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The size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) is used for radiation dose management in computed tomography (CT) and represents patient’s absorbed dose more accurately than volume CT dose index. The relationship between SSDE and age or weight was investigated using 980 pediatric brain CT scans. Monolinear, power, and bilinear functions were fitted to the plots of SSDE against age or weight, and SSDE was estimated using the obtained functions. SSDE showed a biphasic increase with increasing age and weight: a rapid initial increase and subsequent a slow increase. Bilinear and power functions were successfully fitted to the plots, and mean estimation errors were close to 0, irrespective of the age or weight group. The standard SSDE values estimated from the obtained functions agreed well with the median values for each age or weight group. The curve-fitting method is expected to aid radiation dose management for pediatric brain CT using SSDE.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of intrathecal injection as an alternative to epidural injection for analgesia. Seventy consecutive outpatients with chronic low back and lower extremity pain received lumbar intrathecal injection of low-dose isobaric bupivacaine using a 25-gauge pencil-point needle. The patients received 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of bupivacaine at 1-week intervals to determine the optimal dose. Thereafter, they received two more weekly injections with the optimal dose. The safety and efficacy of the treatment were assessed over a 1-year period. No serious adverse events were encountered. The optimal dose of bupivacaine (1.0 mg in 60% of patients) alleviated pain and disability (both, p

Purpose Image non-uniformity may cause substantial problems in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging especially when a 3-T scanner is used. We evaluated the effect of image non-uniformity correction in gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MR imaging using a 3-T scanner. Methods Two commercially available methods for image non-uniformity correction, surface coil intensity correction (SCIC), and phased-array uniformity enhancement (PURE), were applied to Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced images acquired at 3-T in 20 patients. The calibration images were used for PURE and not for SCIC. Uniformity in the liver signal was evaluated visually and using histogram analysis. The liver-to-muscle signal ratio (LMR) and liver-to-spleen signal ratio (LSR) were estimated, and the contrast enhancement ratio (CER) was calculated from the liver signal, LMR, and LSR. Results Without non-uniformity correction, hyperintensity was consistently observed near the liver surface. Both SCIC and PURE improved uniformity in the liver signal; however, the superficial hyperintensity remained after the application of SCIC, especially in the hepatobiliary-phase images, and focal hyperintensity was shown in the lateral segment of the left hepatic lobe after the application of PURE. PURE increased LMR dramatically and LSR mildly, with no changes in CERs. SCIC depressed temporal changes in LMR and LSR and obscured contrast effects, regardless of the method used for calculation of CER. Conclusion SCIC improves uniformity in the liver signal; however, it is not suitable for a quantitative assessment of contrast effects. PURE is indicated to be a useful method for non-uniformity correction in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging using a 3-T scanner.

The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene encodes an enzyme responsible for maintaining the integrity of chromosomal ends. hTERT plays a key role in cellular immortalization, tumorigenesis and the progression of cancer. Previously, we reported that hTERT repression is required for the induction of cellular senescence. Thus, transcriptional regulation mechanisms of the hTERT gene may be related to the mechanisms of cellular senescence. In the present study, we clarified the molecular mechanism of hTERT repression by protein kinase C (PKC)-δ, one of the cellular senescence-inducing factors. The results showed that a repressor complex composed of NFX1-91, mSin3A and histone deacetylase 1 was involved in the PKC-δ-induced repression of the hTERT promoter, which resulted in the repression of hTERT transcription. These results suggest that targeted recruitment of the NFX1-91 complex to the hTERT promoter is a potential mechanism for repressing hTERT transcription and further inducing cellular senescence.

