Ōtani University

The synthesis of twisted 9,9'-bifluorenylidene dyes was accomplished through a palladium-catalyzed dual C-H activation and annulation transformation of the corresponding bis-biaryl alkyne precursor. This method enables efficient construction of the twisted 9,9'-bifluorenylidene framework with precise substitution patterns. The reaction conditions facilitated the formation of both cis- and trans-isomers, each exhibiting unique structural configurations that significantly influenced their physical properties. Notably, these isomers demonstrated distinct thermal behaviors, as evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry, with the cis-isomer showing a higher melting point indicative of more thermally stable molecular packing in the solid state compared to the trans-isomer. Furthermore, their solubilities varied markedly in the liquid crystal medium 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB), where the trans-isomer exhibited superior solubility and compatibility with the host matrix. At the same time, the cis-isomer tended to form microscopic aggregates due to limited solubility. Importantly, when incorporated into the liquid-crystalline environment, the trans-isomer exhibited reversible absorbance changes upon application and removal of an external alternating electric field. This behavior is attributed to the alignment of the trans-isomer's absorption transition dipole moment with the orientation of the liquid-crystalline host under the electric field, leading to reversible, repeatable modulations in optical absorption. These findings underscore the potential utility of the trans-isomer in electric-optic applications, where its responsive optical properties in liquid crystal media can be harnessed for devices such as smart windows and dichroic color filters.

India is a developing country. Constructive developments in the modern era strongly impact how the country advances its economic growth. The country of India maintains the second largest network of roads on the planet. As road transportation continues its steady growth it causes serious damage to the environment. Road construction projects produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that serve as the main catalyst in climate change development. The modern government puts efforts into sustainability to lower carbon emissions along with environmental protection. Under the green highway concept implementing measures aim to decrease carbon levels while decreasing environmental effects while using fewer natural resources. The research targets the creation of a carbon emission reduction method that utilizes alternative and recycled materials to fulfill strength capabilities at affordable prices. The method for estimating carbon emissions from natural materials alongside waste material substitutions has been clearly explained. The research methodology was applied to available data of the Dhrol-Amran-Maliya road section in Gujarat, India. This research concentrates on rigid pavement materials and energy devices and construction machines used in the selected stretch of road because they produce the most carbon emissions. The research findings demonstrate that adopting the chosen replacement alternatives will result in a combined reduction of 56313.01 MT (19.20 %) CO2 emission with a total financial benefit of 48.11 Rs. In crores (16.85 %) in the selected road section.

Centralization of cancer treatment may potentially improve cancer outcomes, enhance quality of life, and reduce complications; however, few scientific studies have demonstrated its effectiveness. We aimed to define a cancer care delivery system with the aid of selection/ centralization scenarios to enhance outcomes for oral cancer, which is recognized as a rare malignancy in Japan. The purpose of this study was to review our scenarios and discuss their effectiveness. We confirmed and implemented the following pragmatic scenarios: (A) early-stage cancer can be treated at any hospital, (B) Stage III cases should be treated at cancer care hospitals, and (C) Stage IV and recurrent cases should be treated at the regional cancer care center. Participants included oral and maxillofacial surgeons in one prefectural cancer care hospital, eight regional cancer care hospitals (out of 11 base hospitals), and 10 other noncancer treatment hospitals. Medical records between 2017 and 2021 were examined. In addition, treatment outcomes from eight hospitals that had provided oral cancer treatment between 2000 and 2011 were examined to compare pre- and post-scenario treatment outcomes. Survival rates were analyzed via Kaplan-Meier estimation of 5-year overall survival (OS) and assessed for significant differences via the log-rank test. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. All analyses were performed using JMP ver.13.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Four hundred sixty-nine patients with oral malignancies were seen at participating hospitals. A total of 158 (33.7%) patients were subsequently referred to other hospitals for cancer treatment. A comparison of survival rates stratified by hospital category showed no significant differences between hospital categories for early-stage cancers. In contrast, there were significant differences between groups in stages III and IV. A pre- and post-scenario comparison revealed that survival rates had improved, especially for those with advanced cancer (stage IVB). The results of this study suggest that the scenarios we developed are useful and may improve the outcomes of oral cancer.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of protein and amino acid supplementation on physical performance in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Studies from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PEDro published up to August 2024 were identified using a comprehensive strategy with no limitations on publication date or language. The primary outcome was physical performance, assessed using the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test. This study included 15 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 744 patients. Control groups received either a placebo or usual care, including standard heart failure treatment. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in 6MWD in the supplementation group compared with controls (mean difference 35.25 m; 95% confidence interval 15.93-54.58; I2=38%). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference between supplementation alone and supplementation combined with exercise, suggesting independent effects. Patients aged ≥65 years showed similar benefits. Our meta-analysis indicated that physical performance in patients with CHF was improved by using protein and amino acid supplementation, particularly in older adults or those unable to engage in adequate exercise therapy. However, the overall quality of the evidence was very low.

