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We investigated the magma conduit system beneath three active craters that have repeatedly generated Vulcanian eruptions at Sakurajima Volcano, Japan, by analysing seismic, infrasound, and tilt data. The hypocentres of the earthquakes associated with the Vulcanian eruptions are distributed separately at shallow depths of approximately 0.5 km beneath the craters. Infrasound indicated that the swelling of the crater floor starts approximately 0.2 s after the occurrence of earthquakes and that the eruption starts about 0.3 to 0.5 s later. During an eruption, tilt vectors at a station approximately 2.7 km far from the active craters indicated a deflationary trend directed toward one of the three active craters. A 1-D conduit flow simulation indicated pressure build-up at a depth of 0.4–1.0 km beneath the crater, consistent with previously reported pressure sources during eruptions detected by geodesy. Volcanic lapilli emitted from the three craters have the same chemical composition; hence, Vulcanian eruptions of all three studied craters originate from a common magma source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcracks or micropores in rocks cause the elastic moduli to change with the applied strain owing to the nonlinear elasticity of the geomaterial, which causes temporal changes in the seismic wave velocity. Thus, variations in seismic wave velocity can be used as a proxy for understanding the strain or stress variations in the crust, which are crucial for figuring out the dynamics of the fault zones and volcanic domains. According to the theory of nonlinear elasticity, the second- and third-order elastic constants and strain tensors contribute to the strain derivative of seismic wave velocity changes. Although laboratory experiments have estimated third-order elastic constants for rock samples, the in situ values of those constants for the crust are difficult to obtain. In this study, seismic velocity changes were investigated in different directions of tidal deformations to provide constraints on the third-order elastic constants in the shallow crust by applying a seismic interferometry method to ambient noise records. We observed that negative velocity changes were of larger magnitude in the station-pair direction parallel to the tidal strain's direction. Nonlinear elasticity in shallow crust may cause anisotropic velocity variations in response to tidal deformations. Our results highlight the use of velocity change measurements in different directions of tidal strain to constrain nonlinear elastic parameters on a field scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we describe a highly potent gravitropic bending inhibitor with no concomitant growth inhibition. Previously, we reported that (2Z,4E)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienoic acid (ku-76) selectively inhibits root gravitropic bending of lettuce radicles at 5 μM. Based on the structure–activity relationship study of ku-76 as a lead compound, we designed and synthesized various C4-substituted analogs of ku-76. Among the analogs, 4-phenylethynyl analog exhibited the highest potency for gravitropic bending inhibition, which was effective at only 0.01 μM. Remarkably, 4-phenylethynyl analog is much more potent than the known inhibitor, NPA. Substitution in the para position on the aromatic ring of 4-phenylethynyl group was tolerated without diminished activity. In addition, evaluation using Arabidopsis indicated that 4-phenylethynyl analog inhibits gravitropism by affecting auxin distribution in the root tips. Based on the effects on Arabidopsis phenotypes, 4-phenylethynyl analog may be a novel inhibitor that differs in action from the previously reported auxin transport inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geysers are episodic features with variable eruption intervals that range from minutes to years. Although many previous studies on geysers have focused on subsurface properties and processes such as plumbing geometry and recharge process, it is known that erupting fluid column exhibits short-term behaviors such as individual water jets from the vent. In the present study, we conducted observations at Onikobe geyser, NE Japan, a relatively small geyser (geysering well) erupting water up to ∼6–8 m every ∼10 min and observed the erupting fluid column using a thermal infrared camera and an acoustic sensor. We succeed in tracking the water jets by analyzing spatio-temporal temperature map obtained from the thermal infrared observation, which clearly shows the eruptions at Onikobe geyser are not completely stationary but rather a series of intermittent jets with a short period interval of <1 s. We estimate the exit velocity by fitting a ballistic model under the air drag condition of inertial resistance to the jet trajectory. The exit velocity and the averaged gas volume fraction of the erupting fluid are estimated to be ∼4–79 m/s and ∼0.93–0.96, respectively. The exit velocity is ∼30 m/s during the first bursts, then it rapidly increases to ∼50–80 m/s for ∼15 s, and then decreases to ∼20–30 m/s until ∼10 s before the eruption ends. Time series analyses of the thermal infrared and acoustic signals during an eruption indicate harmonic spectra with integer multiple peaks. The fundamental frequency showing ∼4 Hz at the beginning gradually decreases to ∼2 Hz for ∼15 s, keeps almost constant in the following 30 s, and then slightly increases near the end of the eruption. These harmonic spectra may be caused by a resonance mechanism, non-linear fluid motion, and/or subsurface two-phase flow. We discuss the case of a closed organ-pipe resonance in a subsurface crack and attribute the frequency decrease to a decrease in the water level in the crack (an increase in the length of the resonating liquid-vapor column) and/or a decrease in the gas volume fraction of the liquid-vapor mixture in the crack. Since such harmonic characteristics are observed at other geysers, further simultaneous observation of the short-period oscillations on the erupting column proposed in this study with seismic observations of harmonic tremor may provide an improved understanding of geyser subsurface phenomena. • We observed short-period oscillation in the erupting column from thermal infrared observation and acoustic measurements. • We estimated the exit velocity of the water jets using a ballistic model under the air drag condition of inertial resistance. • Time series analyses of the short-period oscillation show spectral gliding and harmonics with integer multiple peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the characteristic behavior of successive earthquakes that closely occur in space and time is important to understand the generation mechanism of earthquakes and useful to assess a triggered earthquake, especially around the area, where a first large earthquake took place. Here, we analyzed the Global Centroid Moment Tensor catalog from 1976 to 2016 for shallow earthquakes with a moment magnitude, M w , of at least 5.5, and the F-net catalog, Japan, for 4 ≤ M w < 5.5 , to clarify the spatio-temporal characteristics of the successive earthquakes. We first sorted all of the earthquakes in time and removed the aftershocks that occurred in and around the faults of earthquakes with M w larger than the target magnitude range we investigated. Then, we selected source events from the beginning and searched for earthquakes that occurred within a horizontal distance (D) and a lapsed time ( T a ) from the source event to group them in clusters. Then, the source event was selected from the catalog in order, and the same procedure was repeated. We counted the number of clusters, each of which consisted of successive earthquakes, for different D and T a. To examine whether successive earthquakes were explained by random occurrences, we compared the results with simulations in which earthquakes occurred randomly in time but at the same locations matching the centroids in the real data. The comparison showed that the number of clusters for the simulation rapidly increased with D and merged with that for real data at a short distance, which is defined here as the triggering distance. We find that triggering distance is proportional to about 1/5 to 1/4 of the seismic moment (M 0) of the source event, and exponentially decreases with increasing T a . Relating the derived empirical scaling relations between M 0 and triggering distance from the equations in the ETAS model, we show that the observed exponents of 1/5 to 1/4 were well predicted from the estimated ETAS parameters in various regions around the world. These consistencies first show that successive occurrence of earthquakes is well explained by the ETAS model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the characteristic behavior of successive earthquakes that closely occur in space and time is important to understand the generation mechanism of earthquakes and useful to assess a triggered earthquake, especially around the area, where a first large earthquake took place. Here, we analyzed the Global Centroid Moment Tensor catalog from 1976 to 2016 for shallow earthquakes with a moment magnitude, M w , of at least 5.5, and the F-net catalog, Japan, for 4 ≤ M w < 5.5 , to clarify the spatio-temporal characteristics of the successive earthquakes. We first sorted all of the earthquakes in time and removed the aftershocks that occurred in and around the faults of earthquakes with M w larger than the target magnitude range we investigated. Then, we selected source events from the beginning and searched for earthquakes that occurred within a horizontal distance (D) and a lapsed time ( T a ) from the source event to group them in clusters. Then, the source event was selected from the catalog in order, and the same procedure was repeated. We counted the number of clusters, each of which consisted of successive earthquakes, for different D and T a. To examine whether successive earthquakes were explained by random