Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1046-1310 45 6 2026 Adolescent screen use in the pre-internet era and subsequent health and well-being: an outcome-wide longitudinal study 657 EN Pedro Antonio de la Rosa Fernández-Pacheco Youth in Transition, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra Renae Wilkinson Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Richard G. Cowden Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Ying Chen Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Brendan Case Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Etsuji Suzuki Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tyler J. VanderWeele Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University This study used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health, N = 11,054) to assess whether increases in screen-based leisure during adolescence (Wave II, from 1996) predicted adult well-being (Wave IV, from 2008-09), adjusting for a wide range of covariates (Wave I, from 1995). Using an outcome-wide analytic approach, we examined associations between screen time and 38 adult outcomes, adjusting for prior screen time, values of most outcomes, and confounders. Most associations were null. Modest evidence was found for links between screen time (continuous) and reduced sense of control, illicit drug use, and allostatic load. High screen time (14 h/week) or more also showed weak associations with lower depression and preventive care use. Because the data predate widespread internet use, the findings help establish a baseline for the long-term effects of non-internet screen activities, which appeared to behave had limited impact on adult health and well-being. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Acta Medica Okayama 0027-8424 123 6 2026 A nuclear CobW/WW-domain factor represses the CO2-concentrating mechanism in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii e2518136123 EN Daisuke Shimamura Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Junko Yasuda Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Yosuke Yamahara Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Hirobumi Nakano Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Shin-Ichiro Ozawa Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Ryutaro Tokutsu Graduate School of Science, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto University Ayumi Yamagami Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Tomonao Matsushita Graduate School of Science, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto University Yuichiro Takahashi Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Takeshi Nakano Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Hideya Fukuzawa Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Takashi Yamano Graduate School of Biostudies, Division of Integrated Life Science, Kyoto University Microalgae induce a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) to maintain photosynthesis when CO2 is limited. Because this system consumes a substantial portion of photosynthetically generated ATP, its suppression when CO2 levels rise is critical for energy balance, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identify a nuclear repressor of the CCM in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. A pull-down screen for interacting partners of the master activator CCM1/CIA5 revealed an uncharacterized protein that tightly associates with CCM1. This protein, CCM1-binding protein 1 (CBP1), combines a CobW/CobW_C GTP-binding metallochaperone module with a WW-domain characteristic of protein–protein interactions. CBP1 colocalizes and interacts with CCM1 in the nucleus regardless of CO2 conditions. Disruption of CBP1 does not affect growth or CCM induction under CO2 limitation but derepresses 27 of 41 CCM1-dependent low-CO2 inducible genes under high-CO2 conditions. These include the periplasmic and intracellular carbonic anhydrases (CAH1 and LCIB) and inorganic carbon transporters/channels (LCIA, LCI1, BST1, and BST3). Consistently, cbp1 mutants accumulate CAH1 and LCIB proteins and exhibit 40% higher inorganic carbon affinity under high-CO2 conditions; this phenotype is rescued by CBP1 complementation or by acetazolamide treatment. Crucially, cbp1 mutants exhibit significant growth delays under high-CO2 conditions, especially when light is limiting, providing direct evidence that CBP1-mediated repression is essential for energy conservation. Thus, CBP1 prevents unnecessary CCM activity when CO2 is abundant, acting upstream of both transporter/channel and carbonic anhydrase modules. Our findings suggest a regulatory mechanism potentially linking zinc-dependent protein chemistry to CCM gene repression, providing insights into energy-efficient CO2 sensing in aquatic photosynthetic organisms. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0010-9452 194 2026 Increasing visual uncertainty modulates multisensory decision-making 50 62 EN Xiangfu Yang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Weiping Yang Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Hubei University Yinghua Yu Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Yoshimichi Ejima Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Jiajia Yang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University The brain integrates and transforms information from multiple senses to make optimal decisions, a process that is critical for navigating complex environments with perceptual uncertainty. Despite a growing consensus that individuals adapt flexibly to uncertain sensory input, whether increasing visual uncertainty influences the decision process itself or other, non-decision sensory processes during multisensory decision-making are unclear. Here, an audiovisual categorization task was used to examine the responses of human participants (N = 30) to visual and audiovisual stimuli under low-, medium-, and high-uncertainty conditions. Modeling the behavioral data using a drift‒diffusion model indicated that increased visual uncertainty in the audiovisual context decreased the evidence accumulation rate but had no effect on non-decision processes. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed and expanded upon these results: increased visual uncertainty in the audiovisual context reduced the amplitude during the late decision-making stage (300–380 msec) but had no effect on the amplitude during the early sensory encoding stage (140–220 msec). More importantly, electroencephalography analyses revealed that audiovisual integration in the early sensory encoding stage occurred robustly across all visual uncertainty conditions, whereas audiovisual integration in the late stage occurred only under medium and high visual uncertainty conditions. This study demonstrated that increased visual uncertainty modulates the decision process itself rather than early sensory encoding during multisensory decision-making. Moreover, multisensory integration strategies dynamically adapt to increasing visual uncertainty by engaging different mechanisms to maintain effective decision-making. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1748-3735 21 1 2025 Japanese Adult Day Service Nurses' Bathing Decisions for Persons Requiring Long‐Term Care: A Focused Ethnography e70052 EN Kanako Miyoshi Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Keiko Mori Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Introduction: Adult day services in Japan operate under the Long-Term Care Insurance Law, and care is provided mainly by caregivers. However, because doctors are often not on site, nurses manage the health of the person requiring long-term care. Adult day services provide bathing and functional training; however, although Japanese-style bathing relieves fatigue and brings a sense of well-being, it also entails the risk of bathing accidents for those in need of care. To continue living at home, those in need of care who have difficulty bathing at home must be provided with safe bathing during adult day services and supported in returning home safely. Nurses are responsible for accurately assessing the health status of users and implementing safe bathing. This study aimed to identify how nurses working in adult day services make bathing decisions for home-dwelling persons requiring long-term care.<br> Method: Qualitative manifest and latent content analyses were performed using a focused ethnography.<br> Findings: Six themes were identified: ‘gather information to compare with baseline’, ‘make observations based on information from others to understand the big picture’, ‘give persons time to get in shape’, ‘consideration of life at home’, ‘determining the need for medical institutions’ and ‘devise ways to communicate to promote collaboration’.<br> Conclusions: Adult day service nurses' decisions about whether to bathe persons requiring care are characterised by their emphasis on information from others, consideration of the home living conditions of persons requiring care and their wishes regarding bathing. In addition, based on their observations, they determine the need for cooperation with medical institutions and communicate this information to family members and multiple professions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2211-5463 15 10 2025 Osmotic pressure‐induced calcium response states 1714 1722 EN Zidan Gao Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keiji Naruse Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Okayama Japan Masatoshi Morimatsu Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Okayama Japan Osmotic pressure is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis; however, the mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to acute osmotic stress remain incompletely understood. Here, we applied rapid osmotic pressure stimulation to cultured HEK293T cells and observed dynamic intracellular calcium responses. Acute hypotonic stimulation evoked calcium response patterns, whereas hypertonic and isotonic stress did not elicit similar effects. Mechanistically, these calcium signals originated from the endoplasmic reticulum via ryanodine receptor 2 and propagated to neighboring cells through Connexin 43-mediated gap junctions. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for calcium signaling in the acute cellular response to osmotic stress, providing new insights into the mechanisms of intercellular communication during osmotic adaptation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1470-160X 177 2025 Long-term effects of forest growth dynamics and climate change on groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration in a steep catchment of western Japan 113652 EN Rendilicha Halake Guyo Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Kunyang Wang Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University Shin-ichi Onodera Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University Mitsuyo Saito Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University Toshitsugu Moroizumi Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Growing water demand for human and environmental needs has led to increased reliance on groundwater resources. However, groundwater is a finite resource, and its sustainability is closely linked to recharge processes, which are influenced by forest growth dynamics as well as climate change. Evapotranspiration, largely driven by vegetation cover and climatic conditions, represents a major component of terrestrial water loss that can reduce groundwater recharge. In this study, forest growth trends, reflecting the complete developmental stages from juvenile to post-maturity of a representative species, were reconstructed using remote sensing data, forest inventories, and field studies, and incorporated into the SWAT model to evaluate their impacts on groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration as indicators of forest hydrological function and ecosystem health. The model’s vegetation growth simulation was enhanced and uncertainty reduced by dynamically updating it with MODIS-derived leaf area index (LAI) at 5-year intervals. Groundwater recharge estimates were further improved through multi-variable calibration using Penman–Monteith–Leuning evapotranspiration (V2) and streamflow data to ensure water budget closure. Results showed that evergreen conifer growth from planting to maturity significantly reduced groundwater recharge (–4.7 mm/year) and increased evapotranspiration (+7.6 mm/year). In contrast, natural and mature deciduous broadleaf forests showed more stable recharge and evapotranspiration trends. Rising temperatures were identified as a key climatic driver of reduced recharge and increased evapotranspiration, reflecting broader global warming impacts. This study demonstrates that forest growth dynamics, especially during the critical transition from planting to maturity, alongside climate change, play a crucial role in shaping the catchment’s water balance and offer valuable insights for sustainable groundwater management, particularly in transitional forest ecosystems. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2025 Spatiotemporal Evolution of Forest Carbon Storage under the Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics Using Multi-Source Remotely Sensed Data and Hybrid Models in the Central Coastal Region of Vietnam EN HO VIET HOANG Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 10 2025 Bladder Trigone as a Sensory Hub: A Narrative Review e94951 EN Takuya Sadahira Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Maruyama Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Mitsui Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takanori Sekito Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomofumi Watanabe Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masami Watanabe Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The bladder trigone is an anatomically and functionally distinct region within the lower urinary tract (LUT), characterized by a dense network of afferent sensory fibers, specialized urothelial interactions, and prominent mechanotransduction mechanisms. Its intricate neuroarchitecture enables precise detection of bladder filling and coordination of micturition, whereas dysregulation of these pathways contributes to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including urgency, frequency, and bladder pain. Despite its recognized clinical relevance, the structural and functional basis of trigonal sensory signaling - and its role - remain incompletely understood.<br> This review synthesizes current evidence on trigonal afferent organization, integrating data from anatomical mapping, receptor profiling, electrophysiological characterization, and translational research. Seminal anatomical observations are combined with recent advances in mechanotransduction and purinergic, peptidergic, and transient receptor potential (TRP) signaling to provide a comprehensive perspective. The trigone exhibits three principal afferent classes: (1) intraepithelial fibers penetrating umbrella cells, marked by P2X purinoceptor 3 (P2X3), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP); (2) subepithelial plexuses surrounding microvasculature, enriched in vasoactive neuropeptides and exhibiting plastic hypertrophy in overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS); and (3) encapsulated corpuscular endings at the lamina propria-detrusor junction, expressing PIEZO1/2 and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) for rapid adaptation. In trigeminal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, high expression of PIEZO2, P2RX3, and voltage-gated sodium channel, type 1.8 (Nav1.8) was observed, revealing their role as the foundation for multisensory information processing. Functional assays highlight distinct mechanotransductive and chemosensory pathways, with aging, inflammation, and neurotrophic factors driving afferent plasticity underlying abnormal bladder sensation, such as urgency, frequency, and pain. Early clinical trials of P2X3 antagonists and intravesical TRPV1 inhibitors demonstrate promising symptomatic benefits. Collectively, evidence positions the bladder trigone as a critical sensory hub where neuronal, urothelial, and immune signals converge to regulate bladder sensation. Understanding its molecular and structural specialization may inform the development of region-specific neuromodulatory therapies targeting sensory urgency and afferent-driven bladder dysfunction. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Microbiology Society Acta Medica Okayama 0022-1317 106 7 2025 Summary of taxonomy changes ratified by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) from the Fungal and Protist Viruses Subcommittee, 2025 002115 EN Sead Sabanadzovic Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University Chantal Abergel Information Génomique & Structurale, UMR7256, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, IMM, IM2B, IOM Marı́a A. Ayllón Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) Leticia Botella Forest Protection and Wildlife Management Mendel University in Brno Marta Canuti Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen Yuto Chiba School of Agriculture, Meiji University Jean-Michel Claverie Information Génomique & Structurale, UMR7256, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, IMM, IM2B, IOM Robert H.A. Coutts School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Stefania Daghino Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy Livia Donaire Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura-CSIC Marco Forgia Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR Ondřej Hejna Department of Genetics and Biotechnologies, University of South Bohemia Jichun Jia College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University Daohong Jiang College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University Ioly Kotta-Loizou School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Mart Krupovic Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Archaeal Virology Unit Andrew S. Lang Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland Matthieu Legendre Information Génomique & Structurale, UMR7256, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, IMM, IM2B, IOM Shin-Yi Lee Marzano United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Application Technology Research Unit Luca Nerva Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology Judit Pénzes Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University Anna Poimala Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Sofia Rigou Information Génomique & Structurale, UMR7256, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, IMM, IM2B, IOM Yukiyo Sato Department of Biology, Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne Wajeeha Shamsi Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Massimo Turina Department of Plant Protection, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan Syun-ichi Urayama Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba Eeva J. Vainio Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Jiatao Xie College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University The Fungal and Protist Viruses Subcommittee (SC) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has received a total of eight taxonomic proposals for the 2024 annual cycle. The extent of proposed changes varied, including nomenclatural updates, creation of new taxa and reorganization of established taxa. Following the ICTV procedures, all proposals were reviewed and voted upon by the members of the Executive Committee with ratification in March 2025. As a result, a total of 52 species in the families Botourmiaviridae and Marnaviridae were renamed to comply with the mandated binomial format. A new genus has been added to the dsRNA virus family Amalgaviridae, while two new families, Splipalmiviridae (Wolframvirales) and Mycoalphaviridae (Hepelivirales), were created to classify new groups of positive-sense (+) RNA mycoviruses. The class Arfiviricetes (Cressdnaviricota) was expanded by a new order Lineavirales and a new family Oomyviridae of ssDNA viruses. Additionally, a new class Orpoviricetes was created in the kingdom Orthornavirae to classify a group of bisegmented (+)RNA viruses reported from fungi and oomycetes. Finally, the order Pimascovirales was reorganized to better depict evolutionary relationships of pithoviruses and related viruses with large dsDNA genomes. The summary of updates in the taxonomy of fungal and protist viruses presented here is limited to taxa within the remit of this Subcommittee. For information on taxonomy changes on other fungal viruses closely related to animal and/or plant viruses, please see reports from sister ICTV Subcommittees (i.e. Plant Virus SC and Animal dsRNA and ssRNA(−) Viruses SC). No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Copernicus GmbH Acta Medica Okayama 2194-9034 XLVIII-4/W9-2024 2024 3D MONITORING OF COASTAL EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURES USING UAV 313 320 EN N. Sakamoto Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University S. Nishiyama Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Coastal erosion has increasingly become a problem in recent years due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. To prevent further coastal erosion and damage, control structures like seawalls and breakwaters have been installed along vulnerable coastlines. However, it is crucial that these structures are regularly and thoroughly inspected for any abnormalities or deformations. At present, inspections are done manually by visual surveys which are time-consuming and inefficient. There is great potential to optimize this process using drone technology equipped with 3D laser scanners. In this study, we utilized a drone with a green laser scanner to inspect and diagnose control structures along the coast. We conducted surveys to determine the basic performance of this approach and used ICP algorithms to extract any deformations in vanishing wave blocks over two time periods. Our results showed high variability in basic performance due to the influence of waves during the surveys. However, we were still able to detect strain of around 50 cm in a submerged breakwater located 3 meters below the water's surface. Furthermore, an overall settlement of approximately 34 cm was observed in the vanishing wave blocks along with some localized movements. This demonstrates that drones can be successfully implemented for efficient inspection, diagnosis and detection of abnormalities and deformations in coastal structures that are extremely difficult to identify through visual surveys alone. The use of this advanced technology will allow for quicker identification of at-risk structures, enabling timely maintenance and prevention of further coastal erosion. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1674-2052 18 10 2025 The OsATG8–OsATG1–SPIN6 module: Linking nutrient sensing to OsRac1-mediated rice immunity via autophagy-independent mechanisms 1623 1625 EN Yanjun Kou State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, China National Rice Research Institute Yoji Kawano Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0273-1177 76 9 2025 Spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem carbon storage under land use/land cover dynamics in the coastal region of Central Vietnam 4815 4837 EN Viet Hoang Ho Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hidenori Morita Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Thanh Ha Ho University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University Felix Bachofer German Aerospace Center (DLR), Earth Observation Center Ecosystem carbon storage is a cost-effective strategy for global climate change mitigation, and its fluctuation is markedly shaped by land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics. Taking Danang city as an example of Central Coastal Vietnam, this study aims to assess LULC changes and analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of carbon storage from 2023 to 2050 under four LULC change scenarios, including natural trend scenario (NTS), ecological protection scenario (EPS), economic development scenario (EDS), and cropland protection scenario (CPS), by integrating the support vector machine-cellular automata-Markov (SVM-CA-Markov) model and the InVEST model. The Optimal Parameters-based Geographical Detector (OPGD) model was subsequently employed to elucidate the impacts of driving factors on the spatial distribution of carbon storage. The results showed that, from 2007 to 2023, Danang city experienced a dramatic back-and-forth transformation between LULC types, with the predominant transitions being from natural forest to acacia tree-dominated plantation forest (6492.31 ha), and from cropland to settlements, acacia tree-dominated plantation forest, and other land (5483.05 ha, 3763.66 ha, 2762.35 ha, respectively). Between 2023 and 2050, LULC transformations in Danang city are projected to yield varying degrees of carbon storage levels across different scenarios. Specifically, carbon storage is anticipated to dwindle by 0.221 Mt, 0.223 Mt, and 0.298 Mt under NTS, EDS, and CPS, respectively, while enhancing by 0.141 Mt under EPS. Regarding the spatial distribution of carbon storage, high values will be chiefly found in the western high-elevation mountainous region, while low values will be concentrated mostly in the eastern lower-lying areas of the city. Additionally, elevation and temperature acted as the two most significant driving factors influencing the spatial distribution of carbon storage, with Q values of 0.88 and 0.86 (p-value < 0.05), respectively. For interaction detection, the combination of elevation and soil exhibited a synergistic reinforcement effect on the spatial partitioning of carbon storage, with a high Q value of 0.9566 (p-value < 0.05). Our study highlights the necessity of ecological conservation measures in Danang city in the on-track pursuit of national net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 2730-6151 5 1 2025 Methanol chemoreceptor MtpA- and flagellin protein FliC-dependent methylotaxis contributes to the spatial colonization of PPFM in the phyllosphere ycaf092 EN Shiori Katayama Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Kosuke Shiraishi Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Kanae Kaji Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Kazuya Kawabata Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Naoki Tamura Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University Akio Tani Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hiroya Yurimoto Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Yasuyoshi Sakai Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) capable of growth on methanol are dominant and versatile phyllosphere bacteria that provide positive effects on plant growth through symbiosis. However, the spatial behavior of PPFMs on plant surfaces and its molecular basis are unknown. Here, we show that Methylobacterium sp. strain OR01 inoculated onto red perilla seeds colonized across the entire plant surface in the phyllosphere concomitant with the plant growth. During its transmission, strain OR01 was found to be present on the entire leaf surface with a preference to sites around the periphery, vein, trichome, and stomata. We found that methanol-sensing chemoreceptor MtpA-dependent chemotaxis (methylotaxis; chemotaxis toward methanol) and flagellin protein FliC-dependent motility facilitated the bacterial entry into the stomatal cavity and their colonization in the phyllosphere. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 189 2025 論争問題学習における「当事者性」を保障する授業設計 ―地理歴史科「歴史総合」小単元「紛争鉱物から考える私たちの社会」の開発を事例として― 87 100 EN Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education，Okayama University Michiko KAMITA Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Education, Okayama University of Science 10.18926/bgeou/69240 　社会問題についての熟議や意思決定，合意形成には当事者性が必要である。当事者性がなければ，皆が納得する答え，すなわち公共善を構築することはできない。しかし，当事者性を強調することがかえって生徒の「思考停止」を導くという批判もあり，当事者性を保障する以前に、当事者性そのものの概念を再考する必要がある。 　そこで，本研究では，「思考停止」に至らない当事者性とはどのようなものか，先行研究をもとに再定義を行う。その定義を踏まえて、学習者に「当事者性」を保障する授業構成のあり方を考察し，地理歴史科「歴史総合」の小単元「紛争鉱物から考えるグローバル社会」の開発を行う。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Acta Medica Okayama 2691-3704 5 2 2025 Mechanistic Insights Into Oxidative Response of Heat Shock Factor 1 Condensates 606 617 EN Soichiro Kawagoe Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University Motonori Matsusaki Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University Takuya Mabuchi Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University Yuto Ogasawara Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kazunori Watanabe Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Koichiro Ishimori Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University Tomohide Saio Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University Heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1), a hub protein in the stress response and cell fate decisions, senses the strength, type, and duration of stress to balance cell survival and death through an unknown mechanism. Recently, changes in the physical property of Hsf1 condensates due to persistent stress have been suggested to trigger apoptosis, highlighting the importance of biological phase separation and transition in cell fate decisions. In this study, the mechanism underlying Hsf1 droplet formation and oxidative response was investigated through 3D refractive index imaging of the internal architecture, corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations and biophysical/biochemical experiments. We found that, in response to oxidative conditions, Hsf1 formed liquid condensates that suppressed its internal mobility. Furthermore, these conditions triggered the hyper-oligomerization of Hsf1, mediated by disulfide bonds and secondary structure stabilization, leading to the formation of dense core particles in the Hsf1 droplet. Collectively, these data demonstrate how the physical property of Hsf1 condensates undergoes an oxidative transition by sensing redox conditions to potentially drive cell fate decisions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1071-2690 60 10 2024 NCF-1 plays a pivotal role in the survival of adenocarcinoma cells of pancreatic and gastric origins 1151 1159 EN Chiemi Furuya-Ikude Division of Tumor Pathology, NIR-PIT Research Institute, Kansai Medical University Akane Kitta Division of Tumor Pathology, NIR-PIT Research Institute, Kansai Medical University Naoko Tomonobu Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshihiro Kawasaki Division of Tumor Pathology, NIR-PIT Research Institute, Kansai Medical University Masakiyo Sakaguchi Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eisaku Kondo Division of Tumor Pathology, NIR-PIT Research Institute, Kansai Medical University Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal biological role in cells, with ROS function differing depending on cellular conditions and the extracellular environment. Notably, ROS act as cytotoxic factors to eliminate infectious pathogens or promote cell death under cellular stress, while also facilitating cell growth (via ROS-sensing pathways) by modifying gene expression. Among ROS-related genes, neutrophil cytosolic factor-1 (NCF-1; p47phox) was identified as a ROS generator in neutrophils. This product is a subunit of a cytosolic NADPH oxidase complex activated in response to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. NCF-1 has been examined primarily in terms of ROS-production pathways in macrophages and neutrophils; however, the expression of this protein and its biological role in cancer cells remain unclear. Here, we report expression of NCF-1 in pancreatic and gastric cancers, and demonstrate its biological significance in these tumor cells. Abundant expression of NCF-1 was observed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lines and in patient tissues, as well as in gastric adenocarcinomas. Accumulation of the protein was also detected in the invasive/metastatic foci of these tumors. Unexpectedly, BxPC-3 underwent apoptotic cell death when transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific to NCF-1, whereas the cells treated with a control siRNA proliferated in a time-dependent manner. A similar phenomenon was observed in HSC-58, a poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma line. Consequently, the tumor cells highly expressing NCF-1 obtained coincident accumulation of ROS and reduced glutathione (GSH) with expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a quencher involved in ferroptosis. Unlike the conventional role of ROS as a representative cytotoxic factor, these findings suggest that NCF-1-mediated ROS generation may be required for expansive growth of PDAC and gastric cancers. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0304-3800 508 2025 Enhanced aboveground biomass density estimation in Central Vietnamese forests 111242 EN Viet Hoang Ho Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hidenori Morita Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Felix Bachofer German Aerospace Center (DLR), Earth Observation Center Thanh Ha Ho University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University Accurate estimation of spatially explicit forest aboveground biomass density (AGBD) is essential for supporting climate change mitigation strategies. Recent studies have demonstrated the predictive effectiveness of the random forest (RF) algorithm in forest AGBD estimation utilizing multi-source remote sensing (RS) data. However, the RF-based estimates may be further enhanced by integrating RF with kriging techniques that account for spatial autocorrelation in model residuals. Therefore, we investigated the performance of random forest ordinary kriging (RFOK) and random forest co-kriging (RFCK) for estimating AGBD in Central Vietnamese forests using Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (ALOS-2 PALSAR-2), Sentinel-1 (S1), and Sentinel-2 (S2) imageries. 277 predictors, including spectral bands, radar backscatter coefficients, vegetation indices, biophysical variables, and texture metrics, were derived from these RS datasets and statistically linked to field measurements from 104 geo-referenced forest inventory plots. The results showed that textures, modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index (MCARI), and radar backscatters were key contributors to AGBD variability. The fusion of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 and S2 data yielded the highest RF performance, with coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) achieving 0.75, 39.15 t.ha-1, and 32.20 t.ha-1, respectively. Incorporating interpolated residuals by ordinary kriging and co-kriging into RF predictions enhanced estimation accuracy, with relative improvements of 5.74–7.04 % in R2, 8.73–10.91 % in RMSE, and 13.62–15.27 % in MAE, yet these gains remained limited. Although RFOK achieved marginally better accuracy (R2 = 0.80, RMSE = 34.88 t.ha-1, MAE = 27.28 t.ha-1) compared to RFCK (R2 = 0.79, RMSE = 35.73 t.ha-1, MAE = 27.81 t.ha-1), the latter reduced estimation bias more effectively, likely due to the inclusion of elevation as a covariate in the co-kriging process. These findings underscore the potential of the hybrid RF-kriging frameworks for improving spatial AGBD estimation, offering a robust approach for carbon accounting in tropical ecosystems. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1439-0108 25 5 2025 Comparison of geostatistics, machine learning algorithms, and their hybrid approaches for modeling soil organic carbon density in tropical forests 1554 1577 EN Viet Hoang Ho Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hidenori Morita Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Thanh Ha Ho University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University Felix Bachofer German Aerospace Center (DLR), Earth Observation Center Thi Thuong Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University Purpose Understanding the spatial variability of soil organic carbon density (SOCD) in tropical forests is necessary for efficient climate change mitigation initiatives. However, accurately modeling SOCD in these landscapes is challenging due to low-density sampling efforts and the limited availability of in-situ data caused by constrained accessibility. In this study, we aimed to explore the most suitable modeling technique for SOCD estimation in the context of tropical forest ecosystems.<br> Methods To support the research, thirty predictor covariates derived from remote sensing data, topographic attributes, climatic factors, and geographic positions were utilized, along with 104 soil samples collected from the top 30 cm of soil in Central Vietnamese tropical forests. We compared the effectiveness of geostatistics (ordinary kriging, universal kriging, and kriging with external drift), machine learning (ML) algorithms (random forest and boosted regression tree), and their hybrid approaches (random forest regression kriging and boosted regression tree regression kriging) for the prediction of SOCD. Prediction accuracy was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean squared error (RMSE), and the mean absolute error (MAE) obtained from leave-one-out cross-validation.<br> Results The study results indicated that hybrid approaches performed best in predicting forest SOCD with the greatest values of R2 and the lowest values of MAE and RMSE, and the ML algorithms were more accurate than geostatistics. Additionally, the prediction maps produced by the hybridization showed the most realistic SOCD pattern, whereas the kriged maps were prone to have smoother patterns, and ML-based maps were inclined to possess more detailed patterns. The result also revealed the superiority of the ML plus residual kriging approaches over the ML models in reducing the underestimation of large SOCD values in high-altitude mountain areas and the overestimation of low SOCD values in low-lying terrain areas.<br> Conclusion Our findings suggest that the hybrid approaches of geostatistics and ML models are most suitable for modeling SOCD in tropical forests. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 1040-4651 36 12 2024 The leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase QSK1 regulates PRR-RBOHD complexes targeted by the bacterial effector HopF2Pto 4932 4951 EN Yukihisa Goto Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Yasuhiro Kadota Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Malick Mbengue The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia Jennifer D Lewis Department of Cell and System Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Function and Evolution, University of Toronto Hidenori Matsui Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Noriko Maki Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Bruno Pok Man Ngou Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Jan Sklenar The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia Paul Derbyshire The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia Arisa Shibata Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Yasunori Ichihashi Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) David S Guttman Department of Cell and System Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Function and Evolution, University of Toronto Hirofumi Nakagami Plant Proteomics Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS Takamasa Suzuki College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University Frank L H Menke The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia Silke Robatzek The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia Darrell Desveaux Department of Cell and System Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Function and Evolution, University of Toronto Cyril Zipfel Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich Ken Shirasu Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) Plants detect pathogens using cell-surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as ELONGATION Factor-TU (EF-TU) RECEPTOR (EFR) and FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2), which recognize bacterial EF-Tu and flagellin, respectively. These PRRs belong to the leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (LRR-RK) family and activate the production of reactive oxygen species via the NADPH oxidase RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RBOHD). The PRR-RBOHD complex is tightly regulated to prevent unwarranted or exaggerated immune responses. However, certain pathogen effectors can subvert these regulatory mechanisms, thereby suppressing plant immunity. To elucidate the intricate dynamics of the PRR-RBOHD complex, we conducted a comparative coimmunoprecipitation analysis using EFR, FLS2, and RBOHD in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified QIAN SHOU KINASE 1 (QSK1), an LRR-RK, as a PRR-RBOHD complex-associated protein. QSK1 downregulated FLS2 and EFR abundance, functioning as a negative regulator of PRR-triggered immunity (PTI). QSK1 was targeted by the bacterial effector HopF2Pto, a mono-ADP ribosyltransferase, reducing FLS2 and EFR levels through both transcriptional and transcription-independent pathways, thereby inhibiting PTI. Furthermore, HopF2Pto transcriptionally downregulated PROSCOOP genes encoding important stress-regulated phytocytokines and their receptor MALE DISCOVERER 1-INTERACTING RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 2. Importantly, HopF2Pto requires QSK1 for its accumulation and virulence functions within plants. In summary, our results provide insights into the mechanism by which HopF2Pto employs QSK1 to desensitize plants to pathogen attack. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1424-8220 25 7 2025 Length Estimation of Pneumatic Artificial Muscle with Optical Fiber Sensor Using Machine Learning 2221 EN Yilei Ni Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shuichi Wakimoto Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Weihang Tian Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yuichiro Toda Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takefumi Kanda Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Daisuke Yamaguchi Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University A McKibben artificial muscle is a soft actuator driven by air pressure, characterized by its flexibility, lightweight design, and high power-to-weight ratio. We have developed a smart artificial muscle that is capable of sensing its motion. To enable this sensing function, an optical fiber was integrated into the sleeve consisting of multiple fibers and serving as a component of the McKibben artificial muscle. By measuring the macrobending loss of the optical fiber, the length of the smart artificial muscle is expected to be estimated. However, experimental results indicated that the sensor's characteristics depend not only on the length but also on the load and the applied air pressure. This dependency arises because the stress applied to the optical fiber increases, causing microbending loss. In this study, we employed a machine learning model, primarily composed of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, to estimate the length of the smart artificial muscle. The experimental results demonstrate that the length estimation obtained through machine learning exhibits a smaller error. This suggests that machine learning is a feasible approach to enhancing the length measurement accuracy of the smart artificial muscle. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1999-4893 18 3 2025 A Hair Drawing Evaluation Algorithm for Exactness Assessment Method in Portrait Drawing Learning Assistant System 143 EN Yue Zhang Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University Nobuo Funabiki Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University Erita Cicilia Febrianti Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya Amang Sudarsono Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya Chenchien Hsu Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University Nowadays, portrait drawing has become increasingly popular as a means of developing artistic skills and nurturing emotional expression. However, it is challenging for novices to start learning it, as they usually lack a solid grasp of proportions and structural foundations of the five senses. To address this problem, we have studied Portrait Drawing Learning Assistant System (PDLAS) for guiding novices by providing auxiliary lines of facial features, generated by utilizing OpenPose and OpenCV libraries. For PDLAS, we have also presented the exactness assessment method to evaluate drawing accuracy using the Normalized Cross-Correlation (NCC) algorithm. It calculates the similarity score between the drawing result and the initial portrait photo. Unfortunately, the current method does not assess the hair drawing, although it occupies a large part of a portrait and often determines its quality. In this paper, we present a hair drawing evaluation algorithm for the exactness assessment method to offer comprehensive feedback to users in PDLAS. To emphasize hair lines, this algorithm extracts the texture of the hair region by computing the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the hair image. For evaluations, we applied the proposal to drawing results by seven students from Okayama University, Japan and confirmed the validity. In addition, we observed the NCC score improvement in PDLAS by modifying the face parts with low similarity scores from the exactness assessment method. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 15 2025 軽度知的障害のある生徒の行動問題への教員対応過程　―A 知的障害特別支援学校高等部での実践検討を通して― 147 161 EN Hideaki TOKIMITSU Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Course), Okayama University Yoshio MIYAZAKI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/68488 　本研究の目的は，知的障害特別支援学校高等部に在籍する生徒の行動問題に着目し，学校現場で教員が適切に対応する際の枠組みを明らかにすることである。その方法として，生徒指導上の課題を理由とする教育困難期を乗り越えたA 知的障害特別支援学校高等部に所属していた経験豊富な教員4名に面接調査を実施し，M-GTA の手法を援用した質的分析を行った。その結果，【安心感を生む個との関係づくり】と【対応方法の共有と統一化を目指す】関係性がコア・カテゴリーと位置づき，16の諸概念を生成した。行動問題に直面した教員は，生徒に対しては【安心感を生む個との関係づくり】を対応の軸とし，その背後では学校として【対応方法の共有と統一化を目指す】ための動きをしていた。最後に，本研究で明らかとなった対応の枠組みについて考察した観点から，個別の時間を含む階層性のある包括的な支援システムを一つの提案とした。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 15 2025 保育者志望学生の地震防災に対する意識の傾向 75 89 EN Daisuke SATOH Faculty of Health and Welfare, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare Kei TAKAHASHI Faculty of Childhood Education, Kurashiki Sakuyo University Noriko BABA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/68483 　近年，南海トラフ巨大地震や都市直下型地震に対する危機感が高まる中，地震防災に対する高い意識を持ち，普段から防災に関する取り組みに努めることが求められている。本研究では，子どもの命を守る保育者を目指す志望学生が，地震災害に対する意識をどのように持ち，地震防災に関する知識や理解をどの程度保持しているのかについて，その実態を明らかにすることを目的とした。保育者養成校４大学の学生に対する質問紙調査を行った結果，地震への危機意識が学年によって異なる傾向にあることや，地震防災に関する意識の高低によって，地震に対する知識や認識の違いがあることが判明した。今後，幼児教育・保育施設における避難訓練の実施や，保育者養成課程において防災教育に関する指導を検討していくことが求められる。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 15 2025 ５歳児を対象とした数量・図形感覚を育む保育所保育の実際と援助の在り方 45 58 EN Fuka SUZUKI Mitsu Kanagawa Certified childcare center Mika KATAYAMA Graduate School of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/68481 　本研究では、幼児期の終わりまでに育って欲しい10の姿のひとつである、「数量・図形、文字等への関心・感覚」に着目し、就学前の５歳児に焦点を当て、保育所の日常生活や遊びにおいて子どもがどのような数量・図形に関する事柄を経験しているのか、また、その経験を小学校１年生の算数科の学習内容と照らして検討した。さらに、子どもが園生活や遊びの中で数量・図形に関心をもって親しみ、学びを得ることを支える保育の在り方について検討した。<br> 　その結果、子どもは日常の中で主体的に数量・図形に親しむ経験をすると共に、その経験が小学校算数科の内容に連続する学びの基礎となっていることが明らかになった。また、保育士自身が小学校算数との繋がりを見通しながら、眼前の子どもの興味や関心に沿って援助することが専門的力量として求められることが示唆された。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2304-6767 13 2 2025 Study of Podoplanin-Deficient Mouse Bone with Mechanical Stress 61 EN Takenori Kanai Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University Kyoko Osawa Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University Koichiro Kajiwara Department of Oral Growth & Development, Hokkaido University Yoshiaki Sato Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University Yoshihiko Sawa Department of Oral Function & Anatomy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective: We investigated morphological differences in osteocyte processes between aged mice and our original podoplanin-conditional knockout (cKO) mice in which the floxed exon 3 of podoplanin was deleted by Dmp-1-driven Cre (Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ). Methods: SEM observation on osteocyte cell process, histochemistry for bone remodeling with mechanostress, and RT-PCR for RANKL and M-CSF in podoplanin cKO mouse bone with mechanostress was investigated. Results: SEM observations showed fewer and thinner osteocyte processes in femurs from 23-week-old Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice than from 23-week-old wild-type mice, while the numbers of osteocyte processes in femurs and calvarias were similar in 23-week-old Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice and 48-week-old wild-type mice. Furthermore, cell process numbers in femurs and calvarias were significantly smaller in 23-week-old Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice than in 48-week-old wild-type mice. In the test for differences in alveolar bone resorption under mechanical stress between Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ and wild-type mice, the area of TRAP-positive resorption pits was larger in wild-type mice than in Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice. In a quantitative tissue PCR analysis, the mRNA expression levels of RANKL and M-CSF in alveolar bone under mechanical stress were significantly lower in Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice than in wild-type mice. These results suggest that a reduction in cell process formation in osteocytes with podoplanin cKO affected the absorption of alveolar bone under mechanical stress in Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice. Conclusions: In podoplanin-deficient bone, the deformation of osteocyte processes by mechanical stimuli is not recognized as a stress due to the lower number of cell processes with podoplanin deficiency; therefore, the production of osteoclast migration/differentiation factors by activated osteocytes is not fully induced and macrophage migration to alveolar bone with mechanical stress appeared to be suppressed. These results indicate that podoplanin-dependent osteocyte process formation indirectly plays a key role in sensing mechanical stress in bone. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy Acta Medica Okayama 1882-4072 19 1 2025 Non-Sinus-Type Dural Arteriovenous Fistula at the Foramen Magnum: A Review of the Literature ra.2023-0019 EN Masafumi Hiramatsu Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiko Ozaki Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital Rie Aoki Department of Neurosurgery, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital Shinri Oda Department of Neurosurgery, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital Jun Haruma Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohito Hishikawa Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Sugiu Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Isao Date Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) of the foramen magnum (FM) region is rare. Moreover, the terminology of dAVF is very confusing in this region. In the narrow sense, the FM dAVF is the non-sinus-type dAVF with direct venous reflux to the medulla oblongata or spinal cord via the bridging veins (BVs) of the FM. Previous literature was systematically reviewed to investigate the clinical characteristics, angioarchitecture, and effective treatment of the FM dAVF. From the literature review, almost all the feeders of FM dAVF were dural branches. Spinal pial arteries were rarely involved as the feeder. All lesions had venous reflux to the medulla oblongata via medullary BVs. The FM dAVF is characterized by a significant male predominance and a high incidence of aggressive symptoms. The most common symptom is congestive myelopathy, followed by hemorrhage. The FM dAVF differs from the craniocervical junction (CCJ) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and is similar to the thoracolumbar spinal dAVF. Direct surgery for the FM dAVF is effective and safe. Endovascular treatment for the FM dAVF may be more effective and has lower complication rates than that for the CCJ AVF. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1433-7851 64 8 2025 B,N‐Embedded Helical Nanographenes Showing an Ion‐Triggered Chiroptical Switching Function e202418546 EN Chihiro Maeda Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Sayaka Michishita Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Issa Yasutomo Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tadashi Ema Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Intramolecular oxidative aromatic coupling of 3,6-bis(m-terphenyl-2’-yl)carbazole provided a bis(m-terphenyl)-fused carbazole, while that of 3,6-bis(m-terphenyl-2’-yl)-1,8-diphenylcarbazole afforded a bis(quaterphenyl)-fused carbazole. Borylation of the latter furnished a B,N-embedded helical nanographene binding a fluoride anion via a structural change from the three-coordinate boron to the four-coordinate boron. The anionic charge derived from the fluoride anion is stabilized over the expanded π-framework, which leads to the high binding constant (Ka) of 1×105 M−1. The four-coordinate boron species was converted back to the parent three-coordinate boron species with Ag+, and the chiroptical switch between the three-coordinate boron and four-coordinate boron species has been achieved via the ion recognition with the change in the color and glum values. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 79 1 2025 Endothelial Cell Polarity in Health and Disease 1 7 EN Moe Thiha Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takao Hikita Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masanori Nakayama Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Review 10.18926/AMO/68353 Endothelial cell polarity is fundamental to the organization and function of blood vessels, influencing processes such as angiogenesis, vascular stability, and response to shear stress. This review elaborates on the molecular mechanisms that regulate endothelial cell polarity, focusing on key players like the PAR polarity complex and Rho family GTPases. These pathways coordinate the front–rear, apical–basal and planar polarity of endothelial cells, which are essential for the proper formation and maintenance of vascular structures. In health, endothelial polarity ensures not only the orderly development of blood vessels, with tip cells adopting distinct polarities during angiogenesis, but also ensures proper vascular integrity and function. In disease states, however, disruptions in polarity contribute to pathologies such as coronary artery disease, where altered planar polarity exacerbates atherosclerosis, and cancer, where disrupted polarity in tumor vasculature leads to abnormal vessel growth and function. Understanding cell polarity and its disruption is fundamental not only to comprehending how cells interact with their microenvironment and organize themselves into complex, organ-specific tissues but also to developing novel, targeted, and therapeutic strategies for a range of diseases, from cardiovascular disorders to malignancies, ultimately improving patient outcomes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0196-6553 53 1 2025 Effectiveness of sensing gloves–applied virtual reality education system on hand hygiene practice: A randomized controlled trial 65 69 EN Mahiro Izumi Quality Assurance Center, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Hideharu Hagiya Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Yuki Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiaki Soejima Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shinnosuke Fukushima Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Mitsunobu Shibata Quality Assurance Center, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Satoshi Hirota Quality Assurance Center, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Toshihiro Koyama Department of Health Data Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akio Gofuku Quality Assurance Center, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Background: We developed a virtual reality (VR) education system and evaluated its clinical utility for promoting hand hygiene practices.<br> Methods: This prospective, 2-week, randomized controlled study conducted at Okayama University Hospital, Japan, from November 2023 to January 2024, involved 22 participants (18 medical students and 4 residents). A fully immersive 360° VR system (VIVE Pro Eye) using a head-mounted display and sensing gloves was used to develop 3 health care tasks in a virtual patient room―Environmental Cleaning, Gauze Exchange, and Urine Collection. After monitoring all participants' baseline usage data of portable hand-rubbing alcohol in the first week, we randomly assigned them into 1:1 groups (VR training and video lecture groups). The primary outcome was differences in hand-rubbed alcohol use before and after intervention.<br> Results: Before the intervention, alcohol use did not significantly differ between both groups. After the intervention, a significant increase in alcohol use was observed in the VR training group (median: 8.2 g vs 16.2 g; P = .019) but not in the video lecture group.<br> Conclusions: Our immersive 360° VR education system enhanced hand hygiene practices. Infection prevention and control practitioners and digital technology experts must collaborate to advance the development of superior educational devices and content. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Acta Medica Okayama 2635-0998 2 3 2023 All-in-one terahertz taste sensor: integrated electronic and bioelectronic tongues 620 626 EN Jin Wang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kenji Sakai Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Toshihiko Kiwa Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Taste sensors, also known as electronic tongues or bioelectronic tongues, are designed to evaluate food and beverages, as well as for medical diagnostics. These devices mimic the ability of the human tongue to detect and identify different tastes in liquid samples, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. In this study, a novel all-in-one terahertz taste sensor was proposed, which differs from traditional electrochemical approaches. This sensor utilizes terahertz technology for imaging and sensing chemical reactions on the terahertz semiconductor emitter surface. The surface can be functionalized with ion-sensitive membranes, proteins, DNA aptamers, and organic receptors, enabling the detection of various substances, such as solution pH, physiological ions, sugars, toxic chemicals, drugs, and explosives. Terahertz taste sensors offer several advantages, including being label-free, high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid response, minimal sample consumption, and the ability to detect non-charged chemical substances. By integrating multiple receptors or sensing materials on a single chip, the all-in-one terahertz taste sensor has significant potential for future taste substance detection, nutrition evaluation, metabolite and drug monitoring, and biomarker sensing. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0941-1291 2024 Optimization of workflow processes for sustainable paternal involvement: case study of an academic “daddy surgeon” in Japan EN Nobuhiko Kanaya Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Shinji Kuroda Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Yoshitaka Kondo Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Yuko Takehara Department of Surgery, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Yoshihiko Kakiuchi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Hitoshi Minagi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Masaki Sakamoto Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Shunsuke Kagawa Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Hitomi Kataoka Integrated Clinical Education Center, Kyoto University Hospital Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Work–life balance is often discussed in Japan. Yet surgeons find it challenging to take paternity leave because of their demanding surgical duties and a strong sense of responsibility. One Japanese male surgeon had his first paternity experience as a research fellow in the US. When he returned to Japan, he resumed his surgical training and started a research project to become an academic surgeon. When he and his wife were expecting their second child, they discussed his paternity participation before the delivery and decided on a sustainable paternity participation plan. By coordinating his responsibilities with his co-workers, he limited his attendance at work to daytime hours only for 1 month to manage paternity duties. This adjustment did not affect the number of main and assistant operations conducted that month and effective optimization of workflow processes decreased the extra workload for other team members. His experience suggests that the optimization of workflow processes can enhance personal life, including paternity participation. (150/150). No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0378-3774 306 2024 Regional-scale evaluation of tertiary irrigation system in Muda Irrigation Scheme from space 109175 EN Aliya Mhd Zahir Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hiroaki Somura Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Toshitsugu Moroizumi Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University A tertiary irrigation system is essential for efficient water management in large-scale irrigation scheme and requires regular evaluation to understand their effectiveness. The current water balance method for tertiary irrigation system evaluation requires extensive data, making continuous monitoring over vast areas unfeasible. A better approach using geospatial data from the Google Earth Engine (GEE) is introduces to evaluate the efficiency of tertiary irrigation systems on a regional scale, aiding water management strategies. This study aims to (1) define the rice cultivation boundary for accurate data collection and (2) quantitatively evaluate irrigation system performance using specific indicators. Remote sensing evapotranspiration (RS-ET) and yield derived from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were collected within rice cultivation boundary across 60 irrigation blocks, including 14 blocks equipped with tertiary irrigation system in Region II of the Muda Irrigation Scheme. Three irrigation system performance indicators (equity, adequacy, and water productivity) were used as a key metric in over four rice-growing seasons to evaluate tertiary irrigation system. Results reveal that tertiary irrigation system performance varies with the current three-phase water management strategy. Equity performance was highest during the off-season, particularly in phase 1 (2–8 %). Adequacy was moderate across all phases and seasons (median: 0.6–0.67), while water productivity showed consistent strength in phases 1 and 3, with fluctuations in phase 2, across seasons. This study underscores the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of using geospatial data from space for continuous regional-scale monitoring, highlighting areas for improvement in the current water management strategy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1424-8220 24 22 2024 Microdetection of Nucleocapsid Proteins via Terahertz Chemical Microscope Using Aptamers 7382 EN Xue Ding Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Mana Murakami Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Jin Wang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Hirofumi Inoue Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hospital Toshihiko Kiwa Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University In the detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), several methods have been employed, including the detection of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA), nucleocapsid (N) proteins, spike proteins, and antibodies. RNA detection, primarily through polymerase chain reaction tests, targets the viral genetic material, whereas antigen tests detect N and spike proteins to identify active infections. In addition, antibody tests are performed to measure the immune response, indicating previous exposure or vaccination. Here, we used the developed terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) to detect different concentrations of N protein in solution by immobilizing aptamers on a semiconductor substrate (sensing plate) and demonstrated that the terahertz amplitude varies as the concentration of N proteins increases, exhibiting a highly linear relationship with a coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9881), indicating that a quantitative measurement of N proteins is achieved. By optimizing the reaction conditions, we confirmed that the amplitude of the terahertz wave was independent of the solution volume. Consequently, trace amounts (0.5 μL) of the N protein were successfully detected, and the detection process only took 10 min. Therefore, this study is expected to develop a rapid and sensitive method for the detection and observation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a microdetection level. It is anticipated that this research will significantly contribute to reducing the spread of novel infectious diseases in the future. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

九州工業大学ケアXDXセンター Acta Medica Okayama 2759-2871 2024 1 2024 Abacus Manipulation Understanding by Behavior Sensing Utilizing Document Camera as a Sensor 2 EN Yuki MATSUDA Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology Okayama University 　The abacus (also known as Soroban) is a numerical calculation tool that is traditionally used in East Asian countries. With the advancement of information technologies, the abacus is no longer used as a standard calculation tool. However, abacus learning is garnering global attention due to the secondary skills it can foster, e.g., mental arithmetic ability. Numerical calculation using an abacus requires learning numerical expressions using the beads of the abacus and manipulating beads in multiple ways and in different orders. Due to this complexity, a long period of repeated learning is usually required to acquire the skill of using the abacus. However, the teaching method of the abacus mainly relied on lecturers' observation through finding errors and poor bead manipulations and pointing them out, and there is no other way but to rely on human labor at this moment. In this study, we aim to realize an ICT-based learning support system for arithmetic with a common abacus. This paper proposes a method of estimating input values on an abacus based on image recognition captured by a document camera. Through the evaluation experiments, we have confirmed that the proposed method showed an accuracy of 95.0% in the estimation of 7-digit number input on an abacus. Additionally, this paper will provide discussions to realize the proposed method with other cameras such as wearable camera devices, and to design the coaching system of abacus learning. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Acta Medica Okayama 2169-3536 12 2024 Aromug: A Mug-Type Olfactory Interface to Enhance the Sweetness Perception of Beverages 78366 78378 EN Daiki Mayumi Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Yugo Nakamura Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University Yuki Matsuda Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shinya Misaki Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Keiichi Yasumoto Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Sugary beverages are a significant contributor to sugar consumption, and their excessive consumption is associated with increased risks of elevated blood glucose levels and diabetes. Many individuals have a strong preference for sugary beverages and often find beverages with lower sugar content to be less satisfying. Attempts to switch to less sugary options are frequently short-lived, leading to a return to higher-sugar beverages. Recognizing that 75 – 95% of taste perception is influenced by scent, we investigated a scent-based approach to reduce sugar intake while preserving the perception of sweetness. This study introduces an olfactory interface in the form of a mug named “Aromug,” designed to emit a sweet scent in sync with the drinking action. Aromug incorporates motion sensing and scent presentation functions to enhance the perceived sweetness of a beverage, thereby encouraging a gradual reduction in sugar intake. Our experiments, involving 33 participants, demonstrated that the combined scents of sugar-free coffee and chocolate increased the perception of sweetness (p =1.641×10−2 ). The study also found that the simultaneous presentation of scent and visual cues improved taste satisfaction and sweetness perception. Additionally, we observed variations in sweetness preference related to age and frequency of coffee consumption. It was particularly observed that people in their 20s and those who frequently drink coffee tend to perceive the taste of beverages as sweeter. This suggests a potential for Aromug to customize the scent experience based on individual preferences, offering a novel way to encourage healthier beverage choices. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学経済学会 Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 56 2 2024 なぜ中間組織が必要なのか 1 16 EN Daiji Fujii Tamako Oshima 10.18926/OER/67705 　This paper challenges a fundamental question, ‘Why is an intermediate organization necessary?’ Due to transaction costs and market failures on the one hand and the limitations of organizational control mechanisms on the other hand, many‘ intermediate organizations’ are observed in the real world. How can we tackle to explain the governance mechanism considered to be‘ intermediate?’ 　If we are to discuss such socioeconomic orders, this paper assumes that we should not be able to link micro-level explanations and macro-level ones concerning the third mode of governance mechanisms all at once. We need to stick to the meso-level at fi rst. The theoretical elaboration since Ouchi’s（1980） discussion of clan-type governance and cumulative empirical research on industrial agglomerations have allowed us to construct a more sophisticated theory called community capital. 　In effective communities, members are ‘embedded as insiders’ who serve the purpose of the community, share experiences of failures and successes, and find and deepen their common identity. This limited membership is bound by‘ mutual trust to rely on each other’ for‘ distribution of short-term risks.’ In contrast to social norms that need to be abstract enough to be widely shared, the communal norms that are concrete enough to allow the members to understand without hesitation how they should behave in localized contexts are cumulatively cultivated along socializing process. Among the norms, sense of mutual obligation to incur intermittent costs for the whole community is a crucial norm for the sustainable development of the community. However, as a practical matter, membership control, mutual trust and short-term risk allocation may serve the communities in the short run, but they do not guarantee long-term accumulation of shared capital. As a result, the limits of community capital may need to be discussed once again, especially today when market liquidity is increasing, and its failures tend to become more apparent in a variety of areas. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2504-446X 8 9 2024 Generating 3D Models for UAV-Based Detection of Riparian PET Plastic Bottle Waste: Integrating Local Social Media and InstantMesh 471 EN Shijun Pan Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Keisuke Yoshida Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Daichi Shimoe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Takashi Kojima TOKEN C.E.E. Consultants Co., Ltd. Satoshi Nishiyama Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University In recent years, waste pollution has become a severe threat to riparian environments worldwide. Along with the advancement of deep learning (DL) algorithms (i.e., object detection models), related techniques have become useful for practical applications. This work attempts to develop a data generation approach to generate datasets for small target recognition, especially for recognition in remote sensing images. A relevant point is that similarity between data used for model training and data used for testing is crucially important for object detection model performance. Therefore, obtaining training data with high similarity to the monitored objects is a key objective of this study. Currently, Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), such as single target objects generated by Luma AI, is a promising data source for DL-based object detection models. However, most of the training data supporting the generated results are not from Japan. Consequently, the generated data are less similar to monitored objects in Japan, having, for example, different label colors, shapes, and designs. For this study, the authors developed a data generation approach by combining social media (Clean-Up Okayama) and single-image-based 3D model generation algorithms (e.g., InstantMesh) to provide a reliable reference for future generations of localized data. The trained YOLOv8 model in this research, obtained from the S2PS (Similar to Practical Situation) AIGC dataset, produced encouraging results (high F1 scores, approximately 0.9) in scenario-controlled UAV-based riparian PET bottle waste identification tasks. The results of this study show the potential of AIGC to supplement or replace real-world data collection and reduce the on-site work load. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 78 4 2024 Multicenter Remote-Access Simulation of Vaginal Delivery for High-Flexibility Medical Education during the Coronavirus Pandemic 313 322 EN Eriko Eto Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jota Maki Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Noriyuki Yamashita Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Toru Hasegawa Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayano Suemori Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikari Nakato Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikaru Oba Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiro Mitoma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakurako Mishima Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoe Kirino Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akiko Ohira Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hisashi Masuyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/67547 During the coronavirus pandemic, face-to-face simulation education became impossible. Therefore, we aimed to develop remote-access simulation education with a sense of realism through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using a perinatal whole-body management and delivery simulator. In September 2021, we administered a multi-center simultaneous remote simulation based on our developed model. Ten universities in the Chugoku–Shikoku region were connected via a web-conferencing system to a live broadcast of a virtual vaginal birth in which a fictional hospitalized pregnant woman experienced accelerated labor and gave birth through vacuum delivery for fetal distress. A Video on Demand (VOD) was made beforehand using a new simulator that allowed for a visual understanding of the process of the inter-vaginal examination. We provided a participatory program that enhanced the sense of realism by combining VOD and real-time lectures on each scenario, with two-way communication between participants and trainee doctors using a chat function. Most participants answered “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the content, level of difficulty, and level of understanding. From November 2021, we have used the videos of all processes in face-to-face classes. Our construction of a high-flexibility education system using remote simulation in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, especially in the vaginal delivery module, is unique, creative, and sustainable. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Microbiology Acta Medica Okayama 2379-5042 9 8 2024 New lineages of RNA viruses from clinical isolates of Rhizopus microsporus revealed by fragmented and primer-ligated dsRNA sequencing (FLDS) analysis EN Wasiatus Sa'diyah Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Yan-Jie Zhao Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Laboratory of Fungal Interaction and Molecular Biology (Donated by IFO), University of Tsukuba Yuto Chiba Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Laboratory of Fungal Interaction and Molecular Biology (Donated by IFO), University of Tsukuba Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sayaka Ban Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University Takashi Yaguchi Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University Syun-Ichi Urayama Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Laboratory of Fungal Interaction and Molecular Biology (Donated by IFO), University of Tsukuba Daisuke Hagiwara Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Laboratory of Fungal Interaction and Molecular Biology (Donated by IFO), University of Tsukuba Rhizopus microsporus is a species in the order Mucorales that is known to cause mucormycosis, but it is poorly understood as a host of viruses. Here, we examined 25 clinical strains of R. microsporus for viral infection with a conventional double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) assay using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and the recently established fragmented and primer-ligated dsRNA sequencing (FLDS) protocol. By AGE, five virus-infected strains were detected. Then, full-length genomic sequences of 12 novel RNA viruses were revealed by FLDS, which were related to the families Mitoviridae, Narnaviridae, and Endornaviridae, ill-defined groups of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses with similarity to the established families Virgaviridae and Phasmaviridae, and the proposed family "Ambiguiviridae." All the characterized viruses, except a potential phasmavirid with a negative-sense RNA genome, had positive-sense RNA genomes. One virus belonged to a previously established species within the family Mitoviridae, whereas the other 11 viruses represented new species or even new genera. These results show that the fungal pathogen R. microsporus harbors diverse RNA viruses and extend our understanding of the diversity of RNA viruses in the fungal order Mucorales, division Mucoromycota. Identifying RNA viruses from clinical isolates of R. microsporus may expand the repertoire of natural therapeutic agents for mucormycosis in the future. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0003-9969 165 2024 Salivary buffering capacity is correlated with umami but not sour taste sensitivity in healthy adult Japanese subjects 106013 EN Aiko Hyodo Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ayaka Mikami Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kengo Horie Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshihiro Mitoh Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuzo Ninomiya Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Seiji Iida Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Objective: Saliva serves multiple important functions crucial for maintaining a healthy oral and systemic environment. Among them, the pH buffering effect, which is primarily mediated by bicarbonate ions, helps maintain oral homeostasis by neutralizing acidity from ingested foods. Therefore, higher buffering capacity, reflecting the ability to neutralize oral acidity, may influence taste sensitivity, especially for sour taste since it involves sensing H+ ions. This study aims to explore the relationship between salivary buffering capacity and taste sensitivities to the five basic tastes in healthy adult humans.<br> Design: Eighty seven healthy adult students participated in this study. Resting saliva volume was measured using the spitting method. The liquid colorimetric test was used to assess salivary buffering capacity. The whole-mouth taste testing method was employed to determine the recognition threshold for each tastant (NaCl, sucrose, citric acid, quinine-HCl, monosodium glutamate).<br> Results: Taste recognition thresholds for sour taste as well as sweet, salty, and bitter tastes showed no correlation with salivary buffering capacity. Interestingly, a negative relationship was observed between recognition threshold for umami taste and salivary buffering capacity. Furthermore, a positive correlation between salivary buffering capacity and resting saliva volume was observed.