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Herein, the electron conductivities of [18]annulene and its derivatives are theoretically examined as a molecular parallel circuit model consisting of two linear polyenes. Their electron conductivities are estimated by elastic scattering Green's function (ESGF) theory and density functional theory (DFT) methods. The calculated conductivity of the [18]annulene does not follow the classical conductivity, i.e., Ohm's law, suggesting the importance of a quantum interference effect in single molecules. By introducing electron-withdrawing groups into the annulene framework, on the other hand, a spin-polarized electronic structure appears, and the quantum interference effect is significantly suppressed. In addition, the total current is affected by the spin polarization because of the asymmetry in the coupling constant between the molecule and electrodes. From these results, it is suggested that the electron conductivity as well as the quantum interference effect of π-conjugated molecular systems can be designed using their open-shell nature, which is chemically controlled by the substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese consumers are generally characterized as preferring high marbling in beef and pork and choosing domestic products. However, the Japanese food market is not homogenous. Understanding the diversity of Japanese consumers will provide benefits for the optimization of meat production and distribution in Japan. This article focuses on three factors affecting purchasing decisions and eating satisfaction, namely, requirements, sensory perception, and eating preferences, in order to understand the diversity of Japanese consumers in a simplified manner. Diversity was observed in Japanese consumers in all three of these factors (requirements, perception, and preference) using a questionnaire survey, sensory and biological procedures, and an eating preference test. These diversities are due to not only sociodemographic characteristics but also biological and physiological factors, background culture, and individual attitudes and criteria. Although consumer variation based on sociodemographic characteristics is of course important, it is equally important to understand diversity by focusing on the individual differences among consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most meningiomas grow intracranially, and primary intraosseous meningioma is rarely reported. We present two rare surgical cases of giant intraosseous meningothelial meningioma. The first patient was a 35-year-old male with parietal skull deformity without neurological symptoms. Total resection was successful. The origin was the parasagittal intraosseous layer, and the superior sagittal sinus was partially opened. The second patient was a 20-year-old female with a slightly upward protrusion of the frontal skull without pain or neurological deficits. The lesion was totally resected, and the origin was the parasagittal intraosseous layer invading into the dura matter and subcutaneous layer. The clinical management of these cases presented a surgical challenge because of detachment and repair from venous sinuses. The current report provides surgical tips for such rare diseases and is a good reference for the future treatment of similar diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the electrical properties of amorphous In2O3 thin-film transistors (TFTs) measured under various environments without annealing treatment. Although the as-deposited TFT showed superior semiconducting properties in air (μsat: 32.7 cm2 V−1 s−1, Ion/Ioff: 4.2 × 108, ss: 0.54 V/dec), its current–voltage (I–V) characteristics changed drastically after evacuation. The capacitance–voltage (C–V) characterization revealed that the transition of the TFT properties from semiconducting to metallic might be caused by the reduction of electron trap states. In addition, the observed peak C–V behavior suggested that large amounts of oxygen ion impurities are included in the film that may not diffuse out even after evacuation. The transition of the TFT properties is thus caused by O2 desorption due to the In2O3 on the surface rather than that inside the film. The large amounts of ion impurities present in the as-deposited In2O3 film need to be controlled for the realization of future room-temperature TFT fabrication technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we assessed the relative sensory perception of Wagyu beef using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS), which is a dynamic sensory method that captures the "dominance of sensation" throughout food consumption. In addition, we checked the integrity of the TDS by comparing the TDS results with a physicochemical analysis. Strip loins were obtained from 24‐ and 28‐month‐old Japanese Black cattle ("Wagyu") and were cooked by grilling (yakiniku) or boiling (shabu‐shabu). Temporal dominance of sensations was then used to evaluate the four types of samples. "Tender and/or soft," "juicy," "dry," "fat melting," "fat taste," "umami," "sweet taste," and "butter odor" were