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The effects of exercise on mechanical hyperalgesia, joint contracture, and muscle injury resulting from immobilization are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cyclic stretching on these parameters in a rat model of chronic post-cast pain (CPCP). Seventeen 8-week-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to (1) control group, (2) immobilization (CPCP) group, or (3) immobilization and stretching exercise (CPCP+STR) group. In the CPCP and CPCP+STR groups, both hindlimbs of each rat were immobilized in full plantar flexion with a plaster cast for a 4-week period. In the CPCP+STR group, cyclic stretching exercise was performed 6 days/week for 2 weeks, beginning immediately after cast removal prior to reloading. Although mechanical hyperalgesia in the plantar skin and calf muscle, ankle joint contracture, and gastrocnemius muscle injury were observed in both immobilized groups, these changes were significantly less severe in the CPCP+STR group than in the CPCP group. These results clearly demonstrate the beneficial effect of cyclic stretching exercises on widespread mechanical hyperalgesia, joint contracture, and muscle injury in a rat model of CPCP.

Summary To elucidate mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlations in Japanese patients with OI, we conducted comprehensive genetic analyses using NGS, as this had not been analyzed comprehensively in this patient population. Most mutations were located on COL1A1 and COL1A2. Glycine substitutions in COL1A1 resulted in the severe phenotype. Introduction Most cases of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are caused by mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2, which encode α chains of type I collagen. However, mutations in at least 16 other genes also cause OI. The mutation spectrum in Japanese patients with OI has not been comprehensively analyzed, as it is difficult to identify using classical Sanger sequencing. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlations in Japanese patients with OI using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods We designed a capture panel for sequencing 15 candidate OI genes and 19 candidate genes that are associated with bone fragility or Wnt signaling. Using NGS, we examined 53 Japanese patients with OI from unrelated families. Results Pathogenic mutations were detected in 43 out of 53 individuals. All mutations were heterozygous. Among the 43 individuals, 40 variants were identified including 15 novel mutations. We found these mutations in COL1A1 (n = 30, 69.8%), COL1A2 (n = 12, 27.9%), and IFITM5 (n = 1, 2.3%). Patients with glycine substitution on COL1A1 had a higher frequency of fractures and were more severely short-statured. Although no significant genotype-phenotype correlation was observed for bone mineral density, the trabecular bone score was significantly lower in patients with glycine substitutions. Conclusion We identified pathogenic mutations in 81% of our Japanese patients with OI. Most mutations were located on COL1A1 and COL1A2. This study revealed that glycine substitutions on COL1A1 resulted in the severe phenotype among Japanese patients with OI. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00198-019-05076-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A TCAD model to simulate program/erase characteristics of 3D charge trap flash memory cells is constructed and calibrated with the experiment. The mechanism of the program characteristics degradation of the semicircular cells are studied using the TCAD model and it is clarified that the current leakage path due to the fringe parasitic transistor causes the degradation. An initial charge injection technique is proposed to suppress the parasitic leakage current to improve the program characteristics of the semicircular cells.

Asymmetric In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As/In 0.52 Al 0.48 As multi-quantum wells (MQWs) were studied theoretically and experimentally. Eigen-energies of eigen-states and wave functions confined in the asymmetric MQWs were deduced from by calculation based on the transfer matrix method and optical interband transitions were obtained by photocurrent spectroscopy. Results of the calculation agree well with experimental data.

We succeeded in observation of ferrokinetics in a plant (20 days radish) using the micron RI imaging which was previously developed in our laboratory, by improving two criteria: (i) adjustment of the iron solution for the plant’s intake; and (ii) measurement of the radioisotope, 55Fe in the course to take up solution in the plant. The accumulation of iron atoms in the plant was confirmed by the micro-PIXE and an appropriate density of iron was determined. Under an optimal condition of iron solution containing 55Fe, the ferrokinetics in the plant was investigated by use of the micron RI imaging system.

