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PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene but whether cancer can develop in all PTEN-deficient cells is not known. In T cell-specific PTEN-deficient (tPTEN-/-) mice, which suffer from mature T cell lymphomas, we found that premalignancy, as defined by elevated AKT and senescence pathways, starts in immature T cell precursors and surprisingly not in mature T cells. Premalignancy only starts in 6-week-old mice and becomes much stronger in 9-week-old mice although PTEN is lost since birth. tPTEN-/- immature T cells do not become tumors, and senescence has no role in this model because these cells exist in a novel cell cycle state, expressing proliferating proteins but not proliferating to any significant degree. Instead, the levels of p27kip1, which is lower in tPTEN-/- immature T cells and almost nonexistent in tPTEN-/- mature T cells, correlate with the proliferation capability of these cells. Interestingly, transient reduction of these cancer precursor cells in adult tPTEN-/- mice within a crucial time window significantly delayed lymphomas and mouse lethality. Thus, loss of PTEN alone is not sufficient for cells to become cancerous, therefore other developmental events are necessary for tumor formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peculiar oscillating convection is observed when two-dimensional double-diffusive convection in porous medium is analysed numerically. The top and bottom walls of an enclosure are insulated, and constant and opposing heat and mass fluxes are prescribed on the vertical walls. The peculiar oscillations are of three types: (1) Chaotic oscillations wherein the main flow is due to temperature; however, the convection due to concentration is strong enough to generate this peculiar oscillation. (2) The ‘sudden steady state case’ caused by the shifts from thermally-driven to concentration-driven forces. (3) The ‘re-oscillation case’ caused by the convection pattern changes from centrosymmetric to non-centrosymmetric. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated clinicopathologic features in patients with esophageal small cell carcinoma (SCEC), and its proliferative activity and angiogenesis. Ten patients with SCEC from 335 esophageal carcinoma patients were analyzed clinicopathologically. For analyses of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis of SCEC, Ki-67 immunostaining, the TUNEL method, and CD31 and CD68 immunostaining were used. Esophagectomy was performed in nine patients, while one with extensive SCEC was treated by repeated chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Four patients received chemotherapy both before and after surgery, one only before surgery, and four only after surgery. Cisplatin and etoposide were given to five patients, while irinotecan and cisplatin were given to three. Five survived more than 18 months, and two more than 36 months. One of these two had limited SCEC treated by surgery and chemotherapy, whereas the other had extended SCEC treated by repeated chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The microvessel count and the Ki-67 labeling index of SCEC were higher than those of squamous cell carcinoma ( P = 0.0033 and P = 0.0005, respectively). Between SCEC with and without preoperative chemotherapy, the Ki-67 labeling index was lower ( P = 0.027) and the apoptotic index was higher in the treated SCEC ( P = 0.014). Between SCEC patients who survived more or less than 18 months, the microvessel count was lower in those who survived more than 18 months ( P = 0.049). Esophagectomy may be indicated for limited SCEC combined with chemotherapy. SCEC has high proliferative activity and rich neovascularization, and its proliferative activity may be suppressed by chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors adapted a measure of apathy previously used with Japanese college students to investigate relations between this construct and personality traits among U.S. college students. Males and females reported similar levels of apathy, and both were significantly lower than those obtained from Japanese college students. Analyses demonstrate the construct validity of the apathy scales for use with English-speaking participants, and highlight interesting similarities and differences between North American and Japanese students. Results (a) suggest a differentiation between apathy and other personality constructs, (b) demonstrate that apathy is comprised of emotional, social, and goal-oriented components, and (c) point to cultural differences in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of protein dissolved in water by batch foam separation was conducted with using ovalbumin (OA) as a model protein in the light of wastewater treatment reducing organic loading. The removal efficiency had a maximum value near the i. E. P. Of OA (pH 4. 6); thus, most experiments were conducted at pH 4. 6. Typical experimental conditions; superficial gas velocity, U g: 1. 97×10–2–5. 37×10–2 cm/s; initial bulk concentration of OA, C i: ca. 0. 05–0. 25g/L; liquid volume, V: 600cm3. A model estimating bulk concentration profile was proposed by taking into account a mass balance of the present system. The model predicted that OA could be removed perfectly, however, was not all removed experimentally. The residual OA concentration of the bulk liquid within the column reached plateau value, which correspond to ca. 18% of the initial OA concentration. The plateau value of the bulk concentration was attained for ca. 100–500min with U g=1. 97×10–2—5. 37×10–2 cm/s. Foaming ability test revealed that the foaming limit concentration of OA at pH 4. 6 was 9. 72×10–3 g/L. These results suggested that OA molecules could be damaged by interaction of bubble surface in the dispersed phase, since there were the residual OA concentrations over the limit concentration. To take account of this phenomena and correct the model, average surface density, X d, which should convert protein molecule into the denatured protein molecule, was introduced. The corrected model could explain well the time profile of OA bulk concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, cv. Chibli F1) grown for 10 days on control medium were exposed to differing concentrations of NaCl (0, 25, 50, and 100mM). Increasing salinity led to a decrease of dry weight (DW) production and protein contents in the leaves and roots. Conversely, the root to shoot (R/S) DW ratio was increased by salinity. Na+ and Cl− accumulation were correlated with a decline of K+ and in the leaves and roots. Under salinity, the activities of nitrate reductase (NR, EC 1.6.6.1) and glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) were repressed in the leaves, while they were enhanced in the roots. Nitrite reductase (NiR, EC 1.7.7.1) activity was decreased in both the leaves and roots. Deaminating activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) was inhibited, whereas the aminating function was significantly stimulated by salinity in the leaves and roots. At a high salt concentration, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced (NADH)–GDH activity was stimulated concomitantly with the increasing contents and proteolysis activity in the leaves and roots. With respect to salt stress, the distinct sensitivity of the enzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 4-nitrophenol (PNP) isolated from diesel exhaust particles (DEP) has been identified as a vasodilator. PNP is also a known degradation product of the insecticide parathion. We used uterotrophic and Hershberger assays to study the estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities of PNP in-vivo. In ovariectomized immature female rats injected subcutaneously with 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg PNP daily for 7 days, significant (P <0.05) increases in uterine weight were seen in only those receiving 10 or 100 mg/kg PNP. Furthermore, in castrated immature male rats implanted with a silastic tube (length, 5 mm) containing crystalline testosterone and injected subcutaneously with 0.01, 0.1, or 1 mg/kg PNP daily for 5 days, those receiving the doses of 0.1 mg/kg showed significant (P <0.05) weight decreases in seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, levator ani plus bulbocavernosus muscles, and glans penis. Plasma FSH and LH levels did not change in female rats but were significantly (P <0.05) increased in male rats treated with 0.1 mg/kg PNP. These results clearly demonstrated that PNP has estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities in-vivo. Our results therefore suggest that diesel exhaust emissions and the degradation of parathion can lead to accumulation of PNP in air, water, and soil and thus could have serious deleterious effects on wildlife and human