Search

Various small molecules have been used as functional probes for tissue imaging in medical diagnosis and pharmaceutical drugs for disease treatment. The spatial distribution, target selectivity, and diffusion/excretion kinetics of small molecules in structurally complicated specimens are critical for function. However, robust methods for precisely evaluating these parameters in the brain have been limited. Herein, we report a new method termed “fixation-driven chemical cross-linking of exogenous ligands (FixEL), ” which traps and images exogenously administered molecules of interest (MOIs) in complex tissues. This method relies on protein-MOI interactions and chemical cross-linking of amine-tethered MOI with paraformaldehyde used for perfusion fixation. FixEL is used to obtain images of the distribution of the small molecules, which addresses selective/nonselective binding to proteins, time-dependent localization changes, and diffusion/retention kinetics of MOIs such as the scaffold of PET tracer derivatives or drug-like small molecules., ホルマリン漬けから着想した小分子可視化法 --医薬品開発効率化につながる新たな戦略--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2022-12-05.

Neurotransmitter receptors are essential components of synapses for communication between neurons in the brain. Because the spatiotemporal expression profiles and dynamics of neurotransmitter receptors involved in many functions are delicately governed in the brain,in vivoresearch tools with high spatiotemporal resolution for receptors in intact brains are highly desirable. Covalent chemical labelling of proteins without genetic manipulation is now a powerful method for analyzing receptorsin vitro. However, selective target receptor labelling in the brain has not yet been achieved. This study shows that ligand-directed alkoxyacylimidazole (LDAI) chemistry can be used to selectively tether synthetic probes to target endogenous receptors in living mouse brains. The reactive LDAI reagents with negative charges were found to diffuse well over the whole brain and could selectively label target endogenous receptors, including AMPAR, NMDAR, mGlu1, and GABAAR. This simple and robust labelling protocol was then used for various applications: three-dimensional spatial mapping of endogenous receptors in the brains of healthy and disease-model mice; multi-colour receptor imaging; and pulse-chase analysis of the receptor dynamics in postnatal mouse brains. Here, results demonstrated that bioorthogonal receptor modification in living animal brains may provide innovative molecular tools that contribute to the in-depth understanding of complicated brain functions.

Various small molecules have been used as functional probes for tissue imaging in medical diagnosis and pharmaceutical drugs for disease treatment. The spatial distribution, target selectivity, and diffusion/extrusion kinetics of small molecules in structurally complicated specimens are critical for function. However, robust methods for precisely evaluating these parameters in the brain have been limited. Herein we report a new method termed “Fixation-driven chemical crosslinking of exogenous ligands (FixEL)” which traps and images exogenously administered molecules-of-interest (MOI) in complex tissues. This method relies on proteins-MOI interactions, and chemical crosslinking of amine-tethered MOI with paraformaldehyde used for perfusion fixation. FixEL is used to obtain images of the distribution of the small molecules and their dynamics, which addresses selective/nonselective binding to proteins, time-dependent localization changes, and diffusion/retention kinetics of MOI such as PET tracer derivatives or drug-like small molecules. Clear imaging of a nanobody distributed in the whole brain was also achieved with high spatial resolution using 2D/3D mode.

The heat dissipated by magnetic nanoparticles may be used as a heat source for hyperthermic treatment of cancer and it can be estimated based on the magnetic susceptibility when an alternating current (AC) magnetic field is applied. Here, the frequency dependence of the magnetization of magnetic nanoparticles is measured for different AC fields. This is used to examine the AC susceptibility of linear and nonlinear magnetization responses. Two methods were used to evaluate the AC susceptibility based on measured magnetization properties. The first used the static susceptibility and phase delay associated with magnetic relaxation, and the second used the area under the AC magnetization curve to derive the imaginary part of the susceptibility. When the field intensity was low, the estimated AC susceptibilities were comparable. However, when the field intensity was high, the first method predicted a lower value because it did not consider the nonlinearity of the magnetization response. To optimize the material and the applied field conditions for hyperthermia it is important to understand the difference between the two methods. The intrinsic loss power and specific loss power of the magnetic nanoparticles were also evaluated. A liquid sample and a solid sample with an oriented easy axis provided high heat dissipation.

