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Rationale and Objectives Appropriate image manipulation of angiographic image display systems during interventional radiology is performed by radiological technologists and/or nurses given instructions from radiologists. However, appropriate images might not be displayed because of communication errors. Therefore, we developed a manipulation system that uses an eye tracker. The study aimed to determine if an angiographic image display system can be manipulated as well by using an eye tracker as by using a mouse. Materials and Methods An angiographic image display system using an eye tracker to calculate the gaze position on the screen and state of fixation was developed. Fourteen radiological technologists participated in an observer study by manipulating 10 images for each of 5 typical cases frequently performed in angiography, such as renal tumor, cerebral aneurysm, liver tumor, uterine bleeding, and hypersplenism. We measured the time from the start to the end of manipulating a series of images required when using the eye tracker and the conventional mouse. In this study, the statistical processing was done using Excel and R and R studio. Results The average time required for all observers for completing all cases was significantly shorter when using the eye tracker than when using the mouse (10.4 ± 2.1 s and 16.9 ± 2.6 s, respectively; p Conclusion Radiologists were able to manipulate an angiographic image display system directly by using the newly developed eye tracker system without touching contact devices, such as a mouse or angiography console. Therefore, communication error could be avoided.

Background The effect of myocardial injury (MI) post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on clinical outcomes is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MI severity on clinical outcome and left ventricle function 30 days post-TAVI and determine MI post-TAVI predictors. Methods Overall, 138 consecutive patients who underwent successful transfemoral TAVI using SAPIEN3 and diagnosed using echocardiography and computed tomography were analyzed. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (TnT) was evaluated at baseline, immediately, and at 24, 48, and 72 h post-TAVI. Echocardiography findings and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-pro BNP) levels were evaluated 30 days post-TAVI. Results Mean age and STS score were 84.4 ± 3.5 years and 6.4 ± 3.2%, respectively. All cases showed severe aortic valve stenosis. Peri-procedural MI was observed in 48 of 100 patients (48.0%). Patients were grouped into MI (n = 48) and non-MI (n = 52), without significant difference in characteristics. Pre-balloon aortic valvuloplasty rate and total pacing time were significantly higher in MI vs non-MI. Total rapid pacing time (TRPT) was an independent predictor for MI (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.16; p = 0.04). Echocardiography and Nt-pro BNP changes 30 days post-TAVI were similar between groups. Conclusion Peri-procedural MI, assessed by TnT changes, was observed in 48% of patients. The MI was not associated with overt cardiac dysfunction, and the recovery of left ventricular function and Nt-pro BNP level occurred similarly by 30 day post-TAVI between both groups. In multivariate analysis, TRPT was associated with MI after SAPIEN3 implantation. Trial registration number UMIN000036669.

Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is defined as a vascular anomaly with an abnormal anastomosis of the arterial and portal networks within the pancreas. Treatment modalities of PAVM include transarterial embolisation (TAE), irradiation and operation. Most patients treated with TAE alone will experience recurrence, so surgery is the best radical treatment. A female patient was admitted to our institution for the treatment of haematemesis. Examination revealed varices in the oesophagus and stomach, collateral circulation development caused by portal hypertension and PAVM of the pancreas. Surgical treatment was intended to reduce left portal hypertension. In this case, collateral circulation were considered dangerous points for unexpected bleeding. TAE was performed on the splenic artery before surgery to reduce blood flow in the areas with collateral circulation. En bloc resection of retroperitoneal tissue using the surgical procedure of radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy was effective to minimise blood loss.

Inhibition of the complement activation has emerged as an option for treatment of a range of diseases. Activation of the lectin and alternative pathways (LP and AP, respectively) contribute to the deterioration of conditions in certain diseases such as ischemia-reperfusion injuries and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the current study, we generated dual complement inhibitors of the pathways MAp44-FH and sMAP-FH by fusing full-length MAp44 or small mannose-binding lectin-associated protein (sMAP), LP regulators, with the N-terminal five short consensus repeat (SCR) domains of complement factor H (SCR1/5-FH), an AP regulator. The murine forms of both fusion proteins formed a complex with endogenous mannose-binding lectin (MBL) or ficolin A in the circulation when administered in mice intraperitoneally. Multiple complement activation assays revealed that sMAP-FH had significantly higher inhibitory effects on activation of the LP and AP in vivo as well as in vitro compared to MAp44-FH. Human form of sMAP-FH also showed dual inhibitory effects on LP and AP activation in human sera. Our results indicate that the novel fusion protein sMAP-FH inhibits both the LP and AP activation in mice and in human sera, and could be an effective therapeutic agent for diseases in which both the LP and AP activation are significantly involved.

