Sexual Violence against Women in Japanese Society

Megumu Kimoto BROWNSTEIN 이화여자대학교 아시아여성학센터 2017 이화여자대학교 아시아여성학센터 학술대회자료집 Vol.2017 No.01

According to the national statistics published by the Gender Equality Bureau Cabinet Office in 2014, approximately one in 15 women in Japan reported being forced to have sex. Nearly 70% of these women responded not reporting the assaults to the police, other individuals or organizations. There is also currently no systematic data collection mechanism which accurately captures the extent of a wide range of sexual crimes committed against women. Japan’s damaging rape culture has long been reinforced and sustained by a persistent, archaic belief in “danson johi” (male domination of women or male chauvinism). This sadly results in the sexual objectification and commercialization of female bodies, and it continues to harm thousands of women each year. In this paper, an overview of various forms of sexual violence taking place in the Japanese societies including some culturally specific ones such as peep chikan (physical molestation on public transportation), and sexual assaults and human rights violation in pornography and entertainment industries, will be provided. In addition, possible causes and efforts put forth by prominent women activists in Japan thus far will be discussed. While much advancement has been made to address sexual violence against women, Japan has a long road ahead in order to bring about drastic changes required to create a society free of violence and gender inequality.

In vivo Patch-clamp Analysis of Plastic Changes in Serotonergic System on Nocieptive Transmission at C Afferent Terminals in Ovariectomized Rat Model

Megumu, Yoshimura,A. Ito, H, Furue 경희대학교 2001 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON EAST-WEST MEDICINE Vol.2001 No.1

In vivo patch-clamp recordings were made from substantia gelatinosa neurons in the rat spinal dorsal horn to analyze plastic changes in sensory transmission which underlie hyperalgesia induced in ovariectomized rats. All substantia gelatinosa neurons examined exhibited spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) at a holding potential of -70 mV and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) at 0mV. Noxious or non-noxious mechanical stimuli applied to the ipsilateral hind limb elicited a barrage of EPSCs. The spontaneous and evoked EPSCs were depressed by a non-NMDA receptor antagonist, CNQX (10μM), suggesting that the mechanical sensory information is mediated by glutamate. The amplitude and frequency of EPSCs evoked by noxious or non-noxious stimuli were not significantly different. However, the amplitude of EFSCs evoked by noxious stimuli in ovariectomized rats was significantly larger than that of sham rats, although the frequency of EPSCs both in sham auld ovariectomized rat did not differ significantly. This plastic change in the amplitude of EPSCs may be due to a decrease in number of 5-HT receptor at C afferent terminals, which results in an increase in transmitter release from C afferent terminals.

Evidence-based Advocacy in Action: Improving Access to Public Housing for Single Parents and their Children in Singapore

Megumu Kimoto Brownstein 이화여자대학교 아시아여성학센터 2017 Asian Journal of Women's Studies(AJWS) Vol.23 No.3

This case study on the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) in Singapore relates a simple and powerful tenet of social justice; all children deserve government and social support regardless of their parents’ marital status. Despite single parenthood becoming increasingly common, some single mothers and their children in Singapore face numerous challenges, such as finding suitable housing. Significant factors regarding this may be attributed to the housing policies and regulations that reward traditional families and underserve other forms of family structures. While more than 80 percent of Singapore’s population enjoy access to public housing, unwed mothers seem to be systematically excluded from this entitlement until they reach the age of 35, in addition to other welfare and tax benefits that are consistently awarded to traditional families. Divorced single mothers also often experience poor housing situations and sometimes homelessness, apparently due to excessively stringent eligibility criteria. To address these issues, AWARE conducted “evidence-based” advocacy using a multi-actor and multi-level approach. The method, commitment, and coordination that AWARE has demonstrated may indeed serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to assist deserving single parents and their dependents.

Effects of High Concentrations of Naftopidil on Dorsal Root- Evoked Excitatory Synaptic Transmissions in Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons In Vitro

Daisuke Uta,Tsuyoshi Hattori,Megumu Yoshimura 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2018 International Neurourology Journal Vol.22 No.4

Purpose: Naftopidil ((±)-1-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazinyl]-3-(1-naphthyloxy) propan-2-ol) is prescribed in several Asian countries for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Previous animal experiments showed that intrathecal injection of naftopidil abolished rhythmic bladder contraction in vivo. Naftopidil facilitated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in spinal cord slices. These results suggest that naftopidil may suppress the micturition reflex at the spinal cord level. However, the effect of naftopidil on evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in SG neurons remains to be elucidated. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats at 6 to 8 weeks old were used. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made using SG neurons in spinal cord slices isolated from adult rats. Evoked EPSCs were analyzed in Aδ or C fibers. Naftopidil or prazosin, an α1-adrenoceptor blocker, was perfused at 100 μM or 10 μM, respectively. Results: Bath-applied 100 μM naftopidil significantly decreased the peak amplitudes of Aδ and C fiber-evoked EPSCs to 72.0%±7.1% (n=15) and 70.0%±5.5% (n=20), respectively, in a reversible and reproducible manner. Bath application of 10μM prazosin did not inhibit Aδ or C fiber-evoked EPSCs. Conclusions: The present study suggests that a high concentration of naftopidil reduces the amplitude of evoked EPSCs via a mechanism that apparently does not involve α1-adrenoceptors. Inhibition of evoked EPSCs may also contribute to suppression of the micturition reflex, together with nociceptive stimulation.

