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BACKGROUND: Anthracycline-containing regimens are standard treatment options in adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is experienced frequently in patients receiving these regimens, but the risk factors for CINV are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for CINV in anthracycline-containing regimens retrospectively. METHODS: Data were collected from the JONIE study, which was conducted in order to estimate the efficacy of zoledronic acid in a neoadjuvant setting from March 2010 to June 2012 (UMIN000003261). A total of 180 patients were recruited, and we used CINV data from the first cycle of FEC100 treatment and patient backgrounds. As the protocol regulation allowed the use of antiemetic drugs,in the first cycle of the FEC100 regimen, patients received various types of antiemetic agents, which we classified into four groups: Dexamethasone (DEX)+5-HT3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3)+neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (NK1) (DEX+5-HT3+NK1) group; Dexamethasone (DEX)+5-HT3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3) (DEX+5HT3) group; Dexamethasone (DEX)+5-HT3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3)+dopamine receptor antagonist (DRA) (DEX+5HT3+DRA) group; and Dexamethasone (DEX)+5-HT3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3)+neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (NK1)+ dopamine receptor antagonist (DRA) (DEX+5-HT3+NK1+DRA) group. Risk factors were selected from patient backgrounds and the combinations of antiemetic drugs. In patient backgrounds, the body mass index (BMI) was stratified into 3 categories: Less than 18.5 (underweight group); equal to or more than 18.5 but less than 25 (standard BMI group); and equal to or more than 25 (overweight group). The risks for CINV were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. P values of less than 0.05 were defined as significant. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis of nausea, the body mass index (BMI) was the only significant factor (P CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that BMI was the most important risk factor for nausea, and that BMI and the combination of antiemetic drugs were risk factors for vomiting. Underweight-patients tend to have CINV in anthracycline-containing regimen. The DEX+5-HT3+NK1 group was the best antiemetic drug combination. These result show that following the CINV guideline treatment is mandatory in order to prevent CINV. Citation Format: Hayashi M, Nakazawa K, Hasegawa Y, Horiguchi J, Miura D, Ishikawa T, Takao S, Kim SJ, Yamagami K, Miyashita M, Konishi M, Shigeoka Y, Suzuki M, Taguchi T, Kubota T, Tanino Y, Yamada K, Kimura K, Akazawa K, Kohno N. Risk analysis for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving FEC100 treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-07.

We measured the local composition and thickness of SiO2-based glass material from diffraction. By using four dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM), we obtained diffraction at each scanning point. Comparing the obtained diffraction with simulated diffraction patterns, we try to measure the local composition and thickness. Although this method requires some constraints, this method measured local composition and thickness with 1/10 or less electron dose of EELS., Comment: 15 pages, 10 figures, 6 supporting figures

Silicate glasses are indispensable for optical and photonics applications, and their properties are affected by phase-separated structures. Understanding the phase separation behavior inside the glasses is thus crucial for controlling their optical properties. Here, we attempt to identify the phase-separated structure inside silicate glass by high-angular annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) combined with a multi-slice image simulation. In addition to the phase-separated structure, we also demonstrate that the identifications of the type and stage of the phase-separation are possible by the HAADF observation in combination with a phase separation simulation.

