A marine record of Patagonian ice sheet changes over the past 140,000 years

Terrestrial glacial records from the Patagonian Andes and New Zealand Alps document quasi-synchronous Southern Hemisphere-wide glacier advances during the late Quaternary. However, these records are inherently incomplete. Here, we provide a continuous marine record of western-central Patagonian ice sheet (PIS) extent over a complete glacial-interglacial cycle back into the penultimate glacial (~140 ka). Sediment core MR16-09 PC03, located at 46°S and ~150 km offshore Chile, received high terrestrial sediment and meltwater input when the central PIS extended westward. We use biomarkers, foraminiferal oxygen isotopes, and major elemental data to reconstruct terrestrial sediment and freshwater input related to PIS variations. Our sediment record documents three intervals of general PIS marginal fluctuations, during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 (140 to 135 ka), MIS 4 (~70 to 60 ka), and late MIS 3 to MIS 2 (~40 to 18 ka). These higher terrigenous input intervals occurred during sea-level low stands, when the western PIS covered most of the Chilean fjords, which today retain glaciofluvial sediments. During these intervals, high-amplitude phases of enhanced sediment supply occur at millennial timescales, reflecting increased ice discharge most likely due to a growing PIS. We assign the late MIS 3 to MIS 2 phases and, by inference, older advances to Antarctic cold stages. We conclude that the increased sediment/meltwater release during Southern Hemisphere millennial-scale cold phases was likely related to higher precipitation caused by enhanced westerly winds at the northwestern margin of the PIS. Our records complement terrestrial archives and provide evidence for PIS climate sensitivity.

Distribution of microplastics in bathyal- to hadal-depth sediments and transport process along the deep-sea canyon and the Kuroshio Extension in the Northwest Pacific

Understanding microplastic (MP) behavior in oceans is crucial for reducing marine plastic pollution. However, the complex process underlying MP transportation to the deep seafloor remains unknown despite the deep sea being considered its major sink. We focused on MP distribution in Sagami Bay (adjacent to highly populated areas of Japan), the plate triple junction connected through the Sagami Trough, and the abyssal plain immediately below the Kuroshio Extension. We observed the highest number of MPs in the abyssal stations, more than previously reported. The polymer types and aspect ratio of MPs in the abyssal stations significantly differed from those in the bathyal/hadal stations. The study suggests that MPs accumulated in the open ocean surface layer sink to the abyssal plains immediately below it, while MPs from land sources accumulate in the bathyal depth and are transported to the hadal depth near the coast through turbidity currents along the submarine canyon.

Multi-proxy evidence for sea level fall at the onset of the Eocene-Oligocene transition

Continental-scale expansion of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet during the Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT) is one of the largest non-linear events in Earth's climate history. Declining atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and orbital variability triggered glacial expansion and strong feedbacks in the climate system. Prominent among these feedbacks was the repartitioning of biogeochemical cycles between the continental shelves and the deep ocean with falling sea level. Here we present multiple proxies from a shallow shelf location that identify a marked regression and an elevated flux of continental-derived organic matter at the earliest stage of the EOT, a time of deep ocean carbonate dissolution and the extinction of oligotrophic phytoplankton groups. We link these observations using an Earth System model, whereby this first regression delivers a pulse of organic carbon to the oceans that could drive the observed patterns of deep ocean dissolution and acts as a transient negative feedback to climate cooling.

Nanoscale defect evaluation framework combining real-time transmission electron microscopy and integrated machine learning-particle filter estimation

Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials’ nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image’s uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis.

Study of beamlets extracted from a multi-aperture and five-stage acceleration system

A beam optics study using the ITER-relevant high intense negative ion beams, such as 1 MeV, 200 A/m², has been performed experimentally and analytically using a multi-aperture and five-stage accelerator. Initially, multi-beamlets generated from this accelerator were deflected in various directions due to the magnetic field and space charge repulsion between beams and showed various divergences. These had limited the pulse length and the beam energy. Compensation methods of the beamlet deflections have worked effectively and contributed to achieving the ITER requirement, the divergence angle of <7 mrad, and the deflection angle of <1 mrad for 1 MeV beam. The beam pulse has been gradually extended from 1 to 100 s and is now going to a longer pulse based on these results. One of the remaining issues is to understand and suppress peripheral components of the beam, namely, the halo, and to reduce the local heat loads observed around the aperture edge. This halo component has been successfully distinguished from the beam core by using a newly developed beam emittance measurement system for high intense beams. By combining this measured beam emittance and the beam simulation, it was clarified for the first time that the halo components are generated in an area of 1 mm width from the aperture edge.

Verification of the Usefulness of an Assessment and Risk Control Sheet that Promotes Management of Cancer Drug Therapy

Background: Proper management of adverse events is crucial for the safe and effective implementation of anticancer drug treatment. Showa University Hospital uses our interview sheet (assessment and risk control [ARC] sheet) for the accurate evaluation of adverse events. On the day of anticancer drug treatment, a nurse conducts a face-to-face interview. As a feature of the ARC sheet, by separately describing the symptoms the day before treatment and the day of treatment and sharing the information on the medical record, it is possible to clearly determine the status of adverse events. In this study, we hypothesized that the usefulness and points for improvement of the ARC sheet would be clarified by using and evaluating a patient questionnaire.

Methods: This study included 174 patients (144 at Showa University Hospital (Hatanodai Hospital) and 30 at Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital (Toyosu Hospital) who underwent pre-examination interviews by nurses and received cancer chemotherapy at the outpatient center of Hatanodai and Toyosu Hospital. In the questionnaire survey, the ARC sheet’s content and quality, respondents’ satisfaction, structural strengths, and points for improvement were evaluated on a five-point scale.

