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The three-dimensional subsurface structure model around Kansai International Airport (KIX) has been developed based on the geologically and geotechnically investigated results of a large amount of borehole data for estimation of subsidence. The model consists of the alternation of marine clay and coarse deposits. The many seismic surveys and borehole drillings were carried out around the KIX before the constructing the airport. The stratigraphy of the model was renewed by the KIX18-1, which was about 1,300 m long drilling core and was drilled near the 2nd runway of the KIX from 2006 to 2007. In this study, the subsurface geological model was revised by integration of renewed borehole data and seismic profiles to incorporate complex warping structure and heterogenic lateral variation.

Objectives: We sought to investigate the timing of restenosis and the restenosis factors following nitinol stenting in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Background: Restenosis following nitinol stenting in the SFA remains unsolved. Methods: We analyzed 742 limbs in consecutive 585 patients who underwent successful endovascular therapy for de novo SFA lesions. Patency was assessed by duplex ultrasonography. Primary patency was defined as treated vessels without restenosis and secondary patency was defined as target vessels reopened by repeat revascularization. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to delineate the timing of restenosis. Patients were subsequently classified into three groups: no restenosis, early restenosis, and late restenosis. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to explore the determinants of restenosis in each restenosis group. Results: Primary and secondary patency was 67 and 86% at 6 years, respectively. ROC curves indicated the 369th day was the best cutoff point distinguishing the early (144 limbs) and the late (42 limbs) restenoses. Sustained patency was observed in 556 limbs. After multivariate analysis, cilostazol (P = 0.0007) was negatively associated; female gender (P = 0.0071), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.0428), critical limb ischemia (P = 0.0435), and stent fracture (P = 0.0004) were positively associated with the early restenosis. Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C/D was positively associated with both the early (P = 0.0017) and the late (P = 0.0359) restenoses. Conclusions: Restenosis predominantly occurred within a year following nitinol stenting in the SFA, and the factors associated with the early restenosis were different from those with the late restenosis. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Normal and brown midrib mutant (bmr) maize (Zea mays L) were examined for variations in their morphological composition. The degradability of the leaf blade, leaf sheath and stem, proportional area of specific tissues in leaf blade, and the ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra of cell walls were measured and related to variations in cell wall degradability by rumen microorganisms. The UV and infrared (IR) absorption spectra of the lignins isolated from leaf blades of both types, before and after reduction with sodium borohydride, were recorded. The bmr3 maize had higher dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradabilities for leaf blade, leaf sheath, and stem than the normal counterpart. Approximately 35% and 26% of the observed difference in DM degradability was attributed to the difference in DM degradability of stem and leaf blade, respectively, and 39% to the difference in DM composition of stem. Distinct differences in tissue degradation of the leaf blades were observed for mesophyll cell walls in the midrib portion, which were thinner and of greater number in the bmr3 maize. Sclerenchyma cells were present only in the vascular bundles in the bmr3 leaf blade, while in the normal type those cells were underneath the epidermis tissue. The bmr3 plant also had large epidermal cells. UV microspectrometry of mesophyll cell walls of the bmr3 maize showed their lower UV absorbance around 320 nm compared to that of the normal, but not at 280 nm. Considerable increase in the UV absorbance at 280 nm was observed for the isolated lignins after reduction, suggesting a lesser degree of lignification in the bmr3 maize tissues. Lowered UV absorbance of the isolated lignin around 320 nm after reduction was associated with the removal of the IR bands at 1730, 1660, 1600, and 1250 cm−1.

