First Measurement of η Meson Production in Neutrino Interactions on Argon with MicroBooNE

We present a measurement of η production from neutrino interactions on argon with the MicroBooNE detector. The modeling of resonant neutrino interactions on argon is a critical aspect of the neutrino oscillation physics program being carried out by the DUNE and Short Baseline Neutrino programs. η production in neutrino interactions provides a powerful new probe of resonant interactions, complementary to pion channels, and is particularly suited to the study of higher-order resonances beyond the Δ(1232). We measure a flux-integrated cross section for neutrino-induced η production on argon of 3.22±0.84(stat)±0.86(syst) 10^{-41}  cm^{2}/nucleon. By demonstrating the successful reconstruction of the two photons resulting from η production, this analysis enables a novel calibration technique for electromagnetic showers in GeV accelerator neutrino experiments.

Quantitative prediction of CYP3A-mediated drug-drug interactions by correctly estimating fraction metabolized using human liver chimeric mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Fraction metabolized (fm ) and fraction transported (ft ) are important for understanding drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in drug discovery and development. However, current in vitro systems cannot accurately estimate in vivo fm due to inability to reflect the ft by efflux transporters (ft,efflux ). This study demonstrates how CYP3A-mediated DDI for CYP3A/P-gp substrates can be predicted using Hu-PXB mice as human liver chimeric mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

For estimating human in vitro fm by CYP3A enzyme (fm,CYP3A,in vitro ), six drugs, including CYP3A/P-gp substrates (alprazolam, cyclosporine, docetaxel, midazolam, prednisolone, and theophylline) and human hepatocytes were incubated with or without ketoconazole as a CYP3A inhibitor. We calculated fm,CYP3A,in vitro based on hepatic intrinsic clearance. To estimate human in vivo fm,CYP3A (fm,CYP3A,in vivo ), we collected information on clinical DDI caused by ketoconazole for these six drugs. We calculated fm,CYP3A,in vivo using the change of total clearance (CLtotal ). For evaluating the human DDI predictability, the six drugs were administered intravenously to Hu-PXB and SCID mice with or without ketoconazole. We calculated the change of CLtotal caused by ketoconazole. We compared the CLtotal change in humans with that in Hu-PXB and SCID mice.

KEY RESULTS

The fm,CYP3A,in vitro was overestimated compared to the fm,CYP3A,in vivo . Hu-PXB mice showed much better correlation in the change of CLtotal with humans (R2  = 0.95) compared to SCID mice (R2  = 0.0058).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

CYP3A-mediated DDI can be predicted by correctly estimating human fm,CYP3A,in vivo using Hu-PXB mice. These mice could be useful predicting hepatic fm and ft,efflux .

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Electron-Positron and Neutral-Pion Final States with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first search for heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) decaying into νe^{+}e^{-} or νπ^{0} final states in a liquid-argon time projection chamber using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector. The data were recorded synchronously with the NuMI neutrino beam from Fermilab's main injector corresponding to a total exposure of 7.01×10^{20} protons on target. We set upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the mixing parameter |U_{μ4}|^{2} in the mass ranges 10≤m_{HNL}≤150  MeV for the νe^{+}e^{-} channel and 150≤m_{HNL}≤245  MeV for the νπ^{0} channel, assuming |U_{e4}|^{2}=|U_{τ4}|^{2}=0. These limits represent the most stringent constraints in the mass range 35 Collapse

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Fibroblast inhibition by tocilizumab enabled gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel rechallenge for pancreatic cancer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway inhibition may overcome chemoresistance of metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC). We sought to determine the safety and recommended dose of tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, and biological correlates of tumor shrinkage in patients with gemcitabine (GEM)/nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX)-refractory MPC. This phase 1 study enrolled 10 patients with MPC who had progressed after GEM/nab-PTX. Patients initially received TCZ 8 mg/kg on Day 1 and nab-PTX 100 mg/m2  + GEM 750 mg/m2 on Days 2, 9, and 16. Before and at the end of Cycle 1, biopsy of liver metastases was performed 3-5 h after levofloxacin (LVFX) administration to measure LVFX infiltration into tumor tissue. No dose-limited toxicities occurred, and the recommended dosage of TCZ was determined to be 8 mg/kg. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 80% of patients, of which decreased neutrophil count was the most common. Tumor reduction during Cycle 1 was observed in four patients, who were defined as responders. In paired-biopsy samples, responder-related biological activities were an increase of cleaved PARP expression of tumor nuclei (p = 0.01), a decrease of proliferative cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) (p = 0.08), and an increase of LVFX infiltration in the tumor (p = 0.04). A decrease of phosphorylated STAT3 expression (p = 0.02) favored an increase in LVFX infiltration. In conclusion, TCZ + GEM/nab-PTX-rechallenge had a manageable safety profile and showed preliminary activity via inhibition of CAF and improved intratumoral drug infiltration in MPC.

First Double-Differential Measurement of Kinematic Imbalance in Neutrino Interactions with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report the first measurement of flux-integrated double-differential quasielasticlike neutrino-argon cross sections, which have been made using the Booster Neutrino Beam and the MicroBooNE detector at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data are presented as a function of kinematic imbalance variables which are sensitive to nuclear ground-state distributions and hadronic reinteraction processes. We find that the measured cross sections in different phase-space regions are sensitive to different nuclear effects. Therefore, they enable the impact of specific nuclear effects on the neutrino-nucleus interaction to be isolated more completely than was possible using previous single-differential cross section measurements. Our results provide precision data to help test and improve neutrino-nucleus interaction models. They further support ongoing neutrino-oscillation studies by establishing phase-space regions where precise reaction modeling has already been achieved.

