial differences in individual chemotactic abilities, the cells are able to migrate as a coherent group by spontaneously sorting themselves within the moving band. This sorting mechanism ensures that differences between individual chemotactic abilities are compensated by differences in the local steepness of the traveling gradient each individual must navigate, and determines the minimum performance required to travel with the band. By resolving conflicts between individuality and collective migration, this mechanism enables populations to maintain advantageous diversity while on the move. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of gene therapy has recently witnessed a number of major conceptual changes. Besides the traditional thinking that comprises the use of viral vectors for the delivery of a given therapeutic gene, a number of original approaches have been recently envisaged, focused on using vectors carrying genes to further modify basal ganglia circuits of interest. It is expected that these approaches will ultimately induce a therapeutic potential being sustained by gene-induced changes in brain circuits. Among others, at present, it is technically feasible to use viral vectors to (1) achieve a controlled release of neurotrophic factors, (2) conduct either a transient or permanent silencing of any given basal ganglia circuit of interest, (3) perform an in vivo cellular reprogramming by promoting the conversion of resident cells into dopaminergic-like neurons, and (4) improving levodopa efficacy over time by targeting aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase. Furthermore, extensive research efforts based on viral vectors are currently ongoing in an attempt to better replicate the dopaminergic neurodegeneration phenomena inherent to the progressive intraneuronal aggregation of alpha-synuclein. Finally, a number of incoming strategies will soon emerge over the horizon, these being sustained by the underlying goal of promoting alpha-synuclein clearance, such as, for instance, gene therapy initiatives based on increasing the activity of glucocerebrosidase. To provide adequate proof-of-concept on safety and efficacy and to push forward true translational initiatives based on these different types of gene therapies before entering into clinical trials, the use of non-human primate models undoubtedly plays an instrumental role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Intestinal fractional calcium absorption (FCA) was assessed before and after vitamin D3 treatment. Serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration was significantly increased by plain vitamin D3 and reduced by eldecalcitol. The 1α hydroxyl calcidiol and eldecalcitol treatments increased FCA, which may be induced through direct stimulation of vitamin D receptors in the intestine. Introduction To assess the effects of vitamin D3 compounds on intestinal FCA and calcium-regulating hormones in post-menopausal osteoporosis, a randomized open-label prospective study was conducted. Methods Forty eligible patients were allocated randomly into four groups: eldecalcitol (ELD; 0.75 μg/day), 1α hydroxyl calcidiol (ALF; 1 μg/day), plain vitamin (800 IU/day), and control. Before and after the 4-week treatment, intestinal FCA was estimated by using a double isotope method, and serum concentrations of calcium-regulating hormones and a bone turnover marker were measured. Results The baseline FCA value of the participants was 21.5 ± 7.9% (mean ± SD) and was significantly correlated with serum 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol) concentration. After the treatment, the FCA significantly increased by 59.5% (95% CI, 41.6 to 77.4%) in the ELD group and by 45.9% (27.9 to 63.8%) in the ALF group, whereas no significant change in the plain vitamin D3 group was found. Unlike the baseline FCA, post-treatment FCA exhibited no significant correlation with serum calcitriol concentration. Parathyroid hormone levels were suppressed by ALF and plain vitamin D3 but were sustained in the ELD and control groups. Serum calcitriol tended to be suppressed by ELD, whereas plain vitamin D3 treatment increased both serum 25(OH)D and calcitriol concentrations. Conclusion These findings suggest that oral administration of vitamin D3 analogues (ALF and ELD) stimulates FCA but plain vitamin D3 does not. Those effects of vitamin D3 compounds on FCA were independent of serum calcitriol concentration, suggesting that ALF and ELD may directly stimulate intestinal vitamin D receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetometer with a cryogen-free superconducting magnet was developed. Sample magnetization is calculated from the induced voltage of a pickup coil under alternating magnetic fields. The sample is fixed in the superconducting magnet and the structure of the equipment is simple. When a large high-performance permanent magnet is tested, a strong magnetic force is applied on the sample. In our system, because the structure is simple, it is easy to prepare a stout sample holder that can keep the sample against the magnetic force during measurements. Cubic NdFeB magnets of about 50 and 25 mm on a side were successfully tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for locally advanced rectal cancer remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes of this procedure at our institution. Methods: From December 2011 to December 2016, patients who underwent robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for rectal cancer were investigated. Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and pathological results were evaluated retrospectively. Results: There were 31 patients; 17 men (54.8%) and 14 women (45.2%), with a median age of 65 years (range 40-82 years). Twenty-one patients (67.7%) had a cT4 tumor, 9 patients (29.0%) had a pT4b tumor, and all patients except one (96.8%) underwent complete resection of the primary tumor with negative resection margins. Eleven patients (35.5%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The most commonly resected organ was the vaginal wall ( n = 12, 38.7%), followed by the prostate ( n = 10, 32.3%). Lateral lymph node dissection was performed in 20 patients (64.5%). The median operative time was 394 min (range 189-549 min), and the median blood loss was 41 mL (range 0-502 mL). None of the patients received intraoperative blood transfusions or required conversion to open. Overall, postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (35.5%). The most frequent complication was urinary retention ( n = 5, 16.1%), and none of the patients developed serious complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grades III-V. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for rectal cancer is safe and technically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Significance of monitoring adalimumab trough levels and anti-adalimumab antibodies ( AAA) for disease outcome in Crohn's disease ( CD) patients remained unclear. Aim To evaluate the association of adalimumab trough levels and AAA at week 26 with clinical remission at week 52, the effect of azathiopurine on AAA and factors influencing trough levels in CD patients in the DIAMOND trial. Methods We performed this study using adalimumab trough levels, AAA at week 26 and 6-thioguanine nucleotide ( TGN) in red blood cells at week 12. A multiple regression model and receiver operating analysis was performed to identify factors influencing adalimumab trough levels and AAA, and adalimumab thresholds for predicting disease activity. Results There was a significant difference of adalimumab trough level at week 26 between patients with disease remission and without at week 52 (7.7 ± 3.3 μg/ mL vs 5.4 ± 4.3 μg/ mL: P <.001). Adalimumab trough level of 5.0 μg/ mL yielded optimal sensitivity and specificity for remission prediction (80.2% and 55.6%, respectively). AAA development at week 26 significantly affected remission at week 52 ( P = .021), which was strongly associated with adalimumab trough levels. Female gender and increasing body weight were independently associated with low adalimumab trough levels, and female gender was associated with AAA development. A cut-off 6 TGN level of >222.5 p mol/8 ×108 RBCs yielded sensitivity (100%) and specificity (60.6%) for AAA negativity. Conclusion Adalimumab trough levels and AAA occurrence were significantly associated with clinical remission. Higher 6 TGN affected AAA negativity. The combination therapy is beneficial in some relevant aspects for CD patients. ( UMIN Registration No. 000005146) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of polyaniline based nanocomposites has been synthesized by using chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline (An) with m-trifluoromethyl aniline (TFMA) doped dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (DBSA). The prepared copolymer composites were characterized by using different analytical techniques such as UV-visible, FT-IR, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction methods (XRD) and humidity sensing techniques. The Conducting properties of these nanocomposites was studied by using standard four probe method. The particle size ranges from 100 nm to 200 nm diameters was observed in SEM analysis and surface morphology shows solid granular layers of nano pillared like structures. XRD pattern shows that the amorphous nature of the copolymer particles. Interestingly the electrical conductivity of this nanocomposite was found to be 1.807 x 10-4 S/cm. The solubility tests of these composites show good solubility than that of polyaniline homopolymer. The humidity sensing mechanism was studied, based upon the resistance variations due to the absorption of water vapour. The poly (An-co-m-TFMA) thin film was prepared by spin-coating method and humidity sensing ability was compared. It was observed that by the change of relative humidity (%RH) from 10% to 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese pear dwarf, caused by the fungi Fomitiporia torreyae or Fulviformes umbrinellus, is one of the most important diseases affecting Japanese pear ( Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta). To diagnose this disease, a multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification ( mLAMP) reaction using primer sets designed from the rDNA internal transcribed spacer ( ITS) sequences of F. torreyae and F. umbrinellus was developed. The optimal conditions for simultaneous detection of the two pathogens were investigated. The best results were obtained at a reaction temperature of 65°C and a primer ratio of 1:1.5 ( F. torreyae : F. umbrinellus). Fluorescently labelled mLAMP amplicons were precipitated using polyethyleneimine. As a result, multiplex detection was enabled by the fluorescent colour of precipitate under ultraviolet light. The detection limit of mLAMP was 100 fg of genomic DNA, which was 10 times more sensitive than the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) method. The mLAMP assay was applied to Japanese pear trunk samples from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and the results were compared with those obtained using PCR. As a result, mLAMP was observed to be effective for the specific detection of F. torreyae or F. umbrinellus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]