Correlations between the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the WHOQOL-26 among Japanese University Students

In this study, we investigated six types of mood state (tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, vigor, fatigue, and confusion) using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) with 40 Japanese university students. We examined five main quality of life (QOL) domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health) using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-26). We also examined the total scale score. We examined Spearman’s rank correlations between POMS mood state and QOL scores and compared male and female students’ scores. The results indicated statistically significant correlations between all six mood states and three broad WHOQOL-26 domains (physical health, psychological health, and social relationships). Moreover, the relationship between mood state and QOL showed a gender difference. There were correlations between mood states and the QOL domains of social relationships and environmental health for males. In contrast, mood state correlated with the QOL domains of physical health and psychological health in females. The findings suggest that gender-specific health provision is needed to care for young university students in Japan. However, our study has several limitations;therefore, larger-scale studies with older subjects are needed in the future.

Features of Developmental Level of Defense Mechanisms and Adjustment Status of University Students in Japan

A person with high-level mental defensive functioning exhibits optimal, effective adaptive states when encountering stressors. This may be an important factor in maintaining a sound campus life. Participants were 47 physically and mentally healthy students (average age 19.0 ± 0.6). We first investigated the developmental level of mental defensive functioning as an indicator of participants’ adaptive state at the time of the study. We used the Defensive Functioning Scale proposed in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). We attempted to quantify this scale by summing scores of seven Defense Levels based on individual defense mechanisms. We then measured physical and mental symptoms using the Cornell Medical Index (CMI), and compared the relationships between symptoms and defensive functioning (defensive functioning scale and physical symptoms, defensive functioning scale and mental symptoms, and physical symptoms and mental symptoms). Finally, we compared male and female results. Although there was no statistical difference, males showed higher average scores than females on the Defensive Functioning Scale vs physical/mental symptoms, which may indicate the relative suppression of women that characterizes the social and cultural background in Japan. In addition, there was a relatively high unisex positive correlation between physical symptoms and mental symptoms, which suggests that university health administrative staff need to provide mental as well as physical care to help students manage stress effectively. However, larger, more comparative studies on the social and cultural background are needed to further explore these issues.

Characteristic Changes Defined via Comparison of the Big-Five Personalities in Japanese University Freshmen from Years 2000 to 2016

Introduction: With the arrival of the 21st century, drastic worldwide changes to natural, economic and social events have occurred. These include the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the global financial crisis. Furthermore, Japan experienced the introduction of a specific education system. In this study, we traced and compared the psychological characters of university freshmen for 16 years (years 2000-2016) using Big-Five personalities inventory (Japanese version). Methods: A total of 1189 physically and mentally healthy university freshmen participated in this study. They were divided into four groups according to the year they entered university. They completed a self-filled questionnaire, Big-Five personalities inventory, which consists of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness and Openness. Result and Discussion: Compared with the year 2008, Extraversion nominally increased in 2012, however, it statistically significantly decreased in 2016. Agreeableness notably decreased from 2000 to 2008, then showed an increase in 2012. Compared to 2000, Neuroticism was statistically significantly lower in 2008 and 2016. Such statistically significant differences were not observed in the other two personalities. The personalities of university freshmen have changed in the last 16 years, which may be been caused by drastic changes. However, further research (e.g., larger-scale studies or studies including other university students) is required to support the current findings.

Oxygen Stable Isotopic Ratio in Precipitations in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Time-course of oxygen stable isotopic ratios （i.e., δ^18O） as well as seasonal variation of δ^18O has been examined to investigate the characteristics, sources and the passing route of precipitations in Niigata Prefecture. The precipitation samples have been mainly collected with a filtrating bulk sampler at the rooftop of Niigata University. Furthermore, backward trajectories analyses have been also conducted for these samples taken sequentially for a short period. Consequently, the following features have been mainly clarified for the precipitations in Niigata Prefecture： （1） the δ^18O values varied between -14.57%o and -3.86%0 in the precipitations of Niigata University; （2） as for the comparison among sampling points, the mean value of δ^18O at seaside spots （i.e., Niigata City： -6.93%0） is larger than that of inland spots （Sanjyo City： -8.68%0）; （3） δ^18O value was generally small in the rainy or typhoon season, and relatively large in summer; （4） decreasing δ^18O content with time is a predominant feature of sequentially sampled rainfalls as predicted by Rayleigh models of atmospheric vapor condensation.

