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Key Clinical Message: Cardiomyopathy is a rare but serious complication associated with neuroblastoma. The brain natriuretic peptide level led to a diagnosis of secondary dilated cardiomyopathy before the worsening of heart failure symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex-related differences of plantar pressure distribution during activities should be thoroughly inspected as it can help establish treatment and prevention strategies for foot and ankle problems. In-shoe measurement systems are preferable without space and activity restrictions; however, previously reported systems are still heavy and bulky and induce unnatural movement. Therefore, a slim and light plantar pressure sensor was newly developed to detect the effect of sex difference on plantar pressure during standing and walking. Methods: One-hundred healthy adult volunteers (50 women and 50 men) were recruited. Ten plantar pressure sensors were implanted in a 1-mm thick insole, with a total weight of 29 g. Plantar pressure was recorded with 200 Hz during 3 s of standing and while walking 10 steps. The maximum loads during standing and walking were analyzed in each sensor, and the results were compared between different areas of the foot in the antero-posterior direction and the medio-lateral direction and between different time points. The movement of the center of pressure (COP) during walking was also evaluated. Analyses were adjusted for body mass index and gait speed. Results: The movement of COP was constant for both sexes. In all cases, the maximum load was observed on the medial of the foot. Women had a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and medial aspect of the foot compared to men while standing and walking (p <.05). Conclusions: A newly introduced in-shoe plantar pressure sensor demonstrated a typical loading transition pattern of the foot. Furthermore, higher plantar pressure in the forefoot was detected in healthy women as compared to men during standing and walking activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The relationship between congenital protein S (PS) deficiency and complications during pregnancy remains unclear, partly due to the difficulty of precisely evaluating the PS level with conventional assays and the physiological decrease of PS during pregnancy. A new PS assay was developed to measure the total PS antigen and activity quantitatively and calculate PS‐specific activity. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma PS dynamics during pregnancy using the new PS assay and establish the reference interval for pregnant women. Methods: A total of 253 pregnant women without a personal or family history of thromboembolism were recruited. Blood samples were obtained in the first, second and third trimesters and at one month post‐partum. The total PS antigen, activity, and PS‐specific activity were studied. Results were analyzed by the repeated measures single‐factor anovas followed by a post‐hoc test using Excel Statistics. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (IU/mL) of the total PS antigen levels in the first, second and third trimesters and 1 month post‐partum were 0.67 ± 0.12, 0.67 ± 0.09, 0.68 ± 0.11 and 0.92 ± 0.13, respectively. The total PS activity (IU/mL) in the first, second and third trimesters and 1 month post‐partum were 0.69 ± 0.14, 0.59 ± 0.10, 0.58 ± 0.12 and 0.87 ± 0.15, respectively. The PS‐specific activity was within the normal range of nonpregnant women in the first trimester (1.02 ± 0.10) but decreased in the second and third trimesters (0.88 ± 0.09 and 0.85 ± 0.09, respectively) before increasing in the post‐partum period (0.94 ± 0.08). Conclusion: The total PS antigen and activity decrease throughout pregnancy, while the PS‐specific activity decreases in the second and third trimesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the reasons for nonreportable cell-free DNA (cfDNA) results in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), we retrospectively studied maternal characteristics and other details associated with the results.Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study in pregnant women undergoing NIPT by massively parallel sequencing (MPS) with failed cfDNA tests was performed between April 2013 and March 2017. The women's data and MPS results were analyzed in terms of maternal characteristics, test performance, fetal fraction (FF), z scores, anticoagulation therapy, and other details of the nonreportable cases.Results: Overall, 110 (0.32%) of 34 626 pregnant women had nonreportable cfDNA test results after an initial blood sampling; 22 (20.0%) cases had a low FF (<4%), and 18 (16.4%) cases including those with a maternal malignancy, were found to have altered genomic profile. Approximately half of the cases with nonreportable results had borderline z score. Among the women with nonreportable results because of altered genomic profile, the success rate of retesting using a second blood sampling was relatively low (25.0%-33.3%). Thirteen (11.8%) of the women with nonreportable results had required hypodermic heparin injection.Conclusions: The classification of nonreportable results using cfDNA analysis is important to provide women with precise information and to reduce anxiety during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Protein–protein interaction assays are important in various fields including molecular biology, diagnostics, and drug screening. We recently