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Recently, Helicobacter pylori (HP)-uninfected gastric mucosal cancer has been reported; however, the clinicopathological and molecular features of HP-uninfected gastric cancer have not been elucidated.We evaluated the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic alterations in HP-uninfected early gastric adenocarcinoma using next-generation sequencing (NGS).Among 968 primary early gastric carcinomas, 64 (6.6%) were HP-uninfected gastric adenocarcinoma and were pathologically classified as gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type (GA-FG, n = 39), differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma (DGA, n = 16), and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC, n = 9). Based on the expression profile of the mucin core protein, DGAs were classified into a gastrointestinal phenotype showing either MUC5AC or MUC6 expression and MUC2 or CD10 expression simultaneously (n = 5), and a gastric phenotype (n = 11) showing either MUC5AC or MUC6 expression. All DGAs with a gastrointestinal phenotype shared similar endoscopic characteristics, such as reddish depressed lesions in the antrum. In contrast, DGAs with a gastric phenotype exhibited several distinct endoscopic features, including a raspberry-shaped appearance and whitish flat-elevated appearance; the former expressed only MUC5AC and the latter exhibited co-expression of MUC5AC and MUC6. Among 16 HP-uninfected DGAs, seven were subjected to NGS. APC was recurrently mutated in DGA (42.9%) and was enriched in DGAs with a gastrointestinal phenotype (75%).Overall, HP-uninfected gastric adenocarcinomas showed distinct clinicopathologic and endoscopic characteristics. Furthermore, HP-uninfected DGAs, especially those with a gastrointestinal phenotype, may be characterized by recurrent APC mutations.

Objectives: We aimed to clarify the endoscopic and clinicopathological features of raspberry-shaped gastric lesions (RSGLs) and to establish an endoscopic diagnostic algorithm for RSGLs. Methods: We collected RSGLs from an endoscopic database at our hospital between May 2009 and August 2021. All RSGLs were histopathologically classified and compared based on their endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics. Results: Sixty-five RSGLs in 54 patients were classified into five histopathological types: gastric adenocarcinoma of foveolar type (GA-FV, n = 43), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type (GA-FG, n = 2), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland mucosa type (GA-FGM, n = 4), hyperplastic polyp (HP, n = 12), and proton pump inhibitor-related lesion (PPI-L, n = 4). All RSGLs exhibited polygonal or curved marginal crypt epithelium (MCE). GA-FV lesions had homogenously reddish (95%) and irregular microvascular (MV) pattern (91%). GA-FG lesions were heterogeneously reddish with a submucosal tumor shape (100%) and had a regular MV pattern (50%). GA-FGM lesions were homogenously reddish (75%) and occasionally had a submucosal tumor shape (50%) with an irregular MV pattern (75%). HP and PPI-L were homogeneously reddish (93%), with linear or dotted MCE (81%) and a regular MV pattern (100%). Conclusion: Our diagnostic algorithm for RSGLs constructed using endoscopic features might be useful for the endoscopic differential diagnosis of RSGLs.

In this work, we developed a catalytic system comprising Ni3Sn2 alloy nanoparticles and montmorillonite K10 that is effective for the one-pot two-step synthesis of alkyl levulinates directly from furfural.

A mediastinal thoracic duct cyst that originates from the thoracic duct is a very rare disease in the mediastinum. There have been no reports of mediastinal thoracic duct cyst infection caused by endoscopic treatment. This is the first case of mediastinal thoracic duct cyst infection after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer. We herein report a 75-year-old man with mediastinal thoracic duct cyst infection caused by esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection. In cases where a mediastinal thoracic duct cyst is found before performing endoscopic esophageal treatment, we should carefully consider the potential risk of post-treatment cyst infection.