Background:Cardiovascular disease(CVD) has been identified as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with lupus nephritis(LN)1) 2). There is a clear causal relationship between the onset of neonatal lupus (cardiac complications) and SS-A antibodies3) 4), but no association has been reported in adults. In recent years, there have been reports from overseas that suggest the association between CVD and anti-SS-A antibody in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients5) 6). So far, no studies have not been reported to evaluate the relationship between anti-SS-A antibody and the risk of developing CVD in LN in a large cohort of patients with SLE in Japan.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between anti-SS-A antibody and the risk of developing CVD in LN patients using a multicenter registration study [Lupus registry of nationwide institution (LUNA)] in Japan.Methods:We identified 931 patients diagnosed with SLE in the Lupus registry of nationwide institution (LUNA), and further identified 275 LN patients with known the presence or absence of both development of CVD and presence of anti-SS-A antibody. We defined the exposure factor as anti-SS-A antibody, and the outcome as CVD. SELENA-SLEDAI score (at diagnosis), eGFR Results:We found 68 patients (24.7%) complicated with CVD, including percarditis (7.3%), cerebrovascular disorder (6.2%), peripheral Arterial Disease (6.2%), Ischemic heart disease (2.9%),venous thromboembolism (2.9%),pulmonary hypertension (1.5%), vulvular heart disease (1.1%), and cardiomyopathy (0.4%). In univariate analysis, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of CVD depending on the presence or absence of anti-SS-A antibody (p = 0.32), and the results of multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in anti-SS-A antibody [p = 0.23, odds: 0.41, 95% confidence interval (0.09-1.89)].Conclusion:The association between anti-SS-A antibody and the development of CVD in LN patients in Japan has not been identified.References:[1]Lupus. 2000;9(3):166-9[2]Arthritis Rheum.2019 Mar;71(3):403-410,[3]J Intern Med 265:653-662, 2009[4]Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 5:139-148, 2009[5]Ann Rheum Dis 1990;49:627-629[6]Chest. 2018 Jan;153(1):143-151. Doi:Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The prognosis of high-risk retinoblastoma (RB) with extraocular disease, relapse, or invasion of the cut end of the optic nerve is extremely poor. Following the discontinuation of thiotepa production in Japan, BU- and melphalan (Mel)-based regimens have been used, followed by the standard treatment for neuroblastoma. This study retrospectively analyzed 14 high-risk RB patients who underwent high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and hematopoietic SCT; 8 received a BU/Mel conditioning regimen and 6 received other regimens. The disease status at HDC was relapse in 8 patients and extraocular involvement in 5. All patients received peripheral blood stem cell infusion >1.5 × 10(6)/kg. Engraftment occurred within a median of 11 days (BU/Mel: 10-13, others: 9-13). Primary toxicities included mucositis (⩾grade 3) in 9 patients (4 with BU/Mel, 5 with others). Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in two 1-year-old patients in the BU/Mel group. There were no treatment-related deaths. Of 4 (2 with BU/Mel, 2 with others) patients with central nervous system (CNS) relapse after HDC, 3 died. In conclusion, the BU/Mel regimen may be feasible for high-risk RB under careful monitoring for VOD, particularly in younger patients. CNS relapse associated with a lethal prognosis occurred after all regimens; therefore, further evaluation of HDC efficacy for high-risk RB is required.

Nonparabolic subband structure of In0.53Ga 0.47 As/In 0.52 Al 0.48 As multi-quantum wells was studied theoretically and experimentally. In periodic potential of the multi-quantum-well structure, if barrier layers are thin, electron eigen-states become minibands having with energy width. In 10 nm width barrier, the energy width becomes wider at higher energy. When the eigen-state is more than 0.5 eV and near top edge of the quantum well, the energy width is calculated as more than 0.012 eV.

We developed an X-ray pinhole camera using a radio-isotope source that emits only X-rays.We investigated the performance of this system using a 55Fe source with phantom samples. We then applied it to investigate the movement of a 55Fe tracer in Japanese mustard spinach. We obtained X-ray images of the 55Fe tracer in the spinach samples, and found that 55Fe accumulated in the plant.

