Efficient design of multistage magnetic pulse compression

We have developed a two stage magnetic pulse compression (MPC) system by optimizing the distribution of the compression ratio at each stage. The maximum energy transfer efficiency of the MPC was 88%. With this MPC and SI thyristors we obtained the CVL output power of 103 W at a repetition rate of 5 kHz     

Factors affecting the efficiency of peripheral blood stem cell collection in children treated with chemotherapy and G-CSF

Post-training administration of morphine (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg) dose-dependently impairs retention of an inhibitory avoidance response in mice. The effects on retention performance induced by the drug appear to be due to an effect on memory consolidation. In fact, they were observed when drugs were given at short, but not long, periods of time after training, i.e., when the memory trace was susceptible to modulation. Moreover, these effects are not to be ascribed to an aversive or a rewarding or nonspecific action of the drugs on retention performance, because the latencies during the retention test of those mice that had not received a footshock during the training were not affected by post-training drug administration. Pretreatment with either selective D1 or D2 dopamine (DA) receptor antagonists SCH 23390 and (-)-sulpiride administered at per se noneffective doses (0.025 and 6 mg/kg, respectively) potentiated the effects of morphine, while either selective D1 or D2 receptor agonists SKF 38393 and LY 171555 at per se noneffective doses (5 and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively) antagonized the effects of the opiate on memory consolidation. No significant differences were evident between the effects of D1 and D2 receptor active compounds, thus suggesting that D1 and D2 receptor types are similarly involved in the effects of morphine on memory consolidation, in agreement with previously reported results. These results are discussed in terms of a possible inverse relationship of endogenous opioid and DA systems in the brain that are involved in memory processes.     

Chain conformation of polyethylene in the solid state as studied by 13C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

High-resolution ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectra of melt-quenched polyethylene and polyethylene single crystals are measured by the cross-polarization/magic angle spinning technique. Melt-quenched polyethylene and polyethylene single crystals have four small upfield peaks, a shoulder on the main peak and three small peaks, respectively. Based on the ¹³C n.m.r. resonance lines of cyclic paraffin C₆₄H₁₂₈ reported previously, it is concluded that the main peak and the three upfield peaks arise from the trans zigzag structure region and the folded structure region, respectively. From these peak intensities, it is estimated that the stem length of polyethylene single crystals is approximately 125 Å. Taking into account an error in the estimation of the small peak intensities, the calculated stem length of 125 Å is consistent with the crystal thickness (120–150 Å) observed directly by electron microscopy. It can be concluded, therefore, that polyethylene single crystals mainly contain sharply folded structure. Melt-quenched polyethylene may contain sharply folded structure to some extent in addition to loose loops.     

Pyroelectric infrared sensors made of La-modified PbTiO3 thin films and their applications

Abstract

High sensitive pyroelectric infrared (IR) sensors have been fabricated by using c-axis oriented La-modified PbTiO₃ (Pb_1–xLa_xTi_1?x/4O₃, PLT) thin films. The PLT thin films were deposited on (100)-cleaved MgO single crystal substrates by intermittent rf-magnetron sputtering method. The PLT thin films have high figures of merit for IR sensor without a poling treatment. High performance pyroelectric IR sensors (single element type and linear array type) were fabricated by using PLT (x=0·1, γ=5·5x10^?8 C/cm²K, ?_r=200) thin films. The sensors have remarkably high D* of 3–6x10⁸ cmHz^1/2/W and very fast response. A new compact IR sensing system using the linear array sensor (8 elements) has been developed for a new type of room air-conditioner. This system can measure thermal distribution (8x64) by horizontal scanning of the vertical linear array. Image processing with neural network concept makes possible high-accuracy using a few data from the sensor elements. This sensing system provides ‘‘smart airconditioning'’to improve the comfortable control.     

Real-time PCB monitoring using time-of-flight mass spectrometry with picosecond laser ionization

The study demonstrates the applicability of laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for real-time measurement of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Picosecond 266-nm laser light ionization reduced fragmentation and provided very high PCB detection sensitivity. This high sensitivity has advantages in terms of real-time monitoring capability as compared to the conventional GC-ECD or GC-MS methods, which require at least several days for the analysis of PCBs. Detection sensitivity of under 0.01 mg/Nm3 was achieved with a 1-min measuring time; this sensitivity is superior to the exhaust gas control guideline of 0.15 mg/Nm3 by a factor of 10. A prototype PCB monitoring device has been developed and tested in a pilot PCB treatment plant. The 1-min detection time represents a substantial advance in the monitoring of exhaust gas and the workplace atmosphere in accordance with safety regulations.     

A new selective medium for the isolation of anaerobic bacteria from marine animals

To develop a selective medium for the isolation of anaerobic gram-positive cocci from marine animals, agar media containing various drugs were examined using strains of Streptococcus sp., Vibrio spp. and Pseudomonas sp. On MAGPC medium, a modified BL agar with 0·3% β-phenylethyl alcohol, the anaerobic Streptococcus sp. grew well whereas other bacterial strains were inhibited. As compared with other four agar media, the MAGPC medium could efficiently isolate anaerobic gram-positive cocci from marine animals.     

High Capacity Li2S–Li2O–LiI Positive Electrodes with Nanoscale Ion-Conduction Pathways for All-Solid-State Li/S Batteries

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur (Li/S) batteries are promising next-generation energy-storage devices owing to their high capacities and long cycle lives. The Li₂S active material used in the positive electrode has a high theoretical capacity; consequently, nanocomposites composed of Li₂S, solid electrolytes, and conductive carbon can be used to fabricate high-energy-density batteries. Moreover, the active material should be constructed with both micro- and nanoscale ion-conduction pathways to ensure high power. Herein, a Li₂S–Li₂O–LiI positive electrode is developed in which the active material is dispersed in an amorphous matrix. Li₂S–Li₂O–LiI exhibits high charge–discharge capacities and a high specific capacity of 998 mAh g⁻¹ at a 2 C rate and 25 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy observation suggest that Li₂O–LiI provides nanoscale ion-conduction pathways during cycling that activate Li₂S and deliver large capacities; it also exhibits an appropriate onset oxidation voltage for high capacity. Furthermore, a cell with a high areal capacity of 10.6 mAh cm^–2 is demonstrated to successfully operate at 25 °C using a Li₂S–Li₂O–LiI positive electrode. This study represents a major step toward the commercialization of all-solid-state Li/S batteries.