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In machine workshops and laboratories, specific materials and chemicals are processed and toxic aerosols may be released into air. For protection of the health of employees working in that environment, it is therefore important to gather knowledge about aerosol composition related to specific working activity and to monitor the aerosol concentration levels. An extensive study of this kind was performed in the machine workshop of Jožef Stefan Institute using a combination of time-, particle size- and location-resolved sampling. The majority of samples were analyzed by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) techniques and the main results have been described in a separate paper. Here, we concentrate on presenting the results of individual particle analysis of an aerosol emission that is related to a short, unexpected episode related to the restoration of old furniture. Although the activity was identified by a strong correlation of elemental concentrations in a series of samples taken with a 2-h time resolution, the single microparticle analysis of the cascade impactor samples taken over the longer time period offered an additional insight into the corresponding aerosol composition. The analysis of the aerosol size-selected samples revealed strong pair correlations among concentration levels of Ba, Zn, S, Pb and Cl in a number of individual microparticles. The result is explained by the emission of Ba- and Pb-rich aerosol particles in course of removal of the old white paint layers. The former particles appear to originate from white pigment called lithopone, which is a mixture of BaSO4 and ZnS, and the latter group seems to be related to Pattinson's white lead PbCl·OH. Although the individual particle analysis by itself is in principle capable of assigning the emission source, in this case, it was used as an excellent tool to enhance the quality of source characterization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ion channels serve diverse cellular functions, mainly in cell signal transduction. In endocrine cells, these channels play a major role in hormonal secretion, Ca2+-mediated cell signaling, transepithelial transport, cell motility and growth, volume regulation and cellular ionic content and acidification of lysosomal compartments. Ion channel dysfunction can cause endocrine disorders or endocrine-related manifestations, such as pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1, Liddle syndrome, Bartter syndrome, persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy, neonatal diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, Dent's disease, hypomagnesemia with secondary hipocalcemia, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and, the most recently genetically identified channelopathy, thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis. This review briefly recapitulates the membrane action potential in endocrine cells and offers a short overview of known endocrine channelopathies with focus on recent progress regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms and functional genetic defects. Canais iônicos auxiliam diferentes funções celulares, principalmente na transdução de sinal. Nas células endócrinas, esses canais têm funções importantes na secreção hormonal, sinalização do Ca2+, transporte transepitelial, regulação da motilidade, volume e conteúdo iônico celular e da acidificação do compartimento lisossomal (pH). Como esperado, as alterações nos canais iônicos podem causar distúrbios endocrinológicos, como pseudo-hipoaldosteronismo tipo 1, síndrome de Liddle, síndrome de Bartter, hipoglicemia hiperinsulinêmica da infância, diabetes melito neonatal, fibrose cística, doença de Dent, hipomagnesemia com hipocalcemia secundária, diabetes insípido nefrogênico e paralisia periódica tirotóxica hipocalêmica. Este artigo propõe uma breve revisão das canalopatias endócrinas conhecidas, com foco particular nos recentes progressos no conhecimento dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos adquirido a partir das alterações funcionais encontradas.

The early life environment has widespread consequences for later health and disease. To prevent the disease in later life, the assessment of fetal environment is very important. In Japan, birthweight has fallen rapidly during recent two decades. The reduction of birthweight represents reduced fetal nutrition. Deciduous tooth enamel contains pre- and postnatal enamel and its chemical composition reflects the status of metabolism of trace elements during formation period. Deciduous tooth enamel is considered to be a suitable indicator of trace elements exposure in utero. We applied micro-PIXE analysis to investigate the trace elemental content in deciduous tooth enamel. Two deciduous canines from one healthy Japanese boy were used for this study. The enamel section including pre-and postnatal enamel was prepared for micro-PIXE analysis. Five trace elements ( Na , Mg , Cl , Zn , and Sr ) were detected in the scanning area of tooth. The distribution profiles of 5 elements were obtained as X-ray maps. The distribution profiles of zinc and chlorine were specific, and showed higher concentration in surface enamel. No elements showed different profiles of X-ray maps between pre-and postnatal enamel in this sample. The results of this study suggested that micro-PIXE analysis would be able to estimate the trace elements in prenatal and postnatal enamel, respectively.