We report on the development of a high-current microbeam system for wavelength-dispersive X-ray micro particle-induced X-ray emission (WDX-[Formula: see text]-PIXE) for chemical state mapping. The microbeam system is composed of two slits and a quadrupole doublet lens mounted on a heavy rigid support. The microbeam system is installed immediately after a switching magnet. A beam brightness of [Formula: see text] is obtained at a half-divergence of 0.1 mrad. A beam current of more than 300 pA is obtained for object sizes of [Formula: see text] with a half-divergence of 0.2 mrad, which corresponds to a beam spot size of [Formula: see text]. The calculated spot size of the beam was [Formula: see text] and the measured spot size was [Formula: see text]. The WDX-[Formula: see text]-PIXE system with the microbeam system is now operational.

Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) is a perennial dicotyledonous herbaceous plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. The leaves of this plant are used as a home remedy as expectorant and hypoglycemic. They can also be used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, as well as many other chronic diseases. This finding supports the idea of watercress being a health promoter. In addition, this study intends to provide recommendations for future research. This systematic review was performed by Science Direct, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus from July 2017 to August 2018. A total of 14 preclinical studies with watercress were selected by the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 were with rats and mice and 1 fish. The search terms used were “bioactive compounds,” “Nasturtium,” “preclinical study,” and “systematic review.” For the quality of the individual studies, we adopted the risk of bias. The results of the selected articles with Nasturtium in animals showed positive effects on the improvement of the immune system, hypoglycemic hypercholesterolemia, and anti-inflammatory activity, sex hormones synthesis, the preventive effect on the renal stone formation, and others. Since Nasturtium is widely used for therapeutic and nontherapeutic purposes that trigger its significant value, a new approach is necessary. Different combinations and the numerous medicinal properties of its extract juice and leaves, whether administrated orally or topically, demand further studies about other useful and unknown properties of this multipurpose plant. Finally, it is suggested by our reviewers that more studies with animals to be applied to human health, should be investigated of bioactive compounds from watercress.

In Japan, many drinking water systems were developed during the 1960s and 1970s, and a considerable proportion of them is now showing various signs of aging or seismic vulnerability. The major issue for many drinking water utilities is how to update those facilities in the best way to improve their deteriorating/insufficient performance. The existing performance assessment methods for water supply facilities need relatively high technical knowledge and they are only applicable to evaluate individual facilities. The Japan Water Research Center (JWRC) has thus developed a performance assessment method for drinking water infrastructure which requires no special technical investigation or a complicated calculation. Thus, staff of small- and medium-scale drinking water utilities can easily carry out logical function evaluation for their facilities using performance indices and answering questions on daily operation and maintenance. This development is part of the e-Pipe research project that was conducted at JWRC from 2008 through 2010 with Health and Labour Sciences Research Grants from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Accepted: 2013-04-09, 資料番号: SA1004604000

The microbeam system at Tohoku University has various applications. Recently higher spatial resolution down to several hundred nm and higher beam current with the resolution of several μm were required. To meet these requirements, a triplet lens system was installed. While the triplet system has higher demagnification, the chromatic aberration is much larger than in the doublet system. To achieve better performance in the triplet system, improvements in the energy resolution of the accelerator are required. Various sources of accelerator voltage ripples were investigated. The high voltage generating circuit was symmetrized and the noise components were reduced to minimize the voltage ripple. The voltage ripple of the accelerator for low-frequency components was reduced to around 70 V. The voltage ripple of the 120-kHz component was 140 Vp-p.

A high-speed quantum key distribution (QKD) system has been developed with the goal of a 1-Mbps final secure key generation rate under 10-dB transmission loss, which corresponds to 50 km of standard single mode fiber. For the purpose of speeding-up all processes in QKD sequence, we apply a wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) technique using the colorless interferometric technique and a key distillation hardware (HW) engine. We establish a novel WDM scheme, sharing interferometers and their temperature regulators over multiple channels, which enables us to increase the number of channels with a small impact on system cost and size. To generate a secure key while satisfying both high speed and high security, we develop a key distillation HW engine which enables us to execute key distillation with 1-Mbit code length in real time. We have experimentally evaluated the performance of the developed system through installed fiber. By operating three wavelength channels, a new, world leading key generation rate of greater than 200 kbps over a 14.5-dB transmission loss has been achieved.

