Search

A real-time coding that performs, in one coding pass, a variable bit rate coding that capitalizes on MPEG-2 video coding is proposed. In this method, coding is performed according to the degree of difficulty in image coding. To realize this objective, the relationship between quantization scale and generated bits is modeled as a bit amount assigning function. Based on this bit amount assigning function, the quantization scale is determined for each picture frame and coding is performed with this quantization scale. To verify this method, computer simulations are performed and MPEG-2 real-time encoders are built to realize the hardware installation of this method. From the results, it is confirmed that: 1. assignment of bit amounts in this method is executed in a similar fashion to that achieved in conventional two-pass variable bit rate coding, 2. Image quality can greatly be improved over the quality achieved in the constant bit rate coding, and 3. Coding performance remains stable even over extensive coding durations. Also, this method can be implemented using the same level of hardware as is required in constant bit rate coding. As a result, we have the prospect that two hours of high quality video can be recorded onto one side of a DVD-RAM disc in real time with the proposed method.

SMITH-RYAN, A. E., E. D. RYAN, D. H. FUKUDA, P. B. COSTA, J. T. CRAMER, and J. R. STOUT. The Effect of Creatine Loading on Neuromuscular Fatigue in Women. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 990–997, 2014. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of intermittent isometric fatigue on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength, percent voluntary activation (%VA), peak twitch force (PTF), peak rate of force development (PRFD), half relaxation time (HRT), and maximal compound action potential (M-wave) amplitude of the soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles before and after creatine (Cr) loading. Methods: Using a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized design, 12 women were assigned to a Cr (n =6 ; mean ageT SD = 23.3 T 3.0 yr) or placebo (PL; n =6 ; mean age T SD = 21.3 T 1.6 yr) group. Participants supplemented four times daily for 5 d with 5 g of Cr + 10 g of fructose or 10 g of fructose. At baseline and after testing, an isometric MVC and the twitch interpolation procedure were used before and after a 4-min isometric fatigue protocol of the plantarflexor muscles, which consisted of six intermittent duty cycles per minute (7-s contraction, 3-s relaxation) at 70% MVC. Results: There were no interactions between the Cr and PL groups (P 9 0.05) for any dependent variable. The fatigue protocol reduced voluntary strength (j17.8%, P G 0.001) and %VA (j3.7%, P = 0.005). Baseline PTF (P G 0.005) and PRFD (P G 0.001) values were less than those of all respective time points, but PTF value decreased from 3 min to 4 min and after testing (P G 0.005). HRT increased from baseline to minutes 1 and 2 and then returned to baseline at minut es 3a nd 4a nd after testing. The M-wave did not change (P 9 0.05). Conclusions: Five days of Cr loading did not influence isometric force, %VA

Variations in transverse point of measure on the vastus lateralis (VL) may significantly affect the relationship between structure and function. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in muscle architecture at 2 commonly used points of measure (VL0 and VL5).Maximal strength (1-repetition maximum [1RM] barbell squat) and muscle architecture were assessed PRE and POST 15 weeks of periodized resistance training. VL0 was 50% of the straight line distance between the greater trochanter and lateral epicondyle of the femur. VL5 was 5cm medial to VL0.Increases in 1RM strength (3.7 ± 2.4 kg; P = 0.004) were observed. Changes in muscle thickness (MT) at VL5 were significantly greater than at VL0 (P = 0.006). Changes in strength correlated with changes in muscle architecture at VL0 only (MT: r = 0.561; fascicle length: r = 0.503).Changes in muscle architecture appear to occur in a non-homogeneous manner.

Alumina ceramic is widely used for an insulator of vacuum interrupter. Occurrences of surface flashover along the insulator in vacuum have been a major obstacle to apply the vacuum interrupter for the higher rated voltage class, more than 100kV or further higher voltage. Therefore a superior alumina having high surface flashover voltage performance is required. Such a vacuum flashover occurrence is considered to be related to surface charging on the insulator. To investigate more superior alumina ceramics for high voltage application and clarify the mechanism of the surface flashover phenomena in vacuum, we carried out surface flashover test under negative impulse voltage application to four kinds of alumina in which dielectric constant and resistivity differ, and measured surface charge distribution before and after flashover occurrence. From the results, we revealed that the moderate resistivity could lead to the improvement in flashover voltage.

