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Materials that intrinsically exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the visible region have been predominantly researched on nanoparticles (NPs) composed of coinage metals, namely Au, Ag, and Cu. Here, as a coinage metal‐free intermetallic NPs, colloidal PtIn2 NPs with a C1 (CaF2‐type) crystal structure are synthesized by the liquid phase method, which evidently exhibit LSPR at wavelengths similar to face‐centered cubic (fcc)‐Au NPs. Computational simulations pointed out differences in the electronic structure and photo‐excited electron dynamics between C1‐PtIn2 and fcc‐Au NPs; reduces interband transition and stronger screening with smaller number of bound d‐electrons compare with fcc‐Au are unique origins of the visible plasmonic nature of C1‐PtIn2 NPs. These results strongly indicate that the intermetallic NPs are expected to address the development of alternative plasmonic materials by tuning their crystal structure and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphenylanthracene (DPA) and its derivatives are promising semiconducting materials for p‐type organic‐field‐effect transistors (OFETs). In this study, to develop n‐type semiconducting materials with an anthracene core, pentafluorobenzene was introduced into anthracene by C−H direct arylation, enabling the synthesis of various bis(pentafluorophenyl)anthracene (DPA−F) derivatives. The high reactivity of the pentafluorobenzene C−H bond allows direct arylation for synthesizing DPA−F derivatives in a single step. The introduction of strong electron‐withdrawing pentafluorophenyl groups provides the anthracene derivatives with n‐type semiconducting properties, in contrast to the p‐type properties of the parent DPAs. Among the synthesized compounds, 2,6‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)anthracene shows a high electron mobility of 0.12±0.02 cm2/Vs and an on/off ratio>106 in OFETs. The high crystallinity results in the smooth electron transport. This study provides a facile synthetic method for n‐type semiconducting materials and insights into the molecular design of the positional effects of aromatic substituents on anthracene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaddition via the Co‐catalyzed hydroarylation of 1‐(2‐pyrimidinyl)pyrrole with aromatic diynes affords poly(arylenevinylene)s under mild conditions. This reaction avoids production of stoichiometric amounts of by‐products. Although structural analysis of the obtained polymers reveals the presence of 1,1‐vinylidene unit, switching the counter anion of the Co catalyst and steric hindrance of the diyne monomers improves the regioselectivity of the polymers. When a catalyst with bulky counter anions is used for the reaction of less hindered diyne monomers, 1,2‐vinylene linkages are formed dominantly over 1,1‐vinylidene linkages (93:7). The effect of the regioselectivity of the polymer on the optical and semiconducting properties is also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Jolt accentuation has been considered to be the most sensitive physical finding to predict meningitis. However, there are only a few studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of jolt accentuation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of jolt accentuation and investigate whether it can be extended to patients with mild altered mental status. Methods We performed a single center, retrospective observational study on patients who presented to the emergency department in a Japanese tertiary care center from January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2016. Jolt accentuation evaluated in patients with fever, headache, and mild altered mental status with Glasgow Coma Scale no lower than E2 or M4 was defined as 'jolt accentuation in the broad sense.' Jolt accentuation evaluated in patients with fever, headache, and no altered mental status was defined as 'jolt accentuation in the narrow sense.' We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity in both groups. Results Among 118 patients, the sensitivity and specificity of jolt accentuation in the broad sense were 70.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 58.0%-80.8%) and 36.7% (95% CI: 25.6%-49.3%). The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 1.12 (95% CI: 0.87-1.44) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.48-1.34), respectively. Among 108 patients, the sensitivity and specificity of jot accentuation in the narrow sense were 75.0% (95% CI: 61.8%-84.8%) and 35.1% (95% CI: 24.0%-48.0%). The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 1.16 (95% CI: 0.90-1.48) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.40-1.28), respectively. Conclusions Jolt accentuation itself has a limited value in the diagnosis of meningitis regardless of altered mental status. Therefore, meningitis should not be ruled out by negative jolt accentuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article proposes a new front-projection system for large screens by diffusing only projected light towards the viewing-angle range and reflecting ambient light towards the other angle ranges. With this new front-projection system, a high-quality and large-sized front-projection display with a high contrast ration even in a bright room has been achieved. It highlights several features of the front-projection displays.

