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Model-free image-based wavefront correction techniques, such as the stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm, will be useful in achieving diffraction-limited optical performance in near-future optical remote sensing systems. One difficulty facing the image-based method is that the correction performance depends on the evaluation metric and the evaluated scene. We propose several evaluation functions and investigate the relationship between the optimization speed and the scene textures for each metric in the SPGD algorithm. Based on the simulation results, the study experimentally compared wavefront correction performance using four cost functions and two extended aerial images. Consequently, we found that the deviation-based cost function allowed efficient wavefront correction for versatile extended scenes. In addition, observing extended scenes with distinct structures can facilitate correction speed. Furthermore, we numerically validated this approach in a segmented-aperture imaging system for large telescopes. We believe that the presented approach allows us to realize spaceborne remote sensing with unprecedented high angular resolution.

The phase transition in the melting of Sn–Bi eutectic solder alloy particles was observed by in situ hard X-ray ptychographic coherent diffraction imaging with a pin-point heating system. Ptychographic diffraction patterns of micrometer-sized Sn–Bi particles were collected at temperatures from room temperature to 540 K. The projection images of each particle were reconstructed at a spatial resolution of 25 nm, showing differences in the phase shifts due to two crystal phases in the Sn–Bi alloy system and the Sn/Bi oxides at the surface. By quantitatively evaluating the Bi content, it became clear that the nonuniformity of the composition of Sn and Bi at the single-particle level exists when the particles are synthesized by centrifugal atomization.

Wavefront compensation techniques that do not require wavefront sensors are demanded in the on-orbit telescopes on Earth observation satellites. This is especially true for segmented or sparse aperture telescopes that could realize unprecedented high angular resolution. A promising wavefront sensorless approach is the stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm. The wavefront correction by the SPGD optimization relies only on the intensity data in the acquired image. However, many previous observation targets are point light sources, not the extended ground scenes generally acquired by Earth observation satellites. This paper derives an efficient wavefront control method for imaging systems for the fast SPGD optimization. Wavefront compensation has been demonstrated by experiment on extended objects in single aperture optics, in which a microelectrome- chanical system deformable mirror controls the wavefront. Subsequent numerical simulations are reported for multi-aperture imaging systems. The paper also discuses a method to reduce the computational cost of SPGD optimization.

Aim: Chest compression depth (CCD) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation is important. However, lightweight rescuers have difficulty achieving an appropriate depth. Chest compression force (CCFORCE) can be increased by placing the arms at 100° to the patient’s frontal plane. In a simulation manikin study, we compared the CCD at 90° and 100° among lightweight Asian females and hypothesized that the CCD would be greater when the arms were placed at 100°. Methods: We included 35 lightweight female students from Shimane University who performed compressions 30 times each at 90° and 100°. The CCFORCE and CCD and the residual force on the chest wall during decompression for each chest compression were compared using CPRmeter-2. Results: Of the 35 participants, 3 were excluded because their angles deviated from the prescribed angle. Thirty-two participants were categorized according to CCD at 90°: ≤40 mm (group 1), 41–49 mm (group 2), and ≥ 50 mm (group 3). The overall mean CCD increased from 90° to 100° (44.3 ± 8.2 mm vs. 48.1 ± 7.2 mm; p

We present the development status of Type II superlattice infrared detector (T2SL) for future space applications in JAXA. Space-borne infrared detectors require higher sensitivity, higher resolution, and larger formats than ground-based infrared detectors. The Geostationary Earth observation satellite is one of mission candidates to adopt T2SL for infrared sensor. In order to meet more demanding for such mission requirements, JAXA has developed T2SL. T2SL has preferable characteristics in terms of operating temperature and spectral sensityivity in the range of near infrared to very long wavelength infrared region. In this presentation, we report the development history of T2SL focal plane array in JAXA.

