How to Create“Asianism”:A Reading of Takeuchi Yoshimi’s “Asia as Method”and“Prospects for Asianism”

Takeuchi Yoshimi is one of the very few postwar Japanese intellectuals to openly engage in discussions on Asia intricacy and to deal with the most complicated component of the Japan-Asia relationship:problems of emotion.One key feature of Takeuchi^approach lies in the fact that he is not only a profound thinker but also a sensitive litterateur.For this reason,in addition to the fact that it is already very difficult to form an objective and widely agreed view on Takeuchi and his approach,it is hard to avoid the emotional aspect when evaluating his thoughts.This essay does not aim to discuss his rights and wrongs;rather,it is an attempt to analyze the inner logic of Takeuchi^thoughts,to understand and grasp the intensity and structure of his thoughts and emotions,and to demonstrate where his sense of urgency lies,thereby allowing to view the examination of the diverse and complex nature of discourses on Asianism in Japan in a new light.

Interdecadal variability of summer precipitation in the Three River Source Region: Influences of SST and zonal shifts of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet

Summer precipitation in the Three Rivers Source Region(TRSR)of China is vital for the headwaters of the Yellow,Yangtze,and Lancang rivers and exhibits significant interdecadal variability.This study investigates the influence of the East Asian westerly jet(EAWJ)on TRSR rainfall.A strong correlation is found between TRSR summer precipitation and the Jet Zonal Position Index(JZPI)of the EAWJ from 1961 to 2019(R=0.619,p<0.01).During periods when a positive JZPI indicates a westward shift in the EAWJ,enhanced water vapor anomalies,warmer air,and low-level convergence anomalies contribute to increased TRSR summer precipitation.Using empirical orthogonal function and regression analyses,this research identifies the influence of large-scale circulation anomalies associated with the Atlantic–Eurasian teleconnection(AEA)from the North Atlantic(NA).The interdecadal variability between the NA and central tropical Pacific(CTP)significantly affects TRSR precipitation.This influence is mediated through the AEA via a Rossby wave train extending eastward along the EAWJ,and another south of 45°N.Moreover,the NA–CTP Opposite Phase Index(OPI),which quantifies the difference between the summer mean sea surface temperatures of the NA and the CTP,is identified as a critical factor in modulating the strength of this teleconnection and influencing the zonal position of the EAWJ.

KCNQ1 rs2237895 gene polymorphism increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian populations

BACKGROUND The association of single nucleotide polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is currently controversial.It is unknown whether this association can be gene realized across different populations.AIM To determine the association of KCNQ1 rs2237895 with T2DM and provide reliable evidence for genetic susceptibility to T2DM.METHODS We searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Medline,Baidu Academic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,China Biomedical Literature Database,and Wanfang to investigate the association between KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 and the risk of T2DM up to January 12,2022.Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the association of the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism with T2DM and to evaluate the publication bias of the selected literature.RESULTS Twelve case–control studies(including 11273 cases and 11654 controls)met our inclusion criteria.In the full population,allelic model[odds ratio(OR):1.19;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.09–1.29;P<0.0001],recessive model(OR:1.20;95%CI:1.11–1.29;P<0.0001),dominant model(OR:1.27.95%CI:1.14–1.42;P<0.0001),and codominant model(OR:1.36;95%CI:1.15–1.60;P=0.0003)(OR:1.22;95%CI:1.10–1.36;P=0.0002)indicated that the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism was significantly correlated with susceptibility to T2DM.In stratified analysis,this association was confirmed in Asian populations:allelic model(OR:1.25;95%CI:1.13–1.37;P<0.0001),recessive model(OR:1.29;95%CI:1.11–1.49;P=0.0007),dominant model(OR:1.35;95%CI:1.20–1.52;P<0.0001),codominant model(OR:1.49;95%CI:1.22–1.81;P<0.0001)(OR:1.26;95%CI:1.16–1.36;P<0.0001).In non-Asian populations,this association was not significant:Allelic model(OR:1.06,95%CI:0.98–1.14;P=0.12),recessive model(OR:1.04;95%CI:0.75–1.42;P=0.83),dominant model(OR:1.06;95%CI:0.98–1.15;P=0.15),codominant model(OR:1.08;95%CI:0.82–1.42;P=0.60.OR:1.15;95%CI:0.95–1.39;P=0.14).CONCLUSION KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 was significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM in an Asian population.Carriers of the C allele had a higher risk of T2DM.This association was not significant in non-Asian populations.

