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The genus Mesoplodon (Cetacea: Odontoceti: Ziphiidae) is one of the few cetacean genera with the karyotype 2n = 42. The 2n = 42 karyotype of M. europaeus and M. carlhubbsi is largely consistent with the general cetacean karyotype 2n = 44, although other 2n = 42 karyotypes do not exhibit clear homologies with the general cetacean karyotype. Therefore, the chromosomes of Mesoplodon species may be the key to understanding cetacean karyological evolution. In the present study, the male karyotypes of M. stejnegeri and M. carlhubbsi were examined. In both species, the diploid number of the male karyotype was 42. Both species had the following characteristics: 1) a huge subtelocentric X chromosome with a large C-block; 2) a small metacentric Y chromosome; 3) nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) in the terminal regions of a large autosome and one or two small metacentric autosomes; 4) small metacentric autosomes; 5) large submetacentric and subtelocentric autosomes; 6) less accumulated C-heterochromatin in the centromeric region; and 7) heteromorphism in C-heterochromatin accumulation between homologues. Characteristics 1 and 3 are peculiar to only the karyotypes of Mesoplodon species, whereas characteristics 4, 5, 6, and 7 are also found in the species with the general cetacean karyotype 2n = 44.

The first elastic electron scattering has been successfully performed at the self-confining radioactive-isotope ion target (SCRIT) facility, the world's first electron scattering facility for SCRIT technique achieved high luminosity (over 10^{27} cm^{-2} s^{-1}, sufficient for determining the nuclear shape) with only 10^{8} target ions. While ^{132}Xe used in this time as a target is a stable isotope, the charge density distribution was first extracted from the momentum transfer distributions of the scattered electrons by comparing the results with those calculated by a phase shift calculation.

Purpose: Recently the volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) technology such as RapidArc is widely distributed in Japan. These technologies are normally provided by the high spec linear accelerator such as Trilogy, Novalis Tx, Synergy, et al.. The specific DICOM‐file is generally used for commissioning of these technologies. On the other hand, we had to apply RapidArc into historic linear accelerator. This title expresses an experience how we performed the commissioning of RapidArc with the old linear accelerator.Methods: Two Varian's linear accelerators “Clinac 21EX” equipped with Millenium multi‐leaf collimator and a Varian's treatment planning system “Eclipse ver.8.9” were used for this study. The commissioning for RapidArc was performed in energy 4,6,10,15 MV (Max‐DR: 250, 600, 400, 600 MU/min). Commissioning procedure composed two categories: the general machine QA for DMLC‐IMRT procedure and the specific RapidArc QA procedure. In RapidArc QA procedure, we modified DICOM‐file to apply into the potential spec of Clinac 21EX optimally. The specific MLC‐motion sequence and the gantry rotation speed were created by the dedicated programs (Shaper and DicomEdit, Varian) for RapidArc QA procedure. Each tolerance value was defied by the data from daily/monthly QA and the paper by Ling et al. Results: As the results of the general machine QA procedure, the variance of radiation output during static/dynamic gantry rotation was less than 1%. The deference of fence tests during static/dynamic gantry rotation and RapidArc were less than 1 mm in each. However, the results of the RapidArc QA were worse than the latest machine (especially variable gantry speed) and it was careful to define tolerance level. Conclusion: The procedure of commissioning for RapidArc on historic linear accelerator was proposed. Several minor revisions for DICOM‐file should be required for suitable commissioning and it may ensure the tolerance limit for gantry/MLC‐leaf motion speeds.

We have constructed the SCRIT electron scattering facility at RIKEN in order to realize electron scattering off unstable nuclei. Because electron scattering is the most powerful and reliable tool to study the internal structure of the atomic nuclei as demonstrated for many stable nuclei in the latter half of the 20th century, actualization of electron scattering for the unstable nuclei has been long awaited. Recently, we have performed a series of elastic electron scattering experiments with $^{132}$Xe target. The high luminosity of around 10$^{27}$~cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$ which is a minimum-requirement for electron scattering is achieved with using only 10$^8$ target ions. By comparing with a DWBA calculation assuming the two-parameter Fermi distribution as the nuclear charge density distribution, it is found that a root-mean-square of radius is consistent with that from the measurement of X-ray of muonic atom and an information of surface shape of $^{132}$Xe nucleus is extracted for the first time.