designed a novel protein–protein interaction assay, the firefly luminescent intermediate‐based protein interaction assay (FlimPIA), that exploited the unique reaction mechanism of firefly luciferase (Fluc). Using two mutant Flucs, each impaired with one of the two half‐reactions, namely adenylation and subsequent oxidative luminescent steps, FlimPIA detects the proximity of the two proteins tethered to the mutant Flucs. Here, we found that introducing a mutation into a residue in the hinge region (S440) of the mutant with lowered adenylation activity (‘Acceptor’ Fluc) further improved the response of FlimPIA by lowering the residual adenylation activity. Mutants with bulkier residues showed greater inhibition, probably due to increased steric hindrance at the adenylation conformation. As a result, the FlimPIA with S440 L acceptor showed the best signal/background ratio for the detection of rapamycin‐induced FKBP12–FRB interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a member of a new class of lipid mediators and exerts varied physiological and pathological functions. The secreted protein, autotaxin (ATX), is a key enzymatic determinant of local LPA production. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of the placental ATX-LPA system in pre-eclampsia (PE). Material and Methods We compared human placental ATX mRNA expression in pregnancies complicated by severe PE with that in healthy placentas using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We further assessed whether these expression levels were associated with disease-onset patterns. Results Placental transcription of ATX increased progressively during normal pregnancy. In the analysis for pre-eclamptic placentas, the placental ATX expression in the early-onset group, but not in late-onset group, was significantly lower compared to normal controls. Multiple regression analysis revealed that occurrence of early-onset PE, but not late-onset PE, was a variable that was significantly associated with the placental ATX expression level. Conclusion These findings support our previous work showing reduced ATX antigen levels in the peripheral blood of pre-eclamptic women. A disturbance in placental ATX production may be linked to poor placental development and systemic maternal symptoms in early-onset PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Elafin and secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor ( SLPI) are unique among antimicrobial peptides ( AMPs). This study aimed to determine the expression levels of these AMPs at the cervix during pregnancy and to investigate their association with preterm labor. Method of study Cervical epithelial cells were swabbed from normal pregnant women to evaluate the physiological expression of elafin and SLPI. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted to compare cervical expression levels for SLPI and elafin among three women's groups, controls ( n = 26), women with threatened preterm labor who delivered at term (t- TPL, n = 23) and TPL who ended in preterm labor (p- TPL, n = 19). Results Elafin and SLPI proteins were detected in the squamous and glandular cells of the cervix. Cervical SLPI expression levels increased over the course of pregnancy, whereas elafin levels remained unchanged. Cervical mRNA expression levels of elafin and SLPI were significantly higher in p- TPL compared with t- TPL and control groups. Conclusion Constitutive expression of elafin and SLPI in cervical cells during pregnancy suggests their essential roles in local tissue homeostasis and immune defense. The elevations in cervical elafin and SLPI expression in the women with preterm delivery might reflect the local response to the pathogen invasion into the cervix preceding preterm labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigation of nitrous oxide ( N2O) emission from swine wastewater treatment was demonstrated in an aerobic bioreactor packed with carbon fibers ( CF reactor). The CF reactor had a demonstrated advantage in mitigating N2O emission and avoiding NOx ( NO3 + NO2) accumulation. The N2O emission factor was 0.0003 g N2O- N/ gTN-load in the CF bioreactor compared to 0.03 g N2O- N/ gTN-load in an activated sludge reactor ( AS reactor). N2O and CH4 emissions from the CF reactor were 42 g- CO2 eq/m3/day, while those from the AS reactor were 725 g- CO2 eq/m3/day. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen ( DIN) in the CF reactor removed an average of 156 mg/L of the NH4- N, and accumulated an average of 14 mg/L of the NO3- N. In contrast, the DIN in the AS reactor removed an average 144 mg/L of the NH4- N and accumulated an average 183 mg/L of the NO3- N. NO2- N was almost undetectable in both reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress in lipid research has unveiled new biologic roles for lysophospholipids as mediators of intercellular signaling. Lysophosphatidic acid ( LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate ( S1 P) are representative lysophospholipids. Accumulating evidence suggests that, acting as intercellular mediators, these and other lysophospholipids may play important roles in physiological and pathological situations. This review discusses the possible involvement of LPA and S1 P in reproductive processes, with a focus on the regulatory mechanisms of pregnancy maintenance. As LPA promotes prostaglandin synthesis, mediators in the LPA pathway may also play a significant role in implantation and parturition. S1 P signaling is thought to be essential