Liquid Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) has been proposed as one of the coolant for the Generation IV nuclear reactor. However, the oxygen should be controlled adequately to suppress the corrosion rate of the LBE. A device called oxygen sensor made of zirconia as solid electrolyte has been used to monitor the oxygen concentration online in order to control the oxygen concentration. The principle of this sensor is based on electrochemistry method where the difference oxygen activitiy between reference electrode (RE) and working electrode (in liquid LBE) can make potential difference. The potential difference is measured by electrometer and can be converted into oxygen concentration based on Nernst equation. Iron (Fe)/Magnetite (Fe3O4) was used as material for RE in this study. Measurement of oxygen concentration was conducted at 450 - 600°C for the static condition of LBE and around 390°C for the dynamic condition of flowing LBE. The oxygen concentration for both two experiment conditions were set in oxygen saturated condition of Pb-Bi. The oxygen sensor based on zirconia solid electrolyte with Fe/Fe3O4 as RE can measured the oxygen concentration in liquid LBE. The results showed that the measurement was agreed with the Nernst equation theoretical calculation.

Background: Third-generation stents with abluminal biodegradable polymer (BP) might facilitate early healing. Therefore, we compared early healing between second-generation and third-generation stents using coronary angioscopy (CAS) and optical frequency domain imaging [OFDI]. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 30 consecutive patients with stent implantation for acute coronary syndrome (cobalt‑chromium [CoCr] everolimus-eluting stent [EES] [n = 10], BP-EES [n = 10], and BP-sirolimus eluting stent [SES] [n = 10]). All patients underwent CAS and OFDI 1 month after initial percutaneous coronary intervention. On OFDI, the stent coverage (SC), thrombus, and peri-strut low intensity area (PLIA) were assessed. CAS findings were recorded for the grade of SC, grade of yellow color (YC), and grade of the thrombus (TG). Results: On OFDI, the incidences of any thrombus at the 1-month follow-up were 70%, 80%, and 80% in the CoCr-EES, BP-EES, and BP-SES groups, respectively. The percentage of coverage was comparable among the groups (CoCr-EES 79.8 vs. BP-EES 79.9 vs. BP-SES 80.1%, P = 0.96). However, the number of struts with PLIA was numerically higher in the BP-SES group than in the CoCr-EES and BP-EES groups (46.4 ± 25.1 vs. 21.6 ± 13.2 vs. 22.0 ± 7.2%, P = 0.08). In the CoCr-EES, BP-EES, and BP-SES groups, mean grades of SC were 1.25 ± 0.5, 1.25 ± 0.5, and 0.85 ± 0.70 (P = 0.60); mean grades of YC were 0.75 ± 0.5, 0.80 ± 0.45, and 0.88 ± 0.37 (P = 0.65), and mean grades of TG were 1.00 ± 1.00, 1.20 ± 0.83, and 0.88 ± 0.64 (P = 0.75), respectively. Conclusion: Third-generation stents are not inferior to second-generation stents regarding stent coverage. However, PLIA on OFDI was often observed with BP-SESs, indicating involvement of the fibrin component. Keywords: Early healing, Coronary angioscopy, Optical frequency domain imaging