The SCRIT (Self-Confining Radioactive-Isotope Ion Target) electron scattering facility has been constructed at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory. In the commissioning experiment, the ion-trapping properties of the SCRIT system were studied using stable ions. By using an electron spectrometer, the momentum transfer distribution of the electron elastic scattering of $^{132}$Xe was measured at 150, 200, and 300~MeV, and the charge density distribution was deduced. During the measurements, a luminosity of $1.8 \times$10$^{27}$~cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$ was achieved with a 250-mA electron beam and only 10$^8$ trapped ions. Production of RIs has begun in an electron-beam-driven RI separator, and developments are underway to increase the production rate of short-lived nuclei. Soon, measurements of electron elastic scattering by short-lived nuclei will be performed.

The SCRIT (Self-Confining RI Ion Target) facility has been constructed at RIKEN to make the electron-RI scattering experiment possible for the first time in the world. At SCRIT, the angular momentum distribution of scattered electrons is measured by WiSES (Window-frame Spectrometer for Electron Scattering) which consists of a dipole magnet and front/rear drift chambers, covering a solid angle of $\sim$80 mSr with an intrinsic momentum resolution of $\Delta p/p\sim10^{-3}$. Also the luminosity of the electron-RI scattering is estimated from bremsstrahlung photons measured by LMon (Luminosity Monitor) to obtain the absolute cross-section of the scattering. The LMon consists of a CsI calorimeter to measure the photon energy, and plastic fiber scintillators to measure the 2D hit distribution of the bremsstrahlung photons. In 2015-2016 the first physics experiment has been performed using $^{132}\rm Xe$ target, then the luminosity and angular distributions were successfully measured at the electron beam energy of 150-300 MeV, achieving a luminosity above $10^{27}cm^{-2}$s$^{-1}$. In this article, we present the performances of the WiSES and LMon detectors obtained by using the $^{132}\rm Xe$ experiment data.

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is advantageous in preparing thin films, consisting of nanoparticles (NPs), with homogeneous microstructure on a conductive substrate of little restriction to its geometry. This film- preparation technique could play a significant role in improving, by properly structuring the film in terms of its thickness and porosity, the performance of electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this study, we attempted to prepare thin films of titania NPs by applying EPD from non-aqueous suspensions and discussed the effects of water content of suspension, particle size, particle shape and the type of solvent on the structure of thin film. When the commercial product (P-25, Evonik, 21-nm primary particle size) was used, the deposition weight of particles from the ethanol suspension linearly increased with applied EPD time, and was found to be estimated by the Hamaker equation. The water content in the suspension did not affect the structure of the thin film characterized by its weight, thickness and porosity. When the particle size was controlled by applying a milling operation, the porosity of deposition layer increased with particle size over a certain thickness range of deposition layer, although the deposition rate did not depend on the particle size. When the rod-like NPs (HPW-18NR, JGC C&C, 20-nm primary particle size) were used instead of round P-25 NPs, the deposition rate of HPW-18NR NPs became lower than that of P-25 NPs, as in the case of the porosity of the deposition layer of HPW-18NR NPs. When P-25 NPs suspended in a mixture solvent of ethanol and t-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-2-propanol) were tested for EPD, the structure of the deposited thin film depended on the mixture composition ratio.