A succinct synthetic approach to mugineic acids and 2'‐hydroxynicotianamine was established. Unlike all other synthetic methods, this approach utilized epoxide ring‐opening reactions to form two C−N bonds and is characterized by the absence of redox reactions. Mugineic acid was synthesized from three readily available fragments on a gram scale in 6 steps. The protected 2'‐hydroxynicotianamine was also synthesized in 4 steps, and the dansyl group, serving as a fluorophore, was introduced through a click reaction after propargylation of the 2'‐hydroxy group. The dansyl‐labeled nicotianamine (NA) iron complexes were internalized by oocytes overexpressing ZmYS1 (from maize) or PAT1 (from human) transporters, indicating successful transport of the synthesized NA‐probe through these transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A succinct synthetic approach to mugineic acids and 2'‐hydroxynicotianamine was established. Unlike all other synthetic methods, this approach utilized epoxide ring‐opening reactions to form two C−N bonds and is characterized by the absence of redox reactions. Mugineic acid was synthesized from three readily available fragments on a gram scale in 6 steps. The protected 2'‐hydroxynicotianamine was also synthesized in 4 steps, and the dansyl group, serving as a fluorophore, was introduced through a click reaction after propargylation of the 2'‐hydroxy group. The dansyl‐labeled nicotianamine (NA) iron complexes were internalized by oocytes overexpressing ZmYS1 (from maize) or PAT1 (from human) transporters, indicating successful transport of the synthesized NA‐probe through these transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report on a novel case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological findings in anti-PM/Scl antibody-positive juvenile myositis, and provide a literature review of the associated clinical features. Among the 27 patients, 9, 8, 6, and 4 patients were diagnosed with JDM, myositis/SSc overlap syndrome, juvenile myositis overlapping with another autoimmune or connective tissue disease (JCTM), and JPM, respectively. By contrast, our patient was diagnosed with anti-PM/Scl antibody-positive juvenile myositis but not with JDM, myositis/SSc, JCTM, or JPM. Therefore, we differentiated eosinophilic fasciitis, characterized by high fascial signals on MRI.[14] This novel report elucidates the MRI and pathological findings of anti-PM/Scl antibody-positive juvenile myositis. [Extracted from the article]

Title compounds such as (V) and (IX) are prepared via a new three-step sequence including base-induced Sommelet-Hauser rearrangement, subsequent von Braun reaction and intramolecular α-alkylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present method furnishes valuable intermediates for preparation of α-aryl-α-amino or α-aryl-β-amino carboxylic acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, PtRu solid‐solution alloy nanoparticles enable high‐performance H2 evolution reaction cocatalysts through the transfer of knowledge from electrocatalysis to photocatalysis. Ultrafine PtRu alloy nanoparticles (1.0 ± 0.2 nm in diameter) are synthesized by using a chemical polyol method and used for electro/photo‐catalyses. Integration of PtRu nanoparticles with carbon and Al‐doped SrTiO3 powders via liquid‐phase adsorption and successive two‐step air and H2 annealing ensures uniform deposition of PtRu alloy nanoparticles (<2 nm) with a solid‐solution structure. The PtRu alloy nanoparticles exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction than monometallic Pt counterparts. Modifying Al‐doped SrTiO3 with PtRu alloy nanoparticles results in efficient photocatalytic overall water‐splitting activity with an apparent quantum yield of 65% at 365 nm and a solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of 0.45%, which are the highest values among SrTiO3‐based photocatalytic water splitting systems with Rh‐free cocatalysts. Transient diffuse reflectance spectroscopy reveals that the PtRu nanoparticles have a superior electron‐capturing ability than the Pt counterparts, probably due to the decreased work function of Pt by alloying with Ru. This work establishes a framework to elucidate catalytic trends and provides rational design guidance toward the development of bimetallic solid‐solution nanoparticles as cost‐effective and highly active cocatalysts for overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recessive mutations in SLC12A6 have been linked to hereditary motor sensory neuropathy with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Patients with early‐onset peripheral neuropathy associated with SLC12A6 heterozygous variants were reported in 2016. Only five families and three variants have been reported to date, and the spectrum is unclear. Here, we aim to describe the clinical and mutation spectra of SLC12A6‐related Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease in Japanese patients. Methods: We extracted SLC12A6 variants from our DNA microarray and targeted resequencing data obtained from 2598 patients with clinically suspected CMT who were referred to our genetic laboratory by neurological or neuropediatric departments across Japan. And we summarized the clinical and genetic features of these patients. Results: In seven unrelated families, we identified one previously reported and three novel likely pathogenic SLC12A6 heterozygous variants, as well as two variants of uncertain significance. The mean age of onset for these patients was 17.5 ± 16.1 years. Regarding electrophysiology, the median motor nerve conduction velocity was 39.6 ± 9.5 m/sec. For the first time, we observed intellectual disability in three patients. One patient developed epilepsy, and her brain MRI revealed frontal and temporal lobe atrophy without changes in white matter and corpus callosum. Conclusions: Screening for the SLC12A6 gene should be considered in patients with CMT, particularly those with central nervous system lesions, such as cognitive impairment and