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To resolve the existing issues of solid oxide cells such as degradation and efficiency improvement, it is essential to understand reaction mechanisms on the surface/interface such as triple phase boundary (TPB) as a highly active site that consists of catalysts, electrolytes, and gas phases. However, the reliable TPB model has not been still uniquely defined to discuss the property. In this study, we have focused on the TPB model comprising Ni catalysts, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes, and gas phases and aimed to theoretically identify a reliable TPB model. In concrete, we identified firstly the stable structure of YSZ surface models by using density functional theory calculations considering different oxygen vacancy positions, yttrium atom arrangements, yttria concentration, and YSZ surfaces. Thereafter, we discussed a reliable Ni/YSZ interface model based on our proposed YSZ model by evaluating different Ni structure types, Ni interfaces in contact with the YSZ surface, and interface positions.

Generally, the foods we usually eat are not only aqueous solutions, but also viscous solutions and solids. Therefore, it is interesting for us to explore how taste components are perceived in a viscous polymer solution. The relationship between the sensory evaluation of saltiness intensity, amount of added oil, and apparent viscosity was clarified in low-viscosity and high-viscosity polymer solutions. The study was conducted using samples containing corn oil, sodium chloride, and [xanthan gum] or [xanthan gum + locust bean gum] as a thickener. Oil was added to the viscous polymer solutions regardless of whether they were low- or high-viscosity, and saltiness intensity was evaluated as compared with a reference solution. The low-viscous polymer solutions with [xanthan gum] were perceived to be saltier than the high-viscous polymer solutions with [xanthan gum + LBG] as the amount of oil increased. The shear stress value gradually increased as the amount of oil increased in both the low-viscosity and the high-viscosity polymer solutions, as derived from the fluid constitutive equation. There was a correlation between saltiness intensity and apparent viscosity in both high- and low-viscosity polymer solutions. A coefficient of determination (R

Mutations of the RET proto-oncogene are responsible for several inherited human diseases and may function as genetic modifiers of the disease. However, the role of RET mutations in pancreatic cancer has not been studied. Expression of the glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptors RET and GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1) in human pancreatic cancer cells was determined by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. The effect of GDNF on cell proliferation and invasion was assessed. Small interfering RNA and antibodies were used to evaluate the involvement of RET. The G691S RET polymorphism was analyzed by sequencing and restriction analysis. The modifying effect of G691S RET on GDNF-induced invasion and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was evaluated. Transfection studies with wild-type and mutated RET determined the functional role of the G691S polymorphism. Pancreatic cancer specimens and matched tissues were analyzed for the presence of the G691S RET polymorphism. GDNF receptors were found on all cell lines. GDNF increased pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasion, which was mediated by RET. The effect of GDNF was more profound in cells with the G691S RET polymorphism (P < 0.01). G691S RET correlated with an enhanced activation of the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Overexpression of G691S RET increased pancreatic cancer cell invasion. The G691S RET polymorphism was also detected in human pancreatic tumors and represented a somatic mutation in some patients. These findings indicate that the G691S RET single nucleotide polymorphism may directly correlate with the aggressive growth of pancreatic cancers and may function as a genetic modifier or even low-penetrance gene. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(24): 11536-44)

Supplementary Materials and Figure 1 from The G691S RET Polymorphism Increases Glial Cell Line–Derived Neurotrophic Factor–Induced Pancreatic Cancer Cell Invasion by Amplifying Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling

The strawberry (Fragalia ananassa) is commonly used in industry and is thus often frozen; however, drip loss tends to occur following freezing and factors that may reduce drip loss remain unclear. In this study, the role that cell structure, particularly pectin and the cell membrane, has on the drip loss that occurs in different strawberry cultivars was investigated. The relationship between the cell structure in fresh or frozen strawberries and drip loss in thawed strawberries were investigated in ten Japanese strawberry cultivars, with results showing different amounts of drip loss in the various strawberry cultivars. The amount of HCl soluble pectin fraction (HSP) in frozen strawberries was found to correlate with drip loss when thawed at 4 °C. Higher amounts of HSP in the alcohol insoluble solid (AIS) of frozen strawberries showed a higher water holding capacity (WHC). It is therefore suggested that the WHC of the pectin chains in frozen strawberries, which may be adjusted by the neutral sugars in pectin, has the potential of regulating drip leakage during thawing.

This study optimized the double-spin conditions for preparing equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP): leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (P-PRP). Whole blood samples were centrifuged at various double-spin conditions. Both L-PRP and P-PRP were prepared at each stage, and complete blood counts and growth factor concentrations were compared. Samples centrifuged at 160 × 900 g, 160 × 2,000 g, and 400 × 2,000 g exhibited the highest platelet counts. P-PRP had significantly lower leukocyte and erythrocyte contents than L-PRP, especially at 400 × 2,000 g. No significant differences were observed in growth factor concentrations. Our data suggest that optimum L-PRP preparation should include centrifugation under the aforementioned conditions, whereas centrifugation at 400 × 2,000 g is optimal for P-PRP.

