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Frost damage develops unevenly inside concrete, adversely affecting the structural performance of existing RC structures. A recent study reported by Hayashida et al. (2014) revealed that RC beams subjected to freeze–thaw action exhibited unexpected shear failure under different degrees of damage depth. Although extensive research has been conducted to investigate freeze–thaw damage mechanisms, most such work has been limited to examination of small-scale specimens of plain concrete or mortar. Few practice-based approaches to assess the mechanical performance of large-scale RC members have been reported. Several works bridge the gap using finite element models coupled with poro-mechanics (Gong et al. 2018) and continuum damage mechanics (Berto et al. 2015). However, these are complex and challenging to implement for the assessment of existing deteriorated structures. In this respect, a simple physical model to predict shear strength is necessary for practical use. The shear strength of an existing RC bridge pier is assessed using the upper bound theorem in these analyses. The upper bound theorem in the plastic analysis requires equality between internal and external works and explicitly accounts for different shear transfer actions. Based on freeze–thaw depth obtained from on-site inspections, the analyzed piers are divided into undamaged and damaged zones. Their internal work is minimized with respect to the angles of inclination under an assumed displacement field. The shear strength is determined accordingly. The developed analysis showed that the current shear strength was 12 % less than that in the intact condition. Furthermore, reduction in shear strength under different levels of freeze–thaw depth is discussed in terms of shear resisting components.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Tofacitinib treatment, a Janus kinase inhibitor, on atherosclerosis in patients with RA. Patients with an active RA (28-joint disease activity score–erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 3.2) despite methotrexate (MTX) treatment 12 mg/week were included in this open-label prospective study and started on Tofacitinib (10 mg/day, 5 mg twice/day). Japanese guideline does not allow high dose of MTX. All patients used a stable dosage of MTX, steroids, and statins or lipid-lowering drugs. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) at the baseline and 54 weeks after Tofa treatment. Clinical data were collected at regular visits. Forty-six patients completed this study. CIMT did not significantly change from baseline to 54 weeks (1.09 ± 0.69 and 1.08 ± 0.78 mm, p = 0.82). In 12 patients who had atherosclerosis at baseline (carotid intima-media thickness > 1.10 mm), there was a significant decrease in CIMT (0.05± 0.026 mm; p

Background Hemodynamic disturbance in acute heart failure (HF) can cause injury to extra-cardiac organs such as the liver. Organ injury in HF might evoke a profibrotic response, which could adversely affect the prognosis. Methods Among 189 patients with acute HF, we simultaneously determined the liver fibrosis marker, type IV collagen 7S (P4NP 7S) and the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Score consisting of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on admission and at discharge. Results During hospitalization, P4NP 7S and ELF score significantly decreased from 7.1 ng/mL to 6.1 ng/mL (P Conclusion Parallel elevation of P4NP 7S and ELF score were documented during acute phase of HF. P4NP 7S at discharge may identify patients at high risk for subsequent HF related events.

Background: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. We should have strategies for primary cardiovascular prevention in PSA1). But there is no evidence of CV risk management and arterial stiffness about biologics in patients with PsA Objectives: To examine the effect of biologics plus conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs on arterial stiffness in cs DMARDs resistant PsA patients in a cohort study design. Methods: 38 PSA and patients with moderate to severe active disease despite cs DMARDs treatment (disease activity score: DAPSA2) score>14) were received Biologics plus cs DMARDs. All patients have no previous history of CV. Arterial stiffness was assessed with cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI, modified pulse wave velocity(PWV)) and augmentation index corrected for a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx@75) at baseline and 24 weeks follow-up. Clinical data were collected at regular visits. CAVI is very similar to pulse wave velocity (PWV), and CAVI measures arterial wall stiffness independent of blood pressure and it is superior to brachial ankle PWV as an index of arterial stiffness2. Results: 35 PsA patients(18 patients adalimumab,13 patients infliximab, and 4 patients ustekinumab, respectively) completed this study, Treatment with biologics(10.88 ± 1.86 and 9.46± 1.14%; p = 0.006), attenuated the CAVI significantly from baseline to 24 weeks follow up. Treatment with biologics(36.4 ± 8.6, 32.1 ± 3.8%; p = 0.008) attenuated the aix@75 significantly from baseline to 24 weeks follow up. DAPSA score improved significantly from baseline to 24 weeks(17.45±6.33, 5.44±3.43: p=0.01). There are no significant differences among biologics about CAVI and aix@75. Surprisingly, improvement of CAVI and aIx@75 were not correlated disease activity at 24 weeks of biologics treatment (CAVI: p=0.91, aIx@75: p=0.88). Biologics improves arterial stiffness independently of its effects on disease activity, since even in high disease activity (4 cases; DAPSA score>28) is halted. Conclusion: These findings suggest that combination therapy, biologics with cs DMARDs not only reduced PsA disease activity but also limited vascular damage in patients with cs DMARDS resistant active PsA References [1] Soren Lund Kristensen, et al. Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and cardiovascular risk: are we closer to a clinical recommendation?Ann Rheum Dis. 2015; 74: 321-2. [2] Schoels MM, et al. Disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA): defining remission and treatment success using the DAPSA score. Ann Rheum Dis, 2016; 75: 811-8. Acknowledgement: Thank you for all paitents and colleagues. Disclosure of interests: None declared

