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JQR 2011 January JAPAN QUALITY REVIEW vol. 01 - [Quality Review Japan] Pre-launch issue web Magazine QR[Quality Review] Bamboo Bags by Yusai Animal Rubber Band JQR Interview Saka no ue no kumo Executive Producer Yoshiki Nishimura 匠 Japanese Monozukuri "Capture Gold with an Iron Ball" Masahisa Tsujitani President, Tsujitani Industry Co., Ltd. eng.jqrmag.com JQR JAPAN QUALITY REVIEW C O N T E N T S Pre-launch issue 0-1 web Magazine COLUMN 00 Japan seen and heard around the world NEW OPENING 1 00 ………………………………… NEW OPENING 2 00 ………………………………… FEATURE 1 Photography/ Susumu Nagao 00 ………………………………… JQR Interview 00 Yoshiki Nishimura Executive Producer of Saka no ue no kumo 00 Weird and Wonderful [ARTS ] FEATURE 2 00 ………………………………………… 00 ………………………………… [BOOKS] QUALITY REVIEW 1 00 ………………………………………… 00 Animal Rubber Bands [CINEMA ] 00 The children of that Town QUALITY REVIEW 2 00 ………………………………… [COMICS ] 00 ………………………………………… QUALITY REVIEW 3 [GAMES] 00 ………………………………… 00 ………………………………………… QUALITY REVIEW 4 [MUSIC] 00 ………………………………… 00 ………………………………………… QUALITY REVIEW SPECIAL 00 Syozo Izuishi Selection 00 JHR(Japan Historica l Ryokan) Bamboo Bags by Yusai ESSAY 00 Inside the Minds of Scientists Master Manufacturers of Small & Medium 00 匠 Businesses Vol. I 00 Japanese Cooking Class "Capture Gold with 00 Trends an Iron Ball" 00 Events Schedule Masahisa Tsujitani 00 What's New President, Tsujitani Industry Co., Ltd. 00 Getting to Know Japan: Useful URLs Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jun Shinozuka Editorial Committee Syozo Izuishi [Fashion Critic] Digital Lights Inc.[JQR editorial department] Editors Jun Nakaki Tanehide Egami [Executive Producer, Ecole De CuisineEgami] 2-1-14 Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0064 Kyoko Ohtsu Shinichi Hanawa [Joint Representative Director Ramsar Network Japan] 03-3518-2224 Aya Kiyono Ryuichiro Matsubara [Economist, Professor of University of Tokyo] Integral Corp. advertising] [ Editor/Overseas Director Nana Fujii Fumio Maruyama [High-Tech Industry Innovation Agency] 2-1-14 Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0064 Yumi Yamaguchi [Travel Writer] 03-3518-4488 Web Director Tokuhisa Maruyama Additional Editing High-Tech Industry Innovation Agency Designer Wakako Kawasaki Advertising Kenji Morita[Integral Corp.] eng.jqrmag.com Planning and Production Digital Lights Inc. S P E C I A L I N T E R V I E W The second season of the NHK special drama, Saka no ue no kumo, has finally begun. JQR : I heard that there were some from university, I heard from my seniors difficulties with the dramatization of in the drama department what an Saka no ue no kumo. unthinkable idea that was. Saka no ue no kumo had been locked up in a safe Nishimura: S h i b a R y o t a r o b e g a n and the key thrown away—we couldn't Saka no ue no kumo publishing Saka no ue no kumo as a newspaper serial in 1968, after five do anything. is a drama years of preparation. Until then there weren't any novels on a grand scale JQR : How did you manage to crack the lock, then? for the times, set during the Japanese-Sino and Japanese-Russo wars. A succession of Nishimura : I later went to Hollywood one that looks people in the business read the novel and studied film for three years, and and made offers for the adaptation, after that experience I had a strong back on the history but Shiba never agreed. This was at desire to make something on a grand the height of the Cold War, and in scale with a strong narrative. At that of Japan with its Japan the political right and left were in time in Japan there was this perception sharp conflict over the 1970 Japan-US that movies were high class, and TV Security treaty extension. That being was lower down the scale. I wanted to continental neighbors. the prevailing situation, the rightists try to fundamentally change that. So found it outrageous that the reputation that was another thing. Saka no ue no of General Nogi, whom they worshipped kumo was ideal material and what's as a war hero, should be demeaned. more, something like that had never The leftists, on the other hand, saw it been done before. as a novel that glorified the expansion When I got back from America I made of Japanese influence. So Shiba was Shiba's Nanohana no oki into a drama. being attacked simultaneously from It was around 2000, and Shiba had both the left and the right. Saka no ue already been dead for three years. I no kumo is a novel with elements that visited his wife Midori Fukuda to pay are easy to misconstrue. Shiba was my respects, and at the same time willing to take responsibility for what said that I wanted to do Saka no ue he wrote in print, but not for anything no kumo, adding that I was fully aware else. That is to say, he really didn't want Shiba had said no to this before. it put on screen. There was also the Mrs. Fukuda asked me why I wanted fact that some of his other works had to make it. When I told her it was been adapted for NHK's Taiga historical b e c a u s e y o u n g p e o p l e d o n 't re a d fiction dramas, so he was already aware books anymore, she said that young NHK Executive Producer Yoshiki Nishimura Photography/ Susumu Nagao, Text/ JQR of the limits of the medium. He probably people were exactly who she would never even imagined that Saka no ue no really like to see reading Saka no ue no kumo could be adapted for the screen. kumo. If they see it on screen, then they It was for these reasons that the project might go from that to reading the book was deadlocked. to see what it was like. I told her how I thought that people didn't have a very JQR : The book was well-received and strong image of the Japanese-Sino and even a favorite with the generation of Japanese-Russo wars from novels, so if militant student activists from the late we could bolster that visual image then 60s and early 70s. readership might increase. She said that I had a point, and asked me to let Nishimura: I too read it when I was at her think about it. It was a year before I university, and I remember thinking it got my answer. would be amazing to see on screen. When I joined NHK after graduating JQR:It's been almost ten years since S P E C I A L I N T E R V I E W Nishimura:The decision to do a screen something I wanted to express through the book, for example showing scenes adaptation was made in 2001, and images. of what was happening back in Japan announced in 2003. Shooting started But when we started looking for while fighting was going on in the in 2008. When NHK produces Taiga things from the Meiji era, there wasn't wilds of Manchuria. I wanted to show dramas, filming starts when one third much to be found. There's a surprising something of what the women were of the script is ready. We take audience amount from the Edo period. However, feeling on what you'd call the home- reaction into consideration, so it gets new things made in the Meiji period front. I would say that those scenes written as we shoot. But the shooting of w e re d e s t ro y e d d u r i n g t h e Ta i s h o are one of the things worth noticing in Saka no ue no kumo only started once period, and Taisho era objects were a special drama like this one. They are all thirteen ninety minute scripts were destroyed by fire during the war. In the conceivable, easily imagined scenes complete. Taiga dramas take between past people probably didn't think that within the framework of the original one and a half to two years preparatory something should be preserved just novel. time for filming, and then run for a year. because it was new. That's three years involvement for the This might be an overstatement, JQR:What difficulties did you chief producer, and Saka no ue no but people had no image of the Meiji have researching the historical kumo is taking more than three times as period because it hadn't been shown in background? long as a Taiga drama. a Taiga drama. Images of Hideyoshi or Ieyasu from the Warring States period Nishimura:Military background research (left) As executive producer, Yoshiki Nishimura is the supreme commander. JQR : Along with the delight you must immediately spring to mind. Questions was particularly difficult. Meiji troops (right) A collection of documents in the research room at the NHK studio. have felt at gaining permission to of whether these are genuine aside, were quite different in style and go ahead, what kind of adaptation this is because the Taiga dramas have operation to Showa troops. The image did you think about making? covered this period thoroughly. TV, that everyone has of the military belongs to wanted to portray people like Saneyuki what is your impression of the period? be looking forward to season three is to say NHK, created that visual image the Showa era. That's because a visual and Yoshifuru Akiyama, who were in beginning one year from now. Nishimura: After the Meiji Restoration, of history. In that sense, then, creating image of the Meiji military has never the army, as having a certain broad- Nishimura: I t 's o f t e n s a i d t h a t t h e the nation under the Meiji government historical images for the Meiji period been created, so everyone has this mindedness and a little more humanity Meiji period was a time when people Nishimura:Ye s , t h a t 's r i g h t . F r o m sought knowledge from overseas. This was difficult, and I believe very much image that's from Showa. to them. I believe that I succeeded in thought about the whole country in a now on we will be spending our time created conditions akin to a 'big bang,' the point of creating the program. This is mistaken. For example, close- that. very straightforward fashion, so I kind creating the special effects. The third for a country that had previously been Another aspect we had to consider cropped hair wasn't a must in the Meiji of feel it's the story of those people. season in particular has a grand climax closed. With the transition from the was that this drama was a male actors', army. Also, things like speaking while JQR:What difficulties with filming H o w d o e s t h a t re f l e c t o n m o d e r n with land and sea battles, the Battle Edo period to the Meiji, people with or man's world. The original novel has s t a n d i n g t o a t t e n t i o n — t h e s e w e re come to mind? times? Nowadays rising in the world is of 203 Meter Hill and the Sea of Japan aspirations came to Tokyo from all women appearing in the beginning, gradually introduced, but the army was not used in the positive sense it once Naval Battle, for which we've finally over the country to work indefatigably but almost never in the latter half. This emerging out of disorder and confusion, Nishimura: We c a r r i e d o u t f i l m i n g was. The Meiji period, however, can be gotten all