工学研究科　木村 正成教授

１．研究概要：

“Development of Efficient Synthesis of Boron-containing Compounds for Global Health”
Boron is an important element commonly found in naturally occurring compounds, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and is considered an essential plant nutrient. Boron is used as a dopant in semiconductors and organic fine chemicals, and exhibits low toxicity in mammals. Therefore, syntheses of boron-containing molecules are extremely useful for hygiene medicine as well as drug development.
In this study, we attempted to develop efficient synthetic methodologies for anti-virus, anti-cancer, and anti-infection drugs containing boron. The organoboranes formed in this study could potentially be applied as tools for the detection of cancer cells by boron pigment instead of PET (positron emission tomography), boron neutron capture therapy reagents, boron-containing eco-friendly pesticides, anti-infective boron agents, and boron-containing luminescent molecules in the medical and clinical fields.

２．代表的な業績：

• “Enantioselective Ring-Closing C-H Amination of Urea Derivatives”, Zhou, Z.; Tan, Y.; Yamahira, T.; Ivlev, S.; Xie, X.; Riedel, R.; Hemming, M.; Kimura, M.; Meggers, E. Chem, 6(8), pp2024-2034 (2020).
• “Pd-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Oxidation of Alcohols to Functionalized Molecules”， Mori，T.; Ishii，C.; Kimura, M. Organic Process Research and Development，23(8)，pp.1709-1717 (2019).
• “Assessment of DFT Methods for Transition Metals with the TMC151 Compilation of Data Sets and Comparison with Accuracies for Main-Group Chemistry”, Chan，B.; Gill, P. M. W.; Kimura, M. J. Chemical Theory and Computation, 15(6), 3610-3622 (2019).
• “Copper-Catalyzed Stereodefined Construction of Acrylic Acid Derivatives from Terminal Alkynes via CO2 Insertion”, Kuge, K.; Luo, Y.; Fujita, Y.; Onodera, G.; Kimura, M. Organic Letters, 19(4), pp. 854-857 (2017).
• “Nickel-Catalyzed CO2 Rearrangement of Enol Metal Carbonates for the Efficient Synthesis of β-Ketocarboxylic Acids”, Ninokata, R.; Yamahira, T.; Onodera, G.; Kimura, M. Angewandte Chemie – International Edition, 56(1), pp. 208-211 (2017).
• “Nickel-catalyzed multicomponent coupling of alkyne, buta-1,3-diene, and dimethylzinc under carbon dioxide”, Mori, Y.; Mori, T.; Onodera, G.; Kimura, M. Synthesis, 46(17), 2287-2292 (2014).
• “Stereodefined Construction of Trisubstituted Alkene via Direct Coupling Reaction of Allylating Agents, Alkyne, and Organoborane”, Fukushima, M.; Takushima, D.; Satomura, H.; Onodera, G. Kimura, M. Chemistry – A European Journal, 18(26), 8019-8023 (2012).
• “Stereoselective Coupling Reaction of Dimethylzinc and Alkyne Toward Nickelacycles”, Mori, T.; Nakamura, T.; Kimura, M. Org. Lett., 13(9), 2266-2269 (2011).
• “Dienyl Homoallyl Alcohols via Palladium Catalyzed Ene-Type Reaction of Aldehydes with 1,3-Dienes”, Fukushima, M.; Takushima, D.; Kimura, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 132(46), 16346-16348 (2010).
• “Dienyl Homoallyl Alcohols via Palladium Catalyzed Ene-Type Reaction of Aldehydes with 1,3-Dienes”, Fukushima, M.; Takushima, D.; Kimura, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 132(46), 16346-16348 (2010).
• “Nickel-Catalyzed Addition of Dimethylzinc to Aldehydes Across Alkynes and 1,3-Butadiene: An Efficient Four-Component Connection Reaction”, Kimura, M.; Ezoe, A.; Mori, M.; Tamaru, Y. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 127(1), 201-209 (2005).
• “Pd-Catalyzed C3-Selective Alkylation of Indoles and C3- endo-Selective Alkylation of Tryptophans with Allyl Alcohols Promoted by Triethylborane”, Kimura, M.; Futamata, M.; Mukai, R.; Tamaru, Y. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 127(13), 4592-4593 (2005).

工学研究科　相樂 隆正教授

１．研究概要：

This project aims to realize a functional redox-active hydrogel material that can capture and eliminate pathogens and subsequently provide an opportunity to identify them spectroscopically. We have recently synthesized a viologen-pendant poly-L-Lys-based glutaraldehyde-crosslinked hydrogel and demonstrated its quick and large-amplitude contraction upon reduction of the viologen site; its volume reduced to be 1/20 of the initial state within 300 s. In addition to such a world top-class deformability by redox reaction, the biocompatibility and ability to include various fillers are remarkable, inspiring us to apply the gel not only as a body of a redox-driven soft robot but also as new biomedical material. We plan to enable the hydrogel to crawl on various substrates autonomously to capture pathogens such as E. coli and Flu viruses, to eliminate the collected pathogens through multiple electrochemical mechanisms, and to identify the capsulated pathogen samples using enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy.
To develop our research, we would like to collaborate with researchers who specialize in biomedical chemistry and cell biology, especially pathogen screening techniques. The graduate school students presently working together are good at hydrogel synthesis and its electrochemical characterization, but we still call for polymer chemists who are oriented to soft matters for biomedical application. We are happy if those who are accustomed to culturing, handling, and analyzing bacteria and viruses can join us very soon.
The target gel will be used in clinical medicine and global hygiene, at food production sites and the POC inspection stations, and in a wet environment that is difficult for humans to reach. It can annihilate the target pathogens in a short time with low energy cost and find what was collected and killed immediately afterward. Your e-mail contact to me is always welcome at sagara@nagasaki-u.ac.jp.