dominant in at least one of the sample types, with the yakiniku cooking method highlighting texture‐ and fat‐related sensory characteristics, and the shabu‐shabu cooking method highlighting flavor‐related sensory characteristics. In addition, beef obtained from the 24‐month‐old Wagyu was significantly more "dry" than that of the 28‐month‐old cattle, reflecting their different cooking loss. Temporal dominance of sensations successfully demonstrated the dominant sensory perceptions of Wagyu beef prepared with different cooking methods and fattening periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sensory perception is a dynamic process occurring sequentially. The dynamic analysis of the perception of sensory characteristics in meat is important to understand complex meat sensory characteristics. Temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) is a dynamic sensory method that captures the 'dominance of sensations' throughout food consumption, and it is possible to calculate the relative contribution of various sensory characteristics by 'dominance rate' over time. The objective of this study was to assess the major sensory characteristics of the dynamic sensory perception of pork loin. Using the TDS, we evaluated pork loins derived from pigs with different genetic and feeding backgrounds. Moreover, we checked the integrity of the TDS by comparing the TDS results with a descriptive sensory analysis and a physico‐chemical analysis. RESULTS: Seven types of pork loin were evaluated by TDS, and 'tender and/or soft,' 'tough and/or hard,' 'juicy,' 'dry,' 'fat melting,' 'smoothness,' 'sourness,' 'umami,' and 'beast odors' became dominant in at least one type of pork loin. The dynamics of the perception of pork sensory characteristics was also depicted by TDS. In addition, TDS and descriptive analysis demonstrated similarity in principal component analysis. CONCLUSION: TDS demonstrated the major sensory characteristics on the dynamic sensory perception of pork loin. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accelerate cheese ripening, two non-starter lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei strain EG9 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides strain FM1, were isolated from ripened cheeses. The growth of EG9 at 10°C was not affected by 1.7% (w/v) sodium chloride, whereas the growth of Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei JCM8130t was suppressed. FM1 produced a higher amount of free amino acids (FAA) than Leu. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides ATCC82931 in a skim milk culture. Experimental cheeses were produced to examine the effect of isolate additions on cheese ripening. The total FAA content of the cheese was significantly increased with EG9 addition during ripening. The parameters of a taste sensor were not affected by EG9 addition, but the pH and water content were significantly lower, and the texture showed greater hardening. It was suggested that EG9 is useful to accelerate FAA production in cheese without influencing taste sensor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanisms of strain-specific probiotic effects and the impact of the oral administration of probiotic strains on the host’s gene expression are not yet well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the strain-specific effects of probiotic strain intake on gene expression in the murine small intestine. Two distinct strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (GG) and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis C59 (C59), were orally administered to BALB/c mice, daily for 2 weeks. The total RNA was isolated from the upper (including the duodenum) and lower (the terminal ileum) small intestine, and gene expression was assessed by microarray analysis. The data revealed (1) oral administration of C59 and GG markedly down-regulated the expression of genes encoding fibrinogen subunits and plasminogen in the upper small intestine; (2) administration of more than 1 × 107 CFU/day of GG changed the gene expression of the host ileum. (3) strain- and dose-related effects on various GO biological processes; and (4) enrichment for B cell-related Gene Ontology terms among up-regulated genes in the terminal ileum of mice administered the 1 × 109 CFU/day of GG. The distinct effects of GG and C59 on gene expression in the intact small intestine provide clues to understand how the health beneficial effects of specific strains of probiotic bacteria are mediated by interactions with intestinal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Over the past few decades, beef producers in Japan have improved marbling in their beef products. It was recently reported that marbling is not well correlated with palatability as rated by Japanese consumers. This study sought to identify the consumer segments in Japan that prefer sensory characteristics of beef other than high marbling. RESULTS Three Wagyu beef, one Holstein beef and two lean imported beef longissimus samples were subjected to a descriptive sensory test, physicochemical analysis and a consumer ( n = 307) preference test. According to consumer classification and external preference mapping, four consumer segments were identified as 'gradual high-fat likers', 'moderate-fat and distinctive taste likers', 'Wagyu likers' and 'distinctive texture likers'. Although the major trend of Japanese consumers' beef preference was 'marbling liking', 16.9% of the consumers preferred beef samples that had moderate marbling and distinctive taste. The consumers' attitudes expressed in a questionnaire survey were in good agreement with the preference for marbling among the 'moderate-fat and distinctive taste likers'. CONCLUSION These results indicate that moderately marbled beef is a potent category in the Japanese beef market. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have examined epithelial attachment to zirconia and the proliferative ability of epithelial cells on zirconia surfaces. Purpose To evaluate the adhesion properties of zirconia materials for epithelial cell attachment and compare this with titanium and alumina. Materials and Methods Human oral epithelial cells were cultured on smooth-surfaced specimens of commercially pure titanium ( cpTi), ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nano-composite ( P- NANOZR), yttria-stabilized zirconia ( Cercon), and alumina oxide (in Coris AL). The cell morphology, the cell viability and mRNA of integrin β4, laminin γ2, catenin δ2, and E-cadherin were evaluated by SEM, Cell- Counting Kit-8, and real-time PCR, respectively. Results Morphology of cells attached to specimens was similar among all groups. The viable cell numbers on Cercon and in Coris AL after 24 hours culture were significantly higher than for cpTi. Integrin β4, laminin γ2, and catenin δ2 mRNA expression was not different among all groups. However, at 3 and 24 hours after incubation, E-cadherin mRNA expression in the P- NANOZR group was significantly higher than for cpTi. Conclusion Zirconia may support binding of epithelial cells through hemidesmosomes comparable with titanium. Furthermore, P- NANOZR may impart resistance to exogenous stimuli through strong intercellular contacts with peri-implant mucosal cells when used as an abutment and implant superstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the performance of a xenon chloride ring amplifier locked by backward stimulated Brillouin scattering. Use of a master oscillator and a ring amplifier; Discussion on the grazing angle of incidence of the holographic grating; Overview of the beam divergences.

Key message : Stomatal regulation involves beneficial effects of pruning mulch and irrigation on leaf photosynthesis in Prunus yedoensis and Ginkgo biloba under moderate drought. G. biloba showed conservative water use under drought. Abstract: Leaf photosynthesis is highly sensitive to soil water stress via stomatal and/or biochemical responses, which markedly suppress the growth of landscape trees. Effective irrigation management to maintain leaf photosynthesis and information on species-specific photosynthetic responses to soil water stress are essential for the sustainable management of landscape trees in Japan, in which summer drought often occurs. In order to investigate effective irrigation management, we used plants with moderate soil water stress as controls, and examined the effects of daily irrigation and pruning mulch on leaf photosynthesis in container-grown Ginkgo biloba and Prunus yedoensis, which are the first and second main tall roadside trees in Japan. Stomatal conductance was significantly increased by pruning mulch and daily irrigation, with similar increases in leaf photosynthesis being observed in P. yedoensis and G. biloba. In order to obtain information on species-specific photosynthetic responses to soil water stress, we compared the responses of leaf photosynthesis and leaf water status to reductions in soil water content (SWC) between the two species. G. biloba maintained a constant leaf water potential, leaf water content, maximum carboxylation rate, and electron transport rate with reductions in SWC, whereas reductions were observed in P. yedoensis. We concluded that pruning mulch and irrigation effectively offset the negative impact of moderate water stress on leaf photosynthesis in summer in P. yedoensis and G. biloba via stomatal regulation, and also that G. biloba maintained its photosynthetic biochemistry and leaf water status better than P. yedoensis under severe water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attachment of lactic acid bacteria to the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract is a major property of probiotics. Here, we examined the ability of 21 lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from traditional fermented milk products in Mongolia to adhere to porcine gastric mucin in vitro. Higher attachment was observed with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains 6-8 and 8-1 than with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (positive control). Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris strain 7-1 adhered to mucin as effectively as did strain GG. Heat inactivation decreased the adhesive ability of strains 6-8 and 8-1 but did not affect strain 7-1. The adhesion of strains 6-8, 7-1 and 8-1 was significantly inhibited when the cells were pretreated with periodate and trypsin, indicating that proteinaceous and carbohydrate-like cell surface compounds are involved in the adhesion of these strains. The adhesion of strain 7-1 was affected by the type of carbohydrate present in the growth medium, being higher with fructose than with lactose, galactose or xylose as the carbon source. The sugar content of 7-1 cells grown on various carbohydrates was negatively correlated with its adhesive ability. We provide new probiotic candidate strains and new information regarding carbohydrate preference that influences lactic acid bacterial adhesion to mucin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional mediator that is involved in a variety of pathologic and physiologic processes. Few studies have addressed the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), especially Lactococcus lactis strains used in dairy products, on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction as a component of the host's gastrointestinal immune response. We investigated the ability of L. lactis strains to induce NO synthesis in the murine macrophage-like cell line J774.1 and in peritoneal macrophages from mice. The degree of NO induction was specific to the L. lactis strain used. Compared with the no-treatment control, heat treatment of L. lactis cells decreased NO and TNF-α levels but further stimulated interleukin (IL)-12 production. Adding L. lactis cells to peritoneal macrophages dose-dependently increased the production of NO and IL-10 but decreased that of IL-12p70. Adding L. lactis cells to interferon-γ-stimulated J774.1 cells enhanced cell death and the production of NO and IL-12p40, whereas addition of 1400W, a specific inhibitor of iNOS, decreased NO production and cell death. Conversely, adding 1400W to J774.1 cells further enhanced IL-12p40 production, suggesting that IL-12 production is perturbed by excess endogenous NO. IL-12 production is thought to be a marker of improved immunostimulation. Our results suggest that IL-12 production could be increased by limiting endogenous NO production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is a long chain carbon synthetic polymer. The objective of this study was to improve the bioactivity of PVDC films through surface modification using argon (Ar) ion bombardment to create Ar-modified PVDC films (Ar-PVDC) to address the clinical problems of guided bone regeneration (GBR), which is technique-sensitive, and low bone regenerative ability. First, the effects of Ar ion bombardment, a low temperature plasma etching technique widely used in industry, on PVDC film wettability, surface chemistry, and morphology were confirmed. Next, fibroblast-like and osteoblast-like cell attachment and proliferation on Ar-PVDC were assessed. As a preclinical in vivo study, Ar-PVDC was used to cover a critical-sized bone defect on rat calvaria and osteoconductivity was evaluated by micro-computed tomography analysis and histological examinations. We found that the contact angle of PVDC film decreased by 50° because of the production of -OH groups on the PVDC film surface, though surface morphological was unchanged at 30 min after Ar ion bombardment. We demonstrated that cell attachment increased by about 40 % and proliferation by more than 140 % because of increased wettability, and 2.4 times greater bone regeneration was observed at week 3 with Ar-PVDC compared with untreated PVDC films. These results suggest that Ar ion bombardment modification of PVDC surfaces improves osteoconductivity, indicating its potential to increase bone deposition during GBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in porcine MX2 gene affect its antiviral potential. MX proteins are known to suppress the multiplication of several viruses, including influenza virus and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). In domestic animals possessing highly polymorphic genome, our previous research indicated that a specific SNP in chicken Mx gene was responsible for its antiviral function. However, there still has been no information about SNPs in porcine MX2 gene. In this study, we first conducted polymorphism analysis in 17 pigs of MX2 gene derived from seven breeds. Consequently, a total of 30 SNPs, of which 11 were deduced to cause amino acid variations, were detected, suggesting that the porcine MX2 is very polymorphic. Next, we classified MX2 into eight alleles (A1-A8) and subsequently carried out infectious experiments with recombinant VSVΔG*-G to each allele. In A1-A5 and A8, position 514 amino acid (514 aa) of MX2 was glycine (Gly), which did not inhibit VSV multiplication, whereas in A6 and A7, 514 aa was arginine (Arg), which exhibited the antiviral ability against VSV. These results demonstrate that a SNP at 514 aa (Gly-Arg) of porcine MX2 plays a pivotal role in the antiviral activity as well as that at 631 aa of chicken Mx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various bacteria