the materials lined up. towards making a new country. That's was the only place we diverged from especially in the beginning,. I also in twenty two prefectures and cities construed as a time when people could Saka no ue no kumo has a final climax in Japan, and overseas we were on say straight out: "I want to be of use similar to that of Chushingura [a kabuki l o c a t i o n i n E n g l a n d , F r a n c e , I t a l y, to my country." That became twisted tale of loyalty and vengeance]. The Russia, Latvia, China, the USA and with the transition from the Taisho to Japanese-Russo war begins in the Cuba. We shot a patchwork of scenes the Showa era, and Japan became second season. There's no progress Stare at the clouds floating high up w h e re v e r w e c o u l d f i n d t r a c e s o f distorted by a militarism that plunged it made at the siege of Port Arthur, and it in the distant sky; the Japanese the Meiji period. For example, we d i s c o v e re d t h a t M i s u m i - n i s h i p o r t into a hopeless war. In that context too, I felt that it was very important that the all falls apart at the Battle of 203 Meter Hill. Amidst a tragic pessimism over people once climbed a long steep hill. in Kumamoto prefecture was an old Japanese people take stock once more what will become of Japan, we have a stonework port, so we filmed the of a period in which Japan was striving final naval battle in the Sea of Japan. This tale of an era in which Yokohama port scenes that appear from upwards and onwards. Excitement builds up for the final stage, everyone, even the poor, resolutely the first episode onwards there. When I also personally feel very strongly and the closer the end approaches, I traveled around the entire country in that the times called for a work like the scale grows larger as the story followed their dreams, is one that search of a Yokohama port, it really Saka no ue no kumo. Yesterday [23 becomes more complex. I do hope brought home tome a certain kind of November 2010], North Korea shelled you'll watch the second season, and still attracts many readers. transfiguration in Japan, and how much S o u t h K o re a . O n t h e i s s u e o f j u s t trust you look forward to the third. it has changed scenery-wise. what tomorrow will bring, America and Russia are tied up with the four JQR:You assembled a line-up of big- countries of Japan, South Korea, North Yoshiki Nishimura name Japanese actors too. Korea and China. This is because of Graduated from the University of Tokyo, the geopolitical history between Japan Faculty of Letters, Department of Occidental History. Joined NHK in 1976. Nishimura: I was actually quite worried and its neighbors on the continent— Produced dramas which have been about finding anyone, since filming was Korea and China—that keeps getting awarded the Monte Carlo Television to take place over a three-year period. repeated. This has been a very heated Festival Grand Prix, the International Critics Award, and the Agency for Cultural Especially since NHK has a reputation issue, and it greatly resembles the Affairs Arts Prize. Produced the television for paying poorly, so it's not worth it for situation that many in the Meiji era drama serial Mio tsukushi and the Taiga them. But thankfully, a steady stream experienced. "Learn from history" is drama Doku gan ryu Masamune. Assigned to Los Angeles as a correspondent in the of actors turned up wanting to appear a phrase that Japanese people today General Bureau for America, and studied in the production. Masahiro Motoki, in could well bear in mind if they look to movie making there. After returning to particular, devoted three years to this Saka no ue no kumo for hints on how to Japan he produced the television series Karin and the Taiga drama Hideyoshi, and didn't schedule any other work. consider Japan as a country now, and before becoming the Drama Department how it should be. Head. Executive producer of the special JQR:After spending ten years totally drama Saka no ue no kumo. immersed in Saka no ue no kumo, JQR:Shooting has finished. You must QR 1 Quality Review Because animal rubber bands are made from strong, high-quality materials, no matter how much you stretch them, they always return to their original shape. The sight of these cheerful creatures is guaranteed to make the most monotonous office chore just that little bit more enjoyable. 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They have also been a has a list of warnings not to do such- those all-conquering eco-products, the huge hit among Americans and and such, or telling you that so-and-so is power of their design working magic on Europeans, to the point where an dangerous. But in an alternative, more the subconscious. elementary school in one US state friendly approach to these common The first set of animal rubber bands, actually banned them after it became warnings, Nagoya penned them from the "Zoo", was launched in 2002. This was popular among pupils to wear lots of the animals' point of view, using phrases followed in 2004 by "Pet", in 2007 by bands around their wrists and trade such as "Don't eat us! We are your "Dino" (see photo below), and most them. friends." Ten items of cautionary advice recently, in 2010, "Farm". So now we Animal rubber bands are the brainchild are accompanied by illustrations and are truly spoiled for choice. 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The h Director Hideyoshi Nagoya reflects on concept bands are made from silicon how it happened. rubber; top-quality 100 % Japanese- "We were finally ready to launch the made silicon that is robust, durable, and bands, and wondering who we should highly elastic. Moreover, they do not +d h concept co., ltd try to sell them to, when the designer deteriorate the way competing products www.plus-d.com QR Wave pattern twill weave bag Wave pattern twill weave bag Exquisitely woven high-end bamboo bag with rich color tone H 20.5cm X L 43cm X W 14cm Handle height 14.5cm ¥472,500 incl. tax Special Selection The Shozo Izuishi Selection No.1 Bamboo bags by Yusai Bamboo craft soars to new heights with beautiful bags Photography/Satoru Naito Text/Shozo Izuishi The temple of Horyuji in Ikaruga, Nara is incandescent light bulb by Thomas Asia, but Japanese madake is the home to a large collection of zushi Edison in 1879. Everyone has heard of material of choice for bamboo work. (miniature shrines) passed down through Edison, but few know that the filament Also, madake only flowers once a the centuries. Zushi are boxes for storing for that first bulb was actually made century, displaying an exquisite bloom precious items such as Buddhist statues from Japanese bamboo. Common for a fleeting time. Just imagine: a plant and sutras. Fairly compact, with doors bamboo (in Japanese, madake) is also that flowers only once every hundred on the front, that can be opened and known for its imperviousness to years. This alone gives madake an aura closed most zushi are wooden, but the stretching and shrinkage, which is why of mystery. Horyuji collection includes one example it has been used in the manufacture of made entirely from bamboo. Records rulers for centuries. Only the finest state it was used on October 1, 761. This means it was already there, and The wonderful soothing Master bamboo craftsman Kenichi bamboo work of great finesse was powerof bamboo Mouri, who works under the traditional already being produced at least 1200 family name of Yusai, generally uses years ago. The "Seven Sages of the Bamboo three-year-old bamboo. His studio is in The Shosoin repository at Todaiji Grove" were seven wise men in China's the city of Usuki in Oita Prefecture. Temple in turn houses a sizeable Wei period who forsook the everyday Bamboo is found in all areas of Japan collection of keko: woven bamboo world and congregated in a bamboo south of Aomori, but bamboo from baskets used as temporary receptacles forest. Wise or not, we too cannot help Kyushu is deemed particularly suitable for fresh flowers and most likely but feel a certain calmness come over employed in sange, the Buddhist us when walking in a bamboo grove. ceremonial scattering of flowers as an The faint, caressing rustle of foliage, the offering to the souls of the dead. These vibrant stalks of vivid green bamboo, the baskets were woven first in a twill (ajiro) fragrance... Could those towering ramrod pattern, shifting to zaru-ami (a "sieve" forms, stretching endlessly upward, pattern named for the bamboo sieves harbor an ability to soothe the careworn commonly used in Japanese kitchens), human soul? 竹鞄 and finally finished by binding the edges. Thus bamboo is not only a graceful, It is evident that bamboo ware of some highly flexible, and indispensable sophistication was already being material; it is also a plant with a produced in the Nara period. wonderful power to soothe and console. Leaping forward more than a millennium Madake is thought to be native to China, The bag's interior is designed as we come to the invention of the and is still found throughout southeast a silk purse From top Wisteria pattern Twill weave bag twill weave bag (black) Roomy enough to hold A4-size documents with ease. Edges are H 22cm X L 30cm X W 9.5cm finished with top-quality Italian Handle height 13cm leather, its attractive sheen a ¥81,900 incl. tax perfect complement to the woven Hexagonal weave bamboo. H 30cm X L 30cm X W 8cm bag (purple) Handle height 13cm H 15cm X L 33cm X W 13cm ¥136,500 incl. tax Handle height 13.5cm ¥147,000 incl. tax Wave pattern twill weave bag (green) H 16cm X L 26cm X W 11cm Handle height 13.5cm ¥79,800 incl. tax Three-year-old madake of good character is used Twill (ajiro) weaving Warp strips are packed tightly together and the weft strip skipped over two or three at a time, creating a step with each row to form a diagonal pattern. A very old style of weaving, it is also used for the ceilings in Japanese teahouses. Hexagonal (mutsume) weaving Six strips are arranged diagonally to form a hexagon, from which weaving progresses outward. An ancient technique which is also seen among treasures of the Shosoin. Wave pattern twill (nami-ajiro) weaving A type of advanced twill weaving technique in which patterns, script etc. are formed by varying the step or offset between rows. believed to be the finest. not lose condition. If younger bamboo is three-year-old specimens. Bamboo deteriorates less than leather, This particular example To strips, then works is a wave pattern. Yusai's father was also an acclaimed used, gaps will begin to form no matter Cutting is also a delicate business, wo o d , o r me ta l. Y u s a i's b a g s a re of art bamboo artisan, who moved to Oita in how tightly woven it is, because the because bamboo scratched or bruised precious heirlooms to be passed down search of the supreme materials for his bamboo will shrink slightly, becoming during gathering will be of no use later. The process of converting cut bamboo from mother to daughter, daughter to craft: further testament to the superior thinner. The long poles are handled as gently as into the fine strips used in weaving granddaughter, granddaughter to great- qualities of the region's bamboo. Born Yusai only uses bamboo harvested as the limbs of a child. Once cut, they are involves a number of steps where the granddaughter. Shozo Izuishi and raised among this renowned winter's chill is starting to set in, from carefully laid down to rest on the spot, bamboo is split, peeled, and transformed The madake strips used for weaving are Born 1944. Joined the fashion industry in bamboo, Yusai notes that as far back as late November to early December. This in what is an important ritual in the into thin, supple pieces resembling piano straight and strong. Proud, even noble. 