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Novel cationic initiators, p-substituted benzylanilinium SbF 6 - salts (1), were synthesized from the corresponding benzylchloride and N,N-dimethylaniline, where Cl - was exchanged with SbF 6 - . Their catalytic activities in the cationic polymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) were examined and compared to that of benzylpyridinium SbF 6 - salts (2), latent thermal initiators previously reported by Endo et al. It was found that 1 acted as a latent thermal initiator in the cationic polymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE) above 80°C for 10 min. Furthermore, 1 showed higher activity than 2 having the same p-substituents, except for a p-Cl group in the cationic polymerization of GPE. Both the GPE polymer structure and the benzyl group reactivity in 1 or 2 indicate that 1 generates benzyl cations that are active species for the cationic polymerization of GPE, and that in cationic polymerization using 2, side reactions generating active species other than benzyl cations occur

A series of melting and solidification experiments were carried out using high-purity SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 powders as the starting materials. The effect of melting temperature on the morphology of the primary mullite was investigated. The following conclusions were made : 1) The morphology of the primary mullite went through five stages as the melting temperature increased ; massive, fibrous, faceted dendritic, feathery and fine feathery structures. These phenomena can be explained based on the number of effective nuclei in the melt. 2) The fibrous mullite grew from mullite precursors formed in the melt. Under highly supercooled conditions, the fibrous morphology becomes unstable and begins to branch and form a faceted dendritic crystal. 3) When the number of nuclei is extremely small, the mullite nucleated on the rhombic dodecahedron Mo originating from the molybdenum crucible and crystallizes out into a feathered structure.

A 50-year-old male presented with severe atherosclerotic stenosis of the basilar artery at its origin with very poor blood flow distally, manifesting as sudden onset of deterioration of consciousness to semicomatose with decerebrate posture. He regained consciousness dramatically after acute thrombolysis, although right hemiparesis persisted due to left pontine infarction. Follow-up angiography after 3 months of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy demonstrated severe residual stenosis of the basilar artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) resulted in wide patency of the basilar artery stenosis with excellent blood flow distally. Combination of acute thrombolytic therapy and subsequent PTA is an effective treatment for severe basilar artery occlusive disease.

大腸のeosinophilic granulomaの報告は極めて稀である.今回,上行結腸のIIa+IIc様のeosinophilic granulomaの1例を経験したので報告する.症例は59歳の男性で,便潜血反応のため精査の結果,横行結腸に2型の進行癌を認めるとともに,上行結腸にIIa+IIc様の病変を認めた.後者は25×25mm大で,病理組織学的にはeosinophilic granulomaであった.本症の報告の多くはpolypoidの形態を呈し,自験例のごとき表面型の早期癌に類似した形態を示すものはなかった.またinflammatory fibroid polypとeosinophili cgranulomaは同義語であるが,本例の形態はpolypoidではないことから後者を用いた.

We have recently identified the principal linear neutralizing B cell epitopes of human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) on the envelope protein gp46, amino acids (aa) 187-199, by using a number of human mAbs. We therefore propose that this region would be a good candidate for a peptide-based HTLV-I vaccine. To develop a peptide-based vaccine that can induce a high titer of neutralizing Abs against HTLV-I, we first synthesized peptides of various lengths containing aa187-199. Because the addition of gp46 aa181-186 or aa200-210 to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of SP187-199 did not alter the antigenicity of the principal neutralizing determinant, we prepared two peptide-based vaccines, MAP181-203 and MAP181-210, by conjugating SP181-203 and SP181-210 with a branched polylysine oligomer. In rabbits, X4 to X8 and X8 to X64 titers of the neutralizing Abs were induced by immunization with MAP181-203 and MAP181-210, respectively. Furthermore, high titers of neutralizing Abs (X40 to X320) were elicited in five different strains of rats by immunization with MAP181-210. We also identified the major T cell epitope on gp46 aa194-210 in various strains of rats immunized with MAP181-210. Furthermore, the peripheral T lymphocytes obtained from the majority of HTLV-I-infected patients including HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma, and healthy carriers, proliferated in response to the peptides containing aa194-210. These results indicated that MAP181-210 contains a T cell helper epitope on aa194-210 not only in rats and rabbits, but also in humans with various HLA haplotypes. It is therefore possible that MAP181-210 could become one of the candidates for a peptide-based HTLV-I vaccine for human use.

