Tracing Photoinduced Hydrogen Migration in Alcohol Dications from Time-Resolved Molecular-Frame Photoelectron Angular Distributions.

The recent implementation of attosecond and few-femtosecond X-ray pump/X-ray probe schemes in large-scale free-electron laser facilities has opened the way to visualize fast nuclear dynamics in molecules with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Here, we present the results of theoretical calculations showing how polarization-averaged molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions (PA-MFPADs) can be used to visualize the dynamics of hydrogen migration in methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol dications generated by X-ray irradiation of the corresponding neutral species. We show that changes in the PA-MFPADs with the pump-probe delay as a result of intramolecular photoelectron diffraction carry information on the dynamics of hydrogen migration in real space. Although visualization of this dynamics is more straightforward in the smaller systems, methanol and ethanol, one can still recognize the signature of that motion in propanol and isopropyl alcohol and assign a tentative path to it. A possible pathway for a corresponding experiment requires an angularly resolved detection of photoelectrons in coincidence with molecular fragment ions used to define a molecular frame of reference. Such studies have become, in principle, possible since the first XFELs with sufficiently high repetition rates have emerged. To further support our findings, we provide experimental evidence of H migration in ethanol-OD from ion-ion coincidence measurements performed with synchrotron radiation.

PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor Dactolisib Attenuates Allergic Response Through Inhibitions of the Sensitization and Mast Cell Activation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-allergic potentials of dactolisib, a dual PI3K/mTOR kinase inhibitor, on two important events for allergy: sensitization and the onset of anaphylactic symptoms. After sensitization with the antigen ovalbumin (OVA), five successive oral administrations of dactolisib effectively decreased serum anti-OVA antibody-an indicator of sensitization-levels in mice. In parallel with the antibody levels in their serum, anaphylactic rectal temperature decrease induced by the re-administration of OVA to dactolisib-treated mice was strongly diminished compared to that in vehicle-treated mice. The inhibitor also inhibited ex vivo splenic B cell activation indicated by the increase of phosphorylation of Akt, CD69 expression levels, and proliferation upon anti-B cell receptor antibody treatment, suggesting that suppressive effects of the inhibitor on B cell activation plays a role in its ability to decrease sensitization in vivo. We concurrently observed the anti-anaphylactic ability of dactolisib in vivoand in vitro. A single oral administration of the inhibitor attenuated the anaphylactic rectal temperature decrease induced in a mouse model of passive systemic anaphylaxis. In in vitro mast cell models, pretreatment with the drug inhibited the degranulation response and cytokine production in RBL2H3 cells triggered by IgE and antigens, without affecting cell viability. These results suggest that dactolisib, as well as other PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, might be a good candidate for anti-allergic drugs that exhibit both anti-sensitizing and anti-anaphylactic effects.

High-energy molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions: a molecular bond-length ruler.

We present a study on molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions (MFPADs) of small molecules using circularly polarized synchrotron light. We find that the main forward-scattering peaks of the MFPADs are slightly tilted with respect to the molecular axis. This tilt angle is directly connected to the molecular bond length by a simple, universal formula. We apply the derived formula to several examples of MFPADs of C 1s and O 1s photoelectrons of CO, which have been measured experimentally or obtained by means of ab initio modeling. In addition, we discuss the influence of the back-scattering contribution that is superimposed over the analyzed forward-scattering peak in the case of homo-nuclear diatomic molecules such as N2.

Deshima 2.0: Rapid Redshift Surveys and Multi-line Spectroscopy of Dusty Galaxies.

We present a feasibility study for the high-redshift galaxy part of the Science Verification Campaign with the 220-440 GHz deshima 2.0 integrated superconducting spectrometer on the ASTE telescope. The first version of the deshima 2.0 chip has been recently manufactured and tested in the lab. Based on these realistic performance measurements, we evaluate potential target samples and prospects for detecting the [CII] and CO emission lines. The planned observations comprise two distinct, but complementary objectives: (1) acquiring spectroscopic redshifts for dusty galaxies selected in far-infrared/mm-wave surveys; (2) multi-line observations to infer physical conditions in dusty galaxies.

Investigating charge-up and fragmentation dynamics of oxygen molecules after interaction with strong X-ray free-electron laser pulses.

