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Monitoring the ecology of seabirds breeding on remote islands is often challenging. However, time-lapse cameras have enabled the surveillance of inaccessible sites. We examined arrival/departure movements and breeding timing of the endangered short-tailed albatross Phoebastria albatrus with time-lapse cameras on Torishima, a remote and uninhabited island in the northwestern Pacific, from November 2016 to June 2017. The photographic images revealed that the first arrival of the albatrosses on the island was on 7 October 2016, and the number of birds reached a peak of 506 on 5 November. The white pairs arrived and began incubating approximately 1 wk earlier than the white/brownish pairs. From the end of January, the number of birds repeatedly increased and decreased within a short period of time. The birds’ movement out of the breeding colony often occurred synchronously with a rapid decline in the mean daily air pressure. Adult birds began to leave the colony in April. The number of chicks reached up to 200 at the beginning of May, but they all left the colony before 1 June. The processing of the photographic images taken during the incubation and early guard periods revealed that hatching failed in approximately 10% of the pairs. The validity of information collected by time-lapse cameras was confirmed by comparing it with the results of previous field studies. This study will contribute to the collection of essential information for monitoring and conserving seabirds breeding on remote islands where successive or frequent fieldwork is difficult.

イオンマイクロビームを用いた描画技術（Particle Beam Writing: PBW）により、ワイドバンドギャップ半導体中蛍光欠陥をマイクロメートルスケールで配列する技術について講演する。講演では、プロトンマイクロビームを用いたPBWにより製作したダイヤモンド内の二次元・三次元的な配列の蛍光欠陥や、SiC内の二次元的な配列の蛍光欠陥、さらに窒素ビームを用いた窒素-空孔センターの作製技術について紹介する。これらを通じて、PBWと他の粒子線照射技術との複合利用が、ダイヤモンドやSiC等のワイドバンドギャップ半導体中に蛍光欠陥を形成するための照射技術として有用であることを示す。本講演はICNMTA2020での招待講演である。, 7th International Conference on Nuclear Microprobe Technology and Applications (ICNMTA2020)

Rituximab (RIT) is effective as a part of the desensitization therapy before ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KTx), and a single dose of RIT at 375 mg/mForty-four consecutive ABOi-KTx recipients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Before transplantation, subjects were treated with RIT at various doses, ranging from 65 to 400 mg/body (46-263 mg/mThe incidence of AAMR was significantly higher in the high %CD19 group than in the low %CD19 group (44.4% vs 5.7%, P = .006). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that %CD191.2% was the only independent factor to predict AAMR, with an odds ratio of 14.31 (P = .038).High %CD19 values after rituximab administration in ABOi-KTx recipients implies insufficient depletion of B cells, which can lead to AAMR.

Previous studies have suggested that ID influences the depth of general anaesthesia (GA) and delays emergence from GA. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated whether ID affects the time taken to emerge from GA.We selected dental patients who underwent GA at the Department of Dental Anaesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, before dividing the selected participants into ID and non-ID (control) groups. Relevant data were collected from electronic anaesthesia records. Emergence time, the time from the discontinuation of propofol and remifentanil to tracheal extubation, was recorded for each patient. We compared the data of the ID group and control group. The association between ID and the emergence time was tested for statistical significance. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to control for confounders.A total of 97 cases (control = 50, ID = 47) were included in the study. The emergence time was significantly longer in the ID group (ID group: 15.8 ± 6.6 min, control group: 10.8 ± 3.6 min). The ID group included more men and lower propofol and remifentanil infusion rates. The treatment time was longer, and the mean bispectral index was lower in the ID group. Sevoflurane inhalation was used only for anaesthesia induction in the ID group. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, ID was found to be significantly associated with a longer emergence time.Our results suggest that ID is associated with a longer emergence time from GA.

A new measurement method to determine ac losses in superconducting coils has been proposed, and its validity confirmed experimentally. In this method, the ac losses in the coil can be obtained from measured Poynting's vectors around the coil windings. The Poynting's vectors can be obtained by local magnetic fields and electric fields around the coil. Local magnetic fields and electric fields are measured by pick-up coils and potential leads, which are mounted around the sample coil. These pick-up coil and potential lead pairs are arranged on the inner side, outer side, top, and bottom of the coil windings to cover the entire coil windings. This measurement method has the benefit that ac losses in a coil in a superconducting coil system consisting of multiple coils can be measured. Not only ac losses in the coils but also information on local electromagnetic phenomena in the coils can be obtained from profiles of the Poynting's vectors. In this paper, the details of the measuring method are described, and experiments using a coil wound with Bi-2223 multifilamentary tapes were carried out in liquid nitrogen to confirm the validity of the measurement method.