A case of small lymphocytic B-cell lymphoma with seropositivity for human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I), whose clinical features were closely related to those of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, is presented. The neoplastic cells of the lymph node were immunologically positive for CD5, in addition to several B-cell markers, but negative for CD10, and cytogenetically carried a t(11;14)(q13;q32). These findings were fully consistent with so-called mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In addition to the lymph nodes and bone marrow, multiple extranodal sites including lacrimal and salivary glands, lung and stomach (where MALT is present) were occupied by lymphoma cells. These extranodal lesions were immunologically identical to the lymph nodes (CD5(+), CD10(-)), but histologically showed lymphoepithelial lesions (LEL) characteristic of MALT lymphoma. These findings suggest a possible relationship between MCL and MALT lymphoma, and the neoplastic cells are thought to originate from the CD5-positive B cells, which are present near the areas across the mantle and marginal zones. Furthermore, HTLV-I-infection, which appears to create an immunodeficient state or modulate the B-cell response, is thought to play a role in B-cell lymphomagenesis.

太陽電池は、 人類が直面しつつある地球環境問題やエネルギー需給問題を解決する新しいエネルギー源として大きな注目を集めている。 本稿では、 太陽電池の開発の歴史や現状について概説を行うとともに、 太陽光発電システムの現状と将来像について述べる。

– Agonistic behaviour and dominance relationships in red-spotted masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou ishikawai, were observed in a mountain stream pool. A linear, size-structured dominance hierarchy was recognized among individuals, body weight being a more important determinant of dominance status than fish length. Immigrant fish interacted more frequently with residents of similar body size than with larger or smaller fish during the early period following immigration. Thereafter, frequency of interactions rapidly decreased. When a fish was attacked, it reacted in a variety of ways in close accordance with its opponent's dominance rank: responses were to simply flee, flee with lateral display, revolt by performing a counter display or ignore the aggression. Such behavioural modification seems to be established during the successive agonistic encounters, in particular, early encounter periods when frequent interactions took place.

The aim of the present study is a comparative evaluation of the effects of pressure support ventilation (PSV) and intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) on diaphragmatic activity in rabbit model of neonate. The animals were divided into a PSV group and an IMV group. In the IMV group, spontaneous breathing and four kinds of IMV rate (5, 10, 15, and 20/min) were applied (Ventilator: Bear BP200, peak inspiratory pressure [PIP]: 12 cm H2O, inspiratory time: 0.6 s). In the PSV group, spontaneous breathing and four levels of PSV (3, 6, 9, and 12 cm H2O) were applied (Ventilator: VIP Bird, flow triggering). Airway pressure (Paw), flow (V), esophageal pressure (Pes), integrated diaphragmatic electromyogram (Edi), and arterial gas data were measured. Amplitudes of Pes and Edi were expressed as percentages (% Edi and % Pes) of the control value during spontaneous breathing to evaluate diaphragmatic activity. Lower IMV rates did not reduce diaphragmatic activity. Approximately half of diaphragmatic activity of control remained even at IMV 15/min. Diaphragmatic activity disappeared at IMV20/min. In contrast, PSV reduced Edi and Pes linearly according to support level. In conclusion, diaphragmatic activity could be reduced more gradually with PSV than IMV by altering ventilatory support level.

A total of 22 Indonesian and Japanese species of epilachnine ladybird beetles were divided into the following three groups on the basis of the conditions of bursa copulatrix and spermatheca, and modes of sperm transfer. Group 1, ‘Henosepilachna’, being characterized by a spermatheca derived from the lateral side of a well developed bursa copulatrix and formation of a ‘spermatophore’ prior to ejaculation; group 2, Epilachna admirabilis species-group and E. chapini group, by a spermatheca derived from terminal end of a well developed bursa copulatrix and lack of spermatophore formation; and group 3, E. flavicollis group and E. fallax group, by a reduced bursa copulatrix with or without a terminally positioned spermatheca and lack of spermatophore formation. It was suggested that groups 2 and 3 are phylogenetically more closely related to each other than they are to group 1.

