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The UV, excitation and luminescence spectra of EuA3B to be the extracted species as well as the extraction of Eu(III) with pivaloyltrifluoroacetone, HA, and/or Lewis bases, B (2,2′-bipyridyl, bpy, and bis(salicylidene)trimethylenediamine, H2saltn) into CHCl3 were measured. The results are summarized: the stability constants of EuA3bpy and EuA3H2saltn complexes are 5.85 ± 0.05 and 2.95 ± 0.06 as log β ¯ 1 ( β ¯ 1 = [ EuA 3 B ] o [ EuA 3 ] o - 1 [ B ] o - 1 ) , respectively. The present results suggest that because of intramolecular hydrogen bonding, the stability and luminescence of the H2saltn complex including the quantum yield are smaller than those of the bpy complex. The weaker luminescence is also concerned with the fact that the less stable complexes easily dissociate in solvents to diminish the essential concentration.

In order to learn the effect of a Schiff base and the complex of Y III on the extraction of Eu III with β-diketones and on the luminescence of the extracted species, the extraction of Eu III with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Htta) and/or these Schiff bases, tris(5- t -butyl)salicylidenaminoethyl amine (H 3 L 1 ), and its Y III complex ([YL 1 ]) prepared, into CHCl 3 was examined. Further, the luminescence and excited spectra of CHCl 3 phases extracted Eu III complexes and the solutions containing tris(β-diketonato)Eu III and/or the Schiff bases were measured. On the measurement of the luminescence spectra, tris(pivaloyltrifluoroacetonato)Eu III (Eu(pta) 3 ) as well as Eu(tta) 3 was used. Synergistic effect with Htta and these Schiff bases was observed. However, proper effect of Y III was not observed. The luminescence intensity of Eu(tta) 3 at 613 nm decreased with increasing concentration of H 3 L 1 or [YL 1 ], whereas that of Eu(pta) 3 increased with increasing concentration of the ligands, but no difference between both Schiff bases was observed, because of picking up of Y III from [YL 1 ] with the interaction between [YL 1 ] and water.

β-Iron disilicide (FeSi 2 ) single crystals were grown by the chemical vapor transport (CVT) with iodine (I 2 ) as a transport agent. The optical and electrical properties of the crystals were then studied. Raman spectrum shows a set of strong A g -mode peaks and photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a very broad emission band. In order to study the effect of annealing on the electrical properties, β-FeSi 2 single crystals were annealed in the range of 1073–1213 K for 48 h. The electrical properties of as-grown and annealed crystals were then evaluated by measuring their Hall effects in the temperature range of 10–300 K. The results show that both of the as-grown and annealed single crystals are of the n-type conductivity. The dependences of the temperature indicate that carrier concentration decreases and Hall mobility increases with the increase of measuring temperature. When the annealing temperature reaches above 1223 K, these changes tend to saturation. Furthermore, the donor ionization energies were estimated and the scattering mechanisms of carrier were discussed.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is generally administered at a fixed dose of 0.5-1.5 g/d without considering individual body weight (BW) in Japanese renal transplant outpatients receiving maintenance therapy. We aimed to investigate the implications of the area under the curve of mycophenolic acid (MPA AUC):MMF dose ratio by individual BW and suggest the index of MMF dose according to individual BW.Forty-three Japanese patients who received a renal transplant ≥6 months before the study were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at 4 time points: at predose, 20 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours after MMF administration.The mean ± standard deviation MMF dose, MPA AUC, and BW of all patients were 581 ± 207 mg/d, 36.2 ± 18.7 μg·h/mL, and 56.3 ± 11.1 kg, respectively. Patients with a lower BW tended to have a higher MPA AUC:MMF dose ratio than patients with a higher BW. There was a significant correlation between the MMF dose:BW ratios and MPA AUC (r(2) = 0.330; P.01). The rate of MPA AUC between 30 and 60 μg·h/mL with the MMF dose:BW ratio of 10-16 mg/kg was 73.7%.Individual BW seems to affect the MPA AUC:MMF dose ratio; therefore, we need to consider individual BW when deciding on a MMF dose. The MMF dose:BW ratio of 10-16 mg/kg could predict MPA AUC between 30 and 60 μg·h/mL with a probability of approximately 75%. Therefore, it could be a useful index for outpatients, because it is difficult to draw blood frequently from such patients.

