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In order to clarify the visible-light responsive photocatalysis of TiO2 co-doped with Cu and N atoms, plasma-nitridation was taken place to Cu-doped TiO2 film. Cu-doped TiO2 films were prepared by dip-coating method and they were nitrided by nitrogen plasma in the plasma-enhanced CVD system. Cu-doped TiO2 films before and after plasma-nitridation show similar X-ray diffraction peaks of anatase TiO2. XPS analysis reveals that the ionic states of Ti and Cu in the Cu-doped TiO2 films are Ti4+ and Cu+, respectively. After nitrogen plasma treatment, oxygen atoms are released by substitution of nitrogen atoms in the TiO2 matrix, so that Cu+ is oxidized to generate Cu2+ and at the same time oxygen vacancy is formed. The absorption edge of both Cu-doped and plasma-nitrided Cu-doped TiO2 did red shift. Visible-light responsive photocatalytic activity of the Cu-doped TiO2 film degraded after nitrogen plasma treatment.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw induced by administration of bisphosphonates (BPs), BP-related osteonecrosis (BRONJ), typically develops after tooth extraction and is medically challenging. As BPs inhibit oral mucosal cell growth, we hypothesized that suppression of the wound healing-inhibiting effects could prevent BRONJ onset after tooth extraction. Since basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes wound healing, but has a short half-life, we examined whether the initiation of BRONJ could be prevented by applying a bFGF-containing gelatin hydrogel over the extraction sockets of BRONJ model rats. Forty-three rats, received two intravenous injections of zoledronic acid 60 μg/kg, once per week for a period of 2 weeks, underwent extraction of a unilateral lower first molar. The rats here were randomly assigned to the bFGF group (n = 15 rats, gelatin hydrogel sheets with incorporated bFGF applied over the sockets); the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group (n = 14 rats, gelatin hydrogel sheets without bFGF applied over the sockets); or the control group (n = 14 rats, nothing applied over the sockets). One rat in the bFGF group was sacrificed immediately after tooth extraction. Twenty-one rats were sacrificed at 3 weeks, and the remaining 21 rats were sacrificed at 8 weeks after tooth extractions. The harvested mandibles were analyzed using micro-computed tomography and sections were evaluated qualitatively for mucosal disruption and osteonecrosis. The incidence of osteonecrosis at 8 weeks after tooth extraction was 0% in the bFGF group, 100% in the PBS group, and 85.7% in the control group. The frequency of complete coverage of the extraction socket by mucosal tissue was significantly greater in the bFGF group than in the other groups. These results suggest that application of bFGF in the extraction socket promoted socket healing, which prevented BRONJ development. The growth-stimulating effects of bFGF may have offset the inhibition of wound healing by BP.

Chemical reactions carried out under microwave irradiation often have high reaction rates and high selectivities, which enable compact reactor sizes and energy-conservation processes. Thus, microwave chemical processing and chemical synthesis have attracted considerable interest, as they will be employed for greatly improving process efficiencies and conserving energy for realizing “Green Chemistry” or “Green Engineering”. We have applied this technology to smelting process of magnesium metal. But Oxide (dolomite) does not absorb microwave energy well and does not generate heat. This time, when electrically conductivity ferrosilicon used as a reducing agent was mixed with the raw dolomite material and made into an antenna structure, it became easier to absorb the microwave energy and reduce the temperature. We have successfully obtained small amount of magnesium metal using a microwave irradiation with high yield of 71%, and also showed quarter of energy consumption in comparison with conventional process, which is called Pidgeon process.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and local efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with superabsorbent polymer microspheres (SAP-MS) in patients with pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Sixteen patients with unresectable pulmonary metastases from RCC refractory to standard therapy were enrolled to undergo TAE with the purpose of mass reduction and/or palliation. The prepared SAP-MS swell to approximately two times larger than their dry-state size (100-150 μm [n = 14], 50-100 μm [n = 2]). Forty-nine pulmonary nodules (lung n = 22, mediastinal lymph node n = 17, and hilar lymph node n = 10) were selected as target lesions for evaluation. Local tumor response was evaluated 3 months after TAE according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; version 1.1). The relationship between tumor enhancement ratio by CT during selective angiography and local tumor response was evaluated.The number of TAE sessions per patient ranged from 1 to 5 (median 2.9). Embolized arteries at initial TAE were bronchial arteries in 14 patients (87.5 %) and nonbronchial systemic arteries in 11 patients (68.8 %). Nodule-based evaluation showed that 5 (10.2 %) nodules had complete response, 17 (34.7 %) had partial response, 15 (30.6 %) had stable disease, and 12 (24.5 %) had progressive disease. The response rate was significantly greater in 22 lesions that had a high tumor enhancement ratio than in 27 lesions that had a slight or moderate ratio (90.9 vs. 7.4 %, p = 0.01). Severe TAE-related adverse events did not occur.TAE with SAP-MS might be a well-tolerated and locally efficacious palliative option for patients with pulmonary metastases from RCC.

