Elastic, optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties of semiconducting CsNbO3: first principles insights

The cubic phase of CsNbO₃ (CNO) perovskite has been hypothesized to investigate the elastic, electronic, photocatalytic, and optical properties for various technological applications using first-principles method. The pressure dependent structural stability has been confirmed from computed elastic constants. Relatively high value of elastic moduli, large hardness and toughness suggested that CNO would be applicable to design industrial machineries. The ductile to brittle transition is noticed at 20 GPa. The indirect bandgap of CNO proclaims its suitability for photovoltaic and IR photodetector applications. The total and partial density of states are calculated to show in evidence the contribution of individual atomic orbitals in the formation of bands. The pressure changes orbitals hybridization which can be substantiated by the change in the bandgap. Strong covalency of the Nb-O bond and antibonding character of Cs-O have been anticipated by the Mulliken population analysis and by the contour maps of electron charge density. The low carrier effective mass and high mobility carriers predict the good electrical conductivity of the material. The calculated values of conduction and valance band edge potential illustrate the excellent water-splitting and environmental pollutants degradation properties of CNO.

POS0467 DERSIMELAGON, A NOVEL ORAL MELANOCORTIN 1 RECEPTOR AGONIST, DEMONSTRATES DISEASE-MODIFYING EFFECTS IN PRECLINICAL MODELS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background

Activation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is known to have broad anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. The bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis murine model is well-established for systemic sclerosis (SSc). α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, an endogenous ligand of MC1R, inhibits skin fibrosis and MC1R knock-out enhances skin fibrosis in this model. These pieces of evidence suggest that MC1R agonism has potential in the treatment of SSc.

Objectives

Dersimelagon phosphate (MT-7117) is an investigational small molecule that is an orally administered, selective agonist for MC1R. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of MT-7117 as a therapeutic agent for SSc by evaluating its efficacy and mechanism of action in complementary preclinical models. The expression and distribution of MC1R in the skin of SSc patients was investigated.

Methods

The effects of MT-7117 on skin fibrosis and lung inflammation were evaluated in BLM-induced SSc murine models that were optimized for prophylactic and therapeutic evaluation. Microarray-based gene expression analysis and serum protein profiling were performed to investigate the mechanism of action of MT-7117 in the BLM-induced SSc models. The effect of MT-7117 on TGF-β-induced activation of human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses of MC1R expression in skin samples from SSc patients were performed.

Results

Prophylactic treatment with MT-7117 (≥0.3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly inhibited the increase in collagen content of the skin, the serum level of surfactant protein D, and the weight of the lungs from BLM-induced skin fibrosis and lung inflammation model. Therapeutic treatment with MT-7117 (≥3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly suppressed skin thickening and the numbers of myofibroblasts in pre-established BLM-induced skin fibrosis model. Gene array analysis using the BLM-induced SSc model demonstrated changes in numerous categories related to macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils, followed by endothelial cell-related categories after treatment with MT-7117. In the analysis that focused on biological functions, categories of inflammatory response, activation of antigen-presenting cells, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, vasculogenesis, and vaso-occlusion were suppressed by MT-7117. In the analysis that focused on molecular signaling pathways, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1, IL-6, and oncostatin M involved in inflammation, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor that is related to fibrosis were all affected by MT-7117. Serum protein profiling using BLM-induced SSc model revealed that multiple SSc-related biomarkers including P-selectin, osteoprotegerin, cystatin C, growth and differentiation factor-15 and S100A9 were suppressed by MT-7117. MT-7117 inhibited the activation of human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing TGF-β-induced ACTA2 (encoding α-smooth muscle actin) mRNA elevation in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that MC1R positivity was observed in 40 of 50 diffuse cutaneous SSc patients. MC1R was expressed by monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, blood vessels (endothelial cells), fibroblasts, and epidermis (keratinocytes) in the skin of SSc patients.

Conclusion

MT-7117 demonstrates disease-modifying effects in preclinical models of SSc. Investigations of its mechanism of action and target expression analyses indicate that MT-7117 exerts its positive effects by affecting the pathologies of inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and fibrosis through inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. In view of its potent beneficial impact on all these three main pathologies of SSc, MT-7117 is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of clinically challenging SSc, which has diverse and difficult to treat symptoms. A phase 2 clinical trial investigating the efficacy and tolerability of MT-7117 in patients with early, progressive diffuse cutaneous SSc is currently in progress.

Disclosure of Interests

Masahiro Kondo Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Tsuyoshi Suzuki Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yuko Kawano Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Shinji Kojima Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Masahiko Miyashiro Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Atsuhiro Matsumoto Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Gabriela Kania: None declared, Przemyslaw Blyszczuk: None declared, rebecca ross: None declared, Panji Mulipa: None declared, Francesco Del Galdo Grant/research support from: Prof. F. Del Galdo received fees and research support from Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Capella, Chemomab, Kymab, Janssen and Mitsubishi-Tanabe., Yun Zhang: None declared, Jörg H.W. Distler Grant/research support from: Prof. J.H.W. Distler received consulting fees, lecture fees, and/or honoraria from Actelion, Active Biotech, Anamar, ARXX, aTyr, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, JB Therapeutics, Medac, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, RedX, RuiYi and UCB. J. H. W. Distler is stock owner of 4D Science and Scientific head of FibroCure.

