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To facilitate sustainable dairy farming, it is essential to assess and support the mental health of dairy farm workers, which is affected more than that of workers in other industries, as indicated by the relatively few studies to date. In addition, the limited investigations on mental health in dairy workers minimize the opportunities to suggest practical approaches of improvement of their mental health. Therefore, further data acquisition and analysis is required. In the present study, we undertook quantitative surveys on 17 management factors and administered a mental health questionnaire to 81 dairy farm managers (80 male, 1 female) in Hokkaido, northern Japan. The management factors were categorized into 3 groups: production input, production output, and facility indicator; mental health was evaluated based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Principal component analysis assigned the factors into 2 groups: intensiveness factors of dairy production systems (PC1: livestock care cost, fat- and protein-corrected milk, stocking density, medical consultation fee per unit time per animal unit, nonfamily wages, fertilizer and pesticide expenses, and net agricultural income ratio) and basic dairy management factors (PC2: net agricultural income ratio, quantity of concentrate feed, and milk quality variable). The depression symptoms of dairy farm managers were not significantly associated with PC1 and milking methods; however, they were significantly negatively associated with PC2, which integrated 3 management factors, including factors related to finances, feeding, and milk quality. According to the findings of the present study, the efforts needed for stable economic farm management, adequate feed supply, and milk quality maintenance may increase the depression levels of dairy farm managers and negatively affect their mental health. These findings could be the basis for future studies on the relationship between the mental health of farm managers and sustainable dairy farm management and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was made of the magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-Co-V bulk exchange-spring magnets fabricated by spark plasma sintering and consisting of a hard Nd[sub 2]Fe[sub 14]B phase and a soft α-Fe phase and having a low rare-earth content of Nd = 2-7 at. %. The high saturation magnetization of the bulk exchange-spring magnets was confirmed experimentally, and the measured data agreed well with the saturation magnetization values estimated from their respective rare-earth content. The saturation magnetization values were nearly uniform and were not dependent on changes in the grain size. Additionally, the specific resistance of the samples nearly coincided with the values interpolated from the specific resistances of an ordinary sintered pure Fe bulk compact and a sintered Nd-Fe-B magnet. These results suggest that the α-Fe/Nd[sub 2]Fe[sub 14]B bulk exchange-spring magnets did not contain any appreciable grain boundary phase between the fine nanoscale-size grains or tertiary phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Symptomatic narcolepsy is characterized as low orexin (hypocretin) levels (≤ 110 pg/ml) due to neurological diseases. However, we have experienced the cases that show symptoms similar to narcolepsy, complaining of pathological sleepiness even in cases with intermediate orexin levels (110-200 pg/ml). Therefore, we reevaluated the previously reported cases to make the concept of disease to the group in which the orexin concentration is intermediate.Methods: Although orexin-deficient symptomatic narcolepsy has been reported worldwide, facilities that are capable of measuring orexin are still limited. Currently, our laboratory handles with almost all the CSF samples from Asian countries for determining orexin levels. We measured over 2500 cases including 182 cases suspected of symptomatic narcolepsy/hypersomnolence. Therefore, we subdivided these cases into three groups according to CSF orexin levels, low orexin group (≤ 110 pg/ml), intermediate orexin group (110-200 pg/ml), and normal orexin group (> 200 pg/ml). We defined "symptomatic hypersomnia" for hypersomnolence cases with intermediate CSF orexin levels. MSLT was recommended but not necessary. Short sleep latency (< 8 min) without SOREMPs should be observed on MSLT when performed. We compared symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy) and objective measures (mean sleep latency and number of SOREMPs in MSLT) among the three groups, attempting to characterize the "symptomatic hypersomnia" group.Result: Among the 182 cases with clinical hypersomnolence, there were 32 cases of symptomatic narcolepsy (16%) and 14 cases of symptomatic hypersomnia (8%). Causative diseases of symptomatic narcolepsy cases consist of immune-mediated demyelinating disorders (34%) and neurodegenerations (19%), whereas those of symptomatic hypersomnia are immune-mediated demyelinating disorders (43%) and encephalopathies (14%). Significant differences were not found between orexin levels and the existence of cataplexy, SOREMPs, and short sleep latency among three hypersomnolence groups. From these results, we found that it is difficult to estimate orexin concentration from subjective symptoms and PSG/MSLT findings.Conclusion: We identified that 32 symptomatic narcolepsy and 14 cases of symptomatic hypersomnolence with intermediate CSF orexin levels. We