Search

Cancer metastasis is a major cause of mortality in cancer patients. The transcription factor SNAIL plays an important role in cancer metastasis and progression, and its expression is tightly regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system through the balance between ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. While several ubiquitin ligases of SNAIL have been identified, it is not yet clear regarding deubiquitinating enzyme. In this study, we identified COP9 signalosome subunit 5 (COPS5) as a deubiquitinating enzyme of SNAIL by using siRNA library screening. COPS5 downregulation significantly reduced the expression of SNAIL and impaired the metastatic potential of lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we demonstrated that COPS5 binds to SNAIL and stabilizes its expression by deubiquitination. Furthermore, we observed the positive correlation between COPS5 and SNAIL expression in the clinical tissue samples of lung adenocarcinomas by using tissue microarray analysis. These findings provide strong evidence that COPS5 can be a new therapeutic target for cancer metastasis as a deubiquitinating enzyme of SNAIL.

To examine the effect of Babesia infection on the level of the drug-metabolizing enzyme hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D, we intraperitoneally inoculated Babesia microti into male ICR mice. CYP2D protein and CYP2D9 mRNA were significantly decreased at 12 days after infection with B. microti. The activity of bunitrolol 4-hydroxylase, which is catalyzed by CYP2D, was also significantly decreased. The mRNA levels of transcriptional regulators of CYP2D9, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b, were markedly suppressed. These results suggest that Babesia infection represses CYP2D expression in the mouse liver. The decline in CYP2D-dependent drug metabolism might be involved in the incidence of adverse drug reactions in patients with babesiosis.

Gravitational settling of fine particles in a liquid-filled narrow channel has been studied experimentally and theoretically. Previous studies have shown that the particulate suspension with concentration interface toward gravitational direction behaves as a continuous fluid for high concentration and small particle size, and the gravity-induced instability at the interface enhances the settling motion of particles. The purpose of this study is to investigate how such a concentration interface behaves and how particles settle by gravity in various finite-sized channels. The experimental and theoretical results indicate that the aspect ratio of the channel cross-section is an important parameter for describing the settling behavior of particulate suspension. Moreover, we predict the velocity of the collective settling of particles in channels with arbitrary cross-section.

Warfarin, a coumarin rodenticide, is commonly used worldwide for rodent control, and is often reported as the cause for poisoning accidents in nontarget animals, in particular bird species. However, the metabolism of warfarin in birds is still unclear. In a previous study, we found an unknown warfarin metabolite in chicken cytosolic fractions. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the cytosolic warfarin metabolites in chickens compared with those in rats. The cytosol fractions of both chicken and rat livers showed the metabolic activity of 2 diastereomers and 2 enantiomers of warfarin alcohol. In chicken cytosol, we found that the production level of (S)-warfarin-(S)-alcohol was markedly higher (32-fold) than that in rat cytosol. From the results of the inhibition assay, we finally suggest that aldehyde oxidase may mainly contribute to the warfarin alcohol products in chicken cytosol.

Seventeen limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids 1-17) were isolated from the n-hexane extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) seeds. The previously unidentified compound 16 was established by spectroscopy to be 17-defurano-17-oxosalannin. The effects of six compounds, 6 and 11-15, on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells was evaluated; 2 compounds, salannin (13) and 3-deacetylsalannin (15), exhibited marked inhibitory effects (70-74% reduction of melanin content at 25 µg/mL) with only minor cytotoxicity (79-85% of cell viability). Eleven compounds, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9-15, were evaluated for inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation (1.7 nmol/ear) in mice; all exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity (ID(50) values 0.22-0.57 µmol/ear). In addition, compounds 6 and 11-16 exerted moderate inhibition (IC(50) values of 410-471 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA) of TPA-induced Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation in Raji cells. The triacylglycerol fraction of the n-hexane extract contained oleic acid (50.2%) as the most predominant fatty acid constituent.