The anodic oxidation behavior of Fe–6Cr during potentio-dynamic polarization in pH 4.5 Na2SO4 solution was investigated by electrochemical ellipso-microscopy. Active, passive, and trans-passive states of the Fe–6Cr surface showed heterogeneous oxidation behaviors depending on the substrate micro-structure, electrode potential and solution convection. Enhancement of mass-transport by solution injection in the latter half of the active state resulted in acceleration of passivation of the Fe–6Cr surface. The passivity-current density of the surface passivated by intentional convection was reduced to almost half of the current density of the surface that had been in the passive state in a stagnant solution, and the surface passivated by intentional convection showed better resistance against pitting in a chloride-containing solution. The improvement of passivity of the surface was attributed to the formation of a Cr-enriched passive film by a decrease in the thickness of the diffusion layer in the latter half of the active state.

A simple near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer with a wavelength range of 898–2130 nm has recently been applied to diagnose Heliotron J plasmas. It adopts a symmetrical crossed Czerny–Turner mount equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled 512 channel InGaAs linear sensor. Reciprocal linear dispersion was deduced to 96.37 nm/mm at the center of the detector. External filters can be inserted into the path of the collection optics to reject second-order spectra, as needed. Absolute intensity calibration was performed together with a visible spectrometer using a tungsten halogen lamp, and the effect of the transmittance fringe in the visible region of the applied long-pass filter on the NIR calibration was investigated. The intended application of the NIR spectrometer includes extending the wavelength region of a spectral monitor to less contaminated regions for Heliotron J plasma studies. In preliminary measurements, we observed the Paschen series for the hydrogen pellet injection plasma and two atomic helium lines, i.e., 2S-2P singlet and triplet lines, in helium gas puffing experiments. A continuum spectrum in this regime that is attributable to black-body radiation from hot spots on the plasma-facing components was identified. In addition, this may also be used to monitor background radiation in the YAG-Thomson scattering signals near 1064 nm.A simple near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer with a wavelength range of 898–2130 nm has recently been applied to diagnose Heliotron J plasmas. It adopts a symmetrical crossed Czerny–Turner mount equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled 512 channel InGaAs linear sensor. Reciprocal linear dispersion was deduced to 96.37 nm/mm at the center of the detector. External filters can be inserted into the path of the collection optics to reject second-order spectra, as needed. Absolute intensity calibration was performed together with a visible spectrometer using a tungsten halogen lamp, and the effect of the transmittance fringe in the visible region of the applied long-pass filter on the NIR calibration was investigated. The intended application of the NIR spectrometer includes extending the wavelength region of a spectral monitor to less contaminated regions for Heliotron J plasma studies. In preliminary measurements, we observed the Paschen series for the hydrogen pellet injection plasma and two atomic helium lin...

