Optical Properties of (162173) 1999 JU3: In Preparation for the JAXA Hayabusa 2 Sample Return Mission

We investigated the magnitude-phase relation of (162173) 1999 JU3, a target asteroid for the JAXA Hayabusa 2 sample return mission. We initially employed the international Astronomical Union's H-G formalism but found that it fits less well using a single set of parameters. To improve the inadequate fit, we employed two photometric functions, the Shevchenko and Hapke functions. With the Shevchenko function, we found that the magnitude-phase relation exhibits linear behavior in a wide phase angle range (alpha = 5-75 deg) and shows weak nonlinear opposition brightening at alpha< 5 deg, providing a more reliable absolute magnitude of Hv = 19.25 +- 0.03. The phase slope (0.039 +- 0.001 mag/deg) and opposition effect amplitude (parameterized by the ratio of intensity at alpha=0.3 deg to that at alpha=5 deg, I(0.3)/I(5)=1.31+-0.05) are consistent with those of typical C-type asteroids. We also attempted to determine the parameters for the Hapke model, which are applicable for constructing the surface reflectance map with the Hayabusa 2 onboard cameras. Although we could not constrain the full set of Hapke parameters, we obtained possible values, w=0.041, g=-0.38, B0=1.43, and h=0.050, assuming a surface roughness parameter theta=20 deg. By combining our photometric study with a thermal model of the asteroid (Mueller et al. in preparation), we obtained a geometric albedo of pv = 0.047 +- 0.003, phase integral q = 0.32 +- 0.03, and Bond albedo AB = 0.014 +- 0.002, which are commensurate with the values for common C-type asteroids.Comment: 27 pages, 4 figure, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

Comparison of the Effects of Two Types of Stretching Warm Ups for Rehabilitation

This pilot study compares the effects of static therapeutic trunk stretching using an unstable flex chair, a stretching bench and a stretching stick on physical fitness with those of a general Japanese style of static stretching. The participants underwent physical fitness tests. Before and after warming up using a general Japanese style of stretching and trunk treatment stretching. Twenty-three healthy college students (age, 20.7 ± 1.2 years; height, 165.3 ± 7.6 cm; weight, 59.0 ± 9.7 kg; BMI 21.4 ± 2.3) were enrolled in this study. The physical fitness test assesses grip strength, sit-ups, eyes-closed single-leg stance, sit-and-reach flexibility, six-minute walk, and ten-meter obstacle course. The participants performed vertical jump, forward standing flexion measured using the analog flexion meter, thoracolumbar extension, horizontal flexure, deep forward bow. These results suggest that trunk stretching improves flexibility, walking ability, endurance and explosive power more effectively than the general Japanese style of stretching. Three static trunk stretches can improve flexibility, walking ability, endurance and explosive power. Trunk treatment stretching before physical activity might reduce the incidence of injury and improve the physical performance of individuals who participate in exercise, athletes and injured persons undergoing rehabilitation.ArticleBAOJ Medical and nursing.1(1):003(2015)journal articl

Long-Term Granular Diet May Lead to Declined Resistance to Trauma of the Temporomandibular Joint

This study was carried out to determine the effect of food texture on the response to trauma of the temporomandibular joint in mice. Animals were fed either a solid or granular diet after weaning. At 8 weeks old, condylar hypermobility was induced by forcing the mouth wide open ten times under ether anaesthesia. This procedure was repeated 10 times once daily for 10 consecutive days. The temporomandibular joint tissues were observed microscopically on day 0 and then 2 days, 5 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 5 weeks after the last forced opening. Eighteen male mice were used in total, three for each timepoint. A proliferation in synovial surface cells and an increased number of capillaries were seen at day 2 in the mice fed a granular diet, but not in those fed a solid diet. Multiple cell layers of the synovial membrane, dilated capillaries and fibrin deposits were expanded further between day 2 and week 5 in the mice fed a granular diet, but not until day 5 to week 5 in the mice that had been fed a solid diet. At week 3, the mice fed a granular diet showed erosion of the anterior articular disc. This was observed in both dietary groups at week 5. This study suggests that, in advanced countries, people who habitually eat easily chewable food should be advised that such practice may lead to a decline in the resistance to trauma of the masticatory system. </jats:p