AIM To examine the blood flow (BF) response in the lower abdomen (LAB) in recovery following upright cycling exercise at three levels of relative maximum pulmonary oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) and the relationship of BF(LAB) to heart rate (HR) and target intensity. METHODS For 11 healthy subjects, BF (Doppler ultrasound) in the upper abdominal aorta (Ao) above the coeliac trunk and in the right femoral artery (RFA) was measured repeatedly for 720 s after the end of cycling exercises at target intensities of 30%, 50% and 85% VO(2max), respectively. Blood flow in the lower abdomen (BF(LAB)) can be measured by subtracting bilateral BF(FAs) (≈twofolds of BF(RFA)) from BF(Ao). Change in BF(LAB) (or BF(LAB) volume) at any point was evaluated by difference between change in BF(Ao) and in BF(FAs). Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. RESULTS At 85% VO(2max), significant reduction in BF(LAB) by approx. 89% was shown at 90 s and remained until 360 s. At 50% VO(2max), reduction in BF(LAB) by approx. 33% was found at 90 s although it returned to pre-exercise value at 120 s. On the contrary at 30% VO(2max), BF(LAB) showed a light increase (

We have studied in northern Japan the hitherto unidentified eggs of a species of cuckoo in the nests of the Bush Warbler Cettia diphone. The cuckoo in question appeared to be the Himalayan Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus which parasitizes mainly the Willow Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis in southern Japan. The egg colour in this northern Cuckoo was chocolate-brown or orange-brown, similar to that of the Bush Warbler but unlike that of the southern Himalayan Cuckoo. Egg size was significantly larger than that of the southern Himalayan Cuckoo and instead similar to that of the Little Cuckoo C. poliocephalus which uses the same host species in southern Japan, to which the Little Cuckoo is confined. The shift in host species and egg colour in the northern Himalayan Cuckoo seems to be a case of character release in the absence of the Little Cuckoo.

The effect of aging on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) was investigated in a cross-sectional study in the high-altitude community of Leh, Ladakh (altitude: 3524 m) and a Japanese community in U town, Hokkaido (altitude: 25 m). BP and HR were obtained in a sitting position from 332 subjects 13-81 years of age in Ladakh, and from 216 Japanese citizens, 24-79 years of age. Measurements were taken after a 2-min rest, using a semi-automated BP device (UA-767 PC, A and D Co. LTD, Tokyo). High-altitude people showed higher diastolic BP and HR values than lowland people (83.2 vs. 76.9 mmHg and 78.6 vs. 69.2 bpm, P < 0.001), but no difference in systolic BP. Highland people also showed a steeper BP increase with age than the lowland people (systolic BP: 0.7476 vs. 0.3179 mmHg/year, P < 0.0005; diastolic BP: 0.3196 vs. 0.0750 mmHg/year, P < 0.001). This chronoecologic investigation in Ladakh examined the circulation as a physiological system at high-altitude. Our data indicate the need for a more comprehensive cardiovascular assessment for a better diagnosis and a more fruitful treatment. Longitudinal observations of effects of socio-ecologic factors on the cardiovascular system should help prevent strokes and other cardiovascular events, especially at high altitude.

It is often observed in industrial practice that the thickness uniformity of blown film obtained with a given die varies with the type of polymer. We have shown in previous works the importance of the wall slip of polymer melt in the film uniformity. Currently available models of polymer melt flow through spiral mandrel dies neglect the wall slip. The present work considers the slip in flow analyses and predicts the effects of rheological properties on the uniformity; the decreases in melt viscosity and wall slip and the increases in shear thinning and the stress dependence of wall slip reduce the uniformity. The predictions agree well with the experimental results obtained in our previous studies.

The forearm muscles of five healthy males were monitored for changes in microvessel hemoglobin saturation (SO2-TRS) by near infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS) and changes in phosphorus metabolites by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) during 12 min of resting arterial occlusion. Muscle oxygenation and phosphorus metabolites were also measured during grip exercises at varying intensities. Upon the initiation of occlusion, SO2-TRS fell progressively until it reached a plateau in the latter half of the occlusion. Phosphocreatine (PCr) began to decrease around 6 min after the initiation of arterial occlusion. The resting O2 store and O2 consumption were 295 μM and 0.95 μM/sec, respectively-values which reasonably agree with the reported results. A significant correlation was observed between the changes in SO2-TRS and PCr during exercise (r2 = 0.80, p < 0.001). These results indicate that NIRTRS is able to provide reliable information about resting metabolism and oxidative rate during exercise. NIRTRS and MRS are useful to monitor oxygenation and energetics noninvasively in the human muscle.

