Effect of Hidden Vector on the Speech of PRVA.

This study aimed to propose a novel method for designing a product recommendation virtual agent (PRVA) that can keep users motivated to interact with the agent. In prior papers, many methods of keeping users motivated postulated real-time and multi-modal interactions. The proposed novel method can be used in one-direction interaction. We defined the notion of the "hidden vector," that is, information that is not mentioned by a PRVA and that the user can suppose spontaneously. We conducted an experiment to verify the hypothesis that PRVAs having a hidden vector are more effective than other PRVAs. As a result, it was shown that PRVAs having a hidden vector were perceived as being more persuasive than other PRVAs and strongly motivated the users to use the PRVAs. From these results, the proposed method was shown to be effective.

Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Mice.

This study examined the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor, on renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. UUO led to a significant increase in the fibrotic area of obstructed kidneys, which was attenuated by NAC (84.8 mg/kg/d) in the drinking water. Renal expression of type III collagen and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNAs was elevated in UUO mice and inhibited by NAC. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation was significantly elevated by UUO, and NAC significantly attenuated the elevation. UUO inhibited the activity of glutathione peroxidase, while NAC restored its activity. Together, the results of this study suggest that renal interstitial fibrosis induced by UUO was ameliorated by NAC via several mechanisms including increased glutathione peroxidase activity, reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and reduced expression of TNF-α and type III collagen mRNAs.

Observing the Transformation of Bodily Self-consciousness in the Squeeze-machine Experiment.

How is our bodily self-consciousness acquired, and how does it affect cognition? To investigate this, we conducted an experiment using the squeeze machine, a device that provides pressure along the length of the user's whole body. The squeeze machine is used to help autistic people relax. The inventor of the machine, Dr. Temple Grandin says that the squeeze machine, beyond bringing her relaxation, enables her to feel empathy for others. This claim is of considerable interest and raises the following two points; first, the problem of empathy in autism is an important issue and Squeeze Machine could be effective. Second, it suggests that the physical action of Squeeze Machine could provide an insight of mind-body problem to us. Here, we hypothesize that the squeeze machine focuses conscious to direct the bodily self, transforming bodily self-consciousness itself. Such intentionality could bring empathy to others. In this study, we tested whether bodily self-consciousness would be transformed through the squeeze-machine experience. In the first part of the protocol, we simplified the original design of Grandin's squeeze machine but ensured that it retained its relaxing effect. In the second part of the protocol, we adopted a preestablished method of peri-personal space (PPS) measurement to estimate changes in extended bodily space. The results showed that the boundaries of PPS that appeared in the control experiment disappeared during the use of the squeeze machine. Indeed, collected subjective reports suggest that bodily self-consciousness continually drifted between the point of action of the external force (squeeze-machine pressure) and of an internal force (balance among body parts that are usually not consciously controlled), leading to the abandonment of the immobilization of individual PPS.

[Development of a short-form self-report measure to assess relaxation effects].

The present study aimed to develop a short-form self-report measure to assess relaxation effects (S-MARE). Participants (N = 190) responded to a questionnaire comprised of 45 items assessing relaxation and non-relaxation based on the Relaxation Inventory (Crist et al., 1989). Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors: physiological tension, psychological relaxation, and anxiety. Each factor was related to 5 items and each had an acceptable Cronbach's coefficient (alpha = .93, .94, and .85). S-MARE scores pre- and post- relaxation instruction were significantly correlated with the Emotional Relaxation Scale (Tokuda, 2011) (r = .446) and with State Anxiety (r = -.531) (N = 172). There was a significant correlation between the amplitude of the high frequency component of heart rate variability during relaxation instruction and physiological tension scores on the S-MARE (r = .456-.474, N = 24). These results confirmed the reliability and validity of the S-MARE in terms of physiological correlation with cardiac parasympathetic tone, suggesting that the S-MARE is a valid measure of relaxation effects.

Kanizsa illusory contours appearing in the plasmodium pattern of Physarum polycephalum.

The plasmodium of Physarum polycephalum is often used in the implementation of non-linear computation to solve optimization problems, and this organismal feature was not used in this analysis to compute perception and/or sensation in humans. In this paper, we focused on the Kanizsa illusion, which is a well-known visual illusion resulting from the differentiation-integration of the visual field, and compared the illusion with the adaptive network in the plasmodium of P. polycephalum. We demonstrated that the network pattern mimicking the Kanizsa illusion can be produced by an asynchronous automata-fashioned model of the foraging slime mold and by the real plasmodia of P. polycephalum. Because the protoplasm of the plasmodium is transported depending on both local and global computation, it may contain differentiation-integration processes. In this sense, we can extend the idea of perception and computation.

