Showing papers by "Mitsubishi published in 2018"

The CO2 economy: Review of CO2 capture and reuse technologies

Abstract: The continuously increasing share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and EU targets for CO2 reduction and energy efficiency necessitate significant changes both on technical and regulatory level. Environmental challenges of CO2 emissions are assessed in a review of CO2 capture and utilisation technologies, offering new opportunities in CO2 economy. Commercial applications in the thermal power and industrial sector for pre and post combustion capture as well as the potential of direct air CO2 capture are reviewed. The potential of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) is assessed focusing on the use of CO2 for fuel as well as for combined heat and power production. Combining CCU with energy storage as an evolutionary measure for balancing RES with thermal power under the power to fuel concept presents high market potentials for fuel and chemical production. Moreover, the recent progress in supercritical CO2 cycles for combined heat and power production is reported.

Anticoagulation Therapy for Venous Thromboembolism in the Real World ― From the COMMAND VTE Registry ―

Abstract: BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has a long-term risk of recurrence, which can be prevented by anticoagulation therapy.Methods and Results:The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 3,027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTE between January 2010 and August 2014. The entire cohort was divided into the transient risk (n=855, 28%), unprovoked (n=1,477, 49%), and cancer groups (n=695, 23%). The rate of anticoagulation discontinuation was highest in the cancer group (transient risk: 37.3% vs. unprovoked: 21.4% vs. cancer: 43.5% at 1 year, P<0.001). The cumulative 5-year incidences of recurrent VTE, major bleeding and all-cause death were highest in the cancer group (recurrent VTE: 7.9% vs. 9.3% vs. 17.7%, P<0.001; major bleeding: 9.0% vs. 9.4% vs. 26.6%, P<0.001; and all-cause death: 17.4% vs. 15.3% vs. 73.1%, P<0.001). After discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy, the cumulative 3-year incidence of recurrent VTE was lowest in the transient risk group (transient risk: 6.1% vs. unprovoked: 15.3% vs. cancer: 13.2%, P=0.001). The cumulative 3-year incidence of recurrent VTE beyond 1 year was lower in patients on anticoagulation than in patients off anticoagulation at 1 year in the unprovoked group (on: 3.7% vs. off: 12.2%, P<0.001), but not in the transient risk and cancer groups (respectively, 1.6% vs. 2.5%, P=0.30; 5.6% vs. 8.6%, P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS The duration of anticoagulation therapy varied widely in discordance with current guideline recommendations. Optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy should be defined according to the risk of recurrent VTE and bleeding as well as death.

Janus Kinase Inhibitor Baricitinib Modulates Human Innate and Adaptive Immune System.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of baricitinib on Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling, which involves in human innate and adaptive immune system. The effects of baricitinib were evaluated using human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), B cells, and T cells. Baricitinib concentration-dependently suppressed the expression of CD80/CD86 on MoDCs and the production of type-I interferon (IFN) by pDCs. Baricitinib also suppressed the differentiation of human B cells into plasmablasts by B cell receptor and type-I IFN stimuli and inhibited the production of interleukin (IL)-6 from B cells. Human CD4+ T cells proliferated after T cell receptor stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody; however, such proliferation was suppressed by baricitinib in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, baricitinib inhibited Th1 differentiation after IL-12 stimulation and Th17 differentiation by TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-23 stimulation. Tofacitinib showed similar effects in these experiments. In naive CD4+ T cells, IFN-α and IFN-γ induced phosphorylation of STAT1, which was inhibited by baricitinib and tofacitinib. Furthermore, IL-6-induced phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 was also inhibited by JAK inhibitors. In conclusion, the results indicated that baricitinib suppresses the differentiation of plasmablasts, Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as innate immunity, such as the T cell stimulatory capacity of dendritic cells. Thus, JAK inhibitors can be potentially clinically effective not only in rheumatoid arthritis but other immune-related diseases.