1964. Izuishi has forged a career as a fashion designer, consultant, and critic. Author of he can remember, bamboo was almost is the job of a master bamboo cutter, production of bamboo ware. The bamboo strings. After this, all that is left to do is But in the warm fingers of Yusai, they numerous books including Otoko wa Naze who chooses a cold, clear day to head is left there for about two months to Nekutai wo Musubu no ka ("Why do Men Wear his only plaything. to labor hour after hour, painstakingly bend obediently, meekly acquiescing to Neckties?") (Shinchosha), and Bruu Jiinzu no into the hills to search for three-year-old settle, before being cut into shorter plying warp and weft. Both of Yusai's their destiny at the master craftsman's Bunkashi ("Blue Jeans: a Cultural History") (NTT Shuppan). His recent work Suutsu no Chosen and cut by bamboo of good character. Yes, like lengths for easy handling and brought hands, all ten fingers, move like those of hands. Or is Yusai conversing with the Hyakka Jiten ("An Encyclopedia of Suits") a master people, some bamboo is of good down from the hills to rest once more. In a concert pianist to gradually produce a strips through his fingers, his spirit and (Banraisha) lecturing males on how to wear a suit properly has attracted favorable reviews. character, and some less so, and it is this way it finally becomes ready for use work of art. life force breathing into the bag as they Still, why three-year-old bamboo? In not always easy to tell from outward in bamboo work. But the same type of strips, woven using chat and joke? Perhaps this is why one human terms bamboo of three years appearances. But it is said an expert Why, incidentally, is bamboo harvested the same technique, will never produce can see a human face in every one of Event growth is adolescent, with the most bamboo cutter knows which bamboo is as the weather grows cold? Because exactly the same bag. It is this, in part, Yusai's bags. And why, in my view, bags From Thursday 10 to Wednesday 16 March 2011 bamboo bags made by Yusai vigorous, sturdy and substantial fibers ready for cutting right now. Perhaps he this is when the sugar level in the fibers that defines Yusai's creations as art. His crafted by him are living works of art. will be on display and for sale on the first floor of Ginza Wako. and flesh. The reason for choosing alone can hear the bamboo whispering is highest. It is this sugar that gives the bags are sculptures rendered in delicate three-year-old bamboo is obvious ten "Hey, over here, over here. Pick me, pick end product its glossy sheen. bamboo. As such, it would not be at all For any inquiries please contact years on, intricately woven into a piece me..." Relying purely on these silent surprising to find them in use a hundred Current Art of bamboo ware. Items woven from it do voices, the cutter harvests the best or even two hundred years hence. (www.currentart.co.jp) 技 あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ T A K U M I TAK U M I JQR Select Japanese Skills いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお 匠 かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい Capture Gold With an Iron Ball うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか From the Workshops of The Master Craftsman きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● Who Makes Olympic Monozukuri Manufacturers あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき V o l くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ 1 Medal-Winning Shots おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく Photography/Satoru Naito, Text/Kyoko Ohtsu け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく Everyone knows that equipment plays other words, they cannot use the shots, a request he nonchalantly a major part in rewriting sporting personal favorites they train with accepted. That was how it began. け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお records and achievements. It's also regularly. This means that the pre- "In the past, differences of a 100 grams かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい well-known that these achievements competition selection of shots is a very or so were no problem as long as shots うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ are built upon the support of skilled serious business. No one knows better didn't go under the standard weight," ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか craftsmen in the background who make than the athletes themselves that the said Tsujitani. But in 1980, the Japan きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう the equipment. When elite athletes use choice of shot can make a difference of Association of Athletics Federations equipment that is thoroughly familiar, one to two meters tossing distance. adopted strict international standards, えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● with capabilities they have mastered, The current international weight which meant that the permissible weight あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき they can maximize their potential. The standards for shots are set at 7.26kg for error had to be within a mere 20 grams. くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ uproar and debate over swimsuits at men and 4.0kg for women. Only five About ten Japanese companies were おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ the Beijing Olympics is still fresh in companies which meet these criteria are making shots at the time, but almost all いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく people's memory. Swimmers from officially recognized suppliers of shots pulled out of production at that point. け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお many nations wore a new type of for the Olympics. "It's difficult to measure weight, and swimsuit that contributed to a string of Japan has its own master craftsman of difficult to shave it off. If you're trying to かきくけ●あいうえおかきあいうえお かきくけ●あいうえおかきあいうえお かきくけ●あいうえおかきあいうえお competition records being broken. shot making: Masahisa Tsujitani, shave off 10 grams, it's not as though かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい All top-class athletes prefer to look president of Tsujitani Industry Co. Ltd. you can tell by looking. Shave off too うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ after their own gear. It is Shots made by Tsujitani were used by much and you only waste the supply of ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか understandable that they don't like their all gold, silver and bronze medalists at cast metal." きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう unique, custom-made pieces—their the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Tsujitani tried to write his own process えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● trade secrets, so to speak—being Athens 2004 Olympic Games. In other manuals. When craftsmen want to touched by anyone else. words, every competitor who won a produce one hundred pieces of work, あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき medal at these Games chose to use they make the first ten, write the process くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ Not many people are aware, however, Tsujitani's shots. manual, then make the other ninety. But おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ that in the sport of shot put, competitors Tsujitani found that "no matter how いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく do not use their own shots. Another Constant Research precise a record I made, I got weight け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお little-known fact in Japan is that the defects in twenty to thirty out of the shot put is the very first event in the Tsujitani reached this level after a long, ninety." Then he tried having them made かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい Olympic Games. hard slog of trial and error. at a factory with a computer-controlled うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ Athletes usually arrive one week before In 1964 he was asked by the president NC (numerically controlled) lathe. This ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか the start of competition to practice with of a certain company to make hurdles. time more than 70 % turned out きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう the official shots that have been Tsujitani produced a revolutionary defective. えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ● delivered to the ground. This is the first design, using wire to attach the height Tsujitani spent a year making the shots あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき chance they have to handle the shots adjustor weights, that is still used today over and over again, painstakingly trying that will be used in the competition and for 90% of the hurdles in Japan. In due to create a manual, but "the weight くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ decide which one they want to use. In course he was also asked to produce changed every time. I was in a bind, おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ J Q R S おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ e l e ct J a p a n e s e S k i l l s おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ T A K U M I Shots are made on one machine. Tsujitani almost 匠 never looks at the shot while he is honing it, relying only on what he senses through his hands and ears while softer sections create a lower regret about his feelings at that time. (left). The shot pattern is delivered from the factory with a boss attached (the "ear" parts). Tsujitani sound. If there are both hard and soft The shots he delivered four years later From the goes through fourteen steps to transform it into