Electron-beam irradiation-induced grafting of acrylonitrile onto polyethylene

Low- and high-density polyethylene (PE) films were grafted with acrylonitrile (AN) by electron beam prior to irradiation. The distribution of graft chains over the cross section of the sample film was analyzed in terms of the distribution of nitrogen atoms contained in the AN by means of an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), and graft sites were studied in relation to the effect of grafting temperature on the percent graft and the oxygen permeability of the sample films. It was found that diffusion of AN into the film was the rate-limiting step in the grafting process, thus restricting the grafting to the surface of the film in the initial grafting stages. However, the grafting shifted to the center of film as the graft process proceeded, until a uniform distribution of graft chains was observed across the entire film thickness. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was found to display a higher percent graft than did low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and percent graft tended to increase with increasing grafting temperature. On the other hand, film oxygen permeability decreased with increasing percent graft, but this decreasing trend decreased with increasing percent graft. These findings suggest that the grafting is initiated by radicals trapped in the amorphous phase near the crystalline regions and at the surface of crystallites and that graft chains grow toward the amorphous regions. As for the radicals contributing to graft polymerization, it appears that AN permeates deeper near the crystalline surface and that graft chains grow from these sites.     

Ultra light-weight and high-resolution X-ray mirrors using DRIE and X-ray LIGA techniques for space X-ray telescopes

We are developing novel ultra light-weight and high-resolution X-ray micro pore optics for space X-ray telescopes. In our method, curvilinear micro pore structures are firstly fabricated by silicon deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) or X-ray LIGA processes. Secondly, side walls of the micro structures are smoothed by magnetic field assisted finishing and/or hydrogen annealing techniques for high reflectivity mirrors. Thirdly, to focus parallel X-ray lights from astronomical objects, these structures are elastically or plastically bent into a spherical shape. Fourthly, the bent structures are stacked to form a multi-stage X-ray telescope. In this paper, we report on fabrication and X-ray reflection tests of silicon and nickel X-ray mirrors using the DRIE and LIGA processes, respectively. For the first time, X-ray reflections were confirmed on both of the mirrors. Estimated rms roughnesses were 5 nm and 3 nm for the silicon and nickel mirrors, respectively.     

An experimental study on aerodynamic sound generated from wake interaction of circular cylinder and airfoil with attack angle in tandem

In our previous study, the effects of the interval between the cylinder and the airfoil on the aerodynamic sound were investigated and compared with the cases of single circular and single airfoil. In this study, the effects of the attack angle of the airfoil located downstream on the characteristics of aerodynamic sound and the wake structure are investigated at a given interval between the cylinder and the airfoil. It is found that the sound pressure level of DFN and the peak frequency decrease with increasing attack angle of airfoil because of the diffusive wake structure due to the increased back pressure of circular cylinder, which is caused by the blocking effect of airfoil. It is shown that the sound sources are corresponded to the attack points of shedding vortex form the upstream circular cylinder to the downstream airfoil. We conclude that the pressure fluctuation at the airfoil surface effects on the sound pressure level, from the flow visualizations and the exploration test of sound source.     

Analysis of the mechanism of trophoblast infiltration

Thymidylate synthase plays a central role in the biosynthesis of thymidylate, an essential precursor for DNA biosynthesis. In addition to its role in catalysis and cellular metabolism, it is now appreciated that thymidylate synthase functions as an RNA binding protein. Specifically, thymidylate synthase binds with high affinity to its own mRNA, resulting in translational repression. An extensive series of experiments has been performed to elucidate the molecular elements underlying the interaction between thymidylate synthase and its own mRNA. In addition to characterization of the underlying cis- and trans-acting elements, recent studies have shown that thymidylate synthase has the capacity to bind specifically to other cellular RNA species. While the biological significance of these other RNA/thymidylate synthase interactions remains to be defined, this work suggests a potential role for TS in coordinately regulating several critical aspects of cellular metabolism.     

Development of Compact 500 kV 8000 a Gas Insulated Transmission Line-Dust Control during Field Jointing and Method for Detecting Conductive Particles

This paper describes the results of studies made on dust control during field jointing and a method for detecting conductive particles after installation in the development of a compact 500 kV 8000 A gas insulated transmission line (GIL). The study on dust control during field jointing proved that field jointing of the compact GIL can be done like conventional GIL in an easily fabricated vinyl shelter without a clean air flow. Harmful conductive particles can be detected with an Acoustic Emission (AE) sensor. This sensor is effective in improving the reliability of the compact GIL when used with a suitable ac voltage during field test. A 120 m long test line of compact 500 kV 8000 A GIL was constructed and, in a long-term field test, proved to have properties sufficient for practical use.     

Attenuated Toatal Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectra of a Hydrated Sodium Soilicate Glass

Attenuated total reflectance Fouriertransform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra were measured in the region from 4300 to 400 cm⁻¹ for a hydrated Na₂O–SiO₂ glass containing 35 wt% water. The Si–OH bending vibration mode was observed. It was found that the incorporated water, molecular water as well as hydroxyls, affected the Si–O vibrations. The effect of incorporated water upon the glass structure is discussed.     

Non‐copper‐coated solid wire for MAG welding

In the modern manufacturing sector, new materials and current fabrication technologies force a critical re-examination of all conventional knowledge. Increasing production and reducing waste remain fundamental objectives for every business: the trend is moving towards increasingly reduced labour, which is gradually being replaced by automation. On the other hand, especially in such a fundamental sector as the automotive industry, there is a prime requirement: reduced vehicle weight, due to the incessant demand for energy and cost savings, in addition to meeting commitments relating to harmful emissions and environmental protection. The metallurgical development of high-strength steels has allowed the use of new materials with increasingly enhanced mechanical characteristics, benefiting mankind with increased safety and the ability to absorb ever greater quantities of energy without cracking. To analyse the problems associated with the types of welding used with increasing frequency in the automobile sector, research has been focussed on joints made between conventional materials such as S355 steel and high-strength Dual Phase steels. This study has attempted to highlight the use of a welding robot in a mass production setting, and to study the best welding parameters when not working with components with the same metallurgical characteristics. Furthermore, the ability to obtain good quality welds when there are geometrical problems, such as misalignments between the pieces to be welded, has been evaluated.