Visual SLAM algorithms: a survey from 2010 to 2016

SLAM is an abbreviation for simultaneous localization and mapping, which is a technique for estimating sensor motion and reconstructing structure in an unknown environment. Especially, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) using cameras is referred to as visual SLAM (vSLAM) because it is based on visual information only. vSLAM can be used as a fundamental technology for various types of applications and has been discussed in the field of computer vision, augmented reality, and robotics in the literature. This paper aims to categorize and summarize recent vSLAM algorithms proposed in different research communities from both technical and historical points of views. Especially, we focus on vSLAM algorithms proposed mainly from 2010 to 2016 because major advance occurred in that period. The technical categories are summarized as follows: feature-based, direct, and RGB-D camera-based approaches

Calcium depletion destabilises kinetochore fibres by the removal of CENP-F from the kinetochore

Phengchat, R., Takata, H., Uchiyama, S. et al. Calcium depletion destabilises kinetochore fibres by the removal of CENP-F from the kinetochore. Sci Rep 7, 7335 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-07777-6

Nucleolin functions in nucleolus formation and chromosome congression

Ma N., Matsunaga S., Takata H., et al. Nucleolin functions in nucleolus formation and chromosome congression. Journal of Cell Science, 120, 12, 2091. https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.008771

Use of Recombinant Endolysin to Improve Accuracy of Group B Streptococcus Tests

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes serious neonatal infection via vertical transmission. The prenatal GBS screening test is performed at the late stage of pregnancy to avoid risks of infection. In this test, enrichment culture is performed, followed by GBS identification. Selective medium is used for the enrichment; however, Enterococcus faecalis, which is a potential contaminant in swab samples, can interfere with the growth of GBS. Such bacterial contamination can lead to false-negative results. Endolysin, a bacteriophage-derived enzyme, degrades peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall; it is a promising antimicrobial agent for selectively eliminating specific bacterial genera/species. In this study, we used the recombinant endolysin EG-LYS, which is specific to E. faecalis; the endolysin potentially enriched GBS in the selective culture. First, in the false-negative model (coculture of GBS and E. faecalis, which disabled GBS detection in the subsequent GBS identification test), EG-LYS treatment at 0.1 mg/ml improved GBS detection. Next, we used 548 vaginal swabs to test the efficacy of EG-LYS treatment in improving GBS detection. EG-LYS treatment (0.1 mg/ml) increased the GBS-positive ratio to 17.9%, compared to 15.7% in the control (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS] treatment). In addition, there were an increased number of GBS colonies under EG-LYS treatment in some samples. The results were supported by the microbiota analysis of the enriched cultures. In conclusion, EG-LYS treatment of the enrichment culture potentially improves the accuracy of the prenatal GBS screening test

H1.X with different properties from other linker histones is required for mitotic progression

AbstractWe report here the characterization of H1.X, a human histone H1 subtype. We demonstrate that H1.X accumulates in the nucleolus during interphase and is distributed at the chromosome periphery during mitosis. In addition, the results of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching indicate that the exchange of H1.X on and off chromatin is faster than that of the other H1 subtypes. Furthermore, RNA interference experiments reveal that H1.X is required for chromosome alignment and segregation. Our results suggest that H1.X has important functions in mitotic progression, which are different from those of the other H1 subtypes

Chromosome Scaffold is a Double-Stranded Assembly of Scaffold Proteins

Poonperm, R., Takata, H., Hamano, T. et al. Chromosome Scaffold is a Double-Stranded Assembly of Scaffold Proteins. Sci Rep 5, 11916 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep11916

Calcium ions function as a booster of chromosome condensation

Phengchat, R., Takata, H., Morii, K. et al. Calcium ions function as a booster of chromosome condensation. Sci Rep 6, 38281 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep38281