The loss reduction of a longitudinal-type leaky surface acoustic wave (LLSAW) by loading with a dielectric thin film with a higher velocity than the substrate is proposed. An aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film was adopted as a high-velocity thin film, and the propagation properties of an LLSAW on an X36°Y-LiNbO3 (LN) substrate were investigated. First, the elastic constants c 11 and c 44 of an amorphous AlN (a-AlN) thin film deposited by RF magnetron sputtering were determined from the measured phase velocities of two SAW modes with mutually perpendicular particle motion, and they were 78 and 96% of those of a single-crystal AlN thin film. Next, from the theoretical calculation for the LLSAW on X36°Y-LN using the determined constants, it was found that the LLSAW attenuation can be reduced to zero by loading with an a-AlN thin film. Then, the propagation properties of the LLSAW on X36°Y-LN were measured by using an interdigital transducer pair. It was found that the losses due to bulk wave radiation can be reduced by loading with an a-AlN thin film.

Abstract:Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with characteristic symptoms is a potentially lethal reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Atypical NMS usually lacks major symptoms and frequently occurs after treatment using atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole. A 64-year-old man developed aripiprazole-induced NMS after surgery, and our early recognition of the NMS was based on high creatine kinase levels and low serum iron levels. His characteristic symptoms (a fever, rigidity, and altered mental status) were only present for a few hours and were resolved by aripiprazole discontinuation and supportive care. Aripiprazole-induced NMS can present with brief but major symptoms, and clinicians may overlook this "brief" appearance of NMS.

In this study, Electrochemical Machining (ECM) phenomena of sintered carbide are investigated. One of the biggest problems in ECM of sintered carbide is the elution of cobalt, which is the binder of the material. When too much cobalt is eluded, the strength of the material is deteriorated and it cannot be used as a die, particularly in cold forging. In this report, the prevention technology of Co elution is discussed. First, the authors have conducted a simple experiment with a beaker and the results indicated the possibility of inhibiting cobalt elution by adding Co ion into the electrolyte. Then, a machining experiment was carried out with electrolyte flushing, and it was shown that sintered carbide can be machined without excessive Co elution.

Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, home quarantining and refraining from non-essential and non-urgent outings were enacted. The exact impact of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of daily living (ADLs) in the general elderly population remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to go out, which is an important part of ADL, in the general elderly population. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a COVID-19 vaccination center in Habikino City, Osaka, Japan. Participants, aged ≥ 65 years, completed a questionnaire surveying general information, ADLs, presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, and quality of life at pre- and post-outbreak. Participants were classified into two groups based on their pre- and post-outbreak ability to go out: the Able-Able group comprised those who were able to go out before and after the pandemic, while the Able-Disabled group comprised those who had deteriorated in their ability to go out over the course of the pandemic. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the Able-Disabled group. Results Among 33,191 elderly people living in the city, 12,088 (36.4%) participated in this study. In total, 341 (2.8%) people could not go out even pre-pandemic and 346 (2.9%) patients lost the ability to go out during the course of the pandemic. Independent risk factors for membership in the Able-Disabled group were older age, male sex, high body mass index, decreased daily exercise or no exercise habits, and new-onset musculoskeletal symptoms (back and joint pain). Conclusions The current study included 36% of the general elderly population living in a Japanese city. In total, 2.9% had lost the ability to go out post-outbreak, and the total number of elderly people unable to go out had doubled within 2 years after the start of the pandemic. A vicious cycle could occur in which ADLs decline due to decreased physical activity and reduced frequency of outings. It may be important for elderly people to avoid decreasing the opportunities for daily exercise and going out to maintain their ADLs.

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