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The opportunities to treat elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are increasing globally, but the outcome remains poor. This study seeks to investigate treatment-related factors that can modify functional outcomes in patients with aSAH aged ≥75 years. A total of 202 patients with aSAH aged ≥75 years prospectively enrolled in 9 primary stroke centers from 2013 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical variables including treatments for hydrocephalus, angiographic vasospasm, and delayed cerebral ischemia were compared between patients with good (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) and poor (mRS score 3–6) outcomes at 90 days from onset, followed by multivariate analyses to find independent outcome determinants. A modifiable treatment-related variable was evaluated after propensity score matching with adjustments for age, sex, pre-onset mRS score, aSAH severity, and treatment modality. More than half of patients showed World Federation of Neurological Societies grades IV–V on admission. Univariate analyses showed that advanced age, worse pre-onset mRS score, more severe neurologic status on admission, higher modified Fisher grade on admission computed tomography scans, and acute and chronic hydrocephalus were associated with poor outcomes. In contrast, administration of a phosphodiesterase type III inhibitor, cilostazol, was associated with good outcomes in both univariate (P = 0.036) and multivariate analyses (adjusted odds ratio, 0.305; 95% confidence interval, 0.097–0.955; P = 0.042). Propensity score matching analyses showed that patients treated with cilostazol had better outcomes (P = 0.016) with fewer incidences of delayed cerebral infarction (P = 0.008). Even in patients with aSAH aged ≥75 years, cilostazol administration may lead to better outcomes by suppressing the development of delayed cerebral infarction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is one of the most important outcome determinants for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). VASOGRADE, which combines World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade and modified Fisher grade, is a useful scale for predicting DCI after aSAH. However, no studies have investigated whether VASOGRADE influences the treatment options. We retrospectively analyzed 781 aSAH patients who were prospectively enrolled in 9 primary stroke centers from 2013 to 2021. The total cohort consisted of 76 patients (9.7%) with VASOGRADE-Green, 390 patients (49.9%) with VASOGRADE-Yellow, and 315 patients (40.3%) with VASOGRADE-Red. Worse VASOGRADE had higher incidences of DCI, which occurred in 190 patients (24.3%). As only 5 patients (6.6%) with VASOGRADE-Green developed DCI, we searched for DCI-associated factors in patients with VASOGRADEs-Yellow and -Red. Multivariate analyses revealed independent treatment factors suppressing DCI as follows: no postoperative hemorrhagic complication, combined administration of fasudil hydrochloride and cilostazol, combination of clipping and cisternal drainage, and coiling for VASOGRADE-Yellow; and clipping, and administration of fasudil hydrochloride with or without cilostazol for VASOGRADE-Red. The findings suggest that treatment strategies should be determined based on VASOGRADE to prevent DCI after aSAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is one of the most important outcome determinants for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). VASOGRADE, which combines World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade and modified Fisher grade, is a useful scale for predicting DCI after aSAH. However, no studies have investigated whether VASOGRADE influences the treatment options. We retrospectively analyzed 781 aSAH patients who were prospectively enrolled in 9 primary stroke centers from 2013 to 2021. The total cohort consisted of 76 patients (9.7%) with VASOGRADE-Green, 390 patients (49.9%) with VASOGRADE-Yellow, and 315 patients (40.3%) with VASOGRADE-Red. Worse VASOGRADE had higher incidences of DCI, which occurred in 190 patients (24.3%). As only 5 patients (6.6%) with VASOGRADE-Green developed DCI, we searched for DCI-associated factors in patients with VASOGRADEs-Yellow and -Red. Multivariate analyses revealed independent treatment factors suppressing DCI as follows: no postoperative hemorrhagic complication, combined administration of fasudil hydrochloride and cilostazol, combination of clipping and cisternal drainage, and coiling for VASOGRADE-Yellow; and clipping, and administration of fasudil hydrochloride with or without cilostazol for VASOGRADE-Red. The findings suggest that treatment strategies should be determined based on VASOGRADE to prevent DCI after aSAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: How do expert performers practice as they develop creatively? This study investigated the processes involved in the practice of new skills by expert breakdancers. A great deal of evidence supports the theory of “deliberate practice” (Ericsson, Krampe, & Tesch‐Römer, 1993, Psychological Review, 100, 363) in skill acquisition; however, expert creative performers may emphasize other forms of practice for skill development. Four case studies collected through fieldwork and laboratory observation were analyzed to evaluate expert dancers’ practice processes as they developed proficiency in new, specific skills. We focused on three aspects of learning: the degree of skill acquisition, the content of skills included in practice, and dancers’ stated purposes for practicing. The results showed that dancers’ practice improved skills (as suggested by deliberate practice) and engaged the exploration of new, original skills, along with coordinating skills within performance. In their practice, these dance experts went beyond deliberative practice to highly exploratory processes for skill development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We previously reported that patients with cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) deficiency (CETP-D) have a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, in spite of increased HDL-C levels. However, characterization of HDL in CETP-D has not been well described. Therefore, we examined HDL particle number (PN) rather than HDL-C level. Approach and results: Nine patients with CETP-D and 9 normolipidemic subjects were enrolled. We performed gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography (GP-HPLC) analysis, determined the cholesterol and triglyceride composition of all lipoprotein subclasses, and calculated the PN of each subclass, which consisted of 3 VLDL (large, medium, and small), 4 LDL (large, medium, small, and very small), and 5 HDL (very large, large, medium, small, and very small) subclasses. The PNs of large and medium LDL were significantly lower in CETP-D than that in healthy subjects (0.66- and 0.63-fold decrease, respectively; p<0.001), whereas the PN of very small LDL, which is known to be atherogenic, was significantly higher (1.36-fold increase, p = 0.016). The PNs of very large and large HDL in CETP-D were markedly higher than that in healthy subjects (19.9- and 4.5-fold increase, respectively; p<0.001), whereas the PNs of small and very small HDL, which have more potent anti-atherogenic functions, were significantly lower (0.76- and 0.61-fold decrease, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: We have assessed the PNs of detailed subclasses of patients with CETP-D for the first time. The PN of larger HDL was markedly increased, that of smaller HDL was decreased, and that of very small LDL was increased, suggesting that CETP-D has pro-atherogenic lipoprotein properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the cognitive processes underlying creative inspiration, we tested the extent to which viewing or copying prior examples impacted creative output in art. In Experiment 1, undergraduates made drawings under three conditions: (a) copying an artist's drawing, then producing