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BACKGROUND Omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed to be useful in the prevention of cardiac events. High-risk plaque (HRP) and plaque progression on serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) have been suggested to be the predecessor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether addition of omega-3 fatty acids to statin therapy for secondary prevention would lead to change in plaque characteristics detected by using serial CTA.Methods and Results:This study enrolled 210 patients with ACS: no eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/ docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; EPA/DHA), low-dose EPA+DHA, high-dose EPA+DHA, and high-dose EPA alone. HRP was significantly more frequent in patients with plaque progression (P=0.0001). There was a significant interaction between plaque progression and EPA dose regardless of the DHA dose; 20.3% in EPA-none (no EPA/DHA), 15.7% in EPA-low (low-dose EPA+DHA), and 5.6% in EPA-high (high-dose EPA+DHA and high-dose EPA alone). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, HRP (OR 6.44, P

In patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) is always used as an index of decline in renal function. However, there are few animal models of DKD that could be used to evaluate renal function based on GFR or Ccr. For this reason, it is desirable to develop animal models to assess renal function, which could also be used for the evaluation of novel therapeutic agents for DKD. Therefore, we aimed to develop such animal model of DKD by using spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR)/NDmcr-cp (cp/cp) rats with the characteristics of obese type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. As a result, we have found that unilateral nephrectomy (UNx) caused a chronic Ccr decline, development of glomerular sclerosis, tubular lesions, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, accompanied by renal anemia. Moreover, losartan-mixed diet suppressed the Ccr decline in UNx-performed SHR/NDmcr-cp rats (UNx-SHR/cp rats), with improvement in renal anemia and histopathological changes. These results suggest that UNx-SHR/cp rats could be used as a DKD model for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic agents based on suppression of renal function decline.

In this paper, stress-constrained topology optimization is applied to the design of compliant displacement magnification mechanisms. By formulating the objective function based on the concept of effective energy, it is not necessary to place artificial spring components at the boundaries of the output and input ports as in previous methods. This makes it possible to design mechanisms that do not receive a reaction force at the output port, such as sensors. Furthermore, by imposing a constraint on the maximum stress evaluated in terms of the p-norm of the von Mises equivalent stress, problems such as stress concentration can be avoided. Several numerical examples of displacement magnification mechanisms are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method., 38 pages, 23 figures

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography has been established as a standard noninvasive tool for risk stratification of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of on-site workstation-based computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) in comparison with MPI using invasive fractional flow reserve (invasive FFR) as a gold standard. We enrolled 97 patients with suspected CAD. Diagnostic performance of CT angiography (CTA), and CT-FFR was compared in 105 lesions of 97 patients. Invasive FFR ≤ 0.8 was detected in 38 (36%) lesions. Diagnostic performance of CT-FFR was improved compared with CTA (AUC 0.83 vs. 0.60, p

Background Right ventricular (RV) septal pacing is often selected to preserve a more physiologic ventricular activation. But the pacing leads are not always located in true septal wall, rather in hinge or free wall in some cases with the conventional stylet-guided lead implantation. In recent years, new guiding catheter systems has attracted attention as a solution to that problem. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate that true ventricular sepal pacing can be achieved by use of the new guiding catheter system for pacing lead. Methods We enrolled 198 patients who underwent RV septal lead implantation and computed tomography (CT) after pacemaker implantation. 16 cases were used delivery catheter (Delivery), and 182 cases were used stylet for targeting ventricular septum (Conventional). We analyzed the lead locations with CT, and evaluated capture thresholds, R-wave amplitudes, lead impedances and 12-lead electrocardiogram findings one month after implantation. Results All cases of delivery catheter group had true septal lead positions (Delivery; 100% vs Conventional; 44%, p Conclusions The delivery catheter system designated for pacing lead can contribute to select the true ventricular septal sites and to attain the more physiologic ventricular activation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The aim of the present study was to examine the association of myocardial mass verified by computed tomography (CT) and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR)—verified myocardial ischemia, or subsequent therapeutic strategy for the targeted vessels after FFR examination. We examined 333 vessels with intermediate stenoses in 297 patients (mean age 69.0 ± 9.5, 228 men) undergoing both coronary CT angiography and invasive FFR, and reviewed the therapeutic strategy after FFR. Of 333 vessels, FFR ≤ 0.80 was documented in 130 (39.0%). Myocardial volume supplied by the target vessel (MVT) was larger in those with FFR-verified ischemia than those without (53.4 ± 19.5 vs. 42.9 ± 22.2 cm3, P

