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The coronavirus epidemic has attracted significant attention to the applications of pet robots which can be used to treat and entertain people in their homes. However, pet robots are fabricated using hard materials and it is difficult for them to communicate with people through contact. Soft robots are expected to realize communication through contact similar to that of actual pets. Soft robots provide people with a sense of healing and security owing to their softness and can extract rich information through external stimuli by applying a machine learning framework called physical-reservoir computing. It is crucial to determine the differences between the physical properties of soft materials that affect the information extracted from a soft body to develop an intelligent soft robot. In this study, two owl-shaped soft robots with different softnesses were developed to analyze the characteristics of the signal data obtained via piezoelectric film sensors embedded in models with different physical properties. An accuracy of 94.2% and 95.9% was obtained for touched part classification using 1D CNN and logistic regression models, respectively. Additionally, the relationship between the softness of material and classification performance was investigated by comparing the distribution of part classification accuracy for different hyper-parameters of two owl models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating semantically well-structured data from various historical sources is a challenging task as its contents are quite complicated and less structured. Factoid Prosopography Ontology (FPO), a source-oriented data model for prosopography, tackles this problem and enables the knowledge representation of historical information. However, we highlight two issues that FPO does not sufficiently address. The first issue relates to the temporal expression. While FPO provides a way of attaching date or the date range to historical phenomena, it is based on absolute time information, which is not always given in historical sources. To overcome this, we introduce a way of expressing relative time information by describing a temporal sequence of events mentioned in sources. Second, the more important issue is how to describe the context for each entity mentioned in sources. This context information is not explicitly described in sources but plays an essential role in reading historical sources. For this, we introduced a new concept EntityInContext, which represents 'an actor in certain context' as a single Uniform Resource Indicator (URI), and an instance of EntityInContext is defined based on the events' sequence described earlier. The validity of the model was clarified by creating actual data for Caesar's Bellum Gallicum and attempting a SPARQL search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been substantial. We investigated the effectiveness of an online meeting in which normal older adults (otokai) used a music‐generative AI that transforms text to music (Music Trinity Generative Algorithm‐Human Refined [MusicTGA‐HR]). Methods: One hundred eighteen community‐dwelling, cognitively normal older adults were recruited through the internet (64 men, 54 women; mean age: 69.4 ± 4.4 years). Using MusicTGA‐HR, the participants chose music that they thought was the most suitable to a given theme. We established 11 classes of 7–10 members and one instructor each. Each class held an online meeting once a week, and each participant presented the music they chose. The other participants and the instructor then commented on the music. Neuropsychological assessments were performed before and after the intervention for 6 months, and the results before and after the intervention were statistically analyzed. Results: The category and letter word fluencies (WFs) were significantly improved (category WF: p =.003; letter WF: p =.036), and the time of the Trail‐Making Test‐B was also significantly shortened (p =.039). The Brain Assessment, an online cognitive test we developed, showed significant improvement in the memory of numbers (p <.001). Conclusion: The online meeting of the otokai, which used music‐generative AI, improved the frontal lobe function and memory of independent normal older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We previously reported the enhanced effects of physical exercise when combined with music (ExM) on cognitive function in community-dwelling normal elderly people compared to exercise alone. Following that study, participants voluntarily continued the ExM classes for 5 years.Objective: To identify the effects of a 5-year ExM intervention on cognitive function in normal elderly people.Methods: Fifty-four subjects continued the ExM classes once a week for 5 years (ExM group). Thirty-three subjects retired from the ExM class during the 5 years (Retired group). Twenty-one subjects never participated in any intervention over the 5 years (No-exercise group). Cognitive function and ADLs were assessed using neuropsychological batteries and the functional independence measure (FIM), respectively. The voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease (VSRAD) was used to investigate medial temporal lobe atrophy.Results: Analyses of the raw scores after the 5-year intervention showed significant differences between the ExM and No-exercise groups in their MMSE scores, Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM) time, logical memory (LM)-I, as well as the total and physical exercise sub-scores of the FIM. Analysis of subjects aged 70- 79 years at the beginning of this project showed significantly quicker performance on the RCPM in the ExM compared to No-exercise groups. The correlation coefficients between the total number of ExM sessions attended and the degree of changes in physical, neuropsychological, and VSRAD scores were significant for RCPM performance time and LM-I scores.Conclusion: Long-term ExM intervention reinforces multifaceted cognitive function in normal elderly people, and is especially beneficial for psychomotor speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we exposed a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape to a rotating magnetic field, and measured ac losses using a calorimetric method based on the temperature rise caused by the ac loss. To compare the characteristics of the other ac loss conditions, we measured the magnetization losses in the uniform ac magnetic field perpendicular