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[Purpose] The characteristics of heart failure in hospitalized patients with poor self-care behaviors are unknown. We investigated factors associated with self-care behaviors by using the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS) in heart failure patients based on three comprehensive concepts. [Participants and Methods] This was a cross-sectional single-center study of heart failure patients hospitalized at a tertiary-care hospital. We investigated age, gender, family living together/apart, employment, and the Specific Activity Scale (SAS). A physical therapist provided the EHFScBS one time to determine the patients' pre-hospital self-care behavior status. The 12 items of the EHFScBS were classified into the following three categories: Maintenance, Monitoring, and Management. [Results] The median age of the 39 consecutive patients was 81 years. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the factors exhibiting significant associations were the SAS score (β=0.504) for Management and age (β=-0.403) for the total EHFScBS score (adjusted by the number of hospitalizations for heart failure). Maintenance and Monitoring were not significantly associated with the survey items. [Conclusion] These data indicate that self-care education for hospitalized patients with heart failure leads to individualized approaches based on characteristics such as age and physical activity capacity.

Introduction Although an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has been suggested, it was not clarified whether LUTS developed before ED or vice versa. Aim To clarify whether LUTS develop before ED or vice versa and which symptoms predicted the onset of the other condition in a longitudinal community-based study. Methods We conducted a longitudinal community-based study on LUTS and ED in aged Japanese men. A follow-up study was conducted to determine their longitudinal changes of LUTS and ED after 15 years. Erectile function was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. LUTS were evaluated based on the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index, and prostate volume. Main outcome measure We evaluated the baseline symptoms among the participants who had LUTS and ED in the follow-up survey and what prior symptoms could predict the onset of the other condition using the data from a long-term longitudinal survey. Results A total of 108 men were enrolled in this study. Of the 47 men having both LUTS and ED in the follow-up study, men having only LUTS (n = 16) were more frequent than those having only ED (n = 6) in the initial study. Likewise, of the 38 men having both nocturia and ED at the time of the follow-up study, those having only nocturia (n = 12) were more frequent than those having only ED (n = 5) in the initial study. In multivariable analysis, age 60 years or older (odds ratio: 7.10, 95% CI: 2.09-24.13) and nocturia (odds ratio: 15.83, 95% CI: 3.05-82.15) were independent predictors for the onset of ED. Conclusion There were more men with prior onset of LUTS, especially nocturia, than men with prior onset of ED among those with both ED and LUTS in this long-term longitudinal study. Nocturia may be a predictor of subsequent ED.

UDP-3-O-acyl-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) is a zinc metalloenzyme that catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of Lipid A, an essential component of the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. The most advanced, disclosed LpxC inhibitors showing antibacterial activity coordinate zinc through a hydroxamate moiety with concerns about binding to other metalloenzymes. Here, we describe the discovery, optimization, and efficacy of two series of compounds derived from fragments with differing modes of zinc chelation. A series was evolved from a fragment where a glycine moiety complexes zinc, which achieved low nanomolar potency in an enzyme functional assay but poor antibacterial activity on cell cultures. A second series was based on a fragment that chelated zinc through an imidazole moiety. Structure-guided design led to a 2-(1S-hydroxyethyl)-imidazole derivative exhibiting low nanomolar inhibition of LpxC and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is little affected by the presence of albumin.

Infectious diseases caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria have become a serious problem, and the development of therapeutic drugs with a novel mechanism of action and that do not exhibit cross-resistance with existing drugs has been earnestly desired. UDP-3-O-acyl-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) is a drug target that has been studied for a long time. However, no LpxC inhibitors are available on the market at present. In this study, we sought to create a new antibacterial agent without a hydroxamate moiety, which is a common component of the major LpxC inhibitors that have been reported to date and that may cause toxicity. As a result, a development candidate, TP0586532, was created that is effective against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and does not pose a cardiovascular risk.

The Technical Design for the COMET Phase-I experiment is presented in this paper. COMET is an experiment at J-PARC, Japan, which will search for neutrinoless conversion of muons into electrons in the field of an aluminium nucleus ($\mu-e$ conversion, $\mu^- N \to e^- N$); a lepton flavor violating process. The experimental sensitivity goal for this process in the Phase-I experiment is $3.1\times10^{-15}$, or 90 % upper limit of branching ratio of $7\times 10^{-15}$, which is a factor of 100 improvement over the existing limit. The expected number of background events is 0.032. To achieve the target sensitivity and background level, the 3.2 kW 8 GeV proton beam from J-PARC will be used. Two types of detectors, CyDet and StrECAL, will be used for detecting the \mue conversion events, and for measuring the beam-related background events in view of the Phase-II experiment, respectively. Results from simulation on signal and background estimations are also described., Comment: A minor correction applied in Eq. 3

The reaction rate of the triple-alpha reaction can be enhanced in hot and dense environments due to the deexcitation of the Hoyle state in 12C by neutrons. The cross section of the deexcitation should be determined for the enhanced reaction rate. We plan to obtain the cross section by measuring the inverse reaction using a neutron beam around 10 MeV and an active target system. In the present paper, we report a proof-of-principle experiment using a neutron beam at 14 MeV. The obtained cross section is consistent with a previous result, demonstrating the validity of our method.

