Search

Adopting advanced technology such as UAV into bridge inspection is attracting attention. This study focused on steel bridges. The field testing was conducted on two selected steel bridges in Gifu prefecture, Japan. The results of field testing showed that some of the advanced technologies already have enough performance to support bridge inspection. Based on those results, this paper showed the technology ad-vantages/limitations and suggested the foundation of guidelines for adopting advanced robotic technologies in steel bridge inspection by clarifying the performance requirements. In terms of the performance requirements for those technologies, obtaining the wide-area and narrow-area information to detect defects such as corrosion, coating deterioration and fatigue of the steel bridge were required. As the specific requirements for steel bridges, the operability to narrow areas and approaching function for each structural design of the bridge were clarified.

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with unknown etiology involving multiple immune cells and has diverse clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneous nature has hampered a better understanding of SLE pathogenesis and the development of effective therapeutic agents. While recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies of SLE identified several important cell subpopulations, they were limited by sparse expression information at single-cell level and small sample sizes.ObjectivesThis study aimed to elucidate the dysregulated gene expression pattern linked to multiple clinical statuses of SLE with a fine cellular resolution and higher sensitivity. We also attempted to resolve a complex interaction between risk variants and the transcriptome dysregulation seen in SLE patients.MethodsWe conducted a large-scale bulk transcriptome study of 6,386 RNA-sequencing data including 27 purified immune cell types in peripheral blood from 136 SLE and 89 healthy donors in the Immune Cell Gene Expression Atlas from the University of Tokyo (ImmuNexUT) cohort1. At enrollment, SLE patients had diverse clinical manifestations (disease activity, organ involvement and treatment profiles) and 22 patients were re-evaluated after belimumab treatment.ResultsWe first profiled two distinct cell-type-specific transcriptomic signatures: disease-state and disease-activity signatures, reflecting disease establishment and exacerbation, respectively.After confirming the high replicability of both signatures in independent cohorts, we identified candidates of biological processes unique to each signature: e.g., upregulated E2F transcriptional activity in Th1, CD8+ memory T-lineage and NK cells, and dynamic increase of IL21 and CXCL13 in Th1 cells in an active phase of SLE. Pathway analysis highlighted the importance of immunometabolic process for SLE (e.g., oxidative phosphorylation) in cell-type-specific resolution.Moreover, we demonstrated cell-type-specific contributions to diverse organ involvement, e.g., Th1 for mucocutaneous, monocyte-lineage cells for musculoskeletal, neutrophil-lineage cells for renal activity, respectively.We also observed the strong associations of disease-activity signatures with treatment effect: (i) belimumab suppressed activity signatures from B-lineage cells, especially in good responders and (ii) mycophenolate mofetil substantially suppressed activity signatures from plasmablast, Th1, and central memory CD8 cells.However, through stratified LD score regression using large-scale SLE-GWASs, we revealed that disease-activity signatures were less enriched around SLE risk variants than disease-state signatures. Consistent with this result, the directions of SLE risk alleles’ expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) effects were significantly concordant with the directions of disease-state signatures, but not with those of activity signatures. These findings suggested that the current genetic case-control studies may not well capture clinically vital biology linked to drug target discovery for SLE. Meanwhile, we also detected some examples of activity signatures that might contribute to the disease risk by modulating risk allele’s eQTL effects.Figure 1.ConclusionWe identified comprehensive gene signatures reflecting the establishment and exacerbation of SLE, which provide essential foundations for future genomic, genetic, and clinical studies.References[1]Ota, M. et al. Dynamic landscape of immune cell-specific gene regulation in immune-mediated diseases. Cell 2021;184:3006-21.e17.AcknowledgementsThis study was supported by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports; and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) (JP21tm0424221 and JP21zf0127004).Disclosure of InterestsMasahiro Nakano: None declared, Mineto Ota Grant/research support from: Mineto Ota belongs to the Social Cooperation Program, Department of functional genomics and immunological diseases, supported by Chugai Pharmaceutical., Yusuke Takeshima Grant/research support from: Yusuke Takeshima belonged to the Social Cooperation Program, Department of functional genomics and immunological diseases, supported by Chugai Pharmaceutical., Yukiko Iwasaki: None declared, Hiroaki Hatano: None declared, Yasuo Nagafuchi Grant/research support from: Yasuo Nagafuchi belongs to the Social Cooperation Program, Department of functional genomics and immunological diseases, supported by Chugai Pharmaceutical., Kwangwoo Kim: None declared, So-Young Bang: None declared, Hye Soon Lee: None declared, Hirofumi Shoda: None declared, Xuejun Zhang: None declared, Sang-Cheol Bae: None declared, Chikashi Terao: None declared, Kazuhiko Yamamoto: None declared, Tomohisa Okamura Grant/research support from: Tomohisa Okamura belongs to the Social Cooperation Program, Department of functional genomics and immunological diseases, supported by Chugai Pharmaceutical., Kazuyoshi Ishigaki: None declared, Keishi Fujio Speakers bureau: Keishi Fujio receives speaker fees from Chugai Pharmaceutical., Consultant of: Keishi Fujio receives consulting honoraria from Chugai Pharmaceutical., Grant/research support from: Keishi Fujio receives research support from Chugai Pharmaceutical.

