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Mechanism of the ion track formation in crystalline silicon (c-Si) is discussed, particularly under 1–9 MeV C60 ion irradiation. In this energy region, the track formation was not expected because the energy E was much lower than the threshold of E th = 17 MeV determined by extrapolation from higher energy data in the past literature. The track formation is different between irradiations of C60 ions and of monoatomic ions: The tracks were observed under 3 MeV C60 ion irradiation but not under 200 MeV Xe ions, while both the irradiations have the same electronic stopping (S e) of 14 keV nm−1 but much higher nuclear stopping (S n) for the former ions. The involvement of S n is suggested for the C60 ions. While the inelastic thermal spike (i-TS) calculations predict that the high energy monoatomic ion irradiation forms the tracks, the tracks have never been experimentally detected, suggesting quick annihilation of the tracks by highly enhanced recrystallization in c-Si. Exceptions are C60 ions of 1–9 MeV, where the track radii are well reproduced by the i-TS theory with assuming the melting transition. Collisional damage induced by the high S n from C60 ions obstructs the recrystallization in c-Si. Then the tracks formed by the melting transition survive against the recrystallization. This is a new type of the synergy effect between S e and S n, different from the already-known mechanisms, i.e., the pre-damage effect and the unified thermal spike. While c-Si was believed as a radiation-hard material in the S e regime with high S e threshold, this study suggests that c-Si has a low S e threshold but with efficient recrystallization.