Various cationic initiators of the benzylpyridinium SbF 6 − ( 1n ) type, were synthesized from substituted benzylchloride and 4-cyanopyridine followed by exchange of the counter anion with SbF 6 − . A cationic curing system, consisting of 1n and a polymer containing oxirane moieties, was examined as a film-forming mechanism and some of the film properties obtained were compared with those obtained from a melamine-curing system. It was found that thermal cationic polymerization of the glycidyl moieties by using 1n could be applied to crosslinking reactions to give more acid resistant films than can be obtained with melamine resins.

A kinetic-catalytic method is described for the determination of iron, based on its catalytic effect on the oxidative coupling of 4-aminoantipyrine with N , N -dimethylaniline to form an indamine dye (λ max = 555 nm) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide with photometry detection. The absorbance change at 555 nm was linearly proportional to the iron(II,III) concentration over the range 0.2-4.0 ng ml −1 with a relative standard deviation of 2.7% ( n = 10) for 2.0 ng ml −1 of iron(III). The proposed method was applied to the analysis of natural water without preconcentration.

Healthy women who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were studied to determine the extent of postoperative analgesia and side-effects produced by low doses of intrathecal morphine. Patients were randomly allocated to receive, in double-blind fashion, 0 mg (group 1: control group), 0.05 mg (group 2), 0.1 mg (group 3), or 0.2 mg (group 4) of morphine, with 10 mg tetracaine in 10% dextrose 2.5 ml. (n = 20 x 4 groups). The effect of intrathecal morphine was examined in terms of the duration until the first supplemental analgesic was needed and the numbers of the doses within the first postoperative 48 h. Pain relief was significantly greater in groups 3 and 4 than in group 1. The incidence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus increased in a dose-dependent manner. No patient developed respiratory depression. Our results suggest that postoperative analgesia lasts more than 24 h with 0.1 mg or 0.2 mg of intrathecal morphine. Since the incidence of side-effects was higher at 0.2 mg, 0.1 mg may be the optimum dose for caesarean section.

Cryodestruction of hepatic tumors is done by freezing the tumor and an appropriate amount of surrounding normal tissue in situ. The goal is complete destruction of malignant tissue. Local and systemic host mechanisms activated by the cold injury complete the process. Resorption of devitalized tissue and stabilization of the residual scar occurs during the ensuing months. Immune factors may contribute to the long-term process of cryodestruction although such effects are inconstant and ill defined. The purpose of this overview is to delineate the mechanisms of cryodestruction, briefly summarize clinical results and discuss the technique for treatment of hepatic tumors.

(1993). Light environment and photosynthesis in the south basin of Lake Biwa: Calibration of water quality model parameters. SIL Proceedings, 1922-2010: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 811-816.

We have generated 153 human mAb reacting with natural envelope glycoprotein-gp46 of human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) by the EBV-transformation of B lymphocytes obtained from patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM)/Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). Twenty-four of these mAb had neutralizing activity of HTLV-1 as determined by an HTLV-1-induced syncytium formation inhibition assay in vitro. The reactivity of these neutralizing mAb was studied by using 9 different synthetic peptides covering immunodominant regions of the gp46. Thirteen out of these 24 neutralizing mAb reacted with gp46 peptide 175-199, whereas one mAb reacted with gp46 213-236 and another one with gp46 288-317. The other 9 neutralizing mAb did not react with any of these peptides. Fine epitope mapping of the mAb reacting with gp46 peptide 175-199 revealed the presence of 4 distinct neutralizing B-cell epitopes on this region; (1)187-193, (2)191-196, (3)193-199, and (4) continuous conformational B-cell epitope. The competitive antibody-binding inhibition experiments by soluble phase synthetic peptides showed that the binding activity of these neutralizing mAb to the corresponding synthetic peptides is equal to or a little lower than that to native gp46 protein, suggesting that synthetic peptides can form structure very similar to the neutralizing epitopes on native gp46 protein. The present study is the first systematic demonstration of multiple neutralizing B-cell epitopes of HTLV-1 in human HTLV-1 infection. It would be possible to prepare a synthetic peptide vaccine against HTLV-1 based on these newly identified multiple linear neutralizing B-cell epitopes of HTLV-1.

