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This paper presents an experimental study of using a double-layered Cu/TiO2 and P4O10/TiO2 as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction with an extended wavelength of range light from ultraviolet light (UV) to infrared light (IR). The lights studied were UV + visible light (VIS) + IR, VIS + IR and IR only. This study also investigated the impact of the molar ratio of CO2:H2O on the CO2 reduction performance. This study revealed that the optimum molar ratio of CO2:H2O to produce CO was 1:1, irrespective of light illumination condition, which matched the theoretical molar ratio to produce CO according to the reaction scheme of CO2 reduction with H2O. Comparing the results of double-layered Cu/TiO2 and P4O10/TiO2 with those of double-layered TiO2 obtained under the UV + VIS + IR light illumination condition, the highest concentration of formed CO and the molar quantity of formed CO per unit weight of the photocatalyst increased by 281 ppmV and 0.8 μmol/g, in the case of the molar ratio of CO2:H2O = 1:1. With IR-only illumination, the highest concentration of formed CO and the molar quantity of CO formed per unit weight of the photocatalyst was 251 ppmV and 4.7 μmol/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of alcoholic beverages strongly depends on the metabolic characteristics of the yeast cells being used. To control the aroma and the taste of alcoholic beverages, as well as the production of ethanol in them, it is thus crucial to select yeast cells with the proper characteristics. Grape must contain a high concentration of proline, an amino acid that can potentially be a useful nitrogen source. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cannot utilize proline during the wine-making process, resulting in the elevated levels of proline in wine and consequent negative effects on wine quality. In this article, I review and discuss recent discoveries about the inhibitory mechanisms and roles of proline utilization in yeast. The information can help in developing novel yeast strains that can improve fermentation and enhance the quality and production efficiency of wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although proline is the most or second most abundant amino acid in wort and grape must, it is not fully consumed by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation, unlike other amino acids. Our previous studies showed that arginine, the third most abundant amino acid in wort, inhibits the utilization of proline in most strains of S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, we found that some non-Saccharomyces yeasts utilized proline in a specific artificial medium with arginine and proline as the only nitrogen source, but these yeasts were not suitable for beer fermentation due to their low alcohol productivity. For yeasts to be useful for brewing, they need to utilize proline and produce alcohol during fermentation. In this study, 11 S. cerevisiae strains and 10 non-Saccharomyces yeast strains in the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection were identified that utilize proline effectively. Notably, two of these S. cerevisiae strains, UCDFST 40-144 and 68-44, utilize proline and produce sufficient alcohol in the beer fermentation model used. These strains have the potential to create distinctive beer products that are specifically alcoholic but with a reduction in proline in the finished beer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since photocatalytic reactions are surface reactions, enhancing gas movement around the photocatalyst could improve photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. A new approach using black body material to enhance the gas movement around the photocatalyst based on the natural thermosiphon movement of gases around a photocatalyst has been proposed and confirmed experimentally, but the heat-transfer mechanism of the phenomena has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study is to clarify the corresponding heat-transfer mechanism. This study calculated the temperature of the CO2/NH3 gas mixture around a P4O10/TiO2 photocatalyst using the heat-transfer formula. No difference was found between the temperature increase (Tg) from the temperature at the beginning of the CO2 reduction experiment (Tini) and the temperature of the CO2/NH3 gas mixture measured experimentally via thermocouple (Te) under the following illumination conditions: a Xe lamp with visible light (VIS) + infrared light (IR) and IR only. The heat-transfer model proposed in this study predicts Tg well under illumination from a Xe lamp with VIS + IR as well as under IR illumination only. On the other hand, the difference found between Tg and Te was as large as 10 °C under illumination from a Xe lamp with ultraviolet light (UV) + VIS + IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proline, which is a predominant amino acid in grape musts, is involved in the taste and flavor of foods and beverages. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae poorly utilizes proline in wine-making processes, leading to a nitrogen deficiency during fermentation and proline accumulation in wine. Previous studies have shown that the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway is involved in inhibitory mechanisms of proline utilization. In this study, we screened the PKA pathway-related genes that regulate proline utilization. Using a yeast culture collection of disrupted strains associated with the downstream of the PKA cascade, we revealed that the stress-responsive transcription factor genes MSN2/4 regulate proline utilization. Moreover, we found that Msn2/4 up-regulate the SHY1 gene during the cell growth of the wine fermentation model, which may cause the inhibition of proline utilization. The SHY1 -deleted strain of the commercial wine yeast clearly showed proline consumption and average ethanol production under the wine fermentation model. The present data indicate that the PKA-Msn2/4-Shy1 cascade controls the inhibition of proline utilization under wine-making processes. Our study could hold promise for the development of wine yeast strains that can efficiently reduce proline during wine fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an inborn error of immunity caused by variants in Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). XLA patients require lifelong immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT). Only few XLA patients are indicated for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) because of severe complications. Accordingly, the published transplantation experience in XLA is minimal. We aimed to collect clinical data of XLA patients who received HCT in an international framework and to establish appropriate transplantation criteria and methods for XLA patients. Methods: XLA patients were recruited through a questionnaire and a literature review. The data are on patient characteristics and transplantation methods and outcomes. Results: In this study, twenty-two XLA patients who underwent HCT were recruited. The indication for HCT was recurrent or life-threatening infection in sixteen patients, malignancy in three, and other factors in three. A myeloablative conditioning, reduced toxicity myeloablative conditioning (RT-MAC), and reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) were selected in four, ten, and eight patients, respectively. Engraftment was achieved in 21 patients (95%). In all patients, 2-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 86% and 77%, respectively. In patients who received RT-MAC or RIC using treosulfan, busulfan, or melphalan, 2-year OS and EFS were 82% and 71%, respectively. Finally, twenty-one patients (95%) obtained complete or stable high-level mixed chimerism (50–95%), and the 1-year discontinuation rate of IgRT was 89%. Conclusion: Based on the concept in which IgRT is the standard treatment for XLA, HCT may be an effective and safe alternative treatment option for XLA patients, and IgRT can be discontinued following transplantation. It is ideal to perform HCT in XLA patients for whom transplantation is indicated before they develop organ damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hydrogen energy systems, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is an important component. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of separator thickness (s.t.) in PEFC on the distributions of mass such as H2, O2, H2O and current density when PEFC is operated at 363 K and 373 K. The relative humidity (RH) of supply gases also impacts the operation. The numerical simulation (using a 3D model) with COMSOL Multiphysics has been conducted to analyze the characteristics of PEFC. It has been observed that the molar concentration of H2 using s.t. of 2.0 mm is smaller compared with the thinner s.t. cases at the initial operation temperature of a cell (Tini) = 363 K and 373 K. The molar concentration of O2 using s.t. of 2.0 mm is smaller compared with the thinner s.t. cases at Tini = 373 K, as well as the case for the RH of supply gases at the anode of 40%RH and cathode of 40%RH (A40%RH/C40%RH) irrespective of Tini. Additionally, it has been clarified that the molar concentration of H2O maintains a low value along with the gas channel at Tini = 373 K using s.t. of 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Moreover, it has been clarified that the current density using s.t. of 2.0 mm is the highest among the different s.t. irrespective of Tini, which is the most remarkable in the case of A40%RH&C40%RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit-like aroma of two valine-derived volatiles, isobutanol and isobutyl acetate, has great impact on the flavour and taste of alcoholic beverages, including sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage. With the growing worldwide interest in sake, breeding of yeast strains with intracellular valine accumulation is a promising approach to meet a demand for sakes with a variety of flavour and taste by increasing the valine-derived aromas. We here isolated a valine-accumulating sake yeast mutant (K7-V7) and identified a novel amino acid substitution, Ala31Thr, on Ilv6, a regulatory subunit for acetohydroxy acid synthase. Expression of the Ala31Thr variant Ilv6 conferred valine accumulation on the laboratory yeast cells, leading to increased isobutanol production. Additionally, enzymatic analysis revealed that Ala31Thr substitution in Ilv6 decreased sensitivity to feedback inhibition by valine. This study demonstrated for the first time that an N-terminal arm conserved in the regulatory subunit of fungal acetohydroxy acid synthase is involved in the allosteric regulation by valine. Moreover, sake brewed with strain K7-V7 contained 1.5-fold higher levels of isobutanol and isobutyl acetate than sake brewed with the parental strain. Our findings will contribute to the brewing of distinctive sakes and the development of yeast strains with increased production of valine-derived compounds. Ala31Thr substitution in the regulatory subunit of acetohydroxy acid synthase partially removed feedback inhibition by valine and the A31T variant enabled high-level production of valine and isobutanol in yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Clinical trials of antidepressants often fail to demonstrate their efficacy versus placebo, suggesting that patient selection based on physician ratings of depression may contribute to a high placebo response. Methods: In the CCT‐004 trial of vortioxetine, central monitoring was employed to compare physician and patient ratings of depression and anxiety at baseline and over time to identify factors contributing to a large placebo response, as well as to explore the potential of a unique patient‐rated clinical measure combining QIDS‐J and Himorogi Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (HSAS), to contribute to optimal patient selection at baseline and patient monitoring over time. Results: The CCT‐004 trial showed similar trends between the QIDS‐J and MADRS (Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) ratings. It was suggested that central monitoring of the QIDS‐J and MADRS ratings of depression and anxiety symptoms helped reduce the baseline score inflation by calling the study sites' attention to discrepancies between these ratings at baseline; it also allowed these ratings to be assessed for their concordance over time. Of note, MDD patients with baseline QIDS‐J scores ≥11/HSAS ≤19 were associated with the smallest placebo response, with the effect size being larger than that for those with QIDS‐J scores ≤10/HSAS ≥20. Conclusion: The use of both physician and patient ratings of depression and anxiety symptoms at baseline and over time, as well as their central monitoring, helped minimize the baseline score inflation and optimize patient monitoring over time, and allowed the antidepressant to be evaluated for its full therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to clarify the impact of the thickness of a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a micro porous layer (MPL) on the distributions of gas, H2O, and current density in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) which is operated at 363 K and 373 K and with various thicknesses of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) as well as a relative humidity (RH) of supply gas. These investigations are carried out by numerical simulation using the 3D model with COMSOL Multiphysics. In the case of Nafion 115, which is the thicker PEM, the change in the molar concentration of H2O from the inlet to the outlet with MPL is larger than that without MPL irrespective of the thickness of GDL, Tini and RH condition. In the case of Nafion NRE-212, which is the thinner PEM, the change in the molar concentration of H2O from the inlet to the outlet is larger with MPL than that without MPL in the case of TGP-H-060 (the thicker commercial GDL), while that is smaller with MPL than that without MPL in the case of TGP-H-030 (the thinner commercial GDL). These results exhibit the same tendency as the results of the numerical simulation on the current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The New Energy and Industry Technology Development Organization (NEDO) road map (Japan, 2017) has proposed that a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system, which operates at a temperature of 90 °C and 100 °C, be applied for stationary and mobility usage, respectively. This study suggests using a thin polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and a thin gas diffusion layer (GDL), at the same time, to achieve better power-generation performance, at a higher temperature than usual. The focus of this paper is to clarify the effect of separator thickness on the distribution of temperature at the reaction surface (Treact), with the relative humidity (RH) of the supply gasses and initial operation temperature (Tini), quantitatively. In this study, separator thickness is investigated in a system using a thin PEM and a thin GDL. Moreover, this study investigates the difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature obtained from the distribution of Treact as well as the relation between the standard deviation of Treact − Tini and total voltage, to clarify the effect of separator thickness. The impact of the flow rates of the supply gases on the distribution of Treact is not large, among the investigated conditions. It is noticed that the temperature distribution is wider when a separator thickness of 2.0 mm is selected. On the other hand, it is observed that the temperature increases along with the gas flow through the gas channel, by approximately 2 °C, when using a separator thickness between 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm. The impact of the RH on the distributions of Treact − Tini is larger at Tini = 100 °C, when a separator thickness