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Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery (LCX) poses diagnostic dilemma that may lead to a delay in reperfusion. Purpose We sought to assess the diagnostic significance of initial electrocardiography (ECG) changes in patients with acute LCX occlusion in relation to its clinical characteristics and the management. Methods From consecutive 1269 patients with ACS who were admitted to our institution during a 5-year period (2015–2019), 138 patients with ACS due to LCX occlusion were analyzed for clinical, ECG and angiographic presentation, and the door-to-balloon (DTB) time. ECG changes were classified into 4 different patterns: 1) ST-elevation in inferior/lateral leads (ST-E); 2) ST-depression in V1-V4 (ST-D); 3) no significant ST changes (No-ST); and 4) others. Results (1) No-ST pattern was found in 47 patients (34%), ST-E in 47 patients (34%), ST-D in 25 patients (18%) and others in 19 patients (14%). (2) Occlusion site: Proximal LCX; 16 patients with No-ST (34%), 6 patients with ST-E (13%), 13 patients with ST-D (52%). Distal LCX; 28 patients with No-ST (60%), 35 patients with ST-E (74%), 11 patients with ST-D (44%) (p=0.007). (Table) (3) Echocardiographic identification of left ventricular asynergy; 31 patients with No-ST (66%), 38 patients with ST-E (81%), 22 patients with ST-D (88%). (4) No-ST group was associated with longer DTB time; 245 min (170–562 min), compared to 93 min (83–121 min) in ST-E group and 97 min (70–129 min) in ST-D group (p Conclusion One-third of the patients with LCX-ACS showed no ST changes, resulting in significantly longer DTB time. Improving diagnostic accuracy with anticipation for LCX-ACS and the use of echocardiographic examination and also the possible application of posterior leads (V7-V9) recording is challenging but critical to avoid delayed reperfusion and to improve outcomes in these patients without ECG changes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Quantitative high-energy X-ray spectroscopy is applied for the laser plasma interaction in the fast ignition scheme. A double tracer layer target is designed for the absolute measurement of hot electron temperature and laser energy transfer efficiency. The hot electron temperature is determined from the ratio of the number of K α photons from the first and second tracers. Consequently, the energy transfer efficiency from incident laser beams to hot electrons, as the energy transfer mechanism, is derived. In a cone-guide geometry, we simultaneously measured the hot electron temperature and the energy transfer efficiency from the incident LFEX, a kJ-class PW laser, which were measured to be 5.3 MeV and 37%, respectively.

Background Rikkunshito, a standardized Japanese herbal medicine, is thought to accelerate gastric emptying and relieve dyspepsia, although no large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of rikkunshito have been conducted. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of rikkunshito for treating functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods FD patients received 2.5 g rikkunshito or placebo three times a day for 8 weeks in this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. The primary end point was the proportion of responders at 8 weeks after starting test drug, determined by global patient assessment (GPA). The improvement in four major dyspepsia symptoms severity scale was also evaluated. In addition, plasma ghrelin levels were investigated before and after treatment. Key Results Two hundred forty-seven patients were randomly assigned. In the eighth week, the rikkunshito group had more GPA responders (33.6%) than the placebo (23.8%), although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09). Epigastric pain was significantly improved (p = 0.04) and postprandial fullness tended to improve (p = 0.06) in the rikkunshito group at week 8. Rikkunshito was relatively more effective among Helicobacter pylori-infected participants (rikkunshito: 40.0% vs placebo: 20.5%, p = 0.07), and seemed less effective among H. pylori-uninfected participants (rikkunshito: 29.3% vs placebo: 25.6%, p = 0.72). Among H. pylori-positive individuals, acyl ghrelin levels were improved just in rikkunshito group. There were no severe adverse events in both groups. Conclusions & Inferences Administration of rikkunshito for 8 weeks reduced dyspepsia, particularly symptoms of epigastric pain and postprandial fullness. (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, Number UMIN000003954).

Absolute Kα line spectroscopy is proposed for studying laser–plasma interactions taking place in the Au cone-guided fast ignition targets. X-ray spectra ranging from 20 to 100 keV were quantitatively measured with a Laue spectrometer composed of a cylindrically curved crystal and a filter-absorption method for Bremsstrahlung continuum emission. The absolute sensitivities of the Laue spectrometer systems were calibrated using pre-characterized laser-produced X-ray sources and radioisotopes. The integrated reflectivity for the crystal is in good agreement with predictions by an X-ray diffraction code. The energy transfer efficiency from incident laser beams to hot electrons, as the energy transfer mechanism, is derived from this work. The absolute yield of Au and Ta Kα lines were measured in the fast ignition experimental campaign performed at Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University. Applying the hot electron spectrum information from electron spectrometer and scaling laws, the energy transfer efficiency from the incident LFEX, a kJ-class PW laser, to hot electrons was derived for the first time.

