How Different is the Core of

The structure of a neutron-rich ^{25}F nucleus is investigated by a quasifree (p,2p) knockout reaction at 270A MeV in inverse kinematics. The sum of spectroscopic factors of π0d_{5/2} orbital is found to be 1.0±0.3. However, the spectroscopic factor with residual ^{24}O nucleus being in the ground state is found to be only 0.36±0.13, while those in the excited state is 0.65±0.25. The result shows that the ^{24}O core of ^{25}F nucleus significantly differs from a free ^{24}O nucleus, and the core consists of ∼35% ^{24}O_{g.s.}. and ∼65% excited ^{24}O. The result may infer that the addition of the 0d_{5/2} proton considerably changes neutron structure in ^{25}F from that in ^{24}O, which could be a possible mechanism responsible for the oxygen dripline anomaly.

Early results of a randomized two-by-two factorial phase II trial comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with two and four courses of cisplatin/S-1 and docetaxel/cisplatin/S-1 as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a promising method of improving the survival of resectable gastric cancer. Cisplatin/S-1 (CS) and docetaxel/cisplatin/S-1 (DCS) are both effective against metastatic gastric cancer. This report clarified the impact of these regimens on early endpoints, including the pathological responses, chemotherapy-related toxicities, and surgical results. METHODS: Patients with M0 and either T4 or T3 in case of junctional cancer or scirrhous type received two or four courses of cisplatin (60 mg/m2 at day 8)/S-1 (80 mg/m2 for 21 days with 1 week rest) or docetaxel (40 mg/m2 at day 1)/cisplatin (60 mg/m2 at day 1)/S-1 (80 mg/m2 for 14 days with 2 weeks rest) as NAC. Patients then underwent D2 gastrectomy and adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the 3-year overall survival. RESULTS: Between October 2011 and September 2014, 132 patients were assigned to receive CS (n = 66; 33 in 2 courses and 33 in 4 courses) or DCS (n = 66; 33 in 2 courses and 33 in 4 courses). The respective major grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities (CS/DCS) were leukocytopenia (14.1%/26.2%), neutropenia (29.7%/47.7%), anemia (14.1%/12.3%), and platelet reduction (3.1%/1.5%). The rate of pathological response, defined as a complete response or < 10% residual cancer remaining, was 19.4% in the CS group and 15.4% in the DCS group, and 15.6% in the two-course group and 19.0% in the 4-course group. The R0 resection rate was 72.7% in the CS group and 81.8% in the DCS group and 80.3% in the two-course group and the 74.2% in the four-course group. No treatment-related deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support three-drug therapy with a taxane over two-drug therapy, or any further treatment beyond two cycles as an attractive candidate for the test arm of NAC.

MiFish, a set of universal PCR primers for metabarcoding environmental DNA from fishes: detection of more than 230 subtropical marine species.

We developed a set of universal PCR primers (MiFish-U/E) for metabarcoding environmental DNA (eDNA) from fishes. Primers were designed using aligned whole mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences from 880 species, supplemented by partial mitogenome sequences from 160 elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). The primers target a hypervariable region of the 12S rRNA gene (163-185 bp), which contains sufficient information to identify fishes to taxonomic family, genus and species except for some closely related congeners. To test versatility of the primers across a diverse range of fishes, we sampled eDNA from four tanks in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium with known species compositions, prepared dual-indexed libraries and performed paired-end sequencing of the region using high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies. Out of the 180 marine fish species contained in the four tanks with reference sequences in a custom database, we detected 168 species (93.3%) distributed across 59 families and 123 genera. These fishes are not only taxonomically diverse, ranging from sharks and rays to higher teleosts, but are also greatly varied in their ecology, including both pelagic and benthic species living in shallow coastal to deep waters. We also sampled natural seawaters around coral reefs near the aquarium and detected 93 fish species using this approach. Of the 93 species, 64 were not detected in the four aquarium tanks, rendering the total number of species detected to 232 (from 70 families and 152 genera). The metabarcoding approach presented here is non-invasive, more efficient, more cost-effective and more sensitive than the traditional survey methods. It has the potential to serve as an alternative (or complementary) tool for biodiversity monitoring that revolutionizes natural resource management and ecological studies of fish communities on larger spatial and temporal scales.

Discussion based on analysis of the suicide rate and the average disposable income per household in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is one of the major social issues in Japan. According to a report of the National Policy Agency, there were approximately 22 000 to 24 000 annual suicides between 1994 and 1997 and there have been over 30 000 annual suicides in Japan since 1998. For these reasons, we think it is important to discuss the economic factor related to suicides in recent years. METHOD: In this study, we examined suicide rates and the average disposable income per household in Japan in the last 15 years (ie 1994-2008) and discuss the statistical analysis of the average disposable income per household and the associated suicide rates. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: During the research period, annual suicide rates per 100 000 population in Japan ranged from 16.9 to 25.5 among the total population, from 23.1 to 38.0 among men, and from 10.9 to 14.7 among women. The annual average disposable income per household (ten thousand yen) ranged from 424.0 to 549.9. The average disposable income per household was related to the suicide rate among the total population and among men. The average disposable income per household was not related to the suicide rate among women. CONCLUSION: We believe that this discussion will be useful in developing specific suicide preventive measures.