During the last decade, X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) have enabled the study of light-matter interaction under extreme conditions. Atoms which are subject to XFEL radiation are charged by a complex interplay of (several subsequent) photoionization events and electronic decay processes within a few femtoseconds. The interaction with molecules is even more intriguing, since intricate nuclear dynamics occur as the molecules start to dissociate during the charge-up process. Here, we demonstrate that by analyzing photoelectron angular emission distributions and kinetic energy release of charge states of ionic molecular fragments, we can obtain a detailed understanding of the charge-up and fragmentation dynamics. Our novel approach allows for gathering such information without the need of complex ab initio modeling. As an example, we provide a detailed view on the processes happening on a femtosecond time scale in oxygen molecules exposed to intense XFEL pulses.

Effects of Arterial Stiffness on Cerebral WM Integrity in Older Adults: A Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and Magnetization Transfer Saturation Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arterial stiffness is reported to be able to cause axonal demyelination or degeneration. The present study aimed to use advanced MR imaging techniques to examine the effect of arterial stiffness on the WM microstructure among older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arterial stiffness was measured using the cardio-ankle vascular elasticity index (CAVI). The high-CAVI (mean CAVI ≥ 9 points) and the low-CAVI groups (mean CAVI < 9 points) were created. The neuronal fiber integrity of the WM was evaluated by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging and magnetization transfer saturation imaging. Tract-Based Spatial Statistics and the tracts-of-interest analysis were performed. Specific WM regions (corpus callosum, internal capsule, anterior thalamic radiation, corona radiata, superior longitudinal fasciculus, forceps minor, and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus) were selected in the tracts-of-interest analysis. RESULTS: In Tract-Based Spatial Statistics, the high-CAVI group showed a significantly lower myelin volume fraction value in the broad WM and significantly higher radial diffusivity and isotropic volume fraction values in the corpus callosum, forceps minor, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, internal capsule, corona radiata, and anterior thalamic radiation than the low-CAVI group. In tracts-of-interest analysis using multivariate linear regression, significant associations were found between the mean CAVI and radial diffusivity in the anterior thalamic radiation and the corona radiata; isotropic volume fraction in the anterior thalamic radiation and the corona radiata; and myelin volume fraction in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (P < .05). Additionally, partial correlation coefficients were observed for the significant associations of executive function with radial diffusivity and myelin volume fraction (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial stiffness could be associated with demyelination rather than axonal degeneration.

Difference between "Physical Fitness Age" Based on Physical Function and Chronological Age Is Associated with Obesity, Hyperglycemia, Depressive Symptoms, and Low Serum Albumin.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (1) develop the physical fitness age, which is the biological age based on physical function, (2) evaluate the validity of the physical fitness age for the assessment of sarcopenia, and (3) examine the factors associated with the difference between physical fitness age and chronological age. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults and outpatients. MEASUREMENTS: A formula for calculating the physical fitness age was created based on the usual walking speed, handgrip strength, one-leg standing time, and chronological age of 4,076 older adults from the pooled data of community-dwelling and outpatients using the principal component analysis. For the validation of the physical fitness age, we also used pooled data from community-dwelling older adults (n = 1929) and outpatients (n = 473). Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus. The association of D-age (the difference between physical and chronological ages) with cardiovascular risk factors, renal function, and cardiac function was examined. RESULTS: The receiver operating characteristic analysis, with sarcopenia as the outcome, showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of physical fitness age was greater than that of chronological age (AUC 0.87 and 0.77, respectively, p < 0.001). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the D-age was significantly associated with sarcopenia after adjustment for covariates (odds ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.26; p <0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis with D-age as the dependent variable, D-age was independently associated with a history of diabetes mellitus (or hemoglobin A1c as a continuous variable), obesity, depression, and low serum albumin level. D-age was also correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate derived from serum cystatin C, brain natriuretic peptide, and ankle-brachial index, reflecting some organ function and arteriosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to chronological age, physical fitness age calculated from handgrip strength, one-leg standing time, and usual walking speed was a better scale for sarcopenia. D-age, which could be a simple indicator of physical function, was associated with modifiable factors, such as poor glycemic control, obesity, depressive symptoms, and malnutrition.

