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This study aims to build a learning model based on a survey for the actual situation of the three stakeholders, students, faculty, and system administrator, using a VOD (Video-on-Demand) of a face-to-face lecture at two different locations for different purposes such as a supplement to the face-to-face lecture or as the primary learning material. As a result of the survey, we pointed out that there were two main styles of students, those who want to watch all videos in one way and those who want to watch only scenes of high importance through other information. We suggested a learning model for providing more realistic and concrete improvement proposals based on understanding both the faculty and the system administrator's constraints.

Background:. Problems with poor circulation often occur when a large defect or a distant region, such as the apex of the nose, is covered with a paramedian forehead flap. Delay technique increases the safety of reconstruction procedures, but it has been used less frequently because a 2-stage surgery is necessary, and various other flaps and techniques have been developed. Method:. We performed the delay technique of paramedian forehead flap at the same time as tumor resection. For the flap, a narrow pedicle of about 1-cm was prepared on the supratrochlear artery and vein, and the incision was extended toward the lateral side conforming to the defect morphology, and a paramedian forehead flap with a design consistent with the esthetic unit containing the defect was prepared. The region below the flap was dissected to create the flap bipedicle, and surgery was completed. Result:. This procedure was used in 4 patients with malignant tumor of the external nose, and the flap survived perfectly in all patients. The postoperative esthetic outcome was also found to be good. Conclusions:. This procedure does not increase the frequency of surgery, circulation in the flap is maintained, the flap pedicle on the supratrochlear artery can be made narrow, and flap thinning can be performed from the beginning. Coverage of an extensive defect is possible because a large flap can be excised, and satisfactory esthetic appearance can be obtained by matching with the esthetic unit. The delay technique for various flaps (not limited to forehead flap alone) should be considered an effective technique for the current treatment of malignant tumors.

A smart control method based on the phasor diagram for a voltage-type PWM rectifier is proposed in this paper. The proposed method uses no PI controller in order to produce the high power factor and the constant DC-link voltage. From simulation results, we can realize the constant DC-link voltage of 300 V, 600 V, 900 V or 1000 V and the high power factor over 0.98.

Objectives Dementia cafes are expected to serve as a new community resource based on the national dementia strategy in Japan. The objective of the present study was to examine effective ways to manage dementia cafes through an overview of dementia cafes in Japan and an analysis of the factors related to their effectiveness on attendees. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting and participants Representatives of 1477 dementia cafes in Japan. Measures Questionnaires regarding the dementia cafes' characteristics, management members, staff, their guests and effectiveness on people with dementia, their families, and community members were sent to the cafes, with instructions to have them completed by the cafe representatives. Logistic regression analysis was performed with the effect on each guest attribute as a dependent variable, and factors related to the effectiveness of dementia cafes were analyzed. Results Questionnaires were sent to a total of 2728 dementia cafes in Japan, and responses were received from 1477 (54.1%). The most common meeting frequency and meeting hours were once a month (64.8%) and 2 hours (53.8%), respectively. Analysis of the effectiveness of dementia cafes on 3 groups of guests indicated the following preferences for cafe program: people with dementia preferred frequent meetings and activities, families of people with dementia preferred having a place for private consultation and advice and peer meetings, and community members preferred frequent meetings and both mini-lectures and private consultation and advice. Logistic regression analysis further revealed that all types of guests preferred the presence of the same types of guests. Conclusions/Implications This study revealed the multicomponent nature of dementia cafes. The results suggest that a good balance of programs and guests would enhance the cafes' effectiveness among the multiple stakeholders in regard to dementia, especially in the early stage of the disease.

Synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs) have attracted attention, because SynRMs have no magnets in the rotor. Position sensorless control at low speeds of SynRMs is now desired, and several methods have been proposed. The new position sensorless control method of SynRMs at low speeds by estimating a high-frequency extended e.m.f.(EEMF) caused by superimposed high-frequency current has been proposed by authors. The feature is that the amplitude of the superimposed high-frequency current is controlled to a small constant value. In this paper, the influence of inductance variation, which is large in the SynRMs, of the proposed position sensorless control method is investigated. And, in the proposed method, it is experimentally shown that the influence of the position estimation caused by the inductance variation is very small and the position sensorless control method is useful.

