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The Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) has been validated in several East Asian countries, but the measurement equivalence of its four dimensions and construct validity has not yet been evaluated in Japan. Results from Japanese (n = 298) and South Korean (n = 301) college students indicated good to excellent internal consistency estimates, and configural and metric invariance, confirming the factor structure across the groups. Item intercepts across samples, however, were scalar noninvariant, preventing comparison of mean scores. Results also provided support for criterion-related validity of CAAS scores. This model for measuring career adaptability can apply to the Japanese college context.

This study aimed to establish a foundation for future collaborations aimed at preparing for and responding to infectious diseases by examining the vaccine injury compensation programs (VICPs) of East Asian countries. We reviewed the current status of VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan by searching national government websites and reviewing relevant literature. Additionally, we conducted email inquiries targeting experts from Japan and Taiwan. Through the comprehensive analysis of VICPs in these 3 countries covered various aspects, we identified several similarities and differences in the VICPs across these countries. While the governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan play a central role in supporting investigations into vaccine injuries and managing compensation procedures based on legal statutes, they differ in terms of financial resources for compensation, the range of vaccines covered, and the criteria for assessing causality. In the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, compensation is typically paid in a lump sum, although the specific benefits available vary by country. This study on VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan provides valuable insights for the further development and management of domestic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant treatment is recommended for large GISTs due to their friability and risk of extensive operations; however, studies on the indications and long-term results of this approach are lacking. Methods: Patients with large (≥ 10 cm) gastric GISTs were enrolled from multiple centers in Korea and Japan after a pathologic confirmation of c-KIT (+) GISTs. Imatinib (400 mg/d) was given for 6–9 months preoperatively, and R0 resection was intended. Postoperative imatinib was given for at least 12 months and recommended for 3 years. Results: A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study, with 53 patients receiving imatinib treatment at least once and 48 patients undergoing R0 resection. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 94.3% and 61.6%, respectively. Even patients with stable disease by RECIST criteria responded well to preoperative imatinib treatment and could undergo R0 resection, with most being evaluated as partial response by CHOI criteria. The optimal reduction in tumor size was achieved with preoperative imatinib treatment for 24 weeks or more. No resumption of imatinib treatment was identified as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence after R0 resection. No additional size criteria for a higher risk of recurrence were identified in this cohort with a size of 10 cm or more. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant imatinib treatment is an effective treatment option for gastric GISTs 10 cm or larger. Postoperative imatinib treatment is recommended even after R0 resection to minimize recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although various antecedents of expatriates' cross-cultural adjustment have been addressed, previous international experience, predeparture cross-cultural training, and cultural intelligence (CQ) have been most frequently examined. However, there are few attempts that explore the effects of these antecedents simultaneously or consider the possible influencing variables that can impact cross-cultural adjustment. In addition, empirical findings on the effects of these antecedents are somewhat mixed. Hence, there is a need for integrative studies exploring the mechanism of cross-cultural adjustment to deepen understanding of how previous international experience, predeparture cross-cultural training, and CQ affect expatriates' cross-cultural adjustment. In this regard, we considered CQ as a variable that mediates the influences of previous international experience (work and nonwork) and predeparture cross-cultural training (length and comprehensiveness) on cross-cultural adjustment. Additionally, an expatriate's goal orientation was considered as a moderating variable that influences the effects of previous international experience and predeparture cross-cultural training on CQ. Results using a sample of 190 Korean expatriates partially supported the hypotheses. The mediating effect of CQ and moderating effect of goal orientation were partially supported. The previous international nonwork rather than work experience and comprehensiveness rather than length of predeparture cross-cultural training were more positively related to CQ. The theoretical contributions, practical implications for human resource development (HRD) practitioners, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed. (Contains 2 figures and 8 tables.)