Demographics, Management, and In-Hospital Outcome of Hospitalized Acute Heart Failure Syndrome Patients in Contemporary Real Clinical Practice in Japan ― Observations From the Prospective, Multicenter Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure (KCHF) Registry ―

Abstract: BACKGROUND There is a scarcity of reports on the clinical characteristics and management practice in contemporary all-comer patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods and Results: The Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure (KCHF) registry is a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 4,056 consecutive patients who had hospital admission due to ADHF without any exclusion criteria between October 2014 and March 2016 in the 19 participating hospitals in Japan. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentations, management, and in-hospital outcomes were compared between heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; HFrEF, LVEF <40%), HF with mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF, LVEF 40-49%), and HF with preserved LVEF (HFpEF, LVEF ≥50%). Of the 4,041 patients with documented LVEF, 1,744 (43%) had HFpEF; 746 (19%), HFmrEF; and 1,551 (38%), HFrEF. The median age was 80 years (IQR, 72-86 years) in the entire population, and was higher with increasing LVEF (P<0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the HFrEF than in the HFmrEF and HFpEF groups (9.2%, 4.8%, and 5.1%, respectively, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This registry elucidated the clinical features and clinically relevant in-hospital outcomes in contemporary consecutive patients with ADHF in real-world clinical practice in Japan. When classified by LVEF, significant differences in characteristics and in-hospital outcomes existed between patients with HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF.

Up-Regulation of TLR7-Mediated IFN-α Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Abstract: Objectives: Aberrant and persistent production of interferon-α (IFN-α) by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is known to play a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To assess the precise function of pDCs in SLE patients, we investigated the differential regulation of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 responses during IFN-α production by pDCs. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in SLE patients without hydroxychloroquine treatment, rheumatoid arthritis patients and heathy controls were stimulated with TLR7 and TLR9 agonists. To investigate the priming effect by cytokines, PBMCs from healthy controls were pre-treated with various cytokines and stimulated with TLR7 and TLR9 agonists. The IFN-α production in pDCs was detected by flow cytometry. Results: TLR7-mediated IFN-α production was up-regulated and correlated positively with disease activity in SLE. Conversely, TLR9-mediated IFN-α production was down-regulated. Differential regulation of TLR7/9 response in SLE was independent of TLR7 and TLR9 expression levels. Furthermore, in vitro experiments indicated that TLR7-mediated IFN-α production was up-regulated by pre-treatment with type I IFN, whereas TLR9-mediated IFN-α production was down-regulated by pre-treatment with type II IFN. Conclusions: Our study indicates the association between up-regulation of TLR7- mediated IFN-α production by pDCs and disease activity and that TLR7 and TLR9 responses were reversely regulated on pDCs in SLE patients. Thus, type I IFN and TLR7-mediated IFN-α production were involved in a vicious cycle, causing hyper production of IFN-α by pDCs during the pathogenic processes of SLE.

Boosting photocatalytic overall water splitting by Co doping into Mn3O4 nanoparticles as oxygen evolution cocatalysts

Abstract: The effect of cobalt doping into a manganese oxide (tetragonal spinel Mn3O4) nanoparticle cocatalyst up to Co/(Co + Mn) = 0.4 (mol/mol) on the activity of photocatalytic water oxidation was studied. Monodisperse ∼10 nm CoyMn1−yO (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.4) nanoparticles were uniformly loaded onto photocatalysts and converted to CoxMn3−xO4 nanoparticles through calcination. 40 mol% cobalt-doped Mn3O4 nanoparticle-loaded Rh@Cr2O3/SrTiO3 photocatalyst exhibited 1.8 times-higher overall water splitting activity than that with pure Mn3O4 nanoparticles. Investigation on the band structure and electrocatalytic water oxidation activity of CoxMn3−xO4 nanoparticles revealed that the Co doping mainly contributes to the improvement of water oxidation kinetics on the surface of the cocatalyst nanoparticles.