Background Rheumatologists need to develop primary and secondary prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We reported tofacitinib (Tofa) improved left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis1). We have experienced RA patient with chronic heart failure (CHF). We couldn’t use some TNF blockers in RA patients with CHF2). There is no evidence that Tofa effects on left ventricular (LV) morphology and function in RA patients with CHF. Objectives To study the effect of Tofa on LV morphology and function in conventional synthetic (cs) DMARDs resistant active RA patients with CHF, in a cohort study design. Methods RA patients with CHF were eligible if they had active disease despite treatment with cs DMARDs. Consecutive 24 patients with moderate to severe active RA patients (DAS28 >3.2) despite cs DMARDs were received Tofa plus cs DMARDs. LV morphology and function was assessed with cardio-MRI at baseline and 24 weeks follow-up. Cardiovascular risk factors and clinical data were collected at regular visits. Results 21 patients completed 24 weeks. New York heart association functional classification (NYHA) class 1 is 12 cases, class 2 is 7 cases, and class 3 is 2 cases respectively. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was attenuated significantly by Tofa (week 0 week24, −9.02±5.8 g/m2; p=0.02). Cardiac output (CO) was attenuated significantly by Tofa (week 0 week24,−0.42±1.2 l/min). DAS28 and CRP improved significantly by Tofa (week 0 week24; DAS28: −2.16±0.95; CRP: 15.1±5.7 mg/L) (p Conclusions Tofa improved LVMI and CO in active RA despite cs DMARDs with CHF. Tofa improves LVMI and CO independently of its effects on disease activity. Tofa might be improved right ventricular mass. JAK-STAT pathway might be an important role of LV hypertrophy. Tofa, JAK-STAT pathway blocking, may prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in RA with CHF. References [1] Kume K, et al. Tofacitinib improves left ventricular mass and cardiac output in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Presentation at Annual Meeting of EULAR 2017. [2] Hochenberg MC, et al. The benefit/risk profile of TNF-blocking agents: findings of a consensus panel. Semin Arthritis Rheum2005Jun;34(6):819–36. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Rheumatologists need to develop primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We reported tofacitinib (Tofa) improved arterial stiffness in RA patients. RA is associated with an increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI), a strong marker of cardiovascular mortality.There is no evidence that Tofa effects on left ventricular (LV) morphology and function. Objectives To study the effect of Tofa plus methotrexate (MTX) on LV morphology and function in MTX resistant active RA patients, in a cohort study design. Methods RA patients were eligible if they had active disease despite treatment with MTX. All patients have no steroids, and no previous history of CVD. Consecutive 28 patients with moderate to severe active RA patients (DAS28>3.2) despite MTX were received Tofa plus MTX. LV morphology and function was assessed with cardio-MRI at baseline and 24 weeks follow-up. Cardiovascular risk factors and clinical data were collected at regular visits. Results 24 patients completed 24 weeks. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was attenuated significantly by Tofa (week 0-week24, −12.4±5.4 g/m 2 ; p=0.0002). Cardiac output (CO) was attenuated significantly by Tofa (week 0-week24,-0.87±1.2l/min). DAS28 and CRP improved significantly by Tofa (week 0-week24; DAS28: -2.26±0.91; CRP: 14.1±8.7 mg/l) ( p Conclusions Tofa improved LVMI and CO in active RA despite MTX. TCZ improves LVMI and CO independently of its effects on disease activity. Tofa might be improved right ventricular mass. JAK-STAT pathway might be an important role of LV hypertrophy. Tofa, JAK-STAT pathway blocking, may prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in RA. References Tocilizumab monotherapy reduces arterial stiffness as effectively as etanercept or adalimumab monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: an open-label randomized controlled trial. Kume K, et al.J Rheumatol. 2011 Oct;38(10):2169–71. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.110340. Epub 2011 Aug 1.PMID: 21807781. Etanercept normalises left ventricular mass in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Claire Immediato Daien et al. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2013 Jun; 72(6); 881–7. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012–201489. Acknowledgements Thanks for Noriko Kuwaba to calculate data. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Proton beams at 0.3, 0.5 and 1 keV energies were injected onto a Mo surface at shallow incidence angle, and the angle- and energy-resolved intensity distributions of reflected negative/positive ions were measured. The negative to positive intensity ratio increased as the incident angle and the reflected angle became shallower and the incident energy became lower. A numerical simulation calculation, Atomic Collision in Amorphous Target (ACAT), has been carried out to get the angular distribution of total reflection particle flux. Experimentally measured angular distributions of reflected H- ion intensity showed maxima at smaller angles than the calculated results, indicating that the negative ion formation has a maximum at v⊥ of 0.03 - 0.04 atomic unit.