The detection efficiency of the submilli-PIXE camera was improved by installing a new X-ray detector with a smaller distance from specimens. The distortion of elemental images caused by position dependent detection efficiency was corrected by estimating the detection efficiency based on the geometrical configuration of the detection system. The detection efficiency of characteristic X-rays from heavy elements such as iron and bromine became from 11 to 23 times higher than the previous system. The signal to noise ratios was improved from 1.8 to 2.5 times higher and detection limit was also decreased from 1/8 to 1/6 compared to the previous system. The in-air submilli-PIXE camera with improved detection system can be useful to biological applications.

The space radiation dose rates at several points in Miyagi prefecture and their time dependencies were measured. Radiation exposure was mainly caused by 131 I at the earlier stage of Fukushima first nuclear power accidents and then by 134 Cs and 137 Cs . We inspected radioactive contamination for food produced in Miyagi prefecture and Fukushima city. As the result, almost all food were safe.

Micro patterning on cylindrical surface, e.g. dynamic pressure bearings, is mainly carried out by chemical etching. However, there exist environmental problems in the waste etchant processing and safety ones in works using toxic chemical liquids. On the other hands, blasting is expected as one of micro patterning methods and comes into use for not only surface modification but also machining of hard and brittle materials. The purpose of this study is to develop the micro blasting technique for cylindrical parts. Therefore, machining characteristics in blasting of rotating workpieces are experimentally investigated, analyzing the stock removal and the surface roughness. In addition, the patterning of micro herringbone grooves are carried out on spindle surfaces based on the obtained characteristics.

We report on the performance of a fiber-coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) from 4 K down to the ultralow temperature of 16 mK for a 1550 nm wave length. The system detection efficiency (DE) increased with de creasing the temperature and reached the considerably high value of 15% with a dark count rate less than 100 cps below 1.5 K, even without an optical cavity structure. We also observed saturation of the system DE in its bias current dependency at 16 mK, which indicates that the device DE of our SNSPD nearly reached intrinsic DE despite the device having a large active area of 20 μm × 20 μm. The dark count was finite even at 16 mK and the black body radiation becomes its dominant origin in the low temperatures for fiber-coupled devices.

At the Kansai Photon Science Institute of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, we have developed a Compton backscattered X-ray source in the energy region of a few hundred keV. The X-ray source consists of a 150-MeV electron beam, with a pulse duration of 10 ps (rms), accelerated by a Microtron accelerator and an Nd:YAG laser, with a pulse duration of 10 ns (FWHM). In the first trial experiment, the X-ray flux is estimated to be (2.2±1.0)×10 2 photons/pulse. For the actual application of an X-ray source, it is important to increase the generated X-ray flux as much as possible. Thus, for the purpose of increasing the X-ray flux, we have developed the pulse compression system for the Nd:YAG laser via stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). The SBS pulse compression has the great advantages of a high conversion efficiency and a simple structure. In this article, we review the present status of the Compton backscattered X-ray source and describe the SBS pulse compression system.

A portable NMR polarimeter system has been developed to measure the polarization of a polarized Hydrogen-Deuteride (HD) target for hadron photoproduction experiments at SPring-8. The polarized HD target is produced at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Osaka university and is transported to SPring-8. The HD polarization should be monitored at both places. We have constructed the portable NMR polarimeter system by replacing the devices in the conventional system with the software system with PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI). The weight of the NMR system is downsized from 80 kg to 7 kg, and the cost is reduced to 25%. We check the performance of the portable NMR polarimeter system. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the NMR signal for the portable system is about 50% of that for the conventional NMR system. This performance of the portable NMR system is proved to be compatible with the conventional NMR system for the polarization measurement., Comment: 6 page, 8 figures, 2011/Mar/9 Replace Authors

Altitude distributions of radioactive cesium (134Cs and 137Cs) fallout at Mt. Fuji due to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident have been investigated. Radioactive cesium from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is found to reach the height of 2,700 m. It is inferred that some amounts of radioactive cesium are attributable to the global fallout due to the nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere.

