During plant development, distantly-located organs must communicate in order to adapt morphological and physiological features in response to environmental inputs. Among the recognized signaling molecules, a class of ...During plant development, distantly-located organs must communicate in order to adapt morphological and physiological features in response to environmental inputs. Among the recognized signaling molecules, a class of phytohormones known as the cytokinins functions as both local and long-distance regulatory signals for the coordination of plant development. This cytokinin-dependent communication system consists of orchestrated regulation of the metabolism, translocation, and signal transduction of this phytohormone class. Here, to gain insight into this elaborate signaling system, we summarize current models of biosynthesis, transmembrane transport, and long-distance translocation of cytokinins in higher plants.展开更多
Plant metabolomics developed as a powerful tool to examine gene functions and to gain deeper insight into the physiology of the plant cell. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis lines overexpressing rice full-length ...Plant metabolomics developed as a powerful tool to examine gene functions and to gain deeper insight into the physiology of the plant cell. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis lines overexpressing rice full-length （FL） cDNAs （rice FOX Arabidopsis lines） using a gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry （GC-TOF/MS）-based technique to identify rice genes that caused metabolic changes. This screening system allows fast and reliable identification of candi- date lines showing altered metabolite profiles. We performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of a rice FOX Ara- bidopsis line that harbored the FL cDNA of the rice ortholog of the Lateral Organ Boundaries （LOB） Domain （LBD）/ Asymmetric Leaves2-1ike （ASL） gene of Arabidopsis, At-LBD37/ASL39. The investigated rice FOX Arabidopsis line showed prominent changes in the levels of metabolites related to nitrogen metabolism. The transcriptomic data as well as the results from the metabolite analysis of the Arabidopsis At-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressor plants were consistent with these findings. Furthermore, the metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the Os-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressing rice plants indicated that Os-LBD37/ASL39 is associated with processes related to nitrogen metabolism in rice. Thus, the combination of a metabolomics-based screening method and a gain-of-function approach is useful for rapid characterization of novel genes in both Arabidopsis and rice.展开更多
We describe a 77-year-old man with refractory gastric ulcer that worsened after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Pathology showed marked infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the gastric lesions,which l...We describe a 77-year-old man with refractory gastric ulcer that worsened after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Pathology showed marked infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the gastric lesions,which led us to suspect IgG4-related sclerosing disease.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report of IgG4-related gastric ulcer without the main manifestation of autoimmune pancreatitis.展开更多
Measurements of frictional resistance play an important role in engineering practice. There are several types of air resistance acting on an aircraft, for example. One of them, frictional resistance, accounts for half...Measurements of frictional resistance play an important role in engineering practice. There are several types of air resistance acting on an aircraft, for example. One of them, frictional resistance, accounts for half of the air resistance. Oil film interferometry is one of methods for measuring the frictional resistance. Oil dropped on an object is thinly stretched by the frictional resistance. The bright and dark fringe pattern is generated when monochromatic light is applied to the oil film. The gradient of the oil thickness decreases with the lapse of time, and thus the spacing between neighboring the dark lines increases. The rate at which the spacing increases is proportional to the frictional resistance. In this study, the frictional resistance acting on a small area on a plate was measured and compared with the theoretical value. As a result, these results qualitatively agree well with each other.展开更多
Background Although Kawasaki disease(KD)is known to cause anemia,the relationship between its prognosis and hemoglobin level is less well known.Methods We herein performed a secondary analysis of data from a previous ...Background Although Kawasaki disease(KD)is known to cause anemia,the relationship between its prognosis and hemoglobin level is less well known.Methods We herein performed a secondary analysis of data from a previous study(Post-RAISE).Children aged 6 months to 2 years at the time of KD diagnosis were enrolled.Decreased hemoglobin was defined as a decrease>10%on post-treatment day 2 compared with the level prior to the initial therapy.Results Of 1253 KD cases,treatment resistance was observed in 209(17%)and was significantly more frequent in the decreased hemoglobin group(37/167 vs.172/1086,P=0.041).Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased hemoglobin was associated with resistance to the initial treatment(odds ratio 1.53;95%confidence interval 1.00-2.33;P=0.048).Conclusions Decreased hemoglobin was significantly associated with resistance to initial treatment in patients with KD.展开更多
