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All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with solid electrolytes are expected to be promising energy storage devices. However, the large charge-transfer resistance at the electrode/electrode homo-interface and/or electrode/solid-electrolyte hetero-interface needs to be solved for practical applications. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to understand how the ions are transferred during battery operation. Here, we used operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) using a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to directly visualize the Li-ion movement in the cathode materials in bulk-type ASSBs. We show that the ion movement is strongly related to the crystal orientations of the cathode particles, and that Li-ions move even in the open-circuit conditions of the batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In the present experiment we investigate the behavior of 4-month-old transgenic APP/PS-1/tau mice model with Alzheimer's disease (3 × Tg-AD mice) to evaluate their abilities of spatial learning and memory. We observe the changes of synaptic plasticity and soluble amyloid-β protein 42 (Aβ42) expression in the CA1 region of hippocampus to explore the mechanism of early cognitive impairment of 3 × Tg-AD mice. Methods Ten 4-month-old male 3 × Tg-AD mice and matched ten 129/C57BL/6 hybrid wild type (WT) mice were enrolled. The open field test and Morris water maze test were conducted to observe emotion disorder and ability of spatial learning and memory. Field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and theta burst stimulation (TBS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) were recorded in CA1 region of hippocampus. The expression changes of soluble Aβ42 in hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The open field test showed that there was no significant differences between 3 × Tg-AD group and control group, which indicated that there was no obvious anxiety tendency in 4-month-old 3 × Tg-AD mice. Compared with control group, 3 × Tg-AD group mice had significantly longer escape latency from the 3rd to 5th day (P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.001) and lower percentage of time through the platform area (P = 0.000). LTP induced by TBS in CA1 region of hippocampus of 3 × Tg-AD group decreased significantly (P < 0.01, for all) compared with that of control group. In contrast to control group, the expression of soluble Aβ42 in the hippocampus of 3 × Tg-AD mice group increased significantly (P = 0.000). Conclusions The expression of soluble Aβ42 in the hippocampus of 4-month-old 3 × Tg-AD mice increased significantly, which impaired synaptic plasticity in CA1 region of hippocampus and led to a significant decline in spatial learning and memory ability. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2015.05.012

In the safety study on a sodium-cooled fast reactor, it is assumed that the high-temperature fuel debris are formed because of a core disruptive accident. During the cooling of the fuel debris, gas-liquid two-phase flow can be generated in the debris due to the coolant boiling. To improve the prediction accuracy of the flow characteristics, detailed measurement of the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the debris bed is required. In this study, gas-liquid two-phase flow in a quasi-two-dimensional sphere-packed bed which simulates the debris bed, is visualized by using X-ray imaging. The experimental results show that the local void fraction increases near the splitting section in the packed bed and decreases near the coalescence section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper numerically analyzed the effect of nanoparticle volume fraction on thermal flows of Al2O3/Water nanofluids through a two-dimensional model heat exchanger channel. The trade-off relation between thermal conductivity and pressure drop in nanofluid flows was studied using numerical thermal flow simulation in which the dependence of both thermal conductivity and viscosity on the nanoparticle volume fraction and the distribution of nanoparticles in flows were considered. The Batchelor model and the Lu and Lin model were applied to models of viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanofluids, respectively. The results obtained are: (1) Nanofluids contribute to make an improvement of heat transfer without harmful effects to flow. (2) From the energy efficiency point of view, it was found that the use of nanofluids at low particle volume fractions was appropriate. This is because a remarkable increase in the temperature efficiency due to the addition of nanoparticles relative to an increase in the power required for flowing nanofluids in the channel is not expected at high particle volume fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen tripeptide (CTP), a collagen hydrolysate containing tripeptides comprised mainly of Gly-X-Y sequences, is known to have joint-protective effects by injection into the joints. CTP is also known to be effective by oral administration, as demonstrated by the concomitant reduction in cartilage damage in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis. In humans, ingestion of CTP improved friction sounds and hydrops of the knee joints and reduced knee pain. These reports suggest the joint protective effects exerted by CTP acting directly on articular chondrocytes. The interaction between chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix products they produce, including type II collagen, determine the mechanical properties of articular cartilage. Our study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of CTP on both cell proliferation and mRNA expression of type II collagen on chondrocytes in vitro. We cultured primary chondrocytes from bovine forelimb joints under hydrostatic pressure to avoid their transformation into fibroblasts and to maintain the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. We found that CTP did not