Communities are structured by interactions of historical and ecological factors, which influence the use of different resources in time and space. We acquired data on time of activity, microhabitat use and diet of a lizard assemblage from a sand dune habitat in a coastal area, southeastern Brazil (Restinga de Jurubatiba). We analyzed the data of niche overlap among species in these three axes (temporal, spatial and trophic) using null models. We found a significant overlap within the trophic niche, whereas the overlap for the other axes did not differ from the expected. Based on this result, we discuss the factors acting on the structure of the local lizard community. RESUMO As comunidades são estruturadas por uma interação de fatores históricos e ecológicos que influenciam o uso de diferentes recursos no tempo e no espaço. Coletamos dados sobre tempo de atividade, o uso de micro-habitat e dieta de uma assembleia de lagartos de um habitat de restinga na costa do Sudeste do Brasil (Restinga de Jurubatiba). Os dados foram analisados em relação à sobreposição de nicho entre as espécies ao longo de três eixos (temporais, espaciais e tróficos), utilizando modelos nulos. Encontramos uma sobreposição significativa no nicho trófico, enquanto que a sobreposição para os outros eixos não diferiu do esperado. Com base neste resultado, discutimos os fatores que atuam sobre a estruturação da comunidade local de lagartos.

We studied the temporal distribution of tadpoles of Crossodactylus gaudichaudii, and their relationship with rainfall, in a Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest area. There is no previous information about the population dynamics of tadpoles from this species. We sampled 60 m along streams between May 2002 and April 2005. Tadpoles in initial stages of development (up to stage 25) were present in all months of the year and represented 80.4% of those sampled. This indicates a continuous recruitment of new individuals in the aquatic environment. Tadpoles in final stages of development (stages 42–46) represented only 5% of those sampled, which may be the result of higher mortality in the early development stages. Body length of tadpoles varied among developmental stages and between seasons. Tadpole density was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, and was significantly related to rainfall in the area.

We present data on species composition, relative abundance and estimated densities for leaf-litter anuran amphibians from an Atlantic Forest area within the Parque Estadual do Desengano, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on results of a short-term survey carried out during the winter at altitudes of 1000-1500 m. Three sampling methods were used: plot sampling, visual encounter surveys (VES; performed during the day, at the twilight, and at night), and pitfall traps. We recorded 13 species, with the direct-developer Ischnocnema parva (Girard, 1853) being the most abundant. Most frogs (ca. 90% of all individuals) sampled by VES were captured during the crepuscular and nocturnal periods. The estimated density of the local leaf-litter frog assemblage based on plot sampling was 13.2 ind.100 m-2, which is one of the highest values currently reported for Atlantic Rainforest areas. This is the first study analyzing the anuran fauna of the Parque Estadual do Desengano and adds to the knowledge of the fauna of the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is still poorly studied.

