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COVID-19 afflicts patients with acute symptoms and longer-term sequelae. One of the sequelae is myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which is often difficult to diagnose, having no established tests. In this article, we synthesize information from literature reviews on patients with ME/CSF that developed after recovery from COVID-19.

Purpose Advances in endoscopic technology have led to the reevaluation of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge-to-surgery (BTS) in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. In Japan, after inclusion of SEMS placement as a BTS in the medical insurance coverage in 2012, this procedure has been increasingly performed. However, a transanal decompression tube (TADT) placement has been used as a BTS. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the optimal strategy for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (OLCRC) by comparing SEMS and TADT placement with emergency surgery. Methods We included 301 patients with stage II and III OLCRC from 27 institutions. The study patients were divided into Surgery group (emergency surgery, n = 103), SEMS group (BTS by SEMS, n = 113), and TADT group (BTS by TADT, n = 85). We compared the survival and perioperative outcomes of patients in the Surgery group as a standard treatment with those in the SEMS and TADT groups. Results The 3-year relapse-free survival rate in patients in the Surgery group was 74.8%, while that in patients in the SEMS group and TADT group were 69.0% (p = 0.39) and 55.3% (p = 0.006), respectively. The technical success rate was not statistically different, but the clinical success rate was significantly higher in the SEMS group than in the TADT group (p = 0.0040). With regard to postoperative complications after curative surgery, the SEMS group had significantly lower of complications (≥ grade 2) than the Surgery group (p = 0.022). Conclusion Patients who underwent SEMS placement for OLCRC had similar oncological outcomes to patients who underwent emergency surgery.

This study aimed to determine the outcomes and prognostic factors associated with octogenarians who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer. From 2009 to 2018, 76 octogenarians underwent pulmonary surgery for lung cancer at the Kanazawa Medical University, Japan. They were divided into two groups (early and late octogenarians), and their clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were investigated. Overall survival rates and recurrence-free survival rates were determined using Kaplan–Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. Limited surgery was performed more often in the late octogenarian group; however, most perioperative factors were not significantly different between the two groups. The 3-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 61.2% and 52.8%, respectively. The median observation period was 37.5 (8.9–112.3) months postoperatively. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that age ≥ 85 years (late octogenarian), smoking history, and squamous cell carcinoma on histology were associated with worse survival rates. Multivariate analysis identified age ≥ 85 years (late octogenarian) (p = 0.011) and cigarette smoking (p = 0.025) as unfavorable prognostic factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival, respectively. Most octogenarians with an indication for surgery can tolerate pulmonary surgery. However, owing to the limitations of this retrospective, single-center study, future studies involving multiple-institutions are required to confirm our findings.

We constructed a radioactive isotope (RI) separator named ERIS (electron-beam-driven RI separator for SCRIT) for the SCRIT (Self-Confinement RI Target) electron scattering facility at RIKEN RI Beam Factory (RIBF). In ERIS, production rate of fission products in the photofission of uranium is estimated to be 2.2 × 10 11 fissions/s with 30 g of uranium and a 1-kW electron beam. During the commissioning of ERIS, the mass resolution and overall efficiency, including ionization, extraction, and transmission, were found to be 1660 and 21%, respectively, using natural xenon gas. The preparation of uranium carbide (UC 2 ) RI production targets is described from which a 132 Sn beam was successfully separated in our first attempt at RI production.

The SCRIT electron scattering facility, aiming at electron scattering off short-lived unstable nuclei, has been constructed at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory. This facility consists of a racetrack microtron (RTM), an electron storage ring (SR2) equipped with the SCRIT system, and a low-energy RI separator (ERIS). SCRIT (self-confining radioactive isotope ion targeting) is a novel technique to form internal targets in an electron storage ring. Experiments for evaluating performance of the SCRIT system have been carried out using the stable 133Cs1+ beam and the 132Xe1+ beam supplied from ERIS. Target ions were successfully trapped in the SCRIT system with 90% efficiency at a 250 mA electron beam current, and luminosity exceeding 10 26 /(cm2 s) was maintained for more than 1 s. Electrons elastically scattered from the target ions were successfully measured. Applicability of the SCRIT system to electron scattering for unstable nuclei has been established in experiments.