affect chondrocyte cell proliferation. The mRNA expression of type II collagen increased depending on CTP concentration. In contrast, the mRNA expression of type I collagen decreased with an increase in CTP concentration, suggesting that CTP suppressed the transformation of chondrocytes into fibroblasts. These results suggest that CTP exerts joint protective effects by directly acting on the type II collagen production of chondrocytes and maintaining their homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety quality on the static electrical propensity of work clothes in Japan is confirmed by electrical resistivity or frictional electric charge obtained from the results of test methods specified by International Electrotechnical Commission standard (IEC) or Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). In practical use, we consider that the hazard related to static electrical charge is dependent on human body voltage causea by various movement of worker during working hours as well as electrical resistance or electric charge amount of work clothes. W e thought up two trial movements for determination of human body voltage: one is taking off movement after performing rnctional action between work clothes and inner wear during 20 seconds at speed of 90 times per one second, and the other is standing up from the seat of popular use chair quickly after performing frictional action between the back part of work clothes and the back of a chair during 60 seconds at speed of 90 times per one second. Experimental works were performed by using four types of unprotected commercial work clothes and six types of static protected commercial work clothes. As the experimental results, standing up movements from the seat of chair were recorded higher human body voltages than taking off movement. From the almost all work clothes including static protected work clothes, the human body voltage above 3000 voltage which many human felt static electrical shock were detected by the standing up from the chair quickly after performing frictional action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that assessment of mental health at the workplace by using questionnaires could predict the incidence of sick leave for mental health disorders. However, there are few large-scale cohort studies that have investigated this possibility, and more data are required. Therefore, the association between scores on our original questionnaire, the Hitachi Mental Health Scale (HMS) and the incidence of sick leave for mental health disorders was investigated. Employees (N=16,078) participated in this cohort study. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between HMS and incidence of sick leave for mental health disorders. We also examined correlation coefficient between HMS and the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ), and compared the ability to identify high-risk groups. Results indicated that multivariable odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for incidence of sick leave adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and alcohol from the lowest through highest-scoring groups on HMS were as follows: 1 (reference), 1.83 (1.20-2.79), 3.21 (2.18-4.72), and 8.83 (5.95-13.11) respectively. Moreover, HMS was strongly associated with the BJSQ stress response scores (correlation coefficient: ρ=.789). Furthermore, ROC analysis indicated no significant differences between HMS and BJSQ in the ability to detect high-risk groups. It is concluded that these findings suggest the strong association between HMS and incidence of sick leave for mental health disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In the present experiment we investigate the behavior of 4 - month - old transgenic APP/PS-1/tau mice model with Alzheimer's disease (3 x Tg⋅AD mice) to evaluate their abilities of spatial learning and memory. We observe the changes of synaptic plasticity and soluble amyloid-β protein 42 (A β42) expression in the CA1 region of hippocampus to explore the mechanism of early cognitive impairment of 3 x Tg⋅AD mice. Methods Ten 4-month-old male 3 X Tg⋅AD mice and matched ten 129/ C57BL/6 hybrid wild type (WT) mice were enrolled. The open field test and Morris water maze test were conducted to observe emotion disorder and ability of spatial learning and memory. Field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and theta burst stimulation (TBS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) were recorded in CA1 region of hippocampus. The expression changes of soluble A β42 in hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The open field test showed that there was no significant differences between 3 x Tg⋅AD group and control group, which indicated that there was no obvious anxiety tendency in 4-month-old 3 x Tg⋅AD mice. Compared with control group, 3 x Tg⋅AD group mice had significantly longer escape latency from the 3rd to 5th day (P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.001) and lower percentage of time through the platform area (P = 0.000). LTP induced by TBS in CA1 region of hippocampus of 3 x Tg⋅AD group decreased significantly (P < 0.01, for all) compared with that of control group. In contrast to control group, the expression of soluble Aβ42 in the hippocampus of 3 x Tg⋅AD mice group increased significantly (P = 0.000). Conclusions The expression of soluble Aβ42 in the hippocampus of 4-month-old 3 x Tg⋅AD mice increased significantly, which impaired synaptic plasticity in CA1 region of hippocampus and led to a significant decline in spatial learning and memory ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (S2VP) incorporating FeCl3(III) thin films were prepared by spin-coating on silicon wafers from tetrahydrofran (THF) solution. Spherical domains (micelles) formed in the solution by addition of FeCl3(IH) which induced cross-linking through a coordinate bond between iron ion and nitrogen in the vinyl pyridine units. To study the micro-phase separated structure in the thin films, atomic force microscopy and