of 1.0 mm is selected. It is revealed that the wider temperature distribution provides a reduction in power-generation performance. This study proposes that the thin separators, i.e., with a thickness of 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm, are not suitable for higher temperature operation than usual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues how the study of religion in Japan influenced the nation's conduct during the Asia-Pacific War (1931–1945). Specifically, the paper addresses the wartime national indoctrination texts of Katō Totsudō 加藤咄堂 (a.k.a. Katō Yūichirō 加藤熊一郎, 1870–1949). Although Katō was not strictly a religious scholar, analyzing Katō's texts is significant in understanding the influence of religious theory and religious studies discourse on Japanese society during the war. To illustrate this point, this paper introduces previous studies that have discussed the movements of religious scholars during the war. It then clarifies the significance of discussing Katō's texts, followed by an introduction to what has been revealed about Katō so far. The paper then examines Katō's wartime texts that discuss the relationship between war, faith and the readiness to die. The East–West comparison of views of life and death used by Katō was characterized as a wartime application of comparative religion. It was intended to emphasize Japan's superiority over other countries. Such features agitated Japanese readers to proactively enter the fight to the death through spiritual mobilization in a total war system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas movement around and/or through the photocatalyst is thought to be an inhibition factor to promote photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. In this study, a hypothesis is put forward that the natural thermosiphon movement of gases around the photocatalyst can be improved by using black body material/surface. The black body material/surface that is placed underneath the photocatalyst in the reactor would be heated by absorbing light and then this heats up the gases to promote their movement around/through the photocatalyst. The aim of this study is to prove or disprove this hypothesis by conducting CO2 reduction performance of a TiO2 photocatalyst with NH3 under the conditions without black body material (W/O B.B.), with one black body material (W B.B.-1), and with three black body materials (W B.B.-3). The impact of molar ratio of CO2/NH3 on CO2 reduction performance is also investigated. This study revealed/proved that the hypothesis worked and that the CO2 reduction performance is promoted more with W B.B.-3 compared to that with W B.B.-1. The maximum concentration of formed CO with W B.B.-3 is two to five times as large as that under the condition W/O B.B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using fludarabine (Flu)-based reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) with busulfan (BU) or melphalan (Mel) for primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed transplant outcome, including engraftment, chimerism, immune reconstitution, and complications in 15 patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and 27 patients with non-SCID PID. The patients underwent Flu-based RIC-HCT with BU (FluBU: 7 SCID, 16 non-SCID) or Mel (FluMel: 8 SCID, 11 non-SCID). The targeted low-dose BU with therapeutic drug monitoring was set to 30 mg hour/L for SCID. Results: The 2-year overall survival of all patients was 79.6% and that of patients with SCID in the FluBU and FluMel groups was 100% and 62.5%, respectively. In the FluBU group, all seven patients achieved engraftment, good immune reconstitution, and long-term survival. All five patients receiving umbilical cord blood transplantation achieved complete or high-level mixed chimerism and sufficient specific IgG production. In the FluMel group, six of eight patients achieved complete or high-level mixed chimerism. Viral reactivation or new viral infection occurred in one FluBU group patient and four FluMel group patients. In the non-SCID group, 10 of 11 patients (91%) who received FluMel achieved complete or high-level mixed chimerism but had variable outcomes. Patients with WAS (2/2 patients), NEMO deficiency (2/2 patients), and X-linked hyper IgM syndrome (2/3 patients) who received FluBU achieved complete or high-level mixed chimerism and long-term survival. Conclusions: RIC-HCT with FluBU is a safe and effective strategy for obtaining high-level donor chimerism, immune reconstitution including B cell function, and long-term survival in patients with SCID. In patients with non-SCID PID, the results varied according to the subtype of the disease. Further prospective studies are required to optimize the conditioning regimen for non-SCID PID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BCP-ALL of the XLA patients did not show a distinctive methylation profile. X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Bruton's tyrosine kinase, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, tumor suppressor Keywords: X-linked agammaglobulinemia; Bruton's tyrosine kinase; acute lymphoblastic leukemia; acute megakaryoblastic leukemia; tumor suppressor EN X-linked agammaglobulinemia Bruton's tyrosine kinase acute lymphoblastic leukemia acute megakaryoblastic leukemia tumor suppressor 1277 1281 5 06/18/21 20210615 NES 210615 X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an inborn error of immunity caused by pathogenic variants in I Bruton's tyrosine kinase i ( I BTK i ). Future studies in which many patients with XLA with leukemia are enrolled may be able to clarify the more detailed characteristics of leukaemic cells in XLA. [Extracted from the article]

Proline is one of the abundant amino acids in grape must, but in winemaking processes it is poorly assimilated by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This often causes a nitrogen deficiency during fermentation and proline accumulation in wine. Our previous study showed that arginine inhibits proline utilization by specifically inducing the endocytosis of the high-affinity proline transporter Put4. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this induction are still unclear. Here, we propose a possible mechanism mediated by the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 and its adaptor protein, Art3. First, we found that the ubiquitination activity of Rsp5 was essential for the arginine-induced endocytosis of Put4. Because Put4 contains no Rsp5-binding motif, we next screened an adaptor protein that plays a role in the arginine-induced endocytosis of Put4. Our genetic and biochemical analyses clearly revealed that the ART3 gene-disrupted cells were defective in Put4 endocytosis, indicating that Art3 is a key regulator for Put4 endocytosis. More importantly, we discovered that deletion of ART3 remarkably canceled the inhibitory effects of arginine on proline utilization. The present results could hold promise for the development of wine yeast strains that can efficiently assimilate the abundant proline in grape must during the fermentation processes. Image 1 • The ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 is essential for the arginine-induced endocytosis of Put4. • The arginine-induced endocytosis of Put4 is mediated by the α-arrestin protein Art3. • Deletion of ART3 cancels the inhibitory effects of arginine on proline utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a four-year-old boy with a somatic RUNX1 mutation who developed atypical mucocutaneous inflammatory symptoms. Highlights include vacuolar interface dermatitis with hyperkeratosis and apoptotic keratinocytes revealed by skin biopsy from an upper arm lesion, exclusion of haematologic malignancies and myelodysplastic changes, and the use of whole-exome sequencing on leukaemic cells to characterize the tumour mutation profiling.