Visible-light photocatalytic property of TiO2 / WO3 / FTO multi-layer structure was investigated. In this structure, the visible-light absorption takes place in the WO3 layer, and generated electrons and holes diffuse into the FTO and TiO2 layers, respectively. The holes diffused into the valence band of the TiO2 layer produce the hydroxyl radicals due to oxidation of H2O and/or OH− adsorbed on the TiO2 surface. The FTO bottom layer, which acts as a scavenger of electrons, contributes to an effective charge separation. As a result, the visible-light photocatalysis is enhanced in this structure.

The crystalline structure and grain size of the plasma-nitrided titania films annealed with various temperatures were examined. In the plasma-nitrided titania films, transition temperature from anatase to rutile rises and grain growth is suppressed compared with non-doped titania film. The photocatalytic activity between anatase and rutile films is compared without the effect of surface area. It is shown that the photocatalytic activity of rutile film is lower than that of anatase film. Therefore, it is concluded that the photocatalytic activity of the anatase film is essentially higher than that of rutile film.

This paper describes a study of the dispersion of hydroxyapatite (OHAp) powder in aqueous media. The slurry stability is achieved by utilizing a combination of a commercially available dispersant, polyacrylic acid sodium salt (PAA-Na) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, tetrasodium salt, dihydrate (EDTA·4Na·2H 2 O). Adsorption, sedimentation and rheology measurements have been performed to investigate the suspensions properties. It was shown that HAp slurries could be stabilized at pH 10.50 with the PAA-Na concentration around 0.45 wt%. Rheological measurement confirmed that well dispersed slurries could be obtained with the solid content as high as 63 vol%. After sintering, the relative density of HAp sheets reached 98.8%. The as sintered HAp samples exhibited excellent properties for cell attachment and proliferation. Results showed that the aqueous processing technique is effective for preparation HAp samples for biological applications.

c b i l g l ngina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH), first described y Badham, is a disorder characterized by the acute ormation of a blood-filled blister in the oral and ropharyngeal mucosa. Lesions of ABH occur mainly n the soft palate. Elderly patients are usually afected. Lesions are asymptomatic and heal spontaeously without scarring. The pathogenesis of ABH s unknown; however, it may be multifactorial. Loal trauma seems to be a major provoking factor; ther factors such as long-term use of steroid inhalers nd diabetes mellitus also may be contributory. o consistent hematologic or immunopathogenic facors have been found to be associated with ABH. lthough most cases of ABH require no treatment, esions could cause acute airway obstruction. In this report, we describe 11 cases of ABH exerienced in our clinic. We also review the literaure with regard to the clinical features, pathogensis, differential diagnosis, and management of the BH.

