Tohoku Techno Arch Co., Ltd. List of Products and Services

This invention presents a new platform for creating organic-CaCO₃ composite materials with pearl-like multilayer nanostructures using a bio-manufacturing process involving yeast and koji mold. 　Building on prior research into the bio-mineralization of Pteria penguin pearls, the inventors have successfully expressed the related proteins and enzymes in yeast to produce highly controlled multilayer CaCO₃ crystals. High-Performance Materials　：By optimizing the expression of matrix proteins and enzymes, the crystal structure and material properties can be precisely controlled. Sustainability　：The fermentation-based production process enables large-scale manufacturing with minimal environmental impact and low cost.

• others

Current Alzheimer’s disease therapies provide only limited cognitive benefit, and there is an unmet need for disease‑modifying drugs that directly reduce amyloid‑β (Aβ) accumulation.​ The inventors identified habu snake (Protobothrops flavoviridis) venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), evolutionarily related to non‑amyloidogenic APP‑processing ADAM proteases, as potent Aβ‑degrading enzymes.​ In vitro, an SVMP cocktail cleaved secreted Aβ at the APP α‑cleavage–equivalent site, converted it to non‑toxic p3 fragments, and reduced Aβ levels in culture medium by about 90%.​ Among these, the flavoridin‑precursor–derived SVMP targets both monomeric and aggregated Aβ and shows higher substrate selectivity than neprilysin with minimal neuropeptide degradation, supporting its potential as a low‑toxicity, disease‑modifying AD drug lead.

• others

In recent years, concerns about animal welfare have accelerated efforts to reduce animal testing in pharmaceutical and cosmetic development, driving a global shift toward in vitro evaluation methods that better replicate the human body. Microphysiological systems (MPS), which combine microfluidic technology with human cells, are attracting significant attention as next‑generation in vitro evaluation methods capable of reproducing organ‑level physiological functions.​ 　The inventors have developed a device capable of independently controlling the two‑dimensional spatial distributions of both oxygen concentration and pH. This invention is expected to facilitate understanding of cellular dynamics in microenvironments with oxygen and pH gradients. For example, by reproducing the hypoxic and low‑pH environment of cancerous tissues, the device enables the evaluation of anticancer drug efficacy and toxicity under conditions that closely mimic the in vivo environment of cancer patients. Beyond these applications, the device is expected to support a broad range of uses as an organ‑on‑a‑chip platform. Since this patent has not yet been published, the specification can be disclosed after the intellectual property agreement is concluded.

• others

Piezoelectric sensors made of piezoelectric ceramics and polymers have been developed. Among them, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a semicrystalline polymer composed of (CH2-CF2) repeating structures. It has attracted attention because of its low cost and excellent flexibility. While further improvement of piezoelectric properties is required, improvement of materials without compromising their flexibility has been studied. However, materials that meet the needs of the industry have not been developed. 　As a result of repeated research, we succeeded in developing a modified PVDF with significantly improved piezoelectric properties. The development of a new material was made possible by adding additives to the raw material PVDF. We confirmed that the piezoelectric properties of this material were increased without losing the excellent flexibility of the conventional material. This paves the way for the development of more sensitive sensors, which are expected to be applied in the medical device and robot industries.

• others

In factories, buildings, hospitals, commercial facilities, and water treatment plants, water is typically pumped to elevated storage tanks, which results in high electricity consumption. To address this issue, the proposed invention introduces a liquid lifting and power generation system that uses high-pressure fluid to increase the internal pressure of a storage chamber, enabling liquid to be transported to higher elevations without conventional pumps. ■Key Features of the Invention ・　Significant reduction in power consumption compared to conventional pumping systems ・　Superior safety and ease of handling compared to methods that use flammable gases

• others

The inventors have developed a subcritical separation technology, which, combined with a newly established method for estimating phase equilibria in a carbon dioxide–ethanol–water ternary solvent system near room temperature, enables the design of efficient extraction conditions for algal oils. 　This invention proposes a clean extraction technology that mixes subcritical fluids with a feed solution (alcohol–water solution containing algae) to separate a vapor phase enriched in oils and a liquid phase enriched in chlorophyll and pheophorbide. ◎ Enhanced Safety ◎ Suppression of Oxidation and Thermal Degradation ◎ Energy Savings ◎ Low Environmental Impact