Applicability of ultrasound muscle thickness measurements for predicting fat-free mass in elderly population.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the applicability of ultrasound muscle thickness (MT) measurements for predicting whole body fat-free mass (FFM) in elderly individuals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study of 77 healthy elderly individuals. METHODS: MTs at nine sites of the body and FFM were determined using B-mode ultrasound and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), respectively, in 44 women and 33 men aged 52 to 78 yrs. Stepwise multiple regression analysis produced two equations for predicting DXA-based FFM with sex (dummy: woman = 0 and man = 1) and either MTs at the anterior and posterior of thigh and lower leg (Eq1) or the product of MT and limb length (MT×LL) at thigh anterior and posterior, lower leg posterior, and upper arm anterior (Eq2) as independent variables. RESULTS: The R2 and SEE for each of the two equations were 0.929 and 2.5 kg for Eq1 and 0.955 and 2.0 kg for Eq2. The estimated FFM from each of Eq1 (44.4 ± 8.9 kg) and Eq2 (44.4 ± 9.0 kg) did not significantly differ from that of the DXA-based FFM (44.4 ± 9.2 kg), without systematic error. However, the absolute value of the difference between the DXA-based and estimated FFM was significantly greater with Eq1 (2.0 ± 1.5 kg) than with Eq2 (1.5 ± 1.3 kg). CONCLUSION: The current results indicate that ultrasound MT measurement is useful to predict FFM in the elderly, and its accuracy is improved by using the product of MT and limb length as an independent variable.

Effect of short-term maximal voluntary co-contraction training on neuromuscular function.

The present study aimed to examine the effect of short-term training utilizing voluntary co-contraction with maximal efforts. 23 healthy young men (training group: TG, n = 13; control group: CG, n = 10) participated in this study. TG conducted a 4-week training program (3 days/week), which consisted of 4 s simultaneous maximal voluntary contractions of elbow flexors and extensors at 90° of the elbow joint, followed by 4 s muscle relaxation (10 repetitions/set, 5 sets/day). Before and after the intervention, maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic torques and the muscle thicknesses of the elbow flexors and extensors were determined. The electromyograms (EMGs) of the 2 muscle groups during isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were also recorded. After the intervention, CG did not show any significant changes in all measured variables. In TG, significant increases were found in the agonist EMG activities during MVC, and maximal isometric and isokinetic torques of the elbow flexors and extensors, without significant changes in the muscle thicknesses and involuntary coactivation levels during MVC. The current results indicate that the training mode with maximal voluntary co-contraction is effective for improving the force-generating capabilities of the exercising muscles, without any increases in the level of involuntary coactivation during MVC.

Validity of Three-Dimensional Photonic Scanning Technique for Estimating Percent Body Fat.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional photonic scanning (3DPS) was recently developed to measure dimensions of a human body surface. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of body volume measured by 3DPS for estimating the percent body fat (%fat). Design, setting, participants, and measurement: The body volumes were determined by 3DPS in 52 women. The body volume was corrected for residual lung volume. The %fat was estimated from body density and compared with the corresponding reference value determined by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: No significant difference was found for the mean values of %fat obtained by 3DPS (22.2 ± 7.6%) and DXA (23.5 ± 4.9%). The root mean square error of %fat between 3DPS and reference technique was 6.0%. For each body segment, there was a significant positive correlation between 3DPS- and DXA-values, although the corresponding value for the head was slightly larger in 3DPS than in DXA. Residual lung volume was negatively correlated with the estimated error in %fat. CONCLUSIONS: The body volume determined with 3DPS is potentially useful for estimating %fat. A possible strategy for enhancing the measurement accuracy of %fat might be to refine the protocol for preparing the subject's hair prior to scanning and to improve the accuracy in the measurement of residual lung volume.

The relationship between suicide and five climate issues in a large-scale and long term study in Japan / La relación entre el suicidio y cinco problemas climáticos en un estudio a gran escala y a largo plazo en Japón

OBJECTIVE: Suicide rates in Japan were high in 1998 and have remained high since then. Many researchers have discussed the current state of suicide in Japan and the world; however, there are various opinions about the relationship between suicide and climate. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In the present study, we report on long-term data of suicide and examine five climatic issues in Japan as a whole and in 10 selected prefectures: the five with the highest suicide rates in 2006 (Akita, Iwate, Shimane, Yamagata and Miyazaki Prefectures) and the five with the lowest (Nara, Tokushima, Okayama, Kanagawa and Kyoto Prefectures). RESULTS: Annual age-adjusted suicide rates were found to have a significant inverse correlation with annual mean air temperature in the five prefectures with the highest suicide rates and in the three prefectures with the lowest suicide rates among women. Annual age-adjusted suicide rates were significantly correlated with annual mean relative humidity in the three prefectures with the highest suicide rates among women and with the annual total sunshine duration in the three prefectures with the highest suicide rates among women. CONCLUSION: It is important that these associations between suicide and climatic factors be discussed further from various viewpoints, including those of many researchers and relevant organizations.