Development of rat duodenal monolayer model with effective barrier function from rat organoids for ADME assay

The in-depth analysis of the ADME profiles of drug candidates using in vitro models is essential for drug development since a drug's exposure in humans depends on its ADME properties. In contrast to efforts in developing human in vitro absorption models, only a limited number of studies have explored models using rats, the most frequently used species in in vivo DMPK studies. In this study, we developed a monolayer model with an effective barrier function for ADME assays using rat duodenal organoids as a cell source. At first, we developed rat duodenal organoids according to a previous report, but they were not able to generate a confluent monolayer. Therefore, we modified organoid culture protocols and developed cyst-enriched organoids; these strongly promoted the formation of a confluent monolayer. Furthermore, adding valproic acid to the culture accelerated the differentiation of the monolayer, which possessed an effective barrier function and apicobasal cell polarity. Drug transporter P-gp function as well as CYP3A activity and nuclear receptor function were confirmed in the model. We expect our novel monolayer model to be a useful tool for elucidating drug absorption processes in detail, enabling the development of highly absorbable drugs.

First Measurement of Quasielastic Λ Baryon Production in Muon Antineutrino Interactions in the MicroBooNE Detector

We present the first measurement of the cross section of Cabibbo-suppressed Λ baryon production, using data collected with the MicroBooNE detector when exposed to the neutrinos from the main injector beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The data analyzed correspond to 2.2×10^{20} protons on target running in neutrino mode, and 4.9×10^{20} protons on target running in anti-neutrino mode. An automated selection is combined with hand scanning, with the former identifying five candidate Λ production events when the signal was unblinded, consistent with the GENIE prediction of 5.3±1.1 events. Several scanners were employed, selecting between three and five events, compared with a prediction from a blinded Monte Carlo simulation study of 3.7±1.0 events. Restricting the phase space to only include Λ baryons that decay above MicroBooNE's detection thresholds, we obtain a flux averaged cross section of 2.0_{-1.7}^{+2.2}×10^{-40}  cm^{2}/Ar, where statistical and systematic uncertainties are combined.

ICARUS at the Fermilab Short-Baseline Neutrino program: initial operation

The ICARUS collaboration employed the 760-ton T600 detector in a successful 3-year physics run at the underground LNGS laboratory, performing a sensitive search for LSND-like anomalous ν e appearance in the CERN Neutrino to Gran Sasso beam, which contributed to the constraints on the allowed neutrino oscillation parameters to a narrow region around 1 eV2 . After a significant overhaul at CERN, the T600 detector has been installed at Fermilab. In 2020 the cryogenic commissioning began with detector cool down, liquid argon filling and recirculation. ICARUS then started its operations collecting the first neutrino events from the booster neutrino beam (BNB) and the Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) beam off-axis, which were used to test the ICARUS event selection, reconstruction and analysis algorithms. ICARUS successfully completed its commissioning phase in June 2022. The first goal of the ICARUS data taking will be a study to either confirm or refute the claim by Neutrino-4 short-baseline reactor experiment. ICARUS will also perform measurement of neutrino cross sections with the NuMI beam and several Beyond Standard Model searches. After the first year of operations, ICARUS will search for evidence of sterile neutrinos jointly with the Short-Baseline Near Detector, within the Short-Baseline Neutrino program. In this paper, the main activities carried out during the overhauling and installation phases are highlighted. Preliminary technical results from the ICARUS commissioning data with the BNB and NuMI beams are presented both in terms of performance of all ICARUS subsystems and of capability to select and reconstruct neutrino events.

First Constraints on Light Sterile Neutrino Oscillations from Combined Appearance and Disappearance Searches with the MicroBooNE Detector

We present a search for eV-scale sterile neutrino oscillations in the MicroBooNE liquid argon detector, simultaneously considering all possible appearance and disappearance effects within the 3+1 active-to-sterile neutrino oscillation framework. We analyze the neutrino candidate events for the recent measurements of charged-current ν_{e} and ν_{μ} interactions in the MicroBooNE detector, using data corresponding to an exposure of 6.37×10^{20} protons on target from the Fermilab booster neutrino beam. We observe no evidence of light sterile neutrino oscillations and derive exclusion contours at the 95% confidence level in the plane of the mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2} and the sterile neutrino mixing angles θ_{μe} and θ_{ee}, excluding part of the parameter space allowed by experimental anomalies. Cancellation of ν_{e} appearance and ν_{e} disappearance effects due to the full 3+1 treatment of the analysis leads to a degeneracy when determining the oscillation parameters, which is discussed in this Letter and will be addressed by future analyses.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Search for an Excess of Electron Neutrino Interactions in MicroBooNE Using Multiple Final-State Topologies

We present a measurement of ν_{e} interactions from the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber to address the nature of the excess of low energy interactions observed by the MiniBooNE Collaboration. Three independent ν_{e} searches are performed across multiple single electron final states, including an exclusive search for two-body scattering events with a single proton, a semi-inclusive search for pionless events, and a fully inclusive search for events containing all hadronic final states. With differing signal topologies, statistics, backgrounds, reconstruction algorithms, and analysis approaches, the results are found to be either consistent with or modestly lower than the nominal ν_{e} rate expectations from the Booster Neutrino Beam and no excess of ν_{e} events is observed.