Implosion and heating experiments at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University on Fast Ignition (FI) targets for the FIREX-1 project have been performed with Gekko-XII laser for implosions and LFEX laser for heating. We tried to reduce the prepulse level in the LFEX laser system and have improved the plasma diagnostics to observe the plasma in the harsh hard X-ray environment. A plastic (CD) shell target, 7-μm thick and 500 μm in diameter with a hollow gold cone was used in this experiment to guide the short-pulse laser at the time of the maximum compression. The shell target was imploded with 9 or 12 beams of Gekko-XII laser (527 nm) with energy of 300 J/beam in a 1.5 ns pulse. Two of the four LFEX laser (1053 nm) beams were injected into the inside bottom of the cone with an energy up to 0.7 kJ/beam in a 1.5 ps pulse at the time around the maximum implosion. We have observed neutron enhancement up to 3.5 × 107 with total heating energy of 300 J, which is higher than the yield obtained in the previous experiment in 2002 [R. Kodama et al. Nature 418, 933 (2002)]. We found the estimated heating efficiency is at a level of 10–20%. Fuel heating to 5 keV is expected when the full output of LFEX is used.

The fast ignition realization experiment (FIREX) project is progressing. The new short pulse laser system, LFEX laser, has been completely assembled and one of the four beamlets is now in operation. A fast-ignition experiment was performed using this single short pulse combined with the Gekko XII implosion laser. The energy of the GXII implosion laser was about 2 kJ and the pulse width was 1.5 ns. The energy of the LFEX laser was increased upto 800 J and two pulse durations 5 and 1.6 ps were compared. Targets were deuterated plastic shells with gold cones. It was found that the neutron yield was increased by a factor of 30 as a result of the fast electron-induced heating in LFEX 1.6 ps shot. The estimated coupling efficiency between the LFEX laser pulse and the compressed fuel was low (less than 5%). This may be due to pre-plasma formed by light arriving at the target before the main laser pulse. Further investigations and attempts to overcome these problems are now in progress. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

In order to develop a cathode for reduced-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, cermetting effect of LSCF with Pt was investigated. The effect of cermetting was observed. However, the obtained cathode activity was only an order of 0.5 S/cm2 at 973 K. The activation energy at low and high LSCF/Pt ratios was smaller than that at medium LSCF/Pt ratio region. The cathode interfacial conductivity, σE, of the very low Pt containing LSCF cermet cathode increased with increasing cathode thickness, whereas with high Pt content, σE showed optimum. These results suggested that Pt has both enhancing and obstructing functions. Based on SEM observation, the main reason of these complicated results was considered to be due to poor porosity and narrow surface area due to high electrode sintering temperature. Pt may enhance sintering of LSCF. So reduced-temperature cathode sintering should be investigated for LSCF/Pt cathode preparation.

The characteristics of oxygen-enriched liquid scintillators with very low afterglow are investigated and optimized for application to a single-hit neutron spectrometer for fast ignition experiments. It is found that 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene has better characteristics as a liquid scintillator solvent than the conventional solvent, p-xylene. In addition, a benzophenon-doped BBQ liquid scintillator is shown to demonstrate very rapid time response, and therefore has potential for further use in neutron diagnostics with fast time resolution.

Novel endovascular approaches are needed for safer and more definitive treatment of wide-necked aneurysms, to overcome the limitations of the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) system and further, the application of this technique. The double GDC technique (DGT), for embolization of wide-necked aneurysms, and the combination of stent placement and coil deposition (CTSC) for management of fusiform aneurysms have been developed and their usefulness is reviewed. The DGT involves scaffolding of a GDC coil to form a stabilizing frame inside the aneurysmal neck and then positioning of a second coil to reinforce the first coil. After confirming the absence of coil herniation in the parent artery, both coils are released together. A patient with a wide-necked large aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery was treated using this technique, and followed up angiographically and clinically for a period of three months. The follow-up angiograms revealed complete embolization of the aneurysm. The patient had no neurological changes or adverse events during the procedure. The CTSC involves reconstructing the artery with a stent and packing the aneurysm lumen with GDCs through the stent interstices. A patient with a dissecting fusiform aneurysm of the vertebral artery associated with hypoplasia of the contralateral vertebral artery was treated using this technique to prevent rebleeding. His clinical course was uneventful over a six-month follow-up period. Angiography performed two months after the procedure confirmed excellent flow through the right vertebral artery and absence of filling of the daughter aneurysm.

