Low temperature magnetic properties of Nd2Ru2O7

We present magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and neutron diffraction measurements of polycrystalline Nd₂Ru₂O₇ down to 0.4 K. Three anomalies in the magnetic susceptibility measurements at 146, 21 and 1.8 K are associated with an antiferromagnetic ordering of the Ru⁴⁺ moments, a weak ferromagnetic signal attributed to a canting of the Ru⁴⁺ and Nd³⁺ moments, and a long-range-ordering of the Nd³⁺ moments, respectively. The long-range order of the Nd³⁺ moments was observed in all the measurements, indicating that the ground state of the compound is not a spin glass. The magnetic entropy of Rln2 accumulated up to 5 K, suggests the Nd³⁺ has a doublet ground state. Lattice distortions accompany the transitions, as revealed by neutron diffraction measurements, and in agreement with earlier synchrotron x-ray studies. The magnetic moment of the Nd³⁺ ion at 0.4 K is estimated to be 1.54(2)µ _B and the magnetic structure is all-in all-out as determined by our neutron diffraction measurements.

Improved On-Line Thoracic Duct Drainage for Lymphocytapheresis

Lymphocytapheresis using thoracic duct drainage (TDD) is a recognized technique of extracorporeal immunomodulation for various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its clinical benefit has been reported and generally accepted. Lymphocytapheresis using TDD is very selective for removing lymphocytes (especially helper T-cells) but raises some problems such as hypoproteinemia due to the massive removal of lymph, and difficulties in repeated treatment. Along with the development of a new polyester fiber filter, we have developed a simple and effective method of lymphocytapheresis for wide adoption for these techniques. We performed lymphocytapheresis using TDD in patients with RA and previously reported its clinical efficacy indicated by the significantly lower number of peripheral lymphocytes and T4/T8 ratio. We present here our newly-developed on-line system designed to prevent hypoproteinemia. Furthermore we report on the advantages with a new subcutaneous vascular access device set up to manage the problems of repeated treatments. A small reservoir for keeping the thoracic duct open and returning lymph to the patient permitted sufficient lymph drainage and removal of lymphocytes and the clinical application of TDD is discussed.

Abstract P2-09-33: Not presented

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

Semiconductor-Based Photoelectrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide: Stepping Towards Artificial Photosynthesis

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) carbon dioxide reduction process stands out as a promising avenue for the conversion of solar energy into chemical feedstocks, among various methods available for carbon dioxide mitigation. Semiconductors derived from cheap and abundant elements are interesting candidates for catalysis. Whether employed as intrinsic semiconductors or hybridized with metallic cocatalysts, biocatalysts, and metal molecular complexes, semiconductor photocathodes exhibit good performance and low overpotential during carbon dioxide reduction. Apart from focusing on carbon dioxide reduction materials and chemistry, PEC cells towards standalone devices that use photohybrid electrodes or solar cells have also been a hot topic in recent research. An overview of the state-of-the-art progress in PEC carbon dioxide reduction is presented and a deep understanding of the catalysts of carbon dioxide reduction is also given.

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 promotes chondrogenic differentiation during bone growth as a cartilage matrix factor

OBJECTIVE

Chondrocyte differentiation is crucial for long bone growth. Many cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins reportedly contribute to chondrocyte differentiation, indicating that mechanisms underlying chondrocyte differentiation are likely more complex than previously appreciated. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a secreted factor normally abundantly produced in mesenchymal lineage cells such as adipocytes and fibroblasts, but its loss contributes to the pathogenesis of lifestyle- or aging-related diseases. However, the function of ANGPTL2 in chondrocytes, which are also differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells, remains unclear. Here, we investigate whether ANGPTL2 is expressed in or functions in chondrocytes.

METHODS

First, we evaluated Angptl2 expression during chondrocyte differentiation using chondrogenic ATDC5 cells and wild-type epiphyseal cartilage of newborn mice. We next assessed ANGPTL2 function in chondrogenic differentiation and associated signaling using Angptl2 knockdown ATDC5 cells and Angptl2 knockout mice.

RESULTS

ANGPTL2 is expressed in chondrocytes, particularly those located in resting and proliferative zones, and accumulates in ECM surrounding chondrocytes. Interestingly, long bone growth was retarded in Angptl2 knockout mice from neonatal to adult stages via attenuation of chondrocyte differentiation. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments show that changes in ANGPTL2 expression can also alter p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity mediated by integrin α5β1.

CONCLUSION

ANGPTL2 contributes to chondrocyte differentiation and subsequent endochondral ossification through α5β1 integrin and p38 MAPK signaling during bone growth. Our findings provide insight into molecular mechanisms governing communication between chondrocytes and surrounding ECM components in bone growth activities.

