Chemically induced topological zero mode at graphene armchair edges.

The electronic and magnetic properties of chemically modified graphene armchair edges are studied using a combination of tight-binding calculations, first-principles modelling, and low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments. The atomically resolved STM images of the hydrogen etched graphitic edges suggest the presence of localized states at the Fermi level for certain armchair edges. We demonstrate theoretically that the topological zero-energy edge mode may emerge at armchair boundaries with asymmetrical chemical termination of the two outermost atoms in the unit cell. We particularly focus our attention on armchair edges terminated by various combinations of the hydrogen (H, H2) and methylene (CH2) groups. The inclusion of the spin component in our calculations reveals the appearance of π-electron-based magnetism at the armchair edges under consideration.

Reversible molecular adsorption based on multiple-point interaction by shrinkable gels.

A general approach is presented for creating polymer gels that can recognize and capture a target molecule by multiple-point interaction and that can reversibly change their affinity to the target by more than one order of magnitude. The polymers consist of majority monomers that make the gel reversibly swell and shrink and minority monomers that constitute multiple-point adsorption centers for the target molecule. Multiple-point interaction is experimentally proven by power laws found between the affinity and the concentration of the adsorbing monomers within the gels.

Ferromagnetic resonance in nanomagnetic metal core and noble metal shell systems.

The change in the line widths in the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra of Co and Ni nanoparticles upon shell formation with noble metals like gold or silver are described. The Ni(core)Ag(shell), Co(core)Ag(shell), and CO(core)Au(shell) nanoparticles were prepared by a simple transmetallation reaction between the Co and Ni nanoparticles and the Ag+ or AuCl4- ions. It is revealed that the FMR line width decreases upon Ag shell formation whereas it increases upon core-shell composite formation with Au. Several probable explanations such as the differences in size distributions before and after the reaction or the changes occurring in shape anisotropy of the particles due to the shell formation or the different extents of electronic interaction between the core and shell materials have been offered for this observation.

Relationship between variations in the circle of Willis and flow rates in internal carotid and basilar arteries determined by means of magnetic resonance imaging with semiautomated lumen segmentation: reference data from 125 healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Volume flow rates in the feeding arteries of the brain are measured to evaluate blood flow dynamics in vascular disease. Although these flow values are thought to be effected by anatomic variations in the circle of Willis, few reports have described the effect. This study reports on the relationship between variations in the circle of Willis and volume flow rates in the bilateral internal carotid and basilar arteries of normal volunteers. METHODS: We prospectively examined 125 healthy volunteers by MR imaging. Variations in the circle of Willis were classified as "textbook" type, hypoplasia of the precommunicating segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A1), hypoplasia of the precommunicating segment of the posterior cerebral artery (P1), or "other." Volume flow rates were measured by 2D cine phase-contrast MR imaging. Lumen boundaries and volume flow rates were semiautomatically determined by pulsatility-based segmentation. RESULTS: Of the 117 subjects (61 men, 56 women; mean age, 23.6 years) considered suitable for flow measurement, 105 showed textbook type, and 6 each showed A1 hypoplasia and P1 hypoplasia. Total flow rates for the 3 variations were 781 +/- 151 mL/min (mean +/- SD), 744 +/- 119, and 763 +/- 129, respectively. Relative contributions by flow rates of the internal carotid arteries and the basilar artery for the 3 variations were 39.8%:38.9%:21.3%, 31.8%:49.1%:19.0%, and 46.6%:41.6%:11.7%, respectively, showing statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in the circle of Willis correlate significantly with relative contributions by the flow rates of the bilateral internal carotid and basilar arteries.

Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding beta-glucosidase 1 from Aspergillus aculeatus.

A cDNA was isolated from an Aspergillus aculeatus cDNA library using synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide mixtures that corresponded to the internal amino acid (aa) sequence of mature beta-glucosidase 1 (BGL1). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the cloned cDNA insert revealed a 2580-bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a 860-aa protein. The deduced aa sequence of the ORF shared sequence similarity with several BGL from other microorganisms.

