Assessing Optimal CO2 Abatement Policies for the Kyoto Protocol: A Genetic Algorithms Approach

In 1997, the third Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change was held. Commitments were set for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. Several models have been developed in order to analyze CO2 abatement policies. These models should be categorized as global models considering the wide scale of global warming. Some of those models, however, analyze the policies on a one-country basis and models of global content divide the world into certain regions. It is meaningless to implement the same policies to a region. A multi-country model is preferable to such models. Thus, we have constructed a macroeconometric model linked with an energy model to assess CO2 abatement policies applying genetic algorithms to quantify the optimal policy in favor of the Kyoto Protocol. In this paper, the case of Japan is presented with the intent to analyze optimal policy in a multi-country context.

Model of banking behavior : specification and estimation

This study aims to construct a model of the economic behavior of banks as intermediate sectors in macroeconomics that play an important role interplaying between financial and real markets based on a theoretical and empirical perspective. There are two distinguishing characteristics of our approach. First, we specify an economic model of banking behavior, following partially assets and liabilities management (ALM). As the primary object of our paper is to provide an understanding of a bank’s role in macroeconomics rather than the details of ALM, we abstract from that concept and embed its crucial factors into the model specification. Second, we assume that banks have two optimization problems: profit maximization and asset allocation. Banks are assumed to maximize the profit function which takes into consideration items of the balance sheet and income statement. Then, banks are assumed to attempt to determine their optimal portfolio. Although our model is remarkably simple, we consider that our framework is valid to illustrate the mechanism of the loan market

An econometric analysis of unconventional monetary policy : the cases of Japan and United States

In the wake of financial crisis, the use by major advanced countries of unconventional monetary policies, such as credit easing (CE) by central banks toward depository banks as well as quantitative easing (QE), is not without controversy. While QE increases the liability side of the central bank\u27s balance sheet by expanding the monetary base, the new phase of CE policy enlarges the asset side by purchasing different types of credit in order to get credit markets functioning. Nevertheless, many studies have not taken this important difference in policy into account. They have shed light on mechanisms of the determination of interest rate but precluded any endogenous movement of items in the balance sheets of central banks. Instead, this paper attempts to construct a financial model, linked to a macro-econometric model, which reflects the central bank\u27s balance sheet. The two linked models provide a better guide to explaining how a central bank\u27s monetary policy generates impacts on the real economy via depository banks. By undertaking a comparative assessment of the cases of Japan and the USA, this study conducts scenario simulation using the two linked models. It thereby offers an alternative solution to current monetary policy that aims to tackle the problem of deflation

Mechanisms of Resistance to EGFR TKIs and Development of a New Generation of Drugs in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Gefitinib and erlotinib, which are epidermal growth factor receptor- (EGFR-) specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are widely used as molecularly targeted drugs for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, the search for EGFR gene mutations is becoming essential for the treatment of NSCLC since these have been identified as predictive factors for drug sensitivity. On the other hand, in almost all patients responsive to EGFR-TKIs, acquired resistance is a major clinical problem. Mechanisms of acquired resistance reported in the past few years include secondary mutation of the EGFR gene, amplification of the MET gene, and overexpression of HGF; novel pharmaceutical agents are currently being developed to overcome resistance. This review focuses on these mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and discusses how they can be overcome

Modeling and simulation on the COVID-19 infection: preliminary result

In this study, we aim to develop the extended SIR model of epidemiology linked with the high-frequency multi-sector econometric model in order to investigate the impact of epidemic dynamics on the Japanese economy in Japan. Our approach features three aspects. The first one is that as for our epidemic model, we develop two time-varying parameters, namely an infection rate and a recovery/remote rate, which are crucial parameters in the conventional SIR model. Besides, these parameters are endogenized in our extended SIR model linked to the multi-sector econometric model, enabling to better understand the mechanism that infection and recovery rates increase or decrease as well as capture the changes of the epidemic behavior timely. The third one is that we construct the monthly econometric model that is composed of multi-sector industries. Our approach allows us to timely and exactly grasp the status of Japanese economy in respond to COVID-19 epidemic

Outcomes and failure factors in surgical treatment for osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is an intra-articular lesion and one of the leading causes of permanent elbow disability. The treatment of advanced capitellar OCD remains challenging because of the limited potential of the articular cartilage for self-repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of surgical treatment for OCD of the capitellum. METHODS: From 2000 to 2010, 32 male patients who had advanced lesions of capitellar OCD were treated operatively. The mean age of the patients was 14.4 years at the time of surgery. Twenty-nine patients played baseball and 3 played other sports. The lesions were of the centralized type in 9 patients, the lateral type in 4 patients, and the widespread type in 19 patients. For the surgical procedure, osteochondral peg fixation was selected for 13 patients and osteochondral autograft transplantation for 19 patients. Clinical outcome was measured with the elbow rating system including range of motion, and the number of patients who returned to active sports participation within 1 year after surgery was determined. RESULTS: The mean total arc of elbow motion increased from 123±17 degrees preoperatively to 132±14 degrees postoperatively. The mean clinical score improved significantly from 133±24 to 177±27. Within the first year after surgery, 81.3% of the patients returned to active sports playing. However, 4 of 8 patients (50%) in which osteochondral peg fixation was performed for lesions of the lateral widespread type required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that osteochondral peg fixation and osteochondral autograft transplantation may improve elbow rating score, and may facilitate a return to active sports participation. However, osteochondral peg fixation may be insufficient for lesions of the widespread type because of their poor stability. The large lateral condyle lesions had a worse outcome, and future studies will need to develop improved treatment for these defects. Copyright © 2013 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Questionnaire survey on the continuity of home oxygen therapy after a disaster with power outages