The ATLAS collaboration R&D group “Development of n-in-p Silicon Sensors for very high radiation environment” has developed single-sided p-type 9.75 cm×9.75 cm sensors with an n-type readout strips having radiation tolerance against the 1015 1-MeV neutron equivalent (neq)/cm2 fluence expected in the Super Large Hadron Collider. The compiled results of an evaluation of the bulk and strip parameter characteristics of 19 new non-irradiated sensors manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics are presented in this paper. It was verified in detail that the sensors comply with the technical specifications required before irradiation. The reverse bias voltage dependence of various parameters, frequency dependence of tested capacitances, and strip scans of more than 23,000 strips as a test of parameter uniformity and strip quality over the whole sensor area have been carried out at Stony Brook University, Cambridge University, University of Geneva, and Academy of Sciences of CR and Charles University in Prague. No openings, shorts, or pinholes were observed on all tested strips, confirming the high quality of sensors made by Hamamatsu Photonics.

In order to design radiation-hardened LSIs for space applications, single event transient upset effects on cascade voltage switch logic (CVSL) circuits have been investigated using SPICE. Static and clocked CVSL test circuits have been successfully fabricated utilizing a double polysilicon double metal N-well CMOS technology. Both CVSL circuits have been confirmed to function correctly by the fabricated chip measurements. SET simulation results have confirmed that the CVSL circuits have increased tolerance to SET. SET tolerance for the CVSL circuits is compared to that for the conventional CMOS circuits, showing that the CVSL is a candidate for a SET tolerant spaceborne logic circuit. Furthermore, the static CVSL and clocked CVSL are compared.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films grown on SiO 2 -coated Si substrates by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) at 200 °C was irradiated with Ar + ions with a simultaneous supply of Fe atoms or with N 2 + ions (without Fe) at room temperature to fabricate Fe- or N-doped ZnO nanoneedles, respectively. The morphological structure of the doped nanoneedles was almost identical with that of non-doped nanoneedles. The detailed analyses by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with transmission electron microscope revealed that Fe was doped at and beneath the surface of the nanoneedles as well as at the needle tip. Random lasing was observed for both Fe- and N-doped ZnO nanoneedles thus fabricated, and the lasing peaks detected were redshifted compared with those attained for non-doped ZnO nanoneedles. Since the lasing wavelength, and hence the bandgap, was readily tunable, the combination of FCVA and ion-irradiation methods was concluded to be quite promising to fabricate ID nanostructures for optoelectronics applications at low temperatures.

We studied some parameters of the parasitism by the mite Hannemonia sp. on the endemic frog Hylodes phyllodes in the Atlantic Forest of Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil). Prevalence, mean abundance, mean intensity and total intensity of infestation, body regions infected, and host sexual differences in parasitism rate of the larvae of Hannemania sp. on individuals of H. phyllodes were assessed. Prevalence was 86.5% (N = 37; total of 1,745 larvae of Hannemania sp) for male hosts and 91.7% (N = 12; total of 330 larvae) for female hosts, with no significant difference between the sexes. Overall prevalence of Hannemania sp. on H. phyllodes was 87.7%. Mean intensity of infestation in males (54.5 +/- 42.5; range 1-173 larvae) was higher than in females (29.9 +/- 47.6; range 1-166). We conclude that the rates of intensity, abundance, and prevalence of Hannemania larvae parasitizing Hylodes phyllodes at Ilha Grande were considerably high, suggesting that this species of anuran constitutes a relevant host for this mite species to complete its life-cycle in the area. Differences between males and females in infestation rates probably reflect their differential use of space in the forest.