Long-lasting activation of cation current by low concentration of endothelin-1 in mouse fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells of rabbit aorta.

1. Recombinant human ETA receptors were expressed in a mouse fibroblast cell line (Ltk- cell) and functional coupling of the receptors with Ca2+ permeable channels at low concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1) was investigated using whole-cell recordings and monitoring the changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) with a Ca2+ indicator, fluo-3. A similar type of coupling was investigated in freshly dispersed vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rabbit thoracic aorta by use of whole-cell recordings. 2. In Ltk- cells expressing recombinant human ETA receptors, concentrations of ET-1 (10(-8) M, 10(-9) M) evoked an initial transient peak and a subsequent sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i whereas a lower concentration of ET-1 (10(-10) M) evoked only a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i. After removal of extracellular Ca2+, ET-1 evoked only an initial peak without a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i. The sustained elevation induced by 10(-10) M ET-1 was blocked by 300 microM mefenamic acid (a cation channel blocker) but not by 10 microM nifedipine (a blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel). 3. In whole-cell recordings with Ltk- cells, a brief (3-5 min) application of ET-1 (10(-10) M) induced a sustained inward current at a holding potential of -60 mV. The current-voltage relationship revealed that the reversal potential of the ET-1-induced current was close to 0 mV (1.9 mV) and was not altered by reducing the concentration of Cl- in the bath solution, indicating that the current is carried by cations. The current was reversibly blocked by 300 microM mefenamic acid, and it persisted after all cations in the bath solution had been replaced by Ca2+ (5 or 30 mM) and nonpermeant cation N-methyl-D glucamine,indicating that the ET-1-activated channel is permeable to Ca2+. Activation of the current was independent of membrane potential and the current was induced even after addition of a high concentration (10 mM) of a Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, to the pipette solution.4. In whole-cell recordings from rabbit aortic VSMCs, ET-l (101-10 M) induced a sustained inward current at a holding potential of -60 mV. The reversal potential was - 12 mV and was not altered when the concentration of Cl- in the pipette solution was decreased, indicating that the current is carried by cations. Again activation of the current was independent of membrane potential and was observed even after addition of a high concentration (10 mM) of a Ca2+ chelator, EGTA to the pipette solution. The current was reversibly blocked by 300 microM mefenamic acid and was permeable to Ca2+,showing marked similarities to ET-1-induced cationic current in Ltk- cells.5. These results indicate that in Ltk- cells transfected with cDNA for recombinant ETA receptors andVSMCs, ETA receptors can functionally couple with a nonselective cation channel permeable to Ca2+.Thus the present data suggest that the cation channel plays an essential role in the sustained elevation of[Ca2+]i at low concentrations of ET-l by causing Ca2+ entry through the channel.

Pharmacological characterization of Ca2+ entry channels in endothelin-1-induced contraction of rat aorta using LOE 908 and SK&F 96365.

We have recently shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). These channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. Here we characterized Ca2+ entry channels involved in ET-1-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings and increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single smooth muscle cells using these blockers. LOE 908 or a blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel nifedipine had no effect on the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin, whereas SK&F 96365 abolished them. The contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 depended on extracellular Ca2+ but were resistant to nifedipine. The responses to lower concentrations (< or =0.1 nM) of ET-1 were abolished by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908. The responses to higher concentrations (> or = 1 nM) were abolished by SK&F 96365, but were partially resistant to LOE 908. SK&F 96365 inhibited the LOE 908-resistant contractions induced by higher concentrations of ET-1 with IC50 values similar to those for contractions induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin. These results show that the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i of rat aortic smooth muscles at lower concentrations of ET-1 involve only one Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 (NSCC-2), whereas those at higher concentrations of ET-1 involve another Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 but resistant to LOE 908 (SOCC) in addition to the former channel.

The involvement of a novel mechanism distinct from the thrombin receptor in the vasocontraction induced by trypsin.

