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Why do people's preferences towards trade liberalization fluctuate? And why do we observe the eventual return of public support towards free trade? The traditional literature in international political economy has typically calculated individuals' preferences based on their comparative advantage as income-earners, which arises from their specific or general skill level or employment status. What needs to be taken into account, however, is that their economic preferences are constructed based upon their intertwined identities as both income-earners and consumers. We designed and conducted an experiment in Japan (2015) that would impartially elicit answers regarding respondents' daily consumption patterns or (and) employment concerns rather than deliberately or artificially informing them of the potential benefits or harms of trade liberalization. The results display that consumer priming offsets negative impacts arising from employment priming. The consumer effect reduces individuals' concerns on income level or employment when they are exposed to consumer and employment primings simultaneously. Furthermore, our subgroup analyses reveal that the consumer effect remains even among those experiencing economic fragility such as low income or job insecurity. This suggests that potential losers have incentives to support free trade by appreciating consumer benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports mega-events, like the Rugby World Cup, are often considered as a major platform for the celebration and reinforcement of nationalism. However, there is an emerging strand of research which contends that the host nations are increasingly presenting themselves with diverse, inclusive and cosmopolitan characteristics and, in turn, forms of nationalism have undergone some noticeable changes in more recent times. In this paper, we pursue an argument that Japan as the host of the 2019 Rugby World Cup projected the nation with a cosmopolitan outlook ultimately to sustain or even strengthen national interest and identity through the process of 'cosmopolitan nationalism'. Methodologically, the research deployed critical discourse analysis to examine media representations of Japan as the host nation in general, and its national team in particular, within one of the leading Japanese newspapers as well as a range of other publicly available resources and materials in relation to the Rugby World Cup. In result, the study reveals the ways in which the discourse of 'One Team', embracement of foreignness and incidents of international exchanges during the event were mobilised to generate 'thin' cosmopolitan moments and, at the same time, were incorporated into the narratives of Japan's success on the world stage through conditional acceptance of foreignness and diversity. Consequently, this paper offers both a theoretical underpinning for and empirical evidence of the emerging linkage between sports mega-events and cosmopolitan nationalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discusses the challenge of distinguishing between two high-quality mandarin cultivars, 'Asumi' and 'Asuki', which have been introduced and cultivated in Korea after being developed through crossbreeding in Japan. Owing to genetic similarities resulting from crossbreeding between the same parent cultivars, it is challenging to differentiate them morphologically at the seedling stage. This difficulty poses challenges for cultivation and harvesting on farms. To address this issue, we developed a method using sequence characteristic amplification region (SCAR) markers for rapid and accurate differentiation between the two cultivars. We selected specific primer sets from random amplified polymorphic DNA–SCAR combinations and sequence-related amplified polymorphism contrast markers. The multiplex PCR system using these molecular markers was able to identify 16 mandarin cultivars, including 'Asumi' and 'Asuki', among 30 cultivars. The use of these SCAR markers is expected to enhance citrus cultivation by accurately identifying mixed cultivars and facilitating proper harvest timing for citrus distribution. Additionally, the markers can help identify the genetic traits of hybrid varieties at the seedling stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites operate in medium Earth orbits (MEOs), geostationary orbits (GEOs), or inclined geosynchronous orbits (IGSOs). The QZSS consists of GEO and IGSO satellites. When we considering the QZSS skyplot in Japan and its surrounding areas, there are no satellites in the northern sky. This results in a geometric placement imbalance, and thereby, causes position errors. The fundamental method to solve this problem is to position a satellite in the vacant northern area. Therefore, in this research, the addition of navigation satellites with a highinclination, high-eccentricity orbit (a new type of orbit) is proposed. The vacant northern area can be filled effectively by adding a satellite using this orbit. Three satellites with this orbit were added to the QZSS in a simulation. Thereby, satellites were positioned effectively in the vacant northern area of the skyplot for Tokyo and Seoul. In addition, the improvement in performance was verified quantitatively through Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP) and Vertical Dilution of Precision (VDOP). Accordingly, the addition of a satellite with a high-inclination, high-eccentricity orbit to the QZSS would enable more accurate positioning in Japan and its surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening mammography programs have been implemented in numerous Western countries with the aim of reducing breast cancer mortality. However, despite over 20 years of population-based screening mammography, the mortality rates in Japan and Korea continue to rise. This may be due to the fact that screening mammography is not as effective for Japanese and Korean women, who often have dense breasts. This density decreases the sensitivity of mammography due to a masking effect. Therefore, the early detection of small invasive cancers requires more than just mammography, particularly for women in their 40s. This review discusses the limitations and challenges of screening mammography, as well as the keys to successful population-based breast cancer screening in Japan and Korea. This includes a focus on breast ultrasonography techniques, which are based on histopathologic anatomical knowledge, and personalized screening strategies that are based on risk assessments measured by glandular tissue components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current standard operation for proximal gastric and gastroesophageal junction (P/GEJ) cancers with limited esophageal extension is total gastrectomy (TG). TG is associated with impaired appetite and weight loss due to the loss of gastric functions such as production of ghrelin and with anemia due to intrinsic factor loss and vitamin B12 malabsorption. Theoretically, proximal gastrectomy (PG) can mitigate these problems by preserving gastric function. However, PG with direct esophagogastric reconstruction is associated with severe postoperative reflux, delayed gastric emptying, and poor quality of life (QoL). Minimally invasive PG (MIPG) with antireflux techniques has been increasingly performed by experts but is technically demanding owing to its complexity. Moreover, the actual advantages