BackgroundEvidence suggests CaHMB may impact muscle mass and/or strength in older adults, yet no long-term studies have compared its effectiveness in sedentary and resistance training conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 24weeks of CaHMB supplementation and resistance training (3dwk−1) or CaHMB supplementation only in ≥65yr old adults.MethodsThis double-blinded, placebo-controlled, trial occurred in two phases under ad libitum conditions. Phase I consisted of two non-exercise groups: (a) placebo and (b) 3g CaHMB consumed twice daily. Phase II consisted of two resistance exercise groups: (a) placebo and resistance exercise and (b) 3g CaHMB consumed twice daily and resistance exercise (RE). Strength and functionality were assessed in both phases with isokinetic leg extension and flexion at 60°·s−1 and 180°·s−1 (LE60, LF60, LE180, LF180), hand grip strength (HG) and get-up-and-go (GUG). Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure arm, leg, and total body lean mass (LM) as well as total fat mass (FM). Muscle Quality was measured for arm (MQHG=HG/arm LM) and Leg (MQ60=LE60/leg LM) (MQ180=LE180/leg LM).ResultsAt 24weeks of Phase I, change in LE60 (+8.8%) and MQ180 (+20.8%) for CaHMB was significantly (p

This study was performed to clarify the influence of liraglutide on gastric emptying in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. In 16 patients, the [(13) C]-acetate breath test was performed to compare gastric emptying before and after liraglutide treatment. We found two patterns of response, with gastric emptying being delayed by liraglutide in seven patients (delayers) and not delayed in nine patients (non-delayers). The mean increase of the maximum gastric emptying time was 31 ± 4 min (p 0.01 vs. baseline) in the delayers, while it was only 2 ± 3 min (p = 0.60 vs. baseline) in the non-delayers. The delayers showed a greater early decrease of AUC-PG from 0 to 60 min, despite no increase of the plasma insulin level compared with non-delayers. In conclusion, the effect of liraglutide treatment on gastric emptying shows heterogeneity, and patients can be classified as delayers or non-delayers.

Bodybuilding is a sport in which competitors are judged on muscular appearance. This case study tracked a drug-free male bodybuilder (age 26–27 y) for the 6 mo before and after a competition.Purpose:The aim of this study was to provide the most comprehensive physiological profile of bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery ever compiled.Methods:Cardiovascular parameters, body composition, strength, aerobic capacity, critical power, mood state, resting energy expenditure, and hormonal and other blood parameters were evaluated.Results:Heart rate decreased from 53 to 27 beats/min during preparation and increased to 46 beats/min within 1 mo after competition. Brachial blood pressure dropped from 132/69 to 104/56 mmHg during preparation and returned to 116/64 mmHg at 6 mo after competition. Percent body fat declined from 14.8% to 4.5% during preparation and returned to 14.6% during recovery. Strength decreased during preparation and did not fully recover during 6 months of recovery. Testosterone declined from 9.22 to 2.27 ng/mL during preparation and returned back to the baseline level, 9.91 ng/mL, after competition. Total mood disturbance increased from 6 to 43 units during preparation and recovered to 4 units 6 mo after competition.Conclusions:This case study provides a thorough documentation of the physiological changes that occurred during natural bodybuilding competition and recovery.

A rotating shaft in a wheel, a motor and a turbine uses sensors to measure torque, vibration, and acceleration for better control and maintenance of a machine. Such data is currently acquired in a laboratory and utilized for tuning the machine. For adaptive control and failure prognosis in future, the data need to be collected by the sensors on the fly. Connecting the moving sensors by wire and a brush to a microcontroller leaves reliability issues due to mechanical wear and electrical noise. A wireless data link with small form factor and low maintenance cost is needed. Bluetooth consumes large power and requires external parts such as a battery and a crystal. RFID loses connectivity when the sensors move into the shadow of a radio wave from a transponder. Continuous sensing on all sides is needed as the direction to be sensed is not determined.

