Abstract: An image processing device acquires a plurality of images of an object to be measured by an imaging device, the plurality of images being taken while varying a focal position, and corrects blurring in the acquired plurality of images based on a point spread function for each focal position of an image forming optical system in the imaging device. The image processing device also calculates, for the plurality of images after correction of the blurring, an evaluation value for a focusing degree for each pixel, and generates three-dimensional shape data of the object to be measured based on the calculated evaluation value for the focusing degree for each pixel.

Abstract: To further reduce the computational load in an inspection process of ultrasonic inspection of an inspection target. An ultrasonic inspection method includes the steps of: collecting data as a result of scanning an inspection target in such a manner that a plurality of probes transmit ultrasonic signals to the inspection target and the probes receive reflected ultrasonic signals from the inspection target; rendering a primary image including a contour and an internal side of the inspection target based on the data as the result of scanning by using a sonic speed of the ultrasonic signals transmitted and received by the probes, the sonic speed being set to a predetermined value regardless of a region through which the ultrasonic signals have passed; and evaluating whether an internal flaw is present in the inspection target in the primary image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method of scanning and inspecting an inspection object with ultrasonic waves includes collecting data obtained by scanning the inspection object with ultrasonic signals by using probes configured to transmit and receive the ultrasonic signals to and from the inspection object via a medium that propagates the ultrasonic signals; and processing and synthesizing the collected data. Synthesizing the data includes depicting an image including a surface of the inspection object in a region including pixels partitioned in a grid-like fashion based on the collected data of the ultrasonic signals, and extracting a pixel having maximum pixel intensity from the pixels arranged along a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the surface of the inspection object in the depicted image to identify a position of the extracted pixel as a surface shape of the inspection object.

Abstract: An inkjet recorder includes at least one nozzle ejecting ink, at least one piezoelectric element, a power unit, and a processor. The at least one piezoelectric element deforms in response to an applied voltage and causing a change in pressure of ink to be supplied to the nozzle. The power unit supplies power for application of a driving voltage to the piezoelectric element. The processor cyclically applies the driving voltage in accordance with a predetermined driving voltage pattern to the piezoelectric element, acquires a representative value corresponding to the power supplied by the power unit in response to the application of the driving voltage, and detects an abnormal capacitance of the piezoelectric element determined based on the representative value.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method of scanning and inspecting an inspection object with ultrasonic waves includes collecting data obtained by scanning the inspection object with ultrasonic signals by using probes configured to transmit and receive the ultrasonic signals to and from the inspection object via a medium that propagates the ultrasonic signals; and processing and synthesizing the collected data. Synthesizing the data includes depicting an image including a surface of the inspection object in a region including pixels partitioned in a grid-like fashion based on the collected data of the ultrasonic signals, and extracting a pixel having maximum pixel intensity from the pixels arranged along a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the surface of the inspection object in the depicted image to identify a position of the extracted pixel as a surface shape of the inspection object.

Abstract: An inkjet recorder includes at least one nozzle ejecting ink, at least one piezoelectric element, a power unit, and a processor. The at least one piezoelectric element deforms in response to an applied voltage and causing a change in pressure of ink to be supplied to the nozzle. The power unit supplies power for application of a driving voltage to the piezoelectric element. The processor cyclically applies the driving voltage in accordance with a predetermined driving voltage pattern to the piezoelectric element, acquires a representative value corresponding to the power supplied by the power unit in response to the application of the driving voltage, and detects an abnormal capacitance of the piezoelectric element determined based on the representative value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound which is useful as an endothelial lipase inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention provides new compounds having NPY Y5 antagonistic activity. The present inventors found that a compound of the formula (I): wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like; p, q and r are each independently 0 or 1; ring A is oxadiazole; and R2 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like, has NPY Y5 antagonistic activity.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition including a compound of formula (I): its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof. Ring A is nitrogen-containing hetero ring, Ring A may be substituted with a substituent other than a group represented by formula: —C(R1R2)—C(?O)—NR3R4 and a group represented by formula: —R5, a broken line represents presence or absence of a bond, Z is —NR6—, ?N—, —O—, or —S—, R6 is halogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, carboxy or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R3 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R4 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R3 and R4 taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom to which they are attached may form a substituted or unsubstituted ring, R5 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, carboxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, or substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl.