Objectives We investigated the clinical usefulness of respiratory navigator-gating technique for the assessment of liver tumors in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Methods Eighty patients who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging to evaluate known or suspected liver tumors were enrolled. Three-dimensional spoiled gradient-recalled echo images of the liver were acquired in the hepatobiliary phase by the following three methods: breath-hold imaging, navigator-gated low-resolution imaging, and navigator-gated high-resolution imaging. Navigator-gated imaging was performed during free breathing. Spatial resolution was identical between breath-hold imaging and gated low-resolution imaging. Signal intensities in the liver, muscle, and spleen were measured in 20 patients. Image quality was visually evaluated in all 80 patients. The detection rate and lesion conspicuity were assessed for 71 malignant liver lesions identified in 29 patients. Results The liver-to-muscle and liver-to-spleen signal ratios were significantly lower for gated images compared to breath-hold images. Images of acceptable quality were obtained in most patients by all three methods, and the overall image quality of axial images did not differ significantly among the imaging methods, although superior reformatted coronal images were obtained by gated high-resolution imaging. The detection rates of malignant liver lesions were similar among the three imaging methods, although lesion conspicuity was significantly better for breath-hold imaging compared to gated imaging. Conclusions Navigator-gated imaging provided image qualities and detection rates of malignant liver lesions comparable to breath-hold imaging in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging; however, no additional benefits of high-resolution imaging were proven for lesion evaluation.

The Brent Goose Branta bernicla population of East Asia is the least studied. We banded 24 Brent Geese at Notsuke Bay, east Hokkaido, Japan, in autumn, and collected six opportunistic sightings of these birds during winter, contributing to an understanding of their migratory movements to wintering sites in Japan. Birds were resighted at five widely distributed wintering sites in west Hokkaido and northeast Honshu. While this study showed that birds moved between Notsuke Bay and wintering sites elsewhere in Japan, further studies are needed to understand the migration patterns and routes used during autumn and spring in East Asia.

The molecular basis for the carnosine-induced activation of intestinal epithelial cells was studied and subsequently we focused on whether carnosine stimulates a brain–gut interaction. To assess this, we investigated changes in intestinal epithelial cells induced by carnosine. Our results showed that carnosine activated Caco-2 cells, resulting in the secretion of various factors (including neurotrophic factors), and leading to the induction of neurite growth in SY-SY5Y cells. We then conducted DNA microarray analysis to reveal global changes in Caco-2 cells via treatment with carnosine. The expression of 745 genes significantly changed upon carnosine treatment. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed that several of these genes were related to secretory proteins, membrane protein/transporters, and calcium channel/transport protein. Some of these genes would explain the mechanism of carnosine action, especially considering stimulation of the brain–gut interaction.

Aim Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been recognized as a treatment option for patients with intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This randomized, controlled study compared the local control efficacy of TACE with miriplatin (platinum monohydrate) or with epirubicin. Methods The study group consisted of 200 Japanese patients with unresectable HCC treated at the Kitasato University East Hospital (Sagamihara, Japan) between July 2010 and June 2013. The primary end-point of the study was time to tumor progression (TTP). Results We analyzed 198 patients (99 in the miriplatin group and 99 in the epirubicin group) treated with TACE. The median TTP in the epirubicin group was 5.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8–7.0) and 7.6 months (95% CI, 5.8–9.4) in the miriplatin group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.021; risk ratio, 1.488; 95% CI: 1.061–2.086). In the epirubicin group, 53 patients (53%) had complete response, 24 patients (24%) had partial response, 12 patients (12%) had stable disease, and 10 patients (10%) had progressive disease. In the miriplatin group, 38 patients (38%) had complete response, 41 patients (41%) had partial response, 2 patients (2%) had stable disease, and 18 patients (18%) had progressive disease. There was no significant difference in the response rate (P = 0.862). Overall incidences of adverse events and adverse drug reactions did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion Miriplatin proved more effective than epirubicin in TACE for unresectable HCC. The trial described in this work has been registered under the trial number: UMIN000004790.

Imidazole dipeptide, carnosine, is a versatile compound composed of β-Ala and L-His. A recent study showed that carnosine might benefit the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and the maintenance of cognitive function. Based on the observation that carnosine is immediately degraded by serum carnosinase, we hypothesized that carnosine improves brain function by promoting brain-gut interaction. This study sought to present possible mechanisms regulating carnosine-induced activation of brain-gut interaction. We had previously found that carnosine augmented the expression of BDNF in human colorectal cancer cells, thus we became interested in cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), which is a dominant regulator of BDNF transcription. We found that carnosine activates CREB and CREB-related pathways by activating Ca2+-related pathways. Our findings suggest that carnosine augments the expression of CREB-regulated genes in the intestine; this augmentation contributes to the carnosine-induced activation of brain-gut interaction.

