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Inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) estimates a reward function for an agent to behave along with expert data, e.g., as human operation data. However, expert data usually have redundant parts, which decrease the agent's performance. This study extends the IRL to sub-optimal action data, including lack and detour. The proposed method searches for new actions to determine optimal expert action data. This study adopted maze problems with sub-optimal expert action data to investigate the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method finds optimal expert data better than the conventional method, and the proposed search mechanisms perform better than random search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of a through hole in a polyimide film (PI) was demonstrated by holographic ultraviolet (UV) nanosecond laser processing with a computer-generated hologram displayed on a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM). The UV laser was directly modulated into a Bessel beam by a diffractive axicon displayed on the SLM. The direct modulation contributed to improved light-utilization efficiency of the UV laser and a simplified optical setup compared to the conventional method based on a combination of an SLM and harmonic generation using a nonlinear optical crystal. The Bessel beam reduced the number of pulse shots required for through-hole fabrication to 1/5 compared to the Gaussian beam near the ablation threshold energy of the PI film. Furthermore, adaptive optics was implemented in holographic laser processing to compensate for aberrations in the optical setup. The aberration was reduced to 1/5 compared with before the compensation. The proposed method is suitable for improving the throughput and accuracy of drilling, cutting, and additive manufacturing using UV lasers with industrial requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femtosecond laser pulses were spatially modulated with fast reconfiguration of computer-generated holograms (CGHs) using a ferroelectric liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (FLCoS-SLM). Reconfiguration was executed at a frame rate of more than 1 kHz while changing the CGH every frame. The CGHs were designed as binary phases because the FLCoS-SLM can represent only binary values. The optimization method was modified by the weighted iterative Fourier transform algorithm (IFTA) to make the binary phase. The fundamental performance of the CGH reconstruction and femtosecond laser processing with 6.3 kHz pulse-to-pulse spatial light modulation was demonstrated. The reconfiguration speed will drastically change the applicability to science and industrial fields and open a door for new CGH applications. • Femtosecond pulses were modulated with CGH reconfiguration of 6.3kHz using FLCoS-SLM. • To our knowledge, this is the highest frame rate for laser processing using LCoS-SLM. • To make the binary phase mask, the weighted IFTA was modified. • The fast reconfiguration speed will be useful for next-generation laser processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: This study aimed to investigate to what extent upper limb (UL) motor impairment, trunk compensation, and activity performance are related to self‐perception of UL activity performance in subacute stroke. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Twenty‐four adults with subacute stroke (age: 65.4 ± 10.8 years) underwent clinical and kinematic assessments at baseline (33.9 ± 5.2 days after stroke onset) and 4 weeks after the baseline. The clinical assessment included the UL Fugl‐Meyer motor assessment (FMA), Simple Test for Evaluating hand Function (STEF), and the performance and satisfaction scores of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The kinematic measurement was performed using a motion capture system during a standardized reach‐to‐grasp task. Endpoint performance variables and trunk displacement were calculated as kinematic outcomes. An inpatient rehabilitation program of 3 h/day was provided every day for 4 weeks between the two measurement points. The relationships between COPM scores and clinical/kinematic outcomes were examined by multiple regression analysis. Significance levels of p < 0.05 were used. Results: The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that the changes in STEF (β = 0.520, p = 0.005) and trunk compensation (β = −0.398, p = 0.024) were moderately related to the change in the COPM satisfaction (R2adj = 0.426, p = 0.001), while the change in UL FMA was not. Discussion: The changes in activity performance and trunk compensation were related to improved self‐perception of UL activity performance. Therapeutic management for activity performance and trunk compensation may be important for improving self‐perception of UL activity performance after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of our previous studies of microbial L-valine production under oxygen deprivation, we developed isobutanol-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum strains. The artificial isobutanol synthesis pathway was composed of the first three steps of the L-valine synthesis pathway; and the subsequent Ehrlich Pathway: pyruvate was converted to 2-ketoisovalerate in the former reactions; and the 2-keto acid was decarboxylated into isobutyraldehyde, and subsequently reduced into isobutanol in the latter reactions. Although there exists redox cofactor imbalance in the overall reactions, i.e., NADH is generated via glycolysis whereas NADPH is required to synthesize isobutanol, it was resolved by taking advantage of the NAD-preferring mutant acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase encoded by ilvC TM and the NAD-specific alcohol dehydrogenase encoded by adhA. Each enzyme activity to synthesize isobutanol was finely tuned by using two kinds of lac promoter derivatives. Efficient suppression of succinate by-production and improvement of isobutanol yield resulted from inactivation of pckA , which encodes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, whereas glucose consumption and isobutanol production rates decreased because of the elevated intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio. On the other hand, introduction of the exogenous Entner–Doudoroff pathway effectively enhanced glucose consumption and productivity. Overexpression of phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system specific to glucose and deletion of ilvE , which encodes branched-chain amino acid transaminase, further suppressed by-products and improved isobutanol productivity. Finally, the produced isobutanol concentration reached 280 mM at a yield of 84% (mol/mol