Load-adaptive frequency tracking control implementation oftwo-phase resonant inverter for ultrasonic motor

The operating principles of newly developed ultrasonic motors (USMs) that are attractive as compact and high-torque actuators are described. A two-phase high-frequency resonant inverter for driving the USM is presented. The unique operating characteristics of the USM are examined using the inverter. Two principles of resonant frequency tracking control strategy, one concerned with a sensor interface scheme mounted on the USM and a second sensorless interface scheme based on electromechanical conversion theory, are described. These control methods are realized by analog-oriented signal processing and the PLL technique. The revolving speed control obtained by this inverter-fed USM system with two types of resonant frequency tracking control methods is illustrated and discussed using an experimental breadboard     

Estimation of effective dose from CT examination

Tissue or organ doses related to radiological risk were determined for four different types of CT scanners with a spiral scan function. Dose measurements were performed using a Rando phantom and two types of thermoluminescent dosimeters. The effective doses recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in 1990 were evaluated using the tissue or organ doses determined with the phantom measurement. The resultant effective dose per CT examination ranged from 4.6 to 10.8 mSv for chest examination and from 6.7 to 13.3 mSv for upper abdominal examination. It should be noted that the effective dose from CT examination will be increased by increasing in the frequency of CT examinations and technical development of CT scanners.     

Simple and accurate methods for quantifying deformation,disruption, and development in biological tissues

When mechanical factors underlie growth, development, disease or healing, they often function through local regions of tissue where deformation is highly concentrated. Current optical techniques to estimate deformation can lack precision and accuracy in such regions due to challenges in distinguishing a region of concentrated deformation from an error in displacement tracking. Here, we present a simple and general technique for improving the accuracy and precision of strain estimation and an associated technique for distinguishing a concentrated deformation from a tracking error. The strain estimation technique improves accuracy relative to other state-of-the-art algorithms by directly estimating strain fields without first estimating displacements, resulting in a very simple method and low computational cost. The technique for identifying local elevation of strain enables for the first time the successful identification of the onset and consequences of local strain concentrating features such as cracks and tears in a highly strained tissue. We apply these new techniques to demonstrate a novel hypothesis in prenatal wound healing. More generally, the analytical methods we have developed provide a simple tool for quantifying the appearance and magnitude of localized deformation from a series of digital images across a broad range of disciplines.     

An EMQ-switched CO2 laser as a pump source for afar-infrared laser with a high peak power and a high repetitionrate

A modified current pulsed Q (EMQ)-switched CO₂ laser which is Q-switched by a mechanical beam chopper in combination with a pulsed discharge current is discussed. The laser produces a very stable output with a peak power greater than 1 kW at a repetition rate of 1000 p.p.s. for all transitions in the P and R branches of the CO₂ spectrum. A CH₃F laser pumped by the EMQ-switched laser produces 496 μm radiation in a 6.5 W peak, 100 ns pulses at 500 p.p.s. in the lowest loss EH₁₁ mode     

Transmission electron microscopy study on the superstructure and the precipitation of γ′-Fe4N in initially homogeneous ɛ-iron nitride powders

Annealed and quenched ɛ-Fe_2-3N powders with an initially homogeneous composition of Fe₃N_1.0 were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM specimens were successfully prepared from the powder using a sandwiching technique. The superstructure in ɛ-powders was identified as ɛ′-Fe₃N type (space group P6₃22), and no other type of superstructure was observed. γ′-Fe₄N nitride precipitated from ɛ powders as individual grains during the annealing process, which is different from the typical fine lamellar structure observed in bulk iron-nitride samples. The observed orientation relationships between γ′ and ɛ grains are also different from that reported in the lamellar structure of bulk iron-nitride samples. This suggests that in the powder investigated by us there is no one specific orientation of the precipitated γ′ grains with respect to the parent ɛ grains.     

Anesthetic management for a patient with pheochromocytoma using magnesium sulfate and epidural block

A 54-year-old woman with pheochromocytoma was anesthetized using magnesium sulfate infusion. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental and fentanyl, and maintained with 0.5% sevoflurane in nitrous oxide/oxygen and 60 mg.hr-1 of epidurally infused lidocaine. Muscle relaxation was achieved with intermittent administration of vecuronium under neuromuscular monitoring. Magnesium 2 g was infused prior to the tracheal intubation and followed by continuous infusion of 2 g.hr-1. These anesthetic techniques made hemodynamic state stable, and no additional vasoactive agents were needed. However, the infusion rate of magnesium was reduced to a half because of PQ interval prolongation. Magnesium is believed to be useful for anesthetic management for patients with pheochromocytoma, but the proper dose and the way of administration should be further investigated for their safe clinical use.     

Risk factors for neurologic deterioration after revascularization surgery in patients with moyamoya disease

To investigate the risk factors for postoperative neurological deterioration in patients with moyamoya disease, we retrospectively reviewed the perioperative course of 368 cases of revascularization surgery in 216 patients with this disease. Risk factors anecdotally associated with postoperative ischemic events were analyzed by comparing groups with or without a history of such events on the operative day. Ischemic events were noted in 14 cases (3.8%), 4 of which were defined as strokes and the others as transient ischemic attack (TIA). Postoperative neurological deterioration more often developed in patients who suffered from frequent TIAs, had precipitating factors for TIA, and underwent indirect nonanastomotic revascularization. The authors conclude that the incidence of postoperative ischemic events were related more to the severity of moyamoya disease and the type of surgical procedure than to other factors, including anesthetic management. IMPLICATIONS: Although preventing stroke is the major concern for patients with moyamoya disease, risk factors for perioperative cerebral ischemia have not been clarified. We retrospectively analyzed the perioperative course in 368 cases with this disease and found that the severity of the disease and type of surgical procedure were major determinants of postoperative cerebral ischemia.     

Deuterium NMR analysis of main-chain polymer liquid crystals

Summary Deuterium NMR measurements have been performed for main-chain polymer liquid crystals having structures such as {Ø-OC(O)-Ø-O(CD₂)_nO-Ø-C(O)O-Ø-O(CH₂)_nO}_x with n = 9, 10. D-NMR spectra obtained in the nematic mesophase are compared with those previously reported for the dimer liquid crystals of the type NC---O(CD₂)_nO---CN with n = 9, 10, Although resolutions are relatively poor in the polymer spectrum, the general profiles of the spectra were found to be similar to those of the corresponding dimer. The results of the RIS analysis suggest that the spatial configurations of the spacer are nearly identical between the dimer and polymer. It has been concluded that the observed enhancement in the quadru-polar splittings should arise largely from a higher orientational ordering of the molecular axis in the polymeric system.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene. 1. Comparison with experimental data for static and dynamic properties

Molecular dynamics (MD) calculations of cis-1,4-polybutadiene in bulk amorphous phase were performed under constant pressure and constant temperature conditions. The static and dynamic properties were evaluated from the results of MD calculations. The obtained density and coefficient of thermal expansion are in good agreement with experimental data. The feature of the calculated static structure factor is similar to the observed one. Molecular motion is examined with mean square displacements and intermediate scattering functions. An onset of a new motion, which corresponds to so-called fast process, was clearly observed in the temperature dependence of the mean square displacement above 100 K. The dynamic structure factors obtained by the Fourier transformation of the intermediate scattering functions are compared with those obtained from quasielastic neutron scattering measurements. The peaks corresponding to the elastic scattering and the low energy excitation at around 2 meV are reproduced in the dynamic structure factors. The excessive intensity observed in the dynamic structure factor, which corresponds to the fast process, is also reproduced above 140 K in our simulation.