Multi-energy reconstructions, central electron temperature measurements, and early detection of the birth and growth of runaway electrons using a versatile soft x-ray pinhole camera at MST

A multi-energy soft x-ray pinhole camera has been designed, built, and deployed at the Madison Symmetric Torus to aid the study of particle and thermal transport, as well as MHD stability physics. This novel imaging diagnostic technique employs a pixelated x-ray detector in which the lower energy threshold for photon detection can be adjusted independently on each pixel. The detector of choice is a PILATUS3 100 K with a 450 μm thick silicon sensor and nearly 100 000 pixels sensitive to photon energies between 1.6 and 30 keV. An ensemble of cubic spline smoothing functions has been applied to the line-integrated data for each time-frame and energy-range, obtaining a reduced standard-deviation when compared to that dominated by photon-noise. The multi-energy local emissivity profiles are obtained from a 1D matrix-based Abel-inversion procedure. Central values of T_e can be obtained by modeling the slope of the continuum radiation from ratios of the inverted radial emissivity profiles over multiple energy ranges with no a priori assumptions of plasma profiles, magnetic field reconstruction constraints, high-density limitations, or need of shot-to-shot reproducibility. In tokamak plasmas, a novel application has recently been tested for early detection, 1D imaging, and study of the birth, exponential growth, and saturation of runaway electrons at energies comparable to 100 × T_e,0; thus, early results are also presented.

Supine Cycling Exercise Enhances Cerebral Oxygenation of Motor-Related Areas in Healthy Male Volunteers

It has been reported that the cardiovascular response in the supine position is different from that in the sitting position. However, there are few reports on the effects of posture on cerebral oxygenation during exercise. Cycling exercises change oxygenated hemoglobin (O₂Hb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) levels in motor-related areas. Therefore, this study compared O₂Hb levels at motor-related areas during recumbent versus supine cycling. Eleven healthy young male performed a 30-min cycling exercise protocol at 50% of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) in the recumbent and supine positions. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure exercise-induced O₂Hb and HHb changes in the right (R-PMA) and left premotor areas (L-PMA), supplementary motor area (SMA), and primary motor cortex (M1). In R-PMA, L-PMA and SMA, the O₂Hb obtained during supine cycling was significantly higher than that during recumbent cycling (R-PMA, 0.031 ± 0.01 vs. 0.693 ± 0.01; L-PMA, 0.027 ± 0.01 vs. 0.085 ± 0.013; SMA, 0.041 ± 0.011 vs. 0.076 ± 0.008 mM·cm, recumbent vs. supine position; p < 0.05). These results suggest that supine cycling exercise increases R-PMA, L-PMA, and SMA O₂Hb levels in healthy young men.

Effects of 20-Minute Intensive Exercise on Subjects with Different Working Memory Bases

Continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves cognitive function including working memory (WM). We aimed to determine the differences in the effects of exercise on WM based on pre-exercise WM function and oxyhemoglobin (O₂Hb) changes. We enrolled 12 healthy adult males who, after a 4-min rest and warm-up, performed a 20-min exercise regime at a workload corresponding to 50% of maximal oxygen consumption. They performed a pre- and postexercise two-back test, and the reaction times were recorded. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor the O₂Hb concentration in the left prefrontal cortex during the exercise. Based on the pre-exercise reaction time, the subjects were allocated into either a fast group (FG) or a slow group (SG). The pre- and postexercise changes in the reaction time and time-to-peak O₂Hb were compared. Further, we determined the relationship between the change in the reaction time and time-to-peak O₂Hb. There was no significant change in the reaction time of the FG; however, that in the SG decreased significantly. The time-to-peak O₂Hb in the FG was significantly less than that in the SG. These results showed differences in the changes of reaction time and O₂Hb changes between the FG and SG.

Sex differences in door-to-balloon time and long-term adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome: a sub-study from the Prospective JAMIR study

Background

Shortening of onset to admission time (OAT) and door-to-balloon time (DBT) is associated with lower adverse cardiac event after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Bleeding event also results in poor outcome in patients with AMI after primary PCI. Little is known about sex differences in DBT and ischemic, bleeding events after AMI.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the sex differences of OAT, DTB and adverse cardiac event, incident of bleeding event after primary PCI in patients with AMI.

Methods

The Japan AMI Registry (JAMIR) is a multicenter, nationwide, prospective registry enrolling patients with AMI from 50 institutes between December 2015 and May 2017. Primary endpoints of this study were ischemic event (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke) and bleeding event (BARC type 3 or 5,).Median follow-up period was 12 months.

