Ebara (Japan)

The solid solution Rh1-xPtxSb, bridging the structurally distinct MnP-type RhSb and NiAs-type PtSb, was systematically investigated. A temperature-induced structural phase transition between the MnP- and NiAs-type phases occurs at x ≈ 0.1 near room temperature, accompanied by pronounced resistivity hysteresis. Superconductivity emerges for x ≥ 0.2, and the critical temperature (Tc) reaches a maximum value of 4.25 K at x = 0.4─the highest Tc among transition-metal monoantimonides. The electron-phonon coupling constant (λep ≈ 0.6) and normalized specific-heat jump (ΔCel/γTc ≈ 1.6) classify Rh1-xPtxSb as a weak-coupling superconductor. The compositional dependence of both the Debye temperature (ΘD) and the electronic density of states at the Fermi level (N(EF)) correlates closely with Tc, suggesting that they are responsible for the Tc enhancement. A comparison with the high-entropy analogue M1-xPtxSb (M = equimolar Ru, Rh, Pd, and Ir) revealed distinct differences in ΘD and N(EF), which can account for the observed difference in Tc between the two systems.

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is an essential technique for processing semiconductor wafers that require ultra-smooth surfaces. The material removal mechanisms in this process, which are complicated because of the intertwined mechanical and chemical effects of abrasive grains and chemical solution, remain to be revealed. In this study, we conducted molecular dynamics simulation using ReaxFF focusing on the polishing of a silica substrate by a silica abrasive grain in an aqueous environment. To mimic different material removal modes, namely scratch and adhesion between the substrate and abrasive, we performed two methods of controlling the abrasive motion; i.e., displacement control and force control. Material removal was observed in both the two control methods. The formation of atomic bonds between the substrate and abrasive grain was not directly related to the amount of material removal. Our results also indicate that heat due to plastic deformation of the abrasive grain may affect material removal.

Populations with complex chronic conditions (CCCs), especially those reliant on medical technology, face disproportionate risks during disasters. Medicaid enrollees make up a large portion of these vulnerable populations, yet states often lack rapid identification systems to inform disaster planning. Florida Medicaid developed a claims-based method to identify enrollees with CCCs, including those dependent on medical technology, to support emergency preparedness and response activities. Using the Florida Medicaid Management Information System, the team applied a validated diagnostic and procedural code framework to classify enrollees into 12 CCC categories. Data were analyzed by age, geography, and technology dependence. Health plans received real-time reports before and after hurricanes in 2022 to 2024. Among 4.4 million enrollees, 7.2% had CCCs, and 18.2% of those were technology dependent. Geographic mapping showed higher concentrations in rural and coastal areas prone to disasters. Health plans reported using the data to contact members and coordinate services during hurricane recovery. This effort demonstrates the feasibility and utility of applying claims data to support disaster management. Other states may adapt this approach to improve emergency response and continuity of care for Medicaid's most medically vulnerable populations.

Remdesivir was developed as a nucleoside analogue inhibitortargetingthe RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the Ebola virus. It wasshown to be an effective treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 causedby severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Remdesiviris incorporated into the RdRp of SARS-CoV-2, and it becomes inactivatedwhen remdesivir comes to the −3 position by adding three nucleotidesbehind. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of its inactivationremains unknown. In this study, we performed dynamic interaction analysiscombining classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fragmentmolecular orbital (FMO) calculations on the structures of RdRp andRNA complexes with remdesivir at four different positions. The resultsshowed that the interaction between remdesivir at position −3and Lys593 has significant importance in inhibiting RNA elongationof RdRp. Therefore, the combination of MD and FMO calculations isa useful method to clarify the molecular recognition mechanism inthe biological environment.

Three novel triterpenoids, yatiaroic acids A-C (1-3) with an unprecedented seco-serratane skeleton were isolated from branches of Myrica gale var. tomentosa. The relative and absolute stereochemistry of 1-3 were determined on the basis of the 2D NMR data, chemical transformation, and CD calculation.

The human gastrointestinal tract harbors over a thousand coexisting bacterial species that together constitute a highly complex intestinal microbiome. Dysbiosis of this microbial ecosystem has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disorders such as ulcerative colitis and obesity and has driven the development of microbiota-targeted prevention and treatment strategies. Traditional Kampo medicines are used with the aim of restoring the balance of the whole body, having been developed and established uniquely in Japan based on traditional Chinese medicine with a history of over two millennia. Recent evidence has revealed that the gut microbiota plays critical roles in the pharmacological effects of traditional Kampo medicines. For example, the anti-obesity activity of Bofutsushosan has been linked to an increase in Akkermansia muciniphila. The laxative effect of Daiokanzoto is related to rheinanthrone, which is produced from sennoside A through the gut microbiota, and drugs and foods that can alter the gut microbiota change the laxative activity of Daiokanzoto. In recent years, clinical trials have been conducted to examine the relationship between changes in the gut microbiota and the pharmacological effects of Kampo medicines, and this relationship has come to the forefront. This review discusses the findings of basic and clinical research on the role of the gut microbiota in the pharmacological action of traditional Kampo medicines, focusing on Bofutsushosan, Daiokanzoto, Daikenchuto, and Hangeshashinto, and discusses future issues and prospects for research into these interactions.