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KAGRA is a newly built gravitational wave observatory, a laser interferometer with a 3 km arm length, located in Kamioka, Gifu, Japan. In this series of articles, we present an overview of the baseline KAGRA, for which we finished installing the designed configuration in 2019. This article describes the method of calibration (CAL) used for reconstructing gravitational wave signals from the detector outputs, as well as the characterization of the detector (DET). We also review the physical environmental monitors (PEM) system and the geophysics interferometer (GIF). Both are used for characterizing and evaluating the data quality of the gravitational wave channel. They play important roles in utilizing the detector output for gravitational wave searches. These characterization investigations will be even more important in the near future, once gravitational wave detection has been achieved, and in using KAGRA in the gravitational wave astronomy era., Comment: 2021/02/08 Accepted by PTEP

Two cavities in different size with the photonic crystal structure have been developed for axion searches. In the cavities, the dispersion relation in the photonic crystal is utilised, and so was named to "DRiPC cavities". The size of the smaller one is 100 mm x 100 mm x 10 mm, where 16 cylindrical metal poles with a diameter of 4 mm are introduced in a 4x4 grid at 20 mm intervals. In this study, the grid interval in x direction in the small size cavity, Lx, was changed to investigate resonance frequency, Q-value, and electric field profile at each Lx. The lowest three frequencies have been compared with the ones simulated by the finite element method to be found in excellent agreement. The lowest frequency mode could be tuned from 5.10 GHz (Lx = 25.0 mm) to 6.72 GHz (13.9 mm), centering on 5.87 GHz at Lx = 20 mm. This wide range tunability, 27.7%, was suitable for a search with a modest Q-value. By examining the electric field distributions with the bead pull method, the lowest frequency mode at Lx = 16.0 - 25.0 mm were TM010-like. This mode was also obtained in a larger size cavity (180 mm x 180 mm x 20 mm x 2) with the same photonic crystal structure. These results led us to conclude a DRiPC cavity has the noble features for future axion search experiments., Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, 3 tables

KAGRA is an underground interferometric gravitational wave detector which is currently being commissioned. This detector relies on high-performance vibration-isolation systems to suspend its key optical components. These suspensions come in four different configurations, of which the type-B is used for the beam splitter and signal recycling mirrors. The type-B suspension comprises the payload, three geometric anti-spring filters for vertical isolation and one inverted pendulum for horizontal isolation. The payload comprises the optic, its marionette and their recoil masses, which hold local displacement sensors and coil magnet actuators used for damping the resonant modes of oscillation of the suspension itself. The beam splitter version has a modified lower section to accommodate a wider optical component. The payload is also equipped with an optical lever, used to monitor and control the position of the suspended optics from the ground. All four suspensions have now been installed in vacuum chambers. We describe the mechanical, electrical and control design, and the measured performance compared to requirements.

Gallium nitride (GaN) single crystals with high carrier concentration up to 1020cm−3 order were evaluated by the terahertz time-domain spectroscopic ellipsometry. The electric properties such as carrier density are obtained by the fitting analysis based on Drude model. The terahertz ellipsometry is powerful non-contact and non-destructive evaluation method for semiconductors with high carrier concentration.

Background Right atrial (RA) deformation by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography has a relatively new technique to evaluate right heart function with pulmonary hypertension and cardiomyopathy. Reproducibility between observers of this technique is important to develop into a robust and reliable tool. Experience may pose significant challenges. Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate reproducibility of RA strain (global and regional) between novice and expert. Methods One hundred thirty-three patients (n = 133) underwent 2D-Speckle tracking derived RA strain analysis by 3 independent blinded readers (expert and 2 novices). The novice observers were medical interns with no prior experience in performing strain analysis. Echocardiographic images were acquired from iE33 (Philips Medical System) but were analysed offline using single vendor dependent software (QLAB version 11.0; Philips Medical System). The result of novice observer was calculated by the average of novice observers. RA strain parameters were assessed: global RA strain and segmental (Basal, Mid, Roof). Intraobserver and interobserver analyses were performed using intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) between expert and novice. Results Expert and novice observer demonstrated good interobserver reproducibility of global RA strain (ICC 0.88) and segmental parameters (Basal: ICC 0.89, Mid: ICC 0.87, Roof: ICC 0.84). Of all parameters, the basal segment of RA strain showed the greatest interobserver agreement. Intraobserver agreement for novice observer was excellent for global RA strain and segmental parameters (ICC > 0.88). Conclusions Global RA strain and segmental parameters were highly reproducible by novice and expert strain observer.

