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This issue contains essays by the important Japanese sinologist and intellectual historian, Mizoguchi Yūzō (1932–2010). Born in Nagoya, he studied in the literature department in Tokyo University and then went to graduate school in Nagoya University. He was a student of Iriya Yoshitaka, the famous sinologist. Mizoguchi has taught at Saitama University, Hitotsubashi University and Tokyo University. He was also a Distinguished Professor at Tokyo University. Mizoguchi Yūzō left a number of important works throughout his life. The selection is unable to provide a complete picture of Mizoguchi’s ideas about the principle of Chinese history, but it provides an entry point for English readers to understand Mizoguchi’s work. In this introduction, we attempt to bring out certain key ideas of Mizoguchi’s writings and discuss his historical and theoretical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background DAV-interferon (IFN)-β therapy is a combination chemotherapy of dacarbazine ( DTIC), nimustine ( ACNU) and vincristine ( VCR) with local subcutaneous injection of IFN-β that is widely employed as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy to treat malignant melanoma in Japan. However, the efficacy of DAV-IFN-β therapy has not been confirmed by randomized controlled trials and the benefit of DAV-IFN-β therapy has not been established yet. This study evaluated the contribution of DAV-IFN-β therapy to improve survival of postoperative patients with cutaneous melanoma. Methods Patients with stage II or III cutaneous melanoma seen at Nagoya University Hospital from January 1998 to December 2009 were eligible for this study. Disease-free survival rates and melanoma-specific survival rates were evaluated. A propensity score was calculated to control for the effects of variables related to decisions regarding the application of DAV-IFN-β therapy. Results Eighty-two stage II and 60 stage III melanoma patients were included. In the post-matched stage II patients (17 matched pairs), the mean (±SE) disease-free survival rates were 39.9±13.7% for DAV-IFN-β therapy and 73.1±11.7% for non-use (hazard ratio for recurrence, 2.06; 95% CI, 0.63-6.69; P = 0.23), and the melanoma-specific survival rates were 66.2±20.0% for DAV-IFN-β therapy and 86.2±9.1% for non-use (hazard ratio for death, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.17-6.82; P = 0.93). In the post-matched stage III patients (nine matched pairs), the disease-free survival rates were 29.6±16.4% for DAV-IFN-β therapy and 33.3±15.7% for non-use (0.69; 95% CI, 0.22-2.17; P = 0.53), and the melanoma-specific survival rates were 55.6±16.6% for DAV-IFN-β therapy and 44.4±16.6% for non-use (0.67; 95% CI, 0.18-2.50; P = 0.55). Conclusions DAV-IFN-β therapy brought no significant improvement in either disease-free survival rates or melanoma-specific survival rates of patients with stage II or III cutaneous melanoma. A randomized controlled trial would be required to further evaluate the efficacy of DAV-IFN-β therapy as an adjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM) at Nagoya University, Japan. ITbM, which was established in April 2013, is aimed towards creating molecules that affect biological systems through extensive collaboration between chemistry and biology. ITbM is one of nine international research centers selected by the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) program.

The article provides information on the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM) at Nagoya University in Japan. Established in April 2013, ITbM aims to create molecules affecting biological systems through extensive collaboration between chemistry and biology. The research center is funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The article discusses a study which investigated novel adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 gene (ADR1) in Japanese families. Protocols for the acquisition of informed consent and blood samples of patients were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine. Three novel heterozygous ADAR1 mutations were identified, including the frameshift mutation c.536insC.

Abstract: Fine grained nuclear emulsion with several 10nm silver halide crystals can detect submicron tracks. This detector is expected to be worked as dark matter detector with directional sensitive. Now, nuclear emulsion became possible to be produced at Nagoya University, and extreme fine grained nuclear emulsion with 20nm diameter was produced. Using this emulsion and new reading out technique with expansion technique, for optical selection and X-ray microscopy, recoiled tracks induced by dark matter can be detected automatically. Then, readout efficiency is larger than 80% at 120nm, and angular resolution for final confirmation with X-ray microscopy is 20°. In addition, we started to construct the R&D underground facility in Gran Sasso. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the decision by Japan's Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) to drop longstanding numerical targets intended to boost the number of women in the sciences. It states CSTI unveiled a draft on May 28, 2015 which has resulted in debate on if the targets are the best method of fostering change and mentions Japan lags in recruiting women into its scientific workforce. It talks about successful affirmative action efforts at Nagoya University.

The article profiles Abbas Jamalipour, candidate for member-at-large of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) Communications Society. Jamalipour has been an educator at the Sydney University in Australia since 1998 and obtained his doctorate degreee from Nagoya University in Japan. He has written and co-authored seven books and holds two patents. He used to be the chair of Satellite & Space Communications from 2004-2006. Among the position statement of Jamalipour notes that he will promote a fast and fair review processing system for the publication of papers.

The article introduces various reports published within the issue, including one on the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules at Nagoya University in Japan, another on the production of nanographene structures and a report on Canadian scientist Alexandre Gagnon.

The article announces awards given to college professors including the Nagoya Gold and Silver medal Award to John F. Hartwig, the Kyoto Prize Award to Robert S. Langer, and the Chemical Record Lectureship award to Scott J. Miller.