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Emission of odorous and toxic gases from stored livestock manure is well documented and poses a serious health risk to farmers and livestock. Hydrogen sulfide emissions have been sharply rising with increasingly intensive livestock production and are of particular concern because of the acute toxicity of this gas. Numerous strategies, technologies, and chemical treatments have been used to control hydrogen sulfide emissions, but none have worked particularly well because they are neither cost-effective nor environmentally sustainable, or they are too toxic for animals. The inhibitory effect of the sodium tetraborate decahydrate (i.e., borax) treatment to reduce hydrogen sulfide production using sulfate-reducing bacteria was examined in shallow manure pits in a starter-grower swine facility. Monitoring of air emissions and DNA analysis revealed that treatment of stored swine manure effectively reduced hydrogen sulfide production, and the reduction correlated to a decrease in the sulfate-reducing bacteria population in the stored swine manure.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 323–332 Summary Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are less effective in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients than in reflux oesophagitis patients. Whether the addition of prokinetics to PPIs improves NERD patients’ symptoms remains unknown. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of mosapride in NERD patients when used with PPI. Methods A total of 200 NERD patients were randomised to one of two arms: omeprazole (10 mg once daily) plus mosapride citrate (5 mg three times a day) (treatment arm) and omeprazole plus placebo (placebo arm). The primary endpoint was the rate of responders [visual analogue scale (VAS) was zero or

Summary In 2006, a survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in three target areas in Tokyo, namely Akiruno-shi, Chofu-shi, and Ota-ku; this survey was similar to two surveys conducted previously, in 1983–1987 (first survey) and 1996 (second survey). In the most recent survey, the overall prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in Tokyo, except the islands of Tokyo, was estimated as 28.2%. This prevalence rate exceeds that estimated by the first and second surveys by 18.2 and 8.8 percentage points, respectively. The prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in the three survey target areas increased by 2.3–10.8 percentage points vs. the rates obtained in the second survey. Furthermore, differences among the prevalence rates in the three areas decreased. Compared with the results obtained in the second survey, increases in the prevalence rate were noted in all age groups other than in people aged 30–44 years. In particular, the prevalence rate in children aged 0–14 years increased markedly, showing a threefold increase. The prevalence rate exceeded 30% in all age groups between 15 and 59 years.

Seventy-three unrelated patients with Behcet disease together with 33 members of seven families with at least two patients per family were tissue typed for 26 antigens of the HLA system. The patients with the complete type of Behcet disease were found to have HLA-B5 more significantly than healthy individuals. Family studies suggest that the genes closely linked to HLA locus influence the degree of severity of Behcet disease.

Summary Aim To systematically determine the usefulness of Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titer decline as a predictor of treatment success after H. pylori eradication in large patient samples. Patients and Methods Serum samples from 258 H. pylori positive patients (52.8 yrs, 65% males) were retrospectively collected from five medical centers, and H. pylori titers were quantitatively determined by ELISA. Serial serum samples were collected at baseline and for up to 4.9 years after treatment. 169 patients underwent successful eradication while 89 remained infected. The median total observation period was 635 days (range, 51 to 1,800 days). Chronological changes in H. pylori titers were analyzed and compared between cured and infection persistent subjects. Results The proportion of infection persistent patients who developed negative H. pylori IgG antibody titers was below 5%. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the confirmation of successful eradication according to the percent decline over baseline at each time-point showed that a 60% decline at 1 year or more after eradication treatment strongly correlated with successful eradication (sensitivity = 90% and specificity = 87%). Conclusion A 60% decline in H. pylori IgG titers (HEL-p kit) from baseline to one year or greater is a reliable predictor of successful H. pylori eradication.