Sex-related differences in hepatic epoxide hydrolase (EH) activities towards 7-(2',3'-epoxy)propoxycoumarin (7-glycidoxycoumarin, GOC) were investigated, mainly in mice but also in rats. Hepatic subcellular EH activities in the ddY mouse were higher in microsomes than in the soluble and mitochondrial fractions and sex-related differences were noted in all the subcellular fractions where males had significantly higher activities than females. Sex differences in the hepatic microsomal and soluble activities similar to those in the ddY strain were also observed in two other strains of mice, A/J and C3H/He, and in Wistar rats. In the ddY strain, castration of the males caused decreases in microsomal and soluble EH activities, while no alteration in the activities in those fractions was found following castration of females. Treatment of the male castrates with testosterone led to recovery of the activities in microsomal and soluble fractions while hormone treatment of female castrates caused a rise only in microsomal activity. Estradiol treatments of both sexes did not cause any changes in the hepatic subcellular activities. In intact ddY mice, testosterone treatment did not affect the male microsomal and soluble EH activities, but resulted in stimulation of both subcellular enzyme activities in females. In contrast, estradiol treatment showed a suppressive effect on both subcellular activities in males, but had no effect on female activities. These results show that hepatic EH activities towards GOC are mainly under androgenic stimulatory control in mice.

To clarify lodging resistance of high yield examples, characters related to lodging of Shan You 63 (F1 hybrid rice) with 965 gm-2 of a brown rice weight were analyzed. There were various factors for early lodging regarding external morphological characters. The lodging index (a distance between fulcra in 5 cm) at the 4th internode from the top (N4) at maturity was more than 200. High yield of Shan You 63 was obtained under quite dangerous conditions as regards lodging. The reason for increase in the lodging index at N4 was low breaking resistance. This phenomenon could be explained by a high rate of translocation of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and total nitorogen (N) from the culm and leaf to ear, and an extreme decrease in dry weight per unit length of the portion lower than N4 at maturity. To consistently obtain a yield exceeding 965 gm-2 in Shan You 63, it is necessary to develop cultivation techniques to store more NSC, N and dry matter in the culm and leaf sheath and ear.

Analysis of the characteristics of grain production of 965 gm-2 obtained by Shan You 63 (F1 hybrid rice) in 1991 was carried out Absorption of nitrogen reached 21 gm-2 up to the time of heading, and a large capacity of grain yield (50, 360 spikelets per m2) was obtained. Efficiency of increase in spikelet number per m2 by absorbed nitrogen up to heading was essentially the same as in west Japan. Mean Leaf Area Index 10 days before heading became exceptionally large (10.18). A large amount of translocation of accumulated assimilation products before heading improved the percentage of ripened grain. Increase in translocation of assimilated products stored in the culm and leaf before heading may remarkably increase yield in China.

The reactions of 3-iodotropolone with styrenes (styrene, p-methoxystyrene, and 2-vinylpyridine), methyl acrylate, and allylic compounds (methyl 3-butenoate, 3-butenenitrile, 1-allyl-3,4-dimethoxybenzene, and 1-allyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene) were carried out, according to the modified Heck’s procedure, to give 3-styryl-, 3-(2-carboxyvinyl)-, and 3-(3-substituted 1-propenyl)tropolones, respectively. Similarly, 4-bromo- or 5-bromotropolone was made to react with these olefins to yield 4-styryltropolone or the corresponding 5-(2-substituted vinyl)- and 5-(3-substituted 1-propenyl)tropolones. Substitution of 2-chlorotropone by styrenes produced 2-styryltropones. Extension of the vinylation to 2-amino-6-bromoazulenes, ethyl 3-bromo-1-azulenecarboxylate, and diethyl 2-chloro-1,3-azulenedicarboxylate resulted in a similar substitution.

Process for getting crack-free lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films micropatterned on Si substrate is demonstrated. The PZT film was deposited at temperatures below 300°C by magnetron sputtering using a ceramic target, and then etched before annealing. After annealed above 500°C to get perovskite phase, the PZT films shows no crack, while PZT films, not patterned, has cracks. This result can be explained as dissipation of stress energy by reduction of the lateral size of the film. The effects of processing parameters of reactive sputtering and annealing on the morphology of the PZT thin films are presented. Photo-assist etching of the PZT thin films using KrF laser is described, too.

