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The Kyoto gastritis classification is used to categorize the endoscopic characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection-associated gastritis. We aimed to clarify the association among endoscopic findings and abdominal dyspeptic symptoms in Japanese male. We administered a questionnaire to 418 subjects who underwent endoscopy as part of a health check-up from August 2003 to April 2004 to investigate the association among endoscopic findings of the Kyoto classification and the presence of dyspeptic symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk based on dyspeptic symptoms. Among 418 health check-up subjects, 21.3% (89/418) reported dyspeptic symptoms in the questionnaire. The incidence of fundic gland polyp among patients with dyspeptic symptoms was 12.4% (11/89), which was significantly higher than that among non-symptomatic subjects (4.3%, 14/329, p = 0.004). Logistic regression analyses showed that fundic gland polyp was a risk factor for dyspeptic symptoms [odds ratio (OR): 3.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.430–8.142], while short-segment Barrett’s esophagus and male sex were protective factors (OR: 0.569, 95% CI: 0.349–0.928 and OR: 0.333, 95% CI: 0.117–0.948, respectively). In conclusion, Endoscopic findings of fundic gland polyp may be associated with dyspeptic symptoms, which in turn may be a useful marker of gastric condition.

Many patients suffer from declined motor abilities after a brain injury. To provide appropriate rehabilitation programs and encourage motor-impaired patients to participate further in rehabilitation, sufficient and easy evaluation methodologies are necessary. This study is focused on the sit-to-stand motion of post-stroke patients because it is an important daily activity. Our previous study utilized muscle synergies (synchronized muscle activation) to classify the degree of motor impairment in patients and proposed appropriate rehabilitation methodologies. However, in our previous study, the patient was required to attach electromyography sensors to his/her body; thus, it was difficult to evaluate motor ability in daily circumstances. Here, we developed a handrail-type sensor that can measure the force applied to it. Using temporal features of the force data, the relationship between the degree of motor impairment and temporal features was clarified, and a classification model was developed using a random forest model to determine the degree of motor impairment in hemiplegic patients. The results show that hemiplegic patients with severe motor impairments tend to apply greater force to the handrail and use the handrail for a longer period. It was also determined that patients with severe motor impairments did not move forward while standing up, but relied more on the handrail to pull their upper body upward as compared to patients with moderate impairments. Furthermore, based on the developed classification model, patients were successfully classified as having severe or moderate impairments. The developed classification model can also detect long-term patient recovery. The handrail-type sensor does not require additional sensors on the patient's body and provides an easy evaluation methodology.

Sit-to-stand (STS) motion is an important daily activity and many post-stroke patients have difficulty in performing the STS motion. Post-stroke patients who can perform STS independently, still utilize four muscle synergies (synchronized muscle activation) as seen in healthy people. In addition, temporal muscle synergy features can reflect motor impairment of post-stroke patients. However, it has been unclear whether post-stroke patients improve their STS movements in short-term rehabilitation and which muscle synergy features can estimate this improvement. Here, we demonstrate that temporal features of muscle synergies which contribute to body extension and balance maintenance can estimate the effect of short-term rehabilitation based on machine learning methods. By analyzing muscle synergies of post-stroke patients (n = 33) before and with the intervention of physical therapists, we found that about half of the patients who were severely impaired, improved activation timing of muscle synergy to raise the hip with the intervention. Additionally, we identified the temporal features that can estimate whether severely impaired post-stroke patients improve. We conclude that temporal features of muscle synergies can estimate the motor recovery in short-term rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. This finding may lead to new rehabilitation strategies for post-stroke patients that focus on improving activation timing of different muscle synergies.

Patients with stroke exhibit distinct muscle activation features in sit-to-stand motion due to motor deficiency. Muscle activation amplitude is an important feature but has not been clarified due to the lack of a valid normalization method to enable intra-subject comparisons. This study, focusing on the paretic side, examines the change in muscle tension manifested in activation amplitude for a patient with stroke in serial measurements by a novel method based on joint torques. We constructed a musculoskeletal model, calculated joint torques by inverse dynamics, and solved muscle activation by forward dynamics simulation. Results showed that tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae muscles on the paretic side showed significant improvement in generating maximum muscle tension after a rehabilitation training for 120 days.

