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This was a multicenter clinical trial of rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal IgG antibody directed against CD20, for the treatment of refractory pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. In total, 20 patients were treated with two doses of rituximab (1000 mg; 2 weeks apart) on days 0 and 14. The primary end point was the proportion of patients who achieved complete or partial remission on day 168 following the first rituximab dose. Of the 20 enrolled patients, 11 (55%) and four (20%) achieved complete and partial remission, respectively; therefore, remission was achieved in a total of 15 patients (75.0% [95% confidence interval, 50.9%-91.3%]). It was demonstrated that the remission rate was greater than the prespecified threshold (5%). In addition, a significant improvement in clinical score (Pemphigus Disease Area Index) and decrease in serum anti-desmoglein antibody level were observed over time. Four serious adverse events (heart failure, pneumonia, radial fracture, and osteonecrosis) were recorded in two patients, of which only pneumonia was considered causally related with rituximab. The level of peripheral blood CD19-positive B lymphocytes was decreased on day 28 after rituximab treatment and remained low throughout the study period until day 168. Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy for refractory pemphigus in Japanese patients.

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are autoimmune blistering diseases that affect mucosa and skin. Several clinical scoring systems, including the pemphigus disease area index (PDAI) and the bullous pemphigoid disease area index (BPDAI), have been validated for managing disease activity and severity. Current guidelines recommend that treatment response be evaluated with clinical scores and that additional second-line therapies be considered if initial treatment is insufficient for disease control. However, there have been few studies analyzing correlations between PDAI/BPDAI transitions and initial treatment effects. To investigate whether PDAI/BPDAI transitions during the treatment initiation phase correlate with initial treatment responses and whether such information can be used as a guide for necessary additional treatment, we retrospectively analyzed 67 pemphigus patients and 47 pemphigoid patients who received initial treatment at Keio University between 2012 and 2018. The clinical symptoms were evaluated weekly with PDAI/BPDAI. The patients were divided into two groups: in group A, disease was controlled only with oral corticosteroids and immunosuppressants (initial treatment), whereas in group B additional therapies were required due to insufficient responses. In pemphigus, the PDAI ratio of day 7/day 0 was significantly reduced in group A compared to group B (0.548 vs 0.761, P 0.01) after initial treatment had started. In pemphigoid, the ratios of day 7/day 0 of BPDAI (erosion/blister) and BPDAI (urticaria/erythema) significantly decreased in group A compared to group B (0.565 vs 0.901 and 0.350 vs 0.760, respectively, P 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analyses on PDAI, BPDAI (erosion/blister) and BPDAI (urticaria/erythema) revealed that the cut-off values in the ratios of day 7/day 0 were 0.762, 0.675, and 0.568, respectively. Our results suggest that PDAI/BPDAI transitions during the initial phase of the treatments may be useful to predict the outcome of the treatment provided and the necessity of additional therapies to achieve disease control.

Organic pigments are prone to aggregate, resulting in decreasing of their properties. Therefore, pigment dispersants are demanded to have both high adsorption capacity and aggregation inhibiting property for pigment particles. In the present study, the suitability of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a dispersant for quinacridone, a common red–violet organic pigment, was investigated. Quinacridone particles were well adsorbed on the CNFs. Scanning electron microscopy images of the quinacridone–CNF mixtures showed that the quinacridone primary particles were stacked along the cellulose fibers, and the aggregations were inhibited. In addition, the size of the quinacridone particles had an effect on their color. The interactions of quinacridone and cellulose were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. FTIR spectra of the quinacridone–CNF mixtures indicated the intermolecular interactions between quinacridone and cellulose. Because quinacridone and CNFs were insoluble in the NMR solvents, gel-state NMR spectroscopy, which has been used for the whole plant cell wall analysis, was conducted on them. Consequently, whole signals arising from quinacridone and cellulose were enabled to be assigned, and the coupling constant of quinacridone has reported for the first time. The nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY)-NMR spectrum of the quinacridone–CNF mixture revealed both NH group and aromatic moiety of quinacridone were interacted with glucose unit. The former was considered to be related to hydrogen bonding, and the latter to CH–π interactions. These specific interactions might contribute to achieve the high adsorption capacity of CNFs for quinacridone.

