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Background Little is known regarding the impact of right ventricular (RV) function on clinical outcomes following MitraClip therapy. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of RV dysfunction and its cut-off value following MitraClip therapy. Methods Consecutive 77 patients (median 79 years, 33% female) who underwent MitraClip therapy were enrolled. Clinical endpoint was defined as cardiovascular (CV) events, including cardiovascular death and rehospitalization for heart failure (HF). Results and conclusions Twenty-two (29%) patients had primary mitral regurgitation (MR). During follow-up, 5 patients died due to CV events, 8 were hospitalized for HF. On univariate Cox regression analysis, CV events were associated with eGFR (HR; 0.960, 95% CI; 0.926–0.995, p = 0.027), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, HR; 0.874, 95% CI; 0.789–0.968, p = 0.010), and significant residual MR (HR; 11.652, 95% CI; 3.257–41.691, p

Background and objective Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with metallic coronary stent (bare-metal stents [BMS] and drug-eluting stents [DES]) implantation is most frequently performed therapeutic procedures for coronary artery disease. In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a critical drawback of metallic coronary stents. Incidence of ISR has been reported in up to 30% after BMS implantation. The use of DES has greatly reduced the proportion of restenosis compared with the BMS. However, ISR still remains the primary concern after PCI even in the contemporary DES era, and thought to be associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, comparative data on ISR and de novo lesions are rare. Purpose The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes after PCI for the de novo lesion and the ISR lesion. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PCI between 2013 and 2020. The incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause death were evaluated. MACCE was defined as composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke. Results In this study, 1538 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: PCI for de novo lesion group (n=1258, 81.8%), and PCI for ISR lesion group (n=280, 18.2%). Patients in the ISR lesion group were significantly older and had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease than patients in the de novo lesion group. During a median follow-up period of 1.9 years, Kaplan-Meier curves showed no significant differences in the incidences of MACCE (log-rank, p=0.86) and all-cause death (p=0.84) between two groups. After adjustment for other covariates, PCI for ISR lesion were not significantly associated with MACCE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.61–1.97; p=0.76) and all-cause death (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.56–1.56; p=0.79) Conclusion PCI for the ISR lesion was not associated with worse clinical outcomes compared with PCI for the de novo lesion. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are useful imaging modalities to identify lipid-rich plaque (LRP) which is associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events in individuals undergoing PCI. Pathological studies have raised concerns that treating LRP with stents may impair vascular healing. However, the impact of stent implantation to LRP lesions was less known. Moreover, little information is available about changes in the extent of LRP at before and after PCI. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate changes in LRP by NIRS between pre- and post-stent implantation, and to evaluate an association among impact of LRP by NIRS at pre- and post-stenting and late lumen loss (LLL) by angiography. Methods We studied 175 lesions in 149 patients who underwent PCI under NIRS-IVUS guidance and follow-up angiography at 8-month later from 2017 to 2020. Plaque characteristics on IVUS, the extent of LRP [defined as a long segment with a 4-mm maximum lipid core burden index (maxLCBI4mm)] on NIRS, and quantitative coronary angiography measurements were analyzed. We evaluated a change of the extent of LRP between pre- and post-stenting at index PCI procedure, and association between the extent of LRP and a 8-month LLL at follow-up coronary angiography. A large LRP was defined as maxLCBI4mm>400 at pre-stenting. Results Mean age was 64.5 years old, and 123 (82%) patients were male. The prevalence of large LRP was 51% and median plaque burden at minimum lumen area was 81%. The extent of LRP at culprit lesion significantly decreased from pre- to post-stenting (median maxLCBI4mm [interquartile range (IQR)]: 407 [199, 580] to 133 [13, 319], p0.05). Median LLL at follow-up angiogram was 0.17 [0.07–0.35] mm. Both the extent of pre- and post-stenting LRP were not associated with LLL (r=0.018, p=0.80 and r=0.022, p=0.76, respectively) (Figure 2). In addition, there was no significant difference in LLL between the post-stenting large and non-large LRP (median [IQR] 0.18 [0.08–0.35] vs. 0.17 [0.07–0.35]; P=0.95). Conclusions This study showed coronary stent implantation significantly reduced the NIRS-derived LRP in patients undergoing PCI. Although the extent of pre-stenting LRP and IVUS plaque burden predicted the reduction of LRP, the extent of pre- and post-stenting LRP were not associated with LLL. These findings suggest that stent implantation for LRP, even in a large LRP, is safe and does not affect LLL. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Scatter plotsFigure 2. CENTRAL Figure

