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To adequately capture the market structure of vegetables in Japan, it is necessary to develop an oligopolistic model due to the potential market power of producers vs. retailers. We first estimate the market power between producers and retailers by extending the bilateral oligopoly model. Next, we evaluate the role of the wholesale market and its effect on economic welfare. Our results indicate that the wholesale market benefits both producers and consumers through a reduction in retail margins. This study contributes to the industrial organization literature by developing a bilateral oligopoly model and empirically measuring the wholesale market system in Japan.

Quantum-enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (QE-SRS) is a promising technique for highly sensitive molecular vibrational imaging and spectroscopy surpassing the shot noise limit. However, the previous demonstrations of QE-SRS utilized rather weak optical power which hinders from competing with the sensitivity of state-of-the-art SRS microscopy and spectroscopy using relatively high-power optical pulses. Here, we demonstrate SRS spectroscopy with quantum-enhanced balanced detection (QE-BD) scheme, which works even when using high-power optical pulses. We used 4-ps pulses to generate pulsed squeezed vacuum at a wavelength of 844 nm with a squeezing level of −3.28 ± 0.12 dB generated from a periodically-poled stoichiometric LiTaO3 waveguide. The squeezed vacuum was introduced to an SRS spectrometer employing a high-speed spectral scanner to acquire QE-SRS spectrum in the wavenumber range of 2000–2280 cm-1 within 50 ms. Using SRS pump pulses with an average power of 11.3 mW, we successfully obtained QE-SRS spectrum whose SNR was better than classical SRS with balanced-detection by 2.27 dB.

The Na(+)-pumping NADH-ubiquinone (UQ) oxidoreductase (Na(+)-NQR) is present in the respiratory chain of many pathogenic bacteria and is thought to be a promising antibiotic target. Whereas many details of Na(+)-NQR structure and function are known, the mechanisms of action of potent inhibitors is not well-understood; elucidating the mechanisms would not only advance drug design strategies but might also provide insights on a terminal electron transfer from riboflavin to UQ. To this end, we performed photoaffinity labeling experiments using photoreactive derivatives of two known inhibitors, aurachin and korormicin, on isolated Vibrio cholerae Na(+)-NQR. The inhibitors labeled the cytoplasmic surface domain of the NqrB subunit including a protruding N-terminal stretch, which may be critical to regulate the UQ reaction in the adjacent NqrA subunit. The labeling was blocked by short-chain UQs such as ubiquinone-2. The photolabile group (2-aryl-5-carboxytetrazole (ACT)) of these inhibitors reacts with nucleophilic amino acids, so we tested mutations of nucleophilic residues in the labeled region of NqrB, such as Asp(49) and Asp(52) (to Ala), and observed moderate decreases in labeling yields, suggesting that these residues are involved in the interaction with ACT. We conclude that the inhibitors interfere with the UQ reaction in two ways: the first is blocking structural rearrangements at the cytoplasmic interface between NqrA and NqrB, and the second is the direct obstruction of UQ binding at this interfacial area. Unusual competitive behavior between the photoreactive inhibitors and various competitors corroborates our previous proposition that there may be two inhibitor binding sites in Na(+)-NQR.

We propose and demonstrate a phase-locking scheme for squeezed vacuum generated by a single-pass optical parametric amplifier. Stable phase locking of picosecond squeezed vacuum with a squeezing level of −1.7 dB was achieved.

Quantum-enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (QESRS) microscopy is expected to realize molecular vibrational imaging with sub-shot-noise sensitivity, so that weak signals buried in the laser shot noise can be uncovered. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of previous QESRS did not exceed that of state-of-the-art stimulated Raman scattering (SOA-SRS) microscopes mainly because of the low optical power (3 mW) of amplitude squeezed light [Nature 594, 201 (2021)10.1038/s41586-021-03528-w]. Here, we present QESRS based on quantum-enhanced balanced detection (QE-BD). This method allows us to operate QESRS in a high-power regime (>30 mW) that is comparable to SOA-SRS microscopes, at the expense of 3 dB sensitivity drawback due to balanced detection. We demonstrate QESRS imaging with 2.89 dB noise reduction compared with classical balanced detection scheme. The present demonstration confirms that QESRS with QE-BD can work in the high-power regime, and paves the way for breaking the sensitivity of SOA-SRS microscopes.