In the Large Helical Device （LHD）, two different divertor configurations, i.e. helical divertor （HD） and local island divertor （LID）, are utilized to control the edge plasma. The HD with two X-points is an intri...In the Large Helical Device （LHD）, two different divertor configurations, i.e. helical divertor （HD） and local island divertor （LID）, are utilized to control the edge plasma. The HD with two X-points is an intrinsic divertor for heliotron devices, accompanied with a relatively thick ergodic layer outside the confinement region. Edge and divertor plasma behavior from low density to high density regimes is presented, referring to the divertor detachment. The effect of the ergodic layer on the edge transport is also discussed. On the other hand, the LID is an advanced divertor concept which realizes a high pumping efficiency by the combination of an externally induced magnetic island and a closed pumping system. Experimental results to confirm the fundamental divertor performance of the LID are presented.展开更多
Spontaneous symmetry breaking has been a paradigm to describe the phase transitions in condensed matter physics.In addition to the continuous electromagnetic gauge symmetry,an unconventional superconductor can break d...Spontaneous symmetry breaking has been a paradigm to describe the phase transitions in condensed matter physics.In addition to the continuous electromagnetic gauge symmetry,an unconventional superconductor can break discrete symmetries simultaneously,such as time reversal and lattice rotational symmetry.In this work we report a characteristic in-plane 2-fold behaviour of the resistive upper critical field and point-contact spectra on the superconducting semimetal PbTaSe2 with topological nodal-rings,despite its hexagonal lattice symmetry(or D3 h in bulk while C3 v on surface,to be precise).The 2-fold behaviour persists up to its surface upper critical field Hc2R even though bulk superconductivity has been suppressed at its bulk upper critical field Hc2HC<<Hc2R,signaling its probable surface-only electronic nematicity.In addition,we do not observe any lattice rotational symmetry breaking signal from field-angle-dependent specific heat within the resolution.It is worth noting that such surface-only electronic nematicity is in sharp contrast to the observation in the topological superconductor candidate,CuxBi2Se3,where the nematicity occurs in various bulk measurements.In combination with theory,superconducting nematicity is likely to emerge from the topological surface states of PbTaSe2,rather than the proximity effect.The issue of time reversal symmetry breaking is also addressed.Thus,our results on PbTaSe2 shed new light on possible routes to realize nematic superconductivity with nontrivial topology.展开更多
Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius are pathogenic bacteria which cause various infectious diseases from acute pharyngitis to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Although Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. e...Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius are pathogenic bacteria which cause various infectious diseases from acute pharyngitis to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Although Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius infection has been increasing recently, the recent characteristic investigation of respiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius has not been performed in Japan. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between respiratory tract and norespiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius by investigating the recent clinical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptible patterns of 98Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius isolated during 2013-2015 in Japan. There was significant difference of gender between respiratory tract and no respiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius. No Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius from no respiratory tract were found under 18 years-old patients. The prevalence of clindamycin non susceptible Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius isolates from respiratory tract was significant greater than those from non-respiratory tract. We also analyzed the relationship between respiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius and Streptococcus pyogenes in 2014.There was no significant difference of gender between Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius and Streptococcus pyogenes. The numbers of Streptococcus pyogenes-infected patients were significantly greater than those of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius-infected patients in children from 1 to 18 years old. From antimicrobial resistance, we found that the numbers of clarithromycin resistant Streptococcus pyogenes were greater than those of clarithromycin resistant Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius among respiratory tract isolation. Our results suggest that the clinical and antimicrobial susceptible patterns are useful for screening the respirator展开更多
Poaceae species such as silver grass or reed are commonly used in traditional mulch farming in Japan,where the Nishi-Awa area is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS)site.Farmers here have traditio...Poaceae species such as silver grass or reed are commonly used in traditional mulch farming in Japan,where the Nishi-Awa area is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS)site.Farmers here have traditionally used silver grass for mulch farming;furthermore,local farmers have learned from long-standing experience that Japanese knotweed(Fallopia japonica,Polygonaceae)is better for cultivation of solanaceous crops in this area.However,it is unclear why Japanese knotweed mulching is beneficial for cultivation of solanaceous crops.Thus,in this study,we hypothesized that Japanese knotweed mulching may be effective in avoiding hazards associated with continuous potato cropping,as native potato used to be cultivated twice a year in the past.Therefore,we investigated the effects of Japanese knotweed mulching on continuous potato cropping and after tomato cropping,which is another solanaceous crop species.Field experiments were conducted in 2018.First,we compared Japanese knotweed mulching,silver grass mulching and no grass mulching(control)in a soil under continuous potato cultivation and in an uncultivated soil.As a result,the extent of the potato yield decrease was reduced by Japanese knotweed mulching.Secondly,we compared Japanese knotweed-mulching and no grass mulching in a soil after a tomato crop and in an uncultivated soil.The extent of decrease in potato growth and yield was also reduced by Japanese knotweed mulching.These findings indicate that mulching with Japanese knotweed helped to avoid the risks associated with continuous potato cropping.展开更多
