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Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) currently accounts for up to half of heart failure cases. Although transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) can cause HFpEF, the contribution of ATTR to the burden of HFpEF is poorly defined. Purpose To clarify the characteristics of ATTR and determine the prevalence of cardiac ATTR in patients with HFpEF. Methods This is a multicentre, prospective, observational study in Japan. We enrolled 373 HFpEF (HF+LVEF ≥50%+ 65 < years old) patients who admitted to the Departments of Cardiology from September 2018 to January 2022. A 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy was performed during admission in all eligible patients. The patients divided into 2 groups according to 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy positive (Grade2–3: n=53) or negative (Grade 0–1: n=320). Medical history, laboratory data, echocardiogram, hemodynamic data, treatments compared. Results A total of 55 patients (14.2%) showed a moderate to severe up take on the 99mPYP scintigraphy. An endomyocardial biopsy was performed in 32 patients confirming amyloidosis in all cases. There were no differences in age, gender, diabetes, coronary artery disease between the two groups. Although patients with positive PYP group exhibited higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [3.0 (1.7–4.6) vs 3.4 (2.4–4.2); P Conclusion ATTR is a disease with significant prevalence in Japanese patients with HFpEF Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Invasive predators are often hypothesized to negatively affect native invertebrates, but impacts have not been measured for most invaders. We quantified the effects of Solenopsis papuana, an invasive thief ant that is widespread in Hawaiʻi, on invertebrate communities via an experimental manipulation study. We established six pairs of plots in the Waiʻanae Mountains of Oʻahu, suppressed S. papuana in half of the plots, and measured the responses of invertebrates 6 months and 1 year later. Leaf litter and pitfall sampling revealed that ground-dwelling invertebrate communities were highly invaded, with native species comprising 24% of the taxa and only ~ 1–2% of the individuals captured. Relatively few taxonomic groups increased significantly in abundance following suppression of S. papuana, and responses were generally inconsistent between the two sampling periods. Significant increases in species richness in ant-suppressed plots were more common, particularly in pitfall samples. Most of the significant changes involved non-native species, but several native species also appear to be impacted by S. papuana. Although statistically significant responses were relatively uncommon, nearly all taxonomic groups exhibited non-significant increases in abundance and species richness in response to S. papuana suppression, and there were no significant decreases in either abundance or species richness for any taxonomic group. This suggests that in their current highly invaded states, mesic forest ground-dwelling invertebrate communities are broadly but relatively weakly affected by S. papuana. This conclusion may be tempered by the difficulty of accurately measuring effects on rare species, many of which may now be absent from these communities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-anaphylactic and anti-allergic potentials of saracatinib, a Src family kinase inhibitor that was already shown to be safe in clinical trials when it was used as an anti-cancer drug. Using

Threats to endangered insect species that act independently of those associated with habitat loss are often suspected, but are rarely confirmed or quantified. This may hinder the development of the most effective recovery strategies, which are increasingly needed for listed insects. Since 2006, 14 species of flies within the large, showy Hawaiian picture-winged Drosophila group have been added to the US threatened and endangered species list. Many of these species are thought to be limited by host plant rarity, but also by predation on immature stages by invasive ants. We tested the latter hypothesis with a field experiment involving Drosophila crucigera, a more common surrogate for sympatric endangered species, and the invasive ant Solenopsis papuana, on the island of Oʻahu. We established ant suppression and control plots across three forest sites. Within each plot we placed a host plant branch piece, into which lab-reared flies had oviposited, and subsequently tracked weekly emergence of adults. Numbers of flies that emerged were 2.4 times higher in ant-suppressed plots than in control plots; this 58% reduction in survival from egg to adult in the presence of ants was similar across all three sites. Among plots, numbers of emerged flies exhibited a pattern suggesting that the detrimental effect of ants is density dependent. These results confirm that S. papuana, and possibly other invasive ant species, can strongly impact the reproductive success of Hawaiian picture-winged Drosophila. They also point to several management actions, beyond habitat restoration, that may improve the recovery of these imperiled flies.