in vascular formation within the uteroplacental unit and in fetomaternal immunologic interactions. Derangements in either one of these lysophospholipid signaling pathways could result in pregnancy complications that may include implantation failure, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Preoperative autologous blood donation ( PAD) has the advantages over allogeneic blood transfusion of theoretically no risk of viral infection and alloimmunization. However, there are some concerns regarding PAD in pregnant women, as they sometimes become anemic and adverse effects such as low blood pressure could be harmful to fetuses. In our hospital, the PAD program was implemented in 2006 and has been used in pregnant women at high risk of massive hemorrhage. In this study, the safety of PAD in pregnant women and its efficacy for avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion were investigated. Methods The hospital records of pregnant women who delivered at our hospital from January 2009 to June 2012 were reviewed and those who were enrolled in the PAD program for predicted massive hemorrhage were analyzed. Results Among the total of 3095 deliveries, 69 cases enrolled in the PAD program were analyzed. Blood donation was performed 189 times for the 69 cases. The median donated blood volume was 1200 m L (range, 400-2000). The mean blood loss during delivery was 1976 ± 1654 m L. Autologous blood was transfused in 64 cases. Allogeneic blood transfusion was required in five cases of massive blood loss exceeding 5000 m L. In the other 64 cases, no additional allogeneic blood transfusion was required. No adverse events were observed in either the pregnant women or fetuses. Conclusion For pregnant women at a high risk of massive hemorrhage, our PAD program was safe and effective for avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several studies have documented the role of antibodies against human platelet ( PLT) antigen ( HPA)-15 in alloimmune-mediated thrombocytopenia including neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, PLT transfusion refractoriness ( PTR), and posttransfusion purpura in Caucasian persons. However, the relevance of anti- HPA-15 in PTR among the Japanese population is still unclear. Study Design and Methods The sera of 305 multiply PLT transfused ( MPT) patients, previously investigated for the presence of human leukocyte antigen ( HLA) and HPA antibodies by mixed passive hemagglutination, were reexamined for the presence of HPA-15 alloantibodies, using the monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of PLT antigens ( MAIPA) technique. Results Among the 305 MPT samples, antibodies against HPA-15 alloantigen was detected in seven (2.3%), two (0.66%) being anti- HPA-15a and five (1.64%) being anti- HPA-15b. Additionally, one case of CD109 panreactive antibody was found (0.33%). Among them, one aplastic anemia patient with blood group O developed multispecific anti- HLA and anti- HPA-15b alloantibody after MPTs. However, transfusion with HLA-matched PLTs of blood group AB did not result in adequate PLT count increment. Analysis of the possible influence of immune anti- A and anti- B by the MAIPA assay resulted negative, indicating that anti- HPA-15b is responsible for the refractory state in this patient. Conclusion In this study, we found alloimmunization against HPA-15a and -15b in Japanese populations and demonstrated the relevance of these antibodies in a patient with PTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical outcome of confined placental mosaicism ( CPM) is varied, from normal pregnancy to intrauterine fetal death. It has been suggested that CPM for trisomy 2 is less likely to cause serious adverse effect on pregnancy. We hereby report a case of CPM for trisomy 2, which presented severe fetal growth restriction ( FGR) and placental abnormalities. A 30-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at 17+2 weeks because of marked FGR. Ultrasonography demonstrated prominent placental hypertrophy with multiple focal defects without any fetal structural abnormalities. Amniocentesis at 18+3 weeks revealed normal karyotype. Fetal growth rate worsened with gestational weeks, reaching −7 standard deviation at 36 weeks. At 37 weeks, the fetal condition suddenly deteriorated, ending in a stillbirth of a 756-g female baby. Postnatal cytogenetic analysis by array comparative genomic hybridization revealed trisomy 2 of the chorionic villi, and CPM for trisomy 2 was suggested as the cause of FGR and placental abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) for evaluating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in different methods developed to produce animal feeds from concentrated rice-washing water (CRW). It explores environmental benefits of using food residues and wastes as animal feed. It describes different feed production scenarios compared which include the use of centrifugation of supernatant by wastewater treatment, heating evaporation, and dehydration. A chart listing information about inputs, outputs, and related GHG emissions for CRW treatment is also presented.