a parts inside the shot, the center of at the Barcelona Olympics, had a unique Workshops of Monozukuri shot with the center of gravity in the center. During Manufacturers gravity and actual center of the shot will touch; the surfaces were inscribed with this process he uses his instinct to make the cuts, using a cutting-off tool to finally trim off the boss be different. Specific gravity is heavier in fine lines. Two years prior to the and complete the process (upper right). Shelves the harder sections, and therefore those Barcelona Olympics he studied packed with tools and implements (bottom right). Raising Levels of parts can be shaved more to align the fingerprint characteristics from as many Japanese Technology center of gravity with the actual center. as fifty people. Based on this he added The surface of harder sections of metal lines to the surface which fit human Having had the quality of his shots casting become shiny when shaved, fingerprints. Shot put athletes from the recognized worldwide, Tsujitani received while softer sections are duller in color. Tsukuba University Track Club tried the a request for technical guidance from a Tsujitani is proficient at distinguishing shot out for him and gave him their major American sports equipment hardness from variations in luster and opinion. As he'd expected, the manufacturer. He turned it down, but a color. overwhelming response was that fine month later an agent presented him with The deciding factor is his ability to lines made the shot much easier to an offer of 20,000 US dollars per week. sense pressure through the handle of throw. He felt confident about the next He agonized over this before flatly the cutting machine. In fact, when Games. As he'd done four years refusing. Tsujitani is honing a shot, he almost previously, he followed the finals on Then, two years later, he was notified by never looks at it. When rounding off a television. But again, he couldn't see the International Association of Athletics shot on the copying lathe, he listens to any finalist using his shots. Federations that putting lines on the the sound, checking hardness through Later, however, he heard from an official shots was an infringement, and told to the pressure on his hand in order to pin who'd been in charge of equipment that leave them off. This could be taken as down the center of gravity. Because he all of Tsujitani's shots at the ground had another form of pressure. He refrained uses his hands to sense minute been taken by competitors the day from inscribing lines from then on, and variations in hardness, he makes sure to before the contest. At least their at the Athens Olympics the following take good care of them. Before going to usability had been recognized by the year his ability to deliver results bed he applies hand cream and puts on athletes. Four years later at the Atlanta remained unchanged. gloves. People apparently comment that Olympics, all eight competitors who Why did he refuse such an exceptional the softness of his hands makes them advanced to the finals used Tsujitani's offer for his technical guidance? because I realized a manual was totally set out to study metal casting from actually the most important part of shot- look like they don't belong to an artisan. shots, and set new records. "Well I did wrestle with that" he says, ineffective," he recalled. "Even so, I'd scratch. He decided to train at a local making, and the most difficult to get "It's important to connect your own body "but these days Japan is passing its accepted the job so I couldn't just brush foundry. It was lucky for him that there right. The benchmark of a good shot is with the objects you make," he says. "If Under Suspicion technology on to other countries too it off and say 'I can't do it.'" The were skilled artisans in the city of not having the weight within the you do that you can study it thoroughly, easily. If Japanese technology was craftsman's spirit had been ignited in Kawaguchi in Saitama prefecture, which stipulated weight standards, but and be able to make things other people This success drew worldwide attention holding its own that'd be okay, but Tsujitani. had grown up around metal casting matching the center of gravity with the can't." to Tsujitani's shots, with European effectively there isn't even any economic foundries. center of the shot. If the center of By gaining sure control over three media flocking to his factory to report. return. Look what a hard time of it small A New Start "It took me a year to figure out why my gravity in an iron mass is off by even senses, Tsujitani was able to produce "Why do your shots fly?" they asked, and and medium Japanese companies are techniques hadn't worked," he said. one millimeter, the shot will not fly the same shot almost completely, every were hardly satisfied with the answer having now." Tsujitani resolved to start again from Metal casting ingredients are made up straight, or the tossing distance will be time. He then took his shot to the "because they are handmade." "Another thing is, I couldn't have made a scratch. He began by ordering shots of 40% new pig iron, 45% scrap metal limited. While Tsujitani thought about International Association of Athletics Suspecting that there must be some world-leading product on my own. The manufactured in seven countries, used collected by scrap merchants, and 15% how to keep the weight within the Federations in Monaco, who gave it kind of device or trick inside, they went foundry owner and workmates in the by medal-winners in the Olympics. general steel that comes out of building standards, he also kept in mind placing their official recognition. so far as to ask him to split one in half foundry town where I studied iron taught These he split in two. Metal casts sites and the like. These are all melted the center of gravity in the center of the for them to see. me so much. And what's more, they contain many impurities, so he wanted down together, becoming a mixture of a shot. Success Born from Strangely, the same thing Tsujitani had never once charged me for materials to investigate what components were in lot of different ingredients. The molten When it comes to this problem, the NC Disappointment done ten years earlier was now being when I made one failure after another. I the prize-winning shots. He got quite a metal cools over time, but he realized lathe, which excels in making things of asked of himself. "I split one open to couldn't abandon people like that to go surprise, however, when he looked that the way in which the temperature uniform appearance, has no role, and a With the International Association show them there was no trick or device off and say 'I made it big in America.' inside them. In some he found cavities, dropped varied greatly in different craftsman's instincts are all that can be counting on the quality of his products, inside." Isn't life more pleasant if you stay loyal in others he found lead had been conditions and seasons. So of course relied on. The master craftsman is and having received his authorization Cutting a shot open in front of people to the people you owe, rather than go off inserted. He guessed that the reason the the rate of contraction would change, indeed a treasure to be guarded. from the judges, Tsujitani delivered the raised the credibility of the Tsujitani chasing money?" overseas shots were so colorfully and the size and density of the finished Tsujitani's skill derives from his keen regulation number of shots to the 1988 brand even more. Tsujitani is now seventy-seven years painted was to cover up the evidence of product is always different. sense of the sound and color of metal Seoul Olympics. He watched the shot Thus Tsujitani's shots went on to be old. The shots he once held in one hand post-production fine weight adjustments. Another thing that Tsujitani learned was casting, as well as the pressure put finals on television from his home. chosen regularly by athletes at the 2000 now feel heavy to him when he holds When Tsujitani saw these he set himself that when the metal casting hardens, transmitted to his palm through the hand His shots should have been easy to tell Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics, them with two. All he hopes for now is a new goal: "I wasn't going to be beaten the density of the upper part is low, grip as he works the machine. apart since they were not colored, but where world records were also broken. the meteoric rise of a Japanese shot by those kind of tricks. I wanted to make while that of the lower part is high. This From long years of experience working a the only shots he saw on the screen The one time Tsujitani did not submit putter to capture medals. shots without any kind of cheating." means that even if a shot is honed lathe, Tsujitani can tell how hard metal were colored. Nobody used Tsujitani's shots, at the Beijing Olympics, was the roundly and evenly all over, the center is from the sound. An amateur could not shots. only time that no shot put records were Tsujitani Industry Co. Ltd. No Cheating of gravity is not necessarily in the same tell them apart, but Tsujitani can hear "It doesn't matter how much praise the broken. 2-57-1 Mizutani Higashi, Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture place as the center of the shot. Placing five different levels of sound. Shaving shot gets, if no one uses it that's failure. Tél: 048-472-9524 Having made this resolution, Tsujitani the center of gravity in the center is hard sections produces a high sound, Complete failure," Tsujitani said with http://www9.plala.or.jp/tuk-hougan
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1 Review
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You weren't kidding when you said a lot of garlic! Lol! It's very tasty though and very simple to make. I ran out of sour cream the other night and used plain yogurt instead. It still turned out very tasty! This would be great for a party! Thanks so much! Would make again! Made for Fall PAC 2008


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The preserved remains of prehistoric humans and animals and indications of early human culture have been discovered in some caves. Caves have served as burial grounds and shelter since prehistoric times. One such cave is Alabama's Russell Cave, where human evidence dates back 9,000 years. Speleology, the scientific study of caves and their plant and animal life, contributes to knowledge of biological adaptation and evolution. Some cave animals lack sight, and both plants and animals living where light is excluded show loss of pigment. Deep cave ecosystems, lacking the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis, depend on bacteria that use chemosynthesis to create energy.