By their wide morphological diversity, succulent leaves have aroused the interest of many researchers. Nonetheless, comparative anatomical studies of unifacial, bifacial, and subunifacial leaves are scarce. To address this gap, our study examines the growth and differentiation of vascular tissues in succulent leaves of 12 families of angiosperms. Altogether, we identified six arrangements arising as variations of three basic vascularization patterns. In addition, cases of convergent evolution were identified in (1) terete leaves showing both endoscopic peripheral bundles and a central bundle in some Crassulaceae (Saxifragales, eudicots) and Aizoaceae (Caryophyllales, eudicots) and (2) terete leaves showing exclusively endoscopic peripheral bundles in some Asteraceae (eudicots) and Orchidaceae (monocots). Both endoscopic and exoscopic bundles originate from a peripheral region, and in all species with endoscopic peripheral bundles, the differentiation of the vascular bundles begins from abaxial domains, wh...

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. In this study, we assessed risk factors for clinical failure of first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia in critically ill patients. All patients with P. aeruginosa bacteremia who entered the intensive care unit in Gifu University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2015 were retrospectively identified from electronic records. Risk factors associated with clinical failure of the first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. A total of 28 patients were enrolled in the analysis. On multivariate analysis, severe burns (odds ratio [OR] = 70.9, 95% CI 2.9-1720.3; p = 0.009) and SOFA score ≥ 10 (OR = 28.5, 95% CI 1.1-754.3; p = 0.045) were significant factors in the clinical failure of first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia. The clinical success rate of first definitive therapy was significantly reduced in patients with these risk factors compared with those without them (p0.001). Severe burns and a SOFA score (≥ 10) were significant risk factors associated with the clinical failure of first definitive therapy for P. aeruginosa bacteremia in critically ill patients. We therefore recommend the use of therapeutic drug monitoring to optimize antibiotic dosing in these critically ill patients.

A simplified chart to determine the initial loading dose of teicoplanin (TEIC chart) for achieving the target trough concentration was developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of this chart in critically ill patients.The initial loading dose and maintenance dose to achieve a target trough concentration ≥10 μg/mL on day 4 was determined using the teicoplanin TDM software and presented in a TEIC chart. The dosage of teicoplanin, including the loading dose for the first 2 days and the maintenance dose thereafter, was selected from the chart (chart method, N = 41) or calculated using TDM software (software method, N = 39).The performance rate of initial loading of teicoplanin increased from 83.0% to 100% after the TEIC chart was introduced (P = 0.016). The TEIC chart significantly reduced the time required for determining the initial loading dose compared with the use of software (1.9±0.6 min vs. 29.7±13.8 min, P0.001). No significant differences were observed in the rates of achieving a target level ≥10 μg/mL (P = 0.766).The TEIC chart enables a simple, rapid, and reliable determination of teicoplanin dosage.

Unifacial leaves are described in different angiosperm groups, especially in monocotyledons, which show anatomical and molecular evidence of an abaxialization process. Among the structural characters, the anatomy of epidermis and growth tissues has been reported. Special focus has been given to vascularization patterns, such as the presence and organization of peripheral vascular bundles. In the Aizoaceae, peripheral vascular bundles exhibit two patterns: exoscopic and endoscopic bundles; however, studies including an ontogenetic approach with evidence for a unifacial condition in the group are lacking. We investigated eleven Ruschioideae species, including members of two tribes (Ruschieae and Dorotheantheae), which present flat and terete leaves. Our results show that all leaves present a bifacial leaf base, with xylem cells oriented toward the adaxial face present in collateral vascular bundles. However, the occurrence of peripheral endoscopic vascular bundles in the leaf blade in all terete leaves demonstrates a unifacial condition which is present only at the leaf blades. Based on ontogenetics studies, we demonstrate that the peripheral endoscopic bundles begin their differentiation in the abaxial side of the leaf primordia, suggesting the occurrence of an abaxialization process during leaf blade development.

In recent years, treatment approach of malignant neoplasm (cancer), which has high death ratio, has been actively studied. There are several current cancer therapy as radiation therapy, surgical therapy, and chemotherapy (anticancer drugs), but these therapy have some disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to establish a new cancer therapy, using nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs), with the less disadvantages. The pulse-application experiments were carried out with mouse melanoma cells: B16-F10. 2ns-PEFs and 14ns-PEFs were applied on cell suspension in an electroporation cuvette. The 2ns-PEFs-applied cancer cells surviving fraction in suspension measured with WST-1 assay was not different to that of controls. The surviving fraction of 14ns-PEFs-applied cancer cells was measured with WST-1 assay and crystal violet assay. The cancer cells surviving fraction decreased as the number of pulses increased in comparison with controls. In addition, 2ns-PEFs were applied on solid tumors obtained by embryonic chick assay. Although the weight of 15000-pulses-applied tumor was smaller than that of control, weight of 300-pulses-applied tumor was larger than control.

