Application of transition-edge sensors for micro-X-ray fluorescence measurements and micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy: a case study of uranium speciation in biotite obtained from a uranium mine.

In this study, we successfully applied a transition-edge sensor (TES) spectrometer as a detector for microbeam X-ray measurements from a synchrotron X-ray light source in the hard X-ray region to determine uranium (U) distribution at the micro-scale and its chemical species in biotite obtained from a U mine. It is difficult to separate the fluorescent X-ray of the U Lα1 line at 13.615 keV from that of the Rb Kα line at 13.395 keV in the X-ray fluorescence spectrum with an energy resolution of approximately 220 eV using a conventional silicon drift detector (SDD). Meanwhile, the fluorescent X-rays of U Lα1 and Rb Kα were fully separated by a TES with 50 eV energy resolution at an energy of around 13 keV. The successful peak separation by the TES led to an accurate mapping analysis of trace U in micro-X-ray fluorescence measurements and a decrease in the signal-to-background ratio in micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Thus, it could be a powerful tool for studying the U distribution and speciation in various environmental samples.

Septic shock caused by a carbon dioxide-dependent and extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Proteus mirabilis small colony variant in a long-term bedridden patient.

Here, we report a 60-year-old chronically bedridden man with cerebral palsy who had septic shock following a history of urinary tract infection with extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing and auxotrophic Proteus mirabilis detected on blood and urine cultures. This auxotroph formed small colonies only on the blood agar at 24 h in 5% CO2, but not in the conditions without CO2, and lacked motility and some biochemical activities. The five-year history of stones in the right renal pelvis suggests chronic urinary tract infection with P. mirabilis requiring a 28-day antibiotic treatment. This paper highlights that the CO2-dependent P. mirabilis small colony variant may cause sepsis, probably due to chronic infection in uroliths, which should warrant immediate identification.

De novo transcriptome analysis and comparative expression profiling of genes associated with the taste-modifying protein neoculin in Curculigo latifolia and Curculigo capitulata fruits.

BACKGROUND: Curculigo latifolia is a perennial plant endogenous to Southeast Asia whose fruits contain the taste-modifying protein neoculin, which binds to sweet receptors and makes sour fruits taste sweet. Although similar to snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) agglutinin (GNA), which contains mannose-binding sites in its sequence and 3D structure, neoculin lacks such sites and has no lectin activity. Whether the fruits of C. latifolia and other Curculigo plants contain neoculin and/or GNA family members was unclear. RESULTS: Through de novo RNA-seq assembly of the fruits of C. latifolia and the related C. capitulata and detailed analysis of the expression patterns of neoculin and neoculin-like genes in both species, we assembled 85,697 transcripts from C. latifolia and 76,775 from C. capitulata using Trinity and annotated them using public databases. We identified 70,371 unigenes in C. latifolia and 63,704 in C. capitulata. In total, 38.6% of unigenes from C. latifolia and 42.6% from C. capitulata shared high similarity between the two species. We identified ten neoculin-related transcripts in C. latifolia and 15 in C. capitulata, encoding both the basic and acidic subunits of neoculin in both plants. We aligned these 25 transcripts and generated a phylogenetic tree. Many orthologs in the two species shared high similarity, despite the low number of common genes, suggesting that these genes likely existed before the two species diverged. The relative expression levels of these genes differed considerably between the two species: the transcripts per million (TPM) values of neoculin genes were 60 times higher in C. latifolia than in C. capitulata, whereas those of GNA family members were 15,000 times lower in C. latifolia than in C. capitulata. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic diversity of neoculin-related genes strongly suggests that neoculin genes underwent duplication during evolution. The marked differences in their expression profiles between C. latifolia and C. capitulata may be due to mutations in regions involved in transcriptional regulation. Comprehensive analysis of the genes expressed in the fruits of these two Curculigo species helped elucidate the origin of neoculin at the molecular level.

Testing Quantum Electrodynamics with Exotic Atoms.

