Direction-of-arrival estimation in half-space from single sample array snapshot.

Most existing direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms are intended for single-frequency use. However, the majority of real sound fields are wideband, and the application of these techniques then becomes computationally expensive. In this paper, a fast DOA estimation method for use with wideband sound fields is constructed from only a single observation of the array signal based on the properties of a space of spherically band-limited functions. The proposed method can be applied to any element arrangement and spatial dimensions, and the computational load is only dependent on the number of microphones in the array. However, because this method does not use time information, forward-backward identification of the arriving waves is not possible. Therefore, the proposed DOA estimation method is limited to a half-space. Numerical simulations of multiple sound waves arriving from a half-space show that the proposed method offers good processing performance when applied to pulse-like broadband sound fields. The results also indicate that the method is capable of tracking DOAs in real time, even when these DOAs vary rapidly.

Systematic Study of Pnictogen-Fused Heterofluorenes.

Heteroatom-fused π-conjugated molecules have attracted considerable attention, and various elements for such fusion have been investigated. Herein, we focused on pnictogen-fused heterofluorenes. The structures, reactivity with O2 and I2, coordination ability to AuCl, and photophysical properties were systematically studied to better understand the effects of pnictogen atoms on the nature of π-conjugated molecules.

Synthesis of musical instrument directivities with a single common loudspeaker (L).

This letter synthesizes musical instrument directivities by sequentially rotating a loudspeaker through multiple orientations. The synthesis is conducted in a spherical harmonic domain using the actual measured directivity of a commercial loudspeaker and an open database of musical instrument directivities. The letter further proposes a practically useful set of 26 loudspeaker orientations named Step45, which can be used to reproduce the target directivity as well as if the orientations were determined adopting mathematical methods that give equilibrium configurations.

Recurrent cardiac tamponade following coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccination: A case report.

A 64-year-old woman with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, breast cancer, cervical spine tumor, and syringomyelia developed recurrent pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade after receiving the third dose of coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccine, mRNA-1273 (Spikevax, Moderna). The cardiac tamponade of unknown etiology was intractable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and prednisolone. She underwent thoracoscopic pericardiectomy, and microthrombi were detected in the pericardial tissue. Although the exact causal relationship between vaccination and recurrent cardiac tamponade was unclear, the vaccine possibly caused or triggered the microthrombi formation, resulting in recurrent cardiac tamponade. Because of the potential for cardiovascular side effects such as thrombosis and myocarditis following vaccination, it was deemed necessary to accumulate and analyze such cases.

Impact of milrinone on mitral annular velocity in patients with congestive heart failure.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of milrinone on mitral annular velocity in patients with congestive heart failure. METHOD: We studied 27 patients with congestive heart failure. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography both before and after administration of milrinone. We measured the early transmitral velocity (E) and the mitral annular early diastolic velocity (Ea). The ratio of E to Ea (E/Ea) was calculated. After the baseline echocardiography, milrinone was administered as a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.25 µg/kg/min. Echocardiographic measurements were repeated 4 h after milrinone was begun. RESULTS: After administration of milrinone, Ea was significantly increased, while E/Ea was significantly decreased. The population of 27 patients was divided into 20 (74 %) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50 % and seven (26 %) with LVEF ≥50 %. Ea was significantly increased in both groups, while E/Ea was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Even low-dose milrinone produced an improvement in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, as evidenced by an increase in Ea, and falls in LV filling pressures, as determined by a decrease in E/Ea, in patients with congestive heart failure throughout a wide range of LV systolic function.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis demonstrated by repeat echocardiography.

We report a case of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) in a patient with bladder cancer presenting with multiple cerebral infarctions. Initial transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography did not show any abnormalities. However, repeat transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a vegetation on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve with mild mitral regurgitation and no evidence of leaflet destruction. Persistent high-grade fevers and leukocytosis were observed. The patient was suspected to have infective endocarditis. However, abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed multiple metastatic masses, and serial blood cultures were negative. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with NBTE associated with multiple metastases of bladder cancer. This case suggests that even if echocardiography does not initially demonstrate any abnormalities in patients with embolism, it must be repeated at the recurrence of embolism, and that even if clinical signs of infection are documented, NBTE should be suspected in any cancer patient with thromboembolic events.

Cardio-ankle vascular index is superior to brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity as an index of arterial stiffness.