Abstract 6145: Increased PD-L1 expression levels were observed on both tumor cells and macrophages by tocilizumab plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel treatment in gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel-refractory metastatic pancreatic cancer patients

Background: Blockade of interlukine-6 (IL-6) and programmed death-1-ligand 1 (PD-L1) limits tumour progression in murine models of pancreatic cancer. When PD-L1 expression of metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) is increased under the influence of gemcitabine exposure plus IL-6 inhibition, the spectrum of benefit from immune checkpoint blockade may expand to MPC patients with combined blockade of IL-6 and PD-L1 plus gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. We sought to determine PD-L1 expression of liver metastasis during cycle 1 of a phase I study, tocilizumab (TCZ) plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GN) in patient with GN-refractory MPC.

Methods: This phase 1 study enrolled 10 patients with MPC that had progressed after GN. All patients experienced cycle 1 of TCZ plus GN, TCZ 8 mg/kg on Day 1 and nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 + gemcitabine 750 mg/m2 on Days 2, 9, and 16. Biopsy of liver metastasis was performed before Cycle 1 and at the end of Cycle 1. Tumour microenvironment including PD-L1 expression were evaluated in paired-biopsied specimen from 7 patients by multicolour immunofluorescence staining. Tumour cell and PD-L1 expression were labelled by anti-cytokeratin 19 antibody and anti-PD-L1 antibody clone SP263, respectively. Cell numbers per millimetre squared (cell density) and the percentage of PD-L1 positive cell in tumor area were calculated according to cell types including tumour cell as cytokeratin 19 positive cell and macrophage as CD68 positive cell.

Results: Cell density and the percentage of PD-L1 positive tumor cell were 29/mm2 and 1.1% in mean at baseline and tended to be increased up to 142/mm2 (P = 0.11) and 5.2% (P = 0.06) at the end of cycle 1. Means of PD-L1 positive macrophages were 28/mm2 and 6.9% at baseline and were increased to 69/mm2 (P = 0.01) and 14% (P = 0.08). When region of interest was selected from tumor stroma, differences of PD-L1 positive macrophage during cycle 1 was also maintained in cell density (P = 0.02) and the percentage of PD-L1 positive cell (P = 0.06).

Conclusion: TCZ+GN induced an increase of PD-L1 expression levels on tumor cell and macrophages.

Citation Format: Kyoko Yamaguchi, Etsuko Fujii, Shuichi Mitsunaga, Noriaki Sawada, Masafumi Ikeda, Takashi Fujitomo, Hideaki Mizuno, Yoko Kayukawa, Mayu Makikawa, Kazunori Aoki, Hiroshi Imaoka, Mitsuhito Sasaki, Kazuo Watanabe, Atsukiko Kato, Hiroyuki Tsunoda, Kimio Terao, Atsushi Ochiai. Increased PD-L1 expression levels were observed on both tumor cells and macrophages by tocilizumab plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel treatment in gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel-refractory metastatic pancreatic cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6145.

Abstract CT565: Clinical and translational results of a phase I study, tocilizumab plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in patient with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel-refractory metastatic pancreatic cancer

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway inhibition may overcome chemoresistance of metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) refractory to gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (GN) due to suppression of cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) and increase of drug infiltration in tumor. We sought to determine the safety, recommended dose of tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, and biological correlates of tumor shrinkage in patients with GN-refractory MPC.

Methods: This phase 1, dose finding trial was conducted following preclinical study of IL-6 signaling blockade in genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic cancer (pGEMM) and patients-derived CAF, enrolled 10 patients with MPC that had progressed after GN. During the dose-finding part to determine dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), patients initially received TCZ 8 mg/kg on Day 1 and nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 + gemcitabine 750 mg/m2 on Days 2, 9, and 16. The subsequent dose-expansion part used the TCZ dose identified in the dose-finding study. Before Cycle 1 and at the end of Cycle 1, biopsy of liver metastasis was performed 3 to 5 hours after levofloxacin (LVXF) administration to measure LVFX infiltration in tumor using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI).

Results: In pGEMM tumor, mouse IL-6 receptor antibody plus GN led pathological response. The growth of CAFs from patients with pancreatic cancer was inhibited by TCZ. In this phase I study, no DLTs occurred and the recommended dosage of TCZ was determined to be 8 mg/kg. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 80% of patients (Grade ≥3 in 60%) with decreased neutrophil count (n=5, 7 events) being the most common TEAE. Disease control rate was 80·0% (95%CI: 44·4-97·5) and tumor reduction during cycle 1 was observed in 4 patients who were defined as responder. In paired-biopsied samples, decrease of phosphorylated (p) STAT3 expression in tumor was observed in 7 of 8 patients (88%). Responder-related biological activities were increase of cleaved PARP expression of tumor nuclei (P = 0.01), decrease of proliferative CAF (P = 0.08), and increase of LVFX infiltration in tumor (P = 0.04). Decrease of pSTAT3 expression (P = 0.02) was favor to increase of LVFX infiltration against increase of gamma-H2AX, an index of gemcitabine exposure (P = 0.20).