Introduction Intravenous preload (delivered before cavernous nerve [CN] injury) of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can prevent or decrease postoperative erectile dysfunction (J Sex Med 2015;12:1713–1721). In the present study, the potential therapeutic effects of intravenously administered MSCs on postoperative erectile dysfunction were evaluated in a rat model of CN injury. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 2 groups after electric CN injury. Intravenous infusion of bone marrow–derived MSCs (1.0 × 106 cells in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium 1 mL) or vehicle (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium 1 mL) was performed 3 hours after electrocautery-induced CN injury. Main Outcome Measures To assess erectile function, we measured intracavernous pressure at 4 weeks after MSC or vehicle infusion. Histologic examinations were performed to investigate neuronal innervation and inhibition of smooth muscle atrophy. Green fluorescent protein–positive bone marrow–derived MSCs were used for cell tracking. To investigate mRNA expression levels of neurotrophins in the major pelvic ganglia (MPGs), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed. Results The decrease of intracavernous pressure corrected for arterial pressure and area under the curve of intracavernous pressure in the bone marrow–derived MSC group was significantly lower than that in the vehicle group at 4 weeks after infusion (P < .05). Retrograde neuronal tracing indicated that the MSC group had a larger number of FluoroGold-positive neurons in the MPGs compared with the vehicle group. The ratio of smooth muscle to collagen in the MSC group was significantly higher than in the vehicle group. Green fluorescent protein–positive bone marrow–derived MSCs were detected in the MPGs and injured CNs using confocal microscopy, indicating homing of cells to the MPGs and injured CNs. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor expression levels in the MPGs were significantly higher in the MSC group than in the vehicle group (P < .01). Conclusion Intravenous infusion of bone marrow–derived MSCs after CN injury might have therapeutic efficacy in experimental erectile dysfunction.

Of 32 patients with penile cancer who underwent medical treatment in our institute between 1999 and 2016, 4 with locally advanced penile cancer received penectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and lymphadenectomy for regional lymph node metastases. The median age and follow-up period were 46 years and 79 months. Clinical lymph node (N) stages cN1, cN2, and cN3 were observed in 1, 2, and 1 patient, respectively. Except for 1 patient who had partial penectomy, all received total penectomy for the primary tumors. All pathological findings were squamous cell carcinoma. Among the specimens at the time of the primary tumors, 1, 2, and 1 were classified as pT1, pT2, and pT3, respectively. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy composed of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in 2 cases and paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin in 2 cases was performed for lymph node metastases. After chemotherapy, lymphadenectomy was performed for all patients and the pathological findings were pN0. During the follow-up period, all patients survived with no metastases and no recurrence.

Typical etiologies of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) include obstructed labor, iatrogenic surgical injury, pelvic irradiation and cancer invasion. VVF caused by cystocele are very rare. To date, there are no documented cases in Japanese literature.A 74-year-old woman presented with near total incontinence. On physical examination, she was found to have severe cystocele and pressure necrosis of anterior vaginal wall, which caused partial breakdown of vaginal mucosa and VVF. She underwent vesicovaginal fistula repair using transvaginal and transabdominal approaches. Catheter drainage was performed for 10 days and postoperative cystogram showed no sign of leakage. She is currently symptom-free at 55 months.

International audience; We measured the α-clustering strength at the surface of tin isotopes ^112,116,120,124Sn by using quasi-free \((p,p\alpha )\) reaction at RCNP. Formation of α clusters at the surface of tin isotopes was clearly evidenced from our results. Surface α-clustering in heavy nuclei provides a natural explanation for the origin of α particles in α decay, and may also impact the neutron-skin thickness which plays a critical role in constraining the nuclear symmetry energy.

