Dual-Arm Construction Robot for Automatic Fixation of Structural Parts to Concrete Surfaces in Narrow Environments

Fixation of structural parts to concrete is a repetitive, heavy-duty, and time-consuming task that requires automation due to the lack of skilled construction workers. Previously developed automation techniques have not achieved the complete fixation of structural parts and are difficult to implement in narrow construction environments. In this study, we propose a construction robot system that enables the complete installation of structural parts to concrete and can be easily introduced to unstructured and narrow construction environments. The system includes two arms that simultaneously position and fix the structural parts, and custom tools that reduce the reaction force applied to the robots so that smaller robots can be used with lower payloads. Due to the modular design of the proposed system, it can be transported in parts for easy introduction to the construction environment. We also propose a procedure for fixing structural parts. Experimental results demonstrate that the custom tools make it possible to use smaller robots without moment overload in the robot joints. Moreover, the results show that the proposed robot system and fixation procedure enable automatic fixation of a structural part to concrete.Comment: Published in 2023 IEEE/SICE International Symposium on System Integration (SII) on 17 January 202

Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from the rising sun (Far East Asia): phylogeny, systematics, and distribution

Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) is a diverse family with around 700 species being widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. These animals fulfill key ecological functions and provide important services to humans. Unfortunately, populations have declined dramatically over the last century, rendering Unionidae one of the world’s most imperiled taxonomic groups. In Far East Asia (comprising Japan, Korea, and Eastern Russia), conservation actions have been hindered by a lack of basic information on the number, identity, distribution and phylogenetic relationships of species. Available knowledge is restricted to studies on national and sub-national levels. The present study aims to resolve the diversity, biogeography and evolutionary relationships of the Far East Asian Unionidae in a globally comprehensive phylogenetic and systematic context.We reassessed the systematics of all Unionidae species in the region, including newly collected specimens from across Japan, South Korea, and Russia, based on molecular (including molecular species delineation and a COI + 28S phylogeny) and comparative morphological analyses. Biogeographical patterns were then assessed based on available species distribution data from the authors and previous reference works.We revealed that Unionidae species richness in Far East Asia is 30% higher than previously assumed, counting 43 species (41 native + 2 alien) within two Unionidae subfamilies, the Unioninae (32 + 1) and Gonideinae (9 + 1). Four of these species are new to science, i.e. Beringiana gosannensis sp. nov., Beringiana fukuharai sp. nov., Buldowskia kamiyai sp. nov., and Koreosolenaia sitgyensis gen. & sp. nov. We also propose a replacement name for Nodularia sinulata, i.e. Nodularia breviconcha nom. nov. and describe a new tribe (Middendorffinaiini tribe nov.) within the Unioninae subfamily. Biogeographical patterns indicate that this fauna is related to that from China south to Vietnam until the Mekong River basin. The Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and the Korean Peninsula were identified as areas of particularly high conservation value, owing to high rates of endemism, diversity and habitat loss. The genetically unique species within the genera Amuranodonta, Obovalis, Koreosolenaia gen. nov., and Middendorffinaia are of high conservation concern

Recording rates of high-frequency variability index monitoring and use of vasoactive medications in daily clinical practice: A prospective observational study

Background and Aims: To assess data recording rates of the high-frequency variability index (HFVI), which becomes less reliable with vasoactive medication use, and examine the use of vasoactive medications in daily clinical practice. The hypothesis is that when an HFVI sensor is applied and anaesthesia management is left to the discretion of the anaesthesiologist in charge, HFVI interpretation would be limited. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years who underwent elective major abdominal surgery for malignant disease under general anaesthesia in those scheduled for surgery for >2 h were eligible. The anaesthesiologists managed patients with HFVI sensors attached at their discretion, without any limitations on vasoactive medication use. The primary outcome was the HFVI data-recording rate. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative bolus and continuous use of vasoactive medications (ephedrine, phenylephrine, atropine, and noradrenaline). The percentage of administration time was calculated by dividing the total administration time by the surgery time. Results: Of 249 eligible patients, HFVI sensors were successfully attached with a mean data recording rate of 73.1% (95% confidence interval: 70.5%, 5.7%). Two hundred and ten patients received at least one administration of vasoactive medications during the assessment period, and ephedrine was dominant. Sixty-one patients received continuous administration of phenylephrine and noradrenaline, and the ratios of continuous administration time to the total surgical time were 77.8% and 84.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The data recording rate of HFVI in routine clinical practice was approximately 70%, and many patients were given vasoactive medications; thus, caution must be taken when interpreting HFVI in routine clinical practice

