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Previously, we reported that near‐infrared irradiation that simulates solar near‐infrared irradiation with pre‐ and parallel‐irradiational cooling can non‐thermally induce cytocidal effects in cancer cells. To explore these effects, we assessed cell viability, DNA damage response pathways, and the percentage of mitotic cancer cells after near‐infrared treatment. Further, we evaluated the anti‐cancer effects of near‐infrared irradiation compared with doxorubicin in xenografts in nude mice by measuring tumor volume and assessing protein phosphorylation by immunoblot analysis. The cell viability of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells was significantly decreased after three rounds of near‐infrared irradiation at 20 J ⁄ cm(2). Apoptotic cells were observed in near‐infrared treated cells. Moreover, near‐infrared treatment increased the phosphorylation of ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) at Ser(1981), H2AX at Ser(139), Chk1 at Ser(317), structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) 1 at Ser(966), and p53 at Ser(15) in A549 cells compared with control. Notably, near‐infrared treatment induced the formation of nucleic foci of γH2AX. The percentage of mitotic A549 cells, as measured by histone H3 phosphorylation, decreased significantly after three rounds of near‐infrared irradiation at 20 J ⁄cm(2). Both near‐infrared and doxorubicin inhibited the tumor growth of MDA‐MB435 melanoma cell xenografts in nude mice and increased the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser(15), Chk1 at Ser(317), SMC1 at Ser(966), and H2AX at Ser(139) compared with control mice. These results indicate that near‐infrared irradiation can non‐thermally induce cytocidal effects in cancer cells as a result of activation of the DNA damage response pathway. The near‐infrared irradiation schedule used here reduces discomfort and side effects. Therefore, this strategy may have potential application in the treatment of cancer. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02310.x, 2012)

To carry out performance test of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) simply and safely without dealing with toxic carbon monoxide, validity of substituting H2-H2O gas mixtures for reformate gases was investigated with practical-sized single cells. H2-H2O gas mixtures were prepared by replacing CO with H2 and CO2 with H2O in equilibrium reformate compositions at high temperatures (≥ 750ºC) where CH4 concentration is negligible. It was clarified that cell voltages for the H2-H2O substitutes agreed to ones for reformate gas of kerosene or methane by 0.6-0.2% at 0-90% fuel utilization and 650-750ºC. It was concluded that the way of H2-H2O substitution will be valid as long as for SOFCs show good internal reforming performance.

The CellSearch system (Veridex, LLC) is useful for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in various carcinomas, including colorectal cancer (CRC); however, there are some problems associated with its clinical use. A transcription–reverse transcription concerted reaction (TRC) method, which is a PCR-based technique producing more stable and reliable results, because it is a more simplified process compared with the conventional techniques, has been introduced for detecting micrometastasis in some carcinomas. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of TRC method in the CTC detection. We compared the two methods for the sensitivity for CTC detection using the colon cancer cell line and 42 whole-blood samples from patients with advanced or metastatic CRC. Furthermore, 25 patients with metastatic CRC were enrolled to investigate the correlation between CTC detection and prognosis in both methods. The sensitivity of the TRC method was similar to that of the CellSearch system. The overall survival rate was significantly worse in the patients diagnosed as CTC-positive by the TRC method than in those diagnosed as CTC-negative; this finding was similar to the prognosis indicated by the CellSearch system. However, clinically, the TRC method could detect CTCs more rapidly and at a reduced cost compared with the CellSearch system. The TRC method seems to be a useful alternative to the CellSearch system for clinically detecting CTCs in patients with metastatic CRC.

The concept of Distributed Carbon Capture and Storage (DCCS) for small scale CO 2 sources, such as Distributed Energy Systems (DES), is proposed, and Carbon Storage in a Shallow Aquifer (CSSA), in which CO 2 is stored in shallow aquifers as aqueous solution, is also studied as a technique for the DCCS. A conceptual design for the CSSA have been performed and the fundamental calculations in this study show that the dissolution capacity, that is, the amount of CO 2 which can be dissolved into unit volume of water in a shallow aquifer is 10–35 kg-CO 2 /m 3 in the range of the storage depth of 100–500 m. The dissolution capacity of the CSSA is less than 10% of the possible amount of CO 2 stored by the ordinary CCS technique in which CO 2 is stored in the supercritical condition. However, the CSSA is estimated to allow the CO 2 storage at less than ¥3000/t-CO 2 of the storage cost and more than 20-years of the injection period for CO 2 sources of 1800–39,000 t-CO 2 /year, which correspond to the CO 2 emissions from 0.1 to 10 MW DES. The required energy for the CSSA is estimated to be less than 10% of the energy generated by the CO 2 sources.