glucose) in 24 h. • Isobutanol producing strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum were developed. • Each expression level of enzymes to synthesize isobutanol was optimized. • Succinate by-production was suppressed by disrupting pckA in addition to ppc. • Disruption of pckA also increased the NADH/NAD+ ratio, and decreased productivity. • Introduction of the exogenous Entner-Doudoroff pathway increased productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Balance problems are common in patients with stroke, and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a reliable and valid assessment tool for measuring balance function. Determining the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is crucial for assessing treatment effectiveness. This study aimed to determine the MCID of the Mini-BESTest in patients with early subacute stroke. Methods In this prospective multicenter study, 53 patients with early subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation in inpatient units were included. The mean age of the patients was 72.6 (SD = 12.2) years. The Mini-BESTest, which consists of 14 items assessing various aspects of balance function, including anticipatory postural adjustments, postural responses, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait, was used as the assessment tool. The global rating of change (GRC) scales completed by the participants and physical therapists were used as external anchors to calculate the MCID. The GRC scale measured subjective improvement in balance function, ranging from −3 (very significantly worse) to +3 (very significantly better), with a GRC score of ≥+2 considered as meaningful improvement. Four methods were used to calculate the MCID: mean of participants with GRC of 2, receiver operating characteristic–based method, predictive modeling method, and adjustment of the predictive modeling method based on the rate of improvement. From the MCID values obtained using these methods, a single pooled MCID value was calculated. Results The MCID values for the Mini-BESTest obtained through the 4 methods ranged from 3.2 to 4.5 points when using the physical therapist's GRC score as the anchor but could not be calculated using the participant's GRC score. The pooled MCID value for the Mini-BESTest was 3.8 (95% CI = 2.9–5.0). Conclusions The Mini-BESTest MCID obtained in this study is valuable for identifying improvements in balance function among patients with early subacute stroke. Impact Determination of the MCID is valuable for evaluating treatment effectiveness. The study findings provide clinicians with practical values that can assist in interpreting Mini-BESTest results and assessing treatment effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the redox behavior of VO2+/VO2+ as a simulant of NpO2+/NpO22+ in boiling nitric acid solution, i.e., typical operating conditions for nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, oxidation rate measurements for VO2+ in boiling and non-boiling nitric acid solutions, thermodynamic calculations, and kinetic calculations were performed. The results indicated that the apparent oxidation rate of VO2+ to VO2+ is accelerated by a decrease in NO2- and HNO2 concentrations owing to the boiling phenomena of nitric acid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data are limited on the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinfection in children. This population-based cohort study in Niigata, Japan from January to November 2022 demonstrated the incidence of reinfection was 1337/48 099 (2.8%), and the hazard ratio for reinfection in vaccinated children was 0.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.40). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debris deposited around laser-processed structures, which is a critical issue in high-precision laser processing, should be removed. A new method for laser cleaning of debris was developed. A glass surface was irradiated with a line-focused beam for laser cleaning, together with a focused beam for laser processing. Both beams were formed by computer-generated holograms (CGHs) displayed on a spatial light modulator. The distance between the two beams was controlled with the CGHs, and the time difference was controlled with an optical delay line. These optical structures were the novel aspect of our laser processing system. When two beams were superposed at the same position on a sample, we did not find a suitable beam parameter for debris removal, but we found that the processing area was spatially enlarged depending on the temporal overlap. In contrast, when two beams separated by an adequate distance were radiated on a sample, we found suitable beam parameters for debris removal. Debris removal was effectively performed when the scanning speed of the laser beams was low, because the low scanning speed produced a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature, and the heated and melted debris was ablated due to a smaller ablation threshold than that of the glass substrate. This in-process laser debris removal method has the advantages of needing no additional equipment other than the optics, no additional operations, no special materials, and no specific operating environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:This study aims to evaluate the effects of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer (CRet) and hotpack (HP) on haemoglobin saturation and tissue temperature. Materials and methods:The participants were 13 healthy males (mean age 24.5 ± 3.0). They underwent three interventions on different days: (1) CRet (CRet group), (2) HP (HP group) and (3) CRet without power (sham group). The intervention and measurement were applied at the lower paraspinal muscle. Indiba®active ProRecovery HCR902 was used in the CRet group, and the moist heat method was used in the HP group. Oxygenated, deoxygenated and total haemoglobin (oxy-Hb, deoxy-Hb, total-Hb) counts were measured before and after the 15-min interventions, together with the temperature at the skin surface, and at depths of 10 mm and 20 mm (ST, 10mmDT and 20mmDT, respectively). The haemoglobin saturation and tissue temperature were measured until 30 min after the intervention and were collected at 5-min intervals. Statistical analysis was performed for each index by using the Mann–WhitneyUtest for comparisons between all groups at each time point. Results:Total-Hb and oxy-Hb were significantly higher in the CRet group than in the HP group continuously for 30 min after the intervention. The 10mmDT and 20mmDT were significantly higher in the CRet group than in the HP group from 10- to 30 min after intervention. Conclusions:The effect on haemoglobin