Self-administered questionnaires enhance emotion estimation of individuals with autism spectrum disorders in a robotic interview setting

Background

Robots offer many unique opportunities for helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Determining the optimal motion of robots when interacting with individuals with ASD is important for achieving more natural human-robot interactions and for exploiting the full potential of robotic interventions. Most prior studies have used supervised machine learning (ML) of user behavioral data to enable robot perception of affective states (i.e., arousal and valence) and engagement. It has previously been suggested that including personal demographic information in the identification of individuals with ASD is important for developing an automated system to perceive individual affective states and engagement. In this study, we hypothesized that assessing self-administered questionnaire data would contribute to the development of an automated estimation of the affective state and engagement when individuals with ASD are interviewed by an Android robot, which will be linked to implementing long-term interventions and maintaining the motivation of participants.

Methods

Participants sat across a table from an android robot that played the role of the interviewer. Each participant underwent a mock job interview. Twenty-five participants with ASD (males 22, females 3, average chronological age = 22.8, average IQ = 94.04) completed the experiment. We collected multimodal data (i.e., audio, motion, gaze, and self-administered questionnaire data) to train a model to correctly classify the state of individuals with ASD when interviewed by an android robot. We demonstrated the technical feasibility of using ML to enable robot perception of affect and engagement of individuals with ASD based on multimodal data.

Results

For arousal and engagement, the area under the curve (AUC) values of the model estimates and expert coding were relatively high. Overall, the AUC values of arousal, valence, and engagement were improved by including self-administered questionnaire data in the classification.

Discussion

These findings support the hypothesis that assessing self-administered questionnaire data contributes to the development of an automated estimation of an individual's affective state and engagement. Given the efficacy of including self-administered questionnaire data, future studies should confirm the effectiveness of such long-term intervention with a robot to maintain participants' motivation based on the proposed method of emotion estimation.

A new group-based online job interview training program using computer graphics robots for individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Introduction

Job interviews are a major barrier to employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). During the coronavirus pandemic, establishing online job interview training at home was indispensable. However, many hurdles prevent individuals with ASD from concentrating on online job interview training. To facilitate the acquisition of interview skills from home for individuals with ASD, we developed a group interview training program with a virtual conferencing system (GIT-VICS Program) that uses computer graphics (CG) robots.

Methods

This study investigated the feasibility of the GIT-VICS Program in facilitating skill acquisition for face-to-face job interviews in pre-post measures. In the GIT-VICS Program, five participants were grouped and played the roles of interviewees (1), interviewers (2), and human resources (2). They alternately practiced each role in GIT-VICS Program sessions conducted over 8 or 9 days over three consecutive weeks. Before and after the GIT-VICS Program, the participants underwent a mock face-to-face job interview with two experienced human interviewers (MFH) to evaluate its effect.

Results

Fourteen participants completed the trial procedures without experiencing any technological challenges or distress that would have led to the termination of the session. The GIT-VICS Program improved their job interview skills (verbal competence, nonverbal competence, and interview performance).

Discussion

Given the promising results of this study and to draw clear conclusions about the efficacy of CG robots for mock online job interview training, future studies adding appropriate guidance for manner of job interview by experts are needed.

Emotional and behavioral problems in Japanese preschool children with subthreshold autistic traits: findings from a community-based sample

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been a growing recognition that autistic traits exist along a continuum beyond diagnostic categories and that even subclinical symptoms may be associated with an increased risk for the psychosocial well-being and mental health of children. However, as yet, there has been little research on whether preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD, are more likely to experience difficulties. To address this deficit this study examined whether young children with subthreshold autistic traits have an increased risk for emotional/behavioral difficulties.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 1057 Japanese preschool children aged 5-years old collected during the first wave of the Tama Children's Survey (TCS) cohort study. Parent-reported autistic traits were assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), while they provided information on their child's emotional/behavioral problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations.

RESULTS

Preschool children with mild-to-moderate autistic traits, corresponding to subclinical autism were significantly more likely to score above the clinical thresholds for emotional/behavioral problems compared to children with fewer autistic traits. Follow-up diagnostic assessments and analyses of 72 children from the cohort confirmed these findings and showed that these children with subthreshold autistic traits also had a significantly lower intelligence quotient (IQ) as measured by the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI).

CONCLUSIONS

Although subthreshold autistic traits are difficult to define due to the sometimes vague border between typical and atypical development, there may be a large number of preschool children with subthreshold autistic traits, who may have an increased risk for a variety of different emotional/behavioral difficulties as well as lower cognitive functioning.

Relationship between parental autistic traits and parenting difficulties in a Japanese community sample

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested an association between higher levels of parental autistic traits and negative aspects of parenting; however, the domain of autistic traits specifically associated with parenting difficulties has not been investigated yet. Moreover, it remains to be determined whether this association exists even after controlling for children's characteristics.