1. The vasocontracting effect of a serine protease trypsin and its mechanisms were investigated by monitoring the isometric tension in endothelium-denuded rings of rabbit thoracic aortae and its effects on intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in dispersed rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells with a Ca2+ indicator fura-2. The actions of trypsin were compared with those of thrombin. 2. Both thrombin and trypsin reversibly contracted aortic rings without endothelium in a concentration-dependent manner. The vasocontraction induced by trypsin was well correlated with the protease activity of trypsin actually added to the tissue baths containing the aortic rings and was completely blocked by soybean trypsin inhibitor and phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine protease inhibitor. 3. The trypsin-induced contractions of the aortic rings were not the result of irreversible damage to vascular smooth muscle cells, since the contractile responses induced by noradrenaline or 30 mM KCl were unaffected by pretreatment with trypsin. 4. The contractions induced by either thrombin or trypsin were reduced to about 30% of control responses after removal of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that most of the contraction is dependent on extracellular Ca2+. By contrast, the contractions induced by either of the proteases were reduced by an antagonist of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, nifedipine, to about 70% of control responses, indicating that both nifedipine-sensitive and -resistant Ca2+ channels are involved in these contractions. 5. In the aortic rings precontracted by a maximally effective concentration of thrombin, the second application of thrombin virtually failed to induce contractions but trypsin could still induce contractions amounting to 10% of control values by it's protease activity. 6. After the first application of a maximal concentration of thrombin, the second application of thrombin could not induce an increase in [Ca2+]i, but an application of trypsin could still induce an increase in [Ca2+]i in dispersed rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells. 7. These data suggest that in addition to activation of a thrombin receptor, trypsin can contract rabbit aortae by a proteinase-activated receptor 2 or a novel mechanism.

Inhibitory effect of nitrovasodilators and cyclic GMP on ET-1-activated Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

1. In single vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from the aortae of male Wistar rats, we examined the effects of nitric oxide (NO) donors such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP), and 8-bromo-guanosine-3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cyclic GMP) on endothelin-1 (ET-1)-activated Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel by use of whole-cell recordings of patch-clamp technique and monitoring of intracellular free Ca(2+)-concentration ([Ca2+]i) with fura-2 real-time digital microfluorometry. 2. ET-1 evoked an initial transient peak and a subsequent sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i. After removal of extracellular Ca2+. ET-1 evoked only an initial transient peak without a sustained phase. Nifedipine (1 microM), a specific blocker of the L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOC), reduced the sustained phase to about 40% of the control level. The remaining part of the sustained phase was abolished by 30 microM SK&F 96365, a blocker of nonselective cation channels. 3. The nifedipine-resistant sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i was abolished by 100 microM SNP, 10 microM SNAP and 300 microM 8-bromo-cyclic GMP. Neither SNP, SNAP nor 8-bromo-cyclic GMP significantly affected the basal level of [Ca2+]i. 4. In a VSMC clamped at a holding potential of -60 mV with K+ in the pipette solution replaced by Cs+, application of 10(-8) M ET-1 induced an inward current with an increase in baseline fluctuation. With fluctuation analysis, unit conductance of the ET-1-induced current was calculated to be about 21 pS. The ET-1-induced current was linearly related to the membrane potentials with its reversal potential of -5.5 mV. 5. The ET-1-induced current was reversibly and completely inhibited by 30 microM SK&F 96365 or 500 microM Cd2+. The current inhibited by SK&F 96365 or Cd2+ was linearly related to membrane potential with a reversal potential of about -5 mV. 6. The ET-1-induced current was reversibly and completely inhibited by 100 microM SNP, 10 microM SNAP and 300 microM 8-bromo-cyclic GMP. The current inhibited by SNP, SNAP or 8-bromo-cyclic GMP showed linear voltage-dependence and reversed at about -5 mV. 7. In a bath solution in which all cations were replaced by 30 mM Ca2+ and 100 mM nonpermeant cation N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG), ET-1 evoked a current with a reversal potential of -11 mV, from which PCa2+/Pcs1 was calculated to be 2.1. This Ca2+ current was also abolished by 100 microM SNP, 10 microM SNAP and 300 microM 8-bromo-cyclic GMP. The current inhibited by SNP, SNAP or 8-bromo-cyclic GMP showed linear voltage-dependence and reversed at about -11 mV. 8. These results taken together indicate that NO through a cyclic GMP signalling pathway inhibits ET-1-activated Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channels, thereby suppressing the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. Thus, the present study indicates that this Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel is an important target for nitrovasodilators.

