Artificially layered Bi2Sr2Ca n−1Cu n O2n+4 (n≥3) films by sequential sputter deposition

Uniformly layered mixture of the succeeding members in the structure series was found in artificially layered Bi₂Sr₂Ca _n?1Cu _n O_2n+4 films synthesized by a three-target sequential sputter deposition technique. The intergrowth structure was quantitatively evaluated by X-ray analysis technique. An averagedc-axis (half) unit length and a plane spacing d₀～-0.31 nm $\left( { \simeq d_{CaCuO_2 } } \right)$ in the intergrowth structure are considered as a modulation wavelength and an average lattice of superlattice in the analysis. It is shown that the X-ray diffraction patterns observed in our films are in good agreement with that predicted by the superlattice model.     

Distraction detection of lectures in e-learning using machine learning based on human facial features and postural information

Artificial Life and Robotics - While e-learning lectures allow students to learn at their own pace, it is difficult to manage students’ concentration, which prevents them from receiving...     

FPC‐free LCD panel with capacitive coupling for transmission of signals and power

Abstract— A flexible‐printed‐cable (FPC) free liquid‐crystal‐display (LCD) panel by using a capacitive‐coupling technique has been developed. A QQVGAeight‐color image was successfully displayed for the first time without attaching any signal or power cables to the panel. The receiving circuitry and capacitive‐coupling electrodes were integrated on the LCD panel using a low‐temperature polysilicon (LTPS) fabrication process. In the proposed digital coding method, the receiving circuit converts derivative waveform signals via the capacitive coupling to conventional logic‐level signals. The maximum data rate of 2.4‐Mbps × 3ch (RGB) was achieved. In addition, LTPS low‐capacitance diode bridge and regulator enabled us to obtain stable DC power of 2.4 mW on the panel from the AC‐power signal. This study is the first step towards integrating the wireless‐communication function on the display panel to achieve a high‐value‐added flat‐panel display (FPD).     

HIF-1α Dependent Upregulation of ZIP8, ZIP14, and TRPA1 Modify Intracellular Zn2+ Accumulation in Inflammatory Synoviocytes

Intracellular free zinc ([Zn²⁺]_i) is mobilized in neuronal and non-neuronal cells under physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions; therefore, [Zn²⁺]_i is a component of cellular signal transduction in biological systems. Although several transporters and ion channels that carry Zn²⁺ have been identified, proteins that are involved in Zn²⁺ supply into cells and their expression are poorly understood, particularly under inflammatory conditions. Here, we show that the expression of Zn²⁺ transporters ZIP8 and ZIP14 is increased via the activation of hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α) in inflammation, leading to [Zn²⁺]_i accumulation, which intrinsically activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel and elevates basal [Zn²⁺]_i. In human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), treatment with inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α), evoked TRPA1-dependent intrinsic Ca²⁺ oscillations. Assays with fluorescent Zn²⁺ indicators revealed that the basal [Zn²⁺]_i concentration was significantly higher in TRPA1-expressing HEK cells and inflammatory FLSs. Moreover, TRPA1 activation induced an elevation of [Zn²⁺]_i level in the presence of 1 μM Zn²⁺ in inflammatory FLSs. Among the 17 out of 24 known Zn²⁺ transporters, FLSs that were treated with TNF-α and IL-1α exhibited a higher expression of ZIP8 and ZIP14. Their expression levels were augmented by transfection with an active component of nuclear factor-κB P65 and HIF-1α expression vectors, and they could be abolished by pretreatment with the HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin (Echi). The functional expression of ZIP8 and ZIP14 in HEK cells significantly increased the basal [Zn²⁺]_i level. Taken together, Zn²⁺ carrier proteins, TRPA1, ZIP8, and ZIP14, induced under HIF-1α mediated inflammation can synergistically change [Zn²⁺]_i in inflammatory FLSs.     

Molecular alignment structure of dimeric liquid crystals

While an antiferroelectric liquid crystal (AFLC) with dimeric molecules which take a bent molecular structure may show the phase transition from the isotropic liquid to the chiral smectic-C AFLC () phase via the nematic (N) phase, it has not been obvious yet why the and N phases may coexist in the phase sequence of the dimeric AFLC medium. In this study, the molecular alignment structures of the N and the SmC_A phases of an achiral dimeric LC were researched in detail with a polarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The domain structure with two orientational directions is formed both in the SmC_A and N phase, and the occupation ratio of two types of domain does not change in the phase transition. Since their alignment structures are basically same except for the existence of layer structure, their phases may coexist in the phase sequence of the dimeric AFLC.     

