Improving Tracking Performance of Predictive Functional Control Using Disturbance Observer and Its Application to Table Drive Systems

A practical approach for improving tracking performance of the predictive functional control (PFC) is proposed. The disturbance observer is utilized to nominalize the actual plant and to reduce the predicted output error in the PFC algorithm by canceling not only constant but also high-order disturbances. The proposed control scheme is experimentally validated on a single axis table drive system and is compared with the standard PFC and the industrial cascade control. The experimental results prove the effectiveness of the proposed disturbance observer-based PFC scheme

A Real-Car Experiment of a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer System Based on Parallel-Series Resonant Topology

short mileage and long charging times are problems facing electric vehicles (EVs), and dynamic wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are one of the most effective solutions to overcome these shortcomings. This paper proposes a dynamic WPT system consisting of several stationary primary underground coils and a secondary coil on an EV. The dynamic WPT system employed solenoid coils that were superior to circular coils in terms of misalignment to the traveling direction. A dynamic WPT system rated at 25 kW was designed, constructed, and tested to verify the principles of operation that is, the capability of supplying electric power continuously. Document type: Articl

Load dependency in force-length relations in isolated single cardiomyocytes

The previously reported pressure-volume (PV) relationship in frog hearts shows that end-systolic PV relation (ESPVR) is load dependent, whereas ESPVR in canine hearts is load independent. To study intrinsic cardiac mechanics in detail, it is desirable to study mechanics in a single isolated cardiomyocyte that is free from interstitial connective tissue. Previous single cell mechanics studies used a pair of carbon fibers (CF) attached to the upper surface of opposite cell ends to stretch cells. These studies showed that end-systolic force-length (FL) relation (ESFLR) is load independent. However, the range of applicable mechanical load using the conventional technique is limited because of weak cell-CF attachment. Therefore, the behavior of ESFLR in single cells under physiologically possible conditions of greater load is not yet well known. To cover wider loading range, we contrived a new method to hold cell-ends more firmly using two pairs of CF attached to both upper and bottom surfaces of cells. The new method allowed stretching cells to 2.2 μm or more in end-diastolic sarcomere length. ESFLR virtually behaves in a load independent manner only with end-diastolic sarcomere length less than 1.95 μm. It exhibited clear load dependency with higher preload, especially with low afterload conditions. Instantaneous cellular elastance curves showed that decreasing afterload enhanced relaxation and slowed time to peak elastance, as previously reported. A simulation study of a mathematical model with detailed description of thin filament activation suggested that velocity dependent thin filament inactivation is crucial for the observed load dependent behaviors and previously reported afterload dependent change in Ca(2+) transient shape

High hydrostatic pressure induces slow contraction in mouse cardiomyocytes

Cardiomyocytes are contractile cells that regulate heart contraction. Ca2+ flux via Ca2+ channels activates actomyosin interactions, leading to cardiomyocyte contraction, which is modulated by physical factors (e.g., stretch, shear stress, and hydrostatic pressure). We evaluated the mechanism triggering slow contractions using a high-pressure microscope to characterize changes in cell morphology and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in mouse cardiomyocytes exposed to high hydrostatic pressures. We found that cardiomyocytes contracted slowly without an acute transient increase in [Ca2+]i, while a myosin ATPase inhibitor interrupted pressure-induced slow contractions. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy showed that, although the sarcomere length was shortened upon the application of 20 MPa, this pressure did not collapse cellular structures such as the sarcolemma and sarcomeres. Our results suggest that pressure-induced slow contractions in cardiomyocytes are driven by the activation of actomyosin interactions without an acute transient increase in [Ca2+]i

Lymphocyte Responses to Chymotrypsin- or Trypsin V-Digested β-Lactoglobulin in Patients with Cow's Milk Allergy

