Search

Laser–plasma interaction and hot electrons have been characterized in detail in laser irradiation conditions relevant for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion. The experiment was carried out at the Gekko XII laser facility in multibeam planar target geometry at an intensity of approximately $3\times {10}^{15}$ W/cm2. Experimental data suggest that high-energy electrons, with temperatures of 20–50 keV and conversion efficiencies of $\eta , were mainly produced by the damping of electron plasma waves driven by two-plasmon decay (TPD). Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is observed in a near-threshold growth regime, producing a reflectivity of approximately $0.01\%$ , and is well described by an analytical model accounting for the convective growth in independent speckles. The experiment reveals that both TPD and SRS are collectively driven by multiple beams, resulting in a more vigorous growth than that driven by single-beam laser intensity.

In situ femtosecond x-ray diffraction measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the liquid structure of tantalum shock released from several hundred gigapascals (GPa) on the nanosecond timescale. The results show that the internal negative pressure applied to the liquid tantalum reached $\ensuremath{-}5.6\text{ }(0.8)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GPa}$, suggesting the existence of a liquid-gas mixing state due to cavitation. This is the first direct evidence to prove the classical nucleation theory which predicts that liquids with high surface tension can support GPa regime tensile stress.

Background Blood pressure (BP) variability has reportedly been a risk factor for various clinical events. To clarify the influence of BP visit‐to‐visit variability on adverse events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a post hoc analysis of the J‐RHYTHM Registry was performed. Methods and Results Of 7406 outpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation from 158 institutions, 7226 (age, 69.7±9.9 years; men, 70.7%), in whom BP was measured 4 times or more (14.6±5.0 times) during the 2‐year follow‐up period or until occurrence of an event, constituted the study group. SD and coefficient of variation of BP values were calculated as BP variability. Thromboembolism, major hemorrhage, and all‐cause death occurred in 110 (1.5%), 121 (1.7%), and 168 (2.3%) patients, respectively. When patients were divided into quartiles of systolic BP‐SD (P =0.015 for thromboembolism; HR, 2.60, 95% CI, 1.36–4.97, P =0.004 for major hemorrhage; and HR, 1.85, 95% CI, 1.11–3.07, P =0.018 for all‐cause death) after adjusting for components of the CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score, warfarin and antiplatelet use, atrial fibrillation type, BP measurement times, and others. These findings were consistent when BP‐coefficient of variation was used instead of BP‐SD. Conclusions Systolic BP visit‐to‐visit variability was significantly associated with all adverse events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Further studies are needed to clarify the causality between BP variability and adverse outcomes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Registration URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ ; Unique Identifier: UMIN000001569.

Background Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody monotherapy (PD1) has led to favorable responses in advanced non-acral cutaneous melanoma among Caucasian populations; however, recent studies suggest that this therapy has limited efficacy in mucosal melanoma (MCM). Thus, advanced MCM patients are candidates for PD1 plus anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) combination therapy (PD1 + CTLA4). Data on the efficacy of immunotherapy in MCM, however, are limited. We aimed to compare the efficacies of PD1 and PD1 + CTLA4 in Japanese advanced MCM patients. Patients and methods We retrospectively assessed advanced MCM patients treated with PD1 or PD1 + CTLA4 at 24 Japanese institutions. Patient baseline characteristics, clinical responses (RECIST), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and toxicity was assessed to estimate the efficacy and safety of PD1 and PD1 + CTLA4. Results Altogether, 329 patients with advanced MCM were included in this study. PD1 and PD1 + CTLA4 were used in 263 and 66 patients, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between both treatment groups, except for age (median age 71 versus 65 years; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the PD1 and PD1 + CTLA4 groups with respect to objective response rate (26% versus 29%; P = 0.26) or PFS and OS (median PFS 5.9 months versus 6.8 months; P = 0.55, median OS 20.4 months versus 20.1 months; P = 0.55). Cox multivariate survival analysis revealed that PD1 + CTLA4 did not prolong PFS and OS (PFS: hazard ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.58-1.19, P = 0.30; OS: HR 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.57-1.38, P = 0.59). The rate of ≥grade 3 immune-related adverse events was higher in the PD1 + CTLA4 group than in the PD1 group (53% versus 17%; P < 0.001). Conclusions First-line PD1 + CTLA4 demonstrated comparable clinical efficacy to PD1 in Japanese MCM patients, but with a higher rate of immune-related adverse events., Highlights • Anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy (PD1 + CTLA4) is an option for patients with advanced mucosal melanoma (MCM). • Data on the efficacy of PD1 + CTLA4 compared with PD-1 monotherapy (PD1) for MCM, however, are limited. • We retrospectively analyzed data from 329 Japanese patients with advanced MCM treated with PD1 or PD1 + CTLA4. • No significant differences in objective response rate, progression-free survival, or overall survival were observed. • Immune-related adverse events resulting in treatment cessation were higher in the PD1 + CTLA4 group.