Studies on mercury levels in the Amazonian Region have typically lacked background or reference parameters. A sectional study on Hg concentration in hair and fish was conducted, together with an assessment of the prevalence of signs and symptoms related to Hg poisoning, in four communities in the Amazon Basin not impacted by gold mining, located either by a river course (Santana do Ituqui and Caxiuanã) or by a lake (Aldeia do Lago Grande and Vila do Tabatinga). Mercury determinations in hair and fish were made by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean total Hg in hair was 4.33 microg/g (0.40-11.60 microg/g) in 321 individuals from Santana do Ituqui, 3.98 microg/g (0.40-11.76 microg/g) for 316 persons in Aldeia do Lago Grande, 5.46 microg/g (0.37-49.85 microg/g) for 504 individuals from Vila do Tabatinga and 8.58 microg/g (0.61-45.59 microg/g) for 203 inhabitants from Caxiuanã. Fish consumption was very high in all those communities but no signs or symptoms associated with Hg poisoning were found. Mean Hg concentration in fish varied from 0.006 to 2.529 microg/g for carnivores and from 0.008 to 0.871 microg/g for noncarnivores. These values suggest that further studies including a larger number of communities would eventually lead to values of "normal" Hg concentration in the Amazonian Region quite above the limits suggested by the World Health Organization.

Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Servi?os de Sa?de P?blica. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Servi?os de Sa?de P?blica. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Servi?os de Sa?de P?blica. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Rio de Janeiro Federal University. Center for Studies in Public Health. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Servi?os de Sa?de P?blica. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Executive Secretariat of Industry, Commerce and Mining. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Servi?os de Sa?de P?blica. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. AMBIOS - Engeneering and Processes. S?o Paulo, SP, Brazil. Municipal Secretariat of Health. Rio Branco, AC, Brazil. Rio de Janeiro Federal University. Center for Studies in Public Health. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Em?lio Goeldi Paraense Museum. Bel?m, PA, Brazil.

Background Although pineal parenchymal tumours are very rare in elderly patients, we recently successfully treated a 72-year-old male patient. Interestingly, the histology of his pineal parenchymal tumour was mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma, which is reported to be extremely rare in aged patients. We present his clinical manifestations, follow-up MRI, surgical treatment, pathological findings, and review the literature. Clinical material This 72-year-old man had a mass in the pineal region detected 3 years previously on MRI in February 1996 following symptoms of headache and vertigo. Two years later, he experienced gait disturbance and disorientation. CT scans disclosed obstructive hydrocephalus, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement was then performed. The tumour mass began to enlarge in July 1999 (at age 72). On October 13, 1999, total removal of the pineal region tumour was performed through an occipital transtentorial approach. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological diagnosis of the tumour was mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma. Conclusion Pineal parenchymal tumours are uncommon in elderly patients, and mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastomas are particularly rare. We followed this patient closely for more than 3.5 years and finally performed total surgical removal of the tumour, with excellent outcome. The present case suggests that a mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma tumour is controllable even in elderly patients through careful evaluation and management.

We have analysed retrospectively the relationship between the axial parameters of alignment of the lower limb and the recurrence of varus deformity after high tibial osteotomy. We studied 29 patients (37 knees) with a mean age at surgery of 66 years. The mean follow-up was for 7.4 years (5 to 10.5). Recurrence of varus deformity was defined as an increase in the femorotibial angle of 3° or more, compared with that obtained six months after the operation. There were four patients (four knees) with recurrence of varus deformity. They had a greater varus inclination of the distal femur than those without varus recurrence. An association between varus inclination of the distal femur and horizontal obliquity of the joint surface was observed. Excessive obliquity prevents the shift of weight-bearing to the lateral compartment, and may cause a recurrence of varus deformity after high tibial osteotomy.

In order to obtain the information about plutonium contamination in ocean environment, plutonium in the internal organs of squid collected from Japanese inshore were determined by HR-ICP-MS. Although the plutonium was detected in all samples collected in 1980"""s, the concentration is almost the same level as the detection limit (1 to 3 mBq/kg wet) in recent years. The atomic ratio of 240Pu/239Pu in all samples was slightly higher than the value of global fallout.

Salp16, a 16-kDa tick salivary gland protein, is known to be the molecule involved in the transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an obligate intracellular pathogen causing zoonotic anaplasmosis, from its mammalian hosts to Ixodes scapularis. Recently, the presence of A. phagocytophilum was documented in Japan and Ixodes persulcatus was identified as one of its vectors. The purpose of this study was to identify Salp16 genes in I. persulcatus and characterize their function. Two cDNA clones encoding the Salp16-like sequences were obtained from the salivary glands of fed female I. persulcatus ticks and designated Salp16 Iper1 and Iper2. Gene expression analyses showed that the Salp16 Iper genes were expressed specifically in the salivary glands and were up-regulated by blood feeding. These proteins attenuated the oxidative burst of activated bovine neutrophils and inhibited their migration induced by the chemoattractant interleukin-8 (IL-8). These results demonstrate that Salp16 Iper proteins contribute to the establishment of blood feeding as an immunosuppressant of neutrophil, an essential factor in innate host immunity. Further examination of the role of Salp16 Iper in the transmission of pathogens, including A. phagocytophilum, will increase our understanding of the tick-host-pathogen interface.

