Metamodel: A key to intelligent CAD systems

We introduce the metamodel as a new modeling framework for design objects based on General Design Theory, a mathematical model of design. Using General Design Theory, the metamodel concept can serve three functions: (1) as a central modeling mechanism to integrate models, (2) as a mechanism for modeling physical phenomena, and (3) as a tool for describing evolving design objects. Modeling with multiple points of view is realized by representing physical phenomena that occur in the deisng object and by constructing models with knowledge of physics and design from the metamodel. We illustrate the first and second functions of metamodels with an example based on naive physics, and we illustrate the third function of the metamodel through design experiments. Finally, we present two systems to illustrate how the metamodel mechanism can be implemented.     

Analysis of colostral proteins in calf serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was improved to monitor the concentrations of colostral proteins in the range of 10 to 10(3) ng/ml in calf serum. Colostral proteins were purified from fat-free colostrum, and antibodies against them were prepared from the rabbit anti-colostrum protein sera. Concentration of each protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay without interference by calf serum proteins in a mixture of colostrum and precolostral calf serum. Changes in the colostral protein concentrations in the sera of five postcolostral calves were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After feeding colostrum to the neonatal calf, serum IgG concentration increased rapidly within 16 h to 8.1 to 36.8 mg/ml and gradually declined until 3 d to the steady levels, 4.7 to 23.6 mg/ml. The concentrations of casein and P2 (colostral small proteins, which were eluted at the second peak in Sephadex G-100 gel filtration) also increased more rapidly within 16 h to 9.6 to 264.0 micrograms/ml and 31.5 to 1600 micrograms/ml, respectively, and steeply decreased to near the detection limit on 3 d after feeding. These results indicate that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is useful to measure and monitor the absorbed colostral proteins and also to survey calves receiving and not receiving colostrum.     

In Vitro and In Vivo Digestibility of Recrystallized Amylose and Its Application for Low Glycemic Foods

ABSTRACT: To predict physiologic functions of recrystallized amylose (RCA), the true resistant starch (RS) content of RCA in the small intestine was directly measured using ileorectostomized rats where the distal ileum was anastomosed to the rectum (the cecum and colon were surgically resected together). The estimated in vivo resistant starch content of RCA was the same as the value obtained from the in vitro enzymatic RS determination (∼50%). RCA resistance to amylolytic enzymes in the small intestine was retained even after RCA incorporation into processed foods, and a bread containing 20% RCA showed a significantly lower glycemic response in rats compared with that of a control bread. Also, RCA ingestion significantly and dose-dependently decreased the body fat accretion and lowered serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in rats compared with cornstarch. These lipid-lowering effects of RCA were comparable to those obtained with high-amylose cornstarch. The restricted energy value as well as suppressed insulin response with RCA ingestion might be related to preferable changes in lipid metabolism. These nutritional properties of RCA may suggest a possible benefit as an alternative source of resistant starch for preventing diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity, and so on.     

Path Integral Calculation of 4He in?Quasi-one-dimensional Channels

We consider ⁴He particles confined in a quasi-one-dimensional nanoscale channel in the range of liquid density, and numerically calculate the energy per particle by the imaginary time path integral Monte Carlo method. When the channel diameter becomes less than 1.6 nm, T _onset, at which the energy drops due to the particle exchange effect, shifts to lower temperature, and disappears below 0.48 nm. The diameter dependence of T _onset is similar to the behavior of the superfluid onset temperature, T _o, for mesoporous materials FSM16 observed by the torsional oscillator.     

Studies of drug delivery systems for a therapeutic agent used in osteoporosis. I. Pharmacodynamics (hypocalcemic effect) of elcatonin in rabbits following rectal administration of hollow-type suppositories containing elcatonin

In this study, we developed a new hollow-type suppository containing elcatonin ((Asu1,7)-eel calcitonin, ECT), a synthetic derivative of eel calcitonin, which produces hypocalcemia, as a pharmaceutical preparation for self administration, to be used instead of parenteral injections for patients with osteoporosis. The absorption of ECT from the rectal mucous membrane was evaluated by observation of the decrease in serum calcium (Ca) concentrations following rectal administration in rabbits. ECT was efficiently absorbed from the rectum and effectively decreased serum Ca concentrations. The data of the area under the percent decrease in serum Ca concentration (deltaCa%)-time curve (deltaCa%-AUC), assumed to be an index of the pharmacodynamics (pharmacological effect) of ECT, indicated that similar hypocalcemic effects were obtained following rectal and intravenous administrations of ECT. In regard to the effect of coadministration of other compounds on rectal absorption of ECT, no significant difference in the deltaCa%-AUC between rectal ECT administration with or without nafamostat mesilate (a protease inhibitor) was observed. However, the coadministration of ECT with cytochalasin B or monensin (endocytosis inhibitors) significantly decreased the deltaCa%-AUC, indicating that rectal ECT absorption is probably inhibited by endocytosis inhibitors. On the other hand, it was found that sodium decanoate, a medium-chain fatty acid (sodium salt), significantly enhanced the rectal absorption of ECT. We conclude that this ECT hollow-type suppository offers promise as a new method for the administration of ECT.     

