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We investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Salmonella, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia albertii in domestic chicken and pork sold at retail stores in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Campylobacter was detected in 35.7% (60/168) of chicken samples and 7.3% (14/190) of pork samples. C. jejuni and C. coli were predominant in chicken and pork, respectively. Salmonella was found in 58.1% (100/172) of chicken samples and 19.9% (41/206) of pork samples. Moreover, Salmonella Schwarzengrund was the major serovar observed in chicken isolates, whereas S. Typhimurium monophasic variant was in pork isolates. Furthermore, ETEC was found in 0.6% (1/160) of chicken samples and 2.4% (5/206) of pork samples. Y. enterocolitica was absent from all (83/83) chicken samples but was present in 9.3% (18/193) of pork samples, with a prevalence in pork tongues as high as 21.0% (13/62 samples). However, EHEC and E. albertii were not detected in our study. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that chicken was highly contaminated with Campylobacter sp. and Salmonella, and pork was with Y. enterocolitica serotype O3, Campylobacter sp., Salmonella, and ETEC.

A sheet-like X-ray phantom on which thin Iodine is uniformly coated was developed to facilitate the handling of iodined objects used in any X-ray imaging studies.The most recommendable protocol as follows: (1) prepare undiluted 240 mg/ml Iohexol-based contrast agent and drop around 1.6 g on a horizontal surface. (2) infiltrate the agent into a membrane filter (47 mm in diameter) from the secondary side. (3) one minute later, the excess liquid components should be removed by a softy absorbent paper, and the infiltrated membrane filter should be left until substantially dried.The dried membrane filter can be utilized as a sheet-like X-ray phantom on which the iodine of around 2.45 mg is almost uniformly distributed per 1 cmIn the practical experiments, the X-ray attenuation factor can be controlled by changing the stacking number of the sheet, and the spatial size and form can also be designed by cutting the sheet. This capability is expected to improve the efficiency of any X-ray experiments and quality control works that requires iodined materials.

We constructed a mammography database of 807 Japanese women and 2,772 images obtained using five commercial full-field digital mammography (FFDM) devices at four different facilities. Five types of mammography devices fabricated by four manufacturers were used: one with a Mo target (AMULET F), one with Mo and Rh targets (Senographe DS), one with Mo and W targets (AMULET), and two with a W target (MAMMOMAT Fusion and Selenia Dimensions). The purpose of this study was to focus on the mean glandular dose (MGD) in the database and analyze the difference in the MGD of Japanese women radiographed by mammographic devices with different targets or target/filter combinations. Furthermore, we clarify the difference between the displayed and measured MGDs for the three types of mammography devices. The average compression pressure and compression breast thickness of the Japanese women in the mammography in this study were 90.9±21.7 N and 43.3±12.9 mm, respectively. The breast compression pressure slightly varied depending on the facility or FFDM device, while the compression breast thickness decreased with the increase in the compression pressure for all FFDM devices. Differences in breast compression thickness existed depending on the mammography devices. The MGDs of the two types of mammography devices using the W target were smallest (1.335±0.358, 1.218±0.464 mGy). The displayed and measured MGDs of the three types of FFDM devices had a good correlation. However, the difference between the displayed and measured MGDs of the two devices increased with the MGD.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by mutations inTsc1orTsc2, whose gene products inhibit the small G-protein Rheb1. Rheb1 activates mTORC1, which may cause refractory epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. The mTORC1 inhibitors have been used for TSC patients with intractable epilepsy. However, its effectiveness for cognitive symptoms remains unclear. We found a new signaling pathway for synapse formation through Rheb1 activation, but not mTORC1. Here, we show that treatment with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor lonafarnib increased unfarnesylated (inactive) Rheb1 levels and restored synaptic abnormalities in culturedTsc2+/−neurons, whereas rapamycin did not enhance spine synapse formation. Lonafarnib treatment also restored the plasticity-related Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein) expression in culturedTsc2+/−neurons. Lonafarnib action was partly dependent on the Rheb1 reduction with syntenin. Oral administration of lonafarnib increased unfarnesylated protein levels without affecting mTORC1 and MAP (mitogen-activated protein (MAP)) kinase signaling, and restored dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampi of maleTsc2+/−mice. In addition, lonafarnib treatment ameliorated contextual memory impairments and restored memory-related Arc expression in maleTsc2+/−micein vivo. HeterozygousRheb1knockout in maleTsc2+/−mice reproduced the results observed with pharmacological treatment. These results suggest that the Rheb1 activation may be responsible for synaptic abnormalities and memory impairments inTsc2+/−mice, and its inhibition by lonafarnib could provide insight into potential treatment options for TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal-dominant disease that causes neuropsychiatric symptoms, including intractable epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID) and autism. No pharmacological treatment for ID has been reported so far. To develop a pharmacological treatment for ID, we investigated the mechanism of TSC and found that Rheb1 activation is responsible for synaptic abnormalities in TSC neurons. To inhibit Rheb1 function, we used the farnesyltransferase inhibitor lonafarnib, because farnesylation of Rheb1 is required for its activation. Lonafarnib treatment increased inactive Rheb1 and recovered proper synapse formation and plasticity-related Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein) expression in TSC neurons. Furthermore,in vivolonafarnib treatment restored contextual memory and Arc induction in TSC mice. Together, Rheb1 inhibition by lonafarnib could provide insight into potential treatments for TSC-associated ID.