In order to improve the performance and reliability of the package, the interlayer dielectric (Polymer) must not be delaminated and materials should not fracture due to thermal stresses during the operation or the manufacturing process. If the reliability of the package can be known in advance by simulation, it can be expected to greatly help in material selection and package design. Firstly, we created material-specific master curves (time–temperature superposition) by considering the measurement results of the Peel Test at the Cu/Polymer interface and the mechanical properties of polymer. The critical Energy Release Rate (𝒢𝒸) could be calculated by its master curve. Secondary, we calculated the Energy Release Rate (𝒢) from Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in the package model structure. Finally, delamination is judged by normalizing 𝒢/𝒢𝒸. This study has made it possible to simulate the delamination possibility of Cu/Polymer interface at arbitrary temperatures and displacement rates from basic material data and FEA analysis of the package model structure.

The precipitation of intermetallic phases and the associated hardening by artificial aging treatments at elevated temperatures above 400 °C were systematically investigated in the commercially available AC2B alloy with a nominal composition of Al–6Si–3Cu (mass%). The natural age hardening of the artificially aged samples at various temperatures was also examined. A slight increase in hardness (approximately 5 HV) of the AC2B alloy was observed at an elevated temperature of 480 °C. The hardness change is attributed to the precipitation of metastable phases associated with the α-Al15(Fe, Mn)3Si2 phase containing a large amount of impurity elements (Fe and Mn). At a lower temperature of 400 °C, a slight artificial-age hardening appeared. Subsequently, the hardness decreased moderately. This phenomenon was attributed to the precipitation of stable θ-Al2Cu and Q-Al4Cu2Mg8Si6 phases and their coarsening after a long duration. The precipitation sequence was rationalized by thermodynamic calculations for the Al–Si–Cu–Fe–Mn–Mg system. The natural age-hardening behavior significantly varied depending on the prior artificial aging temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 500 °C. The natural age-hardening was found to strongly depend on the solute contents of Cu and Si in the Al matrix. This study provides fundamental insights into controlling the strength level of commercial Al–Si–Cu cast alloys with impurity elements using the cooling process after solution treatment at elevated temperatures above 400 °C.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most common analytical method practiced in various fields and used for analysis of almost all drug compounds in the pharmaceutical industries. During drug development, an evaluation of potential drug interaction with cytochrome P450 (CYP) is essential. A “cocktail” approach is often used in drug development to evaluate the effect of a drug candidate on multiple CYP enzymes in a single experiment. So far, simultaneous analysis of multiple CYP substrates, which have greatly different structure and physicochemical properties, has required organic solvents and mobile phase gradient methods. However, despite the recent emphasis on environmental protection, analytical methods that use only aqueous solvents without the use of organic solvents for separation have not been studied well. This study sought to develop the simultaneous analysis of multiple CYP substrates by using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-based temperature-responsive chromatography with only aqueous solvents and isocratic methods. Good separation of multiple CYP substrates was achieved without using organic solvents and any gradient methods by temperature-responsive chromatography utilizing a P(NIPAAm-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA))- and P(NIPAAm-co-N-acryloyl L-tryptophan methyl ester (L-Trp-OMe))-grafted silica column. Overall, PNIPAAm-based temperature-responsive chromatography represents a remarkably simple, versatile, and environmentally friendly bioanalytical method for CYP substrates and their metabolites.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on muscle atrophy prevention in the rectus femoris muscle (RF) of the paretic limb in acute stroke patients. Methods: Twelve acute stroke patients with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score >5 and a motor score of the paretic lower limb >2 at admission were divided into an intervention group (rPMS: mean age, 75±6.4 years) and a conventional care group (non-rPMS: mean age, 62±11.8 years). Baseline measurements were performed within 4 days of stroke onset. In the rPMS group, treatment was applied to the paretic thigh only for 2 weeks, 5 days a week, in addition to conventional care. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the RF was assessed in both limbs using ultrasound at baseline and 2 weeks later. Data on patient characteristics were collected from the clinical records to assess correlations with the CSA rate of change. Results: Patients in the rPMS group were significantly older. Although the CSA of the RF did not change significantly on either side in the rPMS group, there was a significant decrease in the CSA on the paretic side in the non-rPMS group. However, no significant difference was observed in the CSA rate of change in the rPMS and non-rPMS groups. The CSA rate of change on the paretic side correlated negatively with age in the rPMS group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that rPMS prevents muscle atrophy more effectively in patients in their 60s than in patients more than 70 years old.