Among famous caves in the United States are Carlsbad Caverns National Park (N.Mex.), Mammoth Cave National Park (Ky.), Wind Cave National Park (Black Hills, S.Dak.), Luray Caverns (Va.), and Wyandotte Cave (Ind.). In Europe there are celebrated caves in Belgium, Dalmatia, Gibraltar, Capri, Sicily, Postojna, and England (Kent's Cavern and Kirkdale). The caves of the Pyrenees and the Dordogne are famed for their prehistoric paintings (see Paleolithic art), and those of Ajanta, India, and Dunhuang, China, for their Buddhist frescoes. Among the deepest known caves are Krubera in the nation of Georgia, which extends more than 6,500 ft (2,000 m) below the surface, and Lamprechtsofen in Austria.
See C. E. Mohr and T. L. Poulson, The Life of the Cave (1966); D. R. McClurg, The Amateur's Guide to Caves and Caving (1973).
A cave is a natural underground void large enough for a human to enter. Some people suggest that the term cave should only apply to cavities that have some part that does not receive daylight; however, in popular usage, the term includes smaller spaces like sea caves, rock shelters, and grottos.
Speleology is the science of exploration and study of all aspects of caves. Exploring a cave for recreation or science may be called caving, potholing, or, in Canada and the United States, spelunking (see Caving).
Most caves are formed in limestone by dissolution.
The cave system with the greatest total length of surveyed passage is Mammoth Cave (Kentucky, USA) at in length. This record is unlikely to be surpassed in the near future, as the next most extensive known cave is Jewel Cave near Custer, South Dakota, at .
The deepest known cave (measured from its highest entrance to its lowest point) is Voronya Cave (Abkhazia, Georgia), with a depth of . This was the first cave to be explored to a depth of more than . (The first cave to be descended below was the famous Gouffre Berger in France). The Illyuzia-Mezhonnogo-Snezhnaya cave in Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Lamprechtsofen Vogelschacht Weg Schacht in Austria are the current second- and third-deepest caves. The deepest cave record has changed several times in recent years.
The deepest individual pitch (vertical drop) within a cave is in Vrtoglavica Cave in Slovenia. The second deepest is Patkov Gušt at in the Velebit mountain, Croatia.
The largest individual cavern ever discovered is the Sarawak chamber, in the Gunung Mulu National Park (Miri, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia), a sloping, boulder strewn chamber with an area of approximately by and a height of .
Cave-inhabiting animals are often categorized as troglobites (cave-limited species), troglophiles (species that can live their entire lives in caves, but also occur in other environments), trogloxenes (species that use caves, but cannot complete their life cycle wholly in caves) and accidentals (animals not in one of the previous categories). Some authors use separate terminology for aquatic forms (e.g., stygobites, stygophiles, and stygoxenes).
Of these animals, the troglobites are perhaps the most unusual organisms. Troglobitic species often show a number of characteristics, termed troglomorphies, associated with their adaptation to subterranean life. These characteristics may include a loss of pigment (often resulting in a pale or white coloration), a loss of eyes (or at least of optical functionality), an elongation of appendages, and an enhancement of other senses (such as the ability to sense vibrations in water). Aquatic troglobites (or stygobites), such as the endangered Alabama cave shrimp, live in bodies of water found in caves and get nutrients from detritus washed into their caves and from the feces of bats and other cave inhabitants. Other aquatic troglobites include cave fish, the Olm, and cave salamanders such as the Texas Blind Salamander.
Cave insects such as Oligaphorura (formerly Archaphorura) schoetti are troglophiles, reaching in length. They have extensive distribution and have been studied fairly widely. Most specimens are female but a male specimen was collected from St Cuthberts Swallet in 1969.
Bats, such as the Gray bat and Mexican Free-tailed Bat, are trogloxenes and are often found in caves; they forage outside of the caves. Some species of cave crickets are classified as trogloxenes, because they roost in caves by day and forage above ground at night.
Because of the fragile nature of the cave ecosystem, and the fact that cave regions tend to be isolated from one another, caves harbor a number of endangered species, such as the Tooth cave spider, Liphistiidae Liphistius trapdoor spider, and the Gray bat.
Caves are visited by many surface-living animals, including humans. These are usually relatively short-lived incursions, due to the lack of light and sustenance.
Throughout history, primitive peoples have made use of caves for shelter, burial, or as religious sites. Since items placed in caves are protected from the climate and scavenging animals, this means caves are an archaeological treasure house for learning about these people. Cave paintings are of particular interest. One example is the Great Cave of Niah, in Malaysia, which contains evidence of human habitation dating back 40,000 years.
In Germany some experts found signs of cannibalism in the caves at the Hönne.
Caves are also important for geological research because they can reveal details of past climatic conditions in speleothems and sedimentary rock layers.
Caves are frequently used today as sites for recreation. Caving, for example, is the popular sport of cave exploration. For the less adventurous, a number of the world's prettier and more accessible caves have been converted into show caves, where artificial lighting, floors, and other aids allow the casual visitor to experience the cave with minimal inconvenience. Caves have also been used for BASE jumping and cave diving.
Caves are also used for the preservation or aging of wine and cheese. The constant, slightly chilly temperature and high humidity that most caves possess makes them ideal for such uses.


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My partner and I had an excellent dinner at the Azteca Restaurant and Cantina in College Park. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Josue our server was attentive and very friendly. When in College Park visit the Azteca for a fine Mexican dinner.
If you own or manage Azteca Restaurant and Cantina, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.


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by Darcy O'Neil on March 01, 2011
In the beginning, Art of Drink was a mere sketchpad used to document bartending and cocktail knowledge, without much expectation of developing a loyal readership. As the weeks ticked by, the daily readership grew from 3 people to 10 and then 20. Exciting times. Then the idea of transcribing and publishing Jerry Thomas' Bartender Guide occurred, which was picked up by the likes of Ardent Spirits and many bar and drink related sites - introducing the world to Art of Drink. Five years later Art of Drink attracts approximately 3,000 people per day and is one of the most read cocktail blogs on the Internet.