BackgroundDenosumab, a human IgG2 monoclonal antibody with high affinity for RANKL, is approved for treatment of bone erosion (ER) in patients with RA, based on the results of clinical trials. However, its effectiveness in combination with conventional therapy in RA patients has not been fully investigated in clinical practice.ObjectivesThis exploratory study aimed to compare, in patients receiving conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARD) for treatment of RA, the effectiveness of combined use of csDMARD and denosumab vs csDMARD alone, in terms of inhibition of ER determined by HR-pQCT.MethodsDetail protocol of this open-label, randomized, parallel-group study has been published previously.1 RA patients with moderate or low disease activity and progressive ER were eligible, and were randomly assigned to receive denosumab in addition to the csDMARD (denosumab) group or to continued use of the csDMARD alone (csDMARD) group. Denosumab was administered every 6 months during the 12-month study period. The primary endpoint was change in ER-depth at the second and third metacarpal bones, determined by HR-pQCT at month 6. For the primary endpoint, a linear mixed effect model analysis was performed using treatment group, sex, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody (positive vs negative), and baseline disease activity (DAS28-ESR) as fixed effects, patients as random effects, and baseline values as covariates. For extension data, measurement time-point and the interaction between treatment group and measurement time-point was further added as fixed effects. The adverse events (AEs) were recorded.ResultsA total of 46 patients were randomized to denosumab and csDMARD groups (both N=23), and baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. Although the difference was not significant, the estimate mean (95%CI) change of ER-depth at month 6 from baseline as the primary endpoint was −0.57 (−1.52, 0.39) in the denosumab group vs −0.22 (−0.97, 0.53) in the csDMARD group, respectively. At months 6 and 12, ER-depth, -width, and -volume (extension data) were numerically lower in the denosumab group than in the csDMARD group (Table 1). Compared with patients in the csDMARD group, those in the denosumab group had significantly higher volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at month 12. AEs were reported in 12 (52.2%) and 13 (56.5%) of patients in the denosumab and csDMARD groups, respectively. The most common AEs of denosumab groups was hypocalcemia (reported in 4), and all the events were causally related with denosumab. Serious AEs were reported in 1 (4.3%) and 2 (8.7%) of patients in the denosumab and csDMARD groups, and which were not related to treatment drug.Table 1.ER and microstructure in denosumab group vs csDMARD groupMonthDenosumab group (n=21)csDMARDs group (n=22)Difference (Denosumab- csDMARDs)n1Estimate Means [95%CI]n1Estimate Means [95%CI]Estimate Means [95%CI]ER-depth617−0.46 [−1.31, 0.39]25−0.20 [−0.89, 0.49]−0.27 [−0.86, 0.32]1217−0.56 [−1.41, 0.29]22−0.20 [−0.90, 0.49]−0.35 [−0.95, 0.24]ER-width617−0.26 [−1.10, 0.57]25−0.06 [−0.73, 0.61]−0.20 [−0.81, 0.40]1217−0.27 [−1.10, 0.56]22−0.03 [−0.70, 0.64]−0.24 [−0.85, 0.38]ER-volume616−6.21 [−23.89, 11.46]24−1.71 [−16.07, 12.66]−4.51 [−16.67, 7.65]1217−6.25 [−23.94, 11.44]21−3.18 [−17.56, 11.20]−3.07 [−15.32, 9.17]vBMD6426.41 [2.78, 10.03]442.46 [−1.33, 6.24]3.95 [−0.05, 7.94]12389.20 [5.46, 12.95]423.66 [−0.15, 7.46]5.55 [1.46, 9.63]*These were extension data.This is the efficacy analysis set which excluded 3 patients from the full analysis set.*; pn, number of patients; n1, number of measurement pointsConclusionOur results suggest that adding denosumab to csDMARD therapy may help prevent ER, promote ER repair, and improve bone microstructure.References[1]Iwamoto N, et al., Trials. 2019;20(1):1–8.Disclosure of InterestsNaoki Iwamoto Speakers bureau: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Grant/research support from: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Ko Chiba Speakers bureau: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shuntaro Sato: None declared, Kazuteru Shiraishi: None declared, Konosuke Watanabe: None declared, Nozomi Ohki: None declared, Akitomo Okada: None declared, Tomohiro Koga: None declared, Makiko Kobayashi Employee of: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (retired at submission), Kengo Saito Employee of: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Naoki Okubo Employee of: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Atsushi Kawakami Speakers bureau: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Grant/research support from: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Expert Group on Innovative Structural Materials (EGISM) was established in 2008 under the guidance of the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC). Its objectives are to conduct joint and comparative studies to support the development, selection and characterisation of innovative structural materials that can be implemented in advanced nuclear fuel cycles, under long service lifetime and extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high dose/dose rate and corrosive chemical environments. In this context of growing interest and initiatives, the EGISM initiated at the beginning of 2018 an activity among its members to: • Identify, in a non-exhaustive way, the currently existing programs on innovative materials and fabrication processes in NEA member countries and China; • Establish a first cartography of the activities that are underway on these topics and identify common subjects and thematic; • Propose a Technology Readiness Level scale to estimate the maturity of both innovative materials and fabrication processes; • Carry out a reflection on what the enablers are to quickly climb this TRL scale, as well as the obstacles, in order to identify solutions to overcome them. This paper first gives definitions shared between the EGISM members on what are considered as advanced structural materials solutions. Next, some international initiatives for the accelerated development of high performance materials are presented both in non-nuclear and nuclear fields. Then, the methodology adopted for technology readiness assessment is explained. A non-exhaustive synthesis of the projects identified among the EGISM members on innovative structural materials and advanced manufacturing solutions such as additive manufacturing is presented. The TRL level of these projects is evaluated. A focus is also made on some of these projects to illustrate and explain the TRLs chosen as well as highlighting enablers or obstacles identified to climbing up the TRL scale.

We report the elongation of embedded Au nanoparticles (NPs) in three different matrices, i.e. amorphous carbon (a-C), crystalline indium tin oxide (In

A study of defect structure in (TiZrHfNbV)N coatings irradiated with 200 MeV high energy Xe14+ ions with different fluences by positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) was carried out. Positron lifetime studies showed that the vacancy-defects are the dominant defects type in investigated specimens. Although (TiZrHfNbV)N coatings were irradiated with high energy Xe+ ions with different fluences: 5 × 1011, 5 × 1012 and 5 × 1013 ions/cm2, no amorphous or intermetallic phase are detected.

