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The structure of a neutron-rich ^{25}F nucleus is investigated by a quasifree (p,2p) knockout reaction at 270A MeV in inverse kinematics. The sum of spectroscopic factors of π0d_{5/2} orbital is found to be 1.0±0.3. However, the spectroscopic factor with residual ^{24}O nucleus being in the ground state is found to be only 0.36±0.13, while those in the excited state is 0.65±0.25. The result shows that the ^{24}O core of ^{25}F nucleus significantly differs from a free ^{24}O nucleus, and the core consists of ∼35% ^{24}O_{g.s.}. and ∼65% excited ^{24}O. The result may infer that the addition of the 0d_{5/2} proton considerably changes neutron structure in ^{25}F from that in ^{24}O, which could be a possible mechanism responsible for the oxygen dripline anomaly.

378 Yuta Ogura1, Takeharu Enomoto1, Shinya Mikami1, Hiroyuki Hoshino1, Akiyoshi Noda1, Osamu Saji1, Tsunehisa Matsushita1, Shinya Ishigouoka2, Masaki Yamashita2, Saeko Naruki3, Takashi Fujino3, Tetsu Fukunaga1, Takehito Otsubo1 1Division of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, 2Division of Gastroenterological Internal Medicine, 3Department of Pathology; St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan. A Rare Case of Metastasis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma to the Jejunum JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2016;6(3):378-381

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes about 80,000 severe infections each year. Compared to Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), MRSA is associated with higher mortality and increased hospital length of stay (LOS). Vancomycin hydrochloride, an antibiotic with activity against MRSA is often used as empiric therapy for pneumonia. However, current pneumonia treatment guidelines recommend against the routine use of MRSA coverage since MRSA prevalence rates are low. In this retrospective, observational study, 38.3% of the population received vancomycin while only 2.6% had evidence of a MRSA infection. Data was gathered manually from electronic medical records from four hospitals over a six-month period. To identify a well-balanced comparison and account for potential confounders, matching on the propensity scores was conducted. Prior to matching, those who received vancomycin had a significantly higher rate of mortality (14.3% vs 4.9%, P < .001) and higher LOS (9.6 days vs 7.2 days, P < .001). Those who were de-escalated from vancomycin had a significantly lower LOS (8.3 days vs 11.6 days, P = .001) with no difference in mortality. After performing a survival analysis on matching data, those who received vancomycin had a significantly higher LOS (9.2 days vs 7.5 days, P = .002) with no difference in mortality (P = .1737). Those who were de-escalated had a significantly lower LOS (8.3 days vs 11.3 days, P=.005) with no difference in mortality (P = .8624). This study demonstrates a low prevalence of MRSA with the potential overuse of vancomycin. This along with no difference in mortality and a lower LOS supports the recommendation to limit vancomycin use as clinically appropriate. If vancomycin is used, assessment for rapid de-escalation is needed.

International audience; The dependence of the single-particle strength on the difference between proton and neutron separation energies is studied for oxygen isotopes in a wide range of isospins. The cross sections of the quasi-free (p, 2p) reaction on 14,16,18,22,24O were measured at intermediate energies. The measured cross sections are compared to predictions based on the distorted wave impulse approximation and shell-model psd valence-space spectroscopic factors. The reduction factors, which are the ratio of the experimental cross sections to the theoretical predictions, show no apparent dependence on the proton–neutron separation energy difference. The result is compatible with the result of the (e, e p) reaction on stable targets and with the predictions of recent ab initio calculations.

We report measurements of cross sections and analyzing powers for nucleon-knockout $(\stackrel{P\vec}{p},np)$ reactions of $^{2}\mathrm{H}, ^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, and $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ at 296 MeV using the RCNP NPOL3 neutron detector and large acceptance spectrometer. The $1s$ and $1p$ knockout reactions were successfully separated with a separation-energy resolution of approximately 6 MeV. The resulting data were compared with plane-wave and distorted-wave impulse approximation calculations employing the nucleon-nucleon $t$ matrix in free space. No significant differences were identified in the case of the present analyzing power data, in contrast to the significant reductions observed in $(\stackrel{P\vec}{p},2p)$ values. The conventional Pauli blocking and nuclear binding effects with the $g$ matrix and the relativistic effect of nucleon mass reduction in the nuclei are also discussed.

Space Star (SS) anomaly in nd breakup cross section was first reported in 1989 at E n = 13 MeV (Strate et al. in Nucl Phys A 501:51, 1989), but its origin has not been found yet. In order to obtain suggestions for its origin, we made systematic measurements of pd breakup cross section around SS. In SS configuration, three outgoing nucleons form an equilateral triangle and the triangle is perpendicular to the beam axis. Necessity of the equilateral and perpendicular conditions of SS anomaly was investigated by systematic experiments. Also energy dependence of SS anomaly is being studied at energies from E p = 7.5 to 13 MeV.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) results in almost half of all deaths caused by antibiotic resistant organisms. Current evidence suggests that MRSA infections are associated with antibiotic use. This study examined state-level data to determine whether outpatient antibiotic use was associated with hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) infections. The 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Healthcare-Associated Infections Progress Report was used to obtain HA-MRSA infection rates. Data on the number of antibiotic prescriptions with activity towards methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) at the state level were obtained from the 2013 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Part D Prescriber Public Use File. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the number of antibiotic prescriptions and HA-MRSA infection rates. The average number of HA-MRSA infections was 0.026 per 1000 persons with the highest rates concentrated in Southeastern and Northeastern states. The average number of outpatient prescriptions per capita was 0.74 with the highest rates in Southeastern states. A significant correlation (ρ = 0.64, P