occurrences, we compared the results with simulations in which earthquakes occurred randomly in time but at the same locations matching the centroids in the real data. The comparison showed that the number of clusters for the simulation rapidly increased with D and merged with that for real data at a short distance, which is defined here as the triggering distance. We find that triggering distance is proportional to about 1/5 to 1/4 of the seismic moment (M 0) of the source event, and exponentially decreases with increasing T a . Relating the derived empirical scaling relations between M 0 and triggering distance from the equations in the ETAS model, we show that the observed exponents of 1/5 to 1/4 were well predicted from the estimated ETAS parameters in various regions around the world. These consistencies first show that successive occurrence of earthquakes is well explained by the ETAS model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classification of volcanic tremors and earthquakes is an important part of volcano monitoring. Conventional classification technique relies on visual characterization of the amplitudes, frequency, or duration of seismic signals. In some cases, such classification is difficult to be maintained continuously, especially during high eruptive activities. In the present study, we develop a classification technique based on analyses of seismic wave correlation. The technique is based on a measure of spatial coherence using the distribution width of eigenvalues from the seismic covariance matrix that is referred to as 'spectral width'. We use the spectral width characteristics to extract the frequencies where the seismic signals are the most spatially coherent. We analyse 6-month continuous seismic data at six seismic stations deployed on Sakurajima volcano, Japan. The classification is performed every 10 min to recognize volcanic tremor and B-type earthquakes, both of which show unclear onsets and are dominant at around 1–4 Hz. Their frequencies of high spatial coherence are different from each other, providing a basis for automatic classification of both types of seismic events. Our classification results show that an increase in seismic activity, particularly volcanic tremors, occurred during high eruptive activity and is well matched with the events that are routinely determined by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) based on visual examination of the data. We discuss the volcanic activities by combining our classification results with those from detections and location methods based on seismic correlation. Most of the source locations of volcanic tremor and B-type earthquakes are distributed at the same region with depths of less than 4 km beneath the active craters, which are almost consistent with the source locations of explosion earthquakes and B-type earthquakes determined from P -wave onsets in the previous studies. Also, the distribution of horizontal locations is spatially elongated at shallow depths above a dyke that is inferred to extend from Aira caldera at a depth of 7–9 km. We obtain deep and shallow sources for the tremor that occurred before and after an explosive eruption, respectively. We also obtain shallow sources beneath the active crater during a continuous tremor that accompanies increasing eruptive activity. The source locations of the classified volcanic tremor and B-type earthquakes may represent the movement of magma and gas from the shallow magma chamber at 5 km depth to the active craters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the association between intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and 30-day outcomes. This study was a secondary analysis of data from the SAVE-J II study, a retrospective, multicenter registry study involving 36 participating institutions in Japan. Patients with cardiac arrest caused by ACS who received ECPR were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they received IABP. The primary outcome was 30-day survival. Subgroup analysis was performed to detect what type of patients were mostly associated with improved outcomes. Of 2,157 patients registered in the SAVE-J II study, 877 patients were enrolled in this study, 702 patients in the IABP group and 175 patients in the non-IABP group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis did not reveal a significant difference in 30-day survival (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.91–2.07, p = 0.13). In the subgroup analysis, 30-day survival among patients without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenosis of multiple coronary vessels were associated with IABP use. IABP use in patients with OHCA with ACS who received ECPR is not associated with 30-day survival. The use of IABP in patients who did not have PCI and have multiple coronary vessel stenoses warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze seismic waves excited by small Strombolian explosions to understand the source process of volcanic explosions. We deployed five broadband seismometers at only 100–300 m away from the active craters of Stromboli volcano, Italy. Moment tensor inversion of the entire seismic signals in the 0.05–0.2 Hz band locates the source at a depth of 170 and 150–200 m west/southwest of the crater where acoustic waves are excited. Contrary, the sources of seismic waves in the 0.2–0.5 and 0.5–1.0 Hz bands are excited almost at the explosion onset and are located close to the crater. We show for the first time that explosions are preceded of about 10–20 s by a small amplitude seismic phase. Semblance analysis shows that this phase is radiated from a depth of 170 m beneath the western part of the crater area. Our analysis indicates that the source moves about 50 m toward the active crater 10–20 s before the explosion occurs at the surface. At the explosion onset, the source moves back to the same location of the small preceding phase. These lateral migrations of the seismic source are estimated by moment tensor inversion and semblance analysis. We suggest that migration reflects the bending of the shallow feeding system toward northeast. Seismic waves are thus reflecting the history pressure generated by the rising of a gas‐rich pocket in the very shallow portion of a magma mush and by the following restoring force occurring after the explosion. Plain Language Summary: We analyze seismic waves repeatedly excited before, during and after small explosions at the summit crater of Stromboli volcano, Italy, to understand the magma motions in the shallow conduit and reservoir system. To improve the spatio‐temporal resolution and detect slight movement of magma, we deployed broad‐band seismometers very close to the active craters with a distance range of 100–300 m. As a result, we succeeded in clarifying detailed horizontal spatio‐temporal change of seismic sources for about 1 min before and after each explosion. First seismic source, which is for the first time detected in seismogram as a very small amplitude phase, appears at a depth of about 170 m beneath the western part of the active craters. About 20 s later, the seismic source moves about 50 m toward the craters to generate an explosion. Just after the explosion, the seismic source moves back to the west where the initial small seismic source is located. Such detailed horizontal spatio‐temporal change reflects the migration and/or the resonance of gas‐rich magma batch in the very shallow reservoir. Key Points: Migration of seismic source in a set of explosion at Stromboli is estimated by moment tensor inversion and semblance analysesSource laterally migrates from the west to the crater just before an explosion, and moves back to the initial location during the explosionSmall seismic signal in the 0.05–0.2 Hz frequency band is detected 10–20 s before the explosive onset [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although data catalog analyses have confirmed that volcanic eruptions are triggered by large earthquakes, the triggering mechanism has been under discussion for many decades. In the present study, recent earthquake and volcanic data from the past 35–55 years were analyzed, and it was demonstrated for the first time that the likelihood of new eruptions increases two to three times in the 5–10 years following large earthquakes for volcanoes where the generated static dilatational strain exceeds 0.5 µ, which may, for example, activate gas bubble growth and thereby generate a buoyant force in the magma. In contrast, the eruption likelihood does not increase for volcanoes that are subjected to strong ground motion alone, which affect the magma system and volcanic edifice. These results indicate that we can evaluate the likelihood of triggered eruptions and prepare for new eruptions when a large earthquake occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present one of the first studies on source location determination for volcanic earthquakes and characterization of volcanic subsurfaces using data from a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system. Using the arrival time difference estimated from well-correlated waveforms and a dense spatial distribution of seismic amplitudes recorded along the fiber-optic cable, we determine the hypocenters of volcanic earthquakes recorded at Azuma volcano, Japan. The sources are located at a shallow depth beneath active volcanic areas with a range of approximately 1 km. Spatial distribution of the site amplification factors determined from coda waves of regional tectonic earthquakes are well correlated with old lava flow distributions and volcano topography. Since DAS observation can be performed remotely and buried fiber-optic cables are not damaged by volcanic ash or bombs during eruptions, this new observation system is suitable for monitoring of volcanoes without risk of system damage and for evaluating volcanic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An association between the prognoses of trauma and sarcopenia has not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of