a b s t r a c tBackground: The aim of this work is to demonstrate a method for exciting and receiving

Remote-controlled, non-destructive testing is necessary to detect corrosion of the reinforced concrete structures at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) de-commissioning site. This work aims to demonstrate that laser-induced ultrasonic guided wave technology can be applied to achieve this task. Hence, accelerated electrolytic corrosion is performed on a reinforced concrete specimen fabricated by embedding a steel rod into mortar. Waveforms of the laser-induced ultrasonic guided wave on the rod are measured with a previously employed piezoelectric transducer (PZT) probe, for each fixed corrosion time. Based on the results of Fourier and wavelet transforms of the waveforms, issues concerning the detection and extent of rebar corrosion are discussed. It is exhibited that the changes in bonding strength due to corrosion are distinguishable in the frequency domain of the ultrasonic signal.

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We read with great interest the article titled "Long-term efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil [MMF] therapy in diffuse scleroderma skin disease", 1 recently published in this journal. The article suggested that MMF was associated with modest improvements in skin score and was well tolerated in treating adult-onset diffuse scleroderma skin disease. Regarding juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc), the best treatment strategy remains unclear, owing to the rarity of the disease. Herein, we report 2 cases of JSSc treated with MMF after methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT).A previously healthy 15-year-old Japanese boy (Case 1) was referred to our hospital with scleroderma affecting the bilateral finger to the forearm. He experienced chilblains for about a year before visiting our hospital. His hands felt uncomfortable. Furthermore, he experienced swelling and pain in his hands upon waking up. Physical examination revealed scleroderma affecting his finger to the forearm, with a modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) of 16. In addition, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital pitting scars, and telangi-

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