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Methodology for quantitative evaluation of electron radiation damage and calculation of tolerable electron dose was developed to achieve damage-less scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation of beam-sensitive polymer film. The radiation damage is typically evaluated with visual impressions of SEM images; however, this method may be unreliable because observer’s subjectivity may affect the results. Evaluation with quantitative value is crucial to improve reliability. In this study, the radiation damage was evaluated by using normalized correlative coefficient (RNCC) between an initial frame and latter frames of the multiple SEM images that were taken consecutively. Tolerable dose was obtained by defining a threshold point of RNCC where rapid reduction of RNCC started. A SEM image with less damage and acceptable signal-to-noise ratio was obtained by integrating the images from the initial frame to the tolerable frame.

γ-glutamyl peptides have been suggested to impart kokumi properties to foods by activating human calcium-sensing receptor (hCaSR). In this study, the relationship between γ-glutamyl peptide structure and hCaSR activity was systematically analyzed using γ-[Glu](n=0-4)-α-[Glu](n=0-3)-Tyr. Our results suggest that N-terminal [Glu]3 moiety is very important for hCaSR activities of γ-glutamyl peptides.

In addition to the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis, the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is involved in many diverse physiological functions in the mammalian body. The receptor works as a kokumi taste receptor in taste buds and as a nutrient sensor in the gut, where it regulates the secretion of glycemic response and appetite-related hormones. To identify novel human CaSR (hCaSR) activators from food ingredients, we conducted a screening using a cell-based hCaSR assay. Hen egg-white lysozyme, which is a sweet protein, was found to be a novel orthosteric agonist of hCaSR with an EC50 value of 592 μM. Lysozyme hydrolysate was not able to activate hCaSR, thus suggesting that the protein structure of lysozyme is necessary for hCaSR activation. Thaumatin, which is another sweet protein, also activated hCaSR with an EC50 value of 71 μM. This is the first report that shows hCaSR activation by proteins with molecular weights exceeding 10,000 Da. These results provide a new avenue for the development of hCaSR activators, which could be applicable in food or drugs that modulate taste perception, appetite, or glucose tolerance, in addition to Ca2+ homeostasis.

Background The airway epithelial barrier function is disrupted in the airways of asthmatic patients. Abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis is reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in the airway barrier dysfunction has not been elucidated yet. This study aimed to clarify whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), a central regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is involved in the disruption of the airway barrier function induced by aeroallergens. Methods BEAS-2B cells were exposed to house dust mite (HDM) and the expressions of PGC-1α and E-cadherin, a junctional protein, were examined by immunoblotting. The effect of SRT1720, a PGC-1α activator, was investigated by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) on the HDM-induced reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis markers and junctional proteins in airway bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore,the effects of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) inhibitor, GB83, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor, lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS), protease inhibitors including E64 and 4-(2-Aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) on the HDM-induced barrier dysfunction were investigated. Results The amounts of PGC-1α and E-cadherin in the HDM-treated cells were significantly decreased compared to the vehicle-treated cells. SRT1720 restored the expressions of PGC-1α and E-cadherin reduced by HDM in BEAS-2B cells. Treatment with SRT1720 also significantly ameliorated the HDM-induced reduction in TEER. In addition, GB83, LPS-RS, E64 and AEBSF prevented the HDM-induced reduction in the expression of PGC1α and E-cadherin. Conclusions The current study demonstrated that HDM disrupted the airway barrier function through the PAR2/TLR4/PGC-1α-dependent pathway. The modulation of this pathway could be a new approach for the treatment of asthma.

A woman in her 60s was evaluated for anterior chest pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 50 mm mass with irregular contrast enhancement in the anterior mediastinum. α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated to 1188 ng/mL. A germ cell tumor was diagnosed, mostly comprising of a yolk sac tumor (YST). Two courses of chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) and etoposide (VP16) were administered and surgical tumor resection was then performed. The final diagnosis was YST. CDDP and VP16 were continued postoperatively; however, because the AFP level increased about six months after surgery, the chemotherapy regimen was altered to bleomycin and CPT‐11. As the AFP again increased and a CT scan revealed tumor re‐enlargement, recurrent YST was diagnosed and radiotherapy was administered. The patient received a total of 60 Gy (2 Gy per fraction). The tumor started to shrink during radiotherapy and AFP levels decreased. By one month post‐radiotherapy, AFP levels had normalized and the tumor had disappeared. As of six years after radiotherapy, the patient remains alive without recurrence. Mediastinal YSTs are rare, and treatment usually includes surgery and preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin‐based regimens. Successful treatment with radiotherapy has occasionally been reported. Our patient showed recurrence of a YST after surgery and chemotherapy, but achieved long‐term survival after radiotherapy. Few patients with YST have undergone radiotherapy, but this approach was successful in our patient. In cases of postoperative recurrent YST resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, together with salvage surgery, may offer a valuable option.

