Bond cleavage of lignin model compounds into aromatic monomers using supported metal catalysts in supercritical water

More efficient use of lignin carbon is necessary for carbon-efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. Conversion of lignin into valuable aromatic compounds requires the cleavage of C–O ether bonds and C–C bonds between lignin monomer units. The catalytic cleavage of C–O bonds is still challenging, and cleavage of C–C bonds is even more difficult. Here, we report cleavage of the aromatic C–O bonds in lignin model compounds using supported metal catalysts in supercritical water without adding hydrogen gas and without causing hydrogenation of the aromatic rings. The cleavage of the C–C bond in bibenzyl was also achieved with Rh/C as a catalyst. Use of this technique may greatly facilitate the conversion of lignin into valuable aromatic compounds.journal articl

ビョウインマエ シンパイ テイシ ニオケル キュウキュウ キュウメイシ ノ キカン ソウカン ニツイテ : ホンケン ノ ゲンジョウ ト コンゴ ノ カダイ

Activities of Japanese Paramedics have increased and advanced year by year. Especially, intubation for OHCPA（out of hospital cardiopulmonary arrest） is approved since July 2004, but it is necessary to finish the training in Fire-fighter’s school and intubation practice in hospitals. In Fire-fighter’s school, Paramedics attend lectures and simulation, and in hospital, intubation practice for patients. Medical-control is the system for keeping the qualities and verification of details in the scene of pre-hospital medical care. This report discusses the states and problems of paramedic intubation, practice in hospital, airway management, from the questionnaire survey

Revisiting the sustainability science research agenda

Identifying research gaps and priorities is paramount to advance sustainability science and contribute to a sustainable future. This editorial contributes to this effort by contemplating the sustainability science research agenda and aligning it with recent changes in global dynamics. Drawing on consultations with the editorial board members of the Sustainability Science journal and a review of relevant literature, we identified 12 key research topics. These topics are interpreted within a strategic framework encompassing three key themes: (1) goals that drive sustainability science, (2) approaches to attain these goals, and (3) tools to advance sustainability science research. In so doing, this editorial emphasizes a sustainable development agenda extending beyond 2030, fostering equity and justice, and tackling issues related to power dynamics and geopolitical conflicts. It underscores the significance of research approaches to attaining sustainability goals, in particular, theorizing, co-production of knowledge and action, attaining clarity in conceptual descriptions, and developing systems-oriented analytical frameworks. Additionally, it highlights the value of place-based approaches, learning from significant systemic shocks, and nurturing inner transformations. It also underlines the need to explore emerging technologies and data-intensive methodologies as a tool to address sustainability concerns. The systematic contemplation of the sustainability science research agenda presented in this editorial piece aims to invoke further discussion among researchers and practitioners about a fresh and relevant agenda that promotes the sustainable integration of nature and society

Characterization of patients with major psychiatric disorders with AMPA receptor positron emission tomography

Synaptic phenotypes in living patients with psychiatric disorders are poorly characterized. Excitatory glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) is a fundamental component for neurotransmission. We recently developed a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for AMPAR, [11C]K-2, the first technology to visualize and quantify AMPARs density in living human brain. In this study, we characterized patients with major psychiatric disorders with [11C]K-2. One hundred forty-nine patients with psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, n = 42; bipolar disorder, n = 37; depression, n = 35; and autism spectrum disorder, n = 35) and 70 healthy participants underwent a PET scan with [11C]K-2 for measurement of AMPAR density. We detected brain regions that showed correlation between AMPAR density and symptomatology scores in each of four disorders. We also found brain areas with significant differences in AMPAR density between patients with each psychiatric disorder and healthy participants. Some of these areas were observed across diseases, indicating that these are commonly affected areas throughout psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and autism spectrum disorder are uniquely characterized by AMPAR distribution patterns. Our approach to psychiatric disorders using [11C]K-2 can elucidate the biological mechanisms across diseases and pave the way to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics based on the synapse physiology

Ectopic synaptic ribbons in dendrites of mouse retinal ON- and OFF-bipolar cells

The ectopic distribution of synaptic ribbons in dendrites of mouse retinal bipolar cells was examined by using genetic ablation of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 6 (mGluR6), electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry. Ectopic ribbons were observed in dendrites of rod and ON-cone bipolar cells in the mGluR6-deficient mouse but not in those of wild-type mice. The number of rod spherules facing the ectopic ribbons in mGluR6-deficient rod bipolar dendrites increased gradually during early growth and reached a plateau level of about 20% at 12 weeks. These ectopic ribbons were immunopositive for RIBEYE, a ribbon-specific protein, but the associated vesicles were immunonegative for synaptophysin, a synaptic-vesicle-specific protein. The presence of ectopic ribbons was correlated with an increase in the roundness of the invaginating dendrites of the rod bipolar cells. We further confirmed ectopic ribbons in dendrites of OFF-cone bipolar cells in wild-type retinas. Of the four types of OFF-cone bipolar cells (T1–T4), only the T2-type, which had a greater number of synaptic ribbons at the axon terminal and a thicker axon cylinder than the other types, had ectopic ribbons. Light-adapted experiments revealed that, in wild-type mice under enhanced-light adaptation (considered similar to the mGluR6-deficient state), the roundness in the invaginating dendrites and axon terminals of rod bipolar cells increased, but no ectopic ribbons were detected. Based on these findings and known mechanisms for neurotransmitter release and protein trafficking, the possible mechanisms underlying the ectopic ribbons are discussed on the basis of intracellular transport for the replenishment of synaptic proteins