We have constructed and tested a novel plastic-scintillator-based solid-state active proton target for use in nuclear spectroscopic studies with nuclear reactions induced by an ion beam in inverse kinematics. The active target system, named Stack Structure Solid organic Scintillator Active Target (S4AT), consists of five layers of plastic scintillators, each with a 1-mm thickness. To determine the reaction point in the thickness direction, we exploit the difference in the energy losses due to the beam particle and the charged reaction product(s) in the scintillator material. S4AT offers the prospect of a relatively thick target while maintaining a good energy resolution. By considering the relative energy loss between different layers, the energy loss due to unreacted beam particles can be eliminated. Such procedure, made possible by the multi-layer structure, is essential to eliminate the effect of unreacted accompanying beam particles, thus enabling its operation at a moderate beam intensity of up to a few Mcps. We evaluated the performance of S4AT by measuring the elastic proton-proton scattering using a 70-MeV proton beam at Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center (CYRIC), Tohoku University., Comment: 32 pages, 14 figures

International audience; α-clustering strength at the surface of tin isotopes ^112,116,120,124Sn was measured by using quasi-free (p, pα) reaction at RCNP. By measuring the scattered protons and α particles in coincidence, formation of α clusters at the surface of tin isotopes was clearly evidenced. Surface α-clustering in heavy nuclei provides a natural explanation for the origin of α particles in α decay, and may also impact the neutron-skin thickness which plays an important role in constraining the nuclear symmetry energy.

Objectives To investigate the longitudinal changes of sexual function of Japanese men. Methods From 1992 to 1993, we carried out a cross-sectional community-based study on sexual function in Japanese men aged 40–79 years. After 15 years, a follow-up study was carried out to determine longitudinal changes of their sexual function. Of the 319 participants in the initial study, 135 participated again in the follow-up study. Sexual function was assessed using the same validated questionnaire in the two studies. Results Erectile rigidity declined in men of each age decade at baseline (40s, 50s, 60s and 70s) of the initial study (P < 0.01

We have combined the low-energy neutron detector WINDS (Wide-angle Inverse-kinematics Neutron Detectors for SHARAQ) and the SAMURAI spectrometer at RIKEN Nishina Center RI Beam Factory (RIBF) in order to perform ( p , n ) reactions in inverse kinematics for unstable nuclei in the mass region around A ∼ 100 . In this setup, WINDS is used for detecting recoil neutrons and the SAMURAI spectrometer is used for tagging decay channel of heavy residue. The first experiment by using the setup was performed to study Gamow–Teller transitions from 132 Sn in April 2014. The atomic number Z and mass-to-charge ratio A / Q of the beam residues were determined from the measurements of time of flight, magnetic rigidity and energy loss. The obtained A / Q and Z resolutions were σ A / Q = 0.14 % and σ Z = 0.22 , respectively. Furthermore, owing to the large momentum acceptance ( 50 % ) of SAMURAI, the beam residues associated with the γ , 1n and 2n decay channel were measured in the same magnetic field setting. The kinematic loci of the measured recoil neutron energy and laboratory angle are clearly seen. It shows that the excitation energy up to about 20 MeV can be reconstructed.

"Why are the tin isotopes soft?" has remained, for the past decade, an open problem in nuclear structure physics: models which reproduce the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (ISGMR) in the "doubly-closed shell" nuclei, $^{90}$Zr and $^{208}$Pb, overestimate the ISGMR energies of the open-shell tin and cadmium nuclei, by as much as 1 MeV. In an effort to shed some light onto this problem, we present results of detailed studies of the ISGMR in the molybdenum nuclei, with the goal of elucidating where--and how--the softness manifests itself between $^{90}$Zr and the cadmium and tin isotopes. The experiment was conducted using the $^{94,96,98,100}$Mo($\alpha,\alpha^\prime$) reaction at $E_\alpha = 386$ MeV. A comparison of the results with relativistic, self-consistent Random-Phase Approximation calculations indicates that the ISGMR response begins to show softness in the molybdenum isotopes beginning with $A=92$., Comment: Accepted for publication to Physics Letters B

The key parameter to discuss the possibility of the pion condensation in nuclear matter, i.e., the so-called Landau-Migdal parameter g^{'}, was extracted by measuring the double-differential cross sections for the (p,n) reaction at 216 MeV/u on a neutron-rich doubly magic unstable nucleus, ^{132}Sn with the quality comparable to data taken with stable nuclei. The extracted strengths for Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions from ^{132}Sn leading to ^{132}Sb exhibit the GT giant resonance (GTR) at the excitation energy of 16.3±0.4(stat)±0.4(syst) MeV with the width of Γ=4.7±0.8 MeV. The integrated GT strength up to E_{x}=25 MeV is S_{GT}^{-}=53±5(stat)_{-10}^{+11}(syst), corresponding to 56% of Ikeda's sum rule of 3(N-Z)=96. The present result accurately constrains the Landau-Migdal parameter as g^{'}=0.68±0.07, thanks to the high sensitivity of the GTR energy to g^{'}. In combination with previous studies on the GTR for ^{90}Zr and ^{208}Pb, the result of this work shows the constancy of this parameter in the nuclear chart region with (N-Z)/A=0.11 to 0.24 and A=90 to 208.

