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A novel strategy to solve the Boltzmann equation with variable reduced electric field E / N by using an artificial neural network (ANN) is introduced, where E is the electric field and N is the gas number density. In this method, the ANN learns the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) for arbitrary E / N in the Boltzmann equation. Thus, the ANN can calculate the EVDFs in the training range of E / N without additional training. For validation of the ANN, the EVDFs in each Ar and SF6 gas were calculated with the trained ANN. The electron energy distribution function and electron transport coefficients calculated from the EVDF quantitatively agree with those from another ANN for a single E / N and those from a Monte Carlo simulation, proving the validity of the present method.

Low-temperature plasma-processing technologies are essential for material synthesis and device fabrication. Not only the utilization but also the development of plasma-related products and services requires an understanding of the multiscale hierarchies of complex behaviors of plasma-related phenomena, including plasma generation in physics and chemistry, transport of energy and mass through the sheath region, and morphology- and geometry-dependent surface reactions. Low-temperature plasma science and technology play a pivotal role in the exploration of new applications and in the development and control of plasma-processing methods. Presently, science-based and data-driven approaches to control systems are progressing with the state-of-the-art deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. In this review, researchers in material science and plasma processing, review and discuss the requirements and challenges of research and development in these fields. In particular, the prediction of plasma parameters and the discovery of processing recipes are asserted by outlining the emerging science-based, data-driven approaches, which are called plasma informatics.

Low-temperature plasma plays various roles in industrial material processing as well as provides a number of scientific targets, both from theoretical and experimental points of view. Such rich features in variety are based on its complexities, arising from diverse parameters in constituent gas-phase species, working gas pressure, input energy density, and spatial boundaries. When we consider causalities in these complexities, direct application of machine-learning methods is not always possible since levels of complexities are so high in comparison with other scientific research targets. To overcome this difficulty, progresses in plasma diagnostics and data acquisition systems are inevitable, and the handling of a large number of data elements is one of the key issues for this purpose. In this topical review, we summarize previous and current achievements of visualization, acquisition, and analysis methods for complex plasma datasets which may open a scientific and technological category mixed with rapid machine-learning advancements and their relevant outcomes. Although these research trends are ongoing, many reports published so far have already convinced us of various expanding aspects of low-temperature plasma leading to the potential for scientific progress as well as developments of intellectual design in industrial plasma processes.

Arrival-time spectra (ATS) of an electron swarm in N2 from 50 Td to 700 Td (1 Td = 10−17 Vcm2) were measured by double-shutter drift tube, and then the first Townsend ionization coefficient, mean-arrival-time drift velocity, longitudinal diffusion coefficient, and longitudinal third-order transport coefficient were obtained from the measured ATS. This is the first successful measurement of the third-order transport coefficient in a gas. Furthermore, we went back to an expression of the longitudinal diffusion coefficient in terms of the α parameter, which is the electron transport coefficient derived from ATS, and then demonstrated that the third-order and higher-order electron transport coefficients, which are traditionally ignored in the electron swarm experiment, should be considered to obtain the longitudinal diffusion coefficient properly at moderate and high reduced electric fields.

Electron collision cross section set for N2 is proposed. The proposed set consists of vibrational elastic momentum transfer cross section and cross sections for 31 rotational excitation, 29 rotational deexcitation, 10 vibrational excitation, 17 electronic excitation, 2 neutral dissociation, and 5 ionization collision processes. Electron transport coefficients in N2, N2/He, and N2/Ar are calculated by Monte Carlo method with considering anisotropic inelastic electron scattering and partitioning of the residual energy after the ionization collision on the basis of experimental results. The reliability of the proposed electron collision cross section set is demonstrated by comparing the calculated and measured electron transport coefficients in a wide range of reduced electric fields, E/N (E: electric field strength, N: number density of gas molecules). Comparison of the values of the electron transport coefficients in N2 calculated from eight individual cross section sets partly provided on LXCat with the measured values is also carried out. Furthermore, the effect of anisotropic inelastic electron scattering on the electron transport coefficients is examined. The electron transport coefficients in N2 are found to be affected by considering anisotropic electron scattering with increasing E/N values, and the longitudinal third-order transport coefficient is found to be sensitive to considering anisotropic electron scattering even at middle E/N values.