There were 211,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims going to Mecca through 11 main airports in 2015 who were at risk of contracting the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We aimed to find out whether there was any occurrence of MERS-CoV by performing screening on 28,197 returning pilgrims. Those with a body temperature of > 38 °C and respiratory symptoms were sent to the airport clinic to have an oropharyngeal swab and a bacterial culture. Fifteen pilgrims had fever (> 38 °C) accompanied by respiratory symptoms; of these, 12 patients were diagnosed with upper and lower respiratory tract infections and three patients with pneumonia. However, none of them were found to be infected with MERS-CoV. The bacterial cultures showed evidence of normal flora growth.

Summary Annual intravenous administration of zoledronic acid is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. A mathematical model was developed to predict bone mineral density up to 2 years after two annual doses of zoledronic acid from the early values of a bone resorption marker in osteoporosis patients. Introduction The measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) has been used as a surrogate marker instead of the observation of incident fractures to detect the efficacy of treatment. However, this method requires a long time to obtain significant changes. On the other hand, bone resorption markers respond to bone resorption inhibitors within a few weeks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model predicting long-term BMD after two annual doses of zoledronic acid (ZOL) using the early response of a bone resorption marker in osteoporosis patients. Methods The model was constructed using 3410 tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) serum concentrations and 1146 lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD values from 306 patients with primary osteoporosis. A mathematical model was developed to describe the time-dependent profiles of TRACP-5b and BMD. Results The percentage changes from baseline of the BMD (%BMD) at up to 2 years were predicted from patients’ baseline BMD and baseline and 12-week TRACP-5b values by the model obtained. The simulated 90% prediction interval almost covered the observed %BMD distribution at each time point, and the predictions were comparable to the observed %BMD. Conclusions This is the first model to predict BMD for up to 2 years following two annual doses of ZOL using patients’ background characteristics and the early response of TRACP-5b. This model allows us to inform patients at the initial stage of ZOL treatment of their predicted response to treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00198-018-4376-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

SummaryBackground Vonoprazan is a new potassium-competitive acid blocker for treatment of acid-related diseases. Aim To conduct two randomised-controlled trials, to evaluate the non-inferiority of vonoprazan vs. lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, for treatment of gastric ulcer (GU) or duodenal ulcer (DU). Methods Patients aged ≥20 years with ≥1 endoscopically-confirmed GU or DU (≥5 mm white coating) were randomised 1:1 using double-dummy blinding to receive lansoprazole (30 mg) or vonoprazan (20 mg) for 8 (GU study) or 6 (DU study) weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with endoscopically confirmed healed GU or DU. Results For GU, 93.5% (216/231) of vonoprazan-treated patients and 93.8% (211/225) of lansoprazole-treated patients achieved healed GU; non-inferiority of vonoprazan to lansoprazole was confirmed [difference = −0.3% (95% CI −4.750, 4.208); P = 0.0011]. For DU, 95.5% (170/178) of vonoprazan-treated patients and 98.3% (177/180) of lansoprazole-treated patients achieved healed DU; non-inferiority to lansoprazole was not confirmed [difference = −2.8% (95% CI −6.400, 0.745); P = 0.0654]. The incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events were slightly lower for GU and slightly higher for DU with vonoprazan than with lansoprazole. There was one death (subarachnoid haemorrhage) in the vonoprazan group (DU). The possibility of a relationship between this unexpected patient death and the study drug could not be ruled out. In both studies, increases in serum gastrin levels were greater in vonoprazan-treated vs. lansoprazole-treated patients; levels returned to baseline after treatment in both groups. Conclusions Vonoprazan 20 mg has a similar tolerability profile to lansoprazole 30 mg and is non-inferior with respect to GU healing and has similar efficacy for DU healing.