Background Asians have a much lower incidence of adverse coronary events than Caucasians, and the characteristics of vulnerable plaque might be different among the ethnics. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of lipid-rich plaque (LRP) in the Asian population and we also aimed to distinguish the characteristics of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) culprit lesion and a chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) culprit lesion. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between lipid core burden index (LCBI) and cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profiles, and inflammatory biomarkers, as determined in vivo by near infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) imaging in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We evaluated 207 patients (ACS, n=75; CCS, n=132) who underwent PCI under NIRS-IVUS. Plaque characteristics and the extent of LRP [defined as a long segment with a 4-mm maximum LCBI (maxLCBI4mm)] on NIRS in de-novo culprit and non-culprit segments were analyzed. Results The mean age was 65 years old and 82% of patients were male. The ACS culprit lesions had a significantly higher maxLCBI4mm (median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 533 [385–745] vs. 361 [174–527], p Conclusions We confirmed that NIRS-IVUS plaque assessment could be useful to differentiate ACS from CCS culprit lesions, and that a threshold maxLCBI4mm ≥400 was clinically suitable in Japanese patients. No systemic surrogate markers were found to be associated with the extent of LRP by NIRS in culprit and non-culprit segments. Consequently, we believe that direct intravascular evaluation of coronary plaque characteristics remains important for identification of high-risk LRP. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. The difference of maxLCBI4mmFigure 2. ROC curve

Quantum mechanical systems whose symmetry is given by $\mathbb{Z}_2^3$-graded version of superconformal algebra are introduced. This is done by finding a realization of a $\mathbb{Z}_2^3$-graded Lie superalgebra in terms of a standard Lie superalgebra and the Clifford algebra. The realization allows us to map many models of superconformal quantum mechanics (SCQM) to their $\mathbb{Z}_2^3$-graded extensions. It is observed that for the simplest SCQM with $\mathfrak{osp}(1|2)$ symmetry there exist two inequivalent $\mathbb{Z}_2^3$-graded extensions. Applying the standard prescription of conformal quantum mechanics, spectrum of the SCQMs with the $\mathbb{Z}_2^3$-graded $\mathfrak{osp}(1|2)$ symmetry is analyzed. It is shown that many models of SCQM can be extended to $\mathbb{Z}_2^n$-graded setting.

Irreducible representations (irreps) of [Formula: see text]-graded supersymmetry algebra of [Formula: see text] are obtained by the method of induced representation, and they are used to derive [Formula: see text]-graded supersymmetric classical actions. The irreps are four-dimensional for λ = 0, where λ is an eigenvalue of the Casimir element, and eight-dimensional for λ ≠ 0. The eight-dimensional irreps reduce to four-dimensional ones only when λ and an eigenvalue of Hamiltonian satisfy a particular relation. The reduced four-dimensional irreps are used to define [Formula: see text]-graded supersymmetry transformations, and two types of classical actions invariant under the transformations are presented. It is shown that one of the Noether charges vanishes if all the variables of specific [Formula: see text]-degree are auxiliary.