an original drawing; (b) producing an original drawing without having seen another's work; and (c) copying another artist's work, then reproducing that artist's style independently. We discovered that through copying unfamiliar abstract drawings, participants were able to produce creative drawings qualitatively different from the model drawings. Process analyses suggested that participants' cognitive constraints became relaxed, and new perspectives were formed from copying another's artwork. Experiment 2 showed that exposure to styles of artwork considered unfamiliar facilitated creativity in drawing, while styles considered familiar did not do so. Experiment 3 showed that both copying and thoroughly viewing artwork executed using an unfamiliar style facilitated creativity in drawing, whereas merely thinking about alternative styles of artistic representation did not do so. These experiments revealed that deep encounters with unfamiliar artworks-whether through copying or prolonged observation-change people's cognitive representations of the act of drawing to produce novel artwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft sensors are widely used to realize highly efficient operation in chemical process because every important variable such as product quality is not measured online. By using soft sensors, such a difficult-to-measure variable y can be estimated by other process variables which are measured online. In order to estimate values of y without degradation of a soft sensor model, a time difference (TD) model was proposed previously. Though a TD model has high predictive ability, the model does not function well when process conditions have never been observed. To cope with this problem, a soft sensor model can be updated with newest data. But updating a model needs time and effort for plant operators. We therefore developed an online monitoring system to judge whether a TD model can predict values of y accurately or an updating model should be used for both reducing maintenance cost and improving predictive accuracy of soft sensors. The monitoring system is based on support vector machine or standard deviation of y-values estimated from various intervals of time difference. We confirmed that the proposed system has functioned successfully through the analysis of real industrial data of a distillation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this study was to propose a framework to describe the analogical process in the context of creation. We conducted retrospective interviews with two contemporary artists in their forties using portfolios of their past works so that they could recall their creation processes in detail. We found that the artists often use analogical modification to produce new series of artwork. Analogical modification is a cognitive process used to generate a new target, in the context of creation, by changing values of a source to make differences during analogical mapping. We found three types of analogical modification, namely, subject modification, structure modification, and concept modification. Creative vision, which is formed through many years of creative activity and consists of long-term intentions or goals for creation, plays an important role in guiding the use of analogical modification. The process of artistic creation can be better understood using the framework of the interaction between activities in different time spans, such as analogical modification and creative vision. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a study of experimental identification of vibration force generated in a single cylinder outboard engine under a steady-state operation by means of linear structural modeling and equivalent force transformation. The identification is to determine a set of equivalent force vectors that can express actual vibration force generated by firing and inertia force due to dynamic motion of moving components in the engine. The vibration force generated in engines under steady-state operation will be independent of the boundary conditions excluding load condition. Therefore, once such vibration force can be modeled with practical accuracy, the result can be used as a database for CAE simulations of trouble shooting and design improvement analysis for noise and vibration, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In mature mammals, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are generally unable to regenerate injured axons into the optic nerve. Here, we report that an intravitreal injection of either of two macrophage activators, oxidized galectin-1 or zymosan, strongly enhanced the regeneration of transected RGC axons beyond an optic nerve crush site in adult cats. Using WGA-HRP as an anterograde tracer, we found that injection of either macrophage activator caused many axons to grow into the distal optic nerve when evaluated 14 days later, with the strongest effects seen after injecting 100 ng of galectin-1. Elongation continued for at least another 2 weeks. Control eyes injected with saline contained very few labeled axons extending across the crush site. Elevation of intracellular cAMP levels using forskolin also enhanced regeneration beyond the crush site to some extent, but this treatment did not augment the effect of galectin-1 any further. These results indicate that RGCs of adult cats are capable of reverting to an active growth state and at least partially overcoming an inhibitory CNS environment as a result of intravitreal macrophage activation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the drawing processes of a Chinese ink painter through field observation, interviews, and a field experiment. Compared to many studies using a single method such as interview only, this multimethod study enabled us to capture the creative processes from various perspectives. We observed processes of drawing in a temple and asked the painter to draw 16 pictures in a field experiment (8 created from random lines that the audience drew and 8 created on blank paper). We found that (a) the painter seemed to gradually form a global image of the drawing as he drew each part one by one, (b) lines that the audience drew seemed to create new constraints for his drawing and forced him to create a new style of pictures, and (c) the painter moved his brush in the air before actually drawing lines on the paper. This hand movement seems to have one of the following functions: positioning (where to draw), rehearsal (how to draw), and image generation (what to draw). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a 1.3/1.55-µm optical transceiver module for use in asynchronous transfer mode-passive optical network (ATM-PON) systems, which is the global standard for optical access networks. A compact, low-cost module was implemented by mounting the active devices such as optical devices like laser diodes (LDs) and photodiodes (PDs), and integrated circuits, and the passive devices such as optical waveguides, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) filters, and optical fibers on the surface of a silicon (Si) bench. We adopted the simplest waveguide, the straight waveguide, to achieve the best repeatability by the SiO2 waveguide and developed a double-filter photodiode to lessen optical crosstalk. The results achieved an output of 0 dBm from the optical fiber to 1.3 µm at 155.52 Mbit/s and a -40 dBm minimum receiver sensitivity at 1.55 µm during full-duplex communication, and demonstrated the effectiveness of this transceiver module design. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(8): 25–33, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10028 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares Pairs of subjects with Single subjects in a task of discovering scientific laws with the aid of experiments. Effectiveness of explanatory activities for discovery; Explanation on why Pairs perform better than Singles in the discovery task; Development of a coding scheme; Investigation of the subjects' experiment space search processes.

