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A more rapid and less complicated test to diagnose pertussis is required in clinical settings. We need to detect Bordetella pertussis, which mainly causes pertussis, as early as possible, because pertussis is more likely to become severe in infants, and people around them can easily become a source of infection due to its strong infectivity. Nevertheless, methods that can detect B. pertussis rapidly and efficiently are lacking. Therefore, we developed a new immunochromatographic antigen kit (ICkit) for the early diagnosis of pertussis. The ICkit detects B. pertussis antigens in a nasopharyngeal swab without equipment and provides the result in about 15 min with a simple procedure. Additionally, a prospective study to evaluate the ICkit was conducted in 11 medical institutions, involving 195 cases with suspected pertussis. Compared with the real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR), the sensitivity and specificity of the ICkit were 86.4% (19/22) and 97.1% (168/173), respectively. The ICkit detected the antigen in both children and adults. Furthermore, the ICkit detected the antigen until the 25th day from the onset of cough, when rPCR detected the antigen. Thus, the ICkit demonstrated a high correlation with rPCR and would help diagnose pertussis more rapidly and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Presenting our experience of treating patients with organ malperfusion secondary to acute aortic dissection.Patients: Among 383 patients who underwent aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection from 1999 to 2017, 107 patients were operated on because of vascular complications. Fourteen patients had coronary, 50 had brain, 3 had paraplegia, 13 had superior mesenteric artery, 21 had lower limb, and 16 had combined organ malperfusion. Age was 65.8 years.Results: In coronary malperfusion, three had a preoperative percutaneous coronary intervention, and two had mechanical support. All underwent repair of the aorta. Hospital mortality was 28.5%. Fifty patients had brain malperfusion. Hemiplegia was found in 28 patients, transient ischemic attack in 10, and coma in 12. The level of consciousness was severe in 12, moderate in 18, and mild in 20. Twenty-eight percent died of a stroke. Nine had direct perfusion from the right common carotid artery, and the consciousness level was improved in 5 patients. Eight patients had mesenteric malperfusion. Four patients had a central aorta repair first, and four patients had peripheral intervention first. Three patients had a bypass grafting to the superior mesenteric artery, and one had a catheter intervention. Postoperative mortality was found in four patients due to bowel necrosis and six required resections of the bowel.Conclusion: Acute organ malperfusion caused by the aortic dissection requires accurate and prompt diagnosis to proceed with an appropriate intervention before repairing the central aorta for preventing irreversible organ damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A test-negative case-control study examined an effectiveness of pertussis vaccine. • 4 doses of vaccine provided a high effectiveness in subjects under 6 years of age. • Vaccine effectiveness declines with time passed since the fourth dose. • 4 doses of pertussis vaccine have no preventive effect for school-aged children. The Japanese national immunization program recommends that children receive 4 doses of acellular pertussis vaccine between 3 months and 2 years of age. Nevertheless, the number of pertussis cases is increasing in elementary school children aged 6–12 years. Therefore, a test-negative case-control study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine program. Subjects included children aged ≥3 months who visited a collaborating hospital due to pertussis-specific cough between October 2017 and November 2019. All subjects underwent diagnostic tests for pertussis, and those diagnosed as positive were regarded as cases. Subjects diagnosed as pertussis-negative were classified as controls. Vaccination history was collected using a questionnaire administered to parents with reference to immunization records. Logistic regression models were employed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for laboratory-confirmed pertussis. Of 187 recruited subjects (120 cases and 67 controls), questionnaire responses were obtained for 145 subjects (95 cases and 50 controls). Compared with unvaccinated subjects, the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 4 doses was 70% among all subjects and reached to 90% with marginal significance among subjects under 6 years of age. However, among school-aged subjects, the VE was not suggestive of protection against pertussis (VE: 8%). For vaccinees given 4 doses, the OR for developing pertussis increased significantly with longer duration since the fourth dose (compared with <4.5 years, OR of 6.0–8.2 years = 5.74; OR of ≥8.3 years = 3.88; P for trend by duration < 0.01). Effectiveness of administering 4 doses of pertussis vaccine during infancy decreases with time passed since the fourth dose. This regimen does not protect school-aged children against pertussis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents guidelines on working group for revision of guidelines for the use of Palivizumab in Japan. Topics include the precautions and indications on the drug's information leaflet, the appropriate use of this agent should be used on a patient by patient basis; and referring to guidelines issued by healthcare societies and other professional academic organizations.