The current method for in vitro immunization (IVI) uses several antigens including toxins, food allergens, pathogenic bacteria, and self-antigen-derived peptides that induce an antigen-specific immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This protocol, however, requires donor blood collection and preparation of PBMCs before every IVI. In the present study, we aimed to design a more efficient system utilizing B cells immortalized with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV-B) as host cells for IVI to make antigen-specific antibodies. Results showed that previously antigen-sensitized, EBV-B cells exposed to the antigen along with IL-6, CpG oligonucleotides, and CD40 ligand signal produced antigen-specific antibodies. These results provide evidence for a novel and easy method to expand memory-type B cells and produce antigen-specific antibodies.

A light-harvesting (LH) antenna complex II, LHCII, isolated from spinach was immobilized onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode with dot patterning of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) by utilizing electrostatic interactions between the cationic surface of the electrode and the anionic surface of stromal side of the LHCII polypeptide. Interestingly, the illumination of LHCII assembled onto the ITO electrode produced a photocurrent response that depends on the wavelength of the excitation light. Further, LHCII was immobilized onto a TiO2 nanostructured film to extend for the development of a dye-sensitized biosolar cell system. The photocurrent measured in the iodide/tri-iodide redox system of an ionic liquid based electrolyte on the TiO2 system showed remarkable enhancement of the conversion efficiency, as compared to that on the ITO electrode.

Bacterial photosynthetic membrane proteins, light-harvesting antenna complex (LH1), reaction center (RC), and their combined 'core' complex (LH1-RC) are functional elements in the primary photosynthetic events, i.e., capturing and transferring light energy and subsequent charge separation. These photosynthetic units (PSUs) isolated from Rhodospirillum rubrum (Rs. rubrum) were assembled onto an ITO electrode modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS-ITO). The near IR absorption spectra of PSUs on the assembled electrodes were identical to those of solutions, indicating that the LH1 and LH1-RC core complexes were native on the electrode. Photocurrent response of PSUs on the electrode was examined upon illumination of the LH1 complex at 880 nm. The LH1-RC and a mixed assembly of LH1 and RC exhibited photocurrent response, but not LH1 only, consistent with the function of these PSUs, capturing light energy and transferring electron. This result provides useful methodology for building an artificial fabrication of PSUs on the electrode.

We performed random sequencing of cDNAs from nine biologically or industrially important cultures of the industrially valuable fungus Aspergillus oryzae to obtain expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Consequently, 21 446 raw ESTs were accumulated and subsequently assembled to 7589 non-redundant consensus sequences (contigs). Among all contigs, 5491 (72.4%) were derived from only a particular culture. These included 4735 (62.4%) singletons, i.e. lone ESTs overlapping with no others. These data showed that consideration of culture grown under various conditions as cDNA sources enabled efficient collection of ESTs. BLAST searches against the public databases showed that 2953 (38.9%) of the EST contigs showed significant similarities to deposited sequences with known functions, 793 (10.5%) were similar to hypothetical proteins, and the remaining 3843 (50.6%) showed no significant similarity to sequences in the databases. Culture-specific contigs were extracted on the basis of the EST frequency normalized by the total number for each culture condition. In addition, contig sequences were compared with sequence sets in eukaryotic orthologous groups (KOGs), and classified into the KOG functional categories.

Many genes and signaling pathways have been found to be involved in cellular senescence program. In the present study, we have identified 16 senescence-associated genes by differential proteomic analysis of the normal human diploid fibroblast cell line, TIG-1 and focused on ATP6V0A2. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of ATP6V0A2, the causal gene for ARCL2, a syndrome of abnormal glycosylation and impaired Golgi trafficking, in cellular senescence program. Here we showed that ATP6V0A2 is critical for cellular senescence; impaired expression of ATP6V0A2 disperses the Golgi structure and triggers senescence, suggesting that ATP6V0A2 mediates these processes. FITC-lectin staining and glycoblotting revealed significantly different glycosylation structures in presenescent (young) and senescent (old) TIG-1 cells; reducing ATP6V0A2 expression in young TIG-1 cells yielded structures similar to those in old TIG-1 cells. Our results suggest that senescence-associated impaired expression of ATP6V0A2 triggers changes in Golgi structure and glycosylation in old TIG-1 cells, which demonstrates a role of ATP6V0A2 in cellular senescence program.

