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Using an electrostatic rotational spore collector, we consecutively collected all of the conidia produced from single colonies of melon powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii Pollacci KMP-6 N) on leaves of living melon plants throughout the lifetime of the colony in a natural environment, and counted all conidia that were attracted to insulators. The collector consisted of an insulated round plastic container, a conductor (copper) film, an insulator (collector) film, an electrostatic voltage generator and a timer mechanism. Negative charge was supplied from the voltage generator to the conductor film, and the negatively charged conductor film caused dielectric polarization of the insulator film. The insulator film, which creates an attractive force for trapping conidia that enter the field, was placed ca. 2 cm from the apex of the single colony. Released conidia were successfully attracted to the electrostatically activated insulator films. Each collector film was exchanged for a new insulator film at 24 h intervals until KMP-6 N ceased to release conidia from single colonies. During a colony’s lifespan, KMP-6 N released an average of 12.6 × 104 conidia from each of the single colonies at ca. 744 h. Additionally, we found that 1) the number of conidia released from single colonies in daytime was larger than that in night-time, 2) conidia were released from single colonies for ca. 2–4 h longer in spring or summer than in autumn or winter, and 3) release of conidia from KMP-6 N decreased as light intensity declined. Thus, conidial release from conidiophores is affected by day-length and light intensity.

This study examined isotope fractionation during bronze casting and assessed variation in Sn isotope composition of Chinese bronze products to ascertain whether a Sn isotope tracer is applicable to provenance studies of bronze products or not. A casting experiment revealed that the Sn isotope composition of a bronze block surface becomes slightly heavier, 0.22‰ in δ124Sn/120Sn scale, (δ124Sn/120Sn = [(124Sn/120Snsample)/(124Sn/120Snstandard)−1] × 103), than original Sn beads because of selective evaporation of light isotopes. The Sn isotope compositions of six bronze product samples excavated in China were analyzed. The variation of δ124Sn/120Sn in the six samples was as great as 0.4‰. Six bronze samples showed small but detectable isotope variation that surpassed isotope shift during casting. Results suggested that the application of Sn isotope ratio to provenance studies of bronze products was of limited use because of the small variation. However, it was also shown that the Sn isotope ratio can be applied for provenancing a bronze sample with a distinct isotope composition.

Background A diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV-PTC) is a rare variant and reports describing the cytological findings are few. Patients and Methods We studied 24 cytological samples from thyroid fine needle aspirates of 20 patients with DSV-PTC. The specimens were taken from 14 non-nodular lesions and 10 nodules. Results All aspirates taken from both non-nodular lesions and nodules had sufficient cellularity. The carcinoma cells frequently (70–100%) appeared as solid cell balls and hollow balls, and showed a hobnail pattern, squamous differentiation, septate cytoplasmic vacuoles and large unilocular vacuoles. Most of the carcinoma cells seem to be taken from the lumen of dilated lymph vessels. Ground glass nuclear chromatin, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions and grooved nuclei were infrequent (50% or less). In the background, a large number of lymphocytes and abundant psammoma bodies were almost always seen. Conclusions Cytological findings of DSV-PTC are as follows: (1) solid cell balls and/or hollow balls containing lymphocytes; (2) hobnail cells; (3) septate cytoplasmic vacuoles; (4) large unilocular vacuoles; (5) squamous differentiation; (6) abundant psammoma bodies; (7) lymphocytic background; and (8) the absence or relative lack of characteristic nuclear features of papillary carcinoma. When DSV-PTC is suspected by ultrasound examination, the aspiration cytology from a non-nodular area of the thyroid can led us to the diagnosis of the variant.

Fish assemblages along marine artificial reefs have been the objects of numerous studies. Most of them distinguish resident from transient species according to their habitat association level. Despite its wide use, this distinction presents practical complications for two main reasons: first, the method used for assessing habitat association level may cause mistakes, and second, no objective method has been proposed thus far to determine the habitat association level that should be considered as a boundary between resident and transient species. This paper aims at overcoming these two problems. In order to improve and standardize assessment of habitat association level, we developed a habitat association index (HAI) whose calculation requires only presence-absence data. By taking into account both species occurrence rate and occurrence patterns, our index minimizes the risk of erroneously perceiving species as being equally associated to a habitat. In order to distinguish between resident and transient species objectively, we propose to plot HAI against occurrence rate and then seek the combination providing the most significantly different groups with reference to the relation between these two variables. Using two different datasets collected along Japanese artificial reefs and comparing the results with the ones obtained through an alternate method consisting of plotting persistence against maximum abundance and looking for a major gap along the persistence axis, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this two-step method.