We isolated dental papilla from impacted human molar and proliferated adherent fibroblastic cells after collagenase treatment of the papilla. The cells were negative for hematopoietic markers but positive for CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, and CD166. When the cells were further cultured in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid, and dexamethasone for 14 days, mineralized areas together with osteogenic differentiation evidenced by high alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin contents were observed. The differentiation was confirmed at both protein and gene expression levels. The cells can also be cryopreserved and, after thawing, could show in vivo bone-forming capability. These results indicate that mesenchymal type cells localize in dental papilla and that the cells can be culture expanded/utilized for bone tissue engineering.

Bilayer structures of Ti film on SnO x film prepared by magnetron sputtering were annealed in ambient oxygen. Depth profiles of compositional elements after oxidation of the Ti/SnO x structures analyzed by XPS reveal that TiO x /SnO x composite films and TiO 2 /SnO x bilayer films were formed when the Ti/SnO x bilayer structures were fabricated at RT and 300 °C, respectively. In the TiO x /SnO x composite films, the SnO x forms impurity levels in the TiO x bandgap at the same time as it prevents TiO 2 crystallization. These impurity levels are considered to play a role of visible-light absorption. Visible-light response photocatalytic activities are observed only in the TiO x /SnO x composite films.

Photocatalytic titanium oxide (TiO2) films were prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). All the films prepared in this study were nearly stoichiometric titanium dioxide. X-ray diffraction shows weak diffraction peaks of anatase even in the as-grown film, and their intensities increase after 600 °C annealing. The crystalline phase changes from anatase to rutile after 900 °C annealing. The anatase films have a surface where high-density small grains have gathered, while the rutile film has an uneven surface with elongated grains. When the PECVD-TiO2 films were irradiated by UV-light, the photocatalytic reactions occur on the film surface, namely the photo-induced decomposition of organic compounds and the photo-induced hydrophilicity. These photocatalytic reactions occur more strongly on the anatase film than the rutile film. Moreover, photocatalytic activity strengthens with increasing crystallinity of anatase.

Effect of silicon dioxide (silica) addition into titanium oxide (titania) films on crystallinity and photo-induced hydrophilicity was investigated. Titania films and titania–silica mixed films with 20% or 50% silica were prepared by spin-coating deposition. For the titania films, photo-induced hydrophilicity is only observed in the films with anatase polycrystalline structure. For the titania–silica mixed films, however, despite these films showing no obvious anatase polycrystalline structure, very strong photo-induced hydrophilicity is observed. Particularly, even super-hydrophilicity where the contact angle shows 0° is easily observed for the titania–silica mixed films with 20% silica. The hydrophilicity of the titania films correlates closely with anatase crystalline structure. In the titania–silica mixed films, the synergistic effects of anatase polycrystalline structure of titania and water-trapping effect of silica are important for their strong photo-induced hydrophilicity.

The lithium doped and non-doped SiO 2 films were prepared by dip-coating method. Lithium atoms diffuse very fast in silicon oxide film and silicon substrate. As grown silicon nitride film prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is insufficient as barrier layer for lithium diffusion. Lithium atoms can keep in the silicon oxide film by using the silicon nitride films densified by high temperature heat treatment. Surface potential of the insulating films involved alkaline metal atoms can be measured by Kelvin probe force microscope (KFM). Although the data have considerable scatterings, the surface potential of the lithium doped films was showed to be relatively positive. It is also found that the hydrogen atoms incorporated in the silicon nitride films used as diffusion barrier layer have a large influence on the surface potential. The possibility of KFM is confirmed for estimation of the surface potential of the insulating films with charged atoms.

BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to clarify risk factors for local tumor recurrence and to determine which patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are most suitable for a single session, single application of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation. METHODS Fifty-six consecutive patients with 65 HCC tumors measuring ≤ 3 cm in greatest dimension who received a single session, single application of percutaneous RF ablation and who achieved optimal tumor ablation, as assessed by an immediate computed tomography scan, were enrolled in this study. Six possible factors for local recurrence were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model: tumor size, tumor location, proximity of the tumor to intrahepatic large vessels, types of electrodes used, prior treatment, and observation of impedance rises. Local recurrence free intervals were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and differences between groups were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS The Kaplan–Meier estimates of overall cumulative local recurrence free intervals after a single RF ablation treatment were 76% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 70.9–81.7%) at 12 months and 74% (95%CI, 68.2–79.6%) at 15 months. The log-rank test revealed a statistically significant difference between the local recurrence free intervals according to tumor size (P = 0.001) and tumor location (P 2 cm (risk ratio [RR], 4.9; 95%CI, 1.3–16.4; P = 0.019) and subcapsular location (RR, 5.2; 95%CI, 1.7–16.6; P = 0.005) were associated independently with local recurrence. The other four factors were not associated with local recurrence in this study. CONCLUSIONS A single session, single application of RF ablation produced favorable local control. Patients who have nonsubcapsular HCC tumors measuring ≤ 2 cm in greatest dimension may be the most suitable candidates for a single-session, single application of RF ablation. Cancer 2003;97:1253–62. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11168

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of systemic combined chemotherapy with low dose of 5-fluorouracil (250 mg/m2, 5 days), cisplatin (10 mg/m2, 5 days), and interferon-α (2.5 million units, three times weekly) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) underlying liver cirrhosis. Six patients who had advanced HCC with tumor thrombi in the main portal trunk were enrolled in this study. Partial response was achieved in 2, stable disease in 1, and disease progressed in 3. Objective responses were achieved in 2 (33%), however, marked decreases of α-fetoprotein protein and protein-induced vitamin K antagonist or absence (PIVKAII) levels were also seen in one patient (stable disease). Four patients showed hematologic or renal toxicity, which were well tolerated and managed. Our systemic combined chemotherapy resulted in favorable response and was well tolerated in those with advanced HCC underlying liver cirrhosis, complicated by leukocytopenia and thromobocytopenia.

Film stress of chemical vapor deposited silicon dioxide films was evaluated. All of the deposited films show tensile intrinsic stresses. Oxygen partial pressure dependence of the intrinsic stress is very close to that of deposition rate. The intrinsic stress increases with increasing the deposition rate under the same deposition temperature, and decreases with increasing substrate temperature. Electron spin resonance (ESR) active defects in the films were observed when the films were deposited at 380°C and 450°C. The ESR signal intensity decreases drastically with increasing deposition temperature. The intrinsic stress correlates very closely to the intensity of the ESR-active defects, that is, the films with larger intrinsic stress have larger ESR-active defects. It is considered that the intrinsic stress was generated because the voids caused by local bond disorder were formed during random network formation among the SiO4 tetrahedra. This local bond disorder also causes the ESR-active defects.

An electrostatic micromechanical switch that can conduct a logic operation with only one switch is proposed. This switch can perform an ''AND'' or an ''OR'' logic operation because it has two pairs of drive electrodes and its switching is controlled by the number of drive electrodes to which driving voltage is applied. A new beam layout makes it possible to decrease the driving voltage without increasing the switch area. The driving voltage can be reduced to 15 V when switch area is 60 = 70 mm 2 . The switch, which can be .

We found that thermal oxidation of (001)-oriented Czochralski silicon produces oxide ridges which surround the oxide pits above the grown-in defects (or octahedral void defects), whereas thermal oxidation of (111)-oriented Czochralski silicon produces oxide pits solely above the octahedral void defects. When the thermal oxide layers on (001)-oriented silicon were 400 nm, the heights of the oxide ridges were about 10–20 nm. Considering that the side walls of the octahedral void defects are (111) oriented, we assume that the oxidation rate of (111)-oriented silicon exceeding that of (001)-oriented silicon is closely related to the formation of oxide ridges.

