[Development of Integrated Database for Experiments and Simulations]

Researchers collect data and use various methods to organize it. Ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of data is crucial, and collaboration across different research fields is on the rise. However, when there is geographical distance, sharing data becomes a challenging task. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a mechanism for sharing data on the web. We have developed an integrated database to facilitate the sharing and management of research data, particularly focusing on small molecules. The integrated database serves as a platform for centralizing data related to small molecules, including their chemical structures, wet lab experimental data, simulation data, and more. It has been constructed as a web application, offering features such as library management for small molecules, registration and viewing of wet lab experiment results, generation of initial conformations for simulations, and data visualization. This enables researchers to efficiently share their research data and collaborate seamlessly, whether within their research group or via cloud-based access that allows project and team members to connect from anywhere. This integrated database plays a critical role in connecting wet lab experiments and simulations, enabling researchers to cross-reference and analyze experimental data comprehensively. It serves as an essential tool to advance research and foster idea generation.

Radio frequency electrical resistance measurement under destructive pulsed magnetic fields

We developed a resistance measurement using radio frequency reflection to investigate the electrical transport characteristics under destructive pulsed magnetic fields above 100 T. A sample stage consisting of a homemade flexible printed circuit reduced the noise caused by the induced voltage from the pulsed magnetic fields, improving the accuracy of the measurements of the reflected waves. From the obtained reflectance data, the absolute value of the magnetoresistance was successfully determined by analyzing the phase with admittance charts. These developments enable more accurate and comprehensive measurements of electrical resistance in pulsed magnetic fields.

Unveiling new quantum phases in the Shastry-Sutherland compound SrCu2(BO3)2 up to the saturation magnetic field

Under magnetic fields, quantum magnets often undergo exotic phase transitions with various kinds of order. The discovery of a sequence of fractional magnetization plateaus in the Shastry-Sutherland compound SrCu₂(BO₃)₂ has played a central role in the high-field research on quantum materials, but so far this system could only be probed up to half the saturation value of the magnetization. Here, we report the first experimental and theoretical investigation of this compound up to the saturation magnetic field of 140 T and beyond. Using ultrasound and magnetostriction techniques combined with extensive tensor-network calculations (iPEPS), several spin-supersolid phases are revealed between the 1/2 plateau and saturation (1/1 plateau). Quite remarkably, the sound velocity of the 1/2 plateau exhibits a drastic decrease of -50%, related to the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic instability of the checkerboard-type magnon crystal. The unveiled nature of this paradigmatic quantum system is a new milestone for exploring exotic quantum states of matter emerging in extreme conditions.

Nonreciprocal Phonon Propagation in a Metallic Chiral Magnet

The phonon magnetochiral effect (MChE) is the nonreciprocal acoustic and thermal transports of phonons caused by the simultaneous breaking of the mirror and time-reversal symmetries. So far, the phonon MChE has been observed only in a ferrimagnetic insulator Cu_{2}OSeO_{3}, where the nonreciprocal response disappears above the Curie temperature of 58 K. Here, we study the nonreciprocal acoustic properties of a room-temperature ferromagnet Co_{9}Zn_{9}Mn_{2} for unveiling the phonon MChE close to room temperature. Surprisingly, the nonreciprocity in this metallic compound is enhanced at higher temperatures and observed up to 250 K. This clear contrast between insulating Cu_{2}OSeO_{3} and metallic Co_{9}Zn_{9}Mn_{2} suggests that metallic magnets have a mechanism to enhance the nonreciprocity at higher temperatures. From the ultrasound and microwave-spectroscopy experiments, we conclude that the magnitude of the phonon MChE of Co_{9}Zn_{9}Mn_{2} mostly depends on the Gilbert damping, which increases at low temperatures and hinders the magnon-phonon hybridization. Our results suggest that the phonon nonreciprocity could be further enhanced by engineering the magnon band of materials.

Search for the Pair Production of Dark Particles X with K_{L}^{0}→XX, X→γγ

We present the first search for the pair production of dark particles X via K_{L}^{0}→XX with X decaying into two photons using the data collected by the KOTO experiment. No signal was observed in the mass range of 40-110  MeV/c^{2} and 210-240  MeV/c^{2}. This sets upper limits on the branching fractions as B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-4)×10^{-7} and B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-2)×10^{-6} at the 90% confidence level for the two mass regions, respectively.