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Pal Bela Szecsi
- SourceAvailable from: Filip K. Knop[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Hyperprolactinemia is a common side-effect of antipsychotic treatment. Antipsychotics and hyperprolactinemia are both considered risk factors of metabolic disturbances and diabetes. Investigations on prolactin response to meal ingestion in antipsychotic-treated patients are missing. In a case-control design, 49 antipsychotic-treated, clinically stable, non-diabetic, schizophrenia spectrum male patients were compared with 93 healthy male controls by age (33.1, SD 7.4 vs. 32.9, SD 6.6 years), body mass index (26.2, SD 4.6 vs. 26.1, SD 3.9kg/m(2)) and waist circumference (96.4, SD 13.0 vs. 96.7, SD 11.9cm). Serum-prolactin was measured in the morning and 90min after ingestion of a standardized liquid meal (2268kJ). Fasting prolactin levels varied considerably, and mean fasting prolactin levels did not significantly differ between patients and controls (12.33, SD 11.58 vs. 10.06, SD 8.67ng/ml, p=0.623). In the controls, postprandial serum prolactin was significantly reduced (Δ -2.53, SD 9.75ng/ml, p=0.016). In antipsychotic-treated patients postprandial serum prolactin tended to increase (Δ 2.62, SD 10.96ng/ml, p=0.081). Analyses of subgroups based on the prolactinogenic liability of their antipsychotic treatment indicated 22 to 65% higher postprandial prolactin levels with high and intermediate prolactinogenic antipsychotics. A physiological postprandial suppression of serum prolactin appears absent in antipsychotic-treated males. Marked variability in fasting prolactin levels may reflect individual variations in the diurnal cycle. Uniform acquisition procedures accounting for diurnal variation and food intake may enhance reliability of prolactin levels in antipsychotic-treated male patients. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.Psychoneuroendocrinology 06/2015; 20. DOI:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.05.014 · 5.59 Impact Factor
Article: Xerosis is associated with asthma in men independent of atopic dermatitis and filaggrin gene mutations[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Epidermal filaggrin deficiency due to common filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations causes xerosis and strongly increases the risk of atopic dermatitis and even asthma. However, it is unknown whether xerosis independent of FLG mutations could also increase the risk of asthma. To evaluate whether generalized xerosis was associated with asthma, independent of atopic dermatitis and common FLG mutations in a cross-sectional study on adult Danes. A total of 3396 adults from the general population participated in a health examination. Lung function and serum-specific IgE levels to inhalant allergens were measured and information on xerosis and atopic diseases was obtained by means of a questionnaire. Participants were genotypes for the three most common FLG mutations in Northern Europeans: R501X, 2282del4 and R2447X. Fully adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that asthma (either current or at some point in life) was significantly associated with reporting generalized xerosis (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.02-1.72). The association was stronger in men (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.13-2.84) when compared to women (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.86-1.62). Furthermore, a significant association was observed between xerosis and 'allergic asthma' in men (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.08-4.19). Our findings indicate an association between xerosis and asthma in men independent of atopic dermatitis and FLG mutations. Both facilitated allergen sensitization and secondary degradation of filaggrin following T-helper cell 2 inflammation might be key elements to understanding this relationship. © 2015 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 02/2015; DOI:10.1111/jdv.13051 · 3.11 Impact Factor
Article: Filaggrin gene mutations are not associated with food and aeroallergen sensitization without concomitant atopic dermatitis in adultsJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 02/2015; 135(5). DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.01.001 · 11.25 Impact Factor
- Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 11/2014; DOI:10.1111/jdv.12821 · 3.11 Impact Factor
Article: n-3 PUFA Esterified to Glycerol or as Ethyl Esters Reduce Non-Fasting Plasma Triacylglycerol in Subjects with Hypertriglyceridemia: A Randomized Trial[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To date, treatment of hypertriglyceridemia with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) has been investigated solely in fasting and postprandial subjects. However, non-fasting triacylglycerols are more strongly associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-chain n-3 PUFA on non-fasting triacylglycerol levels and to compare the effects of n-3 PUFA formulated as acylglycerol (AG-PUFA) or ethyl esters (EE-PUFA). The study was a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled interventional trial, and included 120 subjects with non-fasting plasma triacylglycerol levels of 1.7-5.65 mmol/L (150-500 mg/dL). The participants received approximately 3 g/day of AG-PUFA, EE-PUFA, or placebo for a period of eight weeks. The levels of non-fasting plasma triacylglycerols decreased 28 % in the AG-PUFA group and 22 % in the EE-PUFA group (P < 0.001 vs. placebo), with no significant difference between the two groups. The triacylglycerol lowering effect was evident after four weeks, and was inversely correlated with the omega-3 index (EPA + DHA content in erythrocyte membranes). The omega-3 index increased 63.2 % in the AG-PUFA group and 58.5 % in the EE-PUFA group (P < 0.001). Overall, the heart rate in the AG-PUFA group decreased by three beats per minute (P = 0.045). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the AG-PUFA group (P < 0.001). Neither total nor non-HDL cholesterol changed in any group. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) decreased in the EE-PUFA group (P = 0.001). No serious adverse events were observed. Supplementation with long-chain n-3 PUFA lowered non-fasting triacylglycerol levels, suggestive of a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Regardless of the different effects on heart rate, HDL, and LpPLA2 that were observed, compared to placebo, AG-PUFA, and EE-PUFA are equally effective in reducing non-fasting triacylglycerol levels.Lipids 11/2014; 50(2). DOI:10.1007/s11745-014-3968-6 · 2.35 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Treatment with antipsychotic drugs is widely associated with metabolic side effects such as weight gain and disturbed glucose metabolism, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms are unclear.Schizophrenia Research 09/2014; 75(9):e899-e905. DOI:10.4088/JCP.13m08820 · 4.43 Impact Factor
Article: Cancer antigen 125 after delivery in women with a normal pregnancy: a prospective cohort study[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Objective To establish reference intervals for cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in women with expected normal pregnancy, delivery and early postpartum period.DesignProspective observational study.SettingDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark.PopulationA total of 801 women with expected normal pregnancies were investigated. Of these, 640 delivered vaginally, 82 by emergency cesarean section, and 79 by elective cesarean section; 720 women had uncomplicated pregnancies.Methods Samples were collected at gestational weeks 13-20, 21-28, 29-34, and 35-42 during labor and on first and second day postpartum. Reference intervals were calculated for each gestational period as recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.Main outcome measureConcentration of serum CA-125 during the gestational period and around delivery.ResultsCA-125 was fairly stable below 35 U/mL during pregnancy, but increased markedly during vaginal delivery, to a minor degree during emergency cesarean section, and only slightly during elective cesarean section. In the early postpartum period, CA-125 decreased with an apparent half-life of 24 hours.Conclusions The CA-125 cut-off value (< 35 U/mL) used for non-pregnant women can be used for women during pregnancy after gestational week 13 as a supplement to ultrasound evaluation of ovarian cysts. The wide range of CA-125 concentration during normal pregnancies makes it unlikely that small fluctuations in CA-125 can be clinically useful for identifying other conditions. Measuring CA-125 around the time of delivery is not recommended. Gestational age-specific reference intervals during normal pregnancy are not needed.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica 08/2014; 93(12). DOI:10.1111/aogs.12492 · 1.99 Impact Factor
Article: Associations of Filaggrin Gene Loss-of-Function Variants and Human Papillomavirus-Related Cancer and Pre-Cancer in Danish Adults[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Purpose Filaggrin proteins are expressed in the skin, oral cavity, oesophagus, and cervical mucose. Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) reduce filaggrin expression and cause an impaired skin barrier function. We hypothesized that FLG mutation carriers would be more susceptible to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and thus a higher risk of HPV-related cancer and pre-cancer. We investigated the association of the FLG genotype with incidence of HPV-related cancer of cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and head and neck, and pre-cancer of the cervix. Methods We included 13,376 persons from four population-based studies conducted in the same background population in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants were genotyped for the most common FLG mutations in Europeans. Information on cancer was obtained from The Danish Cancer Registry until 11 July 2011. Results There were 489 cases of prevalent and 97 cases of incident HPV-related cancer and pre-cancer (median follow-up 11.5 years). There was a statistically significant association between FLG genotype and incident HPV-related cancer and pre-cancer with a hazard ratio, HR = 2.1 (95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.2, 3.7) for FLG mutation carriers vs. wild types. Conclusions FLG loss-of-function mutations were associated with higher incidence of HPV-related cancers and pre-cancers that are potentially screening and vaccine preventable.PLoS ONE 06/2014; 9(6):e99437. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0099437 · 3.53 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) could have opposing effects on cancer risk, since mutations are both associated with 10% higher serum vitamin D levels, which are possibly protective against cancer, and with impaired skin barrier function, which could lead to a higher cancer susceptibility.Objectives We investigated the association of the FLG genotype and specific types of cancers in four population-based cohorts.MethodsA total of 13,376 individuals were included and genotyped for selected common FLG mutations in Northern Europeans. Information on cancer was obtained from The Danish Cancer Registry until 11 July 2011. Persons with a history of cancer at baseline were excluded from the prospective analyses.ResultsThere were 1,339 incident cancers (median follow-up 11.4 years). The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals, (95% CIs) for FLG mutation carriers vs. wild types were: for any cancer (HR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.16), any cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 0.84, 1.31), head and neck cancer (HR=1.72, 95% CI: 0.71, 4.15), colorectal cancer (HR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.52), cancer of bronchus and lung (HR=1.34, 95% CI: 0.77, 2.33), breast cancer (HR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.30, 1.14), cancer of the uterus (HR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.06, 3.10), prostate cancer (HR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.61, 1.94), urinary cancer (HR=1.30, 95% CI: 0.51, 3.29), malignant melanoma (HR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.41, 2.58) and NMSC (HR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.47, 1.05). In subgroup analyses of the participants over the age of 60 years at baseline, we found statistically significant lower risks of all cancers and NMSC among FLG mutation carriers.Conclusions There were no statistically significant associations between FLG loss-of-function mutations and cancer except in subgroup analyses.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.British Journal of Dermatology 03/2014; 171(6). DOI:10.1111/bjd.12969 · 4.10 Impact Factor
