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Previous studies have reported an increased postural sway after short-term unilateral lower limb movement restriction, even in healthy subjects. However, the associations of motion limitation have not been fully established. The question of whether short-term lower limb physical inactivity and movement restriction affect postural control in the upright position remains. One lower limb of each participant was fixed with a soft bandage and medical splint for 10 h while the participant sat on a manual wheelchair. The participants were instructed to stand still for 60 s under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions. Using a single force plate signal, we measured the center of pressure (COP) signal in the horizontal plane and calculated the total, anterior–posterior (A–P), and medial–lateral (M–L) path lengths, sway area, and mean COP displacements in A–P and M–L directions. The COP sway increased and the COP position during the upright stance shifted from the fixed to the non-fixed side after cast removal, compared to before the cast application, under both EO and EC conditions. These findings indicated that 10 h of unilateral lower limb movement restriction induced postural instability and postural control asymmetry, suggesting the acute adverse effects of cast immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (C-tDCS) is generally assumed to inhibit cortical excitability. The parietal cortex contributes to multisensory information processing in the postural control system, and this processing is proposed to be different between the right and left hemispheres and sensory modality. However, previous studies did not clarify whether the effects of unilateral C-tDCS of the parietal cortex on the postural control system differ depending on the hemisphere. We investigated the changes in static postural stability after unilateral C-tDCS of the parietal cortex. Methods: Ten healthy right-handed participants were recruited for right- and left-hemisphere tDCS and sham stimulation, respectively. The cathodal electrode was placed on either the right or left parietal area, whereas the anodal electrode was placed over the contralateral orbit. tDCS was applied at 1.5 mA for 15 min. We evaluated static standing balance by measuring the sway path length (SPL), mediolateral sway path length (ML-SPL), anteroposterior sway path length (AP-SPL), sway area, and the SPL per unit area (L/A) after 15-minute C-tDCS under eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) conditions. To evaluate the effects of C-tDCS on pre- and post-offline trials, each parameter was compared using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with factors of intervention and time. A post-hoc evaluation was performed using a paired t-test. The effect sizes were evaluated according to standardized size-effect indices of partial eta-squared (ηp2) and Cohen's d. The power analysis was calculated (1-β). Results: A significant interaction was observed between intervention and time for SPL (F (2, 27) = 4.740, p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.260), ML-SPL (F (2, 27) = 4.926, p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.267), and sway area (F (2, 27) = 9.624, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.416) in the EO condition. C-tDCS over the right hemisphere significantly increased the SPL (p < 0.01, d = 0.51), ML-SPL (p < 0.01, d = 0.52), and sway area (p < 0.05, d = 0.83) in the EO condition. In contrast, C-tDCS over the left hemisphere significantly increased the L/A in both the EC and EO condition (EO; p < 0.05, d = 0.67, EC; p < 0.05, d = 0.57). Conclusion: These results suggest that the right parietal region contributes to static standing balance through chiefly visual information processing during the EO condition. On the other hand, L/A increase during EC and EO by tDCS over the left parietal region depends more on somatosensory information to maintain static standing balance during the EC condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have reported that motor behavior is affected by short-term physical inactivity using cast immobilization; however, the effects of inactivity on postural sway are not well-understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term lower limb disuse on postural sway in the upright position after cast removal. Twenty-two healthy young adults were enrolled, and each participant's lower limb on one side was fixed with a soft bandage and medical splint made from metal and soft urethane for 10 h. Fluctuations in the center of pressure (COP) were measured before and after immobilization; the total trajectory length, mean velocity, COP root mean square (RMS) area, mean medial-lateral (M-L) COP, and mean anterior-posterior (A-P) COP were selected as evaluation parameters. Compared with the postural sway before cast application, we noted an increase and shift (from the fixed to the nonfixed side) in the postural sway after cast removal. Our results therefore suggest that short-term disuse may cause acute changes in COP movements during quiet standing. Moreover, patients may maintain their standing posture by adopting a compensatory strategy involving lateral control, similar to individuals with stroke and patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solution structure of DNA-binding domain of the Sp1 is determined by solution NMR techniques to understand the DNA recognition mechanism of zinc finger motifs of transcription factor Sp1. It is assumed that DNA recognition modes of fingers 2 and 3 would be similar to those of fingers of Zif268, in which each finger recognizes four base pairs strictly by using residues at positions - 1, 2, 3, and 6 of the recognition helix.