health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirm that normal grain boundary (GB) motion must often be coupled to tangential translation of grains and will then produce shear deformation of the lattice traversed by the GB. Conversely, shear stresses applied to a GB can induce its normal motion. Using [001] symmetrical tilt GBs in copper as a model, the coupling factor β between the GB motion and grain translations has been calculated by MD simulations over the entire misorientation range and a wide range of temperatures. The coupling factor is multivalued, can be positive or negative, and shows an abrupt switch from one branch to another at a tilt angle of about 35°. At high temperatures the response of high-angle GBs to shear changes from coupling to sliding until coupling disappears. No sliding is observed for low-angle GBs up to near the melting point. A geometric model of coupling proposed in this work predicts the misorientation dependence of β in excellent agreement with MD results and relates the multivalued character of β to the point symmetry of the crystal. Two kinds of low-angle GBs with different dislocations occur when the tilt angle is small and again when it approaches 90°. In these limits, the multiplicity of β is explained by different Burgers vectors of the dislocations. The results of this work are summarized as a temperature–misorientation diagram of mechanical responses of GBs. Unsolved problems and future work in this area are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An automatic vehicle speed measurement system is presented that can reliably associate the vehicle ID with the retrieved vehicle speed. The system captures images of vehicles passing between two points on the ground that are in the same vicinity, using a pair of linescan cameras installed in a parallel configuration, and measures the speed of passing vehicles by measuring the time taken for the vehicle license plate to move between the two points. In the proposed method, a pair of linescan cameras arranged in parallel is first used to detect passing vehicles and retrieve images of the front sections of the vehicles by capturing images of the vehicles from an angle diagonal to the direction of motion. High-resolution images of the front section of the vehicles are obtained by image capture at a diagonal to the direction of the vehicles in order to obtain high spatial and temporal resolution images of the objects passing in front of the linescan cameras without the images being overly large. However, the license plate in the retrieved images is distorted depending on the position of the plate and the vehicle speed, and this distortion is corrected by performing a geometrical transformation on the images, based on the position at which the license plate passes the cameras and the time the vehicle takes to pass, as determined by finding corresponding blocks. After this, license plate recognition is used to determine the vehicle speed at the position of the license plate. A 24-hour vehicle speed measurement experiment that used an infrared LED for illumination only during the nighttime achieved an 85.1% success rate in measuring the speeds of vehicles at the position of the license plates, thus verifying the validity of the proposed method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 89(10): 33–45, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20274 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to air pollution containing diesel exhaust particles (DEP) is associated with an increase in mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular diseases, but the mechanisms by which DEP produces adverse cardiovascular effects at the cellular level are not elucidated. This study investigated the cytotoxic mechanisms underlying DEP-induced neonatal rat cardiac myocytes effects in vitro, focusing on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). DEP extracts (DEPE) damaged cells in a concentration- and a time-dependent manner. Lactate dehydrogenase activity leaked to medium was also increased in a concentration-dependent manner after 24 h of DEPE exposure. DEPE-induced cytotoxicity was markedly reduced by treatment with superoxide dismutase, catalase, and N -(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine. Furthermore, superoxide was produced from both DEPE and myocardial cells. These results suggest that ROS such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical are involved in DEPE-induced cardiac cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In our continuing studies on nitrophenol derivatives as vasodilators in diesel exhaust particles, we have reported that nitrophenols in diesel exhaust particles possess not only vasodilatory activity but also estrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo, as well as anti-androgenic activity in vitro. Our efforts here were focused on the in vitro and in vivo anti-androgenic activity of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (4-nitro-m-cresol; PNMC), known a degradation product of the insecticide fenitrothion, in diesel exhaust particles. We investigated its anti-androgenic activity using an in vitro recombinant yeast screen and in vivo Hershberger assays. Recombinant yeast screen assay showed that PNMC possesses anti-androgenic activity at low concentrations. Furthermore, castrated 28-day-old immature male rats each implanted with a 5-mm-long silastic tube containing crystalline testosterone and injected with PNMC subcutaneously at doses from as low as 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg up to 1 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days showed significantly decreased weights of the seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, and glans penis. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly increased in the 0.1 mg/kg PNMC treatment group. Our results demonstrate that PNMC in diesel exhaust particles clearly has anti-androgenic activity both in vitro and in vivo and can therefore be considered as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The adsorption of ovalbumin (OA) onto the bubble surfaces was studied with various pHs (3.5, 4.6, 6.0 and 8.0) by a continuous foam separation technique. From the value of the saturated surface density of adsorbed OA, the variation of effective diameter (D) of an OA molecule on the bubble surface was estimated for various pHs (3.5, 4.6, 6.0 and 8.0) of the OA solutions, assuming that the cross section of the OA molecules be circular and that the OA molecules adsorb on the bubble surface in a closest packing structure. The estimated variation of D with pH was attempted to explain based on a model modified from that proposed by Pujar and Zydney [N.S. Pujar, A.L. Zydney, J. Chromatogr. A 796 (1998) 229–238]. The modified model could well reproduce the variation of the effective diameter with pH; the values of D calculated on the basis of the modified model almost agreed with that estimated from the saturated surface density in the present experimental pH range. From these, conclusion was drawn that the modified model presented in this study can express the variation in the effective diameter with pH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

First, two conditions are specified for the lowest order Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin quantization rule to yield exact results. These rules are related to the periodic orbit decomposition of the quantum density of states. This approach is then applied to supersymmetric quantum mechanics. It leads to a new derivation of the result that shape-invariant potentials give exact results when the classical action is calculated with the square of the super potential, but without the Maslov index or the Langer correction.PACS Nos.: 03.65.Sq, 12.60.Jv [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a multifunctional phosphatase whose substrate is phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3), and it is also a ubiquitously expressed tumor suppressor gene that down-regulates phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3Ks). Although there are a few reports about PTEN related to hepatocellular carcinoma, the role of PTEN in the liver remains unclear. Therefore, to clarify the role of PTEN in the liver, we generated and analyzed hepatocyte-specific Pten-deficient mice (Pten-deficient mice). The liver of 40-week-old Pten-deficient mice revealed macrovesicular steatosis, ballooning hepatocytes, lobular inflammatory cell infiltration, and perisinusoidal fibrosis that are characteristic of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By 80 weeks of age, 100% of Pten-deficient livers showed adenomas and 66% had hepatocellular carcinomas. Thus, PTEN is important for the prevention of adipogenic and tumorigenic transformation, and Pten-deficient mice