Development of a Cyclogyro-Based Flying Robot With Variable Attack Angle Mechanisms

This paper presents an experimental study on the development of a cyclogyro-based flying robot with a new variable angle of attack mechanism. A cyclogyro is a flying machine supported in the air by power-driven rotors that rotate about a horizontal axis, like the paddle-wheels of a steamboat. Machines of this type have been designed by some companies but there has been no record of any successful flights. Our design starts with a new variable angle of attack mechanism with an eccentric (rotational) point in addition to a rotational point connecting to a motor. The main feature of the mechanism with the eccentric rotational point is the ability to change attack of angles in accordance with the wing positions (as determined by the rotational angles of the cyclogyro) without actuators. The design parameters (wing span, the number of wings, and eccentric distance) of the flying robot are determined through a series of experiments. Experimental results show that the cyclogyro-based flying robot with the new variable angle of attack mechanism is capable of generating sufficient lift force for flying.     

Precise rendering method for exact anti-aliasing and highlighting

This paper introduces the Precise Rendering Method, which generates accurately anti-aliased and highlighted images from tessellated polygons. The Precise Rendering Method first solves the aliasing problems of hidden surface removal by using the Cross Scanline Algorithm. This algorithm can exactly calculate polygon areas projected onto each pixel by using horizontal and vertical scanlines. Aliasing artifacts in shading are then prevented by the Reflection Intergration Method, which analytically integrates the intensity of reflection in the solid angle defined by surface normals at vertices of the projected area. Several synthesized images are created to show the efficiency of the Precise Rendering Method.     

Oxygen consumption for constant work is minimal at lowest working contractility in normal dog hearts

We tested whether minimal myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) for a given external work would exist in the middle of a normal contractility range as previously predicted theoretically. The left ventricle of the excised cross-circulated dog heart preparation was connected to a volume servo pump. Myocardial contractility in terms of ventricular end-systolic elastance (Emax) was gradually increased from control 8.9 +/- 3.4 (mean +/- SD) to 30.0 mmHg/(ml/100 g) by epinephrine and decreased to 1.8 mmHg/(ml/100 g) by propranolol while heart rate, end-systolic pressure and stroke work were kept constant. MVO2 was determined as the product of total coronary flow and coronary arteriovenous oxygen content difference in each contractile state. We plotted MVO2 values against E(max) values in each heart. The MVO2-E(max) relation for a constant cardiac work showed that MVO2 was minimal at the low end of the covered E(max) range. We conclude that minimal MVO2 for a given cardiac work is generally obtained at the lowest working contractility in normal dog hearts. This conclusion might pose some problems in the previous theoretical prediction as to the contractility that achieves the minimal MVO2 in a given external work.     

Subacute toxicity of piperonyl butoxide in ICR mice

Piperonyl butoxide, alpha-[2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-4,5-methylenedioxy-2-propyltol uene, is a pesticide synergist. ICR mice of both sexes were maintained on diet containing 0, 0.1, 0.3 or 0.9% of piperonyl butoxide for 20 days. At the end of the experimental period, they were necropsied. Selected organs were weighed and serum chemistries were analyzed. In male and female mice of the 0.9% group, body weight, kidney and spleen weight were depressed in comparison to those of control group. Liver weight of the 0.3 and 0.9% group of both sexes were significantly higher than those of control group. Mice of the 0.9% group of both sexes had increased serum levels of cholesterol, total protein, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Histological examination of livers from mice of the 0.9% group by light microscopy showed enlarged hepatocytes, anisonucleosis and single cell necrosis. The results indicated that subacute toxicity of piperonyl butoxide in ICR mice was directed primarily at liver.     

Development of `information collection and delivery sensor basesystem' for large-scale power systems

The authors present a real-time database system capable of collecting and delivering a large amount of information accurately at a high speed and by a simple method. This system has a microprocessor unit (MPU) for each private communication line around the main memory and coordinates the independent parallel operation for a number of these MPUs with the main memory access operation, using a fixed cyclic scan method and having all the MPUs perform multi-operation. Many advantages can be expected when this method is adopted, especially for the monitoring and control of power systems. Degradation of the system can be avoided during an information rush due to accidents, and it can be easily extended when adding to or expanding the power facilities in the future. Excellent daily maintainability can be assured, and a low overall cost can be expected     

The combined method: a novel access technique for fetal endoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To develop practical and less invasive techniques for fetal endoscopic surgery, new methods of lifting the uterine wall to allow fetal surgery without maternal laparotomy were developed and assessed. METHODS: Fetal endoscopic surgical procedures, including tracheostomy and umbilical vascular cannulation, were performed using one of the three methods to enter the uterus without maternal laparotomy in pregnant goats (n = 6; 105 to 115 days' gestation): (1) direct uterine lifting with an air-cushion device; (2) indirect uterine lifting, in which the uterine wall was fixed to the maternal abdominal wall using balloon tip ports inserted percutaneously by Seldinger's method, then the maternal abdomen was lifted mechanically; and (3) combined method, in which low pressure CO2 (5 mm Hg for initial inflation and 2 mm Hg for maintenance) was insufflated into the uterus in addition to the indirect uterine lifting cited above. RESULTS: The direct uterine lifting caused massive injury of myometrium and uterine membranes. The creation of intrauterine space and the protection of the membranes were not accomplished effectively by the indirect uterine lifting only. The combined method provided the adequate intrauterine space and excellent endoscopic visibility for completion of the endoscopic procedures with minimal uterine injury. CONCLUSION: The fetal endoscopic surgery may be accomplished simply and safely by the combined method, a novel technique of uterine lifting to allow fetal surgery without maternal laparotomy.     

A mesenteric liposarcoma with production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

A 77-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of pyrexia and a right retroperitoneal mass. Leukocytosis and other inflammatory findings were noted. Bone-marrow aspiration revealed hypercellularity with no malignant cells. An additional mass was detected sonographically in the pelvis. The serum concentration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was highly elevated (299 pg/ml). The tumors were removed at laparotomy, and the pelvic mass was found to arise from the ileocecal mesentery. Postoperatively, white blood cell count and serum G-CSF concentrations decreased to normal levels. The mesenteric tumor showed weakly positive immunostaining for human G-CSF, and Northern and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses detected CSF and its mRNA in the mesenteric tumor.     

Development of next generation PWR in Japan

The demand for energy in Japan is expected to increase steadily into the future, and it seems that the importance of nuclear power generation will be heightened more when the situation of our country which is not rich in energy resources is taken into account.

Furthermore, when we consider the present situation that the light water reactors have become common, recent outlook for the supply and demand for uranium resources, trends in the development of the fast breeder reactor technology, etc., the light water reactors are expected to remain dominant in the nuclear power generation of our country until at least the second half of the 21st century.

Based on such a background five PWR utilities in Japan (Hokkaido, Kansai, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Japan Atomic Power), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. have jointly started researching the Next Generation PWR which is expected to be the leading nuclear power plant taking place of APWR.