We have succeeded in producing liquid clusters such as ethanol and water clusters by an adiabatic expansion phenomenon, and the cluster size distribution was analyzed by using the time-of-flight method. For ethanol cluster ions, the size was distributed between a few hundreds and a few thousands, and the peak size was approximately 1200 molecules per cluster. For water cluster ions, the size distribution shifted to higher values, and the peak size was approximately 2500 molecules per cluster. Furthermore, the cluster size distribution was measured by changing the retarding voltage, and it was found that the minimum size increased with increase of the retarding voltage. In addition, the minimum size was larger than the critical size estimated by the theoretical calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop the Japanese version of the Creative Mindset Scale (CMS‐J) and examine its psychometric properties using classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). Three surveys were conducted to examine the psychometric properties. Study 1 (n = 700) confirmed the conceptual structure of the CMS‐J. Confirmatory factor analyses of the CMS‐J suggested a two‐factor structure, as in the original scale. The test–retest reliability was examined based on data from 143 participants who responded to the CMS‐J questionnaire after a 7‐week interval. Study 2 (n = 1,114) confirmed the convergent and discriminant validities, as well as the internal consistency, of the CMS‐J. Finally, Study 3 (n = 1,300) confirmed the effective measurement of growth and fixed mindset of the CMS‐J using IRT analyses. The present findings suggest that the CMS‐J has a fundamental psychometric property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to translate the Short Scale of Creative Self (SSCS) into Japanese and examine its psychometric properties. In total, 1,436 participants (Study 1: N = 957, Study 2: N = 479) completed the questionnaires. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analyses for Japanese versions of the scales resulted in bi‐factor structures comprising one general factor and two subfactors; namely, creative self‐efficacy (CSE) and creative personal identity (CPI). However, the Japanese version of the SSCS (SSCS‐J) was essentially unidimensional, and scoring based on CSE and CPI lacked support. Therefore, it was necessary to calculate the total SSCS‐J item scores to measure the creative self. Study 2 provided evidence for the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity of the scale. The current study also found that the SSCS‐J had adequate test–retest reliability. The present findings suggest that the SSCS‐J has sufficient reliability and validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and low LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are negatively correlated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, these lipid parameters are not enough to represent the physiological functions or properties of lipoproteins, which are heterogeneous particles. Recent reports even have shown that extremely high HDL-C levels have an adverse effect on CVD mortality. To better understand the association of lipoproteins with CVD, detailed characterization of lipoproteins would be needed beyond HDL-C or LDL-C levels. We have recently established an analytical method by gel permeation HPLC (GP-HPLC) system (LipoSEARCH®) to evaluate lipoprotein particle numbers (PNs) of detailed subclasses, which consist of 3 VLDL (large, medium, small), 4 LDL (large, medium, small, very small), and 5 HDL (very large, large, medium, small, very small) subclasses. This method can calculate PNs of each subclass more precisely than proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry or ion mobility methods, which are most widely used for measuring PNs (J Oleo Sci 65:265-282, 2016). Using this method, we investigated lipoprotein PNs in normolipidemic healthy subjects (n=9) and homozygous cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficient (CETP-D) patients (n=9), who are not likely to be protected from CVD despite high HDL-C and low LDL-C levels. The PNs of very large and large HDL in CETP-D were markedly higher than those in healthy subjects (19.9- and 4.5-fold increase, respectively; p<0.001), whereas the PNs of small and very small HDL, which have more potent anti-atherogenic functions, were significantly lower (0.76- and 0.61-fold decrease, respectively; p<0.001). Furthermore, interestingly, the PN of very small LDL, which is known to be atherogenic, was significantly higher in CETP-D (1.36-fold increase, p=0.016). Thus, this novel method by GP-HPLC can provide detailed lipoprotein characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The surgical techniques for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a common neurosurgical condition, have been discussed in a lot of clinical literature. However, the recurrence proportion after CSDH surgery remains high, ranging from 10 to 20%. The standard surgical procedure for CSDH involves a craniostomy to evacuate the hematoma, but irrigating the hematoma cavity during the procedure is debatable. The authors hypothesized that the choice of irrigation fluid might be a key factor affecting the outcomes of surgery. This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to investigate whether intraoperative irrigation using artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACF) followed by the placement of a subdural drain would yield superior results compared to the placement of a subdural drain alone for CSDH. Methods: The study will be conducted across 19 neurosurgical departments in Japan. The 1186 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to two groups: irrigation using ACF or not. In either group, a subdural drain is to be placed for at least 12 h postoperatively. Similar to what was done in previous studies, we set the proportion of patients that meet the criteria for ipsilateral reoperation at 7% in the irrigation group and 12% in the non-irrigation group. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who meet the criteria for ipsilateral reoperation within 6 months of surgery (clinical worsening of symptoms and increased hematoma on imaging compared with the postoperative state). The secondary endpoints are the proportion of reoperations within 6 months, the proportion being stratified by preoperative hematoma architecture by computed tomography (CT) scan, neurological symptoms, patient condition, mortality at 6 months, complications associated with surgery, length of hospital stay from surgery to discharge, and time of the surgical procedure. Discussion: We present the study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial to investigate our hypothesis that intraoperative irrigation with ACF reduces the recurrence proportion after the removal of chronic subdural hematomas compared with no irrigation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov jRCT1041220124. Registered on January 13, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diagram is presented which shows the regioselective C-H bond acetoxylation on carbazole and indole frameworks catalyzed by ruthenium.