Results: The patient questionnaire received responses from 160 participants, including the ARC sheet use group (132 people) and the non-use group (28 people). Unlike the ARC sheet non-use group, the ARC sheet use group recognized that the sheet was useful to understand the adverse events of aphthous ulcers (p = 0.017) and dysgeusia (p = 0.006). In the satisfaction survey questionnaire, there was a high sense of security in the pre-examination interviews by nurses using the ARC sheet.

Conclusions: The ARC sheet is considered an effective tool for comprehensively evaluating adverse events. Pre-examination interviews by nurses using ARC sheets accurately determined the adverse events experienced by patients with anxiety and tension due to confrontation with physicians.

Two-dimensional echocardiographic scoring system of the left ventricular filling pressure and clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

Introduction

Elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in non-decompensated state is a powerful indicator of worse clinical outcomes in heart failure regardless of LV ejection fraction. However, its detection is often challenging in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Purpose

This study aimed to elucidate the predictive value of recently proposed echocardiographic parameter of LV filling pressure, Visually assessed time difference between the Mitral valve and Tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score in HFpEF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 310 well-differentiated HFpEF patients in stable conditions. Using two-dimensional echocardiographic images, time sequence of opening of mitral valve and tricuspid valve was visually assessed in the apical four-chamber view and scored to 0 to 2 (0: tricuspid valve first, 1: simultaneous, 2: mitral valve first). When the inferior vena cava diameter was dilated, 1 point was added and VMT score was calculated as four grades from 0 to 3. Based on the previous study, VMT≥2 was regarded as a sign of elevated LV filling pressure (Figure 1). LV diastolic function was graded according to the guidelines. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of cardiac death and heart failure hospitalisation during the two years after echocardiographic examination.

Results

During the follow-up period, 55 events (18%) occurred, including four cardiac deaths and 51 heart failure hospitalisations. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that VMT≥2 (n = 54) was associated with worse outcomes compared to patients showing VMT ≤ 1 (n = 256) (log-rank test P &lt;0.001). Furthermore, VMT≥2 was associated with worse outcomes when tested in 100 HFpEF patients with atrial fibrillation (log-rank test P = 0.026) (Figure 2). In the adjusted model including age, systolic blood pressure, serum albumin level, and the LV diastolic function grading, VMT≥2 was independently associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio: 2.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 4.24, P = 0.014). Additionally, the nested regression model showed that VMT scoring provided an incremental prognostic value over clinically relevant variables (age, sex, the plasma brain natriuretic peptide level, atrial fibrillation) and LV diastolic function grading (chi-square 10.8 vs 16.3, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

In patients with HFpEF, the VMT score was independently and incrementally associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Moreover, it discriminated worse clinical outcome even in HFpEF patients with atrial fibrillation. Abstract Figure. VMT scoring  Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier analysis

Pathophysiological mechanism of worsened clinical outcome by lowered left ventricular cardiac power output in heart failure

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Cardiac power output (CPO) is a measure of cardiac pumping function, and CPO during exercise is known to be a powerful prognostic marker of heart failure. Despite its prognostic significance, pathophysiological mechanism of the association between reduced CPO and worse clinical outcome is unknown. We hypothesized that reduced CPO is associated with worse outcome through the reduced exercise capacity and enhanced ventilatory response.

Methods

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise stress echocardiography were performed in consecutive 64 patients with chronic heart failure who admitted to our department for the management of heart failure [60 ± 14 years old, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction 39 ± 16%, ischemic etiology 16%, brain natriuretic peptide 124 pg/ml (51-313)]. Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and the lowest minute ventilation / carbon dioxide production ratio (VE/VCO2) were measured as a parameter of exercise tolerance and that of ventilatory response, respectively. LV ejection fraction was measured by disk summation method at peak exercise. By using Doppler images, E/e" at peak exercise was measured as a marker of LV filling pressure, and CPO normalized by LV mass was obtained as 0.222 × cardiac output × mean blood pressure / LV mass [W/100 g]. Cardiac events defined as hospitalization for heart failure, cardiac death, or implantation of a LV assist device after the examinations were recorded.

Results

CPO at rest was weakly correlated with peak VO2 (r = 0.25, p = 0.046) but not with VE/VCO2. In contrast, CPO at peak exercise was positively correlated with peak VO2 (r = 0.50, p &lt; 0.001) and inversely correlated with VE/VCO2 (r=-0.40, p = 0.002). Moreover, CPO at peak exercise determined both peak VO2 (b = 0.50) and VE/VCO2 (β=-0.54) independently of LV ejection fraction and E/e" at peak exercise. During a median follow-up period of 1211 days, 12 cardiac events were observed. Each of reduced peak VO2 (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.66-0.90) and increased VE/VCO2 (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.18) was associated with worse clinical outcome.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic heart failure, CPO during exercise was associated with prognosis of heart failure through the reduced exercise capacity and enhanced ventilatory response.