We present design of single flux quantum (SFQ) cells for a 10-Nb-layer process which has been developed to fabricate SFQ VLSI circuits. The device fabricated by the process has a structure of an active layer on the top, two passive transmission line (PTL) layers in the middle, and a DC power (DCP) layer at the bottom. We have determined a unit cell size of 30 μm × 30 μm and a unit cell structure by taking accounts of the design rules and the experimental data on the PTLs. This cell size enables us to draw two PTLs of each PTL layer. PTL driver and receiver cells have a unit cell size, whereas a half unit cell with a size of 15 μm × 15 μm is used for PTL segments and vias. On the active layer, circuit parameters in analog simulation level are based on those of CONNECT cells, except for junction parameters with McCumber parameter β c of 2.0. Major cells including logic cells and PTL driver/receiver cells have been developed. We have designed a 2 × 2 switch on-chip test circuit using the cells and successfully tested them at high speed.

We propose a fast hardware algorithm for division in GF(2m) based on the extended Euclid's algorithm. The algorithm requires only one iteration to perform the operations that correspond to the ones performed in two iterations of previously reported division algorithms. Since the algorithm performs modular reductions in parallel by changing the order of execution of the operations, a circuit based on this algorithm has almost the same critical path delay as the previously proposed ones. The circuit computes division in m clock cycles, whereas the previously proposed circuits take 2m - 1 or more clock cycles.

A combined circuit for multiplication and inversion in ${rm GF}(2^{m})$ is proposed. In order to develop a combined circuit, we start with combining the most significant bit first multiplication algorithm and the modified extended Euclid's algorithm by focusing on the similarities between them. Since almost all hardware components of the circuits are shared by multiplication and inversion, the combined circuit can be implemented with significantly smaller hardware than that necessary to implement both multiplication and inversion separately. By logic synthesis, the area of the proposed circuit is estimated to be approximately over 15% smaller than that of previously proposed combined multiplication/division circuits.

Objectives: To study whether NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms in a Japanese population affect susceptibility to tuberculosis and clinical features of tuberculosis. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment-length polymorphism analyses were used to type NRAMP1 polymorphisms in 95 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 90 controls. Clinical features of patients also were investigated. Results: No association was seen between susceptibility to tuberculosis and NRAMP1 polymorphisms. Patients with the D543N A allele were significantly more likely than others to develop a cavitary lesion; by logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gender, age, and presence of diabetes, the odds ratio in patients with an A allele was 5.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.30–20.45). Conclusions: Genetic variation in the human NRAMP1 gene may be associated with cavitation in patients with tuberculosis.

The dynamical behavior of a discrete time Hogg–Huberman model with three resources 1–3 is investigated. The payoff function of resource 3 is assumed to be the same function as that of resource 2. It is found that when the control parameter takes certain values there are various states which are called the monopoly state of resource 1, and synchronized and asynchronized chaotic states with respect to the fractions of agents using resources 2 and 3. The effect of a reward mechanism based on the actual performance of agents is also calculated in this system.

We have developed a magneto optical disk system, having the recording density of 7.1 Gbit/in2, by using zero-field type MAMMOS technology and an in-groove structured disk with a 635 nm laser diode and a 0.60 N.A.objective lens. We demonstrated that the system has enough margins for read/write powers, tilt, detrack anddefocus. On the other hand, the dependence of polarization direction of the incident beam on read/write characteristics was a problem, but was solved by optimizing the groove width.

To develop an ultrasonographic assay for determining plasma progesterone concentration (P4 ) as1 ng/ml or ≥ 1 ng/ml, the corpus luteum (CL) area and P4 were measured in 1094 multiparous Holstein cows. The area-measuring function and frozen images were used to outline and measure CL imaged via ultrasonography, and CL area was estimated as a polygon of a continuation straight line. A significant correlation was found between CL area and P4 (p0.001), and this analysis resulted in the following correlation equation: y = -0.35 + 1.02x (r = 0.81). According to the correlation equation, a CL area of 1.3 cm(2) indicated a P4 of 1 ng/ml. Based on this relationship, each animal was categorized into one of six groups, groups differed based on CL area, and the area ranges were as follows:1.3 cm(2) (Group A), 1.3-2.2 cm(2) (Group B), 2.3-3.2 cm(2) (Group C), 3.3-4.2 cm(2) (Group D), 4.3-5.2 cm(2) (Group E) and5.2 cm(2) (Group F). For each group, the proportion of cows whose P4 was 1 ng/ml or more was 1.5% in Group A, 83.3% in Group B, 76.6% in Group C, 96.6% in Group D, 99.2% in Group E and 100% in Group F. There was a significant difference between Group A and the other five groups, and between Groups B or C and Groups D, E or F (p0.005). These results indicate that a functional CL does not exist when the CL area is less than 1.3 cm(2) and that it exists when the CL area is 3.3 cm(2) or more.