The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) B biotype, induces pigmentation changes in fruit and leaves including tomato-irregular-ripening disorder and squash-silverleaf disorder. We compared carotenoid and chlorophyll content of symptomatic and asymptomatic plant tissue. Symptomatic tissue from tomato fruit had 69% and 79% less lycopene (red pigment) and its precursor phytoene, respectively, than asymptomatic tissue. Heavily silvered squash leaves had 63% and 68% less chlorophyll a and b (green pigments), respectively, than healthy leaves. Squash leaves with silvering also had 42–67% lower levels of the carotenoids, β-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin and lutein. These results suggest that infestation by the sweet potato whitefly inhibits the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls which are both synthesized through the non-mevalonate pathway.

When wasabi plants are damaged by plant pathogens or herbivores they produce volatile allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) as a defense mechanism. In the current study, we conducted experiments to determine whether volatiles from damaged wasabi leaves or synthetic AITC also have negative effects on the beneficial entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana sensu lato (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Isaria fumosorosea Wize, which contribute to regulation of a major pest of wasabi, the striated white butterfly, Pieris melete Menetries. Conidial germination of both fungi was inhibited when exposed to volatiles from macerated wasabi leaves; the concentration of AITC in the volatiles was also quantified. The inhibitory activity of macerated wasabi leaves was compared with that of synthetic AITC, demonstrating that the inhibitory effect of wasabi volatiles was due to the presence of AITC. These results indicate that AITC released from damaged wasabi leaves has the potential to inhibit fungal infection of insect pests in wasabi f...

Laboratory cultures of three dipteran leafminers, Liriomyza trifolii , Liriomyza sativae and Chromatomyia horticola , and their four most common hymenopteran parasitoids in Japan, Diglyphus isaea , Chrysocharis pentheus , Neochrysocharis formosa and Hemiptarsenus varicornis , were evaluated for their susceptibility to three conventional insecticides following topical application. All the leafminers were far less sensitive to malathion and moderately less sensitive to permethrin compared with the parasitoids. The marked disparity in insecticide susceptibility convincingly explains the increased abundance of leafminers in the field after applications of these insecticides. L. trifolii and C. horticola were also less sensitive to emamectin-benzoate than the parasitoids, although L. sativae was as sensitive as the parasitoids. We also evaluated the susceptibility of a more minor parasitoid species attacking leafminers in Japan, Halticoptera circulus , to malathion and it was less sensitive than the four more common parasitoid species and may, therefore, be suitable for augmentative biological control of leafminers in IPM programmes that include insecticides. In addition, carboxylesterase activity of each insect species was determined and correlations with their insecticide susceptibility discussed.

The application of entomopathogenic fungi such as Isaria fumosorosea to combat insect pests on plants is complicated by their sensitivity to commonly used fungicides. In this study, I. fumosorosea mutants with enhanced resistance to the fungicide benomyl were induced by irradiation using either ion beams or gamma rays, or a combination of the two. When grown on agar containing benomyl, mycelial growth was observed for five of the six mutant isolates at benomyl concentrations that were more than 2000-fold those observed for the wild-type isolate (EC50 : 5000 mg L(-1) c.f. EC50 : 2.5 mg L(-1) for the wild-type isolate). The mutant isolates evaluated also showed enhanced resistance to other fungicides at recommended field application rates. No differences were observed at the β-tubulin locus between the wild-type and the mutant isolates, suggesting that the enhanced benomyl resistance was not attributable to mutations in that gene. Ion beams and gamma rays are thus potentially useful tools for inducing beneficial fungal mutations and thereby improving the potential for application of entomopathogenic fungi as microbial control agents.

To retrospectively analyze results of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using gemcitabine (GEM) for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.Records of 108 patients treated with concurrent external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and GEM were reviewed. The median dose of EBRT in all 108 patients was 50.4 Gy (range, 3.6-60.8 Gy), usually administered in conventional fractionations (1.8-2 Gy/day). During radiotherapy, most patients received GEM at a dosage of 250 to 350 mg/m(2) intravenously weekly for approximately 6 weeks. After CCRT, 59 patients (54.6%) were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), mainly with GEM. The median follow-up for all 108 patients was 11.0 months (range, 0.4-37.9 months).Initial responses after CCRT for 85 patients were partial response: 26 patients, no change: 51 patients and progressive disease: 8 patients. Local progression was observed in 35 patients (32.4%), and the 2-year local control (LC) rate in all patients was 41.9%. Patients treated with total doses of 50 Gy or more had significantly more favorable LC rates (2-year LC rate, 42.9%) than patients treated with total doses of less than 50 Gy (2-year LC rate, 29.6%). Regional lymph node recurrence was found in only 1 patient, and none of the 57 patients with clinical N0 disease had regional lymph node recurrence. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rate and the median survival time in all patients were 23.5% and 11.6 months, respectively. Patients treated with AC had significantly more favorable OS rates (2-year OS, 31.8%) than those treated without AC (2-year OS, 12.4%; p0.0001). On multivariate analysis, AC use and clinical T stage were significant prognostic factors for OS.CCRT using GEM yields a relatively favorable LC rate for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and CCRT with AC conferred a survival benefit compared to CCRT without AC.

