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Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials' nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image's uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A calculation scheme for ferroelastic phase transformation is newly developed. • The phase-field model incorporating the elastic strain energy is used for this computation. • Nucleations and nucleus growths of the rhombohedral phase in the cubic matrix are numerically reproduced. • This simulation predicts that the ferroelastic structure in from a single matrix and polycrystalline matrices. • This scheme well expresses the qualitative behavior of ferroelastic phase transformation. Abstract In order to predict the formation of ferroelastic phases in crystal grains of La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3 − δ (LSCF), which is a common material used for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), we propose an analysis method based on a phase-field model. The phase-field model equipped with the elastic energy is introduced to realize the ferroelastic phase formation in a crystal grain. The finite element method (FEM) is employed to solve the phase transformation, and strain distributions are also calculated by FEM. On the basis of the developed analysis method, some numerical examples of analysis are performed to reproduce the deformation-induced nucleation and growth of ferroelastic phases of LSCF. Various microstructures are obtained from the simulations in accordance with the initial microstructure and their tendencies are discussed. These microstructures are reproduced by the proposed analysis method based on finite element method, which enables us to evaluate the deformation field in terms of changes of shape and stress. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to perform stress analyses of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) under operation, we propose a characterization method of its time-varying macroscopic electro-chemo-mechanical behavior of electrodes by considering the time-varying geometries of anode microstructures due to Ni-sintering. The phase-field method is employed to simulate the micro-scale morphology change with time, from which the time-variation of the amount of triple-phase boundaries is directly predicted. Then, to evaluate the time-variation of the macroscopic oxygen ionic and electronic conductivities and the inelastic properties of the anode electrode, numerical material tests based on the homogenization method are conducted for each state of sintered microstructures. In these homogenization analyses, we also have to consider the dependencies of the properties of constituent materials on the temperature and/or the oxygen potential that is supposed to change within an operation period. To predict the oxygen potential distribution in an overall SOFC structure under long-period operation, which determines reduction-induced expansive/contractive deformation of oxide materials, an unsteady problem of macroscopic oxygen ionic and electronic conductions is solved. Using the calculated stress-free strains and the homogenized mechanical properties, both of which depend on the operational environment, we carry out the macroscopic stress analysis of the SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) as structural materials, usable methods of nondestructive testing (NDT) are necessary for their fabrication. Recently, the infrared thermography has attracted attention as a powerful tool for NDT of CFRPs. In this study, inverse heat conduction analyses are performed to evaluate the width and depth of defects in 0/90 CFRP laminates with polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-and pitch-based carbon fibers. The thermophysical properties of the CFRP laminates are calculated on the basis of the rule of mixtures. Heat conduction analyses are then carried out. The simulation imitates NDT with infrared thermography, in which the back surface of the CFRP specimen with flat-bottom holes is heated, while temperature distributions are obtained on the front surface by using an infrared camera. Heat conduction analyses showed that the temperature distributions on the front surfaces were significantly affected by defects in the CFRP laminate with PAN-based carbon fibers, whereas that of the CFRP laminate with pitch-based carbon ones did not show clear differences in temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A calculation scheme for static recrystallization is newly developed. [•] The KWC phase-field model is used for this computation. [•] Nucleations, in which subgrains coalesce to a nucleus, are numerically reproduced. [•] This simulation predicts that small nuclei are absorbed by the growing nuclei. [•] This scheme well expresses the qualitative behavior of static recrystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, we demonstrated by first time that image digital holographic microscopy can be instrumented using photorefractive sillenite Bi12SiO20 (BSO) crystals in diffusion regime as holographic recording medium. The writing–reading holographic process in photorefractive BSO crystal and this holographic reconstructed image is combined to form the image hologram with the second reference beam in CCD plane in the Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The system was tested using a micro scale object and 3D phase image is calculated by performing digital reconstruction using only one hologram. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There are two major medical applications of ion accelerators. One is a production of short-lived isotopes for radionuclide imaging with positron emission tomography and single photon emission computer tomography. Generally, a combination of a source for negative ions (usually H- and/or D-) and a cyclotron is used; this system is well established and distributed over the world. Other important medical application is charged-particle radiotherapy, where the accelerated ion beam itself is being used for patient treatment. Two distinctly different methods are being applied: either with protons or with heavy-ions (mostly carbon ions). Proton radiotherapy for deep-seated tumors has become widespread since the 1990s. The energy and intensity are typically over 200 MeV and several 1010 pps, respectively. Cyclotrons as well as synchrotrons are utilized. The ion source for the cyclotron is generally similar to the type for production of radioisotopes. For a synchrotron, one applies a positive ion source in combination with an injector linac. Carbon ion radiotherapy awakens a worldwide interest. About 6000 cancer patients have already been treated with carbon beams from the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan. These clinical results have clearly verified the advantages of carbon ions. Heidelberg Ion Therapy Center and Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center have been successfully launched. Several new facilities are under commissioning or construction. The beam energy is adjusted to the depth of tumors. It is usually between 140 and 430 MeV/u. Although the beam intensity depends on the irradiation method, it is typically several 108 or 109 pps. Synchrotrons are only utilized for carbon ion radiotherapy. An ECR ion source supplies multi-charged carbon ions for this requirement. Some other medical applications with ion beams attract developer's interests. For example, the several types of accelerators are under development for the boron neutron capture therapy. This treatment is conventionally demonstrated by a nuclear reactor, but it is strongly expected to replace the reactor by the accelerator. We report status of ion source for medical application and such scope for further developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle-image velocimetry (PIV) was used to visualize the flow within an optically transparent pediatric ventricular assist device (PVAD) under development in our laboratory. The device studied is a diaphragm type pulsatile pump with an ejection volume of 30 ml per beating cycle intended for temporary cardiac assistance as a bridge to transplantation or recovery in children. Of particular interest was the identification of flow patterns, including regions of stagnation and/or strong turbulence that often promote thrombus formation and hemolysis, which can degrade the usefulness of such devices. For this purpose, phase-locked PIV measurements were performed in planes parallel to the diaphram that drives the flow in the device. The test fluid was seeded with 10 μm polystyrene spheres, and the motion of these particles was used to determine the instantaneous flow velocity distribution in the illumination plane. These measurements revealed that flow velocities up to 1.0 m/s can occur within the PVAD. Phase-averaged velocity fields revealed the fixed vortices that drive the bulk flow within the device, though significant cycle-to-cycle variability was also quite apparent in the instantaneous velocity distributions, most notably during the filling phase. This cycle-to-cycle variability can generate strong turbulence that may contribute to greater hemolysis. Stagnation regions have also been observed between the input and output branches of the prototype, which can increase the likelihood of thrombus formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this work is to study the potentialities in the phase-shifting real-time holographic interferometry using photorefractive crystals as the recording medium for wave-optics analysis in optical elements and non-linear optical materials. This technique was used for obtaining quantitative measurements from the phase distributions of the wave front of lens and lens systems along the propagation direction with in situ visualization, monitoring and analysis in real time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a desire that a carbon-ion radiotherapy facility will produce various ion species for fundamental research. Although the present Kei2-type ion sources are dedicated for the carbon-ion production, a future ion source is expected that could provide: (1) carbon-ion production for medical use, (2) various ions with a charge-to-mass ratio of 1/3 for the existing Linac injector, and (3) low cost for modification. A prototype compact electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source, named Kei3, based on the Kei series has been developed to correspond to the Kei2 type and to produce these various ions at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS). The Kei3 has an outer diameter of 280 mm and a length of 1120 mm. The magnetic field is formed by the same permanent magnet as Kei2. The movable extraction electrode has been installed in order to optimize the beam extraction with various current densities. The gas-injection side of the vacuum chamber has enough space for an oven system. We measured dependence of microwave frequency, extraction voltage, and puller position. Charge state distributions of helium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and neon were also measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Free volume behavior in polystyrene thin films with thickness ranging from 22 to 1200nm on silicon substrates was studied by energy variable positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (EVPALS). The films were prepared by spincasting from toluene solutions of 0.5–5.0wt% polystyrene with M w =1 090 000g/mol. Distinct deviations from bulk polystyrene in thermal expansion of the free volume holes and the glass transition temperature associated with free volume behavior were observed for the thinnest film with 22nm thickness, indicating its exclusively high chain mobility. Comparison of the polystyrene concentration in the precursor solution around the overlap concentration suggests that the high chain mobility is due to less entangled chains caused by