Observations-weighted controllers for linear stochastic systems using a dual criterion: the multivariable case

The solution of a dual criterion observations-weighted control problem is obtained, using the polynomial equation approach, for linear, stochastic, multivariable, discrete-time systems. The system model involves input disturbance, and reference and coloured measurement noise signals. The dual criterion considered here includes the sensitivity functions in addition to the usual observations-weighted cost function. It is shown that the observations-weighted controller presented guarantees the internal stability of the closed-loop system, even in a light control for non-minimum-phase plants, whenever the sensitivity and/or complementary sensitivity weighting matrices are non-zero. The controller is also effective for improving the robustness of the usual observations-weighted controller, but has comparable computation loads to the dual criterion linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) controller in a general situation.     

Input-output linearization of nonlinear systems with time delays in state variables

The present paper is concerned with nonlinear systems that contain delays inside coupled with a part of state variables, which are often the cases in practical problems, but have not been treated yet. First we introduce an extension of the Lie derivative for a difference-differential equation; then we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of a nonlinear feedback that linearizes the input-output behaviour of a system and decouples it from the delayed variables simultaneously. Discussions are given for two cases: firstly when the linearizing feedback contains only current values of state variables, and secondly when the linearizing feedback has memories to utilize the past values as well as the current values of state variables.     

Application of a multiple-model adaptive filter method to inertial navigation systems

The multiple-model adaptive filter (MMAF) method is applied to the estimation of error states of inertial navigation systems (INS). Monte Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of several MMAFs to uncertainties in flight condition, where a Doppler radar receiver or Omega receiver is considered as the reference information source. It is shown that the MMAF method is useful not only for a case where the actual system model is included within the candidate models, but also for a case where the actual system model is not included within the candidate models.     

Microstructure analysis of Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets improved by Tb-metal vapour sorption

Behaviours of constituent elements in the Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets improved by Tb-metal vapour sorption have been investigated by using an analytical transmission microscopy. It was found that a triple junction of the grain boundaries consists of fine Nd-O crystalline and amorphous phase. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that the amorphous phase mainly consists of Co, Nd and Tb. The Tb-treatment causes the formation of the amorphous Co-Nd(Tb) wetting-layer phase which wraps each Nd₂Fe₁₄B grain. The results suggest that the wrapped structure prevents the nucleation of magnetic reversed domains and then improves significantly the coercivity of the magnet.     

The quantitative analysis of thin specimens: a review of progress from the Cliff-Lorimer to the new ζ-factor methods

A new quantitative thin‐film X‐ray analysis procedure termed the ζ‐factor method is proposed. This new ζ‐factor method overcomes the two major limitations of the conventional Cliff‐Lorimer method for quantification: (1) use of pure‐element rather than multielement, thin‐specimen standards and (2) built‐in X‐ray absorption correction with simultaneous thickness determination. Combined with a universal, standard, thin specimen, a series of ζ‐factors covering a significant fraction of the periodic table can be estimated. This ζ‐factor estimation can also provide information about both the detector efficiency and the microscope–detector interface system. Light‐element analysis can also be performed more easily because of the built‐in absorption correction. Additionally, the new ζ‐factor method has several advantages over the Cliff‐Lorimer ratio method because information on the specimen thickness at the individual analysis points is produced simultaneously with compositions, thus permitting concurrent determination of the spatial resolution and the analytical sensitivity. In this work, details of the ζ‐factor method and how it improves on the Cliff‐Lorimer approach are demonstrated, along with several applications.     

Analysis of ATP and Its Breakdown Products in Beef by Reversed-Phase HPLC

Analytical conditions for the quantitative determination of adenosine 5′-triphosphate(ATP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate(ADP), inosine 5′-monophosphate(IMP), adenosine 5′-monophosphate(AMP), hypoxanthine(Hyp), xanthine(Xan), inosine(Ino) and adenosine(Ado) in meat extracts by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were examined. A commercial ODS column with a 5-μm particle diameter was used, and expeimental parameters affecting the separation were discussed. Peaks in chromatograms of meat extracts were identified by retention time, co-injection with standards, absorbance ratios and the enzymatic peak shift method. The procedure proposed was adaptable as an indication of freshness of meat.     

OBSERVATIONS OF FATIGUE FAILURE IN SYNCHRONOUS BELTS

Abstract— The morphologies of failures in synchronous belts were observed following four types of fatigue test. Two modes of initiation were observed. One was due to cord failure which was observed under various conditions. Detailed observations showed that the interfaces between stranded glass filaments were separated at the centre of the cords. The extended direction of the separations was mainly vertical to the back face of the synchronous belt. The second mode of crack initiation was observed under relatively high loadings of the mating flank of the belt tooth. The cracks were initiated at the tooth roots of the synchronous belts. Finally, the deformation behaviour of a synchronous belt was measured under static loading.     

Backscattered electron image of osmium‐impregnated/macerated tissues as a novel technique for identifying the cis‐face of the Golgi apparatus by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy

The osmium maceration method with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enabled to demonstrate directly the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of membranous cell organelles. However, the polarity of the Golgi apparatus (that is, the cis–trans axis) can hardly be determined by SEM alone, because there is no appropriate immunocytochemical method for specific labelling of its cis‐ or trans‐faces. In the present study, we used the osmium impregnation method, which forms deposits of reduced osmium exclusively in the cis‐Golgi elements, for preparation of specimens for SEM. The newly developed procedure combining osmium impregnation with subsequent osmium maceration specifically visualised the cis‐elements of the Golgi apparatus, with osmium deposits that were clearly detected by backscattered electron‐mode SEM. Prolonged osmication by osmium impregnation (2% OsO₄ solution at 40°C for 40 h) and osmium maceration (0.1% OsO₄ solution at 20°C for 24 h) did not significantly impair the 3D ultrastructure of the membranous cell organelles, including the Golgi apparatus. This novel preparation method enabled us to determine the polarity of the Golgi apparatus with enough information about the surrounding 3D ultrastructure by SEM, and will contribute to our understanding of the global organisation of the entire Golgi apparatus in various differentiated cells.     

Multilayer polarization elements and their applications to polarimetric studies in vacuum ultraviolet and soft X-ray regions

Multilayer polarization elements and their applications to polarimetric studies in 20～400 eV region are mainly reviewed.General principle of selecting material combinations to get high linear polarizance multilayers of reflection type is given with practical examples,with periodic or non-periodic layer structures depending on the usage.Transmission type is introduced as linear polarizer and phase shifter.Their applications include polarization diagnosis of laboratory optical systems and synchrotron radiation beamlines of linear and circular polarization,magnetic rotation experiments such as Faraday rotation and magnetic Kerr rotation on magnetic films and multilayers,and ellipsometry to measure optical constants of thin films precisely.Polarization analysis of soft X-ray fluorescence using multilayer-coated grating is also mentioned.Finally this review is summarized with outlook of further developments.