Filter-no reflow (FNR) is a phenomenon wherein flow improves after the retrieve of distal protection. Near-infrared spectroscopy with intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) enables lipid detection. We evaluated the predictors of FNR during PCI using NIRS-IVUS. Thirty-two patients who underwent PCI using the Filtrap® for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were enrolled. The culprit plaque (CP) was observed using NIRS-IVUS. Total lipid-core burden index (T-LCBI) and maximal LCBI over any 4-mm segment (max-LCBI4mm) within CP were evaluated. T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio within CP was calculated as an index of the extent of longitudinal lipid expansion. The attenuation grade (AG) and remodeling index (RI) in CP were analyzed. AG was scored based on the extent of attenuation occupying the number of quadrants. The patients were divided into FNR group (N = 8) and no-FNR group (N = 24). AG was significantly higher in FNR group than in no-FNR group (1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 0.9 ± 0.42, p = 0.01). RI in FNR group tended to be greater than in no-FNR group. T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio within the culprit plaque was significantly higher in FNR group than in no-FNR group (0.50 ± 0.10 vs. 0.33 ± 0.13, p 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, AG 1.04 (odds ratio [OR] 18.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-215.7, p = 0.02) and T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio 0.42 (OR 14.4, 95% CI 1.2-176.8, p = 0.03) were independent predictors for the occurrence of FNR. The use of T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio within CP might be an effective marker to predict FNR during PCI in patients with ACS.

The addition of cetuximab to triplet chemotherapy can increase treatment efficacy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We explored the dose-limiting toxicity and feasibility of a triweekly capecitabine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, plus cetuximab (XELOXIRI plus cetuximab) regimen in patients with wild-type KRAS mCRC. Patients received oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1), capecitabine (1700 mg/m2 per day from day 2 to 15), irinotecan (100, 120, and 150 mg/m2 for dose levels 1, 2, 3, respectively, on day 1), and cetuximab (400 mg/m2, day 1 and, thereafter, 250 mg/m2 every week), repeated every 3 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed in the first 2 treatment cycles to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended dose (RD). Twelve patients received a median of 7 cycles of therapy (range 2–10). The DLT was grade 4 neutropenia, observed in 1 of 6 patients at dose level 2. The MTD was not reached at dose level 3. Therefore, the RD of irinotecan was defined as 150 mg/m2. Most common grade ≥ 3 toxicities were neutropenia (50%), diarrhea (17%), and febrile neutropenia (8%). The response rate was 83% (complete and partial response: 1 and 9 patient(s), respectively), including 4 conversion cases. The combination of XELOXIRI and cetuximab is feasible and has an acceptable toxicity profile; neutropenia was the DLT. The RD of irinotecan is 150 mg/m2. The observed response rate was promising and warrants further investigation.

Complement plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Although the alternative pathway (AP) is known to play a key pathogenic role in models of rheumatoid arthritis, the importance of the lectin pathway (LP) pattern recognition molecules such as ficolin (FCN) A, FCN B, and collectin (CL)-11, as well as the activating enzyme mannose-binding lectin–associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), are less well understood. We show in this article that FCN A−/− and CL-11−/− mice are fully susceptible to collagen Ab–induced arthritis (CAIA). In contrast, FCN B−/− and MASP-2−/−/sMAp−/− mice are substantially protected, with clinical disease activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 47 and 70%, respectively. Histopathology scores, C3, factor D, FCN B deposition, and infiltration of synovial macrophages and neutrophils were similarly decreased in FCN B−/− and MASP-2−/−/sMAp−/− mice. Our data support that FCN B plays an important role in the development of CAIA, likely through ligand recognition in the joint and MASP activation, and that MASP-2 also contributes to the development of CAIA, likely in a C4-independent manner. Decreased AP activity in the sera from FCN B−/− and MASP-2−/−/sMAp−/− mice with arthritis on adherent anti-collagen Abs also support the hypothesis that pathogenic Abs, as well as additional inflammation-related ligands, are recognized by the LP and operate in vivo to activate complement. Finally, we also speculate that the residual disease seen in our studies is driven by the AP and/or the C2/C4 bypass pathway via the direct cleavage of C3 through an LP-dependent mechanism.