Evaluation of chronic constipation is important, although it is often difficult to satisfactorily treat due to the complex interplay of factors. This study aimed to determine whether the volume of intraluminal contents and lateral diameter of the colon measured from computed tomography (CT) images were correlated with the symptoms of chronic constipation and stool consistency. Consecutive patients who underwent the Constipation Scoring System (CSS), Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) questionnaires and simple abdominal CT were selected retrospectively. The intestinal tract diameter at each site was measured, and the amounts of stool and gas in the intestinal tract were evaluated at five levels. Of the 149 study participants, 54 were males and 95 were females and their mean age was 72.1 years. In the right hemi-colon, CSS5 (Time) correlated significantly with gas volume (p < 0.01). In the left hemi-colon, stool volume correlated significantly with CSS2 (Difficulty), CSS3 (Completeness), CSS5 (Time) and CSS total (p < 0.05). The BSFS negatively correlated with gas volume and diameter in the right hemi-colon and with gas volume in the rectum (p < 0.05). CT findings including stool volume, gas volume and diameter correlated with some constipation symptoms and stool consistency. These findings may be useful in evaluating and treating constipation.

We herein report a rare case of Yersinia enterocolitica enteritis with a fever and abdominal pain followed by erythema nodosum (EN) a few days later. The diagnosis was confirmed based on characteristic colonoscopy and computed tomography findings, pathology, and mucosal culture. Yersinia enteritis is a curable disease provided a proper diagnosis and treatment are performed. Although EN is a rare clinical course, it should still be considered as a differential diagnosis.

The incidence of gastric cancer in Okinawa Prefecture is the lowest in Japan, which is attributed to differences in strains of

Bile acids are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, blue laser imaging (BLI) endoscopy has emerged as a novel image-enhanced endoscopic method, which illustrates bile as a reddish hue. The present study investigated the factors that affect the area of bile in duodenal bulbs using BLI. For this purpose, patients (356 cases) who underwent upper endoscopy with BLI between April, 2017 and December, 2019, and completed patient background and symptom questionnaires [Constipation Scoring System (CSS), Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and Frequency Scale for Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG)], were retrospectively investigated. Each BLI bile score was calculated as a percentage of bile area in a field of view in the duodenal bulb using a KS400 image analysis system, and the association with abdominal symptoms was examined using multiple regression analysis. The patient characteristics included the following: Age (in years), 69.9±11.3; male/female ratio, 146/210; body mass index, 23.0±3.8; reflux esophagitis (M/A/B/C), 143/19/3/3; atrophic gastritis (C-0/C1-3/O1-3), 132/100/124; proton pump inhibitor potassium competitive acid blocker/aspirin/ursodeoxycholic acid/gall bladder stones/cholecystectomy, 105/27/18/43/18; BLI bile score, 7.10 (±14.34); CSS score, 3.55 (±3.80); BSFS score, 3.91 (±1.02); and FSSG score, 4.80 (±5.76). Correlation coefficients (P0.05) for the BLI bile score were found for cholecystectomy (Rho=0.137) and aspirin use (Rho=0.118). In multiple regression analysis, independent predictors of the BLI bile score were cholecystectomy [standardized partial regression coefficient (β)=0.169, P=0.001] and the BSFS score (β=0.107, P=0.042). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the duodenal bile area in BLI upper endoscopy is associated with cholecystectomy and fecal characteristics.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key reaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells and metal–air batteries. In these electrochemical systems, platinum group metals (PGMs) have been widely used as ORR electrocatalysts. Because of material cost and scarcity of platinum group metals, non-PGM electrocatalysts are considered to be an ideal alternative for mass production with low material cost. Many non-PGM electrocatalysts have been intensively studied such as pyrolyzed Fe-, N-doped carbon (Fe–N–C) catalysts. However, many non-PGM electrocatalysts including Fe–N–C still suffer from product selectivity due to the production of H2O2 as the byproduct. In this work, we synthesized an ORR electrocatalyst of Cu-, Fe-, and N-doped carbon nanotubes, (Cu,Fe)–N–CNT. This heterobimetallic catalyst showed the selective 4e– reduction of O2 to H2O with ca. 99%. Kinetic analysis of the electrocatalytic ORR and hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR) in acidic media revealed that (Cu,Fe)–N–CNT showed two orders of magnitude higher rate constants for the direct 4e– reduction of O2 to H2O than those for the 2e– reduction of O2 to H2O2, whereas a monometallic Fe–N–CNT showed the same order of magnitude, indicating that the heterometallic cooperativity had a drastic impact on the ORR kinetics. Our findings would open up possibilities to develop non-PGM ORR electrocatalysts with heterobimetallic active sites for the selective ORR.