16th World Congress on Public Health 2020；2020.10.12-16；Web（Rome）

In the recent paper, Bruce and Duplij introduced a Open image in new window -graded version of supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SQM). It is an extension of Lie superalgebraic nature of \({{\mathcal {N}}=1}\) SQM to a Open image in new window -graded color superalgebra. We present three extensions of the result of Bruce and Duplij. Namely, Open image in new window -graded SQM with higher values of \({\mathcal {N},}\) Open image in new window -graded version of superconformal mechanics, and Open image in new window -graded SQM. All these were done by realizations of color superalgebra in terms of ordinary Lie superalgebra.

Rationale & Objective: The usefulness of measures of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in urine or plasma obtained on clinical laboratory platforms for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) and AKI requiring dialysis (AKI-D) has not been fully evaluated. We sought to quantitatively summarize published data to evaluate the value of urinary and plasma NGAL for kidney risk prediction. Study Design: Literature-based meta-analysis and individual-study-data meta-analysis of diagnostic studies following PRISMA-IPD guidelines. Setting & Study Populations: Studies of adults investigating AKI, severe AKI, and AKI-D in the setting of cardiac surgery, intensive care, or emergency department care using either urinary or plasma NGAL measured on clinical laboratory platforms. Selection Criteria for Studies: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and congress abstracts ever published through February 2020 reporting diagnostic test studies of NGAL measured on clinical laboratory platforms to predict AKI. Data Extraction: Individual-study-data meta-analysis was accomplished by giving authors data specifications tailored to their studies and requesting standardized patient-level data analysis. Analytical Approach: Individual-study-data meta-analysis used a bivariate time-to-event model for interval-censored data from which discriminative ability (AUC) was characterized. NGAL cutoff concentrations at 95% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and optimal sensitivity and specificity were also estimated. Models incorporated as confounders the clinical setting and use versus nonuse of urine output as a criterion for AKI. A literature-based meta-analysis was also performed for all published studies including those for which the authors were unable to provide individual-study data analyses. Results: We included 52 observational studies involving 13,040 patients. We analyzed 30 data sets for the individual-study-data meta-analysis. For AKI, severe AKI, and AKI-D, numbers of events were 837, 304, and 103 for analyses of urinary NGAL, respectively; these values were 705, 271, and 178 for analyses of plasma NGAL. Discriminative performance was similar in both meta-analyses. Individual-study-data meta-analysis AUCs for urinary NGAL were 0.75 (95% CI, 0.73-0.76) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.79-0.81) for severe AKI and AKI-D, respectively; for plasma NGAL, the corresponding AUCs were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.79-0.81) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.84-0.86). Cutoff concentrations at 95% specificity for urinary NGAL were >580 ng/mL with 27% sensitivity for severe AKI and >589 ng/mL with 24% sensitivity for AKI-D. Corresponding cutoffs for plasma NGAL were >364 ng/mL with 44% sensitivity and >546 ng/mL with 26% sensitivity, respectively. Limitations: Practice variability in initiation of dialysis. Imperfect harmonization of data across studies. Conclusions: Urinary and plasma NGAL concentrations may identify patients at high risk for AKI in clinical research and practice. The cutoff concentrations reported in this study require prospective evaluation. © 2020 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

In the present paper we study the representations of the Jacobi algebra. More concretely, we define, analogously to the case of semi-simple Lie algebras, the Verma modules over the Jacobi algebra ${\cal G}_2$. We study their reducibility and give explicit construction of the reducible Verma modules exhibiting the corresponding singular vectors. Using this information we give a complete classification of the reducible Verma modules. More than this we exhibit their interrelation of embeddings between these modules. These embeddings are illustrated by diagrams of the embedding patterns so that each reducible Verma module appears in one such diagram., 41pages, many figures

It is shown that the ${\cal N}=1$ supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SQM) can be extended to a $\mathbb{Z}_2^n$-graded superalgebra. This is done by presenting quantum mechanical models which realize, with the aid of Clifford gamma matrices, the $\mathbb{Z}_2^n$-graded Poincar\'e algebra in one-dimensional spacetime. Reflecting the fact that the $\mathbb{Z}_2^n$-graded Poincar\'e algebra has a number of central elements, a sequence of models defining the $\mathbb{Z}_2^n$-graded version of SQM are provided for a given value of $n.$ In a model of the sequence, the central elements having the same $\mathbb{Z}_2^n$-degree are realized as dependent or independent operators. It is observed that as use the Clifford algebra of lager dimension, more central elements are realized as independent operators., Comment: 19 pages, no figure