Intercalation chemistry and application of boron/carbon/nitrogen (B/C/N) and boron/carbon (B/C) materials to secondary batteries are summarized in this chapter. Sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg), which are difficult to be intercalated into graphite, can be intercalated into B/C/N and B/C materials by using the electrochemical method and chemical reaction. The intercalation of these metals has been explained by the relation between the ionization potentials of metals and the electron affinities of host materials. Intercalation of lithium (Li) and Na into B/C/N and B/C materials can be applied to anodes of Li- and Na-ion batteries. Application of the materials to dual carbon alloy batteries has also been proposed.

Glassiness is ubiquitous and diverse in characteristics in nature. Understanding their differences and classification remains a major scientific challenge. Here, we show that scaling of magnetic memories with time can be used to classify magnetic glassy materials into two distinct classes. The systems studied are high-temperature superconductor-related materials, spin-orbit Mott insulators, frustrated magnets, and dilute magnetic alloys. Our bulk magnetization measurements reveal that most densely populated magnets exhibit similar memory behavior characterized by a relaxation exponent of 1-n ~ 0.6(1). This exponent is different from 1-n ~ 1/3 of dilute magnetic alloys that was ascribed to their hierarchical and fractal energy landscape and is also different from 1-n=1 of the conventional Debye relaxation expected for a spin solid, a state with long range order. Furthermore, our systematic study on dilute magnetic alloys with varying magnetic concentration exhibits crossovers among the two glassy states and spin solid., Comment: 28 pages, 8 figures

Objectives: The Mycoses Forum in Japan has developed management bundles for candidaemia to incorporate into bedside practice. The aim of this study was to investigate nationwide compliance with the bundles and their impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: Non-neutropenic patients treated with antifungals for candidaemia were surveyed. Bundles consist of nine items to complete. Data were sent to the central office between July 2011 and April 2012. Results: Six hundred and eight patients were analysed. The compliance rate for achieving all elements was 6.9%, and it increased to 21.4% when compliance was analysed by the bundle except for oral switch. There was a significant difference in clinical success between patients with and without compliance [92.9% versus 75.8% (P ¼0.011)]. Compliance with the bundles, however, failed to be an independent factor associated with favourable outcomes. When step-down oral therapy was excluded from the elements of compliance, compliance with the bundles was revealed to be an independent predictor of clinical success (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.05 –9.52) and mortality (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13 – 0.57). Independent individual elements contributing to clinical success were removal of central venous catheters within 24 h, assessment of clinical efficacy on the third to the fifth day and at least 2 weeks of therapy after clearance of candidaemia. Conclusions: Compliance with the bundles for candidaemia had a beneficial effect on clinical outcomes. Promotion of the bundles approach may have the potential to narrow the gap between clinical evidence and bedside practice.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) has developed 4 K Gifford–McMahon (GM) cryocoolers for various cryogenic fields including Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. However, for the purpose of cooling high temperature superconductor (HTS) devices, the needs for cryocoolers with a large cooling capacity in the range of 20–30 K has been rapidly increasing. Recently, SHI developed a large cooling capacity single-stage GM cryocooler, for HTS applications. A typical cooling capacity is 46/52 W at 20 K or 85/96 W at 30 K with 6.9/7.9 kW input power at 50/60 Hz. The cooling capacity degradation caused by inclination is within 24%. And also, a low mechanical vibration and a low acoustic noise have been achieved because the displacer is driven by a motor instead of a pneumatic force. In addition, the cryocooler does not contain lead as a regenerator material, so it complies with restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) directive.

Chemical shifts of approximant crystals of 1/0-Al12Re (1/0-metallic), 1/1-Al73Re15Si12 (1/1-metallic) and 1/1-Al73Re17Si10 (1/1-non-metallic) were examined by using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and soft-X-ray emission spectroscopy (SXES). Al L-shell excitation EELS spectra of these alloys showed an apparent chemical shift only for the 1/1-non-metallic alloy to the larger binding energy side by 0.2 eV. Al-Kα, Re-Mα and Si-Kα emission SXES spectra also showed a shift to the larger binding energy side only for 1/1-non-metallic alloy. 1/0-metallic and 1/1-metallic alloys did not show any chemical shift in EELS and SXES experiments. Chemical shifts were observed only in larger binding energy side compared with pure materials. This implies the decrease of valence charge at constituent atomic sites of 1/1-non-metallic alloy compared with 1/0-metallic, 1/1-metallic and pure materials. The decreased charges should distribute intermetallic sites, which should be related to a formation of covalent bondin...

