Search

Many fatigue cracks were reported at welded joints between vertical stiffeners and deck plates in orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) in Japan. These fatigue cracks were caused by restraining deck's deflection by stiffeners. To prevent such cracks, reducing stiffness of stiffener top can be a solution. For newly fabricated OSDs, the Japan Road Association recommends cutting off the top of vertical stiffeners on cross beams. However, stiffeners with the gap have very little vertical load carrying capacity and it could not be applied to main girders. Half-circle notch method is retrofitting method for existing structures. For new OSD structures, it can be installed. Whereas a fillet detail is currently used for the beam-to-column connections of steel bridge frame piers to reduce stress concentration at right-angle corners of flanges. The fillet detail, which has not been considered for stiffeners, may be effective for new OSDs. In this study, fatigue durability of the half-circle notch detail and the fillet detail for new OSDs are evaluated through finite element analyses and fatigue tests using a full-scale specimen. As a result, the fillet detail showed superior fatigue durability without no fatigue cracks, while some fatigue cracks were developed in the half-circle notch detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, the application of the prestressed concrete (PC) system has become quite popular, especially in bridge and building constructions. Since it was first introduced in the early 1950s, the number of buildings using the PC system has substantially increased. However, following a certain period in the service life of the PC system, the serviceability of such structures especially following an earthquake has become a primary concern, especially when exposed to severe corrosion-prone environments. In this research, the City Hall building of Nandan Town, Awaji Island in Japan, was chosen to investigate the influence of corrosion on the durability of the building structure, which was initially constructed in 1957 as the first building that used PC members for beams. This paper describes the building and results of the field crack inspection and corrosion test results on concrete core samples from the building. Accordingly, the study found that the building had material deteriorations due to its corrosive surrounding environment and severe damage on the concrete cover of the PC anchorage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a significant threat to rice production. Rice blast susceptibility has been observed in Japanese rice varieties with excellent eating quality. Enhancing blast resistance is essential to ensure minimal use of agricultural chemicals. Two types of blast resistance are observed: True resistance, which is a type of qualitative resistance expressed by a major gene, and field resistance, which is a type of quantitative resistance expressed by multiple micro-acting genes. 'Resistance collapse', in which a variety with a true resistance gene becomes diseased by blast fungus races compatible with the resistance gene, has been observed. Varieties carrying blast-resistance genes, such as Pb1 (panicle blast resistance 1), have been developed through DNA marker-assisted selection. In this review, we focus on the Pb1, which expresses strong quantitative resistance to panicle blast and has been widely used in Japan without showing 'resistance collapse' for 40 years. Pb1 is an 'adult plant resistance gene' that does not exert strong selection pressure on the blast population during the leaf blast stage, thus preventing the selective multiplication of Pb1-compatible blast strains. This epidemiological mechanism prevents 'resistance collapse'. Interdisciplinary research and breeding are required to sustainably use genes that induce high field resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of surveys on the cost and durability of anti-corrosion coatings for steel bridges used in Japan was performed. The life cycle cost of anti-corrosion coatings for steel bridges during their design service periods was examined under different corrosion environments. The combinations of heavy-duty paint coating system as initial coating and the same coating system as repair coating showed the lowest cost when the short interval applied for the repair work. The metal coatings might be reasonable under severe corrosion environments due to their high durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The long-term efficacy and safety of infliximab (IFX) in children with ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been well-evaluated. Here, we reviewed the long-term durability and safety of IFX in our single center pediatric cohort with UC. Methods: This retrospective study included 20 children with UC who were administered IFX. Results: For induction, 5 mg/kg IFX was administered at weeks 0, 2, and 6, followed by every 8 weeks for maintenance. The dose and interval of IFX were adjusted depending on clinical decisions. Corticosteroid (CS)-free remission without dose escalation (DE) occurred in 30% and 25% of patients at weeks 30 and 54, respectively. Patients who achieved CS-free remission without DE at week 30 sustained