２．代表的な業績：

• “Redox of Viologen for Powering and Coloring”, T. Sagara, H. Tahara, Chem. Rec. 2021, 21, 2375-2388. DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100082
• “A redox-active ionic liquid manifesting charge-transfer interaction between a viologen and carbazole and its effect on the viscosity, ionic conductivity, and redox process of the viologen”, H. Tahara, Y. Tanaka, S. Yamamoto, S. Yonemori, B. Chan, H. Murakami, T. Sagara, Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 4872-4882. DOI: 10.1039/D0SC06244H
• “Enhancement of deformation of redox-active hydrogel as an actuator by increasing pendant viologens and adding filler or counter-charged polymer”, B. Wang, H. Tahara, T. Sagara, Sens. Actuator, B 2021, 331, 129359: 1-13. DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2020.129359
• “Electrowetting of Hydrofluoroether Liquid Droplet at a Gold Electrode/Water Interface: Significance of Lower Adhesion Energy and Static Friction Energy”, T. Morooka, T. Sagara, Langmuir 2020, 36, 9685-9692. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c00829
• “Revisiting aqueous redox process of alkyl-linked bis-viologen: Evaluation of redox potential inversion”, T. Sagara, H. Eguchi, Electrochim. Acta 2019, 295, 215-223.
  DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.10.052
• “Driving Quick and Large Amplitude Contraction of Viologen-Incorporated Poly-L-Lysine based Hydrogel by Reduction”, B. Wang, H. Tahara, T. Sagara, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2018, 10, 36415-36424. DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b12530.
• “Beyond Simple Cartoons: Challenges in Characterizing Electrochemical Biosensor Interfaces”, D. Bizzotto, I. Burgess, T. Doneux, T. Sagara, H.-Z. Yu, ACS Sensors 2018, 3, 5-12.10.1021/acssensors.7b00840
• “Dynamic Behaviors of Molecular Assemblies and Nano-Substances at Electrified Interfaces”, T. Sagara, in Bottom-up Nanofabrication: Supramolecules, Self-Assemblies, and Organized Films, Vol. 3 (Self-Assemblies-I), Eds. K. Ariga, H. S. Nalwa, American Scientific Publishers, Chap. 13, 2009, pp. 347–373.
• “UV-visible Reflectance Spectroscopy of Thin Organic Films at Electrode Surface” in In situ Spectroscopic and Diffraction Methods – Advances in Electrochemical Science and Engineering, T. Sagara, Vol. 9, Eds. C. Alkire, D. M. Kolb, J. Lipkowski, P. N. Ross, Wiley-VCH Verlag, GmbH, 2006, pp. 47–95.

工学研究科　中野 正基教授

１．研究概要：

Title:　Preparation of small-volume permanent magnets applied to medical devices
The use of a PLD (Pulsed Laser Deposition)-fabricated R(Nd or Pr)-Fe-B thin magnet enabled us to prepare an ultimately small stepping motor with stable operation. The diameter of a cylinder-type stepping motor is a 2.9 mm which is the smallest in the world. It is generally known that conventional isotropic Nd-Fe-B bonded magnets including resin have been used for small motors such as a stepping motor. In our study, the consolidation of R-Fe-B magnet powders without resin on a small shaft was carried out to obtain a small magnet instead of a bonded magnet. After annealing the as-deposited sample, a multi-pole magnetization for the sample was carried out using a micro-magnetization process. As a result, the stable operation of an ultra-small stepping motor with the diameter less than 3 mm comprising the above-mentioned magnet was demonstrated. In the future, a stepping motor with the diameter less than 3 mm will be used in medical devices such as a gastroendoscopy.
In this project, our group would like to contribute to the development of small-volume electrical and electronic materials, including thick-film magnets.

２．代表的な業績

• M. Nakano, S. Takeichi, K. Takashima, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, and H. Fukunaga, Preparation and Deposition of Pr-Fe-B Permanent-Magnet Powder Using Pulsed Laser, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 56, Issue 4, #7516303(2020).
• M. Nakano, K. Takashima, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, and H. Fukunaga, Relationship between target materials and various properties of PLD-made isotropic Nd-Fe-B films, Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Vol. 502, #166557(2020).
• M. Nakano, S. Takeichi, K. Inoue, K. Takashima, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, and H. Fukunaga, PLD-fabricated Pr-Fe-B thick film magnets applied to small motors, AIP Advances, Vol. 10, #015030(2020).
• M. Nakano, S. Takeichi, T. Yamaguchi, K. Takashima, A Yamashita, T. Yanai, T. Shinshi, and H. Fukunaga, Comparison of properties between Pr-Fe-B and Nd-Fe-B thick-film magnets applied to MEMS, Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol.59, #SEEE01(2019).
• M. Nakano, H. Kondo, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, M. Itakura, and H. Fukunaga, Preparation of Nd-Fe-B/α-Fe nano-composite thick-film magnets on various substrates using PLD with high laser energy density above 10 J/cm2, AIP Advances, Vol.8, #056223 (2018).
• M. Nakano, A. Kurosaki, H. Kondo, D. Shimizu, Y. Yamaguchi, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, and H. Fukunaga, Magnetic properties of Pr-Fe-B thick-film magnets deposited on Si substrates with glass buffer layer, AIP Advances, Vol. 8, 056231 (2018).
• M. Nakano, Y. Chikuba, D. Shimizu, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, and H. Fukunaga, Enhancement in (BH)max of PLD-made isotropic Nd-Fe-B thick film magnets deposited on Si substrates, AIP Advances, Vol. 7, #056239 (2017).
• M. Nakano, Y. Chikuba, M. Oryoshi, A. Yamashita, T. Yanai, R. Fujiwara, T. Shinshi, H. Fukunaga,
  Nd-Fe-B Film Magnets With Thickness Above 100 um Deposited on Si Substrates, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 51, Issue 11, #2102604(2015).
• M. Nakano, K. Fujiyama, T. Yanai, M. Itakura, H. Fukunaga, Nd-Fe-B Thick-Film Magnets Prepared by High Laser Energy Density, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 51, Issue 11, #2105104(2015).

工学研究科　大嶺 聖教授

１．研究概要：

My research topic is “Land Degradation Recovery with Carbonized Material of Wastes”. It relates to increase in food product and improvement of malnutrition. Hunger will not be ended without a halt to land degradation, deforestation and desertification. For improving malnutrition for children, conserving and using land responsibly and halting biodiversity loss is also important.
We have developed a new carbonization technique of wastes for soil improvement. As shown in the slide (video), carbonization of wastes is very simple and easy. Now we have modified the carbonization technique more effectively and using natural energy of solar heat power. This is effective for Carbon fixation, Soil improvement and Utilization of wastes.
This research contributes to Global health. For example, support for smallholder farmers and improve malnutrition for children. In dry land rice plant with soil improvement, it will decrease Anopheles mosquitoes of malaria.
The research topics are very wide and relate to global environmental issues. For that reason, I have many collaborations with researchers in developing countries as shown in the following published papers (Q1 Journal for the past 5 years: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health/Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis/Pollution). We will be able to discuss on a suitable research topic regardless of the carbonization technique. The following groups may be close to the research topic; Agriculture and Infectious Disease Group, Nutrition Group and Environmental Health Group.