saturation was higher in the CRet group than in the HP group. In addition, the CRet intervention warmed deep tissue more effectively than HP intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chloroplast photorelocation movement, well-characterized light-induced response found in various plant species from alga to higher plants, is an important phenomenon for plants to increase photosynthesis efficiency and avoid photodamage. The signal for chloroplast accumulation movement connecting the blue light receptor, phototropin, and chloroplasts remains to be identified, although the photoreceptors and the mechanism of movement via chloroplast actin filaments have now been revealed in land plants. The characteristics of the signal have been found; the speed of signal transfer is about 1 µm min and that the signal for the accumulation response has a longer life and is transferred a longer distance than that of the avoidance response. Here, to collect the clues of the unknown signal substances, we studied the effect of temperature on the speed of signal transmission using the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris and found the possibility that the mechanism of signal transfer was not dependent on the simple diffusion of a substance; thus, some chemical reaction must also be involved. We also found new insights of signaling substances, such that microtubules are not involved in the signal transmission, and that the signal could even be transmitted through the narrow space between chloroplasts and the plasma membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to understand to what extent people can read e-paper devices under various conditions of ambient illuminance that can occur indoors. In this study, 110 young to elderly subjects participated in an experiment to evaluate the effects of 14 different levels of ambient lighting on their reading from three different electronic devises and paper text. The participants were asked to undergo a timed read task and then to evaluate the readability of two eReader devices (a regular electronic display and one with a front light) in comparison with a backlit liquid crystal device and conventional paper text. The results indicated that backlit and front lit devices are easier to read at less than 200 lx and the reflective device is easier to read at levels above 500 lx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method to construct xenogeneic genomic libraries with low errors and bias by circumventing restriction-modification systems that restrict methylated DNA was developed. Un-methylated genomic DNA of Escherichia coli prepared by ϕ29 DNA polymerase was introduced to Corynebacterium glutamicum R after ligation with un-methylated vector plasmids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debris deposited around laser-processed structures is a critical issue in high-precision laser processing and should be removed. We demonstrated a new debris removal method that is performed during laser processing. A line-focused beam that is radiated onto a target material simultaneously with a processing beam sweeps away the debris generated by laser ablation. Two physical processes are involved: One is direct photon excitation of the attached debris, similar to laser ablation, due to a smaller ablation threshold of the debris, and the other is blowing away the debris with a laser-induced pressure wave. The laser processing setup for debris sweeping has a simple and practical configuration composed of beam transmission optics from a laser source to the target and a spatial light modulator that displays a computer-generated hologram. This in-process debris removal method has the advantages of needing no additional equipment other than the optics, no additional operations, no special materials, and no specific operating environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Rasch Validation and Comparison of the Mini-BESTest and S-BESTest in Individuals With Stroke," by K. Miyata et al, that was published in a 2022 issue is presented.

Parallel femtosecond laser processing using a computer-generated hologram (CGH) displayed on a spatial light modulator (SLM), called holographic femtosecond laser processing, provides the advantages of high throughput and high energy-use efficiency. Use of a light wave with spatially controlled polarization fields, called a vector wave, also offers novel properties in various applications. In this study, we demonstrated holographic femtosecond laser processing with a vector wave by using a pair of SLMs. In particular, we performed three-dimensional reconstruction with multifocal radial beams. We also realized simultaneous reconstruction with two different types of vector beams by using a novel design method of a CGH composed of multiple small CGHs. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of its kind. The polarization fields of the multifocal vector beams at the sample plane were analyzed from the orientations of periodic nanostructures fabricated with femtosecond laser light. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Three-dimensional holographic parallel focusing with feedback control is proposed for the first time. • Implementations of measurement of three-dimensional focusing intensities and a recalculation of the corresponding computer-generated hologram from the measurement simultaneously. • Significant improvement of the uniformity for the 3D intensities and the consistency for the laser processed micro-holes proved that the effectiveness of this method and has the great potential to be applied to high-precision machining. We demonstrate feedback control of three-dimensional (3D) parallel focusing for automatic compensation of imperfections in an optical system and long-term stability of parallel focusing. These are realized by a computer-generated hologram (CGH) displayed on a spatial light modulator (SLM), and an iterative calculation based on the observation of the 3D focusing intensities with an image sensor on a programmable linear stage. We demonstrate our parallel laser processing method using 40 parallel beams focused at four different planes, with a maximum uniformity of 0.96, applied to single-shot 3D fabrication in transparent glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelength dispersion of a computer-generated hologram causes spatial broadening of the focal spot in holographic femtosecond laser processing. From the paraxial approximation, we theoretically derived that the spatial broadening is proportional to only the diffraction position, defined as the distance from the optical axis. We performed experiments under the large-dispersion condition to analyze the influence of the diffraction