During the middle and late stages of pregnancy, the foetus grows rapidly, and the movements of the expectant mother are restricted. Therefore, a method that can support a sagging abdomen to support movement and distribute the weight of the lower abdomen throughout the torso to reduce the burden on the lower back needs to be investigated. This study aimed to develop a maternity support garment (MSG) that would provide comfortable support for rapid abdominal changes during the later stages of pregnancy. Nine types of MSGs used in Japan and Australia were analysed in terms of their clothing pressure distribution with a pregnant mannequin. In addition, pressure sense was indexed by the sensory evaluation of Japanese nongravid women in their 20 s and 30 s, and clothing pressure values obtained via simulation were analysed. The clothing pressure distribution of Japanese MSG is either almost perfect or looser, and when used alone, the MSGs keep the abdomen warm, except when the attached belt is used. Conversely, the Australian MSG is used with three types of tightness recommended by maternity hospitals; however, when double-layered with soft and hard types, the soft type concentrates pressure on the abdomen, and even the single-layer hard type MSG was observed to have higher pressure than the tight-fit sensation. Although the Australian MSGs provide support rather than insulation, the pressure that they exert on the gravid abdomen can restrict the blood flow to the foetus. Therefore, a narrow belt was combined with a single MSG and measured. The overlapping angle of the narrow belt generated excessive clothing pressure on the back from the heavy abdomen, making 15◦ the most suitable. The Australian soft-type single-layer MSG provided a perfect fit of clothing pressure but proved inadequate for supporting the heavy abdomen. Therefore, combining a narrow belt yielded good results. It was found that the medium type of MSG was preferred either as a single or double layer according to the pregnant woman’s preference, rather than combined with the belt. These findings are expected to advance understanding of the effects of existing MSGs on the pregnant abdomen, thus propelling further development of MSGs.

Atherosclerosis is a key factor in lifestyle-related diseases, characterized by near-irreversible arterial thickening and hardening. Early detection is crucial for effective intervention, however current wearable technology lacks non-invasive arterial stiffness assessment capabilities. This study explores the feasibility of using Photoplethysmogram (PPG) at the radial artery for arterial stiffness evaluation, focusing on green-light PPG. PPG signals were collected from 18 healthy young participants (9 males: 23.3±3.7 years; 9 females: 24.7±7.3 years) at the fingertip and wrist. The second derivative PPG (SDPPG) obtained from fingertip with green and near-infrared light and that from radial artery with green light was analyzed. Preliminary results showed that SDPPG aging indices obtained from fingertip with green and near-infrared light were highly correlated in 4 participants, suggesting its feasibility for vascular age estimation. However, at the radial artery, individualized vascular age estimation models may be required. Further studies are needed to validate this approach and establish standardized evaluation criteria.

The first time-resolved leader spectra associated with a downward Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flash (TGF) observed by the Telescope Array Surface Detector (TASD) were recently reported by \citeA{kieu2024first}. Building on that study, this paper presents th