grazing-incidence small angle X-ray scattering were used. Interestingly, addition of FeClifUI) to S2VP induced orientation of cylindrical microdomains perpendicular to the silicon substrate. In contrast, the perpendicular orientation did not occur in the S2VP thin film without iron ions. The key to the vertically oriented cylinders in the film is a phase-transition from micelles to cylinders along the THF solvent evaporation direction during casting and THF penetration direction during annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure analysis of various polymer substances has been reviewed on the basis of wide-angle high-energy X-ray and neutron diffraction data. The progress in structural analytical techniques of polymer crystals have been reviewed at first. The structural models proposed so far were reinvestigated and new models have been proposed for various kinds of polymer crystals including polyethylene, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(lactic acid) and its stereocomplex etc. The hydrogen atomic positions were also clarified by the quantitative analysis of wide-angle neutron diffraction data, from which the physical properties of polymer crystals have been evaluated theoretically. The bonded electron density distribution has been estimated for a polydiacetylene single crystal on the basis of the so-called X-N method or by the combination of structural information derived from X-ray and neutron diffraction data analysis. Some comments have been added about future developments in the field of structure-property relationship determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical durability is one of the evaluation criteria used to classify the textile floor coverings based on European Standards. However, it is estimated solely by the type and structure of the pile fibers. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the wear index (WI) specified for use as the physical durability evaluation method and actual physical measurements of floor coverings. Physical measurements were made using the dynamic loading test specified by Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) L 1021-7. Our study results show strong correlations between wear index (WI) and pile mass in terms of the base per unit area (SPW). The relationship between the WI and thickness loss ration under dynamic loading conditions accompanied with friction was approximated by the logarithmic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to structure a cognitive model of terminal stage physiotherapy for physiotherapy students, and to propose educational and practical issues based on the cognitive model. [Subjects] The subjects were 9 physiotherapy students. [Methods] We structured the cognitive model using M-GTA-based on SCQRM using language data obtained by interview. [Results] The cognitive model showed an internal driving force of the physical therapist and driving force of the action based on environment and situation. [Conclusion] We propose that educational and practical issues based on the model are improvement of the environment in terminal stage physiotherapy, and the provision of death education, medical care and social systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orientation of cylindrical and lamellar micro-phase separated structures of some block copolymers (BCP) in thin films was investigated by grazing incident small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. The thin films were made from solution using selective solvents for the major component of the BCP. The spherical structure was arrested initially in the film with a thickness of 500nm-l )jm. Solvent annealing, using common solvents, induced a morphology transition from spherical to a vertically oriented cylindrical (lamellar) structure. A neutral solvent for both components in the BCP was found to be effective for the perpendicular orientation of the micro-domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study redefined variability of rolling-over movements among adults in relation to developmental research on rolling-over movements in infancy. Based on the concept of multiple time scales, we experimentally analyzed the microgenetic processes of 26 healthy male adults' rolling-over movements in terms of individual intrinsic dynamics. In Set 1, participants rolled over comfortably. In Sets 2-4, they rolled over in three different movement patterns. In Set 5, participants again rolled over comfortably. Our results demonstrated the following: (a) correlations of performances in Sets 2-4 with that in Set 1 differed according to the instructed movement patterns; and (b) changes in performances of Sets 1 and 5 differed by participant. These results led to two conclusions: (a) motor coordination with individual intrinsic dynamics differed by restrictions on movement, and (b) stability of intrinsic dynamics differed by participant. Finally, the present results were integrated with previous findings to outline the developmental process of rolling-over movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined how individual differences in the self-identity achievement affect voluntary and involuntary autobiographical memory. In Study 1, 313 participants completed an identity scale (Shimoyama, 1992) that assessed their level of self-identity development. Participants were then asked to record the contents and ratings of involuntary autobiographical memories for one month, using a diary method. Participants with a higher level of self-identity achievement recalled more important, more emotional, and more vivid memories than did participants with a lower level of self-identity achievement. In Study 2, 114 participants were asked to complete the same identity scale used in Study 1 and to recall autobiographical memories in the laboratory. The results confirmed those of Study 1. Furthermore, voluntary memories were more vivid and more important than involuntary memories. These findings were interpreted in terms of the self-memory system (Conway & Pleydell-Pearce, 