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Aim: Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) are widely prescribed statins, and it has been suggested that the effects of statins differ among ethnicities. We compared the efficacy and safety of pitavastatin in children and adolescents with FH in clinical trials conducted in Japan and Europe. Methods: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reductions, adjusted for confounding factors, and safety were compared between the studies in Japan and Europe. In the Japanese study, 14 males with heterozygous FH, aged 11.8 ± 1.6 years, were randomized to 52-week double-blind treatment with 1 or 2 mg/day pitavastatin. In the European study, 106 children and adolescents with high risk hyperlipidemia (103 heterozygous FH), aged 10.6 ± 2.9 years, were randomized to 12-week double-blind treatment with 1, 2 or 4 mg/day pitavastatin or placebo; 84 of these patients and 29 new patients participated in a 52-week open-label extension study. Results: Age, body weight and baseline LDL-C were identified as factors influencing LDL-C reduction. There were no significant differences in the adjusted mean percentage reduction in LDL-C in Japanese and European children by pitavastatin (24.5% and 23.6%, respectively at 1 mg/day and 33.5% and 30.8%, respectively at 2 mg/day). Pitavastatin was well tolerated without any difference in the frequency or nature of adverse events between the treatment groups, or between the studies. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the efficacy or safety of pitavastatin in Japanese and European children and adolescents with FH, suggesting no relevant ethnic differences in the safety or efficacy of pitavastatin.

The lateral diffusion coefficient of a Brownian particle on a two-dimensional random surface is studied in the quenched limit for which the surface configuration is time independent. We start with the stochastic equation of motion for a Brownian particle on a fluctuating surface, which has been derived by Naji and Brown. The mean square displacement of the particle projected on a base plane is calculated exactly under the condition that the surface with a constant shape has no spatial correlation. We prove that the obtained lateral diffusion coefficient is in between the known upper and lower bounds.

Based on symmetry consideration of migration and shape deformations, we formulate phenomenologically the dynamics of cell crawling in two dimensions. Forces are introduced to change the cell shape. The shape deformations induce migration of the cell on a substrate. For time-independent forces we show that not only a stationary motion but also a limit cycle oscillation of the migration velocity and the shape occurs as a result of nonlinear coupling between different deformation modes. Time-dependent forces are generated in a stochastic manner by utilizing the so-called coherence resonance of an excitable system. The present coarse-grained model has a flexibility that it can be applied, e.g., both to keratocyte cells and to Dictyostelium cells, which exhibit quite different dynamics from each other. The key factors for the motile behavior inherent in each cell type are identified in our model.

Background Extrauterine growth retardation in preterm infants is associated with an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases later in life. Adipocytokines are also associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases. We examined the relationship between extrauterine growth and serum concentrations of adipocytokines and metabolic hormones in preterm infants. Methods Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and glucagon were measured in 38 appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants at birth, and at 33 and 38 weeks of postmenstrual age using a Bio-Plex 200™ suspension array system. Results Serum leptin concentration was not correlated with bodyweight at any time point, but serum adiponectin concentration was correlated with bodyweight at all time points. Serum IL-6 concentration decreased from birth to 33 and 38 weeks. Serum TNF-α concentration was not changed. Serum C-peptide, GIP and glucagon concentration increased from birth to 33 weeks, and decreased from 33 to 38 weeks. Serum insulin and GLP-1 concentration was not changed. Conclusion Changes in serum leptin and adiponectin concentration had unique profiles, thereby suggesting maldevelopment of white adipose tissue. This may affect the future development of adipose tissue and lead to increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by a high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. We report 4-year-old dichorionic diamniotic twins (boy and girl) with FH who presented with multiple xanthomas on the face, both knees, both feet, and buttocks. Family history revealed vertical transmission of hypercholesterolemia from father to patients, thereby suggesting dominant inheritance. Lipid data of their mother did not match the criteria of FH. However, lipid data of maternal grandmother and maternal sister matched the criteria of FH. LDL receptor gene analysis of the family revealed that their father was heterozygous for a missense mutation, L547V, their mother was heterozygous for a nonsense mutation, C675X, and patients were compound heterozygous for L547V and C675X. After 10 months of treatment with pitavastatin (2 mg/day) and ezetimibe (10 mg/day), LDL-C decreased from 595 mg/dL to 267 mg/dL in the boy and from 530 mg/dL to 182 mg/dL in the girl. These findings suggest that lipid-lowering therapy with statin may be considered in pediatric patients with compound heterozygous FH (hetero FH) before inducing LDL apheresis, and gene analysis for true diagnosis in pediatric patients with multiple xanthomas should be considered, though they appear to be hetero FH from the family history and lipid data of parents.

