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A dark matter search project needs and extremely low background radiation detector since the expected event rate of dark matter is less than a few events in one year in one tonne of the detector mass. The authors developed a highly radiopure NaI(Tl) crystal to search for dark matter. The best combination of the purification methods was developed, resulting $^{\mathrm{nat}}$K and $^{210}$Pb were less than 20 ppb and 5.7 $\mu$Bq/kg, respectively. The authors will construct a large volume detector system with high-purity NaI(Tl) crystals. The design and the performance of the prototype detector module will be reported in this article., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, RADIATION DETECTORS AND THEIR USES Proceedings of the 35th Workshop on Radiation Detectors and Their Uses in KEK

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is involved in many biological processes but little is known regarding its role in shaping immunity. Here we show that cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling (a pattern recognition receptor [PRR]-independent mechanism) regulates conventional type-2 Dendritic Cells (cDC2s) in mice and reprograms their Th17-inducing properties via repression of IRF4 and KLF4, transcription factors essential for cDC2-mediated Th2 induction. In mice, genetic loss of IRF4 phenocopies the effects of cAMP on Th17 induction and restoration of IRF4 prevents the cAMP effect. Moreover, curdlan, a PRR-dependent microbial product, activates CREB and represses IRF4 and KLF4, resulting in a pro-Th17 phenotype of cDC2s. These in vitro and in vivo results define a novel signaling pathway by which cDC2s display plasticity and provide a new molecular basis for the classification of novel cDC2 and cDC17 subsets. The findings also reveal that repressing IRF4 and KLF4 pathway can be harnessed for immuno-regulation.

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Although over 60 loci for type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been identified, there still remains a large genetic component to be clarified. To explore unidentified loci for T2D, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 6 209 637 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were directly genotyped or imputed using East Asian references from the 1000 Genomes Project (June 2011 release) in 5976 Japanese patients with T2D and 20 829 nondiabetic individuals. Nineteen unreported loci were selected and taken forward to follow-up analyses. Combined discovery and follow-up analyses (30 392 cases and 34 814 controls) identified three new loci with genome-wide significance, which were MIR129-LEP [rs791595; risk allele = A; risk allele frequency (RAF) = 0.080; P = 2.55 × 10(-13); odds ratio (OR) = 1.17], GPSM1 [rs11787792; risk allele = A; RAF = 0.874; P = 1.74 × 10(-10); OR = 1.15] and SLC16A13 (rs312457; risk allele = G; RAF = 0.078; P = 7.69 × 10(-13); OR = 1.20). This study demonstrates that GWASs based on the imputation of genotypes using modern reference haplotypes such as that from the 1000 Genomes Project data can assist in identification of new loci for common diseases.

We have developed a simple method for reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image in the operating room from sequentially scanned intraoperative two-dimensional (2D) power Doppler images using a personal computer and commercially available software. During three operations, 2 for cerebral aneurysm and 1 for cerebral tumor, intracranial vessel images were digitally transferred to a personal computer by freehand scanning over the dura mater or surface of the brain with a 7.5-MHz linear probe. A series of 2D images were converted to a smaller file, and 3D image was reconstructed with volume-rendering software. It took about 15 minutes to reconstruct of the initial 3D image. In the cases of cerebral aneurysm, the vessels connected to the lesion or running nearby were easily identified on the image. In the tumor case, the anatomical relation between the vascular structures and the tumor was clear. This simple 3D reconstruction method provides spatial information about intracranial vascular structures that is useful in intraoperative surgical planning.