Ten cyclic diarylheptanoids (1-10), including three new compounds: myricanone 5-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), myricanone 17-O-beta-D-(6'-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside (8), and 16-methoxy acerogenin B 9-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10), along with two flavonoids (11, 12), were isolated from the extracts of Myrica rubra (Myricaceae) bark. The structures of new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods. On evaluation of compounds 1-12 against the melanogenesis in the B16 melanoma cells, six compounds, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 12, exhibited inhibitory effects with 30-56% reduction of melanin content at 25 microg/mL with no or very weak toxicity to the cells (82-103% of cell viability at 25 microg/mL). In addition, upon evaluation of compounds 1-12 against the scavenging activities of free radicals [against the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical], seven compounds, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, and 12, showed potent scavenging activity [IC(50) 2-21 microM (0.6-7.3 microg/mL)].

A new iridoid glycoside, 9-epi-6alpha-methoxy geniposidic acid (4), three new hemiterpene glycosides, 3-methylbut-3-enyl 2'-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (nonioside K) (6), 3-methylbut-3-enyl 6'-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (nonioside L) (8), and 3-methylbut-3-enyl 6'-O-(beta-D-xylofuranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (nonioside M) (9), and two new saccharide fatty acid esters, 6'-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1'-O-[(2xi)-2-methylbutanoyl]-beta-D-glucopyranose (nonioside N) (16) and 6'-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-1'-O-[(2xi)-2-methylbutanoyl]-beta-D-glucopyranose (nonioside O) (17), were isolated from a methanol extract of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (noni), along with 11 known compounds, namely, three iridoid glycosides (1-3), two hemiterpene glycosides (5 and 7), and five saccharide fatty acid esters (10-15). Upon evaluation of compounds 1-17 on the melanogenesis in the B16 melanoma cells induced with alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), 13 compounds (1, 3, 4, 6-14, and 17) exhibited marked inhibitory effects with 34-49% reduction of melanin content at 100 muM with no or almost no toxicity to the cells (91-116% of cell viability at 100 microM).

When the cochleas of guinea pigs were fixed after decapitation, HRP leakage from the strial capillaries was observed with blood sludge. HRP was transported to the extracapillary space by many pinocytotic vesicles and marginal folds. However, when the cochleas were fixed before decapitation, blood sludge was not observed in the strial capillaries and leakage of HRP from the capillaries was not observed 10 minutes after HRP injection. Thereafter, the level of HRP leakage increased with time. It was noted that capillary permeability to HRP at the basal turn was lower than that of the upper three turns. HRP leakage was not observed in the capillaries of the spiral ligament even beyond one hour after injection.As a result of severe hemorrhagic shock in guinea pigs, blood sludge appeared in strial capillaries and capillary permeability to HRP increased. However, in moderate hemorrhagic shock, both blood sludge and accentuation of capillary permeability did not occur.After the inoculation of endotoxin in the middle ear, a large amount of HRP leaked out of the capillaries through the opened endothelial cell junctions.After vibration administered to auditory ossicle is by a drill, the permeability of the strial capillaries to HRP also increased. High permeability was thought to be caused by damage to the strial endothelial cells. HRP leakage initially took place through the tubules in the endothelial cytoplasm, and HRP leaked in to the extracapillary space when the cell membranes were damaged by vibration. Administration of the steroid inhibited HRP leakage from the strial capillaries.The stria vascularis became markedly edematous after the administration of furosemide, while capillary permeability to HRP was decreased.From the above, the route of HRP leakage is different depending on the type of stimulation, even if it occurs alongside increased capillary permeability.

Space for Inspiration of Humankind, Selected Proceedings of the 56th International Astronautical Federation Congress, Fukuoka, Japan, 17-21 October 2005, A model of the circulation of the working fluid in a liquid droplet radiator has been developed. The model is based on Bernoulli's law and the loss of the hydraulic head. The behavior of the circulation of the working fluid calculated from the model is compared with that obtained from experiments in the case that the flow rate of the circulating working fluid is changed. In radiators, the flow rate of the circulating working fluid is changed in order to match the change of the waste heat generated in large-space structures. The flow rates of the circulating working fluid calculated from the model correspond to those obtained from the experiments well. The circulation mechanism of the working fluid in the liquid droplet radiator has been clarified. The model developed in the present work will allow us to control the flow rate of the working fluid in the liquid droplet radiator automatically.