Precision study of few-electron, high-Z ions is a privileged field for probing high-field, bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BSQED). However, the accuracy of such tests is plagued by nuclear uncertainties, which are often larger than the BSQED effects under investigation. We propose an alternative method with exotic atoms and show that transitions may be found between circular Rydberg states where nuclear contributions are vanishing while BSQED effects remain large. When probed with newly available quantum sensing detectors, these systems offer gains in sensitivity of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, while the mean electric field largely exceeds the Schwinger limit.

Maintenance antisepsis in reducing the rate of late-onset central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection: A comparison of 0.05% and 1% chlorhexidine.

BACKGROUND: Bundled measures have been recommended to reduce the risk of central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infection. However, the importance of each procedure involved in CVC insertion/management for preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) has not been thoroughly assessed. We aimed to analyze the effectiveness of maintenance antisepsis at the CVC insertion site in reducing the CRBSI risk through comparing the use of 0.05% chlorhexidine to 1% chlorhexidine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the South Miyagi Medical Center, Japan, 372 patients with a CVC who had undergone antisepsis maintenance using 0.05% chlorhexidine swabs 12 months prior to implementing 1% chlorhexidine swabs, and 344 patients at 12 months post-implementation of 1% chlorhexidine swabs, were followed prospectively for the development of CRBSI and signs of infection, and their data compared. RESULTS: Post-implementation of the 1% chlorhexidine swabs, the CRBSI rate decreased from 3.64/1000 catheter-days to 1.77/1000 catheter-days. The risk of CRBSI decreased to 0.465 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.216-1.001). Furthermore, the risk of CRBSI ≥20 days after CVC insertion decreased to 0.200 (95% CI: 0.049-0.867); however, we found no difference between 0.05% and 1% chlorhexidine use within 19 days of CVC insertion. The increased number of patients with insertion site tenderness after implementing 1% chlorhexidine indicated a possible adverse effect of chlorhexidine. CONCLUSION: Maintenance antisepsis with 1% chlorhexidine decreased the risk of developing CRBSI ≥20 days after CVC insertion, indicating the effectiveness of antisepsis with 1% chlorhexidine. Our data highlight the importance of maintenance antisepsis in reducing the rate of late-phase CRBSI.

Changes in Whole-Blood microRNA Profiles during the Onset and Treatment Process of Cerebral Infarction: A Human Study.

Circulating miRNA species are promising symptom markers for various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, studies regarding their role in the treatment process are limited, especially concerning cerebral infarction. This study aimed to extract miRNA markers to investigate whether they reflect both onset and treatment process of cerebral infarction. A total of 22 patients (P-group) and 22 control subjects (C-group) were examined for their whole-blood miRNA profiles using DNA GeneChip™ miRNA 4.0 Array, with six patients examined after treatment (T-group). A total of 64 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between the C- and P-groups. Out of 64 miRNAs, the expression levels of two miRNAs correlated with hypertension. A total of 155 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the P- and T-groups. Five common miRNAs were found among the 64 and 155 miRNAs identified. Importantly, these common miRNAs were inversely regulated in each comparison (e.g., C < P > T), including miR-505-5p, which was previously reported to be upregulated in aortic stenosis patients. Our previous study using rat cerebral infarction models detected the downregulation of an apoptosis repressor, WDR26, which was repressed by one of the five miRNAs. Our results provide novel information regarding the miRNA-based diagnosis of cerebral infarction in humans. In particular, the five common miRNAs could be useful makers for the onset and the treatment process. Trial registration: This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000038321).

Diversity in cell motility reveals the dynamic nature of the formation of zebrafish taste sensory organs.

Taste buds are sensory organs in jawed vertebrates, composed of distinct cell types that detect and transduce specific taste qualities. Taste bud cells differentiate from oropharyngeal epithelial progenitors, which are localized mainly in proximity to the forming organs. Despite recent progress in elucidating the molecular interactions required for taste bud cell development and function, the cell behavior underlying the organ assembly is poorly defined. Here, we used time-lapse imaging to observe the formation of taste buds in live zebrafish larvae. We found that tg(fgf8a.dr17)-expressing cells form taste buds and get rearranged within the forming organs. In addition, differentiating cells move from the epithelium to the forming organs and can be displaced between developing organs. During organ formation, tg(fgf8a.dr17) and type II taste bud cells are displaced in random, directed or confined mode relative to the taste bud they join or by which they are maintained. Finally, ascl1a activity in the 5-HT/type III cell is required to direct and maintain tg(fgf8a.dr17)-expressing cells into the taste bud. We propose that diversity in displacement modes of differentiating cells acts as a key mechanism for the highly dynamic process of taste bud assembly.