MHD stability of the Large Helical Device (LHD) plasmas produced with intenseneutral beam injection is experimentally studied. When the steep pressure gradient near the edge isproduced through L-H transition or linear...MHD stability of the Large Helical Device (LHD) plasmas produced with intenseneutral beam injection is experimentally studied. When the steep pressure gradient near the edge isproduced through L-H transition or linear density ramp experiment, interchange-like MHD modes whoserational surface is located very close to the last closed flux surface are strongly excited in acertain discharge condition and affect the plasma transport appreciably. In NBI-heated plasmasproduced at low toroidal field, various Alfven eigenmodes are often excited. Bursting toroidalAlfven egenmodes excited by the presence of energetic ions induce appreciable amount of energeticion loss, but also trigger the formation of internal and edge transport barriers.展开更多
Haemophilus influenzae is an important pathogen that caused several infection diseases, such as sinusitis, otitis media, sepsis, and meningitis. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and antimicrobial su...Haemophilus influenzae is an important pathogen that caused several infection diseases, such as sinusitis, otitis media, sepsis, and meningitis. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Haemophilus influenzae isolates at general hospital in the central region of Japan from December 2015 to January 2016. Haemophilus influenzae was identified by standard laboratory procedure. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by micro dilution assay according to CLSI recommendation. One hundred ninety-one Haemophilus influenzae were isolated, among which 95 (49.7%) were from male and 96 (50.3%) were from female. The age incidence of (0) years, (≤2) years, (≤5) years, and (6≤) years groups were 22(11.5%), 92(48.2%), 61(31.9%), and 16(8.4%), respectively. Positive samples were received mostly from the nasal discharge (177/92.7%), sputum (6/3.1%), tonsillar (6/3.1%), and pharynx (2/1.0%). Ceftriaxone was the most active antibiotics with 100% susceptible rates, followed by ciprofloxacin (99.5%) and minocycline (99%) in our study. Furthermore, we categorized four patterns: beta lactamase-negative ampicillin-sensitive strain (BLNAS), beta lactamase-negative ampicillin-re- sistant strain (BLNAR), beta lactamase-positive ampicillin resistant strain (BLPAR), and beta lactamase-positive amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-resistant strain (BLPACR) from those ampicillin susceptible results. The numbers of female were significant greater than those of male in BLPAR (p = 0.0336). With respect to antimicrobial susceptible pattern, there was no minocycline and piperacillin resistant strain in both BLNAS and BLNAR (p展开更多
Navigation system based on the animal behavior has received a growing attention in the past few years. The navigation systems using artificial pheromone are still few so far. For this reason, this paper presents our r...Navigation system based on the animal behavior has received a growing attention in the past few years. The navigation systems using artificial pheromone are still few so far. For this reason, this paper presents our research that aim to implement autonomous navigation with artificial pheromone system. By introducing artificial pheromone system composed of data carriers and autonomous robots, the robotic system creates a potential field to navigate their group. We have developed a pheromone density model to realize the function of pheromones with the help of data carders. We intend to show the effectiveness of the proposed system by performing simulations and realization using modified mobile robot. The pheromone potential field system can be used for navigation of autonomous robots.展开更多
Kawasaki disease(KD)is a vasculitis of unknown etiology occurring predominantly in children under five years old[1].Coronary artery aneurysm,its most serious complica-tion,occurs in about 25%of untreated patients[2].H...Kawasaki disease(KD)is a vasculitis of unknown etiology occurring predominantly in children under five years old[1].Coronary artery aneurysm,its most serious complica-tion,occurs in about 25%of untreated patients[2].High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG)2 g/kg is used to prevent coronary artery aneurysms[1,3,4],but about 20%of patients are nonresponsive and require a second dose for a total of 4 g/kg.The appropriate timing of live attenuated vaccine(LAV)administration in such cases is unclear.展开更多
In the large helical device （LHD） having three dimensional configuration, Alfven eigenmodes （AEs） destabilized by energetic ions are widely investigated using neutral beam heated plasmas with monotonic and non-mon...In the large helical device （LHD） having three dimensional configuration, Alfven eigenmodes （AEs） destabilized by energetic ions are widely investigated using neutral beam heated plasmas with monotonic and non-monotonic rotational transform （l/2π） profiles. In a plasma with monotonic l/2π-profile, core-localized toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmode （TAE） as well as global one are often observed. With the increase in the averaged toroidal beta value, defined as the ratio of total plasma pressure to toroidal magnetic pressure, core-localized TAE with low toroidal mode number becomes global. In a relatively high beta plasma with monotonic l/2π-profile, two TAEs with different toroidal mode number often interact nonlinearly and generate another modes through three wave coupling. In a plasma with non-monotonic l/2π-profile generated by intense counter neutral beam current drive, reversed shear Alfven eigenmode （RSAE） and geodesic acoustic mode （CAM） excited by energetic ions were observed for the first time in a helical plasma. Nonlinear coupling was also observed between RSAE and GAM.展开更多