Magnetically Hidden State on the Ground Floor of the Magnetic Devil's Staircase

We investigated the low-temperature and high-field thermodynamic and ultrasonic properties of SrCu_{2}(BO_{3})_{2}, which exhibits various plateaux in its magnetization curve above 27 T, called a magnetic Devil's staircase. The results of the present study confirm that magnetic crystallization, the first step of the staircase, occurs above 27 T as a first-order transition accompanied by a sharp singularity in heat capacity C_{p} and a kink in the elastic constant. In addition, we observe a thermodynamic anomaly at lower fields around 26 T, which has not been previously detected by any magnetic probes. At low temperatures, this magnetically hidden state has a large entropy and does not exhibit Schottky-type gapped behavior, which suggests the existence of low-energy collective excitations. Based on our observations and theoretical predictions, we propose that magnetic quadrupoles form a spin-nematic state around 26 T as a hidden state on the ground floor of the magnetic Devil's staircase.

Application of Acoustic Ejection MS System to High-Throughput Screening for SARS-CoV-2 3CL Protease Inhibitors

Mass spectrometry is a powerful methodology for chemical screening to directly quantify substrates and products of enzymes, but its low throughput has been an issue. Recently, an acoustic liquid-handling apparatus (Echo^®) used for rapid nano-dispensing has been coupled to a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer to create the Echo^® MS system, and we applied this system to screening of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease inhibitors. Primary screening of 32,033 chemical samples was completed in 12 hours. Among the hits showing selective, dose-dependent 3CL-inhibitory activity, 8 compounds showed antiviral activity in cell-based assay.

A SARS-CoV-2 antibody broadly neutralizes SARS-related coronaviruses and variants by coordinated recognition of a virus-vulnerable site

Potent neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies often target the spike protein receptor-binding site (RBS), but the variability of RBS epitopes hampers broad neutralization of multiple sarbecoviruses and drifted viruses. Here, using humanized mice, we identified an RBS antibody with a germline V_H gene that potently neutralized SARS-related coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 variants. X-ray crystallography revealed coordinated recognition by the heavy chain of non-RBS conserved sites and the light chain of RBS with a binding angle mimicking the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The minimum footprints in the hypervariable region of RBS contributed to the breadth of neutralization, which was enhanced by immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) class switching. The coordinated binding resulted in broad neutralization of SARS-CoV and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Low-dose therapeutic antibody treatment in hamsters reduced the virus titers and morbidity during SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The structural basis for broad neutralizing activity may inform the design of a broad spectrum of therapeutics and vaccines.

Ultrasound measurement technique for the single-turn-coil magnets

Ultrasound is a powerful means to study numerous phenomena of condensed-matter physics as acoustic waves couple strongly to structural, magnetic, orbital, and charge degrees of freedom. In this paper, we present such a technique combined with single-turn coils (STCs) that generate magnetic fields beyond 100 T with the typical pulse duration of 6 µs. As a benchmark of this technique, the ultrasound results for MnCr₂S₄, Cu₆[Si₆O₁₈]·6H₂O, and liquid oxygen are shown. The resolution for the relative sound-velocity change in the STC is estimated as Δv/v ∼ 10^-3, which is sufficient to study various field-induced phase transitions and critical phenomena.

Potential anti-COVID-19 agents, cepharanthine and nelfinavir, and their usage for combination treatment

Antiviral treatments targeting the coronavirus disease 2019 are urgently required. We screened a panel of already approved drugs in a cell culture model of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and identified two new agents having higher antiviral potentials than the drug candidates such as remdesivir and chroloquine in VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells: the anti-inflammatory drug cepharanthine and human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor nelfinavir. Cepharanthine inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry through the blocking of viral binding to target cells, while nelfinavir suppressed viral replication partly by protease inhibition. Consistent with their different modes of action, synergistic effect of this combined treatment to limit SARS-CoV-2 proliferation was highlighted. Mathematical modeling in vitro antiviral activity coupled with the calculated total drug concentrations in the lung predicts that nelfinavir will shorten the period until viral clearance by 4.9 days and the combining cepharanthine/nelfinavir enhanced their predicted efficacy. These results warrant further evaluation of the potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of cepharanthine and nelfinavir.

Potential anti-COVID-19 agents, cepharanthine and nelfinavir, and their usage for combination treatment

Antiviral treatments targeting the coronavirus disease 2019 are urgently required. We screened a panel of already approved drugs in a cell culture model of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and identified two new agents having higher antiviral potentials than the drug candidates such as remdesivir and chroloquine in VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells: the anti-inflammatory drug cepharanthine and human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor nelfinavir. Cepharanthine inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry through the blocking of viral binding to target cells, while nelfinavir suppressed viral replication partly by protease inhibition. Consistent with their different modes of action, synergistic effect of this combined treatment to limit SARS-CoV-2 proliferation was highlighted. Mathematical modeling in vitro antiviral activity coupled with the calculated total drug concentrations in the lung predicts that nelfinavir will shorten the period until viral clearance by 4.9 days and the combining cepharanthine/nelfinavir enhanced their predicted efficacy. These results warrant further evaluation of the potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of cepharanthine and nelfinavir.