２．代表的な業績：

• B. Vilakati, V. Sivasankar, H. Nyoni, B. B. Mamba, K. Omine, T. A.M. Msagati: Pyrolysis GC-TOF-MS analysis and characterization of microplastics (MPs) in a wastewater treatment plant in Gauteng Province, South Africa, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Accepted, 2021).
• P. Sarmah, T. Katsumi, A. Yamawaki, A. Takai, K. Omine, T. Ishigurod, Y. Doie, Y. Nakasea and S. Ideguchi: Physical and mechanical properties of waste ground at inert waste landfills, Waste Management (Accepted, 2021).
• B. Vilakati, V. Sivasankar, B. B. Mamba, K. Omine, T. A.M. Msagati: Characterization of plastic micro particles in the Atlantic Ocean seashore of Cape Town, South Africa and mass spectrometry analysis of pyrolyzate products, Environmental Pollution, Vol.265, Part A, 2020).
• T.G.Sunitha, V.Monisha, S.Sivanesan, M.Vasanthy, M.Prabhakaran, K.Omine, V.Sivasankar, A.Darchen: Micro-plastic pollution along the Bay of Bengal coastal stretch of Tamil Nadu, South India, Science of The Total Environment, Online, 2020).
• A. Oulebsir, T. Chaabane, H. Tounsi, K. Omine, V. Sivasankar, A. Flilissa, A. Darchen: Treatment of artificial pharmaceutical wastewater containing amoxicillin by a sequential electrocoagulation with calcium salt followed by nanofiltration, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Vol.8, Issue 6, 2020).
• A. Oulebsir, T. Chaabane, H. Tounsi, K. Omine, V. Sivasankar, A. Flilissa, A. Darchen: Treatment of artificial pharmaceutical wastewater containing amoxicillin by a sequential electrocoagulation with calcium salt followed by nanofiltration, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Vol.8, Issue 6, 2020).
• S. Zaidia, V. Sivasankar, T. Chaabane, V. Alonzo, K. Omine, R. Maachi, A. Darchen: Preparation and characterizations of thermally regenerable electro-generated adsorbents (EGAs) for a competitor electrocoagulation process, Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, Vol.96, 2018).
• S.D. Chicas, K. Omine, J.B. Ford, K. Sugimura: Using spatial metrics and surveys for the assessment of trans-boundary deforestation in protected areas of the Maya Mountain Massif: Belize-Guatemala border, Journal of Environmental Management, 320–329, 187, 2017.
• S.D. Chicas, K. Omine, J.B. Ford, Identifying erosion hotspots and assessing communities’ perspectives on the drivers, underlying causes and impacts of soil erosion in Toledo’s Rio Grande Watershed: Belize, Applied Geography, 57-67, 68, 2016.
• S.D. Chicas, K. Omine, P. Saqui: CLASlite algorithms and social surveys to asses and identify deforestation and forest degradation in Toledo’s protected areas and forest ecosystems, Belize, Applied Geography, 44–155, 75, 2016.

工学研究科　海野 英昭准教授

１．研究概要：

My area of research is protein crystallography, also known as structural biology. The purpose of protein crystallography is to elucidate protein structure in detail, and reveal structural basis for its function. In the case of enzymes, the obtained structural information could help reveal the chemical reaction occurring at active site, making drug design possible. Therefore, protein crystallography is a research area where a broad range of research outcomes could be obtained. It includes understanding the structural basis for the function and helps drug design studies.
Until now, me and my group have revealed the structures of proteins from various kinds of species, including plants, animals, viruses, and microorganisms. Protein crystallography is adaptable for proteins in any species. In other words, any protein from any species could be used as a research object for protein crystallography if desired. If you are particularly interested in a protein that is related to disease pathology, we could reveal its structural basis for the cause via protein crystallography.
Currently, I’m searching for new targets and collaborations. I would be happy to be part of any exciting project to help reveal structural bases through crystallography. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Hideaki Unno

２．代表的な業績

• A versatile cis-prenyltransferase from Methanosarcina mazei catalyzes both C- and O-prenylations. Okada M, Unno H, Emi K, Matsumoto M, and Hemmi H. J. Biol. Chem. 296 100679 (2021) In press.
• Structural Insights into the Low-pH Adaptation of a Unique Carboxylesterase from Ferroplasma: Altering the pH Optima of Two Carboxylesterases. Ohara K, Unno H, Oshima Y#, Hosoya M, Fujino N, Hirooka K, Takahashi S, Yamashita S, Kusunoki, M, and Nakayama T. J. Biol. Chem. 289(35), 24499-24510 (2014)
• Hemolytic Lectin CEL-III Heptamerizes via a Large Structural Transition from -Helices to a -Barrel during the Transmembrane Pore-Formation Process. Unno H, Goda S, and Hatakeyama T. J. Biol. Chem. 289(18), 12805-12812 (2014)
• Covalent modification of reduced flavin mononucleotide in type 2 isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase by active-site-directed inhibitors. Nagai T, Unno H, Janczak MW, Yoshimura T, Poulter C D, and Hemmi, H. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 108(51), 20461-20466 (2011)
• Biological and immunological characteristics of hepatitis E virus-like particles based on the crystal structure., Yamashita T, Moria Y, Miyazaki N, Cheng R H, Yoshimura M, Unno H, Shima R, Moriishi K, Tsukihara T, Li T C, Takeda N, Miyamura T, and Matsuura Y. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 106(31), 12986-12991 (2009)
• New Role of Flavin as a General Acid-Base Catalyst with No Redox Function in Type 2 Isopentenyl Diphosphate Isomerase., Unno H, Yamashita S, Ikeda Y, Sekiguchi S, Yoshida N, Yoshimura T, Kusunoki M, Nakayama T, Nishino T, and Hemmi H. J. Biol. Chem. 284(14), 9160-9167. (2009)
• Structural basis for substrate recognition and hydrolysis by mouse carnosinase CN2., Unno H, Yamashita T, Ujita S, Okumura N, Otani H, Okumura A, Nagai K, and Kusunoki M. J. Biol. Chem. 283(40), 27289-27299. (2008)
• Structural and mutational studies of anthocyanin malonyltransferases establish the features of BAHD enzyme catalysis., Unno H, Ichimaida F, Suzuki H, Takahashi S, Tanaka Y, Saito A, Nishino T, Kusunoki M, and Nakayama T. J. Biol. Chem. 282(21), 15812-15822. (2007)
• Functional, structural, and spectroscopic characterization of a glutathione-ligated [2Fe-2S] cluster in poplar glutaredoxin C1., Rouhier N, Unno H, Bandyopadhyay S, Masip L, Kim S K, Hirasawa M, Gualberto J M, Lattard V, Kusunoki M, Knaff D B, Georgiou G, Hase T, Johnson M K, and Jacquot J P. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 104, 7379-7384. (2007)
• Atomic structure of plant glutamine synthetase: a key enzyme for plant productivity., Unno H, Uchida T, Sugawara H, Kurisu G, Sugiyama T, Yamaya T, Sakakibara H, Hase T, and Kusunoki M. J. Biol. Chem. 281(39), 29287-29296. (2006)

工学研究科　上田 太郎助教

１．研究概要：

We have been developing high-performance gas sensors for a safe and secure society. Controlling the nanoscale microstructure of the gas sensing materials and introducing the new concepts to the gas detection are our strategies for sensitive detection of harmful gases, such as H2, CO, NOx, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). In this video, some of our latest results on semiconductor-type gas sensors are presented. First, the introduction of porous structure into In2O3 increased the NO2 response, and the Au loading was highly effective in increasing NO2 response at lower operating temperatures less than 150ºC. Second, the acetone sensing properties of the porous SnO2 sensor could be largely improved by the CuO loading, and the sensor could detect low concentration of acetone quantitively. In future, we are expecting the detection of the specific very low concentration gases in the breath or emitted from the skin, in order to apply gas sensors to healthcare monitoring. We are looking forward to collaborating with you!!