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism has been shown to modify the association of coffee consumption with the risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abnormal glucose tolerance, and low serum chloride levels have been shown to be associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism influences the association of coffee consumption with serum chloride levels in male Japanese health checkup examinees. Methods: From among individuals visiting the hospital for a regular medical checkup, 402 men (mean age &plusmn, standard deviation, 53.9 &plusmn, 7.8 years) were selected for inclusion in the study. After ND2-237 Leu/Met genotyping, we conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study to examine the combined association of ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism and coffee consumption with serum electrolyte levels. Results: After adjusting for age, body mass index, habitual smoking, alcohol consumption, green tea consumption, and antihypertensive medication, coffee consumption significantly increased serum chloride levels (p for trend = 0.001) in men with the ND2-237Leu genotype. After these adjustments, the odds ratios (ORs) for low levels of serum chloride, defined as &lt, 100 mEq/L, were found to be dependent on coffee consumption (p for trend = 0.001). In addition, the OR for low levels of serum chloride was significantly lower in men with the ND2-237Leu genotype who consumed &ge, 4 compared with &lt, 1 cup of coffee per day (OR = 0.096, 95% confidence interval = 0.010&ndash, 0.934, p = 0.044). However, neither serum chloride levels nor risk of low levels of serum chloride appeared to be dependent on coffee consumption. Conclusions: The results suggest that ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism modifies the association of coffee consumption with serum chloride levels in middle-aged Japanese men.

This study presents thermokarst lake changes at seven different sites in the continuous and isolated permafrost zones in Mongolia. Lakes larger than 0.1 ha were analyzed using Corona KH-4, KH-4A and KH-4B (1962-1968), Landsat ETM + (1999-2001), and ALOS/AVNIR-2 (2006-2007) satellite imagery. Between 1962 and 2007, the total number and area of lakes increased by +21% (347 to 420), and +7% (3680 ha to 3936 ha) in the continuous permafrost zone, respectively. These changes correspond to the appearance of 85 new lakes (166 ha) during the last 45 years. In contrast, lakes in the isolated permafrost zone have decreased by –42% (118 to 68) in number and –12% (422 ha to 371 ha) in area from 1962 to 2007. The changes in lake area and number are likely attributed to shifts in climate regimes and local permafrost conditions. Since 1962, the mean annual air temperature and potential evapotranspiration have increased significantly in the northern continuous permafrost zone compared to the southern isolated permafrost zone. Due to ongoing atmospheric warming without any significant trend in annual precipitation, patches of ice-rich subsurface have thawed, and the number and area of lakes have accordingly developed in the continuous permafrost zone. Shrinking of thermokarst lakes in the isolated permafrost zone may be due to disappearing permafrost, deepening of the active layer, and increased water loss through surface evaporation and subsurface drainage.

