Protein transduction technology: a novel therapeutic perspective.

The direct intracellular delivery of proteins has, until recently, been difficult to achieve, due primarily to the bioavailability barrier of the plasma membrane. During the past 15 years, a variety of peptides called protein transduction domains (PTDs) or cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), have been characterized for their ability to translocate into live cells. The most commonly studied are homeodomain transcription factors such as Antennapedia, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 protein VP22, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) transactivator TAT protein. Recently, polyarginine exhibits even greater efficiency in terms of delivery of several peptides and proteins. Numerous examples of biologically active full-length proteins and peptides have been delivered to cells and tissues, both in vitro and in vivo. These studies offer new avenues for treatment of several diseases. The main mechanism of protein transduction is an electrostatic interaction with the plasma membrane, penetration into cells by macropinocytosis, and a release to cytoplasm and nuclei by retrograde transport. Moreover, the intercellular transfer of endogenous transcription factors, such as TAT and homeoproteins, seems to point to an original and important mode of signal transduction. The protein transduction systems have opened up several possibilities, not only for the development of new peptide/protein drugs but also for consideration of their physiological and developmental implications.</p

On-Orbit Demonstrations of Robust Autonomous Operations on Cubesat

As we accumulate experiences of satellite developments, we clearly recognize the importance of successful operations and difficulty to achieve them. There are many anomalous events in orbit especially for small satellites. It is costly or impossible to consider all anomalies in advance. The autonomous operation functions, we have developed, can operate the satellite without operators and achieve operation intents. The functions have the satellite behavior (state) models and the given operation intents. They generate the on-board operation procedures from the behavior models and execute them. Even if the status may not transit as expected due to anomalies, they can re-recognize the new status, generate the operation procedures again, and achieve the operation intents robustly. We have demonstrated the autonomous operation functions on a 3U CubeSat called TRICOM-1R that was launched by the newly developed and dedicated small satellite launcher SS-520 on 3rd Feb. 2018. The autonomous functions worked correctly and tried turning on the cameras without any predetermined operation procedures during the very first cycle of the orbit. The demonstration of them has successfully completed. We have several CubeSats and small satellites now in development and we will implement the upgraded version of the autonomous functions on them

Immunosuppression for islet transplantation.

The development by the Edmonton group of a sirolimus-based, steroid-free, low-tacrolimus regimen is a significant breakthrough that allows the rate of insulin independence after islet transplantation to increase from 13% to 80% at 1 year ; however, the rate is reduced to 50% at 3 years, attributed to prolonged tacrolimus exposure. Recently, immunosuppression agents such as cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and the novel agent FTY 720 have been used instead of tacrolimus. Lymphocytedepleting antibodies such as anti-thymocyte globulin, alemtuzumab, and hOKT3gamma 1 (ala, ala) have been launched, and a costimulatory blockade of anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies and CTLA4-Ig will be attempted in the near future. Moreover, the potential of a novel immunosuppressing peptide could now be realized using new technology called the protein transduction system. In this review, we show some of the most recent contributions to the advancement of knowledge in this field

Study on the qualities and abilities of art and crafts that systematically grow in 12 years of childhood: Through an appreciation class by the active learning

本研究の目的は，アクティブ・ラーニングによる図工・美術科の鑑賞授業を通して，本学校園で育みたい資質・能力のうち，「人間関係形成・社会形成能力」と関連する美術科の本質に根ざした資質・能力が，学年区分ごとについているか明らかにすることである。研究の方法は，小学校２，４年生，中学校１，３年生の子どもに対し共通作品をもとに対話型による鑑賞授業を実施し，授業における子どもの姿を分析し，指導内容や系統の適正について検討する。研究の結果，図工・美術部会で設定した目指す姿に近い様子が見られ，概ね力がついていることが確認できた。今後は，本研究を通して見えてきた鑑賞における学年ごとの発言や思考の特徴を，より具体的な姿として系統表に取り入れ，指導方法とともに改善をしていきたい。The purpose of this study is to clarify whether the qualities and abilities it came from essence of the art department related with "forming human relationships and social development ability" is related to grade level among the qualities and abilities that we want to cultivate at this school through an appreciation class by active learning. In the method of research, we conducted interactive classes based on same works for children of elementary school 2nd, 4th graders, junior high school 1st, 3rd graders, analyzed the appearance of children. As a result, it seemed that it was close to the aim position set by the art group, and it was confirmed that there were abilities almost. In the future, I’d like to incorporate the features of each grade's remarks and thinking in viewing through this research into a systematic table as a more specific form, and improve along with the teaching method

