Direct Minimization Approaches on Static Problems of Membranes

Within this work, direct minimization approaches on static problems of membranes are discussed. In the first half, standard direct minimization methods are discussed. Some form-finding analyses of tension structures are also illustrated as simple direct minimization approaches. In the second half, the principle of virtual works for cables, membranes, and 3-dimensional bodies are examined and they are approximated in a common way by using Galerkin method. Finally, some examples that direct minimization approaches can solve are reported

Vitamin A Transport Mechanism of the Multitransmembrane Cell-Surface Receptor STRA6.

Vitamin A has biological functions as diverse as sensing light for vision, regulating stem cell differentiation, maintaining epithelial integrity, promoting immune competency, regulating learning and memory, and acting as a key developmental morphogen. Vitamin A derivatives have also been used in treating human diseases. If vitamin A is considered a drug that everyone needs to take to survive, evolution has come up with a natural drug delivery system that combines sustained release with precise and controlled delivery to the cells or tissues that depend on it. This "drug delivery system" is mediated by plasma retinol binding protein (RBP), the principle and specific vitamin A carrier protein in the blood, and STRA6, the cell-surface receptor for RBP that mediates cellular vitamin A uptake. The mechanism by which the RBP receptor absorbs vitamin A from the blood is distinct from other known cellular uptake mechanisms. This review summarizes recent progress in elucidating the fundamental molecular mechanism mediated by the RBP receptor and multiple newly discovered catalytic activities of this receptor, and compares this transport system with retinoid transport independent of RBP/STRA6. How to target this new type of transmembrane receptor using small molecules in treating diseases is also discussed

ESTIMATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF JAPANESE HOSPITALS USING A DYNAMIC AND NETWORK DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS MODEL

Workshop 2013 on Dynamic and Network DEA (January 29-30, 2013)This study evaluates the policy effect of the reformation of municipal hospitals in Japan. We focused on the efficiency improvement of not only the hospital itself but also separate internal organizations of a hospital. Hospitals have two heterogeneous internal organizations: the medical-examination section and administration section. The administration section carries out business management and the medical-examination section provides medical care services. We employed a dynamic and network data envelopment analysis model. The model makes it possible to estimate both the efficiencies of separate organizations and the dynamic changes of the efficiencies simultaneously. We found that there are positive policy effects. Additionally, we should focus on the administration section rather than the medical-examination section in reforming municipal hospitals in Japan.This workshop is supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 22310092 under the title “Theory and Applications of Dynamic DEA with Network Structure.

ESTIMATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF JAPANESE HOSPITALS USING A DYNAMIC AND NETWORK DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS MODEL

This workshop is supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 22310092 under the title “Theory and Applications of Dynamic DEA with Network Structure.”This study evaluates the policy effect of the reformation of municipal hospitals in Japan. We focused on the efficiency improvement of not only the hospital itself but also separate internal organizations of a hospital. Hospitals have two heterogeneous internal organizations: the medical-examination section and administration section. The administration section carries out business management and the medical-examination section provides medical care services. We employed a dynamic and network data envelopment analysis model. The model makes it possible to estimate both the efficiencies of separate organizations and the dynamic changes of the efficiencies simultaneously. We found that there are positive policy effects. Additionally, we should focus on the administration section rather than the medical-examination section in reforming municipal hospitals in Japan.Workshop 2013 on Dynamic and Network DEA (January 29-30, 2013)conference pape

How successful was the policy of reformation of municipal hospitals in Japan? : Estimation of the efficiency of Japanese hospitals using a dynamic and network data envelopment analysis

Workshop 2015 -Advances in DEA Theory and Applications (December 1-2, 2015)The purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of the policy effect of the current reform of Japan’s municipal hospitals. We focused on efficiency improvements both within hospitals and within two separate internal hospital organizations. Hospitals have two heterogeneous internal organizations: the medical examination division and administration division. We extend observation time from 3years to 6years to compare to previous version of this study. We also added new variable MRI as link variable. Results showed that the average overall efficiency obtained with the DN-DEA model was 0.829 for 2007. The change in efficiency scores from 2007 to 2012 was slightly lower. The average estimated efficiency of both the administration division and medical-examination division decreased. We were unable to find any significant improvement in efficiency despite the reform policy. Thus, there are no positive policy effects despite the increased financial support from the central government.The workshop is supported by JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science), Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), #25282090, titled “Studies in Theory and Applications of DEA for Forecasting Purpose.本研究はJSPS科研費 基盤研究(B) 25282090の助成を受けたものです

Identification of PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 as the transmembrane receptors for the multifunctional factor PEDF.

Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor (PEDF) is a secreted factor that has broad biological activities. It was first identified as a neurotrophic factor and later as the most potent natural antiangiogenic factor, a stem cell niche factor, and an inhibitor of cancer cell growth. Numerous animal models demonstrated its therapeutic value in treating blinding diseases and diverse cancer types. A long-standing challenge is to reveal how PEDF acts on its target cells and the identities of the cell-surface receptors responsible for its activities. Here we report the identification of transmembrane proteins PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 as cell-surface receptors for PEDF. Using distinct cellular models, we demonstrate their cell type-specific receptor activities through loss of function and gain of function studies. Our experiments suggest that PEDF receptors form homooligomers under basal conditions, and PEDF dissociates the homooligomer to activate the receptors. Mutations in the intracellular domain can have profound effects on receptor activities

Effective and convenient treatment of Xultophy with lower doses for elderly diabetic patient

The case is an 82-year-old female patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) for 22 years. She developed right empyema in early January, 2021 and was treated by antibiotics and CT-guided drainage. After improving the status, she was transferred to Hayashi hospital, Tokushima, Japan. Treatment for T2DM was initially multiple daily insulin injection (MDI), but it could not continue because of injection several times a day by the family. Then, Xultophy was started once a day, which brought satisfactory glucose variability with lower doses. Consequently, Xultophy would be effective and useful agent from bio-psycho-social points of view