Results

A total of 3,411 patients were enrolled at first. Among them, 329 patients without treated with PCI and 199 patients missing OAT time were excluded from this study. A total 2883 patients of men (n=2240, 77.7%) and women (n=643, 22.3%) were enrolled. OAT and DBT of women were significantly longer than that of men (OAT: 130min, interquartile range 62–300 min vs. 155 min, interquartile range 69–350 min, p=0.040, DBT: 67 min, interquartile range 50–95 min vs. 75 min, interquartile range 53–120 min, p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in ischemic events between men and women (7.1% vs. 7.5%, log-rank p=0.741, Figure 1). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed female sex was significantly associated with lower ischemic event (hazard ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.85; p=0.007). Bleeding event of women was significantly higher than that of men (BARC type 3 or 5: 3.8% vs. 7.8%, p&lt;0.001, Figure 2).

Conclusion

The real-world database of the JAMIR showed that the female sex was significant factor for the delay in primary percutaneous coronary intervention and high incident of bleeding, however, ischemic event was lower than that of male sex. Sex difference appears to be associated with ischemic and bleeding event after acute myocardial infarction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

g Factor of the ^{99}Zr (7/2^{+}) Isomer: Monopole Evolution in the Shape-Coexisting Region

The gyromagnetic factor of the low-lying E=251.96(9)  keV isomeric state of the nucleus ^{99}Zr was measured using the time-dependent perturbed angular distribution technique. This level is assigned a spin and parity of J^{π}=7/2^{+}, with a half-life of T_{1/2}=336(5)  ns. The isomer was produced and spin aligned via the abrasion-fission of a ^{238}U primary beam at RIKEN RIBF. A magnetic moment |μ|=2.31(14)μ_{N} was deduced showing that this isomer is not single particle in nature. A comparison of the experimental values with interacting boson-fermion model IBFM-1 results shows that this state is strongly mixed with a main νd_{5/2} composition. Furthermore, it was found that monopole single-particle evolution changes significantly with the appearance of collective modes, likely due to type-II shell evolution.

Reassessing therapeutic antibodies for neglected and tropical diseases

In the past two decades there has been a significant expansion in the number of new therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are approved by regulators. The discovery of these new medicines has been driven primarily by new approaches in inflammatory diseases and oncology, especially in immuno-oncology. Other recent successes have included new antibodies for use in viral diseases, including HIV. The perception of very high costs associated with mAbs has led to the assumption that they play no role in prophylaxis for diseases of poverty. However, improvements in antibody-expression yields and manufacturing processes indicate this is a cost-effective option for providing protection from many types of infection that should be revisited. Recent technology developments also indicate that several months of protection could be achieved with a single dose. Moreover, new methods in B cell sorting now enable the systematic identification of high-quality antibodies from humanized mice, or patients. This Review discusses the potential for passive immunization against schistosomiasis, fungal infections, dengue, and other neglected diseases.

P3615The number of coronary risk factors and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction from Japanese nation-wide real-world database

Background

Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking are so-called coronary risk factors for coronary heart disease, which were established by extensive epidemiological research. However, in Japanese patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the impact of number of coronary risk factors on in-hospital morality has not been elucidated.

Methods

The Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (JAMIR) is a nationwide real-world database integrated form 10 regional registries. We examined the association between number of coronary risk factors and in-hospital mortality from this JAMIR registry.

Results

The data were obtained from total of 20462 AMI patients (mean age, 68.8±13.3 years old; 15281 men, 5181 women). Figure 1 shows the prevalence of each coronary risk factors stratified by sex and decade. The prevalence of hypertension became higher with the advanced age while the prevalence of smoking became lower with the advanced age. Prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia were highest in middle age. Majority (76.9%) of the patients with AMI had at least 1 of these coronary risk factors and, 23.1% had none of them. Overall, except women under 50, number of coronary risk factor was relatively less in older age (Figure 2). In-hospital mortality by sex and decades was shown in figure 3. In-hospital mortality rates were 10.7%, 10.5%, 7.2%, 5.0% and 4.5% with 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 risk factors, respectively (Figure 4A). After adjusting age and sex, there was an inverse association between the number of coronary risk factors and in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [1.68; 95% CI, 1.20–2.35] among individuals with 0 vs. 4 risk factors, Figure 4B).

Conclusion

In the present study of Japanese patients with AMI, who received modern medical treatment, in-hospital mortality was inversely related to the number of coronary risk factors.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research

Enhancing laser beam performance by interfering intense laser beamlets

Increasing the laser energy absorption into energetic particle beams represents a longstanding quest in intense laser-plasma physics. During the interaction with matter, part of the laser energy is converted into relativistic electron beams, which are the origin of secondary sources of energetic ions, γ-rays and neutrons. Here we experimentally demonstrate that using multiple coherent laser beamlets spatially and temporally overlapped, thus producing an interference pattern in the laser focus, significantly improves the laser energy conversion efficiency into hot electrons, compared to one beam with the same energy and nominal intensity as the four beamlets combined. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations support the experimental results, suggesting that beamlet interference pattern induces a periodical shaping of the critical density, ultimately playing a key-role in enhancing the laser-to-electron energy conversion efficiency. This method is rather insensitive to laser pulse contrast and duration, making this approach robust and suitable to many existing facilities.