Parechovirus-A3 (PeV-A3), first reported in 2004 in Japan, is an emerging pathogen that causes sepsis and meningoencephalitis in neonates and young infants. Although PeV-A3 has been identified worldwide, its epidemiological characteristics differ by region. To investigate the molecular evolution and epidemiology of PeV-A3, we performed genetic analyses of 131 PeV-A3 strains from the years 1997–2019 in Niigata, Japan. During 2016–2019, annual numbers remained steady, in contrast to the PeV-A3 epidemic interval of every 2–3 years that was observed in Japan from 2006. Bayesian evolutionary analysis of the complete viral protein 1 region revealed alternate dominant clusters during years of PeV-A3 epidemics. The branch including the oldest and first isolated PeV-A3 strains in Japan has been disrupted since 2001. The year of PeV-A3 emergence was estimated to be 1991. Continuous surveillance with genetic analyses of different regions will improve understanding of PeV-A3 epidemiology worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the prognostic impact of laparoscopic left hepatectomy (LLH) with that of open left hepatectomy (OLH) on patient survival after resection of left hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Among the 953 patients who received initial treatment for primary HCC that was resectable by either LLH or OLH from 2013 to 2017 in Japan and Korea, 146 patients underwent LLH and 807 underwent OLH. The inverse probability of treatment weighting approach based on propensity scoring was used to address the potential selection bias inherent in the recurrence and survival outcomes between the LLH and OLH groups. Results: The occurrence rate of postoperative complications and hepatic decompensation was significantly lower in the LLH group than in the OLH group. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was better in the LLH group than in the OLH group (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.71; p = 0.029), whereas overall survival (OS) was not significantly different. Subgroup analyses of RFS and OS revealed an almost consistent trend in favor of LLH over OLH. In patients with tumor sizes of ≥4.0 cm or those with single tumors, both RFS and OS were significantly better in the LLH group than in the OLH group. Conclusions: LLH decreases the risk of tumor recurrence and improves OS in patients with primary HCC located in the left liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We interviewed Vietnamese and Chinese technical intern trainees who went to Japan under Japan's Technical Intern Training Program (TITP). We showed how Vietnam's and China's temporary labor‐export institutional arrangements differed, and contributed to the two countries' intern trainees having varied migration experiences and outcomes. We also explored the reasons TITP failed to achieve its stated objective—international skill transfer. Guided by human capital theory, we attempt to make sense of the different migration expectations and experiences of Vietnamese and Chinese trainees under different institutional arrangements and contribute to the debate of temporary labor migration and international skill transfer. We argue that the government of a temporary migrant labor‐sending country must exercise sufficiently good socio‐technical infrastructural governance to steward labor‐export policy and industrial policy to match national development goals in order to make international skill transfer possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the factors underlying South Koreans' negative perceptions of Japan beyond nationalism or simple partisan conflict. This paper employed the 2020 Korea Institute for National Unification survey, and statistical models revealed that the following factors are related to fundamental threat perception. First, the utility of Korean unification is associated with perceptions of the military threat posed by Japan. Second, after controlling for other predictors, this study found that younger generations were less likely to see Japan as a future military threat. Third, micro‐level variables affected perception. Conservative partisans tended to perceive Japan's military threat as stronger. However, individuals with stronger right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) were less likely to perceive Japan as a military threat. Fourth, the association between RWA and perceptions of Japan as a military threat was moderated by generation. Fifth, those who strongly disliked China were less likely to perceive a Japanese military threat, which implied that some Koreans perceive China as a legitimate challenge to Japanese military expansion. These empirical findings attest to the importance of fully considering personality traits and political orientations on a micro level, and macro changes such as the emergence of a new generation that perceives Japan differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections in children aged <5 years and is associated with long-term respiratory morbidities such as recurrent wheezing and asthma, decreased lung function, and allergic sensitization. The objective of this review was to evaluate the epidemiology and burden of RSV infection in the pediatric population in Japan. Studies indexed in PubMed and ICHUSHI databases during January 2010–December 2020 were manually reviewed. Data on proportion of RSV infections, seasonality, length of stay (LoS), mortality, medical expenses, and palivizumab use were extracted from the selected articles. Ninety-three articles were included (PubMed, 64; ICHUSHI, 29). The proportion of patients/samples with an RSV infection was 5.5%–66.7%, and 6.0%–29.9% in the inpatient and outpatient departments, respectively. RSV infections generally occurred