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP), a layered calcium phosphate compound, is an attractive material for new medical combination products, which are hybrid materials consisting of both drugs and biomaterials that have shown excellent therapy scores. OCP is fabricated primarily from soluble calcium salt via an aqueous-mediated hydrolysis process. The coexisting cations are likely to be incorporated into the OCP unit lattice during this process and affect the development of the OCP crystal structure and its thermodynamic stability. However, the key parameters of the coexisting cations, such as the ionic radii and charge number, that affect OCP formation are still unclear. In this study, we focused on the ionic radius of each monovalent ion of alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) for OCP incorporation and formation in a CaHPO4·2H2O (DCPD)-(NH4)2HPO4 system with alkali metal salts. There was little incorporation of Li into the OCP unit lattice at low concentrations, whereas Li was incorporated into the OCP ...

Esterification of wood with maleic anhydride assists its mechanical fibrillation to realize ultrathin lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) with thicknesses of 3 nm. We investigated the effects of the moisture content of raw wood and the esterification reaction time on the properties of the LCNFs. Increasing the moisture content of raw wood decreases both the amount of maleic acid ester and the lignin content in esterified wood. Moisture is required not only for a high degree of esterification but also for the removal of lignin to prepare ultrathin LCNFs suitable for mechanical fibrillation. 2D HSQC-NMR analysis reveals that cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are esterified. The maleic acid ester introduced on the LCNF surface tends to be hydrolyzed, resulting in the detachment of the maleic acid ester. Ester hydrolysis, which is facilitated under alkaline and high temperature conditions, converts the LCNF suspension into a gel. Finally, the stability against ultra violet (UV) light irradiation is examined. Since lignin absorbs UV light, the reduction in the viscosity of the LCNF suspension is lower than that of the pure cellulose nanofiber suspension. These results should contribute to the effective utilization of wood, which is the most abundant biomass.

Silica is not only a biocompatible trace element but also an essential element for bone formation and metabolism. Therefore, it is often doped into bioceramics such as calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate for enhancing biomaterial ability. Heretofore, organic silica materials are employed as silica sources, but the residual organic matter is a significant drawback in biomaterial applications. Therefore, in this study, we introduce a one-pot inorganic synthesis method for the formation of silica-doped octacalcium phosphate (OCP) using Na2SiO3 as the silica source. Silica was intercalated into the OCP unit lattice, replacing its hydrous layer structure, and then a layer-by-layer structure of apatite and silica was formed. Furthermore, by immersing the fabricated silica-doped OCP into suitable solutions, both silica-doped hydroxyapatite and carbonate apatite were fabricated through a one-step inorganic processes.

The acetylation behavior of xylan and cellulose in kraft pulp (KP) was investigated. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence-nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) spectroscopy was used to identify the positions at which the hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides were acetylated. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the acetylation of cellulose in the crystal region. It was found that only xylan was obviously acetylated in the initial stages of the reaction. In the next stage of the acetylation, however, both the xylan and surface of the cellulose crystals reacted. Then, acetylation of the inner crystal region of the cellulose started before the completion of the xylan modification. To improve the reactivity of xylan in KP, the effect of drying or the dehydration of never-dried KP prior to acetylation was also investigated. The use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) drying produced a KP with a higher specific surface area. This caused the xylan to exhibit a higher reactivity than that resulting from freeze drying and vacuum drying after solvent exchange. Furthermore, never-dry dehydration pretreatment produced xylan with the highest reactivity. This suggests that the cellulose–cellulose and/or cellulose–hemicellulose adhesion in the cell wall that arises as a result of drying reduces the reactivity of the xylan.

