Utsunomiya University

Abstract This work presents a dynamic electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) system with out-of-plane sensitivity based on a pixelated polarization camera. The approach employs polarization-encoded phase-shifting interferometry, enabling the simultaneous acquisition of multiple phase-shifted speckle interferograms and allowing the temporal tracking of deformation fields induced by mechanical loading. From the four polarization-resolved interference patterns, the phase is retrieved using a Fourier-based phase demodulation approach, from which the out-of-plane displacement field is reconstructed. Experimental results obtained on galvanized steel plates, including samples with and without structural defects such as cracks, demonstrate the capability of the method to resolve spatial variations in dynamic deformation, which were introduced by a piezoelectric actuator to assess the temporal stability and repeatability of the proposed system. These results indicate that the proposed approach is suitable for non-destructive evaluation and dynamic deformation monitoring of metallic components under mechanical stress.

A holographic tomography technique is presented for real-time 3-D imaging of dynamic combustion fields. The technique combines a three-angle Mach-Zehnder interferometer with off-axis multiplexed recording, enabling simultaneous multi-path acquisition within a single shot. To mitigate angular sparsity, ART+TV regularization is applied, improving imaging accuracy and structural fidelity. For quantitative temperature reconstruction, a composition-partitioned model is introduced that overcomes the fixed-air assumption of the conventional Gladstone-Dale model, enabling more accurate reconstruction of temperatures in combustion fields and stratified combustion environments. Quantitative validation against thermocouple measurements shows relative deviations within 1.14-1.93%, demonstrating improved reconstruction accuracy. Experiments with propane flames demonstrate successful 3-D temperature imaging at 6 × 103 fps, with a peak temperature of 1750 K, providing a potential tool for rapid diagnosis of transient combustion or dynamic flow fields.

The starch digestibility and glycemic responses of rice flour are influenced by intrinsic factors, such as its composition, and extrinsic factors, including storage. This study aimed to examine the impact of extrinsic factors on rice flour production by investigating the starch digestibility of rice flour from the same rice seeds ('Udai21') in four production areas: Fukushima, Tochigi, Toyama, and Yamagata prefectures. After 6 months of storage under ambient conditions at 30 °C, moisture content increased across all samples, whereas the crude protein content remained stable, with minor increases. Apparent lipid content increased slightly in the Toyama sample. Total starch content increased in all samples. Freshness indicators, pH and ΔE, showed regional variations, with Fukushima exhibiting the least degradation and Toyama the most. Rapidly digestible starch declined significantly in all samples, whereas changes in slowly digestible starch were insignificant, although regional variations were apparent. The estimated glycemic index (eGI) decreased in all samples, with Toyama showing the most significant drop from 136.0 to 125.0. The regional origin of rice flour influenced its physicochemical properties and starch digestibility significantly. Reductions in eGI and the equilibrium concentration of starch hydrolysis after storage suggest that 'Udai21' aged rice flour may produce a slower postprandial glycemic response, likely due to the formation of amylose-lipid or amylose-protein complexes that increase resistance to enzymatic breakdown. These results highlight the inherent variability in rice flour arising from natural compositional differences driven by environmental factors. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

This paper presents an exposure method with controlled incident angles to expand the display area of a tabletop volume holographic display. In conventional exposure schemes for area enlargement, identical exposure conditions at different recording positions cause diffracted light from each region to converge at different observation points, preventing simultaneous perception of the entire displayed image. To overcome this limitation, the proposed method adjusts the incident angle of the signal beam at each exposure stage according to the spatial shift of the recording position. This exposure design enables diffracted light from the enlarged hologram area to converge at a designated observation position. Experimental results confirm that the proposed exposure method successfully enlarges the effective display screen and increases the amount of visual information, demonstrating its feasibility for large-scale tabletop volume holographic displays.

Accumulating evidences have demonstrated that urolithin A (UroA) exerted a wide range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial function-enhancing effects, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for various diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that UroA induced mitophagy both in vitro and in vivo, preventing age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction and improving lifespan and muscle function as well as enhancing exercise capacity. However, its clinical application is limited by poor oral bioavailability and considerable interindividual variability in microbial conversion, as pharmacokinetic studies indicated low plasma exposure under standard administration. Moreover, approximately 10% of individuals are classified as urolithin nonproducers, independent of age, posing an additional challenge for clinical translation. To overcome those limitations, formulation strategies such as nanoparticles and liposomes have been developed, resulting in several-fold increases in systemic bioavailability compared with unformulated UroA. This review would provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the metabolism of UroA, current approaches to improve its bioavailability, safety evaluations, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms of its bioactivities. Furthermore, recent progresses in chemical and biotechnological synthesis strategies of UroA are also summarized. These insights will provide a scientific foundation for further utilization of UroA for human health.

