One-Step Generation of Multiple Gene-Edited Pigs by Electroporation of the CRISPR/Cas9 System into Zygotes to Reduce Xenoantigen Biosynthesis

Xenoantigens cause hyperacute rejection and limit the success of interspecific xenografts. Therefore, genes involved in xenoantigen biosynthesis, such as GGTA1, CMAH, and B4GALNT2, are key targets to improve the outcomes of xenotransplantation. In this study, we introduced a CRISPR/Cas9 system simultaneously targeting GGTA1, CMAH, and B4GALNT2 into in vitro-fertilized zygotes using electroporation for the one-step generation of multiple gene-edited pigs without xenoantigens. First, we optimized the combination of guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting GGTA1 and CMAH with respect to gene editing efficiency in zygotes, and transferred electroporated embryos with the optimized gRNAs and Cas9 into recipient gilts. Next, we optimized the Cas9 protein concentration with respect to the gene editing efficiency when GGTA1, CMAH, and B4GALNT2 were targeted simultaneously, and generated gene-edited pigs using the optimized conditions. We achieved the one-step generation of GGTA1/CMAH double-edited pigs and GGTA1/CMAH/B4GALNT2 triple-edited pigs. Immunohistological analyses demonstrated the downregulation of xenoantigens; however, these multiple gene-edited pigs were genetic mosaics that failed to knock out some xenoantigens. Although mosaicism should be resolved, the electroporation technique could become a primary method for the one-step generation of multiple gene modifications in pigs aimed at improving pig-to-human xenotransplantation.     

The value of information systems for product recovery management

This article sheds light on the role of information systems in product recovery management. We first develop analytical models and then provide a numerical example to determine under what conditions investments in Information-intensive Product Recovery Systems (IPRS) are economically justifiable for manufacturers and when policy-makers need to consider facilitating their implementation. The results of the analytical models indicate that the recovery network (collection) structure and product characteristics determine if precision improvements or increased sorting speed associated with IS investments will lead to higher profit gains. Manufacturers should carefully assess conflicting impacts of current manufacturing and recycling technology trends on the value of IPRS. Implementing IPRS might end up reducing manufacturers' profits under a highly time efficient decentralised collection structure. We show that negotiations with competitors about IPRS implementation may lead to a win–win situation and allow consumers to enjoy the lowest product price if the binding force of the agreement is strong. Otherwise, some manufacturers follow free-rider strategies. This article has immediate application to manufacturers' IS strategy and to government policy-makers considering investing in and/or structuring product recovery closed-loop supply chain processes within their jurisdictions. It also opens a potential stream of research concerning the role of IPRS to automate, informate and transform closed-loop supply chains for eco-efficiency.     

Rapid preparation of monodisperse biodegradable polymer nanospheres using a membrane emulsification technique under low gas pressure

Nanospheres of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer, have been prepared using the conventional solvent diffusion method. In this study, a method combining the solvent diffusion method and a two-step (premix) membrane emulsification technique is proposed for the preparation of monodisperse PLGA nanospheres with a diameter of 200 nm. The monodispersity of the PLGA nanospheres was higher than that of nanospheres obtained by the conventional solvent diffusion method. Generally, preparation of small particles or droplets by the membrane emulsification technique requires a supply of high-pressure nitrogen gas to force the emulsion or dispersion solution through the small pores of the membrane. However, in the technique proposed here, low-pressure nitrogen gas (0.02–0.11 kgf/cm²) is sufficient. Thus, using this technique, one can obtain monodisperse PLGA nanospheres with a diameter of 200 nm in a relatively short period of time under low-pressure nitrogen gas.     

Scaling prospect of optically differential reconfigurable gate array VLSIs

Dynamic reconfigurable devices present new computational paradigms because programmable devices’ activity and performance can be improved dramatically by increasing its reconfiguration frequency. Therefore, this paper presents designs of optically differential reconfigurable gate array (ODRGA) VLSIs using 0.18 μm and 0.35 μm CMOS process technologies. Although they are a type of programmable gate array, they can be reconfigured optically in nanoseconds. This paper also discusses future scaling prospects of ODRGA-VLSIs.     

