First Exploration of Monopole-Driven Shell Evolution above the N=126 Shell Closure: New Millisecond Isomers in

Isomer spectroscopy of heavy neutron-rich nuclei beyond the N=126 closed shell has been performed for the first time at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of the RIKEN Nishina Center. New millisecond isomers have been identified at low excitation energies, 985.3(19) keV in ^{213}Tl and 874(5) keV in ^{215}Tl. The measured half-lives of 1.34(5) ms in ^{213}Tl and 3.0(3) ms in ^{215}Tl suggest spins and parities 11/2^{-} with the single proton-hole configuration πh_{11/2} as leading component. They are populated via E1 transitions by the decay of higher-lying isomeric states with proposed spin and parity 17/2^{+}, interpreted as arising from a single πs_{1/2} proton hole coupled to the 8^{+} seniority isomer in the ^{A+1}Pb cores. The lowering of the 11/2^{-} states is ascribed to an increase of the πh_{11/2} proton effective single-particle energy as the second νg_{9/2} orbital is filled by neutrons, owing to a significant reduction of the proton-neutron monopole interaction between the πh_{11/2} and νg_{9/2} orbitals. The new ms isomers provide the first experimental observation of shell evolution in the almost unexplored N>126 nuclear region below doubly magic ^{208}Pb.

Relationship between frontal craniofacial morphology and horizontal balance of lip-closing forces during lip pursing.

The objectives of this study were to quantitatively evaluate the relationship between frontal craniofacial morphology and the horizontal balance of the lip-closing forces (LCF) generated during maximum voluntary pursing-like movements in patients with mandibular deviation. Thirty-one subjects (median age 25·4 ± 8·9 years) without a history of orthodontic treatment were randomly selected from among the orthodontic patients who visited our hospital. Lip-closing forces was recorded in eight directions during maximum voluntary pursing-like lip-closing movements. The subjects were divided into the deviation (two males and 11 females) and non-deviation groups (four males and 14 females). There was no significant difference in the total LCF between the deviation and non-deviation groups. In the deviation group, the mean LCF value on the deviation side of the upper lip was significantly lower than that detected on the non-deviation side of the upper lip, while the mean LCF value for the deviation side of the lower lip was significantly higher than that for the non-deviation side of the lower lip. In contrast, no significant difference in upper or lower lip LCF was detected between the deviation and non-deviation sides in the non-deviation group. The difference in the LCF generated in the lower lip between the deviation and non-deviation sides was significantly positively correlated with mandibular menton deviation and significantly negatively correlated with the difference in maxillary height between the deviation and non-deviation sides. These results suggest that the horizontal balance of the upper and lower lip LCF produced during pursing-like lip-closing movements in patients with mandibular deviation is related to frontal craniofacial morphology.

Demonstration of nuclear gamma-ray polarimetry based on a multi-layer CdTe Compton camera.

To detect and track structural changes in atomic nuclei, the systematic study of nuclear levels with firm spin-parity assignments is important. While linear polarization measurements have been applied to determine the electromagnetic character of gamma-ray transitions, the applicable range is strongly limited due to the low efficiency of the detection system. The multi-layer Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) Compton camera can be a state-of-the-art gamma-ray polarimeter for nuclear spectroscopy with the high position sensitivity and the detection efficiency. We demonstrated the capability to operate this detector as a reliable gamma-ray polarimeter by using polarized 847-keV gamma rays produced by the [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) reaction. By combining the experimental data and simulated calculations, the modulation curve for the gamma ray was successfully obtained. A remarkably high polarization sensitivity was achieved, compatible with a reasonable detection efficiency. Based on the obtained results, a possible future gamma-ray polarimetery is discussed.

In-process monitoring of a tissue-engineered oral mucosa fabricated on a micropatterned collagen scaffold: use of optical coherence tomography for quality control.

