Search

Highlights the papers presented at the 18th Symposium of the International Association for Vehicle System Dynamics held in Kanagawa, Japan on August 24-30, 2003. Vehicle body movement analysis with kinematical properties of suspension; Influence of roll on vehicle dynamics; Energy flow method for the analysis of effects of structural flexibility on motorcycle stability; Development of higher capacity freight bogies with low track forces.

Electropalatography (EPG) has been used in the past 50 years for studying the patterns of contact between the tongue and the palate during speech production in typical speakers and those with speech disorders due to different causes. At the 7th EPG Symposium in Japan that was held online on 24 January 2021 (see: ), a panel of invited experts discussed their views regarding further developments and application of the technique. This paper provides a summary of this discussion. EPG offers information on articulation which cannot be replaced by other instrumental measures of speech. Identified areas for further hardware development are thinner EPG plates, better dental and palatal coverage, wireless connectivity, and sensors that provide additional articulatory information (e.g. tongue pressure, tongue-palate distance). EPG can serve as a resource for teaching speech disorders and phonetics. Furthermore, EPG therapy can be combined with telepractice in the speech therapy of clients with speech disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At the 7th Electropalatography Symposium in Japan, held online on the 24 January 2021, a few speakers were invited to talk about how the COVID‐19 pandemic had impacted their research and/or speech therapy that involved the use of electropalatography (EPG) as well as the procedures adopted in order to continue their work in a safe manner. The information on protective measures when using instrumental techniques in speech research and therapy may be useful for colleagues in research and the clinic. Aims: The primary aims are: (1) to find out whether there are any published recommendations regarding protective measures for using EPG in research and clinic settings; (2) to discuss the impact of the pandemic and the corresponding restrictions and general protective measures directed (or advised) by local government and professional bodies at each stage of EPG work; and (3) to share experiences in using modified procedures for face‐to‐face EPG therapy sessions and combined EPG teletherapy. In addition, a brief overview of EPG and a summary of EPG research and clinical activities in Japan presented by one of the symposium organizers at the symposium are included. Methods & Procedures: A review of the literature regarding protective measures recommended for using EPG for speech assessment and treatment or research, supplemented by a discussion of our own experiences. Main Contribution: The literature review showed that there are no guidelines regarding protective measures for using EPG, but there is some advice regarding speech recording using microphones. Most published articles related to speech and language therapy (SLT) service during COVID‐19 are about telepractice or general clinical guidelines for face‐to‐face speech therapy sessions. The protective measures for using EPG developed based on the general guidelines recommended by local government and professional bodies (e.g., using visors, transparent acrylic board) were described. Using EPG in telepractice was discussed as well. Conclusions: It has been challenging to continue EPG research and therapy during the pandemic. In order to deal with this crisis, available knowledge regarding infection control and recommendations from local government and professional bodies were applied to design methods and procedures that allowed EPG research and therapy to continue. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: There are general protective measures recommended by local government and professional bodies regarding speech therapy sessions (e.g., using personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing), but little is known about the measures for using instrumental techniques in speech research and therapy, particularly EPG. The equipment of each instrumental technique is different, so measures that are appropriate for one may not be suitable for others. Hence, specific recommendations are needed for EPG. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This paper provides pointers to information about recommendations regarding protective measures for speech research and therapy, supplemented with suggestions specific to EPG provided by experienced users based on actual experience. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: In evaluating the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on EPG research and therapy, an analytical approach was taken to break down the steps involved in carrying out those activities, and the challenges we faced and the possible alternatives for completing the tasks were discussed. A similar approach can be applied to evaluate other aspects of speech therapy service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of technical papers presented at the 2005 annual congress of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan or JSAE is provided, including "Single Cylinder Miller Cycle Engine With Lead Valve," "Development of Electromagnetic Variable Valve Timing System for Exhaust Camshaft" and "Improvement of Combustion by Asymmetric Piston Speed."

