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This paper discusses how generative AI can contribute to human creativity. We conducted a review of creativity research in marketing, psychology, and cognitive science to examine the behaviors and processes that create human creativity, and developed a hypothesis based on similarities with the mechanism of generative AI. Three hypotheses were developed and tested: (1) use of generative AI contributes to the creativity process, (2) step-by-step presentation of information created by generative AI contributes to creativity, and (3) creative entities with greater expertise in the task are more likely to use generative AI and demonstrate creativity. We prepared a total of 12 designs, 6 with AI and 6 without AI, and conducted expert interviews with three package designers, a quantitative survey of 85 package designers, and a user survey of 200 users. The results of the user survey showed that the generative AI contributed to creativity. In contrast, the quantitative survey of 85 package designers showed no contribution to creativity from the step-by-step provision of information. The quantitative survey also indicated that generative AI improves creativity for designers with less experience, whereas for designers with more experience, AI-generated images contribute to creativity even if they are distant from the objective.

Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK), a progressive degenerative disease affecting quality of life, is characterized by cartilage degeneration, synovial inflammation, and osteophyte formation causing pain and disability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product effective in reducing OAK-associated pain. PRP compositions depend on their purification. In clinical practice, PRP is typically administered immediately after purification, while cryopreserved PRP is used in research. Platelets are activated by freezing followed by release of their humoral factors. Therefore, PRP without any manipulation after purification (utPRP) and freeze–thawed PRP (fPRP) may differ in their properties. We purified leukocyte-poor PRP (LPPRP) and autologous protein solution (APS) to compare the properties of utPRPs and fPRPs and their effects on OAK target cells. We found significant differences in platelet activation and humoral factor content between utPRPs and fPRPs in both LPPRP and APS. Freeze–thawing affected the anti-inflammatory properties of LPPRP and APS in chondrocytes and synovial cells differed. Both utPRPs and fPRPs inhibited polarization toward M1 macrophages while promoting polarization toward M2 macrophages. Freeze–thawing specifically affected humoral factor production in macrophages, suggesting that evaluating the efficacy of PRPs requires considering PRP purification methods, properties, and conditions. Understanding these variations may enhance therapeutic application of PRPs in OAK.

Abstract Aims This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of studies on the outcomes of long-term hospitalisation of individuals with severe mental illness, considering readmission rates as the primary outcome. Methods Studies considered were those in which participants were aged between 18 and 64 years with severe mental illness; exposure to psychiatric hospitals or wards was long-term (more than one year); primary outcomes were readmission rates; secondary outcomes were duration of readmission, employment, schooling, and social participation; and the study design was either observational or interventional with a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. Relevant studies were searched using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Japan Medical Abstract Society. The final search was conducted on 1 February 2022. The risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions was used to assess the methodological quality. A descriptive literature review is also conducted. Results Of the 11,999 studies initially searched, three cohort studies (2,293 participants) met the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias in these studies was rated as critical or serious. The 1–10 years readmission rate for patients with schizophrenia who had been hospitalised for more than one year ranged from 33 to 55%. The average of readmission durations described in the two studies was 70.5 ± 95.6 days per year (in the case of a 7.5-year follow-up) and 306 ± 399 days (in the case of a 3–8-year follow-up). None of the studies reported other outcomes defined in this study. Conclusions The readmission rates in the included studies varied. Differences in the follow-up period or the intensity of community services may have contributed to this variability. In countries preparing to implement de-institutionalisation, highly individualised community support should be designed to avoid relocation to residential services under supervision. The length of stay for readmissions was shorter than that for index admissions. The results also imply that discharge to the community contributes to improved clinical outcomes such as improved social functioning. The validity of retaining patients admitted because of the risk of rehospitalisation was considered low. Future research directions have also been discussed.