and parallel to the HTS tape face. The losses in the rotating magnetic field are the same as in the perpendicular magnetic field. In addition, we measured the influence of the rotating magnetic field waviness on the ac loss characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To optimize pulse field magnetization processes for high-temperature superconducting (HTS) bulk magnets, it is important to control the magnetic field amplitude and the driving temperature. Many publications have reported on the experimental and numerical results of the pulsed-field magnetization method. In the numerical method, the HTS bulk properties are modeled to simplify the calculations, examples being the Bean model and the Kim model, etc. During pulsed-field magnetization the critical current density in the HTS bulk changes dramatically due to the magnetic field and temperature rise induced by the ac losses. For these reasons these properties are key to the analysis of the pulsed-field magnetization process, which is calculated using the measured practical HTS bulk properties, and these results show different temperature rise and trapped magnetic field characteristics. We assumed that HTS bulk has intrinsic deterioration in practice. Therefore, we recalculated using the adjusted parameters, and these analytic results correspond with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For economic reasons high-temperature superconductor (HTS) machines, such as HTS motors and generators, are designed to use an iron core to reduce the HTS tape length. In these situations, the HTS tapes are positioned in the iron core and transport the ac current within the ac leakage magnetic field. We investigated the influence of the iron core arrangement on ac loss characteristics. We modified the iron core of a transformer by removing a rectangular segment and then positioned an HTS tape in the rectangular recess created. The iron core was affected by the ac magnetic field generated by the ac coil, and the HTS tape transporting the ac current. We placed the HTS tapes in different rectangular positions and varied their shape. In all conditions, the ac transport current losses were greater than losses experienced when the HTS tapes were situated without the iron core, and the ac leakage magnetic fields produce ac magnetization losses. Therefore, how the HTS tape is arranged in the iron core affects the ac loss characteristics and merits further study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, oxidative stress plays an inhibitory role during industrial fermentation. Although previous reports have identified genes required for oxidative stress tolerance, employing the yeast genome-wide screening, these screenings used a homozygous mutant collection which did not include the essential genes whose deletions result in lethality. Here, we report a truly genome-wide screening for the genes required for oxidative stress tolerance, using a heterozygous mutant collection which includes both essential and nonessential genes. Approximately 6300 heterozygous deletion mutants were grown in the presence or absence of H2O2. The screening identified a total of 331 genes whose heterozygotes conferred hypersensitivity to H2O2, indicating that these genes are required for oxidative stress tolerance. Notably, among these genes, 71 were essential genes. We classified these 71 essential genes based on localization, indicating that the localization of gene products from these essential genes was enriched in the nucleus and nucleolus. Classification of these essential genes based on functional categorizations showed that r RNA synthesis and t RNA synthesis were over-represented, suggesting that nuclear function, such as RNA synthesis, is important in the response to oxidative stress. These results provide a helpful resource for the understanding of the molecular basis of oxidative stress-tolerant mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric hydroxylation of inactive carbon atoms is still an important reaction in the industrial synthesis of valuable chiral compounds such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Applications of monooxygenation enzymes, like cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, flavin-containing monooxygenases, and Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (Fe/αKG-DOs), are strongly desired as hydroxylation biocatalysts because they have great advantages in regio- and stereoselectivity of the reactions. Recently, several novel Fe/αKG-DOs have been found to catalyze the asymmetric hydroxylation of aliphatic amino acids. Depending on their amino acid sequences, these Fe/αKG-DOs catalyze different types of regioselective hydroxylations, or C3-, C4-, and C5-hydroxylation. Additionally, most also have stereoselective sulfoxidation activities. Here, we have reviewed the characterization and process development of this novel functioning group of Fe/αKG-DOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical exercise has positive effects on cognitive function in elderly people. It is unknown, however, if combinations of non-pharmaceutical interventions can produce more benefits than single ones. This study aimed to identify if physical exercise combined with music improves cognitive function in normal elderly people more than exercise alone. Methods: We enrolled 119 subjects (age 65–84 years old). Forty subjects performed physical exercise (once a week for an hour with professional trainers) with musical accompaniment (ExM group), developed by YAMAHA Music Foundation; 40 subjects performed the same exercise without music (Ex group); 39 subjects were the control group (Cont group). Before and after the year-long intervention, each patient was assessed by neuropsychological batteries. MRIs were performed before and after intervention; the Voxel-based Specific Regional analysis system for Alzheimer's Disease (VSRAD) was used to assess medial temporal lobe atrophy. Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was significant only in visuospatial function. The multiple comparison (ExM vs. Ex, ExM vs. Cont, Ex vs. Cont) was significant between the ExM and Cont group. Intra-group analyses before and after intervention revealed significant improvement in visuospatial function in the ExM group, and significant improvements in other batteries in all three groups. The VSRAD score significantly worsened in the ExM and Ex groups. Conclusions: Physical exercise combined with music produced more positive effects on cognitive function in elderly people than exercise alone. We attributed this improvement to the multifaceted nature of combining physical exercise with music, which can act simultaneously as both cognitive and physical training. Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000012148 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To the Editors, After delivery, early ambulation has been recommended to promote involution of uterus and natural urination, prevent thrombus, and feel a sense of well-being for delivery [[1]]. Because women perform urination by sitting, there may be the possibility of developing micturition syncope associated with orthostatic hypotension. For example, cases of micturition syncope following the first urination after delivery are sometimes experienced. [Extracted from the article]