are a novel model for NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results suggest that the controlled blocking of molecules acting downstream of PI3K might provide significant therapeutic benefit to patients predisposed to NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Paraaortic lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor in gynecologic malignancy. However, paraaortic lymph node dissection (PAND) is not done routinely in Japan because of the difficulty of the procedure and the high incidence of complications. We performed PAND in 217 patients in a 7-year period. In the present study, we focused on the occurrence of postoperative ileus in patients who underwent PAND. Methods. Two hundred and seventeen patients with malignant gynecologic tumors were operated on at our hospital between January 1995 and August 2001. All patients underwent PAND and pelvic lymph node dissection (114 patients had a radical hysterectomy; 103 patients had a simple hysterectomy). We evaluated postoperative ileus in three categories of severity. Results. The average operation time and blood loss in the patients with radical and simple hysterectomies with PAND were 317min and 1158g, and 246min and 820g, respectively. The incidence of postoperative ileus was 12.9% (28/217). Although there were no significant differences in the occurrence of ileus between patients with the radical and simple hysterectomies (10.5% vs 15.5%), the incidence of ileus in patients with radical hysterectomy with PAND was significantly higher than that in a control group of patients with radical hysterectomy without PAND (10.5% vs 3.4%). However, in the PAND patients the postoperative ileus was mostly mild or moderate (10 mild cases, 15 moderate cases, and 3 severe cases). Severe ileus occurred in three patients with radical hysterectomy with PAND. Although a repeat operation was necessary for two of these three patients with severe ileus, they recovered uneventfully. Conclusion. PAND for malignant gynecologic tumors is a feasible and safe operative procedure, with a low incidence of postoperative ileus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: A total of 22 Japanese patients with hypophosphatasia were included in a study analysing the relationship between mutations in the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) gene and the severity of the phenotype in Japanese patients with hypophosphatasia. The enzymatic activity of some of the identified mutant TNSALP proteins was also examined using corresponding expression vectors. Eighteen mutations, including 6 novel ones, were identified in the patients. Among them, the common mutations were F310L and T1559del. Of note, five patients with F310L mutation in one of the alleles exhibited a relatively mild phenotype without respiratory complications despite its perinatal onset. In contrast, the T1559del mutation is associated with perinatal lethal and infantile forms when not found in patients with the F310L mutation. The genotype-phenotype relationship was, to some extent, consistent with the enzymatic activity of the mutant ALP proteins; mutations K207E and G409C found in a surviving case of infantile hypophosphatasia, as well as F310L, retained some residual activities, whereas T1559del caused a complete loss of activity.Conclusion: In Japanese patients, the common mutations F310L and T1559del are associated with the relatively mild and lethal forms of hypophosphatasia, respectively. Our results may enhance the importance of genotyping patients with hypophosphatasia to predict their prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identity of mycorrhizal fungi associated with the achlorophyllous orchidEpipogium roseumwas investigated by DNA analysis. The fungi were isolated from each coiled hypha (peloton), and the ITS region of nuclear rDNA was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on the neighbor-joining method showed that all the isolates clustered with fungi belonging toPsathyrellaorCoprinusin Coprinaceae. Those fungi are known as saprobes, using dead organic materials for a nutritive source. Large colonies of this orchid were frequently found around tree stumps or fallen logs. In such colonies, these decaying wood materials would be used as a large and persistent carbon source for the growth of this orchid. This is the first report of Coprinaceae as an orchid mycorrhizal fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are currently no treatments for salivary gland diseases, making it vital to understand signaling mechanisms operating in acinar and ductal cells so as to develop regenerative therapies. To date, little work has focused on elucidating the signaling cascades controlling the differentiation of these cell types in adult mammals. To analyze the function of the Hippo‐TAZ/YAP1 pathway in adult mouse salivary glands, we generated adMOB1DKO mice in which both MOB1A and MOB1B were TAM‐inducibly deleted when the animals were adults. Three weeks after TAM treatment, adMOB1DKO mice exhibited smaller submandibular glands (SMGs) than controls with a decreased number of acinar cells and an increased number of immature dysplastic ductal cells. The mutants suffered from reduced saliva production accompanied by mild inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in SMGs, similar to the Sjogren's syndrome. MOB1‐deficient acinar cells showed normal proliferation and apoptosis but decreased differentiation, leading to an increase in acinar/ductal bilineage progenitor cells. These changes were TAZ‐dependent but YAP1‐independent. Biochemically, MOB1‐deficient salivary epithelial cells showed activation of the TAZ/YAP1 and β‐catenin in ductal cells, but reduced SOX2 and SOX10 expression in acinar cells. Thus, Hippo‐TAZ signaling is critical for proper ductal and acinar cell differentiation and function in adult mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum) seedlings were grown in the presence of cadmium. After 1 week of Cd treatment, a sharp decline in biomass accumulation in the leaves and roots was observed, together with a decrease in the rate of photosynthetic activity due to both Rubisco and chlorophyll degradation and stomata closure. Cadmium induced a significant decrease in nitrate content and inhibition of the activities of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase (GS) and ferredoxin-glutamate synthase. An increase in NADH-glutamate synthase and NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase activity was observed in parallel. The accumulation of ammonium into the tissues of treated plants was accompanied by a loss of total protein and the accumulation of amino acids. Gln represented the major amino acid transported through xylem sap of Cd-treated and control plants. Cadmium treatment increased the total amino acid content in the phloem, maintaining Gln/Glu ratios. Western and Northern blot analysis of Cd-treated plants showed a decrease in chloroplastic GS protein and mRNA and an increase in cytosolic GS and glutamate dehydrogenase transcripts and proteins. An increase in asparagine synthetase mRNA was observed in roots, in parallel with a strong increase in asparagine. Taken together, these results suggest that the plant response to Cd stress involved newly induced enzymes dedicated to coordinated leaf nitrogen remobilization and root nitrogen storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional numerical simulation is applied to a pulverized coal combustion field in a test furnace equipped with an advanced low-NOx burner called CI-α burner, and the detailed combustion characteristics are investigated. In addition, the validities of the existing NOx formation and reduction models are examined. The results show that a recirculation flow is formed in the high-gas-temperature region near the CI-α burner outlet, and this lengthens the residence time of coal particles in this high-temperature region, promotes the evolution of volatile matter and the progress of char reaction, and produces an extremely low-O2 region for effective NO reduction. It is also found that, by lessening the effect of NO reduction in Levy et al.''s model and taking the NO formation from char N into account, the accuracy of the NO prediction is improved. The efficiency factor of the conversion of char N to NO affects the total NO concentration downstream after the injection of staged combustion air. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the possibility that the rapid death of β cells is attributable to apoptosis for some axotomized retinal ganglion cells. Proportion of pyknotic cells in Nissl-stained cat retinas; Survival of axotomized β cells after the intravitreal injection of caspase 3 inhibitor; Discussion on whether the time course of the occurrence of pyknotic cells corresponds to the sharp death period of β cells.