2000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] To examine the effects of repetitive finger movements performed at different frequencies on the sensory system of the ipsilateral upper arm using somatosensory evoked potentials. [Subjects] Thirteen healthy adults participated in the study. [Methods] We recorded SEPs by stimulating the right median nerve during movement of the right index finger and at rest. The subjects were given motor tasks, involving repetitive flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right index finger, and the movement frequencies tested were 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 3 Hz. [Results] The amplitude of the positive peak appearing 23 ms after stimulation (P23) and the amplitude of the negative peak appearing 20 ms after stimulation (N20) were significantly lower at the movement frequency of 3 Hz than at the other frequencies. [Conclusion] Restraint was observed in the first somatosensory area during repetitive finger movements, and this restraint was higher during finger exercises performed at a high frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the position of an object, on postural adjustments during reaching movements in the sitting position. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy volunteers. [Method] Subjects reached with the right hand for a plastic bottle (500 ml) placed in different positions. The object was placed straight ahead, 45° toward the right side, and 45° toward the left side. The movement was measured using a 3D motion analysis system and force plates. Three dimensional angles of the pelvis and the trunk were calculated, and the transitions of the center of mass and the center of pressure were investigated. [Result] The relative angle of the trunk to the pelvis showed a leftward rotation in all the tasks. The lateral inclination of the pelvis was leftward when reaching to the left side and straight ahead, but it was rightward when reaching to the right side. The center of mass moved in the direction of the target, but the center of pressure moved in the direction opposite to the target at the beginning of the movement. [Conclusion] These results suggested that the subjects reached for the object placed in different positions by changing postural adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] We kinematically investigated the relationships of asymmetric pelvic rotation during gait with trunk rotation, hip joint flexion and extension, step length and standing posture. [Subjects] Twenty-two healthy adult males were the subjects. [Method] Using a 3D motion analysis system, we measured the angles of pelvic rotation, trunk rotation, and right and left hip joint extension and flexion, and left and right step length during gait, as well as the pelvic rotation angle in quiet standing. [Results] We found that the left and right pelvic rotation angles varied widely during gait. We found no relationship between the left and right rotation angle differences of the pelvis and trunk, and the right and left hip joint flexion and extension showed fixed values, as well as the left and right step lengths showed fixed values. We found a very strong correlation between the pelvic rotation angle in quiet standing and the left and right pelvic rotation angle difference during gait. [Conclusion] Pelvic rotation angle during gait is not necessarily symmetric and there are individual differences. The results suggest that assessment of pelvic rotation in the standing position would be useful for observations of gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify differences in muscular activities between elderly and young people during level walking, stair ascent and descent. [Subjects] The subjects were 14 healthy elderly and 14 young adults. [Method] We employed force plates and surface EMG to capture kinetic and kinematic data of level walking, stair ascent and descent. Activities of the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles were recorded and compared in each phase between the elderly and young subjects. [Results] Elderly subjects showed significantly larger tibialis anterior muscular activities than the young adults in the terminal stance of gait and throughout the cycle during stair ascent and descent. [Conclusion] High stiffness of the ankle joint might be caused by increase of tibialis anterior muscular activity in elderly subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] This study investigated the reliability of a hand-held dynamometer (HDD) in the measurement of soleus muscle strength. [Subjects] Fourteen soleus muscles of 7 healthy adults were selected for the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability confirmation. [Method] The measurement was performed while the subjects sat on a chair without the toes touching the ground. The sensor was set at the MP joint on the sole and it was fixed by a belt attached to the thigh. Measurement was performed three times for each muscle. We calculated the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) to determine the reliability of the measurement. [Results] The intra-rater reliability was 0.975 (ICC) and inter-rater reliability was 0.915 (ICC). [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that anyone can use the HDD as an objective and a reliable method to measure the soleus muscle strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of the hydrothermal pre-treatments on the carbonization behaviors for bark and sap wood portions of sawtooth oak wood was investigated. The shrinkage in the course of carbonization for the bark portions was promoted markedly by applying the hydrothermal pre-treatments. To the contrary as for the sap wood portions the shrinkage was suppressed. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the hydrothermal treatments also affected the formation of the carbon layer stacking. The hydrothermal pre-treatments seem to have some potential to control the shrinkage and the formation of carbon crystallites in the production of charcoal from woody biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the kinematic coupling behavior of the calcaneus and the shank. [Subject] Sixteen young healthy subjects participated in this study. [Method] Motion of the calcaneus and the shank during active inversion-eversion of the foot in the standing position was recorded using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. In addition, the relationships between the kinematics and the physical findings of the leg were investigated. [Results] The calcaneus inversion-eversion and the shank external-internal rotation were linked to each other in constant ratios. The ratio showed individual differences of 4 times or more, and a right-left difference in nine of the 16 subjects. The range of motion of the subtalar joint was related to the ratio. [Conclusion] The ratio of kinematic coupling behavior of the calcaneus inversion-eversion and the shank external-internal rotation was constant in the same limb, but showed variance between individuals and right and left limbs of the same subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] It was said that cervical rotation is very important for deskwork. In this study, we investigated cervical rotation to see if there were differences between L-R heights of acromions. [Subjects] Subjects were 13 healthy adult males. [Methods] The distance between the spinous process and scapula were measured in a neutral position, 20 degrees right rotation and 20 degrees left rotation. L-R height differences of acromions and distances between the spinous process and scapula were analyzed using correlation coefficients. [Results] The lower the right acromion was relative to the left one, the greater the distance between the cervical spinous process and the scapula moved to the left at 20 degrees right rotation. Similarly, the higher the right acromion was relative to the left one, the greater the spinous process of the thoracic spine moved to the right at 20 degrees left rotation. [Conclusion] The greater the L-R height difference of the acromions, the more the cervical and thoracic spine moved to the lower side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] In sit-to-stand, the center of gravity (COG) is transferred from the buttocks to the narrow base of support of the feet, and raising the COG to the standing position is an action with a large dynamic demand, in which the motion of the trunk becomes important for COG transfer. The purpose of this study was to clarify, using young and elderly subjects, how the anterior movement of the trunk (split into trunk and pelvis segments) and lower limb joint movements influence the sit-to-stand action. [Method] Using a 3D motion analysis system and a force plate, we derived the angles of greatest trunk flexion (TA) and pelvic anterior inclination (PA), the fastest speed of center of mass motion (VCM), the absolute angles of the trunk and pelvis segments (TAA and PAA) and the relative angle of the trunk segment to the pelvis (RA) at the moment of buttocks lift-off, as well as the hip and knee joint moments at maximum extension (HM and KM). To find the differences between the actions of the young and the elderly we calculated the correlations between these items. [Results] For the young persons, we found significant negative correlations between KM and TA and RA of maximum flexion, and for the elderly, we found significant negative correlations between KM and TA and PA. In addition, despite the absence of differences in time taken for sit-to-stand, VCM in the forward direction of the elderly was faster than that of the young. [Conclusion] These results suggest the elderly use anterior inclination, and trunk and pelvis flexion to raise the speed of the center of mass (COM) in the forward direction to enable them to raise their COM, whereas the young use anterior inclination of the trunk segment to enable them to raise their COM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic polymers, possessing no chain ends, exhibit chemical and physical properties that can be distinguished from the linear counterparts. The synthesis of cyclic polymers has been pursued, and their functionalities arising from the unique shapes, namely topology effects, have been investigated. The ESA-CF process in conjunction with click chemistry selectively constructed a variety of unprecedented multicyclic topologies of polymers such as bridged- and spiro-types. It was demonstrated that cooperative electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding self-assembly followed by covalent conversion is an effective means for the synthesis of polymeric catenanes. The self-assembly of a cyclic amphiphilic block copolymer, prepared by intramolecular metathesis, gave a micelle with an approximately 50°C increase in the thermal stability in comparison with one formed from the linear precursor. Furthermore, linear and cyclic polymers containing a perylene diimide unit were synthesized, and single-molecule spectroscopy revealed the different diffusion modes of the polymers on the basis of their topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The base handsheets were prepared from a pulp suspension containing either aluminum sulfate (alum) or polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC), followed by being soaked in the chloroform solution of stearic and palmitic acids (SPA), which were brominated, or non-brominated, at the or-carbon positions adjacent to respective carbonyl groups. No sizing effect was observed in the absence of alum or PDADMAC, and thus these additives that form anchor sites for size components were indispensable for sizing appearance. Besides, extremely different sizing responses were found, strongly depending on the combinations of fatty acids and additives. Alum-treated handsheets showed good sizing effects by dipping them in an SPA/chloroform solution; however sizing with 2-brominated SPA (Br-SPA) had no contribution to sizing appearance. By contrast, PDADMAC-handsheets sized with Br-SPA exhibited high sizing degrees, although there was no sizing effect in the case of using non-brominated, original SPA. Highly sensitive sizing responses would provide a new insight to elucidate paper sizing mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(L-lactic acid) fibers were prepared by the melt electro-spinning process using CO2, laser irradiation. A grounded metallic flat plate and a grounded metallic rotating blade were used to collect the electrospun fibers. The fiber structure was investigated by polarizing optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The average fiber diameters were decreased with laser output power applied, and the fiber diameters collected on the flat collector were smaller than those collected on the rotating collector. The polarized light micrograph observation under crossed-nicol clearly showed an optical anisotropy of the as-spun fibers. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the annealed fibers showed a crystal orientation. Although the uniaxial drawing of the fibers up to x 2 enhanced the crystalline orientation, the crystal modification was unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic thin-films are recently used in various functional devices. In this short report, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study crystallization and thin-film formation in n-alkane C19H40 on solid substrates of various types. Irrespective of detailed geometrical structures of the substrate, the chains generally tend to lie parallel to the substrate if the substrate is highly attractive, while they align perpendicular to the substrate of weak attraction. If the substrate has a medium level of attraction, detailed atomic-level structure of the substrate is found to play important roles in determining chain orientations within the thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to examine the properties of sheepskin for prevention of pressure ulcer, experimental works were carried out using 8 type sheepskin specimens. Applied pressure to sacral region, namely contact pressure, and tissue blood flow in sacral skin of subjects who were stationary state in the dorsal decubitus on the sheepskin specimens were measured at the same time for 40 min with the apparatus equipped with an air-pack type pressure sensor and a Laser-Doppler tissue blood flow meter. Individual average contact pressures obtained from sheep skin specimens put directly on the blank mattress were distributed in wide range of 4.65 kPa to 14.84 kPa, and individual average tissue blood flows were recorded in range of 0.69ml/100ml/min to 2.60ml/100ml/min. Furthermore, the contact pressures decreased considerably and blood flows increased as the surface fiber weight increased from 1330 g/m² to 1600 g/m². On the other hand, in case of the polyurethane mattress developed for prevention of pressure ulcer was overlaid with sheepskin specimen, contact pressures remarkable reduced and standard deviations of blood flow indicated large values. Thus we concluded that overlaying sheepskin on the preventive mattresses of pressure ulcer such as polyurethane mattress is one of the effective measures from a viewpoint of prevention of pressure ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers seem to agree unanimously on the unreliability of official statistics on futoko children (school refusers), making it difficult to uncover the social factors behind the phenomenon. Though many researchers have questioned whether the official statistics can explain the reality of futoko, there has been no verification of the reliability and validity of the statistics. The aim of this study is to examine this issue and formulate an alternative plan for statistics. To achieve this aim, the author used the "School Basic Survey" from 1966 to 2006 and examined futoko rates within the "Long absentee" data from 47 prefectures, which is divided into subclasses by the following reasons: "Illness," "Economic reason," "Futoko" and "Others." The actual differences between areas were then analyzed using a five-number summary. As a result, the two following facts were clarified. Firstly, it is impossible to compare the data on "Futoko," "Illness" and "Others" between prefectures because of differences in the investigation methods. From the beginning, the classification standards differ from prefecture to prefecture, and this leads to local differences. Secondly the method for sorting data was changed in 1998, comparisons across time periods invalid. In conclusion, the author recommends using data on "Long absentees" as a measure for the futoko phenomenon because the official statistics on futoko have already lost validity. Statistics on long absentees are much better than those on futoko to show the reality of the phenomenon. Finally, the author discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of using data on "Long absentees," confirms the existence of differences among regions at the prefectural level for long absentees, and considers future prospects and tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the degree of safety for rugby-football competitions that were performed in the Kyushu area from Sep. 1st, 2006 to Mar. 31st, 2007. The available competition numbers were 38(Miyazaki : 12, Fukuoka : 7, Okinawa : 7, Nagasaki : 5, Kagoshima : 5, Saga : 2). An original safety check list was prepared and divided into three sections : first was staff level, for example, referee, medical supporter and match doctor ; second was environment such as weather, temperature, humidity and condition of the ground used in the competitions : and third was the emergency medical-care system in place for the competition. Each section was divided into three groups : Group A : good, Group B : normal, Group C : fair. Moreover, the results were classified into Rank A/B/C for the degree of safety level. Thirty-one out of 38 competitions were Rank A, 6 were Rank B and 1 was Rank C. It is important to prevent severe injuries such as spine and spinal cord injuries in rugby football players during matches. Although, there was no correlation