A strategy to image the preheat zone of a very lean, laminar premixed flame (whose equivalence ratio, ϕ, is 0.54). Therefore, acetone-OH simultaneous PLIF presents itself as a promising technique capable of visualizing the preheat zone without knowledge of the temperature distribution, even at the near-extinction limit.

The toxicities of 24 insecticides for the biological control of whiteflies were evaluated for Eretmocerus mundus (Mercet), Eretmocerus eremicus Rose and Zolnerowich and Encarsia formosa Gahan using the residual film method (for adults) and the dipping method (for pupae). Mortalities from insect growth regulators (IGRs) (flufenoxuron and lufenuron), Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), pymetrozine and sulfur were 92%). For each insecticide, the mortality of pupae was generally lower than that of adults, even though the toxicity classification for the two groups was similar. The results indicate that IGRs, Bt, pymetrozine and sulfur are relatively harmless, and are compatible with the use of parasitoids to help control whiteflies for integrated pest management in greenhouses.

The consumption of soybean protein has well-known favorable metabolic effects (e.g., reduced body weight, body fat, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and lipogenesis). These effects of soy protein have been linked to modulation by the gut microbiota; however, the dynamic interplay among these factors remains unclear. Accordingly, we examined the metabolic phenotype, intestinal BA pool, and the gut microbiome of male C57BL/6 mice that were randomized to receive either a regular high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD that contained soybean protein isolate (SPI) in place of dairy protein. The intake of SPI significantly reduced the HFD-induced weight gain and adipose tissue mass accumulation and attenuated hepatic steatosis. Along with an enhancement in the secretion of intestinal Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an enlarged cecal BA pool with an elevated secondary/primary BA ratio was observed in the mice that consumed SPI, while fecal BA excretion remained unaltered. SPI also elicited dramatic changes in the gut microbiome, characterized by an expansion of taxa that may be involved in the biotransformation of BAs. The observed effects were abolished in germ-free (GF) mice, indicating that they were dependent on the microbiota. These findings collectively indicate that the metabolic benefits of SPI under the HFD regime may arise from a microbiota-driven increase in BA transformation and increase in GLP-1 secretion.

An elemental analysis method using muonic X-rays has been developed. Applying the unique features of the negative muon, this method enables elemental distribution in an object to be obtained three dimensionally and non-destructively. Especially, by choosing the incident muon beam energy, depth-profiling as deep as several cm from the surface can be achieved by detecting the high energy muonic X-rays carrying the information of the atom which captured the muon. We obtained some preliminary results and showed the applicability of the technique in future analytical facilities.

The seasonal abundance of hymenopteran parasitoids reared from the agromyzid leafminer Chromatomyia horticola was monitored on garden pea in Shizuoka, central Japan, for 17 months between 2004 and 2005. The leafminer was abundant during the cool seasons (December to May) but parasitoid populations generally lagged behind the leafminer by approximately two months. Twenty-one parasitoid species were reared from C. horticola, and the most abundant parasitoid species were Diglyphus isaea, D. minoeus and Chrysocharis pentheus, comprising ca. 90% of the total number caught. Diglyphus isaea and D. minoeus were abundant during the cool season (December to May), while C. pentheus was abundant in the warm season (May to June). Other common parasitoid species were Dacnusa nipponica, Neochrysocharis formosa and Halticoptera circulus. The effects of two insecticides, malathion and tralomethrin, on parasitoid populations were investigated both in the cool and warm seasons. The insecticides caused a reduction in the density of most parasitoid species for at least one month and resulted in resurgence of the leafminer. However, the density of H. circulus increased after insecticide applications, suggesting that this parasitoid was tolerant to both insecticides but H. circulus could not reduce C. horticola populations when insecticide applications were made to the crop. These studies provide insight into the development of integrated control strategies of leafminer pests in field and glasshouse crops.

Paper reports a result of experiments of spherical shock waves generated by explosions of micro-explosives weighing from 1 to 10 mg ignited by the irradiation of Q-switched laser beam and direct initiation to a spherical detonation wave in stoichiometric oxygen/hydrogen mixtures at 10–200 kPa. We visualized the interaction of debris particles ejected micro-explosives’ surface with shock waves by using double exposure holographic interferometry and high-speed video recording. Upon explosion, minute inert debris launched supersonically from micro-charge surface precursory to shock waves initiated spherical detonation waves. To examine this effect we attached 0.5–2.0 μm diameter SiO2 particles densely on micro-explosive surfaces and observed that the supersonic particles, significantly promoted the direct initiation of spherical detonation waves. The domain and boundary of detonation wave initiations were experimentally obtained at various initial pressures and the amount of micro-charges.