A 1-V power supply low-power and high-speed 16-b fixed-point digital signal processor using a 0.5-/spl mu/m process has been developed for mobile phone applications. A 1-V multithreshold-voltage CMOS (MTCMOS) technology that uses both high-threshold-voltage and low-threshold-voltage transistors is one key to attaining low power consumption, keeping processing throughput high. A maximum operating frequency of 13.2 MHz and an energy consumption of 2.2 mW/MHz were achieved at 1 V. The second key to low-power operation is a power management scheme that uses a secondary embedded microprocessor. This proposed scheme minimizes the standby power in the waiting state by effectively controlling the sleep mode in the MTCMOS design. We confirmed that the standby leakage current was reduced three orders of magnitude and that the energy consumed in the waiting state was less than 1/10 of that consumed by conventional CMOS circuits with lowered supply voltage and threshold voltage but without power management.

CT and MR images were reviewed to correlate the histologic subtypes of abdominal liposarcoma with the radiologic findings.Ten patients with liposarcoma who underwent CT or MR imaging before surgery were included in this study. CT and MR imaging findings for these patients were compared retrospectively with histologic findings.Major histologic subtypes found in our group of patients were five well-differentiated, three myxoid, one pleomorphic, and one round-cell liposarcomas. The well-differentiated subtype consisted of lipoma-like and/or sclerosing components. The predominant attenuation and signal intensity characteristics of the lipoma-like components on CT and MR images resembled those of fat, whereas the predominant attenuation and signal intensity characteristics of the sclerosing components resembled those of muscle. The myxoid subtype showed, on unenhanced images, predominant attenuation and signal intensity characteristics that resembled those of water; on contrast-enhanced images, this subtype showed gradual reticular enhancement. The appearance of the round-cell and pleomorphic subtypes was that of heterogeneous, nonfatty tumors. Their characteristics were indistinguishable from those of other malignant soft-tissue masses.Each histologic subtype of abdominal liposarcoma showed different CT attenuation or MR imaging signal intensity characteristics. A clear understanding of these findings should prove helpful in the diagnosis of liposarcoma.

The growth kinetics of ultrathin SiO2 films on silicon in a nitrous oxide (N2O) ambient have been investigated as a function of oxidation temperature and time. The results show that the overall growth follows the linear‐parabolic law proposed by Deal and Grove [J. Appl. Phys. 36, 3770 (1965)]. The data analysis indicates that although the oxidation proceeds by surface‐limited reaction in the initial stage, it rapidly changes into a diffusion‐controlled reaction. This behavior is evidenced from the fact that the reaction of the N2O molecule with the silicon surface produces an interfacial nitrogen‐rich layer which acts as a barrier to the oxidant passing through the SiO2/Si interface. From the Arrhenius equation for N2O oxidation, the activation energies for the linear rate constant B/A and for the parabolic rate constant B are determined to be 1.5 and 2.3 eV, respectively.

For the two parasitoid wasps, Ibalia leucospoides and Megarhyssa praecellens emerging together with their host woodwasp, Sirex nitobei, from trees of Pinus densiflora, the seasonal trends in number of emerging adults, their body size characteristics and fecundities were recorded to evaluate the life histories and parasitism patterns. The mean female body mass of M. praecellens was about 1.8 times (fall population) or about 4.1 times (spring population) larger than that of I. leucospoides. The difference in body size was remarkable also between sexes in both species. The spring population of M. praecellens was about 3.7 times (male) or 2.3 times (female) larger in mean body weight than the fall population. The mean egg length of M. praecellens was about 10 times larger than that of I. leucocpoides, whereas I. leucospoides produced about 50 times greater numbers of eggs than M. praecellens. The percentage of parasitism on S. nitobei by both parasitoids was considerably large, accounting for more than 60%. Our results suggested that two parasitoid species could utilize larvae of S. nitobei in wood as their hosts at different development stages of woodwasp in different manners: egg and/or 1st instar larvae parasitized by I. leucospoides and maturated larvae by M. praecellens.