Although the parametric eigenspace method is a representative method for estimating parameters and identifying images of appearance bases, the method has the problem of requiring a significantly increased computational load to create the eigenspace, and requiring large amounts of data to be learned as the number of parameters increases. In addition, since the mode of image occurrence differs for each parameter, there is a problem associated with sampling sections and intervals, so that selecting the number of dimensions used becomes difficult. To deal with these problems, this study proposes a hierarchical parametric eigenspace method that treats the multiple parameter problem in addition to the problem of deriving parameters for the target state and of estimating the current state from the apparent image of an object. In addition, this paper presents evaluations of the effectiveness of the proposed method, using simulation data as well as real data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(2): 55–65, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20243

The eddy covariance and energy balance method was employed to determine evapotranspiration (LE) over a wet temperate C3–C4 co-existing grassland in Japan. After sensible heat flux (H) was estimated via the eddy covariance technique, LE was calculated as the residual of the energy budget with calibration against the direct measurements of LE by a lysimeter. Daily mean LE varied from 0·8 to 10·5 MJ d−1, with a peak at 16·5 MJ d−1 in late July to early August. Day-to-day and seasonal variability in LE was affected appreciably by net radiation (Rn), atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD), canopy surface conductance (gc) and leaf area index (LAI). Before the canopy closure, LE responded to LAI in a linear manner. However, LE decreased with increasing LAI later in summer. Daytime variation in the decoupling coefficient (Ω) demonstrates that the canopy decoupled from the atmosphere in the morning and LE was primarily driven by the available energy, while in the afternoon the canopy partially coupled to the atmosphere so that LE was sensitive to VPD and gc. Throughout the whole measurement period, Ω was generally larger than 0·5, suggesting that the available energy contributes more to LE than VPD. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

BACKGROUND: Factor V deficiency is a very rare hereditary coagulation disorder and tooth extraction in the patient with factor V deficiency has not been reported except in one case. PATIENTS AND TREATMENT: A 38-year-old woman with factor V deficiency was referred for extraction of the impacted lower third molar. After intravenous administration of frozen fresh plasma (FFP) and recognition of an increase of factor V level from 1–31%, upper and lower third molars were extracted. Eighteen and 48 h after the extraction, factor V was intermittently supplemented by injection of 4 and 2 units of FFP, respectively, and factor V was maintained above 12%. To form fast coagula and to protect the wound, the lower extraction socket was filled with a fibrin glue composed of factor XIII and fibrinogen (Beriplast® P) and a plastic splint was applied. The wound was healed and epithelized within 2 weeks after the extraction without any bleeding or infectious consequences. CONCLUSION: Extraction in the patient with factor V hereditary deficiency is safely performed by both supplementation of factor V and application of local hemostasis.

Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leucocyte (PMNL) migration into the subarachnoid space in aseptic meningitis of probable enteroviral aetiology was evaluated in relation to cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). IL-8 levels reached a plateau within 12 h of onset, while M-CSF and G-CSF levels reached a peak between 12 and 24 h after onset, corresponding to the peak increase in PMNL count. G-CSF levels had the closest correlation with PMNL count. M-CSF levels were weakly correlated with PMNL count. IL-8 levels were not correlated with PMNL count except within 12 h of onset. IL-8 and G-CSF were detected predominantly in cerebrospinal fluid, while the M-CSF levels in the two compartments were not different except between 12 and 24 h after onset. It is considered that IL-8 triggers rapid and transient migration of PMNL, and that G-CSF then promotes gradual and consistent infiltration of PMNL.

Exposure of high moisture corn (Zea mays L.; HMC) to air during feedout from a silo can result in excessive deterioration or instability. Deterioration is usually manifest as temperature elevation, discoloration, nutrient loss and mold growth. The greater the exposed surface and the longer the exposure, the more deterioration and loss that occurs. A survey of aerobic instability of HMC from 29 Michigan farms was conducted. Chemical composition of HMC in the whole or processed forms was similar. On average, all corn samples underwent a limited fermentation as indicated by the low volatile fatty acid concentrations and high pH (...)

A high-gain GaAs MMIC driver amplifier for local multipoint distribution service application delivering 32 dBm output power, with associated gain better than 19 dB, has been developed for high-volume production. The MMIC realization consists of a four-stage amplifier integrated in a 2.2×1.5 mm2 single chip on a 28 μm substrate thickness PHEMT process. ©2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 24: 237–238, 2000.