A new active target named MAIKo (Mu-PIC based Active target for Inverse Kinematics$_{\circ}$) has been developed at Kyoto University and Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Osaka University. MAIKo is suited for missing-mass spectroscopy of unstable nuclei at forward scattering angles in inverse kinematics. MAIKo consists of a time projection chamber (TPC), which incorporates a micro-pixel chamber ($\mu$-PIC) as the electron multiplication and collection system. In MAIKo, the medium gas also plays the role of a reaction target, thus allowing detection of low-energy recoil particles with high position resolution. The MAIKo TPC was commissioned with He(93%)+iso-C$_{4}$H$_{10}$(7%) and He(93%)+CO$_{2}$(7%) mixture gasses at 430 hPa. The gas gain and the angular resolution of MAIKo were evaluated with an alpha source and a $^{4}$He beam at 56 MeV. The TPC was stably operated up to 1000-kcps beam intensity. A tracking algorithm using the Hough transform method has been developed to analyze scattering events. An angular resolution of 1.3$^{\circ}$ was achieved for scattered $^{4}$He particles., Comment: 13 pages, 17 figures

The isoscalar giant monopole, dipole, and quadrupole strength distributions have been deduced in $^{90,92}\mathrm{Zr}$ and $^{92}\mathrm{Mo}$ from ``background-free'' spectra of inelastic $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle scattering at a beam energy of 385 MeV at extremely forward angles, including ${0}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$. These strength distributions were extracted by a multipole-decomposition analysis based on the expected angular distributions of the respective multipoles. All these strength distributions for the three nuclei practically coincide with each other, affirming that giant resonances, being collective phenomena, are not influenced by nuclear shell structure near $A\ensuremath{\sim}90$, contrary to the claim in a recent measurement.

International audience; Differential cross sections of p–6He elastic scattering were measured in inverse kinematics at an incident energy of 200 A MeV, covering the high momentum transfer region of 1.7–2.7 fm−1. The sensitivity of the elastic scattering at low and high momentum transfers to the density distribution was investigated quantitatively using relativistic impulse approximation calculations. In the high momentum transfer region, where the present data were taken, the differential cross section has an order of magnitude higher sensitivity to the inner part of the 6He density relative to the peripheral part (15:1). This feature makes the obtained data valuable for the deduction of the inner part of the 6He density. The data were compared to a set of calculations assuming different proton and neutron density profiles of 6He. The data are well reproduced by the calculation assuming almost the same profiles of proton and neutron densities around the center of 6He, and a proton profile reproducing the known point-proton radius of 1.94 fm. This finding is consistent with the assumption that the 6He nucleus consists of a rigid α-like core with a two-neutron halo.

We systematically measured the differential cross sections of inelastic $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattering off self-conjugate $A=4n$ nuclei at two incident energies ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=130\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ and $386\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ at Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University. The measured cross sections were analyzed by the distorted-wave Born-approximation (DWBA) calculation using the single-folding potentials, which are obtained by folding macroscopic transition densities with the phenomenological $\ensuremath{\alpha}N$ interaction. The DWBA calculation with the density-dependent $\ensuremath{\alpha}N$ interaction systematically overestimates the cross sections for the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}L=0$ transitions. However, the DWBA calculation using the density-independent $\ensuremath{\alpha}N$ interaction reasonably well describes all the transitions with $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}L=0$--4. We examined uncertainties in the present DWBA calculation stemming from the macroscopic transition densities, distorting potentials, phenomenological $\ensuremath{\alpha}N$ interaction, and coupled channel effects in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$. It was found that the DWBA calculation is not sensitive to details of the transition densities nor the distorting potentials, and the phenomenological density-independent $\ensuremath{\alpha}N$ interaction gives reasonable results. The coupled-channel effects are negligibly small for the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ and ${3}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, but not for the ${0}_{2}^{+}$ state. However, the DWBA calculation using the density-independent interaction at ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}=386\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ is still reasonable even for the ${0}_{2}^{+}$ state. We concluded that the macroscopic DWBA calculations using the density-independent interaction are reliably applicable to the analysis of inelastic $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattering at ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}\ensuremath{\sim}100\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}/\mathrm{u}$.