Compatibilizers added into filler-reinforced polymer composites are supposed to bring about the enhancement of mechanical properties by binding with the filler and entanglement with the polymer matrix. We elucidated the binding of maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene (MAPP) compatibilizer and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) filler. This is usually not readily detectable by spectroscopy. For this, we adopted a set of enzymatic digestion and refined but simple spectroscopy. A series of binary composites of MCC and MAPP was prepared by kneading. By the cellulolytic treatment and an adequate heat processing, we obtained clear IR signals due to the binding. Furthermore, by gel (swollen)-state NMR method which has attracted attention for analyzing plant cell wall, we acquired interface-specific liquid-state NMR spectra giving the information of the bonds between these components insoluble in commonly used solvents. Such analytical methods provide a useful perspective on the relationship between the microstructure and compatibility of composite materials.

The influences of two structural modifications on the photocurrent generation performance of the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) film of the 6-O-phthalocyaninyl cellulose derivative were investigated. These structural modifications were the substituent groups at the O-2 and O-3 positions, and the central metal of the phthalocyanine moiety. Specifically, 6-O-Zn/phthalocyaninyl- (8a) and Pd/phthalocyaninyl (8b) -2,3-di-O-myristoylcelluloses were prepared instead of 6-O-Zn/phthalocyaninyl-2,3-di-O-myristylcellulose (2). The LB monolayer film of compound 8a on an indium thin oxide electrode showed higher photocurrent generation performance than that of compound 2. This suggested that myristoyl groups (C-14 acyl groups) were more beneficial to photocurrent generation than myristyl groups (C-14 alkyl groups), as the substituent at the O-2 and O-3 positions. The LB monolayer film of compound 8b showed photocurrent generation from 500 to 700 nm, although a blue-shift in the Q-band maximum was observed. The photocurrent generation performance of compound 8b was significantly higher than that of compound 8a. This indicated that Pd was more beneficial to photocurrent generation than Zn. The film of compound 8b prepared by the horizontal lifting method showed better photocurrent generation performance than that prepared by the vertical dipping method. Consequently, compound 8b is a complementary material to the porphyrin-appended cellulose derivative (1) for photocurrent generation system.

Quinacridone, a red pigment, is prone to aggregation, which results in undesirable color changes. Cellulose nanofibers (NFs) have been reported to adsorb quinacridone and suppress its aggregation. In this study, we investigated the potential of chitin and chitosan NFs which possess acetoamide and amino groups, as a quinacridone dispersant. Chitosan NFs, obtained by fibrillation using high-pressure homogenizer, adsorbed more quinacridone than cellulose NFs. SEM observations showed that chitosan NFs inhibited the aggregation of quinacridone, but chitin NFs did not. NMR analysis suggested the hydrogen bonding between chitosan NFs and quinacridone induced by the amino groups. The results indicated that the amino groups more facilitated the intermolecular interactions between NFs and quinacridone than the hydroxyl groups whereas the acetamide groups hindered them. Color measurements showed that the redness of quinacridone improved when cellulose or chitosan NFs were added. Chitosan NFs were found to be a novel candidate for quinacridone dispersants.

