Search

This study aimed to examine the effects of intergenerational programs on high school students’ development of self-efficacy. We used a quasi-experimental ex-post facto design with several follow-up...

ObjectiveTo identify the degree of loss of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL), the layer from the macular RNFL to the inner plexiform layer (mGCL++), circumpapillary (cpVD) and macular vascular density (mVD), Pulsar perimetry and standard perimetry in early glaucoma.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, one eye from each of 96 healthy controls and 90 eyes with open-angle glaucoma were measured with cpRNFL, mGCL++, cpVD, mVD, Pulsar perimetry with Octopus P32 test (Pulsar) and standard perimetry with Humphrey field analyser 24-2 test (HFA). For direct comparison, all parameters were converted to relative change values adjusted in both their dynamic range and age-corrected normal value.ResultsThe degree of loss in mGCL++ (−24.7%) and cpRNFL (−25.8%) was greater than that in mVD (−17.3%), cpVD (−14.9%), Pulsar (−10.1%) and HFA (−5.9%) (each pConclusionThe degree of loss of cpRNFL and mGCL++ thickness preceded by approximately 7%–10% and 15%–20% compared with the micro-VD and visual fields in early glaucoma, respectively.Trial registration numberUMIN Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.umin.ac.jp/; R000046076 UMIN000040372).

Help-seeking among destitute adults has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study clarifies the mechanisms that suppress help-seeking in middle-aged and older adults living alone. Data were collected from 1274 individuals (aged 50–79 years) who were living alone, using a survey that measured future time perspective, barriers to help-seeking, help-seeking intentions, and current and childhood economic statuses. Men living alone experienced lower help-seeking intention than women, were more likely to try to solve problems by themselves, and experienced greater distrust in others. No sex differences were observed in “future anxiety” and “resignation to the future.” Poor economic status was associated with high “resignation to the future,” “future anxiety,” and “distrust of others” for both sexes. “Resignation to the future” was particularly higher among men with a poorer current economic status, which suppressed help-seeking. Abandoning hope for the future, which is characteristic of middle-aged and older men living alone, may inhibit help-seeking behavior.

Aims This study aimed to clarify the association between chronic stressors, stress coping and depressive tendencies among older adults. Methods We carried out a survey with 500 participants aged in their 70s, who were randomly selected from the basic resident register. Of these, 304 residents responded to the survey (60.8%). Results Findings from a factor analysis and cluster analysis revealed five groups of chronic stressors: physical, economic and interpersonal stressor; physical and economic stressor; interpersonal stressor; physical stressor; and low stressor. The factor analysis revealed four factors of coping: cognitive coping, support-seeking, positive problem solving and escape-avoidance. Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression analysis showed that both physical, economic and interpersonal stressor, and physical and economic stressor had negative associations with depressive tendencies. With respect to stress coping, positive problem solving had a positive association with depressive tendencies, whereas escape-avoidance had a negative association with depressive tendencies. Conclusions For older individuals, the more complex the overlapping chronic stressors that are experienced, the higher the depressive tendencies. Furthermore, although older individuals selectively use various coping strategies, they do not alleviate the stress responses induced by chronic stressors. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 297-303.

The allosteric O2 release of haemoglobin (Hb) allows for efficient O2 delivery from the lungs to the tissues. However, allostery is weakened in Hb-based O2 carriers because the chemical modifications of the Lys- and Cys-β93 residues prevent the quaternary transition of Hb. In this paper, we describe the synthesis and O2 binding properties of a recombinant Hb [rHb(βK120C)]–albumin heterotrimer that maintains sufficient Hb allostery. The rHb(βK120C) core, with two additional cysteine residues at the symmetrical positions on its protein surface, was expressed using yeast cells. The mutations did not influence either the O2 binding characteristics or the quaternary transition of Hb. Maleimide-activated human serum albumins (HSAs) were coupled with rHb(βK120C) at the two Cys-β120 positions, yielding the rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 trimer, in which the Cys-β93 residues were unreacted. Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that the HSA moiety does not interact with the amino acid residues around the haem pockets and the α1β2 surfaces of the rHb(βK120C) core, the alteration of which retards Hb allostery. Circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrated that the quaternary transition between the relaxed (R) state and the tense (T) state of the Hb core occurred upon both the association and dissociation of O2. In phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) at 37 °C, the rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 trimer exhibited a sigmoidal O2 equilibrium curve with the O2 affinity and cooperativity identical to those of native Hb (p50 = 12 Torr, n = 2.4). Moreover, we observed an equal Bohr effect and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate response in the rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 trimer compared with naked Hb.