Consumption of coal is increasing as an alternative for petroleum. During the process, coal fly ash particles are produced and are disposed as an industrial waste. Coal ash contains toxic heavy metals, which leads to a concern about the possibility of leakage into environment. The spatial distribution and chemical form as well as elemental concentration of the toxic elements in the particles are important factors in assessing the leakage into the environment. In this study, we analyzed individual coal fly ash particles with 1 µm spatial resolution by using the simultaneous micro-PIXE/RBS/off-axis STIM system at Tohoku University. Eighty fly ash particles were analyzed. The particles are mainly composed of O , Si and Al and estimated as dioxide. Hydrogen and carbon are not observed in these particles. V , Zn , Sr , Cu , Ni , Mn , Cr and As are contained in the particles. The content of each element is quite different in each particle. These elements are distributed homogeneously. As an exception, Al , Ca , Fe , Zn , As and Zr are distributed on the surface of the particle which might be related to the combustion process.

A microbeam system was installed at Dynamitron laboratory at Tohoku University and is applicable to simultaneous in-air/in-vacuum PIXE, RBS, SE, and STIM analyses, and 3D µ-CT. Insufficient beam brightness of the source and field contamination of the microbeam line restricted spatial resolution. In order to improve the performance of Tohoku microbeam system, optimization and modification of the ion source and microbeam system were performed. By the modification of the system, the beam brightness of the system was increased to 1.0 pA ·µ m -2· mrad -2· MeV -1 at the half divergence of 0.2 mrad. Considering the brightness and the magnification, obtainable target current will be 200 and 900 pA for beam spot sizes of 1.0 × 1.0 and 2.0 × 2.0 µ m 2, respectively. The modification of the source meets both the lifetime and the performance. The parasitic field contamination of the system was reduced down to less than 0.5 % by replacing the beam scanner chamber and a part of beam duct. Both resolution and beam currents are sufficient for our applications of in-air/in-vacuum PIXE, RBS, SE, and STIM analyses and 3D PIXE-µ-CT.

New very precise KLOE data on e + e − → π + π − obtained by radiative return method in Frascati are unified with corrected CMD-2 and SND Novosibirsk e + e − → π + π − data and supplemented below and beyond by older data in order to be described by the unitary and analytic pion electromagnetic form factor model, which provides the most precise neutral ρ -meson family parameters. Then the recently appeared accurate Belle (KEK) data of the weak pion form factor are described by the same unitary and analytic model, as it follows from the CVC hypothesis, providing the charged ρ -meson family parameters. As a result the most reliable parameter differences of the ρ -meson family are determined.

In a biological body, trace elements including metallic elements play important roles. Knowing their spatial distribution and amounts, we can find out some relations among a physiological role of the trace element in vivo, the function, and the disease appearance. In this study, we investigated a method to obtain elemental distributions in whole brain slice taken from mental disease model mice and control mice using in-air submilli-PIXE camera at Tohoku University. We administered 5-BrdU that was the analogue of the thymidine as a marker to detect a new born cell in especially the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. We obtained the elemental distributions of the whole brain of subject and control mice. From elemental distributions of the brain of a mental disease model mouse, a brain contained light elements, such as P , S , Cl and K , which were uniformly distributed over the brain. Fe was accumulated in the specific area of brain. Elemental concentration of Fe was more than 10 times higher than that in the other. However, the accumulation of iron in brain slices was not observed in those of control mice. Zn is accumulated in the vicinity in hippocampus. Br was uniformly distributed over the brain. The submilli-PIXE camera will provide a powerful tool for this research.

This article empirically investigates two alternative, competing hypotheses regarding human attachment patterns and attachment patterns with respect to people's spiritual experiences of relationship with God. The correspondence model posits that attachment patterns with humans correspond to, or are reflected in attachment patterns in individuals’ experiences of God. The compensation model, in contrast proposes that attachment patterns with humans do not correspond to God attachment patterns presumably because God functions as a substitute attachment figure for those with insecure human attachments. Overall, the evidence has been somewhat mixed, with some findings supporting correspondence and some supporting compensation. It is argued here that this is due to limitations of the conceptual models, more specifically, lack of clarity regarding the compensation model, and the limited way in which spirituality and religiousness has been conceptualized and measured. We propose a conceptual distinction between implicit spiritual functioning and explicit spiritual functioning, which reflect two separate ways of knowing and processing emotional information: explicit knowledge and implicit relational knowledge (Stern et al., 1998). Based on this distinction, we propose a conceptual model arguing that correspondence operates at implicit levels of spiritual experience, and that human attachment patterns are not associated with explicit spiritual functioning. Results overall provided strong support for this model.

