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Background Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening medical condition with high morbidity and mortality. The association between female sex and poorer outcomes following surgery for AAD type A has been reported; however, the sex-related differences in clinical features and in-hospital outcomes of AAD type B remain to be elucidated. Methods We studied a total of 1877 patients with AAD type B who were enrolled in the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super-network from January 2013 to December 2016. Clinical features and in-hospital outcomes were compared between sexes. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were assessed using a multivariable analysis. Results The mean age of the patients was 69±13 years and 549 (29%) were females. Female patients were older than males (74±13 years vs 67±13 years; p Conclusion In AAD type B, females were older and had altered consciousness level, IMH-type, and a less widespread dissection more frequently than males. The overall in-hospital mortality was higher in females; however, female sex was not associated with in-hospital mortality after multivariable adjustment. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Both acute aortic dissection (AAD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) present with chest pain and are life-threatening diseases that require early diagnosis and treatment for better clinical outcome. However, two critical diseases in the very acute phase are sometimes difficult to differentiate, especially prior to arrival at the hospital for urgent diagnosis and selection of specific treatment. The aim of our study was to clarify the diagnostic markers acquired from the information gathered from medical history taking and physical examination for discriminating AAD from AMI by using data from the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit (CCU) Network database. We examined the clinical features and laboratory data of patients with AAD and AMI who were admitted to the hospital in Tokyo between January 2013 and December 2015 by using the Tokyo CCU Network database. The Tokyo CCU Network consists of >60 hospitals that fulfil certain clinical criteria and receive patients from ambulance units coordinated by the Tokyo Fire Department. Of 15,061 patients diagnosed as having AAD and AMI, 3,195 with chest pain within 2 hours after symptom onset (537 AAD and 2,658 AMI) were examined. The patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were excluded. We compared the clinical data of the patients with chest pain who were diagnosed as having AAD and AMI. The following indicators were more frequent or had higher values among those with AAD: female sex (38% vs. 20%, P In patients with chest pain suspicious of AAD and AMI, “back pain accompanied by chest pain with SBP ≥150 mmHg” or “back pain accompanied by chest pain with SBP Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background: Oily fish and their extracted oils may be a source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which can induce toxic effects on the consumers. The main aim of this survey was estimation of PCBs intake through fish oil-derived dietary supplements and prescription drugs in the Japanese population. Methods: PCBs levels were determined in 20 fish oil-derived dietary supplements and 6 oil-derived prescription drugs from the Japanese market using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Then, the daily exposure to PCBs was estimated. Data were statistically analyzed using JMP software suite. Results: Totally, 17 of the 26 fish oil-derived products were contaminated with PCBs. The median PCB concentrations in the total set of fish oil-derived products was 2.2 ng/g oil wt. with a range of

Ferromagnetic (FM) interlayer exchange coupling of ion-beam sputtered Fe/Ge multilayers was investigated by off-specular polarized neutron scattering measurements. We observed a monotonously growing correlation of magnetic moments in the out-of-plane direction with decreasing Ge thickness. The magnetic properties of the multilayers with and without the FM interlayer exchange coupling agree well with the three- and two-dimensional random anisotropy model, respectively, assuming an FM interlayer exchange coupling comparable to the direct exchange interaction within the sample plane. The results of the Fe/Ge multilayers were used to invoke FM interlayer exchange coupling in a neutron polarizing supermirror in order to extend its bandwidth. Typically, the bandwidth is limited due to a Curie temperature close to room temperature of the thinnest Fe layers with less than 3 nm. We propose a modified layer sequence of the neutron polarizing supermirror, where the minimum Fe thickness was set to 3.5 nm, whereas the Ge thickness was reduced. A performance test of the neutron polarizing supermirror showed that the FM interlayer exchange coupling contributed to the presence of the magnetization comparable to the bulk and resulted in a marked extension in the bandwidth.