proposed these latter cases as a novel category of "symptomatic hypersomnia". Currently, symptomatic hypersomnia cases with intermediate orexin levels or short sleep latency (< 8 min) without SOREMPs were not classified as a specific entity. However, symptomatic hypersomnia had similar severity of hypersomnolence symptoms to symptomatic narcolepsy. Therefore, these cases including equivalent pathophysiology are enough to make a comparable category as "symptomatic hypersomnia". Since it is difficult to estimate the orexin concentration from subjective symptoms and physiological findings (PSG/MSLT), further studies for the characterization of "symptomatic hypersomnia" and understanding its pathophysiology are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, the thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics and X-ray radiation response properties of 35CaO–15Al 2 O 3 –50B 2 O 3 : x Tb 4 O 7 (x = 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mol%) glasses were evaluated. These glasses, prepared by a conventional quenching method, were transparent and non-hygroscopic. The TL spectra showed a green band emission (400–600 nm) arising from 4fn–4fn forbidden transitions of the Tb3+ ions. A TL glow peak was observed at 360 K in all the glasses at different Tb concentrations. Among them, the 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mol% Tb-doped glasses exhibited excellent linearity over the 1.0 mGy–10 Gy irradiation dose range. The TL peak intensity decreased to ∼60% after 1 h, ∼45% after 24 h and ∼30% after 72 h. Highlights • TL properties of Tb3+-doped CaO–Al 2 O 3 –B 2 O 3 -based glasses were evaluated. • The TL spectra exhibited emission bands in the wavelength region from 400 to 600 nm. • A TL glow peak was observed at 360 K in all the glasses at different Tb concentrations. • Tb-doped glasses exhibited linearity over the 1.0 mGy–10 Gy irradiation dose range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the structure and magnetic properties of iron-cobalt (Co) alloy films produced by direct current magnetron sputtering at an oblique angle of incidence. Overview of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in the film plane; Effect of increasing the anisotropy field on the sputtering gas and Co content; Surface morphology of the alloy films.

Presents a study which reported the effect of cobalt addition on the magnetic properties of Fe-Zr/Fe-Zr-N multilayered films. Characteristics of the multilayered films; Materials and methods used; Results.

The low rare-earth content α-Fe/Nd[SUB2]Fe[SUB14]B nanocomposite magnets having a high soft phase ratio) were fabricated by the rapid quenching method and evaluations were made of the crystallization behavior, microstructure, and magnetic properties in the annealing process. An investigation of the relationship between the roller surface velocity, V[SUBs], and magnetic properties showed that changes)in the crystal grain size of the α-Fe phase following annealing could be attributed to differences in the amorphous content of the as-melt-spun ribbons. As the amorphous content was increased, their crystal grain size tended to become finer and their magnetic properties tended to improve. However, it was observed that the optimum rapid quenching rate exists. The slight presence of clusters in as-melt-spun ribbons is favorable for obtaining good magnetic properties because the growth of a-Fe crystals is inhibited. The presumed reason for this inhibiting effect is that α-Fe growth occurs in a process in which clusters containing Nd expel this element. In the case of a completely amorphous state, large crystals grew easily, because they consisted of only Fe and Co in the initial stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic-noise suppression sheets made of Fe-Si-Al thin flakes embedded in polymer improve their noise suppressing performance appreciably in the magnetic field. We have already confirmed that the transmission characteristics of a microstrip line exhibit a high-frequency suppressing feature when a small piece of the sheet is placed on it @S. Yoshida et al., IEEE Trans. Magn. 37, 2401 (2001). In this article we found that this filtering performance is appreciably improved by a dc magnetic field. The effect becomes explicit in a field with intensity higher than a few hundred Oe and rise of the transmission loss becomes much steeper near the frequency of magnetic resonance. An example is that in the field of 1 kOe the 3 dB width of half to the peak of frequency profile of the transmission loss at resonance is reduced to less than a quarter of the one without magnetic field. This improvement brings about a new research subject to develop the high performance electromagnetic noise absorber that is expected to work under the optimized conditions in various digital electronic devices with operation frequencies up to the GHz band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed a new separation and recovery process for RE metals from Nd magnet scraps using molten salt electrolysis. The present study focused on the electrochemical formation of RE–Ni (RE = Dy, Nd, Pr) alloys in a molten LiCl–KCl system at 723 K. Cyclic voltammetry was conducted using a Ni electrode in molten LiCl–KCl–RECl3systems at 723 K. In the negative scan for the DyCl3added system, a large cathodic current was observed from 0.70 V (vs. Li+/Li) as a result of the formation of Dy–Ni alloys. In contrast, large cathodic currents as results of the formation of Nd–Ni and Pr–Ni alloys were observed from 0.60 V. On the basis of these results, an alloy sample was prepared by potentiostatic electrolysis at 0.65 V for 1 h using a Ni plate cathode in a molten LiCl–KCl–DyCl3–NdCl3–PrCl3system. The mass ratio of Dy/Nd+Pr in the alloy sample was found to be 50 by ICP-AES. Finally, a Dy permeation experiment was conducted with a new electrolytic cell. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Although opioids induce intestinal muscle contraction and provoke constipation, the intestinal region(s) that contribute to the constipation have remained unclear. We report here a region-specific response of intestinal muscle contraction to morphine and its correlation with in vivo constipation. Methods Regions of mice small and large intestines were dissected histologically and circular muscle contractile responses were measured using isometric transducers. Bead expulsion assays were performed to assess in vivo constipation. Key Results The strongest contraction in response to morphine was detected in the rectum. The distal and transverse colon also showed strong contractions, whereas weak responses were detected in the proximal colon, jejunum, and ileum. Regarding the sustainability of muscle contractions during morphine exposure, prolonged waves were detected only in the rectum, while the waves diminished gradually in other regions. To identify the mechanism(s) underlying this difference, we focused on nitric oxide synthase ( NOS). In the distal colon, decreased contraction during morphine exposure was recovered by application of a NOS inhibitor (L- NAME), while a NOS substrate (L-arginine) enhanced contractile degradation. In contrast L- NAME and L-arginine modestly affected the sustained contraction in the rectum. To confirm the correlation with constipation, beads were inserted into the transverse colon, distal colon, or rectum after morphine administration and expulsion times were examined. Beads tended to stop at the rectum even when inserted in the deeper colonic regions. Conclusions & Inferences The rectum showed the greatest response to morphine in both in vitro and in vivo analyses, therefore it may play a key role for opioid-induced constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a major role in cancer progression, as well as normal organ development and human pathology such as organ fibrosis and wound healing. Here, we performed a gene expression array specialized in EMT of colorectal cancer (CRC). From a comprehensive gene expression analysis using epithelial- and mesenchymal-like CRC cell lines, and following the ontology (GO) analysis, SIX1 gene was identified to be an EMT-related gene in CRC. Using SW480 cells stably transfected with a SIX1 expression construct and their control counterparts, we demonstrated that SIX1 overexpression represses CDH1 expression and promotes EMT in CRC. SIX1-induced CDH1 repression and EMT in CRC cells were correlated at least in part with posttranscriptional ZEB1 activation and miR-200-family transcriptional repression. In primary tumors of CRC, in accord with the functional findings, aberrant expression of SIX1 in cancer cells was observed at the disruption of the basement membrane and at the tumor invasive front, where tumor cells underwent EMT in vivo. Taken together, SIX1 overexpression is suggested to occur in carcinogenesis, and contribute to repression of CDH1 expression and promotion of EMT partly through repression of miR-200-family expression and activation of ZEB1 in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: Little information exists regarding the optimal treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) in a remnant stomach or gastric tube. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for EGC in a remnant stomach and gastric tube. Patients and methods: Between September 2002 and December 2009, ESD was performed in 62 lesions in 59 patients with EGC in a remnant stomach (48 lesions) or gastric tube (14 lesions). Clini-copathological data were retrieved retrospectively to assess the en bloc resection rate, complications, and outcomes. Treatment results were assessed according to the indications for endoscopic resection, and were compared with those of ESD performed in a whole stomach during the same study period. Results: The en bloc resection rates for lesions within the standard and expanded indication were 100% and 93%, respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in five patients (8%). The perforation rate was significantly higher (18%, 11/ 62) than that of ESD in a whole stomach (5%, 69/ 1479). Among the perforation cases, eight lesions involved the anastomotic site or stump line, and ulcerative changes were observed in five lesions. The 3-year overall survival rate was 85%, with eight deaths due to other causes and no deaths from gastric cancer. Conclusion: A high en bloc resection rate was achieved by ESD for EGC in a remnant stomach or gastric tube; however, this procedure is still technically demanding due to the high complication rate of perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which aims to examine the feasibility and clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in a remnant stomach and gastric tube. The study showed that en bloc resection rates for lesions within the expanded and standard indication were 93% and 100%, respectively. Further, it indicated that the perforation rate was significantly higher compared to that of ESD in a whole stomach.

