Soka University Repository / 創価大学機関リポジトリ
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Analyses of signaling molecules in the axotomized rat facial nucleus
Get PDF創価大学博士（理学）Axotomy of the rat facial nerve causes downregulation of motoneuron-specific molecules, including choline acetyltransferase, the vesicular acetylcholine transporter and GABAAR1, in surviving motoneurons. Subsequently, resident microglia are activated and proliferate. However, it is still unclear which signaling molecules are involved in these responses. In this study, I investigated the changes and localizations of immediate early genes (IEGs), transcription factors (CREB/ATF family) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the following. Among the IEGs, c-Jun was increased in injured motoneurons, but c-Fos did not. Among the CREB/ATF family members, p-CREB was significantly decreased in injured motoneurons. The levels of p-CREB/CREB and p-ATF2/ATF2 were immunohistochemically increased in microglia. Among MAPKs, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK1 were decreased in injured motoneurons. p-p38 and p38 were markedly increased in microglia. In vitro experiments revealed that p38, CREB, and ATF2 were activated in proliferating microglia. These results strongly suggested that c-Jun is involved in the survival and repair of motoneurons, but p-CREB/CREB, p-ERK/ERK and p-JNK/JNK are associated with the downregulation of motoneuron-specific molecules. On the other hand, p-p38/p38, p-CREB/CREB, and p-ATF2/ATF2 were suggested to be closely involved in the activation/proliferation of microglia. Furthermore, I investigated whether the level of microglial proliferation is dependent on the degree of motoneuronal insult. By administrating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, N-acetyl cysteine or salubrinal at the transection site, I found that these reagents ameliorated the increase in c-Jun and the reductions in levels of p-CREB and functional molecules in the injured motoneurons. In tandem with these changes, the levels of a microglial marker. i.e., Iba1, and the levels of cFms, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and p-p38/p38 were significantly downregulated in microglia. These results demonstrated that the recovery of motoneuron resulted in the reduction of microglial proliferation. I thus conclude that the degree of neuronal injury regulates the levels of microglial proliferation in adult rat facial nucleus.doctoral thesi
コマンドとリクエストのサポートを備えた視覚障害者向けナビゲーション用のウェアラブル支援デバイスの開発
Get PDF創価大学博士（工学）In this research work, we designed, formulated algorithms, and implemented a wearable assistive navigation device, WAND, to aid visually impaired individuals in safely navigating both indoor and outdoor environments. The proposed approach utilizes stereo data to detect obstacles in proximity and in the user's path, providing safe guidance to their intended destination. The developed modules were integrated into a comprehensive framework deployed on a Jetson Nano, responsible for processing scenes captured by a stereo camera, Zed2. The device offers audio feedback instructions to guide visually impaired users to their desired location. Field test experiments yielded promising results, demonstrating the device's ability to inform Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) of potential obstacles with an accuracy of 95%. Furthermore, the system operates in real-time, providing alerts within a mere 5 seconds. This wearable assistive device not only guides users effectively in real-time but also prevents collisions with obstacles along their path. Our field tests affirm that this system significantly enhances user safety by enabling them to avoid obstacles and navigate securely to their desired destinations.doctoral thesi
What is Quality Education? Creating a New Culture of Learning with Emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning
Get PDFThis research sets out to determine what SDG 4, Quality Education is and what it must entail. It identifies the gaps in the current education systems. It undertakes the evaluation of the metrics and indicators used to rank world universities and further suggests key types of education and pedagogical tools to focus on in order to deliver quality education in higher education institutions.Transforming the gaps in education will create a new and improved culture of learning enabling learners to contribute towards achieving the SDGs and creating an inclusive and peaceful society. Without including social and emotional learning skills in the formal education system, the learners will not be able to learn values like empathy and respect for diversity, how to effectively manage their emotions, making their holistic health not just important but an essential prerequisite for the learning process.departmental bulletin pape
Encouraging Global Citizenship through Study Abroad
Get PDFGlobal citizenship is an individualʼs behavior and daily interaction with others. Dewey suggested that individuals learn and grow because of experiences and interactions with the world. Study abroad is an opportunity for an individual to interact daily in a new social environment. Soka Universityʼs Intensive Study Abroad Program emphasizes community engagement and reflection. This study collected data via an eight-question survey in which 98 participants reflected on their language use during their study abroad experience. The results indicated that students used social networks to understand the new environment, to make friends, and to observe various social classes. The students were able to communicate on an array of topics, especially about their culture. Thus, the study abroad experience allowed the students to demonstrate their ability to talk about their daily lives in a new social environment and thereby enhance their global citizenship.departmental bulletin pape
Between Realism and Idealism:Issues, Parties, Outcomes and Lessons of the Ukraine War
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