To develop new functional foods for the prevention of atherosclerosis, we evaluated the cholesterollowering effects of several strains of Lactobacillus (L.) brevis. These strains included the γ-amino butyric acid-producing strains L. brevis 119-2 and L. brevis 119-6, isolated from turnip "tsuda kabu" and pickled turnip "tsuda kabu zuke", respectively. To evaluate the cholesterol-lowering effects of L. brevis in vitro and to examine potential mechanisms of this property, we evaluated changes in levels of cholesterol, sodium taurocholate, and cholic acid in growth medium containing cholesterol and sodium taurocholate. Moreover, to assess the potential of L. brevis 119-2 and L. brevis 119-6 for probiotic use, we examined the tolerance of L. brevis to artificial digestive fluid and its adherence to epithelial cells. Our results indicate that L. brevis 119-2 incorporates cholesterol from the medium into the cell, and that L. brevis 119-2 and L. brevis 119-6 are probiotic bacteria. Therefore, we propose that viable cells of L. brevis 119-2 can reach the small intestine, where they can inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol in vivo by incorporation of cholesterol into the cell.
During the consecutive piercing process of metal sheets, it is very difficult to prevent the scrap-jumping completely. The scrap-jumping causes defects generation. Defective goods will be produced when processing is continued without noticing the scrap-jumping. To solve this problem,we made a die that was able to detect scrap-jumping with the load sensor and transmission-type fiber line-laser sensors for pierce processing and executed the defect detection experiment. As a result of the experiment, the newly developed load sensor was able to detect the defect in the following stamp of the scrap-jumping. On the other hand, the fiber line-laser sensor was able to detect the scrap-jumping directly before the following stamp.
In press working, to prevent defects in sheet products and establish the traceability of the causes of defects, we have developed defect detection dies incorporating several types of sensor, including load sensors, fiber laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors and optional sensors. Typical defects such as the rising of pierced scraps, burrs, spring-back/spring-go and wrinkling can be detected using the defect detection dies, i.e., the intelligent forming dies. The real-time defect inspection of all products will be possible. This system can be used to identify defective products on the basis of sensor information compiled in a database. The causes of defects can be clarified from the situation in real time.
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