Background: We previously reported a novel technique for fabricating dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ)-like micropatterned collagen scaffolds to manufacture an ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) for clinical translation; however, more biomimetic micropatterns are required to promote oral keratinocyte-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine. In addition, in-process monitoring for quality control of tissue-engineered products is key to successful clinical outcomes. However, evaluating three-dimensional tissue-engineered constructs such as EVPOME is challenging. This study aimed to update our technique to fabricate a more biomimetic DEJ structure of oral mucosa and to investigate the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in combination with deep learning for non-invasive EVPOME monitoring. Methods: A picosecond laser-textured microstructure mimicking DEJ on stainless steel was used as a negative mould to fabricate the micropatterned collagen scaffold. During EVPOME manufacturing, OCT was applied twice to monitor the EVPOME and evaluate its epithelial thickness. Findings: Our moulding system resulted in successful micropattern replication on the curved collagen scaffold. OCT imaging visualised the epithelial layer and the underlying micropatterned scaffold in EVPOME, enabling to non-invasively detect specific defects not found before the histological examination. Additionally, a gradual increase in epithelial thickness was observed over time. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using a stainless-steel negative mould to create a more biomimetic micropattern on collagen scaffolds and the potential of OCT imaging for quality control in oral keratinocyte-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine.

Semisupervised Deep State-Space Model for Plant Growth Modeling.

The optimal control of sugar content and its associated technology is important for producing high-quality crops more stably and efficiently. Model-based reinforcement learning (RL) indicates a desirable action depending on the type of situation based on trial-and-error calculations conducted by an environmental model. In this paper, we address plant growth modeling as an environmental model for the optimal control of sugar content. In the growth process, fruiting plants generate sugar depending on their state and evolve via various external stimuli; however, sugar content data are sparse because appropriate remote sensing technology is yet to be developed, and thus, sugar content is measured manually. We propose a semisupervised deep state-space model (SDSSM) where semisupervised learning is introduced into a sequential deep generative model. SDSSM achieves a high generalization performance by optimizing the parameters while inferring unobserved data and using training data efficiently, even if some categories of training data are sparse. We designed an appropriate model combined with model-based RL for the optimal control of sugar content using SDSSM for plant growth modeling. We evaluated the performance of SDSSM using tomato greenhouse cultivation data and applied cross-validation to the comparative evaluation method. The SDSSM was trained using approximately 500 sugar content data of appropriately inferred plant states and reduced the mean absolute error by approximately 38% compared with other supervised learning algorithms. The results demonstrate that SDSSM has good potential to estimate time-series sugar content variation and validate uncertainty for the optimal control of high-quality fruit cultivation using model-based RL.

Prediction of surgical difficulty in minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer by use of MRI pelvimetry.

BACKGROUND: Technical difficulties in rectal surgery are often related to dissection in a limited surgical field. This study investigated the clinical value of MRI pelvimetry in the prediction of surgical difficulty associated with minimally invasive rectal surgery. METHODS: Patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively and categorized according to surgical difficulty on the basis of duration of surgery, conversion to an open procedure, use of the transanal approach, postoperative hospital stay, blood loss and postoperative complications. Preoperative clinical and MRI-related parameters were examined to develop a prediction model to estimate the extent of surgical difficulty, and to compare anastomotic leakage rates in the low- and high-grade surgical difficulty groups. Prognosis was investigated by calculating overall and relapse-free survival, and cumulative local and distant recurrence rates. RESULTS: Of 121 patients analysed, 104 (86·0 per cent) were categorized into the low-grade group and 17 (14·0 per cent) into the high-grade group. Multivariable analysis indicated that high-grade surgical difficulty was associated with a BMI above 25 kg/m2 (odds ratio (OR) 4·45, P = 0·033), tumour size 45 mm or more (OR 5·42, P = 0·042), anorectal angle 123° or more (OR 5·98, P = 0·028) and pelvic outlet less than 82·7 mm (OR 6·62, P = 0·048). All of these features were used to devise a four-variable scoring model to predict surgical difficulty. In patients categorized as high grade for surgical difficulty, the anastomotic leakage rate was 53 per cent (9 of 17 patients), compared with 9·6 per cent (10 of 104) in the low-grade group (P < 0·001). The high-grade group had a significantly higher local recurrence rate than the low-grade group (P = 0·002). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact of clinical variables and MRI pelvimetry in the prediction of surgical difficulty in minimally invasive rectal surgery.