Th22 Cells Promote Osteoclast Differentiation via Production of IL-22 in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Abstract: T helper (Th) cells can differentiate into functionally distinct subsets and play a pivotal role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Th22 cells have been identified as a new subset secreting interleukin (IL)-22. Although elevated levels of IL-22 in the synovial fluids of RA patients were reported, its pathological roles remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that IL-22 was characteristically produced from CD3+CD4+CC-chemokine receptor (CCR)4+CCR6+CCR10+ cells and their ability of the production of IL-22 markedly exceeded that of other Th subsets and the subset, thereby, designated Th22 cells. Th22 cells were efficiently induced by the stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Th22 cells were markedly infiltrated in synovial tissue in patients with active RA, but not in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). CCL17, CCL20, and CCL28, which are chemokine ligands of CCR4, CCR6, and CCR10, respectively, were abundantly expressed in RA synovial tissue compared to OA. By in vitro Trans-well migration assay, Th22 cells efficiently migrated toward CCL28. Co-culture of Th22 cells, which were sorted from peripheral blood, with monocytes in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand induced osteoclasts formation more efficiently than that of either Th1 cells or Th17 cells. Furthermore, IL-22 markedly augmented osteoclast differentiation by promoting nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 expression in CD14+ monocytes. Contrarily, the addition of IFN-γ to the culture significantly decreased osteoclasts number, whereas IL-17 had marginal effects. IL-22 neutralizing antibody inhibited osteoclast formation in the co-culture of Th22 cells with CD14+ monocytes. Collectively, the results indicated that Th22 cells, which co-express chemokine receptors CCR4, CCR6, and CCR10, possess strong potency of tissue migration and accumulate into inflamed synovial tissues where the ligands such as CCL28 are highly expressed. Thus, Th22 cells have the capacity to promote osteoclast differentiation through production of IL-22 and thus play a pivotal role in bone destruction in patients with RA.

UBL3 modification influences protein sorting to small extracellular vesicles

Abstract: Exosomes, a type of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), derived from multivesicular bodies (MVBs), mediate cell-to-cell communication by transporting proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs However, the molecular mechanism by which proteins are sorted to sEVs is not fully understood Here, we report that ubiquitin-like 3 (UBL3)/membrane-anchored Ub-fold protein (MUB) acts as a posttranslational modification (PTM) factor that regulates protein sorting to sEVs We find that UBL3 modification is indispensable for sorting of UBL3 to MVBs and sEVs We also observe a 60% reduction of total protein levels in sEVs purified from Ubl3-knockout mice compared with those from wild-type mice By performing proteomics analysis, we find 1241 UBL3-interacting proteins, including Ras We also show that UBL3 directly modifies Ras and oncogenic RasG12V mutant, and that UBL3 expression enhances sorting of RasG12V to sEVs via UBL3 modification Collectively, these results indicate that PTM by UBL3 influences the sorting of proteins to sEVs

B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis.

Abstract: Objectives We sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), who were not referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods We used data from a Japanese multicentre registry, the Contemporary outcomes after sURgery and medical tREatmeNT in patients with severe Aortic Stenosis Registry, which enrolled 3815 consecutive patients with severe AS. Of those, 387 asymptomatic patients who were not referred for AVR without left ventricular dysfunction and very severe AS were subdivided into four groups based on their BNP levels (BNP 300 pg/mL, n=50). Results The cumulative 5-year incidence of AS-related events (aortic valve-related death or heart failure hospitalisation) was incrementally higher with increasing BNP level (14.2%, 29.6%, 46.3% and 47.0%, p Conclusions Increased BNP level was associated with a higher risk for AS-related adverse events in patients with asymptomatic severe AS with normal left ventricular ejection fraction who were not referred for AVR. Asymptomatic patients with BNP levels of Trail registration number UMIN000012140.

Color-gradient lattice Boltzmann model with nonorthogonal central moments: Hydrodynamic melt-jet breakup simulations.

Abstract: We develop a lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for immiscible two-phase flow simulations with central moments (CMs). This successfully combines a three-dimensional nonorthogonal CM-based LB scheme [De Rosis, Phys. Rev. E 95, 013310 (2017)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.95.013310] with our previous color-gradient LB model [Saito, Abe, and Koyama, Phys. Rev. E 96, 013317 (2017)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.96.013317]. Hydrodynamic melt-jet breakup simulations show that the proposed model is significantly more stable, even for flow with extremely high Reynolds numbers, up to O(10^{6}). This enables us to investigate the phenomena expected under actual reactor conditions.

Influence of a history of cancer on long-term cardiovascular outcomes after coronary stent implantation (an Observation from Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study-Kyoto Registry Cohort-2).

