Observations of seismic electromagnetic phenomena in VHF band by dual frequency method

Seismic electromagnetic (EM) phenomena have been observed at many laboratories with specially designed systems. Recently we can utilize radio receivers, personal computers, and communication systems with higher performances and reasonable cost. It is possible to observe seismic EM phenomena not only by specially designed systems but also by a simple observation system integrated by these devices and systems. We have created an observation system for seismic EM phenomena with them in the very high frequency (VHF) band, from 76 MHz to 90 MHz, assigned for FM broadcasting exclusive use in Japan. We are surrounded by many EM waves, such as broadcasting, communication usage, and man‐made noises. Thus, we have newly developed the dual frequency observation method. In this paper, we describe an observation method that can identify whether a received signal is a broadband EM wave or an artificial FM radio wave. Next, the observation results for broadband EM waves from galactic noise and solar flares are presented. Then, the observation results for FM radio waves reflected from sporadic E layer and the Leonid meteors are shown. Finally, the observation results for the detected broadband EM waves associated with the Geiyo earthquake are described. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(4): 36–44, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20350     

High-mobility low band-to-band-tunneling strained-Germanium double-gate heterostructure FETs: Simulations

Large band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) leakage currents can ultimately limit the scalability of high-mobility (small-bandgap) materials. This paper presents a novel heterostructure double-gate FET (DGFET) that can significantly reduce BTBT leakage currents while retaining its high mobility, making it suitable for scaling into the sub-20-nm regime. In particular, through one-dimensional Poisson-Schrodinger, full-band Monte Carlo, and detailed BTBT simulations, the tradeoffs between carrier transport, electrostatics, and BTBT leakage in high-mobility sub-20-nm Si-strained SiGe-Si (high germanium concentration) heterostructure PMOS DGFETs are thoroughly analyzed. The results show a dramatic (>100/spl times/) reduction in BTBT and an excellent electrostatic control of the channel while maintaining very high drive currents and switching frequencies in these nanoscale transistors.     

Administration of rhG-CSF increases complete remission rates after CHOP and ProMACE/CytaBOM for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a pilot study. Hokkaido Study Group of Malignant Lymphoma and rhG-CSF

To evaluate the clinical effects of the administration of recombinant human granulocyte-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) post chemotherapy for patients with advanced-staged intermediate-grade or high-grade non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma (NHL), we conducted this multicenter study and compared the responses between both the regimens, CHOP as a first-generation chemotherapy and ProMACE/CytaBOM as a third-generation chemotherapy, when combined with the rhG-CSF administration. In this multicenter study, where forty patients were registered, patients in both the CHOP and ProMACE/CytaBOM groups were treated with the original regimen designs without the necessity of reducing drug dosages when combined with the administration of rhG-CSF. The administration of rhG-CSF post both of the cytotoxic therapies brought about much higher rates of complete remission in both the groups (CHOP, 75 percent; ProMACE/CytaBOM, 75 percent), as compared with those of the previous study without the rhG-CSF administration. Regarding response rates according to the International prognostic factor index, the CHOP group showed a lower rate of complete remission in patients with risk factors, compared with ProMACE/CytaBOM group. This result suggested that the administration of rhG-CSF may offer one important approach for improving the first-line therapy for aggressive NHL with high risk factors.     

Myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine treated by anterior decompression and bony fusion