A new process is proposed for CO2 removal from flue gas using the reaction CaO + CO2 ↔ CaCO3. This process consists of two fluidized bed reactors connected by solid transportation lines. In one reactor (absorber), CO2 in the flue gas is captured by CaO at 873 K and the produced CaCO3 is transported to another reactor (regenerator), in which CaCO3 is decomposed to CaO at 1223 K. The produced CaO is transported to the absorber again. The heat of decomposition in the regenerator is supplied by feeding coal and pure oxygen, thus the flue gas from the regenerator is high purity CO2 (>95%, dry base). In this work, a conceptual study is conducted for material balance, heat balance, power generation, and power consumption for O2 production and CO2 liquefaction (compression). Also, a kinetic study of CaO+CO2 → CaCO3 was conducted to design the absorber. The required bed height of the absorber was calculated by use of a bubbling fluidized bed model. The bed height was found to be determined not by the chemical reaction rate but by the arrangement of heat transfer tubes for heat recovery.

Oil and gas are the most important energy resources on the globe. They need to be transported to feed the energy to remote cities and towns. For efficient use of energy, variable frequency drives (VFD) are used in domestic and industrial appliances. In Industrial applications such as the gas industry, capacity of driven compressors is extraordinary large and rated up to 100MW. Then, different VFD technology is required from those for general machines. This paper introduces advanced Megawatt inverter technology for extra-large compressor drive use. The description includes performance evaluation, quality control and field experiences of the extra-large inverters. High reliability, which is critical in oil and gas industry application, is achieved. This paper addresses also issues related to AC grid connection of the extra-large inverters. © 2013 IEEE.

X-ray line spectra ranging from 17 to 77 keV were quantitatively measured with a Laue spectrometer, composed of a cylindrically curved crystal and a detector. Either a visible CCD detector coupled with a CsI phosphor screen or an imaging plate can be chosen, depending on the signal intensities and exposure times. The absolute sensitivity of the spectrometer system was calibrated using pre-characterized laser-produced x-ray sources and radioisotopes. The integrated reflectivity for the crystal is in good agreement with predictions by an open code for x-ray diffraction. The energy transfer efficiency from incident laser beams to hot electrons, as the energy transfer agency for specific x-ray line emissions, is derived as a consequence of this work.

The interfacial structure between an adhesive composite resin and the dentinal walls of cervical erosion/abrasion lesions etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 60 seconds was investigated. Almost all dentinal tubules were occluded with rod-like structural depositions that remained undissolved even after acid conditioning. The hybrid layer between the adhesive resin and surface-demineralized dentin was found to be 0.3 to 3 microns, much thinner than that routinely found in either normal dentin or cariously affected dentin. The hybrid layer was thinnest at the occlusal walls of the cavity where the dentinal tubules run parallel to the cavity surface. The bond strength of adhesive resin to these areas may differ from that to intact normal dentin.

A custom developed (6)Li glass scintillator (APLF80+3Pr) for down-scattered neutron diagnostics in inertial confinement fusion experiments is presented. (6)Li provides an enhanced sensitivity for down-scattered neutrons in DD fusion and its experimentally observed 5-6 ns response time fulfills the requirement for down-scattered neutron detectors. A time-of-flight detector operating in the current mode using the APLF80+3Pr was designed and its feasibility observing down-scattered neutrons was demonstrated. Furthermore, a prototype design for a down-scattered neutron imaging detector was also demonstrated. This material promises viability as a future down-scattered neutron detector for the National Ignition Facility.

Aims: To describe obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) as under-recognized behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and to discuss possible mechanisms based on MRI and SPECT findings. Methods: We studied 74 PSP patients. OCS are defined as persistent and unreasonable, but non-delusional/hallucinatory, ideas and behaviors. Demography, cognition, the widths of middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP) and the inter-caudate distances (ICD), both corrected by the intracranial size (MCP and ICD ratios), and changes on voxel-based SPECT were compared between the subgroups with and without OCS. Finally, the predicative power of various factors to OCS was investigated. Results: We observed OCS in 18 patients (24%). They were obsessed with daily trifles and physical symptoms among other things. OCS was not associated with demography or cognitive levels. OCS-positive patients had significantly smaller MCP and ICD ratios and showed marked uptake decreases in the orbitofrontal cortex, caudate and thalamus. Relative uptake increases in the cerebellum, specifically the tonsils, were milder in OCS-positive than -negative patients. A smaller right MCP, a smaller ICD ratio and lower uptake increases in the right cerebellar were the significant predictors of OCS. Conclusions: OCS are frequent but under-recognized behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in PSP. Dysfunction of the fronto-caudate-thalamus-cerebellum circuit may be involved.

Aims: Recent studies have suggested that subcortical cognitive impairment (SubCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be differentiated by visuospatial tasks. We addressed at what severity stage these differences become apparent and what components in visuospatial processes are subject to impairment. Methods: Sixty patients with AD, 22 with vascular cognitive impairment and 63 with extrapyramidal diseases with cognitive impairment were assessed using the revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDSR), clock drawing/reading/matching tests (CDT, CRT, CMT), figure copying (FIG) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Patients were categorized according to the HDSR scores in order to control for the severity of global cognitive impairment. Raw scores were converted to Z-scores for comparisons. Results: In the mild stage, results of all measures were comparable between AD and SubCI. In the moderate-severe stage, scores of CDT, CRT, CMT, FIG and FAB were significantly lower in SubCI. The results suggest that (given that global cognition is controlled for) visuo-perception, visuo-construction and semantic-numerical analyses of visual information may be more impaired in SubCI than AD. Conclusions: AD and SubCI may be difficult to be differentiated in the mild stages, and the visuospatial cognitive system may be extensively defective in SubCI.

We performed integrated experiments on impact ignition, in which a portion of a deuterated polystyrene (CD) shell was accelerated to about 600 km/s and was collided with precompressed CD fuel. The kinetic energy of the impactor was efficiently converted into thermal energy generating a temperature of about 1.6 keV. We achieved a two-order-of-magnitude increase in the neutron yield by optimizing the timing of the impact collision, demonstrating the high potential of impact ignition for fusion energy production.

The influence of ghrelin on feeding behaviour during infancy is unknown. To determine whether ghrelin influences milk intake in rat pups, newborn rats received a single i.p. injection of either rat ghrelin (100 microg/kg) or rabbit anti-ghrelin immunoglobulin G (100 microg/kg) every 5 days from postpartum day 5 to day 30 (P5-P30). Milk intake was then assessed by body weight gain following a 2-h suckling period. Ghrelin significantly increased weight gain relative to vehicle-injected controls in P20, P25 and P30 pups, but not in younger animals. Similarly, after 8 h of milk restriction, anti-ghrelin injections significantly decreased weight gain in P25 and P30, but not in younger pups. Interestingly, however, ghrelin did increase independent feeding in P10 and P15 pups using a paradigm in which pups consumed milk from a milk-soaked paper towel. We therefore conclude that ghrelin stimulates milk intake at an early postnatal stage, primarily by affecting adult-type feeding behaviour.

Along with the development of large power devices, the features of the AC drive system for rolling mills have dramatically improved. Here we present the features of recent AC drives such as higher control response, higher efficiency, less harmonics and smaller footprint. TMEIC supplied the drive system and the control system to Hunan Valin Liangang Steel Co. Ltd.'s new hot strip mill. The plant is a completely AC driven plant. The auxiliary drives are 2-level PWM inverters and the main drives are 3-level PWM inverters. It started successful operation in December 2003. This paper describes the features of recent drive systems and the experimental results of the new hot strip mill.

Methods to temporally and spatially regulate gene mutations will provide a powerful strategy to investigate gene function in the brain. To develop these methods, we have established a tightly regulated system for transgene expression in the forebrain using both a tetracycline (Tc)-dependent transcription activator (rtTA) and a repressor (TetR-Kruppel-associated box). In this system, the repressor binds to the Tc-responsive element (TRE) in the absence of doxycycline (Dox), leading to the repression of leaky activation of TRE-mediated transcription caused by weak binding of rtTA to TRE. Upon Dox administration, only the activator binds to TRE and activates transcription. We tested this system in cultured cells by bicistronically expressing both the regulators using an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). In COS-1, HeLa and SHSY5Y cells, leaky transcription activation led by rtTA in the absence of Dox was repressed without decreasing the level of activated transcription in the presence of Dox. Using this system, transgenic mice were produced that express both the regulators using IRES in the forebrain under the control of the alphaCaMKII promoter and were bred with transgenic mice carrying the TRE-dependent reporter transgene. In reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization analyses of the forebrain in adult double transgenic mice, the treatment of Dox induces reporter mRNA expression, which was not detected before the treatment and after the withdraw of Dox following the treatment. These results indicate that this system allows the tight regulation of transgene expression in a Dox-dependent fashion in the forebrain and will be useful in investigating gene function in the brain.

It is demonstrated that by properly selecting a suitable cycloconverter-fed AC drive system for a prospective rolling mill one can expect not only an excellent performance and responsive controls, but also a minimum consumption of incoming power and reduction of running energy cost. A noncirculating current cycloconverter drive is the most suitable for large-scale and low-speed drives, such as hot reversing mill main stands, while a circulating current cycloconverter drive is best suited for a tandem cold mill, which requires a high capability of speed control. The system can drive the mill at a quick speed response of omega /sub c/=60 rad/s in a wide speed range. This control performance increases the possibilities for improvements in the gage thickness accuracy control and in the production yield rate. >

We reported the technique of pathological diagnosis for minute lung cancer lesion of early stage during operation. Target lesion for our technique may be less than 1 cm in size and not be detected by palpation. Our technique may superior to usual method of frozen section of tissue specimen without fixation. At first, resected lung specimen was fixed by injection of 20% formalin solution subsequent warming by microwave oven for 40 seconds. Almost all lesions may be detected in proper thickness of specimen. Specimen was washed out and steeped in the 20% of sucrose solution for 30 to 60 seconds in order to avoid crystallization of water that was contained within lung specimen. Then thin sliced section of specimen was made by Cryostat in usual method. The minute cancer lesion was able to detect more easy than usual method of making frozen section of specimen. Formalin fixed and sucrose steeped frozen section may be able to evaluate the surgical margin from cancer exactly than the section made by non-fixed specimen.

A 26-year-old man was injured in the traffic accident. He had complicated chest trauma. He came to our hospital by ambulance immediately after rescued from crashed his automobile. He had severe pulmonary contusion with frail chest, pulmonary laceration, tension hemopneumothorax, and hypovolemic shock, and air embolism of the brain. He was managed with fiber-optic bronchoscopy under mechanical ventilation and chest drainage. Frequent broncho-scopic bronchial lavage of respiratory tract with thrombin and adrenaline solution was helpful to prevent anoxia due to complicated chest injury. He developed acute bacterial empyema and multiple organ failure due to septic shock during intensive care for trauma. However, he underwent surgical treatment for empyema and fully returned to his work after 6 months after his critical accident.

Ghrelin, a novel GH-releasing acylated peptide, was recently isolated from rat stomach. It stimulated the release of GH from the anterior pituitary through the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin messenger RNA and the peptide are present in rat stomach, but its cellular source has yet to be determined. Using two different antibodies against the N- and C-terminal regions of rat ghrelin, we identified ghrelin-producing cells in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats and humans by light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry. Ghrelin-immunoreactive cells, which are not enterochromaffin-like cells, D cells, or enterochromaffin cells, accounted for about 20% of the endocrine cell population in rat and human oxyntic glands. Rat ghrelin was present in round, compact, electron-dense granules compatible with those of X/A-like cells whose hormonal product and physiological functions have not previously been clarified. The localization, population, and ultrastructural features of ghrelin-producing cells (Gr cells) indicate that they are X/A-like cells. Ghrelin also was found in enteric endocrine cells of rats and humans. Using two RIAs for the N- and C-terminal regions of ghrelin, we determined its content in the rat gastrointestinal tract. Rat ghrelin was present from the stomach to the colon, with the highest content being in the gastric fundus. Messenger RNAs of ghrelin and GHS-R also were found in these organs. Ghrelin probably functions not only in the control of GH secretion, but also in the regulation of diverse processes of the digestive system. Our findings provide clues to additional, as yet undefined, physiological functions of this novel gastrointestinal hormone.

A 60-year-old female presented in end-stage renal failure. She was introduced continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in August 1997. After about six months, acute hydrothorax developed in her right side of the pleural cavity. Then she was obligated to give up CAPD because of repeated recurrence of hydrothorax. She wanted to return to CAPD for her life style. In November 1998, she came to our hospital to have a surgical treatment for her pleuroperitoneal communication. We performed video assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Using methylene blue containing dialysis solution through CAPD catheter, we found a bleb on the diaphragm that expanded gradually. We diagnosed that potion was pleuroperitoneal communication. The defect of diaphragm was directly closed with surgical stapler. Post-operative course was very favorable. She could restarted CAPD at 3 postoperative day, and discharged from our hospital after 5 days of operation. No recurrence of hydrothorax has been detected for a years after the surgical treatment.

