Using strain to uncover the interplay between two- and three-dimensional charge density waves in high-temperature superconducting YBa2Cu3Oy

Uniaxial pressure provides an efficient approach to control charge density waves in YBa2Cu3Oy. It can enhance the correlation volume of ubiquitous short-range two-dimensional charge-density-wave correlations, and induces a long-range three-dimensional charge density wave, otherwise only accessible at large magnetic fields. Here, we use x-ray diffraction to study the strain dependence of these charge density waves and uncover direct evidence for a form of competition between them. We show that this interplay is qualitatively described by including strain effects in a nonlinear sigma model of competing superconducting and charge-density-wave orders. Our analysis suggests that strain stabilizes the 3D charge density wave in the regions between disorder-pinned domains of 2D charge density waves, and that the two orders compete at the boundaries of these domains. No signatures of discommensurations nor of pair density waves are observed. From a broader perspective, our results underscore the potential of strain tuning as a powerful tool for probing competing orders in quantum materials.

Purification of hepatitis C virus core protein in non-denaturing condition

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Among its structural proteins, the HCV core protein has been implicated in liver disease. Understanding the role of HCV core proteins in viral diseases is crucial to elucidating disease mechanisms and identifying potential drug targets. However, purification challenges hinder the comprehensive elucidation of the structure and biochemical properties of HCV core proteins. In this study, we successfully solubilized bacterially expressed core protein using a high-salt and detergent-containing buffer and bypassed the denaturing-refolding process. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed three distinct peaks in the HCV-infected cell lysate, with the bacterially expressed soluble core protein corresponding to its second peak. Using a combination of affinity, size exclusion, and multi-modal chromatography purification techniques, we achieved a purity of > 95% for the core protein. Analytical ultracentrifugation revealed monomer formation in the solution. Far UV Circular dichroism spectroscopy identified 25.53% alpha helices and 20.26% beta sheets. These findings strongly suggest that the purified core proteins retained one of the native structures observed in HCV-infected cells.

Longitudinal Spin Fluctuations Driving Field-Reinforced Superconductivity in UTe_{2}

Our measurements of ^{125}Te NMR relaxations reveal an enhancement of electronic spin fluctuations above μ_{0}H^{*}∼15  T, leading to their divergence in the vicinity of the metamagnetic transition at μ_{0}H_{m}≈35  T, below which field-reinforced superconductivity appears when a magnetic field (H) is applied along the crystallographic b axis. The NMR data evidence that these fluctuations are dominantly longitudinal, providing a key to understanding the peculiar superconducting phase diagram in H∥b, where such fluctuations enhance the pairing interactions.

Distinct motifs in the E protein are required for SARS-CoV-2 virus particle formation and lysosomal deacidification in host cells

IMPORTANCE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused a global public health crisis. The E protein, a structural protein found in this virus particle, is also known to be a viroporin. As such, it forms oligomeric ion channels or pores in the host cell membrane. However, the relationship between these two functions is poorly understood. In this study, we showed that the roles of E protein in virus particle and viroporin formation are distinct. This study contributes to the development of drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus particle formation. Additionally, we designed a highly sensitive and high-throughput virus-like particle detection system using the HiBiT tag, which is a useful tool for studying the release of SARS-CoV-2.

Giant lattice softening at a Lifshitz transition in Sr2RuO4

The interplay of electronic and structural degrees of freedom in solids is a topic of intense research. More than 60 years ago, Lifshitz discussed a counterintuitive possibility: lattice softening driven by conduction electrons at topological Fermi surface transitions. The effect that he predicted, however, was small and has not been convincingly observed. Using a piezo-based uniaxial pressure cell to tune the ultraclean metal strontium ruthenate while measuring the stress-strain relationship, we reveal a huge softening of the Young's modulus at a Lifshitz transition of a two-dimensional Fermi surface and show that it is indeed driven entirely by the conduction electrons of the relevant energy band.

Clinicopathological Features of Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Focus on Patients Who Never Smoke and Never Drink

Introduction  Oral carcinoma has been reported at a substantial proportion in patients who never smoke and never drink. However, the proportion may vary by subsite and ethnicity. Objective  We aimed to determine the clinicopathological features of buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a Japanese population. Methods  We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients diagnosed with buccal SCC at our institution from September 2002 to November 2015. We reviewed the gender, age, tumor status, treatment, smoking, alcohol drinking, multiple primary cancers, and prognosis of the patients. The overall and cause-specific survival rates were calculated, and the effects of clinicopathological variables were assessed by univariate analysis. Furthermore, the cause of death was evaluated. Results  Among the 63 patients (men: 38; women: 25) included in the present study, 29 (46.0%) never smoked or drank. Women were almost 5 years older than men ( p  = 0.014). The number of women in the group who never smoked or drank was disproportionately higher than that of those in the smoker or drinker groups ( p  < 0.001). In total, 29 patients (46.0%) had 59 multiple primary cancers, including 26 oral cancers. Surgeries and radiotherapy were performed in 57 (90.5%) and 6 (9.5%) cases, respectively. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 74.6 and 78.8%, respectively. Conclusion  Our study confirms that buccal SCC may develop in older adult Japanese patients, especially in women who have never smoked or drank. These patients could be at risk for second primary malignancy.