Study of the K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] Decay at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

The rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was studied with the dataset taken at the J-PARC KOTO experiment in 2016, 2017, and 2018. With a single event sensitivity of (7.20±0.05_{stat}±0.66_{syst})×10^{-10}, three candidate events were observed in the signal region. After unveiling them, contaminations from K^{±} and scattered K_{L} decays were studied, and the total number of background events was estimated to be 1.22±0.26. We conclude that the number of observed events is statistically consistent with the background expectation. For this dataset, we set an upper limit of 4.9×10^{-9} on the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level.

Higher magnetic-field generation by a mass-loaded single-turn coil

Single-turn coil (STC) technique is a convenient way to generate ultrahigh magnetic fields of more than 100 T. During the field generation, the STC explosively destructs outward due to the Maxwell stress and Joule heating. Unfortunately, the STC does not work at its full potential because it has already expanded when the maximum magnetic field is reached. Here, we propose an easy way to delay the expansion and increase the maximum field by using a mass-loaded STC. By loading clay on the STC, the field profile drastically changes, and the maximum field increases by 4%. This method offers access to higher magnetic fields for physical property measurements.

Implant and Prosthetic Treatment in Esthetic Zone with Alveolar Ridge Preservation and Autotransplantation: Clinical Case Report with 16-year Follow-up

Occlusal reconstruction comprising orthodontic treatment, autotransplantation, and implant treatment was performed in a 30-year-old woman with missing maxillary anterior teeth. An initial examination revealed marked root resorption of the maxillary anterior teeth. Both the maxillary canines were missing, causing constriction of the dental arch. Conserving the right maxillary central and lateral incisors, which were dislocated due to trauma, was considered to be too difficult, and a bridge was not selected as there was insufficient load bearing capacity in the adjacent abutment teeth, making the prognosis uncertain. Partial dentures were rejected due to the patient's age and esthetic demands. First, the right mandibular lateral incisor was extracted to relieve crowding in the mandibular anterior teeth, leaving the patient with 3 mandibular incisors. Orthodontic treatment was then performed to harmonize the occlusal relationship between the mandibular and maxillary anterior teeth. Next, the right mandibular lateral incisor was transplanted to the extraction site of the right maxillary lateral incisor. After fixation of the autotransplanted tooth, the shape of the bone around the implant site improved. The final prosthesis for the right maxillary central incisor was provided via implant treatment. As seen in a follow-up 16 years later, the interproximal dental papilla was intact, and the patient's esthetic demands were fulfilled. Utilizing the functions of the periodontal ligament of the natural teeth was a useful part of orthodontic treatment and autotransplantation.

The tetramerization domain of the tree shrew p53 protein displays unique thermostability despite sharing high sequence identity with the human p53 protein

The p53 protein plays a number of roles in protecting organisms from different genotoxic stresses and this includes DNA damage induced by acetaldehyde, a metabolite of alcohol. Since the common tree shrew ingests high levels of alcohol as part of its normal diet, this suggests that its p53 protein may possess unique properties. Using a combination of biophysical and modeling studies, we demonstrate that the tetramerization domain of the tree shrew p53 protein is considerably more stable than the corresponding domain from humans despite sharing almost 90% sequence identity. Based on modeling and mutagenesis studies, we determine that a glutamine to methionine substitution at position 354 plays a key role in this difference. Given the link between stability of the p53 tetramerization domain and its transcriptional activity, the results suggest that this enhanced stability could lead to important consequences at p53-regulated genes in the tree shrew.

Viscosity measurements in pulsed magnetic fields by using a quartz-crystal microbalance

Viscosity measurements in combination with pulsed magnetic fields are developed by use of a quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM). When the QCM is immersed in liquid, the resonant frequency, f₀, and the quality factor, Q, of the QCM change depending on (ρη)^0.5, where ρ is the mass density and η the viscosity. During the magnetic-field pulse, f₀ and Q of the QCM are simultaneously measured by a ringdown technique. The typical resolution of (ρη)^0.5 is 0.5%. As a benchmark, the viscosity of liquid oxygen is measured up to 55 T.

Subjective Evaluation of Denture Adhesives: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Many reports show that denture adhesives improve the retention and stability of dentures. However, few randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of denture adhesives.

OBJECTIVE

This 10-center randomized controlled trial with parallel groups involving 200 edentulous patients wearing complete dentures aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term use of cream and powder denture adhesives.

