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We developed a magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) imaging system that uses the harmonic signals of MNPs on the basis of their nonlinear magnetization curves. By measuring the harmonic signals, the interference of the excitation field can be significantly decreased, so the detection sensitivity can be improved. First, we obtained a contour map of the signal field from the MNPs, from which we estimated their positions. We could detect 100 μg of MNPs located at z=30 mm below the pickup coil with a signal-to-noise ratio of 4. Next, we analyzed the contour map using a mathematical technique called singular value decomposition (SVD) in order to improve the spatial resolution of the estimated position. Using the SVD method, we converted the field map to the MNP distribution. We could clearly distinguish two MNP samples separated by x=20 mm and located at Δz=20 mm. This simple detection system will be useful for medical applications such as sentinel lymph node detection.

We have evaluated the use of harmonic signals for detecting magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in biomedical applications. We studied the relationship between the harmonic signals and the distribution of magnetic moments in MNP samples. We measured the harmonic signals and frequency dependence of the ac susceptibility along with static M-H curves. These experimental results were analyzed to obtain the magnetic moment distribution in real samples. We were able to clarify what proportion of MNPs contributes to the harmonic signal. MNPs could be classified according to three types. Type-1 contributes to the fundamental signal only. Type-2 contributes to both the fundamental and harmonic signals. Finally, Type-3 does not contribute to any signals. It is important to choose a sample having a large portion of Type-2 MNPs for the harmonic signal-based detection.

We developed a detection system for magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using the second-harmonic signal. By measuring the second-harmonic signal from MNPs, we can significantly reduce the interference of the excitation field, compared to the case of measuring the fundamental signal. First, we explored the properties of harmonic signals from MNPs when both a DC bias field and an AC field were applied. We obtained the relationship between the DC and AC fields under which the second harmonic reached its peaks. On the basis of these results, we developed a detection system for MNPs using a simple inductive pickup coil gradiometer. The sensitivity of the gradiometer was 7668 V/T and the minimum detectable field was 10 pT at a signal frequency of 38.6 kHz. We could detect 100 μg of MNPs located under the pickup coil at a distance of 30 mm. The position of MNPs was also detected from the contour map of the signal field. This simple detection system will be used in medical applications such as sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Suehirogari (The Fan of Felicity) is one of twenty-three Auspicious Plays (waki kyōgen) in the current kyōgen repertory. This play uses the relationship of a servant to his master, contrast of country simplicity and city trickery, misunderstandings of language, and dance for humor.

New trivalent praseodymium ion (Pr3+) conducting solid electrolyte composites, (PrxZr1−x)4/(4−x)Nb(PO4)3 (0.05≤x≤0.3)+NbPO5, were successfully developed by selecting the NASICON type structure as the mother structure candidate. The 94±5% praseodymium ion in the composites was identified to hold the trivalent state by effective magnetic moment measurements and the pure Pr3+ ion conduction in the composite solid was demonstrated both by ac conductivity measurements in various oxygen partial pressures and by dc electrolytes.

As a method of external diagnosis for power transmission and distribution equipment, X-ray projection technology has been applied. A new method of high accuracy projection, 3 dimensional image processing technology by application of X-ray CT, a method of detecting more accurate condition of the interior, by application of X-ray and infrared has been developed.

(1996). New connections between Greek Tragedy and Japanese Noh theater. The European Legacy: Vol. 1, Fourth International Conference of the International Society for the Study of European Ideas, pp. 1260-1265.