N-linked glycosylation of flavivirus E protein contributes to viral particle formation

In the case of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), the envelope protein (E), a major component of viral particles, contains a highly conserved N-linked glycosylation site (E: N154). Glycosylation of the E protein is thought to play an important role in the ability of the virus to attach to target cells during transmission; however, its role in viral particle formation and release remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of N-glycosylation of flaviviral structural proteins in viral particle formation and secretion by introducing mutations in viral structural proteins or cellular factors involved in glycoprotein transport and processing. The number of secreted subviral particles (SVPs) was significantly reduced in N154A, a glycosylation-null mutant, but increased in D67N, a mutant containing additional glycosylation sites, indicating that the amount of E glycosylation regulates the release of SVPs. SVP secretion was reduced in cells deficient in galactose, sialic acid, and N-acetylglucosamine modifications in the Golgi apparatus; however, these reductions were not significant, suggesting that glycosylation mainly plays a role in pre-Golgi transport. Fluorescent labeling of SVPs using a split green fluorescent protein (GFP) system and time-lapse imaging by retention using selective hooks (RUSH) system revealed that the glycosylation-deficient mutant was arrested before endoplasmic reticulum (ER)- Golgi transport. However, the absence of ERGIC-53 and ERGIC-L, ER-Golgi transport cargo receptors that recognize sugar chains on cargo proteins, does not impair SVP secretion. In contrast, the solubility of the N154A mutant of E or the N15A/T17A mutant of prM in cells was markedly lower than that of the wild type, and proteasome-mediated rapid degradation of these mutants was observed, indicating the significance of glycosylation of both prM and E in proper protein folding and assembly of viral particles in the ER.

HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitor, Dihydroobionin B, and the Investigation of Its Extraordinary Specific Rotation

Dihydroobionin B (1), a chiral congener of known obionin B, was isolated from Pseudocoleophoma sp. KT4119, a freshwater fungus collected from a submerged wood block in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, in 2020. The planar structure of 1 was characterized by mass and NMR spectral analysis and confirmed by density functional theory (DFT)-based chemical shift calculations. Its absolute structure was determined by electronic circular dichroism spectral analysis. Notably, 1 exhibited an extraordinarily large specific rotation [[α]20D +1080 (c 0.056, CHCl3)], which was verified by DFT-based specific rotation calculations. However, these calculations indicated that the sign of the specific rotation based on static analysis was insufficient to determine the absolute configuration in this case. Furthermore, Pseudocoleophoma KT4119 produced coleophomapyrones A (2) and B (3) and coleophomaldehyde A (4). While this is the first report of 2 isolated from a natural source, it has also been prepared previously using a synthetic approach. Compound 1 potently inhibited HIV type 1 integrase (IC50 = 0.44 μM) without significant cytotoxicity. Finally, docking experiments were conducted to propose a plausible mechanism for the behavior of 1.

Sub-1.4 cm3 capsule for detecting labile inflammatory biomarkers in situ

Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal tract such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide are key signals and mediators of inflammation. Owing to their highly reactive nature and extremely short lifetime in the body, these molecules are difficult to detect. Here we develop a miniaturized device that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip to track these molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors1, we genetically encoded bacteria to respond to inflammation-associated molecules by producing luminescence. Low-power electronic readout circuits2 integrated into the device convert the light emitted by the encapsulated bacteria to a wireless signal. We demonstrate in vivo biosensor monitoring in the gastrointestinal tract of small and large animal models and the integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 form factor that is compatible with ingestion and capable of supporting wireless communication. With this device, diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease could be diagnosed earlier than is currently possible, and disease progression could be more accurately tracked. The wireless detection of short-lived, disease-associated molecules with our device could also support timely communication between patients and caregivers, as well as remote personalized care.

Expanded quantum vortex liquid regimes in the electron nematic superconductors FeSe1-xSx and FeSe1-xTex

The quantum vortex liquid (QVL) is an intriguing state of type-II superconductors in which intense quantum fluctuations of the superconducting (SC) order parameter destroy the Abrikosov lattice even at very low temperatures. Such a state has only rarely been observed, however, and remains poorly understood. One of the key questions is the precise origin of such intense quantum fluctuations and the role of nearby non-SC phases or quantum critical points in amplifying these effects. Here we report a high-field magnetotransport study of FeSe_1-xS_x and FeSe_1-xTe_x which show a broad QVL regime both within and beyond their respective electron nematic phases. A clear correlation is found between the extent of the QVL and the strength of the superconductivity. This comparative study enables us to identify the essential elements that promote the QVL regime in unconventional superconductors and to demonstrate that the QVL regime itself is most extended wherever superconductivity is weakest.