Because of the essential role of minerals in maintaining homeostasis in large herbivores, a dietary intake that avoids deficiency or excess is crucial to keeping animals healthy. However, mineral element concentrations are highly variable between and within plant species. We therefore hypothesized that the mineral balance in grazing cattle may be influenced by plant species abundance in pasture. We simulated mineral intakes using two different models (algorithms) for varying numbers of 17 plant species characterized in a field survey of a temperate pasture in Japan. We calculated the mineral intakes from 1000 combinations of species for each species richness (number of species) for each of 12 mineral elements. Both models indicated that the estimated intakes of Mg, K and Mn could exceed the maximum tolerable range, and those of P, Na, Fe and Cu could potentially fail to meet the minimum requirements. The mean proportion of estimated intakes that ranged between minimum requirement and maximum tolerable level was approximately 17% higher for 17 species than for a single species. These results suggest that increasing the plant diversity in the pasture reduced the risk of mineral deficiencies or toxicities. Our results indicate that wild plants, normally regarded as weeds, should be maintained within improved pasture to maintain species diversity and assist with the mineral balance of animals grazed upon it. This work is an important precursor to future studies linking animal husbandry and ecological research.

Hydrogen is involved in a variety of chemical processes on surfaces. While hydrogen exhibits vibrational and rotational dynamics in its adsorption state, it in some cases undergoes diffusion into the substrate as well as on the surface, and participates in chemical reactions. Furthermore, hydrogen exchanges an electron with surfaces having a significant effect on the surface electronic structure. In this personal account, we review our recent studies on surface nuclear dynamics of hydrogen, hydrogen transport across surfaces, catalytic hydrogenation/isotope exchange reactions, and charge transfer between the surface and hydrogen by using a depth-resolved technique of nuclear reaction analysis and a quantum-state-selective detection of resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization in combination with surface science techniques. As a future prospect, we refer to ultraslow μ spin rotation spectroscopy for a direct probe of the hydrogen charge state at surfaces.

We have investigated the relation among ρ – T characteristics, superconductivity, annealing conditions and the crystallinity of polycrystalline (In 2 O 3 ) 1− x –(ZnO) x films. We annealed as-grown amorphous films in air by changing annealing temperature and time. It is found that the films annealed at 200 °C or 300 °C for a time over 0.5 h shows the superconductivity. Transition temperature T c and the carrier density n are T c n ≈ 10 25 –10 26 m −3 , respectively. Investigations for films with x = 0.01 annealed at 200 °C have revealed that the T c , n and crystallinity depend systematically on annealing time. Further, we consider that there is a suitable annealing time for sharp resistive transition because the transition width becomes wider with longer annealing times. We studied the upper critical magnetic field H c2 ( T ) for the film with different annealing time. From the slope of dH c2 / dT for all films, we have obtained the resistivity ρ dependence of the coherence length ξ (0) at T = 0 K.

A micro-beam NRA system, by means of a resonant nuclear reaction 1H(15N, αγ)12C, has been developed for the purpose of the 3D mapping of the hydrogen distribution in solids. To obtain the tens μm size of the beam spot, the combination of the newly proposed tapered glass capillary and a conventional quadrupole magnetic lens is employed. An Y patterned film on a substrate is prepared as an application of the developed system. The 6 MeV 15N beam focused by glass capillaries down to 50 μm successfully shows the hydrogen distribution. The in-plane NRA profile implies that the beam emitted from the glass capillary outlet is parallel, although the original beam has a considerable divergence. The NRA measurements in the 103 Pa N2 atmosphere due to the low gas conductance of the glass capillary is also demonstrated.

Hydrogen adsorbed on the Pt(1 1 1)–Sn surface alloys was investigated by nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) using 1H(15N,αγ)12C. The γ-ray intensity profile as a function of the incident ion energy is analyzed on the basis of the Doppler broadening. From the widths of the resonance profiles, the zero-point vibrational energies in the vertical and in-plane directions are estimated to be 78.2 ± 3.7 and 53.6 ± 5.8 meV on Pt(1 1 1)2 × 2–Sn, respectively, and 72.5 ± 3.7 and 58.5 ± 6.7 meV on Pt(1 1 1)√3 × √3–Sn, respectively. The adsorption state and vibrational property of H on the surface alloys are discussed.