Background: Gastric adenocarcinoma of foveolar type (GA-FV) is a raspberry-shaped gastric cancer (RSGC) and garners much attention as H. pylori (Hp)-uninfected gastric cancer. However, the classification and clinicopathological and endoscopic features of RSGCs in Hp-uninfected patients are poorly defined. We designed a new histopathological classification of RSGC and compared them via endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics. Summary: From 996 patients with early gastric cancers resected by endoscopy in our hospital, we studied 24 RSGC lesions from 21 (2.4%) Hp-uninfected patients. RSGCs were classified into 3 histological types as follows: GA-FV (n = 19), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type (GA-FG, n = 2), and gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland mucosa type (GA-FGM, n = 3). Most of the lesions were found at the greater curvature of the upper or middle third of the stomach. GA-FV lesions were homogeneously reddish and frequently accompanied with a whitish area around the tumor and an irregular microvascular (MV) pattern; these features were confirmed histopathologically by the presence of homogeneous neoplastic foveolar epithelium with foveolar hyperplasia around the tumors. GA-FG lesions might be heterogeneously reddish with a submucosal tumor shape and regular MV pattern; these were confirmed by the presence of covered or mixed nonneoplastic epithelium on deeper regions of tumors. GA-FGM lesions might be homogeneously reddish and occasionally had a submucosal tumor shape and irregular MV pattern; these were confirmed by the presence of homogeneous neoplastic foveolar epithelium on deeper regions of the tumors. Key Messages: RSGCs in Hp-uninfected patients are classified into 3 histopathological types. For accurate diagnosis of RSGCs, it may be necessary to fully understand endoscopic features of these lesions based on these histological characteristics and to take a precise biopsy.

Background and study aims Magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (M-NBI) has made a huge contribution to endoscopic diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC). However, we sometimes encountered false-negative cases with M-NBI diagnosis (i. e., M-NBI diagnostic limitation lesion: M-NBI-DLL). However, clinicopathological features of M-NBI-DLLs have not been well elucidated. We aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features and histological reasons of M-NBI-DLLs. Patients and methods In this single-center retrospective study, M-NBI-DLLs were extracted from 456 EGCs resected endoscopically at our hospital. We defined histological types of M-NBI-DLLs and analyzed clinicopathologically to clarify histological reasons of M-NBI-DLLs. Results Of 456 EGCs, 48 lesions (10.5 %) of M-NBI-DLLs were enrolled. M-NBI-DLLs was classified into four histological types as follows: gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type (GA-FG, n = 25), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland mucosal type (GA-FGM, n = 1), differentiated adenocarcinoma (n = 14), and undifferentiated adenocarcinoma (n = 8). Thirty-nine lesions of M-NBI-DLLs were H. pylori-negative gastric cancers (39/47, 82.9 %). Histological reasons for M-NBI-DLLs were as follows: 1) completely covered with non-neoplastic mucosa (25/25 GA-FG, 8/8 undifferentiated adenocarcinoma); 2) well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with low-grade atypia (1/1 GA-FGM, 14/14 differentiated adenocarcinoma); 3) similarity of surface structure (10/14 differentiated adenocarcinoma); and 4) partially covered and/or mixed with a non-neoplastic mucosa (1/1 GA-FGM, 6/14 differentiated adenocarcinoma). Conclusions Diagnostic limitations of M-NBI depend on four distinct histological characteristics. For accurate diagnosis of M-NBI-DLLs, it may be necessary to fully understand endoscopic features of these lesions using white light imaging and M-NBI based on these histological characteristics and to take a precise biopsy.

Objective The association between frailty and abdominal symptoms has not been evaluated. Methods We conducted a hospital-based, retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive outpatients ≥65 years old at the Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center from 2017 to 2019. Patients were included in the study if all of the following information was available from their medical records: patient's profile, the evaluation of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, frailty, nutritional status, findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and questionnaire results for abdominal symptoms [Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (FSSG) and Constipation Scoring System (CSS)]. We divided the subjects into frailty and non-frailty groups and investigated the risk factors for frailty. Results Of the 313 eligible study subjects [134 men (42.8%) and 179 women (57.2%); mean age, 75.7±6.0 years; mean body mass index, 22.8±3.6 kg/m2], frailty was noted in 71 cases (22.7%). In a univariate analysis, an older age (p