２．代表的な業績

• T. Hyodo et. al, Effects of catalytic combustion behavior and adsorption/desorption properties on ethanol-sensing characteristics of adsorption/combustion-type gas sensors, J. Asian Ceram. Soc., 9(3), 1933836 (2021).
• T. Ueda et.al, Enhanced NO2-sensing properties of Au-loaded porous In2O3 gas sensors at low operating Temperatures, Chemosensors, 8, 72 (2020).
• N. Tammanoon et. al, Synergistic effects of PdOx−CuOx loadings on methyl mercaptan sensing of porous WO3 microspheres prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 12, 41728 (2020).
• T. Ueda et. al, Nanostructured Pr-doped ceria (PCO) thin films as sensing electrodes in solid-electrolyte type gas sensors with enhanced toluene sensitivity, Sens. Actuators B, 317, 128037 (2020).
• T. Hyodo et. al, Typical VOC-sensing properties and material-design approach for highly sensitive and selective VOC detection, Anal. Sci., 36, 401 (2020).
• N. Oide et. al, Toluene-sensing properties of mixed-potential type yttria-stabilized zirconia-based gas sensors attached with thin CeO2-added Au electrodes, Anal. Sci., 36, 287 (2020).
• T. Hyodo et. al, Effects of Pt loading onto SnO2 electrodes on CO-sensing properties and mechanism of potentiometric gas sensors utilizing an anion-conducting polymer electrolyte, Sens. Actuators B, 300, 127041 (2019).
• T. Ueda et. al, Improvement in NO2 sensing properties of semiconductor-type gas sensors by loading of Au into porous In2O3 powders, Front. Mater., 6, 81 (2019).

工学研究科　鎌田 海准教授

１．研究概要：

To date, we have attempted to fabricate various hybrid materials consisting of inorganic compounds and biomolecules, which have synergistic functions originated from both materials. For example, inorganic fluorescence materials with biorecognition function and inorganic nanomaterials with biomimetic properties were synthesized in our laboratory.
In the present study, we try to prepare antibacterial materials based on inorganic nanosheets with ultrathin thickness (< 1 nm) that easily adsorb organic cations with antibacterial performance. Moreover, the composite materials are dispersed in polymer matrix in order to use them as a physicochemically stable coating with antibacterial efficacy. Concretely, alpha-Zirconium phosphate nanosheets (ZrP NS) and tetraalkylammonium (TRA) cations are employed as inorganic nanomaterials and antimicrobial ions, respectively. The ZrP NS physically adsorbing TRA are mixed with polymer matrix (eg. polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA), then activity of the obtained films and their sustainability are evaluated for gram-positive (S. Aureus) and -negative bacteria (E. coli) with different cell membrane structure. Throughout the research period, we would like to elucidate the antibacterial mechanism of the hybrid films together with future collaborators who are familiar with deactivation of these bacteria.

２．代表的な業績：

• K. Kamada, Photo-manipulation of activity of enzymes bound to inorganic nanomaterials, J. Solid State Chem., 280, Art. No.120 (2019).
• E. Yoshida, M. Lawn, T. Nagayasu, K. Kamada, Enhancement of antibacterial effect of quaternary ammonium with inorganic nanosheets against Enterobacter cloacae, J. Nanoparticle Res., 20, Art. No.199 (2018).
• A. Yamada, K. Kamada, T. Ueda, T. Hyodo, Y. Shimizu, Enhanced catalytic activity and thermal stability of lipase bound to oxide nanosheets, RSC Adv., 8, 20347-20352 (2018).
• K. Kamada, Y. Tanaka, M. Tokunaga, T. Ueda, T. Hyodo, Y. Shimizu, Multicolour Photochromism of Colloidal Solutions of Niobate Nanosheets Intercalated with Several Kinds of Metal Ions, Chem. Commun., 52, 3306-3311 (2016).
• K. Kamada, A. Yamada, M. Kamiuchi, M. Tokunaga, D. Ito, N.Soh, Synergistic Functions of Enzymes Bound to Semiconducting Layers, Methods in Enzymology, 571, 113-134 (2016).
• K. Kamada, D. Ito, N. Soh, Visible-light-induced Activity Control of Peroxidase Bound to Fe-doped Titanate Nanosheets with Nanometric Lateral Dimensions, Bioconjugate Chem., 26, 2161-2166 (2015).

工学研究科　堀内 新之介助教（2022/3/31　本プログラム参加を契機に他大学に栄転）

１．研究概要：

“Development of Functional Supramolecular Complexes toward Global Health”
Molecular science and material chemistry have been developed rapidly, leading to great contribution for global health and economic growth. For example, many researchers are trying to make efficient COVID-19 vaccines based on bio-molecular approaches. Our group has been reported new types of supramolecular complexes showing remarkable photophysical behaviors. A hydrogen-bonded organic capsule accommodated emissive coordination complexes to form supramolecular coordination complexes, which can display encapsulation-induced emission enhancement (EIEE) behavior. Coinage d10 metal clusters sandwiched by mononuclear Pt complex units afford multinuclear sandwich complexes exhibiting chiral-at-cluster photoluminescence. These unprecedented molecular concepts can open up broad prospects for designing new functional molecules and materials toward global health. Our group has continuously explored international collaborative researches using these supramolecular complexes. We are waiting for your contacts.

２．代表的な業績：

• ”Multinuclear Ag Clusters Sandwiched by Pt Complex Units: Fluxional Behavior and Chiral-at-Cluster Photoluminescence”, Horiuchi, S.; Moon, S.; Ito, A.; Tessarolo, J.; Sakuda, E.; Arikawa, Y.; Clever, G. H.; Umakoshi, K. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 60, 10654-10660. (2021)
• ”A Heteropolynuclear Pt-Ag System Having Cycloplatinated Rollover Bipyridyl Units”, Horiuchi, S.; Tanaka, S.; Moon, S.; Sakuda, E.; Ito, A.; Arikawa, Y.; Umakoshi, K. Inorg. Chem., 60, 1513-1522. (2021)
• ”Emissive Supramolecular Systems Based on Reversible Bond Formation and Noncovalent Interactions”, Horiuchi, S.; Umakoshi, K. Chem. Rec., 21, 469-479. (2021)
• ”Anion-Mediated Encapsulation-Induced Emission Enhancement of and IrIII Complex within a Resorcin[4]arene Hexameric Capsule”, Horiuchi, S.; Matsuo, C.; Sakuda, E.; Arikawa, Y.; Clever, G. H.; Umakoshi, K. Dalton Trans., 49, 8472-8477. (2020)
• ”Encapsulation dependent photophysical properties of polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes within a hydrogen-bonded capsule”, Horiuchi, S.; Tanaka, H.; Sakuda, E.; Arikawa, Y.; Umakoshi, K. Dalton Trans., 48, 5156-5160. (2019)
• ”U- to Z-shape isomerization in Pt2Ag2 framework containing pyridyl-NHC ligands”, Horiuchi, S.; Moon, S.; Sakuda, E.; Ito, A.; Arikawa, Y.; Umakoshi, K. Dalton Trans., 47, 7113-7117. (2018)

工学研究科　田原 弘宣助教

１．研究概要：

Electrochromic materials show color changes triggered with oxidation and reduction by chemical reagent and external voltage. They can be used as a redox indicator, smart window, and display device. Many electrochromic devices contain toxic and harmful materials for the environment and humans. The development of harmless electrochromic devices is desired. Because wearable electric devices are growing popular and in order to implement the electrochromic functions, toxic materials should not be diffused to the human body and the surroundings.
In this project, we attempt to develop electrochromic devices consisting of low-toxic materials. To realize the devices, we will search harmless alternate materials for electrochromic devices and evaluate color changes. This project is very exploratory research and medicinal knowledge for material safety is very welcome.