Numerous frost mounds exist on the meander belt and alluvial fan around Arsain Gol River in Darhad basin, northern Mongolia, at the southern fringe of the north-eastern Eurasian permafrost zone. In this environment, abundant water supply and inter-permafrost taliks may allow the development of artesian pressure that leads to groundwater upwelling. The aim of this study was to determine the formation chronology of pingos in this region. The Arsain pingo was drilled to a depth of 35 m to determine the stratigraphy, and data were collected on ground-ice stable isotopic composition, electrical resistivity, ground temperature, and radiocarbon dating and interpreted in conjunction with the chronology of paleo-lake retreat in the basin. A 10 m thick ice core sandwiched between fine-grained lacustrine sediments was identified by drilling and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Stable isotope values of ice core samples indicated Rayleigh-type isotope fractionation during the freezing of liquid water. Consequently, closed-system freezing of artesian groundwater appears to be the driving mechanism of pingo formation. Near-surface, segregated ground ice formed from the open-system freezing of meteoric water, concurrent with pingo growth. The lake coverage was extensive until about 10,000 years before present (yr bp), and the growth of the Arsain pingo began after 4500 yr bp, when the paleo-lake was completely drained. The pingo is not presently growing because of a limited groundwater supply to feed the ice core. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Permafrost underlying forested north-facing slopes and seasonally frozen ground underlying mountain steppes on south-facing slopes co-exist within a small mountain basin that represents the most general landscape type in northern central Mongolia. A 5-year time series of hydro-meteorological parameters on these slopes is presented in order to identify the factors controlling ground temperature regimes. A thick organic layer (0.2–0.4m) beneath the forest on a north-facing slope impedes the effects of summer air temperature on the ground, and the forest canopy strongly blocks downward shortwave radiation during summer. Active layer thickness was determined by summer warmth. The mountain steppe on a dry south-facing slope receives a large amount of downward shortwave radiation compared to an adjacent forested slope, and therefore the surface temperature exceeds air temperature during summer, leading to a warm soil profile. In winter, snow cover was the main factor controlling interannual variations in the thickness of seasonally frozen ground. The onset of soil thawing in the forested area was later than in the mountain steppe, even though soil freezing began simultaneously in both areas. Overall, the forest cover keeps the ground cool and allows permafrost to persist in this region. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The larch forests on the permafrost in northeastern Mongolia are located at the southern limit of the Siberian taiga forest, which is one of the key regions for evaluating climate change effects and responses of the forest to climate change. We conducted long-term monitoring of seasonal and interannual variations in hydrometeorological elements, energy, and carbon exchange in a larch forest (48°15′24′′N, 106°51′3′′E, altitude: 1338 m) in northeastern Mongolia from 2010 to 2012. The annual air temperature and precipitation ranged from −0.13 °C to −1.2 °C and from 230 mm to 317 mm. The permafrost was found at a depth of 3 m. The dominant component of the energy budget was the sensible heat flux (H) from October to May (H/available energy [Ra] = 0.46; latent heat flux [LE]/Ra = 0.15), while it was the LE from June to September (H/Ra = 0.28, LE/Ra = 0.52). The annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE), gross primary production (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (RE) were −131 to −257 gC m−2 y−1, 681–703 gC m−2 y−1, and 423–571 gC m−2 y−1, respectively. There was a remarkable response of LE and NEE to both vapor pressure deficit and surface soil water content.

To clarify whether high blood pressure (BP) and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a cross-sectional and longitudinal study was conducted. This epidemiological study analyzed health examination data obtained between 2001 and 2005 from 896 Japanese individuals (aged 32-79 years) who had not undergone any ocular surgery or medical treatment for hypertension, ocular hypertension, or glaucoma. Multiple-regression analysis of our cross-sectional data showed that systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) and BMI had significant and near-significant positive associations with IOP in men (p＜0.05) and women (p＜0.1). Our longitudinal study from analyses of covariance found that the adjusted mean level of changes in IOP tended to increase with increased levels of SBP, DBP, and BMI in men (p＜0.1). In women also, changes in SBP and BMI tended to be positively related with that of IOP (p＜0.1). The results of this study suggested that BP and BMI were positively associated with IOP in middle-aged and older Japanese. Therefore, management of BP and improvement of obesity might be especially important to Japanese patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension as they have a higher incidence of normal-tension glaucoma than Europeans and Americans.

To clarify the interrelationship among blood pressure (BP), intraocular pressure (IOP), and life-style related factors, a cross-sectional study was conducted. This epidemiological study analyzed health examination data obtained between 2001 and 2004 from 1113 Japanese individuals, ranging in age 28 to 79 years, who had not undergone any ocular surgery or medical treatment for hypertension, ocular hypertension, and glaucoma. The association of systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), and life-style related factors such as body mass index (BMI), drinking, smoking, and exercise habits with IOP were evaluated by multiple regression analyses and analyses of covariance. The results of this study showed that SBP, DBP, and BMI had a significantly positive association with IOP in both sexes. In men, the number of cigarette smoking per day was also positively related to IOP (P