To investigate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of various bacterial pathogens isolated from complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) cases, the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy, the Japanese Association of Infectious Disease, and the Japanese Society of Clinical Microbiology conducted the second nationwide surveillance from January to September 2011. With the cooperation of 42 medical institutions throughout Japan, 1036 strains belonging to 8 clinically relevant bacterial species were collected. Among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain, the vancomycin (VCM) MIC for 5.5% (3/55) of the strains was 2 μg/mL. Ampicillin, VCM, and linezolid were relatively active against 209 Enterococcus faecalis strains. The proportion of fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant strains was >20%. The MIC90 of FQs against the 382 Escherichia coli strains was 2-64 mg/L and the proportion resistant to FQs was approximately 30%. However, susceptibility of E. coli to sitafloxacin was still high (MIC90 = 2 mg/L). Fifty-eight (15.2%) of 382 E. coli, 6 (4.5%) of 132 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 1 (2.4%) of 41 Klebsiella oxytoca and 4 (6.8%) of 59 Proteus mirabilis strains were suspected of producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. Of 93 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, the proportions resistant to imipenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin were 21.5%, 4.3%, and 20.4%, respectively. Four strains (4.3%) were found to be multidrug-resistant. In complicated UTI cases, all of MRSA and E. faecalis were susceptible to all anti-MRSA agents. Sitafloxacin was active against other FQ-resistant E. coli strains. The isolation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and multidrug-resistant strains increased.

Introduction We evaluated the potential preventive effects and mechanisms of intravenously preloaded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for erectile dysfunction (ED) in a cavernous nerve (CN) injury model. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were used for this study. Rats were randomized into two groups. One group was intravenously preloaded with MSCs (1.0 × 106 cells in 1 mL total fluid volume) and the other was infused with medium alone (1 mL Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium [DMEM]) for sham control, respectively. Crushed CN injury was induced immediately after infusion. The surgeon was blind to the experimental conditions (MSC or medium). Main Outcome Measures To assess erectile function, we measured the intracavernous pressure (ICP) and arterial pressure (AP) at 1 hour and 2 weeks after CN injury. After measuring the initial ICP/AP of pre-injury (normal) male SD rats, they were randomized into the two groups and infused with MSCs or medium. PKH26-labelled MSCs were used for tracking. To investigate the mRNA expression levels of neurotrophins in the major pelvic ganglia (MPG), we performed real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The reduction of ICP/AP and area under the curve of ICP (ICP-AUC) in the MSC group was significantly lower than in the DMEM group (P Conclusion Intravenous preload of MSCs before a CN injury may prevent or reduce experimental ED.

By using para-hydrogen and a mechanical press made of neodymium magnets, we have succeeded in making a 1-mm-thick and 30-mm-diameter solid hydrogen target (SHT), and have measured elastic scattering of protons with radioactive ion beams at 300 MeV/u. We also succeeded in making not only a 0.5-mm-thick and 10-mm-diameter SHT but also a 2-mm-thick and 30-mm-diameter SHT to study excited-state properties of nuclei via (p,p′) reactions, and quasi-free (p,pα) reactions at intermediate energies. The ortho–para converter and the simple mechanical press show possibilities for making SHTs which have various radii and thicknesses.

"Background-free" spectra of inelastic $\alpha$-particle scattering have been measured at a beam energy of 385 MeV in $^{90, 92}$Zr and $^{92}$Mo at extremely forward angles, including 0$^{\circ}$. The ISGMR strength distributions for the three nuclei coincide with each other, establishing clearly that nuclear incompressibility is not influenced by nuclear shell structure near $A\sim$90 as was claimed in recent measurements., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures; accepted for publication in Phys. Lett. B

The charge-exchange (p, n) reaction at 220 MeV has been measured to extract the strength distribution of Gamow-Teller transitions from the doubly magic unstable nucleus 132Sn. A recently developed experimental technique of measuring the (p, n) reaction in inverse kinematics has been applied to the study of unstable nuclei in the mass region around A∼100 for the first time. We have combined the low-energy neutron detector WINDS and the SAMURAI spectrometer at the RIKEN radioactive isotope beam factory (RIBF). The particle identification plot for the reaction residues obtained by the spectrometer provides the clear separation of the CE reaction channel from other background events, enabling us to identify kinematic curves corresponding the (p, n) reaction. Further analysis to reconstruct the excitation energy spectrum is ongoing., International Conference on Nuclear Structure and Related Topics (NSRT15)