X-ray topography is an effective tool for investigating dislocations in semiconductor crystals. Owing to the low X-ray absorption coefficients of light element materials such as diamond, X-rays can penetrate deep into the crystal. Thus, deep three-dimensional dislocations are projected onto a two-dimensional film, which makes dislocation analysis particularly challenging. The dislocation vectors from the films obtained using a set of the same diffraction vectors were identified using topographical and geometrical analyses. The depth and position of the dislocations in a three-dimensional crystal that was projected onto a two-dimensional film were determined using geometrical relationships. The proposed analysis method was verified by analyzing many dislocations using four diffraction films.

Background On-site workstation based computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is an emerging method to assess the vessel specific ischaemia in coronary artery disease (CAD). The impact of coronary calcification on its diagnostic performance is unknown. Purpose To evaluate the impact of coronary calcification on the diagnostic performance of reduced-order CT-FFR at detecting vessel specific ischaemia. Methods This is a retrospective pooled analysis of 141 patients with suspected CAD enrolled from 3 global centres who underwent CT-coronary angiography (CTA), onsite CT-FFR and invasive FFR. Coronary calcification was assessed by Agatston score (AS). The diagnostic performance of CT-FFR (≤0.8) and CTA (≥50%) in evaluation of vessel specific ischaemia (FFR ≤ 0.8) was assessed across AS quartiles (Q1-4). A comparison of diagnostic performance of the low to mid AS (Q1 to Q3) versus high AS (Q4) was performed. Results Mean age and median AS was 65.8 ± 9.9 and 327.3 (interquartile range = 78.5 – 798.1). Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of CT-FFR for low-mid AS (0-798) and high AS (799-4019) were 77.4% vs 82.9%; 78.9% vs 94.7%; 68.8% vs 76.5% respectively with no statistical difference between the two groups. The AUC for ischaemia of CT-FFR in low to mid AS was comparable with AUC in the high AS (0.76 [95% CI: 0.66-0.86] vs 0.84 [0.69-0.99]; P = 0.397). The AUC for ischemia for CT-FFR in both low to mid AS and high AS was significantly higher than for CTA (0.76 [0.66-0.86] vs 0.57 [0.50-0.64]; P = 0.003 and 0.84 [0.69-0.99] vs 0.48 [0.38-0.57]; P Conclusion On-site workstation CT-FFR demonstrated consistently high diagnostic performance in patients with high AS. Its diagnostic performance was superior when compared with significant stenosis assessment on CTA across all spectrum of Agatston scores.

Background Conventional noninvasive approach using coronary CT angiography (CTA) focusing on only coronary artery lesions remains mismatch in identifying functional ischemia and determining indication for coronary revascularization. Purpose We aimed to assess the usefulness of CT-verified myocardial mass for identifying FFR-verified myocardial ischemia and determining the indication of coronary revascularization after FFR examination. Methods We examined 244 vessels with intermediate stenoses (50 to 90% stenosis visually on CTA) in 216 patients (mean age 69.2±9.2, 166 men) who underwent both coronary CTA and invasive FFR. In addition to coronary stenosis severity and plaque characteristics on visual, minimal lumen diameter (MLD), minimal lumen area (MLA), plaque volume, the entire myocardial volume of the target vessel (MTV) and that exposed to ischemia (FFR ≤0.80) (myocardial volume of ischemia: MVI) were evaluated. Additionally, therapeutic strategy after FFR was recorded. Results Of 244 vessels, myocardial ischemia (FFR ≤0.80) was shown in 99 (40.6%). MTV was larger in the patients with FFR-verified ischemia than those without (53.3±19.2 vs. 41.5±21.6, P Conclusions The measurement of myocardial mass improves the diagnostic performance of coronary CTA for the identification of coronary arteries with FFR-verified ischemia. Furthermore, it is associated with therapeutic strategy for the diseased vessels after FFR examination.

