The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) decided to establish a Technical Committee 201 (TC201) on the standardization of surface chemical analysis in 1991. Since then, TC201 has published 38 ISO standards. They concern the vocabulary, instrument specifications, pretreatments of specimen, the procedures for analysis, apparatus alignments, measurement conditions, quantification and reporting formats. In this paper, ISO standards on the calibration of energy and intensity scales of electron spectrometers are briefly introduced. Common Data Processing System is the software for assisting in using ISO standards, and its functions for the calibration of energy and intensity scales are also introduced.

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菌体培養液に空気を通過させる構造を持つバブルカラムを用いたBTEX (ベンゼン, トルエン, キシレン, エチルベンゼン) 汚染空気の微生物浄化におけるo-キシレン分解菌の添加効果について検討した.菌体植種源として土壌懸濁液をバブルカラム内の培養液に添加し, o-キシレン含有空気を用いた連続処理試験を実施した.その結果, バブルカラムにより空気中のo-キシレンが90%以上除去されるまでに5～14日間を要し, その期間はo-キシレン濃度が高いほど長くなる傾向が認められた.これに対して, 土壌懸濁液とともにo-キシレン分解菌Rhodococcus opacus TKN14株を培養液に52mg・l^-1の濃度で添加した場合には, 試験開始2日目で97%のo-キシレンが除去された.また, BTEXを含有する実汚染空気に応用したところ, 土壌懸濁液とともにTKN14株を菌体植種源として添加した処理系では, 試験開始6日目でバブルカラムを通過した空気中のBTEX成分のすべてが90%以上除去された.このことから, o-キシレン分解能を持つ微生物を添加することにより, BTEX汚染空気の微生物浄化に適した有用な微生物相を迅速に構築でき, 効率的な浄化が可能となることが分かった.

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- (2-Ethylhexylthio) aniline (ETA) and N-phenyl-N'- [- (2-ethylhexylthio) phenyl] thiourea (PEPT) were newly synthesized in order to develop selective extractants for precious metals. These extractants were designed to form coordination bonds among metal ion, nitrogen and sulfur atoms and they were effective in the solvent extraction of precious metals. ETA was found to be highly selective palladium (II) and gold (III) over platinum (IV) and base metals. PEPT has selectively extracted palladium (II), gold (III) and platinum (IV) over base metals such as copper (II), nickel (II) and cobalt (II) . The extraction equilibrium of gold (III) with ETA was reported from hydrochloric acid solution.

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Introduction: In Japan, approximately 97 million individuals have received their primary two doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine at the end of 2022. In this study, we aim to examine the effectiveness of the primary vaccines and compare its efficacy to booster vaccine shots in terms of preventing COVID-19 exacerbations during the

-predominant period in Japan.

Methods: For this analysis, we have collected all the confirmed COVID-19-positive cases from different medical institutions in Okayama City and have also utilized the information from the public Vaccination Record System. Taking the number of vaccinations into consideration, we then conducted a population-based study to assess the effectiveness of the two primary vaccine doses in preventing COVID-19 exacerbations during the

waves. Our primary and secondary outcomes were COVID-19 exacerbations with respiratory failure (i.e., oxygen saturation on room air ≤ 93%, requiring supplemental oxygen), intensive care unit admission and/or mechanical ventilator requirement, or death, in accordance with the Japanese COVID-19 guidelines, and pneumonia during the course of COVID-19 infection, respectively.

Results: In total, 95,329 COVID-19-positive individuals, aged 5 years and above, were included in this analysis (study period from January 1 to September 10, 2022). As per our findings, the effectiveness of the primary two doses against COVID-19 exacerbations compared with those who had never been vaccinated was 55.5% (95% confidential interval [CI]: 32.6-71.7), whereas it was higher after the third dose (76.9%; 95% CI: 66.7-84.0) and the fourth dose (75.7%; 95% CI: 58.8-85.7). Effectiveness was sustained for ≥ 5 months after the third vaccination, and preventive effectiveness was observed in individuals aged ≥ 65 years.

Conclusions: As per the results of this study, we can conclude that the efficacy of the primary two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine can be further strengthened in terms of preventing COVID-19 exacerbations by administering third and fourth booster vaccine shots. The additional bivalent vaccine is anticipated to further increase its efficacy against the

strain, suggesting that individuals who have not received their booster shots yet should consider getting them to prevent COVID-19 exacerbations.

