Japanese Sign Language Recognition by Combining Joint Skeleton-Based Handcrafted and Pixel-Based Deep Learning Features with Machine Learning Classification

Sign language recognition is vital for enhancing communication accessibility among the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.In Japan,approximately 360,000 individualswith hearing and speech disabilities rely on Japanese Sign Language(JSL)for communication.However,existing JSL recognition systems have faced significant performance limitations due to inherent complexities.In response to these challenges,we present a novel JSL recognition system that employs a strategic fusion approach,combining joint skeleton-based handcrafted features and pixel-based deep learning features.Our system incorporates two distinct streams:the first stream extracts crucial handcrafted features,emphasizing the capture of hand and body movements within JSL gestures.Simultaneously,a deep learning-based transfer learning stream captures hierarchical representations of JSL gestures in the second stream.Then,we concatenated the critical information of the first stream and the hierarchy of the second stream features to produce the multiple levels of the fusion features,aiming to create a comprehensive representation of the JSL gestures.After reducing the dimensionality of the feature,a feature selection approach and a kernel-based support vector machine(SVM)were used for the classification.To assess the effectiveness of our approach,we conducted extensive experiments on our Lab JSL dataset and a publicly available Arabic sign language(ArSL)dataset.Our results unequivocally demonstrate that our fusion approach significantly enhances JSL recognition accuracy and robustness compared to individual feature sets or traditional recognition methods.

Psychometric Properties among Japanese Women Based on the Multidimensional Assessment of Women’s Experience of Childbirth

Aims/Background: Perceived experiences of childbirth are important for mothers as they affect their self-esteem, mother-child interactions, subsequent mother-child bonding, and their desire for another child. This study examined the factor structure and construct validity of Salmon and Drew’s Multidimensional Assessment of Women’s Experience of Childbirth (MAWEC) in Japanese. Design/Methods: This study conducted a questionnaire survey using the Japanese version of the MAWEC and other variables with 759 women with infants in Japan. The participants’ mean (standard deviation [SD], range) age was 31.9 (5.3, 18 - 46) years. A total of 353 (46.5%) participants were primiparous and 384 (50.6%) were multiparous, and 22 (2.9%) did not answer. The data were randomly divided into two groups for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and separately analyzed the positive- and negative-worded items. I conducted EFA using the maximum-likelihood method with PROMAX rotation from one-through two- and three-factor structures. Different factor structure models were compared in terms of CFAs using, as indicator of goodness-of-fit, chi-square/df, comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square of error approximation (RMSEA). Results: This study showed that a bifactor model for the MAWEC with four subscales (positive emotion, positive coping, negative emotion, and negative coping) fit the data the best. These four subscales were associated with demographic, obstetric, neonatal, and feeding characteristics. For example, primiparas were more vulnerable to coping aspects of perceived childbirth experiences, including sense of mastery over the delivery process and ability to enjoy the delivery. Gestational age at birth was associated with emotional aspects of perceived childbirth experiences. Conclusion: The Japanese version of the MAWEC consists of four aspects regarding perceived childbirth experience. Perinatal health professionals may examine women’s childbirth experiences from these four perspectives. .

Appropriate leucine-richα-2 glycoprotein cut-off value for Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that serum leucine-richα-2 glycoprotein(LRG)could be a novel monitoring biomarker for the assessment of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease.In particular,the relationship between LRG levels and the endoscopically assessed activity of ulcerative colitis(UC)has become a matter of interest.AIM To clarify appropriate LRG cut-off values for the prediction of endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with UC.METHODS This was a cross-sectional,single-center,observational study of Japanese patients with UC.Among 213 patients with UC,in whom LRG was measured from September 2020 to February 2022,we recruited 30 patients for whom a total colonoscopy and measurements of LRG and C-reactive protein(CRP)were performed on the same day.We retrospectively analyzed correlations between the LRG and CRP levels and endoscopic indices,including the Mayo endoscopic subscore and UC endoscopic index of severity.RESULTS Correlations between the LRG values and the Mayo endoscopic subscore or UC endoscopic index of severity were significant(r=0.754,P<0.0001;r=0.778,P<0.0001,respectively).There were also significant correlations between CRP levels and Mayo endoscopic subscore or UC endoscopic index of severity(r=0.599,P=0.0005;r=0.563,P=0.0012,respectively),although the correlation coefficients were higher for LRG.The LRG cutoff value for predicting endoscopic remission was 13.4μg/mL for a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0[area under the curve(AUC):0.871;95%confidence interval(CI):0.744-0.998],and 13.4μg/mL for an UC endoscopic index of severity of 0 or 1(AUC:0.904;95%CI:0.792-1.000).CONCLUSION LRG may be a surrogate marker for endoscopic activity in UC,with a cut-off value of around 13.4μg/mL for endoscopically inactive disease.

Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis combined with contactinassociated protein-like 2 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis:A case report

BACKGROUND It is not uncommon to develop viral encephalitis.Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis infection combined with contactin-associated protein-like 2(CASPR-2)antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis has not been reported at present.In clinical work,we need to consider more options.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old male worker presented with headache,fever and call-unresponsive presentation.Complete cranial magnetic resonance image showed symmetrical abnormal signals in bilateral medial temporal lobe,bilateral thalamus and basal ganglia.Improved lumbar puncture showed that cerebrospinal fluid protein and cell count increased significantly.Viral encephalitis was considered,and the patient's consciousness still increased rapidly after antiviral treatment.Further detection of Cerebrospinal fluid Japanese B encephalitis virus Polymerase Chain Reaction positive,serum autoimmune encephalitis antibody showed CASPR-2 antibody positive(1:320),the patient's condition gradually improved after plasma exchange treatment.3 mo later,the serum CASPR-2 antibody was negative and the patient's condition was stable.CONCLUSION This article reports the world’s first case of Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis infection combined with CASPR-2 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis,with a view to raising awareness.

Application of Blank Symbols in Japanese Architecture and Indoor Designs

A symbol is an expression of meaning,while blank symbols express special meanings.By focusing on the application of blank symbols in Japanese architecture and indoor designs,we analyzed the aesthetic principles in Japanese architecture and indoor designs from the perspective of semiotics,such as“Kongji,”“Emptiness,”and“Dying out,”and their minimalist and pure design concepts.Traditional Chinese culture was also further explored,especially the profound influence of the“Chan sect”and the philosophy of“unity of heaven and mankind”on Japanese architecture and designs.This study aims to facilitate the coexistence and mutual appreciation of Chinese and Japanese architectural designs.

The Relationship Between the Communist Party of China and the Japanese Communist Party During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

It is important to clarify the historical facts and summarize the characteristics of the communication and cooperation between the CPC and the JCP during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression,as it holds historical and contemporary relevance.The research findings indicate that the Comintern played a crucial role as the key intermediary in facilitating the establishment of connections between the CPC and the JCP and in driving the deepening of their relationship.During their exchanges,both parties adhered to a flexible and multi-layered friendship based on the unified values of patriotism and internationalism.Their efforts played a significant role in the establishment of an international anti-fascist front in the East.

An Exploratory Data Analysis of Mazu Culture Research Based on Diaolong-Full-Text Database of Ancient Chinese and Japanese Books

Mazu is the most famous goddess of canal transport in China,and one of the three folk beliefs in China.Japan is our neighbor across the sea.As early as 1000 years ago,Japan was influenced by the Mazu ceremonial culture.Through big data analysis,this study conducted database counting,screening,and analysis on the Mazu culture in Diaolong,the full-text database of Chinese and Japanese ancient books.Besides,it explored the hot topics of concern and emotional attitudes,and then analyzed the important role of Mazu culture in the cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and Japan in the new era,with a view to completing the contemporary task of“people-to-people bond”and achieving common development.

The Relationship Between the Communist Party of China and the Japanese Communist Party During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

It is important to clarify the historical facts and summarize the characteristics of the communication and cooperation between the CPC and the JCP during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, as it holds historical and contemporary relevance. The research findings indicate that the Comintern played a crucial role as the key intermediary in facilitating the establishment of connections between the CPC and the JCP and in driving the deepening of their relationship. During their exchanges, both parties adhered to a flexible and multi-layered friendship based on the unified values of patriotism and internationalism. Their efforts played a significant role in the establishment of an international anti-fascist front in the East.

有机合成化学中新的构件——Japanese试剂

介绍了 Japanese试剂的制备、结构和化学反应。并就 Japanese试剂在有机合成中的应用加以概述。

Japanese试剂的合成新方法

用二甲苯作溶剂来代替 1 ,2 ,4 -三氯苯使五硫化二磷和硫酚反应 ,制得的 Japanese试剂产率由 5 8%提高到 72 %

Japanese试剂的环化反应(英文)

利用Japanese试剂与含活泼氢的双官能团化合物的环化反应 ,合成了含N -P -N ,N -P-O的五元磷杂环化合物 ,并用IR ,NMR和MS对新化合物进行了表征。