Mediastinal masses include a wide variety of tumours and remain an interesting diagnostic challenge for radiologist. We performed positron emission tomography (PET) studies of primary mediastinal tumours in order to predict the malignancy of these tumours preoperatively. Twenty-two patients with primary mediastinal tumours were studied with PET using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG). The histological findings of surgical pathology or biopsy, or mediastinoscopy were compared with those of computerised tomography (CT) and PET. PET images were evaluated semiquantitatively using the differential uptake ratio (DUR). Increased FDG uptake was observed in nine of ten patients with malignant tumours, including thymic carcinomas, lymphomas, invasive thymomas and a case of sarcoidosis. A moderate level of FDG uptake was found in a myeloma, non-invasive thymomas, and a schwannoma, whereas a low uptake was observed in a teratoma and various benign cysts. The mean FDG uptake of malignant tumours was significantly higher than that of benign tumours. Both thymic cancer and invasive thymoma showed a high FDG uptake. CT examination resulted in three false-negative and two false-positive cases when used in predicting tumour invasion, while PET was associated with a false-positive and a false-negative case. In conclusion, the use of FDG with PET is clinically helpful in evaluating the malignant nature of primary mediastinal tumours. Our results also suggest that a high FDG uptake reflects the invasiveness of malignant nature of thymic tumours. Images Figure 1 Figure 2

Synthesis and biological properties of a novel class of cephalosporins with a 2-[5-(3-hydroxy-4-pyridon-6-yl)1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]thioethyl group at C-7 position are described. Among them, the compounds having a pyridiniumthiomethyl group at C-3 position were found to possess high in vitro potency and showed excellent in vivo efficacy against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa .

We present here a simple technique for depositing wide monolayers of submicron-sized latex particles. The method is straightforward and does not require any special apparatus. We also studied the quality of the arrays formed, giving information on either the large scale structure or the small scale one. With this technique we succeeded to deposit arrays of 42 nm sized latex spheres, as far as we know, the smallest regular monolayer array ever deposited.

Several types of multivariable controllers, such as H ∞ , Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC), have been developed. Experimental results have been obtained. The controller structures are tested for practical application on a commercial plant. Each controller shows not only a good transient response along with decoupling performance, but also robust properties over a wide operating range.

Since 1973, we have identified 4 cardiac tumors by ultrasonography in fetal or early postnatal life. Tuberous sclerosis was diagnosed in three infants whose mother was also affected. The first infant died from acute cardiac failure after birth, and the second required cardiac surgery. The third infant had a cardiac tumor and a focal seizure at the age of 8 months. The cardiac tumor disappeared at the age of 2 years. The fourth cardiac rhabdomyoma may be the only sign of tuberous sclerosis.

The transmission and radiation characteristics at an acute bend of a transmission line are investigated analytically. First, in consideration of the strong coupling to the adjacent conductor, the current distributions are decomposed into even and odd modes. Applying the traveling-wave mode method to these modes, it is shown that transmission characteristics of the line with an acute bend can be easily obtained. The abrupt variation of the voltage near the bend is noted. Next, the discontinuities of the traveling wave currents are regarded as radiating sources and the radiation field from the bend in the transmission line is derived by the summation of fields created by each of the discontinuities. It is found that there exist the electric field component radiating strongly in the directions of propagation of the current and another electric field component radiating strongly into the intermediate direction. Finally, by comparing with the former method and experimental results, the validity of the method is confirmed. >

The activities of the enzymes involved in the malate–aspartate shuttle were measured in peripheral leucocytes of dogs with type 1 diabetes mellitus. In the diabetic dogs, fasting plasma glucose concentrations were twofold greater than control levels despite insulin injections and the activities of malate dehydrogenase (MDH), which plays a crucial role in the malate–aspartate shuttle, were decreased remarkably. The cytosolic ratio of MDH/lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (M/L ratio) in leucocytes of the diabetic dogs was significantly lower than that of normal control dogs. The decrease of the M/L ratio appeared to reflect depression of energy metabolism in leucocytes of the diabetic dogs. The M/L ratio may be a useful parameter to evaluate metabolic conditions in diabetic dogs.