Post-stroke patients exhibit distinct muscle activation electromyography (EMG) features in sit-to-stand (STS) due to motor deficiency. Muscle activation amplitude, related to muscle tension and muscle synergy activation levels, is one of the defining EMG features that reflects post-stroke motor functioning and motor impairment. Although some qualitative findings are available, it is not clear if and how muscle activation amplitude-related biomechanical attributes may quantitatively reflect during subacute stroke rehabilitation. To better enable a longitudinal investigation into a patient's muscle activation changes during rehabilitation or an inter-subject comparison, EMG normalization is usually applied. However, current normalization methods using maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) or within-task peak/mean EMG may not be feasible when MVC cannot be obtained from stroke survivors due to motor paralysis and the subject of comparison is EMG amplitude. Here, focusing on the paretic side, we first propose a novel, joint torque-based normalization method that incorporates musculoskeletal modeling, forward dynamics simulation, and mathematical optimization. Next, upon method validation, we apply it to quantify changes in muscle tension and muscle synergy activation levels in STS motor control units for patients in subacute stroke rehabilitation. The novel method was validated against MVC-normalized EMG data from eight healthy participants, and it retained muscle activation amplitude differences for inter- and intra-subject comparisons. The proposed joint torque-based method was also compared with the common static optimization based on squared muscle activation and showed higher simulation accuracy overall. Serial STS measurements were conducted with four post-stroke patients during their subacute rehabilitation stay (137 ± 22 days) in the hospital. Quantitative results of patients suggest that maximum muscle tension and activation level of muscle synergy temporal patterns may reflect the effectiveness of subacute stroke rehabilitation. A quality comparison between muscle synergies computed with the conventional within-task peak/mean EMG normalization and our proposed method showed that the conventional was prone to activation amplitude overestimation and underestimation. The contributed method and findings help recapitulate and understand the post-stroke motor recovery process, which may facilitate developing more effective rehabilitation strategies for future stroke survivors.

We have explored orally effective thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) mimetics, showing oral bioavailability and brain penetration by structure–activity relationship (SAR) study on the basis of in vivo antagonistic activity on reserpine-induced hypothermia in mice. By primary screening of the synthesized TRH mimetics, we found a novel TRH mimetic: l-pyroglutamyl-[3-(thiazol-4-yl)-l-alanyl]-l-prolinamide with a high central nervous system effect compared with TRH as a lead compound. Further SAR optimization studies of this lead compound led to discovery of a novel orally effective TRH mimetic: 1-{N-[(4S,5S)-(5-methyl-2-oxooxazolidine-4-yl)carbonyl]-3-(thiazol-4-yl)-l-alanyl}-(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidine trihydrate (rovatirelin hydrate), which was selected as a candidate for clinical trials.

Stroke patients suffer from declined physical ability, and it is important to analyze rehabilitation intervention and clarify its effect on the motion of patients. In this study, the effect of intervention on the standing-up motion of stroke patients is investigated. First, the intervention timing of a physical therapist (PT) is analyzed quantitatively from the muscle activity of upper limbs during therapy. Next, the intervention effect is evaluated based on body kinematics and muscle synergy. In this study, twenty trials are conducted, in which the standing-up motion of hemiplegic patients (n=12) is measured with and without the intervention by a PT. The results show that PTs teach hemiplegic patients the timing of lifting their buttocks during standing-up motion. Furthermore, it has been found that this intervention could improve the standing-up motion, although stroke patients had inadequate muscle synergy structure. In particular, some patients had delayed activation of the synergy and they could only stood up after they moved their center of mass toward their feet. However, the intervention by PTs could induce earlier activation of the synergy. Moreover, the intervention could properly shorten the activation duration of muscle synergy for those who had unusually inappropriate longer activation of synergy. These results imply that disordered and inadequate muscle synergy structure can be improved by proper intervention, and this study contributes to the further development of new rehabilitation methodologies.