Isotopic and Chemical Characteristics of Lagoon Waters in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

In order to investigate the isotopic and chemical characteristics of lagoon waters in Niigata Prefecture in recent years, oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope ratios （i.e., 8180 and 6D）, the concentrations of DOC （dissolved organic carbon）, DO （dissolved oxygen） and pH, etc. in water samples of Sakata and Toyanogata were measured. Samples were generally taken monthly at the fixed sampling points from these lagoons. Consequently, the following matters have been mainly clarified： （1） ~D value of water samples in Sakata was generally larger than that in Toyanogata similarly to the case of ~180, though remarkable large difference among samples was not found; （2） the pH value of lagoon water samples is almost 6.5-8.5 （which is generally larger than that of river water）, and pH at the spot of SI （downstream point of Lower Lagoon （Shitakata）） is remarkably high （9.0-9.5）; （3） Lagoon water has the chemical characteristics contrasting to groundwater with a focus on river water from the viewpoint of pH （acidity or alkalinity） and DO. These matters can be closely related to the biological activity such as photosynthesis due to aquatic plant and phytoplankton and the activity of Crustacea plankton etc. in lagoon.

Seasonal Variation of Tritium and Major Elements in Snow and Precipitation in Niigata, Japan

In order to evaluate seasonal and regional variations in precipitation in Niigata City, 65 hourly precipitation samples were collected from October 2009 to June 2011 including two snow events. In this work, major ions （Na＋, K＋, Ca2＋, Mg2＋, NH4＋, SO4^2-, NO3- and Cl-） were combined with tritium （^3H or T） concentration （T specific activity） in both precipitation and snow, and transformation patterns of polluted air mass in Niigata region were revealed. The low level tritium in precipitation was measured by a distillation process and an electrolytic enrichment process. Each tritium concentration in the precipitation sample thus obtained was measured by liquid scintillation counter. On the basis of the above measurement and analysis, it was found that the tritium and nss （non-sea-salt） calcium concentrations showed a seasonal variation with a highest value in spring over one year.

No replicated association of the c.-312A >G in<i>EDG</i>1 with marbling in Niigata population of Japanese Black beef cattle

Marbling, defined by the amount and the distribution of intramuscular fat and measured as beef marbling score (BMS), is an economically important trait of beef cattle in Japan. We recently reported that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), namely, c.-312A > G, in the endothelial differentiation sphingolipid G-proteincoupled receptor, 1 (EDG1) gene was associated with the BMS level in the Japanese Black beef cattle population of Oita prefecture, with the G allele being associated with a high level of the BMS. Thus, the c.-312A > G SNP seems to be a candidate marker for marker-assisted selection. In this study, we investigated whether this association could be replicated in the Japanese Black beef cattle population of Niigata prefecture and analyzed the effect of the SNP genotypes on the carcass traits other than the BMS. No significant differences in the BMS level were detected among the genotypes of the c.-312A > G SNP in the Niigata Japanese Black beef cattle population. The SNP genotype had no significant effects on the carcass weight, rib eye area and rib thickness of the cattle population. These findings suggested that the association of the c.-312A > G SNP with the BMS level in the Japanese Black beef cattle population was not replicated in the Niigata population, and revealed no effects of the SNP genotype on the beef productivity in the Niigata population. Thus, we concluded that the c.-312A > G SNP is not useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase meat quality and, additionally, meat productivity in Japanese Black beef cattle of Niigata prefecture.