epilepsy, regardless of the CMT subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemic of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is the major public health issue in the world. COVID‐19 vaccines are one of the most effective strategies against COVID‐19. Here we report a 36‐year‐old female patient who had thirst, polydipsia, polyuria, palpitations, loss of appetite, and fatigue 3 days after the first dose of COVID‐19 RNA‐based vaccines without a prior history of diabetes. Ten days after vaccination, she visited our hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Hyperglycemia (501 mg/dL), anion gap metabolic acidosis and ketonuria were observed. The glycated hemoglobin level was 7.0%. Islet‐related autoantibodies were all negative. The glucagon tolerance test revealed attenuated secretion of insulin. Human leukocyte antigen was haplotype DRB1*0405‐DQB1*0401, which was associated with type 1 diabetes in Japan. The present case suggests that COVID‐19 RNA‐based vaccines might trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes, even in subjects without prior histories of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Urinary incontinence is a major concern after radical prostatectomy because it can decrease quality of life. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of preoperative skeletal muscle on urinary quality of life after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Methods: A total of 762 patients underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Longitudinal health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite instrument. The skeletal muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was assessed preoperatively by computed tomography and was standardized to height to obtain the skeletal muscle index. Reduced skeletal muscle size (RSMS) was defined as a skeletal muscle index ≤ 53 or ≤ 43 cm2/m2 in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 or < 25, respectively. Results: A total of 301 patients were included in this study, of whom 91 were classified as having RSMS (30.2%). Non‐RSMS patients exhibited better urinary function at 12 months (P =.012) and better urinary continence recovery at 2 weeks and 12 months (P =.033 and P =.014, respectively) after prostatectomy compared with RSMS patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified preoperative RSMS as a significant and independent predictor of urinary incontinence (odds ratio = 1.77, P =.028). Conclusions: Patients with RSMS had a lower urinary quality of life compared with non‐RSMS patients after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, and RSMS, independent of age or BMI, was predictive of postoperative urinary incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We previously reported the association between blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP 78) autoantibodies in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Objective: We clarify whether the BBB‐endothelial cell activation induced by immunoglobulin G (IgG) is associated with the clinical phenotype, disease activity, and markers of BBB disruption. Methods: We purified serum IgG from 24 serum samples from patients with NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD), who were positive for anti‐AQP4 antibodies (longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis [LETM], n = 14; optic neuritis [ON], n = 6; other phenotype, n = 4) and nine healthy controls. IgG was exposed to human brain microvascular endothelial cells (TY10) and the number of nuclear NF‐κB p65‐positive cells, as a marker of endothelial cell activation, was analyzed using a high‐content imaging system. Change in BBB permeability was also measured. The presence of GRP78 autoantibodies was detected by Western blotting. Results: In the LETM group, IgG significantly induced the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 in comparison to the ON and healthy control groups. A significant correlation was observed between the number of NF‐κB nuclear‐positive cells and clinical markers of BBB disruption, including Gd enhancement in spinal MRI and the cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin ratio. This effect was significantly reduced at the remission phase in the individual NMOSD patients. Furthermore, GRP78 antibody positivity was associated with the LETM phenotype and disease severity in NMOSD patients. Conclusion: Endothelial cell activation was associated with the LETM phenotype, clinical markers of BBB disruption and disease activity. These observations may explain the phenotypic differences between the NMOSD subtypes, LETM, and isolated ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process by which collagen fibrils are aligned following tendon injury remains unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the process of tendon regeneration by transmission electron microscopy, using a film model method. In mice, the Achilles tendon of medial head was transected. On day 3, after only the proximal end of the transected tendon was placed on film and kept in vivo, a translucent substance containing granules, called tendon gel, was secreted. On day 5, the granules assembled in a loose (L) layer, and coalesced tightly in a dense (D) layer, forming an L-D-L layered pattern. On day 10, granules showed high electron density in H layers, which developed into D-H-D layers on day 13. The distal end was placed on film to face the proximal end. On day 10, the tendon gel showed a D-H-D layer pattern. On day 11, mechanical stress from muscular constriction changed the tendon gel to aligned collagen fibrils (6 ± 2 nm in diameter). Thereafter, the diameter of the fibrils increased. Tendon gel harvested on day 5 or day 10 was pulled manually or by hanging weights (about 0.6 MPa). Aligned collagen fibrils (32 ± 7 nm in diameter) were created by traction using tendon gel harvested on day 10. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1944-1950, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]