The Cockcroft-Gault and Salazar-Corcoran equations were compared with respect to prediction of gentamicin pharmacokinetic values in obese and nonobese patients, and the results were used to formulate guidelines for calculating initial gentamicin dosages in obese patients. Creatinine clearance (CLcr) was estimated by applying the Cockcroft-Gault equation using total body weight (TBW), ideal body weight (IBW), and dosage weight (DW) and with Salazar-Corcoran equations using fat-free body mass (FBM) in 100 obese and 100 nonobese patients. Gentamicin pharmacokinetic values (k, CL, and t1/2) were estimated by using CLcr estimated by each method and standardized to a body surface area of 1.73 sq m. Actual pharmacokinetic values were determined by using steady-state gentamicin concentrations and a modified Sawchuk-Zaske equation; these values were compared with the predicted values. In the obese patients, pharmacokinetic values predicted from standardized CLcr by the Cockcroft-Gault equation using estimated DW were not significantly biased, compared with actual values; most predictions produced by the other methods were significantly biased. Predictions produced by the DW method were generally more precise than those resulting from the other methods. In nonobese patients, k values estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation using IBW were not significantly biased, while values obtained with all other methods were biased. All methods were biased when predicting CL and t1/2 in nonobese patients. Significant correlations existed between standardized estimates of CLcr (by all methods) and pharmacokinetic values in both groups. Predictions of gentamicin k, CL, and t1/2 were best overall when CLcr was estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation using DW, rather than by other methods.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Data of the ηπ− system were obtained in the reaction π−p → ηπ−p at 6.3 GeV/c beam momentum. About 17 k events of ηπ− were collected in the mass range 0.8 ⩽ Mηπ- ⩽ 1.8 GeV/c2 and in the range of the momentum transfer squared 0.075 ⩽ |t′| ⩽ 0.60 (GeV/c)2. A large forward-backward asymmetry was observed around 1.3 GeV/c2 in the Gottfried-Jackson frame of the ηπ− system. A partial wave analysis of the data was performed. A peak of the D+ wave attributed to a2 (1320) is clearly seen. An enhancement is observed around 1.3 GeV/c2 in the P+ wave.

Experimental studies on the ωπ 0 and νπ − systems in the π − p reactions have been performed at KEK. The moment analysis of the ωπ 0 system shows a clear peak of b 1 0 (1235) in the IJ pc = 11 +− wave. In the 11 −− wave, no clear peak is seen. The properties of C(1480) with 11 −− and ϱ(1450) are discussed taking into account upper limits of their cross sections. The experiment on the νπ − system was planned to search for an exotic resonance with IJ pc = 11 −+ . The data taking run was finished and an analysis is under way.

Innovations in the design of power circuit breakers are making rapid progress and state-of-the-art technology is now concentrated on SF/sub 6/ gas-insulated switchgear or vacuum-type circuit breakers, however, a large number of older type circuit breakers such as oil, air blast or magnetic type circuit breakers which are no longer manufactured, are still used in the field. Engineers proficient in handling those older type circuit breakers are now coming of age and retiring from the maintenance works. Under these circumstances, it is urgent to recruit young engineers to be able to handle those old type circuit breakers. A portable type interactive voice recognition system making data input direct has been proved to be also very useful for instruction and training. This paper introduces the outline of newly developed instruction and training of personnel to familiarize the use of the old type of circuit breakers.

Children who are destined to develop asthma are considered to be susceptible to a variety of respiratory pathogens. To elucidate respiratory inflammation among these children, we measured the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase in sputum taken from three different groups of wheezy infants and young children: those with a first wheeze (n = 15); those with recurrent wheeze (n = 27); and those with recurrent wheeze with respiratory distress, namely asthma (n = 56). The numbers of eosinophils or metachromatic cells determined by microscopic analysis of sputum samples were also evaluated in combination with the ECP and tryptase levels. Although neither sputum ECP nor tryptase was a clear discriminative marker that differentiated the three different types of wheezy disease, ECP levels in sputum from the asthma group were significantly higher (2,269.2 +/- 6,216.8 ng/g) than those in the recurrent wheezy group (440.3 +/- 1,199.8 ng/g) or in the first-wheeze group (209.0 +/- 172.9 ng/g). A similar trend was observed with tryptase levels in sputum, but there were no significant differences among the three groups. Sputum taken from asthmatic children showed a marked accumulation of eosinophils. However, an accumulation of eosinophils in sputum (even in the presence of an elevated level of sputum ECP) was not identified in the asthmatic infants1 year of age. An accumlation of eosinophils in sputum was not evident until children became1 year old and thereafter the eosinophils rapidly increased in number until the children reached 5 years of age. It was noteworthy that sputa positive for pathogenic bacteria, taken from the 1- and 2-year-old asthmatic infants, had a tendency to show high levels of ECP but a reduced number of eosinophils. Along with the wheezy episodes induced by viral infection, primarily and occasionally in combination with secondary bacterial infection, eosinophil activation and infiltration may develop. These predestined immune reactions to various pathogens might be associated with triggering the onset of asthma.