A novel flow-through column electrolytic cell was proposed as a detector to obtain current signals for supercritical fluid chromatography. The electrochemical cell consisted of two electrodes and its holder, and a working and a counter electrode were fabricated from 192 carbon strings, which were composed of 400 carbon fibers of 10 μm in diameter filled into a heat-shrinkable tube. These electrodes were placed in the center of a holder made from polyether ether ketone blocks and they were separated by polytetrafluoroethylene membrane filters. To evaluate the sensitivity of this cell, a standard solution of ferrocene was injected into the supercritical fluid chromatography system connected to the electrolytic cell. The ferrocene was eluted through a silica gel column using a mixture of a mobile phase of supercritical CO2 and a modifier of methanol containing ammonium acetate. The current peak area of ferrocene correlated to the ferrocene concentration in the range of 10–400 μmol/L (r = 0.999). Moreover, the limit of detection on the column estimated from a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was 9.8 × 10−13 mol. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

We discovered the orally active thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) mimetic: (4S,5S)-5-methyl-N-{(2S)-1-[(2R)-2-methylpyrrolidin-1-yl]-1-oxo-3-(1,3-thiazol-4-yl)propan-2-yl}-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carboxamide 1 (rovatirelin). The central nervous system (CNS) effect of rovatirelin after intravenous (iv) administration is 100-fold higher than that of TRH. As 1 has four asymmetric carbons in its molecule, there are 16 stereoisomers. We synthesized and evaluated the anti-hypothermic effect of all stereoisomers of 1, which has the (4S),(5S),(2S),(2R) configuration from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, in order to clarify the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of stereoisomers. The (4R),(5R),(2R),(2S)-isomer 16 did not show any anti-hypothermic effect. Only the (4S),(5S),(2S),(2S)-isomer 10, which has the (2S)-2-methylpyrrolidine moiety at the C-terminus showed the anti-hypothermic effect similar to 1. Stereoisomers, which have the (5R) configuration of the oxazolidinone at the N-terminus and the (2R) configuration at the middle-part, showed a much lower anti-hypothermic effect than that of 1. On the other hand, stereoisomers, which have the (4R) configuration of the oxazolidinone at the N-terminus or the (2S) configuration of the C-terminus, have little influence on the anti-hypothermic effect.

Sit-to-stand (STS) motion is an important daily activity, and many post-stroke patients have difficulty performing STS motion. Previous studies found that there are four muscle synergies (synchronized muscle activations) in the STS motion of healthy adults. However, for post-stroke patients, it is unclear whether muscle synergies change and which features primarily reflect motor impairment. Here, we use a machine learning method to demonstrate that temporal features in two muscle synergies that contribute to hip rising and balance maintenance motion reflect the motor impairment of post-stroke patients. Analyzing the muscle synergies of age-matched healthy elderly people ( $n = 12$ ) and post-stroke patients ( $n = 33$ ), we found that the same four muscle synergies could account for the muscle activity of post-stroke patients. Also, we were able to distinguish post-stroke patients from healthy people on the basis of the temporal features of these muscle synergies. Furthermore, these temporal features were found to correlate with motor impairment of post-stroke patients. We conclude that post-stroke patients can still utilize the same number of muscle synergies as healthy people, but the temporal structure of muscle synergies changes as a result of motor impairment. This could lead to a new rehabilitation strategy for post-stroke patients that focuses on activation timing of muscle synergies.

Nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) displays unusual clinicopathological features, and the prognosis is very poor, even in the early stages of the disease. For early stage NNKTL, we have developed a novel chemoradiotherapy regimen incorporating arterial infusion chemotherapy, administered via the superficial temporal artery, in combination with radiotherapy. The novel arterial infusion regimen consists of ifosfamide, carboplatin, methotrexate, peplomycin, and etoposide (MPVIC-P). From 2003 to 2011, 12 patients with early stage NNKTL were treated with the MPVIC-P regimen via arterial infusion with concomitant radiotherapy (54 Gy). We have previously reported on the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genetic DNA in NNKTL. Therefore, the effect of the treatment was evaluated by using both clinical findings and serum EBV DNA copy number. The observation period ranged from 39 months to 111 months post-treatment (median: 81 months). All 12 patients achieved and maintained complete remission and, to date, show no sign of relapse. Serum EBV DNA copy numbers decreased to below detectable levels in all 12 patients tested. Manageable mucositis was the most common grade 3-4 toxicity, and it was seen in 10 (83%) patients. However, grade 3-4 hematological toxicity was only seen in 4 (33%) patients. We conclude that our regimen of intra-maxillary arterial chemotherapy with concomitant radiotherapy is an effective treatment with minimal toxicity for early stage NNKTL. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