Introduction Hepatic encephalopathy is an important underlying cause of consciousness disorders. Possible causes of hepatic encephalopathy include hepatic failure and shunt encephalopathy resulting from a portosystemic venous shunt. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is generally an effective treatment for hepatic encephalopathy. Case presentation A 73-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our department because of disturbance of consciousness. Hepatic venous angiography disclosed a shunt between her left hepatic vein and her portal vein. The shunt was closed with the use of coils and N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate. One hour after the procedure, she lost consciousness. The bleeding was ascribed to catheter-induced vascular injury. Emergency angiography was performed, and hemostasis was achieved with coils. Conclusion Although bleeding is relatively rare after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, postoperative intraperitoneal bleeding is a serious complication.

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of transarterial therapy (transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transcatheter arterial infusion) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods The study enrolled 35 patients who received transarterial therapy. The patients were classified into a CKD group (n = 10 nondialysis chronic kidney disease [NDCKD] and n=9 end-stage renal disease [ESRD]) or a non-CKD group (n = 16). The survival rates between the two groups were compared using two different starting points: ( a ) from initial diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and ( b ) from enrollment in the study. The tolerance of transarterial therapy in patients with CKD was evaluated by comparing the incidence of major adverse events. Results The 2-year and 5-year survival rates from initial diagnosis were 83.9% and 53.8% in the CKD group and 70.1% and 40.4% in the non-CKD group ( P = .478). The corresponding 3-year survival rate from enrollment in the two groups was 25.6% and 41.2%, respectively ( P = .995). The 2-year and 5-year survival rates from initial diagnosis were 70.1% and 40.4% in the non-CKD group, 90.0% and 39.4% in NDCKD patients, and 76.2% and 76.2% in ESRD patients ( P = .380). The corresponding 2-year survival rates from enrollment in these groups were 54.9%, 48.0%, and 48.6% ( P = .943). Severe contrast-induced nephropathy (n = 3) and late-onset death caused by cholesterol crystal embolism (n = 1) were observed in the NDCKD group. Conclusions Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is feasible in patients with CKD by instituting periprocedural hemodialysis with similar 2-year and 5-year survival compared with patients without CKD.

Photoinduced hydrogen production via the photoreduction of methyl viologen (MV2+) using the sensitization of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b–protein complex of photosystem II (LHCII) from spinach ...

Nitrile hydratase (NHase) from Rhodococcus sp. N-771 is a novel enzyme that possesses a non-heme iron(III) center binding endogenous nitric oxide (NO). It is inactivated by aerobic incubation of cells in the dark, whereas the inactive form is converted to the active one by light irradiation. To clarify the mechanism of activity regulation in the NHase, we investigated the role of NO. When the inactive NHase was irradiated in the presence of Fe(II) ions and a spin trap, N-methyl-d-glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD), three hyperfine lines from the nitrogen atom of the [(MGD)2-FeII-NO] complex were resolved, indicating that NO was released from the enzyme upon photoactivation. The amount of NO release was obtained as 0.99 ± 0.12 per enzyme (n = 4) by using an NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide. The active NHase was completely inactivated by exogenous NO, and upon photoirradiation 86% of the original activity was restored. FTIR, ESR, and UV−VIS absorption measurements...

We reported a case of 92-year-old woman with angiosarcoma of the scalp.She noticed a small ulcer on the left temporal scalp two month ago. Dark purpura has been gradually expanded around it. The lesion was diagnosed in another hospital as angiosarcoma. Although she was proposed that it should be totally removed or underwent immunotheraphy, she rejected them because of her old age, and preferred radiotherapy. So she was referred to us for the treatment.At the first visit to us, a palm-sized, dark purpura with a bean-sized ulcer easily bleeding by stimulation in the center was seen on her left temporal scalp. The whole body investigation demonstrated no evidence of metastasis.We started the treatment with Dermopan X-ray unit step III-IV (43-50kV) every weekday. The radiosensitivity of the tumor was very high and it was almost diminished in size by a few months. However, local recurrence was seen shortly after suspension of radiation. Since half a year had passed up to bean-sized, metastatic tumor appeared on the face and the neck repeatedly, each of which had easily disappered with 2000-6000R's radiation. She died of geromarasmus two years after the clinical onset. Autopsy demonstrated noevidence of metastasis. It was indicated that radiation was effective to prevention of metastasis as well as diminusion of the lesion.