Abstract Aims This study investigated outcomes in community mental health research that were important to caregivers of people with schizophrenia. Methods Using an online survey conducted from August 1 to 31, 2020, data were collected from caregivers belonging to the LINE Schizophrenia Family Association. Caregivers identified outcomes important in community mental health research. Two researchers categorized caregivers' statements into research outcomes. Results A total of 132 caregivers completed the online selfreported questionnaire, and 296 caregiver statements were identified. Qualitative analysis identified 17 outcome categories. The caregivers tended to value having more free time, maintaining an appropriate relationship with people with schizophrenia, and being able to cope with their symptoms. Conclusions This exploratory study newly demonstrates the outcomes that caregivers of people with schizophrenia consider important in community mental health research. The findings may be useful in selecting outcomes for future studies of caregivers.

Pioneered by the success on active transport of ions across membranes in 1980 using the regulation of the binding properties of crown ethers with covalently linked photoisomerizable units, extensive studies on the movements by using varied interactions between moving objects and environments have been reported. Photoinduced movements of various objects ranging from molecules, polymers to microscopic particles were discussed from the aspects of the driving for the movements, materials design to achieve the movements and systems design to see and to utilize the movements are summarized in this review.

Photocatalysts have recently attracted attention for removing infectious-disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Among such photocatalysts, ground Rh-doped SrTiO3 (“g-STO:Rh”) has been found to have biospecificity that reduces the Qβ phage infectivity under conditions that did not decrease the E. coli survival rate. Elucidating the mechanism of selective antiphage activation is important for developing photocatalysts that act effectively against specific microorganisms. In this study, SDS-PAGE and quantitative PCR showed that a g-STO:Rh-treated Qβ phage preferentially inactivated the A2 protein involved in attachment to host cells. The analysis of the photocatalyst-treated ovalbumin using g-STO:Rh indicated that the protein’s isoelectric point significantly influenced the initial interaction with g-STO:Rh. However, once the protein is absorbed, it was decomposed without the release of intermediates. Furthermore, an inactivation assay for four different phages by photocatalyst treatment using g-STO:Rh revealed that phages with positively charged proteins are highly susceptible to inactivation, and the accessibility of critical components to g-STO:Rh influences susceptibility. We conclude that the selective antiphage activation of g-STO:Rh depends on the adsorption efficiency of the protein and g-STO:Rh.

Abstract Background Patient and public involvement (PPI) has become essential in health research. However, little is known about multiple stakeholders' perspectives on the implementation of PPI in community mental health research settings. The present study aimed to qualitatively analyse multiple stakeholders' views on PPI, including potential concerns, barriers and approaches. Methods This study involved conducting focus group interviews and collecting qualitative data from 37 participants in multiple stakeholder groups (patients = 6, caregivers = 5, service providers = 7, government staff = 5 and researchers = 14) in the community mental health field. The data were qualitatively analysed using a data‐driven approach that derived domains, themes and subthemes related to perspectives on PPI and to specific challenges and approaches for implementing PPI. Results The qualitative analysis identified four domains. The ‘Positive views and expectations regarding PPI’ domain consisted of themes related to supportive views of PPI in a mental health service research setting and improvements in the quality of research and service. The ‘General concerns about PPI’ domain included themes concerning the need for non‐PPI research and tokenism, excessive expectations concerning social changes and use of evidence from PPI research, and heavy burdens resulting from PPI. The ‘Specific issues regarding the implementation of PPI’ domain consisted of four themes, including academic systems, selection methods (e.g., representativeness and conflict of interest issues), relationship building, and ambiguous PPI criteria. In particular, all stakeholder groups expressed concerns about relational equality during PPI implementation in Japan. The ‘Approaches to PPI implementation’ domain included themes such as facilitating mutual understanding, creating a tolerant atmosphere, establishing PPI support systems (e.g., training, ethics and human resource matching) and empowering patient organizations. Conclusion The study replicated most of the barriers and approaches to PPI reported by qualitative research in Western counties. However, utilization of evidence produced by PPI research and partnership in the PPI process may be particularly serious issues in Japan. Future PPI studies should carefully address solutions that fit each culture. Patient or Public Contribution A patient‐researcher was involved in all stages of this project, from development of the research topic and the protocol to manuscript preparation.

