Dynamic X-ray diffraction studies of spherulitic poly-alpha-olefins in relation to the assignments of alpha and beta mechanical dispersions

The dynamic tensile deformation mechanism of spherulitic poly-alpha-olefins, high-density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, and isotactic polybutene-1, was investigated by dynamic X-ray diffraction at various temperatures and frequencies in order to assign the α and β mechanical dispersions explicitly. The uniaxial orientation distribution function q_j(ζ_j, 0) of the j-th crystal plane and its dynamic response Δq_j′(ζ_j, 0) in-phase with dynamic strain were observed for several crystal planes, and then the orientation distribution function ω(§, 0, η) of crystallites (crystal grains) and its dynamic response Δω′(§, 0, η), also in-phase with the dynamic strain, were determined by a mathematical transformation procedure proposed by Roe and Krigbaum on the basis of the Legendre addition theorem. The temperature and frequency dependences of Δω′(§, 0, η) were analyzed in terms of a spherulite deformation model combining affine orientation of crystal lamellae with several types of preferential reorientation of the crystal grains within the orienting lamellae. The following assignments are made: (1) the a mechanical dispersion must be assigned to the dynamic orientation dispersions of crystal grains within lamellae involving two types of preferential rotations of the grains associated with lamellar detwisting mostly in the equatorial zone of uniaxially deformed spherulites and with lamellar tilting mostly in the polar zone of the spherulites. Both processes are intralamellar grain-boundary phenomena, and the former process of lamellar detwisting is hardly activated for polypropylene and polybutene-1 spherulites in contrast to polyethylene spherulites. (2) The β mechanical dispersion must be assigned to the dynamic orientation dispersion of the crystal lamellae behaving as rigid bodies unaccompanied by reorientation of crystal grains within the orienting lamellae. This process is an interlamellar grain-boundary phenomenon.     

Normal-state and superconducting properties of Sr2RuO4

We discuss some of the current issues on the copper-free layered perovskite superconductor Sr₂RuO₄, for which a sharp transition at T_c = 1.2 K has been reproducibly obtained. The normal state is characterized as an essentially twodimensional Fermi liquid, and the coherent interlayer transport is established only at low temperatures. The cylindrical Fermi surface observed by de Haas-van Alphen experiments is consistent with other thermodynamic and transport properties. Although the specific heat jump across T_cconfirms the bulk superconductivity, the large residual T-linear term which correlates with the variation in T_cis unusual and suggestive of unconventional pairing.On leave from Hiroshima University.     

The in vitro and in vivo indomethacin release from self-setting bioactive glass bone cement

The in vivo and in vitro drug release profiles from a self-setting bioactive CaO-SiO2-P2O5 glass bone cement containing indomethacin as a model drug were investigated. The cement containing 2% and 5% indomethacin (IMC) powder hardened within 5 min after mixing with ammonium phosphate buffer. After setting, in vitro drug release from drug-loaded cement pellets in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at pH 7.25 and 37 degrees C continued for two weeks. The hardened cement gradually formed low-crystallinity hydroxyapatite during the drug release test in SBF. An IMC-loaded cement device (2% and 5% drug) was implanted in the subcutaneous tissue on the back of rats. The in vivo IMC release from the cement increased and attained maximum levels (Cmax of 2% and 5% drug-loaded cements was 0.27 and 3.37 micrograms/ml, respectively) at Tmax, 3 and 0.5 d, respectively, upon subcutaneous (s.c.) administration in rats. This suggested that the s.c. administration of the cement provided IMC release for a much longer period than s.c. administration of the solution, and the plasma IMC concentration was dependent on the drug concentration in the cement. The plasma IMC concentration and the area under the curve from 2% and 5% IMC-loaded cements in rats were dependent on the concentration of IMC in the cements. The in vivo IMC concentration in plasma obtained by the deconvolution method was much lower than that delivered in SBF in vitro. Scanning electron microscopy and photomicrographs of cross sections showed that the bioactive bone cement had excellent biocompatibility with the surrounding soft tissues.     

Artificial realization of human skill for contour control of robot manipulator

A methodology for the artificial realization of expert human skill is described. Artificial human skill was realized in the problem of contour control of mechatronic servo systems including robot manipulators and machine tools. The merits of the artificial human skill thus obtained are discussed. This work was presented, in part, at the International Symposium on Artificial Life and Robotics, Oita, Japan, February 18–20, 1996.