Chronological distribution of dinoflagellate-infecting RNA virus in marine sediment core

A bivalve-killing marine dinoflagellate, Heterocapsa circularisquama, is susceptible to the infectious single-stranded RNA virus, Heterocapsa circularisquama RNA virus (HcRNAV). The ecological relationship between H. circularisquama and HcRNAV was intensively studied from 2001 through 2005; however, only limited data are available for the ecological dynamics of HcRNAV before 2001. In this study, we applied radiometric dating and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to determine the chronological distribution of HcRNAV in a marine sediment core sampled from the Uranouchi Inlet, Kochi, Japan, where H. circularisquama was first discovered. Our results show that HcRNAV had existed in the inlet long before its first bloom in 1988. Furthermore, five HcRNAV variants, phylogenetically distinguishable based on the nucleotide sequence of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene, were identified. These variants were found to be distributed throughout the core over time, suggesting that the HcRNAV sequences registered in the NCBI database are only a portion of the variants that have emerged in the history of HcRNAV diversification. Herein, we have verified the applicability of the retrospective approach for speculating the distribution of algal RNA viruses over time in aquatic environments.

Presence and significance of mid-systolic notch on right ventricular outflow tract velocity envelopes in pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 A mid-systolic notch (MSN) of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pulsed-wave Doppler envelope, which is recognized as a characteristic finding in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH), is often observed in heart failure (HF) patients. However, clinical significance of MSN formation in HF has not been elucidated.

Methods

 Consecutive 233 HF patients who underwent right heart catheterization and echocardiography within 24 hours were enrolled. Isolated post-capillary PH (IpcPH) was defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) &gt;20 mmHg, mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (mPAWP) &gt;15 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) &lt;3 Wood units and combined pre- and post-capillary PH (CpcPH) was as mPAP &gt;20 mmHg, mPAWP &gt;15 mmHg, and PVR ≥3 Wood units. Pulmonary arterial capacitance (PAC) was calculated as stroke volume / pulmonary arterial pulse pressure [mL/mmHg]. MSN was defined as formation of notch within first half of the RVOT pulsed-wave Doppler envelope.

Results

 Prevalence of IpcPH, CpcPH, and without PH were 87 (37%), 45 (19%), and 101 (43%), respectively and MSN was observed in 8 (9%) of IpcPH, 17 (38%) of CpcPH, and 1 (1%) of patients without PH. Among the hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters, mPAP and PAC independently determined occurrence of MSN in all the multivariable models (Table). Interestingly, when the PH patients were dimidiated according to median PAC (3.2 mL/mmHg), 25 out of 102 PH patients (25%) with low PAC showed MSN whereas any of PH patients with high PAC did not (Figure).

Conclusion

 MSN was frequently observed in HF patients showing CpcPH. Combination of elevated pressure and reduced compliance of the pulmonary circulation could determine occurrence of MSN in HF.

Determinants of MSN occurrence Univariable analysis Multivariable analysis Model 1 Model 2 Model 3 Model 4 variables OR (95% CI) p OR (95% CI) p OR (95% CI) p OR (95% CI) p OR (95% CI) p LV ejection fraction 0.97 (0.94-0.99) 0.007 1.00 (0.96-1.03) 0.795 LV mass index 1.00 (1.00-1.02) 0.143 PAW pressure 1.13 (1.08-1.18) &lt;0.001 0.92 (0.82-1.03) 0.135 Mean PA pressure 1.14 (1.09-1.19) &lt;0.001 1.08 (1.02-1.14) 0.006 1.15 (1.04-1.27) 0.004 1.08 (1.00-1.17) 0.030 1.07 (1.01-1.14) 0.025 Mean RA pressure 1.14 (1.06-1.22) &lt;0.001 1.00 (0.90-1.11) 0.978 Pulmonary vascular resistance 1.97 (1.45-2.67) &lt;0.001 1.20 (0.88-1.63) 0.225 Pulmonary arterial capacitance 0.27 (0.15-0.48) &lt;0.001 0.49 (0.26-0.92) 0.010 0.44 (0.23-0.85) 0.004 0.47 (0.24-0.93) 0.011 0.49 (0.26-0.93) 0.011 Abstract Figure.

Simple echocardiographic scoring system to estimate left ventricular filling pressure based on visual assessment of time sequence of mitral and tricuspid valve opening

Introduction

In the presence of elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure, mitral valve (MV) becomes to open early and precedes tricuspid valve (TV) opening in early diastole. Accordingly, time-delay of right ventricular inflow relative to LV inflow assessed by dual Doppler system was recently reported as a parameter of LV filling pressure. We assumed that visually-assessed time-delay of TV relative to MV opening could be a simple and alternative marker of elevated LV filling pressure.

Purpose

This study aimed to elucidate the clinical usefulness of the 2-dimensional echocardiographic scoring system, Visual assessment of time-difference between Mitral and Tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score, in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

We analyzed 119 consecutive HF patients who underwent echocardiography and cardiac catheterization within a day. Elevated LV filling pressure was defined as mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) ≥15 mmHg. LV diastolic function was graded according to the ASE/EACVI recommendations. Time sequence of opening of MV and TV was visually assessed in the apical 4-chamber view and scored to 3 grades (0: TV opening first, 1: simultaneous, 2: MV opening first). When the inferior vena cava diameter was &gt;21 mm and collapsed &lt;20% during normal respiration, 1 point was added and VMT score was calculated as 4 grades from 0 to 3. We also investigated 113 patients without worsening HF at VMT scoring for cardiac events defined as worsening HF, LV assist device implantation, or cardiac death for 1 year after the echocardiography.