On the surface and interface, all materials change the property such as stability and electronic states from them on bulk. Human being continue to apply the phenomena to the key technologies from early times. For example, in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), important phenomena such as fuel decomposition, charge transfer etc., occur at surface or triple phase boundary (TPB) that consists of catalyst, electrolyte, and gas phase. To solve remaining issues of SOFCs such as degradation or efficiency improvement, important is to know the detail of property changes of materials used in SOFCs on the surface and interface. Theoretical study is efficient approach to investigate material property, especially electronic states. Therefore, in this study, we have focused on surface and interface of metal oxides used as electrolytes in SOFCs and investigated theoretically their property using two calculation models with first-principles calculation. In concrete, one is density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the TPB model that consists of Ni catalyst cluster, YSZ electrolyte, and gas phase. In this case, we have tried to decide the reliable structure to discuss properties on TPB and evaluated adsorption reactivity etc. The other is DFT calculations with the hetero-structure interface model that consists of zirconia (ZrO2) and ceria (CeO2). In this case, we have tried to evaluated electronic states on that interface and discussed in terms of conductivity control. Here, only the results of optimized YSZ (111) surface model and density of state (DOS) change in ZrO2/CeO2 hetero-structure are shown as examples for word limitation. The CASTEP software was used for all calculations. Geometry optimization of YSZ (111) surface model have been performed with some arrangements of yttrium (Y) atoms and oxygen vacancy in order to identify the most stable structure. Our model consists of (111) three layers includes 2×2 or 2×4 ZrO2 unit cells, 15 Å vacuum layer, and 9.1 % substituted Y atoms. In the most stable YSZ 2×2 model, one Y atom is on the top Zr atoms layer and another Y atom is on the middle Zr atoms layer nearest to the top Y atom, and oxygen vacancy is on the 2nd O atoms layer nearest to the top Y atom. We have found the position of oxygen vacancy against Y atoms and surface is sensitive to the YSZ surface stability. Oxygen vacancy does not prefer to stick around two Y atoms. It indicates that improvement for the geometry unstability of cubic ZrO2 is more important than keeping local electroneutrality even near on the surface. By applying this finding, we have performed geometry optimization of YSZ 2×4 unit cell model with changing Y atom arrangements in the same layer and keeping the stable structure in 2×2 unit cell model. The most stable YSZ 2×4 surface model finally-obtained is shown in attached figure (A). Our 2nd topic is for the electronic states change on the interface of metal oxides. We have calculated DOS with pure ZrO2, pure CeO2, and several ZrO2/CeO2 models hetero-connected with (111) surfaces. DOS changes by hetero-connection are shown in attached figure (B). A new small peak not appeared in the cases of pure ZrO2 and pure CeO2 is observed in 01 eV near Fermi level. It is considered that the peak is caused by the interaction between 4f orbital shown in 13 eV of Ce atoms and 2p orbital shown in -50 eV of O atoms in ZrO2 on the interface. In addition, the peak height is influenced only by the thickness of CeO2 layers, not that of ZrO2 layers. Our results suggest that we can control electronic conductivity of these metal oxides with hetero-structuration in atomic level especially at low temperature. Other results and detailed discussion will be reported at our meeting publications (ECS Transactions) and presentation in this conference. Figure 1

This paper proposes a new compensation method for estimating temperature using a voltage disturbance observer. In conventinal resistance estimation method is weekness to other parameter variations in SPMSM, because it is for estimating potision control system. In addition, offline compensate method is hard, because rotor flux and inductance are changing depending on temperature. Hence, we proposed a method to estimate the temperature based on the motor model without the influence of back erectromotive force. However, problems such as voltage disturbances arise, because the system didnot consider the inductance variation depending on temperature. This paper proposes a new method to compensate these disturbances and confirm its effectiveness by experiments.

This study paper a new compensation method for estimating temperature using a voltage disturbance observer. In motor driving systems, it is important to monitor the temperature of the motors in order to prevent demagnetization and dielectric breakdown. Generally, thermal sensors are used to obtain the temperature information. However, this increases the costs and motor volume. Hence, it has been proposed a method to estimate the temperature based on the motor model without a thermal sensor. To overcome the problems with regard to voltage disturbances, this paper proposes a new method to compensate the voltage disturbances and confirms the effectiveness through experiments.

After the accident at Fukushima dai-ichi nuclear power station, the fracture resistance of fuel rods against aftershock became a concern in the safety evaluation of reactor core during the long-term cooling after a loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA). In this study, the maximum bending stresses of pre-hydrided cladding tubes which experienced simulated LOCA tests were investigated. The obtained results suggested that the decrease in the maximum bending stress of the cladding tube experienced LOCA conditions was mainly determined by the hydrogen content in the cladding tube after simulated LOCA test, irrespective of initially hydrogen content. It was also suggested that the decreasing trend of the maximum bending stress with the increasing hydrogen content would be expressed by a form of exponential function, in which the maximum bending stress at a hydrogen content of 1500 ppm was estimated to be about a half of that at 0 ppm.