The reactions of 3-iodotropolone with styrenes (styrene, p-methoxystyrene, and 2-vinylpyridine), methyl acrylate, and allylic compounds (methyl 3-butenoate, 3-butenenitrile, 1-allyl-3,4-dimethoxybenzene, and 1-allyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene) were carried out, according to the modified Heck’s procedure, to give 3-styryl-, 3-(2-carboxyvinyl)-, and 3-(3-substituted 1-propenyl)tropolones, respectively. Similarly, 4-bromo- or 5-bromotropolone was made to react with these olefins to yield 4-styryltropolone or the corresponding 5-(2-substituted vinyl)- and 5-(3-substituted 1-propenyl)tropolones. Substitution of 2-chlorotropone by styrenes produced 2-styryltropones. Extension of the vinylation to 2-amino-6-bromoazulenes, ethyl 3-bromo-1-azulenecarboxylate, and diethyl 2-chloro-1,3-azulenedicarboxylate resulted in a similar substitution.

The effect of pretreatment with protoporphyrin IX (PP) on the impairment of hepatic mitochondrial respiration induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was studied in rats. Treatment of animals intraperitoneally with CCl4 resulted in marked impairment of states 4 and 3 respirations, respiratory control and oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria in the presence of succinate, beta-hydroxybutyrate or glutamate as substrates. The PP, given intravenously, caused no alterations in those mitochondrial functions. The treatment with PP prior to the administration of CCl4 inhibited the induction of mitochondrial respiratory impairment by CCl4. CCl4 increased markedly the contents of lipid peroxide in the liver but not those in the mitochondria. The increase of hepatic lipid peroxides by CCl4 was markedly reduced by the pretreatment with PP. These results indicate that PP effectively protects the mitochondria from the functional disorder caused by CCl4.

A 65-year–old man with effort angina pectoris underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of the proximal right coronary artery. The lesion was dilated with a bare-metal stent under wire protection of the conus branch (CB). However, the jailed CB was occluded. Electrocardiogram with conventional precordial leads (V 1 through V 6 ) accompanied with the supplementary leads (V 1 ⁎ through V 6 ⁎) positioned 1 intercostal space higher showed marked ST elevation in V 1 through V 3 that was more prominent in V 1 ⁎ through V 3 ⁎. The 64–multidetector-row computed tomographic coronary angiography showed recanalization of the CB located just in the center of the V 1 ⁎, V 2 ⁎, V 1 , and V 2 electrodes.

To evaluate the effect of transient myocardial ischemia on the transmitral blood flow profile, pulsed Doppler echocardiography was performed in 10 anesthetized dogs during brief occlusion of the coronary artery and in 79 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 19 control subjects who underwent esophageal pacing or dipyridamole stress tests

A 71-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of swelling and pain in his right calf developing after acupuncture for intermittent claudication. Computed tomography with contrast medium revealed a large hematoma with contrast medium leakage in his right calf. Emergent angiography demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of the right popliteal artery with severe stenosis. Intravascular ultrasound showed lumen narrowing with a large amount of concentric plaque and disruption of the vessel wall communicating to a large cavity outside. A polytetrafluoroethylene-covered Jostent graft was deployed into the stenotic lesion across the opening into the pseudoaneurysm cavity. Subsequent angiography showed no leakage of contrast medium. This unique case of pseudoaneurysm caused by acupuncture in the popliteal artery was treated successfully by endovascular repair.