Reactions for dissociative ionization and neutral dissociation collisions between an electron and a tetraethoxysilane [Si(OC2H5)4, TEOS] molecule are reported, and neutral dissociation cross sections are calculated by applying the classical Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel theory. Detailed electron collision cross section set of TEOS vapor, including 18 neutral dissociation cross sections and 20 ionization cross sections, is constructed. Electron transport coefficients, such as the mean-arrival-time drift velocity, bulk drift velocity, longitudinal bulk diffusion coefficient, and ionization coefficient, and rate coefficients for both elastic and inelastic collisions in TEOS vapor are calculated from the present cross section set using a Monte Carlo method. The validity of the present cross section set is demonstrated by comparing the calculated electron transport coefficients with measured data. Furthermore, fragmentation of TEOS molecules by electron impact is simulated, and then the number of fragments produced in the simulation is compared with the measured mass spectra.

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of silicon oxide (SiO2) using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was investigated theoretically by developing an unprecedented plasma chemistry model in TEOS/O2/Ar/He gas mixture. In the gas phase reactions, a TEOS molecule is decomposed by the electron impact reaction and/or chemically oxidative reaction, forming intermediate TEOS fragments, i.e., silicon complexes. In this study, we assume that SiO is the main precursor that contributes to SiO2 film growth under a particular process or simulation condition. The surface reaction was also investigated using quantum mechanical simulations with density functional theory. Based on the gas and surface reaction models, we constructed a computational plasma model for SiO2 film deposition in a PECVD process. The simulation results using CHEMKIN pro and CFD-ACE + have shown that the neutral atomic O and SiO as well as the charged O2 + are the dominant species to obtain a high deposition rate and uniformity. The spatial distributions of various species in the TEOS/O2/Ar/He gas mixture plasma were shown in the study. The uniformity of deposited film due to the change in the plasma bulk property was also discussed.

The concentration variations of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in water, such as H2O2, NO2−, and NO3−generated by pulsed-discharge plasma exposure, are calculated using reaction rates of chemical reactions and acid-base equilibrium in water. The calculated concentrations and pH values are in good agreement with measured data within the range where the significant changes of the measured data are observed. The rate constant for ONOOH generation is estimated to be 7.8×103M−2s−1, and this value is in good agreement with previously reported values. The generation rates of H2O2, NO2−, and NO3−are estimated to be 7.70×10−7, 4.10×10−7, and 1.10×10−7M s−1, respectively.

BACKGROUND Optimal ring size in tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) surgery to treat functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was investigated because optimal ring size remains undefined. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty seven patients who underwent TAP at our institution were retrospectively studied. Tricuspid Annuloplasty Ring size Index (TARI) was defined as implanted tricuspid annuloplasty ring size divided by body surface area (BSA). Different TARI cut-off values were tested to determine which value produced the greatest difference in TR improvement (TRI=preoperative minus postoperative TR grade) between patients with TARI smaller (group S) and larger (group L) than the cut-off. Group S was also subdivided by ring type: Cosgrove rings (SC) and MC3 rings (SM). TARI and TRI were negatively correlated (r=-0.307). A TARI threshold of 18.9 mm/m(2) produced the greatest and most significant difference (P