Phenotypic change in trigeminal ganglion neurons associated with satellite cell activation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation is involved in lingual neuropathic pain.

Iatrogenic trigeminal nerve injuries remain a common and complex clinical problem. Satellite glial cell (SGC) activation, associated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and neuropeptide expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) are known to be involved in trigeminal neuropathic pain related to trigeminal nerve injury. However, the involvement of these molecules in orofacial neuropathic pain mechanisms is still unknown. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in lingual nerve crush (LNC) rats was observed in SGCs. To evaluate the role of neuron-SGC interactions under neuropathic pain, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive (IR), phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2)-IR and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-IR cells in the TG were studied in LNC rats. The number of CGRP-IR neurons and neurons encircled with pERK1/2-IR SGCs was significantly larger in LNC rats compared with sham rats. The percentage of large-sized CGRP-IR neurons was significantly higher in LNC rats. The number of CGRP-IR neurons, neurons encircled with pERK1/2-IR SGCs, and neurons encircled with GFAP-IR SGCs was decreased following CGRP receptor blocker CGRP8-37 or mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase 1 inhibitor PD98059 administration into the TG after LNC. Reduced thresholds to mechanical and heat stimulation to the tongue in LNC rats were also significantly recovered following CGRP8-37 or PD98059 administration. The present findings suggest that CGRP released from TG neurons activates SGCs through ERK1/2 phosphorylation and TG neuronal activity is enhanced, resulting in the tongue hypersensitivity associated with lingual nerve injury. The phenotypic switching of large myelinated TG neurons expressing CGRP may account for the pathogenesis of tongue neuropathic pain.

Interaction between calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive neurons and satellite cells via P2Y12 R in the trigeminal ganglion is involved in neuropathic tongue pain in rats.

The P2Y12 receptor expressed in satellite cells of the trigeminal ganglion is thought to contribute to neuropathic pain. The functional interaction between neurons and satellite cells via P2Y12 receptors and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) underlying neuropathic pain in the tongue was evaluated in this study. Expression of P2Y12 receptor was enhanced in pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells encircling trigeminal ganglion neurons after lingual nerve crush. The administration to lingual nerve crush rats of a selective P2Y12 receptor antagonist, MRS2395, attenuated tongue hypersensitivity to mechanical and heat stimulation and suppressed the increase in the relative numbers of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive neurons and neurons encircled by pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells. Administration of the P2Y1,12,13 receptor agonist, 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate trisodium salt hydrate (2-MeSADP), to naïve rats induced neuropathic pain in the tongue, as in lingual nerve crush rats. Co-administration of 2-MeSADP + MRS2395 to naïve rats did not result in hypersensitivity of the tongue. The relative number of CGRP-immunoreactive neurons increased following this co-administration, but to a lesser degree than observed in 2-MeSADP-administrated naïve rats, and the relative number of neurons encircled by pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells did not change. These results suggest that the interaction between activated satellite cells and CGRP-immunoreactive neurons via P2Y12 receptors contributes to neuropathic pain in the tongue associated with lingual nerve injury.

Improving Physical Activity Ensures the Long-Term Survival of Pneumonia Patients in a Super-Aged Society: A Retrospective Study in an Acute-Care Hospital in Japan.

Pneumonia is the third largest cause of death in Japan. Chest physicians have been struggling to improve the outcome of pneumonia treatment in acute care settings. However, a poor long-term prognosis after pneumonia has not been well recognized. Furthermore, the factors related to the poor prognosis, especially the possible involvement of senescence-related disability, have not been identified. In this study, long-term outcomes after discharge from hospital were retrospectively analyzed to identify factors related to the poor long-term prognosis. Outcomes of 958 pneumonia patients who were discharged from South Miyagi Medical Center (Miyagi, Japan) from June 1, 2008 to March 31, 2014 were determined through patient surveys or medical record reviews on September 26, 2014. Survival curves were constructed and compared according to various factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that all levels of decrease in physical activity, an age of 80 years old or more, the most severe status in Japanese Respiratory Society pneumonia severity grading system, the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and comorbid malignancy significantly reduced long-term survival. The effects of dementia, neuromuscular disease, heart disease, and nursing care residency on long-term survival were detected only with univariate analysis. Physical activity influenced the acute-phase and the long-term prognosis of pneumonia. This report provides information to assist physicians in giving better suggestions to disabled older patients when choosing pneumonia treatment options. In conclusion, we propose that death related to pneumonia can be prevented in the same way as non-communicable diseases by improving physical activity.