Elemental analysis of materials is fundamentally important to science and technology. Many elemental analysis methods have been developed, but three-dimensional nondestructive elemental analysis of bulk materials has remained elusive. Recently, our project team, dreamX (damageless and regioselective elemental analysis with muonic X-rays), developed a nondestructive depth-profiling elemental analysis method after a decade of research. This new method utilizes a new type of probe; a negative muon particle and high-energy muonic X-rays emitted after the muon stops in a material. We performed elemental depth profiling on an old Japanese gold coin (Tempo-Koban) using a low-momentum negative muon beam and successfully determined that the Au concentration in the coin gradually decreased with depth over a micrometer length scale. We believe that this method will be a promising tool for the elemental analysis of valuable samples, such as archeological artifacts.

Soy protein hydrolysates were produced from a soy protein isolate (SPI) in which either the glycinin or β-conglycinin fractions had been selectively hydrolysed. The solubility, apparent viscosity, emulsifying activity, whippability and gel-forming ability of each hydrolysate were determined. Both hydrolysates had minimum solubility at around the same level of pH 4.5 as that of SPI. The reduced-β-conglycinin hydrolysate (RCH) showed lower apparent viscosity than the reduced-glycinin hydrolysate (RGH). Increased whippability was observed with both hydrolysates in comparison with SPI, whereas lower emulsifying activity was found, except at acidic pH 4. RCH retained more gel-forming ability than RGH when determined by mixing with salt-soluble meat protein. This result was supported by observation of the microstructure of the gels.

Molecular dynamics analyses were performed to examine conformational changes in the C-domain of calmodulin and the N-domain of troponin C induced by binding of Ca(2+) ions. Analyses of conformational changes in calmodulin and troponin C indicated that the shortening of the distance between Ca(2+) ions and Ca(2+) binding sites of helices caused widening of the distance between Ca(2+) binding sites of helices on opposite sides, while the hydrophobic side chains in the center of helices hardly moved due to their steric hindrance. This conformational change acts as the clothespin mechanism.

To clarify the reason for the recent dramatic outbreak of the leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau), on the green pea in Japan, the insecticide susceptibility of two leafminer populations collected from grower's pea fields in Shizuoka and Kagoshima Prefectures was measured in a laboratory assay. Of the five insecticides registered for leafminer control on the pea, cartap was moderately effective, but phenthoate, malathion, permethrin and tralomethrin were less effective on larvae of the leafminer populations at their recommended dilutions. The leafminer population from Shizuoka was slightly less susceptible than the population from Kagoshima to all insecticides tested by LC50 assay. Emamectin-benzoate, fipronil, spinosad, chlorfenapyr, cyromazine and isoxathion were very effective in controlling leafminer populations. The impact of insecticide applications on the leafminer and associated parasitoids in pea fields in Shizuoka Prefecture was also discussed. Of the four samples of pea shoots collected from three fields, two samples collected one month after insecticide application had very few leafminers and many parasitoids. However the sample taken immediately after insecticide application had a very large number of emerged adult leafminers, but few parasitoids. The results suggest that the recent large outbreak of C. horticola might have resulted from a combination of low susceptibility to insecticides in the species and the destruction of the parasitoid complex due to frequent insecticide applications.

The attenuation of an underwater shock wave by a thin porous layer is studied both experimentally and numerically. The shock waves are generated by exploding 10 mg silver azide pellets and the pressures at different distances from the explosion center are measured. Measurements are also carried out with a gauze layer placed between the explosion source and the pressure gauge. The results with and without the gauze layer are compared evaluating the shock wave attenuation. Numerical simulations of the phenomenon are also carried out for a simple wave attenuation model. The results are compared with the experimental data. Despite the simple mathematical model of wave attenuation, the agreement between the experimental and numerical results is reasonable.

Quantitative elemental analysis method of a bulk material by examining the relation between intensity of muonic X-rays and elemental composition was developed. Using this new calibration method, we...

Carboxylesterase isozymes responsible for organophosphate resistance in the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were evaluated by inhibitory experiments on isoelectric focused bands. Differences in the carboxylesterase band patterns were detected between organophosphate-susceptible and resistant clones, and the activity of all bands was equally inhibited by fenitroxon in both clones. The activity was also inhibited by carbaryl, methomyl and K2 (2-phenoxy-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin 2-oxide) in a resistant clone. Fenitroxon showed the highest inhibitory activity. On the other hand, in the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulz.), used as a comparative aphid species, no difference was detected in the carboxylesterase band patterns between organophosphate-susceptible and resistant clones. A single band, however, showed different activity between the clones. The band, whose activity was inhibited by fenitroxon, may be the isozyme responsible for insecticide resistance in M. persicae. These results indicate that all carboxylesterase isozymes, but not the particular isozyme in M. persicae, are related to organophosphate resistance, and that overall enzyme activity determines the degree of resistance in A. gossypii.