Background and Purpose: High blood pressure increases bleeding risk during treatment with antithrombotic medication. The association between blood pressure levels and the risk of recurrent stroke during long-term secondary stroke prevention with thienopyridines (particularly prasugrel) has not been well studied. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind, multicenter PRASTRO-I trial (Comparison of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel in Japanese Patients With Ischemic Stroke-I). Patients with noncardioembolic stroke were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive prasugrel 3.75 mg/day or clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 96 to 104 weeks. Risks of any ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, combined ischemic events, and combined bleeding events were determined based on the mean level and visit-to-visit variability, including successive variation, of systolic blood pressure (SBP) throughout the observational period. These risks were also compared between quartiles of mean SBP level and successive variation of SBP. Results: A total of 3747 patients (age 62.1±8.5 years, 797 women), with a median average SBP level during the observational period of 132.5 mm Hg, were studied. All the risks of any stroke (146 events; hazard ratio, 1.318 [95% CI, 1.094–1.583] per 10-mm Hg increase), ischemic stroke (133 events, 1.219 [1.010–1.466]), hemorrhagic stroke (13 events, 3.247 [1.660–6.296]), ischemic events (142 events, 1.219 [1.020–1.466]), and bleeding events (47 events, 1.629 [1.172–2.261]) correlated with increasing mean SBP overall. Similarly, an increased risk of these events correlated with increasing successive variation of SBP (hazard ratio, 3.078 [95% CI, 2.220–4.225] per 10-mm Hg increase; 3.051 [2.179–4.262]; 3.276 [1.172–9.092]; 2.865 [2.042–4.011]; 2.764 [1.524–5.016], respectively). Event rates did not differ between the clopidogrel and prasugrel groups within each quartile of SBP or successive variation of SBP. Conclusions: Both high mean SBP level and high visit-to-visit variability in SBP were significantly associated with the risk of recurrent stroke during long-term medication with either prasugrel or clopidogrel after stroke. Control of hypertension would be important regardless of the type of antiplatelet drugs. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.jp ; Unique identifier: JapicCTI-111582.

A demand for responsive, high-resolution Earth observations is emerging for mitigating the human suffering and damage that follow large-scale disasters. One of the most promising advances is a sophisticated optical imager with a large, 3.6-m satellite-mounted telescope in geostationary orbit. The imager of the proposed space telescope has a segmented mirror and offers a ground sampling distance of better than 10 m and a latency of shorter than 30 minutes. For the imager to realize diffraction-limited performance, deformable mirrors are planned to be installed at the exit pupil of the telescope system. One candidate for the deformable mirrors in segmented telescope is based on a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) that offers a small actuator pitch, fine step resolution, and excellent hysteretic motion response. This paper presents the wavefront correction of aberrations with a high and low spatial frequency using MEMS deformable mirror on an optical testbed. The expected image quality is also evaluated through numerical simulation.

The phase transition in the melting of Sn–Bi eutectic solder alloy particles was observed by in situ hard X-ray ptychographic coherent diffraction imaging with a pin-point heating system. Ptychographic diffraction patterns of micrometer-sized Sn–Bi particles were collected at temperatures from room temperature to 540 K. The projection images of each particle were reconstructed at a spatial resolution of 25 nm, showing differences in the phase shifts due to two crystal phases in the Sn–Bi alloy system and the Sn/Bi oxides at the surface. By quantitatively evaluating the Bi content, it became clear that the nonuniformity of the composition of Sn and Bi at the single-particle level exists when the particles are synthesized by centrifugal atomization.

In this study, we compare and verify data that have been rendered visual by Kinect sensoring with data obtained by conventional devices. This is in order to promote the co-creation of experiential values in the acquisition of a sternal compression technique in basic life support in the context of the improvement of the clinical skills of physicians and healthcare professionals. We find that Kinect sensoring is sufficiently accurate to evaluate measurements of the rate and depth of sternal compression; it is comparable to accelerometers and sternal compression-dedicated sensoring devices. This provides a platform for the co-creation of experiential values for the improvement of clinical skills based on the acquisition of medical techniques using the Kinect sensor, which is low in cost and easy to use. It also provides a platform for the exchange of sensor-captured information between the instructor and trainee. It is hoped that this will lead to the co-creation of values useful for the development of educational services in life-saving medical techniques.