Global weather forecasts do not have sufficient performance to predict the local severe weather events that are accompanied with cyclones and cold fronts due to their coarse horizontal resolution. This study investigated the performance of dynamical downscaling (DD) using mesoscale model to simulate the severe windstorm in eastern Mongolia which occurred on 26-27 May 2008.Our results revealed that the DD experiments were successful in capturing the general features of the windstorm in terms of wind and temperature patterns. The timing and amplitude of drastic changes in the simulated temperature and wind speed were very similar to that observed than that obtained from the global atmospheric data, suggesting that DD is capable of predicting extreme wind storm events in Mongolia. Analyses on the nested domains indicate that the DD has crucial impact on the performance for simulating severe storm even with a moderate resolution (27 km), and further nesting (9 and 3 km) plays a role to improve it. Furthermore, the maximum wind speed approaches the observed value more closely as the horizontal resolution increases, although it still underestimates the observed wind speed even in the 3 km mesh domain. On the other hand, the abrupt temperature change is captured well even in the low-resolution domain, suggesting a difference in necessary horizontal resolution for temperature change and maximum wind speed.

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism, is reportedly associated with longevity in the Japanese population. The ND2-237Met genotype may exert resistance to atherogenic diseases, such as myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular disorders. To investigate whether ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism is associated with yearly changes in serum lipid levels, we conducted a longitudinal study of 107 healthy Japanese male subjects. Analysis of covariance revealed that the interaction between the ND2-237 Leu/Met genotypes and habitual drinking was significantly associated with yearly changes in serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels (p0.036 and p0.006, respectively). In multiple regression analysis, daily drinking was significantly and positively associated with yearly changes in serum LDLC levels in men with ND2-237Met (p0.026). After adjusting for covariates, yearly changes in serum LDLC levels were significantly lower in non-daily drinkers with ND2-237Met than in those with ND2-237Leu (p0.047). These results suggest that ND2-237Met has a beneficial impact on yearly changes in serum LDLC in non-daily drinkers but not in daily drinkers.

Background: Habitual coffee consumption has been reported to lower blood pressure in the Japanese population. The NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism is associated with longevity and modifies the effects of alcohol consumption on blood pressure in the Japanese population. The objective of this study was to determine whether this polymorphism also modifies the effects of coffee consumption on blood pressure or the risk of hypertension in middle-aged Japanese men.Methods: A total of 398 men (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.8 ± 7.8 years) were selected from among individuals visiting the hospital for regular medical check-ups. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or antihypertensive drug treatment. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism using the restriction enzyme AluI was performed to determine ND2-237 Leu/Met genotype.Results: In subjects with ND2-237Leu, coffee consumption was significantly and negatively associated with diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.007). The odds ratio (OR) for hypertension was significantly lower in subjects with ND2-237Leu who consumed 2 or 3 cups of coffee per day than in those who consumed less than 1 cup of coffee per day (OR, 0.517; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.276 to 0.968; P = 0.039). After adjustment, the OR remained significant (OR = 0.399; 95% CI, 0.184 to 0.869; P = 0.020). Moreover, after adjustment, the OR was significantly lower in subjects with ND2-237Leu who consumed more than 4 cups of coffee per day than in those who consumed less than 1 cup of coffee per day (OR, 0.246; 95% CI, 0.062 to 0.975; P = 0.046). However, the association between ND2-237Met genotype and hypertension did not depend on coffee consumption.Conclusions: The present results suggest that the ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism modulates the effects of coffee consumption on hypertension risk in middle-aged Japanese men.