We evaluated the usefulness of endovascular treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms with GDCs and IDCs, Five cases were treated with IDCs, and 15 cases were treated with GDCs. In this study, 8 aneurysms were identified at the basilar bifurcation, 3 at the P1 segment of the pasterior cerebral artery, 1 at the origin of the superior cerebellar artery, 2 at the vertebrobasilar junction, 1 at the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, 1 at the distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and 4 dissecting aneurysms at the vertebral artery. Thirteen of the aneurysms were small (< 12 mm), 5 were large (13–24 mm), and 2 were giant (> 25 mm). Of the 20 patients, 14 patients returned to their previous occupation. Patients with permanent deficits included 2 patients with infarction caused by thromboembolic complications during the embolization procedure, and 2 with infarction caused by vasospasm. There were 2 deaths. The outcomes of the patients seemed favorable. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the usefulness of detachable coils.

A down-scattered neutron detector operating in the multichannel counting mode was developed for areal density (ρ R) measurement. Equipped with a newly developed 6 Li glass scintillator (APLF80), the detector was tested in a fusion experiment at the GEKKO XII facility, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. For a low-ρ R fusion shot, the detector clearly discriminated the γ -rays, primary neutrons, γ -rays produced via (n, γ ) reactions from the target chamber, and neutrons scattered by the target chamber. Furthermore, the observed signal was in good agreement with predictions made by Monte Carlo simulation.

In the fast-ignition scheme, very hard x-rays (hereinafter referred to as γ-rays) are generated by Bremsstrahlung radiation from fast electrons. Significant backgrounds were observed around the deuterium-deuterium fusion neutron signals in the experiment in 2010. In this paper the backgrounds were studied in detail, based on Monte Carlo simulations, and they were confirmed to be γ-rays from the target, scattered γ-rays from the experimental bay walls (γ'-rays), and neutrons generated by (γ, n) reactions in either the target vacuum chamber or the diagnostic instruments (γ-n neutrons).

The purpose of this study was to investigate marginal microleakage by examining the resin/dentin interface using a cryo-SEM and a silver ion penetration method. Class 5 cervical cavities were restored using an adhesive resin system following treatment with 37% phosphoric acid gel. The cavity wall adaptation was observed using cryo-SEM to avoid specimen damage. This observation showed excellent marginal adaptation of material to cavity walls and no gap formation. However, silver ions had penetrated beneath the resin-impregnated layer when observed with conventional SEM images, which showed the leakage of silver ions between the resin and decalcified tooth structure without gap formation. This study suggests that the bonding monomers of Clearfil Photo Bond were not fully able to penetrate into the demineralized dentin after phosphoric acid etching, thus leaving a porous zone as a microleakage pathway beneath the resin-impregnated layer.

Based on the successful result of fast heating of a shell target with a cone for heating beam injection at Osaka University in 2002 using the PW laser (Kodama et al 2002 Nature 418 933), the FIREX-1 project was started in 2004. Its goal is to demonstrate fuel heating up to 5 keV using an upgraded heating laser beam. For this purpose, the LFEX laser, which can deliver an energy up to10 kJ in a 0.5–20 ps pulse at its full spec, has been constructed in addition to the Gekko-XII laser system at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University. It has been activated and became operational since 2009. Following the previous experiment with the PW laser, upgraded integrated experiments of fast ignition have been started using the LFEX laser with an energy up to 1 kJ in 2009 and 2 kJ in 2010 in a 1–5 ps 1.053 µm pulse. Experimental results including implosion of the shell target by Gekko-XII, heating of the imploded fuel core by LFEX laser injection, and increase of the neutron yield due to fast heating compared with no heating have been achieved. Results in the 2009 experiment indicated that the heating efficiency was 3–5%, much lower than the 20–30% expected from the previous 2002 data. It was attributed to the very hot electrons generated in a long scale length plasma in the cone preformed with a prepulse in the LFEX beam. The prepulse level was significantly reduced in the 2010 experiment to improve the heating efficiency. Also we have improved the plasma diagnostics significantly which enabled us to observe the plasma even in the hard x-ray harsh environment. In the 2010 experiment, we have observed neutron enhancement up to 3.5 × 107 with total heating energy of 300 J on the target, which is higher than the yield obtained in the 2009 experiment and the previous data in 2002. We found the estimated heating efficiency to be at a level of 10–20%. 5 keV heating is expected at the full output of the LFEX laser by controlling the heating efficiency.