A method for nondestructively visualizing multisection nanostructures of integrated circuits by X-ray ptychography with a multislice approach is proposed. In this study, tilt-series ptychographic diffraction data sets of a two-layered circuit with a ∼1.4 µm gap at nine incident angles are collected in a wideQrange and then artifact-reduced phase images of each layer are successfully reconstructed at ∼10 nm resolution. The present method has great potential for the three-dimensional observation of flat specimens with thickness on the order of 100 µm, such as three-dimensional stacked integrated circuits based on through-silicon vias, without laborious sample preparation.

Aim Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), particularly in adults. We evaluated the prevalence of AKI at the onset of adult MCNS and analyzed the influence of AKI on the duration of achieving complete remission (CR). Methods A retrospective, single-centre, dynamic cohort study was conducted with biopsy-proven, first-onset, adult MCNS patients treated with corticosteroids. Fifty-three consecutive patients diagnosed with MCNS from January 2000 to April 2014 were enrolled. Age, gender, daily urinary protein excretion, and serum creatinine levels were measured. To evaluate AKI during induction, we used the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for AKI and judged AKI stage according to the fluctuations in serum creatinine levels during the first 4 weeks of starting corticosteroid therapy. Results Twenty patients (37.7%) met the AKI criteria and all 53 patients achieved CR within 1 year. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the median time to CR was significantly longer in patients with AKI than in patients without AKI. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) associated with the presence of AKI for achieving CR within 4 weeks was 0.36 after adjustment for age, gender, serum albumin, daily urinary protein excretion, hypertension, administration of 25% albumin, and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. A graded association was also observed between AKI stage and HR for achieving CR. Conclusions The prevalence of AKI is high in adult patients with MCNS during induction therapy. AKI is an independent factor that delays the time to CR.

In this study, we report the development results of an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) as a power supply system and a novel water level sensor to monitor water level of a rice field. We also demonstrate a wireless sensor network (WSN) system to monitor water level of the rice field using the ED LC and the water level sensor. We fabricated the EDLC using material with low environmental load and a charcoal (charcoal EDLC). We realized a stable power supply system for the WSN system by combining the charcoal EDLC with photovoltaic modules. The WSN system, which was experimentally installed in the rice field, was successfully operated by the charcoal EDLC power supply system. Moreover, we propose the water level sensor, which is not affected by contaminants caused by water intake in rice field. The water level sensor carried out indoor demonstration experiment using a water tank simulating water intake in rice field. As a result, we confirmed its performance and availability for use in the management of rice field water intake.

A 41-year-old healthy man presented with sudden disturbance of consciousness and convulsion during a marathon. Computed tomography revealed a lateral sinus sign in the posterior fossa, and magnetic resonance(MR)venography revealed a flow gap in the posterior part of the superior sagittal sinus and bilateral transverse sinus, although the other MR image sequences were normal. Laboratory data revealed dehydration, acute kidney failure, and rhabdomyolysis. Owing to immediate correction of dehydration, clinical symptoms and radiological abnormality improved rapidly. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis(CVST)is a rare condition, accounting for1% of all stroke cases. In all cases, CVST cannot cause cerebral infarction or hemorrhagic change but in any case, may present a transient ischemic attack-like event because of rapid spontaneous recanalization. Therefore, CVST may occur more frequently than expected.

