The sporadic E (Es) layer exists at altitudes ranging from 90 to 150 km in Earth's ionosphere with electron densities exceeding 100 times the background levels of that region. This phenomenon enables long-distance HF/VHF radio communications through reflection, refraction, and scattering of radio waves. For decades, extraordinary VHF signal propagation via Es layers has been observed in aviation, maritime, and amateur radio applications. However, systematic Es-layer-based VHF communication systems remain undeveloped, primarily due to insufficient understanding of Es layer occurrence patterns and inadequate knowledge of their spatiotemporal distribution and structural characteristics. This knowledge gap highlights the urgent need for comprehensive ionospheric Es layer detection and spatiotemporal distribution studies. Japan's geographical location in a global Es layer hotspot makes it an exceptionally representative region for such investigations. In-depth research on Es layer characteristics in Japan is crucial for understanding its formation mechanisms, revealing atmosphere-ionosphere coupling processes, and developing reliable Es-based emergency communication technologies. In this paper, the intensity, spatial distribution, diurnal variation and seasonal variation characteristics of the Es layer over Japan are investigated based on the observation data from five ionosonde stations in Japan over the past 40 years, ultimately mapping their spatiotemporal patterns. The findings reveal that the intensity centers of the Es layers over Japan migrate with diurnal and seasonal cycles, displaying strong seasonal and diurnal asymmetries in intensity distribution. These patterns may originate from Japan's complex topography, land-sea configuration, and ocean current systems.

SUMMARYTo clarify the genetic diversity of the Pyropia dentata complex in Japan, we conducted molecular analyses and morphological observations using samples collected from Amakusa region (the type locality), on the East China Sea coast, Hirado, on the Sea of Japan coast, and Enoshima, on the Pacific coast of Japan. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the rbcL gene clearly indicated that the samples from Enoshima (Pyropia cf. dentata in a previous study) were a different species from P. dentata collected from Amakusa and Hirado. The samples from Amakusa and Hirado were also genetically different from each other based on the phylogenetic tree. However, it was inferred that the samples collected from these two localities reflected intraspecific variation in P. dentata. Although the morphological features of the samples from the three localities were similar, the samples from Enoshima differed from the samples from Amakusa and Hirado in the blade thickness and the division formula of zygotosporangia. Based on the molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological observations using the samples from Enoshima, we describe a new species, Pyropia neodentata. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the new species is distributed on the Pacific coast of Japan, whereas P. dentata is widely distributed from the East China Sea coast to the Sea of Japan coast, including Korea and China.

Abstract Japan has played a significant and pioneering role in the Olympic Movement for well over a century. Not only was it the first nation outside of Europe and North America to have a member on the International Olympic Committee, to send athletes to the Games, and to host both Summer and Winter Olympics, but it also played an important role in the so-called greening of the Olympic Games. From its planning to host the ultimately canceled 1940 Olympics to its hosting of the ultimately postponed 2020 Olympics, Tokyo has been at the center of Japan's complex and massive Olympic infrastructure projects. The economic and environmental costs of these projects have drawn increasing scrutiny over the past century, and this scrutiny has helped shape present-day attitudes toward large-scale sports development projects. This article looks at Olympic-related projects in Japan, with a focus on Tokyo, over the past century and connects these projects to contemporary debates over sports development projects in the world's largest city—a city with precious little green space that is acutely feeling the effects of climate change. I argue that debates and discourse surrounding Tokyo 2020 highlighted a decline in the Japanese public's eagerness over massive sports development projects, and the first-ever Olympic postponement offered a unique and prolonged opportunity to reflect on the many costs of hosting the event. While the focus of this article is Japan, the questions it raises about the increasingly tense relationship between the Olympics and the natural environment are universal.

We describe two new species, Entoloma. kermesinum sp. nov. and E. flavescens sp. nov., which are confused with E. quadratum and E. murrayi, respectively. We sequenced the large subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and 22 single-copy genes for 51 specimens of E. kermesinum, E. flavescens, E. album, and related species. Species boundaries were assessed using the molecular phylogenetics and population genetics approaches. Specimens of E. kermesinum, E. flavescens, and E. album formed independent clades, which were phylogenetically distinct from the specimens of E. quadratum and E. murrayi collected around the type locality (i.e., New England). Although the phylogenetic distance between E. flavescens and E. album was small, gene flow between them was restricted in areas where they coexisted, suggesting reproductive isolation. Therefore, these five species can be treated as independent species. We found characteristics useful for identifying E. kermesinum and E. flavescens. In particular, E. kermesinum is characterized by a crimson to brown-red and fibrillose pileus, finely covered by whitish fibrous scales; E. flavescens is characterized by a lemon-yellow to tan and shiny-to-silky pileus. In addition, relatively large basidiospores and clamp connections are diagnostic features of these two species.

