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Study question To evaluate the effectiveness of chlormadinone acetate (CMA) for preventing premature LH surge in patients with normal ovarian reserve compared to cetrorelix. Summary answer In progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) than GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant), the incidence of premature LH surge was significantly lower, without significant difference in oocyte maturation rate. What is known already The GnRH-ant protocol is one of the conventional protocols which has some disadvantages including increased premature LH surge rate and cancelation rate. In recent years, the PPOS protocol has attracted attention as a new ovarian stimulation using progestin as an alternative to GnRH analog for suppressing a premature LH surge, however its efficacy is still controversial. In addition, many studies have investigated the reproductive outcomes of PPOS using medroxy-progesterone acetate or dydrogesterone; however, there are few reports of CMA, an oral progestin, which is inexpensive and widely used in Japan. Study design, size, duration This retrospective cohort study was performed in a reproduction center between March 2018 and October 2020 which included 977 Japanese patients with normal ovarian reserve undergoing PPOS with CMA (n = 299), or GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) with cetrorelix (n = 608) in their first IVF cycle at the reproduction center. In subgroup analysis, pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfers (FET) between PPOS (n = 284) and GnRH-ant (n = 579) were also compared. Participants/materials, setting, methods The inclusion criteria were patients aged < 40 years and AMH ≧ 1.1 ng/mL, who underwent autologous oocyte retrieval in their first IVF cycle with freeze-all strategy. The primary outcome was the incidence of premature LH surge, the secondary outcomes was oocyte maturation rate. To reduce the impact of treatment bias and potential confounding factors, we conducted logistic regression models with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW). Main results and the role of chance After IPTW, baseline clinical data were well-balanced between the two groups, including age, AMH, BMI, the duration, type, and cause of infertility, antral follicle count, the history of recurrent spontaneous abortion, and previous IVF attempts. The premature LH surge rate was significantly lower with PPOS (3.1%) compared to GnRH-ant (20.1%) (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.36). No significant differences were found in total gonadotropin dose (2400IU for PPOS vs 2400IU for GnRH-ant, p = 0.136), the number of oocyte retrieval (n = 15 vs n = 15, p = 0.484), oocyte maturation rate (78.8% vs 77.8%, p = 0.275), fertilization rate (73.0% vs 72.0%, p = 0.412), viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieval (40% vs 40%, p = 0.890), and good quality blastocyst rate (72.0% vs 69.6%, p = 0.092). However, the good quality day-3 embryo rate was significantly lower with PPOS (37.2% vs 49.1%, p Limitations, reasons for caution This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single center. The participants in this study were limited to Japanese ethnicity. The results need to be validated across different centers and other ethnicities. Wider implications of the findings This is the first report assessing the reproductive outcomes on PPOS using CMA, widely used in Japan. The PPOS with CMA significantly suppressed the premature LH surge rate compared to GnRH-ant protocol, without decrease in oocyte maturation rate. Trial registration number N/A

Daptomycin (DAP) is widely used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The emergence of DAP non-susceptible MRSA strains during therapy is a major concern in clinical settings. Recent studies revealed that MRSA spontaneously reverts to a subsequent methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strain. However, it is not clear whether DAP non-susceptible MRSA has the ability to revert to a susceptible strain. We obtained an MRSA strain pair, DAP non-susceptible strain and subsequent DAP susceptible strain, from a patient. To understand the underlying mechanism by which DAP non-susceptible MRSA reverts to a susceptible strain, we performed genetic and phenotypic analysis in the strain pair. Although whole-genome analysis revealed four missense mutations, including L826F in mprF, in both strains, the net cell-surface charge was similar between the DAP non-susceptible and susceptible strains. However, the thickness of the cell wall was higher in the DAP non-susceptible strain, which was decreased to the same level as the control after reversion to the DAP susceptible strain. Moreover, the non-susceptible strain showed higher mRNA expression of the two-component system (TCS), such as VraSR, yycG and GraS, with the up-regulated transcription levels of cell-wall biosynthesis-related genes. The expression levels of those genes were decreased after reversion to the susceptible strain. These results indicated that DAP non-susceptibility due to up-regulation of the TCS and cell-wall biosynthesis-related genes may be reversible by the discontinuation of DAP, leading to reversion to the DAP susceptible phenotype.

This article presents an investigation into the motorists' voluntary yielding behavior to bicycles and pedestrians at uncontrolled midblock crosswalk locations. Two study sites in the state of Mont...