A new type of MAMMOS (Magnetic amplifying magneto-optical system), which operates under the DC magnetic field in reproducing process, was proposed and evaluated. In this system, the CNR of 43 dB was obtained for 0.25 μm packed domains by applying 10 kA/m of DC magnetic field. Compared with conventional CAD (Center aperture detection)−MSR (Magnetically induced super resolution) disk, it was shown that the CNR for domain size below 0.4 μm was greatly improved.

In this paper, we focus on functions defined on a special subset of the power set of (0,1,...,r-1) (the elements in the subset will be called discrete interval truth values) and operations on the truth values. The operations discussed in this paper will be called regular because they are one of the extensions of the regularity, which was first introduced by Kleene in his ternary logic. Mukaidono investigated some properties of ternary functions which can be represented by the regular operations. He called such ternary functions "regular ternary logic functions." Regular ternary logic functions are useful for representing and analyzing ambiguities such as transient states and/or initial states in binary logic circuits that Boolean functions cannot cope with. Furthermore, they are also applied to studies of fail-safe systems for binary logic circuits. In this paper, we will discuss an extension of regular ternary logic functions to functions on the discrete interval truth values. First, we will suggest an extension of the regularity, in the sense of Kleene, into operations on the discrete interval truth values. We will then present some mathematical properties of functions on the discrete interval truth values consisting of regular operations and one application of these functions.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces cleft palate in mouse embryos. It has been believed that TCDD inhibits palatal fusion by suppression of disappearance of medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells on palatal shelves. However, we found that exencephalic mouse embryos were resistant to the cleft palate-inducing action of TCDD. In the present study, we examined cell kinetics in MEE and palatal mesenchyme in embryos exposed to TCDD with or without exencephaly for elucidation of pathogenesis of cleft palate by TCDD. Pregnant Jcl:ICR mice were given TCDD orally at 40 microg/kg at gestation day (GD) 12.5. Embryos were harvested between GD 13.5 and GD 14.5 and examined for cell kinetics by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and TUNEL methods. Exencephaly was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CdCl(2) at 6 mg/kg at GD 7.5. BrdU-positive cells were decreased in TCDD-treated embryos in MEE and mesenchymal cells. TUNEL-positive cells were detected in MEE both in TCDD-treated and untreated control embryos, as well as in embryos with or without exencephaly. We also measured the gap between shelves between GD 14. 0 and GD 14.5. There were no differences at GD 14.0 between control and TCDD-exposed embryos, but at GD 14.25 and GD 14.5, TCDD-exposed embryos had wider gaps than controls. These findings indicate that cleft palate by TCDD results from poor development of palatal shelves. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 20:73-86, 2000.

MAMMOS (Magnetic Amplifying Magneto-Optical System) is a technology for reproducing a large signal during MO readout from a small magnetic domain. It has hitherto been considered that the domain recorded on the recording layer is copied to and expanded on the readout layer by irradiating the readout layer with a laser beam and applying a perpendicular magnetic field. However, we discovered that it is very effective for readout of small magnetic domains to apply an in-plane magnetic field. Under conditions where λ = 635 nm and NA = 0.55, the bit error rate (BER) of 0.15μm packed domains was improved to 2×10-4, while the BER of 0.2 μm packed domains was 2 × 10-4 when an in-plane magnetic field was not applied.

Very small domains are recorded on the MAMMOS disk and they ran be detected using RF readout field. The MO signal amplitude of 20 nm domains can be enhanced to the saturated signal level. For these small domains, the thermal stability problem is investigated. Even if high laser power for readout is irradiated to the small domains, the reproduced signal was maintained. The result indicates that the recording layer of TbFeCo possesses an advantage for paramagnetic limit problem over 100 Gbits/in/sup 2/.