Abstract Background Outcome selection in intervention studies is a critical issue for synthesizing evidence. This study is aimed to investigate outcomes used in Cochrane reviews assessing community‐based psychosocial interventions for adults with severe mental illness. Methods Cochrane reviews that evaluated a community‐based psychosocial intervention for adults with severe mental illness were searched electronically and manually. We extracted all outcomes specified in the Methods section in each Cochrane review. Outcomes that represent the same concept and context were synthesized into an outcome term. Outcome terms were categorized according to the existing taxonomy. Results We included 33 Cochrane reviews. Of the 216 outcome terms identified, 13 were used in more than half of the reviews: quality of life, mental state, admission to hospital, economic outcome, leaving the study early, social functioning, satisfaction, global state, relapse, adverse events/effects, carer satisfaction, employment, and duration of admission. Most outcome terms were categorized into the life impact core area (55%), followed by the resource use area (21%). Conclusions Our study provides a candidate outcome list for developing a core outcome set for severe mental illness and offers a basis for comparison for future outcome investigation on mental health research.

Abstract Background Treatment goals for mental illness have expanded from hospital discharge and improved functioning to employment, living alone, and personal realization. These changes in treatment goals have also influenced mental health research. Recent studies have addressed the development of core outcome sets focusing on clinical aspects of mental illness such as depression and anxiety. However, a well‐developed framework of essential outcomes for people with mental illness (service users) who live in the community is lacking. In addition, recent worldwide trends suggest more patient and public involvement and the importance of considering multiple stakeholders’ views in the area of mental health research. Purpose of this study is to explore consensus on high‐priority outcome domains among multiple stakeholders in community mental healthcare fields in Japan. Methods A three‐step approach to developing an outcome list will be used. First, we developed a long list of outcomes for community mental health through a literature review, focus group interviews with key stakeholders, and online questionnaire surveys of service users and caregivers. Second, the long list was checked and revised in a pilot study. Third, the long list will be shortened to the outcome list through the Delphi methodology with participation from multiple stakeholders. Discussion Identifying important common outcome domains through collaboration with multiple stakeholders appears to contribute to the development of evidence for community mental health research in Japan. In addition, the study process itself may help promote patient and public involvement in education, practice, and research in the field of community mental health.

Abstract Aims The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate care difficulties experienced by caregivers of people with schizophrenia during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns in Japan (April 7‐May 25, 2020) and examine associations between these care difficulties during lockdowns and daily caregiver burden. Methods Data were collected from 132 participants of the LINE Schizophrenia Family Association using an online survey. Results Caregivers were mostly concerned about who would care for people with schizophrenia if caregivers become infected with COVID‐19. A significant association was found between higher daily caregiver burden and more difficult care experiences during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns (B = 0.58, 95% confidence interval, 0.40‐0.75, P

Abstract Mesoporous silica (SBA-15 with the BJH pore size of 8 nm) containing anatase nanoparticles in the pore with two different titania contents (28 and 65 mass%), which were prepared by the infiltration of the amorphous precursor derived from tetraisopropyl orthotitanate into the pore, were heat treated in air to investigate the structural changes (both mesostructure of the SBA-15 and the phase and size of the anatase in the pore). The mesostructure of the mesoporous silica and the particle size of anatase unchanged by the heat treatment up to 800 °C. The heat treatment at the temperature higher than 1000 °C resulted in the collapse of the mesostructure and the growth of anatase nanoparticles as well as the transformation to rutile, while the transformation of anatase to rutile was suppressed especially for the sample with the lower titania content (28 mass%). The resulting mesoporous silica-anatase hybrids exhibited higher benzene adsorption capacity (adsorption from water) over those heated at lower temperature, probably due to the dehydroxylation of the silanol group on the pore surface. The photocatalytic decomposition of benzene in water by the present hybrid heated at 1100 °C was efficient as that by P25, a benchmark photocatalyst.