Bleeding characteristics and mortality outcomes following ST-elevation myocardial infarction thrombolysis:a 5-year analysis in an Asian population

BACKGROUND:Bleeding outcomes are crucial primary safety endpoints in studies involving thrombolytic agents.This study aimed to determine the incidence,characteristics and mortality outcomes of bleeding following ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)thrombolysis in an Asian population.METHODS:This single-centre retrospective study included all STEMI patients who received thrombolytic therapy from 2016 to 2020 in a Malaysian tertiary hospital.Total population sampling was used in this study.The primary outcome was bleeding events post-thrombolysis,categorised using the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction(TIMI)bleeding criteria.Inferential statistics were used to determine the associations between relevant variables.RESULTS:Data from 941 patients were analysed.A total of 156(16.6%)STEMI patients bled post-thrombolysis.Major,minor,and minimal TIMI occurred in 7(0.7%),17(1.8%),and 132(14.0%)patients,respectively.Age 65 years(P=0.031)and Malaysian Chinese(P=0.008)were associated with a higher incidence of bleeding post-thrombolysis.Conversely,foreigners(P=0.032)and current smoker(P=0.007)were associated with a lower incidence of bleeding.Both TIMI major(P<0.001)and TIMI minor(P<0.001)were associated with a higher incidence of all-cause in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients.TIMI minor bleeding was significantly higher in the streptokinase recipients.The bleeding sites were comparable between streptokinase and tenecteplase recipients,except for a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in the streptokinase recipients(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:In our Asian population,the incidence of total bleeding events following STEMI thrombolysis is comparable to that previously reported.The development of TIMI major and minor bleeding complications is associated with higher mortality.

Zircon U-Pb ages in the Nuratau ophiolitic mélange in the southern Tianshan,Uzbekistan:Implication for the closure of Paleo-Asian Ocean

1.Objective The Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB),which is located between the European craton,Siberian craton,and Tarim-North China craton(Fig.1a),is the largest phanerozoic accretionary orogen in the world.It resulted from the longterm subduction and accretion of the Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO).The PAO has been in existence since at least the late Mesoproterozoic(about 1020 Ma).However,there has been debate about the closing time of the PAO.

Persistent Variations in the East Asian Trough from March to April and the Possible Mechanism

The East Asian trough(EAT)profoundly influences the East Asian spring climate.In this study,the relationship of the EATs among the three spring months is investigated.Correlation analysis shows that the variation in March EAT is closely related to that of April EAT.Extended empirical orthogonal function(EEOF)analysis also confirms the co-variation of the March and April EATs.The positive/negative EEOF1 features the persistent strengthened/weakened EAT from March to April.Further investigation indicates that the variations in EEOF1 are related to a dipole sea surface temperature(SST)pattern over the North Atlantic and the SST anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean.The dipole SST pattern over the North Atlantic,with one center east of Newfoundland Island and another east of Bermuda,could trigger a Rossby wave train to influence the EAT in March−April.The SST anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean can change the Walker circulation and influence the atmospheric circulation over the tropical western Pacific,subsequently impacting the southern part of the EAT in March−April.Besides the SST factors,the Northeast Asian snow cover could change the regional thermal conditions and lead to persistent EAT anomalies from March to April.These three impact factors are generally independent of each other,jointly explaining large variations in the EAT EEOF1.Moreover,the signals of the three factors could be traced back to February,consequently providing a potential prediction source for the EAT variation in March and April.

Provenance of Conglomerate and Sandstone from Early Permian Shoushangou Formation in Xi Ujimqin,Inner Mongolia:Implications for Understanding Paleo-Asian Ocean Subduction

