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This study examined the physiological responses to cold stimulus during intermittent high-intensity exercise simulating on-snow alpine ski training. 7 male alpine skiers performed intermittent high-intensity exercises composed of 4 bouts of cycling exercise at 140 % V̇O2max intensity for 30 s with 10-min rests on a cycle ergometer in cold (1 °C) and control (22 °C) conditions. The subjects wore racing suits, middle layers and half pants designed for alpine skiers. Rectal temperature and mean skin temperature were lower in the cold condition than in the control condition (36.8 ± 0.5 vs. 37.1 ± 0.1 °C and 28.4 ± 0.6 vs. 33.3 ± 0.6 °C, respectively). Oxygen consumption during rests and the last 2 bouts of exercise was higher in the cold condition than in the control condition. Although plasma noradrenaline and serum triglyceride were higher in the cold condition than in the control condition, plasma glucose, adrenaline and serum glycerol were lower. Serum free fatty acid and plasma lactate concentrations did not differ significantly between the 2 conditions. These results indicate that a cold stimulus affects body temperature and energy metabolism and may lead to a decrease in exercise capacity in alpine skiers during on-snow training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the effect of recovery condition and durations on performance and muscle oxygenation during short-duration intermittent sprint exercise. 8 subjects performed a graded test and ten 5-s maximal sprints with 25-, 50-, and 100-s passive recovery (PR) or active recovery (AR) on a cycle ergometer. Peak power and percent decrease in power were determined. Oxygen uptake and blood lactate were measured during the sprint exercise. Oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Peak power values were higher for PR than AR for the 25-s (2-9 sprints) and 50-s (2-6, 9, or 10 sprints) but not for the 100-s durations. Percentage decrease in peak power was lower for PR than AR in the 25-s (8.5 ± 2.5 vs. 11.5 ± 3.6 %, P = 0.008, ES = 0.66) and 50-s (2.7 ± 1.4 vs. 6.2 ± 3.5 %, P = 0.007, ES = 0.67) but not 100-s durations (2.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 2.6 %, P > 0.05). O2Hb variations were significantly higher for PR than AR for the 25-s and 50-s durations. AR was associated with reduced sprint performance and lower muscular reoxygenation. Performance was not affected over longer recovery durations regardless of recovery condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthropocentric cell manufacturing system (ACMS) discussed consists of a skill-based manufacturing scheduling system, a new on-the-job training (New OJT) system and a safety system. The New OJT was developed using e-learning and automated guided vehicle (AGV)-arm robot as a teacher for CNC machine training. Since the machines and the AGV-arm robot are automatic devices, controlled by computer programs, the dangers might arise during training. Therefore, the safety system is required to ensure that a learner will be safe. We propose a prototype of safety system with designed machine-protection in order to protect the learner from dangerous behaviours during a level 1 training of a New OJT in ACMS. The machine-protection focused on protection from danger using image processing with a background subtraction technique and comparison of objects' position. We also evaluated safety assessments of the learners, consisting of human error probabilities (HEP) and a human error rate (HER). The prototype of this developed safety system showed that the machine-protection certainly raises a warning alarm when the learner rises into dangerous zones during the training. The evaluated safety assessments showed that our designed New OJT training level 1 course performed more efficient safety performance for self-training of the learner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of rhizosphere pH condition on the cadmium uptake movement, 109Cd, was applied as a radioisotope tracer to a soybean plant grown in a water culture at pH 4.5 or pH 6.5. The distribution of 109Cd in the soybean plant was observed radiographically with an imaging plate (IP). The amount of Cd transported from the root to the upper part of the plant at pH 4.5 was approximately two times higher than that at pH 6.5. However, the movement of Cd in the upper part of the plant was similar under both pH conditions. The distribution of Cd inside the internodes at pH 4.5 also showed similar pattern to that at pH 6.5, suggesting that once Cd reached to the vessel of the root, the movement of Cd was not dependent on rhizosphere pH conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared DPP-hematin (DPP = 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20-dodecaphenylporphyrin), and characterized it by Mössbauer and magnetic measurements. It is concluded that DPP-hematin is most likely a monomer, as is expected from the distorted nonplanar structure of the porphyrin, in contrast to usual hematins: hematins derived from usual porphyrins are μ-oxo dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though it has been reported that the accumulation of Cd in plant tissue increases with the decrease of the pH in soil, the mechanism of Cd accumulation in plant has not yet been clarified. Therefore, we investigated the effect of rhizosphere pH condition on the Cd accumulation in a soybean plant root, which is a gate for Cd uptake, using109Cd tracer and an imaging plate (IP). Cadmium uptake by root tissue was found to be a fast reaction, since the amount of Cd uptake reached the plateau within about 2 hours (its time constant was about 20 minutes), Cd was easily transported into root apoplast, and moreover, its dynamics did not depend on an environmental pH condition (pH 4.5, 6.5). However, it was suggested that the amount of Cd taken up from the root was much higher in acidic conditions. Through image analysis taken by the IP, the accumulation and translocation of Cd were studied in roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron(III) complexes of highly saddled dodecaphenylporphyrin, Fe(DPP)X (X=Cl, Br or