between severe injuries and safety evaluations in this study, safety evaluations must be improved in order to prevent serious injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is to examine the 180° rule that Burkhart proposed. The subjects are 166 baseball players. A total arc should be the total range of the highest motion; for smaller total arcs and for athletes who could not throw with full force, it turned out to be 180° and below. Accordingly, the 180° rule was established as effective as a assessment of throwing shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiba Pref. has been supporting sports medicine and science systems for the Chiba National Sports Festival in 2010, especially for youth athletes. We, as athletic trainers, have organized athletic trainers in this Pref to cooperate in this support system. The medicine and science support system includes physical examination, and conditioning support at games and training camps, with the concept of education for athletes. In the Chiba National Sports Festival in 2010, we will set up athletic trainer stations at all stadiums and hope this will provide substantial emergency medical systems and medicine and science support for all athletes, not just those from Chiba. For this task, as many athletic trainers are required, we have held training courses, original of Chiba, and around 400 athletic trainers have since completed the course. We, moreover, would like to reinforce the Chiba network in this structure of sports medicine and science support system which will continue to function after the National Sports Festival, and provide satisfactory support and education for athletes while raising the profile of athletic trainers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study 1 investigated individual differences in spatial cognition amongst visually impaired students and sighted controls, as well as the extent to which visual status contributes to these individual differences. Fifty-eight visually impaired and 255 sighted university students evaluated their sense of direction via self-ratings. Visual impairment contributed to the factors associated with the use and understanding of maps, confirming that maps are generally unfamiliar to visually impaired people. The relationship between psychological stress associated with mobility and individual differences in sense of direction was investigated in Study 2. A stress checklist was administered to the 51 visually impaired students who participated in Study 1. Psychological stress level was related to understanding and use of maps, as well as orientation and renewal, that is, course correction after being got lost. Central visual field deficits were associated with greater mobility-related stress levels than peripheral visual field deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify issues of school management from a the perspectives of teachers in a credit-system high school, a new type of secondary school in Japan. Eleven teachers in the school were asked to write, on schedule sheets, what, when, where, and with whom they did their work. Based on the written schedule sheets, interviews were conducted on how the teachers saw their own work. As a result, it was found that teachers' work was composed of: 1) classroom lessons, 2) school affairs, and 3) teaching art-related special subjects. The teachers shared their work with one another. There were differences in their work according to their duties. In particular, there was a large difference of workload between those who taught art-related special subjects and homeroom teachers. The details of their work changed each month, but the total time taken up by their work did not change. This suggests that each teacher played many roles in school affairs, so that they spent their time doing a multitude of work. Teachers reported that they tended to add new work demanded by the new educational system onto their conventional work, and that they consequently felt very busy. This was the critical issue in the introduction of the new school system. There is a need to examine the organizational design which can effectively incorporate new work into conventional work after considering teachers' working form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The transjugular or transfemoral approach is used as a common method for hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in current practice. This study aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of measuring HVPG via the forearm venous approach. Methods: Prospective recruitment was conducted for patients with cirrhosis who underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach at six hospitals in China and Japan from September 2020 to December 2020. Patients' clinical baseline information and HVPG measurement data were collected. The right median cubital vein or basilic vein approach for all enrolled patients was selected. The HVPG standard process was used to measure pressure. Research data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were used to represent medians (interquartile ranges), while qualitative data were used to represent frequency and rates. The correlation between two sets of data was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: A total of 43 cases were enrolled in this study. Of these, 41 (95.3%) successfully underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach. None of the patients had any serious complications. The median operation time for HVPG detection via forearm vein was 18.0 minutes (12.3~38.8 minutes). This study confirmed that HVPG was positively closely related to Child-Pugh score ( r = 0.47, P = 0.002), albumin-bilirubin score ( r = 0.37, P = 0.001), Lok index ( r = 0.36, P = 0.02), liver stiffness ( r = 0.58, P = 0.01), and spleen stiffness ( r = 0.77, P = 0.01), while negatively correlated with albumin ( r = -0.42, P = 0.006). Conclusion: The results of this multi-centre retrospective study suggest that HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach is safe and feasible.