A very simple method to synthesize densely distributed carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on flexible plastic substrates at room temperature with no catalyst is demonstrated. Carbon film was deposited onto polyimide, poly-ethylene-terephthalate (PET) films, Si plates and a Ni mesh, which were then sputtered with obliquely incident Ar + ions at 3 keV at room temperature. Linear-shaped CNFs oriented in the incidence direction of the ion beam grew on the sputtered substrates, as confirmed by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM). CNF growth on a PET substrate, which is a non-heat-tolerant plastic, has never been reported so far. CNFs thus grown were characterized as amorphous without a hollow structure. The diameter of CNFs was almost identical (20–30 nm) despite a large difference in CNF length (0.1–4 μm). In addition, the CNF-tipped cones were demonstrated to act successfully as a template to fabricate one dimensional (1-D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures on a PET substrate. Thus, it was believed that the ion-irradiation technique would open up a new approach to fabricate any kinds of 1-D nanomaterials on flexible substrates at room temperature.

In this study, we analyzed diet, sexual dimorphism and bromeliad use in three populations of the hylid frog Phyllodytes luteolus from restinga habitats along the Brazilian coast. We found 13 arthropods categories in 161 stomachs. Ants and termites were the dominant prey items. The similar trophic niche across populations suggests this species has a conservative diet. We found sexual dimorphism regarding body size and jaw width. We recordedP. luteolus in five bromeliad species, but predominantly inAechmeablanchetiana (35.6% of individuals recorded). We recorded solitary individuals in 44% of occupied bromeliads, and never found two males sharing the same bromeliad. The data is suggestive that populations ofP. luteolus has a conservative diet independent of area, with ants and termites the being most relevant prey items. The sexual dimorphism in jaw and the solitary males may suggest that this species have territorial behavior. Neste estudo, analizamos a dieta, dimorfismo sexual e uso de bromélias em três populações do hilídeo Phyllodytes luteolus de habitats de restinga ao longo da costa brasileira. Encontramos 13 categorias de artrópodes em 161 estômagos. Formigas e cupins foram as presas dominantes. O nicho trófico semelhante registrado entre as populações sugere que essa espécie possui uma dieta conservativa. Encontramos dimorfismo sexual referentes ao tamanho do corpo e largura da mandíbula. Observamos P. luteolus em cinco espécies de bromélias, mas predominantemente em Aechmeablanchetiana (35.6% dos indivíduos encontrados). Encontramos indivíduos solitários em 44% das bromélias ocupadas, e nunca dois machos dividindo a mesma bromelia. Os dados sugerem que as populações de P. luteolus possuem uma dieta conservadora independente da localidade, com formigas e cupins como as presas mais relevantes. O dimorfismo sexual no tamanho das mandíbulas e os machos solitários podem sugerir que esta espécie possui comportamento territorial.

Specimens of the four most abundant diurnal lizards (Tropidurus torquatus, Cnemidophorus littoralis, Mabuya macrorhyncha and M. agilis) inhabiting the restinga of Jurubatiba, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil were examined for nematodes. Eight species of nematodes were found. Tropidurus torquatus had the richest (8 species) and most diverse nematode fauna, whereas that of C. littoralis was the poorest (2 species) and less diverse. Tropidurus torquatus also had the highest overall prevalence (92%) and mean infection intensity (37.2; standard deviation 82.0; range 2-549). Similarities in nematode faunal composition between host species was generally low, except between the two Mabuya species.

By means of reciprocity calibration in Rayleigh-wave and longitudinal-wave sound fields, frequency characteristics of amplitude and phase of absolute sensitivity of acoustic emission transducers were measured on the basis of the newly derived complex reciprocity parameters, and the impulse responses were obtained through inverse Fourier transform. Calibration results were confirmed with supplemental experiments in which the fracturing of a pencil lead was utilized for the source of elastic waves. Impulse responses of acoustic emission transducers to both the Rayleigh-wave and longitudinal-wave displacement velocities were determined by means of purely electrical measurements without the use of mechanical sound sources or reference transducers.