Although tremendous progress has been made in recent years in identifying molecular mechanisms of small interfering RNA (siRNA) functions in higher plants, the possibility of direct interaction between genomic DNA and siRNA remains an enigma. Such an interaction was proposed in the ‘RNA cache’ hypothesis, in which a mutant allele is restored based on template-directed gene conversion. To test this hypothesis, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants conditionally expressing a hairpin dsRNA construct of a mutated acetolactate synthase (mALS) gene coding sequence, which confers chlorsulfuron resistance, in the presence of dexamethasone (DEX). In the transgenic plants, suppression of the endogenous ALS mRNA expression as well as 21-nt mALS siRNA expression was detected after DEX treatment. After screening >100,000 progeny of the mALS siRNA-induced plants, no chlorsulfuron-resistant progeny were obtained. Further experiments using transgenic calli also showed that DEX-induced expression of mALS siRNA did not affect the number of chlorsulfuron-resistant calli. No trace of cytosine methylation of the genomic ALS region corresponding to the dsRNA region was observed in the DEX-treated calli. These results do not necessarily disprove the ‘RNA cache’ hypothesis, but indicate that an RNAi machinery for ALS mRNA suppression does not alter the ALS locus, either genetically or epigenetically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms are promising as producers of various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and as catalysts transforming them into unique molecular species beyond common PUFAs. This article describes PUFA production through chemical mutant- and molecular-breeding of an oleaginous filamentous fungus Mortierella alpina 1S-4 and PUFA transformation by anaerobic bacteria. M. alpina 1S-4 and its mutants and transformants produce oils containing not only common n − 6 and n − 3 PUFAs but also rare PUFAs. Unique PUFA-transforming activities were found in anaerobic bacteria. They isomerized PUFA to conjugated fatty acids and further transformed to partially saturated fatty acids with hydroxyl fatty acids as intermediates. The functions of these unique PUFAs have been attracting much attention for improving our health and for developing new chemical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high temperature superconducting (HTS) AC applications, HTS tapes are assembled into high current capacity conductors. We previously reported our experimental results showing the AC loss reduction in a polygonal arranged single layer YBCO assembled conductor. The AC loss reduction is greatest in round shape arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Many papers report the AC transport current loss characteristics in HTS coils, which occur because the HTS tapes in the coil transport a current in a magnetic field generated by the currents in adjacent tapes. We previously reported our experimental results on the loss from HTS tape in an AC and DC mixed electro-magnetic condition which consists of the DC offset transport current, AC transport current and AC magnetic field. Losses were measured in the same segment by the electric and calorimetric methods, and we established the possibility of measuring the loss using the electric method in the AC and DC mixed electro-magnetic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We study the electro-magnetic design of 10 MW-class wind turbine generator with high temperature superconducting field winding by using the FEM analysis. The design examples are presented and the generator characteristics are investigated. The 10 MW-class HTS wind turbine generator is considered to be feasible from the stand point of the electro-magnetic design. In this study, 8-pole and 12-pole generators are investigated. From the results, it is considered that the 8-pole design is preferable compared with the 12-pole design. The analysis also reveals the small synchronous reactance of the HTS wind turbine generator. Therefore, proper protection is necessary for the large short circuit current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Hydroxyisoleucine (HIL) found in fenugreek seeds has insulinotropic and anti-obesity effects and is expected to be a novel orally active drug for insulin-independent diabetes. Here, we show that the newly isolated strain Bacillus thuringiensis 2e2 and the closely related strain B. thuringiensis ATCC 35646 operate a novel metabolic pathway for l-isoleucine ( l-Ile) via HIL and 2-amino-3-methyl-4-ketopentanoic acid (AMKP). The HIL synthesis was catalyzed stereoselectively by an α-ketoglutaric acid-dependent dioxygenase and to be useful for efficient production of a naturally occurring HIL isomer, (2 S,3 R,4 S)-HIL. The (2 S,3 R,4 S)-HIL was oxidized to (2 S,3 R) -AMKP by a NAD-dependent dehydrogenase. The metabolic pathway functions as an effective bypass pathway that compensates for the incomplete tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in Bacillus species and also explains how AMKP, a vitamin B antimetabolite with antibiotic activity, is synthesized. These novel findings pave a new way for the commercial production of HIL and also for AMKP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examines the presence of linoleic acid isomerase in Lactobacillus-plantarum. It states that the determination of isomerization reaction was performed using a hydration step, membrane and soluble fractions. Findings of the study reveal that linoleic acid isomerase is a multi-component enzyme system which required oxidoreduction cofactors to perform its activity properly.