Presents abstract of papers presented at the Japanese-European Kobe Symposium on Thrombosis held in Kobe Gakuin University, Japan. 'Modelling Human Thrombosis: From Animal Experiments to Global in Vitro Tests,' by I.B. Kovacs; Photothrombotic Occlusion Model of the Middle Cerebral Artery,' by K. Umemura and Y. Suzuki.

Hospital ethics committees (HECs) are expected to play extremely broad and pivotal roles such as case consultation, education of staffs on healthcare ethics, and institutional policy formation. Despite the growing importance of HECs, there are no standards for setup and operation of HECs, and composition and activities of HECs at each institution are rarely disclosed in Japan. In addition, there is also a lack of information sharing and collaboration among HECs. Therefore, the authors established the Consortium of Hospital Ethics Committees (CHEC) in October 2020, which has been regularly hosting a couple of core activities. One is the Healthcare Ethics Forum, held monthly online for CHEC members to freely discuss HECs and healthcare ethics consultation. The other is the Collaboration Conference of Hospital Ethics Committees, intended to provide a place for HEC members and administrative officers from across Japan to exchange information of their HECs, learn from each other, and cooperate to operate HECs appropriately. In this paper, the authors introduced CHEC as well as reported the results of a questionnaire survey conducted at the first conference among participating facilities, suggesting the diverse structures and activities of HECs in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 4th Asia Partnership Conference of Regenerative Medicine (APACRM) was held online on April 15, 2021, to promote regulatory harmonization of regenerative medicine products throughout Asia. Recognizing domestic regulatory guidelines within each country and region, and their underpinning rationales, is an important initial step toward a convergence of regulations. The 4th APACRM consisted of an open dialog with regulatory agencies regarding nonclinical and quality settings for cell therapy products (CTPs) through industry presentations and panel discussions with regulatory agencies. The latest updates on regenerative medicine fields in each country and region, and specific regulatory schematics in Japan, were also introduced. The objective of this paper is to summarize the proceedings of the 4th APACRM for public dissemination and to foster further discussion in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the above-named upcoming special issue or section. May include topics to be covered or calls for papers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This cluster issue of Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics contains a collection of papers based on invited talks given at the 2nd International Symposium on Advanced Magnetic Materials and Applications 2010 (ISAMMA 2010) held from 12-16 July 2010 in Sendai, Japan. ISAMMA is the first consolidated symposium of three independent symposia held in the Asian region. ISPMM (International Symposium on Physics of Magnetic Materials) of Japan started in 1987 in Sendai, and was held six times: Beijing (1992), Seoul (1995), Sendai (1998), Taipei (2001) and Singapore (2005). ISAMT (International Symposium of Advanced Magnetic Technology) of Taiwan and SOMMA (International Symposium on Magnetic Materials and Applications) of Korea both began in 1999 and were each held five times up to 2005. ISAMMA was established as a new international symposium which will be held every three years in Asia. The concept of this unified international symposium was mainly led by Professor M Takahashi, Conference Chair of ISAMMA 2010. The first memorial symposium, ISAMMA 2007, was held in Jeju Island, Korea, during the period from 28 May to 1 June 2007. The main purpose and scope of ISAMMA is to provide an opportunity for scientists and engineers from all over the world to meet in Asia to discuss recent advances in the study of magnetic materials and their physics, spin-related phenomena and materials. The categories of ISAMMA 2010 were: fundamental properties of magnetic materials; hard/soft magnetic materials and applications; spintronics materials and devices; structured materials; multi functional magnetic materials; spin dynamics and micromagnetics; magnetic storage; materials for applications (sensors, high-frequency, power, and bio/medical devices); magnetic imaging and characterization. The scientific programme began on Tuesday 13 July 2010 with the opening remark by the Symposium Chairman. The conference was attended by 511 participants from 23 countries, with about 40 per cent from overseas. The programme involved 4 plenary talks, 37 invited talks, 85 contributed talks and 352 posters. All submitted papers were reviewed in order to meet the standards of Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics and Journal of Physics: Conference Series. We are grateful to all participants for their valuable contributions and active discussions. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of 17 Japanese companies and 7 Japanese foundations. Invited papers from ISAMMA 2010 Contents Current status and recent topics of rare-earth permanent magnets S Sugimoto Alloying effect on the magnetic properties of RFeB-type bulk magnets H W Chang, C C Hsieh, J Y Gan, Y T Cheng, M F Shih and W C Chang Coercivity distributions in Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets produced by the grain boundary diffusion process H Nakamura, K Hirota, T Ohashi and T Minowa Recent progress in high Bs Fe-based nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys M Ohta and Y Yoshizawa Electric-field effects on magnetic anisotropy in Pd/Fe/Pd(0 0 1) surface Shinya Haraguchi, Masahito Tsujikawa, Junpei Gotou and Tatsuki Oda Gate modulation of spin precession in a semiconductor channel Hyun Cheol Koo, Jae Hyun Kwon, Jonghwa Eom, Joonyeon Chang, Suk Hee Han and Mark Johnson Ferromagnetic resonance of epitaxial Fe nanodots grown on MgO measured using coplanar waveguides M Mizuguchi and K Takanashi Switching phase diagrams of current-induced magnetization switching in asymmetric MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions Seung-Young Park, Jae-Ho Han, Se-Chung Oh, Jang-Eun Lee, Kyung-Tae Nam, Hyun-Woo Lee, Younghun Jo and Kyung-Jin Lee Temperature dependence of spin-dependent transport properties of Co2MnSi-based current-perpendicular-to-plane magnetoresistive devices Y Sakuraba, K Izumi, S Bosu, K Saito and K Takanashi Adsorbate-induced spin-polarization enhancement of Fe3O4(0 0 1) A Pratt, M Kurahashi, X Sun and Y Yamauchi Antiferromagnetic coupling between spinel ferrite and a-Fe layers in Fe3-dO4/MgO/Fe(0 0 1) epitaxial films Hideto Yanagihara, Yuta Toyoda and Eiji Kita Monte Carlo simulations of the magnetocaloric effect in magnetic Ni-Mn-X (X = Ga, In) Heusler alloys V D Buchelnikov, V V Sokolovskiy, S V Taskaev, V V Khovaylo, A A Aliev, L N Khanov, A B Batdalov, P Entel, H Miki and T Takagi Changes in electronic states and magnetic free energy in La1[?]zCez(FexSi1[?]x)13 magnetic refrigerants A Fujita, S Fujieda and K Fukamichi Garnet composite films with Au particles fabricated by repetitive formation for enhancement of Faraday effect H Uchida, Y Mizutani, Y Nakai, A A Fedyanin and M Inoue Control of magnetic domain wall displacement using spin current in small in-plane magnetic field in Permalloy nanowires Yoshihiko Togawa, Takashi Kimura, Ken Harada, Akira Tonomura and Yoshichika Otani Magnetic-field tunable transmittance in a ferrofluid-filled silicon nitride photonic crystal slab H M Lee, L Horng and J C Wu Evaluation of a miniature magnetostrictive actuator using Galfenol under tensile stress Toshiyuki Ueno, Hidemitsu Miura and Sotoshi Yamada Sub-nm resolution depth profiling of the magnetic structure of thin films by the depth-resolved x-ray magnetic circular dichroism technique K Amemiya and M Sakamaki [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Third Symposium of the Los Alamos Computer Science Institute (LACSI) was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S. on October 13-16, 2002. The mission of the LACSI Symposium series is to be a valuable forum for presenting and discussing current research and important programs in scalable high performance computing. Each year the format of the program has evolved to meet that goal. In 2002, the program included a keynote talk on Japan's Earth Simulator, a number of invited "state of the field" talks, an invited panel, a poster session, a day of workshops, and the presentation of 17 reviewed research papers selected from 42 technical submissions. Six papers from the Symposium is presented in this special issue of the "International Journal of High Performance Computing Applications." The selected papers represent the breadth of technical content of the Symposium.

