Estimation of multi-state life table functions and their variability from complex survey data using the SPACE Program

The multistate life table (MSLT) model is an important demographic method to document life cycle processes. In this study, we present the SPACE (Stochastic Population Analysis for Complex Events) program to estimate MSLT functions and their sampling variability. It has several advantages over other programs, including the use of microsimulation and the bootstrap method to estimate the sampling variability. Simulation enables researchers to analyze a broader array of statistics than the deterministic approach, and may be especially advantageous in investigating distributions of MSLT functions. The bootstrap method takes sample design into account to correct the potential bias in variance estimates.bootstrap, health expectancy, multi-state life table, population aging

Application of Robotics for Therapeutic Exercise of Neural Disorder

Background: The application of robots for rehabilitation has been developing over the past decade. In neuro-rehabilitation, motor learning has become an important topic. To maximize the effect of motor learning, we need to clarify the key muscle and adequate intensity

Efficacy and duration of analgesia from a sustained-release lidocaine sheet in humans

BACKGROUNDWe have synthesized a sustained-releaselidocaine sheet (SRLS) and injectable sustained-release lidocaine particles(SRLP) using biodegradable polymers. In the present study, we performed anexploratory first clinical trial of the SRLS in healthy volunteers as a preludeto patient administration. This trial is meant as an initial intervention inultimately developing and refining the SRLP. METHODSWe evaluated the intensity and duration ofanalgesia of the SRLS compared with 8% lidocaine spray. In Protocol 1, weapplied the SRLS piece to the mucous membrane of the nasal vestibule. Weexamined the local pain threshold over 72 h after administration, and removedthe SRLS after 72 h. Individuals that finished Protocol 1 underwent Protocol 2,in which we applied 8% lidocaine spray. RESULTSTwelve volunteers were enrolled and seven ofthese volunteers finished Protocol 1. All seven individuals who completedProtocol 1 also completed Protocol 2. The mean pain thresholds were 32 g, 78 g,90 g, 90 g, 87 g, and 87 g at pre-administration and 4 h, 10 h, 24 h, 48 h, and72 h after administration, respectively, in Protocol 1, and 36 g, 85 g, 49 g,and 33 g at pre-administration and 15 min, 2 h, and 4 h, respectively, inProtocol 2. CONCLUSIONA sustained-release lidocaine usingbiodegradable polymers was applied as a sheet in humans for the first time inthe world. It maintained significant analgesia for 72 h without majortoxicities. Furthermore, degree of analgesia provided by the SRLS throughoutthe entire study was similar to that provided by the 8% lidocaine spray. It may suitable for management ofpostoperative pain especially in outpatients

Topological Strings, Flat Coordinates and Gravitational Descendants

We discuss physical spectra and correlation functions of topological minimal models coupled to topological gravity. We first study the BRST formalism of these theories and show that their BRST operator $Q=Q_s+Q_v$ can be brought to $Q_s$ by a certain homotopy operator $U$, $UQU^{-1}=Q_s$ ($Q_s$ and $Q_v$ are the $N=2$ and diffeomorphism BRST operators, respectively). The reparametrization (anti)-ghost $b$ mixes with the supercharge operator $G$ under this transformation. Existence of this transformation enables us to use matter fields to represent cohomology classes of the operator $Q$. We explicitly construct gravitational descendants and show that they generate the higher-order KdV flows. We also evaluate genus-zero correlation functions and rederive basic recursion relations of two-dimensional topological gravity.Comment: 11 pages, phyzzx, UT-63

Towards monolithic integration of germanium light sources on silicon chips

Germanium (Ge) is a group-IV indirect band gap semiconductor, and therefore bulk Ge cannot emit light efficiently. However, the direct band gap energy is close to the indirect one, and significant engineering efforts are being made to convert Ge into an efficient gain material monolithically integrated on a Si chip. In this article, we will review the engineering challenges of developing Ge light sources fabricated using nano-fabrication technologies compatible with Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) processes. In particular, we review recent progress in applying high-tensile strain to Ge to reduce the direct band gap. Another important technique is doping Ge with donor impurities to fill the indirect band gap valleys in the conduction band. Realization of carrier confinement structures and suitable optical cavities will be discussed. Finally, we will discuss possible applications of Ge light sources in potential photonics-electronics convergent systems

メラトニンによるポストコンディショニングは、マウス神経細胞においてメラトニン受容体を介したミトコンドリア透過性遷移孔の開口を介してNMDA受容体の働きを抑制する

Mitochondrial membrane potential regulation through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is reportedly involved in the ischemic postconditioning (PostC) phenomenon. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that regulates circadian rhythms. Its neuroprotective effects via mitochondrial melatonin receptors (MTs) have recently attracted attention. However, details of the neuroprotective mechanisms associated with PostC have not been clarified. Using hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from C57BL mice, we studied the involvement of MTs and the mPTP in melatonin-induced PostC mechanisms similar to those of ischemic PostC. We measured changes in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), intracellular calcium concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents after ischemic challenge, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Melatonin significantly suppressed increases in sEPSCs and intracellular calcium concentrations. The NMDAR currents were significantly suppressed by melatonin and the MT agonist, ramelteon. However, this suppressive effect was abolished by the mPTP inhibitor, cyclosporine A, and the MT antagonist, luzindole. Furthermore, both melatonin and ramelteon potentiated depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potentials, and luzindole suppressed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potentials. This study suggests that melatonin-induced PostC via MTs suppressed the NMDAR that was induced by partial depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential by opening the mPTP, reducing excessive release of glutamate and inducing neuroprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.博士（医学）・甲第847号・令和4年9月28日Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Changes in total and disability-free life ex-pectancy among older adults in China: Do they portend a compression of morbidity?

The purpose of this research is to determine whether disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) in China has been increasing more rapidly than total life expectancy (TLE). Such a scenario would be consistent with a compression of morbidity, a situation that is especially desirable in a country experiencing rapid population aging and gains in old-age longevity. Us-ing the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study, an exponential survival regression is used to calculate TLE. The Sullivan method is then employed for computing DFLE. Results for a 65 and older sample are compared across data collected during two periods, the first with a 2002 baseline and a 2005 follow-up (N=15,641) and the second with a 2008 baseline and a 2011 follow-up (N=15,622). The first comparison is by age and sex. The second comparison divides the sample further by rural/urban residence and education. The ratio of DFLE/TLE across periods provides evidence of whether older Chinese are living both longer and healthier lives. The findings are favorable for the total population aged 65+, but improvements are only statistically significant for females. Results also suggest heterogeneous compression occurring across residential status with the urban population experiencing more favorable changes than their rural counterparts. Results both portend a compression of morbidity and continuing dis-advantage for rural residents who may not be participating in population-wide improvements in health