Article: Individuals with Complete Filaggrin Deficiency May Have an Increased Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) are observed in approximately 10% of Northern Europeans. Heterozygous and homozygous mutation-carriers have, respectively, partial or complete reduction of epidermal filaggrin and its degradation products. Among others, filaggrin is degraded to trans-urocanic acid (UCA)(1) ; a chromophore that provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and modulates cutaneous immune functions(1) . This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.British Journal of Dermatology 02/2014; DOI:10.1111/bjd.12911 · 4.10 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a medically unexplained condition characterized by reports of recurrent unspecific symptoms attributed to exposure to low levels of common volatile chemicals. The etiology of MCS is poorly understood, but dysregulation of the immune system has been proposed as part of the pathophysiology. Objective To compare plasma levels of cytokines in Danish MCS individuals with a healthy, sex- and age-matched control group. Method Blood samples were obtained from 150 un-exposed MCS individuals and from 148 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma concentrations of 14 cytokines, chemokines and growth and allergen-specific IgE were measured. All participants completed a questionnaire including questions on MCS, psychological distress, morbidities and medication use at the time of the study. Results Plasma levels of interleukin-1β, -2, -4, and -6 were significantly (P < 0.001) increased in the MCS group compared with controls, tumor necrosis factor-α was borderline significantly (P = 0.05) increased and interleukin-13 was significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Conclusion MCS individuals displayed a distinct systemic immune mediator profile with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukin-2 and inverse regulation of Th2 associated cytokines interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 suggestive of low-grade systemic inflammation, along with a deviating Th2-associated cytokine response not involving IgE-mediated mechanisms.Psychoneuroendocrinology 02/2014; 40:140–150. DOI:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.11.012 · 5.59 Impact Factor
Article: A comparison of anti-nuclear antibody quantification using automated enzyme immunoassays and immunofluorescence assays.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) have traditionally been evaluated using indirect fluorescence assays (IFA) with HEp-2 cells. Quantitative immunoassays (EIA) have replaced the use of HEp-2 cells in some laboratories. Here, we evaluated ANA in 400 consecutive and unselected routinely referred patients using IFA and automated EIA techniques. The IFA results generated by two independent laboratories were compared with the EIA results from antibodies against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), from ANA screening, and from tests of the seven included subantigens. The final IFA and EIA results for 386 unique patients were compared. The majority of the results were the same between the two methods (n = 325, 84%); however, 8% (n = 30) yielded equivocal results (equivocal-negative and equivocal-positive) and 8% (n = 31) yielded divergent results (positive-negative). The results showed fairly good agreement, with Cohen's kappa value of 0.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14-0.46), which decreased to 0.23 (95% CI = 0.06-0.40) when the results for dsDNA were omitted. The EIA method was less reliable for assessing nuclear and speckled reactivity patterns, whereas the IFA method presented difficulties detecting dsDNA and Ro activity. The automated EIA method was performed in a similar way to the conventional IFA method using HEp-2 cells; thus, automated EIA may be used as a screening test.01/2014; 2014:534759. DOI:10.1155/2014/534759
Article: No Association between Loss-of-Function Mutations in filaggrin and Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and All-Cause Mortality[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Common loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) are a major predisposing risk factor for atopic disease due to reduced epidermal filaggrin protein levels. We previously observed an association between these mutations and type 2 diabetes and hypothesized that an inherited impairment of skin barrier functions could facilitate low-grade inflammation and hence increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We examined the association between loss-of-function mutations in FLG and diabetes, stroke, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and all-cause mortality in the general population. The R501X and 2282del4 loss-of function mutations in FLG were genotyped in four Danish study populations including a total of 13373 adults aged 15-77 years. Two of the studies also genotyped the R2447X mutation. By linkage to Danish national central registers we obtained information for all participants on dates of diagnoses of diabetes, stroke, and IHD, as well as all-cause mortality. Data were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard models and combined by fixed effect meta-analyses. In meta-analyses combining the results from the four individual studies, carriage of loss-of-function mutations in FLG was not associated with incident diabetes (hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence intervals (CI)) = 0.95 (0.73, 1.23), stroke (HR (95% CI) = 1.27 (0.97, 1.65), ischemic heart disease (HR (95%CI) = 0.92 (0.71, 1.19), and all-cause mortality (HR (95%CI) = 1.02 (0.83, 1.25)). Similar results were obtained when including prevalent cases in logistic regression models. Our results suggest that loss-of-function mutations in FLG are not associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. However, larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to exclude any associations.PLoS ONE 12/2013; 8(12):e84293. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0084293 · 3.53 Impact Factor
Article: Investigating the causal effect of vitamin D on serum adiponectin using a mendelian randomization approach[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives:The aim was to examine the causal effect of vitamin D on serum adiponectin using a multiple instrument Mendelian randomization approach.Subjects/Methods:Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and serum total or high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin were measured in two Danish population-based studies: the Inter99 study (6405 adults, 30-60 years) conducted in 1999-2001, and the MONICA10 study (2656 adults, 41-71 years) conducted in 1993-1994.Results:In the Inter99 study, serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with total adiponectin (the effect estimate in % per doubling of 25(OH)D was 4.78, 95% CI: 1.96, 7.68, P<0.001). Using variations in the vitamin D-binding protein gene and the filaggrin gene as instrumental variables, the causal effect in % was estimated to 61.46, 95% CI: 17.51, 120.28, P=0.003 higher adiponectin per doubling of 25(OH)D. In the MONICA10 cohort, no significant association was observed between the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and HMW adiponectin (the effect estimate in % per doubling of 25(OH)D was -1.51, 95% CI: -5.80, 2.98, P=0.50), although the instrumental variables analysis to some extent supported a positive causal association (the effect estimate in % per doubling of 25(OH)D was 37.13, 95% CI: -3.67, 95.20, P=0.080).Conclusions:The results indicate a possible causal association between serum 25(OH)D and total adiponectin. However, the association was not replicated for HMW adiponectin. Thus, further studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 13 November 2013; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.233.European journal of clinical nutrition 11/2013; 68(2). DOI:10.1038/ejcn.2013.233 · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: More than 40 null mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene are described. It is therefore possible to find two different null mutations in one individual (compound heterozygosity). It has been generally perceived that homozygous and compound heterozygous individuals were genotypically comparable; however, this has not been scientifically investigated. Two different FLG null mutations in the same individual may be in trans position, meaning that each mutation locates to a different allele functionally equivalent to homozygosity, or may be in cis position, meaning that both mutations locate to the same allele functionally equivalent to heterozygosity. To experimentally investigate allelic in cis versus in trans configuration of the two most common filaggrin (FLG) mutations (R501X and 2282del4) in compound heterozygous individuals. Testing for in cis or in trans allele configuration was performed by means of allele-specific PCR amplification and analysis of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis. All R501X/2282del4 compound heterozygous samples collected over a 4-year period of routine FLG mutation testing were investigated. In total, 37 samples were tested. All thirty-seven R501X/2282del4 compound heterozygous individuals were found to carry the two mutations in trans position. FLG null mutation compound heterozygous individuals can be considered functionally equivalent to FLG null mutation homozygosity for any of the two mutations.Experimental Dermatology 09/2013; 22(9):572-5. DOI:10.1111/exd.12199 · 4.12 Impact Factor