２．代表的な業績：

• H. Tahara, Y. Tanaka, S. Yamamoto, S. Yonemori, B. Chan, H. Murakami, T. Sagara, “A redox-active ionic liquid manifesting charge-transfer interaction between a viologen and carbazole and its effect on the viscosity, ionic conductivity, and redox process of the viologen”, Chem. Sci., 12, 4872-4882 (2021).
• H. Tahara, K. Uranaka, M. Hirano, T. Ikeda, T. Sagara, H. Murakami, “Electrochromism of Ferrocene- and Viologen-Based Redox-Active Ionic Liquids Composite”, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 11, 1-6 (2019).
• K. Sugawa, M. Matsubara, H. Tahara, D. Kanai, J. Honda, J. Yokoyama, K. Kanakubo, H. Ozawa, Y. Watanuki, Y. Kojima, N. Nishimiya, T. Sagara, K. Takase, M. Haga, J. Otsuki, “Mie Resonance-Enhanced Light Absorption of FeS2 Nanocubes in a Near-Infrared Region: Intraparticulate Synergy between Electronic Absorption and Mie Resonances”, ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 2, 6472-6483 (2019).
• H. Tahara, R. Baba, K. Iwanaga, T. Sagara, H. Murakami, “Electrochromism of a Bipolar Reversible Redox-Active Ferrocene-Viologen Linked Ionic Liquid”, Chem. Commun., 53, 2455-2458 (2017).
• K. Sugawa, H. Tahara, A. Yamashita, J. Otsuki, T. Sagara, T. Harumoto, S. Yanagida, “Refractive Index Susceptibility of Plasmonic Palladium Nanoparticle: Potential as the Third Plasmonic Sensing Material”, ACS Nano, 9, 1895-1904 (2015).
• H. Tahara, Y. Furue, C. Suenaga, T. Sagara, “A Dialkyl Viologen Ionic Liquid: X-ray Crystal Structure Analysis of Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide Salts”, Cryst. Growth Des., 15, 4735-4740 (2015).
• N. Bodappa, P. Broekmann, Y. Fu, J. Furrer, Y. Furue, T. Sagara, H. Siegenthaler, H. Tahara, S. Vesztergom, K. Zick, T. Wandlowski, “Temperature-Dependent Transport Properties of a Redox-Active Ionic Liquid with a Viologen Group”, J. Phys. Chem. C, 119, 1067-1077 (2015).

水産・環境科学総合研究科　中川 啓教授

１．研究概要：

Heavy metals such as Cu and Zn are regularly added to animal feed due to animal growth promotion. A pig with a weight 70-115 kg needs a minimum daily intake of about 9.4 mg Cu and 156 mg Zn. Thus, animal feed contains about 3 mg/kg Cu and 50 mg/kg Zn. However, in practice, far more are usually added to the animal feed.
High nitrate nitrogen concentration in groundwater is a serious problem in Japan and elsewhere. Due to fertilizer and animal waste application on agricultural soil, heavy metal content in soil and nitrate pollution in groundwater may be correlated. Areas where nitrate pollution in groundwater is currently severe due to agricultural activities, heavy metal contamination may also occur, resulting in a combination of these pollutants. However, still few studies on the occurrence of heavy metal contamination associated with nitrate pollution have been carried out.
Presence of heavy metals in the human body may cause adverse health effects such as carcinogenicity and toxic symptoms. Heavy metals such as As, Cd, Pb, and Hg are highly toxic for humans and a possible route to the human body may be from direct exposure through soil ingestion. In view of the above, the main objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and health risk of heavy metal pollution in Shimabara City, Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, in areas where nitrate pollution is already serious.

２．代表的な業績：

• Nakagawa, K., Amano, H., Person, M., Berndstton, R. Spatiotemporal variation of nitrate concentrations in soil and groundwater of an intensely polluted agricultural area. Scientific reports, 11:2598, 2021.
• Nakagawa, K., Amano, H., Takao, Y., Hosono, T. and Berndtsson, R. On the use of coprostanol to identify source of nitrate pollution in groundwater. Journal of Hydrology, 550, 663-668, 2017.
• Nakagawa, K., Amano, H., Asakura, H. and Berndtsson, R. Spatial trends of nitrate pollution and groundwater chemistry in Shimabara, Nagasaki, Japan. Environmental Earth Sciences, 75:234, 2016.
• Nakagawa, K., Hosokawa, T., Wada, S.-I., Momii, K., Jinno, K., and Berndtsson, R. Modeling reactive transport from groundwater to soil surface under evaporation. Hydrological Processes, 24, 608-617, 2010.
• Nakagawa, K., Wada, S.-I., Momii, K., and Berndtsson, R. Soil heterogeneity effects on acid flushing of lead-contaminated soil. Environmental Modeling and Assessment, 13(1), 121-134, 2008.

水産・環境科学総合研究科　仲山 英樹教授

１．研究概要：

The current unsustainable system of food production and energy generation have produced incredible amount of waste biomass that has quickly become the major cause of environmental problems threaten planetary health. To solve these problems, we need to seek better and sustainable ways to produce our food and generate our energy. Technologies to convert waste biomass to bioenergy, ecofeed, and/or compost have been developed, however, they are still not perfect. Downstream of these technologies, unused waste biomass still contains complex mixture of both organic and inorganic nutrients. The goal of our laboratory is to develop a more sustainable and efficient upcycling technology to turn these unused waste biomass into valuable products.
In our laboratory, unused wastes biomass was pretreated with alkaline hydrolysis method to depolymerize polysaccharides and proteins into monosaccharides and amino acids and the resulting lysate was neutralized. A large amount of salts formed during the neutralization process stay in the lysate, making it impractical to be used as feed by conventional cell factory. Therefore, we selected a moderate halophile, Halomonas elongata, to be used as our cell factory to upcycling unused waste biomass to varieties of customized single-cell ecofeeds. Using both cell-surface engineering and metabolic engineering technologies, the engineered H. elongata cell can utilize high-salinity hydrolysate of unused waste biomass to produce and display useful peptides and enzymes on the cell-surface, while simultaneously biosynthesize useful amino acids as compatible osmolytes in the cell. Ultimately, the whole cell can be harvested and used as single-cell ecofeeds in fisheries and livestock industries, making them more sustainable and environmental friendly.