Background:Three-dimensional photonic scanning (3DPS) was recently developed to measuredimensions of a human body surface. Objective:The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of bodyvolume measured by 3DPS for estimating the percent body fat (%fat). Design, setting, participants, andmeasurement:The body volumes were determined by 3DPS in 52 women. The body volume was corrected forresidual lung volume. The %fat was estimated from body density and compared with the corresponding referencevalue determined by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results:No significant difference was foundfor the mean values of %fat obtained by 3DPS (22.2 ± 7.6%) and DXA (23.5 ± 4.9%). The root mean squareerror of %fat between 3DPS and reference technique was 6.0%. For each body segment, there was a significantpositive correlation between 3DPS- and DXA-values, although the corresponding value for the head was slightlylarger in 3DPS than in DXA. Residual lung volume was negatively correlated with the estimated error in %fat.Conclusions:The body volume determined with 3DPS is potentially useful for estimating %fat. A possiblestrategy for enhancing the measurement accuracy of %fat might be to refine the protocol for preparing thesubject’s hair prior to scanning and to improve the accuracy in the measurement of residual lung volume.

A low-temperature integration process for GaN-based heterogeneous devices was demonstrated by low-temperature bonding with Cr/Au thin films. Nonalloyed Cr/Au ohmic contacts on n-type GaN were obtained by surface treatment with low-energy fast atom beams of Ar for 15 s prior to metal deposition on n-type GaN. The as-deposited Cr/Au (50/250 nm) contacts showed a smooth surface with a root-mean-square roughness of 1.8 nm. Au-Au surface-activated bonding was carried out at 150°C in ambient air after surface activation by an Ar radio-frequency plasma. The GaN/Si samples bonded at a low temperature were so strong that bulk fracture was observed after the tensile test.

Superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) are able to reduce fault currents to an acceptable value, reducing potential mechanical and thermal damage to power system apparatus and allowing more flexibility in power system design and operation. The device can also help avoid replacing circuit breakers whose capacity has been exceeded. Due to limitations in current YBCO thin film manufacturing processes, it is not easy to obtain one large thin film that satisfies the specifications for high voltage and large current applications. The combination of standardized thin films has merit to reduce costs and maintain device quality, and it is necessary to connect these thin films in different series and parallel configurations in order to meet these specifications. In this paper, the design of a resistive type SFCL using parallel-connected YBCO thin films is discussed, including the role of a parallel resistor and the influence of individual thin film characteristics, based on both theory and experimental results.

A possible critical complication associated with banking bone is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Recently, since the report of HIV infection in bone allografts from an HIV-seronegative donor, a more reliable method of sterilization for preserved bone graft has become necessary. Heat treatment of banking bone is one of the simple sterilization methods. This method is especially safe and practical for the prevention of HIV infection.We previously reported a biological study on heat-treated bone graft. In that study, we showed that revascularization and new bone formation of bone graft after heat treatment at 60 degrees C was nearly the same as that of non-heat-treated bone graft, while at 100 degrees C, revascularization and new bone formation showed a significant delay. This time, we examined the change of mechanical strength of heat-treated bone grafts after transplantation in an experiment. To eliminate the problem of antigenicity of grafted bone, we used autografts, not allografts. Two types of heat-treated autografts were employed: heat-treated at 60 degrees C for 30 min and heat-treated at 100 degrees C for 5 min; as a control, fresh autografts were replaced in the left femur of rabbits. A strength test was performed for both the transplanted bone and the untreated intact right femur with time after transplantation. The strength test consisted of a compression test and torsional test, and the strength was compared between transplanted bone and the untreated intact right femur.In the compression test, the grafts heat-treated at 60 degrees C showed a strength ratio before transplantation of 97.3%. The strength ratio decreased to 63.5% at 18 weeks after transplantation. Then the strength ratio increased and recovered to 94.5% at 48 weeks after transplantation. However, the grafts heat-treated at 100 degrees C showed unsatisfactory mechanical strength, at 48 weeks the strength ratio was 60.1%, which was significantly lower compared with controls. In the torsional test, the grafts heat-treated at 60 degrees C showed almost the same strength observed in the compression test. However, the grafts heat-treated at 100 degrees C showed unsatisfactory mechanical strength: at 48 weeks, the strength ratio was 57.3%.Therefore, heat treatment at 60 degrees C is a useful sterilization method, not only in biological but also mechanical terms.