Citation Iwasawa Y, Kawana K, Fujii T, Schust DJ, Nagamatsu T, Kawana Y, Sayama S, Miura S, Matsumoto J, Adachi K, Hyodo H, Yamashita T, Kozuma S, Taketani Y. A possible coagulation-independent mechanism for pregnancy loss involving β2glycoprotein 1-dependent antiphospholipid antibodies and CD1d. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 54-65 Problem β2glycoprotein1 (β2GP1)-dependent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) increase the risk for recurrent pregnancy loss. We address whether anti-β2GP1 antibodies can interact with phosphatidylserine (PS)-bearing CD1d on trophoblast cells and induce local inflammation. Methods CD1d-bearing choriocarcinoma cells were used in flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation experiments. CD1d-mediated cytokine induction was assessed using antibody cross-linking. Cytokine production during co-culture of decidual lymphocytes with CD1d-bearing cells was also examined. Results Trophoblast surface-expressed CD1d forms a complex with PS-bound β2GP1. Anti-β2GP1 mAb cross-linking causes IL12p70 release from CD1d-bearing cells. IL12p70 release from CD1d-bearing trophoblast cells was also induced during co-culture with human decidual lymphocytes. The addition of anti-β2GP1 mAb to co-cultures resulted in a three-fold increase in IL12p70 secretion. IFNγ secretion from decidual lymphocytes was also induced during co-culture with anti-β2GP1 mAbs. Conclusions β2GP1-dependent IL12 release from CD1d-bearing trophoblast in the presence of aPL may link the antiphospholipid syndrome to pregnancy loss via an inflammatory mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the factors affecting the outcome of induction of labor (IOL) in a Japanese population and to develop a prediction model to assess the probability of emergent cesarean section (CS). Material and Methods: By reviewing the medical records of 1029 women who underwent IOL, we compared the emergent CS rate during IOL among subgroups divided by parity and pre-labor risk, such as fetal anomaly and maternal complication. We created a prediction model to predict the CS rate during IOL focusing on 392 cases of nulliparous women with premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Six factors, including Bishop score (BS), gestational age, maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal height (MH) and birth weight (BW) were extracted and multivariable logistic regression analysis followed by cross-validation test were performed. Results: The emergent CS rate was remarkably higher in the nulliparous group than in the multiparous group (17.6% vs 2.0%). In the nulliparous group, the high-risk group demonstrated a higher CS rate than the low-risk group (33.8% vs 15.6%). Multivariate analysis on nulliparous low-risk cases with PROM demonstrated significant odds ratios for emergent CS in BS, MH and BW. Cross-validation test selected these three factors as the best combination of parameters. The prediction formula was determined as follows: probability of CS (%) = (odds/1 + odds) ∗ 100, odds = eX and X = 8.18 + 1.23 ∗ BW (kg) − 7.74 ∗ MH (m) − 0.253 ∗ BS. Conclusion: This study is the first to provide a prediction formula targeting an Asian population. Our model, which is specialized for nulliparous low-risk women could enable obstetricians to inform patients of the precise prospect of IOL outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator and thought to play an important role in pregnancy. Plasma LPA is produced by autotaxin (ATX), and ATX activity in plasma increases during pregnancy paralleled with gestational weeks and decreases to near the non-pregnant level soon after delivery. However, the source of increased ATX during pregnancy is still uncertain. We hypothesized that the source of increased ATX might be placenta. Method of study We investigated the protein and mRNA expression of ATX in human placenta using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. Results At all 3 gestational trimesters, immunohistochemical staining for placenta tissues revealed the most marked positive staining of ATX protein in trophoblasts. Real-time PCR revealed that mRNA amounts of ATX in placenta tissues paralleled with gestational weeks, i.e. ATX level in plasma. Conclusion These findings suggest that trophoblasts might produce ATX and its bioactive resultant substance, LPA, paralleled with gestational weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Among class Ib human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, HLA-E is known to be a major ligand of CD94/NKG2 receptor on natural killer (NK) cells, and to play a pivotal role in recognition of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) by maternal immune cells. However, it is scarcely known how HLA-E expression is regulated in EVTs. Method of study In this study, we investigated whether progesterone, an essential hormone in maintaining pregnancy, regulated HLA-E expression in EVT-like cell line, JEG-3. HLA-E mRNA amount in cultured JEG-3 cells was assessed by real-time PCR and cell-surface HLA-E protein was analyzed by flowcytometry. Results Real-time PCR showed 3.5-fold increase 1 hour after the addition of 1000 ng/ml progesterone. This response was dimished by the addition of RU486, an antagonist for progesterone receptor. Flowcytometry indicated that 1000 ng/ml progesterone slightly enhanced HLA-E expression on the surface of JEG-3. Conclusion These results suggest that progesterone up-regulates HLA-E expression in JEG-3 cells through the pathway mediated by progesterone receptor. Our findings might give a new insight into immunomodulatory function of progesterone at fetomaternal interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodopsin is one of the members of the G protein-coupled receptor family that can catalyze a GDP–GTP exchange reaction on the retinal G protein transducin (Gt) upon