This study evaluated the 1-year efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) before drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilatation for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Forty consecutive patients with ISR were treated by DCB with or without the use of ELCA (ELCA plus DCB, N = 20; DCB alone, N = 20). Debulking efficiency (DE) value was defined as the neointima area on optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) debulked by ELCA. The patients in the ELCA plus DCB group were divided into two groups (greater DE (GDE), N = 10; smaller DE (SDE), N = 10) based on the median value of DE. Thereafter, the ISR segment was prepared with a scoring balloon, followed by DCB. At follow-up, binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) were evaluated. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, comorbidity, and ISR type. Overall, the incidence of neoatherosclerosis in the ISR segment was 17.5%. Post-PCI, acute gain of minimum lumen diameter on quantitative coronary angiography and of minimum lumen area on OFDI was numerically higher in the GDE than in the SDE and the DCB alone group. At follow-up, the occurrences of binary restenosis and TLR in the ELCA plus DCB group were 20.0% and 10.0%; these values in the DCB alone group were 20.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Two patients from the SDE and none from the GDE developed TLR. DCB alone treatment was inferior to ELCA plus DCB treatment. However, greater ELCA debulking might be required to obtain optimal outcomes.

Unstable direct contact condensation called ``Chugging'' that occurs in certain conditions in the pressure suppression pool of Primary Containment Vessel of Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) was studied experimentally. The mechanisms of every phase of the chugging was described, and experimental results useful for the development and validation of more accurate CFD models were provided. The experiment was conducted with a transparent pool and a transparent polycarbonate pipe or a stainless steel pipe with inner diameter of 27 mm under the conditions of the steam mass flux of 5.5–19.5 kg/m 2 s and the pool temperature of 19–46.5 °C. Pressure pulses were measured and synchronized with a high speed video camera for images acquisition. It was identified that the bubble implosion occurred while the pressure in the bubble quickly decreased. This condition might establish instability in the interfacial area which grew abruptly causing the implosion. Moreover the transparent apparatus allowed to interpret and relate internal condensations, generating pressure spikes of around 1.2 MPa because of the condensation-induced water hammer. Finally, the chugging condensation regime map was created from the experimental data.

The characteristics of Pb-Bi-water boiling two-phase flow were investigated in a vertical circular channel. Water was injected into Pb-Bi to circulate Pb-Bi in a loop with an effect of steam lift pump. Pb-Bi flow rates were measured and analytically estimated using balance condition between buoyancy force and pressure losses. The drift-flux model was used to determine void fraction with assumption that bubble sizes were dependent on the fluid surface tension and density ratio of Pb-Bi to steam and water mixture. The result of analysis shows that the deviation from the experimental data was less than 20%.

Diffusion characteristics of transition metals – nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) diffusion in the molten lead–17lithium (Pb–17Li) were investigated experimentally under the argon atmosphere in the temperature range from 300 °C to 600 °C by using the long capillary method. The axial concentration distributions of Ni and Fe in Pb–17Li specimens were measured by ICP-MS, and the diffusion coefficients of Ni and Fe were determined based on the Fick's second law. The Arrhenius correlations of diffusion coefficient of Ni and Fe were obtained as DNi =7.37 × 10−5exp (−4.66 × 103/RT) (300 °C ≤ T ≤ 450 °C) [cm2/s], DFe =3.21 × 10−4exp (−2.64 × 104/RT) (450 °C ≤ T ≤ 600 °C) [cm2/s]. It is found that the diffusion coefficient of Ni is one order magnitude bigger than that of Fe in Pb–17Li. The diffusion coefficient of Fe in Pb–17Li was approximately in the same order as that in lead–bismuth eutectic reported by authors.