Several liquid fuels have been applied for fuel processing systems for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). In these fuels, kerosene is very attractive for the stationary fuel cells because of its low price and superior infrastructure in Japan. Relatively high sulfur content and high carbon atom number of kerosene, however, bring a disadvantage in reforming activity. To overcome such a technical disadvantage, both desulfurization adsorbent and steam reforming catalyst were developed, and furthermore a fuel processing system for kerosene is evaluated by simulation.

Aim: The purposes of this study were to determine the age-related changes in the tendon-aponeurosis structures and to investigate the effects of lowload resistance training on the tendon-aponeurosis structures in middle-aged and elderly women. Methods: Fifty-one women (55.8 � 13.7 years, range: 21–77 years) volunteered to take part in the present study. Furthermore, 11 middle-aged and elderly women (49.7 � 9.2 years) performed the low-load resistance training, i.e. squat using body weight, for 6 months. The elongation of the tendon and aponeurosis of the vastus lateralis muscle was directly measured by ultrasonography, while the subjects performed ramp isometric knee extension up to the voluntary maximum, followed by a ramp relaxation. The relationship between the estimated muscle force (Fm) and tendon elongation (L) during the ascending phase was fitted to a linear regression, the slope of which was defined as stiffness. The percentage of the area within the Fm-L loop to the area beneath the curve during the ascending phase was calculated as hysteresis. Results: Maximal strain (L/initial tendon length) and stiffness of the tendon-aponeurosis structures decreased significantly with ageing. In contrast, the hysteresis increased significantly with ageing. In addition, low-load resistance training produced no significant change in stiffness and hysteresis, but significantly increased the maximal elongation of tendon-aponeurosis structures from 23.3 � 2.1 mm to 24.8 � 2.2 mm (P ¼ 0.045). Conclusion: These results suggest that increasing age results in a decrease in the elasticity of tendon-aponeurosis structures and an increase in their viscosity. Furthermore, the low-load resistance training made the elasticity of tendon-aponeurosis structures increase.

The thickness, fascicle angles of pennation, and fascicle length of the vastus lateralis (VL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles in highly trained soccer players and swimmers of both genders were determined from ulrasonograms to investigate whether the fascicle arrangements of the lower limb muscles in the athletes could be related to the requirements of the events, i. e., intensive muscular activities in the water versus on the ground. In comparisons between the two events, the soccer players tended to show shorter fascicles and greater fascicle angles, and the swimmers thicker muscles and longer fascicles, especially in VL. In both events, the males showed thicker muscles and greater fascicle angles than the females. In both VL and MG, the thickness, fascicle length and fascicle angle were related to each other in a right-angled triangle model, and so, most of the event- and/or gender-related differences observed in the fascicle angle depended on the difference in muscle thickness relative to fascicle length. The present data cannot answer the question of whether the athletes had muscles suited to their respective sports prior to beginning their sports or whether the muscles adapted specifically to the competitive and/or training styles. However, it might be assumed that the lower limb muscles for swimmers are suitable to perform rapid, powerful kick movements during competitive swims by having greater thickness and longer fascicle, i. e., priorities in both force production and shortening velocity, but those for soccer players do not show architectural profiles which can be related to intensive activity on the ground, except that the thickness values exceed the normal range.

A very low-power MPEG-4 video decoder LSI for mobile applications is presented. A 27-MHz 16-b DSP with a vector pipeline architecture, four 27-MHz dedicated hardware engines for accelerating MPEG-4 visual SP@L1 decoding and post video processing, 896 Kb of embedded SRAM for storing reference images and bitstreams, and three peripheral blocks are integrated together on a single chip. The architecture of the DSP is optimized in terms of power consumption and performance. MPEG-4 visual SP@L1 decoding and post-video processing at low operating frequencies are realized using a hybrid architecture consisting of the DSP and the dedicated hardware engines. Clock gating is used extensively to reduce the power consumption of the processor. The processor has high reusability because it does not use process-dependent technology such as V/sub DD/-hopping and variable threshold voltages. The chip is implemented using 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. Its die area is 37 mm/sup 2/ and the power consumption is 11 mW at 1.5 V.

Isometric unilateral elbow extension training was conducted for 10 weeks (3 times per week) on 12 young adult men to investigate the effects of equivolume exercise programs with different combinations of intensity and duration on the morphological and functional aspects of the triceps brachii muscle. One group of 6 subjects trained by developing maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 6 s per set with 12 sets per session (100%G), while the other group of 6 subjects trained at 60% of MVC for 30 s per set with 4 sets per session (60%G). Training significantly increased the muscle volume ( V(m)), fascicle pennation angle of the triceps brachii, and torque output during concentric and eccentric elbow extensions at three constant velocities of 0.52, 1.57, and 3.14 rad.s(-1) as well as under the training condition, with no significant differences in the relative gains between the two programs. However, 100%G showed significantly greater V(m) than 60%G after training, when V(m) before training was normalized. Thus, only 60%G significantly increased the ratio of torque to V(m) developed in the eccentric actions at the three velocities and concentric action at 1.57 rad.s(-1). The present results indicate that isometric training programs of medium resistance/long duration and high resistance/short duration produce different effects on V(m) and dynamic strength relative to V(m), even if the training volume is equalized between the two protocols.