[Relationship among inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, aggression, and depression in Japanese elementary and junior high school students].

The present study examines the relationship among inattentive, and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, aggression, and depression in elementary school and junior high school students. The participants were 3,885 children and their teachers and caregivers. Children's inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior was rated by their teachers and caregivers (ADHD-RS). Children rated aggression (HAQ-C) and depression (DSRS-C) themselves. Inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior rated by teachers and caregivers were positively related to aggression and depression. Inattention predicted higher levels of aggression and depression. Inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior as rated by teachers was more highly related to depression than those behaviors as rated by caregivers. The relationships among inattentive, and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, aggression, and depression were almost the same for both elementary school and junior high school students. This study suggests the importance of assessing inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior from multiple views to examine the relationship between inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behavior and mental health problems.

Reliability and validity of autism diagnostic interview-revised, Japanese version.

To examine the inter-rater reliability of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Japanese Version (ADI-R-JV), the authors recruited 51 individuals aged 3-19 years, interviewed by two independent raters. Subsequently, to assess the discriminant and diagnostic validity of ADI-R-JV, the authors investigated 317 individuals aged 2-19 years, who were divided into three diagnostic groups as follows: autistic disorder (AD), pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and other psychiatric diagnosis or no diagnosis, according to the consensus clinical diagnosis. As regards inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients of greater than 0.80 were obtained for all three domains of ADI-R-JV. As regards discriminant validity, the mean scores of the three domains was significantly higher in individuals with AD than in those of other diagnostic groups. As regards diagnostic validity, sensitivity and specificity for correctly diagnosing AD were 0.92 and 0.89, respectively, but sensitivity was 0.55 for individuals younger than 5 years. Specificity was consistently high regardless of age and intelligence. ADI-R-JV was shown to be a reliable tool, and has sufficient discriminant validity and satisfactory diagnostic validity for correctly diagnosing AD, although the diagnostic validity appeared to be compromised with respect to the diagnosis of younger individuals.

[Development of a short form of the Japanese big-five scale, and a test of its reliability and validity].

Personality scales based on the five-factor model, especially the big-five scale of personality trait adjectives (Wada, 1996), are commonly used in Japan. In this study a short form of the Big-Five Scale was constructed. To avoid changes in the capacity dimension caused by the decrease in the number of items, item selection was conducted after item response theory (IRT) scales were constructed for all the items. In study 1 data was collected from 2099 participants. A generalized partial credit model was applied to the IRT model, and items were selected using the slope and location parameters for each item. Cronbach's alpha showed that the short form, as well as the five sub-scales, had sufficient reliability as a personality test. In study 2, we determined correlations with the NEO-FFI and tested the concurrent validity of the short form. The results indicate that the short form of big-five scale demonstrates sufficient reliability and validity despite the reduced number of items.

[Development of a Japanese version of Child Social Preference Scale].

This study developed a Japanese version of the Child Social Preference Scale, which measures children's social withdrawal. In addition, we examined developmental changes of children's withdrawal and the relationships between withdrawal and problematic behaviors. The participants were 7 012 mothers of preschool, elementary school, and middle school children. A factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution of shyness and social disinterest, which is consistent with previous studies. Shyness decreased as children's grade level increased. Social disinterest changed in a quadratic manner. The shyness score was lowest in the lower grades of elementary school. Shyness was related to more emotional symptoms, more peer relationship problems, and less prosocial behavior. Social disinterest was related to peer relationship problems. The importance of the distinction between shyness and social disinterest is discussed.

Difficulties in receiving a medical consultation among Japanese workers with mental health problems.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors affecting the difficulties in receiving a medical consultation among workers with mental health problems. METHODS: The present study was performed using a cross-sectional survey. We requested occupational physicians and nurses who were members of the Japan Society for Occupational Health to distribute self-administered questionnaires to their clients. RESULTS: Ninety-nine workers (68 males and 30 females), aged 40.6 ± 9.1 yr, returned completed questionnaires; 65% of the respondents had been diagnosed with depression. The most common difficulty perceived by them was that there were no intra-office counselors. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the number of months between the onset of mental health problems and the first medical consultation was significantly associated with age and having no sick leave allowance. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation and enhancement of sick leave allowance may promote early intervention in regard to workplace mental health problems. Mental health education and regular checkups for older workers is also critical for early detection and intervention of mental health problems.