A microscope for hydrogen has been developed by means of micro-beam nuclear reaction analysis. The resonance nuclear reaction between proton and 15N accelerated up to ~6 MeV is used. The micro-beam of 15N ion was made by a glass capillary, which has a taper shape. Against this focused 15N ion beam, samples are scanned perpendicularly to the beam direction by stepping motors. As an application of the microscope, a patterned Y thin film covered by Pd thin film was prepared, and the sample was exposed to 1 atm hydrogen atmosphere over a night. The hydrogen distribution in this sample was investigated by using a glass capillary, which has an exit with the 50 μm diameter. As a result, a profile of nuclear reaction analysis, indicating that the hydrogen atoms are concentrated in the patterned Y thin films, was taken.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is widely used in photodynamic detection (PDD) and therapy. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of 5-ALA-induced porphyrins and its effectiveness in PDD in dogs with mammary gland tumours (MGTs) following oral administration. Healthy dogs and those with MGTs (nine each) were orally administered 4 mg kg

We report experimental results on the interaction of hydrogen with monolayer thin Ag and Au films grown on a Pt(1 1 1) substrate, measured with thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA). We found that H2 dissociative adsorption is activated on both thin film surfaces. Atomic hydrogen was found to adsorb on the Ag and Au films on Pt(1 1 1) with main desorption temperatures of 160 and 120 K, respectively. The monolayer thin Ag and Au films on Pt(1 1 1) are chemically similar to the (1 1 1) surfaces of bulk Ag and Au, respectively.

To study Ca 2 + handling by the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (JSR), the time course of short-term mechanical restitution after varying magnitudes of twitch contractions was assessed in rat papillary muscle. Mechanical restitution consisted of a pretwitch latency period followed by a rapid and a subsequent much slower restitution of twitch force. The rate of rapid restitution was independent of the magnitude of the preceding twitch, which suggests that the rate of JSR Ca 2 + repletion was dependent on the amount of Ca 2 + remaining in the JSR after a twitch contraction. Based on this finding, the functions G(t) and H(t), representing the time courses of JSR Ca 2 + repletion and release, respectively, were derived graphically from a family of the mechanical restitution curves. G(t) increased monotonically with time at a decreasing rate, while H(t) increased with time in a sigmoid manner. The mechanical alternans were simulated by using experimental values and mathematically predicted values of G(t) and H(t). A substitution of extracellular Na + with Li + to inhibit Na + /Ca 2 + exchange resulted in an augmentation of G(t) by approximately 10%, presumably by increasing the tubular SR Ca 2 + uptake. The inhibition of tubular SR Ca 2 + uptake by thapsigargin (10 μM) reduced mechanical restitution by approximately 13% of the maximal twitch force, independent of the phase of mechanical restitution; the effect was greater at an earlier time point in the mechanical restitution. These results suggest that early JSR Ca 2 + replenishment results mainly from the movement of Ca 2 + from the tubular SR.

Spatial distributions of herbage mass and utilization were investigated at a small patch scale in a bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pasture progressively grazed with beef cows, using a method combining sward and animal measurements. For a 6-day grazing period, pre-grazing herbage mass (M pre ) and rate of defoliation (D) were non-destructively estimated every day, using an electronic capacitance probe, at 91 fixed locations (50 cm × 50 cm each) along a permanent line transect. At the same time, ingestive behavior by cows at the individual locations was measured every day, in terms of the number of visits (N V ), total residence time (T R ), total number of bites (N B ), residence time per visit (T RV ), number of bites per visit (N BV ) and biting rate (R B ). Spatial distribution patterns of herbage mass and utilization variables clearly illustrated which locations of the pasture were highly available, frequently visited, grazed longer, received more or faster bites and heavily defoliated during the progressive grazing. The mean and CV values of the spatial distributions showed that cows visited more locations more evenly by shifting from one location to another more frequently as the grazing progressed. The study also revealed that M pre became more heterogeneous and D tended to be more homogeneous with the progression of grazing. The relationships between the herbage utilization variables and herbage mass showed that locations with lower herbage mass were more frequently visited, grazed longer and received more bites on the first 5 days, although the rate of defoliation was usually lower. Thereafter, neither locations with lower herbage mass nor those with higher herbage mass were preferred by cows. These results showed how vegetation patchiness and patch utilization by cows changed with decreasing feed resources in a pasture.