π-Conjugated polymers, PTOTBT, PTEHTBT, and PTt-BTBT, composed of benzothiadiazole as an electron accepting unit and terthiophene as an electron donating unit in the backbone were prepared. PTOTBT, PTEHTBT, and PTt-BTBT contained side chain groups of n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, and t-butyl groups, respectively. Solubility, optical and thermal properties of the polymers showed strong dependences on their side chain groups. PTEHTBT having 2-ethylhexyl groups in the side chain exhibited absorption maximum (λmax) at longer wavelength (565 nm) than PTOTBT (534 nm) and PTt-BTBT (495 nm). PTOTBT showed higher thermal stability than the others. The prepared polymers were employed to polymer solar cells (PSCs) with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT-PSS/polymer: PC61BH/LiF/Al. Power conversion efficiency of the PSC-based on PTEHTBT was 1.32%. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011

Slurry coating method for fabricating tubular solid oxide electrolysis stacks operated at 700~800oC is developed. To improve cell performance at the low temperature, the thickness of the electrolyte layer is tried controlling about 10μm. By using this process, the SOEC stack whose input power is about 100 W is fabricated and its performance is measured. From the measurement, it is clarified that the hydrogen production rate at 750oC goes up to 678 sccm (3.08 sccm/cm2) at the thermoneutral voltage and steam utilization of 75 %. Furthermore, impedance of the stack is analysed by AC impedance method.

Numerical simulations were implemented to predict a disc-type single cell performance with gas seal at anode off-gas recycle from the previous experimental results without gas seal. It was clarified that 70% DC electrical efficiency with seal could be expected at 700ºC, 387 mA cm-2 (90% fuel and 45% air utilizations) and recycle ratio r = 0.67 by 17 mV enhancement in the cell voltage with gas sealing. The efficiency would be increased by 1 percent points compared to one without seal. Distribution of current density, anode gas composition, and electromotive force in the cell with seal was also elucidated. Furthermore, it was revealed that change in current density, H2 concentration, and electromotive force between the cell inlet and outlet could become smaller as the recycle ratio increases. It was also found that differences in recycle ratio (r = 0.56, 0.67, 0.74) could influence cell voltage only by ± 1%.

In the present study, the suction performance and the cavitation instabilities in turbo-pumps with two different inducers designed with different design incidence angle are experimentally investigated in the wide range of operating flow rate. Compared to the Inducer A, Inducer B is designed with larger incidence angle, therefore it has slightly larger inlet and outlet angles. The identical centrifugal impeller is used as a main impeller. As a result, the total head of pump with inducer B is confirmed to be larger than that with inducer B especially at large flow rates, while the shaft power is almost the same, resulting in the better efficiency with the inducer B. The suction performance is better with inducer B at large flow rates. Two kinds of instabilities, the cavitating whirling vortex and the surges are mainly observed for the both inducers, but they are limited at low flow rates. The occurrence ranges of these cavitation instabilities are wider with inducer B.

Tubular solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) whose operating temperature is reduced to 700~800 oC are developed. To improve cell performance at the low temperature, Sc2O3 stabilized ZrO2 is chosen as electrolyte material and the thickness of the electrolyte layer is tried controlling about 10μm by slurry coating method. As a result of performance test, it is clarified that current density at thermoneutral point goes up to 0.46 Acm-2 at 750 oC. Furthermore, degradation phenomena in long term operation more than 1200 h are observed.

Anode gas recycle (AGR) is one of the methods to enhance fuel utilization. In this paper, electrochemical performance of a single planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was investigated with/without AGR. Cell performance at AGR was successfully evaluated by our simulated-reformate generator without carrying out AGR actually. It was clarified that cell voltage more than 0.8 V could be obtained with AGR at utilization of 90% methane fuel and 45% air, 700ºC and 400 mA cm-2. The cell voltage was by 20 mV higher than one without AGR at the same utilizations. DC electrical efficiency more than 69%-LHV can be expected at AGR-SOFC which is by 2 percent points higher than one without AGR. Furthermore, it was found that deviation of cell voltage against change in current at a constant flow-rate and time constant for gas conversion in anode would be twice smaller with AGR than without AGR.