Al-induced crystallized Ge (AIC-Ge) seeded epitaxy is a promising way to fabricate functional materials on amorphous substrates such as glass or polymer sheets. However, the AIC-Ge had difficulty in producing a continuous thin film without forming fine-grain Ge islands stacked on the surface. In this paper, we solved this problem by initially preparing thicker Ge (100 nm) than Al (50 nm) and then removing excess Ge islands using a unique etching technique. The resulting AIC-Ge allowed for a high (111) orientation (96%) and large grains (>100 μm). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that an AIC-Ge-seeded Ge layer, grown by molecular-beam epitaxy at 500 °C, was of high quality reflecting the annihilation of Ge islands. This method opens up the possibility for synthesizing Ge, GaAs, and other functional materials on an amorphous substrate.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The risk factors of early hemorrhagic complications after endovascular coiling are not well-known. We identified the factors affecting early hemorrhagic complications, defined as any expansion or appearance of hemorrhage shown by head CT in the initial 48 hours after coiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 93 patients who underwent coiling for a ruptured saccular aneurysm between 2006 and 2012 at our hospital. RESULTS: Five patients showed early hemorrhagic complications, and all involved an expansion of the existing intracerebral hematoma immediately after coiling. The associated risk factors were accompanying intracerebral hemorrhage at onset (P < .001), postoperative antiplatelet therapy (P < .001), and thromboembolic complications (P = .044). In the accompanying intracerebral hemorrhage group, the associated risk factors were postoperative antiplatelet therapy (P = .044) and earlier initiation of coiling (9.8 ± 6.5 versus 28.1 ± 24.0 hours, P = .023). Early hemorrhagic complications were significant risk factors for worse clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 2.02 ± 2.21 versus 4.4 ± 2.30, P = .022). None of the 93 patients showed further hemorrhage after the initial 48 hours after coiling. CONCLUSIONS: The accompanying intracerebral hemorrhage at onset, thromboembolic complications, postoperative antiplatelet therapy, and earlier initiation of coiling were the risk factors for early hemorrhagic complications.

A large-grained (111)-oriented Ge thin film is achieved on a SiO2 glass substrate using an Al-induced crystallization (AIC) technique. Low-temperature (350 °C) AIC of an amorphous Ge thin film (50 nm thickness) resulted in a self-organized double-layered structure of polycrystalline Ge layers. The top Ge layer consisted of randomly oriented small grains (1 μm diameter) with a high defect density; in contrast, the bottom Ge layer was of high quality. Based on the growth model, we annihilated the top Ge layer using preferential etching. The bared bottom Ge layer provided a (111)-oriented area fraction of 99% and an average grain size of 90 μm. This Ge layer appears promising for use in Ge-based thin-film devices, as well as a heteroepitaxial seed layer for group III–V compound semiconductors, aligned nanowires, and other advanced materials.

For the case of the thermal design of devices at high temperatures, radiative properties are important. The emissivity of materials depends on their surface conditions and temperatures. The goal of this study is to measure the emissivity of various materials with clear surface conditions. A system for simultaneous measurements of the normal spectral emissivity, optical constants, and thickness of materials at high temperatures has been developed. To determine an accurate surface temperature of specimens, a surface temperature measurement method is applied using the Christiansen effect. This article focuses on evaluations of the Christiansen effect under various conditions. Measurement results of the normal spectral emissivity of ZrO2 from 773 K to 973 K are also presented.

Exploration in neuroendoscopic surgery is occasionally insufficient because of the structural limitations in endoscope. It is not easy to identify the precise position of the endoscope during an operation. We here show a coaxial technique for neuroendoscopic exploration with monitoring by means of a microfiberscope. The endoscopic coaxial technique consists of two scopes. The microfiberscope has a diameter of 0.75 mm, flexible body and high-quality image system. We tested its ability to visualize the subject at several distances and applied this coaxial technique in neuroendoscopic surgery. The microfiberscope not only visualizes the object but also magnifies it by a distance. The scope was easy to handle with monitoring of its movement in the endoscopic view. The technique allowed us to safely explore details which are difficult to approach with an ordinary fiberscope or rigid-rod scope. The microfiberscope also adjusts to the neuronal anatomy and many clinical situations. Taken together, the microfiber coaxial technique might offer new advantages to modern neuroendoscopic surgery.

We have developed a high-power AlGaN/GaN HFET fabricated on 4-in conductive Si substrate with a source-via grounding (SVG) structure. The SVG structure enables efficient chip layout and high packing density by the vertical configuration. By establishing a high-quality epitaxial technology on a Si substrate and by significantly reducing the parasitic resistance, a very low specific on-state resistance of 1.9 m/spl Omega//spl middot/cm/sup 2/ is achieved. The breakdown voltage is as high as 350 V, which is attributed to the Si substrate acting as a backside field plate. Because of reduction of the parasitic inductance, very high level of current (2.0 kA/cm/sup 2/) transients, i.e., a turn-on time of 98 ps and a turn-off time of 96 ps, are successfully measured for the first time.