AIMS

This study examined the relationship between each domain of parental autistic traits and parenting difficulties after controlling for children's characteristics in a Japanese community sample.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Surveys were administered to 1373 Japanese adults who were parents to children in kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The results showed that parents with higher levels of autistic traits had more parenting difficulties. Even after controlling for children's sex, age, and emotional/behavioral problems, paternal impaired communication and maternal poor attention switching, impaired communication, and lack of imagination were related to higher parenting difficulties, while a higher maternal level of attention to detail was associated with lower difficulties in parenting.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The findings of this study highlight the importance of focusing on parental autistic traits and providing appropriate parenting support considering these traits.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and sleep problems in preschool children: the role of autistic traits

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are elevated in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, until now there has been comparatively little research on the role of autistic traits in this association. The current study examined the association between ADHD symptoms and sleep problems in Japanese preschool children and whether autistic traits might also be important for this relationship.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 1053 children (average age 64.14 months, range 58-71; 50.3% male) that were drawn from the Tama Children's Survey (TCS). Parent-reported information was obtained on ADHD symptoms using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and autistic traits with the Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition (SRS-2). Parents also provided information on three different categories of sleep problems experienced by their children - parasomnias, sleep disordered breathing and awakening/daytime problems. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations.

RESULTS

In analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors, the mother's mental health and child's emotional problems, compared to children with no ADHD symptoms or autistic traits, children with only ADHD symptoms had significantly increased odds for only one of 11 individual sleep problems - waking in a negative mood. In contrast, children with comorbid ADHD symptoms and autistic traits had elevated odds for five sleep problems with odds ratios ranging from 2.10 (takes time to become alert in the morning) to 3.46 (excessive body movement while sleeping).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep problems may be especially elevated in children with comorbid ADHD symptoms and autistic traits.

Study of the K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] Decay at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

The rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was studied with the dataset taken at the J-PARC KOTO experiment in 2016, 2017, and 2018. With a single event sensitivity of (7.20±0.05_{stat}±0.66_{syst})×10^{-10}, three candidate events were observed in the signal region. After unveiling them, contaminations from K^{±} and scattered K_{L} decays were studied, and the total number of background events was estimated to be 1.22±0.26. We conclude that the number of observed events is statistically consistent with the background expectation. For this dataset, we set an upper limit of 4.9×10^{-9} on the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level.

Group-Based Online Job Interview Training Program Using Virtual Robot for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The rapid expansion of online job interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue after the pandemic has subsided. These interviews are a significant barrier for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). There is little evidence-based training for online job interviews for individuals with ASD, and the development of new trainings is expected. In an effort to facilitate online job interview skill acquisition for individuals with ASD, we developed a group-based online job interview training program using a virtual robot (GOT). In GOT, the interviewer and interviewee are projected as virtual robots on the screen. Five participants were grouped and performed the role of interviewee, interviewer, and evaluator. The participants performed all roles in a random order. Each session consisted of a first job interview session, feedback session, and second job interview session. The participants experienced 25 sessions. Before and after GOT, the participants underwent a mock online job interview with a human professional interviewer (MOH) to evaluate the effect of GOT. In total, 15 individuals with ASD took part in the study. The GOT improved self-confidence, motivation, the understanding of others' perspectives, verbal competence, non-verbal competence, and interview performance scores. There was also a significant increase in the recognition of the importance of the point of view of interviewers and evaluators after the second MOH compared to after the first MOH. Using a VR robot and learning the importance of interview skills by experiencing other perspectives (i.e., viewpoint of interviewer and evaluator) may have sustained their motivation and enabled greater self-confidence. Given the promising results of this study and to draw definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) robots for mock online job interview training, further studies with larger, more diverse samples of individuals with ASD using a longitudinal design are warranted.

Enhancing Communication Skills of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders While Maintaining Social Distancing Using Two Tele-Operated Robots

COVID-19 has affected many areas of daily life, including communication and learning. Social distancing is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In these situations, teaching communication skills is essential for helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reach their full potential. To provide communication education while maintaining social distancing, we developed a communication training system using a tele-operated robot. In this system, we prepared a PC and a robot for each participant. The participants were grouped in pairs and communicated with each other through the tele-operated robot. The objective of this study was to test whether this system can maintain motivation for training in individuals with ASD and whether our system was useful for improving communication skills. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the taking a class by teachers alone (TCT) group or robot-mediated communication exercise (RMC) group. Participants in the TCT group took a class about communication skills from their teacher. Participants in the RMC group, in addition to taking a class by teacher, were grouped in pairs and communicated with each other through the tele-operated robot once a week over 4 weeks (for a total of five sessions). In total, twenty individuals with ASD participated in the study. One-way ANOVA revealed that there were significantly greater improvements in being good at describing their thoughts to others, which was self-rated (F = 6.583; p = 0.019), and good at listening to the thoughts or feelings of others, which was rated by themselves (F = 5.635; p = 0.029) and their teacher (F = 5.333; p = 0.033). As expected, the motivation for training using this system was maintained during a session. Overall, this study revealed that our system was useful for improving communication skills (e.g., listening to the thoughts or feelings of others). Teaching communication skills under pandemic conditions is important, and this study demonstrated the feasibility of communication training using tele-operated robots.

Interlaboratory Evaluation of Two Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits for the Determination of Crustacean Protein in Processed Foods

The labeling of foods containing material derived from crustaceans such as shrimp and crab is to become mandatory in Japan because of increases in the number of allergy patients. To ensure proper labeling, 2 novel sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits for the determination of crustacean protein in processed foods, the N kit (Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ibaraki, Japan) and the M kit (Maruha Nichiro Holdings, Inc., Ibaraki, Japan), have been developed. Five types of model processed foods containing 10 and/or 11.9 g/g crustacean soluble protein were prepared for interlaboratory evaluation of the performance of these kits. The N kit displayed a relatively high level of reproducibility relative standard deviation (interlaboratory precision; 4.08.4 RSDR) and sufficient recovery (6586) for all the model processed foods. The M kit displayed sufficient reproducibility (17.620.5 RSDR) and a reasonably high level of recovery (82103). The repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values regarding the detection of crustacean proteins in the 5 model foods were mostly <5.1 RSDr for the N kit and 9.9 RSDr for the M kit. In conclusion, the results of this interlaboratory evaluation suggest that both these ELISA kits would be very useful for detecting crustacean protein in processed foods.