Allogeneic Islet Transplantation and Future

Pancreatic islets contain beta cells which produce insulin based on the blood glucose levels resulting in tight control of blood glucose levels. In type 1 diabetic patients, most of the beta cells are destroyed, therefore, pharmaceutical insulin injection is mandatory to avoid diabetes-related illness and death. Even with recent advanced insulin therapy, hypoglycemia is a critical limiting factor to control blood glucose levels. There is no doubt that hypoglycemia can be fatal. Allogeneic islet transplantation can prevent severe hypoglycemia and provide excellent blood glucose control. On the other hand, allograft donor shortage is the major issue. To overcome donor shortage, xenograft has been used and shown safety and efficacy. Recently stem-cell-derived beta cells are clinically applied. In this chapter, the history and current status of allogenic islet transplantation and future scope are described

Learning Development that Nurtures Abilities for the 21st Century, Based on the Properties of Such Subjects as Manual and Fine Arts : Through the Improvement and Practice of Taxonomy Table

本研究の目的は，図画工作・美術科の教科特性を踏まえた21世紀型能力を育成する学習開発を行うことである。研究の方法は，まず図画工作・美術科のタキソノミーテーブルの４領域と，本校で培う３つの資質・能力の位置付けを整理する。その上で，「メタ認知」と「認知」の２領域に焦点を当てた題材と学習指導法を開発し，その有効性を検証する。検証方法は，質問紙調査，ポートフォリオの内容分析，授業中の観察記録の内容分析，作品の達成度の分析を行い，児童・生徒の教科の本質に関する資質・能力の向上について評価する。研究の結果，グループ活動を軸にゲストティーチャーや異年齢の子どもに対して相手意識を持ちながらかかわることを通して，資質・能力を育むことができ，学習開発において一定の成果が出た。The purpose of this study is learning development that nurtures abilities for the 21st century, based on the properties of such subjects as manual and fine arts. The research methodology employed positions Taxonomy Tables in four fields of fine arts, and three qualities and skills developed in this school. Moreover, materials that focus on meta-cognition and cognition, as well as learning guidance methods, were developed, and their efficacy was validated. The methods of validation were a questionnaire survey, analyses of portfolios and records of classroom observations, and analyses of achievement in artworks. Improvements in subject-specific qualities and skills acquired by students were also assessed. Certain outcomes showed that, in learning development, qualities and skills can be nurtured through their dealing with guest teachers and children of varying ages in group activities with an awareness of their counterparts

Attenuated Sensory Deprivation-induced Changes of Parvalbumin Neuron Density in the Barrel Cortex of FcγRllB-deficient Mice

Recent studies have demonstrated the important role of immune molecules in the development of neuronal circuitry and synaptic plasticity. We have detected the presence of FcγRllB protein in parvalbumin- containing inhibitory interneurons (PV neurons). In the present study, we examined the appearance of PV neurons in the barrel cortex and the effect of sensory deprivation in FcγRllB-deficient mice (FcγRllB-/-) and wild-type mice. There was no substantial difference in the appearance of PV neurons in the developing barrel cortex between FcγRllB-/- and wild-type mice. Sensory deprivation from immediately after birth (P0) or P7 to P12-P14 induced an increase in PV neurons. In contrast, sensory deprivation from P7 or P14 to P28, but not from P21 to P28, decreased PV neurons in wild-type mice. However, sensory deprivation from P0 or P7 to P12-P14 did not increase PV neurons and sensory deprivation from P7 or P14 to P28 did not decrease or only modestly decreased PV neurons in FcγRllB-/- mice. The results indicate that expression of PV is regulated by sensory experience and the second and third postnatal weeks are a sensitive period for sensory deprivation, and suggest that FcγRllB contributes to sensory experience-regulated expression of PV

Effect of Nutrient Inputs on Water Quality Change and Phytoplankton Growth in Atsumi Bay

Eutrophication in an estuary occurs as an effect of the enrichment of nutrient inputs from rivers. This condition has become one of the most common environmental issues experienced around the globe and especially in Japan. Atsumi Bay is a eutrophic coastal area in Japan. The objective of this research was to analyze the influences of nutrient inputs from the Umeda River into Atsumi Bay on pre- and post-rainfall water quality conditions. This study was conducted from July to October 2010. The results showed a decrease of surface salinity after rainfall indicating that huge freshwater inputs had overlaid the surface layer of Atsumi Bay rather than the bottom layer. Moreover, post-rainfall conditions showed an increase of chlorophyll a as an effect of phytoplankton growth, followed by an increase of particulate nutrients. On the other hand, dissolved nutrients decreased due to uptake by phytoplankton and dilution by freshwater