This paper reviews developments regarding the use of plasma-free amino acid (PFAA) profiles as biomarkers for detecting and predicting disease risk. This work was initiated and first published in 2006 and was subsequently developed by Ajinomoto Co. Inc. After commercialization in 2011, PFAA-based tests were adopted in over 1500 clinics and hospitals in Japan, and numerous clinician-led studies have been performed to validate these tests. Evidence is accumulating that PFAA profiles can be used for diabetes prediction and evaluation of frailty; in particular, decreased plasma essential amino acids could contribute to the pathophysiology of severe frailty. Integration of PFAA evaluation as a biomarker and effective essential amino acid supplementation, which improves physical and mental functions in the elderly, could facilitate the development of precision nutrition, including personalized solutions. This present review provides the background for the technology as well as more recent clinical findings, and offers future possibilities regarding the implementation of precision nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“The Colloquium on Oceanography” was initiated by a chief scientist, Michitaka Uda, of the Imperial Fisheries Institute, in April, 1932, to introduce papers, present oneʼs study results, and promote information exchange between members. Bi-monthly meetings, which were held on Thursdays at the Imperial Fisheries Institute, eventually led to 172 meetings and 506 lectures by 80 members until February, 1942. The cooperation between members and fervor for oceanography resulted in the proposal to create “the Oceanographic Society of Japan” in 1936. However, the proposal of “Kaiyo-Gakkai,” which had been previously presented at the Imperial Marine Observatory in Kobe, failed in the first half of 1937. The mutual consultation between “Kaiyo-Gakkai” and “the Colloquium on Oceanography” succeeded in building a committee on “Standard Sea Water” in December, 1939, and subsequently, “the Oceanographic Society of Japan” was established on January 28, 1941. In this study, the authors describe the examination of the proposal, contents, and details that led of the foundation of “the Oceanographic Society of Japan,” including participation by some scientists [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“The Colloquium on Oceanography” was initiated by a chief scientist, Michitaka Uda, of the Imperial Fisheries Institute, in April, 1932, to introduce papers, present one?s study results, and promote information exchange between members. Bi-monthly meetings, which were held on Thursdays at the Imperial Fisheries Institute, eventually led to 172 meetings and 506 lec¬tures by 80 members until February, 1942. The cooperation between members and fervor for oceanography resulted in the proposal to create “the Oceanographic Society of Japan” in 1936. However, the proposal of “Kaiyo-Gakkai,” which had been previously presented at the Imperi¬al Marine Observatory in Kobe, failed in the first half of 1937. The mutual consultation be¬tween “Kaiyo-Gakkai” and “the Colloquium on Oceanography” succeeded in building a com¬mittee on “Standard Sea Water” in December, 1939, and subsequently, “the Oceanographic Society of Japan” was established on January 28, 1941. In this study, the authors describe the examination of the proposal, contents, and details that led of the foundation of “the Oceano-graphic Society of Japan,” including participation by some scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“The Colloquium on Oceanography” was initiated by a chief scientist, Michitaka Uda, of the Imperial Fisheries Institute, in April, 1932, to introduce papers, present oneʼs study results, and promote information exchange between members. Bi-monthly meetings, which were held on Thursdays at the Imperial Fisheries Institute, eventually led to 172 meetings and 506 lectures by 80 members until February, 1942. The cooperation between members and fervor for oceanography resulted in the proposal to create “the Oceanographic Society of Japan” in 1936. However, the proposal of “Kaiyo-Gakkai,” which had been previously presented at the Imperial Marine Observatory in Kobe, failed in the first half of 1937. The mutual consultation between “Kaiyo-Gakkai” and “the Colloquium on Oceanography” succeeded in building a committee on “Standard Sea Water” in December, 1939, and subsequently, “the Oceanographic Society of Japan” was established on January 28, 1941. In this study, the authors describe the examination of the proposal, contents, and details that led of the foundation of “the Oceanographic Society of Japan,” including participation by some scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese government provided various