We report a case of a 23-year-old Japanese woman who had severe hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic renal failure before the start of dialysis treatment. Her chief complaints were swelling and pain in both shoulders. Laboratory examination revealed renal failure (BUN 134 mg/dl, serum Cr 7.3 mg/dl), severe normocytic normochromic anemia (hemoglobin 4.3 g/dl), hypercalcemia (11.8 mg/dl), and hyperphosphatemia (9.7 mg/dl). Serum PTH levels were extremely increased (intact PTH >1,000 pg/ml: normal range 10-50 pg/ml). X-ray examination of the skull and shoulders showed a salt and pepper appearance, and cauliflower-like deformity of the distal end of both clavicles, respectively. Accelerated ectopic calcification was observed in the costal cartilages, internal carotid arteries, and splenic arteries. Ultrasonographic examination revealed enlargement of the four parathyroid glands. Thallium-technetium subtraction scintigraphy of the parathyroid glands showed increased uptake into the upper two. Renal needle biopsy revealed severe impairment of the interstitium and tubules with much milder changes in glomeruli. The etiology of the renal failure could not be identified. Hemodialysis, total parathyroidectomy and auto-transplantation into the forearm were immediately performed. The pathological diagnosis was chief cell hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. Based on the presence of chronic renal failure, remarkable hyperphosphatemia with mild hypercalcemia, an unusually high level of serum PTH, and accelerated ectopic calcification, the patient was diagnosed to have severe secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by chronic renal failure with major impairment of the renal interstitium and tubules.

This paper focuses on incompletely specified multiple-valued Kleenean functions (1991). It is easy to verify that they do not have functional completeness in the class of all functions on the unit interval. Therefore, not all incompletely specified functions on the unit interval are incompletely specified multiple-valued Kleenean functions. In this paper, we will clarify a necessary and sufficient condition for an incompletely specified function to be an incompletely specified multiple-valued Kleenean function. Further, we show an algorithm which derives one of the logic formulas representing the incompletely specified multiple-valued Kleenean function. In considering the application of multiple-valued Kleenean functions, we will show an example which suggests the possibility that input-output data can be described abstractly in terms of multiple-valued Kleenean functions.

Objective: The effects of slow diurnal hemodialysis (slow HD) on amino acid losses and nitrogen balance were studied. Design: Slow HD was conducted for 10 h during the day at the dialysate flow rate of 30 ml/min. The patients received total parenteral nutrition including 40 g of amino acids (6.08 g of nitrogen). The amino acid concentrations in plasma and dialysate were determined and the daily nitrogen balance was calculated from the urea nitrogen appearance. Patients: Six critically ill patients with renal failure were entered into the study. Results: Slow HD eliminated 48.5±4.4 mmol (6.2±0.6 g) of amino acids, representing 16% of the daily amino acid load. The estimated nitrogen balance was –2.3±1.3 g/day. Amino acid nitrogen lost in the dialysate was 1.0±0.1 g, contributing 43% of the daily negative nitrogen balance. Conclusion: The amount of amino acid losses during slow HD should be taken into consideration when designing nutritional schedules for maintaining positive nitrogen balance in critically ill patients.

頸部リンパ節結核によるrHuEPO抵抗性を示した53歳女性の血液透析患者の1例を報告する.本例は1986年慢性腎盂腎炎による慢性腎不全にて血液透析導入となった. 必要と判断された場合には鉄剤の投与を行いながら, 腎性貧血に対し1990年よりrHuEPOを週4500単位より投与開始した. 1991年からは週6000単位に増量したが, Htは上昇せず24%以上に維持されることはなかった. 1992年3月に頸部リンパ節結核を発症したため, isoniazid 0.4g/日およびrifampicin 0.45g/日の投与を開始した. 服薬は不規則であり臨床症状は改善しなかった. 1993年1月streptomycin 2g/週, 5週間の投与を開始した. これにより症状が改善すると同時にrHuEPOに対する反応性が良好となり, rHuEPo週4500-9000単位の投与量にてHt28-30%に維持されるようになった. isoniazidおよびrifampicinの投与はそれぞれ1993年5月, 11月まで行った. 現在のところ結核再発の兆候は認められていない. 本例は頸部リンパ節結核発症以前にすでにrHuEPO抵抗性を示していた. その原因として結核菌の持続感染の存在が考慮された. 結核は, 血液透析患者においてrHuEPO抵抗性を生じうると考えられた.

Tactile graphics are useful for visually impaired students when they study mathematics and science. However, producing tactile graphics is not simple task. An intelligent computer-aided system for assisting the production of tactile graphics is needed. To develop such a system, research on mathematical graph recognition techniques is needed. This paper focuses on a method of mathematical graph recognition. When drawing a mathematical graph, we use not only solid lines, but also use broken lines. This paper describes a method for extracting and classifying broken line elements from mathematical graphs.