I) have been prepared and characterized by Mössbauer, UV–Vis and magnetic measurements. The Mössbauer spectra, recorded at temperatures from 5 to 300 K, contain two components A and B. Component A is attributed to iron(III) in a spin-admixed (S=3/2, 5/2) state. The UV–Vis spectra of solution samples of these complexes exhibit broad and red-shifted absorption bands. The effective magnetic moments derived from the molar magnetic susceptibilities measured by modified Gouy method at 298 K for X=Cl, Br and I are 5.52, 5.10 and 4.28 μB, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local vibrational mode of positively charged bond-centered hydrogen (HBC+) has been investigated in Si crystals enriched with 28Si, 29Si, or 30Si isotopes. Protons and deuterons were implanted into each sample at temperatures below 20 K, and in-situ-type infrared absorption measurements were subsequently performed at 8 K. The isotope shifts observed for the hydrogen and deuterium modes display opposite behavior with increasing mass of the silicon isotope. This behavior cannot be accounted for with a purely harmonic potential. We apply a simple model based on the linear molecule Si–H–Si, where the potential associated with the stretching of each Si–H bond is approximated by the Morse potential. The local mode frequencies and the isotope shifts obtained with our model are in excellent agreement with those observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, dai-kenchu-to (DKT), on obstructive bowel diseases in children. We have treated 46 pediatric patients with various obstructive bowel diseases with DKT: six patients with postoperative ileus, 12 with large abdominal surgery (including three neonates), one with ano-rectal anomaly, three with Hirschsprung's disease, two with functional bowel obstructions, one with SMA syndrome, and 21 patients with chronic constipation. DKT (0.1-0.15 g/kg) was mixed with 5-10 ml of warm water, and was given orally two to three times a day. DKT was effective for 39 patients (85%) and their clinical symptoms improved. DKT was ineffective in seven patients: two with postoperative ileus, two with Hirschsprung's disease, and three with chronic constipation. DKT had mild but significant effects for various obstructive bowel diseases in children, while no side effects were encountered.Our current strategy for pediatric patients with obstructive bowel disease is to use DKT first and then test its efficacy. If DKT is effective, the regimen is continued. However, in cases where DKT is not effective, we will consider laparotomy or will further investigate the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a quantitative, real-time imaging system of labeled compounds in a living plant. The system was composed of CsI scintillator to convert β-rays to visible light and an image intensifier unit (composed of GaAsP semiconductor and MCP; micro channel plate) to detect extremely weak light. When the sensitivity and resolution of the image of our system was compared with that of an imaging plate (IP), the sensitivity of our system (with 20 minutes) was higher than that of an IP, with similar quality to that of an IP. Using this system, the translocation of 32P in a soybean plant tissue was shown in successive images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal clinicopathological features of narrow-band imaging ( NBI) endoscopy and immunohistochemistry in ultraminute esophageal squamous neoplasms. If a lesion diameter was smaller or same compared with a width of closed biopsy forceps, a lesion was defined to be an ultraminute lesion. Twenty-five consecutive patients with 33 ultraminute esophageal lesions that were removed by endoscopic mucosal resection were included in the present study. We conducted two questionnaire surveys of six endoscopists by their retrospective review of endoscopic still images. The six endoscopists evaluated the endoscopic findings of the ultraminute lesions on still images taken by conventional white-light imaging endoscopy and non-magnified NBI endoscopy in the first questionnaire, and taken by magnified NBI endoscopy in the second questionnaire. An experienced pathologist who was unaware of any endoscopic findings made histological diagnosis and evaluated immunoexpression of p53 and Ki67. The 33 ultraminute lesions were all determined to be either 11 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias ( HGIENs) or 22 low-grade intraepithelial neoplasias ( LGIENs). The tumor diameters were histologically confirmed to be <3 mm. All of the ultraminute tumors were visualized as unstained areas and brownish areas by real-time endoscopy with Lugol dye staining and non-magnified NBI endoscopy, respectively. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as brownish areas by real-time non-magnified NBI endoscopy. Three of the 25 patients with the ultraminute IENs (12%) had multiple brownish areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real-time non-magnified NBI endoscopy. All of the ultraminute IENs were visualized as unstained areas by real-time Lugol chromoendoscopy. Twenty of the 25 patients (80%) had multiple unstained areas (more than several areas) in the esophagus on real-time Lugol chromoendoscopy. The first questionnaire survey revealed that a significantly higher detection rate of the ultraminute IENs on non-magnified NBI endoscopy images compared with conventional white-light imaging endoscopy ones (100% vs. 72%, respectively: P < 0.0001). The second questionnaire survey revealed that presence rates of any magnified NBI endoscopy findings were not significantly different between HGIENs and LGIENs. Proliferation, dilation, and various shapes of intrapapillary capillary loops indicated remarkably high presence rates of more than 90% in both HGIENs and LGIENs. Six of 22 LGIENs (27%) and 3 of 11 HGIENs (27%) show a positive expression for p53. None of peri- IEN epithelia was positive for p53. A mean of Ki67 labeling index of LGIENs was 33% and that of HGIENs 36%. Ki67 labeling index was significantly greater in the LGIENs and HGIENs compared with that in the peri- IEN epithelia. There were no significant differences in p53 expression and Ki67 labeling index between the HGIENs and LGIENs. Non-magnified/magnified NBI endoscopy could facilitate visualization and characterization of ultraminute esophageal squamous IENs. The ultraminute HGIENs and LGIENs might have comparable features of magnified NBI endoscopy and immunohistochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: Removal of a lesion containing an ulcer scar is one of the most challenging applications of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The present study examined whether a novel balloon dissector could cleave fibrotic submucosal tissue beneath ulcer scars. Methods: Six pigs were studied. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with ligation was performed at 7 or 8 sites in the stomach for each animal; 4 weeks later, 23 sites with a visible scar were selected for submucosal dissection. The procedure involved first creating a submucosal fluid cushion (SFC) by injecting either saline mixed with mesna or pure saline. A slender, compliant balloon with a diameter of 8, 13, or 18mmwas inserted into the SFC. The balloon was unfolded and thrust forward to cleave the fibrotic submucosa over approximately 5cm. Results: Fibrotic submucosa was dissected within 90 seconds in 17 of 23 attempts. Isolating the ulcer scar from the muscularis with the SFC prior to balloon dissection and using a thinner balloon catheter both ensured a better dissection. Conclusions: The fibrotic submucosa underlying post-EMR scars can be dissected with the novel balloon dissector, although the technique is less effective in cases with no sign of lifting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 57-year-old man who was suffering from abdominal pain with clubbing and enlarged nails. To determine the patient's condition, a plain x-ray of his pelvis and thighs was conducted which revealed periostosis of both femurs with thickening of the cortex. The article also explains that the man's medical condition is difficult to be determined if it is pachydermoperiostosis associated with Crohn's disease.

Abstract: This paper discusses the availability of a nonlinear finite element program to predict the nonlinear cyclic behavior of a new steel hysteresis device, called a J-damper, which experiences large deformation under severe earthquakes. The validity of this in-house program is confirmed by comparison of the simulated results with the corresponding experimental ones of a J-damper. In addition, it is shown that these devices interposed between an upper structure and its substructure can reduce the earthquake-induced forces through dynamic analysis of a mass-spring model assumed approximately equivalent to a spatial structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To elucidate a possible involvement of Streptococcus anginosus in oral cancer, we assessed the frequency of S. anginosus infection in oral cancer tissues, and investigated its infection route. The tissue specimens were obtained from 46 oral cancer and three precancerous leukoplakia subjects. Frequency of S. anginosus infection was assessed by a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The genotype of the clinical isolates taken from cancer tissue and dental plaque samples was analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). S. anginosus DNA was frequently detected in squamous cell carcinoma (19/42), but not in other types of cancer (lymphoma and rhabdomyosarcoma) or leukoplakia samples. A subject-based analysis revealed that S. anginosus was solely detected in dental plaque and not in saliva from all 19 S. anginosus-positive squamous cell carcinoma cases. Further, the genotype of S. anginosus isolated from cancer tissue was identical to that from dental plaque of the same patients. Infection of S. anginosus could occur frequently in oral squamous cell carcinoma and that dental plaque could be a dominant reservoir of the S. anginosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 49-year-old woman who was diagnosed from perforation with retroperitoneal emphysema after conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for a rectal carcinoid tumor. Topics discussed include large amount of air in retroperitoneal and mediastinal spaces revealed by computed tomography (CT), C-reactive protein, and perforation considered as the most risky ESD-related complication.

Background: The precise role of capsule endoscopy in the diagnostic algorithm of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding has yet to be determined. Despite the higher diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy, the actual impact on clinical outcome remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the follow-up results of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding to determine which management strategies after capsule endoscopy reduced rebleeding.Methods: All patients in whom the cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was investigated between May 2004 and March 2007 were studied retrospectively. We evaluated the clinical outcome of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after capsule endoscopy using the rebleeding rate as the primary outcome.Results: Seventy-seven patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding underwent capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy identified clinically significant findings that were thought to be the sources of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in 58.4% of the patients. The overall rebleeding rate was 36.4%. The rebleeding rate was significantly higher among patients with insignificant findings than among those with significant findings (p = 0.036). Among the patients in whom capsule endoscopy produced significant findings, the rebleeding rate of the patients who underwent therapeutic interventions was significantly lower than that in those who did not undergo intervention (9.5% vs 40.0%, p = 0.046).Conclusion: Follow-up and further aggressive interventions are necessary for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and significant capsule endoscopy findings to reduce the chance of rebleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]