Cross-modal effect between taste and shape controlled by curvature entropy

In recent years, cross-modal effects in which perceptions interact with each other have been drawing attention. In the case of the cross-modal effect between vision and taste, the effect of the angularity of shapes on taste has been widely studied while there has been little research on the other features of shapes. Previous studies have shown that the emotional valence arisen from visual perception causes the cross-modal effect between vision and taste. Therefore, this study focuses on the complexity of shapes, which is said to influence emotional valence, as a visual stimulus and aims to confirm the cross-modal effect induced by its sensation. First, based on previous research, the hypotheses about the effects of the complexity of shapes on taste were made. Second, by using particle swarm optimization algorithm, closed curve shapes were generated based on curvature entropy, a quantitative index of the complexity of shapes, which indicates the randomness of curvature transition. Third, cup holders, which had these closed curve shapes on their sides, were created by using a 3D printer. Finally, by comparing the tastes of orange juice in these cup holders, the effect of the complexity of shapes on the perception of sweetness, sourness and intensity was confirmed. The results suggest that the complexity of shapes controlled by curvature entropy weakens the perception of sweetness whereas it enhances that of sourness and intensity. This finding can be used for reducing sugar intake in bottle packaging

Precocious Gauge Symmetry Breaking in SU(6)×SU(2)RSU(6) \times SU(2)_R Model

In the $SU(6) \times SU(2)_R$ string-inspired model, we evolve the couplings and the masses down from the string scale $M_S$ using the renormalization group equations and minimize the effective potential. This model has the flavor symmetry including the binary dihedral group $\tilde{D}_4$. We show that the scalar mass squared of the gauge non-singlet matter field possibly goes negative slightly below the string scale. As a consequence, the precocious radiative breaking of the gauge symmetry down to the standard model gauge group can occur. In the present model, the large Yukawa coupling which plays an important role in the symmetry breaking is identical with the colored Higgs coupling related to the longevity of the proton.Comment: 15 pages, 2 figure

Electron Spin Resonance Study on Irradiated Styrene in Crystalline and Glassy States

Styrene was irradiated at-196°C to give a five-line spectrum with a coupling constant of about 16 gauss. This is attributed to the free radical When a mixture of styrene and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran was irradiated, a broad singlet spectrum (total width 33 gauss) was superposed on the seven-line spectrum due to the methyltetrahydrofuran radical and no sharp singlet spectrum due to trapped electrons was observed. This broad singlet spectrum is thought to be due to styrene anion radicals. This spectrum was bleached by visible light and saturated appreciably with increasing microwave power. Similar phenomena were observed for a styrene-3-methylpentane mixture

Overview of Fusion Engineering Research in Japan Focusing on Activities in NIFS and Universities

his paper provides an overview of Japanese fusion engineering research activities focusing on those being carried out by the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) and Japanese universities (Universities). NIFS is promoting the Fusion Engineering Research Project (FERP) as one of three research projects. The majority of the activity in FERP is being carried out by collaboration with Universities. Utilizing the core facilities installed in NIFS and the unique infrastructures of Universities, collaboration between NIFS and Universities is performed for the superconducting magnet, the liquid breeder blanket, advanced materials, high heat flux components, and tritium safety. NIFS also carries out international collaboration programs such as Japan-China–based, Japan-U.S.–based, and International Energy Agency–based collaborations, promoting participation of University researchers. Division of responsibilities with the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), contributions to the ITER Broader Approach, and the Action Plan Toward DEMO Development are also reported