• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.577-581
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• 2007

The effects of intramuscular fat on the sensory characteristics of M. longissimus dorsi in Japanese Black steers were investigated by a trained analytical panel (average 13.4 panelists). Five sets (10 head) of artificial identical twins were divided into 2 groups, high level of intramuscular fat group (HG) which utilized the fattening method of increasing intramuscular fat and low level of intramuscular fat group (LG) which did not use the above method. Regarding M. longissmus dorsi which was produced for use in the sensory evaluation, crude fat contents of HG and LG was 25.8% and 23.2% respectively (p<0.05). Warner-Bratzler shear force, water holding capacity, cooking loss and fatty acid composition of HG and LG were similar between the two groups. M. Longissimus dorsi taken from HG and LG were tested for their sensory characteristics by a trained panel. HG was given higher points for juiciness than LG (p<0.05). There were no significant differences for tenderness and flavor between the two groups. Overall acceptability which synthesized each of the sensory characteristics of HG and LG were 5.04 and 4.69 points respectively (p = 0.05). These results suggested that juiciness increased with the increase of intramuscular fat, and this raised the overall acceptability of M. longissimus dorsi.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2009

Cultured Cupressus lusitanica cells induced by various stresses are thought to produce different complexes of defense chemicals to optimize defense. To compare the induced products of two stimulations, we investigated the emission of monoterpenes, biosynthesis of ${\beta}-thujaplicin$, and accumulation of lignin in mechanically stressed and fungal elicited cultured C. lusitanica cells. Both mechanical stress and fungal elicitor caused emission of qualitatively similar monoterpene blends indicating de novo biosynthesis of these compounds after stimulation, while mechanical stress alone is sufficient to induce fungal elicitor-related monoterpene emission. Sabinene and limonene were the dominant compounds over the time course in both volatile blends. Although the emitted volatile blends were qualitatively similar, the time course and the relative ratios of the constituents of the volatile blends differed with the type of stimulation. While fungal elicited cells produced significant amounts of ${\beta}-thujaplicin$ over the 5-day time course, no ${\beta}-thujaplicin$ was observed in the mechanically stressed cells. The production of ${\beta}-thujaplicin$ was the main dissimilarity of the induced products of these two treatments, suggesting that synthesis of ${\beta}-thujaplicin$ is not a general response to all types of stresses, but is a specific response and serves as a strong toxic compound against already invaded fungus. Significantly higher amounts of lignin accumulations were observed in the fungal elicited and mechanically stressed cells on the 5th day after induction. Based on these results, we suggest the composition of induced products was dependent on the method of stimulation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.60.1-60.6
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• 2019

Background: The lingual nerve plays an important role in multiple functions, including gustatory sensation and contact sensitivity and thermosensitivity. Misdiagnosed conservative treatments for serious lingual nerve (LN) injuries can induce the patient to serious mental disability. After continuous observation and critical diagnosis of the injury, in cases involving significant disruption of lingual nerve function, microneurosurgical reconstruction of the nerve is recommended. Direct anastomosis of the torn nerve ends without tension is the recommended approach. However, in cases that present significant gaps between the injured nerve ends, nerve grafts or conduits (tubes of various materials) are employed. Recently, various reconstruction materials for peripheral nerves were commercially offered especially in the USA, but the best method and material is still unclear in the world. There currently exists no conventional protocol for managing LN neurosensory deficiency in regard to optimal methods and the timing for surgical repair. In Japan, the allograft collagen nerve for peripheral nerves reconstruction was permitted in 2017, and we tried to use this allograft nerve and got a recommendable result. Case presentation: This report is a long-term abandoned torn LN reconstructed with allograft nerve induced by the lower third molar extraction. Conclusions: In early sick period, with the exact diagnosis, the LN disturbance should be managed. In a serious condition, the reconstruction with allograft nerve is one of the recommendable methods.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.353-358
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• 2003