In this paper, a method for identifying of a crack in a plate that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) based on changes in natural frequencies is presented. To calculate the natural frequencies of the cracked plates, a FEM (Finite Element Method) program, which is based on the BFM (Bogner, Fox and Schmidt) model, is developed since the accuracy of the forward solver is important. In the analysis, two types of cracks, i.e., internal and edge cracks are considered. To identify the crack location and the depth from frequency measurements, the width and position of the crack in a plate are coded into a fixed-length binary digit string. Using GA, the square sum of residuals between the measured data and the calculated data is minimized in the identification process and thus the crack is identified. To avoid a high calculation cost, the response surface method (RSM) is also adopted in the minimizing process. The combination of GA and RSM makes the identification more effective and robust. The applicability of the proposed method is confirmed by the results of numerical simulation.

(Background) Ramatroban, which is a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated to improve nasal obstruction. Ramatroban was reported to suppress eosinophil aggregation in the nasal mucous membranes. In this study, we investigated whether ramatroban has an effect on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and action on eosinophil.(Method) In the present study, ramatroban was administered for one month to 20 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis that was otherwise untreated. We assessed RAST scores, ECP in serum and nasal discharge, the total number of eosinophils and the rate of necrosis in nasal discharge, the number of eosinophils in blood, and changes in self-reported symptom scores after treatment with ramatroban.(Result) After one month of treatment, all three of the major symptoms, sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction had clearly decreased. Significant difference in RAST scores was observed after treatment with ramatroban. The amount of eosinophils in nasal discharge did not significantly differ after treatment with ramatroban, but the rate of necrosis of eosinophils was decreased.(Conclusion) All nasal symptoms were improved. Nevertheless, the amount of eosinophils in nasal discharge did not significantly differ, although the rate of necrosis of eosinophils was decreased. This study suggests that ramatroban contributed to preventing local necrosis of eosinophils.

When a crack exists in a structural member, it leads to changes in natural frequencies. Therefore, cracks in structures can be detected by measuring the vibrations in the natural frequencies of appropriate vibration modes. In this paper a crack identification method for plates is presented using both a genetic algorithm (GA) and FEM. The FEM program is developed to calculate the natural frequencies of the cracked plates based on the BFM (Bogner, Fox and Schmidt) plate model since the accuracy of the forward solver is important. In the study, two types of cracks, i.e., internal and edge crack are considered. To identify the crack location and the depth from frequency measurements, the width and the position of the crack in a plate are coded into fixed-length binary digit string. By using GA, the square sum of residuals between the measured data and the dynamic response is minimized in the identification process and thus the crack is identified. To avoid a large number of calculation cost, Response Surface Method (RSM) is also adopted in the minimizing process. The combination of GA and RSM made the identification more effective ad robust. The availability of the proposed method is confirmed by -results of numerical simulation.

耳鼻咽喉科領域で最もポピュラーな感染症である急性中耳炎,急性副鼻腔炎,急性扁桃炎について概説した.これらの感染症で重要な位置をしめるのは鼻咽腔である.鼻咽腔に存在する細菌は中耳炎や副鼻腔の原因菌となる.起炎菌には肺炎球菌,インフルエンザ菌,モラキセラ・カタラーリスがあり,扁桃炎にはA群溶連菌も起炎菌の一つとして重要である.治療に際しては耐性菌の発生を防ぐ事に全力を上げるべきである.そのためにはまず,抗菌薬なしでの発病予防に力を入れる事が大事である.鼻咽腔の清掃は鼻洗浄が有効であり,口蓋扁桃に対しては就寝時のアズノールST^使用が有効である.初診時のemoiric therapyとしての抗菌薬としてはアモキシシリンが第一選択薬として推奨される., An outline is described about the most popular infectious diseases in otorhinolaryngology, which include acute otitis media, sinusitis and tonsillitis. The bacteria of nasopharynx are bearing the most important role in these infections. The bacteria which exist in nasopharynx cause acute otitis media or sinusitis. The pathogenic bacteria are H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae and M. Catarrhalis and group A srteptococcus is also one of the impotant pathogenic bactria of tonsillitis. We have to do our best in preventing the appearance of drug resistant bacteria during medical treatment. For this purpose, the treatment without antibiotics has to be reexamined. Nasal washing is very effective for cleaning nasopharynx and the medication in the month of Azunol ST^, is effective to prevent tonsillitis. As antibiotics in empiric therapy, amoxiphilin is recommended as the first choice medicine.