• others

The inventors have developed a unique subcritical solvent separation method using three green solvents—CO₂, ethanol, and water—to enable safe, eco-friendly production of pharmaceutical and food ingredients. Conventional supercritical and subcritical processes often face slurry freezing and clogging due to adiabatic expansion, reducing productivity and increasing maintenance time and cost. The proposed system prevents these issues by creating a controlled pressure difference between gas and liquid phases in the separation column, enabling a safer and more efficient extraction and manufacturing process. ◎High productivity enabled by continuous separation and collection ◎Handles slurry without clogging, reducing pretreatment time 　　　　　　 　　and preventing degradation of target compounds ◎No harmful organic solvents, ensuring safer and cleaner operations

• others

As semiconductor devices are highly integrated, metal wirings used in semiconductor circuits are becoming hotter and denser. Then, electromigration (EM) damage due to metal fatigue becomes a problem. Conventionally, measures to increase EM strength have been taken by devising wiring structures such as lamination and installation of reservoirs. On the other hand, these measures require many processes and are costly. 　The present invention has developed a method to suppress EM damage only by performing wiring processing which is simpler and less costly than conventional methods. The present invention is a technology to improve reliability against EM damage by reducing current density flowing through wiring. For applications that have not yet been published, information disclosure and other measures will be taken after a contract including a confidentiality clause is concluded. Please feel free to contact us.

• others

　This database includes more than 10,000 motion capture entries from 97 performers, 54 from Japan and 43 from Taiwan. 　It features recordings of 12 emotions-joy, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, disgust, contempt, gratitude, guilt, jealousy, shame, pride, and neutral state. 　Each emotional category comprises 3 self-prepared personalized scenarios by the performers, at 3 intensity levels: low, middle, and high. 　Scenarios are provided in Japanese, English, and Chinese, offering detailed context information that illustrates the cultural nuances behind emotional triggers.

• others

Patients with severe respiratory failure or low oxygen saturation are currently supported by ECMO, but conventional systems are bulky, highly invasive, and require specialized expertise. This system integrates a miniature axial-flow blood pump and a hollow-fiber oxygenation unit within a dual-lumen cannula, allowing blood pumping, oxygenation, and CO₂ removal in a single device. ・　Integrated pump and oxygenator: No additional artificial lung needed ・　Single-port percutaneous insertion: Femoral or jugular access reaching the right atrium ・　Recirculation control: Flow rate and oxygenation optimized via pump speed ・　Low-flow gas exchange proven: Effective oxygenation and CO₂ removal demonstrated at 0.2 mL/min

• others

Microneedles deliver drugs by coating or loading therapeutic agents onto fine needles that penetrate tissues and release the drug in a minimally invasive manner. However, pharmacokinetic evaluations have so far relied on the assumption that sufficient drug amounts were successfully administered to achieve therapeutic effect. This has limited the quantitative assessment of safety and efficacy. Our system enables quantitative evaluation of microneedle penetration behavior—such as penetration depth, direction, and the range of affected tissue—within a simulated skin environment that can reproduce mechanical properties like pulsation and viscoelasticity. These features allow realistic replication of the dynamic interactions that occur during microneedle insertion. Using stereo camera–based measurements, the system captures both the physical penetration process and the dynamic deformation of the target with high precision.

• others

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) composites serve as excellent dispersible carriers that maximize silver’s conductivity, catalytic activity, and antimicrobial performance. CNF, being plant-derived and environmentally friendly, also aligns with SDG goals. Conventional wet reduction methods, however, generate wastewater and require washing steps, leading to environmental issues and complex processing. This invention introduces an ultrasonication-based method that both disperses CNF uniformly and reduces silver oxide to form CNF/AgNPs composites without harmful reagents. The simple, waste-free process offers higher silver loading and better silver dispersion than conventional methods, enhancing silver’s inherent properties.

• others

For patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), first-line therapy usually involves pembrolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor; ICI) with chemotherapy (5-FU plus cisplatin/carboplatin), or pembrolizumab alone for PD-L1–positive cases defined by the combined positive score (CPS). As a second-line option, cetuximab (anti-EGFR antibody) plus paclitaxel (CET+PTX) is commonly used. Our study revealed a mutually exclusive correlation between responses to first-line pembrolizumab and second-line CET+PTX. Comprehensive gene expression analyses identified key biomarkers linked to this correlation. This diagnostic approach allows prediction of each therapy’s efficacy in individual patients by measuring these biomarkers.