PURPOSE: To evaluate linguistic validity of the Japanese version of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and BPH Impact Index (BII). METHODS: The translation was performed through multi-step procedure. Forward translation was created through the discussion by 5 urologists, 2 Japanese translators and 1 nurse on independent translations of the discussants and the translation published in the Guideline in Japan. Back translation was made by 2 native speakers of American English, and negotiated with the original developers. A person-to-person in-depth interview was carried out on 20 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. RESULTS: The developers generally approved our translation, but had 2 major concerns in the Japanese version; 1) "how often" in every sentence of English version was not translated into Japanese, and 2) the Japanese expression in the response choices of QOL index should be more emotional. The former concern was compromised by placing a sentence at the beginning of the questionnaire explaining that the response should be considered in frequency. The latter concern was examined in a pre-test involving additional 88 patients and compromised by making the translation of some response choices more emotional. CONCLUSION: We evaluated linguistic validity of Japanese translations of IPSS and BII, and proposed a valid Japanese version of these questionnaires.

We attempted to detect cytomegalovirus DNA (CMV-DNA) and Pneumocystis carinii DNA (carinii-DNA) in urine, blood and sputum samples of 16 leukemia patients with pneumonia, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Synthetic oligonucleotide primer pair were used to amplify DNA from the major immediately genes of CMV and genes for the large subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA of P. carinii. Amplified products were detected by gel electrophoresis. In two cases, CMV-DNA was detected at about the time the pneumonia occurred, and in one of the two cases, CMV-DNA was detected in the sputum sample. This patient was treated immediately with ganciclovir. After ganciclovir treatment, clinical and biochemical signs of CMV pneumonia disappeared. In three cases, carinii-DNA was detected in their sputum samples. In their blood and urine samples, carinii-DNA were not detected. This three cases were treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and successfully treated episodes of P. carinii pneumonia. We conclude that PCR amplification may be a valuable tool for rapid diagnosing CMV pneumonia and P. carinii pneumonia.

The differential cross section and analyzing power $A_y$ of the ${\vec p}p{\to}pp��^0$ reaction have been measured at RCNP in coplanar geometry at a beam energy of 390 MeV and the dependence on both the pion emission angle and the relative momentum of the final protons have been extracted. The angular variation of Ay for the large values of the relative momentum studied here shows that this is primarily an effect of the interference of pion s- and p-waves and this interference can also explain the momentum dependence. Within the framework of a very simple model, these results would suggest that the pion-production operator has a significant long-range component., 12 pages, 11 figures, 3 tables, submitted to Physical Review C

Six patients, with advanced germ cell tumor refractory to prior chemotherapy including cis-platinum and etoposide, were treated by high dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation. Etoposide (1200-1800 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) and cis-platinum (60-120 mg/m2) were given and the autologous bone marrow was infused 72 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy. Two patients were treated by high dose chemotherapy three times. The regimen of the third high dose chemotherapy was etoposide (1800 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg), adriamycin (80 mg/m2), ACNU (200 mg/m2) and 254S (100 mg/m2). One patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 7 days after ABMT. Of the 5 patients evaluable for response, 4 responded: one patient obtained a complete response and 3 a partial response.

An ensemble of multi-layer scintillators is discussed as an option of the high-sensitivity detector Mo Observatory Of Neutrinos (MOON) for spectroscopic measurements of neutrino-less double beta decays. A prototype detector MOON-1, which consists of 6 layer plastic-scintillator plates, was built to study the sensitivity of the MOON-type detector. The scintillation photon collection and the energy resolution, which are key elements for the high-sensitivity experiments, are found to be 1835+/-30 photo-electrons for 976 keV electrons and sigma = 2.9+/-0.1% (dE/E = 6.8+/-0.3 % in FWHM) at the Qbb ~ 3 MeV region, respectively. The multi-layer plastic-scintillator structure with good energy resolution as well as good background suppression of beta-gamma rays is crucial for the MOON-type detector to achieve the inverted hierarchy neutrino mass sensitivity., Comment: 8 pages, 16 figures, submitted to Nucl.Instrum.Meth

