Measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from the T2K experiment using 3.6×1021 protons on target

The T2K experiment presents new measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters using 19.7 ( 16.3 ) × 10 20 protons on target (POT) in (anti-)neutrino mode at the far detector (FD). Compared to the previous analysis, an additional 4.7 × 10 20 POT neutrino data was collected at the FD. Significant improvements were made to the analysis methodology, with the near-detector analysis introducing new selections and using more than double the data. Additionally, this is the first T2K oscillation analysis to use NA61/SHINE data on a replica of the T2K target to tune the neutrino flux model, and the neutrino interaction model was improved to include new nuclear effects and calculations. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses are presented, including results on sin 2 θ 13 and the impact of priors on the δ CP measurement. Both analyses prefer the normal mass ordering and upper octant of sin 2 θ 23 with a nearly maximally CP-violating phase. Assuming the normal ordering and using the constraint on sin 2 θ 13 from reactors, sin 2 θ 23 = 0 . 561 - 0.032 + 0.021 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and Δ m 32 2 = 2 . 494 - 0.058 + 0.041 × 10 - 3 eV 2 using constant Δ χ 2 intervals. The CP-violating phase is constrained to δ CP = - 1 . 97 - 0.70 + 0.97 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and δ CP = 0 , π is excluded at more than 90% confidence level. A Jarlskog invariant of zero is excluded at more than 2 σ credible level using a flat prior in δ CP , and just below 2 σ using a flat prior in sin δ CP . When the external constraint on sin 2 θ 13 is removed, sin 2 θ 13 = 28 . 0 - 6.5 + 2.8 × 10 - 3 , in agreement with measurements from reactor experiments. These results are consistent with previous T2K analyses.

Combination therapy strategies for improving PD-1 blockade efficacy: a new era in cancer immunotherapy

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that negatively regulates T-cell immune function through the interaction with its ligand PD-L1. Blockage of this interaction unleashes the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy using PD-1 blockade has led to a paradigm shift in the field of cancer drug discovery, owing to its durable effect against a wide variety of cancers with limited adverse effects. A brief history and development of PD-1 blockade, from the initial discovery of PD-1 to the recent clinical output of this therapy, have been summarized here. Despite its tremendous clinical success rate over other cancer treatments, PD-1 blockade has its own pitfall; a significant fraction of patients remains unresponsive to this therapy. The key to improve the PD-1 blockade therapy is the development of combination therapies. As this approach has garnered worldwide interest, here, we have summarized the recent trends in the development of PD-1 blockade-based combination therapies and the ongoing clinical trials. These include combinations with checkpoint inhibitors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and several other existing cancer treatments. Importantly, FDA has approved PD-1 blockade agent to be used in combination with either CTLA-4 blockade or chemotherapy. Responsiveness to the PD-1 blockade therapy is affected by tumour and immune system-related factors. The role of the immune system, especially T cells, in determining the responsiveness has been poorly studied compared with those factors related to the tumour side. Energy metabolism has emerged as one of the important regulatory mechanisms for the function and differentiation of T cells. We have documented here the recent results regarding the augmentation of PD-1 blockade efficacy by augmenting mitochondrial energy metabolism of T cell.

Ischemic Preconditioning Enhances Muscle Endurance during Sustained Isometric Exercise

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) enhances whole-body exercise endurance. However, it is poorly understood whether the beneficial effects originate from systemic (e. g., cardiovascular system) or peripheral (e. g., skeletal muscle) adaptations. The present study examined the effects of IPC on local muscle endurance during fatiguing isometric exercise. 12 male subjects performed sustained isometric unilateral knee-extension exercise at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction until failure. Prior to the exercise, subjects completed IPC or control (CON) treatments. During exercise trial, electromyography activity and near-infrared spectroscopy-derived deoxygenation in skeletal muscle were continuously recorded. Endurance time to task failure was significantly longer in IPC than in CON (mean±SE; 233±9 vs. 198±9 s, P<0.001). Quadriceps electromyography activity was not significantly different between IPC and CON. In contrast, deoxygenation dynamics in the quadriceps vastus lateralis muscle was significantly faster in IPC than in CON (27.1±3.4 vs. 35.0±3.6 s, P<0.01). The present study found that IPC can enhance muscular endurance during fatiguing isometric exercise. Moreover, IPC accelerated muscle deoxygenation dynamics during the exercise. Therefore, we suggest that the origin of beneficial effects of IPC on exercise performance may be the enhanced mitochondrial metabolism in skeletal muscle.