Dibenzofuran derivatives and related tetra- and pentacyclic frameworks can be readily obtained by Rh-catalyzed dehydrogenative cyclization of corresponding 3-aryloxybenzoic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the isomerization polymerization of 4-alkylcyclopentenes catalyzed by Pd complexes. It states that it affords polymers having trans-1,3-disubstituted cylopentane rings into the regulated intervals on the linear polymer chain. It cites that C2-symmetric catalyst produced isotactic structured polymers exhibiting high crystallinity at low temperature and liquid-crystalline properties upon heating.

Investigates the transition from in-plane to perpendicular magnetization caused by temperature changes for double-layer GdFeCo/TbFeCo and triple layer GdFeCo/GdFe/TbFeCo magneto-optical recording films. Reason for the occurrence of the transition in the GdFeCo layer; Effect of the intermediate layer on the magnetization transition.

Cardiac remodeling has no established therapies targeting inflammation. CD4+ T-cell subsets have been reported to play significant roles in healing process after ischemic myocardial injury, but their detailed mechanisms of activation remain unknown. To explore immune reactions during cardiac remodeling, we applied a non-surgical model of coronary heart disease (CHD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD-CHD) in SR-BI−/−/ApoeR61h/h mice. Flow cytometry analyses throughout the period of progressive cardiac dysfunction revealed that CD4+ T Helper 1 (Th1) cells were predominantly activated in T-cell subsets. Probucol was reported to attenuate cardiac dysfunction after coronary artery ligation model (ligation-MI) in rats. To determine whether probucol suppress cardiac remodeling after HFD-CHD, we treated SR-BI−/−/ApoeR61h/h mice with probucol. We found treatment with probucol in HFD-CHD mice reduced cardiac dysfunction, with attenuated activation of Th1 cells. RNA-seq analyses revealed that probucol suppressed the expression of CXCR3, a Th1-related chemokine receptor, in the heart. XCR1+ cDC1 cells, which highly expresses the CXCR3 ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10, were predominantly activated after HFD-CHD. XCR1+ cDC1 lineage skewing of pre-DC progenitors was observed in bone marrow, with subsequent systemic expansion of XCR1+ cDC1 cells after HFD-CHD. Activation of CXCR3+ Th1 cell and XCR1+ cDC1 cells was also observed in ligation-MI. Notably, post-MI depletion of XCR1+ cDC1 cells suppressed CXCR3+ Th1 cell activation and prevented cardiac dysfunction. In patient autopsy samples, CXCR3+ Th1 and XCR1+ cDC1 cells infiltrated the infarcted area. In this study, we identified a critical role of XCR1+ cDC1-activated CXCR3+ Th1 cells in ischemic cardiac remodeling. [Display omitted] • Th1 cells were predominantly activated and recruited to the ischemic area after HFD-CHD and ligation-MI. • XCR1+ cDC1 cells could be involved in activating Th1 cells via CXCL9/CXCL10-CXCR3 axis. • In bone marrow, XCR1+ cDC1 lineage skewing of pre-DC progenitors was observed after HFD-CHD and ligation-MI. • XCR1+ cDC1 depletion suppressed CXCR3+ Th1-cell chemotaxis and prevented cardiac dysfunction after ligation-MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We previously identified an oxidized derivative of cholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), in diet-induced steatohepatitic mice. Here, we investigated whether 7KC exacerbates psoriasis-like dermatitis by accelerating steatohepatitis in mice. A high-fat/high-cholesterol/high-sucrose/bile salt diet (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) diet) with or without 0.0125% 7KC was fed to C57BL/6 mice (7KC or control group) for three weeks to induce steatohepatitis. A 5% imiquimod cream was then applied to the ears and dorsal skin for four days to induce psoriasis-like dermatitis. Hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration were exacerbated in the 7KC group compared with the control group after three weeks. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also elevated in the 7KC group (108.5 ± 9.8 vs. 83.1 ± 13.1 pg/mL, p < 0.005). Imiquimod cream increased the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score in mice in the 7KC group (9.14 ± 0.75 vs. 5.17 ± 1.17, p < 0.0001). Additionally, Tnfa, Il23a, Il17a, and Il22 mRNA levels in the dorsal lesion were significantly upregulated. Finally, Th17 cell differentiation and the TNF signaling pathway were enhanced in the dorsal lesions and liver of mice in the 7KC group. These data suggest that steatohepatitis and psoriasis are linked by a potent, diet-related factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas the entrainment of movements and aspirations among audience members has been known as a basis of collective excitement in the theater, the role of the entrainment of cognitive processes among audience members is still unclear. In the current study, temporal patterns of the audience’s attention were observed using eyeblink responses. To determine the effect of interactions among audience members on cognitive entrainment, as well as its direction (attractive or repulsive), the eyeblink synchronization of the following two groups were compared: (1) the experimental condition, where the audience members (seven frequent viewers and seven first-time viewers) viewed live performances in situ, and (2) the control condition, where the audience members (15 frequent viewers and 15 first-time viewers) viewed videotaped performances in individual experimental settings (results reported in previous study.) The results of this study demonstrated that the mean values of a measure of asynchrony (i.e., D interval) were much lower for the experimental condition than for the control condition. Frequent viewers had a moderate attractive effect that increased as the story progressed, while a strong attractive effect was observed throughout the story for first-time viewers. The attractive effect of interactions among a group of spectators was discussed from the viewpoint of cognitive and somatic entrainment in live performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and functional characteristics of the heart in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without myocardial infarction (MI) are not fully understood. We retrospectively analysed the data of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 40% who underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), which was also used to exclude MI, at two hospitals. Volumetric data and extracellular volume fraction (ECVf) of the myocardium evaluated using CMR were compared between patients with and without DM, and their association with diastolic function was evaluated. Among 322 analysed patients, 53 had DM. CMR revealed that the left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and ECVf were increased while LVEF was decreased