Background To clarify the influence of hypertension and blood pressure ( BP ) control on thromboembolism and major hemorrhage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a post hoc analysis of the J‐ RHYTHM Registry was performed. Methods and Results A consecutive series of outpatients with atrial fibrillation was enrolled from 158 institutions. Of 7937 patients, 7406 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (70.8% men, 69.8±10.0 years) were followed for 2 years or until an event occurred. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, a diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, a history of hypertension, and/or antihypertensive drug use. Hypertension was an independent risk factor for major hemorrhage (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.05–2.21, P =0.027) but not for thromboembolism (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.73–1.52, P =0.787). When patients were divided into quartiles according to their systolic BP at the time closest to the event or at the end of follow‐up (Q1, CI 1.75–4.74, P CI 1.02–2.53, P =0.041) after adjustment for components of CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VAS c score, warfarin use, and antiplatelet use. A systolic BP of ≥136 mm Hg was an independent risk factor for thromboembolism and major hemorrhage. Conclusions BP control appears to be more important than a history of hypertension and baseline BP values at preventing thromboembolism and major hemorrhage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr . Unique identifier: UMIN 000001569.

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) treatment is one of the methods used to make carbon nanofibers stand up on substrates. Upright carbon nanofibers are used as field emission materials. We have used twisted carbon nanofibers (CNTws) as field emission materials and treated printed CNTws on substrates using DBD. In this report, we examine the effects of DBD conditions on the uprightness of the CNTws. The DBD experimental parameters were as follows: 1) N2/He gas mixture ratio, 2) pulse frequency, and 3) Pt coating on the CNTw surface. The lengths of upright CNTws from the substrate surface and from the surface of a printed CNTw dot were measured using scanning electron microscopy. N2 gas was shown to be crucial for generating streamer discharges and making the CNTw stand up on the substrate. As the pulse frequency increased, the lengths of the upright CNTws and their number density increased. This is explained by an increase in the number of streamers; the streamers move about over the substrate surface. Pt coating lowered the onset voltage for field emission from the CNTws although the number of upright CNTws was less than that without the Pt coating.

Doping effect of Sb on Pb-free barium strontium titanate was investigated. The Sb doped (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics were prepared by solid reactions in 1473-1623 K by employing 0~1.2 wt% Sb2O5 as main additives. Density changes with sintering temperature were determined. The morphology and microstructure of the Sb doping samples were analyzed by SEM. The dielectric properties such as permittivity and dielectric loss were measured. It was found that addition of Sb benefited to low temperature high density sintering process. When the addition amount of Sb2O5 was about 0.6 wt%, the dielectric loss of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 was decreased from 1.9% to about 0.4% while the dielectric constant was kept over 2000. Possible mechanism of the improvement by Sb addition was discussed too.