Abstract Background Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder that affects multiple organs. However, precise diagnosis is challenging owing to the lack of truly pathognomonic symptoms. This retrospective observational study aimed to explore the real-world diagnostic flow of Japanese patients with TSC by examining time to diagnosis (TTD) from the onset of each TSC-related manifestation to TSC diagnosis and the role of TSC clinic in timely diagnosis, using data from a health insurance database. Methods Analyses were performed using data derived from the JMDC Claims Database between January 2005 and December 2020. Patients with at least 1 confirmed diagnosis of TSC were stratified into 2 cohorts: Cohort 1 included cases diagnosed after 2 years of age, and Cohort 2 included cases diagnosed before 2 years of age. The primary endpoint was TTD in Cohorts 1 and 2. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of each manifestation in Cohort 1 and the incidence and risk ratios of TSC-unrelated symptoms in Cohort 2. Results Cohorts 1 and 2 included 106 and 42 patients, respectively. In Cohort 1, patients with a renal tumor diagnosis as a primary TSC-related manifestation had the longest TTD with a wide range (median: 23 months to up to 91 months); patients with non-specific TSC-related manifestations such as brain tumor/intraventricular tumor, epilepsy, or intellectual disabilities also experienced a delay in TTD. In patients with TSC who developed epilepsy, those attending facilities with a TSC clinic were diagnosed with TSC more quickly than those attending facilities without a TSC clinic (median: 11.5 and 19.0 months, respectively; p = 0.0379). Epilepsy was the manifestation with the highest incidence (29.2%) among Cohort 1 patients, while cardiac rhabdomyoma had the highest incidence (54.8%) among Cohort 2 patients. Dry skin was the most common TSC-unrelated symptom in Cohort 2, with a 1.7-fold higher incidence rate than that in controls (N = 619,936). Conclusion Japanese patients with renal lesions as a primary TSC-related manifestation had the longest delay for a definitive diagnosis of TSC, followed by those with epilepsy, brain tumor/intraventricular tumor, and intellectual disabilities. The TSC clinic played an important role in the early diagnosis of TSC.

Effective global collaboration hinges on understanding cultural nuances, notably evident in Japan's organizational dynamics. While often perceived as hierarchical, Japanese structures defy simplistic categorization, as revealed by this qualitative study led by a French scholar. By interviewing Japanese and Western researchers, the research navigates through discordant perspectives, challenging conventional Western views. While some uphold a top-down structure, others advocate for a more egalitarian interpretation, reflecting Japan's nuanced reality. Central to this exploration is deference, shaping interactions and decision-making in Japanese workplaces through linguistic and non-verbal cues. This deference emphasizes mutual respect and collaboration rather than solely denoting power dynamics. Moreover, collective decision-making, a cornerstone of Japanese organizational culture, fosters ownership and commitment among team members, contrasting with Western hierarchical models. In summary, this research illuminates Japan's complex organizational dynamics, highlighting the importance of cultural reflexivity in fostering effective intercultural collaborations. Understanding nuances like deference and collective decision-making is crucial for navigating the complexities of global partnerships and overcoming misinterpretations.

Highlighted by the G7 Hiroshima Summit and evident in Japan's complex vaccination program, the issue of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine allocation and utilization, particularly the dilemma of minimizing vaccine wastage, extends beyond national concerns. Various global strategies, such as using behavioral science principles like 'nudges', have been implemented to tackle the problem. However, scientific evaluation and international collaboration are insufficient; thus, analyzing successful case studies and innovative methods is crucial to pave the way for future preparedness and resilient responses to emerging pandemics.

The objective of this study was to identify the locations of deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DGSDs) and define the numerical characteristics of these deformations to contribute to the sustainable management of social infrastructure in the event of an increased disaster. The topographic features of the DGSDs were quantitatively characterized based on their surface morphologies. Topographic features indicative of gravitational deformation in pre-slide topographic maps, such as terminal cliff failures, irregular undulations, and gullies, suggest that progressive deformation occurred over a prolonged period. To track the gravitational deformation over time, we interpreted aerial photographs of DGSDs from 1948 and 2012 associated with deep-seated landslides on the Kii Peninsula induced by Typhoon Talas on 2–5 August 2011. Corresponding numerical analysis of the gravitational deformations using 1 m digital elevation models reveals that landslide areas exhibit eight characteristic influencing factors, demonstrating that characteristic morphologies exist in areas that eventually experience landslides. One such morphological feature is the existence of a gently sloping area in the upper section of the deep-seated landslide mass, which comprises a catchment basin without a corresponding valley or gully. These findings suggest that rainwater penetrates the ground, and degrades and deforms the rock within the landslide mass, causing the slope to fail after torrential rainfall. This study holds great significance for advancing sustainable infrastructure development and management and mitigating environmental changes.

