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Objective: Vaccine hesitancy is a global concern and a significant threat to COVID‐19 vaccination programs. This study aimed to explore vaccine hesitancy from the perspective of the Indonesian community related to policies and cultural beliefs. Design: A descriptive qualitative approach was utilized in this study. Sample: Twenty participants were recruited from various settings to ensure the representation of experiences in different contexts in Indonesia. Measurement: Audio‐recorded, semi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews were carried out. Content analysis was performed to identify the main key themes. Results: Twenty participants were recruited from various regions of Java Island, Indonesia. The participants revealed hesitancy about the COVID‐19 vaccine, including the themes of mistrust, controversy, and the culture and beliefs of the community. Conclusions: This study highlights COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia, which may have implications for the community's perceptions and beliefs regarding the uptake of the COVID‐19 vaccine. The trust issue remains a major challenge to convincing the community to accept the vaccine at the grassroots level. Targeted education and communication strategies are essential in addressing trust issues surrounding COVID‐19 vaccines among critical stakeholders and religious leaders in Indonesia. Public health nursing plays a crucial role in fostering community acceptance and ensuring the success of vaccination programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to aid the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents by determining the timing of secondary bacteremia and validating and updating clinical prediction models for bacteremia in patients with COVID‐19. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on all hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 who underwent blood culture tests from January 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, at an urban teaching hospital in Japan. The primary outcome measure was secondary bacteremia in patients with COVID‐19. Results: Of the 507 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, 169 underwent blood culture tests. Eleven of them had secondary bacteremia. The majority of secondary bacteremia occurred on or later than the 9th day after symptom onset. Positive blood culture samples collected on day 9 or later after disease onset had an odds ratio of 22.4 (95% CI 2.76–181.2, p < 0.001) compared with those collected less than 9 days after onset. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the modified Shapiro rule combined with blood culture collection on or after the 9th day from onset was 0.919 (95% CI, 0.843–0.995), and the net benefit was high according to the decision curve analysis. Conclusions: The timings of symptom onset and hospital admission may be valuable indicators for making a clinical decision to perform blood cultures in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the impact of constitutional changes on foreign direct investment (FDI) in 49 African countries during the period 1980–2020. The paper uses a dummy variable related to the year of the constitutional change and the number of changes during the study period to capture the frequency of constitutional changes. The results reveal that an increase in the frequency of constitutional changes negatively affects FDI. The negative relationship between constitutional change and FDI is consistent across different measures of constitutional change and FDI and is robust to alternative empirical approaches. These results suggest that frequent constitutional changes may create uncertainty and instability in the investment climate, which may discourage foreign investors from investing in these African countries. The study provides evidence for policymakers that a stable constitutional framework may attract FDI in African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the prognostic value of the Second Revision of the International Staging System (R2-ISS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who undergo autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The study, conducted at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, analyzed data from 94 patients and found that R2-ISS classification was useful in predicting prognosis. Patients classified as R2-ISS IV had poor outcomes, while those achieving minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity showed improved survival rates. The study suggests that intensification therapies, such as tandem ASCT and achieving MRD negativity, could potentially improve treatment outcomes for high-risk MM patients. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) is potentially resectable on admission, and the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on these tumors is controversial. Moreover, the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with moderately hypofractionated intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (NACIMRT) for RPC have not been studied. Here, we conducted a phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hypofractionated NACIMRT for RPC. Methods: A total of 54 RPC patients were enrolled and treated according to the study protocol. We used moderately hypofractionated (45 Gy in 15 fractions) IMRT with gemcitabine to shorten the duration of radiotherapy and reduce gastrointestinal toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and we subsequently analyzed the microscopically margin‐negative resection (R0) rate, disease‐free survival (DFS), and histologic effects and safety of NACIMRT. Results: Median OS for the cohort was 40.0 months. Forty‐two patients (77.8%) underwent pancreatectomy after NACIMRT. Median DFS was 20.3 months. The R0 resection rate was 95.2% (40/42) per protocol and 85.2% (46/54) for the cohort. There were no intervention‐related deaths during the study period. Local treatment response, as assessed by the CAP classification, showed no residual tumor in 4.8% of patients. Overall, 23.9% of patients experienced CTCAE grade 3 or 4 during NACIMRT. Adjuvant therapy was initiated in 88% of patients undergoing resection. Postoperative complications grade ≥3b on the Clavien–Dindo scale occurred in 4.8% of patients. CA19‐9 level at enrollment was an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study of hypofractionated IMRT as neoadjuvant therapy for RPC. Hypofractionated NACIMRT for RPC could be safely introduced with a high induction rate of adjuvant chemotherapy, with an overall survival of 40.0 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Cockcroft–Gault formula is commonly used as a substitute for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in Calvert's formula for carboplatin dosing, where adjusting serum creatinine measured using the enzymatic method with 0.2 mg/dL has been suggested in Japan. However, the effects of these adjustments on efficacy in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer remain unknown. Methods: We conducted a post hoc analysis of the PREDICT1 study (CJLSG1201), a multicenter prospective observational trial of carboplatin–pemetrexed. Glomerular filtration rate values in Calvert's formula were back‐calculated from the