Ginzburg-Landau Theory for Unconventional Superconductors: Noncompact U(1) Lattice Gauge Model Coupled with Link Higgs Field

In this paper, we introduce a Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory for the extended-$s$ and d-wave superconductors (SC) in granular systems that is defined on a lattice. In contrast to the ordinary Abelian Higgs model (AHM) that is a GL theory for the s-wave SC, Cooper-pair field (Higgs field) is put on links of the lattice in the present model. By means of Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations, we study phase structure, gauge-boson mass (the inverse magnetic penetration depth) and density of instantons. In the ordinary {\em noncomapct} U(1) AHM, there exists a second-order phase transition from the normal to SC states and the gauge-boson mass develops continuously from the phase transition point. In the present gauge system with link Higgs field, on the other hand, phase transition to the SC state is of first order at moderate coupling constants. The gauge-boson mass changes from vanishing to finite values discontinuously at the phase transition points.Comment: 4 papges, 14 figure

Higgs mechanism and superconductivity in U(1) lattice gauge theory with dual gauge fields

We introduce a U(1) lattice gauge theory with dual gauge fields and study its phase structure. This system is motivated by unconventional superconductors like extended s-wave and d-wave superconductors in the strongly-correlated electron systems. In this theory, the "Cooper-pair" field is put on links of a cubic lattice due to strong on-site repulsion between electrons in contrast to the ordinary s-wave Cooper-pair field on sites. This Cooper-pair field behaves as a gauge field dual to the electromagnetic U(1) gauge field. By Monte Carlo simulations we study this lattice gauge model and find a first-order phase transition from the normal state to the Higgs (superconducting) state. Each gauge field works as a Higgs field for the other gauge field. This mechanism requires no scalar fields in contrast to the ordinary Higgs mechanism.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure

ESTIMATION OF SOIL CARBON STORAGE IN SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN BASED ON LAND USE HISTORY AND SOIL COMPACTNESS PROFILES

This study aims to estimate soil carbon storage in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden,Tokyo Metropolis. Undisturbed soil samples were collected in the Gyoen from regions of differentland use using a core cylinder. A modified investigation was used by combining measurement ofvertical structure of soil compactness in order to estimate cumulative carbon content withoutinterfering with the park landscape. Softness obtained using a cone penetrometer was converted tosoil bulk density (g cm-3) and samples for measurement of total carbon content (g kg-1) werecollected using a boring stick. The carbon storage in the Gyoen (0 – 100 cm) was estimated as 316± 83.1 t C ha-1 in turf areas and 198 ± 61.3 t C ha-1 in forest areas, respectively, which areequivalent or slightly larger than the standard values obtained for Andosols and Brown Forest soils,respectively. The large difference in the cumulative carbon storage between turf area and forestarea for the entire profile (0 – 100 cm) can be explained by the difference in the pedogenesisprocess of humus accumulation together with the diagenesis process of humus decomposition,both of which depend on the humus quality of vegetation and land use history. The use of theSoftness obtained from measurement of vertical soil compactness was discussed as a proxy ofbulk density. It is shown that vertical soil compactness differs in same land use regions in theGyoen. Although the estimated values of cumulative carbon content had issues withoverestimation in some cases, we suggest that the use of the Softness as a substitute for bulkdensity is applicable for estimating soil carbon storage. Subsurface structure, regulated by land usehistory and land creating history should be taken into account for the reliable evaluation of soilcarbon storage in urban areas

Multicenter questionnaire survey for sporadic inclusion body myositis in Japan

Background: Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is the most prevalent acquired muscle disease in the elderly. sIBM is an intractable and progressive disease of unknown cause and without effective treatment. The etiology of sIBM is still unknown; however, genetic factors, aging, lifestyles, and environmental factors may be involved. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the cross-sectional profile of patients affected by sIBM in Japan. Methods: We surveyed patient data for 146 cases diagnosed at a number of centers across Japan. We also issued a questionnaire for 67 patients and direct caregivers to further elucidate the natural history of the disease. Results: The mean age at the onset was 63.4 ± 9.2 years. The mean length of time from the onset to diagnosis was 55.52 ± 49.72 months, suggesting that there is a difficulty in diagnosing this disease with long-term consequences because of late treatment. 73 % described the psychological/mental aspect of the disease. The most popular primary caregiver was the patient’s spouse and 57 % patients mentioned that they were having problems managing the finances. Conclusions: Through these surveys, we described the cross-sectional profiles of sIBM in Japan. Many patients described psychological/mental and financial anxiety because of the aged profile of sIBM patients. The profiles of sIBM patients are similar to those in Western countries

The updated retrospective questionnaire study of sporadic inclusion body myositis in Japan