Dear Editor,Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is an optimal sperm extraction method for men with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).1 According to a recent systematic review by Corona et al.,2 the sp...Dear Editor,Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is an optimal sperm extraction method for men with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).1 According to a recent systematic review by Corona et al.,2 the sperm retrieval rate by micro-TESE and live birth rate per intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycle among NOA patients were 46%and 24%,respectively.In cases where sperm can be collected from NOA patients,the live birth rate remains low.If the potential outcomes of ICSI can be predicted by sperm motility assessment,such as pregnancy not anticipated because of immotile sperm,unnecessary ovarian stimulation or oocyte retrieval from female partners could be avoided.展开更多
Treatments of estrogens such as Estrone （El）, Estradiol （E2） and Ethinylestradiol （EE2） were conducted using an electrolytic reactor equipped with multi-packed granular glassy carbon electrodes. Experimental res...Treatments of estrogens such as Estrone （El）, Estradiol （E2） and Ethinylestradiol （EE2） were conducted using an electrolytic reactor equipped with multi-packed granular glassy carbon electrodes. Experimental results showed that El, E2 and EE2 were oxidized in the range of 0.45-0.85 V and were removed through electro-polymerization. Observed data from continuous experiments were in good agreement with calculated results by a mathematical model constructed based on mass transfer limitation. In continuous treatment of trace estrogens （1 μg/L）, 98% of El, E2 and EE2 were stably removed. At high loading rate （100 μg/L）, removal efficiency of E1 was kept around 74%-88% for 21 days, but removal efficiency reduced due to passivation of electrodes. However, removal efficiency was recovered after electrochemical regeneration of electrodes in presence of ozone. Electric energy consumption was observed in the range of 1-2 Wh/m3. From these results, we concluded that the present electrochemical process would be an alternative removal of estrogens.展开更多
Zinc is often deficient in patients with liver cirrhosis, and treatment with zinc provides short-term improvement in protein metabolism. However, the long-term effects of zinc have not been fully clarified. The presen...Zinc is often deficient in patients with liver cirrhosis, and treatment with zinc provides short-term improvement in protein metabolism. However, the long-term effects of zinc have not been fully clarified. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of zinc on the long-term clinical course, especially hepatocarcinogenesis, in type C liver cirrhosis. Am- ong patients with type C liver cirrhosis visiting our hospital between June 1998 and January 2009, th- ose with a serum albumin level ≤3.5 g/dL and a serum zinc level ≤70 μg (1.07 μmol)/dL were selected. Thirty-seven patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group B (12 g/day branched-chain amino acid granules) and group BZ (same as group B plus 100 mg/day - 600 mg/day zinc sulfate or 150 mg/day - 225 mg/day polaprezinc). Multivariate analysis revealed that the administration of zinc was not a significant determinant, but pretreatment serum zinc levels (hazard ratio [HR], 0.921;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.853–0.994) and serum zinc levels less than 80 μg (1.22 μmol)/dL 12 months after beginning this study (HR, 6.866;95% CI, 1.399 - 33.707) were significant determinants of carcinogenesis and death. Serum albumin levels in patients whose serum zinc levels had not increased up to 80 μg/dL by the third year of this study were significantly lower (p = 0.023) than those of patients that had increased up to 80 μg/dL. Conclusions: In type C liver cirrhosis with zinc deficiency, administration of zinc does not improve cancer-free survival. However, serum zinc levels can predict outcomes in patients with type C liver cirrhosis. However, although zinc may play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis, the precise implications remain to be clarified.展开更多
An underexpanded jet has typical shock-cell structure and strongly oscillates, its behavior being known to cause many industrial problems. An underexpanded jet radially issues from intake and exhaust valves of an inte...An underexpanded jet has typical shock-cell structure and strongly oscillates, its behavior being known to cause many industrial problems. An underexpanded jet radially issues from intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, a pressure control valve and so on. When a supersonic jet exhausted from a circular nozzle impinges on a flat plate, the wall jet formed on the plate often becomes underexpanded and spreads out radially. Such underexpanded impinging jet is one of models of supersonic jets on laser cutting process and glass tempering process. In this study, an underexpanded jet radially discharged from a circular slit nozzle, which consists of two cylinders, was experimentally examined for different nozzle pressure ratios and for different diameters of cylinder. Jet structure was analyzed by means of a visualization e.g. Schlieren method. A noise emitted from the jet was measured and the frequency of screech tone was analyzed. The experimental results were compared with those of a two dimensional jet issuing from a rectangular nozzle. Furthermore, a comparison of visualized sound waves with the screech tone frequency reveals that the sound source measured was in the vicinity of the end of the second cell and that the length of the second or third cell was one of the most important parameters to determine the frequency of the emitted screech tone.展开更多