Both cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are noninvasive methods to estimate arterial stiffness. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CAVI or baPWV is superior as an index of arterial stiffness. One hundred and thirty patients with chest pain syndrome who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) were included in this study. We obtained intima-media-thickness (IMT) and the stiffness parameter beta of the carotid artery by carotid ultrasounds (CU). The peak early diastolic velocity (E), deceleration time of E (EDCT), peak atrial systolic velocity (A) of transmitral flow and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were obtained by echocardiography. CAVI, baPWV, total cholesterol (T-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were measured before CAG. There was a significant correlation between CAVI and baPWV (r = 0.64, p < 0.01). Both CAVI and baPWV were significantly correlated with age, IMT and beta (age: r = 0.64, p < 0.01 for CAVI, and r = 0.48, p < 0.01 for baPWV; IMT: r = 0.40, p < 0.01, and r = 0.31, p < 0.01; beta: r = 0.36, p < 0.01 and r = 0.25, p < 0.01). However, only CAVI was correlated with the parameters of left ventricular diastolic indices from echocardiography (E/A: r = 0.44, p < 0.01; EDCT: r = 0.36, p < 0.01). Additionally, LDL-C and T-C/HDL-C were also associated with only CAVI (LDL-C: r = 0.26, p < 0.02; T-C/HDL-C: r = 0.30, p < 0.01), not baPWV. Finally, only CAVI was significantly higher in the group with angina pectoris than in the normal group (9.708 +/- 1.423 vs. 9.102 +/- 1.412; p = 0.0178). All parameters associated with atherosclerosis suggested that CAVI was superior to baPWV as a parameter of arterial stiffness.

Distal radial arterial hypertrophy after transradial intervention: A serial intravascular ultrasound study.

BACKGROUND: Transradial intervention (TRI) may cause damage to the radial artery (RA). We have demonstrated intima-media thickening and luminal narrowing of the distal RA after TRI using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). This study aimed to determine the predictors of intima-media thickening of RA after TRI in the same patients using serial IVUS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 110 consecutive patients who underwent TRI. IVUS of RA was immediately performed after TRI and repeated 6 months later. Volumetric analyses were performed for the distal RA. The intima-media volume (IMV) increased from 53.56±10.85mm3 to 58.70±13.04mm3 (p=0.0022), whereas the lumen volume (LV) decreased from 146.87±40.53mm3 to 129.64±45.78mm3 (p=0.0018) and vessel volume (VV) decreased from 201.23±44.55mm3 to 188.34±52.25mm3 (p=0.0306). Multiple regression analysis revealed diabetes as the most powerful independent predictor of the percentage change in IMV of the distal RA after TRI. The percentage change in IMV significantly increased in the DM group compared with non-DM group (p<0.001). The percentage change in IMV was significantly positively correlated with HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Serial IVUS of the distal RA revealed a significant increase in IMV and decreases in LV and VV. Diabetes was the most powerful independent predictor of the percentage change in IMV of the distal RA after TRI. The percentage change in IMV was significantly positively correlated with HbA1c.

Intima-media thickening of the radial artery after transradial intervention. An intravascular ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the extent and nature of radial artery injury after transradial intervention (TRI) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). BACKGROUND: Although TRI has been developed to minimize bleeding and improve the quality of life, radial artery injury is a problem. METHODS: We studied 100 radial arteries in 100 consecutive patients who underwent coronary IVUS imaging. To assess the injury to the radial artery, we compared the radial artery findings between first-TRI patients (n = 48) and repeat-TRI patients (n = 52). Ten cross-sections at 5-mm intervals from the puncture site along a 50-mm distance were measured in each patient. RESULTS: In repeat-TRI patients, the lumen area (LA) and minimal lumen diameter (MLD) were smaller than those in first-TRI patients (p = 0.032 and p = 0.028, respectively), whereas the intima-media cross-sectional area (IMcsa) and intima-media thickness (IMT) were significantly greater than those in first-TRI patients (p < 0.01). In the proximal radial artery, there were no significant differences in the vessel area (VA), LA, IMcsa, or MLD between the two groups. In the distal radial artery, both LA and MLD were significantly smaller in repeat-TRI patients than in first-TRI patients (p < 0.01), whereas IMcsa and IMT were greater in repeat-TRI patients than in first-TRI patients (p < 0.01). However, VA did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The lumen diameters were smaller in repeat-TRI patients than in first-TRI patients due to intima-media thickening, especially in the distal radial artery. Care should be taken when the radial artery is used as a conduit in coronary artery bypass graft surgery, particularly in patients who have undergone TRI.