OBJETIVO: Las tasas de suicidio en Japón eran altas en 1998, y han permanecido altas desde entonces. Muchos investigadores han discutido el estado actual del suicidio en Japón y el mundo, Como parte de esa discusión, existen diversas opiniones acerca de la relación entre el suicidio y el clima. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: El presente estudio presente constituye un reporte de datos a largo plazo sobre el suicidio y examina cinco problemas climáticos del Japón en su conjunto así como en 10 prefecturas seleccionadas: las cinco con las más altas tasas de suicidio en 2006 (las prefecturas de Akita, Iwate, Shimane, Yamagata y Miyazaki) y las cinco con las tasas más bajas (Nara, Tokushima, Okayama, Kanagawa y Kyoto). RESULTADOS: Se halló que las tasas de suicidio ajustadas por edad anualmente presentaban una correlación inversa significativa con la temperatura promedio anual del aire en las cinco prefecturas con las tasas de suicidio más altas y en las tres prefecturas con las tasas de suicidio más bajas entre las mujeres. Las tasas de suicidio anual ajustadas por edad guardaban una correlación significativa con la humedad relativa promedio anual en las tres prefecturas con las tasas del suicidio más altas entre las mujeres y con la duración total anual de sol en las tres prefecturas con las tasas del suicidio más altas entre las mujeres. CONCLUSIÓN: Es importante continuar analizando estas asociaciones entre el suicidio y los factores climáticos desde varios puntos de vista, incluyendo aquéllos de muchos investigadores y organizaciones pertinentes.

Comparison of skeletal muscle mass to fat-free mass ratios among different ethnic groups.

BACKGROUND: Asians seem to have less skeletal muscle mass (SMM) than other ethnic groups, but it is not clear whether relative SMM, i.e., SMM / height square or SMM to fat-free mass (FFM) ratio, differs among different ethnic groups at the same level of body mass index (BMI). OBJECTIVE: To compare the SMM to fat-free mass (FFM) ratio as well as anthropometric variables and body composition among 3 ethnic groups. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred thirty-nine Japanese, 343 Brazilian, and 183 German men and women were recruited for this cross-sectional study. MEASUREMENTS: Muscle thickness (MTH) and subcutaneous fat thickness (FTH) were measured by ultrasound at nine sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the body. FTH was used to estimate the body density, from which fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) was calculated by using Brozek equation. Total SMM was estimated from ultrasound-derived prediction equations. RESULTS: Percentage body fat was similar among the ethnic groups in men, while Brazilians were higher than Japanese in women. In German men and women, absolute SMM and FFM were higher than in their Japanese and Brazilians counterparts. SMM index and SMM:FFM ratios were similar among the ethnic groups in women, excluding SMM:FFM ratio in Brazilian. In men, however, these relative values (SMM index and SMM:FFM ratio) were still higher in Germans. After adjusting for age and BMI, the SMM index and SMM:FFM ratios were lower in Brazilian men and women compared with the other two ethnic groups, while the SMM index and SMM:FFM ratios were similar in Japanese and German men and women, excluding SMM:FFM ratio in women. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that relative SMM is not lower in Asian populations compared with European populations after adjusted by age and BMI.

The relationship between suicide and five climate issues in a large-scale and long-term study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Suicide rates in Japan were high in 1998 and have remained high since then. Many researchers have discussed the current state of suicide in Japan and the world; however, there are various opinions about the relationship between suicide and climate. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In the present study, we report on long-term data of suicide and examine five climatic issues in Japan as a whole and in 10 selected prefectures: the five with the highest suicide rates in 2006 (Akita, Iwate, Shimane, Yamagata and Miyazaki Prefectures) and the five with the lowest (Nara, Tokushima, Okayama, Kanagawa and Kyoto Prefectures). RESULTS: Annual age-adjusted suicide rates were found to have a significant inverse correlation with annual mean air temperature in the five prefectures with the highest suicide rates and in the three prefectures with the lowest suicide rates among women. Annual age-adjusted suicide rates were significantly correlated with annual mean relative humidity in the three prefectures with the highest suicide rates among women and with the annual total sunshine duration in the three prefectures with the highest suicide rates among women. CONCLUSION: It is important that these associations between suicide and climatic factors be discussed further from various viewpoints, including those of many researchers and relevant organizations.