From naturally occurring β-methylstyrenes, such as anethole and isoeugenol, a bio-based copolymer was prepared by the controlled cationic copolymerization with the alcohol/BF3OEt2 initiating system in an aqueous solvent. The copolymerizations with p-methoxystyrene proceeded in a living fashion, in which the molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of the resulting copolymers were controlled. Specifically, isoeugenol can be copolymerized without protection of the phenolic moiety to give an almost alternating copolymer, which can be regarded as a well-defined linear lignin analogue with the functional 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl groups.

Minimizing human‐caused mortality by providing alternative solutions to human‐bear conflicts is important for the conservation and management of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) populations. We found a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the number of nuisance bears killed and a beechnut (Fagus crenata) crop failure index in 5 of 7 zones in the Tohoku region of Japan. In areas where bears are highly dependent on beechnuts as food in autumn, we suggest that agencies could issue warnings about nuisance bears in years of crop failure using the current monitoring network of beechnut production. This system could be a valuable method not only to reduce human‐bear conflicts but also to enhance public consciousness of bear conservation and management.

Between 1991 and 1994, at Hoshigaoka Koseinenkin Hospital, we treated 280 patients with chronic hepatitis C with interferon (IFN), and ischemic colitis occurred in two patients (0.7%) during the treatment. Melena appeared in case 1 in the 2nd month after the initiation of IFN-alpha treatment, and in case 2 in the 6th month. In both patients, longitudinal ulcerations in the descending colon were revealed by urgent colonoscopy, and these resolved within 2 weeks after discontinuation of the IFN treatment. It appears that ischemic colitis was associated with the IFN treatment, suggesting that attention should be paid to this possible complication.

Lead zirconate titanate thin films have been successfully fabricated by reactive evaporation. Elemental Pb, Zr, and Ti were evaporated in ozone-oxygen mixture ambient. Excellent controls of uniformity of thickness and composition were achieved over a large area (within ±2% on 4-inch wafer). The electrical properties were examined as a function of Pb content in the films. High dielectric constant (ε∼1000) and low leakage current ( 1.7×10-7 A/cm2) were realized for the film with stoichiometric composition.

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