<p/> <p>Chymotrypsin- or trypsin V- (a mixture of trypsin and chymotrypsin) digested β-lactoglobulin (BLG) peptides were prepared and were confirmed to have much less immunoglobulin (lg)G and lgE reactivity compared with intact BLG by IgG inhibition enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and IgE dot blotting. The lymphocyte responses to intact BLG and these peptides were examined using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 patients with cow's milk allergy. The PBMCs from most patients had lower lymphocyte responses to chymotrypsin- and trypsin V-digested BLG peptides than those to intact BLG. However, PBMCs from one and two patients retained significant proliferative responses to both peptides and to only the former peptide, respectively. Interferon-c production stimulated by chymotrypsin-digested peptides was still detectable in all five patients tested. Chymotrypsindigested BLG reduced lgE reactivity but still induced some lymphocyte responses.</p

Influence of Visual Stimulation-Induced Passive Reproduction of Motor Images in the Brain on Motor Paralysis After Stroke

Finger flexor spasticity, which is commonly observed among patients with stroke, disrupts finger extension movement, consequently influencing not only upper limb function in daily life but also the outcomes of upper limb therapeutic exercise. Kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) has been proposed as a potential treatment for spasticity in patients with stroke. However, it remains unclear whether KINVIS intervention alone could improve finger flexor spasticity and finger extension movements without other intervention modalities. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of a single KINVIS session on finger flexor spasticity, including its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms, and finger extension movements. To this end, 14 patients who experienced their first episode of stroke participated in this study. A computer screen placed over the patient’s forearm displayed a pre-recorded mirror image video of the patient’s non-paretic hand performing flexion–extension movements during KINVIS. The position and size of the artificial hand were adjusted appropriately to create a perception that the artificial hand was the patient’s own. Before and after the 20-min intervention, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores and active range of finger extension movements of the paretic hand were determined. Accordingly, MAS scores and active metacarpophalangeal joint extension range of motion improved significantly after the intervention. Moreover, additional experimentation was performed using F-waves on eight patients whose spasticity was reduced by KINVIS to determine whether the same intervention also decreased spinal excitability. Our results showed no change in F-wave amplitude and persistence after the intervention. These results demonstrate the potential clinical significance of KINVIS as a novel intervention for improving finger flexor spasticity and extension movements, one of the most significant impairments among patients with stroke. The decrease in finger flexor spasticity following KINVIS may be attributed to neurophysiological changes not detectable by the F-wave, such as changes in presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents. Further studies are certainly needed to determine the long-term effects of KINVIS on finger spasticity, as well as the neurophysiological mechanisms explaining the reduction in spasticity

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cell Contribution in Maintenance of Periodontal Ligament Homeostasis

In general, remodeling phenomenon of the periodontal ligament (PDL) is occurring in all times. Thus, in the chapter, the word “maintenance” was used, and the chapter title is “Maintenance of Periodontal Ligament Homeostasis.” Our experimental data on the remodeling of the PDL with cell acceleration at the furcation area in this experimental model are recovered using the cells in situ and the bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs). BMC migration into the PDL tissues using green fluorescent protein (GFP) bone marrow-transplanted model mouse was examined. BMCs have abilities of cell migration and differentiation into tissues/organs in the body. The immunohistochemistry revealed that GFP-positive cells were detected in the PDL. GFP-positive cells were also positive to CD31, CD68, and Runx2 suggesting that fibroblasts differentiated into osteoclasts and tissue macrophages. In this way, Notch signaling involvement considered in our tentative examinations revealed that the experimentally induced periodontal polyp was examined; the cytological dynamics of the cells in granulation tissue are mainly from migration of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of the bone marrow and differentiate into the tissue-specified cells. Furthermore, the data suggest that cell differentiation is due to Notch signaling

Temporal Effects of Cyclic Stretching on Distribution and Gene Expression of Integrin and Cytoskeleton by Ligament Fibroblasts In Vitro