Article: Comparison of Immunoglobulin E Measurements on IMMULITE and ImmunoCAP in Samples Consisting of Allergen-Specific Mouse-Human Chimeric Monoclonal Antibodies towards Allergen Extracts and Four Recombinant Allergens[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Background: Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in vitro tests are performed on enzyme immunoassay systems. Poor agreement among systems has been reported and comparisons have been made exclusively with allergen extracts - not with recombinant allergens. Here we compare the ImmunoCAP and the IMMULITE systems. Methods: Ten patient samples with positive IgE toward egg white, birch pollen or cat or dog dander were compared using allergen extracts or the recombinant allergens Gal d 1, Bet v 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 with the two assay systems. Comparisons were also performed using four monoclonal mouse-human chimeric IgE antibodies specific for the same allergenic components. Results: IMMULITE estimated a higher allergen-specific IgE concentration in sera than ImmunoCAP when testing with allergen extracts as well as recombinant allergens. The chimeric antibodies gave an equivalent response in the total IgE and specific IgE (sIgE) with an average ratio of 1.08 (range 0.9-1.3) on ImmunoCAP. In contrast, IMMULITE exhibited sIgE signals that were substantially higher than the summed level of IgE for all four chimeric antibodies (average ratio 2.96 and range 1.7-4.3). Conclusion: Comparison using chimeric antibodies allowed the evaluation of the true performance of the systems. ImmunoCAP measured total IgE and sIgE equally, whereas IMMULITE displayed higher sIgE signals when compared to the summed level of total IgE for all four chimeric antibodies. Results obtained with the two assay systems are not interchangeable by means of mathematical conversion.International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 07/2013; 162(2):33-36. DOI:10.1159/000353276 · 2.43 Impact Factor
Article: Carriers of filaggrin gene (FLG) mutations avoid professional exposure to irritants in adulthood[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) are associated with xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and early onset of hand eczema. Irritant exposure is a risk factor for occupational hand eczema, and FLG mutations increase the risk of occupational irritant contact dermatitis on the hands in hospital cohorts. It is unknown whether FLG mutations affect the level of irritant exposure. To evaluate whether exposure to occupational irritants was dependent on FLG mutations, atopic dermatitis, and age at hand eczema onset. Randomly chosen Danish adults completed a questionnaire on general health and occupational exposures. Genotyping for FLG mutations (R501X, 2282del4, and R2447X) and patch testing were performed. Overall, 38.7% of subjects reported present or previous occupational exposure to irritants. Among individuals who reported hand eczema onset before entering their work life, 50.6% (45/89) of FLG non-mutation carriers became exposed to irritants, as compared with 28.6% (4/14) of heterozygous and 0% (0/6) of homozygous mutation carriers (p = 0.006). Avoidance was conspicuous among mutation carriers reporting childhood hand eczema and atopic dermatitis (odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.65). Carriers of FLG mutations who have had hand eczema onset in childhood avoid occupational exposure to irritants; the association is most marked with homozygous mutation status combined with atopic dermatitis.Contact Dermatitis 06/2013; 69(6). DOI:10.1111/cod.12097 · 3.62 Impact Factor
- American Journal of Hematology 05/2013; 88(5):E57-E57. · 3.48 Impact Factor
Article: Association between Loss-of-Function Mutations in the Filaggrin Gene and Self-Reported Food Allergy and Alcohol Sensitivity[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Background: Loss-of-function mutations of the filaggrin (FLG) gene cause an impaired skin barrier and increase the risk of atopic dermatitis. Interestingly, FLG mutations have also been found to be associated with a high risk of peanut allergy. Objective: We investigated the association of FLG mutations with self-reported food allergy, symptoms of oral allergy syndrome (OAS), and alcohol sensitivity. Methods: A total of 3,471 adults from the general population participated in a health examination. Information on food allergies, OAS and alcohol sensitivity was obtained by questionnaire. FLG mutation carriers were defined as having at least one null mutation allele of R501X or 2282del4. Primary lactose intolerance (PLI) was defined as the C/C genotype of the rs4988235 polymorphism. Results: FLG mutations were associated with a higher risk of self-reported allergy to eggs (OR 3.22 and 95% CI 1.46-7.11), milk (OR 2.10 and 95% CI 1.12-3.92), fish (OR 4.54 and 95% CI 1.88-10.96) and wheat (OR 3.59 and 95% CI 1.61-8.02), but not with symptoms of OAS (OR 1.05 and 95% CI 0.73-1.51). Serum-specific IgE was measured in a subsample and confirmed the association between FLG and IgE to milk. A significant gene-by-gene interaction between FLG and PLI was observed in relation to self-reported allergy to milk. Furthermore, FLG mutations were associated with a higher risk of alcohol sensitivity. Conclusions: We found that loss-of-function mutations in the FLG gene were significantly associated with self-reported food allergy and alcohol sensitivity, but not with OAS. These findings, if confirmed, support the idea that skin barrier functions may be involved in the pathogenesis of food allergy.International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 03/2013; 161(3):234-242. DOI:10.1159/000345949 · 2.43 Impact Factor
Article: Vitamin D Status, Filaggrin Genotype, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Mendelian Randomization Approach[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in observational studies. Whether these associations are causal is not clear. Loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene result in up to 10% higher serum vitamin D concentrations, supposedly due to a decreased UV-protection of the keratinocytes. We used a Mendelian randomization approach to estimate the causal effect of vitamin D status on serum lipids, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and the metabolic syndrome. Three population based studies were included, Monica10 (2,656 individuals aged 40-71 years), Inter99 (6,784 individuals aged 30-60 years), and Health2006 (3,471 individuals aged 18-69 years) conducted in 1993-94, 1999-2001, and 2006-2008, respectively. Participants were genotyped for the two most common filaggrin gene mutations in European descendants R501X and 2282del4, in all three studies and further for the R2447X mutation in the Inter99 and Health2006 studies. Filaggrin genotype was used as instrumental variable for vitamin D status. Baseline measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were performed in all three studies. Instrumental variable analyses showed a 23.8% (95% confidence interval, CI 3.0, 48.6) higher HDL cholesterol level and a 30.5% (95% CI: 0.8, 51.3) lower serum level of triglycerides per doubling of vitamin D. These associations were, however, not statistically significant when applying the Bonferroni adjusted significance level. The remaining lipids showed non-significant changes in a favorable direction. Doubling of vitamin D gave a non-significantly lower odds ratio = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06, 1.17) of the metabolic syndrome. There were no statistically significant causal effects of vitamin D status on blood pressure, body mass index, or waist circumference. Our results support a causal effect of higher vitamin D status on a more favorable lipid profile, although more studies in other populations are needed to confirm our results.PLoS ONE 02/2013; 8(2):e57647. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0057647 · 3.53 Impact Factor
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NBA - Page 16
Mavs Point Guard Raymond Felton Pleads Guilty to Felony Gun Charge
Did Fans Burn Down LeBron's House? Get The Truth
What's the Legacy of the 2014 Free Agent Class?
Source Says Jason Kidd to Become Milwaukee Coach
Expect Big 3 To Stay In Miami
Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Udonis Haslem are all opting out of their contracts to become NBA free agents. That news is good if you are a Miami Heat fan. It means that Miami's Big 3: Wade, Bosh, and LeBron James are together one more time to take pay cuts in order to recruit one more star to help them win in South Beach
The San Antonio Spurs Are The 2013/2014 NBA Champions
Spurs Beat Heat 110-95, Duncan Adds 21 Points
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Tim Duncan had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Miami Heat 110-95 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals inside a sweltering AT&T Center.
With an air conditioning failure making it feel like basketball in a sauna and causing LeBron James to battle cramps that knocked him out of the game's decisive stretch, the Spurs pulled away to win the opener of the first finals rematch since 1998.
Gatorade Apologizes for Tweeting Jokes About Lebron
Cleveland Cavaliers – A History of Bad, REALLY Bad Decisions
The NBA draft lottery was on Tuesday night and what a shocker! The team with the best odds of winning didn't come home with the number one pick for the 21st time in its 24 years of existence. Honestly shocking to most was the team that actually won -- the Cleveland Cavaliers. Initially I thought this was a joke; however, as reality set in I couldn't help but initially think "boy do I feel bad for whoever ends up there".


text:
Looking at Mark Harris's reduction example, I am trying to see if I can have threads store intermediate values without reduction operation:
For example CPU code:
for(int i = 0; i < ntr; i++)
for(int j = 0; j < pos* posdir; j++)
val = x[i] * arr[j];
if(val > 0.0)
out[xcount] = val*x[i];
xcount += 1;
Equivalent GPU code:
const int threads = 64;
num_blocks = ntr/threads;
__global__ void test_g(float *in1, float *in2, float *out1, int *ct, int posdir, int pos)
int tid = threadIdx.x + blockIdx.x*blockDim.x;
__shared__ float t1[threads];
__shared__ float t2[threads];
int gcount = 0;
for(int i = 0; i < posdir*pos; i += 32) {
if (threadIdx.x < 32) {
t1[threadIdx.x] = in2[i%posdir];
for(int i = 0; i < 32; i++)
t2[i] = t1[i] * in1[tid];
if(t2[i] > 0){
out1[gcount] = t2[i] * in1[tid];
gcount = gcount + 1;
ct[0] = gcount;
what I am trying to do here is the following steps:
(1)Store 32 values of in2 in shared memory variable t1,
(2)For each value of i and in1[tid], calculate t2[i],
if t2[i] > 0 for that particular combination of i, write
t2[i]*in1[tid] to
But my output is all wrong. I am not even able to get a count of all the times t2[i] is greater than 0.
Any suggestions on how to save the value of gcount for each i and tid ?? As I debug, I find that for block (0,0,0) and thread(0,0,0) I can sequentially see the values of t2 updated. After the CUDA kernel switches focus to block(0,0,0) and thread(32,0,0), the values of out1[0] are re-written again. How can I get/store the values of out1 for each thread and write it to the output?
I tried two approaches so far: (suggested by @paseolatis on NVIDIA forums)
(1) defined
offset=tid*32; and replace out1[gcount] with out1[offset+gcount],
(2) defined
__device__ int totgcount=0; // this line before main()
out1[totgcount]=t2[i] * in1[tid];
int *h_xc = (int*) malloc(sizeof(int) * 1);
cudaMemcpyFromSymbol(h_xc, totgcount, sizeof(int)*1, cudaMemcpyDeviceToHost);
printf("GPU: xcount = %d\n", h_xc[0]); // Output looks like this: GPU: xcount = 1928669800
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance !


text:
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