We describe the effects of trehalose on spawn storage in a home freezer (average temperature, -16°C) where edible fungi usually do not survive. When the mycelia of Lentinula edodes were stored in a freezer for 3 days, the survival rate of mycelia cultivated on 2% glucose medium was 30%, whereas those on media containing 2% and 5% trehalose were 50% and 60%, respectively. Addition of trehalose to the culture was more effective in Pleurotus ostreatus. These results suggest that trehalose played the role of a stress protectant against freezing, because the mycelia cultured on a trehalose medium grew more rapidly and produced more fruiting bodies compared to those cultured on glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the toxic effects of diesel exhaust (DE) on delivery in mice and on growth of young, C57Bl-strain females were exposed to 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg diesel exhaust particles (DEP)/m[sup 3] or filtered clean air (control) for 4 mo (12 h/day, 7 days/wk). After exposure, some females from each group were examined by necropsy, and the remainders were mated with unexposed males. Estrous females for necropsy who had been exposed to 1.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] had significantly lower uterine weights than the control estrous females. In the mated females, 9.1, 10.0, or 25.0% (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3]) of the pregnancies resulted in abnormal deliveries (abortion and unable delivery), but this was not significant. The rate of good nest construction by delivered females exposed to 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] was significantly lower. Young were weighed at 11, 14, and 21 days, and weekly from wk 4 to 9 after birth. Body weights of male young of dams exposed to 1.0 or 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] were significantly lower at 6 and 8 wk of age. Body weights of female young of dams exposed to 1.0 or 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] were also significantly lower at 6, 8, and 9 wk. Vaginal orifices of young female mice whose dams were exposed to 0.3 and 1.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] opened significantly earlier. The young were killed at 30 or 70 days during deep anesthesia, and their body weights, organ weights, and body lengths were measured. Anogenital distance (AGD) of 30-day-old males whose dams were exposed to 0.3 mg DEP/m[sup 3] was significantly shorter than that of the controls. Weights of thymus and ovary in 30-day-old females whose dams were exposed to 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] were significantly lower. In 70-day-old males of dams exposed to 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3], body weights were significantly lower and AGD was significantly shorter. Weights of adrenals, testes, and seminal vesicles in 70-day-old males with dams exposed to 1.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] were significantly lower. In 70-day-old females with dams exposed to DE, body weights in the 3.0-mg DEP/m[sup 3] group were significantly lower, and weights of adrenals, liver, and thymus in the 1.0-mg DEP/m[sup 3] group were significantly lower. Thymus weights in 70-day-old females with dams exposed to 0.3 mg DEP/m[sup 3] were significantly lower. Crown–rump length (CR) in 70-day-old females with dams exposed to 1.0 or 3.0 mg DEP/m[sup 3] was significantly shorter. These results show that toxic substances in DE might cause abnormal delivery in mice, and that exposed females affected the growth and sexual maturation of their young. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initially identified in high-grade gliomas, mutations in the PTEN tumor-suppressor are also found in many sporadic cancers and a few related autosomal dominant hamartoma syndromes. PTEN is a 3'-specific phosphatidylinositol3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P[sub 3]) phosphatase and functions as a negative regulator of PI3K signaling. We generated a tissue-specific deletion of the mouse homolog Pten to address its role in brain function. Mice homozygous for this deletion (Pter[sup loxP/loxP];Gfap-cre), developed seizures and ataxia by 9 wk and died by 29 wk. Histological analysis showed brain enlargement in Pter[sup loxP/loxP];Gfap-cre mice as a consequence of primary granule-cell dysplasia in the cerebellum and dentate gyrus. Pten mutant cells showed a cell-autonomous increase in soma size and elevated phosphorylation of Akt. These data represent the first evidence for the role of Pten and Akt in cell size regulation in mammals and provide an animal model for a human phakomatosis condition, Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phonon exchange between the electron and the elementary magnetic flux (fluxon) induces an attractive transition in the degenerate Landau states. This attraction bounds an electron-fluxon complex. The center-of-mass of the complex moves as a boson with a linear dispersion relation (∈ = cp). The 2D system of free massless bosons undergoes a Bose-Einstein condensation at κ[sub B]T[sub c] = 1.954 hcn[sup ½], where n is the boson density. For GaAs/AlGaAs, T[sub c] ∼ 1 K at the principal Landau-level occupation ratio ν = 1, where the electron number equals the fluxon number. Below T[sub c], there is an energy gap, which stabilizes the Hall resistivity plateau. The plateau value (j/N)(h/e²) at the fractional occupation ratio ν = N/j, for odd j, indicates that the composite boson containing an electron and j fluxons carries the fractional charge (magnitude) e/j due to the magnetic confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The out-of-plane resistivity, ρ[sub c], in a single-crystal YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub y] follows the experimental law: ρ[sub c] = C[sub 1]ρ[sub ab] + C[sub 2]/T, where C[sub 1], C[sub 2] are the constants and ρ[sub ab] is in-plane resistivity in the concentration range 6.6 < y < 6.92 with the highest T[sub c], 90 K, occurring at y = 6.88 and in the temperature range T[sub c] < T < room temperature. This behavior is microscopically explained under the assumption that the charge carriers are a mixture of "electrons", "holes", and ± pairons. The second term C[sub 2]/T arises from the quantum tunneling between copper planes of the — pairons, moving with a linear dispersion relation, and the first term C[sub 1]ρ[sub ab] from the in-plane currents due to the "holes" and + pairons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral acute respiratory infection (ARI) remains a major global health problem, especially among children in low- and middle-income countries. The study was conducted to reveal aetiological significance of respiratory viruses among both non-hospitalized and hospitalized children. A cohort study of children with ARI at the household, primary healthcare facility, and hospital levels was conducted alongside a hospital-based study including non-cohort children from 2014 to 2016 in the Philippines. The ARI cases were recorded at households and healthcare facilities, and a clinical investigation was performed. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from the symptomatic children and tested for respiratory viruses via polymerase chain reaction. Then, the association between healthcare facility utilization and viral detection was investigated. Overall, 18,514 ARI cases were enrolled in the cohort study, and samples were collected from 4735 of these cases. The hospital-based study detected 648 ARI cases, all of which were sampled. Rhinovirus (22.2%; 1052/4735) was most frequently detected followed by respiratory syncytial virus (12.0%; 566/4735). Enterovirus (adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.8), human metapneumovirus (2.1, 1.4–3.2), rhinovirus (2.1, 1.8–2.6), and respiratory syncytial virus (1.6, 1.2–1.9) were significantly more prevalent in the ARI cases at healthcare facilities than in those in households. Of all ARI cases, 0.6% required hospitalization while 1.8% were hospitalized among the respiratory syncytial virus-positive cases (3.8, 3.0–4.9). We determined the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children with ARIs at the household, primary healthcare facility, and hospital levels and the association with clinical characteristics. In particular, we discovered a significant disease burden and impact of respiratory syncytial virus infections as well as a considerable aetiological implication of rhinovirus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the complexity of deciding whether for two given feedback vertex sets of a graph there is a step-by-step transformation between them, such that for each feedback vertex set in the transformation, the next one is obtained by exchanging a single vertex. We give a classification of the complexity of this question for planar graphs in terms of the maximum degree. We show that for planar graphs of maximum degree at most three the problem is tractable because there always exists a transformation, while it is PSPACE -complete when the maximum degree is at most four. The positive side of the classification extends to K 3 , 3 -minor-free graphs of maximum degree three. We then consider the Matroid Parity problem, which generalizes feedback vertex sets in graphs of maximum degree three as well as matchings and spanning trees in general graphs. Generalizing known results for the latter two we show that there always exists a transformation between any two non-maximum independent parity sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various forms of sorting problems have been studied over the years. Recently, two kinds of sorting puzzle apps have gained popularity. In these puzzles, we are given a set of bins filled with colored units, balls or water, and some empty bins. These puzzles allow us to move colored units from a bin to another when the colors involved match in some way or the target bin is empty. The goal of these puzzles is to sort all the color units in order. We investigate computational complexities of these puzzles. We first show that these two puzzles are essentially the same from the viewpoint of solvability. That is, an instance is sortable by ball-moves if and only if it is sortable by water-moves. We also show that every yes-instance has a solution of polynomial length, which implies that these puzzles belong to NP. We then show that these puzzles are NP-complete. For some special cases, we give polynomial-time algorithms. We finally consider the number of empty bins sufficient for making all instances solvable and give non-trivial upper and lower bounds in terms of the number of filled bins and the capacity of bins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single SH group in the B chain (33 kDa), generated by the specific reduction of the single interchain SS bond of human urinary urokinase, was alkylated (UK · B) with iodoacetamide to prevent a spontaneous SH-SS interchange. An SS bond in UK · B was exclusively alkylated with iodoacetamide (R · CAM-UK · B) after reduction with dithiothreitol in 0.3 M guanidine · HCl in the presence of the competitive inhibitor N&alpha:-benzoyl-L-argininamide with concomitant loss of 65-68% of the esterolytic activity towards N-acetyl-glycyl-L-lysine methyl ester. This specific SS bond was located at Cys194-Cys222 whose SS loop contained the active-site Ser198, as determined by amino acid analyses and identification of the N and C termini of the tryptic digest. Transformation of UK · B into R · CAM-UK · B induced no shift of the optimal pH in the bell-shaped pH/activity profile; pH values for 50% activity were similar (pH 9.7) for 10-min alkalization of the enzyme but different between UK · B (pH 9.4) and R · CAM-UK · B (pH 8.8) for 18-h alkalization. An unaltered Km value and a decline by 64% in k... in the esterolytic activity indicate that the pretransition Michaelis complex is formed without degeration of the primary substrate-binding site, but the catalytic pathway thereafter has deteriorated. In affinity labeling with dansyl chloride or Nalpha;-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethylketone, which interrupted the catalysis at the latest at a stage involving the abortive acyl intermediate, the second-order rate constant for UK · B was lowered to 28% or 35% for R · CAM-UK · B, respectively, but the labeling yields were similar. The results indicate that indispensable structural elements, such as the catalytic triad and oxyanion hole, are maintained but a local conformation, which is necessary for efficient transition to the acyl intermediate and/or for resistance against alkaline inactivation, is destabilized with Cys194-Cys222 scission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a k -coloring of a graph G , a Kempe-change for two colors a and b produces another k -coloring of G , as follows: first choose a connected component in the subgraph of G induced by the two color classes of a and b , and then swap the colors a and b in the component. Two k -colorings are called Kempe-equivalent if one can be transformed into the other by a sequence of Kempe-changes. We consider two problems, defined as follows: First, given two k -colorings of a graph G , Kempe Reachability asks whether they are Kempe-equivalent; and second, given a graph G and a positive integer k , Kempe Connectivity asks whether any two k -colorings of G are Kempe-equivalent. We analyze the complexity of these problems from the viewpoint of graph classes. We prove that Kempe Reachability is PSPACE -complete for any fixed k ≥ 3 , and that it remains PSPACE -complete even when restricted to three colors and planar graphs of maximum degree six. Furthermore, we show that both problems admit polynomial-time algorithms on chordal graphs, bipartite graphs, and cographs. For each of these graph classes, we give a non-trivial upper bound on the number of Kempe-changes needed in order to certify that two k -colorings are Kempe-equivalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Self-stigma negatively influences self-esteem, quality of life, self-efficacy, treatment adherence, and recovery in psychiatric patients. By revealing personality traits that influence self-stigma, we can gain useful knowledge for the management of self-stigma. A previous meta-analysis indicated that patients with schizophrenia have higher scores on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) than healthy controls. However, the relationship between autistic symptoms and self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to reveal the association between autistic symptoms and self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Patients and Methods: We recruited 127 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and delusional disorder). We assessed participants' self-stigma and autistic symptoms using the Internalized Stigma for Mental Illness (ISMI) scale and the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), respectively. The differences in the scores of ISMI and AQ according to patient characteristics were investigated. Multiple regression analysis controlling for age and gender was performed to determine the relationship between the total scores on the AQ and IMSI scale. Results: Female patients showed a higher level of self-stigma than males. Unmarried patients showed a significantly higher score on the AQ than married patients. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age and gender indicated that the total score on AQ might be a predictor of the overall rating on ISMI in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Conclusion: This study is the first to reveal the association between autistic symptoms and self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Our results highlight the importance of considering autistic symptoms in the assessment and management of self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(L-glutamic acid)- co -poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers (PLE-PEG) are here investigated as polymers for conjugation to therapeutic proteins such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and human growth hormone (hGH). PLE-PEG block copolymers are able to stabilize and protect proteins from degradation and to prolong their residence time in the blood stream, features that are made possible thanks to PEG's intrinsic properties and the simultaneous presence of the biodegradable anionic PLE moiety. When PLE-PEG copolymers are selectively tethered to the N-terminus of G-CSF and hGH, they yield homogeneous monoconjugates that preserve the protein's secondary structure. During the current study the pharmacokinetics of PLE 10 -PEG 20k -G-CSF and PLE 20 -PEG 20k -G-CSF derivatives and their ability to induce granulopoiesis were, respectively, assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats and in C57BL6 mice. Our results show that the bioavailability and bioactivity of the derivatives are comparable to or better than those of PEG 20k -Nter-G-CSF (commercially known as Pegfilgrastim). The therapeutic effects of PLE 10 -PEG 20k -hGH and PLE 20 -PEG 20k -hGH derivatives tested in hypophysectomized rats demonstrate that the presence of a negatively charged PLE block enhances the biological properties of the conjugates additionally with respect to PEG 20k -Nter-hGH. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and highly efficient Rh/C catalyzed route for the cleavage of the C–O bond of aromatic ether at 80 °C in the presence of 0.5 MPa of H2 in the scCO2–water medium is reported; CO2 pressure and water play a key role under the tested conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare type of lung cancer, accounting for 3% of all lung cancers. The prognosis is poor and the standard therapy has not been well established. Herein, we report a case of advanced LCNEC of the lung that responded to nivolumab. The patient was a 62-year old man with stage IVB LCNEC of the lung. The disease progressed following the administration of second-line chemotherapy, and he was treated with nivolumab 3 mg/kg as the third-line treatment. Although treatment was ceased after two cycles due to interstitial pneumonia, the disease remained stable for approximately six months under observation. There was no other adverse event related to nivolumab. Following patient mortality from tumor progression, PD-L1 expression was observed to be negative (tumor proportion score <1%) by a re-examination of the primary biopsy specimen. The case herein suggests that nivolumab may be a possible treatment option for LCNEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell competition is a biological process by which unfit cells are eliminated from "cell society." We previously showed that cultured mammalian epithelial Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells expressing constitutively active YAP were eliminated by apical extrusion when surrounded by "normal" MDCK cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the elimination of active YAP‐expressing cells was unknown. Here, we used high‐throughput chemical compound screening to identify cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) as a key molecule triggering cell competition. Our work shows that COX‐2‐mediated PGE2 secretion engages its receptor EP2 on abnormal and nearby normal cells. This engagement of EP2 triggers downstream signaling via an adenylyl cyclase‐cyclic AMP‐PKA pathway that, in the presence of active YAP, induces E‐cadherin internalization leading to apical extrusion. Thus, COX‐2‐induced PGE2 appears a warning signal to both abnormal and surrounding normal cells to drive cell competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subgraph reconfiguration is a family of problems focusing on the reachability of the solution space in which feasible solutions are subgraphs, represented either as sets of vertices or sets of edges, satisfying a prescribed graph structure property. Although there has been previous work that can be categorized as subgraph reconfiguration , most of the related results appear under the name of the property under consideration; for example, independent set, clique, and matching. In this paper, we systematically clarify the complexity status of subgraph reconfiguration with respect to graph structure properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RalGTPase-activating protein (RalGAP) is an important negative regulator of small GTPases RalA/B that mediates various oncogenic signaling pathways in various cancers. Although the Ral pathway has been implicated in prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression, the significance of RalGAP in PCa has been largely unknown. We examined RalGAPα2 expression using immunohistochemistry on two independent tissue microarray sets. Both datasets demonstrated that the expression of RalGAPα2 was significantly downregulated in PCa tissues compared to adjacent benign prostatic epithelia. Silencing of RalGAPα2 by short hairpin RNA enhanced migration and invasion abilities of benign and malignant prostate epithelial cell lines without affecting cell proliferation. Exogenous expression of wild-type RalGAP, but not the GTPase-activating protein activity-deficient mutant of RalGAP, suppressed migration and invasion of multiple PCa cell lines and was phenocopied by pharmacological inhibition of RalA/B. Loss of Ralgapa2 promoted local microscopic invasion of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia without affecting tumor growth in a Pten -deficient mouse model for prostate tumorigenesis. Our findings demonstrate the functional significance of RalGAP downregulation to promote invasion ability, which is a property necessary for prostate carcinogenesis. Thus, loss of RalGAP function has a distinct role in promoting progression from prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls occur frequently in wheelchair basketball games [1]. A fall during a game not only increases the risk of injury but can also delay the player's participation in the next play, which will affect the outcome of the game. This study aimed to explore the relationship between falls and winning or losing in wheelchair basketball games, and to clarify the importance of fall prevention. Is there a relationship between the number or the situation of falls occurring in wheelchair basketball competitions and the winning/losing of games? This study was a cross-sectional video analysis study. We watched official match videos of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic wheelchair basketball final tournament and analyzed the occurrence of falls in a total of 20 games [2]. The analysis items included the number of falls, the classification of the faller, playing time when falling, playing phase, contact with another player, foul judgement, location of the fall, shooting motion, ball retention, and time passing after a fall. Then, we classified the falls into two groups: falls that occurred in the winning team and the losing team. The number of falls was compared between the winning and losing teams, and the analysis items were compared between the groups using chi-square tests and cross-tabulation tables. The significance level was set at 0.05. Table 1 showed the results of the comparison of fall situation characteristics in winning teams and losing teams. A total of 326 falls were observed, of which 138 occurred on the winning teams and 188 on the losing teams. There