Microporous silica membranes were prepared on a γ-alumina coated α-alumina tube using a sol–gel technique. Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MOTMS), a template for controlling the pore structure, was added to the ethanol solution of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and was used in the formation of the silica sol. The ethanol solution of TEOS was used to impregnate the prepared silica membrane, followed by calcinating without hydrolysis for surface modification. The unmodified silica membrane in a permeation cell showed molecular-sieve properties at permeation temperatures in the range of 100–400 °C. Permeances to H 2 through the unmodified silica membrane were 2.1×10 −7 mol m −2 s −1 Pa −1 and the H 2 /N 2 ideal separation factor was 18 at 100 °C. Similar permeation properties were observed for the tubular-type module assembled with 10 pieces of silica membranes, indicating that no large pinholes were present and no gas leakage occurred. As the result of the surface modification processes, the permeance to n -C 4 H 10 was significantly reduced, resulting in an increase in the separation factor of H 2 / n -C 4 H 10 .

In this study we examined 310 patients with sudden deafness treated in our hospital between 1996 and 2001. Seventy-one patients were treated with steroid only (steroid group), 130 patients were treated with steroid and Lipo-PGE1 combined therapy (steroid-LipoPGE1 group) and 53 patients were treated with Lipo-PGE1 only (LipoPGE1 group).The improvement rate was 39.4, 67.7 and 81.1% in the steroid, steroid-LipoPGE1 and LipoPGE1 groups, respectively. The improvement rate was significantly higher in the steroid-LipoPGE1 and LipoPGE1 groups than in the steroid group (p

Computer-aided navigation in otolaryngology has been used mainly for nasal operation and rarely for ear surgery. The reason for its limited use in ear surgery appears to be that microscopic observation may be sufficient in most cases of ear surgery. We report a case of congenital cholesteatoma at the petrous apex operated on using navigation. A 65-year-old man with facial palsy, deafness, and canal paresis in caloric test on the left ear was found in preoperative computed tomograph (CT) showed a large mass at the apex with an expansively eroded skull base and inner ear. Navigation used for the operation was magnetic (Insta Trak). A probe 3.2 mm in diameter was moved in the operative field and 3 axial CTs were simultaneously monitored on a workstation to show the tip location. With this image-guided system, cholesteatoma was thoroughly and safely removed. We concluded that navigation should be used for safe surgery, especially in ear surgery at the petrous apex, because anatomical identification is very easy and damage to vital areas around the inner ear, nerve, brain, and internal carotid artery could be avoided.

Azunol® ST contains 5mg water soluble Azunol in one tablet, and in this study Azunol® ST was administered into the nasal cavity of 67 patient (nasal group) and into the labiogingival region of the upper jaw in 47 patients (oral group) with common cold in the early stage and the effects were compared to non-administration in 111 patients (control group). In all patients in the nasal and oral groups, one tablet was given before bed. The following results were obtained:1) The rate of desease of common cold did not significantly differ among the three groups. (x2 test)2) In the nasal and oral groups, the rate of preventing progression was higher than in the control group (P

突発性難聴および低音障害型急性感音難聴における内耳病態を機能的に追究するために, それらの患耳から測定した誘発耳音響放射の入出力曲線を検討した。 検出閾値の上昇と共に飽和レベルが低下した。 2型の低下パターン, すなわち截頭型と平行移動型が認められ, 前者は高・中音域障害の突発性難聴耳に多く, 後者は低音障害耳に多かった。 平行移動型に回復例が多かったが, 飽和パターンは予後の推測因子として十分とはいえなかった。 誘発耳音響放射の入出力曲線の飽和レベルは外有毛細胞に連係した能動的基底板振動を表現しており, 感音難聴耳で入出力曲線の変化の推移を観察することにより蝸牛内障害の細別診断が可能である。