The crystal structure of magnesium boron nitride in a high-pressure phase, Mg 3 NB 3 (H), has been determined from X-ray powder diffraction data. The strategy used was: powder pattern indexing, extraction of integrated intensity data by peak decomposition, Patterson function calculation, trial-and-error model building and Rietveld refinement. The cell is orthorhombic (space group Pmmm, Z=1) with a=3.0933 (2), b=3.1336 (2) and c=7.7005 (5) A. The structure contains linear NBN groups with an observed B-N interatomic distance of 1.34 A which is 2% shorter than in the low-pressure form of the material, Mg 3 BN 3 (L)

Novel cationic initiators, benzylanilinium salts, were synthesized from benzylchloride and N , N -dimethylaniline followed by exchange of counter anion with SbF 6 − . Benzylanilinium salts showed thermal latency as initiator in the cationic polymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether. The electrophilic characteristic of the benzyl group of benzylanilinium salts were estimated by the reaction of D 2 O using 1 H NMR. The electrophilic characteristics of the benzyl group in benzylanilinium salts depended on the p -substituents (benzyl position in benzylanilinium salts). Cationic curing systems, consisting of benzylanilinium salts and the polymer containing oxirane moieties, were proposed and some properties of films obtained by this systems were evaluated. It was found that cationic curing systems had some better properties, especially resistance to acid, than those of the melamine curing systems and that anilinium salts were more useful than benzylpyridinium salts as the initiators for cationic curing systems for coatings.

Morphological changes in the neurons of the gerbil hippocampus following 5 min of forebrain ischemia were examined using light and electron microscopy. Although non-pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus survived through the full length of the observation period, up to six weeks after ischemia, they consistently demonstrated degenerative changes distinct from those of the well-known “delayed neuronal death” of CA1 pyramidal cells. When examined with the light microscope, CA1 non-pyramidal neurons were found to be shrunken and their nuclei and cytoplasm were hyperchromatic between seven days and six weeks after ischemia. When examined with the electron microscope, postischemic non-pyramidal neurons were found to have markedly electron-dense profiles; their cytoplasm contained numerous free ribosomes and heterogeneous smaller granular substances, the latter also filling the nuclei. However, there was no loss of ribosomes from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial cristae were preserved, suggesting that these neurons were viable. CA1 non-pyramidal neurons were studied immunohistochemically using three types of monoclonal antibodies, one each against parvalbumin, a nonphosphorylated epitope on the 168,000 mol. wt and 200,000 mol. wt subunits of neurofilament proteins, and microtubule-associated protein 2. CA1 nonpyramidal neurons lost immunoreactivity to these neuron-specific substances six weeks after ischemia, suggesting that these degenerating cells lacked certain types of normal neuronal activity. We conclude that non-pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region survive transient ischemia but undergo degenerative changes following complete loss of CA1 pyramidal cells. These changes may be due to depletion of presumptive target-derived trophic factors within the non-pyramidal neurons.

In order to understand the nature of the mixed state, the critical current density Jc of Nb/NbZr multilayers was measured as a function of magnetic field H and of the angle between H and the film plane at the temperatures where the superconducting order parameter is localized in the Nb layers. In the parallel fields, which are perpendicular to the current J, the Jc-H curves show a peak at H=Hmax. The observed angular dependence of Jc below and above Hmax can be explained by the 3D stepwise vortex model and the 2D pancake vortex model, respectively. These results indicate that a dimensional crossover in the mixed state occurs at Hmax. This crossover may be the cause of the field dependence of Jc which is an increasing function of H below Hmax.