s: As a method of external diagnosis for Vacuum Circuit Breaker, X-ray projection technology has been applied New method of high accuracy projection, 3 dimensional image processing technology by application of X-ray CT, method of detecting more accurate condition of the interior, by application of X-ray and has been developed.

s: We have developed a new set of portable voice recognition system which is compact, lightweight, and has two-way communication(Sending & Receiving) for the purpose of inspection/maintenance services for substation equipment. We are using these newly developed systems for daily visual inspection, periodic inspection and for commissioning tests of substation equipment. By applying this system with the added guidance and judgment functions, unskilled personnel is possible to carry out inspection/maintenance services of substation equipment. And the data collected at site is possible to be fed to the computer directly, we can easily do the trend control management. Also we are applying this system for education and self-training of unskilled personnel who will be engaged in the maintenance of equipment. This paper describes the outline of voice recognition system, actual examples and achieved results.

We measured the portal and splenic venous flow volume (PV and SV), congestion index (CI) and SV/PV% in various stages of the liver diseases chronic inactive hepatitis (CIH), chronic active hepatitis (CAH), liver cirrhosis without esophageal varices (LCvarix(-)), and liver cirrhosis with esophageal varices (LCvarix(+))¿, and normal volunteers (NC). The results were as follows: PV was 869.4 +/- 184.0 ml/min in NC, 920.4 +/- 242.5ml/min in CIH, 900.0 +/- 216.9ml/min in CAH, 841.8 +/- 253.0 ml/min in LCvarix(-) and 909.7 +/- 430.7ml/min in LCvarix(+). SV was 241.0 +/- 80.0 ml/min in NC, 289.4 +/- 131.6 ml/min CIH, 286.4 +/- 108.8 ml/min CAH, 272.7 +/- 135.7 ml/min in LCvarix(-), 398.0 +/- 280.5 ml/min in LCvarix(+). SV/PV% was 28.1 +/- 10.1 in NC, 31.4 +/- 14.0 CIH, 32.1 +/- 9.6 in CAH, 32.4 +/- 16.0 in LCvarix(-), 43.1 +/- 23.7 in LCvarix(+). CI was 0.06 +/- 0.019 in NC, 0.07 +/- 0.028 in CIH, 0.09 +/- 0.05 in CAH, 0.11 +/- 0.03 in LCvarix(-), 0.145 +/- 0.047 in LCvarix(+). These results suggested that: (1) From the measurement of CI, portal venous pressure is begun to increase at the stage of chronic active hepatitis. (2) Increasing of splenic venous flow volume is begun at the stage of chronic hepatitis and it effects to the portal hypertension of liver cirrhosis. (3) The change of component of intrahepatic portal venous blood flow and decreasing of liver function tests was affected by increasing of splenic venous flow volume. (4) SV/PV% may be useful parameter to evaluate the decreasing of liver function tests and to estimate the complication of esophageal varices at the liver cirrhosis.

Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) levels were determined in 214 infants (133 males and 81 females) with atopic dermatitis during their first visit to the Department of Allergy, National Children's Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Compared with the normal hospital range, their levels were found to be significantly higher, a tendency which was more conspicuous in lower age groups. We carried out a 13C-methacetin breath test (MBT), administering the stable-isotope-labeled compound to 11 children with higher serum GOT values and 5 within the normal range to investigate hepatic metabolism of methacetin in infants with atopic dermatitis. 13C-methacetin was given orally, and the 13CO2 level in the breath was determined immediately before and after administration, by mass spectrometry. Compared to the normal controls, the atopic infants demonstrated significantly lower 13CO2 peak excretion and delayed peak time. The clearance rate of 13CO2 was also decreased. These results suggest some relationship between atopic dermatitis and liver function in infants.

