Two-dimensional “transXend” detector with band structure absorbers for third-generation energy-resolved computed tomography with improved spatial resolution

Energy-resolved computed tomography (CT) is a method that can generate multiple CT images reconstructed by the X-rays in specific energy ranges. We have previously discussed a lattice absorber type of X-ray detector for energy-resolved CT. We have now developed a band absorber type detector with the aim of improving spatial resolution. We compare spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratios for the two types of detectors.     

Evaluation of Schottky barrier diodes fabricated directly on processed 4H-SiC(0001) surfaces

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a suitable substrate for low-power-consumption power devices and high-temperature applications. However, this material is difficult to machine because of its hardness and chemical inertness, and many machining methods have been studied intensively in recent years. In this paper, we present a simple method to evaluate the electrical properties of the processed surface using the ideal factor n of a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) fabricated directly on the processed surface. Upon comparing the values of n for SBDs fabricated on a damaged SiC surface and a non-damaged SiC surface, we found that there is a significant difference in the dispersion and magnitude of n. Furthermore, by combining this technique with slope etching, we were able to estimate the thickness of the damaged sub-surface layer.     

Photoperiod Following Inoculation of Arabidopsis with Pyricularia oryzae (syn. Magnaporthe oryzae) Influences on the Plant–Pathogen Interaction

In plant–pathogen interactions, a proper light environment affects the establishment of defense responses in plants. In our previous experiments, we found that nonhost resistance (NHR) to Pyricularia oryzae Cav. in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Arabidopsis), in diurnal conditions, varies with the inoculation time. Moreover, we indicated that the circadian clock plays an important role in regulating time-of-day differences in NHR to P. oryzae in Arabidopsis. However, the involvement of photoperiod in regulating NHR was still not understood. To determine the photoperiod role, we performed the experiments in continuous light and darkness during the early Arabidopsis–P. oryzae interaction. We found that the light period after the inoculation in the evening enhanced the resistance to penetration. However, the dark period after the inoculation in the morning suppressed the penetration resistance. Furthermore, the genetic analysis indicated that jasmonic acid, reactive oxygen species, and tryptophan-derived metabolite(s) contribute to the photoperiod regulation of NHR in Arabidopsis. The present results denote that photoperiod plays an important role in regulating time-of-day differences in NHR to P. oryzae in Arabidopsis.     

Recombinant γY278H Fibrinogen Showed Normal Secretion from CHO Cells,but a Corresponding Heterozygous Patient Showed Hypofibrinogenemia

We identified a novel heterozygous hypofibrinogenemia, γY278H (Hiroshima). To demonstrate the cause of reduced plasma fibrinogen levels (functional level: 1.12 g/L and antigenic level: 1.16 g/L), we established γY278H fibrinogen-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that synthesis of γY278H fibrinogen inside CHO cells and secretion into the culture media were not reduced. Then, we established an additional five variant fibrinogen-producing CHO cell lines (γL276P, γT277P, γT277R, γA279D, and γY280C) and conducted further investigations. We have already established 33 γ-module variant fibrinogen-producing CHO cell lines, including 6 cell lines in this study, but only the γY278H and γT277R cell lines showed disagreement, namely, recombinant fibrinogen production was not reduced but the patients’ plasma fibrinogen level was reduced. Finally, we performed fibrinogen degradation assays and demonstrated that the γY278H and γT277R fibrinogens were easily cleaved by plasmin whereas their polymerization in the presence of Ca²⁺ and “D:D” interaction was normal. In conclusion, our investigation suggested that patient γY278H showed hypofibrinogenemia because γY278H fibrinogen was secreted normally from the patient’s hepatocytes but then underwent accelerated degradation by plasmin in the circulation.     

Role of Insulin Resistance in MAFLD

Many studies have reported that metabolic dysfunction is closely involved in the complex mechanism underlying the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has prompted a movement to consider renaming NAFLD as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Metabolic dysfunction in this context encompasses obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, with insulin resistance as the common underlying pathophysiology. Imbalance between energy intake and expenditure results in insulin resistance in various tissues and alteration of the gut microbiota, resulting in fat accumulation in the liver. The role of genetics has also been revealed in hepatic fat accumulation and fibrosis. In the process of fat accumulation in the liver, intracellular damage as well as hepatic insulin resistance further potentiates inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Increased lipogenic substrate supply from other tissues, hepatic zonation of Irs1, and other factors, including ER stress, play crucial roles in increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis in MAFLD with hepatic insulin resistance. Herein, we provide an overview of the factors contributing to and the role of systemic and local insulin resistance in the development and progression of MAFLD.     

Evaluations of spark distribution and wire vibration in wire EDM by high-speed observation

In fine wire EDM using thin wire electrode, uniform distribution of spark location is necessary to achieve stable machining performance. However, it is difficult to precisely evaluate the distribution of spark location by the conventional branched electric current method when the workpiece is thin. A new evaluation method by using a high-speed video camera is proposed. The locations of spark are measured by analyzing the recorded images. Then the effects of machining parameters, such as servo voltage, pulse interval time, wire running speed and others on the distribution of spark location are investigated. The possibility of evaluating the wire vibration is also discussed.     

Mechanical Properties of White Salted Noodles from Near‐isogenic Wheat Lines with Different wx Protein‐Deficiency

Flour with a low amylose content produces a desirable texture in white salted noodles (WSN). In order to understand the impact of amylose content on noodle texture, flours of similar quality but different starch characteristics must be compared and analyzed because the characteristics of the protein contained in the flour also affect the mechanical properties of WSN. In this study, eight genotypes of near‐isogenic wheat with different compositions of the Wx‐proteins involved in amylose synthesis were used to study the relationship between the mechanical properties of WSN and their amylose content in starch. Results of the study indicated that the breaking force/breaking deformation value of WSN made from the eight lines decreased and that softer noodles were obtained when the amylose content was lower. The gels made from flours and starches of the eight lines decreased in maximum compression stress, in line with the lowering of amylose content. These results show that the mechanical properties of WSN are determined primarily by the amylose content of the flour and the properties of the starch gel. Sensory evaluations of the WSN indicated that the noodles from the flours of single‐null types, which lack either the Wx‐B1 or Wx‐D1 proteins, and doublenull types, which lack the Wx‐A1 and Wx‐D1 proteins, especially the latter, had desirable textures.