Background:. We have already reported surgical procedures for lobule-type microtia that provide an excellent contour and shape of the ear with minimum sacrifice of the donor. We have succeeded in establishing a standard surgical technique for almost all types of concha-type microtia that effectively uses the remnant ear and can use a unified costal cartilage frame. Methods and Results:. The concept of our technique is that remnant cartilage should be used maximally but that the deformed area should be completely replaced by the costal cartilage frame. The differences between the cartilage frame for lobule-type microtia and that for concha-type microtia are that the lower half beneath the antihelical area and the concha cymba in the base frame are omitted in concha-type microtia. The area from the tragus to the incisura of the tragus in the antihelical-tragal frame is also omitted. The area of the helical crus in the helical frame and the lower half in the antihelix are not immobilized in the base frame and are free edges. On the other hand, the remnant cartilage outside the concha is removed, but the antitragus is preserved. When the cartilage frame and the remnant are incorporated, all of the components of the ear can be provided. Conclusion:. The ears created by our technique have a natural appearance and clear contour.

Summary Z-plasty is one of the most widely employed techniques in plastic surgery and mainly serves the following purposes: elongation along the axis of the scar, dispersal of the scar followed by breaking up the straight-line scar and realigning the scar within the lines of minimal tension. It is useful especially to release linear-scar contracture, yet difficult for wide scars. This report describes a novel technique to release contracture effectively for any wide scars using a new design called double combined Z-plasty. The design is simple. The main limb is set to incise the wide scar, and this main limb is shared as a peripheral limb by two other Z-plasty designs. From the main limb, each central limb is designed along the margin of the scar in the opposite direction. The main and central limbs have 90° between them. Other peripheral limbs are then designed facing laterally to the intact skin to make 60° for the central limb. After skin incision, two triangular intact skin flaps could be inserted into the wide scar from both sides, making it possible to release contracture. We performed this technique on eight patients. All wounds healed well and scar contracture was satisfactorily released. This procedure is very useful for wide-scar contracture, compared to conventional Z-plasty.

Various techniques for correcting whistling deformities that occurred after primary surgery for cleft lip have been reported. These techniques are mainly intended to correct the lack of volume of the red lip. However, irregularity of the dry-wet lip junction (mucocutaneous junction) in the red lip has rarely been mentioned. If the wet lip is located in an exposed area, not only is the aesthetic appearance poor but also uncomfortable complications such as a crusted or bleeding lip repeatedly occur under a dry condition. A new technique for correcting the irregular line of the dry-wet lip junction is described in this report. The technique is simple. After removal of the exposed wet lip, flaps are designed on both dry lip sides of the defect as M-W-M plasty and are transposed toward the defect. The dog-ears are small; the scar is inconspicuous because it is incorporated with the wrinkle line, and scar contracture is prevented. In addition, more soft tissues may be included to correct a mild whistling deformity.

For reduction of the amount of CO2 emitted from ships, power generation characteristics of two power generation systems consisting of a high-efficiency permanent magnet synchronous generator and diode bridge rictifiers are discussed in this paper. One of the discussed systems has three-phase stator windings, and the other has two sets of three-phase (six-phase) stator windings to reduce pulsation in the electromagnetic torque and DC current. Experimental results reveal that the power generation efficiency of the system having six-phase stator windings is higher than that of the system having three-phase stator windings for a light load. The maximum power generation efficiency of the system having six-phase stator windings is almost the same as that of the system having three-phase stator windings. For the electromagnetic torque of the system having six-phase stator windings, the width of pulsation is about one-fifth compared to the system having three-phase stator windings.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prolonged ingestion of Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 (L-92) on skin symptoms in adult atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, a placebo-controlled double-blinded parallel-group comparison study was performed. This included daily administration of heat-killed and dried L-92 or placebo for 24wk in 50 AD patients who were 16yr old or older. The severity of skin symptoms was evaluated at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24wk during the intervention using the investigator global assessment, eczema area and severity index, and scoring atopic dermatitis. Serum cytokine and blood marker levels were also measured at baseline and at 4, 8, 16, and 24wk during the intervention. No adverse events were reported during the study period. Compared with the placebo group, the L-92 group showed significant decreases in investigator global assessment, eczema area and severity index, and scoring atopic dermatitis. Subjective symptoms in adult AD patients were reduced by intake of L-92. Furthermore, it was suggested that sustained ingestion of L-92 resulted in suppression of scratching behavior and maintenance of remission status of skin symptoms. Sixteen weeks after the study commenced, a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase and a significant increase in transforming growth factor-β were observed in the L-92 group compared with the placebo group. In the L-92 group, a significant elevation of IL-12 (p70) level at the end of treatment period compared with before the treatment was observed. This study suggested that L-92 suppresses type-2-helper-T-cell-dominant inflammation by activating regulatory T cells and type 1 helper T cells.