Highly transparent, low-resistance SnO 2 :F films suitable as a substrate material for thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cells have been developed on 10 × 10, 30 x 60 and 82 x 71 cm 2 glass substrates by an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (pyrosol) process. Dimethyltin dichloride, NH 4 F and HF dissolved in water served as the source solution. A fine spray of the source solution has been transported using air as a carrier gas onto hot glass plates in a belt furnace maintained at 500-530°C. A very high growth rate of > 15 nm/s and a high throughput of 3 min/glass plate (82 x 71 cm 2 size) have been achieved with films showing greater uniformity, low sheet resistance and high optical transmission. Typical films exhibited a thickness of 500 nm, a sheet resistance of 8.1 Ω/sq., a mobility of 43.8 cm 2 /V s and a donor concentration of 3.5 x 10 20 cm -3 . A thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cell fabricated on a 30 x 60 cm 2 SnO 2 :F transparent conducting substrate exhibited a solar energy conversion efficiency maximum of 14.95% for 1 cm 2 cell and an average efficiency of 14.24% for 178 isolated 1 cm 2 cells.

Highly efficient large area (10.5%, 1376 cm2) thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cell sub-module has been fabricated. Very recently we also have fabricated a very large area sub-module of aperture area 5413 cm2 exhibiting a conversion efficiency of 8.4%. Such a high efficiency has been achieved by depositing all the constituent films such as SnO2: F, CdS and CdTe having greater uniformity and better quality under atmospheric pressure conditions. A post deposition treatment of CdTe surface with CdCl2 has been optimized to improve the overall solar cell output performance significantly.

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the quantitative measurement of muscle oxidative metabolism in exercise by near-infrared continuous-wave spectroscopy (NIRcws). Twelve male subjects performed two bouts of dynamic handgrip exercise, once for the NIRcws measurement and once for the 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurement as a standard measure. The resting muscle metabolic rate (RMRmus) was independently measured by 31P-MRS during 15 min of arterial occlusion at rest. During the first exercise bout, the quantitative value of muscle oxidative metabolic rate at 30 s postexercise was evaluated from the ratio of the rate of oxyhemoglobin/myoglobin decline measured by NIRcws during arterial occlusion 30 s after exercise and the rate at rest. Therefore, the absolute values of muscle oxidative metabolic rate at 30 s after exercise [V˙o 2NIR(30)] was calculated from this ratio multiplied by RMRmus. During the second exercise bout, creatine phosphate (PCr) resynthesis rate was measured by 31P-MRS at 30 s postexercise [Q(30)] under the same conditions but without arterial occlusion postexercise. To determine the validity of NIRcws, V˙o 2NIR(30) was compared with Q(30). There was a significant correlation betweenV˙o 2NIR(30), which ranged between 0.018 and 0.187 mM ATP/s, and Q(30), which ranged between 0.041 and 0.209 mM ATP/s ( r = 0.965, P < 0.001). This result supports the application of NIRcws to quantitatively evaluate muscle oxidative metabolic rate in exercise.

We present the results of a theoretical and vibrational spectroscopic study carried out on three different 2,2 ′(dihexyl-2,2′,5,5′-tetrahydro-2,2′-bithienylidene-5,5′-diylidene)bis(propanedinitrile) isomers, which are compared with the corresponding unsubstituted bithienoquinonoid in the pristine state as solids. In these isomers, the two solubilizing hexyl side chains are attached to preassigned ‚-positions: head-to-head (HH), head-totail (HT), and tail-to-tail (TT). These materials possess a highly extended ﷿-electron conjugation, since they bear a pure heteroquinonoid structure in their electronic ground states. Thus, these molecules could be regarded as suitable models of the structural perturbations induced by the ionization in doped polythiophene.

Spectroscopic properties of Nd 3+ and Ho 3+ in a Ga 2 S 3 –GeS 2 –La 2 S 3 glass system were investigated on the basis of the Judd–Ofelt analyses for 60GaS 3/2 · 10GeS 2 · 27LaS 3/2 · 3LnS 3/2 glasses (Ln=Nd or Ho) and emission lifetime measurements for 60GaS 3/2 · 10GeS 2 · 29.7LaS 3/2 · 0.3LnS 3/2 glasses (Ln=Nd or Ho). The obtained Judd–Ofelt Ω 2 parameter for Nd 3+ was larger than those of other glass systems such as oxides and fluorides. For Ho 3+ , on the other hand, the Ω 2 parameter was so small that it could not be determined with enough accuracy. Non-radiative transition rates for 4 G 5/2 and 2 K 13/2 levels of Nd 3+ and 5 F 5 and 5 S 2 levels of Ho 3+ were obtained by the difference between the inverse of the measured emission lifetimes and the calculated radiative transition rates of these levels. The non-radiative transition rate of the 5 S 2 of Ho 3+ was about one order larger than predicted from the so called `energy-gap law'. We assumed that the energy transfer from the 5 S 2 of Ho 3+ to an electronic state of the host glass occurs. Multiphonon relaxation rates were comparable with those of a ZnCl 2 -based glass.