We study Brownian motion on fluctuating interfaces and membranes, the width of which is assumed to be infinitesimally thin. The stochastic equation of motion for a Brownian particle is derived unde...

We studied the dynamic behavior of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) on the in vitro model of bone marrow surfaces in the absence and presence of chemokine (SDF1α). The deformation and migration of cells were investigated by varying the chemokine concentration and surface density of ligand molecules. Since HSC used in this study were primary cells extracted from the human umbilical cord blood, it is not possible to introduce molecular reporter systems before or during the live cell imaging. To account for the experimental observations, we propose a simple and general theoretical model for cell crawling. In contrast to other theoretical models reported previously, our model focuses on the nonlinear coupling between shape deformation and translational motion and is free from any molecular-level process. Therefore, it is ideally suited for the comparison with our experimental results. We have demonstrated that the results in the absence of SDF1α were well recapitulated by the linear model, while the nonlinear model is necessary to reproduce the elongated migration observed in the presence of SDF1α. The combination of the simple theoretical model and the label-free, live cell observations of human primary cells opens a large potential to numerically identify the differential effects of extrinsic factors such as chemokines, growth factors, and clinical drugs on dynamic phenotypes of primary cells.

This paper describes consensus statement by Joint Working Group by Japan Pediatric Society and Japan Atherosclerosis Society for Making Guidance of Pediatric Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) in order to improve prognosis of FH.FH is a common genetic disease caused by mutations in genes related to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor pathway. Because patients with FH have high LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from the birth, atherosclerosis begins and develops during childhood which determines the prognosis. Therefore, in order to reduce their lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease, patients with FH need to be diagnosed as early as possible and appropriate treatment should be started.Diagnosis of pediatric heterozygous FH patients is made by LDL-C ≥140 mg/dL, and family history of FH or premature CAD. When the diagnosis is made, they need to improve their lifestyle including diet and exercise which sometimes are not enough to reduce LDL-C levels. For pediatric FH aged ≥10 years, pharmacotherapy needs to be considered if the LDL-C level is persistently above 180 mg/dL. Statins are the first line drugs starting from the lowest dose and are increased if necessary. The target LDL-C level should ideally be ＜140 mg/dL. Assessment of atherosclerosis is mainly performed by noninvasive methods such as ultrasound.For homozygous FH patients, the diagnosis is made by existence of skin xanthomas or tendon xanthomas from infancy, and untreated LDL-C levels are approximately twice those of heterozygous FH parents. The responsiveness to pharmacotherapy should be ascertained promptly and if the effect of treatment is not enough, LDL apheresis needs to be immediately initiated.

One of the characteristic features of interacting self-propelled particles is that homogeneous ordered state is unstable near the order-disorder transition thereshold. Traveling bands are formed spontaneously as a localized dynamical structure. Since there is no counter state in phase transitions in thermal equilibrium, to study the properties of traveling bands is of great importance from the view point of nonlinear dynamics far from equilibrium. Based on numerical simulations in two dimensions, we discuss three kinds of traveling bands, normal band, inverse band and robust band, each of which appears in different conditions. One of our recent findings is that the robust traveling bands survive head-on collisions.