Conclusion: TCZ+GN-rechallenge had a manageable safety profile and showed preliminary activity via inhibition of CAF and gain of intratumoral drug infiltration in MPC.

Citation Format: Shuichi Mitsunaga, Masafumi Ikeda, Kazunori Aoki, Kyoko Yamaguchi, Noriaki Sawada, Etsuko Fujii, Masanobu Nishidate, Takashi Fujitomo, Hideaki Mizuno, Yoko Kayukawa, Atsuhiko Kato, Mayu Makikawa, Hiroshi Imaoka, Mitsuhito Sasaki, Kazuo Watanabe, Hiroyuki Tsunoda, Kimio Terao, Atsushi Ochiai. Clinical and translational results of a phase I study, tocilizumab plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in patient with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel-refractory metastatic pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT565.

First Measurement of Energy-Dependent Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged-Current Cross Sections on Argon with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report a measurement of the energy-dependent total charged-current cross section σ(E_{ν}) for inclusive muon neutrinos scattering on argon, as well as measurements of flux-averaged differential cross sections as a function of muon energy and hadronic energy transfer (ν). Data corresponding to 5.3×10^{19} protons on target of exposure were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab booster neutrino beam with a mean neutrino energy of approximately 0.8 GeV. The mapping between the true neutrino energy E_{ν} and reconstructed neutrino energy E_{ν}^{rec} and between the energy transfer ν and reconstructed hadronic energy E_{had}^{rec} are validated by comparing the data and Monte Carlo (MC) predictions. In particular, the modeling of the missing hadronic energy and its associated uncertainties are verified by a new method that compares the E_{had}^{rec} distributions between data and a MC prediction after constraining the reconstructed muon kinematic distributions, energy, and polar angle to those of data. The success of this validation gives confidence that the missing energy in the MicroBooNE detector is well modeled and underpins first-time measurements of both the total cross section σ(E_{ν}) and the differential cross section dσ/dν on argon.

Search for Neutrino-Induced Neutral-Current Δ Radiative Decay in MicroBooNE and a First Test of the MiniBooNE Low Energy Excess under a Single-Photon Hypothesis

We report results from a search for neutrino-induced neutral current (NC) resonant Δ(1232) baryon production followed by Δ radiative decay, with a ⟨0.8⟩  GeV neutrino beam. Data corresponding to MicroBooNE's first three years of operations (6.80×10^{20} protons on target) are used to select single-photon events with one or zero protons and without charged leptons in the final state (1γ1p and 1γ0p, respectively). The background is constrained via an in situ high-purity measurement of NC π^{0} events, made possible via dedicated 2γ1p and 2γ0p selections. A total of 16 and 153 events are observed for the 1γ1p and 1γ0p selections, respectively, compared to a constrained background prediction of 20.5±3.65(syst) and 145.1±13.8(syst) events. The data lead to a bound on an anomalous enhancement of the normalization of NC Δ radiative decay of less than 2.3 times the predicted nominal rate for this process at the 90% confidence level (C.L.). The measurement disfavors a candidate photon interpretation of the MiniBooNE low-energy excess as a factor of 3.18 times the nominal NC Δ radiative decay rate at the 94.8% C.L., in favor of the nominal prediction, and represents a greater than 50-fold improvement over the world's best limit on single-photon production in NC interactions in the sub-GeV neutrino energy range.

Search for a Higgs Portal Scalar Decaying to Electron-Positron Pairs in the MicroBooNE Detector

We present a search for the decays of a neutral scalar boson produced by kaons decaying at rest, in the context of the Higgs portal model, using the MicroBooNE detector. We analyze data triggered in time with the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beam spill, with an exposure of 1.93×10^{20} protons on target. We look for monoenergetic scalars that come from the direction of the NuMI hadron absorber, at a distance of 100 m from the detector, and decay to electron-positron pairs. We observe one candidate event, with a standard model background prediction of 1.9±0.8. We set an upper limit on the scalar-Higgs mixing angle of θ<(3.3-4.6)×10^{-4} at the 95% confidence level for scalar boson masses in the range (100-200)  MeV/c^{2}. We exclude, at the 95% confidence level, the remaining model parameters required to explain the central value of a possible excess of K_{L}^{0}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] decays reported by the KOTO collaboration. We also provide a model-independent limit on a new boson X produced in K→πX decays and decaying to e^{+}e^{-}.

Maxacalcitol Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Maxacalcitol was approved in Taiwan in 2018 as the first active vitamin D3 injection for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. However, no data from any clinical study with maxacalcitol in Taiwanese patients is available.

OBJECTIVES

This analysis aimed to evaluate the profiles of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in Taiwanese SHPT patients on hemodialysis and maxacalcitol.

METHODS

We developed population pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) models using a modeling and simulation approach. The data for these analyses were obtained from two studies: a clinical pharmacology study in Japanese patients and an ethnic comparison study in healthy Japanese and -Taiwanese volunteers. We then conducted a simulation study with a PK-PD model comprising the PK and PD models developed here.