We have isolated a cytokinin up-regulated cDNA clone, H13, from an early stage of cultured tobacco mesophyll protoplasts by a differential display method. The expression of this gene was specifically induced by natural and synthetic cytokinins including N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (4PU30), a diphenylurea-type cytokinin, although the simultaneous presence of auxin was also required. It seems that the preceding treatment of the tobacco mesophyll protoplasts by auxin is necessary for the gene to respond to cytokinin. The addition of a cytokinin antagonist, compound 182, which suppressed the induction of cell division in tobacco mesophyll protoplasts, completely abolished the expression of this gene. Though the predicted gene product of H13 did not suggest us any sequences of defined functions, two domains of the predicted sequence had significant homology to several reported sequences in the data base. The gene product of H13 is proposed to have a role in regenerating cell wall in cultured protoplasts, since a cDNA clone E6, from cotton fiber cells, which has the most closely related structure to H13, has been isolated from cells which showed active cellulose synthesis. This supposition is supported by the evidence that in the absence of cytokinin, cell wall regeneration was significantly suppressed, resulting in failure of the induction of cell division. Thus, the gene product of H13 is supposed to have a role in regenerating cell walls and facilitating the progression of the cell cycle, resulting in the sustained cell division of tobacco mesophyll protoplasts.

The partition coefficients of rare earth elements (REE) and Sr between olivine and silicate melt and those of Ga, In and TI between metallic phase and silicate melt were experimentally determined under atmospheric pressure using L6 chondrite (ALH-76009) as a starting material. Temperature and oxygen fugacity were finely controlled; temperature = 1320, 1370, 1420 and 1440°C and oxygen fugacity = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 log units lower than the Fe-FeO boundary on the iron-oxygen phase diagram. Olivine formed at 1320°C shows REE partition patterns with horizontal or heavy-REE-enriched features, having partition coefficients from 0.02 to 0.08. Inclination of light-REE increases with increase of temperature of olivine formation. Finally, at the temperature of 1440°C near the liquidus of the chondrite, olivine/liquid partitioning of REE displays a V-shaped feature with partition coefficients of 0.15-0.8 for La, 0.08-0.3 for Lu and 0.05-0.09 for Dy and Er. The V-shaped REE patterns are known to be characteristic of olivine in the main group pallasites, for which our REE results imply the formation at higher temperatures near the liquidus of olivine. Our results of major element partitioning also support the idea that such pallasites were formed at a temperature near the liquidus. Experiments of this study show that compositions of olivine formed at 1440°C are Fa8-Fa13 comparable to those of the main group pallasites, while those formed at 1320°C are Fa15-Fa18. The REE concentrations in the ferrous olivine of two pallasites, Springwater (Fa18.0) and Eagle Station (Fa20.0), were determined here. It was found that their chondrite-normalized REE patterns also show V-shaped features, as observed for the olivine of the main group pallasites, the Brenham (Fa12.5) and Thiel Mts. (Fa13.0) pallasites. These results suggest that the olivines of Springwater and Eagle Station were also formed at temperatures near liquidus around 1450°C. The difference in major element compositions between the main group pallasites (Brenham and Thiel Mts.) and the other pallasites (Springwater and Eagle Station) may be due to differences in major element compositions of their sources, oxygen fugacity at their formation and/or the cooling history of the pallasites. In the last case, it is reasoned that at lower temperatures (e.g., ca. 1300°C), Fe and Ni in olivine of non-main group pallasites were reequilibrated with those in the metal phases, but V-shaped REE patterns were retained because the diffusibility of REE is lower than those of Fe and Ni. The main group pallasites are considered to be free from the lower temperature reequilibrium processes.

ワタアブラムシの薬剤感受性クローン(1クローン)と薬剤抵抗性クローン(5クローン)について,有機リン剤(malathion, fenitrothion, dichlorvos, diazinon),カーバメート剤(carbaryl, methomyl),ピレスロイド剤(permethrin, fenvalerate),および有機塩素剤(DDT)に対する感受性を局所施用法によって検定した。さらに,各薬剤に対する抵抗性の発現機構をエステラーゼ阻害剤(K-2, DEF)と薬物酸化酵素阻害剤(PB, S-421)を用いて検討した。1) 抵抗性クローンはいずれも各有機リン剤に対して数倍∼数十倍の抵抗性比を示し,有機リン剤抵抗性は互いに交差関係にあるものと考えられた。2) 抵抗性クローンはcarbarylとmethomylに対して最大約70倍の抵抗性比を示したが,pirimicarbに対しては数千倍の抵抗性比を示し,カーバメート剤では抵抗性発達の程度が薬剤によって大きく違っていた。3) 抵抗性クローンのうち1クローンで,permethrinに対して数千倍,fenvalerateに対して1万数千倍に達する高度の抵抗性比が検出された。他のクローンのこれらピレスロイド剤に対する抵抗性比はいずれも小さかった。このことから,これらピレスロイド剤に対する抵抗性は互いに交差していること,有機リン剤とピレスロイド剤抵抗性とは交差していないことが考えられた。4) 各クローンのアリエステラーゼ活性は有機リン剤に対する抵抗性比と平行関係にあり,またエステラーゼ阻害剤は有機リン剤に対して最大250の協力作用係数を示した。このことから,エステラーゼは有機リン剤抵抗性の主要な発現機構となっているものと考えられた。5) エステラーゼ阻害剤と薬物酸化酵素阻害剤はカーバメート剤(carbaryl, methomyl)に対してそれぞれ最大で430と914の協力作用係数を示した。このことから,これら二つのカーバメート剤抵抗性はエステラーゼや薬物酸化酵素が関与する解毒活性の増大に起因するものと考えられた。6) エステラーゼ阻害剤と薬物酸化酵素阻害剤のピレスロイド剤に対する協力作用係数は最大199にとどまった。このことから,ピレスロイド剤抵抗性の発現には解毒酵素とは異なる別の要因の存在が考えられた。