Introduction Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is one of the most fatal cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of AAD is reported to be low. The clinical data of AAD from representative cardiovascular centers are not enough to show the whole range of clinical feature of AAD. We have to know the exact prevalence and clinical pictures of AAD under the new system, the Tokyo AAD Super-Network System (TAAD-SNS), for strategy of emergency transport and treatment of AAD which would cover the entire metropolitan area of Tokyo. TAAD-SNS started in 2011, and after slight modification, the new system of AAD re-started in 2013. The aim of this study is to elucidate the whole range of clinical characteristics and recent trends of treatment of AAD. Methods Out of 73 hospitals included in Tokyo CCU Network system, 41 hospitals are chosen for TAAD-SNS. These hospitals provide around-the-clock surgery. In this system, the availability of surgical division is monitored in real time. All of the patients suspected of AAD are transferred directly or from primary care hospital to the hospitals of TAAD-SNS. Results After exclusion of 237 patients with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival, 4877 consecutive patients (2923 male, mean age of 69±14 y/o) were admitted to the hospitals with diagnosis of AAD from 2013 to 2016. Prevalence of AAD in Tokyo was about 10 patients per 100,000 populations in every year. After exclusion of 37 patients undetermined into type A or B, 4840 patients (2694 with type A and 2146 with type B) were analyzed. Among the type A patients, 1752 (65%) were classified into type of patent false lumen (classic-type), 721 (27%) of closed false lumen (intramural hematoma: IMH-type), and 221 (8%) were undetermined. Among the type B, 880 (41%) were classified into classic-type, 1129 (53%) of IMH-type, and 137 (6%) were undetermined. Both among type A and B, mean ages were younger in classic-type than in IMH-type (type A: 66±14 vs. 73±12 y/o, p Conclusion Our study showed that prevalence of AAD was 2–3 times higher than previous reports. We should consider to choose the treatment strategy according to the type of AAD, A or B, classic-type or IMH-type. Acknowledgement/Funding Tokyo Metropolitan government

(Li, O, F)-Auger electron, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (AES, VXPS) of solid lithium compounds (Li metal, LiCl, LiF, Li2O) are simulated by deMon density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the model molecules of the unit cell. Calculated valence XPS, core-electron binding energies (CEBE)s, and Li-, O-, and F-KVV AES for the substances correspond considerably well to experimental results. For the calculation of VXPS, the observed spectra of Li2O pellet with chemisorbed CO2 almost show agreement with simulation curve of the valence XPS according to the model for the 1/1 ratio of Li2O/Li2CO3. In the case of AES calculation, we analyze the experimental AES with our modified Auger electron kinetic energy calculation method which corresponds to the two final-state holes at the ground state and at the transition-state in DFT calculation by removing 1 and 2 electrons, respectively. Experimental KVV AES of the Li atom, and (O, F) KVV AES of (Li2O and LiF) in the substances almost agree well to the AES calculated with maximum kinetic energies at the ground state, and at the transition-state, respectively.

The electric quadrupole coupling constants eqQ/h of 8B (I π = 2+, T 1/2 = 769 ms) and 13B (I π = 3/2−, T 1/2 = 17.4 ms) in single crystal TiO2 have been precisely measured by the β-NQR technique. The ratios of these Q moments to Q(12B) were determined as |Q(8B)/Q(12B)| = 4.882(32) and |Q(13B)/Q(12B)| = 2.768(24).

The momentum dependences of the nuclear spin polarization P and alignment A of 13B(I π = 3/2+, T 1/2 = 17.36 ms) produced in the 100A MeV 15N + Be collisions have been measured by detecting β-ray asymmetry. Because both the P and A were significantly smaller than the prediction from a simple kinematical model, some relaxation mechanisms must be take into account. Comparing the signs of the observed alignment of 12B, the sign of the quadrupole coupling constant eqQ of 13B in TiO2 was determined to be positive.

CaB 6 single crystals were synthesized by the Al flux method and the Fe -impurity concentration in the crystal was measured using the PIXE method. As a result, we found that the amount of the Fe impurity, included in a CaB 6 powder sample used as a starting material, is drastically reduced after the synthesis process. Lightly La doped CaB 6 single crystals were also synthesized and the La concentration was determined by PIXE.