rapid removal of the solvent from the diluted solution in order to prepare very thin film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The compact electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source with a permanent magnet configuration (Kei2 source) has been developed at National Institute of Radiological Sciences for a new carbon therapy facility. The Kei2 source was designed for production of C4+ ions; its performance such as beam intensity and stability has already reached the medical requirements. Therefore, the prototype development of the source for medical use is essentially finished. Recently, we have started a few studies on other applications of the source. One is the production of fullerenes in the ECR plasma and modified fullerenes with various atoms for new materials. A second application is the production of multiply charged ions (not only carbon) for ion implantation. In this paper, some basic experiments for these applications are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion sources for medical facilities should have characteristics of easy maintenance, low electric power consumption, good stability, and long operation time without problems (one year or longer). For this, a 10 GHz compact electron-cyclotron-resonance ion source with all-permanent magnets (Kei2 source) was developed. The maximum mirror magnetic fields on the beam axis are 0.59 T at the extraction side and 0.87 T at the gas-injection side, while the minimum B strength is 0.25 T. These parameters have been optimized for the production of C4+ based on the experience at the 10 GHz NIRS-ECR ion source and a previous prototype compact source (Kei source). The Kei2 source has a diameter of 320 mm and a length of 295 mm. The beam intensity of C4+ was obtained to be 530 μA under an extraction voltage of 40 kV. The beam stability was better than 6% at C4+ of 280 μA during 90 h with no adjustment of the operation parameters. The details of the design and beam tests of the source are described in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A rotating gantry has been a popular tool for a radiation cancer therapy. However, the heavy-ion gantry is huge and expensive, because of the higher magnetic rigidity than that of a proton beam. As one of the downsizing methods, the field strength of a wobbling magnet for a uniform lateral-dose distribution should be increased. Since the field strength of the conventional wobbler is limited by an eddy-current effect under an operation frequency of around 50Hz, we propose a new wobbling technique by rotating a pair of permanent magnets with a high magnetic field of around 2T. For carbon-ion therapy, the proposed technique reduces the irradiation-port length considerably to around 2m from more than 6m in the conventional-gantry design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high-energy carbon-ion radiotherapy facility is under construction at Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Centre (GHMC). Its design was based on a study of the heavy ion radiotherapy at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) in order to reduce the size and construction cost of the facility. A compact electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) for Gunma University, called KeiGM, was installed in 2008. It is almost a copy of the prototype ECRIS Kei2 which was developed by NIRS; meanwhile this prototype produced over 1 e mA of C4+ using C2H2 gas (660 W and 40 kV). The beam intensity of C4+ was 600 e μA with CH4 gas (250 W and 30 kV). The beam intensity satisfies the required value of 300 e μA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 3000 cancer patients have already been treated by the heavy-ion medical accelerator in Chiba at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences since 1994. The clinical results have clearly verified the effectiveness and safety of heavy-ion radiotherapy. The most important result has been to establish that the carbon ion is one of the most effective radiations for radiotherapy. The ion source is required to realize a stable beam with the same conditions for daily operation. However, the deposition of carbon ions on the wall of the plasma chamber is normally unavoidable. This causes an “anti-wall-coating effect,” i.e., a decreasing of the beam, especially for the higher charge-state ions due to the surface material of the wall. The ion source must be required to produce a sufficiently intense beam under the bad condition. Other problems were solved by improvements and maintenance, and thus we obtained enough reproducibility and stability along with decreased failures. We summarize our over 13 years of experience, and show the scope for further developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the prototype electron cyclotron resonance ion source for the next carbon therapy facility in Japan a series of measurements has been performed in order (a) to find the best condition for producing high beam currents of C4+ ions, and (b) to study the effect of “special” gas mixing by using a chemical compound as a feed gas. The effect would then appear as an increase in high charge state production in this case of C5+ ions. In “regular” gas-mixing experiments it is well known that an isotopic phenomenon occurs: a heavier isotope of the mixing gas is increasing the production of high charge states of the beam gas ions. A similar isotopic effect has been found in the present experiment: with deuterated methane (CD4 gas) the C5+ beam currents are about 10% higher than with regular methane (CH4 gas). The “mixing-gas” ratio D (or H) to C can be decreased by choosing, e.g., butane gas; in this case the isotopic effect for C5+ production is even stronger (>15%). For production of C4+ ions the isotopic effect appears to be absent. Clearly this is related to the much easier production. It turns out that the relative amount of carbon is much more important: butane gives about 10% higher C4+-ion