Background and Objective Patient-centered assessments are particularly important in periodontal treatment in which their concerns may differ from the traditional clinical endpoints. However, information is limited regarding the influence of periodontal surgery on patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of surgical periodontal therapy on the oral health-related QoL of patients who have received initial periodontal therapy. Methods A three-center prospective clinical study design was used, with the study participants comprising patients with moderate to severe periodontitis. Following initial periodontal therapy, the participants received either surgical or non-surgical periodontal treatment. The Oral Health-related Quality of Life Model for Dental Hygiene (OHRQL instrument), was used to assess participants' oral health-related QoL at each periodontal assessment interval: baseline (phase I), after initial therapy (phase II) and after surgery or during supportive periodontal therapy (phase III). Results Seventy-six patients (26 non-surgery, 50 surgery) completed the third phase of OHRQL assessment and were subjected to data analysis. From phase II to III, an improvement was achieved in all clinical parameters (p

Ceramics have some outstanding features that are necessary for pressure-tight housings, such as higher compressive strength, lower specific gravity, and higher resistance against corrosion. One promising application is pressure-tight housings for a free-fall popup ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS). Ceramic pressure-tight housings can provide sufficient strength and buoyancy even at 11-km water depth. Nevertheless, tensile and bending strengths of ceramics are only a fraction of their compressive strength. For metals, they are almost equal. Therefore, common design methods for pressure-tight housings are not directly applicable to ceramic pressure-tight housings. As described herein, we propose a new design method for ceramic pressure-tight housings, particularly a method of reinforcement of through-holes for underwater connectors. We also present detailed data that support the proposed design method.

Electrostatic atomization technology is useful for producing fine droplets with narrow size distribution. However, the droplet production rate has been very low, compared with other methods such as solid injection, pneumatic, and rotating. In a liquid-in-liquid system, nozzleless droplet formation was proposed using membrane filter and applying electrostatics. The atomization pattern was categorized into three modes, i.e., dripping, transient, and spray modes. Water glass aqueous solution was atomized in kerosene from 300 μm to 200 nm by applying 0-2 kV positive dc voltages. Comparing between a single nozzle and the proposed nozzleless system, based on the similar average diameters and size distributions, the production rate of the droplets was 53 times (in the dripping mode) and 6.4 times (in the spray mode) higher in the case of a nozzleless system than that of a single nozzle.

In this study, CeO2 was irradiated with 200 MeV Au ions at oblique incidence. Observation of as-irradiated samples by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that hillocks are created not only at the wide surfaces, but also at the crack faces of the thin samples. Since the hillocks created at the crack faces can be imaged by TEM, their shape and crystallographic features can be revealed. From the images of hillocks created at the crack faces, many of the hillocks are found to be spherical. We present the first experimental evidence that hillocks created for CeO2 irradiated with swift heavy ions have a crystal structure whose lattice spacing and orientation coincide with those of the matrix. The mechanism of spherical crystalline hillock formation is discussed based on the present results.

This paper deals with a real-time scheduling system of holonic manufacturing systems (HMSs), which were proposed by an international cooperative research consortium called The HMS Consortium for Autonomous Distributed Management and Control of the Manufacturing Systems. The scheduling system generates real-time suitable production schedules, based on decision making by individual constituents named holons and their coordination. The objective of the present research is to improve the decision-making processes of the individual holons through the use of estimation process of the future status of the HMS. Procedures are developed and implemented to the individual holons, in order to estimate the future status of the HMS by applying the simulation model of the HMS. A neural network model is proposed to represent and to simulate the decision-making process of the individual holons.