We have developed a novel internal target formation technique, SCRIT (Self-Confining Radioactive-isotope Ion Target) with the aim to achieve electron scattering off unstable nuclei. This technique is based on the ion trapping phenomenon in an electron storage ring. To establish the applicability of SCRIT as a target formation technique, we studied in detail its ion-trapping properties. We focused particularly on the spatial distribution of the trapped target ions and their behavior in time evolution. Over 90% of injected ions were trapped in SCRIT, and the overlap efficiency between the trapped target ion cloud and the electron beam was about 10%. From time evolution measurements and computer simulations, we found that variations in trapping lifetime depending on electron beam instability, space charge effect, and q / A values are crucial to understanding the ion-trapping mechanism of SCRIT.

This study was aimed to investigate etiology and clinical profiles of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), particularly from the morphology of the pancreaticobiliary duct system.Pancreaticobiliary morphology was examined in 230 of 381 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We analyzed factors associated with RAP including the pancreaticobiliary duct system.RAP was diagnosed in 74 patients (19%). Major etiologies of RAP were alcoholic (38%), idiopathic (26%) and pancreaticobiliary malformation (22%). Patients with alcoholic RAP were significantly younger (47.2±11.6 years) than those with gallstone RAP (67.3±16.8; p0.05). RAP with pancreaticobiliary malformation (male-to-female ratio: 1:4.3; p0.01) and gallstone RAP (1:1.7; p0.05) occurred predominantly in females in comparison with alcoholic RAP (1:0.2). Recurrence rate was 80% for AP with pancreaticobiliary malformation, significantly higher than for the others (p0.01). Pancreas divisum was suspected as the etiology of mild RAP in 7 patients. Four RAP patients with pancreas divisum underwent endoscopic minor papilla sphincterotomy and improved. Pancreaticobiliary maljunction with biliary dilatation (choledochal cyst) was suspected as the etiology of mild RAP in 3 patients. The 3 RAP patients with choledochal cyst underwent prophylactic flow diversion surgery with complete resection of the dilated common bile duct, and achieved improvement. High confluence of pancreaticobiliary ducts was suspected as the etiology of mild RAP in 6 patients.Pancreaticobiliary malformation is one of the major causes of RAP. As some of them benefit from endoscopic or surgical treatment, morphology of the pancreaticobiliary duct system should be examined where possible in RAP patients.

There has been increasing interest in phenomena emerging from relativistic electrons in a solid, which have a potential impact on spintronics and magnetoelectrics. One example is the Rashba effect, which lifts the electron-spin degeneracy as a consequence of spin-orbit interaction under broken inversion symmetry. A high-energy-scale Rashba spin splitting is highly desirable for enhancing the coupling between electron spins and electricity relevant for spintronic functions. Here we describe the finding of a huge spin-orbit interaction effect in a polar semiconductor composed of heavy elements, BiTeI, where the bulk carriers are ruled by large Rashba-like spin splitting. The band splitting and its spin polarization obtained by spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy are well in accord with relativistic first-principles calculations, confirming that the spin splitting is indeed derived from bulk atomic configurations. Together with the feasibility of carrier-doping control, the giant-Rashba semiconductor BiTeI possesses excellent potential for application to various spin-dependent electronic functions.

Spontaneous ignition of compacted mixture has been examined not only experimentally but also theoretically, relevant to materials synthesis by combustion for Ti–Al system. By varying compact and particle sizes, mixture ratio, and degree of dilution, spontaneous ignition temperature has been measured, which is determined from the inflection-point of the temporal variations of the surface temperature. It is found that the spontaneous ignition temperature decreases with increasing aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of the sample height and compact diameter, due to an establishment of the stationary temperature distribution in the radial direction in the compacted mixture, as the sample height becomes tall. It is also found that the spontaneous ignition temperature decreases with increasing size ratio, defined as the ratio of compact and particle diameters, due to an increase in the particle surface per unit spatial volume of the compacted mixture, caused by a decrease in the particle diameter and/or an increase in the compact diameter. By further examining its dependence on mixture ratio and/or degree of dilution, it is confirmed that the limit of flammability also exerts influences on the spontaneous ignition temperature. In addition, a fair degree of agreement, shown in experimental comparisons with theoretical results, indicates that the present formulation has captured the essential features of the spontaneous ignition of compacted mixture. Since this kind of particle size effect, especially, relevant to the spontaneous ignition of compacted mixtures, has not been captured in the previous studies, its elucidation can be considered not only notable but also useful, especially, in manipulating combustion process in materials synthesis.