High-throughput analysis revealed the unique immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in plasmacytoma-like post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder Keywords: autoimmune disease; plasmacytoma; post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder; X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency EN autoimmune disease plasmacytoma post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency e164 e168 5 05/19/20 20200515 NES 200515 Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a severe complication of solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SOT, HSCT), which occurs in 1-20% of transplant recipients.[1] The majority of PTLD cells are of the B-cell type, but <5% of PTLD cells are plasma-cell type, including plasmacytoma-like lesion and plasma cell myeloma.[1] Although their worse prognosis than non-PTLD myeloma is clinically significant, only case reports and registry studies have been available.[2] In the present study, we describe the first detailed analysis of plasmacytoma-like PTLD. These findings were consistent with the lambda light-chain restriction of PTLD cells, suggesting that multiple autoantibodies produced by PTLD cells led to multiple autoimmune diseases. Four patients developed diseases within 16 months, whereas plasma cell-type PTLD usually demonstrates a delayed onset.[2] These observations suggest that autoreactive plasma cells of recipient origin could contribute to not only PTLD but also autoimmune diseases after transplantation. [Extracted from the article]

According to the H 2 and fuel cell road map in Japan, the target operating temperature of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) should be 90 °C from 2020 to 2025. In this study, the impact of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and gas diffusion layer (GDL)'s thickness on heat and mass transfer characteristics as well as power generation performance of PEFC is investigated at operating temperature of 90 °C. The in-plane temperature distributions on anode and cathode separator are also measured using thermograph. As a result, it is observed that the increase in power from 1 W to 5 W at the current density of 0.80 A/cm2 as well as even temperature distribution within 1 °C can be obtained at operating temperature of 90 °C by decrease in GDL's thickness from 190 μm to 110 μm. In addition, the power is increased from 3 W to 4 W at the current density of 0.80 A/cm2 operated at 90 °C by decrease in the PEM's thickness from 127 μm to 25 μm. • The power generation performance is promoted by decreasing GDL's thickness. • The temperature distribution is flat at both anode and cathode side for thinner GDL. • The power generation performance is promoted by decreasing PEM's thickness. • The impact of GDL's thickness is larger than that of PEM's thickness. • The combination of thinner PEM and GDL is effective for higher temperature operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article begins by providing an overview of research trends in the study of the commemoration of the war dead in modern Japan. Studies of the attitudes of the living towards the dead in Japan have mainly focused on ancestor worship performed by family members. The issue of the war dead and their treatment has been the subject of debate within Japanese society since the end of the Second World War. Those who were killed in action, unlike other war casualties in Japan, have been accorded privileged treatment and been enshrined in Yasukuni. Studies of the commemoration of war dead in Japan began with the Yasukuni shrine issue, but research has recently appeared that deals with various types of commemoration. The latter part of this article discusses the commemorative pilgrimages in the former battlefields in Southeast Asia by Buddhist priests during the 1950s and 1960s. By doing so it provides an alternative perspective to the overly Yasukuni-centered discussion of the commemoration of war dead and highlights the missing link between the religious sectors' engagement with the governmental project to recover the remains of the fallen and the later pilgrimages organized by each religious group that began in earnest after the lifting of restrictions on overseas travel in 1964. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-doped TiO2 (Cu/TiO2) film photocatalyst was prepared by combination of sol-gel and dip-coating process, and pulse arc plasma method. The effect of Cu/TiO2 photocatalyst on CO2 reduction performance with reductants of H2O and H2 was investigated. In addition, this study investigated overlapping two Cu/TiO2 coated on netlike glass fiber discs in order to utilize the light effectively as well as increase the amount of photocatalyst used for CO2 reduction. The characterization of prepared Cu/TiO2 film coated on netlike glass fiber was analyzed by SEM, EPMA, TEM and EELS. Furthermore, the CO2 reduction performance of Cu/TiO2 film was tested under illumination of Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light, respectively. As a result, the best CO2 reduction performance has been achieved under the condition of CO2/H2/H2O = 1:0.5:0.5 with UV light illumination as well as without UV light illumination. Under the illumination condition with UV light, the highest concentration of CO for Cu/TiO2 overlapped is 1.4 times as large as that for single Cu/TiO2, while the highest concentration of CH4 for Cu/TiO2 overlapped is 1.7 times as that for single Cu/TiO2. Under the illumination condition without UV light, the highest molar quality of CO per weight of photocatalyst for Cu/TiO2 overlapped is 1.1 times as that for single Cu/TiO2. The theoretical molar ratio of CO2/H2O or CO2/H2 to produce CO is 1:1, while the theoretical molar ratio of CO2/H2O or CO2/H2 to produce CH4 is 1:4. Since the molar ratio of CO2/H2/H2O = 1:0.5:0.5 can be regarded as the molar ratio of CO2/total reductants = 1:1, it is believed that the results of this study follow the reaction schemes of CO2/H2O and CO2/H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seronegativemyasthenia gravis (MG) is a generalized formof MG that is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, electrophysiological testing, and pharmacological responses, in the absence of a seropositive status for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies. Generalized MGthat is seronegative for anti-AChR, anti-muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), and anti-low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 4 (Lrp4) antibodies is known as tripleseronegative MG. We here describe a case of triple-seronegative MG in an 8-year-old boy. His first symptom was dysphagia, at 3 years of age, and he subsequently developed ptosis, rhinolalia, and a waddling gait. A genetic analysis was conducted to exclude the possibility of congenital myasthenia syndrome due to the patient's resistance to steroid therapy. His conditionwas successfullymanaged with tacrolimus therapy over a 5-year follow-up period. Recently, several studies have reported the therapeutic utility of tacrolimus in juvenile seropositiveMG; in contrast, a fewreports have described tacrolimus treatment in cases of seronegativeMG.Our findings suggest that tacrolimus therapy is a safeand effective option for the treatment of juvenile seronegative MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Safety and efficacy of vortioxetine (5–20 mg/day) in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder were evaluated in two phase 3 studies consisting of a short‐term, 8‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study followed by a long‐term, 52‐week, open‐label extension study. Methods: The primary end‐point of the short‐term study was change from baseline in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score at week 8. The primary objective of the extension study was vortioxetine's long‐term safety; efficacy end‐points included change in MADRS total score, Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI)–Severity (S) score from the long‐term study baseline, and