The usefulness of a 10% air-10% blood-80% saline mixture for contrast echocardiography: Doppler measurement of pulmonary artery systolic pressure.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed an air-blood-saline mixture for Doppler measurement of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and the mechanism of enhancement of the Doppler signal by this mixture. BACKGROUND: Underestimation of PASP by Doppler echocardiography occurs with inadequate continuous wave (CW) signals of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). METHODS: We assessed in vitro the diameter and concentration of microbubbles of agitated air-saline mixture, air-blood-saline mixture and 10% air-10% plasma-80% saline mixture immediately, 5, 10 and 20 s after agitation. In 20 patients, PASP was estimated by Swan-Ganz catheter and CW Doppler of TR: 1) without contrast injection; 2) with intravenous injection of 10% air-90% saline; and 3) 10% blood-10% air-80% saline mixture. RESULTS: Compared to air-saline, addition of blood or plasma to the air-saline solution significantly increased the concentration of microbubbles (p < 0.001). The air-blood-saline (26.7 +/- 7.2 microm) and air-plasma-saline mixture (25.3 +/- 7.4 microm) had smaller microbubbles than air-saline mixture (31.6 +/- 8.2 microm) (p < 0.001). The correlation between Doppler- and catheter-measured PASP at baseline (r = 0.64) improved with agitated air-saline (r = 0.86). With the air-blood-saline mixture, the correlation further improved (r = 0.92) and the best limits of agreement were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the patient's own blood is a method of making a sterile solution of numerous small microbubbles for injection into the right-sided cardiac chambers. Clinically, the air-blood-saline mixture is easily prepared at bedside and is superior to the air-saline mixture in assessing PASP in patients with inadequate CW Doppler signals.

Coronary vasodilation by noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasound: an in vivo canine study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the coronary vasodilatory effects of transcutaneous low-frequency (27-kHz) ultrasound (USD). BACKGROUND: Ultrasound has been shown to affect vascular function. METHODS: Ultrasound energy was administered transcutaneously to 12 dogs. Coronary arterial dimensions were assessed using intravascular coronary ultrasound (IVUS) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). RESULTS: The IVUS mid-left anterior descending (LAD) luminal area was 6.77 +/- 1.27 mm(2) at baseline. After 30 s of ultrasound, this area increased by 9% (7.40 +/- 1.44 mm(2), p < 0.05), after 3 min by 19% (8.05 +/- 1.72 mm(2), p < 0.05) and after 5 min increased by 21% (8.16 +/- 1.29 mm(2), p < 0.05). The mean coronary diameter (2.69 +/- 0.33 mm) at baseline (QCA of three segments of LAD and three segments of left circumflex coronary artery) increased by 19.3% (3.21 +/- 0.28 mm) after 5 min of USD exposure. After a 90-min observation period there was a return to baseline values (p = NS). Intracoronary nitroglycerin (NTG) administered to five dogs revealed a similar magnitude of vasodilation as USD. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive, transthoracic low-frequency USD energy results in coronary artery vasodilation within seconds of exposure. The vasodilation is reversible and is similar in magnitude to that induced by NTG. Further evaluation is needed to assess its potential applications in humans.

Noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasound augments thrombolysis in the left circumflex coronary artery--an in vivo canine study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound has the potential to augment chemical thrombolysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thrombotic occlusions in the left circumflex artery (LCx) were induced in 27 dogs. Sixty minutes later, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) was given intravenously over 90 min. Thrombotic occlusions (n = 20) were treated with concomitant transcutaneous low frequency (27 kHz), continuous wave (CW) (n = 10) or pulsed wave (PW) (n = 10) ultrasound. Tissue-type plasminogen activator plus ultrasound (n = 20) vs. tissue-type plasminogen activator alone (n=7) resulted in more frequent Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow (90% vs. 43%, P = 0.024) and less reocclusion (11% vs. 67%, P = 0.080). At 60 min, median TIMI grade flow for tissue-type plasminogen activator alone was 2 (mean: 1.43 +/- 1.40) compared to 3 (mean: 2.70 +/- 0.95) for tissue-type plasminogen activator plus continuous as well as pulsed wave ultrasound (P = 0.035). Continuous wave and pulsed wave ultrasound were equally effective in augmenting thrombolysis. Histologically, no ultrasound-mediated injury to the myocardium or coronary arteries occurred. CONCLUSION: Both transcutaneous low frequency continuous wave ultrasound and pulsed wave ultrasound enhance tissue-type plasminogen activator-mediated thrombolysis of the posterior circulation with higher TIMI 3 flow rates and less reocclusion than with tissue-type plasminogen activator alone. In addition, at the energy levels used, low frequency ultrasound appears safe.