Annealing characteristics of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited silicon nitride films have been evaluated. Annealing temperature dependence for N–hydrogen bonds decreases monotonically with increasing temperature, while that for Si–hydrogen bonds initially increases and then decreases. The annealing time dependence of the absorption coefficients indicate the N–hydrogen bonds have two bonding configurations: one dissociates from 400 °C, and the other above 600 °C. The dissociation of the weaker configuration follows the first-order reaction, and the estimated activation energy is about 0.45 eV. For the Si–hydrogen bonds, the increase of the absorption coefficient in the initial stage of annealing is due to the recombination of hydrogen released atoms from the N–hydrogen bonds with Si dangling bonds, which occurs because of the dense structures of the films. By subtracting out this increase due to the recombination reaction, it is found that the dissociation reaction for the Si–hydrogen bonds is also ...

The dependence of the density of defects in the oxide on Czochralski silicon substrates on its thickness is discussed quantitatively in terms of the shape and the size of the octahedral void defects. Oxide thinning at corners of the void defects may be a dominant factor in the oxide thickness dependence when oxide thickness is smaller than 50 nm. The size distribution (80–160 nm) of the void defects may be a dominant factor in the oxide thickness dependence when oxide thickness is larger than 50 nm. Model is presented to explain the mechanism of the two factors.

Selenothioic acid S -alkyl esters were reacted with allylic bromides in the presence of Et 3 N. Mono-, di- or tri-allylatd products were selectively formed by changing reaction temperatures, times and allylic bromides used. The reaction proceeded with high regio- and stereoselectivity via the seleno-Claisen rearrangement. The selective synthesis of monoallylated esters was also attained by the reaction of in-situ generated lithium eneselenolates with allylic bromides.

The relationship of an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene to left-ventricular hypertrophy in individuals with essential hypertension (EH) was investigated in a large population of Japanese men and women. The ACE genotype of 762 subjects with EH (425 men and 337 women) and 1,157 healthy controls (604 men and 553 women) was determined by polymerase chain reaction analysis. The distribution of ACE genotypes did not differ significantly between patients with EH and control in both men and women. For women with EH, the DD genotype was positively associated with the thickness of the interventricular septum and inversely associated with the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, both determined by echocardiography. In contrast, the DD genotype was not associated with any echocardiographic parameter in men with EH. These results indicate that the DD genotype is a risk factor for left-ventricular hypertrophy in Japanese women with EH, but not for Japanese men.

Desmoid fibromatosis is classified as a benign soft tissue tumor regardless of its local invasive behavior and its, local recurrence rate is 57-85% after local resection. A 19 y/o male patient with post-operative recurrence of a desmoid tumor in the shoulder was initially treated by arterial embolization; however, no improvement of symptoms was obtained. As second-line treatment, 20 mg of epirubicin, 50 mg of cisplatin and 250 mg of 5-FU were infused to tumor-related arteries and embolization was performed with a super absorbent polymer microsphere. After a single session of treatment, reduction of tumor size and improvement of symptoms were achieved. The same treatment was repeated three times without major complications. Considerable reduction of tumor was obtained after treatment. Chemo-embolization should be considered for the postoperative recurrence of desmoid fibromatosis, in order to prevent loss of function and maintain a high QOL for the patient.

Atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition of silicon dioxide films, using tetraethoxysilane and ozone sources, can produce a flowing-like step coverage on a patterned substrate. We evaluate the characteristics of silicon dioxide films deposited on a patterned substrate and compare them with those on a flat surface. Thermal desorption spectroscopy detects synchronous m/e = 48 and m/e = 64 fragments only in silicon dioxide films deposited on patterned substrate. The spectral change for the mle = 32 fragment is also detected. The contaminants, which desorb the parent species of m/e = 48 and m/e = 64 fragments during thermal desorption spectrometry, are localized in the bottom corner of the steps on patterned substrates. In Fourier transform infrared spectra of the film on patterned substrates, the peak attributed to the Si-O stretching vibration mode shifts and spreads to lower wave numbers.