We investigated the validity of AC transport current loss measurement in a high temperature superconducting (HTS) assembled conductor using the four-terminal method. We tested the effect of different arrangements, transport current direction, and transport current distribution in the assembled conductor. Neither the arrangement nor direction of the transport current affects the accuracy of the AC transport current measurement. When transport current distribution in an assembled conductor is unbalanced, it is possible to deduce the loss by the addition of the multiple of the current and voltage from the potential lead loops in each tape. If the transport currents in each HTS tape of the assembled conductor are not uniform and only transport current of the assembled conductor is measured, the AC transport current loss is not estimated exactly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We develop an importance sampling simulation scheme for estimating an extremely small probability of system failure with respect to a time-dependent stochastic system excited by stationary random noise having a specified power spectrum. First, we construct a system of random differential equations driven by a Wiener process, which can approximately give such a stationary random noise by the use of an extended version of the well-known Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Next, we suppose a stochastic response system driven by the constructed stationary random noise. Next, formulating the probability of system failure, we give an importance sampling scheme through the probability measure transformation based upon the Girsanov theorem, where multi design times are introduced to cope with stationary or almost stationary behavior of the system. Finally, we give numerical examples to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel enzyme, β-phenylalanine ester hydrolase, useful for chiral resolution of β-phenylalanine and for its β-peptide synthesis was characterized. The enzyme purified from the cell free-extract of Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5 well hydrolyzed β-phenylalanine esters (S)-stereospecifically. Besides β-phenylalanine esters, the enzyme catalyzed the hydrolysis of several α-amino acid esters with l-stereospecificity, while the deduced 369 amino acid sequence of the enzyme exhibited homology to alkaline d-stereospecific peptide hydrolases from Bacillus strains. Escherichia coli transformant expressing the β-phenylalanine ester hydrolase gene exhibited an about 8-fold increase in specific (S)-β-phenylalanine ethyl ester hydrolysis as compared with that of Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5. The E. coli transformant showed (S)-enantiomer specific esterase activity in the reaction with a low concentration (30mM) of β-phenylalanine ethyl ester, while it showed both esterase and transpeptidase activity in the reaction with a high concentration (170mM) of β-phenylalanine ethyl ester and produced β-phenylalanyl-β-phenylalanine ethyl ester. This transpeptidase activity was useful for β-phenylalanine β-peptide synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lactobacillus plantarum AKU 1009a effectively transforms linoleic acid to conjugated linoleic acids of cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (18:2) and trans-9, trans-11–18:2. The transformation of various polyunsaturated fatty acids by washed cells of L. plantarum AKU 1009a was investigated. Besides linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid [ cis-9, cis-12, cis-15-octadecatrienoic acid (18:3)], γ-linolenic acid ( cis-6, cis-9, cis-12–18:3), columbinic acid ( trans-5, cis-9, cis-12–18:3), and stearidonic acid [ cis-6, cis-9, cis-12, cis-15-octadecatetraenoic acid (18:4)] were found to be transformed. The fatty acids transformed by the strain had the common structure of a C18 fatty acid with the cis-9, cis-12 diene system. Three major fatty acids were produced from α-linolenic acid, which were identified as cis-9, trans-11, cis-15–18:3, trans-9, trans-11, cis-15–18:3, and trans-10, cis-15–18:2. Four major fatty acids were produced from γ-linolenic acid, which were identified as cis-6, cis-9, trans-11–18:3, cis-6, trans-9, trans-11–18:3, cis-6, trans-10–18:2, and trans-10-octadecenoic acid. The strain transformed the cis-9, cis-12 diene system of C18 fatty acids into conjugated diene systems of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-9, trans-11. These conjugated dienes were further saturated into the trans-10 monoene system by the strain. The results provide valuable information for understanding the pathway of biohydrogenation by anaerobic bacteria and for establishing microbial processes for the practical production of conjugated fatty acids, especially those produced from α-linolenic acid and γ-linolenic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AC transport current loss in high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes can be measured without a direct electrical connection by using a pick-up loop method. This method requires a correction factor, which is related to the ratio of the linkage magnetic flux determined by the distribution of the transport current in the HTS tape and pick-up loop. In this study, to determine the accuracy of the AC transport current loss measurement using a pick-up loop method, we measured the critical current and AC transport current loss distribution in the tape axis. We found the pick-up loop voltage of the deteriorated section of the HTS tape to be higher than in the normal section with the same transport current. We concluded that the pick-up loop method accuracy is sufficient to measure the AC transport current loss in HTS tapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, effects of geometrical configuration on AC loss characteristics of cable conductors assembled by multiple YBCO tape in polygonal arrangement were numerically studied. The previously developed numerical model was modified to analyze the AC loss in the HTS tape in the polygonally assembled multi-layer cable. By using the numerical model, the influences of the cable geometrical parameters, especially the effects of the tape width and the tape-to-tape gap, on AC loss properties were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We suggested a pick-up loop method for measuring AC transport current loss in high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes, which avoids a direct electrical connection with the HTS tape. This method requires a correction factor, which is related to the ratio of the linkage magnetic flux determined by the distribution of the transport current in the HTS tape and pick-up loop. We reported previously that the correction factor for an HTS tape obtained experimentally corresponded with the numerical analysis result. In this study, we numerically analyzed the correction factor for rectangular and spiral pick-up loops. The