Summary What is known and Objective: Meropenem is frequently employed as an empirical treatment for serious infections, but there has been no report on its population pharmacokinetic parameters for Japanese patients. Our aim is to undertake a population pharmacokinetic analysis of meropenem using non-linear mixed effects model (NONMEM). Methods: Data from 68 patients were analysed via NONMEM with the first-order method. The participants’ covariates, including gender, age, actual body weight, serum creatinine, serum albumin, serum total protein and creatinine clearance, were analyzed by the forward inclusion and backward elimination method to identify their potential influence on meropenem pharmacokinetics. The adequacy of the constructed model was assessed by goodness-of-fit plots and the precision of the parameter estimated at each step of the model development. To assess the robustness of the estimated parameter, bootstrap analysis was performed. Results and Discussion: The data were best described by a one-compartment model. The serum creatinine values modified by the below normal limit in our hospital (mSCR) were an influential covariate for clearance (CL): CL (L/h) = 11·1 × (mSCR/0·7)−1. The volume of distribution was estimated as 33·6 L. The coefficient of variation of the inter-individual variability of CL and the residual variability were 52·1% and 0·827% μg/mL, respectively. A comparison of the population pharmacokinetic parameters of meropenem in the final model estimated in NONMEM with original data, and 1000 bootstrap samples shows that both sets of estimates were comparable, thereby indicating the robustness of the proposed model. What is new and Conclusion: A population pharmacokinetic model that satisfactorily described the disposition and variability of meropenem in our Japanese population is described. NONMEM analysis showed that the clearance of meropenem depended on modified serum creatinine. The results of this study should help Japanese patients on meropenem by improving the prediction accuracy of dosing using the Bayesian method.

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis (ING) is characterized as diffuse nodular glomerulosclerotic lesions, closely resembling Kimmelstiel-Wilson lesions without diabetic mellitus. We report here three Japanese cases of ING and discuss the previous reports. The patients were 75-, 48- and 84-year-old males with a history of long-term hypertension. Laboratory examination revealed moderate proteinuria and mild renal dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus was excluded by repeated clinical and laboratory investigations. Renal histology revealed nodular glomerulosclerosis, and both afferent and efferent arteriolosclerosis in all patients. In electron microscopy, the glomerular basement membrane was markedly thick in all patients. A low-protein diet and potent anti-hypertensive treatment using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were initiated in all patients and urinary protein excretion significantly reduced without the progression of renal dysfunction. We reviewed 42 previously reported cases and our three cases. The analysis revealed that common clinical features of ING are being male (82.2%) of relatively advanced age (mean age 61.3 years), with hypertension (82.2%), mild renal dysfunction (mean serum creatinine 2.9 mg/dl) and moderate urinary protein excretion (mean 4.05 g/day). Common histopathological findings of ING are nodular glomerulosclerosis (100%), arterio-arteriolosclerosis (91.2 and 89.7%) and glomerular basement membrane thickening (85.7%). In conclusion, ING is one of the phenotypes of arteriosclerotic renal disease without diabetes mellitus. Severe arterio-arteriolosclerosis may contribute to the progression to glomerular nodular formation in ING. The combination of renin-angiotensin system inhibition and a low protein diet can be beneficial for the reduction of urinary protein excretion.

As a simple-shaped laminar flame that can simulate conventional two-staged combustion devices, a methane-air Smithells flame, which is a peculiar Bunsen flame whose outer diffusion flame is separated from the inner premixed flame, was studied experimentally and numerically with detailed kinetics. In particular, the flame structure and the NO{sub x} emission characteristics of the Smithells flame were compared with those of the ordinary Bunsen flame under the same conditions, and its NO{sub x} reduction mechanism was investigated in detail. It was found experimentally that the Smithells flames have about 40% less total NO{sub x} emission than Bunsen flames. The numerically simulated flame structures are in good agreement with those of the experimental results, and the reduction rate of NO{sub x} emission also agreed well. From the numerical results it was found that the reduction is mainly caused by the suppression of Zeldovich NO due to the temperature decrease of the outer flame, and to the absence of the active production of O radicals at the flame base that are inherently formed by an interaction between the outer flame and the inner flame in the case of Bunsen flame. A secondary cause of the reduction is a deoxidization process from NOmore » to N{sub 2} in the reduction atmosphere of the interconal regions of the Smithells flames, in which cooling by the outer tube wall promotes the conversion from NO to HNO in the reaction loop NO->HNO->NH->N->NO. (author)« less