The method used to culture host cells (Sf9 cells) can affect the qualities of baculovirus budding particles expressing recombinant proteins

Abstract Budded virus (BV) particles of baculovirus (Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus, AcNPV) are harvested from the supernatant of liquid culture of Sf9 host cells by ultracentrifugation. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of BV samples fractionated closely by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, we observed that BVs exhibited different qualities depending on whether they had been harvested from the supernatant from a standing (static), shaking (suspension), or standing/shaking (pre-/post-infection) culture of Sf9 cells. The amount of BV protein apparently increased in the order of standing, standing/shaking, and shaking procedure, and the yield of intact particles showed an opposite trend. TEM observation clearly showed that appropriate fractions of the standing and standing/shaking cultures contained more intact BV particles than those from the shaking culture. These results suggest that the qualities of recombinant BV particles may be related to the culture conditions of the host cells.</jats:p

The method used to culture host cells (Sf9 cells) can affect the qualities of baculovirus budding particles expressing recombinant proteins

<div><p>Budded virus (BV) particles of baculovirus (<i>Autographa californica</i> nucleopolyhedrovirus, AcNPV) are harvested from the supernatant of liquid culture of Sf9 host cells by ultracentrifugation. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of BV samples fractionated closely by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, we observed that BVs exhibited different qualities depending on whether they had been harvested from the supernatant from a standing (static), shaking (suspension), or standing/shaking (pre-/post-infection) culture of Sf9 cells. The amount of BV protein apparently increased in the order of standing, standing/shaking, and shaking procedure, and the yield of intact particles showed an opposite trend. TEM observation clearly showed that appropriate fractions of the standing and standing/shaking cultures contained more intact BV particles than those from the shaking culture. These results suggest that the qualities of recombinant BV particles may be related to the culture conditions of the host cells.</p></div

α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone directly increases the plasma calcitonin level and involves calcium metabolism in goldfish

Abstract The effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on calcium metabolism were examined with goldfish. The scales on the left side of goldfish bodies were removed to allow the regeneration of scales under anesthesia. Thereafter, the influences of α-MSH injection (low dose: 0.1 μg/g body weight; high dose: 1 μg/g body weight) on plasma calcitonin (calcium-regulating hormone) and the calcium content of the scales were investigated. Ten days after removing the scales, we measured the plasma calcitonin and calcium content of both regenerating scales on the left side and ontogenic scales on the right side. At both doses of α-MSH injection, plasma calcitonin concentrations in the α-MSH-treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The mRNA expressions of α-MSH-receptors were detected in the ultimobranchial glands (secretory organ of calcitonin), indicating that α-MSH directly functions in ultimobranchial glands and promotes calcitonin secretion. Furthermore, we found that the calcium content of regenerating scales in α-MSH-treated goldfish was higher than that in control goldfish, while the calcium content of ontogenic scales on the right side was significantly decreased by α-MSH injection. There was a significant co-relationship between plasma calcitonin and the calcium content of regenerating scales. The mRNA expression of calcitonin receptors in regenerating scales was remarkably higher than that in ontogenic scales. These results imply that calcitonin functions to promote scale regeneration resulting from the inhibition of bone resorption because calcitonin suppresses osteoclastic activity. Thus, we are the first to demonstrate the interaction between α-MSH and calcitonin in teleosts