An Investigation of Water Diffusivity Changes along the Perivascular Space in Elderly Subjects with Hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hypertension may be related to alterations of the glymphatic system, a waste metabolite drainage system in the brain. We aimed to investigate analysis along the perivascular space index changes in elderly subjects with hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffusion-weighted images were acquired from 126 subjects, including 63 subjects with hypertension (25 men and 38 women; mean age, 72.45 years) and 63 age- and sex-matched controls (25 men and 38 women; mean age, 72.16 years). We calculated the analysis along the perivascular space index as a ratio of the mean of x-axis diffusivities in the projection and association areas to the mean of y-axis diffusivity in the projection area and z-axis diffusivity in the association area. The left, right, and mean analysis along the perivascular space indices of both hemispheres were compared between the hypertension and control groups using a Mann-Whitney U test. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the left, right, and mean ALPS indices and blood pressure and pulse pressure. RESULTS: The left (P = .011) and mean (P = .024) analysis along the perivascular space indices of the hypertension group were significantly lower than that of the control group. The left, right, and mean analysis along the perivascular space indices of all subjects were significantly negatively correlated with blood pressure values (r = -0.200 to -0.278, P = .002-0.046) and pulse pressure values (r = -0.221 to -0.245, P = .006-0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with a model in which hypertension causes glymphatic dysfunction.

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis: lung cancer within a thymoma.

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is a rare phenomenon. We present a rare case of an 83-year-old man with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and thymoma. Thymectomy and superior segmentectomy of the left lower lobe were successfully performed on the patient. This thymoma had a region of lung cancer. Metastasis from other tumors to thymoma is rare, and we found a report that described a pancreatic carcinoma metastasizing to thymoma. We report an extremely rare case of metastasis from lung cancer to a thymoma.

Gas filaments of the cosmic web located around active galaxies in a protocluster.

Cosmological simulations predict that the Universe contains a network of intergalactic gas filaments, within which galaxies form and evolve. However, the faintness of any emission from these filaments has limited tests of this prediction. We report the detection of rest-frame ultraviolet Lyman-α radiation from multiple filaments extending more than one megaparsec between galaxies within the SSA22 protocluster at a redshift of 3.1. Intense star formation and supermassive black-hole activity is occurring within the galaxies embedded in these structures, which are the likely sources of the elevated ionizing radiation powering the observed Lyman-α emission. Our observations map the gas in filamentary structures of the type thought to fuel the growth of galaxies and black holes in massive protoclusters.

Nosocomial infection by human bocavirus and human rhinovirus among paediatric patients with respiratory risks.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections by respiratory viruses undetected by rapid tests are not often diagnosed. For paediatric patients with background diseases, nosocomial infection could be fatal. AIM: To determine the relationship between developing symptoms by respiratory viruses undetectable by rapid tests and respiratory risks and to improve the management of infection control. METHODS: Two episodes of nosocomial infection by human bocavirus (HBoV) and human rhinovirus (HRV) were retrospectively investigated in a tertiary hospital paediatric ward in Japan. Viruses were identified by polymerase chain reaction to determine infection control management. When viruses of the same species were detected from different patients, the virus homology was investigated. The relationship between respiratory risks and developing symptoms was statistically investigated. FINDINGS: Three and four patients with respiratory risks in the HBoV and HRV outbreaks, respectively, developed respiratory symptoms. The nucleotide sequences of two patients in the HBoV outbreak and all four patients in the HRV outbreak were phylogenetically close. In both outbreaks, the patients with respiratory risks developed significantly more symptoms than those without any risk (P = 0.035 and 0.018, respectively). After the patients with respiratory infection were separated from those with respiratory risks, no additional nosocomial infection occurred. CONCLUSION: Patients with respiratory risks easily develop respiratory symptoms and acquire severe symptoms of nosocomial infection by those viruses. In a paediatric ward, we should adopt not only standard precautions but also isolation management of the patients with respiratory symptoms, even if they have negative results in rapid tests.

Characterisation of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella isolated from dog treats in Japan.

Dog treats might be contaminated with Salmonella. In Canada and the USA, outbreaks of human salmonellosis related to exposure to animal-derived dog treats were reported. Consequently, surveillance data on Salmonella contamination of dog treats have been gathered in many countries, but not in Japan. In the current study, we investigated whether dog treats in Japan were contaminated with Salmonella. Overall, 303 dog treats (of which 255 were domestically produced) were randomly collected and the presence of Salmonella investigated. Seven samples were positive for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Among these isolates, three were identified as serovar 4,5,12:i:-; two were serovar Rissen; and two were serovar Thompson. All serovar 4,5,12:i:- and Thompson isolates were resistant to one or more drugs. Two serovar Rissen isolates were fully susceptible to all tested antimicrobial agents. All Salmonella isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid. The gene blaTEM was detected in two serovar 4,5,12:i:- isolates. The blaCTX-M and blaCMY genes were not detected in any isolates. This study demonstrated that dog treats in Japan could constitute a potential source of dog and human Salmonella infections, including multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates.