photon absorption. There are at least two intermediate states, meta-Ib and meta-II, which exhibit direct interaction with Gt. Meta-Ib binds to GDP-bound Gt, while meta-II forms a complex with Gt having no nucleotide, suggesting that meta-Ib is a state that initially interacts with Gt. Here we investigated whether or not meta-Ib exhibits specific interaction with G protein similar to meta-II, by examining the binding efficiencies of meta-Ib and meta-II to Giα and its mutants whose C-terminal 11 amino acids were replaced with those of Goα, Gqα and Gsα. The affinity of meta-Ib to the C-terminal 11 amino acids of Gtα was similar to those of Giα and its mutant with Goα’s C-terminal 11 amino acids, whereas meta-II exhibited affinity to the C-terminal 11 amino acids of Giα mutant with Goα’s C-terminal 11 amino acids about half of what was seen for Gtα and Giα. Both intermediates exhibited no affinity to the Giα mutants containing the C-terminal 11 amino acids of Gqα and Gsα. These results suggested that meta-Ib is the state that exhibits specific interaction with G protein as meta-II does, although meta-Ib exhibits a slightly lenient binding selectivity compared to that of meta-II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G protein-coupled receptors are classified into several families on the basis of their amino acid sequences and the members of the same family exhibit sequence similarity but those of different families do not. In family 1 GPCRs such as rhodopsin and adrenergic receptor, extensive studies have revealed the stimulus-dependent conformational change of the receptor: the rearrangement of transmembrane helices III and VI is essential for G protein activation. In contrast, in family 3 GPCRs such as metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR), the inter-protomer relocation upon ligand binding has been observed but there is much less information about the structural changes of the transmsmbrane helices and the cytoplasmic domains. Here we identified constitutively active mutation sites at the cytoplasmic borders of helices II and IV of mGluR8 and successfully inhibited the G protein activation ability by engineering disulfide cross-linking between these cytoplasmic regions. The analysis of all possible single substitution mutants of these residues revealed that some steric interactions around these sites would be important to keep the receptor protein inactive. These results provided the model that the conformational changes at the cytoplasmic ends of helices II and IV of mGluR are involved in the efficient G protein coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are classified into several families based on their amino acid sequences. In family 1, GPCRs such as rhodopsin and adrenergic receptor, the structure–function relationship has been extensively investigated to demonstrate that exposure of the third cytoplasmic loop is essential for selective G protein activation. In contrast, much less is known about other families. Here we prepared chimeric mutants between Gt-coupled rhodopsin and Gi/Go- and Gs-coupled glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor of family 2 and tried to identify the loop region that functions at the third cytoplasmic loop position of rhodopsin. We succeeded in expressing a mutant having the first cytoplasmic loop of GLP-1 receptor and found that this mutant activated Gi and Go efficiently but did not activate Gt. Moreover, the rhodopsin mutant having the first loop of Gs-coupled secretin receptor of family 2 decreased the Gi and Go activation efficiencies. Therefore, the first loop of GLP-1 receptor would share a similar role to the third loop of rhodopsin in G protein activation. This result strongly suggested that different families of GPCRs have maintained molecular architectures of their ancestral types to generate a common mechanism, namely exposure of the cytoplasmic loop, to activate peripheral G protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-visual pigment melanopsin, which is localized in photosensitive retinal ganglion cells and is involved in the circadian photoentrainment and pupillary responses in mammals, is phylogenetically close to the visual pigments of invertebrates, such as insects and cephalopods. Recent studies suggested that melanopsin is a bistable pigment and drives a Gq-mediated signal transduction cascade, like the invertebrate visual pigments. Because detailed electrophysiological properties are somewhat different between the visual cells and the photosensitive ganglion cells, we here expressed and purified the invertebrate visual pigment and melanopsin to comparatively investigate their Gq-activation abilities. We successfully expressed and purified UV and blue light-sensitive visual pigments of the honeybee as well as the amphioxus melanopsin. Although the purified UV-sensitive pigment and the melanopsin lost their bistable nature during purification, reconstitution of the pigments in lipid vesicles resulted in return of the bistable nature. The light-dependent Gq-activation abilities among these reconstituted pigments are similar, suggesting that the electrophysiological differences do not depend on the Gq-activation step but rather on the other signal transduction steps and/or on cell properties. Our findings are also important in that this is the first report describes a heterologous large-scale expression of the Gq-coupled invertebrate visual pigments in cultured cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem To get