air-cooled RGB lasers including a compact and efficient green SHG laser and new illumination optics for speckle noise reduction, we developed advanced laser projection engine. A prototype of laser rear projection display with low electric consumption (about 50W) for light sources and wide color gamut (137%NTSC) was realized. 1. Introduction the last decade, several different micro-display technologies (LCD, DMD and LCOS) have been developed and projection displays captured the large screen market for business and home theater. Most projection displays are now using lamps as light sources, such as high-pressure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps. Laser light sources are attractive for projection displays. Projection displays based on RGB lasers can provide extremely wide color expression with the narrow spectrum of lasers. Due to small etendue, laser lights are projected with high efficiency. Lasers have longer life time and faster response time than lamps. As high brightness and high power efficiency of lasers contribute to downsizing systems and improving electric efficiency, laser projection displays will find wide applications (1-3). However, for realizing laser displays there are two problems. The one is a suitable green laser with high efficiency, high power and compact size. As there are no green diode lasers and conventional green lasers for high output power need big mechanisms such as water-cooling devices, it is difficult to downsize and to decrease electric consumption. The other problem is an interference phenomenon called speckle. As lasers have high coherency, speckle noises are superposed on projected images (4). We overcome these problems and demonstrate a laser rear projection display with low electric consumption.

Highly doped ZnO-electrodes show a blocking region of only about 3 V. Above this region anodic breakdown currents set in which rise steeply with increasing potentials. The currents are attributed to the generation of holes by field emission of valence electrons into the conduction band. The generation of holes is shown by surface reactions, like the oxidative lattice decomposition, or by the current multiplication in particular oxidation reactions of organic substances which are well known as being caused by holes. Another indication of hole generation is the light emission during anodic breakdown currents caused by recombination of holes with electrons. On the polar ZnO surfaces (〈0001〉 and 〈0001〉 surface) considerable differences are observed in the anodic currents and in the composition of reaction products. Hochdotierte ZnO-Elektroden zeigen einen anodischen Sperrbereich von nur etwa 3 V Ausdehnung. Oberhalb dieser Spannung treten Durchbruchstrome auf, die mit wachsendem Potential stark ansteigen. Diese Strome werden durch die Generation von Defektelektronen mittels Feldemission von Valenzelektronen in das Leitungsband verursacht. Die Generation von Defektelektronen wird durch Grenzflachenreaktionen nachgewiesen, die bekannt dafur sind, das sie durch Defektelektronen ausgelost werden. Diese sind die oxidative Zersetzung des ZnO-Kristalls sowie die Stromvervielfachung bei der Oxidation bestimmter organischer Substanzen. Auserdem beweist die Lichtemission wahrend der anodischen Durchbruchstrome eine Rekombination von Defektelektronen mit Leitungselektronen. An den polaren ZnO-Oberflachen (〈0001〉- und 〈0001〉-Flache) treten bemerkenswerte Unterschiede in den anodischen Stromen und der Zusammensetzung der dabei gebildeten Reaktionsprodukte auf.

Although benign liver tumors are extremely rare in pediatric patients, this 9-year-old boy had focal nodular hyperplasia in the left lobe of the liver. The diagnosis of hyperplasia was made before laparotomy with the help of various radiological examinations, especially liver and biliary scintigraphy.

It is shown that the glass transition temperature of the ionic acrylates are subject to the s me correlation as found for the phosphates, silicates, and ionenes; the equation is T(g) = 730 q/a - 67, where q is the cation charge and a the separation between centers of charge for the cation and anion. (Author)