Activation of three types of voltage-independent Ca2+ channel in A7r5 cells by endothelin-1 as revealed by a novel Ca2+ channel blocker LOE 908.

1. We have shown that in addition to voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOC), endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel (NSCC) in A7r5 cells: its lower concentrations (< or = 1 nM; lower [ET-1]) activate only an SK&F 96365-resistant channel (NSCC-1), whereas its higher concentrations (> or = 10 nM; higher [ET-1]) activate an SK&F 96365-sensitive channel (NSCC-2) as well. 2. We now characterized the effects of a blocker of Ca2+ entry channel LOE 908 on NSCCs and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC) in A7r5 cells, and using two drugs, clarified the involvement of these channels in the ET-1-induced increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i). Whole-cell recordings and [Ca2+]i monitoring with fluo-3 were used. 3. LOE 908 up to 10 microM had no effect on increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin, but SK&F 96365 abolished them. 4. In the cells clamped at -60 mV, both lower and higher [ET-1] induced inward currents with linear iv relationships and the reversal potentials of -15.0 mV. Thapsigargin induced no currents. 5. In the presence of nifedipine, lower [ET-1] induced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas higher [ET-1] induced a transient peak and a sustained increase. The sustained increases by lower and higher [ET-1] were abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+, and they were suppressed by LOE 908 to 0 and 35%, respectively, with the LOE 908-resistant part being abolished by SK&F 96365. 6. These results show that LOE 908 is a blocker of NSCCs without effect on SOCC, and that the increase in [Ca2+]i at lower [ET-1] results from Ca2+ entry through NSCC-1 in addition to VOC, whereas the increase at higher [ET-1] involves NSCC-1, NSCC-2 and SOCC in addition to VOC.

Activation of two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel by endothelin-1 in A7r5 cells.

1. In A7r5 cells loaded with the Ca2+ indicator fura-2, we examined the effect of a Ca2+ channel blocker SK&F 96365 on increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and Mn2+ quenching of fura-2 fluorescence by endothelin-1 (ET-1). Whole-cell patch-clamp was also performed. 2. Higher concentrations (> or = 10 nM) of ET-1 (higher [ET-1]) evoked a transient peak and a subsequent sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i: removal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished only the latter. A blocker of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOC) nifedipine at 1 microM reduced the sustained phase to about 50%, which was partially sensitive to SK&F 96365 (30 microM). 3. Lower [ET-1] (< or = 1 nM) evoked only a sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i which depends on extracellular Ca2+. The elevation was partly sensitive to nifedipine but not SK&F 96365. 4. In the presence of 1 microM nifedipine, higher [ET-1] increased the rate of Mn2+ quenching but lower [ET-1] had little effect. 5. In whole-cell recordings, both lower and higher [ET-1] induced inward currents at a holding potential of -60 mV with linear I-V relationships and reversal potentials close to 0 mV. The current at lower [ET-1] was resistant to SK&F 96365 but was abolished by replacement of Ca2+ in the bath solution with Mn2+. The current at higher [ET-1] was abolished by the replacement plus SK&F 96365. 6. In a bath solution containing only Ca2+ as a movable cation, ET-1 evoked currents: the current at lower [ET-1] was sensitive to Mn2+, whereas that at higher [ET-1] was partly sensitive to SK&F 96365. 7. These results indicate that in addition to VOC, ET-1 activates two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel depending on its concentrations which differ in terms of sensitivity to SK&F 96365 and permeability to Mn2+.