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We propose a novel plastic Liquid crystal display (LCD) with an ultra‐narrow‐border. As the most significant improvement, the four borders of the LCDs can be folded to wrap the backlight unit. This LCD was based on various new techniques, including the use of plastic substrates, processing of polarizer films, control of the neutral surface of a bending component based on the sealant width, and the use of a cover glass with a lens effect. We believe that these novel LCDs will be useful for numerous new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic liquid crystal displays (LCDs) termed sheet LCDs with transparent polyimide (PI) substrates were constructed. There is a lot of potential to expand the use of these LCDs in LCD applications. Herein, we investigated a structure for sheet LCDs such as high‐density main post spacers (PSs) and PI substrates with the aid of a barrier layer to control the residual stress and protect the liquid crystal from moisture. Drawing on this, we propose an ultra‐narrow border LCD that makes of the developed sheet LCDs. The most significant improvement is that the four borders of the LCD can be folded to wrap the backlight unit. This LCD was based on various new techniques, including the use of plastic substrates, processing of polarizer films, control of the neutral surface of a bending component based on the sealant width, and the use of a cover glass with a lens effect. We believe that these novel LCDs will be useful in numerous new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicates that each domain of the ribosome recycling factor molecule undergoes motion. Data show that domain I is by far fixed, whereas domain II wobbles in a cone at an angle of 30 degrees. Furthermore, at 30 C the order of slow motion is about 0.9 for domain I and 0.7 for domain II.

Highlights from the article: The 27th International Liquid Crystal Conference (ILCC2018) was held in Kyoto from 22 to 27 July 2018. Considering this fact, the organising committee planned general sessions for existing fields of science and technology of liquid crystals as well as special sessions for research fields related to liquid crystals and industrial applications in order to extend the territory of liquid crystal science and technology. Diverse topics were covered in the session ranging from defects, liquid crystal composites, molecular theories of complex phases, biological and lyotropic liquid crystals, and elastomers. The International Liquid Crystal Conferences have provided excellent opportunities for sharing new ideas, stimulating discussions, and exchange of information for researchers and engineers in the fields of liquid crystal science and technology since the first conference was held in Kent State University in 1965.