correction factor for an ideal pick-up loop does not depend on the amplitude of the transport current and is not affected by the position of the HTS tape, even if slightly altered. Our numerical analysis suggests the ideal shape for a pick-up loop to measure AC transport current loss without an electrical connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high temperature superconducting (HTS) AC applications, HTS tapes are assembled into a conductor with a high current capacity and transport AC current in an AC magnetic field generated by currents in neighboring tapes. It is important to clarify the AC loss characteristics of each HTS tape in the assembled conductor. In this work, we compared measured and numerical analysis of AC transport current loss characteristics in three HTS tapes with edge-to-edge or face-to-face configuration and parallel or anti-parallel transport currents. Losses were measured by the calorimetric method, which gives actual losses regardless of the electro-magnetic environment around the sampled tape. The numerical analysis is based on the relationship between the current distribution and the inductive voltage. Our results show that the AC transport current loss in HTS tapes in an assembled conductor depends on the tape arrangement and the direction of the transport current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe(III)-respiring bacteria such as Shewanella species play an important role in the global cycle of iron, manganese, and trace metals and are useful for many biotechnological applications, including microbial fuel cells and the bioremediation of waters and sediments contaminated with organics, metals, and radionuclides. Several alternative electron transfer pathways have been postulated for the reduction of insoluble extracellular subsurface minerals, such as Fe(III) oxides, by Shewanella species. One such potential mechanism involves the secretion of an electron shuttle. Here we identify for the first time flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and riboflavin as the extracellular electron shuttles produced by a range of Shewanella species. FMN secretion was strongly correlated with growth and exceeded riboflavin secretion, which was not exclusively growth associated but was maximal in the stationary phase of batch cultures. Flavin adenine dinucleotide was the predominant intracellular flavin but was not released by live cells. The flavin yields were similar under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with total flavin concentrations of 2.9 and 2.1 μmol per gram of cellular protein, respectively, after 24 h and were similar under dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing conditions and when fumarate was supplied as the sole electron acceptor. The flavins were shown to act as electron shuttles and to promote anoxic growth coupled to the accelerated reduction of poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxides. The implications of flavin secretion by Shewanella cells living at redox boundaries, where these mineral phases can be significant electron acceptors for growth, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which synthesizes 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL) by aldolase-transaminase coupling reaction and basic characterization of the aldolase purified Arthrobacter simplex AKU 626. It describes the screening of an aldolase-producing bacterium. It is revealed that A. simplex AKU 626 synthesized 4-HIL from acetaldehyde, alpha-ketobutyrate and L-glutamate with Escherichia coli harboring the branched chain amino acid transaminase gene.

The trapped magnetic field in an HTS bulk is decayed and even erased by the application of an AC magnetic field whose amplitude is much smaller than the maximum trapped magnetic field. In previous experiments, the decay of the trapped magnetic field was shown to be due to the temperature rise of the bulk caused by the AC losses. Especially, in a high frequency magnetic field, AC losses are larger and the decay of the trapped magnetic field is accelerated by this AC loss increase. We investigated the time relationships of the AC loss of the HTS bulk in a high frequency magnetic field using the thermal equilibrium equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study investigating the production of (R)-(S)-β-phenylalanine through stereoselective degradation for Variovorax species JH2 and Arthrobacter species. Stereoselective trans-amination was the first step in the (S)-isomer degradation while for the (R)-isomer degradation was oxidative deamination. Results of the resting cell reactions with vigorous shaking was presented.

2′-Deoxyribonucleosides are important as building blocks for the synthesis of antisense drugs, antiviral nucleosides, and 2′-deoxyribonucleotides for polymerase chain reaction. The microbial production of 2′-deoxyribonucleosides from simple materials, glucose, acetaldehyde, and a nucleobase, through the reverse reactions of 2′-deoxyribonucleoside degradation and the glycolytic pathway, was investigated. The glycolytic pathway of baker’s yeast yielded fructose 1,6-diphosphate from glucose using the energy of adenosine 5′-triphosphate generated from adenosine 5′-monophosphate through alcoholic fermentation with the yeast. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate was further transformed to 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate in the presence of acetaldehyde by deoxyriboaldolase-expressing Escherichia coli cells via d-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. E. coli transformants expressing phosphopentomutase and nucleoside phosphorylase produced 2′-deoxyribonucleosides from 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate and a nucleobase via 2-deoxyribose 1-phosphate through the reverse reactions of 2′-deoxyribonucleoside degradation. Coupling of the glycolytic pathway and deoxyriboaldolase-catalyzing reaction efficiently supplied 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate, which is a key intermediate for 2′-deoxyribonucleoside synthesis. 2′-Deoxyinosine (9.9 mM) was produced from glucose, acetaldehyde, and adenine through three-step reactions via fructose 1,6-diphosphate and then 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate, the molar yield as to glucose being 17.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigated 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate production through coupling of the alcoholic fermentation system of baker's yeast and deoxyriboaldolase-expressing Escherichia coli (E. coli). Baker's yeast generates fructose 1,6-diphosphate from glucose and inorganic phosphate, and the E. coli convert the fructose 1,6-diphosphate into 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate through D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. The produced 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate was converted to 2-deoxyribose.