This article describes recent developments in licensing and reimbursement policies in the EU, US, and Japan, examines causes of changes and compares differences and projects trends. With respect to licensing, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) are committed to rigorous evaluation of pharmaceuticals in advance of market access with feedback from postmarket experience. The EMA is exploring integrated adaptive pathways for licensing, with formal pilot tests to provide a practical proof of concept. The FDA is augmenting traditional licensing procedures through reforms including Breakthrough Product Designation. The PMDA is implementing reforms to foster innovation and earlier patient access through its Sakigake strategy and licensing reforms on regenerative medicines. With respect to reimbursement, several generalizations emerge. Relative to US counterparts, EU payers typically set higher standards for evidence of effectiveness as a condition of reimbursement, impose tougher limits on reimbursement by indication, and drive harder deals in negotiations over prices.

The mobile mapping system (MMS) can acquire dense point-clouds of roads and roadside features. Roads are often separated into roadways and walkways in many urban areas. Since guardrails are installed to separate roadways and sidewalks, it is important to detect guardrails from point-clouds and reconstruct their 3D models for 3D street maps. Since there are a large variety of designs for guardrails in Japan, flexible methods are required for detection and reconstruction of guardrails. In this paper, we propose a new method for extracting guardrails from point-clouds, and reconstructing their 3D models. Since the MMS captures point-clouds and camera images synchronously, guardrails are detected using both point-clouds and images. In our method, point-clouds are segmented into small segments, and corresponding images are cropped from camera images. Then cropped images are classified into two classes of guardrails and others using the convolutional neural network. When guardrail points are obtained, 3D models of guardrails are reconstructed. However, point-clouds of guardrails are too sparse to reconstruct 3D shapes when guardrails consist of thin pipes. Since the same unit shape repeatedly appears in a guardrail, we create dense point-clouds by superimposing points of unit shapes. Then we reconstruct 3D shapes of pipes, beams, and poles of guardrails. In our evaluation using point-clouds in urban areas, our method could achieve good results of extraction and shape reconstruction of guardrails.

We conducted fast heating of a core plasma produced by counter-illumination of two beam bundles of implosion lasers for two incident directions of the heating laser. For the axial heating configuration, wherein the heating laser was incident along the coaxial direction of the implosion lasers, the size and density of the counter-imploded core plasma were estimated. The incident timing of the heating laser was determined. Although the heating laser was incident during the stagnation of the core plasma, there were no considerable increases in the intensity of X-rays with energies beyond 1 keV and the yield of the thermonuclear fusion neutrons. Effective core heating did not occur due to the interaction of the heating laser with the low-density ablated plasma far from the core. On the other hand, for the transverse heating configuration, wherein the heating laser was incident from the transverse direction of the implosion laser axis, optimization of the incident timing of the heating laser was not achieved. However, two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamic simulation revealed that a heating laser can directly interact with a core plasma and effective heating is expected. In our scheme, transverse heating configuration appears to be significant.

This paper presents the development of an embedded real-time system that performs distance measurement and restoration of underwater images, using stereo vision techniques. To achieve a high performance low-cost implementation, the overall system has been developed using a hardware/software codesign approach. Several hardware modules have been designed to implement the several pixel intensive tasks, such as background image storage, background subtraction, center of mass calculation, and image restoration. On the other hand, less intensive tasks, such as the estimation of the disparity and the distance tasks (performed just once for each image), are executed using an embedded soft processor (Altera Nios II). The developed platform employs a pair of identical CMOS cameras for the stereo vision system, a low-cost FPGA, and an small screen for visualization of the images. In this paper, we describe both the overall design of the system and the calibration procedure used to determine the stereo vision system parameters. The Altera Quartus II was used as a synthesis tool, which estimates that the system consumes 115.25 mW and achieves an output of 26.56 frames per second for images of $$800\times 480$$ pixels. The synthesis results and the measurement precision show that the developed system is suitable for real-time tasks.