of MIPG over minimally invasive TG (MITG) with regards to postoperative QoL are unknown. Our overall objective of this study is to determine the short-term QoL benefits of MIPG. Our central hypotheses are that MIPG is safe and that patients have improved appetite after MIPG with effective antireflux techniques, which leads to an overall QoL improvement when compared with MITG. Methods: Enrollment of a total of 60 patients in this prospective survey-collection study is expected. Procedures (MITG versus MIPG, antireflux techniques for MIPG [double-tract reconstruction versus the double-flap technique]) will be chosen based on surgeon and/or patient preference. Randomization is not considered feasible because patients often have strong preferences regarding MITG and MIPG. The primary outcome is appetite level (reported on a 0-10 scale) at 3 months after surgery. With an expected 30 patients per cohort (MITG versus MIPG), this study will have 80% power to detect a one-point difference in appetite level. Patient-reported outcomes will be longitudinally collected (including questions about appetite and reflux), and specific QoL items, body weight, body mass index and ghrelin, albumin, and hemoglobin levels will be compared. Discussion: Surgeons from the US, Japan, and South Korea formed this collaboration with the agreement that the surgical approach to P/GEJ cancers is an internationally important but controversial topic that requires immediate action. At the completion of the proposed research, our expected outcome is the establishment of the benefit and safety of MIPG. Trial registration: This trial was registered with Clinical Trials Reporting Program Registration under the registration number NCI-2022–00267 on January 11, 2022, as well as with ClinicalTrials.gov under the registration number NCT05205343 on January 11, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nicorandil is occasionally administered to prevent myocardial ischemia during the perioperative period in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD); however, its effectiveness has not been clarified. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of intraoperative nicorandil administration in noncardiac surgery. Methods: We identified patients with a history of IHD who had undergone high-risk noncardiac surgery between April 2015 and March 2020 from a nationwide in-patient database in Japan. The patients were divided into those who received nicorandil (nicorandil group) and those who did not (control group). The primary outcome was the 30-day in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite outcome of the 30-day in-hospital mortality, acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed. The outcomes were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of 8037 patients, 2886 received nicorandil during surgery. After propensity score matching, 2554 pairs were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the 30-day in-hospital mortality (26 [1.02%] vs. 36 [1.41%]; hazard ratio [HR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–2.26; P = 0.229) or incidence of MACE (42 [1.64%] vs. 55 [2.15%]; HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.86–1.93; P = 0.216) between the control and nicorandil groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that intraoperative nicorandil administration is not associated with the 30-day in-hospital mortality in high-risk noncardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study attempts to provide fundamental information to help with the development of health policy and health services by looking at the trends of the gender-specific mortality rates in Korea and Japan. Design: The death statistics of Korea and Japan over the 21-year period from 1983 to 2003 are analyzed. Setting: We used the death statistics and estimated population figures published by the Korean National Statistical Office, and the vital statistics published by Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan. Method: Mortality data are standardized x100,000 to 2001/2003. Specific mortality rates from 12 selected causes are considered: tuberculosis, malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive diseases, heart diseases, cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, diseases of the liver, renal failure, transport accidents, falls and suicide. Results: In Korea, the mortality rates from malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, falls and suicide have increased. The proportion of the mortality rates from chronic diseases is higher than from acute diseases. In Japan, the mortality rate from pneumonia increased more than that from diabetes mellitus. The gap in mortality rates between males and females in Korea is greater, especially in terms of malignant neoplasms, diseases of the liver, transport accidents and suicide. Conclusion: The mortality rates from these diseases are higher in males than in females. For the recent health promotion policies in Korea such as "Health Plan 2010", a more intensive and objective management drawing on the findings of this study concerning gender-specific mortality rates should be implemented.

Books containing hate speech against Koreans and the Chinese have become a common sight in Japan's bookshops. The publication of 'hate books' has increased in tandem with the struggles of the publishing industry and the deterioration of Japan's relations with South Korea and China. This article seeks to explain the causes of Japan's hate book phenomenon, with a particular focus on books targeting Koreans. While South Korean researchers have mainly identified rising nationalism in Japan as the key factor, Japanese analysts label peculiarities in the Japanese publishing industry as the main cause of hate books. We argue that both these explanations are necessary but ultimately insufficient because they ignore each other's key findings. We propose a synthesized explanation that takes account of both the role of nationalism in creating demand and the unique structure of the Japanese publishing industry, which tends to incentivize the supply of hate books. The article also shows that nationalism only translates into hate book demand in times of diplomatic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tide gauge measurements from global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) observables are considered to be a promising alternative to the traditional tide gauges in the present days. In the present paper, we deliver a comparative analysis of tide-gauge (TG) measurements retrieved by quasi-zenith satellite system-reflectometry (QZSS-R) and the legacy TG recordings with additional observables from other constellations viz. GPS-R and GLONASS-R. The signal-to-noise ratio data of QZSS (L1, L2, and L5 signals) retrieved at the P109 site of GNSS Earth Observation Network in Japan (37.815° N; 138.281° E; 44.70 m elevation in ellipsoidal height) during 01 October 2019 to 31 December 2019. The results from QZSS observations at L1, L2, and L5 signals show respective correlation coefficients of 0.8712, 0.6998, and 0.8763 with observed TG measurements whereas the corresponding root means square errors were 4.84 cm, 4.26 cm, and 4.24 cm. The QZSS-R signals revealed almost equivalent precise results to that of GPS-R (L1, L2, and L5 signals) and GLONASS-R (L1 and L2 signals). To reconstruct the tidal variability for QZSS-R measurements, a machine learning