ANTECEDENTES: Las dificultades técnicas en la cirugía del recto a menudo están relacionadas con la disección en un campo quirúrgico limitado. Este estudio se propuso investigar la utilidad clínica de la pelvimetría con MRI para predecir la dificultad quirúrgica asociada con la cirugía mínimamente invasiva del recto. MÉTODOS: Pacientes con cáncer de recto sometidos a resección total del mesorrecto laparoscópica o robótica entre 2005 y 2017 fueron revisados retrospectivamente y categorizados de acuerdo con la dificultad técnica en base al tiempo operatorio, conversión, uso de abordaje transanal, estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria, pérdida sanguínea y complicaciones postoperatorias. Se examinaron parámetros clínicos preoperatorios y relacionados con la MRI para desarrollar un modelo de predicción que estimara el grado de dificultad técnica y pudiera comparar la tasa de dehiscencias anastomóticas en los grupos de bajo y alto riesgo. También se evaluó el pronóstico con el cálculo de la supervivencia global, supervivencia libre de recidiva y tasas acumuladas de recidiva local y a distancia. RESULTADOS: De un total de 121 pacientes analizados, 104 pacientes (85,9%) fueron categorizados en el grupo con bajo grado de dificultad técnica, mientras que 17 pacientes (14,1%) lo fueron en el grupo de alto grado. En el análisis multivariable, un alto grado de dificultad técnica se asociaba con un índice de masa corporal (body mass index, BMI) > 25 kg/m2 (razón de oportunidades, odds ratio (OR), 4,5; P = 0,033), tamaño tumoral ≥ 45 mm (OR, 5,4; P = 0,042), ángulo anorrectal ≥ 123 grados (OR, 6,0; P = 0,028), estrecho pélvico < 82,7 mm (OR, 6,6; P = 0,048); en consecuencia, todas estas características fueron utilizadas para establecer un modelo de puntuación con 4 variables que pudiera predecir la dificultad técnica. En los pacientes categorizados como de alto grado de dificultad técnica, la tasa de dehiscencia anastomótica fue del 52,9%, mientras que en el grupo de bajo grado fue del 9,6% (P < 0,001). Finalmente, el grupo con alto grado mostró una tasa significativamente más elevada de recidiva local en comparación con el grupo de bajo grado (P = 0,002). CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio pone de relieve el impacto de variables clínicas y de la pelvimetría con MRI para predecir la dificultad técnica en la cirugía mínimamente invasiva del recto.

PCB contamination assessment of yusho patients by using preserved human umbilical cord.

PCB concentrations in umbilical cord preserved from the time when Yusho patients and healthy subjects gave birth were examined. The total concentration of the 12 DL-PCB isomers ranged from 130 to 12,000 pg/g in the umbilical samples, was about 700 pg/g around 1950 but began to increase in the mid 1960s, reached about 12,000 pg/g between 1968 and 1970 immediately after the Yusho incident. However, the DL-PCB concentration was high between 1968 and 1970 in not only the designated Yusho patients but also healthy subjects, and the maximum DL-PCB concentration was close between the two groups.

Properties of milk protein gels formed by phosphates.