Background Recently, some studies have highlighted proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors produce incremental low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering effect. However, it is unknown whether the lipid composition of plaque changes is associated with serum LDL-C reduction due to PCSK9 inhibitors administration. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) on coronary plaque component in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS). Methods A total of 67 non-culprit coronary segments were identified in 34 patients. These lesions were analyzed utilizing NIRS-IVUS at baseline and follow-up coronary angiography (CAG). The subjects were divided into two groups according to lipid-lowering treatment; administration of PCSK9i group (PCSK9i: 19 segments, 9 patients) and traditional statin treatment group (Control: 48 segments, 25 patients). The change of lipid-rich plaque distribution between baseline and follow-up NIRS-IVUS was defined as the change of maximal lipid core burden index (LCBI) score for each of the 4-mm longitudinal segments (maxLCBI4mm). Results Mean duration from baseline to follow-up CAG was 239.4±52.4 days in the PCSK9i group and 341.0±84.1 days in the Control group (p Figure 1 Conclusion Compared with traditional statin therapy, PCSK9i treatment resulted in a greater decrease in lipid component in non-culprit coronary plaques. Therefore, PCSK9i may be useful option in preventing from adverse coronary events for the patients with CAD.

We developed a miniaturized sensor based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (the mini-CRDS sensor) for the real-time measurement of trace moisture. The dimensions and mass were 24 cm × 9 cm × 13 cm and 2.7 kg, respectively, exclusive of the laser controller and data processing unit. The distance between the two cavity mirrors was 5 cm, and the internal volume and surface area of the cavity between the mirrors were approximately 4 cm3 and 16 cm2, respectively. The Allan-Werle deviation of trace-moisture measurement was approximately 0.46 nmol/mol at an averaging time of 10 s. The minimum detectable absorption coefficient for an averaging time of 10 s was 6.8 × 10−10 cm-1. The limit of detection (3 times the standard deviation) of moisture in nitrogen was 3.1 nmol/mol (3.1 ppb) in the amount-of-substance fraction (mole fraction). The relative standard uncertainty was tentatively evaluated as 10 % to 0.67 % for the range of 12 nmol/mol (12 ppb) to 1.3 μmol/mol (1.3 ppm). The measurement accuracy of the mini-CRDS in the above range was evaluated by comparison with a primary trace-moisture standard that is metrologically traceable to the International System of Units (SI), and the results demonstrated good agreement between the mini-CRDS and the primary trace-moisture standard.

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been conducting manufacturing feasibility trials of the toroidal field coil structures since 2009. Their feasibility was confirmed; however, since the structures were welded by using a one-side welding method, welding deformation was much larger than expected. By using a double-side welding method and optimizing the welding sequence, welding deformation can be minimized. Therefore, JAEA conducted full-scale trial manufacturing of basic segments to optimize the double-side welding sequence. After optimization, welding deformation was reduced. As a result, the double-side welding method will be used to manufacture the toroidal field coil structures as a manufacturer's selection.

Mechanical and electrical properties of Ketjenblack/silicone–rubber porous composites having 68–81% porosity were investigated. The porous composites had 1–6% compressive elastic moduli of composites having the same integrant without pores. The resistivity of the porous composite, under compression, monotonously decreased in a wide strain range (0–80%), while in a narrow range (0–10%) in the case of the composites without pores. Moreover, under cyclic compression, resistivity hysteresis was smaller in the case of porous composites compared to the case of composites without pores. These facts show that the porous composites are promising tactile sensor materials applicable to delicate or brittle objects.

Quaternary (Cr,Al)N-based nitride was synthesized from alloy targets by the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. The mole fractions of (Cr,Al,Y)N were 44 mol% CrN, 52 mol% AlN and 4 mol% YN, while those of (Cr,Al,Si)N was 49 mol% CrN, 47 mol% AlN, and 4 mol% SiN. As-deposited (Cr,Al,Y)N and (Cr,Al,Si)N films had a cubic NaCl structure, and their average surface roughness R a was approximately 8.1 nm and 6.3 nm, respectively. From thermogravimetric analyses, the weight of (Cr,Al,Y)N was observed to increase from 0.03 mg/cm 2 to 0.30 mg/cm 2 in the temperature range of 600 °C–1000 °C. In contrast, a linear increase in the mass gain of (Cr,Al,Si)N from 0.05 mg/cm 2 to 0.18 mg/cm 2 was observed up to a temperature of 1000 °C. Structural changes from single-phase cubic (NaCl) to wurtzite (AlN) and Cr 2 N occurred after thermal annealing in an ambient environment. During oxidation, metallic elements diffused toward the top surface, where the growth of oxides such as Cr 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 and Y 2 O 3 were confirmed. For the tribological test, the friction coefficient was below 0.6 under dry conditions at room temperature.