This study compared the effects of static stretching (ST) and repeated muscle contractions (CON) on the viscoelastic properties of tendon structures in vivo. Eight male subjects performed ST (passively flexed to 35 of dorsiflexion) for 5 min and 50 repetitions of isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) for 3 s each with 3 s relaxation. Before and after each task, the elongation of the tendon and aponeurosis of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG) was directly measured by ultrasonography, while the subjects performed ramp isometric plantar flexion up to MVC, followed by a ramp relaxation. The relationship between the estimated muscle force (F m ) and tendon elongation (L) during the ascending phase was applied to a linear regression, the slope of which was defined as stiffness of the tendon structures. The percentage of the area within the F m -L loop to the area beneath the curve during the ascending phase was calculated as an index representing hysteresis. The ST protocol significantly decreased the stiffness (-8%) and hysteresis (29%), respectively. In contrast, the CON protocol significantly decreased the stiffness, but not the hysteresis. These results suggested that the stretching and repeated contractions would make the tendon structures more complaint, and further decreased the hysteresis of the tendon structures.

Six men performed a single ankle plantar flexion exercise in the supine position with the maximal effort with counter movement (CM, plantar flexion preceded by dorsiflexion) and without counter movement (NoCM, plantar flexion only) produced by a sliding table that controlled applied load to the ankle (40 % of the maximal voluntary force). The reaction force at the foot and ankle joint angle were measured using a force plate and a goniometer, respectively. From real-time ultrasonography of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during the movement, the fascicle length was determined. The estimated peak force, average power, and work at the Achilles' tendon during the plantar flexion phase in CM were significantly greater than those in NoCM. In CM, in the dorsiflexion phase, fascicle length initially increased with little electromyographic activity, then remained constant while the whole muscle-tendon unit lengthened, before decreasing in the final plantar flexion phase. In NoCM, fascicle length decreased throughout the movement and the fascicle length at the onset of movement was longer than that of the corresponding phase in CM. It was concluded that during CM muscle fibres optimally work almost isometrically, by leaving the task of storing and releasing elastic energy for enhancing exercise performance to the tendon.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the viscoelastic properties of tendon structures in humans. Elongation of the tendon and aponeurosis of medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG) was directly measured by ultrasonography, while subjects (n=19) performed ramp isometric plantar flexion up to the voluntary maximum, followed by a ramp relaxation. The relationship between tendon elongation (L) and estimated muscle force (Fm) was fitted to a linear regression, the slope of which was defined as compliance of the tendon structures. The hysteresis was calculated as the ratio of the area within the L-Fm loop (elastic energy dissipated) to the area beneath the load portion of the curve (elastic energy input). The resulting L-Fm relationship was non-linear in form, as previously reported on animal and human tendons in vitro. The mean compliance was 4.5+/-1.1. 10-2 mm/N. However, there was a considerable inter-subject variability (2.9 to 7.2. 10-2 mm/N). The Young's modulus, i.e., the slope of the stress-strain curve, was 280 MPa, which tended to be lower than the previously reported values for human tendons. It was also found that the strain of the tendon structures was homogeneously distributed along their length. The mean hysteresis (energy dissipation) was 22.2+/-8.8%. However, again there was a considerable inter-subject variability (9.7 to 37.2%). The present results indicated that the tendon structures of human MG were considerably compliant and their hysteresis was in accordance with previously reported values.

The influence of muscle series elasticity on the relationship between torque and joint angle during dynamic contractions was studied. The torque-angle relationship during the maximal isokinetic knee extension was determined for six male subjects (25-45 years) at 0.52, 1.05, 1.57, 2.09, 2.62, 3.49 rad/s. The knee joint angle at which peak torque was observed showed a systematic shift to more extended positions, i.e., the quadriceps muscle-tendon unit length became shorter as the velocity increased [from 1.01 (0.12) rad (0.52 rad/s) to 0.75 (0.14) rad (3.49 rad/s), mean (SD)]. The corresponding difference in muscle-tendon unit length between 0.52 and 3.49 rad/s, estimated from the angle shift at peak torque and the moment arm length change of the quadriceps muscles, was 9 (4) mm. The relationship between estimated changes in muscle-tendon unit length and muscle force of the vastus lateralis and intermedius (VLI) over the seven velocities (including isometric contraction, 0 rad/s) coincided with the load-elongation properties of the series elastic component of VLI, determined separately in vivo by ultrasonography when the same subjects performed a ramp isometric knee extension. The results suggest that the torque-angle relationship is affected by the interaction between contractile and elastic components, and that peak torque angle shift is attributable to the elongation of tendinous tissues as a function of force applied to them.