Conversion therapy is an option for unresectable metastatic gastric cancer when distant metastases are controlled by chemotherapy; however, the feasibility and efficacy remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of conversion therapy in patients with initially unresectable gastric cancer treated with docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 (DCS) chemotherapy by evaluating clinical outcomes. One hundred unresectable metastatic gastric cancer patients, enrolled in three DCS chemotherapy clinical trials, were retrospectively evaluated. The patients received oral S-1 (40 mg/m2 b.i.d.) on days 1–14 and intravenous cisplatin (60 mg/m2) and docetaxel (50–60 mg/m2) on day 8 every 3 weeks. Conversion therapy was defined when the patients could undergo R0 resection post-DCS chemotherapy and were able to tolerate curative surgery. Conversion therapy was achieved in 33/100 patients, with no perioperative mortality. Twenty-eight of the 33 patients (84.8 %) achieved R0 resection, and 78.8 % were defined as histological chemotherapeutic responders. The median overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent conversion therapy was 47.8 months (95 % CI 28.0–88.5 months). Patients who underwent R0 resection had significantly longer OS than those who underwent R1 and R2 resections (P = 0.0002). Of the patients with primarily unresectable metastases, 10 % lived >5 years. Among patients who underwent conversion therapy, multivariate analysis showed that the pathological response was a significant independent predictor for OS. DCS safely induced a high conversion rate, with very high R0 and pathological response rates, and was associated with a good prognosis; these findings warrant further prospective investigations.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use in patients with cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from a single-center registryon 2,272 patients who tookDOACs for AF (apixaban:1,014; edoxaban:267; rivaroxaban:498; dabigatran:493). Patients were monitored for 2 years andclassified into non-cancer (n=2009) and cancer group (n=263) (cancer onset during DOAC treatment, active canceratDOAC administration, and cancer history).Major bleeding (MB) and thromboembolic events (TEEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 73±10 years. CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores were 1.95±1.32 and 1.89±0.96,respectively.In the present study, the prevalence of gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancer was 61% and 8%, respectively.The MB and TEEs incidences were 2.4 and 2.2 per 100-patient years, respectively. The appropriate dosing rate, body weight, and Ccrvalue in cancer patients were significantly lower than those in non-cancer patients. Cancer patients were significantly older than non-cancer patients. In MB patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancer during follow-up, the clinically relevant bleeding such as melena or hematuria occurred.Additionally, there was a significantly higher MB incidence in cancer patients than in non-cancer patients (p

Purpose To develop a metal-free bite force gauge that can monitor the bite force in a strong magnetic field and to analyze the correlations between bite-force and total T2 shift of the mastication muscles. Materials and Methods The gauge used a micro-pressure sensor made of optical fiber. Ten subjects performed a 60-s isometric bite task at 40% of maximum clenching in various occlusal support conditions (intact dentition, right molar loss, or left molar loss). Spin-echo images were taken with a 1.5 Tesla scanner before and immediately after the task to correlate the bite force with the mean voxel count, mean shift in transverse relaxation time (ΔT2), and total T2 shift of each masticatory muscle. Results Measurements of total T2 shift identified significant correlations between the bite force and activities of the superficial layer of the bilateral masseter muscle, regardless of the occlusion condition (intact dentition: left, P = 0.007 and right, P < 0.001; right molar loss: left, P = 0.02 and right, P = 0.021; and left molar loss: left, P = 0.022 and right, P = 0.049). In contrast, significant correlations were not detected between the bite force and mean ΔT2 (intact dentition: left, P = 0.102 and right, P = 0.053; right molar loss: left, P = 0.393 and right, P = 0.868; and left molar loss: left, P = 0.531 and right, P = 0.92). Conclusion Measurement of total T2 shift using a metal-free bite force gauge is a more sensitive index of individual muscle activity than mean ΔT2 during a bite task. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:804–813.

BackgroundThe clinical significance of excessively high serum NT-proBNP is poorly understood in chronic heart failure (HF).MethodsOne-hundred eighteen patients with advanced chronic HF (NYHA functional class III or IV) were admitted; of these patients, 42.4% exhibited NT-proBNP levels >10,000pg/ml. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: ≥400 and

A numerical study on modeling of cross flow pressure drop coefficient for wire-wrapped triangular rod array has been performed. The objective is to clarify and also to extend the current modeling of cross flow pressure drop coefficient employed in subchannel analysis method. This study includes both pure laminar and fully turbulent flow conditions. Firstly, simulations employing pin pitch to diameter ratio ( P / D ) of 1.21 are carried out, and the results are compared with available experimental data in terms of wire correction parameter. The results for P / D = 1.21 are in good agreement with experimental data. Calculations employing smaller values of P / D , representing tight lattice rod configuration, have also been carried out. Based on the numerical results, new correlations of cross flow pressure drop are proposed. The correlations can be used to evaluate cross flow pressure drop coefficient in subchannel analysis codes.