The initial design study of 28 GHz/35 GHz dual frequency gyrotron is presented. The design is based on 28 GHz 1 MW gyrotron which we have developed. And it is studied whether 35 GHz oscillation is ...

Background Arterial oxygenation can change during one-lung ventilation for reasons that are not fully understood. Methods We studied patients during anaesthesia and one-lung ventilation, with an inspiratory oxygen fraction of 0.8. Arterial blood gas values were recorded every 10 s with a continuous intra-arterial sensor. The non-dependent lung was compressed several times during the surgical procedure, using a retractor. The change in P a O 2 during and after compression of the non-dependent lung was measured. Results P a O 2 increased significantly when the non-dependent lung was compressed, and decreased when the compression was released. The first compression of the non-dependent lung transiently increased P a O 2 , but the effect of the second compression on oxygenation was more marked and persistent. P a O 2 increased by more than 13 kPa at 10 min after the second compression in four patients (responder group). Arterial oxygenation improved markedly in patients in this group during the surgical procedure. Conclusion Oxygenation can improve during one-lung ventilation in some patients. This improvement is partly related to a marked increase in P a O 2 during compression of the non-dependent lung.

A photographic colour film, which was exposed to heavy ions, reveals a coloured dye image of the ion tracks. Since the colour film consists of several layers and different colours appear on each layer, three-dimensional information on the tracks in the layers can be obtained by the colour image. Previously, we have reported the method for which the tracks in different colours represented differences of track depth and we also discussed the disadvantages of using commercial colour films. Here we present the procedure for a self-made photographic coating and the development formula which can overcome the disadvantages.

1. The effect on reaction time (RT) and anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) of unexpectedly changing stance conditions was studied using a push or pull arm movement task. The aim was to evaluate the modifiability of RT and APA by an external perturbation associated with an automatic compensatory reaction. 2. Subjects standing on a moveable platform were asked to push or pull a rigid handle as quickly and as strongly as possible in response to the 'go-signal', a visual signal from a green or red light-emitting diode. Forward and backward translations of the platform were randomly induced at four time intervals after the go-signal. In some experiments to detect unspecific arousal there were no platform translations but an acoustic signal was given before the go-signal. Surface electromyographic activity (EMG) of upper arm and lower leg muscles was analysed. 3. During the push task both RT and the duration of APA (onset of APA till the force signal indicating hand action) were shorter during backward than during forward translation. During the pull task the effect of platform translations was the reverse. The delay between go-signal and onset of APA remained constant. Consequently, RT and APA became shorter when the platform was translated in the same direction as that in which the upper body was displaced by the push or pull movement, and longer when it was translated in the opposite direction. The effects were maximal when translations were induced 250 ms after the go-signal, but a difference was detected up to 375 ms. 4. Furthermore, with forward and backward platform translations RT was shorter when the translations were induced early rather than late after the go-signal. This was associated with a shortening of the delay between the go-signal and onset of APA, while APA duration remained constant. The shortened RT was in the range of that obtained when an acoustic signal was given just before the go-signal. 5. It is concluded that (i) both the RT and the duration of APA can be modified by a translation of the support surface in a functionally appropriate way by updating the internal representation of the actual stance condition within the central nervous system. Both RT and APA are shortened when the body displacement induced by the push or pull movement and platform translation have the same direction; conversely, an inappropriate translation of the feet requires a greater APA and leads to a longer RT; (ii) both APA and RT are modifiable by platform translation for more than half the time between the go-signal and the focal push or pull movement; (iii) an unspecific effect of platform translation on RT can be identified; it may be mediated by a different neuronal substrate.