This paper describes burst-mode receiver ICs with quick response for 1.25-Gb/s optical access networks. In a point-to-multipoint fiber access system, such as a passive optical network (PON) system, the receiver should be able to handle burst-data packets with different amplitudes. In burst-mode transmission, a receiver with a quick response is desired for high efficiency in data transmission. In addition, high sensitivity is also required for such a shared access system. To achieve a quick response and high sensitivity at the same time, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with three gain modes has been designed. The use of a hysteresis comparator enables fast gain mode switching. A limiting amplifier with feed-forward auto-offset compensation (AOC) is also used for quick response to burst data. These circuit techniques require no external adjustment. Using these design techniques, optical receiver ICs were fabricated in SiGe-BiCMOS technology. The optical receiver built with the ICs exhibits a settling time of under 20 bits and a sensitivity of -30 dBm with wide dynamic range of over 26 dB using a p-i-n photodiode (PD) for burst-mode optical input at 1.25 Gb/s. These fast-response receiver chips improve the data transmission efficiency. The use of a conventional p-i-n PD and the freedom from external adjustment make it possible to build an inexpensive receiver.

Objective: To reveal the C5a receptor-mediated monocyte-selective chemoattraction of the homo-dimer of guinea pig S19 ribosomal protein (RP S19), and to study the topological relationship between the RP S19 and C5a receptor genes. Methods: cDNA cloning and nucleotide sequencing, leukocyte chemotaxis measurement, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed in the guinea pig. Results: The amino acid sequence of the guinea pig RP S19 deduced from the cDNA nucleotide sequence was identical to the human protein. The dimer of a recombinant RP S19 attracted guinea pig monocytes but suppressed neutrophil chemotactic movement. Both effects were C5a receptor-mediated. In the FISH analysis, the signals denoting the guinea pig RP S19 gene and C5a receptor gene completely overlapped each other. Conclusions: The guinea pig RP S19 dimer possessed a dual ligand effect, agonistic to the monocyte C5a receptor and antagonistic to the neutrophil receptor. The RP S19 and C5a receptor genes co-localized on the same chromosome.

We describe the case of a 51-year-old man with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a 3-month history of facial edema. Laboratory tests upon admission for renal biopsy showed normal renal function and normocomplementemia. Serum HCV antibody (Ab) and cryoglobulin were positive. Renal biopsy specimens showed features of membranous glomerulonephritis. The likely cause was immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis associated with HCV infection. Reports of similar cases in the literature show the normocomplementemia and negative or slightly positive cryoglobulins observed in our case as well as seropositivity for circulating immune complexes containing HCV RNA. In our case, electron microscopic examination of the subepithelial glomerular lesions revealed massive virus-like particles within unusual multilayers of electron-dense deposits (EDDs), suggesting the existence of HCV in the glomeruli. In the addition to the unique histopathological feature the presence of La/SS-B antibody in his serum indicated an abnormal immune response associated with HCV. We advise him to undergo the therapy with new type of IFN such as pegIFN-alpha2a and/or anti-viral agent like ribavirin to achieve clinical and histopathological improvement.

Since a wheeled mobile robot is subject to nonholonomic constraints, the position and the configuration of the robot cannot be derived directly from only the rotation angle of its wheels. In other words, the position and the configuration of a mobile robot cannot be calculated correctly if its wheels skid. For the purpose of the position estimation of a mobile robot, some external sensors are used, in general. This paper uses position information from a position-sensitive detector camera that is a high-speed visual sensor to correct the errors that are due to skid and so on. Also, we estimate a skid of wheels by using its visual information. In this paper, the authors propose a control system that enables control of both the configuration of the robot and the skid of wheels simultaneously by including these estimated values in the control loop of a mobile manipulator.

CeRhSi 3 has the large electronic specific-heat coefficient γ = 120 mJ/mol K 2 and the high Kondo temperature T K ∼ 100 K, although its magnetic susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss law and the specific heat indicates magnetic ordering at 1.8 K. In order to elucidate the 4f-electron nature in CeRhSi 3 , we have grown single crystals of CeRhSi 3 and of its reference material LaRhSi 3 and measured the electrical resistivity, the magnetic susceptibility and the de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effect. Comparison of the angular dependence of the dHvA frequency in CeRhSi 3 to that in LaRhSi 3 , indicates that the 4f-electrons of CeRhSi 3 are itinerant.