1. The study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of thrombomodulin alpha (TM-alpha), human-soluble thrombomodulin in rats. 2. Intravenously administered TM-alpha was eliminated in two phases (T(1/2 alpha) = 0.2-0.3 h and T(1/2 beta) = 6-8 h), and the elimination curve was linear in a dose range of 10-250 microg kg(-1). Based on the results of tissue concentration studies after reaching the steady-state, the highest concentration of TM-alpha was seen in the plasma, suggesting the low levels of transfer to tissues (or = 22% of plasma levels). 3. In vivo metabolism of TM-alpha was also analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The main peak observed in the plasma was TM-alpha, and even 72 h after the last dose of repeated administrations, 80% or more was unchanged form. Approximately half of the radioactivity excreted in the urine was recovered as a peak corresponding to TM-alpha. 4. The results reveal that although plasma clearance was lower in the renally impaired rats, the decrease was not large, with a difference of only about 20%. As a result, although the cause remains unclear, it is considered unlikely that the plasma concentrations of TM-alpha will vary considerably in patients with renal impairment.

We prepare copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/C 60 -based organic thin-film solar cells and investigate photo-excited carrier lifetime to reveal the carrier transport dynamics of the solar cells. The photo-excited carrier was generated by irradiation of pulsed laser light of Nd-YAG laser. The obtained carrier lifetime is much longer than that of estimated lifetime from the mobility of thin-film layers. This means the carrier transport cannot be described by a general carrier drift model. In addition, the carrier lifetime become short under white halogen light illumination. The results suggest that the trapping levels exist in organic layers..

Application of a uniform magnetic field is expected to be a promising substitute for utilization of the microgravity environment from the view point of damping of convection in electrically conductive fluid. Measurements of interdiffusion coefficients in In80Sn20, Sn95Pb5, and Ge97.5Si2.5 melts were performed in a wide temperature range up to 1473 K under a uniform and horizontal static magnetic field of 1 T by utilizing the magnetohydrodynamics effect in these melts.

A 43-year-old woman with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) received anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporin A (CyA) and achieved hematological remission. Although she had maintained hematological remission, the disease relapsed 10 months after arbitrary discontinuance of maintenance therapy with CyA. Resumption of CyA therapy was not effective, and her condition became complicated with progressive sinusitis with bone destruction, which was refractory to antibiotics, antifungal agents, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and surgical drainage. Because of the necessity for early neutrophil recovery (to resolve the infection), we proceeded with a combination therapy using allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) promptly followed by granulocyte transfusion (GTX) from the same human leukocyte antigen-identical donor rather than carrying out a second immunosuppressive therapy. The patient showed temporal resolution of infection on the second day after a single GTX. Although the patient had pneumonia on day 11, it was resolved promptly after engraftment on day 16. This report suggests the clinical utility of a salvage therapy with allogeneic PBSCT followed by GTX in a particular case of recurrent SAA with refractory infections.

The electric quadrupole coupling constants eqQ/h of 8B (I π = 2+, T 1/2 = 769 ms) and 13B (I π = 3/2−, T 1/2 = 17.4 ms) in single crystal TiO2 have been precisely measured by the β-NQR technique. The ratios of these Q moments to Q(12B) were determined as |Q(8B)/Q(12B)| = 4.882(32) and |Q(13B)/Q(12B)| = 2.768(24).

The momentum dependences of the nuclear spin polarization P and alignment A of 13B(I π = 3/2+, T 1/2 = 17.36 ms) produced in the 100A MeV 15N + Be collisions have been measured by detecting β-ray asymmetry. Because both the P and A were significantly smaller than the prediction from a simple kinematical model, some relaxation mechanisms must be take into account. Comparing the signs of the observed alignment of 12B, the sign of the quadrupole coupling constant eqQ of 13B in TiO2 was determined to be positive.

