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Intercellular lipids comprise mainly ceramides, known to enhance the barrier function of the stratum corneum. However, the activities of ceramides inside the skin have not yet been fully elucidated. Here we examined how the human ceramide mixture (HC123) functions in the dermis. We treated human skin fibroblasts with HC123-expressed fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), collagen I, and fibrillin. We found that HC123 promoted the formation of collagen fibers and microfibrils (fibrillin) which affect the elasticity of the skin. We also confirmed that the gene expression of collagen and fibrillin is promoted via TGF-β and FGF2, respectively. We then investigated the permeability of HC123 for external use, in pursuit of evidence that HC123 may exert an anti-aging effect by penetrating into the dermis, activating fibroblasts, and promoting the production of collagen fibers and elastin-related microfibrils.

Safety assurance is a central concern for the development and societal acceptance of automated driving (AD) systems. Perception is a key aspect of AD that relies heavily on Machine Learning (ML). Despite the known challenges with the safety assurance of ML-based components, proposals have recently emerged for unit-level safety cases addressing these components. Unfortunately, AD safety cases express safety requirements at the system level and these efforts are missing the critical linking argument needed to integrate safety requirements at the system level with component performance requirements at the unit level. In this paper, we propose the Integration Safety Case for Perception (ISCaP), a generic template for such a linking safety argument specifically tailored for perception components. The template takes a deductive and formal approach to define strong traceability between levels. We demonstrate the applicability of ISCaP with a detailed case study and discuss its use as a tool to support incremental development of perception components.

Soft robots have great potential to realize machines that interact and coexist with humans. A key technology to realize soft robots is soft fluidic actuators. Previously, we developed a soft pump using the electrohydrodynamics (EHD) phenomenon. EHD is a flow phenomenon, which is generated by applying a high voltage to a dielectric fluid. In this study, we developed flexible high-power-density EHD pumps. First, a pump was fabricated by a simple design with interdigitated electrodes. Second, a mathematical model was used to analyze the pressure generated per length assuming that electric fields only act between neighboring electrodes in a flexible EHD pump with interdigitated electrodes. The results were used to optimize the gap between electrodes to maximize the pressure per length. Third, we used the optimized process to fabricate multiple flexible EHD pumps. The procedure produced pumps easily and reliably. Fourth, we compared the experimental values with the analytical solutions. The good agreement confirmed that the generated pressure per unit length can be approximated in a uniform electric field between neighboring electrodes. Because our flexible EHD pump can operate even when deformed, it has potential for wearable device applications.

The effect of laser ignition on the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) was experimentally investigated. Explosive gas, which was 0.87[(1/4)C2H4+(3/4)O2]+0.13N2 contained in a smooth-wall tube at 100 kPa and approximately 20 °C, was ignited by a 1064-nm 12-ns laser at either 8 or 88.8 mm from the closed tube end connected to the gas-feeding pipe, where the incident laser energy was either 40, 80, or 120 mJ. When the gas was ignited at 8 mm from the closed tube end, although laser ignition promoted DDT, the run-up distance to DDT was shortened by approximately 10% only. This was because the DDT behavior was essentially the same as the one observed typically in ordinary spark-plug ignition, in which a flame is accelerated approximately to be a choked flame before the detonation onset. When the gas was ignited at 88.8 mm from the closed tube end, two DDT scenarios were observed. The first scenario was the typical one mentioned above. In the second scenario, the detonation onset was induced by the collision between the flame and a shock wave following the flame before the flame became the choked flame. Significant DDT promotion was realized in the second scenario by the use of laser ignition with a larger energy. The shock wave inducing the detonation onset was likely created by the end-gas autoignition near the tube end or inside the gas-feeding pipe. As a result of the analysis on the shock wave, the mixing of the unburned and burned gasses induced by the vortex generation at the flame front by the baroclinic torque (Richtmyer-Meshkov instability) is the most plausible mechanism for initiating the micro-explosions that trigger the detonation onset.

In Japan, rotavirus (RV) vaccines have already been introduced but not used for universal vaccination as of 2018. Therefore, we identified cases of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children younger than three years of age and investigated the occurrence of infection before and after the introduction of RV vaccines. An ecological study through prospective surveillance was conducted in four pediatric clinics in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, during the 2011 to 2018 RVGE epidemic seasons. We divided the study period into three eras: pre-vaccine introduction era (2011), low-mid coverage transitional era (2012 to 2014, RV vaccine coverage rate: 32.9–56.5%), and high coverage plateau era (2015 to 2018, 67.7–81.7%). In this study, the incidence rate of severe RVGE was significantly lower in the plateau era than in the pre-vaccine introduction and transitional eras. Furthermore, the hospitalization rate due to RVGE in Shibata City was lower in the plateau era than in the pre-vaccination introduction and transitional eras. The number of hospitalizations due to RVGE in subjects who required or did not require intravenous rehydration at the pediatric clinics significantly decreased with the increase in vaccine coverage rates by more than 70% in the plateau era.