technique, i.e., kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) is implemented that is based on variational mode decomposition of the parameters. These KELM reconstructed outcomes from QZSS-R L1, L2, and L5 observables provide the respective correlation coefficients of 0.9252, 0.7895, and 0.9146 with TG measurements. The mean errors between the KELM reconstructed outcomes and observed TG measurements for QZSS-R, GPS-R, and GLONASS-R very often lies close to the zero line, confirming that the KELM-based estimates from GNSS-R observations can provide alternative unbiased estimations to the traditional TG measurement. The proposed method seems to be effective, foreseeing a dense tide gauge estimations with the available QZSS-R along with other GNSS-R observables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, Korea and Japan are in conflict arising from export restrictions launched by Japan on Korea, which have provoked a boycott of Japanese products in Korea, and even tourism to Japan. Animosity performs a momentous role in the context of crisis management communication. Hence, this article aims to investigate factors impacting boycott intention to visit Japan, with economic animosity being a principal mediating variable, whose antecedents and consequences have been probed into. A total of 333 respondents' survey data were collected and analyzed via SEM for the verification of research hypotheses. The findings manifest that ethnic identity engenders significant direct positive bearings upon economic animosity and boycott news, and boycott news significantly positively affects economic animosity; boycott news serves as the mediating role between ethnic identity and economic animosity. Additionally, the outcomes denote that economic animosity exerts a significant positive impact on boycott visit intention, economic animosity negatively affects Japanese government trust, and Japanese government trust negatively bears upon boycott visit intention; Japanese government trust mediates between economic animosity and boycott intention to visit Japan. Consequently, the research makes contributions to furnishing empirical evidence for influencing factors of boycott visit intention and enriching the literature on the antecedents and consequences of animosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meisho (...) refers to places in Japan far-famed for their literary references, originating from kagaku terminology (...) and now indicating a diverse range of places of interest. Meisho can be a subject of interdisciplinary studies involving celebrity study, mobility humanities, ethical literary criticism, and cultural memory study. Meisho in celebrity study can be regarded as an artificial fame that humans tag a place through media. Mobility decides the efficiency of how a place evolves from a relatively immobile constant into a mobile variable, namely meisho. Ethical literary criticism motivates humans to ethically select a place as meisho through literature. Literature derives from brain text, "memory stored in the human brain." In this sense, literature can be viewed as shared brain memory that is outsourced from brain text to written and electronic text. When a place is referred to constantly in literature, cultural memories for this place come into being and hence make this place meisho. This article aims to figure out the mechanism behind meisho by studying the ukiyoe series Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi as visual literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Septic shock is a common and life-threatening condition that requires intensive care. Intensive care units (ICUs) in Japan are classified into ICUs and high-dependency care units (HDUs), depending on presence of full-time certified intensivists and the number of assigned nurses. Compared with other developed countries, there are fewer intensive care beds and certified intensivists in Japan; therefore, non-intensivists often treat patients with septic shock in HDUs. It is unknown where we should treat patients with septic shock because no studies have compared the clinical outcomes between ICU and HDU treatment. This study aimed to elucidate which units should admit patients with septic shock by comparing mortality data and resource use between ICU and HDU admissions. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used a nationwide Japanese administrative database to identify adult patients with septic shock who were admitted to ICUs or HDUs between January 2010 and February 2021. The patients were divided into two groups, based on admittance to ICU or HDU on the day of hospitalization. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality adjusted for covariates using Cox regression analyses; the secondary outcomes were the length of ICU or HDU stay and length of hospital stay. Results: Of the 10,818 eligible hospitalizations for septic shock, 6584 were in the ICU group, and 4234 were in the HDU group. Cox regression analyses revealed that patients admitted to the ICUs had lower 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.83–0.96; P = 0.005). Linear regression analyses showed no significant difference in hospital length of stay or ICU or HDU length of stay. Conclusions: An association was observed between ICU admission and lower 30-day mortality in patients with septic shock. These findings could provide essential insights for building a more appropriate treatment system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does the Japanese public consider shared ancestry the most essential condition for inclusion of an individual as a member of their country's citizenry? This paper empirically assesses how the public in the ethnic nation views citizenship acquisition criteria. The originally conducted survey based on a conjoint format in Japan (2015) displays interesting results. Overall, Japanese people most heavily rely on the nationalities of parents in judging who qualifies as 'Japanese', confirming the contentions of previous works that highlight Japanese people's belief in a mono-ethnic Japan. More detailed statistical analyses further reveal that Japanese people consider ethnic heritage through the father as the most essential criterion while the mother's nationality and country of upbringing are also relevant. These results seem to reflect Japan's long-lasting beliefs in cultural homogeneity as well as patriarchal values, which are reinforced by a patrilineal tradition of citizenship. This research advances the discussion on how to classify citizenship features by disaggregating ethnic lineage into paternal and maternal lines. Furthermore, it suggests a reevaluation of Japan's institutional and social attachment to patrilineal ethnic heritage in order to ease multiple layers of discrimination posed against (particularly female) migrants and to realize a sound multiethnic society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster occurred during the Great East Japan Earthquake. Inside the reactor, materials with high radioactivity were scattered entirely, leading to a severe condition that restricted the number of measurement spots where the detector could be used. We propose a new system based on a plane model that uses fewer measurement spots and causes fewer estimation errors. We estimated the radiation source distribution using the maximum-likelihood estimation method optimized by gradient descent. Consequently, it was found that the proposed