in patients with DM after adjusting for patient characteristics (all P < 0.05). A stronger positive correlation was observed between LVMi and the early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio (E/e′) in patients with DM than in those without DM (correlation coefficient [R] = 0.46, p = 0.001; R = 0.15, p = 0.021, respectively; p for interaction = 0.011). ECVf correlated with E/e′ only in patients with DM (R = 0.61, p = 0.004). Patients with DM have increased LVMi and ECVf. Importantly, there was a difference between patients with and without DM in the relationship between these structural changes and E/e′, with a stronger relationship in patients with DM. Furthermore, DM is associated with mildly reduced LVEF even in the absence of MI. [Display omitted] • The data about heart characteristics of diabetes mellitus (DM) are not sufficient. • Increased ventricular mass and extracellular volume is characteristics of DM. • How structural changes relate with diastolic function varies by the presence of DM. • DM is associated with systolic dysfunction in the absence of myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hole formed in photo-excited dye molecule under illumination is transferred to cathode with iodine ion in electrolyte solution in the dye-sensitized solar cell developed by M. Grätzel and the conductivity of the iodine ion affects conversion efficiency of the cell. In this work, effect of the polymeric p-type semiconductor on the hole transferability is investigated. PEDOT:PSS and P3HT were used as the p-type semiconductors. Dye-sensitized solar cells were composed of aluminium plate, Nb-doped TiO2 layer adsorbed with TCNQ, the electrolyte solution containing iodine ions, and ITO glass plate. In a solid-type cell substituted the electrolyte solution with the p-type semiconductor, photocurrent was not generated. The photocurrent was generated in the solar cell by introducing the electrolyte solution containing iodine ions between the ITO glass and the p-type semiconductor formed on the dye-adsorbed Nb-doped-TiO2 layer or between the dye-adsorbed Nb-doped-TiO2 layer and the p-type semiconductor formed on the ITO glass. The conversion efficiency increased with the introduction of the p-type semiconductor such as PEDOT:PSS, compared only with the electrolyte solution. The p-type semiconductor containing iodine ions promote the hole transfer of iodine ion, compared with that in the electrolyte solution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chordomas are locally destructive tumors with high rates of recurrence, and therapeutic strategies remain controversial. This study analyzed long-term outcomes for clival chordomas after initial aggressive surgical resection and gamma knife radiosurgery for recurrence and investigated clinical factors predicting recurrence. Clinical records were reviewed for 19 consecutive patients (11 men, 8 women; mean age, 43.1 years) with clival chordoma who underwent initial surgical resection using skull base approaches (mean follow-up after surgical resection, 87.2 months). All tumors were aggressively removed, along with the surrounding bone. Four patients were treated with radiotherapy after surgical resection. Recurrent lesions were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery or reoperation. Factors predicting tumor recurrence were analyzed, including age, tumor extension, extent of resection and MIB-1 labeling index. Patient status was evaluated using the Karnofsky performance scale (KPS). Tumor resection was total, subtotal and partial in 14, 4 and 1 patients, respectively. Tumors recurred in 11 patients. Overall, 2- and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 77.9% and 47.9%, respectively. The MIB-1 labeling index was independently associated with recurrence. The optimum cutoff point for the MIB-1 labeling index was 3.44%. All recurrent tumors were totally resected or controlled by gamma knife (mean follow-up after recurrence, 71.2 months). All patients survived and were active (mean KPS at final follow-up, 89.5%). Long-term control of clival chordomas was achieved. Recurrent tumors were controlled with gamma knife radiosurgery, since lesions were localized and small after initial aggressive resection. The MIB-1 labeling index can provide important information for predicting tumor recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated c-axis-oriented KSr2Nb5O15 (KSN) ceramics using a rotating strong magnetic field with subsequent sintering. The degree of orientation of the green compact was about 0.1 for (00 l), as evaluated from the Lotgering factor in X-ray diffraction. The orientation of the structure was enhanced by sintering at 1673 K; the Lotgering factor of the sintered body increased to 0.8. Microstructural examination indicated a well-oriented structure in which the longitudinal axes of the rectangular-shaped grains were oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the magnetic field. KSN oriented on the a, b axes could be similarly fabricated using a strong static magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sodium zinc dihydrolipoylhistidinate (DHLHZn) is a compound of Zn2+/dihydrolipoic acid derivate complex, which was developed for cosmetic/medical use. To characterize DHLHZn as a novel skin-lightening agent, inhibitory actions of DHLHZn on tyrosinase (including its reaction pathway) have been elucidated in this study. In a B16 melanoma cell system, DHLHZn was active in suppressing the synthesis of melanins as well as α-arbutin, well known as a depigmenting drug. Furthermore, in a tyrosinase assay, DHLHZn showed stronger inhibitory effect on DOPAchrome formation than other tyrosinase inhibitors such as kojic acid. Our previous report demonstrated that the sulfhydryl groups of lipoyl motif react with DOPAquinone to form lipoyl DOPA conjugates. We therefore postulated that conjugated products between DHLHZn and DOPAquinone might be formed. Upon reaction of DHLHZn with l-DOPA following tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation, the formation of DHLH DOPA conjugated products was confirmed by HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry using reserpine as the internal standard. In addition, the inhibitory kinetics analyzed by a Lineweaver–Burk plot exhibited the reversibility of DHLHZn as a competitive inhibitor with a K I value of 0.35μM. These results indicate that this covalent reaction might contribute to alternating DOPAquinone, which is a tyrosinase reaction product, and result in the competitive inhibitory effect of DHLHZn on DOPAchrome formation. DHLHZn may thus serve as a potentially effective skin-lightening agent, an effectiveness that is based on the compound’s covalent scavenging of DOPAquinone resulting in depigmentation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have examined the conjugation of sulfhydryl compounds such as l-cysteine and