肝にび漫性に石灰化をきたした症例を経験した. 症例は66歳, 男性. 慢性腎不全で血液透析導入直後に急性心筋梗塞を発症し, その後肝にび漫性に石灰化を認めた. 慢性腎不全における肝のび漫性石灰化は非常に稀で世界で7例が報告されているに過ぎない. 本例も以前の報告例と同様に慢性腎不全下で, 急性心筋梗塞が発症し心不全状態となり, 二次性副甲状腺機能亢進症存在下で, カルシウム, リンの代謝異常が起こり, 肝の循環不全による肝組織障害により肝の石灰化をきたしたものと考えられた. 若干の考察を加え報告した.

今回, 我々は, 肝硬変に伴う意識障害に対して, 血液濾過透析が著効した, 維持血液透析下の慢性腎不全の1例を経験したので報告する. 患者は, 53歳, 女性で, 以前よりC型肝炎の進行による肝硬変の治療を受け, また, 腎機能低下の進行のため維持血液透析を受けていた. 平成4年9月28日, 意識障害のため入院した. 高アンモニア血症による肝性昏睡の進行が原因と診断し, 高アンモニア対策と血液透析を施行したが, 意識障害の軽減は見られずさらに悪化したため, 高性能膜を用いた血液濾過透析を行ったところ, 血中アンモニア濃度の低下と意識障害の改善が認められた. 慢性腎不全において, 肝硬変による肝性昏睡を合併した場合には, 血液濾過透析が有効と考えられた.

It is unknown how and why the genetically inactivated mammalian X chromosome replicates late in S phase. There are also occasional inactive X chromosomes characterized by an opposite behavior replicating early in S phase. Two clonal cell lines, MTLB3 and MTLH8, isolated from a cultured murine T-cell lymphoma have an allocyclic X chromosome of the latter type. This precociously replicating X chromosome was judged to be genetically inactive as the late replicating one. Immediately after fusion with another cell line, the precociously replicating X chromosome from these cells starts to replicate late in S phase. This finding seems to suggest that late replication characterizing the inactive X chromosome is actively maintained by a trans-acting factor in female somatic cells, and that its lack entails a switch from late replication to precocious replication. It remains unknown whether this presumptive factor also modifies the autosomal replication pattern.

Identification and characterization of adenosine A 1 receptor-cAMP system in human glomeruli. Although adenosine is known to affect renal function through stimulating adenosine receptors, little is known about A 1 receptors in human glomeruli. Thus, we attempted to identify the adenosine A 1 receptor-cyclic AMP (cAMP) system in human glomeruli. Normal renal cortical tissues were obtained at nephrectomy of patients with renal cell carcinoma. Glomeruli were isolated using a graded sieving method or dissected manually under a stereomicroscope. Radioligand binding assay using 2-chloro-N-[ 3 H] cyclopentyl adenosine ([ 3 H]CCPA, an A 1 agonist ligand) was performed at 30°C for 90 minutes. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) produced in glomeruli was measured after incubation with different concentrations of N 6 -cyclohexyladenosine (CHA; A 1 agonist) and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The specific binding was saturated within 60 minutes and reversible by adding 1 mM of theophylline. Scatchard plot analysis revealed a single class of binding site (K d = 1.78 ± 0.21 nM, B max = 271.7 ± 35.8 fmol/mg protein). The specific binding was inhibited dose-dependently by various agents in an order suggesting A 1 receptor specificity. CHA inhibited the production of cAMP in microdissected human glomeruli. This inhibitory effect was antagonized by 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; A 1 antagonist). This is the first study revealing the presence of the A 1 receptor-cAMP system in human glomeruli using a radioligand binding assay method and by measuring the cAMP production.

The present study was undertaken to explore changes in neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of brain regions impaired by microsphere embolism-induced, sustained ischemia. Nine hundred microspheres (48 microns) were injected into the right internal carotid artery of rats, and the time course of changes in the triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)-stained areas of their brain slices and acetylcholine and amino acid contents in the cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus of both hemispheres were determined. The TTC-unstained area, a measure of infarction, was developed in the right hemisphere by the 3rd day after the embolism, which was similar to that on the 28th day. A marked decline in acetylcholine content of these three regions of the right hemisphere was detected throughout the experiment (28 days). The glutamate, aspartate, GABA, and taurine levels were markedly decreased following microsphere-embolism. Most of these decreases were significantly attenuated during the first 5 days following the embolism, and they then partially recovered with time after the operation. Minor metabolic changes were observed in the left hemisphere. The results suggest that microsphere-embolism induces cerebral infarction and/or sustained damage to acetylcholine and neurotransmitter amino acid synthesis and/or catabolism of the brain regions. This model may provide information concerning the pathophysiological alterations in long-term cerebral ischemia and infarction.