have been found in raw cow's milk, and identifying milk microflora and its functions is critical for maintaining cow health and farm hygiene. Although studies on pathogens and spoilage bacteria in milk have been widely reported, the relationship between milk bacteria, including nonpathogenic bacteria, and the bovine udder is poorly understood. We investigated milk microflora over 1 year using a culture-dependent method and culture-independent analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Among 240 isolates, Lactococcus lactis (81/240) was predominant. The predominant genera were Lactococcus, Stenotrophomonas, Microbacterium, Chryseobacterium, Serratia and Pseudomonas. Among seven strains belonging to these predominant genera, two strains of L. lactis (ssp. lactis and ssp. cremoris) exhibited the highest adherence to bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (BMECs) derived from the bovine udder; 3.4 % of the inoculated bacteria adhered to BMECs. This was followed by Serratia sp. (1.6 %), Microbacterium sp. (0.8 %), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (0.5 %), Pseudomonas sp. (0.3 %) and Chryseobacterium sp. (0.1 %). The two L. lactis isolates exhibited higher adherence to BMECs than type strains and isolates of various origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the findings of a study which investigated the transfer and distribution of radionuclide tissues from radiation-contaminated livestock feed. It notes that the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan necessitated research of radiocesium distribution in tissues of beef cattle in order to ensure the safety of meat. The experiment confirmed that levels of radioactive Cesium were highest in the kidneys and lowest in subcutaneous adipose tissue of contaminated cattle.

ABSTRACT It is considered that high-fat beef is more 'tender' than low-fat beef in Japanese consumers. However, 'tenderness' which has been an important beef characteristic, has not been commonly defined. ISO5492:1992 provides internationally established items for sensory texture analysis with simple definitions, and the items classified under 'chewiness' and 'hardness' as defined in the international standard are characterized as useful texture descriptors for beef. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intramuscular fat on beef texture using the ISO5492 texture vocabulary. Longissimus muscles were harvested from Holstein × Japanese black F1 beef steers with different intramuscular fat levels and were subjected to sensory tests by a trained panel using ISO5492:1992 texture terms. Correspondence analysis indicated that the intramuscular fat level was related to both 'chewiness' and 'hardness' and the intensities of these characteristics decreased as intramuscular fat increased. These findings suggest that intramuscular fat improves both 'chewiness' and 'hardness' as defined in ISO5492:1992. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impressions and purchasing intentions of Japanese consumers regarding pork produced by 'Ecofeed', a trademark of food-waste or co-product animal feeds certified by the Japanese government, were investigated by a questionnaire on the Internet. 'Ecofeed' did not elicit specific impressions as compared to domestic, imported, Kurobuta (in Japan), and specific pathogen-free (SPF) pork. Purchasing intent for 'Ecofeed' pork was the second lowest of the five pork products. Knowledge and purchasing experience regarding 'Ecofeed' pork was the lowest of the five pork products. Respondents were classified into four categories according to their impressions of 'Ecofeed' pork. The largest category of respondents did not have any specific impression of 'Ecofeed' pork and had little knowledge of pork farming. A category that had a positive impression for 'Ecofeed' pork had high knowledge of the pork farming system. In order to establish 'Ecofeed' pork in Japan, our results suggest that information disclosure and education about 'Ecofeed', its certification system, environmental benefits and the current self-efficiency ratio of animal feed, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT To assess the role of muscle fiber type in beef taste-traits, we analyzed cooked meats from bovine masseter, diaphragm, psoas major, longissimus thoracis, and semitendinosus muscles with an electric taste sensing system (INSENT SA402B). The system is composed of five taste sensors of polymer membranes fixing different lipids. The sensors, CT0, CA0, AAE, C00 and AE1 are designed to respond to the individual tastes of salty, sour, umami, bitter and astringent, respectively. The system found significant differences in the converted outputs of CA0 (cvCA0), C00 (cvC00) and AE1 (cvAE1) among the bovine muscles. The slow-type muscles (masseter and diaphragm) showed lower cvCA0, higher cvC00, and higher cvAE1 than did the fast-type muscles (psoas major, longissimus thoracis, and semitendinosus). Lactic acid content was different among muscle types and was highly related to the cvCA0 output and pH. carbonyl compounds and free fatty acids were higher in the