RESULTS

Serum maxacalcitol concentration profile was modeled using a two-compartment model that took into consideration the distribution of concentrations below the lower limit of quantification. An ethnic difference in clearance was included in the PK model as a covariate. A PD model that used a PTH/Ca feedback loop best described the observed data. There were no significant differences in Ca or PTH concentrations between Taiwanese and Japanese based on the simulation results from our PK-PD model, even though maxacalcitol exposure was approximately 40% higher in Taiwanese than in Japanese.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of these population PK and PD analyses and the clinical study conducted in Japan, there is no clinically relevant difference between Taiwanese and Japanese in terms of serum Ca or PTH levels.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

First Measurement of Differential Charged Current Quasielasticlike ν_{μ}-Argon Scattering Cross Sections with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report on the first measurement of flux-integrated single differential cross sections for charged-current (CC) muon neutrino (ν_{μ}) scattering on argon with a muon and a proton in the final state, ^{40}Ar (ν_{μ},μp)X. The measurement was carried out using the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber detector with an exposure of 4.59×10^{19} protons on target. Events are selected to enhance the contribution of CC quasielastic (CCQE) interactions. The data are reported in terms of a total cross section as well as single differential cross sections in final state muon and proton kinematics. We measure the integrated per-nucleus CCQE-like cross section (i.e., for interactions leading to a muon, one proton, and no pions above detection threshold) of (4.93±0.76_{stat}±1.29_{sys})×10^{-38}  cm^{2}, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The single differential cross sections are also in overall good agreement with theoretical predictions, except at very forward muon scattering angles that correspond to low-momentum-transfer events.

Effects of dietary gamma-cyclodextrin on voluntary activity and muscle strength in mice

Gamma-cyclodextrin (γCD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of eight α-(1,4)-linked glucopyranose subunits, which is often used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, little is known regarding the metabolic activity of "empty" γCD per se. Therefore, in the present study young C57BL/6 male mice received a control diet (CON) or an experimental diet that was supplemented with 12.88% γCD exchanged against corn starch. After 6 weeks of treatment, the voluntary wheel running activity was monitored and the muscle strength of mice was measured by employing Kondziela's inverted screen test and forelimb grip strength assay. The γCD-treated mice covered a significantly larger distance per night (CON 8.6 km, γCD 12.4 km) and were significantly longer active (CON 340 min, γCD 437 min). Moreover, γCD-treated mice significantly performed better at the inverted screen test indicated by an enhanced Kondziela score (CON 3.10, γCD 4.63). These data suggest that dietary γCD leads to an increased endurance. We also found a slightly anti-glycemic effect of γCD during oral glucose tolerance test. However, our mice from the γCD group exhibited no difference in terms of GLUT2 protein level in ileum tissue nor increased muscle glycogen storage. Furthermore, γCD exhibited no DPP-4 inhibitory activity in vitro. By analysing candidate muscle genes and proteins related to endurance and muscle performance we did not observe any differences in terms of Sirt1, Pgc1α, Cpt1b, Mef2c, Myh1 and Myh2 gene expression levels as well as total oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mtTFA and GLUT4 protein expression levels in skeletal muscle in response to γCD. We could not fully establish the exact underlying molecular mechanisms of the fitness improvement by dietary γCD which warrants further investigations.

First Measurement of Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged Current Differential Cross Sections on Argon at E_{ν}∼0.8 GeV with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to 1.6×10^{20} protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sections are presented as a function of muon momentum, using multiple Coulomb scattering as a momentum measurement technique, and the muon angle with respect to the beam direction. We compare the measured cross sections to multiple neutrino event generators and find better agreement with those containing more complete treatment of quasielastic scattering processes at low Q^{2}. The total flux integrated cross section is measured to be 0.693±0.010(stat)±0.165(syst)×10^{-38}  cm^{2}.

Simulating the Impact of Elevated Levels of Interleukin-6 on the Pharmacokinetics of Various CYP450 Substrates in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica or Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders in Different Ethnic Populations

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was used to simulate the impact of elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6 on the exposure of several orally administered cytochrome P450 (CYP) probe substrates (caffeine, S-warfarin, omeprazole, dextromethorphan, midazolam, and simvastatin). The changes in exposure of these substrates in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (and hence elevated IL-6 levels) compared with healthy subjects were predicted with a reasonable degree of accuracy. The PBPK model was then used to simulate the change in oral exposure of the probe substrates in North European Caucasian, Chinese, and Japanese population of patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or NMO spectrum disorder with elevated plasma IL-6 levels (up to 100 pg/mL). Moderate interactions [mean AUC fold change, ≤ 2.08 (midazolam) or 2.36 (simvastatin)] was predicted for CYP3A4 probe substrates and weak interactions (mean AUC fold change, ≤ 1.29-1.97) were predicted for CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 substrates. No notable interaction was predicted with CYP1A2. Although ethnic differences led to differences in simulated exposure for some of the probe substrates, there were no marked differences in the predicted magnitude of the change in exposure following IL-6-mediated suppression of CYPs. Decreased levels of serum albumin (as reported in NMO patients) had little impact on the magnitude of the simulated IL-6-mediated drug interactions. This PBPK modeling approach allowed us to leverage knowledge from different disease and ethnic populations to make predictions of cytokine-related DDIs in a rare disease population where actual clinical studies would otherwise be difficult to conduct.