Performing cell culture in a three-dimensional (3D) environment has various advantages. In cartilage tissue engineering, 3D in vitro cultures utilizing biomaterials and bioreactors can mimic the biological environment. However, the biggest drawback of these 3D culture systems is a limited ability to evaluate 3D cell distribution. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently been used to evaluate 3D cellular morphology and structure in a timely manner. Here, we showed that OCT could be used to visually assess the distribution and the morphology of bone marrow stromal cells under chondrogenic 3D cultivation using alginate gels and rotary culture. In particular, OCT was able to visualize living cells embedded in alginate gels in a non-destructive and 3D manner, as well as quantitatively evaluate cell distribution and spheroid volume. We also found that cells were centralized in rotary culture but peripherally distributed in static culture, while rotary culture enhanced the hypertrophy of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) embedded in alginate gels. Together, our findings demonstrate that OCT can be used to evaluate the spatiotemporal effects of 3D cultivation using alginate gels and rotary culture. Therefore, this method may allow the observation of pre-cultured tissue over time and the optimization of culture conditions for regenerative tissue engineering.

To investigate the effects of adjusting the ocular magnification during OCT-based angiography imaging on structure-function relationships and glaucoma detection.Cross-sectional study.A total of 96 healthy control participants and 90 patients with open-angle glaucoma were included.One eye of each patient in the control group and the patient group was evaluated. The layers comprising the macula vascular density (VD) and circumpapillary VD were derived from swept-source OCT angiography imaging. The mean sensitivity (MS) of the standard automated perimetry was measured using the Humphrey 24-2 test. Structure-function relationships were evaluated with simple and partial correlation coefficients. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for glaucoma using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Ocular magnification was adjusted using Littmann's formula modified by Bennett.The association between the axial length and VD, structure-function relationships, and glaucoma detection with and without magnification correction.The superficial layer of the macular region was not significantly correlated to the axial length without magnification correction (Adjustment of the ocular magnification is important for accurate VD measurements; however, it may not significantly impact structure-function relationships and glaucoma detection.

Background Post-arthroscopic osteonecrosis of the knee (PAONK) is a rare condition. No studies have analyzed the relationship between the meniscus extrusion and PAONK. The purpose of this retrospective study is to test a hypothesis that the degree of the medial meniscus (MM) extrusion might be significantly greater in the knees with PAONK than in the matched control knees both before and after the meniscectomy. Methods Ten knees with PAONK were detected out of a total of 876 knees which had undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the MM. Ten matched control knees were randomly selected out of the remaining 866 knees without PAONK. The clinical data of these 20 patients were retrospectively collected from the medical records. To evaluate the location of the menisci on the joint line, Extrusion width and Inner width were defined on a coronal section of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The intra- and inter-rater reliability was evaluated by calculating the intra- and inter-class coefficients. Statistical comparisons between the 2 groups were made using the 3 non-parametric tests. Results Before the meniscectomy, the Extrusion width of the MM (mean 4.7 ± 1.4 mm) was significantly greater than that (3.0 ± 1.3 mm) in the Control group (P = 0.0195). In the MRI taken in a range from 3 to 50 weeks after the meniscectomy, the Extrusion width of the MM (5.9 ± 1.1 mm) in the PAONK group was significantly greater than that (3.4 ± 1.4 mm) in the Control group (P = 0.0009), and the Inner width of the MM (0.6 ± 1.7 mm) in the PAONK group was significantly less than that (3.9 ± 1.0 mm) in the Control group (P = 0.0001). Conclusion A significant relationship was found between the degree of the MM extrusion and the onset of PAONK. This study suggested that the extrusion of the MM is a potential predisposing factor for PAONK.