Patients who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy with carboplatin were followed up on a long-term basis. In 25 patients treated with carboplatin at an AUC of 2.0 mg/ml, the complete response (CR), 10-year survival, and 10-year larynx preservation rates were 96.0%, 91.1%, and 75.2%, respectively, and the safety margin for partial laryngectomy was 4 mm from the gross tumor.To perform long-term follow-up of the therapeutic outcomes of concurrent chemoradiation therapy and salvage surgery to determine the additive and synergistic effects of anticancer drugs combined with chemoradiotherapy.Fifty male patients (aged 33-76 years) with untreated T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx were included. Carboplatin was intravenously administered once a week for 4 weeks. Radiotherapy was delivered by an external beam of 4 MV linac X-ray (total = 66 Gy).The AUC 1.5 combination group showed overall response, CR, 5-year survival, 10-year survival, 5-year larynx preservation, and 10-year larynx preservation rates of 100.0%, 68.0%, 83.4%, 77.0%, 75.2%, and 75.2%, respectively. The AUC 2.0 combination group showed corresponding rates of 100%, 96.0%, 95.7%, 91.1%, 82.9%, and 72.7%, respectively. The most common side effects of grade 3 or more were leukopenia, neutropenia, and mucositis (stomatitis), and all were reversible. Thirteen patients (52.0%) in the AUC 1.5 combination group and nine patients (36.0%) in the AUC 2.0 combination group required salvage surgery. Histologically, concurrent chemoradiation therapy with carboplatin caused more severe cancer tissue degeneration. Pathological examinations indicated that the safety margin for partial laryngectomy was 4 mm from the gross tumor.

The whitefly, Aleurocanthus camelliae Kanmiya and Kasai (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an invasive species in Japan that was first discovered in 2004 on tea in Kyoto. Soon after its arrival epizootics of an entomopathogenic fungus were observed in populations of the whitefly in many tea-growing regions. Here we identify this fungus as Paecilomyces cinnamomeus (Petch) Samson and W. Gams (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. This is the first record of P. cinnamomeus in Japan and also the first time it has been recorded from the genus Aleurocanthus. A isolate of P. cinnamomeus caused greater than 50% and 90% infection in whitefly nymphs at 1×10(6) and 1×10(7)conidia/ml respectively, while the commercial mycoinsecticides Preferd® (Isaria fumosorosea) and Mycotal® (Lecanicillium muscarium) caused

Although a conventional make-up foundation looks natural indoors, it seems too white and unnatural under the direct sunlight. It was found out that a make-up foundation of one rank darker looked more natural outdoors.In order to solve the problem of a conventional make-up foundation, we have attempted to develop a new foundation which has an unique property capable of changing its color corresponding with the strength of lighting conditions.Accordingly it was necessary to develop a photochromic materials which is sensitive to UV-ray, but still have other excellent properties including safety.Thus 1% of iron oxide was added to anatase titanium dioxide and heated at 800°C to thereby synthesize photochromic titanium dioxide. This photochromic titanium dioxide decreased in lightness by UV-A and the saturation value depended on the UV intensity. It was excellent in returning and durability and, therefore, highly useful as a cosmetic material.A photochromic make-up foundation obtained by substituting a conventional titanium dioxide with the photochromic titanium dioxide showed a decrease in lightness due to outdoor UV-ray. Thus it looked not too white, not too thick and more natural under the sunlight. We have successfully developed a make-up foundation which looks natural under any lighting conditions.

A cerium dioxide (CeO2) film with characteristic cubic lattice and optical band gap energy has been deposited chemically onto a non-conductive glass substrate at 333 K by simple immersion into an aqueous solution containing hydrous cerium(III) nitrate and dimethylamineborane (DMAB).