During the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian,a rift was formed by post-collisional extension after ocean closure or an island arc-related basin formed by Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO)subduction in the Xi Ujimqin area.Nevertheless,the closure time of the PAO is still under debate.Thus,to identify the origin of the PAO,the geochemistry and U-Pb age of zircons were analyzed for the extra-large deep marine,polymict clastic boulders and sandstones in the Shoushangou Formation within the basin.The analyses revealed magmatic activity and tectonic evolution.The conglomerates include megaclasts of granite(298.8±9.1 Ma)and granodiorite porphyry(297.1±3.1 Ma),which were deposited by muddy debris flow.Results of this study demonstrated that the boulders of granitoids have the geochemistry of typical I-type granite,characterized by low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y and low Ga/Al values.The granitoid boulders were formed in island arc setting,indicating the presence of arc magmatism in the area that is composed of the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian subduction-related granitoid in southern Xi Ujimqin.Multiple diagrams for determining sedimentary provenance using major and trace elements indicate that Shoushangou sediments originated from continental island arc-related felsic rocks.Detrital zircon U-Pb age cluster of 330–280 Ma was obtained,indicating input from granite,ophiolite,Xilin Gol complex,and Carboniferous sources to the south.The basin was geographically developed behind the arc during the Early Permian period because the outcropped intrusive rocks in the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian form a volcanic arc.The comprehensive analyses of source areas suggest that Shoushangou sediments developed in a backarc basin in response to the northward subduction of the PAO.The backarc basin and intrusive rocks,in addition to previously published Late Carboniferous to Early Permian magmatic rocks of arc unit in Xilin Gol,confirm the presence of an Early Permian trencharc-basin system in the region,represented by the Baolidao arc and Xi Ujimqin backarc basin.This study highlights the importance and potential of combined geochemical and geochronological studies of conglomerates and sandstone for reconstructing the geodynamic setting of a basin.

Should we pay more attention to the potential link between Helicobacter pylori and esophageal cancer in Asian countries

The presence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection has been indicated to have a protective influence on esophageal cancer(EC)in some studies,but its specific impact on the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma remains inconclusive.This manuscript comment addresses the recent study by López-Gómez et al.Despite it was a retrospective observational study without a control group,this study revealed a notably low prevalence of H.pylori infection among EC patients,indicating a potential association between H.pylori and EC in Spain.It is important to note that the relationship between H.pylori and the risk of EC varies geographically.We also conducted a metaanalysis focusing on this association in Asian populations to offer precise clinical insights.However,no significant correlation between H.pylori infection and EC was identified,suggesting that the perceived protective effect of H.pylori against EC may have been overestimated in the Asian population.

A harmonisation approach to traditional Chinese medicine registration in Asian countries

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)industry is critical to not only for public health but also for economic growth.According to the European Union(EU)directives,under the EU framework for(traditional)herbal medicinal products,herbal medicines with long history of use can be registered in EU.However,there is a condition in this directive in which only those that have at least 10e15 years in the EU market are accepted for registration and/or marketing authorization.In author opinion,the condition of 10-15 years of use in EU countries set within the EU regulatory framework is with consideration of the genetic differences which can result in variation in adverse drug responses among different world populations.With this concept in mind,it is reasonable to project the principal of the EU directive to the Asian countries where TCM is originated.Countries like China,Singapore,Japan and South Korea that have well established drug registration framework are in best position in executing the best practice and facilitate harmonization of registration for TCM within the region.Furthermore,the registration process itself allows more safety and efficacy data to be collected systemically before and after product registration/marketing authorization.These are valuable information for future drug development.The therapeutic value of TCM is limitless,it has been left out in the EU regulatory framework,and the opportunity for it to be expanded and carried forward in modern medicines is shadowed by the limited number of TCM that are qualified to be registered under the EU regulatory framework.An early establishment of a harmonized risk-based registration process for TCM in Asian countries is important.This will strengthen the database to substantiate the history of safe use and further preserving and expanding the therapeutic values of TCM within and beyond the Asian region.

The Enhancement of the East Asian Summer Monsoon over Northeast Asia over the Most Recent Two Decades

The East Asian summer monsoon in Northeast Asia(NEA)has experienced an increase in summer rainfall and a delayed end to the rainy season after 2000,suggesting a trend of enhancement.Based on the data analyses spanning 1979-2022,our results show that the increased rainfall amounts are associated with a more pronounced Mongolian cyclone(MC)in July−August,a manifestation of a portion of the Eurasian barotropic Rossby wave train.Sea surface temperature(SST)anomalies in the North Atlantic(NA)regulate this wave train,with SST increases leading to its amplification.Somewhat independently,a delayed end to the rainy season in September is related to an enhanced anticyclone over the Kuril Islands(ACKI)in the Russian Far East.This anticyclone originates in the Arctic region,possibly induced by the loss of sea ice in the East Siberian Sea,a condition that can be detected two months in advance.The stronger MC and ACKI jointly contribute to the observed enhancement in the East Asian summer monsoon in NEA since 2000 by facilitating ascending motion and moisture transport.Therefore,the SST anomaly in the NA,which is responsible for the intensified rainfall in the rainy season in NEA,coupled with the sea ice conditions in the East Siberian Sea,provides a potential prediction source for the retreat of the rainy season.