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of therapy with tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, on BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck in patients with RA. Methods. Eighty-six patients with active RA (indicated by a 28-joint DAS ESR >3.2) despite treatment with MTX 12 mg/week were included in this open-label prospective study and started on TCZ (8 mg/kg every 4 weeks). All patients used a stable dosage of MTX and were not allowed to use steroids or bisphosphonates during the study period. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 52 weeks after initiating TCZ. Results. Seventy-eight patients completed this study. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck remained stable after 1 year of TCZ treatment. In 33 patients who had osteopenia at baseline, there was a significant increase in BMD of the lumbar spine [mean 0.022 (S.D.) 0.042, P < 0.05] and femoral neck [0.024 (0.0245), P < 0.05]. Conclusion. TCZ affects BMD in patients who had active RA despite treatment with MTX. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck in patients with normal BMD at baseline was stable. TCZ increased the BMD of patients who had osteopenia at baseline.

S. Orimo, T. Uchihara, T. Kanazawa, Y. Itoh, K. Wakabayashi, A. Kakita and H. Takahashi (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 791–802 Unmyelinated axons are more vulnerable to degeneration than myelinated axons of the cardiac nerve in Parkinson's disease Aims: We recently demonstrated accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates of the cardiac sympathetic nerve in Parkinson's disease (PD) and a possible relationship between degeneration of the cardiac sympathetic nerve and α-synuclein aggregates. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in the degenerative process between unmyelinated and myelinated axons of the cardiac nerve. Methods: We immunohistochemically examined cardiac tissues from four pathologically verified PD patients, nine patients with incidental Lewy body disease (ILBD) and five control subjects, using antibodies against neurofilament, myelin basic protein (MBP) and α-synuclein. First, we counted the number of neurofilament-immunoreactive axons not surrounded by MBP (unmyelinated axons) and those surrounded by MBP (myelinated axons). Next, we counted the number of unmyelinated and myelinated axons with α-synuclein aggregates. Results: (i) The percentage of unmyelinated axons in PD (77.5 ± 9.14%) was significantly lower compared to that in control subjects (92.2 ± 2.40%). (ii) The ratio of unmyelinated axons with α-synuclein aggregates to total axons with α-synuclein aggregates in ILBD ranged from 94.4 to 100 (98.2 ± 2.18%). Among axons with α-synuclein aggregates, unmyelinated axons were the overwhelming majority, comprising 98.2%. Conclusion: These findings suggest that in PD unmyelinated axons are more vulnerable to degeneration than myelinated axons of the cardiac nerve, because α-synuclein aggregates accumulate much more abundantly in unmyelinated axons.

The tritium release model to represent the release behavior of bred tritium from solid breeder materials has been developed by the blanket group of Kyushu University. It has been found that water is released to the purge gas from solid breeder materials and that this water affects the tritium release behavior. In this study, the amount of surface water released from Li4SiO4 is quantified by the experiment. In addition, the tritium release behavior from Li4SiO4 are estimated based on the tritium release model using parameters obtained in our studies under conditions of commercial reactor operation and ITER test blanket module operation. The effect of the surface water on tritium release behavior is discussed from the obtained results. Moreover, the tritium inventory of Li4SiO4 is discussed based on calculation under the unsteady state condition. Further, the effects of grain size and temperature on distribution of tritium inventory under the steady state condition are evaluated, and the optimal grain size is discussed from the view point of tritium release from Li4SiO4.

It is observed that a fair amount of physical and chemical adsorbed water is released from solid breeder materials by introduction of dry N2 gas and that not a little amount of water is also continuously produced by the water formation reaction when the purge gas with hydrogen is applied. It is reported by present authors that the water released to the purge gas from solid breeder materials affects the tritium release behavior. The capacity and desorption rate of chemical adsorbed water, and the capacity and rate of water formation reaction for Li4SiO4, which has been supplied from FzK, are quantified in this study. It is found that the overall reaction rate of water formation on Li4SiO4 is larger than the rate observed for other solid breeder materials. Therefore, most hydrogen added to the blanket purge gas changes to water so far as the water formation capacity of Li4SiO4 remains. It is also found that water formation capacity of Li4SiO4 is almost the same as that of Li2TiO3. Tritium release be...

The present authors have developed the tritium release model to represent the tritium release behavior from solid breeder materials (Li2ZrO3, Li2TiO3, Li4SiO4, LiAlO2 and Li2O). It has been found that water is released from solid breeder materials into the purge gas due to desorption of physically and chemically adsorbed water and water generation reaction and that this water affects the tritium release behavior. In this study, the amount of adsorbed water and its desorption rate for Li2ZrO3 were quantified. It was found in this experiment that Li2ZrO3 has the largest adsorption amount among the solid breeder candidates. It was also observed that Li2ZrO3 has the largest water generation capacity among the solid breeder candidates. A unique reaction at around 550°C which made up approximately 80% of the capacity of water generation was also observed. It is considered that the phase change of ZrO2 at around 550°C supplies oxygen to promote water generation reaction. Tritium release behavior from Li2...