Determination of Walnut Protein in Processed Foods by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay: Interlaboratory Study

Because food allergens from tree nuts, including walnuts, are a frequent cause of adverse food reactions for allergic patients, the labeling of foods containing ingredients derived from tree nuts is required in numerous countries. According to Japanese regulations, the labeling of food products containing walnuts is recommended. To ensure proper labeling, a novel sandwich ELISA kit for the determination of walnut protein in processed foods (Walnut Protein [2S-Albumin] Kit; Morinaga Institute of Biological Science, Inc.; walnut kit) has been developed. We prepared seven types of incurred samples (model processed foods: biscuits, bread, sponge cake, orange juice, jelly, chicken meatballs, and rice gruel) containing 10 g walnut soluble protein/g of food for use in interlaboratory evaluations of the walnut kit. The walnut kit displayed sufficient reproducibility relative standard deviations (interlaboratory precision: 5.89.9 RSDR) and a high level of recovery (81119) for all the incurred samples. All the repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values for the incurred samples that were examined were less than 6.0. The results of this interlaboratory evaluation suggested that the walnut kit could be used as a precise and reliable tool for determination of walnut protein in processed foods.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit for the Determination of Soybean Protein in Processed Foods: Interlaboratory Evaluation

The labeling of foods containing ingredients derived from soybean is recommended in Japan because of an increasing number of patients who are allergic to soybeans. To ensure proper labeling, a novel sandwich ELISA kit for the determination of soybean protein in processed foods (FASTKIT Ver. II, Soybean, Nippon Meat Packers, Inc.; soy kit) has been developed. Five types of incurred samples (model processed foods: rice gruel, sausage, sweet adzuki bean soup, sweet potato cake, and tomato sauce) containing 10 g soybean soluble protein/g food were prepared for use in interlaboratory evaluations of the soy kit. The soy kit displayed a sufficient RSDR value (interlaboratory precision: 9.313.4 RSDR) and a high level of recovery (97114) for all the incurred samples. The RSDr value for the incurred samples was mostly <4.8. The results of this interlaboratory evaluation suggest that the soy kit can be used as a precise and reliable tool for the determination of soybean proteins in processed foods.

Search for K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] and K_{L}→π^{0}X^{0} Decays at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

A search for the rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was performed. With the data collected in 2015, corresponding to 2.2×10^{19} protons on target, a single event sensitivity of (1.30±0.01_{stat}±0.14_{syst})×10^{-9} was achieved and no candidate events were observed. We set an upper limit of 3.0×10^{-9} for the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level (C.L.), which improved the previous limit by almost an order of magnitude. An upper limit for K_{L}→π^{0}X^{0} was also set as 2.4×10^{-9} at the 90% C.L., where X^{0} is an invisible boson with a mass of 135  MeV/c^{2}.

Association Between Autistic Traits in Preschool Children and Later Emotional/Behavioral Outcomes

Although children with a greater number of autistic traits are likely to have other mental health problems, research on the association between earlier autistic traits in preschool children and later emotional/behavioral outcomes is scarce. Using data from 189 Japanese community-based children, this study examined whether autistic traits at age 5 were related to emotional/behavioral outcomes at age 7. The results showed that prior autistic traits were subsequently associated with all emotional/behavioral domains. After controlling for baseline emotional/behavioral scores autistic traits continued to predict later emotional symptoms and peer problems. This study highlights that in addition to clinical ASD, it is also important to focus on subthreshold autistic traits in preschool children for better subsequent emotional/behavioral outcomes.

Assessment of Autistic Traits in Children Aged 2 to 4½ Years With the Preschool Version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-P): Findings from Japan

The recent development and use of autism measures for the general population has led to a growing body of evidence which suggests that autistic traits are distributed along a continuum. However, as most existing autism measures were designed for use in children older than age 4, to date, little is known about the autistic continuum in children younger than age 4. As autistic symptoms are evident in the first few years, to address this research gap, the current study tested the preschool version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS‐P) in children aged 2 to 4½ years in clinical (N = 74, average age 40 months, 26–51 months) and community settings (N = 357, average age 39 months, 25–50 months) in Japan. Using information obtained from different raters (mothers, other caregivers, and teachers) it was found that the scale demonstrated a good degree of internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability and test‐retest reliability, and a satisfactory degree of convergent validity for the clinical sample when compared with scores from diagnostic “gold standard” autism measures. Receiver operating characteristic analyses and the group comparisons also showed that the SRS‐P total score discriminated well between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those without ASD. Importantly, this scale could identify autistic symptoms or traits distributed continually across the child population at this age irrespective of the presence of an ASD diagnosis. These findings suggest that the SRS‐P might be a sensitive instrument for case identification including subthreshold ASD, as well as a potentially useful research tool for exploring ASD endophenotypes. Autism Res 2017, 10: 852–865. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Brief report: large individual variation in outcomes of autistic children receiving low-intensity behavioral interventions in community settings

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread awareness of the necessity of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), evidence is still limited, in part, due to the complex nature of ASDs. This exploratory study aimed to examine the change across time in young children with autism and their mothers, who received less intensive early interventions with and without applied behavior analysis (ABA) methods in community settings in Japan.