Results

VMT was scored as 0 in 20 patients, 1 in 50 patients, 2 in 37 patients, and 3 in 12 patients. PAWP was elevated in patients with VMT score of 2 and 3 (0: 10±5, 1: 12±4, 2: 22±8, 3: 28±4 mmHg, ANOVA P&lt;0.001) (Figure). In overall patients, VMT≥2 predicted elevated PAWP with accuracy of 86%. When the accuracy was tested in patients with reduced (&lt;40%, HFrEF) and preserved LV ejection fraction (≥40%) respectively, the accuracy was excellent in HFrEF (96% and 77%, respectively). Importantly, VMT≥2 also had good accuracy of 82% for elevated PAWP in 33 patients in whom recommendations usually cannot grade diastolic function due to monophasic LV inflow. In the sequential Cox models, the addition of VMT score to the model including the plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and LV diastolic grading improved the predictive power for elevated PAWP (P&lt;0.001). During the follow-up, 20 cardiac events were observed (6 worsening HF, 9 LV assist device implantation and 5 cardiac death). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the patients with VMT≥2 were at higher risk of cardiac events than those with VMT≤1 (log-rank test P&lt;0.001) (Figure).

Conclusions

The VMT score was a simple and accurate marker of elevated LV filling pressure and has an incremental benefit over BNP and LV diastolic function grading. Moreover, it could be a novel prognostic marker in patients with HF.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Precise analysis of the concentrations and isotopic compositions of molybdenum and tungsten in geochemical reference materials

Molybdenum (Mo) is a redox-sensitive element and its concentrations and stable isotope compositions are widely used as a redox proxy in paleoceanography. Tungsten (W) is an emerging new isotope proxy, which has potential as a tracer for hydrothermal and early diagenetic processes. We present a new method for the precise and accurate analysis of Mo and W concentrations and isotope compositions from one single sample aliquot, thus saving mass of a sample and making the results directly comparable without concerns related to analytical or natural sample heterogeneity. After acid digestion, Mo and W are separated from the sample matrix using chelating resin NOBIAS Chelate-PA1 and anion exchange resin AG1 X8. Matrix removal is highly efficient: the remaining percentage is 10^-2 to 10^-5% with respect to the initial weight. Subsequently, samples are measured for Mo and W concentrations and isotope compositions using multi-collector inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). For mass bias correction and determination of concentrations, we use standard-sample bracketing and in addition an external correction method employing ruthenium (Ru) for Mo and rhenium (Re) for W. This double correction approach results in an external reproducibility of or below 0.10‰ (2SD) for δ⁹⁸Mo and 0.05‰ for δ¹⁸⁶W based on ICP standard solutions (NIST SRM 3134 lot No. 130418 for Mo and NIST SRM 3163 lot No. 080331 for W). We present data for Mo and W in 12 geological reference materials including igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, marine sediments, and manganese nodules. For Mo our method reproduces published values for the geological standard materials within analytical error of published values. For W, although published data do not always agree for a given geological standard material, our data agree within error with more recent data. We interpret a cause of the deviations is due to unknown effects of a desolvating nebulizer for MC-ICP-MS.

Tsunami-triggered dispersal and deposition of microplastics in marine environments and their use in dating recent turbidite deposits

Microplastics have become widely dispersed throughout the marine environment in and around Japan since the 1960s, which corresponds to the onset of mass plastic production and use in this country. Our study documents a possible abrupt microplastic depositional event in continental shelf and deep-sea environments triggered by a tsunami. The sediment layers contaminated by microplastics correspond with sedimentary horizons where 137Cs signals were measured, indicating deposition after 1960s nuclear tests. The microplastics were observed in the 2011 Tohoku-Oki tsunami deposits. Tsunamis can thus contribute to the wide dispersal of microplastics from coastal to deep-sea areas, and these anthropogenic particles can be used to date very recent turbidite deposits.

P2474Noninvasive estimation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure by novel 3D speckle tracking echocardiography and validation study by cardiac catheterization

Background

We previously reported that pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was noninvasively evaluated by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Recently, novel software was introduced to examine volume and function of left ventricular and left atrium (LA) by 3D-STE automatically.

Purpose

We sought to compare the PCWP estimated by conventional 2D-STE (2D-ePCWP) and by novel 3D-STE (3D-ePCWP), and validate those values by cardiac catheterization.

Methods

Echocardiography and catheterization were performed in 29 patients (age 72±2) (7 ischemic heart disease, 2 hypertensive heart disease, 5 dilated cardiomyopathy, 12 valvular heart disease and 3 primary pulmonary hypertension).The ePCWP (mmHg) is noninvasively obtained as 10.8 − 12.4 x Log (left atrial active emptying function/minimum volume) as we previously reported. Echocardiography was performed just before the catheterization and we analyzed the 2D and 3D data by novel off-line software. 3D data was automatically analyzed and the border settings were fixed at default (ES60, ED30) (Figure).

Results

2D-ePCWP and 3D-ePCWP had a good correlation with PCWP invasively obtained by catheterization (r=0.87 and 0.83, respectively, both p<0.001). There was an excellent correlation between 2D-ePCWP and 3D-ePCWP (r=0.94, p<0.001) and there was a good correlation between 2D-LA volume index and 3D- LA volume index (r=0.80, p<0.001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a good agreement between 2D-ePCWP and 3D-ePCWP, and between 2D-ePCWP and 3D-ePCWP without fixed and proportional bias.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that PCWP might be noninvasively assessed by not only 2D-STE but also 3D-STE with reasonable accuracy and 3D-STE might have utility and value in the routine clinical practice.