A microbeam system was installed at Dynamitron laboratory at Tohoku University and is applicable to simultaneous in-air/in-vacuum PIXE, RBS, SE, and STIM analyses, and 3D µ-CT. Insufficient beam brightness of the source and field contamination of the microbeam line restricted spatial resolution. In order to improve the performance of Tohoku microbeam system, optimization and modification of the ion source and microbeam system were performed. By the modification of the system, the beam brightness of the system was increased to 1.0 pA ·µ m -2· mrad -2· MeV -1 at the half divergence of 0.2 mrad. Considering the brightness and the magnification, obtainable target current will be 200 and 900 pA for beam spot sizes of 1.0 × 1.0 and 2.0 × 2.0 µ m 2, respectively. The modification of the source meets both the lifetime and the performance. The parasitic field contamination of the system was reduced down to less than 0.5 % by replacing the beam scanner chamber and a part of beam duct. Both resolution and beam currents are sufficient for our applications of in-air/in-vacuum PIXE, RBS, SE, and STIM analyses and 3D PIXE-µ-CT.

In this paper, we extend the concept of dynamic manipulability to evaluate the dynamic property of multifingered grasping systems consisting of a multifingered hand and a grasped object, and propose a measure of dynamic manipulability of multifingered grasping. Similar to the original dynamic manipulability, the proposed measure evaluates the mapping from a set of realizable joint torques to a set of resultant accelerations of the grasped object, which forms an ellipsoid under a constant internal force constraint. It is clearly shown that the internal forces not only affect the volume of the ellipsoid, but also the amount of offset of the ellipsoid, while the gravity forces simply induce an offset. A new measure, i.e., omnidirectionality, is introduced to add a penalty to the original manipulability measure, which simply evaluates the volume of the ellipsoid, depending on how much the ellipsoid is offset. Numerical examples by using a simple two-fingered robot hand are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed measure.

When renewing water purification facilities, it is important to select a suitable purification system that can accommodate the quality of the respective source water. The Japan Water Research Center has been collecting a large amount of water quality data from drinking-water utilities across Japan, categorising and analysing these data, and evaluating the suitability of water purification processes. Multivariate analyses such as hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were performed to investigate the relationships between the quality of source water used for water supply and various factors that affect the purification process. Based on these results, water sources throughout Japan were clearly categorised into four groups, and suitable water purification systems were identified for the different water quality groups. The results can serve as an important reference for water utilities during future facility renewal projects.

The impacts of source and drain (S/D) doping on device performance in embedded SiGe (e-SiGe) p-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (pMOSFET) are presented. An in situ boron-doped e-SiGe S/D device exhibits higher drive current than a boron-implanted e-SiGe S/D device owing to its enhanced hole mobility and reduced parasitic resistance. The precise control of the recessed Si shape and the SiGe proximity to the channel is essential for utilizing the intrinsic benefit of an in situ boron-doped e-SiGe S/D. Moreover, it was confirmed that the channel stress induced by e-SiGe S/D increases as MOSFET size decreases. This indicates that the use of in situ boron-doped e-SiGe S/D is a promising technique for 32 nm node pMOSFET.

We have proposed "membrane-media active collaboration (M-MAC)", which is a collaboration between a membrane and media in one unit, as a new solid-liquid separation technology for drinking water treatment. Membrane filtration has a high separation capability, and media filtration provides a superior stability of finished water quality and has the economies of scale. An efficient and stable solid-liquid separation can be ensured by actively utilising the advantages of each filtration function. Hanshin's help-each-other filter (HHF), which installs submerged membranes at the centre gullet of a conventional media filter, is a prototypical configuration of M-MAC. HHF enables the chemical cleaning of a membrane as part of the periodical maintenance of the entire filter and utilises a regular discharge from the membrane as feed water for media filtration. These processes can eliminate problems peculiar to membrane technology, such as those related to chemical cleaning and recovery rate. Simulation and a preliminary experiment showed that HHF provides the same treated water quality as the conventional media filter. we expect that this technological development will lead to innovations in filtration technology and increase the number of options for better solid-liquid separation in drinking water treatment.

