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ABSTRACT: The renoprotective effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) have been demonstrated in a number of clinical studies, but there are few evaluations of long-term ARB treatment. We measured blood pressure, urine protein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among patients under long-term (up to 9 years) treatment with candesartan cilexetil to evaluate its safety and effectiveness to protect renal graft function.
This study of 41 patients (31 male and 10 female) who presented with proteinuria and hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg) after receiving a renal graft. Their serum creatinine level at baseline was 1.51 ± 0.53 mg/dL. Cyclosporine or tacrolimus were concomitantly prescribed for 18 (43.9%) and 22 (53.7%) subjects, respectively. The ARB treatment period was ≥12 months (up to 9 years, mean 4.8 years). Combination with other antihypertensive drugs (calcium antagonists) was necessary in 14/41 subjects (34.1%).
Significant declines in blood pressure were observed during the treatment period; blood pressure reduction target (blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg) was met in 56.1% for systolic and 68.3% for diastolic pressure. No significant increase in serum creatinine level or eGFR was observed. Urinary protein was reduced to negative or marginal in 63.4% of the subjects, demonstrating a significant decrease.
Candesartan cilexetil was considered to be safe even for long-term treatment in renal transplant patients, and effective to protect renal graft function.
Transplantation Proceedings 04/2012; 44(3):638-41. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report on the development of an ytterbium (<sup>171</sup>Yb) and a strontium (<sup>87</sup>Sr) optical lattice clock at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ). The result of absolute frequency measurement of the <sup>171</sup>Yb lattice clock is shown. We also report on narrow-linewidth fiber-based frequency combs that are used not only to measure the absolute frequency of the optical lattice clocks but also to servo control the frequency of the lasers for cooling and trapping Yb and Sr atoms.
General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, 2011 XXXth URSI; 09/2011
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ABSTRACT: Superconducting fault-current limiters (SFCLs) are expected to be useful for preventing increases in the fault currents caused by the expansion of power systems with dispersed generators. In this study, we focus on resistance-type SFCLs with YBCO superconducting thin films fabricated by the metal-organic deposition (MOD) method and propose a computational approach to calculate the resistance generated in YBCO elements in response to overcurrents. An approximate method for calculating the overcurrent performance of an SFCL, which consists of parallel-connected YBCO elements with an Au-Ag protective metal coating, is developed on the basis of the voltage and current waveforms measured in overcurrent-carrying experiments performed on each YBCO element. It is confirmed that the current distributions for the parallel-connected elements can be approximately calculated by this method. In addition, a trial numerical analysis of the heat conduction phenomena is performed to estimate the transient response of the resistance and temperature profiles of YBCO thin film elements to overcurrent injection.
IEEE Transactions on Appiled Superconductivity 07/2011; · 1.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The impact of deformation on the demolding force is investigated both experimentally and by simulation for the thermal imprint process. The effects of substrate thickness are the focus of this article. In experiments, one mold is used throughout all experiments in order to exclude any effects of the mold fabrication process. The mold pattern is transferred to a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film by the thermal imprint. The PMMA surface height is measured by a commercial height profiler after the imprint, and it agrees with lateral variations in residual layer thickness. Demolding force increases as substrate thickness increases. Substrate deformation is simulated by simplifying a model to assume the presence of large cavities. Substrate deformation in the simulation agrees with the PMMA surface height profile in the experiment. The normal force to the PMMA side wall by the mold pattern is important for estimating the demolding force. Since the normal force during the pressing process is simulated, the normal force is induced by both the lateral expansion of PMMA resin and substrate deformation. The normal force from substrate deformation is selected based on a detailed analysis of the simulated normal force. The obtained normal force agrees with the demolding force in the experiment.
Journal of vacuum science & technology. B, Microelectronics and nanometer structures: processing, measurement, and phenomena: an official journal of the American Vacuum Society 12/2010; · 1.34 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A light source to drive the <sup>1</sup>S<sub>0</sub>-<sup>3</sup>P<sub>0</sub> transition in Yb atoms is generated by 2 solid state lasers: a Nd:YAG laser and an Yb:YAG laser, using a sum-frequency generation (SFG) scheme. With a ridge waveguide (WG) periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) device, SFG power of about 150 mW is obtained at the required frequency. The zero-expansion temperature of a Fabry-Perot etalon was determined by using a home-made fiber-based optical frequency comb running continuously for weeks. Frequency stabilization of the clock laser system was also evaluated by the optical frequency comb.
IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control 04/2010; · 1.69 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A light source to drive the <sup>1</sup>S<sub>0</sub> - <sup>3</sup>P<sub>0</sub> transition in Yb atoms is generated by two solid state lasers: a Nd:YAG laser and a Yb:YAG laser, using a sum-frequency generation (SFG) scheme. With a ridge waveguide (WG) periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) device, SFG power of about 150 mW is obtained at the required frequency. The performance of the clock laser system is evaluated with studies of frequency stability measured by an optical frequency comb and with atomic absorption spectra of the <sup>171</sup>Yb clock transition at 578 nm.
Frequency Control Symposium, 2009 Joint with the 22nd European Frequency and Time forum. IEEE International; 05/2009
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ABSTRACT: Molecular dynamics simulation is performed to study the yield stress and fracture mechanism of single crystalline silicon mold with notch-defect structures. From the stress distribution, it is found that the stress is concentrated near the notch defect and the notch acts as a trigger of the crucial mold fracture. The yield stress with a nano scale notch on the mold sidewall deteriorates more than 7.5 % compared to a defect-free mold. It is found that a surface damage such as notch defect is significant for strength deterioration of the mold. This result shows that the surface defects on the sidewall, which could be induced during the mold fabrication process such as dry etching process, causes serious failure.
Mask and Lithography Conference (EMLC), 2009 25th European; 02/2009
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ABSTRACT: Gaussian Markov random fields are applied to many statistical inferences. Probabilistic models of statistical inferences are constructed in the concept of Bayesian statistics and have some network structures. In the present paper, we analyze the statistical performance of the statistical inferences in Gaussian Markov random fields on some complex networks including scale free networks. We discuss efficiency of scale free networks for statistical inferences of Gauss Markov random fields.
Computational Intelligence for Modelling Control & Automation, 2008 International Conference on; 01/2009
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ABSTRACT: Silver micromaterials are highly prospected for modern electronic industries, especially due to their high electrical conductivity. Up to now, the formation of Ag nanowires that has been reported is based on chemical techniques. The processes of the chemical techniques are sophisticated, but somewhat complicated. On the other hand, a physical technique for fabricating metallic nanowires in a simple and controlled way by utilizing stress-induced migration has recently been reported. In this approach, it is recognized that the gradient of compressive hydrostatic stress might be the driving force for atomic diffusion. In the technique utilizing stress-induced migration, heating is required and oxide layer is necessary for fabrication of nano/micro materials. When Ag is heated, the key material, namely the oxide layer, decomposes at high temperature. In the present paper, an approach for fabrication of Ag nano/micro materials based on stress-induced migration is proposed, in which SiO<sub>2</sub> layer is used as a passivation layer to overcome the drawback of the oxide layer.
Electronics System-Integration Technology Conference, 2008. ESTC 2008. 2nd; 10/2008
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ABSTRACT: In rescue operation with a group of rescue robots, the robot has an ability to move around freely even if there are doors parting rooms. Since Great Hanshin Awaji earthquake, the rescue robot series named UMRS have been developed. This time the robot with a door opening system has been developed. This robot has the manipulator to locate the end effecter precisely to door knob position and the hand to grip and rotate this knob. The outline of this robot and the sequence of this door opening are reported in this paper.
SICE Annual Conference, 2008; 09/2008
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ABSTRACT: A light source to drive the <sup>1</sup>S<sub>0</sub>-<sup>3</sup>P<sub>o</sub> transition in Yb atoms is generated by two solid state lasers: a Nd:YAG laser and a Yb:YAG laser, using a sum-frequency generation (SFG) scheme. SFG power of about 22 mW is obtained at the required frequency.
Precision Electromagnetic Measurements Digest, 2008. CPEM 2008. Conference on; 07/2008
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ABSTRACT: MD simulation of the glass forming process with NIL is performed to elucidate the deformation mechanismof the glass material during NIL. The atomic and molecular behavior and interaction, such as viscous flow of the glass and adhesion between the mold and glass, are taken into account. The transition of the applied stress to the mold during mold press, rest and release are comprehensively examined. Such knowledges are beyond the conventional continuum mechanics approach.