The taste system of small fish species.

Small fish species such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) are advantageous animal models and have been used as model organisms in many research areas. However, they have not been utilized for studying the taste system, primarily because of a dearth of molecular biological knowledge. Quantitative methods for analyzing the taste preferences of fish species have also been lacking. Recent progress of the fish genome project has enabled the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of taste sensation. Taste receptors and a number of signal transduction molecules have been identified. Additionally, the development of quantitative methods of feeding using fluorescently labeled artificial foods has demonstrated taste preferences in small fish species. Comparisons between these results in fish and reports on mammals have proposed a general logic and evolution of vertebrate taste systems. Analysis on the transsynaptic tracer-expressing transgenic medaka fish also suggests the usefulness of small fish in the research of neural circuits for taste.

Two distinct determinants of ligand specificity in T1R1/T1R3 (the umami taste receptor).

Umami taste perception in mammals is mediated by a heteromeric complex of two G-protein-coupled receptors, T1R1 and T1R3. T1R1/T1R3 exhibits species-dependent differences in ligand specificity; human T1R1/T1R3 specifically responds to L-Glu, whereas mouse T1R1/T1R3 responds more strongly to other L-amino acids than to L-Glu. The mechanism underlying this species difference remains unknown. In this study we analyzed chimeric human-mouse receptors and point mutants of T1R1/T1R3 and identified 12 key residues that modulate amino acid recognition in the human- and mouse-type responses in the extracellular Venus flytrap domain of T1R1. Molecular modeling revealed that the residues critical for human-type acidic amino acid recognition were located at the orthosteric ligand binding site. In contrast, all of the key residues for the mouse-type broad response were located at regions outside of both the orthosteric ligand binding site and the allosteric binding site for inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP), a known natural umami taste enhancer. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the newly identified key residues for the mouse-type responses modulated receptor activity in a manner distinct from that of the allosteric modulation via IMP. Analyses of multiple point mutants suggested that the combination of two distinct determinants, amino acid selectivity at the orthosteric site and receptor activity modulation at the non-orthosteric sites, may mediate the ligand specificity of T1R1/T1R3. This hypothesis was supported by the results of studies using nonhuman primate T1R1 receptors. A complex molecular mechanism involving changes in the properties of both the orthosteric and non-orthosteric sites of T1R1 underlies the determination of ligand specificity in mammalian T1R1/T1R3.

A vertebrate-wide catalogue of T1R receptors reveals diversity in taste perception.

Taste is a vital chemical sense for feeding behaviour. In mammals, the umami and sweet taste receptors comprise three members of the taste receptor type 1 (T1R/TAS1R) family: T1R1, T1R2 and T1R3. Because their functional homologues exist in teleosts, only three TAS1R genes generated by gene duplication are believed to have been inherited from the common ancestor of bony vertebrates. Here, we report five previously uncharacterized TAS1R members in vertebrates, TAS1R4, TAS1R5, TAS1R6, TAS1R7 and TAS1R8, based on genome-wide survey of diverse taxa. We show that mammalian and teleost fish TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes are paralogues. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the bony vertebrate ancestor had nine TAS1Rs resulting from multiple gene duplications. Some TAS1Rs were lost independently in descendent lineages resulting in retention of only three TAS1Rs in mammals and teleosts. Combining functional assays and expression analysis of non-teleost fishes we show that the novel T1Rs form heterodimers in taste-receptor cells and recognize a broad range of ligands such as essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids, which have not been previously considered as T1R ligands. This study reveals diversity of taste sensations in both modern vertebrates and their ancestors, which might have enabled vertebrates to adapt to diverse habitats on Earth.