This investigation was performed to examine qualitatively and quantitatively the reverse flow in partially dried roots of Sesbania rostrata using the constant power heat balance method. First, a semi-empirical technique for estimating sheath conductance of sap-flow sensors without assuming that sap flow is zero at night was proposed. Sap flow measured with the heat balance method was compared with water uptake as measured by a potometric method. Sap flow was overestimated by 56·1% for a 3·3-mm-diameter root, and by 40·0% for 6·1 mm and 33·3% for 8·8 mm roots. However, high correlation coefficients between the rates of water uptake and sap flow demonstrated that calibration would provide reliable values for root sap flow. To detect reverse flow, a split root experiment was conducted using a S. rostrata plant with its root system divided between dry and wet compartments. Daily sap flow of the drying compartment declined whereas that in ‘wet’ root increased, suggesting that the decrease in water uptake by ‘dry’ roots was offset by the ‘wet’ roots. Reverse flow was observed at night in the root on the dry side of the container when the soil water potential was less than –0·30 MPa. The total amount of water released into the soil during the night period was estimated to be 22·5 g.

In order to evaluate the rotating strength of TiAl alloys, mechanical and rotating burst testing were conducted on wrought TiAl having various microstructures. The rotating burst strength of the nearly lamellar (NL) structure was greater than near gamma (NG) or fully lamellar (FL) structures. The mechanical properties which have an affect on the rotating strength were yield strength and elongation, and only a slight amount of elongation allows the rotating burst characteristics of TiAl alloys to change from ceramic-like maximum stress dependency to metal-like mean stress dependency. It was estimated that forged NL–TiAl has greater rotating strength above 1000 K than superalloys in current use.

The dependence of the leakage current in 1.3-/spl mu/m InGaAsP buried heterostructure (BH) lasers with p-n-p-n current blocking layers on well number, mesa width, and carrier density has been analyzed using a two-dimensional device simulator and compared with the electroluminescence (EL) emitted from InP layers. The analysis of the minority carrier flow reveals that the electron current flowing through the p-n-p-n current blocking layers is the dominant component of the leakage current. The measured EL intensity has two peaks at both sides of the n-blocking layer apart from the active layer. The EL intensity decreases with increasing well number and carrier density of the p-blocking layer, and increases with increasing mesa width. These results are consistent with the simulations.

Die Kompression der Vena cava inferior (VCI) durch den graviden Uterus in der Spatschwangerschaft in Ruckenlage kann zu deutlichen hamodynamischen Beeintrachtigungen fuhren. Als einfache „Therapie“ gilt die Linksseitenlagerung. Da aber eine komplette Seitenlage in vielen klinischen Situationen nicht praktikabel ist, wird eine links-seitliche Anlagerung empfohlen. Es gibt jedoch keine Arbeiten dazu, welcher Winkel dabei die Kompression der VCI ausreichend reduziert. Japanische Mediziner habe das nun untersucht.

The threshold current and the characteristic temperature of 1.3-/spl mu/m InGaAsP-InP buried heterostructure (BH) lasers with the p-n-p-n blocking layers have been numerically analyzed using a two-dimensional (2-D) device simulator. The simulation model includes optical gain, intervalence absorption, radiative spontaneous-emission current. Auger recombination current, Shockley-Read-Hall recombination current, and heterobarrier leakage current. In addition to these components, the leakage current flowing through the p-n-p-n blocking layer which was ignored so far is also included. The analysis of the current components reveals that the increase in the threshold current with temperature is due to Auger recombination and the leakage current through the p-n-p-n blocking layer. The calculated T/sub 0/ value containing all the components is 54 K at room temperature and 29 K above 80/spl deg/C, which is consistent with observed T/sub 0/ values. When the leakage current through the p-n-p-n blocking layer is ignored in the calculation, the T/sub 0/ value is improved to 90 K and a decrease in the T/sub 0/ value is not observed. This result is consistent with conventional calculations. When Auger recombination is ignored. the T/sub 0/ value increases to 110 K at room temperature. However, the threshold current increases beyond the exponential relationship I/sub th/=I/sub 0/ exp(T/T/sub 0/) and the T/sub 0/ value decreases to 34 K at high temperature. This is due to a large increase rate of the leakage current through the p-n-p-n blocking layer. The reduction of Auger recombination is effective in decreasing the threshold current while the reduction of the leakage current through the p-n-p-n blocking layer is effective in improving T/sub 0/ values at high temperature, since T/sub 0/ values correspond to the increase rate of the threshold current.