The magnetic moment of 33 Cl ( I π = 3 / 2 + , T 1 / 2 = 2.51 s ) has been re-measured precisely by β -NMR method. The obtained magnetic moment | μ | = 0.7549 ( 3 ) μ N is consistent with the old value 0.7523 ( 16 ) μ N , but is 5 times more accurate. The value is well reproduced by the shell model calculation, μ S M = 0.70 μ N . Combined with the magnetic moment of the mirror partner 33 S, the nuclear matrix elements 〈 l p 〉 , 〈 l n 〉 , 〈 S p 〉 , and 〈 S n 〉 were derived.

The nuclear moments of 13B(Iπ = 3/2−, T1/2 = 17.36ms) have been re-measured precisely in order to establish the spin manipulation technique for the study of the alignment correlation term in mass system A = 13. From the β-NMR on 13B in Pt, the magnetic moment was determined as |μ(13B)| = 3.1778(5)μN. From the β-NQR on 13B in TiO2, the Q moment has been determined as |Q(13B)| = 36.6(8)mb. We have measured the alignment correlation term α_E for 13B β decay for the first time and obtained a preliminary result as α−(13B) = 0.15(12)%/MeV.

The momentum dependences of the nuclear spin polarization P and alignment A of 12 B ( I π = 1 + , T 1 / 2 = 20.20 ms) [ 13 B ( I π = 3 / 2 − , T 1 / 2 = 17.36 ms)] produced in 100 A MeV 13 C [ 15 N] + Be collisions have been measured by detecting the β -ray asymmetry. Because both the P and A were significantly smaller than the prediction from a simple kinematical model, some depolarization mechanisms must be taken into account related with the collision process itself. Comparing the signs of the observed alignment of 12 B and 13 B, the sign of the quadrupole moment Q ( 13 B) was determined to be positive.

The β-NMR detection of 12B ( Iπ= 1+, T1/2 = 20.2 msec) implanted in a TiO2 (rutile) single crystal following a nuclear reaction showed that its spin polarization produced in the reaction is totally maintained during its lifetime. Two implantation sites with relative populations 9:1 were identified. The electric field gradients (EFGs) were determined to be q = +(37.1 0.5) 1015 V/cm2 with η< 0.03 and q = +(185 5) 1015 V/cm2 with η= 0.62 0.02 for the major (90%) and minor (10%) sites, respectively. The EFGs were compared with the theoretical values given by the band-structure calculation in the framework of the KKR method. TiO2 crystals with proper treatment can be a good “Spin Dewar” in which any short-lived nuclei can be implanted, and their spin polarizations as produced in nuclear reactions can be maintained during their lifetime

The hyperfine interactions of short-lived β-emitter 12B implanted into a CaB6 crystal have been studied by means of the β-NMR technique. An electric quadrupole splitting has been observed at room temperature from which an electric field gradient of q=−(1.34±0.05)×1021 V/m2 was determined. From the present result, it was found that the 12B nuclei are mainly implanted in the substitutional boron site.

It was confirmed by detecting the β-NMR of 12B (I π=1+, T 1/2=20.2 ms) in a TiO2 (rutile) crystal that the nuclear spin polarization of 12B was totally maintained in the crystal as produced through a nuclear reaction before implantation. Two locations, site 1 and site 2, were found with the relative populations 9 and 1, respectively, and the electric field gradients (EFGs) at those sites were obtained to be q(site 1)=+(37.1±0.5)1015 V/cm2, η(site 1)

The nuclear spin alignments of the β-emitting fragments 12B(I π=1+, T 1/2=20.2 ms) and 13B(I π=3/2−, T 1/2=17.4 ms) produced in the 100A-MeV 13C, 15N + 9Be collisions respectively have been observed for the first time detecting asymmetric β-ray emission from these nuclei. By means of the spin manipulation technique based on the hyperfine interaction of B isotopes in TiO2, both the polarization P and the alignment A were determined reliably. The obtained P and A were significantly smaller than the expectation from the kinematical model. From the fact that the quenching factors for P and A are almost the same, there may be some depolarization mechanism in the collision process itself.

Giant superstructures with 1.71 and 9.1 nm lattice constants were observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) treated with NaOH solution. These structures were analyzed by the moire pattern hypothesis. For both the structures, the orientation angle mismatch of the giant lattices relative to the original atomic lattice of graphite was observed between the theoretical and experimental values. In addition, for the latter structure, the observed boundaries between the superstructural domain and the normal areas were straight, which is different from the theoretically predicted zigzag shape boundary. These discrepancies suggest the existence of some other mechanism responsible for the giant superstructures appearing in graphite intercalation compound surfaces.