Replicated association of the single nucleotide polymorphism in PNLIP with marbling in Niigata population of Japanese Black beef cattle

Marbling is regarded as an economically important trait of beef cattle inJapan, and measured as a beef marbling score (BMS). Our previous study reported an association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs4164 8172, in the pancreatic lipase (PNLIP) gene and the BMS level, using the Japanese Black beef cattle population of Oita prefecture. Further, we showed that the T allele at the rs41648172 SNP is associated with a high level of the BMS. Thus, we suggested that the rs41648172 SNP seems to be a candidate marker for marker-assisted selection. Our present study was designed to investigate whether this association could be replicated in other independent Japanese Black cattle population and analyze the effect of the SNP genotypes on the carcass traits other than the BMS. We detected the marginally significant effect of the genotypes of the rs41648172 SNP on the BMS level by using the Japanese Black beef cattle population of Niigata prefecture (P = 0.0919), and obtained the result of the T allele associated with an increase in the BMS level, consistent with our previous data. In addition, we showed no significant association of the SNP with the subcutaneous fat thickness, carcass weight, rib eye area, rib thickness and yield estimate in the Japanese Black beef cattle population ofNiigataprefecture. Thus, we concluded that the rs41648172 SNP was useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase the BMS level in Japanese Black beef cattle, based on the replicated association of the rs41648172 SNP with the BMS level in the other independent Japanese Black beef cattle population and no effect of the SNP genotypes on the carcass traits other than BMS.

Impact of Rotavirus Vaccination in Severe Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Outpatient Visits at Three Pediatric Primary Care Clinics in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

The impact of rotavirus (RV) vaccination in reducing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in outpatient settings was prospectively surveyed in three pediatric clinics in Shibata City. In children younger than 3 years of age, the occurrence of severe RVGE among all acute gastroenteritis (AGE) was found to be significantly lower in three seasons after introduction of RV vaccines, compared to that in 2011, before introduction of RV vaccines. The incidence rates of severe RVGE among children younger than 3 years of age were found to be reduced by 71.2%, 47.7%, and 81.1% for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively, compared to that in 2011. These results suggest that the RV vaccination is effective for the prevention of severe RVGE in Japanese voluntary RV vaccination settings with estimated coverage rates of 32.5%, 40.5% and 47.1% for 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. It is expected that the reducing effect on severe RVGE would be persistently established by increasing the vaccine coverage rates.

Sensory Disturbance as a Characteristic Symptoms of Methylmercury Poisoning in Niigata, Japan

Fifty years have passed from the first official recognition of the methylmercury （MeHg） poisoning in Niigata （so called the second Minamata disease）, Japan in 2015. The first case of MeHg poisoning was found in January 1965, when two surveys were carried out for 20,000 inhabitants lived within 15 km from the mouth of the Agano river. From these surveys, 26 cases （including 5 cases of death） were officially recognized as MeHg poisoning. Moreover, 9 cases who had no symptoms but whose hair mercury concentration were over 200 ppm were found. Within 20 cases, 15 cases are among 26 cases officially recognized as having MeHg poisoning and 5 cases are among 9 cases who had no symptoms but whose hair mercury concentration were over 200 ppm in 1965. The distal dominant sensory disturbances of the extremities lasted for more than several decades among 20 cases. The sensory disturbance of the bilateral distal extremities could be used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of MeHg poisoning in the exposed areas. The distal dominant sensory disturbance of the extremities is a typical characteristic and important sign of the MeHg poisoning.

Allele Frequency Distribution of the NCAPG c.1326T>G SNP Associated with Growth-Related Traits in Niigata Population of Japanese Black Beef Cattle

Growth performance as well as marbling is the main breeding objectives in Japanese Black cattle, the major beef breed in Japan. A previous study has identified the c.1326T>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the NCAPG (non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G) gene that leads to the amino acid change p.Ile442Met in the NCAPG protein, which is a candidate causative variation for a bovine carcass weight (CWT) quantitative trait locus (QTL). In this study, we first confirmed the association of the c.1326T>G SNP with the growth-related traits, CWT, rib eye area (REA) and rib thickness (RT), and showed significant effect of the SNP genotypes on the marbling trait, beef marbling score (BMS), in the Japanese Black beef cattle population of the Niigata prefecture, with the G allele being associated with a favorable phenotype of these traits. Thus, we concluded that the c.1326T>G SNP is useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase meat quality and meat productivity in Japanese Black beef cattle of the Niigata prefecture. Furthermore the frequency of the favorable G allele of the c.1326T>G SNP in the Niigata prefecture population was significantly lower than the frequency of this allele in Japanese Black cattle population of the Kagoshima prefecture. However, no statistically significant difference was detected between the allele frequencies estimated by maternal alleles in the half-sib progeny steers in the Niigata prefecture population and obtained in Japanese Black cattle population of the Kagoshima prefecture.