political opportunities for non-governmental groups and individuals in Japan to 'jointly propose' policy on education and sustainable development at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002. These opportunities resulted in the emergence of the Japanese education for sustainable development (ESD) movement, and the crystallisation of a broader proposal that led to the initiation of the UN Decade of ESD (2005-2014). In this paper, we trace the history of these two outcomes, arguing that the opportunities, developed through the coordination of non-governmental groups by government, took place within, rather than broadened or confronted, the government's scope of interests. While the paper illustrates how the government's continued support was crucial to the development of the ESD movement and the UN Decade, and the movement has met with considerable achievements thus far (via its collective challenges to conventional education in a sustainability context in Japan), we argue that recognition of the political opportunity structures that affect the movement's further development remains crucial. In particular, we argue for close attention to the significance of a corporatist framing of this emerging civil society movement in Japan by the national government, and call for further political and historical analysis of ESD movements and their relations with government, around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most economists examining the question of 'pollution havens' have concluded that the level of environmental regulation and activism in different states is not generally a significant determinant of international patterns of trade and foreign direct investment. This paper argues on the basis of extensive primary research that with respect to Japan's foreign direct investment during the 1970s, at any rate, this conclusion needs to be rethought. In the early 1970s, Japanese actors were remarkably forthright in ascribing their investment decisions to a desire to move polluting industry overseas. These statements allow us to examine 'pollution export' as a state strategy, a project advocated by industry organizations, and a response of individual firms to high levels of protest and regulation. The paper also traces the development of the Japanese debate over pollution export through the 1970s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Stereocontrolled additions of allylic metal reagents to carbonyl compounds constitute one of the most useful classes of transformations in organic synthesis. The recent development of Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalyzed manifolds for the allylboration of carbonyl compounds has opened doors toward an ideal carbonyl allylation methodology using stable and nontoxic allylic boronates as reagents. This paper describes the development of acid-catalyzed allylborations, mechanistic investigations of these new processes, and ongoing efforts toward general catalytic enantioselective allylboration methodologies. The preparation of optically enriched α-substituted allylic boronate reagents is discussed, as well as their applications in Lewis acid-catalyzed additions to afford skeletally diverse products like propionate units, polysubstituted furans, vinylcyclopropanes, and larger ring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194The Reformatsky reaction is a venerable named reaction that was introduced more than 120 years ago. Diastereoselective variants based on the use of chiral auxiliary and enantioselective protocols, based on the employment of stoichiometric amount of chiral ligands, have been successfully applied in organic synthesis during the years. However, a facile and general catalytic enantioselective variant was still a difficult task. Recently, we have established a new general and straightforward methodology for catalytic enantioselective Reformatsky reaction based on different concepts. In this paper, we present our general finding in catalytic enantioselective Reformatsky reaction of ketones, imines, and aldehydes. Our simple methodologies could become benchmark reactions for testing new synthesized chiral ligands for asymmetric transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the 4th Single Topic Conference on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), which was held at the Westin Hotel, Awaji Island, Japan. Various papers pertaining to the differences in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for HCC treatment between Japan and the West were discussed. These include the paper of Professor Kojiro of Kurume University on Japan's experience in treatment of, and research in, HCC. A discussion on evidence-based treatment algorithm used in Japan was also discussed at the conference.