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors with age in the long-term prognosis of autotransplantation of teeth with complete root formation at dental clinics. Participating dentists were asked to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. The data were screened to exclude patients who were under 25 or 70 years of age and over, those who were smokers or whose smoking habits were unknown, those whose transplanted teeth had incomplete root formation or multiple roots and those with fewer than 25 present teeth post-operation. The participants in this study were 71 men (74 teeth) and 100 women (107 teeth) ranging from 25 to 69 years of age. Third molars were used as donor teeth in 89·0% of the cases. The participants were divided into three age groups of 25-39, 40-54 and 55-69. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a log-rank test revealed that there were no significant differences in age groups for men or women. Cox regression analysis indicated that the survival of transplanted teeth was not influenced by age. However, although not statistically significant, the clinical success rate was lower in the 55-69-year-old group than that in the younger groups. These results indicate that if suitable donor teeth are available and the conditions are right, autotransplantation is a viable treatment for missing teeth regardless of the age of the patient.

Alumina ceramics is widely used as an insulating material for high voltage devices, because of low outgassing, hardness, low dielectric loss and high bulk breakdown voltage. However, there is serious problem to solve that the flashover voltage along the surface in vacuum is lower than that of a vacuum gap at the same length between electrodes. Many intensive researches have been carried out to improve surface flashover voltage in vacuum. Even so the mechanism of surface flashover is not always clarified yet. One of reason is expected to charging characteristics which depend on the material properties of insulator. In this paper, we focused on the relationship between vacuum flashover characteristics and surface charge caused by high voltage application and surface flashover occurrence for three kinds of alumina ceramics.

The aim of this study was to compare the prognosis of separated and non-separated tooth autotransplantation of the upper first and second molars with complete root formation undertaken at dental clinics. The participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. This study analysed 35 separated teeth and 22 non-separated teeth of 47 participants ranging from 27 to 76 years of age (mean age: 55·0 years) after data screening and elimination. The cumulative post-transplantation survival rate at 10 years was 77·1% for separated teeth and 63·6% for non-separated teeth as calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. There were no significant differences between separated teeth and non-separated teeth in a log rank test (P = 0·687). Separated-tooth autotransplantation can help fill narrow recipient sites and increase occlusal supporting zones, but the clinical success rate was only 48·6%. Although transplantation of teeth with complete root formation has limited prognosis, transplantation of upper first and second molars, whether separated or non-separated, is a viable option to replace missing teeth.