The effects of the calcium antagonist benidipine on left ventricular (LV) mass and the plasma level of endothelin (ET)-1 like immunoreactivity were analyzed in patients with essential hypertension. Twenty-six untreated essential hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy and 9 untreated essential hypertensive patients without LV hypertrophy were given benidipine for 12 months. LV mass was calculated based on M-mode echocardiographic measurements. Benidipine reduced systolic and diastolic pressures from 173±12/101±10 to 140±10/85±10mmHg, respectively, (p

The effects of alkoxy functional groups on atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) using alkoxysilane and ozone are investigated from the standpoint of the molecular structure of the alkoxysilane molecules. Deposition rate and step coverage are evaluated for three kinds of alkoxysilane sources [(RO) 4 Si]: (CH 3 O) 4 Si, (C 2 H 5 O) 4 Si (called TEOS), and ((CH 3 ) 2 CHO) 4 Si. The addition of three kinds of alcohols, CH 3 OH, C 2 H 5 OH, and (CH 3 ) 2 CHOH, to the TEOS/O 3 system is also investigated. Both the deposition rates and step coverage are associated with the RO- functional groups of the alkoxysilane molecule. (CH 3 O) 4 Si, which contains the smallest alkoxy (RO-) groups, has the highest deposition rate and the best flow characteristics among the three silicon sources. With added alcohol: (i) the OH- group scavenges ozone molecules and affects the deposition rate, and (ii) the RO- group affects only the step coverage. The flow property is also affected by adding RO- fragments in reaction system

Trifunctional mono[6-(2-mercaptoethylamino)-6-deoxy]-β-cyclodextrin (MACD) has been prepared and used as a glyoxalase model. When 2-naphthylglyoxal (NAGO) is employed as a diagnostic substrate, MACD shows an overall activity greater than the reference compound 2-(dimethyl-amino)ethanethiol (DAET) at around pH 9; MACD favours remarkably the preequilibrium α-keto hemithioacetal formation, but slightly decelerates the follow-up rearrangement. The pH and kinetic isotope effects on the rate have revealed the mechanistic difference between the MACD- and DAET-promoted reactions.

Recently, secret key generation schemes for wireless communication systems using propagation performance are researched. RSSI, signal strength indications received at AP (Access Point) and UT (User Terminal) are same value in TDD systems because of reciprocity theorem, and are controlled by the array antenna pattern. However, RSSI at TP (Tapping Point) is not same as RSSI at AP or UT that depend on their location. The secret keys are generated from binarized RSSIs. This paper describes a method for improving the probability of key agreement between AT and UT by using array antennas control.

Reductive cyclization of γ,δ-unsaturated selenothioic acid S-esters with NaBH4 or LiAlH4 proceeds viaδ,Iµ-unsaturated selenols to afford tetrahydroselenophenes in good to high yields.

Selenothioic acid S -alkyl esters were reacted with allylic bromides in the presence of Et 3 N. Mono-, di- or tri-allylatd products were selectively formed by changing reaction temperatures, times and allylic bromides used. The reaction proceeded with high regio- and stereoselectivity via the seleno-Claisen rearrangement. The selective synthesis of monoallylated esters was also attained by the reaction of in-situ generated lithium eneselenolates with allylic bromides.

