Search

The purpose of our present study was to elucidate the involvement of the direct transfer to the brain after intranasal (i.n.) administration of diazepam (DZP), and to provide findings whether i.n. the administration could be used to obtain rapid onset of pharmacological action. We determined the blood and brain kinetics of DZP after administrations of i.n. and other routes, and the relationship between their concentrations and rapid seizure suppression effect; furthermore, and evaluated the distribution process of DZP to the brain. There was a negative connection between the plasma concentration and the amount of DZP delivery to the brain from the systemic circulation during the period that followed intravenous and intrarectal injection before the onset of seizure suppression. I.n. administration resulted in the seizure suppression time below the correlation curve: the seizure suppression effects were observed earlier than estimated despite the low plasma concentrations of DZP, suggesting the involvement of direct nose-to-brain delivery of DZP. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) in the forebrain, hindbrain, olfactory bulb (OB), trigeminal nerve (TN), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after i.n. the administration was 3 min, which was shorter than the Tmax of the plasma concentration. In fluorescence imaging using Rhodamin-B-base, the TN and the area of the vicinity of the thalamus had stronger fluorescence 1 and 3 min after i.n. administration, compared with the OB and CSF. In summary, direct brain delivery of DZP requires the TN and it was suggested that distribution to the vicinity of the thalamus via the TN may be connected to the quick seizure suppression effect., This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC 4.0 which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original author and source are credited

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between chewing status and fatty liver among Japanese adults. Between April 2018 and March 2021, 450 individuals (352 males, 98 females; mean age 54.7 years) were recruited at the Asahi University Hospital Human Health Center. Chewing status was evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire. Liver/spleen (L/S) attenuation ratio < 0.9 on computed tomography was considered to indicate fatty liver, which was present in 69 participants (15%). Compared with participants without fatty liver, those with fatty liver had higher proportion of 25.0 (kg/m2) ≤ body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), higher serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p < 0.001), higher systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), higher diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) (p = 0.011). Significant differences were also found in chewing status (p < 0.001) and eating speed (p = 0.011). Presence of fatty liver was positively associated with BMI (25.0 ≤; odds ratio [OR], 5.048; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.550–9.992), serum HbA1c (OR, 1.937; 95% CI, 1.280–2.930), and chewing status (poor; OR, 8.912; 95% CI, 4.421–17.966) after adjusting for sex, age, BMI, serum HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum HDL cholesterol, chewing status, and eating speed. Poor chewing status was positively associated with L/S attenuation ratio. These results indicate a positive relationship between poor chewing status and fatty liver diagnosed by L/S attenuation ratio in Japanese adults.

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between self-reported chewing status and glycemic control in 30,938 Japanese adults who participated in health checkups. Chewing status was evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire. We defined high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels as a HbA1c level ≥6.5%, 692 (2.2%) respondents met this criterion. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking status, exercise habits, body mass index and eating speed, high HbA1c levels was found to be associated with male gender (odds ratio (OR), 1.568, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.310 to 1.878, p &lt, 0.001), older age (OR, 1.077, 95% CI, 1.068 to 1.087, 0.001), higher body mass index (OR, 1.246, 95% CI, 1.225 to 1.268, 0.001), current smoker status (OR, 1.566, 95% CI, 1.303 to 1.882, 0.001) and chewing difficulty (OR, 1.302, 95% CI, 1.065 to 1.591, 0.05). In conclusion, self-reported chewing difficulty was associated with high HbA1c levels in Japanese adults.

Recently, there has been a significant amount of interest in studying the importance of radiation doses to the eye lens during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A study that focused on measuring the scattered radiation using an ionization chamber survey meter reported that a lead curtain was useful in reducing the scattered radiation. The over-couch X-ray tube system tends to deliver higher doses to the head and neck of the staff involved in the procedure than the under-couch X-ray tube position. In this study, a small optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeter called the nanoDot was used to evaluate and measure the amount of radiation; this dosimeter was developed by Landauer Ltd. and was specifically designed for point measurements. There are numerous studies that have reported the usefulness of personal OSL dosimeters other than the nanoDot to measure scattered radiation. Here, we evaluated the amount of scattered radiation, along with the degree of reduction achieved with the use of a protective curtain, while employing a personal OSL dosimeter and nanoDot. When the scattered radiation dose was measured using the nanoDot, the maximum recorded value without a protective curtain was 0.363 mGy and that with a protective curtain was 0.026 mGy, both at the height of 100 cm. The maximum reduction rate of scattered radiation while using a protective curtain was approximately 93% and 97% at 100 cm and 150 cm, respectively. The measured values recorded using both personal OSL dosimeters and nanoDot machine were strongly correlated.

Rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and index flexor digitorum profundus (FDP2) tendons often occurs after locking plate fixation for distal radius fracture. This study aimed to determine the shortest tendon-radius distances of different hand positions. Fifty-nine hands of 30 healthy volunteers were studied. Distances between the FPL or FDP2 and distal radius were calculated in six wrist positions: 30° palmar flexion, neutral, 30° dorsiflexion, 60° dorsiflexion, maximum dorsiflexion, and 40° ulnar deviation with three finger positions (full extension and flexion of fingers, full flexion of the thumb or index finger, and full extension of the other four fingers). The shortest distance between the FPL or FDP2 and distal radius was noted. The shortest distance between the FPL and distal radius was during maximum wrist dorsiflexion with isolated thumb flexion. The distance between the FDP2 and distal radius was shortest with all-finger flexion in 30° wrist dorsiflexion. It is necessary to measure the distance between the FPL and distal radius in maximal wrist dorsiflexion with full flexion of the isolated thumb, as the shortest distance was observed with flexion of the isolated thumb. On the contrary, we recommend measuring the distance between the FDP2 and distal radius in 30° wrist dorsiflexion with flexion of all fingers.

Potassium sodium niobate [(K,Na)NbO3, KNN] films are promising lead-free piezoelectric materials for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. We previously developed technologies for forming high-quality KNN films by sputtering, which showed excellent piezoelectric properties comparable to lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films. In the present study, we addressed several challenges with the aim of introducing KNN films into commercialized MEMS devices. First, we optimized the dielectric and piezoelectric properties to realize a suitable performance for actuator and sensor devices. The sensor-type KNN films had a low dielectric constant (248) and a self-poling function, which are greatly beneficial for sensor device performance and the fabrication process. The actuator-type KNN films had a very high e31 value of −13.5 C/m2, which is almost comparable to the top level of PZT films. Next, we found that the DC stress lifetime of KNN films strongly depended on the material used for the adhesion layer of the top electrode. When we used a Pt/RuO2 top electrode, the actuator-type KNN films had a long lifetime (>130 000 s, 300 kV/cm and 200 °C), which is long enough to be used for commercialized MEMS devices. Furthermore, we realized 8-in. KNN wafers with good thickness uniformity across the wafer (±3.5%) by introducing a mass-production-ready sputtering tool: the EB-2500 produced by Canon Anelva. In the near future, these promising results will open the way to replace PZT with KNN in the piezoMEMS industry.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using ultra-short TE (uTE) is known to be used for the evaluation of cerebral aneurysm after treatment such as clipping and coiling. However, conventional uTE sequences are not appropriate as an additional imaging sequence for 3D time-of-flight (TOF)-MRA because it is not possible to shorten scan time and acquire selective-volume imaging. To solve the problem, we focused on the combination of uTE sampling and 3D radial scan sequences. In this study, we examined the optimal imaging parameters of the proposed uTE-MRA. A simulated blood flow phantom with stents (Enterprise) and titanium clips (YASARGIL) was used for optimizing the TR, flip angle (FA), and radial percentage. The signal intensity in the simulated vessel was measured in each imaging condition, and the ratio of the presence or absence of a stent was evaluated as a relative in-stent signal (RIS). In addition, the diameter of the signal loss of the simulated artery was measured for each imaging condition, and signal loss length (SLL) of a clip was calculated from the average value. The RIS improved with increasing the FA and shortening the TR, but it did not change by changing the radial percentage. The SLL became smaller at the coil as the FA increased, but there was no significant difference between the intersection and the blade. There was also no significant difference between TR and radial percentage. The effective imaging conditions for uTE-MRA to improve the vascular description of the evaluation after treatment of cerebral aneurysms with metallic devices were those with large FA and short TR.

Deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensity (DSWMH) lesions are a small-vessel disease of the brain. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between DSWMH lesions and periodontal status in Japanese adults who participated in a health check. We enrolled 444 consecutive participants (mean age, 54.5 years) who received both brain and oral health evaluation services at the Asahi University Hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to detect DSWMH lesions. Periodontal status was assessed using the community periodontal index. Of the study participants, 215 (48.4%) had DSWMH lesions. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of DSWMH lesions was significantly related to age &ge, 65 years (vs. &lt, 65 years, odds ratio [OR] = 2.984, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.696&ndash, 5.232), systolic blood pressure &ge, 140 mmHg (vs. &lt, 140 mmHg, OR = 2.579, 95% CI = 1.252&ndash, 5.314), the presence of &ge, 28 teeth (vs. &lt, 28 teeth, OR = 0.635, 95% CI = 0.420&ndash, 0.961), and probing pocket depth (PPD) &ge, 6 mm (vs. PPD &lt, 6 mm, OR = 1.948, 95% CI = 1.132&ndash, 3.354) after adjustment for confounding factors. Having PPD &ge, 6 mm may be a risk factor for DSWMH lesions in Japanese adults.

Highlights • Unlike type 2, type 1 hallux interphalangeal joint dislocation is easy to miss. • Excision of the sesamoid bone is unnecessary. • External fixation for 3 weeks or K-wire fixation for 4 weeks is sufficient., Introduction The common treatment for hallux interphalangeal joint dislocation is closed reduction, but some cannot be reduced by interposition of the sesamoid or the plantar plate in the interphalangeal joint, and such cases need open reduction. Presentation of case In case 1, the patient was a 17-year-old boy who was injured when a motorcycle fell on his right hallux. X-ray revealed Miki type 2 IP joint dislocation. Because closed reduction failed, open reduction via the dorsal approach to the hallux IP joint was performed. In case 2, the patient was a 17-year-old boy who was hit by a car whilst walking. X-ray revealed Miki type 2 dorsal dislocation of the hallux IP joint. After closed reduction, X-ray and CT revealed that the IP joint dislocation changed from Miki type 2 to type 1. Open reduction was performed through the dorsal approach. Discussion Fifteen cases of Miki type 2 changed to type 1 after closed reduction, and type 1 dislocation is often overlooked, leading to some chronic cases. X-rays should be performed after repositioning, specifically in lateral and oblique views. Conclusion We experienced two cases of irreducible dislocation of the hallux IP joint. One of our cases was reclassified from Miki type 2 to type 1, but we did not overlook the failed closed reduction, as we performed CT. Hence, we recommend additional lateral-view X-rays and/or CT imaging.

Edaravone is a low-molecular-weight antioxidant drug targeting peroxyl radicals among many types of reactive oxygen species. Because of its amphiphilicity, it scavenges both lipid- and water-soluble peroxyl radicals by donating an electron to the radical. Thus, it inhibits the oxidation of lipids by scavenging chain-initiating water-soluble peroxyl radicals and chain-carrying lipid peroxyl radicals. In 2001, it was approved in Japan as a drug to treat acute-phase cerebral infarction, and then in 2015 it was approved for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also approved edaravone for treatment of patients with ALS. Its mechanism of action was inferred to be scavenging of peroxynitrite. In this review, we focus on the radical-scavenging characteristics of edaravone in comparison with some other antioxidants that have been studied in clinical trials, and we summarize its pharmacological action and clinical efficacy in patients with acute cerebral infarction and ALS.

The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unknown. Oxidative stress may be one of the major mechanisms involved. In vitro and in vivo data of edaravone suggest that it may possess broad free radical scavenging activity and protect neurons, glia, and vascular endothelial cells against oxidative stress. During the 1980s and 1990s, edaravone was developed for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. In 2001, a clinical program in ALS was initiated and five clinical studies were conducted in Japan. Phase III studies were designed to rapidly evaluate (within a 24-week double-blind study window) functional changes using the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) as a primary endpoint. The study populations were selected according to these considerations and were further refined as the studies proceeded. Although the first phase III study did not meet its primary endpoint, post-hoc analyses showed an apparent effect of edaravone, when additional patient inclusion criteria defined by ALSFRS-R score, pulmonary function, certainty of ALS diagnosis, and duration of disease were applied. This population was hypothesized not only to have retained broad functionality and normal respiratory function at study baseline but also to be likely to show measurable disease progression over 24 weeks. A second confirmatory phase III study applying these refinements in patient selection was prospectively designed and successfully documented a statistically significant difference between the edaravone and placebo groups in the ALSFRS-R primary endpoint. This paper describes and reviews data pertinent to the potential mechanism of action of edaravone, and reviews the development history of edaravone for the treatment of ALS.