currents than methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether glomerular sclerosis (GS) at the time of engraftment affects subsequent morphology and clinical course of renal allografts. Eighty-one renal transplant recipients were recruited for this study. Protocol biopsies of the renal allografts were performed at engraftment, as well as at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after transplantation. All cases were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of GS at engraftment, namely, non-GS and GS groups. Morphological changes in the renal allografts were graded from 0 to 3+ based on the severity of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) of the Banff classification based on 5 factors: percentage of GS, extent of interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, arterial intimal thickening, and arteriolar hyalinosis. Furthermore, the level of serum creatinine (s-Cr) at each year was examined by recipient age and gender, donor age and gender, type of donor (living/cadaver), delayed graft function, acute rejection within 1 year after transplantation, mean blood pressure, and use of calcineurin inhibitors as well as the presence of GS at engraftment. The extent of GS at engraftment significantly correlated with donor age (P = .0038) but with a weak correlation coefficient. Although the severity of CAN developed gradually in both non-GS and GS groups, differences in morphological changes at engraftment between the 2 groups persisted throughout 7 years. Donor age and recipient gender influenced s-Cr significantly. In conclusion, the presence of GS at engraftment aggravates subsequent morphological changes and affects short-term but not long-term allograft prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) is the first heavy-ion accelerator complex dedicated to cancer therapy. Over 1600 patients have already been treated with 140–400 MeV/amu carbon beams since 1994. The production of carbon ions for medical applications has been established. It is quite obvious from our experiences that the ECR ion source is an extremely suitable type of ion source for this purpose. An 18 GHz ECR ion source is mainly operated to offer various heavy-ion beams for basic experiments of biomedical science, physics, chemistry, etc. The results of recent developments, a thermal-controlled MIVOC system, and an electron bombardment evaporator are also reported. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion sources for the medical facilities should have the following characteristics of easy maintenance, low electric power, good stability, and long operation time without trouble (1 year or longer). For this, a 10 GHz compact electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) with all permanent magnets was developed. The beam intensity and stability for C4+ were 280 e μA and better than 6% during 20 h with no adjustment of any source parameters. These results were acceptable for the medical requirements. Recently, many plans were proposed to construct the next generation cancer treatment facility. For such a facility we have designed an all permanent magnet ECRIS, in which a high magnetic field is chosen for increasing the beam intensity. The maximum mirror magnetic fields on the beam axis are 0.59 T at the extraction side and 0.87 T at the gas injection side, while the minimum B strength is 0.25 T. The source has a diameter of 32 cm and a length of 29.5 cm. Details of the design of this source and its background are described in this article. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact electron cyclotron resonance ion source has been developed for heavy-ion medical facilities. The beam intensity and stability were considerably improved by recent modifications on three points (length of sextupole, cooling system for the extraction electrode, and position of the Einzel lens). Initial results of C[sup 4+] beam tests show that an intensity of 180 eµA can be routinely obtained with simple tuning. The best record was 220 eµA for C[sup 4+], which meets the medical requirements. Throughout these tests, CH[sub 4] gas was used with 0.1 cc/min and the extraction voltage was fixed at 25 kV. Results on beam emittance and long-term stability are also briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental results on an 18 GHz electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source (NIRS-HEC) and a 10 GHz ECR ion source (NIRS-ECR) at National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) show that an extracted beam intensity strongly depends on the radial magnetic field distribution generated by a permanent sextupole magnet. In order to understand these results, we simulated beam extraction under strong influences of space charge. In the simulation, a current intensity at a different position of an extraction slit is assumed to be roughly proportional to a corresponding transverse area of the ECR zone under the assumption that ions are extracted along a longitudinal magnetic flux line. The calculations show that an optimum value of the sextupole magnetic field strength may exist for a given extraction configuration and beam intensity. Based on the simulation, beam intensity measurements have been performed with six sextupole magnets having different magnetic field strengths for two ion sources, and the experimental results are consistent with the calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes developments of two electron cyclotron resonance ion sources at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan. Descriptions and performances of the sources; Reproducibility and stability; Lifetime of the carbon production; Electron supply.

Focuses on development of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba in Japan. Historical trends; Optimization of the extraction configuration; Electron supply; Enhancement of the ECR region; Afterglow phenomenon; Advantages of high-energy heavy-ion radiotherapy.