Interdisciplinary orthodontic treatment for a patient with generalized aggressive periodontitis: Assessment of IgG antibodies to identify type of periodontitis and correct timing of treatment

Aggressive periodontitis is a great challenge to clinicians when providing orthodontic treatment because of the potential for progression of periodontal disease. In this article, we report the successful comprehensive orthodontic treatment of bimaxillary protrusion and severe crowding in an adult with generalized aggressive periodontitis. A woman, aged 22 years 7 months, with a chief complaint of incisal crowding was diagnosed with a skeletal Class I malocclusion associated with severe anterior crowding, possibly worsened by generalized aggressive periodontitis. In addition to a periodontal examination, a blood IgG antibody titer analysis and microbiologic examination for periodontal pathogens were used to diagnose the type of periodontal disease and determine the proper timing to initiate orthodontic treatment. The total active treatment period was 28 months, followed by periodontal prostheses and regeneration therapy. Consequently, satisfactory facial profile, occlusion, and periodontal health were maintained for at least 36 months. These results indicate that efficient screening is important for providing successful orthodontic treatment in patients with advanced periodontal disease. This report also demonstrates the diagnostic importance of blood IgG antibody titer assays and microbiologic examinations to detect periodontal pathogens.

Maxillary Advancement for Unilateral Crossbite in a Patient with Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This article reports the case of a 44-year-old male with skeletal Class III, Angle Class III malocclusion and unilateral crossbite with concerns about obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), esthetics and functional problems. To correct the skeletal deformities, the maxilla was anteriorly repositioned by employing LeFort I osteotomy following pre-surgical orthodontic treatment, because a mandibular setback might induce disordered breathing and cause OSAS. After active treatment for 13 months, satisfactory occlusion was achieved and an acceptable facial and oral profile was obtained. In addition, the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 18.8 preoperatively to 10.6 postoperatively. Furthermore, after a follow-up period of 7 months, the AHI again significantly decreased from 10.6 to 6.2. In conclusion, surgical advancement of the maxilla using LeFort I osteotomy has proven to be useful in patients with this kind of skeletal malocclusion, while preventing a worsening of the OSAS.

Analysis of pain level in cases treated with Invisalign aligner: comparison with fixed edgewise appliance therapy

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the difference in the level of pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) between cases treated with the edgewise appliance and Invisalign. In addition, the cause of pain and discomfort in the Invisalign cases was identified.

Methods

The sample consisted of 145 cases for the edgewise group (EG; n = 55), Invisalign group (IG; n = 38), and edgewise and Invisalign group (EIG; n = 52). VAS scores were collected during the first three stages (first stage: 0 to 7 days, second stage: 14 to 21 days, and third stage: 28 to 35 days) and at the end of the treatment (overall VAS score). Evaluation of the cause of pain was categorized into three different types of problem (category 1: non-smoothed marginal ridge or missing materials, category 2: deformation of attachments, and Category 3: deformation of the tray). Statistical comparison of VAS scores between groups was performed by two-way analysis of variance.

Results

A significantly higher VAS score was observed at 3 and 4 days after, at 1, 2, and 3 days after, and at 2 and 3 days after in stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in EG compared to EIG and IG. A significant difference was observed in overall VAS scores between EG and IG in intensity of pain, number of days that pain lasted, and discomfort level. Only intensity of pain resulted in a significant difference between EG and EIG. Most of the causes of problem in the Invisalign cases were deformation of the tray.