Highlights • An isolated fracture through the radial bicipital tuberosity is rare. • The posterior approach has lower complication and is suitable for this fracture. • IM nailing is not recommended in fractures through the radial bicipital tuberosity., Introduction Generally, anatomical reduction of shaft fractures through operative treatment is necessary to restore the anatomical relationship of the forearm bones. However, a number of nerves and vessels are located in the proximal radius, which complicates surgery. In this study, we aimed to reduce postoperative complications by using a posterior approach. Presentation of case We describe an isolated fracture through the radial bicipital tuberosity in a 69-year-old man caused by direct blunt force and our management of the fracture. The patient underwent an operation for the fracture under brachial plexus block. The injury was explored using the posterior approach, and plate fixation was performed after confirming the absence of obstacles to rotation on pronation and supination. One year later, the patient did not have any difficulties in activities of daily living. Discussion Since an isolated fracture through the radial bicipital tuberosity is more distal than the radial head and neck and more proximal than a common radius diaphysis fracture, we had to consider a different operative approach. The nerve and blood vessels of the forearm, such as the radial nerve and artery, run in a complicated fashion around the proximal radius; thus, we chose the posterior approach because of its simpler surgical technique and lower complication risk, compared with the anterior approach. Conclusion Surgeons can obtain a favorable treatment result using the posterior approach to the fracture and reduce complications by ensuring with rigid fixation using a locking plate.

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between eating speed and fat accumulation in Japanese non-obese adults.In total, 381 non-obese participants aged 35-74 years underwent a health checkup including fat distribution. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to quantify visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). Information on eating speed was obtained using a self-administrated questionnaire.The numbers of participants with self-reported behavior of eating slowly, medium, or quickly were 24 (6.3%), 180 (47.2%), and 177 (46.5%), respectively. The prevalence of VFA ≥100 cm2 was higher in the eating quickly group than in the eating slowly (p0.05) or medium groups (p0.05). On the other hand, no significant differences in SFA ≥100 cm2 were observed between groups. In addition, multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that eating quickly was positively correlated with VFA (standard β=0.068, p0.05), but not with SFA.Although eating quickly was positively correlated with bigger VFA in Japanese non-obese adults, no associations were found between eating speed and SFA.

This study investigated the relationship between eating behavior and poor glycemic control in 5,479 Japanese adults with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) p p p p p

An association between physical illness and sleep has been suggested. Disordered chewing might be a physical factor that is associated with sleep issues. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether chewing problems are associated with sleep in Japanese adults. Sleep and chewing issues were evaluated in 6,025 community residents using a self-reported questionnaire. The prevalence of poor sleep quality and sleeping for p<0.001), self-reported symptoms (OR, 4.59; p<0.001), chewing problems (OR, 1.65; p<0.001), and poor glycemic control (OR, 1.43; p=0.035). The prevalence of short sleep duration was also significantly associated with female sex (OR, 1.23; p=0.001), self-reported symptoms (OR, 1.60; p<0.001), chewing problems (OR, 1.30; p=0.001), and being overweight (OR, 1.41; p<0.001). In conclusion, chewing problems were associated with poor sleep quality and short sleep duration among Japanese adults.

The base-induced Sommelet–Hauser (S–H) rearrangement of azetidine-2-carboxylic acid ester-derived ammonium salts into 2-aryl-substituted derivatives was demonstrated. The ring-strain of four-membered N-heterocycles enables efficient generation of the desired ylide intermediate and enhances the rate of the S–H rearrangement. The asymmetric version of the rearrangement was characterized by excellent levels of successive chirality transmissions. The regio- and stereo-controlled nucleophilic ring opening of the rearrangement products produced quaternary α-aryl amino acid esters with excellent enantiopurities.