２．代表的な業績

• Nakayama H, Kawamoto R, Miyoshi K: Ectoine production from putrefactive non-volatile amines in the moderate halophile Halomonas elongata. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 439 (1), art. no. 012001. (2020.02). [IOPCS: EarthEnvironSci]
• Prima A, Hara KY, Djohan AC, Kashiwagi N, Kahar P, Ishii J, Nakayama H, Okazaki F, Prasetya B, Kondo A, Yopi, Ogino C: Glutathione production from mannan-based bioresource by mannanase/mannosidase expressing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bioresource Technology 245, 1400-1406. (2017.12). [BiorTech]
• Taengchaiyaphum S, Nakayama H, Srisala J, Khiev R, Aldama-Cano DJ, Thitamadee S, Sritunyalucksana K: Vaccination with multimeric recombinant VP28 induces high protection against white spot syndrome virus in shrimp. Developmental & Comparative Immunology 76, 56-64. (2017.11). [DCI]
• Tanimura K, Matsumoto T, Nakayama H, Tanaka T, Kondo A: Improvement of ectoine productivity by using sugar transporter-overexpressing Halomonas elongata. Enzyme and Microbial Technology 89, 63-68. (2016.7). [EMT]
• Tanimura K, Nakayama H, Tanaka T, Kondo A: Ectoine production from lignocellulosic biomass-derived sugars by engineered Halomonas elongata. Bioresource Technology 142, 523-529. (2013. 8). [BiorTech]
• Takahashi C, Shirakawa J, Tsuchidate T, Okai N, Hatada K, Nakayama H, Tateno T, Ogino C, Kondo A: Robust production of gamma-amino butyric acid using recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum expressing glutamate decarboxylase from Escherichia coli. Enzyme and Microbial Technology 51, 171-176. (2012.8). [EMT]
• Hara KY, Kiriyama K, Inagaki A, Nakayama H, Kondo A: Improvement of glutathione production by metabolic engineering the sulfate assimilation pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 94, 1313-1319. (2012.6). [AMB]
• Biswas R, Yamaoka M, Nakayama H, Kondo T, Yoshida K, Bisaria VS, Kondo A: Enhanced production of 2,3-butanediol by engineered Bacillus subtilis. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 94, 651-658. (2012.3). [AMB]
• Yoshida H, Hara KY, Kiriyama K, Nakayama H, Okazaki F, Matsuda F, Ogino C, Fukuda H, Kondo A: Enzymatic glutathione production using metabolically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a whole-cell biocatalyst. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 91, 1001-1006. (2011.8). [AMB]

水産・環境科学総合研究科　太田 貴大准教授（2022/3/31　他大学に異動）

１．研究概要：

Many people are interested in preventive medicine including health foods. In the corona pandemic, health or functional foods which boosts immune system are attracting people’s interest. On the other hand, people face diverse risk in food choice situation. In the corona pandemic, zoonosis is becoming new risk. Traditionally, misleading or fraud food label have been main risk. People needs to choose what they want correctly with limited information. In order to support wise food choice, food traceability system has been developed. In particular, consumers have a lot of useful information about foods thanks to ICT and other related technological development.
In the commercial marketing field, many buying behavioral model have been developed to estimate customer purchase behavior. Buying behavioral model play an important role for marketing but also can be utilized for communication with consumers. Emerging trustful traceability system can contribute to gain more trust from consumers. However, so far, there are no existing model considering food traceability system. We need to devise novel model and to attain more theoretical way of communication between sellers and buyers.
Our hypothesis of novel model has “trust” step in the existing model. We will do questionnaire survey for consumers of a Chinese health food, edible bird nest.
Finally, in the future we expect to empower consumers through this model development research. We also aim to raise more awareness of food retailers to reduce related food risks through food traceability system.

２．代表的な業績：

• Ota, T., Kusin, K., Kilonzi, F. M., Usup, A., Moji, K., & Kobayashi, S. (2020). Sustainable Financing for Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to Conserve Peat Swamp Forest Through Enterprises Based on Swiftlets’ Nests: An Awareness Survey in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Small-Scale Forestry, 19(4), 521-539.
• Donkersley, P., Covell, L., & Ota, T. (2021). Japanese Honeybees (Apis cerana japonica Radoszkowski, 1877) May Be Resilient to Land Use Change. Insects, 12(8), 685.
  ・Kilonzi, F. M., & Ota, T. (2019). Influence of cultural contexts on the appreciation of different cultural ecosystem services based on social network analysis. One Ecosystem, 4. e33368
• Sakurai, R., Ota, T., & Uehara, T. (2017). Sense of place and attitudes towards future generations for conservation of coastal areas in the Satoumi of Japan. Biological Conservation, 209, 332-340.

水産・環境科学総合研究科　白川 誠司准教授

１．研究概要：

Synthetic organic chemistry is very important research field for creation of new artificial molecules. Synthetic organic chemist can prepare new biologically active molecules, such as medicines. Also, synthetic organic chemist can crate novel functional materials, which may be useful for global health research. In the collaborative work with me, I will be able to design and synthesis of your desired new molecules.

２．代表的な業績：

• T. Nakamura, K. Okuno, K. Kaneko, M. Yamanaka*, S. Shirakawa*, “Chiral Bifunctional Sulfide-Catalyzed Asymmetric Bromoaminocyclizations” Org. Biomol. Chem. 18 (17), 3367–3373 (2020).
• R. Nishiyori, A. Tsuchihashi, A. Mochizuki, K. Kaneko, M. Yamanaka*, S. Shirakawa*, “Design of Chiral Bifunctional Dialkyl Sulfide Catalysts for Regio‐, Diastereo‐, and Enantioselective Bromolactonization” Chem. Eur. J. 24 (63), 16747–16752 (2018).
• S. Liu, K. Maruoka, S. Shirakawa*, “Chiral Tertiary Sulfonium Salts as Effective Catalysts for Asymmetric Base-Free Neutral Phase-Transfer Reactions” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 56 (17), 4819–4823 (2017).
• S. Kaneko, S. Shirakawa*, “Potassium Iodide-Tetraethylene Glycol Complex as a Practical Catalyst for CO2 Fixation Reactions with Epoxides under Mild Conditions” ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 5 (4), 2836–2840 (2017).
• S. Liu, N. Suematsu, K. Maruoka, S. Shirakawa*, “Design of Bifunctional Quaternary Phophonium Salt Catalysts for CO2 Fixation Reaction with Epoxides under Mild Conditions” Green Chem. 18 (17), 4611–4615 (2016).