The chemical vapor transport (CVT) with iodine as a transport agent used to grow the β-iron disilicide (FeSi 2 ) single crystals in the present study. To examine the growth conditions, the source temperature is fixed at 1323 K, and the temperatures of the crystallization zone are changed from 923 to 1223 K. The results show that Si, e-FeSi, β-FeSi 2 and α-FeSi 2 phases are formed in the ranges of 923–1108, 950–1193, 1108–1173 and 1173–1223 K, respectively. Fe phase is not found in the crystallization zone in all runs. This shows that the growth process is controlled by Fe transport rate. Using determined growth conditions, β-FeSi 2 single crystal with a dimension of 22.0×3.5×1.0 mm has been obtained. To our knowledge, this is the largest volume β-FeSi 2 crystal till now.

This study showed that substrate rotation plays an important role in the growth of high-quality β -FeSi 2 epitaxial film on hydrogen terminated Si (1 1 1) substrate using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The present work elucidated the substrate rotation effects on morphology, thickness, and purity. Results verified that substrate rotation is essential to grow thicker epilayers with better morphology and compositional uniformity. In addition, purity analyses indicated that substrate rotation increases the concentration of non-metallic impurities (H, C, and O), but does not further introduce metallic impurities into β -FeSi 2 films.

A new method has been developed to determine absorption curves which are needed to derive quantitative values in PIXE analysis. In this method two spectra obtained with absorbers of different thickness are divided by each other after background subtraction and the absorption curve can be obtained immediately. Absorption curves for a 50 and a 200 µm-thick Mylar films and that for a Cr foil of 2500 µg/cm2 were determined experimentally. These curves are in good agreement with the absorption values derived from peak areas of characteristic x-rays. This method enables one to obtain absorption curves for any kind of absorber accurately and quickly.

In NMCC(Nishina Memorial Cyclotron Center) we are doing researches on PET of nuclear medicine (Positron Emission Computed Tomography) and PIXE analysis (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) using a small cyclotron of compactly designed. The NMCC facilities have been opened to researchers of other institutions since April 1993. The present status of NMCC is described. Bio-samples (medical samples, plants, animals and environmental samples) have mainly been analyzed by PIXE in NMCC. Small amounts of bio-samples for PIXE are decomposed quickly and easily in a sealed PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) vessel with a microwave oven . This sample preparation method of bio-samples also is described.

We have developed an experimental approach that allows us to estimate the performance of a large-scale enterprise network for the updating of routing information. The estimation was applied in the integration of the UFJ Bank network system on January 15, 2002. The main characteristic of this approach is the application of a formula that represents the delays in the updating of routing information that accompany reductions in CPU resources. The procedure consists of two steps: (1) estimating the reduction in the availability of CPU resources which is caused by the forwarding of data packets at a router; (2) estimating the levels of CPU resources needed to reply to a query about a new route and for the updating of routing information. These steps were applied to estimate the performance of the UFJ Bank network in terms of the convergence of routing information. The results of the experiments on the network showed that it was possible to update the routing information as long as the level of CPU utilization at the routers was below 40%. We were able to apply this guideline to, and thus confirm the stability of, the UFJ Bank network.