In order to clarify the reason why the creep rupture time of pre-strained Ni-23Cr-7W Alloy (HR6W) is longer than that of the non-pre-strained HR6W, microstructures of HR6W after a series of creep tests were investigat...In order to clarify the reason why the creep rupture time of pre-strained Ni-23Cr-7W Alloy (HR6W) is longer than that of the non-pre-strained HR6W, microstructures of HR6W after a series of creep tests were investigated. The creep tests were conducted at 750°C, 90 and 100 MPa. In the pre-strained samples, the grain boundary shielding ratio by precipitates was larger than that of the non-pre-strained sample. In addition, in the pre-strained samples the size of the M23C6 carbide in the grains was finer than in the non-pre-strained sample. The W content in the M23C6 carbide in the pre-strained samples tended to be larger than in the non-pre-strained sample. Therefore, the Ostwald ripening of the carbide was delayed and the size of M23C6 carbide was thought to be fine for a long time. These observations show that creep strength in the pre-strained samples is higher than that of the non-pre-strained sample because of both precipitation strengthening inside of the grains and grain boundaries.展开更多
文摘During plant development, distantly-located organs must communicate in order to adapt morphological and physiological features in response to environmental inputs. Among the recognized signaling molecules, a class of phytohormones known as the cytokinins functions as both local and long-distance regulatory signals for the coordination of plant development. This cytokinin-dependent communication system consists of orchestrated regulation of the metabolism, translocation, and signal transduction of this phytohormone class. Here, to gain insight into this elaborate signaling system, we summarize current models of biosynthesis, transmembrane transport, and long-distance translocation of cytokinins in higher plants.
文摘Plant metabolomics developed as a powerful tool to examine gene functions and to gain deeper insight into the physiology of the plant cell. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis lines overexpressing rice full-length （FL） cDNAs （rice FOX Arabidopsis lines） using a gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry （GC-TOF/MS）-based technique to identify rice genes that caused metabolic changes. This screening system allows fast and reliable identification of candi- date lines showing altered metabolite profiles. We performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of a rice FOX Ara- bidopsis line that harbored the FL cDNA of the rice ortholog of the Lateral Organ Boundaries （LOB） Domain （LBD）/ Asymmetric Leaves2-1ike （ASL） gene of Arabidopsis, At-LBD37/ASL39. The investigated rice FOX Arabidopsis line showed prominent changes in the levels of metabolites related to nitrogen metabolism. The transcriptomic data as well as the results from the metabolite analysis of the Arabidopsis At-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressor plants were consistent with these findings. Furthermore, the metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the Os-LBD37/ASL39-overexpressing rice plants indicated that Os-LBD37/ASL39 is associated with processes related to nitrogen metabolism in rice. Thus, the combination of a metabolomics-based screening method and a gain-of-function approach is useful for rapid characterization of novel genes in both Arabidopsis and rice.
文摘We describe a 77-year-old man with refractory gastric ulcer that worsened after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Pathology showed marked infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the gastric lesions,which led us to suspect IgG4-related sclerosing disease.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report of IgG4-related gastric ulcer without the main manifestation of autoimmune pancreatitis.
文摘Measurements of frictional resistance play an important role in engineering practice. There are several types of air resistance acting on an aircraft, for example. One of them, frictional resistance, accounts for half of the air resistance. Oil film interferometry is one of methods for measuring the frictional resistance. Oil dropped on an object is thinly stretched by the frictional resistance. The bright and dark fringe pattern is generated when monochromatic light is applied to the oil film. The gradient of the oil thickness decreases with the lapse of time, and thus the spacing between neighboring the dark lines increases. The rate at which the spacing increases is proportional to the frictional resistance. In this study, the frictional resistance acting on a small area on a plate was measured and compared with the theoretical value. As a result, these results qualitatively agree well with each other.
文摘Background Although Kawasaki disease(KD)is known to cause anemia,the relationship between its prognosis and hemoglobin level is less well known.Methods We herein performed a secondary analysis of data from a previous study(Post-RAISE).Children aged 6 months to 2 years at the time of KD diagnosis were enrolled.Decreased hemoglobin was defined as a decrease>10%on post-treatment day 2 compared with the level prior to the initial therapy.Results Of 1253 KD cases,treatment resistance was observed in 209(17%)and was significantly more frequent in the decreased hemoglobin group(37/167 vs.172/1086,P=0.041).Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased hemoglobin was associated with resistance to the initial treatment(odds ratio 1.53;95%confidence interval 1.00-2.33;P=0.048).Conclusions Decreased hemoglobin was significantly associated with resistance to initial treatment in patients with KD.