METHODS

Patients were allocated into 2 cream- and powder-type adhesive groups and 1 control group. Intervention groups were treated with the 2 adhesives (1 each), and the control group received saline solution. Adhesive or control was applied to the denture-mucosal surface for 4 d, and data at baseline and after day 4 of intervention (i.e., 8 meals) were obtained. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a 100-mm visual analog scale. Oral health-related quality of life was measured with the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients. Perceived chewing ability was evaluated by a questionnaire regarding ease of chewing and swallowing food. Between-group comparisons were performed with Kruskal-Wallis tests with the Mann-Whitney U test adjusted by Bonferroni correction. Within-group comparisons of pre- and postintervention measurements were performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Intention-to-treat analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences for general satisfaction or Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients. However, significant differences in satisfaction with various denture functions with cream- and powder-type adhesives were seen in pre- and postintervention comparisons (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed for perceived chewing ability of hard foods (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that although denture adhesives do not invariably improve denture function, they do affect subjective evaluations and possibly chewing of hard foods. Therefore, the effects of denture adhesive use are insufficient to resolve any fundamental dissatisfaction with dentures ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01712802 ).

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The results of this study suggest that denture adhesives should be applied under certain conditions; however, an appropriate diagnosis is important before application. These practice-based data provide information to establish evidence-based guidelines for applying denture adhesives.

Phonon Magnetochiral Effect

The magnetochiral effect (MCE) of phonons, a nonreciprocal acoustic propagation arising due to symmetry principles, is demonstrated in the chiral-lattice ferrimagnet Cu_{2}OSeO_{3}. Our high-resolution ultrasound experiments reveal that the sound velocity differs for parallel and antiparallel propagation with respect to the external magnetic field. The sign of the nonreciprocity depends on the chirality of the crystal in accordance with the selection rule of the MCE. The nonreciprocity is enhanced below the magnetic ordering temperature and at higher ultrasound frequencies, which is quantitatively explained by a proposed magnon-phonon hybridization mechanism.

Search for K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] and K_{L}→π^{0}X^{0} Decays at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

A search for the rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was performed. With the data collected in 2015, corresponding to 2.2×10^{19} protons on target, a single event sensitivity of (1.30±0.01_{stat}±0.14_{syst})×10^{-9} was achieved and no candidate events were observed. We set an upper limit of 3.0×10^{-9} for the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level (C.L.), which improved the previous limit by almost an order of magnitude. An upper limit for K_{L}→π^{0}X^{0} was also set as 2.4×10^{-9} at the 90% C.L., where X^{0} is an invisible boson with a mass of 135  MeV/c^{2}.

Suramin, screened from an approved drug library, inhibits HuR functions and attenuates malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells

AU‐rich elements (ARE) exist in the 3′‐untranslated regions of the mRNA transcribed from cell growth‐related genes such as proto‐oncogenes, cyclin‐related genes, and growth factors. HuR binds and stabilizes ARE‐mRNA. HuR is expressed abundantly in cancer cells and related malignant phenotypes. HuR knockdown attenuates the malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells. In this study, we screened 1570 compounds in the approved drug library by differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) to discover a HuR‐targeted compound. Firstly, 55 compounds were selected by DSF. Then, 8 compounds that showed a shift in the melting temperature value in a concentration‐dependent manner were selected by DSF. Of them, suramin, an anti‐trypanosomal drug, binds to HuR, exhibiting fast‐on and fast‐off kinetic behavior on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We confirmed that suramin significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1. The cyclin A2 and cyclin B1 mRNAs were destabilized by suramin. Furthermore, the motile and invasive activities of a tongue carcinoma cell line treated with suramin were markedly lower than those of control cells. The above findings suggest that suramin binds to HuR and inhibits its function. We also showed that the anticancer effects of suramin were caused by the inhibition of HuR function, indicating its potential as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of oral cancer. Our results suggest that suramin, via its different mechanism, may effectively suppress progressive oral cancer that cannot be controlled using other anticancer agents.

Diagnostic features of acquired dermal melanocytosis of the face and extremities

Acquired dermal melanocytosis of the face and extremities (ADMFE) is an unusual form of acquired dermal melanocytosis (ADM). In this paper, we report a case of ADMFE and review the published literature. Our review highlights several clinical differences between ADMFE and ADM: (i) more frequent involvement of the nasal alae in ADMFE than in ADM, (ii) less frequent involvement of the cheeks in ADMFE than in ADM, (iii) limbs affected in all cases of ADMFE but in few cases of ADM, and (iv) frequent involvement of conjunctiva and/or gingiva in ADMFE but very rare involvement in ADM. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that ADMFE is clinically distinct from the classic form of ADM, and gaining an understanding of its phenotype will enable accurate diagnosis and early intervention by Q-switched laser therapy, which should benefit those patients with disease-related cosmetic issues.