Factors associated with incomplete colonoscopy at a Japanese academic hospital

AIM:To evaluate significant risk factors for incomplete colonoscopy at a Japanese academic hospital.METHODS:A total of 11812 consecutive Japanese people were identified who underwent a colonoscopy at an academic hospital.A multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate retrospectively the significant risk factors for incomplete colonoscopy.RESULTS:The cecal intubation rate was 95.0%.By univariate analysis,age,female sex,poor bowel cleansing,and a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery were significant risk factors for incomplete colonoscopy(P<0.001).Moreover,age-and sex-adjusted analysis showed that significant risk factors for incomplete colonoscopy were female sex(OR=1.38,95%CI:1.17-1.64,P=0.0002),age≥60 years old(OR=1.44,95%CI:1.22-1.71,P<0.0001),a history of prior abdominal or pelvic surgery(OR=1.55,95%CI:1.28-1.86,P<0.0001),poor bowel cleansing(OR=4.64,95%CI:3.69-5.84,P<0.0001),and inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)(OR=1.48,95%CI:1.13-1.95,P=0.0048).In Japanese men,by age-adjusted analysis,IBD(OR=1.69,95%CI:1.18-2.43,P=0.005)was an independent risk factor for incomplete colonoscopy.CONCLUSION:Several characteristics in the Japanese population were identified that could predict technical difficulty with colonoscopy.

Mechanism of Japanese encephalitis virus genotypes replacement based on human,porcine and mosquito-originated cell lines model

Objective:To examine the multiplication efficiency Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)genotype Ⅰ(G Ⅰ) and genotype Ⅲ(GⅢ) of different cell lines which originated from human,porcine,mosquitoes in order to prove mechanism of JEV G Ⅰ replacement JEV GⅢ since it emerging in nature recent decades.Methods:The mixture of Gi and GⅢ JEV isolates was inoculated on human rhabdomyosarcoma(RD).pig kidney epithelial(PS) and Aedes albopictus C6/36 clone(C6/36) which originated from human,porcine and mosquitoes,respectively.Plaque assays were performed to calculate virus titer and real-time RT-PCR with GⅠand GⅢspecific primer sets to quantify the number of GⅠ and GUI RNA copies.Results:The highest virus titer reached at the 3rd day of post infection when G Ⅰand GⅢ mixture was inoculated on RD and PS and that of C636 was at the 4^(th)day.JEVs were amplified and maintained by C6/36 cells after 10 passages whereas that by RD and PS only limited within 8 and 6 passages,respectively.GⅠ strain amplified and maintained more efficiently on C6/36 and PS but not RD.whereas GⅢ strain amplified and maintained more efficiently on RD.Conclusions:There is a correlation between the multiplication efficiency of GⅠ and GⅢ JEV strains when these two genotype strains co-infected on different cell lines with the predominance of GⅠstrains in C6/36 and PS and the limited detection of G 1 strains in RD cells proving a possible mechanism of shift JEV genotypes in nature recent decades since GⅠ emerging.

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma responds to MK615, a compound extract from the Japanese apricot “Prunus mume ”

MK615, a compound extracted from the Japanese apricot "Prunus mume " has been reported to have in vitro anti-tumor activities against several cancer cell lines,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). However, the clinical effects and feasibility of administering MK615for patients with HCC were unknown. We experienced a case with advanced HCC for which MK615 was effective against both lymph node and pulmonary metastases. A 60-year-old female underwent surgical resection of a 9 cm HCC in the right lobe. The pathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated HCC with vascular invasion. The HCC recurred in the liver 8 mo after the surgery. Radiofrequency ablation and transarterial infusion chemotherapy were performed, but the recurrence was not controlled. One year after the intrahepatic recurrence, pulmonary and lymph metastasis appeared.Sorafenib was administered, but was not effective.Then, MK615 was administered as a final alternative therapy after informed consent was obtained from the patient. Three months later, her alpha-fetoprotein level decrease and both the lymph node and pulmonary metastases decreased in size. The patient has survived for more than 17 mo after the MK615 administration, and was in good condition. Although further investigations are necessary to clarify its safety and efficacy in humans, MK615 may be useful for the treatment of HCC,without serious adverse effects.

Pharmacodynamics of aminoglycosides and tetracycline derivatives against Japanese encephalitis virus

Objective:To explore the antiviral activity of antibiotic compounds,mainly aminoglycosides and tetracyclines against Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV) induced infection in vitro.Methods:Antiviral activity were evaluated against JEV using cytopathic effect inhibition assay,virus yield reduction assay,caspase 3 level,extracellular viral detection by antigen capture ELISA and viral RNA levels.Roults:JEV induced cytopathic effect along with reduction of viral progeny plaque formation indicated antiviral potential of the compounds suggesting that antibiotics had broad spectrum activity.Doxycycline and kanamycin administration in dose dependent manner declined viral RNA replication.Conclusions:The present study shows kanamycin and doxycyclinc can affect virion structure and alter replication causing inhibition of JEV induced pathogenesis in vitro.

