935 research outputs found
Effects of the scale number of categories on the Muraki Graded Response Model
No full textEn el presente estudio se evalúa el modo en que la variación del número de categorías de respuesta en escalas ordinales afecta al comportamiento del modelo de respuesta graduada en la versión propuesta por Muraki (1990). Dicho comportamiento es evaluado mediante el programa Parscale 3.2 (Muraki y Bock, 1998) a partir de un conjunto de datos simulados - unidimensionales y bidimensionales - y mediante una muestra empírica. En general los resultados muestran que, cuando los datos son unidimensionales, el mejor ajuste se consigue entre 4 y 6 categorías, estimándose satisfactoriamente el parámetro Θ . Cuando los datos son bidimensionales es necesario un mínimo de 6 categorías para lograr un ajuste satisfactorio, siendo las estimaciones de Θ una estimación del promedio de los dos factores subyacentes
PIEZO1 Channel Is a Potential Regulator of Synovial Sarcoma Cell-Viability
No full textDetection of mechanical stress is essential for diverse biological functions including touch, audition, and maintenance of vascular myogenic tone. PIEZO1, a mechano-sensing cation channel, is widely expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal cells and is expected to be involved in important biological functions. Here, we examined the possibility that PIEZO1 is involved in the regulation of synovial sarcoma cell-viability. Application of a PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 effectively induced Ca2+ response and cation channel currents in PIEZO1-expressing HEK (HEK-Piezo1) cells and synovial sarcoma SW982 (SW982) cells. Mechanical stress, as well as Yoda1, induced the activity of an identical channel of conductance with 21.6 pS in HEK-Piezo1 cells. In contrast, Yoda1 up to 10 μM had no effects on membrane currents in HEK cells without transfecting PIEZO1. A knockdown of PIEZO1 with siRNA in SW982 cells abolished Yoda1-induced Ca2+ response and significantly reduced cell cell-viability. Because PIEZO1 is highly expressed in SW982 cells and its knockdown affects cell-viability, this gene is a potential target against synovial sarcoma
Letter from K. Kodama Produce to the Dominguez Water Co.
No full textLetter from Kenichi Kodama to the Dominguez Water Co. updating the forman's name from to T. Muraki to K. Miura
HIF-1α Dependent Upregulation of ZIP8, ZIP14, and TRPA1 Modify Intracellular Zn2+ Accumulation in Inflammatory Synoviocytes
No full textIntracellular free zinc ([Zn2+]i) is mobilized in neuronal and non-neuronal cells under physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions; therefore, [Zn2+]i is a component of cellular signal transduction in biological systems. Although several transporters and ion channels that carry Zn2+ have been identified, proteins that are involved in Zn2+ supply into cells and their expression are poorly understood, particularly under inflammatory conditions. Here, we show that the expression of Zn2+ transporters ZIP8 and ZIP14 is increased via the activation of hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α) in inflammation, leading to [Zn2+]i accumulation, which intrinsically activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel and elevates basal [Zn2+]i. In human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), treatment with inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α), evoked TRPA1-dependent intrinsic Ca2+ oscillations. Assays with fluorescent Zn2+ indicators revealed that the basal [Zn2+]i concentration was significantly higher in TRPA1-expressing HEK cells and inflammatory FLSs. Moreover, TRPA1 activation induced an elevation of [Zn2+]i level in the presence of 1 μM Zn2+ in inflammatory FLSs. Among the 17 out of 24 known Zn2+ transporters, FLSs that were treated with TNF-α and IL-1α exhibited a higher expression of ZIP8 and ZIP14. Their expression levels were augmented by transfection with an active component of nuclear factor-κB P65 and HIF-1α expression vectors, and they could be abolished by pretreatment with the HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin (Echi). The functional expression of ZIP8 and ZIP14 in HEK cells significantly increased the basal [Zn2+]i level. Taken together, Zn2+ carrier proteins, TRPA1, ZIP8, and ZIP14, induced under HIF-1α mediated inflammation can synergistically change [Zn2+]i in inflammatory FLSs
Comportamiento del modelo de respuesta graduada en función del número de categorías de la escala