We studied 37 patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee to determine the influence of the bone mineral density (BMD) on the varus deformity. There were 15 men (21 knees) and 22 women (38 knees). The mean age of the men was 69 years and of the women 68 years. BMD was measured in the L1–L4 spinal region using dual X-ray absorptiometry. In the women a low level of BMD was associated with varus deformity originating at the proximal tibia, but a high level was predominantly linked with deformity originating in the joint space. Similar findings were obtained in the men. Our results suggest that a low BMD predisposes to trabecular microfractures and consequently increased stress on the articular cartilage. A low BMD does not preclude osteoarthritic change in the knee.

Spectroscopic properties of Er3+ in Ga2S3–GeS2–La2S3 glasses are investigated on the basis of the spontaneous emission probabilities calculated by the use of the Judd–Ofelt theory and lifetime data. Frequency upconversion spectra are also measured with excitation at 800 and 980 nm. The spontaneous emission probabilities are much larger than those of the other glass systems such as oxides and fluorides. This is mainly attributed to the large refractive indices of the sulfide glasses. The quantum efficiencies of 4I11/2 and 4F9/2 levels are comparable or larger than the typical values of Er3+ in a fluoride glass. This is a consequence of the large spontaneous emission probabilities and low phonon energies of the sulfide glasses. However, the quantum efficiency of the 4S3/2 level is less than one-half of the value in the fluoride glass. The nonradiative transition probability of the 4S3/2 level is much larger than the value which is evaluated from the multiphonon relaxation theory. This suggests the presence ...

Repeated long-term censuses have revealed large-scale spatial patterns in Amazon basin forest structure and dynamism, with some forests in the west of the basin having up to a twice as high rate of aboveground biomass production and tree recruitment as forests in the east. Possible causes for this variation could be the climatic and edaphic gradients across the basin and/or the spatial distribution of tree species composition. To help understand causes of this variation a new individual-based model of tropical forest growth, designed to take full advantage of the forest census data available from the Amazonian Forest Inventory Network (RAINFOR), has been developed. The model allows for within-stand variations in tree size distribution and key functional traits and between-stand differences in climate and soil physical and chemical properties. It runs at the stand level with four functional traits - leaf dry mass per area (Ma), leaf nitrogen (NL) and phosphorus (PL) content and wood density (DW) varying from tree to tree - in a way that replicates the observed continua found within each stand. We first applied the model to validate canopy-level water fluxes at three eddy covariance flux measurement sites. For all three sites the canopy-level water fluxes were adequately simulated. We then applied the model at seven plots, where intensive measurements of carbon allocation are available. Tree-by-tree multi-annual growth rates generally agreed well with observations for small trees, but with deviations identified for larger trees. At the stand level, simulations at 40 plots were used to explore the influence of climate and soil nutrient availability on the gross (ΠG) and net (ΠN) primary production rates as well as the carbon use efficiency (CU). Simulated ΠG, ΠN and CU were not associated with temperature. On the other hand, all three measures of stand level productivity were positively related to both mean annual precipitation and soil nutrient status. Sensitivity studies showed a clear importance of an accurate parameterisation of within- and between-stand trait variability on the fidelity of model predictions. For example, when functional tree diversity was not included in the model (i.e. with just a single plant functional type with mean basin-wide trait values) the predictive ability of the model was reduced. This was also the case when basin-wide (as opposed to site-specific) trait distributions were applied within each stand. We conclude that models of tropical forest carbon, energy and water cycling should strive to accurately represent observed variations in functionally important traits across the range of relevant scales. © Author(s) 2014.

We present a study of the branching fraction of the decay B0??0?0 and the fraction of longitudinally polarized ?0 mesons in this decay. The results are obtained from the final data sample containing 772�106 BB? pairs collected at the (4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We find 166�59 B0??0?0 events (including systematic uncertainties), corresponding to a branching fraction of B(B0??0?0)=(1.02�0.30(stat) �0.15(syst))�10-6 with a significance of 3.4 standard deviations and a longitudinal polarization fraction fL=0.21-0.22+0.18(stat)�0. 15(syst). We use the longitudinal polarization fraction to determine the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix angle ?2=(84.9�13.5)� through an isospin analysis in the B??? system. We furthermore find 125�41 B0?f0?0 events, corresponding to B(B0?f0?0) �B(f0??+?-)=(0.78�0.22(stat)�0.11(syst)) �10-6, with a significance of 3.1 standard deviations. We find no other significant contribution with the same final state, and set upper limits at 90% confidence level on the (product) branching fractions, B(B0??+?- ?+?-)

High-efficiency CdSCdTe solar cells with thin CdS film have recently been developed. Semiconductive layers of CdS via the CVD method and of CdTe via the CSS method were deposited on an ITO/#7059 substrate. Cell performance depends primarily on the thickness of CdS film, and the conversion efficiency is highest for a CdS film thickness of around 60 nm. Since the CdS film thickness decreases by about 30% during deposition of the CdTe layer, a thickness of 95 nm is required to obtain a 60 nm-thick CdS film after deposition of a CdTe layer. By observing the CdS film during the CdTe deposition process, a decrease was detected before CdTe layer completely covers the surface of the CdS film. By optimizing the thickness of CdS film, an efficiency of 15.12% for the best cell under AM 1.5 verified at JQA was obtained. This fabrication process has good reproducibility; 92.5% of 1 cm2 solar cells fabricated under the same conditions have efficiencies above 14%.