Focuses on a carbon-ion cancer treatment developed at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba in Japan. Design philosophy for the ion sources for medical facilities; Beam tests using the present 10 gigahertz electron cyclotron resonance ion source; Specifications and schematic design of the source.

We calculate the parameter that governs the width of the transition zone by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and use it in a phase-field crack (PFC) simulation with the mechanical properties of iron. First, a quantitative evaluation of intactness is conducted by examining the change in atomic conformation induced by crack propagation, whose numerical data are taken from the result of the MD simulation. The spatial distribution of the intactness is fitted to the same function as the damage parameter in the PFC model, namely, an exponential function, by the least-squares method. From this distribution, the transition zone parameter is estimated. The result of the PFC simulation using this newly determined transition zone parameter is discussed in terms of the crack path by comparison with the result of crack propagation analysis based on the MD simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Institute of Radiological Sciences has investigated multiple-ion therapy using energetic beams of helium, carbon, oxygen, and neon ions, to improve treatment outcomes of refractory cancer. For this therapy, it is necessary to ensure the helium-ion beam purity to avoid irradiation by unwanted ions. Here, we develop a measurement method for monitoring beam purity. This method can measure the charge number of the ions in a high-purity beam using an ionization chamber and Faraday cup. In addition, it can be used to detect the contamination of the clinical helium-ion beam. We perform beam experiments to evaluate our beam-purity monitoring method and predict that our method is capable of detecting contamination below 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor commenting on a case of eosinophilic ascites with Charcot-Leyden crystals.

Background Despite restoration of fertility after kidney transplantation, the benefit is limited in female kidney recipients. Our objective is to determine the reasons for this discrepancy. Methods We evaluated 315 women who underwent kidney transplantation from 1983 to 2015 (a median of age at transplantation [10th–90th percentile] of 32 years [7–55 years]); 230 recipients between the ages of 15 to 49 years old as of March 2016 were observed. Results We experienced 10 abortions and 21 live births from our 23 recipients and 2 abortions and 7 live births in 7 recipients from other transplant center. The live birth rate was 8.9 per 1000 female transplant recipients of childbearing age. Seven recipients received either treatments of artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Average age at pregnancy was 33.2 ± 3.2 years old, and the fertile period post-transplantation was longer in recipients with live births than those without live births (14.1 ± 7.1 vs 9.9 ± 7.3 years, P < .05). In 42.9% of recipients with live birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension was observed in the last trimester. The gestational age and the average birth weight were 32.8 ± 5.0 months and 2184 ± 632 g, respectively. During follow-up of 14.5 years, there was one case of graft loss, which is a rate of 2.5 per 1000 female recipients. Conclusion Although pregnancy complications are often observed in kidney recipients, graft survival is less influenced by pregnancy. Importantly, kidney disease at childbearing age disrupts pregnancy even after kidney transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact electron cyclotron resonance ion source with all permanent magnets has been developed for a new carbon therapy facility at NIRS. Initial tests with the Kei2 source have given a maximum intensity of 530 e μA for C4+ at an extraction voltage of 40 kV and beam stability of better than 6% for 90 h at 280 e μA at 30 kV. In these beam tests, there was continuously unwanted discharge around the puller at high-voltage extraction (above 40 kV). The start of discharge is caused by the short distance of 5 mm between the end of the plasma chamber and puller. At high-voltage extraction, this discharge will give rise to unwanted vapor from the copper puller. Then, the vacuum pressure in the extraction region will become worse. In order to suppress the discharge, the plasma chamber and puller were modified. Finally, a beam intensity of 380 e μA was obtained with good stability at an extraction voltage of 30 kV. This article describes the modification of the puller for stable beam extraction, measurements of beam emittance, and improvement of C4+ intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new numerical simulation method to calculate transient voltage profiles of lithium-ion secondary batteries. The method employs circuit analysis of an internal equivalent electric circuit composed of an electromotive force, an LR parallel circuit, and eight CR parallel circuits. To demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of this approach, the authors measured the transient voltage responses of three types of test batteries with different output power densities, and compared these experimental data with simulation results. Battery performance was tested using different charge/discharge current patterns and a range of values for state of charge (SOC) and operating temperature. The accuracy of the proposed simulation method was confirmed for all test cases using the three different batteries