【目的】脳卒中専門医不在の地域基幹病院において遠隔脳卒中診療(telestroke)を試み，その有用性と課題を検証する．【方法】脳卒中専門医チームを有する医療機関と脳卒中専門医不在の地域基幹病院をTV会議システムと放射線画像読影システムで結んだ．地域基幹病院に脳卒中を疑われた患者が搬送されたとき，TV会議システムを用いて得られた神経所見と放射線画像読影システムで転送された画像所見から，臨床診断し，治療方針を決定した．Telestrokeによる脳卒中診療の有用性および課題を検討した．【結果】Telestrokeにより患者の意識状態や麻痺の状態などを直接観察することができた．地域基幹病院で撮影した神経画像をリアルタイムで読影できた．脳卒中専門医のいる医療機関に直接搬送されるときより診断までの時間，治療開始までの時間が短縮した．診療点数が算定されないことが課題であった．【結論】Telestrokeは脳卒中専門医のいない地域基幹病院での脳卒中診療に有用と考えられた．

脳卒中片麻痺患者に対して，1)麻痺側下肢の振り出し補助，2)麻痺側下肢による体重支持の補助，3)歩行時に荷重する下肢側への左右交互側方重心移動の補助，の3 項目を1 名の介助者で安全に実施できる歩行補助装置：Assistance of Swing, Stance, and Weight Shift(ASSWS)を開発し，歩行分析を行った．この機構は人体の立位体重支持のための下肢の力学的複合体である膝蓋靭帯，大腿四頭筋，腸脛靭帯を経て大殿筋に至る構造を模している．ASSWSの装着介助下では，歩行速度は有意に速く，ストライドは有意に長く，歩行周期は有意に短く，麻痺側単脚荷重時間比は有意に長かった．荷重量はASSWS装着介助の有無で有意差がなかった．股関節屈曲のpeak値は大きくなり，膝関節は常により屈曲した状態となっていた．股関節屈曲伸展，膝関節伸展の関節モーメントは有意に大きくなっていた．

In present research, differences in the number of seeds per berry (NSB), berry fresh weight (BW), days to ripening from flowering (DRF), and the duration of a slow growth phase (DS II) among pollen sources were investigated in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). NSB, as well as BW and DRF, were significantly different among the pollen sources. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with NSB as the covariate showed significant interaction between the NSB and pollen sources on BW and DRF when self-pollination was included. However, ANCOVA without self-pollination showed no significant effect of the pollen source on BW and DRF. On the other hand, DS II was negatively correlated with NSB, and no significant interaction between NSB and pollen sources was found, even though self-pollination was included. Although the relationship between NSB and DS II appeared not to be statistically influenced by the different pollen sources, there seemed to be some difference between self- and cross-pollination. DS II shortened as the NSB increased, which may have led to a decrease in DRF.

From a lot of survey, it is obvious that most students in universities lose their desire for learning just after entering their universities. In order to solve this problem, we developed a novel educational tool for the students, named “The thinking method based on matrix diagram” . If they try hard with the help of this tool, they will be able to learn how to design and manage their splendid university lives in addition to get the basic knowledge and to improve their basic abilities. It is also found that they can earn the shared knowledge mutually after learning a common method, which supports to make them to improve their communication abilities drastically.

A new multiple dc-inputs direct electric-power converter (D-EPC) has been developed. It is placed between multiple dc power sources and an ac motor, thereby eliminating the need for a dc/dc converter that is generally used in conventional converter/inverter systems. D-PEC can improve the efficiency of a motor drive system with a more compact size. Its power distribution control is carried out by allotting voltage ratios to each of the two different dc power sources on a time average basis. A new pulse width modulation (PWM) generation technique to drive the switching devices in D-EPC has also been developed. Tests have verified that the three-phase ac motor can be operated by controlling the power distribution between the two power sources.