Purpose: We have been using the flanged composite aortic prosthesis and Carrel button technique to re-attach the coronary ostia in aortic root replacement procedures at our institution over the last twenty five years. Our objective was to evaluate the long-term results of aortic root replacement with this technique. Methods: A total of 73 patients from January 1984 to August 2010 were included in this study. The median age was 52.7 ± 14.4 years (range 28–80 years). There were 48 male and 25 female patients. 44 patients (60.3%) had annuloaortic ectasia, and 15 patients (20.5%) had acute type A aortic dissection. Marfan syndrome was recognized in 12 patients (16.5%). Results: The early mortality rate was 5.5% (n = 4). Causes of death were multiple organ failures in two patients and sepsis in another two patients. The actuarial survival rate was 84.2% at 5 years, 64.3% at 15 years and 51.9% at 25 years. Only one patient with aortitis needed a reoperation because of coronary pseudoaneurysm after 23 years from the previous operation. Conclusion: This modified Bentall procedure is reliable and safe, with superior long-term survival and a low rate of aortic reoperation.

The relation between the longitudinal third-order transport coefficient ω 3 contained in the continuity equation for electrons and α parameters defined by arrival-time spectra of an electron swarm is deduced. Values of ω 3 and the α parameters in CH4 gas and SF6 gas are calculated by Monte Carlo simulation, and then the values of ω 3 are compared with those of the longitudinal third-order transport coefficient ω'3 which are calculated from the α parameters to examine the validity of the deduced relation. The values of ω'3 are found to excellently agree with those of ω 3 below 500 Td in CH4 gas and from 150 Td to 700 Td in SF6 gas, where the values of the effective ionisation coefficient are nought or quite small. The results suggest that values of ω 3 can be obtained experimentally from arrival-time spectra measured by a double-shutter drift tube.

症例は90歳，男性．下腹部痛と肛門周囲斑状出血を主訴に前医を受診した．Hb 5.7 g/dlの重度貧血と，CTで最大径60×44 mmの左内腸骨動脈瘤の破裂を認めたため，当科へ救急搬送された．搬送後，緊急ステントグラフト内挿術を施行し，救命することができた．手術は，局所麻酔下に左大腿動脈よりアプローチし，左総腸骨動脈から外腸骨動脈にかけてステントグラフトを留置して内腸骨動脈流入部を閉鎖した．術後CTでエンドリークはなく，内腸骨動脈瘤内は血栓化していた．術後は，慢性腎不全の急性増悪のため透析治療を要したが，2カ月後に退院した．内腸骨動脈瘤破裂に対するステントグラフト治療救命例の報告は，検索したかぎり本邦では本症例が初であった．

Background It is well known that the plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, as cardiac hormones, are elevated in heart failure. Hypothesis Pericardial fluid in patients with various heart diseases contains both natriuretic peptides that are released into the pericardial fluid. However, it is unknown whether these peptides reflect cardiac function in patients with various heart diseases, more than both the peptides in blood. Methods Plasma and pericardial fluid samples were obtained from 22 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for the measurement of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in plasma and pericardial fluid. Results The ANP levels in pericardial fluid were higher in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction < 50% versus ≥ 50%; 77.0 ± 4.9 versus 14.0 ± 50.9, p = 0.017), but not BNP. However, BNP levels in pericardial fluid were significantly higher in patients with left ventricle dilatation (left ventricular diastolic dimension ≤ 54 mm versus > 54 mm; 130.3 ± 68.9: 709.7 ± 324.7, p = 0.0168). Moreover, BNP levels in pericardial fluid were significantly higher in Grade III than Grade II and I (Grade I: echo-free space 10 mm). Conclusion These results suggest that BNP levels in pericardial fluid served as more sensitive and accurate indicators of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and that increased BNP levels in pericardial fluid may have an important pathophysiologic role in heart failure as a cardiocyte-derived antifibrotic factor. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A 48-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital for acute myocardial infarction associated with a giant organized thrombus occupying the left sinus of Valsalva. Cardiac catheterization revealed no organic stenosis in either coronary artery, but left ventriculography and aortography showed a filling defect above the left coronary cusp. Transesophageal echocardiography was immediately performed and showed a round mass filling the left sinus of Valsalva. A solid, round mass approximately 2.5 cm in diameter was removed during emergency surgery and determined to be a thrombus on the basis of microscopic findings. This is the second report of a giant organized thrombus occupying the entire left sinus of Valsalva, obstructing the ostium of the left coronary artery intermittently, and leading to acute myocardial infarction. (Circ J 2004; 68: 795 - 798)