Kinetic processes of nanoparticle formation by ion implantation was studied for the insulators of a-SiO 2 , LiNbO 3 , MgO · 2.4(Al 2 O 3 ) and PMMA, either by changing ion flux or by using a co-irradiation technique of ions and photons. Under Cu-implantation of 60 keV Cu − , nanoparticles spontaneously formed without thermal annealing, indicating radiation-induced diffusion of implants. The high-flux implantation caused instable behaviors of nanoparticle morphology in a-SiO 2 , LiNbO 3 and PMMA, i.e. enhanced atomic rearrangement or loss of nanoparticles. The spinel MgO · 2.4(Al 2 O 3 ) also showed nanoparticle precipitation at 60 keV, but the precipitation tendency is less than the others. Combined irradiation of 3 MeV Cu ions and photons of 2.3 eV or 3.5 eV indicates that the electronic excitation during ion implantation significantly enhances nanoparticle precipitation, greatly depending on photon energy and fluence. The selectivity for photons can be applied to control nanoparticle precipitation.

In order to investigate Marangoni flow instability of molten silicon, surface oscillation of a silicon liquid bridge with various aspect ratios at high Marangoni numbers, such as Ma ≥ 2400, was observed by using real-time phase-shift interferometry. By analyzing phase distribution of the phase-shift interferograms using FFT (fast Fourier transformation) and wavelet transformation, we found that two frequency bands exist in surface oscillation. Their central frequencies are 0.1–0.5 Hz for a lower band and 0.7–1.3 Hz for a higher band, respectively. Central frequency decreases with increase in aspect ratio. The lower frequency bands, which include m = 1 and m = 3 modes, appear continuously, whereas the higher frequency bands appear intermittently.

Spectra of ion-induced photon emissions (IIPE) of silica glass were measured during implantation of 3 MeV Cu ions at a constant flux of 3–10 μA/cm2 up to a fluence of 9×1016 ions/cm2. Three bands compose the IIPE spectra: a tail of the oxygen-deficient center band, the band of Cu+ ions at 2.27 eV and the band of non-bridging oxygen hole center at 1.89 eV. Intrinsic defects of silica glass contribute to the IIPE at the onset of irradiation only. At fluences higher than 5×1014 ions/cm2, the fluence dependence of the Cu+-band of IIPE represents (a) the accumulation of Cu solutes preceding the nanoparticle formation and (b) no change of Cu solute concentration during nanoparticle growth. The intensity of the Cu+-band is proportional to the total concentration of Cu solutes. The balance of Cu solutes and Cu nanoparticles is sensitive to the ion flux. The concentration of Cu solutes necessary for nanoparticle formation cannot be attained at fluxes higher than 10 μA/cm2.

Nanoparticles of titanium oxides have been fabricated by ablating a Ti target with pulsed CO2-laser deposition in Ar-diluted oxygen environments. The pulse energy and repetition rate of the CO2 laser (wavelength 10.6 μm) are 0.44 J/cm2 per pulse and 50 Hz, respectively. During the focused laser irradiates the Ti target, Ar and O2 gases are supplied into the irradiation chamber. The gas pressure is varied in a range of 1×103 to 1×105 Pa. The flow rates of Ar and O2 gases are adjusted in ranges of 75–83 and 3.3–8.3 cm3/s, respectively. Above 3×104 Pa, the laser irradiation creates nanosized spherical particles of titanium dioxide. The nanospheres are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to be of the anatase type. Each nanoparticle consists of a single crystal or single-crystalline domains. The particle size slightly increased with increasing the gas pressure, irrespective of the flow rate. The results demonstrate that nanoparticles of anatase TiO2 are created by the reactive pulsed laser deposition (PLD).

Nitride treatment is used for hardening of titanium alloy surfaces. In this study, we prepare samples under two different conditions, (1) 810°C, for 600 min, and (2) 850°C, for 720 min. A depth-profile analysis of the surfaces of the samples is conducted through Doppler broadening measurements of positron annihilation gamma rays using a slow positron beam. Lager S–parameters are obtained near the surface for all samples. These parameters can be explained by the positron annihilation at the grain boundaries between the nano-grains confirmed by transmission electron microscope images. Furthermore, the variation in the W-parameters near the surface is independent of the variation in S-parameters, thus indicating a depth dependence of the W-parameters on the chemical composition of the precipitate at the grain boundaries, also confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. Variations in the W-parameters was observed to occur in the deeper regions, indicating that the nitrated layer is thicker in the sample prepared under condition (2) and the increased hardness of the sample surface measured using Vickers Hardness method is likely caused by this thicker nitrated layer.