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) is promising as a next-generation on-chip interconnect material. Understanding the temperature dependence of CNF resistance is important in evaluating its potential for such interconnect applications. In a CNF test device, contacts formed by tungsten (W) deposition using focused ion beam (FIB) is effective in minimizing the effect of unwanted parasitics, thus yielding a more accurate determination of the temperature dependence. However, FIB deposition can potentially damage devices because of its high energy. We propose to use a gas-injection system for low-energy electron-beam deposition with fine precision in a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope. The results of W-deposited CNF devices obtained using electron beam (e-beam) are compared with their FIB counterparts.

An empirical model is developed that takes into account heat transport through the entire carbon nanofiber interconnect test structure and breakdown location. This electrothermal transport model elucidates observed current capacity behavior, and predicts variations in contact location with the support material. The resulting heat dissipation and current capacity are completely consistent with measurement data.

We present an extensive characterization of carbon nanotube (CNT) via interconnects grown under various conditions, with particular focus on contact resistance. Si process-compatible elements Ti, Cr, and Al are used as underlayer metals, together with the two most effective catalysts Ni and Fe, to study the growth behaviors and contact resistances of vertically aligned CNTs. The CNT via test structure is designed and fabricated for current-voltage measurements on individual CNTs using atomic force microscope (AFM) current-sensing technique or in situ nanoprobing during scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. By analyzing the dependence of measured resistance on CNT diameter, the CNT-metal contact resistance can be extracted. Relationships between contact resistances and various combinations of catalysts and underlayer metals are investigated.

Based on extensive experimental information, a model is developed that takes into account heat transport through the entire carbon nanofiber interconnect test structure and breakdown location. This electrothermal transport model elucidates observed current capacity behavior, and predicts variations in contact location with the support material. The resulting heat dissipation and current capacity are completely consistent with measurement data.

Growth behavior of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on different underlayer metals is investigated. The average diameter, diameter distribution, density, and growth rate of CNTs exhibit strong correlation with the choice of metal and catalyst. These observations are analyzed in terms of the interactions between the catalyst and the underlayer metal.

To study the reliability of carbon nanofiber (CNF) interconnect under high-current stress, electrical and thermal transports across CNF-electrode interfaces and between electrodes are considered. For this investigation, three different types of contacts are examined: (a) CNF-Au electrode, (b) CNF-SiO 2 substrate, and (c) tungsten-deposited CNF-Au electrode. We have determined that contact (c) improves the overall electrical and thermal transport characteristics of the system.

Carbon nanofibers (CNF) are studied in a horizontal configuration as a model for on-chip interconnects. The electrical performance is determined by both CNF resistivity and contact resistance with electrodes. Reliability and current capacity are determined by Joule heating in the system and the thermal accompanying transport. We show that current capacity can be modeled by accounting for the nature of the contacts with the substrate and with the electrodes.

This paper presents results for structural characterization of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for interconnect via applications. Vertically aligned CNFs were grown in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. We characterized the surface topographies of CNF via structures using atomic force microscopy (AFM). We also demonstrated the capability of capturing one single CNF using the AFM current-sensing technique. Moreover, the correlation between the CNF density and via resistances was analyzed theoretically.

Current-carrying capacity of carbon nanofibers (CNF) is investigated for potential interconnect applications. The measured maximum current density in the suspended CNF in air is inversely proportional to nanofiber length and independent of diameter. This relationship can be described with a heat transport model that takes into account Joule heating and heat diffusion along the CNF, assuming that breakdown occurs when and where the temperature reaches a threshold or critical value. Supporting the CNFs with SiO 2 improves their current capacity, which implies effective heat dissipation to the oxide.

To study the reliability of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) under high-current stress, electrical measurements of CNF breakdown are performed for four configurations: (a) suspended, (b) supported, (c) suspended with tungsten deposited onto the CNF-electrode contact, and (d) supported with tungsten deposition. Supported CNF has enhanced current capacity, consistent with improved heat transport to the substrate, and depositing W to the electrodes lowers the contact resistance and improves the overall electrical characteristics of the system.

Malathion剤の散布がワタアブラムシの有機リン剤感受性に及ぼす影響を,アリエステラーゼ活性を指標として室内試験および圃場試験で調べた。1) ジャガイモ個体群を本剤で処理した室内試験では,高濃度処理区ほど低活性個体が減少した。また,各処理後の生存虫における酵素活性の頻度分布の特徴はその後代にまで引き継がれた。2) 高活性クローンを50世代,約1年間累代飼育したところ,酵素活性は同一世代内でも個体によってかなりばらついたが,各世代における酵素活性の平均は高水準のまま維持された。3) ハウス栽培のナスでは,本剤の散布回数が増えるにしたがって,高活性個体頻度も増加した。このことから,閉鎖環境で薬剤を連用すると感受性の低下が短期間のうちに起こる可能性が示唆された。4) 一方,露地栽培のナスでは,本剤散布の影響がハウス栽培ほど明瞭にならなかった。これは,圃場外から低活性の有翅虫が盛んに移入したためと考えられた。