We evaluated the stretch reflex activities of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles considering the relationship between the reflex electromyographic (EMG) responses and their corresponding standardized muscle stretch velocities. Specifically, muscular stretch velocity was estimated by using ultrasonograms. Stretch reflex EMG responses were elicited in the biceps brachii, brachioradialis and triceps brachii with a ramp-and-hold rotation at the elbow joint, which consisted of various angular velocities for the extension- or flexion-direction. The whole muscle stretch velocity induced by each ramp-and-hold rotation was calculated on the basis of fibre length changes associated with the elbow joint angle. A linear regression equation was fitted to the relation between the whole muscle stretch velocity and the reflex EMG responses, and the variables from the equation were used to quantify sensitivity of each reflex EMG component. The reflex EMG responses were increased as the ramp-and-hold rotational velocity increased. There were no significant differences in the recorded magnitudes of reflex EMG responses with equivalent joint rotational velocity between the brachioradialis and the triceps brachii medial head. These muscles showed the highest reflex responses in the flexor and extensor muscles, respectively. To the contrary, the reflex EMG response elicited by the standardized muscle stretches was significantly greater in the extensor muscles, indicating a higher reflex sensitivity. This was because of the lower muscle stretch velocity of the triceps brachii with an equivalent elbow joint rotation. The stretch reflex sensitivity in both the elbow flexor and extensor muscles might be regulated so as to make the reflex responses the same when the equivalent joint rotational velocity is applied to these muscles.

Two isomers of Dy@C 82 were separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their UV–VIS absorption spectra were measured to characterize these isomers. The crystalline powder of Dy@C 82 was obtained by removing the solvent (toluene) at 250°C under vacuum. The X-ray diffraction pattern can be indexed with fcc crystal lattice, as that in La@C 82 . The lattice constant a at 298 K, 15.86(1) A, is close to that of La@C 82 , 15.78 A. The distances between Dy and the first and second nearest C atoms are determined to be 2.52(2) and 2.86(2) A, respectively, on the basis of Dy L III -edge EXAFS. The XANES shows that the valence of the Dy atom in Dy@C 82 is +3.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamics of human muscle-tendon complex (MTC) during stretch-shortening cycle exercises through in vivo observation. A total of seven male subjects performed dorsi flexion followed by plantar flexion at two different frequencies, 0.3 Hz (slow) and 1.0 Hz (fast), in a toe-standing position. The fascicle length (LF) of the medial gastrocnemius muscle during the movements was determined using a real-time ultrasonography in vivo. The LF at the switching phase from dorsi to plantar flexion was significantly shorter in the fast exercise (54.4 +/- 5.5 mm) than in the slow one (58.2 +/- 5.4 mm), suggesting that the elongation of tendon structures at that time was significantly greater in the former than in the latter. Furthermore, at the initial stage of plantar flexion during the fast movement, the LF hardly changed with a rapid shortening of tendon structures at that time. The observed relation between MTC length and force showed that the behaviour of tendon structures contributed to 20.2 and 42.5% of the total amount of work completed during plantar flexion phase in the slow and fast movements, respectively. Thus, the present results suggest that tendon structures make the dynamics of MTC more efficient during stretch-shortening cycle exercises by changing their lengths.

Gas sensing characteristics of B-doped polycrystalline diamond thin films were examined, especially for detection of various toxic gases used in semiconductor manufacturing process. It was found that after the diamond thin films with 1–6×10 18 cm −3 of B-concentration and 3–5 μm of grain size were treated at 600–700°C for 30 min, they became highly sensitive to extremely low concentration of toxic gases such as PH 3 (0.1–0.5 ppm), B 2 H 6 (100 ppb), AsH 3 (50 ppb), GeH 4 (0.2 ppm) and SiH 4 (5 ppm).

To determine the shortening velocities of fascicles of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) during isokinetic knee extension, six male subjects were requested to extend the knee with maximal effort at angular velocities of 30 and 150 degrees /s. By using an ultrasonic apparatus, longitudinal images of the VL were produced every 30 ms during knee extension, and the fascicle length and angle of pennation were obtained from these images. The shortening fascicle length with extension of the knee (from 98 to 13 degrees of knee angle; full extension = 0 degrees ) was greater (43 mm) at 30 degrees /s than at 150 degrees /s (35 mm). Even when the angular velocity remained constant during the isokinetic range of motion, the fascicle velocity was found to change from 39 to 77 mm/s at 150 degrees /s and from 6 to 19 mm/s at 30 degrees /s. The force exerted by a fascicle changed with the length of the fascicle at changing angular velocities. The peak values of fascicle force and velocity were observed at approximately 90 mm of fascicle length. In conclusion, even if the angular velocity of knee extension is kept constant, the shortening velocity of a fascicle is dependent on the force applied to the muscle-tendon complex, and the phenomenon is considered to be caused mainly by the elongation of the elastic element (tendinous tissue).