insight into the basis for the empirical usage of herbal medicines, such as Tokishakuyaku-san (Toki) and Sairei-to (Sai) in the treatment of recurrent abortion and intrauterine growth restriction, we examined whether these medicines modulate the production of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a cytokine working as an important mediator for intercellular communication in the embryonic development, in decidual stromal cells (DSCs). Method of study Human DSCs were cultured with either Toki or Sai at several different concentrations. The effect on cell proliferation was assessed by WST-8 assay. GM-CSF released into culture medium was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to see GM-CSF mRNA expression in DSCs. Results Sai inhibited the proliferation of cultured DSCs, while no interference was observed in the presence of Toki. Both Toki and Sai enhanced the release of GM-CSF into culture medium. The amount of GM-CSF mRNA in cultured DSCs was as well increased by either Toki or Sai. Conclusion Considering the significance of GM-CSF in embryonic development, clinical benefit of these herbal medicines in the treatment of recurrent abortion might be based on the shown pharmacological reaction related to GM-CSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicians need to consider hepatoblastoma in the differential even in school‐aged children or adolescents presenting with multiple liver tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals of P type, a rare blood group, have anti-PP1Pk antibody in their serum, which causes spontaneous abortion in the early stages. We report a patient of p type suffering from multiple spontaneous abortions. We also review previously reported cases from published work. A 36-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 0) was referred to our hospital because of habitual abortion. At the third pregnancy, we started double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) from 7 weeks 3 days to remove the antibody. We attained rapid decline in the titer and normal fetal growth. Gradual tapering of the DFPP frequency caused neither a rebound of the titer nor growth retardation. During the course, she experienced only one episode of catheter infection as an adverse effect. At 37 weeks 3 days, after 57 DFPP repetitions, a 2496 g girl was delivered by cesarean section. The infant suffered neither from anemia nor from severe jaundice. A review of previous reports indicates that the titer of the pathogenic antibody should be kept as low as possible from the early gestational stage in P-incompatible habitual abortion cases, otherwise the case typically comes to an unfavorable outcome. Plasma exchanges with fresh plasma potentially induce contamination by either known or unknown pathogens. Such risks are reduced using DFPP because the volume of albumin solution that replaces fresh plasma is less than that by plasma exchange. The present case, along with previous reports, shows that DFPP is an effective therapy for treating P-incompatible pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F together with other class 1b HLAs may play a pivotal role in immunological interaction at feto-maternal interface. However, it is not elucidated whether HLA-F is expressed on cell surface of extra-villous trophoblasts (EVTs). Method of study The localization of HLA-F in placenta of each trimester was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The expression modality of HLA-F molecule was compared with that of HLA-G in cultured EVTs using flowcytometry. Results and conclusion In immunohistochemical study, remarkable staining for HLA-F was confirmed in EVTs throughout gestation. HLA-F expression was restricted to be intracellular in cultured EVTs. HLA-F expression was increased with time in culture, which was accompanied by the increase of cell surface HLA-G. Consequently, HLA-F lacking in cell surface expression on EVTs may not contribute to the direct cell-to-cell immune reaction but might work supportively modifying the function of HLA-G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G protein-coupled receptors have a common structural motif of seven transmembrane α-helices and are classified into different families showing no sequence similarity. Extensive studies have been conducted on the structure-function relationship in family 1 receptors, but those in other families have not been well studied. In this study, to investigate the molecular basis leading to the G protein activation by metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR), the member of family 3, we searched for the amino acid residues responsible for the G protein activation in the second cytoplasmic loop, which was thought to be the main G protein binding region. Analyses of the systematical mutations of Gi/Go-coupled mGluR8 revealed the presence of a constitutively active mutation in the C-terminal region of the second loop. The corresponding mutation in the second loop of Gq-coupled mGluR1 also exhibited high agonist-independent activity. These results indicate that there is a common constitutive active mutation site regardless of mGluR subtypes, suggesting that the structural change of the junction between the second cytoplasmic loop and helix IV is strongly linked to the formation of the active state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, to achieve both damping of power system oscillation and terminal voltage control simultaneously on a multimachine power system, we propose a