Atsushi Kimura

Patient characteristics and factors associated with inter-arm difference of blood pressure measurements in a general population in Ohasama, Japan.

Objectives To assess whether there is a natural difference in blood pressure (BP) measurements between the right and left arms, and to identify what factors are associated with this difference in a general population. Methods The study subjects were 1090 individuals who participated in a medical check-up in Ohasama, Japan. The BP was measured simultaneously in both arms, using an automated device. The inter-arm BP difference was expressed as the relative difference [right-arm BP (R) minus left-arm BP (L): R – L] and the absolute difference (|R – L|). The relationship between inter-arm difference and various factors was analyzed using univariate analysis. The characteristics of subjects in whom the absolute systolic BP (SBP) difference was greater than 10 mmHg were analyzed using multivariate logistic analysis. Results The relative differences in SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) were −0.6 ± 6.6 (mean ± SD) and 1.1 ± 4.7 mmHg, while the absolute differences were 4.9 ± 4.4 and 3.7 ± 3.0 mmHg. The absolute SBP difference was found to correlate significantly with age, body mass index, ankle–brachial index (ABI), and hypertension. Subjects with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and low ABI had a significant and independent increase in the risk of an absolute SBP difference greater than 10 mmHg. Conclusions The results suggest that there is considerable difference in the measured BP in the right and left arms and that large differences in the absolute SBP are associated with risk factors for arteriosclerosis such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, metabolic abnormalities and low ABI.

Spin-glass-like behavior of ternary uranium compound U2AuSi3

Abstract DC magnetization, specific heat and magnetic relaxation measurements are reported for a polycrystalline U 2 AuSi 3 . The temperature dependence of the magnetization shows a cusp at a characteristic temperature T f that strongly depends on the applied magnetic field. The specific heat does not show visible singularity around T f , ruling out the existence of the usual long range spatial magnetic order. The pronounced difference between the zero field cooled (ZFC) and the field cooled (FC) magnetization, as well as the very slow decay of the remanence indicate the occurrence of a highly irreversible frozen state below T f . These features are the characteristics of spin glass behavior.

Spin-glass behavior in single-crystalline U2PtSi3

Abstract Magnetic properties in a single crystal of U 2 PtSi 3 with a hexagonal AlB 2 -type structure were investigated by measurements of DC susceptibility, magnetization and magnetic relaxation. A simple spin-glass behavior in the basal plane and re-entrant spin-glass properties along the c -axis were observed. The magnetization in the basal plane is much larger than that along the c -axis, suggesting an XY spin-glass system for U 2 PtSi 3 .

Magnetic properties of single-crystal U2PdSi3

Abstract Systematic magnetization and magnetic relaxation properties have been investigated on a single crystal of U 2 PdSi 3 , with a hexagonal AlB 2 -type structure. Simple spin glass behavior in the c plane and re-entrant spin glass properties along the c -axis, respectively, are found. The magnetization in the c plane is much larger than that along the c -axis, suggesting that the preferred spin orientation is randomly up/down perpendicular to the c -axis.

Individual Assessment of Inherent Arterial Stiffness Using Nomogram and Pulse Wave Velocity Index: The Ohasama Study

Abstract We measured the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 491 normotensives and determined the “PWV index” (measured baPWV–theoretical baPWV) in 491 normotensives and 83 controlled hypertensives. Linear regression analysis revealed that the theoretical baPWV (cm/sec) was 0.21 × age2 (years2)−13.73 × age (years) + 0.05 × mean arterial pressure2 (mmHg2) + 3.95 × heart rate (bpm) + 36.49 × gender (1 male; 0 female) + 733 (R2 = 0.53). The calculated PWV index was significantly higher in 13 smokers than 70 nonsmokers among controlled hypertensives. The calculated PWV index might provide more precise information about inherent arterial stiffness.