We analyzed the compression pressures in 2772 mammography images of 807 patients acquired by digital mammography equipment at four facilities. The analysis included the average compression pressure at all facilities, difference in compression pressure at each facility, differences between the pressures used by radiological technologists in the same facility, and difference attributed to the breast structure. We also analyzed the effects of the compression pressure on the breast thickness and mean glandular dose (MGD) at each facility. The median values of the compression pressure and breast thickness for the 2772 images at all facilities were 86.5 N and 43 mm, respectively. The compression pressures differed among the institutions. The maximum difference in the median pressures among the four facilities was 38.6 N, while the difference in the breast thickness was 6 mm. The radiological technologists working at the same facility used almost the same compression pressure. However, differences between the compression pressures used by different radiological technologists were observed. The compression pressure in a dense breast was smaller than that in a non-dense breast. The difference in the compression pressure affected the breast thickness and MGD. The results of this analysis could be utilized for an optimal imaging in future digital mammography.

Background Clinical nurses working in an acute neurosurgery ward and researchers conducted research using the research process model with the aim to improve nursing competency, nursing autonomy, work motivation, ethics, and actual nursing care content. The research clarified: (a) how clinical nurses in the neurosurgical ward changed and the process of improving nursing competence; (b) changes regarding clinical nurses’ patient care autonomy, work motivation, and ethics; (c) changes in nursing care (rate of medical restraint, rate of manual removal of faeces, etc.) and (d) changes in patients’ and families’ degree of nursing care satisfaction. Methods Participants were a purposive sample of 12 (50%) ward nurses from a neurosurgery ward in a 500-bed hospital that had emergency care. Qualitative and quantitative data were from descriptions of the research process model and interviews, with the use of professional autonomy scale, work motivation scale, ethical behaviour scale, implementation rates of medical restraints and manual removal of faeces to inpatients, and by changes in nursing care and patient satisfaction. Data were collected before, during and at the completion of research. Analyses for quantitative data was done by unpaired t-test and ANOVA, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Significance was set at (p < 0.05). Results Professional autonomy scores gradually increased after the start of research and were significantly higher at the midpoint. The ethical behaviour scores gradually increased from the starting point, but there was no significant difference. The work motivation scores gradually increased and had significantly increased at the end of the study period compared to the starting point. The rate of medical restraints on patients significantly decreased in the end compared to the beginning, while the rate of manual removal of faeces significantly decreased at the midpoint and in the end compared to the starting point. Families complained about nurses’ response and care during the three-year period prior to the start of the research, but a year after the start of this research, no complaints were observed. The nurses improved nursing competence from Stage 1 : realization of individual nursing care anew; Stage 2: collaborating with various medical professionals; Stage 3: pursuit of specialized nursing; and Stage 4: promote competence of leadership and team building ability for all nurses. The research process model in this study improved nursing competency of the nurses participating in the study. Conclusion Going through the four stages, the clinical nurses working in the acute neurosurgery ward were able to improve their actual nursing care and increased their nursing competency.

We studied the image resolution properties in digital mammography using the variance and edge response function methods. The associated measurements were made using a polymethylmethacrylate phantom of 0-40 mm thickness while maintaining the incident dose to the detector constant, as well as with and without using the phantom but by varying the level of exposure to the detector. The results obtained using the two methods were compared on the object plane of the mammography unit with compensation for the magnification and rejection of the scattered radiation. In this unit, the imaging process of resolution enhancement may be performed according to the phantom thickness, shape of test device, exposure level, and so on. The modulation transfer function values of the variance method were slightly higher than those of the edge method, approximately 6% at 2 cycles/mm and 8% at 4 cycles/mm without resolution enhancement processing. We concluded that the variance method is more suitable than the edge method for the constancy test or quality control because of its lower coefficient of variation.