To improve overcoat films for giant magnetoresistive (GMR) heads, we developed a commercial multi-film deposition system capable of performing three diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposition methods, i.e. electron cyclotron resonance-chemical vapor deposition (ECR-CVD), ion beam deposition (IBD), and filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA); pre-cleaning with Ar sputtering etch; and Si adhesion layer deposition. In comparative evaluations of 50-nm-thick films deposited on a Si wafer, ta-C film by FCVA shows higher hardness/density compared to DLC films by ECR-CVD or IBD. Scratch testing and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) measurements of films prepared by ECR-CVD and FCVA on an Al 2 O 3 TiC substrate indicate that substrate bias enhances mixing between the carbon film and either the Si film or Al 2 O 3 TiC substrate such that good adhesion occurs.

We performed direct measurement of hydrogen content in diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films using elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) of hydrogen atoms forward-scattered by a 2 keV beam of helium ions. DLC films were prepared in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Use of a low-energy beam in conjunction with a small incidence angle allowed measurements of hydrogen content in the surface region of films of various thickness (2.4, 5 and 100 nm). Analysis of resultant spectra indicates that a higher negative substrate bias voltage produces lower hydrogen content; these findings are consistent with those obtained on thick DLC films using high-energy (2–3 MeV) ERDA. Accordingly, this confirms the suitability of using the low-energy ERDA system described to measure hydrogen content in ultrathin (

A tracer study was performed to assign a radical produced with UV irradiation on photocatalytically active BaTi 4 O 9 for water decomposition. BaTi 4 O 9 was reduced in H 2 and oxidized in 16 O 2 , 17 O 2 or 18 O 2 at different temperatures. The behavior of oxygen exchange was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Electron magnetic resonance spectra showed that new signals with g ⊥ =2.038 and g ⊥ =2.026 due to hyperfine splitting of 17 O − with A ⊥ =19.1 G appeared when oxidized in 17 O 2 , in addition to normal signals with g ⊥ =2.018 and g ‖ =2.004. The radical is assigned to O − produced from surface lattice oxygen of BaTi 4 O 9 .

In order to obtain 3D mapping of the hydrogen distribution in solids in-situ, the nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) measurement has been carried out by using a tapered glass capillary to focus and introduce the incidence beam to the sample under atmosphere. A Y thin film covered with Pd was used for this measurement. In the N2 gas, hydrogen absorbed by the Y film was observed at a pressure up to 8×103 Pa. In the H2 gas and air, on the other hand, substantial γ-ray signals were observed at 15N energies of 6400~7200 keV, which obscured the signal originating from the Y sample. The origin of this signal is discussed.

The Chiba No. 4 CCM started up in 1994. This machine is equipped with a CF (Centrifugal Flow) tundish, which very effectively separates inclusions. With the help of CF and the use of a vertical bending machine, high speed casting up to 1.6 m/min and high cleanliness are both successfully achieved. The presentation also includes an outline of No. 4 steelmaking shop, mainly developed for stainless steels and special steels.

The UV irradiation of barium tetratitanate, BaTi 4 O 9 , with a unique pentagonal-prism tunnel structure, produced an EPR signal with g =2.018 and g =2.004 at 77 K: the signal had a short lifetime in vacuum, whereas it was stable in the presence of gaseous molecules (O 2 , H 2 , He, Ar) independently of the kinds of gases. The radical reacted with gaseous oxygen and formed O 3 − at room temperature. The species is assigned to an O − radical resulting from lattice oxygen at the surface, and its formation is closely related to the distorted TiO 6 octahedra forming the tunnel.

Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leucocyte (PMNL) migration into the subarachnoid space in aseptic meningitis of probable enteroviral aetiology was evaluated in relation to cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). IL-8 levels reached a plateau within 12 h of onset, while M-CSF and G-CSF levels reached a peak between 12 and 24 h after onset, corresponding to the peak increase in PMNL count. G-CSF levels had the closest correlation with PMNL count. M-CSF levels were weakly correlated with PMNL count. IL-8 levels were not correlated with PMNL count except within 12 h of onset. IL-8 and G-CSF were detected predominantly in cerebrospinal fluid, while the M-CSF levels in the two compartments were not different except between 12 and 24 h after onset. It is considered that IL-8 triggers rapid and transient migration of PMNL, and that G-CSF then promotes gradual and consistent infiltration of PMNL.