Recently, the use of health foods has increased due to growing interest in health maintenance. Previous in vitro studies have shown some drugs to be adsorbed by sodium alginate, a dietary fiber, and that such adsorption was marked with tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological interactions between imipramine and sodium alginate in rats. The simultaneous administration of imipramine (30 mg/kg, oral (p.o.)) and sodium alginate (3.0%, p.o.) decreased the antidepressant-like activity of imipramine in a forced swimming test. In the rats administrated imipramine and 0.3%, 1.0%, or 3.0% sodium alginate, the geometric mean ratio of the Cmax values of imipramine was 72% [90% confidence intervals (CI) = 53-91%], 64% (90% CI = 47-80%), and 58% (90% CI = 50-67%), respectively. The geometric mean ratio of the AUC(0-6) values of imipramine were 68% (90% CI = 56-80%), 74% (90% CI = 60-89%), and 87% (90% CI = 73-102%), respectively. The decrease in Cmax and AUC(0-6) was judged to be significant with a 90% CI outside the 80-125% boundaries. In addition, the Tmax value of imipramine significantly increased (P < 0.05) by coadministration with 3.0% sodium alginate. These results suggested that simultaneous administration of sodium alginate decreased the serum concentration and pharmacological action of imipramine, through a delay in its absorption. Although the clinical relevance of these findings is unclear, it is important to pay considerable attention to the interactions between imipramine and sodium alginate.

Patients receiving chronic hemodialysis develop complicated coronary lesions with tortuosity and calcification, which make stent delivery or expansion difficult. Restenosis rates are also higher than in patients without hemodialysis. Furthermore, there is a risk of polymer rubbing from the surface of a sirolimus-eluting stent(SES)placed across a calcified lesion. This study investigated the efficacy of SES for patients on hemodialysis compared with bare metal stent (BMS).Forty-two patients on hemodialysis underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for 46 de novo lesions treated with SES (SES group). Seventy-four patients with 78 de novo lesions were treated with BMS (BMS group). The mean age was 65.8 +/- 9.3 yr in the SES group, and 65.0 +/- 8.7 yr in the BMS group. The mean hemodialysis period was significantly longer in the SES group (9.2 +/- 7.9 vs 6.5 +/- 7.7 yr, p0.01). Angiographic characteristics and acute results showed no significant difference between the two groups. At 6 months follow-up, late loss was significantly smaller in the SES group (0.60 +/- 0.97 vs 1.60 +/- 1.15 mm, p0.05). Binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization were similar (34% vs 43%, 25% vs 36%, respectively, p = NS). Major adverse cardiac events, composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization were also similar (23% vs 36%, p = NS).Our study could not demonstrate the superiority of SES implantation in patients with hemodialysis compared to BMS implantation, which suggests the limitations of using SES.

The benefits of using distal protection during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain unknown. The prevention of no-reflow in PCI is considered a challenge and could be a contributing factor for long-term prognosis.This study evaluated the efficacy of distal protection with the GuardWire distal protection device in PCI at the time of AMI revascularization.The study was conducted as a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. Patients with AMI within 24 hours from onset were randomized into either PCI combined with a GuardWire, or PCI without distal protection. The primary endpoints were TIMI perfusion grade (TMP) and no incidence of reflow. Secondary endpoints were major cardiac events (MACE) during 6-month follow up.The incidence of no-reflow was similar between the GuardWire group and the control group (4% vs. 3%). TMP 3 was seen at a higher rate in the GuardWire group, but was not statistically significant (58% vs. 44%; p = 0.054). Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes and hyperlipidemia, but not GuardWire use, were predictors of failure to achieve TMP 3. Older age and right coronary artery (RCA) infarction were associated with achieving TMP 3. MACE was observed in similar incidences between the two groups after 6-month follow up.From our randomized study of distal protection in PCI at the time of AMI, elderly patients or those with RCA infarction were considered good candidates for distal protection; however, we could not demonstrate an improvement in long-term outcome with the use of GuardWire distal protection.