The use of β-alanine in sport is widespread. However, the effects across all sport activities are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of β-alanine supplementation on high-intensity running performance and critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic running capacity (ARC). Fifty recreationally trained men were randomly assigned, in a double-blind fashion, to a β-alanine group (BA, 2 × 800 mg tablets, 3 times daily; CarnoSyn; n = 26) or placebo group (PL, 2 × 800 mg maltodextrin tablets, 3 times daily; n = 24). A graded exercise test (GXT) was performed to establish peak velocity (PV). Three high-speed runs to exhaustion were performed at 110, 100, and 90% of PV, with 15 minutes of rest between bouts. The distances achieved were plotted over the time to exhaustion (TTE). Linear regression was used to determine the slope (CV) and y-intercept (ARC) of these relationships to assess aerobic and anaerobic performances, respectively. There were no significant treatment effects (p > 0.05) on CV or ARC for either men or women. Additionally, no TTE effects were evident for bouts at 90-110%PV lasting 1.95-5.06 minutes. There seems to be no ergogenic effect of β-alanine supplementation on CV, ARC, or high-intensity running lasting approximately 2-5 minutes in either men or women in the current study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting long-term prognosis of autotransplantation of third molars with complete root formation in males at dental clinics. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. After data screening and elimination, participants of this study consisted of 183 teeth of 171 males ranging from 20 to 72 years of age (mean age, 44·8 years). The cumulative survival rate was 86·0% at the 5-year mark, 59·1% at 10 years and 28·0% at 15 years. The mean survival time was 134·5 months, as calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Single factor analysis using the log-rank test showed that the following factors had significant influence (P0·05) on survival of transplanted teeth: periodontal disease as the reason for recipient site tooth extraction, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index Groups B1 to C. Cox regression analysis examined five factors: age, smoking habit, recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index. This analysis showed that two of these factors were significant: fewer than 25 present teeth was 2·63 (95% CI, 1·03-6·69) and recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease was 3·80 (95% CI, 1·61-9·01). The results of this study suggest that long-term survival of transplanted teeth in males is influenced not only by oral bacterium but also by occlusal status.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the adaptations imposed by 4 weeks of precompetition judo training in youth athletes. It was hypothesized that anthropometric and sport-specific performance would improve during the preparation for a junior national championship event. Twenty youth athletes (mean ± SD; chronological age: 13.1 ± 3.2 years; training age: 5.3 ± 3.5 years; judo experience: 7.8 ± 2.5 hours per week) completed pretesting and posttesting procedures. Child (12 years old; n = 8) and adolescent (13 years old; n = 12) groups were evaluated to determine the anthropometric and sport-specific performance changes caused by 4 weeks of judo training conducted in preparation for the junior national championships. The child group showed an increase in flexibility (11.5%), and the adolescent group showed a decrease in skinfold thickness (-12.2%); increased jumping power (26.7%), force (7.7%), and velocity (19.0%); and improved judo-specific ability (-5.9%), as measured by the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) index. Additionally, the SJFT index for all the study participants was shown to be inversely correlated to handgrip strength (r = -0.681), rope pull performance (r = -0.545), and jump height (r = -0.503). These results support the use of preparatory judo training in the improvement of anthropometric and sport-specific measures in adolescent athletes. Furthermore, the outcomes from this study provide direction for coaches and trainers in their efforts to impact physical performance and judo skills in children and adolescents through precompetition training.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of critical velocity (CV) and isoperformance curves as an alternative to the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) two-mile running test. Seventy-eight men and women (mean +/- SE; age: 22.1 +/- 0.34 years; VO2(MAX): 46.1 +/- 0.82 mL/kg/min) volunteered to participate in this study. A VO2(MAX) test and four treadmill running bouts to exhaustion at varying intensities were completed. The relationship between total distance and time-to-exhaustion was tracked for each exhaustive run to determine CV and anaerobic running capacity. A VO2(MAX) prediction equation (Coefficient of determination: 0.805; Standard error of the estimate: 3.2377 mL/kg/min) was developed using these variables. Isoperformance curves were constructed for men and women to correspond with two-mile run times from APFT standards. Individual CV and anaerobic running capacity values were plotted and compared to isoperformance curves for APFT 2-mile run scores. Fifty-four individuals were determined to receive passing scores from this assessment. Physiological profiles identified from this procedure can be used to assess specific aerobic or anaerobic training needs. With the use of time-to-exhaustion as opposed to a time-trial format used in the two-mile run test, pacing strategies may be limited. The combination of variables from the CV test and isoperformance curves provides an alternative to standardized time-trial testing.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the critical velocity (CV) test and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and develop a regression equation to predict VO2max based on the CV test in female collegiate rowers. Thirty-five female (mean ± SD; age, 19.38 ± 1.3 years; height, 170.27 ± 6.07 cm; body mass, 69.58 ± 0.3 1 kg) collegiate rowers performed 2 incremental VO2max tests to volitional exhaustion on a Concept II Model D rowing ergometer to determine VO2max. After a 72-hour rest period, each rower completed 4 time trials at varying distances for the determination of CV and anaerobic rowing capacity (ARC). A positive correlation was observed between CV and absolute VO2max (r = 0.775, p0.001) and ARC and absolute VO2max (r = 0.414, p = 0.040). Based on the significant correlation analysis, a linear regression equation was developed to predict the absolute VO2max from CV and ARC (absolute VO2max = 1.579[CV] + 0.008[ARC] - 3.838; standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.192 L·min(-1)). Cross validation analyses were performed using an independent sample of 10 rowers. There was no significant difference between the mean predicted VO2max (3.02 L·min(-1)) and the observed VO2max (3.10 L·min(-1)). The constant error, SEE and validity coefficient (r) were 0.076 L·min(-1), 0.144 L·min(-1), and 0.72, respectively. The total error value was 0.155 L·min(-1). The positive relationship between CV, ARC, and VO2max suggests that the CV test may be a practical alternative to measuring the maximal oxygen uptake in the absence of a metabolic cart. Additional studies are needed to validate the regression equation using a larger sample size and different populations (junior- and senior-level female rowers) and to determine the accuracy of the equation in tracking changes after a training intervention.