In this work we present numerical analysis results of the magnetization loss in a perpendicular AC magnetic field. The numerical analysis is based on the relation of the linkage magnetic flux to current distribution, and takes into account the Jc - B characteristic, and n value-B characteristic. We discuss the relation between the magnetization losses with striated superconducting tape and the semicylindrical intrinsic critical current density distribution across the width of the superconducting tape. The result shows that the magnetization loss of monocore superconducting tape in a low magnetic field is affected by the intrinsic semicylindrical critical current density distribution. With a striated structure, the influence of the intrinsic critical current density distribution is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally and numerically investigated the characteristics of the AC losses in Bi2223/Ag sheathed tape by the phase difference between the transport current and external magnetic field perpendicular and parallel to the tape face. The characteristics can be explained by the time evolution of the current density distributions of the cross section of superconducting tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to produce ( R)- or ( S)-β-phenylalanine ethyl ester (3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid ethyl ester, BPAE) from racemic BPAE through stereoselective hydrolysis was screened for in BPAE-assimilating microorganisms. Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5 and Arthrobacter sp. 219D2 were found to be potential catalysts for ( R)- and ( S)-BPAE production, respectively. On a 24-h reaction, with 2.5% (w/v) racemic BPAE (130 mM) as the substrate and wet cells of Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5 as the catalyst, 1.15% (w/v) ( R)-BPAE (60 mM) with enantiomeric purity of 99% e.e. was obtained, the molar yield as to racemic BPAE being 46%. On a 48-h reaction, with 2.5% (w/v) racemic BPAE (130 mM) as the substrate and wet cells of Arthrobacter sp. 219D2 as the catalyst, 0.87% (w/v) ( S)-BPAE (45 mM) with enantiomeric purity of 99% e.e. was obtained, the molar yield as to racemic BPAE being 35%. The enzyme stereoselectively hydrolyzing ( S)-BPAE was purified to homogeneity from the cell-free extract of Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5. The enzyme was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of about 42,000. The enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of β-phenylalanine esters, while the common aliphatic and aromatic carboxylate esters were not catalyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the bioprocessing of compounds to be used as catalyst for green chemistry in Japan. The procedure were taken in different steps, first, is the screening for biological reactions among versatile and diversity of micro-organisms. This bioprocess development were done to further discover unique metabolic processes, reactions and metabolism of microbe's enzymes.

Conjugated fatty acids have attracted much attention as a novel type of biologically beneficial functional lipid. Some isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduce carcinogenesis, atherosclerosis, and body fat. Considering the use of CLA for medicinal and nutraceutical purposes, a safe isomer-selective process is required. The introduction of biological reactions for CLA production could be an answer. We screened microbial reactions useful for CLA production, and found several unique reactions in lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria produced CLA from linoleic acid. The produced CLA comprised a mixture of cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (18:2) and trans-9,trans-11-18:2. Lactobacillus plantarum AKU 1009a was selected as a potential CLA producer. Using washed cells of L. plantarum AKU 1009a as a catalyst, CLA production from linoleic acid reached 40 mg/ml under the optimized conditions. The CLA-producing reaction was found to consist of two successive reactions, i.e., hydration of linoleic acid to 10-hydroxy-12-octadecenoic acid and dehydrating isomerization of the hydroxy fatty acid to CLA. On the basis of these results, the transformation of hydroxy fatty acids by lactic acid bacteria was investigated. Lactic acid bacteria transformed ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid) to CLA (a mixture of cis-9,trans-11-18:2 and trans-9,trans-11-18:2). Castor oil, which is rich in the triacylglycerol form of ricinoleic acid, was also found to act as a substrate for CLA production by lactic acid bacteria with the aid of lipase-catalyzed triacylglycerol hydrolysis. L. plantarum AKU 1009a produced conjugated trienoic fatty acids from α- and γ-linolenic acid. The trienoic fatty acids produced from α-linolenic acid were identified as cis-9,trans-11,cis-15-octadecatrienoic acid (18:3) and trans-9,trans-11,cis-15-18:3. Those produced from γ-linolenic were cis-6,cis-9,trans-11-18:3 and cis-6,trans-9,trans-11-18:3. The conjugated trienoic fatty acids produced from α- and γ-linolenic acid were further saturated by L. plantarum AKU 1009a to trans-10,cis-15-18:2 and cis-6,trans-10-18:2, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The pathogenesis of reexpansion pulmonary edema is not yet fully understood. We therefore studied its mechanism in a rat model in which the left lung was collapsed by bronchial occlusion for 1 h and then reexpanded and ventilated for an additional 3 h. We then evaluated the production of reactive oxygen species in the lungs using fluorescent imaging and cerium deposition electron microscopic techniques and the incidence of apoptosis using the TdT-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. We found that pulmonary reexpansion induced production of reactive oxygen species and then apoptosis, mainly in endothelial and alveolar type II epithelial cells. Endothelial cells and alveolar type I and II epithelial cells in the reexpanded lung were positive for TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3. DNA fragmentation was also observed in the reexpanded lung. In addition, wet-dry ratios obtained with reexpanded lungs were significantly higher than those obtained with control lungs, indicating increased fluid content. All of these effects were attenuated by pretreating rats with a specific xanthine oxidase inhibitor, sodium (-)-8-(3-methoxy-4-phenylsulfinylphenyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine-4(1H)-one. It thus appears that pulmonary reexpansion activates xanthine oxidase in both endothelial and alveolar type II epithelial cells and that the reactive oxygen species produced by the