Integrasone Derivatives Isolated from Lepteutypa sp. KT4162 and Their Anti-HIV-1 Integrase Activity

Five integrasone derivatives, integrasone C (1), isointegrasone C (2), integrasone D1 (3), integrasone D2 (4), and integrasone E (5), were isolated from the culture broth of Lepteutypa sp. KT4162. Neither conventional NMR analyses nor DFT (density functional theory)-based computationally assisted chemical shift discussions were sufficient to elucidate the relative configuration of the 1,4-epoxydiol moiety. A combined analysis using the calculated ⁿJ_CH values and HMBC spectra was helpful to establish the relative configuration. The absolute configurations of 1-5 were determined using DFT-based ECD (electronic circular dichroism) spectral analysis. Biological assays of these compounds revealed that 2 potently inhibits HIV-1 integrase without cytotoxicity.

Superconducting spin smecticity evidencing the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state in Sr2RuO4

Translational symmetry breaking is antagonistic to static fluidity but can be realized in superconductors, which host a quantum-mechanical coherent fluid formed by electron pairs. A peculiar example of such a state is the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state, induced by a time-reversal symmetry-breaking magnetic field applied to spin-singlet superconductors. This state is intrinsically accompanied by the superconducting spin smecticity, spin density-modulated fluidity with spontaneous translational-symmetry breaking. Detection of such spin smecticity provides unambiguous evidence for the FFLO state, but its observation has been challenging. Here, we report the characteristic "double-horn" nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum in the layered superconductor Sr₂RuO₄ near its upper critical field, indicating the spatial sinusoidal modulation of spin density that is consistent with superconducting spin smecticity. Our work reveals that Sr₂RuO₄ provides a versatile platform for studying FFLO physics.

Unconventional superconductivity in UTe2

The novel spin-triplet superconductor candidate UTe₂was discovered only recently at the end of 2018 and already attracted enormous attention. We review key experimental and theoretical progress which has been achieved in different laboratories. UTe₂is a heavy-fermion paramagnet, but following the discovery of superconductivity, it has been expected to be close to a ferromagnetic instability, showing many similarities to the U-based ferromagnetic superconductors, URhGe and UCoGe. This view might be too simplistic. The competition between different types of magnetic interactions and the duality between the local and itinerant character of the 5fUranium electrons, as well as the shift of the U valence appear as key parameters in the rich phase diagrams discovered recently under extreme conditions like low temperature, high magnetic field, and pressure. We discuss macroscopic and microscopic experiments at low temperature to clarify the normal phase properties at ambient pressure for field applied along the three axis of this orthorhombic structure. Special attention will be given to the occurrence of a metamagnetic transition atH_m= 35 T for a magnetic field applied along the hard magnetic axisb. Adding external pressure leads to strong changes in the magnetic and electronic properties with a direct feedback on superconductivity. Attention is paid on the possible evolution of the Fermi surface as a function of magnetic field and pressure. Superconductivity in UTe₂is extremely rich, exhibiting various unconventional behaviors which will be highlighted. It shows an exceptionally huge superconducting upper critical field with a re-entrant behavior under magnetic field and the occurrence of multiple superconducting phases in the temperature-field-pressure phase diagrams. There is evidence for spin-triplet pairing. Experimental indications exist for chiral superconductivity and spontaneous time reversal symmetry breaking in the superconducting state. Different theoretical approaches will be described. Notably we discuss that UTe₂is a possible example for the realization of a fascinating topological superconductor. Exploring superconductivity in UTe₂reemphasizes that U-based heavy fermion compounds give unique examples to study and understand the strong interplay between the normal and superconducting properties in strongly correlated electron systems.

AB0045 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CD14 AND VIMENTIN-POSITIVE SYNOVIAL DENDRITIC-SHAPED CELLS AND SYNOVITIS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by multiple cell types, including infiltrating inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and spindle-shaped fibroblasts. Especially, we are focusing on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). In our previous study, we have reported that FLSs were positive for multiple markers including CD14, CD68 and HLA-DR, and were dendritic-shaped cells constituting nursing phenomenon between lymph or plasma cells. In addition, in our recent study, we found that CD14+FLSs were positive for vimentin (VIM), which is a marker for mesenchymal cells. There are still many issues to be discussed regarding CD14+VIM+ cells.