Enhanced coupling of laser energy to the target particles is a fundamental issue in laser-plasma interactions. Here the authors demonstrate increased photon absorption leading into higher laser to electron and proton energy transfer through the interference of multiple coherent beamlets.

Changes in Bradykinin and Prostaglandins Plasma Levels during Dextran-sulfate Low-density-lipoprotein Apheresis

The negative charges of dextran-sulfate (DS) used for low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis initiate the intrinsic coagulation pathway in which plasma kallikrein acts on the high-molecular-weight kininogen to produce large amounts of bradykinin. This study was undertaken to assess whether bradykinin generated during DS LDL apheresis has any physiologic effects in vivo. The plasma levels of bradykinin, prostaglandins and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were compared, when either of two anticoagulants, heparin or nafamostat mesilate (NM), was used during DS LDL apheresis. Although anticoagulative action by NM depends on the inhibition of thrombin activity, this substance also inhibits the activity of plasma kallikrein. During apheresis using heparin, the plasma levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased significantly (5.6 ± 1.2 (mean ± SE, n=4) pg/ml before apheresis and 33.4 ± 13.2 after apheresis, p < 0.05) in association with an increase in bradykinin levels (17.9 ± 2.6 pg/ml before apheresis and 470 ± 135 after apheresis, p < 0.01). Interestingly, these changes were suppressed during apheresis using NM. There were no appreciable changes in cGMP during DS LDL apheresis with either of the anticoagulants. This finding suggests that bradykinin generated during apheresis has some pathophysiological effects via activation of the prostaglandin system. Our results support the view that in patients taking angiotensin-convertingenzyme inhibitors, the anaphylactoid reaction occurring during apheresis may be caused by an excessive rise in the bradykinin levels.

Quantitative Estimation of Dietary Intake in Patients on Hemodialysis

A simple method to calculate the amount of dietary (protein, sodium and potassium) intake in hemodialyzed patients was developed. In 8 nutritionally stable patients, the amount of dietary intake was monitored conventionally by a dietary record method. In contrast, assuming that the amount of dietary intake was equal to the amount of accumulation in the body, the former was calculated as the change in the product of serum concentrations and total body fluid volume, which was estimated based on the sex and body build of each patient. The urea accumulation was converted to the protein intake. The interdialytic dietary protein and sodium intake calculated by this method, 120 ± 10 g and 240 ± 40 mEq, respectively, was not significantly different from that obtained by the dietary record, while the interdialytic potassium accumulation, 60 ± 7 mEq, was significantly smaller than the dietary intake, 110 + 9 mEq, obtained by the record method, though the correlation was significant. Thus, the amount of protein and sodium intake can be calculated simply without diet research or body fluid volume measurements. Although potassium intake can not be calculated exactly because of intestinal loss, this simple method gives us a rough estimate. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that the amount of energy intake obtained by the record method may be explained by the protein and sodium intake estimated by simple calculation.

Total Body Fluid Volume Determination Based on Urea Kinetics in Hemofiltration as an Index of Basal Body Weight in Uremic Patients

Assuming that urea is distributed uniformly within the total body water, urea-space or total body fluid volume was determined in six uremic patients based on urea kinetics in hemofiltration.

The total body fluid volume before hemofiltration was 36.0 ± 3.6 L (61.8 ± 2.6% BW) and after hemofiltration 32.5 ± 3.4 L (59.3 ± 2.8% BW), suggesting that the total body fluid volume was nearly normalized by hemofiltration. It is concluded that urea-space, easily measurable based on urea kinetics during hemofiltration, is useful in evaluating the fluid balance in patients undergoing artificial kidney therapy.

Changes in Coagulation Factors by Passage through a Dextran Sulfate Cellulose Column during Low-Density Lipoprotein Apheresis

To determine the extent of adsorption of coagulation factors by a dextran sulfate cellulose column used for selective removal of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), various coagulation factors were measured before and after application to the column during LDL apheresis. The column almost completely adsorbed many coagulation factors. Although the bradykinin concentration was markedly increased by passing the plasma through the column, this increment was suppressed by nafamostat mesilate which inhibits the initial contact phase of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The von Willebrand factor, which forms a complex with factor VIII in plasma, is reduced in apheresis with nafamostat mesilate to the same extent as in apheresis without nafamostat mesilate. Thus, coagulation factors seem to be adsorbed by different mechanisms which include activation of the initial contact phase by the negative charges of dextran sulfate and concomitant adsorption with the phospholipid portion of lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B or with von Willebrand factor.