Highly-conducting molecular circuits based on antiaromaticity

Aromaticity is a fundamental concept in chemistry. It is described by Hückel’s rule that states that a cyclic planar π-system is aromatic when it shares 4n+2 π-electrons and antiaromatic when it possesses 4n π-electrons. Antiaromatic compounds are predicted to exhibit remarkable charge transport properties and high redox activities. However, it has so far only been possible to measure compounds with reduced aromaticity but not antiaromatic species due to their energetic instability. Here, we address these issues by investigating the single-molecule charge transport properties of a genuinely antiaromatic compound, showing that antiaromaticity results in an order of magnitude increase in conductance compared with the aromatic counterpart. Single-molecule current–voltage measurements and ab initio transport calculations reveal that this results from a reduced energy gap and a frontier molecular resonance closer to the Fermi level in the antiaromatic species. The conductance of the antiaromatic complex is further modulated electrochemically, demonstrating its potential as a high-conductance transistor.

Antiaromatic molecules are predicted to have unusual charge transport properties, but are notoriously unstable and reactive. Here, the authors successfully fabricate an antiaromatic molecular circuit, based on a macrocyclic complex, displaying much higher conductance than its aromatic counterpart.

Fast x-ray detector system with simultaneous measurement of timing and energy for a single photon

We developed a fast X-ray detector system for nuclear resonant scattering (NRS) experiments. Our system employs silicon avalanche photo-diode (Si-APD) as a fast X-ray sensor. The system is able to acquire both timing and energy of a single X-ray photon simultaneously in a high rate condition, 10⁶ counts per second for one Si-APD. The performance of the system was investigated in SPring-8, a synchrotron radiation facility in Japan. Good time resolution of 120 ps (FWHM) was achieved with a slight tail distribution in the time spectrum by a level of 10^-9 at 1 ns apart from the peak. Using this system, we successfully observed the NRS from the 26.27-keV level of mercury-201, which has a half-life of 630(50) ps. We also demonstrated the reduction of background events caused by radioactive decays in a radioactive sample by discriminating photon energy.

Classification for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) complex based on physiology

We propose a new classification for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) incorporating both physiologic and morphologic characteristics. Additionally, we contrast it with the Chicago v 3.0 EGJ classification. With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients who underwent high-resolution manometry (HRM) and pH-study between October 2011 and October 2015. Patients with prior foregut intervention, pH study on acid suppression, esophageal dysmotility, or lower esophageal sphincter-crural diaphragm separation of >5 cm were excluded. We classified patients into three groups-Type-A: Complete overlap of lower esophageal sphincter-crural diaphragm (single high-pressure zone); Type-B: Double high-pressure zone with pressure inversion point (PIP) at or above lower esophageal sphincter; Type-C: Double high-pressure zone with PIP below lower esophageal sphincter. A total of 214 included patients were divided into Type-A (n = 101), Type-B (n = 32), and Type-C (n = 81). Abdominal lower esophageal sphincter length (AL), lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), and lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral (LESPI) were significantly lower in Type-C than both Type-A and Type-B [AL(cm): 0.2 vs. 2(P < 0.001) vs. 1.6(P <0.001); LESP(mmHg): 20.1 vs. 32.1(P < 0.001) vs. 29.2(P < 0.001); LESPI(mmHg.cm.s): 187 vs. 412(P < 0.001) vs. 343(P < 0.05)] while overall lower esophageal sphincter length(OL) and Integrated Relaxation Pressure (IRP) were significantly lower in Type-C than Type-A [OL(cm): 2.9 vs. 3.6(P < 0.001); IRP(mmHg): 8.2 vs. 9.6(P < 0.05)]. Type-C patients had significantly higher positive pH score (>14.7) than Type-A and Type-B [72% vs. 47% (P < 0.05) vs. 41% (P < 0.001)]. In Type-C morphology, there is both anatomical and physiological deterioration, weakest lower esophageal sphincter function (abdominal length, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure integral) and is most likely to be associated with pathological reflux. This proposed classification incorporates both physiological and morphological derangements in a graded fashion.

Role of prostatic fluid in cooled canine epididymal sperm

In this study, sperms collected from the right and left cauda epididymis were grouped into having canine prostatic fluid (PF) sensitization or not diluted with egg yolk Tris-fructose citrate extender, and stored at 4°C. The necessity of canine PF in cooled preservation was determined by elucidating the sperm quality after the storage. As a result, while there was no difference among all groups up to 48 hr of storage, after storage for 96 hr and more, a significantly lower sperm motility was observed in the group without being sensitized to PF than the groups with being sensitized to PF (p < .05, p < .01). Although sperm abnormality increased in all groups with increased storage time, the group without being sensitized to PF showed significantly higher sperm abnormality than did the groups with being sensitized to PF after storage for 24 hr and more (p < .01). From these findings, we concluded that PF was necessary for the cooled preservation of the canine sperm because these sperms were protected from any effects of low temperatures by being sensitized to PF.