Endplate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) consists of globular catalytic subunits attached to the basal lamina by a collagen-like tail. Different genes encode the catalytic subunit and the tail portion of the enzyme. Endplate AChE deficiency was reported previously in a single case (Engel et al., 1977, patient 1). We describe here our observations in four additional patients (patients 2-5). Three cases were sporadic; patients 2 and 3 were sisters. All had generalized weakness increased by exertion but ophthalmoparesis was not a constant feature. All had mild slowing of the pupillary light reflex; other dysautonomic features were absent. None benefited from anticholinesterase therapy. All patients had a decremental electromyogram response; in four of the five patients, single nerve stimuli evoked a repetitive response. Miniature endplate potential amplitude was reduced in patient 5 only. Endplate amplitudes and currents were prolonged but the open-time of the acetylcholine receptor ion channel was normal. In patients 1-4 the quantal content of the endplate potential was reduced due to a reduced number of readily releasable quanta. Quantitative electron microscopy revealed abnormally small nerve terminals, abnormal encasement of the presynaptic membrane by Schwann cells and degeneration of junctional folds and of organelles in the junctional sarcoplasm. Acetylcholinesterase was absent from all endplates of all patients by cytochemical and immunocytochemical criteria. Density gradient ultracentrifugation of muscle extracts from patients 1, 3, 4 and 5 revealed an absence of the collagen-tailed form of the enzyme in patients 1, 3 and 4 but not in patient 5. The kinetic properties of the residual AChE in muscle were normal. Erythrocyte AChE activity and Km values, determined in three patients, were also normal. Studies of the catalytic subunit gene of AChE in patients 2 and 3 revealed no abnormality in those exons that encode the domain to which the tail subunit binds. In patients 1-4 the molecular defect is likely to reside in the gene encoding the tail subunit of AChE, or in a protein necessary to assemble the catalytic and tail subunits. In patient 5, the absence of AChE from the endplate may be due to a faulty tail subunit, a defect in the basal lamina site that binds the tail subunit or failure of transport of the assembled asymmetric enzyme from the cell interior to the basal lamina. The cause of the weakness in these patients is not fully understood but possible mechanisms are discussed.

The electromagnetic pump proposed by the authors is concerned with the magnetic shielding effect of eddy currents in a conductive plate. In this paper we use FEM analysis to examine the shape of a copper plate for controlling eddy currents, and compare our findings with measured results. The proposed T-shaped plate improves shielding and reduces eddy-current losses compared with existing pumps. We also confirmed an improvement of the thrust force when used in a closed system for circulating a liquid alloy. © 1993 IEEE.

The triangular sand bar which often exists around the river mouth has the suitable topography for surf-riding. The delta type artificial reef which imitated this triangular sand bar was newly designed for the shore protection structure. In an experimental wave basin, the characteristics of the wave breaking, the wave runup, the littoral current and the sand drift were studied. As compared with thegroins, the delta type reef has the superior property in the sand drift control and the waverun-up height decrease.

High-density, homogeneous Ba1-x K x BiO3 superconductors with relative density of 97% were successfully synthesized by the plasma-arc melting and rapid-quenching (PMQ) method. X-ray powder diffraction data showed a single Ba0.6K0.4BiO x structure with a lattice constant of a = 4.283 a. A sharp superconducting transition was observed at 28.5 K, with a transition width of less than 0.5 K.

Therapeutic barium enema was first reported in 1970. The long-term recurrence rate of colonic diverticular bleeding after therapeutic barium enema was compared with that of endoscopic haemostasis.This study included 57 consecutive patients admitted between 2003 and 2008 with colonic diverticular bleeding in whom conservative treatment failed to stop bleeding within 3 h of hospital admission. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed immediately after admission. In 75% of patients, bleeding was from the right colon, and any identifiable source of bleeding was treated by endoscopic haemostasis. Cases with an undetectable source received high-dose barium impaction therapy.Treatment was as follows: Group A (n = 37) solely by endoscopic haemostasis; Group B (n = 11) solely by therapeutic barium enema group, and Group C (n = 9) by endoscopic haemostasis and therapeutic barium enema. At a follow up of seven (median; range: 1-56) months, recurrent bleeding rates were 18/37 (48.6%), 6/11 (54.5%) and 2/9 (22.2%) (P = 0.3930).High-dose barium enema is as effective as endoscopic haemostasis for the prevention of recurrent diverticular bleeding.

Immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and BrdU using anti-PCNA and anti-BrdU monoclonal antibodies, respectively, was performed in 16 human brain tumours, including 3 glioblastomas multiforme, 2 anaplastic astrocytomas, 1 cerebellar astrocytoma, 2 recurrent meningiomas, 4 non-recurrent meningiomas, 3 neurinomas and 1 medulloblastoma. Patients with brain tumours received an injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) intravenously during surgery, and tumour specimens were fixed in 70% ethanol and embedded in paraffin. The percentage of positive cells for PCNA was compared with a BrdU labelling index using adjacent paraffin-embedded sections. The percentage of PCNA-positive cells was correlated with the BrdU labelling index and the histological malignancy of the brain tumours. The correlation coefficient was 0.84. This suggests that the immunohistochemical staining for PCNA in paraffin sections is a good alternative to the BrdU labelling index.