• others

In biotechnology and healthcare, it is crucial to detect small temperature changes and heat generation with high sensitivity. This invention achieves remarkable temperature sensitivity by using ionic liquids with a high Seebeck coefficient in thermocouples, far surpassing conventional solid-state materials. The device employs a microfluidic chip, allowing the liquids to be physically separated but electrically connected, enabling flexible sensor structures. This system makes it possible to conduct ultra-sensitive temperature measurements even on curved and irregular surfaces, expanding the practical utility of temperature sensing well beyond what is possible with traditional solid-state sensors.

• others

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are regarded as promising materials for next-generation electronics owing to their unique optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. Conventional synthesis methods such as laser ablation and arc discharge create SWCNTs with a broad mixture of chiralities, resulting in inconsistent device performance. Polymer wrapping and density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) are widely used for chirality separation, but polymer wrapping is limited to certain chiralities and DGU tends to shorten nanotube length, increasing resistance in electronic devices. We have developed a new dispersion and purification method that enables efficient separation of a wide variety of SWCNT chiralities—including enantiomers—while preserving tube length. The resulting high-purity, long SWCNTs allow the realization of advanced devices with high speed and sensitivity, expanding the possibilities for practical applications in electronics and sensing technologies.

• others

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health issue without any drugs that improve kidney function. Previous mouse experiments showed that lubiprostone, a constipation drug, reduces uremic toxin accumulation by improving the intestinal environment altered by kidney decline, thus inhibiting kidney damage progression 1. A phase II clinical trial was conducted to test lubiprostone's effects on kidney function in patients. Results revealed dose-dependent suppression of kidney function decline (eGFR) in lubiprostone-treated patients compared to placebo. Further analysis showed lubiprostone improves kidney mitochondrial function by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing spermidine production, which enhances mitochondrial activity and provides kidney protection.

• others

Traditionally, a specialist determines the epileptogenic area (EZ) to be removed during epilepsy surgery by comprehensively judging the results of EEG, CT and MRI, SPECT and PET. Conventional methods are challenged by (1) low accuracy, (2) the length of the examination period (which requires at least one week), and (3) the high burden on the patient (two surgeries, the installation of an electroencephalograph and the removal of EZ). 　The present invention can estimate the seizure origin (SOZ) and EZ with high accuracy and speed without waiting for an epileptic seizure by analyzing the high-frequency electroencephalogram during the interictal period. Specifically, since EZ can be precisely determined in about 30 minutes after the installation of the electroencephalograph (electrode), it is theoretically possible to determine and remove EZ in a single operation, greatly reducing the patient's burden. 　It is expected that real-time EEG analysis software based on the present invention will be developed and implemented in EEG equipped with the software.

• others

　Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) offer lasting treatment efficacy and improved survival for cancer patients, but positive responses are limited to select individuals and treatment costs are high, highlighting the need to predict benefit before therapy. Current predictive methods like PD-L1 testing mainly measure local tumor tissue expression and fail to fully assess systemic immunity. Researchers examined blood lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels and clinical outcomes after ICI therapy in squamous cell carcinoma patients. They found that those with higher LPC had significantly prolonged survival post-ICI compared to those with lower levels. Because LPC is measurable in blood samples, it reflects systemic immune status and reduces patient burden by eliminating biopsies. This finding supports developing new clinical tests for predicting ICI effectiveness.​

• others

Chiral materials absorb right- and left-circularly polarized light differently (circular dichroism). Optical vortices, however, carry orbital angular momentum; their topological charge l can take unlimited integer values (±1, ±2, ±3, …). Using this richer degree of freedom enables material characterization, chirality discrimination, and a new measurement modality (“optical-vortex dichroism”) beyond conventional circular dichroism. Conventional vortex generators are limited to low-frequency modulation, leading to high noise and poor S/N. The invention engineers the optical system to achieve left–right vortex modulation at high frequency, reducing noise. We demonstrate detection of the “geometric twist” in twisted gold nanorod dimers (TND: paired, twisted nanoscale rods), suggesting defect detection in fine metallic wiring and applications in semiconductor, MEMS, and metamaterial inspection, as well as discovering new properties and enabling chirality identification.