We investigated the properties of gels that were formed by adding emulsifying salts, such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), to reconstituted milk protein concentrate solution. The pH of a 51 g/L milk protein concentrate solution was adjusted to 5.8 after adding TSPP. Milk protein concentrate solutions were placed in glass jars and allowed to stand at 25 degrees C for 24 h. Gels with the highest breaking force were formed when TSPP was added at a concentration of 6.7 mM, whereas no gel was formed when TSPP was added at concentrations of < or =2.9 or > or =10.5 mM. Several other phosphate-based emulsifying salts were tested but for these emulsifying salts, gelation only occurred after several days or at greater gelation temperatures. No gelation was observed for trisodium citrate. Gelation induced by TSPP was dependent on pH, and the breaking force of gel was greatest at pH 6.0. Furthermore, when the concentration of milk protein concentrate in solution was increased to 103 g/L, the breaking force of the gel increased, and a clearly defined network between caseins could be observed by using confocal scanning laser microscopy. These results suggest that TSPP-induced gelation occurs when the added TSPP acts with calcium as a cross-linking agent between dispersed caseins and when the balance between (a reduced) electrostatic repulsion and (enhanced) attractive (hydrophobic) interactions becomes suitable for aggregation and eventual gelation of casein molecules.

Effects of emulsifying salts on the turbidity and calcium-phosphate-protein interactions in casein micelles.

Influence of emulsifying salts (ES) on some physical properties of casein micelles was investigated. A reconstituted milk protein concentrate (MPC) solution (5% wt/wt) was used as the protein source and the effects of ES [0 to 2.0% (wt/wt)] were estimated by measuring turbidity, acid-base titration curves and amount of casein-bound Ca and inorganic P (P(i)). Various ES, trisodium citrate (TSC), or sodium phosphates (ortho-, pyro-, or hexameta-) were added to MPC solution, and all samples were adjusted to pH 5.8. Acid-base buffering curves were used to observe changes in the amount and type of insoluble Ca phosphates. An increase in the concentration of TSC added to MPC solution decreased turbidity, buffering at pH approximately 5 (contributed by colloidal Ca phosphate), and amount of casein-bound Ca and P(i). Addition of up to 0.7% disodium orthophosphate (DSP) did not significantly influence turbidity, buffering curves, or amount of casein-bound Ca and P(i). When higher concentrations (i.e., > or =1.0%) of DSP were added, there was a slow decrease in turbidity. With increasing concentration of added tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), turbidity and buffering at pH approximately 5 decreased, and amount of casein-bound Ca and P(i) increased. When small concentrations (i.e., 0.1%) of sodium hexameta-phosphate were added, effects were similar to those when TSPP were added but when higher concentrations (i.e., > or =0.5%) were added, the buffering peak shifted to a higher pH value, and amount of casein-bound Ca and P(i) decreased. These results suggested that each type of ES influenced casein micelles by different mechanisms.

Effects of two types of emulsifying salts on the functionality of nonfat pasta filata cheese.

Effects of 2 types of emulsifying salts (ES) on the functionality of nonfat pasta filata cheese were examined. Nonfat pasta filata cheese was made from skim milk by direct acidification. Trisodium citrate (TSC) and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) were added to curds (at 1, 3, and 5%, wt/wt) at the dry-salting step, together with glucono-delta-lactone to maintain a constant pH. When TSC was added, there were no significant compositional differences, although insoluble Ca and P contents significantly decreased with the addition of TSC. When TSPP was added, fat content was not significantly different, but protein content decreased with increasing concentrations of TSPP. Both insoluble Ca and P contents increased with the addition of 1% TSPP. The addition of ES affected textural and functional properties. With increasing concentrations of TSC, meltability increased, whereas increasing the TSPP content decreased meltability. Cheese made with 1% TSC had better stretchability compared with control cheese. However, the addition of more than 3% TSC decreased stretchability. Addition of TSPP caused a considerable decrease in stretchabilty. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the size and number of serum pockets decreased and protein appeared more hydrated with the addition of both ES. These results suggested that TSC and TSPP influenced the functionality of nonfat pasta filata cheese differently; that is, the effects of TSC were probably caused by a decrease in the number of colloidal calcium phosphate cross-links and an increase in electrostatic repulsion, whereas the effects of TSPP may have been related to the formation of new TSPP-induced casein-casein interactions.

Molecular cloning of a novel putative G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR21) which is expressed predominantly in mouse central nervous system.

A novel cDNA clone encoding a putative G protein-coupled receptor (named GPCR21) was isolated from a mouse brain cDNA library along with its homologue, GPCR01 (the mouse counterpart of previously reported rat receptor R334 [(1991) FEBS Lett. 292, 243-248]) by the polymerase chain reaction using degenerate oligonucleotide primers. Northern blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses showed predominant expression of these two receptors in the central nervous system. In situ hybridization analysis revealed their prominent expression in the limbic system and further demonstrated the differential distribution of their mRNAs in mouse brain. Although the ligands for these receptors are yet to be identified, the significant sequence homology between these receptors suggests that they constitute a new receptor subfamily and they possibly represent different receptor subtypes for an unknown neurotransmitter.

Isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a novel membrane protein expressed in lymphocytes.

By subtractive hybridization using single-stranded phagemids with directional inserts, we isolated a mouse cDNA clone, LSM-1, from temperature-sensitive Abelson virus-transformed immature B cells whose differentiation was being induced after the shift from the permissive (35 degrees C) to the non-permissive temperature (39 degrees C). LSM-1, which encodes an as yet unknown peptide of 197 amino acids, has a putative signal sequence and a trans-membrane region, and is expressed in B- and T-cell lines, in spleen, thymus, and bone marrow of adult mice, and in embryos.

Diagnosis of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy: isolation of variant prealbumin.

A novel, small-scale method was developed for detecting carriers of a prealbumin variant associated with type 1 familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP). Prealbumin isolated from plasma by a two-step preliminary chromatographic procedure was further separated into two peaks by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The normal and variant prealbumins were identified by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The procedure is relatively simple, reliable, and applicable to the definitive diagnosis of FAP in affected patients and also as a preclinical test for the offspring of patients with FAP.

Temporal expression of the transthyretin gene in the developing rat eye.

Transthyretin (TTR) is a 55-kilodalton tetrameric protein that plays an important role in the plasma transport of thyroxine and retinol. Plasma TTR is synthesized in the liver, but major sites of synthesis also have been described in the choroid plexus (CP) epithelium, the visceral yolk sac, and the eye. Recently, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was identified as the specific site of TTR synthesis in the rat eye, and it was suggested that this established a functional homology between the RPE and the CP epithelium. In this study, the temporal pattern of TTR mRNA expression was investigated in the rat eye and brain during development (embryonic day 10 [e10]-postnatal day 7 [P7]) by in situ hybridization and quantitative densitometry. The TTR mRNA was present in abundance in the primordial CP before organogenesis (e10-12), but in the eye, TTR mRNA first was detected at considerably lower levels after organogenesis (e16) and only in a subset of RPE cells in the equatorial region. The relative abundance of TTR mRNA in RPE rose gradually until e21, but on the first day of life a surge was seen, followed by stabilization at adult levels by P7. These findings suggest that the requirement for TTR in CP and RPE, and possibly its function, may differ during development. The postnatal surge in RPE TTR message levels raises the possibility that transcription of the TTR gene in the newborn animal may be responsive to newly encountered environmental stimuli in the perinatal period, such as incident light.

Does the progression of myocardial fibrosis lead to atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

The majority of left ventricular (LV) inflow volumes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) depend on atrial contraction because of impaired LV relaxation. If HCM is complicated by atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure can develop because of the loss of atrial contraction. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the development of AF and myocardial fibrosis or intramyocardial small artery (IMSA) stenosis in autopsied hearts with HCM. Studies were performed in five HCM hearts with AF (AF group) and five HCM hearts without AF (non-AF group). LV specimens were divided into the inner (IT), middle (MT), and outer (OT) thirds. We selected at random 120 fields and 20 IMSAs from each layer and assessed them quantitatively using an image analyzer. We determined the extent of fibrosis (%F) and the degree of stenosis of each IMSA (%L). The %F in the AF group was greater than in the non-AF group (P<.01). In the AF group, the %F of the IT was greater than in the MT and the OT (P<.01). In the non-AF group, the %F of the IT was greater than in the MT (P<.05), and the %F of the MT was greater than in the OT (P<.01). The %L was similar in the AF and non-AF groups. In both groups, the %L of the IT was lower than in the MT (P<.01), which was lower than that of the OT (P<.05). LV fibrosis is more severe in patients with HCM and AF than in those without AF. Therefore, myocardial fibrosis might impair LV relaxation, resulting in hemodynamic intolerance to AF.