The heterocomponent films of polypyridine ruthenium(II) complexes and methyl viologen derivatives, and polypyridine ruthenium(II) complexes and alkyl chain derivatives have been successfully obtained using a layer-by-layer fabrication method. We determined their photocurrent generation properties and noted that the photocurrent generation strongly depended on the inner layer. A higher photocurrent generation in the donor–acceptor film was obtained than in a single-component film of the chromophore.

Flow characteristics of a free-horizontal-axis-turbine (FHAT) current power generation system have been investigated by the use of a volumetric PTV. Three types of FHAT system (S50, SE50, S65) have been tested under the current speed 1.35 knot, 1.5 knot and 2 knot. The width of the blade installed around the body is 50 mm. Based upon the power generation characteristics of the FHAT, the flow features of the blade have been investigated. Among the three models it has been verified that the S65 is the most appropriate for power generations.

Summary Background Various procedures for correction of congenital syndactyly of hand or foot have been described. For incomplete syndactyly, some of the reported techniques use only local flaps from surrounding tissues. A novel technique for the correction of incomplete syndactyly, using a dorsal triangular flap and two palmar small flaps, is described in this article. Methods A triangular flap is first marked on the affected web space. The size of the flap should be the same as the unaffected side or other web space. Then a straight line is marked from the proximal apex of the triangle to the level of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. After full skin incision, minimal peripheral undermining is done, and the triangular flap is transposed proximally, as in the Y–V advancement procedure, and sutured. Then two incisions are made from the distal part of the flap, transposing small flaps as in the five-flap method, and closed primarily. Results We treated ten cases of congenital syndactyly of the hand or foot. We were able to correct a good web space without skin grafting in all cases. Conclusion The design for our technique is simple, and the technique can be performed easily. The operation can be performed in a short time, the blood supply of the flap is preserved, the flap has a wide range of motion, and a deep and smooth dorsal slope is produced. This technique is an attractive alternative to previously reported methods for syndactyly correction.

A novel harmonics-reducing system of cascaded-induction generators has been proposed, and its effectiveness has been confirmed by the simulation results. Comparing the characteristics of the cascaded generators with those of the single generator, we see that the power efficiency decreases by 1-3%, and the input power factor decreases by around 20%, but the power factor can be improved by controlling the reactive power of the power-recovery inverter. Since the proposed system has the advantages of a low-cost system, a brushless structure, and adjustable-speed characteristics, we anticipate that its use will be practical for small hydroelectric power plants.

Study objectives: To establish a clinically relevant animal model of pulmonary metastases of human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, which can be used for repetitive investigations, so as to improve our understanding and management of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human lung cancer metastases. Methods and results: SCID mice subcutaneously injected in the flank with 1 × 10 6 EBC-1 cells derived from human lung squamous cell carcinoma were killed weekly for examination until 12 weeks after tumor inoculation. The biological characteristics of implanted tumors and their metastatic foci were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunostaining for neutrophil elastase (NE). Three weeks after ectopic implantation, EBC-1 cell lines formed a tumor at the inoculation site and grew steadily to show a plateau at 10 weeks. EBC-1 cells formed multiple metastases in the lung 7 weeks after tumor inoculation; their numbers increased steadily until 12 weeks in all mice. Immunoreactivity for NE was intense in the metastatic tumor cells. Then, to establish the primary tumor amputation/pulmonary metastasis model and to evaluate how primary tumor amputation influences the development of pulmonary metastases at the cellular and molecular level, excision was performed before (3 weeks and 5 weeks after inoculation) and after (7 weeks and 9 weeks after inoculation) formation of lung metastases. When the primary tumor was excised 3 weeks after tumor inoculation, all mice had pulmonary metastasis at 12 weeks after inoculation. Blood samples obtained at 3 weeks after tumor inoculation contained human β-actin messenger RNA, which represents circulating tumor cells. Conclusion: Our NSCLC EBC-1 pulmonary metastasis model is reliable, technically simple, and predictably results in pulmonary metastasis from early hematogenous spread. This model may be useful for elucidating the mechanism of pulmonary metastasis in human lung cancer, and testing anti-metastatic efficacy of therapeutic agents in vivo .