63Cu nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time has been measured from 4.2 to 420 K. The result is analyzed with a theory of the Raman process based on covalency. By the fitting a value of 123.2 K is obtained for the Debye temperature, in contrast to the values of 180 to 190 K reported from other experiments. Then, a measure of covalency of the Cu-O bond is also calculated to be smaller by a factor of five than another measure of covalency calculated from the resonance frequency. These are attributed to the lattice instability and inappropriate value of the repulsive range parameter. It is concluded that the first-order Raman process due to covalency contributes significantly to the relaxation in Cu 2 O.

In order to understand the spectral characteristics of ZnS: Sm nanocrystals, in which a novel optical memory effect has been observed, optical properties have been studied between 2 and 300 K for the samples prepared by a solution method. The broad fluorescence and excitation bands observed in the visible region are tentatively assigned to the transitions between the 4f 6 and 4f 5 5d states of Sm 2 + and also to the transitions of excitons bound to Sm 2+ . Temperature dependence of the intensity of the lowest-energy emission band and the dependence of its peak position on the excitation wavelength have been explained well by these assignments.

We obtained cost data on 47 off-grid and 11 grid-connected systems from Home Power magazine and Solar Energy International, ranging from 100 to 6600 W installed from 1987 to 2004. This allowed accurate analysis of installed costs ($/W, corrected to 2004$) without rebates or discounts for PV modules and balance of systems (BOS)- The BOS was separated into categories of batteries, power conditioning electronics (PCE), and "other". When normalized by system size, relative off-grid BOS costs are approximately independent of system size and comparable to PV module costs, especially for systems over 1000 W. Thus the off-grid system cost is approximately twice the module cost. Off-grid BOS and PV prices have been falling at about 0.5 $/W per year since 1990. System prices have therefore been falling at /spl sim/1 $/W per year. Grid connected systems have much lower BOS costs. Some off-grid systems with 2 axis trackers were not cost effective for maximizing the Dec-Jan output.

A novel 8-way divider/combiner using TM010- and TM020-mode cavities was developed, with an insertion loss of 0.2 dB and a bandwidth of 600 MHz at 6 GHz. An 80-W broadband GaAs FET amplifier with combining efficiency of 85 percent was successfully demonstrated using this power divider/combiner.

The intermodulation products of a Class-A GaAs FET amplifier were estimated using harmonic balance techniques. Output back-off and power-added efficiency at any specified D/U ratio are determined under various matching conditions using FETs with different cutoff frequencies. For optimum design of the amplifier, charts are given which show back-off and efficiency at the specified D/U ratio as functions of small-signal gain and ratio of operating frequency to cutoff frequency. >

The authors describe the design and measured performances of the developed 60 GHz band MMICs, fabricated brass-board models of millimeter-wave application systems such as high and ultra-high speed wireless LAN, wide-band analog signal transmission and low bit-rate contactless ID systems, and the demonstrated performance of the wireless LAN system in a Minimum Delay Spread (MDS) configuration set in our new conceptual propagation test room.

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) is a new field of electronics for the coming century. Automotive radar is one of the biggest challenges among them. The frequency allocated for automotive radar is 76 GHz in US, Europe, and Japan. Due to the short wavelength of the radar, several difficulties arise for commercial use. Technologies for cost reduction are required even for the high-frequency applications. A circuit design method for low cost 76 GHz radar chipsets is described here.

We report the anesthetic management of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with midazolam and fentanyl. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and a PA catheter were useful for hemodynamic monitoring and management of the patients. Furthermore, TEE is useful for the early detection of inflow of the air which is absorbed by negative pressure derived from high LVAD support pressure. On starting LVAD support, evaluation of right ventricular function and treatment for right ventricular failure were important and necessary for the patients. Added to conventional therapy using catecholamines, inhaled nitric oxide may provide a favorable effect for right ventricular failure.