elderly Japanese trauma patients with sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia. Methods: The medical records of patients aged ≧ 65 years old and Injury Severity Scores above 15 treated for trauma between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed, retrospectively. We measured the psoas muscle index (PMI), defined as the psoas muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra level divided by the body surface area. Patients of each gender with a PMI less than the lower interquartile range were included in the sarcopenia group. A questionnaire was mailed to the patients or their families to collect data on 1-year mortality and activities of daily living. Results: There were 405 patients included in this study: 304 in the non-sarcopenia group (Group NS) and 101 in the sarcopenia group (Group S). Mortality was significantly higher in Group S than in Group NS (NS; 7.9% vs. S; 15.8%, OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12–4.32; p = 0.027). Only 175 of the questionnaires were completed and the responses did not reveal any significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Sarcopenia as defined by the PMI may be used as an indicator for mortality risk for geriatric trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Source location determination of volcanic tremor has been a challenge in seismology due to the waveform complexity and difficulties in reading P - and S -wave arrival times. We present a method for locating volcanic tremor recorded at a seismic network distributed around a volcano. The method combines the source-scanning algorithm and cross-correlation analysis. Tremor records are processed using a technique adopted from ambient seismic interferometry to obtain stacked cross-correlation functions (CCFs) for all station pairs, which are expected to show high amplitudes at the lag time that corresponds to the traveltime difference between the stations. The best seismic source location is determined from the maximum of the sum of envelope amplitudes of CCFs at predicted traveltime differences between all pairs of stations. This method does not compute theoretical amplitudes, assume an initial hypocentre location or measure the arrival times. To quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of the location determination, we examine the method by using the vertical component seismic data of volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes recorded at six seismic stations at Izu-Oshima volcano. The VTs have been previously located by using arrival times of P and S waves, and the hypocentres are used as the reference for evaluation and error estimation of the method. The results show that the misfit, which is the distance between our estimated sources and the references, is about 2 km or less when using CCFs at the frequency band of 4–16 Hz which contains the dominant frequencies of direct S waves. To test whether the method can be used for volcanic tremor, we simulate the tremors by combining the observed VTs that occurred randomly in time in a localized region. The simulated tremors are determined with location errors of approximately 1 km or less, when the sources of VTs are located within a distance of 1 km and CCFs are calculated for a minimum data length of about 2 min. The volcanic tremor location method we present here can be used as an alternative tool for volcano monitoring, especially to locate tremors and seismic events with no clear phase arrival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Discovery of the Arabidopsis LAZY1 family as key factors of gravity signaling. • LAZY1 family proteins share molecular functionality despite their lack of similarity. • The plasma membrane is the site of action for LAZY1 family proteins. • Phosphorylation mediated by AGCVIII kinases is involved in plant gravitropism. Gravitropism is the directional control of plant organ growth in response to gravity. Specialized gravity-sensing cells contain amyloplasts that can change their position according to the direction of gravity. Gravity signaling, which is elicited by the relocation of amyloplasts, is a key process that redirects auxin transport from gravity-sensing cells to the lower flank of gravity-responsive organs. Despite the long history of research on plant gravitropism, a molecular detail of gravity signaling remained unexplained. Recent studies have characterized the Arabidopsis LAZY1 family genes to be key factors of gravity signaling. Furthermore, studies regarding Arabidopsis AGCVIII kinases have demonstrated the requirement of auxin transporter PIN-FORMED3 (PIN3) phosphorylation in plant gravitropism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It's quite important to clarify what physical parameters control the magnitude of volcanic explosion to understand magma processes in the conduit. Analyses of explosion earthquakes, which are associated with vulcanian eruptions, enable us to quantitatively evaluate dynamic process of the explosive eruptions. In the present study, we analyze hundreds of explosion earthquakes recorded at Sakurajima volcano, Japan, during 2012–2013. Applying a spectral ratio method that can retrieve the source spectral information without being disturbed by heterogeneous structure to three-component seismograms recorded at three stations operated by Japan Meteorological Agency, we examine scaling relations in explosion earthquakes. To obtain an averaged feature, we group the observed explosion earthquakes into five classes (I, II, III, IV, V) according to their maximum amplitudes and calculate the spectral ratios between the five classes. Because vulcanian eruptions continue to effuse volcanic ash for several to tens of minutes, spectral amplitude ratios are calculated by shifting a time window of 10 s for five successive 10s-long time windows from the onset to coda wave. The results show that the spectral amplitude ratios are characterized by the low and high corner frequencies: about 2 Hz and 3.5 Hz, respectively. With increasing the magnitude of explosion earthquakes, amplitude ratios at low and high frequency ranges, which are 0.5–2 Hz and 3.5–10 Hz, respectively, increase, while the corner frequencies do not significantly change. Since the explosion earthquakes at Sakurajima volcano occur at a same crater without changing the vent radius, the observed spectral amplitude ratio change may be attributed to pressure changes in the conduit. Another finding is that the amplitudes of spectral ratio gradually decrease with lapse time keeping the corner frequencies. Such a lapse time dependence of spectral ratios is completely different from those of tectonic earthquakes in which direct and coda waves show a same spectral amplitude ratio. We infer that the early part of the seismic waves of explosion earthquakes is generated by an initial rapid pressure release in the conduit while coda waves are by successive oscillations of the magma system during continuous ash emission. • Lapse time dependence of spectral ratios of volcanic explosion eartquakes is completely different from those of tectonic earthquakes. • The amplitudes of spectral ratio gradually decrease with lapse time while the corner frequencies do not change significantly. • Lapse time dependence is caused by an initial rapid pressure in the conduit followed by continuous ash emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant organs control their growth orientation in response to gravity. Within gravity-sensing cells, the input (gravity sensing) and signal conversion (gravity signalling) progress sequentially. The cells contain a number of high-density, starch-accumulating amyloplasts, which sense gravity when they reposition themselves by sedimentation to the bottom of the cell when the plant organ is re-orientated. This triggers the next step of gravity signalling, when the physical signal generated by the sedimentation of the amyloplasts is converted into a biochemical signal, which redirects auxin transport towards the lower flank of the plant organ. This review focuses on recent advances in our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms that underlie amyloplast sedimentation and the system by which this is perceived, and on recent progress in characterising the factors that play significant roles in gravity signalling by which the sedimentation is linked to the regulation of directional auxin transport. Finally, we discuss the contribution of gravity signalling factors to the mechanisms that control the gravitropic set-point angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate seismic velocity changes in response to the tidal strain at Izu‐Oshima volcano, Japan, by analyzing the data of permanent seismic stations and a small seismic array to evaluate the characteristics of strain sensitivity of velocity changes. We estimate the seismic velocity changes by phase differences between cross‐correlations functions of ambient noises at the frequency of 2–4 Hz stacked for time periods with different tidal strain amplitudes. The seismic velocity changes decrease and increase during dilatation and contraction periods, respectively, when analyzing the cross‐correlations functions at early lapse times ranging from 2 to 7 s. The strain sensitivity of seismic velocity changes is estimated to be −2.1±0.2×104 at the early lapse times. However, we find that strain sensitivity of the seismic velocity changes decreases when analyzing the cross‐correlation functions at later lapse times from 7 s to 35 s. Applying an array analysis to the cross‐correlation functions, we observe apparent velocities of about 1 km/s at the early lapse times and those of higher than 1 km/s at the late lapse times. Since the group velocity of Rayleigh waves is 1.1 km/s at Izu‐Oshima volcano, the apparent velocities at the late lapse times may indicate the scattered or reflected body waves incident from a deeper region. Decrease of strain sensitivity with the lapse times therefore results from the emergence