Short ps and fs pulses are well known to produce a strong non-equilibrium between conduction band (CB) electrons and crystal lattice since laser-matter interaction time is shorter than the electron-to-lattice energy transfer time (a few ps). In contrast, it is generally accepted that for ns pulses the energy absorbed initially by CB electrons is fully dissipated to the lattice and the electron-lattice energy equilibrium is established. However, by making our experimental-theoretical study for ns pulsed second harmonics generation (SHG) in periodically poled lithium tantalate (LT) we find that in addition to this mechanism a specific inverse mechanism providing an effective kinetic pathway for electron heating and discharge exists in nonlinear crystals. In short, our study suggests the mechanism by which during nonlinear frequency conversion the initial temperature increase ΔT of few K caused by photo-absorption in non-symmetric crystal lattice induces a high gradient of the spontaneous polarization Ps across the irradiated zone resulting in the onset of the electric field E≈10 kV/cm, which accelerates CB electrons to the energy of ≈10-20 eV, followed by the discharge and crystal damage.

Transmission characteristics of a double-structured tank, used for high-frequency (1 MHz range) ultrasonic cleaning of semiconductor wafers and substrates, were improved by utilizing oblique incidence of ultrasonic waves. As the sound transmittivity through a plate in water varies with the angle of incidence, the bottom of the Pyrex glass inner container was slanted at the angle where strong transmission occurred. In the slant-bottom container, an intensive and uniform sound pressure distribution was measured with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hydrophone probe. In comparison with the conventional horizontal-bottom container, it was shown that the distributions as well as amplitude of sound pressure were remarkably improved by slanting the bottom of the inner container at the proper angle.

Growth characteristics of (100) HgCdTe (MCT) layers by MOVPE at low temperature of 275°C were studied using ditertiarybutyltelluride as a tellurium precursor. Growths were conducted in a vertical narrow-spacing growth cell at atmospheric pressure. Cd composition of MCT layers were controlled from 0 to 0.98 using dimethylcadmium (DMCd) flow. The growth rate was constant for increase of DMCd flow. During the growth, Cd was incorporated preferentially into the MCT layers. Enhancement of Cd incorporation in the presence of Hg was also observed. Crystal quality and electrical properties were also evaluated, which showed that high quality MCT layers can be grown at 275°C. Strain in CdTe layers grown at 425 and 275°C was also evaluated. Lattice parameter of layers grown at 425°C approached bulk value at thickness of 5 μm, while layers grown at 275°C relaxed at 1 μm. The rapid strain relaxation of layers grown at 275°C was considered due to the layer growth on the strain relaxed buffer layer. The effect of the thermal stress on the relaxation of CdTe lattice strain was also discussed.

The GLAD system is proposed for the injection and dissolution of CO 2 gas into the ocean. It is a pipeline of inverse U shape settled in the shallow sea. CO 2 bubbles injected into the pipe form a buoyant plume, but they dissolve while rising. The dense solution is released from the other side of the pipe. In the present paper, possibility of our concept is confirmed by the numerical simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow with a primitive model of CO 2 dissolution

An odontoma, which shows proliferating odontogenic epithelium and mesenchymal tissue, is one of the most common odontogenic tumors encountered. These are commonly found in tooth-bearing regions, although the etiology remains unknown. There are no previous reports of an established line of immortalized human odontoma cells.Using odontoma fragments obtained from a girl treated at our department, we established an immortalized human odontoma cell line and investigated cell morphology, dynamic proliferation, the presence of contamination, and karyotype. Moreover, cell characterization was examined using osteogenic and odontogenic markers.We successfully established a mesenchymal odontoma cell (mOd cells). The cells were found to be fibroblastic and had a high level of telomerase activity. Cell growth was confirmed after more than 200 population doublings without significant growth retardation. mOd cells expressed mRNA for differentiation markers, including collagen type I (COLI), alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, osteocalcin, cementum-derived protein (CP-23), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and distal-less homeobox 3 (DLX3), as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). In addition, they showed a high level of calcified nodule formation activity in vitro.We successfully established a cell line that may be useful for investigating the mechanisms of normal odontogenesis as well as characteristics of odontoma tumors.