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between CD14+VIM+ cells and the degree of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

Synovial tissues collected from RA patients who underwent joint surgeries were prepared for this study. First, the proportions of CD14+ cells in RA synovial tissue and control were analyzed using flow cytometry and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines released by CD14+ cells in RA synovial tissue and control were examined by ELISA. Next, the proportions of CD14+VIM+ cells in RA synovial tissue and control were examined immunohistologically and then we analyzed the results using image analysis software. Also, we statistically analyzed the relationship between the proportion of CD14+VIM+ cells, the degree of synovitis, and clinical data.

Results:

Results of flow cytometry showed that CD14+ cells were frequently observed in RA synovial tissue than control. Cultured CD14+ cells released more inflammatory cytokines than cultured CD14- cells. Also, results of immunohistological staining showed that many CD14+VIM+ cells were observed in RA synovial tissue than in control. The proportion of CD14+VIM+ cells was correlated with Krenn synovitis score. High proportion cases significantly showed high level of CRP and MMP-3.

Conclusion:

CD14+VIM+ cells might be involved in the mechanism of chronic immunological inflammation in RA and the proportion of these cells might influence the clinical data.

References:

[1]Ochi T, Yoshikawa H, Toyosaki-Maeda T, Lipsky PE. Mesenchymal stromal cells. Nurse-like cells reside in thesynovial tissue and bone marrow in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Research&Therapy 2007; 9(1): 201.

[2]Ochi T, Sawai T, Murakami K, Kamataki A, Uzuki M, Tomita T, et al. Nurse-like cells in rheumatoid arthritis: Formation of survival niches cooperating between the cell types. Mod Rheum 2018; 29: 1-5.

[3]Krenn V, Morawietz L, Burmester GR, Kinne RW, Muller-Ladner U, Muller B, Haupl T. Synovitis score: discrimination between chronic low-grade and high-grade synovitis. Histopathology 2006; 49: 358-64.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Liquid Structure of Tantalum under Internal Negative Pressure

In situ femtosecond x-ray diffraction measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the liquid structure of tantalum shock released from several hundred gigapascals (GPa) on the nanosecond timescale. The results show that the internal negative pressure applied to the liquid tantalum reached -5.6 (0.8)  GPa, suggesting the existence of a liquid-gas mixing state due to cavitation. This is the first direct evidence to prove the classical nucleation theory which predicts that liquids with high surface tension can support GPa regime tensile stress.

Effects of PCSK9 inhibitor on adverse limb outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia

Background

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9-I), evolocumab, reduced the risk of cardiovascular event in patients with peripheral artery disease in FOURIER trial. However, the effects of evolocumab on favorable limb outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is still unclear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of evolocumab on favorable limb outcomes and lipid profile in patients with CLI.

Methods

This was a single center, prospective observational study. A total of 39 patients with CLI were enrolled between November 2016 to May 2019. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on evolocumab administration: evolocumab-treated group: E group (mean 69.4±11.7 years, n=14) and evolocumab non-treated group: Non-E group (mean 74.0±8.8 years, n=25). Baseline characteristics were assessed at admission. Lipid profile was evaluated at admission, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The primary outcome was defined 18-month amputation-free survival (AFS). The secondary outcomes were defined 18-month overall survival (OS) and wound-free limb salvage. Mean follow-up period was 18±11 months.

Results

The patients in E group had greater reduction in levels of LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol than those in Non-E group over time. The reduction in MDA-LDL level was maintained at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, respectively. The 18-month AFS rate in the E-group was significantly higher than those in the Non-E group (log-rank p=0.02). The patients receiving evolocumab had a lower hazard regarding AFS (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.94; P=0.043) and a higher proportion of wound-free limb salvage at 12 months (E group [92%] vs Non-E group [57%], P=0.034) and 18 months (92% vs 52%, P=0.03). Otherwise, evolocumab administration was not associated with 18-month OS (log-rank p=0.053).

Conclusions

Evolocumab administration may be associated with the favorable outcome of 18-month AFS in the patients with CLI. Additionally, long-term administration of evolocumab over 12 months may improve wound-free limb salvage.

Effects of evolocumab on limb outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Split Nano Luciferase-based Assay to Measure Assembly of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Cells infected with flavivirus release various forms of infectious and non-infectious particles as products and by-products. Comprehensive profiling of the released particles by density gradient centrifugation is informative for understanding viral particle assembly. However, it is difficult to detect low-abundance minor particles in such analyses. We developed a method for viral particle analysis that integrates a high-sensitivity split luciferase system and density gradient centrifugation. This protocol enables high-resolution profiling of particles produced by cells expressing Japanese encephalitis virus factors.

P686Cancer is not associated with increased cardiac and bleeding events after 2nd- and 3rd-generation drug-eluting stents implantation

Background

Previous studies demonstrated the impact of concomitant cancer on the increased risk of adverse cardiac and bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the impact in this 2nd- and 3rd-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

To clarify the impact of cancer on clinical outcomes in patients after 2nd- or 3rd -generation DES implantation.