Weak acid hypochlorous solution (WAHS) is known to have efficacy for inactivating pathogens and to be relatively safe with respect to the live body. Based on these advantages, many animal facilities have recently been introducing WAHS for daily cleaning of animal houses. In this study, we determined the effect of WAHS in inactivating specific pathogens of laboratory rodents and pathogens of opportunistic infection. WAHS with an actual chloride concentration of 60 ppm and a pH value of 6.0 was generated using purpose-built equipment. One volume of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), Sendai virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella pneumotropica, Corynebacterium kutscheri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was mixed with 9 or 99 volumes of WAHS (×10 and ×100 reaction) for various periods (0.5, 1, and 5 min) at 25°C. After incubation, the remaining infectious viruses and live bacteria were determined by plaque assay or culture. In the ×100 reaction mixture, infectious viruses and live bacteria could not be detected for any of the pathogens examined even with the 0.5-min incubation. However, the effects for MHV, B. bronchiseptica, and P. aeruginosa were variable in the ×10 reaction mixture with the 0.5- and 1-min incubations. Sufficient effects were obtained by elongation of the reaction time to 5 min. In the case of MHV, reducing organic substances in the virus stock resulted in the WAHS being completely effective. WAHS is recommended for daily cleaning in animal facilities but should be used properly in order to obtain a sufficient effect, which includes such things as using a large enough volume to reduce effects of organic substances.

We present genetic and morphological evidence supporting the recognition of a previously synonymized species of Mesoplodon beaked whale in the tropical Indo-Pacific, Mesoplodon hotaula. Although the new species is closely-related to the rare ginkgo-toothed beaked whale M. ginkgodens, we show that these two lineages can be differentiated by maternally (mitochondrial DNA), biparentally (autosomal), and paternally (Y chromosome) inherited DNA sequences, as well as by morphological features. The reciprocal monophyly of the mtDNA genealogies and the largely parapatric distribution of these lineages is consistent with reproductive isolation. The new lineage is currently known from at least seven specimens: Sri Lanka (1), Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati (1+), Palmyra Atoll, Northern Line Islands, U.S.A. (3), Maldives (1), and Seychelles (1). The type specimen (Sri Lanka) was described as a new species, M. hotaula, in 1963, but later synonymized with M. ginkgodens. This discovery brings the total number of Mesoplodon species to 15, making it, by far, the most speciose yet least known genus of cetaceans.

Information on accumulation of halogenated phenolic contaminants in the blood of marine mammal is limited. The present study, we determined the residue levels and patterns of chlorinated and brominated phenolic contaminants (OH-PCBs, OH-PBDEs and bromophenols) in the blood collected from pinnipeds (northern fur seal, spotted seal, Steller sea lion and ribbon seal) and small cetaceans (harbor porpoise and Dall's porpoise) from Japanese coastal waters. Concentrations of PCBs and OH-PCBs found in pinnipeds were the same as in small cetaceans living in the same coastal area. However, significantly lower concentrations of brominated compounds (PBDEs, MeO-PBDEs, OH-PBDEs) were found in the blood of pinnipeds than the levels found in cetacean species which live same area (p