Introduction and Aims: Deposition of C1q occurs in 0 to 45% of patients with IgAN. In order to identify whether mesangial C1q deposition in IgAN is a novel marker for the response to tonsillectomy plus steroid pulse therapy (TSP), we studied the association between mesangial C1q deposition in IgAN and the remission rate after TSP therapy for IgAN. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single Japanese center. We analyzed data on 110 patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy who received TSP between January 2003 and December 2012. Positive C1q findings were defined as diffuse mesangial C1q deposition. The study outcome was the resolution of abnormal urinary findings and was defined as negative proteinuria and negative occult blood 1 year after steroid pulse therapy. Results: In all enrolled cases, 69 patients (62.7%) went into remission. Ten out of 24 (41.7%) C1q-positive patients experienced remission, and 59 out of 86 (68.6%) C1q-negative patients experienced remission. Multiple logistic regression model analysis showed that the absence of C1q deposition increased the odds ratio for remission (odds ratio 4.41; 95% confidence interval 1.33-15.75, p = 0.017). Conclusions: These results suggest that the absence of diffuse C1q deposition in the mesangial area of the glomerulus in patients with IgA nephropathy is a positive predictive sign for a response to TSP and is associated with the resolution of urinary abnormalities 1 year after TSP.

The cerium density and valence in micrometer-size platinum-supported cerium-zirconium oxide Pt/Ce2 Zr2 Ox (x=7-8) three-way catalyst particles were successfully mapped by hard X-ray spectro-ptychography (ptychographic-X-ray absorption fine structure, XAFS). The analysis of correlation between the Ce density and valence in ptychographic-XAFS images suggested the existence of several oxidation behaviors in the oxygen storage process in the Ce2 Zr2 Ox particles. Ptychographic-XAFS will open up the nanoscale chemical imaging and structural analysis of heterogeneous catalysts.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis(CVST)is a rare condition accounting for1% of all strokes. It has been linked to a multitude of risk factors, including infections, oral contraceptive use, coronary disease, malignant disease, trauma, surgery, coagulopathy and several others. However, the association between hyperthyroidism and CVST is poorly understood. We describe here a rare case of CVST, secondary to subclinical Basedow disease. A 68-year-old woman with general fatigue, headache, speech disturbance and slow behavior was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fresh infarction in the left temporal lobe, and CT angiography revealed filling defects of superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus. Moreover, the patient was diagnosed with Basedow disease for the first time, by examination for tachycardia. This case suggests that it is essential to have a new awareness that hyperthyroidism is an important risk factor for CVST.

Dural arteriovenous fistula(dAVF)is relatively rare, and its etiology remains uncertain. Generally, dAVF is thought to be acquired and has been reported to develop secondary to sinus thrombosis, head injury, infection, and surgery. We report a rare case of dAVF in the anterior cranial fossa that developed remote from the craniotomy site after surgery. A 52-year-old man underwent surgery for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage 4 years prior. Perioperative imaging modalities demonstrated no abnormal vascular malformation except for an un-ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm. Four years later, follow-up magnetic resonance angiography showed abnormal vascular malformation in the anterior cranial fossa, and cerebral angiography demonstrated dAVF. dAVF and aneurysm were successfully treated. Possible formation of a dAVF should be considered after craniotomy.

While parenchymal metastases are common in solid systemic cancers, subependymal metastases are rare. Approximately half of the reported cases of intraventricular metastases originate from renal carcinoma. A 65-year-old man presented with general fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, and disorientation. Radiological examination revealed diffuse periventricular tumors. The patient underwent an open biopsy via right frontotemporal craniotomy. The patient was diagnosed with metastatic small cell lung carcinoma after histopathological examination. Although subependymal metastases from solid systemic cancer are very rare, this ventricular wall abnormality in the cancer patients must not be overlooked. Many small subependymal metastases might be missed on routine examination.

We report the first demonstration of multibeam ptychography using synchrotron hard X-rays, which can enlarge the field of view of the reconstructed image of objects by efficiently using partially coherent X-rays. We measured the ptychographic diffraction patterns of a Pt test sample and MnO particles using three mutually incoherent coherent beams with a high intensity that were produced by using both the multiple slits and a pair of focusing mirrors. We successfully reconstructed the phase map of the samples at a spatial resolution of 25 nm in a field of view about twice as wide as that in the single-beam ptychography. We also computationally simulated a feasible experimental setup using random modulators to further enlarge the field of view by increasing the number of available beams. The present method has the potential to enable the high spatial resolution and large field-of-view observation of specimens in materials science and biology.

A 68-year-old man presented with abnormal behavior and Todd's paralysis on the right side after having taken a bath. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor mimicking convexity meningioma that had a perifocal edema, although its mass was not very large. The patient underwent surgery, and full recovery was achieved following a total removal of the lesion. Pathohistological examination demonstrated an intermediate type of Castleman's disease. The final diagnosis was intracranial localized Castleman's disease because the results of the full physical examination and laboratory analyses were normal. Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. Moreover, intracranial involvement is very rare. In cases of intracranial meningeal tumors with perifocal edema, we should take this disease into consideration in the differential diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the efficacy of clinically using colistin methanesulfonate against biofilm-forming multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and amikacin showing ≥4, 16, and 32 μg/ml, respectively, by disk diffusion susceptibility testing (CLSI document M100-S21). The minimum eradication biofilm concentration (MBEC) of colistin methanesulfonate for strain MDRP-YMD isolated from a patient's urine, which formed a biofilm on plastic pegs attached to a microplate lid, was compared with that of P. aeruginosa ATCC27853 for quality control testing with MICs of ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and amikacin showing ≤1, 4, and 16 μg/ml, respectively. In an uneven biofilm approximately 10 μm thick, as determined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), ratios of MBEC to MIC of colistin methanesulfonate against strains MDRP-YMD and ATCC27853 were 10.5 and 8.0, whereas those of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) to MIC in planktonic cells were 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml, respectively. Morphological examination using scanning electron microscopy and CLSM verified that embedded cells in biofilm matrices of the two strains were disrupted and died under the MBEC. Therefore, bactericidal effects of colistin methanesulfonate on biofilm-forming cells of strain MDRP-YMD as well as strain ATCC27853 were significantly decreased compared with those on the planktonic cells.

Eagle syndrome is a well-known disease caused by elongation of the styloid process and/or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, which interferes with adjacent anatomical structures, giving rise to acute cerebrovascular syndrome(ACVS)and/or pain. Although hyoid bone is also a stylohyoid complex, its association with ACVS is not well known. Thus, we investigated the anatomical relationship between the internal carotid artery(ICA)and the hyoid bone. Between January 2014 and December 2015, three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography(3D-CTA)of the neck was performed for 218 patients. Of the patients, an abnormal anatomical relationship was noted in 10(4.6%)cases. In 5 cases, the ICA was entrapped by the hyoid bone. In 3 cases, the ICA was in contact with or adjusted to the hyoid bone. In 2 cases, the ICA was compressed by the hyoid bone, causing ACVS. In 7 cases, the position and course of the ICA were inward. In 4 of these cases, the hyoid bone was repositioned back to its normal location. Moreover, in 1 case, the course of the ICA was repositioned back to its normal location beside the hyoid bone. The anatomical position of the hyoid bone may vary more than expected and can be a risk factor for ACVS. In particular, in cases of ACVS where the ICA has an inward course, the relationship between the ICA and the hyoid bone should be proactively examined.

A 42-year-old female end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient with reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) post-transfusion during initiation of hemodialysis is reported. Eleven days after the onset of illness, we diagnosed encephalopathy as a grand mal seizure resulting from diffuse cerebral edema. One reason for the delayed diagnosis was that her symptom, a throbbing headache that occurred during her first dialysis, indicated dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. We must bear in mind that a small amount of transfusion could cause RPLS even during the first dialysis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report on RPLS after blood transfusion in an ESRD patient.

Eight types of new CO2-soluble or CO2-philic ruthenium(II) and cobalt(II) polypyridine complexes, namely, [M(F84OPh)3](BArF)2, [M(F44OPh)3](BArF)2, [M(F62Ph)3](BArF)2, and [M(F62O)3](BArF)2 (M = Ru or Co, BArF: tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate), were prepared from bipyridine derivatives bearing highly fluorinated alkyl chains and applied to the photoreduction of liq. CO2 under a high pressure of 6.8 MPa at 35 °C. All these complexes have higher philicity toward liq. CO2 than the corresponding complexes with PF6− as the counteranion. Using the Ru(II)–Co(II) systems of [M(F44OPh)3](BArF)2 and [M(F62O)3](BArF)2, direct photoreduction of CO2 was achieved without the use of any organic solvent.

Efforts of designers of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) are currently focused on such features as smaller installation area and economical efficiency. Circuit breakers (CB), disconnecting switches (DS), and earthing switches (ES) have been redesigned in more compact configurations. Compactness and light-weight requirements are applied also to bushings used in GIS. GIS bushings can be divided in three general types: capacitor, gas-filled, and molded bushings. Requirements of the light weight and the economical efficiency of gas-filled bushings can be satisfied by improvements in insulation technology. Size reduction can be effectively achieved by moderation of the electric field strength on the outside surface of the hollow insulator in the area of the inner grounded electrode tip. We devised a new inner grounded electrode structure consisting of a cylindrical electrode and a ring electrode supported by column electrodes. This paper describes the effect of reduction of the maximum value of electric field strength on the outside surface of the hollow insulator by a new type of grounded electrode. Then, improvement of insulation performance for electrodes with insulation coating in SF6 gas is described as the composite insulation technology. Finally, the efficiency of these insulation technologies is described by the basic insulation test results of a prototype compact 800-kV SF6 gas-filled bushing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(1): 19–27, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20898

Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) was known as a conventional predictor of heart failure (HF). However, early transmitral flow velocity (E)/early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (E') correlated well with LV end-diastolic pressure, and E/E' ratio15 was an excellent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with HF. This study was designed to determine the prognostic value of a new combined index, E/E' ratio and LVEF, in patients with HF. One hundred twenty-six consecutive patients hospitalized with HF underwent comprehensive echocardiographic-Doppler study when ready for discharge. Patients were divided into the 4 groups of group I (LVEF40% and E/E' ratio15), group II (EF40% and E/E' ratioor=15), group III (EFor=40% and E/E' ratio15), and group IV (EFor=40% and E/E' ratioor=15). The ability of this index to determine the primary end point (rehospitalization for HF or cardiac death) was assessed. Patients with significant valvular disease were excluded. Of 126 patients, 110 met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up was complete for 108 of 110 patients at 351 +/- 252 days after discharge. There were 27, 30, 21, and 30 patients in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. There were 52 patients with the primary end point. On univariate analysis, E/E' ratio, group IV, E', and age were significant predictors. In multivariable analysis, the most powerful independent prognostic indicator of events was group IV (hazard ratio 12.6, 95% confidence interval 2.2 to 74.2, p = 0.005). In conclusion, a new index, a combination of LVEF and E/E' ratio, allowed the identification of patients at higher risk of readmission and cardiac death in patients with HF.

BackgroundThe factors that predict baseline peritoneal permeability remain largely unknown. We noticed that patients that adhered to a strict low protein diet (LPD) during the predialysis period seldom showed high peritoneal permeability on the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) at the introduction of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Therefore, we investigated whether a strict LPD during the predialysis period affects peritoneal permeability.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed 37 patients that started PD in a single Japanese center. Patients were divided into group A and group B by the median amount of daily protein intake (PI) during the predialysis period using urine collected over 24 hours.ResultsThere were no differences between groups A and B in age, gender, proportion of diabetic nephropathy, blood pressure, body mass index, or body surface area. There were also no differences between the groups in laboratory findings, including hematocrit, serum albumin, and serum creatinine. The PETs showed a significantly lower dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine at 4 hours (Cr D/P) for group A than for group B ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between Cr D/P and PI was observed ( r = 0.53, p < 0.01).ConclusionIt is suggested that a strict LPD during the predialysis period may suppress peritoneal permeability at induction of PD.