An electrochemical dual transducer (ECDT) based on a chemical reaction is a new fluidic machine for self-sensing actuation. Recently, incorporating sensors has enhanced the multifunctionality of soft robots with fluidic machines such as pumps or compressors. However, conventional fluidic systems have limitations such as heavy weight, noise, bloat, and complexity. In our previous research, we adopted small-sized, lightweight, and quiet electrohydrodynamic pumps for soft robots. In this paper, we propose a new ECDT by exploring the possibility of an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pump to sense the flow of the working fluid. The current in the ECDT is proportional to 1/3 of the inflowing velocity. We also clarify its mechanism, mathematical model, range of detectable flow rate, sensitivity factor, relaxation time, response speed, and pumping characteristics. The advantages of the ECDT are their small size, light weight, simple fabrication process, extensibility of the sensing range, and sensitivity. We also demonstrate a suction cup driven by the ECDT, which can detect, hold, and release objects. We expect a bidirectional ECDT will realize a small, multifunctional, and straightforward fluidic system.

NIMSでは材料データリポジトリ (MDR) を2020年より運用し、研究データセットの登録・公開を推進している。各データセットが有効に利活用・引用されるように検討しながら登録方法やメタデータを定め、DataCite DOIを付与している。ある研究コミュニティによる1700件以上のデータセット登録・DOI付与事例の紹介も交え、運用の現状と課題について報告する。

Background This study assessed the psychometric profile of 10 questionnaires (every 6 months, from 6 to 60 months) from the Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, third edition (J‐ASQ‐3). Methods Data from 439 children in a birth cohort were used to identify the J‐ASQ‐3 score distribution, establish cut‐off scores, and calculate the instrument's internal consistency. Data were also collected from 491 outpatients to examine J‐ASQ‐3 test–retest reliability and concurrent validity, which was examined using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) and the Japanese version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (J‐Denver II). Both the original and the alternative screening criteria of the ASQ‐3 were used (failure in at least one and at least two domains, respectively). Results Cronbach's alpha for each J‐ASQ‐3 subscale on each questionnaire ranged from 0.45 to 0.89. Test–retest reliability was >0.75 for the subscales on almost all questionnaires. Concurrent validity was also adequate. In comparison with the screening results of the KSPD, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 96.0% and 48.8%, respectively, when the ASQ‐3 original criterion was used, and 92.1% and 74.9%, respectively, when the alternative criterion was used. In comparison with the screening results of the J‐Denver II, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 75.6% and 74.7%, respectively, when the ASQ‐3 original criterion was used, and 56.3% and 93.0%, respectively, when the alternative criterion was used. Conclusions This study quantified the psychometric profiles of the Japanese translations of 10 ASQ‐3 questionnaires. We demonstrated the validity of the J‐ASQ‐3 and determined new cut‐off scores. Further studies with larger samples from a greater range of locations are required to clarify the suitability of this tool for all Japanese children.

Purpose Oligodontia significantly affects oral function and esthetics. Recognition of skeletal and dental patterns may aid in proper diagnosis and development of appropriate interventions. The aim of this study was to analyze skeletal and dental patterns for pre-adolescent patients with a diagnosis of oligodontia. Patients and methods This study included 19 oligodontia patients (age: 9.5±1.3, Hellman's developmental stage IIIA~IIIB) along with a control group that comprised of 19 participants (age: 9.9±1.6) without any skeletal disharmony or congenitally missing teeth, with an Angle class I relationship and general crowding. Average cephalometric measurements among the oligodontia group were compared to the control group. The correlation between number of congenitally missing teeth (CMT) and each measurement was investigated. Skeletal measurements for both male and female patients in the oligodontia group and the control group were also compared. Results No significant difference between the experimental and the control group was observed with respect to skeletal angular and linear measurements, except the gonial angle. Differences in dental pattern measurements were observed. The oligodontia group had significantly smaller Mo-Ms and Is-Mo than the control group (p