administered dosages of carboplatin and the reported value of the target area under the curve. We estimated the serum creatinine adjustments and divided the patients into crude and adjusted groups. Results: Patients in the crude group (N = 169) demonstrated similar efficacy to those in the adjusted group (N = 104) in progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.35; p = 0.916 vs. HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.65–1.17; p = 0.363), with higher grade 3–4 hematologic toxicity. Among patients aged ≥75 years, the crude group (N = 47) showed superior efficacy compared with the adjusted group (N = 17) in PFS and OS (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20–0.69; p = 0.002 vs. HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.82; p = 0.010). Conclusions: Serum creatinine adjustment may be associated with similar efficacy compared to the crude serum creatinine value. In older patients, the adjustment should be cautiously applied owing to the potential for reduced efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile duct cancer (BDC) frequently invades the nerve fibers, making complete surgical resection difficult. A single tumor mass contains cells of variable malignancy and cell‐differentiation states, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) considered responsible for poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of autosynthesized dopamine to CSC‐related properties in BDC. Sphere formation assays using 13 commercially available BDC cell lines demonstrated that blocking dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) signaling promoted CSC‐related anchorage‐independent growth. Additionally, we newly established four new BDC patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) and found that blocking DRD1 increased resistance to chemotherapy and enabled xenotransplantation in vivo. Single‐cell analysis revealed that the BDC PDO cells varied in their cell‐differentiation states and responses to dopamine signaling. Further, DRD1 inhibition increased WNT7B expression in cells with bile duct‐like phenotype, and it induced proliferation of other cell types expressing Wnt receptors and stem cell‐like signatures. Reagents that inhibited Wnt function canceled the effect of DRD1 inhibition and reduced cell proliferation in BDC PDOs. In summary, in BDCs, DRD1 is a crucial protein involved in autonomous CSC proliferation through the regulation of endogenous WNT7B. As such, inhibition of the DRD1 feedback signaling may be a potential treatment strategy for BDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Measurement of the dwell time and moving speed of a high‐activity iridium‐192 (Ir‐192) source used for high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy is important for estimating the precise dose delivery to a tumor. For this purpose, we used a cerium‐doped yttrium aluminum perovskite (YA1O3:YAP(Ce)) gamma camera system, combined with a list‐mode data acquisition system that can acquire short‐time sequential images, and measured the dwell times and moving speeds of the Ir‐192 source. Methods: Gamma photon imaging was conducted using the gamma camera in list mode for the Ir‐192 source of HDR brachytherapy with fixed dwell times and positions. The acquired list‐mode images were sorted to millisecond‐order interval time sequential images to evaluate the dwell time at each position. Time count rate curves were derived to calculate the dwell time at each source position and moving speed of the source. Results: We could measure the millisecond‐order time sequential images for the Ir‐192 source. The measured times for the preset dwell times of 2 s and 10 s were 1.98 to 2.00 s full width at half maximum (FWHM) and 10.0 s FWHM, respectively. The dwell times at the first dwell position were larger than those at other positions. We also measured the moving speeds of the source after the dwells while moving back to the afterloader and found the speed increased with the distance from the edge of the field of view to the last dwell position. Conclusion: We conclude that millisecond‐order time sequential imaging of the Ir‐192 source is possible by using a gamma camera and is useful for evaluating the dwell times and moving speeds of the Ir‐192 source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dose distribution measurements of high‐energy X‐rays from medical linear accelerators (LINAC) in water are important for quality control (QC) of the system. Although Cherenkov‐light imaging is a useful method for measuring the high‐energy X‐ray dose distribution, depth profiles have an underestimated dose at increased depths due to the angular dependency of the Cherenkov light generated in water. In this study, we use a linear polarizer to separate the majority of polarized components from the majority of unpolarized components of Cherenkov‐light images in water and then use this information to correct for angular dependencies. Methods: A water phantom, a cooled charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera, and a polarizer were installed in a black box. Then, the water phantom was irradiated from the upper side with 6 or 10 MV X‐rays, and the Cherenkov light generated in water was imaged with the polarizer axis at both parallel and perpendicular orientations to the beam. By using these images from the two orientations relative to the beam, we corrected the angular dependency of the Cherenkov light. Results: By subtracting the images measured with the polarizer perpendicular to the beams from the images measured with the polarizer parallel to the beams, we could obtain images with only the polarized components. Using these images, we could calculate the images with non‐polarized components that had similar depth profiles to those calculated with a planning system. The average difference between corrected depth profiles and those calculated with the planning system was less than 1%, while that between uncorrected depth profiles and the planning system was more than 8.3% in depths of water from 20 to 100 mm. Conclusion: We conclude that the use of the polarizer has the potential to improve the accuracy of dose distribution in Cherenkov‐light imaging of water using high‐energy X‐rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands are highly sensitive to changes occurring at the coastline. It is critically important to determine region‐specific projections for these areas due to their specificities and vulnerabilities to climate change. This work aimed to value the impacts of recent climate changes at West Africa Sahara coastland, southern Morocco, at Khnifiss Lagoon. We have applied a combined approach using remote sensing techniques and environmental reconstructions based on high‐resolution analysis of sediment cores, covering the current warm period. Remote sensing highlighted changes to the lagoon inlet, accompanied by a greater meandering character of the tidal channels. As a response, the sediment cores have recorded a predominant vegetation substitution due to changes in the tidal limit, and an increase in organic carbon accumulation was observed. For the current climatology, during positive phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation, winds reaching the coast strengthen in an east‐to‐west direction. In the