Radiation Tolerance Evaluation of the Ti/Au Bilayer TES Microcalorimeter

We have developed Ti/Au bilayer transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters for future X-ray astrophysical satellite missions such as DIOS. One possible concern on the space use of TES microcalorimeters is its radiation tolerance. We have evaluated the performance of a Ti/Au bilayer (30/40 nm thick) TES microcalorimeter with 1.5  \(\upmu \) m thick Au absorber, before and after irradiation of 150 MeV proton beam with a total dose of 10 krad, corresponding to 10 years in the low Earth orbit. No significant changes on transition temperature, sensitivity, normal resistance, and critical current were observed. The energy resolution for 5.9 keV X-rays was 5.6  \(\pm \)  0.3 eV (FWHM) after the irradiation, which was slightly worse than 5.1  \(\pm \)  0.3 eV before the irradiation. We consider that our TES has sufficient radiation tolerance in orbit.     

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of fosfomycin biosynthetic genes of Streptomyces wedmorensis

The biosynthetic pathway for production of the antibiotic fosfomycin by Streptomyces wedmorensis consists of four steps including the formation of a C-P bond and an epoxide. Fosfomycin production genes were cloned from genomic DNA using S. wedmorensis mutants blocked at different steps of the biosynthetic pathway. Four genes corresponding to each of the biosynthetic steps were found to be clustered in a DNA fragment of about 5 kb. Nucleotide sequencing of a large fragment revealed the presence of ten open reading frames, including the four biosynthetic genes and six genes with unknown functions.     

Hybrid nanocomposite based on NbWO6 nanosheets and polyaniline

Synthesis and characterization of the hybrid nanocomposite based on polyaniline and NbWO₆ nanosheets is reported here. Formation of the nanocomposite is reflected by the increase of interlayer distance of NbWO₆ nanosheets and the XRD pattern depicts the formation of NbWO₆/polyaniline nanostructure with interlayer separations of 1.6 nm and 0.9 nm which is consistent with a bilayer and a monolayer of polyaniline molecules within the gallery of nanosheets. Transmission electron micrographs, infrared spectra and thermograms support the formation of the hybrid nanocomposite. Electrochemical investigations on the nanocomposite reveal the presence of polyaniline and the data is compared also with those of polyaniline and host.     

Structural shock tests of prototype FBR “MONJU” scale models

This paper presents some results of experiments which simulate the structural dynamic response of a LMFBR primary coolant boundary to a hypothetical core disruptive accident (HCDA) based on scale models and high explosives. It was noted that high explosives are no longer a good simulant of the HCDA. However, the main purpose of the program, which included this experiment, is not to experimentally predict the dynamic response of the reactor structure at the HCDA, but to validate computer codes, which describe the pressure wave propagation and damage process in the reactor structures, using data obtained from these model experiments. The experiments were undertaken using many 1/15 scale simple models of the reactor vessels and internal structures, as well as 1/15 and 1/7.5 scale complex models of the interim design of prototype LMFBR ‘MONJU’. Simple model experiments involved a series of shock tests using pentolite to investigate the configuration effects of the vessel restraining section, the dipped-plate effect and the core barrel effect, respectively.     

TEM slot antenna for personal handy-phone terminal

The proposed three-layered TEM slot antenna has one-sided radiation, resulting in a low electromagnetic hazard to the user, and allows direct measurement of its RF output power. The measured radiation patterns show an FB ratio of >10 dB; the experimental transmission loss from the input to the output measuring point was <2 dB     

Expression of a liver-specific function by a hepatoblastoma cell line cocultured with three-dimensional endothelialized tubes in collagen gels

A human hepatoblastoma cell line, Hep G2, showed albumin production activity, a hepatic function, when cocultured with three-dimensional endothelialized tubes in collagen gels. The albumin production rate of the collagen-based liver-like constructs increased with increasing length of the endothelialized tube in the construct.     

Electrolyte properties of 1-alkyl-2,3,5-trimethylpyrazolium cation-based room-temperature ionic liquids for lithium secondary batteries

The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of three 1-alkyl-2,3,5-trimethylpyrazolium cation-based room-temperature ionic liquids with various alkyl chain lengths were investigated. The temperature dependences of density, viscosity, and ionic conductivity were obtained by precise measurements. Electrolyte properties of these room-temperature ionic liquids were also examined from the viewpoint of their uses in lithium secondary batteries ([LiCoO₂ positive electrode|electrolyte|lithium metal negative electrode]). It was found that the alkyl chain length affects the charge–discharge performances of cells.