The intubating laryngeal mask airway was used in 31 adult patients in whom tracheal intubation was known or suspected to be difficult. The intubating laryngeal mask airway was successfully inserted in 30 patients and provided a clinically patent airway. In the remaining one patient it was impossible to insert the device correctly. Tracheal intubation through the device was successful in 28 of 30 patients (93%). These results suggest that the intubating laryngeal mask airway has a potential role for tracheal intubation in adult patients with difficult airways.

To clarify physicians’ practices and attitudes regarding advance care planning (ACP) in palliative care units (PCUs) in Japan, we conducted a self-completed questionnaire survey of 203 certificated PCUs in 2010. Ninety-nine physicians participated in the survey. Although most Japanese palliative care physicians recognized the importance of ACP, many failed to implement aspects of patient-directed ACP that they acknowledged to be important, such as recommending completion of advance directives (ADs), designation of health care proxies, and implementing existing ADs. The physicians’ general preference for family-centered decision making and their feelings of difficulty and low confidence regarding ACP most likely underlie these results. The discrepancy between physicians’ practices and their recognition of the importance of ACP suggests an opportunity to improve end-of-life care.

— The effect of relative slip amplitude on fretting fatigue in high strength steel was studied at various contact pressures using fretting pads of various lengths. Under a given contact pressure, the fretting fatigue life showed a minimum at a certain relative slip amplitude. Under a fixed pad length, the life also showed a minimum at a certain contact pressure. A map of fretting fatigue life versus contact pressure and relative slip amplitude was obtained using the data of this study. The map indicated that both the phenomena which showed a minimum life in relation to slip dependence and contact pressure dependence were the same, as were the underlying mechanisms. The minimum life was interpreted in terms of local stress concentration at the fretted area.

Plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin levels of 10 normal controls and 10 patients with monopolar depression were measured with and without internal standard. The levels did not differ between the two methods. A significant increase of total biopterin levels and the lower ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin to total biopterin in the depressive phase were observed in the plasma of patients with depression compared to normal controls, and these changes in plasma biopterin tended to normalize in the remission phase.

The plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin levels of 29 normal volunteers were measured before and after exercise by ergometer, and those of 10 were also measured until 24 h after exercise. An increase of plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin was observed only after strong exercise, which exhausted the subjects, the ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin to total biopterin not differing before and after exercise. The increase of plasma biopterins disappeared 2 h after exercise. The mechanism of the increase of plasma biopterins was thought to be different from that of patients with affective disorders.

Summary We report a patient with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, who had a 3-year history of recurrent leg and foot ulcers. Symptoms of ischaemia in the left foot, including severe pain, coldness, paraesthesia and violaceous discoloration, deteriorated abruptly, because of complete occlusion of the left anterior tibial artery. The occluded segment was revascularized by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, resulting in a dramatic improvement in the ischaemic symptoms.

The characteristics of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) with a field-induction-drain (FID) structure using an inversion layer as a drain are investigated. The FID structure not only reduces the anomalous leakage current, but also maintains a high on current. An off current of 1.5 pA/ mu m and an on/off current ratio of 10/sup 7/ (V/sub d/=10, V/sub g/=-20 V) are successfully obtained. These characteristics result from good junction characteristics between the p channel and n/sup +/ inversion layer. Reducing the threshold voltage of the FID region allows a simple circuit configuration for the FID TFTs. >

GaN/AlGaN device technologies are reviewed aiming at the applications to power switching systems. SL (Super Lattice) capping and QA (Quaternary Alloy) over-layer techniques have been developed to reduce the on-resistance of GaN/ AlGaN HFET. Further, we achieved GaN on Silicon epitaxial growth technology with almost the same mobility keeping the same 2DEG density, which will make the cost comparable to conventional Si one. The experimentally obtained RonA of the FET is 1.9 m?cm2, which is 14 times lower than that of Si ones. Additionally, a novel approach to realize enhancement mode operation of GaN/AlGaN FET is proposed using minority carrier injection by the gate.