and charge/discharge current patterns, demonstrating that the method is versatile and applicable to various lithium-ion secondary batteries regardless of type. Since the employed internal equivalent electric circuit is composed of only DC voltage source and linear R , L and C elements, all of general purpose software for electric circuit simulations can easily deal with the circuit. This advantage and the obtained results indicate that the proposed simulation method is a useful technique and offers a powerful tool to develop sophisticated battery control systems for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the thigh muscularity and strength capability in early adolescent soccer players. The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the thigh muscles and dynamic strength during knee extension and flexion at 1.05 rad/s were determined twice at an interval of 6 months in 24 male soccer players aged 12-13 years and 11 age- and body height-matched non-athletes. After 6 months, muscle CSA and dynamic strength increased without significant interaction of time and group. Thigh total muscle CSA was not significantly affected by group, but the value relative to either thigh CSA or body mass was higher in soccer players. While knee flexion strength was similar between the 2 groups, knee extension strength was greater in soccer players than in non-athletes, even in terms of strength relative to CSA. The current results indicate that, compared with age- and body height-matched non-athletes, early adolescent soccer players are characterized by higher relative distribution of muscle mass within the thigh and higher knee extension strength relative to the quadriceps CSA. During the growth stage in which body height begins to increase markedly, however, participation in competitive soccer training does not increase the rate of development in thigh muscularity and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate how the trunk muscularity is related to sprint running performance. In 23 youth soccer players, the cross-sectional images at the mid level of each of L1 - L2, L2 - L3, L3 - L4, L4 - L5, and L5 - S1 were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging to determine the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of rectus abdominis, oblique, psoas major, quadratus lumborum and erector spinae muscles. The times taken to sprint over 20 m were measured, and the mean velocity of running was calculated for each of the 2 distances (V10 m and V20 m ) and for the distance from 10 m to 20 m (V10-20 m ). The CSA values of the 5 slice levels for all muscles except for the quadratus lumborum and those of the 3 slice levels (L1 - L2, L2 - L3 and L3 - L4) for the quadratus lumborum were averaged and expressed relative to the two-third power of body mass (CSA/BM2/3). The CSA/BM2/3 values of the erector spinae and quadratus lumborum were selected as significant contributors to predict V10 m (R2 = 0.450), V20 m (R2 = 0.504) and V10-20 m (R2 = 0.420). The current results indicate that the muscularity of the erector spinae and quadratus lumborum contributes to achieving a high performance in sprint running over distances of less than 20 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have successfully implemented the first simultaneous magneto-optical trapping (MOT) of lithium (6Li) and ytterbium (174Yb) atoms towards production of ultracold polar molecules of LiYb. For this purpose, we developed the dual atomic oven which contains both atomic species as an atom source and successfully observed the spectra of the Li and Yb atoms in the atomic beams from the dual atomic oven. We constructed the vacuum chamber including the glass cell with the windows made of zinc selenium (ZnSe) for the CO2 lasers, which are the useful light sources of optical trapping for evaporative and sympathetic cooling. Typical atom numbers and temperatures in the compressed MOT are 7×103 atoms, 640 μK for 6Li, 7×104 atoms, and 60 μK for 174Yb, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy ion radiotherapy awakens worldwide interest recently. The clinical results obtained by the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan have clearly demonstrated the advantages of carbon ion radiotherapy. Presently, there are four facilities for heavy ion radiotherapy in operation, and several new facilities are under construction or being planned. The most common requests for ion sources are a long lifetime and good stability and reproducibility. Sufficient intensity has been achieved by electron cyclotron resonance ion sources at the present facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the modification of fullerenes with iron and chlorine using two individually controllable plasmas in the Bio-Nano electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). One of the plasmas is composed of fullerene and the other one is composed of iron and chlorine. The online ion beam analysis allows one to investigate the rate of the vapor-phase collisional modification process in the ECRIS, while the offline analyses (e.g., liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) of the materials deposited on the plasma chamber can give information on the surface-type process. Both analytical methods show the presence of modified fullerenes such as fullerene-chlorine, fullerene-iron, and fullerene-chlorine-iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) has been developed for the production of C4+ ions for the third carbon-therapy facility in Japan. The emphasis of the design is on stability, easy operation and prevention of maintenance, where high