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The telescope of the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory has a primary mirror with a diameter in 6.5m. In order to fabricate the reflecting film initially on the mirror surface and to maintain its optical performance over a long period, a mirror{coating facility will be installed in operation building beside enclosure of the telescope at the summit of Co. Chajnantor (5,640m). The facility consists of mirror coating chamber, cleaning unit for stripping off the old film and clean-up the mirror, and a cart with a lifter for handling the primary mirror cell. Almost all equipment, including the main chamber, was completed by early 2020 and engaged as a mirror coating facility. In order to optimize the coating parameters, comprehensive performance tests were carried out (without primary mirror cell which plays a role of a part of chamber). The evaluation items are how long it takes to reach the target vacuum level and parameters of the current, voltage, and application time during ion bombardment and aluminization. Through iterating test, we were able to obtain each parameter that ultimately met the requirements of the TAO telescope mirror.

One of remarkable features of the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) is an altitude of the site (5,640 m.a.s.l.) While this provides us an excellent condition for astronomical observations, the site development is attended with difficulty due to the hard conditions such as low pressure, low temperature, and limited access. Site preparation for the TAO 6.5 m telescope started in Apr. 2018. Firstly, we have constructed an access road from Pampa la bola plateau (~ 5,000 m.a.s.l) to the summit. It has a width of < 6.5 meter for transportation of telescope parts including the 6.5meter mirror. In order to prevent collapse, angle of side slope is carefully determined based on ground condition and frozen soils. All workers always use oxygen during their work as a measure against hypobaropathy. Since the site temperature in night is lower than 0 degree even in the summer season, it is difficult to ensure quality of foundation concrete if we cast it in-situ. We use pre-cast concrete for the foundation of the telescope, the enclosure, and the support building. The biggest part is the telescope foundation. It has a weight of 600 ton. Considering the transportation to the summit, it is divided into 43 parts and unified at the summit. This is a new trial to make a massive foundation for a large telescope with pre-cast concrete.

The Mid-Infrared Multi-field Imager for gaZing at the UnKnown Universe (MIMIZUKU) is developed as the first-generation mid-infrared instrument for the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) 6.5-m telescope. MIMIZUKU performs medium-band imaging and low-resolution spectroscopy in 2-38 microns and enables highest-spatial-resolution observations in the long-wavelength mid-infrared beyond 25 microns. In addition, MIMIZUKU has a unique opto-mechanical device called ‘Field Stacker’, which enables us to observe a distant (

Ice rich permafrost is observed at Chajnantor volcano (5,640m a.s.l.) on the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) site. Presence or absence of the permafrost is considered to be requested quite different engineering skills for their infrastructures. Lower altitude boundary is reported to be above 5,079m a.s.l. and maximum active (thawing) layer is 14cm. Minimal seasonal temperature variation, small active layer thickness as the consequences of low numbers of thawing and freezing degree days. Diurnal amplitude results in freeze-thaw cycles only near the surface. Severe frost shattering occurs near the ground surface, producing a dusty, fine-material horizon called a hyper-cryogenic layer. The importance of the snow-covered season for providing great protection for surface energy penetration. Many permafrost hazards are expecting in this construction site such as frost heaving, subsiding, mass movements, erosion, chemical weathering, frost shattering, embankment instability, and

The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory Project is to construct a 6.5 m infrared-optimized telescope at the summit of Co. Chajnantor (5640 m altitude) in northern Chile. The telescope optics uses a Ritchey-Chretien type layout, with an under-sized secondary mirror to reduce stray light caused by thermal emission from the telescope structure. The primary mirror is a F/1.25 lightweight borosilicate glass (Ohara E6) mirror with honeycomb structure, which is developed by Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab. The telescope has two Nasmyth foci and two folded-Cassegrain foci, which can be switched by rotating a tertiary mirror. The final focal ratio is 12.2 with a field of view of 25 arcmin in diameter. The telescope mount is a tripod-disk alt-azimuth mount. Both the azimuth and elevation axes are supported by and run on hydrostatic bearings, and they are driven by friction drives with servo motors, which are controlled by the telescope control system. It also controls the hexapod mount of the secondary mirror and the pneumatic actuators of the primary mirror support to keep good image quality during the observation. An off-axis Shack-Hartmann sensor installed in each focus measures the wavefront aberration of the telescope optics, then the misalignment between the secondary and primary mirrors is corrected by adjusting the hexapod mount while other aberrations are corrected by the deformation of the primary mirror. The force distribution of the actuators for correction will be calculated by fitting the wave-front errors with a series of bending modes of the primary mirror.

Institute of Astronomy, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo is promoting the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory Project, which is to construct an infrared-optimized 6.5m telescope at the summit of Co. Chajnantor (5640m altitude) in northern Chile. The high altitude and dry climate (PWV-0.5mm) realize transparent atmosphere in the infrared wavelength. The project is now approaching the final phase of the construction. Production of major components are almost completed: Production and preassembly test of a telescope mount and dome enclosure have been completed in Japan, and they are being transported to Chile. Three mirrors, the 6.5m primary, 0.9m secondary, and 1.1m-0.75m tertiary mirrors and their support systems have been all completed and tested in the USA. An aluminizing chamber have been fabricated in China, and its tests have been carried out in Japan. Development of two facility instruments, SWIMS and MIMIZUKU, are also completed. They were transported to the Subaru telescope, successfully saw the first light in 2018, and are confirmed to have the performance as designed. On-site construction work at the summit is now underway. Expansion of a summit access road from the ALMA concession was completed in 2019. Installation of foundation will follow, and then erection of the dome enclosure and a control building. The construction works are delayed by COVID-19, and we expect to complete the dome enclosure by Q3 of 2021. The telescope will be installed inside the dome and see the engineering first light by early 2022.

Radar and optical simultaneous observations of meteors are important to understand the size distribution of the interplanetary dust. However, faint meteors detected by high power large aperture radar observations, which are typically as faint as 10 mag. in optical, have not been detected until recently in optical observations, mainly due to insufficient sensitivity of the optical observations. In this paper, two radar and optical simultaneous observations were organized. The first observation was carried out in 2009 to 2010 using Middle and Upper Atmosphere Radar (MU radar) and an image-intensified CCD camera. The second observation was carried out in 2018 using the MU radar and a mosaic CMOS camera, Tomo-e Gozen, mounted on the 1.05-m Kiso Schmidt Telescope. In total, 331 simultaneous meteors were detected. The relationship between radar cross sections and optical V-band magnitudes was well approximated by a linear function. A transformation function from the radar cross section to the V-band magnitude was derived for sporadic meteors. The transformation function was applied to about 150,000 meteors detected by the MU radar in 2009--2015, large part of which are sporadic, and a luminosity function was derived in the magnitude range of $-1.5$ to $9.5$ mag. The luminosity function was well approximated by a single power-law function with the population index of $r = 3.52{\pm}0.12$. The present observation indicates that the MU radar has capability to detect interplanetary dust of $10^{-5}$ to $10^{0}$ g in mass as meteors., Comment: Accepted for publication in Planetary & Space Science. 20 pages, 8 figures