Background Aflatoxins (AFs) are carcinogenic mycotoxins. A simple, quick, and accurate method for the micro-analysis of AFs in foodstuffs, especially spices, is needed. Objective A sophisticated pretreatment method that combines solid-phase dispersive extraction (SPDE) and solid-phase fluorescence derivatization using immunoaffinity (IA) gel as the solid phase was developed to analyze AFs in spices simply, quickly, and sensitively by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Method White and black pepper samples were extracted with a mixed solution of methanol/water (4:1) and then diluted with 7% aqueous solution of Triton-X. The solution was subjected to cleanup by SPDE using IA gel. Trifluoroacetic acid was added to the IA gel for on-site solid-phase fluorescence derivatization. Results Chromatograms containing well-separated peaks and few interference peaks from contaminants were obtained. The method detection limit of AFs in white and black pepper was 0.15–0.29 ng/g. Repeatability and intermediate precision were Conclusions The validity, reliability, practicality, and robustness of the developed method were verified. Highlights By using SPDE and solid-phase fluorescence derivatization in combination for AF analysis, fluorescence derivatization during cleanup was realized, leading to simplification of the pretreatment operation.

This study was conducted to understand the acceptance levels of hot sauces among consumers from different culinary cultures. Two newly developed hot sauces [fermented red chili pepper with soybean-paste-based sauce(GS) and fermented red chili-pepper-based sauce(KS)] were compared with Tabasco sauce(TB) and Sriracha sauce(SR). Two separate cross-cultural home-use tests(HUTs) were conducted: pizza and cream soup were provided as food items in HUT 1, whereas grilled chicken wings and rice noodle soup were provided in HUT 2. Consumers residing in Denmark, South Korea, and US participated in each HUT (n≅100 per country). Acceptance levels and the reasons for (dis)liking particular hot sauces applied to food systems were assessed. The food items that paired well with different hot sauces when the sauces were applied freely to regular meals were also analyzed among the US and Korean subjects. When the hot-sauce samples were applied to pizza and cream soup, the preferred order of the samples exhibited a cross-cultural agreement (GS = KS > TB). In the case of grilled chicken and rice noodle soup, the acceptance rating was similar for the three types of hot sauces among Koreans, whereas the acceptance was higher for SR among the US subjects for both foodstuffs, while Danish subjects preferred GS and KS over SR. The US subjects did not like hot-sauce samples with sweet and weak spiciness, whereas the Korean and Danish subjects disliked the hot-sauce sample when it was too spicy and not sufficiently sweet. These findings indicate that the matching of particular sauces with specific food items is culture-dependent, and this needs to be considered when trying to export food products such as hot sauce to other countries.

Coronin-1, a hematopoietic cell-specific actin-binding protein, is thought to be involved in the phagocytic process through its interaction with actin filaments. The dissociation of coronin-1 from phagosomes after its transient accumulation on the phagosome surface is associated with lysosomal fusion. We previously reported that 1) coronin-1 is phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC), 2) coronin-1 has two phosphorylation sites, Ser-2 and Thr-412, and 3) Thr-412 of coronin-1 is phosphorylated during phagocytosis. In this study, we examined which PKC isoform is responsible for the phosphorylation of coronin-1 at Thr-412 by using isotype-specific PKC inhibitors and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Thr-412 phosphorylation of coronin-1 was suppressed by Gö6976, an inhibitor of PKCα and PKCβI. This phosphorylation was attenuated by siRNA for PKCα, but not by siRNA for PKCβ. Furthermore, Thr-412 of coronin-1 was phosphorylated by recombinant PKCα in vitro, but not by recombinant PKCβ. We next examined the effects of Gö6976 on the intracellular distribution of coronin-1 in HL60 cells during phagocytosis. The confocal fluorescence microscopic observation showed that coronin-1 was not dissociated from phagosomes in Gö6976-treated cells. These results indicate that phosphorylation of coronin-1 at Thr-412 by PKCα regulates intracellular distribution during phagocytosis., Highlights • Phosphorylation of coronin-1 at Thr-412 is suppressed by PKCα/β inhibitor. • PKCα not PKCβ phosphorylates coronin-1 at Thr-412 in vitro. • Dissociation of coronin-1 from phagosome is regulated by PKCα. • Phosphorylation of coronin-1 at Thr-412 may trigger phagosome maturation.

Purpose Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals is a growing concern, because such exposures have been shown to be associated with various diseases. The levels of chemicals and heavy metals in maternal blood, cord blood, maternal urine and amniotic fluid in Japanese pregnant women were investigated. Methods A total of 145 women, including 14 fetal growth restriction cases, were included in the present study. The levels of phthalates (di[2-ethylhexyl]phthalate and mono[2-ethylhexyl]phthalate), perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorononanoic acid), pesticides (dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphate, diethylphosphate, diethylthiophosphate, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, and octachlorodipropyl ether), bisphenol A, nicotine (nicotine, nornicotine, cotinine, norcotinine, and trans-3’-hydroxycotinine), polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and heavy metals were measured. The relationship between fetal growth and the levels of chemicals and heavy metals were investigated. Results Phthalates, perfluorinated compounds, pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and heavy metals were detected in high frequency, whereas nicotine and bisphenol A were almost negative. Phthalates, perfluorinated compounds, and several heavy metals were transferred to the fetus. High perfluorononanoic acid levels in the maternal blood and cord blood, and low perfluorooctanoic acid level in the cord blood were significantly and negatively associated with fetal growth. Conclusions The present study showed that pregnant women in Japan and their fetuses are exposed to a variety of chemicals and heavy metals.