We formulate a viscoelastic theory of micro-phase separated structures in diblock copolymers in which the local composition is coupled with the molecular orientation. The linear viscoelastic response is investigated for aligned lamellar structures. Three kinds of complex moduli and viscosities characterizing an incompressible lamellar structure are obtained up to the leading order of the coupling.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a highly prevalent autosomal dominant hereditary disease, generally characterized by three major signs, hyper-low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolemia, tendon/skin xanthomas and premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Because the risk of CAD is very high in these patients, they should be identified at an early stage of their lives and started on intensive treatment to control LDL-cholesterol. We here introduce a new guideline for the management of FH patients in Japan intending to achieve better control to prevent CAD. Diagnostic criteria for heterozygous FH are 2 or more of 1) LDL-cholesterol ≥180 mg/dL, 2) tendon/skin xanthoma(s), and 3) family history of FH or premature CAD within second degree relatives, for adults; and to have both 1) LDL-cholesterol ≥140 mg/dL and 2) family history of FH or premature CAD within second degree relatives, for children. For the treatment of adult heterozygous FH, intensive lipid control with statins and other drugs is necessary. Other risks of CAD, such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc., should also be controlled strictly. Atherosclerosis in coronary, carotid, or peripheral arteries, the aorta and aortic valve should be screened periodically. FH in children, pregnant women, and women who wish to bear a child should be referred to specialists. For homozygotes and severe heterozygotes resistant to drug therapies, LDL apheresis should be performed. The treatment cost of homozygous FH is authorized to be covered under the program of Research on Measures against Intractable Diseases by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.

Both type I and type V hyperlipoproteinemia are characterized by severe hypertriglyceridemia due to an increase in chylomicrons. Type I hyperlipoproteinemia is caused by a decisive abnormality of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL)- apolipoprotein C-II system, whereas the cause of type V hyperlipoproteinemia is more complicated and more closely related to acquired environmental factors. Since the relationship of hypertriglyceridemia with atherosclerosis is not as clear as that of hypercholesterolemia, and since type I and V hyperlipoproteinemia are relatively rare, few guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment have been established; however, type I and V hyperlipoproteinemia are clinically important as underlying disorders of acute pancreatitis, and appropriate management is necessary to prevent or treat such complications. Against such a background, here we propose guidelines primarily concerning the diagnosis and management of type I and V hyperlipoproteinemia in Japanese.

A decrease in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is a strong risk factor for atherosclerotic disorders in Japan, probably more important than an increase in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). While there are rational grounds for the argument that elevation of HDL-C leads to decreased risk, there has as yet been no direct evidence of such an effect. If elevation of HDL-C decreases the risk, this effect is expected throughout the normal range of HDL-C or perhaps even higher than that. Simulation based on epidemiological data indicated that it may eventually reduce the incidence of ischemic heart disease by 60-70% in Japan. In the risk management guideline, "low" HDL-C is presently defined as 40 mg/dL or below. While there is no evidence that strongly urges a change in this definition, the results of epidemiological studies support "The higher the HDL-C level, the lower the risk,"even in the "normal range". Elevation of the HDL-C level may reduce the risk, probably at least up to 70 mg/dL; however, there are no supportive data for this effect still being obtained over 80 mg/dL. Patients with homozygous CETP deficiency should be followed-up while controlling other risk factors, so as not to dismiss the possibility of a risk increase with an extremely elevated HDL-C level.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are associated with body mass index z-score (BMISD) and/or insulin resistance (IR). However, the correlation between adverse levels of these risk factors and BMISD, and the effect of IR on these associations are not fully understood in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between adverse levels of CVD risk factors and BMISD, and the effect of IR on these associations in schoolchildren. Methods: Conventional CVD risk factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA) and adiponectin were determined in 757 boys and 494 girls aged between 7 and 12 years. IR was assessed by the homeostasis model approximation index. Results: BMISD were linearly associated with relative risks having adverse levels of all factors, except for glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in boys, and except for glucose, LDL-C and adiponectin in girls (P < 0.01–0.001). These associations were weakened after adjustment for IR, but still significant in cases of UA and CRP in boys and UA, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and CRP in girls (P < 0.01–0.001). Conclusion: The relative risk of having adverse levels of most CVD risk factors in school children increased across the entire range of BMISD. IR contributed to most of these relative risks, but BMISD itself also contributed to these relative risks. To prevent future development of CVD, it might be important for schoolchildren to maintain BMISD within normal range. However, in cases of hyper LDL-cholesterolemia, we should consider causes other than BMISD.