Introduction Intensive case management is an essential component of community mental health care system for people with severe mental illness. We examined the association of service types with previous and future functioning and hospital admissions using a longitudinal data, to clarify the case managers’ activity. Methods The study included baseline assessment, recording and analysis of services, and follow-up assessment. At the baseline and follow-up assessments, we examined functioning (ie, Personal and Social Performance Scale: PSP) and hospital admission of users for past periods. For recording and analysis of services, we recorded services provided by case managers over 2 months, and five core services were used for the analyses: regular face-to-face contact, outreach services, hospital-based (outpatient) services, and easy contacts and coordination. Results Outreach services were significantly associated with hospital admissions at baseline and follow-up assessments. Hospital-based services were significantly associated with lower PSP scores and hospital admission at follow-up assessment. Easy contacts and coordination were associated with lower PSP scores at follow-up assessment. Conclusion In Japan, most services are provided in the outpatient department of hospital, and outreach services are relatively time consuming for case managers; thus, the indications for providing outreach services need to be carefully considered. Therefore, we suggest that case managers provide flexible services to users according to the circumstances in Japan.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of low-dose hCG supplementation on ICSI outcomes and controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cost. Three hundred and thirty patients undergoing ICSI were split into groups according to the COS protocol: (i) control group (n = 178), including patients undergoing conventional COS treatment; and (ii) low-dose hCG group (n = 152), including patients undergoing COS with low-dose hCG supplementation. Lower mean total doses of FSH administered and higher mean oestradiol level and mature oocyte rates were observed in the low-dose hCG group. A significantly higher fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate and blastocyst formation rate were observed in the low-dose hCG group as compared to the control group. The miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the control group compared to the low-dose hCG group. A significantly lower incidence of OHSS was observed in the low-dose hCG group. There was also a significantly lower gonadotropin cost in the low-dose hCG group as compared to the control group ($1235.0 ± 239.0×$1763.0 ± 405.3, p 0.001). The concomitant use of low-dose hCG and FSH results in a lower abortion rate and increased number of mature oocytes retrieved, as well as improved oocyte quality, embryo quality and blastocyst formation and reduced FSH requirements.

Chromatin boundary elements subdivide chromosomes in multicellular organisms into physically independent domains. In addition to this architectural function, these elements also play a critical role in gene regulation. Here we investigated the evolution of a Drosophila Bithorax complex boundary element called Fab-7, which is required for the proper parasegment specific expression of the homeotic Abd-B gene. Using a “gene” replacement strategy, we show that Fab-7 boundaries from two closely related species, D. erecta and D. yakuba, and a more distant species, D. pseudoobscura, are able to substitute for the melanogaster boundary. Consistent with this functional conservation, the two known Fab-7 boundary factors, Elba and LBC, have recognition sequences in the boundaries from all species. However, the strategies used for maintaining binding and function in the face of sequence divergence is different. The first is conventional, and depends upon conservation of the 8 bp Elba recognition sequence. The second is unconventional, and takes advantage of the unusually large and flexible sequence recognition properties of the LBC boundary factor, and the deployment of multiple LBC recognition elements in each boundary. In the former case, binding is lost when the recognition sequence is altered. In the latter case, sequence divergence is accompanied by changes in the number, relative affinity, and location of the LBC recognition elements.

Background: In intensive case management (ICM), users receive a wide variety of services of varying content, which makes it difficult to understand the global features of ICM programs. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the features of ICM programs using network analysis. Methods: A total of 233 ICM users in two Japanese medical institutions were recruited to participate. All received services were recorded for 2 months. In the network analysis, nodes represented types of ICM services and edges between two nodes depicted when over 5% of participants received both types of services. Results: We found high centrality values for ‘H5. Hospital-based counseling’, ‘O13. Outreach support for mental health medications’, ‘H13. Hospital-based support for mental health medication’, ‘T5. Counseling via telecommunication’, ‘H3. Hospital-based coordination of services in the medical institution’ and ‘T2. Coordination of services with other institutions via telecommunication’. These results indicated that these services were associated with various other types of services. Social functioning was related to ‘O13. Outreach support for mental health medication’, whereas need for ICM was related to ‘H13. Hospital-based support for mental health medications’, ‘T5. Counseling via telecommunication’ and ‘T2. Coordination of services with other institutions via telecommunication’ Conclusion: Based on these findings, we speculated that there are at least five types of core services in ICM: regular face-to-face contact, outreach services, hospital-based services, easy contacts and coordination. These findings clarified the features of ICM programs, which may help improve the understanding of case managers’ practice.

Boundaries in the Drosophila bithorax complex (BX-C) enable the regulatory domains that drive parasegment-specific expression of the three Hox genes to function autonomously. The four regulatory domains (iab-5, iab-6, iab-7, and iab-8) that control the expression of the Abdominal-B (Abd-B) gene are located downstream of the transcription unit, and are delimited by the Mcp, Fab-6, Fab-7, and Fab-8 boundaries. These boundaries function to block cross talk between neighboring regulatory domains. In addition, three of the boundaries (Fab-6, Fab-7, and Fab-8) must also have bypass activity so that regulatory domains distal to the boundaries can contact the Abd-B promoter. In the studies reported here, we have undertaken a functional dissection of the Fab-8 boundary using a boundary-replacement strategy. Our studies indicate that the Fab-8 boundary has two separable subelements. The distal subelement blocks cross talk, but cannot support bypass. The proximal subelement has only minimal blocking activity but is able to mediate bypass. A large multiprotein complex, the LBC (large boundary complex), binds to sequences in the proximal subelement and contributes to its bypass activity. The same LBC complex has been implicated in the bypass activity of the Fab-7 boundary.

Nocturnin (NOCT) is a rhythmically expressed protein that regulates metabolism under the control of circadian clock. It has been proposed that NOCT deadenylates and regulates metabolic enzyme mRNAs. However, in contrast to other deadenylases, purified NOCT lacks the deadenylase activity. To identify the substrate of NOCT, we conducted a mass spectrometry screen and report that NOCT specifically and directly converts the dinucleotide NADP+ into NAD+ and NADPH into NADH. Further, we demonstrate that the Drosophila NOCT ortholog, Curled, has the same enzymatic activity. We obtained the 2.7 Å crystal structure of the human NOCT•NADPH complex, which revealed that NOCT recognizes the chemically unique ribose-phosphate backbone of the metabolite, placing the 2′-terminal phosphate productively for removal. We provide evidence for NOCT targeting to mitochondria and propose that NADP(H) regulation, which takes place at least in part in mitochondria, establishes the molecular link between circadian clock and metabolism., Nocturnin is a rhythmically expressed protein that regulates metabolism under the control of circadian clock proposed to function through the deadenylation of metabolic enzyme mRNAs. Here the authors show that Nocturnin and its fly homolog Curled catalyze the removal of 2′-phosphate from NADP+ and NADPH, providing a direct link to metabolic regulation.

