Measurement and correlation of mutual diffusion coefficients for styrene-butadiene rubber(SBR)-n-nonane systems

The mutual diffusion coefficients for styrene-butadiene rubber(SBR)-n-nonane systems were measured using a sorption apparatus with a quartz spring at 100 and 130°C for mass fractions of n-nonane ranging from 0 to 0.16. The mutual diffusion coefficients were correlated with good agreement by the free-volume theory.     

Growth of InGaN self-assembled quantum dots and their applicationto lasers

We have successfully grown InGaN self assembled quantum dots (QD's) on a GaN layer, using atmospheric-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The average diameter of the QD's was as small as 8.4 nm, and strong emission from the QD's was observed at room temperature. Next, we have investigated a structure in which InGaN QD's were stacked to increase the total QD density. InGaN QD's were formed even when the number of stacked layers was ten. As the number of layers increased, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity increased drastically. Moreover, we have fabricated a laser structure with InGaN QD's embedded into the active layer. A clear threshold of 6.0 mJ/cm² was observed in the dependence of the emission intensity on the excitation energy at room temperature under optical excitation. Above the threshold, the emission was strongly polarized in the transverse electric (TE) mode, and the linewidth of the emission spectra was reduced to below 0.1 nm (resolution limit). The peak wavelength was around 405 nm. These results indicate lasing action at room temperature     

Synthesis and photoinduced surface relief grating formation of novel photo-responsive amorphous molecular materials, 4-[bis(9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)amino]-4′-cyanoazobenzene and 4-[bis(9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)-amino]-4′-nitroazobenzene

Novel azobenzene-based photo-responsive amorphous molecular materials, 4-[bis(9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)amino]-4′-cyanoazobenzene and 4-[bis(9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)amino]-4′-nitroazobenzene, have been synthesized and the formation of surface relief grating on their amorphous films has been investigated. It was found that a relatively large surface relief grating could be inscribed on both amorphous films upon interference exposure to the writing laser beams. The modulation depth of the surface relief grating inscribed on the amorphous film of the cyano-substituted material was found to be larger than that inscribed on the film of the nitro-substituted one and seemed to be comparable to that inscribed on the amorphous film of the parent material, 4-[bis(9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)amino]azobenzene. These results were discussed from the viewpoint of their trans–cis photoisomerizations as amorphous films and glass-transition temperatures.     

Preferable structure of poly(ethylene glycol) for grafting onto a cellulosic membrane to increase hemocompatibility without reduction in solute permeability of the membrane

Swelling layers formed by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains grafted onto surfaces of a cellulosic membrane are known to improve hemocompatibility of the membrane. Three types of hemodialysis membranes were derived from the same regenerated-cellulose hollow-fiber membrane by grafting PEG with different formulas onto the surfaces to clarify the influence of the grafted PEG chains on solute permeability of the membranes. Determination of volume fractions of nonfreezing water contained in the membranes by differential scanning calorimetry revealed that most of the PEG chains were grafted onto the external surfaces and less into the pores in the membranes. Permeability of vitamin B₁₂ for the PEG-grafted membranes except for the one with the shortest PEG chains was reduced as compared with the original membrane, while that of tritium-labeled water for all the PEG-grafted membranes was the same as that of the original membrane. Structural parameters only of the PEG-grafted membrane with the largest alkyl groups at the terminal of the PEG chains were different from those of the other PEG-grafted and original membranes. The shorter PEG chains with the larger terminal alkyl groups are suitable for grafting onto a cellulosic membrane to increase hemocompatibility of the membrane without significant reduction in the solute permeability of the membrane. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Preparation of sharp-melting hard palm midfraction and its use as hard butter in chocolate

Preparation of hard palm midfractions (PMF) and its use as a cocoa butter equivalent ingredient were studied. Hard PMF is obtained by multistep fractionation of palm oil involving dry fractionation (DF) and/or solvent fractionation (SF), usually using hexane or acetone. From our experience, in acetone, a polar solvent, symmetrical 1,3-disaturated triacylglycerols tend to selectively crystallize more than nonsymmetrical 1,2- or 2,3-disaturated triacylglycerols, making it suitable for obtaining the solid midfraction. Unfortunately, triacylglycerols are very soluble in hexane, and temperatures at least 15 degrees lower than those required for acetone must be used for equivalent crystal yields. On the other hand, DF is a less expensive and safer process. Thus, multistep fractionation combining DF and SF using acetone was developed to achieve sufficient removal of high-melting components, and further enrichment of 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol and the hard PMF was obtained by triple-step fractionation of palm olein or double-step fractionation of soft PMF. Compared to conventional hard PMF, this hard PMF had a steeper melting curve and better snapping and sharp-melting qualities when used in chocolate. Heat resistance of the hard PMF chocolate was similar to the conventional hard PMF chocolate, and its bloom resistance could be improved by adding polyglycerol fatty acid esters.     

Study of individual differences in ERP by multivariate analysis of a few single trial ERPs

The study of Event-related potentials(ERPs) has contributed to the understanding of human psychological functions. ERPs are postulated to be multi-component electrical activities of the brain.

In our previous paper, the single trial CNV data measured at each electrode site under constant experimental conditions were analyzed by PCA - Varimax rotation - Multiple regression analysis. However, such a method requires a lot of single trial CNV samples to estimate the clearer CNV components.

The purpose of the present study is to compare the differences in CNV components between individual subjects. In order to extract satisfactory CNV components from few single trial data, the CNV samples were multiplied by uniform pseudo-random numbers generated by computer.

The results indicated that the CNV components of each subject have specific waveshape and amplitude.     

Characteristics on PWM CSI-induction motor drive system with utility interactive photovoltaic generation

This paper proposes a PWM current source inverter-induction motor drive system with photovoltaic generation. Solar cells are inserted in dc link to obtain constant current characteristics. They are connected to the utility system with a PWM converter. The PWM converter is controlled to obtain the maximum output photovoltaic (PV) power. The PWM inverter supplies sinusoidal currents for an induction motor, which is driven by constant V/f control. A pulsewidth control is utilized in the inverter section because of constant dc link current caused by peculiar V-I solar cell characteristics. In the system proposed here, the PV power is not only used for inverter-induction motor drive but it also flows into the utility system. The experimental results in steady state show that the proposed system has sinusoidal current with unity power factor in the utility system, the maximum output PV power and sinusoidal current/voltage for a motor. The demonstrated results for the separation of the utility system or the motor from the converter-PV-inverter system are given. © 1997 Scripta Technica, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 118 (2): 79–87, 1997     

Technology interaction of Electrical Engineering

The paper reviews the global activities of the Technical Committee for History of Electrical Engineering (HEE) in Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ) to discuss its future activities. Introducing HEE global activities in the Maui Meeting (MM) and International Conference on Electrical Engineering (ICEE), the paper discusses the framework of the International Joint Study Programme for History of Technology Interaction (IJSP/HTI) on the basis of its current study conducted by the Investigation Committee for International Joint Study for History of Technology Interaction (IC/HTI). It concludes the discussion with the view that the study of history could serve as a foundation for us to achieve global contributions in the field of engineering as well. © 2006 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.