Negative Cu ions of 60 keV, at high dose rates, have been applied for nanoparticle fabrication in insulators, using both conventional implantation and dynamic negative ion mixing (DNIM). Intense ion beams cause significant in-beam rearrangements of implants, i.e., spontaneous precipitation and depth-directional atomic migration. These dynamic processes are applicable for spatial control of nanoparticle structures. The spatial control is also possible by changing substrates, i.e., amorphous and crystalline SiO2 and a spinel crystal of MgAl2O4. The other approach for the spatial control is to use a DNIM method with dynamic growth, which presents a thick uniform structure of nanoparticles.

Background Among the thumb deformities observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), boutonniere deformities are the most common and account for 70% of all deformities present. However, it is difficult to determine the proper timing for interventions due to progressive limitations in range of motion (ROM) and instability of the thumb joints in these patients. Objectives We hypothesized that ROM limitation above a certain level would result in functional hand deficiencies. In this study, we assessed the ROM and function of the thumb joint in patients having rheumatoid arthritis-related boutonniere deformities. Methods This study included 50 thumbs with boutonniere deformities in 31 patients. Of the 50 thumbs, we were able to measure the ROM of 27 thumbs in 18 patients. The patients available for assessment (all females) had a mean age of 65.0 (range, 51 to 76) and a mean disease duration of 21.8 years (range, 14 to 33). The active and passive ROM at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint and interphalangeal (IP) joint was measured, and the differences between the active and passive ROM of each joint were calculated as an index for joint instability. Functional evaluations were completed according to the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) for upper limb function and modified Kapandji index (MKI) for finger function. Results The average ROM at the MP joint was as follows; active flexion, 56.8 degrees (range, 0 to 90); passive flexion, 65.3 degrees (range, 0 to 100); active extension, -22.6 degrees. (range, -84 to 20); passive extension, -3.2 degree (range, -50 to 40). The average ROM at the IP joint was as follows; active flexion, 23.0 degrees (range, -84 to 70); passive flexion, 38.1 degrees (range, -70 to 86); active extension, 43.7 degrees (range, 0 to 90); passive extension, 59.1 degrees (range, 10 to 100). MP joint extension and IP joint flexion had strong correlations with functional evaluations. MP joint extension strongly correlates with IP joint flexion in both active and passive motion. ROM limitations progressed markedly when active MP joint extension became less than -30 degrees and active IP joint flexion became less than 30 degrees. Upper limb function deteriorated with a decrease of active extension at the MP joint, but the overall finger function markedly deteriorated when the active extension at the MP joint became less than -30 degrees. The upper limb function and the finger motion were deteriorating with the decrease of active flexion at the IP joint. Conclusions Decreased finger extension mobility is reported to impact the working space in the hand, resulting in functional deficiencies. Boutonniere deformities result in functional deficiencies in the same manner, as a result of subluxation of the MP joint due to synovitis. Furthermore, boutonniere deformities result in hyperextension or joint instability at the IP joint and leads to deteriorating finger function. From the result of this study, active ROM at the MP joint less than -30 degrees impaired the mobility of the IP joint and destabilized the IP joint, resulting in huge impacts in activities of daily living. We considered that active ROM at the MP joint less than -30 degrees might be a threshold for therapeutic intervention. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

In order to investigate effects of addition of fentanyl epidurally on the onset of sympathectomy from epidural lidocaine, we have measured the toe temperature of 29 healthy patients undergoing elective lower extremity or lower abdominal surgeries. The latency of onset of the toe temperature was significantly shorter in patients receiving both epidural lidocaine and fentanyl compared with those receiving epidural lidocaine alone (258 +/- 135 vs 398 +/- 184 sec, P0.05 [mean +/- SD]). Osmolarity and pH of the epidural solutions were similar between the two groups. These results suggest, but do not indicate, that sympathectomy from epidural lidocaine is accelerated by the addition of fentanyl.