The present study aims at helping the development of a new sealing method to be applied to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning. The idea of a new sealing method was introduced in order to stop the water leaks from the Reactor Containment Vessel. The main advantage of using liquid metal as a sealant is the solidification control. However before using it, the characteristics of the jet affecting the flow and the freezing must be better investigated and understood. In the present study the characteristics of liquid metal jet in water environment were experimentally and numerically investigated. A comparison between jet temperatures in case of different ambient Weber numbers is presented. The instabilities and the breakup of the jet were observed and their effect on temperature is discussed. A CFD analysis is also performed using a finite volume commercial code with a VOF approach for the jet interface tracking. The numerical model is validated with the available experimental data, and the injection is reproduced using a 2-D domain. The jet instabilities and breakup are correctly reproduced by numerical simulations and the temperature comparison also shows a good agreement with the experimental data.

Background Electrical alternans (EA) has not been fully studied in the current percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate visible EA and the morphology of ST segment during PCI. Methods The incidence of visible EA and ST-segment morphology were studied while the coronary artery was occluded for 20 seconds. When data were available, the relationship between EA and blood pressure was analyzed. The clinical and electrocardiographic data were compared with those of the age- and sex-matched controls. Results During balloon inflation, visible EA was observed in 5 of 306 patients (1.6%) in the last 2 years. EA was limited to PCI in the proximal left anterior descending artery. The ST segment elevated to 10.1 ± 3.2 mm, followed by an alternating QRS complex with a lower ST segment (5.6 ± 1.9 mm; P = .0047) with characteristic ST-segment morphology, which is known as lambda pattern. The mean age of the 5 patients was 68 ± 20 years, and 4(80%). were men. After the release of inflation, the ST-segment level returned rapidly to baseline, followed by normalization of J point. Compared with controls, the maximal elevated ST segment was significantly higher in patients with EA (5.7 ± 2.7 mm; P = .0028). The occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery with more severe ischemia seemed to be a prerequisite for developing EA. A higher ST segment was associated with a lower blood pressure and vice versa. Conclusion A short period of ischemia during PCI may induce visible EA and alternating QRS complexes with a characteristic ST-segment morphology. A higher ST segment was associated with a lower blood pressure and vice versa.

The characteristics of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) diffusion in molten lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) were investigated experimentally by using capillary method. The diffusion coefficients of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) were determined from measured axial concentration distributions of Fe and Ni in LBE specimens. The correlation of the diffusion coefficients can be obtained as DFe =3.5×10-3exp (-4.15×10-4/RT) (550°C < T < 650°C) [cm2/s], DNi =1.7×10-3exp (-3.63×10-4/RT) ( 500°C < T < 650°C) [cm2/s]. The diffusion coefficient of Fe in LBE obtained is approximately the same as the result derived by Balboud - Celerier. The result of the diffusion coefficient of Ni is almost the same order of magnitude as that of Fe, in spite of much higher solubility of Ni than that of Fe in LBE. From microstructure observation by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), it is found that in case of Ni diffusion, some compounds composing 50-60% Ni, 15-20% Pb and 15%-20% Bi, were observed in the solid specimen. It is estimated that the formation of the compounds slowed down the diffusion of Ni into LBE.

A flame- and heat-resistant lithium-ion battery (LIB) has been developed using ionic liquid electrolyte. This battery can be stably discharged at 100°C as well as at 0°C. A heat-resistant organic light-emitting diode (OLED) using this battery as a power source has been stably operated at temperatures of 100°C and 0°C.