The Pandora multi-algorithm approach to automated pattern recognition of cosmic-ray muon and neutrino events in the MicroBooNE detector

The development and operation of liquid-argon time-projection chambers for neutrino physics has created a need for new approaches to pattern recognition in order to fully exploit the imaging capabilities offered by this technology. Whereas the human brain can excel at identifying features in the recorded events, it is a significant challenge to develop an automated, algorithmic solution. The Pandora Software Development Kit provides functionality to aid the design and implementation of pattern-recognition algorithms. It promotes the use of a multi-algorithm approach to pattern recognition, in which individual algorithms each address a specific task in a particular topology. Many tens of algorithms then carefully build up a picture of the event and, together, provide a robust automated pattern-recognition solution. This paper describes details of the chain of over one hundred Pandora algorithms and tools used to reconstruct cosmic-ray muon and neutrino events in the MicroBooNE detector. Metrics that assess the current pattern-recognition performance are presented for simulated MicroBooNE events, using a selection of final-state event topologies.

Dosage Optimization of Nemolizumab Using Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation

Nemolizumab is a humanized anti-interleukin-31 receptor A monoclonal antibody for treating atopic dermatitis, and it especially improves pruritus. The objective of the simulation study was to optimize the dose regimen using a flat dose. The serum nemolizumab concentration and pruritus visual analog scale as an efficacy end point were modeled using the population analysis approach in 299 patients with atopic dermatitis who received placebo or doses between 0.1 and 3 mg/kg as a single dose once every 4 weeks or 2 mg/kg once every 8 weeks. A 1-compartment model with first-order absorption was employed as the pharmacokinetic model. An indirect turnover model with an inhibition component was employed as the main part of the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model. The models well described the observations. Therefore, simulations with several dose regimens were performed to optimize the dose regimen including a flat dose. The simulated area under the concentration-time curve at a steady state around 75 mg in the every-4-week regimen corresponds to that associated with the dose range of 0.5 to 2 mg/kg in the 4-week regimen. The simulated pruritus visual analog scale also showed a similar tendency. These simulation results support dose optimization during the clinical development program of nemolizumab.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Tofogliflozin (a Selective SGLT2 Inhibitor) in Healthy Male Subjects

Tofogliflozin is a selective oral inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of tofogliflozin were investigated in healthy male subjects.

Three studies were conducted: single-ascending dose study (10–640 mg) in 56 Japanese and 24 Caucasian subjects; multiple-ascending dose study (2.5–80 mg once daily for 7 days) in 24 Japanese subjects; and food-effect study (20–40 mg) in 30 Japanese subjects.

Tofogliflozin was absorbed rapidly and eliminated from the systemic circulation with a t1/2 of 5–6 h. Exposure increased dose-proportionally up to 320 mg. Body weight-corrected exposure was similar between Japanese and Caucasian subjects. Urinary excretion of tofogliflozin ranged from 17.1 to 27.4% of dose. Tofogliflozin did not accumulate with once daily administration. Food intake decreased Cmax by approximately 30% but did not change AUC0-inf. Tofogliflozin caused dose-dependent daily urinary glucose excretion (UGE0-24h), but food intake condition at administration did not affect it. The exposure-response relationship between plasma average concentration of tofogliflozin (Cavg) and UGE0-24h fitted Emax model well. There were no serious adverse events leading to discontinuation or episodes of hypoglycemia.

Single and multiple administration of tofogliflozin were generally well tolerated. Exposure to tofogliflozin was dose-proportional up to 320 mg and did not accumulate with multiple once-a-day administration. The model suggests more than 100 ng/mL Cavg corresponding to the dose of between 20 and 40 mg leads to almost maximum effect of tofogliflozin.

A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interaction Study of Tofogliflozin (a New SGLT2 Inhibitor) and Selected Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Drugs

OBJECTIVE

Tofogliflozin is an oral hypoglycemic agent with a novel mechanism of action that reduces blood glucose levels by promoting glucose excretion in urine, achieved by selectively inhibiting sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). We evaluated the effects of several selected anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drugs-glimepiride, metformin, sitagliptin, pioglitazone, miglitol, nateglinide, and voglibose-on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tofogliflozin, and the effects of tofogliflozin on the pharmacokinetics of these anti-T2DM drugs in healthy male volunteers.

METHODS

A single dose of either tofogliflozin alone, one of the anti-T2DM drugs alone, or co-administration of tofogliflozin and the anti-T2DM drug was administered to 108 healthy men. Cmax, AUCinf, and cumulative urine glucose excretion after co-administration of tofogliflozin and each of the anti-T2DM drugs was evaluated relative to the values of those parameters after administration of each drug alone.

RESULTS

None of the anti-T2DM drugs had any effect on tofogliflozin exposure. Tofogliflozin had no or little effect on the exposure of any anti-T2DM drug. No anti-T2DM drug had any major effect on the cumulative urine glucose excretion induced by tofogliflozin. There were no safety concerns evident after administration of any drug alone or in co-administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the pharmacokinetics nor the pharmacodynamics of tofogliflozin was affected by any of the anti-T2DM drugs evaluated in this study, nor was the pharmacokinetics of any of the anti-T2DM drugs affected by tofogliflozin in healthy male volunteers.