The incidence of gastric cancer in Okinawa Prefecture is the lowest in Japan, which is attributed to differences in strains of Helicobacter pylori in Okinawa and other prefectures in Japan. Our aim was to compare the endoscopic findings of H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa in Okinawa and Tokyo. Patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGI) at Northern Okinawa Medical Center (Okinawa group) and Juntendo University Hospital (Tokyo group) from April 2019 to March 2020 were included. Patients diagnosed with H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa were retrospectively compared between the Okinawa and Tokyo groups according to the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis. The numbers of subjects (Okinawa/Tokyo) were 435/352, male/female ratio was 247:188/181:171, and age was 53.3 ± 14.7/64.6 ± 14.3 (mean ± standard deviation) years. Regarding the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis, the prevalence (Okinawa/Tokyo) of the closed type of atrophic gastritis was 73%/37% (p < 0.001), diffuse redness 80%/84% (p = 0.145), mucosal swelling 46%/46% (p = 0.991), enlarged fold 26%/32% (p = 0.048), spotty redness 77%/68% (p = 0.002), sticky mucus 17%/36% (p < 0.001), and intestinal metaplasia 32%/42% (p < 0.001). Age analysis also revealed that closed-type atrophy and spotty redness were more frequent in the Okinawa group than in the Tokyo group. There may be regional differences in endoscopic findings of H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa between Okinawa and Tokyo.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key reaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and metal–air batteries. Although platinum group metal (PGM)-based ORR electrocatalysts have been widely used in state-of-the-art PEFCs, PGMs are rare and expensive. For future wide-spread applications of PEFCs, non-PGM electrocatalysts with high ORR activity and product selectivity to H2O must be developed. Natural catalysts of metalloenzymes including laccases and cytochrome c oxidases are known to catalyze the ORR and therefore encourage us to develop metalloenzyme-inspired electrocatalysts based on non-PGMs for the ORR because these metalloenzymes use iron and/or copper ions as active sites [1-3]. We develop non-PGM electrocatalysts of Cu- Fe- and N-doped carbon nanotubes, (Cu,Fe)-N-CNT, for the ORR, inspired by the heterometallic active site of cytochrome c oxidase [4]. The co-presence of Cu and Fe active sites increase the ORR activity and selectivity to H2O in acidic media, compared with monometallic Fe-N-CNT or Cu-N-CNT. Kinetic analysis revealed that the selective 4-electron reduction of O2 to H2O is dominant for (Cu,Fe)-N-CNT whereas the sequential (2+2)-electron reduction mainly proceeds for Fe-N-CNT or Cu-N-CNT, indicating that the ORR mechanism can be modulated by the co-presence of Cu and Fe active sites. We will discuss details on the ORR mechanistic insights based on spectroscopic data including in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. References [1] M. Kato, I. Yagi, e-J. Surf. Sci. Nanotechnol., 18, 81 (2020). [2] M. Kato, T. Murotani, I. Yagi, Chem. Lett., 45, 1213 (2016). [3] M. Kato, M. Muto, N. Matsubara,Y. Uemura,Y. Wakisaka, T. Yoneuchi,D. Matsumura, T. Ishihara, T. Tokushima, S. Noro, S. Takakusagi, K. Asakura, I. Yagi, ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 1, 2358 (2018). [4] M. Kato, N. Fujibayashi, D. Abe, N. Matsubara, S. Yasuda, I. Yagi, ACS Catal., 11, 2356 (2021).

While hospitalized due to severe aortic stenosis, an 84-year-old woman developed repeated bleeding from angiodysplasia in the stomach leading to a diagnosis of Heyde syndrome. Following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), there was no recurrence of bleeding from the angiodysplasia, and the decrease in von Willebrand factor levels that caused Heyde syndrome also improved. It was felt that the TAVI was able to prevent the recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasia in Heyde syndrome.