To determine whether rubella virus is involved in the pathogenesis of Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI).Fourteen patients (14 eyes) diagnosed with FHI based on characteristic ocular manifestations and eight control subjects were studied. Aqueous humor (AH) samples from 14 FHI patients and one vitreous sample from a FHI patient were analyzed for intraocular antibody production against rubella virus by calculation of the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC). Viral detection by nested polymerase chain reaction and isolation by culture in RK-13 cells were conducted in nine FHI patients. In addition to laboratory examinations, medical history of rubella virus vaccination was also obtained.Ten patients with FHI examined showed intraocular synthesis of rubella virus antibodies (GWC3). A high index of rubella virus antibody production was also found in the vitreous sample (GWC = 30.6). GWC in all control subjects were below detectable level. The rubella genome was detected in two of nine patients, and rubella virus was isolated from one of nine patients with FHI. None of the patients with FHI had been vaccinated against rubella.Our laboratory data strongly suggest a relationship between FHI and rubella virus.

Although the number of cases of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome has decreased recently in Japan, both are still important health problems. To control rubella infection, a rapid and reliable method for diagnosis of rubella is required as soon as possible. Direct detection of the viral genome in clinical samples is viewed as crucial for laboratory diagnosis. In this study, a novel diagnostic method for rubella virus, based on a fluorogenic real-time PCR (TaqMan) assay, was developed, and its sensitivity for various virus strains was compared with that of a conventional RT-PCR. The new assay allowed more rapid and sensitive detection of the virus than did the conventional RT-PCR, and could detect at least 10 pfu of the native strains in Japan (1a, 1D, 1j).

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) for the diagnosis of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) by analyzing morphology and diameter of superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We assessed whether MDCT was as useful as angiography for the diagnosis of NOMI. Materials and methods Four patients who were diagnosed with NOMI were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had 8-row MDCT followed by laparotomy. Two of them underwent angiography after MDCT. The morphology and diameter of SMA of these cases was analyzed on multi-planar reconstructed (MPR) images. The mean diameter of SMA of NOMI cases was compared to that of 13 control cases. Results MPR images of all NOMI cases showed irregular narrowing of the SMA, spasm of the arcades of SMA, and poor demonstration of intramural vessels. MPR images of two patients who had angiography were concordant with their angiograms. The mean diameter of SMA of NOMI patients was 3.4 ± 1.1 mm, which was statistically smaller than that of 13 control patients, 6.0 ± 1.5 mm ( P Conclusion Angiography has been recognized essential for the diagnosis of NOMI. This study shows the possibility of MDCT to be an equivalently useful modality compared to angiography for the diagnosis of NOMI by interpreting morphologic appearance and diameter of SMA. Introduction of MDCT in the decision tree of NOMI treatment may bring the benefit of prompt diagnosis and subsequent early and efficient initiation of therapy, which may improve the mortality.

Light-harvesting antenna core (LH1-RC) complexes isolated from Rhodoseudomonas palustris were self-assembled on a gold electrode modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of the alkanethiols NH2(CH2)nSH, n = 2, 6, 8, 11; HOOC(CH2)7SH; and CH3(CH2)7SH, respectively. Adsorption of the LH1-RC complexes on the SAMs depended on the terminating group of the alkanethiols, where the adsoption increased in the following order for the terminating groups: amino groupscarboxylic acid groupsmethyl groups. Further, the adsorption on a gold electrode modified with SAMs of NH2(CH2)nSH, n = 2, 6, 8, 11, depended on the methylene chain length, where the adsorption increased with increasing the methylene chain length. The presence of the well-known light-harvesting and reaction center peaks of the near infrared (NIR) absorption spectra of the LH1-RC complexes indicated that these complexes were only fully stable on the SAM gold electrodes modified with the amino group. In the case of modification with the carboxyl group, the complexes were partially stable, while in the presence of the terminal methyl group the complexes were extensively denatured. An efficient photocurrent response of these complexes on the SAMs of NH2(CH2)nSH, n = 2, 6, 8, 11, was observed upon illumination at 880 nm. The photocurrent depended on the methylene chain length (n), where the maximum photocurrent response was observed at n = 6, which corresponds to a distance between the amino terminal group in NH2(CH2)6SH and the gold surface of 1.0 nm.

