Implementation of High-Speed Pseudo-Random-Number Generator with Chaotic and Random Neural Networks

Chaotic and random time series generated from improved chaotic and random neural network (CRNN) afford statistically appropriate pseudo-random number series for information security. Randomness of outputs of CRNN is empirically validated in detail, and control methods of an appropriate ratio of chaotic character and randomness in the time series for PRNG is reported. The rate of random number generation has reached 2.8530×10^12 b/s. In future, the generator may play an important role on implementing applications for protecting personal information on the Internet

X-Ray Reflection Nebulae with Large Equivalent Widths of Neutral Iron Ka Line in the Sgr C Region

This paper reports on the first results of the Suzaku observation in the Sgr C region. We detected four diffuse clumps with strong line emission at 6.4keV, Ka from neutral or low-ionized Fe. One of them, M359.38-0.00, is newly discovered with Suzaku. The X-ray spectra of the two bright clumps, M359.43-0.07 and M359.47-0.15, after subtracting the Galactic center diffuse X-ray emission (GCDX), exhibit strong Ka line from FeI with large equivalent widths (EWs) of 2.0-2.2keV and clear Kb of FeI. The GCDX in the Sgr C region is composed of the 6.4keV- and 6.7keV-associated components. These are phenomenologically decomposed by taking relations between EWs of the 6.4keV and 6.7keV lines. Then the former EWs against the associated continuum in the bright clump regions are estimated to be 2.4(+2.3_-0.7)keV. Since the two different approaches give similar large EWs of 2keV, we strongly suggest that the 6.4keV clumps in the Sgr C region are due to X-ray reflection/fluorescence (the X-ray reflection nebulae).Comment: Accepted for publication in PAS

Methylation profiles of genes utilizing newly developed CpG island methylation microarray on colorectal cancer patients

Aberrant methylation of DNA has been shown to play an important role in a variety of human cancers, developmental disorders and aging. Hence, aberrant methylation patterns in genes can be a molecular marker for such conditions. Therefore, a reliable but uncomplicated method to detect DNA methylation is preferred, not merely for research purposes but for daily clinical practice. To achieve these aims, we have established a precise system to identify DNA methylation patterns based on an oligonucleotide microarray technology. Our microarray method has an advantage over conventional methods and is unique because it allows the precise measurement of the methylation patterns within a target region. Our simple signal detection system depends on using an avidin–biotinylated peroxidase complex and does not require an expensive laser scanner or hazardous radioisotope. In this study, we applied our technique to detect promoter methylation status of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene. Our easy-handling technology provided reproducible and precise measurement of methylated CpGs in MGMT promoter and, thus, our method may bring about a potential evolution in the handling of a variety of high-throughput DNA methylation analyses for clinical purposes

The Current Status of Learning Activities within the Topic of Community Contribution in Special Needs Schools for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

知的障害特別支援学校における地域貢献をテーマとする学習活動の歴史的経緯と意義、および地域と協働して展開していくための手立てを明らかにすることを目的とした。知的障害特別支援学校２校を訪問調査し、勤務校の教育実践を検討した。地域貢献をテーマとする学習活動は、学校で既に実施してきた教育活動や地域にある制度等を活用すると円滑に開始しやすいことが明らかになった。また、開始する際は、学校の教育目標を実現するために必要な資源を検討し、探究していくことも必要だと考えられた。一方、地域の施設や団体等とのコミュニケーションを密にすることで、より多くの資源を活用できる可能性があり、教師の負担の軽減も期待できると考えられた。さらに、学習活動を発展・持続させていくためには、成果の共有、地域資源の見直し、年間指導計画での授業時数確保等のカリキュラム・マネジメントが不可欠であると考えられた。The aim of this paper is to clarify i) the history and significance of learning activities within the topic of community contribution in special support schools for students with intellectual disabilities, and ii) the ways in which such activities are developed in cooperation with the local community. Two special support schools for students with intellectual disabilities were visited, and relevant education delivery in the researcher’s school was investigated. Utilization of educational activities already ongoing in the school, and of existing systems in the community, were found to facilitate smooth commencement of such community contribution learning activities. When starting these activities, it is also necessary to identify and explore the resources required to realize the school’s educational objectives. Meanwhile, improved communication with local facilities and groups will broaden the pool of available resources and ease the burden on teaching staff. In addition, if such learning activities are to be developed and maintained, it is essential to share outcomes, review community resources, and engage in curriculum management, including with the allocation of sufficient lesson time within annual planning