We investigate the dynamics of a self-propelled particle in three dimensions by solving numerically the time-evolution equations for the center of mass and a tensor variable characterizing the deformations around the spherical shape. There are successive bifurcations in the dynamics caused by changing the parameters. A straight motion becomes unstable and a rotating motion on a plane appears. After this rotating motion becomes unstable, a helical motion occurs. A linear stability analysis of these solutions is carried out to determine the bifurcation thresholds, which is in a good agreement with the numerical results.

Based on the model system undergoing phase separation and chemical reactions, we investigate the dynamics of propagating dissipative waves under external forcing which is periodic both in space and time. A phase diagram for the entrained and non-entrained states under the external forcing is obtained numerically. Theoretical analysis in terms of phase description of the traveling waves is carried out to show that the transition between the entrained and the non-entrained states by changing the external frequency occurs either through a saddle-node bifurcation or through a Hopf bifurcation and that these two bifurcation lines are connected at a Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation point.

We study the dynamic properties of a single semiflexible polymer chain based on the theory for the wormlike-chain model developed by Hallatschek et al. The linear viscoelastic response is investiga...

Adiponectin consists of three subspecies (high-, middle- and low-molecular weight adiponectin). Among these, high-molecular weight adiponectin (H-adn) is suggested to be an active form of this protein. To assess the relationship between H-adn and postnatal growth in preterm infants (PIs), serum H-adn and total adiponectin (T-adn) were measured in 46 PIs at birth and at corrected term, and 26 term infants (TI) at birth. T-adn and H-adn concentrations, and the ratio of H-adn to T-adn (H/T-adn) were significantly greater in TI and PI at corrected term than in PI at birth (p < 0.001). T-adn and H-adn concentrations in PI at corrected term were similar to those in TI, but H/T-adn in PI at corrected term was less than that in TI (p < 0.02). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the factors contributing to H/T-adn and serum concentrations of T- and H-adn in PI at corrected term were different from those in TI. These data suggest that quality of early postnatal growth in PIs is different from that in normally developed TI. Postnatal growth accompanying adipose tissue similar to TI may be important for PI to prevent future development of cardiovascular disease.

Background: Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with an increased risk for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (ACHD) later in life. However, little information is currently available on the relationship between birthweight (BW) and risk factors for ACHD in children. Methods: The relationship between BW and risk factors for ACHD was evaluated in 330 Japanese children (187 boys and 143 girls) aged between 7 and 12 years, who underwent screening for lifestyle-related diseases in Okinawa, Japan. Routine chemical methods were used to determine the serum concentrations of lipids, apolipoproteins, uric acid and glucose. Serum insulin and adiponectin were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: BW was significantly correlated with serum concentrations of adiponectin (r= 0.163, P= 0.003) and uric acid (r=−0.166. P= 0.003), but not with insulin, lipids or apolipoproteins. These correlations were still significant even after adjusting for age, gender and body mass index (BMI) percentile (BW and adiponectin, r= 0.239, P= 0.000; BW and uric acid, r=−0.247, P= 0.000). In addition, BW was correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) only after adjusting for age, gender and BMI percentile (r= 0.117, P= 0.034). In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, BW was a significant predictive variable for adiponectin and uric acid. However, weight velocity (weight gain/year) was a stronger predictive variable than BW for both adiponectin and uric acid. BW was not a significant predictive variable for HDL-C. Adiponectin was the strongest predictive variable for HDL-C. Conclusion: BW is related to serum concentrations of adiponectin and uric acid. However, weight velocity was a stronger determinant of serum adiponectin and uric acid levels than BW in Japanese schoolchildren. Thus, it may be important to control weight gain to prevent the development of ACHD in children, especially in children with LBW.