The relationship between human diseases caused by infection with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 strains and O157 strains isolated from cattle was investigated in an area where stockbreeding is prolific. For this purpose, the stx genotypes, the molecular epidemiological characteristics of 268 STEC O157 strains including 211 human-origin strains and 57 cattle-origin strains, and clinical manifestations of 210 STEC-infected people were analyzed. Of 211 human-origin strains, 92 strains (44%) were of the stx1/stx2 genotype, and 74 strains (35%) were of the stx2c genotype. Most of the people infected with stx2c genotype strains presented no symptoms or mild symptoms such as slight diarrhea, except for 3 patients with bloody diarrhea. Of the 57 cattle-origin strains, 27 strains (47%) were of the stx2c genotype and 17 strains (30%) were of the stx1/stx2 genotype. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and insertion sequence (IS) analysis demonstrated that 11 isolates (41%) of the 27 cattle isolates of the stx2c genotype had high homology (>95% identity) with human isolates. These results suggest that some genetic patterns of the stx2c genotype strains might be preserved in cattle or their surrounding environment for several years, and during these periods, they might have opportunities to infect people through various routes. Because of the mild virulence of the stx2c genotype strains, they seemed to be transmitted asymptomatically from cattle to humans and then spread from person to person. It may be a public health concern. Further, they occasionally cause severe symptoms in humans; therefore, caution is warranted for infections by stx2c genotype O157 strains, in addition to stx2-possessing genotype O157 strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here two cases wherein we performed radiolunate fusion using vascularized radius graft with the vascular pedicle of the fourth extensor compartment artery (fourth ECA) for the treatment of Bain's grade 2A Kienböck disease with incongruity of the radiolunate joint. The dorsodistal radius graft was levered out and mobilized on the pedicle of the fourth ECA; then the vascularized dorsodistal radius was shifted 1 cm distally and bridges were created between the radius and the lunate. The radiolunate joint was completely fused in both cases at three months after surgery. The capitolunate joint maintained congruity after surgery. The Mayo wrist score was 75 points, and the DASH (JSSH version) score for the two cases was 2.5 and 4.2 points, respectively. Radiolunate fusion using the vascularized radius bridging procedure is one of the satisfactory methods for treating advanced Kienböck disease, especially in Bain's grade 2A cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A prototype sampling electromagnetic calorimeter (17.1 radiation lengths) for future linear collider experiments was built, using plastic scintillator tiles and 4mm-thick lead absorber. Wavelength-shifting fibers were used to guide the scintillation light into multi-anode photo-multiplier tubes. The calorimeter was tested at the beam test facility of the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in 2004. In this article we present our beam test results for the tile/fiber calorimeter focusing on the linearity in energy response, the energy resolution, position resolution and uniformity across the tile front face. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article investigates the role that parental socioeconomic status plays in forming the racial gap in home computer use among young school-age children. Descriptive statistics from time diary data of 6- to 11-year-olds in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, Child Development Supplement, reveal that Black American children spend substantially fewer minutes on the computer than do non-Hispanic White children; however, the racial gap in percentage terms has narrowed between 1997 and 2003. Multivariate analyses indicate that the extent to which parental socioeconomic status explains the racial gap declined between 1997 and 2003 -- in 2003, less than 10% of the gap is explained by family income and household head's education. The pattern of decline is not observed when analyzing the racial gap in reading time. As home computer ownership approaches saturation, the racial gap in computer use time may increasingly reflect the underlying racial boundaries rather than parental status differentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating three theoretical explanations for declining rates of marriage in Japan, the authors develop hypotheses in which linkages between benefits of coresidence with parents and marriage timing are moderated by women's own socioeconomic characteristics. To evaluate these hypothesized interactive relationships, data from a panel survey of Japanese women is used to estimate hazard models for the transition from the parental home to first marriage. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that limited domestic responsibilities contribute to later marriage among coresident women with higher levels of human capital. Less evidence is found for the hypothesis that limited living expenses are associated with later marriage among women whose potential husbands are likely to have more tenuous economic prospects. The authors conclude that coresidence with parents plays a potentially important role in the marriage behavior of economically independent women in societies where family formation is relatively incompatible with full-time work for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fracture toughness of blanket structural materials is one of the important material engineering properties to design structural components and evaluate the degradation during reactor operation. The present study showed that the master curve (MC) methodology to evaluate change in fracture toughness in the cleavage regime of a reduced-activation ferritic (RAF) steel before and after a thermal embrittlement treatment was applied by using sub-sized compact tension (CT) specimens. The reference temperature of MC for the JLF-1LN steel was estimated as −52°C by using 1/2CT specimens. The shift of the reference temperature obtained by the MC methodology was judged to be somewhat larger than that of the ductile–brittle transition temperature shift obtained by the Charpy impact tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We evaluated rat bone viability using a bone viability index (BVI). To evaluate hypothermic ischaemic bone injury, 21 amputated hind limbs of Fischer rats were preserved at hypothermia (4°C) for 1, 3 and 6 hours. To evaluate hypothermic ischaemia/reperfusion injury, another 28 amputated limbs were transplanted to recipient rats after hypothermic ischaemia for 3 and 6 hours, respectively. Total RNA isolated from each tibia was fractionated by electrophoresis and hybridised with 32P-labelled cDNA of GAPDH, and the radioactivity of intact and degraded