enzyme induce apoptosis among the endothelial and alveolar type I and II epithelial cells that make up the pulmonary water-air barrier, leading to reexpansion pulmonary edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a retrospective analysis to establish a statistical model for the prediction ofPneumocystispneumonia (PCP) in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD) undergoing medium- or high-dose corticosteroid therapy, to identify independent risk factors for PCP and to evaluate the efficacy of the prophylactic use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) against PCP. One hundred and twenty-four patients who were receiving the equivalent of or more than 30?mg/day of prednisol-one (PSL) were classified into two groups according to the presence (prophylaxis group,n= 46) or absence (nonprophylaxis group,n= 78) of prophylactic TMP/SMX. We developed a statistical model that was suitable for predicting the development of PCP using a logistic regression analysis. The initial steroid dosage, decreased peripheral blood lymphocyte counts at 2 weeks (<500/µl), and usage of immunosuppressant during 2 weeks after the institution of PSL (=30?mg/day) were found to independently contribute to the development of PCP. Finally, in the patient group with a defined risk for PCP, a significant prophylactic effect of TMP/SMX was demonstrated. We recommend the prophylactic use of TMP/SMX for patients with CTD undergoing medium- or high-dose corticosteroid therapy who are determined to have a high risk of developing PCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium is a fatty acid hydroxylase exhibiting selectivity for long-chain substrates (12–20 carbons). Replacement of Phe87 in P450 BM-3 by Val (F87V) greatly increased its activity towards a variety of aromatic and phenolic compounds. The apparent initial reaction rates of F87V as to benzothiophene, indan, 2,6-dichlorophenol, and 2-(benzyloxy)phenol were 227, 204, 129, and 385 nmol min−1 nmol−1 P450, which are 220-, 66-, 99-, and 963-fold those of the wild type, respectively. These results indicate that Phe87 plays a critical role in the control of the substrate specificity of P450 BM-3. Furthermore, F87V catalyzed regioselective hydroxylation at the para position of various phenolic compounds. In particular, F87V showed high activity as to the hydroxylation of 2-(benzyloxy)phenol to 2-(benzyloxy)hydroquinone. With F87V as the catalyst, 0.71 mg ml−1 2-(benzyloxy)hydroquinone was produced from 1.0 mg ml−1 2-(benzyloxy)phenol in 4 h, with a molar yield of 66%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports the involvement of homotropic cooperativity in indole hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450 BM-3 under alkaline conditions. Stimulant of the activity; Influence of the environment of the binding site on cooperativity; Potential of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases for environmental treatment, drug design and pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis.

Abstract: Background: Little is known about the mechanism of the paraplegia produced by metastatic spinal tumors, although the quality of life of patients with paraplegia caused by malignant tumors depends to a great extent on treatment of the paraplegia. We previously established an experimental model of malignant femoral tumors by transplanting VX2 carcinoma into the femur, and we have reported the efficacy of chemical embolic therapy, radiotherapy and hyperthermal therapy in treating the tumors in the model. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to establish an animal model of metastatic spinal tumors by transplanting VX2 carcinoma into a pedicle and to analyze the mechanism of the paraplegia produced by metastatic spinal tumors. Study design: An experimental study. Methods: VX2 carcinoma that had been successively transplanted to the thigh muscles of Japanese White rabbits in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Kyorin University School of Medicine was used. The third lumbar vertebra of 37 healthy rabbits was exposed, and a piece of VX2 carcinoma was transplanted into a hole created in the pedicle with an air drill after transplantation. The animals were examined every other day. As soon as paraplegia developed, the animals were sacrificed, and the axial localization of the tumor was evaluated based on the surgical staging of the spinal tumor (SSST classification by Tomita). Roentgenographic, histological and angiographic studies were also performed. Results: Twenty-two rabbits (60%) had paraplegia at the time of the final examination. Seventeen of them had complete paraplegia, and the other five had incomplete paraplegia. The average interval until incomplete paraplegia developed was 18.4±4.3 days, and the average interval until complete paraplegia developed was 30.0±4.3 days. The average proportion of the diameter of the spinal canal occupied by the tumor was 37.2±4.9% in the incomplete cases, and 70.6% in the complete cases. The radiographs revealed an osteolytic area in the pedicle and posterior border of the third lumbar vertebra in the rabbits with complete paraplegia, but no osteolytic areas were detected in the rabbits with incomplete paraplegia. According to the SSST classification, the lesions of all of the rabbits with paraplegia were classified as stage IV. Pathological studies revealed that the spinal cord generally exhibited degenerative change, especially at the site of tumor compression. No tumor cells had invaded the spinal cord. Microangiography showed a marked reduction in blood vessels in the gray matter of the spinal cord in the complete paraplegia in comparison with incomplete paraplegia. Conclusion: Our method succeeded in establishing a model of metastatic spinal tumors, because the natural history of the disease, including the anatomical location of the tumors and the imaging findings, was similar to the natural history in clinical cases. This model was useful for elucidating the pathogenetic mechanism of the paraplegia caused by metastatic spinal tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Here we report on pyramidal and reticulospinal excitation in forelimb motoneurons in the adult mouse using intracellular recordings in vivo. The results have been obtained in BALB/C mice, which were anesthetized with midazolam fentanyl/fluanison. In contrast to the rat, only weak and infrequent pyramidal excitation could be evoked with a minimal trisynaptic linkage. Disynaptic reticulospinal excitation could always be evoked, as well as monosynaptic excitation from the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The results suggest that