Coronary arterial remodeling in differing clinical presentations of unstable angina pectoris--an intravascular ultrasound study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary arterial remodeling influences the clinical presentation of ischemic heart disease; however, there is little information on the relationship between coronary arterial remodeling and the type of angina pectoris that patients manifest. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to determine the difference of coronary arterial remodeling in patients with different types of angina pectoris. METHODS: We analyzed 100 patients with ischemic heart disease using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Intracoronary IVUS images of proximal reference (PR), distal reference (DR), and target lesion were recorded, and intraluminal area (LA) and external elastic membrane (EEM) were measured. We defined a remodeling index as 100 x (lesion EEM - [PR-EEM + DR-EEM]/2) / ([PR-EEM + DR-EEM]/2). Cases were classified into three groups according to the clinical history (Group 1a: de novo unstable angina pectoris, Group 1b: accelerating unstable angina pectoris, and Group 2; stable angina pectoris). RESULTS: The remodeling index in Group 1a was significantly larger than that in Groups 1b and 2 (18.6 +/- 28.5 vs. 5.3 +/- 27.1 and 18.6 +/- 28.5 vs. -2.7 +/- 17.6, p = 0.0347 and p = 0.0005, respectively), but there was no statistical difference in remodeling index between Groups 1b and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that positive coronary arterial remodeling is more prevalent in patients with new onset of angina pectoris. The specific type of coronary arterial remodeling may affect the clinical presentation of patients with coronary artery disease.

Donepezil-induced torsades de pointes without QT prolongation.

We report a case of torsades de pointes (TdP) induced by donepezil without QT prolongation. An 86-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a syncopal attack. She had been treated for Alzheimer's disease with donepezil. Initial 12-lead electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation and normal corrected QT interval. After admission, atrial fibrillation spontaneously recovered to normal sinus rhythm on electrocardiographic monitoring. On the second day, electrocardiographic monitoring documented TdP. We discontinued donepezil immediately. After washout of donepezil, TdP was not observed again. Corrected QT interval was normal throughout hospitalization. This case suggests that donepezil may cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias without QT prolongation. Even if corrected QT interval is normal in patients taking donepezil and experiencing symptoms associated with TdP, electrocardiographic monitoring is recommended. .

Effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone on atrial conduction and remodeling in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Spironolactone was shown to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the effect of spironolactone on the incidence of atrial fibrillation remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the effects of spironolactone on atrial conduction and remodeling in patients with HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 21 patients with HF were divided into either spironolactone group (n=11) or control group (n=10). The patients were followed up for 12 months. Blood examination, echocardiogram, and signal-averaged electrocardiogram were performed at study enrollment and after 3 and 12 months of treatment. In the spironolactone group, atrial natriuretic peptide tended to reduce, left atrium dimension was significantly smaller, the ratio of E wave to A wave tended to improve, and P-duration was significantly shortened. CONCLUSIONS: Spironolactone improves atrial conduction and remodeling in patients with HF.

Mobilicoccus pelagius gen. nov., sp. nov. and Piscicoccus intestinalis gen. nov., sp. nov., two new members of the family Dermatophilaceae, and reclassification of Dermatophilus chelonae (Masters et al. 1995) as Austwickia chelonae gen. nov., comb. nov.