Methods

A total of 932 patients who underwent PCI with 2nd- or 3rd -generation DES were included. Patients who were diagnosed with cancer after PCI were excluded from the present cohort. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target or non-target vessel revascularization, and bleeding events was compared between the patients with cancer or the history of treatment for cancer (cancer group, n=140) and the patients without cancer (no cancer group, n=792). Bleeding events were evaluated according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction definition. Further comparisons were performed between the 2 groups (cancer group, n=126; no cancer group, n=252) after the adjustment of baseline clinical characteristics using 1:2 propensity score-matching analysis.

Results

The incidence of MACE at median 577 [340–1043] days after the PCI was comparable between the 2 groups in both unadjusted (15.0% vs. 15.0%, p=0.984) (Panel A) and adjusted cohorts (14.3 vs. 13.1%, p=0.796), although the incidence of all cause death in the cancer group was significantly greater than the no cancer group (15.1 vs. 9.5%, p=0.007, in the adjusted cohort). The increased risk of MACE was not observed in any types of cancer or treatment (Panel B). The incidence of bleeding events was also comparable between the 2 groups (4.0 vs. 2.0%, p=0.297, in the adjusted cohort).

Conclusion

The increased incidence of MACE and bleeding events in patients with cancer was not demonstrated after the 2nd- or 3rd-generation DES implantation. Further studies are required to clarify the safety and efficacy of PCI in patients with cancer.

Impacts of climate change on snow accumulation and melting processes over mountainous regions in Northern California during the 21st century

A point-location-based analysis of future climate change impacts on snow accumulation and melting processes was conducted over three study watersheds in Northern California during a 90-year future period by means of snow regime projections. The snow regime projections were obtained by means of a physically-based snow model with dynamically downscaled future climate projections. Then, atmospheric and snow-related variables, and their interrelations during the 21st century were investigated to reveal future climate change impacts on snow accumulation and melting processes. The analysis shows large reductions in snow water equivalent (SWE), snowfall to precipitation (S/P) ratio, and snowmelt through the 21st century. Timing of the peak of the SWE and snowmelt will also change in the future. Meanwhile, the analysis in this study shows that air temperature rise will affect, but will not dominate the future change in snowmelt over the study watersheds. This result implies the importance of considering atmospheric variables other than air temperature, such as precipitation, shortwave radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed even if these variables will not clearly change during the 21st century.

P6339Sequential organ failure assessment score on admission predicts long-time mortality of the patients with acute heart failure

Background

Despite the remarkable advances in the treatment options of acute heart failure (HF), prognosis assessment remains an ongoing challenge. Previous studies revealed only a moderate accuracy of models predicting mortality. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score are widely used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to predict outcome and predicted higher long-time mortality in unselected patients in cardiac ICU. In addition, the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines–Heart Failure (GWTG-HF) risk score allows for risk stratification of 30-day outcome for patients hospitalized with HF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether SOFA score on admission is useful for long-time mortality prediction in acute HF patients and also to assess the discriminative performance as compared with GWTG-HF risk score.

Methods

This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. Between January 2007 and December 2016, we screened eligible 661 consecutive patients with acute HF administered at our hospital. SOFA score on admission of 294 patients was able to calculate retrospectively. We enrolled 269 patients who could complete follow up evaluation for more than 1 year. Endpoint was all-cause mortality after admission. Additive information of SOFA score was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The 269 patients were included in this study (78.5±10.9 years; 136 men; left ventricular ejection fraction [EF], 49.8±16.6%) during a mean follow-up of 32.1±22.3 months. Patients with all-cause death had higher SOFA score (4.2±2.3 versus 2.8±1.8, p<0.001; AUC, 0.689) and GWTG-HF risk score (44.0±7.6 versus 38.1±7.9, P<0.001, AUC, 0.692).

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated higher SOFA scores (P<0.001) and GWTG-HF risk scores (P<0.001) appears to be related to increase probabilities of all cause death. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model were made with adjustment for SOFA score, GWTG-HF risk score, age, gender and ejection fraction. As a result, SOFA score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.227; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.130 to 1.326; P<0.001), GWTG-HF (HR, 1.054; 95% CI, 1.029 to 1.078; P<0.001) and age (HR, 1.069; 95% CI 1.048 to 1.092; P<0.001) were independent predictors of all cause death and HR of SOFA score was the highest in these parameters. Incorporating SOFA score into GWTG-HF score yielded a significant NRI (0.528 (95% CI 0.291 to 0.765) and IDI (0.046 (95% CI 0.020 to 0.072). In DCA, compared with the reference model, the net benefit for SOFA score model was greater across the range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusions

The SOFA score, simple and validated mortality risk score can predict long-term all-cause mortality in patients with acute HF. Discriminative performance metrics such as NRI, IDI and DCA were improved on incorporation of the SOFA score for prediction of mortality.