<br> Conclusions: Salivary buffering capacity primarily influences sensitivity to umami taste, but not sour and other tastes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2024 The Relationships among Internalized Stigma, Sense of Coherence, and Personal Recovery of Persons with Schizophrenia Living in the Community EN Aya KURAMOTO Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2024 Improving tertiary irrigation system appraisal approach in Muda Irrigation Scheme, Malaysia through remotely sensed data from Google Earth Engine EN ALIYA BINTI MHD ZAHIR Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 78 2 2024 The Relationships among Internalized Stigma, Sense of Coherence, and Personal Recovery of Persons with Schizophrenia Living in the Community 171 184 EN Aya Kuramoto Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Shinya Saito Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Kumi Watanabe School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University Original Article 10.18926/AMO/66926 We investigated (i) the relationships among internalized stigma (IS), sense of coherence (SOC), and the personal recovery (PR) of persons with schizophrenia living in the community, and (ii) how to improve the support for these individuals. A questionnaire survey on IS, SOC, and PR was sent by mail to 270 persons with schizophrenia living in the community who were using psychiatric daycare services, of whom 149 responded and 140 were included in the analysis. We established a hypothetical model in which IS influences PR, and SOC influences IS and PR, and we used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among these concepts. The goodness of fit was acceptable. Our findings suggest that rather than directly promoting PR, SOC promotes PR by mitigating the impact of IS. It is important for nurses/supporters to support individuals with schizophrenia living in the community so that they have opportunities to reflect on their own experiences through their activities and to share their experiences with peers. Nurses/supporters themselves should also reflect on their own support needs. Our findings suggest that this will lead to a reduction of IS and the improvement of SOC, which will in turn promote personal recovery. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 19 3 2024 Chemical range recognized by the ligand-binding domain in a representative amino acid-sensing taste receptor, T1r2a/T1r3, from medaka fish e0300981 EN Hikaru Ishida Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Norihisa Yasui Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Atsuko Yamashita Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taste receptor type 1 (T1r) proteins are responsible for recognizing nutrient chemicals in foods. In humans, T1r2/T1r3 and T1r1/T1r3 heterodimers serve as the sweet and umami receptors that recognize sugars or amino acids and nucleotides, respectively. T1rs are conserved among vertebrates, and T1r2a/T1r3 from medaka fish is currently the only member for which the structure of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) has been solved. T1r2a/T1r3 is an amino acid receptor that recognizes various l-amino acids in its LBD as observed with other T1rs exhibiting broad substrate specificities. Nevertheless, the range of chemicals that are recognized by T1r2a/T1r3LBD has not been extensively explored. In the present study, the binding of various chemicals to medaka T1r2a/T1r3LBD was analyzed. A binding assay for amino acid derivatives verified the specificity of this protein to l-alpha-amino acids and the importance of alpha-amino and carboxy groups for receptor recognition. The results further indicated the significance of the alpha-hydrogen for recognition as replacing it with a methyl group resulted in a substantially decreased affinity. The binding ability to the protein was not limited to proteinogenic amino acids, but also to non-proteinogenic amino acids, such as metabolic intermediates. Besides l-alpha-amino acids, no other chemicals showed significant binding to the protein. These results indicate that all of the common structural groups of alpha-amino acids and their geometry in the l-configuration are recognized by the protein, whereas a wide variety of alpha-substituents can be accommodated in the ligand binding sites of the LBDs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院社会文化科学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 57 2024 利用者が介護士へ信頼感を抱く場面に関する質的研究―介護士の対人関係形成能力の向上のための心理教育法開発に向けて― 111 126 EN Sayumi MIYAKE Tomoko TANAKA 10.18926/66831 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 14 2024 大学教養教育に適した創造性を重視した探究型授業の提案　岡山大学教養教育科目「生活の中の創造性」の実践結果の分析�U 191 205 EN Yoshihiko INADA Faculty of Education, Okayama University Yoko SHINOHARA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/66781 新学習指導要領で探究的な学びを経験した高校生が大学で学び始める2025年度を控え，大学の教養教育科目として，「色」を主題にして物理学と被服学の知見を組み合わせ，プロジェクト型の活動も組み入れた新たな授業を開発し実践した。昨年度の実践と同様に，様々なつながりを意識してものごとを捉えたり，学生自身の思考や感覚の特徴を自覚させることを促す仕掛けを組み込むことで，学生の主体性を促して創造的な思考を刺激する授業になっている。受講生のシャトルカードの記述，考察過程で作成したウェビング，物理や物理学習に対する学生の思考や態度を測定するCLASS調査紙などの分析の結果，「主体的，対話的に考え，感じ，判断する自分自身の存在を意識すること」を促す効果が大きいことが明らかになった。これは，探究的な学びの土台として重要な創造性の涵養に欠かせない要素になる。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 14 2024 児童を対象とした強み介入の予備的検討 ―強みへの気付きを促す学級活動の授業を通して― 1 15 EN Tsuguyuki IZUMI Faculty of Education, Okayama University Akane TODA Shintoku Elementary School Hisashi OKURA Hayashima Kindergarten 10.18926/CTED/66768 　本研究の目的は，児童を対象とした強み介入の予備的検討のために実践した強みへの気付きを促す授業の効果について検討することである。対象者は小学６年生95名(男子50名，女子40名，不明５名)であった。本研究によって以下の３点が明らかになった。まず，生活充実感と被信頼感・受容感の事後の得点が有意に向上した。次に，自己の強みへの注目の変化量と被信頼感・受容感の変化量で有意な正の偏相関が確認された。さらに，強みへの注目が向上した児童と向上しなかった児童の学習の感想を計量テキスト分析で検証した。その結果，群ごとに有意な記述の偏りは確認されなかった。全体として，児童の多くはポジティブな感情に関する主観的経験について記述していた。最後に，課題として介入で実施する授業と研究デザインを取り上げ，今後の展望について議論した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Society of Hydrology and Water Resources (JSHWR) / Japanese Association of Groundwater Hydrology (JAGH) / Japanese Association of Hydrological Sciences (JAHS) / Japanese Society of Physical Hydrology (JSPH) Acta Medica Okayama 1882-3416 18 1 2024 Efficient agricultural monitoring: a methodology for assessing individual farmer adherence to rice-planting schedule for tertiary irrigation system under the Muda Irrigation Scheme using Earth observation datasets 14 21 EN Aliya Mhd Zahir Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hiroaki Somura Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Toshitsugu Moroizumi Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University The tertiary irrigation system (TIS) was designed for the Muda Irrigation Scheme (MIS) to distribute irrigation water to farmers' fields to ensure the reliability of water supply for cultivating rice paddies twice a year. Variability in farming practices, influenced by farmer autonomy along the tertiary canal adds complexity and uncertainty to adherence monitoring. Traditional on -site data collection methods are limited in scope and efficiency, whereas Earth observation (EO) enables continuous monitoring. In this study, we introduced a methodology that uses EO datasets to monitor individual field adherence to rice -planting schedules under TIS. These tools improve the monitoring of rice -planting schedule adherence by identifying non -adherent fields for further countermeasures. This study highlights the potential use of EO datasets and advanced data processing techniques for efficient agricultural monitoring. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 185 2024 保育実践におけるアイデンティティの揺らぎ体験と保育者効力感との関係 73 82 EN Osamu NISHIYAMA Faculty of Education, Okayama University Mika WAKADA Maniwa City Amanogawa Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care Noriko BABA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/bgeou/66708 　This study aims to examine the relationship between childcare workers’ “experience of identity swaying” as described in their autobiographical memory and their occupation efficacy. First, the influence that stemmed from the experience of childcare workers’ swaying on their sense of efficacy is examined. The results showed that those who experienced identity swaying in their autobiographical memory had a remarkably higher sense of efficacy as childcare workers than those who didn’t. On the other hand, no difference was found in their sense of efficacy depending on the trigger of the identity swaying. The differences in childcare workers’ descriptions depending on the level of their sense of efficacy were then investigated the records of childcare workers with a high sense of occupation efficacy showed a higher level of ego involvement stays as a memory that can be utilized in the future. Closing the article, the authors examine future issues. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 1083-351X 299 8 2023 Mammalian type opsin 5 preferentially activates G14 in Gq-type G proteins triggering intracellular calcium response 105020 EN Keita Sato Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takahiro Yamashita Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University Hideyo Ohuchi Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mammalian type opsin 5 (Opn5m), a UV-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor opsin highly conserved in vertebrates, would provide a common basis for UV sensing from lamprey to humans. However, G protein coupled with Opn5m remains controversial due to variations in assay conditions and the origin of Opn5m across different reports. Here, we examined Opn5m from diverse species using an aequorin luminescence assay and G alpha-KO cell line. Beyond the commonly studied major G alpha classes, G alpha q, G alpha 11, G alpha 14, and G alpha 15 in the Gq class were individually investigated in this study, as they can drive distinct signaling pathways in addition to a canonical calcium response. UV light triggered a calcium response via all the tested Opn5m proteins in 293T cells, which was abolished by Gq-type G alpha deletion and rescued by cotransfection with mouse and medaka Gq-type G alpha proteins. Opn5m preferentially activated G alpha 14 and close relatives. Mutational analysis implicated specific regions, including alpha 3-beta 5 and alpha G-alpha 4 loops, alpha G and alpha 4 helices, and the extreme C terminus, in the preferential activation of G alpha 14 by Opn5m. FISH revealed co-expression of genes encoding Opn5m and G alpha 14 in the scleral cartilage of medaka and chicken eyes, supporting their physiological coupling. This suggests that the preferential activation of G alpha 14 by Opn5m is relevant for UV sensing in specific cell types. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

AIP Publishing Acta Medica Okayama 1932-1058 17 5 2023 Diamond quantum sensors in microfluidics technology 054107 EN Masazumi Fujiwara Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Diamond quantum sensing is an emerging technology for probing multiple physico-chemical parameters in the nano- to micro-scale dimensions within diverse chemical and biological contexts. Integrating these sensors into microfluidic devices enables the precise quantification and analysis of small sample volumes in microscale channels. In this Perspective, we present recent advancements in the integration of diamond quantum sensors with microfluidic devices and explore their prospects with a focus on forthcoming technological developments. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0925-5001 84 3 2022 A novel update rule of HALS algorithm for nonnegative matrix factorization and Zangwill’s global convergence 755 781 EN Takehiro Sano Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tsuyoshi Migita Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Norikazu Takahashi Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) has attracted a great deal of attention as an effective technique for dimensionality reduction of large-scale nonnegative data. Given a nonnegative matrix, NMF aims to obtain two low-rank nonnegative factor matrices by solving a constrained optimization problem. The Hierarchical Alternating Least Squares (HALS) algorithm is a well-known and widely-used iterative method for solving such optimization problems. However, the original update rule used in the HALS algorithm is not well defined. In this paper, we propose a novel well-defined update rule of the HALS algorithm, and prove its global convergence in the sense of Zangwill. Unlike conventional globally-convergent update rules, the proposed one allows variables to take the value of zero and hence can obtain sparse factor matrices. We also present two stopping conditions that guarantee the finite termination of the HALS algorithm. The practical usefulness of the proposed update rule is shown through experiments using real-world datasets. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society Acta Medica Okayama 2694-2453 3 5 2023 Highly Stretchable Stress-Strain Sensor from Elastomer Nanocomposites with Movable Cross-links and Ketjenblack 394 405 EN Ryohei Ikura Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka University Kota Kajimoto Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University Junsu Park Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka University Shunsuke Murayama Graduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata University Yusei Fujiwara Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology Motofumi Osaki Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka University Tomohiro Suzuki Kanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Hidenori Shirakawa Kanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Yujiro Kitamura Kanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Hiroaki Takahashi Kanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Yasumasa Ohashi Kanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Seiji Obata Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University Akira Harada SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University Yuka Ikemoto Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute Yuta Nishina Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University Yasutomo Uetsuji Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology Go Matsuba Graduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata University Yoshinori Takashima Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka University Practical applications like very thin stress-strain sensors require high strength, stretchability, and conductivity, simultaneously. One of the approaches is improving the toughness of the stress-strain sensing materials. Polymeric materials with movable cross-links in which the polymer chain penetrates the cavity of cyclodextrin (CD) demonstrate enhanced strength and stretchability, simultaneously. We designed two approaches that utilize elastomer nanocomposites with movable cross-links and carbon filler (ketjenblack, KB). One approach is mixing SC (a single movable cross-network material), a linear polymer (poly(ethyl acrylate), PEA), and KB to obtain their composite. The electrical resistance increases proportionally with tensile strain, leading to the application of this composite as a stress- strain sensor. The responses of this material are stable for over 100 loading and unloading cycles. The other approach is a composite made with KB and a movable cross-network elastomer for knitting dissimilar polymers (KP), where movable cross-links connect the CD-modified polystyrene (PSCD) and PEA. The obtained composite acts as a highly sensitive stress-strain sensor that exhibits an exponential increase in resistance with increasing tensile strain due to the polymer dethreading from the CD rings. The designed preparations of highly repeatable or highly responsive stress-strain sensors with good mechanical properties can help broaden their application in electrical devices. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0168-1702 334 2023 Exploration of the yadokari/yadonushi nature of YkV3 and RnMBV3 in the original host and a model filamentous fungus 199155 EN Yukiyo Sato Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University The yadokari/yadonushi nature is a recently discovered virus lifestyle; “yadokari” refers to the ability of capsidless positive-sense (+) RNA viruses (yadokariviruses) to utilize the capsids of phylogenetically distant double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses possibly as the replication site, while “yadonushi” refers to the ability of dsRNA viruses to provide capsids to yadokariviruses. This virus–virus interaction, however, has been only studied with limited pathosystems. Here, we established a new study model with a capsidless (+)RNA yadokarivirus YkV3 (family Yadokariviridae) and its capsid donor RnMBV3 (family Megabirnaviridae) in the original host fungus Rosellinia necatrix and a model filamentous fungal host Cryphonectria parasitica. YkV3 has a simple genome structure with one open reading frame of 4305 nucleotides encoding a single polyprotein with an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and a 2A-like self-cleavage peptide domain. Reverse genetics of YkV3 in R. necatrix showed that YkV3 tolerates a nucleotide substitution in the extreme 5′-terminus. The insertion of two termination codons immediately downstream of the 2A-like cleavage site abolished YkV3 viability, suggesting the importance of the C-terminal portion of the polyprotein of unknown function. Transfection of RnMBV3 and YkV3 into an RNA silencing-deficient mutant Δdcl2 of C. parasitica showed the replication competency of both viruses. Comparison between the wild-type and Δdcl2 strains of C. parasitica in virus accumulation suggested that RnMBV3 and YkV3 are susceptible to RNA silencing in C. parasitica. Taken together, we have established a platform to further explore the yadokari/yadonushi nature using genetically manipulable host fungal and virus strains. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1880-6546 73 1 2023 Sugar signals from oral glucose transporters elicit cephalic-phase insulin release in mice 16 EN Mitsuhito Takamori Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshihiro Mitoh Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kengo Horie Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiko Egusa The Center for Special Needs Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Takuya Miyawaki Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Cephalic-phase insulin release (CPIR) occurs before blood glucose increases after a meal. Although glucose is the most plausible cue to induce CPIR, peripheral sensory systems involved are not fully elucidated. We therefore examined roles of sweet sensing by a T1R3-dependent taste receptor and sugar sensing by oral glucose transporters in the oropharyngeal region in inducing CPIR. Spontaneous oral ingestion of glucose significantly increased plasma insulin 5 min later in wild-type (C57BL/6) and T1R3-knockout mice, but intragastric infusion did not. Oral treatment of glucose transporter inhibitors phlorizin and phloretin significantly reduced CPIR after spontaneous oral ingestion. In addition, a rapid increase in plasma insulin was significantly smaller in WT mice with spontaneous oral ingestion of nonmetabolizable glucose analog than in WT mice with spontaneous oral ingestion of glucose. Taken together, the T1R3-dependent receptor is not required for CPIR, but oral glucose transporters greatly contribute to induction of CPIR by sugars. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2072-6643 15 13 2023 Adrenomedullin Enhances Mouse Gustatory Nerve Responses to Sugars via T1R-Independent Sweet Taste Pathway 2941 EN Shusuke Iwata Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shingo Takai Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Keisuke Sanematsu Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Noriatsu Shigemura Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Yuzo Ninomiya Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University On the tongue, the T1R-independent pathway (comprising glucose transporters, including sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) and the K-ATP channel) detects only sugars, whereas the T1R-dependent (T1R2/T1R3) pathway can broadly sense various sweeteners. Cephalic-phase insulin release, a rapid release of insulin induced by sensory signals in the head after food-related stimuli, reportedly depends on the T1R-independent pathway, and the competitive sweet taste modulators leptin and endocannabinoids may function on these two different sweet taste pathways independently, suggesting independent roles of two oral sugar-detecting pathways in food intake. Here, we examined the effect of adrenomedullin (ADM), a multifunctional regulatory peptide, on sugar sensing in mice since it affects the expression of SGLT1 in rat enterocytes. We found that ADM receptor components were expressed in T1R3-positive taste cells. Analyses of chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses revealed that ADM enhanced responses to sugars but not to artificial sweeteners and other tastants. Moreover, ADM increased the apical uptake of a fluorescent D-glucose derivative into taste cells and SGLT1 mRNA expression in taste buds. These results suggest that the T1R-independent sweet taste pathway in mouse taste cells is a peripheral target of ADM, and the specific enhancement of gustatory nerve responses to sugars by ADM may contribute to caloric sensing and food intake. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 1083-351X 299 5 2023 Actin-rich lamellipodia-like protrusions contribute to the integrity of epithelial cell-cell junctions 104571 EN Yosuke Senju Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University Toiba Mushtaq Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) - Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Helena Vihinen Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) - Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Aki Manninen Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu Juha Saarikangas Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki Katharina Ven Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) - Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Ulrike Engel Nikon Imaging Center and Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University Markku Varjosalo Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) - Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Eija Jokitalo Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) - Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Pekka Lappalainen Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) - Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Metastasis-suppressor 1 (MTSS1) is a membrane-interacting scaffolding protein that regulates the integrity of epithelial cell-cell junctions and functions as a tumor suppressor in a wide range of carcinomas. MTSS1 binds phosphoinositide-rich membranes through its I-BAR domain and is capable of sensing and generating negative membrane curvature in vitro. However, the mechanisms by which MTSS1 localizes to inter-cellular junctions in epithelial cells and contributes to their integrity and maintenance have remained elusive. By carrying out EM and live-cell imaging on cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayers, we provide evidence that adherens junctions of epithelial cells harbor lamellipodia-like, dynamic actin-driven membrane folds, which exhibit high negative membrane curvature at their distal edges. BioID proteomics and imaging experiments demonstrated that MTSS1 associates with an Arp2/3 complex activator, the WAVE-2 complex, in dynamic actin-rich protrusions at cell-cell junctions. Inhibi-tion of Arp2/3 or WAVE-2 suppressed actin filament assembly at adherens junctions, decreased the dynamics of junctional membrane protrusions, and led to defects in epithelial integ-rity. Together, these results support a model in which membrane-associated MTSS1, together with the WAVE-2 and Arp2/3 complexes, promotes the formation of dynamic lamellipodia-like actin protrusions that contribute to the integrity of cell-cell junctions in epithelial monolayers. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院ヘルスシステム統合科学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 3 2023 〈迷惑〉意識の類型：『おだやかな死』における〈迷惑〉の用例分析を通じて 39 49 EN Natsumi TANAKA Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/65463 In contemporary Japan, the elderly often say that they do not wish to be a burden on anyone, and they make important decisions with this motivation (here called feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden"). This paper seeks to categorize feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden" according to its relationship to the type of motivation they express. For this purpose, we focused on feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden" of elderly people in France. As there is no easily corresponding phrase in French for our word "Meiwaku/Burden", the French use several different words to express this sense "Meiwaku/Burden". Here we draw examples from Une mort très douce by Simone de Beauvoir, as well as her La Ceremonie des adieux.<br> The analysis of examples given in these books indicates that "Meiwaku/Burden" of the elderly is motivated by three factors: relationships (déranger), emotions (ennuyer), and body/physical (gêner). In this paper, according to these three motivations we categorize feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden" three types: the feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden" about relationships, the feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden" about emotions, and the feelings of "Meiwaku/Burden" about bodily/physical things. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 18 3 2023 Identification of illness representational patterns and examining differences of self-care behavior in the patterns in chronic kidney disease e0283701 EN Yuki Kajiwara Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Michiko Morimoto Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Self-care behavior is considered important for preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although lifestyle interventions are popular, they have not been sufficiently effective. According to studies on other chronic diseases, illness representation has been found to formulate a pattern, and self-care behavior could differ depending on the pattern, which suggests difference in self-care behavior based on illness representation. This study examined what kind of illness representational patterns exist among CKD patients and whether there is a difference in self-care behavior depending on the pattern. A survey was conducted from the beginning of June to the end of October 2019 on 274 CKD patients who were either outpatients or hospitalized at general hospitals in Western Japan. The Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess illness representation and the Japanese Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Care scale was used to assess self-care behavior. Two-stage cluster analysis was used to identify clusters. Cluster features were examined using analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests. Differences in self-care behavior scores among identified clusters were investigated. Two hundred and forty-four questionnaires were received, and 212 were analyzed. Participants were aged 64.9 +/- 12.9, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was 33.7 +/- 15.8. Three clusters were identified: Cluster 1 represented the difficulty of making sense of the changed condition caused by the disease and easily falling into misunderstanding; Cluster 2 represented patients with disease conditions that impacted their daily life and emotional responses; Cluster 3 represented the controllability and understandability of the disease. Total self-care behavior scores indicated a significant difference between Cluster 1 (52.1 +/- 9.7) and Cluster 3 (57.7 +/- 8.2). In conclusion, we showed that three representational patterns exist among CKD patients. In addition, a difference was found in self-care behavior depending on the illness representational pattern, suggesting the need to focus on illness representation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 18 3 2023 Collaborative support for child abuse prevention: Perspectives of public health nurses and midwives regarding pregnant and postpartum women of concern EN Akemi Yokomizo Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Hiroko Nagae Kameda University of Health Science, Kamogawa City Rukmali Athurupana Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Mikiya Nakatsuka Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Child abuse is a globally prevalent problem, and its numbers have continuously increased in Japan over the past 30 years. Prevention of child abuse depends on the support available to pregnant and postpartum women from the time of pregnancy. Public health nurses and midwives are expected to provide preventive support in cooperation, as they can support pregnant and postpartum women from close proximity and recognize their health problems and potential signs of child abuse. This study aimed to deduce the characteristics of pregnant and postpartum women of concern, as observed by public health nurses and midwives, from the perspective of child abuse prevention. The participants comprised ten public health nurses and ten midwives with five or more years of experience working at the Okayama Prefecture municipal health centers and obstetric medical institutions. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview survey and analyzed qualitatively and descriptively using an inductive approach. The characteristics of pregnant and postpartum women, as confirmed by public health nurses, included four main categories: having "difficulties in daily life;" "a sense of discomfort of not feeling like a normal pregnant woman;" "difficulty in child-rearing behavior;" and "multiple risk factors checked by objective indicators using an assessment tool." The characteristics observed by midwives were grouped into four main categories: "mental and physical safety of the mother is in jeopardy;" have "difficulty in child-rearing behavior;" "difficulties in maintaining relationships with the surrounding people;" and "multiple risk factors recognized by an assessment tool." Public health nurses evaluated pregnant and postpartum women's daily life factors, while midwives evaluated the mothers' health conditions, their feelings toward the fetus, and stable child-rearing skills. To prevent child abuse, they utilized their respective specialties to observe those pregnant and postpartum women of concern with multiple risk factors. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 13 2023 創造性の涵養に資する教科横断型授業の開発 岡山大学教養教育「生活の中の創造性」の実践結果の分析 261 273 EN Yoshihiko Inada Faculty of Education, Okayama University Yoko Shinohara Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/65089 近年，創造性の涵養を重視する教育が国内外で盛んになり，総合的な探究の時間やSTEAM 教育など，教科横断的に創造性を刺激する授業の開発も進んでいる。我々は，大学の教養教 育科目として，「色」を主題にして物理学と被服学の知見を組み合わせ，プロジェクト型の 活動も組み入れた新たな授業を開発し実践した。様々なつながりを意識してものごとを捉 えたり，学生自身の思考や感覚の特徴を自覚させることを促す仕掛けを組み込むことで， 学生の主体性を促して創造的な思考を刺激する授業になっている。受講生のシャトルカー ドの記述，考察過程で作成したウェビング，物理や物理学習に対する学生の思考や態度を 測定するCLASS 調査紙などの分析の結果，創造性の涵養に欠かせない，「考え，感じ，判断 する自分自身の存在を意識すること」を促す効果が大きいことが明らかになった。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 13 2023 大学生における卒業後の進路希望とキャリア観 ―積極的・消極的な労働観に着目して― 245 259 EN Miyako Iida Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/65077 本研究では大学生のキャリア観について，GOAL 次元とMUST 次元の両側面からアプローチし，働くことをめぐる考え方の背景にある価値観を消極的な動機も含めて検討することを目的とした。まず第一に，希望する進路にかかわらず，GOAL 次元とMUST 次元のいずれにおいても，非難回避，家族配慮，安心感の各下位尺度において有意な主効果が認められた。世間から悪く思われないように，家族を養えるように，そして家族と自身が安心感を得られるように，ということを重視する点で，教員志望者，職業未決定者，そしてその他の進路希望者は異なっていた。第二に性別について検討したところ，女性の方が働く目的として自己成長や経済的向上に力点を置いた考え方をし，他者よりも優位な立場になることへの意識が高く，家族のために働かなければならないと強く認識していた。これらの知見を加味した上で，学生への効果的なキャリア支援のあり方が論じられた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. Acta Medica Okayama 2050-084X 12 2023 Chloride ions evoke taste sensations by binding to the extracellular ligand-binding domain of sweet/umami taste receptors e84291 EN Nanako Atsumi Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Keiko Yasumatsu Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuriko Takashina School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chiaki Ito Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Norihisa Yasui Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Robert F. Margolskee Monell Chemical Senses Center Atsuko Yamashita Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Salt taste sensation is multifaceted: NaCl at low or high concentrations is preferably or aversively perceived through distinct pathways. Cl- is thought to participate in taste sensation through an unknown mechanism. Here, we describe Cl- ion binding and the response of taste receptor type 1 (T1r), a receptor family composing sweet/umami receptors. The T1r2a/T1r3 heterodimer from the medaka fish, currently the sole T1r amenable to structural analyses, exhibited a specific Cl- binding in the vicinity of the amino-acid-binding site in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of T1r3, which is likely conserved across species, including human T1r3. The Cl- binding induced a conformational change in T1r2a/T1r3LBD at sub- to low-mM concentrations, similar to canonical taste substances. Furthermore, oral Cl- application to mice increased impulse frequencies of taste nerves connected to T1r-expressing taste cells and promoted their behavioral preferences attenuated by a T1r-specific blocker or T1r3 knock-out. These results suggest that the Cl- evokes taste sensations by binding to T1r, thereby serving as another preferred salt taste pathway at a low concentration. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 182 2023 高等学校国語科におけるポストモダン絵本を用いた実践像　―テクストへの意味づけを促すために― 13 21 EN Masafumi Ikeda Faculty of Education, Okayama University Tomomi Takeda Fukuoka Prefectual Genkai High School 10.18926/bgeou/64979 　本稿では，高等学校国語科において，ポストモダン絵本を教材とした実践開発を行い，具体的な実践像を提示するとともに，その成果を検討することで，その教材性の価値の一端を明らかにすることを目的とした。具体的には，ジョン・シェスカ&レイン・スミスによるポストモダン絵本である『三びきのコブタのほんとうの話』を用い，高等学校三年生を対象に実践を開発した。<br> 　結果，本単元の学習によって，読者が自らの立場とは異なる視点に立ったり，語り手の語りに取り込まれないようにしたりするというような読みの視点の獲得がなされていった様子や，主体的にテクストの意味づけを行う様子の具体を示すことができた。またこれらのことを達成できるということが，ポストモダン絵本の教材性の一つとして示唆された。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1873-9601 17 2 2023 Do not overwork: cellular communication network factor 3 for life in cartilage 353 359 EN Satoshi Kubota Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Harumi Kawaki Department of Oral Biochemistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry Bernard Perbal International CCN Society Masaharu Takigawa Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences/Dental School Kazumi Kawata Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takako Hattori Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takashi Nishida Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Cellular communication network factor (CCN) 3, which is one of the founding members of the CCN family, displays diverse functions. However, this protein generally represses the proliferation of a variety of cells. Along with skeletal development, CCN3 is produced in cartilaginous anlagen, growth plate cartilage and epiphysial cartilage. Interestingly, CCN3 is drastically induced in the growth plates of mice lacking CCN2, which promotes endochondral ossification. Notably, chondrocytes in these mutant mice with elevated CCN3 production also suffer from impaired glycolysis and energy metabolism, suggesting a critical role of CCN3 in cartilage metabolism. Recently, CCN3 was found to be strongly induced by impaired glycolysis, and in our study, we located an enhancer that mediated CCN3 regulation via starvation. Subsequent investigations specified regulatory factor binding to the X-box 1 (RFX1) as a transcription factor mediating this CCN3 regulation. Impaired glycolysis is a serious problem, resulting in an energy shortage in cartilage without vasculature. CCN3 produced under such starved conditions restricts energy consumption by repressing cell proliferation, leading chondrocytes to quiescence and survival. This CCN3 regulatory system is indicated to play an important role in articular cartilage maintenance, as well as in skeletal development. Furthermore, CCN3 continues to regulate cartilage metabolism even during the aging process, probably utilizing this regulatory system. Altogether, CCN3 seems to prevent "overwork" by chondrocytes to ensure their sustainable life in cartilage by sensing energy metabolism. Similar roles are suspected to exist in relation to systemic metabolism, since CCN3 is found in the bloodstream. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2022 Development of remote sensing of hydro-environmental attributes using airborne topo-bathymetric LiDAR and their application to hydraulic modeling for river management tasks EN MD. TOUHIDUL ISLAM Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1660-4601 19 19 2022 Effects of Yoga and Mindfulness Programs on Self-Compassion in Medical Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Intervention Study 12523 EN Tomoko Miyoshi Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiromi Ida Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital Yoshito Nishimura Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Soichiro Ako Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We aimed to determine whether a yoga and mindfulness program could alleviate burnout and other psychological and physical distress in HCWs, and how this might affect their empathy for patients. A weekly one-hour yoga and mindfulness program was conducted for three months in 2021. Participants were 18 consenting HCWs and, the final analysis included 13 participants. They responded to online questionnaires before and after the program. We measured salivary cortisol levels before and after the program on the first and last days. Self-measured pulse rates (PRs) were taken before and after each session, which decreased significantly in both cases (before, after the first program: 72, 65 bpm, p < 0.05; before, after the last program: 75, 66, p < 0.05), but salivary cortisol levels did not change. No significant changes were observed in Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Sense of Coherence, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Self-compassion Scale, or Jefferson Scale of Empathy. However, common humanity, a subscale of self-compassion, increased significantly (before the first program: 5.6, after the last program: 6.5, p < 0.05), and over-identification decreased significantly (7.9, 6.7, p < 0.01). Yoga and mindfulness programs may help improve the sense of common humanity and reduce over-identification in HCWs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 180 2022 Re-examining the Educational Significance of Learning Bodily Movement: An Approach Using the Concept of“ Affordance” 61 67 EN Toru Takahashi Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/bgeou/63924 This study aims to re-examine the educational significance of learning bodily movement. To realize this goal while considering the related discussions in the previous studies, a potential cue from the concept of affordance developed by Gibson is taken into account. Understanding bodily movement from a perspective related to the concept of affordance generates a notion that learning movement will serve as a proof of using affordances in the environment, which will eventually lead to more options in life in the sense of expanding the possibilities for action. Furthermore, the sense of expanding the possibilities for action is human development, which is something that lasts a lifetime. Simply put, learning movement in itself constitutes a foundation for enriching life and living better, and this further can be recognized as possessing educational significance. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 180 2022 中学生による教師の要請認知と介在する学級適応感の影響― 自由記述を基にした計量テキスト分析 ― 9 15 EN Miyako IIDA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/bgeou/63918 中学校２年生の1 学級を対象とし，生徒にとって担任教師が望む「要請」がどのようなものであると映っているのか，そしてそこに介在する学級適応感の影響を明らかにすることを目的とし，KH coderを用いて，生徒の自由記述を基に検討を行った。学級全体としては，生徒に認識されている要請の数は限られており，多くは教師役割に付随するものとなっていたが，当該担任教師に特有の要請もいくつか見出された。さらに学級適応感のレベル別に検討を行った結果，低群は教師の要請についての具体的な認識に欠け「わからない」との回答が顕著であったが，高群においては学習をメインとした多様な要請を認知している様子が示され，学級適応感のレベルが生徒の要請認知の様相と関連している様子が示された。