Periodic structures for integrated optics

This paper deals with the theory and device applications of periodic thin-film waveguides. Topics treated include mode solutions, optical filters, distributed feedback lasers (DFB), distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers, grating couplers, and phase matching in nonlinear interactions

GaAs GaAlAs double-heterostructure injection lasers with distributed feedback

GaAs-GaAlAs double-heterostructure distributed-feedback injection lasers are investigated at temperatures between 80 and 150 K under pulsed operation. The optical feedback for laser oscillation is provided by a corrugated interface between the p-GaAs active layer and the p-GaAlAs layer. The corrugation is made by two methods, ion milling and chemical etching, and the latter method is found to give the lower threshold. The laser oscillation occurs in a single longitudinal mode, whose wavelength is stable against the change of the excitation level. The temperature dependence of the wavelength of the distributed-feedback laser is shown to be 0.5 Å/deg, which is about 1/3 to 1/4 that of the conventional Fabry-Perot (FP) laser

STAT4 Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Susceptibility and ANA Status in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

susceptibility. Although several reports have demonstrated that the interleukin (IL) 12 signaling pathway is involved in PBC pathogenesis, its precise genetic factors have not been fully clarified. Here, we performed an association analysis between IL12A, IL12RB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) genetic variations and susceptibility to PBC. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 395 PBC patients and 458 healthy subjects of Japanese ethnicity and evaluated for associations with PBC susceptibility, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) status, and anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) status. We detected significant associations with PBC susceptibility for several STAT4 SNPs (rs10168266; P = 9.4 × 10 - 3, rs11889341; P = 1.2 × 10 - 3, rs7574865; P = 4.0 × 10 - 4, rs8179673; P = 2.0 × 10 - 4, and rs10181656; P = 4.2 × 10 - 5). Three risk alleles (rs7574865; P = 0.040, rs8179673; P = 0.032, and rs10181656; P = 0.031) were associated with ANA status, but not with AMA positivity. Our findings confirm that STAT4 is involved in PBC susceptibility and may play a role in ANA status in the Japanese population

Three dimensional motion analyses for rehabilitation version of Awa Odori exercise and the expectancy of physical effects

‘Awa Odori Exercise -Rehabilitation version- was developed in 2006 for the new trial of physical exercise for the aging and the impaired person with lower balance performance in Tokushima prefecture, Japan. Public relations of this exercise had been spreading over Tokushima since then. The characteristics of the exercise were highly familiar with most of people in Tokushima because of popularity in original ‘Awa Odori’. This study proposed the efficacies of Awa Odori Exercise as a rehabilitation exercise. This exercise expected the flexible balance reinforcements and the substitution for walking training with prevention of fall, bedridden and participating restriction for the old people, also promoting the health in Tokushima

Relationship between Barthel Index scores during the acute phase of rehabilitation and subsequent ADL in stroke patients

The Barthel Index (BI) cannot be used to measure initial stroke severity or by extension, to stratify patients by severity in acute stroke trials because most patients are bedbound in the first few hours after stroke, either by their deficit or by medical directive. Our objectives were to clarify the threshold of acute BI for use in the prediction of subsequent independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and to assist in the definition of acute stroke rehabilitation goals. Subjects comprised 78 patients out of 191 inpatients admitted with acute stroke at our hospital during 2006-2007. The BI ADL score was divided into 2 ranges (BI≧60 and≦40), in a process similar to previous studies. During the acute period (from onset to approximately 3 weeks), all patients with a BI≧40 could improve their ADL in 6 months. Patients with a BI≦40 exhibited two ADL recovery outcomes (improved and no change) at 6 months. We also found that the skill level of basic activities related to standing was significant indicator of BI improvement (P<0.001). BI scores determined at approximately 3 weeks were reliable predictors of ADL disabilities at 6 months

Inovative simulation technology based on industry-academia collaboration

特集 文部科学省ITプログラム「戦略的基盤ソフトウェアの開発