Evaluation of the Japanese version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire as a screening tool for clumsiness of Japanese children.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by clumsiness and coordination difficulties. DCD interferes with academic performance and participation in physical activities and psychosocial functions, such as self-esteem, cognition, or emotion, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. DCD is a common pediatric condition and its prevalence is estimated to be 6% worldwide. Although English questionnaires are available, there is no questionnaire to identify DCD in Japan, and therefore, no information on its prevalence is available. Recently, we developed the Japanese version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ-J). The purpose of this study was to describe the applicability of the DCDQ-J for use with a community-based population of children in Japan and to investigate the relationships between coordination and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendencies or intelligence. The DCDQ-J was completed by 6330 parents or guardians of children and adolescents. We employed the ADHD-rating scale and determined the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the children. Two-way analysis of variance showed that the scores linearly increased as the children's grades advanced in 2 subscales, namely, control during movement and fine motor. In contrast, non-linear changes were found in the scores of the general coordination subscale. The total scores of the DCDQ-J and ADHD-RS were significantly correlated, but no relationship between DCDQ-J scores and IQ was found. The DCDQ-J is expected to be a useful screening tool to identify and assess motor coordination difficulties of children in Japan and enable cross-cultural comparisons.

An adaptive and robust biological network based on the vacant-particle transportation model.

A living system reveals local computing by referring to a whole system beyond the exploration-exploitation dilemma. The slime mold, Physarum polycephalum, uses protoplasmic flow to change its own outer shape, which yields the boundary condition and forms an adaptive and robust network. This observation suggests that the whole Physarum can be represented as a local protoplasmic flow system. Here, we show that a system composed of particles, which move and are modified based upon the particle transformation that contains the relationship between the parts and the whole, can emulate the network formed by Physarum. This system balances the exploration-exploitation trade-off and shows a scale-free sub-domain. By decreasing the number of particles, our model, VP-S, can emulate the Physarum adaptive network as it is attracted to a food stimulus. By increasing the number of particles, our model, VP-D, can emulate the pattern of a growing Physarum. The patterns produced by our model were compared with those of the Physarum pattern quantitatively, which showed that both patterns balance exploration with exploitation. This model should have a wide applicability to study biological collective phenomena in general.

Japanese version of school form of the ADHD-RS: an evaluation of its reliability and validity.

Using the Japanese version of school form of the ADHD-RS, this survey attempted to compare the scores between the US and Japan and examined the correlates of ADHD-RS. The classroom teachers of 7414 children (3842 males and 3572 females) evaluated all the children's behaviors. A confirmed factor analysis of ADHD-RS confirmed the two-factor solution (Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive) same as previous studies. ADHD-RS scores were not related to IQ, but were associated with standardized achievement test scores. Males showed stronger ADHD tendencies than did the females, and the males tended to score lower as they grew older. Our comparison of the scores between the US and Japan found the Japanese children scored lower than did their US children. Japanese version of school form of the ADHD-RS with good reliability and validity was developed. More researches of ADHD in Japanese children are required.

Japanese version of home form of the ADHD-RS: an evaluation of its reliability and validity.

Using the Japanese version of home form of the ADHD-RS, this survey attempted to compare the scores between the US and Japan and examined the correlates of ADHD-RS. We collected responses from parents or rearers of 5977 children (3119 males and 2858 females) in nursery, elementary, and lower-secondary schools. A confirmed factor analysis of ADHD-RS confirmed the two-factor solution (Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive) same as previous studies. ADHD-RS scores were not related to IQ, but were negatively associated with standardized achievement test scores. Males showed stronger ADHD tendencies than did the females, and the scores ended to decline as the children grew older. Japanese children scored lower than did their US children in Hyperactive-Impulsive among all of the sex-age groups. Japanese version of home form of the ADHD-RS was developed with good reliability and validity. More researches of ADHD in Japanese children are required.

Personality and health in Japanese older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Change versus stability of personality in late adulthood is an intriguing yet understudied issue. This cross-sectional study examined age and gender differences in Cloninger's biosocial model of personality, as well as their relation to health in a Japanese community sample whose age exceeds 50 years. METHOD: Participants (N=330) completed the Temperament and Character Inventory and the General Health Questionnaire. MANOVA and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Age-related decreases in Reward Dependence, Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, and an increase in Self-Transcendence were found. Health was significantly predicted by Harm Avoidance and Self-Directedness. CONCLUSION: Personality change in late adulthood tends to occur in environmentally-based character, in a pattern of gradual social detachment and internal spiritual growth. Personality is a stronger predictor of health than demographic variables.