Plume-related oceanic magmatism form oceanic islands, seamounts and plateaus (hereafter “seamounts” or “paleoseamounts”), which are important features in geological history. The accretion of oceanic seamounts to active continental margins significantly contributed to the formation of the continental crust. This paper reviews occurrences of Late Neoproterozoic–Mesozoic seamounts of the Paleo-Asian and Paleo-Pacific oceans, which are hosted by accretionary complexes (ACs) of Russian Altai, East Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russian Far East and Japan. The paleoseamounts commonly consist of Ti–LREE–Nb-enriched plume-related basalts (OIB-type or intraplate basalts) capped with massive limestone and associated with other units of oceanic plate stratigraphy (OPS): oceanic floor basalts (MORB), pelagic chert, epiclastic slope facies, etc. The paper presents available geochemical data on the plume-related basalts including the first geochemical data on the Middle Paleozoic OIB-type basalts of the Paleo-Asian Ocean hosted by the Ulaanbaatar AC of Mongolia. An emphasis is made for the structural setting of OPS units, specific geochemical features of intraplate basalts, problems of their identification, and distinguishing from magmatic units of a different origin such as MORB, island-arc and back-arc basalts. Finally, we propose a continuous, though periodical, evolution of the Pacific superplume-related magmatism, which can be more reliably proved by studying Middle Paleozoic OPS units hosted by ACs of Mongolia and Tien Shan, and discuss prospects of future studies.

The magnetic interactions between two C60 anions are investigated by using unrestricted B3LYP (UB3LYP) calculations. Among four types of interactions, only one type of SOMO–SOMO interaction shows a week ferromagnetic interaction (Jab = 4.6 cm−1) whilst other interactions show week anti-ferromagnetic interactions. In order to explain a mechanism of the ferromagnetic and the anti-ferromagnetic interactions, a natural orbital (NO) analysis and a spin density analysis are carried out. The results of the analyses suggest that orbital orthogonality between SOMOs of each C60 anions is the origin of the ferromagnetic interaction. On the other hand, a spin polarization effect does not appear in a spin density map in the ferromagnetic coupling state.

Aerostatic guideways have been applied to precision machine elements. Recently, downsizing and the increased use of high-density technology in IT devices have generated demand for higher accuracy in aerostatic guideways. It has been pointed out that the micro-bounce occurs when the slider passes over the aerostatic guideway with small pores. This transient state micro-vibration decreases the accuracy of aerostatic guideways and, thus, it is now expected to be suppressed. The purpose of this study is to analyze the micro-bounce mechanism of aerostatic guideways caused by pores, and to propose new designs for the suppression of micro-bounce.

The international programme "THORPEX: a World Weather Research Programme" provides a framework in which to tackle the challenge of improving the forecast skill of high-impact weather through international collaboration between academic institutions, operational forecast centres, and users of forecast products. The objectives of the THORPEX Data Assimilation and Observation Strategy Working Group (DAOS-WG) are two-fold. The primary goal is to assess the impact of observations and various targeting methods to provide guidance for observation campaigns and for the configuration of the Global Observing System. The secondary goal is to setup an optimal framework for data assimilation, including aspects such as targeted observations, satellite data, background error covariances and quality control. The Atlantic THORPEX Regional campaign, ATReC, in 2003, has been very successful technically and has provided valuable datasets to test targeting issues. Various data impact experiments have been performed, showing a small but very slightly positive impact of targeted observations. Projects of the DAOS-WG include working on the AMMA field experiment, in the context of IPY and to prepare the future THORPEX-PARC field campaign in the Pacific by comparing sensitivity of the forecasts to observations between several groups.

This paper reports the first measurement using the NOvA detectors of nu(mu) disappearance in a nu(mu) beam. The analysis uses a 14 kton-equivalent exposure of 2.74 x 10(20) protons-on-target from the Fermilab NuMI beam. Assuming the normal neutrino mass hierarchy, we measure Delta m(32)(2) = (2.52(-0.18)(+0.20)) x 10(-3) eV(2) and sin(2) theta(23) in the range 0.38-0.65, both at the 68% confidence level, with two statistically degenerate best-fit points at sin(2) theta(23) = 0.43 and 0.60. Results for the inverted mass hierarchy are also presented.

