Results of the search for inspiraling compact star binaries from TAMA300's observation in 2000-2004

We analyze the data of TAMA300 detector to search for gravitational waves from inspiraling compact star binaries with masses of the component stars in the range 1-3Msolar. In this analysis, 2705 hours of data, taken during the years 2000-2004, are used for the event search. We combine the results of different observation runs, and obtained a single upper limit on the rate of the coalescence of compact binaries in our Galaxy of 20 per year at a 90% confidence level. In this upper limit, the effect of various systematic errors such like the uncertainty of the background estimation and the calibration of the detector's sensitivity are included.Comment: 8 pages, 4 Postscript figures, uses revtex4.sty The author list was correcte

Observation results by the TAMA300 detector on gravitational wave bursts from stellar-core collapses

We present data-analysis schemes and results of observations with the TAMA300 gravitational-wave detector, targeting burst signals from stellar-core collapse events. In analyses for burst gravitational waves, the detection and fake-reduction schemes are different from well-investigated ones for a chirp-wave analysis, because precise waveform templates are not available. We used an excess-power filter for the extraction of gravitational-wave candidates, and developed two methods for the reduction of fake events caused by non-stationary noises of the detector. These analysis schemes were applied to real data from the TAMA300 interferometric gravitational wave detector. As a result, fake events were reduced by a factor of about 1000 in the best cases. The resultant event candidates were interpreted from an astronomical viewpoint. We set an upper limit of 2.2x10^3 events/sec on the burst gravitational-wave event rate in our Galaxy with a confidence level of 90%. This work sets a milestone and prospects on the search for burst gravitational waves, by establishing an analysis scheme for the observation data from an interferometric gravitational wave detector

Four food-frequency categories of fruit intake as a predictor of plasma ascorbic acid level in middle-aged Japanese men

PURPOSE: Plasma levels of ascorbic acid are assumed to be determined not only by dietary amount of ingested vitamin C, but also by other dietary and nondietary factors. To assess the predictability of plasma ascorbic acid level in Japanese men, we examined its association with dietary sources of vitamin C and other lifestyle factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 621 healthy men aged 40–49 years who were sampled randomly from five areas in Japan, the weekly intake frequency of foods rich in vitamin C (< 1, 1–2, 3–4, ⩾ 5 days/week), alcohol consumption per week, use of vitamin C supplements, and smoking were assessed by use of a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (all subjects) and a 3-day weighed dietary record (DR) from 203 volunteers. RESULTS: In univariate analyses of FFQ data, the intake frequency of fruit Full-size image (<1 K), pickled vegetables Full-size image (<1 K), potatoes Full-size image (<1 K), and alcohol consumption Full-size image (<1 K) were significant determinants of plasma ascorbic acid in addition to supplement use and study area. In a multivariate analysis, four FFQ categories of fruit intake accounted for 19% of the variation in plasma ascorbic acid among nonsupplement users after adjustment for study area and alcohol intake. The association between plasma ascorbic acid level and quartile of dietary vitamin C intake (mg/day) measured by DR was weaker Full-size image (<1 K) than the association between plasma ascorbic acid level and dietary intake of fresh fruit (g/day) Full-size image (<1 K). CONCLUSION: The predictability of plasma ascorbic acid by a four-category FFQ assessment of fruit intake was superior to calculated vitamin C or fruit intake assessed by detailed DR

Red meat intake may increase the risk of colon cancer in Japanese, a population with relatively low red meat consumption. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 20: 603–612. PMID: 22094846

Asian populations have changed from traditional to Westernized diets, with increased red meat intake. They are suggested to be particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of red meat on the development of colorectal cancers, however, few prospective studies of this putative link have been conducted. We examined associations between the consumption of red and processed meat and the risk of subsite-specific colorectal cancer by gender in a large Japanese cohort. During 1995-1998, a validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to 80,658 men and women aged 45-74 years. During 758,116 person-years of follow-up until the end of 2006, 1,145 cases of colorectal cancer were identified. Higher consumption of red meat was significantly associated with a higher risk of colon cancer among women [multivariate hazard ratios (95%CIs) for the highest versus lowest quintiles (HR): 1.48 (1.01, 2.17; trend p=0.03)], as was higher consumption of total meat among men [HR=1.44 (1.06, 1.98; trend p=0.07)]. By site, these positive associations were found for the risk of proximal colon cancer among women and for distal colon cancer among men. No association was found between the consumption of processed meat and risk of either colon or rectal cancer. In conclusion, red meat intake may modestly increase the risk of colon cancer in middle-aged Japanese, although the highest quintile of red meat consumption could be considered moderate by Western standards