We successfully developed a 0.246-μm2 embedded 6T-SRAM for high performance system LSIs. The 45-nm CMOS platform, which features reversed extension and S/D formation, achieves both high performance logic transistors (TV.) and SRAM integration. To take the worst case of process variations into consideration, cell layout is decided by a novel method using SRAM macros, which include over 100 sorts of parametrically designed cell layouts. As a result, the 0.246-μm2 SRAM has been successfully developed with 140 mV of static noise margin (SNM) at 0.6 V and Vccmin of 0.9 V.

Al-induced layer-exchanged Ge (ALILE-Ge) combined with epitaxy is a promising way to fabricate advanced electronic optical devices on foreign substrates as well as Si large-scale integrated circuits. The presence of Ge islands on the surface of the ALILE-Ge seed layer was a problem because the islands deteriorated the crystal quality of the epitaxial layer. This paper gives a solution to this problem: the Ge islands were selectively etched by H2O2 treatment. The ALILE-Ge seed layer was protected by using the oxidized Al membrane, prepared between Ge and Al, as an etching mask. By initially preparing the thick Ge layer and then removing the excess Ge islands, we improved the coverage of the ALILE-Ge seed layer on the substrate. The resulting ALILE-Ge provided a high (111) orientation fraction (96%) and large grains (> 100 μm). This Ge layer appears promising for use in seed layers for epitaxial Ge, group III-V compound semiconductors, and other advanced materials.

This paper describes a technique for mapping objects such as insects and plants that exist in the field on a blank map in mobile learning. We propose to use man’s geographic recognition in addition to a GPS for mapping objects. With the help of man’s ability to recognize placement of objects and geographical relations between objects, objective geographic information with small error given by a GPS is effectively compensated. A mobile map-making learning system has been developed. Usability studies of the system and the map produced by the system are also provided.

The hard X-ray detector (HXD-II) onboard Astro-E2 consists of the main detector which has its energy range from 10 to 600 keV and the active shield detector for background reduction. This shield detector (anti detector) is designed to not only for the background reduction but also for the soft gamma-ray all sky monitor of gamma-ray bursts (GRB) and black hole binaries. The asymmetric shape and large size of BGO scintillators for the anti counter make the gamma-ray response very complicated, and thus we need the careful calibration before the launch. We then performed preflight calibrations of HXD-II in 2003-2004. For the anti detector, we measured the pulse height spectra and stopping power of the unit detector before integration by exposing it to the collimated gamma-ray. After integration of HXD-II, we measured the pulse height spectra and stopping power of the anti detector by irradiating the gamma-ray source from various directions. Furthermore, we performed the same measurement after placing the HXD-II detector on the Astro-E2 spacecraft. Taking into account these experimental results, we construct the gamma-ray response by the Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation. The response developed in this work was found to reproduce the experimental spectra and the count distributions of each unit counter with 10-20% accuracy.

We present a high power AlGaN/GaN HFET fabricated on a conductive Si substrate with a source-via grounding (SVG) structure. The device has a very low specific on-state resistance of 1.9 m/spl Omega//spl middot/cm/sup 2/ and a high off-state breakdown voltage of 350 V, and a current handling capability of 150 A. In addition, a sub-nano second switching t/sub r/ of 98 psec and t/sub f/ of 96 psec, with a current density as high as 2.0 kA/cm/sup 2/ is demonstrated for the first time.

This paper describes a technique for mapping objects such as insects and plants in the field on a blank map in mobile learning. We propose map creating system that utilizes man's subjective geographic recognition in addition to a GPS. With the help of man's ability of recognizing placement of objects and geographical relations between objects, objective geographic information with small error given by a GPS is effectively compensated.

A variety of strategies have been implemented to bring installation costs to near metallic wire levels, in consideration of suiting the layout of house and efficiency for FTTH drop and indoor lines.

The incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is affected by circadian variations in the vago-sympathetic balance. It is well known that both sympathetic and vagal effects increase the onset of paroxysmal AF, due to the shortened action potential duration. However, the reason why the vagally-mediated paroxysmal AF is maintained more than the adrenergically-mediated paroxysmal AF has remained unclear. In order to clarify this, we performed the following computer simulations. First, we constructed a homogeneous two-dimensional myocardial sheet (4.5 x 2.25 cm), using a bidomain ion channel model. The sympathetic and vagal effects were achieved by modifications of the ion channel conductance (Sympathetic effect: increased gSI and increased gK. Vagal effect: increased gK and increased gKl with or without the dispersion of refractoriness). We found that the sympathetic effect shortened the action potential duration and flattened the restitution slope; therefore, this effect promoted spiral wave induction and restrained the spiral wave breakup. On the other hand, we found that the vagal effect also shortened the action potential duration and flattened the restitution slope; however, this effect promoted spiral wave breakup, due to the increase in both the IK1 and the dispersion of refractoriness. Overall, the differences between the sympathetic and vagal effects on the tendency toward spiral wave break-up may explain the reason why adrenergically-mediated paroxysmal AF terminates spontaneously and vagally-mediated paroxysmal AF tends to be maintained. In conclusion, our results may be helpful in understanding the difference in the action of sympathetic and vagal effects on paroxysmal AF.

The authors describe a person counting system using a distributed touch sensor on stairs. The sensor has 96*84 detecting elements on four treads. The size of each sensor element is 10 mm*12.7 mm. Footprint images can be successively obtained from the sensor. The system counts the number of persons from these images. >

The authors describe a method for recognizing the position and orientation of 3D prismatic objects with double slit lights in the conditions of a natural environment. The position and orientation of a prismatic object are measured using hierarchical Hough transform. Fusing images of double slit lights into a shading image, one can get stable results from a minimum amount of surface information. Since one extracts infrared rays reflected by a hot mirror and passed through an interference filter, one can apply the method in a natural environment. The method has the potential of being applied to the acquisition of the position and orientation of moving objects. Experimental results on the indication of the precise position and orientation of a prismatic object are presented. >

A robot has its original error of link length and angular offsets. Consequently, it has low absolute positioning accuracy, although the robot has good repeatability. For this reason, calibration of the manipulator is required. This paper proposes a calibration method using information obtained through a vision sensor, which is installed on the hand. First, the robot makes a series of movements with a vision sensor. Next, the sensor projects a laser onto an object and takes an image at each position. Finally, parameters are calibrated using the error of 3D position by the Newton method. >

Robot vision is very useful for correcting the absolute position error during position control of a robot hand. However it still has difficulties in practical use. The objective of the authors' research is to design a stable vision sensor system used for a space robot, by the method of sensor fusion with multi-agents, which is very effective in the actual environment. By this approach, the system will be able to adapt to environmental alterations. >

In order to locate a robot hand accurately, a vision sensor plays a key role by measuring the relative position. We consider a system with two 5-DOF manipulators to fit a bolt and nut in cooperative operation. We propose a novel method for measuring the relative position between the robot hand and an object using a vision sensor which is installed on the hand of one of the robots. Using the vision sensor, we can improve depth measurement accuracy. The method of compensation of the robot hand position is also given. >

TFT-LCDs (thin-film transistor liquid-crystal displays) of symmetric subdot design that are 8.6 in measured diagonally have been developed. Each dot is divided into two subdots. These two subdots are symmetrical with respect to a source-busline. This configuration cancels the DC offset difference which is induced by the alignment tolerance and is especially effective for large-size TFT-LCDs. >

A 10.4-in-diagonal full-color a-Si TFT-LCD (thin-film transistor liquid crystal display) for OHP (overhead projector) systems has been developed. The light degradation of LCD performance has been suppressed by new self-aligned a-Si TFTs and a new driving method (floating gate driving method). Both an ES (etching stopper)-SiN/sub x/ layer and a mu c-Si(n+)a-Si(i) layer were formed by the self-alignment technique. This structure is considered to be effective for decreasing the photocarrier injected into the gate-insulator. High stability under high intense light-exposure has been obtained. The driving method makes the difference of the potential between the gate and drain electrode constant. It improved the off characteristics and decreased the shift of the gate bias voltage transparency characteristics. >