基金supported by NIFS under Grant(No.NIFS05ULPP506)in part by the JSPS-CAS Core-University Program in the field of Plasma and Nuclear Fusion
文摘In the Large Helical Device （LHD）, two different divertor configurations, i.e. helical divertor （HD） and local island divertor （LID）, are utilized to control the edge plasma. The HD with two X-points is an intrinsic divertor for heliotron devices, accompanied with a relatively thick ergodic layer outside the confinement region. Edge and divertor plasma behavior from low density to high density regimes is presented, referring to the divertor detachment. The effect of the ergodic layer on the edge transport is also discussed. On the other hand, the LID is an advanced divertor concept which realizes a high pumping efficiency by the combination of an externally induced magnetic island and a closed pumping system. Experimental results to confirm the fundamental divertor performance of the LID are presented.
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2016FYA0300402 and 2017YFA0303101)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(11674279 and 11374257)+8 种基金supported in part by the NSFC(U1732162 and 11974061)support from the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation(LR18A04001)supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFA0300202)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(11774306)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB28000000)partly supported by KAKENHI(JP20H05164,19K14661,15H05883,18H01161,and JP17K05553)from JSPS‘‘JPhysics”(18H04306)financial support provided by the Project Number MOST-108-2112-M-001-049-MY2the Academia Sinica for the budget of AS-iMATE-109-13。
文摘Spontaneous symmetry breaking has been a paradigm to describe the phase transitions in condensed matter physics.In addition to the continuous electromagnetic gauge symmetry,an unconventional superconductor can break discrete symmetries simultaneously,such as time reversal and lattice rotational symmetry.In this work we report a characteristic in-plane 2-fold behaviour of the resistive upper critical field and point-contact spectra on the superconducting semimetal PbTaSe2 with topological nodal-rings,despite its hexagonal lattice symmetry(or D3 h in bulk while C3 v on surface,to be precise).The 2-fold behaviour persists up to its surface upper critical field Hc2R even though bulk superconductivity has been suppressed at its bulk upper critical field Hc2HC<<Hc2R,signaling its probable surface-only electronic nematicity.In addition,we do not observe any lattice rotational symmetry breaking signal from field-angle-dependent specific heat within the resolution.It is worth noting that such surface-only electronic nematicity is in sharp contrast to the observation in the topological superconductor candidate,CuxBi2Se3,where the nematicity occurs in various bulk measurements.In combination with theory,superconducting nematicity is likely to emerge from the topological surface states of PbTaSe2,rather than the proximity effect.The issue of time reversal symmetry breaking is also addressed.Thus,our results on PbTaSe2 shed new light on possible routes to realize nematic superconductivity with nontrivial topology.
文摘Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius are pathogenic bacteria which cause various infectious diseases from acute pharyngitis to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Although Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius infection has been increasing recently, the recent characteristic investigation of respiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius has not been performed in Japan. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between respiratory tract and norespiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius by investigating the recent clinical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptible patterns of 98Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius isolated during 2013-2015 in Japan. There was significant difference of gender between respiratory tract and no respiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius. No Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius from no respiratory tract were found under 18 years-old patients. The prevalence of clindamycin non susceptible Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius isolates from respiratory tract was significant greater than those from non-respiratory tract. We also analyzed the relationship between respiratory tract associated Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius and Streptococcus pyogenes in 2014.There was no significant difference of gender between Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius and Streptococcus pyogenes. The numbers of Streptococcus pyogenes-infected patients were significantly greater than those of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius-infected patients in children from 1 to 18 years old. From antimicrobial resistance, we found that the numbers of clarithromycin resistant Streptococcus pyogenes were greater than those of clarithromycin resistant Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilius among respiratory tract isolation. Our results suggest that the clinical and antimicrobial susceptible patterns are useful for screening the respirator
文摘Poaceae species such as silver grass or reed are commonly used in traditional mulch farming in Japan,where the Nishi-Awa area is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS)site.Farmers here have traditionally used silver grass for mulch farming;furthermore,local farmers have learned from long-standing experience that Japanese knotweed(Fallopia japonica,Polygonaceae)is better for cultivation of solanaceous crops in this area.However,it is unclear why Japanese knotweed mulching is beneficial for cultivation of solanaceous crops.Thus,in this study,we hypothesized that Japanese knotweed mulching may be effective in avoiding hazards associated with continuous potato cropping,as native potato used to be cultivated twice a year in the past.Therefore,we investigated the effects of Japanese knotweed mulching on continuous potato cropping and after tomato cropping,which is another solanaceous crop species.Field experiments were conducted in 2018.First,we compared Japanese knotweed mulching,silver grass mulching and no grass mulching(control)in a soil under continuous potato cultivation and in an uncultivated soil.As a result,the extent of the potato yield decrease was reduced by Japanese knotweed mulching.Secondly,we compared Japanese knotweed-mulching and no grass mulching in a soil after a tomato crop and in an uncultivated soil.The extent of decrease in potato growth and yield was also reduced by Japanese knotweed mulching.These findings indicate that mulching with Japanese knotweed helped to avoid the risks associated with continuous potato cropping.