We have previously reported overlapping cardiac volume reduction operation (OLCVR) for dilated cardiomyopathy. Because of the acceptable clinical outcome and especially the excellent ellipsoidal shape of the left ventricle (LV) after surgery, we extended this indication for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) with dilated LV. In such cases we combined OLCVR with mitral annuloplasty and papillary muscles approximation (PMA), called integrated overlapping ventriculoplasty (IOLVP). From March 2003 to July 2004, we performed IOLVP with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for 8 patients who were diagnosed ICM. There is no operative mortality. Pre- and postoperative hemodynamics data are follows: LV ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 22.4 +/- 11.9 to 33.4 +/- 10.5%, LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) decreased from 155.5 +/- 26.5 to 93.7 +/- 13.5 ml/m2 and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) diminished from 66.0 +/- 8.9 to 60.5 +/- 8.4mm. Mitral regurgitation changed from 2.6 +/- 0.8 to 0.1 +/- 0.2 degree. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improved from 3.3 +/- 0.5 to 1.3 +/- 0.5. LV shape became ellipsoidal without akinesis lesion. IOLVP is considered as a good option for ICM with dilated left ventricle.

A 70-year-old man developed meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mediastinitis after prosthetic graft replacement of the ascending aorta. The sternal wound was reexplored and a single-stage procedure of irrigation, debridement, and omental transposition was performed. Ten months after the first operation, he suffered recurrence of pyrexia and the presence of false aneurysm originated from the distal suture line was diagnosed by the chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Re-replacement of the ascending aorta and proximal hemiarch with rifampicin soaked Gelseal was successfully performed. Hypothermic perfusion with circulatory arrest through peripheral cannulation and left ventricular venting via a left anterior thoracotomy was useful to obtain safe reentry in the operation of retrosternal false aneurysm.

Severe atherosclerotic disease of the ascending aorta is one of the risk factors of dissection of the ascending aorta and cerebral embolism during cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass. Aortic dissection is rare, but once it happens, the mortality rate is high. For the patient with severely atherosclerotic or strongly calcified aorta, we should avoid cannulation into the aorta or clamping of it. In this case, we experienced aortic dissection although we chose the arterial cannulations into the axillary arteries because of the strong calcification of the ascending aorta and the abdominal aorta. The dissection was caused by the cannulation into the axillary artery. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed the dissection during the operation and the ascending aorta was replaced soon. Early diagnosis and treatment saved the patient. This case showed the following points: 1) cannulation into an axillary artery is not always safe; 2) TEE is very useful to detect the complicated dissection during operation; 3) replacement of the ascending aorta alone can be one of the choices for the treatment of aortic dissection caused by cannulation into an axillary artery.

A 44-year-old man complained of chest oppression and systolic murmur. Echocardiography showed subaortic stenosis with outflow gradient of 135 mmHg, interventricular septal thickness of 21 mm, left ventricular posterior wall thickness of 11 mm, and 2/4 mitral regurgitation. Selective coronary angiography demonstrated 75% stenosis in left anterior desending branch. Coronary artery revasculization comcomitant with left ventricular myotomy-myectomy was performed. He had a good recovery from operation, and was discharged in 19th days in NYHA class I. Echocardiography one month after operation showed mild outflow pressure gradient, light systolic anterior motion of mitral anterior leaflet, and 1/4 mitral regurgitation. Careful operative management, including myocardial protection, avoiding perporation of ventricular septum, and postoperative medical care are mandatory to this group of patients. The use of cathecholamine and Ca-blocker will be attentioned because of the increasing the left ventricular pressure gradient.

Between January 1994 and August 1999, we experienced 16 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in severe left ventricular dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)or = 40%. Four had additional endoventricular patch plasty in large postinfarction akinetic scars, the so-called Dor approach, to CABG (group D). Eleven had only CABG, or CABG and mitral annuloplasty (group C). One had linear repair after the resection of the left ventricular aneurysm. One died of sustained low output syndrome 5 months after the operation in group C. Fractioning shortening and left ventricular diastolic diameter were not changed after the operation in group C. On the other hand, in group D, there were no complications after the operation, LVEF was significantly improved from 31.5 +/- 4.9% to 62.5 +/- 5.9% (p0.01) and the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index was reduced from 118 +/- 23 ml/m2 to 74 +/- 12 ml/m2 (p0.01). The Dor approach is considered to be a safe and effective additional procedure to CABG in severe patients with a large akinetic antero-septal segment.