A case of hepatic hernia with echocardiographic findings simulating right atrial tumor.

A patient with hepatic hernia was found to have echocardiographic findings resembling a right atrial tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in establishing a definitive diagnosis of hepatic hernia. Hepatic hernias should be ruled out when a right atrial tumor is suspected on the basis of transthoracic echocardiographic findings.

Alpha 2-adrenergic receptor in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptor binding has been studied in platelet membranes from 16 patients with type 1 familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) at various clinical stages and 15 normal subjects. Binding of the radioligand [3H]yohimbine to platelet membranes was used to examine alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. The number of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors were significantly lower in patients of the early stage than in normal subjects. Then, the numbers tended to be higher than those of normal subjects in the intermediate stage, and they were higher in the single advanced-stage patient studied. The reduction in alpha 2-adrenergic receptor numbers in platelet membranes from patients of the early stage might be explained by the down-regulation of the receptors in vascular smooth muscle, but it remains uncertain whether a high number of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors observed in the single advanced-stage patient might be explained by the up-regulation of the receptors.

Infant temperament and child-rearing stress: birth order influences.

The relationship between an infant's temperamental difficulty and the mother's child-rearing stress was investigated in a sample of 128 children. Children's temperament was assessed by the Revised Infant Temperament Questionnaire (RITQ) at 6-7 months, and by the Toddler Temperament Scale (TTS) at 18 months. The mothers' child-rearing stress was assessed by a self-report questionnaire. At the children's age of 18 months, mothers of difficult children reported higher child-rearing stress than mothers of easy children. Although difference in the level of child-rearing stress reflecting birth order was not evident at either 6-7 months or 18 months, the proportion of child-rearing stress which could be explained by the children's temperament was highest for mothers of first-borns when their children were 18 months old.

Effects of VEGF on Ca(2+)-transient in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells and mechanical activity of isolated lymph vessels.

We investigated the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF(165)) on [Ca(2+)](i)-transient in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) and mechanical activity of isolated dog thoracic ducts. VEGF (0.1-10 ng/ml) caused a dose-dependent increase of the [Ca(2+)](i) in LEC. Pretreatment with 10(-5) M genistein or 5x10(-6) M herbimycin A produced a significant reduction of the VEGF-induced [Ca(2+)](i)-transient. In the presence of 10(-6) M thapsigargin, VEGF caused no significant effect on the [Ca(2+)](i)-transient. Pretreatment with Ca(2+)-free solution containing 0.1 mM EGTA produced no significant effect on the peak increase of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by 0.1 or 10 ng/ml VEGF, but significantly depressed the sustained part of [Ca(2+)](i) observed at the higher concentration of VEGF. The VEGF (0.1-10 ng/ml) caused a significant dilation of the isolated lymph vessels with intact endothelium, which were precontracted with U46,619. The 10 ng/ml VEGF-induced dilation was significantly reduced by 3 x 10(-5) M N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The action of L-NAME was inhibited by the simultaneous application of 10(-3) M L-arginine. Mechanical rubbing of the endothelium also caused significant inhibition of the VEGF-induced dilation. The findings suggest that VEGF(165) may activate the receptor-related tyrosine kinase and cause the release of Ca(2+) from the inositol 1,4, 5-triphosphate-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) stores in LEC. VEGF(165) also produces endothelium-dependent nitric oxide-mediated dilation of the precontracted isolated lymph vessels.