In our Department, continuous isoproterenol inhalation therapy has been conducted on status asthmatics over the last 10 years. In the present study, we investigated whether there are any differences in the therapeutic efficacy of continuous inhalation of isoproterenol in the presence or absence of respiratory infections which may induce or aggravate asthma attacks. The treatment period was significantly longer in patients with pneumonia. Further prolongation of the treatment period was noted in patients with atelectasis. However, there were no apparent differences in therapeutic efficacy according to age or the severity of attacks. These findings suggest that continuous inhalation of isoproterenol is very effective for status asthmatics if respiratory infections are thoroughly controlled.

The differences in values, accuracy, reproducibility and interdevice variability of three models of portable peak flowmeters (standard and low range of Assess, mini-Wright, Pulmo-Graph) before use and after they had been used 1000 times. A computerized standard flow generator was used to evaluate. Standard range; The three models showed differences in values before and after 100 uses of less than 3 percent at flow rates below 480 L/min. However, the used flowmeters, especially the Assess, showed higher values compared with the new ones at higher flow ranges. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the new and used mini-Wright and Pulmo-Graph models. The used Assess, howevers, showed higher values at higher ranges, thus demonstrating improved accuracy over the new ones. The reproducibilities of the three models deteriorated at high flow rates. The interdevice variability of the used Pulmo-Graph flowmeter was better than that the new one. No significant changes were observed in the mini-Wright, while the Assess showed deteriorated interdevice variability. Low range; The three models showed no significant differences in values, accuracy, reproducibility or interdevice variability before and after use.

We measured changes in histamine levels in fluids from children with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis by the skin chamber method and evaluated the correlation with clinical symptoms. Skin chambers were applied to the forearm skin which had been scratched with a needle, and extract of Dermatophagoides farinae (mite antigen) at 50 microns filters as a challenge. We measured the concentrations of histamine 2, 6, 12 and 24 hr after challenge. The skin chamber test was performed before and after beach camp therapy or hospitalization therapy. We treated 26 children with beach camp therapy, and compared the effects with hospitalization in Tokyo (20 children). All the children in both groups showed results of mediator releasability in skin chamber was different in the two groups. The histamine levels were dramatically increased 24 hr after challenge with mite antigen. The levels of histamine in the chambers 24 hr after challenge decreased with treatment along with improvements in skin condition. A marked increase in histamine levels in the skin chamber fluids was observed after 24 hours, whereas no increase was observed when they were challenged with vehicle saline. After 7 days of beach camp therapy, challenge with mite antigen produced only a very small increase in histamine levels even after 24 hours, which was significantly lower than the levels before therapy. In the cases involving hospitalization in Tokyo, histamine was observed to be increased at 24 hr (24.9 +/- 8.0 ng/ml SEM), similarly to the beach campgroup (19.0 +/- 7.3 ng/ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The accuracy, reproducibility and interdevice variability of three models of portable peak flowmeters (standard and low range) were evaluated by using a computerized standard flow generator. Standard range; The mini-Wright peak flow meter generally overestimated peak flow from 120 L/min to 540 L/min and the Assess peak flowmeter underestimated peak flow at full range. The Pulmo-Graph peak flowmeter showed a similar pattern to the mini-Wright but with more accuracy. The Assess showed the best linearity. The reproducibilities of the three models deteriorated over 20 L/min at high flow rates. The interdevice variability of the mini-Wright was better than those of the Assess or the Pulmo-Graph. Low range: The accuracy and interdevice variability of the Pulmo-Graph were better than those of the Assess or the mini-Wright. The reproducibility of Assess seemed to be inferior to the other's. The measured flow from the low ranges was not the same as that of the standard ranges. The three peak flowmeter models have different spring mechanisms for their readings, and the measured flows by one model should not be compared with other models.