We report results from the first search for nu(mu) -> nu(e) transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74 x 10(20) protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99 +/- 0.11 (syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07 +/- 0.14 (syst). The 3.3 sigma excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1 pi < delta(CP) < 0.5 pi in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

The electronic structure and effective exchange integrals (J ab) between two manganese (III) ions of porphyrin dimer (PPMn(III)–OH–Mn(III)PP) were examined by using unrestricted hybrid DFT (UHDFT) methods. The dependence of Jab on bond angle between two manganese (\(\angle\) Mn–OH–Mn) is also calculated to elucidate orbital overlap effect for Jab value in the system. Natural orbital analysis is performed to explain the overlap effect in terms of the instability of the π, σ and δ orbitals by using diradical character.

Electronic and spin structures of manganese clusters, Mn4O4 (1), CaMn3O4 (2), Mn3O4 (3), MnX (4), and CaMn4O4 (5), in the photosynthesis II system are investigated using the classical and quantum Heisenberg models. The molecular orbital calculations by the use of general spin orbitals (GSO) are performed for cubane-type calcium manganese cluster 2 with noncollinear spin alignment, which has also been concluded in our previous studies of 1 and 3. The calculated results, together with available experiments, enable us to propose possible electronic states (from S0 to S4) of tetranuclear manganese cluster 5, which is the active site of oxygen evolution center (OEC). The low-spin (LS) ground states of 2–5 are consistent with the ESR and other magnetic observations. A new reaction scheme for oxygen evolution from water is resulted from both theoretical and experimental results for manganese clusters 1–5 in OEC on the basis of the newly determined X-ray structure by Ferreira et al. [Science 303 (2004) 1831]. In this mechanism, both calcium and manganese ions play important roles for formation of peroxide anion bridge, which is the precursor of molecular oxygen. Implications of computational results are discussed in relation to a key role of the high-valent manganese oxo (Mn(V) O) species in OEC for oxygen evolution from water. Our previous and present computations conclude that Mn(V) O plays a crucial role in both native and artificial OEC systems.

Background: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II transactivator (CIITA) is a master switch of antigen presentation and activates expression of the MHC II gene. Insufficient up regulation of MHC class II molecules is reported to be one of the major immunological mechanisms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective: To examine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human CIITA gene ( MHC2TA ) and SLE. Methods: Promoters and coding regions of MHC2TA were evaluated for polymorphisms in 100 patients with SLE and 100 healthy donors. Eight oligonucleotide primer sets that covered the coding region and each promoter region were used for genomic analysis of SNPs. Results: Allele frequencies of previously reported SNPs did not differ between healthy donors and patients with SLE. Additionally, a new polymorphism in an intronic region at nt 485 (A→A/G) was identified, which is close to the polymorphism at nt 474 that has been associated with one of the disease causing CIITA cDNA mutations in bare lymphocyte syndrome. This SNP was found in 11% of patients with SLE and in 3% of healthy donors, suggesting it may have a role in the pathogenesis of SLE. Conclusions: A newly identified polymorphism in an intronic region at nt 485 (A→A/G) may have an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

The purpose of this study was to examine the daily skeletal muscle hypertrophic and strength responses to one week of twice daily KAATSU training, and follow indicators of muscle damage and inflammation on a day-to-day basis, for one subject. KAATSU training resulted in a 3.1% increase in muscle-bone CSA after 7 days of training. Both MRI-measured maximum quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (Q-CSA max) and muscle volume can be seen increasing after the first day of KAATSU training, and continuously increasing for the rest of the training period. Following 7 days KAATSU resistance training, the increases in Q-CSA max and muscle volume were 3.5% and 4.8%, respectively. Relative strength (isometric knee extension strength per unit Q-CSA max) was increased after training (before, 3.60 Nm/cm2; after, 4.09 Nm/cm2). There were very modest increases in CK and myoglobin after a single bout of KAATSU exercise in the first day of the training, but the values were return towards normal at 2 days after the training. IL-6 remained unchanged throughout the training period. In conclusion, our subject gained absolute strength and increased muscle size after only one week of low intensity KAATSU resistance training. Indicators of muscle damage and inflammation were not elevated by this training. KAATSU training appears to be a safe and effective method to rapidly induce skeletal muscle strength and hypertrophy.