The vehicle-based mobile mapping system (MMS) is effective for capturing 3D shapes and images of roadside objects. The laser scanner and cameras on the MMS capture point-clouds and sequential digital images synchronously during driving. In this paper, we propose a method for detecting and classifying pole-like objects using both point-clouds and images captured using the MMS. In our method, pole-like objects are detected from point-clouds, and then target objects, which are objects attached to poles, are extracted for identifying the types of pole-like objects. For associating each target object with images, the points of the target object are projected onto images, and the image of the target object is cropped. Each pole-like object is represented as a feature vector, which are calculated from point-clouds and images. The feature values of a point-cloud are calculated by point processing, and the ones of the cropped image are calculated using a convolutional neural network. The feature values of point-clouds and images are unified, and they are used as the input to machine learning. In experiments, we classified pole-like objects using three methods. The first method used only point-clouds, the second used only images, and the third used both point-clouds and images. The experimental results showed that the third method could most accurately classify pole-like objects.

SummaryBackground Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for the treatment of acid-related diseases. Vonoprazan is a member of a new class of acid suppressants; potassium-competitive acid blockers. Vonoprazan may thus be an alternative to PPIs. Aim To evaluate efficacy, rapidity and duration of acid-inhibitory effects of vonoprazan vs. two control PPIs, esomeprazole and rabeprazole, in 20 healthy Japanese adult male volunteers with CYP2C19 extensive metaboliser genotype. Methods In this randomised, open-label, two-period cross-over study, vonoprazan 20 mg and esomeprazole 20 mg (Study V vs. E) or rabeprazole 10 mg (Study V vs. R) were orally administered daily for 7 days. Primary pharmacodynamic endpoint was gastric pH over 24 h measured as percentage of time pH ≥3, ≥4 and ≥5 (pH holding time ratios; HTRs) and mean gastric pH. Results Acid-inhibitory effect (pH4 HTR) of vonoprazan was significantly greater than that of esomeprazole or rabeprazole on both Days 1 and 7; Day 7 difference in pH4 HTR for vonoprazan vs. esomeprazole was 24.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.2–33.1] and for vonoprazan vs. rabeprazole 28.8% [95% CI: 17.2–40.4]. The Day 1 to Day 7 ratio of 24-h pH4 HTRs was >0.8 for vonoprazan, compared with 0.370 for esomeprazole and 0.393 for rabeprazole. Vonoprazan was generally well tolerated. One vonoprazan subject withdrew due to a rash which resolved after discontinuation. Conclusions This study demonstrated a more rapid and sustained acid-inhibitory effect of vonoprazan 20 mg vs. esomeprazole 20 mg or rabeprazole 10 mg. Therefore, vonoprazan may be a potentially new treatment for acid-related diseases.

PurposeTo report the results of subconjunctival ologen Collagen Matrix implantation to manage ocular hypotony after filtration glaucoma surgery.Patients and methodsThis retrospective observational case series included 12 consecutive implantations of ologen in nine eyes of nine Japanese subjects (five men, four women; mean age±SD, 72.1±12.7 years) who underwent subconjunctival implantation of the device to treat hypotony after glaucoma filtration surgery. Demographic data and surgical results were collected by chart review.ResultsThe subjects included six patients who underwent trabeculectomy and three who underwent an EX-PRESS shunt surgery. The duration between the last glaucoma surgery and the initial ologen implantation was longer than 2 years in seven (78%) eyes. Bleb leakage in five (56%) eyes preoperatively stopped in all cases by 8 days after the device implantation. After the initial implantation, three (33.3%) eyes required a second implantation of ologen because of insufficient efficacy. After a mean follow-up of 12.6±6.8 months, the mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 3.8±2.7 mmHg increased significantly (P=0.0001) to 9.0±3.2 mmHg; no eye required glaucoma medication to control the IOP. No vision-threatening complications developed in association with the treatment.ConclusionWhen conservative management failed, subconjunctival implantation of ologen Collagen Matrix in combination with bleb revision can be a useful therapeutic option for ocular hypotony after glaucoma filtration surgery.