We have generated a number of EBV-transformed B cell lines producing human mAb against human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) from the peripheral blood B lymphocytes obtained from patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. Various synthetic peptides corresponding to antigenic regions of HTLV-1 gag and env proteins were used for the screening of antibodies in ELISA. In our study, four IgG mAb to the gag p19 amino acids 100 to 130, and 5 IgG mAb to the env p46 amino acids 175 to 199 were characterized. An immunofluorescence assay showed that all of these mAb specifically bound to the surface of HTLV-1-bearing cell lines. Among these mAb, one anti-gp46 mAb, designated KE36-11, neutralized the infectivity of HTLV-1 as determined by both the inhibition of HTLV-1-induced syncytium formation and transformation assays in vitro. An antibody-binding assay using overlapping oligopeptides revealed that KE36-11 recognized a new epitope locating between the gp46 amino acid sequence 187-193 (Ala-Pro-Pro-Leu-Leu-Pro-His). Another anti-gp46 mAb, designated KE36-7, showed antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against HTLV-1-bearing cell line. KE36-7 bound strongly to the 10-mer peptide-gp46 187-196, and weakly to peptides containing the gp46 amino acid sequence 191-196 (Leu-Pro-His-Ser-Asn-Leu). These two epitopes, which are associated with HTLV-1 neutralization and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, are thus the first epitopes identified in human HTLV-1 infection. It is possible that passive immunization of humans with these two human mAb are effective on the protection of HTLV-1 infection in vivo.

This paper describes a new type of electromagnetic pump, based on the shielding effect of eddy currents. FEM analyses and experiments suggest that leakage flux in the magnetic path is suppressed and the effective flux in the gap increases. Through comparisons with existing electromagnetic pumps, we found the pump thrust to be increased by 1.8 times. In this paper, the construction of the electromagnetic pump is discussed, and characteristics unique to our pump are described.

The cooling history of the feldspars of a hypersthene-augite trachyte lava of Oki-Dogo island, Japan was investigated by optical microscope, electron microscope and X-ray microanalyzer. Anti-Rpakivi mantled feldspars in the alkaline volcanic rocks consist of anhedral plagioclase cores and subhedral to euhedral sanidine mantles. The interfaces between the cores and mantles are wavy, saw-tooth-like, or comb-like under the optical microscope, suggesting sanidine overgrowth after plagioclase was partially resorbed. “Perthitic” lenses or lamellae of plagioclase are also observed in the sanidine near the interfaces. After the formation of such mantled feldspars at the magmatic stage, perthitic lamellae were produced in sanidine due to subsolidus exsolution. Periodicity of the perthitic lamellae is below 10 nm.[/ab]

In V/Cr-superlattices, the superconducting transition temperature and upper critical fields are investigated for the superlattices of various Cr-layer thickness ( d Cr =20–90 A ) under a constant V-layer thickness ( d v =300 A ). These samples are prepared by UHV-deposition at 300 and 500°C onto the V-buffer layer that is grown on the sapphire substrates heated upto 500°C. The dependence of critical temperature on the Cr-layer thickness obeys the fits calculated by the Werthamer model for the films deposited at 300°C. A dimensional crossover in the parallel upper critical fields was observed in the samples deposited at 300°C and was not found in the films done at 500°C. Such a crossover is shown in the superlattices with d Cr ≤50 A and occurs when the effective superconducting layer thickness becomes comparable to the perpendicular coherence length ξ ⊥ at the crossover points.

Because accretion and merger shocks in clusters of galaxies may accelerate particles to high energies, clusters are candidate sites for the origin of ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic-rays. A prediction was presented for gamma-ray emission from a cluster of galaxies at a detectable level with the current generation of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The gamma-ray emission was produced via inverse Compton upscattering of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons by electron-positron pairs generated by collisions of UHE cosmic rays in the cluster. We observed two clusters of galaxies, Abell 3667 and Abell 4038, searching for very-high-energy gamma-ray emission with the CANGAROO-III atmospheric Cherenkov telescope system in 2006. The analysis showed no significant excess around these clusters, yielding upper limits on the gamma-ray emission. From a comparison of the upper limit for the north-west radio relic region of Abell 3667 with a model prediction, we derive a lower limit for the magnetic field of the region of ~0.1 micro G. This shows the potential of gamma-ray observations in studies of the cluster environment. We also discuss the flux upper limit from cluster center regions using a model of gamma-ray emission from neutral pions produced in hadronic collisions of cosmic-ray protons with the intra-cluster medium (ICM). The derived upper limit of the cosmic-ray energy density within this framework is an order of magnitude higher than that of our Galaxy., 7 pages, 6 figures, Accepted in ApJ