6-O-[Acetylacetonato-bis(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)]-2,3-di-O-myristyl cellulose (3) was prepared from 2,3-di-O-myristyl cellulose (1) by two reaction steps in 37.7 % total yield. The LB monolayer film of compound 3 was successfully deposited onto an indium tin oxide electrode by a vertical dipping method and showed photocurrent generation performance in the range of 400–600 nm. Compound 3 was expected as a complementary material of porphyrin-bound cellulose derivative for biomaterial-based solar cells.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Introduction: Pendred syndrome (PDS)/DFNB 4 is a disorder with fluctuating and progressive hearing loss, vertigo, and thyroid goiter. We identified pathophysiology of a neurodegenerative disorder in PDS patient derived cochlear cells that were induced via induced pluripotent stem cells and found sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, as an inhibitor of cell death with the minimum effective concentration less than 1/10 of the approved dose for other diseases. Given that there is no rational standard therapy for PDS, we planned a study to examine effects of low dose oral administration of sirolimus for the fluctuating and progressive hearing loss, and the balance disorder of PDS by daily monitor of their audio-vestibular symptoms. Methods and analysis: This is a phase I/IIa double blind parallel-group single institute trial in patient with PDS/DFNB4. Sixteen of outpatients with fluctuating hearing diagnosed as PDS in SLC26A4 genetic testing aged in between 7 and 50 years old at the time of consent are given either placebo or sirolimus tablet (NPC-12T). In NPC-12T placebo arm, placebo will be given for 36 weeks; in active substance arm, placebo will be given for 12 weeks and the NPC-12T for 24 weeks. Primary endpoints are safety and tolerability. The number of occurrences and types of adverse events and of side effects will be sorted by clinical symptoms and by abnormal change of clinical test results. A 2-sided 95% confidence interval of the incidence rate by respective dosing arms will be calculated using the Clopper–Pearson method. Clinical effects on audio-vestibular tests performed daily and precise physiological test at each visit will also be examined as secondary and expiratory endpoints. Trial registration number: JMA-IIA00361; Pre-results.

V1-ATPase is an ATP-driven rotary motor that is composed of a ring-shaped A3B3 complex and a central DF shaft. The nucleotide-free A3B3 complex of Enterococcus hirae, composed of three identical A1B1 heterodimers, showed a unique asymmetrical structure, probably due to the strong binding of the N-terminal barrel domain, which forms a crown structure. Here, we mutated the barrel region to weaken the crown, and performed structural analyses using high-speed atomic force microscopy and x-ray crystallography of the mutant A3B3. The nucleotide-free mutant A3B3 complex had a more symmetrical open structure than the wild type. Binding of nucleotides produced a closely packed spiral-like structure with a disrupted crown. These findings suggest that wild-type A3B3 forms a metastable (stressed) asymmetric structure composed of unstable A1B1 conformers due to the strong constraint of the crown. The results further the understanding of the principle of the cooperative transition mechanism of rotary motors.

The V1-ATPase motor forms metastable asymmetrical structures that suggest the basis for the cooperative transition mechanism., V1-ATPase is an ATP-driven rotary motor that is composed of a ring-shaped A3B3 complex and a central DF shaft. The nucleotide-free A3B3 complex of Enterococcus hirae, composed of three identical A1B1 heterodimers, showed a unique asymmetrical structure, probably due to the strong binding of the N-terminal barrel domain, which forms a crown structure. Here, we mutated the barrel region to weaken the crown, and performed structural analyses using high-speed atomic force microscopy and x-ray crystallography of the mutant A3B3. The nucleotide-free mutant A3B3 complex had a more symmetrical open structure than the wild type. Binding of nucleotides produced a closely packed spiral-like structure with a disrupted crown. These findings suggest that wild-type A3B3 forms a metastable (stressed) asymmetric structure composed of unstable A1B1 conformers due to the strong constraint of the crown. The results further the understanding of the principle of the cooperative transition mechanism of rotary motors.

A regio-selectively squaraine (SQ)-bounded cellulose derivative ( 4 ) with a degree of substitution of SQ (DS SQ ) of 0.55 was prepared from 6- O -(4-methoxytrityl) cellulose ( 1 ) by three reaction steps in 77% total yield. Lauryl SQ carboxylate ( 8 ) was also prepared as a reference sample. The photostability of SQ moieties of compound 4 in CHCl 3 was not improved when compared with SQ-COOH ( 7 ), but that of SQ moiety of compound 8 was improved unexpectedly. The Langmuir–Blodgett monolayer films 4B and 8B on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode were successfully prepared from compounds 4 and 8 by a vertical dipping method, respectively. The films 4B and 8B showed photocurrent generation performances in the region of 550–680 nm. The quantum yield at 650 nm of film 4B was higher than that of film 8B . These results showed that the cellulose backbone of compound 4 acts as an effective scaffold for the good photocurrent generation performances and that compound 4 was a promising complementary material of the porphyrin-bounded cellulose derivatives (for photocurrent generation at 400–420 nm) for effective utilization of solar light, as well as the phthalocyanine-bounded cellulose derivatives (for photocurrent generation at 650–720 nm).