The pharmacokinetics of pirmenol hydrochloride (pirmenol), a new antiarrhythmic agent, and its suppressive effects on ventricular premature contractions (VPC) were studied in 16 patients following single oral administration of 75mg, 100mg, and 150mg of the drug. In 8 of 16 patients, suppressive effects on VPC were also studied following multiple oral administration of pirmenol of 75mg b. i. d. or 100mg b. i. d. Blood samples were drawn before and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48hr after single oral administration. In the multiple oral administration study, blood samples were collected before and 2hr after morning dose during the treatment period. Plasma and urine drug concentration were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma protein binding of pirmenol was determined by an ultrafiltration method. A 48-hr continuous ECG and standard 12-lead ECGs were recorded to assess the effects of pirmenol on VPC and ECG parameters.The Cmax and AUC after single administration were 0.799μg/ml & 9.23μg·hr/ml in 75mg group (n=6), 0.784μg/ml & 11.23μg·hr/ml in 100mg group (n=6) and 1.156μg/ml & 15.70μg·hr/ml in 150mg group (n=4), respectively. The Cmax and AUC increased in a dose-dependent manner. The Tmax, t1/2 β, urinary excretion rate and protein binding rate were independent of the dosage. The Cmax and Cmin at the steady state during multiple administration were 1.149 & 0.235μg/ml in 75mg b. i. d. group (n=2) and 1.472 & 0.598μg/ml in 100mg b. i, d, group (n=6). Suppressive effects of pirmenol on VPC were observed in 5 out of 12 patients with more than 3, 000VPC/day in the single administration study and also in 3 out of 4 patients in the multiple administration study. The minimum effective plasma concentration of pirmenol was 0.361±0.133μg/ml. The PQ & QT interval and QTc were prolonged significantly after single and multiple administration. Serious adverse events were not observed in any patients during the study.We conclude that pirmenol is a useful antiarrhythmic agent for the treatment on VPC, and that 100mg b. i, d, is safe and suitable for chronic management of the patients with frequent VPC.

Objective The existence of stem/progenitor cells in dental tissue has been suggested but their characterization in the human tooth germ remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to investigate these cells in human dental follicles and dental papillae at the crown-forming stage and compare their potential for hard tissue formation. Design We used dental follicle cells (DFCs) and dental papilla cells (DPCs) derived from dental follicles and dental papillae at the crown-forming stage and compared their proliferative capacity, cell surface antigens and ability to form hard tissue in vitro and in vivo. Results Both DFCs and DPCs had extensive proliferation ability, expressed similar cell surface antigens and were capable of forming hard tissue in vivo as well as in vitro. However, there were two differences between DFCs and DPCs. First, DPCs had a significantly higher calcium accumulation than that in DFCs. Second, DFCs expressed a cementoblast marker, whereas DPCs expressed an odontoblast marker. Conclusions We propose that dental follicles and dental papillae at the crown-forming stage contain different types of stem/progenitor cells and may have hard tissue-forming ability in a possibly origin-specific lineage direction.

Purpose: To date, the minimum thickness required for a mouthguard has been assumed to be around 2 mm to 4 mm. However, this figure is based mostly on experience and is yet to be standardized. The purpose of this study is to determine the minimum thickness required to obtain sufficient energy absorption.Methods: The thicknesses of the tested ethylene vinyl acetate) samples were 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm. The pendulum-type testing equipment used in the present study was also used in a series of earlier studies. Three types of sensors (strain gauge, accelerator, and load cell) and two different impact objects (a steel ball and baseball) were used.Results: The results showed that all the abovementioned mouthguard thicknesses reduced shocks for all the three types of sensors and both types of impact objects; little difference was observed between sensors and clear results were obtained for the steel ball. An improvement in the energy absorption was observed with an initial increase in the thickness. However, a further increase in the thickness from 4 mm to 5 mm and 6 mm tended to yield a smaller improvement in energy absorption.Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, from the viewp int of energy absorption ability, the minimum thickness required for a mouthguard is 4 mm, which is generally too large from the viewpoint of player comfort. This finding indicates the necessity of improving the impact absorption ability of mouthguards by considering new designs and developing new materials.

The SiC whisker/aluminum alloy (ADC12) composites were fabricated by die casting following compocasting. Tensile properties, hardness, elastic modulus and wear properties were investigated. 0.2% proof stress and elastic modulus of ADC12-X-5Vf%SiCw composites are superior to those of ADC12 alloy and ADC12-5Vf%SiCw composites. The composites with matrix of 0.9mass%Mg added alloy show the highest strength. Wear loss of composites containing 5Vf% SiC whisker is approximately 50% smaller compared with ADC12 aluminum alloy.