Ten years have passed since the first Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) was held in 1993. Since then, TICAD II, HI, and Ministerial Level Meetings followed with each meeting producing either internationally agreed upon documents or action plans. There are many similar initiatives for development of African countries. In fact, cynics in and out of Africa castigate TICAD and other international initiatives as waste of time and energy because they have not been associated with any useful and concrete projects and the overall growth of Africa. This paper sets out to assess positive contributions that have been made by international initiatives including TICAD. The premise of this paper is that we are all in the game of globalization and development of Africa is a sub-game of globalization. Any game is played by the rules. Functions of international conferences for development could be defined in terms of setting development rules, guiding strategies and providing opportunities to build capacity for development. The paper examines what TICAD has offered to African countries as well as international community over ten years within this simple framework of analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for less hostile and more humanitarian ways of caring for patients in health care institutions are becoming more widespread and accepted in Japan. In the city of Tsukuba, student groups are leading the way in developing ways in making hospital stays less stressful through arts programs. This paper is the result of direct participation, observation, and assistance by the hospitals, medical staff, and students who are organize hands-on projects and interactive art sessions designed to serve patients directly. The Arts in Hospital program is a useful tool in engaging community participation and communication among students and hospital staff. It provides a learning opportunity to students, and a creative outlet for patients on extended care. Active participation by students has a very positive impact on by giving them practical outlets to exercise their creativity and knowledge, while hospitals benefit through their service, which also cuts costs. Further research is needed to identify the direct benefit to patients, and the future prospects of arts-based hospital projects in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, for adults with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, two new analogues, entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir, are recommended as the first-line therapy by the EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver), AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases), and APASL (Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver) guidelines. The use of pegylated interferon-α (PEG IFN-α) is recommended as the first-line therapy instead of standard IFN-α according to the above 3 guidelines. In this paper, the aim was to assess: (1) the long-term efficacy and safety as well as the resistance to ETV and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF); (2) the efficacy of PEG IFN-α; (3) the role of combination therapy with IFN plus two analogues, such as lamivudine and ETV; (4) the efficacy and safety of two analogues with cirrhosis, and (5) suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by ETV and IFN treatment. The results are as follows: (1) both ETV and TDF showed long-term efficacy and safety; (2) PEG IFN-α resulted in a greater decline in HBV DNA levels and a higher rate of HBeAg seroconversion; (3) combination therapy with IFN plus two analogues did not elevate the rate of sustained responses; (4) both ETV and TDF showed efficacy and safety with cirrhosis (ETV especially displayed efficacy and safety with decompensated cirrhosis), and (5) suppression of HCC was observed by ETV and IFN. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts of papers presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Wound Healing on topics including regenerative medicine of hepatic stem cells, a wound closure device after intestinal cancer surgery, and endothelial progenitor cell therapy for diabetics.

Information about several papers discussed at the Post-International Investigate Dermatology (IID) International Meeting on Autoimmune Bullous Diseases held in Tokyo, Japan is presented. Among the papers discussed during the meeting were the desmosome dynamics in health and disease, the mysterious target antigens in autoimmune bullous diseases, and the mouse model for pemphigus and pemphigoid. An overview on how the sessions was conducted is also presented.

Abstract: The Asia and Oceania Society for Comparative Endocrinology (AOSCE) was founded in 1987, when the first congress was held in Nagoya, Japan. The purpose of the AOSCE is to progress scientific activities in the field of comparative endocrinology in Asia and Oceania and to establish a deep relationship among the members. For this purpose, the AOSCE holds a congress or an intercongress symposium every 2years, which organizes an attractive scientific program covering the latest progress in the broad aspect of comparative endocrinology. 2012 was the 25th anniversary of AOSCE. Our scientific activities have increased dramatically during the past 25years. The 7th AOSCE congress was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2012. The theme of this congress was “Overcoming challenges in the 21st century”. To overcome challenges in the 21st century, we further need to create new research directions in comparative endocrinology from Asia and Oceania. This paper describes a brief history of the AOSCE and also highlights the discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and the progress of GnIH research as one of new research directions in comparative endocrinology. In 2000, GnIH was discovered in Japan and now more than 50 laboratories are working on GnIH in the world. The discovery of GnIH has changed our understanding about regulation of the reproductive axis drastically in the past decade. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Information about several papers discussed at second International Symposium on Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Threshold held November 23, 2011 in Tokyo in Japan on genotoxic carcinogens is presented. Topics include regulation of chemical carcinogen, carcinogenic ability of DNA reactive and non-reactive chemicals and impact of exposure to ethylating agents. The symposium features several notable researchers including Takehiko Nohmi, George S. Bailey and Samuel M. Cohen.

This paper summarizes and comments on the main oral and written contributions submitted to "Question 95. Ageing and upgrading", which took place during the XXIV International Congress on Large Dams, held in Kyoto. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes and summarizes the contributions submitted to "Question 92. Environmental friendly techniques for dams and reservoirs", which took place during the XXIV International Congress on Large Dams, held last June in Kyoto, Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the topics discussed at the World Congress of Endourology held in Kyoto, Japan is presented. The presentation for the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) included papers focusing on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and urinary tract infections, PCNL and large stones, PCNL and lithotriptors, and PCNL and obesity. The event also featured Global PCNL Study, CROES PCNL Study, and the Global Ureteroscopy (URS) Study.

