Instanton Equations for the Supersymmetric CP^{N-1} Sigma Model on Non(anti)commutative Superspace

We study the instanton equation of the supersymmetric CP^{N-1} sigma model on non(anti)commutative superspace in two dimensions. We show that the undeformed instanton equation is consistent with the deformed equations of motion. Then we conclude that the instanton equation is not deformed by superspace non(anti)commutativity.Comment: 6 page

Photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra from AlN doped with Gd3+

The photoluminescence (PL) spectra from Al0.98Gd0.02N andAl0.87Gd0.13N consisting of Gd3+ related 3.95 eV sharp emis-sion lines and other bands, and the PL excitation (PLE) spec-tra from 3 to 7 eV have been investigated by using a highly linear polarized synchrotron radiation light source. The Gd related 3.95 eV sharp lines in the PL spectra are similar to those in other cathodoluminescence (CL) and PL research. However, the broad emission bands around 3.95 eV lineswhich are normally found in other CL works are not ob- served. Other broad emission bands are clearly observed in the energy region of 1.5 ~ 3.5 eV. PLE spectra monitored at both the 3.95 eV sharp line and the broad emission band ofAl0.98Gd0.02N clearly indicate that these emission processes are host excitations which are reflected by an AlN-like band structure and crystalline anisotropy. On the other hand, the PLE and optical reflectance spectra of Al0.87Gd0.13N reveal an unclear band structure with a long band tail in the lower en-ergy side

Field-induced quantum phase in a frustrated zigzag-square lattice

This study presents the experimental realization of a spin-1/2 zigzag-square lattice in a verdazyl-based complex, namely ($m$-Py-V-2,6-F$_2$)$[$Cu(hfac)$_2]$. Molecular orbital calculations suggest the presence of five types of frustrated exchange couplings. Our observations reveal an incremental increase in the magnetization curve beyond a critical field, signifying a phase transition from the antiferromagnetic ordered state to a quantum state characterized by a 1/2 plateau. This intriguing behavior arises from the effective stabilization of a zigzag chain by the external fields. These results provide evidence for field-induced dimensional reduction in a zigzag-square lattice attributed to the effects of frustration.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Biological and prognostic implications of biopsy upgrading for high-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma at nephroureterectomy

Objectives Technical limitations of ureteroscopic (URS) biopsy has been considered responsible for substantial upgrading rate in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, the impact of tumor specific factors for upgrading remain uninvestigated. Methods Patients who underwent URS biopsy were included between 2005 and 2020 at 13 institutions. We assessed the prognostic impact of upgrading (low-grade on URS biopsy) versus same grade (high-grade on URS biopsy) for high-grade UTUC tumors on radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) specimens. Results This study included 371 patients, of whom 112 (30%) and 259 (70%) were biopsy-based low- and high-grade tumors, respectively. Median follow-up was 27.3 months. Patients with high-grade biopsy were more likely to harbor unfavorable pathologic features, such as lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001) and positive lymph nodes (LNs; p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses adjusting for the established risk factors, high-grade biopsy was significantly associated with worse overall (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.75; p = 0.018), cancer-specific (HR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.07-3.52; p = 0.03), and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.13-2.87; p = 0.013). In subgroup analyses of patients with pT2-T4 and/or positive LN, its significant association retained. Furthermore, high-grade biopsy in clinically non-muscle invasive disease significantly predicted upstaging to final pathologically advanced disease (>= pT2) compared to low-grade biopsy. Conclusions High tumor grade on URS biopsy is associated with features of biologically and clinically aggressive UTUC tumors. URS low-grade UTUC that becomes upgraded to high-grade might carry a better prognosis than high-grade UTUC on URS. Tumor specific factors are likely to be responsible for upgrading to high-grade on RNU

発症早期ALS患者に対する超高用量メチルコバラミンの有効性・安全性について : ランダム化比較試験

Importance: Post hoc analysis in a phase 2/3 trial indicated ultra-high dose methylcobalamin slowed decline of the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) total score at week 16 as well as at week 182, without increase of adverse events, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who were enrolled within 1 year from onset. Objective: To validate the efficacy and safety of ultra-high dose methylcobalamin for patients with ALS enrolled within 1 year of onset. Design: A multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial with 12-week observation and 16-week randomized period, conducted from October 2017 to September 2019. Setting: Twenty-five neurology centers in Japan. Participants: Patients with ALS diagnosed within 1 year of onset by the updated Awaji criteria were initially enrolled. Of those, patients fulfilling the following criteria after 12-week observation were eligible for randomization: 1- or 2-point decrease in ALSFRS-R total score, a percent forced vital capacity over 60%, no history of noninvasive respiratory support and tracheostomy, and being ambulant. The target number was 64 in both methylcobalamin and placebo groups. Of 203 patients enrolled in the observation, 130 patients (age, 61.0 ± 11.7 years; female, 56) met the criteria and were randomly assigned through an electronic web-response system to methylcobalamin or placebo (65 for each). Of these, 129 patients were eligible for the full analysis set, and 126 completed the double-blind stage. Interventions: Intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin 50 mg or placebo twice weekly for 16 weeks. Main outcomes and measures: The primary endpoint was change in ALSFRS-R total score from baseline to week 16 in the full analysis set. Results: The least-squares mean difference in ALSFRS-R total score at week 16 of the randomized period was 1.97 points greater with methylcobalamin than placebo (−2.66 versus −4.63; 95% CI, 0.44–3.50; P = 0.012). The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups. Conclusions and relevance: Ultra-high dose methylcobalamin was efficacious in slowing functional decline and safe in the 16-week treatment period in ALS patients in the early stage and with moderate progression rate. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR Identifier: UMIN000029588 (umin.ac.jp/ctr); ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03548311 (clinicaltrials.gov

Fetal presentation of Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome with massive pleural effusion and ascites

Background: Although fetuses with Klippel-Trénaunay- Weber syndrome (KTS) show various morphological abnormalities on imaging studies, fetal presentation with hydrops fetalis is relatively uncommon in KTS. Case: A 28-year-old Japanese woman who had previously given birth to a healthy infant was referred to us at gestational week (GW) 22 due to huge pleural effusion and ascites. The possibility of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia prompted us to place bilateral thoracoamniotic shunts at GW 23 after extensive discussion with both parents. The bilateral shunts were effective in preventing recurrence of pleural effusion. However, ascites gradually increased and clinical signs of fetal cardiac failure necessitated cesarean section at GW 34. A male infant, weighing 4252 g at birth and 2860 g after removal of ascites, survived to the neonatal period and did not require oxygen after postnatal day 63. The infant left hospital on day 103 with a diagnosis of KTS. Conclusion: Fetuses with KTS may present with massive pleural effusion and ascites. Thoracoamniotic shunting may be effective in such hydropic fetuses with KTS