The use of deicers in urban areas, on runways and aircrafts has raised concerns about their environmental impact. Understanding the ice-melting mechanism is crucial for developing environmentally friendly deicers, yet it remains challenging. This study employs machine learning to investigate the ice penetration capacity (IPC) of 21 salts and 16 organic solvents as deicers. Relationships between their IPC and various physical properties were analysed using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP). Three key ice-melting mechanisms were identified: (1) freezing-point depression, (2) interactions between deicers and H2O molecules and (3) infiltration of ions into ice crystals. SHAP analysis revealed different ice-melting factors and mechanisms for salts and organic solvents, suggesting a potential advantage in combining the two. A mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and sodium formate demonstrated superior environmental impact and IPC. The PG and sodium formate mixture exhibited higher IPC when compared to six commercially available deicers, offering promise for sustainable deicing applications. This study provides valuable insights into the ice-melting process and proposes an effective, environmentally friendly deicer that combines the strengths of organic solvents and salts, paving the way for more sustainable practices in deicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation mechanism of stacked high-k gate dielectrics has been studied with metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors having HfAlOX/SiO2 films of various thickness combinations. A large leakage current with a peaked shape, named as the low-voltage peak current (LVPC), has been observed in the low-voltage region even in the initial current–voltage characteristics. It has been shown that a main part of LVPC is the transient current component controlled by the process of hole injection to traps in the vicinity of the HfAlOX/SiO2 interface through the interfacial SiO2 layer. By the electrical stress, both the transient and the steady-state current components monotonically increase with time having different rates. Steady-state component has significantly larger rate than the transient component, and the same rate with the stress-induced leakage current (SILC) observed in the high-voltage region, indicating that the steady-state component of LVPC should be regarded as the SILC in the higher-voltage region extending down to the lower gate voltage region where the LVPC is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise alignment of multiple layers of metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films, or MOF‐on‐MOF films, over macroscopic length scales is presented. The MOF‐on‐MOF films are fabricated by epitaxially matching the interface. The first MOF layer (Cu2(BPDC)2, BPDC=biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate) is grown on an oriented Cu(OH)2 film by a "one‐pot" approach. Aligned second (Cu2(BDC)2, BDC=benzene 1,4‐dicarboxylate, or Cu2(BPYDC)2, BPYDC=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylate) MOF layers can be deposited using liquid‐phase epitaxy. The co‐orientation of the MOF films is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Importantly, our strategy allows for the synthesis of aligned MOF films, for example, Cu2(BPYDC)2, that cannot be grown on a Cu(OH)2 surface. We show that aligned MOF films furnished with Ag nanoparticles show a unique anisotropic plasmon resonance. Our MOF‐on‐MOF approach expands the chemistry of heteroepitaxially oriented MOF films and provides a new toolbox for multifunctional porous coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise alignment of multiple layers of metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films, or MOF‐on‐MOF films, over macroscopic length scales is presented. The MOF‐on‐MOF films are fabricated by epitaxially matching the interface. The first MOF layer (Cu2(BPDC)2, BPDC=biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate) is grown on an oriented Cu(OH)2 film by a "one‐pot" approach. Aligned second (Cu2(BDC)2, BDC=benzene 1,4‐dicarboxylate, or Cu2(BPYDC)2, BPYDC=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylate) MOF layers can be deposited using liquid‐phase epitaxy. The co‐orientation of the MOF films is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Importantly, our strategy allows for the synthesis of aligned MOF films, for example, Cu2(BPYDC)2, that cannot be grown on a Cu(OH)2 surface. We show that aligned MOF films furnished with Ag nanoparticles show a unique anisotropic plasmon resonance. Our MOF‐on‐MOF approach expands the chemistry of heteroepitaxially oriented MOF films and provides a new toolbox for multifunctional porous coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While the basic definition of vaccination-associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is relatively clear and easily understandable, it is often difficult to diagnose ADEM based on clinical findings alone. ADEM is actually a heterogeneous clinical syndrome that can be approximately characterized by encephalomyelitis with multiple inflammatory demyelination, autoimmune causes, and relationship with a preceding infection or vaccination. The differential diagnosis of ADEM should exclude the possibility of infectious or other autoimmune encephalitis. The occurrence of vaccination-associated ADEM is influenced by several factors including the health and ethnic status of the vaccinated individual, vaccine components, and environment. Cases suspected of vaccination-associated ADEM should be analyzed cautiously from multi-disciplinary perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimization of end-organ ischemia is a key tenet in successful thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) surgery. During these reattachments, antegrade pulsatile blood flow to the spinal cord was guaranteed not only via the Adamkiewicz artery but also the collateral network, which ultimately minimizes spinal cord ischemia. Therefore, the question remains whether the incidence of spinal cord ischemia in patients with atherothrombotic aorta could be reduced by the current technique. [Extracted from the article]

Dielectric breakdown mechanism of gate dielectrics has been reconsidered with SiO2 films of various thicknesses ranging from 3.6 to 9.5 nm. Careful time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) measurements have realized the detection of anomalous lifetime (TBD) lowering than the expectation from generally accepted power-law (PL) model at relatively low-voltage region in 6- and 6.5-nm-thick films. Analysis from the viewpoint of the hole and electron fluence to breakdown (QBD,hole and QBD,el) has demonstrated the dominant carrier change(DCC) from hole to electron with the lowering of the stress voltage. These results strongly support the DCC model. The DCC model provides stress voltage-independent defect generation efficiencies of electron and of hole at the stress voltage region where each carrier dominates the breakdown, while the PL model provides the stress voltage-dependent efficiency. The DCC model is also capable to explain the empirically reported linear electric field (E) dependence of TBD in a wide range of stress voltage which supports the thermochemical model (E-model). Therefore, it is expected that the DCC model can also be employed in the lifetime prediction of gate dielectrics thicker than ~5 nm, where the E-model is generally employed in the lifetime insurance of actual market products. The DCC model is expected to give longer predicted TDDB lifetimes at the actual device operating conditions in most devices than the E-model and other models and, hence, more aggressive usage of gate dielectric films can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When using a case-control study design to examine vaccine effectiveness, both the selection of control subjects and the consideration of potential confounders must be the important issues to ensure accurate results. In this report, we described our experience from a case-control study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of acellular pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria-tetanus toxoids (DTaP vaccine). Newly diagnosed pertussis cases and age- and sex-matched friend-controls were enrolled, and the history of DTaP vaccination was compared between groups. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of vaccination for development of pertussis. After adjustment for potential confounders, four doses of DTaP vaccination showed a lower OR for pediatrician-diagnosed pertussis (OR = 0.11, 95% CI, 0.01–0.99). In addition, the decreasing OR of four doses vaccination was more pronounced for laboratory-confirmed pertussis (OR = 0.07, 95%CI, 0.01–0.82). Besides, positive association with pertussis was observed in subjects with a history of steroid treatment (OR = 5.67) and those with a recent contact with a lasting cough (OR = 4.12). When using a case-control study to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly those for uncommon infectious diseases such as pertussis, the use of friend-controls may be optimal due to the fact that they shared a similar experience for exposure to the pathogen as the cases. In addition, to assess vaccine effectiveness as accurately as possible, the effects of confounding should be adequately controlled with a matching or analysis technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic framework (MOF) coatings were prepared on gold electrodes through the conversion from Cu(OH)2 nanobelts to Cu3(BTC)2 MOFs (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid). In the conversion from Cu(OH)2 to Cu3(BTC)2, the porosity and homogeneity of the coatings are tunable by controlling the EtOH : H2O volume ratio of the MOF precursor solution. The kinetics and mechanism of the conversion from metal hydroxide nanobelts to MOFs were investigated by using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. The Cu3(BTC)2 coatings were finally tested for the size-selective electrochemical sensing and non-enzymatic electrocatalysis of glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB) statistics of thick gate dielectrics, i.e., too large stress field/voltage dependence and nonlinear Weibull plot of TDDB lifetime, have been observed. Through the analysis of behaviors under the TDDB stress and also the comparison with thin gate dielectrics, it has been revealed that just the intrinsic charging of injected carriers to initial and stress-generated defects induces the dynamic stress relaxation under the constant–voltage stress, resulting in anomalous TDDB statistics. This charging-induced dynamic stress relaxation (CiDSR) effect reduces the validity of well-known Weibull statistics and prevents us from accurately predicting TDDB lifetimes utilizing various conventional scaling procedures, such as area, failure rate, and temperature scaling. Impact of the CiDSR effect increases with the thickness of gate dielectrics and the development of an appropriate lifetime prediction method is urgent not only for Si devices but also for various compound devices having thick gate dielectrics, such as GaN and SiC power devices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2008, the number of pertussis cases increased substantially among Japanese adolescents, despite high coverage with acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). This study examined the effectiveness of DTaP vaccine in the routine immunization program in Japan. Between April 2009 and October 2012, we conducted a multicenter, case-control study, and compared the history of DTaP vaccination between 55 newly diagnosed pertussis cases and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. DTaP vaccine history was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire completed by their parents or guardians. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of vaccination for development of pertussis. DTaP vaccination of ≥1 dose revealed a significantly lower OR for pertussis (OR = 0.20, 95%CI, 0.04–0.97), and the OR of complete vaccination (4 doses) was 0.22 (0.04–1.05). Even after limiting subjects to those whose vaccination status could be confirmed by the immunization records, the negative associations were observed. The decreasing ORs of 4-dose vaccinees remained, even among subjects who had received the fourth dose ≥9.2 years earlier (OR = 0.11, 95%CI, 0.01–1.02). In conclusion, DTaP vaccination had a preventive effect for pertussis. Effectiveness was observed even 9 or more years after the final dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Impact of the decrease of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) on postoperative delayed awakening after total aortic arch replacement (TAR) was validated. METHODS From 2008 to 2013, 143 consecutive patients underwent TAR using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. rSO2 was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy. We calculated a percent decrease of rSO2 (%-D) immediately after rewarming according to the following formula: %-D = rSO2 (X1) − rSO2 (X2)/rSO2 (X1) × 100 (%), where rSO2 (X1) was measured at the beginning of rewarming, and rSO2 (X2) was measured 10 min later. Delayed awakening was defined as patients not waking up for more than 6 h after the termination of anaesthesia. RESULTS The average time to wake up was 3.6 ± 2.0 h. Fourteen patients showed delayed awakening. %-D showed a positive linear relationship to awakening time (y = 0.67x − 0.7, r = 0.23, P = 0.007) and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed %-D had a good predictive value for delayed awakening (area under the curve = 0.84). %-D was significantly different between the delayed awakening and the normal group (7.1 ± 5.1 vs 1.3 ± 6.6%, P = 0.002). Two patients (1.4%) who had multicomorbidity with higher %-D died in the hospital due to colon necrosis and sepsis. There were significant differences between patients with normal and delayed awakening in hospital mortality (P = 0.04) and transient neurological deficit (TND, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION The maintenance of rSO2 at the early phase of rewarming may be important to avoid delayed awakening or TND after TAR. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We theoretically investigate microscopic origins of vibronic coupling (VC) contributing to singlet fission (SF) dynamics in pentacene and its halogenated derivatives. The features of VCs related to diabatic exciton states and interstate electronic couplings (Holstein and Peierls couplings, respectively) are interpreted by the VC density (VCD) analysis, which allows one to clarify the relationship between the chemical structure and VC as spatial contribution. It is found for the pentacene dimer face-to-edge configuration in a herringbone crystal that characteristic intermolecular vibrations with low frequencies exhibit strong Holstein couplings for the intermediate charge-transfer (CT) exciton states as well as Peierls couplings. From VCD analysis, the comprising density of the intermolecular CT and that of the intermolecular vibration are found to be constructively mixed in the intermolecular space, leading to the enhancement of VC. Moreover, in order to assess the chemical modification manner for controlling VC, we design several halogenated pentacene derivatives with slip-stack configurations. Our strategy to enhance VCD by halogenation is found to be rational, whereas the peaks of VC spectra for the CT states in the slip-stack packings are observed in high frequency regions. We compare their SF dynamics based on the quantum master equation explicitly including the exciton state-dependent VCs. From the analysis on relative relaxation factors between the adiabatic exciton states, their difference in the SF rate is highlighted by exciton configurations in addition to VCs. The present study is expected to be a first step toward efficient SF based on the design of VC in terms of both the chemical structure and intermolecular packing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical molecular design of efficient nonlinear optical (NLO) systems using singlet fission (SF) is performed for butterfly-shaped acenes with/without nitrogen and sulfur substitutions using quantum chemical calculations, exciton dynamics simulations, and Marcus theory. It is found that these large systems meet the energy level matching conditions of efficient SF and exhibit superior third-order NLO properties (second hyperpolarizability γ at the molecular scale) to a typical SF molecule, pentacene. In addition, we investigate SF rates and γ in the correlated triplet pair [1(TT)] state generated by SF for various slip-stacked dimer models of these systems. For molecular packing with relatively large 1(TT) yields, a significant increase in γ/monomer in the 1(TT) state is observed, which is in good agreement with the electronic-coupling-based design guidelines obtained from our previous study. In particular, the butterfly-shaped acenes involving heteroatoms are found to exhibit a significant increase in γ/monomer as compared to the other systems. By analyzing the excitation properties in the 1(TT) state and intermolecular orbital interactions, we clarify the origin of such γ enhancement. The obtained results contribute to the construction of design guidelines for efficient SF-induced-NLO materials and demonstrate that butterfly-shaped acenes have the potential to surpass conventional NLO systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work implements artificial neural networks (ANNs) to monitor tool wear during turning of AISI D6 steel. The goal is to detect wear, prevent tool breakage, and enhance productivity. Experimental tests involve using polycrystalline cubic boron nitride tools to turn AISI D6 steel, measuring wear and surface roughness. ANNs are trained with machining forces, electric current, and acoustic emission data. Findings showed that cutting and machining forces, along with motor current, increased as the wear progresses. The dominant frequencies of the acoustic emission signal range from 30 to 40 kHz, with decreasing RMS as wear increases. The ANN achieved satisfactory results, with wear estimation deviations below 0.09 mm. However, its predictive capability beyond the training range is limited. Workpiece surface roughness estimation showed around 8% error compared to the experimental Ra values. Overall, the ANN-based approach enables real-time tool wear monitoring, reducing the risk of damage and optimizing productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel UV lithographic technique for the patterning of the block copolymer (Pluronic) thin films is developed. The present method is based on UV-induced water affinity changes in block copolymer films. By water vapor post-treatment of the film, a difference in water content is established between UV illuminated and unilluminated sections, which can induce an osmotic pressure at the interface. This osmotic pressure drives the migration of Pluronic molecules, resulting in formation of patterns on the block copolymer films. Remarkably, this patterning method requires neither initiators nor polymerizable moieties which are essential for a conventional photolithographic approach. Additionally, the etching process is bypassed, eliminating the use of destructive acids or organic solvents and making this an environmentally friendly patterning protocol. It is reported that Pluronic is photo-responsive to UV exposure, which causes the dehydration of the PEO-PPO-PEO backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach for the fabrication of homogeneous HKUST-1 [Cu3(BTC)2] coatings on copper metal plates, 3D objects, and as patterns, is here proposed. The conversion can be performed at room temperature in approximately 30 minutes using an aqueous ethanolic mixture. The two step conversion mechanism occurs via the formation of Cu(OH)2 nanotubes. Microscopic time-course monitoring reveals the conversion steps. The adhesion of the metal organic-framework (MOF) crystals, as well as the functional properties of the resulting supported catalyst, are successfully tested. The versatility of the conversion mechanism on different metal copper substrates is investigated as well; in particular, a photolithography protocol is proposed for the preparation of MOF patterns. This protocol offers several features (short processing time, applicability to any copper metal object, low cost of the equipment, room temperature conditions) that would make it favorable for basic research and industrial exploitation of MOF capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phase II and III clinical studies were conducted to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of a novel DTaP-IPV vaccine consisting of Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine (sIPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP).Methods: A Phase II study was conducted in 104 healthy infants using Formulation H of the DTaP-sIPV vaccine containing high-dose sIPV (3, 100, and 100 D-antigen units for types 1, 2, and 3, respectively), and Formulations M and L, containing half and one-fourth of the sIPV in Formulation H, respectively. Each formulation was administered 3 times for primary immunization and once for booster immunization. A Phase III study was conducted in 342 healthy infants who received either Formulation M + oral polio vaccine (OPV) placebo or DTaP + OPV. The OPV or OPV placebo was orally administered twice between primary and booster immunizations.Results: Formulation M was selected as the optimum dose. In the Phase III study, the seropositive rate was 100% for all Sabin strains after primary immunization, and the neutralizing antibody titer after booster immunization was higher than in the control group (DTaP + OPV). All adverse reactions were clinically acceptable.Conclusions: DTaP-sIPV was shown to be a safe and immunogenic vaccine.Clinical Trials Registration: JapicCTI-121902 for Phase II study, JapicCTI-101075 for Phase III study (http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/cte_main.jsp). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Phase II and III clinical studies were conducted to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of a novel DTaP-IPV vaccine consisting of Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine (sIPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP).Methods. A Phase II study was conducted in 104 healthy infants using Formulation H of the DTaP-sIPV vaccine containing high-dose sIPV (3, 100, and 100 D-antigen units for types 1, 2, and 3, respectively), and Formulations M and L, containing half and one-fourth of the sIPV in Formulation H, respectively. Each formulation was administered 3 times for primary immunization and once for booster immunization. A Phase III study was conducted in 342 healthy infants who received either Formulation M + oral polio vaccine (OPV) placebo or DTaP + OPV. The OPV or OPV placebo was orally administered twice between primary and booster immunizations.Results. Formulation M was selected as the optimum dose. In the Phase III study, the seropositive rate was 100% for all Sabin strains after primary immunization, and the neutralizing antibody titer after booster immunization was higher than in the control group (DTaP + OPV). All adverse reactions were clinically acceptable.Conclusions. DTaP-sIPV was shown to be a safe and immunogenic vaccine.Clinical Trials Registration. JapicCTI-121902 for Phase II study, JapicCTI-101075 for Phase III study (http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/cte_main.jsp). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the operating principle and the performance analysis of the surface-permanent-magnet-type vernier motor with concentrated windings using finite element method analysis. To satisfy the structural relationship of Z2=Z1\pm p, the number of auxiliary teeth in the stator, pole pairs in the rotor and winding pole pairs are chosen as Z1=12, Z2=11 and p=1 respectively. With this setup which operates at a gear ratio of 1/11, the cogging torque tends to be lower and therefore the output torque contains only smaller ripples. The iron loss computation and the efficiency calculation employing the two-frequency method are also investigated. Estimation of the iron loss has clarified that the hysteresis loss was dominant in the laminated core and that the magnet eddy current loss increased dramatically at higher speeds due to the rotating magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES We present our experience of total aortic arch replacement. METHODS Twenty-nine patients (21 males and 8 females; mean age 63.3 ± 13.3 years) with extended thoracic aortic aneurysms underwent graft replacement. The pathology of the diseased aorta was non-dissecting aneurysm in 11 patients, including one aortitis and aortic dissection in 18 patients (acute type A: one, chronic type A: 11, chronic type B: six). Five patients had Marfan syndrome. In their previous operation, two patients had undergone the Bentall procedure, three had endovascular stenting, one had aortic root replacement with valve sparing and 12 had hemi-arch replacement for acute type A dissection. Approaches to the aneurysm were as follows: posterolateral thoracotomy with rib-cross incision in 16, posterolateral thoracotomy extended to the retroperitoneal abdominal aorta in seven, mid-sternotomy and left pleurotomy in three, anterolateral thoracotomy with partial lower sternotomy in two and clam-shell incision in one patient. Extension of aortic replacement was performed from the aortic root to the descending aorta in 4, from the ascending aorta to the descending aorta in 17 and from the ascending to the abdominal aorta in eight patients. Arterial inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass consisted of the femoral artery in 15 patients, ascending aorta and femoral artery in seven, descending or abdominal aorta in five and ascending aorta in two. Venous drainage site was the femoral vein in 10, pulmonary artery in eight, right atrium in five, femoral artery with right atrium/pulmonary artery in four and pulmonary artery with right atrium in two patients. RESULTS The operative mortality, 30-day mortality and hospital mortality was one (cardiac arrest due to aneurysm rupture), one (rupture of infected aneurysm) and one (brain contusion), respectively. Late mortality occurred in three patients due to pneumonia, ruptured residual aneurysm and intracranial bleeding. Actuarial survival at 5 years after the operations was 80.6 ± 9.0%. Freedom from the subsequent aortic events was 96.0 ± 3.9% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Our treatment method for extensive thoracic aneurysms achieved satisfactory results using specific strategies and appropriate organ protection according to the aneurysm extension in the selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its lightweight and excellent shock-absorbing properties, aluminum foam is used in automotive parts and construction materials. If a nondestructive quality assurance method can be established, the application of aluminum foam will be further expanded. In this study, we attempted to estimate the plateau stress of aluminum foam via machine learning (deep learning) using X-ray computed tomography (CT) images of aluminum foam. The plateau stresses estimated by machine learning and those actually obtained using the compression test were almost identical. Consequently, it was shown that plateau stress can be estimated by training using the two-dimensional cross-sectional images obtained nondestructively via X-ray CT imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Freeze dried, cell culture-derived Japanese encephalitis vaccine (Inactivated) (JEBIK®V) is approved for a three-dose primary immunization followed by a one-dose booster immunization in Japan. We conducted a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in 370 healthy children who received three doses of 5, 2.5 or 1.25μg of virus protein per 0.5mL formulation subcutaneously. Children received two doses of test vaccine 7–28 days apart followed by a dose 6–12 months after the second vaccination. The three-dose regimen showed a good safety profile with no serious vaccine-related adverse events. Fever and reactions at the injection site were common adverse reactions at each dose of vaccine. The seroconversion rates were 100%, 99.2% and 95.0% after two doses in the 5, 2.5 and 1.25μg groups, respectively, and 100.0% after three doses in all groups. The geometric mean titers were high for all three formulations after the second and third doses, with a very clear dose–response relationship. These results indicate that JEBIK®V is likely to be a useful vaccine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Many non-immunologic factors contribute to the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), chief among them being ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with oxidative stress. We hypothesized that pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonist, could attenuate graft oxidant stress in cardiac transplantation. Methods: Experiments were performed using a murine heterotopic cardiac allotransplantation model. Pioglitazone