METHODS

Eighteen children with autism (mean age: 45.7 months; range: 28-64 months) received ABA-based treatment (a median of 3.5 hours per week; an interquartile range of 2-5.6 hours per week) and/or eclectic treatment-as-usual (TAU) (a median of 3.1 hours per week; an interquartile range of 2-5.6 hours per week). Children's outcomes were the severity of autistic symptoms, cognitive functioning, internalizing and externalizing behavior after 6 months (a median of 192 days; an interquartile range of 178-206 days). In addition, maternal parenting stress at 6-month follow-up, and maternal depression at 1.5-year follow-up (a median of 512 days; an interquartile range of 358-545 days) were also examined.

RESULTS

Large individual variations were observed for a broad range of children's and mothers' outcomes. Neither ABA nor TAU hours per week were significantly associated with an improvement in core autistic symptoms. A significant improvement was observed only for internalizing problems, irrespective of the type, intensity or monthly cost of treatment received. Higher ABA cost per month (a median of 1,188 USD; an interquartile range of 538-1,888 USD) was associated with less improvement in language-social DQ (a median of 9; an interquartile range of -6.75-23.75).

CONCLUSIONS

To determine an optimal program for each child with ASD in areas with poor ASD resources, further controlled studies are needed that assess a broad range of predictive and outcome variables focusing on both individual characteristics and treatment components.

Antioxidant, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects of aloesin derivatives in Aloe vera

Antioxidant components in Aloe vera were examined for lipid peroxidation using rat liver microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes. Among the aloesin derivatives examined, isorabaichromone showed a potent antioxidative activity. The DPPH radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities were determined. As one of the most potent components, isorabaichromone together with feruloylaloesin and p-coumaroylaloesin showed potent DPPH radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities. Electron spin resonance (ESR) using the spin trapping method suggested that the potent superoxide anion scavenging activity of isorabaichromone may have been due to its caffeoyl group. As A. vera has long been used to promote wound healing, the inhibitory effects of aloesin derivatives for cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 and thromboxane (Tx) A 2 synthase were examined and the participation of p-coumaroyl and feruloyl ester groups in the aloesin skeleton was demonstrated. These findings may explain, at least in part, the wound healing effects of A.vera. Abbreviations. ADP:adenosine diphosphate ASA:ascorbic acid BHT:butylated hydroxytoluene BSA:bovine serum albumin DMPO:5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide DPPH:1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl EDTA:edetic acid HEPES: N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine- N-2'-ethane-sulfonic acid NADH:reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide NADPH:reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate NBT:nitroblue tetrazolium Pg:prostaglandin SOD:superoxide dismutase TBA:thiobarbituric acid TCA:trichloroacetic acid XOD:xanthine oxidase

Multielement determination and speciation of major-to-trace elements in black tea leaves by ICP-AES and ICP-MS with the aid of size exclusion chromatography

A multielement determination of major-to-trace elements in black tea leaves and their tea infusions was carried out by ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry) and ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Tea infusions were prepared as usual tea beverage by brewing black tea leaves in boiling water for 5 min. About 40 elements in tea leaves and tea infusions could be determined over the wide concentration range in 8 orders of magnitude. The extraction efficiency of each element was estimated as the ratio of its concentration in tea infusions to that in tea leaves. From the experimental results for the extraction efficiencies, the elements in black tea leaves were classified into three characteristic groups: (i) highly-extractable elements (>55%): Na, K, Co, Ni, Rb, Cs and Tl, (ii) moderately-extractable elements (20-55%): Mg, Al, P, Mn and Zn, and (iii) poorly-extractable elements (<20%): Ca, Fe, Cu, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Sn, Ba and lanthanoid elements. Furthermore, speciation of major-to-trace elements in tea infusions was performed by using a combined system of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and ICP-MS (or ICP-AES). As a result, many diverse elements were found to be present as complexes associated with large organic molecules in tea infusions.

Multielement monitoring for dissolved and acid-soluble concentrations of trace metals in surface seawater along the ferry track between Osaka and Okinawa as investigated by ICP-MS

Multielement monitoring of the concentrations of trace metals dissolved in surface seawater collected at sampling stations along the ferry track between Osaka and Okinawa was performed by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The surface seawater samples were collected by an automated sampling system for on-board sampling, which was installed on the bottom of a ferryboat. A part of each seawater sample was filtered with a membrane filter (pore size of 0.45 microm) immediately after sampling. Both filtered and non-filtered seawater samples were acidified to pH ca. 1 by adding conc. HNO3, and were subjected to chelating resin preconcentration for the determination of trace metals by ICP-MS, where the concentrations of analyte metals in the filtered and non-filtered seawater samples were referred to as the dissolved and total concentrations, respectively. According to the thus-obtained results, it was found that most trace metals, especially below the 0.01 microg l(-1) as the dissolved and total concentrations, sensitively reflected the environmental pollution in the Osaka Bay and Seto Inland Sea area, as well as near to the Bungo Canal and the outlet of Kagoshima Bay.