Abstract Background Supporting personal recovery in people with mental health difficulties is central to mental health services. This study aimed to develop the Japanese version of INSPIRE and Brief INSPIRE measure of staff support for personal recovery and to evaluate its reliability and validity. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted from October to December 2015. The authors asked users to participate in the survey of 14 community mental health services in the Kanto region of Japan. The service users completed self-administered questionnaires that include the Japanese version of INSPIRE, the Recovery Assessment Scale, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, the patient version of the Scale to Assess Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health care and the Short Form Health Survey. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa. Convergent validity was examined by assessing correlation with other scales. Factor validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with generalized least-squares mean and oblimin rotation. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis was used to check the fitness of the factor structure models derived from the EFA. Results A total of 195 out of 212 users gave written informed consent and participated in the study. Data from 190 respondents were analyzed (response rate 89.6%). INSPIRE, Brief INSPIRE, and the subscales all showed Cronbach’s alpha coefficient over 0.78. ICC and weighted kappa derived more than 0.92 for subscales and Brief INSPIRE. These numerical values indicated good reliability. The convergent validity of Brief INSPIRE and the subscales was significantly positively correlated with the other scales. Different from the previous study, the factor structure was extracted using EFA. Both factor structures were checked by CFA, but the degree of fitness index was not good in either. Therefore, the factor analysis did not show goodness of fit. Conclusions This study found the Japanese version of INSPIRE and Brief INSPIRE to be reliable and valid for use among community mental health service users in Japan.

Abstract Background Several previous observational studies have reported the risk factors associated with readmission in people with mental illness. While patient-reported experiences and outcomes have become increasingly important in healthcare, only a few studies have examined these parameters in terms of their direct association with readmission in an acute psychiatric setting. This project will investigate multiple factors associated with readmission and community living in acute psychiatric patients in Japan. This study will primarily investigate whether patient-reported experiences at discharge, particularly quality of life (QoL), are associated with future readmission and whether readmission after the index hospitalization is associated with changes in patient-reported outcomes during the study period. Here, we describe the rationale and methods of this study. Methods This multicenter prospective cohort study is being conducted in 21 participating Japanese hospitals, with a target sample of approximately 600 participants admitted to the acute psychiatric ward. The study has four planned assessment points: time of index admission (T1), time of discharge (from the index admission) (T2), 6 months after discharge from the index admission (T3), and 12 months after discharge from the index admission (T4). Participants will complete self-reported measures including a QoL scale, a subjective disability scale, and an empowerment- and self-agency-related scale at each assessment point; additionally, service satisfaction, subjective view of need for services, and subjective relationships with family members will be assessed at T2 and T3. We will assess the participants’ hospitalization during the study period and evaluate several potential individual- and service-level factors associated with readmission and patient-reported experiences and outcomes. Multivariate analyses will be conducted to identify potential associations between readmission and patient-reported experiences and outcomes. Discussion The present study may produce evidence on how patient-reported experiences at discharge influence readmission and on the influence of readmission on the course of patient-reported outcomes from admission to community living after discharge. The study may contribute to improving care for both patients’ subjective views of their own health conditions and their community lives in an acute psychiatric setting. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network—Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000034220. Registered on September 20, 2018.

Thought as raw materials clay minerals are often disregarded in the development of advanced materials. However, clays of natural and synthetic origin constitute excellent platforms for developing nanostructured functional materials for numerous applications. They can be easily assembled to diverse types of nanoparticles provided with magnetic, electronic, photoactive or bioactive properties, allowing to overcome drawbacks of other types of substrates in the design of functional nanoarchitectures. Within this scope, clays can be of special relevance in the production of photoactive materials as they offer an advantageous way for the stabilization and immobilization of diverse metal-oxide nanoparticles. The controlled assembly under mild conditions of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles with clay minerals to give diverse clay–semiconductor nanoarchitectures are summarized and critically discussed in this review article. The possibility to use clay minerals as starting components showing different morphologies, such as layered, fibrous, or tubular morphologies, to immobilize these types of nanoparticles mainly plays a role in i) the control of their size and size distribution on the solid surface, ii) the mitigation or suppression of the nanoparticle aggregation, and iii) the hierarchical design for selectivity enhancements in the catalytic transformation and for improved overall reaction efficiency. This article tries also to present new steps towards more sophisticated but efficient and highly selective functional nanoarchitectures incorporating photosensitizer elements for tuning the semiconductor–clay photoactivity.

One of the objectives of the concept test is to gather ideas to improve the product. However, prior research has not examined whether there is any difference in the collection of ideas depending on what is used in the concept test. The authors demonstrate that you can get more ideas for improvement by utilizing a design that you can touch in the early stages of development. The authors examine the concept test of toilet paper to 97 people with 4 kinds of presentations (sentence, graphic design, touchable prototype design, and video). As historical research on haptic perception shows, a touchable prototype design improves the collection of ideas through the activation of semantic concepts. The authors’ findings suggest that the use of a touchable prototype design in the early stages of development is effective in obtaining the idea of improvement and this result can explain why utilization of a prototype is effective in design thinking.

Background: Arytenoid cartilage dislocation/subluxation is one of the rare complications following tracheal intubation, and there have been no reports about risk factors leading this complication. From our clinical experience, we have an impression that patients undergoing cardiovascular operations tend to be associated with this complication. Aims: We designed a large retrospective study to reveal the incidence and risk factors predicting the occurrence and to examine whether our impression is true. Settings and Designs: This was a retrospective study. Methods: We retrospectively studied 19,437 adult patients who were intubated by an anesthesiologist in our operation theater from 2002 to 2008. The tracheal intubation was performed by a resident anesthesiologist managing the patients. Only patients whose postoperative voice was disturbed more than 7 days were referred to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and examined using laryngostroboscopy by a laryngologist to diagnose arytenoid cartilage dislocation/subluxation. We evaluated age, sex, weight, height, duration of intubation, difficult intubation, and major cardiovascular operation as risk factors to lead this complication. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis to assess factors for arytenoid cartilage dislocation/subluxation after univariate analyses using logistic regression analysis. Results: Our analysis indicated that difficult intubation (odds ratio: 12.1, P = 0.018) and cardiovascular operation (odds ratio: 9.9, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors of arytenoid cartilage dislocation/subluxation. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that major cardiovascular operation is one of the significant risk factors leading this complication.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), shown as the general formula of [M2+1−xM3+x(OH)2]x+(An−)x/n∙yH2O, are useful for various applications such as anion exchangers/adsorbents, catalysts and catalysts’ supports, and drug/gene carriers due to their structural, compositional and morphological characteristics and their variation. The x value (M3+/(M2+ + M3+) ratio) in layered double hydroxides (LDHs), corresponding to the layer charge density, is one of the important parameters for controlling the properties of LDHs. The x values in commonly available LDHs are limited (0.2 < x < 0.3). In order to obtain LDHs with x < 0.2, Mg2+ Ga3+–LDHs with interlayer iodide were examined. The linear correlation between lattice parameter a and x value in the products with x of 0.06–0.24 was seen, suggesting the successful substitution of Mg2+ in the brucite-like sheet with Ga3+. Carbonate and dodecyl sulfate types MgGa–LDH were prepared by ion exchange with carbonate anion and reconstruction in aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The products with x of 0.06 were dispersed in water and hexanol better than those with x of 0.24 for MgGa–LDHs containing carbonate and dodecyl sulfate, respectively, suggesting effects of the lower layer charge density on the dispersion.