during autumn/winter; however, recently the peak has shifted to summer. The LoS was variable and depended on factors such as age, infection severity, wheezing, and RSV subgroups. Mortality rates varied from <1% to 19% depending on the infection severity. The average daily hospitalization and intensive care unit cost was JPY 34,548 while intensive care unit incurred an additional cost of JPY 541,293. Palivizumab was indicated for high-risk infants and 0%–3% of patients required hospitalization despite palivizumab use. RSV imposes a significant burden on the Japanese healthcare system, suggesting a need to create awareness among caregivers of children, pregnant women and healthcare professionals to ensure early recognition of infection and adequate treatment or prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragonet fishes (Callionymidae) are benthic inhabitants of shallow waters, even in tidal pools, down to depths below 900 m in all subtropical, tropical and temperate oceans. The family comprises 200 species in 20 genera worldwide, of which 18 species in 6 genera occur in Korea. Classification within the family Callionymidae has been controversial because of the differing proposals of Fricke and Nakabo (Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species, 1983). For example, Fricke suggested genus Repomucenus and Bathycallionymus, whose genera contains most callionymid species in Korean waters, as junior synonym of genus Callionymus while Nakabo (Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species, 1983) suggested as valid. In such cases, when classifications of adults have taxonomic contention, examination of larval characters may prove informative. Therefore, in this study, the authors conducted comprehensive molecular and morphological analyses on larvae and juveniles of five species in the genus Repomucenus and discussed their taxonomic status within the family Callionymidae. Larval and juvenile callionymids show high morphological similarities during their ontogenetic development. Nonetheless, the following morphological differences were observed in melanophore distribution and preopercular spine development: (a) stellate or punctate melanophores in Bathycallionymus kaianus vs. branched melanophores in genus Repomucenus, (b) melanophores on the abdominal cavity gradually disappearing in B. kaianus vs. gradually becoming prominent in Repomucenus and (c) preopercular spine development giving rise to one perpendicular spine in B. kaianus vs. two or three spines in Repomucenus. Molecular analysis based on 16S ribosomal RNA showed similar results to the morphological analysis. Genera Bathycallionymus and Repomucenus showed significant genetic distance (d = 0.113–0.120); moreover, genus Callionymus, which was suggested as a senior synonym of genus Bathycallionymus and Repomucenus by Fricke (Journal of Natural History, 2014, 48, 2419–2448), also showed considerable difference (d = 0.226–0.246). In the present study, the monophyly of genus Repomucenus seemed well supported by the results of morphological and molecular analyses of larval stage Callionymidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1962, the South Korean government promulgated the Cultural Property Protection Law (CPPL, Munhwajae pohopŏp) in order to preserve Korean heritage cultures that were at risk of disappearance in the postcolonial and post-Korean War social milieu. The CPPL was modeled after a similar law in Japan, Bunkazai hogoho, enacted in 1950. With this legal stipulation, numerous Korean musics and dances were designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties (IICP) of the nation, to be transmitted by "living national treasures" who were appointed as holders of particular genres and styles of Korean performing arts. This paper explores the transnational aspects of and input into the institution and application of IICP in the past and present century. I am particularly interested in how the Korean musics and dances designated and practiced as IICPs have been shaped by national and transnational subjects who have crossed the traditional boundary of the nation-state border. Cultural symbols attributed as heritage arts of a nation can be transnationally constructed and reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fishery of inshore hagfish (Eptatretus burgeri) is particularly important from the perspective of the eel-skin leather industry in the northwest Pacific. In order to reveal the genetic diversity and population structure of E. burgeri in the northwest Pacific, we analyzed partial nucleotide sequences of three mitochondrial DNA regions (523 bp in COI, 712 bp in ND4 and 617 bp in Cytb) based on specimens collected from six locations in Korea and Japan. The genetic diversities of E. burgeri were higher in Korean locations compared to Japanese ones. AMOVA showed that E. burgeri was completely separated into two groups (group A: southern coast of Korea and western coast of Japan vs. group B: eastern coast of Japan). Furthermore, groups A and B were divided into each two lineages (lineage I: west southern coast of Korea, lineage II: east southern coast of Korea and western coast of Japan, lineage III and IV: eastern coast of Japan). Our molecular results suggest that these two groups and lineages of E. burgeri may be different evolutionary significant unit and management unit, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection of current transformers (CTs) must be done carefully to ensure protection, control, and measuring systems function correctly. Some of the conventional CTs on medium voltage (MV) switchgear in nuclear power plants (NPPs) perform poorly due to accuracy errors and saturation. This paper suggests the use of electronic current transformers (ECTs) as a solution. Simulations were done on a 13.8 kV switchgear using electromagnetic transient program restructured version (EMTP‐RV) software to compare the performance of conventional CTs and ECTs under high fault currents. It was found that ECTs show significant improvement in performance with the secondary current output of 97.37% and eliminate saturation even in systems with high symmetrical and asymmetrical short‐circuit currents. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developments in digital technology and the way that copyright content is being consumed has forced copyright law to evolve. However, the justifications underlying copyright frameworks have remained rooted in the traditional ideologies of Lockean Labour Theory, Hegelian Personality Theory and Utilitarianism. These singular, traditional approaches to justifying copyright law are no longer suitable especially since the debate about intellectual property as a justifiedform ofproperty is now moot. Consequently this article proposes that a pluralist toolbox of justifications be adopted to account for the wide range of competing considerations that are present in modern copyright frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study 154 domestic mergers in Japan during 1977 to 1993. In contrast to U.S. evidence, mergers are viewed favorably by investors of acquiring firms. We document a two-day acquirer abnormal return of 1.2 percent and a mean cumulative abnormal return of 5.4 percent for the duration of the takeover. Announcement returns display a strong positive association with the strength of acquirer's relationships with banks. The benefits of bank relations appear to be greater for firms with poor investment opportunities and when the banking sector is healthy. We conclude that close ties with informed creditors, such as banks, facilitate investment policies that enhance shareholder wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the growing popularity of conservative or right-wing movements around the world, this study explores the conditions under which Japanese conservatives are mobilized. It investigates five conditions— political opportunities and threats as political factors, grievance as an economic factor, and exclusionism and patriotism as cultural factors— and analyzes the combinations of these five conditions most favorable to the emergence of conservative movements in Japan. The results explicitly show that the mobilization of Japanese conservatives is strongly influenced by the political environment. This study sheds new light on: (1) the entanglement between the political milieu and the mobilization of conservatives in Japan; (2) political threats, in combination with political opportunities, that stimulate social mobilization; and (3) methodological challenges that may be managed through the use of QCA. This study could lead to further research that articulates the relations between political environments and conservative mobilization in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is one of the many toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. In Japan, PVL-positive S. aureus strains are mainly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Data regarding PVL-positive methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) are scarce. In this report, we describe a case of severe infection by PVL-positive MSSA. A 12-year-old healthy girl was admitted with high fever and pain in the lower back. Computed tomography revealed a diagnosis of psoitis and multiple venous thromboses. Blood cultures obtained after admission revealed infection with MSSA. Her fever continued despite adequate antibiotic therapy. On the fifth hospitalization day, she developed bladder dysfunction, and an abscess was noted near the third lumbar vertebra. She underwent an emergency operation and recovered. Bacterial analyses revealed that the causative MSSA was a PVL-producing single variant of ST8 (related to USA300clone), of sequence type 2149. PVL is known to cause platelet activation. This case demonstrates the need for detailed analyses of the causative strain of bacteria in cases of S. aureus infection with deep vein thrombosis, even in cases of known MSSA infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The multicohort, phase II, nonrandomized KEYNOTE-059 study evaluated pembrolizumab ± chemotherapy in advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer. Results from cohorts 2 and 3, evaluating first-line therapy, are presented. Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years old had previously untreated recurrent or metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Cohort 3 (monotherapy) had programmed death receptor 1 combined positive score ≥ 1. Cohort 2 (combination therapy) received pembrolizumab 200 mg on day 1, cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 (up to 6 cycles), and 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/m2 on days 1–5 of each 3-week cycle (or capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily in Japan). Primary end points were safety (combination therapy) and objective response rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by central review, and safety (monotherapy). Results: In the combination therapy and monotherapy cohorts, 25 and 31 patients were enrolled; median follow-up was 13.8 months (range 1.8–24.1) and 17.5 months (range 1.7–20.7), respectively. In the combination therapy cohort, grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 19 patients (76.0%); none were fatal. In the monotherapy cohort, grade 3–5 treatment-related adverse events occurred in seven patients (22.6%); one death was attributed to a treatment-related adverse event (pneumonitis). The objective response rate was 60.