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Microbiology Acta Medica Okayama 2150-7511 2022 Three-Layered Complex Interactions among Capsidless (+)ssRNA Yadokariviruses, dsRNA Viruses, and a Fungus EN Yukiyo Sato Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Carlos Jose Lopez-Herrera Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible C.S.I.C., Alameda del Obispo Hideki Kondo Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University We have previously discovered a virus neo-lifestyle exhibited by a capsidless positive-sense (+), single-stranded (ss) RNA virus YkV1 (family Yadokariviridae) and an unrelated double-stranded (ds) RNA virus YnV1 (proposed family "Yadonushiviridae") in a phytopathogenic ascomycete, Rosellinia necatrix. YkV1 has been proposed to replicate in the capsid provided by YnV1 as if it were a dsRNA virus and enhance YnV1 replication in return. Recently, viruses related to YkV1 (yadokariviruses) have been isolated from diverse ascomycetous fungi. However, it remains obscure whether such viruses generally show the YkV1-like lifestyle. Here, we identified partner viruses for three distinct yadokariviruses, YkV3, YkV4a, and YkV4b, isolated from R. necatrix that were coinfected with multiple dsRNA viruses phylogenetically distantly related to YnV1. We first established transformants of R. necatrix carrying single yadokarivirus cDNAs and fused them with infectants by single partner candidate dsRNA viruses. Consequently, YkV3 and YkV4s replicated only in the presence of RnMBV3 (family Megabirnaviridae) and RnMTV1 (proposed family "Megatotiviridae"), respectively. The partners were mutually interchangeable between the two YkV4 strains and three RnMTV1 strains but not between other combinations involving YkV1 or YkV3. In contrast to YkV1 enhancing YnV1 accumulation, YkV4s reduced RnMTV1 accumulation to different degrees according to strains. Interestingly, YkV4 rescued the host R. necatrix from impaired growth induced by RnMTV1. YkV3 exerted no apparent effect on its partner (RnMBV3) or host fungus. Overall, we revealed that while yadokariviruses generally require partner dsRNA viruses for replication, each yadokarivirus partners with a different dsRNA virus species in the three diverse families and shows a distinct symbiotic relation in a fungus. IMPORTANCE A capsidless (+)ssRNA virus YkV1 (family Yadokariviridae) highjacks the capsid of an unrelated dsRNA virus YnV1 (proposed family "Yadonushiviridae") in a phytopathogenic ascomycete, while YkV1 trans-enhances YnV1 replication. Herein, we identified the dsRNA virus partners of three yadokariviruses (YkV3, YkV4a, and YkV4b) with genome organization different from YkV1 as being different from YnV1 at the suborder level. Their partners were mutually interchangeable between the two YkV4 strains and three strains of the partner virus RnMTV1 (proposed family "Megatotiviridae") but not between other combinations involving YkV1 or YkV3. Unlike YkV1, YkV4s reduced RnMTV1 accumulation and rescued the host fungus from impaired growth induced by RnMTV1. YkV3 exerted no apparent effect on its partner (RnMBV3, family Megabirnaviridae) or host fungus. These revealed that while each yadokarivirus has a species-specific partnership with a dsRNA virus, yadokariviruses collectively partner extremely diverse dsRNA viruses and show three-layered complex mutualistic/antagonistic interactions in a fungus. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1099-4300 24 6 2022 Transition Probability Test for an RO-Based Generator and the Relevance between the Randomness and the Number of ROs 780 EN Yuta Kodera Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Ryoichi Sato Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Md Arshad Ali Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) Takuya Kusaka Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yasuyuki Nogami Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University A ring oscillator is a well-known circuit used for generating random numbers, and interested readers can find many research results concerning the evaluation of the randomness with a packaged test suit. However, the authors think there is room for evaluating the unpredictability of a sequence from another viewpoint. In this paper, the authors focus on Wold's RO-based generator and propose a statistical test to numerically evaluate the randomness of the RO-based generator. The test adopts the state transition probabilities in a Markov process and is designed to check the uniformity of the probabilities based on hypothesis testing. As a result, it is found that the RO-based generator yields a biased output from the viewpoint of the transition probability if the number of ROs is small. More precisely, the transitions 01 -> 01 and 11 -> 11 happen frequently when the number l of ROs is less than or equal to 10. In this sense, l > 10 is recommended for use in any application, though a packaged test suit is passed. Thus, the authors believe that the proposed test contributes to evaluating the unpredictability of a sequence when used together with available statistical test suits, such as NIST SP800-22. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 76 3 2022 Intrathecal Administration of the α1 Adrenergic Antagonist Phentolamine Upregulates Spinal GLT-1 and Improves Mirror Image Pain in SNI Model Rats 255 263 EN Kosuke Nakatsuka Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshikazu Matsuoka Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masako Kurita Kinoshita Pain Clinic Ruilin Wang Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chika Tsuboi Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobutaka Sue Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuji Kaku Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroshi Morimatsu Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/63719 Mirror image pain (MIP) is a type of extraterritorial pain that results in contralateral pain or allodynia. Glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) is expressed in astrocytes and plays a role in maintaining low glutamate levels in the synaptic cleft. Previous studies have shown that GLT-1 dysfunction induces neuropathic pain. Our previous study revealed bilateral GLT-1 downregulation in the spinal cord of a spared nerve injury (SNI) rat. We hypothesized that spinal GLT-1 is involved in the mechanism of MIP. We also previously demonstrated noradrenergic GLT-1 regulation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an α1 adrenergic antagonist on the development of MIP. Rats were subjected to SNI. Changes in pain behavior and GLT-1 protein levels in the SNI rat spinal cords were then examined by intrathecal administration of the α1 adrenergic antagonist phentolamine, followed by von Frey test and western blotting. SNI resulted in the development of MIP and bilateral downregulation of GLT-1 protein in the rat spinal cord. Intrathecal phentolamine increased contralateral GLT-1 protein levels and partially ameliorated the 50% paw withdrawal threshold in the contralateral hind paw. Spinal GLT-1 upregulation by intrathecal phentolamine ameliorates MIP. GLT-1 plays a role in the development of MIPs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Mathematical Society of Japan (Project Euclid) Acta Medica Okayama 0025-5645 74 2 2022 Approximations of Lipschitz maps via Ehresmann fibrations and Reeb's sphere theorem for Lipschitz functions 521 548 EN Kei Kondo Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University We show, as our main theorem, that if a Lipschitz map from a compact Riemannian manifold M to a connected compact Riemannian manifold N, where dim M ≥ dim N, has no singular points on M in the sense of Clarke, then the map admits a smooth approximation via Ehresmann fibrations. We also show the Reeb sphere theorem for Lipschitz functions, i.e., if a closed Riemannian manifold admits a Lipschitz function with exactly two singular points in the sense of Clarke, then the manifold is homeomorphic to the sphere. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1424-8220 22 9 2022 Displacement Sensing of an Active String Actuator Using a Step-Index Multimode Optical Fiber Sensor 3232 EN Weihang Tian Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shuichi Wakimoto Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takefumi Kanda Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Daisuke Yamaguchi Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University A thin McKibben artificial muscle is a pneumatic actuator with an outer diameter of only 1.8 mm. We fabricated a string-shaped actuator called an "active string actuator," which achieves a high contractile displacement by accumulating thin McKibben artificial muscles. To control the displacement, the length of the active string actuator should be estimated. However, this is difficult because bulky and rigid sensors are unsuitable for the sensor element of the active string actuator. Therefore, in this study, we propose a new sensing method for estimating the length of an active string actuator. The proposed sensing system is simple and comprises only three components: a step-index multimode optical fiber, a light emitter, and a light receiver. A step-index multimode optical fiber was combined with the active string actuator, and the length was estimated from the change in the amount of light propagating in the optical fiber when the active string actuator was driven. Fundamental experiments were conducted in this study, and the results demonstrated that the optical fiber sensor value changed with the actuator length. This suggests that it is possible to estimate the displacement of an active string actuator using an optical fiber sensor. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Acta Medica Okayama 1473-0197 22 13 2022 Glass-patternable notch-shaped microwave architecture for on-chip spin detection in biological samples 2519 2530 EN Keisuke Oshimi Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yushi Nishimura Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University Tsutomu Matsubara Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University Masuaki Tanaka Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City University Eiji Shikoh Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City University Li Zhao State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University Yajuan Zou Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Naoki Komatsu Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University Yuta Ikado Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yuka Takezawa Department of Human Life Science, Graduate School of Food and Human Life Science, Osaka City University Eriko Kage-Nakadai Department of Human Life Science, Graduate School of Food and Human Life Science, Osaka City University, Yumi Izutsu Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Niigata University Katsutoshi Yoshizato Synthetic biology laboratory, Graduate school of medicine, Osaka City University Saho Morita Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Masato Tokunaga Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Hiroshi Yukawa Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Yoshinobu Baba Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Yoshio Teki Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University Masazumi Fujiwara Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University We report a notch-shaped coplanar microwave waveguide antenna on a glass plate designed for on-chip detection of optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs). A lithographically patterned thin wire at the center of the notch area in the coplanar waveguide realizes a millimeter-scale ODMR detection area (1.5 × 2.0 mm2) and gigahertz-broadband characteristics with low reflection (∼8%). The ODMR signal intensity in the detection area is quantitatively predictable by numerical simulation. Using this chip device, we demonstrate a uniform ODMR signal intensity over the detection area for cells, tissue, and worms. The present demonstration of a chip-based microwave architecture will enable scalable chip integration of ODMR-based quantum sensing technology into various bioassay platforms. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0168-1702 307 2 2022 A new tetra-segmented splipalmivirus with divided RdRP domains from Cryphonectria naterciae, a fungus found on chestnut and cork oak trees in Europe 198606 EN Yukiyo Sato Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sabitree Shahi Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Paul Telengech Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Carolina Cornejo Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Forest Health & Biotic Interactions Daniel Rigling Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Forest Health & Biotic Interactions Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Positive-sense (+), single-stranded (ss) RNA viruses with divided RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) domains have been reported from diverse filamentous ascomycetes since 2020. These viruses are termed splipalmiviruses or polynarnaviruses and have been characterized largely at the sequence level, but ill-defined biologically. Cryphonectria naterciae, from which only one virus has been reported, is an ascomycetous fungus potentially plant-pathogenic to chestnut and oak trees. We molecularly characterized multiple viruses in a single Portuguese isolate (C0614) of C. naterciae, taking a metatranscriptomic and conventional double-stranded RNA approach. Among them are a novel splipalmivirus (Cryphonectria naterciae splipalmivirus 1, CnSpV1) and a novel fusagravirus (Cryphonectria naterciae fusagravirus 1, CnFGV1). This study focused on the former virus. CnSpV1 has a tetra-segmented, (+)ssRNA genome (RNA1 to RNA4). As observed for other splipalmiviruses reported in 2020 and 2021, the RdRP domain is separately encoded by RNA1 (motifs F, A and B) and RNA2 (motifs C and D). A hypothetical protein encoded by the 5′-proximal open reading frame of RNA3 shows similarity to a counterpart conserved in some splipalmiviruses. The other RNA3-encoded protein and RNA4-encoded protein show no similarity with known proteins in a blastp search. The tetra-segment nature was confirmed by the conserved terminal sequences of the four CnSpV1 segments (RNA1 to RNA4) and their 100% coexistence in over 100 single conidial isolates tested. The experimental introduction of CnSpV1 along with CnFGV1 into a virus free strain C0754 of C. naterciae vegetatively incompatible with C0614 resulted in no phenotypic alteration, suggesting asymptomatic infection. The protoplast fusion assay indicates a considerably narrow host range of CnSpV1, restricted to the species C. naterciae and C. carpinicola. This study contributes to better understanding of the molecular and biological properties of this unique group of viruses. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学全学教育・ 学生支援機構 Acta Medica Okayama 2432-9665 6 2021 Advances in Superconductivity as a road to meet Energy and Health SDGs: joint Japanese and European research teams may take the lead 148 165 EN Toshihiko Kiwa Okayama University Takayoshi Yokoya Okayama University Bernard Chenevier Okayama University Valeria Di Cosmo University of Turin Marco Truccato University of Turin William Sacks Sorbonne University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Paris Wolfgang Sauerwein DGBNCT (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Bor-Neutroneneinfangtherapie e.V.) and University of Duisburg-Essen 10.18926/63338 Based on a statistical analysis of R&D activities in the field of superconductivity (SC) in a broad sense, the paper reports that Japan's leadership is strong over the past 20 years, in terms of researchers publications and patents. It also essentially shows that among the main world players, the Japanese normalized contribution is significantly dominating, although some trend towards a diminished leadership is observed in the data over the period 2005 -present time. Finally, the paper highlights that by taking advantage of their internationally recognized expertise in the field, joint Japanese and European research teams may advance superconductivity as a reliable road to meet Energy and Health SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals -UNESCO 2015). No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 23 1 2022 ATM: Functions of ATM Kinase and Its Relevance to Hereditary Tumors 523 EN Sayaka Ueno Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tamotsu Sudo Section of Translational Research, Hyogo Cancer Center Akira Hirasawa Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) functions as a key initiator and coordinator of DNA damage and cellular stress responses. ATM signaling pathways contain many downstream targets that regulate multiple important cellular processes, including DNA damage repair, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, oxidative sensing, and proliferation. Over the past few decades, associations between germline ATM pathogenic variants and cancer risk have been reported, particularly for breast and pancreatic cancers. In addition, given that ATM plays a critical role in repairing double-strand breaks, inhibiting other DNA repair pathways could be a synthetic lethal approach. Based on this rationale, several DNA damage response inhibitors are currently being tested in ATM-deficient cancers. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge related to the structure of the ATM gene, function of ATM kinase, clinical significance of ATM germline pathogenic variants in patients with hereditary cancers, and ongoing efforts to target ATM for the benefit of cancer patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Informa UK Limited Acta Medica Okayama 0967-0882 30 1 2022 Transatlantic connections in John McGahern’s The Leavetaking 65 81 EN Brian Fox Faculty of Letters, Okayama University John McGahern is most often regarded as an artist of the local or the “self-enclosed world”, as Declan Kiberd puts it. His works explore the lives and loves of characters in settings that correspond closely with the localities of McGahern’s youth in the north-west of Ireland. Accordingly, the themes of his work are often aligned with those of other “provincial” Irish realists, in Kavanagh’s sense of the word: religion, exile, and local identities or selves. This paper, however, focuses on instances where McGahern contrasts the self with the non-self in distinct national-cultural terms. Specifically, in The Leavetaking, as well as the short stories “Doorways” and “Bank Holiday”, he introduces American characters (women in all three cases) as much, it would seem, to provide the spark of a love-interest for those stories’ drifting male protagonists as to provide a commentary on Ireland by way of comparison with America and American perceptions of Ireland. In doing so, McGahern deploys a transatlantic vocabulary of circulation and movement that reflects the openness of his enclosed locality to the non-local, the self to the non-self. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2304-6732 9 1 2022 A Versatile Terahertz Chemical Microscope and Its Application for the Detection of Histamine 26 EN Jin Wang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kosuke Sato Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Yuichi Yoshida Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kenji Sakai Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Toshihiko Kiwa Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Terahertz waves have gained increasingly more attention because of their unique characteristics and great potential in a variety of fields. In this study, we introduced the recent progress of our versatile terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) in the detection of small biomolecules, ions, cancer cells, and antibody-antigen immunoassaying. We highlight the advantages of our TCM for chemical sensing and biosensing, such as label-free, high-sensitivity, rapid response, non-pretreatment, and minute amount sample consumption, compared with conventional methods. Furthermore, we demonstrated its new application in detection of allergic-related histamine at low concentration in buffer solutions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院社会文化科学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 52 2021 若手社員の労働価値観と職務満足分析： インターナル・マーケティングの視点 195 212 EN Shouji NIGO 10.18926/63119 本研究は、大学卒業後、入社3年目までの若手社員を対象に質問紙調紙を用いてweb調査を実施し、労働価値観が職務満足に及ぼす要因を分析した。顧客満足度調査などで用いられるCS分析を活用した。満足度が高い重点維持項目は、タスクの完結性、達成感（仕事）、社会貢献となり、改善度が高い重点改善項目は、捧げる（組織）、尽くす（組織）、組織貢献となった。今後、若手社員の職務満足を高めていくには、仕事本来の面白さを感じる5つの職務特性要因を仕事に取り入れていく必要がある。また、内発的モチベーションの度合を図るMPS（Motivating Potential Score）を高めていく、職務設計が重要になってくる。経営者や人事担当者は、若手社員の労働価値観を理解して改善していくことが、若手社員の職務満足につながり、離職率の低下となっていく。コロナ禍で労働価値観が変化するなか、若手社員が求める働く魅力づくりをしていくには、インターナル・マーケティングの視点が求められる。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) Acta Medica Okayama 1044-3983 32 6 2021 Marginal Sufficient Component Cause Model - An Emerging Causal Model With Merits? 838 845 EN Etsuji Suzuki Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Eiji Yamamoto Okayama University of Science For decades, the sufficient cause model and the counterfactual model have shaped our understanding of causation in biomedical science, and the link between these two models has enabled us to obtain a deeper understanding of causality. Recently, a new causal model―the marginal sufficient component cause model―was proposed and applied in the context of interaction or mediation. The proponents of this model have emphasized its utility in visualizing the presence of “agonism” (a subtype of mechanistic interaction) in the counterfactual framework, claiming that the concept of agonism has not been clearly defined in causal inference and that agonistic interaction cannot be visualized by the conventional sufficient cause model. In this article, we illustrate that careful scrutiny based on the conventional sufficient cause model yields further insights into the concept of agonism in a more biologic sense. We primarily focus on the following three points: a) “agonism” defined in the counterfactual model can be visualized as sets of sufficient causes in the conventional sufficient cause model; b) although the so-called independent competing assumption or no redundancy assumption may seem irrelevant in the marginal sufficient component cause model, researchers do need to assume that potential completion times of relevant marginal sufficient causes differ; c) possibly differing potential completion times of marginal sufficient causes cannot be discerned until their hidden mechanistic paths are considered in the conventional sufficient cause model. In this rapidly progressing field of research, decades after its introduction, the sufficient cause model retains its worth. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 178 2021 選挙に対する見方・考え方の育成を目指した中学校社会科授業開発研究 13 22 EN Toshinori Kuwabara Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Keisuke Iwasaki Graduate School of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/bgeou/63014 本研究は，従来の主権者教育の課題を克服し，選挙の意義や価値について生徒自身が主体的に考える学習を通して，選挙に対する見方・考え方を身に付けることを目指した中学校社会科の授業を開発しようとするものである。従来の主権者教育は，投票の重要性を理解させ，学習者の国民として義務感を強調し，投票への意欲を喚起しようとするものであった。そのような主権者教育は，学習の直後に一時的に投票への意欲を高めることはできたとしても，その意欲を持続させることはできない。本研究では，そのような課題に応えるため，学習者が選挙制度それ自体のあり方について検討し，自分なりによりよい制度のあり方を考えることを通して，選挙の本質を捉えることができる授業を提案する。これにより，従来の義務感に訴える主権者教育から脱却する方向性を示したい。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1424-8220 21 22 2021 Detection of Lung Cancer Cells in Solutions Using a Terahertz Chemical Microscope 7631 EN Yuichi Yoshida Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Xue Ding Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kohei Iwatsuki Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Katsuya Taniizumi Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Hirofumi Inoue Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jin Wang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kenji Sakai Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Toshihiko Kiwa Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Cancer genome analysis has recently attracted attention for personalized cancer treatment. In this treatment, evaluation of the ratio of cancer cells in a specimen tissue is essential for the precise analysis of the genome. Conventionally, the evaluation takes at least two days and depends on the skill of the pathologist. In our group, a terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) was developed to easily and quickly measure the number of cancer cells in a solution. In this study, an antibody was immobilized on a sensing plate using an avidin-biotin reaction to immobilize it for high density and to improve antibody alignment. In addition, as the detected terahertz signals vary depending on the sensitivity of the sensing plate, the sensitivity was evaluated using pH measurement. The result of the cancer cell detection was corrected using the result of pH measurement. These results indicate that a TCM is expected to be an excellent candidate for liquid biopsies in cancer diagnosis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2021 Study on Brain Activities Associated with the Sense of Agency Using EEG Measurements EN BU-OMER HANI MAHMOUD MOHAMMED Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Microbiology Acta Medica Okayama 0022-538X 95 17 2021 Proof of Concept of the Yadokari Nature: a Capsidless Replicase-Encoding but Replication-Dependent Positive-Sense Single-Stranded RNA Virus Hosted by an Unrelated Double-Stranded RNA Virus e00467-21 EN Subha Das Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Md Mahfuz Alam Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Rui Zhang Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Viruses typically encode their own capsids that encase their genomes. However, a capsidless positive-sense single stranded RNA [(+)ssRNA] virus, YkV1, depends on an unrelated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus, YnV1, for encapsidation and replication. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 177 2021 幼児期に育てたい「言葉に対する感覚」の明確化と感覚の豊かさをもたらす教材の探求 1 12 EN Mika Katayama Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Rinko Hayakawa Graduate School of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/bgeou/62426 本稿ではまず，2017 年に改訂（定）された幼稚園教育要領の領域「言葉」に焦点を当て，生涯発達の始点である幼児期に育む言葉の力の変更点とその重要性について整理した。続いて，新たに育成することが求められることとなった「言葉に対する感覚」及び言葉を豊かにすることについて，小学校以降の学習指導要領に用いられている「言語感覚」を検討の手立てとして詳解を試みた。その結果，幼児期に育てたい「言葉に対する感覚」としては，自分が表現する立場と受け取る（理解する）立場の双方で，「言葉の表現の適否」や「言葉のニュアンスを感じ取れる」感覚を育もうとしていることを見出した。最後に，「教職課程コアカリキュラム」に新設された「領域に関する専門的事項」の科目に関連して，「言葉に対する感覚を豊かにする実践」を歌の歌詞を教材とすることの意義と可能性について論述した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 22 16 2021 Macrophage Motility in Wound Healing Is Regulated by HIF-1 alpha via S1P Signaling 8992 EN Islamy Rahma Hutami Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School Takashi Izawa Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tsendsuren Khurel-Ochir Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School Takuma Sakamaki Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School Akihiko Iwasa Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School Eiji Tanaka Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School Accumulating evidence indicates that the molecular pathways mediating wound healing induce cell migration and localization of cytokines to sites of injury. Macrophages are immune cells that sense and actively respond to disturbances in tissue homeostasis by initiating, and subsequently resolving, inflammation. Hypoxic conditions generated at a wound site also strongly recruit macrophages and affect their function. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 alpha is a transcription factor that contributes to both glycolysis and the induction of inflammatory genes, while also being critical for macrophage activation. For the latter, HIF-1 alpha regulates sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) to affect the migration, activation, differentiation, and polarization of macrophages. Recently, S1P and HIF-1 alpha have received much attention, and various studies have been performed to investigate their roles in initiating and resolving inflammation via macrophages. It is hypothesized that the HIF-1 alpha/S1P/S1P receptor axis is an important determinant of macrophage function under inflammatory conditions and during disease pathogenesis. Therefore, in this review, biological regulation of monocytes/macrophages in response to circulating HIF-1 alpha is summarized, including signaling by S1P/S1P receptors, which have essential roles in wound healing. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0304-8608 166 2021 A second capsidless hadakavirus strain with 10 positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomic segments from Fusarium nygamai 2711 2722 EN Haris Ahmed Khan Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Yukiyo Sato Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Atif Jamal Crop Diseases Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre Muhammad Faraz Bhatti Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University A unique capsidless virus with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome (hadakavirus 1, HadV1), a member of the extended picorna-like supergroup, was isolated previously from the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Here, we describe the molecular and biological characterisation of a second hadakavirus strain from Fusarium nygamai, which has not been investigated in detail previously as a virus host. This virus, hadakavirus 1 strain 1NL (HadV1-1NL), has features similar to the first hadakavirus, HadV1-7n, despite having a different number of segments (10 for HadV1-1NL vs. 11 for HadV1-7n). The 10 genomic RNA segments of HadV1-1NL range in size from 0.9 kb to 2.5 kb. All HadV1-1NL segments show 67% to 86% local nucleotide sequence identity to their HadV1-7n counterparts, whereas HadV1-1NL has no homolog of HadV1-7n RNA8, which encodes a zinc-finger motif. Another interesting feature is the possible coding incapability of HadV1-1NL RNA10. HadV1-1NL was predicted to be capsidless based on the RNase A susceptibility of its replicative form dsRNA. Phenotypic comparison of multiple virus-infected and virus-free single-spore isolates indicated asymptomatic infection by HadV1-1NL. Less-efficient vertical transmission via spores was observed as the infected fungal colonies from which the spores were derived became older, as was observed for HadV1-7n. This study shows a second example of a hadakavirus that appears to have unusual features. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2076-3425 11 6 2021 Parieto-Occipital Alpha and Low-Beta EEG Power Reflect Sense of Agency 743 EN Hani M. Bu-Omer Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Akio Gofuku Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kenji Sato Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School Makoto Miyakoshi Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego The sense of agency (SoA) is part of psychophysiological modules related to the self. Disturbed SoA is found in several clinical conditions, hence understanding the neural correlates of the SoA is useful for the diagnosis and determining the proper treatment strategies. Although there are several neuroimaging studies on SoA, it is desirable to translate the knowledge to more accessible and inexpensive EEG-based biomarkers for the sake of applicability. However, SoA has not been widely investigated using EEG. To address this issue, we designed an EEG experiment on healthy adults (n = 15) to determine the sensitivity of EEG on the SoA paradigm using hand movement with parametrically delayed visual feedback. We calculated the power spectral density over the traditional EEG frequency bands for ten delay conditions relative to no delay condition. Independent component analysis and equivalent current dipole modeling were applied to address artifact rejection, volume conduction, and source localization to determine the effect of interest. The results revealed that the alpha and low-beta EEG power increased in the parieto-occipital regions in proportion to the reduced SoA reported by the subjects. We conclude that the parieto-occipital alpha and low-beta EEG power reflect the sense of agency. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 11 2021 子どもの主体的な身体表現と多様な動きを引き出すリトミックの保育実践研究（第二報）―保育施設における４･ ５歳児学級の事例を中心にして― 211 223 EN Saori KOTAKE Minan Manmaru childcare center Noriko BABA The Department of Childhood Education, The Faculty of Childhood Education, Kurashiki Sakuyo University Kei TAKAHASHI The Major of Child Education, The Department of Music, Sakuyo Junior College of Music Yuzo WATANABE Minan Manmaru childcare center Toshiyuki TAKAHASHI Graduate School of Education，Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/61575 保育におけるリトミックでは，近年，音楽領域に限らない多様な学びの獲得が期待されている。保育施設における４･５歳児学級の事例を中心に考察した結果，「音楽を体感する力」「音楽への興味の高まり」「注意して聴く力」「自分で考えて表現する力」「協調性」「集中力」「即時反応力」「リズム感」「感性」の育ちが確認できた。保育におけるリトミックは，表現教育の一環として採り入れると同時に，体系的･包括的なカリキュラムを構成することが重要である。また，子どもの主体的な身体表現と多様な動きを引き出すためには，保育者自身がリトミックを純粋に楽しむことが必要不可欠であり，そのためには，ある程度の専門的な知識と技術が求められる。例えば，音楽的要素によって変化する音楽の印象を感じ取る感性や，保育におけるリトミックの題材となり得るものを身体表現化することに慣れ，多様で柔軟な動きができるようになっておく必要があるだろう。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 11 2021 多文化共生の視点から見た中国の中等社会科系教科の特質―中学校地理及び歴史教科書の記述分析を通して― 133 147 EN Ruyu HELIAN Graduate student, Okayama university graduation school of education Toshinori KUWABARA Okayama university graduation school of education 10.18926/CTED/61570 中国は人口の多数を占める漢民族と 55 の少数民族によって構成された多民族・多文化国家である。このような状況を踏まえて，中国では民族意識の形成を中心に，国内の複数の文化の共生を重視した教育が行われている。そこでは，ナショナル・アイデンティティの形成を保証するため，大多数を占める漢民族と 55 の少数民族，そして華僑に対して「中華民族」という総称を設けた。本研究では，多文化共生を目指す中国の教育において，漢民族と少数民族がどのように描かれているかを明らかにする。それによって，中国が目指す多文化共生教育の特質を明らかにする。そのために，先行研究として米国の教育学者バンクスの多文化教育論を検討した。バンクスの多文化教育論を踏まえた時，中国の中学校地理と歴史の教科書記述における民族の取り扱いにはどのような特質があるか，多文化共生の視点からどのように評価されるかを明らかにする。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 2468-8673 20 2021 The sweet taste receptor, glucose transporters, and the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel: sugar sensing for the regulation of energy homeostasis 57 63 EN Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Keiko Yasumatsu Tokyo Dental Junior College Yuzo Ninomiya Division of Sensory Physiology and Medical Application Sensing, Research and Development Center for Five-Sense Devices, Kyushu University Sugar detection in the oral cavity does not solely depend on the TAS1R2 + TAS1R3 sweet receptor. Similar to gut, pancreas, and hypothalamic neurons, in the tongue glucose transporters and ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are also involved in sugar detection. Among them, the KATP channel is the target for the antiobesity hormone leptin, which inhibits sugar-sensitive cells such as sweet taste cells, pancreatic β-cells, and hypothalamic orexigenic neurons. Sugar signals from the taste organ elicit cephalic-phase insulin release, and those from the gut contribute to sweet preference for caloric sugars. All of these systems are indispensable for maintaining energy homeostasis. Thus, an exquisite system for sugar detection/signaling to regulate energy homeostasis exists in our body. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0022-3042 158 2020 Phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase mediates the sweet suppressive effect of leptin in mouse taste cells 233 245 EN Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Robert F. Margolskee Monell Chemical Senses Center Yuzo Ninomiya Monell Chemical Senses Center Leptin is known to selectively suppress neural and taste cell responses to sweet compounds. The sweet suppressive effect of leptin is mediated by the leptin receptor Ob‐Rb, and the ATP‐gated K+ (KATP) channel expressed in some sweet‐sensitive, taste receptor family 1 member 3 (T1R3)‐positive taste cells. However, the intracellular transduction pathway connecting Ob‐Rb to KATP channel remains unknown. Here we report that phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) mediates leptin's suppression of sweet responses in T1R3‐positive taste cells. In in situ taste cell recording, systemically administrated leptin suppressed taste cell responses to sucrose in T1R3‐positive taste cells. Such leptin's suppression of sucrose responses was impaired by co‐administration of PI3K inhibitors (wortmannin or LY294002). In contrast, co‐administration of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibitor (Stattic) or Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐2 inhibitor (SHP099) had no effect on leptin's suppression of sucrose responses, although signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐2 were expressed in T1R3‐positive taste cells. In peeled tongue epithelium, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate production and phosphorylation of AKT by leptin were immunohistochemically detected in some T1R3‐positive taste cells but not in glutamate decarboxylase 67‐positive taste cells. Leptin‐induced phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate production was suppressed by LY294002. Thus, leptin suppresses sweet responses of T1R3‐positive taste cells by activation of Ob‐Rb–PI3K–KATP channel pathway. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0021-9967 529 2021 The Opsin 3/Teleost multiple tissue opsin system: mRNA localization in the retina and brain of medaka (Oryzias latipes) 2484 2516 EN Keita Sato Department of Cytology and Histology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Khine Nwe Nwe Department of Cytology and Histology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hideyo Ohuchi Department of Cytology and Histology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University The photoreceptor protein, opsin, is one of the major components for vision and photoreceptive function in animals. Although many opsins have been discovered from animal genomes, only a few nonimage‐forming functions mediated by opsins have been identified. Understanding the mRNA distribution of photoreceptor proteins is one crucial step in uncovering their photoreceptive function in animals. Here, we focus on the medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) Opsin 3 (Opn3)/Teleost multiple opsin (Tmt) system, which constitutes a separate phylogenetic group, having putative blue light photoreceptors for nonimage‐forming functions. In medaka, there is one opn3 and five tmt‐opsin orthologs. The expression pattern of the opn3/tmt‐opsins in the retina and brain was investigated by in situ hybridization. mRNAs for opn3/tmt‐opsins were distributed in the retinal ganglion cells as well as interneurons and specific brain nuclei. Specifically, hybridization signals were observed in the glutamate decarboxylase 1 (gad1)‐expressing amacrine cells for opn3, tmt1a, tmt1b, and tmt2, in the caudal lobe of the cerebellum for tmt1b and tmt2, in the cranial nerve nuclei for opn3, tmt1a, tmt1b, tmt2, and in the rostral pars distalis (adenohypophysis) for opn3. These expression patterns suggest that blue light sensing in the fish retina and brain may be involved in the integration of visual inputs, vestibular function, somatosensation, motor outputs, and pituitary endocrine regulation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Acta Medica Okayama 2373-8065 7 2021 Gravity sensing in plant and animal cells 2 EN Ken Takahashi Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hideyuki Takahashi Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University Takuya Furuichi Faculty of Human Life Sciences, Hagoromo University of International Studies Masatsugu Toyota Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saitama University Makoto Furutani-Seiki Department of Systems Biochemistry in Regeneration and Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University Takeshi Kobayashi Department of Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University Haruko Watanabe-Takano Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute Masahiro Shinohara Department of Rehabilitation for the Movement Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities Takuro Numaga-Tomita Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Shinshu University School of Medicine Asako Sakaue-Sawano Lab for Cell Function and Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN Atsushi Miyawaki Lab for Cell Function and Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN Keiji Naruse Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Gravity determines shape of body tissue and affects the functions of life, both in plants and animals. The cellular response to gravity is an active process of mechanotransduction. Although plants and animals share some common mechanisms of gravity sensing in spite of their distant phylogenetic origin, each species has its own mechanism to sense and respond to gravity. In this review, we discuss current understanding regarding the mechanisms of cellular gravity sensing in plants and animals. Understanding gravisensing also contributes to life on Earth, e.g., understanding osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Furthermore, in the current age of Mars exploration, understanding cellular responses to gravity will form the foundation of living in space. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Spandidos Publications Acta Medica Okayama 1021-335X 44 6 2020 High mobility group box 1 induces bone pain associated with bone invasion in a mouse model of advanced head and neck cancer 2547 2558 EN Tomoya Nakamura Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Tatsuo Okui Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Kazuaki Hasegawa Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Shoji Ryumon Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Soichiro Ibaragi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Kisho Ono Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Yuki Kunisada Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Kyoichi Obata Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Masanori Masui Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Tsuyoshi Shimo Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido Akira Sasaki Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) can invade facial bone and cause bone pain, thus posing a significant challenge to the quality of life of patients presenting with advanced HNC. The present study was designed to investigate HNC bone pain (HNC‑BP) in an intratibial mouse xenograft model that utilized an HNC cell line (SAS cells). These mice develop HNC‑BP that is associated with an expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2), which is a molecular indicator of neuron excitation in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. Our experiments demonstrated that the inhibition of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) by short hairpin (shRNA) transduction, HMGB1 neutralizing antibody, and HMGB1 receptor antagonist suppressed the HNC‑BP and the pERK1/2 expression in DRG. It was also observed that HNC‑derived HMGB1 increased the expression of the acid‑sensing nociceptor, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which is a major cause of osteoclastic HNC‑BP in DRG. Collectively, our results demonstrated that HMGB1 originating in HNC evokes HNC‑BP via direct HMGB1 signaling and hypersensitization for the acid environment in sensory neurons. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Association for Laboratory Animal Science Acta Medica Okayama 1341-1357 69 2 2020 Poor mother-offspring relationships in rats with Cacna1a mutation 153 160 EN Nozomi Kawakami Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kiyoka Kobayashi Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ayumu Nishimura Okayama University Iori Ohmori Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Homozygous Groggy dams, which carry a Cacna1a missense mutation, often show no interest in their offspring, leading to frequent offspring deaths due to lack of nurturing. The present study aimed to clarify whether the Cacna1a mutation contributes to impaired attachment behaviors between dam and offspring. The open field test showed that homozygous female rats exhibited markedly short travel distance, whereas no difference was found between the motor activity of heterozygous females and that of wild types (WT). A series of behavioral tests was performed to compare the mother–offspring relationship between WT and heterozygous rats. Performance in the pup retrieval test was significantly less successful in heterozygous than WT dams. During the experiment, heterozygous dams spent significantly less time licking and crouching than WT dams. The offspring dam-seeking behavior test revealed that heterozygous pups’ vocalizations were significantly less frequent and shorter than those of WT pups. Although no significant difference was found between WT and heterozygous offspring in the olfactory sense test, using a piece of chocolate, heterozygous pups took significantly longer to reach a sample of the dam’s bedding. Taken together, these findings suggest that the Cacna1a mutation impairs both the dam’s maternal behavior and the offspring’s attachment behavior toward the dam No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology Acta Medica Okayama 1342-6311 35 4 2020 Requirement of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Chemotaxis for Virulence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 ME20114 EN Stephany Angelia Tumewu Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hidenori Matsui Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Mikihiro Yamamoto Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yoshiteru Noutoshi Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Kazuhiro Toyoda Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yuki Ichinose Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a widely distributed non-proteinogenic amino acid that accumulates in plants under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Recent studies suggested that GABA also functions as an intracellular signaling molecule in plants and in signals mediating interactions between plants and phytopathogenic bacteria. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GABA responses to bacterial pathogens remain unknown. In the present study, a GABA receptor, named McpG, was conserved in the highly motile plant-pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605). We generated a deletion mutant of McpG to further investigate its involvement in GABA chemotaxis using quantitative capillary and qualitative plate assays. The wild-type strain of Pta6605 was attracted to GABA, while the ΔmcpG mutant abolished chemotaxis to 10‍ ‍mM GABA. However, ΔmcpG retained chemotaxis to proteinogenic amino acids and succinic semialdehyde, a structural analog of GABA. Furthermore, ΔmcpG was unable to effectively induce disease on host tobacco plants in three plant inoculation assays: flood, dip, and infiltration inoculations. These results revealed that the GABA sensing of Pta6605 is important for the interaction of Pta6605 with its host tobacco plant. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 1882-7616 56 1 2020 Roles of CCN2 as a mechano-sensing regulator of chondrocyte differentiation 119 126 EN Takashi Nishida Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoshi Kubota Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) is a cysteine-rich secreted matricellular protein that regulates various cellular functions including cell differentiation. CCN2 is highly expressed under several types of mechanical stress, such as stretch, compression, and shear stress, in mesenchymal cells including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts. In particular, CCN2 not only promotes cell proliferation and differentiation of various cells but also regulates the stability of mRNA of TRPV4, a mechanosensitive ion channel in chondrocytes. Of note, CCN2 behaves like a biomarker to sense suitable mechanical stress, because CCN2 expression is down-regulated when chondrocytes are subjected to excessive mechanical stress. These findings suggest that CCN2 is a mechano-sensing regulator. CCN2 expression is regulated by the activation of various mechano-sensing signaling pathways, e.g., mechanosensitive ion channels, integrin-focal adhesion-actin dynamics, Rho GTPase family members, Hippo-YAP signaling, and G protein-coupled receptors. This review summarizes the characterization of mechanoreceptors involved in CCN2 gene regulation and discusses the role of CCN2 as a mechano-sensing regulator of mesenchymal cell differentiation, with particular focus on chondrocytes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 74 6 2020 Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Estimating Japanese Fetal Weights 483 493 EN Yasunari Miyagi Medical Data Labo Takahito Miyake Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miyake Clinic Original Article 10.18926/AMO/61207 We developed an artificial intelligence (AI) method for estimating fetal weights of Japanese fetuses based on the gestational weeks and the bi-parietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length. The AI comprised of neural network architecture was trained by deep learning with a dataset that consists of ± 2 standard devia-tion (SD), ± 1.5SD, and ± 0SD categories of the approved standard values of ultrasonic measurements of the fetal weights of Japanese fetuses (Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine [JSUM] data). We investigated the residuals and compared 2 other regression formulae for estimating the fetal weights of Japanese fetuses by t-test and Bland-Altman analyses, respectively. The residuals of the AI for the test dataset that was 12.5% of the JSUM data were 6.4 ± 2.6, −3.8 ± 8.6, and −0.32 ± 6.3 (g) at −2SD, +2SD, and all categories, respectively. The residu-als of another AI method created with all of the JSUM data, of which 20% were randomized validation data, were −1.5 ± 9.4, −2.5 ± 7.3, and −1.1 ± 6.7 (g) for −2SD, +2SD, and all categories, respectively. The residuals of this AI were not different from zero, whereas those of the published formulae differed from zero. Though vali-dation is required, the AI demonstrated potential for generating fetal weights accurately, especially for extreme fetal weights. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 1882-7616 56 1 2020 Roles of CCN2 as a mechano-sensing regulator of chondrocyte differentiation 119 126 EN Takashi Nishida Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoshi Kubota Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) is a cysteine-rich secreted matricellular protein that regulates various cellular functions including cell differentiation. CCN2 is highly expressed under several types of mechanical stress, such as stretch, compression, and shear stress, in mesenchymal cells including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts. In particular, CCN2 not only promotes cell proliferation and differentiation of various cells but also regulates the stability of mRNA of TRPV4, a mechanosensitive ion channel in chondrocytes. Of note, CCN2 behaves like a biomarker to sense suitable mechanical stress, because CCN2 expression is down-regulated when chondrocytes are subjected to excessive mechanical stress. These findings suggest that CCN2 is a mechano-sensing regulator. CCN2 expression is regulated by the activation of various mechano-sensing signaling pathways, e.g., mechanosensitive ion channels, integrin-focal adhesion-actin dynamics, Rho GTPase family members, Hippo-YAP signaling, and G protein-coupled receptors. This review summarizes the characterization of mechanoreceptors involved in CCN2 gene regulation and discusses the role of CCN2 as a mechano-sensing regulator of mesenchymal cell differentiation, with particular focus on chondrocytes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Research Acta Medica Okayama 2041-1723 11 1 2020 Establishment of Neurospora crassa as a model organism for fungal virology 5627 EN Shinji Honda Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui Ana Eusebio-Cope Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Shuhei Miyashita Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University Ayumi Yokoyama Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui Annisa Aulia Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sabitree Shahi Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University The filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa is used as a model organism for genetics, developmental biology and molecular biology. Remarkably, it is not known to host or to be susceptible to infection with any viruses. Here, we identify diverse RNA viruses in N. crassa and other Neurospora species, and show that N. crassa supports the replication of these viruses as well as some viruses from other fungi. Several encapsidated double-stranded RNA viruses and capsid-less positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses can be experimentally introduced into N. crassa protoplasts or spheroplasts. This allowed us to examine viral replication and RNAi-mediated antiviral responses in this organism. We show that viral infection upregulates the transcription of RNAi components, and that Dicer proteins (DCL-1, DCL-2) and an Argonaute (QDE-2) participate in suppression of viral replication. Our study thus establishes N. crassa as a model system for the study of host-virus interactions. The fungus Neurospora crassa is a model organism for the study of various biological processes, but it is not known to be infected by any viruses. Here, Honda et al. identify RNA viruses that infect N. crassa and examine viral replication and RNAi-mediated antiviral responses, thus establishing this fungus as a model for the study of host-virus interactions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2020 Synthesis and properties of water vapor sensing carbon nanohorn - cellulose sheets and nanometals EN Panner Selvam Karthik No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Research Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 10 1 2020 Therapeutic benefit of Muse cells in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 17102 EN Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshihiro Kushida Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Shohei Wakao Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshio Omote Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mari Dezawa Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss. Muse cells are endogenous reparative pluripotent-like stem cells distributed in various tissues. They can selectively home to damaged sites after intravenous injection by sensing sphingosine-1-phosphate produced by damaged cells, then exert pleiotropic effects, including tissue protection and spontaneous differentiation into tissue-constituent cells. In G93A-transgenic ALS mice, intravenous injection of 5.0x10(4) cells revealed successful homing of human-Muse cells to the lumbar spinal cords, mainly at the pia-mater and underneath white matter, and exhibited glia-like morphology and GFAP expression. In contrast, such homing or differentiation were not recognized in human mesenchymal stem cells but were instead distributed mainly in the lung. Relative to the vehicle groups, the Muse group significantly improved scores in the rotarod, hanging-wire and muscle strength of lower limbs, recovered the number of motor neurons, and alleviated denervation and myofiber atrophy in lower limb muscles. These results suggest that Muse cells homed in a lesion site-dependent manner and protected the spinal cord against motor neuron death. Muse cells might also be a promising cell source for the treatment of ALS patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 0304-8608 154 1 2008 Identification and characterization of structural proteins of orchid fleck virus 37 45 EN Hideki Kondo Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University Takanori Maeda College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University Tetsuo Tamada Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University Orchid fleck virus (OFV) has a bipartite negative-sense RNA genome with sequence similarities to plant rhabdoviruses. The non-enveloped bullet-shaped particles of OFV are similar to those of the internal ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-M protein structure of rhabdoviruses, but they are about half the size of typical plant rhabdoviruses. Purified preparations contained intact bullet-shaped and filamentous particles. The filamentous particles showed a tightly coiled coil structure or a coiled structure with a helical twist, which resembles the RNP complex of rhabdoviruses. OFV bullet-shaped particles were structurally stable in solutions containing 2% Triton X-100 and 0.8 M NaCl. Western blot analyses revealed that the bullet-shaped particles contained N, P and M proteins, while filamentous particles contained mainly N and P proteins. In addition, a small amount of the L protein was detected in both types of particles. Thus, the structural proteins of OFV have properties similar to those of rhabdoviruses, except that the particles are non-enveloped and are relatively resistant to detergent-treatment under high-salt conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0032-0862 70 1 2020 Pathogenetic roles of beet necrotic yellow vein virus RNA5 in the exacerbation of symptoms and yield reduction, development of scab‐like symptoms, and Rz1‐resistance breaking in sugar beet 219 232 EN Tetsuo Tamada Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University Hirokatsu Uchino Research Center, Nippon Beet Sugar Mfg. Co., Ltd. Toshimi Kusume Hokkaido Central Agricultural Experiment Station Minako Iketani‐Saito Hokkaido Central Agricultural Experiment Station Sotaro Chiba Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University Ida Bagus Andika Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) generally has a four‐segmented positive‐sense RNA genome (RNAs 1–4), but some European and most Asian strains have an additional segment, RNA5. This study examined the effect of RNA5 and RNA3 on different sugar beet cultivars using a Polymyxa‐mediated inoculation system under field and laboratory conditions. In field tests, the degree of sugar yield served as an index for assessing the virulence of BNYVV strains. Japanese A‐II type isolates without RNA5 caused mostly 15%–90% sugar yield reductions, depending on the susceptibility of sugar beet cultivars, whereas the isolates with RNA5 induced more than 90% yield losses in the seven susceptible cultivars, but small yield losses in one Rz1‐resistant and Rizor cultivars. However, a laboratory‐produced isolate containing RNA5 but lacking RNA3 caused higher yield losses in Rizor than in susceptible plants, and induced scab‐like symptoms on the root surface of both susceptible and resistant plants. In laboratory tests, A‐II type isolates without RNA5 had low viral RNA accumulation levels in roots of Rizor and Rz1‐resistant plants at early stages of infection, but in the presence of RNA5, viral RNA3 accumulation levels increased remarkably. This increased RNA3 accumulation was not observed in roots of the WB42 accession with the Rz2 gene. In contrast, the presence of RNA3 did not affect RNA5 accumulation levels. Collectively, this study demonstrated that RNA5 is involved in the development of scab‐like symptoms and the enhancement of RNA3 accumulation, and suggests these characteristics of RNA5 are associated with Rz1‐resistance breaking. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Research Acta Medica Okayama 2058-5276 1 1 2016 A capsidless ssRNA virus hosted by an unrelated dsRNA virus 15001 EN Rui Zhang Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Akio Tani Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hideki Kondo Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Satoko Kanematsu NARO Institute of Fruit Tree Science Nobuhiro Suzuki Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Viruses typically encode the capsid that encases their genome, while satellite viruses do not encode a replicase and depend on a helper virus for their replication1. Here, we report interplay between two RNA viruses, yado-nushi virus 1 (YnV1) and yado-kari virus 1 (YkV1), in a phytopathogenic fungus, Rosellinia necatrix2. YkV1 has a close phylogenetic affinity to positive-sense, single-stranded (+)ssRNA viruses such as animal caliciviruses3, while YnV1 has an undivided double-stranded (ds) RNA genome with a resemblance to fungal totiviruses4. Virion transfection and infectious full-length cDNA transformation has shown that YkV1 depends on YnV1 for viability, although it probably encodes functional RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Immunological and molecular analyses have revealed trans-encapsidation of not only YkV1 RNA but also RdRp by the capsid protein of the other virus (YnV1), and enhancement of YnV1 accumulation by YkV1. This study demonstrates interplay in which the capsidless (+)ssRNA virus (YkV1), hijacks the capsid protein of the dsRNA virus (YnV1), and replicates as if it were a dsRNA virus. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 2019 Region of Interest Growing Neural Gas for Real-Time Point Cloud Processing 82 91 EN Yuichiro Toda Okayama University Xiang Li Okayama University Takayuki Matsuno Okayama University Mamoru Minami Okayama University This paper proposes a real-time topological structure learning method based on concentrated/distributed sensing for a 2D/3D point cloud. First of all, we explain a modified Growing Neural Gas with Utility (GNG-U2) that can learn the topological structure of 3D space environment and color information simultaneously by using a weight vector. Next, we propose a Region Of Interest Growing Neural Gas (ROI-GNG) for realizing concentrated/distributed sensing in real-time. In ROI-GNG, the discount rates of the accumulated error and utility value are variable according to the situation. We show experimental results of the proposed method and discuss the effectiveness of the proposed method. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Institute of Physics Acta Medica Okayama 0003-6951 117 10 2020 Super-chiral vibrational spectroscopy with metasurfaces for high-sensitive identification of alanine enantiomers 101103 EN Takumi Iida Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University Atsushi Ishikawa Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University Takuo Tanaka Metamaterials Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research Atsuya Muranaka Advanced Elements Chemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research Masanobu Uchiyama Advanced Elements Chemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research Yasuhiko Hayashi Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University Kenji Tsuruta Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University Chiral nature of an enantiomer can be characterized by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, but such a technique usually suffers from weak signal even with a sophisticated optical instrument. Recent demonstrations of plasmonic metasurfaces showed that chiroptical interaction of molecules can be engineered, thereby greatly simplifying a measurement system with high sensing capability. Here, by exploiting super-chiral field in a metasurface, we experimentally demonstrate high-sensitive vibrational CD spectroscopy of alanine enantiomers, the smallest chiral amino acid. Under linearly polarized excitation, the metasurface consisting of an array of staggered Au nano-rods selectively produces the left- and right-handed super-chiral fields at 1600 cm−1, which spectrally overlaps with the functional group vibrations of alanine. In the Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer measurements, the mirror symmetric CD spectra of D- and L-alanine are clearly observed depending on the handedness of the metasurface, realizing the reliable identification of small chiral molecules. The corresponding numerical simulations reveal the underlying resonant chiroptical interaction of plasmonic modes of the metasurface and vibrational modes of alanine. Our approach demonstrates a high-sensitive vibrational CD spectroscopic technique, opening up a reliable chiral sensing platform for advanced infrared inspection technologies. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Microbiology Acta Medica Okayama 2150-7511 11 3 2020 Hadaka Virus 1: a Capsidless Eleven-Segmented Positive-Sense Single-Stranded RNA Virus from a Phytopathogenic Fungus, Fusarium oxysporum e00450-20 EN Yukiyo Sato Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Wajeeha Shamsi Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Atif Jamal Crop Diseases Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre Muhammad Faraz Bhatti Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University The search for viruses infecting fungi, or mycoviruses, has extended our knowledge about the diversity of RNA viruses, as exemplified by the discovery of polymycoviruses, a phylogenetic group of multisegmented RNA viruses with unusual forms. The genomic RNAs of known polymycoviruses, which show a phylogenetic affinity for animal positive-sense single-stranded RNA [(+)RNA] viruses such as caliciviruses, are comprised of four conserved segments with an additional zero to four segments. The double-stranded form of polymycovirus genomic RNA is assumed to be associated with a virally encoded protein (proline-alanine-serine-rich protein [PASrp]) in either of two manners: a capsidless colloidal form or a filamentous encapsidated form. Detailed molecular characterizations of polymycoviruses, however, have been conducted for only a few strains. Here, a novel polymyco-related virus named Hadaka virus 1 (HadV1), from the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, was characterized. The genomic RNA of HadV1 consisted of an 11-segmented positive-sense RNA with highly conserved terminal nucleotide sequences. HadV1 shared the three conserved segments with known polymycoviruses but lacked the PASrp-encoding segment. Unlike the known polymycoviruses and encapsidated viruses, HadV1 was not pelleted by conventional ultracentrifugation, possibly due to the lack of PASrp. This result implied that HadV1 exists only as a soluble form with naked RNA. Nevertheless, the 11 genomic segments of HadV1 have been stably maintained through host subculturing and conidiation. Taken together, the results of this study revealed a virus with a potential novel virus lifestyle, carrying many genomic segments without typical capsids or PASrp-associated forms. IMPORTANCE Fungi collectively host various RNA viruses. Examples include encapsidated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses with diverse numbers of genomic segments (from 1 to 12) and capsidless viruses with nonsegmented (+)RNA genomes. Recently, viruses with unusual intermediate features of an infectious entity between encapsidated dsRNA viruses and capsidless (+)RNA viruses were found. They are called polymycoviruses, which typically have four to eight dsRNA genomic segments associated with one of the virus-encoded proteins and are phylogenetically distantly related to animal (+)RNA caliciviruses. Here, we identified a novel virus phylogenetically related to polymycoviruses, from the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The virus, termed Hadaka virus 1 (HadV1), has 11 (+)RNA genomic segments, the largest number in known (+)RNA viruses. Nevertheless, HadV1 lacked a typical structural protein of polymycoviruses and was not pelleted by standard ultracentrifugation, implying an unusual capsidless nature of HadV1. This study reveals a potential novel lifestyle of multisegmented RNA viruses. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 2666-478X 1 2020 Dicer monitoring in a model filamentous fungus host, Cryphonectria parasitica 100001 EN Annisa Aulia Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Midori Tabara Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Sciences Paul Telengech Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Toshiyuki Fukuhara Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Applied Biological Sciences Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University The ascomycete Cryphonectria parasitica has served as a model filamentous fungus for studying virus host interactions because of its susceptibility to diverse viruses, its genetic manipulability and the availability of many biological and molecular tools. Cryphonectria prasitica is known to activate antiviral RNA silencing upon infection by some viruses via transcriptional up-regulation of key RNA silencing genes. Here, utilizing a newly developed GFP-based reporter system to monitor dicer-like 2 (dcl2) transcript levels, we show different levels of antiviral RNA silencing activation by different viruses. Some viruses such as mycoreovirus 1, a suppressor-lacking mutant of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1-Δp69) and Rosellinia necatrix partitivirus 11 (RnPV11) highly induced RNA silencing, while others such as CHV3, Rosellinia necatrix victorivirus 1 and RnPV19 did not. There was considerable variation in dcl2 induction by different members within the family Hypoviridae with positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomes or Partitiviridae with double-stranded RNA genomes. Northern blotting and an in vitro Dicer assay developed recently by us using mycelial homogenates validated the reporter assay results for several representative virus strains. Taken together, this study represents a development in the monitoring of Dicer activity in virus-infected C. parasitica. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Taylor and Francis Acta Medica Okayama 1044-7318 36 16 2020 Estimating Level of Engagement from Ocular Landmarks 1527 1539 EN Zeynep Yucel Department of Computer Science, Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Okayama University Serina Koyama Department of Computer Science, Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Okayama University Akito Monden Department of Computer Science, Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Okayama University Mariko Sasakura Department of Computer Science, Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Okayama University E-learning offers many advantages like being economical, flexible and customizable, but also has challenging aspects such as lack of – social-interaction, which results in contemplation and sense of remoteness. To overcome these and sustain learners’ motivation, various stimuli can be incorporated. Nevertheless, such adjustments initially require an assessment of engagement level. In this respect, we propose estimating engagement level from facial landmarks exploiting the facts that (i) perceptual decoupling is promoted by blinking during mentally demanding tasks; (ii) eye strain increases blinking rate, which also scales with task disengagement; (iii) eye aspect ratio is in close connection with attentional state and (iv) users’ head position is correlated with their level of involvement. Building empirical models of these actions, we devise a probabilistic estimation framework. Our results indicate that high and low levels of engagement are identified with considerable accuracy, whereas medium levels are inherently more challenging, which is also confirmed by inter-rater agreement of expert coders. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学経済学会 Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 52 1 2020 調査票情報を活用した市町村産業連関表の構築：New Approach 11 27 EN 10.18926/OER/60003 　This paper proposes a new approach to construct IO Table called“ Reduced Form Approach.” There are a survey method and a non-survey method for constructing the regional input-output table. This paper proposes a hybrid approach that combines a survey method in terms of utilizing individual information and a survey method in the sense of conducting a questionnaire survey of business establishments. 　The most difficult part of constructing a regional input-output table is estimating the value of exports and imports. Furthermore, in an open regional economy, exports and imports have a large weight. In many of the conventional methods, the import/export rate was taken from the input-output table of the prefecture, and the import/export value was extracted as the residual of the expenditure balance. In this paper, we propose a “Reduced Form Approach” that reproduces the input-output table from the production induced value. This not only overcomes the difficulty of balance adjustment, but also realizes the visibility of simulation analysis using an input-output table. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 13238930 69 3 2020 Japanese guidelines for atopic dermatitis 2020. 356 369 EN Norito Katoh Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Graduate School of Medical Science Yukihiro Ohya Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development Masanori Ikeda Department of Pediatric Acute Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tamotsu Ebihara Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine Ichiro Katayama Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University Hidehisa Saeki Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nihon Medical School Naoki Shimojo Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University Akio Tanaka Department of Dermatology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Takeshi Nakahara Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Mizuho Nagao Division of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Mie National Hospital Michihiro Hide Department of Dermatology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Yuji Fujita Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University Takao Fujisawa Division of Allergy, National Hospital Organization Mie National Hospital Masaki Futamura Division of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center Koji Masuda Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Graduate School of Medical Science Hiroyuki Murota Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Kiwako Yamamoto-Hanada Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease characterized by relapsing eczema with pruritus as a primary lesion, which is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Skin barrier dysfunction leads to enhanced skin irritability to non-specific stimuli and epicutaneous sensitization. In the lesion site, a further inflammation-related reduction in skin barrier function, enhanced irritability and scratching-related stimuli deteriorate eczema, leading to vicious cycle of inflammation. The current strategies to treat AD in Japan from the perspective of evidence-based medicine consist of three primary measures: (i) the use of topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment as the main treatment for the inflammation; (ii) topical application of emollients to treat the cutaneous barrier dysfunction; and (iii) avoidance of apparent exacerbating factors, psychological counseling and advice about daily life. The guidelines present recommendations to review clinical research articles, evaluate the balance between the advantages and disadvantages of medical activities, and optimize medical activity-related patient outcomes with respect to several important points requiring decision-making in clinical practice. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 0306-4522 369 2018 Bitter Taste Responses of Gustducin-positive Taste Cells in Mouse Fungiform and Circumvallate Papillae 29 39 EN Ryusuke Yoshida Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Shingo Takai Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Keisuke Sanematsu Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Robert F. Margolskee Monell Chemical Senses Center Noriatsu Shigemura Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Yuzo Ninomiya Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University Bitter taste serves as an important signal for potentially poisonous compounds in foods to avoid their ingestion. Thousands of compounds are estimated to taste bitter and presumed to activate taste receptor cells expressing bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs) and coupled transduction components including gustducin, phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) and transient receptor potential channel M5 (TRPM5). Indeed, some gustducin-positive taste cells have been shown to respond to bitter compounds. However, there has been no systematic characterization of their response properties to multiple bitter compounds and the role of transduction molecules in these cells. In this study, we investigated bitter taste responses of gustducin-positive taste cells in situ in mouse fungiform (anterior tongue) and circumvallate (posterior tongue) papillae using transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein in gustducin-positive cells. The overall response profile of gustducin-positive taste cells to multiple bitter compounds (quinine, denatonium, cyclohexamide, caffeine, sucrose octaacetate, tetraethylammonium, phenylthiourea, L-phenylalanine, MgSO4, and high concentration of saccharin) was not significantly different between fungiform and circumvallate papillae. These bitter-sensitive taste cells were classified into several groups according to their responsiveness to multiple bitter compounds. Bitter responses of gustducin-positive taste cells were significantly suppressed by inhibitors of TRPM5 or PLCβ2. In contrast, several bitter inhibitors did not show any effect on bitter responses of taste cells. These results indicate that bitter-sensitive taste cells display heterogeneous responses and that TRPM5 and PLCβ2 are indispensable for eliciting bitter taste responses of gustducin-positive taste cells. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 0304-3940 2020 Effects of Bitter Receptor Antagonists on Behavioral Lick Responses of Mice 135041 EN Michimasa Masamoto Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshihiro Mitoh Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Motoi Kobashi Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Noriatsu Shigemura Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Sciences, Kyushu University Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Bitter taste receptors TAS2Rs detect noxious compounds in the oral cavity. Recent heterologous expression studies reported that some compounds function as antagonists for human TAS2Rs. For examples, amino acid derivatives such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Nα,Nα-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-Lysine (BCML) blocked responses to quinine mediated by human TAS2R4. Probenecid inhibited responses to phenylthiocarbamide mediated by human TAS2R38. In this study, we investigated the effects of these human bitter receptor antagonists on behavioral lick responses of mice to elucidate whether these compounds also function as bitter taste blockers. In short-term (10 s) lick tests, concentration-dependent lick responses to bitter compounds (quinine-HCl, denatonium and phenylthiourea) were not affected by the addition of GABA or BCML. Probenecid reduced aversive lick responses to denatonium and phenylthiourea but not to quinine-HCl. In addition, taste cell responses to phenylthiourea were inhibited by probenecid. These results suggest some bitter antagonists of human TAS2Rs can work for bitter sense of mouse. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 09445013 223-225 2019 Quorum-dependent expression of rsmX and rsmY, small non-coding RNAs, in Pseudomonas syringae 72 78 EN Yukiko Nakatsu Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Hidenori Matsui Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Mikihiro Yamamoto Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yoshiteru Noutoshi Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Kazuhiro Toyoda Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yuki Ichinose Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Pseudomonas syringae pathovars are known to produce N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) as quorum-sensing molecules. However, many isolates, including P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PtoDC3000), do not produce them. In P. syringae, psyI, which encodes an AHL synthase, and psyR, which encodes the transcription factor PsyR required for activation of psyI, are convergently transcribed. In P. amygdali pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605), there is one nucleotide between the stop codons of both psyI and psyR. However, the canonical stop codon for psyI in PtoDC3000 was converted to the cysteine codon by one nucleotide deletion, and 23 additional amino acids extended it to a C-terminal end. This resulted in overlapping of the open reading frame (ORF) for psyI and psyR. On the other hand, stop codons in the psyR ORF of P. syringae 7 isolates, including pv. phaseolicola and pv. glycinea, were found. These results indicate that many pathovars of P. syringae have genetically lost AHL production ability by the mutation of their responsible genes. To examine whether PtoDC3000 modulates the gene expression profile in a population-dependent manner, we carried out microarray analysis using RNAs prepared from low- and high-density cells. We found the expressions of rsmX and rsmY remarkably activated in high-density cells. The activated expressions of rsmX and rsmY were confirmed by Northern blot hybridization, but these expressions were abolished in a ΔgacA mutant of Pta6605. These results indicate that regardless of the ability to produce AHL, P. syringae regulates expression of the small noncoding RNAs rsmX/Y by currently unknown quorum-sensing molecules. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学全学教育・ 学生支援機構 Acta Medica Okayama 2432-9665 4 2019 ZAINICHI KOREANS’ ETHNIC IDENTITIES AND ROLES OF ETHNIC ORGANISATION AND COMMUNITY 11 30 EN Yuuka WICKSTRUM 10.18926/58033 This paper discusses how Zainichi Koreans developed their identities both within and outside the realm of the ethnic community and ethnic organisations. This study uses qualitative multimethods research based on interviews with members and non-members of Zainichi Koirean organisations and field observations. The examination on Zainichi Koirean organisation members mainly concentrates on lived experiences of members from one of the ethnic organisations of Zainichi Koreans, Chongryun. This study finds that although some young Koreans separate themselves from the organisation and the homeland, they remain in the community. Many Chongryun Koreans share a collective ethnic consciousness, which was based on members’ love for the Chongryun schools. While there is an internal division within the community in terms of political views, many members still have a strong sense of group solidarity. On the other hand, the identities of non-member respondents are remarkably diverse. While some of them are assimilated into Japanese society, others retain strong ethnic identities. Their identities are less affected by any ethnic organisations and they rarely share collective memories with other Zainichi Koreans. This study shows that social networks and experiences of ethnic community individuals have a key role in determining their identities and the ways in which they live their lives. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 1345-2630 79 5 2013 Biological and genetic diversity of plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and their vectors 307 320 EN Tetsuo Tamada Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR)Okayama University Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University About 20 species of viruses belonging to five genera, Benyvirus, Furovirus, Pecluvirus, Pomovirus and Bymovirus, are known to be transmitted by plasmodiophorids. These viruses have all positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genomes that consist of two to five RNA components. Three species of plasmodiophorids are recognized as vectors: Polymyxa graminis, P. betae, and Spongospora subterranea. The viruses can survive in soil within the long-lived resting spores of the vector. There are biological and genetic variations in both virus and vector species. Many of the viruses are causal agents of important diseases in major crops such as rice, wheat, barley, rye, sugar beet, potato, and groundnut. Control is dependent on the development of resistant cultivars. During the last half century, several virus diseases have rapidly spread worldwide. For six major virus diseases, we address their geographical distribution, diversity, and genetic resistance. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 13452630 86 2019 PsyR, a transcriptional regulator in quorum sensing system, binds lux box-like sequence in psyI promoter without AHL quorum sensing molecule and activates psyI transcription with AHL in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 124 133 EN Yuki Ichinose Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Yousuke Tasaka Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Satoru Yamamoto Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Yuko Inoue Faculty of AgricultureOkayama University Motohiro Takata Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Yukiko Nakatsu Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Fumiko Taguchi Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Mikihiro Yamamoto Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Kazuhiro Toyoda Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Yoshiteru Noutoshi Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Hidenori Matsui Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism for bacterial cell-cell communication using QS signals. N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), QS signals in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (Pta) 6605, are synthesized by an AHL synthase (PsyI) and recognized by the cognate transcription factor PsyR. To reveal the role of PsyR in virulence, we generated a psyR mutant and complemented strains of Pta 6605 and found that the psyR mutant is remarkably reduced in AHL production and ability to cause disease and propagate in host tobacco leaves. The phenotypes of complemented strains were restored to that of the wild type (WT). Because the psyR mutant lost nearly all AHL production, we investigated the function of PsyR in the transcription of psyI and production of AHL. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggested that the recombinant PsyR protein binds the promoter region of psyI but not psyR without AHL. The addition of AHL did not significantly affect this binding. The binding core sequence of this region was identified as a 20-bp lux box-like sequence. To reveal the function of PsyR and AHL on psyI transcription, we constructed a psyI promoter::lacZYA chimeric reporter gene, and inserted it into the WT and psyI mutant of Pta 6605. beta-galactosidase activity increased in a bacterial density-dependent manner in the WT and also in a psyI mutant after the addition of exogenous AHL. These results indicate that the solo PsyR binds the lux box in the psyI promoter and activates transcription in the concomitant presence of AHL. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 03076938 44 1 2018 Toll‐like receptor signalling induces the expression of serum amyloid A in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts 40 46 EN S. Morizane Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A. Kajita Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences K. Mizuno Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences T. Takiguchi Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences K. Iwatsuki Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences BACKGROUND:</br> Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play critical roles in innate immune response by sensing pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns. Epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts also produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines under stimulation with TLR ligands. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of secondary amyloidosis, and also has immunomodulatory functions. SAA are produced mainly by hepatocytes but also by a variety of cells, including immune cells, endothelial cells, synoviocytes, and epidermal keratinocytes. However, SAA expression in human dermal fibroblasts has not been shown to date.</br> AIM:</br> To investigate the effect of TLR ligands on SAA expression in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.</br> METHODS:</br> We investigated whether TLR ligands induce the expression of SAA in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) by real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA. The effect of SAA on its own expression in NHDFs was also studied.</br> RESULTS:</br> SAA expression was induced via nuclear factor-κB by TLR1/2, 3, 5 and 2/6 ligands in NHEKs. In NHDFs, TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 ligands increased SAA expression. SAA further induced its own expression via TLR1/2 and NF-κB in NHDFs, as previously reported for NHEKs.</br> CONCLUSIONS:</br> Our results provide new evidence that the skin's innate immune response contributes to the production of SAA, which might lead to an increased risk of systemic complications such as secondary amyloidosis of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society Acta Medica Okayama 15306984 19 9 2019 Asymmetric Phosphorus Incorporation in Homoepitaxial P-Doped (111) Diamond Revealed by Photoelectron Holography 5915 5919 EN T. Yokoya Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University K. Terashima Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University A. Takeda Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University T. Fukura Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University H. Fujiwara Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University T. Muro Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)/SPring-8 T. Kinoshita Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)/SPring-8 H. Kato Energy Technology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) S. Yamasaki Energy Technology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) T. Oguchi Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University T. Wakita Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University Y. Muraoka Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University T. Matsushita Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)/SPring-8 Diamond has two crystallographically inequivalent sites in the unit cell. In doped diamond, dopant occupation in the two sites is expected to be equal. Nevertheless, preferential dopant occupation during growth under nonequilibrium conditions is of fundamental importance, for example, to enhance the properties of nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centers; therefore, this is a promising candidate for a qubit. However, the lack of suitable experimental techniques has made it difficult to study the crystal- and chemical-site-resolved local structures of dopants. Here, we confirm the identity of two chemical sites with asymmetric dopant incorporation in the diamond structure, via the photoelectron holography (PEH) of heavily phosphorus (P)-doped diamond prepared by chemical vapor deposition. One is substitutionally incorporated P with preferential site occupations and the other can be attributed to a PV split vacancy complex with preferential orientation. The present study shows that PEH is a valuable technique to study the local structures around dopants with a resolution of crystallographically inequivalent but energetically equivalent sites/orientations. Such information provides strategies to improve the properties of dopant related-complexes in which alignment is crucial for sensing of magnetic field or quantum spin register using N-V centers in diamond. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 73 4 2019 Dynamic Reorganization of Microtubule and Glioma Invasion 285 297 EN Yoshihiro Otani Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Tomotsugu Ichikawa Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Kazuhiko Kurozumi Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Isao Date Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Review 10.18926/AMO/56930 Gliomas are characterized as highly diffuse infiltrating tumors, and currently available treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are unfeasible or show limited efficacy against these tumors. Recent genetic and epigenetic analyses of glioma have revealed increasing evidence of the role of driver genetic alterations in glioma development and led to the identification of prognostic factors. Despite these findings, the survival rates of glioma patients remain low, and alternative treatments and novel targets are needed. Recent studies identified neural stem cells as the possible origin of gliomas, and some evidence has revealed shared functions and mechanisms between glioma cells and neurons, also supporting their similarity. The cytoskeleton plays important roles in the migration of normal cells as well as cancer cells. Recent reports have described a role for microtubules, a component of the cytoskeleton, in glioma invasion. Notably, several factors that regulate microtubule functions, such as microtubule-associated proteins, plus-end tracking proteins, or motor proteins, are upregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal tissue, and upregulation of these factors is associated with high invasiveness of glioma cells. In this review, we describe the mechanism of microtubules in glioma invasion and discuss the possibility of microtubule-targeted therapy to inhibit glioma invasion. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学経済学会 Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 51 1 2019 変革主体論から見たマルクスの革命論とマルクス主義の革命論 : 発展？ それとも 歪曲？ 1 18 EN Yoshiki Ota 10.18926/OER/56909 1. Diffusion of Marxism and inflation of the concept “proletariat”</br> The concept of “proletariat” is the central concept of Marxism. However, its content varies according to times and regions. For Marx and Engels, proletarias are workers who work in the capitalist large industries, they overthrow the rule of capitalists through the revolution and are the subjects of the construction of society in the future. Kautsky put workers in small factories and small farmers into the category of proletariat. Lenin overestimated capitalist development in Russia and included farmers without horses into proletariat. In Mao Zedong, agricultural workers, rumpen, handmade workers, peasants, clerks and peddlers are also allowed to participate in the revolution. The concept of proletariat is inflated. As the region moves away from the center of the world system, the scope of participants in the revolution has been expanded.</br> 2. “Proletariat” in Marx’s view on social development</br> In Marx, proletariat is given a privileged position as a revolutionary subject in the capitalist society. In the “formulation” of historical materialism, modern bourgeois society is given a privileged position in human history. Proletariat is privileged in dual sense. In this formulation, there is no social antagonism in the future society that Marx believes. This future society should be called a “community without law and state”. It is recognized that the development of capitalist production increases the number of workers and the ordinary electoral system increases possibilities of acquiring a working-class regime. Still, Capital insists that the revolution is inevitable. Marx and Engels never abandoned “revolutionism” throughout their lives.</br> 3. Marx’s revolutionary strategy and British working class</br> For Marx and Engels, England is a typical country of capitalistic development, giving models to other countries.However, the English working class in the mid-19th century was not “revolutionary”. The English labor movement during this period had been internalized under the guidance of the “labor aristocrat”. Working class was integrated as “nation”. While cooperating with the reformists politically, Marx was argueing revolutionism in scientific books. While cooperating with the reformists politically, Marx was advocating revolutionism in Capital. In modern bourgeois society, it is usual that labor classes are integrated into a system as “nation” and labor movement is to become reformistic, but Marx could not analyze this situation as a problem of upper structure of capitalism in general. In England Marx cooperated with the reformist labor movement, but could not abandon his revolutionism.</br> 4. Reform Movement and Revolutionism: German Revisionism Controversy and Russian Party Organization Controversy</br> At the German Social Democratic Party, there was coexistence of reformistic practice and ideology of revolutionism. Kautsky was a personal expression of this coexistence. He adhered to revolutionism, but acknowledged that socialist consciousness was brought into labor movement from the outside historically. Bernstein claimed that revolutionism is an obstacle to workers’ reform movement. In the controversy concerning the organization of the Russian Social Democratic Party, from the standpoint of revolutionalism, Lenin argued that “external injection” is necessary because the workers’ reform movement and the revolutionary socialist movement are not directly connected. The revolutionary forces are not necessarily the product of the capitalist big industry. Those who have abilities to resist the capitalist system, they can participate in the socialist revolution through the “external injection” of the revolutionary party. It can be said that the logic of “external injection” made it possible to disseminate Marxism to the semi-periphery and periphery.</br> 5. Conclusion</br> The Marxist revolution theory is understood as the theory of “revolution of developed countryies”. This is because it assumes the proletariat produced by the capitalist big industry as the revolutionary subject. In the case of Marx, its understanding is correct. However, the successful acquisition of the regime by the Marxist was in “backward countries”. It can be said that the key to solving this paradox was in the unreality of the concept of “proletariat” at the core of Marx’s revolutionism. Marx’s “proletariat” has no realities in the working class in center of modern capitalit world system （“developed capitalist countries”）. On the other hand, various anti-systemic forces were formed as a revolutionary subject entity or “proletariat” by “external injection” of the revolutionary parties in semi-periphery and periphery （the “backward areas”）. Rosa Luxemburg called as “clique management （Cliquenwirtschaft）” the regime that such forces could aquire. Under the “clique management” system, people remained in the object of governance and never became the subject. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 09593993 30 2 2014 Effects of temperature, growth phase and luxO-disruption on regulation systems of toxin production in Vibrio vulnificus strain L-180, a human clinical isolate 681 691 EN Abdelaziz Elgaml Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama University Kazutaka Higaki Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama University Shin-ichi Miyoshi Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayama University Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic estuarine bacterium while it causes fatal septicemia or necrotizing wound infections in humans. This pathogen secretes the metalloprotease (V. vulnificus protease: VVP) and the cytolysin (V. vulnificus hemolysin: VVH) as protein toxins; however, their production was coordinated in response to the bacterial cell density. This regulation is termed quorum sensing (QS) and is mediated by the small diffusible molecule called autoinducer 2 (AI-2). In the present study, we investigated effects of disruption of luxO encoding a central response regulator of the QS circuit, as well as effects of temperature and growth phase, on the toxin production by V. vulnificus. Disruption of luxO was found to increase VVP production and expression of its gene vvpE. The expression of smcR, crp and rpoS, of which products positively regulate vvpE expression, and luxS encoding the AI-2 synthetase were also significantly increased. On the other hand, the luxO disruption resulted in reduction of VVH production and expression of its gene vvhA. Expression of other two genes affecting the QS circuit, luxT and rpoN, were also significantly decreased. The regulation systems of VVP production were found to exert their action during the stationary phase of the bacterial growth and to be operated strongly at 26 °C. By contrast, those of VVH production apparently started at the log phase and were operated more effectively at 37 °C. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

WILEY-BLACKWELL Acta Medica Okayama 0233111X 56 10 2016 Regulation of Vibrio mimicus metalloprotease (VMP) production by the quorum-sensing master regulatory protein, LuxR 1051 1058 EN El‐Shaymaa Abdel‐Sattar Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shin‐ichi Miyoshi Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Abdelaziz Elgaml Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Vibrio mimicus is an estuarine bacterium, while it can cause severe diarrhea, wound infection, and otitis media in humans. This pathogen secretes a relatively important toxin named V. mimicus metalloprotease (VMP). In this study, we clarified regulation of the VMP production according to the quorum-sensing master regulatory protein named LuxR. First, the full length of luxR gene, encoding LuxR, was detected in V. mimicus strain E-37, an environmental isolate. Next, the putative consensus binding sequence of LuxR protein could be detected in the upstream (promoter) region of VMP encoding gene, vmp. Finally, the effect of disruption of luxR gene on the expression of vmp and production of VMP was evaluated. Namely, the expression of vmp was significantly diminished by luxR disruption and the production of VMP was severely altered. Taken together, here we report that VMP production is under the positive regulation of the quorum-sensing master regulatory protein, LuxR. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Society for Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents Acta Medica Okayama 13424815 20 3 2015 Presence of Nitric Oxide-Sensing Systems in the Human Pathogen Vibrio vulnificus 199 203 EN Abdelaziz Elgaml Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shin-ichi Miyoshi Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic estuarine bacterium, but this species causes fatal septicemia in humans. V. vulnificus may encounter many kinds of stresses either in the natural environment or in the human body. One of the striking stresses is the exposure to the reactive oxygen species including nitric oxide (NO). The present study revealed that NO could participate in the regulation of the V. vulnificus community behavior. When the bacterium was cultivated in the presence of sub-lethal doses of an NO donor, the expression of the genes encoding NO-detoxifying enzymes was significantly increased. The NO donor was also found to cause significant increase in production of a metalloprotease, a putative virulence factor, by the bacterium. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 16174615 293 4 2018 MexEF-OprN multidrug efflux pump transporter negatively controls N-acyl-homoserine lactone accumulation in pseudomonas syringae pv. Tabaci 6605 1 11 EN Takahiro Sawada Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Miho Eguchi Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Seiya Asaki Faculty of AgricultureOkayama University Ryota Kashiwagi Faculty of AgricultureOkayama University Kousuke Shimomura Faculty of AgricultureOkayama University Fumiko Taguchi Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Hidenori Matsui Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Mikihiro Yamamoto Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Yoshiteru Noutoshi Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Kazuhiro Toyoda Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Yuki Ichinose Graduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Our previous studies revealed that flagellar-motility-defective mutants such as ∆fliC of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605) have remarkably reduced production of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL), quorum-sensing molecules. To investigate the reason of loss of AHL production in ∆fliC mutant, we carried out transposon mutagenesis. Among approximately 14,000 transconjugants, we found 11 AHL production-recovered (APR) strains. In these APR strains, a transposon was inserted into either mexE or mexF, genes encoding for the multidrug efflux pump transporter MexEF-OprN, and mexT, a gene encoding a putative transcriptional activator for mexEF-oprN. These results suggest that MexEF-OprN is a negative regulator of AHL production. To confirm the negative effect of MexEF-OprN on AHL production, loss- and gain-of-function experiments for mexEF-oprN were carried out. The ∆fliC∆mexF and ∆fliC∆mexT double mutant strains recovered AHL production, whereas the mexT overexpressing strain abolished AHL production, although the psyI, a gene encoding AHL synthase, is transcribed as wild type. Introduction of a mexF or mexT mutation into another flagellar-motility- and AHL production-defective mutant strain, ∆motCD, also recovered the ability to produce AHL. Furthermore, introduction of the mexF mutation into other AHL production-defective mutant strains such as ∆gacA and ∆aefR also recovered AHL production but not to the ∆psyI mutant. These results indicate that MexEF-OprN is a decisive negative determinant of AHL production and accumulation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 8 2018 中学1年生を対象としたピア・サポートプログラムの効果の検討 : 小学6年生への移行支援をピア・サポート活動に位置付けて 123 133 EN Motoko Miyake Graduate School of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/55812 本研究では，中学1年生を対象として，「小学校訪問」をピア・サポート活動として位置付けたピア・サポートプログラムを実施し，社会的スキルおよび自己有用感の観点からその効果を検討することを目的としていた。質問紙による効果測定を行い，分析の結果，社会的スキルおよび自己有用感のいずれにおいても，ピア・サポートプログラムの前後，および，ピア・サポートトレーニングとピア・サポート活動の前後で，統計的に有意な上昇が示された。また，事前の社会的スキルと自己有用感の評定値が比較的低めの生徒においてのみ，ピア・サポートトレーニングの前後で上昇的変化が生じたことから，ピア・サポートトレーニングからピア・サポート活動へと移行するピア・サポートプログラムの形式は，社会的スキルと自己有用感の低めな生徒にとっては特に有用であると考えられた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Institute of Physics Acta Medica Okayama 0003-6951 111 24 2017 Robust plasmonic hot-spots in a metamaterial lattice for enhanced sensitivity of infrared molecular detection 243106 EN Atsushi Ishikawa Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University Shuhei Hara Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University Takuo Tanaka Metamaterials Laboratory, RIKEN Xiang Zhan NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, University of California Kenji Tsuruta Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University High-density and long-lived plasmonic hot-spots are an ideal system for high-sensitive surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA), but these conditions arc usually incompatible due to unwanted near-field coupling between the adjacent unit structures. Here, by fully controlling plasmonic interference in a metamaterial lattice, we experimentally demonstrate densely packed long-lived quadrupole plasmons for high-sensitive SEIRA. The metamaterial consists of a strongly coupled array of super-and sub-radiant plasmonic elements to exhibit an electromagnetic transparency mode at 1730 cm(-1), which spectrally overlaps with the C=O vibrational mode. In the SEIRA measurement, the C=O mode of poly(methyl methacrylate) molecules is clearly observed as a distinct dip within a transmission peak of the metamaterial. The corresponding numerical simulations reveal that constructive interference uniformly forms coherent quadrupole plasmons over the metamaterial lattice, leading to a stronger molecular signal from the system. Our metamaterial approach provides a robust way to construct ideal hot-spots over the sample, paving the way toward a reliable sensing platform of advanced infrared inspection technologies. Published by AIP Publishing. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese College of Cardiology Acta Medica Okayama 0914-5087 70 1 2017 Complete right bundle branch block and QRS-T discordance can be the initial clue to detect S-ICD ineligibility 23 28 EN Motomi Tachibana Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuhiro Nishii Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshimasa Morimoto Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoshi Kawada Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihito Miyoshi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyasu Sugiyama Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Nakagawa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Atsuyuki Watanabe Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazufumi Nakamura Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroshi Morita Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroshi Ito Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences BACKGROUND: In order to minimize inappropriate shocks of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICD), it is important to recognize who is suitable for S-ICD indication. This study aimed to clarify what types of cardiac disease are likely to fulfill the S-ICD screening criteria and ineligible factors for S-ICD in the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). METHODS: A total of 348 patients with heart disease were enrolled. They were assessed by supine and standing ECG recording to simulate the 3 S-ICD sensing vectors and standard 12-lead ECG, simultaneously. Clinical and ECG characteristics were analyzed to compare the patients who are eligible and ineligible with S-ICD screening ECG indication. RESULTS: The mean age of study patients was 49±21 years and 244 (70%) were men. Nineteen percent of patients were unsuitable for S-ICD. There was no significant difference in ineligibility for S-ICD among cardiac diseases (p=0.48). Univariate analysis showed complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), QRS-T discordance in lead II, and QRS-T discordance in 3 leads (I, II, and aVF) were more frequent in patients who were ineligible for S-ICD than in the eligible group. Multivariate regression analysis showed CRBBB and QRS-T discordance in 3 leads were independent predictors for ineligibility of S-ICD. CONCLUSION: There are no differences in eligibility of S-ICD among types of cardiac diseases. CRBBB and QRS-T discordance were independent predictors for ineligibility. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学理学部地球科学教室 Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 23 1 2016 Prelithification shear structures of mélange unit in Shiofuki-iwa area, the upper Cretaceous Shimanto Belt, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan 9 15 EN Norito Takesue Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shigeyuki Suzuki Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University 10.18926/ESR/55322 Analyzing of sedimentary facies and structure together with regional field mapping were studied in the mélange unit, upper Cretaceous Shimanto Belt, Wakayama Pref., SW Japan. The field survey was concentrated in the coast of Shiofuki-iwa, Miyama Complex, Hidakagawa Belt where soft deformations penetrate throughout the mélange unit. Brittle to ductile faults associated as later deformations are excluded. The mélange unit is subdivided into the Y-shear zone (YSZ) and P-foliation zone (PFZ). The YSZ is composed of thick lenticular sandstone (trends subparallel to the direction of the mélange), intense shear band (thin layer with concentrated prelithification shear deformation) and mudstone dominant mélange. The PFZ is composed of mudstone dominant mélange (associated with foliations which slightly oblique to the direction of the YSZ) and lenticular sandstone (slightly oblique to the direction of the YSZ). The intense shear band separates the YSZ and PFZ. Preserved radiolarian fossils free from deformation in the intense shear band is the evidence of the prelithification shear deformation in the mélange. A remarkable-fact is that the structures of mélange unit are formed under sinistral sense of shear. The mélange unit in the Shiofuki-iwa is ascribed to be formed by sinistral sense of shear during sediments were prelithified. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 165 2017 観察と描画表現との関係についての基礎研究　その3 : 日本の美術教育における表現のための観察観の一考察 21 32 EN Tetsuo Kiyota Okayama University Graduate School of Education 10.18926/bgeou/55290 　本稿は，前稿「その1 レオナルドとヴェサリウスの人体解剖図からの一考察」「その2 水墨画・西洋画に見る日本の観察観の一考察」の継続研究である。本研究は，学校教育での図画工作科，美術科での児童・生徒の活動のねらい等を明確するために，観察と描画表現との関係について考察するものである。 　本稿では，明治時代の技法修得を目的とした描画指導や，それと対立する自由画教育による描画指導にも，前稿までの二つの観察観と重ね，教育における自然と表現の関係の変遷を観察観の流れとして纏めた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 129 2 2017 糖尿病患者の「治療に伴うストレス認知尺度」の開発 93 99 EN Kazuko Sumiyoshi Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University Chieko Kawata Health and Nursing Sciences Masters Program, Wakayama Medical University Tatsuo Okamoto Ryobi General Research Institute of Community Care Mutsuko Ohashi Department of Nursing, Okayama University Hospital Sakae Mikane Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University Noriko Takabayashi Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University Yoshiko Futoyu School of Health Science and Social Welfare, Kibi International University Woesook Kim College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo Jun Wada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenichi Shikata Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kazuo Nakajima Ryobi General Research Institute of Community Care 　The purpose of this study was to establish a measurement scale for "stress recognition in receiving treatment" in patients with diabetes. A self-completed questionnaire was distributed to 149 type-2 diabetes outpatients in March-May 2015 after authorization from Okayama Prefectural University and the ethics committee of the hospital. 　The "stress recognition in receiving treatment" scale was designed as a second-order factor model consisting of 14 items and the following four factors : the respondent's sense of (1) the burden of being sick, (2) the burden on interpersonal relationships, (3) the burden of treatment, and (4) the burden of medical expenses. 　Stress recognition in treatment means recognition of being stressed in the burdens related to the illness, interpersonal relationships, treatment and medical expenses. 　The suitability of the questionnaire data was then evaluated with a structural equation model. The suitability of the factor model to the data satisfied the statistically acceptable standards as Comparative Fit Index (CFI) ＝0.931, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) ＝0.096, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) ＝0.946. 　As the construct validity was not examined by the scale created in this study or by existing scale, it was verified by using the degrees of mental healthiness and HbA1c that were proved to be associated with the sense of burden. 　In addition, the construct validity of the questionnaire was supported by a significant correlation between the Japanese version of the WHO-Five Well-being Index (S-WHO-5-J) and the patients' HbA1c levels. The use of this measure is expected to contribute to the early detection of a decline in a diabetic patient's activities of daily living and to the early confirmation of patients' support status. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 7 2017 大学のアクティブラーニング型授業に対応した ユニバーサルデザイン環境に関する一考察 137 146 EN Shin Harada Institute for education and student services, Okayama University Kazunori Edahiro Institute for education and student services, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/54939 　近年，大学教育の中で演習形式を含むアクティブラーニング型授業が増加している。この授業形態は，多くの学生の主体的・能動的な学修を促進する上で有効である一方，自閉症スペクトラム障がい（ASD）の学生をはじめコミュニケーションを苦手とする学生が授業に参加する上での大きな障壁ともなり得る。本稿では，演習形式の授業への参加に困難を持つであろうASD の学生や，それに準ずるコミュニケーションの苦手な学生への支援を考慮した，大学教育のユニバーサルデザイン環境について，先行文献を概観しながら考察した。その中で，授業外における支援として，シラバス記載の配慮，演習形式を練習する機会の提供，ファシリテーターの養成について述べると共に，授業内における支援として，具体化・明確化，見通しを持たせる配慮，視覚支援，感覚過敏への対応等について述べ，代替課題への置き換えについても言及した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 161 2016 嗅覚と触覚および表現目的が絵画に及ぼす影響についての基礎研究 ― 中学生のパイナップル描画の一考察 ― 105 114 EN Tetsuo Kiyota 10.18926/bgeou/54238 　本稿は，観察による描画表現に，視覚と嗅覚，触覚等の諸感覚による相互作用の影響についての研究をすすめるにあたり，調査に参加する生徒の前提条件（嗅覚による描画経験，触覚による描画経験，あるいは表現目的の違い）をつけるための予備調査として位置づける。 　嗅覚を活用した観察による表現活動では，パターン化されたイメージ表現を描く傾向が確認できた。また，触覚を活用した観察による表現活動では，迫真性が高く，立体への意識も比較的高いなどの傾向が確認できた。さらに，他者へ主題等を伝えることを目的に描かせた場合，自己の思いに自由に表現することより，色数や，描画面積が増える傾向も確認できた。以上の傾向は，今後の諸感覚と視覚との相互作用による表現活動研究の仮説として，あるいは研究の方向性としての重要な成果である。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Publishing Group Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 5 2015 Metamaterial Absorbers for Infrared Detection of Molecular Self-Assembled Monolayers 12570 EN Atsushi Ishikawa Takuo Tanaka The emerging field of plasmonic metamaterials has introduced new degree of freedom to manipulate optical field from nano to macroscopic scale, offering an attractive platform for sensing applications. So far, metamaterial sensor concepts, however, have focused on hot-spot engineering to improve the near-field enhancement, rather than fully exploiting tailored material properties. Here, we present a novel spectroscopic technique based on the metamaterial infrared (IR) absorber allowing for a low-background detection scheme as well as significant plasmonic enhancement. Specifically, we experimentally demonstrate the resonant coupling of plasmonic modes of a metamaterial absorber and IR vibrational modes of a molecular self-assembled monolayer. The metamaterial consisting of an array of Au/MgF2/Au structures exhibits an anomalous absorption at ~3000 cm−1, which spectrally overlaps with C-H stretching vibrational modes. Symmetric/asymmetric C-H stretching modes of a 16-Mercaptohexadecanoic acid monolayer are clearly observed as Fano-like anti-resonance peaks within a broad plasmonic absorption of the metamaterial. Spectral analysis using Fano line-shape fitting reveals the underlying resonant interference in plasmon-molecular coupled systems. Our metamaterial approach achieves the attomole sensitivity with a large signal-to-noise ratio in the far-field measurement, thus may open up new avenues for realizing ultrasensitive IR inspection technologies. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 160 2015 嗅覚と触覚が絵画表現に及ぼす影響についての基礎研究 ─ 小学生のパイナップル描画の一考察 ─ 51 57 EN Tetsuo Kiyota 10.18926/bgeou/53830 　本稿は，写生などの観察による描画表現において，視覚以外の諸感覚が表現活動に与える影響についての研究をすすめるにあたり，調査に参加する児童に視覚と他の感覚との相互作用をしやすくするための体験（嗅覚による描画体験，触覚による描画体験）を与えるための予備調査に位置づけられる。 　嗅覚を活用した観察による表現活動では，抽象的なイメージ表現が想起されやすく，触覚を活用しての観察による表現活動では，迫真性や，空間意識も比較的高いなどの傾向が確認できた。以上のことから，今後の視覚と諸感覚との相互作用による表現活動を研究する上で，仮説をたてることが出来，研究の方向性を示すことが出来るなどの成果が得られた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Taylor and Francis Acta Medica Okayama 0169-1864 27 15 2013 Positioning device for outdoor mobile robots using optical sensors and lasers 1147 1160 EN Isaku Nagai Genki Yamauchi Keiji Nagatani Keigo Watanabe Kazuya Yoshida We propose a novel method for positioning a mobile robot in an outdoor environment using lasers and optical sensors. Position estimation via a noncontact optical method is useful because the information from the wheel odometer and the global positioning system in a mobile robot is unreliable in some situations. Contact optical sensors such as computer mouse are designed to be in contact with a surface and do not function well in strong ambient light conditions. To mitigate the challenges of an outdoor environment, we developed an optical device with a bandpass filter and a pipe to restrict solar light and to detect translation. The use of two devices enables sensing of the mobile robot’s position, including posture. Furthermore, employing a collimated laser beam allows measurements against a surface to be invariable with the distance to the surface. In this paper, we describe motion estimation, device configurations, and several tests for performance evaluation. We also present the experimental positioning results from a vehicle equipped with our optical device on an outdoor path. Finally, we discuss an improvement in postural accuracy by combining an optical device with precise gyroscopes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