水産・環境科学総合研究科　Sunhee Suk准教授

１．研究概要：

The research focus of my lab is environmental economics, which analyzes the micro and macro impacts of environmental, energy and climate change policies on the economy and the environment at national and regional levels.
Specifically, carbon pricing, a core policy for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategies, is the main subject of my studies. This measurement has been recognized as a cost-effective means of reducing GHG emissions based on a market mechanism and is being introduced in many countries including China, Japan and South Korea. I am conducting research that applies two research methods, (1) analyzing the perspectives and responses of industries on carbon pricing through an empirical approach and (2) applying a macro-model to simulate the mid- to long-term ripple effect of carbon pricing on countries or regions of North East (NE) Asia.
For the empirical studies, which focus on the businesses of China, Japan and Korea, several local-oriented studies have been carried out which aim at three major goals: first, gaining insight into the carbon strategies of major industries; second, identifying key factors and aspects in addressing improvements to related policies and systems; and, lastly, providing useful proposals for successful policy implementation and further practices.
Meanwhile, we recognize the usefulness and importance of the macroeconomic model in forecasting and simulating mid- to long-term impact of the government’s policy vision and direction. The research surrounding the macro-econometrics model is carried out with several key questions that are left unanswered. What will the carbon price need to be in order to achieve the mid- to long-term GHG reduction goals in Japan? What would the structure of the energy mix need to be for Japan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050? How will climate change policies, implemented for the GHG target by 2030 and 2050, affect transitions in the industrial structure, from current methods to the more innovative methods of the future?
These studies present policy suggestions to the government, as well as implications for the industry. We hope you find these topics interesting and join us to become environmental experts for a sustainable future.

２．代表的な業績：

• Sunhee Suk (2021) South Korea’s Emission Trading Scheme and Company Carbon Management in The First Phase (2015-2017), Research Project on Renewable Energy Economics, DP NO.34
• Pim Vercoulen, Soocheol Lee, Sunhee Suk, Yanmin He, Kiyoshi Fujikawa and Jean-François Mercure(2021) 「Policies to Decarbonize Steel Industry in 2050 in East Asia」(Eds.) Lee, S., Pollitt, H., Fujikawa, K., 「Energy, environmental and economic sustainability in East Asia : policies and institutional reforms」, Routledge
• Soocheol Lee, Emin He, Sunhee Suk, Toru Morotomi, Unnada Chewpreecha (2021) Impact on the energy mix and economy of Japan under a 2050 carbon-neutral scenario (In Japanese), Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, Vol14 (2)
• Soocheol Lee, Emin He, Sunhee Suk, Toru Morotomi, Kimiko Hirata, Unnada Chewpreecha, Hector Pollitt (2020) Analysis on impacts of Japanese economy, power mix and CO2 emission by early phasing-out of coal fired and nuclear power plants -Analysis using E3ME global macro econometric model- (In Japanese), Research Project on Renewable Energy Economics, Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University, Vol25
• Sunhee Suk, Sang-youp Lee, Yushim Jeong (2018) 「The Korean Emissions Trading Scheme: Business perspectives on the operations」, Climate Policy, Vol.18(6), P．715～728
• Sunhee Suk (2018)「Determinants and Characteristics of Korean Companies’ Carbon Management under the Carbon Pricing Scheme」, Energies, Vol.11(4), P．966
• Sunhee Suk (2017) 「Korean Companies’ Understanding of Carbon Pricing and Its Influence on Policy Acceptance and Practices」, Environmental and Resource Economics Review, Vol. 26 (4), P．577～612
• Sunhee Suk, Sang-youp Lee, Yushim Jeong (2016) 「A survey on impediments to implementing in low carbon technologies of the petrochemical industry in Korea」, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 133, P．576～588
• Sunhee Suk (2015) 「Chapter 3: Greenhouse Gases Emissions Trading and Carbon Tax Scheme in the Republic of Korea」, (Eds.) Matsumoto K., Gao, A.M, 「Economic Instruments to Combat Climate Change in Asian Countries」, Wolters Kluwe
• Unnada Chewpreechar, Seonghee Kim, Lisa Ryan and Sunhee Suk (2015) 「Energy Efficiency Policies in East Asia – Macroeconomic Implications and Interactions with Existing Climate Policies」, (Eds.) Lee, S., Pollitt, H., Park, S., 「Low-carbon, Sustainable Future in East Asia-Improving Energy System, Taxation and Policy Cooperation」, Routledge

水産・環境科学総合研究科　平坂 勝也准教授

１．研究概要：

Japanese food consists of rice, vegetable, sea food and seaweed, and are well-balanced diet. Since Japanese foods known as washoku was listed by UNESCO in 2013, there has been intense renewed interest about its health benefits, and how it may be responsible for Japan having the world’s highest life expectancy. In fact, Japanese food includes n-3 unsaturated fatty acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, and peptide, which are associated with health promotion.
Just over one-quarter of Japan’s citizens are now over 65, and this group is expected to swell to 40% by 2060. Considering increased longevity, countermeasure of metabolic and locomotive syndrome is important for extension of healthy life expectancy. For instance, obesity is a major cause of insulin resistance and is considered a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease, leading to metabolic syndrome. Substantial evidence has accumulated in recent years that chronic infiltration and activation of macrophages in white adipose tissue underlie the obesity-related component of these insulin resistant state (Ref. 1, 2). Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015) recommends a decrease of saturated fatty acid and a balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acid. Indeed, we have been reported that supplementation with fish oil including n-3 fatty acids has beneficial in preventing insulin resistance caused by a high fat diet through an anti-inflammatory effect (Ref. 3).
On the other hand, a loss of muscle mass has been observed in disuse (e. g., immobilization, denervation, muscle unloading), fasting, aging and a number of disease conditions, including cancer cachexia, sepsis, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure. It has been reported that muscle atrophy, caused by disuse, is associated with oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen species (Ref. 4). Therefore, antioxidative nutrients might be beneficial in inhibiting muscle atrophy caused by oxidative stress. In practice, we demonstrated that antioxidant nutrients prevent muscle atrophy (Ref. 5, 6, 7, 8). Moreover, we found that the endogenous imidazole dipeptides derived from marine animals contribute to antioxidant effects (Ref. 9, 10).
Therefore, functional Japanese foods, especially individual components, contribute to the health promotion.