position on the processed structure. In the processing experiment, a high-numerical-aperture lens and a laser energy near the threshold energy were used to fabricate sub-microstructures. We found a nonlinear dependence of the broadening of the processed structures on the diffraction position, and the degree of broadening was much smaller than the predicted value because of the nonlinear properties of the laser processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously demonstrated efficient L-valine production by metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum under oxygen deprivation. To achieve the high productivity, a NADH/NADPH cofactor imbalance during the synthesis of L-valine was overcome by engineering NAD-preferring mutant acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase (AHAIR) and using NAD-specific leucine dehydrogenase from Lysinibacillus sphaericus. Lactate as a by-product was largely eliminated by disrupting the lactate dehydrogenase gene IdhA. Nonetheless, a few other by-products, particularly succinate, were still produced and acted to suppress the L-valine yield. Eliminating these by-products therefore was deemed key to improving the L-valine yield. By additionally disrupting the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene ppc, succinate production was effectively suppressed, but both glucose consumption and L-valine production dropped considerably due to the severely elevated intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio. In contrast, this perturbed intracellular redox state was more than compensated for by deletion of three genes associated with NADH-producing acetate synthesis and overexpression of five glycolytic genes, including gapA, encoding NADH-inhibited glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Inserting feedback-resistant mutant acetohydroxy acid synthase and NAD-preferring mutant AHAIR in the chromosome resulted in higher L-valine yield and productivity. Deleting the alanine transaminase gene avtA suppressed alanine production. The resultant strain produced 1,280mM L-valine at a yield of 88% mol mol of glucose-1 after 24 h under oxygen deprivation, a vastly improved yield over our previous best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of L-valine under oxygen deprivation conditions by Corynebacterium glutamicum lacking the lactate dehydrogenase gene idhA and overexpressing the L-valine biosynthesis genes ilvBNCDE was repressed. This was attributed to imbalanced cofactor production and consumption in the overall L-valine synthesis pathway: two moles of NADH was generated and two moles of NADPH was consumed per mole of L-valine produced from one mole of glucose. In order to solve this cofactor imbalance, the coenzyme requirement for L-valine synthesis was converted from NADPH to NADI+ via modification of acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase encoded by iIvC and introduction of Lysinibacillus sphaericus leucine dehydrogenase in place of endogenous transaminase B, encoded by ilvE. The intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio significantly decreased, and glucose consumption and L-valine production drastically improved. Moreover, L-valine yield increased and succinate formation decreased concomitantly with the decreased intracellular redox state. These observations suggest that the intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio, i.e., reoxidation of NADH, is the primary rate-limiting factor for L-valine production under oxygen deprivation conditions. The L-valine productivity and yield were even better and by-products derived from pyruvate further decreased as a result of a feedback resistance-inducing mutation in the acetohydroxy acid synthase encoded by ilvBN. The resultant strain produced 1,470mM L-valine after 24 h with a yield of 0.63 mol mol of glucose-1, and the L-valine productivity reached 1,940 mM after 48 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, restricted weight bearing and immobilization results in thigh and calf muscle atrophy and weakness. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on prevention of muscle atrophy in patients during the early rehabilitation stage after ACL reconstruction. Methods: Twenty patients with acute ACL tears were divided into two groups randomly. The control group (CON group) participated in only the usual rehabilitation program. In addition to this protocol, the electrical muscle stimulation group (EMS group) received EMS training using the wave form of 20Hz exponential pulse from the 2nd post-operative day to 4weeks after the surgery. Results: Muscle thickness of vastus lateralis and calf increased significantly 4weeks after surgery in the EMS group, while it decreased significantly in the CON group. The decline of knee extension strength was significantly less in the EMS group than in the CON group at 4weeks after the surgery, and the EMS group showed greater recovery of knee extension strength at 3months after surgery. Conclusions: EMS implemented during the early rehabilitation stage is effective in maintaining and increasing muscle thickness and strength in the operated limb. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polylactic acid has received much attention because of its biodegradable characteristics. However, to produce the polylactic acid, enormous energy is required at the current purification processes developed up to now. In this work, in order to reduce energy consumption, we proposed a novel purification method which combines lactic acid extraction and enzyme esterification instead of the dehydration and the chemical esterification which are conventionally used. As a result, the new purification method is found to be excellent as the solvents used in this work. It revealed that some solvents (diethyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, and methy isobuthyl ketone) have excellent abilities for both lactic acid extraction and enzymatic esterification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second derivative of the photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) has been verified as a useful method for analyzing pulse wave form in adults; however, there have been few studies on the SDPTG in children. We examined age-related alteration of SDPTG (study 1) and the SDPTG response to a vasodilator (study 2). The subjects in study 1 were 36 healthy children aged 0.9-16.0 years. The subjects in study 2 were 13 children aged 5.4-18.9 years with a history of Kawasaki disease. Subjects received an i.v. infusion of 0.568 mg/kg dipyridamole. We assessed the SDPTG by d/a ratio, b/a ratio and aging index (AGI). The d/a ratio increased with advance of age ( r= 0.636, P < 0.001), and