To investigate the best clinical stage for food provocation tests, twenty allergic patients who had early allergic reactions induced by any kind of food were tested. The patients were classified into two groups. Group I; open-food challenge tests were performed on eleven patients within 48 hours of admission. Group II; the tests were performed on nine patients seven or more days after admission. In these food provocation tests, there were nine positive results in Group II (p0.05). The percentage of eosinophils in the blood was higher in cases of positive provocation than in cases of negative provocation (p0.05). Moreover the percentage of eosinophils decreased after admission day by day in the provocation-negative patients of Group II, but there was no change in the provocation-positive patients. These results suggest that individual sensitivity to food decreased after admission. Therefore, in order to assess the actual sensitivity of allergic children it is necessary that food provocation tests be performed within two days of admission or before admission.

In the present study, we used the skin chamber method to determine histamine and tryptase released by continuous loading of a single antigen on the skin in order to evaluate dermal reactions produced and thereby obtain greater insight into the role of type I allergic reactions in children with atopic dermatitis. The subjects were 46 children, 23 males and 23 females aged 10.6 +/- 4.3 years on the average, who were being treated at the National Children's Hospital for moderate or severer atopic dermatitis. Mite antigen stimulation was carried out by the skin chamber method upon admission and histamine and tryptase levels in collected antigen solution were determined. Histamine levels in the chamber were increased significantly at 6, 12 and 24 hrs after stimulation compared to the control levels (p0.01). Tryptase levels were increased 2 hrs after stimulation but decreased with time thereafter. Histamine and tryptase levels were significantly correlated 2 hrs after stimulation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.954 (p0.01). No significant correlation was observed 24 hrs after stimulation. These findings indicate that children with severe atopic dermatitis have great skin reactivity and very sensitive to stimulation by antigens. Mast cells and basophils are thought to be involved in immediate and delayed type reactions, respectively.

Many cases of latex-induced intraoperatived anaphylaxis have been reported in Europe and the U.S. but not in Japan. We measured latex-specific IgE antibody in sera from the 108 atopic children with high serum IgE levels (over 1,000 U/ml). All of them were diagnosed to have asthma, atopic dermatitis and/or food intolerance. Eleven (10.2%) out of 108 patients were found to have latex-specific IgE by RAST, and 6 of them were positive for latex antigen by skin test. Most of the children did not realize that they were allergic to latex until we discovered it. This data suggest that we should be cautious about latex allergy when atopic children have to be operated upon.

We measured serum GOT levels in babies with atopic dermatitis and food allergy. Two hundred and fourteen babies (133 male, 18 female, under 2 years of age) who first visited the Department of Allergy in the National Children's Hospital were examined. Their serum GOT levels were higher than normal; the younger they were, the higher the serum GOT levels were. We carried out the 13-methacetin breath test (MBT) on 11 babies with atopic dermatitis and high serum GOT levels as well as 5 normal babies to estimate their hepatic microsomal function. 13C-methacetin was administered (0.5 mg/kg) orally, and breath was collected at 30 minutes before and immediately before administration. After administration it was collected at 15 minute intervals for the first hour and 45 minute intervals for 90 consecutive minutes afterwards. The level of 13CO2 in their breath was determined with a mass spectrometer. The peak level of 13CO2 excretion (%dose/hr) in the atopic babies with high serum GOT levels was lower and the time required for 13CO2 excretion to reach its maximum level was longer than in normal babies. Also their 13CO2 clearance rate (%/hr) was lower. These results suggested that there was some relationship between atopic dermatitis and liver dysfunction in babies.