Multi-structure information retrieval method based on transformation invariance

The needs of efficient and flexible information retrieval on multi-structural data stored in database and network are significantly growing. Especially, its flexibility plays one of the key roles to acquire relevant information desired by users in retrieval process. However, most of the existing approaches are dedicated to a single content and data structure respectively, e.g., relational database and natural text. In this work, we propose “Multi-Structure Information Retrieval” (MSIR) approach applicable to various types of contents and data structures by adapting a small part of the approach to data structures. The power of this approach comes from the use of the invariant feature information obtained from byte patterns in the files through some mathematical transformation. The experimental evaluation of the proposed approach for both artificial and real data indicates its high feasibility. Fuminori Adachi: He received his Master of engineering from Osaka University in ’03. He is enrolled in the doctoral course of Osaka University from ’03. His current research interest includes scientific discovery, data mining and machine learning techniques. Takashi Washio, Ph.D.: He received his Ph.D. from Tohoku University in ’88. In ’88, he became a visiting reseacher in Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In ’90, he joined Mitsubishi Research Institute Inc., and is working for Osaka University from ’96. His current research interest includes scientific discovery, data mining and machine learning techniques. Atsushi Fujimoto: He is enrolled in the master cource of Osaka University from ’03. His Current research interest includes correlation analysis, data mining and machine learning techniques. Hiroshi Motoda, Ph.D.: He received his Ph.D. from University of Tokyo in ’72. In ’67, he joined Hitachi Ltd. and has been working for Osaka University since ’96. His current research interest includes scientific discovery, data mining and machine learning. Hidemitsu Hanafusa: He received Master of Engineering from Keio University in ’83. In ’83, he joined The Kansai Electric Power Co. Ins. (KEPCO). He researched on Maintenance Support System at INSS from ’97 to ’02. Now, he is working in KEPCO.     

A RELATION FOR 'LINEARITY' OF THE BISPECTRUM

Abstract. A relation is presented which is a necessary and sufficient condition for the bispectrum to be of the linear process type.     

Holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal memory for optically reconfigurable gate array using subwavelength grating mask

Holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) memory formed by a subwavelength grating (SWG) mask is presented for new optical information processing. The SWG structure in a photomask is formed on the SiO(2) plate using the anisotropic reactive ion etching technique. The configuration contexts for optically reconfigurable gate arrays (ORGAs) are stored in the HPDLC memory by polarization modulation property based on the form birefringence of the SWG plate. The configuration context pattern in the HPDLC memory is reconstructed to write it for the ORGAs under parallel programmability.     

Introduction of subsidisation in nascent climate-friendly learning technologies and evaluation of its effectiveness

Given its importance as a practical phenomenon underlying the progress of learning technologies, attention should be paid to the role of subsidisation in learning theory, particularly in the case of nascent climate-related sociable learning technologies, in order to examine its benefits. Thus, this study focuses on subsidy procurement of energy technologies in several economies in the context of the component learning track in endogenous global clusters in order to suggest improvements to the adoption mechanism and examine the climate stabilization constraint. At the same time, the study attempts to determine the global progress ratio of the lithium-ion battery in order to analyse various endogenous learning scenarios for hybrid technologies. An integrated energy system model with highly disaggregated global regions (DNE21+) is used to execute this research in a medium time frame. Subsidisation of the learning track of battery technology encourages greater development of plug-in hybrid vehicles, promotes early diffusion of hybrid technologies, and relieves heavy dependency on crude oil and biofuels. The subsidies in the common learning domains in few economies benefit the nearby economies because of the technology spillover that occurs through numerous cross-feedback learning mechanisms. Endogenous learning with subsidies augments diffusion potentials, abates emissions, and shifts sectoral emissions.     

All-solid-state rechargeable lithium batteries with Li2S as a positive electrode material

The Li₂S–Cu composite electrode materials were prepared by mechanical milling and applied to all-solid-state lithium cells using the Li₂S–P₂S₅ glass–ceramic electrolyte. The addition of Cu and the mechanical activation improved the electrochemical performance of Li₂S in all-solid-state cells. The In/Li₂S–Cu cells were charged and then discharged at room temperature, suggesting that Li₂S was utilized as a lithium source. The cells exhibited high discharge capacity of about 490 mAh g⁻¹ at the 1st cycle. The SEM and EDX analyses suggested that the amorphous Li_xCuS domain was partially formed by milling, and the domain played an important role in the improvement of capacity. The electrochemical reaction mechanism of the Li₂S–Cu composites was discussed on the basis of the mechanism of the S–Cu composite electrode.