Background The ratio of mitral inflow early diastolic velocity (E) to annulus velocity (E') might be critical for the assessment of an abnormal filling pressure for patients with myocardial ischemia. Objectives We sought to determine whether a quantitative estimation of E/E' provides more reliable information for detecting coronary artery disease during dobutamine stress echocardiography. Methods A total of 82 patients suggested to have angina pectoris underwent Doppler studies during dobutamine stress echocardiography. The value of E and E' were measured at baseline and peak dose of dobutamine stress. The value of E/E' during stress over that at rest was defined as the E/E' index. Results Patients who had significant stenosis by coronary angiogram were classified as being in group A (n = 45) and those with no coronary artery disease were classified as being in group B (n = 37). Dobutamine infusion led to a significant increase of E/E' in group A, whereas no changes were found with group B. Likewise, larger E/E' index was also observed for patients with multivessel disease. The value of E/E' index increased proportionally with the number of stenotic vessels, implying a direct correlation of the E/E' value to the extent of myocardial ischemia. Conclusions E/E' offers a quantitative estimation of myocardial ischemia during dobutamine stress echocardiography, thereby, providing a reliable and accurate method for the evaluation of coronary artery disease.

The maximum mass of deuterium and beryllium in fissile exempted packages is strictly limited under subparagraph 672(a) of the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (TS-R-1).1) This is because the restriction of fissile material mass in the subparagraph is based upon the assumption of hydrogenous moderation and reflection and that deuterium and beryllium are potentially more effective than hydrogen in terms of criticality. However, the basis of the deuterium and beryllium limits in the subparagraph is not clear and it may be inappropriate to impose a limit on their mass alone. In order to evaluate the reactivity effects of deuterium and beryllium in hydrogenous moderation and reflection, a series of calculations is performed using simple models with various parameters. The parameters include fissile nuclides, fissile concentrations, and concentrations of deuterium or beryllium in the moderator or the reflector. According to the calculation results, the concentrations of deuterium ...

Subependymomas (SEs) are rare, benign, noninvasive, slow-growing tumors located anywhere along the ventricular walls. They arise most frequently in the fourth ventricle followed by the lateral ventricle, and less frequently in the septum pellucidum, third ventricle, and spinal cord. Most SEs are found incidentally at autopsy, but some may produce clinical symptoms. Tumor-related hemorrhage represents an extremely rare presentation sign. We describe a rare case of septum pellucidum SE as tumoral hemorrhage. The tumor was totally removed via an interhemispheric transcallosal approach. Histological examination found typical SE. Although the patient had transient memory impairment, he had a good postoperative course and was discharged on the twenty-first postoperative day.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), particularly in adults. We evaluated the prevalence of AKI at the onset of adult MCNS and analyzed the influence of AKI on the duration of achieving complete remission (CR).A retrospective, single-centre, dynamic cohort study was conducted with biopsy-proven, first-onset, adult MCNS patients treated with corticosteroids. Fifty-three consecutive patients diagnosed with MCNS from January 2000 to April 2014 were enrolled. Age, gender, daily urinary protein excretion, and serum creatinine levels were measured. To evaluate AKI during induction, we used the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for AKI and judged AKI stage according to the fluctuations in serum creatinine levels during the first 4 weeks of starting corticosteroid therapy.Twenty patients (37.7%) met the AKI criteria and all 53 patients achieved CR within 1 year. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median time to CR was significantly longer in patients with AKI than in patients without AKI. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) associated with the presence of AKI for achieving CR within 4 weeks was 0.36 after adjustment for age, gender, serum albumin, daily urinary protein excretion, hypertension, administration of 25% albumin, and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. A graded association was also observed between AKI stage and HR for achieving CR.The prevalence of AKI is high in adult patients with MCNS during induction therapy. AKI is an independent factor that delays the time to CR.