Cache memories are an important component of modern processors and consume a large percentage of the processor’s power consumption. The quality of service of this cache memories relies heavily on the memory demands of the software, what means that a certain program might benefit more from a certain cache configuration which is highly inefficient for another program. Moreover, finding the optimal cache configuration for a certain program is not a trivial task and usually, involves exhaustive simulation. In this paper, we propose a machine learning-based methodology that, given an unknown application as input, it outputs a prediction of the optimal cache reconfiguration for that application, regarding energy consumption and performance. We evaluated our methodology using a large benchmark suite, and our results show a 99.8% precision at predicting the optimal cache configuration for a program. Furthermore, further analysis of the results indicates that 85% of the mispredictions produce only up to a 10% increase in energy consumption in comparison to the optimal energy consumption.

The efficacy of the combination of the rapid-acting insulin secretagogue mitiglinide and the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin was explored in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic (STZ-NA) rats and in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats. The STZ-NA rats were prepared at 8 weeks of age. At 9 weeks of age, the combination study was conducted by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). At 13 weeks of age, ZF rats were dosed orally with dapagliflozin once daily up to the 22(nd) day. At days 15 and 22, the combination study was conducted by OGTT. In 2 different animal models, plasma glucose levels were strongly suppressed by the combination of mitiglinide and dapagliflozin as compared with either drug alone. The urinary glucose excretion was drastically elevated in the dapagliflozin group, but the combination with mitiglinide suppressed it about 50%. In STZ-NA rats, the plasma insulin secretion by the combination of both drugs was about at the same level as in the mitiglinide group. In ZF rats, the plasma insulin secretion by the combination of both drugs was less than mitiglinide group. Thus, in 2 different animal models, the combination of mitiglinide and dapagliflozin showed stronger antihyperglycemic action accompanied by less insulin secretion than mitiglinide alone, and reduced the urinary glucose excretion as compared with dapagliflozin used alone. These results indicate that the combination of mitiglinide and dapagliflozin can be a promising combination for the treatment of diabetic patients.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and clinical efficacy and safety of CT-guided hookwire marking before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for small pulmonary lesions. Materials and Methods This procedure was performed on 161 lesions in 154 patients (75 men and 79 women; median age, 62 years; age range 23–89 years). Medical records and images were reviewed, and the technical success rate, surgical success rate and complications were evaluated. Technical success was defined as successful hookwire marking at the target site without marker dropping before VATS. Surgical success was defined as negative surgical margins on pathological examination after VATS. Results There were 97 nodules and 64 ground-glass opacities, and their mean size was 9.8 mm (range 2–34). The technical success rate was 97.5% (157/161). In three of the four failed cases, another hookwire marker was placed, and in the remaining case, VATS was performed without a marker. The surgical success rate was 98.1% (158/161). In the three failed cases, the margin was positive, so lung lobectomy was performed in one case, and the other two cases were observed carefully. Complication rates were as follows: pneumothorax, 37.9% (61/161); focal intrapulmonary haemorrhage, 34.8% (58/139); haemoptysis, 0.6% (1/161); haemothorax, 0% (0/161); air embolism, 0.6% (1/161); dissemination, 0% (0/161); and death, 0% (0/161). Conclusion CT-guided hookwire marking appears to be useful for VATS, but the procedure may, although rarely, cause severe complications such as air embolism.

