CIRCULAR GEOMETRY AND THE SCHWARZIAN

Special Volume(2000), Part III (Geometry and Topology

Application of Transfer Matrix Method with Signal Flow-Chart to Analyze Optical Multi-Path Ring-Resonator

A multi-path ring-resonator (MPRR) was proposed to extend FSR of ring resonator. However, it is complicated to analyze the MPRR by using well-known analysis techniques such as scattering matrix or other numerical methods. This paper describes procedure for deriving transfer matrix by means of signal flow-chart to analyze the MPRR. We do not need complicated calculation for steady state analysis because transfer matrix elements are formulated clearly. As a result, The calcultaion time in this method can be reduced 1/3 to 1/20 times compared with using scattering matirx method. Furthermore, a transmittance characteristics of the MPRR at FSR extension-factor of 10 will also be shown. This suggests that analysis of other types of the MPRR by using this method can be performed simply and take a shorter time

High-speed simulation of PCB emission and immunity with frequency-domain IC/LSI source models

Some recent results from research conducted in the EMC group at Okayama University are reviewed. A scheme for power-bus modeling with an analytical method is introduced. A linear macro-model for ICs/LSIs, called the LECCS model, has been developed for EMI and EMS simulation. This model has a very simple structure and is sufficiently accurate. Combining the LECCS model with analytical simulation techniques for power-bus resonance simulation provides a method for high-speed EMI simulation and decoupling evaluation related to PCB and LSI design. A useful explanation of the common-mode excitation mechanism, which utilizes the imbalance factor of a transmission line, is also presented. Some of the results were investigated by implementing prototypes of a high-speed EMI simulator, HISES. </p

Application of Transfer Matrix Method with Signal Flow-Chart to Analyze Optical Multi-Path Ring-Resonator

A multi-path ring-resonator (MPRR) was proposed to extend FSR of ring resonator. However, it is complicated to analyze the MPRR by using well-known analysis techniques such as scattering matrix or other numerical methods. This paper describes procedure for deriving transfer matrix by means of signal flow-chart to analyze the MPRR. We do not need complicated calculation for steady state analysis because transfer matrix elements are formulated clearly. As a result, The calcultaion time in this method can be reduced 1/3 to 1/20 times compared with using scattering matirx method. Furthermore, a transmittance characteristics of the MPRR at FSR extension-factor of 10 will also be shown. This suggests that analysis of other types of the MPRR by using this method can be performed simply and take a shorter time

Public views of health insurance in Japan during the era of attaining universal health coverage: a secondary analysis of an opinion poll on health insurance in 1967

While Japan’s success in achieving universal health insurance over a short period with controlled healthcare costs has been studied from various perspectives, that of beneficiaries have been overlooked. We conducted a secondary analysis of an opinion poll on health insurance in 1967, immediately after reaching universal coverage. We found that people continued to face a slight barrier to healthcare access (26.8% felt medical expenses were a heavy burden) and had high expectations for health insurance (60.5% were satisfied with insured medical services and 82.4% were willing to pay a premium). In our study, younger age, having children before school age, lower living standards, and the health insurance scheme were factors that were associated with a willingness to pay premiums. Involving high-income groups in public insurance is considered to be the key to ensuring universal coverage of social insurance

Increased tissue levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevents pathological preterm birth

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have anti-inflammatory effects. Preterm birth is an important problem in modern obstetrics and one of the main causes is an inflammation. We here showed that abundance of omega-3 fatty acids reduced the incidence of preterm birth induced by LPS with fat-1 mice, capable of converting omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. We also indicated that the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in uteruses and the number of cervical infiltrating macrophages were reduced in fat-1 mice. The analyses of lipid metabolomics showed the high level of 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoate in fat-1 mice, which was derived from EPA and was metabolized to anti-inflammatory product named resolvin E3 (RvE3). We finally showed that the administration of RvE3 to LPS-exposed pregnant wild type mice lowered the incidence of preterm birth. Our data suggest that RvE3 could be a potential new therapeutic for the prevention of preterm birth

Transmission Dynamics of Dirofilaria immitis in a Southwestern Part of Japan

The transmission dynamics of Dirofilaria immitis were studied by using reported data in Nagasaki City and Omura City, Japan. The catalytic model was applied to the age distribution of positive rate for microfilariae of D. immitis in dogs. Using the force of infection obtained by applying the catalytic model, the critical vector density for the disappearance of D. immitis was estimated. Transmission frequencies of D. immitis in the two places were calculated by densities and infective rates of the principal vector, Culex pipiens pallens, and numbers of infective larvae of D. immitis in the vector. Roles of some factors influencing the transmission frequency of D. immitis were also evaluated with a simple mathematical model, and it was concluded that the continuation of extensive infection with D. immitis in dogs in spite of the presumed decrease of the vector density in recent years is ascribable to the increase of dog density and the increased protection of humans from mosquito bites

Quality indicators for the rehabilitation before and after total knee arthroplasty in Japan: a modified Delphi method and practice test

BACKGROUND: It is important to adhere to the pertinent guidelines to ensure evidence-based rehabilitation of patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, studies have suggested that pre- and post-TKA rehabilitation provided in Japan may not be adequately evidence-based. Quality indicators (QIs) translate practice guidelines into actionable and measurable statements by identifying the clinical context, timing, and target population. This study aimed to develop QIs for pre- and post-TKA rehabilitation in Japan. Additionally, a pilot practice test was conducted to assess the feasibility and applicability of the developed QIs prior to their actual clinical application. METHODS: This study used a modified Delphi technique (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method). A nine-member panel of clinicians and researchers evaluated the 49 proposed QIs related to rehabilitation before and after TKA. Panelists independently rated the 49 candidate QIs on a 9-point Likert scale and discussed these QIs in an online meeting. After the meeting, the panelists independently re-rated the QIs, and QIs with a median score of 7 or higher and score of less than 3 by two or fewer panelists were adopted as the final QIs. In addition, a pilot practice test was conducted to assess the feasibility and applicability of the developed QIs by retrospectively analyzing the medical records at two hospitals. RESULTS: Forty-nine candidate QIs were developed based on one set of QIs, nine practice guidelines, eight best practice recommendations, and 162 systematic reviews. Finally, 36 indicators, including two new ones, were adopted consensually by nine panelists. Among these 36 indicators, some had overlapping elements, so they were consolidated and organized into 24 indicators. The pilot test (n = 352) revealed a median QI performance of 86.1 (IQR, 56.1–100), with six QIs demonstrating performance levels below 10%. This low performance indicated that the proportion of patients receiving rehabilitation in accordance with the indicators was actually low. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed 36 QIs for patients undergoing rehabilitation before and after TKA in Japan. Although their feasibility was confirmed at two facilities, future studies are warranted to measure the quality of care more comprehensively