Sublimation from thin snow cover at the edge of the Eurasian cryosphere in Mongolia was calculated using the aerodynamic profile method and verified by eddy covariance observations using multiple-level meteorological data from three sites representing a variety of geographic and vegetative conditions in Mongolia. Data were collected in the winter and analysed from three sites. Intense sublimation events, defined by daily sublimation levels of more than 0Ð4 mm, were predominant in their effect on the temporal variability of sublimation. The dominant meteorological elements affecting sublimation were wind speed and air temperature, with the latter affecting sublimation indirectly through the vapour deficit. Seasonal and interannual variations in sublimation were investigated using long-interval estimations for 19 years at a mountainous-area meteorological station and for 24 years at a flat-plain meteorological station. The general seasonal pattern indicated higher rates of sublimation in both the beginning and ending of the snow-covered period, when the wind speed and vapour deficit were higher. Annual sublimation averaged 11Ð7 mm at the flat-plain meteorological station, or 20Ð3% of the annual snowfall, and 15Ð 7m m at the site in the mountains, or 21Ð6% of snowfall. The sum of snow sublimation and snowmelt evaporation represented 17 to 20% of annual evapotranspiration in a couple observation years. Copyright  2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism is associated with longevity in the Japanese population, and the ND2-237Met genotype may exert antiatherogenic effects. To investigate whether ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism is associated with risk of hypertension, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 398 Japanese male subjects. The frequency of hypertension was significantly higher in ND2-237Leu genotypic men than in ND2-237Met genotypic men. On analysis of covariance, the interaction between ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism and habitual drinking was significantly associated with both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the ND2-237Met genotype, particularly in younger subjects (age

北半球全陸地の約6割に分布する凍土は,地球上最大規模の雪氷現象であり,様々な時空間規模での気候・水循環過程に関与していることは想像に難くない.しかしこれまで水文・気象学分野では凍土過程はブラックボックスとして取り扱われることが多かった.地球温暖化問題の顕在化を受け,これからは凍土過程に焦点を当てるとともに,凍土と水文・気象・気候学的現象との関わりを解明していくような研究を推進する必要がある.このような学際的な研究分野を創出するのに必要な知見として,本稿では凍土の構造や定義,活動層変動,活動層の水熱循環特性,活動層―大気間相互作用,流域規模から全球規模までのモデルを用いた凍土分布,などの研究成果をレビューする.将来的には,観測とモデルが有機的に結びつくような研究体制の構築が強く望まれる.これには,モデルを意識した広域的な観測体制を確立することや,観測で解明されつつあるプロセスを最適にモデル化することなどが含まれる.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenine (Mt5178 C/A) polymorphism is reportedly associated with longevity in the Japanese population, and the Mt5178A genotype may resist the onset of type 2 diabetes. To investigate whether Mt5178 C/A polymorphism is associated with glucose tolerance, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in which non-diabetic Japanese male subjects were classified into three subgroups by body mass index (BMI): BMI22 (n=91); 22or =BMI25 (n=138); and BMIor =25 (n=67). The frequency of Mt5178A was significantly lower among 'BMI22' subjects exhibiting impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance than among those with normal glucose tolerance. In the 'BMI22' group, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and plasma glucose levels at 60 and 120 min after glucose load (OGTT-1h and OGTT-2h, respectively) were significantly lower in the Mt5178A genotype than in the Mt5178C genotype. After adjusting for age, BMI, habitual smoking, habitual drinking and family history of diabetes, FPG levels and OGTT-2h levels were still significantly lower in the Mt5178A genotype than in the Mt5178C genotype. However, after adjusting for covariates, in both the '22or =BMI25' and 'BMIor =25' groups, FPG levels were significantly higher in the Mt5178A genotype than in the Mt5178C genotype. Differences in the effect of alcohol consumption on FPG levels and glucose tolerance between the Mt5178 C/A genotypes were observed. The present results suggest that Mt5178 C/A polymorphism may be associated with FPG levels and glucose tolerance in middle-aged Japanese men.