Gastric adenocarcinoma of foveolar type (GA-FV) is a raspberry-shaped gastric cancer (RSGC) and garners much attention as H. pylori (Hp)-uninfected gastric cancer. However, the classification and clinicopathological and endoscopic features of RSGCs in Hp-uninfected patients are poorly defined. We designed a new histopathological classification of RSGC and compared them via endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics.From 996 patients with early gastric cancers resected by endoscopy in our hospital, we studied 24 RSGC lesions from 21 (2.4%) Hp-uninfected patients. RSGCs were classified into 3 histological types as follows: GA-FV (n = 19), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type (GA-FG, n = 2), and gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland mucosa type (GA-FGM, n = 3). Most of the lesions were found at the greater curvature of the upper or middle third of the stomach. GA-FV lesions were homogeneously reddish and frequently accompanied with a whitish area around the tumor and an irregular microvascular (MV) pattern; these features were confirmed histopathologically by the presence of homogeneous neoplastic foveolar epithelium with foveolar hyperplasia around the tumors. GA-FG lesions might be heterogeneously reddish with a submucosal tumor shape and regular MV pattern; these were confirmed by the presence of covered or mixed nonneoplastic epithelium on deeper regions of tumors. GA-FGM lesions might be homogeneously reddish and occasionally had a submucosal tumor shape and irregular MV pattern; these were confirmed by the presence of homogeneous neoplastic foveolar epithelium on deeper regions of the tumors. Key Messages: RSGCs in Hp-uninfected patients are classified into 3 histopathological types. For accurate diagnosis of RSGCs, it may be necessary to fully understand endoscopic features of these lesions based on these histological characteristics and to take a precise biopsy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the severity of constipation and sarcopenia in elderly adults. We conducted a single-center university hospital-based, retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive outpatients aged ≥65 years from 2017 to 2020. Patients were included in the study if all of the following information were available from medical records: Patient's profile (age, sex, body mass index), laxative/prokinetics use, evaluation of sarcopenia, nutritional status, and questionnaires concerning the severity of constipation [Constipation Scoring System (CSS)], abdominal symptom-related quality of life (QOL) (Izumo scale) and stool shape [Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS)]. Multiple regression analysis of risk factors for high CSS score was performed. The results revealed that of the 310 eligible study subjects, [149 men (48.1%) and 161 women (51.9%); mean age, 75.7±6.1 years; mean body mass index, 23.0±3.6 kg/m2], sarcopenia was noted in 83 cases (26.8%). The CSS score was significantly higher in the sarcopenia group than that noted in the non-sarcopenia group (4.9±4.9 vs. 3.6±3.6, P=0.009). The CSS score was significantly associated with the albumin level (r=-0.148), lymphocyte count (r=-0.118), CONUT score (r=0.130), reflux-related QOL score (r=0.155), upper abdominal pain-related QOL score (r=0.171), fullness-related QOL score (r=0.299), constipation-related QOL score (r=0.615), diarrhea-related QOL score (r=0.235) and BSFS score (r=-0.114). In multiple regression analysis, independent predictors for CSS score were sarcopenia [standardized partial regression coefficient (β)=0.107, P=0.032], constipation-related QOL score (β=0.537, P

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), which can efficiently convert hydrogen into electricity without using fossil fuels, are a promising energy conversion device. At the cathodes of PEFCs, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurs via 4-electrons' and 4-protons' transfer. Due to its low reaction rate limiting the performance of PEFCs, the electrocatalysts are necessary and the platinum-based electrocatalysts for ORR are mainly used because of its highest electrocatalystic activity in the metals. Since platinum metal is expensive and rare, there is a need to develop non-platinum-based electricatalysts based on iron and/or copper with high ORR activity1,2,3,4). A cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), which is a metalloenzyme and contains iron and copper metal ions, catalyzes the ORR efficiently to produce ATP in mitochondria5) and its activity is higher than that of artificial platinum-based electrocatalysts6). Metalloenzymes are not practical because of their stability, size, and difficulty to isolate and purify. In this study, iron and copper co-doped carbon electrocatalysts, synthesized from the mixtures of Fe and/or Cu complexes and carbon nanotubes in heat treatment inspired by the CcO’s active center, were developed. Synthetic conditions of Fe : Cu metal ratios and heating temperatures were optimized. The ORR activity was evaluated by hydrodynamic voltammetry using a rotating ring disk electrode in 0.05 M sulfuric acid aqueous solution saturated with oxygen. The activity of Fe/Cu/CNT catalyst was compared with two catalysts: iron-doped carbon carbon catalyst (Fe/CNT) and copper-doped carbon catalyst (Cu/CNT). The Fe/Cu/CNT catalyst showed more positive onset potential for the oxygen reduction in acidic media than Fe/CNT and Cu/CNT, indicating that Fe/Cu/CNT is more active, and we figure out that the coexistence of iron and copper in CNTs contributes to the improvement of ORR activity. References: 1. Kato et al., Chem. Lett. 45, 1213–1215 (2016). 2. Kato et al., ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 1, 2358–2364 (2018). 3. Chung et al., Science 357, 479–484 (2017). 4. Yasuda et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 26, 738–744 (2016). 5. Sakamoto et al., PNAS 108, 12271–12276 (2011). 6. Kjaergaard et al., Inorg. Chem. 49, 3567–3572 (2010).