The authors describe a three-dimensional vision sensor which fuses discrete range data obtained by a FG (fiber grating) vision sensor and a 2-D intensity image obtained by a CCD (charge coupled device) camera of the sensor. The range image obtained by the sensor is coarsely sampled data. Therefore, one cannot recognize a 3-D object accurately. On the other hand, though one can get features (such as outlines, edge lines, and vertices) from an intensity image, one cannot determine their locations on 3-D space without some restrictions. To solve these problems, the authors propose a method that can recognize a 3-D object by fusing both information obtained from a discrete range image and an abstracted 2-D image. >

A three-dimensional robot vision sensor based on both active triangulation and a method using astigmatism is described. Range data obtained through active triangulation have comparatively high accuracy. However, range cannot be determined uniquely from a single-input image. On the other hand, range data obtained by the method using astigmatism are determined uniquely, but one cannot expect a high degree of accuracy. To improve the performance of the sensor, a novel method that fuses the range data obtained by these methods is proposed. Measurement results of the pilot system and verification of the performance of the system are presented. >

A novel architectural extension, in which floating-point data are transferred directly from main memory to floating-point registers, has been successfully implemented in a superscalar RISC processor. This extension allows main memory access throughput of 1.2 Gbyte/s, and effective performance reaches 267 MFLOPS (89% of the peak performance) for typical floating-point applications. The processor utilizes 0.3-micron 4-level metal CMOS technology with 2.5 V power supply and contains 3.9 million transistors in 15.7 mm/spl times/15.7 mm die size. Only 4.5% of the die area is used for the extension. Pipeline stage optimization and scoreboard-based dependency check method allow the extension to be realized without affecting the operating frequency.

There is a strong demand for an automatic detection system of damage on the surface of a container. The system has to detect holes or cracks and distinguish from paint, dirt, dents, rust and so on. It is very difficult to distinguish these features using an image obtained from a 2D CCD camera. To overcome this problem, the authors propose a method for detecting holes and cracks easily by using controlling lights. This method actively detects the condition of the surface and is based on the photometric stereo method.

Recent studies have demonstrated that coordinated stepping movements can be induced in patients with complete para-/tetraplegia, when they were standing on a moving treadmill with their body weight partially unloaded and external assistance. The aim of this study was to determine which part of the spinal cord generated the locomotor pattern. In patients with complete paraplegia due to lesions at different levels of the spinal cord, the locomotor pattern was compared with that of healthy subjects. Any similarities in electromyographic (EMG) activity of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles between the patients and healthy subjects were reflected by the analysis of the variation ratio and amplitudes of the EMG activity. It was found that the higher the level of spinal cord lesion the more "normal" was the locomotor pattern. This suggests that neuronal circuits underlying locomotor "pattern generation" in man are not restricted to any specific level(s) of the spinal cord, but that an intricate neuronal network contributing to bipedal locomotion extends from thoracolumbal to cervical levels.

Fourteen mongrel dogs were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated with oxygen. After oleic acid was administered intravenously, amrinone 1 mg/kg was intravenously administered to one group followed by a continuous infusion of 10 μg/kg/min for one hour (amrinone group, n = 7). Isovolumetric saline was administered to the control group (n = 7). Amrinone slightly lowered PaO2 but significantly increased oxygen delivery and improved gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) during the first 30 minutes (7.33±0.13) compared with the control group (7.21 ±0.06, P

Summary form only given. Although ArF excimer laser lithography is expected to attain the highest resolution possible in optical lithography, its application to 0.13-/spl mu/m devices has not been adequately demonstrated. In next generation sub-0.10 /spl mu/m devices, it is believed that the mix and match process is indispensable with optical lithography and other types of lithography. One reason is the difficulty of fabricating contact holes with a larger process margin. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to make 0.13-/spl mu/m patterns using a single layer resist in combination with resolution enhancement techniques, and to make sub-0.10 /spl mu/m contact holes using the Top Surface Imaging (TSI) process.