Anti-resorptive bisphosphonates are used for the treatment of hypercalcemia and bone complications associated with malignancies and osteoporosis, but have also been shown to have anti-tumour effects in various cancers. Adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL) is a fatal T-cell malignancy caused by infection with human T-cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I), and remains incurable. ATL is associated with osteolytic bone lesions and hypercalcemia, which are major factors in the morbidity of ATL. Thus, the search for anti-ATL agents that have both anti-tumour and anti-resorptive activity is warranted. The bisphosphonate agent, incadronate prevented cell growth of HTLV-I-infected T-cell lines and primary ATL cells, but not of non-infected T-cell lines or normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Incadronate induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HTLV-I-infected T-cell lines, and treatment of these cells with substrates of the mevalonate pathway blocked the incadronate-mediated growth suppression. Incadronate also prevented the prenylation of Rap1A protein. These results demonstrated that incadronate-induced growth suppression occurs by interfering with the mevalonate pathway. Importantly, treatment with incadronate reduced tumour formation from an HTLV-I-infected T-cell line, when these cells were inoculated subcutaneously into severe combined immunodeficient mice. These findings suggest that incadronate could be potentially useful for the treatment of ATL., 論文

We have studied the growth dynamics of domains on ternary fluid vesicles composed of saturated (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine), unsaturated (dioleoylphosphatidylcholine) phosphatidylcholine lipids, and cholesterol using a fluorescence microscopy. The domain coarsening processes are classified into two types: normal coarsening and trapped coarsening. For the normal coarsening, the domains having flat circular shape grow in a diffusion-and-coalescence manner and phenomenologically the mean size grows as a power law of approximately t(2/3). The observed growth law is not described by a two-dimensional diffusion-and-coalescence growth mechanism following the Saffman and Delbrück theory, which may originate from the two-body hydrodynamic interactions between domains. For trapped coarsening, on the other hand, the domain coarsening is suppressed at a certain domain size because the repulsive interdomain interactions obstruct the coalescence of domains. The two-color imaging of the trapped domains reveals that the repulsive interactions are induced by the budding of domains. The model free energy consisting of the bending energy of domains, the bending energy of matrix, the line energy of domain boundary, and the translation energy of domains can describe the observed trapped coarsening. The trapping of domains is caused by the coupling between the phase separation and the membrane elasticity under the incompressibility constraint.

Extra-uterine growth retardation in preterm infants is associated with an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases later in life. Adipocytokines are also associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases. We examined the relationship between extra-uterine growth and serum concentrations of adipocytokines and metabolic hormones in preterm infants.Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, IL-6, TNF-α, C-peptide, GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon were measured in 38 appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants at birth, and at 33 and 38 weeks of postmenstrual age using a Bio-Plex 200Serum concentrations of leptin were not correlated with body weight at any time point. However, serum concentrations of adiponectin were correlated with body weight at all time points. Serum concentrations of IL-6 were decreased from birth to 33 and 38 weeks. Serum concentrations of TNF-α were not changed. Serum concentrations of C-peptide, GIP and glucagon increased from birth to 33 weeks, and decreased from 33 to 38 weeks. Serum concentrations of insulin and GLP-1 were not changed.Changes in serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin showed unique profiles, thereby suggesting maldevelopment of white adipose tissue. This may affect the future development of adipose tissue and lead to increased risk for cardio-metabolic disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The time-evolution equations for an isolated domain in an excitable reaction-diffusion system are derived both in two and three dimensions by an interfacial approach near the drift bifurcation where a motionless state becomes unstable and a domain starts propagation at a certain velocity. The coupling between shape deformation of domain and the migration velocity is taken into consideration. When the relaxation of shape deformation is slow enough, a straight motion becomes unstable and several kinds of motion of domain appear depending on the parameters. The self-propelled domain dynamics under the external fields is also studied.

