Automatic Train Operation Using Autonomic Prediction of Train Runs

In this paper, we present an automatic train control method adaptable to disturbed train traffic conditions. The proposed method presumes transmission of detected time of a home track clearance to trains approaching the station by employing equipment of Digital ATC (Automatic Train Control). Using the information, each train controls its acceleration by a method that consists of two approaches. First, by setting a designated restricted speed, the train controls its running time to arrive at the next station in accordance with predicted delay. Second, the train predicts the time at which it will reach the current braking profile generated by Digital ATC, along with the time when the braking profile transits ahead. By comparing them, the train correctly chooses the coasting drive mode in advance to avoid deceleration due to the current braking profile. We evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed method regarding driving conditions, energy consumption, and reduction of delays by simulation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(3): 65–73, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com ). DOI 10.10020/eej.21080     

Oxygen-Deficient Anatase Precipitated from High-Temperature Plasma

Feeding atomized aqueous solutions containing TiCl₄ into an argon high-temperature inductively coupled plasma (ICP) resulted in the formation of mixtures of white and blue particles. The mixtures consisted of anatase and an extra phase of rutile. Adding oxygen to the ICP led to the production of a single phase of white anatase. The blue particles could be characterized as oxygen-deficient anatase. Electrophoretic mobility measurements indicated that Na+ participated in determining the surface potential of the mixtures. The oxygen defects may provide the adsorption sites to Na+.     

Error grid analysis of noninvasive glucose monitoring via gingival crevicular fluid.

In order to realize a noninvasive blood glucose monitor, we monitored the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). In this paper, the clinical evaluations were performed on not only normal subjects but also diabetic subjects using a GCF-glucose monitor to determine blood glucose levels. Meal load tests were carried out and the time-course changes in blood glucose level and GCF glucose level were measured continuously. A positive correlation of more than 0.9 was found between blood glucose level and GCF glucose level, necessitating the calibration of individual correlations for every subject. Finally, the performance of the GCF-glucose monitor was evaluated using Error Grid Analysis. As the results, significant information for the glucose level decision was obtained not only for normal subjects, but also for diabetic subjects.     

Seismic proof test of a reinforced concrete containment vessel (RCCV): Part 1: Test model and pressure test

In Japan, the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC), sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), has been conducting a series of seismic reliability proving tests using full-scale or close to full-scale models to simulate actual important equipment that is critical for seismic safety of nuclear power plants. The tests are intended to validate the seismic design and reliability with a sufficient margin even under destructive earthquakes. A series of tests was carried out on a reinforced concrete containment vessel (RCCV) for advanced boiling water reactor (ABWR) from 1992 to 1999. A large-scale high-performance shaking table at Tadotsu Engineering Laboratory, the largest in the world, was used for this test. Part 1 reports the test model and the results of pressure and leak tests. Part 2 describes test procedures, input waves and the results of verification tests such as changes of stiffness, characteristic frequency and damping ratio, the failure of the model and the load deflection. Part 3 shows the seismic safety margin that was evaluated from the energy input during the failure test to a design basis earthquake. Part 4 reports simulation analysis results by a stick model with lumped masses.     

Size dependence of crystallization within spherical microdomain structures

We have investigated the size dependence of crystallization within spherical microdomains formed in various poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-polybutadiene diblock copolymers (PCL-b-PB). The crystallinity (χ) and melting temperature (T_m) of the PCL block are considerably lower than those of PCL homopolymer, and χ decreases steadily and T_m decreases only slightly with decreasing radius of PCL spheres (R) for a series of PCL-b-PB with a same molecular weight (M_n). When PCL-b-PB is compared with the similar R but different M_n, χ is significantly different, suggesting that the sphere size is not the unique factor to control crystallization within spherical microdomains.     

Optimal allocation of area in hierarchical road networks

This paper deals with the hierarchical road network design using a continuous model. The model is based on a grid road network where roads are classified into three types: access roads, minor arterial roads, and major arterial roads. Using a continuous approximation in which the distance is measured as the rectilinear distance, we obtain a simple approximation for the total travel time. We then find the optimal allocation of area taken up by roads at each level of the hierarchy so as to minimize the sum of the travel and construction costs. The result demonstrates how the total traffic volume, the traffic composition, and the unit construction cost affect the optimal road area. The optimal area of major arterial roads increases with the total traffic volume and the proportions of inward, outward, and through traffic and decreases with the unit construction cost.     

Radiation induced synthesis of Au-Pd nanoparticles of random alloy structure supported on carbon particles using the high energy electron beam

Au-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles supported on carbon particles were synthesized by reduction of precursor ions in an aqueous solution irradiated with a high energy electron beam. The composition of the samples was analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and the morphology of the samples was observed by the transmission electron microscope (TEM). TEM micrographs indicated that Au-Pd particles of ca. 5-nm were well dispersed on the surface of carbon particles of ca. 30-nm without any serious agglomeration. Addition of citric acid to the initial solution and high pH were found to be effective for formation of random alloy structure in the resultant bimetallic nanoparticles. The change in the bimetallic structure from core-shell to random alloy was identified by techniques of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS).     

950 keV, 3.95 MeV and 6 MeV X-band linacs for nondestructive evaluation and medicine

We are developing compact X-band linac X-ray sources for nondestructive evaluation and medicine. First, we develop a portable X-ray system by a 950 keV 9.4 GHz X-band linac to realize on-site inspection. We use a low power (250 kW) magnetron as an RF source for compactness of the whole system. Since the RF power source is quite small and the stored energy in the structure is also small, we faced the problem of beam loading and current/RF-power oscillation. We are analyzing the problem by the circuit model. We plan to use this system for erosion inspection of metal pipes of petrochemical complex. By adopting a side-coupling cavity design to avoid the oscillation, we have developed 6 MeV X-band (9.3 GHz) linac for pinpoint dynamic tracking cancer therapy. Furthermore, we are manufacturing 3.95 MeV X-band (9.3 GHz) linac X-ray source with flexible waveguides for on-site bridge inspection. Updated results and situations are presented.     

Strain-mediated phase control and electrolyte-gating of electron-doped manganites

A prototype Mott transistor, the electric double layer transistor with a strained CaMnO(3) thin film, is fabricated. As predicted by the strain phase diagram of electron-doped manganite films, the device with the compressively strained CaMnO(3) exhibits an immense conductivity modulation upon applying a tiny gate voltage of 2 V.     

Enhancement of optical absorption for below 5 μm thin-film poly-Si solar cell on glass substrate

Optical confinement effect of thin-film polycrystalline-Si (poly-Si) solar cell on glass substrate fabricated at low-temperature has been investigated as a function of cell thickness of less than 5 μm. We found that it is possible to fabricate the textured Si thin film in situ on a glass substrate and that the reflectance at long-wavelength light is reduced by surface texturing. Thin-film poly-Si solar cell and a-Si:H/(0.45 μm)/poly-Si (5 μm) tandem solar cell exhibit the efficiency of 8.6% and 12.8%, respectively. The numerical study in terms of the light trapping explains the excellent high short-circuit current density (_sc above 27 mA/cm² at the 4.7 μm thin-film poly-Si solar cell.