To improve the beam brightness and the stability of the accelerator for nanobeam and microbeam applications, the Dynamitron accelerator was upgraded. Although the microbeam system at Tohoku University can focus the beam to several hundred square micrometers, its beam currents were insufficient for analyses of sub-micrometer resolution because of the lack of the accelerator brightness. For this upgrade, an ion source, with lenses in the terminal, and an acceleration tube were replaced with new ones. A control system for the ion source and lens system was also newly developed. Beam brightness of 2.6 and 0.44 pA μm−2 mrad−2 MeV−1 is currently obtained for H 2 + and H 1 + beams at half divergence of 0.07 mrad. The voltage stability of the accelerator was improved by adjusting the voltage stabilizing system, thereby improving the beam current stability. The Dynamitron accelerator has been operated routinely for various experiments without a serious problem.

We report a high-statistics measurement of the branching fraction for τ − → π − π 0 ν τ and the invariant mass spectrum of the produced π − π 0 system using 72.2 fb −1 of data recorded with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider. The branching fraction obtained is (25.24±0.01±0.39)%, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The unfolded π − π 0 mass spectrum is used to determine resonance parameters for the ρ ( 770 ) , ρ ′ ( 1450 ) , and ρ ″ ( 1700 ) mesons. We also use this spectrum to estimate the hadronic (2 π ) contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon ( a μ π π ). Our result for a μ π π integrated over the mass range s = 2 m π − 1.8 GeV/c 2 is a μ π π = ( 523.5 ± 1.5 (exp) ± 2.6 (Br) ± 2.5 (isospin) ) × 10 − 10 , where the first error is due to the experimental uncertainties, the second is due to the uncertainties in the branching fractions and the third is due to the uncertainties in the isospin-violating corrections. A full description of these results is available in Phys. Rev. D 78 , 072006 (2008) [M. Fujikawa, H. Hayashii, S. Eidelman et al. , (Belle collaboration), Phys. Rev. D 78 , 072006 (2008)].

Wall thinning of piping made of carbon steel in nuclear and thermal power plants affects their life time and safety. Wall thinning results from dissolution of the oxide layer formed on the surface. To get a better understanding of this mechanism, characterization of oxide layer in localized area should be examined. We applied the simultaneous micro-PIXE/RBS analysis to characterization of the oxide layer in localized area. The oxide layer formed under the dynamic condition is not uniform over the 20 × 20 µm2 area. In this case, it is difficult to characterize layer by conventional RBS analysis. The simultaneous micro-PIXE/RBS system could characterize the layer by region analysis. Micro-PIXE analysis was applicable for segmentation of the specific area Then, RBS spectra was extracted from the area and the layer for the corresponding area was characterized. By combining micro-PIXE and micro-RBS, characterization of oxide layer could be done so as to get a better understanding of the corrosion mechanism effectively.

Particulate matter (PM) such as chromium compound ( PbCrO 4) is highly cytotoxic and carcinogenic. Several hexavalent chromium, compounds, Cr ( VI ), compounds are known to generate hydroxyl radical with in the cell and contribute to tissue damage. The way that theses compounds interact with human bodies at a cellular level is still unknown. To investigate the intracellular mechanism of chromium compounds, the 3D imaging techniques at the micro level are needed. In this paper, we report on the improvement of the PIXE-µ-CT system which was developed at Tohoku University and measured intracellular distribution images of PbCrO 4.particles on human lung cell.