Characterization on Responsiveness of Excitatory Synaptic Transmissions to α1-Adrenoceptor Blockers in Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons Isolated From Lumbo-Sacral Level in Rat Spinal Cords

Daisuke Uta,Tsuyoshi Hattori,Megumu Yoshimura 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2019 International Neurourology Journal Vol.23 No.1

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the responsiveness of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) to α1-adrenoceptor blockers in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons from the spinal cord to develop an explanation for the efficacy of α1-adrenoceptor blockers in micturition dysfunction. Methods: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Blind whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed using SG neurons in spinal cord slices. Naftopidil (100μM), tamsulosin (100μM), or silodosin (30μM), α1-adrenoceptor blockers, was perfused. The frequency of mEPSCs was recorded in an SG neuron to which the 3 blockers were applied sequentially with wash-out periods. Individual frequencies in a pair before naftopidil and tamsulosin perfusion were plotted as baseline, and the correlation between them was confirmed by Spearman correlation coefficient; linear regression was then performed. The same procedure was performed before naftopidil and silodosin perfusion. Frequencies of pairs after naftopidil and tamsulosin perfusion and after naftopidil and silodosin perfusion were similarly analyzed. The ratios of the frequencies after treatment to before were then calculated. Results: After the treatments, Spearman ρ and the slope were decreased to 0.682 from 0.899 at baseline and 0.469 from 1.004 at baseline, respectively, in the tamsulosin group relative to the naftopidil group. In the silodosin group, Spearman ρ and the slope were also decreased to 0.659 from 0.889 at baseline and 0.305 from 0.989 at baseline, respectively, relative to the naftopidil group. Naftopidil significantly increased the ratio of the frequency of mEPSCs compared to tamsulosin and silodosin (P=0.015 and P=0.004, respectively). Conclusions: There was a difference in responsiveness in the frequency of mEPSCs to α1-adrenoceptor blockers, with the response to naftopidil being the greatest among the α1-adrenoceptor blockers. These data are helpful to understand the action mechanisms of α1-adrenoceptor blockers for male lower urinary tract symptoms in clinical usage.

Properties of a novel adsorbent produced by calcination of nickel hydroxide and its capability for phosphate ion adsorption

Fumihiko Ogata,Daisuke Imai,Megumu Toda,Masashi Otani,Naohito Kawasaki 한국공업화학회 2016 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.34 No.-

Nickel hydroxide (Ni) was calcined at 270 and 400 8C (denoted Ni270 and Ni400), and the properties ofNi, Ni270, and Ni400 were investigated. In addition, the phosphate adsorption capabilities of Ni, Ni270,and Ni400 were evaluated by examination of the effects of contact time and solution pH, analysis of anadsorption isotherm, and study of desorption. The amounts of phosphate ion adsorbed by the differentsamples showed the order Ni < Ni400 < Ni270. Finally, phosphate ions adsorbed onto Ni270 could bedesorbed using sodium hydroxide, indicating that Ni270 can be used as a renewable adsorbent.

Effect of Alpha 1-Adrnoceptor Antagonists on Postsynaptic Sensitivity in Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons From Lumbosacral Spinal Cord in Rats Using Slice Patch-Clamp Technique for mEPSC

Daisuke Uta,Tsuyoshi Hattori,Megumu Yoshimura 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2020 International Neurourology Journal Vol.24 No.2

Purpose: Alpha1-adrenoceptors participate in improving storage symptoms of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, the mechanism of action of these compounds remains unclear. To clarify the mechanism of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was analyzed in the lumbosacral spinal cord in rats. Methods: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Blind whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in spinal cord slice preparations. The amplitude of mEPSCs was recorded in individual SG neurons to which α1-adrenoceptors (100μM naftopidil, 100μM tamsulosin, and 30μM silodosin) were applied sequentially with intervening washout periods. Individual amplitudes were analyzed. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for the amplitudes of mEPSCs between the baseline and postadministration of α1- adrenoceptor antagonists indicated changes of the amplitude ranked in the order of naftopidil (r =0.393), tamsulosin (r=0.738), and silodosin (r=0.944). Together, the α1-adrenoceptor antagonists yielded significant increases in the amplitude of mEPSCs in SG neurons (n=108, P=0.012). However, the effects of each α1-adrenoceptor antagonist on the amplitude were as follows (relative to the baseline; n=36 each): naftopidil, P=0.129; tamsulosin, P=0.201; and silodosin, P=0.005. The rate of response to naftopidil for the outward current was relatively high among the α1-adrenoceptor blockers. An inward current was observed only with the naftopidil application. Conclusions: Alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists changed the amplitudes of mEPSCs in a subset of SG neurons in slices prepared from the L6–S1 levels of rat spine. Although the α1-adrenoceptor antagonists generated inward or outward currents in the SG neurons, different rates of response were observed with each antagonist. These results are important for understanding the mechanisms of action (at the spinal level) of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists for the storage symptoms of male LUTS.

