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The microstructures, Vickers hardness, and electromagnetic properties of the automotive die--quenched steel were investigated under various die temperatures. The positive correlations between hardness and the coercivity of magnetic hysteresis loop and between hardness and electrical resistance were confirmed above the hardness of HV370. EBSD and TEM observations reveal that the die--quenched steels contain both fresh martensite and auto--tempered martensite due to the high martensite transformation temperature of the steel. Neural network analysis shows an increase of auto--tempered martensite with increasing die--temperature, which causes the positive correlation. This study demonstrates the usefulness of nondestructive electromagnetic evaluation of the hardness in die-quenched automotive steel components during manufacturing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the EMG patterns and the integrated EMG of forward walking and backward walking at four different walking speeds. [Subjects] Twelve healthy subjects with a mean age of 21.8 years participated in this study. [Method] The surface EMGs of eight muscles (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius of lateral head, tibialis anterior, and soleus) were measured at walking speeds of 20 m/min, 40 m/min, 60 m/min, and 80 m/min. [Result] There was no similarity of the EMG pattern of forward walking and backward walking in any muscle at any speed. The amount of muscle activity in backward walking was bigger than that of forward walking in many muscles. In addition, the integrated EMG increased with an increase in walking speed regardless of the style walking. [Conclusion] The EMG pattern of backward walking is different from forward walking. Regardless of the walking style, and increase in walking speed increases the integrated EMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] We investigated whether or not motor ability and functional capacity of community-dwelling elderly living on an isolated island differed between males and females and between age groups. [Subjects and Methods] Using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG Competence) and the motor fitness scale, we conducted a survey of all 73 elderly residents. [Results] Functional capacity of both males and females did not differ between age groups. Motor ability declined with age among females, but not among males. [Conclusion] We speculate that males' motor ability did not decline, because only those with high motor ability had remained on the island, as a decline would have made it difficult for them to perform fisheries work. When conducting a survey of the functional capacity of community-dwelling elderly, the addition of a motor ability survey enhances regional and gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a low-intensity exercise program through measurement of the physiological indices. [Methods] Seventeen community dwelling elderly persons (mean age 76 years) participated in this study. We instructed the subjects to practice a low-intensity exercise program twice a week for 3 months. The exercise program consisted of low intensity muscle training such as walking, stretching and recreation sports for 90 minutes. We assessed the physiological performance both before and after the exercise period. Aortic stiffness was measured using the cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI), body muscle and fat amounts were measured with a body composition analyzer, and respiratory functions with an autospirometer. [Results] After the exercise period, the CAVI data had significantly decreased, but HR, blood pressure, total muscle and fat amounts did not change significantly. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0) had increased, although the forced vital capacity (FVC) did not change. [Conclusions] The low intensity exercise improved physiological function and was effective at reducing aortic stiffness in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers living with home-based care stroke patients. [Subjects] Data were collected from 25 home-based care stroke patients receiving rehabilitation services at a day-care center (mean age of 72.8±11.1) and their 25 family caregivers (mean age of 59.8±12.2) who were living at home in Kobe city, Hyogo. [Method] Capacity to perform ADL was assessed using the Functional Independent Measures (FIM) for the home-based care stroke patients. The care burden, QOL and health status of the family caregivers were also evaluated. [Results] There was no significant correlation between ADL of home-based care stroke patients and family caregivers' QOL. It was also revealed that the factors affecting the QOL of the family caregivers were determined by their burden and the status of their physical/mental condition. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to improve family caregivers' QOL, rehabilitation should be continued to maintain their function and social support is necessary to reduce the burden of family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion complexes of two β-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin (ABPC) and amoxicillin (AMPC), with β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution has been studied by semi-empirical molecular orbital method. In a strongly acid solution, two different types of complexes with a 1:1 stoichiometry were formed. Complex_Ph, in which the phenyl ring of β-lactam antibiotics was oriented towards the cavity of CD, and Complex_Pe, in which the penam ring was oriented towards the cavity. In neutral or basic solution, only Complex_Ph was formed. These results match the results of microcalorimetry and H NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a study of the relationship between literati officials and actors in China during the reigns of the Jiaqing and Daoguang emperors (1796 to 1850). The principle text for the study is entitled "Wives of Imperials Graduates" (zhuangyuan furen). The historical origin of the story is the relationship between Bi Yuan, a high-level official during the Qianlong period, and Li Guiguan, an actor who helped Bi Yuan before he achieved success in the imperial examination. The author points out that a shift in the status of actors occurred during the middle of the Qing dynasty. Literati scholars became associated with actors from high-class theaters. As a result, the story of a wealthy actor befriended by a poor intellectual enjoyed a great deal of popularity. This work reflects a shift in the social and cultural context of the Qing dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM CONTRIBUTOR]

In sports events, although we perform medical examinations for athletes and develop and improve protection devices for the head and neck, we can't completely prevent major accidents such as cardiopulmonary arrest and head-neck-spinal trauma. Moreover, as medical support, we must perform the best life support when major accidents occur to athletes. In the preceding SPORTS MASTERS JAPAN 2007 BIWAKO, we held a training course in life support for sports doctors. The participants learned the skills that constitute basic life support (BLS), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and the first response for spinal trauma. In the latter half, they practiced some simulated cases which were considered to be common in sports fields. We placed great importance, especially on AED, in this course because AED equipment would be found in every SPORTS MASTERS meeting place. Moreover, we distributed a questionnaire on AED for doctors who joined the staff of SPORTS MASTERS JAPAN 2007 BIWAKO. In this manuscript, we present the situation of life support training in Shiga Prefecture, and report on the skill and training method of life support for sports doctors in sports fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the use of yellow-tinted soft contact lenses on visual functions and batting performance among college baseball players. The subjects were 12 college baseball players (mean age 19.9±1.5 years, mean athletic career 10.0±1.9 years). The criteria used to measure visual function, which is important for playing baseball, were static visual acuity, kinetic visual acuity, dynamic visual acuity, depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and low-contrast visual acuity. Moreover, batting and bunt tests were performed to measure batting performance. Subjects measured these items with yellow-tinted and sport soft contact lenses in a random order on the same day. In terms of visual functions, there were no significant differences between the yellow-tinted and sport soft contact lenses. In addition, there were no significant differences in batting performance tests. Analysis of the subjective symptoms confirmed that the use of the yellow-tinted soft contact lenses improved symptoms, such as light aversion, better than the sport soft contact lenses in the majority of the subjects. Furthermore, none of the subjects experienced any adverse effects in batting performance from use in either the batting or bunt tests. Thus, it is suggested that the use of yellow-tinted soft contact lenses does not, at the very least, adversely affect the visual functions and batting performances in college baseball players. The report of the subjective symptoms also suggested that the use of yellow-tinted soft contact lenses may be useful for baseball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the mutation of the TGFBI gene in Chinese patients with Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy, and to study the relationship between the gene mutation and the clinical appearance., Methods: Ten patients and 2 unaffected family members from 2 unrelated families with corneal dystrophy were studied. Molecular genetic analysis was performed on DNA extracted from peripheral leucocytes, and exons 4 and 12 of the TGFBI gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction for direct sequencing., Results: Both pedigrees showed an autosomal dominant inheritance. The clinical appearance of the cornea consisted of fine granular, subepithelial opacities which spread and become confluent with time, and resembled geographic type of Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy. Direct sequencing of all affected members revealed a G-to-T transition at codon 124 (CGC to CTC), producing R124L mutation of TGFBI gene., Conclusions: R124L mutation of the TGFBI gene is found in two Chinese families with Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy. The phenotype of Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy in both families belongs to the geographic type. Molecular genetic approach may be useful for the proper diagnosis of this type of corneal dystrophy.