Abstract: This invention provides new compounds having NPY Y5 antagonistic activity. The present inventors found that a compound of the formula (I): wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like; p, q and r are each independently 0 or 1; ring A is oxadiazole; and R2 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like, has NPY Y5 antagonistic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous member formed not by the paste method and a method of producing the porous member. The porous member of the present invention includes a core layer and a porous surface layer, wherein the core layer and the surface layer are composed of the same polymer raw material, the surface layer is formed integrally on a surface of the core layer, and the porous member does not comprise an adhesive layer between the core layer and the surface layer. Such a porous member can be produced by making the surface of a polymer substrate porous. Specifically, the porous member can be produced by immersing the polymer substrate in a solvent capable of dissolving the polymer substrate and freeze-drying the immersed polymer substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound which is useful as an endothelial lipase inhibitor.

Abstract: A ceramic composition for thermistor exhibiting stable resistance values over a wide temperature range and capable of being used for a prolonged time. The composition is represented by (M.sup.1 M.sup.2 O.sub.3).sub.1-x .multidot.(M.sup.1 AlO.sub.3).sub.x, wherein M.sup.1 is an element selected from the elements of the group 3A excluding La and M.sup.2 is an element of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8, and wherein the mixing ratio between an electrically conductive substance stable at elevated temperatures and an insulating substance stable at elevated temperatures, may be adjusted. A thermistor formed of the composition is superior in high-temperature stability and can be used over a broad temperature range because its resistance value can be selected to an optimum value.

Abstract: Ceramic composition for thermistor for detecting elevated temperatures which exhibits stable properties at elevated temperatures for permitting use in both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. In a YCrO.sub.3 based material, Sr or Sm is partly or completely substituted for Y, and Fe and Ti are substituted for part of Cr. Such material enables the production of a thermistor element exhibiting practical, low resistance values at 300.degree. to 1100.degree. C. and also exhibiting stability against changes in the environmental conditions or thermal hysteresis. Generally AMO.sub.3 perovskite structure (A=2A,3A,3B subgroup elements, M=4A,5A,6A,8 subgroup elements) having a combination of n-type and p-type components provides the same property, the subgroup being of IUPAC international periodic table. La-free is preferred and sintering aid may be used.

Abstract: A ceramic composition for a thermistor of the formula (M.sup.1.sub.1-x.N.sup.1.sub.x)(P.sup.2.sub.1-y-z.N.sup.2.sub.y.Al.sub.z)O .sub.3 where M.sup.1 is one or more elements selected from the group 3A elements of the Periodic Table excluding La, N.sup.1 is one or more selected from the group 2A elements of the Periodic Table, P.sup.2 is one or more selected from the elements of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 of the Periodic Table whose oxides exhibit p-type characteristics, and N.sup.2 is one or more selected from the elements of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 whose oxides exhibit n-type characteristics,wherein x, y and z are larger than 0 and smaller than 1 and 0.001.ltoreq.x/(1-y-z)<0.20, 0.05.ltoreq.y/(1-y-z).ltoreq.0.80 and 0<z/(1-y-z).ltoreq.0.90. Thermistor elements are usable within a broad temperature range of 300.degree.-1100.degree. C., have a stable resistance in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, can prevent deterioration of lead wires, and have superior stability at high temperatures.

Abstract: A ceramic composition for thermistor exhibiting stable resistance values over a wide temperature range and capable of being used for a prolonged time. The composition is represented by (M.sup.1 M.sup.2 O.sub.3).sub.1-x .multidot.(M.sup.1 AlO.sub.3).sub.x, wherein M.sup.1 is an element selected from the elements of the group 3A of the International Periodic Table excluding La and M.sup.2 is an element of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 of the International Periodic Table, and wherein the mixing ratio between an electrically conductive substance stable at elevated temperatures and an insulating substance stable at elevated temperatures, may be adjusted. A thermistor formed of the composition is superior in high-temperature stability and can be used over a broad temperature range because its resistance value can be selected to an optimum value.