CGI–Improvement (CGI‐I) score over 52 weeks. Results: Of the 366 randomized patients, 338 completed the short‐term study, and 119 patients continued into the extension study. Primary (analysis of covariance) and secondary (mixed model for repeated measurements) analyses in the short‐term study showed numerically greater, but not statistically significant, decreases in change in MADRS total score from baseline between the vortioxetine and placebo groups at week 8. In the long‐term study, 86.6% of patients reported at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event, with the most common being nasopharyngitis (40.3%) and nausea (21%). MADRS total score and CGI‐I and CGI‐S scores improved with continued vortioxetine treatment from baseline of the open‐label study to week 52. Conclusion: Vortioxetine failed to meet significance versus placebo in the primary efficacy analysis at week 8 in the short‐term study. The extension trial indicated continued improvement of depressive symptoms from baseline of this study throughout the 52‐week treatment period. Vortioxetine treatment was safe and well tolerated in both studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine in adults with major depressive disorder. Methods: In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 600 patients with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive vortioxetine 5, 10, or 20 mg, or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The primary end‐point was change from baseline in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score at week 8, evaluated by the last‐observation‐carried‐forward method. Secondary end‐points included response (≥ 50% decrease in the MADRS total score from baseline) and remission (MADRS total score ≤ 10), Clinical Global Impression Scale‐Improvement, and change from baseline in Sheehan Disability Scale. Adverse events were summarized. Results: Vortioxetine failed to show significant differences from placebo in the primary end‐point. Nominally significant improvements over placebo were observed for vortioxetine doses of 10 and 20 mg when the primary end‐point was evaluated using the mixed model for repeated measures as the secondary analysis, and 10 mg in secondary measures of response and patient functioning. Vortioxetine was well tolerated. Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia each occurred at a >twofold higher rate than placebo. Discontinuation symptom scores were comparable between all groups after 1 and 2 weeks following withdrawal of the study drug. Conclusion: While vortioxetine failed to meet significance versus placebo in the primary efficacy analysis, there was evidence of efficacy for the 10‐ and 20‐mg doses in secondary analyses. Vortioxetine was safe and well tolerated. Additional studies appear warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-doped TiO2 (Fe/TiO2) film photocatalyst was prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating process and pulse arc plasma method. The effect of pulse number on the CO2 reduction performance with the Fe/TiO2 was investigated in this study. In addition, the effect of reductants such as H2O, H2, and NH3/H2O on the CO2 reduction performance with the Fe/TiO2 photocatalyst was also investigated. The characteristics of the prepared Fe/TiO2 film coated on a netlike glass fiber which is a base material were analyzed by SEM, EPMA, EDX, and EPMA. Furthermore, the CO2 reduction performance of the Fe/TiO2 film was tested under a Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. The results show that the CO2 reduction performance with the pulse number of 100 is the best with H2O and/or H2 as reductant under UV light illumination, while that with the pulse number of 500 is the best when NH3/H2O is used as reductant. On the other hand, the CO2 reduction performance with the pulse number of 500 is the best under every reductant condition without UV light illumination. The highest CO2 reduction performance with the Fe/TiO2 is obtained under H2 + H2O/CO2 condition, and the best moral ratio of total reductants to CO2 is 1.5 : 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-doped TiO2 (Fe/TiO2) film photocatalyst was prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating process to extend its photoresponsivity to the visible spectrum. To promote the CO2 reduction performance with the photocatalyst, some types of base materials used for coating Fe/TiO2, which were netlike glass fiber and Cu disc, were investigated. The characterization of prepared Fe/TiO2 film coated on netlike glass fiber and Cu disc was analyzed by SEM and EPMA. In addition, the CO2 reduction performance of Fe/TiO2 film coated on netlike glass disc, Cu disc, and their overlap was tested under a Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light, respectively. The results show that the concentration of produced CO increases by Fe doping irrespective of base material used under the illumination condition with UV light as well as that without UV light. Since the electron transfer between two overlapped photocatalysts is promoted, the peak concentration of CO for the Fe/TiO2 double overlapping is approximately 1.5 times as large as the Fe/TiO2 single overlapping under the illumination condition with UV light, while the promotion ratio is approximately 1.1 times under that without UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper asks whether public commemorations in contemporary Japan are post-secular or not. More precisely, it investigates the postwar history of the relationship between such commemorations and the principle of keeping religion and government separate, as embodied in the constitution. Referring to several contemporary cases, I provide an overview of the discourses and actual conditions of the separation of religion and state at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery (Chidorigafuchi Kokuritsu Senbotsusha Boen 千鳥ヶ淵国立戦没者墓苑) and Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja 靖国神社). In conclusion, I point out on one hand that the non-denominational expressions seen in Chidorigafuchi and other facilities show a distinctive kind of religious expression. On the other hand, I underscore that the excessive avoidance of religious participation by government officials derives from the Yasukuni issue and related legal trials. I explain the relationship of those phenomena in terms of two types of secularization: natural secularization and artificial secularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt-catalyzed cross-dimerization of simple alkenes with 1,3-enynes is reported. A [2+2] cycloaddition reaction occurred, with alkenes bearing no allylic hydrogen, by reductive elimination of a η3-butadienyl cobaltacycle. On the other hand, aliphatic alkenes underwent 1,4-hydroallylation by means of exo-cyclic β-H elimination. These reactions can provide cyclobutenes and allenes that were previously difficult to access, from simple substrates in a highly chemo- and regioselective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the separator thickness on not only the heat and mass transfer characteristics, but also the power generation characteristics of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a thin polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and thin gas diffusion layer (GDL) operated at higher temperatures of 363 and 373 K. The in-plane temperature distributions on the back of the separator at the anode and cathode, which are the opposite sides to the GDL, are measured using a thermograph at various initial cell temperatures (Tinit), relative humidity (RH) levels, and supply gas flow rates. The total voltage corresponding to the load current is measured in order to evaluate the performance of the PEMFC. As a result, it is revealed that the effect of the RH on the power generation characteristics is more significant when the separator thickness decreases. It is revealed that the power generation performance obtained at high