Abstract: Aims To evaluate the influence of a history of cancer on clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results In the Coronary REvascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto) PCI/coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Registry Cohort-2, there were 12 180 CAD patients who received PCI with stents. There were 1109 patients with a history of cancer (cancer group) and 11 071 patients without cancer (non-cancer group). The cumulative 5-year incidences of cardiac death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization were significantly higher in the cancer group than in the non-cancer group (12.4% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001 and 12.1% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001, respectively). Even after adjusting for confounders, the excess risk of the cancer group relative to non-cancer group for cardiac death and HF hospitalization remained significant [hazard ratio (HR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05-1.53; P = 0.02, and HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.13-1.68; P = 0.002, respectively]. Also, the cancer group had a trend toward higher adjusted risk for definite or probable stent thrombosis as compared with the non-cancer group (HR 1.49, 95% CI 0.99-2.16; P = 0.055). The cancer group had significantly higher adjusted risk for all-cause death, non-cardiac death, major bleeding, and non-CABG surgery than the non-cancer group, while the risks for myocardial infarction and stroke were neutral between the two groups. Conclusion Patients with a history of cancer at the time of PCI had increased risk for cardiac events such as cardiac death and HF hospitalization as well as non-cardiac events such as non-cardiac death, major bleeding, and non-CABG surgery.

Insulin‐producing cells derived from ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes: Vulnerability to cytokine insults and increased expression of apoptosis‐related genes

Abstract: Aims/Introduction The present study was carried out to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes, and evaluate the cytokine-induced apoptotic reactions of β-like insulin-producing cells differentiated from the iPSCs. Materials and Methods iPSCs were generated from fibroblasts of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes by inducing six reprogramming factors. Insulin-producing cells were differentiated from the iPSCs in vitro. The proportion of cleaved caspase-3-positive or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2′-deoxyuridine, 5′-triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells among insulin (INS)-positive cells derived from fulminant type 1 diabetes iPSC and control human iPSC lines was evaluated under treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ. Ribonucleic acid sequencing was carried out to compare gene expressions in INS-positive cells derived from fulminant type 1 diabetes iPSC and control human iPSC lines. Results Two iPSC clones were established from each of three patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes. The differentiation of insulin-producing cells from fulminant type 1 diabetes iPSC was confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis and KCl-induced C-peptide secretion. After treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines, these INS-positive cells showed higher expression of cleaved caspase-3 than those derived from control human iPSCs. Altered expression levels of several apoptosis-related genes were observed in INS-positive cells derived from the fulminant type 1 diabetes iPSCs by ribonucleic acid sequencing. Conclusions We generated iPSCs from patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes and differentiated them into insulin-producing cells. This in vitro disease model can be used to elucidate the disease mechanisms of fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Contaminant-Activated Visible Light Photocatalysis.

Abstract: Pristine titanium dioxide (TiO2) absorbs ultraviolet light and reflects the entire visible spectrum. This optical response of TiO2 has found widespread application as white pigments in paper, paints, pharmaceuticals, foods and plastic industries; and as a UV absorber in cosmetics and photocatalysis. However, pristine TiO2 is considered to be inert under visible light for these applications. Here we show for the first time that a bacterial contaminant (Staphylococcus aureus—a MRSA surrogate) in contact with TiO2 activates its own photocatalytic degradation under visible light. The present study delineates the critical role of visible light absorption by contaminants and electronic interactions with anatase in photocatalytic degradation using two azo dyes (Mordant Orange and Procion Red) that are highly stable because of their aromaticity. An auxiliary light harvester, polyhydroxy fullerenes, was successfully used to accelerate photocatalytic degradation of contaminants. We designed a contaminant-activated, transparent, photocatalytic coating for common indoor surfaces and conducted a 12-month study that proved the efficacy of the coating in killing bacteria and holding bacterial concentrations generally below the benign threshold. Data collected in parallel with this study showed a substantial reduction in the incidence of infections.

Serum leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 with fucosylated triantennary N-glycan: a novel colorectal cancer marker.