Next-generation regenerative therapy for ischemic stroke using peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide after heart disease.Researchers predict that stroke deaths and permanent disabilities will increase worldwide by the year 2050.Single-target therapies may be insufficient,because ischemic cerebral injury involves several mechanisms.Cell-mediated therapies are ideal,because they target multiple cell types to enhance protection and recovery.

Targeting therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma by delivering microRNAs as exosomal cargo

Exosomes,the smallest extracellular vesicles,have gained significant attention as key mediators in intercellular communication,influencing both physiological and pathological processes,particularly in cancer progression.A recent review article by Wang et al was published in a timely manner to stimulate future research and facilitate practical developments for targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using exosomes,with a focus on the origin from which exosomes derive.If information about the mechanisms for delivering exosomes to specific cells is incorporated,the concept of targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using exosomes could be more comprehensively understood.

Functional Confirmation Using a Medical X-Ray System of a Semiconductor Survey Meter

In recent years, semiconductor survey meters have been developed and are in increasing demand worldwide. This study determined if it is possible to use the X-ray system installed in each medical facility to calculate the time constant of a semiconductor survey meter and confirm the meter’s function. An additional filter was attached to the medical X-ray system to satisfy the standards of N-60 to N-120, more copper plates were added as needed, and the first and second half-value layers were calculated to enable comparisons of the facility’s X-ray system quality with the N-60 to N-120 quality values. Next, we used a medical X-ray system to measure the leakage dose and calculate the time constant of the survey meter. The functionality of the meter was then checked and compared with the energy characteristics of the meter. The experimental results showed that it was possible to use a medical X-ray system to reproduce the N-60 to N-120 radiation quality values and to calculate the time constant from the measured results, assuming actual leakage dosimetry for that radiation quality. We also found that the calibration factor was equivalent to that of the energy characteristics of the survey meter.

沙质林地土壤阻抗系数测量方法

介绍了土壤阻抗系数的测量目的及测量的一般方法 ;重点描述了应用大地阻抗仪 (YokogawaType 32 4 4 ) (specificearthresistancetester)测量沙质林地土壤阻抗系数的理论背景和室内、外操作步骤与数据处理方法。结果表明 ,使用 32 4 4大地阻抗仪 ,即运用Wenner法测量沙质林地土壤阻抗系数是可行的 ,其测量结果在对土壤分层、确定表层土壤含水量、初步确定地下水位等具有一定的应用前景。

基于高光谱成像技术的土壤水分机理研究及模型建立

为了研究宁夏地区土壤的水分迁移机理以及对土壤水分快速无损检测,利用高光谱成像(光谱范围900~1 700 nm)技术对土壤的含水率进行了研究。通过高光谱成像系统采集了208个土样,比较了不同天数下土壤含水率与光谱的变化、不同质量含水量光谱的差异。对采集到的土样进行PLSR模型建立,对比分析不同光谱预处理方法、不同方法提取特征波长(UVE、CARS、β系数、SPA)、不同建模方法(MLR、PCR、PLSR)建立的模型,优选出最佳模型。结果表明:在一定的土壤含水量范围内,光谱曲线的反射率与土壤含水率成反比;当增大到超过田间持水率时,光谱曲线的反射率与土壤含水率成正比。对比分析了不同预处理方法,优选出单位向量归一化预处理方法。对比不同的模型,优选出SPA提取的特征波长的MLR模型。最优的特征波长为987,1 386,1 466,1 568,1 636,1 645 nm,最优模型的预测相关系数Rp=0.984,预测均方根误差RMSEP为0.631。因此,今后可采用不同波段对土壤含水率进行定量分析。