Effect of γ-cyclodextrin as a lyoprotectant for freeze-dried actinidin

Actinidin (ATD) is a cysteine protease found in kiwifruit. It is used to tenderize meat and to enhance the digestion of proteins in the small intestine. However, ATD is unstable during freeze-drying, which alters its bioactivity. It is well known that sugars have the ability to protect proteins from the stress of freeze-drying. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of various saccharides on the stability of ATD during freeze-drying. The ATD activities of the samples containing γ-cyclodextrin (CyD) showed only a small decrease, and compared with trehalose and sucrose, γ-CyD was a more effective stabilizer for ATD. Secondary structural changes in freeze-dried ATD were observed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and compared with the changes in stabilized samples. There was a close relationship between the α-helix content and the stabilization. The sugars stabilized the protein by suppressing the changes in the α-helix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurement showed that the amide I band of ATD with γ-CyD was shifted to a lower wavenumber compared with other sugars. Therefore, stronger hydrogen bonds may be formed between ATD and γ-CyD than between ATD and other sugars. The suppression of changes in the protein secondary structure accompanying the formation of hydrogen bonding between the protein and the sugar also contributed to the protective effect of the sugars.

Development of low-fluorescence thick photoresist for high-aspect-ratio microstructure in bio-application

In this study, we propose and evaluate a novel low-auto-fluorescence photoresist (SJI photoresist) for bio-application, e.g., in gene analysis and cell assay. The spin-coated SJI photoresist has a wide thickness range of ten to several hundred micrometers, and photoresist microstructures with an aspect ratio of over 7 and micropatterns of less than 2 μm are successfully fabricated. The emission spectrum intensity of the SJI photoresist is found to be over 80% less than that of the widely used SU-8 photoresist. To evaluate the validity of using the proposed photoresist in bio-application for fluorescence observation, we demonstrate a chromosome extension device composed of the SJI photoresist. The normalized contrast ratio of the SJI photoresist exhibits a 50% improvement over that of the SU-8 photoresist; thus, the SJI photoresist is a versatile tool for bio-application.

Mechanism-based approach using a biomarker response to evaluate tocilizumab subcutaneous injection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with an inadequate response to synthetic DMARDs (MATSURI study)

A multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation phase 1/2 study was undertaken to evaluate the optimal subcutaneous tocilizumab dose that would result in exposure comparable to the intravenous tocilizumab 8-mg/kg approved dose in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A pharmacokinetic and biomarker approach was used to estimate the clinical optimal dose regimen of subcutaneous tocilizumab. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab were assessed as secondary end points. Patients received subcutaneous tocilizumab at 81 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) (n = 8), 162 mg q2w (n = 12), or 162 mg weekly (qw) (n = 12) for 24 weeks. 88% of 162-mg q2w patients and 100% of 162-mg qw patients maintained mean serum trough tocilizumab concentrations of ≥1 µg/mL, and had exposure comparable with the approved intravenous tocilizumab dose of 8 mg/kg; this resulted in normalized C-reactive protein levels and improvement in ACR20/50/70 responses. The most common adverse events were abnormal laboratory results, which were mild in severity. Anti-tocilizumab antibodies were detected in a few patients in the 81-mg q2w and 162-mg qw groups. In conclusion, coupled with efficacy and tolerability results, the appropriate dose of subcutaneous tocilizumab was determined to be 162 mg q2w for Japanese patients.

Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β can predict the efficacy of gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

With this study, we sought to characterise the impact of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the outcomes of gemcitabine monotherapy (GEM) in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS

Treatment-naive patients with advanced PC and no obvious infections were eligible for enrolment. All of the patients were scheduled to undergo systemic chemotherapy. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using an electro-chemiluminescence assay method before chemotherapy. High cytokine levels were defined as values greater than the median. Clinical data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Sixty patients who received GEM were included in the analysis. High IL-6 and IL-1β levels were poor prognostic factors for overall survival in a multivariate analysis (P=0.011 and P=0.048, respectively). Patients with both a high IL-6 level and a high IL-1β level exhibited shortened overall and progression-free survival, a reduction in the tumour control rate, and a high dose intensity of GEM compared with patients with low levels of both IL-6 and IL-1β.

CONCLUSION

The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β predict the efficacy of GEM in patients with advanced PC.

Indication of reactor ν(e) disappearance in the Double Chooz experiment

The Double Chooz experiment presents an indication of reactor electron antineutrino disappearance consistent with neutrino oscillations. An observed-to-predicted ratio of events of 0.944±0.016(stat)±0.040(syst) was obtained in 101 days of running at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France, with two 4.25 GW(th) reactors. The results were obtained from a single 10 m(3) fiducial volume detector located 1050 m from the two reactor cores. The reactor antineutrino flux prediction used the Bugey4 flux measurement after correction for differences in core composition. The deficit can be interpreted as an indication of a nonzero value of the still unmeasured neutrino mixing parameter sin(2)2θ(13). Analyzing both the rate of the prompt positrons and their energy spectrum, we find sin(2)2θ(13)=0.086±0.041(stat)±0.030(syst), or, at 90% C.L., 0.017<sin(2)2θ(13)<0.16.

Transthyretin Amyloidosis and Two Other Aging-Related Amyloidoses in an Aged Vervet Monkey

An aged male vervet monkey showed severe cardiac arrhythmia for more than 3 years. A multifocal amyloid consisting of transthyretin was deposited in all areas of the heart wall, especially in the extracellular stroma among muscle fibers and external tunica of arterioles. Moreover, the amyloid was deposited in the stroma and arterioles of other systemic organs except the liver and spleen. These characteristics are consistent with senile systemic amyloidosis in humans. A second amyloid consisting of amyloid β protein was in senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in the cerebral cortex. A third amyloid consisting of islet amyloid polypeptide was deposited in islets of the pancreas. Apolipoprotein E and amyloid P component colocalized with the 3 amyloids. Thus, 3 different aging-related amyloids were found in an aged vervet monkey. In particular, to our knowledge, this is the first report on spontaneous transthyretin amyloidosis in animals.