Plastic film IPS‐LCDs were fabricated with transparent polyimide (PI) substrates. Conventional transparent PI substrates have a large coefficient of thermal expansion and cause high retardation in thickness direction. We developed a new fabrication process and sheet design that improves upon these characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development of auto-stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) display with an eye-tracking system for not only the X-axis (right-left) and Y-axis (up-down) plane directions but also the Z-axis (forward-backward) direction. In the past, the eye-tracking 3D system for the XY-axes plane directions that we had developed had a narrow 3D viewing space in the Z-axis direction because of occurrence of 3D crosstalk variation on screen. The 3D crosstalk variation on screen was occurred when the viewer's eye position moved back and forth along the Z-axis direction. The reason was that the liquid crystal (LC) barrier pitch was fixed and the LC barrier was able to control the only barrier aperture position. To solve this problem, we developed the LC barrier that is able to control the barrier pitch as well as the barrier aperture position in real time, corresponding to the viewer's eye position. As a result, the 3D viewing space has achieved to expand up to 320-1016 mm from the display surface in the Z-axis direction and within a range of ±267 mm in the X-axis direction. In terms of the Y-axis direction, the viewing space is not necessary to be considered, because of a stripe-shaped parallax barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a new eye-tracking IPS 3D display with a liquid crystal active barrier. A new IPS electrode and active barrier were developed to facilitate 3D wide viewing angle characteristics, low crosstalk and a smooth moving barrier in a 3D eye-tracking system. The important parameters for the eye-tracking 3D display are low crosstalk, fast response time of the LC barrier, and wide viewing angle of the image, to show a wide and smooth 3D image. In this paper, a new active barrier electrode, a new liquid crystal material, and a new IPS electrode are introduced for 3D displays using an eye-tracking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-stabilized V-mode Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals (PSV-FLCs) are attractive for a next generation of LC display. However, in the rubbing technique which is conventionally used for LC molecular alignment, the rubbing scratches form on the alignment film surface, and then, the rubbing scratch pattern is clearly observed in the texture of FLC. Therefore, the high contrast ratio cannot be obtained due to the optical leakage. In this research, we introduce the photo-alignment technique to PSV-FLC. As a result, the optical leakage can be largely suppressed by the photo-alignment technique, and thus, the photo-alignment technique is effective to PSV-FLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we focus on the polymer-stabilized V-mode FLC (PSV-FLC) in which a doped monomer is photocured in the SmA phase. PSV-FLC may show monostable and V-shaped electrooptical characteristics with a grayscale capability. In this paper, we investigate the dependence of the monostable capability on the fabricating conditions such as monomer materials, polymer concentration, and UV energy. Furthermore, in order to increase the contrast ratio, we introduce a photo-alignment technique. As a result, it is found that the monostable capability of PSV-FLC strongly depends on their conditions. Furthermore, the more uniform molecular alignment without rubbing scratch pattern was obtained by using the photo-alignment film. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We investigated an autostereoscopic 3D display using a Liquid Crystal Gradient Refractive Index (LC GRIN) lens, called LCL (Liquid Crystal Lens) 3D display. The characteristics of the LCL 3D display are high luminance and switchable 2D and 3D images by switching between the states of lens and non-lens. The LCL 3D display does not influence the 2D image quality. However, the crosstalk of the LCL 3D display is relatively high compared with other methods used in autostereoscopic 3D displays, such as barrier type, lenticular type, and so on. Therefore, we have investigated the reduction of crosstalk for the LCL 3D display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a 3D display using a Liquid Crystal Gradient Refractive Index (LC GRIN) lens and the factors needed to decrease crosstalk. Crosstalk in the latest 3D displays using LC GRIN lenses is 0.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The refractive index distribution of LC GRIN lenses for autostereoscopic 3D displays was investigated. It was clarified that the refractive index distribution forms a parabolic function of the optimum lens conditions. We achieved a minimum crosstalk of 0.6% in an autostereoscopic 3D display with an LC GRIN lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] In this study, we assessed the blood pressure (BP) levels induce by posture changes from supine position to prone position and from supine position to standing in 54 healthy young adults (27 males and 27 females, mean age 22.0 ± 2.7 years). [Methods] Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate (PR) were measured in each posture. [Results] SBP in the prone position was lower than in the supine and standing positions, while PR in the prone position was higher than in the supine positions. DBP and PR in the standing position were higher than in the supine and prone positions. [Conclusion] The results show that in posture change from supine to prone, changes of DBP and PR were small compared with posture change from supine to standing, and the short-term change in BP was probably due to decrease of SBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The backbone dynamics of ribosome recycling factor (RRF) from Escherichia coli in water were characterized by [sup 15]N NMR relaxation analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. RRF is composed of two domains connected by a joint region that consists of two peptide chains, such that the overall structure seems to mimic that of tRNA. MD trajectories indicated that the relative orientation of domains varies on the nanosecond time scale. We analyzed the observed [sup 15]N T[sub 1], T[sub 2], and NOE using an extended model-free spectral density function in which the domain motions with a nanosecond time scale were considered. At 30 °C, the order parameters of slow motion (S²[sub s]) were determined to be approximately 0.9 for domain I and 0.7 for domain II, respectively. These values indicate that domain I is nearly fixed on the molecular diffusion frame, and domain II is wobbling in a cone for which the semi-angle is about 30°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals (PS-FLCs) photocured in the SmA phase can show monostable V-shaped electrooptical characteristics. In this study, we have researched the influence of the fabrication conditions such as polymer concentration, cell gap, and alignment film materials on the monostable electrooptical characteristics of PS-FLCs. As a result, it is confirmed that the monostable capability strongly depends on the polymer concentration. However, the driving voltage increases as the polymer concentration increases. Therefore, to fabricate practicable PS-FLC devices, it is important to investigate the effects of other factors on the monostable capability. From the investigation of the influence of the cell gap and the alignment film materials on the monostable capability of PS-FLCs, it is concluded that the surface anchoring of the alignment film strongly influences the monostable characteristics of PS-FLCs photocured in the SmA phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarization volume gratings (PVGs) based on chiral nematic liquid crystals offer a great potential as polarization-dependent holographic optical elements, but it is not easy to fabricate PVGs with varying pattern periods in the transverse plane. Here, we fabricate a PVG with an in-plane gradient of the pattern period by performing two-beam interference photoalignment on a flexible polyimide substrate. The pattern period varies depending on the local interference angle, which is controlled by the bent shape of the flexible substrate. We demonstrate fabrication of a PVG with a linearly graded sub-micrometer period, showing the potential of the proposed method to fabricate designer PVGs.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the contribution of hip muscle torque to figure-of-eight walk (F8W) test in healthy young males. [Participants and Methods] Twenty healthy young males (40 limbs; mean age, 21.7 ± 0.6 years) participated. We measured the maximum F8W speed and steps. The hip muscle strengths (MS) of the flexor, extensor, abductor, and adductor muscles as well as the internal and external rotators (ER) were measured using a handheld belt-stabilized dynamometer. The hip muscle torque to weight-bearing index (WBI) is expressed as the measured MS divided by the lower thigh or shin length and body weight. [Results] F8W-time and F8W-rate were relevant to the ER-WBI (F8W time: β=-0.330; F8W rate: β=0.369). [Conclusion] This study's findings suggest that hip ER strength contributes to F8W in healthy young males., Competing Interests: This research was supported by the JSPS KAKENHI Grant numbers 22K17636 (SO). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript., (2023©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of the standing low-frequency vibration exercise device (SLVED) and walking training on balance ability on an unstable surface in community-dwelling elderly people., Methods: Thirty-eight older adults were randomly allocated to the SLVED sessions: the intervention group (n = 19), and the walking sessions: the control group (n = 19). Each group session lasted 20 min and was performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Standing balance was assessed by the change in center-of-gravity sway of the participant standing on foam rubber with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). The primary outcome measures were the root mean square (RMS) values of the center of foot pressure in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions and the RMS area. Secondary outcome measures were the results of the 10-m walking time test (10 MWT), five-times sit-to-stand (5T-STS) test, and timed up-and-go (TUG) test., Results: Analysis of variance showed a significant group × time interaction for the TUG test. Significant improvements were observed in Y-RMS for EO condition; RMS, X-RMS, Y-RMS, and RMS area for EC condition; and 10 MWT, 5T-STS test, and TUG test for the main effect of the time factor., Conclusion: SLVED for intervention in community-dwelling older adults showed a greater improvement than walking training in the TUG test. In addition, SLVED improved the Y-RMS for the EO condition on foam rubber; RMS, X-RMS, Y-RMS, and RMS area for the EC condition on foam rubber in standing balance; and the 10 MWT and 5T-STS test, suggesting that it has similar effects to walking training., Competing Interests: Yoshio Takano received research funding and materials from Cotoho Co., Ltd. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (©2023 Japanese Society of Physical Therapy.)