Impact of geopolitical risk,GDP,inflation,interest rate,and trade openness on foreign direct investment:Evidence from five Southeast Asian countries

Historically,geopolitical risk(GPR)has posed significant challenges to international economic,social,and political frameworks.This study investigated how internal GPR in the selected five Southeast Asian countries(Indonesia,South Korea,Malaysia,the Philippines,and Thailand)influences foreign direct investment(FDI)during 1996-2019.The stationarity of the data was assessed using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller(ADF)unit root test,which shows that the data became stationary after the first difference.The Kao,Pedroni,and Westerlund cointegration tests were employed to examine long-term cointegration among the selected variables(FDI,GPR index(GPRI),gross domestic product(GDP),inflation,interest rate,and trade openness(TOP)).The results indicated that these variables have a long-term cointegration.Consequently,regression analysis using the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares(OLS)regression,fixed effect,random effect,Arellano-Bond dynamic panel-data estimation,and system generalized moment method(GMM)revealed that GPRI and TOP negatively impacted FDI in the selected five Southeast Asian countries.At the same time,GDP,inflation,and interest rate positively influenced FDI in these countries.Because FDI is crucial to shaping a country’s macroeconomic structure,this study recommends that governments and central banks of the selected five Southeast Asian countries should implement policies and strategies to encourage foreign investments.

About Asian Agricultural Research

Asian Agricultural Research(ISSN 1943-9903),founded in 2009,is a monthly comprehensive agricultural academic journal published and approved by the Library of Congress of the United States of America.

Research on groundwater ecological environment mapping based on ecological service function:A case study of five Central Asian countries and neighboring regions of China

The groundwater system is a unique ecosystem that serves both resource and ecological functions.Hydrogeologists have conducted extensive theoretical research and practical work on groundwater ecological mapping.This paper,based on the study of groundwater resources and surface ecology in the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China,introduces the concept of ecosystem service functions.It establishes a groundwater ecological zoning index system and conducts research of ecological mapping using the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China as examples.Through this process,the ecosystem service functions of groundwater can be more comprehensively reflected,which can better guide regional geological environment protection and industrial planning.This approach helps coordinate the relationship between socio-economic development and water resource protection,maintain the health of the groundwater ecological environment,enhance the value of groundwater ecological services,and promote the sustainable development of regional economies and societies.

Community-Based Hepatitis B Campaign in Asian Americans

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects minority groups in the US, particularly Asian Americans, with numerous factors contributing to this disparity. Of the 2.4 million people living with chronic HBV in the US, 60% are Asian American. Many are unaware of their status and lack access to proper clinical care, with less than ten percent receiving necessary antiviral treatment. Barriers to screening and care include lack of disease awareness, language and cultural barriers, and financial constraints. Additionally, healthcare providers and systems in the US often overlook the importance of CHB, leading to inadequate care. In response, the Center for Viral Hepatitis (CVH) has implemented a community-based outreach program over the past sixteen years, employing a multifaceted approach involving all sectors of society and various organizations to combat health disparities in CHB. This grassroots campaign has proven highly effective, leveraging CVH’s leadership in spearheading numerous collaborative activities with community members, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. We have summarized the key points of CVH's efforts and their significance in combating CHB-related health disparities. The CHB Screening and Awareness Campaign, tailored to the Asian American community, serves as a successful model for increasing CHB screening, linkage-to-care, and addressing socio-cultural barriers and health literacy. Insights from these outreach programs have guided the development of culturally relevant resources and education initiatives. These findings suggest that such community-driven approaches are essential for addressing health disparities. The strategies and outcomes of CVH’s efforts can inform future health initiatives for other minority communities in the US and globally.

Research Suggests New Toolmaking Timeline for East Asian Hominins

Anew study from the Nihewan basin of China has revealed that hominins who possessed advanced knapping abilities equivalent to Mode 2 technological features occupied East Asia as early as 1.1 million years ago(Ma),which is 0.3 Ma earlier than the date associated with the first handaxes found in East Asia.This suggests that Mode 2 hominins dispersed into East Asia much earlier than previously thought.