Objectives There are several reports clarifying successful results following open reduction using Ludloff’s medial approach for congenital (CDH) or developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH). This study aimed to reveal the long-term post-operative course until the period of hip-joint maturity after the conventional surgical treatments. Methods A long-term follow-up beyond the age of hip-joint maturity was performed for 115 hips in 103 patients who underwent open reduction using Ludloff’s medial approach in our hospital. The mean age at surgery was 8.5 months (2 to 26) and the mean follow-up was 20.3 years (15 to 28). The radiological condition at full growth of the hip joint was evaluated by Severin’s classification. Results All 115 hips successfully attained reduction after surgery; however, 74 hips (64.3%) required corrective surgery at a mean age of 2.6 years (one to six). According to Severin’s classification, 69 hips (60.0%) were classified as group I or II, which were considered to represent acceptable results. A total of 39 hips (33.9%) were group III and the remaining seven hips (6.1%) group IV. As to re-operation, 20 of 21 patients who underwent surgical reduction after 12 months of age required additional corrective surgeries during the growth period as the hip joint tended to subluxate gradually. Conclusion Open reduction using Ludloff’s medial approach accomplished successful joint reduction for persistent CDH or DDH, but this surgical treatment was only appropriate before the ambulating stage. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:1–6.

We report probability distributions of the number of secondary ions (SIs) emitted by sub-MeV C

100W C-band gallium nitride solid state power amplifier (GaN SSPA) was developed for satellite use. GaN SSPA has already been applied to various fields such as ground stations and radar systems. Mitsubishi Electric TOKKI Systems (MELOS) had succeeded in developing 150W S-band GaN SSPA and 70W C-band GaN SSPA for satellite use in the past. Based on these development results of the GaN SSPA, MELOS further developed a 100W C-Band GaN SSPA with power added efficiency (PAE) of 50%. In order to achieve higher power and efficiency, MELOS selected a new GaN device and optimized the matching circuit and improved the efficiency of electrical power conditioner (EPC). Furthermore, MELOS adopted MMICs in the RF Low Power Section and optimized the chassis to reduce size. Development result showed that, together with EPC, the GaN SSPA achieved an output power of 119.3W max with PAE of 53.4% max. The mass was 1.45 kg and environment tests at QT level proved that the GaN SSPA is applicable to space use. To the best of our knowledge, the GaN SSPA in this study achieves the highest PAE of C-band GaN SSPA ever reported over 100 W output power. MELOS will continue to pursue further its potential capabilities.

The resuscitation of conjoined twins is a rare and complex clinical challenge. We detail how patient-specific, in situ simulation can be used to prepare a large, multidisciplinary team of health care professionals (HCPs) to deliver safe, efficient, and effective care to such patients. In this case, in situ simulation allowed an 18-person team to address the clinical and ergonomic challenges anticipated for this neonatal resuscitation. The HCPs trained together as an intact team in the actual delivery room environment to probe for human and system weaknesses prior to this unique delivery, and optimized communication, teamwork, and other behavioral skills as they prepared for the simultaneous resuscitation of two patients who were physically joined to one another.

Background Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) results in joint overloading and degenerative changes in the knee. Favorable clinical outcomes have been reported after transtibial pullout repair of MMPRT. To date, however, in vivo tibial rotational changes before and after root repair remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative changes in tibial rotation following MMPRT pullout repair. Hypothesis Pathological external rotation in the knee-flexed position is caused by MMPRT and is reduced after transtibial pullout repair. Patients and methods Fifteen patients who underwent MMPRT pullout repair and 7 healthy volunteers were included. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed in the 10° and 90° knee-flexed positions. The angles between the surgical epicondylar axis and a line between the medial border of the patellar tendon and the apex of the medial tibial spine were measured. Baseline was defined as a line lying at a right angle to the other, and a value was positive and negative when the tibia rotated internally and externally, respectively. Results In the volunteer's normal knees, tibial internal rotation was +1.00° ± 3.27° at 10° flexion and +4.14° ± 3.46° at 90° flexion. In the MMPRT preoperative knees, tibial internal rotation was +1.07° ± 3.01° at 10° flexion and +1.27° ± 2.96° at 90° flexion. In the postoperative knees, tibial internal rotation was +1.60° ± 2.85° at 10° flexion and +4.33° ± 2.89° at 90° flexion. Discussion This study demonstrates discontinuity of the MM posterior root may induce a pathological external rotation of the tibia during knee flexion and that MMPRT pullout repair reduces the pathological external rotation of the tibia in the knee-flexed position. Level of evidence III, comparative retrospective study.