One autopsy case with small cell lung cancer and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is reported. Both plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels were high, and the presence of significantly high levels of ANP and AVP in tumor tissue was confirmed by gel chromatography and radioimmunoassay techniques. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case in which ectopic ANP production and its secretion into blood (leading to SIADH) were proved. Cancer 68:2284–2288, 1991.

Measurements of the critical current J c have been made for the Nb/Nb 0.5 Zr 0.5 multilayer which showed a sharp upturn behavior in a parallel upper critical field H c2∥ ( T ), caused by the shift of the order-parameter Δ( r ) from Nb- to NbZr-layers. In the region where Δ( r ) is localized in the Nb-layers, the peak was observed in the J c − H curves for parallel field orientation. With increasing temperature, the J c -peak value drastically decreased and its position was shifting to a lower field. In the angular dependence of the critical current density, J c (θ) had a maximum when the flux lines are exactly aligned in parallel to the layer and sharply decreased with tilting of angle. The feature is caused by an intrinsic flux pinning mechanism. In the upturn region, we found the same characteristics of J c .

A novel virus, TT virus (TTV), recently discovered by Okamoto et al. in the serum of a patient with posttransfusion hepatitis, is thought to be one of the causative agents of blood-borne acute hepatitis. The association of this virus with acute sporadic hepatitis was evaluated. TTV DNA was detected in 4 (4.9%) of 81 cases of acute hepatitis A, in 5 (16.7%) of 30 cases of acute hepatitis B, in 1 (25.0%) of 4 cases of acute hepatitis C, in 1 (9.1%) of 9 cases of cytomegalovirus and Eppstein-Barr infection, and in 8 (13.6%) of 59 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology. These positive rates of TTV in various etiologies did not differ significantly amongst each other, and were similar to those of healthy volunteers, i.e. 12.0% (12/100). The comparison of levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, hepaplastin test and prothrombin time between TT virus-positive and -negative patients did not show any differences. This indicates that TTV is neither a main causative agent of acute sporadic hepatitis of unknown etiology, nor does it affect the clinical features of acute hepatitis with already known etiology.

Micro mechanical fabrication is one of practical manufacturing technologies for small and precise products and devices. It mainly covers mesoscopic region between 10 microns and 1 mm. Near the lower limit of the region, it is believed silicon-based technologies are the most efficient processes and mechanical fabrication can be applied only to one-off production. The authors proposed a concept of a miniature factory called ldquoMicrofactoryrdquo and showed that the concept could be rather efficient when the system configuration is designed properly. We insisted the ldquoMicrofactoryrdquo is a hopeful system not only for one-off production, but also for diverse-types-and-small-quantity production. In addition, since manufacturing technologies should be also environmentally conscious, downsizing the manufacturing system can be an option to reduce environmental impact of manufacturing. However, whether the system is really ldquoeco-efficientrdquo has not been examined quantitatively. An appropriate index to evaluate manufacturing systems by considering environmental impacts, costs and system throughput, simultaneously, will help the concept to become more practical. In this report the authors propose an efficiency index named ldquototal performance indicator (TPI).rdquo Using the microfactory as an example, the paper tries to show that the proposed efficiency index is useful in designing configurations of manufacturing systems. Later, the paper also introduces the next generation microfactory which is called ldquoon-demand factoryrdquo to prove that the concept is really practical. Comparison with a conventional system indicates that the on-demand factory is an efficient manufacturing system in environmental and economical aspects.