Background: A fibular shortening osteotomy is needed to perform lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (LCW-HTO). To achieve this shortening, we have recently developed an acute oblique osteotomy and ligation (AO/L) procedure for the center of the fibular shaft, based on the AO procedure. Purpose: To compare the 2-year follow-up outcomes between the AO/L procedure and the AO procedure. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted involving 83 patients (83 knees) who underwent shortening osteotomy of the fibula in LCW-HTO between April 2017 and March 2019. The first consecutive 41 knees (AO group) underwent fibular osteotomy with the AO procedure. The remaining 42 knees (AO/L group) underwent fibular osteotomy with the AO/L procedure. All of the patients were evaluated for at least 2 years postoperatively via clinical and radiological assessments. To determine the time needed for complete union at the osteotomy site, we evaluated the radiographs using a radiographic union score for tibial fractures, which was modified for fibular osteotomy. Comparison of outcomes between the 2 groups was performed using the Student t test for continuous variables and the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test for discrete variables. Results: Around the fibular osteotomy site, no perioperative complications were found in either group. The radiographic union score was significantly higher in the AO/L group than in the AO group ( P < .0001 at 2, 3, and 6 months; P = .0290 at 12 and 24 months). The union rate at the fibular osteotomy site was significantly higher in the AO/L group (97.6%) than in the AO group (82.9%) at 12 months ( P = .0290). Conclusion: The AO/L procedure significantly accelerated the formation of bridging callus at the fibular osteotomy site and provided a significantly higher union rate compared with the AO procedure. Both AO/L and AO procedures were free from perioperative complications. These results suggest that the AO/L procedure is clinically useful as an osteotomy procedure to shorten the fibula in LCW-HTO.

Background: Post-arthroscopic osteonecrosis of the knee (PAONK) is a rare disorder condition. In addition, no studies have analyzed the relationship between the meniscus extrusion and PAONK. The purposes of this retrospective study are to report 10 cases of PAONK and to evaluate location of the MM in the joint space, including the meniscus extrusion, before and after the meniscectomy in these 10 knees. Methods: Ten knees with PAONK were found in 876 knees which had undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the medial meniscus (MM). We retrospectively collected the clinical, surgical, and radiological data of these 10 patients. To evaluate intraarticular location of the menisci in the joint space, Extrusion width and Inner width were defined on magnetic resonance images, and they were statistically compared. Results: In the 10 patients (2 men and 8 women; the age ranged between 60 and 80 years), knee pain recurred within 12 weeks after the meniscectomy. Preoperatively, the Extrusion width of the MM (the mean, 4.7 mm) was significantly greater (PConclusion: This is the first report that, in each of the 10 knees with PAONK, the MM had been extruded before the meniscectomy, and then, the Inner width of the MM almost disappeared postoperatively due to not only the increased meniscal extrusion but the partial meniscal resection. This study suggested that the intraarticular abnormal location of the MM, including the meniscal extrusion, is a critical factor that should be evaluated in future studies to clarify causative factors of PAONK.