Background In Japan, the mental health system has been shifting from hospitalization-based to community-based care; some organizations have gradually begun providing intensive case management (ICM) services. We developed an Intensive Case Management Screening Sheet (ICMSS) to screen for the need for ICM in people with mental illness. Methods The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and discriminative ability of ICMSS. Subjects consisted of 911 people with mental illness. The ICMSS score was rated by a professional such as a nurse, social worker, or occupational therapist. Results Exploratory factor analysis showed a one-factor structure with 14 items. The factor structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis (comparative fit index, 0.98; Tucker–Lewis index, 0.97; root mean square error test of close fit, 0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis for discriminating between users and non-users of ICM services, the area under the curve (AUC) for ICMSS was significantly larger than for Global Assessment of Functioning and Personal and Social Performance Scale, indicating better discriminative ability. However, the AUC for ICMSS was moderate. Thus, we suggest that the need for ICM services is determined by quantitative assessment (i.e., ICMSS) and clinical judgment. Conclusion ICMSS is a brief tool for mental health professionals that will be useful in routine clinical practice. We expect that ICMSS will be used as a measure that reflects the views of professionals from various disciplines in Japanese institutions.

Improving the maximum power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires very high current density and downsizing. Challenging targets, such as 0.66 V at 3.8 A/cm2, have been proposed to achieve a power density of 6.0 kW/L. The internal distributions of PEMFCs are not well understood at such densities; they must be analyzed because cell performance and durability relate to distributions such as temperature, the water content of a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and water saturation in gas diffusion layers. We conducted three-dimensional numerical simulations of a full-scale PEMFC and its short stack at high current densities. Model parameters in the simulations were fitted to reproduce experimental results of common PEMFCs. The material properties of the PEM, cathode catalyst layer, and gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were numerically modified to achieve the target power density. Modifying the GDL markedly improved the cell performance. The simulations estimated in- and through-plane distributions at high current densities; results indicate that gas diffusivity and thermal conductivity of GDLs considerably affect the distributions of PEM temperature and water saturation in the GDL, which relate to cell performance and durability.

In order to further improve power density of PEFC stack, the operations at high current density and high voltage are required in addition to downsizing. To achieve 6.0kW/L around 2030 formulated by NEDO in Japan, the extreme targets such as 0.7V@3.0A/cm2 and 0.66V@3.8A/cm2 being proposed. However, such operations cannot be achieved by the currently common MEA and GDL, and it is difficult to experimentally investigate the issues of internal states at such very high current density. In the present study, we carried out simulation of fuel cell performance by our originally developed software P-Stack. The results indicated that improving GDL properties is very important in addition to enhance performances of PEM and catalyst layer. The most important feature of this software is the employed macroscopic model comprehensively dealing with all the relevant transport phenomena coupled with electrochemical reactions. In anode and cathode channels and GDLs, mass transport of gas and liquid phase are solved by considering the two-phase fluid dynamics with taking into account the effects of phase changing. Here mass transport is coupled with heat and chemical species transport equations. Those all transport phenomena are coupled with electrochemical reactions in the MEA. Electrochemical reactions are modeled by Butler-Volmer equation. The parameters in the equation and other models need to be fitted to reproduce the fuel cell performance with target MEA and GDL for different operating conditions. First, we assembled 1cm2 cell with a typical MEA (PEM: Nafion NR211, Ca/An CL: TKK TEC10E50E 0.3mgPt/cm2, Ca/An GDL: SGL28BC), and then measured I-V and I-R curves under various operating conditions and transient behavior when current density is rapidly increased assuming GDL flooding. These experiments were carried out with massive flow rate and constant temperature, and therefore it can be assumed the in-plane distributions are uniform. In order to reproduce the measured results of the 1cm2 cell by simulation, we second fitted the various simulation parameters including electrochemical parameters and mass transport resistance of cathode catalyst layer and the parameters related to GDL flooding. As a validation of the fitted parameters, we compared measured and calculated I-V and I-R curves for 25cm2 dual serpentine cell with the reference MEA. These calculated results are in good agreement with the measured values. 300cm2 cell with reference MEA were calculated under the conditions: anode RH is 80 %, cathode RH is 40%, cathode stoichiometry is 2.5, back pressure is 150kPa(g) and coolant flow rate is 1.0L/min/cell. The results indicated that the cell voltage decreases more than 200mV at 3.0A/cm2 due to the influence of GDL flooding. We also calculated 300cm2 cell with hypothetically modified MEA in which proton conductivity, catalyst activity, less mass transport resistance, through-plane electric/thermal conductivity of GDL and gas diffusivity of GDL are highly enhanced to achieve 0.7V@3.0A/cm2. Although the details will be discussed in the presentation, it was indicated that the further improvement of gas diffusivity and through-plane thermal conductivity are very important to reduce the GDL flooding, respectively. In addition, short stacks with 30 cells were also calculated to discuss distributions along the stack direction. References [1] Y. Ishigami, W. Waskitoaji, M. Yoneda, K. Takada, T. Hyakutake, T. Suga, M. Uchida, Y. Nagumo, J. Inukai, H. Nishide, M. Watanabe, J. Power Sources 269 (2014) 556-564

Com o objetivo de aumentar as taxas de sucesso das pacientes que são submetidas a técnicas de reprodução humana assistida (RHA), numerosos estudos apresentam como foco a identificação do embrião com maior potencial de implantação. Apesar dos avanços tecnológicos significativos da Medicina Reprodutiva baseados no advento da era da genômica, proteômica e metabolômica (OMICS), técnicas rotineiramente aplicáveis ainda não estão disponíveis. Dessa forma, laboratórios de fertilização in vitro(FIV) de todo o mundo selecionam para transferência embriões humanos cultivados in vitrobaseados em parâmetros morfológicos avaliados em microscopia de luz. Diversos parâmetros morfológicos podem ser avaliados desde o estágio pronuclear até o estágio de blastocisto para embriões humanos cultivados in vitro. De modo geral, independentemente do dia da transferência, tais critérios parecem apresentar valor preditivo de viabilidade embrionária quando avaliados individualmente ou coletivamente. No entanto, a subjetividade da avaliação morfológica, bem como a ampla diversidade de sistemas de classificação embrionária aplicados por diferentes clínicas, implica em resultados contraditórios, tornando extremamente difícil a implementação de um consenso do valor preditivo dos diferentes parâmetros morfológicos avaliados. A otimização da seleção embrionária representa um grande potencial de aumento das taxas de sucesso do tratamento, além de possibilitar a realização da transferência de um número reduzido de embriões, minimizando os riscos derivados de estações múltiplas. In order to increase the success rate of in vitrofertilization cycles, several studies have focused on the identification of the embryo with higher implantation potential. Despite recent advances in the reproductive medicine, based on the OMICs technology, routinely applicable methodologies are still needed. Thus, in most fertilization centers embryo selection for transfer is still based on morphological parameters evaluated under light microscopy. Several morphological parameters may be evaluated, ranging from the pronuclear to blastocyst stage. In general, despite the day of transfer, some criteria are suggested to present a predictive value for embryo viability when analyzed independently or combined. However, the subjectivity of morphological evaluation, as well as the wide diversity of embryo classification systems used by different fertilization centers shows contrasting results, making the implementation of a consensus regarding different morphological criteria and their predictive value a difficult task. The optimization of embryo selection represents a large potential to increase treatment success rates, allowing the transfer of a reduced number of embryos and inimizing the risks of multiple pregnancy.

