Observation of the chemical reaction equilibria of element 104, rutherfordium: solid-liquid extraction of Rf, Zr, Hf and Th with Aliquat 336 resin from HCl.

We successfully observed the equilibrium state of the chemical reactions for superheavy elements on a one-atom-at-a-time scale; we investigated the time dependence of the extraction behaviour of element 104, Rf. The distribution coefficient of Rf in 9 M HCl was found to be higher than those of its homologous elements, probably due to differences in the chloride complexation of Rf.

SP7 inhibits osteoblast differentiation at a late stage in mice.

RUNX2 and SP7 are essential transcription factors for osteoblast differentiation at an early stage. Although RUNX2 inhibits osteoblast differentiation at a late stage, the function of SP7 at the late stage of osteoblast differentiation is not fully elucidated. Thus, we pursued the function of SP7 in osteoblast differentiation.

Runx2 determines bone maturity and turnover rate in postnatal bone development and is involved in bone loss in estrogen deficiency.

Runx2 is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. However, the functions of Runx2 in postnatal bone development remain to be clarified. Introduction of dominant-negative (dn)-Runx2 did not inhibit Col1a1 and osteocalcin expression in mature osteoblastic cells.

Development of automatic immediate fitting socket system for artificial leg socket modeling using fuzzy control.

Automatic immediate fitting socket (AIFS) system was developed to shorten the long length of time for making an artificial leg, by applying powder technology. AIFS is constructed of an outer shell, a particle containing bag, which the rigidity can be controlled by the application of negative air pressure and three airbags between the outer shell and the particle bag to adjust the shape by controlling the compression. A fuzzy controller was applied for the real-time automatic control of the shape based on the subjective evaluation of the amputee.