The Dimension Book

The dimension book is a novel interface in the form of a book, which can dynamically reflect various changes in the physical world's environment into the virtual world. This work functions as media in which data as well as the environment itself is treated as information.     

Fucosylation in Urological Cancers

Fucosylation is an oligosaccharide modification that plays an important role in immune response and malignancy, and specific fucosyltransferases (FUTs) catalyze the three types of fucosylations: core-type, Lewis type, and H type. FUTs regulate cancer proliferation, invasiveness, and resistance to chemotherapy by modifying the glycosylation of signaling receptors. Oligosaccharides on PD-1/PD-L1 proteins are specifically fucosylated, leading to functional modifications. Expression of FUTs is upregulated in renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. Aberrant fucosylation in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) could be used as a novel biomarker for prostate cancer. Furthermore, elucidation of the biological function of fucosylation could result in the development of novel therapeutic targets. Further studies are needed in the field of fucosylation glycobiology in urological malignancies.     

Development of Radiation Hard ${rm N}^{+}$-on-P Silicon Microstrip Sensors for Super LHC

Radiation tolerance up to 10¹⁵ 1-MeV n_eq/cm² is required for the silicon microstrip sensors to be operated at the Super LHC experiment. As a candidate for such sensors, we are investigating non-inverting n⁺-on-p sensors. We manufactured sample sensors of 1 times 1 cm in 4" and 6" processes with implementing different interstrip electrical isolation structures. Industrial high resistive p-type wafers from FZ and MCZ growth are tested. They are different in crystal orientations lang100rang and lang111rang with different wafer resistivities. The sensors were irradiated with 70-MeV protons and characterized in views of the leakage current increase, noise figures, electrical strip isolation, full depletion voltage evolution, and charge collection efficiency.     

A novel mutation causing an aberrant splicing in the protein 4.2 gene associated with hereditary spherocytosis (protein 4.2Notame)

We investigated a Japanese patient with protein 4.2 deficiency. SDS-PAGE showed a complete deficiency of protein 4.2, while Western blot analysis revealed a marked decrease in the amount of protein 4.2, and the existence of a doublet of 74 and 72 kDa bands. Direct sequencing and dot-blot hybridization with allele-specific oligonucleotide probes indicated that the proband was compound heterozygous for a missense mutation in codon 142 with Ala-->Thr (GCT-->ACT) and a single nucleotide substitution (G-->A) of the first base of intron 6 (G-->A) of the protein 4.2 gene. The former is the commonest mutation observed in cases of protein 4.2 deficiency, whereas the latter is a novel mutation, located within the consensus sequence of the 5' splicing site (AGGU) (Protein 4.2Notame). RT-PCR analysis using total RNA isolated from reticulocytes of the proband revealed that the intron 6 donor site mutation causes an abnormal splicing; exon 6 is spliced out with intron 6. The abnormal mRNA has a premature termination codon, as the result of a frameshift, and this instability may lead to degradation. Thus, there is a close relation between this mutation and the molecular pathogenesis of protein 4.2 deficiency.     

Radiotherapy for carcinoma of the buccal mucosa: analysis of prognostic factors]

The radiotherapeutic results of 55 patients with carcinoma of the buccal mucosa were analyzed to determine the prognostic factors and appropriate treatment modality. They were classified into 5 groups according to treatment modality: group A (preoperative radiotherapy followed by surgery), group B (interstitial implant), group C (electron therapy), group D (mainly external radiotherapy) and group E (external radiotherapy followed by mold therapy with remote afterloading system). The overall 5-year survival rates for groups A, B, C, D, E and the entire group were 50%, 61%, 67%, 29%, 25% and 48%, respectively. The cumulative 5-year local control rates for groups A through E were 81%, 94%, 75%, 33% and 25%, respectively. In univariate analysis, T stage (T1-2 vs. T3-4), N stage (N0 vs. N1-3), clinical stage (II vs. III-IV), histologic grade (well differentiated vs. moderately and poorly differentiated) and treatment modality (A-C vs. D-E) were significantly related to overall survival (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that treatment modality (groups A-C) and N0 stage were significantly associated with favorable prognosis (p < 0.05). These results suggest that interstitial implants are comparable with surgery for T1 to early T3 lesions, with or without slight invasion to the bucco-alveolar sulci or retromolar areas, that can be treated with a single-plane implant.