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 cytosine/adenine polymorphism, which is also called NADH dehydrogenase subunit-2 237 leucine/methionine (ND2-237 Leu/Met) polymorphism is associated with Japanese longevity. This polymorphism is widely associated with blood pressure, serum lipid levels, hematological parameters, intraocular pressure, and serum protein fraction levels. However, there have been no reports on the association between ND2-237 Leu/Met polymorphism and serum electrolyte levels. To investigate this relationship, we performed an association study in 321 healthy middle-aged Japanese men. Crude data showed that serum sodium levels and serum chloride levels were significantly lower in men with ND2-237 Met than in those with ND2-237 Leu (P = 0.021 and 0.003, respectively). Cigarette consumption and body mass index were significantly and positively associated with serum chloride levels (P = 0.002 and 0.008, respectively) and hemoglobin levels were significantly and negatively associated with them (P = 0.007) in ND2-237 Leu genotypic men. In men with ND2-237 Met, only hemoglobin levels were significantly and negatively associated with serum chloride levels (P = 0.025). After adjusting for covariates, only in male obese (body mass index> or =25) subjects, serum sodium and chloride levels remained significantly lower, and serum calcium levels appeared to be significantly higher in ND2-237 Met than in ND2-237 Leu (P = 0.013

The spatial distribution of ground temperature and soil moisture was observed in the region of the southern boundary of discontinuous permafrost in northeastern Mongolia. Permafrost was found beneath north-facing forested slopes and flat pasture plains. Permafrost beneath north-facing slopes is overlain by a wet active layer, while that beneath pasture is characterized by a dry active layer. Dry soil moisture conditions were also recognized beneath south-facing pasture slopes where permafrost is absent. These spatial variations of soil moisture are considered to be related to the permeability of permafrost. Vertical water percolation dominates beneath permafrost-free slopes, resulting in dry soil moisture conditions, whereas permafrost beneath north-facing slopes acts as an impermeable layer, permitting lateral downward water movement beneath steep slopes and maintaining a wet active layer on gentle slopes. By contrast, permafrost beneath pasture is permeable because temperatures are only slightly below 0°C, and it contains large amounts of unfrozen water. This environment allows water at the bottom of the active layer to migrate into the underlying permafrost. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Frozen ground in discontinuous permafrost zones is characterized by complicated spatial distribution and large seasonal fluctuations in unfrozen water contents.Direct current(DC)resistivity imaging performed in the northeastern Mongolia, Daisetsu Mountains of northern Japan and Kanchanjunga Himal of eastern Nepal demonstrate this technique as an effective method for observing frozen ground characteristics which supplemented with additional observation such as ground temperature measurements.DC resistivity imaging is shown to be useful for delineating isolated frozen ground and buried ice bodies in the areas with large topographic and subsurface inhomogeneties.Seasonal changes in resistivity values at the Mongolian site are related to the spatio-temporal changes in soil water condition both in the active and upper layers of the permafrost.These are advantages unique to DC resistivity imaging that are not found with conventional methods such as one-dimensional geophysical soundings of plane-layer approximations, excavation and time-domain reflectometry(TDR)measurements.

It has been reported that the mitochondrial DNA 5178 adenine/cytosine (mt5178 A/C) polymorphism, also called NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2-237 methionine/leucine (ND2-237 Met/Leu) polymorphism, may be associated with longevity in Japanese individuals, and that the mt5178A genotype may have an antiatherogenic influence. To determine whether mt5178 A/C polymorphism influences blood pressure, we genotyped 412 healthy Japanese individuals and performed a cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between genotype and blood pressure. In women with mt5178A, the mean diastolic blood pressure was higher than in those with mt5178C by 3.2 mmHg (P=0.040). In men, no statistically significant difference in systolic or diastolic blood pressure was observed between mt5178 A/C genotypes. However, a significant correlation between mt5178 A/C genotypes and the effects of habitual drinking on blood pressure was found. After adjustment for several factors, in men carrying mt5178C, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in daily drinkers than in occasional (P=0.002 and 0.002, respectively) as well as nondrinkers (P

Mitochondrial DNA 5178 adenine/cytosine (mt5178 A/C) polymorphism is one of the longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms. The frequency of the mt5178A genotype is significantly higher in Japanese centenarians than in the general population. We previously reported that serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in men with mt5178A than in those with mt5178C. However, this significant difference disappeared after adjusting for drinking frequency. To investigate the interaction between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and habitual drinking on serum lipid levels, we performed an association study in 321 healthy middle-aged Japanese men. Interaction between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and daily drinking on serum triglyceride (TG) levels was observed (P=0.019). Moreover, interaction between mt5178 A/C polymorphism and cigarette consumption on serum TG levels was also observed (P=0.022). Multiple regression analysis showed that, in men with mt5178A, daily drinking decreased TG levels (P=0.025), and cigarette consumption increased TG levels (P