Regarding the fattening of younger cattle that the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) recommends in Japan, this study looked at vitamin A control in feed and blood and its effect on performance of production and carcass composition of Wagyu steers. Five sets from 10 Wagyu artificial identical twins were divided to into 2 groups, a restricted group (Test) and a supplied group (Control). The body weight at the finishing time of the Test was significantly lower than that of the Control (p<0.05). The daily gain from 13 to 21 months old, as the animals in the Test were fed the concentrated feed without Vitamin A, was significantly different (p<0.05) between the Test and the Control. The total daily gains for the Test and the Control for the fattening period were 0.82 kg/day and 0.93 kg/day, respectively, which showed a significant difference (p<0.01). Regarding the rib thickness, the Test was thinner than the Control. The Beef Marbling Scores of the Test and Control were 3.60 and 2.80, respectively. The muscle weight of the Test was significantly smaller than that of the Control (p<0.01). However, regarding the ratio to the carcass, the Test was significantly higher than the Control (p<0.05). For the fat weight, the Test was smaller by about 15 kg than the Control (p<0.01). Furthermore, for the fat ratio to the carcass, the Test was significantly lower than the Control (p<0.05). The bone weights of the two groups were approximately the same. Regarding the ratio of bone to carcass, the Test was higher than the Control (p<0.01). For the younger fattening method, the low level vitamin A in the serum had the effect that the muscle ratio to the carcass weight was greater and the fat was less, but the carcass and muscle weight were less.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.365-372
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• 2007

This study was conducted to determine effects of salinomycin (SL) on feeding-induced changes in glucose kinetics and blood VFA concentrations in sheep fed a high-roughage diet. Four sheep were fed the diet with or without 20 mg/kg diet of SL once daily for 21 d. Glucose entry and utilization rates were determined during the prefeeding and 3 h postfeeding periods, using a [$^{13}C_6$]glucose dilution method and non-steady state equations. Ruminal characteristics and concentrations of blood VFA, plasma glucose and insulin were also measured during the same periods. A feeding-induced increase in ruminal total VFA concentration tended to be inhibited (p<0.10) with SL, although ruminal pH was unaffected (p>0.10) with SL or by feeding. Salinomycin decreased (p<0.05) acetate proportion and increased (p<0.05) propionate proportion in the rumen, but did not modify these changes in response to feeding (p>0.10). A feeding-induced increase in blood acetate concentration was attenuated (p<0.05) with SL. Salinomycin tended to increase (p<0.10) blood propionate concentration without modifying its response patterns to feeding (p>0.10). Plasma concentrations of glucose or insulin were unaffected (p>0.10) with SL. Salinomycin tended to enhance (p<0.10) glucose entry and utilization rates. Feeding also enhanced (p<0.01) both rates, whereas their interactive effect was not detected (p>0.10). We conclude that SL possibly enhances whole body glucose entry and utilization with an increase in blood propionate concentration in sheep given a high-roughage diet, although SL does not appear to affect their responses to feeding.

• Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.157-164
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• 2015

This paper discusses an optimization-based approach for the design of a product platform for industrial three-axis linear-type robots, which are widely used for handling objects in manufacturing lines. Since the operational specifications of these robots, such as operation speed, working distance and orientation, weight and shape of loads, etc., will vary for different applications, robotic system vendors must provide various types of robots efficiently and effectively to meet a range of market needs. A promising step toward this goal is the concept of a product platform, in which several key elements are commonly used across a series of products, which can then be customized for individual requirements. However the design of a product platform is more complicated than that of each product, due to the need to optimize the design across many products. This paper proposes an optimization-based fundamental framework toward the design of a product platform for industrial three-axis linear-type robots; this framework allows the solution of a complicated design problem and builds an optimal design method of fundamental features of robot frames that are commonly used for a wide range of robots. In this formulation, some key performance metrics of the robot are estimated by a reducedorder model which is configured with beam theory. A multi-objective optimization problem is formulated to represent the trade-offs among key design parameters using a weighted-sum form for a single product. This formulation is integrated into a mini-max type optimization problem across a series of robots as an optimal design formulation for the product platform. Some case studies of optimal platform design for industrial three-axis linear-type robots are presented to demonstrate the applications of a genetic algorithm to such mathematical models.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.137-142
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• 2021

