Two of the present authors have presented a model for macrofibril template self-assembly which is based on a concerted process of sudden, delayed, short filament formation with immediate phase transfer to a lyotropic liquid crystal (mesophase). In recent years, information on the spatio-temporal patterns of keratin protein expression within wool follicles has come to hand, and we here report some recently acquired important information in this area. If the “mesophase model” is to remain credible it must be compatible with the spatio-temporal patterns of keratin expression. This paper explores the match between the mesophase model and patterns of protein expression, and concludes that they are broadly consistent. At present the model does not extend to keratin associated protein (KAP) expression. The model is also particularly successful in explaining macrofibril structural features in different cell types.

In the contemporary aging society, one of the most serious social issue is increase in medical expenses and lack of medical professionals. To deal with this problem, fundamental system of medical service should be revolved. Although it is usual way that a patient start to consult the doctor after his or her subjective symptoms, early therapy based on early detection of physical abnormality should be promoted using continuous vital sign monitoring. Obviously, the monitoring is required to be safe and accurate. As well, it is indispensable to be inexpensive, easy, and stress free for real application of this idea. As one way, we study smart textiles for health care. Especially, optical fiber sensors are remarkable devices. That is to say, optical fibers are considered to be suitable for textile processes by their yarn- or fiber-like form. As a fundamental study, we discussed optical fiber embedding during weft knitting process. By covering optical fibers with textile yarns, the covered optical fibers are successfully introduced into fabrics during inlay knitting process.

Investigation on a hierarchical structure of fabric appearance-related perceptual and affective experience afford further understanding how to approach the establishment of assessment on fabric appearance. In this study, we tried to representing the assessment process based on three layers (basic appearance, middle appearance and upper appearance). And the assessment process was defined based on causal relationship among the 27 adjectives resulting from sensory assessment with 6 black fabrics by experts panels. Conducting factor analysis enabled the middle appearance to define with adjectives included in basic appearance. As a result, it was found that the middle appearance was constituted with 4 factors, (i.e., 'macroscopic or microscopic brightness', 'softness', and 'roughness'). Furthermore, establishing multiple regression equation enabled the upper appearance to define by factors involved with the middle appearance. It was found that the upper appearance was impacted by magnitude of 'macroscopic brightness' negatively, and impacted by magnitude of 'softness' and 'microscopic brightness' positively.

Investigation on a hierarchical structure of fabric appearance-related perceptual and affective experience afford further understanding how to approach the establishment of assessment on fabric appearance. In our previous study, the hierarchical model consisted of three layers i.e., upper appearance (UA), middle appearance (MA), basic appearance (BA) was proposed though the assessment of fabric appearance by experts on textiles. We herein expressed numerically the relationship between UA and MA, and between MA and BA by multiple regression analysis and factor analysis, respectively. In this study, we conducted the assessment of fabric appearance by non-experts on textile with different sample group, and the three layers model were constructed respectively. From the comparison among the three layers models obtained from different evaluator group / sample group, the following outcome were revealed. (i)All of the three layers model are expressed numerically according to the procedure utilized in our previous paper. (ii)The MA contains common three expressions (Brightness sensation, Softness sensation and Roughness sensation) in common. (iii)The criteria on brightness assessment between experts on textile and non-experts is different. (iv) The UA is evaluated through the complexity process by experts on textile in comparison with non-experts.