A 40-year-old man undergoing treatment for testicular tumor with para-aortic lymph node metastasis was transferred to our department because of pulmonary embolism. Thrombolysis therapy improved his respiratory state and deep venous thrombi disappeared. However, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred suddenly. Autopsy showed tumor cell invasion into the intima of the pulmonary artery and dissection with thrombosis. Thrombi had fresh components above organizing components. Sudden death due to pulmonary tumor embolism from testicular tumor is rare. In this case, the sudden death resulted from thrombosis in the pulmonary artery, not from emboli from the deep vein.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using a fatty acid analogue, iodine-123-beta-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP), as a tracer may be effective for detecting coronary artery disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of diabetes mellitus may affect the diagnostic potential of BMIPP SPECT for detecting coronary stenosis in ESRD patients.123I-BMIPP SPECT was performed in 98 diabetic hemodialysis patients (male to female ratio 66:32; mean age 63.6+/-9.8 years) and 103 nondiabetic hemodialysis patients (68:35; 64.5+/-10.4 years), followed by coronary angiography within 60 days of the SPECT. SPECT imaging was evaluated and graded on a 5-point scale (0=normal, 4=absence of tracer) and assessed as a BMIPP summed score for 17 left ventricular segments.Coronary angiography revealed that 72.4% (71/98) of the diabetic patients and 56.3% (58/103) of the non-diabetic patients had significant coronary stenosis more than 50%; incidences of asymptomatic coronary stenosis were 77.5% in diabetic patients and 72.4% in nondiabetic patients. When a BMIPP summed score of 8 or more was defined as abnormal, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for detecting coronary stenosis by BMIPP SPECT were 97.2, 63.0 and 87.8% in diabetic patients, and 96.6, 73.3 and 86.4% in nondiabetic patients. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the areas under the curve of BMIPP SPECT to diagnose coronary stenosis were 0.897 in diabetic and 0.906 in nondiabetic patients.BMIPP SPECT seems to be able to detect coronary stenosis in diabetic as well as nondiabetic hemodialysis patients.

This study evaluated the sensitivity and the related factors in iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) scintigraphy to detect stable angina.The subjects were 198 patients with stable angina who underwent BMIPP before percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary bypass graft surgery. Patients with unstable angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and vasospastic angina were excluded. After investigation of the sensitivity of BMIPP, the patients with single-vessel disease without collateral flow were classified into the normal (123)I-BMIPP uptake group (normal group)or decreased (123)I-BMIPP uptake group (decreased group), and various factors were compared between the two groups.Sensitivity was 61% overall, 58% in single-vessel disease, 69% in double-vessel disease, 53% in triple-vessel disease, 43% in only left main vessel disease, and 89% in left main and other vessel disease (NS). In single-vessel disease, the sensitivity was 40% in 75% coronary artery stenosis, 58% in 90% stenosis, 89% in 99% stenosis, and 69% in total occlusion (p = 0.003). Comparing the deoreased and normal groups, diabetes mellitus was more frequent in the normal group (14.6% vs 39.5%), minimal lumen diameter was smaller (0.75 +/- 0.37 vs 0.98 +/- 0.49 mm) and lesion length was longer in the decreased group (15.4 +/- 4.9 vs 11.6 +/- 5.5 mm). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors were diabetes mellitus [odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.87, p = 0.03], minimal lumen diameter (odds ratio 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.48, p = 0.003) and lesion length (odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.25, p = 0.03).BMIPP is useful in stable angina patients because of the acceptable sensitivity. Diabetes mellitus, minimal lumen diameter and lesion length were independent factors associated with decreased BMIPP uptake.

Several reports have been published of the acceptable patency and limb salvage rates following infra-popliteal interventions for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, the optimal angiographic endpoint of endovascular therapy (EVT) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to

A 47-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and cerebral infarction presented with intermittent claudication. No pulse was palpable in the bi-lateral dorsalis pedis, and peripheral arterial disease …

Nobori stent (Terumo Co., Tokyo Japan), is the new concept Drug Eluting Stent which has unique bioabsorbable polymer (Poly-Lactic Acid) and the anti-proliferative agent Biolimus A9. We investigated the safety and the efficacy of Nobori stent comparing to Cypher stent in Japanese population by a

The antioxidative effect of the mammalian liver hydrolyzate preparation (LH) was investigated mainly in the mouse liver homogenates. At lower concentrations, LH stimulated lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2+ and ascorbic acid in the homogenates, but inhibited completely the oxidation at higher concentrations. LH also inhibited the peroxidation of linolenic acid and linoleic acid. LH reduced 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, a free radical model, in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that the radical scavenging property of LH is involved in its antioxidative action. Fe2+ and glutathione, contained in LH, seem to act as a stimulator and an inhibitor of peroxidation, respectively.