MAMMOS (Magnetic Amplifying Magneto Optical System) is a technique for realizing high-density magneto-optical disk. Conventional MAMMOS readout process needs AC magnetic field for expanding and erasing magnetic domains. As a new readout system, MAMMOS readout that needs only DC magnetic field using RE (Rare-Earth)-rich GdFeCo readout layer was developed. This method exhibited a high readout resolution in spite of an AC field-free method.

The combination of magnetic circular dichroism as a magnetic contrast mechanism and a transmission x-ray microscope allows imaging of magnetic structures with lateral resolutions down to 25 nm. Results on magneto-optical Tb25(Fe75Co25)75 layers system with thermomagnetically written bits of various sizes were obtained at the x-ray microscope XM-1 at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, CA. The results prove the thermal stability of the bits in the recording process. Furthermore the capability of soft x-ray microscopy with respect to the achievable lateral resolution, element specificity and sensitivity to thin magnetic layers is demonstrated. The potential of imaging in applied magnetic fields for both out-of-plane and in-plane magnetized thin magnetic films is outlined.

The case was a 29 year old female who has suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) since 15 years of age. The activity of SLE was low, and she took prednisolone orally. Her first pregnancy failed after 14 weeks. In the second pregnancy, she had thrombocytopenia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), positive lupus anticoagulant (LAC) and thus was diagnosed with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). Combination therapy with steroids and aspirin was started, and she underwent treatment of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in the early stage of pregnancy. Her platelet count increased, and the value of APTT has normalized with DFPP treatment. She delivered successfully on the 32nd week of pregnancy. We think that DFPP is an effective and safe treatment in patients with an LAC positive pregnancy.

Two potential DNA intercalators capable of cis→trans isomerization, 9-[2-(N-methyl-pyridinium-4-yl)vinyl]anthracene (1) and 9,10-bis [2-(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)vinyl] anthracene (2), have been prepared, characterized andtheir spectral and photoisomerization behavior have been studied. Both ligands exhibit low fluorescence quantum yields in aqueous solution and substantial enhancement of emission in the presence of DNA. Two-way isomerization was observed for 1, while trans→cis process appeared to be inefficient for ligand 2. An intramolecular charge transfer excited state was suggested to explain the differences in spectral behavior and photoisomerization of ligands.

In the real world, there are many propositions which cannot be determined to be true or false. In order to treat such propositions, multivalued logic systems which are permitted to take more than true (1) or false (0) values have been developed. In this paper, we will describe fundamental properties of multivalued Kleenean functions, which are effective for treating ambiguity. First, we will introduce a partial order relation into the set of truth values {0, 1/(m - 1), …, (m - 2)/(m - 1), 1}. It will be shown that any multivalued Kleenean function is monotone for this partial order relation. Next, it will be shown that any multivalued Kleenean function can be determined uniquely for inputs {0, 1/2, 1} only. Finally, we will describe P-type logic functions for multivalued Kleenean functions which are capable of correcting input failures.

A 55-year-old woman who had been treated for diabetes mellitus for twenty-five years developed interstitial pneumonia and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). The findings of light microscopy revealed fibrocellular crescent formation in all glomeruli and infiltration of lymphoid cells in interstitium. There were no deposits in the intracapillary area and mesangial area on both immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Her interstitial pneumonia improved with pulse therapy of methylprednisolone and her hematuria disappeared with mix treatment of cyclophosphamide and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). Her serum creatinine level improved from 2.2 mg/dl to 1.5 mg/dl. Interstitial pneumonia and hematuria did not recur at twelve months after the first hospitalization. This report presents a rare case with RPGN associated with diabetes mellitus who recovered with combination therapy of cyclophosphamide, steroid and DFPP.

Plasma concentrations of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) were measured before and after hemodialysis (HD) in 19 patients undergoing chronic HD. We examined plasma hANP concentrations before HD in 36 patients, then re-examined the same patients 1 year later to assess annual changes. Plasma concentrations of hANP had decreased significantly from 262±38pg/ml (mean±SE) to 164±19pg/ml after HD (p

In this paper, the main attention is focused on transient of control input signal, and then, we propose a novel model reference adaptive controller for SISO systems with relative degree less than three. When we control real devices by using the elementally conventional adaptive controller, we have an experience that high frequency oscillations with large amplitude occur in the control input signals. This is one of serious problems in actual applications. To generate a control input signal without oscillation, a novel estimator using an observer for the output tracking error signal is proposed. Using the estimator, it is shown theoretically that the control input signal converges with any convergent rate to an ideal input signal given by adding the exact model matching input signal and a smooth exponential damping signal. From the property it can be expected that. oscillations are hard to occur in the control input signals. Moreover, it is also proved theoretically that. the transient output error responses can be specified by setting design parameters.

