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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and the ISO 2631/1-1997 frequency weighting on gastric motility. The gastric motility was measured by electrogastrography (EGG) in nine healthy volunteers. Sinusoidal vertical vibration at a frequency of 4, 6·3, 8, 12, 16, 31·5, or 63 Hz was given to the subjects for 10 min. The magnitude of exposure at 4 Hz was 1·0m/s2 (r.m.s.). The magnitudes of the other frequencies gave the same frequency-weighted acceleration according to ISO 2631/1-1997. The pattern of the dominant frequency histogram (DFH) was changed to a broad distribution pattern by vibration exposure. Vibration exposure had the effect of significantly reducing the percentage of time for which the dominant component had a normal rhythm and increasing the percentage of time for which there was tachygastria (p<0·05). Vibration exposure generally reduced the mean percentage of time with the dominant frequency in normal rhythm component. There was a significant difference between the condition of no vibration and exposure to 4 and 6·3 Hz of vibration frequency (p<0·05). The frequency weighting curve given in ISO 2631/1-1997 was not adequate for use in evaluating the physiological effects of WBV exposure on gastric motility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have determined the crystal structure of the quasi one-dimensional cuprate Ca0.83CuO2, known as Ca4Cu5O10, etc., by a superspace group approach. The compound consists of two interpenetrating subsystems of CuO2 chains and Ca atoms. Structural parameters were refined with a superspace group of F2/m(1+α 0 γ)0s using powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. Lattice parameters were refined to be a1=2.8043(2) A˚, b=6.3179(2) A˚, c1=10.5744(5) A˚, and β1=90.10(1)° for the [CuO2] subsystem and a2=3.3652(2) A˚, b=6.3179(2) A˚, c2=10.5893(5) A˚, and β2=93.04(1)° for the [Ca] subsystem. Remarkable displacive modulation of the O and Ca atom sites is observed parallel to the b-axis and the c-axis, respectively. On the other hand, the Cu atom sites deviate mainly in the a direction to yield a periodic fluctuation between the nearest Cu–Cu distances. The Ca atoms suitably sit in the center of the modulated O6 octahedra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The purposes of this study were to examine smoking habits in relation to the reproductive events of pregnancy and menopause and clarify the reasons for smoking cessation among ex-smokers. Method: This is a cross-sectional study based on a baseline survey of a prospective cohort study. From 2001 to 2007, a self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on 49,927 female nurses from all 47 prefectures in Japan. Logistic regression models were used to estimate age-adjusted odds ratios. Results: Of the respondents, 17.2% were current smokers, 11.6% were ex-smokers and 69.8% had never smoked. The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was 7.8%. Among ex-smokers, 30.3% gave “reproductive events” as their reason for smoking cessation. Current smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day before menopause were significantly related to onset of menopause. Conclusion: Women's smoking habits have mutual relationships with reproductive events such as pregnancy and menopause. Although “reproductive events” were an important reason for smoking cessation among women, 7.8% of women still smoked during pregnancy. Smoking was correlated with onset of menopause. Support for smoking cessation is an important healthcare issue throughout women's lifetimes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The possibility to introduce carbonate groups inside a pure cobalt based Ruddlesden Popper type matrix is demonstrated. This paper reports the synthesis as a single phase of a new layered oxycarbonate Sr4Co2(CO3)O5.86 and its structural characterizations at room temperature combining TEM observations and powder neutron diffraction data. Close structural relationships are observed with the homologous Sr4Fe3−x (CO3) x O10−4x series and deal with the presence of two specific carbonate configurations, namely coat hanger and flag. Magnetization measurements reveal a complex antiferromagnetic behavior below 50K with three others transitions, at 160, 210 and 250K. Such behavior can be ascribed to the latent reactivity in air of this largely oxygen deficient phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]