Configuration spaces of points on the circle and hyperbolic Dehn fillings

A purely combinatorial compactification of the configuration space of n (>4) distinct points with equal weights in the real projective line was introduced by M. Yoshida. We geometrize it so that it will be a real hyperbolic cone-manifold of finite volume with dimension n-3. Then, we vary weights for points. The geometrization still makes sense and yields a deformation. The effectivity of deformations arisen in this manner will be locally described in the existing deformation theory of hyperbolic structures when n-3 = 2, 3.Comment: 22 pages, to appear in Topolog

精神科入院患者を対象とするダンス療法での身体的コミュニケーションとその評価尺度の開発

The main objects of this paper are to introduce how to organize the dance therapy session intended for inpatients of a collaborative psychiatric hospital in Ibaragi prefecture; and to develop an outcome measurement of the session on their interactive physical communication through expressive bady movements. In order to develop the quantitative model assessing how patients\u27 interactive physical communication is promoted through the sessions, we collect 20 principal indicators based on our previous studies on "interactive physical synchronization (kyoshin)" on expressive body movements. We apply a hierarchical cluster method (called multidimensional scaling method) evaluating the degree of interactive physical communication for 7 male and 17 female patients through the dance thrapy performed four-times from January through March in 2004. Cosequently, we found that our therapy program would motivate patients to achieve their creative and unique expressive body movements and it would lead them to higher degree of interactive physical communication. Also, we foud that the quantitative model is applicable to locate relative relation between "activity" and "passivity" among patients

Health benefits of reduced patient cost sharing in Japan

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect on out-of-pocket medical spending and physical and mental health of Japan's reduction in health-care cost sharing from 30% to 10% when people turn 70 years of age. METHODS: Study data came from a 2007 nationally-representative cross-sectional survey of 10 293 adults aged 64 to 75 years. Physical health was assessed using a 16-point scale based on self-reported data on general health, mobility, self-care, activities of daily living and pain. Mental health was assessed using a 24-point scale based on the Kessler-6 instrument for nonspecific psychological distress. The effect of reduced cost sharing was estimated using a regression discontinuity design. FINDINGS: For adults aged 70 to 75 years whose income made them ineligible for reduced cost sharing, neither out-of-pocket spending nor health outcomes differed from the values expected on the basis of the trend observed in 64- to 69-year-olds. However, for eligible adults aged 70 to 75 years, out-of-pocket spending was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and mental health was significantly better (P < 0.001) than expected. These differences emerged abruptly at the age of 70 years. Moreover, the mental health benefits were similar in individuals who were and were not using health-care services (P = 0.502 for interaction). The improvement in physical health after the age of 70 years in adults eligible for reduced cost-sharing tended to be greater than in non-eligible adults (P = 0.084). CONCLUSION: Reduced cost sharing was associated with lower out-of-pocket medical spending and improved mental health in older Japanese adults