It is important to consider input saturation in adaptive control systems to prevent the deterioration of control performance caused by excessive adaptation. This paper deals with a model reference adaptive control problem for a first order time-invariant continuous-time unstable plant in the presence of input saturation. We propose an algorithm considering error feedback and easing reference signal conditions. Moreover the adaptation law is switched according to the input conditions to inhibit excessive adaptation caused by the input saturation. Further, we give a necessary condition for locally asymptotic stability. By this algorithm, design flexibility of the system becomes higher than conventional algorithms. These results are confirmed by simulation studies.

Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) inhibitors are known to attenuate myocardial reperfusion injury. However, the exact mechanisms for the cardioprotection remain unclear. The present study was undertaken to examine the mechanism underlying the cardioprotection by NCX inhibitors against ischaemia/reperfusion injury.Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 35-min ischaemia/60-min reperfusion or 20-min ischaemia/60-min reperfusion. NCX inhibitors (3-30 microM KB-R7943 (KBR) or 0.3-1 microM SEA0400 (SEA)) were given for 5 min prior to ischaemia (pre-ischaemic treatment) or for 10 min after the onset of reperfusion (post-ischaemic treatment).With 35-min ischaemia/60-min reperfusion, pre- or post-ischaemic treatment with KBR or SEA neither enhanced post-ischaemic contractile recovery nor attenuated ischaemia- or reperfusion-induced Na+ accumulation and damage to mitochondrial respiratory function. With the milder model (20-min ischaemia/reperfusion), pre- or post-ischaemic treatment with 10 microM KBR or 1 microM SEA significantly enhanced the post-ischaemic contractile recovery, associated with reductions in reperfusion-induced Ca2+ accumulation, damage to mitochondrial function, and decrease in myocardial high-energy phosphates. Furthermore, Na+ influx to mitochondria in vitro was enhanced by increased concentrations of NaCl. KBR (10 microM) and 1 microM SEA partially decreased the Na+ influx.The NCX inhibitors exerted cardioprotective effects during relatively mild ischaemia. The mechanism may be attributable to prevention of mitochondrial damage, possibly mediated by attenuation of Na+ overload in cardiac mitochondria during ischaemia and/or Ca2+ overload via the reverse mode of NCX during reperfusion.

Stationary underwater cameras were deployed to evaluate spatial and temporal distribution of fish assemblage inhabiting a high-rise artificial reef. The camera named FISCHOM has a stereo camera or a monaural camera on board and it can operate periodically by an arbitrary interval. We can acquire the information about fish fauna and fish size distribution and their time series of reef fish assemblages by the assessment using the FISCHOMs. Two surveys were conducted in the early summer and fall of 2005 at a high-rise artificial fish reef in the Sea of Japan. In both surveys, five FISCHOMs were fixed dispersedly on the reef and operated in an hour interval. As a result, we could evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of the fish assemblage and their seasonal variations around the reef about 20 days. In total, 48 thousands of fish were counted in both surveys. Pearl-spot chromis Chromis notata notata, jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus, and rockfish Sebastes spp. were mainly observed. We confirmed these major species had stable diurnal cycles; they were observed in daytime and rarely observed in midnight The differences of the spatial distributions of the major species were found by comparing the results of each FISCHOMs. The folk lengths of the major species were estimated by stereo measurements.