A novel technique for measuring the concentration rate of a redox compound at an electrode/solution interface was developed using slab optical waveguide (SOWG) spectroscopy. The electrolysis of 5 mmol dm −3 ferroin in 1 mol dm −3 potassium nitrate solution was carried out on an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode and plastic-formed carbon (PFC) electrode by cyclic voltammetry, using each spectroelectrochemical cell in SOWG spectroscopy. Their SOWG spectra were obtained every 0.05 mV during the potential sweep between +0.4 and +1.4 V for the ITO electrode and between +0.4 and +1.2 V for the PFC electrode. To obtain the concentration profiles near the electrode during the cyclic voltammetry of ferroin, the SOWG spectra were converted to concentration ratios at given locations, and these ratios were plotted against a penetration depth of evanescent wave. The theoretical derived concentration–distance profiles during CV were experimentally verified by the present technique.

（目的）舌根の広範囲切除症例において，術後嚥下機能を評価することで最適な再建手術方法を検討する。（方法）癌研有明病院頭頸科で2007年1月から12月までに手術を行った口腔中咽頭癌症例のうち，舌根を半分以上切除しかつ喉頭を保存した症例5例を対象とした。再建については，まず残存舌根の能動的な動きを確認し，下端の粘膜を寄せて狭い咽頭腔を作成した後，ボリュームのある皮弁を咽頭腔に突出するように縫着した。全例，喉頭挙上術や輪状咽頭筋切断術は行っていない。これらの術後経過と嚥下機能を詳細に観察して検討した。（結果）5例全てにおいて経口摂取が可能であった。2例が術後早期に再発を生じていた。（結論）この方法によりある程度良好な嚥下機能が期待できると思われた。ただし予後の悪い症例もあるため術式選択や術後管理には十分注意すべきと思われた。

Attomole quantities of catechins were determined by a capillary liquid chromatography system with electrochemical detection (CLC-ECD) and the system is applied to the determination of catechins in human plasma. The eight catechins: catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin gallate (Cg), epicatechin gallate (ECg), gallocatechin gallate (GCg), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), were separated within 10 min using a capillary column (0.2 mm i.d.) and a mobile phase of phosphoric acid (85%)-methanol-water (0.5:27.5:72.5, v/v/v), and were detected at +0.85 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Peak heights were found to be linearly related to the amount of catechins injected, from 200 amol to 500 fmol (r > 0.998). The detection limits of the catechins were 61 amol for EGC, 75 amol for EC, 54 amol for GC, 61 amol for C, 67 amol for GCg, 75 amol for EGCg, 75 amol for ECg and 89 amol for Cg (S/N = 3). Because the present method is highly sensitive and allows facile pretreatment for plasma sample, the time courses of concentrations of catechins (GCg, EC, EGCg, ECg, and Cg) and their conjugates in human plasma obtained from a 10 microl plasma sample after ingestion of green tea could be determined.

Slab optical waveguide (SOWG) spectroscopy was carried out for an in situ observation of ferroin and ferriin formed at an electrode/solution interface during electrolysis on an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. A new spectroelectrochemical cell for SOWG spectroscopy was developed to observe in situ absorption spectra of species in the vicinity of the ITO electrode surface. A cyclic voltammogram (CV) of 5 mmol·dm−3 ferroin in 1 mol·dm−3 potassium nitrate aqueous solution was obtained as the potential swept from +1.4 to +0.4 V and then from +0.4 to +1.4 V. Furthermore a cathodic and anodic peaks appeared at +0.82 and +0.92 V, respectively. The SOWG spectra were obtained every 0.05 mV during the sweep. The SOWG spectra at the potential of +0.4 and +1.4 V were identical to the UV-VIS spectra of ferroin and ferriin, respectively. The concentration profiles near the electrode during cyclic voltammetry of ferroin were discussed based on the absorbance at 510 and 650 nm on SOWG spectra. Furthermore, in situ real-time monitoring of absorption during potential step experiment of ferroin was made at various incident angles from 70 to 77° using SOWG spectroscopy.