High Density Culture of Immortalized Liver Endothelial Cells in the Radial-flow Bioreactor in the Development of an Artificial Liver

Liver endothelial cells are important components of the tissue along the hepatic sinusoid. They are responsible for microcirculation in the liver and scavenger functions. It would therefore be important to include these cells in any hybrid type of artificial liver in addition to hepatocytes. However, it is difficult to culture these cells in vitro. The development of a liver endothelial cell line, which maintains the characteristics of the primary culture, would thus be of great benefit in the development of an artificial liver. In the present study we established immortalized liver endothelial cells from the liver of an H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mouse, which harbors the SV40 TAg gene. Hepatic sinusoidal cells isolated from H-2Kd-tsA58 mouse proliferated In the presence of γ-interferon at 33°C. Four clones were established, out of which clone M1 had the highest amounts of PGI2 production, as well as plasminogen activator activity and internalized acetylated low density lipoprotein. On culture dishes the M1 cells grew individually and spread. Sieve plates on the cell surface were not readily visible, but small pores were detected under electron microscopic observation. These results suggest that M1 clone cells originated from liver endothelial cells. Moreover it was possible to culture the immortalized liver endothelial cells in a radial-flow bioreactor for 5 days, with a maximum 6-keto prostaglandin F1α production of 25 μg per day. This suggests that immortalized liver endothelial cells and a radial-flow bioreactor can prove useful tools in the development an artificial liver.

Guiding of relativistic electron beams in dense matter by laser-driven magnetostatic fields

Intense lasers interacting with dense targets accelerate relativistic electron beams, which transport part of the laser energy into the target depth. However, the overall laser-to-target energy coupling efficiency is impaired by the large divergence of the electron beam, intrinsic to the laser-plasma interaction. Here we demonstrate that an efficient guiding of MeV electrons with about 30 MA current in solid matter is obtained by imposing a laser-driven longitudinal magnetostatic field of 600 T. In the magnetized conditions the transported energy density and the peak background electron temperature at the 60-μm-thick target's rear surface rise by about a factor of five, as unfolded from benchmarked simulations. Such an improvement of energy-density flux through dense matter paves the ground for advances in laser-driven intense sources of energetic particles and radiation, driving matter to extreme temperatures, reaching states relevant for planetary or stellar science as yet inaccessible at the laboratory scale and achieving high-gain laser-driven thermonuclear fusion.

Solution structure analysis of the periplasmic region of bacterial flagellar motor stators by small angle X-ray scattering

The bacterial flagellar motor drives the rotation of helical flagellar filaments to propel bacteria through viscous media. It consists of a dynamic population of mechanosensitive stators that are embedded in the inner membrane and activate in response to external load. This entails assembly around the rotor, anchoring to the peptidoglycan layer to counteract torque from the rotor and opening of a cation channel to facilitate an influx of cations, which is converted into mechanical rotation. Stator complexes are comprised of four copies of an integral membrane A subunit and two copies of a B subunit. Each B subunit includes a C-terminal OmpA-like peptidoglycan-binding (PGB) domain. This is thought to be linked to a single N-terminal transmembrane helix by a long unstructured peptide, which allows the PGB domain to bind to the peptidoglycan layer during stator anchoring. The high-resolution crystal structures of flagellar motor PGB domains from Salmonella enterica (MotB_C2) and Vibrio alginolyticus (PomB_C5) have previously been elucidated. Here, we use small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We show that unlike MotB_C2, the dimeric conformation of the PomB_C5 in solution differs to its crystal structure, and explore the functional relevance by characterising gain-of-function mutants as well as wild-type constructs of various lengths. These provide new insight into the conformational diversity of flagellar motor PGB domains and experimental verification of their overall topology.

Estimation of 134Cs activity by a new approximation referred to the sum-peak method via a well-type Ge detector

The activity of a sample containing ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs was estimated by means of a new approximation referred to the sum-peak method using a well-type Ge detector. The contribution of ¹³⁷Cs to the total count rate was estimated from its peak count rate, and subtracted from the total count rate. Then the total count rate originating from ¹³⁴Cs was estimated. Finally, the new method was applied and the ¹³⁴Cs activity was estimated.

Electric field and aging effects of uniaxial ferroelectrics Sr x Ba1-x Nb2O6 probed by Brillouin scattering

Static and dynamic heterogeneity of disordered system is one of the current topics in materials science. In disordered ferroelectric materials with random fields, dynamic polar nanoregions (PNRs) appear at Burns temperature and freeze into nanodomain state below Curie temperature (T _C). This state is very sensitive to external electric field and aging by which it gradually switches into macrodomain state. However, the role of PNRs in such states below T _C is still a puzzling issue of materials science. Electric field and aging effects of uniaxial ferroelectric Sr _x Ba_1-x Nb₂O₆ (x = 0.40, SBN40) single crystals were studied using Brillouin scattering to clarify the critical nature of PNRs in domain states below T _C. On field heating, a broad anomaly in longitudinal acoustic (LA) velocity at low temperature region was due to an incomplete alignment of nanodomains caused by the interaction between PNRs. A sharp anomaly near T _C was attributed to the complete switching of nanodomain to macrodomain state owing to the lack of interaction among PNRs. After isothermal aging below T _C, the noticeable increase of LA velocity was observed. It was unaffected by cyclic temperature measurements up to T _C, and recovered to initial state outside of a narrow temperature range above and below aging temperature.