The present study was designed to investigate the influences of IFN-alpha on the microcirculatory hemodynamics. The mesenteric microcirculation of male Wistar rats was observed through an intravital fluorescence microscopic system. The leukocyte behavior, RBC velocity, and albumin leakage were monitored simultaneously before and after a continuous infusion of IFN-alpha. In other rats, the oxidant-sensitive fluorescence probe dihydrorhodamine-123 (DHR) fluorescence was observed in the same set up. Administration of IFN-alpha increased the number of adherent and emigrated leukocytes and decreased the RBC velocity in mesenteric venules. Oxidative stress indicated by DHR fluorescence was exacerbated in microvessels of IFN-alpha-treated rats. Following the leukocyte recruitment and oxidative stress, an exaggerated albumin leakage was observed. Thrombus formation in venules and hemorrhage along venules were frequently observed in rats treated with IFN-alpha. N,N'-dimethylthiourea, a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide and a hydroxyl radical, largely prevented these microvascular responses. Pretreatment of rats with mAb directed against either CD18 or ICAM-1 also attenuated the IFN-alpha-induced microvascular alterations. It is concluded, therefore, that a high concentration of IFN-alpha stimulates CD18/ICAM-1-dependent adhesive interactions with endothelial cells and oxidant production of leukocytes, which leads to microcirculatory derangements characterized by decreased barrier function and reduced anticoagulant activity of venular endothelial cells.

We have studied reliability of 680-nm visible laser diodes (LDs) with a window-mirror structure formed by zinc-diffusion-induced disordering of GaInP quantum wells. Aging tests under the condition of CW output power in the range of 50-100 mW for ambient temperature from 40/spl deg/C to 70/spl deg/C have been carried out for 650-/spl mu/m-long LDs and 900-/spl mu/m-long LDs with three kinds of the front facet reflectivities (1.5%, 6% and 13%). In all tests, laser operation was stable for over 5000 h. For example, reliable 500-10000-h operation of the 900-/spl mu/m LDs was realized under the conditions of output power of 50 mW at 70/spl deg/C, 70 mW at 60/spl deg/C, and 100 mW at 40/spl deg/C for the first time. By various aging test results, dependence of the temperature and the output power on increase of the operating current has been investigated. Also, influences of the facet reflectivities and the cavity lengths on the reliability have been studied with focus on the optical power density and the current density. Consequently, it has been clarified that the degradation of the window LDs rather strongly depends on the operating current density than the optical power density. Moreover, it has been proven that the reliability of the window LDs is effectively improved by the reduction of the operating current density due to extension of the cavity length.

Strained-layer multiquantum-well distributed-feedback (MQW-DFB) lasers at a wavelength of 1.3 /spl mu/m operating from -40/spl deg/C to 85/spl deg/C without any coolers are demonstrated. Extremely low threshold current of 17 mA at 85/spl deg/C and operation current of 37 mA at 5 mW and 85/spl deg/C are obtained. To the best of our knowledge, each of them is the lowest value so far reported in InGaAsP-InP based DFB lasers. The lasers also realize low distortion of less than -50 dBc at 65/spl deg/C in 78-channel composite second order distortion (CSO) measurements. An experimental estimation of the leakage current in buried heterostructure presents that the distortion at high temperatures is mostly dominated by the carrier overflow from an active layer, not by the leakage current flowing through current blocking layers. On the basis of the leakage current analysis, a laser structure including the active layer and the current blocking layer is chosen to achieve low distortion over a wide-temperature-range. The uncooled distributed-feedback (DFB) laser we have developed is very useful for several channel transmission in CATV systems.

“Thorotrast” was widely used in the past as an X-ray contrast medium, containing a colloidal solution of thorium dioxide (232ThO2). After injection, thorium accumulates and is mainly retained in the liver. Thus once Thorotrast is administered, patients might be chronically exposed to α-radiations. Recently, significant development of cirrhosis and cancer of the liver has often been noted among Thorotrast patients. Additionally the incidence of lung and breast disease has significantly increased. Thus, the assessment of internal radiation dose from deposits of Thorotrast is very important. In this report, the thorium content in various organs was determined by means of neutron activation analysis. All the samples were taken from organs of Thorotrast patients subsequent to death. The ashed samples were irradiated in a reactor. After cooling, the content of thorium was determined by measurement of gamma rays resulting from the decay of protactinium-233. For comparison, measurements by other analytical methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, colorimetric analysis using ArsenazoIII and radiation measurement of γ-rays from actinium-228, were carried out.