We evaluate clinical characteristics of primary vesicoureteral reflux in infants in a multicenter study in Japan with special reference to the relation of renal parenchymal damage to urinary tract infection and gender.Infants younger than 1 year old with primary vesicoureteral reflux were recruited from 14 hospitals during the 3-year registration period beginning in January 1996 and ending in December 1998. Various clinical parameters as well as renal parenchymal lesion on dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy were evaluated.Of 356 infants enrolled 296 (83%) were male and 60 (17%) were female. In 85% of infants presenting symptom was febrile urinary tract infection. There were 204 bilateral (57%) and 152 unilateral (43%) cases. Reflux was bilateral in 56% of males versus 65% of females, and high grade (grades IV and V) in 58% of males versus 55% of females. Diffuse parenchymal lesion was similarly noted in infants with or without prior urinary tract infection (38% and 46%, respectively) and was more often noted in male than in female infants (42% versus 25%).Despite the current use of screening prenatal ultrasound, many infants are still diagnosed as having vesicoureteral reflux only after the occurrence of urinary tract infection. The greater severity of renal parenchymal lesion in male infants combined with similar incidence of diffuse parenchymal lesion in those with or without prior infection suggests preexisting congenital abnormalities in the male refluxing kidney.

Reliable and detailed sets of electron collision cross sections for tetramethylsilane [TMS, Si(CH3)4] and tetraethoxysilane [TEOS, Si(OC2H5)4] vapours are proposed. The cross section sets of TMS and TEOS vapours include 16 and 20 kinds of partial ionization cross sections, respectively. Electron transport coefficients, such as electron drift velocity, ionization coefficient, and longitudinal diffusion coefficient, in those vapours are calculated by Monte Carlo simulations using the proposed cross section sets, and the validity of the sets is confirmed by comparing the calculated values of those transport coefficients with measured data. Furthermore, the calculated values of the ionization coefficient in TEOS/O2 mixtures are compared with measured data to confirm the validity of the proposed cross section set.

Electron collision cross sections for CF3I are estimated using the electron swarm method. Electron drift velocity, effective ionisation coefficient, and longitudinal diffusion coefficient in CF3I are calculated using Monte Carlo method, and the calculated electron transport coefficients are compared with those measured. Calculated electron drift velocity agrees with measured data within the difference of 6% below 1600 Td, and calculated effective ionisation coefficient agrees with measured data within the difference of 10% above 460 Td. Further, those swarm parameters in CF3I–N2 mixtures are calculated, and calculated values of electron drift velocity and effective ionisation coefficient agree well with measured data in CF3I–N2 mixtures. This confirms the validity of the estimated set.

前縦隔・胸腺内に発生した海綿状血管腫の一例を経験したので報告する.症例は71歳男性で, 無症状であった.他病変精査の胸部CTで発見された.大動脈・肺動脈前方に位置する辺縁明瞭・内部均一の腫瘍で, 胸腺腫の疑いで胸骨正中切開でアプローチし, 腫瘍を含む胸腺摘出術を施行した.術後病理組織診断で海綿状血管腫の診断となった.前縦隔胸腺内に発生した海綿状血管腫は稀なので多少の文献的考察を加えて報告した.

症例は66歳女性，異型大動脈縮窄症に起因する高血圧性心不全と間歇性跛行が進行したため，腋窩動脈-両側腸骨動脈バイパス術を施行した．術後は減圧効果を得られ，心不全は改善しBNPも低下した．ABIも著明に改善し間歇性跛行は消失した．本疾患には大動脈-大動脈バイパス術の報告が多いが，本術式は，低侵襲で一定の効果を得ることができた．一方で，長期開存性・腹部臓器灌流の観点から，上肢血圧・ABI・腎血流に注意して，厳重なフォローアップが必須である．