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of Doppler-derived cardiac output and the effect of altered left ventricular function during maximal treadmill exercise, this study was performed using continuous wave (CW) Doppler technique through the suprasternal notch acoustic window. Subjects consisted of 22 patients with coronary artery disease (study 1) and 21 healthy male volunteers (study 2)

Titanium has been utilized in the field of orthopaedic and dental reconstructive surgery, but mineralization through osteogenic differentiation of osteogenic cells on titanium surfaces has not been fully investigated. Here we cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the surfaces of titanium dishes in osteogenic media containing calcein which is a calcium-binding fluorescence dye. On titanium dishes, MSCs showed high viability to adhere to the surfaces and excellent proliferation. At day 14 of culture, MSCs differentiated into osteoblasts to form mineralized matrices on titanium dishes as well as tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dishes which are widely recognized as optimal culture substrates. Calcein was incorporated into the bone minerals fabricated by MSCs cultured on both substrates to show green emission under fluorescence microscopy. The fluorescence intensity was quantified with an image analyser during culture periods. These results indicate that the surfaces of titanium showed a high adhesion/proliferation potential to MSCs and that the titanium effectively supported the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs comparable to TCPS dishes. Therefore, the titanium is an effective scaffold that is applicable in bone reconstruction surgery.

A liver allograft recipient developed acute-type adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) during tacrolimus treatment, 2 years after undergoing transplantation for subacute fulminant hepatitis. Both donor and recipient were asymptomatic carriers of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), but the ATL cells originated from the recipient. Tacrolimus treatment was discontinued, and combination chemotherapy was administered. The patient achieved complete remission, but the transplanted liver was acutely and chronically rejected. The patient did not respond to rescue therapy with tacrolimus, prednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil and died of hepatic failure. Liver biopsies showed CD4+ ATL cell infiltration at the onset of ATL but not at the terminal stage. Moreover, Southern blotting revealed clonal integration of HTLV-I into the host genome of lymphoma cells at onset but not at the terminal stage. ATL after liver transplantation has not been previously described. The clinical course of the posttransplantational ATL was atypical, because it did not progress after the onset of rejection.

PURPOSE Most of the mouthguards on the market are inferior in fit and occlusion related to feeling and injury prevention capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate custom-made mouth-guards. This research aimed to obtain data for the selection, improvement, and spread of mouthguards in the future. A questionnaire survey of dentists who had made four kinds of mouthguard was conducted in a mouthguard seminar. METHODS The questionnaire survey concerning "feeling", "difficulty of production", and "selection when considering use and spread" was done for four kinds of mouthguard. The evaluations were made using a ten-point method with the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS Concerning the feeling: The laminated mouthguard was evaluated the highest, followed in order by improvement type, vacuum, and boil & bite. Concerning the production: The evaluation differed from other questionnaire items. No significant difference was found among all four kinds of mouthguard, so there was no difference in the fabrication difficulty. Concerning the selection and spread: The evaluation was almost the same as for the feeling. The laminated mouthguard was assessed to be the best mouthguard. CONCLUSIONS The boil & bite mouthguard which is widespread was evaluated the lowest in all items except production. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage players to use an appropriate custom-made type in view of safety, wearing feeling, and dental occlusion.

To clarify the cumulative recurrence-free interval and survival rate with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related single, small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we studied 32 patients with surgical resection, 61 with ablation therapy and 28 with transcatheter chemoembolization (TACE). A log-rank test revealed that there were no significant differences in the recurrence-free interval (p = 0.08) and survival (p = 0.279) between the resection and the ablation groups. Univariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression model showed initial treatment (p = 0.0051) was associated with recurrence-free interval. Platelet count (p = 0.009), indocianine green retention rate at 15 minutes (p = 0.003), Child-Pugh classification (p = 0.001), serum albumin level (p = 0.0012) and serum total bililubin (p = 0.015) were associated with survival. Hence patients with HCV-related single, small HCC should be treated according to their hepatic reserve.