This study was carried out in order to find out whether soluble interleukin II receptor (sIL-2R) levels were useful as a treatment biomarker in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The subjects consisted of 17 patients with RCC who had been scheduled for radical or partial nephrectomy. Serum levels of sIL-2R were measured before surgery and 1 and 3 months after surgery. We also analyzed the relationship of preoperative sIL-2R to pathologic TNM-stage, grading and presumptive tumor volume. The mean value of pre-operative sIL-2R in patients with RCC was 496.5 U/ml as compared with 302.7 U/ml in the control group (p = 0.056). Pre-operative sIL-2R values were 411.1 U/ml in stage I (n = 6), 481.4 U/ml in stage III (n = 11) and 1,330 U/ml in stage IV (n = 1). There was no significant difference between stage I and stage III. As compared with pathologic grading, pre-operative sIL-2R levels in patients with grade 2 were significantly higher than those with grade 1 (609.8 U/ml versus 288.7 U/ml, p = 0.016). There existed a significant correlation between preoperative sIL-2R and presumptive tumor volume (r = 0.61, p = 0.008). Three months after surgery, sIL-2R values were significantly higher than before surgery. Serum sIL-2R levels seemed to bear some relationship to the extent of disease in patients with RCC. Values of sIL-2R were significantly higher after than before surgery at least for a three-month postoperative period, suggesting a response to trauma of surgery. Further long term studies were required to clarify if sIL-2R could predict the progression of disease.

The patient was a 74-year-old man. He had received medical treatment for liver cirrhosis (C types) and elevated AFP. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) revealed a 150 mm size tumor in the right lobe of the liver. After admission, anemia progressed rapidly, and we recognized bloody ascites by abdominal punction. Thus, diagnosis was a tumor rupture. Emergency angiography was performed. Farmorubicin and Lipiodol were injected, and complete TAE was added. After two TAE treatments CT-scan showed a remarkable decrement of the tumor and hypertrophy of the left lobe in the liver. Right lobectomy of the liver was then done because reserve function of the liver was good. Cancer cells changed into hyaline body and mecrotic focus. In the pathological examination of the extirpated sample, no viable tumor cells were detected.

The patient was a 69-year-old man who had undergone a sigmoidectomy for cancer of the sigmoid colon on March 25, 1993. We detected the elevation of CEA after the operation. Computed tomography revealed multiple metastasis of the liver on September 3, 1996. After beginning 48-hour continuous hepatic arterial infusion using 5-FU 1,000 mg and Leucovorin 30 mg, we recognized a decrement of metastatic liver tumor. We could not detect cancer cells by needle biopsy for liver tumors on February 19, 1998. This case is maintaining good quality of life by hepatic artery infusion using 5-FU and Leucovorin, showing a long PR for about two years. We think that this case shows ideal clinical progress from chemotherapy for cancer of the digestive organs.

The studies for autoantibody-associated V genes have failed to find any V gene which might be specific for pathogenic autoantibodies in humans; Namely, both normal subjects and patients have immunoglobulin V genes which can encode autoantibodies. Also single V gene can encode antibodies for both foreign antigens and autoantigens. However, some germline V genes such as V3-7 and VH4-21 are preferentially used for autoantibodies and may be regarded as prototype V genes for autoantibodies. Although somatic mutation in V genes is characteristic in IgG autoantibodies, 0-81 idiotype-positive IgM antibodies, which may be precursor B cells for pathogenic anti-DNA antibody also included many somatic mutations in VH genes, indicating an intrinsic abnormality in B cell development in SLE. Some studies also indicated an abnormal V gene repertoire in autoimmune states. These results may be attributed to dysregulation of autoantibody-associated B cell development.

We experienced six patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following interferon (IFN) therapy. Hepatitis virus C-RNA in polymerase chain reaction was positive in all patients prior to the IFN therapy. HCV-RNA became negative in two patients following IFN therapy, and was re-positive at the time of detection of HCC. In histological studies prior to the IFN therapy, pre-cirrhosis was diagnosed in four out of six patients and chronic active hepatitis 2B (CAH2B) in one according to the Europian classification. In non-cancerous portion of the liver, cirrhosis developed in five patients, and CAH2B in one. There was no significant correlation among the interval of HCC detection following IFN therapy, tumor size, tumor location, and histological findings. Patients should be carefully followed up by serum alpha fetoprotein levels or ultrasonography of the liver during and following IFN therapy.

