Sanae Takahashi

Characterization and performance of the InFOCμS 20-40 keV x-ray focusing mirror

Mass production of replicated thin aluminum x-ray reflecting foils for the InFOC(mu) S (International Focusing Optics Collaboration for Micro-Crab Sensitivity) balloon payload is complete, and the full mirror has been assembled. InFOC(mu) S is an 8-meter focal length hard x-ray telescope scheduled for first launch in July 2001 and will be the first instrument to focus and image x-rays at high energies (20-40 keV) using multilayer-based reflectors. The individual reflecting elements are replicated thin aluminum foils, in a conical approximation Wolter-I system similar to those built for ASCA and ASTRO-E. These previous imaging systems achieved half-power-diameters of 3.5 and 1.7-2.1 arcminutes respectively. The InFOC(mu) S mirror is expected to have angular resolution similar to the ASTRO-E mirror. The reflecting foils for InFOC(mu) S, however, utilize a vertically graded Pt/C multilayer to provide broad-band high-energy focusing. We present the results of our pre-flight characterization of the full mirror, including imaging and sensitivity evaluations. If possible, we will include imaging results from the first flight of a multilayer-based high-energy focusing telescope.

Hemodynamic and clinical effects of a new inotropic agent TA-064 in patients with refractory heart failure due to cardiomyopathy with special reference to dose-response effects.

SummaryA new hydroxybenzyl alcohol derivative TA-064 exerts a positive inotropic action in experimental preparations. To assess the acute effects in man, we made a cardiac catheterization study of the hemodynamic responses to TA-064 (20 mg and/or 40 mg given orally) in eleven patients with refractory heart failure due to cardiomyopathy (nine patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and one with amyloidosis). All patients were already receiving full digitalis and diuretics therapy. The following statistically significant (P<0.05–0.01) effects were noted: Upon administration of 20 mg of the drug, the cardiac index (CI) increased from a mean ±1 SD of 1.6±0.4 to 2.1±0.6 1/min/m2; pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCW) fell from 25±5 to 21±5 mm Hg; right atrial pressure (RA) fell from 12±3 to 10±4 mm Hg. In contrast, when 40 mg TA-064 were administered orally, the CI increased from 1.7±0.4 to 2.4±0.9 1/min/m2; PCW fell from 25±8 to 20±6 mm Hg; pulmonary arterial mean pressure fell from 35±11 to 29±9 mm Hg. Neither systemic arterial mean pressure nor heart rate increased. No toxicity was observed. The plasma concentration of TA-064 increased dose-dependently and reached a peak value 0.5–1.5 h after oral administration. Plasma catecholamine levels revealed no significant changes before and after use of the drug; therefore, the mechanism of action may not have been mediated by catecholamine.