Summary The results of comparative-anatomical and experimental studies on amygdala disclosed the following facts: 1) The division of amygdaloid niiclei into two groups, basolateral and corticomedial seems to be not fully adequate in regard to the functional differences, because results of the stimulation experiments in our laboratory indicate for certain coincidence of effectiveness with autonomous function. From the view angle of fiber connection, this way of division ought also not to be highly evaluated. 2) The intermediate principal nucleus (nucleus T of Volsch large-celled lateral part of the basal nucleus of American authors) is generally divided into two parts, namely, dorsal and ventral portions. The ventral portion of that of the bat is particularly large and together with the large lateral principal nucleus nucleus M of Volsch, lateral nucleus of American authors) constitutes a characteristic of bat amygdala. The reason for its largeness was found, by means of destruction experiment of the amygdaln, in a close connection with the flight activity. Presumably intermediate prinripal nucleus participates in the extrapyramidal motor function; the lateral principal nucleus is generally large in most animals and functionally seems to inhibit motor activity. 3) The medial principal nucleus (nucleus T of Volsch, small-celled medial part of the basal nucleus of American authors) remains maldeveloped in some lower animals. In general, it grows distinctly larger in the caudal level. According to the result of the investigations undertaken in our laboratory, the said nucleus is chiefly related to autonomic nervous system. The above mentioned lateral and intermediate principal nuclei (T and T) also seem to have some relation, partially at least with autonomic nervous system. 4) The so-called medial nucleus in higher animals (D of Volsch) is generally maldeveloped. This nucleus, together with cortical nucleus (B of Volsch), participates partially also in autonomic nerve function. The central nuclei of higher animals (E and E of Volsch) are also underdeveloped 5) The periamygdaloid cortex (Pam1, Pam2 and Pam3 of Rose) receives the fibers from the lateral olfactory tract and evidently participates in olfactory function, but it also causes both extrapyramidal and autonomic reflexes probably by way of the amygdalar connection. Of the said cortical portions what are particularly closely related with amygdala are the portions Pam2 and Pam3. However, the portion Pam3 has not been differentiated yet in the lower animals. 6) When the bilateral amygdala of a young animal is destroyed early in life, growth gets markedly inhibited. In such an animal. atrophy of the parotid gland, thyroid gland, hypophysis, adrenal gland and pancreatic gland was observed. As the cause of this developmental disturbance there are two nervous routes assumable, namely, the route through amygdala hypothalamus anterior lobe of hypophysis general inner secretory glands and the route through amygdala salivary glands inner secretory disturbance of the latter. In the latter connection, the pituitary gland also may participate in the process. We should be particularly cautious about applying bilateral amygdalectomy to human subjects as there is a possibility of the occurrence of disturbances long after the operation. 7) That amygdala participates in salivation was verified by our experiments and the following facts also came to be clear as the result thereof: the portion Pam2 of periamygdaloid cortex has a particularly close connection with the secreting function of parasympathetic origin; of all the amygdaloid nuclei, the medial principal nucleus (T) has an especially close relation with saliva secretion of sympathetic origin, while the intermediate principal nucleus (T), cortical nucleus (B), medial nucleus (D) and hippocampus secret saliva of a parasympathetic origin. Unilateral stimulation produces secretion of bilateral salivary glands. The fibers starting from such portions seem to be led directly toward hypothalamus further to reach the lower part of the brain.

The kinetics of dehydration and decarboxylation as well as the glass transition temperature as a function of anhydride content were measured for poly(acrylic acid). It was found that the glass transition of PAA is of the order of 103C and increases with increasing anhydride content, reaching an extrapolated value of 140C for the pure linear anhydride. Anhydride formation is first order reaction, as is also decarboxylation, the latter being much slower than the former. Anhydride formation occurs primarily by an intramolecular process. (Author)

The ethylene monothioacetals and dithioacetals of alkylcyclohexanones react with copper(II) bromide to give 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzoxathiine and 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodithiine derivatives, respectively.

Spectral data for N-methyl-2-nitroaniline correlate well with those for N,N-dimethyl-2-nitroaniline in non-hydrogen-bonding, hydrogen-bond-accepting and amphiprotic alcoholic solvents. This same pattern has been reported for N-methyl-2-nitro-p-toluidine. These results indicate that these N-methyl compounds have no hydrogen bonds with any of the solvents studied and intramolecular hydrogen bonding predominates. In the N.M.R. spectra of such amines, long-range coupling between the H5 (ring) and N-H protons is not necessarily evidence for intramolecular hydrogen bonding. +M substituents at the 4-position increase the twist of the dimethylamino and 2-nitro groups and enhance the C1 → C2 transition, an effect which follows the order of +M abilities of the 4-substituents.

Preparation, properties, and applications of porous silicon film were investigated. Silicon single crystal is converted into porous silicon film by anodization in concentrated hydrofluoric acid at currents below the critical current density. When an n‐type silicon was anodized, the silicon surface was illuminated to generate holes which were necessary for this anodic reaction. The growth rate of the film, from n‐type silicon, was larger than that from p‐type silicon in this experimental condition. The crystalline structure was the same as that of silicon single crystal. A new isolation technique for bipolar integrated circuits was proposed by making use of the properties of the film such that it can be formed several microns thick and oxidized easily to form an insulator. The main feature of the technique is that it provides a means to form thick insulating film inlaid through the n‐type epitaxial layer without prolonged heat‐treatment. A preliminary experiment was carried out to test the practical usage of the technique.