glutathione with DOPA-quinone following the oxidation of tyrosine and DOPA by tyrosinase. These covalent reactions play a key role in the regulation and metabolism of pigment cells. We report on the first direct evidence for the formation of lipoyl adducts in reactions of thiol groups with DOPA-quinone in dihydrolipoic acid (6,8-dimercaptooctanoic acid [DHLA]). Incubating DHLA with DOPA-quinone followed by tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation resulted in the three products predicted by HPLC-UV and LC-ESI−-MS analyses for DHLA DOPA conjugates. In the current study, we identified 5-S-lipoyl-DOPA among the principal products isolated by HPLC and characterized by FAB−-MS, ESI−-MS/MS, and 1H NMR, 2D-COSY studies. Collectively, these results suggest that DHLA undergoes sulfhydryl conjugation with DOPA-quinone, pointing to the involvement of thiol-reactive metabolites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have been reported to have cardiac dysfunction, and appropriate model has not been reported. We established a novel mouse model of diet-induced steatohepatitis-related cardiomyopathy and evaluated the effect of pemafibrate. C57Bl/6 male mice were fed a (1) chow diet (C), (2) high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-sucrose, bile acid diet (NASH diet; N), or (3) N with pemafibrate 0.1 mg/kg (NP) for 8 weeks. In the liver, macrophage infiltration and fibrosis in the liver was observed in the N group compared to the C group, suggesting steatohepatitis. Free cholesterol accumulated, and cholesterol crystals were observed. In the heart, free cholesterol similarly accumulated and concentric hypertrophy was observed. Ultrahigh magnetic field magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) was attenuated and LV strain was focally impaired. RNA sequencing demonstrated that the NOD-like receptor and PI3 kinase-Akt pathways were enhanced. mRNA and protein expression of inflammasome-related genes, such as Caspase-1, NLRP3, and IL-1β, were upregulated in both the liver and heart. In the NP compared to the N group, steatohepatitis, hepatic steatosis, and cardiac dysfunction were suppressed. Sequential administration of pemafibrate after the development of steatohepatitis-related cardiomyopathy recovered hepatic fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the extent to which the state of cognitive science reflects the multidisciplinary ideals of its foundation. Measures to assess the level of multidisciplinary work in the journal `Cognitive Science'; Goals of cognitive research at the Conference of Cognitive Science Society; Discussion of the findings of researches.

In order to clarify the interactions of ethanol cluster ion beams with solid surfaces, sputtering processes for Si, SiO2 and Au surfaces were investigated by changing the acceleration voltage, the retarding voltage, and the incident angle. For the case of the normal incidence, the sputtered depth increased with increase of the acceleration voltage, and the sputtering ratio of Si to SiO2 was approximately 10 at an acceleration voltage of 9 kV. Furthermore, with regard to the incident angle dependence, the sputtered depth for the Si surfaces had a maximum value at an incident angle between 10° and 60°. On the other hand, for the case of the physical sputtering by ethanol cluster ion irradiation on Au surfaces, the sputtered depth decreased with increase of the incident angle. With regard to the retarding voltage dependence, the sputtered depth had a maximum value for the Si surfaces, and the retarding voltage corresponding to the peak value changed according to the acceleration voltage applied. In addition, for the case of Au surfaces, the sputtered depth decreased with increase of the retarding voltage, and the physical sputtering was influenced by the minimum size of the cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure are predicted to become increasingly serious problems in aging populations. Progranulin (PGRN) deficiency is known to be associated with accelerated aging in the brain. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PGRN deficiency on cardiac aging, including left ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiography was performed on wild-type (WT) and PGRN-knockout (KO) mice every 3 months from 3 to 18 months of age. Compared to that of WT mice, PGRN KO mice exhibited age-dependent cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction at 18 months. Morphological analyses showed that the heart weight to tibia length ratio and cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes at 18 months were significantly increased in PGRN KO mice relative to those in WT mice. Furthermore, accumulation of lipofuscin and increases in senescence markers were observed in the hearts of PGRN KO mice, suggesting that PGRN deficiency led to enhanced aging of the heart. Enhanced complement C1q (C1q) and activated β-catenin protein expression levels were also observed in the hearts of aged PGRN KO mice. Treatment of PGRN-deficient cardiomyocytes with C1q caused β-catenin activation and cardiac hypertrophy. Blocking C1q-induced β-catenin activation in PGRN-depleted cardiomyocytes attenuated hypertrophic changes. Finally, we showed that C1 inhibitor treatment reduced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in old KO mice, possibly by reducing β-catenin activation. These results suggest that C1q is a crucial regulator of cardiac hypertrophy induced by PGRN ablation. The present study demonstrates that PGRN deficiency enhances age-related cardiac hypertrophy via C1q-induced β-catenin activation. PGRN is a potential therapeutic target to prevent cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. • Progranulin (PGRN) deficiency develops into age-dependent cardiac hypertrophy. • PGRN deficiency accelerates cardiac senescence. • Age-related cardiac hypertrophy due to PGRN deletion occurs through C1q-induced β-catenin activation. • Silencing the C1q-induced β-catenin pathway protects cardiac hypertrophy induced by PGRN ablation in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The activation of TGR5, a novel membrane-bound bile acid receptor, possesses anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effects in hepatobiliary disease and kidney disease. The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of TGR5 activation against EBI after SAH and the potential underlying mechanisms. The endovascular perforation model of SAH was performed on 199 Sprague Dawley rats to investigate the beneficial effects of TGR5 activation after SAH. INT-777, a specific synthetic TGR5 agonist, was administered intranasally at 1 h after SAH induction. TGR5 CRISPR and ALDH2 CRISPR were administered intracerebroventricularly at 48 h before SAH to illuminate potential mechanisms. The SAH grade, short-term and long-term neurobehavioral tests, TUNEL staining, Fluoro-Jade C staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence staining, and western blots were performed at 24 h after SAH. The expressions of endogenous TGR5 and ALDH2 gradually increased and peaked at 24 h after SAH. TGR5 was expressed primarily in neurons, as well as in astrocytes and microglia. The activation of TGR5 with INT-777 significantly improved the short-term and long-term neurological deficits, accompanied by reduced the oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis at 24 h after SAH. Moreover, INT-777 treatment significantly increased the expressions of TGR5, cAMP, phosphorylated PKCε, ALDH2, HO-1, and Bcl-2, while downregulated the expressions of 4-HNE, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase-3. TGR5 CRISPR and ALDH2 CRISPR abolished the neuroprotective effects of TGR5 activation after SAH. In summary, the activation of TGR5 with INT-777 attenuated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis via the cAMP/PKCε/ALDH2 signaling pathway after SAH in rats. Furthermore, TGR5 may serve as a novel therapeutic target to ameliorate EBI after SAH. • The TGR5 receptors were increased and were primarily expressed in neurons after SAH in rats. • TGR5 activation improved neurological deficits, accompanied by reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis after SAH. • TGR5 attenuated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis, at least in part, via cAMP/PKCε/ALDH2 pathway after SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: as an efficient route for construction of the fluorene framework [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional protein known to be involved in inflammation. However, the relation between PGRN and atherosclerosis remains elusive. The aim of this study was to define the role of PGRN in the development of atherosclerosis. Methods and results First, we checked the expression levels of PGRN in human atherosclerotic plaques. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that PGRN is strongly expressed in foam cells of atherosclerotic plaques. We also found that PGRN is expressed more abundantly in macrophages than in the smooth muscle cells of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Next, PGRN−/−ApoE−/− mice were generated to investigate the effect of PGRN on the development of atherosclerosis. PGRN−/−ApoE−/− mice exhibited severe atherosclerotic lesions compared with PGRN+/+ApoE−/− mice, despite their anti-atherogenic lipid profile. These results are partly due to enhanced expression of inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and decreased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. In addition, lack of PGRN leads to accumulate excessive cholesterol in the macrophages and alter HDL-associated proteins. Conclusion PGRN seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, possibly by various anti-atherogenic effects, including modulation of local and/or systemic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries are the pathological basis for myocardial infarction and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Progression of heart failure after myocardial infarction is associated with cardiac remodeling, which has been studied by means of coronary ligation in mice. However, this ligation model requires excellent techniques. Recently, a new murine model, HypoE mouse was reported to exhibit atherogenic Paigen diet-induced coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction; however, the HypoE mice died too early to make possible investigation of cardiac remodeling. Therefore, we aimed to modify the HypoE mouse model to establish a novel model for ischemic cardiomyopathy caused by atherosclerotic lesions, which the ligation model does not exhibit. Methods and Results: In our study, the sustained Paigen diet for the HypoE mice was shortened to 7 or 10 days, allowing the mice to survive longer. The 7-day Paigen diet intervention starting when the mice were 8 weeks old was adequate to permit the mice to survive myocardial infarction. Our murine model, called the “modified HypoE mouse”, was maintained until 8 weeks, with a median survival period of 36 days, after the dietary intervention (male, n = 222). Echocardiography demonstrated that the fractional shortening 2 weeks after the Paigen diet (n = 14) significantly decreased compared with that just before the Paigen diet (n = 6) (31.4±11.9% vs. 54.4±2.6%, respectively, P<0.01). Coronary angiography revealed multiple diffuse lesions. Cardiac remodeling and fibrosis were identified by serial analyses of cardiac morphological features and mRNA expression levels in tissue factors such as MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, collagen-1, and TGF-β. Conclusion: Modified HypoE mice are a suitable model for ischemic cardiomyopathy with multiple diffuse lesions and may be considered as a novel and convenient model for investigations of cardiac remodeling on a highly atherogenic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is observed in patients with Brugada syndrome (BS), especially those showing coved-type electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern. Using P-wave signal-averaged ECG (P-SAE), we investigated whether increased intraatrial conduction abnormality contributed to AF generation in BS patients. Methods: Twenty BS patients and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. At the P-SAE recording, 12 of the 20 BS patients showed coved-type (C-BS) and eight showed saddleback-type (S-BS). The total duration (Ad) and root mean square voltage for the terminal 20 ms (LP20) of the filtered P wave were measured. P-wave dispersion (P-disp) was defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum, measured from 16 precordial recording sites. Results: BS patients had a significantly longer Ad (128.2 ± 7.6 vs 116.3 ± 8.2 ms, P < 0.0001), lower LP20 (2.6 ± 0.9 vs 3.4 ± 0.8 μV, P < 0.01), and greater P-disp (15.5 ± 7.0 vs 7.4 ± 3.2 ms, P < 0.0001) than the controls. C-BS patients had significantly longer Ad (131.0 ± 7.2 vs 124.1 ± 6.8 ms, P < 0.05) and lower LP20 (2.2 ± 0.6 vs 3.2 ± 1.0 μV, P < 0.05) than S-BS patients. All C-BS patients and only three S-BS patients had atrial late potential (100% vs 38%, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Intraatrial conduction delay and its heterogeneity may exist in BS patients, especially those showing coved-type ECG patterns. These atrial electrical abnormalities could be a substrate for atrial reentrant tachycardia such as AF. (PACE 2011; 34:1138-1146) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a prospective study to determine whether a bolus injection of sodium bicarbonate before emergent coronary procedures in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) might prevent contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We enrolled 59 patients with CKD, defined by a serum creatinine