Growth hormone gene that controls metabolism and body size of animals and polymorphism of the gene is known related to performance of livestock. Identification of gene polymorphisms was important to get early information to determine genetic markers associated with economically desirable traits. Genetic mapping is one of important characterizations in the selection process. Pesisir cattle is one of local cattle in Indonesia that are reared in West Sumatera and have become adaptive to local environment. The present study aimed to identify the genotype of Growth Hormone gene (GH891│ Msp I) of the Pesisir cattle and crossbred Simmental-Pesisir cattle (designated as SimPes) and relationship between growth performance (body weight and body size). The present study was conducted to 30 blood samples consisted of 15 P esisir cattle and 15 SimPes cattle. Body weight and body size were measured at 12-18 months of age. The Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used in this research. The results showed that there exist three variant genotypes ( Msp I-/-, Msp I+/-, Msp I+/+) and that allele frequencies of Msp I- and Msp I+ were 53.3% and 46.7%, respectively. Non-significant effect has found between GH’s genotype and growth traits (Body measurement and body weight) in both of breed cattle. In conclusion, three variant genotypes (GH891│ Msp I) in Pesisir a nd SimPes (Simmental x Pesisir) cattle population were found and no significant effect on growth trait performance.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4alpha, a transcription factor of the nuclear hormone receptor family, is generally expressed in some endoderm-derived epithelial tissues such as hepatocytes. In mice, an alternative promoter referred to as the P2 promoter is located upstream from the P1 promoter, resulting in the transcription of at least nine isoforms. In this study, we investigated the expression of Hnf4alpha in adult and embryonic mouse tissues, paying special attention to the developing metanephros by using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for the detection of P1 and/or P2 promoter-derived products. In adult mouse tissues, the kidney was the only organ expressing Hnf4alpha controlled only by the P1 promoter, and HNF4alpha was detected in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the proximal tubules, but not in other components of the nephron. In the metanephros, HNF4alpha was detected first at the epithelial cell nuclei in part of the comma-shaped body, distributed widely throughout the developing nephron and finally restricted to the proximal tubules. Interestingly, it was noted that Hnf4alpha mRNAs from stomach, pancreas and kidney tissues in embryonic periods were transcribed by both promoters. Immunohistochemistry for HNF4alpha and HNF1alpha revealed that both factors involved the same network of transcription factors, giving the impression that HNF4alpha was upstream of HNF1alpha.

今回我々は術前診断に難渋した上行結腸脂肪腫を経験したので報告した．症例は42歳，女性，主訴は夜間の上腹部痛腹痛．腹部CT検査では，横行結腸に低吸収域を示す腫瘤陰影と上行結腸に連続したspring coil sign，注腸で同心円状のtarget signを認め腸重積を疑った．大腸内視鏡では表面粗造不整の厚い白苔をもつ隆起性病変を認めた．生検では壊死物質のみであり，間葉系由来の悪性腫瘍(GISTなど）を疑った．切除標本所見では成熟した脂肪細胞より構成され，表面粘膜に潰瘍を形成し線維化をともなう脂肪腫であった．本例では潰瘍による線維化のために周囲脂肪織よりもやや高く不均一な腹部CT検査所見のために術前診断に苦慮した．本邦で報告された腸重積をともなう大腸脂肪腫17例を集計して報告した．

A new bond model for reinforced concrete members considering material deterioration induced by freezing-thawing action has been developed. The developed model with the extensive applicability from non-damaged to severely damaged members can reasonably describe deterioration mechanism between steel bar and concrete.