A new method is presented by which line spectrum noise can be cancelled, using the beat phenomenon. A reference magnetic field is superposed on the magnetic noise field in order to obtain a beat waveform, from which the phase and the amplitude of the magnetic noise can be identified. We applied the method to an open-structure, vertical cylindrical magnetic shield employing magnetic shaking, and evaluated the effect of canceling a line spectrum.

Two patients with a hyperkinetic syndrome contralateral to acute hemiplegia are presented. One patient showed a right-sided hemiplegia associated with abnormal movements of the left upper limb. In the other patient hemiplegia was localised on the left side while abnormal movements involved the right lower limb. Brain imaging showed acute infarctions (respectively left middle cerebral artery area and right lacunar infarctions) associated with a pre-existing contralateral infarction involving anterior non-primary motor areas. Hyperkinetic syndromes in stroke are mainly related to acute lesion of the contralateral subcortical areas. In our patients, the acute lesions were located ipsilateral to the hyperkinetic body part while the pre-existing lesions were located contralateral to the hyperkinetic side. We speculated that these pre-existing lesions might play a role in the pathophysiology of this clinical syndrome.

This paper is devoted to an electrochemical-etching-based technology for fabricating high-performance MODFETs for high-speed applications. The electrochemical etching in the gate openings is induced by the exposure of the Ni surface metal on the ohmic electrodes; it results in very slender gate-recess grooves, which are desirable for high-speed MODFETs because of the resulting achievable small gate-to-channel separation and low parasitic resistance. The technology is easy to implement, and is effective for enhancing the aspect ratio. Good control of aspect ratio is essential for achieving excellent device performance and limiting deleterious short channel effects. Successful vertical scaling, together with minimization of gate length by well-established electron-beam lithography using fullerene-incorporated electron-beam resist, leads to the realization of both optimal D- and E-mode MODFET's with ultrahigh extrinsic transconductance values and current gain cut-off frequencies. Fully passivated 0.07-/spl mu/m D-MODFET's with 2.25 S/mm extrinsic transconductance and current gain cut-off frequency exceeding 300 GHz have been successful fabricated. In addition, 0.03 /spl mu/m E-MODFETs with 2 S/mm transconductance and 300 GHz current gain cut-off frequency have been demonstrated. This electrochemical-etching-based technology provides both high-performance D- and E-MODFET's and, therefore, opens up the possibility to achieve ultrahigh-speed ICs based on DCFL configurations.

We report the realization of asymmetric recess etching in the fabrication of gate grooves for MODFETs based on InAlAs/InGaAs heterojunctions. The novel technology employs asymmetric electrochemical etching when the surface metal of Pt and Ni are deposited on the source and drain pads, respectively. Devices fabricated with this technology, though still immature, show similar DC performance to those fabricated by conventional technology for symmetric devices. Furthermore, due to the formation of a ‘step’ on the InP etch-stopper as a result of the asymmetric etching, the effective gate length of the devices has been made shorter than its nominal value. This, combined with the asymmetric groove profiles, produces higher f T and f max values than the usual symmetric devices.

Novel approach for making high-performance enhancement-mode InAlAs/InGaAs HEMT's (E-HEMT's) is described for the first time. Most important issue for the fabrication of E-HEMT's is the suppression of the parasitic resistance due to side-etching around the gate periphery during gate recess etching. Two-step recessed gate technology is utilized for this purpose. The first step of the gate recess etching removes cap layers wet-chemically down to an InP recess-stopping layer and the second step removes only the recess-stopping layer by Ar plasma etching. The parasitic component for source resistance is successfully reduced to less than 0.35 /spl Omega//spl middot/mm. Etching selectivities for both steps are sufficient not to degrade uniformity of devices on the wafer. The resulting structure achieves a positive threshold voltage of 49.0 mV with high transconductance. Due to the etching selectivity, the standard deviation of the threshold voltage is as small as 13.3 mV on a 3-in wafer. A cutoff frequency of 208 GHz is obtained for the 0.1-/spl mu/m gate E-HEMT's. This is therefore one of the promising devices for ultra-high-speed applications.