Cooperative Study Group on Standard Model Development for Power Electronics Simulations, created under the Industry Applications Society of the IEEJ (Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan), is active to develop standard models for simulations related to power electronics. Under the study group, four working groups (WGs) have been created for different fields of simulation. Among them, Smart Grid WG is developing standard simulation models of components which will form smart grids in the near future. As the government of Japan assumes, a large portion of renewable energy will be provided by photovoltaic (PV) generation systems installed at ordinary houses, buildings and solar farms, all of which are connected to distribution lines. This implies that smart grids in Japan will be established at the distribution and the end-consumer level. Therefore, the components for which the Smart Grid WG is developing standard models include distribution substations, distribution lines, voltage regulation equipment, pole-mounted transformers, PV panels, Li-ion batteries, power conditioning systems, and micro and small wind power generation systems. This paper presents these standard models and also future development plan for those which are still under development at this moment.

The major site of metastasis from osteosarcoma is the lung, and over 90% of fatalities in patients with this disease die from pulmonary metastases. Extrapulmonary disease is developing in an increasing proportion of patients, usually after pulmonary metastasis. This study reports three cases of patients with osteosarcoma that metastasized to the brain, mediastinum, intramuscular site, and pelvic cavity. The physician must be aware that extrapulmonary metastases may be present at the time a pulmonary metastasis becomes evident.

The surgical robotic system has been advanced as a tool that enables surgeons to perform precision operations of high quality. Many reports have been presented in cardiovascular surgery using the robotic system, but its use is uncommon in general thoracic surgery. We describe our two experiences with single-surgeon video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy for primary lung cancer using a remote-controlled robot, named Naviot, to manipulate an endoscope. We believe that Naviot might be one of the robotic devices whose use could lead to solo surgery, even for complicated thoracoscopic procedures such as anatomical pulmonary resections with lymph node dissection.

The government of Japan assumes that a large portion of renewable energy in the near future will be provided by photovoltaic generation systems installed at end consumers. Thus, smart grids in Japan will be established mainly at the distribution and the end-consumer level of power systems. Considering this situation, the Smart Grid Working Group, created inside the Cooperative Study Group on Applications of Power Electronic Simulations of IEEJ (Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan), is currently discussing and developing standard simulation models for components of the distributionand the end-consumer-level power systems. These components include distribution substations, distribution lines, voltage regulation equipment, pole-mounted transformers, photovoltaic panels, power conditioning systems, Li-ion batteries, and small and micro wind power generation systems. The purpose of developing the standard models is to use in transient simulations related to smart grids. This paper describes the present state and the future plan of the development of the standard models.

This paper provides a standard motor model, parameters, and a design of controllers for simulation of motor drive systems. In the motor drives working group of Investigating R&D Committee on applied simulation for power electronics systems in IEEJ, standard models for simulation of motor drive systems have been discussed. Parameters of more than 330 motors have been gathered from among released data sheets and specifications from manufacturers, IEEE transactions, IEEJ papers, and JIPE papers. Tendency of the parameters have been also investigated. A simulation example based on the investigation of dc motors is shown and the validity is demonstrated.

This paper describes the development of fully-automated synthesis systems for preparing and isolating various kinds of pharmaceutical compounds. The systems are versatile, and are able to perform most of the chemical reactions currently used in organic chemistry, with the exception of hydrogenation which requires high pressure. An additional benefit is the very user-friendly software.