Raman spectroscopy has been applied to investigate the structure of amorphous mesoporous titania and six different cation-incorporated mesoporous titania samples with the surface areas of ca. 800 m 2 g −1 . A phase transition into mesoporous anatase was commonly observed around 673 K. Spectral patterns similar to those of anatase and rutile were detected in all of the amorphous mesoporous solids when they were calcined between 493 and 653 K, though the positions of the anatase E g and the rutile E g bands were significantly different from those of the respective bulk solids. A sudden shift in the band position was observed around 673 K, which is the temperature where the peaks due to anatase emerged in the XRD. We counted the frequencies that the spectral patterns of anatase and rutile were obtained in the measurements of the samples calcined between 493 and 573 K. The frequency of the rutile pattern was enhanced by the incorporation of Fe 3+ , Nb 5+ and Mo 6+ and was suppressed by Al 3+ and Ce 3+/4+ . The mechanism behind this enhancement/suppression effect is discussed. The Raman spectrum after the extraction of the template (before the heat treatment) did not correspond with any of the known spectral patterns of titania. This unknown pattern re-appeared at 653 K in the most of the mesoporous titania samples that we investigated in this study. On the other hand, the anatase or rutile patterns were not observed at this temperature. A structural model of the amorphous framework in mesoporous titania and a mechanism for the crystallization into anatase are proposed.

Cerium-incorporated mesoporous titania, Ce-meso TiO 2 , was prepared by the co-condensation method using Ce(NH 4 ) 2 (NO 3 ) 6 and Ti(O i C 3 H 7 ) 4 as precursors and n -dodecylamine as a structural directing agent. The catalysts obtained had high surface area and narrow pore size distribution similar to mesoporous titania. The population of Ce(III) in these catalysts was investigated by XANES spectroscopy. Although the precursor was tetravalent, the concentration of Ce(III) was nearly 100% and 80% in Ce-meso TiO 2 catalysts prepared with the precursor mixing ratios of Ti/Ce = 20 and 50, respectively. In Ce-meso TiO 2 prepared with Ti/Ce = 100, the concentration increased from 39% to 69% after the calcination from 473 K to 673 K. In the catalyst prepared without n -dodecylamine, the concentration was only 30%, which is almost the same as the value obtained for P-25 supported Ce catalyst. These results imply that the lower valence becomes stable by the presence of mesoporous titania framework. In the ethanol–oxygen reaction, ethylene and carbon dioxide were formed on the Ce/P-25 catalyst. The activity and selectivity depended little on the calcination temperature of the catalyst, which concurs with the constant concentration of Ce(III). On the other hand, the main products on the Ce-meso TiO 2 catalyst were acetaldehyde and acetic acid. The selectivity for acetic acid increased with the calcination temperature of the catalyst. The concentration of trivalent Ce was correlated with the formation of acetic acid. Additionally, the local structure of Ti in the Ce-meso TiO 2 catalyst was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The structure of the support framework had little influence on the ethanol–oxygen reaction.

Guaranteeing real-time is required in the field of digital control. This is to start a task at a predetermined time, and complete the task before the predetermined deadline. However recently, it is getting difficult to guarantee such a completion. This is due to the fact that the amount of calculation within a period is increasing, and the period itself is being required to be shorter. As a method for parallel processing, GPGPU (General-Purpose computation on GPU) is recently attracting attention. However, tools to apply GPGPU to real-time system are not provided from the GPU vendor, and related research is not yet found. Therefore, this paper proposes and evaluates a method to operate GPGPU in real-time systems. From the experimental results, the proposed method dramatically reduced the jitter and the elapsed time comparing to the CPU itself, and also the conventional method. This shows that the proposed method improves the predictability of the completion time, and the GPU can be applied to real-time systems.