To achieve the ultimate resolution and process control from an optical (193i 1.35NA) scanner system, it is desirable to be able to exploit both source and mask degrees of freedom to create the imaging conditions for any given set of patterns that comprise a photomask. For the source it has been possible to create an illumination system that allows for almost no restrictions in the location and intensity of source points in the illumination plane [1]. For the mask, it has been harder to approach the ideal continuous phase and transmission mask that theoretically would have the best imaging performance. Mask blanks and processing requirements have limited us to binary (1 and 0 amplitude, or 1 and -0.25 amplitude (6% attenuated PSM)) or Alternating PSM (1, 0 and -1 amplitude) solutions. Furthermore, mask writing (and OPC algorithms) have limited us to Manhattan layouts for full chip logic solutions. Recent developments in the areas of mask design and newly developed Multi-Beam Mask Writers (MBMW) have removed the mask limitation to Manhattan geometries [2]. In this paper we consider some of the manufacturing challenges for these curvilinear masks.

The 6-O-phthalocyanine cellulose derivative, 2,3-di-O-myristyl-6-O-[p-(9(10),16(17),23(24)-tri-tert-butyl-2-zinc(II)phthalocyaninyl-benzoyl)cellulose (8e) was synthesized in a high yield with the degree of substitution of 0.33 for the phthalocyaninyl group (DSphthalocyanine) via the esterification of 2,3-di-O-myristyl cellulose (1) with the mono-substituted phthalocyanine derivative ([9(10),16(17),23(24)-tri-tert-butyl-2-[4-(carboxy)phenoxy]phthalocyaninato]zinc(II), 7). A chloroform solution of compound 8e was more stable under illumination than that of low molecular weight phthalocyanine, [2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis(tert-butyl)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II). Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) monolayer films of compound 8e were prepared on a variety of different substrates using the vertical dipping method with an annealing time of 5 min. An LB monolayer film of compound 8e on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode exhibited a photocurrent generation performance in the range of 600–700 nm. The photocurrent density of the film composed of 8e at 680 nm was better than that of 2,3-di-O-myristyl-6-O-(zinc(II) phthalocyaninyl) cellulose (3) which was the corresponding phthalocyanine-containing cellulose synthesized through a phthalocyanine-ring forming reaction on the cellulose backbone according to an existing procedure.

The orientation and grain boundary microstructure of alumina in reactive metal penetration Al/Al2O3 composites are studied using orientation imaging microscopy and the results are compared with those of sintered polycrystalline Al2O3. The interconnected Al2O3 in the composite material is separated by Σ3 boundaries (twins) with a 60° rotation around the [0001] direction. A high frequency (∼100%) of Σ3 coincidence boundaries in composite alumina is remarkable since only ∼12% of boundaries in a sintered polycrystalline Al2O3 are of special nature. The coincidence boundaries in the in situ alumina grow in a coherent and faceted manner.

Self-control of body functions by biofeedback training (BFT) has been developed and BFT is now employed in treatment over all medical sections as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). BFT is also useful in education and sports training. BFT uses electrical equipment to monitor very small signals from the body which are unrecognizable in usual life. Subjects are requested to learn physiology and the mechanism of BFT and then they make a voluntary effort to accomplish the stepwise task goal of BFT. This mini-review includes history and current application of BFT and also discusses future usefulness of BFT.

High molecular weight copolymers were obtained from 1-phenyl-1-propyne and monosubstituted acetylenes by coordination polymerization with tungsten μ-hydride complexes as catalysts in toluene as a solvent. The permeability coefficients of N2 and O2 through the membranes obtained from phenylacetylene/1-phenyl-1-propyne copolymers were evaluated.