GAPDH mRNA measured. BVI was calculated as follows, BVI = {A / (A + B)} × 100, where A and B represent the radioactivities corresponding to intact and degraded GAPDH mRNA bands, respectively. In the hypothermic ischaemic insult group, BVIs were comparable to those of controls. However, in the 3-hour hypothermic ischaemia/reperfusion group, BVI was lower than that of the controls. Likewise, there was a significant difference between the 6-hour ischaemia/reperfusion group and controls. These results showed that bone viability decreased even after just a 3-hour hypothermic ischaemia/reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have investigated high-temperature electron transport in metamorphic InGaAs/InAlAs modulation-doped heterostructures with several indium contents. The electron mobility characterizing the low-field transport properties was obtained from the Hall measurements. From room temperature to 400K, ∼26% decrease in the mobility was observed, which is well-explained by the polar-optical-phonon scattering theory. The indium content dependence of the mobility is explained by the theory with the Γ-valley electron mass. On the other hand, the electron saturation velocity characterizing the high-field transport properties was studied by means of the delay-time analysis of the transistors with gate length of 0.12–1.0μm. We observed ∼12% decrease in the saturation velocity from room temperature to 400K, which is smaller than that in the mobility and roughly consistent with the energy relaxation theory. In the indium content dependence of the saturation velocity, the effect of decrease in the electron density in the L- and X-valley is important. The high-frequency performance of the transistors at high temperatures shows a deterioration according to the decrease in the saturation velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four different sizes of compact tension (CT) specimens of a reduced activation ferritic steel, JLF-1 steel, were fabricated and the fracture toughness was measured at room temperature by means of the unloading compliance method referring to in the ASTM E1820-99a. The JQ values obtained for the 1T–1CT and 1/2T–1CT specimens were 404 and 623 kJ/m2, respectively, indicating that the JQ value increased with decreasing the specimen thickness. On the other hand, the JQ value decreased when specimens were miniaturized while maintaining the similar proportions. The JQ values for the 1/2CT and 1/4CT specimens were 371 and 321 kJ/m2, respectively. Specimen size effects are interpreted in terms of an increase in the plain stress state region and plastic zone size at the crack tip in the specimen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study that examined the microstructure, crystallization process, volume ratio of hard/soft phases and magnetic properties of Nd[subx]Fe[sub85-x]Co[sub8]V[sub1]B[sub6] bulk exchange-spring magnets having a hard Nd[sub2]Fe[sub14]B-Type Nd-Fe-Co-V-B and a soft α-Fe phase. Analysis of the creation of the bulk exchange-spring magnets through spark plasma sintering (SPS) method; Assessment of the changes during the magnetization state of the hard phase; Observations on the appearance of fine crystals in the interior of the starting powders and the size of the crystal grain during SPS.

Objective. This article examines whether there are differences in men’s and women’s use of the Internet and whether any such gender gaps have changed in recent years. Methods. We use data from several surveys during the period 1997–2001 to show trends in Internet usage and to estimate regression models of Internet usage that control for individuals’ socioeconomic characteristics. Results. Women were significantly less likely than men to use the Internet at all in the mid–1990s, but this gender gap in being online disappeared by 2000. However, once online, women remain less frequent and less intense users of the Internet. Conclusions. There is little reason for concern about sex inequalities in Internet access and usage now, but gender differences in frequency and intensity of Internet usage remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylamide concentrations in processed foods (63 samples covering 31 product types) from Japan were analysed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS methods. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of acrylamide were 0.2 ng ml[SUP-1] (6 fmol) and 0.8 ng ml[SUP-1] (22 fmol), respectively, by LC-MS/MS, and those of 2,3-dibromopropionamide derived from acrylamide were 12 ng ml[SUP-1] (52 fmol) and 40 ng ml[SUP-1] (170 fmol), respectively, by GC-MS. Repeatability given as RSD was <5 and <15% for the LC-MS/MS and GC-MS methods, respectively. High correlation (r[SUP2] = 0:946) was observed between values obtained by the two methods. Most potato crisps and whole potato-based fried snacks showed acrylamide concentrations >1000 μg kg[SUP-1]. The concentrations in non-whole potato-based snacks, rice crackers processed by grilling or frying, and candied sweet potatoes were lower compared with those in the potato crisps and the whole potato-based fried snacks. One of the whole potato-based fried snacks, however, showed low acrylamide concentration (<50 μg kg[SUP-1]) suggesting the formation of acrylamide is strongly influenced by processing conditions. Acrylamide concentrations in instant pre-cooked noodles and won-tons were < 100 μg kg[SUP-1] with only one exception. Roasted barley grains for 'Mugi-cha' tea contained 200-600 μg kg[SUP-1] acrylamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study investigated static scapholunate dissociation (SLD) in wrists associated with distal radius fractures. SLD was detected as a widening of the scapholunate (SL) joint interval by SL gap view. Ninety-six distal radius fractures and 154 normal wrists were investigated by SL gap view, which is better for detecting SLD than the standard posteroanterior (PA) view. Incidences of non-symptomatic SLD detected by SL gap view in normal wrists increased by age. In the young age bracket, incidences of SLD in distal radius fractures were significantly higher than in normal wrists. Our results indicated that in patients younger than 30 years old, SLD in distal radius fractures was a fracture-caused abnormality. In those over 30, ascribing SLD to the fracture was difficult. Close examinations, like arthroscopy and dynamic cineradiography, need to be made in patients with SLD associated with distal radius fractures, especially in those younger than 30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the measurement of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunoreactivity as a pre-synaptic marker and serotonin receptor 2A (5HT2A receptor) density as a post-synaptic marker in the serotonergic system in 10 postmorten brains of suicide victims. Examination whether TPH gene polymorphism could affect TPH immunoreactivity and 5HT2A receptor gene polymorphism could affect 5HT2A receptor density in 28 postmortem brain samples.