Soluble polythiophenes bearing strong electron withdrawing groups, dicyanoethenyl [CHC(CN)2] (PTDCN) and cyano-methoxycarbonylethenyl [CHC(CO2Me)CN] (PTCNME), in the side chains have been prepared. Optical band gaps calculated from onset absorption were 1.70 eV and 1.73 eV for PTDCN and PTCNME, respectively. Highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels measured with a surface analyzer (AC-2) were −5.53 eV and −5.29 eV for PTDCN and PTCNME, respectively, which were much lower than that of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (−4.81 eV). To investigate photovoltaic properties, bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells based on PTDCN and PTCNME were fabricated with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/active layer/LiF/Al, where the active layer was a blend film of polymer and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid hexyl ester (PC61BH). Solar cell parameters were estimated from current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics under the illumination of AM1.5 at 100 mW/cm2. The solar cell based on the blend film of PTCNME:PC61BH (1:1) showed power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.72% together with the open current voltage (Voc) of 0.61 V, the short current density (Jsc) of 3.90 mA/cm2, and the fill factor of 30.3%. The PCE of a solar cell fabricated from PTDCN in a similar way was 0.56%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010

Bio-Energy with Carbon Storage (BECS), which is the system to combine the power generation system using biomass-fuels and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), is one of the most efficient systems to realize negative CO2 emission, which allows atmospheric CO2 recovery with power generation. In this study, the BECS system with a SOFC system using biomass-fuels and a newly proposed Distributed CCS (DCCS) technique is described. The case study in a model island clarifies that the BECS system can supply the 4600 MWh of electric energy and recover 5,200-t atmospheric CO2 per year.

Objective: Stressful exercise reduces the plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine concentration in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of exhaustive exercise-induced suppression of the plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentration in response to LPS. Methods: Male C3H/HeN mice (n = 66) were randomized to treadmill running to exhaustion (Ex) or a sedentary (Non-Ex) condition. Monocytes and splenic macrophages were collected from some animals, and other animals were injected with LPS (1 mg/kg) immediately after the exercise. The liver, lung and spleen tissues in the mice were removed 30 min after the LPS injection for determination of TNF-α mRNA expression. Blood and tissue samples were collected for determination of TNF-α and TNF receptors (TNFR) 1 h after the LPS injection. Results: Although there was a significant suppression in LPS-induced plasma TNF-α in the Ex mice when compared to the Non-Ex mice (p < 0.01), soluble TNFR in plasma was not affected by the exercise. There was no change in cell-surface expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and in LPS-induced TNF-α mRNA expression and TNFR content in tissues between the Ex and Non-Ex groups. Interestingly, TNF-α contents in the liver, lung and spleen of the Ex mice were significantly lower than those of the Non-Ex group (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: These data suggest that exhaustive exercise-induced suppression of the plasma TNF-α concentration despite LPS stimulation might depend on translation of TNF-α in tissues.

Tubular SOECs with operating temperature reduced to 700~800oC are developed. To improve cell performance at low temperatures, Sc2O3 stabilized ZrO2 is chosen as the electrolyte material and thickness of the electrolyte layer is tried to be controlled to about 10 μm. Test electrolysis cells are fabricated by using slurry coating method. Dependence of cell performance on operating conditions is measured. Further, AC impedance method is applied to the cells to estimate interfacial overvoltage. From the experiment, it is clarified that the hydrogen production rate at 750oC goes up to 3.6 sccm/cm2 at the thermoneutral voltage. This value is more than 2 times of that of the commercial alkaline electrolysers.

In order to investigate the internal reforming characteristics in a cermet supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using YSZ as the electrolyte, the concentration profiles of the gaseous species along the gas flow direction in the anode were measured. Partially reformed methane using a pre-reformer kept at a constant temperature is supplied to the center of the cell which is operated with a seal-less structure at the gas outlet. The anode gas is sucked in via silica capillaries to the initially evacuated gas tanks. The process is simultaneously carried out using five sampling ports. The sampled gas is analyzed by a gas chromatograph. Most of the measurements are made at the cell temperature ( T cell ) of 750 °C and at various temperatures of the pre-reformer ( T ref ) with various fuel utilizations ( U f ) of the cell. The composition of the fuel at the inlet of the anode was confirmed to be almost the same as that theoretically calculated assuming equilibrium at the temperature of the pre-reformer. The effect of internal reforming in the anode is clearly observed as a steady decrease in the methane concentration along the flow axis. The effect of the water-gas shift reaction is also observed as a decrease in the CO 2 concentration and an increase of CO concentration around the gas inlet region, as the water-gas shift reaction inversely proceeds when T cell is higher than T ref . The diffusion of nitrogen from the seal-less outermost edge is observed, and the diffusion is confirmed to be more significant as U f decreases. The observations are compared with the results obtained by the SOFC supported by lanthanum gallate electrolyte. With respect to the internal reforming performance, the cell investigated here is found to be more effective when compared to the previously reported electrolyte supported cell.