C-Reactive protein (CRP) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary heart diseases (ACHD) in adults. To help prevent ACHD, it may be useful to understand risk factors during childhood.The objective of this study was to investigate serum CRP and its relation to other risk factors for ACHD and adipocytokines (adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) in Japanese children.CRP, conventional risk factors for ACHD, and adipocytokines were determined in 568 children (340 boys and 228 girls, aged 7-10 yr). Serum concentrations of adipocytokines were measured by sandwich ELISA.Children with high CRP concentrations (highest tertile) had higher body mass index (BMI) sd scores, insulin, insulin resistance, uric acid, and adipocytokines and had more atherogenic lipoprotein profiles than other children. However, after being corrected by BMI sd, only high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, IL-6, and TNF-alpha for boys and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, uric acid, IL-6, and TNF-alpha for girls were significantly correlated with CRP. IL-6 was the strongest predictive variable for CRP and accounted for 26.2 and 27.7% of the variability in serum concentrations of CRP in boys and girls, respectively. Serum concentrations of IL-6 were partly dependent on BMI sd and TNF-alpha in both boys and girls.Although serum concentrations of CRP are partly regulated by adipocytokines and conventional risk factors for ACHD, high CRP levels were associated with atherogenic profiles of cardiovascular risk factors in children. Our findings suggest that it may be important to control body weight to prevent an increase in serum CRP in children.

Activation of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) plays a critical role in oncogenesis by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), and is required for maintenance of the malignant phenotype. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), the major pigment of the spice turmeric, has anti-tumor activity; however, the effect of curcumin against ATL has not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of curcumin on AP-1 activity in HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. Curcumin suppressed the constitutive AP-1 DNA-binding and transcriptional activity in HTLV-1-infected T-cell line. Curcumin also inhibited HTLV-1 Tax-induced AP-1 transcriptional activity. JunD was detectable as a major component of the AP-1-DNA complex in HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines using the supershift assay. The expression of JunD was suppressed by curcumin treatment. Curcumin inhibited the growth of HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. Our results suggest that suppression of the constitutively active AP-1 by curcumin is due to, at least in-part, reducing the expression of JunD by curcumin. Inhibition of AP-1 activity by curcumin may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-ATL effect of curcumin. We propose that curcumin is a potentially promising compound for the treatment of ATL.

Interconnected periodic structures such as the gyroid one appear in microphase separation in block copolymer melts. We derive the elastic free energy of gyroid and diamond structures in a weak-segregation regime by the method formulated by Kawasaki and one of the present authors (TO). It is found that there is a simple relation among the elastic constants in the weak-segregation limit.

We study an infinite assembly of integrate and fire oscillators with global delta-function like pulse-coupling. Numerical simulations reveal that the time required for the mutual synchrony of all the oscillators exhibits singular behavior as a function of the interaction strength. The origin of this anomalous synchronization is elucidated by a theoretical analysis.

We study dynamics of traveling waves under spatio-temporal external forcing in non-equilibrium systems. Based on the model system where phase separation and chemical reactions take place simultaneously so that traveling waves are formed in a self-organized manner, we apply a space-time dependent external force. Entrainment and modulation of traveling waves are investigated numerically in one dimension. In the present paper, we specifically focus our attention on the case that the spatial period of the external forcing is not the same as the intrinsic period of the traveling waves.

We shall review our recent theoretical study of formation of curious mesoscopic structures in soft matter, especially in diblock copolymers. Universality of the mechanism of forming these structures is emphasized in terms of the coarse-grained approach.

One of the characteristic features of soft matter is to cause various mesoscopic structures in thermal equilibrium. Identification and the properties of the structures have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy, rheological measurements and scattering experiments. Here we briefly review recent theoretical studies of formation and transitions of mesoscopic structures in microphase separated diblock copolymers.