In the recent paper, Bruce and Duplij introduced a double-graded version of supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SQM). It is an extension of Lie superalgebraic nature of ${\cal N}=1$ SQM to a $\mathbb{Z}_2^2$-graded superalgebra. In this work, we propose an extension of Bruce-Duplij model to higher values of $\cal N.$ Furthermore, it is shown that our construction of double-graded SQM is a special case of the method which converts a given Lie superalgebra to a $\mathbb{Z}_2^2$-graded superalgebra. By employing this method one may convert a model of superconformal mechanics to its double-graded version. The simplest example of ${\cal N}=1$ double-graded superconformal mechanics is studied in some detail., Comment: 15 pages, 2 figures, new reference, error corrections

Behavioral activation is a validated intervention for depression, which helps depressed people re-engage overt behaviors to facilitate contacts with reinforcing environmental contingencies and subsequent reductions in depression. Moreover, behavioral activation deals with values that are based on acceptance and commitment therapy. However, there is no empirical study that examines the role of behavior in line with values in behavioral activation. This study examined the role of behavior in line with values in behavioral activation by examining the association between behavior in line with values and variables of behavioral activation intervention targets, as well as the mediating effect of behavioral commitment. Japanese versions of the Personal Values Questionnaire II, the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, the Environmental Reward Observation Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression were completed by 292 Japanese undergraduate students ( M age = 19.2 yr., SD = 1.7; 65 men, 226 women, 1 unknown). Results indicated that behavior in line with values was associated with focused, goal-directed activation and completion of scheduled activities, which were mediated by behavioral commitment to values.

Introduction The current study examines the effectiveness of a newly developed work-family intervention program on one’s own work-to-family and family-to-work spillovers (both positive and negative) and work-family balance self-efficacy among Japanese dual-earner workers with pre-school child(ren). Methods The study design was a single-group pre-post comparison. This intervention program was conducted as a pilot study of TWIN (Tokyo Work-life INterface) study III. Participants were eleven workers of a private company in Japan. They were all dual-earner workers with pre-school child(ren). The program consisted of seven 45 min sessions with a two-week interval between them. The outcomes were assessed by a questionnaire at baseline (Time 1) and post-intervention (Time 2). The paired t-test was conducted as an indicator of intervention effect. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d based on pre-post score differences (Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000025803). Results The program showed a medium and favourable intervention effect on work-to-family positive spillover (Cohen’s d=0.53), and small and favourable intervention effects on family-to-work positive spillover (Cohen’s d=0.33) and work-family balance self-efficacy (Cohen’s d=0.39). Unexpectedly, it showed a significantly small and adverse effect on work-to-family negative spillover (Cohen’s d=0.33). Conclusion The newly developed work-family intervention program was found effective in improving work-family positive spillover (both work-to family and family-to work) and work-family balance self-efficacy among Japanese dual-earner workers with pre-school child(ren).