With capillary-typed thermal mass flowmeters (ctMFM) primarily calibrated with methane, it was investigated to measure input energy of LNG-based gaseous fuels to fuel cell systems. Energy flow rate can be expressed as Q× CLNG× FR where Q is heating value, CLNG is conversion factor from CH4 to the fuels, and FR is reading of ctMFM expressed as CH4 flow rate. Strong and negative correlation was observed between Q and CLNG, which will reduce deviation of the term "Q× CLNG" to 20% of deviation of Q. Calibration of ctMFM with an average composition of the fuels is necessary to obtain the correction factor Q× CLNG. It was found that input energy of LNG-based fuels can be measured with 40-100% range of ctMFM within {plus minus}1.5% uncertainty even if heating value of the fuels deviates by {plus minus}4.0%.

Measurement techniques to estimate electrical efficiency of 10 kW-class SOFC systems fueled by town-gas were developed and demonstrated for a system developed by Kansai Electric Power Company and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation under a NEDO project. Higher heating value of the fuel was evaluated with a transportable gas sampling unit and conventional gas chromatography in AIST laboratory with thermal-conductivity and flame-ionization detectors, leading to mean value 44.69 MJ m−3 on a volumetric base for ideal-gas at the standard state (0 °C, 101.325 kPa). Mass-flow-rate of the fuel was estimated as 33.04 slm with a mass-flow meter for CH4, which was calibrated to correct CH4 flow-rate and effect of sensitivity change and to obtain conversion factor from CH4 to town-gas. Without calibration, systematic effect would occur by 8% in flow-rate measurement in the case for CH4. Power output was measured with a precision power analyzer, a virtual three phase starpoint adapter, and tri-axial shunts. Power of fundamental wave (60 Hz) was estimated as 10.14 kW, considering from total active power, total higher harmonic distortion factor, and power consumption at the starpoint adapter. The electrical efficiency was presumed to be 41.2% (HHV), though this mean value will be complete only when uncertainty estimation is accompanied.

For solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems fueled by kerosene, reforming of methane, ethylene, and desulfurized kerosene was investigated over Ni-8YSZ catalyst at 750 °C and steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C) = 3 as a function of gas hourly space velocity (GHSV). At temperatures higher than 650 °C, a thick Ni-8YSZ layer exhibited a high catalytic activity for reforming of methane, ethylene, and kerosene of which gas concentration in a pre-reformate gas was less than 1%. On the other hand, thin anode layer will require some modification of the catalytic activity. Carbon was formed as particles in the inlet quartz wool via pyrolysis of ethylene at flow-stagnation points, which will cause pore closure in Ni-anode catalysts. This type of carbon formation would bring about inhomogeneous flow-and-voltage distribution in a cell. Direct feed of steam and kerosene to Ni-8YSZ was examined at GHSV = 2400 h −1 , S/C = 3 and 550–750 °C. Gas composition analysis and FTIR spectra indicate that high kerosene conversion (≥95%) could be attained at 650–750 °C over Ni-8YSZ assuming relatively thick Ni-anode layer. The catalytic activity was deteriorated at lower temperatures. Clear carbon deposition on Ni-8YSZ or inlet quartz wool was not observed on the experimental condition. The direct feeding system may be possible only at high temperatures and high S/C. As long as a temperature of anode-supported SOFCs is kept over 650 °C, small amount of methane, ethylene, and kerosene will not harm performance of the SOFCs.

This is an electronic version of an article published in Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, 42(1):17-22 (2008). Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery is available online at informaworldTM., Article, Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery. 42(1):17-22 (2008)

It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 secretion from tissues recruits monocytes from the circulation, but the mechanism of the LPS-induced MCP-1 production in skeletal muscle is largely unexplained. To clarify the effect of LPS on MCP-1 production in skeletal muscle cells, C2C12 cells from a mouse skeletal muscle cell line, and RAW 264.7 cells from a mouse macrophage cell line, were used to assess production of LPS-induced MCP-1, nitric oxide (NO) and interferon (IFN)-beta. In addition, we evaluated inducible NO synthases (iNOS) mRNA expression using RT-PCR, and cell surface expression of CD14 and toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 using flow cytometry. In C2C12 cells, LPS stimulation increased MCP-1 production (p < 0.01), but combined treatment with LPS and NO inducer, diethylammonium (Z)-1-(N,N-diethylamino) diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (NONOate), significantly inhibited its production (p < 0.01). LPS stimulation neither induced production of NO nor of IFN-beta, which is an NO inducer. Recombinant IFN-beta stimulation, on the other hand, enhanced LPS-induced NO production (p < 0.01). Interestingly, we found that surface expression of CD14, which regulates IFN-beta production, in C2C12 cells was much lower than that in RAW 264.7 cells, although TLR4 expression on C2C12 cells was similar to that on RAW 264.7 cells. These data suggest that the reduced NO production in response to LPS may depend on low expression of CD14 on the cell surface of skeletal muscle, and that it may enhance LPS-induced MCP-1 production. Together, these functions of skeletal muscle could decrease the risk of bacterial infection by recruitment of monocytes.