A double-line terawatt beat laser (BEAT) is developed for exciting beat wave oscillations. BEAT consists of two oscillators and an amplification system including optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) in which two individual pulses with wavelength separations of 10–35 nm are amplified, recompressed, and focused as a single beam. The recompressed pulse trace shows that a 150-fs pulse duration full width at half maximum was modulated at a beating period of 72 fs. This beating period matches a resonant excitation of plasma wave with an electron density of 2.5 × 1018 cm−3, resulting in excitation of a beat wave in hydrogen plasma with wave amplitude of 15 GV/m. The multiple beating oscillations can amplify the plasma wave and improve its structure. This scheme would be ideal for stabilizing the plasma wave strength in the plasma cavity and for realizing a practical laser plasma accelerator.

The technology convergence and the evolution of embedded systems to multi/many-core architectures allow envisioning future cameras as many-core systems able to process complex Image Processing and Computer Vision (IP/CV) applications. IP/CV algorithms have natural parallelism which must be efficiently explored to meet embedded application's constraints (real-time, power consumption, silicon area, temperature management, fault tolerance, and so on). In the case of many-core architectures, the efficiency comes not only from the number and type of processing cores but how they communicate and how the memory is organized. In this work, we show a multi-level parallelism study of IP/CV algorithms/applications, analyzing how to explore the different features available in many-core architecture's design space. The analysis is performed using a high-level SystemC/TLM2.0 platform specially developed for this task. As results, we propose a hierarchical parallelism extraction, a transparent programming model and a many-core architecture template for the next generation of vision processors.

High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools have been developed to increase the abstraction level of hardware design process, by using models like high-level programming languages (e.g. C/C++), Domain Specific Languages and Graphs. However, despite their advances in the last decade, the available HLS tools still require from the designer a broad hardware knowledge, which prevents a bigger reduction in the design time. In this work, we propose a method to be used at the top of current high-level synthesis tools, allowing for a speed-up in the development process. The method starts with the application description in a subset of the ANSI-C language. Then we generate a Graph from the C source code. There is a finite number of possible nodes, and this fact allows the creation of a database of alternative hardware models for each possible node type. A simple optimization algorithm selects the combination of nodes which best fits under the constraints (power consumption, resource use, speed). If a node is not in the database or the constraints were not met, then the designer can use any commercial high-level synthesis tool (or a direct RTL description), to create a new hardware model and include it in the database. Some test cases were implemented using both the proposed methodology and a commercial HLS tool. The results obtained indicate that the method can reduce the design time while still providing fair results when compared to the commercial tool.

In this work we present a methodology to design the next generation of real-time vision processors. These processors are expected to achieve high throughput with complex applications, under real-time embedded constraints time, fault-tolerance, silicon area and power consumption. To achieve these goals, we propose the fusion of two key concepts: the Focal-Plane Image Processing FPIP and the Many-Core architectures. We show the concepts and ideas to build-up a methodology able to offer both design space exploration, and a customized programming toolchain for the final architecture. We present implementation details and results for working parts of the framework, and partial results and general comments about the work-in-progress.

A 30.8-W output power at 355 nm is generated in CsLiB 6 O 10 crystal using a hybrid picosecond MOPA seeded by a gain-switched LD. The conversion efficiency from the fundamental source to the third harmonic reaches 48.1%.

One key issue in the design of Real-Time Image Processing and Computer Vision IP/CV systems is the massive volume of data to process. Not only the number of arithmetic and logic operations over the data but also the access to these data represents an important issue. An Application-Specific Instruction Set Processor ASIP focused on Real-Time IP/CV algorithms was developed in this work. Starting from a standard 32-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computer RISC as a benchmark, we analyzed the different issues and optimized the processor incrementally. We derived an economical image memory partition and also a new data path concept to speed up the processing. RTL models were synthesized for an FPGA, enabling an analysis of power consumption, area, and processing speed, to show the corresponding overheads in comparison with the original processor architecture.