Internal anomalies in thalidomide embryopathy: results of imaging screening by CT and MRI

AIM

To examine the prevalence and detailed radiological findings of internal anomalies in thalidomide embryopathy (TE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole-body image screening for internal anomalies using unenhanced whole-body computed tomography (CT) and head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 22 patients (13 women and nine men; mean age, 49 years; range, 47-51 years) with TE.

RESULTS

Among the 22 patients with TE, internal anomalies were detected in 19 (86.4%): anomalies of the auditory organ in 10 (45.5%), anomalies of the vascular system in six (27.3%), agenesis of the gallbladder in six (27.3%), hypoplasia or aplasia of the 7th or 8th cranial nerves in five (22.7%), block vertebrae in five (22.7%), fusion of the left lobe and quadrate lobe of the liver in three (9.1%), and others in five (22.7%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In addition to limb defects or hypoplasia, various internal anomalies can be detected at a high incidence in TE using CT and MRI. Understanding these characteristic radiological findings may help radiologists detect a wide range of radiological findings of internal anomalies associated with TE.

Design of Low Pt Concentration Electrocatalyst Surfaces with High Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity Promoted by Formation of a Heterogeneous Interface between Pt and CeO(x) Nanowire

Pt-CeO(x) nanowire (NW)/C electrocatalysts for the improvement of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity on Pt were prepared by a combined process involving precipitation and coimpregnation. A low, 5 wt % Pt-loaded CeO(x) NW/C electrocatalyst, pretreated by an optimized electrochemical conditioning process, exhibited high ORR activity over a commercially available 20 wt % Pt/C electrocatalyst although the ORR activity observed for a 5 wt % Pt-loaded CeO(x) nanoparticle (NP)/C was similar to that of 20 wt % Pt/C. To investigate the role of a CeO(x) NW promotor on the enhancement of ORR activity on Pt, the Pt-CeO(x) NW interface was characterized by using hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HXPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Microanalytical data obtained by these methods were discussed in relation to atomistic simulation performed on the interface structures. The combined techniques of HXPS, TEM-EELS, and atomistic simulation indicate that the Pt-CeO(x) NW interface in the electrocatalyst contains two different defect clusters: Frenkel defect clusters (i.e., 2Pt(i)(••) - 4O(i)″ - 4V(o)(••) - V(Ce)″″) formed in the surface around the Pt-CeO(x) NW interface and Schottky defect clusters (i.e., (Pt(Ce)″ - 2V(O)(••) - 2Ce(Ce)') and (Pt(Ce)″ - V(O)(••))) which appear in the bulk of the Pt-CeO(x) NW interface similarly to Pt-CeO(x) NP/C. It is concluded that the formation of both Frenkel defect clusters and Schottky defect clusters at the Pt-CeO(x) NW heterointerface contributes to the promotion of ORR activity and permits the use of lower Pt-loadings in these electrocatalysts.

Comparative study on the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections between trigger fingers with and without proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture

Trigger fingers with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture are suggested to have a poorer response to corticosteroid injection than those without contracture, though this has not been proven scientifically. We compared the clinical response to corticosteroid injection between trigger fingers with and without proximal interphalangeal joint contracture, and investigated the influence of the injection on the A1 pulley and flexor digitorum tendons using ultrasonography. One month after injection, pain was significantly reduced in the no contracture group, and 56% of trigger fingers with proximal interphalangeal joint contracture resolved. Before injection, relative thickening of the A1 pulley and flexor digitorum tendons, and a partial hypoechoic lesion of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon were observed in the contracture group. One month after injection, the thickening of the tendons and the A1 pulley was reduced, but the partial hypoechoic lesion was still observed in significant numbers. We have demonstrated that the presence of a proximal interphalangeal joint contracture was associated with a reduced clinical response to corticosteroid injection, and we suggest that the pathologic change in the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, represented by the partial hypoechoic lesion, contributed to corticosteroid injection resistance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Ionic interactions. Subnanoscale hydrophobic modulation of salt bridges in aqueous media