Aim: The implications of water and nutrient deficiencies for photosynthesis, dry matter production, and yield have been well documented. However, whereas multiple studies show that water deficits affect grape and wine quality as well as wine sensory characteristics, the corresponding implications of manipulating vine nutrient status through fertilizer additions remain largely unexplored.Methods and results: In this study, phosphorus (P) fertilizers were applied to P-deficient vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Chenin blanc growing in rhyolite, granite, and schist derived soils. Bloomtime leaf lamina P levels, basic soil chemical characteristics, juice P, and wine chemical parameters were measured after harvest. A highly sensitive protocol for sensory evaluation was used to test the wines made from the treated and untreated grapes for differences in wine appearance, flavor, aroma, and taste. All P additions were effective in rapidly increasing both vine P status and P in the harvested juice. In Cabernet Sauvignon vines growing on rhyolite, juice P was linearly related to vine P status compared to a non-linear accumulation of juice P in Chenin blanc vines growing on an calcium-rich schist soil. Soil CEC and Ca levels were both higher in the schist derived soil than in the rhyolite or granite soils, indicating a possible association of P release with soil parent material. Differences were detected in appearance, flavor, aroma, and taste in wines made from all three varieties on all three sites. Also, increasing vine P status increased the concentration of anthocyanins and soluble phenolics in the wines, and reduced fermentation time in the Cabernet Sauvignon.Conclusions: The results of this study show that vine P nutrient status can be manipulated by the grower across different soil types. Vine nutrient status has also been shown to significantly affect vine bud fertility, photosynthesis, dry matter and fruit production, and grape and wine chemical parameters. However, there is a lack of data describing the effect of manipulating vine nutrient status through fertilizer additions on the resulting wine sensory profile. Our results show that vine P status can influence the sensory attributes of wines.Significance and impact of the study: The results of this study and earlier work with vine water status identify two vineyard sources of variation in wine sensory attributes that occur both naturally and can be manipulated by the grower across different soil types.

The measurement methods of contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) in digital mammography are different among several quality assurance (QA) guidelines, that is, the type of pixel value (PV), phantom shape, location of aluminum plate, and the size of region of interest (ROI) principally differ in data acquisition. We compared CNR (SDNR) obtained from three QA guidelines. They are the European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services (EUREF), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In EUREF and IEC, CNR was calculated using linearized pixel value (LPV). In IAEA, because the type of pixel value to use in SDNR was not specified, SDNR was calculated using PV and LPV, and CNR was calculated using LPV. Target/filter combinations are molybdenum/molybdenum (Mo/Mo) and molybdenum/rhodium (Mo/Rh). Applied various tube voltages are 25, 30, and 35 kV, and various phantom thicknesses are 20, 45, and 70 mm of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The PV-SDNR of IAEA showed the largest value among the three methods, following LPV-CNR of IEC, LPV-CNR of EUREF at 20 mm PMMA thickness. In IAEA, SDNR changed by the kind of pixel value (PV or LPV). When CNR is calculated, every researcher should describe the type of guidelines, the kind of pixel value, and formula for calculation.

Recently, radiation damage to the detector apparatus employed in computed radiography (CR) mammography has become problematic. The CR system and the imaging plate (IP) applied to quality control (QC) program were also used in clinical mammography in our hospital, and the IP to which radiation damage has occurred was used for approximately 5 years (approximately 13,000 exposures). We considered using previously acquired QC image data, which is stored in a server, to investigate the influence of radiation damage to an IP. The mammography unit employed in this study was a phase contrast mammography (PCM) Mermaid (KONICA MINOLTA) system. The QC image was made newly, and it was output in the film, and thereafter the optical density of the step-phantom image was measured. An input (digital value)-output (optical density) conversion curve was plotted using the obtained data. The digital values were then converted to optical density values using a reference optical density vs. digital value curve. When a high radiation dose was applied directly, radiation damage occurred at a position on the IP where no object was present. Daily QC for mammography is conducted using an American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation phantom and acrylic disc, and an environmental background density measurement is performed as one of the management indexes. In this study, the radiation damage sustained by the acrylic disc was shown to differ from that of the background. Thus, it was revealed that QC results are influenced by radiation damage.