Development and validation of the comprehensive assessment scale for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors of cancer

Background

Appropriate assessment is essential for the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), an intractable symptom that cannot yet be palliated, which is high on the list of causes of distress for cancer patients. However, objective assessment by medical staff makes it easy to underestimate the symptoms and effects of CIPN in cancer survivors. As a result, divergence from subjective evaluation of cancer survivors is a significant problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a subjective scale with high accuracy and applicability that reflects the experiences of cancer patients. We developed a comprehensive assessment scale for CIPN in cancer survivors, named the Comprehensive Assessment Scale for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Survivors of Cancer (CAS-CIPN), and demonstrated its reliability and validity.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire based on qualitative studies of peripheral neuropathy in Japanese cancer patients and literature review. Twelve cancer experts confirmed the content validity of the questionnaire. A draft version comprising 40 items was finalized by a pilot test on 100 subjects. The participants in the present study were 327 Japanese cancer survivors. Construct validity was determined by factor analysis, and internal validity by confirmation factor analysis and Cronbach’s α.

Results

Factor analysis showed that the structure consisted of 15 items in four dimensions: “Threatened interference in daily life by negative feelings”, “Impaired hand fine motor skills”, “Confidence in choice of treatment/management,” and “Dysesthesia of the palms and soles.” The CAS-CIPN internal consistency reliability was 0.826, and the reliability coefficient calculated using the Spearman-Brown formula [q = 2r/(1 + r)] was 0.713, confirming high internal consistency and stability. Scores on this scale were strongly correlated with Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity scores (r = 0.714, p < 0.01), confirming its criterion-related validity.

Conclusions

The CAS-CIPN is an assessment tool with high reliability and validity for the comprehensive evaluation of CIPN in cancer survivors. The CAS-CIPN is simple to use, and can be used by medical professionals for appropriate situational assessment and intervention.

New precise measurements of muonium hyperfine structure at J-PARC MUSE

High precision measurements of the ground state hyperfine structure (HFS) of muonium is a stringent tool for testing bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory, determining fundamental constants of the muon magnetic moment and mass, and searches for new physics. Muonium is the most suitable system to test QED because both theoretical and experimental values can be precisely determined. Previous measurements were performed decades ago at LAMPF with uncertainties mostly dominated by statistical errors. At the J-PARC Muon Science Facility (MUSE), the MuSEUM collaboration is planning complementary measurements of muonium HFS both at zero and high magnetic field. The new high-intensity muon beam that will soon be available at H-Line will provide an opportunity to improve the precision of these measurements by one order of magnitude. An overview of the different aspects of these new muonium HFS measurements, the current status of the preparation for high-field measurements, and the latest results at zero field are presented.

Analysis of future climate change impacts on snow distribution over mountainous watersheds in Northern California by means of a physically-based snow distribution model

The impacts of climate change on snow distribution through the 21st century were investigated over three mountainous watersheds in Northern California by means of a physically-based snow distribution model. The future climate conditions during a 90-year future period from water year 2010 to 2100 were obtained from 13 future climate projection realizations from two GCMs (ECHAM5 and CCSM3) based on four SRES scenarios (A1B, A1FI, A2, and B1). The 13 future climate projection realizations were dynamically downscaled at 9 km resolution by a regional climate model. Using the downscaled variables based on the 13 future climate projection realizations, snow distribution over the Feather, Yuba, and American River watersheds (FRW, YRW, and ARW) was projected by means of the physically-based snow model. FRW and YRW watersheds cover the main source areas of the California State Water Project (SWP), and ARW is one of the key watersheds in the California Central Valley Project (CVP). SWP and CVP are of great importance as they provide and regulate much of the California's water for drinking, irrigation, flood control, environmental, and hydro-power generation purposes. Ensemble average snow distribution over the study watersheds was calculated over the 13 realizations and for each scenario, revealing differences among the scenarios. While the snow reduction through the 21st century was similar between A1B and A2, the snow reduction was milder for B1, and more severe for A1FI. A significant downward trend was detected in the snowpack over nearly the entire watershed areas for all the ensemble average results.

Muons at ISIS

For the last 30 years, muon experiments at ISIS pulsed neutron and muon facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire have been making a significant contribution to a number of scientific fields. The muon facilities at ISIS consist of eight experimental areas. The European Commission Muon facility consists of three experimental areas with a fixed momentum (28 MeV c^-1). The RIKEN-RAL facility has a variable momentum (17-90 MeV c^-1) and a choice of negative or positive muons delivering muons to four experimental areas. There is also an area recently used for a muon ionization cooling experiment. In this paper, the ISIS pulsed muon facilities are reviewed, including the beam characteristics that could be useful for muography experiments.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Cosmic-ray muography'.