内耳障害に起因すると考えられる急性感音難聴耳の誘発耳音響放射 (EOAE) 記録において, 遅成分と速成分の検出閾値差は予後の推測に役立つことが示唆されてきた。純音聴力レベル4分法平均値55dB以下の低音障害型急性感音難聴と突発性難聴のEOAEを比較検討すると両者の遅成分検出閾値は共に聴力レベルと有意な相関を示した。聴力レベル30dB以下の両疾患非回復群のEOAE検出閾値では遅成分から速成分を差し引いた値が負を呈することは極めて稀であった。EOAE検出閾値の遅成分-速成分の値の正負は予後判断に有用な指標であるといえる。

The effectiveness of the ab(ad)sorption and the subsequent reduction (abbreviated as ASR hereafter) system for the removal of highly dilute NO has been examined using a flow-type reaction system. The ASR system comprises two serial processes: first, NO is absorbed into (and/or adsorbed on) the system in the presence of O 2 until saturation, and then the absorbed NO is decomposed, for example, by reduction at a higher temperature in the presence of propene and oxygen. YBa 2 Cu 3 O y (YBC) and Ce-ZSM-5 were chosen in this study as materials for absorption and reduction, respectively. Efficient removal of NO was attained when the first layer consisting of a mixture of YBC and Ce-ZSM-5 was combined with the second layer of Ce-ZSM-5, and propene was additionally introduced between the two layers during the reductive decomposition. By this ASR system, the amount of NO absorption reached 1.5 mol per mole of YBC at 573 K and 60% of the NO absorbed was selectively decomposed to N 2 at 623 K in 9 h (N balance, 75%; N 2 selectivity, 79%).

Guinea pigs weighing 350 g each were used in this experiment. A small piece of Gelform containing 0.04 mg of E. coli derived endotoxin was set on the round window 24 hours after intraperitoneal injection of 0.02 mg endotoxin. Morphological changes in the cochlea were observed at 24 hours (previous report), 48 hours, 72 hours and 7 days after the introduction of the endotoxin into the middle ear. As the results of the morphological changes of cochlea at 24 hours after the introduction of the endotoxin were reported in previous paper we present only an outline of these. Inflammatory cell infiltration and bleeding were observed in both endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces. Inflammatory cells also infiltrated the stria vascularis, spiral ligament, spiral prominence and organ of Corti. Almost all of the inflammatory cells were neutrophils. Blood sludge was observed in all of the strial capillaries of the upper three turns. The hair cells were intact in every turn except for having small vacuoles. Intermediate cells and marginal cells of the stria vascularis were shrunken. At 48 hours after the introduction of the endotoxin into the middle ear, the changes in the stria vascularis were almost the same as at 24 hours. However the infiltrated inflammatory cells changed from neutrophils to macrophages. Macrophages had phagocytosed many neutrophils. The hair cells had many large vacuoles. At 72 hours, the enlargement of the intercellular space in the stria vascularis disappeared and damage to the hair cells decreased although many macrophages were still observed. At 7 days, the cochlea was morphologically normal.

The levels and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and heavy metals were studied in muscle and liver of three fish species, with two trophic levels, from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia. DDTs were the predominant organic pollutant in all species with a maximum level of 73.28 ng g(-1) wet weight (ww). p,p'-DDE was the predominate congener and showed a significant (p

When conservative therapies are not effective in treating sinus infections, alternate steps can be taken to improve paranasal cavity ventilation. These measures may include surgical procedures such as intranasal endoscopic or maxillary sinus fenestration, and other procedures such as placement of a maxillary sinus tube or a YAMIK sinus catheter. We conducted a prospective study of 25 patients to investigate the effects on the nasal mucosa of improved ventilation between the nasal and paranasal cavities. We accomplished this by comparing (1) the results of simultaneously measured nasal cavity and intramaxillary sinus pressures before and after widening of ventilation openings, (2) changes in mucociliary transport function as measured by the saccharin test, and (3) changes in nasal airway resistance. Just as multiple transit routes between the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus give rise to greater fluctuations in intramaxillary sinus pressure, and just as rapid breathing gives rise to even greater pressure fluctuations than does quiet breathing, we believe that both intranasal cavity airflow velocity and the number of ventilation openings present have an effect on the state of ventilation between the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus. We also suggest that the establishment of maxillary sinus ventilation openings improves mucociliary clearance.