[Purpose] This study investigated the association between generalized joint laxity and knee joint movement in female university students. [Participants and Methods] The study included 21 female university students. Generalized joint laxity was measured using the Beighton criteria for joint hypermobility. Acceleration and angular velocities of the tibia during knee extension were measured along three axes using a triaxial accelerometer. Sampling data were expressed as root mean squares. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences in the acceleration and angular velocities along each axis between the generalized joint laxity and non-generalized joint laxity groups. Spearman's rank correlations were used to confirm the association between these parameters. [Results] The rotational angular velocity was greater in the generalized joint laxity than in the non-generalized joint laxity group, and we observed a significant correlation between Beighton scores and the X-axis angular velocity. Furthermore, rotational angular velocity was positively correlated with anterior-posterior acceleration and extension angular velocity. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that rotational angular velocity of the tibia during knee extension is associated with generalized joint laxity in female university students., (2022©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

[Purpose] The thoracolumbar supraspinous intersegmental tenderness test (ITT) in the segment above was performed to compare spinal alignment and autonomic activity in the presence or absence of pain. [Participants and Methods] Thirty young males were grouped into Th1-4 (Cardiopulmonary visceral nerves), Th5-9 (Large visceral nerve), and Th10-12 (Small visceral nerve) by ITT for the presence of pain. Measurements of the spinal alignment and autonomic function were performed. [Results] Those with ITT pain had a significantly lower range of motion in the sagittal plane at Th12, Th12-L1, and L2-3 and in the frontal plane at Th1-2, Th4-5, Th6-7, and L3-4 than those in the no pain group. On autonomic function tests, the pain group had significantly lower Total Power, LF (Low Frequency), and CVRR (Coefficient of variation of R-R interval). [Conclusion] In ITT, patients with pain at Th5-9 have a mixture of reduced sagittal tilt angle and autonomic hypofunction of the adjacent upper and lower thoracic to lumbar vertebrae., (2021©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

[Purpose] This study investigated the relationship between the single-leg stance test with light touch and hip rotator muscle strength. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-one healthy young adults participated in the study. A single leg stance test with light touch was performed to evaluate the participants' static balance ability. The duration that an individual could successfully perform the single leg stance test with light touch in the eyes open was measured. The participants were instructed to slightly touch their right index fingertip on the digital scale. The hip muscle strength of the internal rotators and external rotators were measured by the isometric peak torque. The internal/external rotator strength ratio was calculated by dividing the strength of the internal rotator by that of the external rotator. [Results] The hip external rotator muscle strength was higher in males than in females. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the single-leg stance test with light touch and hip external rotator muscle strength in males and between the single leg stance test with light touch and hip internal rotator muscle strength in females. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between the single leg stance test with light touch and hip internal rotator/external rotator ratio in males. [Conclusion] We concluded that the single leg stance test with light touch is a useful tool to evaluate static hip muscle strength., (2021©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