This study investigated the effects of twice daily sessions of low-intensity resistance training (LIT, 20% of 1-RM) with restriction of muscular venous blood flow (namely “LIT-Kaatsu” training) for two weeks on skeletal muscle size and circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Nine young men performed LIT-Kaatsu and seven men performed LIT alone. Training was conducted two times / day, six days / week for 2 weeks using 3 sets of two dynamic exercises (squat and leg curl). Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume were measured by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 3 days after the last training session (post-testing). Mid-thigh muscle-bone CSA was calculated from thigh girth and adipose tissue thickness, which were measured every morning prior to the training session. Serum IGF-1 concentration was measured at baseline, mid-point of the training and post-testing. Increases in squat (17%) and leg curl (23%) one-RM strength in the LIT-Kaatsu were higher (p 0.05). There was no difference (p>0.05) in relative strength (1-RM / muscle CSA) between baseline and post-testing in both groups. We concluded that skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gain occurred after two weeks of twice daily LIT-Kaatsu training.

The governing equations of motion describing the dynamics of a conveyed particle by a propagating surface wave are derived. Although the problem may look rather primitive, it holds considerable complications first of all due to the fact that the shape of the surface cannot be described explicitly Special forward and reverse time marching numerical techniques, incorporating the solution of nonlinear algebraic equations in every time step, are developed for time integration of derived differential equations. It is shown that the described system possesses numerous nonlinear features such as sensitivity to initial conditions. cocxistint, attractors. This fact builds the foundation for the potential applicability of attractor control techniques based on small external impulses.

New schemes for effective exchange integrals (J a b ) and approximate spin-projected energies for low spin states (E A P L S ) were examined on simple two-site radical models. These schemes are based on Hubbard model and include ionic term in wavefunction. By estimation of expectation values of spin correlation function, those schemes could directly calculate J a b and E A P L S values without the approximation that on-site spins for high-spin (HS) state was equivalent to one of low-spin (LS) state. Calculated J a b values by new scheme were larger than conventional ones in short spin-spin distance, suggesting an importance of the on-site spins and ionic term. On the other hand, new E A P L S values were similar to conventional ones. Estimation methods for new J a b and E A P L S also were derived by using HS state energy, LS state energy, and (S 2 ) L S analytically. To correct dynamical correlation, magnetic effective density functional (MEDF) method was successfully applied to calculate new J a b and E A P L S .

The steric opacity function (the dependence of reaction cross section upon mutual molecular orientation) for the endothermic Penning ionization channel of Kr(3P)+(CH3)3CBr reaction was determined by using an oriented tert-butyl bromide molecular beam at 0.1 eV average collision energy. A remarkably large steric effect was observed in contrast with the Ar(3P)+CH3Br reaction. We find that the ionization cross section is maximum at sideways and it becomes “zero” at the tert-butyl end. The Br end is found to be unfavorable as compared with sideways approaches. The stereo selectivity observed in the present work is discussed in terms of the electron exchange mechanism, in which the shielding effect by bulky nonreactive tert-butyl group as well as the smearing effect in impact parameter are taken into account.

A flat-plate concentrator (FPC) module has been proposed and developed for cost reduction of PV modules. The FPC has V-grooved rear reflectors on spaces between adjacent cells. To find appropriate design parameters, yearly optical performance is simulated by using meteorological data and introducing a performance index. As a result of the simulation, it is shown that the FPC module can reduce occupation area of solar cells to 75% compared with that of a conventional module, although its module area increases to 1.16 times. Several prototypes are fabricated and measured under a solar simulator. The measured results are somewhat lower than the simulated ones, but generally show the validity of the simulation.

A light-trapping type concentrator module with a new asymmetric V-groove structure at the rear surface is proposed to improve the performance of static concentrator module. Fundamental optical properties of various asymmetric V-grooves are calculated using a ray-tracing method. Based on these results, yearly integrated irradiance ratios of the concentrator module to a conventional flat-plate module are calculated using meteorological data. By the use of Ag as a reflection material, yearly integrated irradiance ratio of concentrator module with an asymmetric V-groove is 1.34, and the occupation area of Si cells in a module can be reduced to 74% compared with a conventional flat-plate module.