charge state production is not a requirement. Tests with different feed-gases have shown that carbon-hydrogen compounds are favorable, in particular with carbon to hydrogen ratio of 1:1. A parallel study of (highly charged) C5+ production revealed that the various compounds of feed-gas are behaving as if feeding the two components separately. This includes the behavior of replacing hydrogen by deuterium. From these a plausible reason was found for the observed failure of hydrogen as a mixing gas. Other experiments with the small source were performed to study the effect of inserting an aluminum (-oxide) cylinder inside the electron cyclotron resonance plasma-chamber. Earlier research found an increase in production of high charge states, but a good explanation was still missing. By adapting an insulated cylinder that can be biased positively, it was shown that ion diffusion to the side walls can be reduced, in particular when the cylinder is made of strips covering the pole pieces of the hexapole magnet. The new tool can be used to study the mechanism in more detail and also has possibilities of further improving a source for higher charge state production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work proposes to obtain surface contouring by phase-shifting real-time holography using photorefractive sillenite crystals which provides the surface contouring from a change in phase of wavefront of the object illumination beam. The real-time holography using the photorefractive crystal and the four-frame phase-shifting technique was used to obtain the phase map, this map was filtered by an anisotropic sin/cos filter and the unwrapping process used was the cellular-automata technique. We obtained experimental results of the surfaces of the large objects with real discontinuities, and these results agree with the dimensions of the object. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graft- vs-host disease (GVHD) is an adverse effect of allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Although a major cause of GVHD following bone marrow transplantation is incompatibility of major histocompatibility antigen (human leukocyte antigen, HLA) in donor–recipient pairs, the incompatibility of minor histocompatibility antigen (mHa) is known as another cause, especially in HLA-matched donor–recipient pairs. In 1998, Lunetta and Rogus proposed the use of discordant sib-pair (DSP) linkage analysis for detecting mHa and calculated the statistical power using the GVHD model, assuming single mHa locus with multiple alleles. Recently, we proposed a different GVHD model, assuming multiple mHa loci with two alleles (biallelic), considering the single-nucleotide polymorphisms. When the effect of each mHa locus on the occurrence of GVHD is independent, the possible triangle for DSP proposed by Lunetta and Rogus is not optimum, but a new possible triangle, named here as GVHD region, is needed. We evaluated, based on Monte Carlo simulation, the test criteria [log of odds (lod) score cutoffs] and power of DSP using the GVHD region for various parameter sets. The GVHD region showed a higher power than the DSP and entire regions in plausible situations. Our results suggest that the application of GVHD region to DSP is effective for the screening of mHa loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of the magnetic field of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) gives rise to different particle fluxes (losses) from the plasma to the end plates (mainly diffusion of electrons), and to the side walls (mainly ions). The electron fluxes to the injection end plate can be reduced by negatively biasing this plate (or so-called biased disk); this appeared to be successful to improve the output of highly charged ions (HCIs). In the present experiment it was demonstrated that by positively biasing the side walls, the HCI production can be improved as well. Electrons leaking from the ECRIS plasma to the side wall find their way easiest at the “pole” areas (of the hexapole magnet) because these are the areas where fieldlines pass the plasma chamber. A special construction was made to study the effect of biasing two different regions: (1) the areas between the six poles, and (2) the parts corresponding to the poles. Measurements show that method (2) gives better performance of the source. The relative improvement for the highest observed charge states is the best, and in absolute sense the application of the method is giving, e.g., a four times higher intensity for Ar11+ beams. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time structure of extracted beams has been improved in synchrotron rings with resonant slow-extraction including RF-knockout extraction. In order to control the global spill structure in the RF-knockout slow-extraction method, it is necessary to improve the amplitude modulation (AM) function of the transverse RF-field. For this purpose, a scheme with a simple model of the extraction process has been proposed. Using this simple model, an analysis was carried out for determining the parameter relevant to the diffusion process in the separatrix. With this parameter, the new AM function obtained by the analytical approach could provide a flat spill within ±23% in both a simulation and an experiment at the HIMAC synchrotron. Cooperating with the feedback system, the global spill structure was significantly suppressed to be less than ±5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A resonant slow-extraction method from synchrotron rings has been successfully developed in order to deliver a beam for a period of over several seconds. In