We measured fluctuation of injection pressure by several types of commercially available syringe pumps in order to investigate the effect of syringe volumes (Terumo syringe) and speed settings on the irregularity of injection speeds. We recorded the injection pressure continuously with various speed settings, except that one of the pumps injected irregularly at the settings of 2 and 1 ml.h-1. With 50 ml syringes, only two of the six pumps injected precisely at all the speed settings. With the other four types, a steep increase in pressure was recorded at the speed setting of 1 ml.h-1. However irregular infusion was never observed by using a syringe of a high resistant type (TOP syringe). With 30 ml syringes, injection pressures fluctuated in most of the six syringe pumps at a speed lower than 5 ml.h-1. In conclusion, changes in injection pressures depend on types of syringes, syringe volumes and speed settings. We urge not to use a 30 ml syringe to infuse vasoactive drugs with syringe pumps.

The objective of this study was to compare the plasma alcohol concentrations after celiac plexus block in different types of cancer. The authors studied the consecutive changes of plasma alcohol concentrations after celiac plexus block in a gastric cancer group (group 1, n = 6) and a pancreatic cancer group (group 2, n = 5).Celiac plexus block was performed with 10 ml of absolute ethyl alcohol. In all patients, operations had been performed 1.2-3.5 years before the block. Arterial blood was sampled at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 minutes after the block.The average dose of absolute ethyl alcohol was 0.186 g/kg in group 1 and 0.182 g/kg in group 2. Plasma alcohol concentrations in group 1 were about four times greater than those of group 2 (p0.01). The mean maximum level was reached at 15 minutes after injection in group 1 (44.0 +/- 5.8 mg/dl) and at 30 minutes in group 2 (13.1 +/- 2.4 mg/dl).Plasma alcohol concentrations after celiac plexus block showed different patterns according to the site of cancer and the type of operation performed.

OBJECTIVE Left ventricular remodeling occurs immediately after MI, involving structural changes in noninfarcted segment. However, the residual left ventricular pump function in NIDDM patients after acute MI has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in the process of left ventricular remodeling between NIDDM and nondiabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Left ventricular regional EF images obtained by radionuclide angiography were investigated in 20 NIDDM and 29 nondiabetic patients the 3rd wk after acute MI. RESULTS Regional EF of the noninfarcted area and P/V had a significant hyperbolic relation with left ventricular EDV in both groups of patients. Despite no difference in the extent of myocardial necrosis and the number of coronary vessels diseased between NIDDM and nondiabetic patients, regional EF of the noninfarcted area and P/V were significantly lower when left ventricular EDV increased in NIDDM patients compared with nondiabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS Pathogenetic changes of the residual myocardium associated with NIDDM may adversely influence the process of left ventricular remodeling after MI, especially in patients with increased left ventricular EDV.

To evaluate whether the response of left ventricular pump function during low-level exercise in the early postinfarction period can anticipate its change during the first year after acute myocardial infarction (MI), global and regional ejection fractions (EF) were investigated using radionuclide angiography in 52 consecutive patients with negative predischarge exercise test. The changes in left ventricular EF and regional EF of the noninfarcted area during the early exercise test had a good linear relation with the changes during the first year after MI (r = 0.86, p less than 0.001 and r = 0.81, p less than 0.001, respectively). Our results indicate that the mobilization of the Frank-Starling mechanism and myocardial contractility were the important factors related to the change of left ventricular EF, and that the changes of left ventricular EF during exercise in the patient with a negative predischarge exercise test can predict the direction of change (concordant rise or fall) during the first year after MI.