Cyclic stretching is pivotal to maintenance of the ligaments. However, it is still not clear when ligament fibroblasts switch on expression of genes related to the mechanotransduction pathway in response to cyclic stretching. This in vitro study investigated, using ligament fibroblasts, the time-dependent changes in distribution and gene expression of β1 integrin, the cytoskeleton, and collagens after the application of 6% cyclic stretching at a frequency of 0.1 Hz for 3 hr on silicon membranes. We carried out confocal laser scanning microscopy to demonstrate changes in distribution of these components as well as quantitative real-time RT-PCR to quantify levels of these gene expression both during application of cyclic stretching and at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 18 hr after the termination of stretching. Control (unstretched) cells were used at each time point. Within 1 hr of the application of stretching, the fibroblasts and their actin stress fibers became aligned in a direction perpendicular to the major axis of stretch, whereas control (unstretched) cells were randomly distributed. In response to cyclic stretching, upregulation of actin at the mRNA level was first observed within 1 hr after the onset of stretching, while upregulation of β1 integrin and type I and type III collagens was observed between 2 and 12 hr after the termination of stretching. These results indicate that the fibroblasts quickly modify their morphology in response to cyclic stretching, and subsequently they upregulate the expression of genes related to the mechanotransduction pathway mainly during the resting period after the termination of stretching

歯科矯正学的メカニカルストレスによるマウス歯周組織改造における細胞動態

The purpose of the study was to determine the cell dynamics in periodontal ligament in response to mechanical stress during orthodontic movement. Following Waldo’s method, a square sheet of rubber dam was inserted in between the first and second maxillary molars in 10 ddY mice leaving the stress load for 3 hours. After 3 days and at 1 week, cell count on pressure and tension sides of the periodontal ligament was determined. Furthermore, the type of cell present after mechanical stress was identified using GFP bone marrow transplantation mouse model. Immunohistochemistry was carried out at 0 min (immediately after mechanical stress), 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks and 6 months. Temporal changes in the expression of GFP-positive bone marrow derived cells were examined. Moreover, double immunofluorescent staining was performed to determine the type of cell in the periodontal ligament. Cell count on the tension side tremendously increased 3 days after mechanical stress. At 1 week, spindle and round cell count increased compared to the control group. These changes were observed on both tension and pressure sides. Cell count on pressure side at 3 days (22.11+/-13.98) and at 1 week (33.23+/-11.39) was higher compared to the control group (15.26+/-8.29). On the tension side, there was a significantly increased at 3 days (35.46+/-11.85), but decreased at 1 week (29.23+/-13.89) although it is still higher compared to the control group (AD+/-SD: 10.37+/-8.69). Using GFP bone marrow transplantation mouse model, GFP positive cell count increased gradually over time in 6 months. GFP positive cells were also positive to CD31, CD68 and Runx2 suggesting that fibroblasts differentiated into osteoclasts and tissue macrophages. In conclusion, mechanical stress during orthodontic movement promoted the increase in the number of cells in the periodontal ligament on both tension and pressure sides. The increase in the number of cells in the periodontal ligament is believed to be due to the migration and cell division of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells.2015博士（歯学）松本歯科大

Chapter 6 : Bone marrow masenchymal cell contribution in maintenance of periodontal ligament homeostasis.

In general, remodeling phenomenon of the periodontal ligament (PDL) is occurring in all times. Thus, in the chapter, the word “maintenance” was used, and the chapter title is “Maintenance of Periodontal Ligament Homeostasis.” Our experimental data on the remodeling of the PDL with cell acceleration at the furcation area in this experimental model are recovered using the cells in situ and the bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs).BMC migration into the PDL tissues using green Ěuorescent protein (GFP)bone　marrow-transplanted model mouse was examined. BMCs have abilities of　cell migration and diěerentiation into　tissues/organs in the body. The immunohistochemistry revealed that GFP-positive cells were detected in the PDL.GFP-positive cells were also positive to CD31, CD68, and Runx2 suggesting that ębroblasts diěerentiated into osteoclasts and tissue macrophages. In this　way, Notch signaling involvement considered in our tentative examinations revealed　that the experimentally induced periodontal polyp was examined; the cytological　dynamics of the cells in granulation tissue are mainly from migration of　undiěerentiated mesenchymal cells of the bone marrow and diěerentiate into the　tissue-specięed cells. Furthermore, the data suggest that cell diěerentiation is due to　Notch signaling.Edited by Thomas Heinbockel and Vonnie D.C. Shields : Published in London : IntechOpen, 2019