SUMMARY 1. The effects of oestrogen on thrombogenesis and the cerebral microcirculation of the female rat were studied during the oestrous cycle and after ovariectomy. 2. Serum levels of oestradiol (E2) and plasma concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites were significantly greater at prooestrus than at dioestrus. Blood vessel diameter, mean red cell velocity, wall shear rate and blood flow at pro-oestrus were significantly higher than at dioestrus. Thrombotic tendency, assessed using a He–Ne laser-induced thrombosis model, was significantly decreased at pro-oestrus compared with dioestrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY 1. The effects of oestrogen on thrombogenesis and the cerebral microcirculation of the female rat were studied during the oestrous cycle and after ovariectomy. 2. Serum levels of oestradiol (E2) and plasma concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites were significantly greater at pro-oestrus than at dioestrus. Blood vessel diameter, mean red cell velocity, wall shear rate and blood flow at pro-oestrus were significantly higher than at dioestrus. Thrombotic tendency, assessed using a He–Ne laser-induced thrombosis model, was significantly decreased at pro-oestrus compared with dioestrus. 3. The long-term deprivation of oestrogen by ovariectomy significantly depressed serum levels of E2 and plasma concentrations of NO metabolites. Thrombotic tendency was significantly increased 4 weeks after ovariectomy. Vessel diameter, mean red cell velocity, wall shear rate and blood flow in pial arterioles were significantly reduced after ovariectomy. 4. Exogenous administration of oestrogen (17β-oestradiol) after surgery reversed the increased thrombotic tendency mediated by ovariectomy. 5. These results strongly indicate that oestrogen mediates beneficial effects on the cerebral microcirculation and moderates cerebral thrombotic mechanisms in the female rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten intact wrist joints were examined to evaluate the hamate hook visualisation by a hamate hook lateral radiographic view. Results of the study indicated that this 30°-tilted lateral wrist radiographic projection with palmar abduction of the thumb clearly revealed the hamate hook from its base to the tip in the first web space away from the metacarpal bases and carpal bones. This radiographic technique was applied on patients who experienced pain at the hypothenar eminence. Fracture can be detected at the hamate hook in two cases and bilateral bipartite hamulus in one case. This specific supplementary projection is recommended in patients with the relevant physical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. We simultaneously determined complex electro-optic coefficients and the thickness change of the poled polymer in the electric-field modulation measurements using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The different ratios of the real and imaginary parts of the complex electro-optic coefficients are explained in terms of the detuning energy. The thickness change increased at the resonance frequency of the sample with sandwich structure and the resonance frequency strongly depended on the weight of the glass substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop a new method of analysing the shape of the residual ridge. The line of the residual ridge crest was regarded as the reference for artificial tooth arrangement and a method of determining it was evaluated. The shape of a plaster model was measured with a contact-type shape measurement system. The measurement data in each frontal section were interpolated by cubic splines. The points corresponding to the residual ridge crest were calculated and superimposed onto the image of the plaster model on a monitor screen of an image processor. Using these points and the image of the plaster model, the line of the residual ridge crest was marked on the plaster model. It was concluded that this method could be used to determine the line of the residual ridge crest on a plaster model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to duplicate the shapes of complete dentures by using a computer- aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. The shapes of the complete dentures of an edentulous patient were measured using a non-contact type shape measurement system and morphological data at the interval of 0.25 mm were obtained in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Measurement