Toshiyuki Yasui

Mechanism of age-related changes in renin and adrenocortical steroids

Age‐related changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) and in plasma levels of adrenocortical steroids were studied in 140 normotensive men and 128 normotensive women. All were free of disease, and their ages ranged from 20 to 86 years. PRA decreased gradually with age in both men and women, and was slightly lower in women than in men. In the older subjects, the responses of PRA to the administration of furosemide or to dietary sodium restriction plus the upright position for blood sampling were significantly less than in the younger subjects. Apparently the suppression of PRA with age is due either to dysfunction of the juxtaglomerular cells induced by aging, or to reduction in the number of functioning nephrons. The plasma level of aldosterone was also reduced with age, but the levels of desoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol were not significantly affected. The suppression of aldosterone seemed to be chiefly dependent upon the suppression of renin activity. However, the possibility remains that disturbed function of the glomerular cells with aging also is related to the suppression of aldosterone, since the response of aldosterone to dietary sodium restriction (upright position for blood sampling), to angiotensin II, and to potassium were greatly reduced.

A new systems engineering approach for a Socio-Critical System: A case study of claims-payment failures of Japan's insurance industry

Since the 1950s there have been numerous contributions proposing solutions to failures of social systems. However, we have hardly found a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to a failed social system beyond “stove-piped” academic disciplines. This paper identifies a new holistic and interdisciplinary systems engineering methodology of systems engineering for a social system through a case study of Japans insurance industry. The new methodology is a “soft” systems-approach to accommodate goals of stakeholders in a failed social system. First, the three elements of a social system are identified. Second, the multiple viewpoint model transforms these three elements of the human activity view to a new set of elements of the Holon view. Third, a social system of the Holon view is redefined as a Socio-Critical System (SCS). Finally, the Vee Model is applied for fixing a problem in the SCS. From 2005 to 2008, massive claims-payment failures cases were found in Japans private insurance companies. They became big social scandals. The insurance claims-payment system is a typical SCS. The Financial Services Agency (FSA), Japans financial services supervision authority, identified, with the “unintended” systems approach, dysfunctions of the insurance claims-payment system. This FSA action, even though the authority was not aware of the effectiveness of the methodology, proved to be positive in applying the Vee Model for solving failures in those claims-payment systems.

Direct renal action of captopril (SQ 14225): Dissociation of natriuretic and vascular actions in isolated perfused rat kidney

Direct effects of captopril on renal function were examined in isolated perfused rat kidneys. Captopril induced a significant increase in urinary volume and urinary sodium excretion (1.8- and 1.7-fold, respectively; both p less than 0.005), whereas urinary potassium excretion and renovascular resistance were not significantly changed. Because the perfusion medium lacks angiotensinogen, kininogen and aldosterone, the natriuretic action in perfused kidneys may not be related to its inhibitory action on angiotensin I converting enzyme or kininase II. Because the natriuresis was not accompanied by changes in renovascular resistance, it is suggested that captopril possesses a direct natriuretic action and that this property may partly explain the mechanism of captopril-induced natriuresis clinically observed.

Concept Design of Cause-Related Marketing Using Wants Chain Analysis and Co-creation Workshops

In this study, we propose a methodology for designing a cause-related marketing (CRM) strategy using wants chain analysis (WCA). To delineate the methodology, the authors introduce the concept of WCA to design CRM through a concrete and effective process in a standardized manner. The authors validate the efficacy of a WCA-based CRM by conducting experiments during workshops held for value co-creation, in which various CRM stakeholders participated to create concrete designs for CRM.

Optimal Policy Design for Disaster-Hit Area of Japan: Bottom-Up Systems Analysis of Special Zone for Reconstruction by the Isdm

This chapter proposes application of framework of system design of a special zone for reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture which suffered serious damages from the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The framework of system design used in this chapter is called the Interactive Social Design Model (ISDM). The ISDM is useful for aggregating stakeholders’ requirements and values through the process of the interactive and bottom-up communication with stakeholders, and derivation of the optimal policy in quantitative approach. In this chapter, the optimal policy designed by the ISDM for the purpose of reconstruction of Fukushima is compared with the existing system of the special zones for reconstruction, in which local governments which suffered from the earthquake can choose support measures from the catalogue of policy measures designed by the central government of Japan.

Designing critical policy infrastructures by participatory systems analysis: the case of Fukushima's reconstruction

Recent developments in service science and social design have resulted in new policy design methodologies. On the service science side, the concept of co-creation has appeared. On the social design side, methodologies of participatory systems analysis have emerged. Based on these developments, this paper proposes a participatory systems analysis model for public policy design (PSP), a new methodology that employs Bayesian network modelling. We select Fukushima, one of the northeastern areas of Japan most devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11th March 2011, to verify and validate the empirical efficacy of this methodology. The results show that it fosters both creativity and a sense of collaborative ownership of policy design, which are the core values for a better community.

Effect of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, SQ 14225, on Renin Production and Release

Renin production and release induced by angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI), SQ 14225, were studied in male Wistar rats. Acute studies on the effects of CEI (4.6 mumol/kg, i.m. every 6 h for 48 H) in rats revealed a significant reduction in angiotensin II levels and a marked increase in plasma renin activity (PRA). There were no appreciable changes in renal content (RRC) and the juxtaglomerular cell granulation index (JGI). In rats which had received CEI in their drinking water (0.92 mumol/ml) for 12 days, angiotensin II levels were decreased markedly and urinary excretion of sodium was increased, but the reduction in blood pressure was slight. PRA, JGI and RRC were markedly increased in these animals. The kidneys of CEI-treated rats exhibited conspicuous vascular dilatation. CEI treatment of sodium-depleted rats resulted in a reduction of the increased JGI and RRC and in a further increase in PRA. Our findings suggest that CEI administration may initially effect stimulation of renin release from the juxtaglomerular apparatus and that prolonged CEI administration results in a gradual stimulation of renin production.

Design Method of Target Customer’s WANTs for a Service Based on Classification of Services Using WANTs

We proposed a target customer’s WANTs design method for service according to a service classification. Using this proposed method, we can design a target WANTs of a customer when developing a service. First, we classified services using the concept of value engineering and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Next, a hypothesis about relationships between the classification of service and successful service are proposed. Furthermore, a designing method for “target WANTs” of service is introduced.

An Evaluation Method of a Service Business Model Using Wants Chain Analysis

We proposed a novel evaluation method for a service business model by incorporating customer’s quantified wants to the method. In this method, values which customers feel to provide service are transformed into “WANTS” that they have. The Wants Chain Analysis (WCA), a design and structuring method of business based on system thinking, is applied for visualizing WANTs. And the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a quantifying method for subjective selections of stakeholders, is also applied for quantifying stakeholders’ WANTs.

Wants Chain Analysis

This study has developed Wants Chain Analysis, a method of analysis and social system design that takes into consideration people’s many needs. First, it is shown that people’s needs can be classified in a 2 × 2 matrix. They can be seen to consist of egocentric and altruistic needs and self-power and another person’s power by introducing the ideas of the action’s subject and the object. The needs in the 2 × 2 matrix use Maslow’s seven classifications. Then it is shown that stakeholders’ need satisfaction can be inferred from the rules of the WCA wants chain. The WCA’s uses include serving as an analytical tool for self-governing bodies, corporations, NPOs, and both successful and failed business; it is also useful as a social investigative tool.