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the effects of adding a CIDR to the Ovsynch protocol on plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β and progesterone and conception in dairy cows with cystic ovarian diseases and 2) to examine associations among the estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations and conception. Cows were diagnosed as having cystic ovarian diseases if they were found to have a cystic follicle (diameter ≥25 mm) without a corpus luteum by two palpations per rectum with an interval for 7 to 14 days. They were treated with either the Ovsynch (GnRH on Day 0, PGF(2α) on Day 7 and GnRH on Day 9, with AI on Day 10; n=15) or Ovsynch+CIDR protocol (Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR from Day 0 to Day 7; n=23). Plasma estradiol-17β concentrations were determined on Days 0, 7 and 9, and plasma progesterone concentrations were determined on Days 0, 7, 9 and 17. The plasma estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations at all of the days examined and conception rates did not differ significantly between the two timed AI protocols. The progesterone concentrations on Day 17 and conception rates were lower (P

Ten minutes after an intravenous injection of HRP, guinea pigs were killed by decapitation. The bullas were removed and opened, and the cochleas were fixed by perilymphatic infusion with glutaraldehyde. Blood shudging and considerable HRP leagage were observed in the capillaries of the stria vascularis. When blood was replaced with plasma expander, blood sludging did not appear after decapitation because few blood cells remained in the capillaries. Moreover, HRP leakage was scarecely observed in the strial capillaries. Even if the strial capillaries were contracted by the decapitation, HRP leakage did not occur without blood sludging. The high pressure between capillary endothelium and blood cells produces many marginal bolds, which efficiently transport HRP out of the capillaries.

We compared synchronization and pregnancy rates, and the increase in blood progesterone concentrations during luteal development, between (1) Ovsynch plus an intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device protocol followed by timed embryo transfer (timed ET), and (2) a conventional estrus synchronization method using PGF(2 alpha) and ET in suckled postpartum Japanese Black beef cows. Cows in the PGF group (n=18) received a PGF(2 alpha) analogue when a CL was first palpated per rectum at 10-d intervals after 1 to 2 month postpartum. Cows (n=11), which showed estrus (Day 0) within 5 d of the PGF(2 alpha), and had a CL on Day 7, received ET. Cows in the Ovsynch+CIDR group (n=19) underwent the Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR for 7 d (GnRH analogue and CIDR on Day-9, PGF(2alpha) analogue with CIDR removal on Day-2, and GnRH analogue on Day 0), with ET on Day 7. The ovulation synchronization (100%) and embryo transfer (100%) rates in the Ovsynch+CIDR group were greater (P