Sensory difference tests can be used to investigate how well consumers can discriminate between very similar, confusable products. For this reason, it is desirable that the products are tested in a manner as similar as possible to realistic conditions of consumption. For some of these tests, it is desirable that the experimenter does not specify the nature of the difference; the consumers have to discover this for themselves. The methods generally used for this class of tests are the triangle and duo–trio. Recently, the (unspecified) tetrad method has emerged as a candidate to replace the triangle and duo–trio tests, because it is more powerful, although not as powerful as the 2-AFC and 3-AFC. Using a model and a beverage system, it was confirmed that the tetrad method was more powerful than the triangle method, despite the fact that the greater memory load of the tetrad reduced its d′ values. To initiate an investigation into more powerful tests, several self-specification protocols were developed, which differed from those used in prior investigations. These protocols successfully converted triangle tests into self-specified 3-AFCs, with a consequent increase in power. Triangle, tetrad, self-specified 2-AFC and 3-AFC methods were then compared, with the tetrad being more powerful than the triangle and the self-specified 2-AFC and 3-AFC methods being more powerful than the tetrad.

A method for the determination of ipfencarbazone in agricultural products, livestock products and seafood by LC-MS/MS was developed. Agricultural samples were extracted with acetone. An aliquot of crude extract was partitioned with n-hexane and sat. sodium chloride solution. Clean-up was performed using GC/PSA and C18 cartridges. In the case of livestock products and seafood, samples were extracted with a mixture of acetone and n-hexane, and the organic layer was collected. After acetonitrile-hexane partitioning, the extract was cleaned up using PAS and C18 cartridges. The gradient LC separation was performed on a C18 column with acetonitrile-water containing acetic acid as a mobile phase, and MS with positive ion electrospray ionization was used for detection. The average recoveries (n=5) of ipfencarbazone from 16 kinds of agricultural products, livestock products and seafood spiked at the MRLs or at the uniform limits (0.01 ppm) were 73-101%, and the relative standard deviations were 1.3-5.1%. The limit of quantitation of the developed method was 0.01 mg/kg for ipfencarbazone.

To compare the biomechanical changes after femtosecond lenticule extraction and small-incision lenticule extraction for myopia.Department of Ophthalmology, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan.Comparative case series.In eyes of consecutive patients, femtosecond lenticule extraction was performed in 1 eye and small-incision lenticule extraction in the other eye (both Visumax laser) by random assignment. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) were quantitatively assessed using a dynamic bidirectional applanation device (Ocular Response Analyzer) in relation to the amount of myopic correction preoperatively and 1 week and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.This study comprised 48 eyes (24 patients). The decrease in CH and the CRF was statistically significant 1 week after both lenticule extraction procedures; however, the changes subsequently stabilized with no further deterioration (P.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the biomechanical changes in the 2 procedures at any time; however, a significant correlation was found between the changes and the myopic correction 3 months after femtosecond lenticule extraction (r = 0.41, P=.046, CH; r = 0.41, P=.045, CRF) and after small-incision lenticule extraction (r = 0.62, P=.001, CH; r = 0.67, P.001, CRF).The greatest changes in biomechanical parameters occurred within 1 week after femtosecond lenticule extraction and small-incision lenticule extraction; the changes were then nearly stable in relation to the amount of myopic correction. This suggests that the presence or absence of flap lifting does not significantly affect biomechanical parameters.No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the changes in corneal biomechanics after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Visian ICL; STAAR Surgical) implantation for normal and keratoconic subjects. METHODS We retrospectively examined 29 eyes of 16 consecutive patients (mean age ± SD, 32.4 ± 7.3 years) undergoing implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation through a 3.0-mm temporal corneal incision. We longitudinally assessed the values of corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) using an Ocular Response Analyzer. We also investigated the relationship between these biomechanical parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT) preoperatively, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS The CH was 9.2 ± 1.4 mm Hg preoperatively, and 9.2 ± 1.4 mm Hg, 9.3 ± 1.7 mm Hg, and 8.8 ± 1.3 mm Hg at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. The CRF was 8.4 ± 1.6 mm Hg preoperatively, and 9.0 ± 1.5 mm Hg, 8.8 ± 1.7 mm Hg, and 8.8 ± 1.6 mm Hg, at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively. Multiple comparisons demonstrated no significant differences between measurements made preoperatively and postoperatively (P > 0.05, Dunnett test). Both CH and CRF were significantly correlated with CCT 3 months postoperatively [Spearman correlation coefficient (r) = 0.48, P = 0.01 for CH; r = 0.84, P < 0.001 for CRF]. CONCLUSIONS We found no significant changes in CH or CRF after ICL implantation, not only in normal eyes but also in keratoconic eyes, suggesting that this surgical technique does not significantly affect corneal biomechanical factors. The CCT may play some role in corneal biomechanics even in eyes undergoing ICL implantation.