Efficient car parking management systems that minimize environmental impacts while maximizing user comfort are highly demanding for a future sustainable society. Using electric or gasoline vehicle-type information, emerging computation and communication technologies open the opportunity to provide practical solutions to achieve such goals. This paper proposes an eco-friendly smart parking management system that optimally allocates the incoming vehicles to reduce overall emissions in closed parking facilities while providing comfort incentives to the users of electric vehicles (EVs). Specifically, upon arrival of a car, the most suitable parking spot is determined by minimizing an adaptive objective function that indirectly reflects anticipatory operation for the overall performance maximization of the parking facility using electric or gasoline vehicle-type information. The adaptive objective function includes a trade-off factor that tunes driving and walking distances, relating emissions and comfort to treat incoming vehicles appropriately. The proposed system is simulated for managing a model car parking facility in a shopping complex in Japan, and the aspects related to fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and user comfort are evaluated and benchmarked with other standard parking management systems. The proposed system reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption and improves parking efficiency compared to the current parking management systems, while also prioritizing user comfort.

The latest guidelines include azithromycin as a preferred regimen for treating Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease. However, serially collected susceptibility data on clinical MAC isolates are limited, and no breakpoints have been determined. We investigated the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of azithromycin and clarithromycin for all MAC strains isolated in 2021 from a single center in Japan, excluding duplicates. The MICs were determined using a panel based on the microbroth dilution method, according to the latest Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. The MICs were determined for 318 MAC strains. Although there was a significant positive correlation between the MICs of azithromycin and clarithromycin, the MICs of azithromycin tended to be higher than those of clarithromycin. Among the cases in which the strains were isolated, 18 patients initiated treatment, including azithromycin treatment, after sample collection. Some patients infected with stains with relatively high azithromycin MICs achieved a microbiological cure with azithromycin-containing regimens. This study revealed a higher MIC distribution for azithromycin than clarithromycin, raising questions about the current practice of estimating azithromycin susceptibility based on the clarithromycin susceptibility test result. However, this was a single-center study that included only a limited number of cases treated with azithromycin. Therefore, further multicenter studies that include a greater number of cases treated with azithromycin are warranted to verify the distribution of azithromycin MICs and examine the correlation between azithromycin MICs and treatment effectiveness.IMPORTANCEThe macrolides serve as key drugs in the treatment of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex infection, and the administration of macrolide should be guided by susceptibility test results. Azithromycin is recommended as a preferred choice among macrolides, surpassing clarithromycin; however, drug susceptibility testing is often not conducted, and clarithromycin susceptibility is used as a surrogate. This study represents the first investigation into the minimum inhibitory concentration of azithromycin on a scale of several hundred clinical isolates, revealing an overall tendency for higher minimum inhibitory concentrations compared with clarithromycin. The results raise questions about the appropriateness of using clarithromycin susceptibility test outcomes for determining the administration of azithromycin. This study highlights the need for future discussions on the clinical breakpoints of azithromycin, based on large-scale clinical research correlating azithromycin susceptibility with treatment outcomes.

Abstract To clarify the evolutionary history of the Lilium maculatum–L. pensylvanicum complex in Japan and to improve the circumscription of its component taxa, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast and nuclear internal and external transcribed spacer (ITS, ETS) DNA sequences, a genome‐wide analysis of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using multiplexed ISSR genotyping by sequencing (MIG‐seq), and morphological observations. Topological differences between the chloroplast and nuclear ITS + ETS phylogenies indicate that ancient hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting were involved in the origin of “maculatum”, but the relatively long length of relevant branches indicates that incomplete lineage sorting is implausible. The results of STRUCTURE analysis (K = 3, the highest delta K value) using MIG‐seq indicate that “maculatum” has already developed its own cluster and can be considered a species (L. maculatum) that originated through the hybridization of L. pacificum (sp. nov.) and L. pensylvanicum. MIG‐seq Neighbor‐Net and STRUCTURE analyses (K = 3), as well as chloroplast DNA phylogeny, reveal that populations in disjunct limestone areas (L. maculatum var. bukosanense) originated via the hybridization of L. maculatum and L. pacificum, whereas populations in the Sado‐Tobishima Islands (L. maculatum var. sadoense, var. nov.) originated via hybridization between L. maculatum and L. pensylvanicum. These taxa appear to be more or less genetically isolated from other populations based on the STRUCTURE analysis (K = 5), although we do not know whether this isolation resulted from geographic distance or reproductive barriers. Based on available MIG‐seq and morphological data, respectively, we consider the two hybrid‐origin populations to be independent varieties. Furthermore, the morphology of seaside populations of L. maculatum in East Tohoku District appears to have deviated slightly from that of mountain populations (L. maculatum f. monticola); as such, coastal populations merit recognition as a form of L. maculatum (L. maculatum f. spontaneum, comb. & stat. nov.). Other seaside populations of L. maculatum in the West Tohoku District appear to have originated from populations of L. pacificum, but have been successively taken over by L. maculatum through introgression, and have consequently evolved into a form of L. maculatum (L. maculatum f. maculatum). In addition, we found putative extant hybrid populations of L. maculatum × L. pensylvanicum. We recognize three species, two varieties, two forms, and one hybrid in the L. maculatum–L. pensylvanicum complex in Japan.