4,4'''-Bis[(2-butyloctyl)oxy]-1,1':4',1'':4'',1'''-quaterphenyl (BBQ) dye dissolved in xylene and enriched with oxygen is shown to exhibit the characteristics of an ideal neutron scintillator for time-of-flight (TOF) measurement in a laser fusion experiment. Initial results from excitation with 290-nm pulses show that it has a 0.76-ns fast decay component and a negligible slow decay component or afterglow. By using this scintillator for TOF measurement, we have successfully discriminated between nuclear fusion-generated neutrons and X-rays. This would dramatically improve neutron diagnostics in fast ignition experiments where neutrons have to be detected in the presence of an intense X-ray burst.

The aim of this study was to investigate the durability, throughout one year, of tensile bond strengths (TBS) to bovine dentin using various commercial and experimental bonding systems. Specimens were stored in a controlled solution of ion-exchanged water containing plaster chips and sodium azide. From the results it was concluded that the changes in TBS were not uniform over time, but a significant decrease was usually observed. For Super Bond D-liner and KB-100, the TBS were the highest and exhibited remarkable stability over the test period. The mode of fracture was noted to vary depending on the treatment system used, and was independent of TBS. Generally, the fracture mode tended to show increases in adhesive/cohesive failures within the resin over time. Super Bond D-liner always exhibited adhesive type failure at the tooth interface, and later involved failure in the hybrid layer. KB-100 showed very little change in failure over one year, being usually adhesive between bonding resin and resin composite. The results from this study indicate the need to carry out durability studies for the basic evaluation of all bonding systems. It was shown that the use of a controlled storage solution is important.

A rare case of Williams syndrome diagnosed at the age of 41 is documented. The first subjective symptom was chest pain and the patient displayed many other features in addition to severe supravalvular aortic stenosis with a systolic gradient of 60 mmHg. The stenotic lesion had an area of 0.5 cm2, and was associated with dilated and tortuous coronary arteries. Extended aortoplasty was successfully performed and the postoperative course has been excellent without any cardiac symptoms. In spite of the severe cardiac lesions, this case had been largely asymptomatic and presented unusual features related to the diagnosis and management of this syndrome in an adult. The pattern of abnormalities found in this case suggested problems in relation to the calcitonin/calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and the elastin gene occurring in embryonic organogenesis.

The interfacial structure between an adhesive composite resin and the dentinal walls of cervical erosion/abrasion lesions etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 60 seconds was investigated. Almost all dentinal tubules were occluded with rod-like structural depositions that remained undissolved even after acid conditioning. The hybrid layer between the adhesive resin and surface-demineralized dentin was found to be 0.3 to 3 microns, much thinner than that routinely found in either normal dentin or cariously affected dentin. The hybrid layer was thinnest at the occlusal walls of the cavity where the dentinal tubules run parallel to the cavity surface. The bond strength of adhesive resin to these areas may differ from that to intact normal dentin.

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of aging of dentin on the tensile bond strengths of four dentin bonding systems using proximal dentin of premolars extracted from young (aged from 9-21 years) and old (aged from 42-64 years) patients. Clearfil Linerbond System and Super Bond D-Liner showed higher bond strengths to both young and old teeth than those of Clearfil Photo Bond and Resto Bond 3. However, similar bond strengths to both young and old teeth for all four products were obtained despite the effects of aging. Furthermore, a SEM study of the site of bond failure revealed the persistence of the resin impregnated layer on the dentin surface, in spite of the difference of bonding system and dentin, indicating that adhesive failure tended to occur at the interface between the bonding resin and the resin impregnated layer.

The interfacial structure of seven dentin adhesive systems was studied morphologically. Argon ion beam etching of an undecalcified section clearly revealed the resin-impregnated demineralized dentin at the adhesive interface of the seven systems when observed under the scanning electron microscope.

The interfacial structure between an adhesive composite resin and dentin after caries removal and acid conditioning was investigated. The hybrid layer between the adhesive resin and surface-demineralized dentin was found to be wider in the area of empty tubules compared with that of the occluded tubules, and was found to be the thinnest at the lateral walls of the cavity where the dentinal tubules run parallel to the cavity surface. Thus, the extent of demineralization by acid conditioning as well as impregnation of resin into the intertubular dentin forming the hybrid layer is probably related to the degree of closure and direction of the dentinal tubules.