• others

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) is a highly crystalline microfibril derived from wood fiber. It is an environmentally friendly innovative material with excellent mechanical properties such as light weight, high strength, and low thermal expansion. Owing to these characteristics, it is expected to be applied to automotive components, electronic devices, gas barrier materials, and medical materials. A technology to fabricate single filaments composed of CNF has been also developed, and long filaments with high strength have been obtained. Based on the previously obtained knowledges and established methodology, functional materials using CNF have been developed in various fields, including the present invention relates to the fabrication of hydrogels. There are several hydrogel fabrication methods such as using electrophoresis and freeze-crosslinking, however, they were not suitable for mass production, and a new method was anticipated. As a result of intensive research, a method for precisely controlling the CNF orientation and the internal structure of hydrogels was developed, which realizes the contamination-free and high-strength hydrogels. It was found that the strength of gels can be designed from isotropic to anisotropic by tuning the fabrication conditions.

• others

Jaw and maxillofacial surgeries require precise alignment of the skull and jawbones, which demands highly accurate support tools. Existing surgical navigation systems (NS) are optical, and while they can display, for example, the name of the area being imaged by an endoscopic camera, they are not suitable for alignment during surgery. On the other hand, there is existing technology for magnetic NS for brain imaging, and it is applied on the premise of obtaining highly accurate CT images. However, in the dental field, issues arise, such as unclear CT images when metal prostheses are present, and difficulty in obtaining CT images during surgery.　 　This invention provides a magnetic surgical NS that can overcome these limitations. 【 Key Features 】 ・Linked to preoperative planning: Target fixture position and orientation can be set on a 3D bone model generated from CT or digital scan data ・Outstanding usability: Real-time tracking, 3D coordinate axes for both target and actual positions, guidance for aligning multiple bone segments ・High accuracy: Overlap-based visualization allows intuitive alignment with submillimeter precision (within 1 mm) (Ref. 1) ・Clear surgical view: Magnetic system avoids light obstruction, with a compact design that doesn’t interfere with the procedure

• others

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO2RR) process, in which CO₂ is electrochemically converted, is attracting attention as a promising CO₂ reduction method. However, the conventional method has a problem of low energy efficiency. The inventor has found that it is possible to improve the efficiency of the CO2RR process by utilizing a high-temperature high-pressure water environment called a hydrothermal conditions. When electrolysis is carried out in high-temperature high-pressure water at 150℃ and 100 atm pressurized with CO₂ , the high diffusion coefficient and solubility of CO₂ in the water facilitating efficient CO₂ supply to the electrode, and the energy efficiency is significantly enhanced. Additional assessment has shown that it is possible to synthesize "carbon-negative" basic chemical product (methanol), in which the amount of CO₂ absorbed exceeds the amount of CO₂ emitted, by leveraging low-temperature waste heat from industrial sources and renewable electricity.

• others

To simulate quantum annealing on classical computers, Simulated Quantum Annealing (SQA) based on the Ising model has gained attention. The inventors have developed a parallel algorithm that enables multi-level parallel processing of SQA with a fully connected Ising model, implemented on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) (related work [1]). 　This invention supports sparse coupling models and proposes an algorithm that allows for faster analysis of classical spin systems based on the Ising model. This makes it possible to execute SQA at practical speeds using FPGA acceleration.

• others

With the advancement of the information society, there is increasing demand for devices with lower power consumption, higher speed, and smaller size. However, conventional semiconductor integrated circuits (CMOS) are approaching physical and technological limits in scaling and integration density. This is mainly because charge-based devices inevitably suffer from heat generation and signal delay due to electron transport. 　To overcome this, researchers have successfully demonstrated the proof-of-concept of information transmission technologies and logic devices that utilize spin waves—specifically magnons propagating in a magnetic insulator such as yttrium iron garnet (YIG)—as information carriers, thereby eliminating the need for electron transport. 　This invention relates to an address encoder/decoder circuit that employs magnons and uses a ring-shaped interference region to convert complex input signals into corresponding output addresses.