No full textEffects of the scale number of categories on the Muraki Graded Response Model. Effects that variation in the number of categories in ordinal scales has on the Graded Response Model (as proposed by Muraki (1990)) are evaluated by means of Parscale 3.2 (Muraki and Bock, 1998). Two sets of simulated data (unidimensional and bidimensional) and an empirical data set are analyzed. General results show that when data are unidimensional, the best goodness of fit indices are achieved between 4 and 6 categories. Satisfactory estimates of parameter Θ are also obtained. When data are bidimensional 6 categories are needed as a minimum to achieve satisfactory fit indices. In this case, Θ estimates represent the average between the two latent factors.En el presente estudio se evalúa el modo en que la variación del número de categorías de respuesta en escalas ordinales afecta al comportamiento del modelo de respuesta graduada en la versión propuesta por Muraki (1990). Dicho comportamiento es evaluado mediante el programa Parscale 3.2 (Muraki y Bock, 1998) a partir de un conjunto de datos simulados - unidimensionales y bidimensionales - y mediante una muestra empírica. En general los resultados muestran que, cuando los datos son unidimensionales, el mejor ajuste se consigue entre 4 y 6 categorías, estimándose satisfactoriamente el parámetro Θ. Cuando los datos son bidimensionales es necesario un mínimo de 6 categorías para lograr un ajuste satisfactorio, siendo las estimaciones de Θ una estimación del promedio de los dos factores subyacentes
‘Ba’ for effective knowledge management: in the era of digitalization in construction organisations
No full textThis study aims to explore what design of ‘ba’, the Japanese concept which translates into ‘place’ or ‘space’ in English, facilitates effective knowledge creation in construction organisations. Although many scholars have investigated the field of knowledge management in construction organisations, few have focused on ‘ba’, where the knowledge creation process takes place (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1998). ‘Ba’ is defined as ‘a shared context in which knowledge is shared, created and utilised (Nonaka et al., 2000)’, and ‘ba’ can be physical (e.g. meeting rooms), virtual (e.g. e-mails), and even mental space (e.g. shared values). Although ‘ba’ has been recognised as the essential part of knowledge creation, it is not fully clear what design of ‘ba’ can facilitate organisational knowledge creation better due to its ambiguity and intractability. Moreover, new ICT tools have emerged and used for ‘ba’ since the concept was first introduced in the 1990s, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of virtual environments in business. Also, few examined the impact of individuals’ traits such as generational differences in values and Belbin team roles on ‘ba’. Therefore, exploring ‘ba’ in accordance with the above aspects can contribute to enhancing knowledge creation in organisations. This research is divided into three parts: literature study, qualitative data collection and analysis, and recommendations. In the literature study, the conceptual model of ‘ba’ is reconstructed based on the extant literature in order to clarify the nature of ‘ba’. The model suggests the nature of ‘ba’ is “a shared space given meaning by inter-subjective relationships and inter-corporeal relationships”. Moreover, the four categories of enabling conditions that stimulate ‘ba’ are identified, namely social/behavioural, cognitive/epistemic, information systems, and strategy/structure. Subsequently, the empirical data obtained by semi-structured interviews with East Japan Railway Company show both physical and virtual ‘ba’ are used in the organisation. Comparing physical ‘ba’ with virtual ‘ba’, most informants described that physical ‘ba’ that allows face-to-face communication is appropriate for knowledge creation activities. Sharing the physical space allows participants to convey their ideas adequately with inter-corporeal interaction. As the construction industry heavily depends on tacit knowledge due to its intrinsic nature, the environment where tacit knowledge conversion is easily taken place is considered effective for knowledge creation. Also, focusing on individuals’ characteristics specifically generation differences and Belbin orientation, these variables do not affect the perception of ‘ba’ that facilitates knowledge creation. On the other hand, organisational tenure may indirectly influence the perception of ‘ba’ since most of the interviewees have worked for a long time within the same organisation and the organisation’s values and philosophy can be steeped in their minds as their tenures increased. Finally, recommendations were developed to facilitate the knowledge-creating process by combining the results of the literature study and empirical study. The following three key recommendations were proposed: design 'ba' with corporeality; complement the lack of corporeality; Clarify the meaning of ‘ba’. Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineerin
Design study of CANGAROO-III, stereoscopic imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes for sub-TeV g-ray detection
No full textCopyright © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.R. Enomoto, S. Hara, A. Asahara, G. V. Bicknell, P. G. Edwards, S. Gunji, T. Hara, J. Jimbo, F. Kajino, H. Katagiri, J. Kataoka, A. Kawachi, T. Kifune, H. Kubo, J. Kushida, Y. Matsubara, Y. Mizumoto, M. Mori, M. Moriya, H. Muraishi, Y. Muraki, T. Naito, T. Nakase, K. Nishijima, K. Okumura, J. R. Patterson, K. Sakurazawa, D. L. Swaby, K. Takano, T. Tanimori, T. Tamura, K. Tsuchiya, K. Uruma, S. Yanagita, T. Yoshida, T. Yoshikoshi and A. Yukihttp://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/523319/description#descriptio
Re-evaluation of the neutron emission from the solar flare of 2005 September 7, detected by the solar neutron telescope at Sierra Negra
No full textThe X17.0 solar flare of 2005 September 7 released high-energy neutrons that were detected by the Solar Neutron Telescope (SNT) at Sierra Negra, Mexico. In three separate and independent studies of this solar neutron event, several of its unique characteristics were studied; in particular, a power-law energy spectra was estimated. In this paper, we present an alternative analysis, based on improved numerical simulations of the detector using GEANT4, and a different technique for processing the SNT data. The results indicate that the spectral index that best fits the neutron flux is around 3, in agreement with previous works. Based on the numerically calculated neutron energy deposition on the SNT, we confirm that the detected neutrons might have reached an energy of 1 GeV, which implies that 10 GeV protons were probably produced; these could not be observed at Earth, as their parent flare was an east limb event.Fil: González, L. X.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Valdés Galicia, J. F.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Sanchez, Federico Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Tecnología en Detección y Astroparticulas. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Instituto de Tecnología en Detección y Astroparticulas. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Tecnología en Detección y Astroparticulas; ArgentinaFil: Muraki, Y.. Nagoya University; JapónFil: Sako, T.. Nagoya University; JapónFil: Watanabe, K.. Institute of Space and Astronautical Science; JapónFil: Matsubara, Y.. Nagoya University; JapónFil: Nagai, Y.. Nagoya University; JapónFil: Shibata, S.. Chubu University; JapónFil: Sakai, T.. Nihon University; JapónFil: Musalem, O.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Hurtado, A.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Méxic
PIEZO1 and TRPV4, which Are Distinct Mechano-Sensors in the Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells, Modify Cell-Proliferation
No full textMechanical-loading and unloading can modify osteoblast functioning. Ca2+ signaling is one of the earliest events in osteoblasts to induce a mechanical stimulus, thereby demonstrating the importance of the underlying mechanical sensors for the sensation. Here, we examined the mechano-sensitive channels PIEZO1 and TRPV4 were involved in the process of mechano-sensation in the osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The analysis of mRNA expression revealed a high expression of Piezo1 and Trpv4 in these cells. We also found that a PIEZO1 agonist, Yoda1, induced Ca2+ response and activated cationic currents in these cells. Ca2+ response was elicited when mechanical stimulation (MS), with shear stress, was induced by fluid flow in the MC3T3-E1 cells. Gene knockdown of Piezo1 in the MC3T3-E1 cells, by transfection with siPiezo1, inhibited the Yoda1-induced response, but failed to inhibit the MS-induced response. When MC3T3-E1 cells were transfected with siTrpv4, the MS-induced response was abolished and Yoda1 response was attenuated. Moreover, the MS-induced response was inhibited by a TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047 (HC). Yoda1 response was also inhibited by HC in MC3T3-E1 cells and HEK cells, expressing both PIEZO1 and TRPV4. Meanwhile, the activation of PIEZO1 and TRPV4 reduced the proliferation of MC3T3-E1, which was reversed by knockdown of PIEZO1, and TRPV4, respectively. In conclusion, TRPV4 and PIEZO1 are distinct mechano-sensors in the MC3T3-E1 cells. However, PIEZO1 and TRPV4 modify the proliferation of these cells, implying that PIEZO1 and TRPV4 may be functional in the osteoblastic mechano-transduction. Notably, it is also found that Yoda1 can induce TRPV4-dependent Ca2+ response, when both PIEZO1 and TRPV4 are highly expressed
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