the resonant slow-extraction method, an optimization of the parameters is necessary in order to keep the beam size and position constant during the extraction for sufficient use of the extracted beam. For this purpose, a simple method to measure the outgoing separatrix was proposed and verified at the HIMAC synchrotron. In this method, two tantalum rods each with diameter of 1 mm are used as internal probes located near the extraction channel. By observing the extracted beam under the rods inserted into the ring, the outgoing separatrix can be measured. This technique will significantly contribute to the operation of a synchrotron employing resonant slow-extraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of spontaneous haemorrhage into metastatic brain tumours after radiosurgery.Methods: Intratumour haemorrhage rate, clinical features, and treatment were evaluated in 54 patients with 131 brain metastases of varying origin who were treated using linear accelerator radiosurgery. The marginal dose was maintained constant at 20 or 25 Gy, irrespective of tumour size.Results: Haemorrhage was identified in 7.4% of the metastases (five tumours in four patients) before radiosurgery and in 18.5% (10 tumours in 10 patients) after radiosurgery. In three cases, haemorrhage into the tumour after radiosurgery was symptomatic. Half the haemorrhages occurred within one month of radiosurgery. The changes in tumour size observed at the time of haemorrhage were an increase in one tumour, no change in five, and a decrease in four. Haemorrhage into a tumour after radiosurgery was more likely to occur in female patients, in tumours with a larger volume on pretreatment neuroimaging, and in tumours treated with a larger number of isocentres or a higher maximum dose. Haemorrhagic features in the patients or their tumours on presurgical assessment were not disposing factors to haemorrhage after radiosurgery.Conclusions: When larger brain metastases are aggressively treated by radiosurgery, better local control may be attained but there may also be a higher risk of haemorrhage soon after the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the charge fraction of 6.0 MeV/n heavy ions (C, Ne, Si, Ar, Fe and Cu) with a carbon foil at the NIRS-HIMAC injector. At this energy they are stripped with a carbon foil before being injected into two synchrotron rings with a maximum energy of 800 MeV/n. In order to find the foil thickness (DE) at which an equilibrium charge state distribution occurs, and to study the dependence of the DE-values on the projectile atomic number, we measured the exit charge fractions for foil thicknesses of between 10 and 350 μg/cm2. The results showed that the DE-values are 21.5, 62.0, 162, 346, 121, 143 μg/cm2 for C, Ne, Si, Ar, Fe, Cu, respectively. The fraction of Ar18+ ions was actually improved to 33% at 320 μg/cm2 from ∼15% at 100 μg/cm2. For Fe and Cu ions, the DE-values were found to be only 121 and 143 μg/cm2; there is a large gap between Ar and Fe, which is related to the differences in the ratio of the binding energy of the K-shell electrons to an electron energy (3.26 keV) corresponding to the velocity of a 6.0 MeV/n projectile. The well-known “two disjoint Gaussians (shell effect)” was also observed in the measured charge fractions of both Fe and Cu. The results of the charge fractions were also compared with other data and to calculations of Rozet et al. , in which there was a good agreement for light ions (C); however, a significant difference was observed for ion species heavier than Ne. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The two-frequency heating technique was studied to increase the beam intensities of highly charged ions provided by the high-voltage extraction configuration (HEC) ion source at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS). The observed dependences on microwave power and frequency suggested that this technique improved plasma stability but it required precise frequency tuning and more microwave power than was available before 2013. Recently, a new, high-power (1200 W) wide bandwidth (17.1-18.5 GHz) travelling-wave-tube amplifier (TWTA) was installed. After some single tests with klystron and TWT amplifiers the simultaneous injection of the two microwaves has been successfully realized. The dependence of highly charged ions (HCI) currents on the superposed microwave power was studied by changing only the output power of one of the two amplifiers, alternatively. While operating the klystron on its fixed 18.0 GHz, the frequency of the TWTA was swept within its full limits (17.1-18.5 GHz), and the effect of this frequency on the HCI-production rate was examined under several operation conditions. As an overall result, new beam records of highly charged argon, krypton, and xenon beams were obtained at the NIRS-HEC ion source by this high-power two-frequency operation mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) is used to generate multicharged ions for many kinds of the fields. We have developed an evaporator by using induction heating method that can generate pure vapor from solid state materials in ECRIS. We develop the new matching and protecting circuit by which we can precisely control the temperature of the induction heating evaporator. We can control the temperature within ±15 °C around 1400 °C under the operation pressure about 10-4 Pa. We are able to use this evaporator for experiment of synthesizing process to need pure vapor under enough low pressure, e.g., experiment of generation of endohedral Fe-fullerene at the ECRIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]