In-situ straining and time-resolved electron tomography data acquisition in a transmission electron microscope

This paper reports the preliminary results of a new in-situ three-dimensional (3D) imaging system for observing plastic deformation behavior in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) as a directly relevant development of the recently reported straining-and-tomography holder [Sato K et al. (2015) Development of a novel straining holder for transmission electron microscopy compatible with single tilt-axis electron tomography. Microsc. 64: 369-375]. We designed an integrated system using the holder and newly developed straining and image-acquisition software and then developed an experimental procedure for in-situ straining and time-resolved electron tomography (ET) data acquisition. The software for image acquisition and 3D visualization was developed based on the commercially available ET software TEMographyTM. We achieved time-resolved 3D visualization of nanometer-scale plastic deformation behavior in a Pb-Sn alloy sample, thus demonstrating the capability of this system for potential applications in materials science.

DEEP BIOSPHERE. Exploring deep microbial life in coal-bearing sediment down to ~2.5 km below the ocean floor

Microbial life inhabits deeply buried marine sediments, but the extent of this vast ecosystem remains poorly constrained. Here we provide evidence for the existence of microbial communities in ~40° to 60°C sediment associated with lignite coal beds at ~1.5 to 2.5 km below the seafloor in the Pacific Ocean off Japan. Microbial methanogenesis was indicated by the isotopic compositions of methane and carbon dioxide, biomarkers, cultivation data, and gas compositions. Concentrations of indigenous microbial cells below 1.5 km ranged from <10 to ~10(4) cells cm(-3). Peak concentrations occurred in lignite layers, where communities differed markedly from shallower subseafloor communities and instead resembled organotrophic communities in forest soils. This suggests that terrigenous sediments retain indigenous community members tens of millions of years after burial in the seabed.

Development of a novel straining holder for transmission electron microscopy compatible with single tilt-axis electron tomography

We have developed a newly designed straining specimen holder for in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) compatible with high-angle single tilt-axis electron tomography. The holder can deform a TEM specimen under tensile stress with the strain rate between 1.5 × 10(-6) and 5.2 × 10(-3) s(-1). We have also confirmed that the maximum tilt angle of the specimen holder reaches ±60° with a rectangular shape aluminum specimen. The new specimen holder, termed as 'straining and tomography holder', will have wide range potential applications in materials science.

The effects of posture on the ventilatory responses during exercise

This study was undertaken to evaluate the postural effect on ventilatory responses during both supine and sitting exercise. Seven healthy men performed two exercise tests utilizing the ramp protocol (20 watts/min) with a cycle ergometer in each position. The results were as follows: The oxygen uptake and the oxygen pulse measured at 180 watts and at anaerobic threshold in the sitting were significantly higher compared with those in the supine position. The average of carbon-dioxide output, minute ventilation and tidal volume at lower exercise intensities showed higher values in the sitting compared with those in the supine position, whereas there were no significant differences for respiratory rate. There was significant difference in the slope of the minute ventilation to carbon-dioxide output plot between sitting and supine position. In conclusion, the higher minute ventilation in the sitting position was mainly performed by higher tidal volume which may counteract the effects of an increase in physiological dead space. The lower slope of the minute ventilation to carbon-dioxide output plot which shows more effective ventilation in the supine position may be due to decreased physiological dead space and higher diffusion capacity.

Cardiopulmonary responses at various angles of cycle backrest inclination

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses during submaximal cycle exercise at various angles of backrest inclination. Ten healthy Japanese men of mean age 25.9 yrs, height 170.6 cm, and body mass 66.1 kg, performed cycle exercises at a constant workload which reached the anaerobic threshold, at 20 degrees, 40 degrees, and 60 degrees of backrest inclination from the vertical plane, but the angle between the seat and back rest was kept at 110 degrees. The results were as follows: 1) Both cardiac output and stroke volume showed a higher value at the resting control state and during exercise as the backrest angle increased. 2) Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide output, heart rate, gas exchange ratio, and oxygen pulse were not affected by the angle of backrest inclination. 3) Tidal volume at 20 degrees of backrest inclination was higher than at 60 degrees. 4) No significant differences were found in minute ventilation between each backrest angle. These findings suggest that changes in the backrest angle significantly alter cardiopulmonary parameters at rest and during exercise; in particular, an angle difference of 40 degrees may be enough to alter tidal volume, cardiac output and stroke volume, but not the minute ventilation.

Pseudoalteromonas arabiensis sp. nov., a marine polysaccharide-producing bacterium

A novel exopolysaccharide-producing bacterium, designated strain k53(T), was isolated from sediment from the Arabia Sea, Indian Ocean. The strain was Gram-negative, motile, strictly aerobic, oxidase-positive and catalase-positive, and required Na(+) for growth. Its major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8), and its cellular fatty acid profile mainly consisted of C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The DNA G+C content was 43 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis suggested that strain k53(T) is a member of the genus Pseudoalteromonas. Strain k53(T) exhibited close phylogenetic affinity to Pseudoalteromonas lipolytica LMEB 39(T) (98.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Pseudoalteromonas donghaensis HJ51(T) (97.3 %).The DNA-DNA reassociation values between strain k53(T) and P. lipolytica JCM 15903(T) and P. donghaensis LMG 24469(T) were 17 % and 12 %, respectively. Owing to the significant differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and DNA-DNA relatedness data, the isolate merits classification as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Pseudoalteromonas arabiensis is proposed. The type strain of this species is k53(T) ( = JCM 17292(T) = NCIMB 14688(T)).

