Genome-wide analysis to predict protein sequence variations that change phosphorylation sites or their corresponding kinases

We define phosphovariants as genetic variations that change phosphorylation sites or their interacting kinases. Considering the essential role of phosphorylation in protein functions, it is highly likely that phosphovariants change protein functions and may constitute a proportion of the mechanisms by which genetic variations cause individual differences or diseases. We categorized phosphovariants into three subtypes and developed a system that predicts them. Our method can be used to screen important polymorphisms and help to identify the mechanisms of genetic diseases

Synthetic chloride transporters with the binding mode observed in a ClC chloride channel

A series of synthetic molecules bearing the same hydrogen bonding mode observed in StClC were prepared and their transport ability of chloride ion across a lipid membrane was systematically optimized.close4

Importance of remission and residual somatic symptoms in health-related quality of life among outpatients with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional study

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is strongly associated with an impaired quality of life (QoL), which is itself affected by various factors. Symptom-oriented ratings poorly reflect the impact of disease on the QoL and level of functioning of the mental health of subjects. The purpose of this study was to assess health-related QoL (HRQoL) using preference-based measures in outpatients with MDD with regard to their remission achievement and clinical factors affecting the HRQoL. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. We recruited 811 patients with MDD from 14 psychiatric outpatient clinics in Korea. They were divided into three groups as follows: a new visit group (n = 287), a remitted group (n = 235), and a non-remitted group (n = 289). The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assign patients to the remitted or non-remitted group. The general HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), using both the EQ-5D index score and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). The disease-specific HRQoL was assessed with the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF). Results: The non-remitted group showed a significant impairment of HRQoL in view of the subscales of EQ-5D index scores, EQ-VAS, and Q-LES-Q-SF. The EQ-5D index score in the remitted group was 0.77 ± 0.10, while it was 0.57 ± 0.23 in the non-remitted group and 0.58 ± 0.24 in the new visit group (p < 0.0001). The EQ-VAS scores for the remitted and non-remitted groups were 72.5 ± 16.6 and 50.9 ± 20.3, respectively (p < 0.0001). Likewise, patients with remission had the Q-LES-Q-SF total score of 46.5 ± 8.8, whereas those with non-remission reported 36.7 ± 7.7 (p < 0.0001). The symptom severity measured by the Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale was significantly correlated with the HRQoL. Furthermore, patients with severe somatic symptoms showed a significantly lower EQ-5D index score (0.54 ± 0.24) than those with mild/moderate somatic symptoms (0.75 ± 0.12; p = 0.002). Conclusion: Non-remitted MDD patients, especially those with more severe somatic symptoms, show a distinct impairment of HRQoL and more clinical symptoms, suggesting the importance of achieving remission in the treatment of MDD

The Development of Security System for Sharing CAD Drawings in u-Environment

Because most CAD drawings are composed of a collection of files with various extensions, there exist problems associated with the processing speed and the accuracy of CAD files encryption (decryption) using file based secure methods. In this study, an innovative system of securing CAD files based on the workplace against illegal piracy of design knowledge in ubiquitous environment is presented. The proposed technology is to store all design files in the secure workplace which can be accessed by the authorized users and design applications only using Application Programming Hooking at user level and System Service Table at kernel level. The technology is demonstrated in this paper using its implementation example in an automobile company to verify it and CAD files can be shared among users without a concern of its leakage to the competitors by internal user

BPS Electromagnetic Waves on Giant Gravitons

We find new 1/8-BPS giant graviton solutions in $AdS_5 \times S^5$, carrying three angular momenta along $S^5$, and investigate their properties. Especially, we show that nonzero worldvolume gauge fields are admitted preserving supersymmetry. These gauge field modes can be viewed as electromagnetic waves along the compact D3 brane, whose Poynting vector contributes to the BPS angular momenta. We also analyze the (nearly-)spherical giant gravitons with worldvolume gauge fields in detail. Expressing the $S^3$ in Hopf fibration ($S^1$ fibred over $S^2$), the wave propagates along the $S^1$ fiber.Comment: 25 pages, no figures, v2: references adde

For a Better International Monetary System: An Emerging Economy Perspective

経済学 / EconomicsThe recent global crisis has demonstrated strongly that a systemic crisis victimizes a large number of innocent crisis “bystanders.” In order to prevent global crisis recurrence, and avoid victimization of such innocent crisis bystanders, the global financial safety net needs to be substantially strengthened. In this regard, assigning greater roles to central banks in addressing systemic crises seems one noteworthy option having several significant advantages.JEL Classification Code: F33http://www.grips.ac.jp/list/jp/facultyinfo/chey_hyoung-kyu