Results of the search for inspiraling compact star binaries from TAMA300's observation in 2000-2004

We analyze the data of TAMA300 detector to search for gravitational waves from inspiraling compact star binaries with masses of the component stars in the range 1-3Msolar. In this analysis, 2705 hours of data, taken during the years 2000-2004, are used for the event search. We combine the results of different observation runs, and obtained a single upper limit on the rate of the coalescence of compact binaries in our Galaxy of 20 per year at a 90% confidence level. In this upper limit, the effect of various systematic errors such like the uncertainty of the background estimation and the calibration of the detector's sensitivity are included.Comment: 8 pages, 4 Postscript figures, uses revtex4.sty The author list was correcte

Observation results by the TAMA300 detector on gravitational wave bursts from stellar-core collapses

We present data-analysis schemes and results of observations with the TAMA300 gravitational-wave detector, targeting burst signals from stellar-core collapse events. In analyses for burst gravitational waves, the detection and fake-reduction schemes are different from well-investigated ones for a chirp-wave analysis, because precise waveform templates are not available. We used an excess-power filter for the extraction of gravitational-wave candidates, and developed two methods for the reduction of fake events caused by non-stationary noises of the detector. These analysis schemes were applied to real data from the TAMA300 interferometric gravitational wave detector. As a result, fake events were reduced by a factor of about 1000 in the best cases. The resultant event candidates were interpreted from an astronomical viewpoint. We set an upper limit of 2.2x10^3 events/sec on the burst gravitational-wave event rate in our Galaxy with a confidence level of 90%. This work sets a milestone and prospects on the search for burst gravitational waves, by establishing an analysis scheme for the observation data from an interferometric gravitational wave detector

Eosinophilic Enteritis: Efficiency of the 13C-Acetate Breath Test for Assessing the Disease Activity

Few clinical studies have so far focused on gastrointestinal motility in patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. A 29-year-old man was evaluated for epigastralgia of unknown origin. A histopathological examination of biopsy specimens from the duodenum revealed numerous eosinophilic infiltrations. Eosinophilic enteritis was therefore diagnosed. The patient received oral prednisolone and his symptoms improved. Both at the onset and at relapse of the disease, the maximal 13CO 2 excretion time (T max) of 13C-acetate breath test was noted to have increased levels of excretion. Recovery of this parameter was observed in parallel with clinical improvements after treatments. This is the first report of a case of eosinophilic enteritis in which the 13C-acetate breath test was effective for assessing the disease activity and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment

Associations between alkaline phosphatase and hypertension in relation to circulating CD34-positive cell levels pertaining to elderly Japanese men

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) could be an indicator of osteoblastic activity, which initiates hematopoietic stem cell (CD34-positive cell) production in bone marrow. Since chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for hypertension and endothelium dysfunction, stimulates bone marrow activity, ALP could be positively associated with hypertension. To clarify those associations, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 479 elderly Japanese men aged 60-69. Circulating CD34-positive cell levels could influence associations between serum ALP and hypertension because CD34-positive cell production is also a factor known to contribute to endothelial repair. Therefore, participants were stratified by the median value of circulating CD34-positive cell levels (1.00 cells/μL). A low level of circulating CD34-positive cells was identified in 240 members of the study population. A significantly positive association of ALP with hypertension was detected among participants with low circulating CD34-positive cell levels (multivariable-OR (odds ratio) for hypertension resulting from a 1 standard deviation (SD) increment in serum ALP (58.3 IU/L) = 1.44 (1.06, 1.95)) but not among those with high CD34-positive cell levels (multivariable-OR=0.91 (0.67, 1.23)). We also observed a significant effect of the interaction of circulating CD34-positive cell levels on the association between serum ALP and hypertension (multivariable p=0.011). Serum ALP was found to be positively associated with hypertension among elderly participants with low but not with high circulating CD34-positive cell levels. Since CD34-positive cells are a factor known to contribute to endothelial repair, capability for endothelial repair can be expected to have an effect on the association between serum ALP and hypertension

Associations between alkaline phosphatase and hypertension in relation to circulating CD34-positive cell levels pertaining to elderly Japanese men

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) could be an indicator of osteoblastic activity, which initiates hematopoietic stem cell (CD34-positive cell) production in bone marrow. Since chronic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for hypertension and endothelium dysfunction, stimulates bone marrow activity, ALP could be positively associated with hypertension. To clarify those associations, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 479 elderly Japanese men aged 60-69. Circulating CD34-positive cell levels could influence associations between serum ALP and hypertension because CD34-positive cell production is also a factor known to contribute to endothelial repair. Therefore, participants were stratified by the median value of circulating CD34-positive cell levels (1.00 cells/μL). A low level of circulating CD34-positive cells was identified in 240 members of the study population. A significantly positive association of ALP with hypertension was detected among participants with low circulating CD34-positive cell levels (multivariable-OR (odds ratio) for hypertension resulting from a 1 standard deviation (SD) increment in serum ALP (58.3 IU/L) = 1.44 (1.06, 1.95)) but not among those with high CD34-positive cell levels (multivariable-OR=0.91 (0.67, 1.23)). We also observed a significant effect of the interaction of circulating CD34-positive cell levels on the association between serum ALP and hypertension (multivariable p=0.011). Serum ALP was found to be positively associated with hypertension among elderly participants with low but not with high circulating CD34-positive cell levels. Since CD34-positive cells are a factor known to contribute to endothelial repair, capability for endothelial repair can be expected to have an effect on the association between serum ALP and hypertension

Effects of low-intensity bodyweight training with slow movement on motor function in frail elderly patients: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background Slow-motion training, an exercise marked by extremely slow movements, yields a training effect like that of a highly intense training, even when the applied load is small. This study evaluated the effects of low-intensity bodyweight training with slow movement on motor function in frail, elderly patients. Methods Ninety-seven elderly men and women aged 65 years or older, whose level of nursing care was classified as either support required (1 and 2) or long-term care required (care level 1 and 2), volunteered to participate. Two facilities were used. Participants in the first facility used low-intensity bodyweight training with slow movement (the LST group, n = 65), and participants in another facility used machine training (the control group, n = 31). Exercises were conducted for 3 months, once or twice a week, depending on the required level of nursing care. Changes in motor function were examined. Results Post-exercise measurements showed significant improvements from the pre-exercise levels after 3 months, based on the results of the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.0263) and chair-stand test (p = 0.0016) in the low-intensity exercise with slow movement and tonic force generation (LST) group. Although the ability to stand on one leg with eyes open tended to improve, no significant change was found (p = 0.0964). Conclusions We confirmed that carrying out LST bodyweight training for 3 months led to improvements in ambulatory function and lower-limb muscle strength. In this way, it is possible that LST training performed by holding a bar or by staying seated on a chair contributes to improved motor function in elderly patients within a short time. Trial registration UMIN000030853. Registered 17 January 2018. (retrospectively registered)

Familial Mediterranean Fever with Onset at 66 Years of Age

The patient was a 68-year-old woman who had experienced recurrent febrile episodes since 66 years of age. Despite various examinations and treatments, the etiology remained unclear. Further examinations following another referral failed to uncover the cause. Therefore, despite her age, it was presumed that she had familial Mediterranean fever. An analysis of the familial Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene detected heterozygous L110P, E148Q, and R202Q mutations. No further febrile episodes occurred after colchicine treatment was initiated. Familial Mediterranean fever presenting in patients in their sixties is extremely rare