Background: Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is the most prevalent muscle disease in elderly people, affecting the daily activities. sIBM is progressive with unknown cause and without effective treatment. In 2015, sIBM was classified as an intractable disease by the Japanese government, and the treatment cost was partly covered by the government. This study aimed to examine the changes in the number of patients with sIBM over the last 10 years and to elucidate the cross-sectional profile of Japanese patients with sIBM. Methods: The number of sIBM patients was estimated through a reply-paid postcard questionnaire for attending physicians. Only patients diagnosed as “definite” or “probable” sIBM by clinical and biopsy sIBM criteria were included in this study (Lancet Neurol 6:620-631, 2007, Neuromuscul Disord 23:1044-1055, 2013). Additionally, a registered selfadministered questionnaire was also sent to 106 patients who agreed to reply via their attending physician, between November 2016 and March 2017. Results: The number of patients diagnosed with sIBM for each 5-year period was 286 and 384 in 2011 and 2016, respectively. Inability to stand-up, cane-dependent gait, inability to open a plastic bottle, choking on food ingestion, and being wheelchair-bound should be included as sIBM milestones. Eight patients were positive for anti-hepatitis C virus antibody; three of them were administered interferon before sIBM onset. Steroids were administered to 33 patients (31.1%) and intravenous immunoglobulin to 46 patients (43.4%). From 2016 to 2017, total of 70 patients applied for the designated incurable disease medical expenses subsidy program. Although the treatment cost was partly covered by the government, many patients expressed psychological/mental and financial anxieties. Conclusions: We determined the cross-sectional profile of Japanese patients with sIBM. Continuous support and prospective surveys are warranted

Additional risk of diabetes exceeds the increased risk of cancer caused by radiation exposure after the Fukushima disaster

<div><p>The 2011 Fukushima disaster led to increases in multiple risks (e.g., lifestyle diseases and radiation exposure) and fear among the public. Here, we assessed the additional risks of cancer caused by radiation and diabetes related to the disaster and the cost-effectiveness of countermeasures against these conditions. Our study included residents of the cities of Minamisoma and Soma (10–40 km and 35–50 km north of the Fukushima Daiichi (N° 1) Nuclear Power Station, respectively). We used the loss of life expectancy (LLE) as an indicator to compare risks between radiation exposure and diabetes. We also estimated the cost-effectiveness of radiation-related countermeasures, including restricted food distribution, decontamination, and whole-body counter tests and interventions. Metformin therapy was selected as a representative management for diabetes. The diabetes-related LLEs among residents were 4.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.4–6.8) ×10⁻² years for the whole population and 8.0 (2.7–13.2) ×10⁻² years for 40s to 70s in a scenario that considered the additional incidence of diabetes during the first 10 years. The cancer-related LLEs caused by lifetime exposure to radiation were 0.69 (2.5–97.5 percentile: 0.61–0.79) ×10⁻² years for the whole population and 0.24 (0.20–0.29) ×10⁻² years for 40s to 70s. The diabetes-related LLEs among residents in the above-mentioned scenario were 5.9-fold and 33-fold higher than those attributed to average radiation among the whole population and among the 40s to 70s age groups, respectively. The costs per life-years saved of the radiation countermeasures (i.e., restricted food distribution, decontamination, and whole-body counter tests and interventions) were >1 to >4 orders of magnitude higher than those of general heath checkups and conventional management for diabetes. Our findings indicate that countermeasures to mitigate diabetes are warranted. Policy-makers’ and individuals’ understanding of multiple risks after any disaster will be essential to saving the lives of victims.</p></div

Prevalence of diabetes at baseline and in each of three scenarios in the whole population.

<p>t1: years 1–4; t2: years 5–10; t3: years 11–14.</p

Smoking enhances the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 involved in the efficiency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection

Smoking is one of the risk factors most closely related to the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the relationship between smoking history and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the ACE2 expression level in the lungs of current smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers. The ACE2 expression level of ex-smokers who smoked cigarettes until recently (cessation period shorter than 6 months) was higher than that of nonsmokers and ex-smokers with a long history of nonsmoking (cessation period longer than 6 months). We also showed that the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 infection was enhanced in a manner dependent on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression level. Using RNA-seq analysis on the lungs of smokers, we identified that the expression of inflammatory signaling genes was correlated with ACE2 expression. Notably, with increasing duration of smoking cessation among ex-smokers, not only ACE2 expression level but also the expression levels of inflammatory signaling genes decreased. These results indicated that smoking enhances the expression levels of ACE2 and inflammatory signaling genes. Our data suggest that the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 infection is enhanced by smoking-mediated upregulation of ACE2 expression level

Costs and effectiveness of early countermeasures against radiation exposure and diabetes (metformin therapy).

<p>LYS: life-years saved; CPLYS: cost per life-years saved. The effectiveness of whole-body counter tests and interventions was estimated from a total of 8 individuals who exceeded 50 Bq/kg of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs and received interventions among 30,622 screened participants, and the costs were calculated based on all the screenings.</p