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• Stereotactic radiotherapy for craniopharyngioma demonstrated good tumor control. • No late adverse events have occurred to date after stereotactic radiotherapy. • No cases irradiated in childhood had late adverse events more than 12 years. • Pituitary dysfunction resulting from surgery led to fatal adrenal insufficiency. • It would be best to plan surgery with stereotactic radiotherapy in mind. Craniopharyngiomas are difficult to resect completely, recurrence is frequent, and hypothalamic/pituitary function may be affected after surgery. Therefore, the ideal treatment for craniopharyngiomas is local control with preservation of hypothalamic and pituitary functions. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the long-term efficacy and adverse events of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with Novalis for craniopharyngioma. This study included 23 patients with craniopharyngiomas who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2021 and underwent SRT as their first irradiation after surgery. The median post-irradiation observation period was 88 months, with the overall survival rates of 100 % at 10 years and 85.7 % at 20 years. One patient died of adrenal insufficiency 12 years after irradiation. The local control rate of the cystic component was 91.3 % at 5 years, 83.0 % at 15 years, with no increase in the solid component. No delayed impairment of visual or pituitary function due to irradiation was observed. No new hypothalamic dysfunction was observed after radiation therapy. No delayed adverse events such as brain necrosis, cerebral artery stenosis, cerebral infarction, or secondary brain tumors were also observed. SRT was safe and effective over the long term in patients irradiated in childhood as well as adults, with no local recurrence or adverse events. We believe that surgical planning for craniopharyngioma with stereotactic radiotherapy in mind is effective in maintaining a good prognosis and quality of life. [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]

The most vulnerable user in road space is still an ordinary pedestrian even though the top fatalities by traffic mode differ in countries. Thus, prioritizing/protecting vulnerable road users is essential to improve road safety. People's safety perceptions toward vulnerable users are strongly associated with surrounding elements and their own experiences, especially as pedestrians. Therefore the attitude and values toward vulnerable users would vary due to culture and customs related to walking in each country. This study examines how a walking experience change reflects people with diverse backgrounds' traffic safety attitudes by conducting an online questionnaire survey for foreigners living in Japan for five years or less. As a result, 75% of respondents walk more frequently due to increased public transportation usage. For all the respondents, the increase in the walking frequency also drives the shift in the attitude toward vulnerable users and the values regarding travel safety and comfort indirectly intermediated by the shift in attitudes toward walkability, applying structural equation modeling. To focus on the structure of the shift according to nationality, people from Southeast/South Asia, where motorcyclists are the top fatalities in the road space and somehow regarded as vulnerable road users, the increased walking experience contributes significantly to the improvement of awareness of vulnerable road users and to the formation of safety and comfort values. Regarding people from Europe/North America, although their walking frequency increases after coming to Japan, there is a static causal relationship that does not influence their attitude toward walkability or safety and comfort values. Additionally, they already have an attitude of protecting/prioritizing pedestrians and placing more importance on safety and comfort. At the same time, people from Southeast/South lacks the attitude toward pedestrians due to much less frequency of walking in daily life. It suggests that establishing safe and having comfortable pedestrian spaces and public transport in developing countries where traffic infrastructure is at the development stage will encourage people to walk and likely help foster an attitude of placing importance on safety. • Influence of walking experiment on traffic safety attitude and values was examined targeting at foreigners in Japan. • Online survey asking to recall change in travel behavior, attitude and values before-and -after coming to Japan. • Walking experience influences attitudes toward pedestrian and safety/comfort values via walkability attitude. • For people from Southeast/South Asia, walking experience influences attitudes toward pedestrian and safety/comfort values. • For people from Europe/North America, there is no relationship between walking experience, and attitudes and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microneurovascular free muscle transfer is the gold-standard surgical procedure for the reanimation of established facial paralysis. However, the innervation of the transferred muscle by the contralateral facial nerve is usually insufficient to produce a stable smile. Besides, the corner of the