Depth dependant element analysis of PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 using muonic x-rays

The relaxor PbMg_1/3Nb_2/3O₃ (PMN) has received attention due to its potential applications as a piezoelectric when doped with PbTiO₃ (PT). Previous results have found that there are two phases existing in the system, one linked to the near-surface regions of the sample, the other in the bulk. However, the exact origin of these two phases is unclear. In this paper, depth dependant analysis results from negative muon implantation experiments are presented. It is shown that the Pb content is constant throughout all depths probed in the sample, but the Mg and Nb content changes in the near-surface region below 100 μm. At an implantation depth of 60 μm, it is found that there is a 25% increase in Mg content, with a simultaneous 5% decrease in Nb content in order to maintain charge neutrality. These results show that the previously observed skin effects in PMN are due to a change in concentration and unit cell.

Maximizing T c by tuning nematicity and magnetism in FeSe1-x S x superconductors

A fundamental issue concerning iron-based superconductivity is the roles of electronic nematicity and magnetism in realising high transition temperature (T c). To address this issue, FeSe is a key material, as it exhibits a unique pressure phase diagram involving non-magnetic nematic and pressure-induced antiferromagnetic ordered phases. However, as these two phases in FeSe have considerable overlap, how each order affects superconductivity remains perplexing. Here we construct the three-dimensional electronic phase diagram, temperature (T) against pressure (P) and isovalent S-substitution (x), for FeSe1-x S x . By simultaneously tuning chemical and physical pressures, against which the chalcogen height shows a contrasting variation, we achieve a complete separation of nematic and antiferromagnetic phases. In between, an extended non-magnetic tetragonal phase emerges, where T c shows a striking enhancement. The completed phase diagram uncovers that high-T c superconductivity lies near both ends of the dome-shaped antiferromagnetic phase, whereas T c remains low near the nematic critical point.

Trend analysis of watershed-scale precipitation over Northern California by means of dynamically-downscaled CMIP5 future climate projections

The impacts of climate change on watershed-scale precipitation through the 21st century were investigated over eight study watersheds in Northern California based on dynamically downscaled CMIP5 future climate projections from three GCMs (CCSM4, HadGEM2-ES, and MIROC5) under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 future climate scenarios. After evaluating the modeling capability of the WRF model, the six future climate projections were dynamically downscaled by means of the WRF model over Northern California at 9km grid resolution and hourly temporal resolution during a 94-year period (2006-2100). The biases in the model simulations were corrected, and basin-average precipitation over the eight study watersheds was calculated from the dynamically downscaled precipitation data. Based on the dynamically downscaled basin-average precipitation, trends in annual depth and annual peaks of basin-average precipitation during the 21st century were analyzed over the eight study watersheds. The analyses in this study indicate that there may be differences between trends of annual depths and annual peaks of watershed-scale precipitation during the 21st century. Furthermore, trends in watershed-scale precipitation under future climate conditions may be different for different watersheds depending on their location and topography even if they are in the same region.

Radiological and clinical comparison of kinematically versus mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the post-operative radiographic and clinical outcomes between kinematically and mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasties (TKAs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 60 TKAs (30 kinematically and 30 mechanically aligned) were performed in 60 patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee using a navigation system. The angles of orientation of the joint line in relation to the floor, the conventional and true mechanical axis (tMA) (the line from the centre of the hip to the lowest point of the calcaneus) were compared, one year post-operatively, on single-leg and double-leg standing long leg radiographs between the groups. The range of movement and 2011 Knee Society Scores were also compared between the groups at that time.

RESULTS

The angles of orientation of the joint line in the kinematic group changed from slight varus on double-leg standing to slight valgus with single-leg standing. The mechanical axes in the kinematic group passed through a neutral position of the knee in the true condition when the calcaneus was considered. The post-operative angles of flexion and functional activity scores were significantly better in the kinematic than in the mechanical group (p < 0.003 and 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A kinematically aligned TKA results in a joint line which has a more parallel orientation in relation to the floor during single- and double-leg standing, and more neutral weight-bearing in tMA than a mechanically aligned TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:640-6.

Does Neuroticism Influence Oral Health-Related QOL in Patients with Removable Partial Dentures?

This prospective cohort study investigated the relationship between patient neuroticism and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) before and after prosthetic treatment as well as changes in OHRQoL-namely, treatment efficacy. Sixty-three patients (23 men and 40 women; mean age 67.2 ± 8.6 years), who were scheduled to receive new removable partial dentures (RPDs), were recruited. OHRQoL was assessed using the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-J). The Japanese version of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was used to assess neuroticism. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the association between neuroticism and OHIP-J scores before and after treatment. After stratifying patients according to neuroticism score, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intragroup comparison of OHIP-J scores before and after treatment. Moreover, logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of covariates on treatment efficacy such as age, sex, Eichner classification, neuroticism, changes in maximal occlusal force, and OHIP-J scores before treatment. Statistical analyses showed that higher neuroticism scores were associated with higher total OHIP-J scores before treatment ( r = 0.41, P = 0.001) but were not associated with OHIP-J scores after treatment ( r = 0.07, P = 0.566). When the effect of all independent variables was analyzed in multivariate analysis, neuroticism and OHIP-J scores before treatment affected treatment efficacy. These results suggest that OHRQoL of patients with higher levels of neuroticism was low before prosthetic treatment but significantly improved by oral rehabilitation with RPDs to the same level as patients with lower levels of neuroticism. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study may change the clinical perception of the effect of prosthetic rehabilitation with removable partial dentures in patients with higher levels of neuroticism. The study concluded that prosthetic rehabilitation could contribute toward satisfaction even in neurotic patients, who are presumed to show less satisfaction with their oral status.

The effect of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) variants on visceral fat accumulation in Han Chinese populations

Objectives:

We aim to validate the effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) on fat distribution and glucose metabolism in Han Chinese populations.

Methods:

We genotyped six tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GIP and four tag SNPs of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) among 2884 community-based individuals from Han Chinese populations. Linear analysis was applied to test the associations of these variants with visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) quantified by magnetic resonance imaging as well as glucose-related traits.

Results:

We found that the C allele of rs4794008 of GIP tended to increase the VFA and the VFA/SFA ratio in all subjects (P=0.050 and P=0.054, respectively), and rs4794008 was associated with the VFA/SFA ratio in males (P=0.041) after adjusting for the BMI. The VFA-increasing allele of rs4794008 was not related to any glucose metabolism traits. However, rs9904288 of GIP was associated with the SFA in males as well as glucose-related traits in all subjects (P range, 0.004–0.049), and the GIPR variants displayed associations with both fat- and glucose-related traits.

Conclusions:

The results could provide the evidence that GIP might modulate visceral fat accumulation via incretin function or independent of incretin.

Assessment of 21st century drought conditions at Shasta Dam based on dynamically projected water supply conditions by a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology model

Along with socioeconomic developments, and population increase, natural disasters around the world have recently increased the awareness of harmful impacts they cause. Among natural disasters, drought is of great interest to scientists due to the extraordinary diversity of their severity and duration. Motivated by the development of a potential approach to investigate future possible droughts in a probabilistic framework based on climate change projections, a methodology to consider thirteen future climate projections based on four emission scenarios to characterize droughts is presented. The proposed approach uses a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology model (Watershed Environmental Hydrology Hydro-Climate Model; WEHY-HCM) to generate thirteen equally likely future water supply projections. The water supply projections were compared to the current water demand for the detection of drought events and estimation of drought properties. The procedure was applied to Shasta Dam watershed to analyze drought conditions at the watershed outlet, Shasta Dam. The results suggest an increasing water scarcity at Shasta Dam with more severe and longer future drought events in some future scenarios. An important advantage of the proposed approach to the probabilistic analysis of future droughts is that it provides the drought properties of the 100-year and 200-year return periods without resorting to any extrapolation of the frequency curve.

Future climate change impact assessment of watershed scale hydrologic processes in Peninsular Malaysia by a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology modelo

Impacts of climate change on the hydrologic processes under future climate change conditions were assessed over Muda and Dungun watersheds of Peninsular Malaysia by means of a coupled regional climate and physically-based hydrology model utilizing an ensemble of future climate change projections. An ensemble of 15 different future climate realizations from coarse resolution global climate models' (GCMs) projections for the 21st century was dynamically downscaled to 6km resolution over Peninsular Malaysia by a regional climate model, which was then coupled with the watershed hydrology model WEHY through the atmospheric boundary layer over Muda and Dungun watersheds. Hydrologic simulations were carried out at hourly increments and at hillslope-scale in order to assess the impacts of climate change on the water balances and flooding conditions in the 21st century. The coupled regional climate and hydrology model was simulated for a duration of 90years for each of the 15 realizations. It is demonstrated that the increase in mean monthly flows due to the impact of expected climate change during 2040-2100 is statistically significant from April to May and from July to October at Muda watershed. Also, the increase in mean monthly flows is shown to be significant in November during 2030-2070 and from November to December during 2070-2100 at Dungun watershed. In other words, the impact of the expected climate change will be significant during the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons at Muda watershed and during the northeast monsoon season at Dungun watershed. Furthermore, the flood frequency analyses for both watersheds indicated an overall increasing trend in the second half of the 21st century.