system, showed fewer errors than the previous system with a limited number of measurement spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the family Flabelligeridae are distributed worldwide, inhabiting the underside of rocks or within mixed sand sediments. Some genera of the family have gelatinous tunics with hooked chaetae. The genus Flabelligera Sars, 1829 is one of the members of the gelatinous free-living groups of Flabelligeridae. A fan-shaped cephalic cage, thick gelatinous tunic, and hooked neurohooks distinguish members of this genus. In Japan, Flabelligera affinis Sars, 1829 [Japanese name: Kanten-habouki] has been known as the sole Japanese species of Flabelligera inhabiting several locations. We reviewed Japanese species of Flabelligera from several sites from Hokkaido to Honshu and concluded that the Japanese “F. affinis” contained at least five different species under the specific name. In this study, we described them as five new species. All new species were collected from the underside of rocks in shallow to deep-sea depths. We have also provided mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences for DNA barcodes of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Discorhabdella are described from Sagami Bay, Japan. Discorhabdella has been suggested to have an ancient Tethyan origin according to discovery of their unique pseudoastrose acanthostyles from late Eocene to Oligocene deposits. This is the first record of the genus from the northwest Pacific and first record of the family Crambeidae from Japan. Discorhabdella hispida sp. nov. is distinctive within the genus by possession of special sigmoid microscleres and C-shaped isochelae with short alae. Discorhabdella misakiensis sp. nov. is characterized by short choanosomal subtylostyles, and their length overlapped with that of the ectosomal subtylostyles. Only one other species, Discorhabdella tuberosocapitata (Topsent, 1890), has the same spicule composition. However, all spicule types are larger in D. tuberosocapitata than those of D. misakiensis sp. nov., and the shape of the isochelae is different: the alae are more widely opened in D. tuberosocapitata. An identification key to species of the genus Discorhabdella is also provided. The discovery of two new species from warm temperate northwest Pacific extends the geographical distribution of the genus Discorhabdella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports two novel genome-wide significant loci for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) identified from APOE ε4 non-carrier subjects of East Asian origin. A genome-wide association study of Alzheimer's disease was performed in 2,291 Korean seniors in the discovery phase, from the Gwangju Alzheimer' and Related Dementias (GARD) cohort study. The study was replicated in a Japanese cohort of 1,956 subjects that suggested two novel susceptible SNPs in two genes: LRIG1 and CACNA1A. This study demonstrates that the discovery of AD-associated variants is feasible in non-European ethnic groups using samples comprising fewer subjects from the more homogeneous genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allopurinol‐related severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are strongly associated with HLA‐B*58:01, the allele frequency (AF) of which is largely different among East Asians. However, evidence of population differences in SCAR development and relevance of genetic and/or other risk factors in the real‐world remain unelucidated. This study aimed to evaluate population differences in allopurinol‐related SCAR incidence related to genetic and/or other risk factors among East Asians in the real‐world. A population‐based cohort study was conducted using claims databases from Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. New users of allopurinol (311,846; 868,221; and 18,052 in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, respectively) were followed up to 1 year. As control drugs, phenytoin and carbamazepine were used. The crude incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of SCARs for allopurinol against phenytoin or carbamazepine were the highest in Taiwan (IRR, 0.62 and 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54–0.72 and 1.01–1.47, respectively), followed by Korea (IRR, 0.34 and 0.82; 95% CI, 0.29–0.40 and 0.77–0.87), and the lowest in Japan (IRR, 0.04 and 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08 and 0.09–0.29). This order was accordant with that of AF ratios (AFRs) reported of HLA‐B*58:01 against alleles responsible for phenytoin‐ or carbamazepine‐related SCARs. The IRRs were higher in patients with chronic kidney disease, females, and elderly. This study demonstrated population differences in the risk of allopurinol‐related SCAR development among East Asians based on genetic and other common risk factors. This finding will help to promote appropriate risk management for allopurinol‐related SCARs based on ethnic origins. Study HighlightsWHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THIS TOPIC?Allopurinol‐related severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are strongly associated with HLA‐B*58:01, the allele frequency of which is largely different among East Asians. However, there is no direct real‐world evidence of population differences in SCAR development and the influence of genetic factors and/or other risk factors. WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS?Do population differences in development of allopurinol‐related SCARs, depending on genetic factors and/or other risk factors, exist among three East Asians in the real‐world? WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE?The current analysis, based on comparisons of relative risks of SCAR incidence, provides real‐world evidence of population differences in allopurinol‐related SCAR development risk among East Asians, which was consistent with differences in reported HLA‐B*58:01 frequencies, as well as identifying chronic kidney disease, female gender, and old age as common risk factors. HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE?This study helps to promote appropriate risk management strategies for allopurinol‐related SCARs in the real‐world considering risk factors based on the patients' ethnicity. Our approach is useful for evaluating population differences in the real‐world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares the public perceptions of various types of migrants in Japan and examines whether Japanese view them equally. Using an original survey, which presented six types of migrants that Japanese people most commonly face in their daily lives, I show several interesting results. First, respondents express the most negative views toward labor migrants. Second, respondents who have migrant friends tend to have more positive feelings for all types of migrants. In contrast, simple coexistence with migrants fails to enhance public sentiment toward labor migrants, particularly those whose stay is temporary. Overall, my statistical results suggest that Japanese people are not pessimistic about every kind of migrant, and their openness increases as migrants acculturate into Japanese society and interact with Japanese people. These findings provide evidence to influence policy discussions on whether Japan should recruit labor migrants in its current form in order to fight its aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis in China, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and Japan. The presence of the SFTS virus (SFTSV) in companion, livestock, and wild animals has been reported. Recently, human SFTS-like clinical symptoms in cats and cheetahs have been reported in Japan. Therefore, the prevalence of the SFTSV gene or antibody in cats is important for public health as well as veterinary medicine. Materials and Methods: Sera were collected from 201 feral and house cats in the ROK in 2017. Samples were analyzed for the presence of the SFTSV gene after RT-nested PCR amplification and for anti-SFTSV antibodies after enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Eight (4.0%) and nine (4.5%) of 201 cat sera were found to be positive for the SFTSV gene and anti- SFTSV nucleocapsid protein antibodies, respectively. Specifically, 5.9% feral and 2.0% house cats were positive for the SFTSV gene, and 6.9% feral and 2.0% house cats were positive for anti-SFTSV antibodies. All sequences of the SFTSV S segment obtained were included in Japanese/Korean SFTSV clades, as opposed to the Chinese clade. Conclusions: This study constitutes the first serological study of SFTSV in house and feral cats in the ROK. Evidence of SFTSV in companion animals indicates that SFTSV can circulate in homes and that more intensive precautions and education measures are needed for companion animal guardians and veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmony Search (HS) is a music-inspired optimization algorithm for solving complex optimization problems that imitate the musical improvisational process. This paper reviews the potential of applying the HS algorithm in three countries, China, South Korea, and Japan. The applications represent several disciplines in fields of study such as computer science, mathematics, electrical/electronic, mechanical, chemical, civil, and industrial engineering. We anticipate an increasing number of HS applications from these countries in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultural background of users utilizing image search engines has a significant impact on the satisfaction of the search results. Therefore, it is important to analyze and understand the cultural context of images for more accurate image search. In this paper, we investigate how the cultural context of images can affect the performance of image classification. To this end, we first collected various types of images (e.g,. food, temple, etc.) with various cultural contexts (e.g., Korea, Japan, etc.) from web search engines. Afterwards, a deep transfer learning approach using VGG19 and MobileNetV2 pre-trained with ImageNet was adopted to learn the cultural features of the collected images. Through various experiments we show the performance of image classification can be differently affected according to the cultural context of images [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world. In particular, cementitious composites that contain reinforced fibers have a relatively large amount of cement. Therefore, in this study, the target is to maintain at least 90% of the performance along with a reduction of CO2 emissions from the material stage during fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) production by applying fly ash (FA) and recycled sand (RS). To calculate the amount of CO2 emission at the stage of manufacturing the FRCCs, life cycle inventory database (LCI DB) were referenced from domestic and Japan. As the performance efficiency indicators, simple equations to evaluate the amount of CO2 emission of FRCCs were then formulated as a function of the replacement ratio of FA and RS. And binder and CO2 intensities were analyzed by FRCCs strength. Based on the results for the test, a mix of FA 25% and RS 25% of W/B 0.45, is considered most suitable in terms of performance of FRCCs and reduction of CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeming failure of loose monetary policy to reactivate Japan's economy has led some observers to suggest that the usual credit channels through which monetary policy affects the real economy are blocked, and this is because of a pervasive shortage of bank capital that has induced a leftward shift in the supply of bank credit. This is the so-called capital crunch hypothesis. This paper finds support for the hypothesis in the bank data for 1997--a year during which the landscape of the Japanese financial system underwent some fundamental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of geared motor modules, installed in automatic doors to optimize the stability, efficiency, and manufacturing costs related to automatic door opening and closing, has been attracting scientific attention. Generally, signal processing and the sensor circuit board inserted in the geared motor have been widely used in optical systems. However, the optical system is disadvantageous in that it is susceptible to external shock, humidity, and dust. In this article, a magnetic impulse ring‐based motion detection circuit board simpler in structure than the existing optical systems, having excellent durability against external environments, and can be miniaturized is proposed. Experimental results show that the proposed module based on Hall sensor has RPM (revolution per minute) detection characteristics more than 6 dB better than conventional optical module. Also, the proposed module has about 14 dB excellent power consumption than existing optical modules, thus its applicability is confirmed. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper examined the teleconnections between two huge Asian summer monsoon components (South and East Asia) during three time slices in future: near-(2010–2039), mid-(2040–2069) and far-(2070–2100) futures under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. For this purpose, a high-resolution atmospheric general circulation model is used and integrated at 40 km horizontal resolution. To get more insight into the relationships between the two Asian monsoon components, we have studied the spatial displaying correlation coefficients (CCs) pattern of precipitation over the entire Asian monsoon region with that of South Asia and three regions of East Asia (North China, Korea–Japan and Southern China) separately during the same three time slices. The possible factors responsible for these teleconnections are explored by using mean sea level pressure (MSLP) and wind fields at 850 hPa. The CC pattern of precipitation over South Asia shows an in-phase relationship with North China and an out-of-phase relationship with Korea–Japan, while precipitation variations over Korea–Japan and Southern China exhibit an out-of-phase relationship with South Asia. The CCs analysis between the two Asian blocks during different time slices shows the strongest CCs during the near and far future with the RCP8.5 scenario. The CC pattern of precipitation over Korea–Japan and Southern China with the wind (at 850 hPa) and MSLP fields indicate that the major parts of the moisture over Korea–Japan gets transported from the west Pacific along the western limb of NPSH, while the moisture over Southern China comes from the Bay of Bengal and South China Seas for good monsoon activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of early recurrent hemorrhage in submacular hemorrhage secondary to type 3 neovascularization or retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) and its influence on visual prognosis.Methods: This