Dendritic spines can be directly connected to both inhibitory and excitatory presynaptic terminals, resulting in nanometer-scale proximity of opposing synaptic functions. While dually innervated spines (DiSs) are observed throughout the central nervous system, their developmental timeline and functional properties remain uncharacterized. Here we used a combination of serial section electron microscopy, live imaging, and local synapse activity manipulations to investigate DiS development and function in rodent hippocampus. Dual innervation occurred early in development, even on spines where the excitatory input was locally silenced. Synaptic NMDA receptor currents were selectively reduced at DiSs through tonic GABA

Molecular insights into the selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in optic neuropathies and after ocular trauma can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving RGCs. However, little is known about what molecular contexts determine RGC susceptibility. In this study, we show the molecular mechanisms underlying the regional differential vulnerability of RGCs after optic nerve injury. We identified RGCs in the mouse peripheral ventrotemporal (VT) retina as the earliest population of RGCs susceptible to optic nerve injury. Mechanistically, the serotonin transporter (SERT) is upregulated on VT axons after injury. Utilizing SERT-deficient mice, loss of SERT attenuated VT RGC death and led to robust retinal axon regeneration. Integrin β3, a factor mediating SERT-induced functions in other systems, is also upregulated in RGCs and axons after injury, and loss of integrin β3 led to VT RGC protection and axon regeneration. Finally, RNA sequencing analyses revealed that loss of SERT significantly altered molecular signatures in the VT retina after optic nerve injury, including expression of the transmembrane protein, Gpnmb. GPNMB is rapidly downregulated in wild-type, but not SERT- or integrin β3-deficient VT RGCs after injury, and maintaining expression of GPNMB in RGCs via AAV2 viruses even after injury promoted VT RGC survival and axon regeneration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the SERT-integrin β3-GPNMB molecular axis mediates selective RGC vulnerability and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury., Author summary Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only neurons in the retina that convey visual information to the brain, doing so via the optic nerve. Major causes of optic nerve damage and subsequent RGC death are ocular trauma and optic neuropathies. At the end-stage pathology in the retina, remaining RGCs have high neuroprotective capacity, and active resilience mechanisms exist. In contrast, in this study, we demonstrate neurodegenerative mechanisms based on the early susceptibility of peripheral ventrotemporal (VT) RGCs to degeneration after optic nerve injury. We identified the serotonin transporter (SERT) as the factor mediating VT RGC vulnerability and axon regeneration. Loss of SERT affected activation of integrin β3 and gene expression in the peripheral VT retina, leading to peripheral VT RGC protection and axon regeneration. Interestingly, GPNMB, a newly identified molecule mediating neuroprotection and axon regeneration in this study, is expressed in all retinal regions. However, GPNMB expression is acutely downregulated by the presence of SERT in the peripheral VT retina, leading to regional differential vulnerability of RGCs. These findings provide new molecular mechanisms underlying selective RGC vulnerability and clues that could inform further neuroprotective and regenerative strategies.

Demand for variable focus lens is increasing these days due to the rapid development of smart mobile devices and drones. However, conventional mechanical systems for lenses are generally complex, cumbersome, and rigid (e.g., for motors and gears). This research proposes a simple and compact liquid lens controlled by an electro hydro dynamics (EHD) pump. In our study, we propose a do-it-yourself (DIY) method to fabricate the low-cost EHD lens. The EHD lens consists of a polypropylene (PP) sheet for the exterior, a copper sheet for the electrodes, and an acrylic elastomer for the fluidic channel where dielectric fluid and pure water are filled. We controlled the lens magnification by changing the curvature of the liquid interface between the dielectric fluid and pure water. We evaluated the magnification performance of the lens. Moreover, we also established a numerical model to characterize the lens performance. We expect to contribute to the miniaturization of focus-tunable lenses.

Goltz syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant multisystem disorder that presents with ectoderm and mesoderm-derived symptoms. Skin manifestations including congenital patchy skin aplasia, congenital nodular fat herniation, congenital hypo- or hyperpigmentation along Blaschko's lines, telangiectasia, and congenital ridged dysplastic nails are typical in this disorder. Almost all cases of Goltz syndrome correspond to female newborns and that hemizygosis makes the syndrome fetal in males. Triple X syndrome is a relatively common congenital disorder that presents with mild to no symptoms in the developmental and psychiatric realm. The patient reported here was born with multisystem anomaly affecting the eyes, craniofacial region, cardiovascular system, skin, and limbs. A G-banding chromosomal study revealed 47, XXX. She was diagnosed with Goltz syndrome owing to her distinctive skin manifestations. The congenital cervical skin defect healed with conservative treatment. The facial cleft, cleft lip-palate, and syndactyly were successfully treated with multiple surgical treatments. The combination of triple X syndrome and Goltz syndrome is very rare. We describe the expression of presenting with both syndromes simultaneously.