The human lysozyme gene, which is assembled by the stepwise ligation of chemically synthesized oligonucleotides, was introduced into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv `SR1') by the Agrobacterium-mediated method. The introduced human lysozyme gene was highly expressed under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, and the gene product accumulated in the transgenic tobacco plants. The transgenic tobacco plants showed enhanced resistance against the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum - both conidia formation and mycelial growth were reduced, and the size of the colony was diminished. Microscopic observation revealed that the transgenic tobacco plants carried the resistant phenotype, analogous to that of the resistant cultivar `Kokubu' which had been selected by conventional breeding. Growth of the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci was also strongly retarded in the transgenic tobacco, and the chlorotic halo of the disease symptom was reduced to 17% of that observed in the wild-type tobacco. Thus, the introduction of a human lysozyme gene is an effective approach to protect crops against both fungal and bacterial diseases.

A novel plasma chemical process PPCP (pulse corona induced plasma chemical process) can produce copious active radicals in air under NTP (normal temperature and pressure) by using an extremely fast rising narrow high voltage pulse between corona electrodes and grounded counter electrodes so that intense streamer coronas are generated. This provides an effective means of surface treatment to a plastic material placed between the two electrodes through generation of free bonds on the surface directed to the corona electrodes. Special features of this method are that it can cope with a complex shape of the material to be treated, and that it does not spark even at the periphery near the grounded counter electrode. This method is suitable for the surface treatment of polypropylene bumpers so as to provide a strong adhesion of color paint to it. The adhesion strength of a paint film is raised from zero to ca. 1000 g/cm/sup 2/ by PPCP treatment for 60 seconds. >

The nuclear quadrupole interaction of the short-lived -emitter 12B implanted into CaB6 crystal has been studied by means of modified β-NMR (β-NQR) technique. The electric field gradient at the implanted 12B was found to be = q-(1.34±0.05)x1021 V/m2 at room temperature. From this result it is concluded that the 12B probe nuclei are mainly implanted in the substitutional boron site and are applicable to systematic NMR studies of ferromagnetic La doped CaB6

AGM-1470 is known to inhibit angiogenesis. It inhibited the mitogen induced cell growth in microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. Ten ng/ml AGM-1470 completely inhibited both basic fibroblast growth factor induced cell growth, and interleukin-4 induced cell growth. In an in vivo study, we invesigated the antitumor effect of AGM-1470 in dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced rat mammary tumors. A dose dependent growth inhibition was seen between administered doses 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg. Forty mg/kg 2-week administration of AGM-1470 totally suppressed the tumor growth. In addition, an additive inhibitory effect of AGM-1470 with an antiestrogen tamoxifen was found (p

An efficient incubation and inoculation system for white rust was established using plantlets of chrysanthemum growing in vitro. The internal conditions of a culture vessel (plant box) were maintained at a humidity of 90-100% and an optimum temperature of 20-25°C, which are suitable conditions to germinate teliospores and basidiospores of the pathogen. Telia were maintained continuously on plants in the plant box and were used as an inoculum for infection experiments throughout the year, allowing differences in susceptibility to white rust among chrysanthemum cultivars to be detected. Susceptibility to white rust in the plant-box evaluation showed a good correlation with the rating of sporulation on plants grown in a greenhouse. The method described here is a simple, space-saving inoculation system to evaluate the susceptibility of chrysanthemums to white rust.

The nucleotide sequence of genome segment S11 of rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV), a member of Phytoreovirus, was determined. The segment encodes a putative protein of 40 kDa that exhibits approximately 37% homology at the amino acid level to the nonstructural proteins Pns10 of rice dwarf and wound tumor viruses, which are other members of Phytoreovirus. A band of a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 40 kDa was specifically detected in an analysis of cells transfected with S11 cDNA. An antiserum raised against this protein reacted with a protein of approximately 40kDa after fractionation by SDS-PAGE of materials prepared from infected plants and from viruliferous vector insects. However, the antiserum did not react with purified viral proteins. These results suggest that S11 encodes a nonstructural protein of RGDV. This protein was named Pns11.