Comparative assessment of physicochemical properties of unripe peach(Prunus persica) and Japanese apricot(Prunus mume)

Objective:To investigate the physicochemical properties of unripe peach-Pruuns persica cv.Mibaekdo(Mibaekdo) and Prunus persica cv.Nagasawa Hakuho(Nagasawa Hakuho) as an alternative to fowl supplement while Japanese apricot(Prunus mume cv.Backaha)(Backaha) was used as a control sample.Methods:The unripe fruits were analyzed for soluble solid(Brix).titratable acidity.pH,total polyphenol content,1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging activity,amygdalin content,free amino acid content,organic acid content,free sugar content,and α-amylase activities.Results:Total polyphenol content of unripe peach ranged between 137.27-151.64 μg/g whereas that of apricot was 160.73 μg/g.DPPH radical scavenging activities of Rackaha was the highest189.16%.) followed by Mibaekdo(85.03%) and Nagasawa Hakuho(41.30%).The highest amount of oxalic acid 1612.8 mg/100 g) was observed in Mibaekdo while that of Nagasawa llakuho and Backaha were(184.6±18.1) and(334.8±16.1) mg/100 g,respectively.Amygdalin contents of Mibaekdo.Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were 486.61,548.60 and 174.28 μg/g,respectively.Conclusions:The results suggest that the unripe fruit of peach has a significant biochemical potential of using as a food supplement with potential health benefit for human health.

Seasonal abundance and potential of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in mosquitoes at the nesting colony of ardeid birds,Thailand

Objective:To investigate the abundance and seasonal dynamics of mosquitoes,and to detect Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)in these mosquitoes at the nesting colony of ardeid birds.Methods:Mosquitoes were collected bimonthly from July 2009 to May 2010 by Centers for Disease Control.Light traps and dry ice,as a source of CO_2,were employed to attract mosquitoes.Mosquitoes were first identified,pooled into groups of upto 50 mosquitoes by species,and tested for JEV infection by viral isolation and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.Results:A total of 20370 mosquitoes comprising 14 species in five genera were collected.The five most abundant mosquito species collected were Culex tritaeniorhynchus(95.46%),Culex vishnui(2.68%),Culex gelidus(0.72%),Anopheles peditaeniatus(0.58%)and Culex quinquefasciatus(0.22%).Mosquito peak densities were observed in July.All of 416 mosquito pools were negative for JEV.Conclusions:This study provides new information about mosquito species and status of JEV infection in mosquitoes in Thailand.Further study should be done to continue a close survey for the presence of this virus in the ardeid birds.

Function of note strings in Japanese Tit alarm calls to the Common Cuckoo:a playback experiment

Background: Birds produce alarm calls to convey information about threats. Some Passerine alarm calls consist of several note strings, but few studies have examined their function. Previous studies have shown that Japanese Tits(Parus minor) can alter the calling rate and number and combination of notes in response to predators. We previously found the combinations of note types in Japanese Tit alarm calls to be significantly different in response to the Sparrowhawk(Accipiter nisus) and Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus).Methods: Through playback experiments, we tested whether the note strings in Japanese Tit alarm calls to the Common Cuckoo have different functions in conveying information. The note strings of selected alarm calls were divided into the categories of C and D, and different calls were then constructed separately based on the two note string categories. Original alarm calls(C–D), C calls and D calls were played back to male Japanese Tits during the incubation period.Results: Male Japanese Tits had a significantly stronger response to C calls than to C–D calls, and they showed a significantly stronger response to both C and C–D calls than to D calls, suggesting that Japanese Tits discriminated between the C and D calls.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the C-and D-category note strings of Japanese Tit alarm calls to the Common Cuckoo have different functions, which supports the previous finding that different note strings in an alarm call can provide different information to receivers. However, the exact meanings of these note strings are not yet known, and further investigation is therefore required.

Weighted Correlation Network Analysis(WGCNA) of Japanese Flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus) Embryo Transcriptome Provides Crucial Gene Sets for Understanding Haploid Syndrome and Rescue by Diploidization

Artificial gynogenesis is of great research value in fish genetics and breeding technology. However, existing studies did not explain the mechanism of some interesting phenomena. Severe developmental defects in gynogenetic haploids can lead to death during hatching. After diploidization of chromosomes, gynogenetic diploids may dispense from the remarkable malformation and restore the viability, although the development time is longer and the survival rate is lower compared with normal diploids. The aim of this study was to reveal key mechanism in haploid syndrome of Japanese flounder, a commercially important marine teleost in East Asia. We measured genome-scale gene expression of flounder haploid, gynogenetic diploid and normal diploid embryos using RNA-Seq, constructed a module-centric co-expression network based on weighted correlation network analysis(WGCNA) and analyzed the biological functions of correlated modules. Module gene content analysis revealed that the formation of gynogenetic haploids was closely related to the abnormality of plasma proteins, and the up-regulation of p53 signaling pathway might rescue gynogenetic embryos from haploid syndrome via regulating cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA repair. Moreover, normal diploid has more robust nervous system. This work provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms in haploid syndrome and the rescue process by gynogenetic diploidization.