２．代表的な業績：

1. Abe T, Hirasaka K, Kagawa S, Kohno S, Ochi A, Utsunomiya K, Sakai A, Ohno A, Teshima-Kondo S, Okumura Y, Oarada M, Maekawa Y, Terao J, Mills EM, Nikawa T. Cbl-b Is a Critical Regulator of Macrophage Activation Associated with Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice. Diabetes, 62(6): 1957-1969, 2013
2. Hirasaka K, Kohno S, Goto J, Furochi H, Mawatari K, Harada N, Hosaka T, Nakaya Y, Ishidoh K, Obata T, Ebina Y, Gu H, Takeda S, Kishi K, Nikawa T. Deficiency of Cbl-b gene enhances infiltration and activation of macrophages in adipose tissue and causes peripheral insulin resistance in mice. Diabetes, 56(10): 2511-2522, 2007
3. Saitoh K, Yoshimura T, Sun L, Yang M, Wang Y, Taniyama S, Hara K, Murayama F, Nikawa T, Tachibana K, Hirasaka K*. Effect of dietary fish oil on enhanced inflammation and disturbed lipophagy in white adipose tissue caused by a high fat diet. Fisheries Science, 86(1):187-196, 2020
4. Uchida T, Sakashita Y, Kitahata K, Yamashita Y, Tomida C, Kimori Y, Komatsu A, Hirasaka K, Ohno A, Nakao R, Higashitani A, Higashibata A, Ishioka N, Shimazu T, Kobayashi T, Okumura Y, Choi I, Oarada M, Mills EM, Teshima-Kondo S, Takeda S, Tanaka E, Tanaka K, Sokabe M, Nikawa T. Reactive oxygen species up-regulate expression of muscle atrophy-associated ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b in rat L6 skeletal muscle cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 314(6):C721-C731, 2018
5. Sun L, Miyaji N, Yang M, Mills EM, Taniyama S, Uchida T, Nikawa T, Li J, Shi J, Tachibana K, Hirasaka K*. Astaxanthin Prevents Atrophy in Slow Muscle Fibers by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species via a Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Pathway. Nutrients, 13(2): 379, 2021
6. Hiramoto S, Yahata N, Saitoh K, Yoshimura T, Wang Y, Taniyama S, Nikawa T, Tachibana K, Hirasaka K*. Dietary supplementation with alkylresorcinols prevents muscle atrophy through a shift of energy supply. J Nutr Biochem, 61: 147-154, 2018
7. Yoshimura T, Saitoh K, Sun L, Wang Y, Taniyama S, Yamaguchi K, Uchida T, Ohkubo T, Higashitani A, Nikawa T, Tachibana K, Hirasaka K*. Morin suppresses cachexia-induced muscle wasting by binding to ribosomal protein S10 in carcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 506(4):773-779, 2018
8. Mukai R, Matsui N, Fujikura Y, Matsumoto N, Hou DX, Kanzaki N, Shibata H, Horikawa M, Iwasa K, Hirasaka K, Nikawa T, Terao J. Preventive effect of dietary quercetin on disuse muscle atrophy by targeting mitochondria in denervated mice. J Nutr Biochem, 31: 67-76, 2016
9. Yang M, Sun L, Jiang T, Kawabata Y, Murayama F, Maegawa T, Taniyama S, Tachibana K, Hirasaka K*. Safety evaluation and physiological function of dietary balenine derived from opah Lampris guttatus on skeletal muscle of mice. Int J Pept Res Ther, 2021 in press
10. Yang M, Sun L, Kawabata Y, Maegawa T, Taniyama S, Tachibana K, Hirasaka K*. Balenine, imidazole dipeptide induces activation of superoxide dismutase in myotubes. Fisheries Science, 87(3), 403-409, 2021

情報データ科学部 情報データ科学科　植木 優夫教授

１．研究概要：

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seriously spreading all over the world. Predicting the number of cases in the future can help prepare for and prevent the worst-case scenario. Statistical modeling using past data is one of feasible approaches. The simplest method is based on time-series modeling using past data, and univariate time-series model for each district is widely used. However, the univariate time-series model may not perform well in districts with small number of cases. Since districts are geographically connected and people move around frequently, borrowing information from neighbouring districts may lead to better performance. Instead of applying a univariate time series model to each district, we apply a spatio-temporal time series model to the time series data of all prefectures simultaneously. Since the spatio-temporal time series model has a large number of parameters to be estimated, we use a random effects model by Paul and Held (2011) to circumvent the effect of the high-dimensional parameters. We will investigate the modeling accuracy by whether the future data can be predicted or not. There is room for improvement in modeling; inclusion of covariates such as proportion of elderly persons, climate data, etc; modeling of adjacency between prefectures such as incorporating time distance between prefectures (e.g. train and air plain); methodological/algorithmic improvement may lead to stable and robust model as the model is nonlinear, and sophisticated parameter optimization may yield better performance. These topics are promising future directions for research.

２．代表的な業績

• Ueki M. Testing conditional mean through regression model sequence using Yanai’s generalized coefficient of determination. Comput Stat Data Anal 158. 2021
• Ueki M, Fujii M, Tamiya G. Quick assessment for systematic test statistic inflation/deflation due to null model misspecifications in genome-wide environment interaction studies. PLoS One 14:e0219825. 2019
• Ueki M, Kawasaki Y, Tamiya G. Detecting genetic association through shortest paths in a bidirected graph. Genet Epidemiol 41:481-497. 2017
• Ueki M, Tamiya G. Smooth-threshold multivariate genetic prediction with unbiased model selection. Genet Epidemiol 40:233-43. 2016
• Ueki M. On the choice of degrees of freedom for testing gene–gene interactions. Stat Med 10;33:4934-48. 2014
• Ueki M, Kawasaki Y. Multiple choice from competing regression models under multicollinearity based on standardized update. Comput Stat Data Anal 63:31-41. 2013
• Ueki M, Kawasaki Y. Automatic grouping using smooth-threshold estimating equations. Electron J Stat 5. 2011
• Ueki M. A note on automatic variable selection using smooth-threshold estimating equations. Biometrika 96:1005-1011. 2009
• Ueki M, Fueda K. Adjusting estimative prediction limits. Biometrika 94:509-511. 2007

多文化社会学研究科　河村 有教准教授

１．研究概要：

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which 171 countries have accepted as binding international law, guarantees “the rights of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health” by article 12. It also says the steps to be taken by state parties to the present Covenant to achieve the full realization of this right shall include those necessary for: (a)the provisions for the reduction of the stillbirth-rate and of infant mortality and for the healthy development of the child; (b)the improvement of all aspects of environmental and industrial hygiene; (c)the prevention, treatment and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational and other diseases; (d)the creation of conditions which would assure to all medical service and medical attention in the event of sickness.
Also, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees “gender equality”. Article 26 says “all persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, color, sex, language, religion or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Reflecting the same view, the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) as a specialized agency within the terms of article 57 of the Charter of the United Nations, and to promote and protect the health of all peoples, says that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent on the fullest co-operation of individuals and states. The achievement of any state in the promotion and protection of health is value to all.
The research of “Global Health and Human Rights” works to improve global health and related human rights or legal issues specially focus on multi-disciplinary research. All researchers and students who are interested in global health and human rights or legal issues are welcome. I hope we could discuss what is legal intervention in the health (theorization of a “right to health” under international law and applicable domestic law) and how health and gender, sexuality (including reproductive health and rights issues and HIV/AIDS related issues) and human rights are intricately linked.
All researches (not only those who research Social Sciences or Arts and Humanities, but also those who research or Medicine or natural sciences) and students who are interested in “Global Health and Human Rights (Law)” are welcome to join this research project, together.

２．今後のプロジェクトの展望

All researches (not only those who research Social Sciences or Arts and Humanities, but also those who research or Medicine or natural sciences) and students who are interested in “Global Health and Human Rights (Law)” are welcome to join this research project, together.

３．代表的な業績：

• Penal Code Differences about Sexual Offences between Taiwan and Japan ,Gender and Law (Japan Association of Gender and Law), 18, 138-153, 2021 (in Japanese)
• Present Taiwan’s Penal Code about Sexual Offences and Japan’s Future Penal Code Reform,
  Journal of global humanities and social sciences, Nagasaki University, 7,73-94, 2021 (in Japanese)
• Rethinking legal pluralism and asian law in the face of globalization , Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law, 48(3) ,441-460, 2016