Introduction Silicon nitride films (SiNx) formed at low temperature are strongly required in very shrunk LSI process. The plasma silicon nitride formation technology with low damage at low temperature has been reported [1]. We have reported that the amount of active nitridation species in the process is important to form to high quality SiNx, especially on the side wall [2]. When the oxygen impurity is remained in the process gases, the oxygen is excited during the plasma processing. Then the excited oxygen is degraded the SiNx film quality [3-6]. However, it has not been reported the effect of inactive oxygen molecules in the nitridation process. In this paper, we report the effect of the impurity oxygen in post charge flows on the process of nitride formation. Experiment Fig.1 shows the schematic diagram of the experimental setup used for the reaction products measurement in the gases. It has a mixing point placed at downstream of a Nitrogen Radical Generator [7]. The produced gases reacted from the nitrogen radicals and O2 gas are measured by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The impurity concentration of oxygen in N2 gas was less than 1 ppb, this indicates the oxygen impurity of supply gas did not affect the experimental results. Nitrogen radicals concentration was generated by the Nitrogen Radical Generator several ten ppm in the N2 gas [7]. The pressure in Nitrogen Radical Generator was varied from 30 to 120 kPa in the case of the N2 flow rate at 5, 7, and 10slm. The O2flow rate were varied from 8 to 190 sccm. Results and discussions Fig. 2 show the absorbance of (a)O3, (b)N2O produced from the nitrogen radicals and O2gas. Horizontal axis of Fig. 2(a) denotes the product of the oxygen partial pressure and the oxygen molecules concentration. Here, this is equivalent to the collision probability of the oxygen molecules and the oxygen molecules. The produced O3concentration increases with the increase of the collision probability. Then, horizontal axis of Fig. 2(b) denotes the product of the oxygen partial pressure and the elements' density exception of the oxygen molecules, that is, they’re nitrogen molecules and nitrogen radicals. Here, this is equivalent to the collision probability of the oxygen molecules and the nitrogen molecules including the nitrogen radicals. The produced N2O concentration decreases with the increase of the collision probability. The oxygen molecules become oxygen radicals by the colliding with the nitrogen radicals because only O3 and N2O are generated. It’s considered that the numbers of nitrogen radicals decrease at the collision with oxygen molecules. Then, Fig. 2(a) and (b) show the oxygen radicals are more easier to react to the oxygen molecules or the oxygen radicals than the nitrogen molecules or the remained nitrogen radicals. The nitrogen radicals easily transfer the energy to the oxygen, and the nitrogen become inactive. These results indicates that the oxygen impurity has strong impact on the radical nitridation process. The oxygen components, even O2molecules, must be reduced in the process using nitrogen radicals. Acknowledgement This research has been carried out at fluctuation free facility of New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University. References [1] Y. Nakao, et al., International Conference on Solid State Devices and Materials, Nagoya, 2011, pp905-906 [2] Y. Nakao, et al., ECS Trans. 45 (3) 421-428 (2012) [3] X. Guo, et al., IEEE Electron Device Lett., Vol.19, No.6, pp.207 (1999). [4] D.M.Brown, et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., Vol.115, No.3, pp.311 (1968). [5] L.He, et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., vol.35, pt.1, No.2B, pp.1503 (1996). [6] V. A. Gritsenko, et al., Thin Solid Films, Vol.51, pp.353 (1978). [7]Gaku Oinuma，et al., J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 41 (2008) 155204 Figure 1

Department of Otolaryngology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Medicine, Tokyo The distribution of basophiloid cells in nasal mucosa was examined both in the patients of nasal allergy and normal controls. Basophiloid cells were stained in alcian blue (P.H. 5.8) with 0.4M MgCl2.1) The basophiloid cells in the nasal mucosa of allergic patients were far outnumbered those of normal controls.2) The basophiloid cells in the epithelial layer were very few in normal controls.3) In allergic nasal mucosa, the most numerous basophiloid cells were found in the upper lamina propoia of the mucosa.4) No difference of the number of basophiloid cells was found between ciliated area and nonciliated area except deep lamina propria of the mucosa.

Two cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum were reported, and a statistical and clinical observation was made on 19 cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum collected from Japanese literature.Case 1: A 70-year-old woman was admitted to the out-patient clinic of the ENT department of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University on October 17, 1975, with the complaints of right-sided nasal obstruction, recurrent epistaxis, and a swelling on the right side of the external nose.Examination showed a large, grayish pink, rounded mass almost completely filling the right nasal cavity.Successful surgical excision was performed via the intranasal approach.Histopathological examination showed plemorphic adenoma (mixed salivary tumor) showing mainly masses of oval cells with duct-like structure, mucinous tissue and cartilage-like tissue also seen with occasional of squamous metaplasia foci.Postoperative course was uneventful and there has been no recurrence.Case 2: A 67-year-old woman was admitted to the university hospital on May 23, 1978, with the complaints of right-sided nasal obstruction and recurrent epistaxis of 5 years' duration.Examination showed a large, smooth, grayish pink, rounded mass almost completely filling the right nasal cavity.The tumor was excised by lateral rhinotomy as it was too big to be completely removed otherwise.Histopathological examination showed pleomorphic adenoma. Postoperative course was uneventful and there has been no recurrence.From the statistical and clinical observation on 19 cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum in Japanese literatures, the following results were obtained.1) Ages ranged from 23 to 70-year-old.2) There were 12 female and 7 male patients.3) The most frequent chief complaints were epistaxis, nasal obstruction, and a swelling of the external nose.4) In 11 cases, tumors located in the right side, and in 8 cases, in the left side.5) The duration of symptoms ranged from 3 months to 20 years.6) As surgical procedure, the intranasal approach was used more frequently, that was in 12 cases while the extranasal approach was employed in 6 cases.7) All cases were followed and no recurrence was reported.