Insulin caused an 8- or a 3-fold increase in lipogenesis in control rats (C) or diabetic rats (DM), respectively. Following insulin treatment for DM, insulin resistance was clearly reversed. Phospholipase C (PLC) caused a 4-fold increase in lipogenesis in C, but not in DM. Insulin treatment partially restored PLC-induced lipogenesis. Insulin or PLC increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the membrane fraction in C, but not in DM. Insulin treatment partially restored insulin- or PLC-stimulated PKC activity. 5'-Guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) exerted a stimulatory effect on diacylglycerol (DAG) generation in permeabilized adipocytes from C, but not in DM. Insulin treatment partially restored the stimulatory effect of Gpp(NH)p. These findings suggest that a particular G protein(s) is involved in the regulation of DAG generation in adipocytes, and that diabetes leads to a functional or quantitative abnormality in G protein and G protein-PLC. Insulin therapy partially restored G protein-PLC dependent glucose uptake.

We have put forward a hypothesis that the pleural fluid is filtered at the arterial ends of the pleural blood capillaries and is absorbed mainly at the venous ends, partly at the lymphatic channels, as it is in the other tissues. Then we have calculated the pleural liquid pressure following the Starling equation applying the ordinary value of factors. The result is that the calculated pleural liquid pressure is low enough to expand the lung.

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of HTK solution in the 120 minutes cross-clamping method in comparison with conventional intermittent cardioplegia using GIK solution. Fifty-four open heart surgery were performed with cardioplegic solution using either HTK solution (HTK) or GIK solution (GIK). In the HTK, HTK (3L) was infused for the initial dose and 1L was added every 60 min after 120 min of cross-clamping. In GIK, 1L of GIK solution was intermittently infused initially and then every 30 min together with continuous cold blood perfusion. The effect of two cardioplegic solution was evaluated by postoperative cardiac function (CI, %SF), released enzymes (CPK), histology and dosage of catecholamine. Postoperative CI was 3.67 +/- 0.76 in HTK, and 4.34 +/- 1.04 in GIK (NS). % SF was 26.0 +/- 5.26 in HTK and 25.6 +/- 0.76 in HTK, and 4.34 +/- 1.04 in GIK (NS). %SF was 26.0 +/- 5.26 in HTK and 25.6 +/- 9.2 in GIK (NS). The CK-MB (IU/dl) level after reperfusion was significantly decreased in HTK at 60 and 180 min after reperfusion. Histology at 60 min of ischemia revealed a significant increase of edema of mitochondria in GIK. Postoperative catecholamine dose was 2.65 +/- 1.3 in HTK and 10.3 +/- 3.4 in GIK (p-0.01). PH of myocardium was well maintained around 7.4 during cross-clamping in HTK, however, it was decreased in GIK. In conclusion, The HTK method offers a reliable cardiac protection due to effective buffering using Histidine in comparison with GIK.

The efficacy of myocardial preservation using GIK solution combined with continuous cold blood perfusion was assessed in patients with prolonged ischemia. Fifteen patients receiving more than 4 hours' ischemia were divided into two groups. In Group A, seven patients were associated with severe aortic regurgitation and showed increased left ventricular volume of more than 60 mm in LVDd and 45 mm in LVDs. In Group B, eight patients had a normal left ventricular volume of less than 60 mm in LVDd and 45 mm in LVDs echocardiographically. There was no significant difference in ischemic time, or preoperative hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. The postoperative cardiac index was 2.93 +/- 0.87 in Group A and 4.3 +/- 0.8 in Group B (p0.01). The postoperative shortening fraction was 0.17 +/- 0.01 in Group A, 0.43 +/- 0.12 in Group B (p0.01). These parameters significantly deteriorated in Group A compared to Group B. Released enzymes (GOT, CK-MB) were significantly increased in Group A with prolonged ischemic time. In conclusion, postoperative cardiac function after 4 hours' ischemia using GIK solution deteriorated in the patients with a dilated heart due to aortic regurgitation.