Saki Yamamoto,1 Akira Iwata,1 Yuki Yano,1 Toshimitsu Ohmine,1 Keisuke Honma,1 Kazuma Senzaki,1 Minami Fujiwara,1 Takayuki Murakami,1 Junji Inoue,1 Yuki Sano,2 Shuji Okagawa,3 Yuta Otsuki,4 Hideyuki Wanaka,5 Masataka Kataoka,1 Hiroshi Iwata61Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino, Osaka, Japan; 2Department of Rehabilitation, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Osaka, Japan; 3Department of Rehabilitation, Tatsumi Hospital, Ikeda, Osaka, Japan; 4Department of Rehabilitation, Kisei Hospital, Osaka, Osaka, Japan; 5Department of Rehabilitation, Kobe Rosai Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan; 6Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, JapanPurpose: Movement velocity of the limbs or trunk plays an important determinant of gait speed in older adults. Movement velocity-focused training of the lower limbs or trunk has recently been shown to be an effective intervention to improve gait ability. Because movement velocities of various body regions are significantly correlated, movement velocity training of the upper limbs may also be effective for improving gait speed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether movement velocity training of the upper limbs in a seated position is effective for improving gait ability.Patients and methods: This study was a nonrandomized controlled trial. The participants were older adults residing in geriatric health service facilities. They were assigned to the movement velocity training of the upper limbs group (n=26) or control group (n=15). The participants in the training group performed exercises (three times per week for 10 weeks) to move the upper limbs as quickly as possible. The outcomes were gait speed, movement velocity, and quadriceps strength. These measurements were performed preintervention and 4, 8, and 10 weeks after intervention.Results: A significant time–group interaction was found for maximum gait speed and movement velocity of the upper limbs. Bonferroni post-hoc test showed significant improvement in gait speed between preintervention and 10 weeks after intervention in the training group. The movement velocity of the upper limbs was significantly improved between preintervention and 4, 8, and 10 weeks after intervention.Conclusion: Movement velocity training of the upper limbs showed significant and clinically relevant improvements in maximum gait speed at 10 weeks after intervention. This training is a potentially useful intervention and can be safely performed.Keywords: older people, movement velocity training, arm, gait speed, seated position

Objective Quadriceps weakness is considered the primary determinant of gait function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, many patients have shown a gap in improvement trends between gait function and quadriceps strength in clinical situations. Factors other than quadriceps strength in the recovery of gait function after TKA may be essential factors. Because muscle power is a more influential determinant of gait function than muscle strength, the maximum knee extension velocity without external load may be a critical parameter of gait function in patients with TKA. This study aimed to identify the importance of knee extension velocity in determining the gait function early after TKA by comparing the quadriceps strength. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted in four acute care hospitals. Patients scheduled for unilateral TKA were recruited (n = 186; age, 75.9 ± 6.6 years; 43 males and 143 females). Knee extension velocity was defined as the angular velocity of knee extension without external load as quickly as possible in a seated position. Bilateral knee function (knee extension velocity and quadriceps strength), lateral knee function (pain and range of motion), and gait function (gait speed and Timed Up and Go test (TUG)) were evaluated before and at 2 and 3 weeks after TKA. Results Both bilateral knee extension velocities and bilateral quadriceps strengths were significantly correlated with gait function. The knee extension velocity on the operation side was the strongest predictor of gait function at all time points in multiple regression analysis. Conclusion These findings identified knee extension velocity on the operation side to be a more influential determinant of gait function than impairments in quadriceps strength. Therefore, training that focuses on knee extension velocity may be recommended as part of the rehabilitation program in the early postoperative period following TKA. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000020036.