The analyzing power of ${\vec p}p\to pp��^0$ reaction has been measured at the beam energy of 390 MeV. The missing mass technique of final protons has been applied to identify the $��^0$ production event. The dependences of the analyzing power on the pion emission-angle and the relative momentum of the protons have beenobtained. The angular dependence could be decomposed by the Legendre polynomial and the relative contribution of the $P_{21}$ to $P_{11}$ function is less than 20%. The P-state amplitude is found to be the dominant component of the $��$ production near the threshold. The momentum dependence of the analyzing power has been studied to obtain the information about the pion production mechanism. It has been deduced that the pion production due to the long range interaction plays an important role in the momentum dependence of the P-state amplitude., 7 pages, Latex, 3 Postscript figures, Submitted to Phys. Lett. B

Although the postoperative outcome in patients with incomplete atrioventricular septal defect (iAVSD) is excellent, deterioration of mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is still remained to be resolved. Therefore, this study was undertaken to compare surgical procedures for mitral cleft repair with their long-term results of MR. From 1991 to 1996, 52 patients underwent surgical repair of iAVSD. Age at operation ranged from 2 months to 62 years old with mean age of 14.2 years. Mean follow-up period was 8.6 +/- 4.4 years. All patients underwent patch closure of ostium primum defect. Two patients did not have cleft (Group A). Seven patients did not close the cleft at all (Group B), while 40 patients had the repair of valve by closing cleft near septal attachment only (Group C). The latest 3 patients had the complete closure of cleft from annulus to margin of leaflet where chorda is attached. MR was evaluated by echocardiography grading 0 to IV and regurgitation more than grade II was considered to be significant. In Group A, MR remained grade I. In Group B, MR was deteriorated in 5 patients (71%). Consequently, 6 patients (86%) had grade II or more regurgitation and 4 patients (57%) revealed grade III/IV regurgitation including one (14%) reoperation. In Group C, MR was deteriorated in 10 patients (55%). Consequently, 22 patients (86%) had grade II or more regurgitation and 5 patients (13%) had grade III/IV regurgitation including 3 (7.5%) reoperations. In Group D, no deterioration of MR was noted and all had grade I or less regurgitation. These results suggest that the closure of cleft near septal attachment is not sufficient to prevent MR in late phase and the complete closure of cleft from annulus to margin of leaflet, where chorda is attached, would be useful to prevent the deterioration of MR in late phase.

The effects of BM-1 (extracts from the mackerel) on platelet aggregation and serum lipids were investigated.Daily 6g of BM-1 was orally administered to 8 healthy male subjects for 30 days.Before and after taking BM-1, its effects on aggregation of platelets and serum lipids were studied. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP collagen was signficantly inhibited by BM-1. No significant difference between before and after administration BM-1 in the serum levels of lipids (cholesterol, phospholipid, and fatty acid) was found. However, the serum levels of HDL were significantly decreased by taking BM-1.No eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in BM-1 was detected.These results suggest that BM-1 may contain a factor, not EPA, inducing inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Summary. The haematological and immunological characteristics of 34 healthy anti-HTLV-I antibody-positive individuals (HTLV-I carriers) in southwestern Japan were examined. No significant difference was noted between carriers and the controls in counts of RBC, WBC and the absolute number of lymphocytes. The serum IgG in the carriers was higher than that of the controls. The percentages of OKT4, OKT8, OKIal and Bl-positive cells were found to be normal in the peripheral blood of the carriers, whereas the percentages of OKT11 and anti-Tac-positive cells were significantly higher in the carriers than in the controls. A correlation was observed between the percentages of anti-Tac-positive cells and the titres of anti-HTLV-I antibody in the carriers. After a 72 h incubation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with medium alone, the percentage of anti-Tac-positive cells tended to decrease in the controls, but to increase in carriers, with the appearance of large blastoid cells resembling blastic transformed lymphocytes cultured with mitogen. Tac and la antigens were markedly expressed on these large blastoid cells.