current densities decreases with the increase in Tinit with thinner separator thicknesses. According to the investigation of the in-plane temperature distribution, it is clarified that the temperature decreases at corner positions in the separator with the separator thickness of 2.0 mm, while the temperature gradually increases along with the gas flow with separator thicknesses of 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of a large number of cellular functions. In the unicellular eukaryote yeast, NO may be involved in stress response pathways, but its role is poorly understood due to the lack of mammalian NO synthase (NOS) orthologues. Previously, we have proposed the oxidative stress-induced l-arginine synthesis and its physiological role under stress conditions in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, our experimental results indicated that increased conversion of l-proline into l-arginine led to NO production in response to elevated temperature. We also showed that the flavoprotein Tah18, which was previously reported to transfer electrons to the Fe–S cluster protein Dre2, was involved in NO synthesis in yeast. Gene knockdown analysis demonstrated that Tah18-dependent NO synthesis confers high-temperature stress tolerance on yeast cells. As it appears that such a unique cell protection mechanism is specific to yeasts and fungi, it represents a promising target for antifungal activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To report the morphologic changes of the subfoveal choroidal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography following segmental scleral buckling. Design: Retrospective, observational case series. Methods: The study included 21 eyes of 20 patients who underwent segmental scleral buckling for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. All patients underwent the measurements of the subfoveal choroidal thickness preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the surgery. The changes in choroidal thickness, 4 mm from the fovea, before and 1 week after surgery were analyzed in the buckled and unbuckled side. Results: The preoperative mean subfoveal choroidal thickness of operated eyes was 239.2 ± 91.0 μm. The postoperative mean subfoveal choroidal thicknesses of operated eyes at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months were 267.6 ± 96.8 μm, 250.6 ± 95.8 μm, and 239.4 ± 95.6 μm, respectively. There were significant differences between preoperative subfoveal choroidal thickness and 1-week-postoperative and 1-month-postoperative subfoveal choroidal thicknesses (P < .01, P = .03, ANOVA), and there was no significant difference between subfoveal choroidal thicknesses preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (P > .99, ANOVA). The changes in choroidal thickness of the buckled and unbuckled side preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively were not significantly different (n = 8, P = .589, 2-way ANOVA). Conclusion: The subfoveal choroidal thickness may change temporarily following segmental scleral buckling surgery. This may be the result of reversible subclinical microcirculatory dysfunction of the choroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel-catalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of conjugated enynes with alkenes has been developed. A variety of electron-deficient alkenes as well as electronically neutral norbornene and 1-decene were applicable to this reaction. The use of conjugated enynes circumvented possible side rections, such as oligomerizations and cyclotrimerizations. The isolation of reaction intermediate complexes revealed that the η3-butadienyl coordination is the key for the selective formation of cyclobutene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The proline metabolism intermediate Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) induces cell death in animals, plants and yeasts. To elucidate how P5C triggers cell death, we analyzed P5C metabolism, mitochondrial respiration and superoxide anion generation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Gene disruption analysis revealed that P5C-mediated cell death was not due to P5C metabolism. Interestingly, deficiency in mitochondrial respiration suppressed the sensitivity of yeast cells to P5C. In addition, we found that P5C inhibits the mitochondrial respiration and induces a burst of superoxide anions from the mitochondria. We propose that P5C regulates cell death via the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to understand the dominant factor and mechanism in coupled phenomena of heat and mass transfer and power generation in a single cell of polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Through the observation window, the in-plane temperature distribution at backside of gas channel of separator on cathode side, when it generated power, was measured by thermograph. The impact of gas supply conditions, i.e., flow rate, relative humidity of supply gas and gas channel pitch of separator on in-plane temperature distribution was investigated. The voltage to the load current, temperature, relative humidity and flow rate of supply and exhaust gas were measured. As a result, it was found the consumed gas flow rate and total voltage were almost unchanged if the gas was supplied over the stoichiometric ratio of 1.0, irrespective of relative humidity of supply gas. The range of in-plane temperature distribution was reduced with increasing excess gas supply due to the convection heat transfer by unconsumed gas flow. The power generation performance was promoted and the in-plane temperature was reduced with decreasing gas channel pitch irrespective of relative humidity of supply gas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To report a series of five cases of vitreous adhesions after blunt trauma caused by a baseball strike. Methods: The medical records of patients with ocular contusion after being struck by a baseball, who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy, were reviewed. An aqueous suspension of triamcinolone acetonide was used intraoperatively to facilitate visualization of the vitreous. Results: Five eyes were reviewed in this study. There were two cases of retinal detachment, two cases of traumatic macular hole, and one case of retinal detachment due to traumatic macular hole. Despite the surgical creation of posterior vitreous detachment, if not already present, the thin layer of localized vitreous adhesion to the retinal necrotic area with/without retinal hole was found between the major vascular arcades and the equator in all cases. The thin layer of the vitreous was removed with a vitreous cutter and diamond-dusted membrane scraper, but complete removal was impossible. Conclusions: A thin layer of localized vitreous adhesion at the area of retinal degeneration was observed in eyes following ocular contusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to report the outcomes for cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) that received retinotomy and removal of subretinal proliferative tissue under direct visualization using retinal turnover. Methods: Nineteen eyes with posterior and/or anterior grade C1-12 PVR that had undergone retinotomy and retinal turnover were reviewed. Main outcomes included the retinal reattachment rate, final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative intraocular pressure, extent of retinotomy, and complications. Results: Final retinal reattachment rates with silicone oil tamponade were 100%. The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was significantly improved (P = 0.001). Positive correlation was found between the extent of retinotomy and both preoperative logMAR BCVA (r = 0.663, P = 0.002) and postoperative logMAR BCVA (r = 0.619, P = 0.005). There was no correlation between the extent of retinotomy and the change in preoperative and postoperative logMAR BCVA (r = -0.267, P = 0.268). Negative correlation was found