Tongue-palatal contact changes in patients with skeletal mandibular prognathism after sagittal split ramus osteotomy: an electropalatography study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in tongue-palatal contact patterns using electropalatography (EPG) before and after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) in patients with mandibular prognathism. Nine clients who underwent SSRO for mandibular setback and seven control subjects were participated in this study. Tongue-palatal contact patterns for /t/, /s/ and /k/ production were investigated using EPG before surgery and 3 months after surgery. The mean value of whole total of palate contact (WT) in the maximum contact frame was examined before and after SSRO. The correlation quantity between the change of center of gravity (COG) value and the amount of mandibular setback was also evaluated. The mean value of WT for /t/ and /s/ significantly increased after SSRO, and the EPG pattern became normal. However, a remarkable change in WT for /k/ was not observed, and the mean value was significantly larger in the SSRO group before and after surgery than in the control group. A negative correlation between COG variation and the amount of mandibular setback for /t/ and positive correlation for /s/ was observed. This study demonstrated that tongue-palatal contact patterns for /t/ and /s/ articulation improved clearly after SSRO. There was a significant correlation between COG variation and the amount of mandibular setback. However, no significant change was detected through perceptual assessment before and after SSRO. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these results will change over time.

Boosting laser-ion acceleration with multi-picosecond pulses

Using one of the world most powerful laser facility, we demonstrate for the first time that high-contrast multi-picosecond pulses are advantageous for proton acceleration. By extending the pulse duration from 1.5 to 6 ps with fixed laser intensity of 1018 W cm-2, the maximum proton energy is improved more than twice (from 13 to 33 MeV). At the same time, laser-energy conversion efficiency into the MeV protons is enhanced with an order of magnitude, achieving 5% for protons above 6 MeV with the 6 ps pulse duration. The proton energies observed are discussed using a plasma expansion model newly developed that takes the electron temperature evolution beyond the ponderomotive energy in the over picoseconds interaction into account. The present results are quite encouraging for realizing ion-driven fast ignition and novel ion beamlines.

Functional characterization of a novel GFI1B mutation causing congenital macrothrombocytopenia

Essentials Two groups recently reported GFI1B as a novel causative gene for congenital macrothrombocytopenia. We performed functional analysis of a novel GFI1B mutation and previous mutations. An immunofluorescence analysis of the platelet CD34 expression can be useful as a screening test. Mutant-transduced megakaryocytes produced enlarged proplatelet tips which were reduced in number.

SUMMARY

Background GFI1B is an essential transcription factor for megakaryocyte and erythrocyte development. Two groups have recently identified GFI1B as a novel causative gene for congenital macrothrombocytopenia associated with α-granule deficiency. Methods We performed whole exome sequencing and identified a novel GFI1B p.G272fsX274 mutation in a family with macrothrombocytopenia, and a decreased number of platelet α-granules and abnormally shaped red blood cells. p.G272fsX274 and the previous two mutations all predicted disruption of an essential DNA-binding domain in GFI1B. We therefore performed functional studies to characterize the biochemical and biological effects of these three patient-derived mutations. Results An immunofluorescence analysis revealed decreased thrombospondin-1 and increased CD34 expression in platelets from our patient. Consistent with the previous studies, the three patient-derived mutants were unable to repress the expression of the reporter gene and had a dominant-negative effect over wild-type GFI1B. In addition, the three mutations abolished recognition of a consensus-binding site in gel shift assays. Furthermore, transduction of mouse fetal liver-derived megakaryocytes with the three GFI1B mutants resulted in the production of abnormally large proplatelet tips, which were reduced in number. Conclusions Our study provides further proof of concept that GFI1B is an essential protein for the normal development of the megakaryocyte lineage.

