Development of an RNA detection system using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

Here we demonstrate a new RNA detection system using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Recombinant proteins were constructed consisting of enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (EYFP) and Renilla luciferase (RLuc) tethered by Arginine Rich Motif (ARM) peptides, which recognize specific RNA motifs and change their conformation upon binding to them. Conformational transitions of ARM peptides upon RNA binding then trigger a change in the BRET signal between RLuc and EYFP. Additionally, in order to detect arbitrarily selected RNAs, split-RNA probes were designed to reconstruct the ARM peptide binding motif by hybridizing with the target RNA. Combination of BRET probes and split-RNA probes enables to choose and detect target RNA sequences.     

Construction and development of a time-resolved x-ray magnetic circular dichroism-photoelectron emission microscopy system using femtosecond laser pulses at BL25SU SPring-8

A femtosecond pulsed laser system has been installed at the BL25SU soft x-ray beamline at SPring-8 for time-resolved pump-probe experiments with synchronization of the laser pulses to the circularly polarized x-ray pulses. There are four different apparatuses situated at the beamline; for photoemission spectroscopy, two-dimensional display photoelectron diffraction, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) with electromagnetic coils, and photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM). All four can be used for time-resolved experiments, and preliminary investigations have been carried out using the PEEM apparatus to observe magnetization dynamics in combination with XMCD. In this article, we describe the details of the stroboscopic pump-probe XMCD-PEEM experiment, and present preliminary data. The repetition rate of the laser pulses is set using a pulse selector to match the single bunches of SPring-8's hybrid filling pattern, which consists of several single bunches and a continuous bunch train. Electrons ejected during the bunch train, which do not provide time-resolved signal, are eliminated by periodically reducing the channel plate voltage using a custom-built power supply. The pulsed laser is used to create 300 ps long magnetic field pulses, which cause magnetic excitations in micron-sized magnetic elements which contain magnetic vortex structures. The observed frequency of the motion is consistent with previously reported observations and simulations.     

Analysis of EEL spectrum of low-loss region using the C(s)-corrected STEM-EELS method and multivariate analysis

We analyzed a Si/SiO₂ interface using multivariate analysis and spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy which is characterized by using the electron energy loss spectrum of the low-loss region. We extracted the low-loss spectra of Si, SiO₂ and an interface state. Even if the interface is formed from materials with different dielectric functions, the present method will prove suitable for obtaining a more quantitative understanding of the dielectric characteristic.     

Event sequence assessment of deep snow in sodium-cooled fast reactor based on continuous Markov chain Monte Carlo method with plant dynamics analysis

Margin assessment of a nuclear power plant against external hazards is one of the most important issues after Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident. In this paper, a new approach has been developed to assess the plant status during external hazards and countermeasures against them in operation quantitatively and stochastically. A continuous Markov chain Monte Carlo (CMMC) method is applied and coupled with a plant dynamics analysis. In the CMMC method, a subsequence plant status is determined by the latest state (Markov chain) and the status is evaluated from the plant dynamics analysis. A failure or success of safety function of plant component is also evaluated stochastically based on a latest state of plant or hazard. A numerical investigation of plant dynamics analysis against a snow hazard is also carried out in a loop type sodium-cooled fast reactor so as to assess the margin against the hazard.     

In-cell maintenance by manipulator arm with 3D workspace information recreated by laser rangefinder

We developed a remote control system for maintenance of in-cell type fuel fabrication equipment. The system display recreated three-dimensional information of the workspace from data obtained by laser rangefinder and conventional cameras. It has allowed us to operate a manipulator arm remotely with several control modes. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of developed system, we implemented remote handling experiments using mock up equipment. Performance was compared for remote operation conducted using several different display and operation modes. We confirmed that the system is able to maintain in-cell fuel fabrication equipment in each display and operation mode. Times required to complete the remote operations were collected and compared in each mode. It was observed that integration of 3D information from the laser rangefinder reduced operation time and reinforced visual information during remote operation.     

Registration of CAD mesh models with CT volumetric model of assembly of machine parts

X-ray CT (computed tomography) has experienced tremendous growth in industrial application in recent years, and acquiring information about the mechanical parts from CT data has been a great challenge for researchers. This paper presents a new method for the registration of a CT volumetric model of an assembly of parts with a CAD mesh model of a part of the assembly using ICP (iterative closest point) registration method. A few steps to extract feature points should be done as a preprocessing step of the volumetric model and the mesh model before applying the ICP registration algorithm, since the volumetric model and the mesh model are different in their data representation. This preprocessing step is important in order to unify the input of the ICP algorithm, and contributes to the robustness and the speed of the registration process.     