The enamel matrix derivative (EMD, Emdogain) was used for the purpose to obtain the periodontal regeneration on the denuded root-surfaces of the donor teeth in two cases of the immediate tooth-transplantation. The root-surfaces at the cervical portion of the teeth were denuded because of extrusion. The healthy periodontium of each tooth remained at the apical portion of the roots. The denuded root-surfaces were cleansed before extraction. Then, the donor teeth were gently extracted with forceps, administered EMD, and transplanted so that the denuded surfaces were covered by gingival flaps. After the transplantation, the mean probing attachment level (PAL) improved 3.2 mm and 1.5 mm, respectively. The mean probing pocket depth was within normal level. The actual supporting areas of the roots of the transplanted teeth increased and the teeth worked as the abutments of prosthetic bridges.

A new spectroelectrochemical cell for slab optical waveguide (SOWG) spectroscopy was developed in order to observe in situ an electrode/electrolyte interface for bulk electrolysis. The new SOWG spectroelectrochemical cell has been evaluated by simultaneous electrochemical-absorption experiments of methylene blue (MB) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and SOWG spectrometry. CV was performed in the SOWG spectroelectrochemical cell using indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass as the working electrode, platinum wire as the counter electrode and a silver/silver chloride electrode (Ag/AgCl) as the reference electrode. Based on the CV and SOWG spectrometric data, it was found that the SOWG spectra showed the MB spectra on the electrode surface selectively and that SOWG with the cell would be useful as a tool for in situ study of an electrode/electrolyte interface. Using this cell, the effects of the supporting electrolytes, NaNO 3 , KNO 3 , CH 3 COONa, and CH 3 COOK on the absorbance of MB were examined at the potential of +0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl. The decrease in MB absorbance by nitrate ions was greater than that of acetate ions. Therefore the competitive adsorption of nitrate ions was stronger than that of acetate ions. Thus, the decrease in absorbance of MB in the presence of anions demonstrates the competitive adsorption of anions. These results show that the extent of specific adsorption of electrolytes was observed by measuring the SOWG absorbance intensity of MB.

A highly sensitive and selective method was developed for the determination of 15 flavonoids by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC–ECD) using a microbore co...

Gas productions in illegal dumping sites and waste landfills have caused serious problems. The gas production was induced by bacterial flora inhabited soils. In order to construct a culture independent evaluation system of the soil bacteria, bacterial communities were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, about 16 soil samples at 4 sites, both using culture and culture-independent methods. The real time PCR method was developed for counting total bacterial number. Sequencing analysis of 16S rDNA amplified by a direct PCR method revealed that non-spore forming sulfate reducing bacteria and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were detected at a similar frequency at an illegal dumping site near mountains. On the other hand, spore-forming sulfate reducing bacteria and Clostridium sp. were mainly detected in deep samples at reclaimed landfills from the sea, whereas sulfur-oxidizing bacteria was hardly detected. The result regarding sulfate-reducing bacteria was confirmed also by an anaerobic culture method. Culture-independent molecular analyses of soil bacteria would give us useful information for prediction of gas production and for the evaluation of soil equilibrium.

食品pH調整剤の酸度測定のために，キノンの電解還元を利用した電気化学検出フローインジェクション分析法（FIA-ECD）を構築した．電気化学検出の基本を知るためにリニアスイープボルタンメトリーを行った．微量の酸を含むビタミンK3（VK3）の非緩衝溶液のボルタモグラムには，－0.1 V vs. SCE付近にVK3の還元前置波が現れ，そのピーク電流値は酸の当量濃度に比例した．食品pH調整剤の測定例として，乳酸，リン酸，グルコン酸を含む食品pH調整剤のDP-7L（タイショーテクノス製）を使用した．FIA-ECDにおける－0.24 V vs. SCEにおけるフローシグナル強度は，DP-7L濃度0.0012～0.010％ の範囲で良い直線関係（r＝0.997）を示し，連続測定の相対標準偏差は3.8％（0.0075％•DP-7L，n＝5）であった．FIA-ECDのフローシグナル強度と中和滴定におけるNaOH標準溶液の消費量は良い相関性を示した．これよりFIA-ECDによってDP-7Lの酸度測定が可能であることが分かった．本法は，酸度の自動計測ができるので，例えばゆでめんの冷却槽の酸度を一定に維持するためのシステム作製に極めて有用と考えられる．