between preoperative logMAR BCVA and the change in logMAR BCVA (r = -0.587, P = 0.008). There was no correlation between the extent of retinotomy and the intraocular pressure at the final visit (r = -0.316, P = 0.188). Corneal decompensation due to silicone oil in the anterior chamber occurred in one eye. Conclusion: Removal of subretinal proliferative tissue with retinal turnover seems to be an effective procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cr- or Ag-doped TiO2 film was prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating process and used as the photocatalyst for CO2 reforming under the visible light. The ratio of amount of Cr or Ag added to amount of Ti in TiO2 sol solution (R) varied from 0 to 100 wt% or 0 to 50 wt%, respectively. The total layer number of Cr- or Ag-doped TiO2 film (N) coated was changed. The CO2 reforming performance with the Cr- or Ag-doped TiO2 film was tested under a Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. As a result, when N equals to 1, the concentration of CO which was a product from CO2 reforming was maximized in Cr doping case for R = 70 wt% and in Ag doping case for R = 1 wt%, respectively. The best result of concentration of CO = 8306 ppmV, concentration of CH4 = 1367 ppmV, concentration of C2H6 = 1712 ppmV is obtained when Ntop = 7 with Cr doping in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Island Tower Sky Club is a super high-rise RC apartment block constructed in Fukuoka City, Japan, which makes inventive use of the most advanced building technologies. The building is 145 m tall with 42 storeys. It is composed of three similar, slender towers with three-fold rotational symmetry. The towers are connected at three different levels by aerial gardens and contain various vibration control devices to assure a high level of safety. The aerial gardens are connected to the towers by vibration control dampers to reduce the overturning effects of the towers caused by seasonal winds and large earthquakes. An elaborate control system can reduce the storey acceleration response by 30 %. At the upper two storeys of each tower, super-plastic zincaluminium alloy dampers are also used. To reduce the storey acceleration response, the base of the building is isolated using a hybrid system of bearing supports and dampers. The validity of the control system implemented is confirmed by human power vibration tests conducted at the aerial gardens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was previously reported that CO2 could be reduced into CO, CH4, and so forth, which can be used as fuels, by TiO2 as the photocatalyst under UV radiation. To increase the concentration of fuel and improve CO2 reduction performance on TiO2 photocatalyst, a membrane reactor composed of TiO2 and gas separation membrane prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating method has been built. Factors such as rising speed (RS) in the dip-coating process and the timing and amount of water injected in the membrane reactor in CO2 reduction experiment have been investigated. As a result, the largest amount of TiO2 film is obtained for RS = 0.66 mm/s among various RS conditions investigated in this study. According to CO2 reduction experiment by gas circulation type reactor, too much water which cannot be consumed in CO2 reduction process would not help improving the CO2 reduction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effect of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and primary silicone oil tamponade without any postoperative position restrictions for retinal detachment (RD) caused by macular hole in high myopia. Design: Retrospective, interventional case series. Methods: Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients with RD caused by macular hole in high myopia (axial length more than 27.0 mm) were treated by PPV with ILM peeling and primary silicone oil tamponade. No position restrictions were issued to patients postoperatively. Results: The retina reattached in 22 eyes (92%) following the initial surgery. The final retinal reattachment rate was 100% after a second surgery of macular buckling for the 2 eyes with initial failure. For eyes with initial successful reattachment, the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly improved from 1.8 ± 0.5 logMAR units before surgery to 1.2 ± 0.4 (P < .001, paired t test). No clinical factors were significantly associated with improvement of BCVA or macular hole closure using multivariate analysis. Conclusions: For the treatment of RD caused by macular hole, PPV with ILM peeling and primary silicone oil tamponade showed a high retinal reattachment rate without any postoperative position restrictions. It also improved postoperative BCVA significantly. This may be a preferable method for the treatment of RD caused by macular hole in high myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) starts to be used in industries and homes in the world. Hydrogen (H2) is normally used as the fuel to power PEFC. However, the power generation performance of PEFC is harmed by the carbon monoxide (CO) in the H2 that is often produced from methane (CH4). Normally, precious metal catalysts and thermal energy are used to remove CO in rich H2, which are costly. Therefore, an alternative process, i.e. using the TiO2 photocatalyst combined with adsorbent to oxidize the CO is studied in this paper. The purpose of this study is to understand oxidization characteristics and experimental conditions for the alternative process, in order to improve its efficiency. The impacts of initial concentration ratio of O2 to CO, filling volume ratio of the TiO2 particles combined with silica to reactor, and different preparation methods of TiO2 with adsorbent on the CO oxidization performance are investigated. The optimum initial concentration of O2 and best filling volume ratio of the TiO2 particles combined with silica to reactor was found to be 4vol% and 50vol%, respectively, under the experimental conditions. By using TiO2 particles combined with mesoporous silica, the concentration of CO in the reactor was reduced from 10800ppmV down to 27ppmV after UV light illumination of 48h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiaeΣ1278b has the MPR1 gene encoding the N-acetyltransferase Mpr1 that acetylates the proline metabolism intermediate Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C)/glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSA) in vitro. In addition, Mpr1 protects cells from various oxidative stresses by regulating the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the relationship between P5C/GSA acetylation and antioxidative mechanism involving Mpr1 remains unclear. Here, we report the synthesis of oxidative stress-induced arginine via P5C/GSA acetylation catalyzed by Mpr1. Gene disruption analysis revealed that Mpr1 converts P5C/GSA into N-acetyl-GSA for arginine synthesis in the mitochondria, indicating that Mpr1 mediates the proline and arginine metabolic pathways. More importantly, Mpr1 regulate ROS generation by acetylating toxic P5C/GSA. Under oxidative stress conditions, the transcription of PUT1 encoding the proline oxidase Put1 and MPR1 was strongly induced, and consequently, the arginine content was significantly increased. We also found that two deletion mutants (Δ mpr1/ 2 and Δ put1) were more sensitive to high-temperature stress than the wild-type strain, but that direct treatment with arginine restored the cell viability of these mutants. These results suggest that Mpr1-dependent arginine synthesis confers stress tolerance. We propose an antioxidative mechanism that is involved in stress-induced arginine synthesis requiring Mpr1 and Put1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report clinical findings of three patients with unilateral peculiar choroidal excavation in the macula detected by spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Three cases with unilateral choroidal excavation in the macula