Aiming at quantum enhancement in < 1 µm, we demonstrate pulsed squeezing with a periodically poled stoichiometric LiTaO3 waveguide. We confirm anti-squeezing of > 7 dB and vacuum squeezing of −1.19 dB at 844 nm.

[Purpose] Improved quadriceps strength is a primary target of rehabilitation early after total knee arthroplasty. However, patients demonstrate varying improvement trends in gait function and quadriceps strength. This study evaluated the relationship between improvements in quadriceps strength and gait function. [Participants and Methods] The study included 49 patients who were scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Gait function, bilateral quadriceps strength, and pain were assessed in all patients. All assessments were performed preoperatively and at 2 and 3 weeks postoperatively. [Results] A significant correlation between gait function and the quadriceps strength on the operated side was observed preoperatively and 3 weeks postoperatively. The quadriceps strength on the non-operated side was significantly correlated with gait function at all time points. Multiple regression analysis showed that the quadriceps strength on the non-operated side was significantly associated with gait function, except the gait speed at 2 weeks. However, the quadriceps strength on the operated side was not observed to be an independent variable at all time points. [Conclusion] The quadriceps strength on the operated side is not an important determinant of gait function. It may be necessary to reconsider typical rehabilitation programs by focusing on the quadriceps strength on the operated side in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

In high-precision optical measurements, squeezed vacuum states are a promising resource for reducing the shot noise. To utilize a squeezed vacuum, it is important to lock the phase of the local oscillator (LO) to the squeezed light. The coherent control sideband (CCSB) scheme has been established for the precise phase locking, while the previous CCSB scheme was designed for the squeezed vacuum generated with an optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Thus the previous CCSB scheme is not applicable to squeezing by a single-pass optical parametric amplifier (OPA), which is attractive for generating broadband squeezed vacuum states. In this study, we propose a variant of CCSB scheme, which is applicable to the squeezing by single-pass OPA. In this scheme, we inject pump light and frequency-shifted signal light into an OPA crystal in the same way as the previous CCSB scheme. The parametric process in the OPA crystal generates a squeezed vacuum, amplifies the signal light, generates an idler light, and causes the pump depletion reflecting the interference of the amplified signal light and the idler light. Through the lock-in detection of the pump depletion, we can phase-lock the injected signal light to the pump light. Then, after the heterodyne detection of the signal and the idler light, we get the error signal of LO and realize the precise phase locking of LO to the squeezed quadrature. We show the feasibility of the proposed scheme by deriving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the modulated pump signal. We experimentally demonstrate the proposed scheme on pulsed squeezing by a single-pass OPA.

Melatonin regulates circadian rhythms but also has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects that ameliorate metabolic disorders. We investigated the effects of the selective melatonin agonist ramelteon on cardiac and adipose tissue pathology in the DahlS.Z-Leprfa /Leprfa (DS/obese) rat, a model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Rats were treated with a low (0.3 mg/kg per day) or high (8 mg/kg per day) dose of ramelteon from 9 to 13 weeks of age. Ramelteon treatment at either dose attenuated body weight gain, left ventricular fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction, as well as cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation, without affecting hypertension or insulin resistance. Although ramelteon did not affect visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, it attenuated inflammation and downregulated insulin signaling in this tissue. In contrast, ramelteon reduced fat mass, adipocyte hypertrophy, and inflammation, and ameliorated impaired insulin signaling in subcutaneous WAT. In addition, ramelteon attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy, downregulated mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, and upregulated 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 expression in interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). In summary, ramelteon treatment attenuated obesity and cardiac injury, improved insulin signaling in visceral and subcutaneous WAT, and inhibited the whitening of BAT in rats with MetS.

Quantum-enhanced measurements using squeezed states of light provide sensitivities beyond the shot noise limit. Although the mechanism of quantum enhancement is well described by quantum mechanics, it is difficult to intuitively understand how squeezed states are exploited. In this paper, we present a pictorial interpretation of quantum-enhanced measurements using wave functions, which provides intuitive pictures of squeezed states in various experimental systems.