Fatigue test of weldment of 316L stainless steel with an artificial incomplete penetration in weld root was performed to investigate effect of the incomplete penetration on fatigue behavior and fatigue strength. Fatigue crack propagation test of weld metal was also carried out to compare with that of weldment and to evaluate the fatigue lives of weldment based on fracture mechanics. As the results, the incomplete penetration behaved as a crack and most of total fatigue lives for the weldment were crack propagation lives. The crack propagation rates of weldment were in accordance with those of the weld metal. The fatigue strength of the weldment was considerably lower than that of smooth specimen. The effect of incomplete penetration on the fatigue strength of weldment is a serious problem.

The Drosophila ran gene has been isolated in a differential cDNA screen designed to identify genes that are dynamically expressed in embryonic neuroblasts. The guanine triphosphate (GTP)-binding Ran protein, a member of the Ras superfamily, has been shown to participate in a variety of transport related processes in other organisms. Drosophila ran codes for a 216 amino acid (aa) protein that shares 78% and 86% identity with the yeast and human Ran proteins, respectively. Database searches have identified a second Drosophila ran gene, ran-like. The predicted Ran-like protein shares 59% identity with its isoform. Embryo in situ mRNA localization of ran and ran-like expression reveals that both are maternally expressed; however zygotic ran expression is restricted to central nervous system (CNS) neuroblasts undergoing late lineage formation, while ran-like expression is detected in the developing trachea and salivary gland. To investigate the significance of ran-restricted CNS expression, we have targeted its misexpression to different temporal windows of CNS development. In addition, a dominant-negative mutant form of ran was targeted to the developing CNS and to the larval eye/antenna imaginal disc to assess the role of ran-dependent functions. Embryonic CNS misexpression of the mutant, but not wild-type, ran results in larval death. Neither wild-type nor mutant ran misexpression had any detectable effect on embryonic CNS lineage specification, nuclear transport of a number of CNS-specific transcription factors or axonal guidance. However, expression of the dominant-negative mutant ran in the developing eye/antenna disc did result in a severe adult eye phenotype marked by apoptosis of photoreceptor, cone and pigment cells.

The effect of doping with Hf atoms on the nearly commensurate (NC) charge-density-wave (CDW) structures of 1T-TaS2 was investigated using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) at room temperature, for levels of substitution of Hf for Ta up to 6.9%. It was found that the Hf atom introduces a point defect to the CDW superlattice at the CDW domain boundary for lower contents. For Hf contents higher than 1%, the CDW superlattice melted and a distorted structure was observed instead of the usual CDW superlattice. The change of the CDW structure observed by STM was compared with the change of the ρ-T characteristics.

We illustrated the phase diagrams and measured the de Haas--van Alphen effect of ${\mathrm{CePb}}_{3},$ which is a heavy fermion compound with an antiferromagnetic transition at 1.1 K. ${\mathrm{CePb}}_{3}$ has three phases: antiferromagnetic, spin-flop, and paramagnetic. Three fundamental oscillations denoted by \ensuremath{\alpha}, \ensuremath{\beta}, and \ensuremath{\gamma} were observed in the paramagnetic state. Two of them, the \ensuremath{\alpha} and \ensuremath{\gamma} branches, are closed and almost spherical. For the \ensuremath{\alpha} branch, the natural explanation is provided by the results of band calculation. The heaviest cyclotron effective mass was ${67m}_{0}$ in the \ensuremath{\alpha} branch of ${\mathrm{CePb}}_{3}$ when the magnetic field is applied parallel to 〈100〉. The mass of ${\mathrm{CePb}}_{3}$ is in a range of 9.3 to ${67m}_{0}$ and quite enhanced. Despite the natural explanation in topology, as expected from the quite heavy cyclotron mass, the quasiparticle bands are much flatter and the density of states at the Fermi energy is more enhanced than the calculated one.

We have successfully generated a 10-GHz 11.5-ps pulse train at 1.1 mum by using a gain switching technique with a high-speed and single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The InGaAs-based VCSEL we used had a sidemode suppression ratio of more than 50 dB and a modulation bandwidth of 7.2 GHz. A nearly transform-limited Gaussian pulse was obtained after chirp compensation, and the repetition rate can be increased up to 16 GHz. We also demonstrated a 10-Gb/s return-to-zero data modulation for the generated 10-GHz pulse train.