This study elucidates the nature of melanogenesis in B16 and Harding-Passey (HP) mouse melanomas producing melanin and melanosomes of different color and fine structure, i.e., brown-black eumelanosome-like B16 granules and reddish brown pheomelanosome-like HP granules, and compares them with "typical" 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and sepia eumelanins and sepia eumelanosomes. The melanin content of B16 melanosomes was more than three times higher than that of HP melanosomes. The content of free and protein-bound DOPA and 5-S-cysteinyldopa varied greatly in B16, HP, and sepia melanosomes and was unrelated to melanin content. Chemical analysis of the eumelanin: pheomelanin ratio in melanosomes and elemental analysis of isolated melanin showed that B16 and HP melanins are primarily eumelanic, with a higher ratio of pheomelanic component in HP melanin. The spectra of electron spin resonance and IR and X-ray small-angle scattering of B16 and HP melanins were basically similar to those of sepia and DOPA melanins. B16, HP, and DOPA melanins were dissolved in aqueous NH3, while sepia melanin was dissolved to a far lesser extent. It was concluded that both B16 and HP melanomas are primarily involved in eumelanogenesis, although the fine structure of their melanosomes is entirely different, and that the marked color difference in the two melanosomes is related to a difference in the absolute content of eumelanin, the presence of a small amount of pheomelanin, and the mode of chemical bindings of melanin to structural proteins. In contrast to normal skin and hair, melanosome morphogenesis may not directly correspond to melanogenesis type in malignant melanoma.

Adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is one of the T cell malignancies in man predominantly found in the Kyushu area in Southern Japan with characteristic clinical and hematologic features (1), and C-type retrovirus, isolated from the ATL cells, has recently been identified as the causative agent (2,3). Therefore, it has been of major interest to define leukemogenesis of mature T cells by ATL virus (ATLV). The Workshop presented an opportunity to study leukemia cells in ATL patients using its battery of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in a T cell protocol. Freshly obtained ATL cells can be used as a panel of cells possessing matured malignant T cell antigens on the cell surface (4) to evaluate the specific reaction of mAbs. Furthermore, the expression profile of T cell associated antigens on ATL cells could be well-characterized by the multiple sources of mAbs. A rarely observed subtype of ATL, with double markers (OKT4 and OKT8) present on the leukemic T cells, was also characterized phenotypically with the Workshop’s battery of mAbs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term recurrence rates of greater saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency after treatments for primary varicose veins, and to elucidate risk factors for recurrence.This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 376 limbs of 296 patients treated for primary varicose veins due to GSV insufficiency from January 1996 to December 1997. The recurrence-free rates after stripping surgery, saphenofemoral ligation, and sclerotherapy were estimated. The risk factors for the recurrence of primary varicose veins were estimated by multiple regression analysis.The follow-up period was 3.1+/-1.3 (mean+/-SD) years. The recurrence-free rates at 4 years after stripping, saphenofemoral ligation and sclerotherapy were 80.7%, 64.5%, and 51.3%, respectively. The saphenofemoral ligation group and sclerotherapy group had significantly higher recurrence rates than the stripping group (P=0.002, P0.001, respectively). There was no difference in recurrence rates between the saphenofemoral ligation group and sclerotherapy group (P=0.074). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being female (P0.029) and treatment without stripping (P0.001) increased the recurrence rate.Stripping surgery may be the treatment of first choice for patients with varicose veins due to GSV insufficiency. Patients who have not received stripping surgery and female patients require closer follow-up.