Mood Status and Quality of Life in Kidney Recipients After Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is performed as a useful treatment to improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with end-stage renal failure; however, the correlation between mood status and QOL among recipients post-kidney transplantation have yet to be clarified. METHODS: Sixty-eight post-kidney transplantation patients who visited our institution between March and December 2016 were enrolled in this study. The QOL of the participants as measured by the Short Form-36 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36v2) questionnaire was compared to results gathered from hemodialysis patients in a previous study. To identify the factors associated with QOL, a multiple regression analysis was performed, including some physical, mental, and socioeconomic characteristics as well as the Profile of Mood States as independent variables. RESULTS: The QOL of the transplantation group was significantly higher for all 8 subscales of SF-36v2 compared to the hemodialysis group. Among the factors, greater age and higher Confusion levels were related to lower physical QOL. In addition, higher Vigor and lower Fatigue levels were related to higher mental QOL, while the condition of having an occupation was related to higher role/social QOL. CONCLUSION: The QOL of recipients after kidney transplantation was better than that of hemodialysis patients. It is important to pay attention to mood status, especially confusion and fatigue, in order to maintain and improve the QOL of the recipient after kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation can be a beneficial treatment not only physically but also psychologically and socially.

The gravitationally unstable gas disk of a starburst galaxy 12 billion years ago.

Galaxies in the early Universe that are bright at submillimetre wavelengths (submillimetre-bright galaxies) are forming stars at a rate roughly 1,000 times higher than the Milky Way. A large fraction of the new stars form in the central kiloparsec of the galaxy1-3, a region that is comparable in size to the massive, quiescent galaxies found at the peak of cosmic star-formation history4 and the cores of present-day giant elliptical galaxies. The physical and kinematic properties inside these compact starburst cores are poorly understood because probing them at relevant spatial scales requires extremely high angular resolution. Here we report observations with a linear resolution of 550 parsecs of gas and dust in an unlensed, submillimetre-bright galaxy at a redshift of z = 4.3, when the Universe was less than two billion years old. We resolve the spatial and kinematic structure of the molecular gas inside the heavily dust-obscured core and show that the underlying gas disk is clumpy and rotationally supported (that is, its rotation velocity is larger than the velocity dispersion). Our analysis of the molecular gas mass per unit area suggests that the starburst disk is gravitationally unstable, which implies that the self-gravity of the gas is stronger than the differential rotation of the disk and the internal pressure due to stellar-radiation feedback. As a result of the gravitational instability in the disk, the molecular gas would be consumed by star formation on a timescale of 100 million years, which is comparable to gas depletion times in merging starburst galaxies5.

Clarification of muscle synergy structure during standing-up motion of healthy young, elderly and post-stroke patients.

Standing-up motion is an important daily activity. It has been known that elderly and post-stroke patients have difficulty in performing standing-up motion. The standing-up motion is retrained by therapists to maximize independence of the elderly and post-stroke patients, but it is not clear how the elderly and post-stroke patients control their redundant muscles to achieve standing-up motion. This study employed the concept of muscle synergy to analyze how healthy young adults, healthy elderly people and post-stroke patients control their muscles. Experimental result verified that four muscle synergies can represent human standing-up motion. In addition, it indicated that the post-stroke patients shift the weights of muscle synergies to finish standing-up motion comparing to healthy subjects. Moreover, different muscle synergy structures were associated with the CoM and joint kinematics.

Different views on treatment decisions by first-year interprofessional healthcare students.

This study explored ethical treatment decisions of healthcare professional students beginning their education. As part of a first-semester modern medicine and bioethics course, 311 students watched and discussed, in interprofessional groups, a video titled Dax's Case: Who Should Decide? regarding the treatment of a life-threatening infectious disease against Dax's wish. The students then discussed and made their decision regarding treating or not. Their decisions, recorded on a worksheet, were classified as "will treat" or "won't treat." Professional groups' decision patterns were compared using the chi-square test. Overall, 151 (71%) opinions from students were classified as "will treat," and 61 (29%) as "won't treat." Nursing students were more likely to decide "won't treat" (in line with Dax's preference); however, the majority of other professions' students favoured treatment (against Dax's wish). Given the students' limited exposure to profession-specific education, our preliminary study supports the notion that healthcare profession students hold different values that align with their chosen profession at the start of their studies.