Ubiquitin chains in the Dsk2 UBL domain mediate Dsk2 stability and protein degradation in yeast

Ubiquitin-like (UBL)-ubiquitin-associated (UBA) proteins, including Dsk2 and Rad23, act as delivery factors that target polyubiquitinated substrates to the proteasome. We report here that the Dsk2 UBL domain is ubiquitinated in yeast cells and that Dsk2 ubiquitination of the UBL domain is involved in Dsk2 stability, depending on the Dsk2 UBA domain. Also, Dsk2 lacking ubiquitin chains impaired ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation and decreased the interaction of Dsk2 with polyubiquitinated proteins in cells. Moreover, Dsk2 ubiquitination affected ability to restore the temperature-sensitive growth defect of dsk2 Delta. These results indicate that ubiquitination in the UBL domain of Dsk2 has in vivo functions in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in yeast

Origin of the n-type transport behavior of azafullerene encapsulated single-walled carbon nanotubes

The transport properties of C59N encapsulated semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (C59N-peapod) are investigated. Transport measurements of the peapods in field effect transistors (FETs) reveal that ∼14% of the C59N-peapod sample shows n-type behavior even though the electronic properties of the host SWCNTs are similar to those of C60-peapods that exhibit only p-type property. First-principles electronic-structure calculations reveal that the unique transport behavior originates from the monomer form of C59N encapsulated in SWCNTs. The singly occupied (SO) state of C59N lies in the energy gap of the SWCNT and the energy of this state increases substantially when electrons are injected. Because of this shift to higher energy, the SO state acts as a shallow donor state for the conduction band of the nanotube, which leads to n-type behavior in FET measurements

Does change of residence affect pollinosis? A study of Japanese university students

The effects of change of residence on pollinosis symptoms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of geographical change of residence on pollinosis symptoms among university freshmen. All freshmen (n = 2142) entering Shinshu University in 2011 completed self-administered questionnaires. Associations between history of pollinosis and environmental factors were assessed. Subjects were classified into three groups according to pollen count at previous residences (stationary, low pollen, and high pollen). Pollinosis both before and after relocation were compared among and within the groups. Of the 1558 subjects, 540 (34.7%) developed pollinosis before and 483 (31.0%) after entering university. The rates of pre- and post-university entrance pollinosis were 40.0 and 32.5% in the high pollen group (P < 0.001) but were similar in the other two groups. Pollinosis symptoms decreased among students that moved from high to low pollen areas, indicating that pollinosis was affected by geographic environmental factors.ArticleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH. 23(5):380-391 (2013)journal articl

Role of household factors in parental attitudes to pandemic influenza-related school closure in Japan: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: To investigate how household background factors affect parental behavior during pandemic influenza-related school closures, we determined associations between such factors and three parental attitudes: "caring for the child," "taking leave from work," and "permitting out-of-home activities." METHODS: A hypothetical pandemic influenza situation was presented and a questionnaire survey among households of 2146 schoolchildren from 6 schools was conducted. Odds ratios of background factors were estimated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Responses pertaining to 1510 children indicated that junior high school (OR = 0.11), both parents working (OR = 0.03), and family including grandparent(s) or other relatives (OR = 7.50) were factors associated with "caring for the child," and elementary school (OR = 2.28), special education school (OR = 3.18), and both parents working (OR = 5.74) were associated with "taking leave from work." Having an older sibling (OR = 0.74) and awareness of the technical term for school closure (OR = 0.73) were factors associated with "permitting out-of-home activities." CONCLUSION: Not only work status but also other household factors may be associated with parental behaviors during pandemic influenza-related school closures.ArticleBMC Public Health. 14:1089 (2014)journal articl

Effects of personality on overtime work: a cross-sectional pilot study among Japanese white-collar workers

BACKGROUND: As detailed associations between personality and long work hours are unclear, we assessed associations between personality dimensions and overtime work among Japanese white-collar workers. / METHODS: From records of hours worked over 12 months by 267 office workers in an organization within the service industry, average overtime work hours per month and occurrence of excessive overtime was determined for each worker. Excessive overtime was defined as >??45 overtime work hours per month for at least one month. Responses to a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic and workplace-related factors and the Big Five personality test were analyzed. Associations between personality factors and overtime work were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. / RESULTS: Low Extraversion was associated with excessive overtime work (OR 2.02, 95%CI 1.02?-?4.02, P?=??0.04). / CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that workers with low Extraversion can't share work when busy to avoid excessive overtime. Personality factors should be considered in studies evaluating work time. Moreover, strengthening communication among workers with low Extraversion may reduce excessive overtime work and associated health problems.ArticleBMC RESEARCH NOTES. 7:180 (2014)journal articl

The significance of strong ion gap for predicting ROSC in CPA patients

学位記番号：医博甲163

How the H1N1 influenza epidemic spread among university students in Japan: Experience from Shinshu University

Background: A worldwide outbreak of influenza A/H1N1 occurred in 2009. Little information is available regarding how the epidemic spread among young people, who composed the majority of individuals infected with this virus. We assessed the route of transmission of H1N1 among university students at Shinshu University, Japan. Methods: A total of 11,424 students were monitored between August 2009 and March 2010, and those who were diagnosed with confirmed, probable, or suspected H1N1 at a hospital or clinic were registered based on self-report to the university. Data including date of onset and suspected infection route were collected from the affected patients. Results: Of the 11,424 students, 1,016 (8.9%) were infected with H1N1. In most infected students, the suspected transmission route was associated with club activity, followed by close contact with friends and through lectures or laboratory work. After suspension of activity by clubs with more than 2 infected members, the number of infected individuals decreased. Conclusion: H1N1 influenza spread in the university through specific routes, including club activity, close contact with friends, and lectures or laboratory work. During future outbreaks of influenza, interventions to reduce transmission through these routes may be effective infection control strategies in university students.ArticleAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL. 40(3):218-220 (2012)journal articl

Evaluation of the spread of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 among Japanese university students

online first / Published online: 4 July 2014The pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus is commonly known to affect younger individuals. Several epidemiological studies have clarified the epidemic features of university students in Japan. In this study, we reviewed these studies in Japan in comparison with reports from other countries. The average cumulative incidence rate among university students was 9.6 %, with the major symptoms being cough, sore throat, and rhinorrhea. These epidemiological features were similar between Japan and other countries. Attitudes and behaviors toward pandemic influenza control measures were different before and improved during and after the epidemic. These features were also similar to those in other countries. On the other hand, the epidemic spread through club activities or social events, and transmission was attenuated after temporary closure of such groups in Japan. This transmission pattern was inconsistent among countries, which may have been due to differences in lifestyle and cultural habits. Based on these results, infection control measures of pandemic influenza for university organizations in Japan should be considered.ArticleEnvironmental Health and Preventive Medicine. 19(5):315-321 (2014)journal articl