Early dynamic and late 123 I-MIBG SPET studies were performed to investigate several parameters used to distinguish the characteristics of various cardiac disorders. Forty-six individuals (34 non-diabetic, 12 diabetic) with or without heart disease were included in the study. Early dynamic and late static SPET images were acquired using a triple-headed gamma camera. After selecting mid-sections from vertical (VLA) and horizontal (HLA) long-axis images, regions of interest were created over the apex, whole heart and anterior, inferior, septal and lateral walls of the heart. Various uptake ratios at 3, 11 and 19 min and 4 h after injection (HU3, HU11, HU19, DUP) and clearances (K se : between HU3 and HU11; K e : between HU11 and HU19; K d : between HU19 and DUP) were calculated. There were significant differences among various cardiac pathologies on the delayed images. Cardiomyopathy patients showed the lowest uptake on the delayed images. When all segments in normal patients and all involved segments in myocardial infarcted patients were compared, there was significantly lower uptake of MIBG in infarcted segments at all time points. K d showed the lowest value compared with K se and K e . In cardiomyopathy patients, K se , K e and K d were significantly different from each other. Both K se and K e were significantly higher in cardiomyopathy patients than in normal patients. In conclusion, the results of this study are in line with published data and precise measurement of uptake and clearance was possible when excluding background and blood pool activity.

The lateral oxidation of AlAs layers grown on GaAs (100), (110) and (n11)A-oriented substrates (n=1, 2, 3, 4) was studied. The temperature dependence of the oxidation rate was measured between 390°C and 450°C. The oxidation rate is highly anisotropic and the anisotropy is related to the symmetry of the crystal structure. The oxidation process has an activation energy that depends on substrate orientation. The oxidation front line becomes irregular for temperatures higher than 450°C and the surface of the samples was degraded when the temperature exceeded 540°C. The time dependence of the oxidation rate was found to be similar to the Si oxidation process.

Methods: 50 healthy controls (mean age = 67.3± 4.5; 27 males) and 48 elderlywith stroke (mean age = 67.3± 7.14; 32 males)were recruited. Fatiguewas assessedbyFatigueSeverity Scale (FSS). Age, gender, and chronicity were recorded as demographic information. Assessments of stroke severity (Fugl-Meyer), cognition (MoCA), independence level (modified Rankin Scale and Barthel Index), depression (PHQ-9) and presence of pain were administered. Quality of life was assessed using WHOQoL-BREF. Chi squared was used for comparison between the groups. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to determine relationship between fatigue and other outcome measures. Results: Twenty-two patient with stroke reported fatigue (46%)while only 5 non-stroke elderly (10%) reported fatigue (p< .001). The stroke group had a greater FSS score compared to the healthy controls (p< .001). There was no difference between male stroke and female stroke on the FSS score (p= .28). Similarly, age, presence of pain, cognition, and stroke severitywere not significantly correlatedwith post-stroke fatigue. In contrast, depression was significantly positively correlated with post-stroke fatigue (r = .37, p< .001). Post-stroke fatigue was not correlated with the levels of independence (BI p= .16; mRS p= .62). However, physical domain of quality of life was significantly negatively correlated with fatigue among individuals with stroke (r=−.46, p< .001). Conclusion(s): Prevalence of fatigue among individuals post-stroke was higher than the healthy elderly. Post-stroke fatigue was not associated with gender, pain, stroke severity, functional capacity, cognition and levels of independence. In contrast, post-stroke fatigue positively associated with depression and negatively correlated with physical domain of quality of life. Implications: Investigation of post-stroke fatigue and its correlates will assist to improve the post-stroke care and rehabilitation outcome.

The aim of this study was to characterize lung lesions by means of the uptake, retention and washout of 201 Tl, and to quantify the sensitivity of 201 Tl SPET (single photon emission tomography) in detecting mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. A total of 68 patients with lung lesions (tumours and inflammation) underwent both helical computed tomography (CT) and 201 Tl SPET examinations. Uptake, retention and washout parameters were calculated from early and delayed 201 Tl SPET by drawing regions of interest over the primary lesion and the background of the lung. The findings on 201 Tl SPET were compared with those on CT and surgical findings. A significant difference in the retention index (RI) was observed between primary malignant and benign lesions. In detecting lymph nodes, the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were 83%, 60% and 90% respectively for early 201 Tl SPET, and 50%, 80% and 80% respectively for delayed 201 Tl SPET. 201 Tl SPET with semi-quantitative analysis, especially RI, helps to differentiate between malignant and benign lung lesions. Lymph nodes larger than 1 cm on CT but not showing 201 Tl uptake could be considered non-metastatic lesions.

