Sensitivity and Evaluation of Explosive Substances

Explosion sensitivity involves many complex factors. A theory for evaluating and a method for testing have to be established. We have proposed an explosion sensitivity theory for explosive substances and have also tested the evaluating method. The results of our research reveal a satisfactory mutual relation between both theoretical and experimental values.     

HNF1A Mutations and Beta Cell Dysfunction in Diabetes

Understanding the genetic factors of diabetes is essential for addressing the global increase in type 2 diabetes. HNF1A mutations cause a monogenic form of diabetes called maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and HNF1A single-nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies have been conducted, mainly using genetically modified mice, to explore the molecular basis for the development of diabetes caused by HNF1A mutations, and to reveal the roles of HNF1A in multiple organs, including insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, lipid metabolism and protein synthesis in the liver, and urinary glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. Recent studies using human stem cells that mimic MODY have provided new insights into beta cell dysfunction. In this article, we discuss the involvement of HNF1A in beta cell dysfunction by reviewing previous studies using genetically modified mice and recent findings in human stem cell-derived beta cells.     

Thermal performance of a packed bed reactor for a high‐temperature chemical heat pump

The thermal performance of a chemical heat pump that uses the reaction system of calcium oxide/lead oxide/carbon dioxide, which is developed for utilization of high‐temperature heat above 800°C, is studied experimentally. The thermal performance of a packed‐bed reactor of a calcium oxide/carbon dioxide reaction system, which stores and transforms a high‐temperature heat source in the heat pump operation, is examined under various heat pump operation conditions. The energy analysis based on the experiment shows that it is possible to utilize high‐temperature heat with this heat pump. This heat pump can store heat above 850°C and then transform it into a heat above 900°C under an approximate atmospheric pressure. An applied system that combines the heat pump and a high‐temperature process is proposed for high‐efficiency heat utilization. The scale of the heat pump in the combined system is estimated from the experimental results. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of friction stir processing on microstructure of laser clad cobalt-based alloy

(The microstructural refinement of cobalt-based alloy (Stellite No. 6) by laser cladding and friction stir processing (FSP) was studied. A nanometer-sized microstructure consisting of fine carbide (particle size: 100–200 nm) and a grain (grain size: 150–250 nm) was successfully fabricated by the FSP on the laser clad cobalt-based alloy. The nanostructured cobalt-based alloy (Stellite No. 6) had an extremely high hardness of about 750 HV.     

野外试验场黄土的理化分析

本实验为低,中水平放射性废物浅地层处置安全评价提供现场土壤的物理化学参数。采样深度在０．５－９．１ｍ范围内,每个样品进行１０项测定;矿物组成,粒度分布、密度、总孔隙度、有效孔隙度、给水度、持水度、渗透系数、阳离子交换容量、含水量。     

Irradiation effects of boron carbide used as control rod elements in fast breeder reactors

The paper describes radiation effects on 8₄C pellets used as control rod elements in the Enrico Fermi Fast Breeder Reactor. Pellet swelling (Δ$\text{V/V}$) caused by irradiation was less than 1% in which crystal lattice swelling was less than 20%. Many microcracks, a main cause of pellet swelling, appeared in the irradiated pellets. The production of microcracks was related to graphite precipitation in the pellets before irradiation. Open pores which did not exist in the unirradiated pellets were formed in the irradiated ones. In a unit cell of B₄C, the α-axis elongated by 0.025 Å and the $\text{c-}\text{axis}$ shrank by 0.07 Å by irradiation. Moreover, we found three recovery stages which were from room temperature to 400°C, from 400 to 750°C and from 850 to 1100°C. The recovery mechanisms in the irradiated pellets are discussed in terms of the helium behavior.     

Phase-transition temperatures and piezoelectric properties of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-(Bi1/2Li1/2)TiO3-(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 lead-free ferroelectric ceramics.

The phase-transition temperatures and piezoelectric properties of x(Bi(1/2)Na(1/2))TiO3-y(Bi(1/2)Li(1/2))TiO3-z(Bi(1/2)K(1/2))TiO3 [x + y + z = 1] (abbreviated as BNLKT100(y)-100(z)) ceramics were investigated. These ceramics were prepared using a conventional ceramic fabrication process. The phase-transition temperatures such as depolarization temperatures T(d), rhombohedraltetragonal phase transition temperature T(R-T), and dielectric-maximum temperature T(m) were determined using electrical measurements such as dielectric and piezoelectric properties. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of BNLKT100(y)-100(z)) show the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between rhombohedral and tetragonal at approximately z = 0.20, and the piezoelectric properties show the maximum at the MPB. The electromechanical coupling factor k(33), piezoelectric constant d(33) and T(d) of BNLKT4-20 and BNLKT8-20 were 0.603, 176 pC/N, and 171 degrees C, and 0.590, 190 pC/N, and 115 degrees C, respectively. In addition, the relationship between d33 and Td of tetragonal side and rhombohedral side for BNLKT4-100z and BNLKT8-100z were presented. Considering both high Td and high d(33), the tetragonal side of BNLKT4-100z is thought to be the superior composition. The d(33) and T(d) of BNLKT4-28 were 135 pC/N and 218 degrees C, respectively. Moreover, this study revealed that the variation of T(d) is related to the variation of lattice distortion such as rhombohedrality 90-alpha and tetragonality c/a.     

Propagation Path Visibility Estimation for Radio Local Distribution Systems in Built-Up Areas

For the design of radio local distribution systems in densely built-up areas, estimating how many subscribers are in sight from a nodal station is important. This paper proposes a method for estimating probability of success of line-of-sight paths termed visibility. Method validity is confirmed bypractical field examinations.     

Frequency stabilization of GaAlAs laser using a Doppler-free spectrum of the Cs-D2line

Experimental results are shown on the frequency stabilization of a GaAlAs laser using a Doppler-free spectrum in the saturated absorption of the Cs-D2line at 852.1 nm. The frequency stability (Allan variance) between3.0 times 10^{-12}and1.0 times 10^{11}was obtained at the averaging time between 0.1 and 1000 s.