Polar interactions such as electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonds play an essential role in biological molecular recognition. On a protein surface, polar interactions occur mostly in a hydrophobic environment because nonpolar amino acid residues cover ~75% of the protein surface. We report that ionic interactions on a hydrophobic surface are modulated by their subnanoscale distance to the surface. We developed a series of ionic head groups-appended self-assembled monolayers with C2, C6, C8, and C12 space-filling alkyl chains, which capture a dendritic guest via the formation of multiple salt bridges. The guest release upon protonolysis is progressively suppressed when its distance from the background hydrophobe changes from 1.2 (C2) to 0.2 (C12) nanometers, with an increase in salt bridge strength of ~3.9 kilocalories per mole.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF HUMAN XANTHOMA

Specimens of human tuberous xanthomas obtained from two hyper-beta-lipoproteinemic patients were prepared with HE and Sudan III stain and by direct immunofluorescence with fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled antihuman beta-lipoprotein rabbit serum. In some histiocytes and foam cells in early stages, lipids were stained in granular patterns and specific fluorescence was observed. In some foam cell nests, specific fluorescence was weak or absent, and orange-colored lipid autofluorescence was present. The foam cells in such nests were probably late foam cells and corresponded to the large cytoplasmic foam cells stained densely and amorphously for lipids. It was concluded that at early stages of xanthoma formation, serum lipoproteins were incorporated into dermal histiocytes and early foam cells. The apoproteins of the incorporated lipoproteins were probably degraded and lipid residues accumulated in the cells. Specimens of tuberous xanthoma covered by plane xanthoma showed lipids and bright specific fluorescence at the basement membrane zone. A faint fluorescence was observed in the upper dermis and even in parts of the epidermal intercellular spaces.

Diffuse Liver Metastasis of Small-Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as Acute Liver Failure and Diagnosed by Transjugular Liver Biopsy: A Rare Case in Whom Nodular Lesions Were Detected by Enhanced CT Examination

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a subgroup of lung cancer with a high frequency of liver metastasis, which is a predictor of poor prognosis. Diffuse liver metastases of SCLC with no visible nodular lesions in the liver when examined using computed tomography (CT) are relatively rare; however, a few cases with rapid progression to acute liver failure that were diagnosed after death have been reported. In this paper, we report a 63-year-old man with diffuse liver metastases of SCLC that were histologically diagnosed using a transjugular liver biopsy while the patient was alive, even though no lesions were visible during a contrast-enhanced CT examination.

Defect structure analysis of heterointerface between Pt and CeOx promoter on Pt electro-catalyst

Pt-CeOx/C (1.5 ≤ x ≤ 2) electro-catalyst is one of the most promising cathode materials for use in polymer membrane electrolyte fuel cells. To clarify the microstructure of Pt-CeOx heterointerface, we prepared Pt-loaded CeOx thin film on conductive SrTiO3 single crystal substrate by using a stepwise process of pulse laser deposition method for the preparation of epitaxial growth CeOx film followed by an impregnation method which loaded the Pt particles on the CeOx film. The electrochemistry observed for the Pt-loaded CeOx thin film on the conductive single crystal substrate was examined by using cyclic voltammetry in 0.5 M H2SO4 aqueous solution, and a cross-sectional image of the aforementioned Pt-CeOx thin film electrode was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The electrochemistry observed for Pt-CeOx thin film electrode clearly showed the promotion effect of CeOx. Also, the microanalysis indicated that unique, large clusters that consisted of C-type rare-earth-like structures were formed in the Pt-CeOx interface by a strong interaction between Pt and CeOx. The present combination analysis of the electrochemistry, microanalysis, and atomistic simulation indicates that the large clusters (i.e., 12 (PtCe''-Vo(••)) + 2 (PtCe''-2Vo(••)-2CeCe')) that were formed into the Pt-CeOx interface promoted the charge transfer between Pt surface and CeOx, suggesting that the oxygen reduction reaction activity on Pt can be maximized by fabrication of C-type rare-earth-like structure that consists of the aforementioned large clusters in the Pt-CeOx interfaces.

Lactobacillus gasseri requires peptides, not proteins or free amino acids, for growth in milk