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between periodontal condition and ultrasound-diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a Japanese oral health check population. A total of 1226 consecutive participant were enrolled in the study. Abdominal ultrasonography was applied to diagnose NAFLD. Of the study participants, 339 (27.7%) had ultrasonography-diagnosed NAFLD. The participants with NAFLD had a significantly higher prevalence of probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 4 mm (86.7%) than those without NAFLD (72.9%) (p p

We herein describe the results of further evolution of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inhibitors from our promising compounds containing a 3-methylmorpholine moiety. Transformation of the morpholine moiety into a piperazine moiety resulted in potent GSK-3β inhibitors. SAR studies focused on the nitrogen atom of the piperazine moiety revealed that a phenyl group afforded potent inhibitory activity toward GSK-3β. Docking studies indicated that the phenyl group on the piperazine nitrogen atom and the methyl group on the piperazine make cation-π and CH-π interactions with GSK-3β respectively. 4-Methoxyphenyl analogue 29 showed most potent inhibitory activity toward GSK-3β with good in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles, and 29 demonstrated a significant decrease in tau phosphorylation after oral administration in mice.

We herein describe the results of further evolution of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inhibitors from our promising compounds containing a 2-phenylmorpholine moiety. Transformation of the morpholine moiety into a piperazine moiety resulted in potent GSK-3β inhibitors. SAR studies focused on the phenyl moiety revealed that a 4-fluoro-2-methoxy group afforded potent inhibitory activity toward GSK-3β. Based on docking studies, new hydrogen bonding between the nitrogen atom of the piperazine moiety and the oxygen atom of the main chain of Gln185 has been indicated, which may contribute to increased activity compared with that of the corresponding phenylmorpholine analogues. Effect of the stereochemistry of the phenylpiperazine moiety is also discussed.

A series of 2-(2-phenylmorpholin-4-yl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones was synthesized and examined for their inhibitory activity against glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). We found 21, 29 and 30 to possess potent in vitro GSK-3β inhibitory activity with good in vitro PK profiles. 21 demonstrated significant decrease of tau phosphorylation after oral administration in mice and excellent PK profiles.

Simplified reaction models were developed theoretically and experimentally for use in the computational fluid dynamics of Gallium Nitride (GaN) growth in metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The activation energy of various elementary reaction pathways in a trimethylgallium/ammonia /hydrogen (Ga(CH3)3/NH3/H2) system were calculated using an ab-initio molecular orbital (MO) method. Then, the dominant steps of the reaction paths and the respective activation energies were obtained using the following reactions: Ga(CH3)3 + NH3 → Ga(CH3)2NH2 (Ea = 1.3 eV), 2Ga(CH3)2NH2 →[Ga(CH3)2NH2 ] 2 + 2CH4 (Ea = 0 eV), Ga(CH3)2NH2 → GaN + 2CH4 (Ea = 3.0 eV). The computational fluid dynamics performed using our reaction-model agreed well with the experimental results for the distribution of the GaN growth rate under this study's growth conditions.

収穫後青果物のエチレン処理が貯蔵中の高温耐性に及ぼす影響を議論するため，制御された環境で栽培されたリョクトウモヤシ葉部をエチレン処理した後に高温処理し，外観と生理的特性の変化を調べた．エチレン濃度50 ppmで3日間前処理すると，高温ストレス環境（50℃，120分）曝露後の葉部における壊死発生（外観品質の低下）の遅延と軽減が誘導された．さらに，エチレン処理することによって，50℃，60分の高温ストレス環境下におけるイオン漏出割合（イオンの膜透過性）の抑制が観察された．一方，呼吸速度や膜脂質の過酸化程度には，エチレン前処理の影響は見いだされなかった．これらの結果は，リョクトウモヤシに対する収穫後のエチレン処理によって，高温ストレス耐性が誘起されることを示しており，エチレンには高温障害に関連する膜損傷を軽減する作用があることが示唆された．以上の知見は，収穫後青果物の高温障害の抑制に対するエチレンの効用を検討することの重要性を示唆している．

An asymmetric synthesis of 2-arylpiperazines starting from phenacyl bromides, a variety of which are easily available, has been established. The synthesis features a CBS reduction of phenacyl bromide to provide optically enriched compounds, an SN2 reaction of 1,2,3-oxathiazolidine 2-oxides with an azide anion with invert of configuration, and construction of the piperazine ring via reduction of piperazine-2,3-diones.