A software tool for automatic analysis of selected area diffraction patterns within Digital Micrograph™

A software package "SADP Tools" is developed as a complementary diffraction pattern analysis tool. The core program, called AutoSADP, is designed to facilitate automated measurements of d-spacing and interplaner angles from TEM selected area diffraction patterns (SADPs) of single crystals. The software uses iterative cross correlations to locate the forward scattered beam position and to find the coordinates of the diffraction spots. The newly developed algorithm is suitable for fully automated analysis and it works well with asymmetric diffraction patterns, off-zone axis patterns, patterns with streaks, and noisy patterns such as Fast Fourier transforms of high-resolution images. The AutoSADP tool runs as a macro for the Digital Micrograph program and can determine d-spacing values and interplanar angles based on the pixel ratio with an accuracy of better than about 2%.

Molecular characterisation of the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of the parC gene locus in viridans-group streptococci

Forty-eight isolates of viridans-group streptococci (VGS) from adults and children in the community are examined for their resistance to ciprofloxacin phenotypically by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, the parC gene locus is amplified and sequenced in all isolates and mutations noted. Overall, 44 VGS organisms were found to be susceptible to ciprofloxacin by the broth microdilution method, and the remaining four strains had intermediate susceptibility. Reduced MICs were observed with intermediate strains when reserpine was added to the broth, inhibiting any efflux activity. Overall, the effect of adding reserpine to the broth medium was to add one doubling dilution to the MIC in the case of Streptococcus mitis, S. oralis and S. salivarius, as well as to increase the MIC by two doubling dilutions in two of the three S. parasanguinis isolates. Amino acid sequence analysis of the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of the parC gene locus showed good correlation to the phenotypic resistance to ciprofloxacin, where no confirmed mutation conferring quinolone resistance was found. Eleven amino acid positions showed discordance with S. pneumoniae R6 and eight (S52, F55, S58, N91, E135, K137, F141 and S167) were common in the VGS species examined. In addition, minor substitutions were found at three positions (D51, T54 and V86). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the low occurrence of ciprofloxacin resistance in a population of VGS isolated from the community. In addition, several silent mutations were noted in VGS organisms without any increase in MIC against ciprofloxacin.

[Pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung; report of a case]

A 83-year-old male was referred to our hospital for further examination of abnormal shadow on chest radiography. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor mass in his right lung. Bronchoscopy brushing cytology revealed non-small cell lung carcinoma and right middle lobectomy was performed. Histological findings showed large cell carcinoma comprised of spindle cell component, finally diagnosing as pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung. Although he was diagnosed as pT2N0M0 (stage IA) after the operation, massive liver metastasis was found 7 months later. We report this case with references to the literatures on pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung.

Molecular analysis and characterisation of the full-length flagellin C gene (flaC) from Campylobacter lari

A degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pair (f-ClflaC/r-ClflaC) was constructed in silico to amplify flaC and its adjacent genetic loci from Campylobacter lari isolates. Approximately 1.45 kbp amplicons, including the sequences encoding the flaC structural gene of 750 bp, putative promoter, rho-independent intrinsic terminator regions and partial sequences of two putative open reading frames (ORFs), immediately upstream and downstream of the gene, were identified in 16 C. lari isolates (four urease-negative [UN] C. lari; 12 urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters [UPTC)]). All 16 flaC structural genes commenced with an ATG start codon and terminated with a TAA stop codon and probable ribosome-binding sites were identified in all 16 isolates. These probably indicate a monocistronic operon structure for the flaC gene in C. lari isolates. In addition, the putative flaC gene ORFs were deduced to be similar in 747 bp among all 26 thermophilic Campylobacter isolates examined, resulting in a similar calculated molecular weight of approximately 26.6-26.9 kDa. The flaC from C. lari was different from the flaA-like sequence and the shorter flaA of UPTC isolates found previously. Reverse transcription PCR and Northern blot hybridisation analyses identified flaC transcription in C. lari cells. The transcription initiation site for the flaC gene was also determined by primer extension analysis. A dendrogram constructed, based on the nucleotide sequence information of flaC from 17 C. lari isolates, demonstrated that the C. lari isolates were genetically variable and formed two minor clusters for UN C. lari and UPTC.

[Pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia; report of a case]

A 69-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further examination of the abnormal shadow on chest radiography. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor mass, 4 cm in size, in his right lung (S6) and interstitial pneumonia in the surrounding lung parenchyma Bronchoscopic brushing cytology revealed squamous cell carcinoma cells. Right lower and middle lobectomy was performed due to the metastasis to interlober lymph node. Histological findings showed squamous cell carcinoma comprised of spindle cell component, and there were also fibroblastic foci and fibroid thickness in the interstitium. Therefore he was diagnosed as pleomorphic carcinoma and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). About 7 months after the operation, the patient died of mainly multiple bone metastases. Pleomorphic carcinoma with UIP is very rare, so we report this case with references to the literatures.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism on left ventricular remodeling after anteroseptal infarction

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Genetic influence on cardiac remodeling is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction.

METHODS

The subjects were 43 patients with old anteroseptal myocardial infarction. Based on the polymorphism of the ACE gene, they were classified into a deletion group of 25 patients (D/D genotype in 4 and D/I genotype in 21) and an insertion group of 18 patients (all I/I genotype). Echocardiograms were used to determine left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, interventricular septal and posterior wall thicknesses, left ventricular mass, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Blood concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptide were also measured.

RESULTS

Left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, left ventricular mass, and levels of both atrial and brain natriuretic peptide were significantly higher in the deletion group. In contrast, septal thickness, posterior wall thickness, and ejection fraction showed no differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with old anteroseptal infarction, ACE gene polymorphism of the D/D and D/I genotypes has a stronger influence on left ventricular remodeling than polymorphism of the I/I genotype.

Influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism on development of athlete's heart

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Genetic influence on development of athlete's heart is uncertain. This study investigated whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism influenced development of athlete's heart.

METHODS

Forty-three participants in a 100-km ultramarathon were classified on the basis of ACE gene polymorphism into a deletion group (n = 26) and an insertion group (n = 17). Echocardiograms were recorded to determine left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, and ejection fraction.

RESULTS

Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (65.5 +/- 4.0 mm) and left ventricular mass (369.5 +/- 73.9 g) were significantly larger in the subjects with deletion than in those with insertion (57.4 +/- 4.2 mm, 306.5 +/- 93.7 g). However, no significant differences in the other parameters were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In long-distance runners, ACE gene polymorphism of the D/D and D/I genotypes has a stronger influence on left ventricular hypertrophy than polymorphism of the I/I genotype.

Erythrocyte magnesium and prostaglandin dynamics in chronic sleep deprivation

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

The mechanism of sudden cardiac death occurring in patients with chronic fatigue is controversial. This study was designed to define a hypothesis that coronary arterial spasm and thrombus formation can occur during chronic fatigue.

METHODS

For evaluating the feasibility of coronary arterial spasm, erythrocyte magnesium (Mg) was measured. Blood coagulability was evaluated by the change of prostaglandin concentration. Subjects included 16 healthy male volunteers (mean age 21.6 +/- 2.5 years). Test conditions were as follows: (A) control state: a day following a night of good sleep; (B) temporary sleep deprivation: a day preceded by < 3 h of sleep; (C) chronic sleep deprivation: a day preceded by a month during which sleep lasted < 60% of that in condition (A) above. The erythrocyte Mg concentration was measured by the atomic absorption method. The plasma concentration of thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were measured in eight subjects by radioimmunoassay method.

RESULTS

(1) Mean erythrocyte Mg concentration was significantly less in chronic sleep deprivation (1.1 +/- 0.4 mg/dl) than in the control state (1.8 +/- 0.4 mg/dl, p < 0.01) or in temporary sleep deprivation (1.6 +/- 0.4, p < 0.01). (2) The level of thromboxane B2 was significantly higher during chronic sleep deprivation than under control conditions (104.4 +/- 78.0 vs. 20.4 +/- 9.0 pg/ml, p < 0.05). (3) There were no significant intergroup differences in 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha level.

CONCLUSION

These findings could support the hypothesis that coronary arterial spasm and thrombus formation occur in chronic sleep deprivation.

Complementary Distributions of Amyloid-β and Neprilysin in the Brains of Dogs and Cats

Neprilysin is an amyloid-β-degrading enzyme localized in the brain parenchyma. The involvement of neprilysin in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease has recently received much attention. We examined the localization of neprilysin and amyloid-β, as well as the activity of neprilysin, in the brains of dogs and cats of various ages to clarify the relationship between neprilysin activity and amyloid-β deposition. The distribution of neprilysin was almost identical in dogs and cats, being high in the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra, but very low in the cerebral cortex. The white matter and hippocampus were negative. Neprilysin activity in the brain regions in dogs and cats was ranked from high to low as follows: thalamus/striatum > cerebral cortex > hippocampus > white matter. Amyloid-β deposition was first detected at 7 and 10 years of age in dogs and cats, respectively, and both the quantity and frequency of deposition increased with age. In both species, amyloid-β deposition appeared in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. In summary, the localization of neprilysin and neprilysin activity, and that of amyloid-β, were complementary in the brains of dogs and cats.

[Pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung; report of a case]

A 66-year-old female complained of cough, and was referred to our hospital. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor mass near the right hilum and atelectasis of the middle lobe. Bronchoscopy revealed a whitish polypoid tumor obstructing the middle lobe bronchus. Histology by punch biopsy suggested adenocarcinoma Right upper and middle lobectomy was performed, due to the direct invasion of the tumor from the middle lobe to the upper lobe. Histological findings showed adenocarcinoma comprised of spindle cell component, finally diagnosing as pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung. After the operation, systemic chemotherapy, including paclitaxel and carboplatin was performed. About 42 months after operation, the patient died of multiple brain metastases.

Molecular chaperone-mediated tau protein metabolism counteracts the formation of granular tau oligomers in human brain

Intracellular accumulation of filamentous tau proteins is a defining feature of neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies. The pathogenesis of tauopathies remains largely unknown. Molecular chaperones such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), however, have been implicated in tauopathies as well as in other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates. To search for in vivo evidence of chaperone-related tau protein metabolism, we analyzed human brains with varying degrees of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology, as defined by Braak NFT staging. Quantitative analysis of soluble protein levels revealed significant positive correlations between tau and Hsp90, Hsp40, Hsp27, alpha-crystallin, and CHIP. An inverse correlation was observed between the levels of HSPs in each specimen and the levels of granular tau oligomers, the latter of which were isolated from brain as intermediates of tau filaments. We speculate that HSPs function as regulators of soluble tau protein levels, and, once the capacity of this chaperone system is saturated, granular tau oligomers form virtually unabated. This is expressed pathologically as an early sign of NFT formation. The molecular basis of chaperone-mediated protection against neurodegeneration might lead to the development of therapeutics for tauopathies. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Left ventricular chamber size predicts the race time of Japanese participants in a 100 km ultramarathon

OBJECTIVE

As a subanalysis of an echocardiographic study performed on 291 Japanese participants in a 100 km ultramarathon, to estimate predictors of race time.