the reticulospinal pathway in the mouse is important in voluntary motor control of the forelimbs and that the role of the corticospinal tract might be different in mouse compared with rat. Our study provides an opening for studying the effect of genetic manipulation on specified descending systems in the mouse in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production from castor oil, in which the main fatty acid component is ricinoleic acid, were investigated using washed cells of Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1551 as the catalyst. In the presence of lipase, castor oil became an effective substrate for CLA production by the bacterium. Lipase M “Amano” 10 supported CLA production most effectively among the lipases tested. The addition of a detergent, especially Lubrol PX, enhanced the CLA production. The CLA produced comprised a mixture of two isomers, i.e. cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (CLA1) and trans-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (CLA2). Under the optimum conditions (1.0 M sodium citrate buffer, pH 6.0, 37 °C) with castor oil as the substrate and washed cells of L. plantarum (12%, wet cell w/v) as the catalyst, 2.7 mg/ml CLA was produced from 5.0 mg/ml castor oil in 99 h (productivity, 0.027 mg/ml/h), and 7.5 mg/ml CLA from 30 mg/ml castor oil in 171 h (productivity, 0.044 mg/ml/h). In the former case, the CLA produced accounted for 45.5% of the total fatty acids obtained, and consisted of CLA1 (26%) and CLA2 (74%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel cytochrome c and a catalase-peroxidase with alkaline peroxidase activity were purified from the culture supernatant of Bacillus sp. No.13 and characterized. The cytochrome c exhibited absorption maxima at 408 nm (Soret band) in its oxidized state, and 550 (α-band), 521 (β-band), and 415 (Soret band) nm in its reduced state. The native cytochrome c with a relative molecular mass of 15,000 was composed of two identical subunits. The cytochrome c showed over 50 times higher peroxidase activity than those of known c-type cytochromes from various sources. The optimum pH and temperature of the peroxidase activity were about 10.0 and 70 °C, respectively. The peroxidase activity is stable in the pH range of 6.0 to 10.8 (30 °C, 1-h treatment), and at temperatures up to 80 °C (pH 8.5, 20-min treatment). The heme content was determined to be 1 heme per subunit. The amino acid sequence of the cytochrome c showed high homology with those of the c-type cytochromes from Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sp. PS3. The catalase-peroxidase showed high catalase activity and considerable peroxidase activity, the specific activities being 55,000 and 0.94 μmol/min/mg, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature of the peroxidase activity were in the range of 6.4 to 10.1 and 60 °C, respectively. The catalase-peroxidase showed a lower Km value (0.67 mM) as to H2O2 than known catalase-peroxidases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An enzyme showing alkaliphilic laccase activity was purified from the culture supernatant of Myrothecium verrucaria 24G-4. The enzyme was highly stable under alkaline conditions, showed an optimum reaction pH of 9.0 for 4-aminoantipyrine/phenol coupling, and decolorized synthetic dyes under alkaline conditions. It showed structural and catalytic similarities with bilirubin oxidase, but preferably oxidized phenolic compounds. The enzyme catalyzed veratryl alcohol oxidation at pH 9.0 with 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as a mediator, suggesting that the laccase mediator system functioned well under alkaline conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Compared with LTS materials, HTS materials have some peculiarities affecting AC loss characteristics of the conductors. We measured the AC transport current losses in YBCO thin film coated conductors and a Bi2223/Ag sheathed tape. Comparing the measured data with analytical calculations, the dependence of the AC transport current losses on the n value and critical current density distributions are studied. It is shown that, considering the n values and Jc distributions, the peculiarities in the HTS materials can be taken into consideration and the transport current losses in HTS conductors can be calculated by the same analytical method used for LTS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The gene encoding a deoxyriboaldolase (DERA) was cloned from the chromosomal DNA of Klebsiella pneumoniae B-4-4. This gene contains an open reading frame consisting of 780 nucleotides encoding 259 amino acid residues. The predicted amino acid sequence exhibited 94.6% homology with the sequence of DERA from Escherichia coli. The DERA of K. pneumoniae was expressed in recombinant E. coli cells, and the specific activity of the enzyme in the cell extract was as high as 2.5 U/mg, which was threefold higher than the specific activity in the K. pneumoniae cell extract. One of the E. coli transformants, 10BS/pTS8, which had a defect in alkaline phosphatase activity, was a good catalyst for 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate (DRSP) synthesis from glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde. The E. coli cells produced DRSP from glucose and acetaldehyde in the presence of ATP. Under the optimal conditions, 100 mM DR5P was produced from 900 mM glucose, 200 mM acetaldehyde, and 100 mM ATP by the E. coli cells. The DRSP produced was further transformed to 2'-deoxyribonucleoside through coupling the enzymatic reactions of phosphopentomutase and nucleoside phosphorylase. These results indicated that production of 2'-deoxyribonucleoside from glucose, acetaldehyde, and a nucleobase is possible with the addition of a suitable energy source, such as ATP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the microbial production of 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate from acetaldehyde and triosephosphate for the synthesis of 2'-deoxyribonucleosides. Amount of 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate produced from 200 mM acetaldehyde and 117 mMdihydroxyacetone phosphate; Reactions that transformed the 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate to 2'-deoxyribonucleoside.

Details a structural analysis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, as well as factors affecting isomer production using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data showing that the bacterium produced two CLA isomers from linoleic acid; Addition of L-serine, glucose, silver nitrate or sodium chloride to the reaction mixture reducing production in the latter.