As the size of semiconductor devices continues to shrink, the control of dislocation nucleation is becoming a severe problem due to high accumulated stress. In this paper, we propose a method to infer the initiation points and slip systems of nucleated dislocations through a combination of TEM observation and dislocation dynamics simulation based on FEM calculation. In order to reproduce the behaviors of dislocations on the nanometer scale, we adopted the core splitting concept first proposed by Brown and employed by Schwarz. We applied our method to a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure. The initiation points and slip systems of four kinds of nucleated dislocations can be detected. It is found that the line tension of the dislocation strongly affects the loop’s final shape, unlike the macroscopic dislocations observed in wafer slip.

Experimental study on diamond and graphite formation with presence of metal catalysts under 6 GPa and 1300–1600 °C was carried out using pyrolyzed furfuryl alcohol resin (glassy carbon) or graphite and Mg(OH) 2 mixture. Diamond was formed from glassy carbon pyrolyzed higher than 1500 °C in vacuum. Graphite crystals were dominantly formed when glassy carbons pyrolyzed below 900 °C or graphite containing Mg(OH) 2 higher than 3 wt.% were used as starting carbons even by long reaction time (28 h) or diamond seeding experiments. Degree of graphitization of glassy carbon with catalyst metal was increased markedly under diamond-forming pressure and temperature condition. It was apparent that the lower degree of graphitization of starting carbon is not an essential factor to prevent diamond formation. The results revealed that graphite crystals were grown when starting carbons contained approximately higher than 1000 ppm of hydrogen. It was suggested that if the metal carbon system contains a higher amount of C–O–H fluid than that of threshold, diamond nucleation was prevented and graphite was dominantly precipitated.

Analisi della pruduzione recente dell'arte giapponese, con focus sulle origini, in particolare su Yayoi Kusama, fino al ritorno alla figurazione promosso dalle ultime generazioni

Dry deposition and dew components on pine foliage were measured from 1998 to 2000 on the urban- and mountain-facing sides of Mt. Gokurakuji in order to estimate the effect of anthropogenic activities to dry deposition and dew concentration on the surfaces of pine foliage. A leaf wash experiment was employed to determine the dry deposition rates on the pine foliage. The NO3− and SO42− dry deposition rates per unit surface area of pine foliage were 1.47 and 0.28 μmol m−2 h−1 respectively on the urban-facing side and 0.32 and 0.09 μmol m−2 h−1 on the mountain-facing side. Dry deposition fluxes of N (NO3−+NH4+) and S (SO42−) to the forest floors were 8.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and 2.8 kg S ha−1 yr−1 on the urban-facing, and 3.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and 1.8 kg S ha−1 yr−1 on the mountain-facing side, respectively. The higher dry deposition fluxes of N and S on the urban-facing side could be attributed to its proximity to traffic roads and the urban area. The concentrations of most ions in the dew were higher on the urban-facing side (U130) than on the mountain-facing side (M430). NO3− and SO42− concentrations in dew at U130 were 802 and 428 μeq l−1, respectively, while at M430 they were 199 and 222 μeq l−1, respectively, suggesting that higher dry deposition rates on the urban-facing side enhanced their concentrations in the dew on this side. The role of dry deposits and subsequently dissolved ones in dew on the needle surfaces is discussed in terms of pine tree damage by atmospheric depositions.

Quadrupole interactions of 12,14N in BN(hexagonal) crystal were studied by detecting β-NQR of 12N and FT-NMR of 14N, respectively. β-NMR of 16N(Iπ= 2-, T1/2 = 7.13 s) in MgO crystal was detected to determine the magnetic moment to be |μ(16N: 2 )| = (1.986±0.001) μN. Also, the β-NQR’s of 12,16N in TiO2 crystal were detected to be |Q(16N: 2-)| = (17.9± 1.7) mb. An abnormally small effective charge for neutrons is required to account for |Q(16N: 2-)|.

The β-NMR detection of 12B ( Iπ= 1+, T1/2 = 20.2 msec) implanted in a TiO2 (rutile) single crystal following a nuclear reaction showed that its spin polarization produced in the reaction is totally maintained during its lifetime. Two implantation sites with relative populations 9:1 were identified. The electric field gradients (EFGs) were determined to be q = +(37.1 0.5) 1015 V/cm2 with η< 0.03 and q = +(185 5) 1015 V/cm2 with η= 0.62 0.02 for the major (90%) and minor (10%) sites, respectively. The EFGs were compared with the theoretical values given by the band-structure calculation in the framework of the KKR method. TiO2 crystals with proper treatment can be a good “Spin Dewar” in which any short-lived nuclei can be implanted, and their spin polarizations as produced in nuclear reactions can be maintained during their lifetime