Disordered magnetism at the metal-insulator threshold in nano-graphite-based carbon materials

The magnetism of activated carbon fibers composed of a disorder network of nanographites was investigated, where each nanographite has about 1 edge-inherited localized spin. The susceptibility, for samples situated around the metal-insulator threshold, shows a cusp around 4-7 K in addition to the presence of a field-cooling effect. These behaviors are explained in terms of disordered magnetism caused by random strengths of inter-nano-graphite antiferromagnetic interactions mediated by pi-conduction carriers.

A case of MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma occurring in the rectum.

A case of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the rectum is reported. A 64 year-old woman was referred to us for the evaluation of occult blood in the stool. A hard mass was palpable on digital examination. Biopsy specimens revealed a histologic picture compatible with MALT lymphoma. Abdominoperineal excision of the rectum was carried out. Chemotherapy was not performed, and the post-operative course was uneventful, with no evidence of recurrence for 2 years and 11 months. Surgical resection is an effective therapy for MALT lymphoma of the rectum.

Analysis of second-order kernel response components of multifocal electroretinograms elicited from normal subjects.

PURPOSE: It has been reported that the second-order kernel response components of multifocal electroretinograms (mERGs) reflect the electrical activity of the inner retinal layers. In this study, we have investigated whether the amplitudes of the second-order kernel response components correlate with the spatial distribution of human retinal ganglion cells. METHODS: Multifocal electroretinograms were recorded using the Veris III system from 5 healthy subjects with different stimulus and recording parameters. The mERGs were analyzed using the Veris Science software programs. The stimuli consisted of densely arranged arrays of 103, 61, 37 or 19 hexagonal elements. Four minutes were required to record one set of mERG responses using 8 sessions, and 8 minutes using 16 sessions. The second-order kernel response components were extracted and analyzed using the Veris Science program. RESULTS: The signal-to-noise ratio of the first-order kernel response components was improved considerably by the summation of the nine reproducible responses from the same subject but the second-order kernel response components were not. The summation of the nine reproducible responses was insufficient to identify an array of the second-order kernel response components. Both the first- and second-order kernel response components were larger when fewer hexagonal elements were used. There was no significant difference in the individual responses between the 4-minute and the 8-minute recordings. A response density analysis revealed a weak correlation between the amplitude distribution of the second-order kernel response components and the spatial distribution of human retinal ganglion cells. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the amplitudes of the second-order kernel response components of the mERGs elicited from normal subjects did not correlate with the distribution of human ganglion cells. This suggests that the theory that second-order kernel response components arise from the activity of retinal ganglion cells should be reconsidered.

[A case of dermatomyositis with severe retinopathy in a patient who died of acute interstitial pneumonia].

Sight threatening ocular complications are rare in adult patients with dermatomyositis. We encountered a 52-year-old female with dermatomyositis who had severe visual disturbance and rapidly progressive intersitial pneumonia. She was admitted to our hospital because of skin erythema, general fatigue, mild fever, and severe bilateral visual disturbance. Rentinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and macular edema were observed in her fundus at the first ophthalmic examination. A diagnosis of dermatomyositis was made because of the myogenic pattern of her electromyogram, elevation of serum creatine kinase, and skin lesions. Oral prednisolone treatment was started and the retinopathy was improved, but was complicated by acute interstitial pneumonia. The interstitial pneumonia was not respond to steroid pulse therapy with methylprednisolone, and the patient died of respiratory failure on the 47th day after the onset of visual symptoms. In adult dermatomyositis patients, the complication of severe retinopathy should be considered as a risk factor for rapid progress of interstitial pneumonia.

[Effect of Down's syndrome on perioperative and long-term prognosis after ventricular septal defect repair].