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 38.7–78.9] (combination therapy) and 25.8% (95% CI 11.9–44.6) (monotherapy). Conclusions: Pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity and was well tolerated as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02335411 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed and evaluated a preliminary scintillating fiber-based real-time dose monitoring system (SRDMS) for brachytherapy. The SRDMS consisted of a detector section with 10 scintillating fibers (BCF-12, Saint Gobain Inc., S.A. France) inserted into a long barrel cylinder and a readout system comprising a photo-multiplier tube (PMT H12428-203 MOD, Hamamatsu Photonics, Shizuoka, Japan) and National Instrument Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX, National Instruments, TX, USA). Basic system performance was estimated by measuring the dwell position and time for various patterns of source motion. Signal output response with data sampling, linearity, and reproducibility was also evaluated. In addition, dwell position and time measurement via the SRDMS were compared across three treatment plans, which were applied to a silicone-based human phantom to evaluate the system's response to more complex and realistic situations. The difference between the measured source dwell position and plan was -0.52 ± 0.53 mm. The difference between the measured dwell time and plan was 7 ± 5 ms. For signal output verification, the signal-to-SD ratio was less than 1.5%. The signal output linearity was maintained at -0.43 ± 0.50%, and reproducibility was 1.35 ± 1.44%. In this study, we demonstrated that the SRDMS can accurately detect relative dwell positions and dwell times. In further studies, we plan to verify the accuracy of relative source strength, and update the SRDMS with real-time monitoring. The SRDMS could be used for real-time dose monitoring during brachytherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore dollar-denominated equity-linked issues were a more important source of funds for Japanese companies during the 1980s than domestic equity and straight debt issues combined. Using a sample of Japanese equity-linked offshore issues from 1977 to 1989, we find that the announcement of these issues is accompanied by a significant positive abnormal return. This contrasts with evidence that U.S. equity-linked issues have a significant negative stock price reaction. We provide an explanation for the difference in stock price reactions between U.S. and Japanese issues that is based on the greater influence on managers' security issue decisions of long-term investors and banks in Japan than in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the approximately eight hundred thousand Koreans currently residing in Japan, the majority are descendants of people displaced to Japan as economic migrants, military servicemen, and World War II laborers during the Japanese colonization of Korea (1910–1945). With the partitioning of the Korean peninsula, diasporic Koreans in Japan were split into two camps supporting the competing regimes in the North and South. Although almost 97% of them originated from southern Korean provinces, the majority took the North Korean side, and subsequently associated themselves with pro-North Korean organizations including economic and educational institutions. This paper examines the complexity of identity among Koreans in Japan, especially those who associate themselves with North Korean national music. Focusing on the music and musicians of Tokyo-based North Korean performance troupe Kŭmgangsan Kagŭktan, I demonstrate how these diasporic Korean musicians in Japan navigate their identity by internalizing and negotiating the cultural divisions between North and South Korea, through imagining and relating themselves to a pre-modern ethnic Koreanness. The performance of North Korean music in Japan is not the mere manifestation of one's ideological, cultural, or political affiliation. Rather, it is the expression of flexible citizenship and diasporic cultural agency rooted in creative desires and practical considerations while transcending social and political boundaries as necessary. [End Page 169] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2016-17 winter season in Japan, human norovirus GII.P16-GII.2 strains (2016 strains) caused large outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the 2016 strains derived from the GII.2 strains detected during 2010-12. Immunochromatography between 2016 strains and the pre-2016 GII.2 strains showed similar reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two live attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, have been introduced as voluntary vaccination in Japan since 2011 and 2012, respectively. Effectiveness of the vaccines has been confirmed, whereas concerns such as shedding of the vaccine strains and gastroenteritis cases caused by vaccine strains are not well assessed. We aimed to identify the vaccine strains in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) to investigate the prevalence of AGE caused by vaccination or horizontal transmission of vaccine strains. A total of 1,824 stool samples were collected from children with AGE at six outpatient clinics in 2012–2015. Among all, 372 group A rotavirus (RVA) positive samples were screened for vaccine components by real-time RT-PCR which were designed to differentiate vaccine strains from rotavirus wild-type strains with high specificity. For samples possessing both vaccine and wild-type strains, analyses by next-generation sequencing (NGS) were conducted to characterize viruses existed in the intestine. As a result, Rotarix-derived strains