(1) A medication order entry system, (2) a fully automatic tablet counting and packaging machine connected with a medication order entry system, and (3) a check system for one dose package developed and implemented in the University of Tokyo Hospital are described. The principal objectives of these systems are (1) to reduce medication errors and the clerical workload of staff, (2) to make more efficient use of staff, (3) to provide staff with sufficient drug information for patient drug therapy. We compared computerized systems (post-computerization) and traditional multi-dose dispensing systems (pre-computerization) by analyzing inquiry rate and dispensing time in the pharmacy for inpatients. Inquiry rate was 23.0% and 2.6% for pre-computerization and post-computerization, respectively. Total dispensing time per patient was 207 seconds and 147 seconds for pre-computerization and post-computerization, respectively. Implementation of the computerized systems helped significantly in decreasing inquiry rate and time needed to complete the dispensing process when compared with a traditional dispensing system. Implementation of the computerized systems was very useful for physicians, pharmacists, and nurses in conducting drug therapy.

The authors have developed a new set of portable voice recognition systems that are compact, lightweight, and have two-way communication (sending and receiving) for the purpose of inspection/maintenance services for substation equipment. The authors are using these newly developed systems for daily visual inspection, periodic inspection, and commissioning tests of substation equipment. By applying these systems with the added guidance and judgment functions, it is possible for unskilled personnel to carry out inspection/maintenance services of substation equipment. It is possible to feed the data collected at the site directly into the computer, and the trend control management can be done easily. This paper outlines the voice recognition system, the applied examples of SF6 gas insulated switchgear's (GIS) periodical inspection/maintenance, and the achieved results.

THE NO THEATER is one of the significant cultural achievements of Japan in the middle ages (1192-1868). Its founder, Kannami Kiyotsugu (1333-1384), by combining attractive and effective techniques of rival theatrical entertainments, gave strength and prominence to the art of sarugaku no no, the early form of the No theatre. His son, Zeami Motokiyo (1364-1444), contributed to the art by exploring its aesthetic depth, determining the basic way of training performers, and adding many outstanding plays to the repertory. In his effort to establish aesthetic principles for the art, Zeami adopted the concept of yugen, the beauty of gentle gracefulness. This concept is his central idea and his entire work revolves around and develops from it. The concept of yuigen that Zeami succeeded in elevating to its ultimate stage of transcendence was based on the achievements of his two predecessors. The first was Kannami's bold inclusion of the yugen quality in sarugaku no no, whose primary strength had been in monomane (literally, mime or imitation). The second was the enriched quality of yugen attained through the endeavor of Inuo (?-1413), whose ceaseless

繊維工業における生産計画の考え方, あり方の検討を中心にORの適用について考察する.生産計画の検討は業種により若干の差はあるが, 縫製工場, および人絹糸の生産計画を対象として線型計画法の活用例を示す.また生産配分計画を輸送型の問題として検討した.

All the inhabitants of the Amami islands and of the northern half of Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands were surveyed for neuromuscular disorders which cause progressive muscular atrophy. The estimated total of persons surveyed was 287,727. Among 59 cases found, 23 in Tokuno-, 8 in Okinoerabu-shima and 1 in Okinawa island were found to suffer from an unusual neuromuscular disease. This disease began in early infancy and caused symmetrical proximal muscular atrophy, more severe in the lower extremities than in the upper. Fasciculations, slight kypho-scoliosis and pes cavus were seen. The results of investigations in a small number of cases suggested a neuropathic disorder but myopathic features were also demonstrated. It is suggested that this disease is a new form of inherited spinal muscular atrophy. The disease is thought to be recessively inherited. Keizu, or family records, found in Tokuno-shima revealed that co-ancestors of the patients were the lord(s) of both Tokuno- and Okinoerabu-shima in the 17th century. The distribution of the patients could be explained by the activities of the ancestors. The probable co-ancestor of all of the patients was thought to be a lord who lived in Hokuzan Principality in northern Okinawa from 1314–1429. The gene was attributed to one mutation occurring before the 14th century.

Etudes du procede de dissolution, dans des solutions alcalines de soude 0,1 M, des verres de composition: xAg•(100-x) (As 2 S 3 ) 1/5 en at% et d'un aspect du procede de photodopage de ces verres