Currently, many space missions using cryogenic temperatures are being planned. In particular, high resolution sensors such as Transition Edge Sensors need very low temperatures, below 100 mK. It is well known that the adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) is one of most useful tools for producing ultra-low temperatures in space because it is gravity independent. We studied a continuous ADR system consisting of 4 stages and demonstrated it could provide continuous temperatures around 100 mK. However, there was some heat leakage from the power leads which resulted in reduced cooling power. Our efforts to upgrade our ADR system are presented. We show the effect of using the HTS power leads and discuss a cascaded Carnot cycle consisting of 2 ADR units.

In order to achieve a wide refrigerating temperature range in magnetic refrigeration, it is effective to layer multiple materials with different Curie temperatures. It is crucial to have a detailed understanding of physical properties of materials to optimize the material selection and the layered structure. In the present study, we discuss methods for estimating a change in physical properties, particularly the Curie temperature when some of the Gd atoms are substituted for non-magnetic elements for material design, based on Gd as a ferromagnetic material which is a typical magnetocaloric material. For this purpose, whilst making calculations using the S=7/2 Ising model and the Monte Carlo method, we made a specific heat measurement and a magnetization measurement of Gd-R alloy (R = Y, Zr) to compare experimental values and calculated ones. The results showed that the magnetic entropy change, specific heat, and Curie temperature can be estimated with good accuracy using the Monte Carlo method.

Anelastic behaviour of Cu-Ge solid solution alloys has been studied by low frequency internal friction measurements. Plastic deformation gives rise to characteristic internal friction in the temperature range between 80 K and 350 K, which is attributed to the motion of twinning dislocations. By using single-crystal specimens of a Cu-8%Ge alloy, the dependence of the magnitude of the internal friction on the crystal orientation and the degree of deformation has been examined. The results suggest that the internal friction is due to local oscillatory motion of individual twinning dislocations. The internal friction is suppressed completely by electron irradiation, which can be explained in terms of pinning of the dislocations by point defects.