Lactobacillus gasseri is a widespread commensal lactic acid bacterium inhabiting human mucosal niches and has many beneficial effects as a probiotic. However, L. gasseri is difficult to grow in milk, which hurts usability for the food industry. It had been previously reported that supplementation with yeast extract or proteose peptone, including peptides, enables L. gasseri to grow well in milk. In this study, our objective was to confirm peptide requirement of L. gasseri and evaluate efficacy of peptide release by enzymatic proteolysis on growth of L. gassei in milk. Three strains of L. gasseri did not grow well in modified DeMan, Rogosa, Sharpe broth without any nitrogen sources (MRS-N), but addition of a casein-derived peptide mixture, tryptone, promoted growth. In contrast, little effect was observed after adding casein or a casein-derived amino acid mixture, casamino acids. These results indicate that L. gasseri requires peptides, not proteins or free amino acids, among milk-derived nitrogen sources for growth. Lactobacillus gasseri JCM 1131T hardly had growth capacity in 6 kinds of milk-based media: bovine milk, human milk, skim milk, cheese whey, modified MRS-N (MRSL-N) supplemented with acid whey, and MRSL-N supplemented with casein. Moreover, treatment with digestive proteases, particularly pepsin, to release peptides made it grow well in each milk-based medium. The pepsin treatment was the most effective for growth of strain JCM 1131T in skim milk among the tested food-grade proteases such as trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, calf rennet, ficin, bromelain, and papain. As well as strain JCM 1131T, pepsinolysis of milk improved growth of other L. gasseri strains and some strains of enteric lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactobacillus reuteri. These results suggest that some relatives of L. gasseri also use peptides as desirable nitrogen sources, and that milk may be a good supplier of nutritious peptides to enteric lactobacilli including L. gasseri after peptic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This is the first report showing peptide requirement of L. gasseri and efficacy of pepsinolysis on the growth of L. gasseri and its relatives in milk. This study would contribute to increasing usability of L. gasseri and its relatives as probiotics in dairy foods.

Boron nitride nanosheet on gold as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction: theoretical suggestion and experimental proof

Boron nitride (BN), which is an insulator with a wide band gap, supported on Au is theoretically suggested and experimentally proved to act as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Density-functional theory calculations show that the band gap of a free h-BN monolayer is 4.6 eV but a slight protrusion of the unoccupied BN states toward the Fermi level is observed if BN is supported on Au(111) due to the BN-Au interaction. A theoretically predicted metastable configuration of O2 on h-BN/Au(111), which can serve as precursors for ORR, and free energy diagrams for ORR on h-BN/Au(111) via two- and four-electron pathways show that ORR to H2O2 is possible at this electrode. It is experimentally proved that overpotential for ORR at the gold electrode is significantly reduced by depositing BN nanosheets. No such effect is observed at the glassy carbon electrode, demonstrating the importance of BN-substrate interaction for h-BN to act as the ORR electrocatalyst. A possible role of the edge of the BN islands for ORR is also discussed.

Spin-nematic interaction in the multiferroic compound Ba2CoGe2O7

We demonstrate the existence of the spin-nematic interactions in an easy-plane type antiferromagnet Ba2CoGe2O7 by exploring the magnetic anisotropy and spin dynamics. The combination of neutron scattering and magnetic susceptibility measurements reveals that the origin of the in-plane anisotropy is an antiferro-type interaction of the spin-nematic operator. The relation between the nematic operator and the electric polarization in the ligand symmetry of this compound is presented. The introduction of the spin-nematic interaction is useful to understand the physics of spin and electric dipole in multiferroic compounds.

Discontinuation of leisure time impact-loading exercise is related to reduction of a calcaneus quantitative ultrasound parameter in young adult Japanese females: a 3-year follow-up study

A 3-year follow-up study on 334 young Japanese females enrolled in a university at the age of 18 years revealed that discontinuation of leisure time impact-loading exercises performed in junior high and/or high school was associated with increased risk of reduction in calcaneus osteo-sono assessment index (OSI).

INTRODUCTION

Bone strength rapidly increases during puberty and reaches its peak by the end of adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine the lifestyle factors that influence the maintenance of calcaneus OSI in young adult females around the time when peak bone mass is attained.

METHODS

Annual health checkups including OSI measurements, anthropometrics, lifestyle analysis, and blood examination were performed 4 times on 334 Japanese females enrolled in a university at the age of 18 years. According to the slope of OSI change during the 3-year follow-up, the subjects were grouped into two categories: OSI loss (the lowest tertile) and OSI gain/stable (the second and third tertiles).

RESULTS

At the baseline assessment, the OSI loss group had higher OSI and height and an earlier menarche age than the OSI gain/stable group. Performing leisure time impact-loading exercise in junior high and/or high school but discontinuing it at university was associated with increased risk of OSI loss, independent of OSI, height and weight at the age of 18 years, weight change during follow-up, age of menarche, energy-adjusted nutrient intake, and alcohol drinking; the odds ratios were 4.1-4.9 compared with those performing impact-loading exercise at university. In particular, duration, frequency, and subjective intensity of impact-loading exercise during high school were positively associated with OSI loss.

CONCLUSION

Discontinuation of leisure time impact-loading exercises performed during late adolescence is associated with an increased risk of OSI loss in young adult females during the 3-year follow-up period.