Distance learning universities provide online course content. The main methods of providing class contents are on-demand and live-streaming. This means that students are not restricted by time or space. The advantage is that students can take the course anytime and anywhere. Therefore, unlike commuting students, there is no commuting time to the campus, and there is no natural process required to take classes. However, despite this convenient situation, the attendance rate and graduation rate of distance learning universities tend to be lower than that of commuting universities. Although the course environment is not the only factor, students cannot obtain a bachelor's degree unless they fulfill the graduation requirements. In both commuter and distance learning universities, taking classes is an important factor in earning credits. There are fewer time and space constraints for distance learning students than for commuting students. It is also easy for distance learning students to take classes at their own timing. There should be more ease of learning than for students who commute to school with restrictions. However, it is easier to take a course at a commuter university that conducts face-to-face classes. I thought that the reason for this was that commuting to school was a part of the process of taking classes for commuting students. Commuting to school was thought to increase the willingness and motivation to take classes. Therefore, I thought that the inconvenient constraints might encourage students to take the course. In this research, I focused on the act of commuting to school by students. These situations are also applied to the distance learning environment. The students have physical time constraints. To achieve this goal, I will implement a course restriction method that aims to promote the willingness and attitude of students. Therefore, in this paper, I have implemented a virtual school system called "virtual go to school (VG2S)" that reflects the actual route to school.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.650-657
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is gaining attention as a treatment method for cholecystitis. However, only a few studies have assessed the outcomes of permanent stenting with EUS-GBD. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of permanent stenting using EUS-GBD. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. The criteria for EUS-GBD at our institution are a high risk for surgery, inability to perform surgery owing to poor performance status, and inability to obtain consent for emergency surgery. EUS-GBD was performed using a 7-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent with a dilating device. The primary outcomes were the recurrence-free rate of cholecystitis and the late-stage complication-avoidance rate. Secondary outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and procedural adverse events. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up period was 168 (range, 10-1,238) days. The recurrence-free and late-stage complication-avoidance rates during the follow-up period were 95% (38 cases) and 90% (36 cases), respectively. There were only two cases of cholecystitis recurrence during the study period. Conclusions: EUS-GBD using double-pigtail plastic stent was safe and effective with few complications, even in the long term, in patients with acute cholecystitis.

• 한국지구물리탐사학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2008.10a
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• pp.97-100
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• 2008

Mount Fuji is the focus of intense study because of its potential hazard signaled by seismic, geologic and historical activity. Based on extensive seismic data recorded in the vicinity of Mt. Fuji, coda quality factor ($Q_c^{-1}$) using a single scattering model hypothesis, and intrinsic and scattering quality factor $(Q_i^{-1}$ and $Q_s^{-1})$ using the Multiple Lapse Time Window Analysis (MLTW) method was measured. To focus the study on the magmatic structure below Mt. Fuji, to the data were separated into two groups: a near-Fuji region of rays traversing an area with radius 5 km around the summit (R < 5 km), and a far-Fuji region of rays beyond a radius of 20 km around the summit (R > 20 km). The results of the study have a small error range due to the large data sample, showing that all $Q^{-1}$ values in near-Fuji area are greater than those of far-Fuji area, and $Q_i^{-1}$ for both the near and far-Fuji area is higher than $Q_s^{-1}$ at high frequencies. The $Q_i^{-1}$ values of the near-Fuji area are lower than those of the other volcanic areas considered, while values of $Q_s^{-1}$ are not. The low $Q_i^{-1}$ for the volcanic region of near-Fuji suggests that the magmatic activity, or percent of partial melt, at Mt. Fuji is not as active as hot spot volcanoes such as Kilauea, Hawaii.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5551-5556
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• 2012

Cytological examination is widely used as a diagnostic tool because of the ease of collecting cells from the involved area. However, the diagnostic yield of cytological examination is unsatisfactory; the reasons include sampling error, poorly prepared samples, small numbers of malignant cells, and low grades of cellular atypia. In this study, we focused on the high infectivity of adenovirus towards epithelial cells and applied the luciferase-expressing adenoviral vector to a new cancer cell detection tool. In addition, adenoviral infectivity was enhanced by modifying viral fiber proteins. The sensitivity of the diagnostic tool was tested using the NCI-H1299 lung cancer cell line, and validated in body fluid samples from cancer patients with a variety of etiology. Results showed that the adenovirus efficiently transfected NCI-H1299 with high sensitivity. Only 10 cancer cells were sufficient for detection of luciferase signals. In body fluid samples, the adenovirus confirmed the diagnosis for malignant and benign cancer, but not in non-epithelial cell derived samples. This study provides proof-of-concept for a more reliable and sensitive diagnostic tool for epithelium-derived cancer.