concentration of >1.1 mg/dl or an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min, who were scheduled at admission to undergo an emergent coronary procedure. The patients were randomized to receive a bolus intravenous injection of 154 mEq/L of sodium bicarbonate (n = 30) or sodium chloride (n = 29) at the dose of 0.5 ml/kg, before contrast administration, followed by infusion of 154 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate at 1 ml/kg/hour for 6 hours in both groups. The primary end point was the occurrence of CIN, defined as an increase by >25% or >0.5 mg/dl of the serum creatinine level within 2 days after the procedure. In the sodium bicarbonate group, the serum creatinine concentration remained unchanged within 2 days of contrast administration (from 1.32 ± 0.46 to 1.38 ± 0.60 mg/dl, p = 0.33). In contrast, it had increased in the sodium chloride group (1.51 ± 0.59 to 1.91 ± 1.19 mg/dl, p = 0.006). The incidence of CIN was significantly lower in the sodium bicarbonate group than in the sodium chloride group (3.3% vs 27.6%, p = 0.01). In conclusion, rapid alkalization by bolus injection of sodium bicarbonate was effective for the prevention of CIN in patients with CKD undergoing emergent procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) is a validated prediction model that estimates the mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) using commonly obtained information, including clinical data, laboratory test results, medication use, and device implantation. In addition, cardiac iodine-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging provides prognostic information for patients with CHF. However, the long-term predictive value of combining the SHFM and cardiac MIBG imaging in patients with CHF has not been elucidated. To prospectively investigate whether cardiac iodine-123 MIBG imaging provides additional prognostic value to the SHFM in patients with CHF, we studied 106 outpatients with CHF who had radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (30 ± 8%). The SHFM score was obtained at enrollment, and the cardiac MIBG washout rate (WR) was calculated from anterior chest images obtained at 20 and 200 minutes after isotope injection. During a mean follow-up of 6.8 ± 3.5 years (range 0 to 13), 32 of 106 patients died from cardiac causes. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the WR (p = 0.0002) and SHFM score (p = 0.0091) were independent predictors of cardiac death. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with an abnormal WR (>27%) had a significantly greater risk of cardiac death than did those with a normal WR for both those with a SHFM score of ≥1 (relative risk 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 9.7, p = 0.01) and a SHFM score of ≤0 (relative risk 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 9.6, p = 0.004). In conclusion, the cardiac MIBG WR provided additional prognostic information to the SHFM score for patients with CHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) is becoming accepted as an effective and reliable treatment option for severe carotid artery stenosis. However, it is rarely applied for carotid occlusion, especially in its chronic stage. We report our experience of CAS for chronic internal carotid artery occlusion representing compromised cerebral blood flow using various protection methods. A 77-year-old woman, who was already diagnosed with severe left internal carotid artery stenosis, suddenly had right hemiparesis and aphasia. At that time, she was treated conservatively because her neurological status was quite good, in spite of left carotid artery occlusion. Her symptoms improved in the short term, except slight aphasia, but deteriorated again 18 days from the onset, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed new ischemic lesions. CAS was then performed for the occluded carotid artery on the 23rd day from the first onset. Using the proximal protection technique, the occluded lesion was crossed carefully with a microguidewire. Stents were also placed successfully with the distal protection technique. The occluded carotid artery was completely recanalized without any unfavorable events or neurological deterioration. In this patient, CAS was successfully to treat chronic carotid artery occlusion. These procedures and techniques are reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory disease of the liver that usually develops in middle-aged women. However, due to the increasing aging of the population and better diagnostic facilities, AIH is now diagnosed in older patients as well. This analysis compared the clinical and pathologic characteristics of older and middle-aged patients with AIH. Patients and methods: Thirteen older patients with AIH (mean age, 75.0±5.3 years; range, 70–89 years) and 27 middle-aged patients (mean age, 51.3±5.8 years; range, 41–60 years) were included in this study. In addition, the use of different treatment regimens, including prednisolone therapy and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), was examined. Results: There were no significant differences in gender, complications of other autoimmune diseases, and liver function tests between groups. However, the degree of hepatic fibrosis was significantly higher in older patients compared with middle-aged patients (P <0.05). Four patients with AIH in the older age group were successfully managed by UDCA alone. Conclusion: This study shows that older patients with abnormal liver function should be checked for AIH. In addition, UDCA may be an effective drug for management of older patients with AIH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Intelligent actuators have contributed to constructing products such as machines, robotic systems and to factory automation. The stroke is measured by using a sensor located on one end of an actuator. This stroke sensing system is not only very complex but also sensitive to vibration, dust and fumes. To solve this problem, a new actuator has already been developed. This actuator''s piston rod has highly accurate magnetic scales made by laser beam irradiation. This allowed the development of a scaling rod, which satisfies both accuracy and intensity. Manufacturing cost is, however, very high, and the applications are restricted to special use. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is the development of a new manufacturing process with plastic forming in order to improve productivity. In this method, magnetic scales are made by rotary forming. Only the plastic deformation parts become ferromagnetic because of transformation-induced martensite by transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect on the surface of a nonmagnetic rod. Using this method, a reasonable and accurate regular magnetic interval and the stroke''s high degree of accuracy is achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]