An isochronous mass spectroscopy system using a newly constructed storage ring named the “rare-RI ring” is expected to be implemented at the RIKEN Nishina Center to determine the masses of short-lived rare nuclei including those in the r-process region with a relative precision of the order of 10 - 6 even for only one particle. In an isochronous storage ring, the mass is determined by measuring the revolution time of each nucleus. Our rare-RI ring consists of six magnetic sectors, and each sector consists of four bending magnets. To precisely optimize the isochronous conditions of the circulating particles for large acceptance, we install ten trim coils to half of the bending magnets. A fast-response and fast-charging kicker system enables selective and efficient injection of the produced rare nuclei into the ring one by one, along with facilitating efficient extraction of the circulating particles for time-of-flight measurement. Construction of the rare-RI ring was begun in the middle of the fiscal year 2012 at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory, and the ring is expected to be fully functional by 2015.

The new heavy-ion storage ring project Rare-RI Ring at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory launched in 2012 aims at precision isochronous mass spectrometry for single ions of exotic nuclides. To precisely tune the storage-ring ion optical conditions to the isochronous field setting, Schottky noise pick-up technique will be employed. Pillbox-type resonant cavity, similar to the Schottky pick-up system successfully operating at the experimental storage ring ESR at GSI, is adopted for the pick-up probe. To determine the design values of the cavity, we systematically performed a simulation study of three-dimensional electromagnetic field calculations in the high frequency region. High shunt impedance obtained in the simulation will enable us to detect stored single ions with charge down to q ≃ 15 .

Energetic cluster ions with energies of the order of sub MeV or greater were applied to time-of-flight (TOF) secondary ion (SI) mass spectrometry. This gave various advantages including enhancement of SIs required for chemical structure characterization and prevention of charging effects in SI mass spectra for organic targets. We report some characteristic features of TOF SI mass spectrometry using energetic cluster ion impact ionization and discuss two future applications of it.

We have developed a monitoring system dedicated for heavy-ion cyclotrons that incorporates lock-in amplifiers (LIAs) that can measure the beam phase of signals from phase probe with an amplitude of a few hundred nanovolts. We have compared the performance of the LIA system with that of a conventional system that incorporates oscilloscopes (OSCs). It was confirmed that the LIA system has a much higher precision than the OSC system by the measurement with a wide dynamic range of beam current. Isochronism measurements for a ring cyclotron with a low velocity gain (1.5) were made using both systems and excellent agreement was found between them. However there was a discrepancy between the beam phase measurements using the OSC system and the LIA system, for the case of a ring cyclotron with a high velocity gain of 4.0. It turned out due to a large radial variation of the phase width of circulating beam bunch according to a radial distribution of the acceleration voltage. It was also confirmed that the cable dispersion disturbs the beam-phase measurement using OSC system.

We apply the capillary beam-focusing method for the C 60 fullerene projectiles in the velocity range between 0.14 and 0.2 a.u. We study the C 60 transmission properties through two different types of capillaries: (1) borosilicate glass microcapillary with an outlet diameter of 5.5 μm, and (2) Al 2 O 3 multi-capillary foil with a pore size of about 70 nm and a high aspect ratio of about 750. We measured the transmitted particle composition by using the electrostatic deflection method combined with the microchannel plate imaging technique. For the experiments with the single microcapillary, the main transmission component is found to be primary C 60 beams that are focused in the area equal to the capillary outlet diameter. Minor components are charge-exchanged C 60 ions and charged or neutral fragments (fullerene-like C 60-2 m and small C n particles), and their fractions decrease with decreasing the projectile velocity. It is concluded that the C 60 transmission fraction is considerably high for both types of the capillaries in the present velocity range.

