Steel corrosion plays a central role in different technological fields. In this article, we consider a simple case of a corrosion phenomenon which describes a pure iron dissolution in sodium chloride. This article is devoted to prove rigorously that under rather general hypotheses on the initial data, the solution of this iron dissolution model converges to a self-similar profile as $t\rightarrow +\infty$. We will do so for an equivalent formulation as presented in the book of Avner Friedman about parabolic equations (Friedman (1964) Partial Differential Equations of Parabolic Type, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ.). In order to prove the convergence result, we apply a comparison principle together with suitable upper and lower solutions.

When diamond is synthesized at conditions of comparatively high temperature and pressure, the nucleation rate is high, as is the growth rate of the nuclei. Consequently the product is usually an aggregate of crystals with dendritic or skeletal structure. In this study the presence of gold or silver as an additive mixed with a catalyst was found to have the effect of suppressing nucleation. When a homogeneous mixture of graphite, catalyst, and additive was treated at conditions where skeletons and dendrites were produced in the absence of additive, euhedral crystals of octahedra were formed. When a special cell assemblage for high pressure experiments, in which the graphite was placed inside a cylinder of catalyst coated with additive, was used, prismatic and tabular crystals were synthesized.

We have been monitoring the flux density of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) at 22 GHz since DOY=42 (11 Feb. 2013) with a sub-array of the Japanese VLBI Network in order to search the increase of 22-GHz emission from Sgr A* induced by the interaction of the G2 cloud with the accretion disk. The flux densities observed until DOY=322 (18 Nov. 2013) are consistent with the previously observed values before the approaching of the cloud. We have detected no large flare during this period.

The current trends in stimulated Brillouin scattering and optical phase conjugation are overviewed. This report is formed by the selected papers presented in the “Fifth International Workshop on stimulated Brillouin scattering and phase conjugation 2010” in Japan. The nonlinear properties of phase conjugation based on stimulated Brillouin scattering and photo-refraction can compensate phase distortions in the high power laser systems, and they will also open up potentially novel laser technologies, e.g., phase stabilization, beam combination, pulse compression, ultrafast pulse shaping, and arbitrary waveform generation.

The effects of dietary sucrose on the metabolic rate of plasma glucose and ruminal propionate as well as the change in nitrogen kinetics were examined in four mature wethers fitted with rumen fistulas in Tsukuba, Japan in 1990. Wethers were fed at 12 equal intervals daily on crushed lucerne hay cubes (1233 g DM/day), with or without 204 g/day of sucrose. Plasma urea and glucose kinetics were determined following a single intravenous injection of [I5N]urea and [U-13C]glucose respectively; and the kinetics of ruminal ammonia and propionate were determined following a single intraruminal injection of [15N]ammonium chloride and [2–13c]sodium propionate respectively. Following supplementation of sucrose to the diet, nitrogen retention was increased (P < 0·05) with a decrease in plasma urea concentration (P < 0·05) and urinary urea excretion (P < 0·05). Sucrose supplementation decreased (P < 005) the concentration and irreversible loss rate of ruminal ammonia. Urinary allantoin excretion did not change with sucrose treatment, but the flow rate of non-ammonia-nitrogen from the rumen was increased P < 0·05). The transfer rate of ruminal ammonia to plasma urea was also decreased (P < 0·01), whilst the transfer rate of plasma urea to ruminal ammonia was increased (P < 0·05) by dietary sucrose. Sucrose supplementation resulted in a higher concentration of propionate and butyrate (P < 0·05) in the rumen with no significant change in acetate or pH. The concentration of plasma glucose did not change with sucrose treatment, but the concentration of insulin, pool size (P < 0·05) and the irreversible loss rate of glucose (P < 0·01) were increased, reflecting the increase in the production rate of ruminal propionate (P < 0·05). It was concluded that the supplementation of sucrose affected the metabolism of urea and glucose in plasma via a change in ruminal production rate of ammonia and propionate, respectively.

Recent progress in research on Light Ion Beams-Inertial Confinement Fusion (LIB-ICF) at ILE, Osaka University is summarized. We report on pulsed power compression using PEOS, a super high voltage source, on diode physics, on beam trajectory control for focusing, on beam-target interactions and on a conceptual reactor design (Rokko I) in this article.

Light ion beams for the energy drive for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research have been studied on a super high voltage generation system (SHVS) using an inductive voltage adder system. A simple analysis implied the capability of the output voltage of several tens of MV. This system has a feasibility of acceleration of ions heavier than proton. The two-stage charge stripping ion diode is considered a SHVS diode. This diode reduces the size of the induction adder module and extends the possible power range in operation. We have constructed a prototype SHVS, which consists of eight stages of induction cavities (4MV, 40kA, 100ns) powered by a Reiden IV pulse power machine. The first ion diode experiments on the induction adder were performed with the beam extraction type ion diode (Br applied magnetic field). The injection plasma ion source was used to control the diode impedance and then the diode voltage. The time delay of ion current turn-on was reduced from 15–20 ns to less than 5 ns by this ion source.