retrospective study included 32 eyes with submacular hemorrhage secondary to type 3 neovascularization or RAP that underwent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. The eyes exhibiting an increase in the extent of hemorrhage within 6 months after hemorrhage development were included in the early recurrent hemorrhage group, and the remaining eyes were included in the non-early recurrent hemorrhage group. The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) measured at the time of hemorrhage development and at 12 months were compared between the two groups.Results: During the follow-up period, 8 eyes underwent vitrectomy to clear vitreous hemorrhage, and the remaining 24 eyes underwent anti-VEGF monotherapy. In the early recurrent hemorrhage group (n = 12), the mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution BCVA at the time of hemorrhage development and after 12 months was 1.17 ± 0.40 (Snellen equivalents: 20/295) and 2.35 ± 0.59 (20/4477), respectively. In the non-early recurrent hemorrhage group (n = 20), the corresponding values were 1.07 ± 0.43 (20/234) and 1.44 ± 0.71 (20/550), respectively. The BCVA at 12 months was significantly worse in the early recurrent hemorrhage group (P = 0.003) despite comparable BCVA at diagnosis between the two groups (P = 1.000).Conclusions: Early recurrent hemorrhage was noted in 37.5% of eyes with submacular hemorrhage secondary to type 3 neovascularization or RAP and was closely associated with a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Nakashita, S.; Woo, H.; Kim, K.; Kim, K.; Lee, I.-C.; Kim, D.-S., and Hibino, T., 2018. Influence of Kuroshio path on Salinity distribution in Seto Inland Sea. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 21–25. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study analyzes residual current and salinity distribution in Seto Inland Sea induced by Kuroshio Path variation. The salinity ranged 30 - 34 PSU and it decreased by approximately 1 - 2 PSU at near center of Bisanseto during non-meandering period. Sea level height variations at both boundary of Seto Inland Sea which induces residual current mainly depends on distance between boundaries and Kuroshio Path because of higher sea level hight at Kuroshio path than than that at northern part of Kuroshio path approximately 1 m. Westward residual flow during the non-meandering period (year 1997) was estimated to be faster than that during the meandering period with maximum relative velocity of 4.5 cm/sec. Decrease of salinity at near center of Bisanseto is due to the westward movement of the river water plume from the eastern Bisanseto. From the results obtained above, it is concluded that location of low salinity water at Bisanseto is mainly depends on the residual current due to variation of Kuroshio Path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2011 Tohoku Tsunami caused severe human and property damage along the east coast of Japan. In particular, the tsunami introduced through the river mouth damaged inland areas as it traveled up the river. In this study, a laboratory experiment was performed by applying funnel-shaped river mouth characteristics to investigate the hydraulic characteristics of a tsunami traveling up a river. In the river channel, the tsunami and wave heights were increased by the non-linear interaction between the tsunami and river current, which intensified as the river flow velocity increased. The river current in the opposite direction delayed tsunami propagation, thereby reducing the average celerity. The dispersion relation of the tsunami increased the time difference between the large first peak and small second peak. Additionally, the river current increased the effective volume of the tsunami wave peak. These hydraulic phenomena occurred because the flow characteristics of the tsunami are stronger than those of oscillating waves in the non-linear interaction between the tsunami and river current. • Investigated tsunami deformation caused by tsunami–current interaction through a laboratory experiment. • In the river channel, the river current increased the tsunami height and wave height. • River current delayed tsunami propagation, thereby reducing the average celerity. • Tsunami period increased as the time difference between wave peaks was increased by dispersion relation. • River current increased the effective volume of the tsunami wave peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMI) across women from the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample was 564 women aged 21–64 years old who were recruited in the United States and Korea (American = 127, Japanese immigrants in the United States = 204, and Korean = 233). We carried out item analysis, construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency using SPSS Version 22 and AMOS Version 22. Results: An acceptable model fit for a 20-item BMI (Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale–Revised [BMI-R]) with 3 factors was confirmed using CFA. Construct validity of the BMI-R showed to be all acceptable; convergent validity (average variance extracted [AVE] ≥0.5, construct reliability [CR] ≥0.7) and discriminant validity (r =.65–.89, AVE >.79). The Cronbach's alpha of the BMI-R was.92. Conclusion: These results showed that the BMI was a reliable tool to study beliefs about mental illness across cultures. Our findings also suggested that continued efforts to reduce stigma in culturally specific contexts within and between countries are necessary to promote help-seeking for those suffering from psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots of Euphorbia kansui, which belong to the family Euphorbiaceae, have been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, ascites, and leukemia. Recently, it was reported that the methylene chloride fraction of E. kansui radix (EKC) regulated the differentiation of Th17 cells and alleviated the symptoms of Th17-related inflammatory bowel disease. Imiquimod (IMQ), a TLR7/8 agonist, has been used to induce psoriasis in a mouse model. In this study, we evaluated the effect of EKC in an IMQ-induced psoriasis model. EKC effectively inhibited the production of interleukin-17A and interferon-γ in vitro. On this basis, EKC was administered to an animal model of psoriasis. Acanthosis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the dermis were significantly reduced by EKC. EKC also inhibited the expression of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-12, and RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) in the spleen, skin-draining lymph nodes, and the skin. Additionally, EKC inhibited the activity of dendritic cells but not that of keratinocytes. In conclusion, EKC ameliorated the symptoms of psoriasis through inhibition of Th17 differentiation and activation of dendritic cells. These effects are expected to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries have become increasingly concerned about the safety of their food. Many countries have imposed standards on both domestically produced and imported food. In particular, countries have implemented regulations to control the quantity and quality of vegetable imports. Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) standards are one of the main restrictions adopted by numerous countries. Japan has one of the strictest MRL standards in the world. This study builds on previous studies to explore the impact of MRL standards on Japanese vegetable imports. Gravity models are used to analyze how MRL standards influence the Japanese imports of different types of vegetables (fruit vegetables, leafy vegetables, bulb vegetable, and root vegetables). The results reveal that the trade impacts of MRL standards are different for different types of vegetables, with the most significant impact on imports of leafy and fruit vegetables and the least significant impact on imports of bulb vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A traditional village is cultural property where old buildings and traditions are concentrated and also where indigenous traditional cultures can be recognized and experienced directly or indirectly. In addition, traditional villages have been recognized as precious resources to revitalize regional economies through tourism. Currently, signage systems have been developed as for ordinary tourist sites or cities, and concepts or methods for sign system for traditional villages have not yet been established. Therefore, it is necessary to develop disaster prevention-based signage to prevent large-scale disasters, to guarantee the safety of residents, and to increase the satisfaction of visitors in traditional villages as precious resources. A case study is conducted to apply the proposed sign system for traditional villages in Korea and Japan as a tourist-oriented sign system that has been accomplished in Korea and a large disaster-oriented sign system developed with residents as a priority in Japan. The disaster prevention sign system considers the residents since residents are victims when a disaster happens, and guideline to increase the efficacy and satisfaction are suggested. However, this study has definite limits in sucring objectivity because the objects of study are insufficient, and the development of the sign system based on effective disaster prevention considering the features of traditional villages will continue in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of legalized commercial gaming in Macau has motivated stakeholders to explore opportunities in other Asian countries. However, there is a lack of research focusing on casino customers in these markets. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore gambling superstitious beliefs and motivations of those visiting a casino in South Korea, and how these factors are different across four ethnic groups. The researchers surveyed 323 casino customers in the lounge area on the casino floor, including Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans living abroad. This study found American gamblers could be characterized as more superstitious than Japanese gamblers, while the Chinese and American gamblers exhibited many similarities regarding the pattern of superstitious beliefs that they were most likely to endorse. The findings also suggest the culture and the area around the casino might be more important to Chinese, while novelty to Japanese and winning money to Korean gamblers are seen as most important. This study contributes to gambling literature by examining gamblers’ beliefs and motives in a different setting with more diverse populations than those in previous studies. The findings of this study will help casino operators properly develop and adjust strategies to thrive in the Asian marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The East/Japan Sea (hereafter, the East Sea) is highly dynamic in its physical phenomena and biological characteristics, but it has changed substantially over the last several decades. In this study, a recent decadal trend of primary productivity in the East Sea was analyzed based on Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived monthly values to detect any long-term change. The daily primary productivities averaged using monthly values from 2003 to 2012 were 719.7 mg⋅C⋅m-2⋅d-1 (S.D. ± 197.5 mg⋅C⋅m-2⋅d-1, n = 120) and 632.3 mg⋅C⋅m-2⋅d-1 (S.D. ± 235.1 mg⋅C⋅m-2⋅d-1, n = 120) for the southern and northern regions of the East Sea, respectively. Based on the daily productivities, the average annual primary production in the East Sea was 246.8 g⋅C⋅m-2⋅y-1, which was substantially higher than that previously reported in deep oceans. However, a decreasing trend (13% per 10 years) in the annual primary production was observed in the East Sea within the study period from 2003 to 2012. The shallower mixed layers caused by increased temperature could be a potential cause for the decline in annual production. However, this decline could also be part of an oscillation pattern that is strongly governed by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). A better understanding of primary productivity patterns and their subsequent effects on the marine ecosystem is required for further interdisciplinary studies in the East Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A limited number of studies suggest that ambient temperature contributes to suicide; these studies typically focus on a single nation and use temporally and spatially aggregated data. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between ambient temperature and suicide in multiple cities in three East Asian countries. METHODS: A time-stratified case-crossover method was used to explore the relationship between temperature and suicide, adjusting for potential time-varying confounders and time-invariant individual characteristics. Sex- and age-specific associations of temperature with suicide were estimated, as were interactions between temperature and these variables. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate country-specific pooled associations of temperature with suicide. RESULTS: An increase in temperature corresponding to half of the city-specific standard deviation was positively associated with suicide in most cities, although average suicide rates varied substantially. Pooled country-level effect estimates were 7.8% (95% CI: 5.0, 10.8%) for a 2.3°C increase in ambient temperature in Taiwan, 6.8% (95% CI: 5.4, 8.2%) for a 4.7°C increase in Korea, and 4.5% (95% CI: 3.3, 5.7%) for a 4.2°C increase in Japan. The association between temperature and suicide was significant even after adjusting for sunshine duration; the association between sunshine and suicide was not significant. The associations were greater among men than women in 12 of the 15 cities although not significantly so. There was little evidence of a consistent pattern of associations with age. In general, associations were strongest with temperature on the same day or the previous day, with little evidence of associations with temperature over longer lags (up to 5 days). CONCLUSIONS: We estimated consistent positive associations between suicide and elevated ambient temperature in three East Asian countries, regardless of country, sex, and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do countries with a history of conflict and colonialism overcome animosity? Despite thick economic interdependence and societal contact, problems of memory remains in Northeast Asia, as negative images spawning from past interactions continue to inhibit improvement in perceptions of other states. Riots exhibit anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea, Japan is taking an increasingly conservative hardline, and with a rising China, the chronic antagonism in the region could take a turn for the worse. We borrow from the social-psychological theory of group-affirmation and apply it to an