slow-type muscles. Free fatty acids were major components causing the difference in the C00 output among the muscle types. Iron content was also different among the muscle types and related to the cvC00 and cvAE1 outputs. These results suggested that the muscle fiber type affects the beef taste characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of oral administration of a lactococcal strain on physiological changes associated with ageing were investigated using senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). SAM develop normally, but then show an early onset and irreversible advancement of senescence. SAMP6 is a SAM strain that develops osteoporosis with ageing. Oral administration of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris H61 (strain H61) to aged SAMP6 mice was associated with reduced bone density loss, a suppression of incidence of skin ulcers and reduced hair loss, compared with controls. Spleen cells from mice fed strain H61 produced more interferon-?? and IL-12 than those from control mice, suggesting that administration of strain H61 altered immune responses. The numbers of viable cells of Bifidobacterium sp., Bacteroides sp. and Enterococcus sp. in faeces were similar for mice fed the strain H61 and control diets, but counts for Staphylococcus sp. were significantly lower (P??

The effect of insulin on the ascorbate recycling system in the chicken liver was examined. First, insulin was injected subcutaneously into the chicken, and liver glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase (GSH-DHAR) activity was determined. Insulin increased liver GSH-DHAR activity, but did not affect plasma and liver ascorbate concentration. Dehydroascorbate increased plasma and liver ascorbate levels, and liver GSH-DHAR activity. However, distinct changes in plasma insulin level were not observed by dehydroascorbate injection. In addition, reduction of external dehydroascorbate in cultured chicken hepatocytes could not be observed in an insulin-deprived culture, although the cells reduced external dehydroascorbate in a serum-free culture with insulin. We concluded that insulin affects the ascorbate recycling system as an essential factor in the chicken liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A questionnaire study examining Japanese consumers’ requirements for beef quality was carried out in April 2002 in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. Answers from 532 participants were used for the statistical analysis. Twenty questions about sensory properties, appearance, safety and freshness, production area, price, and other properties were prepared. The answers were applied to principal component analysis. Five principal components were obtained and defined, and the principle component scores were used to classify participants. The panels were classified into four groups profiled as ‘specific quality orientated’, ‘Wagyu (Japanese beef) orientated’, ‘safety and freshness orientated’ and ‘overall high quality orientated’. In addition, gender and age characteristics were different among the groups. Sensory properties did not affect the classification of respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meal distribution of proteins throughout the day is usually skewed. However, its physiological implications and the effects of better protein distribution on muscle volume are largely unknown. Here, using the two-meals-per-day feeding model, we find that protein intake at the early active phase promotes overloading-induced muscle hypertrophy, in a manner dependent on the local muscle clock. Mice fed branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-supplemented diets at the early active phase demonstrate skeletal muscle hypertrophy. However, distribution-dependent effects are not observed in Clock Δ19 or muscle-specific Bmal1 knockout mice. Additionally, we examined the relationship between the distribution of proteins in meals and muscle functions, such as skeletal muscle index and grip strength in humans. Higher muscle functions were observed in subjects who ingested dietary proteins mainly at breakfast than at dinner. These data suggest that protein intake at breakfast may be better for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. [Display omitted] • Distribution of dietary protein across meals influences muscle hypertrophy • BCAAs are involved in hypertrophic effects of protein feeding distribution • Hypertrophic effects of protein feeding distribution require the muscle clock • Breakfast protein intake is correlated with skeletal muscle functions in older women Aoyama et al. show that the distribution of protein intake across meals affects muscle hypertrophy. The distribution-dependent effects require a muscle clock. A higher skeletal muscle index and grip strength were observed in older women who habitually consume a high-protein diet at breakfast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been active research on the optical quadratic nonlinearity that appears in poled glass, its origin has not been clarified. There have been many reports on bulk glass but little