As the output of solid-state lighting and light sources increases, the demand for transparent phosphor inorganic plates with excellent heat resistance is increasing. It is known that α-SiAlON, which has excellent heat resistance as engineering ceramics, shows photoluminescence by stabilized ions, but it is not possible to obtain α-SiAlON bulk single crystals. In this study, we fabricated transparent Y-α SiAlON:Ce3+ ceramics for use as wave conversion materials for high-power solid-state semiconductor light sources. For this purpose, gas pressure sintering, followed by hot isostatic pressing at lower temperatures, were carried out using homogeneous and dense green bodies. In particular, cyclic cold isostatic pressing increased the density and homogeneity of the green body, which promoted the densification at lower temperatures and the efficient disappearance of pores during sintering. As a result of the suppression of grain growth by low-temperature densification, Y-α SiAlON:Ce3+ ceramics with high in-line transmittance were successfully obtained. The transparent Y-α SiAlON:Ce3+ ceramics exhibited photoluminescence due to the 5d-4f transition of Ce3+. The peak wavelength of the emission intensity depended on the concentration of Ce3+, and the luminescence color was in the range of blue to blue-green.

In this work, we exposed a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape to a rotating magnetic field, and measured ac losses using a calorimetric method based on the temperature rise caused by the ac loss. To compare the characteristics of the other ac loss conditions, we measured the magnetization losses in the uniform ac magnetic field perpendicular and parallel to the HTS tape face. The losses in the rotating magnetic field are the same as in the perpendicular magnetic field. In addition, we measured the influence of the rotating magnetic field waviness on the ac loss characteristics.

Miniaturized systems for in situ bio/biochemical analysis for modern oceanography have been developed and evaluated by utilizing cutting-edge technologies including microfluidic technology. As an effort of further miniaturization, development of advanced photodetection technology and a novel power-free pumping system are carried out. Here, some present and future miniaturized in situ analysis systems for in situ microbiology are introduced and key issues towards multi-modal ocean sensing is discussed.

Artificial diets affect the growth and gut morphology of carnivorous fishes. In this study, we compared a laboratory raised rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii (a carnivore), fed an artificial diet (Lab fish), and the wild-captured rockfish (Wild fish) to confirm the effect of an artificial diet on pyloric caecal morphology and motility. We also established an in vitro method to quantify pyloric caecal sac motility and compared it between Lab and Wild fish. The pyloric caecal length per unit body length, the pyloric caecal weight per unit body weight, and the pyloric caecal weight per length were significantly greater in the Wild fish than in the Lab fish. Additionally, both of the circular and longitudinal muscularis layers were significantly thicker in the Wild fish than in the Lab fish. The pyloric caecal motor frequency of the Wild fish was higher than that in the Lab fish, but the contractile pressure of the pyloric caeca did not change under conventional conditions. These results suggest that the thickness of the tunica muscularis of the pyloric caeca may be involved in its motility, and the pyloric caeca of the Lab fish may not be able to provide functionality in this respect. In conclusion, under artificial rearing conditions, the artificial diet reduced the thickness of the tunica muscularis and reduced the motor frequency of the pyloric caeca in rockfish.

We report the ac loss characteristics of stacked HTS tapes in an iron core. To estimate the loss distribution, we measured each stacked HTS tape using a calorimetric method. To clarify the influence of an iron core, we measured the ac losses of the stacked HTS tapes without the iron core. The ac transport current losses of the stacked HTS tapes positioned in the iron core were greater than those without the iron core. The distribution of the magnetization losses by the leakage magnetic field was that the loss at the outside of the HTS tape was highest because shielding current prevented the magnetic field from penetrating to the inside of the stacked HTS tapes.