A new dynamometer was developed for the measurement of specific movement power (SMP) exerted by mono- or multi-articular movements. To determine the reproducibility of SMP, two identical test protocols were carried out on separate days for six movement types on seven adult males. The movement types were arm pull (AP), leg rise (LR), knee extension (KE), elbow flexion (EF), hip extension (HE) and squat movement (SQ). Variations in peak power obtained in two tests ranged from 0.7% (AP) to 9.6% (SQ). Coefficients of the test-re-test correlation in peak power ranged from 0.805 (SQ) to 0.961 (AP) and standard errors ranged from 4 W (EF) to 14 W (SQ). SMP in upper extremities increased from 166 W (EF) to 307 W (AP) resulting from the increase in velocity. However, in the movements of lower extremities, SMP increased from 506 W (KE) to 1351 W (SQ) as a result of the increase in force. To evaluate the validity of the SMP, a pull movement in weightlifting was tested and related to the athletic performance on weightlifters. Positive linear correlation (r = 0.862, p

We studied clinical aspects of the "third rhythm," which was first described by Niedermeyer as alpha-like activity of the temporal lobe. By scalp EEG, temporal alpha-like activity was recorded in 15 (0.30%) of 4929 patients over 20 years of age. The temporal alpha-like activity was observed in 5 patients who had clinical and brain imaging findings indicating the presence of a cerebrovascular disorder. The alpha-like rhythm of these patients was left-sided, and wicket spikes appeared in the same region as the alpha-like rhythms in 4 of the 5 patients. In 8 of the 15, the temporal alpha-like rhythm was recorded over the defective bone or replacement bone after intracranial surgery. The alpha-like rhythm of these patients was similar to breach rhythm in the temporal region. The remaining 2 patients had not undergone intracranial surgery nor did they show symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders. The temporal alpha-like rhythms in one of these 2 might be a physiological third rhythm detected by scalp EEG through congenital bone thinning. Our observation supports the existence of intrinsic activity of the temporal lobe (the third rhythm). The third rhythm can be recorded by routine scalp EEG in some clinical conditions, and it is important to recognize this rhythm when one encounters temporal rhythmic activity independent of alpha rhythm of the occipital lobe.

Parathymic lymph nodes (PTLNs) have been identified in several species, but in humans they have been noted only once before in a study 90 years ago using fetal material. We now report their occurrence in children. Human PTLNs are small but distinctive lymphatic organs located on the surface of the thymus (or sometimes between the upper and lower lobes of the thymus) and covered with the thymic capsule. Histologically, the medullary cords of these lymph nodes were found to be thin, with only small numbers of plasma cells. In addition, they had a well-developed paracortical area rich with high endothelial venules (HEV), but a thin cortex, including only a few undeveloped follicles. Flow cytometric analysis of PTLNs revealed that the ratios of T:B cells (14.6+/-9.3) and of CD4+:CD8+ T cells (4.9+/-1.4) in PTLNs were much higher than in other peripheral lymphoid tissues and in peripheral blood. Because of these characteristics of the human PTLNs, we propose that the human PTLNs might influence the functional differentiation of T cells.

OBJECTIVE: To determine velocity specific isokinetic forces and cross sectional areas of reciprocal muscle groups in Olympic weight lifters. METHODS: The cross sectional area of the flexor or extensor muscles of the elbow or knee joint was determined by a B-mode ultrasonic apparatus in 34 college weight lifters and 31 untrained male subjects matched for age. Maximum voluntary force produced in the flexion and extension of the elbow and knee joints was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60, 180, and 300 degrees/s. RESULTS: The average cross sectional area was 31-65% higher, and the force was 19-62% higher in weight lifters than in the untrained subjects. The ratio of force to cross sectional area was the same in both groups. The weight lifters showed a lower velocity associated decline in force than untrained subjects in the elbow and knee flexors but not in the extensors. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that for muscle contractions with velocities between 60 degrees/s and 300 degrees/s the difference in isokinetic force between weight lifters and untrained subjects can be primarily attributed to the difference in the muscle cross sectional area. However, the lower velocity associated decline in force implies that weight lifters may have a higher force per cross sectional area than untrained subjects at velocities above 300 degrees/s.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the morphological and functional aspects of the triceps brachii muscle between highly trained male and female athletes who were members of the 1996 Japanese Olympic teams in each of three different events: soccer, gymnastics and judo. The thickness (TBmt) and fibre pennation angle (TBpen) of the triceps brachii muscle and force output during elbow extensions were determined using a B-mode ultrasound apparatus and an isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. The TBmt and its value relative to upper arm length (TBmt/l(ua)) were significantly larger in the men than in the women in all the events except judo. In all the subjects, a significant correlation was found between TBmt/l(ua)) and TBpen (r = 0.721, P0.05). The existence of the sex difference in TBpen within the same event was in agreement with that observed in TBmt/l(ua) except for the soccer players. The TBpen of the soccer players were similar in both sexes although a significant sex differences was found in TBmt/l(ua). The isokinetic forces measured using the two velocities 60 degrees x s(-1) (F60) and 180 degrees x s(-1) (F180) were significantly correlated to the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the triceps brachii muscle estimated from TBmt (r = 0.702, P0.05 for F60, and r = 0.776, P0.05 for F180). No significant sex differences were found in either F60/CSA or F180/CSA in any of the events. From these results, it could be assumed, at least in the Olympic athletes tested in this study, that the fibre angulation of the triceps brachii muscle was almost the same in the two sexes if allowance was made for the difference in the muscle size, and the sex difference in force generation capability of the triceps brachii muscle could in the main be attributed to the difference in CSA rather than in the architectural characteristics.