Chromatin boundaries are architectural elements that determine the three-dimensional folding of the chromatin fiber and organize the chromosome into independent units of genetic activity. The Fab-7 boundary from the Drosophila bithorax complex (BX-C) is required for the parasegment-specific expression of the Abd-B gene. We have used a replacement strategy to identify sequences that are necessary and sufficient for Fab-7 boundary function in the BX-C. Fab-7 boundary activity is known to depend on factors that are stage specific, and we describe a novel ∼700-kDa complex, the late boundary complex (LBC), that binds to Fab-7 sequences that have insulator functions in late embryos and adults. We show that the LBC is enriched in nuclear extracts from late, but not early, embryos and that it contains three insulator proteins, GAF, Mod(mdg4), and E(y)2. Its DNA binding properties are unusual in that it requires a minimal sequence of >65 bp; however, other than a GAGA motif, the three Fab-7 LBC recognition elements display few sequence similarities. Finally, we show that mutations which abrogate LBC binding in vitro inactivate the Fab-7 boundary in the BX-C.

Tomo-e Gozen (Tomo-e) is a wide field optical camera for the Kiso 1.05 m f/3.1 Schmidt telescope operated by the University of Tokyo. Tomo-e is equipped with 84 chips of front-illuminated CMOS image sensors with a microlens array. The field of view is about 20 square degrees and maximum frame rate is 2 fps. The CMOS sensor has 2160x1200 pixels and a size of pixel is 19 microns, which is larger than those of other CMOS sensors. We have evaluated performances of the CMOS sensors installed in Tomo-e. The readout noise is 2.0 e- in 2 fps operations when an internal amplifier gain is set to 16. The dark current is 0.5 e-/sec/pix at room temperature, 290K, which is lower than a typical sky background flux in Tomo-e observations, 50 e-/sec/pix. The efficiency of the camera system peaks at approximately 0.7 in 500 nm.

The Tomo-e Gozen is a wide-field high-speed camera for the Kiso 1.0-m Schmidt telescope, with a field-of-view of 20.7-deg2 covered by 84 chips of 2k x 1k CMOS image sensors with 19-μm pixels. It is capable to take consecutive images at 2-fps in full-frame read with an absolute time accuracy of 0.2 millisecond. The sensors are operated without mechanical coolers owing to a low dark current at room temperature. A low read noise of 2-e- achieves higher sensitivity than that with a CCD sensor in short exposures. Big data of 30-TBytes per night produced in the 2-fps observations is processed in real-time to quickly detect transient events and issue alerts for follow-ups.

The Mid-Infrared Multi-field Imager for gaZing at the UnKnown Universe (MIMIZUKU) is a mid-infrared camera and spectrograph developed as a first-generation instrument on the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) 6.5-m telescope. MIMIZUKU covers a wide wavelength range from 2 to 38 μm and has a unique optical device called Field Stacker which realizes accurate calibration of variable atmospheric transmittance with a few percent accuracy. By utilizing these capabilities, MIMIZUKU realizes mid-infrared long-term monitoring, which has not been challenged well. MIMIZUKU has three optical channels, called NIR, MIR-S, and MIR-L, to realize the wide wavelength coverage. The MIR-S channel, which covers 6.8–26 μm, has been completed by now. We are planning to perform engineering observations with this channel at the Subaru telescope before the completion of the TAO 6.5-m telescope. In this paper, we report the results of the laboratory tests to evaluate the optical and detector performances of the MIR-S channel. As a result, we confirmed a pixel scale of 0.12 arcsec/pix and a vignetting- free field of view of 2./0 1./8. The instrument throughputs for imaging modes are measured to be 20–30%. Those for N - and Q -band spectroscopy modes are 17 and 5%, respectively. As for the detector performance, we derived the quantum efficiency to be 40–50% in the mid-infrared wavelength region and measured the readout noise to be 3000–6000 electrons, which are larger than the spec value. It was found that this large readout noise degrades the sensitivity of MIMIZUKU by a factor of two.

Boundaries (insulators) in the Drosophila bithorax complex (BX-C) delimit autonomous regulatory domains that orchestrate the parasegment (PS)-specific expression of the BX-C homeotic genes. The Fab-7 boundary separates the iab-6 and iab-7 regulatory domains, which control Abd-B expression in PS11 and PS12, respectively. This boundary is composed of multiple functionally redundant elements and has two key functions: it blocks cross talk between iab-6 and iab-7 and facilitates boundary bypass. Here, we show that two BEN domain protein complexes, Insensitive and Elba, bind to multiple sequences located in the Fab-7 nuclease hypersensitive regions. Two of these sequences are recognized by both Insv and Elba and correspond to a CCAATTGG palindrome. Elba also binds to a related CCAATAAG sequence, while Insv does not. However, the third Insv recognition sequences is ∼100 bp in length and contains the CCAATAAG sequence at one end. Both Insv and Elba are assembled into large complexes (∼420 and ∼265–290 kDa, respectively) in nuclear extracts. Using a sensitized genetic background, we show that the Insv protein is required for Fab-7 boundary function and that PS11 identity is not properly established in insv mutants. This is the first demonstration that a BEN domain protein is important for the functioning of an endogenous fly boundary.

Expression of the three bithorax complex homeotic genes is orchestrated by nine parasegment-specific regulatory domains. Autonomy of each domain is conferred by boundary elements (insulators). Here, we have used an in situ replacement strategy to reanalyze the sequences required for the functioning of one of the best-characterized fly boundaries, Fab-7. It was initially identified by a deletion, Fab-71, that transformed parasegment (PS) 11 into a duplicate copy of PS12. Fab-71 deleted four nuclease hypersensitive sites, HS*, HS1, HS2, and HS3, located between the iab-6 and iab-7 regulatory domains. Transgenic and P-element excision experiments mapped the boundary to HS*+HS1+HS2, while HS3 was shown to be the iab-7 Polycomb response element (PRE). Recent replacement experiments showed that HS1 is both necessary and sufficient for boundary activity when HS3 is also present in the replacement construct. Surprisingly, while HS1+HS3 combination has full boundary activity, we discovered that HS1 alone has only minimal function. Moreover, when combined with HS3, only the distal half of HS1, dHS1, is needed. A ~1,000 kD multiprotein complex containing the GAF protein, called the LBC, binds to the dHS1 sequence and we show that mutations in dHS1, that disrupt LBC binding in nuclear extracts, eliminate boundary activity and GAF binding in vivo. HS3 has binding sites for GAF and Pho proteins that are required for PRE silencing. In contrast, HS3 boundary activity only requires the GAF binding sites. LBC binding with HS3 in nuclear extracts, and GAF association in vivo, depend upon the HS3 GAF sites, but not the Pho sites. Consistent with a role for the LBC in HS3 boundary activity, the boundary function of the dHS1+HS3mPho combination is lost when the flies are heterozygous for a mutation in the GAF gene. Taken together, these results reveal a novel function for the iab-7 PREs in chromosome architecture., Author summary Polycomb group proteins (PcG) are important epigenetic regulators of developmental genes in all higher eukaryotes. In Drosophila, these proteins are bound to specific regulatory DNA elements called Polycomb group Response Elements (PREs). Drosophila PREs are made up of binding sites for a complex array of DNA binding proteins, including GAF and Pho. In the regulatory region of the bithorax complex (BX-C), the boundary/insulator elements organize the autonomous regulatory domains, and their active or repressed states are regulated by PREs. Here, we studied functional properties of sequences that constitute the Fab-7 boundary and the adjacent iab-7 PRE. It was previously thought that the sole function of the iab-7 PRE is to recruit PcG proteins in parasegments anterior to PS12 and silence the iab-7 domain. However, we found that the iab-7 PRE also functions as a component of the Fab-7 boundary. The boundary activity of the iab-7 PRE sequence depends upon a large complex called the LBC. We show that it is possible to reconstitute a fully functional boundary by combining the LBC binding sequences in HS1 with the iab-7 PRE. Moreover, its boundary function is independent of its PcG silencing activity.