Although for decades nearly all pharmaceuticals have been purified by crystallization, there have been a disproportionate number of problems associated with the operation and control of these processes. This paper provides an overview of the recent advances in model-based and model-free (direct design) approaches to control the crystallization of pharmaceuticals, treating both antisolvent and cooling crystallization. A model-based combined technique which simultaneously controls the antisolvent addition rate and the cooling profile is presented. A population balance model of the combined cooling-antisolvent addition system is developed and a moments model used in optimal control strategies with various objective functions. The simulation and experimental results show the advantages of the combined approach.

Digitalization of television broadcasting results in an increasing number of broadcast channels and is making general viewers difficult to do program select operations. In view of this, we have developed a TV reception navigation system that helps different types of viewers to easily select TV programs in accordance with their occasional mood and interests. The system recommends programs suited for viewers' allocation of living hours, while providing an electronic program guide (EPG) personalized for their interests, it also incorporates a facility to search a program schedule with keywords such as person names and place names, as well as a facility to modify the viewer profile according to the selection result for personalization purpose. Experimental tests on this system have been conducted in the manner that testing evaluators select programs among approximately 100 channels of actual satellite and terrestrial broadcasting in Japan. System functions have been evaluated in terms of different types of programs aired in the morning, afternoon and evening. The result of subjective evaluation tests reveals the usefulness of this personal TV reception navigation system.

A GaAs junction field effect transistor (JFET) is a promising candidate for the cryogenic electronics of high-impedance sensitive photoconductors because of its low-noise at low frequencies. This GaAs JFET has advantages compared with other type of FETs, such as no kink phenomena or hysteresis in its current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, small gate leakage currents, and minute capacitance. We report on the noise spectra and leakage current of a SONY n-type GaAs FET in a high-impedance configuration where the gate terminal was surrounded by high-impedance devices at a cryogenic temperature, i.e., 4.2 K. In the high-impedance configuration, we obtained a low noise level and low leakage current of 0.5 /spl mu/V/Hz/sup 1/2/ at 1 Hz and 4.6/spl times/10/sup -19/ A. This result implies that the GaAs JFET is suitable for cryogenic readout electronics. We also discuss the source of the random telegraph signal and the 1/f noise in the GaAs JFET at cryogenic temperatures.

A TV navigation system has been developed to make it easier for viewers to watch television in a multichannel area. It enables viewers to watch programs recommended by the system as well as to select programs using a personalized electronic program guide (EPG) and retrieve programs with a personal filter. The system combines a mechanism for recommending programs in accordance with the preferences and mood of the viewer with personalized program sorting and retrieving in an easy-to-use format. Subjective evaluation tests were held to evaluate the impressions of general viewers with regard to operating this TV navigation system and benefiting from its use. It was found that program recommendations were helpful and that the types of programs desired by a viewer and their method of selection differed according to time of day.

Since diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for children are not currently established in Japan, the authors determined local DRLs for the full range of paediatric CT examinations in a single tertiary care children's hospital. A retrospective review of 4801 CT performance records for paediatric patients (

The microbeam system at Tohoku University has been applied to various fields since its installation and is mainly used for biological applications. The primary purpose of this work was to develop a 3D μ-CT, in which a microbeam is used as a monoenergetic point X-ray source. The second one was to develop a microbeam analysis system for biological samples. A beam spot of 0.4 × 0.4 μm2 at a beam current of several tens of pA has been produced. However, in our set-up, μ-PIXE/RBS analyses demand beam currents of ca. 100 pA, which restricts the spatial resolution to around 1 × 1 μm2. In order to get higher spatial resolution down to several hundred nm and higher beam current with a several μm resolution, a triplet lens system was designed and newly installed. This upgrade was carried out simultaneously with the recovery from the damage caused by the great east Japan earthquake. The triplet lens system has larger demagnification and was designed by adding a quadrupole lens to the existing doublet system. Although a beam spot size of 2 × 1 μm2 is currently obtained, it has not achieved the performance obtained by the previous doublet system. The doublet system has been recovered to its previous performance and is routinely applied to simultaneous μ-PIXE/RBS analysis in various fields. Recent applications of 3D-PIXE-μ-CT of toxic elements in single cells with the new microbeam system are presented.