Hyperventilation, with the resulting hypocapnia, reduces cerebral blood flow and causes slowing of the EEG activity. However, neuronal oscillating properties including the thalamocortical network during hyperventilation have not been elucidated. To assess these features provoked by hyperventilation, the present study examined quadratic phase coupling features by means of bicoherence analysis.Twenty-two patients were anaesthetized using sevoflurane 1.5% combined with remifentanil or epidural anaesthesia. After a stable normocapnic period, hypocapnia was induced by hyperventilation, and the raw EEG signals were collected. Bispectral analysis (bicoherence) and power spectrum analysis were performed before and after hypocapnia.Mean (sd) peak bicoherence in the delta- area increased from 35.6 (10.9)% during normocapnia to 43.8 (10.9)% during hypocapnia (P0.05), whereas mean (sd) peak bicoherence in the alpha area decreased from 42.8 (14.4)% during normocapnia to 37.5 (12.3)% during hypocapnia (P0.05). Normalized power in the delta- frequencies on the power spectrum increased from 60.2 (13.1)% to 72.5 (12.7)% (P0.05). Bispectral index and spectral edge frequency changed from 45.9 (7.0) to 40.1 (5.6) (P0.05) and from 15.0 (2.3) to 14.0 (2.5) Hz (P0.05), respectively. No significant differences in these values were observed between the two types of anaesthesia.Hypocapnia enlarged bicoherence growth in the delta- frequency range, suggesting the contribution of subcortical oscillating mechanisms in regulating EEG during hyperventilation.

We report a high-statistics measurement of the branching fraction for τ − → π − π 0 ν τ and the invariant mass spectrum of the produced π − π 0 system using 72.2 fb −1 of data recorded with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider. The branching fraction obtained is ( 25.12 ± 0.01 ± 0.38 ) % , where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The unfolded π − π 0 mass spectrum is used to determine resonance parameters for the ρ ( 770 ) , ρ ′ ( 1450 ) , and ρ ′ ′ ( 1700 ) mesons. We also use this spectrum to estimate the hadronic ( 2 π ) contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon ( a μ π π ) . Our result for a μ π π integrated over the mass range s = 2 m π − 1.8 GeV / c 2 is a μ π π = ( 519.1 ± 1.5 ( exp ) ± 2.6 ( Br ) ± 2.5 ( isospin ) ) × 10 −10 , where the first error is due to the experimental uncertainties, the second is due to the uncertainties in the branching fractions and the third is due to the uncertainties in the isospin-violating corrections. A full paper for these results is available in arxiv:0805.3773 .

We are developing a µ-CT (micro computed tomography) which enables to observe the interior of living small insects. In this study, we applied the µ-CT to get CT images of the egg of drosophila, since the drosophila is applied to various basic studies, such as gene research. The interior of the living egg was observed and it was uniform. In the case of the dried egg, the shell and the interior structure were confirmed. This result comes from the growth of the living egg.

In recent years, the self-sufficiency ratio of food in Japan has gradually decreased and 60% of foods are now imported from abroad. Japanese people rely strongly upon imported food and should take care of their safety, but what is happening now is that soil pollution in country of origin grows into a serious problem and can affect imported food. Umeboshi is one of the traditional pickled food in Japan and very popular. In the case of umeboshi, more than 65% of it is imported. We analyzed imported umeboshi and domestic ones by using in-air PIXE system and submili-PIXE camera at Tohoku University. In this experiment, the concentrations of toxic heavy metals such as As, Cd, Hg and Pb were lower than standard values given by a food hygiene law. Concentrations of elements heavier than Ca show similar trend among each sample. On the other hand, lighter elements than Ca show large differences, which is related to food coloring or processing technique.

The contamination of heavy metals in food becomes a serious problem. We analyzed oolong tea from different production areas by PIXE using very simple sample preparation and examined trace elements contained in these samples. From the results of this experiment, we could know oolong tea which analyzed in this experiment contains various minerals such as K, Ca, P, S, Cl, Fe, Mn, Cu and Cr but not toxic element of As which detection limit of PIXE was lower than the standard values given by the food hygiene law in Japan.

Elemental concentrations in Chinese peanuts have been analyzed and compared with those in Japanese peanuts by means of a PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) technique with an internal standard method to investigate traces of residual agricultural chemicals or toxic elements in them because frequent detection of excessive agrochemical residues in food imported from China has posed serious health concerns to Japanese people. We prepared the samples by separating the peanut seed into two cotyledons (seed leaves) and an embryo. Significant differences in elemental concentrations between Chinese and Japanese peanuts have not been observed as far as the peanut seeds used in the present measurement are concerned. The concentrations of the several elements in the embryo are higher than those in the cotyledon.