Aim To evaluate corneal elevation, pachymetry and keratometry in keratoconic eyes according to the clinical stage of the disease. Methods This prospective comparative study was performed on one hundred and twenty-six eyes of 83 patients who had keratoconus, and 42 normal eyes of 42 age-matched subjects. Corneal elevation, pachymetry and keratometry were measured using a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam HR, Oculus) in these eyes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves was used to analyse the diagnostic significance of these parameters, with respect to each stage of Amsler-Krumeich classifications. AUROC was calculated to describe the predictive accuracy of the different indices and to determine the cut-off points where sensitivity and specificity were maximised. Results Posterior (0.980) and anterior (0.977) elevation differences showed the highest AUROCs, followed by dioptres (D) value (0.941), percentage thickness increase (PTI) 2 mm (0.931), PTI 4 mm (0.927), progression index (0.927), minimal pachymetry (0.923), average keratometry (0.914), anterior elevation (0.909), PTI 6 mm (0.906), posterior elevation (0.898), central pachymetry (0.889), PTI 8 mm (0.870), PTI 10 mm (0.864), corneal thickness spatial profile 2 mm (0.835) and cylinder (0.796). The differences in AUROC curves between anterior and posterior elevation difference measurements and other diagnostic parameters tended to be larger at the earlier stages of keratoconus. Conclusions Anterior and posterior corneal surface height data obtained by enhanced ectasia display, effectively discriminates keratoconus from normal corneas. Elevation difference measurements may provide useful information for improving the diagnostic accuracy of keratoconus, especially in the early stage of the disease.

The objective of this research was twofold: first, the performance of the tetrad protocol was compared to that of the triangle test under conditions that could possibly lower its sensitivity, consequently resulting in the loss of its theoretical power advantage. Second, the same samples were compared with a preference test to investigate whether a no difference conclusion obtained with a discrimination test would consistently result in a non-significant preference (consumer relevance). The investigation involved sensory differences that could be deemed small (d′ values less than 1.0) as well as the comparison of resampling vs. no resampling conditions. 456 consumers performed tests using apple and orange juices for which slight sensory differences were created through dilution. In all conditions, the tetrad always exhibited a greater number of correct answers than the triangle, confirming its greater statistical power. Therefore, it was concluded that even for small sensory differences, and in conditions where sensory fatigue could play a greater role (resampling allowed), the tetrad test sill appears like a good alternative to the triangle. Also, the theoretical increase in performance predicted when allowing sample resampling was confirmed. For the preference study, the same stimuli were evaluated by 208 subjects. Consumer relevance was defined as a significant result between two products in a preference test (assuming no population segmentation). Such significant preferences were found for three out of the four conditions, including the one with the smallest difference for which a significant result had not been found with either the tetrad or triangle. The non-significant preference in the fourth condition was attributed to segmentation in the population. Therefore, this investigation confirmed further that the tetrad test is a viable alternative to the triangle test, as it exhibits a greater statistical power even in conditions that could potentially affect it negatively. Also, it was shown that a non-significant sensory difference can still result in a significant preference test, outlining the necessity to go beyond the simple use of a ‘more powerful’ discrimination test when making decisions and to define the actual consumer relevance of an underlying sensory difference.

An interlaboratory study was performed to evaluate a migration test method of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), based on the Japanese Food Sanitation Law for glassware, ceramicware, enamelware and metal cans. Seventeen laboratories participated, and quantified Cd and Pb in eight test solutions as blind duplicates using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or induced coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical analysis revealed that the trueness, repeatability (RSDr) and reproducibility (RSDr) were 93-105%, 0.7-8.4% and 2.6-19.3% by using AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS (internal standard method). The performance of these methods is sufficient for testing specifications. However, some of the RSDr values exceeded 10% in GF-AAS, and careful control of accuracy is required.