• others

In the development of subsurface energy infrastructures—such as geothermal power generation, geological storages of carbon dioxide (CCS) and renewable- energy-based hydrogen—it is essential to artificially create highly permeable fractures in rocks at depths of 1,000 to 5,000 meters and temperatures ranging from approximately 30°C to 300°C, in order to secure fluid pathways. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for the development of safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendlier technologies. Conventional hydraulic fracturing is a purely mechanical technique that fractures rock by injecting high-pressure fluid through a wellbore. However, this method faces several technical and environmental limitations, including concerns over induced seismicity from high-pressure injections, and difficulty in maintaining fracture openings and fluid loss especially in moderately permeable rocks. These challenges have highlighted the need for innovative chemical-based approaches—particularly those grounded in green chemistry principles. This invention introduces an innovative fracturing technique that utilizes biobased reactive fluid having high viscosity. This method chemically weakens the rock while forming and propagating fractures at relatively low pressures. Furthermore, by dissolving and roughened the fracture surfaces, the method helps maintain fracture openings and improves permeability over time.

• others

In recent years, CO₂ geological storage using mafic and ultramafic rocks—such as basalt and peridotite, which are rich in calcium and other metal elements that react with CO₂ to form carbonate minerals—has garnered global attention as a means of reducing atmospheric CO₂, a major contributor to global warming. However, subsurface environments for CO₂ storage are typically low in temperature and therefore have limited reactivity. Additionally, the amount and connectivity of pores as well as permeability of the subsurface rocks are not always sufficient, presenting significant challenges that require innovative technological solutions. In storage methods that involve dissolving CO₂ in water, the use of seawater is preferable. However, during the storage process, it is also necessary to temporarily suppress the reaction between metal ions in seawater and CO₂ until the CO₂ is securely stored. This invention promotes CO₂ geological storage and mineralization by using biobased, biodegradable chelating agents that enhance mineral dissolution and capture metal ions. By dissolving minerals in subsurface rocks using the chelating agents, the amount and connectivity of pores (CO2 storage capacity) increase, and the permeability (CO₂ injectivity) is also improved. Furthermore, when CO₂-charged seawater containing the chelating agents is injected into subsurface rocks, it becomes possible to simultaneously store both CO₂ and the metal ions required for carbonate mineral formation with creating additional rock porosity.

• others

The average cancer recurrence rate is approximately 20%. For aggressive cancers, the recurrence rate within five years can be as high as 70%. Cancer stem cells, known for their resistance to radiation and drug therapies, are considered a key cause of recurrence. Recently, drug discovery research targeting cancer stem cells has attracted significant attention. However, the extremely low abundance of these cells within tumor tissues presents a major challenge for research. Several methods have been proposed to induce cancer stem cells from cancer cells. However, all require high culture costs and long induction times, making them impractical for clinical application. 　The present invention relates to a method of inducing cancer stem cells within 24 hours by culturing cancer cells on a double-network hydrogel (DN gel) without the use of drugs or genetic manipulation. Cancer stem cells induced by this method show increased expression of stem cell marker genes and exhibit tumor-forming ability even when injected in small numbers into mice. 　By enabling simple and rapid production of cancer stem cells, this method is expected to accelerate the development of cancer therapies. These therapies aim to achieve fundamental cures by preventing recurrence and metastasis.

• others

Bonding between components is a critical step in semiconductor packaging, especially as devices become more complex and sensitive. Traditional bump structures like pyramids or cones rely on stress concentration to achieve strong joints. However, this often results in damage to the device or substrate. Our novel hollow bump technology addresses this issue by allowing the bump to deform plastically under low loads. This exposes fresh metal surfaces, low-temperature bonding with minimal stress. This approach reduces the risk of mechanical damage while maintaining strong interconnect performance, offering a promising solution for semiconductor assembly.