Background Currently, invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR), has become a gold standard to select patients requiring revascularization. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) -derived FFR (FFRCT/CT-FFR) can be used for the management of coronary artery disease, which would be a gatekeeper of invasive coronary angiography. In most of the previous report to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FFRCT/CT-FFR, FFRCT/CT-FFR value was measured at the same point as the invasive FFR. Clinically, FFRCT/CT-FFR should be measured without the information of invasive FFR. However, optimal measurement point for CT-FFR has not been established yet. Purpose To assess the optimal measurement point of CT-FFR in comparison with invasive FFR as a gold standard. Methods CTA images scanned at 70–99% of R-R interval with 320 slice CT were screened. In the de-novo lesions with invasive FFR data were included in this study. Since calcified lesions could affect CT-FFR value, severe calcified lesions on CTA were excluded from the analysis. The CT-FFR analysis was performed by 2 cardiologists blinded to the results of the invasive FFR using a standard desktop computer and dedicated software. CT-FFR values could be provided at any point from ostium of coronary artery to the distal with vessel diameter of 1.8mm. To determine the optimal point for measurement of CT-FFR, CT-FFR values were obtained at 3 points in each coronary artery; 1) at the same point as invasive FFR; 2) lowest CT-FFR at distal point of coronary artery; 3) at 2.0 cm distal to the lesion. The diagnostic performance at each point was compared with invasive FFR. Results Fifty vessels of 44 patients (average age 68 years, male were 32) were included. Average Agatston score was 279.4. There was significant correlation between CT-FFR at each point and invasive FFR. CT-FFR at the same point as invasive FFR showed the good correlation with invasive FFR (R=0.641, 95% CI= 0.041–0.127, p Conclusions CT-FFR was feasible to detect invasive FFR derived ischemia at the same point. CT-FFR at 2.0 cm distal to the lesion showed higher diagnostic performance compared with CT-FFR measured at the far distal. CT-FFR measurement at 2.0 cm distal to the lesion would be a optimal position clinically.

Background Fractional flow reserve (FFR) based strategy for coronary artery disease (CAD) is widely accepted. However, cardiac events could occur at deferred lesions after FFR. We previous reported that CT derived high risk plaque (HRP) and residual stenosis were the independent predictors of cardiac events. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate if plaque characteristics on CTA could predict cardiac events in deferred lesions after FFR. Methods We included 211 vessels of 193 patients who were deferred revascularization after CTA and invasive FFR. The presence of HRP and the stenosis grading on CTA were analyzed. Results Median follow-up period after CTA was 623 days (IQR 302–945). HRP and obstructive stenosis were detected in 58 (27.5%) and 87 (41.2%) lesions, respectively. Cardiac events were occurred in 10 lesions at 440±167 days in average (range: 150–770 days). Multivaliate cox hazard regression analysis revealed that HRP (HR8.01, p=0.0032) and obstructive stenosis with ≥70% (HR 34.93, p Conclusions Even in the deferred lesions by invasive FFR, lesions with HRP and obstructive stenosis showed high rate of cardiac events. These lesions should be treated with intensive medical therapy to prevent cardiac events.