of body waves on the late lapse times. These results highlight the need to pay attention to wave types of cross‐correlation functions and their paths to interpret seismic velocity changes. Key Points: Seismic velocity decreases and increases during dilatation and contraction periods, respectively, at lapse times from 2 to 7 sArray analysis enables us to understand wave properties of cross‐correlations functions accuratelyStrain sensitivity of seismic velocity changes decreases with lapse times because scattered body waves contaminate the cross‐correlation functions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interaction between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions is investigated by analyzing a modern seismic data catalog of centroid moment tensor solutions and eruption records summarized by the Smithsonian Institution. To determine the average features of the interactions, the numbers of earthquakes that occurred before and after the initiation of each eruption with a volcanic explosivity index of larger than or equal to 2 are analyzed. The results show that moderate earthquakes, which have moment magnitudes of 5 to 6 (Mw 5–6), are activated within a horizontal distance of 50 km from volcanoes for about 0.3 years after the initiation of an eruption. About 13% of volcanic eruptions are accompanied by moderate earthquakes. The occurrence possibility of earthquakes every 0.1 years for 0.3 years after an eruption is about 5 times larger than normal. No significant dependence on the tectonic settings and major rock types is recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a large earthquake occurs near an active volcano, there is often concern that volcanic eruptions may be triggered by the earthquake. In this study, recently accumulated, reliable data were analyzed to quantitatively evaluate the probability of the occurrence of new eruptions of volcanoes located near the epicenters of large earthquakes. For volcanoes located within 200 km of large earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 or greater, the eruption occurrence probability increases by approximately 50% for 5 years after the earthquake origin time. However, no significant increase in the occurrence probability of new eruptions was observed at distant volcanoes or for smaller earthquakes. The present results strongly suggest that new eruptions are likely triggered by static stress changes and/or strong ground motions caused by nearby large earthquakes. This is not similar to the previously presented evidence that volcanic earthquakes at distant volcanoes are remotely triggered by surface waves generated by large earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the stress sensitivity of velocity changes at Izu-Oshima in Japan using seismic interferometry method. We calculate cross correlation functions (CCFs) of ambient noises recorded by four seismic stations on the active volcano from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015 at 0.5-1 Hz, 1-2 Hz, and 2-4 Hz. Applying moving time windows to calculate cross spectrum between daily CCFs and reference CCF, which is the average for the all observation period, we compute daily velocity changes. The obtained velocity changes vary from −1% to 3% with a dominant period of about 1 year. We calculate areal strains by using Global Navigation Satellite Systems data at the volcano. It is evident that the velocity changes are well correlated with the areal strain changes whose linear trend is removed. The stress sensitivity of velocity changes, which are obtained from the observed velocity changes and areal strains, is lower at 0.5-1 Hz than that at higher frequencies: (7.1 ± 1.3) × 10−8 Pa−1 at 0.5-1 Hz, (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10−7 Pa−1 at 1-2 Hz, and (1.3 ± 0.1) × 10−7 Pa−1 at 2-4 Hz. Modeling the velocity changes of Rayleigh wave propagating in layered structures, we find that the observed velocity changes are concentrated in the upper 1 km of the structure. Since similar frequency dependency is recognized among the stress sensitivity of velocity changes reported in previous studies, we conclude that the velocity changes are localized in the shallow depth because of the increase of confining pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the evolution of fairness and coalition formation in a three-person ultimatum game in which the coalition value depends on its size. Traditional game theory, which assumes selfish and rational players, predicts the largest and efficient coalition with a proposer exploiting most of the total value. In a stochastic evolutionary model (the frequency-dependent Moran process with mutations) where players make errors in estimating the payoffs and strategies of others, evolutionary selection favors the formation of a two-person subcoalition under weak selection and in the low mutation limit if and only if its coalition value exceeds a high proportion (0.7) of that of the largest coalition. Proposers offer 30–35% of the subcoalition value to a coalition member, excluding a non-member. Multilateral bargaining is critically different from the bilateral one. Coalition-forming behavior may cause economic inefficiency and social exclusion. Stochastic evolutionary game theory thus provides theoretical support to explain the behavior of human subjects in economic experiments of a three-person ultimatum game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although serum complement factor 3 (C3) is an acute phase reactant mainly synthesized in the liver, several recent studies have shown high C3 gene expression in adipose tissue (AT). However, the relationship between C3 and AT levels has not been fully clarified in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Methods: A total of 164 T2DM patients (109men and 55 women) participated in this cross-sectional study. A computed tomography scan was performed to measure visceral, subcutaneous, and total AT. The correlation between these factors and C3 levels was examined using Pearson's correlation analysis. A multivariate regression model was used to assess an independent determinant associated with C3 levels after adjusting the explanatory variables (i.e., all ATs [visceral, subcutaneous, and total], and clinical features [sex, age, body mass index, waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, aspartate aminotransferase levels, alanine aminotransferase levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, log(triglyceride levels), estimated glomerular filtration rate, and log(high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels)]).Results: Serum C3 levels were correlated with visceral, subcutaneous, and total AT among both men (r=0.505, p<0.001; r=0.545, p<0.001; r=0.617, p<0.001, respectively) and women (r=0.396, p=0.003; r=0.517, p<0.001; r=0.548, p<0.001, respectively). In the multivariate regression model, the association between total AT and C3 levels remained significantly positive (β=0.490, p<0.001).Conclusions: Serum C3 levels are associated with visceral, subcutaneous, and total AT in T2DM patients. Furthermore, C3 levels seem to be a marker for overall adiposity rather than regional adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnaporthe oryzae, the fungus causing rice blast disease, should contend with host innate immunity to develop invasive hyphae (IH) within living host cells. However, molecular strategies to establish the biotrophic interactions are largely unknown. Here, we report the biological function of a M. oryzae-specific gene, equired-for-Focal-IC-ormation 1 (RBF1). RBF1 expression was induced in appressoria and IH only when the fungus was inoculated to living plant tissues. Long-term successive imaging of live cell fluorescence revealed that the expression of RBF1 was upregulated each time the fungus crossed a host cell wall. Like other symplastic effector proteins of the rice blast fungus, Rbf1 accumulated in the biotrophic interfacial complex (BIC) and was translocated into the rice cytoplasm. RBF1-knockout mutants (Δrbf1) were severely deficient in their virulence to rice leaves, but were capable of proliferating in abscisic acid-treated or salicylic acid-deficient rice plants. In rice leaves, Δrbf1 inoculation caused necrosis and induced defense-related gene expression, which led to a higher level of diterpenoid phytoalexin accumulation than the wild-type fungus did. Δrbf1 showed unusual differentiation of IH and dispersal of the normally BIC-focused effectors around the short primary hypha and the first bulbous cell. In the Δrbf1-invaded cells, symplastic effectors were still translocated into rice cells but with a lower efficiency. These data indicate that RBF1 is a virulence gene essential for the focal BIC formation, which is critical for the rice blast fungus to suppress host immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnitude-frequency distributions of volcanic explosion earthquakes that are associated with occurrences of vulcanian and strombolian eruptions, or gas burst activity, are examined at six active volcanoes. The magnitude-frequency distribution at Suwanosejima volcano, Japan, shows a power-law distribution, which implies self-similarity in the system, as is often observed in statistical characteristics of tectonic and volcanic earthquakes. On the other hand, the magnitude-frequency distributions at five other volcanoes, Sakurajima and Tokachi-dake in Japan, Semeru and Lokon in Indonesia, and Stromboli in Italy, are well explained by exponential distributions. The statistical features are considered to reflect source size, as characterized by a volcanic conduit or chamber. Earthquake generation processes associated with vulcanian, strombolian and gas burst events are different from those of eruptions ejecting large amounts of pyroclasts, since the magnitude-frequency distribution of the volcanic explosivity index is generally explained by the power law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are flat-faced hominins with an