Snow cover is a critical factor determining the presence or absence of permafrost in mid-latitude high mountain regions. This paper discusses the relation between temporal changes in temperature at the snow–ground interface and permafrost distribution. Four fundamental types of temporal change in winter ground surface temperature (GST) are identified: (1) nearly constant at 0 °C, (2) short-term fluctuation, (3) gradual increase without short-term fluctuation, and (4) gradual decrease without short-term fluctuation. The latter three are favorable for permafrost growth, and result from direct cold penetration throughout winter, ground cooling before the onset of seasonal snow cover and cold air funneling and concentrating in voids between coarse blocks, respectively. The fourth thermal effect predominantly contributes to growth of permafrost, and thus should be included in the bottom temperature of snow cover (BTS) concept which involves mainly the third effect. Monitoring GST over a winter provides a new tool for investigating the distribution of permafrost, as well as information on the thermal regimes that control permafrost development.

In this study, we discuss the predominant factors that determine the ground temperature regime of an active layer in a block slope. The distribution of the bottom temperature of snow cover (BTS) measurements, warm funnels at the top of the slope, and ground temperature changes on the block slope indicate continuous air circulation during the winter. In the spring, snowmelt water flows to the valley bottom and refreezes, adding superimposed ice onto the perennial ice that fills the voids between coarse blocks. At the study site, the ground temperatures showed a simultaneous, abrupt increase at all depths in the active layer. These results strongly suggest that air circulation in winter, as well as the ice formation processes in the spring, control the thermal regime of the active layer of the block slope with mean annual air temperature (MAAT) above 0 °C.

Purpose: To evaluate the associations of several life-style–related factors with intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: Of a total of 649 men and women who had been examined in an annual health check-up being conducted by a general hospital in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan, 569 individuals (age range, 29–79 years) who had not undergone any medical treatment for hypertension, ocular hypertension, or glaucoma, were selected as the subjects of this study. The associations of several life-style–related factors with the IOP were evaluated by multiple regression analyses and analyses of covariance. Results: Body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption score, and cigarette consumption were found to have a significantly positive association with the IOP in men (P for trend = .002

While the mining industry is booming globally, local communities resist mining operations. It is crucial for mining companies to maintain trust within these communities to prevent conflicts. This research investigated local community’s trust in a mining company in Mongolia using a questionnaire survey. We assessed the residents’ perceptions of the company’s effort to maintain environmental protection, as a determinant of trust, in addition to the determinants of motivation and ability. The results showed that the trust level varied within the different respondent groups and the determinants of trust differentially explained the state of trust. The nomadic herders who lived close to the mine site had low trust while being sensitive to the environmental effects. Other herders had neutral trust. Town citizens had high trust, which was mainly related to positive perceptions of motivation. Communicability of the information provided by the company influenced formulation of positive and negative perceptions. Overall, low trust likely leads to conflicts. Therefore, mining companies are advised to conduct surveys with different groups in the local community, especially those sensitive to environmental changes, and take measures to maintain trust.

Soil displacement, soil temperature, depths of thaw plane and groundwater level were continuously monitored during the period from July 1999 to June 2000 within a solifluction lobe in the Kiirkevagge valley, northern Sweden. The strain-probe method was used to measure soil displacement, and we found significant soil displacements in the thawing period 2000. These displacements were the result of gelifluction. The ice content profile showed that gelifluction occurred at the same time as the thaw plane reached the layers with high ice content at shallow soil depths (0-6 and 16-25 cm deep). In contrast, gelifluction did not occur when the thaw plane reached the layers with high ice content at greater depth (46-49 cm deep). These observations indicate that thawing of ice lenses in the near-surface layer triggers gelifluction.