γH2AX,a DNA Double-Strand Break Marker,Correlates with PD-L1 Expression in Smoking-Related Lung Adenocarcinoma

In recent years, the choice of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as a treatment based on high expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in lung cancers has been increasing in prevalence. The high expression of PD-L1 could be a predictor of ICI efficacy as well as high tumor mutation burden (TMB), which is determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, a great deal of effort is required to perform NGS to determine TMB. The present study focused on γH2AX, a double-strand DNA break marker, and the suspected positive relation between TMB and γH2AX was investigated. We assessed the possibility of γH2AX being an alternative marker of TMB or PD-L1. One hundred formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of lung cancer were examined. All of the patients in the study received thoracic surgery, having been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. The expressions of γH2AX and PD-L1 (clone: SP142) were evaluated immunohistochemically. Other immunohistochemical indicators, p53 and Ki-67, were also used to estimate the relationships of γH2AX. Positive relationships between γH2AX and PD-L1 were proven, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. Tobacco consumption was associated with higher expression of γH2AX, PD-L1, Ki-67, and p53. In conclusion, the immunoexpression of γH2AX could be a predictor for the adaptation of ICIs as well of as PD-L1 and TMB.     

Non-proliferation criteria for nuclear fuel cycle options

We compared the implied meaning of proliferation resistance in proposals regarding the nuclear fuel cycle. We find discrepancies amongst the proposals regarding the technical definition of proliferation resistance, however there is a consistent focus on the importance of “physical form” as a key in determining a proliferation resistant fuel cycle. The reviewed proposals make little explicit mention the importance of the time to process the material to construct a nuclear weapon. While certain proposals discuss the importance of non-separation of plutonium from actinides, there are other proposals, which clearly do not view this aspect as vital in defining proliferation resistance. Recognizing that there are numerous political and infrastructure measures that may also be taken to guard against proliferation risks, we have focused here on the definition of proliferation resistance in terms of technical characteristics.     

The pharmacokinetics of the glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid after intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin for the patients with chronic liver disease caused by type C hepatitis virus

Glycyrrhizin had been used widely for the patients with chronic liver disease. We examined the pharmacokinetics of the glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid in the blood stream after intra-venous administration of glycyrrhizin. The stream concentration of glycyrrhizin in the patients of liver cirrhosis tend to be kept higher than that of chronic hepatitis but there were no significant difference between them except for after a half hour from the administration. There was negative correlation between ICG R15 and the speed of excretion of glycyrrhizin from the serum. On the other hand, the concentration of the glycyrrhetic acid was kept higher in the patients with liver cirrhosis than that of chronic hepatitis, but there were no significant difference between them except for after a half hour from the administration. These findings suggested that the accumulation of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid in the patients of liver cirrhosis can be seen by long term administration.     

Inspection of Asian Lacquer Substructures by Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI)

Lacquering is considered one of the most representative Asian artistic techniques. While the decorative part of lacquerwares is the lacquer itself, their substructures serve as the backbone of the object itself. Very little is known about these hidden substructures. Since lacquerwares are mostly composed of organic materials, such as urushi, wood, carbon black, and fabrics which are very X-ray transparent, standard X-ray radiography has some problems in achieving clear X-ray radiographic images. Therefore, we wanted to contribute to the understanding of the lacquer manufacturing technique by inspecting the substructures of Asian lacquerwares by means of THz time-domain imaging (THz-TDI). Three different kinds of Asian lacquerwares were examined by THz-TDI, and the outcomes have been compared with those obtained by standard X-radiography. THz-TDI provides unique information on lacquerwares substructures, aiding in the comprehension of the manufacturing technology yielding to these precious artefacts.     

Dependence of ion beam current on position of mobile plate tuner in multi-frequencies microwaves electron cyclotron resonance ion source

We are constructing a tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). The first stage of this can supply 2.45 GHz and 11-13 GHz microwaves to plasma chamber individually and simultaneously. We optimize the beam current I(FC) by the mobile plate tuner. The I(FC) is affected by the position of the mobile plate tuner in the chamber as like a circular cavity resonator. We aim to clarify the relation between the I(FC) and the ion saturation current in the ECRIS against the position of the mobile plate tuner. We obtained the result that the variation of the plasma density contributes largely to the variation of the I(FC) when we change the position of the mobile plate tuner.