was a significant difference between winning and losing teams in the classification of fallers (p=0.005). Also, a significant difference was found in the playing time of the game when falls occurred (p=0.024). There were no significant differences between the winning and losing teams in the other items related to fall situation. This study is the first report to clarify the relationship between the occurrence of falls in wheelchair basketball and the winning and losing of a game. Falls of 4-4.5 players, with relatively good trunk control [3], occurred twice as often in the losing team as in the winning team. Then, the number of falls of the losing team increased in the latter half of the game. The occurrence of many falls in the losing team may be related to their lack of chair work skills in the 4-4.5 classification to avoid falls, and physical factors such as fatigue. While falls need to be prevented in all players and situations, this study indicated the need to address fall prevention to win games, especially in the 4-4.5 classification and in the latter half of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several inactivated enterovirus-A71 (EV-A71) vaccines are currently licensed in China; however, the development of additional EV-A71 vaccines is ongoing, necessitating extensive analysis of the molecular epidemiology of the virus worldwide. Until 2012, laboratory confirmation of EV-A71 for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and other associated diseases had not occurred in the Philippines. Because EV-A71 has been linked with cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), AFP surveillance is one strategy for documenting its possible circulation in the country. To expand current knowledge on EV-A71, molecular epidemiologic analysis and genetic characterization of EV-A71 isolates were performed in this study.Methods: A retrospective study was performed to identify and characterize nonpolio enteroviruses (NPEVs) associated with AFP in the Philippines, and nine samples were found to be EV-A71-positive. Following characterization of these EV-A71 isolates, the complete viral protein 1 (VP1) gene was targeted for phylogenetic analysis.Results: Nine EV-A71 isolates detected in 2000 (n = 2), 2002 (n = 4), 2005 (n = 2), and 2010 (n = 1) were characterized using molecular methods. Genomic regions spanning the complete VP1 region were amplified and sequenced using specific primers. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length VP1 region identified all nine EV-A71 Philippine isolates as belonging to the genogroup C lineage, specifically the C2 cluster. The result indicated a genetic linkage with several strains isolated in Japan and Taiwan, suggesting that strains in the C2 cluster identified in the Asia-Pacific region were circulating in the Philippines.Conclusion: The study presents the genetic analysis of EV-A71 in the Philippines. Despite some limitations, the study provides additional genetic data on the circulating EV-A71 strains in the Asia-Pacific region, in which information on EV-A71 molecular epidemiology is incomplete. Considering that EV-A71 has a significant public health impact in the region, knowledge of its circulation in each country is important, especially for formulating vaccines covering a wide variety of strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian STE20‐like protein kinase 1/2 (MST1/2) and nuclear Dbf2‐related kinase 1/2 (NDR1/2) are core components of Hippo signaling that are also known to be important regulators of lymphocyte trafficking. However, little is understood about the roles of other Hippo pathway molecules in these cells. Here, we present the first analysis of the function of Mps one binder kinase activator‐1 (MOB1) in T lymphocytes in vivo. T‐cell‐specific double knockout (DKO) of MOB1A/B in mice [tMob1 DKO mice] reduces the number of naïve T cells in both the circulation and secondary lymphoid organs, but leads to an accumulation of CD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+ single‐positive (SP) cells in the thymus. In vitro, naïve MOB1A/B‐deficient T cells show increased apoptosis and display impaired trafficking capacity in response to the chemokine CCL19. These defects are linked to suppression of the activation of MST and NDR kinases, but are independent of the downstream transcriptional co‐activator Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1). Thus, MOB1 proteins play an important role in thymic egress and T‐cell survival that is mediated by a pathway other than conventional Hippo‐YAP1 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main viral causes of lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI), especially in young children. RSV vaccines, including maternal and infant vaccines, are under development; however, more epidemiological studies are needed to develop effective vaccination strategies. Objectives: To estimate detailed age‐specific incidence rates and severity of RSV‐associated LRTI (RSV‐LRTI) using data from a community‐based prospective cohort study in the Philippines. Patients/Methods: Cohort children who visited health facilities due to acute respiratory symptoms were identified, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected to detect RSV. The severity of RSV‐LRTI was assessed using the severity definition proposed by the World Health Organization. Risk factors for developing RSV‐LRTI and contribution of SpO2 measurement were also evaluated. Results: A total of 395 RSV episodes which occurred in children aged 2‐59 months were categorised as 183 RSV‐LRTI, 72 as severe RSV‐LRTI and 29 as very severe RSV‐LRTI. Children aged 3‐5 months had the highest incidence rate of RSV‐LRTI, at 207.4 per 1000 child‐years (95% CI: 149.0‐279.5). Younger age group, place of living and low educational level of caregivers were associated with developing RSV‐LRTI. Clinical manifestations had low levels of agreement with hypoxaemia as measured by pulse oximeter. Conclusion: The highest burden of RSV was observed in young infants aged 3‐5 months, whereas the burden was also high in those aged 12‐20 months. Future vaccination strategies should consider the protection of older children, especially those aged one year, as well as young infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is of great concern in public health. It remains unclear whether viral infections can affect the host's susceptibility to subsequent ARIs.Methods: A prospective cohort study on ARIs of children below 5 years old was conducted in the Philippines from 2014 to 2016. The respiratory symptoms were recorded daily, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected at both household and health facilities. The specimens were tested for respiratory viruses. We then determined whether viral etiology was associated with the severity of the present ARI and whether previous viral infections was associated with subsequent ARIs.Results: A total of 3851 children and 16337 ARI episodes were enrolled and recorded, respectively. Samples were collected from 24% of all ARI episodes; collection rate at the healthcare facilities was 95%. Enterovirus D68, rhinovirus species C, and respiratory syncytial virus were significantly associated with severe ARIs. The risk for subsequent ARIs was significantly enhanced after infections with adenovirus, influenza A virus, parainfluenza virus type 4, and rhinovirus species C.Conclusions: This study revealed that viral etiology plays a significant role in the severity of the present ARI and that viral infection affects the host's susceptibility to subsequent ARIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FEAT, the protein encoded by methyltransferase‐like 13 (METTL13), is aberrantly upregulated in most human cancers and potently drives tumorigenesis in vivo; however, its role in