Dimethyl ether steam reforming (DME SR) was performed over composite catalysts of copper ferrite spinel (CuFe2O4) and alumina for hydrogen production, applicable to fuel cell. A highly active composite was achieved when the calcination temperature of the Cu spinel was at 900 8C and thatof the aluminawas ator below 700 8C. The calcination temperature strongly affected the crystallinity and reducibility of thecopper ferrite spinel and the acidity of alumina. The composite catalysts both with and without pre-reduction were active for DME SR when the prereduced catalyst exhibited higher initial activity, butlonger activation process was observedfor the composite catalyst without pre-reduction.DME conversion and hydrogen production significantly depended on gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) and reforming temperatures (Tr). DME conversion (>95%), H2 production rate (� 50 mol kgcat � 1 h � 1 ), and H2 concentration (ca. 73%) were achieved at Tr of 350 8C and GHSV of 1500 h � 1 . The maximum H2 production rate of 120 mol kgcat � 1 h � 1 was found at Tr of 450 8C and GHSVof 4000 h � 1 . Mixing state of the copper spinel and thealuminawas alsoinvestigated.Aftermixing withalumina, thepresent CuFe2O4markedlyexhibitedexcellentactivityforDME SRin

Reformate gas was analyzed by micro-gas chromatograph (mGC), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). By using gravimetrically calibrated mass flow controllers, preparation of stable and quantifiable steam was achieved by catalytic combustion of hydrogen, which can produce standard reformates with high precision by addition of CO2, CO, or CH4. It was demonstrated that gas analysis of reformates can be done with high precision ({plus minus}0.35 mol.%) by mGC and FTIR.

Measurements of the concentration profile of gaseous species along the flow direction in seal-less disc-type SOFC anode channel were performed using partially reformed methane as a fuel. Gas chromatography was used for the analysis. The inlet gas to the anode was found to be in its equilibrium composition dictated by the temperature of the reformer. The osmosis of ambient gas was found to be noticeable when the cell was operated under low fuel utilization just as observed previously using hydrogen as a fuel. The effect of internal reforming was observed when the modified anode current collector was used instead of pure Ni. In this case, it was found that the cell works up to fuel utilization values as high as 80%, even if the temperature of the reformer was 550 {degree sign}C. Observed H/C ratio suddenly decreases at the outer rim of the cell.

Tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) composed of Ni- yttria- stabilized zirconia (YSZ) supported scandia-stabilized zirconia (SSZ) electrolyte film, doped ceria interlayer and strontium-doped cobaltile electrodes were successfully developed for reduced-temperature operation. The SOFCs were fabricated by adopting a slurry coating technique, which allows to prepare a ceramic layer with a thickness varied between 1~ca. 150μm, and a co-fire process. The fabrication process was investigated in detail for realizing low cost SOFCs with high degree of straight, round, high reproductive quality, and high electrochemical performance. Flawless dense electrolyte thin film less than 10μm was achieved on porous tubular Ni-YSZ substrate with the thickness that thicker than 500μm. Primary results of electrochemical performance test show that the a fabricated cells with (Sm0.6Sr0.4)CoO3 electrode could produce ca. 0.4 Wcm-2 of power density at H2 utilization of 60% at 800oC.

For producing pure hydrogen with high efficiency and low cost, Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) assisted by low calorie gas were proposed. To use low coat metal as electrodes and an interconnector, tubular SOECs operated at 700~800oC were tried fabricated. The thickness of the electrolyte in the SOEC reduce to approximately 10 μm by using Slurry coating technique and electrolytic performance of the fabricated cells was measured. As a result of this experiment, the hydrogen production rate of a testing cell whose effective electrode area was 18.8 cm2 achieved 56 sccm at 800oC under practical operating condition. Further, the way of improving cell performance was discussed.

The steady-state performance and transient response of the 1kW- class SOFC system was analyzed using the numerical model, since frequent load changes are often required. Based on the analysis, if the weight density of the catalyst is 100 g/m3 in the cell, the conversion rate of CH4 is about 80% even when the temperature of the reformer is 550{degree sign}C. DC output of the system is 1262 W (54% (HHV)) at the rating when fuel utilization is 75%. In this case, the SOFC system can be operated thermal self-sufficiently at partial loads. Moreover the system maintains the same efficiency as the rating even if the fuel is decreased to 50% of the rating. The damping time constant of temperature for load change does depend on the flow rate of inlet gas to the system. The transient period of the SOFC system is influenced by the cell resistance dependence on the temperature.