For the application of heavy metal technology to the stop of water leakage from LWR containment vessel, the freezing behavior of molten heavy metal on a metal plate in water and air environments was investigated. Wood's metal (Pb–Bi–Sn–Cd alloy) and gallium were used as a candidate sealing metal and simulant one, respectively, while brass and stainless steel plates were used as a water-leaking structure. The freezing feature is better in cases of the heavy metal discharged to a water-cooled metal plate with higher thermal conductivity at lower heavy metal temperature in a water atmosphere rather than an air atmosphere. An one-dimensional unsteady heat conduction and freezing model could predict the freezing temperature well, which suggested the capability of simulation of practical freezing phenomena of liquid metal for stop of water leakage with the extention of this model. The present result is useful to develop an equipment for stopping the water leakage in a water environment using heavy metal freezing.

Lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) is considered as a spallation target and a coolant for the future accelerator driven system (ADS) or fast breeder reactor (FBR), due to its excellent properties. However, LBE is corrosive to structural materials like austenitic stainless steels if they are exposed to LBE directly. In order to study the corrosion phenomenon between the structural steel and liquid LBE, it is very important to investigate the characteristics of diffusion of such species in liquid LBE. A measurement of diffusion coefficient of Ni and Cr in liquid LBE was carried out by using a capillary tube in our study. The inner diameter of the thin ceramic tube was 2 mm, which was filled with liquid LBE and Ni powder was added at the top end. The tube was kept at constant temperature (550 °C-650 °C) for diffusion of Ni in an electric furnace. Then, the LBE rod in the tube was cooled down and cut into several pieces. Ni concentrations were measured from Ni contents in nitric acid solution by means of the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In our experiment, because the element of Ni, Pb and Bi was highly separated in the ion exchange process, it is helpful to improve the accuracy of the experimental result. From the experimental data of Ni concentration, the diffusion coefficient in LBE was obtained.

Background Glycosuria produced by sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors is associated with weight loss. SGLT-2 inhibitors reportedly might reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a pathogenic fat depot that may be associated with coronary atherosclerosis. The present study evaluated the relationship between an SGLT-2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) and EAT volume. Methods In 40 diabetes mellitus patients with coronary artery disease (10 women and 30 men; mean age of all 40 patients was 67.2 ± 5.4 years), EAT volume was compared prospectively between the dapagliflozin treatment group (DG; n = 20) and conventional treatment group (CTG; n = 20) during a 6-month period. EAT was defined as any pixel that had computed tomography attenuation of − 150 to − 30 Hounsfield units within the pericardial sac. Metabolic parameters, including HbA1c, tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels, were measured at both baseline and 6-months thereafter. Results There were no significant differences at baseline of EAT volume and HbA1c, PAI-1, and TNF-α levels between the two treatment groups. After a 6-month follow-up, the change in HbA1c levels in the DG decreased significantly from 7.2 to 6.8%, while body weight decreased significantly in the DG compared with the CTG (− 2.9 ± 3.4 vs. 0.2 ± 2.4 kg, p = 0.01). At the 6-month follow-up, serum PAI-1 levels tended to decline in the DG. In addition, the change in the TNF-α level in the DG was significantly greater than that in the CTG (− 0.5 ± 0.7 vs. 0.03 ± 0.3 pg/ml, p = 0.03). Furthermore, EAT volume significantly decreased in the DG at the 6-month follow-up compared with the CTG (− 16.4 ± 8.3 vs. 4.7 ± 8.8 cm3, p = 0.01). Not only the changes in the EAT volume and body weight, but also those in the EAT volume and TNF-α level, showed significantly positive correlation. Conclusion Treatment with dapagliflozin might improve systemic metabolic parameters and decrease the EAT volume in diabetes mellitus patients, possibly contributing to risk reduction in cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUNDS New-generation bioresorbable polymer-everolimus eluting stents (BP-EES) are available. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes for BP-EES compared to more established stent designs, namely the platinum chromium-EES (PtCr-EES) and cobalt chrome-EES(CoCr-EES) in patients with the end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) including hemodialysis (HD). METHODS One-hundred-forty-one consecutive stents (BP-EES [n = 44], PtCr-EES [n = 45], and CoCr-EES [n = 52]) were implanted in 104 patients with CKD. All patients underwent a follow-up coronary angiography at 12 months after implantation. End-stage CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

A residual thickness measurement method for corroded steel plates using ultrasonic waves is presented. In this method, a shear-horizontal (SH) plate wave is transmitted in a steel plate by an SH array transducer, and the echo received by the reflection occurring owing to the cut-off phenomena of the plate wave is utilized. Furthermore, the configuration of the SH array transducer suitable for the method is investigated. With ditching grooves on the surface of a protection plate of the transducer, the sensitivity and variation among array elements can be improved. Experiments are performed to verify the new method using the SH array transducer with grooves. The residual thickness obtained by the new method is consistent with the actual size.