[Purpose] Previous studies have reported that the nervous system is influenced during short-term cast immobilization. However, the effects of short-term inactivity on somatosensory information processing systems are not well understood. This study investigated the effect of 10 h of upper limb immobilization on the somatosensory pathway using short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials. [Participants and Methods] Twenty right-handed healthy participants (mean age 21.7 years) were enrolled in this study. The participants' left hands and forearms were wrapped in a soft bandage at a 90° elbow flexed position. The participants were instructed not to move their left hand for 10 h. To obtain short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials, we used a multimodal evoked potential system. The left median nerve was electrically stimulated at a rate of 5 Hz for a duration of 0.2 ms. The intensity of the stimulus was adjusted to induce mild twitches of the thumb. The amplitudes and latencies of the short-latency somatosensory evoked potential components (N9, N13, and N20) were measured before and after immobilization. [Results] The amplitude of the N9 component significantly increased after immobilization. [Conclusion] Our results indicated that the changes in the excitability of the peripheral somatosensory nerve were due to 10 h of inactivity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of factors influencing the risk of life space assessment using path analysis. [Participants and Methods] A sample of 212 elderly residents (at least 65 years old) with no clear indications of cognitive dysfunction, visual impairment, and physical dysfunction were recruited for the study. Data on these factors were collected from the participants at a community gathering using measures of life space assessment, skeletal muscle mass, lower extremity muscle strength, mobility, cognitive function, and fear of falling. Correlational and path analyses were used to investigate the relationships between these variables. [Results] The final path model satisfied the requisite statistical criteria, and subsequently, the relationships between the physiological and psychological factors associated with life space assessment were structured and represented visually. Age, skeletal muscle mass, fear of falling, and mobility had a direct effect on life space assessment, whereas lower extremity muscle strength and cognitive function affected it indirectly. [Conclusion] In this study, direct and indirect effects of physiological and psychological factors related to risk of life space assessment of the elderly were clarified using path analysis., Competing Interests: None.

[Purpose] To study the effect that limbering up of the muscles attached to the pelvis has on muscle strength of the trunk and upper and lower extremities, which are not being exercised, and to investigate the possibilities for clinical application. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 152 healthy adult men. Sthenometry was conducted using a handheld dynamometer to assess the effect of limbering up of the upper gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and internal abdominal oblique muscles attached to thoracolumbar fascia on the trunk and upper and lower extremities. The exercises were slowly performed 20 repetitions. Subjects were divided into AB group (n=49) measuring abdominal and back muscle strength, K group (n=42) measuring knee flexor and extensor strength, and S group (n=61) measuring shoulder flexor and external rotator strength and compared to non-exercising controls. [Results] In the exercise groups, exercising either gluteus maximus or hamstrings significantly increased the strength of abdominal and back muscles; exercising gluteus maximus increased knee extensor strength, and exercising the abdominal internal oblique muscle significantly increased knee flexor strength; and shoulder flexor strength significantly increased after exercising gluteus maximus versus controls. [Conclusion] This may be useful in rehabilitation of injuries to the trunk and upper and lower extremities.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active head rotation on postural control in stroke patients during standing as compared with age-matched healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] In total, 46 stroke patients and 37 age-matched healthy subjects were recruited for the study. A stabilometer was used to assess postural stability in participants during standing, with or without active head rotation, and with their eyes open or closed. Subjects were asked to stand on a force plate while rotating their head in the yaw plane at a frequency of 1.0 Hz. A metronome was used to maintain the head rotation frequency, and the head rotation range was maintained at a total of 70° during the postural stability examinations. [Results] The control of postural stability during standing with active head rotation was significantly decreased in the stroke group as compared with the healthy group with both the eyes open and closed. No significant differences in relation to standing without head motion were observed between groups. [Conclusion] The findings suggest that postural instability is increased in stroke patients during active head rotation, and therefore, vestibular function in relation to head rotation might be reduced in stroke patients.

The liquid-crystal molecular order near the rubbed polymer surface is reexamined by the improved torque balance method. The surface azimuthal anchoring strength measured by the improved torque balance method is several times larger than that believed conventionally, considered to be significantly affected by the phase-transition behavior. Based on this result, it can be argued that the correlation between the rubbing strength and the surface azimuthal anchoring strength should be improved in consideration of the mechanism of surface order.