The present study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the acute physiology, age, chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score in burn patients. We hypothesised that APACHE III score efficiently predicts mortality of burn patients as it reflects the physiological changes in the acute phase and the severity of the underlying illness. Data such as age, gender, inhalation injury, total burn surface area (TBSA), burn index (BI), prognostic burn index (PBI), APACHE III score and outcome of 105 hospitalised patients were analysed retrospectively. TBSA, BI, PBI, and APACHE III score in the mortality group were significantly higher than those of surviving group. The mean scores of surviving versus mortality groups were as follows: TBSA, 19.2+/-17.8% versus 69.1+/-28.4%, p

To conduct remote inspection missions using micro-satellites, an experimental device using a flexible beam (bendable and with shape retention properties) without any articulated joints was developed and called “Morphable Beam Device”. A beam is bended as it is deployed and the end-probe is able to reach distant targets of interest. A camera is selected for the end-probe to realize more simply system. In this paper, the concept and mechanism of the device is described and the behavior is tested and confirmed by using a 3D position sensor system. Also, the 3D reconstitution process is described by using structure from motion techniques borrowed from computer vision.

The Laboratory for Space Systems, Tokyo Institute of Technology had developed a nano-satellite, Cute-1.7 + APD. The satellite was launched as one of the subpayloads of the JAXA M-V-8 rocket on February 22, 2006, and deployed into an orbit using a separation mechanism that is developed in this project. The satellite conducted missions including house-keeping data retrieval, use of COTS devices, attitude determination, and amateur radio cooperation for two months. The succeeding satellite is also planned to be launched in 2007.

A performance of an anode-supported tubular Ni–8YSZ/Ni–ScSZ/ScSZ/GDC/LSC cell was investigated at 650–750 °C by feeding model kerosene reformate gas (H 2 , H 2 O, CO, CO 2 , and CH 4 ) to a Ni–8YSZ/Ni–ScSZ anode. Variations of gas composition were observed not only between inlet and outlet of anode to estimate the degree of internal reforming, but also during current input by online quadrupole mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. The electrochemical performance of the cell was independent of reforming temperature of kerosene, i.e. gas composition (in particular CH 4 concentration) at moderate anode gas flow rates. At open-circuit states, 10% or less methane in the kerosene-reformed gas was readily converted by steam or CO 2 over the Ni–8YSZ/Ni–ScSZ electrode so that gas compositions could almost follow the thermodynamic equilibrium at 650–750 °C. This suggests that the internal reforming should proceed almost completely over the Ni anode. Consumption of H 2 and CO and production of CO 2 were observed during current input. I–V characteristics remained constant at 650 °C as long as anodic W/F was more than 0.2 kg mmol − 1 s. It was demonstrated that a catalytic activity of an anode electrode for hydrocarbons will be important for SOFCs with liquid fuels such as kerosene in order not to deteriorate cell performance.

Recently, small solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems have been developed for various applications because of their high performance. In such small generation systems, quick and frequent start-stops are often required. However, it is generally considered that these start-stops with SOFC systems are not preferable because SOFC systems are operated at high temperature. Also, quantitative studies on the thermal behavior of small SOFC systems are limited. The purpose of this paper is to obtain insight into the possibility of using small SOFC systems with quick and frequent start-stops. A simple two-dimensional numerical model for 1kW-class SOFC systems was fabricated to study this problem. The model consists of a cylindrical SOFC stack, a prereformer on the stack, a heat exchanger for exhaust gas, and a thermal insulator that covers the stack and the prereformer. Using this model, first, the characteristics of the power generation efficiency were estimated under various operating conditions. In addition, the validity of the modeling was verified. Next, the start-up dependence on their structure and operating conditions was investigated. Finally, for the cyclic daily start-up and shutdown (DSS) procedure, the total efficiency during a day was calculated when the energy loss during start-stops is considered. As a result of the analysis, the following points were found. First, the validity and accuracy of the modeling was established, and their efficiency under the rated condition becomes 60% (DC/HHV) at a steam-carbon ratio=2.5 and an oxygen utilization=50%. Next, the thickness of the thermal insulator (0.03W∕m∕K) is required to be more than 6cm to reduce the heat loss from the outer surface of the thermal insulator to