AbstractBackgroundAfter the Great East Japan Earthquake, oxygen-dependent patients in areas experiencing power outages could not continue home oxygen therapy (HOT) without oxygen cylinders. The purpose of this study was to examine use of oxygen cylinders in areas experiencing power outages and the effects of HOT interruption on patients' health.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed to 1106 oxygen-dependent patients and HOT-prescribing physicians in Akita, near the disaster-stricken area. We investigated patients' actions when unable to use an oxygen concentrator and classified the patients based on oxygen cylinder use. Patients who experienced an interruption of or reduction in oxygen flow rate by their own judgment were assigned to the “interruption” and “reduction” groups, respectively; those who maintained their usual flow rate were assigned to the “continuation” group. Differences were tested using analysis of variance and the χ2 tests.ResultsIn total, 599 patients responded to the questionnaire. Oxygen cylinders were supplied to 574 patients (95.8%) before their oxygen cylinders were depleted. Comparison of the continuation (n=356), reduction (n=64), and interruption (n=154) groups showed significant differences in family structure (p=0.004), underlying disease (p=0.014), oxygen flow rate (p<0.001), situation regarding use (p<0.001), knowledge of HOT (p<0.001), and anxiety about oxygen supply (p<0.001). There were no differences in changes in physical condition.ConclusionsMost patients could receive oxygen cylinders after the disaster. Some patients discontinued their usual oxygen therapy, but their overall health status was not affected

Technique of anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction with rounded rectangle femoral dilator

Background: This study aimed to present a new technique for anatomical single bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We developed an original rounded rectangular dilator set to create rounded rectangular femoral tunnels. This technique can increase the femoral tunnel size without roof impingement, and has the potential to reduce the graft failure rate. We investigated the tunnel position and the incidence of intraoperative complications. Method: The presented technique is anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus graft (with or without the gracilis tendon). The tunnel was drilled via an additional medial portal. Rounded rectangular tunnels were created using a special dilator. Tibial tunnels were created using conventional rounded tunnels. Fixation was achieved using a suspensory device on the femoral side and a plate and screw on the tibial side. Patients: Fifty patients underwent this surgery, and intraoperative complications were investigated. The femoral tunnel positions were documented postoperatively from computed tomography scans using the quadrant method. The tibial tunnel positions (anterior-to-posterior, medial-to-lateral) were documented using intraoperative X-ray scans. Results: Only one patient had a partial posterior tunnel wall blowout. The femoral tunnel length varied between 30 and 40 mm (mean, 34.9 ± 3.3 mm). All femoral and tibial tunnels were located within the area of the anatomical ACL insertions. Conclusion: We did not experience any serious intraoperative complications during anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction using a rounded rectangle dilator, and the resulting locations of the femoral and tibial tunnels were within the anatomical ACL footprint. Level of evidence: Level IV. © 2015 Elsevier B.V..Embargo Period 12 month

Relationship between the skeletal maturation of the distal attachment of the patellar tendon and physical features in preadolescent male football players

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare ultrasonography stages of the tibial tuberosity development and physical features. Methods: This study examined 200 knees in 100 male football players aged 10-15 years. Tibial tuberosity development on ultrasonography was divided into 3 stages: Sonolucent stage (stage S), Individual stage (stage I), and Connective stage (stage C). Age, height, quadriceps and hamstring muscle tightness, and muscle strength in knee extension and flexion were determined. These findings were compared with the respective stages of development. Results: The tibial tuberosity was stage S in 27 knees, stage I in 69 knees, and stage C in 104 knees, with right and left sides at the same stage in 95 %. Average age and height significantly increased with advancing tibial tuberosity development. Quadriceps tightness increased with tibial tuberosity development. Hamstring tightness decreased with development. The strength of both knee extension and flexion increased with advancing development, with a greater change seen in knee extension, hamstring/quadriceps ratio: stage C, 0.74; stage A, 0.64; stage E, 0.53. Conclusions: Osgood-Schlatter pathogenesis reportedly involves increased quadriceps tightness with rapidly increasing femoral length during tibial tuberosity development. In this study, it was confirmed that quadriceps tightness increased, yet hamstring tightness decreased, suggesting that quadriceps tightness is not due to femoral length alone. Other factors, including muscle strength, may be involved. The study shows that thigh muscle tightness and thigh muscle performance change with the skeletal maturation of the distal attachment of the patellar tendon. These results add new information to the pathogenesis of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Level of evidence: Cross-sectional study, Level III. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg