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We have already proposed dasiaPupilMousepsila, which would be very useful for the severely handicapped people, who can move their heads, to operate a PC and so on. In PupilMouse, pupil motion between frames detected by a video camera is reflected in cursor motion on a PC screen and whether each of the right and left pupils are detected or not is reflected in the push states of the corresponding buttons of a two button mouse. Accordingly, users can move the cursor on the PC screen by head rotation, and can click by closing their single eye. If they rotate their head while closing one eye, they can drag. more...

The glycosylation inhibiting factor (GIF) was detected in EGTA extracts of the OVA-specific Ts cell hybridoma, 231F1 cells and 71B4 cells, which constitutively secrete GIF. The lymphokine in both culture supernatants and EGTA extracts failed to bind to OVA-Sepharose. Association of GIF with the plasma membrane was confirmed by surface labeling of the 231F1 cells with 125I. The major species of GIF in the extract was 14.4-kDa peptide as determined by SDS-PAGE, and was identical to that detected in culture supernatants. Pretreatment of the cells with monoclonal anti-GIF switched the cells from the formation of unglycosylated IgE-BF to the formation of glycosylated IgE-BF, indicating that the membrane-associated GIF is involved in the determination of the nature of IgE-binding factor during their biosynthesis. When the hybridoma was stimulated with OVA-pulsed APC, EGTA extracts of the cells contained GIF having affinity for OVA. The binding of the OVA-binding GIF in the EGTA extracts to OVA-Sepharose was inhibited by a synthetic peptide, which corresponds to amino acid residues 307-317 in the OVA molecule and represents the epitope recognized by TCR on the cells. The OVA-binding GIF in the extracts bound to the monoclonal anti-TCR-alpha chain, H-28-710 and the mAb 14-12, which is specific for the Ag-binding chain of effector type suppressor factor, and suppressed the in vivo antibody response of BDF1 mice to DNP-OVA in a carrier-specific manner. Evidence was obtained that indicated that the Ag-binding chain was associated with nonspecific GIF chain on the cell surface of the Ag-stimulated cells. more...

Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) has long been regarded as one of the most important factors involved in wilting of plants by Pseudomonas solanacearum. By means of transposon Tn5 mutagenesis, we have isolated a class of mutants that have an afluidal colony morphology but retain the ability to cause severe wilting and death of tobacco plants. One such mutant, KD700, was studied in detail. By marker exchange mutagenesis, the altered colony morphology was shown to be the result of a single Tn5 insertion in a 14.3-kilobase EcoRI fragment. This defect could be corrected by introducing a homologous clone from a cosmid library of the wild-type, parental strain K60. The Tn5-containing fragment was introduced into other P. solanacearum wild-type strains by marker exchange, and these altered strains had the same afluidal phenotype as KD700. N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNac), the major constituent of EPS of all wild-type strains of P. solanacearum, was not detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of vascular fluids from wilting plants infected by KD700. In contrast, GalNac was readily detected in similar fluids of plants infected by K60. Polysaccharides extracted from culture filtrates of KD700 contained approximately one-fifth of the GalNac present in polysaccharides from K60. No differences in growth rates in culture or in planta between the mutant and the parental strains were observed. Since strains that are deficient in EPS production can remain highly virulent to tobacco, we conclude that EPS, or at least its GalNac-containing component, may not be required for disease development by P. solanacearum. more...

The concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase (UK) were measured in the plasma of patients with benign or malignant ovarian and uterine tumors. Plasma levels of t-PA were higher in patients with malignant ovarian and uterine tumors than in patients with benign tumors. Plasma UK levels were, however, not different between patients with ovarian and uterine tumors (benign or malignant) and normal persons. The concentrations of t-PA and UK of tissues of uterine myoma were lower than those in normal uterine muscular layer. UK levels of tissues of endometrial and cervical cancers were significantly higher than those in normal endometrium and uterine cervix, whereas t-PA levels were not different between these tumors compared with those in normal uterine tissues. more...

To make clear how the n-hexane metabolism is modified by co-exposure with MEK, rats were exposed to various concentrations of MEK mixed with a fixed concentration of n-hexane. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups. Each group was exposed for 8 h to 2000 ppm n-hexane, 2000 ppm n-hexane plus 200 ppm MEK, 2000 ppm n-hexane plus 630 ppm MEK and 2000 ppm n-hexane plus 2000 ppm MEK, respectively. Free metabolites and the sum of free and conjugated metabolites of n-hexane were analyzed by gas chromatography. The main metabolite was 2-hexanol during the exposure and 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) after the exposure in any group. The main metabolites, 2-hexanol and 2,5 HD, decreased in inverse proportion to the co-exposed MEK concentrations. The results suggest that augmentation of n-hexane neurotoxicity by MEK co-exposure could not be explained only by 2,5-HD. In addition, 2,5-HD is recommended as an index for biological monitoring of n-hexane exposure. However, one should be careful to evaluate the exposed n-hexane concentration by urinary 2,5-HD, because n-hexane metabolism could be largely modified by co-exposure with MEK. more...

The mouse T cell hybridoma 12H5 cells constitutively form glycosylation-enhancing factor (GEF) and produce both IgE-potentiating factor and ovalbumin (OVA)-binding GEF upon antigenic stimulation with OVA-pulsed macrophages. Culture of the 12H5 cells either with nonspecific glycosylation inhibiting factor (GIF) or with a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, ONO-RS-082, stopped the formation of GEF and induced the same cells to form GIF. Induction of the GIF formation by a PLA2 inhibitor was observed even when the 12H5 cells had been treated with mitomycin C, indicating that the switching from the GEF formation to the GIF formation was not due to selective proliferation of a GIF-producing subclone. The OVA-binding GIF produced by the PLA2-inhibitor-treated, antigen-stimulated 12H5 cells binds to homologous antigen (ovalbumin), and shares both antigenic determinant recognized by the monoclonal antibody 14-30 and the lipomodulin-determinant with antigen-specific suppressor inducer factor (TsiF). The present experiments also showed that a typical helper T cell clone, D10, G4.1 cells, constitutively formed GEF and that preculture of the T cell clone with IL-2 and the PLA2 inhibitor switched the cells from the formation of GEF to the formation of GIF. Upon stimulation with antigen-pulsed macrophages, the inhibitor-treated D10.G4.1 cells formed GIF having affinity for conalbumin. The results indicated that the same T cells have the capacity to form either GIF or GEF under different conditions, and suggested that the GIF-producing suppressor T cells may be a phenotype of a subset of helper T cells. Switching of the same cells from the GEF formation to the GIF formation by the PLA2 inhibitor and the ability of the inhibitor to enhance GIF formation suggested that PLA2-inhibitory activity or GIF activity of TsiF is involved in the suppressor T cell cascade. more...

We have experimentally investigated and analyzed the dynamical properties of 87Rb Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) in the optical trap generated by the crossed far-off resonant laser beams. A variety of internal degrees of freedom, and many interesting dynamics were observed. more...

(1-x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3, (NNBTx; x=0.0-0.21) solid-solution ceramics were synthesized and their crystal structure, dielectric properties and piezoelectric properties were investigated. The crystal structure of NNBTx was varied from orthorhombic to tetragonal with increasing BaTiO3 content x. The morphotropic phase boundary at room temperature was observed between x=0.08 and 0.09, and the lattice anisotropy and Curie temperature in the tetragonal phase decreased with increasing x. The highest electromechanical coupling factor, k p , of 0.318 and the largest piezoelectric constant, d 33, of 164 pC/N were obtained for NNBT0.09 with the tetragonal phase, and the highest mechanical quality factor of 890 was obtained for NNBT0.06 with the orthorhombic phase. more...

A 52-year-old male presented with right sudden deafness and left isolated limb sensory disturbance following posterior neck pain. An examination revealed a mild degree of right sensory neural hearing loss and decreased pain and thermal sensation in the left side below the L3 level. Brain MRI showed a small lesion in the midlateral portion of the right middle-rostral medulla. The combination of the image findings suggests a right lateral medullary infarction caused by a vertebral artery (VA) dissection. In our case, the fibers carrying the modalities of the lateral spinothalamic tract restricted to below the L3 level, sparing other sensations, suggest a selective involvement. This finding suggests that sensory dermatomal representation in the modality may be preserved at least up to the level of the medulla oblongata. Moreover, in our case, the small emboli originating from the dissected VA possibly caused a small selective cochlear infarction. This type of embolism may give rise to various combinations of symptoms depending on the branches involved. For patients with an acute onset of headache or neck pain who present with isolated limb sensory disturbance accompanied by sudden deafness, even without the classical brainstem signs, a VA dissection and medullary infarction should therefore be considered. more...

Josephson current of superconducting junctions can be modulated by an external field. This modulation of the Josephson current I/sub c/ is usually observed by one-dimensional scan of the applied magnetic field. In this paper, using two pairs of the Helmholz coils, the external magnetic field H is scanned in two dimensions and the two-dimensional surfaces of the I/sub c/-H dependence are first measured. Modulations of Fiske steps of the current-voltage characteristics are also studied. more...

Deep Submergence Vehicle Shinkai 6500, owned and operated by Independent Administrative Institution Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (hereafter JAMSTEC, and JAMSTEC was reorganized from Japan Marine Science and Technology Center on April 1, 2004), is the deepest manned submersible in the world. Shinkai 6500 has a depth capability of 6500 m and was developed in 1989 by JAMSTEC, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (hereafter MHI). She was commissioned in 1990 with her exclusive support vessel "YOKOSUKA" (length overall; 105 m, gross tonnage; 4,436 GT). Shinkai 6500 has dived 811 times until the end of March 2004. The major dives were carried out in the East Pacific Raise, the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific region, including the Mariana Trench and the Japan Trench. She has achieved many fruitful and important scientific results for the science in the world. The original power source of Shinkai 6500 was oil filled pressure compensated silver oxide zinc battery. However, the silver-zinc battery is very expensive, has short life, and is necessary complex work for maintenance. The operators needed to do full electric discharge every 15th dive, and to adjust electrolysis liquid after 30 dives. In order to supply electricity for the Shinkai 6500, two 400Ah battery pods, 800Ah in total, are installed. From 1997, the JAMSTEC Shinkai 6500 operation team, and MHI and Japan Storage Battery Co. Ltd started to develop the 400Ah capacity oil filled pressure compensated lithium-ion battery for Shinkai 6500 main batteries. And we completed development and sea trial in March 2004. The advantage of lithium ion battery in comparison with silver zinc battery is (1) maintenance-free, it is not necessary to do adjustment of electrolysis liquid. (2) long life time, the battery life time increased from 75 times or 1 year, to 180 times or 2 years, and (3) light weight, it is about 100 kg lighter than the silver zinc battery system. We will development and result of operation of introduce the first big capacity oil filled pressure compensated lithium ion battery for the Shinkai 6500. more...

[1] Primarily, one-dimensional full-particle electromagnetic simulations supplemented by a two-dimensional simulation are performed to investigate the excitation processes of electrostatic waves in quasi-parallel shocks. The characteristic waves are ion acoustic, ion beam-mode, and upper-hybrid waves. In the upstream region, only ion beam-mode electrostatic waves are excited by the reflected ion beam running almost parallel to the ambient magnetic field. We find that the ion beam-mode waves evolve into electrostatic solitary waves (ESW) for an appropriate ion beam velocity. The evolution of the ion beam-mode to ESW is most clearly observed in the simulation when the ambient magnetic field is taken to be parallel to the ion beam direction. We confirm that the ion beam-mode waves are excited only in the direction parallel to the ambient magnetic field. In the shock transition region (STR) the simulation results show that upper-hybrid waves are excited on the upstream side of the STR by the reflected ion beam running almost perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field. In the STR region a large-amplitude and quasi-monochromatic oblique whistler wave is also excited. On the downstream side of the STR, ion acoustic waves are excited. The mechanism of the excitation of the ion acoustic wave is the current-driven instability. This instability is generated by the velocity difference between ions and electrons due to electron acceleration in the shock potential. Of these three types of waves, the ion acoustic waves scatter electrons most effectively and contribute to the electron heating processes in the shock region. more...

A 24-year-old woman with Graves' disease treated with methimazole for 4 years, developed recalcitrant ulcers on the lower legs. Histological studies demonstrated vasculitis in deep dermal vessels accompanied by C3 deposition. Laboratory investigation revealed lupus-like abnormalities (leucocytopenia, positive antinuclear and antidouble strand (ds) DNA antibodies, and positive ANCA). The leg ulcers dramatically improved after methimazole was withdrawn. In addition, leucocytopenia and the immunological abnormalities soon faded. Although lupus-like syndrome is well known to be induced by antithyroid drugs, vasculitis is a rare complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing ANCA-associated vasculitis caused by methimazole. more...

In this paper we describe a simple elevator modeling method that deals with supervisory control logics such as dynamic zoning. It can be applied to design equipment and tune supervisory control logics. We developed this method by extending the techniques used for calculating round trip times. We have conducted a simulation to confirm the effectiveness of this model. more...

A method of high resolution position control using an induction motor drive system is proposed. Two control methods are combined. One is an ultralow-speed control based on principles of impulsive torque drives and using a high-frequency dither signal which can compensate standstill frictions at low speed. The other is a linear control along an optimum sliding line which is decided by free-run characteristics of the mechanical load. The control circuit is composed of a high-resolution position sensor (1296 K pulses/rev), a controller using by a digital signal processor (DSP) and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) inverter having optimized PWM switching patterns. The accuracy of the position control obtained in the experiment is 1/1296000 (rev), which corresponds to one second of the mechanical angle. > more...

A design method for an input tracking control system using a neural network is proposed. A multi-layered neural network is first trained to model the input-output mapping of a controlled object of an unknown, discrete-time nonlinear system. This neuro emulator is used for generating Jacobian information with respect to the controlled object. The Jacobian coefficients were generated by the multi-layered neural network which had been, in advance, trained to map the input-output relation of the controlled object. The potential method was then applied for generating the input sequences under constructing an asymptotically stable gradient system. The tracking property was assured in the sense of linearization approximation of the controlled object. A simple control law is determined by Lyapunov's method so that the output of the controlled object can follow a reference input. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method. > more...

We demonstrate distinct magnetic and resistive switching with junction magnetoresistance up to −6% in magnetic tunnel junctions with a CuCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} barrier. Junction magnetoresistance is inversely related to barrier thickness and reveals a maximum at a finite applied bias that converges to zero bias at low temperatures for all barrier thicknesses. The non-monotonic bias dependence is attributed to a charge gap from the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} electrode and possible spin filtering from the spin-split conduction band of the ferrimagnetic CuCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} barrier. more...

The authors describe a digital control method operated by a digital signal processor (DSP) of a three-phase PWM inverter with an inductor-capacitor (L-C) filter for uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) in the inverter output. The inverter output voltage control system has a minor loop of the filter capacitor current. In the loop, a full-order observer operating at dead-beat estimation compensates a lag-time caused by the DSP and disturbances. The observer estimates the capacitor current and the disturbances. Controllers for the current and the voltage control system consist of a dead-beat controller and a proportional compensator respectively. Experimental results showed output voltage distortion of 0.84% at a 10 kVa capacitor input rectifier load and voltage regulation under 0.5%. > more...

An acousto-optical third order correlator consisting of a laser light source, a 2-D acousto-optical diffractor cell with signal controlling circuitry, a pin hole and a CCD connected to a computer for image processing is introduced. The correlator enables an instantaneous computation of a third order correlation map R/sub 3/( tau /sub 1/, tau /sub 2/) of an arbitrary signal by way of optical computing. Through experiments, it proved that the system was able to obtain the R/sub 3/ map in real-time with minimal image processing in the computer. > more...

We present the design and fabrication of multilayer distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for GaN based VCSELs covering from ultra-violet to blue spectral region. Also, a resonant emission from a photopumped InGaN-GaN vertical cavity structure with a cavity length of 1.9 /spl mu/m is demonstrated. more...

This paper describes a model which creates linguistic expressions about some objects drawn in a picture. Fuzzy sets are employed in the inference part to deal with fuzziness inherent in linguistic expressions. The model infers the subjective matter on the object, e.g., the relation between objects, from the objective picture information, e.g., the spatial distance. Some simulation results show that this model can create the appropriate linguistic expressions about images and the effectiveness of this model is confirmed. more...

In this report, attention is placed on the ohmic resistance, not on the conventional AC impedance of the valve-regulated Pb-acid (VRLA) battery. Based on the various effects obtained in the course of analyzing resistance, it has been confirmed that the internal resistance of a deteriorated battery increases as the resistance of positive plates increases. In addition, a means for identifying another deterioration mode (dry-out) applied using ohmic resistance is described. At the same time, the authors' concept for estimating the remaining life of VRLA batteries is proposed. more...

A tubular-type VRLA battery with granular silica has been developed. This new VRLA battery has some outstanding characteristics, such as long cycle-life, high energy efficiency or high reliability. This battery has a new electrolyte retainer, which is granular silica, filled between positive and negative plates, and also around plates. Because granular silica retainer can compress the active mass homogeneously and does not shrink even after much water loss during long period of operation, battery can perform these outstanding characteristics. Recently, these developed AGS (absorptive granular silica) batteries have been introduced in the wind power generation systems and also photovoltaic power generation systems. As these power generation systems suffer quality of electric grid, such as frequency or voltage fluctuations. In order to prevent these problems, the introduction of AGS battery with advanced characteristics is necessary. In 1999, 600 cells of 500 Ah-2V (=600 kWh) AGS batteries were introduced into the remote island in Okinawa, Japan for the 280 kW wind power generation system of the Okinawa Power Co. Ltd. and they have been operating very well. more...

A meta-analysis by the Cochrane Stroke Group (CSG) showed that thrombolytic therapy increased deaths as well as symptomatic and fatal intracranial hemorrhage within the first seven to 10 days and at final follow-up, although these risks are offset by a reduction in disability in survivors, so that there is overall a significant net reduction in the proportion of patients dead or dependent. Trials testing intravenous (i.v.) tPA suggest that it may be associated with less hazard and more benefit. A recent trial demonstrated that intra-arterial pro-urokinase improved long-term outcome in patients with M 1 or M 2 occlusion within 6 hours of onset. Trials of the third generation of thrombolytic agents are ongoing in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The latest CSG's meta-analysis showed that immediate anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke was not associated with net short or long-term benefit because there was no evidence that anticoagulant therapy reduced deaths or non-fatal stroke during treatment or patients dead or dependent at the end of follow-up. However, an i.v. low-molecular-weight heparinoid showed a trend toward improving long-term outcome in subgroup of patients with atherothrombotic stroke. The thrombin inhibitor argatroban was proven to be comparable to the thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor ozagrel in the effect on the outcome at one month in patients with atherothrombotic stroke within 48 hours of onset in Japan, and a trial of the agent is ongoing in patients with ischemic stroke within 12 hours of onset in the United States. Two large trials of aspirin in patients with ischemic stroke within 48 hours of onset indicated that aspirin had a modest effect on reducing patients dead or dependent at the end of follow-up. An international trial of abciximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, is ongoing in patients with ischemic stroke within 6 hours of onset. more...

This phase II study investigated the efficacy, tolerability and dose-response relationship of oral zolmitriptan in the treatment of a single migraine attack in Japanese patients. A bridging analysis then assessed the validity of extrapolating western clinical data to these Japanese patients. In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients received a single dose of placebo or zolmitriptan 1, 2.5 or 5 mg. The primary endpoints were 2-h headache response and the tolerability of zolmitriptan. A statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed for the 2-h headache response ( P = 0.003). The 2.5 mg group had significantly greater 2-h headache response than the placebo group ( P = 0.032). The adverse event profile was similar to that reported in western patients, and no adverse events unique to the Japanese population were observed. The bridging analysis report confirmed similar efficacy and tolerability of zolmitriptan in Japanese and western populations. In the Japanese patients, the estimated response rates were 34.3%, 45.2%, 57.7% and 66.2% for placebo, and zolmitriptan 1, 2.5 and 5 mg, respectively, while in the western population the corresponding rates were 39.9%, 49.6%, 61.2% and 71.7%. Zolmitriptan is effective and well tolerated in the acute treatment of migraine in Japanese patients. The optimal dose was 2.5 mg, although the 5 mg dose may provide further benefit for some patients. The bridging analysis supports extrapolation of data from western to Japanese patients. more...

We experienced a case of 62-year-old woman who was admitted for the evaluation of her trembling hands. She was diagnosed as Williams syndrome (WS) by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. She was short in stature, had a characteristic face and moderate mental retardation, whereas she was talkative and gregarious. She also presented impaired visuospatial cognition, cerebellar ataxia and tremor like involuntary movement of the hands. No remarkable abnormality is noted in MRI of the brain. MRA study of the brain revealed the arteriosclerotic vascular change, such as elongation of basilar artery and dilatation of bilateral carotid arteries. Heterozygous microdeletion of chromosome 7q11.23 of this patient is typical for WS, the delction including elastin (ELN) and LIMK 1 gene. Although she was complicated by diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, she had no cardiovascular abnormalities like supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), and survived to her age in good condition. The tremor-like involuntary movement disappeared after her discharge and its mechanism remains to be elucidated. more...

The raw material of glycyrrhizinic acid was examined for preparation of the "Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard". The analytical data obtained were: UV spectrum: lambda max, 251 nm; and specific absorbance (E1ca1%) in ethanol at 251 nm, 146; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 1714, 1655, 1215, and 1170 cm-1; and the spectrum of raw material was consistent with that of Standard (Control 991). Also, thin-layer chromatography, no impurity was detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, several impurities were detected. The amount of each impurity was estimated at less than 0.2% and total amount of impurities was less than 0.4%. Based on the above results, the candidate material was authorized as the Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material of Berberine Hydrochloride was examined for preparation of the "Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard". The analytical data obtained were: UV spectrum: lambda max, 420, 345, 263 and 228 nm and specific absorbance (E1ca1%) in ethanol at each lambda max, 155, 724, 796 and 820, respectively; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 2844, 1635, 1569, and 1506 cm-1; and the spectrum of raw material was consistent with that of Standard (Control 941). Also, thin-layer chromatography, an impurity was detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, several impurities were detected. The amount of each impurity was estimated at less than 0.1% and the total amount of impurities was less than 0.2%. Based on the above results, the candidate material was authorized as the Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material of ergocalciferol was examined for the preparation of "Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: melting point, 114.8 degrees C; UV and infrared spectra, the same as those of JP Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 971); specific absorbance, E1ca1% = 471(265 nm); optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +102.4 degrees; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.1%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001). more...

The raw material of Alprostadil was examined for the preparation of "Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: IR spectrum, same as that of the Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 923); thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 20 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.2%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 001). more...

The raw material of beclometasone dipropionate was examined for the preparation of the "Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 011)". The analytical data obtained were: melting point, 208.8 degrees C; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +91.7 degrees; IR spectrum, same as that of the Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 865); thin-layer chromatography, one impurity was detected until 40 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.5%; loss on drying, 0.6%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 011) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material of betamethasone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: melting point, 207.2 degrees C; pH, 8.1; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +104.4 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 242 nm and specific absorbance in water at 242 nm = 272.9; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 3386.9, 1721.7, 1663.3, 1620.4, 1605.0, 1094.3, 985.8, 889.8 cm-1; free phosphoric acid, 0.3%; thin-layer chromatography, one impurity was detected until 200 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.5%; water, 9.2%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material for dexamethasone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: pH, 8.0; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +79.6 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 242 nm and specific absorbance in water at 242 nm = 313.6; IR spectrum, same as that of the Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 893); free phosphoric acid, 0.06%; free dexamethasone, 0.07%; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.2%; residual solvent, 4.3% (ethanol); water, 7.3%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: pH, 8.3: optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +126.2 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 248 nm and specific absorbance in water at 248 nm = 338.6; IR spectrum, same as that of the Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 891); free phosphoric acid, 0.2%; free hydrocortisone, 0.01%; thin-layer chromatography, no impurity was detected until 200 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.2%; residual solvent, 0.0% (acetone) and 0.02% (ethanol); loss on drying, 1.5%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material of cholecalciferol was examined for the preparation of "Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: melting point, 83.2 degrees C; UV and infrared spectra, the same as those of JP Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 971), respectively; specific absorbance at 265 nm, E1ca1% = 478; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +108.6 degrees; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.05%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001). more...

The use of ac arc plasma involves a problem of instability of the arc plasma at current zero point. A method for stabilizing the transferred-type ac arc plasma has been developed by superimposing a pulse current on an ac current only at each current zero point. In this paper, a high-speed observation of the ac arc plasma is carried out in order to investigate on the stabilization of the ac arc plasma by superimposing a pulse current. more...

Nanoparticles (NPs) are used as smart materials in some industrial areas. The methods that utilize arc plasma are a good choice in terms of raising production rate of NPs. In this paper, alumina NPs are synthesized from alumina bulk by transferred-type dc arc plasma, and a high-speed observation of the alumina vapor in the arc plasma is carried out in order to investigate on the evaporation behavior of the alumina bulk. more...

The first thiazolidinedione derivative drug for diabetes, troglitazone, was found to cause fatal hepatotoxicity, although it was judged as safe during the clinical trial. Subsequently, pioglitazone has been clinically used both in Japan and U.S. and has had no fatal cases but caused heart failure. Therefore, careful follow up observation is necessary in these drugs by checking liver function tests and cardiac function. more...

We describe the case of a computer operator who experienced paroxysmal attacks several times in which she felt a compulsion to handle keys with her right hand or actually her right hand moved involuntarily in a key-handling rhythm. Cranial CT and MRI revealed a mass lesion in the left medial aspect of the frontal lobe (supplementary motor area). After the removal of this tumor (meningioma), there were no more paroxysmal attacks. We suggest that voluntary movements controlled by the supplementary motor area were deranged by seizures provoked by the tumor. This case is attractive in relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder. more...

It is not known how Shiga toxins (Stxs), which are major virulence factors of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, can affect the host immune system. We investigated the effect of Stx2 on murine thymic cells in vivo and in vitro. After intraperitoneal administration of Stx2, the body weight of mice (BW) and the organ index of thymocytes (OIT) gradually decreased from day 1 to day 4. Apoptosis of thymocytes, assessed by TUNEL staining, and DNA fragmentation assay, was marked on day 3 and day 4. Decrease in BW and OIT due to Stx2 was antagonized by the simultaneous administration of murine anti-Stx2 IgG antibody with Stx2. In vitro administration of Stx2 also induced apoptosis of cultured thymocytes on day 3 and day 4 in a dose-dependent fashion. These results showed that Stx2 directly caused apoptosis of thymocytes in vivo and in vitro. Our findings imply that StA2 may be intimately related to pathogenesis of E. coli O157:H7 infection, by causing apoptosis of thymus. more...

The raw material for prednisolone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: pH, 7.9; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +98.0 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 248 nm and specific absorbance in ethanol at 248 nm = 306.7; IR spectrum, same as that of the Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 892); thin-layer chromatography, five impurities were detected at 200 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 3.7%; residual solvent, 0.0% (ethanol) and 0.0% (hexane); loss on drying, 2.7%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The National Institute of Health Sciences Reference Standard for Heparin Sodium (Control 991) was prepared. The potency of heparin sodium for the candidate reference standard was assayed against "Heparin Sodium Reference Standard (Control 871)" by JP Method in collaboration with 4 laboratories, and estimated as 1,453 +/- 25 units per ampoule. The filling amounts of heparin sodium in ampoule was estimated as 7.46 +/- 0.15 mg per ampoule, and the precision of filling into ampoule was about 2.0% as C.V. Based on the above results, the candidate was defined as 1450 units per ampoule, and was authorized as the Heparin Sodium Reference Standard (Control 991) of the National Institute of Health Sciences. more...

The raw material of tocopherol was tested for the preparation of "Tocopherol Reference Standard (Control 991)". Analytical data obtained were: IR spectrum, same as the Tocopherol Reference Standard (Control 941); specific absorbance, E/cm% (292 nm) = 72.9; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 50.0 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), trace amounts of five impurities were detected and the total amount was estimated to be less than 1.4%; assay by HPLC, 99.9%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Standard (Control 991). more...

We reported a 74-year-old male case of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) who responded to tandospirone citrate, a serotonin receptor (5-HT1A) agonist. The patient manifested postural instability and gait disturbance at 71 years. Additionally, he showed vertical gaze paresis, regidity of the neck, extremities and trunk, bradykinesia and mild cognitive impairment. A brain MRI revealed moderate atrophy of bilateral frontal/temporal lobes and of midbrain tegmentum one year after the onset. The patient had been diagnosed as PSP and treated with L-DOPA. However, L-DOPA therapy showed only transient response for a few months. His symptoms deteriorated gradually, and he became unable to sit, stand up or walk by himself. Tandospirone citrate was additionally administered at 30 mg/day. Rigidity and bradykinesia were remarkably improved in two weeks after the start of tandospirone treatment. He became able to stand up and walk a short distance with supports in four weeks. Cognitive disturbance was also slightly improved. Tandospirone citrate was effective on our case of PSP, especially on rigidity. Our findings suggest that combination of levodopa and tandospirone citrate is a useful therapy for PSP. more...