We have developed a simple one-dimensional scintillating fiber detector (SFD) for momentum tagging high-energy (a few hundred MeV per u) and high-intensity ( ∼ 10 6 particles per second, pps) beams of light ( Z ≤ 10 ) ions in the momentum-dispersive focal plane of a fragment separator. This SFD consists of 60 rows of scintillating fibers that have 2 mm square cross-sections. The detection efficiency is constant for beam intensities between 103 and 106 pps and a position detection efficiency of 100% is achieved by injecting ions obliquely. The position resolution is less than 1 mm (rms). In addition, the SFD is demonstrated to be effective for identifying particles in cocktail beams. These results show that the application of scintillating fibers is found to be one of the most suitable methods to tag the light radioactive ion beams.

We have developed a large, thin solid hydrogen target (SHT) that is 30 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick for elastic scattering of protons from unstable nuclei. By using para-H 2 that has a high thermal conductivity at low temperatures, we could prevent sublimation at the target center due to radiation from the higher temperature surroundings. The uniform SHT was used during long-term scattering experiments and it maintained its shape and thickness.

A Gamow–Teller (GT) transition from the drip-line nucleus 14Be to 14B was studied via the ( p , n ) reaction in inverse kinematics using a secondary 14Be beam at 69 MeV/nucleon. The invariant mass method is employed to reconstruct the energy spectrum. A peak is observed at an excitation energy of 1.27(2) MeV in 14B, together with bumps at 2.08 and 4.06(5) MeV. The observed forward peaking of the state at 1.27 MeV and a good description for the differential cross section, obtained with a DWBA calculation provide support for the 1 + assignment to this state. By extrapolating the cross section to zero momentum transfer the GT-transition strength is deduced. The value is found to compare well with that reported in a β-delayed neutron emission study.

An experimental study for the unbound nucleus 13Be has been performed by means of the invariant mass method via the one-neutron removal reaction H 1 ( Be 14 , Be 12 + n ) . A resonance has been observed at 0.51(1) MeV in the relative energy ( E rel ) spectrum of the Be 12 + n system. The transverse momentum distribution of the Be 12 + n system as well as the resonance width of 0.45(3) MeV gives evidence for the p-wave nature of the resonance. A d-wave resonance has also been observed at 2.39(5) MeV in the E rel spectrum. The observation of the low-lying p-wave resonance indicates the disappearance of the N = 8 magicity in the vicinity of the neutron drip line region.

Proton knockout reactions on carbon isotopes p( 9–16 C,2p) 8–15 B at 250 MeV/A were performed for systematic information on weakly- to strongly-bound 1p valence protons and deeply-bound 1s inner-shell protons. Various information such as the s-hole distributions, excitation energy of the s-hole states, momentum widths for 1s and 1p orbits, and relative (p,2p) yields are obtained.

The neutron-rich carbon isotopes 19,17C have been investigated via proton inelastic scattering on a liquid hydrogen target at 70 MeV/nucleon. The invariant mass method in inverse kinematics was employed to reconstruct the energy spectrum, in which fast neutrons and charged fragments were detected in coincidence using a neutron hodoscope and a dipole magnet system. A peak has been observed with an excitation energy of 1.46(10) MeV in 19C, while three peaks with energies of 2.20(3), 3.05(3), and 6.13(9) MeV have been observed in 17C. Deduced cross sections are compared with microscopic DWBA calculations based on p-sd shell model wave functions and modern nucleon-nucleus optical potentials. Jpi assignments are made for the four observed states as well as the ground states of both nuclei., 20 pages

Collective motions of β unstable nuclei are interesting because of the uniqueness of shapes different from those of stable nuclei. Measurements of such mode of the giant resonances will supply fruitful of information unaccessible from the previous experiments. In order to access region of the sufficiently high excited energy with small momentum transfer for β unstable nuclei, we newly constructed a magnetic spectrometer for 0 degree scattered recoil particles in inverse kinematics. By means of the spectrometer we measured the H(38S,p′) reaction at forwarding angles including θ CM = 0 ° at E 38 S = 62 A MeV as the first challenge of this method. As an experimental result, a bump is confirmed at around E x = 17 MeV . Direct evidences for ISGMR of the β unstable nuclei have not yet been derived. It is hoped that the E0 strength co-exists in the observed bump.

A 10-year-old boy presented with a painless left scrotal mass that had been present for 2 years. Ultrasound examination revealed 2 left testes measuring 2.4 ml and 1.0 ml with the same echogenicity. Atsurgery, there were 2 similarly sized testes connecting with other spermatic vascular, but the supernumerary testis had no connection with the vas deferens. Histological findings showed immature testicular tissue without malignancy. We report the 26th case of polyorchidism in Japan and discuss this condition.