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Using nanoESCA, a novel energy-filtered PEEM instrument equipped with an aberration corrected energy filter, we have imaged micro-sized (1 μm) polished copper grains with UV (4.9 eV) and VUV (21.1 eV) radiation. Energy-filtered UV-PEEM images allow to reach a lateral resolution of 40 nm. From series of energy?filtered images, reconstructed VUV microspectra taken over typical areas of 600 nm², directly show up variations in the local work function, on an absolute energy scale, of grains having different crystalline orientation. Work function values measured from fitting of the photoemission threshold are consistent with < 111 >, < 100 > or < 110 > crystalline orientations (work function of 4.9, 4.6, and 4.5 eV, respectively). This experiment opens new possibilities in the local characterization of surfaces in the sub-micron range with high energy- and lateral resolutions. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2006.431]

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　Chlorella vulgarisK22株(クロレラ工業)藻体より,中性多糖を得て,化学構造を検討した.部分酸加水分解法で,3種の新規な二糖,6-O-(3-O-methyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl)-D-galactopyranose,6-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-3-O-methyl-D-galactopyranoseと6-O-(3-O-methyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-3-O-methyl-D-galactopyranose,およびβ-1,3-,β-1,6-結合のガラクトニ糖あるいは三糖を得たことから,この中性多糖は新規なβ-D-ガラクタンである.さらにこの中性多糖とその部分分解多糖のメチル化分析より,主鎖にβ-1,3-結合を,側鎖にβ-1,6-結合を含むこと,分岐領域にはβ-1,6-結合の3-O-メチル-D-ガラクトース残基をもつこと,また,側鎖の長さはこのモノメチル化糖を含めて14ガラクトース残基であることが示唆された.

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　タカアミラーゼA(TAA)を-フタルアルデヒド(OPA)で修飾し,DEAEセファセルによるカラムクロマトグラフィーで,修飾酵素M1-およびM2-TAAを分離した.OPAによる修飾では酵素活性が著しく低下するが,ネオクプロイン法,グルコースオキシダーゼ法により残存活性が測定できた.M1-,M2-TAAはポリマーの水解活1生が低下したにもかかわらず,マルトオリゴ糖やその還元物のような低分子基質への作用性は相対的に高いことがわかった.TAAはマルトトリオースをほとんど切らないが,修飾酵素は良く作用した.また,TAAのマルトオリゴ糖への作用ではグルコースを生じないが,修飾酵素ではグルコース生成が確認された.TAAに比べて,修飾酵素では至適pHが1.0～1.5くらい酸性側ヘシフトしていた.これらの結果は,OPAで修飾したTAAがいわゆるマルトシダーゼ活1生の強い性質に変化したことを示唆している.

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Bisphenol A (BPA) は内分泌攪乱化学物質の1つとして、生態系への影響が懸念されている。発表者らは植物を用いたBPAの回収を目的として、タバコによるBPAの吸収と代謝について研究をおこなった。その結果、代謝物の1つがBPA--β-D-glucoside (BPAG) であることを同定した (P C P 2002, 43: 1036-1042)。本研究ではBPAの配糖化酵素 (BPAGTase) の性質を調べた。2週間培養したタバコ培養細胞（BY-2）の粗抽出液を用いて酵素反応を行った。反応は50mM Tris-HCl pH7.5, 1 mM 2-mercaptethanol, 1mM UDP-Glucose (UDPG), BPA 50～500μM になるように加え30℃、10分反応させ、生成したBPAGをHPLCにより定量した。また、播種後3週間のタバコ実生 (Xanthi NC) の根、茎、葉のBPGTase活性を同様の方法で測定した。培養細胞由来のBPAGTaseのBPAに対するkmは82μMであった。この値は、これまでに報告されている配糖化酵素と同等の値であった。BPAGTase 活性はタバコ実生にも存在し、葉では根の約4倍、茎の3倍の活性が見られた。以上の結果、BPAGTaseは主に葉で働いてBPAをBPAGに代謝して、無毒化しているものと考えられる。

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　Candida　guilliermondii H-404株の生産するα-ガラクトシダーゼの糖転移作用を利用して,L-アスコルビン酸の誘導体(α-GA:LA)を合成した.その構造をα-ガラクトシダーゼによる加水分解,UV_max, FAB-massおよび王3GNMRによる機器分析により,6--α-D-ガラクトピラノシルL-アスコルビン酸と同定した.α-GALAはアスコルビン酸に比べてpH 4.0およびpH 7.0の溶液中で安定であった.

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Introduction: Many countries have reported persistent and concomitant symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to identify persistent COVID-19 and concomitant symptoms in discharged patients and identify the risk factors for such symptoms.

Methods: This study enrolled patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the University of Fukui Hospital, Japan, and discharged between April 3, 2020, and August 19, 2021. Persistent and concomitant symptoms were confirmed based on medical examinations approximately 2 weeks after discharge. Patient characteristics and symptoms were collected from the patients' medical records by a technical assistant.

Results: This study included 120 patients (60 men and 60 women; mean age, 53.5 ± 17.0 years). Persistent COVID-19 symptoms were observed in 62 patients (51.7%). The most common persistent symptom was weakened physical function, manifesting as physical weakness (48.4%) and muscle weakness (29.0%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that cough with expectoration within the acute phase of COVID-19 was a risk factor predisposing patients to COVID-19 sequelae (odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.300 - 6.630, p = 0.009).

Conclusions: The study findings suggest that productive cough in the acute phase is associated with subsequent physical and muscle weaknesses in the subacute phase.

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　2022年1月から7月までに新型コロナ感染陽性と診断された妊婦53例と出産予定日をほぼ一致させた非感染妊婦106例を抽出し症例対照研究を行い，ワクチン接種（1回以上の接種）と最終接種からの期間（3カ月以内）の感染予防に対する有効率をオッズ比から算出した．検討集団でのワクチン接種の感染予防に対する非調整の有効率は60％，最終接種から3カ月以内の非調整の有効率は57％となった．これらを年齢と仕事の有無で調整すると，ワクチン接種の有効率は59％（95％信頼区間：-6.0％〜84％），最終接種から3カ月以内の有効率は54％（-6.0％〜80％）となり，感染予防に有効である傾向は認めた．

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According to the analysts such as Kirchhoff, Wilamowitz and Schwartz, the end of the originally independent "Telemacheia" was divided into Book IV and Book XV of the extant Odyssey by bungling redactors; they say that δ 619 must have been immediately followed by o 68 ff. (Schwartz and Wilamowitz: HdO) or o 75 ff. (Kirchhoff), or o 88 ff. (Wilamowitz: HU). This theory is mainly based on the fact that Telemachus refused the invitation of Menelaus and wished to return home (δ 587-619). On the other hand Focke thinks that Telemachus does not decline the invitation of Menelaus, but accepts it on condition of staying just for a while (δ 587-619); it is said that o 64-119 does not immediately follow δ 619, but is taken up again at the end of Book XIII and the beginning of Book XV, so the discourses between Telemachus and Menelaus (o 64-119) are entirely different from those of δ 587-619. His point is that the extant Odyssey was composed by the author who expanded the original story of Odysseus by adding his "Telemacheia". Indeed the theory of Kirchhoff, Wilamowitz and Schwartz is contrary to Focke's, but it is common to both theories taht they disregard or don't give careful consideration to δ 555-598. As to the point at issue the present writer proposes the following solution: Since Telemachus had been informed of Odysseus' strategy of the wooden horses by Menelaus and Helen in Sparta, it is natural that he should want to stay there and inquire after his father as well as about many other things from the wise Menelaus so that he may have shrewdness (μητι&b.sigmav;) to make efficient use of his courage (μενο&b.sigmav;). But virtually he declines Menelaus' invitation. He knows himself that Menelaus would not fully understand him hesitating to accept the invitation (δ 594 and 595-598). So he makes the plea that his companions are waiting for him in Pylos (δ 598-599). Menelaus, however, takes Telemachus' word in opposite sense, and understands that Telemachus in fact wishes to stay. And he says he will give him a mixing-bowl, the most valuable treasure, instead of the horses (δ 611-615). On Menelaus saying that, the guests arrive and a banquet is held. And the scene changes to Ithaka. Now this misunderstanding is not removed, and as for Telemachus nothing is mentioned at all until the end of Book XIII and the beginning of Book XV. The present writer thinks that Telemachus' return home left undecided has the practical effect on the audience of increasing their anxiety and tension. This seems to be the excellent plot of the author of the Odyssey. The subsequent Athene's words will be illustrative of this theory. From her words (ν 421-424), the writer infers that the story in Books XIII and XV is based on Menelaus' understanding of the stay of Telemachus. In o 10-26, she advises Telemachus, who has forgotten about his home as he has said himself (δ 585-589), to return home, describing the incident in Ithaka, and tells him of the suitors and what to do after his returning home. Thus the next morning he tells Menelaus that he wants to return to Ithaka; Menelaus agrees and offers to accompany him if he will travel in Hellas and Argos. But he refuses this offer flatly, having manifested the reason why he should be back without delay. Then Menelaus and Helen give him the gifts and he departs after the meal. Going through Pylos he arrives in Ithaka under the protection of Athene. From this point of view the present writer concludes that the extant Odyssey is composed by a single author.