Neuronal specificity of alpha-synuclein toxicity and effect of Parkin co-expression in primates

Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector-mediated overexpression of alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn) protein has been shown to cause neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in rodents and primates. Using serotype-2 rAAV vectors, we recently reported the protective effect of Parkin on alphaSyn-induced nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a rat model. Here we investigated the neuronal specificity of alphaSyn toxicity and the effect of Parkin co-expression in a primate model. We used another serotype (type-1) of AAV vector that was confirmed to deliver genes of interest anterogradely and retrogradely to neurons in rats. The serotype-1 rAAV (rAAV1) carrying alphaSyn cDNA (rAAV1-alphaSyn), and a cocktail of rAAV1-alphaSyn and rAAV1 carrying parkin cDNA (rAAV1-parkin) were unilaterally injected into the striatum of macaque monkeys, resulting in protein expression in striatonigral GABAergic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Injection of rAAV1-alphaSyn alone decreased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum compared with the contralateral side injected with a cocktail of rAAV1-alphaSyn and rAAV1-parkin. Immunostaining of striatonigral GABAergic neurons was similar on both sides. Overexpression of Parkin in GABAergic neurons was associated with less accumulation of alphaSyn protein and/or phosphorylation at Ser129 residue. Our results suggest that the toxicity of accumulated alphaSyn is not induced in non-dopaminergic neurons and that the alphaSyn-ablating effect of Parkin is exerted in virtually all neurons in primates.

Population pharmacokinetic investigation of disopyramide by mixed effect modelling using routine clinical pharmacokinetic data in Japanese patients

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the population pharmacokinetic parameters of disopyramide using non-linear mixed effects modelling.

METHOD

A total of 148 serum levels from 109 patients (61 males and 48 females) receiving disopyramide were collected.

RESULTS

The final pharmacokinetic model was Cl (L/h)=3.75.TBW0.567.AGE-0.374.Conc(-0.719).1.48(DOSE>or=5), Vd (L/kg)=4.13 and k(a) (h-1)=0.363, where Cl is total body clearance, Vd is apparent volume of distribution, k(a) is absorption rate constant, TBW is total bodyweight (kg), AGE is age (years), Conc is the concentration of disopyramide (microg/mL), and DOSE>or=5=1 for patient received 5 mg/kg/day of disopyramide dosage or over and 0 otherwise.

CONCLUSION

Application of the findings in this study to patient care may permit selection of an appropriate initial maintenance dosage to achieve target disopyramide concentrations and the desired therapeutic effect.

Age-related changes of intracellular Abeta in cynomolgus monkey brains

To confirm the intracellular accumulation of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta), we carefully performed immunohistochemistry using brains of cynomolgus monkeys of various ages. Cortical neurones and their large neurites were immunostained with antibodies against Abeta in young monkey brains. In aged monkey brains, intracellular Abeta localized within cortical neurones; no clear association was found between the presence of intracellular Abeta and senile plaques (SPs). Interestingly, we did not observe Abeta-immunoreactive cortical neurones in brains fixed with neutral buffered formalin. Western blot analyses of microsomal and nerve ending fractions derived from the brains of young to aged monkeys revealed that intracellular Abeta generation changed with age. In the microsomal fraction, the amount of Abeta42 significantly increased in brains from older monkeys (>30 years of age), and the amount of Abeta43 significantly decreased with age in the microsomal fraction. The amount of Abeta40 remained the same regardless of age. Biochemical analyses also showed that intracellular levels of each of these Abeta molecules significantly increased with age in nerve ending fractions. As we previously observed that a similar accumulation of presenilin1, beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP C-terminal fragment cleaved by beta-secretase in the nerve ending fractions obtained from brains with SPs, the accumulation of intracellular Abeta in this fraction may be closely related to formation of spontaneous SPs with age. Taken together, these results suggest that intensive investigation of age-related changes in the nerve ending will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Specific detection of human coagulation factor IX in cynomolgus macaques

After screening for species-specific antihuman factor (F)IX monoclonal antibodies, we found that antibody 3A6 did not bind to cynomolgus FIX. The 3A6 epitope was found to include Ala262 of human FIX. The 3A6 antibody was used as a catching antibody in an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for specific detection of human FIX in cynomolgus macaque plasma. No significant increase of substrate hydrolysis was observed when EIA buffer containing cynomolgus macaque plasma was subjected to the 3A6-based EIA. Addition of up to 30% cynomolgus macaque plasma or canine plasma to the assay did not alter detection of human FIX. Three cynomolgus macaques were injected with human FIX (10 U kg-1; i.v.) and the circulating human FIX was quantified in the macaque plasma. The FIX level in the circulation increased to 470 +/- 37.6 ng mL-1 at 1 h after the injection and gradually decreased to 1.79 +/- 1.1 ng mL-1 by day 5, which is approximately 0.06% of the normal human plasma FIX concentration. These data suggest that the cynomolgus macaque can be used as a primate model for studying hemophilia B gene therapy by transduction of macaque organs with vectors to express human FIX in vivo and detection of human FIX using the 3A6 monoclonal antibody.