We show that the channel thickness of modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs) based on an InAlAs/InGaAs heterojunction can be reduced from 15 to 8 nm without any degradation of the main DC and RF figures of merits. Furthermore, short-channel effects, which are pronounced in sub-0.1-/spl mu/m devices, can be effectively suppressed by this thin-channel design. The retainment of high performance and alleviation of short-channel effects are attributed to the excellent two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) confinement by the inserted InAs layer. The successful channel thinning opens up the possibility of employing high-quality thin-channel structures for MODFETs with gate lengths below 0.05 /spl mu/m.

This paper describes the device, circuit design, and packaging technologies applicable to 40-Gb/s-class future lightwave communications systems. A 0.1-/spl mu/m gate InAlAs-InGaAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with InP recess etch stopper was adopted mainly for IC fabrication. Fabricated ICs demonstrate excellent data-multiplexing, demultiplexing, and amplifying operation at 10 Gb/s.

A two-step reaction model is used to analyze the interaction between (1) a fuel-air multi-stratified vortical mixing layer and (2) strong pressure waves caused by rapid combustion of the mixed region. During the 1st stage induction period where no heat release occurs, a large-scale vortical structure evolves, generating a wide contact surface and extended mixing between fuel and air. During the ensuing 2nd stage exothermic reaction, the locally premixed fuel-air rapidly burns and produces strong pressure waves. The results show that: (1) the 2nd stage exothermic reaction starts at the core of each vortex where “reactivity index = (YCH4)(YO2)2 exp(−Ze/T∗” is high; (2) then the generated strong pressure waves promote the reaction at the outermost stratified region of each vortex; (3) spot-like flames formed in the premixed region propagate toward the surrounding unburned region, due to conventional defraglation mechanism; (4) on the other hand, delayed combustion starts in the braid region where mixing is highly inactive; (5) finally, after the consumption of premixed reactants, a diffusion flame with a low mass consumption rate prevails.

In this paper, oscillation modes of single jet, twin jet, and multijet with square configuration were investigated by using optical and acoustical observations. In the case of a single jet, axisymmetrical, helical, and lateral oscillation modes appeared with increasing pressure ratio of the jet. In the case of twin jets, two counter rotating helical oscillation modes and reversely lateral oscillation modes along a line through the center line of the two jets were observed for two different pressure ratios. In the case of multijets with square configuration, the quadrupolelike oscillation mode, four counter rotating helical oscillation modes, and a symmetrical oscillation mode were observed with increasing pressure ratio. The first and the last oscillation modes of the multijet with square configuration are unexpected based on observations for a single jet.

A method for estimating the shape of accumulated radioactive spent resins in a storage tank has been proposed using the sampled pattern matching. In a two-dimensional simulation model, several kinds of the resin shapes are assumed, and the radiation fields outside the tank are calculated. The resin shapes were estimated using the simulated radiation field data and compared to the assumed shapes, resulting in reasonable agreements between them.

検出器{示差屈折計(RI)と紫外吸収検出器(UV)}と移動相{テトラヒドロフラン(THF)とクロロホルム}の種類の相違が平均分子量測定値にどのように影響を及ぼすかを検討した.検出器の問題については第1回及び第2回ラウンドロビンテストにおけるポリスチレン(PS)試料の平均分子量測定値を基に考察した.重量平均分子量MwはRIとUVで得られた値に差は認められなかったが,数平均分子量MnではUVで得られた値はRIで得られた値の74～88%であることが分かった.又,平均分子量の低いPS試料ほど,低下率も大きいことが分かった.RIとUVで得られた分子量分布を比較すると,低分子量領域でUVによる分子量分布が大きくなっており,このことがUVで得られたMnがRIで得られたMnより小さくなっている理由と考えられる.この原因として,セル構造などによるピーク広がりの問題や検出器応答係数の分子量依存性の程度の相違は否定でき,測定試料の末端構造がUVにおける応答係数の増大になんらかの影響を及ぼしているものと推定した.従って測定値,特にMnを相互比較する場合には検出器をRI又はUVいずれかに統一することが必要である.ポリメタクリル酸メチル(PMMA)試料において,クロロホルム移動相によって得られた平均分子量はMn,MwともにTHF移動相の場合より5～25%程度大きい値になっている.PS標準試料による較正曲線を用いてPMMAのような異種ポリマーの平均分子量を計算する場合,移動相の相違によって平均分子量が異なるので注意が必要である.PS標準試料による較正曲線を用いてPS試料の平均分子量を測定する場合には移動相の差は認められなかった.