In this study, we discussed the effects on the thermal comfort of super high-rise residences that how effected by the high thermal capacity structural components. We considered different building orientations, structures, and insulation methods. We used the dynamic simulation software THERB (simulation of the thermal environment of residential buildings). It can estimate the temperature, humidity, sensible temperature, and heating/cooling load for multiple buildings. In the past studies, we examined the impact of air-conditioning loads (hereinafter referred to as AC loads) on the interior structural parts and the AC-usage patterns of super-high-rise residences. Super-high-rise residences have more structural components such as pillars and beams than do ordinary apartment buildings. The skeleton is generally made of concrete and steel, which have high thermal-storage capacities. The thermal-storage capacity of super-high-rise residences is considered to have a larger impact on the AC load and thermal comfort than that of ordinary residences. We show that the AC load of super-high-rise units would be reduced by installing insulation on the surfaces of interior walls that are not usually insulated in Japan., {"references":["Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications:\nHousing and Land Survey, 1988, 2003, 2008,","Real Estate Economic Institute Co. LTD: Statistical Data of Japanese\nReal Estate, Apr. 2010.","The Housing and Urban Development Corporation of Japan: Record of\nHigh-rise Residential Design, Mar. 1997.","Ozaki Akihito: Simulation Software of the Hygrothermal Environment of\nBuildings Based on Detailed Thermodynamic Models, eSim 2004,\nTheCanadian Conference on Building Energy Simulation, pp.45-54,\n2004.","Ozaki Akihito, Tsujimaru T.: Prediction of Hygrothermal Environment of\nBuildings Based upon Combined Simulation of Heat and Moisture\nTransfer and Airflow, The Journal of the International Building\nPerformance Simulation Association, Vol.16, No.2, pp.30-37, 2006.","AIJ.: Expanded AMeDAS Weather Data (1981-2000), 2005.","The NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute: Japanese life style\nresearch report, 2005.","Yuko Tsukiyama, Nobuyuki Sunaga, Akiko Suzuki, Tamaki Fukazawa\nand Yosuke Chiba: Study on Thermal Storage Characteristics of AAC\nFloor Panels Using an Actual Test Rooms, Journal of Environmental\nEngineering, AIJ. Vol. 75 No. 648, pp. 149-156, Feb. 2010.","M. Kumar KUMARAN: Material Properties, Architectural Institute of\nJapan, Oct. 2001\n[10] The Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation:\nExplanation of the energy-saving standards for houses, 2002.\n[11] Yuko Kuma, Akihito Ozaki, Harumi OZASA (KAGAWA), Hiroatsu\nFukuda: Influence of Moisture Sorption and Desorption of Walls on\nSpace Conditioning Load, Journal of Environmental Engineering, AIJ.\nVol. 73 No. 632, pp. 1171-1178, Oct. 2008.\n[12] Yupeng Wang, Hiroatsu Fukuda, Yuko Kuma and Akihito Ozaki: Study\nof Air-Conditioning Load: Comparison of Steel and RC Residence Units,\nJournal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, Vol. 9 No. 2\npp.571-576, 2010.\n[13] Yupeng Wang, Hiroatsu Fukuda, Akihito Ozaki, Yuko Kuma: An\nAnalysis of Energy Load for a Unit of Super High-rise Residences by\nDynamic Simulation, Journal of South China University of\nTechnology(Natural Science Edition), Vol.35, No.z1, pp.223-226,\n2007.11"]}

This study evaluated the effects of creatine (Cr) loading and sex differences on aerobic running performance. 27 men (mean±SD; age: 22.2±3.1 years, ht: 179.5±8.7 cm, wt: 78.0±9.8 kg) and 28 women (age: 21.2±2.1 years, ht: 166.0±5.8 cm, wt: 63.4±8.9 kg) were randomly assigned to either creatine (Cr, di-creatine citrate; n=27) or a placebo (PL; n=28) group, ingesting 1 packet 4 times daily (total of 20 g/day) for 5 days. Aerobic power (maximal oxygen consumption: VO2max) was assessed before and after supplementation using open circuit spirometry (Parvo-Medics) during graded exercise tests on a treadmill. 4 high-speed runs to exhaustion were conducted at 110, 105, 100, and 90% of peak velocity to determine critical velocity (CV). Distances achieved were plotted over times-to-exhaustion and linear regression was used to determine the slopes (critical velocity, CV) assessing aerobic performance. The results indicated that Cr loading did not positively or negatively influence VO2max, CV, time to exhaustion or body mass (p>0.05). These results suggest Cr supplementation may be used in aerobic running activities without detriments to performance.

In order to demonstrate the large-scale integration of wind power generation into small isolated island power systems, a test facility composed of two wind turbine generator systems (WTs) and a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) was introduced in a remote island in Okinawa prefecture, Japan in 2009. Since large-scale integration of wind energy may cause fluctuations in the frequency and voltage of the power system, the FESS was equipped with both frequency- and voltage-stabilizing control systems. The new frequency-stabilizing control scheme developed for the FESS has been in operation since March 2010. This paper describes improvement of the voltage-stabilizing control system of the FESS. The proposed system was examined in the actual power system and proved to reduce voltage fluctuation successfully. In addition, numerical simulations revealed that the improvement of the voltage-stabilizing control system also helped to stabilize frequency.