基金The project supported by the Core-University Program between Japan and China on Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion, and a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
文摘MHD stability of the Large Helical Device (LHD) plasmas produced with intenseneutral beam injection is experimentally studied. When the steep pressure gradient near the edge isproduced through L-H transition or linear density ramp experiment, interchange-like MHD modes whoserational surface is located very close to the last closed flux surface are strongly excited in acertain discharge condition and affect the plasma transport appreciably. In NBI-heated plasmasproduced at low toroidal field, various Alfven eigenmodes are often excited. Bursting toroidalAlfven egenmodes excited by the presence of energetic ions induce appreciable amount of energeticion loss, but also trigger the formation of internal and edge transport barriers.
文摘Haemophilus influenzae is an important pathogen that caused several infection diseases, such as sinusitis, otitis media, sepsis, and meningitis. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Haemophilus influenzae isolates at general hospital in the central region of Japan from December 2015 to January 2016. Haemophilus influenzae was identified by standard laboratory procedure. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by micro dilution assay according to CLSI recommendation. One hundred ninety-one Haemophilus influenzae were isolated, among which 95 (49.7%) were from male and 96 (50.3%) were from female. The age incidence of (0) years, (≤2) years, (≤5) years, and (6≤) years groups were 22(11.5%), 92(48.2%), 61(31.9%), and 16(8.4%), respectively. Positive samples were received mostly from the nasal discharge (177/92.7%), sputum (6/3.1%), tonsillar (6/3.1%), and pharynx (2/1.0%). Ceftriaxone was the most active antibiotics with 100% susceptible rates, followed by ciprofloxacin (99.5%) and minocycline (99%) in our study. Furthermore, we categorized four patterns: beta lactamase-negative ampicillin-sensitive strain (BLNAS), beta lactamase-negative ampicillin-re- sistant strain (BLNAR), beta lactamase-positive ampicillin resistant strain (BLPAR), and beta lactamase-positive amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-resistant strain (BLPACR) from those ampicillin susceptible results. The numbers of female were significant greater than those of male in BLPAR (p = 0.0336). With respect to antimicrobial susceptible pattern, there was no minocycline and piperacillin resistant strain in both BLNAS and BLNAR (p
文摘Navigation system based on the animal behavior has received a growing attention in the past few years. The navigation systems using artificial pheromone are still few so far. For this reason, this paper presents our research that aim to implement autonomous navigation with artificial pheromone system. By introducing artificial pheromone system composed of data carriers and autonomous robots, the robotic system creates a potential field to navigate their group. We have developed a pheromone density model to realize the function of pheromones with the help of data carders. We intend to show the effectiveness of the proposed system by performing simulations and realization using modified mobile robot. The pheromone potential field system can be used for navigation of autonomous robots.
基金supported by a grant from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japan Kawasaki Disease Research Center.
文摘Kawasaki disease(KD)is a vasculitis of unknown etiology occurring predominantly in children under five years old[1].Coronary artery aneurysm,its most serious complica-tion,occurs in about 25%of untreated patients[2].High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG)2 g/kg is used to prevent coronary artery aneurysms[1,3,4],but about 20%of patients are nonresponsive and require a second dose for a total of 4 g/kg.The appropriate timing of live attenuated vaccine(LAV)administration in such cases is unclear.
基金LHD project budget of Japan (NIFS08ULHH508)the Grant-in-aid for Scientific Research from MEST of Japan (No.16082209)the JSPS-CAS Core-University Program in the field of Plasma and Nuclear Fusion
文摘In the large helical device （LHD） having three dimensional configuration, Alfven eigenmodes （AEs） destabilized by energetic ions are widely investigated using neutral beam heated plasmas with monotonic and non-monotonic rotational transform （l/2π） profiles. In a plasma with monotonic l/2π-profile, core-localized toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmode （TAE） as well as global one are often observed. With the increase in the averaged toroidal beta value, defined as the ratio of total plasma pressure to toroidal magnetic pressure, core-localized TAE with low toroidal mode number becomes global. In a relatively high beta plasma with monotonic l/2π-profile, two TAEs with different toroidal mode number often interact nonlinearly and generate another modes through three wave coupling. In a plasma with non-monotonic l/2π-profile generated by intense counter neutral beam current drive, reversed shear Alfven eigenmode （RSAE） and geodesic acoustic mode （CAM） excited by energetic ions were observed for the first time in a helical plasma. Nonlinear coupling was also observed between RSAE and GAM.