Abstract: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19–9 are used in clinical practice as tumor markers to diagnose or monitor colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, However, their specificities and sensitivities are not ideal, and novel alternatives are needed. In this study, mass spectrometry was used to search for screening markers, focusing on glycan alterations of glycoproteins in the sera of CRC patients. Glycopeptides were prepared from serum glycoproteins separated from blood samples of 80 CRC patients and 50 healthy volunteers, and their levels were measured by liquid chromatography time-of flight mass spectrometry (LC–TOF–MS). Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 with fucosylated triantennary N-glycan (LRG–FTG) was identified as CRC marker after evaluating 30,000 candidate glycopeptide peaks. The average LRG–FTG level in CRC patients (1.25 ± 0.973 U/mL) was much higher than that in healthy volunteers (0.496 ± 0.433 U/mL, P < 10− 10), and its sensitivity and specificity exceeded those of CA19–9. The combination of CEA and LRG–FTG showed a complementary effect and had better sensitivity (84%), specificity (90%), and AUC (0.91 by ROC analysis) than each marker alone or any other previously reported marker. LRG–FTG alone or combined with CEA also corresponded well with patient response to treatment. We identified LRG–FTG as a new CRC marker, with a sensitivity and specificity exceeding CA19–9. The combination of LRG–FTG and CEA showed much higher sensitivity and specificity than each marker alone. Further validation beyond this initial exploratory cohort is warranted.

Nationwide Survey of Palliative Care for Patients With Heart Failure in Japan

Abstract: BACKGROUND Palliative care for heart failure (HF) patients is recommended in Western guidelines, so this study aimed to clarify the current status of palliative care for HF patients in Japan.Methods and Results:A survey was sent to all Japanese Circulation Society-authorized cardiology training hospitals (n=1,004) in August 2016. A total of 544 institutions (54%) returned the questionnaire. Of them, 527 (98%) answered that palliative care is necessary for patients with HF. A total of 227 (42%) institutions held a palliative care conference for patients with HF, and 79% of the institutions had <10 cases per year. Drug therapy as palliative care was administered at 403 (76%) institutions; morphine (87%) was most frequently used. Among sedatives, dexmedetomidine (33%) was administered more often than midazolam (29%) or propofol (20%). Regarding the timing of end-of-life care, most institutions (84%) reported having considered palliative care when a patient reached the terminal stage of HF. Most frequently, the reason for the decision at the terminal stage was "difficulty in discontinuing cardiotonics." A major impediment to the delivery of palliative care was "difficulty predicting an accurate prognosis." CONCLUSIONS This large-scale survey showed the characteristics of palliative care for HF in Japan. The present findings may aid in the development of effective end-of-life care systems.

Smoking, Smoking Cessation, and Risk of Mortality in a Japanese Working Population ― Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study ―

Abstract: BACKGROUND The effect of smoking on mortality in working-age adults remains unclear. Accordingly, we compared the effects of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on total and cause-specific mortality in a Japanese working population. Methods and Results: This study included 79,114 Japanese workers aged 20-85 years who participated in the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study. Deaths and causes of death were identified from death certificates, sick leave documents, family confirmation, and other sources. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated via Cox proportional hazards regression. During a maximum 6-year follow-up, there were 252 deaths in total. Multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for total mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and tobacco-related cancer mortality were 1.49 (1.10-2.01), 1.79 (0.99-3.24), and 1.80 (1.02-3.19), respectively, in current vs. never smokers. Among current smokers, the risks of total, tobacco-related cancer, and CVD mortality increased with increasing cigarette consumption (Ptrend<0.05 for all). Compared with never smokers, former smokers who quit <5 and ≥5 years before baseline had HRs (95% CIs) for total mortality of 1.80 (1.00-3.25) and 1.02 (0.57-1.82), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of workers, cigarette smoking was associated with increased risk of death from all and specific causes (including CVD and tobacco-related cancer), although these risks diminished 5 years after smoking cessation.

Two-year results from a phase 2 extension study of oral amiselimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis:

Abstract: Background:Amiselimod, an oral selective sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 receptor modulator, suppressed disease activity dose-dependently without clinically relevant bradyarrhythmia in a 24-week phase 2,...

Escaping the Ashby limit for mechanical damping/stiffness trade-off using a constrained high internal friction interfacial layer.