long-term IFX treatment without colectomy. However, one-third of the patients discontinued IFX treatment because of a primary nonresponse, and one-third experienced secondary loss of response (sLOR). IFX durability was higher in patients administered IFX plus azathioprine for >6 months. Four of five patients with very early onset UC had a primary nonresponse. Infusion reactions (IRs) occurred in 10 patients, resulting in discontinuation of IFX in four of these patients. No severe opportunistic infections occurred, except in one patient who developed acute focal bacterial nephritis. Three patients developed psoriasis-like lesions. Conclusion: IFX is relatively safe and effective for children with UC. Clinical remission at week 30 was associated with long-term durability of colectomy-free IFX treatment. However, approximately two-thirds of the patients were unable to continue IFX therapy because of primary nonresponse, sLOR, IRs, and other side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) as corneal wetting agents for the wet shell technique, a common procedure in Japan to maintain the wettability of corneal surfaces. Methods: We surveyed Japanese ophthalmologists to determine the current state of the wet shell technique. After developing three ex vivo testing methods, we evaluated the corneal wetting properties of OVDs including 3% hyaluronic acid (HA) solution and OVD products, Opegan, Opelead, Viscoat, Shellgan, Discovisc, and Opegan-Hi. Results: Overall, 214 ophthalmologists (70%) had performed the wet shell technique, and 91% of ophthalmologists who performed vitreous surgery had performed this technique. Using a questionnaire, we evaluated the performance of OVD as corneal wetting agents as follows: (i) visibility, smoothness of OVD surface; (ii) spreadability, coverage of the cornea; and (iii) retention durability, residual ratio of OVD on the corneal surface. The smoothness and spreadability of Opegan, Opelead, and 3% HA were superior to other OVDs. Adding an appropriate amount of balanced salt solution to the other OVDs improved smoothness and spreadability similar to that of Opelead or 3% HA. Shellgan and Viscoat, combination OVDs consisting of 3% HA and 4% chondroitin sulfate, showed high retention durability, resulting in remaining longer on the cornea compared with other OVDs. Conclusions: Physical properties of OVDs tested in this study may provide useful information for ophthalmologists to select a suitable OVD when performing the wet shell technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a viable treatment option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. In Japan, TAVI can be performed using first-generation self-expandable Medtronic CoreValve or balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN-XT from 2012. Since the durability and hemodynamic outcomes after transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation in Japanese patients have not been clearly elucidated, we assessed serial changes in post-TAVI THV performances over a-3-year period by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). From January 2012 to September 2014, among 83 patients with severe aortic stenosis, 26 underwent TAVI with CoreValve and 57 underwent TAVI with SAPIEN-XT. We assessed the serial changes in first post-implant (FPI) and 3-year post procedure THV hemodynamics by TTE. Valve performance was evaluated by serial assessment of aortic valve mean pressure gradient (PG) and aortic valve area (AVA) assessments. Three-year clinical outcomes were compared between the patients with CoreValve and those with SAPIEN-XT. Seventeen patients with CoreValve and 34 patients with SAPIEN-XT had FPI and 3-year TTEs. The AVA decreased significantly from FPI to 3-year follow-up among patients with SAPIEN-XT, but not among patients with CoreValve. The mean aortic PG decreased significantly from FPI to the 3-year follow-up point among patients with CoreValve; however, it was not significantly different from those with SAPIEN-XT. The absolute change in mean PG from FPI to the 3-year follow-up point decreased significantly among those with CoreValve compared to those with SAPIEN-XT. Clinical outcomes after TAVI were similar for both devices at 3-years after TAVI. In this study, long-term clinical outcomes for CoreValve and SAPIEN XT were similar. The 3-year THV performance of both devices was maintained after TAVI. Serial change in mean aortic PGs for CoreValve decreases significantly from FPI to the 3-year follow-up point compared to that for SAPIEN-XT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims /Introduction To analyze the association between the duration of diabetes and selection of diabetes therapy in a large database of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods We used the data of 5,844 patients with type 2 diabetes to evaluate the association between the duration of diabetes and types of diabetes therapy. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between duration of diabetes and selection of diabetes therapy, and restricted cubic spline curves were used to represent the schematic association. Results Overall, clinical characteristics of the patients were women, 39.9%; mean age, 61.4 years; median duration of diabetes, 9 years; mean glycated hemoglobin, 7.4% (57.0 mmol/mol); and mean body mass index, 24.5 kg/m2. Compared with the first quartile of diabetes duration, the multivariable-adjusted odds of any antidiabetic therapy (oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin) for the second, third and fourth quartiles were 2.17 (95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.68-2.80; 3.39, 95% CI 2.53-4.54; 4.99, 95% CI 3.64-6.84), respectively ( P for trend <0.001), and these associations were attenuated after adjusting possible confounders. Furthermore, those of insulin therapy were 1.48 (95% CI 1.20-1.84; 2.16, 95% CI 1.77-2.64; 4.94, 95% CI 4.04-6.04), respectively ( P for trend <0.001). Schematic representation of restricted cubic spline curves analysis showed that a longer duration of diabetes was linearly associated with the odds of insulin therapy. Conclusions Obtained data showed that a longer duration of diabetes required complex diabetes drug regimens to be introduced to patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original publication, incorrect Supplementary Material has been published. The online version of the original article can be found at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-023-00985-w. [Extracted from the article]

Activities on Broader Approach (BA) were started in 2007. In Phase 2-2, many R&Ds, development of tritium accountancy technology, development of basic tritium safety research and tritium durability test, were implemented successfully by JAEA and Japanese Universities. In Phase 2-3, new collaborative study for tritium measurement and new R&D activities for JET ILW are started. R&D activities on BA have continued in Phase 2-3 (2014–2016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is common in western countries, it is extremely rare in Asian ones including Japan. Recently, oral risedronate (17.5 mg once daily) was approved in Japan as a treatment of PDB besides calcitonin and etidronate. However, there are few data regarding the efficacy of this agent, dose for patients with PDB in Japan, or the durability of its effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcome of oral risedronate (17.5 mg once daily) for patients with PDB in Japan. Seventeen patients with PDB were treated with risedronate (17.5 mg once daily) for 8 weeks. Efficacy and its durability were accessed based on serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and symptoms. Risedronate effectively suppressed bone turnover evaluated with serum total ALP in all patients. In 8 of 10 patients with bone pain, risedronate reduced the pain. On the other hand, tinnitus and hearing loss did not disappear but somewhat improved. None of the patients suffered severe complications. Seven of 17 patients required readministration of oral bisphosphonate (risedronate, six; alendronate, one) due to elevated total ALP at 27 months (mean ranging from 9 to 39 months) after the initial administration of risedronate. Treatment of oral risedronate (17.5 mg once daily) for 8 weeks is safe and effective for patients with PDB in Japan. However, the durability of its effect is limited in some patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of recycled gypsum, which is derived from gypsum waste plasterboard, for ground improvement has recently been initiated in Japan and is not widespread around the world. As such, it is essential to explore the effect of environmental conditions on the performance and durability of soil stabilized with recycled gypsum. This is especially important in cold and rainfall regions such as in Japan, due to the solubility of gypsum. This paper presents an integrated experimental study to investigate the effect of environmental factors, in terms of freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles, on the durability of soil stabilized with recycled gypsum. For this purpose, four different contents of recycled gypsum ranging from 0 to 20% were used. Four different cement contents ranging from 0 to 5% were used as solidification agent to optimize the cement content which is adequate to prevent the solubility and improve the durability. To study the effect of environmental factors on the durability, cylindrical specimens of stabilized soil were compacted at maximum dry unit weight and cured for 7days under constant temperature and humidity. Subsequently, specimens were subjected to different numbers of freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles. They were then tested for compressive strength, loss soil weight, and volume change. Results showed that compressive strength of stabilized specimens decreased while accumulated soil losses weight increased with the increase of both numbers of freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles. Freeze–thaw cycles have a significant effect on the durability reduction of stabilized soil compared with the effect of wet–dry cycles. The durability of stabilized soil improved with the increase of both contents of recycled gypsum and cement. The 2.5% cement content is adequate to improve the durability of soil stabilized with recycled gypsum based on ground mechanical and economic functions. Both freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles have insignificant effect on the volume change of soil stabilized with recycled gypsum. After using 2.5% of cement content, the strength of stabilized soil specimens increased slightly with the increase of wet–dry cycles; subsequent to that, the strength declined with increasing wet–dry cycles. Soil stabilized with only recycled gypsum and without any solidification agents, such as cement, is not durable against environmental conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Portable monitors (PMs) are widely used to monitor sleep apnea syndromes. However, the durability, safety, and ease of use of PMs have not been well documented. We examined these factors with a type-3 (cardio-respiratory) PM and a sheet-style type-4 PM in unattended home settings. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on male employees of a wholesale company in Osaka, Japan ( n= 139, age = 44.4 ± 8.36 years). Participants used either of the two PMs on the second and third nights and both of the PMs on the fourth nights. A self-administered questionnaire and actigraphy were used to analyze ease of use and sleep quality, respectively. No safety problems were reported. A few repairs were needed only for the type-3 PMs. The type-4 PM was more inconvenient to bring home (type 3: 15.1%; type 4: 68.3%). The type-3 PM was more inconvenient to use (type 3: 71.2%; type 4: 0.7%) and more uncomfortable to use (type 3: 81.3%; type 4: 9.4%). A Blant-Altman plot and scatter plot revealed high night-to-night reliability of these PMs. No first-night effect in the apnea-hypopnea index was observed with the type-3 PM ( P= 0.373, paired t-test). However, the actigraphy data suggested that sleep latency was increased, especially during the first use of the type-3 PM, which was not observed with the type-4 PM. The type-3 and type-4 PMs were durable, safe, easy to use and reliable. Both the PMs can be used to monitor obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in unattended home settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durability characteristics of some argillaceous clastic rocks from cold regions are investigated. Two sets of experiments, namely slake durability (wet-dry) and freeze-thaw tests, were conducted on welded tuff, carbonates (limestone and dolomite), sandstone, and schist samples collected from northern parts of Japan and from the higher Himalayas of Nepal. The slaking tests were performed in pure water and seawater as well as in aqueous solution of different salinity. A tendency to decrease in slake durability with an increase in porosity is observed. The results reveal that the slake durability of a rock increases with an increase in the concentration of salt in water. Freeze-thaw experiments conducted on welded tuff and schist reveal that crack initiates earlier but extends slower in schist than in welded tuff and that the tuff deteriorates and wears faster than the schist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study retrospectively evaluated the long-term patient outcomes and durability of the Mosaic aortic porcine bioprosthesis in the Japan Mosaic valve long-term multicenter study., Methods and results: We reviewed the records of 1,202 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with the Mosaic bioprosthesis at 10 centers in Japan (1999-2014). Patient data were collected using Research Electronic Data Capture. Patient survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier methodology. Freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) and valve-related reoperation and death were determined by actuarial methods. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of the cohort was 76 (70-80) years. The median (IQR) follow-up period was 3.52 (1.71-5.35) years. The longest follow-up was 15.8 years. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.3%. The 12-year actuarial survival rate was 59.9±7.5%, and the freedom from valve-related death was 81.1±7.9%. The freedom from reoperation was 86.4±2.6% at 12 years. The freedom from SVD at 12 years was 93.5±2.9% for patients aged ≥65 years and 98.2±1.8% for those aged <65 years. The median (IQR) systolic pressure gradient was 17 (12-23) and 19 (12-25) mmHg at 1 and 10 years, respectively. The median (IQR) effective orifice area was 1.2 (1.1-1.5) and 1.1 (1-1.5) cm 2 at 1 and 10 years, respectively., Conclusions: The Mosaic porcine bioprosthesis showed satisfactory long-term outcomes over 12 years.

A collaboration of researchers in Japan has demonstrated a technique for simultaneously mapping the morphology as well as electronic and bonding states on PEM fuel cell electrode membranes for the first time. The results show how the catalysts on the membrane electrodes degrade, and provide insights into improving their durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan's Teijin Ltd reveals that is has developed a new carbodiimide antihydrolysis agent for plastics. The product is claimed to exhibit ‘superior antihydrolysis properties’ to improve durability. The company reports that the new product is suitable for use in a variety of polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyesters, polyamides and polyurethanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]