We describe a distributed baseband amplifier using a new loss compensation technique for the drain artificial line. The new loss compensation circuit improves a high-frequency performance of the amplifier and makes the gain bandwidth product of the amplifier larger than that of conventional ones. We also use dc matching terminations and dumping resistors for the gate and drain artificial lines to obtain flat gain from frequencies as low as 0 Hz. One IC fabricated using 0.1 /spl mu/m-gatelength InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMTs has a gain of 16 dB over a 0-to-50 GHz band, resulting in a gain bandwidth product of about 300 GHz. Another IC has a gain of 10 dB over a 0-to-90 GHz band. These are the highest gain bandwidth product and the widest band reported for baseband amplifier ICs applicable to optical transmission systems.

For a high-speed limiting amplifier with small phase deviation, a new design technique using a uniplanar passive balun and a narrow-band matching network is proposed. It is revealed that a device with small bias-dependence of parasitic capacitances, such as a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT), and a differential operation using passive baluns enables phase deviations at very high frequency to be reduced. Furthermore, suppressing harmonics can reduce phase deviation in a limiting amplifier, which operates in the highly nonlinear region. To verify these design techniques, two types of limiting amplifier ICs using an InP HEMT and AlGaAs/GaAs BCT technology were designed and fabricated. These IC's feature narrow-band matching circuits for input and output using transmission lines and uniplanar CPW-slot transition baluns for differential signals. The devices achieved high frequency operation of over 30 GHz with small phase deviations.

Lubricants on a thin-film magnetic recording disk were analyzed by using TOF-SIMS. The lubricants used were Fomblin-AM2001, Fomblin-Z. DOL, Fomblin-Z, DEAL, Fomblin-Z. DIAC, Krytox-143AD, and Krytox-157FSH of perfluoropolyether.The main structures of Fomblin and Krytox were distinguished by a negative mass fragment pattern and a peak height ratio of m/z = 69 (CF3+) : m/z =119 (C2F5+). The end groups of Fomblin-AM2001, Fomblin-Z. DOL and Fornblin-Z. DIAC were detected by means of the fragment ions of the end groups. Damage to the lubricant film in the wearing region on the disk was then investigated by using TOF-SIMS. As a result, it was considered that the main structures were decomposed more than the end groups, when the head contacted the lubricant film.These results showed that the sensitivity and resolution of TOF-SIMS was higher than that of quadruple static SIMS. It was found that the TOF-SIMS measurement provides useful information on the durability of a thin-film magnetic recording disk.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether in vivo electroporation could achieve selective blockade of apoptosis in a rat liver cirrhosis model.A dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced rat liver cirrhosis model was used. In vivo electroporation was performed after portal vein infusion of plasmid DNA. pFas-Fc plasmid DNA was used to block the apoptotic pathway. pUC/HGF and pCAGGS/EGFP were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Liver collagen content was evaluated by hydroxyproline assay two weeks after gene transfer. Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase dUTP nick end-labeling was simultaneously performed in the liver to evaluate suppression of apoptosis. Survival analysis was performed using 10 rats that received the sFas gene, 10 that received the HGF gene, and 13 that received the GFP gene.The apoptotic cell index in the DMN-injected liver was significantly lower in rats that received the sFas gene compared with the negative control. The collagen content of the DMN-injected liver was also lower in rats that received the sFas gene compared with the negative control. There was no significant difference in the apoptotic cell index and collagen content of rats that received the sFas and HGF genes. Ten weeks after the initiation of DMN treatment, the survival rates with the sFas, HGF, and GFP genes were 56%, 100%, and 0, respectively.Selective blockade of apoptosis by in vivo electroporation-mediated gene transfer improved the apoptotic cell index, hydroxyproline content, and survival rate. Soluble Fas gene therapy using in vivo electroporation can be a safe and efficient therapy for liver cirrhosis in rats.