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare perioperative complication, however, potentially lead to fatal outcome. We experienced 2 cases of rhabdomyolysis after radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy in the lateral decubitus position. (Case 1) A 40-years old man was seen in our hospital because of asymptomatic grosshematuria. Computed tomography revealed right renal pelvic cancer, cT3N0M0. Right radical nephroureterectomy, lymph node dissection, partial cystectomy was underwent, and the operation was finished without any trouble. At the post-operative day 1, serum creatinine level was elevated to the point of 4.2 mg/dl, and serum creatine kinase was 1,945 IU/l. Continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) was done at intensive-care unit (ICU), and serum creatinine and creatine kinase level were decreased. At the post-operative day 1, urine myoglobin level was prominently elevated (2,943.7 ng/ml), so we diagnosed acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis. (Case 2) A 40-years old man was incidentally pointed out of right renal tumor that was seen as renal cell carcinoma, cT1aN0M0. Open partial nephrectomy was underwent, and there was no trouble during the operation. After recovering from anesthesia, the patient felt left thigh pain strongly. Serum creatine kinase was 888 IU/L after the operation. At the postoperative day 1, serum creatine kinase level was markedly increased (31,138 IU/L). Serum creatinine level was 1.34 mg/dl. Urine and serum myoglobin level was prominently elevated (89,000 ng/ml and 8,634 ng/ml, respectively). We diagnosed it rhabdomyolysis, and he received large amount of fluid intravenously at intensive-care unit. Serum creatine kinase was peak out at the post-operative day 3 (20,709 IU/L), and hemodialysis was not performed.

Excited states in 12C nuclei play a very important role in the nucleosynthesis in the universe. 12C nuclei are synthesized by the triple α reaction. Normally the triple α process proceeds via the state (Hoyle states) at Ex = 7.65 MeV in 12C. However, at high temperature T > 109, the highly excited 3α resonance states such as the state at Ex = 9.64 MeV might play a part of the triple α reaction. Unfortunately, the γ-decay probability of the state has not been determined, therefore we planned to measure 1H(12C, 12Cp) reaction without measuring γ-rays. The test experiment using the solid hydrogen target and GAGG(Gd3Al2Ga3O12) was recently carried out at the cyclotron facility in RCNP. The results of the test experiment are reported in this paper.

Study on clustering of nucleons in nuclei is recently focusing on unstable nuclei where new kinds of structures, namely molecular structures with excess nucleons, are predicted. The Coulomb shift of energy in the mirror system is suggested to reflect the size of these structures. Although the missing mass spectroscopy is expected to give access to these structures even beyond particle decay thresholds without any biases in excitation energy spectra but the detection of very low energy particles is challenging. To satisfy the requirement, a new active target system MAIKo has been developed at RCNP. The detector was commissioned using a 13C beam under the same kinematical condition as that of RI beam experiments.

The Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and the Sexual Health Inventory for men (SHIM) are patient-reported outcome scoring systems for erectile function. It is unclear which is more reliable for predicting the objective erectile function.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the EHS could predict objective erectile function by measuring the maximal penile circumferential change (MPCC) with an erectometer.The study included 98 patients who visited our clinic from 2005 to 2010. The erectile function was evaluated using the SHIM, EHS, and MPCC. The MPCC was measured with the largest circumferential change of three consecutive occurrences of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) determined using the erectometer.We defined erectile dysfunction (ED) as MPCC 20 mm and carried out multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis to clarify the predictors for ED, with the variables including age, the SHIM score, and the EHS. We compared the tendency for MPCC ≥ 20 mm when EHS was 3 or more with that when EHS was 2 or less.The median age of the patients was 59.5 years (range 18-83). In logistic regression analysis, the EHS was the only predictor for ED with MPCC 20 mm. The mean EHS in the MPCC 20 mm group was 1.64 ± 0.20 (mean ± SEM) and that in the MPCC ≥ 20 mm group was 2.46 ± 0.13 (P = 0.0018). There was a correlation between the EHS and the MPCC (correlation coefficient = 0.33). In comparison with the group having an EHS of 2 or less, that with an EHS of 3 or more tended to have MPCC ≥ 20 mm (P = 0.013).The EHS was correlated with the MPCC. The EHS represents the objective erectile function shown by the measurement of NPT.