Review:effects of wind on trees

Wind not only causes extensive damages to trees in many parts of the world, it also has more subtle effects on the growth and morphology of trees and forest ecology as well. Wind damage to trees has historically been the field of silviculture, but increasing recognition of the importance and complexity of the subject has recently got people involved from many other disciplines. Due to the global climate changes, it is believed that the risk of further and stronger storms is increasing. In order to better understand the effects of wind on individual trees, forest stand and forest ecosystem, and further to practice the management of forests, it is necessary to summarize the research results related to this subject. This review was mostly based on the references from recent researches in the field, especially from the symposium volumes of some international conferences on this subject. The results indicated that there have been significant progresses in the following aspects: 1) the aerodynamic interaction between wind and trees, 2) the mechanics of trees under wind loading and adaptive growth, 3) the tree's physiological responses to wind, and 4) the risk assessment of wind damage to forest. However, there are some aspects which may need further studies: 1) wind damage to natural forests, 2) wind-driven gap formation and forest dynamics, 3) the effects of changes resulted from wind disturbances on ecological processes of forest ecosystem, and 4) management for the wind-damaged forests. Key words Wind - Wind effect - Trees/forest - Forest ecology - Disturbance CLC number S718 Document code B Foundation item: This research was supported by “the 100-Young-Researcher Project” of Chinese Academy of Sciences (BR0301) and National Natural Science Foundation (30371149).Biography: ZHU Jiao-jun (1965-), male, Ph. Doctor, Professor of Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor of Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences. China. Scholar researcher of Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, JapanResponsible editor: Song Funan

四圈扩弓簧的临床应用及改良设计

目的 :介绍四圈扩弓簧矫治器的原理、特点、改良设计及临床应用效果。方法 :结合典型病例介绍四圈扩弓簧的制作、戴入和调节以及改良设计。结果 :通过病例分析发现经 18个月的治疗 ,6宽度可扩大 9 6 5mm ,3宽度扩大 5 2 0mm ,6宽度扩大 3 6 0mm ,3宽度减少 0 45mm。结论 :四圈扩弓簧是一种性能良好 ,值得推广使用的扩弓矫治器。

算子代数上的Lie可导映射

设A为有单位且包含一非平凡幂等元的环,M为A双模.称δ:A→M为Lie可导映射(无可加或连续假设),若δ([A,B])=[δ(A),B]+[A,δ(B)],(?)A,B∈A.在一定条件下该文证明了Lie可导映射δ具有形式δ(A)=τ(A)+f(A),其中r:A→M是可加导子,f是从A到M的中心且满足f([A,B])=0,(?)A,B∈A的映射.由此刻画了因子von Neuamnn代数和套代数上的Lie可导映射.

牛肉玻璃化冻藏温度对肉品质的影响

利用差示扫描量热法(DSC)测量出牛肉玻璃态转化温度(glass transition temperature,T_g)为-14℃。将牛肉贮藏在-10℃(>T_g)、-14℃(=T_g)、-18℃和-22℃(﹤T_g)条件下7个月,通过测定贮藏过程中颜色参数、嫩度、菌落总数、挥发性盐基氮(volatile base nitrogen,TVB-N)的变化研究玻璃态贮藏对牛肉品质的影响,并建立牛肉品质(TVB-N)的动力学模型,对货架期进行预测。结果表明,-14、-18、-22℃贮藏牛肉,随时间的延长,L*值较稳定,a*值先增大后减小,b*逐渐增大;-10℃L*值下降幅度大,a*值逐渐降低。4种贮藏温度下牛肉的剪切力均先增大后减小;菌落总数整体呈上升趋势;TVB-N值随贮藏时间的延长逐渐增加。根据Arrhenius方程,以TVB-N为指标建立预测冻藏牛肉货架期的动力学模型。得到Ea值为0.2 kJ/mol,指前因子K0为0.004 2。