Detection of unexpected recombinant DNA in maize grain

PCR detection of genetically modified (GM) line-specific recombinant DNA was carried out on Bt 11, Event 176 and Non-GM maize grain harvested in 1999. Of 100 grains of Bt 11 line, Event 176 specific DNA was detected in 11 grains. Of 30 grains of Event 176 line, Mon 810 or Bt 11 specific DNA was detected in 5 grains. In addition, Bt 11 or Event 176 specific DNA was detected in 4 of 30 Non-GM grains. These data suggest that maize grains (not seed) often contain DNAs of different lines from what they were expected to contain. Furthermore, quantitative PCR was performed to estimate the genotype of the Event 176 grains described above. The results showed that the genotype of all the grains containing different recombinant DNA is heterozygous. Therefore, it was considered that the grains containing the unintended recombinant DNA were not accidental contaminants, but that airborne pollination had introduced the recombinant DNA into the grains.     

Investigation on force transmission of direct-drive thorax unit with four ultrasonic motors for a flapping microaerial vehicle

We fabricated a trial version of a thorax unit with four ultrasonic motors (USMs) to simulate a dragonfly-scale flapping micro aerial vehicle (MAV). Each wing was directly driven by a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) transmission. An in-house tiny standing-wave USM capable of bidirectional rotation, which weighs just 0.13 g, was employed on trial. The transmission of the thorax unit converts the two USM rotations into strokes and flip motions of the wing. By implementing two 70-mm-long wings, we fabricated a prototype of a 4-DOF MAV and tested its performance. In a lift-compensated situation, upward, forward, and backward movements of the MAV were obtained. The flapping angular velocity was discussed based on quasi-static wing aerodynamics and was accountable for the motor power. Although the power of the USM should be improved, the quick wing drivability, adequate power transmission on the thorax unit, and potential of a 0.2 W motor power in a unidirectional-type USM promise the viability of a direct-drive multi-DOF dragonfly-scale MAV.     

Vortex Molecules in Bose-Einstein Condensates

Stable vortex dimers are known to exist in coherently coupled two component Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). We construct stable vortex trimers in three component BECs and find that the shape can be controlled by changing the internal coherent (Rabi) couplings. Stable vortex N-omers are also constructed in coherently coupled N-component BECs. We classify all possible N-omers in terms of the mathematical graph theory. Next, we study effects of the Rabi coupling in vortex lattices in two-component BECs. We find how the vortex lattices without the Rabi coupling known before are connected to the Abrikosov lattice of integer vortices with increasing the Rabi coupling. In this process, vortex dimers change their partners in various ways at large couplings. We then find that the Abrikosov lattices are robust in three-component BECs.     

A high-dynamic-range CMOS image sensor for automotive applications

In this paper, a 256×256 pixel CMOS imager is described that exhibits 120 dB dynamic range, 56 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), 65% fill factor, and an effective frame rate of 50 Hz. This has been achieved using a unique combination of a multiexposure and a multigain linear readout. The imager has been integrated in 1 μm double-metal CMOS technology. The intended application is for driver's assistant systems, but the imager can be used for a wide range of applications requiring high dynamic range     

Comparison of tensile properties in the pre-yield region of metallocene-catalyzed and Ziegler-Natta-catalyzed linear polyethylenes

The mechanical nonlinear behaviour of metallocene- and Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polyethylenes with various contents of short chain branching was investigated using a nonlinear constitutive equation in which the plastic deformation and the anharmonicity of elastic response are taken into account. It is suggested that the mechanical behaviour is governed by the plastic deformation for the Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polyethylenes, whereas the anharmonicity strongly affects the mechanical behaviour for metallocene-catalyzed polyethylenes.     

Silicon Analogues of the RXR‐Selective Retinoid Agonist SR11237 (BMS649): Chemistry and Biology

C/Si switch : Twofold sila‐substitution (C/Si exchange) in the RXR‐selective retinoids 4 a (SR11237) and 5 a leads to 4 b (disila‐SR11237) and 5 b , respectively. Chemistry and biology of the C/Si pairs are reported.

     

Parallel phase-shifting digital holography with adaptive function using phase-mode spatial light modulator

Parallel phase-shifting digital holography using a phase-mode spatial light modulator (SLM) is proposed. The phase-mode SLM implements spatial distribution of phase retardation required in the parallel phase-shifting digital holography. This SLM can also compensate dynamically the phase distortion caused by optical elements such as beam splitters, lenses, and air fluctuation. Experimental demonstration using a static object is presented.     

A time-dependent threshold condition to determine the onset of AIDS

This study first considers the effects of “uninfectious” HIV-1 due to fatal mutations, and then analysis reveals that AIDS develops when the number of HIV-1 strains, i.e., antigenic diversity, is above a “time-dependent” threshold. This result is interesting because it suggests the possibility that the onset of AIDS could be dynamically determined. This dynamic behavior of the threshold may make the prediction of AIDS development difficult.     

Epidemic models and a self-repairing network with a simple lattice

We have proposed a self-repairing network where nodes are capable of repairing neighboring nodes by mutually copying. A critical point where faulty nodes can be eliminated has been investigated. This paper further studies the dynamics of eradicating faulty nodes by comparing the self-repairing network with mathematical epidemic models such as SIS models. It is shown that the self-repairing network, which is a probabilistic cellular automaton, can be regarded as an epidemic model in some restricted situations. This work was presented in part at the 12th International Symposium on Artificial Life and Robotics. Oita, Japan, January 25–27, 2007