The interaction of oxygen with clean, polarized K covered and depolarized metallic K covered ZrC(111) surfaces has been studied by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Oxygen is adsorbed dissociatively forming a ( β 3 × β 3) R 30° structure 0.4-0.8 L and a (1 × 1) structure after further exposure on the clean ZrC(111) surface at room temperature. The analysis of the O 2p derived peak suggests that the adsorption site of oxygen should be the three-fold hollow site on ZrC(111). As oxygen is adsorbed on the surface covered with the polarized K atoms, the O 2p emissions from O atoms on the K-free surface and those in the vicinity of K atoms are resolved by line shape analysis. From the intensity ratio, the oxygen atoms are found to be adsorbed preferentially at the neighboring site of the K adatoms. When the depolarized metallic K covered surface is exposed to oxygen, the dissociated O atoms first penetrate the subsurface site below the K overlayer in the initial stage of adsorption and then form the K O complex overlayer which has small density of states at around the Fermi level.

The AC transport losses under self fields were investigated at 77 K on the Ag-sheathed (Bi,Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x 19-filamentary untwisted and twisted (with a pitch of 13 mm) tapes. The filament twist neither causes notable influence on the loss behavior nor equalizes the current distribution in the filaments, although the main contribution to the losses comes from the hysteresis loss. Using the theory of Norris, numerical calculations on the AC transport losses were made for the models of parallel-conductors cables composed of a single-layer or a double-layer configuration using superconductor tapes with rectangular cross-section as the strands, in order to obtain a guide for design and construction of power cables toward a reduction of the transport losses.

Using a scanning Hall sensor magnetometry with an active area 50 μm×50 μm, we investigate the self-field distribution at 77 K due to DC transport currents subjected to the programmed current sequence in zero external field on the surfaces of Ag-sheathed (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox monofilamentary and multifilamentary tapes. We derive the field slope from the measured magnetic profile and relate it to the current distribution in the superconductor. The results for the monofilamentary tape are well explained by the Bean model on the assumption of an elliptical superconductor core, which claims that the current distribution is assigned to Jc, −Jc and/or 0 in the superconductor and the border of the current distribution forms concentric ellipsoids with the same aspect ratio of the sample. There is a resemblance in the self-field distribution and accordingly the current distribution between the monofilamentary tape and the multifilamentary tape. The multifilaments behave as a solid superconductor under DC transport currents so that the current distribution cannot be equalized in the filaments.

The degradation mechanism of electrolytes in the lithium-ion cell with LiCoO2 and graphite electrodes was investigated by analyzing: (i) the composition of generated gases; (ii) thin films formed on the electrode, and (iii) the compositional change of the electrolyte during the initial charging. The solvents in this work were ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC). LiPF6 was used as a salt. In the one- to three-component systems containing EC, carbon monoxide and ethane were detected, whereas Li2CO3, RCOOLi and (CH2OLi)2 were the main components of the surface film on the negative electrode. From these results, it can be assumed that the decomposition of the systems was mainly due to the reductive reaction of EC at the initial charging. Through the additional analysis of the electrolyte composition, it was confirmed that the dialkyl-2,5-dioxahexane carboxylate was produced in the electrolyte after initial charging. This suggests the occurrence of trans-esterification.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of body composition and force generation capacity in college Sumo wrestlers (N=13, age=19.8+/-0.3 yr, stature= 178.5+/-1.6 cm, body mass = 111.2+/-3.8 kg, X+/-SE) in comparison with untrained males (N=18, 20.3+/-0.2 yr, 170.1+/-1.7 cm, 59.2+/-1.4 kg). The Sumo wrestlers had significantly higher average values in relative fat mass (24.8+/-1.0%) and fat-free mass (83.3+/-2.0 kg), estimated by an underwater weighing method, than the untrained subjects (relative fat mass = 12.9+/-0.1 %, fat-free mass = 51.5+/-1.3 kg). Moreover, the Sumo wrestlers had 1.7 to 1.9 times greater cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of elbow flexors and extensors and knee extensors, determined by a B-mode ultrasound technique, compared to those of the untrained subjects. Force values produced during elbow flexion and extension and knee extensions tasks under isokinetic contraction mode at constant velocities of 1.05, 3.14 and 5.24 rad x s(-1) were significantly higher in the Sumo wrestlers than in the untrained subjects. The force value in all test conditions was significantly correlated to the related-muscle CSA, r=0.611-0.910 (p

This paper deals with a robust shape control of a flexible structure against parameter variations. Based on a covariance control theory with the principle of detailed balance, a new linear state feedback control method is proposed, where the state vector is composed of the position, velocity, and integral variables. The robustness of the controlled system is acquired by approximate orthogonality between the eigenvectors of the system, and is confirmed with a condition number of the model matrix of the closed-loop system numerically. The usefulness of the proposed shape control method is also verified by hardware experiment.