Khnifiss Lagoon, whose inlet is dominated by the ebb tide, the intensity and direction of the winds on the coast at surface level modifies its connection to the ocean by increasing sediment transport toward the interior of the lagoon. Locally biological responses to wind intensification, and possibly sea‐level rise, exemplify the lagoon sensitivity to large‐scale processes. Coastal vegetated wetlands are considered to be highly dynamic environments. However, we expect a loss of the upper tidal vegetation due to boundary conditions limiting the accommodation space in this arid environment in a possible future scenario of continuously inland tidal line displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods: Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results): The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion: The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and tail has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis because of its resistance to conventional therapies. Cancer stem cell (CSC)‐targeted therapy is considered a promising approach for this disease. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐inducing transcription factors (EMT‐TFs) contribute to CSC properties in some solid tumors; however, this mechanism has not been fully elucidated in pancreatic cancer. Zinc finger protein, SNAIL2 (also known as SLUG), is a member of the SNAIL superfamily of EMT‐TFs and is commonly overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Patients exhibiting high SNAIL2 expression have a poor prognosis. In this study, we showed that the suppression of SNAIL2 expression using RNA interference decreased tumorigenicity in vitro (sphere formation assay) and in vivo (xenograft assay) in 2 pancreatic cancer cell lines, KLM1 and KMP5. In addition, SNAIL2 suppression resulted in increased sensitivity to gemcitabine and reduced the expression of CD44, a pancreatic CSC marker. Moreover, experiments on tumor spheroids established from surgically resected pancreatic cancer tissues yielded similar results. A microarray analysis revealed that the mechanism was mediated by insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) binding protein 2. These results indicate that IGFBP2 regulated by SNAIL2 may represent an effective therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broadening in species' thermal tolerance limits and breadth from tropical to temperate latitudes is proposed to reflect spatial gradients in temperature seasonality, but the importance of seasonal shifts in thermal tolerances within and across locations is much less appreciated. We performed thermal assays to examine the maximum and minimum critical temperatures (CTmax and CTmin, respectively) of a mosquito community across their active seasons. Mosquito CTmin tracked seasonal shifts in temperature, whereas CTmax tracked a countergradient pattern with lowest heat tolerances in summer. Mosquito thermal breadth decreased from spring to summer and then increased from summer to autumn. We show a temporal dichotomy in thermal tolerances with thermal breadths of temperate organisms in summer reflecting those of the tropics ("tropicalization") that is sandwiched between a spring and autumn "temperatization." Therefore, our tolerance patterns at a single temperate latitude recapitulate classical patterns across latitude. These findings highlight the need to understand the temporal and spatial components of thermotolerance variation better, including plasticity and rapid seasonal selection, and the potential for this variation to affect species responses to climate change. With summers becoming longer and increasing winter nighttime temperatures, we expect increasing tropicalization of species thermal tolerances in both space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To perform complete mesocolic excision with central vessel ligation, it is important to recognize the vessel anomaly and the location of the tumor. For left‐sided colon cancer, the variations in the course of the left colic artery and accessary middle colic artery must be recognized preoperatively. Here, we describe our experience with a 57‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer with complicated inter‐mesenteric connections between the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), possibly due to median arcuate ligament syndrome. We performed laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with low ligation of the IMA to preserve the extremely enlarged left colic artery. The total operative time was 155 minutes, and the estimated total blood loss was 10 mL. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 9 without any postoperative complications. For patients with vascular anomalies in the left‐sided mesocolon, preoperatively ruling out SMA stenosis by using angiography and 3‐D CT might be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using a controlled trial, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adhesive strapping to improve the natural healing rate of umbilical hernia. Methods: This prospective, observational study included 128 patients from Kumamoto, Japan (97 in the adhesive strapping group, and 31 in observation group), from 2012–2015. The duration from first hospital visit to the hernia orifice closure was compared between the two groups. Result: Kaplan‐Meier curves showed that the probability of umbilical hernia in the adhesive strapping group was lower until approximately 200 days, but it was not statistically significant in the log rank test. According to multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, the hazard risk of umbilical hernia in the adhesive strapping group was significantly higher within 0–60 days after adjusting for confounding factors such as hernial cavity and hernia orifice area (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Adhesive strapping of umbilical hernia was significantly associated with earlier closure of the hernia orifice from baseline until at least 60 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to compare the incidence of infusion site reactions (ISRs) induced by intravenous administration of brand‐name and generic vinorelbine (VNR) for treating non‐small cell lung cancer. Method: This single‐centre retrospective cohort study was conducted by medical chart review of VNR infusions. ISRs were defined as symptoms around the infusion site, including pain, redness and swelling. ISRs requiring treatment were defined as ISRs requiring treatments including steroid ointments, vein repuncture and local steroid injections. Results: In all, 1973 VNR infusions were administered to 340 patients (brand‐name 141 patients, generic 199 patients). ISRs and ISRs requiring treatment were observed in 161 and 100 patients, respectively. The ISR incidence per patient and per injection was significantly higher in generic VNR‐treated patients than in brand‐name VNR‐treated patients (53.3% vs 39.0%, P = 0.0112 and 15.0% vs 9.9%, P = 0.0008, respectively). The frequency of ISRs requiring treatment was also significantly higher in the generic group (per patient 36.7% vs 19.2%, P = 0.0005; per injection 11.3% vs 5.5%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that generic VNR was significantly associated with an increased risk of ISRs (per patient adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.775, P = 0.0155; per injection AOR 1.672, P = 0.004) and ISRs requiring treatment (per patient AOR 2.422, P = 0.0012; per injection AOR 2.286, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of generic VNR was associated with an increased risk of ISRs. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the increased incidence of ISRs with generic VNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Addiction‐like eating (AE) is characterized by food cravings and loss of control over excessive food consumption. This study investigated the associations among emotional factors, personality traits, and AE symptoms in Asian young adults. Method: This study included 6,823 Asian university students in South Korea, China, Singapore, Hong Kong/Macao, Japan, and Taiwan. Participants completed the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS) and scales on the Big‐Five personality traits, impulsivity, anxiety, and depression. Results: 6.2% of the participants met the mYFAS (DSM‐IV‐TR) food addiction diagnostic threshold. Participants from South Korea (7.9%) had the highest rate of food addiction, while participants from Japan (5.1%) and Taiwan (4.1%) reported the lowest rates. Emotional factors of anxiety and depression were the most robust correlates of AE symptoms, followed by country/region and personality factors of higher impulsivity, higher extraversion, and lower agreeableness. Personality correlates were region‐specific. Higher impulsivity was a significant correlate for participants from South Korea and Taiwan, higher extraversion for participants from Singapore and Japan, and lower agreeableness for participants from China and Taiwan. Gender was also a significant correlate for participants from South Korea, Hong Kong/Macao, and Taiwan. Discussion: Emotional and personality factors are important correlates of AE symptoms among Asian young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We developed a novel and simple method to measure the source positions in applicators directly for high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy based on Cherenkov emission imaging, and evaluated the performance. Methods: The light emission from plastic applicators used in cervical cancer treatments, irradiated by an 192Ir γ‐ray source, was captured using a charge‐coupled device camera. Moreover, we attached plastics of different shapes, including tapes, tubes, and plates to a metal applicator, to use as screens for the Cherenkov imaging. We determined the source positions and dwell intervals from the light profiles along with the applicator and compared these with preset values and dummy marker measurements. Results: The source positions and dwell intervals measured from the light images were comparable to the dummy marker measurements and preset values. The distance from the applicator tip to the first source positions agreed with the dummy marker measurements within 0.2 mm for the plastic tandem. The dwell intervals measured using the Cherenkov method agreed with the preset values within 0.6 mm. The distances measured with three plastic types on the metal applicator also agreed with the dummy marker measurements within 0.2 mm. The dwell intervals measured using the plastic tape agreed with the preset values within 0.7 mm. Conclusions: The proposed method should be suitable for rapid and easy quality assurance (QA) investigations in HDR brachytherapy, as it enables source position using a single image. The method allows for real‐time, filmless measurements of the source positions to be obtained and is useful for rapid feedback in QA procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT is a widely used diagnostic tool for several malignancies, its efficacy in diagnosing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors is reported to be controversial because of the short‐term follow‐up. Methods: We retrospectively compared demographics and pathological features between 18F‐FDG‐positive and ‐negative diseases. Additionally, we evaluated whether the avidity of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT affected earlier recurrence after curative treatment of non‐functioning tumors. The median duration of observation was 65.6 months. Results: Seventy‐two patients were enrolled. 18F‐FDG‐positive diseases were pathologically advanced and significantly associated with metastatic behavior. In a multivariate analysis, metastatic behavior and WHO tumor grade was independently associated with 18F‐FDG accumulation. Only 25% of functional tumors (4/16) and 8% of insulinomas (1/12) were 18F‐FDG‐positive. In a Kaplan–Meier analysis in patients with non‐functioning tumors (n = 56), 18F‐FDG‐positivity was significantly correlated with poorer recurrence‐free survival (RFS) but had no correlation with overall survival. In univariate analysis of factors associated with shorter RFS, male gender, prevalence of nodal metastasis, WHO tumor grade ≥G2, or 18F‐FDG‐positive disease were significantly higher in patients with shorter RFS, whereas only 18F‐FDG‐positivity was associated with shorter RFS in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The avidity of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT was associated with metastatic behavior of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and recurrence after treatment of non‐functioning tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant cells have acquired chloroplasts (plastids) with a unique genome (ptDNA), which developed during the evolution of endosymbiosis. The gene content and genome structure of ptDNAs in land plants are considerably stable, although those of algal ptDNAs are highly varied. Plant cells seem, therefore, to be intolerant of any structural or organizational changes in the ptDNA. Genome rearrangement functions as a driver of genomic evolutionary divergence. Here, we aimed to create various types of rearrangements in the ptDNA of Arabidopsis genomes using plastid‐targeted forms of restriction endonucleases (pREs). Arabidopsis plants expressing each of the three specific pREs, i.e., pTaqI, pHinP1I, and pMseI, were generated; they showed the leaf variegation phenotypes associated with impaired chloroplast development. We confirmed that these pREs caused double‐stranded breaks (DSB) at their recognition sites in ptDNAs. Genome‐wide analysis of ptDNAs revealed that the transgenic lines exhibited a large number of rearrangements such as inversions and deletions/duplications, which were dominantly repaired by microhomology‐mediated recombination and microhomology‐mediated end‐joining, and less by non‐homologous end‐joining. Notably, pHinP1I, which recognized a small number of sites in ptDNA, induced drastic structural changes, including regional copy number variations throughout ptDNAs. In contrast, the transient expression of either pTaqI or pMseI, whose recognition site numbers were relatively larger, resulted in small‐scale changes at the whole genome level. These results indicated that DSB frequencies and their distribution are major determinants in shaping ptDNAs. Significance Statement: Plastid (pt)DNA structure of most land plants is largely consistent across taxa, due to the rigid DNA/genome maintenance system. Here, we revealed that plastid‐targeted forms