The allosteric O2 release of haemoglobin (Hb) allows for efficient O2 delivery from the lungs to the tissues. However, allostery is weakened in Hb-based O2 carriers because the chemical modifications of the Lys- and Cys-β93 residues prevent the quaternary transition of Hb. In this paper, we describe the synthesis and O2 binding properties of a recombinant Hb [rHb(βK120C)]–albumin heterotrimer that maintains sufficient Hb allostery. The rHb(βK120C) core, with two additional cysteine residues at the symmetrical positions on its protein surface, was expressed using yeast cells. The mutations did not influence either the O2 binding characteristics or the quaternary transition of Hb. Maleimide-activated human serum albumins (HSAs) were coupled with rHb(βK120C) at the two Cys-β120 positions, yielding the rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 trimer, in which the Cys-β93 residues were unreacted. Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that the HSA moiety does not interact with the amino acid residues around the haem pockets and the α1β2 surfaces of the rHb(βK120C) core, the alteration of which retards Hb allostery. Circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrated that the quaternary transition between the relaxed (R) state and the tense (T) state of the Hb core occurred upon both the association and dissociation of O2. In phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) at 37 °C, the rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 trimer exhibited a sigmoidal O2 equilibrium curve with the O2 affinity and cooperativity identical to those of native Hb (p50 = 12 Torr, n = 2.4). Moreover, we observed an equal Bohr effect and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate response in the rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 trimer compared with naked Hb., Recombinant haemoglobin [rHb(βK120C)] was coupled with two human serum albumins (HSAs), yielding a rHb(βK120C)–HSA2 heterotrimer, which shows a sigmoidal O2 equilibrium curve and sufficient Hb allostery identical to those of native Hb.

Background Over the last several decades, social isolation and loneliness among older adults have posed an increasingly urgent challenge due to the rapidly aging population in Japan. To remedy the situation, many communities have introduced intergenerational programs. However, few studies have investigated the benefits of social capital across generations as a result of intergenerational interaction between children and older generations. Therefore, we aim to ascertain the degree to which intergenerational programs that take root in a community will affect the social capital of all generations in the community. Methods We focus our research on one specific program, REPRINTS, an intergenerational health promotion program for older adults that has been active for over 10 years in Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of residents between the ages of 20 and 84 years who were randomly selected from the basic resident register. Approximately 2500 residents were selected, of which 978 responded; data from 891 respondents were analyzed. Results Hierarchical linear modeling suggests that the duration of programs was a significant community-level indicator of neighborhood trust. At the individual level, people between 30 and 59 years of age and people over 60 years of age have more positive effects on neighborhood trust than do people between 20 and 39 years of age. Conclusions The ongoing intergenerational programs between older citizens and children can enforce neighborhood trust, thus strengthening a community’s intergenerational ties. The REPRINTS program has been developed through cooperation with local citizens, senior volunteers, and teachers from the community. Its collaborative nature ensures longevity and continuous growth in a community. It is challenging to create long-term intergenerational programs that take root in communities, making persistence and collaboration a crucial factor in fruitful intergenerational relationships. Overall, ongoing intergenerational program implementation associates with building social capital, thereby strengthening potential intergenerational ties and promote mutual support among local residents which will reduce or prevent social isolation among older.

Metastable Al-rich face-centered-cubic (fcc) TiAlN polycrystals have attracted attention as coating materials. However, the mechanism of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of TiAlN has yet to be clarified. In this study, we performed a kinetic analysis of fcc-TiAlN deposition by investigating its dependence on deposition temperature and the partial pressures of metal sources. We deposited metastable fcc-Ti0.25Al0.75N polycrystals of a single phase that oriented in the deposition direction from TiCl4/AlCl3/NH3. The activation energy of TiAlN formation around 800 °C was less than 10 kJ/mol. TiAlN was deposited by a first-order reaction with different partial pressures of metal sources. TiAlN was formed by the combined deposition of TiN and AlN. The overall reaction rate constants for TiN and AlN and the mass transfer coefficients of the precursors TiCl4 and AlCl3 had similar values. Therefore, the deposition of fcc-TiAlN under the investigated experimental conditions was limited by precursor diffusion in the reactor.