The long-term evolutions and the regional characteristics of atmospheric methane concentrations in Nagoya, 1983-1997

This study provides information on the long-term evolutions of the atmospheric methane (CH4) concentrations in Nagoya City, Japan, which were analyzed by using the continuous monitoring data observed at the eight observatory stations for 1983-1997. The 15-year records of the atmospheric CH4 concentrations were examined by means of a time-series analysis using a fast Fourier transform with a low-pass filter to elucidate the seasonal cycles and the long-term trends. The annual averages of the CH4 concentrations in Nagoya were 1.85 ppmv (parts per million by volume), 1.91 ppmv, and 1.90 ppmv in 1988, 1995 and 1997, respectively. Moreover, the annual average growth rate showed a drastic decrease from 17 ppbv (parts per billion by volume) year(-1) in 1992 to 2 ppbv year(-1) in 1993, and further down to 7 ppbv year(-1) in 1997. Comparison of the atmospheric CH4 records in Nagoya with those in global air of the northern hemisphere observed at Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii, USA, allows us to estimate the excess concentration of CH4 in the urban atmosphere of Nagoya, which was 0.17 ppmv in 1988 and 0.15 ppmv in 1997. On a local scale, the atmospheric CH4 concentrations in the northern part of Nagoya City increased until 1992 and then gradually decreased from 1993 to 1997, although those in the south-western urban areas constantly increased at the averaged growth rate of 13 ppbv year(-1) for 1988-1997. The variation of the long-term trends of the CH4 concentrations in Nagoya may be ascribed to the emission changes from the CH4 sources due to the human activities such as waste dumping and landfills.

Polydiphenylamine-dodecyl sulfate films for the simultaneous amperometric determination of electroinactive anions and cations in ion-exclusion cation-exchange chromatography

An amperometric detector with two working electrodes both modified with polydiphenylamine-dodecyl sulfate (PDPA-DS) was successfully used for the simultaneous determination of electroinactive anions (SO42-, Cl-, NO3-) and cations (Na+, NH4+ and K+) in single-column ion-exclusion cation-exchange chromatography (IEC-CEC). The PDPA-DS chemical modified electrode (CME) was based on the incorporation of dodecyl sulfate (DS) into PDPA by electropolymerization of diphenylamine in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The electrochemical responses against the anions and cations at the PDPA-DS CME in differential pulse voltammetry were studied. A set of well-defined peaks of electroinactive anions and cations were obtained. The anions and cations were detected conveniently and reproducibly in a linear concentration range 0.01-5.0 mmol/L and their detection limits were in the range 5-9 micromol/L at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 (S/N = 3). The proposed method was quick, sensitive and simple and was successfully applied to the analysis of lake water samples. The working electrode was stable over one week period of operation with no evidence of chemical and mechanical deterioration.

Inhibition of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation by Bakuchiol, a meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia

Bakuchiol, a meroterpene isolated from Psoralea corylifolia, prevented mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. Inhibition of oxygen consumption originating in lipid peroxidation was time-dependent. Bakuchiol protected mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities against both NADPH-dependent and dihydroxyfumarate-induced peroxidation injury. Bakuchiol was shown to be effective to protect mitochondrial functions against oxidative stress.

Amperometric detection studies of Nafion/indium hexacyanoferrate film for the determination of electroinactive cations in ion chromatography

An amperometric detector based on the chemical modification of Nafion and indium (III) hexacyanoferrate (II, III) thin film (Nafion/In-CN-Fe) onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode, was first successfully used for the determination of electroinactive cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+) in single column ion chromatography (IC). A set of well-defined peaks of electroinactive cations was obtained. The detection limits of the cations are 8.9 x 10(-6) mol/L for Li+, 2.3 x 10(-6) mol/L for Na+, 5.2 x 10(-6) mol/L for K+, 4.8 x 10(-6) mol/L for Rb+, 4.0 x 10(-6) mol/L for Cs+ and 5.3 x 10(-6) mol/L for NH4+ at a single-to-noise ratio of 3. The proposed method was quick, sensitive and simple. The cations in rainwater and mineral water were successfully analyzed by this method.

Molecular design of antibrowning agents

Tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant activity of gallic acid and its series of alkyl chain esters were investigated. All inhibited the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) catalyzed by mushroom tyrosinase. However, gallic acid and its short alkyl chain esters were oxidized as substrates yielding the colored oxidation products. In contrast, the long alkyl chain esters inhibited the enzyme activity without being oxidized. This indicates that the carbon chain length is associated with their tyrosinase inhibitory activity, presumably by interacting with the hydrophobic protein pocket in the enzyme. On the other hand, the esters, regardless their carbon chain length, showed potent scavenging activity on the autoxidation of linoleic acid and 1,1-diphenyl-2-p-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, suggesting that the alkyl chain length is not related to the activity. The effects of side-chain length of gallates in relation to their antibrowning activity are studied.

Protection of mitochondrial functions against oxidative stresses by isoflavans from Glycyrrhiza glabra

Isoflavan derivatives, glabridin (1), hispaglabridin A (2), hispaglabridin B (3), 4'-Omethylglabridin (4) and 3'-hydroxy-4'-O-methylglabridin (5), isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra, were investigated for their ability to protect liver mitochondria against oxidative stresses. Mitochondrial lipid peroxidation linked to respiratory electron transport and that induced non-enzymatically were inhibited by these isoflavans. Hispaglabridin A (2) strongly inhibited both peroxidations and 3'-hydroxy-4'-O-methylglabridin (5) was the most effective at preventing NADH-dependent peroxidation. 3'-Hydroxy-4'-O-methylglabridin (5) protected mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities against NADPH-dependent peroxidation injury. Dihydroxyfumarate-induced mitochondrial peroxidation was also prevented by this isoflavan. Isoflavans from G. glabra were shown to be effective in protecting mitochondrial function against oxidative stresses.