Background On-site workstation based computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is an emerging method to assess vessel specific ischaemia in coronary artery disease (CAD). Global data on its diagnostic performance when compared with CT coronary angiography (CTA) is limited. Purpose To evaluate the on-site multicentre diagnostic performance of reduced-order CT-FFR at detecting vessel specific ischaemia. Method This is a retrospective pooled analysis of 141 patients (204 vessels) with suspected CAD enrolled from 3 global centres who underwent CTA, onsite CT-FFR and invasive FFR. On-site CT-FFR was performed using a reduced order model on a standard desktop computer with dedicated software. The per vessel diagnostic performance of CT-FFR (≤0.8) for vessel specific ischemia (FFR≤0.8) was compared with CTA (≥50% stenosis). Results Mean age was 65.8±9.9, 70.7% were male. FFR significant stenosis was present in 34.3% (70/204) of vessels. Pearson correlation of CT-FFR for invasive FFR was 0.52, P Conclusion On-site workstation CT-FFR demonstrated high per vessel diagnostic performance and was superior when compared with CTA in assessment of vessel specific ischaemia as assessed by invasive FFR in a multicentre setting.

Background Mid-ventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (MVO-HCM) has different blood flow dynamics from other phenotypes, but there are few detailed data on blood flow dynamics in the left ventricle. Methods 4D-Flow MRI were performed at 1.5 T or 3 T with 9 MVO-HCM patients and 22 control patients (LVEF>50%, no wall motion abnormality). Myocardial infarction, severe valvular disease, HCM cases other than MVO were excluded. We calculated the cardiac function parameters and observed blood flow dynamics in the left ventricle using 4D-Flow MRI. Results LV mass was significantly higher in MVO-HCM group than in Control group (Control group; 73.3g vs MVO-HCM group; 109.5g, P=0.019). LVEF was higher in MVO-HCM group (Control group; 61.6% vs MVO-HCM group; 70.6%, P=0.026), but Stroke volume did not differ between the two groups (Control group; 68.8ml vs MVO-HCM group; 64.4ml, P=0.43).One or two vortices were observed in the left ventricle after opening the mitral valve. Two vortices were observed in 16 cases (72.7%) in the control group and 9 cases (100%) in the MVO-HCM group. Two vortices were formed on the anterior side and the posterior side. Blood flow pattern in which the vortex on the posterior side was formed to be the same size or larger than the vortex on the anterior side was observed only in the MVO-HCM group (Control group; 0% vs MVO-HCM group; 66.7%, P Streamline of MVO-HCM & Control Conclusion Characteristic blood flow patterns in the left ventricle of the MVO-HCM were revealed by using 4D-MRI. We thought that blood flow collides with the left ventricle wall due to the marked hypertrophy in the mid-ventricle, and normal vortex ring can not be formed in the MVO-HCM cases.

We investigated the carrier and spin dynamics of high-density exciton magnetic polarons (HD-EMPs) in Cd

BACKGROUND Limitations of coronary computed tomography (CTA) include false-positive stenosis at calcified lesions and assessment of in-stent patency. A prototype of ultra-high resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT: 1,792 channels and 0.25-mm slice thickness×128 rows) with improved spatial resolution was developed. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery stenosis using U-HRCT.Methods and Results:Seventy-nine consecutive patients who underwent CTA using U-HRCT were prospectively included. Coronary artery stenosis was graded from 0 (no plaque) to 5 (occlusion). Stenosis grading at 102 calcified lesions was compared between U-HRCT and conventional-resolution CT (CRCT: 896 channels and 0.5-mm slice thickness×320 rows). Median stenosis grading at calcified plaque was significantly improved on U-HRCT compared with CRCT (1; IQR, 1-2 vs. 2; IQR, 1-3, P

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital anomalies of the primitive foregut that are usually found above the diaphragm, and a retroperitoneal location is extremely unusual. Due to the low prevalence of these pathologies, their imaging features have seldom been described. We report a rare case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst showing characteristic imaging features of milk of calcium on plain abdominal radiography and computed tomography.