• others

Endoscopic surgery in otology has been rapidly developing in recent years. However, otologic surgical procedures—such as suction, grasping, traction, dissection, cutting, facial nerve stimulation, and electrocautery for hemostasis to remove lesions and reconstruct the tympanic membrane or ossicular chain—are not easy to perform single-handedly. Conventionally, there is a two-handed operation using an endoscope fixing device, but the endoscope cannot be moved freely, and the patient's field of view becomes blurred when he moves. Another conventional method is three-hand surgery, in which an assistant holds the endoscope and the operator performs two-handed operation, but it is difficult to learn and cannot be applied to all procedures because of hand interference in the stenotic region.　 　The endoscope assembly of the present invention enables the endoscope and surgical instrument to be stably held with one hand and freely operated. The endoscope and surgical instrument are connected by a movable connection, and the position of the endoscope can be easily adjusted with the fingers of the same hand while holding the surgical instrument. In addition, it is possible to operate the surgical instrument with one hand and simultaneously perform operations such as suction, grasping, pulling, peeling, and cutting with the other hand while securing the field of view.

• others

　Radiomics, a technique for calculating quantitative features, is used to diagnose tumors in medical images. However, this technique requires preparation of a mask image from which the outline of the affected area is extracted, which places a heavy burden on physicians. In addition, since the target of the calculation is limited to the area surrounded by the mask image, the relationship between the tumor and the surrounding tissue cannot be evaluated. 　This technology relates to a tumor image diagnosis method and program that calculates the image frequency included in the transition of the correlation coefficient by enclosing the area including the tissue surrounding the tumor in a square and performing Fourier analysis on the correlation coefficient of the area. Features： 1. No mask image required, just specify the user interested area by drawing a square 2. The relationship between tumor and surrounding tissue can be analyzed 3. Fast calculation (a few seconds per case)

• others

Some semiconducting ferroelectric ceramics exhibit positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor behavior, in which their electrical resistivity increases drastically above the Curie temperature. Materials based on perovskite-type barium titanate (BaTiO₃) are widely used as circuit protection devices under conditions of high temperature or large current surges.　 　Conventional methods to change originally insulating BaTiO₃ powders to semiconductor require highly reducing atmospheres and high sintering temperatures near 1400 ℃. 　This invention proposes a low-temperature and cost-effective fabrication method for BaTiO₃-based semiconducting ceramics using sodium (Na) vapor. Grain size control in ceramic products is also possible upon sintering using the present technique.

• others

　In recent years, there has been a demand for mass culture of cells in fields such as pharmaceutical manufacturing. Ammonia accumulating in the culture medium must be removed in order for cells to grow stably during culture. Ammonia is known as a typical waste product that adversely affects cells. Until now, waste products were removed from the culture using the principle of dialysis. However, in order to remove waste products sufficiently, the volume of the component preparation liquid tank was set to be more than 10 times the volume of the cell culture tank, so there was a problem that the required volume of liquid was enormous and costly.　 　The present invention made it possible to provide a new ammonia removal technology. Embodiments of the present invention are an ammonia adsorbent and an ammonia removal method. The ammonia adsorbent of the present invention comprises at least one substance among L-type zeolite, ferrierite, ZSM-5 type zeolite, a strong acid cation exchange resin and a Prussian blue type complex. Thus, cells can be cultured more efficiently.

• others

Aluminum borate whiskers have excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, and are mainly used as reinforcing materials for metal materials. For example, a flux method using a melting agent is used as a manufacturing method. However, at the end of the manufacturing process, it is necessary to separate the melting agent from the whisker, which requires time and effort.　 The present invention solves the problems of the conventional method by constructing a reaction process using a liquid solvent, and demonstrates the simple and large-scale production of aluminum borate whiskers. More specifically, the process involves dissolving metallic aluminum in alcohol by adding halide ions and adjusting the pH, mixing the boron compound with water, and calcining the precipitated precipitate by adjusting the pH. The aluminum borate whiskers produced in this way have a high affinity for light metals such as aluminum and magnesium, and are expected to be used in automobile engine parts and semiconductor manufacturing.

• others

　Helium is difficult to obtain and expensive, so cooling systems that use helium are expected to be difficult to continue using. 　 The invention enables rapid cooling without helium by continuously spraying a two-phase flow of cryogenic gaseous N2 and solid N2 (SN2 ). Specifically, it is characterized by continuously generating slush N2 by spraying at transonic speed using a Laval nozzle. 　In an example of cell freezing, a 23% improvement in cell survival rate during thawing was achieved compared to liquid nitrogen immersion. This invention has the potential for application in various cooling systems beyond this specific example. Additionally, its application for resist removal in semiconductor cleaning without harmful chemicals is also under consideration.