Determination of rare earth elements in human blood serum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after chelating resin preconcentration

The determination of all rare earth elements (REEs) in human blood serum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed with the aid of chelating resin (Chelex 100) preconcentration after acid digestion with HNO3 and HClO4. When chelating resin preconcentration was carried out at room temperature, the recoveries of heavy REEs were lower than those of light REEs because of their stable complex formation with residual organic compounds remaining in the digested serum solution. These problems were overcome by heating the solution at 80 degrees C during the chelating resin preconcentration process. As a result, the recoveries for all REEs were improved to 92-102% in the case of a concentration factor of 4, where the analytical detection limits for REEs were below 0.2 x 10(-12) g ml-1. Consequently, all REEs in individual human blood sera collected from five healthy volunteers could be determined by ICP-MS with good precision. The concentrations of REEs in human blood serum were extremely low, in the range from ca. 1 x 10(-12) g ml-1 of Eu to ca. 230 x 10(-12) g ml-1 of Ce.

Speciation of protein-binding zinc and copper in human blood serum by chelating resin pre-treatment and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method for the speciation of zinc and copper binding with proteins in human serum was explored by chelating resin (Chelex-100) pre-treatment and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was shown by a SEC (size-exclusion chromatography)-ICP-MS system that albumin-zinc and albumin-copper (loosely-bound species) could be selectively removed from serum by adsorption on the Chelex-100 resin after the chelating resin pre-treatment, while alpha 2-macroglobulin-zinc and ceruloplasmin-copper (firmly-bound species) remained in the serum. The zinc and copper bound with alpha 2-macroglobulin and ceruloplasmin, respectively, were then determined by ICP-MS after batch treatment of the serum samples with the Chelex-100 resin. In addition, the total concentrations of zinc and copper were also determined by ICP-MS after a 20-fold dilution with 0.1 M HNO3. The albumin-zinc and -copper were estimated as the differences between the concentrations of total and firmly-bound species. The present batch pre-treatment method was applied to the speciation analysis of zinc and copper binding with proteins in sera donated from 25 healthy volunteers as well as from a pregnant woman and a myelodysplastic syndrome patient. The observed concentrations of alpha 2-macroglobulin-zinc and ceruloplasmin-copper were in the ranges 109-202 ng ml-1 (12.4-31.3% of total zinc) and 513-880 ng ml-1 (90.6-99.7% of total copper), respectively. The present method is simple (only addition of the chelating resin and centrifugation is required) and reproducible (average RSD = 2% for alpha 2-macroglobulin-zinc and 1% for ceruloplasmin-copper in intra-assay measurements, and 5% for alpha 2-macroglobulin-zinc and 4% for ceruloplasmin-copper in inter-assay measurements), and there is less risk of contamination during separation.

Progressive sensorineural hearing impairment in professional fishery divers

There have been many reports of a high rate of hearing impairment in divers. A prospective study was performed to determine whether sensorineural hearing acuity in the same divers deteriorated faster than in a normal population as they continued diving. After an observation period of approximately 5 years, audiometric examination was performed on a group of professional fishery divers who had normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss at the time of initial study. Thirty-three ears of 18 divers were included in statistical analyses. The average hearing deterioration in the divers in 5 years, after elimination of the aging effect, was 6.6 dB (SD 4.5) and was statistically significant. We concluded that the hearing acuity of our subjects deteriorated faster than that of normal Japanese.

Antimicrobial triterpenes from Ilex integra and the mechanism of antifungal action

Antimicrobial triterpenes were isolated from the fruits of Ilex integra. Their structures were elucidated by spectral data and identified as rotundic acid (1), ulsolic acid (2) and peduncloside (3). Triterpene 1 showed significantly broad antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. The antifungal activity of 1 was reversed by fatty acids. Cellular constituents leaked from Candida albicans cells incubated with triterpene 1. These results suggest that the antimicrobial activity of triterpenes in I. integra is due to a change of membrane permeability arising from membrane lipid alteration.

Direct injection determination of theophylline and caffeine in blood serum by high-performance liquid chromatography using an ODS column coated with a zwitterionic bile acid derivative

An ODS column dynamically coated with zwitterionic bile acid derivative, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS), was evaluated for direct injection determination of drugs in blood serum by HPLC. Polar functional groups such as sulfonate, ammonium and the three hydroxyl groups in CHAPS protruding towards an aqueous mobile phase formed a hydrophilic layer over the ODS reversed-phase surface, which resulted in high molecular mass compounds such as proteins being prevented from penetrating into the internal hydrophobic region. The bulk of the proteins were eluted as an unretained or nearly unretained band by using 0.2 mM sodium hydrogenphosphate solution (pH 7.4) as the mobile phase. In contrast, small molecules such as some inorganic anions and aromatic compounds were retained and thereby separated from one another. It was confirmed that the ODS column modified with CHAPS acts as a restricted access-type column with a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior. Hence biological fluids could be directly injected into the CHAPS-coated ODS column. The present HPLC system using the CHAPS-coated ODS column was applied to the determination of theophylline and caffeine in human blood serum. The detection limits for the two drugs with UV absorption at 273 nm were 0.2 and 0.5 mg l-1 (injection volume 20 microliters) and the relative standard deviations of peak area measurements were < 1.4% and 2.2%, respectively, for 10 replicate measurements of serum spiked with 5 mg l-1 of each of the drugs.