mouth sometimes moves unnaturally as if it were being pulled up because of the single-direction movement. Thus, we propose one-stage facial reanimation using free latissimus dorsi (LD)-serratus anterior (SA) combined muscle flap transfer with dual innervation. The LD-SA combined muscle flap was harvested with the thoracodorsal artery and vein as common vessels to move the corner of the mouth bidirectionally for natural smiling. The LD muscle was located in the same direction as the zygomaticus major muscle and reinnervated by dual innervation. The contralateral facial nerve was coapted with the thoracodorsal nerve, and the ipsilateral masseter motor nerve was inserted into the LD muscle by intramuscular neurotization. The 6th or 7th SA muscle was located in the same direction as the risorius muscle and reinnervated by neurorrhaphy of the long thoracic nerve and the thin branch of the ipsilateral masseter motor nerve. Since 2015, seven patients have been treated with this method without complications. On average, SA muscle movement was detected in voluntary biting at 3.1 months, and spontaneous smiling occurred 7.7 months after surgery. All patients developed a spontaneous natural smile. This method for established facial paralysis has the potential to improve the quality of the reconstructed smile and the unstable results of conventional single-innervation-single-muscle transfer. [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]

Hydrographic variables were monitored in northwestern Arabian Gulf over the past three decades and the time-series data were statistically analyzed. The results show that while salinity has undergone several shifts, seawater temperature exhibited a steady increasing trend since the 1980s. The observed salinity shows strong correlation with Shatt Al-Arab River discharge indicating primary contribution of freshwater to salinity among other factors (evaporation and desalination effluent). Recent data show that salinity is at its highest level in the last 30 years with less pronounced seasonal variability in response to severe decline in the freshwater runoff into the northwestern Arabian Gulf. The changes in hydrographic conditions may have significant implications on hydrodynamics, water quality, and ecosystems in the Gulf. Thus, cooperation among the concerned countries - both coastal and riparian nations - would be essential for prevention of further major changes in the Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous measurements of hydrographic, hydrodynamic, and water quality showed marked diurnal, tidal, and seasonal variabilities in Kuwait Bay, a stressed coastal system in the northwestern Arabian/Persian Gulf. Advection of water masses and seasonality in vertical mixing regulated the Bay's hydrographic and water quality properties. Intensive stratification in summer had substantial implications on the Bay environment. Kuwait Bay constantly exports dense bottom water laden with dissolved inorganic nutrients and organic matter to the central basin of the Gulf. The export was largest in August under strong water column stratification. These in-situ findings agreed well with earlier studies that corroborated Kuwait Bay as an important area where the phenomenon of reverse estuarine circulation originates in the Gulf. Thus, Kuwait Bay is a significant source of nutrients and organic matter to the Gulf Deep Water that flows into the core of the oxygen minimum zone in the northwestern Indian Ocean. • Dynamic diurnal hydrographic and water-quality variations with marked seasonality • Advection of water masses and vertical mixing contributes to the variability • Constant export of dense water mass from Kuwait Bay to the Arabian/Persian Gulf • The largest export in August when the water column stratified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract: In this paper, fatigue tests are carried out on spot welded and spot weld-bonded joints of mild steel and ultra-high strength steel plates. The fatigue strength of the spot weld-bonded joints is higher than that of the spot welded joints. On the spot weld-bonded specimens, the strain distribution around the bonded area during fatigue tests is measured by using strain gauges to investigate the interfacial debonding behavior of adhesive bonding. According to the strain distribution measurement, the debonding initiates from the edge of the adhesive bonding, and propagates to the spot weld nugget. The fatigue strength is improved because the stress concentration of the nugget edge is considerably reduced in large part of fatigue life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Radon (222Rn) measurements were conducted in Shiraho Reef (Okinawa, Japan) to investigate nearshore submarine groundwater discharge (SGDnearshore) dynamics. Estimated average groundwater flux was 2–3cm/h (maximum 7–8cm/h). End-member radon concentration and gas transfer coefficient were identified as major factors influencing flux estimation accuracy. For the 7-km long reef, SGDnearshore was 0.39–0.58m3/s, less than 30% of Todoroki River’s baseflow discharge. SGDnearshore was spatially and temporally variable, reflecting the strong influence of subsurface geology, tidal pumping, groundwater recharge, and hydraulic gradient. SGDnearshore elevated nearshore nitrate concentrations (0.8–2.2mg/l) to half of Todoroki River’s baseflow –N (2–4mg/L). This increased nearshore Chl-a from 0.5–2μg/l compared to the typically low Chl-a (<0.1–0.4μg/l) in the moat. Diatoms and cyanobacteria concentrations exhibited an increasing trend. However, the percentage contributions of diatoms and cyanobacteria significantly decreased and increased, respectively. SGD may significantly induce the proliferation of cyanobacteria in nearshore reef areas. [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: 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]

