Evaluation of both image resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio in scanning electron microscopy

The contrast-to-gradient (CG) resolution has been defined as a weighted harmonic mean of the local resolution, i.e. the length defining the object's local fine structure at each pixel position. The newly defined resolution Res is defined as 2 sigma/ sqrt 2, where 2 sigma is a sharpness factor of the image pattern obtained by the conversion 2 sigma = ARCG + B using default constants A and B. In the present study, we have extended the algorithm to change the constants from default values to calibrated ones using standard images that are same in both pattern and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as the original SEM image to be evaluated. The calibrated image resolution with a weak noise dependency is evaluated with the CNR as a given parameter.     

Efficient characterization for protein crystals using confocal Raman spectroscopy

Confocal Raman spectroscopy was applied to the characterization of various states emerging in the screening of protein crystallization. Four main characterized states, namely single crystals, microcrystals, precipitates, and clear drops without solid materials, appear in a droplet for crystallization; the first three states should be critically distinguished and characterized because of the limitations of visual observation under an optical microscope. Using lysozyme and other proteins, crystallization was performed by the hanging drop vapor diffusion technique and was monitored through an automated confocal Raman system. Prior to the spectroscopic analysis, an optical microscope with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and associated image processing software were used to rapidly identify the XY locations to be measured spectroscopically by focusing the laser beam on a test sample. Instead of the current image analysis by optical microscopy, confocal Raman spectroscopy with a high spatial resolution was used to identify the state of protein crystallization. Such real-time Raman monitoring also distinguished real protein crystals from pseudo-protein crystals emerging in a crystallization droplet.     

Thermal degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) in nitrogen and oxygen studied by thermogravimetric-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The thermal degradation behavior of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P(HB-co-HHx), HHx=12 mol%) has been studied under different environmental conditions by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. It is reported that at higher temperature (>400 degrees C) carbon dioxide and propene are formed from the decomposition product crotonic acid in a nitrogen atmosphere, whereas in an oxygen atmosphere propene oxidizes in a further step to carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It was also found that PHB and P(HB-co-HHx) have a similar thermal degradation mechanism. The analysis of the FT-IR-spectroscopic data was performed with 2D and perturbation-correlation moving-window 2D (PCMW2D) correlation spectroscopy.     

Measurements of neutron dose rates with a balloon in Japan

Measurements of cosmic-ray neutron dose rates with a balloon in Sanriku, Japan (geographic location: 39 degrees N, 142 degrees E; corresponding geomagnetic latitude: 30 degrees N) were conducted at an altitude from 0.2 to 25 km on 25-26 August 2004 when solar activity was at an average level. Neutron dose rates given as ambient dose equivalent rates (H*(10)) were measured with high-sensitive neutron dose equivalent counters and electronic silicon personal dosimeters (EPDs). The neutron dose rates increased with increasing altitude, but they were saturated around 15-20 km and decreased with increasing altitude beyond 20 km. The neutron ambient dose equivalent rate was 1.5 microSv/h(- 1) at 20 km. Measured values were corrected for the deviation of the energy response of the dose equivalent counter from the fluence-to-ambient dose equivalent conversion coefficient, and the corrected values were very close to the calculated values with EPCARD. On the other hand, neutron measurements by the EPDs gave about 10 times overestimation because of the high sensitivity to cosmic-ray protons.     

Calcium phosphates formation on CaTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> coated titanium

In this study, performance of calcium phosphate formation of CaTiO₃ coating film on Ti in Hanks’ balanced saline solution (HBSS) was investigated. CaTiO₃ thin films with a thickness of 50 nm were deposited on Ti using radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The temperature of Ti substrate was adjusted to room temperature (RT) and 873 K. Thereafter, the specimens deposited at RT were annealed at 873 K in air for 7.2 ks. The films were characterized by grazing incident angle X-ray diffractometry (GI-XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After immersion in HBSS for 60 d, on CaTiO₃ coated Ti, the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) was observed. Furthermore, HAP layer formed was thicker on the specimen on which CaTiO₃ film was deposited at RT and annealed than that prepared at 873 K. The major difference between both specimens was the chemical properties of the outermost surface. In summary, CaTiO₃ thin film deposited at RT and followed by annealing at 873 K for 7.2 ks in air enhances calcium phosphate formation ability on Ti.     

