A spot-size transformer based on mode interference

A novel mode-size transformer based on interference between guided and leaky modes is proposed and analyzed. Simulation shows significant improvement in spot-size transform efficiency per unit length, in comparison with the conventional tapered waveguide mode size converters based on mode evolution. Owing to its structural simplicity, easy fabrication is another merit of the new spot-size transformer     

Structure of microporous polypropylene sheets containing CaCO3 filler

The microporous polypropylene sheets were prepared by biaxially stretching polypropylene sheets containing CaCO₃ filler (particle size, 0.08–3.0 μm), when the CaCO₃ filler content was 59% by weight and the stretching ratio was 2.8 × 1.8. The microstructure of the sheets were investigated in relation to the CaCO₃ particle size by a N₂ gas permeation method. (1) Effective porosity increases with decreasing mean particle size of filler. (2) The tortuosity factor of the pore is in the range of 25–40 and becomes relatively smaller with decreasing mean particle size of filler. (3) The equivalent pore size becomes relatively smaller with decreasing mean particle size of filler.     

A novel on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection withcommon discharge line for high-speed CMOS LSIs

A novel on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for high-speed CMOS LSI's that operate at higher than 500 MHz has been developed. Introduction of a newly developed common discharge line (CDL) can completely eliminate the protection device influence on the inner circuit operation. This enables minimization of the I/O capacitance by shrinking the dimension of the output transistor, which also serves as a protection device in conventional devices. This new protection (CDL protection) was applied to a high-speed DRAM of which I/O pin capacitance specification is 2 pF. As a result, the ESD tolerance of 4 kV for the charged device model test, 4 kV for the human body model test, and 700 V for the machine model test were obtained. In addition, the DRAM data rate higher than 660 MHz at room temperature was achieved. The results show significant improvement for both ESD and the I/O capacitance, compared with the conventional structure     

Phenotypic diversity and kinetics of proliferating microglia and astrocytes following cortical stab wounds

Brain injury induces reactive gliosis, characterized by increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), astrocyte hypertrophy, and hyperplasia of astrocytes and microglia. One hypothesis tested in this study was whether ganglioside GD3+ glial precursor cells would contribute to macroglial proliferation following injury. Adult rats received a cortical stab wound. Proliferating cells were identified by immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and by [3H]-thymidine autoradiography, and cell phenotypes by immunocytochemical staining for GD3, GFAP, ED1 (for reactive microglia) and for Bandeiraea Simplicifolia isolectin-B4 binding (all microglia). Animals were labeled with thymidine at 1,2,3, and 4 days postlesion (dpl) and sacrificed at various times thereafter. Proliferating cells of each phenotype were quantified. A dramatic upregulation of GD3 on ramified microglia was seen in the ipsilateral hemisphere by 2 dpl. Proliferating cells consisted of microglia and fewer astrocytes. Microglia proliferated maximally at 2-3 dpl and one third to one half were GD3+. Astrocytes proliferated maximally at 3-4 dpl, and some were also GD3+. Both ramified and ameboid forms of microglia proliferated and by 4 dpl all GD3+ microglia were ED1+ and vice versa. In the contralateral cortex microglia expressed neither GD3 nor ED1. Thus they acquired these antigens when activated. Neither microglia nor astrocytes that were thymidine-labeled at 2, 3, or 4 dpl changed in number in subsequent days. Most thymidine+ astrocytes were large GFAP+ reactive cells that clearly arose from pre-existing astrocytes, not from GD3+ glial precursors. In this model of injury microglia proliferate earlier and to a much greater extent than astrocytes, they can divide when in ramified form, and GD3 is up-regulated in most reactive microglia and in a subset of reactive astrocytes. We also conclude that microglial proliferation precedes proliferation of invading blood-borne macrophages.     