• For pack-cooking, the stew being cooked can be a heat source. • Heat-resistant, food-grade high-density polyethylene bags are used for pack-cooking. • No substances from the polyethylene bag leach out during pack-cooking. • No allergen contamination occurred inside the polyethylene bag. • Pack-cooking is a promising method for people with allergies during disasters. Disaster evacuee s with food allergies are at high risk of nutritional deficiencies and allergic reactions, making survival difficult. This study aimed to investigate chemical and allergen contamination when allergen-free foods were cooked in transparent polyethylene bags (pack-cooking) in boiled food (for distribution) to provide individualized disaster food support for food allergy sufferers, assuming limited heat sources and drinking water. Residual evaporation migrating from various polyethylene bags was measured through elution tests using food -simulating solvents , following the Japan Positive List (PL) System guidelines. For evacuees with allergies, samples of pack-cooked rice and allergen-free stew wrapped in two layers of polyethylene bags were cooked with a white stew containing allergenic ingredients (wheat, milk, and eggs). Allergenicity was assessed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting kits, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Residual evaporation from all six types of polyethylene bags was below the standard values set by the Japan PL. The protein content derived raw material, measured per gram of sampled weight was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.001) in the pack-cooked meal than in the white stew, with a maximum detected level of 2.5 µg/g for wheat protein in the pack-cooked stew. Thus, the protein content of all pack-cook ed meals was below Japan's labeling threshold (10 μg protein per gram of food). A small amount of wheat-, egg- and milk-derived protein was detected in the ELISA test, but no allergens were identified in the western blotting and PCR. These results suggest that allergen-free meals can be safely prepared using polyethylene bags that can be heated in hot water, even in dishes containing allergens. Pack-cooking may serve as a practical method to support the mental and physical well-being of individuals with food allerg ies sufferers during disasters, when conventional meal preparation is often difficult .

ABSTRACT As a highly promising tool, femtosecond lasers are anticipated to become a powerful engine and support for the advancement of frontier science and advanced intelligent manufacturing technologies. This paper explores the fabrication techniques of femtosecond laser micro‐nano structures and their functional applications, unveiling the theoretical models and processing mechanisms of ultrafast laser machining, and detailing the extensive applications in surface modification, laser patterning, and two‐photon polymerization. In addressing the technical challenges of ultrafast lasers related to processing efficiency and accuracy, the footprints of femtosecond laser high‐efficiency precision manufacturing technologies were traced and investigated. Subsequently, the technological characteristics of holographic laser processing are elucidated, creating favorable conditions for the digitization and industrialization of femtosecond laser precision manufacturing with high flexibility, high quality, and high efficiency. The development trajectory and future prospects of holographic femtosecond laser beam shaping in two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) processing technologies are also summarized. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights and serve as a reference for forward‐looking and strategic innovation in advanced manufacturing fields such as aerospace, integrated circuits, information processing, and biomedicine.

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are key enabling technologies for next-generation wireless telecommunication systems, offering dynamic control over electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation. However, most existing RIS demonstrations rely on conventional electronic or metallic platforms, raising concerns about resource availability, recyclability, and environmental sustainability. In this study, hybrid nanostructured RIS prototypes (Prototypes I-III) were designed and fabricated using sustainable, wood-derived materials, namely, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), suberin, and biocarbon, in combination with thermoresponsive vanadium dioxide (VO2) nanoparticles. The EM performance of these RIS architectures was first optimized through full-wave simulations and then validated experimentally by the cast-layer deposition of VO2/CNF-suberin functional layers onto printed circuit board (PCB) substrates. Among the tested designs, Prototype I, comprising a functional layer of 95 wt % VO2, 2.5 wt % nonderivatized CNF, and 2.5 wt % suberin, exhibited the most pronounced thermal response, showing resonance frequency shifts of up to 19 MHz at a 5 GHz center frequency and phase shifts of 83° with temperature variation. Prototype II, containing cationic CNFs, demonstrated improved mechanical stability but reduced electrical continuity due to microstructural cracking, whereas Prototype III, modified with biocarbon, displayed diminished conductivity arising from its lower VO2 content. Degree of linear polarization (DOLP) analysis revealed early stage phase transitions that occurred prior to complete conductive pathway formation. Overall, the hybrid RIS architectures developed from VO2 and wood-derived materials through a sustainable processing route exhibited highly tunable, temperature-triggered EM modulation, with sensitivity ranging from low to high, depending on the material composition and assembly configuration.