In this study, we investigated perioperative and long-term prognosis and the risk of major complications after repair of ventricular septal defect in 48 patients with Down's syndrome who underwent ventricular septal defect repair between May 1980 to August 1999 were compared with those in 48 patients with normal chromosomes matched for age and time period. Pp/Ps were significantly lower after the operation in both groups; however perioperative and postoperative Pp/Ps of Down's syndrome group were significantly higher than that those of control group. The duration of intubation was significantly longer in the Down's syndrome group and the case-control study revealed that the risk of long intubation (> or = 7 days) was significantly higher in the Down's syndrome group, but the incidence of PH crisis did not differ between the 2 groups. The main reasons of prolonged intubation period were respiratory complications such as pneumonia or atelectasis. In Down's syndrome group, a 5 months old boy died of heart failure on the 5th postoperative day. All other patients were survived through a mean follow-up period of 122.4 months (the follow-up rate was 95.8%). In conclusion, the perioperative and long-term prognosis after ventricular septal defect repair in patients with Down's syndrome were similar to those in patients with normal chromosome.

[Polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMNE) levels in surgical patients with postoperative infections].

To study the role of lysozomal enzyme released from polymorphonuclear leukocytes during postoperative infections, plasma levels of PMNE were measured serially in 53 patients who underwent digestive surgery. The patients were divided into two groups, 18 patients with postoperative infections (infected group), and 35 patients without infections (non-infected group). The PMNE levels in the non-infected group elevated during one week with peak value in one postoperative day, but returned to preoperative levels in two weeks. The levels of fibronectin (FN), C3, C4 and antithrombin III (ATIII) were decreased after surgery, but returned within seven postoperative days. On the contrary, the PMNE levels in the infected group remained high two weeks after operations and elevated higher than those of non-infected group before clinical signs of infections. In infected group, the levels of FN and ATIII were significantly decreased two weeks after surgery, compared to those of non-infected group. Correlations were demonstrated between the amount of PMNE and the decrease in the levels of FN and ATIII. It is suggested PMNE might play a role in the pathobiochemical alterations including of acceleration of coagulation during postoperative infections. The measurement of the levels of PMNE in the postoperative course seems to be an useful index to early diagnosis of postoperative infections.

[Electrocardiogram in pulmonary heart disease--clinical evaluation of right chest leads].

A clinical study was made to evaluate the usefulness of electrocardiograms in right precordial leads (V3r or V4R) for the diagnosis of cardiac complications among patients with chronic pulmonary disease. Walsh and colleagues reported that the change of direction in the terminal vector of QRS loop in the vector cardiogram is useful for the evaluation of chronic pulmonary heart disease. They showed that the terminal vectors of QRS loops tend to deviate to the right and/or posterior direction in the early stage of chronic pulmonary heart disease. We utilized the electrocardiograms in the right precordial leads to detect the second R waves, which are thought to reflect the terminal vectors of QRS loops in the vectorcardiograms. When the electrocardiograms in the right precordial leads were compared, the second R waves in leads V3R or V4R were more frequently observed among patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease than those without. However, in the same two groups, the frequency of second R waves in leads V5R or V6R didn't differ. We conclude that the second R waves in leads V3R or V4R in a patient with chronic lung disease suggest the presence of chronic pulmonary heart disease as a complication.

Charge transfer and weak chemisorption of oxygen molecules in nanoporous carbon consisting of a disordered network of nanographene sheets.

The adsorption/desorption processes of oxygen are investigated in nanoporous carbon (activated carbon fiber (ACF)) consisting of a disordered network of nanographene sheets. The heat-induced desorption at 200 °C shows the decomposition of oxygen-including functional groups weakly bonded to nanographene edges. The removal of these oxygen-including negatively charged functional groups brings about a change in the type of majority carriers, from holes to electrons, through charge transfer from the functional groups to the interior of nanographene sheets. The oxygen adsorption brings ACF back to the electronic state with holes being majority carriers. In this process, a large concentration of negatively charged O(2)(δ-) molecules with δ ∼ 0.1 are created through charge transfer from nanographene sheets to the adsorbed oxygen molecules. The changes in the thermoelectric power and the electrical resistance in the oxygen desorption process is steeper than that in the oxygen adsorption process. This suggests the irreversibility between the two processes.