We have investigated the structural and electrical characteristics of two kinds of block co-oligomers, 5,5″-Bis(2-pyridyl)-2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene (5A) and 2,5-Bis(2-(2′-thienyl)-pyridine-5-yl)thiophene (5B), which are composed of electron-donating thiophene and electron-withdrawing pyridine rings. At the view of building block units, the amount of the module units included in these molecules is completely equivalent to each other. X-ray diffraction patterns of 5A and 5B thin films grown on atomically flat α -Al 2 O 3 (0001) substrates indicated a high degree of orientation along the c- axis. Field-effect transistors (FETs) of 5A and 5B thin films were fabricated and evaluated without exposure to air. The FETs based on 5A active layers exhibited p -type behavior with a mobility of ~ 10 −3 cm 2 /V·s and an on–off ratio of 10 4 , while no switching behavior was observed in FETs based on 5B active layers. The lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of 5B than that of 5A in the quantum-chemical calculation might explain these FET behaviors. Thus, HOMO, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels and FET actions of the co-oligomer molecules that consist of the same amount of building blocks can be controlled by the sequence of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing building blocks.

We developed a cloud profiling radar called FALCON-1, transmitting a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FM-CW) at 95 GHz for high sensitivity and high-spatial-resolution ground-based observations. A millimeter wave at 95 GHz is used to realize high sensitivity to small cloud particles. An FM-CW-type radar realizes similar sensitivity with much smaller output power to a pulse-type radar. Two 1-m-diameter parabolic antennas separated 1.4 m from each other are used for transmitting and receiving the wave. At present the direction of the antennas is fixed at the zenith. The radar can observe clouds up to 20 km in height with a resolution of 9 m. The beam size of the antenna is only 0.2° of arc, which corresponds to 15 m at a range of 5 km. Observation results showed that a sensitivity of −34 dBZ was achieved at a range of 5 km, with good spatial resolution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(3): 42–49, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10170

Cloud-top height (CTH) variability in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) in association with equatorial Kelvin waves is investigated using a new CTH dataset based on MTSAT-1R geostationary satellite measurements with a statistical look-up table constructed based on CloudSat measurements. We focus on a case in the tropical Indian Ocean during October-December 2006, when shipboard radiosonde, TTL water vapor, and 95-GHz cloud radar measurements were taken during the Mirai Indian Ocean cruise for the Study of the MJO-convection Onset (MISMO) field campaign. At 10-15 km, the satellite-based CTH data agree well with the radar echo top heights from shipboard radar reflectivity data. During the MISMO campaign, cloud frequency was suppressed in the warm phase of equatorial Kelvin waves propagating in the TTL. The suppressed-cloud region moves eastward to the western Pacific together with Kelvin waves. We found that changes in CTH occurrence frequency over the vessel in association with Kelvin waves are much greater than those associated with the diurnal cycle. It is expected that the phase of equatorial Kelvin waves is important for the intraseasonal variabilities of both the radiative budget of the tropical atmosphere and water vapor transport in the TTL.

育苗箱全量施肥法による減肥および無代かき栽培法が，水田の表面流出負荷，浸透流出負荷，水質浄化量，物質収支に及ぼす影響を，水田4筆を用いて，4年間に亘って検討した．その結果，育苗箱全量施肥による流出負荷削減効果は表面流出負荷については窒素とリンに大きく表れ，削減率は各々64 ％と51 ％に上った．浸透流出負荷に対する削減率は窒素26 ％，リン23 ％であった．一方，無代かき栽培の流出負荷削減効果は表面流出負荷についてのみ表われ，その削減率はSSで71 ％，CODで59 ％となり，窒素，リンについても41 ％と48 ％に上った．浄化量に対しては無代かき栽培の効果が大きく，SS，COD，リンで代かき栽培との間に有意な差を示し，窒素では代かきの有無と施肥方法との交互作用が有意な差を示した．物質収支の面からは窒素・リン肥料分が供給超過となっており，より一層の減肥が可能であることが示唆された．

Peptide-based organocatalysts with a helical structure induced by a terminal l-histidine derivative were synthesized. These organocatalysts were applied to the kinetic resolution of secondary alcohol.