decentralized H∞ excitation controller. In the proposed method, H∞ control via the Normalized Coprime Factorization approach is used to achieve the proposed design idea. By the Normalized Coprime Factorization approach, the weighting function in H∞ control design is simplified, and output feedback controllers that take into account the realities and constraints of the power systems are designed. The proposed controller is subjected to model reduction of H∞ controllers, and is transformed to a discrete system to perform digital control by computer systems in consideration of application to a real system. We verify that the proposed excitation controller can achieve both damping of power system oscillation and terminal voltage control by computer simulations of a multimachine power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve electric power system transient stability, synchronous generators are generally equipped with controllers such as AVR, PSS, and GOV. Fixed parameter controllers degrade control performance, since various oscillation modes occur depending on system conditions. This paper presents an adaptive power system stabilizer (PSS) using frequency domain analysis for improving the transient stability of a multimachine system. In the proposed method, first, the frequency components of the generator swings are detected by the FFT. The conventional PSS parameters are tuned online by a fuzzy controller and frequency domain analysis. We verify the proposed adaptive PSS using frequency domain analysis, which can damp the generator swings effectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(2): 10–20, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10129 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 15 years have passed since ceramic-resistor NGRs (Neutral Grounding Resistors) were developed as new materials for power equipment. This paper describes the cumulative numbers of applications of ceramic-resistor-type SF6 gas-insulated NGRs and the typical construction of the 22-, 66-, and 110-kV NGRs, and also describes monitoring methods for measuring the residual leakage current of the 110-kV NGR that depend on the neutral unbalance voltage of power transformers, and the use of thermal detection devices for the ceramic resistors of the 66-kV NGRs. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 137(4): 32–37, 2001 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Athe_0614 protein is a component of the extracellular proteins secreted by the anaerobic, extremely thermophilic and cellulolytic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to near-homogeneity and crystallized using polyethylene glycol 2000 monomethyl ether as a precipitant. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 48.4, b = 42.2, c = 97.8 Å, β = 96.1°, and diffracted to 2.7 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan, using two approaches and the latest data available. In the top-down approach, we determined the nutrient amounts in the feeds and those in the products (i.e. the liveweight gain, eggs), and the national nutrient excretions were determined as the difference between these amounts. We then calculated the nutrient excretion factors by dividing the national excretions by the number of animals. In the bottom-up approach, we calculated the amounts of nutrients in the feed and product per head using productivity parameters (feed conversion ratio, etc.). The differences between these amounts were considered the nutrient excretion factors. The average nutrient excretion factors of broilers (g/day/head) estimated using the top-down and bottom-up approaches were: N, 1.40 and 1.87; P, 0.36, 0.50; K, 0.54, 0.77; Mg, 0.13, 0.18, respectively. The excretion factors obtained by the top-down approach can be used to calculate the national/regional excretions. The two approaches resulted in almost the same excretion factors for layers, and the average nutrient excretion factors of layers (g/day/head) estimated were: N, 2.20; P, 0.55; K, 0.68; Mg, 0.23. The estimated excretion factors for N (only) are smaller than the reported factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY A conductive polymer-coated micro-cantilever array made by the reel-to-reel continuous fiber process for use as an electrical contact component for woven electronic textile was investigated. We report a novel cantilever releasing method using air injection and the results of patternable CYTOP and organic conductive polymer using the nanoimprinting method. The conductive organic material used in this study was PEDOT: PSS [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(4-styrenesulfonate)]. A micro-cantilever contact array was realized to compose the electrical circuit through the large area woven textile. A contact resistance of 480 Ω was maintained for over 500 times. Contact resistance measurements revealed that an electric current begins to flow with smaller contact force in PEDOT: PSS-coated cantilever array structure than in PEDOT: PSS film structure. There is no appreciable wear on the cantilever surface due to its movability after 103 cycles of contact testing with 0.5 N contact force. Based on these results, PEDOT: PSS-coated micro-cantilever arrays have excellent potential as electrical contact components between weft and warp for woven electronic textiles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 48-53, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11485 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]