FACTOR ANALYSIS OF SPRINT PHASES ON THE SPEED CURVE OF THE 100M DASH

Previous studies have indicated that the speed curve of the 100m dash consists of some distinct phases which can be used to analyze an athlete's performance. The purpose of this study was to introduce a method using a portable computer as a device for the measurement of sprint time and the illustration of the speed curve, and to clarify a simple model of sprint phases on the factor structure. Based on the data of 133 participants, principal factor solution was given to the correlation matrix, and varimax rotation was applied to simplify the factorial structure of sprint phases. Finally, two factors were extracted and interpreted. It is suggested that this method is useful for measurement and evaluation in the 100m dash, and that a simple model of sprint phases may be explained by these two factors. These findings are important in predicting the ability of 100m sprinters and in considering coaching methods in terms of technique, training, strategy, etc

Thermal Conductivity in the Bose-Einstein Condensed State of Triplons in the Bond-Alternating Spin-Chain System Pb2V3O9

In order to clarify the origin of the enhancement of the thermal conductivity in the Bose-Einstein Condensed (BEC) state of field-induced triplons, we have measured the thermal conductivity along the [101] direction parallel to spin-chains, $kappa_{\|[101]}$, and perpendicular to spin-chains, $kappa_{\perp[101]}$, of the S=1/2 bond-alternating spin-chain system Pb2V3O9 in magnetic fields up to 14 T. With increasing field at 3 K, it has been found that both $kappa_{\|[101]}$ and $kappa_{\perp[101]}$ are suppressed in the gapped normal state in low fields. In the BEC state of field-induced triplons in high fields, on the other hand, $kappa_{\|[101]}$ is enhanced with increasing field, while $kappa_{\perp[101]}$ is suppressed. That is, the thermal conductivity along the direction, where the magnetic interaction is strong, is markedly enhanced in the BEC state. Accordingly, our results suggest that the enhancement of $kappa_{\|[101]}$ in the BEC state is caused by the enhancement of the thermal conductivity due to triplons on the basis of the two-fluid model, as in the case of the superfluid state of liquid 4He.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Clinical analysis of small-sized peripheral lung cancer

AbstractObjective: In Japan, with the initiation of the lung cancer screening program, small-sized peripheral lung cancer in which the diameter is 2 cm or less has been increasing. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinicopathologic behavior of small-sized lung cancer. Methods: Four hundred ninety-six patients with cT1 N0, peripheral, resected non-small-cell lung cancer, who were operated on between 1980 and 1996, were selected, grouped by tumor diameter or histologic type, and then analyzed for clinicopathologic behavior. On the basis of measured diameter roentgenographically, the patients were divided into two groups; group c-S with lesions 2 cm or less in diameter and group c-L with lesions 2.1 to 3 cm in diameter. Results: Lymph node metastasis was recognized in 18% of group c-S, in 23% of group c-L, and in 21% for the entire clinical group. The rate of those with the progressive state was 19% in group c-S and 26% in group c-L. The 5-year survival was 79.5% in group c-S and 69.3% in group c-L (i.e., there was a significant difference between the two groups). Conclusion: Compared with the patients with lesions 2.1 to 3 cm in diameter, the patients with small-sized lung cancer had a milder progressive state and a better prognosis.(J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:1015-20

Ultrafiltration attenuates cardiopulmonary bypass–induced acute lung injury in a canine model of single-lung transplantation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and ultrafiltration on graft function in a canine single-lung transplantation model.MethodsFifteen left single-lung transplantations were done in weight-mismatched canine pairs. The animals were divided into 3 groups: group 1, in which transplantation was done without cardiopulmonary bypass; group 2, in which transplantation was done with cardiopulmonary bypass and in which the cardiopulmonary bypass flow was decreased slowly with controlled pulmonary artery pressure; and group 3, in which transplantation was done with cardiopulmonary bypass and ultrafiltration. Hemodynamic parameters and lung function were monitored for 6 hours after reperfusion. The grafts were harvested for histologic studies, myeloperoxidase assay, and real-time quantitive reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction of mRNA encoding interleukin 6.ResultsThe hemodynamic parameters were similar among the 3 groups. In group 1 Pao2 and alveolar to arterial gradient for O2 levels were excellent throughout the 6-hour observation period, but in group 2 they progressively deteriorated. However, ultrafiltration significantly (P = .02) improved the Pao2 level in group 3. On histology, interstitial edema and polynuclear cell infiltration were most marked in group 2 and significantly worse than in groups 1 and 3. Myeloperoxidase assay and real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed increased myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin 6 gene expression in group 2 grafts compared with group 1 grafts. Myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin 6 gene expression were suppressed with ultrafiltration.ConclusionsCardiopulmonary bypass had negative effects on the graft, but ultrafiltration attenuated acute lung dysfunction by reducing the inflammatory response

1-hydroxyyohimbine and its derivatives: new potent α2-blockers for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

金沢大学大学院自然科学研究科生理活性物質科学金沢大学大学院自然科学研究科生理活性物質科学金沢大学薬学

Fungal entomopathogens: new insights on their ecology

An important mechanism for insect pest control should be the use of fungal entomopathogens. Even though these organisms have been studied for more than 100 y, their effective use in the field remains elusive. Recently, however, it has been discovered that many of these entomopathogenic fungi play additional roles in nature. They are endophytes, antagonists of plant pathogens, associates with the rhizosphere, and possibly even plant growth promoting agents. These findings indicate that the ecological role of these fungi in the environment is not fully understood and limits our ability to employ them successfully for pest management. In this paper, we review the recently discovered roles played by many entomopathogenic fungi and propose new research strategies focused on alternate uses for these fungi. It seems likely that these agents can be used in multiple roles in protecting plants from pests and diseases and at the same time promoting plant growth