Abstract: The development of new materials with reduced noise and vibration levels is an active area of research due to concerns in various aspects of environmental noise pollution and its effects on health. Excessive vibrations also reduce the service live of the structures and limit the fields of their utilization. In oscillations, the viscoelastic moduli of a material are complex and it is their loss part - the product of the stiffness part and loss tangent - that is commonly viewed as a figure of merit in noise and vibration damping applications. The stiffness modulus and loss tangent are usually mutually exclusive properties so it is a technological challenge to develop materials that simultaneously combine high stiffness and high loss. Here we achieve this rare balance of properties by filling a solid polymer matrix with rigid inorganic spheres coated by a sub-micron layer of a viscoelastic material with a high level of internal friction. We demonstrate that this combination can be experimentally realised and that the analytically predicted behaviour is closely reproduced, thereby escaping the often termed 'Ashby' limit for mechanical stiffness/damping trade-off and offering a new route for manufacturing advanced composite structures with markedly reduced noise and vibration levels.

Equilibrium and kinetic aspects for catalytic methanation focusing on CO2 derived Substitute Natural Gas (SNG)

Abstract: The production of Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) can be a key component of indigenous energy supply towards a low carbon future. In the present work, state of the art catalytic processes for SNG production based on CO and CO2 methanation are presented. Equilibrium based simulations are performed for both CO and CO2 methanation in order to define the optimum process parameters. A special focus is given on SNG derived from CO2 and hydrogen via power to gas process, which combines energy storage, Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) with SNG production. Three kinetic models for CO2 methanation at 10 atm, 17 atm and 20 atm from the literature are compared. The quality of SNG produced is evaluated depending on the different operating pressure and temperature of CO2 derived SNG process. Low pressure bulk methanation (

Fuel cell stack

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell stack by which the occurrence of a problem, such as a crack or fracture, owing to injection molding and press shaping can be prevented.SOLUTION: A fuel cell stack comprises a stack of single cells, each including: a membrane-electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode disposed on one side of the electrolyte membrane and a cathode electrode disposed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane; an anode-side separator disposed on one side of the membrane-electrode assembly for shutting off a fuel gas; and a cathode-side separator disposed on the other side of the membrane-electrode assembly for shutting off an oxidizing gas. The anode-side separator and the cathode-side separator are each composed of a flat plate-like body. Further, each single cell has a fin between the anode-side and cathode-side separators for isolating the anode-side and cathode-side separators from each other and partitioning off a coolant flow path between the anode-side and cathode-side separators.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Efficacy of palliative radiotherapy and chemo-radiotherapy for unresectable gastric cancer demonstrating bleeding and obstruction.

Abstract: Bleeding and obstruction are common localized symptoms in patients with unresectable gastric cancer. Although there are several reports about surgical and endoscopic therapies for gastric cancer, there are few regarding palliative radiation therapy. We retrospectively analyzed data for 23 gastric cancer patients who underwent palliative radiation between April 2006 and March 2014, with either localized bleeding (n = 18) or upper gastric obstruction (n = 10). The median (range) total dose and fraction (Fr) of radiotherapy (RT) were 42 (18–60) Gy and 20 (9–30) Fr, respectively. The response rates were 88.8% (bleeding) and 80% (obstruction). The median event-free survival times of the bleeding and obstruction groups from the start of radiation were 103 and 104 days, respectively. Adverse events with RT and chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) were grade 2 nausea (n = 4) and grade 2 esophagitis (n = 3) and grade 2 neutropenia (n = 3). In univariate analysis, the antrum as the gastric primary site (p = 0.063) and peritoneal metastasis (p = 0.054) occurred more frequently in the non-responders (n = 4) than the responders (n = 19).

Vehicle control device

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes a driver request torque detection unit that detects a driver request torque, a restriction torque calculation unit that calculates a restriction torque being smaller than the driver request torque based on an external request, a corrected torque calculation unit that calculates a corrected torque being greater than the restriction torque, and an engine control unit that controls positions of a throttle valve and an exhaust bypass valve The engine control unit controls the positions of the throttle valve and the exhaust bypass valve based on the driver request torque during an ordinary drive, and if a prescribed drive condition is satisfied, the engine control unit controls the position of the throttle valve based on the restriction torque and controls the position of the exhaust bypass valve based on the corrected torque

Phase-segregated NiP x @FeP y O z core@shell nanoparticles: ready-to-use nanocatalysts for electro- and photo-catalytic water oxidation through in situ activation by structural transformation and spontaneous ligand removal.