文摘Dear Editor,Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is an optimal sperm extraction method for men with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).1 According to a recent systematic review by Corona et al.,2 the sperm retrieval rate by micro-TESE and live birth rate per intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycle among NOA patients were 46%and 24%,respectively.In cases where sperm can be collected from NOA patients,the live birth rate remains low.If the potential outcomes of ICSI can be predicted by sperm motility assessment,such as pregnancy not anticipated because of immotile sperm,unnecessary ovarian stimulation or oocyte retrieval from female partners could be avoided.
基金supported in part by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (No. 24360219)the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)Waseda University Grants for Special Research Project (No. 2013A-887)
文摘Treatments of estrogens such as Estrone （El）, Estradiol （E2） and Ethinylestradiol （EE2） were conducted using an electrolytic reactor equipped with multi-packed granular glassy carbon electrodes. Experimental results showed that El, E2 and EE2 were oxidized in the range of 0.45-0.85 V and were removed through electro-polymerization. Observed data from continuous experiments were in good agreement with calculated results by a mathematical model constructed based on mass transfer limitation. In continuous treatment of trace estrogens （1 μg/L）, 98% of El, E2 and EE2 were stably removed. At high loading rate （100 μg/L）, removal efficiency of E1 was kept around 74%-88% for 21 days, but removal efficiency reduced due to passivation of electrodes. However, removal efficiency was recovered after electrochemical regeneration of electrodes in presence of ozone. Electric energy consumption was observed in the range of 1-2 Wh/m3. From these results, we concluded that the present electrochemical process would be an alternative removal of estrogens.
文摘Zinc is often deficient in patients with liver cirrhosis, and treatment with zinc provides short-term improvement in protein metabolism. However, the long-term effects of zinc have not been fully clarified. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of zinc on the long-term clinical course, especially hepatocarcinogenesis, in type C liver cirrhosis. Am- ong patients with type C liver cirrhosis visiting our hospital between June 1998 and January 2009, th- ose with a serum albumin level ≤3.5 g/dL and a serum zinc level ≤70 μg (1.07 μmol)/dL were selected. Thirty-seven patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group B (12 g/day branched-chain amino acid granules) and group BZ (same as group B plus 100 mg/day - 600 mg/day zinc sulfate or 150 mg/day - 225 mg/day polaprezinc). Multivariate analysis revealed that the administration of zinc was not a significant determinant, but pretreatment serum zinc levels (hazard ratio [HR], 0.921;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.853–0.994) and serum zinc levels less than 80 μg (1.22 μmol)/dL 12 months after beginning this study (HR, 6.866;95% CI, 1.399 - 33.707) were significant determinants of carcinogenesis and death. Serum albumin levels in patients whose serum zinc levels had not increased up to 80 μg/dL by the third year of this study were significantly lower (p = 0.023) than those of patients that had increased up to 80 μg/dL. Conclusions: In type C liver cirrhosis with zinc deficiency, administration of zinc does not improve cancer-free survival. However, serum zinc levels can predict outcomes in patients with type C liver cirrhosis. However, although zinc may play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis, the precise implications remain to be clarified.
文摘An underexpanded jet has typical shock-cell structure and strongly oscillates, its behavior being known to cause many industrial problems. An underexpanded jet radially issues from intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, a pressure control valve and so on. When a supersonic jet exhausted from a circular nozzle impinges on a flat plate, the wall jet formed on the plate often becomes underexpanded and spreads out radially. Such underexpanded impinging jet is one of models of supersonic jets on laser cutting process and glass tempering process. In this study, an underexpanded jet radially discharged from a circular slit nozzle, which consists of two cylinders, was experimentally examined for different nozzle pressure ratios and for different diameters of cylinder. Jet structure was analyzed by means of a visualization e.g. Schlieren method. A noise emitted from the jet was measured and the frequency of screech tone was analyzed. The experimental results were compared with those of a two dimensional jet issuing from a rectangular nozzle. Furthermore, a comparison of visualized sound waves with the screech tone frequency reveals that the sound source measured was in the vicinity of the end of the second cell and that the length of the second or third cell was one of the most important parameters to determine the frequency of the emitted screech tone.
文摘In order to clarify the reason why the creep rupture time of pre-strained Ni-23Cr-7W Alloy (HR6W) is longer than that of the non-pre-strained HR6W, microstructures of HR6W after a series of creep tests were investigated. The creep tests were conducted at 750°C, 90 and 100 MPa. In the pre-strained samples, the grain boundary shielding ratio by precipitates was larger than that of the non-pre-strained sample. In addition, in the pre-strained samples the size of the M23C6 carbide in the grains was finer than in the non-pre-strained sample. The W content in the M23C6 carbide in the pre-strained samples tended to be larger than in the non-pre-strained sample. Therefore, the Ostwald ripening of the carbide was delayed and the size of M23C6 carbide was thought to be fine for a long time. These observations show that creep strength in the pre-strained samples is higher than that of the non-pre-strained sample because of both precipitation strengthening inside of the grains and grain boundaries.