IEEE Acta Medica Okayama 2015 Sound collection and visualization system enabled participatory and opportunistic sensing approaches 390 395 EN Sunao Hara Masanobu Abe Noboru Sonehara This paper presents a sound collection system to visualize environmental sounds that are collected using a crowd-sourcing approach. An analysis of physical features is generally used to analyze sound properties; however, human beings not only analyze but also emotionally connect to sounds. If we want to visualize the sounds according to the characteristics of the listener, we need to collect not only the raw sound, but also the subjective feelings associated with them. For this purpose, we developed a sound collection system using a crowdsourcing approach to collect physical sounds, their statistics, and subjective evaluations simultaneously. We then conducted a sound collection experiment using the developed system on ten participants.We collected 6,257 samples of equivalent loudness levels and their locations, and 516 samples of sounds and their locations. Subjective evaluations by the participants are also included in the data. Next, we tried to visualize the sound on a map. The loudness levels are visualized as a color map and the sounds are visualized as icons which indicate the sound type. Finally, we conducted a discrimination experiment on the sound to implement a function of automatic conversion from sounds to appropriate icons. The classifier is trained on the basis of the GMM-UBM (Gaussian Mixture Model and Universal Background Model) method. Experimental results show that the F-measure is 0.52 and the AUC is 0.79. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学理学部地球科学教室 Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 21 1 2014 スカイラジオメーターとライダーを用いた岡山上空のエアロゾル観測 13 21 EN Sinpei Nagamatsu Daiki Egawa Osamu Tsukamoto 10.18926/ESR/53194 　Aerosol is one of the controlling parameter for the global climate and also effects on local health hazards. The measurement of the aerosol was originally carried out as in-situ sampling and mass weight measurement including chemical analysis. Recently, remote sensing method is applied as satellite remote sensing and surface based remote sensing. Skyradiometer and LIDAR are surface based remote sensing system. Skyradiometer measures solar radiation as direct and scattered solar radiation affected by aerosols. LIDAR emit laser beam upward and it is backscattered by overlying aerosols. The backscattered light is received by a telescope and vertical distributions of the aerosols are obtained. These measurements require atmospheric radiation physics. 　A Skyradiometer and a LIDAR were operated continuously at Okayama University campus and aerosol parameters were obtained from both of the system. Seasonal variations of the AOT (Aerosol Optical Thickness) and Angstrom parameter (α) are evaluated. During some dust events (e.g. yellow sand and PM2.5), time variations of these parameters were identified from both of the measurement system. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 0951-5666 2014 Enhancing care homes with assistive video technology for distributed caregiving EN Taro Sugihara Tsutomu Fujinami Rachel Jones Kozo Kadowaki Masaya Ando Dementia care is becoming increasingly important in Japan as the elderly population grows. Care homes are designed so that caregivers can easily observe and subsequently respond to the needs of people with dementia. However, the layout of care homes can become overly restrictive for residents, for example, by not providing intermediate spaces where people can spontaneously interact and initiate conversations. We present a case study that explores the implementation of video monitoring in two purpose-built care homes in which we were asked to help overcome the blind spots presented by the layout. We collected data both before and after the implementation of the video monitoring in order to understand its effect. The balance between people’s sense of security and the concerns about loss of privacy through video monitoring is well established. However, we found that video monitoring had a beneficial effect on both the caregivers and the residents if implemented sensitively. Furthermore, the implementation of video monitoring could support the design of more beneficial care home layouts. In conclusion, we propose that the sensitive implementation of video monitoring be considered alongside design of the physical layout of care homes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 68 6 2014 Visualization of Astrocytic Primary Cilia in the Mouse Brain by Immunofluorescent Analysis Using the Cilia Marker Arl13b 317 322 EN Kyosuke Kasahara Ko Miyoshi Shinki Murakami Ikuko Miyazaki Masato Asanuma Original Article 10.18926/AMO/53020 In vertebrates, almost all somatic cells extend a single immotile cilium, referred to as a primary cilium. Increasing evidence suggests that primary cilia serve as cellular antennae in many types of tissues by sensing chemical or mechanical stimuli in the milieu surrounding the cells. In rodents an antibody to adenylyl cyclase 3 (AC3) has been widely used to label the primary cilia of neurons in vivo by immunostaining, whereas the lack of markers for the primary cilia of astrocytes has made it difficult to observe astrocytic primary cilia in vivo. Here, we obtained a visualization of astrocytic primary cilia in the mouse brain. In the somatosensory cortex, a large portion of neurons and astrocytes at postnatal day 10 (P10), and of neurons at P56 had AC3-positive primary cilia, whereas only approx. one-half of the astrocytes in the P56 mice carried primary cilia weakly positive for AC3. In contrast, the majority of astrocytes had ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 13B (Arl13b)-positive primary cilia in the somatosensory cortex and other brain regions of P56 mice. The lengths of astrocytic primary cilia positive for Arl13b varied among the brain regions. Our data indicate that Arl13b is a noteworthy marker of astrocytic primary cilia in the brain. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山実験動物研究会 Acta Medica Okayama 30 2014 Hox 遺伝子と聴覚回路の発生 11 13 EN Yuichi Narita Kajari Karmakar Sébastien Ducret Filippo M. Rijli Sound vibration is sensed by hair cells in the inner ear. The information is transmitted to the cochlear nucleus in the brainstem via spiral ganglion neurons. The information is further transmitted to higher relaying centers in the brain such as superior olivary complex and inferior colliculus. The connectivity between these components is topographically organized in a frequency-specific manner. It is known that the organization is well-established from the beginning of the circuit development. However, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of connectivity in the auditory circuit. Homeobox transcription factors of the Hox gene family are known for their involvement in early anterior-posterior axis patterning of neuronal progenitors in the hindbrain. Recent evidence indicates that they also play important roles in late aspects of neuronal development and establishment of topographic circuitry. Moreover, a mutation in the HOXA2 gene has been recently shown to be responsible for hearing deficits in humans. By means of spatiotemporally controlled Hoxa2 and Hoxb2 conditional mutations in the mouse we analyzed the involvement of these factors in auditory circuit development and connectivity. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 155 2014 『急進主義者フィーリクス・ホルト』にみるダーウィニズムの言説 57 66 EN Shintetsu Fukunaga 10.18926/bgeou/52177 The present paper focuses attention on an influence of Darwinism as seen in the discourse of Felix Holt, the Radical. True George Eliot’s early and middle-period novels show signs of a vision of Natural History with its emphasis on scientific observation of the natural world. But as the impact of The Origin of Species (1859) sent a shock wave among the intellectual circle across Europe, she became growingly aware of its farreaching implications. Inevitably Eliot’s novelistic discourse has become permeated with the evolutionary outlook and terminology. Felix Holt marks a turning point in the sense that it is structurally conceived by the method of experimental science, and is clothed in its phraseology. We see how the writer’s moral and religious vision finds itself subtly reconciled with scientific world view. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 68 1 2014 Mizoribine Inhibits the Proliferation of Renal Stem/Progenitor Cells by G1/S Arrest during Renal Regeneration 7 15 EN Naoya Horimoto Shinji Kitamura Kenji Tsuji Hirofumi Makino Original Article 10.18926/AMO/52138 Immunosuppressive agents are generally administered to treat kidney diseases. However, it is unclear whether renal stem/progenitor cells are directly affected by the immunosuppressive agents. We used normal rat kidney cells, ureteric bud cells and rat kidney stem/progenitor cells in this study. Mizoribine (MZR), cyclophosphamide (CPA) and cyclosporine (CyA) were added to the culture media of these cells. We evaluated the effects of these immunosuppressive agents on cell proliferation using an electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing system (ECIS) and their effects on the process of renal regeneration using the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury rat model. The ECIS data showed that proliferation of each of the 3 types of cells was significantly suppressed by MZR. MZR treatment enhanced renal tubular injury in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injured rats, and significantly decreased levels of M-phase cells and Nestin-positive cells. These results suggested that MZR inhibits the cell cycle of renal stem/progenitor cells;thus, physicians should take note that MZR might affect not only inflammation but also renal regeneration. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2041-1723 4 2013 An essential role for the N-terminal fragment of Toll-like receptor 9 in DNA sensing EN Masahiro Onji Atsuo Kanno Shin-Ichiroh Saitoh Ryutaro Fukui Yuji Motoi Takuma Shibata Fumi Matsumoto Aayam Lamichhane Shintaro Sato Hiroshi Kiyono Kazuhide Yamamoto Kensuke Miyake Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is an innate immune sensor for microbial DNA that erroneously responds to self DNA in autoimmune disease. To prevent autoimmune responses, Toll-like receptor 9 is excluded from the cell surface and silenced until the N-terminal half of the ectodomain (TLR9N) is cleaved off in the endolysosome. Truncated Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9C) senses ingested microbial DNA, although the precise role of the truncation remains controversial. Here we show that TLR9 is expressed on the surface of splenic dendritic cells. Following the cleavage of TLR9 in the endolysosome, N-terminal half of the ectodomain remains associated with truncated TLR9, forming the complex TLR9N + C. The TLR9-dependent cytokine production by Tlr9(-/-) dendritic cells is rescued by a combination of TLR9N and TLR9C, but not by TLR9C alone. These results demonstrate that the TLR9N + C complex is a bona fide DNA sensor. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2013 An essential role for the N-terminal fragment of Toll-like receptor 9 in DNA sensing EN Masahiro Onji No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 153 2013 『ダニエル・デロンダ』グエンドレン物語 : キリスト教の遺産と科学の和解 47 57 EN Shintetsu Fukunaga 10.18926/bgeou/51106 The present paper aims at making clear how George Eliot attempted a reconciliation between Christian world�Vs view and scientific rationalism. If we focus our attention to the text of Gwendolen, the heroine�Vs matrimonial tragedy in Daniel Deronda, we become aware that the author�Vs own view of human depravity is graphically illustrated through her insightful portrayal of the heroine�Vs death in life in her marital impasse. The readers are invited to participate in the process of Gwendolen�Vs youthful belief in free will turning into a bitter disappointment and disillusionment with life�Vs reality. We recognize in this drama a plot of the protagonist�Vs dawning sense of law through her suffering and sorrow. Thus we are shown into the inner mechanism of the heroine�Vs conscience being forged by the tragedy. The textual analysis illuminates that the discourse of the heroine�Vs inner drama is rich in imaginative power owing to a complex interweaving of traditional Christian phraseology and scientific one. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1566 55 1 2013 ON HYPERBOLIC AREA OF THE MODULI OF θ−ACUTE TRIANGLES 191 200 EN Naomi Kanesaka Hiroaki Nakamura 10.18926/mjou/49105 A θ-acute triangle is a Euclidean triangle on the plane whose three angles are less than a given constant θ. In this note, we shall give an explicit formula computing the hyperbolic area A(θ) of the moduli region of θ-acute triangles on the Poincar´e disk. It turns out that A(θ) is a period in the sense of Kontsevich-Zagier if cot θ is a nonnegative algebraic number. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 151 2012 保育者養成校の学生における進級時のアイデンティティと職業認知の構造 51 58 EN Osamu Nishiyama Mika Katayama Mari Okayama 10.18926/bgeou/49017 The purpose of this study was to identify the causal relation between ego identity and occupational cognitions, by use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It utilized a Multidimensional Ego Identity Scale (MEIS; Tani, 2001) from the viewpoint of trait theory. A questionnaire was administered to 1,235 junior college students as they began their second year in childcare worker training courses. The results of SEM suggested that (1) sense of identity increased students’ understanding of childcare work, and feeling of fitness to work in childcare; (2) feeling of fitness increased anticipation of enhanced feelings of satisfaction, and interest; (3) interest increased commitment with regard to childcare work and intention to continue with childcare; and (4) understanding of childcare work increased commitment. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 150 2012 『ダニエル・デロンダ』に見る解体と再建の試み ―ユダヤ人物語にみるジョージ・エリオットのヴィジョン― 35 43 EN Shintetsu Fukunaga 10.18926/bgeou/48792 Our aim is to make clear how George Eliot is trying to hold up a mirror in Daniel Deronda against later nineteen-century Britain in her social and spiritual context. Christian tradition, in her view, has long been settled more or less into a dead-letter conventionalism. She finds in Jewish way of life a comparative viewpoint from which she can look closely at her own cultural background. In order to restore a living religion into the whole fabric of society, Hebrew language and its organic vision of history seem to Eliot to give a valuable hint for British people to learn from. Her awareness of this finds expression in a thread of the Jewish story woven in parallel with the English one. We will examine this sense of purpose on the part of the novelist on the evidence of the text. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山実験動物研究会 Acta Medica Okayama 28 2012 生体の疼痛について 44 49 EN Yuzuru Kurabayashi About the pain in the living body､In the feeling of the living body of the pain,the living body is proof to be alive.In causing the pain,Some abnormalities are often found in the internal organs that corresponds to the part of the body.It is called internal organs parietal reflection in the Oriental medicine.The function of internal organs can normalize in accentuation if some treatments are given from outside of the body of the skin for this case.It is necessary to use and the analgesic regardless of strength..experiment.. Invading when the animal experiment treatment is given because there is a narcotic to which the action of relieving pain is weak,too,even if general anesthesia is given.The kind of the analgesic can recommend non-steroid analgesic from an insignifficant thing of the certainty and the side effect in the effect,and is technology in the animal experiment where the nociceptive stimulus is generated.There is a layer structure of numerical layer in the corner part after hitting this entrance,and the kind of the peripheral nerve fiber is also different though sense information from the tip enters the spinal cord through the root after the spinal cord.It is necessary to consider enough analgesic use in the animal experiment to which the generation of the pain is forecast. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 1349-6115 46 2012 Optimal Computation of 3-D Similarity: Gauss-Newton vs.Gauss-Helmert 21 33 EN Kenichi Kanatani Hirotaka Niitsuma 10.18926/48127 Because 3-D data are acquired using 3-D sensing such as stereo vision and laser range finders, they have inhomogeneous and anisotropic noise. This paper studies optimal computation of the similarity (rotation, translation, and scale change) of such 3-D data. We first point out that the Gauss-Newton and the Gauss-Helmert methods, regarded as different techniques, have similar structures. We then combine them to define what we call the modified Gauss-Helmert method and do stereo vision simulation to show that it is superior to either of the two in convergence performance. Finally, we show an application to real GPS geodetic data and point out that the widely used homogeneous and isotropic noise model is insufficient and that GPS geodetic data are prone to numerical problems. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 1349-6115 46 2012 Optimal Computation of 3-D Similarity from Space Data with Inhomogeneous Noise Distributions 1 9 EN Kenichi Kanatani Hirotaka Niitsuma 10.18926/48125 We optimally estimate the similarity (rotation, translation, and scale change) between two sets of 3-D data in the presence of inhomogeneous and anisotropic noise. Adopting the Lie algebra representation of the 3-D rotational change, we derive the Levenberg-Marquardt procedure for simultaneously optimizing the rotation, the translation, and the scale change. We test the performance of our method using simulated stereo data and real GPS geodetic sensing data. We conclude that the conventional method assuming homogeneous and isotropic noise is insufficient and that our simultaneous optimization scheme can produce an accurate solution. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 40 12 1928 脾臟ト甲状腺トノ交互作用ニ關スル研究 第4囘報告 脾動靜脉ノ白血球,血色素,網状赤血球等血液成分竝ニ造血臟器ノ組織像ニ就テ 2465 2475 EN Yoshito Tsunashima Having studied, as mentioned in the previous report, the changes of blood-platelets in the splenic arteries and veins, I extended my investigation into white corpuscles, hemoglobin and reticulated red cells: and with the object of ascertainning what their changes mean, I carried out an histological research of the spleen, the liver and the bonemarrow in the above-stated procedures and came to the following conclusions. 1) In the case of a normal rabbit, the number of the white corpuscles especially the lymphocytes in the splenic veins exceeds that in the splenic arteries. 2) After thyroidectomy and the injection of phenylhydrazin the white corpuscles in splenic veins increase more remarkably than those in splenic arteries, the lymphocytes and monocytes also showing a remarkable augmentation. 3) When adrenalin or silver-elecroid is injected, the white corpuscles in splenic veins outnumber exceedingly those in splenic arteries. When adrenalin is injected, the lymphocytes and monocytes increase especially. When silver-elecroid is injected, the augmentation of the lymphocytes is not comparatively remarkable, while on the other hand, the pseudoeosinophile-leucocytes increase. 4) In the case of a normal rabbit, as well as in that where the thyroidectomy is performed, a greater quantity of hemoglobin is found in the splenic veins than in the splenic arteries, and it is especially so when phenylhydrazin is injected. But the continuous injection of silver-elecroid does not cause any remarkable change of the contents of splenic veins and arteries. The quantity of the hemoglobin fluctuates almost in the same way as the number of the red blood corpuscles does. 5) No remarkable change of the reticulated red cells occurs in splenic arteries and veins. 6) After thyroidectomy and the injection of phenylhydrazin, the appearance of the megacaryocytes in the spleen is demonstrable, but no remarkable change occurs in the liver. 7) Thyroidectomy gives rise to the atrophy of the bone-marrow, the proliferation of adipose tissue and the decrease of megacaryocytes. A similar tendency is recognizable when phenylhydrazin is injected. 8) From these above-stated blood pictures of the splenic arteries and veins, as well as the histological researches of the blood-making organs, it may be inferred that from thyroidectomical causes, the spleen regains, in a compensatory sense, its blood-making function outside the bone-marrow. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 147 2011 学校給食における児童の食行動の変容と食事観の形成に関する研究動向 63 67 EN Masao Nobe Mai Okamoto 10.18926/bgeou/47104 本稿の目的は，学校給食の機能に着目し，児童の食行動や食事観の形成に影響を与える要因についての研究動向をまとめ，現代における｢共食｣を目指した給食指導の留意点を明らかにすることである。先行研究は次の三つに分類･整理した。一つめは，児童の給食指導を担う教師の影響を探究したものである。二つめは，児童の発達段階の影響を調査したもので，三つ目は食環境の影響に焦点を当てたものである。先行研究の動向から明らかになったことは，二点ある。一点目は，児童の食事に対する意識を捉える場合は調査票を用いた量的調査を，児童の食行動の変容を追究する場合は質的調査を各研究者が利用していたことである。二点目は，児童の食事観は家庭だけでなく給食においても様々な影響を受け，形成されるということである。したがって，教師や研究者は，｢共食｣を目指した給食指導に，児童の社会化を促す役割が含まれているということを認識する必要がある。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 147 2011 ジョージ・エリオットにみる科学の受容と懐疑―『ミドルマーチ』医師リドゲートのテクストを読む―その1 27 34 EN Shintetsu Fukunaga 10.18926/bgeou/47100 We aim at clarifying how scientific world view and its methods are penetrated into the text of Middlemarch, and how scientific way of thinking and language contribute to changing the structure and style of the English novel. With this sense of awareness in view, we try to make clear how George Eliot attempts to reconcile the conflict between her cherished Christian outlook and terminology with the method of verifying hypotheses through experiments. Among the author's fictional presentations, we find that a heated discussion between biblical language and physiological, psychological one is evident in the protagonists portraits. For an example of this, we take up specific passages of Lydgate's delineation, and analyze how the novelist explored an innovative method of enlarging the dimension in character portrait. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0475-0071 36 1 2001 Comparing Optimal 3-D Reconstruction for Finite Motion and Optical Flow 91 106 EN Kenichi Kanatani Naoya Ohta 10.18926/47003 We present a theoretically optimal linear algorithm for 3-D reconstruction from point correspondences over two views. We also present a similarly constructed optimal linear algorithm for 3-D reconstruction from optical flow. We then compare the performance of the two algorithms by simulation and real-image experiments using the same data. This is the first impartial comparison ever done in the sense that the two algorithms are both optimal, extracting the information contained in the data to a maximum possible degree. We observe that the finite motion solution is always superior to the optical flow solution and conclude that the finite motion algorithm should be used for 3-D reconstruction. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0475-0071 37 2 2003 Sensitivity Analysis and its Application to the Control of Inner Furnace Temperature Distribution 13 27 EN Taizo Shibuta Masami Konishi Jun Imai Tatsushi Nishi 10.18926/46977 Nowadays, various kind of reactor furnaces are widely used for the production in industry. The raw materials charged into the furnace generate reaction heat produced by blowing gas. Generally speaking, the reaction heat generated in the furnace is remarkably high. Therefore the occurrence of an inappropriate temperature distribution in the furnace may make damege or serious accident of the furnace. This is the motivation of furnace control. The author is considering the application of studied results to the furnace control of Blast Furnace in steel industry. To the propose, the approximated and simplified Macro Model of the Blast Furnace is constructed which has the function of representation of qualitative characteristics of the furnace in dynamical sense. The furnace temperature, distribution greatly effects both on the producting and the product quality of the furnace. Needless to say, stable furnace operation is indispensable for the economical prosperity of the industry. In this paper, macro simulation of the furnace is developed to support the analysis and design of the furnace control. Using the simulator, the stability and the control characteristics for inner furnace temperature distribtion are analised quantitatively. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0475-0071 37 1 2002 For Geometric Inference from Images, What Kind of Statistical Model Is Necessary? 15 23 EN Kenichi Kanatani 10.18926/46969 In order to facilitate smooth communications with researchers in other fields including statistics, this paper investigates the meaning of "statistical methods" for geometric inference based on image feature points, We point out that statistical analysis does not make sense unless the underlying "statistical ensemble" is clearly defined. We trace back the origin of feature uncertainty to image processing operations for computer vision in general and discuss the implications of asymptotic analysis for performance evaluation in reference to "geometric fitting", "geometric model selection", the "geometric AIC", and the "geometric MDL". Referring to such statistical concepts as "nuisance parameters", the "Neyman-Scott problem", and "semiparametric models", we point out that simulation experiments for performance evaluation will lose meaning without carefully considering the assumptions involved and intended applications. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0475-0071 38 1-2 2004 Combinatorial Boundary Tracking of a 3D Lattice Point Set 73 89 EN Yukiko Kenmochi Atsushi Imiya 10.18926/46954 Boundary tracking and surface generation are ones of main topological topics for three-dimensional digital image analysis. However, there is no adequate theory to make relations between these different topological properties in a completely discrete way. In this paper, we present a new boundary tracking algorithm which gives not only a set of border points but also the surface structures by using the concepts of combinatorial/algebraic topologies. We also show that our boundary becomes a triangulation of border points (in the sense of general topology), that is, we clarify relations between border points and their surface structures. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 41 1 1929 生物發光ニ關スル研究（其ノ1） 153 187 EN Kanae Hayasi Misao Okuyama The bioluminescence is especially interesting for physiologists in the sense that the end of the intracellular mechanism of the light producing cells is revealed by the light. Whole energy liberated by the process is represented by the light only, unmixed by other energies e. g. movement or heat. This special fact simplifies the experiment enormously, because the light intensity can be measured accurately and conveniently. Photometries used for these studies were following two, according for the purpose. a) Photographic method comparing either of the intensity grade or the diameter of the dark spot on the negative plate or film. b) Comparison method of the brightness of the light with the aid of the adjustable dark glasses (double frame detached from the Hess' differential pupilloscope). The results obtained on the Japanese firefly (Genzi-hotaru and Heike-hotaru) were summariesed as follows. 1) The light producing organ kept in exsicator could be brought to emitt light again by moisting with water, even after two years. 2) The spectrum of the light of the Japanese firefly extends continuously from the reddish orange (660μμ) to the bluish green (480μμ). 3) The intensity of the light increases by the stimulation of the light producing organ with the faradic current or by the chemicals which affect only muscle but not nerve. This phenomenon does not suggest the excitability of the organ or the presence of the exciting nerve for the organ, but can be explained by the increased supply of air by the contraction of the tracheal muscle. 4) The light extinguishes at temperature 0°--7°C., it reappears again dy warming. At the temperature over 40°C. the light becomes gradually reddish and extinguishes at 48°C-54°C. It does not reappear by cooling. The temperature coefficient for intervals 10°C. of the light intensity is 1.2-1.3. The same for the velocity of decay of light is 1.9-2.1. 5) Oxygen is indispensable to the light production of the light producing substance of firefly, which does not emit light under 1/40 atomospheric pressure of oxygen. The intensity of the light increases propotional to the oxygen pressure in the extent of 1/40 to I atomospheric pressure; over that pressure the light intensity approaches asymptotic to the maximum. Further increase of pressure beyond the maximum, also until 4-5 atomospheric pressure or even to 15 atm. pr. does not show any tendency to decrease the light intensity. 6) The light emission from the minced light producing organ of the firefly is not affected by carbon monoxide. It shows that the oxidizable substance does not combine with CO more forcible than with oxygen as haemoglobin does. 7) The light is given out, when the hot water extract from the light producing organ or the non-luminous part of the firefly or from certain animals like cocoonworm (Kaikono-Mayu) which have no light producing organ, is added to the cold water extract from the light producing organ of the firefly. 8) HCN-gas has no influence upon light production of the light producing organ or the mixture of cold water and hot water extracts from the light producing organ, the oxidation concerned with the light production by the firefly would refer to other than the oxidation connected with iron. 9) The authers measured the CO(2) production from the isolated light producing part and non-luminous part of the firefly with Osterhout's indicater method applied for the CO(2) -gas measurement of nerve fibre by Parker and came to the conclusion that the oxidation reaction does not accompany with CO(2) production, for the light producing part did not give out more CO(2)-gas than the non-luminous part. 10) The decay curve of the light emitted from the mixture of the hot water extract from non-luminous part of the firefly or from the larva of the Dendrolimus pini (Matu-Kemusi) and the cold water extract from the light producing part of the firefly indicates that the luminescent reaction in the firefly belongs to a monomolecular reaction, provided, the light intensity at any instant is assumed to be proportional to reaction velocity at that instant. 11) The velocity of the decay of the light intensity which emits from the mixture of cold and hot extract quickens by the increase of the quantity of the cold water extract of the light producing part of firefly. From this fact it seems that the cold water extract contains an enzymlike substance which hastens the luminescent reaction. On the contrary, when the quantity of the hot water extract from luminous part or non-luminous part of the firefly or from non-luminous animals increases, the light of the mixture decays slowly and lasts longer. This fact is explained by an assumption that the hot water extract lets the photogenic substance active (e. g. it sets the inactive photogenic substance combined with protein free.) and at the same time enzymlike substance becomes correspondingly inactive (e. g. by the adsorption). At the addition of the cold water extract into the cold and hot water mixture, it sometimes brightens the emitted light and sometimes lessons it. This initial flash is accounted for granting that the hot water extract acts at bravest at an optimal concentration which is proved especially in case of that from non-luminous part of the firefly. 12) The extinguished but still active cold water extract emits the light by the addition of alkali instead of the hot water extract. On the contrary, we could not let shine the hot water extract by any means. 13) Potassium bromide or erytrosin inhibits luminescence of the light mixture, but Potassium cyanide does not. 14) The active hot water extract is formed by heat from the firefly or certain non- luminous animals; i.e. by the convertion of the precursor into its efficacious form and by the destruction of material preventing the action of the active substance. Required temparature and time for this purpose is about over 3 min. at 50℃. or 15-16 min. at 100℃.. On the contrary, the active cold water extract loses its power by warming at 42°-43°C. over 3 min. 15) The active hot water extract in solution does not degenerate in half a day, and is efficacious even after a day, but the active cold water extract diminishes in power remarkably in 1-2 hours at room temperature. 16) The active component in the hot water extract passes easily through filterpaper, Chamberand filter and collodium membrane, but the active substance in the cold water extract does not filter through collodium membrane. 17) Charcoal adsorbs the active part both in hot and cold water extracts, but the latter is less adsorbed than the former. 18) Such an efficacious component as that in the active hot or cold water extract can not be extracted by alkohol or ether. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 43 6 1931 血液型ノ人種學的應用價値及ビ東播地方ニ於ケル血液型ノ分佈状態ニ就テ 1426 1440 EN Gennosuke Oku 1. With regard to the grounds for the applicability of the human blood groups to ethnology, former investigators were of opinion that the rate of distribution of the blood groups possessed by one tribe is proper to the tribe and invariable from the beginning of the existence of the tribe down to the present time; and that therefore if the rate of distribution of the blood groups of the existing tribe is investigated, the result thus obtained can be directly applied to the inference of the rate of distribution of the human blood groups in the ancestors of the tribe. It is very difficult, however, to say that in man the number of gametes generated by each individual is definite, and that they maintain their existence and fulfils their function without exception. The human race may be said to have extraneous fertilization, in the borader sense of the term, but customarily people are amrried among their own kind, and therefore something very near to “inter-fertilization, ” in the narrower sense, ought to take place in an extremely slow degree. Moreover, there is the phenomenon of ‘linkage’ as recognizable from the hypothesis on heredity established by the present writer. From these facts it is perhaps difficult to say that the frequency of the gametes of the blood groups can constantly have an invariable equilibrium. Besides, every human race in general shows the rate of distribution of blood groups proper to itself. When the same race is observed in the same district, an approximate rate of distribution is recognized, but when it is locally discriminated, the fact that considerable difference is present in the distribution is always experienced in actual experiment. This experimental fact, indeed, properly corresponds to the theoretical expectation above-mentioned. Thus the frequency of the gametes of blood groups is variable at the present time and a constantly invariable equilibrium is not yet reached; it is still in the transition stage towards that equilibrium. But as the blood type is inherited according to a definite rule, the comparative frequency of the gametes possessed by one tribe is also proper to the tribe, and the comparative frequency of the zygotes formed by the former is also proper to the tribe, and in consequence the rate of distribution of blood groups is naturally proper to the trible. Therefore all the tribes with the same ancestors in their origin show the same rate of distribution of blood groups. Therefore the opinion held by former investigators that the rate of distribution in a tribe is constantly invariable from the origin of the tribe down to the present time must be said to be improper. 2. With regard to the rate of distribution of blood groups in the masses, the frequency of the unit of inheritance in four types can be calculated, upon the basis of the author's linkage hypothesis. On this ground, it is possible to observe the rate in which the unit of inheritance is distributed in a tribe, and accordingly comparative investigation of several kinds of tribes is possible. The unit of inheritance in four types is as follows: Ref.: Factors of two pair allelomorphism: a……The blood corpuscles not possessing A agglutinogen, but the serum possessing α aggultinin. A……The corpuscles possessing A agglutinogen, but the serum not possessing α agglutinin. b……The corpuscles not possessing B agglutinogen, but the serum possessing β agglutinin. B……The corpuscles possessing B agglutinogen, but the serum possessing β agglutinin. The units of inheritance, and accordingly the kinds of gametes, are ab, Ab, aB and AB; and the respective frequency is represented by R, P, Q and Z. n (=11) indicates the number of non-cross-overs. R=√O P=1/2{√A+O-√O+1-(√B+O+1-√O+A+B+AB×2n+2/2n+3)} Q=1/2{√B+O-√O+1-(√A+O+1-√O+A+B+AB×2n+2/2n+3)} Z=1-√O+A+B+AB×2n+2/2n+3 3. The rate of distribution of the blood groups in the masses in the eastern part of Harima Province is O type 31.30% A type 39.23% B type 21.11% AB type 8.36% Rassen index 1.61, which agrees with the Japanese blood type as Furuhata calls it. When the frequency of the unit of inheritance is calculated according to the author's linkage hypothesis, we find R=55.9464% P=27.7229% Q=16.1355% Z=0.1952% When the rate of distribution of the blood groups in the two sexes is observed, no particular difference can be recognized between them. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 1349-6115 45 2011 Optimal Computation of 3-D Rotation under Inhomogeneous Anisotropic Noise 36 45 EN Kenichi Kanatani Hirotaka Niitsuma 10.18926/44498 We present a new method for optimally computing the 3-D rotation from two sets of 3-D data. Unlike 2-D data, the noise in 3-D data is inherently inhomogeneous and anisotropic, reflecting the characteristics of the 3-D sensing used. To cope with this, Ohta and Kanatani introduced a technique called “renormalization”. Following them, we represent a 3-D rotation in terms of a quaternion and compute an exact maximum likelihood solution using the FNS of Chojnacki et al. As an example, we consider 3-D data obtained by stereo vision and optimally compute the 3-D rotation by analyzing the noise characteristics of stereo reconstruction. We show that the widely used method is not suitable for 3-D data. We confirm that the renormalization of Ohta and Kanatani indeed computes almost an optimal solution and that, although the difference is small, the proposed method can compute an even better solution. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 76 11-12 1964 正中神経および尺骨神経損傷の予後に対する臨床的研究 781 799 EN Sadao Kawahara By direct examinations of 46 patients with 55 injured nerves out of those patients who had received the suture of injured median and ulnar nerves in the past 7 years at Department of Orthoedic Surgery, Okayama University and of those over one year after the operation, postoperative results were studied and the following findings were obtained. 1. As the lapse of time after inception of the nerve injnry passes 3 months, the postoperative result gradually grows poorer and after 6 months the prognosis is extremely poor. In contrast, the secondary suture performed as early as 3 to 8 weeks after the injury gives satisfactory results and it does not necessarily require primary suture. 2. The younger the patient, the better is the prognosis, especially the prognosis is very good in the age range of 0 to 9 years old. 3. It has been found that prognosis is relatively good in the cases of sharp cut injuries such as glass cut injury because the damage to nerves as well as to surrounding tissues is smaller and the danger of infection is less. 4. In the cases who had infection of some kind prior to receiving the nerve injury the postoperative results are invariably poor. 5. when the injury is sustained at a level more proximal, the results are poorer. Ulnar nerves are injured more frequently at high and intermediate levels. This point also explains the poor postoperative results in the cases of ulnar nerve injuries. 6. There is a possibility of recovery for the period of 5 years after the nerve suture, and especially the recovery of sensory function can be expected for 5 year period after the suture operation. 7. In the ease where median and ulnar nerves are injured simutaneously on the same level, these two nerves recover to about the same degree. 8. By means of two test, namely, picking up test and precision grip test, it has been possible to examine the effect on the routine affairs of life of the patient, that was ditficult to accomplisd by the former sensory tests. 9. The sudomotor function after suture of injured nerve does not necessarily parallel with the recovery of sense, and in the cases past 3 years after suture the sudomotor function in practically every case has recovered to normal irrespective of the sensory function. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 68 12 1956 螢光放電燈による人工照明 基礎編II 螢光放電燈と白熱電球との質的比較に就て 2335 2344 EN Ryujo Naruse Comparison was made between the fluorescent lamp and the incandescent lamp basing on qualitative experiments, and the following conclusion was reached. (1) In incandescent lamps when the reflection factor of the color of reflector is smaller, intensity of illumination will be so much the lower. The same tendency is seen with fluorescent lamps, but the effect is generally smaller as compared with incandescent lamps. Furthermore, when the color of reflector belongs to the same color group as the dominant wave-length of the light-source, intensity of illumination will be stronger. In case it is of the complementary hue or of the same color group, illumination comes out weaker. (2) When various artificial light-sources are mutually compared by the quantities of filtered radiation, it is found that the light of daylight and white fluorescent lamp resembles most closely the daylight in cloudy weather. In incandescent lamps, the zone of long wave-length is in excess, while the blue and violet zones can hardly be seen. (3) Even among the persons with normal sense of color, a high percentage of misreading and hard-reading of Stilling's Charts occurs under the illumination by an incandescent lamp, whereas under that of a white fluorescent lamp, the percentage is extremely lower. (4) As the color rendition of various light·sources are examined from the viewpoint of the "difference of color", de luxe daylight fluorescent lamp is most superior. Next comes de luxe white fluorescent lamp, and it further worsens in the order of the daylight fluorescent lamp, white fluorescent lamp, fluorescent filament lamp, and daylight lamp. Ordinary electric lamps are markedly inferior. However, daylight fluorescent lamps are entirely the reverse of ordinary electric lamps in their status of the "difference of color". (5) Although the fluorescent lamp is an artificical light-source superior to the incandescent lamp in both quantitative and qualitative aspects, they should be utilized to their best advantage respectively so as to conform to the use intended. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 69 7 1957 Sideroblastに関する研究 第一編 血液疾患とSideroblast 1773 1798 EN Ikuro Kimura By examining sideroblasts in normal subjects and in patients with various hematologic disorders and determining the rates of appearance, a sideroblastogram consisted of classifications of types I, II and III, according to numbers of iron granules was made. Again, sideroblast ratios (S. r.) were computed and studies were carried out by comparing the proportion of sideroblasts with serum iron. The results are as follows: 1) The proportion of sideroblasts has been found extensively in the normal persons, but in the sideroblastogram it is all intermediary in type, whose sideroblast ratio never exceeds 1 nor yields zero. 2) The proportion of sideroblasts in the cases of erythropoietic disturbances in the bone marrow such as hypoplastic anemia, leukemia, disorders due to irradiation has been found generally high, and in almost all these cases the proportion of sideroblasts reveals a shift to the right in the sideroblastogram at the same time S. r. has been above 1. 3) In various iron deficiency anemias in a broader sense, the proportion of sideroblasts is decreased and a shift to the left is demonstrated in the sideroblastogram; and S. r. is zero or is approaching to zero. 4) On the other hand, in Graves' disease and kala-azar the proportion of sideroblasts is normal, but in hemolytic anemia, liver cirrhosis and chronic nephritis it is high. Again, in agranulocytosis and myxedema the proportion of sideroblasts is low. 5) Sideroblasts seem to have some relationship with serum iron, but the two do not necessarily change parallel with each other. 6) These procedures of the determining of sideroblasts are equally useful or even superior to similar methods on serum iron in the differentiation of various anemic patients. 7) From these results, it is believed that stainable iron in these sideroblasts exists between serum iron and hematopoiesis in the process of utilization, and that it naturally has a close association with both serum iron and hematopoiesis. Note: Sideroblasts are the erythroblasts containing stainable, nonhemoglobin iron granules. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 69 3 1957 色素蛋白に対する生体の反応 第二編 コンゴーロート着色蛋白を生体内に注入した場合に起る蛋白の組織内分布に就て 861 869 EN Shunzo Kamon 1) Introducing dye protein (Congo red-oxen serum, DPO No.3) into the normal adult guinea pigs from three roots, subcutaneous tissue, intraperitoneal cavity and blood vessel the distribution of dye protein in the tissues and organs has been traced histollogically. 2) The distribution of dye protein in the tissues varied according to the varied roots of introduction. The dye protein were found in the granulocytes and macophages in the early stage of injection but in the later stages only in macrophages, those in the local tissues and in the sinuses of the regional lymphnodos in the case of subutaneous injection, those mainly in the omentum in the case of intraperitoneal injection, and those belonging to the reticuloendotherial system mainly of liver and spleen in the case of intravenous injection. 3) The protein uptake of granulocytes and macrophges occurred independently from each other showing no intimate correlation between them in the sense of Sabin who asserted that the protein uptake of macrophges is caused by the phagocytosis of the protein containing granulocytes. 4) Concerning the period of the reservation of protein in macrophages the water soluble dye protein disappeared from the cells already 40 days after the injection, though the insoluble dye protein which had been prepared treating with alcohol proved to be remained in the cells so long as 90 days after the injection. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学経済学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3069 30 3 1999 累進所得税と所得分配の不平等―中間的不平等概念― 91 105 EN Tateo Yoshida 10.18926/OER/41548 It is known that the post-tax income is more equally distributed than pre-tax income according to any μ-invariant inequality index satisfying Dalton's principle of transfers, if, and only if, a tax function is progressive for μ-inequality (Pfingsten [8]). This paper provides a rigorous formulation of the equivalence, both in strong and weak form. We show that any non-equally distributed pre-tax income distribution is dominated by the resulting post-tax income distribution in the sense of the μ - Lorenz criterion if, and only if, a tax function satisfies both (a)incentive preserving taxation and (b)progressive taxation for μ-inequality. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学経済学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3069 30 3 1999 日本産業の構造変革と雇用動向 1 23 EN Yoshizo Hashimoto 10.18926/OER/41545 The Japanese industry is in a huge whirlpool. Various common senses and conventions have been seriously doubted. Nevertheless, Japan cannot yet find any exit. Even if finding it, she has spent only a time in vain without doing any effectives measure, because most of those are conflict with vested interests or conventional practices. In this paper, I will make a positive analysis of changing industry in Japan after the babble boom crash in 1991 by using Firms and Establishments Census Data and others. Then, I will make it clear that the cause of failure to buoy up her economy consists in a fact that shortage of investment opportunities in her economy has been misunderstood simply as shortage of macro effective demand. Then, comparing the structural adjustment in the first half of the 1990s with one in the second half of the 1970s, I will clarify that the most serious weak point of Japanese-styled management, which has virtually excluded rights of shareholders from their decisions, have got revealed as her economy matures. I will also say that improvement of profitability by making employment fluid is not only effective as a counter-policy to the prolonged structural depression in the open economy but also inescapable in the "affiuent" economy driven by the service industry. Lastly, in place of a conclusion, I will remind a brief summary and lessons of the US and the UK policy experiences after the 1970s. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学経済学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3069 30 2 1998 ゆらぎ，危険，そして不確実性―｢不確実性論」周辺整理ノート(1)― 163 194 EN Narunto Nishigaki 10.18926/OER/41541 This note aims at preparing a fundamental framework for our dynamics models taking true uncertainty concept into consideration, and it states the following. First, the rationalities supposed in non-neoclassical economics such as economics of complexity or economics of anomalies are wider sense concepts than that supposed in rational expectation hypothesis.But these schools coincide with each other in the viewpoint of the assumption of stationarity in the economic processes or ergodicity in the stochastic processes. Their main difference just exists between their scopes of stationarity or those of ergodicity. Second, their difference above is not a matter in the face of unpredictable economic shocks, which interrupt stationary states in any sense and should not be in any category of ergodic stochastic processes. Such a shock has a tendency to enlarge uncertainty consciousness in the mental states of the economic units whether another economic shock would come or not in the near future. Increased uncertainty might prevents a person from his rationally expecting, or if we support economics of complexity, we would think that enlarged uncertainty consciousness in human mind might invalidate the several buffers such as inventories, money and credit system, by which economic units deal with some fluctuations in normal ergodic processes. Lastly, however, uncertainty in economics is just a psychological phenomena which we may almost neglect in an ordinary way although it occasionally has serious influences on our economy. Accordingly, we should never regard uncertainty in our models as a universal factor but as a peculiar thing after an economic shock. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 71 6-1 1959 血清耐熱非凝固物質について 第1編 癌エギス及び非癌胃粘膜エギスの家兎注射による血清耐熟非凝固物質の変動及びこれと関連する諸種の因子 3085 3094 EN Hitoshi Ohmori It is well known that the serum of cancer pationt possesses a specific coagulability to heat. By estimating heat-resistant non-coagulating substances of the serum in the rabbits previously injected with cancer tissue extract and benign gastric mucosa extract by Tsuda-Okujima's method the author pursued changes in these substances as well as inves tigated the relationship between the erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, and plasma protein content. The following are the results. 1. Rabbits given intravenous injection of cancer tissue extract to the ear-lobe show marked differences from those similatly injected with benign mucosa extract. 2. Observation for a long period of time is possible when extract is given intraperitoneal, and those injected with cancer tissue extract show a marked increase in heat-resistent non-coagulating substances when compared with those injected with benign mucosa extract. 3. There is a certain relationship between the change of the erythrocyte count and that of the hemoglobin content, namely, between the degree of anemia and the change of heatresistant non-coagulating substances in serum, but in the strict sense it is not a parallel relationship. 4. Between the leucocyte count and heat-resistant noncoagulating substance not any relatinoship can be recognized. 5. No completely parallel relationship can be recognized between the plasma protein content and heat-resistant noncoagulating substance. 6. Likewise no parallel relationship can be seen between tyrosine excreted in urine and heat-resistant non-coagulating substance. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 71 6-1 1959 結核肺切除の統計的観察 第1編 主として適応症について 2833 2841 EN Kunio Tada A chronological survey was done on the operation for pulmonary tuberculosis in 1353 cases admitted to this Sanatorium, from April 1949 to March 1947. The cases formerly indicated for thoracoplasty were mostly undergone pulmonary resections. Annual changes were not seen in sex, but ago distribution, tended to shift from younger to older. Preoperative condition of the patient was gradually improved, and reached to its limit recently. The condition roentgenological was improved annually, though, almost one half of the cases had cavities which were less expected to being improved by chemotherapy. The positive cases of tuberculous bacilli in sputa were getting decreased in number, without any expectations for improving by subsequent ohemotherapy. By the way, occurrence of resistant bacilli was increased in a sense. Duration from onset to operation was increase. Preoperative chemotherapy was shifted use of streptomycin, PAS and INAH instead of single use, and the dosage and duration were tended to increase. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 1883-2423 144 2010 RichardsonのPamelaにおける性差に基づく対語について 75 83 EN Kyoko Wakimoto 10.18926/bgeou/40068 English has a multitude of word-pairs based on gender differences. In their usage, however, many of the paired words have not been treated equally in a strict sense as can typically be seen in the case of 'man' and 'woman.' The present article discusses the most basic issue of masculine and feminine tenns mainly through a historical perspective. Our linguistic material here is Samuel Richardson's Pamela (1740) which offers good examples to show gender and class differences of address forms; for its theme concerns a maid-servant's conflict against her master and his equals. We hope to explore the author's social attitudes reflected in his choice of gender-specific words. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 279 4 2008 Gac two-component system in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci is required for virulence but not for hypersensitive reaction 313 322 EN Mizuri Marutani Fumiko Taguchi Yujiro Ogawa Mijan Md. Hossain Inagaki Yoshishige Kazuhiro Toyoda Tomonori Shiraishi Yuki Ichinose <p>Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 causes wildfire disease on host tobacco plants. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of the expression of virulence, Gac two-Component system-defective mutants, Delta gacA and Delta gacS, and a double mutant, Delta gacA Delta gacS, were generated. These mutants produced smaller amounts of N-acyl homoserine lactones required for quorum sensing, had lost swarming motility, and had reduced expression of virulence-related hrp genes and the algT gene required for exopolysaccharide production. The ability of the mutants to cause disease symptoms in their host tobacco plant was remarkably reduced, while they retained the ability to induce hypersensitive reaction (HR) in the nonhost plants. These results indicated that the Gac two-component system of P. syringae pv. tabaci 6605 is indispensable for virulence on the host plant, but not for HR induction in the nonhost plants.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Microbiology Acta Medica Okayama 0021-9193 188 24 2006 A homologue of the 3-oxoacyl-(acyl carrier protein) synthase III gene located in the glycosylation island of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci regulates virulence factors via N-acyl homoserine lactone and fatty acid synthesis 8376 8384 EN Fumiko Taguchi Yujiro Ogawa Kasumi Takeuchi Tomoko Suzuki Kazuhiro Toyoda Tomonori Shiraishi Yuki Ichinose Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 possesses a genetic region involved in flagellin glycosylation. This region is composed of three open reading frames: orf1, orf2, and orf3. Our previous study revealed that orf1 and orf2 encode glycosyltransferases; on the other hand, orf3 has no role in posttranslational modification of flagellin. Although the function of Orf3 remained unclear, an orf3 deletion mutant (Delta orf3 mutant) had reduced virulence on tobacco plants. Orf3 shows significant homology to a 3-oxoacyl-(acyl carrier protein) synthase III in the fatty acid elongation cycle. The Delta orf3 mutant had a significantly reduced ability to form acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are quorum-sensing molecules, suggesting that Orf3 is required for AHL synthesis. In comparison with the wild-type strain, swarming motility, biosurfactant production, and tolerance to H2O2 and antibiotics were enhanced in the Delta orf3 mutant. A scanning electron micrograph of inoculated bacteria on the tobacco leaf surface revealed that there is little extracellular polymeric substance matrix surrounding the cells in the Delta orf3 mutant. The phenotypes of the Delta orf3 mutant and an AHL synthesis (Delta psyI) mutant were similar, although the mutant-specific characteristics were more extreme in the Delta orf3 mutant. The swarming motility of the Delta orf3 mutant was greater than that of the Delta psyI mutant. This was attributed to the synergistic effects of the overproduction of biosurfactants and/or alternative fatty acid metabolism in the Delta orf3 mutant. Furthermore, the amounts of iron and biosurfactant seem to be involved in biofilm development under quorum-sensing regulation in P. syringae pv. tabaci 6605. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 3 1995 Automatic sensing device of electrical characteristics of living trees 729 732 EN Yoshitake Yamamoto Hiroshi Harada Kiyotaka Yasuhara Takao Nakamura <p>The electrical impedance of a living tissue reflects its cell construction and physiological activity. For this purpose we developed an automatic sensing device of electrical tissue characteristics. The system is composed of a part measuring impedance at multifrequency points and a part analyzing parameters of dispersion of bioelectrical impedance, impedances are measured at eight frequency points of 1 kHz-500 kHz. The parameters for Cole-Cole arc's law are determined automatically by a personal computer program </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1 1999 Development of measuring method for softness of epidermis using rotational step response 359 364 EN Yoshitake Yamamoto Keisuke Kawai <p>We have proposed a new measuring method for the softness of epidermis using rotational step response. It can be proceeded that horizontal torsional step is given periodically to the human skin surface by rotational step motor. Then dynamically epidermal characteristic is abstracted selectively from the human skin minimizing influence of the subcutaneous tissue. The cylindrical rotor is attached to the shaft of step motor and its external area is surrounded by the cylindrical guard ring; therefore, only human skin surface of inside the guard ring is screwed periodically by its rotor. At this moment, viscoelasticity of the epidermis is evaluated from analyzing the inducting coil of the step motor. The waveform of voltage of inducing coil can be characterized by overshoot P1, damping ratio D and undamped natural frequency &#969;n. The softness Ks that indicates viscoelasticity of the epidermis can be calculated from these parameters. Many experimental results showed that the softness Ks corresponds to the human sense and it is rational as a parameter for the human skin characteristics. This system is very useful as the measurement can be done easily, in vivo, and non-invasively. It also can be constructed simply without special mechanical sensor because step motor acts as not only driving but also sensing </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1990 A venous occlusion plethysmography using a load cell as the sensing element 38 42 EN Yoshitake Yamamoto Tatsuya Yamamoto P. Ake Oberg Akiharu Yoshida <p>An application of the load cell as a sensor in venous occlusion plethysmography is presented. In this method the limb volume changes that follow venous occlusion are converted into water volume changes using a water tank for volume change detection. The hydrostatic pressure, as well as the water surface level, is measured and used for the calculation of the volume change. By using this method the influence of water pressure on limb blood flow, as well as drift and leakage of the sensing element, is avoided. The load cell has the advantage of measuring the weight of the displaced water volume, which simplifies the design principles of the plethysmography. The plethysmography is found to be sensitive, highly linear, and easy to handle. It has been evaluated in several subjects, and the results of these studies are in agreement with earlier results </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 9 3 1994 Trends in active power line conditioners 263 268 EN Hirofumi Akagi <p>Active power line conditioners, which are classified into shunt and series ones, have been studied with the focus on their practical installation in industrial power systems. In 1986, a combined system of a shunt active conditioner of rating 900 kVA and a shunt passive filter of rating 6600 kVA was practically installed to suppress the harmonics produced by a large capacity cycloconverter for steel mill drives. More than one hundred shunt active conditioners have been operating properly in Japan. The largest one is 20 MVA, which was developed for flicker compensation for an arc furnace with the help of a shunt passive filter of 20 MVA. In this paper, the term of “active power line conditioners” is used instead of that of “active power filters” because active power line conditioners would cover a wider sense than active power filters. The primary intent of this paper is to present trends in active power line conditioners using PWM inverters, paying attention to practical applications</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 44 3 1995 Automatic sensing device of electrical characteristics of living trees 729 732 EN Yoshitake Yamamoto Hiroshi Harada Kiyotaka Yasuhara Takao Nakamura <p>The electrical impedance of a living tissue reflects its cell construction and physiological activity. For this purpose we developed an automatic sensing device of electrical tissue characteristics. The system is composed of a part measuring impedance at multifrequency points and a part analyzing parameters of dispersion of bioelectrical impedance, impedances are measured at eight frequency points of 1 kHz-500 kHz. The parameters for Cole-Cole arc's law are determined automatically by a personal computer program </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 43 4 1996 Finite element simulation of piezoelectric vibrator gyroscopes 509 518 EN Yukio Kagawa Takao Tsuchiya Toshikazu Kawashima <p>A finite element approach to the simulation of piezoelectric vibrator gyroscopes is presented for characteristic prediction. The formulation is given including the effect of Coriolis force due to rotation for a piezoelectric thin plate, which is considered to be two-dimensional in plane vibration. For numerical examples, the gyroscopes of a thin square plate, and a cross-bar and a ring built in the plate are considered, which pave the way for the development of the gyroscopes of monolithic configuration. The effect of the rotation on the modal shapes, the resonant frequencies, and the transmission characteristics are discussed demonstrating the sensing capability against the rotation </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1 1996 New trends in active filters for improving power quality 417 425 EN Hirofumi Akagi <p>Since their basic compensation principles were proposed around 1970, active filters have been studied by many researchers and engineers aiming to put them into practical applications. Shunt active filters for harmonic compensation with or without reactive power compensation, flicker compensation or voltage regulation have been put on a commercial base in Japan, and their rating or capacity has ranged from 50 kVA to 60 MVA at present. In near future, the term of active filters will cover a much wider sense than that of active filters in the 1970s did. The function of active filters will be expanded from voltage flicker compensation or voltage regulation into power quality improvement for power distribution systems as the capacity of active filters becomes larger. This paper describes present states of the active filters based on state-of-the-art power electronics technology, and their future prospects toward the 21st century, including the personal view and expectation of the author</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 39 6 1990 A venous occlusion plethysmography using a load cell as the sensing element 987 990 EN Yoshitake Yamamoto Tatsuma Yamamoto P. Ake Oberg Akiharu Yoshida <p>An application of the load cell as a sensor in venous occlusion plethysmography, which is a well-established method for limb or digit blood-flow measurements is presented. In this method, the limb volume changes that follow venous occlusion are transferred into the volume change of a water pool. The hydrostatic pressure as well as the water surface level are measured and used for the calculation of the volume change. By using this method, the influence of water pressure on limb blood flow is avoided together with drift and leakage of the sensing element. The load cell has the advantage that it measures the weight of the displaced water volume, which simplifies the design principles of the plethysmography. The plethysmography is found to be sensitive, highly linear, and easy to handle. The results of using a manufactured water-displacement plethysmography to determine actual blood-flow measurements in forearms and fingers are presented </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1991 Portable system for measuring biomechanical properties 556 561 EN Hisao Oka Takashi Irie Sun Yong Hao Tatsuma Yamamoto <p>A portable system has been developed for measuring biomechanical impedance on the skin surface. The measurement system comprises a measuring probe and a measuring device. The probe is of the pen-type. The device includes a random noise source, amplifiers, an A/D converter, a microcomputer, a liquid crystal display and a floppy disk unit. The biomechanical impedances on the skin surface are measured and the skin viscoelasticity are obtained. SI (stiffness index) is proposed as the new index of skin stiffness. The coefficient of correlation between SI and palpation scores is 0.797</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 89 1 2004 Abstract cauchy problems for quasi-linear evolution equations in the sense of hadamard 123 160 EN Naoki Tanaka <p>thispaper is devoted to the well-posedness of abstract cauchy problems for quasi-linear evolution equations. the notion of hadamard well-posedness is considered, and a new type of stability condition is introduced from the viewpoint of the theory of finite difference approximations. the result obtained here generalizes not only some results on abstract cauchy problems closely related with the theory of integrated semigroups or regularized semigroups but also the kato theorem on quasi-linear evolution equations. an application to some quasi-linear partial differential equation of weakly hyperbolic type is also given.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1566 45 1 2003 On a Question of Furuta on Chaotic Order, II 123 132 EN Masatoshi Fuji Eizaburo Kamei Ritsuo Nakamoto 10.18926/mjou/33729 <p>The chaotic order A &#8811; B among positive invertible operators on a Hilbert space is introduced by log A &#8805; logB. Related to the Furuta inequality for the chaotic order, Furuta posed the following question: For A;B &#62; 0, A &#8811; B if and only if holds for all p &#8805; 1, r &#8805; t, s &#8805; 1 and t &#8712; [0,1]? Recently he gave a counterexample to the &#34;only if&#34; part. In our preceding note, we pointed out that the condition (Q) characterizes the operator order A &#8805; B. Moreover we showed that (Q) characterizes the chaotic order in some sense. The purpose of this note is to continue our preceding discussion on the operator inequality (Q) under the chaotic order. Among others, we prove that if A &#8811; B for A, B &#62; 0, then for p&#8805;1, s&#8805;1, r&#8805;0 and t&#8804;0, where A _s B = Aand particularly &#9839;_s=_s for s &#8712;(0,1).</p> <p> 1 2 (A&#8722;12 BA&#8722;1 2 )sA 1 2 and particularly ]s = \s for s 2 [0; 1].</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1566 1 1 1952 On the structure of maximal Hilbert algebras 1 32 EN Takenouchi Osamu 10.18926/mjou/33718 <p>In our previous paper [12], we considered the unicity problem of the maximal extension of a given Hilbert algebra, and established the: most fundamental property of a maximal Hilbert algebra ([12; Theorem 2J). We argued also the decomposition of maximal Hilbert algebras with respect to their centres, and, on doing it, we noticed that there exist two different types of them, i.e., the simple ones and the purely non-simple ones. The decomposition theorem to these types was given in [12; Theorem 5J with a sketch of the proof, and we announced that. further arguments concerning the decomposition would be given in some other paper. The chief aim of this paper is to give it. In § 1 a short cut of the known results is given, and § 2 is devoted tothe more detailed exposition of the decomposition of a given Hilbert. algebra into the simple components and the purely non-simple component. A simple Hilbert algebra is one for which the algebras of left and right multiplication constitute a couple of factors in the sense of F. J. Murray and J. von Neumann ([4J), and we are led naturally to make use of their theory. The main problem here is how the dimensionality functional can be expressed by means of the terms of the Hilbert algebra. These are discussed in § 3. The reduction theory of a. purely non-simple Hilbert algebra into simple ones is given in §4. This idea, though here only applied to the separable case, can be applied in the non-separable case. But in the most general case we do not yet succeed in proving simplicity character and that will be a future problem. </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1566 40 1 1998 On the Weighted Ergodic Properties of Invertible Lamperti Operators 147 176 EN Ryotaro Sato 10.18926/mjou/33690 <p>In this paper we investigate the weighted ergodic properties of invertible Lamperti operators. Some results of Mart&#237;n-Reyes, de la Torre and others in M&#225;laga (Spain) are unified and generalized.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1566 52 1 2010 ARITHMETIC ELLIPTIC CURVES IN GENERAL POSITION 1 28 EN Shinichi Mochizuki 10.18926/mjou/33503 <p>We combine various well-known techniques from the theory of heights, the theory of “noncritical Belyi maps”, and classical analytic number theory to conclude that the “ABC Conjecture”, or, equivalently, the so-called “Effective Mordell Conjecture”, holds for arbitrary rational points of the projective line minus three points if and only if it holds for rational points which are in “sufficiently general position” in the sense that the following properties are satisfied: (a) the rational point under consideration is bounded away from the three points at infinity at a given finite set of primes; (b) the Galois action on the l-power torsion points of the corresponding elliptic curve determines a surjection onto GL₂(Zl), for some prime number l which is roughly of the order of the sum of the height of the elliptic curve and the logarithm of the discriminant of the minimal field of definition of the elliptic curve, but does not divide the conductor of the elliptic curve, the rational primes that are absolutely ramified in the minimal field of definition of the elliptic curve, or the local heights [i.e., the orders of the q-parameter at primes of [bad] multiplicative reduction] of the elliptic curve.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1566 43 1 2001 Nonlinear Ergodic Theorems for Semigroups of Non-Lipschitzian Mappings in Banach Spaces II 123 136 EN Isao Miyadera 10.18926/mjou/33250 <p>Let C be a nonempty closed convex subset of a uniformly convex Banach space, and let S = {T(t); t &#8805; 0} be a nonlinear semigroup of non-Lipschitzian mappings on C which is asymptotically nonexpansive in the intermediate sense. In this paper we study weak almost convergence of almost-orbits of S.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1 2003 Path evaluation for a mobile robot based on a risk of collision 485 490 EN Masahiro Irie Keiji Nagatani Akio Gofuku <p>An odometry system that mobile robot uses for positioning has cumulative error because of wheels' slippage and uneven ground. It causes a risk of collision of obstacles. Therefore, we propose a path evaluation method for a mobile robot based on a risk of collision. To evaluate a robot's path, we define an evaluation value as an integral of a risk of collision along the path. To evaluate the risk of collision at each point, we use an estimated positioning error generated in the odometry system. Using the evaluation method, the robot can plan a path based on a risk of collision, not the shortest path. We also consider sensing points planning for position adjustment of the mobile robot, based on the same approach. Some examples of path evaluation results support a validity of the proposed method.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1999 Display of diagnostic information from multiple viewpoints in an anomalous situation of complex plants 642 647 EN Akira Gofuku Yutaka Tanaka <p>The paper describes the objectives, approaches, and current status of an intelligent information display agent called semantic representation interface (SI). The SI displays diagnostic information from a functional viewpoint as well as from behavioral, operational, and structural ones to plant operators in an anomalous situation. The functional information of the plant will help operators to understand the overall plant situation and the necessity of a recommended counter action written in operation manuals or suggested by the SI. Diagnostic information of anomaly identification and finding possible counter actions are derived by qualitative reasoning based on a functional model. The selection of suitable counter actions which will be developed in the near future is made using a fast future prediction code generated by an intelligent modular simulation system. The derived diagnostic information is displayed in a graphical way so that an operator can understand the information as a pattern. In addition to the graphical display, necessary graphs to understand the plant situation and the derived diagnostic information are automatically shown. The applicability of the diagnostic techniques applied the qualitative reasoning is discussed through applications to an oil refinery plant</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1 1996 A new position sensor for high-speed measurement of multiple points EN Mitsuru Baba Tadataka Konishi Yuko Hori Kouji Otani <p>A high-speed measuring system of multiple points is becoming an important issue in many industrial applications. Therefore, the development of a high-speed position sensor is an important issue. However, conventional sensors such as CCD(charge-coupled device) and PSD(position-sensitive detector) are insufficient to apply to the high-speed measurement of multiple points. We propose a new position sensor for high-speed measurement of multiple points. The proposed sensor features a single scanning detecting method of multiple points by parallel processing technique and design of the sensor by analog circuitry, which makes high-speed measurement of multiple points possible. The designed sensor system realizes both high-speed performance and high accuracy </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2 1997 A new fast rangefinding method based on a non-mechanical scanning mechanism and a high-speed image sensor 957 962 EN Mitsuru Baba Tadataka Konishi Nobuaki Kobayashi <p>In this paper, we present a new fast rangefinding method based on a non-mechanical scanning mechanism and a high-speed image sensor. Although the light stripe rangefinding method often is utilized to measure three dimensional shape of an object, it is difficult to acquire dense range data at high-speed with conventional light stripe rangefinders. We proposed a fast rangefinding method based on two new ideas unlike conventional methods: (1) to move a parabolic light pattern onto the object by means of a non-mechanical mechanism; (2) to detect a true peak value using a high-speed image sensor. We have designed and built a prototype rangefinder. The rangefinder was able to acquire three-dimensional position at 500 ns which is faster than conventional rangefinders. As a result, the proposed method is effective for high-speed three-dimensional measurement </p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 61 5 2007 Self-esteem in Children with Psychosomatic Symptoms: Examination of Low Self-esteem and Prognosis 271 281 EN Mizuho Hosogi Ayumi Okada Eriko Yamanaka Keiko Ootyou Chiaki Tsukamoto Tsuneo Morishima Original Article 10.18926/AMO/32899 Self-esteem is the evaluative feelings one holds for oneself and the sense that one has essential worth. It is evaluated as the difference between the actual self and the ideal self. Healthy self-esteem supports psychological stability and positive social activity and is an essential element in the psychological development of children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate self-esteem in children with psychosomatic symptoms and elucidate a strategy for using such evaluations in therapy. We evaluated self-esteem in 56 patients at the Department of Pediatrics of Okayama University Hospital who were undergoing outpatient therapy for psychosomatic symptoms, using Pope's 5-scale test of self-esteem for children. We examined patient attributes, course of therapy, and social adjustment. Patients with low self-esteem on multiple scales at the first visit were all female, and these patients had a significantly higher frequency of family function problems, such as a family member with a psychiatric disorder, economic hardship, or experience of child abuse. Moreover, the prognosis for these patients was poor regardless of their social adjustment at the first visit. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 17 1 1963 On the histo-morphological changes of transplantable tumors. 33 50 EN Yukio Hamazaki Katsuo Ogawa Akira Tsutsumi Masaki Ohmori Kohji Taguchi Article 10.18926/AMO/32616 <p>1. When chicken sarcoma virus is serially inoculated on the mouse brain, it loses its carcinogenecity, but when it is inoculated on young chicken, granuloma develops in the liver and lung. When this granuloma is transplanted on adult chicken, a transplantable fibrosarcoma is obtained. 2. According to literature, the originaltumor of the Brown-Pearce cancer is a basal cell cancer, but that imported to Japan in 1953 presented a histological picture of carcinosarcoma. The metastasized tumor of the eye presents a purely cancer tissue, but when this is inoculated on the testis, carcinosarcoma is reproduced. It is therefore considered that the mother cell of the sarcoma is of host origin. 3. MY sarcoma is not a sarcoma, but is a spindle cell cancer. It might be a sarcoma which transformed into a cancer during serial transplantation, but perhaps it was originally a cancer but had been erroneously diagnosed as sarcoma. 4. The tumors we obtained by means of the feeding tests of Yoshida tumor all developed at organs other than those of the digestive tract. They are chiefly reticulo-sarcoma, but others which develop are malignant granuloma in the liver and lung, malignant adenoma in the kidney, papilloma of pelvis, and ependymoma in the cerebral ventricle. Since the discovery of the Yoshida tumor in 1943, serial transplantation has been conducted for 19 years with this tumor not only in Japan but also in foreign countries, but there has been no report to this date that a transformed strain has developed by cell transplantation. It therefore must be considered that the carcinogenesis observed in our feeding tests is a carcinogenesis due to a mechanism completely unlike that of cell transplantation. It has been confirmed by electron microscopy that in the early stage of transplantation of this tumor into the abdominal cavity there was an additional tumor growth due to the anaplastic proliferation of serous cells. 5. During the serial transplantation of viral tumors and/or virus dependent tumors, the tumor sometimes undergoes a morphological change. Though the cause of this is not yet sufficiently elucidated, it is suspected that there is some relationship with virus in the wide sense.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 33 3 1979 Characteristics of pressure sensing balloons made of various polymeric materials. 177 188 EN Kenji Tasaka Article 10.18926/AMO/32074 <p>A variety of polymeric materials (polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinylidine copolymer) have been evaluated for suitability in making of air-filled balloon to detect intraluminal pressure. The polyurethanes, in particular ECD, proved to be most suitable because of the ease of fabrication, low permeability to air and high frequency characteristics. Polyvinylidine copolymer was adequate but suffered from difficulties in fabrication. Polypropylene and polyethylene, available in film, were troublesome in making balloon and displayed low frequency characteristics.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.