Photoinduced reduction of CO2 by H2O to produce CH4 and CH3OH has been investigated on wellcharacterized standard TiO2 catalysts and on a Cu2+ loaded TiO2 catalyst. The efficiency of this photoreaction depends strongly on the kind of catalyst and the ratio of H2O to CO2. Anatase TiO2, which has a large band gap and numerous surface OH groups, shows high efficiency for photocatalytic CH4 formation. Photogenerated Ti3+ ions, H and CH3 radicals are observed as reactive intermediates, by ESR at 77 K. Cu-loading of the small, powdered TiO2 catalyst (Cu/TiO2) brings about additional formation of CH3OH. XPS studies suggest that Cu+ plays a significant role in CH3OH formation.

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the richest and most threatened biomes on Earth. In the state of Rio de Janeiro it is presently reduced to less than 20% of its original extension, and faunal lists are needed for several areas. Here we present a species list of amphibians and reptiles for the Estação Ecológica Estadual do Paraíso (EEEP), a forest reserve located in the central portion of Rio de Janeiro state. The list is based on both primary (gathered during a short-term survey by the authors) and secondary data (obtained from a local reference collection). A total of 30 amphibian (of which six are endemic to the state) and 29 reptile species were recorded from the area (of which 25 and 13, respectively, were obtained by primary data). No threatened or presumably threatened species were present among the herpetofauna of the EEEP.

We have developed a novel and highly radiation-tolerant n-in-p silicon microstrip sensor for very high radiation environments such as in the Super Large Hadron Collider. The sensors are designed for a fluence of 1×1015 neq/cm2 and are fabricated from p-type, FZ, 6 in. (150 mm) wafers onto which we lay out a single 9.75 cm×9.75 cm large-area sensor and several 1 cm×1 cm miniature sensors with various n-strip isolation structures. By evaluating the sensors both pre- and post-irradiation by protons and neutrons, we find that the full depletion voltage evolves to approximately 800 V and that the n-strip isolation depends on the p+ concentration. In addition, we characterize the interstrip resistance, interstrip capacitance and the punch-through-protection (PTP) voltage. The first fabrication batch allowed us to identify the weak spots in the PTP and the stereo strip layouts. By understanding the source of the weakness, the mask was modified accordingly. After modification, the follow-up fabrication batches and the latest fabrication of about 30 main sensors and associated miniature sensors have shown good performance, with no sign of microdischarge up to 1000 V.

We are developing n+-in-p, p-bulk and n-readout, microstrip sensors as a non-inverting radiation hard silicon detector for the ATLAS Tracker Upgrade at the super LHC experiment. The surface radiation damages of the sensors fabricated by Hamamatsu Photonics are characterized on the interstrip capacitance, interstrip resistance and punch-through protection evolution. The detector should provide acceptable strip isolation, exceeding the input impedance of the signal readout chip ∼1 kΩ, after the integrated luminosity of 6 ab−1, which is twice the luminosity goal.

We are developing n+-in-p, p-bulk and n-readout, microstrip sensors, fabricated by Hamamatsu Photonics, as a non-inverting radiation hard silicon detector for the ATLAS tracker upgrade at the super-LHC (sLHC) proposed facility. The bulk radiation damage after neutron and proton irradiations is characterized with the leakage current, charge collection and full depletion voltage. The detectors should provide acceptable signal, signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 15, after the integrated luminosity of 6000 fb−1, which is twice the sLHC integrated luminosity goal.