Conclusions

Invisalign may offer less pain compared to the edgewise appliance during the initial stages of treatment. In the use of Invisalign, deformation of tray must be carefully checked to avoid pain and discomfort for the patients.

Promotion of Ccn2 expression and osteoblastic differentiation by actin polymerization, which is induced by laminar fluid flow stress

Fluid flow stress (FSS) is a major mechanical stress that induces bone remodeling upon orthodontic tooth movement, whereas CCN family protein 2 (CCN2) is a potent regenerator of bone defects. In this study, we initially evaluated the effect of laminar FSS on Ccn2 expression and investigated its mechanism in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The Ccn2 expression was drastically induced by uniform FSS in an intensity dependent manner. Of note, the observed effect was inhibited by a Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632. Moreover, the inhibition of actin polymerization blocked the FSS-induced activation of Ccn2, whereas inducing F-actin formation using cytochalasin D and jasplakinolide enhanced Ccn2 expression in the same cells. Finally, F-actin formation was found to induce osteoblastic differentiation. In addition, activation of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase, which inhibits Rho signaling, abolished the effect of FSS. Collectively, these findings indicate the critical role of actin polymerization and Rho signaling in CCN2 induction and bone remodeling provoked by FSS.

A case report of multidisciplinary treatment of an adult patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate

This is a case report about the successful orthodontic treatment of a bilateral cleft lip and palate patient by using a combination of bone grafting and subsequent prosthodontic rehabilitation. An adult patient with a bilateral cleft lip and palate presented with a concave profile, anterior and lateral crossbite, a markedly deep overbite, and residual bilateral alveolar clefts. His jaw movement patterns were unstable and irregular due to his collapsed bite. Orthodontic treatment with bilateral bone grafting improved his concave profile by downward and backward rotation of the mandible within the freeway space, and optimum occlusion and functionally stable and smooth jaw movements were obtained. After a 6-year retention period, no skeletal relapse could be detected, and his occlusal stability was satisfactory.

High-rate quantum key distribution over 100 km using ultra-low-noise, 2-GHz sinusoidally gated InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes

We have demonstrated quantum key distribution (QKD) over 100 km using single-photon detectors based on InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APDs). We implemented the differential phase shift QKD (DPS-QKD) protocol with electrically cooled and 2-GHz sinusoidally gated APDs. The single-photon detector has a dark count probability of 2.8 × 10(-8) (55 counts per second) with a detection efficiency of 6 %, which enabled us to achieve 24 kbit/s secure key rate over 100 km of optical fiber. The DPS-QKD system offers better performances in a practical way than those achieved using superconducting single-photon detectors. Moreover, the distance that secure keys against the general individual attacks can be distributed has been extended to 160 km.

Field test of quantum key distribution in the Tokyo QKD Network

A secure communication network with quantum key distribution in a metropolitan area is reported. Six different QKD systems are integrated into a mesh-type network. GHz-clocked QKD links enable us to demonstrate the world-first secure TV conferencing over a distance of 45km. The network includes a commercial QKD product for long-term stable operation, and application interface to secure mobile phones. Detection of an eavesdropper, rerouting into a secure path, and key relay via trusted nodes are demonstrated in this network.

The three-dimensional morphometry and cell-cell communication of the osteocyte network in chick and mouse embryonic calvaria

The study of osteocytes has progressed in chicks. We examined whether chick osteocyte data can be applied to other species. We used mice for comparison because they are common clinical tools in biomedical research and useful for future study. We analyzed the three-dimensional (3D) osteocyte network and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in living embryonic calvaria for the anatomical features. Embryonic parietal bones were stained with fluorescently labeled phalloidin and observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. GJIC between osteocytes in chick and mouse parietal bone was assessed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The values for one chick and mouse osteocyte, respectively, were calculated as follows: cell processes 1,131 ± 139 μm, 2,668 ± 596 μm; surface area 1,128 ± 358 μm(2), 2,654 ± 659 μm(2); and cell volume 455 ± 90 μm(3), 1,328 ± 210 μm(3). The density of 3D osteocyte processes in the bone matrix was not significantly different. FRAP analysis showed dye coupling among osteocytes in chick and mouse bone. The fluorescence intensity recovered to 49.0 ± 2.4% in chicks and 39.9 ± 2.4% in mice after 5 minutes. Fluorescence recovery was similar within 4 minutes. The difference in osteocyte size between the two species might have affected their functions. Osteocyte processes in the two species may sense similarly changes in the exterior environment. We successfully conducted morphological and functional analyses of the osteocyte network in chicks and mice. The size of the osteocytes in bone differed between the two species.