The article lists several papers on Kawasaki disease for the 10th International Kawasaki Disease Symposium in Kyoto, Japan which focus on topics including its global occurrence, epediomiologic study and environmental exposure.

Abstract: Held on 21st to 23rd November 2009 in Hiroshima, the SiHIS working conference aimed at finding solutions to approach to an idealistic society where (1) the individual can trust information with full understanding and responsibility, (2) the individual can allow the use of information backed by sound legitimated environment, (3) information can play its role for better healthcare and the improvement of medicine. The purpose of this paper is to propose recommendations from this working conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at the 9th Japan-Korea Joint Symposium held on May 15, 2010 at Tokyo, Japan, on gastrointestinal endoscopy is presented. Topics include training system and registration of endoscopic submucosal dissection, the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of small bowel diseases, and pancreatobiliary diseases. The symposium featured several delegates including Michio Kaminishi, Joon Soo Hahm, and Kyu Yong Choi.

Information about several papers discussed at the 45th Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Society for Mucosal Immunology held at the Mielparque-Kyoto in Japan on July 3-4, 2008 is presented. Topics include the immunity of the digestive disease and liver, pancreatic disease. The featured speakers at the symposium include Professor Takanori Kanai of Keio University and Professor Matthew B. Grisham of LSU Health Science Center.

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194New carbocyclizations that proceed via catalytic metal-vinylidenes are presented. Metal-vinylidene catalytic species, which are easily accessible from terminal alkynes and catalytic amounts of transition-metal complexes, can be involved either in pericyclic reactions or in tandem processes triggered by nucleophilic attack at the electrophilic position of the vinylidene. In both cases, a wide variety of valuable cyclic compounds are easily accessible. Some recent carbocyclizations will be described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Inspired by the principle of DNA base-pairing, a new concept for the self-assembly of molecular catalysts is described herein. Thus, employing A-T analogous complementary hydrogen-bonding templates, self-assembly of monodentate to bidentate ligands in the coordination sphere of a transition-metal salt occurs to give defined self-assembly catalysts. This approach is intrinsically combinatorial and allows the facile generation of defined catalyst libraries through simple component mixing. From the study of these ligand libraries, excellent catalysts for linear-selective hydroformylation, asymmetric hydrogenation, and anti-Markovnikov hydration of terminal alkynes have emerged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194A new type of catalytic hydrosilylation of arylalkynes was induced by a 16-electron ruthenium bis(silyl) phosphine complex, resulting in ortho-silylation of the aryl group as well as a hydrogenation of the alkyne CC bond to give an (E)-form of alkene selectively. On the other hand, the same reaction using a related bis(silyl) complex having an η6-toluene ligand instead of the phosphine ligand as a catalyst led to a normal hydrosilylation reaction to afford silylalkene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194The reaction of N-benzenesulfonylbenzaldimine with Ni(cod)2 and PCy3 gave the corresponding η2-iminenickel complex quantitatively. Diphenylacetylene reacted with the η2-iminenickel complex to generate five-membered aza-nickelacycle. Insertion of second alkynes into the five-membered aza-nickelacycle led to the formation of the corresponding seven-membered aza-nickelacycles. Heating the solution of the seven-membered aza-nickelacycles induced the reductive elimination to give 1,2-dihydropyridine. In the presence of 10 mol % of Ni(cod)2 and PMetBu2 at 100 °C, the intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of N-benzenesulfonylbenzaldimine and 2-butyne occurred to give the expected 1,2-dihydropyridine in 87 % yield. In the presence of PCy3, the reaction also proceeded catalytically, however, PMetBu2 gave better results. Less bulky or less basic phosphine, PnBu3 or P(o-tol)3, was not efficient for the reaction. Although Ni(0)-NHC complex was a good catalyst for [2+2+2] cycloaddition of two alkynes and a ketone or an aldehyde, this reaction did not proceed in the presence of an NHC ligand, 1,3-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194The first boryl anion, boryllithium, was