international context to hypothesize that reflecting upon pride of national membership can improve perceptions toward others. Utilizing survey data collected during 2007 to 2012 from 7200 South Koreans, we find that group members who reported to be prouder to be Korean held more positive perceptions of other countries as a potential ally to cooperate with. The implications of the study propose a more realistic route to cooperation than an erosion of national identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) tends to require considerable air insufflation, which results in abdominal pain or distension. We investigated the efficacy of carbon dioxide ( CO2) compared with air insufflation when using two different sedation protocols in therapeutic ERCP. Methods Patients who required therapeutic ERCP were randomly assigned to four groups based on preliminary data: air insufflation with balanced propofol sedation ( BPS), air with propofol + opioid sedation ( PS), CO2 with BPS, and CO2 with PS. Post- ERCP abdominal pain, distension and nausea by the 10-point visual analogue scale ( VAS), and gas volume score ( GVS) by the four-point ordinal scale were measured according to the time interval. Overall satisfaction with sedation, sedation efficacy, and complications were also measured. Results The CO2 with BPS group showed lowest mean VAS score for abdominal pain (immediately after recovery, P = 0.002; and 3 h post- ERCP, P = 0.047) and distension (immediately after recovery, P = 0.018; 3 h post- ERCP, P < 0.01; and 24 h post- ERCP, P = 0.042). Overall satisfaction with sedation was greater in the CO2 with BPS group ( P = 0.005). Mean GVS at 2 h and 12 h post- ERCP was significantly lower in the CO2 with BPS group ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in procedure or sedation-related complications. Conclusion CO2 with BPS showed the lowest VAS score for early abdominal pain, distension and GVS, and had a higher score for overall satisfaction for sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three origins (Korea, China, and Japan) of P. ginseng were discriminated by multi-platform metabolomics. • Twenty-seven primary metabolites from NMR spectroscopy, 43 primary metabolites from GC-TOF/MS, and 62 ginsenosides from UPLC-QTOF/MS were profiled. • Multivariate statistical analysis successfully discriminated three origins of P. ginseng. • These results suggest that metabolic profiles of genetically identical species differ depending on the cultivation environment. As the health food industry grows, the market for ginseng also expands globally. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is cultivated in East Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Japan. The metabolic profile of plants can vary depending on the cultivation environment. As such, in this study, we aimed to compare the differences in the metabolic profiles of P. ginseng cultivated in Korea, China, and Japan, and to construct a library of these metabolite data. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS), we profiled 62 types of secondary metabolites, ginsenosides, using optimized analysis conditions to separate peaks with a high-resolution for about 30 min. In addition, we selected ginsenosides showing differences between their origins were selected among the possible origins in the S-line plot of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), which we quantitatively analyzed using UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The contents of ginsenosides Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, and Rk1 were high in Korean P. ginseng ; the contents of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, and Rc were high in Japanese P. ginseng ; and the contents of the ginsenoside Ro was high in Chinese P. ginseng. We also analyzed the primary metabolite contents using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS). Japanese P. ginseng showed a high sucrose content and Korean P. ginseng showed high contents of most amino acids and organic acids. In the PLS-DA results of multivariate statistical analysis using the data obtained from each analysis instrument, we observed a clear clustering among the three origins. Although a genetically identical species, the metabolic profile substantially differs depending on the cultivation environment. Because ginsenoside, having many biological activities, showed origin-dependent origins, when P. ginseng is used for medicinal purposes, its content by origin should be considered. After disclosing the profiling results of these metabolites, we expect that they will be used in future ginseng research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Callophyllis is recorded as six separate species with imprecise species delimitation in Korea. To elucidate the species boundaries of Korean Callophyllis, we performed morphological observations and molecular analyses, and included three Japanese Callophyllis species from the type locality. From the results of molecular analyses using plastid rbcL and mitochondrial COI-5P genes, we confirmed ten Callophyllis species, including five cryptic ones: C. adhaerens, C. adnata, C. crispata, and C. japonica from Korea and Japan; C. hayamensis as an unrecorded species from Korea; C. cartilaginea, C. mollitia, C. repens, C. serratifolia, and C. undulata as new species from Korea. There were no Korean specimens that matched C. adnata or C. crispata from Japan, except Korean C. japonica, which formed a genetic group with the Japanese species. We obtained the interspecific divergences among the five cryptic species as 0.6-4.5% in rbcL and 2.8-8.4% in COI-5P. We recognized that the species diversity of Callophyllis has been underestimated from the northwestern Pacific region. The species boundary of Callophyllis from Korea and Japan will be a cornerstone to revealing the phylogenetic affinity of the genus distributed in both hemispheres of the western Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fukushima accident has had a tremendous impact on Japan and the rest of the world in the areas of public health, economy, and nuclear energy policy. Thus, international consensus has been reached that inherent tolerance of nuclear fuel to severe accidents needs to be increased significantly to prevent accidents or to mitigate their consequences. In this respect, several countries have started to develop accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) that can tolerate loss of active cooling for a considerably longer time period than current fuels, while maintaining or improving performance during normal operations and operational transients and also enhancing fuel safety for beyond-design-basis events. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute is also developing ATF: surface-coated Zr cladding and metal-ceramic hybrid cladding for the purpose of suppressing hydrogen generation during severe accidents, and microcell UO2 pellets to enhance the retention of highly radioactive and corrosive fission products such as Cs and I, where all UO2 grains are enveloped by thin cell walls that act as chemical traps or physical barriers for the movement of fission products. When the screening of developing fuel materials has been performed through various out-of-pile tests, irradiation tests of the selected materials will be carried out in a research reactor to demonstrate their enhanced accident tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]