Molecules being adsorbed on the surface dramatically change the physics and the chemistry of the substrate, thus offering an opportunity for precise sensing of the molecules via monitoring the transformation of the state of the adsorbent. Combination of different types of substrates, forming the surface interface border, generally exhibits synergistic effect dramatically enhancing sensitivity factor. In this regard, the aim of the present work is to demonstrate how the metal/oxide interface, formed in-vacuo (10-10 Torr) by deposition of metal nanoclusters on oxide support, affects behavior of NO and CO molecules being adsorbed on the surface. Coadsorption of NO and CO molecules on the Ni clusters deposited on MgO(111) film formed on Mo(110) crystal has been studied by reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Observed high sensitivity of metal/oxide interface to the molecular behaviour suggests an opportunity for design of new molecular sensors based on the metal/oxide nanostructures.

Photolysis of CClF2CH2Cl was studied by 147 nm vacuum ultraviolet irradiation. In the presence of NO; CF2CH2, CF2CHCl, and CClF2CN were produced. These products represent three different reaction paths; the molecular dechlorination, molecular dehydrochlorination, and chlorine radical elimination reactions. The reactant pressure and the addition gas (He or NO) pressure effects upon the product yield were studied. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

From May 2005 to October 2010. 9 patients with severe emphysematous bullae suffered from uncontrolled pneumothorax had been successfully treated by a new surgical method in our hospital. By using direct instillation of fibrin glue into the ruptured bulla following ligation of the ruptured bulla hole, 8 of 9 patients revealed no recurrence of new rupture and pneumothorax. Although the ligation of ruptured bulla hole tended to increase tension of surface of the bulla around the ligation and caused new rupture of the bulla, the fully instilled glue reduced intra air pressure of the ligated bulla and prevented new rupture. Additionally, the direct instillation of the glue immediately stopped the air leakage by itself. This direct instillation method of the glue encouraged us to challenge the surgery for the patients suffered from uncontrolled pneumothorax with severe emphysematous bullae.

Photolysis of CClF2CH2Cl was studied by 147 nm vacuum ultraviolet irradiation. In the presence of NO; CF2CH2, CF2CHCl, and CClF2CN were produced. These products represent three different reaction paths; the molecular dechlorination, molecular dehydrochlorination, and chlorine radical elimination reactions. The reactant pressure and the addition gas (He or NO) pressure effects upon the product yield were studied. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Background Amrubicin, a new anthracycline agent, has shown high activity for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in previous studies. However, a combination regimen with amrubicin and platinum has been investigated little. On the basis of previous phase I study, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of amrubicin and carboplatin for elderly patients with SCLC. Methods Chemotherapy-naive elderly patients with SCLC received amrubicin (35 mg/m2, days 1–3) and carboplatin [area under the curve (AUC) 4.0, day1] every 3 weeks. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR), and secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival and toxicity profile. Results From January 2005 to November 2007, 36 patients were enrolled [median age 76 (range 70–83); ECOG performance status of zero and one in 17 and 19 patients, respectively]. One complete response and 31 partial responses were observed (ORR 89%). Median PFS was 5.8 months and median survival time was 18.6 months. Grade 3–4 neutropenia was observed in 97% of the patients and six patients (17%) suffered from grade 3–4 febrile neutropenia. Other toxic effects were moderate and treatment-related death was not observed. Conclusions Amrubicin combined with carboplatin is quite effective for SCLC with acceptable toxic effects even for the elderly population. Further evaluation of this regimen is warranted.

Azo-type nonmesogenic monomer and mesogenic monomers which tend to be arranged in homogeneous or in homeotropic alignment were synthesized. Copolymers were obtained using these monomers by radical polymerization. Thermal and nonlinear optical properties of these copolymers were investigated. The second order nonlinear optical susceptibility enhancement due to liquid crystalline orientation has been observed.

Here we report a novel reactive sputtering method, called two-stage high rate reactive sputtering method, its principles, and apparatus setup, and the results of optical properties of thin films obtained by this method. Then two typical antireflection coatings, one with an intermediate and homogeneous layer and the other with a gradient layer, have been successfully produced by this method. Their spectrum performances and microstructures are also presented.

The bio probe is expected to measure electrical and physical information of cells. This paper presents novel bio probe device in order to improve efficiency of extra and intra cellular measurement. The device consists of a needle type probe integrated with a novel operating mechanism. The operating mechanism allows self-alignment between a probe and a cramped cell. The self-alignment mechanism can reduce difficulties in manipulating instruments such as a glass capillary in conventional methods. MEMS technology can provide distributed bio probe devices in batch. Design and fabrication of proposed device are followed by experimental results with P19 embryonal carcinoma cells.