This paper introduces a rapid jacketing technique for RC column, which involves spraying UHP-SHCC. Any formwork and/or additional reinforcement are not needed. The technique may be helpful in reducing construction time and cost. Cyclic loading tests were conducted for the column specimens repaired by UHP-SHCC and ordinary polymer cement mortar. It was confirmed experimentally that the developed technique using UHP-SHCC improve not only ultimate load but also ductility of recovered specimen. It seems that the prevention of buckling of longitudinal reinforcement, which was constrained by UHP-SHCC, imparts the mechanical improvement to the column specimens.

A DC-60 GHz, 9 dB distributed amplifier IC module is fabricated with 0.15 /spl mu/m InAlAs-InGaAs low-noise HEMTs with 155 GHz f/sub T/ and 234 GHz f/sub max/. The device is mounted in a metal package with 1.8 mm coaxial cable signal interfaces. The package is specially designed using three-dimensional electromagnetic field analyses, resulting in very flat frequency characteristics of the module within 1.5 dB gain ripples over the entire bandwidth. A multichip module loaded with two amplifier ICs in cascade is also fabricated, and operates at a 17.5 dB gain from 60 kHz to 48 GHz. The 1 dB gain compression output power is about 5 dBm for both modules. The noise figure of the single-chip module is approximately 4 dB over a 10-40 GHz frequency range. >

Between March 2005 and September 2009, 41,827 patients visited our emergency outpatient clinic, and 50 patients (0.12%) were admitted to our institution for chest trauma. Seventy percent of the chest traumas were caused by traffic accidents. Eighty-five percent of the traffic accidents were associated with car driving or motorcycle driving. Rib fracture, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and lung injury were seen in 56%, 40%, 22%, and 28% of the patients, respectively. Chest tube drainage was performed in 36% of the patients. Sixty-two percent of the patients with chest trauma underwent conservative follow-up. Only 1 patient underwent the ligation of the intercostal artery. One patient with chest trauma and fracture of the cervical vertebra and the pelvis died, who was in the state of cardio-pulmonary arrest on arrival. Forty-nine patients were discharged in 15.2 +/- 17.0 days. Twenty-two percent of the patients were hospitalized only 1 night.

Meropenem is frequently employed as an empirical treatment for serious infections, but there has been no report on its population pharmacokinetic parameters for Japanese patients. Our aim is to undertake a population pharmacokinetic analysis of meropenem using non-linear mixed effects model (NONMEM).Data from 68 patients were analysed via NONMEM with the first-order method. The participants' covariates, including gender, age, actual body weight, serum creatinine, serum albumin, serum total protein and creatinine clearance, were analyzed by the forward inclusion and backward elimination method to identify their potential influence on meropenem pharmacokinetics. The adequacy of the constructed model was assessed by goodness-of-fit plots and the precision of the parameter estimated at each step of the model development. To assess the robustness of the estimated parameter, bootstrap analysis was performed.The data were best described by a one-compartment model. The serum creatinine values modified by the below normal limit in our hospital (mSCR) were an influential covariate for clearance (CL): CL (L/h) = 11·1 × (mSCR/0·7)(-1). The volume of distribution was estimated as 33·6 L. The coefficient of variation of the inter-individual variability of CL and the residual variability were 52·1% and 0·827% μg/mL, respectively. A comparison of the population pharmacokinetic parameters of meropenem in the final model estimated in NONMEM with original data, and 1000 bootstrap samples shows that both sets of estimates were comparable, thereby indicating the robustness of the proposed model.A population pharmacokinetic model that satisfactorily described the disposition and variability of meropenem in our Japanese population is described. NONMEM analysis showed that the clearance of meropenem depended on modified serum creatinine. The results of this study should help Japanese patients on meropenem by improving the prediction accuracy of dosing using the Bayesian method.