Thin basement membrane disease (以下TBMD) と診断した13症例を臨床病理学的に検討した。組織の検討は，従来の光学顕微鏡，電子顕微鏡，蛍光抗体法所見に加えて，酵素抗体法でIV型コラーゲンα鎖蛋白の発現も検討した。平均観察期間の6.1年で腎機能の低下を認めた症例はなかったが，酵素抗体法で糸球体係蹄壁にIV型コラーゲンα3・4・5鎖蛋白の発現の減弱がみられた男性の1症例では，蛋白尿の増加が見られた。このことからTBMDの診断・経過は慎重に対応する必要があり，IV型コラーゲンα鎖蛋白の検索を行うことはTBMDの診断およびAlport症候群との鑑別に有用と考えられた。

A reliable set of electron collision cross sections for water vapor, including elastic, rotational, vibrational, and electronic excitation, electron attachment, and ionization cross sections, is estimated by the electron swarm method. In addition, anisotropic electron scattering for elastic and rotational excitation collisions is considered in the cross section set. Electron transport coefficients such as electron drift velocity, longitudinal diffusion coefficient, and effective ionization coefficient are calculated from the cross section set by Monte Carlo simulation in a wide range of E/N values, where E and N are the applied electric field and the number density of H2O molecules, respectively. The calculated transport coefficients are in good agreement with those measured. The obtained results confirm that the anisotropic electron scattering is important for the calculation at low E/N values. Furthermore, the cross section set assuming the isotropic electron scattering is proposed for practical use.

Homer, known as a scaffolding protein that regulates postsynapse signaling in neurons, has been poorly explored in cardiac research. We show the fundamental properties of Homer 1 in mouse heart in association with cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR), a binding protein of Homer 1.Immunohistochemistry of adult mouse heart with Homer 1 antibody showed striated staining on Z-bands both in atria and ventricles. The interactions between Homer 1 and RyR were confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Immunostaining of adult isolated cardiomyocytes showed partial co-localization of both proteins. In neonatal primary cultures, targeting of Homer 1 preceded that of RyR in their Z-band arrangement.Homer 1 binds to RyR in adult mouse heart and precedes RyR in Z-band arrangement in the early postnatal period.

A subclavian artery aneurysm is rare. We report the case of a 61-year-old man with a history of hypertension and angina pectoris who was diagnosed with an atherosclerotic aneurysm of the left subclavian artery. An incidental computed tomography scan revealed a 37-mm saccular aneurysm adjacent to both the proximal left subclavian artery and the distal aortic arch. He underwent an aneurysmectomy with total aortic arch replacement via a median sternotomy. Operative findings revealed that the aneurysm had originated from the left subclavian artery and was located 1 cm distal to the ostium. The final pathological diagnosis was a pseudoaneurysm.

Three double-decker complexes of cerium(IV) were synthesized, which commonly have a 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-docosyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (C22OPP) moiety as one of the two tetrapyrrole rings. The three complexes-Ce(Pc)(C22OPP), Ce(C22OPP)2, and Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP)-are distinguished by the other rings, which are Pc (=phthalocyanine), C22OPP, and BPEPP (=5,15-bis[4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]porphyrin), respectively. The rate of inter-ring rotation of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) was estimated to be approximately 3 s(-1) in solution at room temperature. These complexes assemble into ordered arrays at the interface of 1-phenyloctane and the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface, owing to the affinity of the long alkyl chains toward the surface, as revealed by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with molecular resolution. The shape of the upper ring is reflected in the STM image. Thus, Ce(Pc)(C22OPP), Ce(C22OPP)2, and Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) were observed as circular, square, and elliptic features, respectively. Possible molecular arrangements in the array of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) are proposed by comparing STM images and molecular models. In the mixed arrays of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) and H2(C22OPP), the double-decker complexes were distinguished by brighter features. Competitive adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption of Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) is less favorable than that of H2(C22OPP) by DeltaG(app) = 2.7 kJ mol(-1). Ce(BPEPP)(C22OPP) molecules appeared elliptic when placed within their own row, while they appeared isotropic when flanked by H2(C22OPP) molecules. Implications of the differences in the observed shapes to the inter-ring rotation are discussed.