Transglutaminase 2 has opposing roles in the regulation of cellular functions as well as cell growth and death

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is primarily known as the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family with Ca²⁺-dependent protein crosslinking activity; however, this enzyme exhibits multiple additional functions through GTPase, cell adhesion, protein disulfide isomerase, kinase, and scaffold activities and is associated with cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. TG2 is found in the extracellular matrix, plasma membrane, cytosol, mitochondria, recycling endosomes, and nucleus, and its subcellular localization is an important determinant of its function. Depending upon the cell type and stimuli, TG2 changes its subcellular localization and biological activities, playing both anti- and pro-apoptotic roles. Increasing evidence indicates that the GTP-bound form of the enzyme (in its closed form) protects cells from apoptosis but that the transamidation activity of TG2 (in its open form) participates in both facilitating and inhibiting apoptosis. A difficulty in the study and understanding of this enigmatic protein is that opposing effects have been reported regarding its roles in the same physiological and/or pathological systems. These include neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects, hepatic cell growth-promoting or hepatic cell death-inducing effects, exacerbating or having no effect on liver fibrosis, and anti- and pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells. The reasons for these discrepancies have been ascribed to TG2's multifunctional activities, genetic variants, conformational changes induced by the immediate environment, and differences in the genetic background of the mice used in each of the experiments. In this article, we first report that TG2 has opposing roles like the protagonist in the novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, followed by a summary of the controversies reported, and finally discuss the possible reasons for these discrepancies.

Specific clinical signs and symptoms are predictive of clinical course in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Background and purpose

Akinetic mutism is thought to be an appropriate therapeutic end‐point in patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt−Jakob disease (sCJD). However, prognostic factors for akinetic mutism are unclear and clinical signs or symptoms that precede this condition have not been defined. The goal of this study was to identify prognostic factors for akinetic mutism and to clarify the order of clinical sign and symptom development prior to its onset.

Methods

The cumulative incidence of akinetic mutism and other clinical signs and symptoms was estimated based on Japanese CJD surveillance data (455 cases) collected from 2003 to 2008. A proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors for the time to onset of akinetic mutism and other clinical signs and symptoms.

Results

Periodic synchronous discharges on electroencephalography were present in the majority of cases (93.5%). The presence of psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar disturbance at sCJD diagnosis was associated with the development of akinetic mutism [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.99, and HR 2.15, 95% CI1.61–2.87, respectively]. The clinical course from cerebellar disturbance to myoclonus or akinetic mutism was classified into three types: (i) direct path, (ii) path via pyramidal or extrapyramidal dysfunction and (iii) path via psychiatric symptoms or visual disturbance.

Conclusions

The presence of psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar disturbance increased the risk of akinetic mutism of sCJD cases with probable MM/MV subtypes. Also, there appear to be sequential associations in the development of certain clinical signs and symptoms of this disease.

Fano resonance of Li-doped KTa(1-x)NbxO3 single crystals studied by Raman scattering

The enhancement of functionality of perovskite ferroelectrics by local structure is one of current interests. By the Li-doping to KTa_1−xNb_xO₃ (KTN), the large piezoelectric and electro-optic effects were reported. In order to give new insights into the mechanism of doping, the microscopic origin of the Fano resonance induced by the local structure was investigated in 5%Li-doped KTN single crystals by Raman scattering. The coupling between the continuum states and the transverse optical phonon near 196 cm⁻¹ (Slater mode) caused a Fano resonance. In the vicinity of the cubic-tetragonal phase transition temperature, T_C-T = 31 °C, the almost disappearance of the Fano resonance and the remarkable change of the central peak (CP) intensity were observed upon heating. The local symmetry of the polar nanoregions (PNRs), which was responsible for the symmetry breaking in the cubic phase, was determined to E(x, y) symmetry by the angular dependence of Raman scattering. The electric field induced the significant change in the intensity of both CP and Fano resonance. From these experimental results, it is concluded that the origin of the Fano resonance in Li-doped KTN crystals is the coupling between polarization fluctuations of PNRs and the Slater mode, both belong to the E(x, y) symmetry.

Assessment of platelet-derived thrombogenicity with the total thrombus-formation analysis system in coronary artery disease patients receiving antiplatelet therapy

BACKGROUND

Accurate evaluation of thrombogenicity helps to prevent thrombosis and excessive bleeding. The total thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) was developed for quantitative analysis of platelet thrombus formation by the use of microchips with thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [PL-chip]; collagen plus tissue factor, atherome chip [AR-chip]). We examined the utility of the T-TAS in the assessment of the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this cross-sectional study, 372 consecutive patients admitted to the cardiovascular department were divided into three groups: patients not receiving any antiplatelet therapy (control, n = 56), patients receiving aspirin only (n = 69), and patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel (n = 149). Blood samples were used for the T-TAS to measure the platelet thrombus-formation area under the curve (AUC) at various shear rates (1500 s(-1) [PL18 -AUC10 ] and 2000 s(-1) [PL24 -AUC10 ] for the PL-chip; 300 s(-1) [AR10 -AUC30 ] for the AR-chip). The on-clopidogrel platelet aggregation was measured by the use of P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs) with the VerifyNow system. The mean PL24 -AUC10 levels were 358 ± 111 (± standard deviation) (95% confidence interval [CI] 328.9-387.1) in the control group, 256 ± 108 (95% CI 230.5-281.5) in the aspirin group, and 113 ± 91 (95% CI 98.4-127.6) in the aspirin/clopidogrel group. In the aspirin/clopidogrel group, the PL24 -AUC10 was higher in poor metabolizers (PMs) with cytochrome P450 2C19(CYP2C19) polymorphisms (152 ± 112, 95% CI 103.4-200.6) than in the non-PM group (87 ± 74, 95% CI 73.8-100.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the PL24 -AUC10 level measured by the T-TAS is a potentially suitable index for the assessment of antiplatelet therapy in CAD patients.