Objectives To evaluate the long-term safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a real-world clinical setting in Japan. Methods In this long-term extension of the single-arm, observational postmarketing surveillance of TCZ, patients who received at least 1 dose of intravenous TCZ (8 mg/kg) between April 2008 and August 2010 were observed for 3 years. Patient characteristics and the incidences of mortality, serious infection, malignancy, GI perforation and serious cardiac dysfunction were evaluated. Data were summarized as the proportion (95% CI) of patients experiencing each event or as incidence rates presented as the number of patients per 100 patient-years (PY). Results In total, 5573 patients were enrolled, with a total observation of 15,106 PY. The mean and median treatment duration was 2.1and 2.9 years, respectively. The overall mortality rate during the observation period was 2.58% (144/5573 patients). The most common cause of death was infection (28.47%). The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in comparison with the general Japanese population was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.08–1.50), which is comparable to the SMR reported in a large observational cohort of Japanese patients with RA (all-patient mortality between 1.46 [95% CI, 1.32–1.60] and 1.90 [95% CI, 1.75–2.07]). 1 The incidence rate of malignancy during the observation period was 2.24% (0.83/100 PY), and the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.66–0.95), which was stable over time. Only malignant lymphoma had a significantly higher incidence compared to the general Japanese population, with a SIR of 3.13 (95% CI, 1.82–5.39) which is comparable to that of all RA patients compared with the general population (SIR, 6.07; 95% CI, 3.71–9.37). 2 There was no increase in rate of any AEs with prolonged observation, while incidence of fatal events, serious infection, GI perforation and serious cardiac dysfunction decreased over time (Table 1). Conclusions The safety profile of TCZ was consistent over time with respect to mortality, serious infections, malignancy, gastrointestinal perforation, and serious cardiac dysfunction. These data confirm the long-term safety of TCZ use in patients with RA in a real-world clinical setting in Japan. References Nakajima et al. Scand J Rheumatol. 2010;39:360–7, Yamada et al. Rheumatol Int. 2011;31:1487–92 Disclosure of Interest K. Yamamoto Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Astellas, BMS, Daiichi-Sankyo, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Pfizer, Sanofi, Santen, Takeda and Teijin, Consultant for: AbbVie, Astellas, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Ono, Pfizer, Santen, Taisho Toyama and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Astellas, BMS, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Janssen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Pfizer, Santen, Taisho Toyama, Takeda, Teijin and UCB., H. Goto Consultant for: Chugai, K. Hirao Grant/research support from: BIOTRONIK, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Daiichi-Sankyo, Japan Lifeline and MSD, Consultant for: BIOTRONIK, Boehringer-Ingelheim and Chugai, Speakers bureau: Bayer, BIOTRONIK, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Daiichi-Sankyo, Japan Lifeline and MSD, A. Nakajima Consultant for: AbbVie, Astellas, Chugai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Ono, Pfizer Santen and Takeda, H. Origasa Consultant for: Chugai, Astellas and UCB, A. Nakasone Employee of: Chugai, N. Takagi Employee of: Chugai, K. Totsuka Consultant for: Bayer, Chugai, Eiken Chemical, Kyorin and Toyama Chemical

Background The all-patient registry PMS (PMS7901) of tocilizumab (TCZ) followed 7901 RA patients for 28 wk which showed that patients with a high probability of remission and a low probability of developing serious infection were most likely to be early and less advanced RA and had not received biologics previously. Objectives The aim of this report is to investigate association of disease duration with effectiveness and safety in biologic-naive RA patients treated with TCZ. Methods FIRST Bio was a 52-wk observational postmarketing surveillance, which enrolled biologics-naive RA patients who met the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria for RA, experienced inadequate response or were intolerant to one or more synthetic DMARDs. Patients received intravenous TCZ (TCZ-IV; 8 mg/kg) every 4 wks with or without DMARDs. Patient characteristics and safety and effectiveness data were collected (last observation carry forward method). CDAI remission rate and incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) in each disease duration category ( Results Overall, 659 patients were analyzed. The mean disease duration was 7.5 years and was Conclusions This study suggests that long-term treatment with TCZ can improve the disease activity in established as well as newly diagnosed patients with RA. Disclosure of Interest T. Mimori Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, MDS, Nippon Kayaku, Nippon Shinyaku, Santen and Takeda, Speakers bureau: Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Mitsubishi Tanabe and Taisho Toyama, T. Atsumi Grant/research support from: Chugai, Eisai, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Speakers bureau: Astellas, Mitsubishi Tanabe, M. Harigai Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Santen, Takeda and UCB, Consultant for: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai and Janssen, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Ono, Santen, Takeda, UCB and Pfizer, N. Nishimoto Grant/research support from: Chugai and Eisai, Consultant for: Chugai, T. Sumida Consultant for: Chugai, Speakers bureau: Chugai, T. Takeuchi Consultant for: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Asahi Kasei Medical, Astellas, Astra Zeneca, Bistol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Pfizer, Santen, SymBio, Takeda, Taishyo Toyama and Teijin, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Asahi Kasei Medical, Astellas, Astra Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Pfizer, Santen, SymBio, Takeda, Taishyo Toyama and Teijin, Y. Tanaka Consultant for: Abbvie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe and MSD, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Actelion, Astellas, Astra Zeneca, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Nippon Kayaku, Ono, Otsuka, Pfizer, Quintiles, Santen and UCB, H. Yamanaka Consultant for: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Nippon Kayaku, Pfizer, Takeda, Teijin and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Nippon Kayaku, Pfizer, Takeda, Teijin and UCB, A. Nakasone Employee of: Chugai, N. Takagi: None declared, N. Ishiguro Consultant for: AbbVie, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Pfizer and Takeda, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Pfizer and Takeda