A 48-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital for acute myocardial infarction associated with a giant organized thrombus occupying the left sinus of Valsalva. Cardiac catheterization revealed no organic stenosis in either coronary artery, but left ventriculography and aortography showed a filling defect above the left coronary cusp. Transesophageal echocardiography was immediately performed and showed a round mass filling the left sinus of Valsalva. A solid, round mass approximately 2.5 cm in diameter was removed during emergency surgery and determined to be a thrombus on the basis of microscopic findings. This is the second report of a giant organized thrombus occupying the entire left sinus of Valsalva, obstructing the ostium of the left coronary artery intermittently, and leading to acute myocardial infarction.

We determined urinary concentrations of α1-microglobulin and albumin in 155 patients with reflux nephropathy including 72 prepubertal (48 males and 24 females) and 83 postpubertal patients (43 males and 40 females) to elucidate the effect of age and gender in the progression of renal damage. Vesicoureteral reflux was resolved in all patients at least two years before enrollment into this study. Renal scarring was diagnosed with 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. More severe renal scarring was found predominantly in male compared to female patients. Urinary α1-microglobulin levels were significantly lower in postpubertal female patients (mean ± SD: 1.59 ± 1.02 mg/g creatinine) than in prepubertal males and females (3.32 ± 3.53 and 4.06 ± 4, respectively; p < 0.007 and p < 0.002, respectively), and in postpubertal males (3.69 ± 2.6; p < 0.002) regardless of severity of renal scarring. In the patients with severe unilateral renal scarring, urinary albumin levels were significantly higher in postpubertal males (81.9 ± 239.5) than in prepubertal males and postpubertal females (25.8 ± 63.1 and 13.8 ± 7.7, respectively; p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Our results suggest that glomerular injury may develop during adolescence predominantly in male patients with severe renal scarring. In contrast, renal damage indicated by urinary α1-microglobulon level appears to be ameliorated in female postpubertal patients. This gender difference may be attributed to sex hormones.

A set of electron collision cross sections for trifluoromethane (CHF3) is estimated by the electron swarm method. Electron transport coefficients in CHF3, such as the electron drift velocity, longitudinal diffusion coefficient, and effective ionisation coefficient, are calculated from the estimated cross section set by the Monte Carlo method, and the values are compared with the measured data. In the case of the transport coefficients, good agreement is obtained between the calculated and measured values in a wide range of reduced electric fields. Furthermore, the transport coefficients described above and the characteristic energy in CHF3–Ar mixtures are calculated, and the values are found to agree well with the measured data. This confirms the validity of the cross section set for CHF3 estimated here.

In rice suspension culture, a large part (about 90% of total activity in the culture) of the chitinase activity was found in the medium. Two extracellular chitinases (which we named RCH-A and -B) were separated from the cell suspension by DEAE-cellulofine column chromatography. When cells were treated with N-acetylchitooligosaccharides (chitin oligosaccharides) for 3 days, extracellular chitinase activity increased about 3-fold over the control culture. After the treatment, another extracellular chitinase (named RCH-C) appeared in addition to increases in the levels of RCH-A and -B. Partial amino acid sequences of these enzymes indicated that RCH-A (33.5 kDa) and -B (34 kDa) were class Ib chitinases but RCH-C (27 kDa) was a class III chitinase. RCH-A and -B were capable of actively degrading water-insoluble chitin with high affinities, while RCH-C had less affinity for the substrate. However, when a water-soluble chitin derivative, 6-O-hydroxyethylchitin (glycolchitin) was used, RCH-C as well as RCH-A and -B degraded actively with a high affinity. A synergistic effect was observed when these three chitinases acted simultaneously in the hydrolysis of chitin.

Glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) in culture facilitate the study of glomerular physiology and pathology. However, characterization and identification of GECs in culture have been difficult due to the absence of markers specific to them. We compared the immunocytochemical characteristics of a rat normal GEC line (SGE1) and glomerular cells from rat kidney sections using a lectin and commercially available and newly raised monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Antivimentin, anti-dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (gp 108) and monoclonal antibody 5-1-6 antibodies and Limax flavus lectin bound to visceral GECs, anticytokeratin antibody and antibody against common acute lymphocytic leukemia antigen bound to parietal GECs, and anti-SGE1 cell membrane and monoclonal antibody PHM 5 antibodies bound to both visceral GECs and parietal GECs in normal rat kidney sections, and all of these antibodies and L. flavus lectin consistently bound to SGE1 cells in culture. The pattern of antigenic expression on SGE1 cells indicates that SGE1 cells possess phenotypic characteristics of visceral GECs and parietal GECs, and it further suggests that SGE1 cells may be stem cells or cells undergoing differentiation.

The renal epithelium appears to be an important target tissue for retinoic acid and epidermal growth factor (EGF). We report here that retinoic acid enhances the proliferative effect of EGF on glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) in vitro and also increases EGF binding to GEC. When GEC were exposed to EGF (or = 1 ng/ml), cellular DNA synthesis was markedly increased. Moreover, the stimulating effect of EGF was synergistically increased by retinoic acid at 5 micrograms/ml. 125I-EGF binding to cultured GEC was increased approximately 3-fold after addition of retinoic acid to cultures for 48 h. Analysis of 125I-EGF binding revealed 8.1 x 10(4) receptors per control (untreated) cell, while retinoic acid-treated cells demonstrated an increase to 14.3 x 10(4) receptors per cell with no detectable change in receptor affinity. These findings suggest that interactions between retinoic acid and EGF may play an important role in the regulation of GEC growth.

Background: Coronary shunts are widely used to prevent myocardial ischemia during off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) procedures. Although clinical effectiveness has been reported, actual perfusion flow has not been well assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate actual shunt flow and its pattern during passive coronary perfusion in clinical OPCAB. Methods: In 15 OPCAB cases, the coronary perfusion flow of the external shunt (1.7 or 2.0 mm) during anastomosis and the free flow of the shunt were measured with an in-line electromagnetic or ultrasonic flow probe. The perfused coronary blood vessel was either the left anterior descending coronary artery or the right coronary artery. The inflow vessel of the external shunt was either the femoral artery (FA) or the ascending aorta (AA). Results: Free flow values of a 1.7-mm FA shunt, 1.7-mm AA shunt, and 2.0-mm FA shunt were 34 ± 7, 39 ± 3, and 44 ± 7 mL/min. Perfusion flows were 13 ± 4, 14 ± 3, and 22 ± 4 mL/min, respectively. Perfusion flow was significantly lower than free flow and correlated well with coronary resistance. Although inflow site did not influence net perfusion flow, diastolic/systolic flow fraction ratio was significantly greater when the shunt was perfused from the FA. Conclusions: External shunt from FA would provide limited but effective perfusion flow with a physiological pattern, which is passively regulated by coronary resistance.

Metastable crystals are often found in the recovery process of vacuum co-deposited alloy films. In order to explore this possibility in the Mn-Al system, the films with various compositions were prepared and investigated in a hot stage of an electron microscope. Change of their electric resistance was also measured. The films with 100–35 at.%Mn showed only grain growth of the crystals which were found at the corresponding compositions in the equilibrium phase diagram. The films with 30–25 at.%Mn showed discrete nucleation of leaf-formed crystals which were not found in the phase diagram. Further raising up of the temperature gave a transformation of the crystals into the one-dimensionally disordered δ(Mn-Al) phase, which also did not exist in the phase diagram. The films with 15–8 at.%Mn showed discrete nucleation of circular crystals, which were mainly identified as MnAl6. Resistance of the last films showed anomalous oscillation which started just before the nucleation.