In order to support complex optical masks today and EUV masks in the near future, it is critical to correct mask patterning errors with a magnitude of up to 20nm over a range of 2000nm at mask scale caused by short range mask process proximity effects. A new mask process correction technology, MPC+, has been developed to achieve the target requirements for the next generation node. In this paper, the accuracy and throughput performance of MPC+ technology is evaluated using the most advanced mask writing tool, the EBM-7000 1) , and high quality mask metrology . The accuracy of MPC+ is achieved by using a new comprehensive mask model. The results of through-pitch and through-linewidth linearity curves and error statistics for multiple pattern layouts (including both 1D and 2D patterns) are demonstrated and show post-correction accuracy of 2.34nm 3σ for through-pitch/through-linewidth linearity. Implementing faster mask model simulation and more efficient correction recipes; full mask area (100cm 2 ) processing run time is less than 7 hours for 32nm half-pitch technology node. From these results, it can be concluded that MPC+ with its higher precision and speed is a practical technology for the 32nm node and future technology generations, including EUV, when used with advance mask writing processes like the EBM-7000.

We report the development of Mask-LMC for defect printability evaluation from sub-200nm wavelength mask inspection images. Both transmitted and reflected images are utilized, and both die-to-die and die-to-database inspection modes are supported. The first step of the process is to recover the patterns on the mask from high resolution T and R images by de-convolving inspection optical effects. This step uses a mask reconstruction model, which is based on rigorous Hopkins-modeling of the inspection optics, and is pre-determined before the full mask inspection. After mask reconstruction, wafer scanner optics and wafer resist simulations are performed on the reconstructed mask, with a wafer lithography model. This step leverages Brion's industry-proven, hardware-accelerated LMC (Lithography Manufacturability Check) technology1. Existing litho process models that are in use for Brion's OPC+ and verification products may be used for this simulation. In the final step, special detectors are used to compare simulation results on the reference and defect dice. We have developed detectors for contact CD, contact area, line and space CD, and edge placement errors. The detection results on test and production reticles have been validated with AIMS TM .

The present study was undertaken to determine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain levels of norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites - 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) - in rats pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). In the 6-OHDA pretreated rats, both CSF and brain concentrations of NE, DOPAC and HVA sustained significant decreases as compared with those in non-treated rats. Positive and significant correlations between CSF and brain levels were observed in respect to NE, DOPAC and HVA. In 5,7-DHT pretreated rats, both CSF and brain concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were significantly decreased. A positive and significant correlation between CSF and brain levels in respect to 5-HT and 5-HIAA was observed. Further studies were carried out to determine ACh levels of both the CSF and the brain in microspheres (MS)-treated rats, which are used as a model of microembolization. The CSF ACh concentrations in MS-treated groups were significantly decreased as compared with those in non-treated rats. The brain ACh contents also tended to decrease in this group. A positive and significant correlation was observed between CSF and brain levels of ACh. These findings suggest that NE, 5-HT and ACh concentrations in the CSF are direct indications of central noradrenergic, serotonergic and cholinergic nerve activity, respectively.

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma is a very rare tumor and its histochemical findings are similar to the cystic lymphangioma. It is hard to differentiate them by macroscopic and usual microscopic findings. Histochemical, immunochemical and electron microscopic studies are needed to get differential diagnosis.In this paper, we report the first case of multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in Japan. A 40-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of the abdominal distension and a mass. Giant elastic soft tumor was palpable in the right upper quadurant of abdomen. Multicystic tumor was detected by US and CT. It was resected on Oct. 25, 1989. The tumor was 20×14×7 cm in size and arised in the greater omentum. Clear and serous fluid was filled in multilocular spaces in this tumor and jelled nodles were recognized in some places. It was diagnosed as multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in pathologic examiantion.The patient has been in good condition and no recurrences can be found during 8 months after operation.