Chromatin entry sites (CES) are 100- to 1,500-bp elements that recruit male-specific lethal (MSL) complexes to the X chromosome to upregulate expression of X-linked genes in male flies. CES contain one or more ∼20-bp GA-rich sequences called MSL recognition elements (MREs) that are critical for dosage compensation. Recent studies indicate that CES also correspond to boundaries of X-chromosomal topologically associated domains (TADs). Here, we show that an ∼1,000-kDa complex called the late boundary complex (LBC), which is required for the functioning of the Bithorax complex boundary Fab-7, interacts specifically with a special class of CES that contain multiple MREs. Mutations in the MRE sequences of three of these CES that disrupt function in vivo abrogate interactions with the LBC. Moreover, reducing the levels of two LBC components compromises MSL recruitment. Finally, we show that several of the CES that are physically linked to each other in vivo are LBC interactors.

In Yoshii et al. (2014), we described a new method for measuring extragalactic distances based on dust reverberation in active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and we validated our new method with Cepheid variable stars. In this paper, we validate our new method with Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) which occurred in two of the AGN host galaxies during our AGN monitoring program: SN 2004bd in NGC 3786 and SN 2008ec in NGC 7469. Their multicolor light curves were observed and analyzed using two widely accepted methods for measuring SN distances, and the distance moduli derived are $\mu=33.47\pm 0.15$ for SN 2004bd and $33.83\pm 0.07$ for SN 2008ec. These results are used to obtain independently the distance measurement calibration factor, $g$. The $g$ value obtained from the SN Ia discussed in this paper is $g_{\rm SN} = 10.61\pm 0.50$ which matches, within the range of 1$\sigma$ uncertainty, $g_{\rm DUST} = 10.60$, previously calculated ab initio in Yoshii et al. (2014). Having validated our new method for measuring extragalactic distances, we use our new method to calibrate reverberation distances derived from variations of H$\beta$ emission in the AGN broad line region (BLR), extending the Hubble diagram to $z\approx 0.3$ where distinguishing between cosmologies is becoming possible., Comment: Astrophysical Journal Letters accepted

The Drosophila GAGA factor (GAF) has an extraordinarily diverse set of functions that include the activation and silencing of gene expression, nucleosome organization and remodeling, higher order chromosome architecture and mitosis. One hypothesis that could account for these diverse activities is that GAF is able to interact with partners that have specific and dedicated functions. To test this possibility we used affinity purification coupled with high throughput mass spectrometry to identify GAF associated partners. Consistent with this hypothesis the GAF interacting network includes a large collection of factors and complexes that have been implicated in many different aspects of gene activity, chromosome structure and function. Moreover, we show that GAF interactions with a small subset of partners is direct; however for many others the interactions could be indirect, and depend upon intermediates that serve to diversify the functional capabilities of the GAF protein.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and IVF outcomes in Brazilian women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. A prospective study was conducted in the Human Reproduction Department at the ABC University School of Medicine and the Ideia Fertility Institute between December 2010 and April 2012. The patient population was 82 women undergoing assisted reproduction cycles. The MTHFR polymorphisms C677T and A1298C were evaluated and compared with laboratory results and pregnancy rates. The C677T variant was associated with proportions of mature (P=0.006) and immature (P=0.003) oocytes whereas the A1298C variant was associated with number of oocytes retrieved (P=0.044). The polymorphisms, whether alone or in combination, were not associated with normal fertilization, good-quality embryo or clinical pregnancy rates. This study suggests that the number and maturity of oocytes retrieved may be related to the MTHFR polymorphisms C677T and A1298C. It is believed that folate has a crucial function in human reproduction and that folate deficiency can compromise the function of the metabolic pathways it is involved in, leading to an accumulation of homocysteine. The gene MTHFR encodes the 5-MTHFR enzyme, which is involved in folate metabolism, and C677T/A1298C polymorphisms of this gene are related to decreased enzyme activity and consequent changes in homocysteine concentration. Folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinaemia can also compromise fertility and lead to pregnancy complications by affecting the development of oocytes, preparation of endometrial receptivity, implantation of the embryo and pregnancy. In folliculogenesis, hyperhomocysteinaemia can activate apoptosis, leading to follicular atresia and affecting the maturity of oocytes and the quality of embryos cultured in vitro. This study was performed to investigate the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and IVF outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment.

A high performance Pt-free cathode catalyst for polymer electrolyte fuel cells has been synthesized by the multi-step pyrolysis of polyimide fine particles with a diameter of about 100 nm. This cathode catalyst exhibits good fuel cell performance (1.0 A cm−2 at 0.6 V and 80 °C) along with promising durability.