The Bentall operation was performed in 44 patients between March 1972 and December 1988. Twenty patients had stigmata of Marfan's syndrome, and 15 had aortic dissection. All showed annuloaortic ectasia. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 16 years (mean, 5.8 years). There were six early deaths (14%) and seven late deaths (16%), with actuarial survival at 10 years of 65 +/- 8%. The late deaths were mostly related to aneurysms occurring in the remainder of the aorta. No patient has undergone reoperation related to the composite graft, but six patients required seven subsequent operations on the remaining aorta. The actuarial probability of freedom from late death and subsequent operation at 8 years was 64 +/- 9% for the operative survivors, but it was 44 +/- 17% for the patients with aortic dissection and 37 +/- 19% for those with Marfan's syndrome. Postoperative angiography performed 3-168 months (mean, 42 months) postoperatively in 23 nonselective patients demonstrated recurrent true aneurysms at both or one of the coronary ostia (seven), persistent dissection distal to the distal aortic anastomosis (five), pseudoaneurysm at the left coronary ostium (one), pseudoaneurysm due to a small leak at the proximal aortic anastomosis (one), and partial dehiscence of the distal aortic suture line (one). Composite graft replacement carries a potential risk of various late complications. Our data support the concept that earlier detection and aggressive treatment of the late complications occurring in the remainder of the diseased aorta is necessary to improve long-term survival after the Bentall operation.

Hemodynamic changes during positive airway pressure ventilation is well known. To compare changes of hemodynamic variables during one-lung inflation with those during two-lung inflation, we studied the effects of lung inflation on hemodynamic changes in 15 anesthetized patients who were intubated endobronchially. When the airway pressure was increased from 0 cmH2O to 10, 20, 30 cmH2O, systolic pressure decreased gradually and central venous pressure increased during both two-lung and one-lung inflations (P less than 0.05). During one-lung inflation, the decrease in arterial pressure relative to apneic arterial pressure was significantly less than those during two-lung inflation at each level of airway pressure (P less than 0.05). During one-lung inflation, central venous pressure which was higher relative to apneic central venous pressure, and was less than that during two-lung inflation at 30 cmH2O (P less than 0.05). Heart rate was unchanged during both two and one-lung inflations compared with apneic heart rate. We conclude that during one-lung inflation, systolic pressure and central venous pressure are influenced less by the increased airway pressure than during two-lung inflation. The results indicate that during one lung ventilation, lungs inflated with clinically accepted levels of airway pressure do not depress the systemic circulation, but when the airway pressure during one-lung inflation (like a leak test) exceeded over 30 cmH2O, a significant depression of the systemic circulation occurs.

A 16-year-old male, who sustained a blunt chest trauma in a traffic accident, was brought into the emergency room in an unconscious state, with an initial systolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg. He was found to have multiple fractures and a flail chest. The initial roentgenogram of the chest showed widening of the mediastinum. An emergency aortogram demonstrated intimal flap and aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic arch. Because of a coexisting severe contusion of the lung, operation was postponed until 15 days after admission. He was successfully treated by direct repair under profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest, which was induced by surface cooling in combination with ECC. Postoperatively he did well and 23 days after the operation, surgical repair of femoral and humeral fractures was performed by orthopedists.

Recently, Japanese iron and steel companies have added a O 2 control system to their conventional combustion control systems for reheating furnaces in order to minimize O 2 content. Kimitsu Works of Nippon Steel Corporation developed a new, direct section-type 0 2 analyzer, an optimum multi-variable control system for multizone reheating furnaces, and an adaptive control system for soaking pits. As a result, fuel consumption in reheating furnaces of Kimitsu Works has been reduced by about 3%, and fuel consumption in the soaking pits has been reduced by about 5%. In addition, considerable reductions have been realized in the NOx content of waste gas and the amount of scale loss.

Summary By studying the mode shape animation based on the results of modal analysis, the dynamic rigidity of machine tool structures can be improved. This technique was successfully applied to a machining cell, an arm of automatic assembling machine and a conventional cylindrical grinder. Further, the application of advanced softwares can be used to predict the quantitative improvement in the dynamic rigidity. The examples on a vertical milling machine, an NC lathe and a surface grinder show effectiveness of the software approach in suppressing the chatter and improving the surface finish. Also the cutting test verified the predicted improvement.