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of huge problem worldwide, especially IPV during pregnancy need to be prevented because it leads negative health outcome for both the mother and offspring. However, it is hard to find women who suffer from IPV by health practitioner or public health staff due to stigma or hesitation. Thus, it would be useful if we can detect the possibility of IPV using administrative data on pregnancy. The aim of this study is to develop an algorism to predict IPV during pregnancy using administrative data on pregnancy. Methods We used data of pregnancy record registered at Adachi city, Tokyo, in 2016 fiscal year (n = 6008). The administrative pregnancy record include date of registration, location of health center, type of center where pregnancy record submitted, parity, maternal age, BMI, psychiatric disease, lack of insurance or public aid, week of gestation when pregnancy record submitted, marital status, feeling when recognized pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, twin, teenage pregnancy for first baby, existence of social support, having trouble within family, history of abnormal pregnancy or delivery, having smoker within family, drinking, economic situation. IPV was assessed for the first time interview or other opportunity for further assessment by public health nurse. Multiple logistic regression model was used to predict IPV. Results IPV cases were found for 38 (0.65%) cases. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that weekend registration, location of health center, parity, young maternal age, psychiatric disease, lack of insurance or public aid, late week of gestation when pregnancy record submitted (20 week or later), single marital status, multiple pregnancy (4 or more), lack of social support, having smoker within family, drinking, severe economic situation showed significant association with IPV. These variables predicted IPV with good predictive power (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 0.98). Conclusion We showed strong predictability of IPV during pregnancy using administrative data on pregnancy record. Current study is useful to prevent deterioration of IPV per se, and further adverse health outcome due to IPV during pregnancy, such as postpartum depression, low birth weight or child maltreatment.

V(benzene)2 sandwich cluster cations produced in the gas phase were size-selectively deposited onto a self-assembled monolayer of n-hexadecanethiols (HDT-SAM) chemisorbed on a Au(111) surface as well as onto a bare Au(111) surface. The thermal chemistry of the neutralized clusters on each substrate was studied with temperature programmed desorption (TPD). From the analyses of the threshold in the TPD, the desorption activation energies of the clusters deposited were determined to be 64.4 ±12.8 kJ/mol for the Au(111) and 130 ±10 kJ/mol for the HDT-SAM. The remarkably large desorption activation energy from the SAM suggests that the deposited clusters are incorporated into the SAM matrix and firmly trapped inside the alkyl chains of the SAM.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among bone mineral densities (BMD) in the calcaneus and leg activity of daily living (L-ADL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We measured and compared calcaneus BMD using single X-ray absorptiometry and lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD using dual X-ray absorptiometry in 158 Japanese female outpatients with RA and 358 normal controls (NC). Regardless of whether the women were premenopausal or postmenopausal, calcaneus and femoral neck BMDs in the RA group were significantly lower than in the NC group. Calcaneus BMD correlated with the modified health assessment questionnaire, L-ADL score, and 10-m walking time, regardless of whether the patients were premenopausal or postmenopausal (P

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is well documented as a cause of occupational asthma. Recently, attention has been paid to FA as an allergen and a pollutant that enhances allergic sensitization. We have investigated the prevalence of FA-specific IgE in asthmatic children and the correlation between IgE sensitization to FA and the severity of asthma. Methods: One hundred and fifty-five children were investigated, 122 of them asthmatic and 33 nonallergic. Specific IgE against FA was measured by CAP RAST. In addition, the patients answered a questionnaire, containing questions on clinical features of their asthma, their living conditions, and symptoms of mucosal irritation. Results: Of all the subjects assessed, FA-specific IgE was detected in only two asthmatics, and their IgE levels of FA were low (0.42 and 0.46 UA/ml). One of the two patients with FA-specific IgE had severe asthma and frequent symptoms of mucosal irritation, but the other had mild asthma and only rare symptoms of mucosal irritation. Conclusions: The prevalence of IgE sensitization to FA appears very low in Japanese children, whether or not they have asthma. Therefore, it appears likely that FA is not one of the major allergens causing childhood asthma.