Many prosthetic grafts including expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron) have recently been used for above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting patency performance and patient survival.A multicenter retrospective analysis of 496 patients who received 564 grafts between 1990 and 1999 (325 ePTFE and 239 Dacron). Follow-up extended to 114.5 months, with a mean of 30.8 months (+/-25.9 months).The overall primary patency rate for all grafts was 71.4% at 5 years, 73.7% for ePTFE, and 68.9% for Dacron grafts. The secondary patency rates at 5 years were 84.1% for ePTFE, and 83.8% for Dacron. No significant differences were found. The logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age at operation and smoking history were correlated with decreased primary patency rate. The patency rates were unaffected by postoperative administration of oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, although pharmacotherapy contributed to the improvement of survival rates. Renal failure, cerebral infarction and Dacron decreased survival rate.We conclude that the patency performances of prosthetic grafts are satisfying. However, the choice of prosthetic grafts for younger patients or patients with a smoking history need to be carefully considered. Cerebral infarction, chronic renal failure and Dacron grafts may decrease the survival rate. The operative indications should be determined carefully in these cases. The administration of beraprost sodium is recommended for postoperative pharmacotherapy.

Time-lapse video microscopic observation is useful for analysis of cell biology, especially in rapid response of immune cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) have multiple functions in the immune system, and DCs in peripheral blood play an especially important role at the front line of infection. We have developed a time-lapse video microscopic method for the evaluation of single myeloid DCs (MDC-1) from human peripheral blood. MDC-1 displayed generalized plasma membrane ruffling and phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The morphological changes of MDC-1 increased following stimulation with P. aeruginosa but not after stimulation with supernatant from a P. aeruginosa culture. The activation of these morphological changes in MDC-1 could be quantitatively analyzed using the time-lapse video microscopy. This novel system may be useful for the evaluation of rapid response with human immune cells against bacterial infection., Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases, 61(4), pp. 294-297; 2008

We report results of surgical treatment in 30 patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The average age of the 25 patients without the Marfan syndrome was 59.2 (range 51-76), and male/female ratio was 11/14. The average age of the five patients with the Marfan syndrome was 36.8 (range 27-48), and male/female ratio was 2/3. As an adjunct, we used deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during ascending aortic replacement, while selective cerebral perfusion was employed during aortic arch replacement. Operative procedures for the non-Marfan patients included 14 ascending aortic replacement and 11 ascending and aortic arch replacement, while the Marfan patients underwent extensive aortic replacement that included three aortic arch replacement combined with the Bentall operation, one extensive replacement from the ascending aorta to the descending thoracic aorta and one ascending and aortic arch replacement. One patient died early after the operation and the early mortality rate was 3.3%. No patient developed new brain complication related to the operation. During the follow-up period, three patients died and two patients required a total of three subsequent distal operations. Cumulative survival rate was 89% at one year, 85% at three years, 85% at five years. Cumulative cardiovascular event-free rate was 89% at one year, 85% at three years, 77% at five years. Early and long-term results of surgical treatment for acute type A aortic dissection was satisfactory. This seems to result from the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion as an adjunct and application of aortic arch replacement when the aortic arch is dilated or intimal tear is located in the aortic arch or more distally.

The nocturnal distribution and resource use by Ryukyu flying foxes was studied along 28 transects, covering five types of habitats, on Iriomote Island, Japan, from early June to late September, 2005. Bats were mostly encountered solitarily (66.8%) or in pairs (16.8%), with a mean linear density of 2.5 ± 0.6 bats/km of transect/night. Across the island, however, bat densities were distributed non-randomly among transect-nights, not correlated with transect length, and showed a slightly clumped distribution (variance/mean = 3.3). Outskirt trails contributed higher values to the relative importance of bat abundance, but the highest mean abundances occurred mostly at village sites on the west coast, which on average devoted only a quarter of their land area to agriculture/husbandry compared to those on the east coast. This supports our prediction that higher bat abundances are found in areas with less anthropogenic interference and more forest. Among habitats, the mean total abundance and density were lower in cultivated areas than in villages and inland forests. Bat perches in cultivated areas were also lower, and were in correspondence with lower shrub and canopy heights, and less canopy coverage. Flying fox abundance was correlated moderately with the heterogeneity of the tree composition, and strongly with the density of major fruiting trees. Thirty-nine species of plants and some animal items were used by Ryukyu flying foxes, including at least 31 species of fruits, 13 species of flowers, and leaves of seven species, with 14 species new to the record. Ficus septica and F. variegata were the most frequently encountered and dominant items in both fecal and rejecta/dropped samples, followed mostly by other figs and mulberries in the former, but by larger-seed non-Moraceae plants in dropped samples. Our results suggest that for conservation of flying foxes undisturbed forests providing an adequate resource basis are of major importance.