synthesized by a reduction of bromoborane precursor using lithium naphthalenide in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent at -45 °C. Structural and spectroscopic study revealed an ionic character of B-Li bond. Boryllithium could be utilized as a source of boryl ligand in the transition-metal chemistry. Structural and spectroscopic features of the resulting boryl complexes confirmed the large trans influence of boryl ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194A new hydrosilylative cross-coupling reaction of a variety of alkynes with several alkenes, which is catalyzed by a cationic Pd complex [Pd(η3-C3H5)(cod)]+[PF6]- (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) was studied systematically. The reaction using HSiCl3 as an addend afforded more or less two types of products consisting of four possible derivatives, R1CH=CR2-CHR3-CHR4-SiCl3, which always contained 4-trichlorosilyl-1-butene frameworks, in acceptable combined yields. The coupling pattern was markedly dependent both on the precatalyst in the absence or presence of PPh3 ligand and on the combination of the alkyne and alkene partners employed. A possible catalytic cycle that involves an initial hydropalladation of an alkyne, followed by a facile and specific carbopalladation of an alkene, is proposed. At the same time, the lack of regioselectivity in the latter step is noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Kinetic resolution of planar-chiral 1,1'-diallylferrocene derivatives was realized by Mo- or Ru-catalyzed asymmetric ring-closing metathesis (RCM). The Mo catalyst showed much better performance than the Ru catalyst in the present reactions, and nearly perfect resolution of the racemic ferrocenes was achieved. This is the first example of highly enantioselective metal-catalyzed methods of preparing optically active planar-chiral metallocenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Selective cross-addition of triisopropylsilylacetylene (TIPSA) to unactivated alkynes is catalyzed by dinuclear and mononuclear palladium complexes supported by a multidentate ligand, N,N'-bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]formamidine (dpfamH). While the addition reactions of TIPSA to dialkylacetylenes using palladium catalysts supported by monodentate and bidentate ligands gives dimers of TIPSA as major products, the reactions with the palladium complexes supported by dpfam affords cross-adducts selectively, in which the yields of TIPSA dimers are less than 5 %. The addition of TIPSA to monoalkylacetylenes also gives cross-adducts as major products, although the selectivity and yield are moderate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Rhenium complex, [ReBr(CO)3(thf)]2-catalyzed reactions between aromatic imines and either acetylenes or α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds gave indene derivatives in good to excellent yields. These reactions proceed via C-H bond activation, insertion of acetylenes or α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization, and reductive elimination. Indene derivatives were also obtained from aromatic ketones and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of catalytic amounts of the rhenium complex and p-anisidine. Sequential ruthenium-catalyzed hydroamination of aromatic acetylenes with anilines, and rhenium-catalyzed reactions of the formed aromatic ketimines with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds also provided indene derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Nickel-catalyzed carbocyanation reaction of alkynes is described. Alkynes undergo aryl- and allylcyanation reaction in the presence of nickel-phosphine catalysts to give a wide range of substituted acrylonitriles in highly stereo-, regio-, and chemoselective manners. Lewis acid cocatalysts, such as AlMe3, AlMe2Cl, and BPh3, are found to promote the arylcyanation significantly. The cooperative catalysis of nickel and Lewis acid also allows the carbocyanation reaction using alkenyl and alkyl cyanides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194Copper-catalyzed γ-selective substitution of allylic carbonates with diboron provides a new method for the efficient synthesis of allylboronates. Optically active α-chiral allylboronates were synthesized through the reaction of chiral allylic carbonates with bis(pinacolato)diboron in the presence of achiral Cu(I)-catalyst with highly efficient chirality transfer. Additionally, in the presence of a chiral Cu(I) catalyst, optically active α-chiral allylboronates were obtained with >90 % ee through the reaction of prochiral substrates with the diboron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]