This paper describes new passive splints which have been developed using a shape memory alloy. The peculiar feature of the splints is that the way in which they change shape in use conforms to the stretching motion which it would be desirable to apply in certain conditions of deformity. The alloy consists of 55.66% by weight Nickel and 44.34% Titanium. The heat treatment of the alloy for memorising shape was implemented at 500 degrees C for one hour. This alloy was easily bent when cool, but the original shape was recovered on heating. It was used as the supporting structure of the reverse knuckle bender splint and the cock-up splint. The new splints could be easily attached to the deformed limb after cooling. The splints avoided the development of spasticity, because they gradually recovered their original shapes and corrected the deformities when the heat of the room or body heat warmed the splints. Since the shape memory alloy has the dual function of thermal sensor and kinetic power source it was a simple device. The splint was, as a result, small and smart. It was apparent from clinical use that the splint was easy to wear and could be worn with comfort for an extended period. The design of the splints and the fabrication process are described and their application is indicated.

A 72-year-old female who had suffered from lower extremity edema and liver cirrhosis due to Budd-Chiari syndrome with massive thrombus in IVC was treated by PTA and placement of self-expandable metallic stent. Thrombolysis therapy after PTA was very effective. Five months later, she had no clinical symptom due to IVC stenosis.

Various types of Gianturco expandable metallic stents were implanted into the urethra of four dogs in order to evaluate the suitable expandability of the stents in urethra and also to determine the effect of the stents on the urethral wall. The stent of 1.5 cm in length and constructed of 0.010 inch round stainless steel wire with twelve zigzag bends showed the suitable expandability on the canine urethra compared to the other stents. The urethra remained patent and the inflammatory changes on the urethral wall were moderately noted. No hematuria or calcifications around the stents were noted in any dogs. The experimental data showed a potential clinical application.

A 41-year-old female who had suffered from a severe left main bronchial stenosis due to bronchial tuberculosis was treated by implantation of self-expandable metallic stent after dilating the stenosis by balloon catheter. After placing the stent symptoms such as dyspnea were disappeared completely. Four months later, the patient can tolerate to do jogging.

Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies were carried out on aztreonam (AZT), a monobactam antibiotic with a high activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Following 2 g bolus intravenous injection, transfers of AZT to umbilical cord serum and amniotic fluid were found to be satisfactory. AZT level in amniotic fluid was higher than 1 micrograms/ml at 40 minutes after administration and it was at 3.7 micrograms/ml in 23.5 hours. 2. In the treatment of 9 patients with perinatal infections, clinical efficacies of AZT were judged excellent in 3 cases and good in 6 cases. 3. No side effects and abnormal laboratory findings due to the drug were observed in any case. These results indicate that AZT may be a useful antibiotic for the treatment of perinatal infections.

PBI was measured in 555 patients chosen at random from those who visited our impotence clinic between October 1984 and September 1986. Of 555 patients with impotence 29 (5.2%) showed a low PBI level of less than 0.6. On the basis of carefully taken history, risk factors causing the disturbance of penile blood flow were found in 13 (44.8%) of these 29 patients. They included diabetes mellitus, hypertension, surgery of pelvic organ, vertebral injury, vascular disorder of brain and gangliosympathectomy. Although penile angiography is necessary to make the definite diagnosis of vasculogenic impotence, hospitalization is usually required to perform the examination. Measurement of PBI is useful as a screening test to detect vasculogenic impotence at an outpatient clinic, because this examination is noninvasive and technically easy.

The coefficient of variation (CV = SD/mean x 100) of the R-R interval in electrocardiogram (ECG) was measured as an indication of parasympathetic nerve function in patients with impotence. Of 762 patients 104 (13.6%) had a CV value lower than 2.0. The factors which led to the low CV value were evident in 50 patients (48%), i.e. diabetes mellitus in 26, side effects by antiulcer, antidepressant or antihypertensive agent in 16, renal failure in 1, alcoholism in 2 and age over 70 years old in 4. The possible factors of the low CV value, such as neurogenic, thyroid, cardiovascular and endocrine disorders were found in 12 patients (11.5%). In the remaining 42 patients (40.4%), CV value was decreased by unknown factors. Measurement of CV of R-R interval in ECG was safe and useful as a screening test for patients with impotence to detect the dysfunction of the parasympathetic nerve system.