• others

　Solid wastes, including industrial wastes, rocks, and polluted soils, contain various elements such as hazardous heavy metals and rare earth metals. Conventionally, strong acids have been used as extractants to enhance the leaching of these metal ions, which are subsequently recovered using electrochemical methods. However, these methods have environmental and economic problems because they consume a large amount of chemicals and electricity. The inventors have successfully developed a process that uses a recyclable solution containing an environmentally friendly chelating agent as the extractant for metal ions and anions extraction from solid wastes, which are efficiently recovered from the extractant, enabling the regeneration and reuse of the extraction solution. 　The present invention is expected to be applied to the removal of toxic ions from polluted soil. It is also expected to be used for the collection of resources such as rare earths from minerals. Furthermore, it can be combined with CO2 mineralization technology using solid wastes. (E.G., Patent No. 7345791)

• others

　There are known compounds that exhibit phase separation when solutes dissolved in solvents exceed a certain temperature (LCST). Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) has been studied as a representative of these compounds, and applications to temperature-responsive smart windows have been reported. However, since the LCST of PNIPAm is constant at 31°C, a compound that can flexibly respond to the LCST depending on ambient temperature has been desired in industry. 　The inventors succeeded in synthesizing a new compound. This compound is characterized by the ability to control the LCST within the range of about 25~55°C by modifying a part of its structure. When applying to smart windows, most of them require a power supply because they switch between transmission and non-transmission by turning the voltage on and off. On the other hand, smart windows using this compound can be used in places without a power supply because they switch between transmission and non-transmission spontaneously according to changes in the outside temperature. Furthermore, by controlling the heat according to the degree of light transmission, it is expected to be effective against heat.

• others

　In a 3D concrete printer (3DCP), discontinuous layers are formed between layers of laminated mortar, so it is weak to shear force in the layer direction. Therefore, a measure to increase the strength and toughness has been taken by vertically inserting metal reinforcing materials so as to penetrate the layers. However, the conventional reinforcing method is a method of directly inserting reinforcing materials, and if the cementitious material starts to harden over time, it becomes difficult to insert reinforcing materials as desired. In addition, since conventional reinforcement is carried out only in a specific direction, it is not possible to freely reinforce molding without anisotropy. 　The present invention enables reinforcement of molding without anisotropy by a mechanism capable of automatically inserting screws from multiple directions. The screw can be inserted at a desired angle while suppressing displacement by releasing the holding when the screw is driven to a predetermined depth in the object to be driven while maintaining the attitude of the screw. Moreover, the screw can be efficiently driven by providing a cartridge capable of loading the screw.

• others

　The inventors found that Liphagal and its analog Siphonodictyal B inhibited multiple kinase activities in addition to PI3K.　　 　The inhibitors can be used as inhibitors of CDK7, CDK4, CDK6, PIM2, TSSK3, MST4, NEK6, MAP3K, MST3, DDR1, SPHK1, CaMK1, AurA, BRK, CaMK4 and PIM1 kinases. 　Studies using human colorectal cancer cells revealed that Siphonodictyal B induces expression of pro-apoptotic proteins by activation of the P38 MAPK pathway following an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, leading to apoptosis. 　In addition, Siphonodictyal B showed anti-tumor effects in a human colorectal cancer cell line tumor-transplanted mouse model.

• others

　Recent large-scale genomic and postmortem brain analyses have indicated that synaptic dysgenesis may be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Drugs mainly blocking dopamine D2 receptors have been used for the treatment of schizophrenia, but they are mainly used for symptomatic treatment and have insufficient effects on negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is desirable to develop new drugs based on new molecular mechanisms.　 　The inventors have discovered that the decreased function of the PPARA gene, which encodes the nuclear receptor PPARα, is involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia [1]. Since PPARα is a transcription factor that can be activated by its ligand, they considered the possibility that activation of PPARA might lead to the improvement of schizophrenia, and found that fenofibrate, a PPARa agonist, is actually effective in improving synaptic function [2]. In this study, they found that pemafibrate, a PPARa agonist, helps to improve cognitive function at the same time as restoring spine density in mice. The invention could lead to the discovery of novel mechanisms for schizophrenia. Furthermore, since decreased spine density and cognitive decline are similar symptoms in other psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's, it could also be a therapeutic agent for these disorders.