This research examined potential biases associated with paired preference tests and how these biases might differ between Japanese and American cultures. The three biases that were investigated were the potential differential use of the no preference option, a predisposition in choosing the first stimulus in a pair, and finally a potential tendency of picking the stimulus with the numerically higher code in the pair. In this investigation, 96 American and 192 Japanese subjects performed six paired preference tests involving three types of grapefruit juices, three of the pairs involving identical samples. Of the three biases, only the differential use of the “no preference” option was significantly observed, with American subjects exhibiting higher “no preference” frequencies than Japanese for identical pairs (24% and 9%, respectively). Interestingly, no clear position or code bias effects were uncovered, a result possibly driven by the experimental approach used in this research. Potential explanations are discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Biases when executing paired preference tests have been documented. Addressing them, if not controlling them, is necessary to ensure reliable interpretation of test results. One important bias involves the use of the “no preference” option for identical samples. This use directly impacts how an identicality norm can be utilized to interpret test results. Assuming the wrong identicality norm will increase the likelihood of reaching an incorrect conclusion. This research establishes the identicality norm for Japanese subjects and confirms that such norm would be different from that of American subjects and more like that of Korean consumers. This will be of value for companies conducting research across cultures to ensure that more reliable conclusions are reached. No clear position or code biases were found in this research. Nevertheless, sample position balancing and the use of two sets of labeling codes in any paired preference test design are recommended since these effects have been previously reported elsewhere.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important treatment for infertility, and in recent years, the delivery rate in IVF has increased markedly with the progress of reproductive medicine. However, chemical contaminants in IVF media have not been fully studied. A simple method using highperformance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was therefore investigated for quantitation of bisphenol A (BPA), 4nonylphenol (NP) and 4-n-nonylphenol (n-NP) in IVF media. Media samples were processed using the solid-phase extraction method. The quantitation limits of BPA, NP, and n-NP were 0.5, 5 and 0.5 ng·ml-1, respectively, and the recoveries for BPA, NP and n-NP added to the media samples were above 90%. Commercially available media samples for IVF including 15 media for incubation of ova, 9 sperm washing media (SWM), 4 human serum albumin (HSA) samples and 2 substitute serum (SS) samples were examined, with 2 lots for each sample. NP was detected in 3 media for incubation of ova, 12 SWM, 7 HSA samples and 4 SS samples, in ranges of 6.3 14.5, 5.3 21.7, 5.5 164.0 and 9.0 19.0 ng·ml-1, respectively. BPA and n-NP were not detected in any of the samples.

A simple determination method of dinoseb and dinoterb in agricultural products, livestock products and seafood by LC-MS/MS was developed. Agricultural samples were extracted with acetone (in the case of rice, soybean and tea leaf, phosphoric acid was added). An aliquot of crude extract was partitioned with hexane and sat. sodium chloride solution. In the case of livestock products and seafood, samples were extracted with a mixture of acetone, hexane, water and sodium chloride, and the organic layer was collected. Clean-up was performed using a PSA mini column. The LC separation was performed on a C18 column with methanol-water (19 : 1) containing 0.005 v/v% acetic acid as a mobile phase, and MS with negative ion electrospray ionization was used for detection. The calibration curve was linear between 0.0005 to 0.04 µg/mL for each compound. Average recoveries (n=5) of dinoseb and dinoterb from 20 kinds of agricultural products, livestock products and seafood fortified at the MRLs were 77-111%, and the relative standard deviations were 2-15%. The limits of quantitation were 0.001 µg/g for both compounds.

Purpose To assess the early clinical outcomes, including the efficacy and the endothelial cell loss, of femtosecond lenticule extraction using a 500 kHz femtosecond laser system to correct myopia. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan. Design Case series. Methods This study evaluated eyes with a spherical equivalent of −4.26 diopters (D) ± 1.39 (SD) that had femtosecond lenticule extraction for myopia. Before surgery and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, the safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and adverse events of the surgery were assessed. Results The study enrolled 38 eyes of 20 patients. The uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity 6 months after surgery were −0.14 ± 0.10 logMAR and −0.21 ± 0.09 logMAR, respectively. The safety index was 0.96 ± 0.19 and the efficacy index, 0.82 ± 0.17. At 6 months, all eyes were within ±0.50 D of the targeted correction. The mean manifest refraction change from 1 week to 6 months was 0.02 ± 0.28 D. The endothelial cell density was 2814 ± 199 cells/mm 2 preoperatively and 2762 ± 213 cells/mm 2 postoperatively; the change was not significant ( P = .32, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No vision-threatening complications occurred during the observation period. Conclusions Femtosecond lenticule extraction performed well in the correction of myopia. Neither significant endothelial cell loss nor serious complications occurred throughout the 6-month follow-up, suggesting femtosecond lenticule extraction is a viable surgical option to treat myopic eyes. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

The effects of sensory and non-sensory factors on the liking of Korean style salad dressings and beverages among US subjects in two locations (California and Minnesota) and Korean subjects were investigated. Four types of dressing and five types of beverage samples were evaluated. Approximately, half of the subjects evaluated the samples under blind-labeled conditions while the other half evaluated the samples labeled with their corresponding names and flavor descriptions. The liking of each sample was rated and the reasons for liking and disliking each sample were surveyed. Various food attitudes were measured on the food neophobic scale, VARSEEK scale, and flavor attitude scales. Soy sauce & vinegar dressing was the most preferred sample among the US subjects, whereas sesame seed dressing was preferred as much as the soy sauce & vinegar dressing among Koreans. Cinnamon-ginger flavored beverage was preferred the most among the US subjects, whereas rice punch was preferred the most among Koreans. Sample labeling effect was relatively small compared to other factors. VARSEEK and food neophobia scale showed stronger effect on beverage than salad dressing. Preference attitudes for hot & spicy and roasted carbohydrate flavors affected the acceptance of salad dressing among consumers in California whereas preference attitude for garlic flavor affected the acceptance of dressing among consumers in Minnesota.