Silica (SiO2)-coated rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles were prepared using a water-in-oil microemulsion of polyoxyethylene (15) cetyl ether, cyclohexane and water. SiO2-coated Rh nanoparticles were obtained by hydrolyzing metal alkoxide (tetraethylorthosilicate, TEOS) in the solution containing Rh complex nanoparticles followed by thermal and reduction treatments. In the SiO2-coated Rh nanoparticle, a Rh particle with an average diameter of 4.1 nm was located nearly at the center of each spherical SiO2 particle. The SiO2 layer was approximately 15 nm thick. Since the Rh particle was wholly surrounded by SiO2, the Rh particle of the SiO2-coated Rh nanoparticle exhibited an extremely high thermal stability. Furthermore, the porous structure of the SiO2 layer could be controlled by the hydrolysis conditions of TEOS.

The formation of cellular patterns, known as “Benard cell”, was investigated in organic-inorganic hybrid films under various conditions. The cells were observed in undoped-hybrid films, and its origin was attributed to the convection of TiO2 nanoparticles formed in the aging process of the sol. These cells showed the particular properties such as the difference between the center and its surrounding: the center showed a lower refractive index than that of the surrounding, a valley at the center with mountain-like surroundings, and a hydrophobic center and hydrophilic surrounding. How the cell patterns were formed depended on the conditions such as the atmospheric humidity and the gravity. It should be also noted that the cells on a silica glass substrate remained after 1000°C heating.

A new bacterial species is described, for which the name Streptomyces turgidiscabies is proposed. This organism causes potato (Solanum tuberosum) scab in eastern Hokkaido, Japan; the lesions caused are distinctly erumpent. In culture, S. turgidiscabies is distinct from other scab-causing Streptomyces species, having flexuous spore chains and grey mass colour. The spores of this organism are cylindrical and smooth. Its cell walls contain the LL-diaminopimelic acid isomer, and its DNA G + C content is 71 mol%. S. turgidiscabies does not produce melanin or other diffusible pigments, does not grow on agar media at pH 4.0 or 37 degrees C, is positive for utilization of raffinose and inulin as a carbon source, and is sensitive to streptomycin (20 micrograms ml-1), penicillin G (10 IU ml-1), polymyxin B (15 micrograms ml-1), and thallium acetate (10 micrograms ml-1). The levels of DNA relatedness within S. turgidiscabies strains are high but relatedness between strains of this species and strains of S. acidiscabies, S. scabies, S. caviscabies, S. griseus, S. setonii and S. tendae are low. The type strain is SY9113T (= ATCC 700248T = IFO 16080T).

We have succeeded in dramatically reducing the complexity of the conventional tracking system architecture with the application of our newly-developed, original tracking system. Because this new system has a lower power consumption level, it enable the application of spread spectrum communication to portable machines-which are required to be ever lighter, shorter, smaller, and more low-profile-more readily available. For example, these Bi-CMOS LSIs are used in wireless portable CDs, wireless headphones and cordless telephones etc.

A new method to correlate intrinsic reactivity and treatability efficiency of metallic iron (Fe 0 ) was evaluated. A 2.0 mg L −1 methylene blue (MB) solution was used in gravity fed column experiments. The intrinsic reactivity of nine Fe 0 materials (10 samples) was characterized using the EDTA test. Three commercial Fe 0 materials ZVI1 (0.40–0.80 mm), ZVI9 (0.50 mm) and ZVI10 (0.45–0.55 mm) were tested in column experiments. A layer containing 100 g of Fe 0 was sandwiched between about 19.5 cm upper coarse sand (1.6–2.0 mm) and 8.0 cm lower fine sand (0.25–0.30 mm). 500 mL of the MB solution was daily filtered through each column for 1 month. Effluent solutions were characterized for MB and Fe concentrations. The columns were also characterized by the evolution of the hydraulic conductivity ( k values). Results showed (i) quantitative MB removal (>88%), and (ii) limited Fe release for all three columns. After about 25 days, the Fe levels were constantly less than 1.0 mg L −1 . The most significant difference was observed in the evolution of the k value and was attributed to the different material sorting. Less sorted ZVI1 exhibited the lowest initial k value (8.0 vs 43.0 mm min −1 for ZVI9 and ZVI10) and most significant permeability loss. Results confirmed the usefulness of the tested protocol as a reliable method to assess the efficiency of Fe 0 materials in short term column experiments. Well-sorted Fe 0 materials are recommended for long term efficient Fe 0 filtration systems.

The influence of metallic iron (Fe0) amendment on the efficiency of sand to discolor a 2.0 mg L-1 methylene blue (MB) solution was investigated in column studies. MB was used as an indicator to identify the optimum Fe0/sand ratio for efficient filtration systems. Columns contained 0, 100 or 200 g of a Fe0 material. The volumetric proportion of Fe0 in the reactive layer of the columns with 100 g of material varied from 10 to 100 %. Results showed that, Fe0 amendment significantly impaired MB discoloration by sand for experiments lasting for up to 132 days. Early MB breakthrough in Fe0/sand columns delineated the paramount importance of particle cementation, which has caused preferential flow with a negative impact on discoloration efficiency. The most efficient Fe0/sand mixtures were the ones with 30 to 50 % Fe0 (v/v). These volumetric ratios correspond 33 to 41 % weight ratios showing that the commonly used 1:1 weight ratio (50 %) may not be optimal. Further research with compounds exhibiting different affinities to both Fe0 and sand is needed before this observation can be generalized. peerReviewed

The influence of granular sand on the efficiency of metallic iron (Fe0) for the discoloration of a methylene blue (MB) solution was investigated in the current work. The initial MB concentration was 10 mg L-1 and mass loadings within the range of 0 to 90 g L-1 for sand and 0 to 45 g L-1 for Fe0 were applied. The batch reaction vessel used was a graduated essay tube containing 22.0 mL of the MB solution. Shaking intensities of 0 and 75.0 rpm were applied for experimental durations of 7, 21 and 45 days. Results provide clear evidence that both Fe0 and sand were independently effective for the discoloration of MB. However, the latter material was significantly less effective, recording 54.0 % compared to 82.0 % recorded for the Fe0 after 45 days in experiment with 45.0 g L-1 of each material. Similarly, mixing 90 g L-1 sand with 45.0 g L-1 of Fe0 depicted a MB discoloration efficacy of 72.0 % demonstrating that the discoloration capability of the Fe0 was significantly ‘masked’ by the presence of sand. This observation provides clear evidence to question the common approach of using adsorbents for contaminant accumulation in the vicinity of Fe0 materials in order to facilitate chemical reduction by Fe0. Further research is required to determine the relative affinity of different materials that can be used in Fe0 mixtures for maximum contaminant removal efficacies. peerReviewed

We examined a left-handed 25-year-old man engaged for 2 years at a vinyl chloride resin factory where he had been exposed to lead stearate, a stabilizer of resin. Neurological examination revealed atrophy of small hand muscles, especially in the left dorsal interossei. Sensation of all modalities was intact. A nerve conduction study showed conduction block at the elbow, indicating possible cubital tunnel syndrome. Following CaEDTA therapy, continued recovery of conduction velocities, amplitude of compound muscle action potential, and diminution of conduction block at elbow were observed within a few months. In lead intoxication, nerves may incur mechanical damage. Subclinical entrapment may thus be an important factor leading to vulnerability of nerves in lead neuropathy.

K. Tanabe and K. Miyajima comment on the paper by K.-H. Yang et al. (see ibid., vol.15, no.4, p.1243-51, 2000) and ask three questions of the authors. The original authors reply to the comments.

The authors targeted the following goals in developing their FM front end IC with a new system: (1) to develop a practical system that prevents intermodulation; (2) to develop a system that enhances the masking phenomena characteristic without degrading the intermodulation characteristic; and (3) to increase the dynamic range of MIX input. By using this IC, the interference characteristic that had previously posed a problem for this block was significantly suppressed. The newly developed FM front end IC also facilitates the simple design and mass production of car stereo FM tuners featuring high sensitivity and a wide service area. >

The broadband planar antenna with a truncated elliptical element and a parasitic element near ground conductor which are printed on a dielectric substrate is proposed. The proposed antenna is analyzed by using the FDTD method, and return loss characteristics and radiation patterns are obtained and shown in figures. Effects of a parasitic element and a truncated elliptical element are considered. From the results, it is clear that radiation patterns are improved by locating a parasitic element and truncating an elliptical element.

