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Abstract Porous Si was applied as the anode material to all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with Li 3 PS 4 electrolyte. The ball-milled porous Si composite anode exhibited a high capacity retention over 90 % at 100 cycles. In contrast, the poorer cycle stability was observed for the non-porous Si composite anodes. The structural models were proposed to consistently explain all the cycle characteristics. We believe that the pores in Si particles relieved the large volume change during the lithiation and delithiation, resulting in the high capacity retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In Japan, there is a need for development of functional foods that contribute to the maintenance and improvement of health in the elderly. Scope and approach In April, 2015, Consumer affairs Agency launched a new food labeling system known as “ Food with Function Claims (FFC) .” Under this system, industry and agricultural producers independently evaluate scientific evidence on agricultural and marine health foods and describe the functional properties that warrant health claims to promote informed use by consumers. To clarify the effects of functional foods on human health, the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) implemented the “Research Project on Development of Agricultural Products and Foods with Health-Promoting Benefits.” Key findings and conclusions As of May 26, 2017, 931 functional foods were classified as FFC. We demonstrated that Satsuma mandarins are rich in β-cryptoxanthin and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The Japanese tea cultivar Benifuuki is rich in O -methylated catechins , which are present at low levels in common green tea, and has anti-allergic effects. Satsuma mandarins and Benifuuki green tea were subsequently released as FFC in 2015. We elucidated the health-promoting effects of functional agricultural products to produce healthy boxed lunches and established a database of functional agricultural products. There is a need for additional FFC, including processed foods, that contain only raw materials from agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyslipidaemia is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Green tea catechins are known to have cholesterol-lowering effects. We investigated the beneficial effects of “Benifuuki,” containing O -methylated catechin, on cardiovascular risk factors, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. One-hundred fifty-five participants who met the inclusion criteria were divided into 3 groups: “Benifuuki,” “Yabukita,” or barley infusion drinkers. We evaluated the changes in parameters after 12 weeks. Serum LDL cholesterol levels in the “Benifuuki”-consuming participants were significantly lower than those in barley infusion-consuming participants without a green tea habit. Furthermore, the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 containing apolipoprotein B (LAB) levels in “Benifuuki” drinkers were significantly lower than those in the barley infusion group and the “Benifuuki” baseline LAB level. In participants without a green tea habit, “Benifuuki” significantly reduced the serum LDL cholesterol level and the LAB levels compared to those observed after barley infusion consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The development of new methods for the formation of noble-metal-free fuel cell catalysts is currently important in order to provide active catalysts and to realize fuel cell advancements. We attempted the one-pot physical–chemical vapor deposition of iron phthalocyanine (FePc) on the surface of high-surface-area carbon particles as the substrate. This method enabled loading of FePc on the carbon material and concurrent heat treatment, resulting in the formation of carbon–carbon composite nanoparticles with a catalytic activity for the cathodic oxygen reduction, which functioned in a cathode in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The increasing temperature rate during the heat treatment, arranging the FePc–substrate configuration and simply adjusting their ratio controlled the amount of the loading and the thickness of the carbonaceous film, which was demonstrated by the transmission electron microscope images and the pore structure analysis. The catalytic activity was dependent on these parameters. The partial retention of the center structure of the FePc (Fe–N x moiety) in the carbonaceous thin film was indicated by the Fe-K edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure. The results of this study also showed the possibility of coating various kinds of nanoparticles with functional carbonaceous thin films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside (D3G) is a water-soluble anthocyanin with antioxidant activity. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is also known as a powerful antioxidant but concomitantly possesses a prooxidative property. We hypothesized that D3G is capable of protecting the EGCG-induced cytotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via inducing self-protective proteins and antioxidant enzymes. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (200-500 μM) dose dependently decreased the viability of hepa1c1c-7 mouse hepatocytes, whereas D3G (50-500 μM) did not change it. Pretreatment with D3G significantly suppressed EGCG-induced cytotoxicity in a time-dependent manner (0, 6, and 24 hours). (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate drastically decreased heme oxygenase-1 and heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, whereas, pretreatment with D3G markedly attenuated their down-regulations. Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside remarkably decreased EGCG-induced ER stress responses such as C/EBP-homologus protein mRNA expression and X-box–binding protein-1 mRNA splicing. Taken together, our data suggest that D3G is capable of masking the EGCG-induced cytotoxicity and ER stress, presumably through up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Japan is a major tea producing country, and green tea is known for its health benefits which are believed to be due to catechins. However, difficulties in maintaining an adequate amount of catechins in the blood have been reported. Another important health-promoting activity among the Japanese is bathing in hot springs. This pilot study examined whether the combined effects of green tea consumption and hot spring bathing improved absorption of green tea catechins. The study, with a comparative within-subject design involving two different intervention trials—green tea consumption with hot spring bathing and only green tea consumption—was conducted on 2 separate days. Plasma levels of catechin; (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) were analyzed from four volunteers. Plasma EGCG concentration was found to be higher for the combined trial of green tea consumption and hot spring bathing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Compressive pressure applied during the operation of all-solid-state batteries that employ a sulfide solid electrolyte (SE) assists particle contact, thereby maintaining the ionic and electronic conduction network. The relationship between compressive pressure and volume variation in active materials is critical for designing practical full-cells with enhanced cell-based energy densities. However, studies into these aspects are rare. Here, we systematically investigate the effects of volume change of active materials [silicon, graphite, and LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 (NMC)] at different pressures (75 and 50 MPa) on electrochemical performance, cell internal resistance, and microstructure of full-cells with a thin SE layer (approximately 75-μm-thick). Pressurization at 75 MPa and use of graphite with lower expansion ratios improves capacity and capacity retentions. Increasing variation in the negative electrode volume increases charge-transfer resistance and crack formation in the NMC-composite layer. This indicates that the buffering effect via the elastic deformation of the thin SE layer is insufficient. Pressure facilitates plastic deformation of Li x Si and SE, resulting in their improved contact, while perpendicular cracks appear throughout the Si-composite layer, effectively alleviating stress derived from variations in the volume of Si. This study provides important mechanistic insights into the design of advanced active materials and batteries required for industrial applications. Image 1 • Effects of volume variations in active materials under pressure on cells are studied. • High compressive pressure and low volume variation improve cell performance. • Volume variation of Si affects opposite electrode via thin solid electrolyte layer. • Pressure heals fine cracks and forms large perpendicular cracks in Si electrodes. • Pressure facilitates contact of Li x Si and solid electrolyte via plastic deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After fertilization, sperm and oocyte nuclei are rapidly remodeled to form swollen pronuclei (PN) in mammalian zygotes, and the proper formation and function of PN are key to producing totipotent zygotes. However, how mature PN are formed has been unclear. We find that filamentous actin (F-actin) assembles in the PN of mouse zygotes and is required for fully functional PN. The perturbation of nuclear actin dynamics in zygotes results in the misregulation of genes related to genome integrity and abnormal development of mouse embryos. We show that nuclear F-actin ensures DNA damage repair, thus preventing the activation of a zygotic checkpoint. Furthermore, optogenetic control of cofilin nuclear localization reveals the dynamically regulated F-actin nucleoskeleton in zygotes, and its timely disassembly is needed for developmental progression. Nuclear F-actin is a hallmark of totipotent zygotic PN, and the temporal regulation of its polymerized state is necessary for normal embryonic development. • Filamentous actin is a hallmark of pronuclei in mouse zygotes • Polymerized nuclear actin is important for embryonic development • Zygotic nuclear F-actin is required for efficient DNA damage repair • The timely disassembly of nuclear F-actin is key to subsequent development Okuno et al. demonstrate that actin filaments assemble in the pronuclei of totipotent mouse zygotes. Zygotic nuclear F-actin regulates the proper formation and functions of pronuclei. Perturbations of the zygotic nuclear F-actin dynamics affect DNA damage responses in zygotes, leading to abnormal embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • No calves born to Theileria -infected dams were PCR positive at 0 and 30-day-old. • 9.6% calves born to Theileria -infected dams became detectable at 3-month-old. • The vertical transmission took as long as 3 months to become detectable by PCR. • T. orientalis Ikeda subtype was vertically transferred to 13.0% of the calves. • T. orientalis Chitose subtype was vertically transferred to 5.5% of the calves. Abstract Bovine theileriosis, caused by Theileria orientalis , is endemic from East Asia to Oceania. Even though the disease is mainly transmitted by Haemaphysalis ticks, the T. orientalis parasite can also be transmitted vertically. To develop proper control measures, the frequency of each transmission route must be elucidated. However, the frequency of vertical transmission, including transplacental transmission, of T. orientalis in naturally infected cattle is still controversial. This study aimed to clarify the frequency of the vertical transmission of T. orientalis in naturally infected cattle. Blood samples were collected from 204 T. orientalis -infected dams and their 211 newborn calves (including 7 sets of twins) within the first 24 h as well as 30 days after birth. Furthermore, 31 and 24 calves born to T. orientalis -infected and uninfected dams, respectively, were continuously surveyed for infection until 5 months of age. A total of 5 (2.4%) dams were diagnosed with mild anemia, whereas most of the dams were asymptomatic based on hematological examination and clinical signs. PCR analysis was performed on whole blood to determine the presence of T. orientalis in calves, and no calves were PCR positive 0 and 30 days after birth. However, 9.6% and 0% of the calves born to T. orientalis -infected and uninfected dams, respectively, tested positive at 3 and 5 months of age. The sampled calves were fed in-house, and the survey was conducted during the cold season; thus, horizontal transmission through blood-sucking insects rarely occurred. Therefore, the vertical transmission of T. orientalis took as long as 3 months to become detectable by PCR and occurred in approximately 10% of field cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Metabolic syndrome and the presence of metabolic syndrome components are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between personality traits and metabolic syndrome remains controversial, and few studies have been conducted in East Asian populations.Methods: We measured personality traits using the Japanese version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (Revised Short Form) and five metabolic syndrome components-elevated waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose-in 1322 participants aged 51.1±12.7years old from Kakegawa city, Japan. Metabolic syndrome score (MS score) was defined as the number of metabolic syndrome components present, and metabolic syndrome as having the MS score of 3 or higher. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between personality traits and metabolic syndrome components and multiple regression analyses to examine the relationship between personality traits and MS scores adjusted for age, sex, education, income, smoking status, alcohol use, and family history of CVD and diabetes mellitus. We also examine the relationship between personality traits and metabolic syndrome presence by multiple logistic regression analyses.Results: "Extraversion" scores were higher in those with metabolic syndrome components (elevated waist circumference: P=0.001; elevated triglycerides: P=0.01; elevated blood pressure: P=0.004; elevated fasting glucose: P=0.002). "Extraversion" was associated with the MS score (coefficient=0.12, P=0.0003). No personality trait was significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome.Conclusions: Higher "extraversion" scores were related to higher MS scores, but no personality trait was significantly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copper-indium-sulfide (CIS) ternary colloids capped with thioglycolic acid were directly prepared in water, and these hydrophilic colloids were strongly adsorbed on the TiO 2 to form CIS-TiO 2 photoelectrodes without ligand-exchange. Furthermore, the photoelectrodes were modified with indium sulfide and/or zinc sulfide phases via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). The preferable CIS-TiO 2 photoelectrode exhibited the photo-conversion efficiency (PCE) yielding with 4.39%, which is the highest value among the solar cell employing CIS colloids prepared in water at room temperature. The origin of high solar cell performance is attributed to the post surface modifications: the SILAR treatment by In 3+ /S 2− ions improves light absorption of CIS and cathodic shift of the Fermi level due to the reduction of vacancies, while that by Zn 2+ /S 2− ions forms passivation layers for blocking the back electron transfer at the interface between the electrode and electrolyte for retarding charge-recombination. The synergetic effects by surface modifications of the CIS-TiO 2 thus improved the PCE of the solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient synthesis of 1,3-diarylindenes has been achieved from propargylic alcohols containing aromatic rings via gold-catalyzed dehydrative Friedel–Crafts reaction followed by gold-catalyzed Nazarov cyclization. The reaction proceeds via allene intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pru av 2, a pathogenesis-related (PR) protein present in the sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L.) fruit, is the principal allergen of cherry and one of the chief causes of pollen food syndrome (oral allergy syndrome). In this study, a quantitative assay for this protein was developed with the use of the protein absolute quantification (AQUA) method, which consists of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) employing TGC[CAM]STDASGK[ 13 C 6 , 15 N 2 ], a stable isotope-labelled internal standard (SIIS) peptide. This assay gave a linear relationship ( r 2 > 0.99) in a concentration range (2.3–600 fmol/μL), and the overall coefficient of variation (CV) for multiple tests was 14.6%. Thus, the contents of this allergenic protein in sweet cherry products could be determined using this assay. This assay should be valuable for allergological investigations of Pru av 2 in sweet cherry and detection of protein contamination in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein NP24 is a thaumatin-like protein contained in tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). This protein is reported to be a putative tomato allergen and is listed as a food allergen in Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP). In this research, we developed the quantitative analysis of NP24 by employing the protein absolute quantification (AQUA) technology composed of stable isotope-labelled internal standard (SIIS) peptide (GQTWVINAPR[ 13 C 6 , 15 N 4 ]) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A linear relationship ( r 2 > 0.99) was found throughout the concentration range (2.0–500 fmol/μL). The coefficients of variation (CVs) measured on each of the five days when NP24 contained in the tomato skin was analysed did not exceed 13%. Our developed assay of NP24 will contribute to the allergological examination of tomato and its derived products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Serum diamine oxidase (DAO) level is employed as a useful marker of intestinal mucosal integrity. As reported previously, the range of serum DAO levels in women is wider than that in men. We hypothesized that the menstrual cycle may affect DAO levels. Design and methods: Thirty-six women of Japanese descent were recruited. All participants, aged 20–29years, were healthy. Food surveys utilized in this study were based on questionnaires validated by dietitians. Complete blood counts, biochemical parameters, female hormones, and serum DAO levels during the follicular and luteal phases were measured in each subject. Results: Biochemical parameters, except for DAO levels, were comparable between the two phases. However, serum DAO levels during the luteal phase were significantly higher than those during the follicular phase. Conclusions: Serum DAO levels were influenced by the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, our findings suggest that serum DAO levels should be interpreted cautiously in premenopausal women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]