the b/a ratio and AGI decreased with advance of age ( r=−0.343, P < 0.05 and r=−0.678, P < 0.001, respectively). The d/a ratio and AGI were correlated with height ( r= 0.523, P < 0.01 and r=−0.623, P < 0.001, respectively), but the b/a ratio was not significantly correlated with height. In study 2, the d/a ratio increased significantly ( P≤ 0.05), but the b/a ratio and AGI did not alter. The SDPTG indices in children show characteristic alterations with advance of age and react to a vasodilator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The water stability of the fast lithium ion conducting glass–ceramic electrolyte, Li1+x+y Al x Ti2−x Si y P3−y O12 (LATP), has been examined in distilled water, and aqueous solutions of LiNO3, LiCl, LiOH, and HCl. This glass–ceramics are stable in aqueous LiNO3 and aqueous LiCl, and unstable in aqueous 0.1M HCl and 1M LiOH. In distilled water, the electrical conductivity slightly increases as a function of immersion time in water. The Li–Al/Li3−x PO4−y N y /LATP/aqueous 1M LiCl/Pt cell, where lithium phosphors oxynitrides Li3−x PO4−y N y (LiPON) are used to protect the direct reaction of Li and LATP, shows a stable open circuit voltage (OCV) of 3.64V at 25°C, and no cell resistance change for 1 week. Lithium phosphors oxynitride is effectively used as a protective layer to suppress the reaction between the LATP and Li metal. The water-stable Li/LiPON/LATP system can be used in Li/air secondary batteries with the air electrode containing water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The lithium ion conducting solid lithium phosphorous nitride (LiPON) has been sputtered on the water-stable NASICON-type lithium ion conducting solid electrolyte Li1+x+y Al x Ti2−x P3−y Si y O12 (LATP). The stability and the interface resistance of the Li–Al/LiPON/LATP/LiPON/Li–Al cell have been examined. It is shown that the LiPON film protects LATP from reacting with the Li–Al alloy. The impedance of the Li–Al/LiPON/LATP/LiPON/Li–Al cell has been measured in the temperature range 25–80°C. The total cell resistance is about 8600Ωcm2 at room temperature and 360Ωcm2 at 80°C. The analysis of the impedance profiles suggests that the Li–Al/LiPON interface resistance is dominant at lower temperatures. The LATP plate immersed in water for 1 month shows only a slight degradation in the conductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lipase-catalyzed esterification of lactic acid has thus far achieved only limited success due to high acidity and polarity of lactic acid: acid inactivation of enzymes, and immiscibility of lactic acid with hydrophobic organic solvents that are commonly used for non-aqueous enzyme reactions. Herein, we investigated enzymatic esterification of lactic acid with ethanol by using hydrophobic ethers and ketones as reaction media. Both of the solvents are miscible with lactic acid, and have the basicity to suppress the acid inactivation of enzymes, as well as polar solvents. Nevertheless, these solvents would be less harmful to enzymes rather than polar solvents because of their high hydrophobicity. Using the ethers and ketones, ethyl lactate was successfully synthesized enzymatically even at higher lactic acid concentrations, and the enzyme activity was effectively stabilized even in repeated batch-wise reactions (2.0M lactic acid, 4 weeks). This effect of some ethers and ketone to stabilize the enzyme was significantly higher than that of polar solvents in the presence of polar alcohols, the other substrate. In addition, more various kinds of lipase could esterify 1.0M lactic acid in the hydrophobic ether and ketone rather than those in hydrophobic solvents, polar solvents, and a solvent-free system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the demonstration of parallel femtosecond laser processing with a computer generated hologram displayed on a liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM). The SLM enables the performance of an arbitrary and variable patterning in laser processing. The hologram uses multiplexed phase Fresnel lenses that is optimized by changing the center phase and size of each lens.

Abstract: Carbonaceous thin-film electrodes were modified by nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) plasma, and surface-modified carbonaceous thin-film electrodes were obtained and investigated by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Their chemical composition, degree of fluorination, and chemical bonding were investigated. The effects of surface modification on the anode reaction of lithium-ion batteries were examined. The electrochemical properties of the resultant thin-film electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry using a three-electrode electrochemical cell. The cyclic voltammograms showed that the fluorine atoms on the surface suppressed the reductive decomposition of ethylene carbonate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A multilingual disaster information system (MLDI) has been developed to overcome the language barrier during times of natural disaster. MLDI is a web-based system that includes templates in nine languages so that translated texts can be made available immediately. Mobile phone e-mail with graphic text is a useful tool for delivering multilingual disaster information. The visibility of graphic text on mobile phones was measured and found to be equivalent to the built-in font. However, visibility deteriorates as the character size becomes smaller, especially, on displays with poor resolution. This article also discusses the necessity of multilingual information and measures for a safe and barrier-free society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monomeric multimetal-binding β-galactosidase of Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (srbg), a glycosyl hydrolase family-2 enzyme, has a unique sequence consisting of 192 amino acid residues with no similarity to known proteins. This 192-residue sequence (termed the “ι [iota] sequence”) appears to be inserted into a sequence homologous to the active-site domain of the Escherichia coli lacZ enzyme (lacZbg). To assess the effects of the t sequence at specific sites of β-galactosidase on the catalytic functioning and molecular properties of β-galactosidase, deletion or insertion mutants of β-galactosidases were constructed, expressed in LacZ− E. coli strains, and characterized: srbgΔ in which the ι sequence was deleted from srbg, and lacZbgI, in which the 192-residue ι sequence was inserted into the corresponding position (between Asp591 and Phe592) in the active-site domain of lacZbg. srbgΔ was a catalytically inactive, dimeric protein which retained multimetal-binding characteristics, suggesting that