normal tissues remains elusive. Immunoblotting has displayed weak FEAT expression in normal human tissues, including the testis. Here, we found that FEAT is expressed in fetal and adult Leydig cells in the testis. FEAT knockdown using siRNA increased primary cilia formation in MA‐10 Leydig tumor cells, accompanied by enhanced 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Immunofluorescence analyses of FEAT‐silenced MA‐10 cells showed diminished insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) expression. A male Mettl13+/− mouse developed bilateral intraabdominal cryptorchidism, suggesting defective INSL3 production by fetal Leydig cells. Leydig cells from the mouse showed markedly decreased INSL3 protein by immunohistochemistry. Together, these results suggest that FEAT facilitates the INSL3 production in testicular Leydig cells that is essential for transabdominal testis migration. FEAT (METTL13) is expressed in fetal and adult Leydig cells in the testis. FEAT‐silenced MA‐10 Leydig cells showed diminished INSL3 protein. A male Mettl13+/− mouse exhibited bilateral intraabdominal cryptorchidism and markedly decreased INSL3 expression in Leydig cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the lowering of the operation temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has attracted much attention owing to the trade‐off between the best performance and the life span of SOFCs. For this challenge, new active sites on the Ni surfaces in a Nickel–Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia (Ni‐YSZ) cermet anode of SOFCs have been created by deposition of trace amounts of platinum oxide (PtOx) followed by an activation step of the anode at 1073 K in a hydrogen flow. The internal resistance (IR) free value (185 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V) observed for the single cell with an anode sputtered with a trace amount of PtOx (Pt content in anode: from 9 to 91 ppm) at 973 K is conspicuously higher than that of a similar single cell with a nonsputtered cermet anode (85 mA cm−2) at 0.8 V and 1073 K. Transmission electron microscopy microanalysis shows that the defect structure is formed on a partially oxidized Ni surface by active Pt species. Also, surface atomistic simulation on NiO (111) predicts the formation of Frenkel defect clusters with Pt cations, which partially cover the Ni surface. The formation of Frenkel defect clusters on the partially oxidized Ni surface (i.e., creation of new active sites for formation of water molecules) promotes the anode reaction, resulting in improvements in the anode performance of SOFC single cells at 973 K. Design of the aforementioned new active sites on Ni through sputtering of trace amounts of PtOx provides a great opportunity for "radical innovation" in the design of intermediate‐temperature SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which investigated radio frequency glow discharges in methane and hydrogen by spatiotemporal optical emission spectroscopy. Background to the study; Experimental method; Results and discussion.

Focuses on a study which examined the dependence of the characteristics of β-silicon carbide Schottky diodes on the Schottky metal and crystals grown by chemical vapor deposition. Sample preparation; Current-voltage measurements.

Non-deterministic constraint logic (NCL) is a simple model of computation based on orientations of a constraint graph with edge weights and vertex demands. NCL captures PSPACE and has been a useful tool for proving algorithmic hardness of many puzzles, games, and reconfiguration problems. In particular, its usefulness stems from the fact that it remains PSPACE -complete even under severe restrictions of the weights (e.g., only edge-weights one and two are needed) and the structure of the constraint graph (e.g., planar and/or graphs of bounded bandwidth). While such restrictions on the structure of constraint graphs do not seem to limit the expressiveness of NCL , the building blocks of the constraint graphs cannot be limited without losing expressiveness: We consider as parameters the number of weight-one edges and the number of weight-two edges of a constraint graph, as well as the number of and or or vertices of an and/or constraint graph. We show that NCL is fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) for any of these parameters. In particular, for NCL parameterized by the number of weight-one edges or the number of and vertices, we obtain a linear kernel. It follows that, in a sense, NCL as introduced by Hearn and Demaine is defined in the most economical way for the purpose of capturing PSPACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) is a rare and newly identified disease among patients requiring cardiac transplantation. TGCV is characterized by cardiomyocyte steatosis and triglyceride (TG)-deposit atherosclerosis, resulting from the abnormal intracellular metabolism of TG. TGCV is classified into primary and idiopathic types. Primary TGCV carries ultra-rare genetic mutations in the adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a rate-liming enzyme that hydrolyzes intracellular TG in adipose and non-adipose tissues. Idiopathic TGCV, first identified among autopsied individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) with severe heart diseases, shows no ATGL mutations and its causes and underlying mechanisms are still unknown. TGCV is difficult to diagnose in daily clinics, thereby demanding feasible diagnostic procedures. We aimed to develop an assay to measure ATGL activity using peripheral leucocytes. Human his6-ATGL was expressed in COS1 cells, purified to homogeneity, and used to raise a polyclonal antibody neutralizing TG-hydrolyzing activity of ATGL. We developed a selective immunoinactivation assay (SIIA) for the quantitation of ATGL activity in cell lysates of leucocytes by the antibody neutralizing ATGL activities. ATGL activity was measured in 13 idiopathic TGCV patients, with two patients with primary TGCV as the negative control. Healthy (non-DM) and DM controls without heart diseases were also subjected. The developed SIIA assay revealed significant reduction in ATGL activity in leucocytes from patients with idiopathic TGCV who did not carry ATGL mutations as compared with non-DM and DM controls. Thus, ATGL in leucocytes may be an important biomarker for the diagnosis of TGCV and our assay may provide insights into pathophysiology and elucidate the underlying mechanism of TGCV and related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the computational hardness of the tiling puzzle with polyominoes, where a polyomino is a right-angled polygon (i.e., a polygon made by connecting unit squares along their edges). In the tiling problem, we are given a right-angled polygon P and a set S of polyominoes, and asked whether P can be covered without any overlap using translated copies of polyominoes in S. In this paper, we focus on trominoes and bars as polyominoes; a tromino is a polyomino consisting of three unit squares, and a bar is a rectangle of either height one or width one. Notice that there are essentially two shapes of trominoes, that is, I-shape (i.e., a bar) and L-shape. We consider the tiling problem when restricted to only L-shape trominoes, only I-shape trominoes, both L-shape and I-shape trominoes, or only two bars. In this paper, we prove that the tiling problem remains NP-complete even for such restricted sets of polyominoes. All reductions are carefully designed so that we can also prove the # P-completeness and ASP-completeness of the counting and the another-solution-problem variants, respectively. Our results answer two open questions proposed by Moore and Robson (Discrete Comput Geom 26:573-590, 2001) and Pak and Yang (J Comb Theory 120:1804-1816, 2013). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]