In order to further improve power density of PEFC stack, the operations at high current density and high voltage are required in addition to downsizing. To achieve 6.0kW/L around 2030, the extreme targets such as 0.7V@3.0A/cm2 and 0.66V@3.8A/cm2 being proposed. However, such operations cannot be achieved by the currently common MEA and GDL, and it is difficult to experimentally investigate the issues of internal states at such very high current density. In the present study, we carried out simulation of fuel cell performance by our originally developed software P-Stack. The results indicated that improving GDL properties is very important in addition to enhance performances of PEM and catalyst layer. The most important feature of the software is the employed macroscopic model comprehensively dealing with all the relevant transport phenomena coupled with electrochemical reactions. In anode and cathode channels and GDLs, mass transport of gas and liquid phase are solved by considering the two-phase fluid dynamics with taking into account the effects of phase changing. Here mass transport is coupled with heat and chemical species transport equations. Those all transport phenomena are coupled with electrochemical reactions in the MEA. Electrochemical reactions are modeled by Butler-Volmer equation. The parameters in the equation and other models need to be fitted to reproduce the fuel cell performance with target MEA and GDL for different operating conditions. First, we assembled 1cm2 cell with a typical MEA (PEM: Nafion NR211, Ca/An CL: TKK TEC10E50E 0.3mgPt/cm2, Ca/An GDL: SGL28BC), and then measured I-V and I-R curves under various operating conditions and transient behavior when GDL flooding occurred. These experiments were carried out with massive flow rate and constant temperature, and therefore it can be assumed the in-plane distributions are uniform. In order to reproduce the measured results of the 1cm2 cell by simulation, we second fitted the various simulation parameters including electrochemical parameters and mass transport resistance of cathode catalyst layer and the parameters related to GDL flooding. As a validation of the fitted parameters, we compared measured and calculated I-V and I-R curves for 25cm2 dual serpentine cell with the reference MEA. The figure (a) and (b) show the measured and calculated I-V curves under the different RHs, stoichiometry and back pressure, and it is indicated that the calculated results are in good agreement with the measured values. Figure (c) shows the simulated I-V curves of 300cm2 cell under the conditions: anode RH is 80 %, cathode RH is 40%, cathode stoichiometry is 2.5, back pressure is 150kPa(g) and coolant flow rate is 1.0L/min/cell. In order to clarify the influence of GDL flooding, we carried out calculations with and without the consideration of liquid phase changing. The blue broken line and dots represent the results of the reference MEA. The calculations with GDL flooding (dots) were performed at the few points because they are very time consuming. The results indicated that the cell voltage of the reference MEA decreases more than 200mV at 3.0A/cm2 due to the influence of GDL flooding. In figure (c), red broken line and dots represent the result of hypothetically modified MEA in which proton conductivity, catalyst activity, less mass transport resistance, through-plane electric/thermal conductivity of GDL and gas diffusivity of GDL are highly enhanced to achieve 0.7V@3.0A/cm2. The figure (d) and (e) show the in-plane distribution of temperature of PEM and liquid water saturation in cathode GDL at 3.0A/cm2. Although the details will be discussed in the presentation, it was indicated that the further improvement of gas diffusivity and through-plane thermal conductivity are very important to reduce the GDL flooding and overheat of PEM, respectively. References [1] Y. Ishigami, W. Waskitoaji, M. Yoneda, K. Takada, T. Hyakutake, T. Suga, M. Uchida, Y. Nagumo, J. Inukai, H. Nishide, M. Watanabe, J. Power Sources 269 (2014) 556-564 Figure 1

Understanding the degradation mechanism of Fe/N/C cathode catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is extremely important. In this study, an Fe/N/C catalyst prepared from polyimide nano-particles were placed in an in-situ cell for X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and its Fe K-edge adsorption spectra were recorded during a continuous operation of the fuel cell. The Fe/N/C catalyst used in this study was prepared by pyrolyzing Fe-containing polyimide nano-particles, which were synthesized by the precipitation polymerization of Pyromellitic dianhydride and 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene. The Fe content after the preparation procedure was 0.6 wt%. This catalyst was used to fabricate a membrane and electrode assembly (MEA) with a Pt/C anode and a Nafion 212 membrane. This MEA was installed in a test cell for in-situ X-ray adsorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements, and operated at 0.5 V and 80°C for 8 h monitoring its Fe K-edge adsorption spectra. Fig. 1 shows the changes in the spectra during the fuel cell operation. The valence of the Fe specie at the initial stage was 3+. The spectra gradually changed during the fuel cell operation, suggesting that the dissolution of the Fe species from the active sites. This change could be relevant to the degradation of the cathode catalyst. Acknowledgements This study is financially supported by NEDO. The in-situ XAFS study was carried out at BL36XU in SPring-8 (No. 2016B7907, 2018A7840 and 2018B7907). Figure 1

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is widely used for mapping DNA-protein interactions across eukaryotic genomes in cells, tissues or even whole organisms. Critical to this procedure is the efficient cross-linking of chromatin-associated proteins to DNA sequences that are in close proximity. Since the mid-nineties formaldehyde fixation has been the method of choice. However, some protein-DNA complexes cannot be successfully captured for ChIP using formaldehyde. One such formaldehyde refractory complex is the developmentally regulated insulator factor, Elba. Here we describe a new embryo fixation procedure using the bi-functional cross-linking reagents DSG (disuccinimidyl glutarate) and DSP (dithiobis[succinimidyl propionate). We show that unlike standard formaldehyde fixation protocols, it is possible to capture Elba association with insulator elements in 2–5 h embryos using this new cross-linking procedure. We show that this new cross-linking procedure can also be applied to localize nuclear proteins that are amenable to ChIP using standard formaldehyde cross-linking protocols, and that in the cases tested the enrichment was generally superior to that achieved using formaldehyde cross-linking.

Insulators play a central role in subdividing the chromosome into a series of discrete topologically independent domains and in ensuring that enhancers and silencers contact their appropriate target genes. In this review we first discuss the general characteristics of insulator elements and their associated protein factors. A growing collection of insulator proteins have been identified including a family of proteins whose expression is developmentally regulated. We next consider several unexpected discoveries that require us to completely rethink how insulators function (and how they can best be assayed). These discoveries also require a reevaluation of how insulators might restrict or orchestrate (by preventing or promoting) interactions between regulatory elements and their target genes. We conclude by connecting these new insights into the mechanisms of insulator action to dynamic changes in the three-dimensional topology of the chromatin fiber and the generation of specific patterns of gene activity during development and differentiation.

CO tolerance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell was measured before and after accelerated degradation cell operation in which hydrogen with 200, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm of CO was supplied to the anode and air was supplied to the cathode in the open-circuit condition. The decrease in CO tolerance was more pronounced when the concentration of CO was increased. However, CO tolerance did not decrease when nitrogen, instead of air, was supplied to the cathode. The amount of fluoride ion in the drain water during the cell operation increased when hydrogen containing 500 ppm CO was supplied to the anode, which indicates the decomposition of perfluorocarbon ionomer. It was found that the combination of CO and oxygen deteriorated the ionomer because H 2 O 2 that was produced as a by-product of the oxygen reduction reaction cannot be completely reduced to water. This is due to the decreased surface area of the Pt-Ru alloy catalyst because of CO adsorption, which results in the degradation of the CO tolerance.

A promising method for observing spermatozoa, motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME) enables the evaluation of the nuclear morphology of motile spermatozoa in real time at high magnification and has allowed the introduction of a modified microinjection procedure, intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI). Since its development, several studies have intensively investigated the efficacy of MSOME and IMSI. The objective of the present study is to review the current literature on the MSOME and IMSI techniques. A promising method for observing spermatozoa, motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), enables the evaluation of the nuclear morphology of motile spermatozoa in real time at high magnification and has allowed the introduction of a modified microinjection procedure, intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI). Since its development, several studies have intensively investigated the efficacy of MSOME and IMSI. The objective of the present study is to review the current literature on the MSOME and IMSI techniques.