We measured drain bias stress effects and current collapse in AlGaN/ GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) on a-plane and c-plane GaN substrates. An a-plane AlGaN/GaN HFET (a-HFET) shows small current collapse with a threshold voltage (Vth = -1.8 V). On the other hand, a c-plane HFET (c-HFET) with the same barrier thickness (20 nm) shows a small current collapse, although Vth was negatively large (Vth = -4 V). Current collapse in a-HFET was not large compared with that in conventional c-HFET on GaN. A c-HFET on sapphire was also measured. The current collapses in HFETs on sapphire were larger than that in HFETs on a GaN substrate. The current collapses in the thin-barrier c-HFET (Vth = -1.8 V) were particularly large. Therefore, an a-plane device is promising for a small or positive Vth with small current collapse. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

In order to analyze magnetic characteristics of magnetic devices, it is necessary to accurately measure magnetic properties of an electrical steel sheet in arbitrary directions. In this paper, we developed a 2-D-single-sheet tester (SST) using diagonal exiting coils in order to improve the measurement accuracy under high flux condition. The measurement region of flux density B and magnetic-field strength H is examined for the accurate measurement. The magnetic properties of grain-oriented electrical steel sheet under alternating magnetic flux and rotating magnetic flux are measured using our system. The accuracy of measurement in the case of grain-oriented sheet is examined by comparing the measured results using 2-D-SST with those by using an ordinary SST under alternating flux excitation. The effect of positioning error of orthogonal B and H coils on measurement accuracy is also discussed.

This article presents the development of a timberjack-like pruning robot. The climbing principal is an imitation of the climbing approach of timberjacks in Japan. The robot's main features include having its center of mass outside the tree, and an innovative climbing strategy fusing straight and spiral climbs. This novel design brings both lightweight and high climbing speed features to the pruning robot. We report our progress in developing the robot, focusing on straight climbing, behavior on uneven surfaces, and pruning.

High-quality and low cost bulk crystals are needed in the field of group III nitride semiconductors in order to develop optical and electrical devices. There are two approaches for the growth of bulk GaN crystal by the Na flux method. One is to grow thick GaN crystal on a seed GaN crystal grown by vapour phase method. The other one is to grow GaN crystal on the seed GaN crystal obtained by spontaneous nucleation. The both methods show advantages and disadvantages, respectively. We also present the effects of the flux composition on the growth habit and the growth rate for fabrication of boule-shape bulk GaN crystals. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The impending introduction of dual-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will impose significant challenges on current vehicle emissions testing equipment and protocols. One reason is the all-electric range and random start of the combustion engine. A second reason is the period of low or zero flow rate of exhaust volume. The present paper systematically evaluates these challenges by testing a Toyota prototype with an industry-standard, constant-volume sampler system in parallel with bag mini diluter equipment. Both systems exhibit technical difficulties when testing the PHEV. Discrepancies between the two methods can be corrected with software manipulations for a charge-sustaining operation. However, there are clear mechanisms of possible error in CO2 emissions collected during charge-depleting operation for both technologies. These findings indicate that alternative methods, including continuous sampling methods, may be required for accurate vehicle certification.

The mechanisms associated with electrical conduction through individual threading dislocations (TDs) in a Na-flux GaN crystal grown with a multipoint-seed-GaN technique were investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). To focus on individual TDs, dislocation-related etch pits (DREPs) were formed on the Na-flux GaN surface by wet chemical etching, after which microscopic Pt electrodes were locally fabricated on the DREPs to form conformal contacts to the Na-flux GaN crystal, using electron beam assisted deposition. The C-AFM data clearly demonstrate that the leakage current flows through the individual TD sites. It is also evident that the leakage current and the electrical conduction mechanism vary significantly based on the area within the Na-flux GaN crystal where the TDs are formed. These regions include the c-growth sector (cGS) in which the GaN grows in the [0001] direction on top of the point-seed with a c-plane growth front, the facet-growth sector (FGS) in which the GaN grows with {...