of restriction endonucleases are powerful double‐stranded break‐inducing agents, which could be used for invoking microhomology‐mediated repair pathways to generate new genetic and structural variations on a global scale in ptDNA. These results indicate that plant cells exhibit a tolerance for the reshaping and evolution of their ptDNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) produces characteristic deflections in the EEG signal named TMS‐evoked EEG potentials (TEPs), which can be used to assess drug effects on cortical excitability. TMS can also be used to determine the resting motor threshold (RMT) for eliciting a minimal muscle response, as a biomarker of corticospinal excitability. XEN1101 is a novel potassium channel opener undergoing clinical development for treatment of epilepsy. We used TEPs and RMT to measure the effects of XEN1101 in the human brain, to provide evidence that XEN1101 alters cortical excitability at doses that might be used in future clinical trials. Methods: TMS measurements were incorporated in this Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the extent to which XEN1101 modulates TMS parameters of cortical and corticospinal excitability. TEPs and RMT were collected before and at 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐hours post drug intake in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, two‐period crossover study of 20 healthy male volunteers. Results: Consistent with previous TMS investigations of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) targeting ion channels, the amplitude of TEPs occurring at early (15–55 msec after TMS) and at late (150–250 msec after TMS) latencies were significantly suppressed from baseline by 20 mg of XEN1101. Furthermore, the RMT showed a significant time‐dependent increase that correlated with the XEN1101 plasma concentration. Interpretation: Changes from baseline in TMS measures provided evidence that 20 mg of XEN1101 suppressed cortical and corticospinal excitability, consistent with the effects of other AEDs. These results support the implementation of TMS as a tool to inform early‐stage clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When utility is nonseparable in nondurable and durable consumption and the elasticity of substitution between the two consumption goods is sufficiently high, marginal utility rises when durable consumption falls. The model explains both the cross-sectional variation in expected stock returns and the time variation in the equity premium. Small stocks and value stocks deliver relatively low returns during recessions, when durable consumption falls, which explains their high average returns relative to big stocks and growth stocks. Stock returns are unexpectedly low at business cycle troughs, when durable consumption falls sharply, which explains the countercyclical variation in the equity premium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the equity premium using novel data on the consumption of luxury goods. Specifying utility as a nonhomothetic function of both luxury and basic consumption goods, we derive pricing equations and evaluate the risk of holding equity. Household survey and national accounts data mostly reflect basic consumption, and therefore overstate the risk aversion necessary to match the observed equity premium. The risk aversion implied by the consumption of luxury goods is more than an order of magnitude less than that implied by national accounts data. For the very rich, the equity premium is much less of a puzzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography (CT) data are required to calculate the dose distribution in a patient's body. Generally, there are two CT number calibration methods for commercial radiotherapy treatment planning system (RTPS), namely CT number‐relative electron density calibration (CT‐RED calibration) and CT number‐mass density calibration (CT‐MD calibration). In a previous study, the tolerance levels of CT‐RED calibration were established for each tissue type. The tolerance levels were established when the relative dose error to local dose reached 2%. However, the tolerance levels of CT‐MD calibration are not established yet. We established the tolerance levels of CT‐MD calibration based on the tolerance levels of CT‐RED calibration. In order to convert mass density (MD) to relative electron density (RED), the conversion factors were determined with adult reference computational phantom data available in the International Commission on Radiological Protection publication 110 (ICRP‐110). In order to validate the practicability of the conversion factor, the relative dose error and the dose linearity were validated with multiple RTPSes and dose calculation algorithms for two groups, namely, CT‐RED calibration and CT‐MD calibration. The tolerance levels of CT‐MD calibration were determined from the tolerance levels of CT‐RED calibration with conversion factors. The converted RED from MD was compared with actual RED calculated from ICRP‐110. The conversion error was within ±0.01 for most standard organs. It was assumed that the conversion error was sufficiently small. The relative dose error difference for two groups was less than 0.3% for each tissue type. Therefore, the tolerance levels for CT‐MD calibration were determined from the tolerance levels of CT‐RED calibration with the conversion factors. The MD tolerance levels for lung, adipose/muscle, and cartilage/spongy‐bone corresponded to ±0.044, ±0.022, and ±0.045 g/cm3, respectively. The tolerance levels were useful in terms of approving the CT‐MD calibration table for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify novel therapeutic targets for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we conducted an integrative study in the following 3 stages: (i) identification of potential target gene(s) through shRNA functional screens in 2 independent NSCLC cell lines; (ii) validation of the clinical relevance of identified gene(s) using public databases; and (iii) investigation of therapeutic potential of targeting the identified gene(s) in vitro. A semi‐genome‐wide shRNA screen was performed in NCI‐H358 cells, and was integrated with data from our previous screen in NCI‐H460 cells. Among genes identified in shRNA screens, 24 were present in both NCI‐H358 and NCI‐H460 cells and were considered potential targets. Among the genes, we focused on eIF2β, which is a subunit of heterotrimeric G protein EIF2 and functions as a transcription initiation factor. The eIF2β protein is highly expressed in lung cancer cell lines compared with normal bronchial epithelial cells, and gene copy number analyses revealed that eIF2β is amplified in a subset of NSCLC cell lines. Gene expression analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset revealed that eIF2β expression is significantly upregulated in lung cancer tissues compared with corresponding normal lung tissues. Furthermore, high eIF2β expression was correlated with poor survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, as shown in other cohorts using publicly available online tools. RNAi‐mediated depletion of eIF2β suppresses growth of lung cancer cells independently of p53 mutation status, in part through G1 cell cycle arrest. Our data suggest that eIF2β is a therapeutic target