the ι sequence is very important for maintaining the structure necessary for the catalytic functioning and the monomeric structure of srbg but is not responsible for the unique metal ion requirements of srbg. On the other hand, lacZbgI existed as a mixture of a monomer, a tetramer, and higher multimers. The monomeric species was inactive, whereas the tetramer and other multimers were catalytically active (SHAPE="SOL" ALIGN="C" STYLE="S">VmaxKm value, 25% of that of lacZbg) and highly specific for β-d-galactoside. The tetrameric lacZbgI was activated by Mg2+ and Mn2+ with lowered metal affinities, and the stoichiometry of metal binding was unchanged from that of lacZbg. These results, along with the published stereo structure of lacZbg, suggest that, in lacZbgI, the inserted 192-residue ι peptide could fold independently of the lacZbg domains into a “sub-domain,” lying distant from the active site and subunit interfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was administered to intraperitoneally (i.p.) growing human stomach cancer in nude mice to visualize future regional and distant metastases. GFP retroviral supernatants were injected i.p. from day 4 to day 10 after i.p. implantation of the cancer cells. Tumor and metastasis fluorescence was visualized every other week with the use of fluorescence optics via a laparotomy on the tumor-bearing animals. At 2 weeks after retroviral GFP delivery, GFP-expressing tumor cells were observed in gonadal fat, greater omentum, and intestine, indicating that these primary i.p. growing tumors were efficiently transduced by the GFP gene and could be visualized by its expression. At the second and third laparotomies, GFP-expressing tumor cells were observed to have spread to lymph nodes in the mesentery and other regional sites. At the fourth laparotomy, widespread tumor growth was visualized by GFP expression, inducing liver metastasis. No normal tissues were found to be transduced by the GFP retrovirus. Thus, reporter gene transduction of the primary tumor enabled detection of its subsequent metastasis. This gene therapy model could be applied to primary tumors before resection or other treatment to have a fluorescent early detection system for metastasis and recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was administered to intraperitoneally (i.p.) growing human stomach cancer in nude mice to visualize future regional and distant metastases. GFP retroviral supernatants were injected i.p. from day 4 to day 10 after i.p. implantation of the cancer cells. Tumor and metastasis fluorescence was visualized every other week with the use of fluorescence optics via a laparotomy on the tumor-bearing animals. At 2 weeks after retroviral GFP delivery, GFP-expressing tumor cells were observed in gonadal fat, greater omentum, and intestine, indicating that these primary i.p. growing tumors were efficiently transduced by the GFP gene and could be visualized by its expression. At the second and third laparotomies, GFP-expressing tumor cells were observed to have spread to lymph nodes in the mesentery and other regional sites. At the fourth laparotomy, widespread tumor growth was visualized by GFP expression, inducing liver metastasis. No normal tissues were found to be transduced by the GFP retrovirus. Thus, reporter gene transduction of the primary tumor enabled detection of its subsequent metastasis. This gene therapy model could be applied to primary tumors before resection or other treatment to have a fluorescent early detection system for metastasis and recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground: Emission from rice straw burning (ERSB) is observed everywhere after harvest of rice in Niigata Prefecture every year. Pediatricians and many guardians in this district have had the impression that ERSB may induce asthma attack. Recent studies have suggested that particulate air pollution plays a role in the exacerbation of asthma. The authors investigated relationship of ERSB to asthma attack in children. Methods: A questionnaire on rice straw burning (RSB) was circulated to guardians and pediatric institutions. Change in the monthly number of children with asthma attack (CAA) for 5 years from January 1994 to December 1998 was investigated. In addition, change in the number of CAA from the meteorologic conditions and RSB was investigated from the fourth week of August to the third week of September in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Challenge test exposure to ERSB was tried on a volunteer adult with chronic asthma. The situation of air pollution was examined by measuring suspended particulate matter (PM10). The relationship between PM10 and the number of CAA was studied. Results: A majority of the guardians had the impression that ERSB induces asthma attack. Pediatricians replied similarly to the questionnaire. The number of CAA visiting our emergency room and admitted to our ward increased in the season of RSB. The PM10 had a significant correlation with the number of CAA. It was suggested that the increase in CAA may be not due to the meteorologic conditions, but to the influence of ERSB. Conclusion: The ERSB has made an issue of air pollution. Furthermore, the possibility that ERSB induces or exacerbates asthma attack has become clear in the present study. Therefore, it is recommended that RSB should be abolished for the health of inhabitants, especially children with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wavefront aberration causes focal spot distortion leading to loss of resolution and efficiency in laser processing. Therefore, aberration compensation is important for ensuring sub-micron resolution in laser processing. In this paper, femtosecond laser processing with adaptive optics based on a convolutional neural network was demonstrated. The aberrations existing in the laser processing system were continuously predicted by the trained network with an update period of 36 ms and was compensated by a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. In the experiment, the neural network-based adaptive optics reduced the wavefront error in the laser processing system to most one-ninth. Furthermore, parallel laser processing by a computer-generated hologram displayed on the spatial light modulator was also demonstrated while dynamically compensating the aberrations in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shows that the 250K subunit of the protein TFIID is identical to a gene product previously implicated in progression through the late G1 phase of the cell cycle. TATA-binding polypeptide (TBP); TBP-associated factors (TAF); Structural motifs in p250/CCG1; Confirmation that p250 and CCG1 are identical and interact with TBP; More.

Xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) and arabinoxylooligosaccharides (AXOSs) are major oligosaccharides derived from arabinoxylan. In our previous report, Corynebacterium glutamicum was engineered to utilize XOSs by introducing Corynebacterium alkanolyticum xyloside transporter and β-xylosidase. However, this strain was unable to consume AXOSs due to the absence of α- l-arabinofuranosidase activity. In this study, to confer AXOS utilization ability on C. glutamicum, two putative arabinofuranosidase genes ( abf51A and abf51B) were isolated from C. alkanolyticum by the combination of degenerate PCR and genome walking methods. Recombinant Abf51A and Abf51B heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli showed arabinofuranosidase activities toward 4-nitrophenyl-α- l-arabinofuranoside with k values of 150 and 63, respectively, with optimum at pH 6.0 to 6.5. However, Abf51A showed only a slight activity toward AXOSs and was more susceptible to product inhibition by arabinose and xylose than Abf51B. Introduction of abf51B gene into the C. glutamicum XOS-utilizing strain enabled it to utilize AXOSs as well as XOSs. The xylI gene encoding a putative xylanase was found upstream of the C. alkanolyticum xyloside transporter genes. A signal peptide was predicted at the N-terminus of the xylI-encoding polypeptide, which indicated XylI was a secreted protein. Recombinant mature XylI protein heterologously expressed in E. coli showed a xylanase activity toward xylans from various plant sources with optimum at pH 6.5, and C. glutamicum recombinant strain expressing native XylI released xylose, xylobiose, xylotriose, and arabino-xylobiose from arabinoxylan. Finally, introduction of the xylI gene into the C. glutamicum AXOS-utilizing strain enabled it to directly utilize arabinoxylan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with shoulder disorders show altered periscapular muscle activity (e.g., decreased serratus anterior and increased upper trapezius activities). We herein devised a novel method for strengthening serratus anterior without excessive upper trapezius activation, named squeezing ball exercise in which patients squeezed a ball between both elbows with maximum voluntary isometric contraction in the horizontal adduction direction with the arms elevated at a 45-degree angle. The present study aimed to investigate whether the squeezing ball exercise could produce high muscle activity in the serratus anterior in patients with frozen shoulder and subacromial impingement syndrome before the rehabilitation intervention. Design: This is a proof-of-concept study. Serratus anterior and upper trapezius activities during squeezing ball exercise were evaluated using electromyography in 16 patients with frozen shoulders and subacromial impingement syndrome. Electromyography signals were normalized using maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and the muscle balance ratios (upper trapezius/serratus anterior) were calculated. Results: The average serratus anterior and upper trapezius activity was 69.9% ± 30.8% and 10.2% ± 6.3% maximal voluntary isometric contraction during the squeezing ball exercise, respectively, whereas the upper trapezius–serratus anterior ratio of the affected side was 0.15 ± 0.07. Conclusions: The high serratus anterior activation and low upper trapezius–serratus anterior ratio during squeezing ball exercise could be attributed to the limb position where shortened serratus anterior exerts itself without painful subacromial impingement. Squeezing ball exercise could be a novel rehabilitation tool for patients with frozen shoulders and subacromial impingement syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel three-dimensional (3D) holographic femtosecond laser parallel processing method with the fractional Fourier transform was proposed for arbitrary microstructures inside glass materials. In this system, the femtosecond laser is modulated by the spatial light modulator and then passes through the objective lens to achieve 3D microstructures without additional optical or mechanical motion support. Relying on the advantages of the fractional Fourier transform, a new expansion in laser 3D processing was realized. A 3D distributed microstructure array was successfully etched using a single irradiation, and a spatially distributed seven-layer wire microstructure was prepared through a single linear scan, in which the interlayer interference can be avoided by optimizing the fractional order. The analysis of computational and experimental results shows that the fractional holographic processing of 3D complex microstructures is an excellent approach for controlling uniformity, energy output and positional accuracy. The holographic 3D laser parallel processing method with high speed and high resolution has shown considerable potential in precision manufacturing, and it can be believed that it will play a significant role in the advancement of high-end technology in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases of coronary aneurysm developed in the late period after Kawasaki disease (KD). Case 1 involved a 13-year-old boy who had aneurysms develop after a diagnosis of complete regression. Case 2 involved a 29-year-old man who had a new aneurysm develop after he was older than 20 years. Physicians need to be aware that coronary aneurysms can develop in patients with antecedent KD even after regression or in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to develop an efficient surfactant for a water-in-scCO2 microemulsion (W/scCO2 μE), we synthesized a novel double-tail anionic surfactant, sodium bis(1H,1H,2H,2H-heptadecafluorodecyl)-2-sulfoglutaconate (8FG(EO)2), and examined the phase behaviour of an 8FG(EO)2/water/CO2 mixture at pressures lower than 400bar and several water-to-surfactant molar ratios. 8FG(EO)2 yielded a transparent single phase having a higher amount of water than that soluble in pure scCO2, i.e. a W/scCO2 μE phase. Through visual observation and UV-visible absorption spectral measurement, 8FG(EO)2 was interestingly found to microemulsify at least 52 water molecules by one surfactant at 45°C and pressures higher than 195bar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: It has been reported that P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells differentiate into beating cardiomyocytes under the action of oxytocin (OT). It has been suggested that dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) acts via the oxytocin/oxytocin receptor pathway because an oxytocin receptor antagonist not only blocks oxytocin-induced cardiomyocyte differentiation, but also blocks DMSO-induced differentiation. In this study, the differentiation ability of OT was tested using P19CL6 cells. Methods: P19CL6 cells were cultured as a confluent monolayer and aggregated cells. OT was then added to culture media as an inducing agent. The cells treated with 1% DMSO were used as a positive control group. Differentiated cells were evaluated morphologically and immunocytochemically, as well as by RT-PCR. In addition, a stable line of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing P19CL6 cells were differentiated into beating cardiomyocytes by OT. Results: Aggregated P19CL6 cells could be differentiated into cardiomyocytes, whereas monolayer cells could not differentiate and express specific cardiac muscle marker genes. In the control group, both aggregates and monolayer cells