Edge states of Sr2_2RuO4_4 detected by in-plane tunneling spectroscopy

We perform tunneling spectroscopy of Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ searching for the edge states peculiar to topological superconductivity. Conductance spectra obtained on Sr$_2$RuO$_4$/Au junctions fabricated using $in$ $situ$ process show broad humps indicating the successful detection of a-axis edge of 1.5K phase. Three types of peak shape are detected: domelike peak, split peak and two-step peak. By comparing the experiments with predictions for unconventional superconductivity, these varieties are shown to originate from multiband chiral p-wave symmetry with weak anisotropy of pair amplitude. The broad hump in conductance spectrum is a direct manifestation of the edge state peculiar to the chiral p-wave superconductivity.Comment: 7 pages and 4 figure

Culturally-adapted resilience-building curriculum for medical students: a comprehensive approach at Showa University School of Medicine, Japan

The growing prevalence of psychological morbidity, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment among medical students underscores the need for resilience-enhancing programs tailored to their specific needs. Incorporating cultural perspectives and societal context into these interventions is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and relevance. In response, Showa University School of Medicine in Japan has pioneered a culturally-adapted, resilience-based curriculum for medical students from their first through sixth years since 2020. This presentation will outline the comprehensive framework of the resilience-focused curriculum, including course objectives, content, learning resources, timetables, and pedagogical approaches. Key components of the curriculum encompass self-assessment and reflection, stress management strategies, effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and fostering a growth mindset. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations with psychology and social work departments provide individual supports and resources for students. Emphasizing the distinct challenges faced by medical students, such as academic stressors, relationships with senior clinical educators, patient and family interactions, and managing errors and burnout, the presentation will highlight the classes on the curriculum, support systems and mentorship programs in promoting mental well-being and resilience. The experiences and outcomes of the 2020-2022 cohorts will be shared, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of the resilience-building curriculum in the Japanese context. Lessons learned from the implementation process, including challenges faced and strategies employed, will provide practical examples for other medical schools seeking to develop similar programs

DNA demethylation-dependent enhancement of toll-like receptor-2 gene expression in cystic fibrosis epithelial cells involves SP1-activated transcription

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The clinical course of cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by recurrent pulmonary infections and chronic inflammation. We have recently shown that decreased methylation of the toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) promoter leads to an apparent CF-related up-regulation of TLR2. This up-regulation could be responsible, in part, for the CF-associated enhanced proinflammatory responses to various bacterial products in epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA hypomethylation-dependent enhancement of TLR2 expression in CF cells remain unknown.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The present study indicates that there is a specific CpG region (CpG#18-20), adjacent to the SP1 binding site that is significantly hypomethylated in several CF epithelial cell lines. These CpGs encompass a minimal promoter region required for basal TLR2 expression, and suggests that CpG#18-20 methylation regulates TLR2 expression in epithelial cells. Furthermore, reporter gene analysis indicated that the SP1 binding site is involved in the methylation-dependent regulation of the TLR2 promoter. Inhibition of SP1 with mithramycin A decreased TLR2 expression in both CF and 5-azacytidine-treated non-CF epithelial cells. Moreover, even though SP1 binding was not affected by CpG methylation, SP1-dependent transcription was abolished by CpG methylation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This report implicates SP1 as a critical component of DNA demethylation-dependent up-regulation of TLR2 expression in CF epithelial cells.</p

Construction of a System for the Strawberry Nursery Production towards Elimination of Latent Infection of Anthracnose Fungi by a Combination of PCR and Microtube Hybridization

One of the major problems in strawberry production is difficulty in diagnosis of anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum or Glomerella cingulata in latent infection stage. We here developed a diagnostic tool for the latent infection consisting of initial culturing of fungi, DNA extraction, synthesis of PCR-amplified probes and microtube hybridization (MTH) using a macroarray. The initial culturing step is convenient to lure the fungi out of the plant tissues, and to extract PCR-inhibitor-free DNA directly from fungal hyphae. For specific detection of the fungi, PCR primers were designed to amplify the fungal MAT1-2 gene. The subsequent MTH step using the PCR products as probes can replace the laborious electrophoresis step providing us sequence information and high-throughput screening. Using this method, we have conducted a survey for a few thousands nursery plants every year for three consecutive years, and finally succeeded in eliminating latent infection in the third year of challenge