AIM To apply nutrition care management to elderly female patients, we predicted serum albumin (s-Alb) levels by non-invasive factors. METHODS After excluding patients with lesions/diseases which were directly related to s-Alb levels, we investigated 147 elderly women aged 75-years or over who were taking meals orally and were hospitalized from April 2008 to April 2009 at a hospital in Toyota. The patients were classified into 2 groups, one of patients with s-Alb levels of 3.5 g/dl or below (n=80), and the other of those with s-Alb levels of over 3.5 g/dl (n=67). Between the 2 groups, we examined differences in age, body mass index (BMI), living arrangements, necessary nursing care level (NNCL), bed confinement level (BCL), OH scale level (OHSL), and dietary intake either by the Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated among s-Alb levels and selected variables. Taking into account the correlation coefficients, we conducted multiple regression analysis adopting the s-Alb level as a dependent variable and non-invasive factors as independent variables. For all the performed tests and analyses, a p value of less than 0.05 (on two-tailed analysis) was assumed to represent a statistically significant difference. RESULTS S-Alb level was significantly associated with variables, including age, BMI, NNCL, BCL, OHSL, and percentage of protein intake (PPI). Multiple regression analysis revealed 4 significant variables: age, BCL, OHSL, and PPI. The multiple regression equation was y=4.977-(0.098×OHSL)-(0.080×BCL)-(0.016×age)+(0.003×PPI), and the multiple correlation coefficient R(2) was 0.398 (p

Power generation characteristics of a horizontal tidal current power generation system have been investigated. At first, a model test had been carried out at laboratory level for finding more optimal shapes of the turbine of the generation system. Secondly, two tests had been carried out for two model sizes (medium size: 1.2m × 0.65m, large size: 6.0m × 3.0m). In the laboratory test, the constructed systems have been tested under three different current speeds, 1.35knot, 1.5knot and 2knot. Five different model shapes (A50, SE50, S50, S55, S65) have been tested. The width of the blade installed around the body is 50mm. To investigate the flow characteristics around the turbine blades, a PIV test had been carried out under electric load conditions. The power generation performances had been obtained from this model test. Among the models it had been verified that the S65 has the highest efficiency of power generation. The power generation characteristics of two model sizes that have the optimal shape had been investigated. The medium one had been tested under 1.5knot, 2.0knot, 2.5knot and 3.0knot. The large one was done under 4.28knot.

Power generation characteristics of two generator systems consisting of a permanent magnet synchronous generator and diode bridge rectifiers are discussed in this paper. One of the discussed systems has three-phase stator windings, and the other has two sets of three-phase (six-phase) stator windings to reduce pulsation in the electromagnetic torque and DC current. Experimental results reveal that the power generation efficiency of the system having six-phase stator windings is higher than that of the system having three-phase stator windings for a light load. The maximum power generation efficiency of the system having six-phase stator windings is almost the same as that of the system having three-phase stator windings.

Background Here, we introduce our recent operative technique for ear elevation that results in (1) minimal morbidity for patients, (2) symmetric appearance, (3) clearer 3-dimensional structure with a deep concha, (4) good aesthetic appearance by hiding the grafted area behind the ear, and (5) maintenance of deep temporoauricular sulcus and angle. Methods After a skin incision, the ear is elevated with temporoparietal fascia underlying the cartilage. On the conchal area, undermining is performed just below the skin so that the deep concavity can be maintained. Scalp and neck skin behind the ear is undermined subcutaneously and lifted up cranially to hide the entire area of grafted skin behind the ear. The postauricular surface is covered by full-thickness skin from the lower abdomen. A protective splint is applied for 3 months while sleeping. Results A total of 137 ears in 121 patients were corrected with our technique and followed up for at least 3 years. All of the scar tissue could be hidden behind the ear, an aesthetically excellent result. Conclusions Our technique made it possible to acquire an excellent and symmetrical shape of the ear. The important points in our procedure are as follows: (1) subcutaneous posterior undermining to enlarge the conchal cavity, (2) careful arrangement of the temporoauricular angle and auriculo-earlobe angle, (3) reduction in the area of temporally grafted skin to hide all scars behind the ear, and (4) protection of the ear to maintain the shape using a postoperative splint.

The effects of hetero atoms and substituents on the photocurrents of the parent compounds were investigated by comparison of the photocurrents of 52 specimens of the aza-benzenoid and oxa-benzenoid compounds.