for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Current therapeutic options for the treatment of liver fibrosis are limited, and transplantation is often the only effective option for end‐stage fibrotic diseases. To overcome this problem, a nanoparticle‐based treatment as an alternative to transplantation is developed. Multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid hollow nanoparticles (HNPs) containing silibinin are synthesized by mixing precursors in ammonia water at 60 °C for 1 min. The HNPs are mainly composed of siloxanes and disulfides and have surface thiols. The disulfides are cleaved by intracellular glutathione and reduced to thiols, leading to the deformation of the HNPs. Silibinin molecules are released through the cracks formed by HNP deformation. Furthermore, the HNPs suppress the generation of hydroxyl radicals, a major cause of liver fibrosis, via sulfenylation reactions of HNP thiols. Retinol‐modified HNPs target Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells, which are essential for hepatic fibrogenesis. The combined suppression of hydroxyl radical generation and release of silibinin using the HNPs decreases the proportion of fibrotic tissues and improves hepatic function. The therapeutic efficacy is greater than can be achieved by the suppression of hydroxyl radical generation alone and the injection of silibinin alone. Thus, HNPs are promising for the treatment of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Building on the literature of the political economy of taxation, this article explores the relationship between political competition and tax revenues using a sample of 89 developing countries from 1988 to 2010. Owing to the inertia of tax variables, we estimate a dynamic panel data model using the Blundell and Bond two‐step System‐general method of moments. The analysis led to the following results: political competition positively and significantly affects total tax revenues. However, this general pattern slightly differs across the type of taxes; and the net effect of political competition on tax revenues is negative for countries that have adopted fiscal rules. © 2018 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The accuracy of computed tomography number to electron density (CT‐ED) calibration is a key component for dose calculations in an inhomogeneous medium. In a previous work, it was shown that the tolerance levels of CT‐ED calibration became stricter with an increase in tissue thickness and decrease in the effective energy of a photon beam. For the last decade, a low effective energy photon beam (e.g., flattening‐filter‐free (FFF)) has been used in clinical sites. However, its tolerance level has not been established yet. We established a relative electron density (ED) tolerance level for each tissue type with an FFF beam. The tolerance levels were calculated using the tissue maximum ratio (TMR) and each corresponding maximum tissue thickness. To determine the relative ED tolerance level, TMR data from a Varian accelerator and the adult reference computational phantom data in the International Commission on Radiological Protection publication 110 (ICRP‐110 phantom) were used in this study. The 52 tissue components of the ICRP‐110 phantom were classified by mass density as five tissues groups including lung, adipose/muscle, cartilage/spongy‐bone, cortical bone, and tooth tissue. In addition, the relative ED tolerance level of each tissue group was calculated when the relative dose error to local dose reached 2%. The relative ED tolerances of a 6 MVFFF beam for lung, adipose/muscle, and cartilage/spongy‐bone were ±0.044, ±0.022, and ±0.044, respectively. The thicknesses of the cortical bone and tooth groups were too small to define the tolerance levels. Because the tolerance levels of CT‐ED calibration are stricter with a decrease in the effective energy of the photon beam, the tolerance levels are determined by the lowest effective energy in useable beams for radiotherapy treatment planning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2000, Official Development Assistance has played a crucial role in efforts related to the achievement of MDGs. This is especially the case in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which is the world's largest recipient of foreign aid. This paper assesses the effectiveness of aid and its efficient use in achieving universal primary education in sub-Saharan Africa. The impact of aid is assessed for a sample of 35 SSA countries over the decade 2000-10. The results suggest that higher aid to education significantly increases primary completion rate. This result is robust to the use of various methods of estimation, the inclusion of instrument to account for the endogeneity of aid and the set of control variables included in regressions. Our findings suggest that education aid can be used as a policy instrument to achieve the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) which is to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) components are separated by fractional distillation, and the structure of each fraction is established using spectroscopic methods. Then, solid sorbents incorporating these components are prepared, and the capacities and rates of CO2 absorption of the sorbents are evaluated to elucidate how the molecular structure affects the absorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify potential therapeutic targets for lung cancer, we performed semi-genome-wide sh RNA screening combined with the utilization of genome-wide expression and copy number data. sh RNA screening targeting 5043 genes in NCI-H460 identified 51 genes as candidates. Pathway analysis revealed that the 51 genes were enriched for the five pathways, including ribosome, proteasome, RNA polymerase, pyrimidine metabolism and spliceosome pathways. We focused on the proteasome pathway that involved six candidate genes because its activation has been demonstrated in diverse human malignancies, including lung cancer. Microarray expression and array CGH data showed that PSMA6, a proteasomal subunit of a 20S catalytic core complex, was highly expressed in lung cancer cell lines, with recurrent gene amplifications in some cases. Therefore, we further examined the roles of PSMA6 in lung cancer. Silencing of PSMA6 induced apoptosis or G2/M cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines but not in an immortalized normal lung cell line. These results suggested that PSMA6 serves as an attractive target with a high therapeutic index for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting exogenous and endogenous stimulus-responsive degradable nanoparticles as drug carriers can improve drug delivery systems (DDSs). The use of hollow nanoparticles may facilitate degradation, and combination of DDS with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) may enhance the anticancer effects of treatments. Here, a one-pot synthetic method is presented for an anticancer drug (doxorubicin [DOX]) and photosensitizer-containing hollow hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) with a disulfide and siloxane framework formed in response to exogenous (light) and endogenous (intracellular glutathione [GSH]) stimuli. The hollow HNPs emit fluorescence within the near-infrared window and allow for the detection