A large amount of yellow sand dust from Asian continent transported to Japan by air, affecting traffic, climate and human health. The yellow sand is known as a natural phenomenon, but it is mixed with anthropogenic aerosols over the industrial area in East Asia and causes environmental pollution. In addition, atmospheric turbid phenomena are occasionally observed in spring of recent years over western part of Japan. This phenomenon is caused by the increase in the amounts of fine particles. For a better comprehension of such turbid phenomena, we collected aerosols at Nagasaki. At the same time, particle number concentrations were observed by OPC. The samples were analyzed by an in-air PIXE system at Tohoku University. Time series of elemental concentrations and particle number concentration were obtained. It found that the yellow sand dust phenomenon occurred when coarse particles reached high concentrations, and elemental concentrations of Si, Ca, Fe, Pb and Hg showed similar variations along with that of coarse particles. On the other hand, when fumes or mists were observed, concentrations of fine particles were also correlated with concentrations of S and Zn.

We report a measurement of the invariant mass spectrum of the π − π 0 system and the pion form factor | F π ( s ) | for τ − → π − π 0 ν τ using 72.2 fb −1 of data recorded with the Belle detector at the KEKB e + e − collider. The unfolded π − π 0 mass spectrum is used to determine resonance parameters for the ρ ( 770 ) , ρ ′ ( 1450 ) , and ρ ″ ( 1700 ) mesons. We also use this spectrum to estimate the hadronic contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.

A hybrid technique for stress and strain analyses combining experimental and numerical methods reducing experimental error and noise has recently attracted much attention. The previous hybrid techniques involve inevitable error and noise, particularly on the boundary of the target area of interest (TAI). In the present paper, the authors develop a new hybrid technique that can reconstruct boundary conditions from the full-field displacement distribution obtained by experiment. This technique starts from the idea of two matrices based on finite element analysis (FEM). One is the ‘relation matrix’ which gives the relation between displacement vectors on the boundary of and inside the target area. The other is the ‘smoothing matrix’ which ensures smoothness (continuity) of displacement along nodes on the boundary. This technique makes it possible to reconstruct proper or actual boundary conditions on the TAI automatically. Therefore, the distributions of displacement, stress, and strain calculated by the technique are more accurate and useful than those obtained by the previous one not only inside the TAI but also on its boundary.

We report a measurement of the branching fraction for τ − → π − π 0 ν τ and the invariant mass spectrum of the resulting π − π 0 system using 72.2 fb−1 of data recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB e + e − collider. The branching fraction obtained is (25.15 ± 0.04 ± 0.31)%, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The unfolded π − π 0 mass spectrum is used to determine resonance parameters for the ρ ( 770 ) , ρ ′ ( 1450 ) , and ρ ″ ( 1700 ) mesons. We also use this spectrum to estimate the hadronic contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.

The intelligent hybrid technique proposed by Nishioka et al. can be used to analyze stress intensity factors from displacement data obtained by experiments with high accuracy and reliability. However, the hybrid technique suffers from inevitable error and noise involved in extracting displacement fields from the boundary experimentally the boundary obtained experimentally. In this paper, a modified intelligent hybrid technique is developed to improve the shortcomings of the current technique. The proposed hybrid technique reduces the influence of experimental errors not only on/along the boundary but also inside the target area. Taking the SaintVenant principle and the results of test simulations into account, the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid technique is discussed. Then, applying the proposed hybrid technique to the plate with a hole under tensile loading, the distribution of strain, stress, and displacement over the entire target area is calculated with high accuracy and reliability.

著者人数: 25名, Accepted: 2003-10-08, 資料番号: SA1003537000

The clay montmorillonite is known to catalyze the polymerization of RNA from activated ribonucleotides. Here we report that montmorillonite accelerates the spontaneous conversion of fatty acid micelles into vesicles. Clay particles often become encapsulated in these vesicles, thus providing a pathway for the prebiotic encapsulation of catalytically active surfaces within membrane vesicles. In addition, RNA adsorbed to clay can be encapsulated within vesicles. Once formed, such vesicles can grow by incorporating fatty acid supplied as micelles and can divide without dilution of their contents by extrusion through small pores. These processes mediate vesicle replication through cycles of growth and division. The formation, growth, and division of the earliest cells may have occurred in response to similar interactions with mineral particles and inputs of material and energy.