A monolithic IC which contains dual-channel volume control circuits, tone control circuits, and function switches is discussed. The IC has excellent characteristics, such as total harmonic distortion of less than 0.002 percent (at 1 kHz, 300 mV rms input signal) and a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 100 dB (at 300 mV rms input signal, A weighting). SIPOS-gate MOSFET's and polysilicon ion implanted resistors are employed, yielding good signal level accuracy and low distortion.

Observations were made of re-entrained particles which were deposited electrostatically in a laboratory model precipitator. Photographs of particle trajectories were obtained, the mean gas flow at which re-entrainment occurred, and the structure of the flow near the collecting electrode, were measured. A distinct difference between trajectories of particles was noted depending upon whether or not ‘back discharge’ was occurring. Consideration of adhesion and removal forces was consistent with mean flow measurements at which re-entrainment occurred, and the shape of observed particle trajectories could be explained by a combination of electrical, gravitational and flow forces. Flow measurements indicated a velocity gradient in the laminar boundary layer sufficient to explain particle removal, although significant differences in the velocity gradient for different mean flow velocities could not be observed.

A thin ceramic layer, either cylindrical or planar in form, is sandwiched by a number of parallel strip-like discharge electrodes and a film-like induction electrode. An AC exciting voltage of frequency 10 kHz and 10 kV peak-to-peak (p-p) is applied between the electrodes to produce a stable high-frequency surface glow discharge for generation of ozone. As a result of its high frequency, low exciting voltage, and small size, a great reduction in cost is achieved in both the ozonizer and its power supply. The presented ozonizer can easily produce a very high ozone concentration (5000-15000 volume p.p.m. for air; 50-100000 volume p.p.m. for oxygen) without using a special enrichment means. Its power efficiency can be made very high (170 gO/kWh for air) by proper selection of operating parameters. >

Peptidylarginine deiminase (protein-L-arginine iminohydrolase, EC 3.5.3.15) is widely distributed in various organs of the mouse. Activity in salivary glands, pancreas, and uterus is higher than that in the other organs. In submandibular gland and uterus, sex- and estrous cycle-related differences were observed, respectively. The activity in the submandibular gland from females was approximately four times higher than that in the male. In the uterus, the activity increased in proportion to the hyperplasia of the tissues. Peptidylarginine deiminase from the murine skeletal muscle resembles the enzyme obtained from other animal species with respect to enzymatic and chemical properties. Double immunodiffusion tests and immunoblotting analyses showed that the enzymes present in each murine tissue have the same molecular weight (81,000) and are immunologically indistinguishable. Immunohistochemical analyses of salivary glands and pancreas revealed an intense staining only of the exocrine cells. In uterus, the staining was restricted to the luminal and glandular epithelia of endometrium; the intensity of the staining changed during the course of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy showed that the enzyme is distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm of the exocrine cell. These observations indicate the general importance of peptidylarginine deiminase, presumably in a cytoplasmic secretory process of the exocrine cells.

Peptidylarginine deiminase (protein-L-arginine iminohydrolase, EC 3.5.3.15) is widely distributed in various organs of the mouse. Activity in salivary glands, pancreas, and uterus is higher than that in the other organs. In submandibular gland and uterus, sex- and estrous cycle-related differences were observed, respectively. The activity in the submandibular gland from females was approximately four times higher than that in the male. In the uterus, the activity increased in proportion to the hyperplasia of the tissues. Peptidylarginine deiminase from the murine skeletal muscle resembles the enzyme obtained from other animal species with respect to enzymatic and chemical properties. Double immunodiffusion tests and immunoblotting analyses showed that the enzymes present in each murine tissue have the same molecular weight (81,000) and are immunologically indistinguishable. Immunohistochemical analyses of salivary glands and pancreas revealed an intense staining only of the exocrine cells. In uterus, the staining was restricted to the luminal and glandular epithelia of endometrium; the intensity of the staining changed during the course of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy showed that the enzyme is distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm of the exocrine cell. These observations indicate the general importance of peptidylarginine deiminase, presumably in a cytoplasmic secretory process of the exocrine cells.