We investigated the properties of Ge-doped, high-quality bulk GaN crystals with Ge concentrations up to 2.4×10 19 cm −3 . The Ge-doped crystals were fabricated by hydride vapor phase epitaxy with GeCl 4 as the dopant source. Cathodoluminescence imaging revealed no increase in the dislocation density at even the highest Ge concentration, with values as low as 3.4×10 6 cm −2 . The carrier concentration, as determined by Hall measurement, was almost identical to the combined concentration of Ge and unintentionally incorporated Si. The electron mobilities were 260 and 146 cm 2 V −1 s −1 for n =3.3×10 18 and 3.35×10 19 cm −3 , respectively; these values are markedly larger than those reported in the past for Ge-doped GaN thin films. The optical absorption coefficient was quite small below the band gap energy; it slightly increased with increase in Ge concentration. Thermal conductivity, estimated by the laser-flash method, was virtually independent of Ge concentration, maintaining an excellent value around 2.0 W cm −1 K −1 . Thermal expansion coefficients along the a - and m -axes were approximately constant at 5.0×10 −6 K −1 in the measured doping concentration range.

The free radical scavenger 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (edaravone) has been used to treat acute brain infarction in Japan since 2001. To obtain direct evidence that edaravone serves as an antioxidant in vivo, four groups of rats were prepared: (i) an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group receiving 2 h occlusion-reperfusion of the middle cerebral artery; (ii) a single administration group treated by intravenous infusion of edaravone (3 mg/kg) immediately after I/R; (iii) a repeated treatment group receiving twice daily edaravone administration for 14 days; and (iv) a sham operation group without occlusion. Repeated treatment with edaravone significantly improved the neurological symptoms and impairment of motor function as compared to the I/R group, while single administration demonstrated limited efficacy. No significant differences in plasma antioxidants such as ascorbate, urate, and vitamin E, or in redox status of coenzyme Q(9) were observed among the four groups. In contrast, the plasma content of oleic acid in the total free fatty acids (percentage 18:1) was significantly increased in the I/R group for 7 days as compared to the sham operation group. Oleic acid was produced from stearic acid by the action of stearoyl-CoA desaturase to compensate for the oxidative loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The above results suggest that cellular oxidative damage in the rat brain is evident for at least 7 days after I/R. Repeated treatment suppressed the percentage 18:1 increment, while the single administration did not, which is consistent with the limited efficacy of single administration.

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) with a low moment probe and Q-control in a vacuum was applied to a permalloy semicircular wire loop with a single magnetic domain wall (DW). We successfully observed a nearly free single DW in such a nanomagnet, which is easy to move even using weak magnetic fields. In the case of MFM measurement with a high moment probe, the effects of the probe's stray field caused "DW manipulation," and the MFM signal was maximized just above the wire. When using the low moment probe, the MFM signal was maximized at the side of the wire, which concurs with the result of micromagnetic simulation.

We have developed a new scanning mode and an aligned carbon nanotube tip for atomic force microscopy (AFM) for measuring the critical dimension of deep structures. The aligned carbon nanotube (A-CNT) was assembled in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) chamber. The diameter of the tip is uniformly around 20 nm and the tip attachment angle is within ±1.5° to the sample normal. The aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the tip is greater than 30. The new scanning mode is composed of two functions, namely transporting the tip along the steep trench structure and detecting the sample surface. This mode can faithfully trace the steep side wall using a flexible CNT tip without damaging the tip. The critical dimension (CD) measurements of the shallow trench isolation (STI) were performed using the newly developed scanning mode and the A-CNT tip.

The dopant type and carrier concentration in a patterned semiconductor sample with three different doping regions were measured by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscope (SNDM). SNDM is used in the way of a scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) with a new detection mechanism based on frequency detection. The topographic, pn-distribution and the carrier concentration images of a patterned semiconductor sample were measured at the same time. In concurrence with a demonstration of the SNDM-SCM measurements, the influence of an adsorbed water layer on measurements is evaluated in the vacuum and in the air over a relative humidity (RH) range of 20 to 80%. Adverse affects on capacitance measurements due to the variation in RH are revealed. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2006.454]

We examined stock fecundity, abundance of eggs and larvae, and catch per haul of age 0 walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, and considered the relationship between reproduction, recruitment and the ocean environment off the Pacific coast of northern Japan for the period between 1985 and 1996. To calculate stock fecundity, we estimated age at maturity and fecundity, and expanded estimates to the expected age composition of the population as estimated by Virtual Population Analysis. Eggs and larvae were collected by research cruises in the main spawning ground in and around Funka Bay. Catch in number of age 0 per haul were obtained from catch statistics. Annual stock fecundity decreased in the late 1980s, from 97 billion eggs in 1986 to 74 billion in 1990, and increased in the 1990s, to 137 billion in 1995. Abundance of eggs and larvae, and catch of age 0 per haul, were high in the late 1980s; however, they were low or intermediate in the 1990s. The steepness of the spawner recruitment relationship in the 1990s was different from the late 1980s, based on positive relationships between stock fecundity and catch of age 0 per haul in each decade. Sea surface temperature in the main spawning ground around Funka Bay was low in the late 1980s, but high in 1990s. We conclude that the decadal-scale change in the ocean environment around the main spawning ground between the 1980s and the 1990s caused a change in the reproduction and recruitment of walleye pollock.