Kepler's supernova, discovered in October 1604, produced a remnant that has been well studied observationally in the radio, infrared, optical, and X-ray bands, and theoretically. Some models have predicted a TeV gamma-ray flux that is detectable with current Imaging Cherenkov Atmospheric Telescopes. We report on observations carried out in 2005 April with the CANGAROO-III telescope. No statistically significant excess was observed, and limitations on the allowed parameter range in the model are discussed., 6 pages 6 figures, to appear in ApJ, August 20, 2008, v683n2

We have observed room-temperature 1.5 mum-infrared electroluminescence from a silicon suboxide-based p-i-n heterostructure: n-SnO2/Er-doped SiOx/p-GaN. The n-SnO2 and p-GaN layers are introduced for efficient current-injection via their widegap semiconductor properties.

Left ventricular ejection performance, wall stress, and contractile state were evaluated in 35 patients with chronic aortic regurgitation. Cineangiography and pressure measurements were obtained before and a mean of 26 months after aortic valve replacement, and data were compared with those from 30 normal control subjects. The relation between quantitative changes in wall stress and changes in ejection fraction after surgery was determined. Preoperatively, end-systolic stress was elevated in patients with aortic regurgitation (218 +/- 45 vs. 160 +/- 23 kdynes/cm2 [mean +/- SD] for control subjects, p less than 0.01), and ejection fraction was depressed (0.46 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.65 +/- 0.05, p less than 0.01). End-systolic stress decreased postoperatively (151 +/- 41 kdynes/cm2, p less than 0.01) and ejection fraction increased (0.58 +/- 0.11, p less than 0.01). The magnitude of increase in ejection fraction correlated significantly and negatively (r = -0.65) with the quantitative change in end-systolic stress after surgery. Contractile function, as assessed by the ejection phase index-end-systolic stress relation, did not significantly change: 23 of 35 patients preoperatively and 18 of 35 patients postoperatively had values that clearly fell below the 95% confidence limit of the ejection fraction-end-systolic stress relation for controls. After surgery, individual ejection fraction-end-systolic stress relationships demonstrated a shift parallel to the regression curve for the control subjects. Moreover, persistent postoperative left ventricular hypertrophy was significantly associated with persistent contractile dysfunction. Thus, late improvement in left ventricular ejection performance after aortic valve replacement can be attributed to the reduction in end-systolic stress. Contractile function itself was not improved by surgery. Persistent postoperative hypertrophy may be a marker for myocardial contractile dysfunction.

A human-machine interface has been created for an integrated services digital network (ISDN) network control unit (I-NUU). I-NUI is a sophisticated terminal device that allows a voice communication channel and two data channels to be connected through an ISDN I-series interface. ISDN communication functions and network control operations were analyzed to determine the required characteristics of I-NCU. I-NCU features the minimum number of control buttons and a liquid crystal display. Visual and audible information are used to keep the operator fully informed about the state of the communication channels. >

An anomalous upturn in the parallel upper critical field is observed in the Nb/Nb0.5Zr0.5 multilayer with the period Λ=400 A and 500 A , as predicted by Takahashi and Tachiki for multilayer composed of two materials with different electronic diffusion constants and equal transition temperature. We have found the anomalous feature in a temperature dependence of transition width ΔHc2‖ in the region where the upturn occurs. In the angular dependence of the upper critical fields, the slope dHc2/dθ near the field direction parallel to the film surface also exhibits an abrupt change in the range of upturn.

The OH radical scavenging activity of a series of Gd(III) MRI contrast media, such as Gd(III)DTPA, Gd(III)BMA and Gd(III)DO3A, were evaluated by means of EPR spin trapping measurements. The second order reaction rate constant (k2) occurring between Gd(III)DTPA and OH radical was estimated to be 3.26 x 10(10) (M(-1)s(-1)), which was ten times larger than that of the free ligand DTPA (3.86 x 10(9) M(-1)s(-1). The k2 values of Gd(III)BMA and Gd(III)DO3A were also determined to be 1.31 x 10(10) and 1.77 x 10(10) (M(-1)s(1)), respectively. The present results suggest that widely used Gd(III) containing MRI reagent exhibit OH radical scavenging activity, and these values of k2 are same order as that of ascorbic acid (1.16 x 10(10) M(-1)s(-1)) which has been well established to be the most powerful OH radical scavenger. Based on the EPR measurements performed for these Gd(III) complexes, a possible reaction mechanism of the OH radical scavenging action of these MRI contrast media will be discussed.