Background EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) has become the most efficacious way to obtain specimens from a solid lesion adjacent to the GI tract. Previous reports regarding the use of a stylet during EUS-FNA were all based on cytological diagnosis and have showed no significant superiority in terms of diagnostic yield. Objective To clarify the noninferiority of EUS-FNA without a stylet (S−) compared with EUS-FNA with a stylet (S+) on histological assessment. Design A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled crossover study. Setting Five tertiary referral centers in Japan. Patients Patients referred for EUS-FNA of a solid lesion. Intervention EUS-FNA S+ and S− in a total of 4 alternate passes with randomization to S+ first or S− first. Main Outcome Measurements The primary endpoint was the acquisition rate of an appropriate and sufficient specimen for histological assessment. The secondary endpoints were cellularity, contamination, bloodiness, diagnostic ability, and diagnostic accuracy. Results We enrolled 107 patients (110 lesions) and analyzed 220 specimens each in the S+ and S− groups. The acquisition rate of appropriate and sufficient specimens in the S+ group was 121 of 220 (55.0%) and 122 of 220 (55.5%) in the S− group. The difference in the acquisition rate of the specimen (S− minus S+) based on the generalized estimating equation was 0.42% (95% confidence interval, −6.72% to 7.56%), which was less than 10% of the prespecified noninferiority margin of this study. With regard to cellularity, contamination, bloodiness score, diagnostic ability, and diagnostic accuracy, there were no significant differences between both groups. There were no dropouts in the study. Limitations A variety of target lesions, multiple pathologists, lack of an assessment of intraobserver and interobserver variability, and a single-blind study for the pathologists. Conclusion EUS-FNA S− is noninferior to EUS-FNA S+ on histological assessment. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000008695.)

Background EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) has a high diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic diseases. However, although most reports have typically focused on cytology, histological tissue quality has rarely been investigated. The effectiveness of EUS-FNA combined with high negative pressure (HNP) suction was recently indicated for tissue acquisition, but has not thus far been tested in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Objective To evaluate the adequacy of EUS-FNA with HNP for the histological diagnosis of pancreatic lesions by using 25-gauge needles. Design Prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trial. Setting Seven tertiary referral centers. Patients Patients referred for EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid lesions. From July 2011 to April 2012, 90 patients underwent EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid masses by using normal negative pressure (NNP) and HNP with 2 respective passes. The order of the passes was randomized, and the sample adequacy, quality, and histology were evaluated by a single expert pathologist. Intervention EUS-FNA by using NNP and HNP. Main Outcome Measurements The adequacy of tissue acquisition and the accuracy of histological diagnoses made by using the EUS-FNA technique with HNP. Results We found that 72.2% (65/90) and 90% (81/90) of the specimens obtained using NNP and HNP, respectively, were adequate for histological diagnosis ( P = .0003, McNemar test). For 73.3% (66/90) and 82.2% (74/90) of the specimens obtained by using NNP and HNP, respectively, an accurate diagnosis was achieved ( P = .06, McNemar test). Pancreatitis developed in 1 patient after this procedure, which subsided with conservative therapy. Limitations This was a single-blinded, crossover study. Conclusion Biopsy procedures that combine the EUS-FNA with HNP techniques are superior to EUS-FNA with NNP procedures for tissue acquisition. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000005939.)

Chromium(III), Cr(III) adsorption capacities of the leaves of 34 conifer species were examined. Among these, Ginkgo biloba, Taxus cuspidata, Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. nana, and Taxodiaceae and Cupressaceae spp. showed large capacities to adsorb Cr(III). The adsorption capacities of conifer leaves for Cr(III) (3.12–5.09 mg Cr g−1 adsorbent) compared favorably with those of commercial activated carbons (1.23–2.75 mg g−1). Factors affecting Cr(III) adsorption were studied using G. biloba leaves. The factors included solution pH, contact time, temperature, and the initial concentration of Cr(III). The amount of Cr(III) adsorbed on the adsorbent increased steadily with increasing pH in a pH range from 2 to 5, with increasing contact time, and with increasing temperature ranging 20 to 40 °C. The Cr(III) adsorption was also affected by the initial concentration of Cr(III) in the solution. A linear relationship was observed between the amount of Cr(III) adsorbed and the equilibrium concentration of Cr(III) in the solution when graphed logarithmically. The maximum capacity of G. biloba leaves was 27.5 mg Cr g−1 adsorbent by column experiments.