Differential expression analysis throughout the weaning period in the mouse cerebral cortex.

At weaning, mammals switch from drinking mother's milk to eating foods of environmental origin. These foods contain natural compounds with novel tastes and textures, which are provided to the young for the first time following the termination of breastfeeding. This novel eating experience may alter the cognitive brain function of mammalian babies, increasing their reactions to their food environments. Because the cerebral cortex is a central organ for cognition and learning, we investigated differences in whole-gene expression profiles in the mouse cerebral cortex using microarray analysis before and after weaning. Of 45,037 murine genes, 35 genes were upregulated and 31 genes were downregulated, in response to weaning. In particular, immediate early genes, molecular chaperones, and myelin-related genes were upregulated. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that the mRNA for an immediate early gene, Egr-2/KROX-20, was transported from the nucleus to the cell body at layer 5/6 of the somatosensory cortex during weaning. In contrast, in animals without any food supply other than mother's milk, Egr-2/KROX-20 mRNA was retained within the nucleus at the somatosensory cortex. These data suggest that the novel experience of food intake modulates gene expression profiles in the murine cerebral cortex at the weaning stage.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Molecular Networks Associated with the Amelioration of Aberrant Gene Expression by a Tyr-Trp Dipeptide in Brains Treated with the Amyloid-ß Peptide.

Short-chain peptides derived from various protein sources have been shown to exhibit diverse bio-modulatory and health-promoting effects in animal experiments and human trials. We recently reported that the oral administration of the Tyr-Trp (YW) dipeptide to mice markedly enhances noradrenaline metabolism in the brain and ameliorates the working-memory deficits induced by the ß-amyloid 25-35 peptide (Aß25-35). In the current study, we performed multiple bioinformatics analyses of microarray data from Aß25-35/YW-treated brains to determine the mechanism underlying the action of YW in the brain and to infer the molecular mechanisms and networks involved in the protective effect of YW in the brain. We found that YW not only reversed inflammation-related responses but also activated various molecular networks involving a transcriptional regulatory system, which is mediated by the CREB binding protein (CBP), EGR-family proteins, ELK1, and PPAR, and the calcium-signaling pathway, oxidative stress tolerance, and an enzyme involved in de novo l-serine synthesis in brains treated with Aß25-35. This study revealed that YW has a neuroprotective effect against Aß25-35 neuropathy, suggesting that YW is a new functional-food-material peptide.

High-sensitive XANES analysis at Ce L2-edge for Ce in bauxites using transition-edge sensors: Implications for Ti-rich geological samples.

Accurate determination of cerium (Ce) valence state is important for interpreting the Ce anomaly in geological archives for (paleo)redox reconstruction. However, the routine application of Ce L3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for detecting trace Ce in geological samples can often be restricted by coexisting titanium (Ti) due to the proximity of their fluorescence emission lines. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio of Ce L3-edge XANES spectra may not be sufficiently high for high-quality spectroscopic analysis. This study introduces a semi-quantitative approach appropriate for Ti-rich, Ce-dilute geological materials by synchrotron-based X-ray measurement at the Ce L2-edge. First, the results confirm that Ce L2-edge XANES spectra are able to avoid overlapping Ti Kß emissions and provide more reliable information on the Ce valence state in Ti-rich materials relative to L3-edge XANES. Moreover, the application of transition-edge sensor (TES) could reach the higher sensitivity with better energy resolution than conventional silicon drift detector (SDD) to detect fluorescence X-ray (Ce Lß1). The investigation on bauxites developed from the Columbia River Basalts shows that combining Ce L2-edge XANES and TES allows for resolving weak Ce fluorescence lines at the L2-edge from Ti-rich, Ce-dilute samples (Ti/Ce mass ratio up to ∼6000, tens of ppm Ce). The outcome emphasizes the practical possibility of investigating Ce redox state in Ti-rich geological samples.

Identification of a new IgE-binding epitope of peanut oleosin that cross-reacts with buckwheat.