To investigate the severity of keratoconus in terms of corneal elevation differences with 2 different reference surfaces using topographic analysis.Eighty-six eyes of 50 patients with keratoconus of various clinical stages (61 male and 25 female eyes) with mean age of 37.3 ± 11.6 years were evaluated. Anterior and posterior corneal elevations were measured using topographic analysis (using a rotating Scheimpflug camera), and the imaging data were analyzed to estimate elevation differences as differential values from conventional best-fit-sphere and enhanced best-fit-sphere (exclusion of a 4-mm-diameter area from the most thinned cornea). The data correlated with the keratoconus severity index and Amsler-Krumeich classification of keratoconus.There was a significant positive correlation between elevation differences and keratoconus severity index in both anterior and posterior surfaces (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.66; P0.001; r = 0.74; P0.001). Cases of larger elevation differences in the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces were staged higher in Amsler-Krumeich classification (1-way analysis of variance, P = 0.040; P0.001). Cases of lower staging in the Amsler-Krumeich classification had a larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the posterior elevation differences than in the anterior elevation differences, suggesting a greater diagnostic value of the posterior elevation measurement.Anterior and posterior corneal surface height data obtained by elevation-based tomography provide useful information in improving keratoconus diagnostic accuracy and in grading the severity of keratoconus.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most important treatments of infertility to provide a chance of conceiving. In IVF treatment, sperm are washed and motile sperm are isolated with sperm washing media (SWM) for the purpose of fertilization; fertilized ova are then incubated for a maximum of 5 or 6d in media for IVF (IVFM). The exposure of fertilized ova to chemicals via such media has not been studied. We determined the concentrations of two contaminants; di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and its hydrolyzed product mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) in IVFM, SWM, and protein sources (PS: human serum albumin or serum substitute) for IVFM and SWM. The DEHP and MEHP in these media were extracted by a liquid-liquid extraction method and their concentrations determined by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fifteen IVFM, nine SWM, and six PS obtained in Japan were examined. The concentrations of DEHP and MEHP in IVFM and SWM were

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the management and governance of a joint-stock company in Japan in the 1910s, focusing on the case of the Tone Electric Power Company. The Tone Electric Power Company was established in 1909, whose supply area was assumed to be Gunma prefecture at first. However, through mergers and acquisitions of electricity companies in the neighborhood, it grew up to be a big business beyond a regional company, covering four prefectures as the supply area. Tone Electric Power's history is a good case for investigating the evolution of management and governance in a Japanese regional company.In the governance of the Tone Electric Power Company, the large stockholders basically played a central role, and in this sense, the corporate governance structure was close to the classic shareholders sovereignty. However, it is notable that the shareholders were not monolithic and each large shareholder acted for his own interest. And in this situation, the employed manager, Sozo Osawa, gradually got power and became relatively independent from the shareholders. This fact suggests that the governance structure of the Tone Electric Power was in transition from the classic one in the 1910s.

The Rinshoken cataract (rct) mutation, which causes congenital cataracts, is a recessive mutation found in SJL/J mice. All mutants present with opacity in the lens by 2 months of age. The rct locus was mapped to a 1.6-Mb region in Chr 4 that contains the Foxe3 gene. This gene is responsible for cataracts in humans and mice, and it plays a crucial role in the development of the lens. Furthermore, mutation of Foxe3 causes various ocular defects. We sequenced the genomic region of Foxe3, including the coding exons and UTRs; however, no mutations were discovered in these regions. Because there were no differences in Foxe3 sequences between the rct/rct and wild-type mice, we inferred that a mutation was located in the regulatory regions of the Foxe3 gene. To test this possibility, we sequenced a 5' noncoding region that is highly conserved among vertebrates and is predicted to be the major enhancer of Foxe3. This analysis revealed a deletion of 22-bp located approximately 3.2-kb upstream of the start codon of Foxe3 in rct mice. Moreover, we demonstrated by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization that the rct mutant has reduced expression of Foxe3 in the lens during development. We therefore suggest that cataracts in rct mice are caused by reduced Foxe3 expression in the lens and that this decreased expression is a result of a deletion in a cis-acting regulatory element.