Suzaku Spectroscopy of an X-Ray Reflection Nebula and a New Supernova Remnant Candidate in the Sgr B1 Region

We made a 100 ks observation of the Sagittarius (Sgr) B1 region at (l, b) = (0.5, -0.1) near to the Galactic center (GC) with the Suzaku/XIS. Emission lines of S XV, Fe I, Fe XXV, and Fe XXVI were clearly detected in the spectrum. We found that the Fe XXV and Fe XXVI line emissions smoothly distribute over the Sgr B1 and B2 regions connecting from the GC. This result suggests that the GC hot plasma extends at least up to the Sgr B region with a constant temperature. There are two diffuse X-ray sources in the observed region. One of the two (G0.42-0.04) is newly discovered, and exhibits a strong S XV Ka emission line, suggesting a candidate for a supernova remnant located in the GC region. The other one (M0.51-0.10), having a prominent Fe I Ka emission line and a strongly absorbed continuum, is likely to be an X-ray reflection nebula. There is no near source bright enough to irradiate M0.51-0.10. However, the Fe I Ka emission can be explained if Sgr A* was ~ 10^6 times brighter 300 years ago, the light travel time for 100 pc to M0.51-0.10, than it is at present.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure

X-ray Anomalous Scattering of Diluted Magnetic Oxide Semiconductors: Possible Evidence of Lattice Deformation for High Temperature Ferromagnetism

We have examined whether the Co ions crystallographically substitute on the Ti sites in rutile and anatase Ti_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$O$_{2-delta}$thin films that exhibit room-temperature ferromagnetism. Intensities of the x-ray Bragg reflection from the films were measured around the$K$-absorption-edge of Co. If the Co ions randomly substitute on the Ti sites, the intensity should exhibit an anomaly due to the anomalous dispersion of the atomic scattering factor of Co. However, none of the anatase and rutile samples did exhibit an anomaly, unambiguously showing that the Co ions in Ti$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$O$_{2-delta}$are not exactly located at the Ti sites of TiO$_2$. The absence of the anomaly is probably caused by a significant deformation of the local structure around Co due to the oxygen vacancy. We have applied the same method to paramagnetic Zn$_{1-x}$Co$_{x}$O thin films and obtained direct evidence that the Co ions are indeed substituted on the Zn sites.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted in PR

Tumorigenesis of Epstein–Barr Virus-Positive Epithelial Cell Lines Derived from Gastric Tissues in the SCID Mouse

AbstractTo study the tumorigenesis of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive epithelial cell lines GT38 and GT39 derived from human gastric tissues, we inoculated these cells under the skin of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The development of tumors was observed in each of the mice about 2 months after the inoculation. The tumors were diagnosed with undifferentiated carcinoma by hematoxylin/eosin staining. EBV-encoded small RNA1 was detected in the paraffin-embedded tumor sections. The tumor cells had human chromosome. The circular, but not linear, EBV DNA was detected in the tumors. The molecular sizes of EBV DNA termini were the same as that of the inoculated GT38 or GT39 cells. The expressions of EBV nuclear antigen 2 and latent membrane protein 1 reduced in the tumors. Transcripts of BamHI C and W promoters in latency III were detected in the tumors and the cultured cells in vitro. The tumor cells were passaged from one SCID mouse to other SCID mice and to cultures in vitro. This is the first evidence that the EBV-positive epithelial cell lines produced tumors in the SCID mouse

Combined Use of a Solid-Phase Hexapeptide Ligand Library with Liquid Chromatography and Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis for Intact Plasma Proteomics

The intact plasma proteome is of great interest in biomarker studies because intact proteins reflect posttranslational protein processing such as phosphorylation that may correspond to disease status. We examined the utility of a solid-phase hexapeptide ligand library in combination with conventional plasma proteomics modalities for comprehensive profiling of intact plasma proteins. Plasma proteins were sequentially fractionated using depletion columns for albumin and immunoglobulin, and separated using an anion-exchange column. Proteins in each fraction were treated with a solid-phase hexapeptide ligand library and compared to those without treatment. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis demonstrated an increased number of protein spots in the treated samples. Mass spectrometric studies of these protein spots with unique intensity in the treated samples resulted in the identification of high- and medium-abundance proteins. Our results demonstrated the possible utility of a solid-phase hexapeptide ligand library to reveal greater number of intact plasma proteins. The characteristics of proteins with unique affinity to the library remain to be clarified by more extensive mass spectrometric protein identification, and optimized protocols should be established for large-scale plasma biomarker studies