著者人数: 25名, Accepted: 2002-02-14, 資料番号: SA1003532000

Characteristic X-rays from a pure metal target bombarded with a few MeV proton micro-beams can be used as a point source of quasi-monochromatic X-rays. On the basis of this idea, we have previously developed a microscopic computed tomography (CT) which we called particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE)-micron-CT. We applied our CT to observe organs in a body of a living Drosophila, which is popularly used in various fundamental studies, such as gene research. We optimized the beam spot size of proton micro-beam, redesigned the geometry of the PIXE-micron-CT and improved the sample preparation method. As a result of these efforts, the CT scan time could be reduced to less than a sixth of its previous value without degrading the spatial resolution. Three-dimensional (3D) images of a living Drosophila in different growth stages were obtained. The forms of organs changed significantly depending on the growth stage. The CT images of living Drosophila were much different from those of dead or formalin fixed ones. The in vivo 3D imaging by PIXE-micron-CT is very useful and is one of the powerful tool in biological and medical studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This paper describes the development of a threshold type aerogel Cherenkov counter with a large sensitive area of 0.6 m$^2$ to be carried onboard the BESS rigidity spectrometer to detect cosmic-ray antiprotons. The design incorporates a large diffusion box containing 46 finemesh photomultipliers, with special attention being paid to achieving good performance under a magnetic field and providing sufficient endurance while minimizing material usage. The refractive index of the aerogel was chosen to be 1.03. By utilizing the muons and protons accumulated during the cosmic-ray measurements at sea level, a rejection factor of 10$^4$ was obtained against muons with $\beta \approx 1$, while keeping 97% efficiency for protons below the threshold., Comment: 13 pages, LaTex, 9 eps figures included, submitted to NIM A

SiC was partially infiltrated into three types of carbonized paper-fibre preforms using pressure-pulsed chemical vapour infiltration from SiCl4(4%)–CH4(4%)–H2 at 1100 °C (A-type preforms, source fibres of filter paper; BH- and BL-type preforms, source fibres of recycled paper). The porosity of the preforms decreased linearly with the number of pulses. After 10 000 pulses, the porosity of A-, BH- and BL-type samples was 77,78 and 85%, respectively. Average pore sizes of A-, BH- and BL-type samples after 10 000 pulses were about 5.0, 2.7 and 7.0 μm, respectively. On an A-type sample of 10 mm Φ and 5 mm long after 10 000 pulses, pressure drop along the direction of axial air flow was 10 kPa at a face velocity of 0.8 m s−1. The order of pressure drop was BH,>, A >, BL. Flexural strength of A-type sample reached 10 MPa after 15,000 pulses.

Two novel theta class glutathione S -transferases (GSTs), designated Yrs-Yrs′ and Yrs′-Yrs′, were isolated from rat liver cytosol and purified to homogeneity. Polyclonal antibody raised against the previously reported theta class GST Yrs-Yrs (Hiratsuka, A. et al ., J. Biol. Chem , 265 , 11973 (1990)) cross-reacted with GSTs Yrs-Yrs′ and Yrs′-Yrs′. These three theta class GSTs had different pI values and were separated by chromatofocusing. The enzyme subunit Yrs′ was separated from Yrs by reverse partition HPLC, but identical to Yrs in the first 37 N -terminal amino acid sequence. Like GST Yrs-Yrs, both GSTs Yrs-Yrs′ and Yrs′-Yrs′ were not retained on an S -hexyl-GSH affinity column and had little activity toward 2-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. However, they showed potent activities toward the reactive sulfate ester of the carcinogen, 5-hydroxymethylchrysene. GSTs Yrs-Yrs and Yrs′-Yrs′ showed much higher GSH peroxidase activities toward arachidonate hydroperoxide than did rat liver alpha class GST Ya-Ya.