was performed from the occlusal surface and mucosal surface sides. Based on the three-dimensional morphological data, cutter paths for cutting were generated. For cutting, the three-step method consisting of rough cutting, finish cutting, and partial finish cutting was used and for duplicating the dentures the modelling wax was cut using a computerized numerical control (CNC) processor and ball-end nulls with diameters of 6 mm and 1 mm. The method for the controlling of three axes (X, V, and Z) of CNC machine was used, and cutting was performed only from two directions. Although further improvements are needed in the measurement and cutting in acute scope areas, the duplication of complete dentures appears to be possible using the CAD/CAM system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposed is a multi‐core fibre amplification method that can reduce crosstalk, in which the optical amplified signals in two adjacent cores propagate in opposite directions. By employing the proposed method, confirmed is a crosstalk improvement of more than 4 dB using the outer six cores of a seven‐core erbium‐doped fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new fabrication method, called ‘two-step ultraviolet exposure’, to prepare anisotropic gratings in photocrosslinkable polymer liquid crystal films. Using the controllability of the reorientation direction of mesogenic molecules, anisotropic phase gratings, in which the mesogenic molecules were periodically modulated in orthogonal directions, were prepared by the use of one grating photomask. The resultant gratings diffract the light and convert the polarization states at the same time, and have applications as diffraction optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous silica thin films with low dielectric constants were deposited by gas evaporation of SiO[sub 2] nanoparticles in an argon atmosphere. With increasing gas pressure during the evaporation, the dielectric constant decreases, while the porosity increases. The correlation between the dielectric constant and porosity is well modeled by a serial connection of two capacitors, one with air and the other with SiO[sub 2] as the dielectric medium. This suggests that the dielectric constant of the nanoporous silica thin film using the gas evaporation technique is more effectively lowered by forming “uniformly” distributed voids of closed gaps than those of the nanoporous silica films with pores extending from the back to front surface. Therefore, the former nanoporous silica thin film requires less porosity to obtain a low dielectric constant and is regarded as an ideal low-k material. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: This report describes two patients with Gaucher's disease who had unusual clinical symptoms during enzyme replacement therapy. One patient was a female with type 3 Gaucher's disease. She developed a pericardial effusion at 7 y of age, which contained many Gaucher cells despite enzyme replacement therapy. She died from neurological deterioration during enzyme replacement therapy, despite an improvement in her visceral manifestations. The other patient is a male with type 2 Gaucher's disease, who has achieved long-term survival after being supported by mechanical ventilation and enzyme replacement therapy. While on enzyme replacement therapy at the age of 4 y, he suffered a generalized cutaneous disease which was clinically diagnosed as ichthyosis.Conclusion: These cases suggest that ordinary enzyme replacement therapy is insufficient for some of the non-neurological manifestations of severe types of Gaucher's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. We observed transient signals of Bragg grating formation in high-performance photorefractive high- and low-molar-mass liquid crystal mixtures (HL-LCMs). These transient signals including oscillation-like behavior can be explained by a complex time constant in the case of a finite applied dc field. The time constant for the space-charge field to reach its steady state and the oscillation frequency are estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the diffusion of copper (Cu) into silicon (Si) through various barrier metals to find diffusion barrier materials for copper. Measurement of copper behavior in Cu/M/Si multilayers; Preservation of the multilayer structures of the Cu/Ta/Si and Cu/W/Si multilayers after annealing; Difference in the barrier properties of the transition metals.