Non-albicans Candida infections have recently gained worldwide attention due to their intrinsic resistance to different antifungal agents and the limited therapeutic options for treating them. Although the Candida parapsilosis complex is reported to be the second or third most prevalent Candida spp., little information is available on the prevalence of antifungal resistance along with genotyping of the C. parapsilosis complex. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antifungal resistance, the genetic basis of such resistance, and the genotyping of C. parapsilosis complex isolates that were recovered from hospitalized patients in Japan from 2005 to 2019. Our results indicated that, with the exception of one single C. metapsilosis isolate that was dose-dependently susceptible to fluconazole, all other isolates were susceptible or showed wild phenotypes to all tested antifungals, including azoles, echinocandins, amphotericin B, and flucytosine. Molecular analyses for azole and echinocandin resistance via evaluating ERG11 mutation and FKS1 hotspot one (HS1) and hotspot two (HS2) mutations, respectively, confirmed the phenotypic results. Genotyping of our isolates confirmed that they belong to 53 different but closely related genotypes, with a similarity percentage of up to 90%. Our results are of significant concern, since understanding the genetic basis of echinocandin resistance in the C. parapsilosis complex as well their genotyping is essential for directing targeted therapy, identifying probable infection sources, and developing strategies for overcoming epidemic spread.

Abstract Establishing a constitutive law for fault friction is a crucial objective of earthquake science. However, the complex frictional behavior of natural and synthetic gouges in laboratory experiments eludes explanations. Here, we present a constitutive framework that elucidates the rate, state, and temperature dependence of fault friction under the relevant sliding velocities and temperatures of the brittle lithosphere during seismic cycles. The competition between healing mechanisms, such as viscoelastic collapse, pressure‐solution creep, and crack sealing, explains the low‐temperature stability transition from steady‐state velocity‐strengthening to velocity‐weakening as a function of slip‐rate and temperature. In addition, capturing the transition from cataclastic flow to semi‐brittle creep accounts for the stabilization of fault slip at elevated temperatures. We calibrate the model using extensive laboratory data on synthetic albite and granite gouge, and on natural samples from the Alpine Fault and the Mugi Mélange in the Shimanto accretionary complex in Japan. The constitutive model consistently explains the evolving frictional response of fault gouge from room temperature to 600°C for sliding velocities ranging from nanometers to millimeters per second. The frictional response of faults can be uniquely determined by the in situ lithology and the prevailing hydrothermal conditions.

The systematics of the Old World Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames species complex (Orchidaceae) has been complicated by its wide distribution and morphological variations. Within the species complex, S. australis Lindl. has been generally accepted as the only Spiranthes Rich. species distributed on the Japanese mainland. The present study provides morphological, phylogenetic, and ecological evidence for the recognition of S. hachijoensis Suetsugu as a new species of the S. sinensis species complex on the Japanese mainland. Spiranthes hachijoensis is morphologically similar to S. hongkongensis S.Y. Hu & Barretto and S. nivea T.P. Lin & W.M. Lin, sharing a degenerated rostellum, pollinia without a viscidium, and distinctly trilobed stigma. However, the taxon can be morphologically distinguished from S. hongkongensis by its glabrous rachis, ovaries, and sepals, and from S. nivea by its papillate labellum disc, larger papillate basal labellum callosities, and glabrous rachis, ovaries, and sepals. The autogamy and flowering phenology (i.e., earlier flowering) of S. hachijoensis are most likely responsible for premating isolation from the sympatric S. australis. A MIG-seq-based high-throughput molecular analysis indicated that the genetic difference between S. hachijoensis and its putative sister species S. sinensis is comparable to, or even greater than, the genetic difference between pairs of other species within the S. sinensis species complex. Our multifaceted approach strongly supports the recognition of S. hachijoensis as a morphologically, phenologically, phylogenetically, and ecologically distinct species.