High speed and reproducible analysis of nitrosamines by capillary electrophoresis with a sulfonated capillary

Recently environmental control is regarded as important for good human health conditions, and toxic substances, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors should be eliminated from our living environment. Hence easy quantitative methods are expected for a high level of environmental control. Our previous paper describes an easy quantitative analysis of nitrosamines (NAs) by capillary electrophoresis with an untreated fused silica capillary installed in an ordinary apparatus. In this paper, utilizing a novel type capillary column having sulfonated inner wall was investigated for improvements of separation performance and reproducibility. A sulfonated capillary causes fast and stabile electroosmotic flow because its inner wall is strongly negative charged. On a performance comparison of a sulfonated capillary with an untreated fused silica, analysis time reduction of c.a. forty percent was achieved, and relative standard deviations of migration times and peak responses were less than one third. In addition sample concentrations giving detection and quantitation limits were also reduced to a half.     

Imaging of selective nuclear receptor modulator-induced conformational changes in the nuclear receptor to allow interaction with coactivator and corepressor proteins in living cells

Selective nuclear receptor modulators (SNRMs), which are used clinically for the treatment of NR-related diseases, display mixed agonistic/antagonistic activity in a tissue-selective manner depending on the cellular concentrations of coregulator proteins, that is, coactivators and corepressors. The molecular details of the SNRM function provided us with an idea for a rational method for the high-throughput screening of SNRMs in real time in intact living cells. We have developed genetically encoded fluorescent indicators based on the principle of ligand-induced coactivator and/or corepressor recruitment to NR ligand binding domain in single living cells. We demonstrated that an SNRM induces a distinct conformational change in the NR LBD, which is different from that induced by a full agonist or antagonist, but favorable for the recruitment of a coactivator or corepressor protein to the NR. The molecular details of an SNRM binding to a NR, and the subsequently induced conformational changes and recruitment of coregulator protein(s) are important features for the understanding of SNRM action in the living body. Our fluorescent indicators are capable of distinguishing among agonists, antagonists, and SNRMs, and can therefore serve as versatile molecular sensors that predict the pharmacological character of ligands, which is important for an accurate cure of a disease.     

Photo-induced valence tautomerism in Co complexes

A number of photofunctional molecular compounds have been developed recently. Typical examples of these are phototunable valence tautomeric compounds, which are now attracting great attention. When the charge-transfer bands of some Co valence tautomeric compounds are excited at low temperature, metastable redox isomers can be created after irradiation. The lifetimes of the metastable states can be more than several hours. These transformations can involve changes in the magnetic properties of the compounds, as well as their color. Hence, these compounds can be regarded as novel photomagnetic materials. The photoresponsive behaviors of these valence tautomeric compounds are similar to those of spin-crossover complexes (light-induced excited spin-state trapping effects).     

Dehydration of d-glucose in high temperature water at pressures up to 80 MPa

Reaction of d-glucose in water to yield 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) and furfural was studied at high temperatures (up to 400 °C) and high pressures (up to 80 MPa) using a continuous flow reactor. Maximum temperature and pressure conditions gave maximum furfural yield. Increasing pressure from 40 to 70 and 80 MPa enhanced dehydration reactions to 5-HMF, but also enhanced hydrolysis of 5-HMF leading to the production of BTO and thus lead to lower yields of 5-HMF (below 10%). Remarkably, the dehydration reaction to 5-HMF and the hydrolysis of 5-HMF were both enhanced by the increase in water density at 400 °C.     

Assembling nanowires from Mo-S clusters and effects of iodine doping on electronic structure

Using ab initio calculations, we find high stability of octahedral Mo6S8 clusters, which can further be condensed to form Mo3nS3n+2 (n, an integer) nanowires. These linear structures are energetically more favorable compared with other closed-packed polyhedral isomers of Mo-S clusters. The octahedral units in nanowires are stabilized by strong Mo-Mo interactions and p-d hybridization between Mo 4d and S 2p orbitals. There is a free electron-like band that crosses the Fermi energy in infinite nanowires and leads to their metallic character. Iodine doping acts as electron donor and can be used to tailor the electronic conductivity. For Mo12S8I4 nanowires, both electrons and holes are found to contribute to conduction. These nanowires are energetically more favorable than the experimentally obtained Mo12S6I12 nanowires.