Swift cluster ions, which cause characteristic irradiation effects on a solid surface, have a possibility of establishing a new ion irradiation technique for high-sensitivity surface analysis and innovative surface modification. However, the mechanism of cluster irradiation effects has not been understood completely. We have focused on the charge reduction effect in some physical phenomena and performed a quantitative evaluation of the relationship between the charge state and the interatomic distance of the constituent ions moving in the solid. This technique is based on the refined analysis of the divergence angle of the constituent ions resulting from the foil-induced dissociation of the two-atomic molecular ion. The results derived from this analytical approach clearly showed the correlation between the average charge and the interatomic distance of the constituent ions and implied that the average charge of the constituent ions emerging from the foil varies according to the interatomic distance at the instant of cluster dissociation.

A new injector linac “RILAC2”, has recently been constructed at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory. The main part of the RILAC2 is a drift tube linac that consists of three newly designed cavities. These cavities operate in continuous wave (CW) mode at a fixed frequency of 36.5 MHz. Their structure is based on a quarter-wavelength resonator because this is the smallest resonator available in this frequency range among the available structures. We adopted the direct coupling method in the construction of these cavities. A power amplifier was directly coupled to the cavity without a long transmission line to reduce the installation area and simultaneously reduce construction cost. A detailed cavity and coupler design was carried out via simulation. Our work also describes the design process using three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation software. Construction and operation tests are also shown.

We examined melon-headed whales that mass-stranded live in two events inJapan: (1) 171 animals at Tanegashima Island in 2001 and (2) 85 animals at Hasakiin 2002. We report here the results of life history traits and group composition ofthese strandings, and compare them to another mass stranding with 135 individualsat Aoshima in 1982. In the Hasaki event, most stranded animals, including thosereleased were sexed and measured. The proportion of live males released was muchhigher than that of females, and larger animals, especially females, were more likelyto have died. Females were estimated to attain sexual maturity at around 7 yr andgive birth every 3–4 yr. The sex ratio was significantly different between the Hasakiand Aoshima events. Among dead specimens, females of various age classes wereincluded in all strandings, while age distribution of males varied considerablyamong strandings. This suggests females show group fidelity while males movebetween groups. Asymptotic body length of females from Hasaki was significantlysmaller than that from Tanegashima, suggesting that more than one population ofmelon-headedwhales existoff Japan.Key words: melon-headed whale, Peponocephala electra , life history, social structure,massstranding,Japan.

Background A gross proximal oesophageal margin greater than 5 cm is considered to be necessary for curative surgery of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction. This study investigated whether a shorter proximal margin might suffice in the context of total gastrectomy for Siewert type II and III tumours. Methods The gross proximal margin was measured on stretched specimens just after resection. Relationships between gross proximal margin lengths and clinicopathological features were investigated in patients with Siewert type II and III adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction treated by R0–1 surgical resection. For survival analyses, only patients who had undergone R0 resection for pathological (p) T2–4 N0–3 M0 tumour via a transhiatal approach were evaluated. Results Of the 140 patients, 120 had a total gastrectomy. Two patients (1·4 per cent) had histologically positive proximal margins and another two (1·4 per cent) developed anastomotic recurrence. Of 100 patients with pT2–4 N0–3 M0 tumours who underwent gastrectomy via a transhiatal approach, those with gross proximal margins larger than 20 mm appeared to have better survival than those with shorter margins (P = 0·027). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that a gross proximal margin of 20 mm or less was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio (HR) 3·56, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·39 to 9·14; P = 0·008), as was pathological node status (HR 1·76, 1·08 to 2·86; P = 0·024). Conclusion Gross proximal margin lengths of more than 20 mm in resected specimens seem satisfactory for patients with type II and III adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction treated by transhiatal gastrectomy.