detected by SD OCT. Fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (IA), ultrasonography, visual field tests and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) were performed. Results: Although all three patients complained of metamorphopsia, visual acuity and central visual field were normal in the affected eyes. SD OCT demonstrated choroidal excavation in the macula despite a normal foveal contour along the inner retinal surface. The excavation involved the outer retinal layers up to the external limiting membrane in cases 1 and 2, while only the retinal pigment epithelium was involved in case 3. The excavation corresponded to foveal pigment mottling in cases 1 and 2 and to a parafoveal yellowish fusiform lesion in case 3. The lesions appeared hypoautofluorescent and unremarkable in FA except for circumferential hyperfluorescence in case 3 and hypofluorescent in IA. B-scan ultrasonography was unremarkable. MfERG in cases 1 and 2 was normal. Conclusions: SD OCT demonstrated two types of choroidal excavation in the macula. More case accumulation and a longer follow-up will elucidate the pathogenesis and prognosis of the lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cr-doped TiO2 film was prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating method and used as the photocatalyst for CO2 reforming under the visible light. The ratio of amount of Cr added to amount of Ti in TiO2 sol solution (R) varied from 0 to 100wt%. The total layer number of Cr-doped TiO2 film (N) coated was up to 7. The CO2 reforming performance with the Cr-doped TiO2 film was evaluated by illuminating under a Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. The concentration of CO which was a product from CO2 reforming was maximized for R = 70wt% when N equals to 1. The visible light responsibility was also maximized for R = 70wt%. The amount of Cr within TiO2 film coated on copper disc was increased with the increase in R up to 70wt% and started to decrease when R is over 70wt%. The CO2 reforming performance of TiO2 film with one layer Cr-doped was found better than that of TiO2 film with multi Cr-doped layers under illuminating of UV light. Under the visible light, the performance was maximized at R = 70wt% and N = 7 with one layer Cr-doped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It was previously reported that CO2 could be reformed into CO, CH4, etc., which can be used as fuels, by TiO2 as the photocatalyst and under UV radiation. If this technique could be applied practically, a carbon circulation system would then be able to be constructed by reforming CO2 from combustion, using solar energy, to fuel, which would solve the problem of global warming and fossil fuels depletion all together. However, the technology is not yet practicable as the fuel concentration of products is too low. To increase the concentration and improve CO2 reforming performance on TiO2, a membrane reactor composed of TiO2 and gas separation membrane prepared by sol–gel and dip-coating method has been built. Study on the factors influencing membrane performance, e.g. rising speed in the dip-coating process, has been carried out with the reactor. The results of the study are reported in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of the thickness of Nafion membrane, which is a typical polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), and relative humidity of supply gas on the distributions of H2, O2, H2O concentration and current density on the interface between a Nafion membrane and anode catalyst layer or the interface between a Nafion membrane and cathode catalyst layer. The effect of the initial temperature of the cell (Tini) is also investigated by the numerical simulation using the 3D model by COMSOL Multiphysics. As a result, the current density decreases along with the gas flow through the gas channel irrespective of the Nafion membrane thickness and Tini, which can be explained by the concentration distribution of H2 and O2 consumed by electrochemical reaction. The molar concentration of H2O decreases when the thickness of Nafion membrane increases, irrespective of Tini and the relative humidity of the supply gas. The current density increases with the increase in relative humidity of the supply gas, irrespective of the Nafion membrane thickness and Tini. This study recommends that a thinner Nafion membrane with well-humidified supply gas would promote high power generation at the target temperature of 363 K and 373 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbonate rock cores drilled on the Kikai Seamount, northern Philippine Sea are examined for better understanding of tectonic history of the northern Philippine Sea. The Kikai Seamount, the summit of which is at 1960 m water depth, is an isolated high on the northwestern part of the Amami Plateau formed by subduction-related arc volcanism, and is situated close to the axis of the Ryukyu Trench in front of the Ryukyu Arc, SW Japan. The seamount is capped with shallow-water carbonates such as coral rudstone. Detailed examinations of lithology, larger foraminiferal assemblages, and Sr isotope composition reveal that the core material comprises Miocene carbonates unconformably overlain by Early Pleistocene carbonates. It indicates rapid subsidence of the Kikai Seamount since the Early Pleistocene. The most probable cause of rapid subsidence is collision and subduction of the Amami Plateau laden with the Kikai Seamount. The rapid subsidence may have started when the western corner of the plateau reached the Ryukyu Trench and began subduction beneath the Ryukyu Arc. The onset of the subsidence is likely to be controlled by a motion change in the Philippine Sea Plate. The latest change in subduction direction from north to northwestward into northwestward to west has been believed to have occurred at 1-2 Ma during latest Pliocene to Early Pleistocene time. The change of direction resulted in the shift from oblique into right-angle subduction of the plate beneath the Ryukyu Arc and also the onset of the collision and subduction of the Amami Plateau. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Juvenile walleye pollock of the Japanese Pacific population were collected from the Funka Bay [spawning ground; 16–64 mm fork length (FL)] in spring and the Doto area (nursery ground; 70–146 mm FL) in summer. Hatch dates were estimated by subtracting the number of otolith daily increments from sampling dates, and their early growth was back-calculated using otolith radius–somatic length relationships. Interannual change of the hatching period was observed during 2000–02, and the peaks ranged from mid-February in 2000 to early-April in 2002. In 2000, when a strong year class occurred, early life history of the surviving juveniles could be characterized by early hatching and slower growth in the larval stage (<22 mm length). Higher growth rate in 2001 and 2002 did not always lead to good survival and recruitment success. Even though their growth was slow in 2000, the larvae hatched early in the season had larger body size on a given date than faster-growing larvae hatched in later season in 2001 and 2002. Bigger individuals at a certain moment may have advantage for survival. The delay of hatching period may result in higher size-selective mortality, and as a necessary consequence, back-calculated growth in 2001 and 2002 could shift towards higher growth rate, although abundance of such a year class would be at the lower level. Variability in spawning period, early growth and their interaction might have a strong relation to larval survival through cumulative predation pressure or ontogenetic changes in food availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study on the growth and development of juvenile walleye pollock in northern Japan. Information on the geographical distribution of pollock; Factors that contributed to the early growth of the pollock; Background on the hatching and nursery stages of the fish.