Ritobegron, a selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist, is the prodrug of the active compound, KUC-7322. We investigated species differences in its metabolism in vitro and the potential for drug-drug interactions with ritobegron. In rat, dog, monkey, and human liver microsomes, ritobegron was not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). KUC-7322 was the only metabolite observed. Hydrolysis of ritobegron to KUC-7322 was likely catalyzed by carboxylesterases in human liver microsomes. The maximum velocity of the reaction (V(max))/Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)) for hydrolysis of ritobegron to KUC-7322 was much higher in rat serum than those in other species. There were also species differences in the conjugation of KUC-7322. Sulfate conjugates of ritobegron were detected in all species, whereas glucuronide and glutathione conjugates of KUC-7322 were only observed in rat liver subcellular fractions. Ritobegron and KUC-7322 did not affect the CYP-mediated metabolism of probe substrates in human liver microsomes and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1)-, OAT2-, OAT3-, organic cation transporter 2 (OCT-2)-, OCT3-, or organic cation/carnitine transporter 1 (OCTN1)-mediated uptake of probe substrates in S2 cells. Ritobegron, but not KUC-7322, inhibited P-glycoprotein-mediated digoxin transport in Caco-2 cells. Significant uptake of KUC-7322 was observed in OAT3-expressing S2 cells. Therefore, CYP-mediated drug-drug interactions are not likely when ritobegron is administered with CYP substrates or inhibitors. Ritobegron may increase the plasma concentrations of P-glycoprotein substrates, such as digoxin, and the plasma concentration of KUC-7322 may increase when it is administered in combination with OAT inhibitors such as probenecid.

To examine the coating formation behavior on plastic material, that is, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and allow for the fabrication of the photocatalytic coating on it, plasma spraying was carried out with anatase TiO2 powder. The effect of spraying parameters on the microstructure of TiO2 coating, fraction of melted TiO2 particles and surface temperature of PET substrate was investigated. The structure of the coating was also characterized by XRD. The photocatalytic property of the coatings was evaluated. The result shows that sprayed coating on PET could be divided into two types. One is that TiO2 coating is fabricated on PET plate and another is that TiO2 particles are implanted into PET. According to the fraction of melted TiO2 particles, the former was about 60% and the latter was approximately 10%. In both cases, it was also found that the surface of PET substrate was melted. Anatase ratio in the TiO2 coatings prepared under the specific spraying conditions, which exhibited good photocatalytic activity, was between 25% and 100%.

Despite the fact that court‐mandated restrictions on voluntary transfers of water are common throughout the western United States, we currently lack a good economic understanding of the historical origins of many of those restrictions. In nineteenth‐century California, groundwater law evolved from an initial regime of virtually no legal restrictions on transfers to one of significant restrictions after the turn of the century. This doctrinal shift was given partial impetus by increasing scientific understanding of groundwater flows, which was reflected in increasingly sophisticated court rulings. However, it was a dramatic deterioration in groundwater conditions in southern California around the turn of the century that triggered a significant change in the court treatment of groundwater transfers. This deterioration resulted from drought conditions and a secular expansion in irrigated agriculture during the 1890s and major technological improvements that made large‐scale groundwater pumping incr...

We have studied whether the state of the articular cartilage at the time of rotational acetabular osteotomy for dysplasia of the hip affects the outcome 2 to 5.5 years after surgery. Arthroscopy in 57 patients (59 joints) at the time of the operation showed grade-0 changes in seven, grade-1 in nine, grade-2 in 17, grade-3 in 14 and grade-4 in 12 joints, according to the classification of Outerbridge. There was radiological evidence of the progression of arthritis in four joints which were classified at arthroscopy as grade 4. Stepwise regression analysis showed that damage to acetabular or femoral articular cartilage significantly affected the progression of arthritis. We conclude that the short-term results of successful rotational acetabular osteotomy for dysplasia are affected by the state of the articular cartilage.

To reveal the acoustic characteristics associated with hypernasality and to ascertain their correlation to the severity of hypernasality, 30 speech samples produced by 15 maxillectomy patients were acoustically analysed with and without an obturator prosthesis in place. The isolated, sustained Japanese vowel /i/ was used as the stimulus for acoustic measurement and perceptual judgment to evaluate the severity of hypernasality. Normalized 1/3-octave spectral analysis demonstrated the spectral characteristics of hypernasality as a rise in amplitude between the first and second formants around the 1 kHz region, and a reduction in amplitude of the frequencies higher than the second formant. High correlation was shown between the perceptual ratings and the predicted values derived from stepwise regression analysis.

A liquid core reduction method has been developed for the flexible production of slabs of extensive thickness. In this method, achievement of the target slab thickness and the prevention of interna...