Abstract 1122‐000009: Impact of RNF213 p.R4810K Variant on Endovascular Therapy Outcome for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Introduction: The ring finger protein 213 gene (RNF213) has been identified as a susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease, and the p.R4810K polymorphism as a founder variant commonly found in East Asian patients. 1  A recent large case‐control study including over 46,958 Japanese subjects reported that the RNF213 p.R4810K variant was a strong risk factor for Japanese cerebral infarction: the variant was found in 5.2% of patients with non‐cardioembolic stroke and in 2.1% of healthy controls. 2   Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery and M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery, but in East Asians, about 15–25% of LVOs for which MT was performed were reportedly caused by intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). 3  RNF213 p.R4810K variant may be involved to some extent in ICAD‐related LVO of Asian patients undergoing MT. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of RNF213 p.R4810K variant on EVT for anterior circulation LVO stroke. Methods: Of the consecutive ischemic stroke patients from 2011 to 2021 seen in our institute, patients who underwent EVT for acute occlusion of the intracranial ICA or M1 segment of MCA and signed a consent form for RNF213 genotyping were included. Outcomes were instant re‐occlusion, final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b reperfusion, early re‐occlusion, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 at 90 days. Instant re‐occlusion was defined as occurrence of re‐occlusion during the procedure, whereas early re‐occlusion as re‐occlusion detected on magnetic resonance angiography within 2 weeks after confirmation of successful reperfusion at the end of the procedure. 4 Results: Of the 277 patients (128 women [46.2%]; median age, 76 years) analyzed, 10 (3.6%) patients had the RNF213 p.R4810K variant. The variant carriers were younger (67 years vs. 76 years, P<0.01), more frequently received angioplasty (40.0% vs. 12.0%, P<0.01), and more frequently had intracranial atherosclerotic disease‐related LVO as a cause of acute LVO (70.0% vs. 8.6%, P<0.01) than non‐carriers. The variant carriers showed higher rates of instant re‐occlusion (40.0% vs. 5.6%, P<0.01), but there were no statistically significant inter‐group differences for the final mTICI ≥2b reperfusion rate between carriers and non‐carriers (100.0% vs. 81.6%, P = 0.22). Early re‐occlusion was more frequent in the variant carriers than non‐ carriers (60.0% vs. 0.4%, P<0.01) with no intergroup difference in the rate of repeated EVT (67.7% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.71). There were no statistically significant inter‐group differences for achievement of mRS score 0–2 (60.0% vs. 51.7%, P = 0.75) Conclusions: Both instant and early re‐occlusion were more frequent in the RNF213 p.R4810K variant carriers who had received EVT for acute anterior circulation LVO than in the non‐carriers. Potential impact of RNF213 polymorphism status on EVT outcomes was clarified

Abstract 1122‐000009: Impact of RNF213 p.R4810K Variant on Endovascular Therapy Outcome for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Introduction : The ring finger protein 213 gene ( RNF213 ) has been identified as a susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease, and the p.R4810K polymorphism as a founder variant commonly found in East Asian patients. 1  A recent large case‐control study including over 46,958 Japanese subjects reported that the  RNF213  p.R4810K variant was a strong risk factor for Japanese cerebral infarction: the variant was found in 5.2% of patients with non‐cardioembolic stroke and in 2.1% of healthy controls. 2   Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery and M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery, but in East Asians, about 15–25% of LVOs for which MT was performed were reportedly caused by intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). 3   RNF213  p.R4810K variant may be involved to some extent in ICAD‐related LVO of Asian patients undergoing MT. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of  RNF213  p.R4810K variant on EVT for anterior circulation LVO stroke. Methods : Of the consecutive ischemic stroke patients from 2011 to 2021 seen in our institute, patients who underwent EVT for acute occlusion of the intracranial ICA or M1 segment of MCA and signed a consent form for  RNF213  genotyping were included. Outcomes were instant re‐occlusion, final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b reperfusion, early re‐occlusion, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 at 90 days. Instant re‐occlusion was defined as occurrence of re‐occlusion during the procedure, whereas early re‐occlusion as re‐occlusion detected on magnetic resonance angiography within 2 weeks after confirmation of successful reperfusion at the end of the procedure. 4 Results : Of the 277 patients (128 women [46.2%]; median age, 76 years) analyzed, 10 (3.6%) patients had the  RNF213  p.R4810K variant. The variant carriers were younger (67 years vs. 76 years,  P &lt;0.01), more frequently received angioplasty (40.0% vs. 12.0%,  P &lt;0.01), and more frequently had intracranial atherosclerotic disease‐related LVO as a cause of acute LVO (70.0% vs. 8.6%,  P &lt;0.01) than non‐carriers. The variant carriers showed higher rates of instant re‐occlusion (40.0% vs. 5.6%,  P &lt;0.01), but there were no statistically significant inter‐group differences for the final mTICI ≥2b reperfusion rate between carriers and non‐carriers (100.0% vs. 81.6%,  P = 0.22). Early re‐occlusion was more frequent in the variant carriers than non‐ carriers (60.0% vs. 0.4%, P&lt;0.01) with no intergroup difference in the rate of repeated EVT (67.7% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.71). There were no statistically significant inter‐group differences for achievement of mRS score 0–2 (60.0% vs. 51.7%,  P = 0.75) Conclusions : Both instant and early re‐occlusion were more frequent in the  RNF213  p.R4810K variant carriers who had received EVT for acute anterior circulation LVO than in the non‐carriers. Potential impact of  RNF213  polymorphism status on EVT outcomes was clarified. </jats:p