We report on the measurement of interstrip parameters of p-type silicon strip sensors which we are developing in a large collaboration to be used in a future tracker for the LHC upgrade. We measure on test structures with about 1 cm long strips the interstrip resistance, interstrip capacitance (at 1 MHz) and punch-through protection both pre-rad and after irradiation with 70 MeV protons to a fluence of 1.5×10^13 p/cm^2, corresponding to about 1 MRad, from prototyping runs with Hamamatsu Photonics and Micron Semiconductors. We report the values for a variety of isolation scenarios of p-stops, p-spray and a combination of both.

Microstrip silicon sensors with p-bulk and n-readout are investigated as a radiation hard device for the Super LHC experiment. We evaluated the radiation hardness of the sensors fabricated by Hamamatsu Photonics through irradiation with 70-MeV protons up to the fluence of 5 × 1015 1-MeV n eq /cm2 and with 60Co γs at a rate foreseen at the Super LHC. The strip isolation and punch-through properties are characterized in detail. Various strip isolation structures, p-stop, p-spray and both combined, are examined. The results are compared among commercially available MCZ and two types of FZ wafers.

Radiation tolerance up to 1015 1-MeV neq/cm2 is required for the silicon microstrip sensors to be operated at the Super LHC experiment. As a candidate for such sensors, we are investigating non-inverting n+-on-p sensors. We manufactured sample sensors of 1 times 1 cm in 4" and 6" processes with implementing different interstrip electrical isolation structures. Industrial high resistive p-type wafers from FZ (float zone) and MCZ (magnetic Czochralski) growth are tested. They are different in crystal orientations and with different wafer resistivities. The sensors were irradiated with 70-MeV protons and evaluated on the leakage current increase, noise figures, electrical strip isolation, full depletion voltage evolution, and charge collection efficiency.

We consider an application of a ultrasonic array emitter to automotive targets detection systems for short-range. Ultrasonic sensors are low cost and widely used. However detectable ranges do not meet the requirements for short-range applications, such as parking aid systems. In this paper, we propose a method which may achieve the emission to a desired area within limited time. We evaluate the expected accuracy of target position estimations by computer simulations. As a result, we show the ability of the ultrasonic sensors for parking aid systems.

For safety applications, automotive radar networks show an interesting potential. Apart from long range radars, networked short range radar systems are under development. Additional applications can be accomplished, such includes precrash detection, parking aid and blind spot surveillance. We research the automotive radar networks using short range radars. The network is built with multiple radars. In this paper, we consider data processing using measured ranges provided by the radars in order to estimate multiple target positions with high accuracy. Firstly, we derive a method based on MAP estimation. Secondly, we propose a method which reduces the calculation complexity compared to the above MAP method. Finally, we introduce a method which can detect targets with low undetected targets. The case often happens when the measured ranges are lost because of miss-detections. We evaluate the performance with computer simulations.

The Restinga de Jurubatiba has at least 10 plant formations, including open Clusia shrubland. This formation is composed of dense shrubs of many shapes and sizes, where Clusia hilariana is one of the most important plant species. Shrublands with Clusia (CC) are poorer in plant species and less dense than shrublands without Clusia (SC). Oryzomys subflavus (Rodentia) is the most abundant small mammal species in the open Clusia shrubland. We tested the hypothesis that the abundance of rodents would increase with the size of the patch and would be higher in SC shrublands. Rodents were captured, marked and released in three 780-m-long transects. At each capture site, we evaluated the shape of the shrubland patch, calculated the area and noted the category of the shrubland. Using ANCOVA, we ascertained whether the abundance of Oryzomys subflavus increased with the sampled area and used CC and SC shrublands differently. We also verified if the size of patches used by rodents varies in the same frequency as the size of available shrublands. Rodent abundance was found to increase significantly with the area. There were no differences in the size of the patches used by rodents and the frequency of the size of available patches. This finding indicates that O. subflavus, in the study area, is a generalist species that uses its habitat according to availability. A Restinga de Jurubatiba possui pelo menos 10 formações vegetais, entre elas a Arbustiva Aberta de Clusia. Esta formação é constituída por moitas densas de várias formas e tamanhos, sendo a espécie Clusia hilariana uma das mais importantes. Moitas com Clusia (CC) têm menor riqueza vegetal e são menos densas que moitas sem Clusia (SC). Oryzomys subflavus (Rodentia) é a espécie mais abundante de pequeno mamífero na Arbustiva Aberta de Clusia. Nós testamos a hipótese que a abundância do roedor aumentaria com o tamanho da área da moita e seria maior em moitas SC. Os roedores foram capturados, marcados e soltos em três transectos de 780 metros de extensão. Em cada ponto de armadilhamento, nós avaliamos a forma da moita, calculamos sua área e anotamos se era uma moita CC ou SC. Nós testamos por ANCOVA, se a abundância de O. subflavus aumentava com a área amostrada e se diferenciava em moitas CC ou SC. Nós também testamos se o tamanho das moitas usadas pelos roedores variavam na mesma freqüência que o tamanho de moitas disponíveis. A abundância do roedor aumentou com o aumento da área, mas as retas de regressão das moitas CC e SC não diferiram nem na inclinação e nem na elevação. O padrão na abundância de O. subflavus em diferentes classes de tamanho de moitas não diferiu do número disponível de moitas observadas por classes. Esses resultados indicam que O. subflavus é uma espécie generalista na área estudada, usando o hábitat de acordo com o que está disponível.