A catalytically assisted ceramic combustor for a gas turbine was designed to achieve low NOx emission under 5ppm at a combustor outlet temperature over 1300°C. This combustor is composed of a burner system and a ceramic liner behind the burner system. The burner system consists of 6 catalytic combustor segments and 6 premixing nozzles, which are arranged in parallel and alternately. The ceramic liner is made up of the layer of outer metal wall, ceramic fiber and inner ceramic tiles. Fuel flow rates for the catalysts and the premixing nozzles are controlled independently. Catalytic combustion temperature is controlled under 1000°C, premixed gas is injected from the premixing nozzles to the catalytic combustion gas and lean premixed combustion over 1300°C is carried out in the ceramic liner. This system was designed to avoid catalytic deactivation at high temperature and thermal and mechanical shock fracture of the honeycomb monolith of the catalyst. A combustor for a 10MW class, multi-can type gas turbine was tested under high pressure conditions using LNG fuel. Measurements of emission, temperature, etc. were made to evaluate combustor performance under various combustion temperatures and pressures. This paper presents the design features and the test results of this combustor.

Our purpose was to evaluate diffusion-weighted (DW) echo-planar MRI in differentiating between brain abscess and tumour. We examined two patients with surgically confirmed pyogenic brain abscess and 18 with metastatic brain tumours or high-grade glioma, using a 1.5 T system. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of each necrotic or solid contrast-enhancing lesion was measured with two different b values (20 and 1200 s/mm2). All capsule-stage brain abscesses (4 lesions) and zones of cerebritis (2 lesions) were identified on high-b-value DWI as markedly high-signal areas of decreased ADC (range, 0.58-0.70 [(10-3 mm2/s; mean, 0.63)]). All cystic or necrotic portions of brain tumours (14 lesions) were identified on high-b-value DWI as low-signal areas of increased ADC (range, 2.20-3.20 [(10-3 mm2/s; mean, 2.70)]). Solid, contrast-enhancing portions of brain tumours (19 lesions) were identified on high-b-value DWI as high-signal areas of sightly decreased or increased ADC (range, 0.77-1.29 [(10-3 mm2/s; mean, 0.94)]). Our preliminary results indicate that DW echo-planar MRI be used for distinguishing between brain abscess and tumour.

A high quality strip production process has been established, using the high speed medium thickness slab caster developed by Sumitomo Metals and Sumimoto Heavy Industries. North Star/BHP Steel and TRICO Steel in the USA have successively started up a machine in 1997. Stable casting of 900-1650 mm wide and 70-90 mm thick slabs at 5.0 m/min has been achieved. Thin gauge strip with excellent surface quality has been obtained.

A catalytically assisted low NO x combustor has been developed which has the advantage of catalyst durability. Combustion characteristics of catalysts at high pressure were investigated using a bench scale reactor and an improved catalyst was selected. A combustor for multi-can type gas turbine of 10 MW class was designed and tested at high-pressure conditions using liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. This combustor is composed of a burner system and a premixed combustion zone in a ceramic type liner. The burner system consists of catalytic combustor segments and premixing nozzles. Catalyst bed temperature is controlled under 1000°C, premixed gas is injected from the premixing nozzles to catalytic combustion gas and lean premixed combustion is carried out in the premixed combustion zone. As a result of the combustion tests, NO x emission was lower than 5 ppm converted at 16% O 2 at a combustor outlet temperature of 1350°C and a combustor inlet pressure of 1.33 MPa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of 99Tcm-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99Tcm-MAG3) clearance and to compare it with that of 131I-orthoiodohippurate (131I-OIH), which is widely used in clinical practice. Twelve young healthy volunteers with a mean age of 23.4 years (range 19-28) were enrolled in the study. The investigations were repeated at an interval of 1 month under similar physiological conditions. Each volunteer received a simultaneous injection of 99Tcm-MAG3 and 131I-OIH that was commercially available in an already labelled form. Blood samples were obtained at 44 and 104 min post-injection. Clearance values were calculated using the two-sample method. The mean (+/- S.D.) change from the first to the second measurement was -7.1 +/- 11.1% for 99Tcm-MAG3 and 1.7 +/- 13.6% for 131I-OIH. There were no significant differences between the first and the second measurements of 99Tcm-MAG3 and 131I-OIH clearance, respectively. 99Tcm-MAG3 clearance was shown to be very similar to that of 131I-OIH in healthy volunteers.