Recently, we have discovered that some chiral Schiff-base nickel(II) complexes induced d-d bands of CD spectra of some achiral copper(II) complexes. However, the novel phenomenon could be observed only a few systems of hybrid materials or limited conditions so far. In order to test conditions about copper(II) ions, we investigated model systems (1) metal-dendrimer (Cu-PAMAM; G4-NH2terminal) containing relatively small amount of copper(II) ions (4.5 equivalent to PAMAM) for modeling separated systems of achiral copper(II) complex from chiral Schiff-base nickel(II) or zinc(II) complexes, Bis(N-R-1-naphtylethyl-3,5-dichlorosalicydenaminato)nickel(II) or zinc(II) by polymer matrix. (2) equilibrium of copper(II)N-ethylethylenediamine complexes to measure absorption spectra of d-d band, pH, and electron conductivity during titration of copper(II) ions. The results showed that (1) 4.5Cu-PAMAM could not be induced their d-d bands by the chiral nickel(II) or zinc(II) complexes, which suggested that separation by polymers prevented from inducing CD peaks. (2) Although 36Cu-PAMAM was known, uncoordinated copper(II) ions excess to ligands mainly attributed to increase electron conductivity by remained ions in methanol solutions, which was not associated with intermolecular interaction or dipole moments being effective for the induced CD mechanism by using molecular recognition between neutral molecules of metal complexes.

We developed a cloud profiling radar, named FALCON-I, transmitting frequency modulated continuous wave (FM-CW) at 95GHz. The radar can observe vertical radar reflectivity factor of clouds with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The observation of Doppler velocity is more necessary to know the inside structure of clouds and interaction with aerosol. Doppler velocities of clouds can be obtained from the phase shift of the signal by using double-FFT method. As a result of the observations at Chiba University, Doppler velocities of thin clouds were successfully obtained as well as of bright band, and rainfall.

We have developed an FMCW Millimeter-Wave Cloud Radar (MMCR) at 95 GHz named FALCON-I for observations of thin clouds, which are not easily detected with microwave radars.Sensitivities in radar reflectivity Z of FALCON-I are evaluated by comparing simultaneously observed data with the pulse type MMCR named SPIDER of National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). Evaluated sensitivity of FALCON-I at the height of 5km is more sensitive than -30dBZ in 1 minute resolution, which is comparable to the calculated value from the noise figure of the receiver: -37dBZ. FALCON-I can detect clouds with -30dBZ upto the height of 9km. This is good enough performance for thin cloud observations.

神戸市の中心部から約8kmの沖合に新設した神戸空港島の建設に際して，神戸の内陸部で採取した凝灰岩を主体とする岩砕を埋立材として使用し，埋立工事を行った．埋立に伴う水中部の盛土圧縮の計測は，これまで事例がほとんどないことから，今回，独自の埋立地盤沈下計測システムから得られた結果を使用して盛土の圧縮を計測した．本システムの特徴は，潮位を利用したレベル算出システムとデータを無線伝送することにより，計測の自動化を図った点にある．本システムによる計測により，埋立に伴う水中盛土の体積変化率を明らかにすることができた．昨今の埋立工事では，大水深かつ軟弱地盤といった悪条件のもとで急速施工が行われるようになってきており，このような条件下で本システムの適用性が確認できた．

A portable aerosol sampler was developed by modifying a commercial filter-type sampler. A tandem sampler head was made in order to remove coarse particles in the first stage, and enhance the linear velocity of the air flow in the second stage. Proper collection plate was also discussed by comparing three kinds of materials (Ag plate, ITO glass and Si wafer). Results on SEM observation concluded that Si wafer was appropriate. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) analysis was performed for a particle collected on Si wafer. It was shown that TOF-SIMS analysis was successful and Si + signal from the substrate caused little problem.