Recently, problems have occurred frequently such as cervical and exposed dentin surface lesions or root caries and subsequent hypersensitivity because of further increase of the elderly population. This study was projected to device a proper and simple treatment and materials for the adhesive composite restoration for such lesions. The 10-20Ca (10% citric acid containing 20% calcium chloride) solution was found to be a comparatively mild tooth surface conditioning agent and to be effective with a single application to both dentin and enamel. In addition, the use of the SA primer (3% N-methacryloyl 5-aminosalicylic acid in 80% ethanol) and the LVR (visible light-cured, 33% microfilled low viscous Bis-GMA resin) dramatically improved the adhesion and adaptability of the composite restoration in the saucer cavity at the cervical area.

In order to determine whether ulinastatin (US) can prevent renal dysfunction due to cisplatin (CDDP) or not, we comparatively studied serum BUN, serum creatinine (Cr), creatinine clearance (Ccr), urine gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) excretion, urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) excretion, fractional excretion of Na (FENa) and urine beta 2-microglobulin excretion between one group of 10 patients receiving single treatment with CDDP and another group of 10 patients receiving combination treatment with CDDP+US, in 20 subjects with primary lung cancer. In the US combination treatment group, urine gamma-GTP excretion, urine NAG excretion, and FENa elevation were significantly inhibited. Urine beta 2-microglobulin excretion was inhibited. In summary, US was considered to have a preventive effect against renal toxicity due to CDDP.

Extracted human teeth were collected from young (20-28 yrs) versus old (45-69 yrs) patients. The teeth were divided into carious and noncarious groups. Slabs were created from the mid-coronal occlusal dentin. Carious lesions were excavated and the smear layers on both normal and excavated carious dentin were removed with 37% phosphoric acid (1 min). The permeability (hydraulic conductance) of old normal dentin was only 20% of that obtained in young normal dentin but all of the specimens were permeable. Young carious dentin was only 14% as permeable as young normal dentin and only 1 out of 7 specimens was not permeable. All 7 specimens of old carious dentin were impermeable. Scanning electron microscopy of old and carious dentin exhibited far more intratubular crystals than normal dentin, providing a structural basis for the functional observation.

This study evaluated the pulp biocompatability of a new light-cured composite resin which was placed in etched glass-ionomer-lined cavities of monkey teeth. The pulpal response to this material was less than that to zinc-oxide eugenol cement in each observation period. Therefore this material seems to meet acceptable biocompatability standards in nonhuman primates.

We have proposed a new ignition scheme of Fast Ignition, called 'Impact Fast Ignition [1] (IFI)', in which a compressed fuel is ignited by impact collision of a fragment of separately imploded fuel. We have started experiments that used CD colliding foils as the fundamental experiment and integrated experiment of the IFI. In the fundamental experiment, we used targets which are consists of two CD foils (thickness of 20 μm) with a 600 μm separation. We have irradiated one of the CD foils by laser beams of the energy of 2 kJ in total and accelerated. The accelerated CD foil collides with another foil, and neutrons were generated by the nuclear fusion reaction on the heated foil. In this experiment, we measured the neutron yield of 106. In the integrated experiment, we used CD shell targets with a gold cone which had a hemispherical impactor (Fig. 1). The shell was imploded using 9 beams and the impactor was accelerated using 3 beams of the GEKKO XII laser system. The laser energy was 350 J per beam. Observed maximum neutron yield was 2 × 106. This yield was 80 times as large as that without impactor. We will present the experimental details and results.

We have been developing fast responding neutron detectors with a view to revealing the effect of additional laser heating in FIREX-I (Fast Ignition Realization Experiment) by measuring the burn time with a time resolution under 100 ps at the relatively low neutron yield (about 106). The detector is constructed with a thin plastic-scintillaotor (BC-422), a micro-channel-plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT) and a bundle optical fiber as a light-guide. The rise time of a neutron signal from the detector is measured to be 220 ps. The time-determination error for measuring burn time is estimated to be less than ± 46 ps from the data of characterization experiments measuring the transit time distribution of signals, and calculated values of Doppler broadening and the uncertainty of the scintillation time due to the thickness of the scintillator. In the future with more neutron yield, we will construct a scintillation-fiber-streak camera to detect burn history.

In Omagari city and five towns, 37,793 women were subjected to mass screening of uterine carcinoma from 1979 to 1988. The detection rate of uterine carcinoma was 0.058%. Initial screening rate was 41% 10 years ago, but in 1988, it was decreased to 18%. The peak age of the mass screening was 50-54 years old, but the carcinoma and dysplasia high degree were detected mostly in patients aged 60 years old or more. And the constitution of the age of mass screening in this study was inadequate for the screening of endometrial carcinoma. It is important to emphasize that older women (aged 60 or above) and nullipara should be encouraged to actively participate in the screening of cervical and endometrial carcinoma.