Chitosan interaction with soybean beta-conglycinin beta(3) was investigated by thermal unfolding experiments using CD spectroscopy. The negative ellipticity of the protein was enhanced with rising solution temperature. The transition temperature of thermal unfolding of the protein (T(m)) was 63.4 degrees C at pH 3.0 (0.15 M KCl). When chitosan was added to the protein solution, the T(m) value was elevated by 7.7 degrees C, whereas the T(m) elevation upon addition of chitosan hexamer (GlcN)(6) was 2.2 degrees C. These carbohydrates appear to interact with the protein stabilizing the protein structure, and the interaction ability could be evaluated from the T(m) elevation. Similar experiments were conducted at various pHs from 2.0 to 3.5, and the T(m) elevation was found to be enhanced in the higher pH region. We conclude that chitosan interacts with beta-conglycinin through electrostatic interactions between the positive charges of the chitosan polysaccharide and the negative charges of the protein surface.

A new high speed rotor device has been designed, fabricated and tested for cleaning (removal of sub-micron size dust particles) silicon wafer surfaces. The 140 mm diameter aluminium rotor with grooves spins at a maximum speed of 50,000 rpm over silicon wafer surfaces placed at a distance of 1 mm from the rotor surface. A sonic argon jet coming out of the rotor surface is also used to enhance the wafer cleaning process. The tungsten particles (0.7 μ) are removed successfully from both plain and patterned silicon wafer surfaces. However it was not possible to remove 0.1 μ aluminium dioxide particles from the wafer surfaces. Details of the study are presented in this paper.

Object.A pressure-driven continuous jet of water has been reported to be a feasible tool for neuroendoscopic dissection owing to its superiority at selective tissue dissection in the absence of thermal effects. With respect to a safe, accurate dissection, however, continuous water flow may not be suitable for intraventricular use. The authors performed experiments aimed at solving problems associated with continuous flow by using a pulsed holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser-induced liquid jet (LILJ). They present this candidate neuroendoscopic LILJ dissection system, having examined its mechanical characteristics and evaluated its controllability both in a tissue phantom and in a rabbit cadaveric ventricle wall.Methods.The LILJ generator was incorporated into the tip of a No. 4 French catheter so that the LILJ could be delivered via a neuroendoscope. Briefly, the LILJ was generated by irradiating an internally supplied column of physiological saline with a pulsed Ho:YAG laser (pulse duration time 350 µsec; laser energy 250–700 mJ/pulse) within a No. 4 French catheter (internal diameter 1 mm) and ejecting it from a metal nozzle (internal diameter 100 µm). The Ho:YAG laser energy pulses were conveyed by an optical fiber (core diameter 400 µm) at 3 Hz, whereas physiological saline (4°C) was supplied at a rate of 40 ml/hour. The mechanical characteristics of the pulsed LILJ were investigated using high-speed photography and pressure measurements; thermal effects and controllability were analyzed using an artificial tissue model (10% gelatin of 1 mm thickness). Finally, the ventricle wall of a rabbit cadaver was dissected using the LILJ.Jet pressure increased in accordance with laser energy from 0.1 to 2 bar; this translated into a penetration depth of 0.08 to 0.9 mm per shot in the ventricle wall of the rabbit cadaver. The gelatin phantom could be cut into the desired shape without significant thermal effects and in the intended manner, with a good surgical view.Conclusions.The present results show that the pulsed LILJ has the potential to become a safe and reliable dissecting method for endoscopic procedures.

In Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) underwater shock wave focusing generates high pressures at very short duration of time inside human body. However, it is not yet clear how high temperatures are enhanced at the spot where a shock wave is focused. The estimation of such dynamic temperature enhancements is critical for the evaluation of tissue damages upon shock loading. For this purpose in the Interdisciplinary Shock Wave Research Center a technique is developed which employs laser induced thermal acoustics or Laser Induced Grating Spectroscopy. Unlike most of gas-dynamic methods of measuring physical quantities this provides a non-invasive one having spatial and temporal resolutions of the order of magnitude of 1.0 mm 3 and 400 ns, respectively. Preliminary experiments in still water demonstrated that this method detected sound speed and hence temperature in water ranging 283 K to 333 K with errors of 0.5%. These results may be used to empirically establish the equation of states of water, gelatin or agar cells which will work as alternatives of human tissues.

An intercalation compound of WOP2O7/phenanthroline and a mixture of WOP2O7/carbon black were prepared to have equal carbon contents. Both samples were heated below 1400°C under a nitrogen atmosphere and their thermal degradation behaviors compared, with the following results: (1) CO gas evolved through carbothermal reduction at a temperature 150°C lower in the intercalation compound than in the WOP2O7/carbon black mixture. (2) Both WP and W formed at temperatures approximately 100°C lower in the intercalation compound than in the mixture. (3) Thermal degradation occurred homogeneously throughout the intercalation compound particles, and the particle morphology remained favorable after thermal degradation.