It was shown that a cylindrical solid rod, with a diameter several times larger than the wavelength, can be used as an efficient waveguide for transmitting and radiating high-power ultrasound at higher frequencies. A number of cylindrical rods of varying size and material were tested, and their efficiency as a waveguide was evaluated by the measurements of mechanoacoustic efficiency when the radiating end of the rod was immersed in water for an acoustical load. As an example of waveguide application, a mock-up water atomizer was constructed and shown to work stably at a continuous input of 200 W at 500 kHz. As a consequence of analytical and experimental considerations of the higher mode vibrations of cylindrical rods, a diagram for the optimal design of the waveguides was constructed. For instance, an aluminum alloy rod 6.9 cm in diameter and 23.3 cm in length yielded a mechanoacoustic efficiency as high as 88% at 500 kHz. For high temperature applications, the cylindrical rod can be used as a radiator of heat, as well as for a separator of the piezoelectric transducer from the hot object.

UWB impulse radar has high accuracy of measurement because it uses a transmitted signal whose pulse length is below some nanosecond. In this paper, we propose two novel inter-period correlation processing (IPCP) receivers for UWB impulse radar. The conventional IPCP receiver uses the signal periodicity of signals, so it avoids estimation of unknown parameters determined by the targets and propagation. However, its accuracy of measurement is poor because the time resolution is restricted to a signal periodicity. We propose a parallel IPCP receiver to improve accuracy. When there are multiple targets, the conventional IPCP receiver needs multiple thresholds to detect. This results in complexity of the receiver. So, we propose a parallel differential IPCP receiver. We present the analysis of the outputs, and the performance of proposed receivers.

This paper presents a new control method of master-slave manipulators based on the concept of Virtual Internal Model Following Control, which realizes the master-slave manipulator system with various functions which assist operators as well as bilateral feedback based on external information from sensors or others. In the proposed control system, the virtual internal model is introduced to describe a desired relation between the motion of a master and that of a slave. The external information detected by sensors or others are applied to this model, and the motions of master and slave arms are controlled based on the model. The proposed algorithm is experimentaly applied to the master-slave manipulator with force sensors, and desired response to the external information as well as bilateral feedback is realized.

While Josephson-junction-like structures intrinsic to the layered cuprate high temperature superconductors offer an attractive stage for exploiting possible applications to new quantum technologies, the low energy quasiparticle excitations characteristically present in these d-wave superconductors may easily destroy the coherence required. Here we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of macroscopic quantum tunneling in the intrinsic Josephson junctions of a high temperature superconductor Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8 + delta), and find it to be characterized by a high classic-to-quantum crossover temperature and a relatively weak quasiparticle dissipation.