Although the concentration of the japanese cedar specific IgE antibody in blood can be measured with RAST, the Phadebas RAST Kit contains no japanese cedar allergen disc. Japanese cedar allergen disc (I : 20) was newly prepared. It was evaluated whether this japanese cedar allergen disc was practical or not in the RAST of Japanese Cedar Pollinosis. Serum samples werecollected from 86 patients with Japanese Cedar Pollinosis and 10 normal adults. RAST was performed with Phadebas reagents and (1 :20) japanese cedar allergen disc according to Phadebas experimental instructions. Results were as follow: 1) Phadebas, mountain cedar allergen discs did not react with the japanese cedar specific IgE in the sera of Japanese Cedar Pollinosis. 2) Japanese cedar allergen was well coupled to paper discs and japanese cedar allergen discs (1 : 20) absorbed so well the japanese cedar specific IgE antibody that RAST with this japanese cedar allergen disc can be carried out without the modification of Phadebas experimental directions. 3) The results of RAST with this japanese cedar allergen disc should be expressed following new criteria other than Phadebas RAST criteria. According to the RAST results of normal persons, negative RAST, doubtful RAST and positive RAST were newly classified instead of Phadebas RAST class. 4) The RAST results of 86 patients suffering from Japanese Cedar Pollinosis were 4 cases of negative RAST. 13 cases of doubtful RAST and 69 cases of positive RAST.

Endogenous peroxidase activity was demonstrated in seromueous-secreting cells of human nasal glands, using the diaminobenzidine method for cytochemical demonstration of perox-activity was localized in cisternae of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reti-culum including nuclear envelope, some vessicles and saccules of the Golgi complex and secreting granules.Peroxidase activity in nasal glands diminished or disappeared in the case of house dust nasal allergy patients. After giving steroid hormone(Dexamethasone 5 mg/day for 7 days) to these nasal allergy patients, peroxidase activity appeared again in the nasal glands.It can be considered that if nasal glands depend on the same nerve system as salivary glands, the diminution of peroxidase activity is due to the diminution of sympathetic stimu-lation.

Various effects upon respiratory and circuratory systems induced by breath holding have been investigated by many physiologists for a long time. For instance, it increases the systoric and diastoric blood pressure, and decreases the rate of finger tip blood flow and finger tip volume.These circuratory effects have been considered by the excitation of the sympathetic nerve. The nasal mucous membrane is rich in vessels and these vessels are innervated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. In this paper, it was investigated whether breath holding could have any effect on the vessels in the nasal mucosa. For this purpose, the changes of nasal airway resistance (NAR) were examined. In fifteen normal adults, NAR was determined before and after breath holding. For the determination of NAR, the combined method was used, and the variant ratio of NAR (NAR after breath holding/NAR before breath holding) was calculated. The mean value of fifteen normal adults was 0.57 and the standard deviation was 0.18 In order to investigate the sympathetic effect on this reflex, changes of NAR by breath holding were estimated in four patients with sudden deafness who were treated by stellate ganglion block.In these patients, changes of NAR were not observed. In conclusion, this reflex is highly suspected to be transmitted by the sympathetic nerve.

Endogenous peroxidase activity was localized in seromucous-secretion cells of human nasal glands with the diaminobenzidine method for light and electron microscopic histochemistry.Localization of the activity occurred in the cisternae of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, including the nuclear envelope, some vesicles and saccules of the Golgi complex, and secreting granules.In the case of patients with a house dust nasal allergy, peroxidase activity in the nasal glands diminished or disappeared. However, activity recovered after reception of steroid hormone (dexamethasone 5mg/day for 7days). If nasal glands rely on the same nervous system as do salivary glands, then the diminishing of peroxidase activity may be due to the diminishing of sympathetic stimulation. Therefore, the relationship between nasal allergy and the sympathetic nerve will be considered.