We studied 35 patients with lacunar infarcts, using diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging (DW-EPI) at 1.5 T. The relative apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (ADCR) of each lesion was calculated and lesion conspicuity on DW-EPI was compared to that on images aquired with fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences. Acute small infarcts (within 3 days) were identified with DW-EPI as an area of decreased ADCR (range 0.33–0.87; mean 0.67) and high signal, subacute small infarcts (4–30 days) as a high-signal or isointense areas of decreased or nearly normal ADCR (0.54–0.98; 0.73), and chronic small infarcts (> 30 days) as low- or high-signal areas of nearly normal or increased ADCR (0.97–1.92; 1.32). In three patients, small infarcts of the brain stem in the hyperacute phase (within 6 h) were seen only with DW-EPI. In five patients, fresh small infarcts adjacent to multiple old infarcts could be distinguished only with DW-EPI.

The development of water law in California has been heavily studied by legal historians. Much interest and controversy has surrounded the fact that early on, California adopted a system of water law that recognizes both riparian and appropriative rights and that persists to this day. How well this hybrid system has promoted in economic efficiency use of water in California has been poorly understood. This article examines the early development of California water law to understand how such a hybrid system emerged and how well it promoted economic growth. The key argument is that nineteenth-century California jurists, though constrained by legislative mandates to observe English common law, worked within the confines of that doctrine to mitigate some of its potential inefficiencies. This article provides empirical evidence that those jurists selectively promoted appropriative claims in situations of high transactions costs in order to encourage reallocation of water from existing riparian uses. Copyright 1998 by the University of Chicago.

Summary. The successful and persistent abolition of the inhibitor is of significant clinical benefit, as it allows for the restoration of the usual treatment with clotting factor concentrate. We describe a successful induction of immune tolerance by continuous infusion of recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) in a 5-year-old boy with severe haemophilia A and high-responding inhibitor. He had previously been subjected to immune tolerance induction (ITI) with rFVIII at 100 units (U) kg−1 three times weekly. One year after the beginning of therapy tolerance was not achieved and a high titer of inhibitor was detected (15 Bethesda Units). The patient had a sudden onset of severe neck pain. The diagnosis of spinal epidural haematoma was revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, and emergency laminectomy with evacuation of the haematoma was required. The patient received sequential therapy for surgery first as bolus rFVIII injection of 500 U kg−1 in order to overwhelm the inhibitor and then as continuous infusion at 6 to 12 U kg−1 hour−1 to avoid bleeding episodes in the postoperative period. After the 3 weeks of continuous infusion, the inhibitor became undetectable. Thereafter, prophylactic treatment with rFVIII was started three times weekly, and the inhibitor has remained undetectable for 6 months. The, present case suggests that continuous infusion of rFVIII may be an effective therapy to induce immune tolerance.

The big project is an undertaking to construct a large-scale ocean-bottom network of cable-linked 150 observatories along the Japan Trench. It is currently in progress in Japan. NIED (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention) takes in charge of the project which is supported by MEXT (the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) financially. The network is for earthquake, tsunami and vertical crustal deformation. The major purpose of the network is to provide the in-situ and real-time geophysical data which will be used for disaster prevention. Such real-time data from the ocean-bottom observations make it possible to forecast the next-generation early tsunami warning which could precisely predict coastal tsunami height. Also the data may make it possible to forecast an earthquake warning much earlier than the present system. The project started in November, 2011 with an area of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake (Mw 9.0) as the catalyst to move this project forward. The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake occurred off the northeastern Japan coast along the Japan Trench on 11th of March in 2011 and a devastating tsunami over 10 m in height hit the Pacific coastal area of the northeastern Japan and severely damaged the communities and infrastructures in and around this area. There were several offshore tsunami observatories such as cabled seafloor hydro-pressure gauges and GPS tsunami buoys in the sea at the time of the occurrence of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake. The offshore tsunami observatories caught the tsunami registering at 5 meters high about 10 minutes before the tsunami arrival at the coast. The tsunami warning, which was emitted by the JMA based on the land seismic observatories data, under-estimated the tsunami height to hit the coast. In the case of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake, the offshore tsunami observed data were not effectively utilized for the tsunami height estimation and the under-estimated tsunami height caused severe casualties (about 20,000 people). We urge this development of the next-generation tsunami warning utilizing the real-time data from the NIED seafloor network along the Japan Trench. 150 seafloor observatories are connected by fiber optic cables of 5,800km in total length. Each observatory is an earthquake and tsunami observatory. Seismometers of several types are equipped to cover a dynamic range of 4G in acceleration and a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 30 Hz. As a tsunami meter two hydro-pressure gauges of the same type are equipped for redundancy. The resolution of the pressure gauge is a few millimeters in a water column. The NIED seafloor network estimate completion in FY 2014.