Background: The prolonged bed-rest required achieving hemostasis after splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures can be avoided if the upper limb arteries are used. In such procedures, the use of long sheaths capable of reaching the descending aorta may be advantageous. Purpose: To analyze the results of procedures that utilizes an upper-limb-artery approach and long sheaths. Material and Methods: Two hundred forty-two patients with a mean age of 64 years underwent splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures via an upper limb artery using a long sheath (85 cm, 4-French). Repeat examinations were performed on 48 patients and the total number of examinations was 296. The records of these 296 examinations were reviewed and the success rate and complications were evaluated. Results: Overall, 295 of 296 (99.7%) examinations were successful, and one (0.3%) failed. Complications and side effects occurred in six cases (2.0%), a painful sheath manipulation occurred in two examinations (0.7%), and arterial occlusion (including temporary occlusion), hematoma of the puncture site, and pseudoaneurysm occurred in two (0.7%), one (0.3%), and one (0.3%) patient, respectively. Conclusion: The use of a long sheath capable of reaching the descending aorta enables the performance of splanchnic angiography and interventional procedures via the upper limb arteries.

This paper describes a visual tracking system for an unknown reference signal. A time-varying reference signal is realized as a random process generated by an auto-regressive (AR) model, which is identifed by a recursive algorithm. Based on the obtained AR model, the future value of reference signal is predicted. We propose a new visual tracking system using generalized minimum variance control (GMVC) and illustrate its properties through experiments.

An SUS316L stainless steel separator was coated with amorphous carbon by using an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma sputtering technique, and used in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Characteristics of this carbon film were investigated with Raman spectroscopy and XPS. Quantitative depth profiles and chemical depth profiles of the deposited carbon layer were measured with GD-OES and XPS, respectively. The contact resistivity between a carbon paper and the carbon coated SUS316L steel was also measured. The performance of PEFC single cells assembled with carbon coated SUS316L separators, uncoated SUS316L separators, and conventional carbon separators were compared. The results revealed that an assembled PEFC having carbon coated SUS316L separators provided better performance than one having uncoated SUS316L, and the PEFC showed comparable performance to one having conventional carbon separators.

Silicon dioxide film was deposited on Si substrate by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using a monopole antenna plasma source. Electron density was measured by a plasma absorption probe with and without a grounded plate close to monopole antennas. A high electron density was obtained with the grounded plate. The typical electron density of the monopole antenna plasma source was ∼ 3 × 10 10 cm − 3 at a position of 13 mm away from the antenna in oxygen plasma. The electron density rapidly decreased along the distance from the monopole antenna. Since the deposition rate and breakdown field were improved with the higher electron density, the grounded plate improved the performance of the SiO 2 film deposition.

The thickness uniformity of an quartz crystal wafer is an essential requirement for improving the productivity of a quartz resonator because it prevents frequency adjustment after dicing the wafer. In this paper, chemical finishing utilizing a localized atmospheric pressure plasma is proposed to correct the thickness deviation of a quartz crystal wafer. In this process, free figuring without mask patterning can be realized by the numerically controlled scanning of a localized removal area. The thickness uniformity of a commercially available quartz wafer is improved from 250 to 50 nm only by one correction without subsurface damage.

M. Kanaoka et al. "Figuring and smoothing capabilities of elastic emission machining for low-thermal-expansion glass optics", Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B: Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing, Measurement, and Phenomena 25, 2110-2113 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1116/1.2789440., The use of elastic emission machining (EEM) for fabricating optics from low-thermal-expansion glass for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is examined. EUV optics require figure accuracy and surface roughness of 0.1 nm root mean square (rms) or better. EEM using a rotating-sphere head is demonstrated to achieve this level of surface smoothness after a certain depth of removal dependent on the material being processed. In tests of continuous machining for 12 h, no increase in surface roughness is observed, demonstrating the high temporal stability of this noncontact processing method. EEM using a rotating-sphere head is thus confirmed to have sufficient figuring and smoothing capability for the fabrication of EUV optics. © 2007 American Vacuum Society.