Microbial acidification of incinerated sewage sludge ash and dissolution of metals from the acidified ash were investigated using a semi-batch reactor at different solid retention times (SRTs). The average pH values ranged from 0.91 to 1.2 at SRTs longer than 10 days, whereas the reduction of SRT to 4 days resulted in an increase in the pH value to about 2. The dissolution efficiencies of Al, As, Cd, Cu and Mn were greater than 60% at a SRT of 4 days. Moreover, the effect of pH on precipitation of metals and P (dissolution of 80%) in the filtrate removed from the acidified sewage ash suspension, and the separation of phosphorus and the other metals in the filtrate using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or ferric ion, were examined. Although neutralisation of the filtrate to a pH of 5 simultaneously precipitated 100% of Al and 80% of P recovered from the acidified sewage ash, the addition of EDTA decreased their precipitation to 70 and 50%, respectively, at the same pH value, which would promote precipitation of P as calcium phosphate. Furthermore, neutralising to a pH of 2.5 after the addition of ferric ion precipitated P separately from Al and heavy metals.

Polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with chitin nanofibers was produced from a mixture of a colloidal suspension of PLA particles with chitin nanofiber suspension. The dispersion medium was solely water, which was removed by filtration and drying. Nanocomposites were obtained by compression molding of the filtrates. Static tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to evaluate the reinforcement as a function of nanofiber content. Chitin nanofibers delivered reinforcement similar to cellulose nanofibers, being especially effective at up to 70 wt% fiber load. The ultimate tensile modulus and strength reached 7.7 GPa and 110 MPa, respectively, at a nanofiber content of 70 wt%.

Fenofibrate (FF) is known to block ATP synthesis in mitochondria by inhibiting electron transport at NADH–ubiquinone (UQ) oxidoreductase (complex I) in the respiratory chain. Toxicity to mitochondria of bezafibrate (BF) was compared with that of FF, focusing exclusively on their effects on impairment of the electron-transport and energy-transfer systems in oxidative phosphorylation, by experiments with isolated rat liver mitochondria and submitochondrial particles (SMP). FF and BF had an uncoupling effect, enhancing ATP hydrolytic activity (latent ATPase) in mitochondria. DNP-stimulated ATPase activity was not suppressed by either agent, indicating no interference with the energy-transfer system. Both reagents inhibited NAD-linked respiration but did not affect succinate-linked respiration, indicating specific inhibition of electron-transport activity in complex I. NADH oxidase in SMP was strongly inhibited by FF, and activity was recovered by treatment with tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine, indicating that the site of inhibition is not located at the NADH dehydrogenase portion but at the UQ site in complex I. Uncoupling and electron-transport inhibition by BF were noticeably weaker than those by FF. From these results it was concluded that BF and FF were toxic to mitochondria through the dual actions of an uncoupling effect and electron-transport inhibition. The toxicity of BF to mitochondrial function was found to be noticeably weaker than that of FF, implying that BF might be much less toxic than FF for long term in-vivo use as an antihyperlipidemic agent.

Aim To analyse the correlation between computed tomography (CT) findings of small lung adenocarcinomas and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Classification of Lung Adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods A retrospective review of 300 lung adenocarcinoma lesions (size ≤20 mm) after surgical resection in 295 consecutive patients was performed. Tumours were defined as air-containing type if the ratio of the maximum dimension of the tumour on mediastinal windows to the maximum dimension of the tumour on lung windows was ≤50%, and as solid-density type if the ratio was >50%. The incidence between CT findings (air bronchogram, vascular involvement, pleural tags, notches, and spiculation) and pathological findings were investigated. Results Of the 142 air-containing lesions, 114 were adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), 28 were minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and none of the lesions were invasive adenocarcinoma. Of the 158 solid-density lesions, 30 were AIS, 24 were MIA, and 104 were invasive adenocarcinoma. Notches and pleural tags were commonly observed in cases of invasive adenocarcinoma (p Conclusions In the air-containing type of small lung adenocarcinomas, AIS and MIA were observed but no cases of invasive adenocarcinoma were found. The presence of notches and pleural tags were a significant factor in invasive adenocarcinoma.