METHODS

A total of 247 male participants in a 100 km ultramarathon (age 20-73 years) were examined by echocardiography. Correlations between age, body surface area, monthly running distance, or echocardiographic variables and the race time were examined.

RESULTS

According to simple regression analysis, age (r = 0.299, p < 0.0001), monthly running distance (r = -0.388, p < 0.0001), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (r = -0.300, p < 0.0001), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (r = -0.325, p < 0.0001) correlated significantly with the race time. When multiple regression analysis was performed, age (f = 2.364), monthly running distance (f = -0.113), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (f = -2.361) remained significant predictors of the race time.

CONCLUSION

Left ventricular diameter predicts the race time for a 100 km ultramarathon, in addition to age and amount of training.

In situ transmission-electron-microscopy investigation of melting in submicron Al-Si alloy particles under electron-beam irradiation

In situ heating and electron-beam irradiation in the transmission electron microscope were performed to study melting of submicron Al-11.6 at. % Si particles supported on a C thin film. It was found that electron irradiation could be used to melt the particles, even when the hot-stage sample holder was kept at a much lower temperature ( approximately 125 degrees C) than the initial melting point of the particles. Comparison between the experimentally observed melting behavior and analytical calculations indicate that melting of the submicron Al-Si particles under electron-beam irradiation is caused by a temperature rise due to electron thermal spikes in the particles and poor thermal conduction away from the particles. These results have important implications in transmission electron microscopy studies of nanoparticles supported on thin films or poorly conducting substrates.

Atomic-level observation of disclination dipoles in mechanically milled, nanocrystalline Fe

Plastic deformation of materials occurs by the motion of defects known as dislocations and disclinations. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to directly reveal the individual dislocations that constitute partial disclination dipoles in nanocrystalline, body-centered cubic iron that had undergone severe plastic deformation by mechanical milling. The mechanisms by which the formation and migration of such partial disclination dipoles during deformation allow crystalline solids to fragment and rotate at the nanometer level are described. Such rearrangements are important basic phenomena that occur during material deformation, and hence, they may be critical in the formation of nanocrystalline metals by mechanical milling and other deformation processes.

Lithium inhibits amyloid secretion in COS7 cells transfected with amyloid precursor protein C100

To examine the regulation of amyloid secretion in more detail, Abeta sandwich ELISAs with high sensitivity and specificity were developed. Using this technique, we measured Abeta secreted from COS7 cells transiently transfected with APP C100 in the presence of LiCl, a potent glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta inhibitor. We found that both Abetax-40 and Abetax-42 secretion were reduced by LiCl treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Diminished amyloid secretion was associated with GSK-3beta activity. These results suggest that GSK-3beta might function as a possible mediator for regulating both amyloid deposition and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and that lithium should be re-evaluated as a candidate reagent for preventing AD pathology.

Formation of filamentous tau aggregations in transgenic mice expressing V337M human tau

Formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) is the most common feature in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we report the formation of filamentous tau aggregations having a beta-sheet structure in transgenic mice expressing mutant human tau. These mice contain a tau gene with a mutation of the frontotemporal dementia parkinsonism (FTDP-17) type, in which valine is substituted with methionine residue 337. The aggregation of tau in these transgenic mice satisfies all histological criteria used to identify NFTs common to human neurodegenerative diseases. These mice, therefore, provide a preclinical model for the testing of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders that exhibit NFTs.

Telementoring and teleproctoring

Telemedicine has previously been defined as "live two-way interactive video communication between a physician and a patient and/or another physician, where all participants are able to see and hear one another much like a face to face encounter." This concept has gained recent notoriety because of the great advances in telecommunications and the potential future increased cost-effectiveness associated with its utilization. We have developed a telementoring deployment protocol that can be effectively used to introduce a student to telementoring processes. The strict protocol uses military commands to facilitate smooth information transfer. The use of a concept called tactical information deployment provides the surgeon with rapid access to reference information in the operating suite. Multimedia interactive CD-ROMs, with digitized movie clips, illustrations, sound bits, and the latest academic review of the literature arm the surgeon with a database that establishes an unprecedented clinical adaptive capability (CAC). The availability of this information is invaluable to surgeons in their initial advanced laparoscopic procedural efforts. Telementoring simulator opportunities are included to acclimate the participant to the process. If the process seems comprehensive, it is meant to be. This is a high-risk situation, and a patient's welfare is on the line. If this concept is to reach its maximal healthcare delivery potential, responsible and academically credible training programs should be established with directional guidelines.

Alcoholism, ALDH2*2 allele and the A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor gene: an association study

The inactive form of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) is regarded as a protective factor against the development of alcoholism, and alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 are considered to be relatively homogeneous. This examination of a possible allelic association of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene TaqI A polymorphism failed to detect significant differences between 583 Japanese alcoholics and 295 unrelated Japanese controls, or between alcoholic subjects with different ALDH2 genotypes. Despite the significantly higher frequency of the DRD2 A1 allele in the 207 alcoholics with inactive ALDH2 than in the 376 alcoholics with active ALDH2, multiple logistic regression analysis (controlled for the ALDH2 genotype) revealed no association between the TaqI A polymorphism and alcoholism. Nor did the frequency of the DRD2 TaqI A polymorphism differ in alcoholic subjects grouped by several pertinent clinical characteristics, including severity of alcoholism. Although there remains a possibility that the DRD2 TaqI A polymorphism plays some role in modifying the phenotype of the disease, these results suggest that neither the A1 allele nor the homozygous A1 genotype is associated with alcoholism.