Influences of solid–acid catalyst on dimethyl ether steam reforming (DME SR) and DME hydrolysis for hydrogen production were investigated. Series of zeolite (JRC-ZHM20(5), JRC-ZHM90(1) as H-mordenite type and JRC-Z5-90H(1) as ZSM-5 type) and of alumina (ALO8, TA1301, TA3301, DK503, NKHD24, NKHO24 and NK324) were used as acidic catalysts for DME hydrolysis. The composite catalysts of the acidic catalyst and CuFe2O4 spinel catalyst were employed for DME SR. DME SR activity strongly depended on the acidic catalyst that is active for DME hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of DME, the rate-determining step in DME SR, is equilibrium-controlled. Zeolite exhibited high activity for DME SR at a low temperature range of 200–275 °C, since the hydrolysis could effectively proceed over strong BrOnsted acid-sites approaching its equilibrium. Alumina possessing Lewis acid-sites was active for DME hydrolysis in the higher temperature range from 275 to 450 °C. CO2 and CO with relatively small amounts of CH4 were found as primary carbon-containing compounds when alumina was used as the acidic catalyst. In the case of zeolite, besides those carbon compounds, C3H8, i-C4H10, and n-C4H10 were detected during SR and hydrolysis of DME. It was found that not only the acid amount of the acidic catalysts, but also the acid strength and the type of acid-site definitely affected the steam reforming and hydrolysis activity. γ-Alumina (ALO8) mixed with CuFe2O4 exhibited the highest DME conversion and hydrogen production with optimum reforming temperature at 350–375 °C. Stable activity for DME hydrolysis was attained over ALO8 with high durability for 25 h.

構造ヘルスモニタリングには，ノイズに対するロバスト性と小さな損傷を検出できる敏感性が要求される．近年，カオス信号を外力として入力した構造物の応答からアトラクタを作成し，アトラクタの変化を損傷前後で比較することで損傷検出を行うという手法が提案されている．この手法は，アトラクタに基づく解析がノイズに対して敏感であるという利点に基づいている．そこで本研究では，カオス応答アトラクタからRecurrence Analysisを用いて定量的な情報を抽出し，これを損傷前後で比較することで損傷の検出を行う．数値解析例では，構造物の小さな損傷を設定し，入力と観測値に高レベルのノイズが付加された条件のもとで損傷検出を行い，提案手法の有用性を示す．

Aneurysm of the palmar artery is rare. We report a case of an aneurysm of the common palmar digital artery in an infant. The patient had no history of trauma, and the aneurysm may have been congenital in origin. In the case presented, microvascular reconstruction of the digital artery was carried out successfully, and the patient has been followed-up by MR angiography. Microsurgical techniques have been developed, and postoperative evaluation can be performed easily by MR angiography. Therefore, microvascular reconstruction is recommended in congenital cases. Considering the patient’s young age and the possibility of recurrence of vascular abnormalities or hand injuries in future, microvascular reconstruction should be considered to maintain normal blood flow. In congenital cases, long-term follow-up is needed. MR angiography is very useful because it is convenient, noninvasive, and is effective for evaluation of re-established blood flow.

Cu-based spinel-type oxides were investigated for steam reforming of dimethyl ether (DME). Addition of γ-Al 2 O 3 to Cu catalysts improved DME conversion since hydrolysis of DME was promoted over acid-sites on γ-Al 2 O 3 . Higher catalytic activity was shown over the composite of γ-Al 2 O 3 and Cu–Mn, or Cu–Fe, or Cu–Cr oxide than that of γ-Al 2 O 3 and Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Cu–Fe and Cu–Mn catalysts demonstrated high activity for methanol steam reforming, which was ascribed to high performance for DME steam reforming. XPS measurements revealed that mono- and zero-valent copper species co-existed on Cu–Mn, Cu–Fe, and Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalysts subjected to in situ H 2 reduction following methanol steam reforming. In the system of γ-Al 2 O 3 and Cu–Mn–Fe oxide, Mn/Fe ratio was optimized. Mn/Fe ratio exhibited influence on CO 2 and CO selectivity. Mn-rich composite catalysts produced more CO than Fe-rich catalysts. The optimized atomic ratio of Cu/Mn/Fe was 2/1/3. DME conversion was not influenced by steam/DME ratio in the feed gas, while CO formation was suppressed with a rise in steam/DME ratio. Complete DME conversion was attained below 350 °C over the optimized composite catalyst. The optimal Al 2 O 3 /Cu–Mn–Fe weight ratio was between 1/2 and 1. High catalytic activity and thermal stability of the optimal composite was found by the time-on-steam test at as high as 400 °C for 100 h.