To develop diagnostic method for terminals in aged XLPE cable lines, an external diagnosis of deterioration signals relating to partial discharge generated in the aged terminal has been investigated.

An IC for a car radio diversity system using a noise density counting system has been developed. This diversity system effectively eliminates multipath interference, and is not affected by ignition or other noises. Experimental results obtained with this system are presented. >

Recently, ultra wideband (UWB) system has become one of the most useful technologies in the room communications. In this paper, characteristics of return loss of a basic E-type planar antenna (BEPA) and a half-BEPA (H-BEPA) are considered for the length of elements. In order to make the broadband characteristic in a H-BEPA, a H-BEPA with an elliptical element is proposed and analyzed by the FDTD method. Characteristics of return loss and radiation patterns are described for element length and values of ellipticity of an elliptical element, respectively. The half-BEPA with an elliptical element is miniaturized by 32% aiming at the application to UWB system.

We have been investigating the residual-charge measurement as a diagnostic method for water-tree deteriorated cross-linked polyethylene cables. The conventional method uses the amount of the residual charge as a diagnostic index, but it has a difficulty in estimating the degree of water-tree deterioration in a long line, because the amount of the residual charge depends on the length of the cable. The distribution of residual charges obtained by using the improved method we proposed here could correlate to the water-tree distribution in insulation of the cable. In this method, the residual-charge component released by higher AC voltage application, which could correspond to longer water trees, is used as an index how degree the insulation is deteriorated by water trees. This index is independent of the length of the cable. Therefore, the method we have developed is effective to diagnose the degree of water-tree deterioration. We applied this method to the cable line in fields and confirmed its effectiveness.

The pathogenic mechanism and predictive indicators of biological behaviour of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour are poorly understood. We investigated molecular abnormalities of p53 and MDM2 in order to assess whether these play an important role in pathogenesis, and whether they also contribute to clinicopathological aggressive phenotype in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour.We compared the immunohistochemical expression of calponin, h-caldesmon, ALK, and p53 gene mutation and MDM2 gene amplification with clinicopathological findings in 15 cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Histologically, cellular atypia was observed in five (33.3%) out of 15 cases. Local recurrences were observed in two (14.3%) of 14 informative cases, but no distant metastasis was observed. The expression of calponin (9/14; 64%) but not h-caldesmon (0/14; 0%) was seen, which suggested myofibroblastic differentiation. ALK expression was seen in eight (53.3%) out of 15 cases, particularly in patients under 40 years old. Nuclear expression of p53 protein was recognized in only one (6.7%) of 15 cases, and polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism followed by direct sequencing revealed p53 gene missense mutations in two (13.3%) of 15 cases. Nuclear expression of MDM2 was seen in four (26.7%) of 15 cases, and the MDM2 gene amplification was observed in two of the four cases.Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour shows a wide spectrum of cellular atypia and biological behaviour with p53 and MDM2 expression. However, the alterations in the p53 pathway seem not to play a major role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour.

Magnetic shielding is a useful method for a CRT display that has jitter caused by an external magnetic field. This paper presents the effectiveness of compensation coils as a mitigation method which has many advantages in eliminating this jitter.

An approach to extracting regions of a natural object by binarization using fuzzy reasoning is proposed. An advantage of this approach is that the threshold is obtained by fuzzy reasoning based on the shapes instead of the user having to determine the threshold by trial and error. This approach was applied to extracting the image of a real flower as an example of a natural object. In experiments, the image of a real flower was used whose color was the same as the background. It was demonstrated that the approach was more effective than statistical methods for extracting objects whose shape is almost known. >