Structures of defective P transposable elements prevalent in natural Q and Q-derived M strains of Drosophila melanogaster

Several DNA sequences with homology to the complete 2.9-kilobase (kb) P element from a P strain in the United States were isolated and characterized from two Drosophila melanogaster strains collected on Chichi Jima, an island 1000 km south of Tokyo. Except for a missing central region and trivial unsequenced regions of 38 base pairs, the 2.1-kb element isolated from a Q strain had the same DNA sequence as that of the complete P element. Seven other elements cloned from genomic DNAs of the Q strain and a Q-derived M strain all possessed the same restriction sites as those of the 2.9-kb P element except for one deleted region in each element. The finding of sequence conservation in P elements have had a common ancestor relatively recently. Thus, it is suggested that the P element family was a recent invader of the species. By contrast, no complete P element was found in these Japanese strains so far as surveyed, indicating the possibility that P elements in the Chichi Jima population are almost all defective. The implication of this possibility is discussed in relation to the uniqueness of the population on Chichi Jima where Q strains predominate and no P strains have yet been found.

AID-induced T-lymphoma or B-leukemia/lymphoma in a mouse BMT model

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) diversifies immunoglobulin through somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class-switch recombination (CSR). AID-transgenic mice develop T-lymphoma, indicating that constitutive expression of AID leads to tumorigenesis. Here, we transplanted mouse bone marrow cells transduced with AID. Twenty-four of the 32 recipient mice developed T-lymphoma 2-4 months after the transplantation. Surprisingly, unlike AID-transgenic mice, seven recipients developed B-leukemia/lymphoma with longer latencies. None of the mice suffered from myeloid leukemia. When we used nude mice as recipients, they developed only B-leukemia/lymphoma, presumably due to lack of thymus. Analysis of AID mutants suggested that an intact form with SHM activity is required for maximum ability of AID to induce lymphoma. Except for a K-ras active mutant in one case, specific mutations could not be identified in T-lymphoma; however, Notch1 was constitutively activated in most cases. Importantly, truncations of Ebf1 or Pax5 were observed in B-leukemia/lymphoma. In conclusion, this is the first report on the potential of AID overexpression to promote B-cell lymphomagenesis in a mouse model. Aberrant expression of AID in bone marrow cells induced leukemia/lymphoma in a cell-lineage-dependent manner, mainly through its function as a mutator.

Efficient entanglement distribution over 200 kilometers

Here we report the first demonstration of entanglement distribution over a record distance of 200 km which is of sufficient fidelity to realize secure communication. In contrast to previous entanglement distribution schemes, we use detection elements based on practical avalanche photodiodes (APDs) operating in a self-differencing mode. These APDs are low-cost, compact and easy to operate requiring only electrical cooling to achieve high single photon detection efficiency. The self-differencing APDs in combination with a reliable parametric down-conversion source demonstrate that entanglement distribution over ultra-long distances has become both possible and practical. Consequently the outlook is extremely promising for real world entanglement-based communication between distantly separated parties.