external nose that protrudes from the face. This feature was derived in the genus Homo, along with facial flattening and reorientation to form a high nasal cavity. The nasal passage conditions the inhaled air in terms of temperature and humidity to match the conditions required in the lung, and its anatomical variation is believed to be evolutionarily sensitive to the ambient atmospheric conditions of a given habitat. In this study, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with three-dimensional topology models of the nasal passage under the same simulation conditions, to investigate air-conditioning performance in humans, chimpanzees, and macaques. The CFD simulation showed a horizontal straight flow of inhaled air in chimpanzees and macaques, contrasting with the upward and curved flow in humans. The inhaled air is conditioned poorly in humans compared with nonhuman primates. Virtual modifications to the human external nose topology, in which the nasal vestibule and valve are modified to resemble those of chimpanzees, change the airflow to be horizontal, but have little influence on the air-conditioning performance in humans. These findings suggest that morphological variation of the nasal passage topology was only weakly sensitive to the ambient atmosphere conditions; rather, the high nasal cavity in humans was formed simply by evolutionary facial reorganization in the divergence of Homo from the other hominin lineages, impairing the air-conditioning performance. Even though the inhaled air is not adjusted well within the nasal cavity in humans, it can be fully conditioned subsequently in the pharyngeal cavity, which is lengthened in the flat-faced Homo. Thus, the air-conditioning faculty in the nasal passages was probably impaired in early Homo members, although they have survived successfully under the fluctuating climate of the Plio-Pleistocene, and then they moved “Out of Africa” to explore the more severe climates of Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Although relationships of serum bilirubin concentration with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in patients with type 2 diabetes have been reported, whether such relationships exist in patients with type 1 diabetes is unknown. Methods A total of 123 patients with type 1 diabetes were investigated in this cross-sectional study. The relationship between bilirubin (total and indirect) concentrations and log(UAE) as well as eGFR was examined by Pearson’s correlation analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the association of bilirubin (total and indirect) with eGFR as well as log(UAE). Results A positive correlation was found between serum bilirubin concentration and eGFR; total bilirubin (r = 0.223, p = 0.013), indirect bilirubin (r = 0.244, p = 0.007). A negative correlation was found between serum bilirubin concentration and log(UAE); total bilirubin (r = − 0.258, p = 0.005), indirect bilirubin (r = − 0.271, p = 0.003). Multivariate regression analyses showed that indirect bilirubin concentration was an independent determinant of eGFR and log(UAE). Conclusions Bilirubin concentration is associated with both eGFR and log(UAE) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Bilirubin might have a protective role in the progression of type 1 diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strombolian type eruptions are considered to be generated by a sudden release of a large gas slug that migrates upward in the conduit filled with a low viscous basaltic magma. We examine volcano deformations caused by such a gas slug to understand the Strombolian eruption mechanism from geodetic observation data. We model spatio-temporal pressure changes in the conduit by using a gas slug ascent model presented by James et al. (2008). As a gas slug ascends in the conduit, its volume expands because of depressurization. Hence, the magma head lifts up in the conduit and the upper part of the conduit wall is stressed. In the conduit, magma pressure increases with depth according to the bulk density of magma: the gas slug part with a low density is characterized by a small pressure gradient, while the other parts, consisting of melt, are characterized by a large pressure gradient. We numerically calculate volcano deformations caused by the spatio-temporal changes of magma pressure predicted from the basic equations representing gas slug locations in the conduit. Simulation results show that the radial and vertical displacements and tilt changes indicate volcano deformations that represent the inflation originating from the stress increase at the upper part of conduit. As the gas slug reaches the shallow part of conduit, the rate of inflation observed in the radial displacement decreases, the vertical displacement starts to move downward, and the tilt turns to show down toward the crater. These deflation signals are caused by a moving deflation source in the conduit that is formed beneath the gas slug. Since these predicted features are not observed in the tilt records associated with explosions at Stromboli volcano (Genco and Ripepe, 2010), it is necessary to modify the gas slug ascent model or to introduce other mechanisms to better understand the magma dynamics of Strombolian eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectonic tremors occurring on subducting plate boundaries are known to migrate at various timescales and migration speeds. Spatiotemporal patterns of tremor migration are key to investigating the rupture growth of slow earthquakes. However, spatiotemporal patterns are not sufficiently simple to visually define tremor migrations. This study developed a space‐time Hough transform to objectively extract tremor migrations. The space‐time Hough transform enables the extraction of multiple tremor migrations with various durations, migration directions, and migration speeds. We applied this method to a catalog of tremors for the period from 2012 to 2014, which was determined from the data analysis of a dense seismic array deployed in the Kii Peninsula, Southwest Japan. We successfully extracted 1,010 tremor migrations with durations ranging from 10 min to 24 hr. Along‐strike migrations propagating southwestward were predominant in the northeastern part of the Kii Peninsula, whereas those propagating northeastward were principal in the southwestern part. Regarding the along‐dip direction, tremor migrations propagating in the up‐dip directions were predominant in the deep part, and those propagating in the down‐dip directions were principal in the shallow part. The patterns of along‐strike migrations were related to the distribution of tremor energies, suggesting that tremor migrations may be controlled by heterogeneous structures of frictional properties on the plate interface. We further found that the migration speed is proportional to the inverse of the square root of the duration. This relation implies that a diffusion process controls the growth of fault ruptures behind tremor migrations. Plain Language Summary: Tectonic tremors, which are continuous seismic signals with a predominant frequency of 2–8 Hz, have been discovered in subduction zones worldwide. The tremor activity continues for several hours to days, and source locations migrate at speeds ranging from 10 to 1,000 km/day. Tremor migrations provide us with key to understanding the associated fault ruptures. However, their durations, migration directions, and migration speeds have variations that are too large to be characterized visually. Therefore, it is necessary to objectively extract the characteristics of tremor migrations. We developed a space‐time Hough transform to extract tremor migrations and applied it to data from a tremor catalog in the Kii Peninsula, Southwest Japan. We extracted 1,010 tremor migrations with durations ranging from 10 min to 24 hr. The tremor migrations consist of long‐duration migrations at slow speeds and short‐duration migrations at high speeds. The migration speeds decreased as the durations increased, suggesting that there was a diffusion process behind tremor migrations. We identified four areas where tremor migration was active. Migration patterns are different in each area and are related to the distribution of tremor energies. The results suggest that the migration patterns may reflect the frictional properties of the plate interface. Key Points: We developed a new method using a space‐time Hough transform to objectively extract tremor migrationsTremor migrations show fine structures in which multiple short‐duration tremor migrations occur during long‐duration tremor migrationThe relation between migration speed (Vmi) and duration (T) follows Vmi ∝ T−0.5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnitude-frequency distributions of volcanic explosion earthquakes that are associated with occurrences of vulcanian and strombolian eruptions, or gas burst activity, are examined at six active volcanoes. The magnitude-frequency distribution at Suwanosejima volcano, Japan, shows a power-law distribution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This retrospective study aimed to determine the hypoglycaemic effect of 2 years of sitagliptin administration in terms of changes in HbA1c and C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) index (plasma CPR [ng/mL]/glucose [mg/dL] × 100). Methods The inclusion criteria for DPP-4 inhibitor-naive outpatients with type 2 diabetes ( n = 285) were: continuation of sitagliptin for ≥700 days from initial administration and measurement of HbA1c, serum CPR, and plasma glucose levels at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after sitagliptin initiation. Logistic regression analyses determined the factors contributing to the response to sitagliptin, based on responder (ΔHbA1c ≤−0.4% [≤−4 mmol/mol]) and non-responder (ΔHbA1c >−0.4% [>−4 mmol/mol]) groups. Results The HbA1c level decreased and CPR index increased from baseline to 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the start of sitagliptin administration (HbA1c: 7.4 ± 0.8% [57 ± 9 mmol/mol], 7.3 ± 0.9% [57 ± 9 mmol/mol], 7.4 ± 0.9% [58 ± 10 mmol/mol], 7.1 ± 0.8% [55 ± 9 mmol/mol], and 7.3 ± 0.9% [57 ± 10 mmol/mol], respectively, all P < 0.001 vs. baseline [8.0 ± 1.0%, 64 ± 11 mmol/mol] and CPR index: 1.69 ± 0.96, 1.71 ± 1.10, 1.62 ± 0.96, 1.64 ± 0.92, and 1.66 ± 0.96, respectively, all P < 0.05 vs. baseline [1.47 ± 0.81]). Higher baseline HbA1c level, shorter diabetes duration, and greater CPR index increase after sitagliptin administration were associated with the response to sitagliptin. Conclusions Our results suggest that sitagliptin improves glycaemic control via an improved intrinsic insulin response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Mice fed high-fat diet ( HFD) demonstrate obesity-related systemic insulin resistance ( IR). Aim of this study is to clarify the role of interleukin ( IL)-6 in IR in vivo focusing on skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver. Methods Plasma markers of IR and hepatic IL-6 signalling were examined in eight-week HFD feeding C57/ BL6 mice. Furthermore, IR-related molecules in skeletal muscles, adipose tissues and livers were investigated following a single injection of anti- IL-6 receptor neutralizing antibody ( MR16-1) in two-week HFD feeding mice. To investigate the role of IL-6 in hepatic steatosis by prolonged HFD, hepatic triglyceride accumulation was assessed in eight-week HFD feeding mice with continuous MR16-1 treatment. Results High-fat diet for both 2 and 8 weeks elevated plasma IL-6, insulin and leptin, which were decreased by MR16-1 treatment. A single injection of MR16-1 ameliorated IR as assessed by glucose and insulin tolerance test, which may be attributable to upregulation of glucose transporter type 4 via phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase as well as upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in livers and, particularly, in skeletal muscles. MR16-1 also decreased mRNA expression of leptin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha and increased that of adiponectin in adipose tissue. High-fat diet for 8 weeks, not 2 weeks, induced hepatic steatosis and increased hepatic triglyceride content, all of which were ameliorated by MR16-1 treatment. Conclusions Blockade of excessive IL-6 stimulus ameliorated HFD-induced IR in a skeletal muscle and modulated the production of adipokines from an early stage of NAFLD, leading to prevention of liver steatosis for a long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Aged; Psoas muscle area; Psoas muscle index; Barthel index; Sarcopenia EN Aged Psoas muscle area Psoas muscle index Barthel index Sarcopenia 329 330 2 01/22/21 20210201 NES 210201 We greatly appreciate the insightful comments from Dr. Safer and colleagues regarding our article [[1]]. In the letter, Dr. Safer et al. acknowledged two main concerns about our study: sarcopenia defined based on muscle volume estimation without any muscle strength evaluations, such as the hand grip test, and our methodology in estimating the psoas muscle volume. Given the concern regarding estimating psoas muscle using single slice CT at the L3 level in our study, Hamaguchi et al. reported that the total skeletal muscle index strongly correlates with the psoas muscle index [[6]]. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Macaca anderssoni, a fossil macaque from the Early Pleistocene of northern China, has attracted much attention from researchers in terms of reconstructing the biogeographic history of Asian macaques, while its phylogenetic position remains debatable. In the present study, we evaluated patterns of variation in external and internal craniofacial morphologies among four phylogenetic groups of extant macaques (the fascicularis, sinica, silenus, and sylvanus groups), using computed tomography and multivariate analyses. We also reassessed the holotype of M. anderssoni, a partial cranium preserving the face and palate, to evaluate the phylogenetic group to which M. anderssoni is most closely related. Facial elongation was found to be significantly influenced by size. The particular combination of some allometric and non-allometric shape components was found to reflect phylogenetic relationships; however, these features of M. anderssoni fall intermediate among the four phylogenetic groups, with no typical similarities to any one group. The variations in nasal cavity shape were found to reflect phylogenetic relationships but those of the maxillary sinus did not. Macaca anderssoni has a nasal cavity that is laterally expanded anteriorly and constricted posteriorly, a unique morphology among macaques and shared only with larger members of the sinica group. This unique feature is considered to be a derived condition among macaques, suggesting that M. anderssoni is phylogenetically related to the sinica group (especially M. assamensis, M. thibetana, and M. arctoides) and that the populations of the sinica group were distributed in northern China during the Early Pleistocene. Currently, the populations of the sinica group are not distributed in northern East Asia, while those of the fascicularis group are. Thus, probably due to climatic deterioration in the Late Pleistocene, the former lineage has retreated southward or has become extinct in this region, being replaced by the latter lineage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT The widespread and complex ecogeographical diversity of macaques may have caused adaptive morphological convergence among four phylogenetic subgroups, making their phylogenetic relationships unclear. We used geometric morphometrics and multivariate analyses to test the null hypothesis that craniofacial morphology does not vary with ecogeographical and phylogenetic factors. As predicted by Bergmann's rule, size was larger for the fascicularis and sinica groups in colder environments. No clear size cline was observed in the silenus and sylvanus groups. An allometric pattern was observed across macaques, indicating that as size increases, rounded faces become more elongated. However, the elevation was differentiated within each of the former two groups and between the silenus and sylvanus groups, and the slope decreased in each of the two northern species of the fascicularis group. All allometric changes resulted in the similar situation of the face being more rounded in animals inhabiting colder zones and/or in animals having a larger body size than that predicted from the overarching allometric pattern. For non-allometric components, variations in prognathism were significantly correlated with dietary differences; variations in localized shape components in zygomatics and muzzles were significantly correlated with phylogenetic differences among the subgroups. The common allometric pattern was probably influenced directly or indirectly by climate-related factors, which are pressures favoring a more rounded face in colder environments and/or a more elongated face in warmer environments. Allometric dissociation could have occurred several times in Macaca even within a subgroup because of their wide latitudinal distributions, critically impairing the taxonomic utility of craniofacial elongation. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:27-41, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indole-3-acetic acid ( IAA), an auxin plant hormone, is biosynthesized from tryptophan. The indole-3-pyruvic acid ( IPy A) pathway, involving the tryptophan aminotransferase TAA1 and YUCCA ( YUC) enzymes, was recently found to be a major IAA biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis. TAA1 catalyzes the conversion of tryptophan to IPy A, and YUC produces IAA from IPy A. Using a chemical biology approach with maize coleoptiles, we identified 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (yucasin) as a potent inhibitor of IAA biosynthesis in YUC-expressing coleoptile tips. Enzymatic analysis of recombinant At YUC1-His suggested that yucasin strongly inhibited YUC1-His activity against the substrate IPyA in a competitive manner. Phenotypic analysis of Arabidopsis YUC1 over-expression lines ( 35S:: YUC1) demonstrated that yucasin acts in IAA biosynthesis catalyzed by YUC. In addition, 35S:: YUC1 seedlings showed resistance to yucasin in terms of root growth. A loss-of-function mutant of TAA1, sav3-2, was hypersensitive to yucasin in terms of root growth and hypocotyl elongation of etiolated seedlings. Yucasin combined with the TAA1 inhibitor l-kynurenine acted additively in Arabidopsis seedlings, producing a phenotype similar to yucasin-treated sav3-2 seedlings, indicating the importance of IAA biosynthesis via the IPyA pathway in root growth and leaf vascular development. The present study showed that yucasin is a potent inhibitor of YUC enzymes that offers an effective tool for analyzing the contribution of IAA biosynthesis via the IPyA pathway to plant development and physiological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop an automatic system for the sampling of ash fall particles, to be used for continuous monitoring of magma ascent and eruptive dynamics at active volcanoes. The system consists of a sampling apparatus and cameras to monitor surface phenomena during eruptions. The Sampling Apparatus for Time Series Unmanned Monitoring of Ash (SATSUMA-I and SATSUMA-II) is less than 10 kg in weight and works automatically for more than a month with a 10-kg lead battery to obtain a total of 30 to 36 samples in one cycle of operation. The time range covered in one cycle varies from less than an hour to several months, depending on the aims of observation, allowing researchers to target minute-scale fluctuations in a single eruptive event, as well as daily to weekly trends in persistent volcanic activity. The latest version, SATSUMA-II, also enables control of sampling parameters remotely by e-mail commands. Durability of the apparatus is high: our prototypes worked for several months, in rainy and typhoon seasons, at windy and humid locations, and under