We experimentally demonstrate a three-dimensional x-ray ptychography in combination with precession measurements that can reconstruct multisection images of optically thick objects. We collect a tilt-series ptychographic diffraction data set of a four-layered object and then successfully reconstruct the phase images of each layer by using an improved phase retrieval algorithm with a multislice approach. The present method has great potential for nondestructively determining anisotropic structures in materials science and biology.

With new neuroimaging techniques, the detection rate of unruptured intracranial aneurysms has increased. While most detected aneurysms are small and left untreated because of the low risk of rupture, we still encounter many cases of small aneurysm rupture. Middle cerebral artery(MCA)aneurysms have lower risk of rupture compared to those in the anterior cerebral or internal carotid-posterior communicating arteries. Identification of small aneurysms with a high risk of rupture is important to improve management of these aneurysms. We report 10 cases of ruptured tiny(3mm)MCA aneurysms. All patients underwent clipping and nine had good outcomes. One patient had poor outcome due to the worsening of chronic heart failure and kidney failure. A tiny aneurysm can rupture if the aneurysmal wall is fragile. Therefore, the fragility of the aneurysmal wall is an important predictive factor of rupture. Presently, however, it is difficult to determine when an operation for an unruptured tiny aneurysm is indicated; new neuroimaging techniques that detect the fragility of the aneurysmal wall are needed.

To investigate whether concentrations of plasma adiponectin constitute a significant coronary risk factor, with particular focus on the relation between plasma concentrations of adiponectin and the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Plasma concentrations of adiponectin were measured in 123 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and in 17 control participants. Patients were divided into three groups according to condition type: acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group (n = 59), unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group (n = 28), and stable angina pectoris (SAP) group (n = 36).Plasma concentrations of adiponectin correlated negatively with body mass index (r = -0.18, p0.05), serum triglyceride (r = -0.25, p0.01), and fasting glucose concentrations (r = -0.21, p0.05), but correlated positively with age (r = 0.26, p0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (r = 0.35, p0.01), and low density lipoprotein particle size (r = 0.37, p0.01). Plasma concentrations of adiponectin in patients with ACS, in both the AMI and UAP groups, were significantly lower than those in patients with SAP and in the control group (ACS, 6.5 (3.0) microg/ml; SAP, 11.3 (5.9) micro g/ml; control 12.8 (4.3) microg/ml; p0.01). Additionally, plasma concentrations of adiponectin in patients with CAD (7.9 (4.6) microg/ml, p0.01) were significantly lower than in the control group. There were, however, no significant differences between patients with SAP and the control group (p = 0.36). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, fasting glucose concentration, and low log adiponectin concentration correlated independently with the development of an ACS.The findings suggest that measurement of plasma concentrations of adiponectin may be of use for assessing the risk of CAD and may be related to the development of ACS.

Superconducting flywheel energy storage systems using superconducting magnetic bearings have been studied for their feasibility to contribute to daily load leveling. To make the system fit for practical application, the levitation force of radial-type superconducting magnetic bearing must be enhanced. If the magnetic flux leaked outside of the permanent magnet can be induced internally to the furthest possible extent and the magnetic flux acting the superconductor can be increased, it is believed that the levitation force will be enhanced. Therefore, we introduced the idea of applying a Halbach permanent magnet, which produces a strong magnetic field almost totally on one side, to the permanent magnetic assembly. The magnetic field and levitation force in the case where a Halbach permanent magnet is applied were then analyzed. Based on the results of analysis, we have demonstrated that levitation force is enhanced when the above-mentioned Halbach permanent magnet is applied to a radial-type superconducting magnetic bearing.