Sulfide glasses of 50GaS3/2⋅20GeS2⋅20LaS3/2⋅10LnSn/2 (Ln=rare earth ions, n=2 for Eu and 3 for other ions) compositions have been prepared. The wavelength dispersions in the Faraday effect of the glasses have been examined. Glasses containing LaS3/2 and YS3/2 have positive Verdet constants in the wavelength region from 550 to 850 nm, and the magnitude of the Verdet constants decreases with increasing wavelength. On the other hand, the Verdet constants of glasses containing Eu2+ and Ce3+ are negative, and the absolute magnitude of the Verdet constants decreases with increasing wavelength. The effective transition wavelengths of glasses containing various paramagnetic rare‐earth ions have been calculated based on the Van Vleck and Hebb theory. Factors determining the Verdet constants of these glasses are discussed.

Characteristics of AuSi liquid metal alloy ion source with single and coupling (double) extractor electrodes have been investigated both in the focused ion beam machine, and in the vacuum test bed system equipped with quadrupole mass spectrometer. Liquid metal ion source with coupling extractor electrode produce a stable total ion current which increases almost linearly when compared with a single extractor electrode. The isotope current of 197Au+ observed with quadrupole mass spectrometer is higher in the ion source with coupling extractor electrode than in a single extractor electrode, nonetheless, the pattern of its current–voltage characteristics remain the same for both single and coupling extractor electrodes. However, for lighter isotopes such as 28Si+ and 28Si++, the result is reversed (higher in ion source with single extractor electrode). The secondary electron image of copper grid pictures obtained from focused ion beam systems installed with an AuSi liquid metal alloy ion source with single an...

Host handling behavior of Telenomus triptus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to an egg mass of Piezodorus hybneri Gmelin (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was studied in the laboratory. Five distinct behavioral events could be distinguished in the host handling behavior: drumming, ovipositor-insertion, marking, walking, and resting. Female wasps showed two types of behavioral sequence in an ovipositional bout. One consisted of drumming, ovipositor-insertion, and marking, and the other drumming, ovipositor-insertion, walking, and resting. Females did not seem to lay an egg when ovipositor-insertion was not followed by marking. This was observed frequently in the early oviposition bout, on average 2.9 times per female. Females finally succeeded in parasitizing all the eggs in a host egg mass in most cases. The durations of drumming, ovipositor-insertion, and marking on an egg mass were nearly constant, while the total time spent by a female on and beside a host egg mass varied considerably as a result of variable durations of walking and resting. Self-superparasitism occurred when almost all the eggs in a host egg mass were parasitized. Females laid the first male egg within the first four eggs; this could be an adaptation to small egg masses or single egg.

Heteroepitaxial p+-Si1−xGexn-Si(100) structures have been formed by the ArF excimer laser-induced melt-regrowth technique. Ge films are deposited on n-type Si(100) substrates by photochemical vapor deposition using an ArF excimer laser (λ = 193 nm) with tetraethylgermanium. Thin boron films are deposited on the Ge film using laser photolysis of B2H6. Successive 0.7 J/cm2 laser pulse irradiation initiates rapid melting near the surface and mixing of B/Ge/Si to form a B-doped heteroepitaxial p+-Si1−xGexn-Si(100) structure. The 〈001〉 axis of the alloy layers is oriented toward Si(100). Ge fractions in the alloy layers depend on Ge film thickness and the number of melting pulses. The total quantity of B incorporated into the alloy layers can be controlled by varying the number of deposition pulses at the B film deposition stage. The sheet resistance of a B-doped Si1−xGex (x < 0.04) alloy layer can be reduced to 20 Ω/□.

We have investigated, in terms of the Cohen-Turnbull theory, a relationship for polycarbonate (PC) glasses between average stress relaxation times, , and average free volume sizes, , obtained from positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. This examination suggests that the minimum free volume required for stress relaxation, υ*, decreases with decreasing temperature and that, near the glass transition temperature, only a subset of extremely large free volume elements contributes to the stress relaxation of PC glasses. This suggestion is consistent with the idea that near the glass transition temperature, the viscoelastic response is dominated by large-scale, main-chain motion, whereas at lower temperature it is controlled by local motion. Moreover, comparison with the υ* value estimated from gas diffusivity through various PC species at room temperature shows that the required free volume size for stress relaxation in the glass transition region is much larger than that for gas diffusion. Previously we showed that the Doolittle equation fails to correlate viscoelastic relaxation times of polymer glasses with changing temperature ; determining the free volume fraction, h, from theoretical analysis of volume recovery data and theory, the Doolittle equation is shown to be valid in PC above 135°C (T g - 14°C) irrespective of temperature and physical aging times. This result supports the idea suggested in the previous article that, as glassy polymers approach the transition region, viscoelastic properties increasingly tend to be controlled by free volume.