Higher CO conversions were achieved over Cu–Mn spinel catalysts prepared by citric acid complex method (CIT), urea homogenous coprecipitation (URE) and Pechini method (PEC) than by coprecipitation with NH3 (COP(NH3)). Higher reducibility was attained by CIT, URE and PEC than by COP(NH3). The citric acid method was a simple way to produce a catalyst with high activity. CO conversion was enhanced with a rise in calcination temperatures over the Cu–Mn spinel catalyst prepared by the citric acid method. Partial substitution of Fe or Al for Mn enhanced the catalytic activity of Cu–Mn spinel. Optimized Cu/Mn/Fe ratio was 1:1:1 in terms of catalytic activity.

The oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays an important role in the genesis of arteriosclerosis. The present study focused on the effects of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia on preventing arteriosclerosis. The MeOH extract and CHCl(3)-, EtOAc-, n-BuOH-, and H(2)O-soluble phases derived from the fruits of M. citrifolia were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on copper-induced LDL oxidation by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) method. The MeOH extract and EtOAc-soluble phase showed 88 and 96% inhibition, respectively. Six lignans were isolated by repeated column chromatography from the EtOAc-soluble phase. These compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis to be 3,3'-bisdemethylpinoresinol (1), americanol A (2), americanin A (3), americanoic acid A (4), morindolin (5), and isoprincepin (6), of which 4 and 5 are novel compounds. These compounds inhibited copper-induced LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner. 1, 2, 5, and 6 exhibited remarkably strong activities, which were the same or better than that of the known antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol. The IC(50) values for 1, 2, 5, and 6 were 1.057, 2.447, 2.020, and 1.362 microM, respectively. The activity of these compounds is mainly due to their number of phenolic hydroxyl groups.

Cu/MnO catalysts prepared via reduction of Cu–Mn spinel oxide were investigated for development of active Cu catalysts for the water gas shift reaction (WGSR). A Cu–Mn catalyst active for the WGSR was obtained after high temperature calcination at 900 °C and subsequent reduction. The optimum Cu/Mn ratio for catalytic activity of the Cu–Mn oxide system was 1/2. Nonstoichiometric Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 phase existed stably when copper manganese oxide was calcined above 700 °C. The optimized Cu–Mn spinel showed excellent WGSR activity when a larger percentage of CO was used, as in hydrocarbon reforming. Cu–Mn spinel oxides calcined above 900 °C were easily reduced. This may be responsible for the high activity of the Cu/MnO catalyst. Carbon dioxide in the reformed gas significantly depressed WGSR activity below 200 °C, while CO conversion reached equilibrium at 200 °C in the absence of CO2.

A composition of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by the impregnation method was optimized for water gas shift reaction (WGSR) coupled with CO oxidation in the reformed gas. The optimum composition of the impregnated catalyst for high WGSR activity was 5 wt.% Cu/5 wt.% ZnO/Al2O3. The optimum loading amounts of Cu and ZnO in the impregnated catalyst were smaller than those in the coprecipitated catalyst. Its catalytic activity above 200 °C was comparable to that of the conventional coprecipitated Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. However, the activity of the impregnated Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts was significantly lowered at 150 °C, whereas no deactivation was observed for the coprecipitated catalyst at the same temperature. It was found that deactivation occurred over impregnated catalysts with H2O and/or O2 in the reaction gas; it prevented CO adsorption on the surface.

Cu-based mixed oxides were investigated for WGSR in order to identify catalysts with high activity and durability even under severe conditions including a large amount of H 2 O in the reformed fuels. CuAl 2 O 4 and CuMn 2 O 4 showed much higher specific rates of CO conversion than Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 . Although WGSR activity emerged from reduction of the mixed oxides, high-temperature reduction gave rise to the sintering of Cu. CuAl 2 O 4 showed moderate CO oxidation activity at lower temperatures and WGSR activity over 300 °C. The CuMn 2 O 4 catalyst exhibited high WGSR activity over 225 °C, comparable to that of Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 , and high durability for 20 h at 200–225 °C.

A quantitative measurement method for a polarity-inverted layer in ferroelectric or piezoelectric thin film is proposed. It is performed nondestructively by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM). In SNDM, linear and nonlinear dielectric constants are measured using a probe that converts the variation of capacitance related to these constants into the variation of electrical oscillation frequency. In this paper, we describe a principle for determining the layer thickness and some calculation results of the output signal, which are related to the radius of the probe tip and the thickness of the inverted layer. Moreover, we derive an equation that represents the relationship between the output signal and the oscillation frequency of the probe and explain how to determine the thickness from the measured frequency. Experimental results in Sc-doped AlN piezoelectric thin films that have a polarity-inverted layer with a thickness of 1.5 µm fabricated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering showed a fairly good value of 1.38 µm for the thickness of the polarity-inverted layer.