Data Driven Cyber-Physical System for Landslide Detection

Mobile Networks and Applications - Natural disaster is one of the most important research topics worldwide. In this paper, a data driven cyber-physical system is introduced to detect landslides....     

Further Characterization of 394-GHz Gyrotron FU CW GII with Additional PID Control System for 600-MHz DNP-SSNMR Spectroscopy

A 394-GHz gyrotron, FU CW GII, has been designed at the University of Fukui, Japan, for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) experiments at 600-MHz ¹H resonant frequency. After installation at the Institute for Protein Research (IPR), Osaka University, Japan, a PID feedback control system was equipped to regulate the electron gun heater current for stabilization of the electron beam current, which ultimately achieved stabilization of output power when operating in continuous wave (CW) mode. During exploration to further optimize operating conditions, a continuous tuning bandwidth of approximately 1 GHz was observed by varying the operating voltage at a fixed magnetic field. In the frequency range required for positive DNP enhancement, the output power was improved by increasing the magnetic field and the operating voltage from their initial operational settings. In addition, fine tuning of output frequency by varying the cavity cooling water temperature was demonstrated. These operating conditions and ancillary enhancements are expected to contribute to further enhancement of SSNMR signal.     

Suppression of Bone Necrosis around Tooth Extraction Socket in a MRONJ-like Mouse Model by E-rhBMP-2 Containing Artificial Bone Graft Administration

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is related to impaired bone healing conditions in the maxillomandibular bone region as a complication of bisphosphonate intake. Although there are several hypotheses for the onset of MRONJ symptoms, one of the possible causes is the inhibition of bone turnover and blood supply leading to bone necrosis. The optimal treatment strategy for MRONJ has not been established either. BMP-2, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is well known for regulating bone remodeling and homeostasis prenatally and postnatally. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate whether cyclophosphamide/zoledronate (CY/ZA) induces necrosis of the bone surrounding the tooth extraction socket, and to examine the therapeutic potential of BMP-2 in combination with the hard osteoinductive biomaterial, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), in the prevention and treatment of alveolar bone loss around the tooth extraction socket in MRONJ-like mice models. First, CY/ZA was intraperitoneally administered for three weeks, and alveolar bone necrosis was evaluated before and after tooth extraction. Next, the effect of BMP-2/β-TCP was investigated in both MRONJ-like prevention and treatment models. In the prevention model, CY/ZA was continuously administered for four weeks after BMP-2/β-TCP transplantation. In the treatment model, CY/ZA administration was suspended after transplantation of BMP-2/β-TCP. The results showed that CY/ZA induced a significant decrease in the number of empty lacunae, a sign of bone necrosis, in the alveolar bone around the tooth extraction socket after tooth extraction. Histological analysis showed a significant decrease in the necrotic alveolar bone around tooth extraction sockets in the BMP-2/β-TCP transplantation group compared to the non-transplanted control group in both MRONJ-like prevention and treatment models. However, bone mineral density, determined by micro-CT analysis, was significantly higher in the BMP-2/β-TCP transplanted group than in the control group in the prevention model only. These results clarified that alveolar bone necrosis around tooth extraction sockets can be induced after surgical intervention under CY/ZA administration. In addition, transplantation of BMP-2/β-TCP reduced the necrotic alveolar bone around the tooth extraction socket. Therefore, a combination of BMP-2/β-TCP could be an alternative approach for both prevention and treatment of MRONJ-like symptoms.     

Development of an active targeting liposome encapsulated with high-density colloidal gold for transmission electron microscopy

Active targeting of the liposome is an attractive strategy for drug delivery and in vivo bio-imaging. We previously reported the specific accumulation of Sialyl Lewis X (SLX) liposome to inflamed tissue in arthritic model mice or tumor-bearing mice. SLX-liposome encapsulation with fluorescent substances allows for the visualization of these liposomes by the time-dependent transvascular accumulation of fluorescent signals in the histological sections. In the present study, we developed a new SLX-liposome encapsulated with colloidal gold for transmission electron microscopic observation. We herein describe the characterization of the colloidal gold-loaded SLX-liposomes and demonstrate its specific targeting to the endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels in tumor-bearing mice.     

Porous Titania Ceramic Prepared by Mimicking Silicified Wood

A porous titania ceramic with a woodlike microstructure that was analogous to silicified wood was prepared. The production of "titanified wood" was performed using the following process: (i) introduction of titanium tetraisopropoxide into wood materials via vacuum infiltration, (ii) hydrolysis of the titanium tetraisopropoxide in the cell structure to form a titania gel, and (iii) firing at a temperature of 600°–1400°C in air. The resulting titania ceramic had the same external and internal forms of the original wood.     

Analysis of Aftercavity Interaction in European ITER Gyrotrons and in the Compact Sub-THz Gyrotron FU CW-CI

Possibilities of arising of aftercavity interaction are analyzed in the ITER 170?GHz 2?MW coaxial cavity gyrotron and the 170?GHz 1?MW cylindrical cavity gyrotron, as well as in the compact 394.5?GHz low power gyrotron FU CW-CI. Also, the simulations for the gyrotron efficiency in the presence of aftercavity interaction are performed in the cold cavity approximation. Results of the analysis illustrate the subtle interplay between the geometry of the output taper and the profile of the magnetic field.     

Arraying needle-like TiO2 particles in a composite film by applying ac bias and its transmittance anisotropy

In an effort to improve energy-efficient windows, we experimented with a precursor slurry composite by using needle-like TiO₂ particles as the filler in a urethane matrix. Applying dc bias to the slurry failed to array the needle-like particles in the composite and to deposit on the film surface because of electrophoretic movement. However, applying ac bias of ±5 V to the precursor slurry composite for 12 h resulted in the needle-like TiO₂ particles being arrayed in the composite in a direction normal to the film surface. This resulted in an improvement in the energy efficiency of the material through an angular dependence of transmittance in the visible–near-infrared range.     

Survey of the Seikan tunnel

Surveys on the Seikan Tunnel began in 1946. Survey items included a detailed geological survey of the land on both the Honshu and Hokkaido sides; the creation of an undersea topographical map based on echo sounding techniques; and a general study of the geological structure of the undersea portion, carried out by seismic prospecting. A detailed undersea geological map has been edited chiefly by dredging and sonic prospecting. Carrying out offshore survey proved rather difficult, however, due to the water depth in the Tsugaru Straits, the fast tidal currents and the adverse weather conditions. Nonetheless, the results of the survey generally agreed with the actual geological conditions in terms of geographical formation sequence, major structure distribution, etc. In addition, the survey results were particularly effective in presenting the major geological features of primary importance, while greatly assisting in choosing the most appropriate design and construction work that followed.