Peanut and buckwheat induce a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, which is considered to be mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). We identified in this study a new IgE-binding epitope of the peanut allergen that cross-reacted with buckwheat. The phosphate-buffered saline-soluble fraction of buckwheat inhibited the binding between IgE and the peanut allergen. A cross-reactive peptide was isolated from the α-chymotrypsin hydrolysate of peanut. Based on the amino acid sequence and mass spectrometric analysis data, the peptide was identified as Ser-Asp-Gln-Thr-Arg-Thr-Gly-Tyr (SDQTRTGY); this sequence is identical to amino acids 2-9 in the N-terminal hydrophilic domain of oleosin 3 which is located on the surface of the lipid storage body. Synthetic SDQTRTGY was found to bind with IgE in the sera of all eight peanut-allergic patients tested. Since many foods of plant origin contain oleosin, the possibility of an anaphylactic cross-reaction in allergic patients should always be considered.

The use of mammalian cultured cells loaded with a fluorescent dye shows specific membrane penetration of undissociated acetic acid.

Acetic acid induces unique physiological responses in mammalian cells. Our previous study found that fura-2-loaded human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells showed a robust intracellular fluorescence response immediately after stimulation with acetic acid, and no such response in the case of citric acid. In the present study, we aimed to identify the unique characteristics of acetic acid responsible for this phenomenon. We found that one such feature is its hydrophobicity. We also discovered that acetic acid induces cell responses by intracellular acidification. Of the components of acetic acid in solution (protons, acetate ions, and undissociated acetic acid), undissociated acetic acid might be the functional unit that penetrates the lipid bilayer of cell membranes to acidify the intracellular environment, thereby inducing cell responses. The method used in this study might be convenient in evaluating the intracellular acidification of cultured cells by acids in the external environment.

Increased prevalence of high anti-Cladosporium antibody titers in interstitial lung diseases.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) represent a large group of different diseases, with a large part comprising idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Differentiating hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), especially its chronic form and other ILDs, is difficult because of similarities in radiological manifestation and clinical course, and the difficulty of identifying causative antigens. We recently experienced a patient with Cladosporium-induced chronic HP that developed in a household environment, but the cause had been misdiagnosed as idiopathic interstitial pneumonia for several years. This case highlighted the need for measures differentiating HP from idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. In this study, we examined fungal exposure in ILDs using an antibody titer in serum to identify possible fungus-related HP. We measured the antibody titer to Cladosporium spp. in 34 patients with various ILDs, 17 patients with bronchial asthma, and 21 control subjects using an immunofluorescence assay. ILDs included HP (5 patients), idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (21 patients), and ILDs with collagen vascular diseases (8 patients). Results showed a significantly higher tendency for high anti-Cladosporium antibody titers in ILD groups (12 patients out of 34 patients), compared to patients with bronchial asthma (0/17) or control subjects (0/21). This increase in antibody titers was observed not only in patients with HP, but also in those with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and those exhibiting collagen vascular diseases with ILDs. This report highlights the pathogenic role of fungal antigens in various ILDs. In conclusion, fungi commonly observed in our living environment such as Cladosporium could be involved in the development of ILDs.

Roles of resonant muonic molecule in new kinetics model and muon catalyzed fusion in compressed gas.

Muon catalyzed fusion ([Formula: see text]CF) in which an elementary particle, muon, facilitates the nuclear fusion between the hydrogen isotopes has been investigated in a long history. In contrast to the rich theoretical and experimental information on the [Formula: see text]CF in cold targets, there is relatively scarce information on the high temperature gas targets of deuterium-tritium mixture with high-thermal efficiency. We demonstrate new kinetics model of [Formula: see text]CF including three roles of resonant muonic molecules, (i) changing isotopic population, (ii) producing epi-thermal muonic atoms, and (iii) inducing fusion in-flight. The new kinetics model reproduces experimental observations, showing higher cycle rate as the temperature increasing, over a wide range of target temperatures ([Formula: see text] K) and tritium concentrations. Moreover, it can be tested by measurements of radiative dissociation X-rays around 2 keV. High energy-resolution X-ray detectors and intense muon beam which are recently available are suitable to reveal these dynamical mechanism of [Formula: see text]CF cycles. Towards the future [Formula: see text]CF experiments in the high-temperature gas target we have clarified the relationship between the fusion yield and density-temperature curve of adiabatic/shock-wave compression.