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) research has been extensively advanced with the increase of the focusable power on target by the development of glass laser technology and its higher harmonic generation (Yamanaka & Kato et al. 1981) and by CO2 lasers (Yamanaka & Nakai et al. 1981) which cover the wavelength range from 10 μm to 0·25 μm and power densities up to 1017 W/cm2. With improved understanding of the implosion in the fuel pellet, breakeven conditions, or ignition, are expected to be achieved within the 1980's with the construction of lasers in the region of 100 kJ and 100 TW output power.

A three-dimensional model to calculate X-ray intensity distribution on an indirectly driven fusion target is presented. The model includes conversion of laser light into X rays, radiation reemission from X-ray-heated wall of a cavity, and influence of an inner pellet (i.e., a fuel capsule) on radiation redistribution. Intensity distribution of an X ray inside a cylindrical cavity heated by intense blue laser light (wavelength 351 nm, energy 5.2 kJ, duration 0.7 ns) was determined by measuring a burn-through signal from a diagnostic foil integrated onto the cavity. The experimental result is well replicated by the model calculation. By using this model, optimum conditions for uniform irradiation of afusion capsule by X-ray radiation are evaluated for use in Gekko XII laser fusion experiments.

This paper summarizes research activities in National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) for evaluation of the radiation effects on selected terrestrial and aquatic organisms as well as the ecosystems. Seven organisms, conifers, fungi, earthworms, springtails, algae, daphnia and Medaka are presently selected to study. For the estimation of possible radiation dose, transfers of radionuclides and related elements from medium to organisms are evaluated. Dose-effect relationships of acute gamma radiation on the survival, growth, and reproduction of selected organisms have been studied. Studies on the effect of chronic gamma radiation at low dose rate were also started. In order to understand the mechanism of radiation effects and to find possible indicators of the effects, information of genome- and metagenome-wide gene expression has been collected. Evaluation of ecological effects of radiation is more challenging task. Study methods by using three-species microcosm were established, and an index for the holistic evaluation of effects on various ecological parameters was proposed. The microcosm has been simulated as a computer simulation code. Developments of more complicated and practical model ecosystems have been started. The Denaturant Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) has been applied on soil bacterial community in order to evaluate the radiation effects on soil ecosystems.

Two patients who received supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy to treat laryngeal cancers, underwent intra-operative electromyography analysis. After the lesion was removed and the electrodes were inserted into the remaining intrinsic laryngeal muscles, the depth of anaesthesia was carefully reduced. Gentle tactile stimulations were applied to the pharynx to trigger the reflex movement of the remaining arytenoids. Recordings were made when reflex movement was achieved.

Case one: Electromyography (EMG) of the remaining arytenoid demonstrated clear phase differences indicating reciprocal activities between the adductor group (lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, interarytenoid muscle) and the abductor muscle (posterior cricoarytenoid muscle). Case two: EMG of the remaining arytenoid demonstrated reciprocal activities between the interarytenoid muscle and the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. Activity of the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle was not evident because the muscle was excised during removal of the paraglottic space. Mobility of the arytenoid was attributed to interaction between the interarytenoid muscle and posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. Reciprocal interaction between the interarytenoid muscle and posterior cricoarytenoid muscle alone is also capable of maintaining post-operative laryngeal functions after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy.

The joining of a Ti3SiC2 ceramic with a Ti–6Al–4V alloy was carried out at the temperature range of 1200–1400 °C for 15 min to 4 h in a vacuum. The total diffusion path of joining was determined to be Ti3SiC2/Ti5Si3Cx/Ti5Si3Cx + TiCx/TiCx/Ti. The reaction was rate controlled by the solid-state diffusion below 1350 °C and turned to the liquid-state diffusion controlled with a dramatic increase of parabolic rate constant Kp when the temperature exceeded 1350 °C. The TiCx tended to grow at the boundarywith the Ti–6Al–4V alloy at a higher temperature and longer holding time. TheTi3SiC2/Ti–6Al–4V joint is expected to be applied to implant materials.

An energy loss of 240 MeV argon ions in a Z-pinch helium plasma has been for the first time observed throughout the entire pinching process. Standard Stark broadening analysis gives an electron density ranging from 4 to 6 × 1017 cm−3 during the pinch. To deduce stopping power from the energy loss, the target thickness of the helium plasma has been evaluated assuming the mean charge of helium based on thermal equilibrium. The observed electron density and the mean charge of helium give a target thickness of 30 ± 3 μg cm−2 from 1 μs to 1.8 μs after the discharge ignition. The measured stopping power exceeds a tabulated value for cold helium gas by a factor of 2 to 3 around the time of the first pinch. The experimental stopping power is compared with theoretical values calculated using an equation of stopping power for a partially ionized plasma.