research on poled glass thin film waveguides. Waveguide structures are important for future applications to optical IC devices, and clarifying the origin of the nonlinearity is very important. In this work we report experiments on phase-matched blue second-harmonic generation in a corona-poled Corning 7059 glass film waveguide with a titanium sapphire laser as a fundamental wave and investigate the origin of its nonlinearity. After relaxation of the nonlinearity optical constant once the poling has been measured, the analysis is performed using a biexponential function, and the origin is elucidated by separating the fast and the slow relaxation components. In particular, an etching experiment has been carried out noting the latter component, and it has been shown that the charge distribution generated in the waveguide by the poling and the interface between the glass film and glass substrate play important roles in generating quadratic nonlinearity. It has also been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy that sodium diffuses in Pyrex glass substrate as a result of poling. © 1999 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 82(8): 53–61, 1999 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel monolithic waveguide laser is proposed in which Q-switch operation is possible by the electro-optic effect with poled-polymer films as the waveguide. The characteristics are numerically obtained. Since Nd3+:YLF crystal with an index of refraction lower than those of other laser crystals is used, it is possible to use a polymer film as the waveguide. Due to the long fluorescent life of Nd3+:YLF, an effective Q-switch operation is possible. In this paper, the optimum waveguide parameters are determined by numerical simulation and the gain and the operating voltage of the electro-optic modulation are computed. The effect of the guided wave loss is taken into account. It is found that laser oscillation is possible with excitation of only several milliwatts even under a relatively large loss of 1 dB/cm. Also, by using the directional coupler configuration using the process capability of the polymer film as the Q-switch electro-optic modulator, a giant pulse with a peak power of 0.46 kW can be obtained with an excitation optical input of 100mW and an operating voltage of 38.5 V. © 1998 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 81(2): 9–18, 1998 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic dye-doped polymer optical fiber amplifiers (POFA) are fabricated and their amplification characteristics are investigated. Rhodamine 6G, Rhodamine B, and Perylene Red are used as organic dyes for optical amplification. The amplification of optical signals at 571 nm, 591 nm, and 621 nm wavelengths is confirmed through pumping by the second harmonic of a pulse-operated Nd : YAG laser. It is shown that very high output powers can be achieved by increasing the caliber of Rhodamine B doped POFA. One-kW optical signal output (30 dB gain) is obtainable at dye doping of 1 ppm, 500-μm core radius, and POFA length of 250 mm. The conversion efficiency of such a high output amplifier is 27 percent. The POFAs are advantageous over liquid-dye lasers because they are easily handled. Multistage POFAs in the form of joint POFAs are proposed as new light source systems and their oscillation characteristics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-crystal thin-film of 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA), which is an organic compound with a very large optical nonlinearity was formed on a pyrex substrate. Using the structure as a waveguide, the phase-marched second harmonic generation (SHG) of a YAG laser (wavelength 1.064 µm) was observed. The phase-matching was achieved utilizing the TE Mode phase-dispersion of the guided wave. This is the first report where MNA thin-film is used a waveguide. The conversion efficiency for SHG is estimated as approximately 0.3 percent for the input power of 10 W, waveguide-length of 2 mm and beam diameter of 0.2 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence is found for coupled guided- and surface polariton-modes, in a slab-type waveguide with a silver thin layer on top of it. The phase-matched condition for the second harmonic generation (SHG), due to the fundamental and surface polariton modes, is determined. In waveguides of this structure, the realization of long propagation-length (i.e., long interaction-length) is possible in a waveguide with energy storage (Corning glass 7059), to compensate for the losses due to excitation of plasma polaritons. The generation of the phase matched second harmonics due to the surface polaritons is experimentally observed. The waveguide is tapered perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The theoretical phase matched condition between the fundamental and second harmonic waves is determined for a specific silver thickness on top of the slab waveguide. This phase-matched condition is confirmed experimentally. The output of a Q switched Nd: YAG laser is used as the fundamental wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]