CW operation at - 10°C for InGaAlP visible light laser diodes grown by MOCVD

CW operation at - 10°C for InGaP/InGaAlP double heterostructure (DH) laser diodes has been achieved for the first time. The DH wafers were grown by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapour deposition using methyl metalorganics as the source of group III elements. Under room-temperature pulsed operation, the lasing wavelength was 663 nm and the lowest threshold current density was 7.8 kA/cm2. The CW characteristic temperature T0 was 63 K at around -30°C.     

An experimental study on aerodynamic sound generated from wake interaction of circular cylinder and airfoil with attack angle in tandem

In our previous study, the effects of the interval between the cylinder and the airfoil on the aerodynamic sound were investigated and compared with the cases of single circular and single airfoil. In this study, the effects of the attack angle of the airfoil located downstream on the characteristics of aerodynamic sound and the wake structure are investigated at a given interval between the cylinder and the airfoil. It is found that the sound pressure level of DFN and the peak frequency decrease with increasing attack angle of airfoil because of the diffusive wake structure due to the increased back pressure of circular cylinder, which is caused by the blocking effect of airfoil. It is shown that the sound sources are corresponded to the attack points of shedding vortex form the upstream circular cylinder to the downstream airfoil. We conclude that the pressure fluctuation at the airfoil surface effects on the sound pressure level, from the flow visualizations and the exploration test of sound source.     

Reduction of in vitro allergenicity of buckwheat Fag e 1 through the Maillard-type glycosylation with polysaccharides

A major allergenic protein of buckwheat, Fag e 1 prepared from common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), was covalently linked with food-grade polysaccharides, arabinogalactan or xyloglucan through the controlled dry-heating at 60 °C under 65% relative humidity. The introduction of polysaccharide chain onto the molecular surface of Fag e 1 reduced the allergenicity of Fag e 1. The results revealed that the Maillard-type glycosylation of Fag e 1 with polysaccharides brought about a drastic reduction of the reactivity against human sera of buckwheat-allergy subjects, using immuno dot-blotting, QCM analysis and ELISA. In addition, the glycosylation of Fag e 1 yielded a great improvement of its surface functionality. Solubility of Fag e 1 at the neutral pH was substantially increased up to 13.5 times and 9.6 times by the conjugation with arabinogalactan and xyloglucan, respectively. Emulsifying properties of Fag e 1 were also improved by the glycosylation, of which both emulsifying activity and emulsion stability were more than 6 times higher than those of the native protein.     

Carbon nanofibers with radially oriented channels

An easy templateless method to synthesize porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) having radially-oriented mesopores is reported, using selective gasification with nano-sized catalyst particles and hydrogen as the gasification reagent. The gasification generated pores whose size corresponds to that of the catalyst particle used for the drilling. The pores were formed along the graphitic layers, reflecting the structural alignment in the CNFs. The pore size and structure can be controlled by selection of catalyst and gasification conditions.     

A corrosion prediction method for weathering steels

Japanese Specification for Highway Bridges [Japan Road Association: Specification for Highway Bridges—I & II, 2002.3] has been revised in 2002, which clearly states that degradation of bridge members, including those of weathering steels, to occur in prolonged period of time must be taken into account at the design stage to realize long term structural durability. To cope with the revised paradigm, SABI chemistry committee in Japan Society of Corrosion Engineers has proposed durable state concept [SABI Chemistry Committee of Japan Society of Corrosion Engineers, in: Proc. 132nd Symposium for Corrosion and Protection, 2001.6.25, p. 3], which is defined as a condition in which corrosion rate of steel is slow enough not to form thick rust [H. Kihira, K. Shiotani, H. Miyuki, T. Nakayama, M. Takemura, Y. Watanabe, Doboku Gakkai Ronbun-shu (J. Japan Soc. Civil Engineers) No. 745/I-65, 2003.10, pp.77-87]. Since corrosiveness of atmosphere differs by location, a corrosion prediction method for both conventional and advanced weathering steels [H. Kihira, A. Usami, K. Tanabe, M. Ito, G. Shigesato, Y. Tomita, T. Kusunoki, T. Tsuzuki, S. Ito, T. Murata, in: Electrochemical Society Proceedings, vol. 99-26, 2000, pp. 127-136] is needed to ensure structural durability for future. Thus, versatile computational scheme for it has been derived through mathematical modeling based upon the durable state concept.     