Carbon nanocage structures with Ge and SiC nanoparticles were synthesized by direct current and radio frequency (dc-rf) hybrid arc discharge of C, Ge, and Si elements. High-resolution images showed the formation of Ge and SiC nanoparticles and nanowires encapsulated in carbon nanocapsules and nanotubes. The growth direction of the Ge nanowires was found to be 〈111〉 of Ge, and a structure model for Ge/C interface was proposed. The present work indicates that the various carbon nanostructures with semiconductor nanoparticles and nanowires can be synthesized by the dc-rf hybrid arc-discharge method.

The beneficial effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps sinensis (Cs), on mice with hypoferric anaemia were evaluated by NMR spectroscopy. Experimental hypoferric anaemia was induced in mice by feeding with an Fe-free diet for 6 weeks. They were then given extract from cultured Cs (200 mg/kg body weight daily, orally) and were placed on an Fe-containing recovery diet (35 mg Fe/kg diet) for 4 weeks. In vivo31P and 2H NMR spectra acquired noninvasively and quantitatively at weekly intervals were used to evaluate hepatic energy metabolism and blood flow in the mice. During the 4-week Cs-extract treatment, consistent increases were observed in liver β-ATP: inorganic phosphate value by liver 31P NMR spectroscopy, representing the high energy state, and in blood-flow rate as determined by 2H NMR spectroscopy of deuterated water (D2O) uptake after intravenous injection of D2O. The haematological variables (the packed cell volume and the haemoglobin level) and the hepatic intracellular pH, which was determined from the NMR chemical shift difference between the inorganic phosphate peak and the α-phosphate peak of ATP, were not significantly different between Cs-extract-treated and control mice. As blood flow and energy metabolism are thought to be linked, the Cs-extract-increased hepatic energy metabolism in the dietary hypoferric anaemic mice was concluded to be due to increased hepatic blood flow.

Two barnacle species (Semibalanus cariosus and Chthamalus challengeri) were studied during two years at Hokkaido, northern Japan, to find the interspecies boundary and to determine whether interspecific competition (interference and pre-emption) is important in maintaining the zonation in our study system. Both barnacle species showed tide level dependent distribution patterns in the boundary zone. Semibalanus cariosus was dominant at lower levels; this pattern was determined by post-recruitment mortality. This mortality pattern seemed to be set by physical stress because recruitment density and survival rate were not correlated with the cover of other species, and mortality was higher in higher zones where physical stress is more severe. Chthamalus challengeri was dominant at higher levels; this pattern was determined by recruitment. The recruitment density and survival rate of this species were not affected by the covers of other species, thus, neither interference nor pre-emption significantly affected the distribution pattern. Interspecific competition appears to be less important in organizing barnacle communities in our study area than in previously studied areas, however, the recruitment process is of major importance.

By employing first-principles total-energy calculations we studied the atomic and chemical structure of NiSi2/Si(001) and CoSi2/Si(001) interfaces that are of great importance in understanding electronic properties, such as the Schottky-barrier height, of metal-silicide/silicon junctions. We found a new structural model that is more stable than previously proposed models of interface structures and well explains existing experimental data. The new interface model consists of sevenfold-coordinated interfacial metals and a 2×1 periodic array of interfacial Si dimers, similar to the Si(001) 2×1 surface reconstruction, reducing the number of dangling bonds.

The present determination of the absolute magnitude .Mv(RR) of RR Lyrae stars is twofold, relying upon Hipparcos proper motions and trigonometric parallaxes separately. First, applying the statistical parallax method to the proper motions, we find < Mv(RR)>= 0.69 ± 0.10 for 99 halo RR Lyraes with <[Fe/H]> = -1.58. Second, applying the Lutz-Kelker correction to the RR Lyrae HIP95497 with the most accurately measured parallax, we obtain Mv(RR) = 0.57-0.74 at [Fe/H]=-1.6. Furthermore, allowing full use of low accuracy and negative parallaxes as well for 125 RR Lyraes with - 2.49≤[Fe/H]≤0.07, the maximum likelihood estimation yields the relation, Mv(RR)= (0.59±0.37)+(0.20±0.63)([Fe/H]+1.60), which formally agrees with the recent preferred relation. The same estimation yields again My (RR) = 0.65 ± 0.33 for the 99 halo RR Lyraes. Although the formal errors in the latter two estimates are rather large, all of the four results suggest the fainter absolute magnitude, My(RR)=0.6-0.7 at [Fe/H]=-1.6. The present results still provide the lower limit on the age of the universe which is inconsistent with a fiat, matter-dominated universe and current estimates of the Hubble constant.