Objective: Lower limb movement velocity is a good predictor of mobility in older adults. The movement velocities of the trunk and upper limbs are also good determinants of mobility. However, the reason for this is not clear, possibly because the basic characteristics of the movement velocities are still unclear. To investigate these characteristics, we evaluated the associations between the movement velocities of all three body regions and between these velocities and mobility measurements. Methods: One hundred twelve community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.1 years) participated in this study. We measured the movement velocities (lower limbs, upper limbs and trunk), muscle strength (knee extensor, trunk extensor and plantar flexor), mobility measures (gait speed and timed up and go test (TUG)), and gait parameters (step length and cadence). Results: All movement velocities were moderately correlated with each other (r=-0.42 to 0.61). All movement velocities were also significantly associated with mobility to the same degree as muscle strength (gait speed r=-0.42 to 0.51, TUG r=-0.37 to 0.57). A stepwise regression analysis revealed that the movement velocities of the upper and lower limbs were significant predictors of gait speed, while that of the trunk was an independent predictor of TUG. Movement velocities were associated with step length more than with cadence. Conclusion: These findings indicate that movement velocities can be treated as individual values and considered good indicators of mobility in older adults, regardless of body region.

Melatonin regulates circadian rhythms but also has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects that ameliorate metabolic disorders. We investigated the effects of the selective melatonin agonist ramelteon on cardiac and adipose tissue pathology in the DahlS.Z-Lepr

This paper deals with a preliminary study in controlled radical depolymerization, that is a unimodal polymer is converted into monomer while maintaining the narrow molecular weight distribution. Thus, our effort has been directed to unzipping-type depolymerization triggered by the reversible activation of the terminal group. An indenyl-based ruthenium catalyst afforded depolymerization of a chlorine-capped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-Cl) at relatively high temperature (>100 °C). Interestingly, the SEC curve shifted to lower molecular weight as the time proceeds, and the monomer, that is MMA, definitely generated and the amount almost corresponded to the decrease in molecular weight. The depolymerization was eventually saturated due to the equilibrium monomer concentration, but evaporation of the generating monomer followed by an addition of solvent and re-heating allowed further progress of depolymerization. We have thus demonstrated four consecutive depolymerizations via the evaporation methodology resulting in the unimodal SEC curve shift to lower molecular weight.

A pyridinium-based task-specific ionic liquid (TSIL) with a monothioether group, [3-TPPy][NTf2], extracted typical class b metal ions, such as Ag(I), Cu(I), Pd(II), and Pt(II), in high selectivity. It was found that the composition ratio of the extracted Ag(I) and Cu(I) species depended on the TSIL concentration, and that TSIL extracted these metal ions through mono-S-coordinated complex formation at low TSIL concentrations. [3-TPPy][NTf2] can be recycled in the extraction-recovery process, which is of a great advantage for practical use in environmentally benign separation methods.

Aim A number of studies have shown that the maximum movement velocity of the lower limbs is a critical determinant of gait speed in elderly adults. However, it is still unclear whether gait speed is associated with the movement velocity of the lower limbs or the movement velocity itself. Therefore, we measured the movement velocity of upper limbs that would not have a direct effect on gait, and examined the relationship between the movement velocity and gait speed. Methods A total of 76 community-dwelling adults aged older than 60 years (mean age 73.3 years) participated in the study. We measured the movement velocity of the upper limbs, maximum gait speed, quadriceps strength, trunk muscle endurance and skeletal muscle mass index. Results A significant correlation was found between the movement velocity of the upper limbs and maximum gait speed (r = 0.47; P

We developed and evaluated methods of quantifying cyanide (cyanide ion and cyanogen chloride) and bromic acid in mineral waters (MW). After performance evaluation, recovery studies were performed on 110 kinds of MW products to examine the applicability of the methods. The approximate proportion of the MW samples, in which the recovery rate of these anionic compounds was within 90 to 110%, was 95% in the cyanide ion and bromic acid analysis and 45% in the cyanogen chloride analysis. We observed low rates of recovery of cyanogen chloride from some MW products with pH values around neutral. To increase the recovery rate, we propose adding phosphoric acid buffer to adjust the pH of these MW samples. The retention times for bromic acid in some MW products differed from that in standard solution. We concluded that carbonic acid influences the retention times. It may be necessary to to exclude carbon dioxide from the MW samples by degassing to synchronize the retention times of bromic acid in the MW samples and the standard solution.