Summary The ability of coniferous leaves to remove Cr(VI) from dilute aqueous solutions by physico-chemical adsorption and chemical reduction was investigated. Of 30 coniferous tree species tested, relatively high removal ability was found in Ginkgo, Larix, Pinus, Cryptomeria, Metasequoia, Taxodium, Thuja and Thujopsis spp. To search for optimum operation condition for treatment of wastewater containing Cr(VI), factors affecting Cr(VI) removal were studied using P. densiflora leaves. The extent of the removal was dependent upon the initial solution pH, contact time, temperature and initial concentration of Cr(VI) in solution. The Cr(VI) removal was mainly governed by the physico-chemical adsorption onto the substrate. The adsorption data were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm.

The alternative expression of fibronectin mRNA in submandibular salivary glands was analysed using three groups of polymerase chain reaction probes to amplify the cell-binding domain (CBD), and the extra domain (ED)-A and ED-B exon regions in five normal human adults. The fibronectin CBD region was fairly well expressed in the salivary gland while less than trace amounts of ED-A and ED-B exons were expressed. Immunohistochemical staining with an antihuman plasma fibronectin monoclonal antibody, which recognized specifically the CBD region, demonstrated definite positive cytoplasmic staining in the duct-cell area. On the other hand, an anticellular fibronectin ED-A-specific monoclonal antibody was very low positive in duct cells. The results suggest that salivary fibronectin is synthesized in the submandibular salivary gland only, and does not include the ED-A segment. Furthermore, duct cells also produced fibronectin without ED-A.

We propose here a highly-sensitive, compact Raman system for quantitative analysis of biological samples. The system consists of a semiconductor laser, spherical integration type of cell-holder. Raman shift bandpass filter, photodiode, multimeter and personal computer. It dose not have a spectrometer. Therefore, one can not measure a Raman spectrum by use of the above system, but it is superb for estimating the intensity of a particular Raman band. In other words, the system is very suitable for quantitative analysis of a particular sample. We applied this system to determine the concentrations of glucose and acetone in urine containing glucose and/or acetone artificially. A Raman band at 1130.5 cm−1 due to glucose and that at 796.5 cm−1 due to acetone were used for the above purpose. The correlation coefficient between the concentration and the Raman intensity and the detection limit were found to be 0.992 and 31 mg/dl, respectively, for glucose. Those for acetone were calculated to be 0.991 and 8 mg/dl, respectively.

The acetone extract of the bark ofMagnolia obovata Thunb. had potent antifungal activity against plant pathogenic and wood destroying fungi. The active principles were isolated and identified to be eudesmols (I), magnolol (II) and honokiol (III). Eudesmols, which are main components of the volatile bark oil, showed strong antifungal activity against all of the fungi tested, especially basidiomycetes. It completely inhibited the growths ofCoriolus versicolor, Lepista sordida, Pycnoporus coccineus, Rhizoctonia solani, Serpula lacrymans andTyphula ishikariensis at a concentration of 500 μg mL−1. Two biphenyl type neolignans, magnolol and honokiol, also exhibited potent antifungal activity against these fungi except againstC. versicolor andL. sordida. They completely depressed the growths ofS. lacrymans andT. ishikariensis at the same concentration.

This paper demonstrates the potential of a newly devised near-infrared Raman system in quantitative analysis of metabolites in urine. By using the system, Raman spectra have been measured for urine to which glucose, acetone, urea, or creatine was added artificially, and for urine including the four components simultaneously. The concentrations of glucose, acetone, urea, and creatine in urine which includes one particular component artificially have been determined by the intensities of Raman bands at 1130, 790, 1013, and 692 cm −1 , respectively. The correlation coefficient ( R ) between the concentration of glucose, acetone, urea, or creatine and the Raman intensity has been calculated to be 0.981, 0.992, 0.991, and 0.998, respectively. Their detection limits have been found to be 41 mg/dl, 40 mg/dl, 4.9 mg/ml, and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. The concentrations of glucose, acetone, urea, and creatine in urine including the four components simultaneously have also been determined by the intensities of the four bands. Again, good correlations were obtained between the concentrations and the Raman intensities with the R values of 0.924 (glucose), 0.987 (acetone), 0.962 (urea), and 0.923 (creatine), respectively.