Development and practical application of a stairclimbing wheelchair in Nagasaki

Murray J Lawn,Toshihide Sakai,Megumu Kuroiwa,Takakazu Ishimatsu 한국과학기술원 인간친화 복지 로봇 시스템 연구센터 2001 International Journal of Assistive Robotics and Me Vol.2 No.2

  In the field of providing mobility for the elderly or disabled the aspect of dealing with stairs continues largely unresolved. This paper focuses on presenting continued development of the "Nagasaki Stairclimber", a duel section tracked wheelchair capable of negotiating the large number of twisting and irregular stairs typically encounted by the residents living on the slopes that surround the Nagasaki harbor. Recent developments include an auto guidance system, auto leveling of the chair angle and active control of the front-rear track angle.

하구갯벌에 있어서 퇴적유기물의 기원 해석

Shin, Woo-Seok,Lee, Yong-Doo,Fujibayashi, Megumu,Nagahama, Yumi,Nomura, Munehiro,Nishimura, Osamu 대한환경공학회 2010 대한환경공학회지 Vol.32 No.1

하구 간석 퇴적 유기물의 기원과 계절적 변동 특성을 해명하는 것을 목적으로, 나나키타강 하구 갯벌의 세립토 함유율(<63 ${\mu}m$), Chl.a, TOC, C/N비 및 탄소 질소 안정동위원소 비(${\delta}^{13}C$, ${\delta}^{15}N$)를 측정했다. 그 결과, 모래질 갯벌에서는 해양성 기원 유기물과 부착 조류의 영향이 큰 것으로 밝혀졌다. 반면, 진흙질 갯벌에서는 육지 기원 유기물의 영향이 컸다. 게다가 퇴적물중의 유기물량과 유기물의 기원은 계절에 따라 변동 하는 것이 분명하고, 그 요인으로서는, 모래질 갯벌에서는 부착 조류와 고조(高潮) 및 월파(越波)에 의한 퇴적이 주요인이었으며, 진흙질 갯벌에서는 육상에서의 유기물의 유출에 의한 퇴적이 특징적이었다. The purpose of this study is to clarify the origin of organic matters on sediment and the characteristics of seasonal variation at an estuarine tidal flat. Silt-clay content (<63 ${\mu}m$), chlorophyll a, TOC, C/N ratio and the stable isotope ratio of carbon and nitrogen were measured at tidal flat around the estuary of the Nanakita River. As a result, organic matters originating from marine organic matter and bethic microalgae greatly contributed to sedimentation of organic matters at Stn.A, sandy tidal flat, though terrigenous organic matters did at Stn.C, muddy tidal flat. Furthermore, it was revealed that the volume and origin of organic matters in the sediments depended on seasonal variation, and the factors were different from the Stns, i.e. bentic microalgae and event for Stn.A, and the eventual sedimentation of organic matters originating from terrestrial plants, respectively.

Differential Effects of Alpha 1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists on the Postsynaptic Sensitivity: Using Slice Patch-Clamp Technique for Inhibitory Postsynaptic Current in Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons From Lumbosacral Spinal Cord in Rats

Uta Daisuke,Hattori Tsuyoshi,Yoshimura Megumu 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2020 International Neurourology Journal Vol.24 No.2

Purpose: Alpha1-adrenoceptors participate in improving storage symptoms of male lower urinary tract symptoms. However, the mechanism of action of these compounds remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to clarify the effect of α1- adrenoceptor antagonists on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glycine-mediated outward currents of the inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons from the lumbosacral spinal cord in rats. Methods: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Blind whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in SG neurons from isolated spinal cord slice preparations. IPSCs were recorded in individual SG neurons to which naftopidil (100μM), tamsulosin (100μM), silodosin (30μM), or prazosin (10μM) were applied sequentially with intervening washout periods. Strychnine (2μM), bicuculline (10μM), or tetrodotoxin (TTX)(1μM) were added before naftopidil. Individual outward currents were analyzed. Results: The bath application of naftopidil, yielded outward IPSCs in 13 of 52 SG neurons. The naftopidil response was unchanged in the presence of TTX. Regression analysis of the outward currents between the 1st and 2nd applications of naftopidil revealed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.996 with a line slope of 0.983. The naftopidil-induced outward current was attenuated in the presence of strychnine and/or bicuculline. The GABA/glycine-mediated outward currents induced by tamsulosin, silodosin, and prazosin were smaller than those obtained with naftopidil. Conclusions: Naftopidil-induced GABA/glycine-mediated outward currents in a subset of SG neurons prepared from the L6– S1 level of rat spinal cord. The results indicated that α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, particularly naftopidil, induce neural suppression (in part) by mediating hyperpolarization. The response is associated with glycinergic and/or GABAergic neural transmission. Naftopidil may suppress the micturition reflex and improve urinary storage symptoms as a subsidiary effect resulting from hyperpolarization in SG neurons of the spinal cord.