could be differentiated into cardiomyocytes by DMSO. In addition, GFP-expressing P19CL6 cells differentiated efficiently into beating cardiomyocytes when treated with OT. The results of all evaluations confirmed that the differentiated cells were cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: We concluded that embryoid body formation (cell aggregation) is necessary for the differentiation of P19CL6 cells into cardiomyocytes when using OT as an inducer agent. Furthermore, because of the high rate of differentiation efficiency, GFP-expressing cardiomyocytes derived from P19CL6 cells have the potential to be used for regenerative therapies in experimental models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Liquid crystal spatial light modulators, which are widely used as display devices for computer-generated holograms, have modulation characteristics that depend on spatial frequency. We describe a method for displaying a computer-generated hologram on a liquid crystal spatial light modulator with compensation of its spatial frequency response. Using this method, we demonstrate a binary phase grating with smaller dependence on the spatial frequency. We also demonstrate application of the display method to holographic femtosecond laser processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Water–gas-shift reactions over Pt–Re/TiO2 and Pd–Re/TiO2 catalysts were studied, using the closed gas circulation system and the fixed-bed flow-type reactor. The activity of Pd–Re/TiO2 catalysts was strongly affected by the Re content, while the activity of Pt–Re/TiO2 catalysts was less dependent on the addition ratio of Re, and more dependent on the temperature of reduction. The formation of certain bimetallic clusters between Pt and Re or Pd and Re was confirmed in the cases of Pt–Re(2:3) and Pd–Re(1:1)/TiO2 catalysts; however a different addition manner was suggested for the later acceleration effect over Pd–Re(1:10)/TiO2 catalysts. The FT-IR analyses of the adsorbed species during the reaction exhibited the enhancement of the adsorbed CO peaks in lower wavenumber region with the increase of Re content. Accordingly, Re is supposed to have some effect on these adsorbed CO, which accelerates the WGS reaction, especially in the case of Pd–Re/TiO2 catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cell populations from carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) were examined for nonspecific cytotoxicities. By using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against carp thrombocytes (TCL-HB8) and both neutrophils and monocytes (TCL-BE8), PBLs with a density of 1.08 g ml−1 were separated into three fractions: thrombocytes, a mixture of neutrophils and monocytes, and other cells (mainly lymphocytes), and the separated cells were tested for cytotoxic activities against mammalian tumour cell lines (K562, HeLa, P815 and Yac-1 cell). Consequently, the mixture of neutrophils and monocytes exhibited cytolysis against these target cells, whereas the lymphocyte-rich and thrombocyte fractions did not show any cytolysis. To isolate only neutrophils, which do not contain monocytes, the MAb (TCL-BE8) positive cells from PBLs with a density of 1.08–1.09 g ml−1 were separated. Pure isolated neutrophils showed cytotoxic activities against K562 cells, but not P815 cells. Furthermore, analysis of the cytolytic mechanisms indicated that killing of these cells depended on H2O2 or HOCl. These results suggest that both neutrophils and monocytes are effectors for nonspecific cytotoxicity in carp PBLs, and neutrophils may be distinct from monocytes in their reactivity in cytolysis, including target cell selectivity and/or target cell sensitivity, and the cytolytic pathway. In carp, cytotoxicity of target cells can be mediated by several populations of their leucocytes which have cytotoxic capacities with various recognition and cytolytic mechanisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-related biomarkers and the treatment outcomes using lapatinib plus capecitabine (LC) and to evaluate the influence of the estrogen receptor (ER) status in trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. Method: Eighty patients were enrolled in this study. Total HER2, p95HER2, and total HER3 expression were quantified using the VeraTag assays. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) and p95 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and PIK3CA mutation using direct sequencing. Results: The response rate to LC was 30%, clinical benefit rate was 51.3%, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 174.5 days. ER negativity significantly correlated with higher HER2 and p95HER2. The lower HER2 and PIK3CA mutations were often observed in the nonresponders. A high p95HER2 expression correlated with longer PFS especially in the high HER2- and ER-positive cases. Patients without the PIK3CA mutation showed longer PFS in the same subset. Overall survival after LC significantly correlated with the number of recurrence organs. Conclusion: LC therapy is effective in trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive breast cancer. Moreover, the biomarker expression differed depending on ER status, and a high p95HER2 expression and wild-type PIK3CA gene correlated with longer PFS especially in the ER-positive cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of an old Japanese woman with prominent granulomatous eruption following her mycosis fungoides' (MF) interferon therapy. The peripheral blood examination of the patient reveals normal leukocyte counts with one percent atypical lymphocytes. Collagen synthesis inhibition in cutaneous fibroblasts through tranilast is also proposed as a mechanism.

The article presents a case study of an old Japanese man with large tumour on his nose and diagnosed with myopericytoma (MPC). The physical examination of the patient shows an elastic, soft, and skin-coloured tumour with telangiectasia. Meanwhile, his ultrasound examination reveals a low echogenic mass with lower reflective areas. It points out that MPC presents slow-growing nodule and can be painful occasionally.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water-transporting proteins that are selectively expressed in epithelial, endothelial, and many other cell types of various tissues, where they play important physiological functions. However, the accurate distribution of AQP gene expression has not yet been examined in various tissues of the mouse. We first evaluated the tissue distribution of AQP gene expression using tongue, nasal epithelium, bronchus, trachea, lung, esophagus, stomach, ileum, transverse colon, liver, pancreas, whole blood, thigh muscle, spinal cord, brain, thoracic aorta, heart, kidney, thymus, spleen, skin, eye, and testis of the mouse. Furthermore, for a quantitative analysis, we selected appropriate reference genes for normalized qRT-PCR data in various tissues. The stability of the reference genes was assessed using NormFinder. The stably expressed genes identified in the present study were 18s rRNA. When 18s rRNA was used, as the best reference gene in the present study, the genes for AQPs 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 were notably expressed in the eye, lung, testis, eye, spinal cord, trachea, kidney, testis, testis, testis, testis, and pancreas. These results, regarding the distribution of AQPs, suggest that AQPs may be involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]