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目的　COVID-19流行当初，小児の感染者数は大人に比較して少なく，家族内感染，無症状がほとんどで，重症化も稀とされていた。感染力の強いオミクロン株に置き換わった2021年12月からの国内第6波では，小児の感染者数が急増し，社会機能や病院機能の維持に大きな影響を与え，少数ながら国内で死亡例が出たことで，保護者の不安が高まった。しかし，一般の小児を対象にしたオミクロン株の累積罹患率，重症化率，入院率等の疫学的特性を明らかにした文献はない。今回，第6波における小児陽性者の疫学的特性を明らかにするため検討を行った。

方法　2022年1月15日から5月31日の期間に，京都府山城北保健所に発生届が提出されたCOVID-19陽性者（みなし陽性を含む）28,086人を対象とした。発生届，積極的疫学調査等に基づき，当保健所および京都府で作成したデータベースを元に，累積罹患率，入院率等について，15歳未満（小児）とそれ以上の年齢群で比較した。また，療養中に入院した小児陽性者24例を対象に，積極的疫学調査書に加え，感染症法に基づき，入院施設から保健所に報告された健康観察，退院報告を基に，症例背景，入院期間，臨床症状等について後方視的に検討した。

結果　管内の小児人口52,897人（15歳未満人口比率12.3％）に対し，陽性者数は7,980人で，陽性者に占める小児の割合は28.4％，累積罹患率は15.1％であった。小児陽性者における入院者数は24人で，陽性者の0.3％，小児人口の0.04％であった。一方，15歳以上人口377,093人における陽性者数は20,106人であり，累積罹患率は5.3％であった。入院者数は1,088人で，陽性者の5.4％，15歳以上人口の0.28％であった。入院した小児24例の新型コロナウイルス感染症診療の手引きにおける重症度は，軽症22例（91.6％），中等症Ⅱ2例（8.3％）であり重症はなかった。2例（8.3％）はCOVID-19以外の疾患の治療目的で入院した。入院期間は中央値3.5日であり，20例（83.3％）が陽性のまま退院し，自宅療養へ移行した。

結論　第6波における小児の累積罹患率は15.1％であり，それ以上の年齢層に比べて約3倍高かったが，小児の重症例は認めなかった。

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When human erythrocytes were incubated with -aminophenol at pH 7.0 at 37°C for 46 hours, intracellular oxyhemoglobin was completely oxidized to methemoglobin during the initial 6 hours, and methemoglobin formed was then reduced to oxyhemoglobin during the following 20 hours. This was demonstrated by the changes in absorption spectra of intracellular hemoglobin. Such oscillatory behavior of intracellular hemoglobin during reaction with -aminophenol was explained by the fact that -aminophenol has the ability to both oxidize oxyhemoglobin and reduce methemoglobin. In order to study the mechanism of oxido-reductive reactions of hemoglobin with aromatic reductants including -aminophenol, the oxidation of ferrous hemoglobin and reduction of methemoglobin with various aromatic reductants such as -aminophenol, 2-amino-4-methyl-phenol, 2-amino-5-methylphenol, and homogentisic acid were investigated under various conditions. It was found that oxyhemoglobin was oxidized by these aromatic compounds, and the oxidation rate was accelerated in the presence of inositol hexaphosphate, but was not affected in the presence of catalase and superoxide dismutase, except for the case with homogentisic acid. The oxidation of ferrous hemoglobin by these compounds did not proceed under anaerobic conditions. Methemoglobin was reduced by these aromatic compounds, and the reduction rate was much accelerated in the presence of inositol hexaphosphate, but was not affected in the presence of catalase and superoxide dismutase, except for the case with homogentisic acid. The reduction of methemoglobin by these compounds proceeded under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that ferric heme of hemoglobin reacts directly with aromatic reductants. On the basis of these results, the mechanism of oxido-reductive reaction of ferrous and ferric hemoglobin with aromatic reductants was proposed.

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Background: Earlier studies have indicated the BA.5 sublineage of

variant strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as more infective than BA.2. Object: This study estimated BA.5 infectivity while controlling other factors possibly affecting BA.5 infectivity including vaccine effectiveness, waning effectiveness, other mutated strains, Olympic Games, and countermeasures. Method: The effective reproduction number R(t) was regressed on shares of BA.5 and vaccine coverage, vaccine coverage with some delay, temperature, humidity, mobility, shares of other mutated strains, countermeasures including the Go to Travel Campaign, and the Olympic Games and associated countermeasures. The study period was February 2020–July 22, 2022, using data available on August 12, 2022. Results: A 120 day lag was assumed to assess waning. Mobility, some states of emergency, vaccine coverage and those with lag, and the Delta and BA.2 proportions were found to be significant. The BA.1 proportion was significant, but with an unexpected sign. The estimated coefficient of BA.5 was negative but not significant. The Go to Travel Campaign was significantly negative, indicating reduced infectivity. The Olympic Games were negative but not significant, indicating that they did not raise infectivity. Discussion: The obtained estimated results show that BA.5 did not have higher infectivity than the original strain. It was lower than either Delta or BA.2 variant strains. That finding might be inconsistent with results obtained from earlier studies. This study controlled several factors potentially affecting R(t), though the earlier studies did not. Therefore, results from this study might be more reliable than those of earlier studies.

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