were identified in 6 of 372 (1.6%) RVA positive samples whereas no RotaTeq strain was detected. Among six samples, four possessed Rotarix-derived strains while two possessed both Rotarix-derived strains and wild-type strains. In addition, other pathogens such as norovirus, enterovirus and E.coli were detected in four samples. The contribution of these vaccine strains to each patient’s symptoms was unclear as all of the cases were vaccinated 2–14 days before sample collection. Proportion of average coverage for each segmented gene by NGS strongly suggested the concurrent infection of the vaccine-derived strain and the wild-type strain rather than reassortment of these two strains in one sample. This is the first study to report the prevalence of vaccine-derived strains in patients with RVA AGE in Japan as 1.6% without evidence of horizontal transmission. The results emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring on vaccine strains and their clinical impacts on children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the impact of the commencement of high-speed rail (HSR) services on airlines’ domestic available seats on affected routes in China, Japan, and South Korea. The study is based on a dataset covering the 1994–2012 period. We use the propensity score matching method to pair HSR affected routes with routes without HSR services. The difference-in-difference approach is used to estimate the impact of HSR entry. We find that HSR entries may, on average, lead to a more significant drop in airlines’ seat capacity in China than in Japan and Korea given similar HSR service speed. In China, HSR services with a maximum speed about 200 km/h can produce strong negative impacts on medium-haul air routes but induce more air seat capacity on long-haul routes. HSR services with a maximum speed of 300 km/h have little extra impact on medium-haul routes but a strong negative impact on long-haul routes. Finally, although HSR has a strong negative impact in Japan’s short-haul and medium-haul air markets, little impact is observed in its long-haul markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on dispute between Korea and Japan related to loot of cultural property and analyzes conditions for dispute settlement. Topics discussed include focus on disputes based on cultural ethics between North and South Korea and Japan, summarization of historical backgrounds of relations between the countries and overview on ways of repatriation of cultural objects utilized between Korea and Japan.

Aim The risk factors for ischemic heart disease ( IHD) or cerebrovascular accident ( CVA) in elderly diabetic individuals with type IIb dyslipidemia are not fully known. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between lipid levels and IHD and CVA in diabetic individuals with type IIb dyslipidemia. Method The Japan Cholesterol and Diabetes Mellitus Study is a prospective cohort study of 4014 type 2 diabetic patients (1936 women; age 67.4 ± 9.5 years). The primary end-points were the onset of IHD or CVA. Lipid and glucose levels, and other factors were investigated in relation to the occurrence of IHD or CVA. A total of 462 participants were included in the group of patients with type IIb dyslipidemia. Results The 462 diabetic participants with type IIb dyslipidemia were divided into those who were aged <65 years, 65-74 years and >75 years ( n = 168, 190 and 104, respectively). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL- C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/ HDL- C were significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic individuals with type IIb dyslipidemia who were aged <65 years, and HDL- C and diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with cardiovascular events in patients aged 65-74 years. Non- HDL- C was not significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular events. Multiple regression analysis showed that lower HDL- C was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic individuals with type IIb dyslipidemia who were aged <65 years and 65-74 years. Conclusions Lower HDL- C was an important risk factor for cardiovascular events in diabetic individuals with type IIb dyslipidemia who were aged <75 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 806-810. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fukushima accident has had a tremendous impact on Japan and the rest of the world in the areas of public health, economy, and nuclear energy policy. Thus, international consensus has been reached that inherent tolerance of nuclear fuel to severe accidents needs to be increased significantly to prevent accidents or to mitigate their consequences. In this respect, several countries have started to develop accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) that can tolerate loss of active cooling for a considerably longer time period than current fuels, while maintaining or improving performance during normal operations and operational transients and also enhancing fuel safety for beyond-design-basis events. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute is also developing ATF: surface-coated Zr cladding and metal-ceramic hybrid cladding for the purpose of suppressing hydrogen generation during severe accidents, and microcell UO2 pellets to enhance the retention of highly radioactive and corrosive fission products such as Cs and I, where all UO2 grains are enveloped by thin cell walls that act as chemical traps or physical barriers for the movement of fission products. When the screening of developing fuel materials has been performed through various out-of-pile tests, irradiation tests of the selected materials will be carried out in a research reactor to demonstrate their enhanced accident tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores why the Japanese government did not decisively intervene on behalf of bank bailouts at the early stage of the banking crisis of 1997–98 and investigates the institutional and political context behind the use of fiscal money for bank bailouts in 1997–98, 1998–99, and 2001–05. In contrast with prevailing views, which emphasize the conflicts of interest or differences in policy preferences between politicians and bureaucrats and their captured nature either by bankers’ special interests or political/bureaucratic interests, this article argues that Japanese policymakers shared a congruent policy preference — that is, minimizing the disruptions in the existing institutional arrangement in government-bank-firm relations and this congruence in policy preference (or ‘cognitive capture’) compelled the government to take a creditor-centered approach to the banking problem — i.e., letting banks resolve their own problems. It also argues that a strong political leadership that can break with the ‘cognitive capture’ and sustain government's resolute commitment to solving the nonperforming loan problem is an essential factor for successful bank restructuring. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The environmental impact of CO2 emissions has attracted increasing attention in recent years, which has redefined the modal choice between air and rail transport. Transport service provision via railway involves less marginal environmental damage than air transport, yet it entails a higher emissions burden in its infrastructure construction stage. This paper empirically investigates the environmental burden of these two transport modes by taking into account the CO2 emissions from both transport service provision and infrastructure construction. Using a panel data set from 1999 to 2007 for three Japanese railway companies and the Japanese air transport industry, which are treated as decision-making units (DMUs), this paper estimates the social efficiency of these DMUs via a nonparametric productivity measurement method that incorporates economic bads as undesirable outputs. The aviation industry is shown to be efficient, whereas results for the railway industry are mixed: JR East is efficient, JR West is inefficient throughout the observation period, and JR Tokai substantially improved its efficiency during the period to become an efficient company in 2007. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Ensayos Economicos is the property of Banco Central de la Republica Argentina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Can economic interdependence reduce conflicts among states in East Asia? The so-called 'cold politics and hot economics' has become a defining feature of Sino-Japanese political-economic relations. This puzzling pattern of interaction is clearly illustrated in the sovereignty dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. The island dispute has unfolded in five rounds of distinct clashes thus far. From one perspective, the competitive elements in the island dispute make it difficult for both Japan and China to give way to the other side on the territorial and maritime issues. At the same time, the two countries have successfully managed to contain their respective territorial and maritime claims thus far. Drawing on the liberal peace theory, this article systematically demonstrates that economic interdependence has repeatedly fostered the de-escalation of Sino-Japanese conflict over territorial and maritime rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide rates in Japan have increased dramatically in recent years, making Japan's male rate the highest among developed economies. This study revises the standard economic model of suicide to accommodate Japan's experience, focusing on the change in human capital for the unemployed. We then use the new model and detrended data to empirically investigate the relationship between the suicide cycle and the unemployment cycle. Unlike previous aggregate time series studies, we find that the relationship between the suicide rate and the unemployment rate is significantly and robustly positive for both men and women even after controlling for several social variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computable general equilibrium model is used to evaluate the economic effects of a free trade agreement among China, Japan, and South Korea on the world economy. This study is focused on estimating trade creation and diversion effects of the FTA. Results show that there are strong trade diversion effects of the FTA between the member countries and the rest-of-the-world. This is especially true for trade in the high-technology manufacturing sector between the U.S and China. This study also reveals that the member countries under the FTA tend to specialize on the basis of resource endowments, but there exists a significant amount of intra-industry trade among the member countries in all sectors except agricultural and service/utility sectors. In addition, the FTA stimulates the economies of the three countries through increased trade volume, but provides a significant negative effect on economies of non-member countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three field trials were conducted from 2003–2004 at Utsunomiya University, Japan, to evaluate the safety and herbicidal activity of pyribenzoxim (benzophenone O-[2,6-bis[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)oxybenzoyl]oxime) in turfgrass. Pyribenzoxim showed a high level of safety in bentgrass ( Agrostis palustris Huds.) and zoysiagrass ( Zoysia matrella) ≤ 300 g ai ha−1 and it controlled various major grass weeds, including annual bluegrass ( Poa annua L.), large crabgrass ( Digitaria sanguinalis L.), and green foxtail ( Setaria viridis L.), and broadleaf weeds, including common dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale Weber), horseweed ( Erigeron canadensis L.), shepherd’s-purse ( Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.), common chickweed ( Stellaria media L.), common lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album L.), creeping woodsorrel ( Oxalis corniculata L.), and common dayflower ( Commelina communis L.) by fall or spring application. In comparison with bispyribac-sodium (sodium 2,6-[bis(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidin-2-yl)oxy]benzoate), pyribenzoxim showed a higher safety level in bentgrass and a stronger herbicidal activity on grass weeds; in particular, annual bluegrass and large crabgrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Geographic variations of a salangid, Salanx ariakensis, from Korea and Japan, based on partial mtDNA cyt b gene sequences and morphometric data, are presented and compared with Salanx cuvieri from China. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggested that the two populations of S. ariakensis differed significantly from each other in pairwise fixation index (F ST = 0.43), although their reciprocal monophyly was not constructed in the phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis, however, supported the reciprocal monophyly of S. ariakensis (Korean population + Japanese population) and S. cuvieri. Differences in genetic structure between the two populations of S. ariakensis were suggested by diversity indices, mismatch distribution shape, and minimum spanning network. In particular, diversity indices indicated that the Korean population was historically larger and more stable than the Japanese population. In addition, both the principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) for morphometric characters, and the Kruskal–Wallis test for some meristic characters, showed that the two populations of S. ariakensis differed from each other, although morphological differences between the two populations of S. ariakensis were smaller than those between S. ariakensis and S. cuvieri. Such morphological differences were consistent with the differences in mtDNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonparametric approach was used to test whether there was a structural change in Japanese consumers' demand for meat as a result of the BSE outbreak in the country. The axiom of revealed preference was utilised to test the stability of preferences in Japanese meat consumption. The matrix of the weak form of revealed preference (WARP) was partitioned and Kruskal–Wallis statistics were derived to evaluate whether the preference switches found are transitory or due to a structural change. Empirical results show that Japanese meat demand is currently unstable and has undergone structural change, synchronised with the BSE outbreak in Japan in mid?September 2001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the concentration and homologue patterns of dioxins before and after water treatment process in Japan. Removal efficiency of dioxins; Influence of extent chlorination on dioxins; Levels of dioxins in groundwater.

Many observers both inside and outside Japan have argued that traditional economic policies have failed to revive the Japanese economy because it is suffering from structural problems. They also argue that without structural reform there will be no future for Japan. Although many structural issues undoubtedly need to be resolved, it is difficult to blame them entirely for the poor performance of the Japanese economy in the 1990s. This is because most structural problems date back for decades and so cannot explain why an economy that was so powerful until the very end of the 1980s suddenly lost its forward momentum from the 1990s onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information on a study which investigated Japan's bank relationships. Banking relationships have a dark side, however. As a firm works more closely with a bank, it finds it harder to raise funds through other means and may be held up by the bank. In the early 1990's the Japanese banking sector started facing considerable problems limiting its ability to renew loans and extend new loans to firms. These difficulties even led to an infamous Japanese premium on the Euro-markets, where Japanese banks had to pay a premium for their funding compared to other banks. If strong reliance on bank finance makes it harder to access alternate sources of funding, one would expect firms more dependent on bank finance before 1990 to be forced to contract investment more and to have more adverse stock price performance than firms that relied less on bank finance before 1990. It shows that firms that were more bank dependent suffered significantly larger wealth losses during the first 3 years of the 1990's when the Japanese stock market fell dramatic ally.

Opinion. Examines how the Japanese perceived Koreans, their culture and society. How the Japanese description of the Korean culture has impacted on the Western understanding of Korea; Brief historical survey of how the Japanese have viewed the Koreans and their culture; Periods that can be identified in the postwar history of Korean-Japanese relations.

Investigates the long-term equity performance of Japanese firms issuing convertible debt and equity. Performance of firms issuing public convertible debt; Contrast with security-issuing firms in the United States; Underreaction hypothesis; Implications for the long-term performance of the issuing firms in light of evidence from the U.S.; Relation between announcement returns and long-term returns.