Currently, housing complexes in Japan have been preserved and maintained as a comfortable living environment by collective housing facilities. However, social conditions and residential needs have been changing since occupancy started. Then, there are concerns about the current regulations mismatching the actual situation. Thus, it will be arduous to respond flexibly to the needs of the future. In the study, analyzing the process of transitioning district plans and clarifying how the process by the target apartment complexes was transitioned. Then, looked up the ideal transition process.

Abstract Surveys and monitoring are essential to study the biology and ecology of coral reefs in order to understand the reasons behind reef demise and recovery. However, mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) remain largely unknown compared to their shallow counterparts because it is difficult to observe the seafloor below 30 m depths. Here, we propose a seafloor observation method using a low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). This method was developed to allow many people to easily perform underwater observations of MCEs, and is also applicable to general seafloor surveys, such as underwater artificial structures, hydrothermal vent fields, etc. The method possesses three important attributes to achieve effective surveys. First, it can be applied in highly rugged terrains and enables the AUV to track omnidirectional surfaces at high speed (Max. ~1 m/s). Second, it can produce a reliable three-dimensional (3D) image of the seafloor based on a depth sensor. Third, it can be used to estimate the flow velocity field. The proposed method was tested by using the AUV HATTORI-2, which is a lightweight, one-man portable AUV equipped with commercial off-the-shelf sensors. Our study area is the Sekisei Lagoon in the South Ryukyus, which represents the largest coral reef complex in Japan. The method enabled us not only to obtain a wide and high-definition 3D image of mesophotic coral reefs that captures detailed characteristics of marine habitats but also to acquire environmental data, such as flow velocity field and seawater temperature, spatially and temporally aligned with the 3D image.

Abstract This paper examines Japan's complex infrastructure of cemeteries that preserve the memories of Japanese soldiers who died during military conflicts, while simultaneously maintaining a literal and figurative distance from more controversial sites of memory, such as the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Yasukuni has been at the center of “memory debates” in East Asia, making it difficult for unobtrusive forms of commemoration such as war cemeteries to gain a significant profile. Japanese war cemeteries are scattered around the country and the East Asian region and contain ossuaries hosting the actual remains of the dead, cenotaphs, as well as individual and collective tombs. Their physical configuration provides an educational tool of transnational scope, involving, among others, displays of commemoration and mourning dedicated to non-Japanese ‘enemy’ soldiers. In addition, the presence of Japanese cemeteries and monuments for the war dead built and maintained throughout Southeast Asia, in Japan's former colonial and wartime territories, amplifies the relational and transnational composition of the notion of a ‘national space’ of mourning. By looking at two Japanese sites, Sanadayama Cemetery in Osaka and the Japanese Cemetery in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, I highlight the importance of the cemetery as a locus of transnational memory and a reverent educational resource which moves beyond the picture of Japanese war memory as simply “reactionary” or “revisionist.” I argue that these two sites allow for an interpretation of commemorative spaces at the heart of contested war memories that neither conform to, nor are constrained by the debates surrounding Yasukuni.

Local governments' response to accidents in chemical factories in Japan: Focus on petroleum industrial complexes special accident prevention areas

ND280 is a near detector of the T2K experiment which is located in the J-PARC accelerator complex in Japan. After a decade of fruitful data-taking, ND280 is scheduled for upgrade. The time-of-flight (ToF) detector, which is described in this article, is one of three new detectors that will be installed in the basket of ND280. The ToF detector has a modular structure. Each module represents an array of 20 plastic scintillator bars which are stacked in a plane of 2.4 × 2.2 m2 area. Six modules of similar construction will be assembled in a cube, thus providing an almost 4π enclosure for an active neutrino target and two TPCs. The light emitted by scintillator is absorbed by arrays of large-area silicon photo-multipliers (SiPMs) which are attached to both ends of every bar. The readout of SiPMs, shaping and analog sum of individual SiPM signals within the array are performed by a discrete circuit amplifier. An average time resolution of about 0.14 ns is achieved for a single bar when measured with cosmic muons. The detector will be installed in the basket of ND280, where it will be used to veto particle originating outside the neutrino target, improve the particle identification and provide a cosmic trigger for calibration of detectors which are enclosed inside it.

Morphological and ecological diversification of Conocephalum conicum complex in Japan and Taiwan