Sirolimus-eluting Orsiro stent is an ultrathin stent, but its properties may easily lead to acute recoil and late after stent implantation. This study investigated the acute recoil and late recoil after Orsiro stent implantation based on intravascular ultrasound(IVUS). We enrolled 32 patients(40

Fractional flow reserve(FFR) measured under hyperemic conditions has been the gold standard for measuring the functional significance of stenosis. Recently, saline induced distal coronary pressure/aortic pressure ratio predicts an FFR. The resting full-cycle ratio(RFR) represents the maximal

The lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) features a fast neutron spectrum, high temperature operation, and cooling by molten lead or lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE), low-pressure, chemically inert liquids with very good thermodynamic properties. It would have multiple applications including production of electricity, hydrogen and process heat. System concepts represented in plans of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) System Research Plan (SRP) are based on Europe's ELFR lead-cooled system, Russia's BREST-OD-300 and the SSTAR system concept designed in the US. The LFR has excellent materials management capabilities since it operates in the fast neutron spectrum and uses a closed fuel cycle enhanced by the fertile conversion of uranium. It can also be used as a burner to consume actinides from spent LWR fuel and as a burner/breeder with thorium matrices. An important feature of the LFR is the enhanced safety that results from the choice of molten lead as a chemically inert and low-pressure coolant. In terms of sustainability, lead is abundant and hence available, even in case of deployment of a large number of reactors. More importantly, as with other fast systems, fuel sustainability is greatly enhanced by the conversion capabilities of the LFR fuel cycle. Because they incorporate a liquid coolant with a very high margin to boiling and benign interaction with air or water, LFR concepts offer substantial potential in terms of safety, design simplification, proliferation resistance and the resulting economic performance. An important factor is the potential for benign end state to severe accidents. The LFR has development needs in the areas of fuels, materials performance, and corrosion control. During the next 5 years progress is expected on materials, system design, and operating parameters. Significant test and demonstration activities are underway and planned during this time frame.

The lectin pathway of the complement system is initiated when the pattern-recognition molecules, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), ficolins or collectin-11, bind to invading pathogens or damaged host cells. This leads to activation of MBL/ficolin/collectin-11 associated serine proteases (MASPs), which in turn activate downstream complement components, ultimately leading to elimination of the pathogen. Mice deficient in the key molecules of lectin pathway of complement have been generated in order to build knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of the lectin pathway in health and disease. Despite differences in the genetic arrangements of murine and human orthologues of lectin pathway molecules, the knockout mice have proven to be valuable models to explore the effect of deficiency states in humans. In addition, new insight and unexpected findings on the diverse roles of lectin pathway molecules in complement activation, pathogen infection, coagulation, host tissue injury and developmental biology have been revealed by in vivo investigations. This review provides an overview of the mice deficient in lectin pathway molecules and highlights some of the most important findings that have resulted from studies of these.

BackgroundAnticoagulation therapy is essential in atrial fibrillation (AF), and in Japan, less intense control is popular.PurposeTo assess the efficacy and safety with a special reference to low intensity warfarin therapy.Subjects and methodsIn 488 out of 508 patients with non-valvular AF, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) was kept at 1.6–2.59, and they were followed for 49.5 months: 2098 person-years. The mean age was 73.7±9.9 years and 62% were male. The patients were divided by age: ≥70 years and 2.61 in 40.0% with major bleeding at the time of the events. Blunt trauma and concomitant use of antiplatelets were risks for intracranial hemorrhage in the patients ≥70 years.ConclusionsThe event rates were similar between the low- (1.6–1.99) and high- (2.0–2.59) intensity warfarin therapy groups in aged patients