In order to evaluate the fracture resistance of fuel rods against a seismic loading following a Loss-Of-Coolant-Accident (LOCA), the bending strength of fuel cladding which experienced a simulated LOCA has been investigated since the Fukushima-daiichi nuclear power plant accident. In this study, four-point-bending-tests were performed using Zircaloy-4 cladding tubes which experienced a simulated LOCA sequence in order to investigate the effects of oxidation and secondary hydriding occurring during a LOCA on the bending strength of fuel cladding. According to the obtained results, it was suggested that the maximum bending stress would be affected by the oxygen concentration in the prior-β layer as well as the thickness of prior-β layer. It was considered that the decrease in maximum bending stress by secondary hydriding is probably expressed by multiplying a factor of 0.37 by the maximum bending stress which solely takes account of the effect of oxidation.

This paper describes cooling performance of natural convection in thin enclosures such as LCD Monitor. Natural convection cooling is widely used in electronic equipment which cannot use fans in order to decrease power consumption and to avoid a generation of noise. However, sometimes a tilt angle of an enclosure of thin type electronic equipment are changed according to the operating environment by a user. Natural convection is generated by the relationship between the gravity and the generation of the buoyancy force by generation of the distribution of air density by temperature rise. Therefore by changing the tilt angle, the natural convection cooling performance is changed and an accurate thermal design may not be achieved. Therefore, an additional database about natural convection cooling performance in the tilted enclosure should be prepared. From these backgrounds, in this research, the cooling performance of natural convection of heat transfer enhancement device for electrical chips mounted in thin enclosure were investigated while changing the tilt angle of the enclosure. The investigations were performed by the 3D-CFD analysis with Boussinesq assumption. The reliability of the analysis was evaluated by the comparison with the experiment. Through the research, we clarified the relationship between the cooling performance, the design parameters of the enclosure and the tilt angle.

Because angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis, the development of antiangiogenic agents is an urgent issue in cancer treatment. Zerumbone, a component of subtropical ginger, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activities in various cancer cells; however, little is known about its biological mechanisms against angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer (PaCa). Here, we evaluated the effects of zerumbone on PaCa angiogenesis.The cytotoxicity of zerumbone in PaCa was measured using premix WST-1 cell proliferation assays. The influence of zerumbone on the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin 8 was measured using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Changes in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activities were measured using NF-κB transcription factor assays. We also examined the effects of zerumbone on PaCa-induced angiogenesis using angiogenesis assays.Zerumbone inhibited mRNA expression and protein secretion of angiogenic factors and NF-κB activity. Tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was enhanced by coculture with PaCa cells, and these enhancements were significantly inhibited by zerumbone treatment.Zerumbone blocked the PaCa-associated angiogenesis through the inhibition of NF-κB and NF-κB-dependent proangiogenic gene products.

We synthesized various C8-naphthylethynylated 2'-deoxyadenosine derivatives and investigated their photophysical properties. Among them, cyano- and N,N-dimethylamino-substituted 8-naphthylethynylated 2'-deoxyadenosine derivatives ((cn)A and (dn)A) showed strong fluorescence with high quantum yields and a remarkable solvatofuorochromicity. In particular, fluorescence of N,N-dimethylamino-substituted (2,6dn)A was not quenched by neighboring guanines (Gs) when incorporated in DNA duplexes, in contrast to (cn)A. We developed a new fluorescent probe containing (2,6dn)A that can be used for the detection of target DNA via a bulge formation regardless of the neighboring sequences.

The cellulose oligomers with different degrees of polymerization (DP), 7, 11, 18, 24, 26, 40 and 52, were prepared by hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose with phosphoric acid. These oligomers including the starting microcrystalline cellulose (DP 124) were converted to tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) derivatives by the reaction with an excess of 3,5-dimethylphenyl isocyanate to be used as the chiral stationary phase (CSP) in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures of the CDMPC derivatives were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), ¹H-NMR, circular dichroism (CD) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and the DPs of the derivatives estimated by SEC agreed with those estimated by ¹H-NMR. After coating the derivatives on silica gel, their chiral recognition abilities were evaluated using eight racemates under a normal phase condition with a hexane-2-propanol (99/1) mixture as an eluent. The chiral recognition abilities of 7- and 11-mers, particularly the former, were lower than those of the higher oligomers from DP 18 to 52, which had rather similar abilities to that of 124-mer, although the abilities depended on the racemates. DP 18 seems to be sufficient for CDMPC to exhibit chiral recognition similar to that of the CDMPC with larger DPs.