Two hundred and fifty-two consecutive digital replantations and revascularizations in 201 patients were retrospectively reviewed to determine factors influencing survival. Children under 9 years of age, women, complete amputations, blood transfusions and secondary thrombectomy were poor prognostic factors. In addition, low haemoglobin and haematocrit levels during the postoperative period were associated with a higher failure rate. Inappropriate use of anticoagulants and excessive postoperative anaemia should be avoided following replantation.

We measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of 353 leprosy patients (197 males 50–89 years old, average age 70.2; and 156 females 53–90 years old, average age 72.9) and serum levels of free testosterone (FT) in 81 males. The BMD of the lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4), diaphysis of the radius (1/3 radius), and the neck of the femur (neck) was measured using DXA (QDR 4500). The BMD of −2.5 SD YAM (young adult mean) in Japanese men and women was used as the cutoff value for osteoporosis in the respective genders: BMD of L2–L4, 0.751 g/cm2 (male), 0.747 g/cm2 (female); 1/3 radius, 0.655 g/cm2 (male), 0.550 g/cm2 (female); neck, 0.581 g/cm2 (female). The percentages of males with osteoporosis were 31.3% in the 50th, 32.9% in the 60th, 44.9% in the 70th, and 40.7% in the 80th decade at L2–L4. Similarly, the percentages were 33.3%, 58.3%, 74.3%, and 75.0%, respectively, at 1/3 radius. Among females, the percentages were 22.2%, 41.3%, 44.9%, and 68.8%, respectively, at L2–L4; 0%, 42.9%, 89.5%, and 78.6%, respectively, at 1/3 radius; and 11.1%, 38.6%, 67.7%, and 84.6% respectively, at neck. FT in men ranged from almost 0 to normal at each decade and BMD levels were significantly correlated with FT in all three regions of the skeleton (P < 0.0001). More than 30% of osteoporosis was found at each decade and FT may be one of the main factors affecting BMD in male leprosy patients.

Today's TV broadcast centers require large capacity and flexible routing networks for handling uncompressed serial digital video signals. Fuji Television's new broadcast center employs a newly developed optical video/audio signal distribution network This paper describes the design concept, the system structure, and the performance of the optical network. A wavelength-division and time division hybrid multiplexed (WD/TD) optical network has been applied to the broadcast center. This type of optical network is attractive for a broadcast center application, because of its large capacity, multiple format handling, and flexible operation capabilities.

In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the endothelium-dependent vasodilation and salt sensitivity in patients with essential hypertension. Fifteen untreated hypertensive male patients (age, 29 to 54 years) were sodium restricted (5 g/day) for 1 week, and placed on a high salt diet (20 g/day) the second week. At the end of each period, measurements of forearm vascular responses to drugs (acetylcholine, 3 to 24 microg/min; sodium nitroprusside, 0.15 to 1.2 microg/min; norepinephrine, 0.15 to 1.2 microg/min; and N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine [L-NMMA], 1 to 8 micromol/min) were obtained by using strain-gauge venous plethysmography. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the blood pressure response to sodium loading: salt-sensitive hypertensive group (24-h mean increase of arterial pressure > or = 10%; n = 6) and salt-resistant group (< 10%; n = 9). The two groups showed no significant difference in clinical data or mean arterial pressure during low salt intake. The dose-dependent vasodilation induced by acetylcholine was significantly reduced (P < .05) in the salt-sensitive hypertensive patients v the salt-resistant patients regardless of sodium loading. There were no differences between the two groups in response to sodium nitroprusside, norepinephrine, or L-NMMA. These results indicate that vasodilation to acetylcholine is reduced in salt-sensitive hypertensive patients even on restricted sodium diets. This may contribute to blood pressure elevation when sodium intake is increased.

We have developed the MPEG2 video decoder and the AC-3 audio decoder LSIs for the DVD player. These decoder LSIs together with single 16 Mbit SDRAM and D/A converters realize the audio/video processing unit with a small number of components for the DVD player. The video decoder LSI adopts the RISC controller to control the dedicated processing hardware cores and a design to integrate the frame memory and bitstream buffers into a single external memory. The audio decoder LSI adopts a 24-bit fixed point DSP core and the dedicated AC-3 accelerator circuit to reduce the amount of software processing in the AC-3 audio decoding.