of tumors in vivo by fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, the disulfides within the HNP framework are cleaved by intracellular GSH, deforming the HNPs. Light irradiation facilitates penetration of GSH into the HNP framework and leads to the collapse of the HNPs. As a result, DOX is released from the hollow HNPs. Additionally, the hollow HNPs generate singlet oxygen (1O2) and heat in response to light; thus, fluorescence imaging of tumors combined with trimodal therapy consisting of DDS, PDT, and PTT is feasible, resulting in superior therapeutic efficacy. Thus, this method may have several applications in imaging and therapeutics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we consider the relationship between red blood cell velocity and the movement of erythrocytes. Many velocimeters measure fluid velocity by tracking the movement of tracer particles present in the fluid. Generally, in laser Doppler velocimetry, seeding particles of suitable density and size are added to the fluid being measured, but this is not possible for in vivo measurements. In the case of blood, erythrocytes are used as the tracer particles. It is unclear, however, whether the velocity of erythrocytes reflects actual red blood cell velocity. Therefore, we compare the results of flow velocity distribution measurements of blood in the ear vessels of mouse and in water containing tracer particles in a serpentine flow channel. Results of the comparison indicate that the velocity of moving erythrocytes does not correspond exactly to the velocity of the blood. The difference is due to the changes in the fringe pattern under the skin. However, we consider that it is possible to measure red blood cell velocity in any direction using these fringe changes. Moreover, we confirm that results obtained using the proposed method match those obtained using other methods. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life insurers use reinsurance to move liabilities from regulated and rated companies that sell policies to shadow reinsurers, which are less regulated and unrated offbalance- sheet entities within the same insurance group. U.S. life insurance and annuity liabilities ceded to shadow reinsurers grew from $11 billion in 2002 to $364 billion in 2012. Life insurers using shadow insurance, which capture half of the market share, ceded 25 cents of every dollar insured to shadow reinsurers in 2012, up from 2 cents in 2002. By relaxing capital requirements, shadow insurance could reduce the marginal cost of issuing policies and thereby improve retail market efficiency. However, shadow insurance could also reduce risk-based capital and increase expected loss for the industry. We model and quantify these effects based on publicly available data and plausible assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objectives of this study were to establish a magnetic resonance imaging-based classification system for canine hyperadrenocorticism according to pituitary gland extension, determine indications for trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy, and clarify the prognosis for each disease grade. Methods A 5-point classification system (Grades 1 to 5) was developed based on tumour extension in dorsal and cranio-caudal directions. Cases were then classified as Type A: no arterial circle of Willis or cavernous sinus involvement and Type B: cases in which these blood vessels were involved. Results Medical records and magnetic resonance imaging data of 37 cases with hyperadrenocorticism were reviewed. Thirty-three cases underwent surgery; 4 Grade 5 cases did not have appropriate indications for surgery, and other therapies were used. Complete resection was achieved for 3, 3, 22 and 1 Grade 1A, 2A, 3A and 3B cases, respectively. Resection was incomplete in 1, 1 and 2 Grade 3A, 3B and 4B cases, respectively. Remission was achieved in 29 cases. Recurrence occurred in 4 cases, all of which were classified as Grade 3. Clinical Significance Dogs with Type A, Grade 1 to 3 hyperadrenocorticism had a good prognosis following trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy. Grade 3B, 4 and 5 cases may not be suitable for this surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved techniques for local administration of anticancer drugs are needed to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy owing to leakage of anticancer drugs from tumors and to enhance therapeutic efficacy. This study presents the development of smart ferrofluid that transforms immediately into a gel in tumors and generates heat in response to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), simultaneously releasing the anticancer drug. The smart ferrofluid, which is synthesized using less toxic magnetic materials (Fe3O4 nanoparticles), natural polysaccharides (alginate), and amino acids (cysteine), can also act as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ferrofluid also incorporates an anticancer drug (i.e., doxorubicin, DOX) via hydrogen bonds. AMF causes heating of gels prepared from the DOX-containing ferrofluid, resulting in gel shrinkage and DOX release. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the ferrofluid transforms into a gel in the tumor, with the gel remaining in the tumor. Furthermore, magnetic thermochemotherapy using this ferrofluid inhibited tumor growth, while magnetic hyperthermia alone had only a marginal effect. Thus, the combination of magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy may be important for suppressing tumor growth. In summary, the ferrofluid presented here has the potential to facilitate MRIguided magnetic thermochemotherapy through a combination of endoscopic technologies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of 34 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 1990-2012, this paper reveals that health aid helps to improve health outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries. More specifically, for each additional unit of health aid, the prevalence of HIV decreases by 8.3% and child mortality decreases by 64% over 4 years. This effect operates mainly through the improvement of female education and the increase in health spending. Furthermore, the results do not support the hypothesis of a significant difference between post-conflict states and stable states in terms of aid effectiveness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La présente étude fournit l'évidence de l'efficacité de l'aide en faisant usage d'un échantillon de 34 pays d'Afrique sub‐saharienne sur la période 1990–2010. Après prise en compte de l'endogénéité de l'aide, les résultats de l'estimation révèlent que l'aide a un effet positif sur la croissance uniquement lorsque l'estimation est contrôlée du niveau de la gouvernance. La dynamique comparative quant à elle montre que la gouvernance et l'éducation sont les principaux canaux de transmission de l'aide à la croissance en environnement stable. En revanche, en environnement de post conflit, l'aide affecte la croissance via l'investissement en capital public (infrastructure). Enfin, l'approche de décomposition d'Oaxaca‐Blinder montre que l'écart en termes de montants d'aide reçus n'explique pas les différences de croissance observées entre pays stables et pays en situation de post conflit. Sur la base