Simulation of cutting process in peripheral milling by predictive cutting force model based on minimum cutting energy

The cutting force and the chip flow direction in peripheral milling are predicted by a predictive force model based on the minimum cutting energy. The chip flow model in milling is made by piling up the orthogonal cuttings in the planes containing the cutting velocities and the chip flow velocities. The cutting edges are divided into discrete segments and the shear plane cutting models are made on the segments in the chip flow model. In the peripheral milling, the shear plane in the cutting model cannot be completely made when the cutting point is near the workpiece surface. When the shear plane is restricted by the workpiece surface, the cutting energy is estimated taking into account the restricted length of the shear plane. The chip flow angle is determined so as to minimize the cutting energy. Then, the cutting force is predicted in the determined chip flow model corresponding to the workpiece shape. The cutting processes in the traverse and the contour millings are simulated as practical operations and the predicted cutting forces verified in comparison with the measured ones. Because the presented model determines the chip flow angle based on the cutting energy, the change in the chip flow angle can be predicted with the cutting model.     

Predictive cutting force model in complex-shaped end milling based on minimum cutting energy

A force model is presented to predict the cutting forces and the chip flow directions in cuttings with complex-shaped end mills such as ball end mills and roughing end mills. Three-dimensional chip flow in milling is interpreted as a piling up of the orthogonal cuttings in the planes containing the cutting velocities and the chip flow velocities. Because the cutting thickness changes with the rotation angle of the edge in the milling process, the surface profile machined by the previous edge inclines with respect to the cutting direction. The chip flow model is made using the orthogonal cutting data with taking into account the inclination of the pre-machined surface. The chip flow direction is determined so as to minimize the cutting energy, which is the sum of the shear energy on the shear plane and the friction energy on the rake face. Then, the cutting force is predicted for the chip flow model at the minimum cutting energy. The predicted chip flow direction changes not only with the local edge inclination but also with the cutting energy consumed in the shear plane cutting model. The cutting processes with a ball end mill and a roughing end mill are simulated to verify the predicted cutting forces in comparison with the measured cutting forces.     

Alternative molecularly imprinted membranes from a derivative of natural polymer,cellulose acetate

Molecularly imprinted polymeric membranes were prepared from cellulose acetate (CA), of which acetyl content was 40%, by applying the alternative molecular imprinting technique. The Z‐d ‐Glu imprinted polymeric membranes thus obtained recognized d ‐Glu in preference to l ‐Glu from racemic Glu mixtures and vice versa. The affinity constants between Glu and the chiral recognition site for two kinds of membranes were determined to be 3.1 × 10³ mol⁻¹ dm³ from the adsorption isotherm of d ‐Glu or L ‐Glu in the molecularly imprinted CA membranes. Enantioselective electrodialysis was attained with the present membranes reflecting their adsorption selectivity. d ‐Glu was preferentially permeated through the Z‐d ‐Glu imprinted CA membrane, whereas L ‐Glu was permeated through the Z‐L ‐Glu imprinted CA membrane. The present study suggests that the molecularly imprinted CA membranes are applicable to the optical resolution of racemic amino acids. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 493–499, 1999     

Development of foolproof catheter guide system based on mechatronic design

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a less invasive procedure compared to traditional open surgery. It usually involves laparoscopic devices and remote control manipulation instruments comprising an endoscope for indirect observation of the surgical field. Interventional radiology (IVR) is one of the MIS methodologies. The IVR procedures include diagnosis such as angiograms, and treatment. The IVR procedures use small tubes called catheters, which are inserted through the body cavity or blood vessel to the treatment area. The IVR procedures lead to the risk of X-ray exposure to surgeon since the procedures is using the digital subtraction angiography device to get clear image of the patient blood vessel. Therefore, we have developed a foolproof tele-operated system to guide the catheter. Hence, the reliability in IVR procedure is crucial. The system is based on a mechatronic design methodology characterized by a principle solution specified in CONSENS^® (CONceptual design Specification technique for the ENgineering of complex Systems). This principle solution serves as a basis for the first analysis and verification on the system level. Further, the proposed concept of control system can also be re-used in the other foolproof guidance systems.