The universal behavior of low-temperature thermal conductance in single-walled carbon nanotubes is revealed within the framework of the Landauer theory of heat transport. The phonon-derived thermal conductance is quantized as a universal value of π2kB2T/3h in the low-temperature limit, T→0, independent of radius or chirality. The temperature dependence follows a single curve given in terms of temperature scaled by the energy gap of the lowest optical mode. In contrast, the electronic contribution to thermal conductance at low temperature is found to be strongly dependent on the tube geometry responsible for the electronic states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: EGF receptor-binding peptides could be found by a peptide screening method using fifteen fluorescent amino acids as fluorescent tags. Of 225 peptides, we found an 8-mer peptide containing a dipeptide unit, Y–F, which was the strongest binding peptide to the EGF receptor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study evaluates the potential area and the key environmental factors supporting Sargassum bed restoration (SBR) in the highly turbid northwestern Arabian Gulf where rapid coastal development impinges on the marine ecosystem functioning. Water depth was a primary environmental factor governing the distribution of the subtidal macroalgae beds in these turbid waters. The relationship between Sargassum coverage and water depth measured by an echo sounder indicated optimal water depths where the maximum coverage was observed. The availability of stable hard substrate was another key factor introducing heterogeneity in Sargassum coverage. Potential area for the SBR estimated based on the optimal depths was 4.26 km2, whereas only 50% of the potential area (2.19 km2) was currently vegetated due to the absence of hard substrate. The outcomes of this study offer beneficial information toward implementation of the SBR as a part of mitigation measures in future coastal development plans in the region. • Sargassum distribution in the northern Arabian Gulf was measured by echo sounder. • Water depth and substrate were the main factors affecting the distribution. • The potential restoration area was estimated based on the optimal depth. • Only 50% of the potential area was vegetated due to the absence of hard substrate. • The study supported great potential for expanding the area of Sargassum beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successive treatment of arenes with β-bromopropionyl chloride and AlCl 3 , followed by the reactions with hydrazines and Na 2 CO 3 , and then with MnO 2 gave the corresponding 3-arylpyrazoles in one pot in good to moderate yields. The same successive treatment of arenes with β-bromopropionyl chloride and AlCl 3 , followed by the reactions with hydroxylamine and KF gave the corresponding 3-arylisoxazolines in one pot in good to moderate yields. © 2020 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved. Image 1 • One-pot operation. • C(sp2)-C(sp2) construction. • Cyclization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Down syndrome comprises multiple malformations and is due to trisomy of chromosome 21. There is epidemiologic evidence that individuals with Down syndrome are at decreased risk for solid tumors including brain tumors. It has been suggested that some genes expressed on the extra copy of chromosome 21 act as tumor suppressor genes and contribute to protection against tumorigenesis. Case Description We report the first case to our knowledge of a patient with Down syndrome, an 8-year-old boy, with an intracranial meningioma, in which the status of chromosome 21 was examined. The diagnosis was based on histologic examination of the surgically resected tumor. Postoperatively, the patient's neurologic status improved, and there was no tumor regrowth in the next 2 years. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosome 22 confirmed high allele loss involving the neurofibromin 2 gene locus, a finding typical in meningiomas. Fluorescence in situ hybridization also revealed chromosome 21 heterogeneity in tumor cells; not only cells with trisomy 21 but also cells with disomy and monosomy 21 were present. All blood cells from the patient manifested trisomy 21. Conclusions Deletion of the chromosome 21 allele may be associated with tumorigenesis of meningioma in Down syndrome. This supports the hypothesis that some genes whose expression is increased on the extra copy of chromosome 21 function as tumor suppressor genes and that they contribute to the reduced tumor incidence in individuals with Down syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]