The prompt progress of photomask pattern shrinking leads to the overlooking for significant defects. To improve the defect detection performance, patterns must be observed thoroughly at first. These observations are also important for a total diagnostic of the lithography process. Our developing reticle inspection machine LM5000 is very suitable for such analyses. With LM5000, users are able to point any positions on the reticle very easily, view the images, measure the lengths or widths of the patterns, and the intensity at each pixel. Users are also able to apply various image processing algorithms. To follow the growth of the semiconductor processes, inspection algorithms should be developed within very short terms. LM5000 adopts a special image processing core consisted of IMAP. It has strong processing power of a super computer class, and it is programmable even by a C-like language. Libraries for development include most of the standard image processing functions. Its flexibility helps us for reducing the development periods of the new algorithms. In this presentation, the functions of the user interface of LM5000 are displayed as a mask analyzing tool, and the effects of the IMAP processing is explained.

Taste dysfunction is not rare in chronic pain patients. In the treatment of chronic pain, we employ multidisciplinary interventions such as pharmacological treatment, relaxation techniques such as autogenic training and biofeedback training (BFT), and soft massage for home practice. We noted that complex symptoms of the eyes, ears, tongue and nose improved on treatment for chronic pain. It seemed that relaxation training on tongue-related muscles improved the capacity to taste sweetness. This study was performed to examine whether muscle relaxation had any subjective or physiological effects on taste dysfunction.

It is important to reveal the worth and significance of postoperative irradiation as an adjunct to radical mastectomy in the treatment of operative breast cancer. Information was obtained from 273 acceptable study patients with primary breast cancer in our hospital from July 1970 to September 1985. Of this number, 49 women were recipients of postoperative (radical mastectomy) axillary, parasternal, and supraclavicular irradiation with over 50 Gy. Disease status and survival rates were determined for all patients by Kaplan-Meier's methods. These results indicate the following: 1) postoperative irradiation did not increase the survival rate after radical mastectomy 2) parasternal and supraclavicular irradiation effectively decreased the incidence of regional or distant recurrence in the patients with positive parasternal nodes.

When oxidized corn oil (100 nmol in terms of malondialdehyde/day/rat) was administered to a riboflavin-deficient rat, the body weight gain was markedly suppressed. However, when 20 microgram of riboflavin/day/rat was administered with the oxidized corn oil, reasonable growth and normal flavin levels in the liver, kidney and heart could be attained, though they were somewhat less than those of the animals fed on the normal diet containing non-oxidized corn oil. It was noted that the elevation of lipid peroxide level in blood plasma of animals administered with the oxidized oil was effectively prevented by riboflavin. These results indicate the protective effect of riboflavin on suppression of growth caused by the oxidized oil.

A 62-year-old male who had undergone distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy for chronic pancreatitis 5 years ago was hosptialized complaining of epigastralgia caused by chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic caliculi. He underwent pylorus-preserving total pancreatectomy with duodeno-duodenal end to end anastomosis. Inslulin, 19 units daily, is administered for postoperative days and his body weight was recovered 8 weeks after operation. Oral glucose tolerance tests showed no remarkable change and D-xylose test indicated 2.8 g/5h, a slight disturbance of lipid absorption being suggestd. Postoperative study of gastric juice revealed increases of BAO and MAO. However, endoscopic study showed neither erosion nor ulceration. It is significant that pylorus preserving total pancreatectomy makes the patiens be able to eat enough volume to their satisfaction, with favorable weight-gain after surgery. Standard total pancreatectomy is usually associated with distal gastrectomy, however, recent foreign literatures ahve reported such operative method as the pylorus and whole duodenum are entirely preserved.This seems to be the first case report of pylorus preserving total pancreatectomy in Japan

Ultrastructure of the erythroblasts in the bone marrow of human adults was studied. Although the knowledge of the stem cells has been increasing, the precise morphology of them is not yet clearly identified in the bone marrow specimen. However, the so-called proerythroblasts and the developing erythroblasts are easily identified under electron microscopic observations by the characteristic features such as the round shape of the cells, almost perfectly round nucleus with unique chromatin figures, polysome formation of a few ribosomes, a number of microtubules and micropinocytic vesicles, and siderosomes.