Potential interethnic differences in drug disposition and effects between Japanese and white subjects hamper the registration in Japan of medications already used in Western countries. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted to compare the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of nitrazepam (5 mg) in age- and sex-matched Japanese (n = 8) and white (n = 8) healthy volunteers. The study was performed in centers in Japan and the Netherlands using the same methods and study design. Subjects were individually matched for gender, age, and body stature. Drug effects were measured by means of saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements and visual analog lines obtained from the scales of Bond and Lader. There were no pharmacokinetic differences between the Japanese and white subjects. Clearance of nitrazepam was 0.91 +/- 0.165 mL/min/kg and 1.17 +/- 0.492 mL/min/kg, and half-life (t1/2) was 22.1 +/- 4.96 hours and 21.5 +/- 7.51 hours for the Japanese and European groups, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters showed no significant correlation with age, height, or weight. The average time-effect curves for the different parameters were comparable between groups. Compared with placebo, both groups showed similar significant reductions in average peak velocity and increases in saccadic inaccuracy and reaction time. Visual analog scores showed clear sedation in the white subjects, but insignificant effects in the Japanese subjects. Smooth pursuit did not change significantly in either group. Slope and intercept of the concentration-effect relationships for saccadic peak velocity showed considerable intersubject variability, but no clear differences between groups. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nitrazepam were similar in matched healthy Japanese and white subjects. Interethnic comparative studies are feasible, and provide meaningful information about potential racial differences in disposition and action of drugs. Such studies can form a rational basis for comparative clinical trials.

MusiCuddle is a system to calm the symptoms of patients with mental instability who repeat stereotypical utterances. The system presents a short musical phrase whose first note is the same as the fundamental pitch (F0) of a patient’s utterances. We performed a case study to investigate how a patient’s behaviors changed with MusiCuddle. The results suggested that the phrases presented by MusiCuddle may provide patients with an opportunity to stop repeating stereotypical utterances. Then, we added a vocoder function to MusiCuddle so that patients would be able to attend to the music more. We examined whether the mood of university students changed or not according to music presented with the vocoder function. We found significant differences between major harmonies and minor harmonies for the “cheerful” and “negative” moods. Namely, when a person’s voice is combined with cheerful sounds, he/she can become cheerful. However, when we conducted a case study to expect a patient’s repetitive utterances changed or stoped by the sound from the MusiCuddle with the vocoder, the participant’s utterances did not change. We discussed reasons of the result from an aspect of characteristic of a patient according to a cause disease of dementia.

This article discusses physiological diagnostic methods in the intractable vasculitis, including Buerger's, Takayasu's and vasculo-Behçet disease. Clinical manifestations of these diseases depend on the lesions of the diseased arteries or veins such as obstruction of the extremities often occurring in Buerger's disease, the obstruction of aortic arch branches in Takayasu's disease and the deep vein thrombosis in vasculo-Behçet disease. Measurements of segmental blood pressure and flow allows a detection of peripheral vascular disease and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as the doppler ultrasonic techniques and strain-gauze plethysmography, permit accurate evaluation of arterial occlusive disease and estimation of its physiological significance. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques, together with clinical symptoms and physical examinations, make possible correct diagnosis and subsequently appropriate treatment.