Two Gram-positive bacteria, designated strains Aji5-31(T) and Ngc37-23(T), were isolated from the intestinal tracts of fishes. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that both strains were related to the members of the family Dermatophilaceae, with 95.6-96.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities. The family Dermatophilaceae contains 2 genera and 3 species: Dermatophilus congolensis, Dermatophilus chelonae and Kineosphaera limosa. However, it has been suggested that the taxonomic position of D. chelonae should be reinvestigated using a polyphasic approach, because the chemotaxonomic characteristics are not known (Stackebrandt, 2006; Stackebrandt and Schumann, 2000). Our present study revealed that strains Aji5-31(T), Ngc37-23(T) and D. chelonae NBRC 105200(T) should be separated from the other members of the family Dermatophilaceae on the basis of the following characteristics: the predominant menaquinone of strain Aji5-31(T) is MK-8(H(2)), strain Ngc37-23(T) possesses iso- branched fatty acids as major components, and the menaquinone composition of D. chelonae is MK-8(H(4)), MK-8 and MK-8(H(2)) (5 : 3 : 2, respectively). On the basis of these distinctive phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis results, it is proposed that strains Aji5-31(T) and Ngc37-23(T) be classified as two novel genera and species of the family Dermatophilaceae. The names are Mobilicoccus pelagius gen. nov., sp. nov. and Piscicoccus intestinalis gen. nov., sp. nov., and the type strains are Aji5-31(T) (=NBRC 104925(T) =DSM 22762(T)) and Ngc37-23(T) (=NBRC 104926(T) =DSM 22761(T)), respectively. In addition, D. chelonae should be reassigned to a new genus of the family Dermatophilaceae with the name Austwickia chelonae gen. nov., comb. nov.

Defibrillation efficacy of a subcutaneous array lead: A case report.

We report a case of Brugada syndrome with a high defibrillation threshold (DFT) in whom a subcutaneous array lead was used to lower the DFT in combination with a transvenous right ventricular defibrillation lead. The patient had previously received pacemaker implantation due to sick sinus syndrome. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with a transvenous right ventricular defibrillation lead alone required a high DFT. A subcutaneous array lead improved defibrillation efficacy in combination with a right ventricular lead. These data suggest that a subcutaneous array lead facilitates implantation of an effective ICD lead system in patients requiring a high DFT.

Serinibacter salmoneus gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from the intestinal tract of a fish, and emended descriptions of the families Beutenbergiaceae and Bogoriellaceae.

A novel Gram-positive bacterium, designated Kis4-28(T), was isolated from the intestinal tract of a fish, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The sample was collected from the coast of Tokyo Bay, Japan. Cells of strain Kis4-28(T) were rod-shaped, non-motile and non-sporulating. The peptidoglycan type of the isolate was A4alpha; lysine was the diagnostic diamino acid. The only menaquinone detected was MK-8(H(4)), and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 0). Galactose was detected as a major cell-wall sugar. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was 70.7 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain Kis4-28(T) and the type strain of Salana multivorans formed a monophyletic cluster with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.2 %. Strain Kis4-28(T) was clearly distinguishable from the genus Salana in terms of its chemotaxonomic characteristics. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, a new genus and species is proposed for strain Kis4-28(T), with the name Serinibacter salmoneus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Serinibacter salmoneus is Kis4-28(T) (=NBRC 104924(T) =DSM 21801(T)). In addition, on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the genus Serinibacter and related genera, emended descriptions of the families Beutenbergiaceae and Bogoriellaceae are proposed to accommodate the genera Beutenbergia, Salana and Serinibacter, and the genera Bogoriella and Georgenia, respectively.

Cardio-ankle vascular index is a new noninvasive parameter of arterial stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Beta is an index of arterial stiffness independent of blood pressure. Beta of the thoracic descending aorta (TDA) has been obtained by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a new noninvasive estimation of beta. METHODS AND RESULTS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of CAVI and to compare it with other parameters of arteriosclerosis by carotid ultrasound (CU). The instantaneous dimensional change of the TDA on TEE was measured simultaneously with systemic pressure of the brachial artery in 70 patients in sinus rhythm. There were significant correlations between CAVI and age (r=0.65, p<0.01), and CAVI and the beta from TEE (Aobeta) (r=0.67, p<0.01). Next, 110 patients with chest pain syndrome underwent CU and measurement of CAVI, intima - media thickness (IMT), plaque score and beta. There were significant relationships between CAVI and IMT (r=0.42, p<0.01), and between CAVI and beta (r=0.39, p<0.01). CAVI of the group diagnosed with plaque was significant higher than that of the normal group (9.872+/-1.464 vs 9.038+/-1.377, p=0.0039). CONCLUSIONS: CAVI is measured easily and noninvasively and is a new index of arterial stiffness that is independent of blood pressure.