We examined the utility of anterior decompression and bony fusion via the extrapleural approach in the treatment of thoracic myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Patient outcome and complications were analyzed in 48 patients treated with this procedure, with a follow-up of at least 2 years. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was used to evaluate the severity of the thoracic myelopathy, and the recovery rate was used to evaluate the surgical outcome. The outcome, postoperative complications, radiographic evaluations of bony union, and progression of OPLL within the area of anterior decompression were examined. The T3 vertebral body was the highest level to which anterior decompression was applied. The average follow-up period was 57 months with a recovery rate of 56.7% which stabilized 1 year after operation. However, the surgical outcome was less favorable in patients with long-standing myelopathy, extensive OPLL, or thoracic OPLL with coexisting intraspinal ligament ossification. Four patients experienced deterioration of their myelopathy, and seven patients had the postoperative complication of extraspinal leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The myelopathy was transient in all but one patient. Radiographic studies showed that bony union was achieved and restenosis of the spinal canal due to progression of OPLL within the area of decompression did not occur. We conclude that anterior decompression and bony fusion using the extrapleural approach provides a good outcome and is useful in treating mid- and lower thoracic OPLL when performed carefully at an early stage of disease.     

A biped walking robot capable of moving on a vertical wall

The use of a wall-climbing robot for purposes such as rescue, wall inspection and fire-fighting on high-rise buildings has been anticipated for a long time. Three different types of wall-climbing robots have been developed in Japan. The first one has a large area sucker, which has the reverse mechanism of a hovercraft. This type can be used only on flat and wide surfaces. The second one has crawlers to move on a vertical wall with many small suckers on them. The third one has a walking mechanism with small suckers on each foot. A biped walking model was built and tested on a vertical wall and a ceiling. The aerodynamic matching between blower performance and required forces of a sucker, as well as the control systems of the robot, are studied in detail.     

Infective endocarditis with a huge mitral vegetation related to atopic dermatitis and high serum level of infection-related antiphospholipid antibody: a case report]

A 24-year-old woman with atopic dermatitis was admitted to our hospital with fever. Echocardiography showed a huge vegetation attached to the posterior mitral commissure without mitral valve dysfunction. Blood culture identified methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The serum level of antiphospholipid antibody was elevated. A splenic infarction occurred on the second hospital day. Surgery to resect the residual mobile vegetation was performed uneventfully on the 6th hospital day. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged after 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Preservation of the mitral valve is rare in the face of virulent Staphylococcus infection and the presence of a huge mobile vegetation. These findings were apparently related to the high serum level of infection-related antiphospholipid antibody and atopic dermatitis.     

IL-12 promotes the adhesion of NK cells to endothelial selectins under flow conditions

This study examined the adhesive interactions of peripheral blood NK cells with P- and E-selectin and analyzed the effect of IL-12 on the binding of NK cells to these selectins. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is expressed on most resting and IL-12-activated NK cells. However, the percentage of resting NK cells bound to P-selectin-IgG was 15%, and that of activated NK cells bound to P-selectin-IgG was 65%. Furthermore, the number of IL-12-activated NK cells bound to P-selectin-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells was significantly higher than that of resting NK cells under flow conditions. These interactions were abolished by the incubation of these NK cells with anti-PSGL-1 (PL-1) mAb. Thus, PSGL-1/P-selectin interaction is important in the binding of resting and activated NK cells to P-selectin. NK cells express sialyl-Lewis(x) (sLe(x)) structure recognized by anti-sLe(x) mAb (KM-93), and IL-12 activation of NK cells increased the mean fluorescence intensity of KM-93-reactive NK cells. Adhesion of IL-12-activated NK cells to E-selectin-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells was stronger than that of resting NK cells under flow conditions. These interactions were reduced markedly by incubation with anti-sLe(x) mAb. Thus, sLe(x) is the major ligand of resting and activated NK cells for E-selectin. These findings indicate that IL-12 stimulation of NK cells promotes their adhesion activity to endothelial selectins.     

Heat capacities of NpN and AmN

The heat capacities of NpN and AmN were determined with the drop calorimetry method. The NpN and AmN samples were prepared by the carbothermic reduction of the respective dioxides. The heat capacity of NpN obtained was in good agreement with the reported values in the temperature range from 334 to 1067 K, which was close to those of UN and PuN. The heat capacity of AmN was obtained experimentally for the first time, which was slightly smaller than those of UN, NpN and PuN in the temperature range from 354 to 1071 K.