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The direct assay of total renin (TRC) and active renin concentration (ARC) is a reality due to the availability of monoclonal antibodies against human renin. Because of this, a study has been performed in order to assess the circadian rhythmicity of TRC and ARC. The study was extended to plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) for a more complete assessment of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Twelve clinically healthy subjects (6 males and 6 females, age from 20 to 25 years) volunteered for this study. Time-qualified data series were analysed by means of chronobiological procedures in order to validate the circadian rhythm and to correlate the sinusoidal profiles. The circadian rhythm was validated at a high significance for TRC, ARC, PRA and at a borderline significance for PAC. The periodic oscillations were significantly correlated, demonstrating that TRC, ARC, PRA and PAC cycles oscillate in synchronism during the 24-hour span.

We describe herein a case of inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytoma (IMFH) of the gallbladder that subsequently metastasized to the ascending colon and later to the stomach. A 70-year-old Japanese man with a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen was referred to our hospital for investigation and treatment. Laboratory data showed severe leukocytosis and elevated serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) concentrations. A laparotomy was performed, and the tumor was excised en bloc with the gallbladder and part of the liver bed. Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of ordinary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) components characterized by pleomorphic tumor cells, bizarre giant cells, and conventional spindle cells in a storiform growth pattern, as well as a xanthogranulomatous component, including inflammatory cells, foamy histiocytes, and plasma cells. Immunohistochemical study revealed that the pleomorphic tumor cells and bizarre giant cells were positive for antibodies against alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha1-antichymotrypsin. The final pathologic diagnosis was IMFH. The tumor cells were diffusely positive for anti-G-CSF monoclonal antibody, and the inflammatory reaction subsided immediately after tumor resection, strongly suggesting that the primary tumor cells produced G-CSF. This patient is still alive with no signs of recurrence more than 3 years after his primary operation, which to our knowledge is the longest survival period ever reported. Therefore, visceral IMFH is manageable in some cases by resecting the primary and isolated metastatic lesions.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a poorly understood condition in which patients with chest pain have a transient ampulla-shaped abnormality of the left ventriculogram, and intact coronary arteries. We report TCM in combination with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type II (APS II), which raises new questions about the pathogenesis of TCM.

We have recently developed a portable light therapy apparatus for improvement of sleep quality and wakefulness. This technical note presents some preliminary experiments useful for design and evaluation of portable light therapy apparatus.

We have prepared an Al–Y anodized capacitor using sputter-deposited Al–Y alloy film with 5 at. % Y atoms, and evaluated the capacitor properties and the leakage current properties before and after heat treatment. In addition, the characterization of Al–Y anodized films was examined by X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. As a result, it is revealed that the thermal stability of an Al–Y anodized capacitor is superior to that of a pure Al anodized capacitor because of its excellent passive nature, and the loss properties can be improved by increasing the heat treatment temperature in air because of the reduction of the equivalent series resistance. Furthermore, it is clarified that the cause of the short-circuited state observed at 550°C is the formation of a narrow capillary-like conduction path of metallic Al atoms as a result of the interdiffusion of Al.

This paper describes experimental and theoretical verification in impact response of optimized grooved bearing designed by topological optimization. Firstly, in order to measure the impact response characteristics accurately temperature compensation method for air film thickness of bearing is proposed and confirmed by experiment of bearing reaction force with air film thickness. Then, in this study, impact experiments were conducted with the optimized bearing and spiral grooved bearing and compared with theories of linear and non-linear analyses. As a result, the optimized bearing showed the high impact resistance compared with spiral grooved bearing. In addition, it was confirmed that the results of non-linear analyses are good agreement with those of experiment. Finally, based on above results, the impact response calculations of both bearings by non-liner theory under more high impact force condition were conducted. As a result, it is found that the response of spiral grooved bearing generates the self excited vibration. On the other hand, the response of optimized bearing showed damping waveform with time even under the high impact force conditions.

Since patients with AVA ≦0.6cm(2) have a significantly worse prognosis, more symptoms, and higher prevalence of cardiac events, early aortic valve replacement should be considered in this group. Furthermore, patients having AVA ranging from 0.6 to 0.8cm(2) have a worse prognosis in cardiac events compared to group M. In addition, EF ≦55% is another significant factor for cardiac events.