Background: In patients with atrial flutter (AF), a complete block line of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is identified by a continuous corridor of double potentials (DP) separated by an isoelectric interval. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with typical AF underwent radio-frequency (RF) catheter ablation during coronary sinus pacing. Initially, we anatomically delivered sequential point-by-point RF application in the CTI. If complete block line was not created, then we tried to assess the sequence of DP recorded by the decapolar electrode placed along the initial ablation line. Since the terminal component (DPt) reflects the persistent conduction through the initial ablation line, we hypothesized that earliest DPt with reversal of initial polarity in adjacent DPt would indicate the point of gap conduction. Results: CTI conduction was successfully interrupted by initial linear ablation in six patients (one-line group). Among other 23 patients, DPt-guided gap conductions were identified in nine patients (another one-point group). In eight of these patients, a single application of RF energy successfully interrupted CTI conduction. One-line and another one-point groups had significantly shorter application time and fluoroscopic duration compared with those of remaining 14 patients. Conclusions: Decapolar electrode placed along the block line crossing the CTI is useful to detect gap conduction which can avoid repeat scanning and lead to target ablation.

The reaction of 3-, 4- and 5-halotropolones with olefins catalyzed by palladium (O) complex gave 3-, 4- and 5-(substituted vinyl) tropolones respectively. Similarly, 2-chlorotropone gave 2-styryltropones. Some tropolonyl- and troponylpalladium-σ-complexes were synthesized.

Preparation and chemical behaviors of cyclopalladated complexes of acetanilides were studied. Coupling reactions of these complexes with olefins afforded a variety of 2-substituted acetanilides which were subjected to intramolecular cyclization ot quinolines.

The reaction of 1,2-dihydronaphthalene, indene, and acenaphthylene with phenylpalladium chloride prepared in situ from phenylmercuric chloride and lithium chloropalladate in aqueous acetone afforded 2-phenyltetrarol, 2-phenylindanol, and 2-phenylacenaphthenol respectively, accompanying by the corresponding phenylated olefins. Acetoxyphenylation products were also obtained in the reactions in acetic acid. The configurations of these oxyphenylated compounds were determined to be trans.

The reaction of α- or β-methylstyrene with phenylpalladium chloride in aqueous acetone were studied. From cis- or trans-β-methylstyrene, a mixture of erythro and threo isomers of hydroxyphenylation products PhMeCHCHOHPh (VIa, VIb) and chlorophenylation products PhMeCHCHClPh (IVa, IVb) were obtained accompanying the phenylated olefins (I, II, and III). The main reaction product was the tertiary alcohol PhCH2C(OH)MePh (V). The reaction of α-methylstyrene with phenylpalladium chloride gave V exclusively. Phenylpalladium acetate and phenylpalladium bromide were used as phenylating agents. The yields of hydroxyphenylation products are in decreasing order: chloride>bromide>acetate.

The reaction of isoflavanone oxime (III), 7-methoxyisoflavanone oxime (IV), and 4′,7-dimethoxyisoflavanone oxime (V) with lithium aluminum hydride in ether for 20 hr under refluxing gave 3-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzoxazepine derivatives (XVII, XVIII and XIX) but not the expected 4-aminoisoflavans. When a similar reaction was carried out using flavanone oxime and 7-methoxyflavanone oxime, only 4-aminoflavans were obtained, and the rearrangement reaction observed in isoflavanone oximes did not occur. Therefore, it may be considered that, in the reaction of chromanone oximes and lithium aluminum hydride, the position (C2 or C3) and the size of the substituent exerts a remarkable influence on the rearrangement reaction, while the methoxyl group at the 7-position (para position to the oximino group) has little effect.