strong sunlight. We have been successful in collecting ash samples emitted from Showa crater almost everyday for more than 4 years (2008–2012) at Sakurajima volcano in southwest Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine precursory signals of vulcanian eruptions at Suwanosejima volcano, southwest of Japan, by deploying seismic and tilt stations close to the active crater to understand the shallow conduit processes just before explosions. Vulcanian eruptions at Suwanosejima for the period from October 2009 to 2011 are often preceded by a sudden cessation of continuous tremor associated with continuous ash emissions. The amplitude of continuous tremor decreases within about 10 s, and tilt signal starts to show uplift of the active crater. Then, the pause of continuous tremor and uplift continue for about 1–2 min, and tilt amplitudes reach a few tens of nanoradians at a distance of 400 m from the active crater. As the pause time of continuous tremor before explosion becomes longer, the maximum amplitude of explosion earthquake and uplift signal become larger. Vulcanian eruptions are also observed during periods without continuous tremor. In these cases, tilt signals capture uplifts of the active crater for about 10 min before explosions and reach a few tens of nanoradians. Cessations of volcanic gas emissions are observed before some explosions during periods without continuous tremor (Mori et al. 2011 ). These observations suggest that pressurization in the shallow conduit is caused by an accumulation of volcanic gases and ash through the formation of ‘cap’ in the conduit, possibly composed of stiffened magma due to degassing, cooling, rheological changes, or other mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study examined serum alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) levels at first visit and their relationship with long-term normal serum ALT levels in hepatitis C virus ( HCV) carriers with persistently normal ALT ( PNALT). Methods HCV carriers with PNALT were identified as those patients with positivity of serum HCV RNA, ALT levels of 30 IU/L or less over a 12-month period on at least three different occasions, platelet count of more than 15 × 104 μl/mL and body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or less. Outcome was retrospectively studied in 49 HCV carriers with PNALT, who were followed up for more than 10 years. Results During the mean follow-up period of 14.7 ± 2.5 years, ALT levels of 30 IU/L or less were preserved in only eight patients (8/49; 16.3%). Among the 17 patients with initial ALT levels of 19 IU/L or less, nine patients remained with ALT levels of 30 IU/L or less after 10 years (9/17; 52.9%). The probability of ALT levels in PNALT being maintained at 30 IU/L or less was significantly higher ( P = 0.001) in these patients than in those with initial ALT levels of 20 IU/L or more ( n = 32). Abnormal ALT levels were more common in female PNALT patients aged 45-55 years, which is usually the time of menopause onset. Conclusion Because antiviral therapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is rapidly advancing, waiting for more effective and safer treatments may be an option. The results of this study provide an important insight into this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Miyakejima volcano, Japan, showed strong and interesting volcanic activities in 2000 with the occurrence of dike intrusions, caldera formation and a large amount of gas emission. To understand temporal changes of the volcanic structure associated with this activity, we apply ambient noise correlation analyses to the seismic records of five seismic stations at Miyakejima volcano from July 1999 to December 2002. We calculate cross-correlation functions (CCFs) for eight available station pairs at frequency bands of 0.4–0.8Hz and 0.8–1.6Hz, and retrieve the Rayleigh waves propagating with a group velocity of about 1.0km/s. Comparing CCFs obtained for each day with the reference CCFs that are calculated from a few months of data, we estimate seismic velocity changes before and after the 2000 activity. Results at the two frequency bands show seismic velocity increase and decrease. Shallow structure at the volcanic edifice on the flanks experienced a seismic velocity increase up to 3.3%. On the other hand, the regions located close to the collapsed caldera show a seismic velocity decrease down to 2.3%. To understand the mechanisms that may introduce these seismic velocity increase and decrease, we examine several possible mechanisms of the velocity changes: stress changes due to volcanic pressure sources and caldera formation, and topographic changes. By using the deflation sources previously determined from GPS data, we calculate the stresses at depths of 0km and 1km at the volcano. The results suggest that the seismic velocity increases observed at seismic paths on the volcanic flank are explained by the compression caused by the deflation sources associated with magma activity in 2000. Stress sensitivities of the seismic velocity changes are estimated to be 1.5×10−2 to 2.2×10−2 MPa−1 and 4.6×10−3 to 2.4×10−2 MPa−1 at frequency bands of 0.4–0.8Hz and 0.8–1.6Hz, respectively, which are in the range of the previously reported results. Our three dimensional numerical calculations on seismic wave propagation show that the seismic velocity decreases observed at seismic paths crossing the collapsed caldera can be explained by topographic changes introduced by a caldera. We further suggest that the seismic velocity decreases detected around the regions close to the caldera may originate from the dilated regions cause by formation of the caldera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diversifications in primate vocalization, including human speech, are believed to reflect evolutionary modifications in vocal anatomy and physiology. Gibbon song is acoustically unique, comprising loud, melodious, penetrating pure tone-like calls. In a white-handed gibbon, Hylobates lar, the fundamental frequency ( f0) of song sounds is amplified distinctively from the higher harmonics in normal air. In a helium-enriched atmosphere, f0 does not shift, but it is significantly suppressed and 2 f0 is emphasized. This implies that the source is independent of the resonance filter of the supralaryngeal vocal tract (SVT) in gibbons, in contrast to musical wind instruments, in which the filter primarily determines f0. Acoustic simulation further supported that gibbons' singing is produced analogously to professional human soprano singing, in which a precise tuning of the first formant ( F1) of the SVT to f0 amplifies exclusively the f0 component of the source. Thus, in gibbons, as in humans, dynamic control over the vocal tract configuration, rather than anatomical modifications, has been a dominant factor in determining call structure. The varied dynamic movements were adopted in response to unique social and ecological pressures in gibbons, allowing monogamous gibbons to produce pure-tonal melodious songs in the dense tropical forests with poor visibility. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monocot coleoptile tip region has been generally supposed to be the source of IAA to supply IAA to basal parts by the polar IAA transport system, which results in gravi- and phototropic curvature of coleoptiles. Based on this IAA transport system and gravitropism of maize coleoptiles, we have developed two screening methods to identify small molecules from a large chemical library that inhibit IAA transport. The methods detect molecules that affect (i) gravitropic curvature of coleoptiles; and (ii) the amount of IAA transported from the tip. From 10,000 chemicals, eight compounds were identified and categorized into two groups. Four chemicals in group A decreased IAA transport from the tip, and increased endogenous IAA levels in the tip. The structures of two compounds resembled that of 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), but those of the other two differed from structures of known IAA transport inhibitors. Four chemicals in group B strongly inhibited IAA transport from the tip, but IAA levels at the tip were only slightly affected. At higher concentrations, group B compounds inhibited germination of Arabidopsis, similarly to brefeldin A (BFA). Analysis of the cellular distribution of PIN2–green fluorescent protein (GFP) and PIN1–GFP in Arabidopsis revealed that one of the four chemicals in group B induced internalization of PIN1 and PIN2 proteins into vesicles smaller than BFA bodies, suggesting that this compound affects cellular vesicle trafficking systems related to PIN trafficking. The eight chemicals identified here will be a useful tool for understanding the mechanisms of IAA transport in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: Little is known about the appropriate use of peginterferon-α-2b (PEG IFN-α-2b) or ribavirin (RBV) in genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) patients with complete early virological response (cEVR). Female patients, especially the older, are known to experience inferior treatment outcomes. Method: A total of 150 CH-C patients with cEVR treated for 48 weeks ( n = 104) or 52-64 weeks ( n = 46) with PEG IFN-α-2b and RBV combination therapy were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the benefits of extended treatment. Results: In the 48-week group, patients without a sustained virological response (SVR) were more often female ( P = 0.004) and had received a significantly lower total RBV dose ( P = 0.003) than those with SVR. The SVR rate in these female patients was similar to males with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA negativity at treatment week 8 ( P = 0.413); however, it was lower than that in males with HCV RNA negativity at treatment week 12 ( P = 0.005). In the 52-64-week group, although the total RBV dose (mg/kg) after treatment week 48 was less in females than in males ( P = 0.027), the SVR rate in females was equivalent to that in males ( P = 0.604). Conclusion: Genotype 1 CH-C patients treated with PEG IFN-α-2b and RBV combination therapy without SVR were more often female and had received a lower total RBV dose than males. The smaller SVR rate in female patients with cEVR compared to males may be overcome by extending treatment even if the RBV dose is lowered due to anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two largely π-extended thienoacenes with internal thieno[3,2-b]thiophene substructures, i.e., bis[1]benzothieno[2,3-d;2′,3′-d′]benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene (BBTBDT) and bis(naphtho[2,3-b]thieno)[2,3-d;2′,3′-d′]benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene (BNTBDT), were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as an active layer in thin-film organic field-effect transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the basic characteristics of inflations at Semeru Volcano, Indonesia, to clarify the pressurization process prior to two different styles of explosive eruptions: Vulcanian eruptions and gas bursts. Analysis of data obtained from tilt meters installed close to the active crater allows clarification of the common features and the differences between the two styles of eruptions. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio and to determine the mean characteristics of the inflations, we stack tilt signals obtained from eruptions of different magnitudes and evaluate the maximum amplitude of the seismic signal associated with these eruptions. Vulcanian eruptions, which explosively release large amounts of ash, are preceded by accelerating inflation about 200-300 s before the eruption, which suggests volume expansion of the gas phase. In contrast, gas bursts, which rapidly effuse water steam accompanied by explosive sounds, follow non-accelerating changes of inflation starting 20 s before each emission. Tilt amplitudes increase with the magnitude of eruptions for both eruption styles. This suggests that the volume and/or pressure of magma or gas stored in the conduit before eruptions controls the magnitude of volcanic eruptions. These results further suggest that the magnitude of eruptions can be predicted from geodetic measurements of volcano inflation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the original description of Dolichopithecus (Kanagawapithecus) leptopostorbitalis, Iwamoto, Hasegawa and Koizumi, 2005, a moderately large-sized colobine monkey from the Late Pliocene of central Japan, affinities to the European Dolichopithecus rather than to the Transbaikalian Parapresbytis were noted based on the similarities in cranial morphology. Computed tomography scans confirm the presence of the maxillary sinus in the holotype, whereas it is probably absent in specimens of the European Dolichopithecus ruscinensis, the type species of this genus. This feature is either present or absent homogeneously in any given genus of living anthropoids. Its presence or absence is unknown in Parapresbytis, but the distinct morphology of the maxillary incisors in this taxon suggests that this form had different feeding habits from the Japanese colobines. These findings suggest that the Japanese colobine should be referred to henceforth as Kanagawapithecus leptopostorbitalis. Kanagawapithecus shares many important facial and dental features with Dolichopithecus rather than with Parapresbytis, but this association depends largely on the limited availability of comparable materials for the latter. Among colobines, the presence of the maxillary sinus is recorded only in Libypithecus and Cercopithecoides. The maxillary sinus is absent in all modern Asian colobines, implying that Kanagawapithecus is an isolated form without any relationship to living forms. Nevertheless, such phylogenetic interpretations are largely dependent on the restricted fossil evidence from the Pliocene and Pleistocene of eastern Eurasia and will be reexamined when new findings are made. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: Hepatic steatosis is one of the factors limiting the virological response to interferon-based antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) patients infected with genotype 1, while contradictory results have been reported for genotype 2. We aimed to clarify the effect of hepatic steatosis on therapeutic outcome and cumulative positivity of serum HCV RNA in CH-C patients infected with genotype 2 treated by peginterferon (PEG-IFN)α2b and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy. Methods: A total of 74 treatment-naïve non-cirrhotic CH-C patients infected with genotype 2 who received PEG-IFNα2b and RBV according to the standard regimen were divided into hepatic steatosis 0-10% and >10% groups. The clinical backgrounds, sustained virological response (SVR) rates and cumulative positivity of serum HCV RNA were compared between the two groups. Results: Among the 74 patients, 61 (82.4%) had hepatic steatosis 0-10% and 13 (17.6%) had hepatic steatosis >10%. Scores of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and hepatic fibrosis were higher in patients with hepatic steatosis >10% than hepatic steatosis 0-10% ( P = 0.040 and 0.042, respectively). Non-SVR was more frequent in patients with hepatic steatosis >10% than hepatic steatosis 0-10% ( P = 0.003). Cumulative positivity of serum HCV RNA was significantly higher in patients with hepatic steatosis >10% than hepatic steatosis 0-10% ( P = 0.004). Conclusions: In CH-C patients infected with genotype 2 treated by PEG-IFNα2b and RBV combination therapy, hepatic steatosis >10% was associated with increased insulin resistance, advanced hepatic fibrosis and higher cumulative positivity of serum HCV RNA, which lead to a higher risk of non-SVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iwate volcano, Japan, showed significant volcanic activity including earthquake swarms and volcano inflation from the beginning of 1998. A large earthquake of magnitude 6.1 hit the south-west of the volcano on September 3. Although a 1 km fumarole field formed, blighting plants on the ridge in the western part of the volcano in the spring of 1999, no magmatic eruptions occurred. We reconcile the spatio-temporal distributions of volcanic pressure sources determined by previously reported studies in which GPS, strain and tilt data from dense geodetic station networks are analyzed (Miura et al. Earth Planet Space 52:1003-1008, ; Sato and Hamaguchi J Volcanol Geotherm Res 155:244-262, ). We calculate the magma supply rates from their results and compare them with the occurrence rates of volcanic earthquakes. The results show that the magma supply rates are almost constant or even decrease with time while the earthquake occurrence rate increases with time. This contrast in their temporal changes is interpreted to result from stress accumulation in the volcanic edifice caused by constant magma supply without effusion of magma to the surface. We further show that data showing slight acceleration in strain can be best explained by magma ascent at a constant velocity, and that there is no evidence for increased magma buoyancy resulting from gas bubble growth. This consideration supports the interpretation that the magma stayed at 2 km depth and horizontally migrated. These findings relating magma supply rate and seismicity to magma ascent process are clues to understanding why no magmatic eruption occurred at Iwate volcano in 1998. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We advocate a simple formula which can conveniently predict the outcome of Peg-interferon (IFN) alpha2b and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy for genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) with high viral load. A total of 338 (group A: 230, Group B: 108) genotype 1 CH-C patients treated with Peg-IFN alfa-2b and RBV were enrolled. Clinical parameters differing significantly between sustained virological responders (SVRs) and non-SVRs in group A were categorized, then a simple formula to predict SVR was constructed and re-evaluated in group B. Another formula containing hepatitis C virus amino acid mutations/substitutions also was constructed. In group A, gender and HCV RNA load <1000 KIU were significant predictors of SVR by multivariate logistic regression analysis. A simple formula was constructed (formula A): male gender (point 2) + HCV RNA load <1000 KIU (3) + platelet counts ≥15 × 10 /mm (1) + age <60 (1). In group A, score (0-1) predicted SVR rate 23.8% (2-4): 48.1% and (5-7): 70.2%. According to this formula, score (0-1) predicted SVR rate 7.1% (2-4): 38.6%, and (5-7): 70.3% in group B. Information on HCV amino acid mutations/substitutions seemed to add some accuracy. This simple formula can be used to roughly determine, at the patients' first/second visit, the probability of response to Peg-IFN alpha2b and RBV combination therapy for genotype 1 CH-C with high viral load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpreting evolutionary history of macaque monkeys from fossil evidence is difficult, because their evolutionary fluctuations in body size might have removed or formed important morphological features differently in each lineage. We employed geometric morphometrics to explore allometric trajectories of craniofacial shape in two closely related species, Macaca fascicularis and M. fuscata. These two species exhibit a single shared allometric trajectory in superoinferior deflection of the anterior face, indicating that the differences in this feature can be explained by size variation. In contrast, two parallel trajectories are demonstrated in craniofacial protrusion, indicating that even if they are comparable in size, M. fuscata has a higher and shorter face than M. fascicularis. The degree of facial protrusion is most likely a critical feature for phyletic evaluation in the fascicularis group. Such analyses in various macaques would help to resolve controversies regarding phyletic interpretations of fossil macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]