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy and were followed up in Oji General Hospital from 1992 through 2012. A total of 6 patients had disease recurrence in the pancreas during follow-up. We investigated their clinical features and treatment outcomes. The median age at diagnosis was 75 years. The median interval from nephrectomy to the detection of pancreatic metastasis was 114 months. As local therapy for metastasis, surgical resection was selected for 4 patients. On the other hand, administration of medication, including interferon alpha and sunitinib was selected for 2 patients with other simultaneous metastatic sites. One of the 4 patients with surgical resection had disease recurrence in the residual pancreas and needed additional excision. At the median follow-up of 38 months after treatment of pancreatic metastasis, one patient remained alive without evidence of disease, 3 patients were alive with recurrent disease, and 2 patients had died of the disease.

Experience with treatment of hemodialyzed patients by targeted therapy is limited to the few cases reported. Little information has been provided on the safety and toxicity profile of temsirolimus and sorafenib when administered in hemodialyed patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Herein, we report an RCC patient undergoing hemodialysis treated with temsirolimus and sorafenib for 16 months. The patient was a 69-year-old man who was diagnosed with right RCC. He underwent nephrectomy for a pT1b tumor in December 2002. Hemodialysis was introduced in July 2003 (7 months after nephrectomy). Seven years later, CT showed retroperitoneal nodal metastases. He was started on temsirolimus. Although 8 cycles of this therapy were done, we discontinued it because of progressive disease. The CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) grade 3 adverse events were thrombopenia, but no adverse events of grade 4 or greater developed. Secondly, he was started on sorafenib. CT showed a partial response with a 45% decrease in tumor bulk using RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria. He has partial response for 13 months. He presented high blood pressure requiring pharmacological treatment, but no adverse events of grade 4 or greater developed. Patients with terminal renal failure can be offered temsirolimus and sorafenib treatment with close clinical and laboratory monitoring. Treatment of RCC patient undergoing hemodialysis by targeted therapy appears to be feasible and effective.

First experimental evidence of the population of the first 2- state in 16C above the neutron threshold is obtained by neutron knockout from 17C on a hydrogen target. The invariant mass method combined with in-beam gamma-ray detection is used to locate the state at 5.45(1) MeV. Comparison of its populating cross section and parallel momentum distribution with a Glauber model calculation utilizing the shell-model spectroscopic factor confirms the core-neutron removal nature of this state. Additionally, a previously known unbound state at 6.11 MeV and a new state at 6.28(2) MeV are observed. The position of the first 2- state, which belongs to a member of the lowest-lying p-sd cross shell transition, is reasonably well described by the shell-model calculation using the WBT interaction., Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures

The title reactions did not afford the corresponding organocopper compound as a stable entity, but rather a dimerized biphenyl compound (2,2′-bis(alkylthiomethyl)biphenyl), its copper(I) halide complex, and alkyl benzyl sulfide. Their yields were influenced by the kind of halides in the copper reagent. The stability and reactivity of the intermediate organocopper compound is discussed on the basis of the ligand-metal interactions. The copper(I) halide complex with the biphenyl which carries two sulfane ligands has a unique polymeric structure in crystals, as evidenced by X-ray analysis, whereas it dissociates into a monomeric form on dissolution in organic solvents. The properties of the complexes were examined by NMR and XPS as well.

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate a new design for a cortisol immunosensor for the noninvasive and quantitative analysis of salivary cortisol. We propose a cortisol immunosensor with a fluid control mechanism which has both a vertical flow and a lateral flow. The detected current resulting from a competitive reaction between the sample cortisol and a glucose oxidase (GOD)-labeled cortisol conjugate was found to be inversely related to the concentration of cortisol in the sample solution. A calibration curve using the relative detected current showed an R2 = 0.98 and CV = 14% for a range of standard cortisol solutions corresponding to the concentrations of native salivary cortisol (0.1 – 10 ng/ml). The measurement could be accomplished within 35 minutes and the cortisol immunosensor could be reused. These results show promise for realizing an on-site and easy-to-use biosensor for cortisol. Used for evaluation of human salivary cortisol levels, the cortisol immunosensor measurement corresponded closely with commercially available ELISA method (R2 = 0.92). Our results indicate the promise of the new cortisol immunosensor for noninvasive, point-of care measurement of human salivary cortisol levels.

We report here a case of intrascrotal malignant mesothelioma, arising from the tunica vaginalis, which was diagnosed after surgery for hydrocele testis. A 52-year-old man underwent left hydrocelectomy for hydrocele testis. After pathological diagnosis as malignant mesothelioma from the specimen of tunica vaginalis, left radical orchiectomy was performed. The patient had no exposure to asbestos and there has been no evidence of recurrence.