Objective To evaluate the automated 2D-3D image overlay system (“3D Roadmap”) for use during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the hybrid operating theater. Methods Datasets of preoperative CT images were modified to subtract dense bone marrow to improve the visualization of vasculature on the overlaid image, and allow for accurate navigation of the endovascular devices. The 3D-CT overlay image was registered on the 2D fluoroscopy image to mark the iliac crest and lumbar vertebrae on both images as landmarks. Results Arteriography was performed only twice to confirm the precision of the position of renal artery and the final evaluation. Twenty patients underwent EVAR with Medtronic Endurant, Gore Excluder, or COOK Zenith using “3D Roadmap”. The origin of the renal artery and iliac bifurcation were registered with complete accuracy in 10 patients (50%). The lower renal artery deviated toward the cranial side less than 3 mm in six patients. In all cases, EVAR was successful, and completed with the volume of contrast material limited to 43.8 ± 3.1 mL. Conclusion “3D Roadmap” was confirmed to be valuable for visualization of vessel origin in a fused image and for reduction of contrast material during EVAR.

Chloride in the form of salt water is a major contaminant of ground water, percolating through landfill liners and causing corrosion of steel. Four fiber-optic sensors capable of detecting chloride concentrations were developed. The most promising sensor detects chloride concentrations from 100 {micro}g/mL to greater than 3,000 {micro}g/mL. This sensor works when the chloride changes a reddish-brown silver chromate strip to white silver chloride. The color change causes the intensity of light propagating through the fiber to increase. The increase is monitored, and a calibration curve depicting light intensity versus chloride concentration results. The most promising sensor was multiplexed to determine the diffusion coefficients of chloride in a saturated sand column. The development, operation, and sensitivity of the sensors are described. Upon further development the sensor could be placed in the soil or in reinforced concrete for insitu monitoring of chloride. The sensor`s advantages over electronic sensors include immunity to corrosion and electromagnetic interference, and the ability for multiplexing sensors onto a single fiber.

The results of a multicentre trial were analysed to evaluate the efficacy of immunoadsorption therapy for severe generalised myasthenia gravis. Twenty patients with myasthenia gravis who were concurrently receiving high dose prednisolone and azathioprine therapy were treated with an affinity-type adsorbent, using tryptophan-linked polyvinyl alcohol gel (IM-TR), according to a standardised treatment protocol. The 20 patients received five adsorption treatments within a period of 10 days. In 11, pronounced improvement of myasthenic weakness was seen and long-term remission was maintained. The treatment was especially effective in patients with thymic hyperplasia. Circulating acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies were reduced by about 60% by treating one plasma volume. There was no difference in the rate of removal of the AChR antibodies between patients with thymic hyperplasia and patients with thymoma. No serious complications occurred during 100 procedures. It was concluded that the immunoadsorption therapy with IM-TR is useful in controlling symptoms in patients with severe myasthenia gravis who are otherwise unresponsive.

The motion assist method is investigated in the case of daily action of elderly people whose muscle forces decline or nursing hard work. Full-body suit with the elastic elements along the muscle which acts motion assist function seems to assist the muscle load.

We developed a scanning‐type x‐ray Fourier transform holography and applied it to both the soft and hard x‐ray regions. For this approach, we prepared the holography mask and the imaging object separately and placed them in contact with each other. In this configuration, the illuminated area can be changed by moving the sample relative to the mask via the translation stage. In this case, an image can be recovered by Fourier inversion of the hologram as in the usual lensless Fourier transform holography. This method also reduces the relative vibration between the mask and sample, and provides good quality images. The method was successfully applied to large‐area imaging of magnetic domains in a Co/Pt perpendicular magnetic film with soft x‐rays. In addition, cross‐sectional imaging of Cu interconnect lines was performed in the hard x‐ray region.