Abstract: The high overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction is a critical issue to be overcome to realize efficient overall water splitting and enable hydrogen generation powered by sunlight. Homogeneous and stable nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in solvents are useful as both electrocatalysts and cocatalysts of photocatalysts for the electro- and photo-catalytic oxygen evolution reaction, respectively, through their adsorption on various electrode substrates. Here, phase-segregated NiPx@FePyOz core@shell NPs are selectively synthesized by the reaction of Fe(CO)5 with amorphous NiPx seed-NPs. The NiPx@FePyOz NPs on conductive substrates exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen evolution reaction than those of other metal phosphide-based catalysts. The NiPx@FePyOz NPs can also be used as a cocatalyst of an anodic BiVO4 photocatalyst to boost the photocatalytic water oxidation reaction. The excellent catalytic activity and high stability of the NiPx@FePyOz NPs without any post-treatments are derived from in situ activation through both the structural transformation of NiPx@FePyOz into mixed hydroxide species, (Ni, Fe)OxHy, and the spontaneous removal of the insulating organic ligands from NPs to form a smooth and robust (Ni, Fe)OxHy/substrate heterointerface during the oxygen evolution reaction.

HFA-BDP Metered-Dose Inhaler Exhaled Through the Nose Improves Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Bronchial Asthma: A Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Abstract: Background: Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Japanese. ECRS highly associated with asthma is a refractory eosinophilic airway inflammation and requires comprehensive care as part of the united airway concept. We recently reported a series of ECRS patients with asthma treated with fine-particle inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) exhalation through the nose (ETN). Objective: To evaluate fine-particle ICS ETN treatment as a potential therapeutic option in ECRS with asthma. Methods: Twenty-three patients with severe ECRS under refractory to intranasal corticosteroid treatment were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either HFA-134a-beclomethasone dipropionate (HFA-BDP) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) ETN (n = 11) or placebo MDI ETN (n = 12) for 4 weeks. Changes in nasal polyp score, computed tomographic (CT) score, smell test, and quality of life (QOL) score from baseline were assessed. Fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) was measured as a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation. Response to corticosteroids was evaluated before and after treatment. Additionally, deposition of fine-particles was visualized using a particle deposition model. To examine the role of eosinophils on airway inflammation, BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells were co-incubated with purified eosinophils to determine corticosteroid sensitivity. Results: HFA-BDP MDI ETN treatment improved all assessed clinical endpoints and corticosteroid sensitivity without any deterioration in pulmonary function. FENO and blood eosinophil number were reduced by HFA-BDP MDI ETN treatment. The visualization study suggested that ETN at expiratory flow rates of 10-30 L/min led to fine particle deposition in the middle meatus, including the sinus ostia. Co-incubation of eosinophils with BEAS-2B cells induced corticosteroid resistance. Conclusions: Additional HFA-BDP MDI ETN treatment was beneficial in patients with ECRS and should be considered as a potential therapeutic option for eosinophilic airway inflammation such as ECRS with asthma. (UMIN-CTR: R000019325) (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).

Real-time navigation system for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients using projection mapping with indocyanine green fluorescence

Abstract: Inability to visualize indocyanine green fluorescence images in the surgical field limits the application of current near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR) systems for real-time navigation during sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Medical Imaging Projection System (MIPS), which uses active projection mapping, for SLN biopsy. A total of 56 patients (59 procedures) underwent SLN biopsy using the MIPS between March 2016 and November 2017. After SLN biopsy using the MIPS, residual SLNs were removed using a conventional NIR camera and/or radioisotope method. The primary endpoint of this study was identification rate of SLNs using the MIPS. In all procedures, at least one SLN was detected by the MIPS, giving an SLN identification rate of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI) 94–100%]. SLN biopsy was successfully performed without operating lights in all procedures. In total, 3 positive SLNs were excised using MIPS, but were not included in the additional SLNs excised by other methods. The median number of SLNs excised using the MIPS was 3 (range 1–7). Of procedures performed after preoperative systemic therapy, the median number of SLNs excised using the MIPS was 3 (range 2–6). The MIPS is effective in detecting SLNs in patients with breast cancer, providing continuous and accurate projection of fluorescence signals in the surgical field, without need for operating lights, and could be useful in real-time navigation surgery for SLN biopsy.