Comparison of three commercially available prescription diet regimens on short-term post-prandial serum glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy cats

Dietary therapy is an important treatment component for diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, the impact of three different commercially available diet regiments (1 general use and 2 aimed for treating obesity and DM) on short-term post-prandial serum glucose and insulin concentrations of five healthy cats to better understand what impact each of these diets may have for diabetic cats. The diet regiments used in this study were as follows: C/D dry (General Use- Low protein, High fat, High carbohydrate, and Low fiber), M/D dry (DM- High protein, High fat, Low carbohydrate, and High Fiber), and W/D dry (DM- Low Protein, Low Fat, High Carbohydrate, and High Fiber). No significant difference in post-prandial serum glucose levels were observed with the C/D (84.6 +/- 1.5 mg/dl) and W/D (83.8 +/- 1.4 mg/dl) dry diets when compared to pre-prandial fasting levels (83.9 +/- 1.4 mg/dl). However, a significant reduction was observed with the M/D diet (78.9 +/- 0.8 mg/dl) which had 50-60% less carbohydrates than either C/D or W/D diet. Unlike what was observed with post-prandial glucose levels, an interesting pattern emerged with post-prandial insulin levels, which were increasing with W/D, C/D, and M/D diets in that order (1.1 +/- 0.2, 1.7 +/- 0.2, and 2.3 +/- 0.2 ng/ml respectively). Most surprising, though, was the fact that the W/D diet did not seem to stimulate insulin secretion as compared to pre-prandial levels (1.1 +/- 0.1 ng/ml) in healthy cats. Interestingly, the W/D diet had high levels of carbohydrate and low levels of protein. Coincidentally, the only diet (M/D) which had a significant reduction in post-prandial glucose also showed the highest increase in post-prandial insulin in healthy cats. Therefore, dietary amounts of carbohydrate, fat, protein and fiber can all have an individual impact on post-prandial glycemia and subsequent insulin requirement levels. Just as concepts regarding dietary management of people with DM are evolving, investigators are reassessing what constitutes the ideal diet for the diabetic feline. As such, having a better understanding for each dietary component, may lead us to better understand how we can synergize certain dietary components to aid in DM management.

Long-distance entanglement-based quantum key distribution over optical fiber

We report the first entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment over a 100-km optical fiber. We used superconducting single photon detectors based on NbN nanowires that provide high-speed single photon detection for the 1.5-mum telecom band, an efficient entangled photon pair source that consists of a fiber coupled periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide and ultra low loss filters, and planar lightwave circuit Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) with ultra stable operation. These characteristics enabled us to perform an entanglement-based QKD experiment over a 100-km optical fiber. In the experiment, which lasted approximately 8 hours, we successfully generated a 16 kbit sifted key with a quantum bit error rate of 6.9 % at a rate of 0.59 bits per second, from which we were able to distill a 3.9 kbit secure key.

Runx1 is involved in the fusion of the primary and the secondary palatal shelves

Runx1 is expressed in medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells of the palatal shelf. Conditionally rescued Runx1(-/-) mice showed limited clefting in the anterior junction between the primary and the secondary palatal shelves, but not in the junction between the secondary palates. In wild type mice, the fusing epithelial surface exhibited a rounded cobblestone-like appearance, while such cellular prominence was less evident in the Runx1 mutants. We also found that Fgf18 was expressed in the mesenchyme underlying the MEE and that locally applied FGF18 induced ectopic Runx1 expression in the epithelium of the palatal explants, indicating that Runx1 was induced by mesenchymal Fgf18 signaling. On the other hand, unpaired palatal explant cultures revealed the presence of anterior-posterior (A-P) differences in the MEE fates and fusion mechanism. Interestingly, the location of anterior clefting in Runx1 mutants corresponded to the region with different MEE behavior. These data showed a novel function of Runx1 in morphological changes in the MEE cells in palatal fusion, which is, at least in part, regulated by the mesenchymal Fgf signaling via an epithelial-mesenchymal interaction.

Differential-phase-shift quantum secret sharing

A quantum secret sharing (QSS) protocol based on a differential-phase-shift scheme is proposed, which quantum mechanically provides a full secret key to one party and partial keys to two other parties. A weak coherent pulse train is utilized instead of individual photons as in conventional schemes. Compared with previous QSS protocols, the present one features a simple setup, is suitable for fiber transmission, and offers the possibility for a high key creation rate. An experiment is also carried out to demonstrate the operation.