Oxidative coupling of methane applying a solid oxide fuel cell system

A fuel cell system using yttria-stabilized zirconia as a solid electrolyte was applied to the oxidative coupling of methane. The most active and selective catalyst was BaCO₃ deposited on Au-electrode (anode). Optimum conditions for the reaction were examined. The pressure of methane at the anode and that of oxygen at the cathode should be high as much as possible. The optimum temperature was 1073 K. Several advantages of the method are described.     

采用无偏振片反射式LCD及超低功耗驱动技术制造移动显示器件

我们通过对材料和制备条件的精细化处理,生产出一种在低刷新频率下无闪烁和图像迟滞现象的反射式显示器。该显示器的功耗非常低,且可在宽温度范围内工作,是未来移动显示器件的潜力平台。     

Hydroxypropyl-Distarch Phosphate from Potato Starch Increases Fecal Output, but Does Not Reduce Zinc, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium Absorption in Rats

The physiological effects of hydroxypropyl‐distarch phosphate (HDP) were examined in rats. Male rats were fed a fiber‐free purified diet containing gelatinized potato starch (PS, 50 g/kg diet) that was not modified chemically or gelatinized, chemically modified potato starch (CMS, 50 g/kg diet) for 21 d. PS was used as the control. Six kinds of gelatinized HDP from potato with 2 different degrees of hydroxypropylation and 3 different degrees of cross‐linking were used as CMS. The wet weight and moisture of the fecal output of the rats fed highly hydroxypropylated HDP was 70% and 30% greater, respectively, than that in the control rats. The weights of the cecal wall and content of the rats fed highly hydroxypropylated HDP were 15% and 30% higher, respectively, than those of the control rats. The apparent absorption of Mg was 15% higher in the rats fed highly hydroxypropylated HDP than in the control rats. On the other hand, the apparent absorptions of Ca, Zn, and Fe were not affected by the diet. Cross‐linking did not influence the above‐mentioned physiological effects of HDP. Fecal excretion of bile acids and the plasma cholesterol concentration were not affected by the diet. These results show that the physiological effects of HDP depend on the hydroxypropylation but not the cross‐linking.     

Low‐velocity impact response and compression after impact assessment of recycled carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites for future applications

The influence of recycling on the impact damage resistance of recycled carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites was investigated using low‐velocity impact and compression after impact (CAI) tests. The relationships among load, force, and time were analyzed to gain insight into the damage characteristics of three types of composite laminate: virgin CF‐reinforced polymer (V‐CFRP), recycled CF‐reinforced polymer (R‐CFRP), and treated recycled CF‐reinforced polymer (TR‐CFRP). Special emphasis was placed on evaluating the extent of damage and the residual mechanical properties as affected by three different fiber surface states. Substantial differences were noted in the shape, area, and damage mode of impact using ultrasonic c‐scanning, photography, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). V‐CFRP indicated significant improvement in impact damage resistance in the form of less damage, higher residual strength, and greater shear failure angle. Damage resistance was improved up to 80% of V‐CFRP by surface cleaning while R‐CFRP is 50% of V‐CFRP. Shear failure angle of 16° was attained from R‐CFRP and it was increased to 24° when the recycled fibers were cleaned. The result of SEM showed that there was less delamination of TR‐CFRP compared with R‐CFRP. This work proves that the low‐velocity impact response of recycled composites can rival that of virgin composites, while providing a basis for future applications of recycled carbon in many fields. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1494–1506, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Amplified fragment length polymorphism of the AWA1 gene of sake yeasts for identification of sake yeast strains

Sake yeasts are used for sake brewing and have a crucial role in the quality of sake, since they produce not only ethanol but also various compounds that provide sake flavors. Therefore, the appropriate selection and monitoring of a strain used in sake mash is important. However, the identification of specific sake yeast strains has been difficult, because sake yeasts have similar characteristics in taxonomic and physiological analyses. We found amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) in the PCR products of the AWA1 gene of sake yeast strains. The AWA1 gene encodes a cell wall protein that is responsible for foam formation in sake mash. This polymorphism of the AWA1 gene can be used for the identification of sake yeast strains.