(p,q)-Logical completeness for output-coherent sets of (p,q)-Logical functions and an application of the set to image processing

We have previously proposed an idea of p-valued input, q-valued output threshold logic to synthesize many-valued, p-valued, logical networks, and derived the condition for (p, q)-logical completeness for the output-closed set of (p, q)-logical functions. In this paper, the condition for (p, q)-logical completeness for the output-coherent set F of (p, q)-logical functions is described, and the proof is given in almost the same way as for the output-closed set. The output-coherent set F is applied to image processing. That is, a restoration scheme is described for images to which normal random noise is added.     

An efficient contention resolution algorithm for input queuing atm cross-connect switches

This paper describes an efficient contention resolution algorithm and its distributed implementation for large capacity input queuing cross-connect switches, which will establish virtual paths in future broadband ATM networks. The algorithm dynamically allocates sending time to cells held in input queues when no contention is indicated in the designated output ports. An expression for the mean delay and the cell loss probability for random traffic are derived through an approximate analysis. Input cells are served on a first-come, first-served basis as conventional contention resolution algorithms whose throughput saturates at 58 per cent because of head of line blocking in input queues. The proposed algorithm achieves a maximum throughput of 76 per cent.     

Annealing effect on temperature coefficient of resistivity in La1−xSrxMnO3 ceramics

We investigated annealing effects of La_1?xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0–0.6) on electrical resistivity and the temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR). The annealed samples’ resistivity was lower than those of non-annealed samples. For example, annealing changed the resistivity of x = 0.3 at 25 °C from 4.50 × 10^?5 to 3.71 × 10^?5 Ω m. Remarkable difference in TCR was observed after annealing, for x = 0.3, 0.45, and 0.5. For x = 0.3, the TCR after annealing was 4000 ppm/°C, which was 1250 ppm/°C greater than that before annealing. We investigated (1) crystal phase, (2) Mn average valence, (3) Mott insulator–metal transition temperature, and (4) microstructure. The microstructure was remarkably varied for annealed x = 0.3 and 0.5. The average grain size of the x = 0.3 increased from 1.60 up to 2.38 μm. Results show that annealing affects resistivity and TCR because of grain growth during annealing.     

Development of multianode photomultiplier tube

We have developed a multianode photomultiplier tube (MAPMT) which has a sensitive cathode diameter of 36 mm and an anode with 88 segments. The position sensitivity of the tube was studied by using light from a LED and scintillation light from a scintillation-fiber bundle. We observed particle tracks for the first time by using a single photomultiplier tube.     

Nanosecond and femtosecond mass spectroscopic analysis of a molecular beam produced by the spray-jet technique

The spray-jet molecular beam apparatus enabled us to produce a molecular beam of non-volatile molecules under high vacuum from a sprayed mist of sample solutions. The apparatus has been used in spectroscopic studies and as a means of molecular beam deposition. We analyzed the molecular beam, consisting of non-volatile, solvent, and carrier-gas molecules, by using femtosecond- and nanosecond- laser mass spectroscopy. The information thus obtained provided insight into the molecular beam produced by the spray-jet technique.     

Accelerated Genetic Programming of Polynomials

An accelerated polynomial construction technique for genetic programming is proposed. This is a horizontal technique for gradual expansion of a partial polynomial during traversal of its tree-structured representation. The coefficients of the partial polynomial and the coefficient of the new term are calculated by a rapid recurrent least squares (RLS) fitting method. When used for genetic programming (GP) of polynomials this technique enables us not only to achieve fast estimation of the coefficients, but also leads to power series models that differ from those of traditional Koza-style GP and from those of the previous GP with polynomials STROGANOFF. We demonstrate that the accelerated GP is sucessful in that it evolves solutions with greater generalization capacity than STROGANOFF and traditional GP on symbolic regression, pattern recognition, and financial time-series prediction tasks.     

Osteogenic activity of human periosteal sheets cultured on salmon collagen-coated ePTFE meshes

Our animal implantation studies have demonstrated that, after osteogenic processing, cultured human periosteal sheets form osteoid tissue ectopically without the aid of conventional scaffolding materials. To improve the osteogenic activity of these periosteal sheets, we have tested the effects of including a scaffold made of salmon collagen-coated ePTFE mesh. Periosteal sheets were produced with minimal manipulation without enzymatic digestion. Outgrown cells penetrated into the coated mesh fiber networks to form complex multicellular layers and increased expression of alkaline phosphatase activity in response to the osteoinduction. In vitro mineralization was notably enhanced in the original tissue segment regions, but numerous micro-mineral deposits were also formed on the coated-fiber networks. When implanted subcutaneously into nude mice, periosteal sheets efficiently form osteoid around the mineral deposits. These findings suggest that the intricate three-dimensional mesh composed of collagen-coated fibers substantially augmented the osteogenic activity of human periosteal sheets both in vitro and in vivo.     

Recombinant Long-Acting Thioredoxin Ameliorates AKI to CKD Transition via Modulating Renal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

An effective strategy is highly desirable for preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx), a redox-active protein that has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, would be a candidate for this but its short half-life limits its clinical application. In this study, we examined the renoprotective effect of long-acting Trx that is comprised of human albumin and Trx (HSA-Trx) against AKI to CKD transition. AKI to CKD mice were created by renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR). From day 1 to day 14 after renal IR, the recovery of renal function was accelerated by HSA-Trx administration. On day 14, HSA-Trx reduced renal fibrosis compared with PBS treatment. At the early phase of fibrogenesis (day 7), HSA-Trx treatment suppressed renal oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and macrophage infiltration, thus ameliorating tubular injury and fibrosis. In addition, HSA-Trx treatment inhibited G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in renal tubular cells. While renal Trx protein levels were decreased after renal IR, the levels were recovered by HSA-Trx treatment. Together, HSA-Trx has potential for use in the treatment of AKI to CKD transition via its effects of modulating oxidative stress and inflammation.