We developed a laser induced incandescence–mass spectrometric analyzer (LII-MS) for online measurements quantifying the aerosol chemical compositions with respect to the mixing state of black carbon (BC). The LII-MS is developed as a tandem series comprising an LII chamber to detect and vaporize BC-containing particles and a Particle Trap Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometer (PT-LDMS: Takegawa et al, 2012). The PT-LDMS collects aerosol particles transferred from the LII chamber and quantifies the chemical compositions. A newly designed collection probe, coupled with the sheath-air inlet nozzle of the LII chamber, enables a high throughput of aerosol particles without significant dilution. Total aerosol particles can be analyzed in the PT-LDMS by turning off the laser (MS mode), and the aerosol particles externally mixed with BC can be analyzed by turning on the laser (LII-MS mode). The difference in the PT-LDMS signals between the MS and LII-MS modes yields the chemical composition of materials internally mixed with BC. Performance of the developed instrument was evaluated in the laboratory by generating BC particles internally-mixed with oleic acid and BC particles externally mixed with ammonium sulfate particles. Preliminary results from ambient measurements are also presented and discussed.

The pKa values of 64 phenolic and 50 nitrogen-containing compounds were obtained by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and computational chemical calculation. The chromatographically obtained values of phenolic compounds were equal to pKa values from references and Hammett's equation, and those of nitrogen-containing compounds were lower than the reference values. It appeared difficult to calculate the properties of the ortho effect and nitro group by the computational calculation method. However, the calculation was simpler than selecting different constants of Hammett's equation for a variety of compounds.

完全直腸脱の4例にDelorme手術を行い,術前後の排便機能を評価した.症例は男性1例,女性3例,平均年齢は75歳であった,平均2年10カ月の術後経過で再発はなかった.術前後の臨床症状をみると,1例で便意が回復し,1例で失禁の程度が軽快した。直腸肛門内圧検査では,肛門管最大静止圧は術前後で有意の変動は認められなかったが,最大随意収縮圧は術後上昇する傾向が認められた。直腸感覚検査では便意発現最小量と最大耐容量はともに減少する傾向があり,このため術後に排便困難をきたした症例がないものと推察された.一方,術前肛門内圧が低圧の症例では,incontinenceは術後も改善しなかった。Delorme手術は術後合併症が少なく,未だ再発例がなく,手術術式の第一選択とすることが可能と思われる.

The aim of this study was to establish and confirm the safety of administering 1110MBq of 131I to outpatients.Total radiation exposure from patients to household members was hypothesized from the measured dose rate at 1 m when the patient is released. Actually we also measured the effective dose to household members who assisted outpatients during the first 7 days after the administration of 131I by personal dosimeter. A list of radiation safety precautions is given to the patient and household members. Behavioral reports about the distances and times of close contact throughout the 7 days are requested of each household member.The effective dose measured using the personal dosimeter to all household members employing several safety precautions was confirmed to be lower than the hypothesized dose calculated using our formula. And the mean whole-body effective dose rate over the 7 days in household members was 0.05±0.08 (range, 0.05 to 0.43) mSv, which specify that radiation exposure to household members of the outpatients who have just received ablative radiation therapy must be below 5.0 mSv/event.Remnant thyroid ablation with 1110MBq for outpatients showed that the radiation doses to household members were within the recommended constraint dose according to several safety precautions. The method of returning home after remnant thyroid ablation is thought to be the most important factor that determines the effective dose to household members of outpatients.

We have studied the buckling behavior of rectangular bellows under pressure loads. Our final objective is to establish the design guidelines for the rectangular bellows of an experimental fusion reactor, the ITER, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. Based on the numerical investigation by the FEM, we proposed a simplified method to evaluate the buckling pressure. The evaluation method of the buckling pressure for circular bellows can be found, for example, in the standards of the expansion joint manufacturers association in the U.S.A. (EJMA Standards). For rectangular bellows, however, investigation of the buckling behavior is limited, and EJMA does not provide a method for evaluating the buckling pressure. Therefore, we investigated the buckling behavior of rectangular bellows by the FEM and proposed a simplified evaluation method based on the half-pitch model.