Microprocesses and Nanotechnology, 2007 Digest of papers; 12/2007
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ABSTRACT: Daily long-term monitoring of heart rates is important for health management. An analysis of heart rate variability can facilitate the early discovery of illnesses. In this study, we paid attention to the method of measuring resting heart rate over long term. An acceleration sensor was set inside the down kilt as it opposing to subject's left chest. Mechanical vibration from heart activity is carried to the acceleration sensor through the down quilt. As a result, periodic vibration was measured successfully and this vibration was proved to be in high correlation with the R wave of ECG. The same results were obtained even in case of lying in a left lateral position
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2006. EMBS '06. 28th Annual International Conference of the IEEE; 10/2006
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ABSTRACT: A light source using sum-frequency generation is developed for the ytterbium clock transition at 578 nm. Doppler-free spectroscopy of iodine lines near the Yb clock transition and frequency stabilization are demonstrated with the light source.
Lasers and Electro-Optics, 2006 and 2006 Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference. CLEO/QELS 2006. Conference on; 06/2006
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ABSTRACT: It is important to create a comfortable environment to restful sleep. In this study, we trial-produced an in-bed temperature control system. At first, we statically controlled the temperature in the subject's bed at 32degC by using the system, and examined how this control affected sleep. We were able to confirm that the ratio of slow-wave sleep (SWS) increased in comparison to cases in which the temperature in the bed was not controlled. Next, the temperature in the subject's bed was dynamically controlled at temperature change patterns according to sleep cycles that is as follows; Heating during the REM sleep period and cooling during the SWS sleep period were conducted n the range of 32deg2 degC, and the case of the opposite phase. The result showed that cooling during the REM period increased the REM sleep share rate. Based on these results, an increase of the REM sleep share rate at around 30degC could be confirmed, indicating a possibility that the REM period thermoneutrality zone shifted to a lower temperature, compared with that of SWS
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2005. IEEE-EMBS 2005. 27th Annual International Conference of the; 02/2006
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ABSTRACT: Human sleep is thought to consist of some stages. It depends on the sleep stage whether awaking is pleasant or not. The sleep state changes cyclically and the change can be checked by measuring the depth of sleep. It is believed that the depth of sleep affects the mood upon awakening and the quality of sleep. The purpose of this research is to control the sleep cycle by giving a cold blast stimulation in order to improve the quality of sleep. We thought that rapid temperature changes in the bed affected the sleep cycle materially, so we gave cold blast stimulations during deep sleep to control the sleep cycle. As a result, we succeeded in dephasing the sleep cycle.
SICE 2003 Annual Conference; 09/2003
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ABSTRACT: We have been developing exoskeletal robots in order to support the
motion of physically weak persons such as elderly persons or handicapped
persons. In our previous research, the 2-DOF exoskeletal robots for
shoulder motion support and its control method have been developed since
the shoulder motion is especially important for people to take care of
themselves in everyday life. In this paper, we propose intelligent
interface, which realizes the fuzzy-neuro controller adjustment in
accordance with the human subject's arm posture, in order to effectively
control the 2-DOF exoskeletal robot for shoulder motion support. The
intelligent interface is realized by applying a neural network. The
effectiveness of the proposed intelligent interface of the exoskeletal
robot has been evaluated by experiment
Robotics and Automation, 2002. Proceedings. ICRA '02. IEEE International Conference on; 02/2002
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ABSTRACT: The spatial distribution of backscattered electrons is studied for an Au target with a new Monte Carlo simulation including the discrete energy loss process. The new model is based on the Mott cross section for elastic scattering and the Vriens cross section for inelastic scattering. Some results are compared with the ones by the old Monte Carlo simulation which is based on the screened Rutherford cross section and the Bethe law. The new model results in a larger peak near the incident point and a more gradual decrease of the background part of the radial distribution. The incident energy dependence of the spatial distribution of backscattered electrons is shown for 0° and 45° incident angles. The calculated spatial distribution of low‐loss backscattered electrons indicates the possibility of very high resolution even in the backscattered electron image. The exit angle dependence of the penetration depth of backscattered electrons is also studied with the new simulation. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.
Journal of Applied Physics 06/1995; · 2.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Resist heating effects on pattern shapes in electron beam lithography have been studied. The beam current density and dose partition dependences of the pattern shape are explained by comparison between the calculated spatial distribution of resist temperature and experimental resist pattern profiles. From direct heating of the resist using a tungsten heater during electron beam irradiation, the temperature effect on the resist sensitivity and pattern shape has been investigated. The pattern shape distortion is evaluated by a simulation considering the temperature effect.
Journal of vacuum science & technology. B, Microelectronics and nanometer structures: processing, measurement, and phenomena: an official journal of the American Vacuum Society 06/1994; · 1.34 Impact Factor