Mode of antibacterial action of retrochalcones from Glycyrrhiza inflata

Licochalcone A-D and echinatin, retrochalcones isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata, showed antimicrobial activity. Among them, licochalcone A and C had potent activity against some Gram-positive bacteria. These retrochalcones inhibited oxygen consumption in susceptible bacterial cells. The oxidation of NADH in bacterial membrane preparations was also inhibited by them. NADH-cytochrome c reductase was inhibited by licochalcones, while cytochrome c oxidase was not. NADH-CoQ reductase and NADH-FMN oxidoreductase were not inhibited. The site of respiratory inhibition of licochalcones was thought to be between CoQ and cytochrome c in the bacterial respiratory electron transport chain.

Antioxidative and superoxide scavenging activities of retrochalcones in Glycyrrhiza inflata

Licochalcone A, B, C, D and echinatin, retrochalcones isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata (licorice), along with an ordinary chalcone isoliquiritigenin, were assessed for their inhibitory activities on lipid peroxidation in various systems and radical scavenging activity. Among those tested, licochalcones B and D strongly inhibited superoxide anion production in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system. These two compounds also showed potent scavenging activity on DPPH radical. Microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NAPDH was inhibited almost completely by 3 micrograms/ml of licochalcones B and D. Mitochondrial lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NADH was more sensitive to these retrochalcones; almost complete inhibition was observed at 10 micrograms/ml of all retrochalcones tested. Licochalcones B and D scavenged superoxide anion in microsome. Furthermore, these retrochalcones protected red cells against oxidative hemolysis. These phenolic compounds were shown to be effective to protect biological systems against various oxidative stresses.

An inhibitor of aldose reductase and sorbitol accumulation from Anthocepharus chinensis

A flavonoid glycoside was isolated from Anthocepharus chinensis. Its structure was elucidated by spectral data and determined to be myricetin 3-O-(4"-acetyl)-alpha-fucoside. This flavonoid glycoside and its aglycone showed potent inhibition against rat and porcine lens aldose reductase. The flavonoid aglycone also inhibited sorbitol accumulation in human red blood cells.

[A 10-year-old case with idiopathic oculomotor nerve palsy]

We reported a 10-year-old girl with acquired left oculomotor nerve palsy. Neurologic and radiological examinations failed to reveal the etiology. Following administration of corticosteroid and vitamin B6, diplopia improved within 6 weeks, and mydriasis has been improving over the past 9 months. Idiopathic acquired oculomotor nerve palsy is a very rare condition in childhood, and prognosis of the disease is sometimes good.

Single-trial analysis of P3 in patients with generalized epilepsy

The latencies and amplitudes of averaged P3, and the latencies, amplitudes and frequency components of single EEG responses to target tones were analyzed in 9 control subjects (CS group), 6 epileptics whose mean IQ was 100 (EP group) and 6 epileptics whose mean IQ was 52 (RE group), using an auditory oddball task. All of the subjects responded to the target tones correctly and there were no differences in the incidence of error in response to the target tones, or in the latencies and amplitudes of the averaged P3 among the three groups. However, the reaction times (RTs) in the RE group were significantly longer than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). Single EEG responses to target tone (single-trial ERPs) were classified into 2 types, those with and those without the P3 component. Type 1 had the P3 component and was observed in 42% of all of the responses in the RE group, significantly less than those in the CS (64%) and EP (61%) groups. The peak latencies of P3 in type 1 were similar among the three groups, but the amplitudes of P3 in type 1 in the RE group were significantly greater than those in the CS and EP groups. RTs in the RE group were significantly longer than those in the other groups, and had no correlation with the P3 latencies of type 1. There was little difference in the results of the frequency analysis among the three groups. These results suggest that all subjects in three groups recognized the target tones correctly, but they did not evaluate every target tone, since the incidence of P3 was almost 60% in the CS and EP groups, and 40% in the RE group. The characteristics of cognition and evaluation in three groups were the same, but the decrease in incidence of evaluation and the dissociation between the cognition and the response execution might be caused by impairment of the subject-environment contact mechanism, which resulted in the decrement of IQ in the RE group.

Clinical global measures of dementia. Position paper from the International Working Group on Harmonization of Dementia Drug Guidelines

Following is the report of the committee working on clinical global measures for antidementia drug guidelines. The concepts involved in global scales, the distinctions between change and severity scales, advantages and disadvantages of structured interviews, and anchoring of change scores are discussed, and selected existing clinical global scales are described. In addition, the committee assessed the utility of global scales in clinical trials for antidementia drugs. There was a consensus among the members of the working group on the following: (1) Clinical global scales are interview based; in most cases, they include information obtained from caregivers as well as directly from patients, but they can rely on information from the subject only. (2) Clinicians' global ratings are intended to assess clinically meaningful change based on multidimensional clinical assessment and take into account the clinical heterogeneity of dementia by assessing at least cognition, behavior, and functioning. (3) There are two distinct types of clinical global measures: (a) clinicians' interview-based global severity scales, which generally incorporate classification by stage or severity of illness and (b) clinicians' interview-based global change scales, which incorporate global assessment ratings of clinical change. The committee could not reach a consensus on whether global scales should be required in phase II and phase III clinical trials, or whether other specific assessments such as well-designed activities of daily living, cognition, and behavior measures could, when used in appropriate combinations, replace the global as assessments of clinical meaningfulness.