One major problem for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in commercial applications is the cost and scarcity of platinum, which is used as the cathode catalyst. It is extremely important to develop precious-metal-free cathode catalysts. Our research group has developed preciousmetal-free cathode catalysts based on pyrolysis of polymer precursors such as novolac type phenolic resin. Our carbon catalyst materials are prepared by pyrolyzing mixtures of polymers and metal complexes, rather than metal complexes loaded onto a carbon support surface. This approach could result in high density of active sites and high durability of the resulting catalysts, since the chemical structure of the active sites can be produced both in the bulk and on the surface of the carbon; however, the particle size of the catalyst tends to be large especially if it derives from thermoplastic resin such as novolac. In this study, we have explored the synthesis of precious-metal-free catalyst from polyimide fine particles. Polyimide is a thermo resistive polymer and the morphology of precursor can be retained even after the carbonization; therefore, finer morphology can be expected compared to the case from phenolic resin. Polyimide fine particle was prepared by a synthetic route shown in Fig. 1. By carefully selecting the polymerization condition, fine nano-particles around 100150 nm were successfully prepared as shown in Fig. 2 (a). Thus obtained precursor was converted into a carbon catalyst by pyrolyzing it at 600 C under a N2 flow. As shown in Fig 2 (b), the morphology of the fine particles was successfully retained even after the carbonization at 600 C. The The BET surface area of the resulting carbon was 570 m g. The catalytic activity of the samples was tested by linear sweep voltammetry (5 mV sec) at room temperature with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) in O2 saturated H2SO4. The catalyst was applied onto a glassy carbon electrode using a Nafion solution. Fig 3 shows the RDE voltammograms of the polyimide fine particles before and after the carbonization. It is clearly suggested that the polyimide fine particles becomes catalytically active after the carbonization and such catalyst is a promising materials for the cathode in PEMFCs.

To evaluate the changes in quality of life (QOL) over a 1-year follow-up period in patients submitted to laparoscopic colorectal resection for the treatment of deep endometriosis. A prospective observational cohort study (Canadian Task Force Design Classification II) involving 40 women with intestinal deep endometriosis was conducted between June 2007 and September 2008 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Casa Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Prior to the surgical procedure, all patients received magnetic resonance studies of the pelvis and rectal echoendoscopy, which suggested intestinal involvement of the disease in all cases. The patients received laparoscopic colorectal resections and treatment for other endometriotic lesions. The subjects completed the QOL SF-36 at 3 time points (T0 pre-operatively; T1 6 months post-operatively; and T2 1 year post-operatively). The physical functioning, role physical, social functioning and role emotional subscales evidenced the most substantial median increases for T0, T1 and T2. The pain, general health, vitality and mental health domains showed slight changes and increases in medians but did not increase to the same extent as the previous group. Significant improvements were observed in all domains of the SF-36 throughout the study period (p

In proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack, the water management in the cell is required in order to ensure high cell performance. The water dry-out interferes with the proton migration in the electrode and electrolyte, and the water flooding interferes with the reactant gas transfer in the gas diffusion layer, consequently these phenomena affect the cell performance. One of the approaches to prevent the dry-out, a direct humidified cell with the channel to supply liquid phase water has been considered. In this cell configuration, sufficient water will be supplied to the anode, however the migrated water to the cathode from the anode shall be removed immediately in order to prevent the flooding. In this paper, numerical analysis that includes the behavior of the electrode reaction, heat transfer, gas flow, and evaporation and condensation of water was conducted regarding a direct humidified model cell. The co-flow and counter-flow of fuel and oxidant gases were considered for the pressure conditions of 1 atm and 3 atm. The water distribution in the vapor phase and liquid phase at the oxidant gas and cathode were calculated, and as a result of those, the flooding characteristics for each condition were evaluated.

Simultaneous-color Wide-field Infrared Multi-object Spectrograph, SWIMS, is one of the first generation instruments for University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 6.5m Telescope where almost continuous atmospheric window from 0.9 to 2.5μm appears, thanks to the high altitude and dry climate of the site. To utilize this excellent condition, SWIMS is capable of simultaneous two-color imaging with a field of view of 9’. in diameter and λ/Δλ ~1000 multi-object spectroscopy at 0.9–2.5μm in a single exposure, utilizing a dichroic mirror inserted in the collimated beam. Here, we overview the instrument, report results of its full-assembly tests in the laboratory and present the future plan.

The Tomo-e Gozen is an extremely wide-field optical camera for the Kiso 1.0-m Schmidt telescope. It is capable of taking consecutive frames with a field-of-view of 20 deg2 and a sub-second time-resolution, which are achieved by 84 chips of 2k×1k CMOS sensor. This camera adopts unconventional designs including a lightweight structure, a nonvacuumed and naturally-air cooled system, front-side-illuminated CMOS sensors with microlens arrays, a sensor alignment along a spherical focal plane of the telescope, and massive readout electronics. To develop technical components necessary for the Tomo-e Gozen and confirm a feasibility of its basic design, we have developed a prototype-model (PM) of the Tomo-e Gozen prior to the final-model (FM). The Tomo-e PM is equipped with eight chips of the CMOS sensor arranged in a line along the RA direction, covering a sky area of 2.0 deg2. The maximum frame rate is 2 fps. The total data production rate is 80 MByte sec-1 at 2 fps, corresponding to approximately 3 TByte night-1. After laboratory testing, we have successfully obtained consecutive movie data at 2 fps with the Tomo-e PM in the first commissioning run conducted in the end of 2015.

MIMIZUKU is the first-generation mid-infrared instrument for the university of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) 6.5-m telescope. MIMIZUKU provides imaging and spectroscopic monitoring capabilities in a wide wavelength range from 2 to 38 μm, including unique bands like 2.7-μm and 30-μm band. Recently, we decided to add spectroscopic functions, KL-band mode (λ= 2.1-4.0 μm; R =λ/Δλ ~ 210) and 2.7-μm band mode ( λ= 2.4-2.95 μm; R ~ 620), and continuous spectroscopic coverage from 2.1 to 26 μm is realized by this update. Their optical designing is completed, and fabrications of optical elements are ongoing. As recent progress, we also report the completion of the cryogenic system and optics. The cryogenic system has been updated by changing materials and structures of thermal links, and the temperatures of the optical bench and detector mounting stages finally achieved required temperatures. Their stability against instrument attitude is also confirmed through an inclination test. As for the optics, its gold-plated mirrors have been recovered from galvanic corrosion by refabrication and reconstruction. Enough image quality and stability are confirmed by room-temperature tests. MIMIZUKU is intended to be completed in this autumn, and commissioning at the Subaru telescope and scientific operations on the TAO telescope are planned in 2017 and around 2019, respectively. In this paper, these development activities and future prospects of MIMIZUKU are reported.

The Tomo-e Gozen camera is a next-generation, extremely wide field optical camera, equipped with 84 CMOS sensors. The camera records about a 20 square degree area at 2 Hz, providing “astronomical movie data”. We have developed a prototype of the Tomo-e Gozen camera (hereafter, Tomo-e PM), to evaluate the basic design of the Tomo-e Gozen camera. Tomo-e PM, equipped with 8 CMOS sensors, can capture a 2 square degree area at up to 2 Hz. Each CMOS sensor has about 2.6 M pixels. The data rate of Tomo-e PM is about 80 MB/s, corresponding to about 280 GB/hour. We have developed an operating system and reduction softwares to handle such a large amount of data. Tomo-e PM was mounted on 1.0-m Schmidt Telescope in Kiso Observatory at the University of Tokyo. Experimental observations were carried out in the winter of 2015 and the spring of 2016. The observations and software implementation were successfully completed. The data reduction is now in execution.

We present results on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations as well as the wind tunnel experiments for the observation facilities of the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 6.5m Telescope being constructed at the summit of Co. Chajnantor in northern Chile. Main purpose of this study starting with the baseline design reported in 2014 is to analyze topographic effect on the wind behavior, and to evaluate the wind pressure, the air turbulence, and the air change (ventilation) efficiency in the enclosure. The wind velocity is found to be accelerated by a factor of ~ 1.2 to reach the summit (78 m sec-1 expected at a maximum), and the resulting wind pressure (3,750 N m-2) is used for the framework design of the facilities. The CFD data reveals that the open space below the floor of the facilities works efficiently to drift away the air turbulence near the ground level which could significantly affect the dome seeing. From comparisons of the wind velocity field obtained from the CFD simulation for three configurations of the ventilation windows, we find that the windows at a level of the telescope secondary mirror have less efficiency of the air change than those at lower levels. Considering the construction and maintenance costs, and operation procedures, we finally decide to allocate 13 windows at a level of the observing floor, 12 at a level of the primary mirror, and 2 at the level of the secondary mirror. The opening area by those windows accounts for about 14% of the total interior surface of the enclosure. Typical air change rate of 20-30 per hour is expected at the wind velocity of 1 m sec-1.

The telescope of the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory has a primary mirror with a diameter in 6.5m. In order to fabricate the reflecting film initially on the mirror surface and to maintain its optical performance over a long period, we have a mirror-coating facility being installed at the summit of Co. Chajnantor (5,640m). The facility consists of a clean booth for stripping off the old film, a mirror coating chamber, and a cart with a lifter for handling the primary mirror. A conventional evaporation system with a metal pre-wetted filament array is adopted for achieving various optical requests. Among the many development items, the fabrication of the transportation and lifting cart has been already completed. It has efficient performance in load capacity (>60 tons) and maximum lifting height (1,750 mm). A cleaning machine having injection nozzles that can realize an efficient and safe cleaning sequence also been completed. A test of the evaporation system using dedicated filaments and filament boxes, which are customized to the TAO's requirements, has shown a uniform coating on a test mirror. An array pattern of the filaments has also been decided based on the coating tests to satisfy the optical specification of the telescope. A detailed design of the main chamber has been almost completed, it is only waiting for the production in the near future.

The development of a non-precious metal (NPM) fuel cell catalyst is extremely important to achieve globalization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells due to the cost and scarcity of platinum. Here, we report on a NPM cathode catalyst prepared by the pyrolysis of spherical polyimide nanoparticles that contain small amounts of Fe additive. 60 nm diameter Fe-containing polyimide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the precipitation polymerization of pyromellitic acid dianhydride and 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene with Fe(acac)3 (acac = acetylacetonate) as an additive. The particles were subsequently carbonized by multistep pyrolysis to obtain the NPM catalyst while retaining the small particle size. The catalyst has good performance and promising durability for fuel cell applications. The fuel cell performance under a 0.2 MPa air atmosphere at 80 °C of 1.0 A cm−2 at 0.46 V is especially remarkable and better than that previously reported.

Objective The aim of this study was to study the effects of Tribulus terrestris on sexual function in menopausal women. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 60 postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. The women were divided into two groups, placebo group and Tribulus group, and evaluated by using the Sexual Quotient-female version (SQ-F) and Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI) questionnaires. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in age, age at menopause, civil status, race, and religion. In the evaluation with the SQ-F questionnaire, there were significant differences between the placebo (7.6±3.2) and Tribulus (10.2±3.2) groups in the domains of desire and sexual interest (p d" 0.001), foreplay (3.3±1.5 versus 4.2±1.0) (p d" 0.01), arousal and harmonious interaction with the partner (5.7±2.1 versus 7.2±2.6) (p d" 0.01), and comfort in sexual intercourse (6.5±2.4 versus 8.0±1.9) (p d" 0.01). There was no significant difference between the placebo and Tribulus groups in the domains of orgasm and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.28). In the FIEI questionnaire, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the domains of vaginal lubrication during coitus and/or foreplay (20 versus 83.3%), sensation in the genitalia during sexual intercourse or other stimuli (16.7 versus 76.7%), sensation in the genital region (20 versus 70%), sexual intercourse and/or other sexual stimulations (13.3 versus 43.3%), and the ability to reach orgasm (20% versus 73.3%). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups. Conclusions After 90 days of treatment, at the doses used, we found Tribulus terrestris to be effective in treating sexual problems among menopausal women. Objetivo Estudar os efeitos doTribulus terrestris na função sexual demulheres após a menopausa. Métodos Ensaio clínico, prospectivo, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado, com 60 mulheres após a menopausa com disfunção sexual, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Placebo e Grupo Tribulus, avaliadas através dos questionários Quociente Sexualversão Feminina (QS-F) e Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI). Resultados Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto à idade, idade de menopausa, estado civil, raça e religião. Na avaliação do questionário QS-F houve diferença significante entre os grupos Placebo (7,6±3,2) e Tribulus (10,2±3,2) nos aspectos desejo e interesse sexual (p d" 0,001), preliminares (3,3±1,5 versus 4,2±1,0) (p d" 0,01), excitação da mulher e sintonia com o parceiro (5,7±2,1 versus 7,2±2,6) (p d" 0,01) e no aspecto conforto na relação sexual (6,5±2,4 versus 8,0±1,9) (p d" 0,01). O aspecto orgasmo e satisfação sexual não houve diferença significante entre o Grupo Placebo e Tribulus (p = 0,28). No questionário FIEI houve melhora significante (p < 0,001) na lubrificação vaginal durante o coito e/ou preliminares (20 versus 83,3%), na sensação nas genitálias durante a relação sexual ou outros estímulos (16,7 versus 76,7%), na sensação na área genital (20 versus 70%), nas relações sexuais e/ou outras estimulações sexuais (13,3 versus 43,3%) e na capacidade de ter orgasmo (20% versus 73,3%). Quanto aos efeitos colaterais não houve diferença significante entre os dois Grupos. Conclusões Após noventa dias, podemos concluir que o Tribulus terrestris nas doses utilizadas demonstrou ser efetivo no tratamento das queixas sexuais dasmulheres após a menopausa.

Platinum oxidation of Pt–Co alloy catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells was investigated for a series of Pt–Co alloy catalysts with different specification. The chemical state of platinum evaluated by soft X-ray photoemission spectroscopy was compared with the electrochemical properties to elucidate the origin of catalyst degradation. Increase in the particle size of Pt–Co alloy catalysts caused the decrease in the concentration of platinum hydroxide and improved the catalyst durability. Applying potential cycling below 1.0 V, only platinum hydroxide was observed, while platinum oxides, PtO and PtO 2 , appeared after potential cycling up to 1.2 V. The peak shift of Pt 4 f spectra after the potential cycling implies that these platinum hydroxide and oxide are dissolved and deposited on another platinum catalyst in a reduced metallic state, which causes the catalyst degradation.