was administered to recipients once daily, beginning 1 day before transplantation. Results: At 4 hours after transplantation, pioglitazone significantly reduced the expression of endothelial cell adhesion receptors and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The anti-oxidant balance in pioglitazone-treated cardiac allografts was significantly bolstered by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase (Nox1 and p22phox sub-units) activity and preservation of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, resulting in the mitigation of oxidative damage at the level of lipids, proteins, and DNA. At 7 days after transplantation, PPAR-γ was significantly up-regulated by pioglitazone, but nuclear factor-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly down-regulated. A concomitant reduction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and graft leukosequestration was noted. Pioglitazone consequently prolonged cardiac allograft survival and attenuated CAV development. In vitro experiments demonstrated that pioglitazone decreased transendothelial PMN migration, NADPH oxidase activity, and loss of SOD activity in PMNs and endothelial cells. Conclusions: Pioglitazone can suppress the oxidative stress and damage and can stimulate antioxidant capacity in cardiac allografts after transplantation. Mitigation of graft oxidant stress could be an important mechanism through which pioglitazone confers benefit after cardiac transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The incidence of reported cases with pertussis has increased in young adults in Japan and the lack of additional booster immunizations containing pertussis components is suspected to be one of the causal reasons. Instead of DT immunization at 11–12 years of age, safety and immunogenicity were investigated using 0.2ml and 0.5ml of DTaP. 176 subjects in DTaP 0.5ml, 178 in DTaP 0.2ml, and 197 in DT 0.1ml groups were enrolled in clinical trial. The relative risk of local reactions in the DTaP 0.2ml group compared to the DT 0.1ml group was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.97–1.30), and that of the DTaP 0.5ml to the DT 0.1ml group was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.18–1.53). The relative risks of local pain and heat were 1.62 (95% CI: 1.33–1.98) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.19–2.13), respectively, in the DTaP 0.5ml group compared to the DT 0.1ml group. Sero-positive rates against PT and FHA were 54% and 82% before immunization and increased to >95% for both after vaccination with no significant difference in GMT. Instead of the scheduled DT program, 0.2ml of DTaP was acceptable and demonstrated efficient immunogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute occlusion of the carotid artery caused by acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) induces on-going warm brain ischemia. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the hypothesis that low-flow reperfusion could mitigate reperfusion injury after warm ischemic damage to the brain. Methods: Experiments were performed using a canine global brain ischemia model, with 15 minutes of ischemia followed by 3 hours reperfusion, which was established by a simple brain reperfusion circuit with a roller pump. The right common carotid artery (RCCA) flow ratio was determined as the mean RCCA flow during reperfusion divided by the mean RCCA flow during pre-ischemia. Animals were divided into two groups according to the RCCA flow ratio; low RCCA flow ratio of 0.3 to 0.6 (Group L, n=5) and control RCCA flow ratio of 1.0 to 1.4 (Group C, n=5). At the 3-hour reperfusion time point, physiological and histopathological assessments were performed in both groups. Results: Electroencephalographic activity recovered in four of five animals (80%) animals in Group L, whereas no recovery (0%) in activity was observed in Group C. Brain water content in Group L animals was significantly less than that in Group C. Apoptosis, number of perivascular edematous regions and NFκB expression were apparently suppressed in Group L compared with Group C. There were significant positive correlations of RCCA flow with brain water content, apoptosis and number of perivascular edematous regions. Conclusions: Controlled low-flow reperfusion mitigated reperfusion-induced brain edema and apoptosis, leading to rescue of brain function in the canine model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To present our experience of total aortic arch replacement through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. Methods: Sixteen patients (13 males; mean age 62.1±11.3 years) with extended thoracic aortic aneurysms, including those in the thoracoabdominal aorta, underwent replacement through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. The pathology of the diseased aorta was non-dissecting aneurysm due to aortitis in 1 patient and aortic dissection in 15 patients (acute type A: 1, chronic type A: 12, chronic type B: 2). In a prior operation, the patient with aortitis had undergone the Bentall procedure with endovascular stenting of the brachiocephalic artery, and among the other 15 patients, one previously had endovascular stenting for the aortic arch and 12 had hemi-arch replacement for acute type A dissection. Extension of arch replacement was the aortic arch and descending aorta in eight patients, the ascending arch and descending aorta in five patients and the descending arch, and thoracoabdominal aorta in three patients. Additional retroperitoneal dissection was required for the repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Results: One patient died of traumatic cerebral hemorrhage on day 145 (hospital mortality 6.3%). Average duration of ventilation support was 19.4±17.0h and length of ICU stay was 3.6±1.6 days. Actuarial survival at 2 years after the operations was 67.7%. However, no aortic-related mortality was observed during follow-up. Conclusions: Early results of extended aortic arch replacement through a left posterolateral thoracotomy were satisfactory in selected patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fibrin coatings on prosthetic vascular graft, which are conventionally produced by fibrinogen and thrombin, are expected to improve antithrombogenicity and healing characteristics. Thrombin is one of the factors of blood coagulation cascade; however, it has a possibility to play a negative role in the graft antithrombogenicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of our new grafts, thrombin-free fibrin-coated small caliber vascular prostheses. Knitted polyester fabric vascular prostheses 2 mm in internal diameter were coated with fibrin coating with thrombin (Graft I) or without thrombin (Graft II). Both grafts were implanted in bilateral common carotid arteries of 35 Japanese white rabbits, with Graft I in one side and Graft II in the contralateral side. Graft patency, histology, thrombin activity, and platelet deposition were compared between both grafts on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 30, and 60. Both grafts were patent without thrombus or stenosis at each end point (maximal period, POD 60). Macro- and microscopic findings revealed that no obvious difference was observed between both grafts. Before graft implantation, thrombin activities in Grafts I and II were 0.711 ± 0.086 and 0.009 ± 0.007 optical density at 405 nm, respectively. Thrombin activity of Graft II was significantly less than that of Graft I in every period after graft implantation, and platelet deposition of Graft II was significantly less than that of Graft I until POD 30. Thrombin-free fibrin-coated vascular prostheses have superior performance of antithrombogenicity to conventional fibrin-coated vascular prostheses with thrombin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DS5 ( Direct-Searcher Automatic System Version 5), for the crystal structure analysis of small molecules on personal computers (PCs), is a new program that integrates more than 18 main programs, subroutines and mathematics/graphic libraries of the DS*SYSTEM4 package. Three features of note are: compatibility of input instruction data with the SHELX series, control of calculation sequences by subprogram names that are prepared by the user, and graphical output on the PC display with Postscript/HPGL files. All functions of DS5 are inherited from DS*SYSTEM4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber diffraction dada from polymers are sufficiently different in kind and quantity from single crystal data as to warrant analyses with a different emphasis: refinement of competing molecular models where torsion angles and bond angles are the explicit variables rather than atomic coordinates. The first linked-atom least-squares (lals) refinement program had been devolved at Arnott''s laboratories at King''s College London [Arnott, S., Wonacott, A.J., 1966a. Polymer 7, 157] on mainframe and several revised versions were maintained at Purdue University [Smith, P.J.C., Arnott, S., 1978. Acta Crystallogr. Sect. A 34, 3; Chandrasekan, R. 2000. lals Users Manual, Whistler Centre for Carbohydrate Researchm Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN] on workstation. Today the lals users have to choose correctly any one program that they want to use, trigonometric or Bessel functions, from some versions. To develop a new winlals program based on the dimensioned version of the latest lals2000 program [lals Users Manual (2000)], we reviewed all the mathematical expressions and corrected the optimization of the non-bonded atomic contact terms. The winlals is coded with fortran 90 and runs on microsoft-windows PCs and the many amendments including changing input/output assignments, expanding array sizes, arranging that the update files have all output parameters of each cycle, and correcting several bugs are performed. This paper describes the mathematical expressions in detail employed in winlals and compares results of its applications obtained with those obtained earlier. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses the broadband passive optical network (B-PON) interface technology and its deployment status around the world. Features of B-PON interface; Technical specifications for the B-PON system; Deployment status of the B-PON system being offered by several companies.

Discusses the Full Services Access Networks (FSAN) organization, its Optical Access Network working group (OAN-WG) and several issues on the optical distribution network requirements and the required system functionalities of the broadband passive optical network (B-PON) system. Establishment of FSAN; Objectives of FSAN OAN-WG; Standardization strategy of FSAN; Features of a basic B-PON system.

Provides information on a study which examined the dielectric breakdown mechanism from the viewpoint of the relationship with the generation of defect sites in the thin silicon dioxide film. Experimental results; Requirements to induce the breakdown; Breakdown-path creation efficiency; Conclusions.

A new computer program, ShakePSD (filtering using the Patterson function search procedures and direct methods), has been developed to solve the structures of organic compounds automatically on personal computers (PCs) operating under Windows. ShakePSD is a single program that can discriminate whether a heavy-atom is included or not and can employ heavy-atom methods (Patterson and search tot all remaining atoms) or direct methods (tangent formula and/or minimal function). A new subroutine, MINIMAL, adopts the Karle recycling method based on the theory. The input data are cell constants, space group, number of atoms with atomic types and observed structure factors F[sub D](h). Compared to the TANGENT produced (employing the tangent formula). MINIMAL is able to obtain the same or a larger number of atoms in a run set and the number of run sets is distinctly larger in a Single computer execution. MINIMAL is a powerful procedure, but it takes a considerable amount of processing time on a Windows PC. The output is in the form of two-dimensional projection diagrams of the molecules in a unit cell. ShakePSD is an automatic general phase solver, being able to handle both heavy-atom methods and direct methods within a single program, and determines, with certainty, molecular fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoramidon-sensitve endothelin-converting enzyme of bovine endothelial cells showed substrate selectivity for big endothelin-1 (ET-1) when compared to big ET-1(1–380, big ET-2(1–37), big ET-2(1–38) and big ET-3(1–41). To investigate the big ET-1 structure important for specific conversion by the endothelin-converting enzyme, we synthesized a series of truncated analogues of big ET-1, measured the hydrolysis of their Trp21-Val22 bonds, and found that a 16-residue peptide, big ET-1(19–34), is the minimal peptide sequence. This suggests that an unusually long carboxy-terminal sequence is required for big ET-1 conversion. Alanine substitution for individual amino acids in the carboxy-terminal region of big ET-1(19–34) demonstrated that Hiss27, Val29, Pro30, Tyr31, Gly32, Leu33 and Gly34 are more important than Asn23, Thr24, Pro25, Glu26 and Val28 for eliciting efficient hydrolysis of the Trp21-Val22 bond, even though the former residues are located at more distant positions from the cleavage sites than are the latter. These results, together with the fact that big ET-2 and big ET-3 show heterogeneity in the big ET-1 residues His27, Val28, Val29 and Gly34, suggest that the His27-Val-Val-Pro-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Gly34 sequence in the carboxy-terminal region of big ET-1 plays the most important role in selective conversion by endothelin converting enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) was purified from bovine endothelial cell conditioned medium by a simple procedure in the absence of protein denaturant. The yield was 2.2 mg from 1.61 conditioned medium in a typical experiment. The purified inhibitor showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reverse fibrin autography with an apparent molecular mass of 45 Wa. The amino-terminal 40-amino-acid sequence was determined and found to be 70% similar to the reported corresponding sequence of human PAI-1. The amino acid composition also revealed a close relationship between bovine PAI and human PAI-1. The purified PAI was substantially inactive (570 U/mg) but it could be activated by treatment with protein denaturants such as 1% SDS (1.8 × 105 U/mg) and 4 M guanidine-HCl (1.5 × 105 U/mg). A more effective activation of this latent PAI was achieved by heat treatment at 100°C for 2.5 min, generating the