Vestibular schwannoma showing a dural tail on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images

The dural tail on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images, frequently observed in meningiomas, has been used to distinguish between cerebellopontine angle meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas. We report on a 66-year-old female with vestibular schwannoma showing the dural tail on contrast-enhanced MR images. Histological examination revealed that the dural tail corresponded to the thickened dura mater comprising of collagen fibres and scattered hyalinization with no tumoral invasion.

Antioxidative action of diterpenoids from Podocarpus nagi

Diterpenoids, totarol (1), totaradiol (2), 19-hydroxytotarol (3), totaral (4), 4 beta-carboxy-19-nortotarol (5), sugiol (6), isolated from Podocarpus nagi, were evaluated as antioxidants. Microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NADPH and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/ NADH were inhibited by these terpenoids. They inhibited linoleic acid autoxidation but not generation of superoxide anion. Totarol (1) protected mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities against NADPH induced oxidative injury. Totarane diterpenes from P. nagi were shown to be effective to protect biological systems and function against various oxidative stresses.

Antioxidative constituents in Heterotheca inuloides

Sesquiterpenoids, 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalin and 7-hydroxycadalin, and flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides, isolated from Heterotheca inuloides (Asteraceae), a Mexican medicinal plant known as "arnica", were evaluated as antioxidants. These compounds showed potent scavenging activity on diphenyl-p-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NADPH was inhibited by both terpenoids and flavonoids, though only flavonoids possessed superoxide anion scavenging activity in microsome. Flavonoids also scavenged enzymatically and non-enzymatically generated superoxide anion. On the other hand, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NADH was inhibited only by sesquiterpenoids. Furthermore, these terpenes protected mitochondrial enzyme activity against oxidative stress. These results showed that two types of antioxidants existed in the dried flower of H. inuloides and would contribute to protection of tissues against various oxidative stresses.

Inhibition of aldose reductase and sorbitol accumulation by astilbin and taxifolin dihydroflavonols in Engelhardtia chrysolepis

Dihydroflavonol taxifolin and its glycoside, astilbin, from Engelhardtia chrysolepis inhibited rat lens and recombinant human aldose reductase. Taxifolin also inhibited sorbitol accumulation in human red blood cells. Furthermore, this dihydroflavonol aglycone maintained the clarity of rat lens incubated with a high concentration of glucose. These dihydroflavonols may be effective for preventing osmotic stress in hyperglycemia.

Antiperoxidative activity of neolignans from Magnolia obovata

Honokiol and magnolol, neolignans in Magnolia obovata, have been evaluated as antioxidants. Microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NADPH and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(III)-ADP/NADH were inhibited by these compounds. These neolignans protected mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity against NADPH-induced peroxidative stress and protected red cells against oxidative haemolysis. The anti-oxidative activity of honokiol was more potent than that of magnolol. Neolignans in M. obovata were shown to be effective in protecting biological systems and functions against oxidative stress.

Respiratory stimulation and generation of superoxide radicals in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by fungal naphthoquinones

The mechanism of action of antimicrobial naphthoquinones from the fungus Fusarium was studied by using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bostricoidin, methyl ether fusarubin, and fusarubin stimulated the oxygen consumption of bacterial cells and induced cyanide-insensitive oxygen consumption. These activities of the tested compounds were also observed in bacterial membrane preparations in a dose-dependent manner. Naphthoquinones stimulated the generation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. The naphthoquinone effectively acted as the electron acceptors for bacterial diaphorase, which could explain the antibacterial activity of Fusarium naphthoquinones since electron acceptors lead to the stimulation of respiratory activity and the generation of oxygen radical species.

Primary localized nodular tongue amyloidosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome

We describe a case of primary localized nodular tongue amyloidosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome in a 62-year-old woman. The presence of Sjögren's syndrome was confirmed both serologically and histologically. The amyloid tumor, which was marginally excised, recurred 3 years later and was re-excised. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the amyloid protein was of the AL (lambda-light chain) type. Infiltration of plasma cells was observed around the minor salivary glands of the tongue surrounded by amyloid. The relationship between the plasma cells and amyloid deposition is discussed.

Cytotoxic and antioxidative sesquiterpenoids from Heterotheca inuloides

Four sesquiterpenoids, beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene 4,5 alpha-oxide, 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalin, and 7-hydroxycadalin, isolated from the dried flower of Heterotheca inuloides Cass. (Asteraceae), have been found to exhibit cytotoxic activity against several solid tumor cell lines. Among them, 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalin and 7-hydroxycadalin have also been found to inhibit autoxidative and microsomal lipid peroxidation.

Antifungal activity from Alpinia galanga and the competition for incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids in cell growth

An antimicrobial diterpene was isolated from Alpinia galanga in the screening for potentiators of phytochemical antibiotic action. The structure was elucidated by spectral data and identified as (E)-8 beta, 17-epoxylabd-12-ene-15, 16-dial (1). Diterpene 1 synergistically enhanced the antifungal activity of quercetin and chalcone against Candida albicans. Antifungal activity of 1 was reversed by unsaturated fatty acids. Protoplasts of C. albicans were lysed by 1. These results suggest that antifungal activity of 1 is due to a change of membrane permeability arising from membrane lipid alternation.