Factors related to allergic transfusion reactions and febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) and febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) are the two major types of transfusion-related adverse reactions (TRARs). Although prestorage leucocyte reduction and diversion of the first aliquot of blood (LR/D) could reduce FNHTRs and bacterial contamination in adult transfusion, ATRs are still problematic. In addition, there is little information about TRARs in paediatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a single-centre retrospective analysis of all transfusions, except washing products, and TRARs for 153 months to evaluate related factors such as delivery of treatment and the characteristics of recipients.

RESULTS

Most TRARs were FNHTRs and/or ATRs in children. In delivering blood products with LR/D, the frequencies of not only FNHTRs but also ATRs were significantly reduced with both platelet concentrates (PCs) and red cell concentrates (RCCs). TRARs of fresh-frozen plasma were infrequent in children. In addition, even after the introduction of LR/D, ATRs were significantly more frequent in patients with primary haematological and malignant diseases who received PCs and RCCs, older patients who received PCs and patients who received frequent RCCs.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that leucocytes or mediators from leucocytes are underlying cause of ATRs in addition to FNHTRs in children. Furthermore, particular characteristics of patients would be other risk factors for ATRs.

Molecular mechanism by which acyclic retinoid induces nuclear localization of transglutaminase 2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Nuclear accumulation of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important step in TG2-dependent cell death. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for nuclear translocation of TG2 are still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that acyclic retinoid (ACR) induced nuclear accumulation of TG2 in JHH-7 cells, a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) leading to their apoptosis. We further demonstrated molecular mechanism in nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of TG2 and an effect of ACR on it. We identified a novel 14-amino acid nuclear localization signal (NLS) (466)AEKEETGMAMRIRV(479) in the 'C' domain and a leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES) (657)LHMGLHKL(664) in the 'D' domain that allowed TG2 to shuttle between the nuclear and cytosolic milieu. Increased nuclear import of GAPDH myc-HIS fused with the identified NLS was observed, confirming its nuclear import ability. Leptomycin B, an inhibitor of exportin-1 as well as point mutation of all leucine residues to glutamine residues in the NES of TG2 demolished its nuclear export. TG2 formed a trimeric complex with importin-α and importin-β independently from transamidase activity which strongly suggested the involvement of a NLS-based translocation of TG2 to the nucleus. ACR accelerated the formation of the trimeric complex and that may be at least in part responsible for enhanced nuclear localization of TG2 in HCC cells treated with ACR.

Second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with severe aplastic anemia

The outcome of 55 children with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who received a second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was retrospectively analyzed using the registration data of the Japanese Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and failure-free survival (FFS) after the second transplantation were 82.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 69.7-90.8)) and 81.2% (95% CI, 67.8-89.4), respectively. FFS was significantly better when the interval between the first and second transplantation was >60 days (88.9%; 95% CI, 73.0-95.7) than when it was ⩽60 days (61.4%; 95% CI, 33.3-80.5; P=0.026). All 12 patients who were conditioned with regimens containing fludarabine and melphalan were alive with hematopoietic recovery. These findings justify the recommendation of a second HSCT for children with SAA who have experienced graft failure after first HSCT.

Response measurement of single-crystal chemical vapor deposition diamond radiation detector for intense X-rays aiming at neutron bang-time and neutron burn-history measurement on an inertial confinement fusion with fast ignition

A neutron bang time and burn history monitor in inertial confinement fusion with fast ignition are necessary for plasma diagnostics. In the FIREX project, however, no detector attained those capabilities because high-intensity X-rays accompanied fast electrons used for plasma heating. To solve this problem, single-crystal CVD diamond was grown and fabricated into a radiation detector. The detector, which had excellent charge transportation property, was tested to obtain a response function for intense X-rays. The applicability for neutron bang time and burn history monitor was verified experimentally. Charge collection efficiency of 99.5% ± 0.8% and 97.1% ± 1.4% for holes and electrons were obtained using 5.486 MeV alpha particles. The drift velocity at electric field which saturates charge collection efficiency was 1.1 ± 0.4 × 10(7) cm/s and 1.0 ± 0.3 × 10(7) cm/s for holes and electrons. Fast response of several ns pulse width for intense X-ray was obtained at the GEKKO XII experiment, which is sufficiently fast for ToF measurements to obtain a neutron signal separately from X-rays. Based on these results, we confirmed that the single-crystal CVD diamond detector obtained neutron signal with good S/N under ion temperature 0.5-1 keV and neutron yield of more than 10(9) neutrons/shot.