specific activity of 1.0 × 106 U/mg. The heat-activated PAI lost its activity during incubation at 56°C for 30 min, but repeated heat at 100°C for 2.5 min could regenerate about 70% of the initial activity. Treatment at 37°C, 56°C and 80°C. however, failed to activate the latent PAI at all. These findings suggest that the buried reactive site of the latent PAI is exposed as a result of a heat-induced, specific conformational change, but tends to be masked again during renaturation under mild conditions, i.e. the PAI protein takes on preferentially a latent form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new optical wavemeter using a quartz azimuth rotator for direct reading of wavelength is described. When linearly polarized light having a certain wavelength enters the quartz rotator the plane of polarization rotates, the angle of rotation depending on the thickness of the quartz and the wavelength. Since the thickness of the quartz in the wavemeter is kept constant, the wave- length can be read from the angle of rotation of the polarized input light. This angle is obtained from the ratio of two polarized light beams which are divided from the input light by using an optical analyzer. The quartz thickness at which the error in measurement of wavelength is minimum is found. The relationship between the dividing ratio of the beams and the wavelength is also found. An azimuth quartz rotator with optimum thick- ness is fabricated. It is confirmed that the calculated and measured characteristics of the dividing ratio versus wavelength are in good agreement. The wavemeter has a wave- length range of 0.6–1.6 μm and measurement accuracy better than 1 nm at input power of -35 dBm. To increase the utility of the wavemeter, a device to measure its input power with high sensitivity is added to the apparatus, the resulting accuracy being better than 0.1 dB at an input level of -35 dBm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the feasibility of a decentralized voltage control scheme for large-scale power systems. The algorithm is intended to apply to a reactive normal operating state from an emergency state causal by ill-condition and also to keep the operating state away from approaching unstable boundaries in preventive control. The procedure for releasing voltage deviation (over/under voltage) is formulated as a multistage decision process over a certain time interval. The optimization problem is transformed into a two-point boundary value problem using the discrete maximum principle and is solved easily by using the discrete Riccati equation. For a large-scale power system, control values must be computed front a large number of state variables, and this inevitably prolongs the slow dynamics with controllers. The centralized control system in a large- scale system cannot be justified from the economical and technical viewpoints. To resolve the foregoing problems, a decentralized voltage control system incorporating slow voltage dynamics is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems and solutions for the far end measurement of frequency characteristics of the baseband response of a multimode fiber due to dispersion are presented. Also described is a configuration of the measuring equipment of the baseband response. For the latter, the following are important: (i) removal of the effect of the material dispersion; (ii) stabilization and leveling of the modulation level; (iii) stabilization of the optical output level; (iv) removal of the effect of the reflected light from the output end and the input end of the fiber. Solutions for these problems are: (i) single-mode oscillation of the semiconductor laser by reduction of the modulation index; (ii) stabilization and leveling of the modulation level by a negative feedback loop that monitors the modulation level of the backward light of the laser; (iii) stabilization of the optical output by a negative feedback loop that monitors the output level of the backward light of the laser; and (iv) removal of the effect of the reflected light by means of oblique incidence and small input aperture angle. When the baseband characteristic of a fiber a few kilometers long is measured, irregular variations are observed. A solution to this problem is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dextrocardia associated with situs inversus totalis is a rare condition. A small number of patients with the condition have been reported after undergoing myocardial revascularization. We experienced a case of this rare disorder in an 83-year-old man. He was successfully treated by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic arteries and a saphenous vein. Except for the mirror-image anatomy, the surgical technique was similar to that used for a patient with situs solitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of isolated pulmonary stenosis in a 66-year-old woman. The patient underwent successful pulmonary valve replacement with a stentless bioprosthetic valve. The pulmonary valve was exposed with a longitudinal incision from the right ventricular outflow tract to the pulmonary trunk. The proximal posterior part of the bioprosthetic valve was anastomosed to the pulmonary valve annulus and the distal side was anastomosed to the pulmonary artery with an inclusion technique. The defect from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricular outflow tract was closed using an equine pericardium patch. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unicuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality, leading to aortic stenosis or regurgitation. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with severe aortic regurgitation caused by a unicuspid valve mimicking quadricuspid valve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design of atomic and oligomer level structure in organic-inorganic hybrid materials is highly important for various applications. Nonaqueous acid-base reaction allows us to prepare silicophosphates with controlled inorganic networks (–(O–P–O–Si)n) at atomic level because phosphorous and silicon-based precursors can react directly, resulting in an alternating copolymer network. Organic functionalization in those materials has been realized so far by using organic-modified phosphorous acid and/or organo-chlorosilane as precursors. In the present study, silicophosphate oligomers exhibiting inorganic-organic hybrid chains of (–(O–P–O–Si–R–Si)n) (R: bridging organic functional groups), are prepared from phosphoric acid and organo-bridged bis(chlorosilane). The 1, 2-bis(chlorodimethylsilyl)ethane ((C2H4)(Me2SiCl)2) and 1, 4-bis(chlorodimethylsilyl)benzene ((C6H4)(Me2SiCl)2) were used as organo-bridged bis(chlorosilane). Different types of silicophosphate oligomers with different network structures and terminal groups (P-OH and/or Si-Cl) were prepared by changing the reaction temperature and molar ratio of precursors. The formation of low molecular weight oligomers of ring and cage morphologies (ring tetramer, cage pentamer, and ring hexamer) is suggested in the product prepared from phosphoric acid and (C6H4)(Me2SiCl)2 molecule at 150 °C. Those silicophosphate hybrid oligomers are expected to be used as building blocks of hybrid materials with well-defined network structures for desired functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]