de ces résultats, les implications de politiques économiques sont discutées en conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at assessing the relationship between infrastructure development and competitiveness in North Africa. Based on the World Bank data, we analyze the infrastructure indicators of four North African countries over the period 1996-2012 and estimate the elasticity of competitiveness with respect to infrastructure development. We first argue that competitiveness could be improved by investing more on infrastructure. Although comparison with sub-Saharan Africa reveals that important progress has been made in North Africa in terms of quantity, countries need to improve the infrastructure quality by investing in green energy, in maintenance, in public private partnerships and in regional infrastructure. Econometric analysis confirms that a 1 percent increase in infrastructure quality raises competitiveness by 0.64 percent. Country specific elasticity is respectively 0.22 in Algeria, 1.42 in Egypt, 0.36 in Tunisia and 0.56 in Morocco. Based on these results, appropriate policy recommendations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both pro- and anti-oncogenic roles of miR-221 and miR-222 micro RNAs are reported in several types of human cancers. A previous study suggested their oncogenic role in invasiveness in lung cancer, albeit only one cell line (H460) was used. To further evaluate involvement of miR-221 and miR-222 in lung cancer, we investigated the effects of miR-221 and miR-222 overexpression on six lung cancer cell lines, including H460, as well as one immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial cell line, HBEC4. miR-221 and miR-222 induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition ( EMT)-like changes in a minority of HBEC4 cells but, unexpectedly, both the micro RNAs rather suppressed their invasiveness. Consistent with the prior report, miR-221 and miR-222 promoted growth in H460; however, miR-221 suppressed growth in four other cell lines with no effects in one, and miR-222 suppressed growth in three cell lines but promoted growth in two. These are the first results to show tumor-suppressive effects of miR-221 and miR-222 in lung cancer cells, and we focused on clarifying the mechanisms. Cell cycle and apoptosis analyses revealed that growth suppression by miR-221 and miR-222 occurred through intra-S-phase arrest and/or apoptosis. Finally, lung cancer cell lines transfected with miR-221 or miR-222 became more sensitive to the S-phase targeting drugs, possibly due to an increased S-phase population. In conclusion, our data are the first to show tumor-suppressive effects of miR-221 and miR-222 on lung cancer, warranting testing their potential as therapeutics for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Bone fractures markedly reduce quality of life and life expectancy in elderly people. Although osteoporosis increases bone fragility, fractures frequently occur in patients with normal bone mineral density. Because most fractures occur on falling, preventing falls is another focus for reducing bone fractures. In this study, we investigated the role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling in locomotive ability. In the rotarod test, physical exercise enhanced locomotive ability of wild-type (WT) mice by 1.6-fold, whereas exercise did not enhance locomotive ability of VDR knockout (KO) mice. Compared with WT mice, VDR KO mice had smaller peripheral nerve axonal diameter and disordered AChR morphology on the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Eldecalcitol (ED-71, ELD), an analog of 1,25(OH)2D3, administered to rotarod-trained C57BL/6 mice enhanced locomotor performance compared with vehicle-treated nontrained mice. The area of AChR cluster on the extensor digitorum longus was greater in ELD-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice. ELD and 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced expression of IGF-1, myelin basic protein, and VDR in rat primary Schwann cells. VDR signaling regulates neuromuscular maintenance and enhances locomotive ability after physical exercise. Further investigation is required, but Schwann cells and the neuromuscular junction are targets of vitamin D3 signaling in locomotive ability. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular crystals [Li{N(SO2CF3)2}{C6H4(OCH3)2}2] and [Li{N(SO2CF3)2}{C6F2H2(OCH3)2}2] with solid-state lithium ion conductivity have been synthesized by the addition of two equivalents of 1,2-dimethoxybenzene or 1,2-difluoro-4,5-dimethoxybenzene to Li{N(SO2CF3)2}, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of ionic conduction paths with an ordered arrangement of lithium ions in these crystal structures, afforded by the self- assembled stacking of molecular-based channels consisting of N(SO2CF3)2 anion and 1,2-dimethoxybenzene frameworks as a result of intermolecular aromatic and hydrogen interactions. These compounds show selective lithium ion conductivity as the anions behave as a component unit of the conduction paths. The relationship between the crystal structure and ionic conductivity of the molecular crystals provides a clue to the development of novel solid electrolytes based on molecular crystals showing fast and selective lithium ion conduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution structures have shown that helix 69 (H69) of the large ribosomal subunit can assume variable conformational states during translation. Solution studies on small model RNAs, isolated subunits, and complete ribosomes also revealed a variety of H69 conformations. Specific nucleotides of H69 that undergo changes in their relative orientations within the ribosome structure play important roles in both translation and ribosome rescue. Furthermore, the presence of multiple pseudouridines influences the global conformational states of H69, and these highly conserved modifications play a role in regulating the positioning of key functional residues. Helix 69 has recently been identified as a novel antibiotic target site. Small molecules such as aminoglycosides bind to specific conformational states of H69 in bacterial ribosomes and affect the translation process. A variety of techniques have been employed to study H69, ranging from chemical synthesis to X-ray crystallography, highlighting the importance of a detailed evaluation of the underlying principles of RNA conformational dynamics and drug targeting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel trilithium compound, Li3[B(C6H4O2){O(CH2CH2O)3CH3}2][N(SO2CF3)2]2 ( 1-2.0), with solid-state ionic conductivity was synthesized. The crystal structure of 1-2.0 consists of the one-dimensional ionic conduction paths. The paths were afforded as a result of the self-assembled stacking of the component molecules of 1-2.0 with channel structures containing lithium ions. In this supramolecule, one lithium ion holds the component molecules in specific positions to construct a supramolecular structure with thermally stable ionic conduction paths and the others behave as carrier ions exhibiting selective lithium-ion conductivity. Owing to the existence of both roles for the lithium ions, this electrolyte shows selective lithium-ion conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]