In this paper the authors showed the estimation process of the optimum number of the fixtures in a lavatory in the multi-purpose stadium. The authors estimated the optimum number of the fixtures in a lavatory using the data based on the data of past surveys, and verified the propriety of the estimation by the investigation of the real fixture usage conditions at the dome-N in Nagoya. Then following results were obtained. 1) The estimation process of the optimum number of the fixtures was proper. 2) The arrival rate of the spectators could be presumed by the data of past surveys. 3) The occupancy period could be estimated with Erlang distribution. 4) On the planning of the lavatories, it is necessary to consider the arrangement of the fixtures in addition to the optimum number of the fixtures
Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder characterized by kinetic and postural tremor in the upper extremities and frequently in the midline. Persons with ET often also exhibit gait ataxia. Previous studies have observed associations between midline tremor severity and gait ataxia in persons with ET, suggesting a common pathophysiology distinct from that of upper extremity tremor. However, a causal link between midline tremor and gait impairment has not been established. Methods: We investigated tremor and gait in 24 persons with ET before and after implantation of unilateral deep brain stimulation into the ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus. Results: Stimulation significantly improved tremor in the targeted upper extremity and midline. However, gait was unaffected at the cohort level. Furthermore, improvement in midline tremor was not significantly associated with gait improvement. Discussion: These findings revealed that midline tremor and gait impairment may be dissociable in persons with ET.
The purpose of this research is to apply the Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system (ATES) to cities in Japan, and to achieve energy conservation. In this paper, optimal pump operation for the proposed ATES system was demonstrated using Genetic Algorithms (GA). Energy conservation was examined for the model building : a large-scale Tokyo office. Compared with an air-heat source heat pump system, the proposed system saves energy by 29.9% and recovers initial costs in 7.0 years, which makes it economical.
We report a case of malignant catatonia initially diagnosed as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) that responded successfully to diazepam administration. A 29-year-old man with mental retardation was admitted to our hospital because of high fever, muscle pain, and consciousness disturbance. Fifteen days before admission, he had developed muscle pain and weakness in his legs. He presented with fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, elevated blood pressure, excessive sweating, and neurological findings of lethargy and severe muscle rigidity in the neck and extremities. Laboratory findings included elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level. His clinical features and the laboratory test results fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for NMS. He was treated for NMS with dantrolene sodium and bromocriptine mesylate for 2 weeks; however, there was no improvement. Therefore, treatment was changed to diazepam administration because of suspected malignant catatonia. One week after initiation of diazepam administration, his symptoms gradually improved, and the serum CPK level normalized. The diagnosis of malignant catatonia was confirmed because treatment with diazepam was dramatically effective, whereas the initial treatment for NMS was not beneficial. The clinical presentation of malignant catatonia is similar to that of NMS. Indeed, some authors have described NMS as a variant of malignant catatonia. If treatment is refractory in cases of NMS, malignant catatonia may be suspected, and changing treatment to diazepam administration may be useful.