We present two cases of acquired uterine arterial venous malformation (AVM) which was diagnosed because of massive genital bleeding successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) under balloon occlusion. Balloon occlusion at the uterine artery was performed in both patients for diffuse distribution of NBCA in multiple feeding branches, as well as to the pseudoaneurysm, and for the prevention of NBCA reflux. In one of our patients, balloon occlusion of the draining vein was simultaneously performed to prevent NBCA migration through accompanying high-flow arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Doppler ultrasound at 6 months of both patients documented persistent complete occlusion of AVM. Complete and safe obliteration of acquired uterine AVM was accomplished using NBCA as embolic agent, under balloon occlusion at the communicating vessels of acquired uterine AVM.

Many invasive and noninvasive methods have been used to study the cardiac atria; however, few allow quantitative measurement of atrial function. To determine the interaction between left ventricular (LV) contraction and left atrial (LA) filling, gated radionuclide angiography was conducted in 30 normal subjects (24 men and 6 women, mean age 58 +/- 10 years, range 26-68). LV and LA time-activity curves and their first-derivative curves were obtained simultaneously by using the method of Bough et al. The LV ejection fraction (64 +/- 18%) and LV peak ejection rate (LVPER; 3.42 +/- 0.27 EDV/s) were computed from these curves. As indices of LA filling, LA fractional emptying (38 +/- 12%) and LA peak filling rate (LAPFR; 2.86 +/- 0.17 LAVmax/s)--the latter being defined as the peak rate of LA filling during the LA filling phase--were also computed from these curves. In all subjects, the timing of the LVPER coincided with the occurrence of LAPFR, and there was a significant positive correlation between the LVPER and LAPFR (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), indicating that the LAPFR was strongly affected by the degree of LVPER. Thus, these results indicate that LV contractile performance plays an important role in determining LA passive filling during ventricular systole.

The organization of F-actin during somitogenesis in the chick embryo was studied by use of rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Separation of a somite from the segmental plate proceeded simultaneously with the organization of segmental plate cells into a hemispherical epithelial sheet whose open side was directed antero-laterally. At the same time, intense staining of F-actin appeared in the apical surface of the epithelial sheet. Observations by TEM showed that zonulae adherentes associated with many actin filaments increased in the apical region of cells being organized into an epithelial sheet while this junctional apparatus was only sparsely distributed in the segmental plate cells. The hemispherical sheet subsequently closed to form an epithelial vesicle, with increase in curvature of its apical surface, and narrowing of cellular apices. At the same time, the zonulae adherentes and actin filaments in the cellular apices further increased, and many cellular processes formed on the apical surface of the epithelial somites. These findings suggest that segmentation involves organization of zonulae adherentes and a contractile process caused by acin filaments anchored to the zonulae adherentes.

Both the resting thallium-201 imaging and resting gated radionuclide ventriculography were conducted in the left anterior oblique view in 35 patients with isolated disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and the corresponding involved region was compared from two differing perspectives, one measuring regional ventricular function and the other regional myocardial perfusion. In the thallium-201 imaging, the thallium activity in the septal or apical region supplied by the LAD was calculated as an activity ratio between the mean value of the normally perfused lateral region and that of the septal or apical region, and was called relative thallium uptake (%T1 uptake). In the gated radionuclide ventriculographic study, a computer program subdivided the image of the left ventricle into 4 regions. The time-activity and first-derivative curves were computed in the septal and apical regions. Significant positive correlations were present between the %T1 uptake and the ejection fraction or peak ejection rate both in the septal and apical regions, indicating that the regional systolic function diminishes progressively as the perfusion abnormality increases. However, positive but poor and scattering correlations were found between the %T1 uptake and the peak filling rate, and there were no significant correlations between the %T1 uptake and the filling period in these affected regions. Thus, we could suppose that the regional systolic function is closely related to the regional %T1 uptake which probably reflects the amount of the residual viable myocardium, but there is the possibility that the regional diastolic filling function may be not so much related to the amount of the viable myocardium as is systolic function or may be modulated by some factors other than the amount of the regional viable myocardium.