Determination of quercetin in human plasma was carried out by semi-micro high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Peak heights for quercetin were found to be linearly related to the amount of each quercetin injected from 1.5 to 750 pg. The detection limit (signal-noise ratio, S/N = 3) of the present method for quercetin was 0.3 pg. Glucuronic and sulfate forms of quercetin in plasma were hydrolyzed enzymatically using beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase, respectively. Quercetin in plasma and the hydrolyzed solution were extracted with ethyl acetate and determined by the present method. The time courses of concentrations of quercetin in human plasma showed maxima at 1-1.5 h after ingestion of 340 mL of commercial canned green tea.

Recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) was strongly and almost completely adsorbed onto small hydrophobic liposomes under optimal conditions (liposome: DSPC-DSPG; molar ratio, 10:1; 30-50 nm in size, ratio of IL-2 to liposome: 4.0 JRU/nmol lipid). This liposomal IL-2 improved the distribution of IL-2 after intravenous administration as reported, previously. Liposomal IL-2 (300-10000 JRU/mouse per day) was significantly more effective than free IL-2 alone for inhibiting against the experimental metastases of M5076 in mice. The inhibitory effect of liposomal IL-2 was greatest in the liver. The ED(50) of liposomal IL-2 and that of free IL-2 in the liver were 1640 and 12500 JRU/mouse per day, respectively. This simple preparation (mixture) using IL-2 and liposome suspension is expected to have potential for increasing therapeutic efficacy against hepatic metastases.

Today's product design problems are increasingly large-scaled due to the diversification of engineering technologies as well as consumer needs. Designers must meet these needs rapidly, evaluate wide-ranging engineering requirements at the product design stage, and develop designs that distinguish their product from others in the marketplace. This type of work often involves multi disciplinary large-scaled optimization problems. When more than one discipline is involved in product design decision making, technical experts in different fields or divisions can benefit from sharing specific knowledge as they cooperatively and concurrently work to solve such problems. In this study, methodologies are constructed that feature mobile-agent systems capable of supporting collaborative product design activities.

A middle age man underwent immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred in an ambulance. After arrival in a regional hospital, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved 82 minutes after the collapse. He was in coma even three hours after ROSC. So, he was transferred to our university hospital to receive therapeutic hypothermia (TH). An initial bispectral index (BIS) value suggested a favorable outcome. Thus we decided to aggressive therapies including TH of 34°C for 48 hours, followed by a very slow rewarming at the rate of 1°C per day. Eventually he was discharged from the hospital with good neurological state. This case shows us two points: 1) the importance of the chain of survival: CPR done immediately after the collapse, persistent CPR for refractory VF, followed by coronary interventions after ROSC, continuing care to the university hospital, 2) decision making for TH using BIS monitoring.

The Swallowing Ability Scale (SAS) has been recently reported by us. This scale is a new method to assess dysphagia after therapy for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The preliminary results on 23 patients showed that the scale was reliable and sensitive to functional differences across a broad spectrum of oropharyngeal dysphagia after therapy. This paper confirmed the above facts in 73 oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients who were treated in two hospitals between 1995 and 1996. As stated in the previous paper, SAS consists of a 2-step questionnaire: the MTF score and the Dysphagia score. The MTF score is a simple and practical assessment tool consisting of three subscales: 1) Method of intake, 2) Time of intake, and 3) Food. The Dysphagia score is a relevant assessment tool for defining patients' anatomic or physiologic swallowing disorders. In 40 patients with wide resection of the tongue, the Dysphagia score (p0.05) and the MTF score (p0.01) were significantly decreased. And we found a correlation between the MTF score and the Dysphagia score (r = 0.78, p0.001) in 73 patients. The usefulness of the SAS will be further studied for the assessment of rehabilitation to improve postoperative dysphagia.