The effect of various additives to platinum catalysts has been compared under standard reaction conditions at which aromatization of n -hexane occurs. With the same catalysts, (Pt/SiO 2 , Pt K + /SiO 2 ,Pt Mg 2+ /SiO 2 , Pt KL zeolite, Pt Mg 2+ KL-zeolite, Pt/Al 2 O 3 , Pt K + /Al 2 O 3 ) dehydrogenation of cyclohexane to benzene has also been monitored. It has been established that the presence of K + - or Mg 2+ -additives can enhance the aromatization activity, but the condition is that the additive-free catalyst is monofunctional. A discussion of the data presented together with the relevant pieces of information from the literature leads to a conclusion that the effect of K + or Mg 2+ is of electrostatic nature, influencing the ring-closure.

The ac transport losses are investigated at 77 K on the Ag-sheathed (Bi,Pb)/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/Ca/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub x/, multifilamentary twisted tapes with filament number N=19 and twist length of 13 mm, through an ac transport method under self-fields. The losses for the twisted tapes are independent of the frequency, so that the main contribution to the losses are the hysteresis loss in the superconductor filaments. The absolute values of the losses agree with the results of Norris theory for an elliptical superconductor with the same critical current. In addition, the resistive voltages on the twisted tapes have a dependence on the potential-taps configurations, which is found in the monofilamentary tape and multifilamentary untwisted tapes. Furthermore, the wave-forms of axial electric fields are similar to the theoretical results for a superconducting cylinder. These results suggest that the distribution of the transport current in the superconductor filaments is not equalized for the twisted tapes and the twisting of filaments causes no notable influence on the at transport properties when the tapes are examined in self-fields.

A gas chromatographic (GC) method was developed for quantitation of acephate (Orthene) in technical material and soluble powder formulations. Acephate is an organophosphate with broad spectrum contact and systemic insecticidal properties. Fourteen collaborators from 8 countries participated in a collaborative study of the method. Collaborators were provided with the method; samples of technical acephate and formulated soluble powder containing 95-99% and 71-75% acephate, respectively; an acephate reference standard; and internal standard. Samples were weighed, diluted to volume with internal standard, and quantitated by using GC peak area ratios. Relative standard deviation values for reproducibility (RSDR) were 1.03-2.55 for 95-99% technical acephate and 1.36-2.73 for formulated soluble powder containing 71-75% acephate. The GC method for determination of acephate in technical material and soluble powder formulations has been adopted by AOAC INTERNATIONAL

The isokinetic forces, produced by a single as well as repetitive maximal knee extensions, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris muscles were measured in 36 young adult males aged from 18 to 24 years: strength-trained (weight resistance-trained subjects, WT, N = 8), endurance-trained (middle distance runners, RUN, N = 13), and age-matched untrained subjects (UNT, N = 15). The CSA was measured using a B-mode ultrasound technique at the midpoint of the thigh length. The isokinetic forces at three velocities (1.05, 3.14 and 5.24 rad.s-1) were significantly correlated to CSA in all subjects (r = 0.01-0.849, p < 0.05). The absolute values in force development at three test velocities were significantly higher in WT than in RUN and UNT. While average values of force output per unit CSA were almost the same among the subject groups at test velocities of 3.14 and 5.24 rad.s-1, it was significantly higher in WT than in UNT at 1.05 rad.s-1. The repetitive maximal task consisted of 50 consecutive maximal knee extensions with constant velocity of 3.14 rad.s-1. The mean value of force (MF) of every 5 consecutive and all trials, respectively, was significantly correlated to CSA in all subjects (r = 0.448-0.885, p < 0.05). The average percentage of decline of MF with 50 maximal contractions was significantly lower in RUN (36 +/- 5%, mean +/- SE) than in WT (59 +/- 2%) and UNT (47 +/- 3%), and in UNT than in WT. The average values of MF per unit CSA for RUN became significantly higher than those for WT and UNT on and after the 36th-40th trial. Thus, force output during a single as well as repetitive maximal contractions was significantly correlated to muscle CSA. In terms of force per unit muscle CSA, however, WT and RUN showed specific force-velocity relation and fatiguability during repetitive maximal contractions, respectively, which could be considered as a result of muscle adaptation to their own training regimens.

In order to investigate the effect of Pr-substitution for Y element in Y123 high-Tc superconductors, Fe57-Mossbauer effect is measured for the samples of Y1-xPrxBa2(Cu1-yFey)3O7-z. The Mossbauer spectrum can be decomposed into 4 sets of doublet spectrum, D1,D2,D3 and D4, and isomer shift (δ) and quadruple splitting (Eq) for each component are obtained. We find that δ on CuO2plane increases with x inY1-xPrxBa2(Cu0.96Fe0.04)3O7-z as well as increase with oxygen reduction in YBa2(Cu0.96Fe0.04)3O7-z while δ in the samples containing Pr decreases by oxygen reduction above z=0.25. These variation of δ can be interpreted by the change of 4p electrons in virtual Fe4p orbital which is induced by hybridization with O2p of the nearest oxygen ions.