Type of conductively and carrier concentration of a semiconductor sample with three different dopant regions were measured by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscope (SNDM). It is an application of SNDM in to scanning capacitance microscopy with a new detection mechanism that is based on frequency detection. In principle, SNDM includes the SCM function; it is possible to measure not only the conductive type distribution as a conventional SCM, but also the carrier concentration distribution at the same time. As a demonstration, the influence of an adsorbed water layer on the measurements of a semiconductor sample is observed.

質問表の中で胸やけ症状ありと記入した100名を無作為に選び, 性・年齢をマッチさせて胸やけ症状なしと記入した100名をその対照とし, 各々の上部消化管X線像を検討した。対象は男性65例 (平均年齢47.9歳) , 女性35例 (平均年齢45.7歳) であった。上部消化管X線像は立位充満像と腹臥位充満像を取り上げ, 0, I-a, I-b, II, III群の5群に分けた。食道・胃接合部の偏位, 食道の拡張を立位充満像と腹臥位充満像の両者で認めないものを0群, いずれかで認めるものをI-a群, 両者で認めるものをI-b群とし, II群は食道・胃接合部の偏位, 胃噴門部の一部の脱出を認めるもの, III群は胃噴門部, 体部の脱出を認めるものとした。胸やけありとなしでは0群ではそれぞれ66名, 78名, I-a群では16名, 17名, I-b群では16名, 5名, II群では1名, 0名, III群では1名, 0名であった。0群, I-a群とI-b群, II群III群に分けて胸やけありとなしで比較するとx2検定で有意差 (p

1997～2000年の夏季にオホーツク海南西部でトロールによりズワイガニ採集調査を行い, 分布と成熟サイズを検討した。水深100～300 mで主に採集され, 分布の中心は150～200 mで, 300 m以深ではほとんど採集されなかった。ズワイガニが採集された調査点の底層水温は−0.96～6.00℃で, 500個体/km2以上採集された調査点では−0.96～5.77℃の範囲に限定されていた。水深別甲幅組成から, 雌雄とも深所ほど大型の個体が多かった。50%成熟率甲幅は, 雄106.0 mm, 雌63.4 mmであった。

A deep-sea video monitoring system on a towed sledge was used in Pacific coastal waters of northern Japan at depths ranging from 440 to 700 m to estimate the density and the spatial distribution of kichiji rockfish Sebastolobus macrochir Thirty observations were completed at 24 survey sites in daytime during May and June in 2001. A seafloor area of 86,160 m 2 was surveyed, and 253 kichiji rockfish were observed. Most of the fish showed no behavioral response to this system. Densities ranged from 0 to 11 fish/1,000 m 2 (mean 2.94 fish/1,000 m 2 ). Kichiji rockfish stayed on the seafloor as solitary individuals. Only 4.9% of kichiji rockfish was situated less than 5 m to other kichiji rockfish, 3.5% occurred between 5 and 10 m to other fish and the remaining 91.6% was more than 10 m away from other fish. Of the 253 kichiji rockfish, 209 were small (5-9.9 cm) and 44 were more than or equal to 10 cm. Most of the small fish were between one year and two years old. Kichiji rockfish would be distributed as solitary individuals at least from one year old. The method to estimate the density of the kichiji rockfish using this system is effective for stock assessment.

Two metabolites of a free radical scavenger, edaravone, were synthesized. Edaravone glucuronate was synthesized by glycosylation of a glucuronic acid precursor using silver (I) trifluoromethane-sulfonate with edaravone. Edaravone sulfate was synthesized by sulfonylation of edaravone using a sulfur trioxide-pyridine complex. The two synthesized metabolites were identical to isolated metabolites. X-ray analysis identified edaravone glucuronate as beta-O-glucuronate, although there were three possible edaravone glucuronate tautomers.