Lotic specialization in modern Asian newts(Caudata:Salamandridae):Phylogeny,historical biogeography,and ancestral traits based on combined DNA data

Pachytriton,and Paramesotriton,are primarily distributed across East Asia,displaying a broad range of environmental adaptations,including generalists inhabiting both lotic and lentic habitats and lotic specializations.Despite recent studies on their biogeographic history,how these species adapted to geographical changes remains unclear.In this study,divergence times and reconstructed ancestral traits were estimated based on phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences,totaling 4048 bp.Results indicated that the divergence between lotic-specialized and generalist species occurred during the middle to late Miocene(95% confidence interval(CI):16-13 million years ago(Ma)),correlating with the long-lasting arid period(14-12 Ma)and uplift of the Wuyi-Nanling mountains(15-11 Ma).Ancestral trait reconstruction revealed notable morphological changes associated with the emergence of lotic-specialized lineages.Specifically,male body size increased from 130 mm to 140 mm,and epibranchial traits shifted from thin to thick structures.Additionally,variation in tongue movability and skin texture were observed among lotic species.Each morphological shift is hypothesized to have an ecological basis,facilitating adaptation to specific environmental conditions.Overall,this study represents the first comprehensive attempt to elucidate the evolution of ancestral traits among divergent species of modern Asian newts,providing a deeper understanding of their adaptive responses to historical geographical and climatic changes.

Study on the Promotion of Digital Trade to Northeast Asian Regional Economy

Society is currently transitioning from the era of informatization and digitization to the era of intelligence.Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence,the Internet of Things,and big data are permeating every aspect of production and life.This penetration presents a rare opportunity for the development of digital trade and catalyzes innovation in traditional trade patterns.This paper first analyzes the inevitability of digital trade development in Northeast Asia.Secondly,it delves into the challenges faced by digital trade development and explores in-depth the promotion strategy for digital trade’s impact on the economic development of the Northeast Asia region,providing insights from various perspectives for reference.

Discourse Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative From the Perspective of Central Asian Countries: A Case Study of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA)three-dimensional model,using the Republic of Kazakhstan as a case study,to delve into the discourse construction of China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)in Central Asian countries.Through detailed analysis of policy documents,media reports,and public discussions in Central Asian countries,this paper reveals how the BRI constructs specific social practices,discourse events,and textual meanings within these nations.The findings indicate that through this global development strategy,China has not only strengthened its economic ties with Central Asian countries but has also exerted profound influences on political,cultural,and social levels.

Variation of East Asian Summer Monsoon and Its Relationship with Precipitation of China in Recent 111 Years

Based on the monthly average SLP data in the northern hemisphere from 1899 to 2009, East Asian summer monsoon intensity index in recent 111 years was calculated, and the interdecadal and interannual variation characteristics of East Asian summer monsoon were analyzed. The results showed that East Asian summer monsoon in the 1920s was the strongest. The intensity of East Asian summer monsoon after the middle period of the 1980s presented weakened trend. It was the weakest in the early 21st century. Morlet wavelet analysis found that the interdecadal and interannual variations of East Asian summer monsoon had quasi-10-year and quasi-2-year significance periods. The interannual variation of precipitation in the east of China closely related to intensity variation of East Asian summer monsoon. In strong （weak） East Asian summer monsoon year, the rainfall in the middle and low reaches of Yangtze River was less （more） than that in common year, while the rainfall in North China was more （less） than that in common year. The weakening of East Asian summer monsoon was an important reason for that it was rainless （drought） in North China and rainy （flood） in the middle and low reaches of the Yangtze River after the middle period of the 1980s.

TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT DEVELOPMENT OF ASIAN CORN BORER Ostrinia furnacalis

Temperature dependent development in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) was determined at nine constant temperatures between 10℃ and 34℃. Except for 10℃ development of all life stages occurred at the temperatures tested, however, mortality was significantly great at the extreme temperatures(12℃ and 34℃). Egg, larvae and pupae duration accounted for 17%, 57% and 25% of total one of immature stage, respectively Lower developmental thresholds estimated to be 10 38, 10 06 and 11 07℃ for eggs, larvae and pupae, respectively. Upper limited thresholds were 28 00, 31 00 and 31 00℃ for eggs, larvae and pupae, respectively. The heat unit requirements for egg stage were 79 15 degree days, for larval stage were 339 73 degree days, and for pupal stage were 128 82 degree days, respectively. Overall, heat unit requirements for development from egg to adult were 539 91 degree days between lower developmental threshold 10 35℃ and upper limited threshold 32℃.