• others

In conventional systems, processing must be performed on the user's computer in order to understand the user's viewing status, resulting in the fatal problem of being interrupted by a malicious user. In this system, it is possible to understand the viewing status on the network under the control of the distribution side, and since the contents of the communication data are not directly referenced, it is a safe method for the user.　 　Specifically, it is a method to determine the degree of similarity by the correlation coefficient between a specific video or audio pattern and a previously recorded pattern based on the change in the output pattern of traffic data provided as standard equipment in the router.

• others

Anti-EGFR treatment for colorectal cancer is effective for patients without RAS mutation. However, response rate of the treatment is no more than 30%. This inventor analyzed the DNA methylation status of tissue samples from patients treated by anti-EGFR antibody. The result showed that highly methylated colorectal cancer (HMCC) has higher drug resistance than low methylated colorectal cancer (LMCC).

• others

While NK cells have been expected to be used in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, their limitations in medical applications have been pointed out because they can not recognize cancer cells or infected cells having MHC class I molecules expressed therein. The present invention is about the use of chimeric proteins comprising a variable region of a T-cell receptor and an Fc region of an immunoglobulin, which can make NK cells easily recognize target cells. 　It was found that by using the chimeric proteins of the present invention, in addition to the previously reported T-cell receptor chimeric protein-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (TDCC) activity, down-modulation of MHC complexes on the target cells: the expression of MHC class I molecules can be reduced and converted into the target of NK cells' intrinsic cytotoxic activity (see the right figure). 　The combination of T-cell receptor repertoire analysis (see WO 2016/136716) enables rapid chimeric protein development and the design of NK cell-based therapies tailored to individual cancers, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, allergies and other clinical manifestations.

• others

Vasohibin-2 (referred to as VASH2) knockdown significantly reduced metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells (Fig. 1) and prolonged survival period after orthotopic transplantation (Fig.2). The mechanisms of action are;　 (1)VASH2 knockdown reduces cancer cell invasion through suppressing of tubulin carboxypeptidase activity within the cell. (2) VASH2 secreted by cancer cells stimulates tumor angiogenesis, so when VASH2 was knocked down, tumor angiogenesis was prevented. (3) VASH2 regulates the production of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines in cancer cells, which in turn, accelerates the recruitment of MDSC and TAM and prevents the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The inhibition of VASH2 eliminates immune suppression in pancreatic cancer.

• others

The measurement of pH is critical in environmental analysis. This invention introduces an advanced pH sensor with an outer diameter of just 1 mm, designed for precise measurements in confined spaces. The core of this invention is a pH sensor probe, integrating a 1-mm square semiconductor chip, known as a Light-addressable Potentiometric Sensor (LAPS). This LAPS is attached to the tip of a uniquely structured fiber with an optical fiber, a conductor, and a hollow flow path. A unique feature of LAPS is its light addressability. Upon exposure to alternating light via the optical fiber, LAPS generates a photocurrent. The amplitude of this photocurrent is directly influenced by localized surface potentials, thereby indicating the localized pH levels. This enables it to perform real-time pH distribution imaging via illumination with multiple lights, each modulated at distinct frequencies. Furthermore, this sensor is not limited to liquid environments. It is equally adept at measuring the pH on dry surfaces, such as metal and concrete. This capability is facilitated by the introduction of an electrolytic solution through the sensor's hollow channel. The lower right panel of the application illustrates the sensor’s performance in measuring the pH within a rat's deep brain with a high spatial resolution of 250 µm and a rapid frame rate of 33ms.

• others

　The limited number of drugs available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) and their severe side effects, including immunosuppression, have led to calls for research into drugs without side effects.　 　The inventors focused on the role of xCT, a cystine/glutamate antiporter, in IBD. Their research suggests that xCT inhibitors or glutamine synthetase inhibitors may be therapeutic/preventive agents for inflammatory diseases. [RESULTS] ・Mice with intestinal epithelium-specific xCT deficiency showed anti-inflammatory effects on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) colitis(Fig.1). ・Glutamine synthetase inhibitor (MSO：Methionine sulfoximine) showed anti-inflammatory effects on DSS colitis(Fig.2).

• others