We report measurements of CP violation parameters in $B^0 \to K^0 \pi^0$ decays based on a data sample of $657 \times 10^6 B\bar{B}$ pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB $e^+ e^-$ asymmetric-energy collider. We use $B^0 \to K^0_S \pi^0$ decays for both mixing-induced and direct $CP$ violating asymmetry measurements and $B^0 \to K^0_L \pi^0$ decays for the direct CP violation measurement. The CP violation parameters obtained are $\sin 2 \phi_1^{\rm eff} = +0.67 \pm 0.31{(stat)} \pm 0.08 {(syst)}$ and $\mathcal{A}_{K^0 \pi^0} = +0.14 \pm 0.13{(stat)} \pm 0.06 {(syst)}$. The branching fraction of $B^0 \to K^0 \pi^0$ decay is measured to be $\mathcal{B}(B^0 \to K^0 \pi^0) = (8.7\pm0.5 (\rm{stat.})\pm0.6 (\rm{syst.}))\times 10^{-6}$. The observed $\mathcal{A}_{K^0 \pi^0}$ value differs by 1.9 standard deviations from the value expected from an isospin sum rule.

We report on a search for the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay B+--D*+pi0, based on a data sample of 657x10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We find no significant signal and set an upper limit of B(B+--D*+pi0)3.6x10(-6) at the 90% confidence level. This limit can be used to constrain the ratio between suppressed and favored B--D*pi decay amplitudes, r0.051, at the 90% confidence level.

Recently, a lot of people use massage chair. However, a current massage chair has only realized the movement programed beforehand. Generally, a professional masseur's massage process is that a human skin elasticity is estimated by palpate, and a impressed force is decided depending on the estimated elasticity. Then, this paper newly proposes the control strategy of the similar professional masseur's process. The elasticity of user's massage part is estimated by the displacement, the velocity, and the impressed force of the massage unit in the proposed method. Afterwards, the appropriately impressed force is decided depending on the estimated elasticity, and the decided impressed force is realized by the impedance control. The appropriate massage is realized for everyone by the proposed method. The possibility of these techniques was confirmed by the simulation and experiment, and the utility of the proposed method was confirmed by comparing with the conventional one.

The mass of the τ lepton has been measured in the decay mode τ→3πντ using a pseudomass technique. The result obtained from 414fb-1 of data collected with the Belle detector is Mτ=[1776.61±0. 13(stat)±0.35(sys)]MeV/c2. The upper limit on the relative mass difference between positive and negative τ leptons is |Mτ+-Mτ-|/ Mτ

We present a measurement of $CP$ asymmetry using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ decays based on a $414\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ data sample containing $449\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}B\overline{B}$ pairs. The data was collected on the $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(4S)$ resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collider. Combining our analysis with information on charged $B$ decay modes, we perform a full Dalitz and isospin analysis and obtain a constraint on the CKM angle ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{2}$, $68\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}l{\ensuremath{\phi}}_{2}l95\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ as the 68.3% confidence interval for the ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{2}$ solution consistent with the standard model (SM). A large SM-disfavored region also remains.

We present a measurement of CP asymmetry using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B0--pi+pi-pi0 decays based on a 414 fb(-1) data sample containing 449 x 10(6) BB pairs. The data was collected on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider. Combining our analysis with information on charged B decay modes, we perform a full Dalitz and isospin analysis and obtain a constraint on the CKM angle phi2, 68 degreesphi295 degrees as the 68.3% confidence interval for the phi2 solution consistent with the standard model (SM). A large SM-disfavored region also remains.

The treatment of a severe post-burn contracture of the left hand is presented. A free scapular flap was transplanted to the inguinal area and then used to release the contracture in the manner of a pedicled groin flap. The advantages of this method are that it can be utilized regardless of the condition of the recipient site, and the major vessels of the hand remain intact.

With the present home security system, a timer is incorporated in a terminal installed in the home. The purpose is to allow the user time to change the alarm mode of the terminal from disarmed to armed and close the door when leaving the residence; conversely, the user needs time to open the door and change the alarm mode from armed to disarmed when returning to the residence. However, we think the timer is stressful for the user and represents a problem that, should an intruder gain entry, the situation cannot be reported immediately. Therefore, we propose a system to solve these problems. Since the proposed system is capable of recognizing the principal user through the use of an RFID tag, the terminal can appropriately change the alarm modes and quickly provide notification of an intruder. We will also confirm that the proposed system functions effectively through experiments, describe the effectiveness of the proposed system, and consider feasibility studies.