The safe decommissioning as well as decontamination of the radioactive waste resulting from the nuclear accident in Fukushima Daiichi represents a huge task for the next decade. At present, research and development on long-term safe storage containers has become an urgent task with international cooperation in Japan. One challenge is the generation of hydrogen and oxygen in significant amounts by means of radiolysis inside the containers, as the nuclear waste contains a large portion of sea water. The generation of radiolysis gases may lead to a significant pressure build-up inside the containers and to the formation of flammable gases with the risk of ignition and the loss of integrity. In the framework of the project "R&D on technology for reducing concentration of flammable gases generated in long-term waste storage containers" funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT), the potential application of catalytic recombiner devices inside the storage containers is investigated. In this context, a suitable catalyst based on the so-called intelligent automotive catalyst for use in a recombiner is under consideration. The catalyst is originally developed and mass-produced for automotive exhaust gas purification, and is characterized by having a self-healing function of precious metals (Pd, Pt and Rh) dissolved as a solid solution in the perovskite type oxides. The basic features of this catalyst have been tested in an experimental program. The test series in the REKO-4 facility has revealed the basic characteristics of the catalyst required for designing the recombiner system. • Generation of radiolysis gases leads to pressure build-up inside nuclear waste containers. • Application of catalytic recombiner inside waste containers is investigated. • The monolithic "intelligent catalyst" installed in automobiles is under consideration. • Tests in the REKO-4 facility have clarified basic characteristics for recombiner design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential modal gain (DMG) in a few-mode erbium-doped fibre amplifier (FM-EDFA) is successfully improved by employing a ringcore FM erbium-doped fibre (RC-EDF). The DMGs between LP01 and LP11 mode signals in the FM-EDFA with the RC-EDF are 1.8 and 1.6 dB for LP01 and LP11 mode pumping, respectively, whereas those in a FM-EDFA with a conventional step-index FM EDF are 9.2 and 6.1 dB, indicating 7.4 and 4.5 dB DMG improvement for LP01 and LP11 mode pumping, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential modal gain (DMG) in a few‐mode erbium‐doped fibre amplifier (FM‐EDFA) is successfully improved by employing a ring‐core FM erbium‐doped fibre (RC‐EDF). The DMGs between LP01 and LP11 mode signals in the FM‐EDFA with the RC‐EDF are 1.8 and 1.6 dB for LP01 and LP11 mode pumping, respectively, whereas those in a FM‐EDFA with a conventional step‐index FM EDF are 9.2 and 6.1 dB, indicating 7.4 and 4.5 dB DMG improvement for LP01 and LP11 mode pumping, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inter-core crosstalk measurement method in a multi-core erbiumdoped fibre amplifier that uses a single-wavelength signal with multiple intensity tones is investigated. Its feasibility is confirmed and the output signal power dependence of the crosstalk values for the same signal gains between cores is successfully characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inter‐core crosstalk measurement method in a multi‐core erbium‐doped fibre amplifier that uses a single‐wavelength signal with multiple intensity tones is investigated. Its feasibility is confirmed and the output signal power dependence of the crosstalk values for the same signal gains between cores is successfully characterised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposed is a multi-core fibre amplification method that can reduce crosstalk, in which the optical amplified signals in two adjacent cores propagate in opposite directions. By employing the proposed method, confirmed is a crosstalk improvement of more than 4 dB using the outer six cores of a seven-core erbium-doped fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The levels of corneal donation are insufficient to meet the demand for corneal transplantation in Japan. To overcome this problem, we started to routinely mention the possibility of corneal donation to the families of patients who died in our hospital's Urology Department in February 2008. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this approach. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who died in the Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hospital, and analyzed the patients' characteristics and information about corneal donation. Results In total, 211 patients died in our department between February 2008 and March 2017, and 155 patients were medically suitable corneal donors. We mentioned the possibility of corneal donation to 129 (83.2%) families, and 29 (18.7%) families agreed. Three families subsequently withdrew their consent. Finally, 26 (16.8%) of the families that were approached about corneal donation by urologists agreed to donate their relatives' corneas. Another 2 families voluntarily offered to donate their relatives' corneas. Thus, 28 (18.1%) of 155 medically suitable donors donated their corneas for transplantation. Twenty-six (92.8%) donors were 60 years or older and all donors were affected with malignant genitourinary tumors. Fifty-four (96.4%) corneas were successfully transplanted into recipients. Conclusions Even elderly patients who die of solid carcinoma can be an important source of corneal donors. In this study, we showed that routine referral by urologists increased corneal donation. If this approach were adopted by other departments, it might further increase the number of corneal donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A NiZn ferrite film (3 mm thick) was deposited at 90 °C by the spin-spray ferrite plating from an aqueous solution onto a 50 Ω microstrip line formed on an epoxy printed circuit board (PCB). A strong magnetic loss was caused by the ferrite film in a GHz range, δP[SUBloss] reaching 67% attenuation at 3 GHz, the upper limit of our measurement. Furthermore, the reflection loss was very weak, S[SUB11] being smaller than 7%. Thus plated NiZn ferrite films hold strong promise to be actually applied to a type of thin film electromagnetic noise suppressors; the films can be directly deposited onto noise sources (semiconductor elements or electronic circuits) to attenuate conducted-electromagnetic noises in the GHz range. Because the plated NiZn ferrite film was magnetically isotropic in film plane, the noise suppressors will be isotropic, attenuating noise electromagnetic waves radiated from any directions. The NiZn ferrite film was also plated on a flat glass substrate as a standard, which exhibited natural resonance frequency of f[SUBr] = 500 MHz and initial real permeability of μ' = 50. Compared to these values, the film on the PCB had higher f[SUBr] of 850 MHz, though reduced in μ' to 40. But the spectrum of the imaginary permeability μ'' shifted to a higher frequency range. This facilitated the strong magnetic loss at the high frequencies. The higher f[SUBr] for the film on the PCB may be attributed to the undulated columnar structure of the film which was observed by scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]