The principle and fundamental characteristics of brushless three-phase synchronous induction motor with two stators

Brushless three-phase synchronous motor involving a rotating ac exciter on the same shaft as the motor and with the windings linked through a shaft-mounted rectifier is widely used as medium and large capacity machines. However, the motor needs to fit with damping windings for self-starting outside of the field winding in the rotor and needs to equip discharge resistance with complex electronic device to dispose of electromagnetic force induced in the field winding at starting. Therefore, the rotor structure is very complex, and there are disadvantages, especially for the robust and highly reliable motor that is desired. To solve the problem found in traditional motors, the authors proposed a brushless three-phase synchronous induction motor with two stators and one wound rotor. This problem is solved because the proposed motor is of two-stators structure: the rotor winding operates as a secondary winding of induction motor at starting and as the field winding at synchronous operation. The motor can self-start as a wound-rotor induction motor without external secondary resistance. Therefore, discharge resistance is not necessary; the starting equipment is very simple and the rotor structure is robust. It is possible to start with high torque. In this paper, the basic constitution of the proposed motor and the principles of operation are described in detail. The experimental results at starting and pulling into synchronism are shown for confirming the principles of operation and the experimental and numerical results of the starting characteristics. The load ones and the generating ones are shown and then the practical use of the proposed motor is confirmed.     

Nondestructive readout mode static induction transistor (SIT) photosensors

The nondestructive readout (NDRO) performance of two static induction transistor (SIT) photosensors, a 40×40 pixel area array and a 140-b linear array, is examined. NDRO operation in the SIT sensors is demonstrated by imaging with the area array and by examining the output waveform of the linear array. The charge lost per NDRO cycle in the linear array was 0.014% near the saturation signal level, and no charge loss could be detected at the ⩽0.5 saturation level. NDRO performance in the area array was degraded compared to the linear array, due to the larger value of the load capacitance connected to the output electrode of the SIT. NDRO operation also enables the cancellation of both the photosite reset noise and the signal nonuniformity by subtracting the first NDRO output from the following NDRO outputs, as well as the advantage of monitoring the signal state during the integration period     

Annealing behavior of Ar ion irradiated Bi2Sr2Can-1CunO4+2n superlattice and intergrowth films

Artificially layered Bi₂Sr₂Ca_n–1Cu_nO_4+n films were synthesized by sequential sputter deposition of BiO, SrCu_0.5O_1.5 and CaCuO₂ layers. Annealing behavior of these films which were irradiated by Ar ions was studied. Defect assisted improvement of their crystalline perfection is expected which might results in the improvement of the superconducting properties of these films. An artificial film, such as an intergrowth of 2223 and 2234 phases, and superstructure films of (2245)₁(2201)₁ and (2234)₁(2212)₁, were irradiated by Ar ions (150 keV, 2–10×10¹² ions/cm₂) and annealed at 730 °C. An improvement of superconducting transition temperatures were observed.     

Suppurative lesions without prominent epithelioid cell response in abscess-forming granulomatous lymphadenitis

To clarify the clinicopathological significance of the suppurative lesions without an epithelioid granulomatous response (SLs without Ep) in lymph nodes and their relationship to abscess-forming granulomatous lymphadenitis (AGL) and cat scratch disease (CSD), 10 cases were assessed clinicopathologically and immunohistologically. SLs without Ep were located in the subcapsular sinus, paracortical area and medullary cords, but not in the germinal centers. The microabscesses were surrounded by collections of monocytoid B-lymphocytes (MBLs), histiocytes without epithelioid features, neutrophils, small lymphocytes and small numbers of plasma cells. The majority of the MBLs seen in the SLs without Ep were of the large cell type. The histological triad of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis, i.e., reactive follicular hyperplasia, small clusters of epithelioid cells and aggregates of MBLs, were also seen in all cases. Some of the clinical and pathological findings in our 10 cases were characteristic of CSD, i.e., (1) cat exposure before the lymphadenopathy was in four of the 10 cases, (2) occurrence in autumn and winter months in all cases, (3) typical suppurative granulomas surrounded by palisaded epithelioid cells were in four of the 10 cases, and (4) Warthin-Starry silver stain-positive bacteria were detected in seven of the 10 cases. The results of our study suggest that SLs without Ep are an early stage of CSD.     

Cytomegalovirus disease accompanied by severe hypoproteinemia in a patient with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma

A 62-year-old Japanese man complained of fever, general fatigue, anorexia and watery diarrhea during remission of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma. Laboratory examinations showed severe hypoproteinemia (2.9 g/dl). However, neither intestinal lesions associated with ATL nor findings suggesting protein losing gastroenteropathy were observed. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen detection assay using peripheral blood leukocytes revealed that he had an active CMV infection with hemophagocytic syndrome. Treatment with ganciclovir and methylprednisolone led to an improvement of hypoproteinemia. CMV disease and associated hemophagocytic syndrome should be considered as a cause of hypoproteinemia in an immunocompromised host.