In the automotive industry one of the crucial issues is reduction of CO2 emission to protect environment. A lot of researches have been done to reduce the CO2 emission of cars by improving efficiency of engine and engine parts or lowering the weight. However, a significant reduction of CO2 emission of cars can also be obtained from improvement of efficiency of transmission by reducing drag torque or spin loss in disengaged wet clutch. The reduction of drag torque can be achieved by introducing groove on facing of clutch disk and further reduction can be obtained by optimizing the shape of groove. Generally, the optimum shape of groove is decided by trial and error method which requires time, making sample, conducting a lot of tests and wasting a lot of raw materials. In this research, we proposed a new analytical model to predict the drag torque characteristics of a disengaged wet clutch of transmission without making any samples and performing any tests. The feature of the model: It bases on continuity and Navier-Stokes equation, a real time visualization investigation and laminar flow. The model is validated with tests results and the comparison result shows that they are very close to each other. The significance of the model is: it captures the multiphase drag torque characteristic which changes with changing gaps, speeds and oil flow rates. Moreover, the model is a green environment friendly tool to estimate drag torque characteristics without making any samples or conducting any drag tests.

Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by serum creatinine (eGFRCr) or standardized cystatin C (eGFRCysC) were estimated in Japanese patients with Graves׳ disease (GD) of different sex. Clinical samples were collected from patients with GD with normal renal function to accurately validate eGFRCr and eGFRCysC levels and evaluate how hyperthyroidism affects renal function. Levels of eGFRCr and eGFRCysC showed clinical usefulness in successfully treated euthyroid patients with GD regardless of sex. The article includes detailed experimental methods and data used in our analysis. The data relates to the “Paradoxical effect of thyroid function on the estimated glomerular filtration rate by serum creatinine or standardized cystatin C in Japanese Graves’ disease patients” (Suzuki et al., 2015) [1]

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of materials with useful properties associated with their anion exchange abilities for a wide range of materials’ applications including adsorbent, catalyst and its support, ceramic precursor, and drug carrier. In order to satisfy the requirements for the detailed characterization and the practical application, the preparation of LDHs with varied composition and particle morphology has been examined extensively. The versatility of the preparation methods led LDHs with varied composition and micro/macroscopic morphology, which makes the application of LDHs more realistic. In the present review article, synthetic methods of LDHs are overviewed in order to highlight the present status of the LDHs for practical application.

Mesoporous solids, which were prepared from inorganic-surfactant mesostructured materials, have been investigated due to their very large surface area and high porosity, pore size uniformity and variation, periodic pore arrangement and possible pore surface modification. Morphosyntheses from macroscopic morphologies such as bulk monolith and films, to nanoscopic ones, nanoparticles and their stable suspension, make mesoporous materials more attractive for applications and detailed characterization. This class of materials has been studied for such applications as adsorbents and catalysts, and later on, for optical, electronic, environmental and bio-related ones. This review summarizes the studies on the chemistry of mesoporous silica and functional guest species (host–guest chemistry) to highlight the present status and future applications of the host–guest hybrids.

Although many people have expressed alarm that we are witnessing a mass extinction, few projections have been quantified, owing to limited availability of time-series data on threatened organisms, especially plants. To quantify the risk of extinction, we need to monitor changes in population size over time for as many species as possible. Here, we present the world's first quantitative projection of plant species loss at a national level, with stochastic simulations based on the results of population censuses of 1618 threatened plant taxa in 3574 map cells of ca. 100 km2. More than 500 lay botanists helped monitor those taxa in 1994-1995 and in 2003-2004. We projected that between 370 and 561 vascular plant taxa will go extinct in Japan during the next century if past trends of population decline continue. This extinction rate is approximately two to three times the global rate. Using time-series data, we show that existing national protected areas (PAs) covering ca. 7% of Japan will not adequately prevent population declines: even core PAs can protect at best

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of materials with useful properties associated with their anion exchange abilities as well as redox and adsorptive properties for a wide range of applications including adsorbents, catalysts and their supports, electrodes, pigments, ceramic precursors, and drug carriers. In order to satisfy the requirements for each application as well as to find alternative applications, the preparation of LDHs with the desired composition and particle morphology and post-synthetic modification by the host-guest interactions have been examined. In addition, the hybridization of LDHs with various functional particles has been reported to design materials of modified, improved, and multiple functions. In the present article, the preparation, the heterostructure and the application of hybrids containing LDHs as the main component are overviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]