Preparation and properties of CuInS2 thin film prepared from electroplated precursor

Thin CuInS₂ films were prepared by sulfurization of Cu/In bi-layers. First, the precursor layer was electroplated onto the treated surface of Mo-coated glass. Observation of the cross-section prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) etching revealed that the void-free film was initially formed on the top surface of the precursor layer and continued to grow until the advancing front of the film reached the Mo layer. The nucleation of voids near the bottom of the CuInS₂ film followed. To determine whether the condition of the Cu/In alloy influences the CuInS₂ quality we investigated the Cu/In alloy state using FIB. We found that the annealed precursor of low Cu/In ratio (1.2) has several voids in the mid position in the layer compared with Cu-rich precursor (1.6). The cross-sectional view of the Cu-rich absorber layer is uniform compared with the low copper absorber layer. Thin film solar cells were fabricated using the CuInS₂ film (Cu/In ratio: 1.2) as an optical absorber layer. It was found that the optimization of a sulfurization period is important in order to improve the cell efficiency. We have not yet obtained good results with high Cu-rich absorber because of a blister problem. This blister was found before sulfurization. So, we are going to solve this blister problem before sulfurization.     

Strength Analysis of Yttria-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals

Tensile strength of Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ polycrystals (Y-TZP) was measured by a newly developed tensile testing method with a rectangular bar. The tensile strength of Y-TZP was lower than that of the three-point bend strength, and the shape of the tensile strength distribution was quite different from that of the three-point bend strength distribution. It was difficult to predict the distribution curve of the tensile strength using the data of the three-point bend strength by one-modal Weibull distribution. The distribution of the tensile strength was analyzed by two- or three-model Weibull distribution coupled with an analysis of fracture origins. The distribution curve of the three-point bend strength which was estimated by multimodal Weibull distribution agreed favorably with that of the measured three-point bend strength values. A two-modal Weibull distribution function was formulated approximately from the distributions of the tensile and three-point bend strengths, and the estimated two-modal Weibull distribution function for the four-point bend strength agreed well with the measured four-point bend strength.     

Structural analysis of β-form poly(p-xylyene) starting from a high-resolution image

The crystal structure of β-form poly(p-xylylene) is analysed starting from a high-resolution image of a single crystal of this polymer. The high-resolution image corresponding to the projection of molecules onto the ab-plane along the chain axis shows clearly the mutual position of each molecule in a unit cell. The molecules are aligned wavily in the direction along the a-axis and the rough positions of their centres in a unit cell can be determined from the image. The refinement of the structure is carried out by the usual least-squares method using the intensities of electron and X-ray diffractions. The space group of the β-form is trigonal, P3, and the lattice dimensions are a=2.052 nm, c=0.655 nm and γ=120°. The unit cell contains 16 molecules and one of them is considered to occupy statistically one of three equivalent orientations so as to satisfy the P3 symmetry.     

Versatile gas/particle ion chromatograph

A new, compact gas/particle ion chromatograph has been developed for measuring ionic constituents in PM2.5 (particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter < or = 2.5 microm) and water-soluble ionogenic gases. The instrument has separate sampling channels for gases and particles. In one, a membrane denuder collects soluble gases for preconcentration and analysis. In the other, a cyclone removes larger particles, a membrane denuder removes soluble gases, and a continuously wetted hydrophilic filter collects particles. A single, multiport, syringe pump handles liquid transport, and one conductivity detector measures anions and ammonium for both channels. Electrodialytically generated gradient hydroxide eluent permits 20 min chromatographic runs. Gas/particle samples are each collected for 40 min, butthe sampling intervals are staggered by 20 min. Liquid samples from the gas denuder and particle collector are aspirated and preconcentrated on sequential cation and anion concentrators and transferred respectively to an ammonia transfer device and an anion separation column. The flow configuration results in an ammonium peak before anion peaks in the chromatogram. The system measures ammonia, organic acids (such as acetic, formic, and oxalic acids), HCl, HONO, SO2, HNO3, and the corresponding ions in the aerosol phase. Low ng/m3 to sub-ng/m3 limits of detection (LODs) are attained for most common gases and particulate constituents, the LODs for gaseous SO2 to NH3 range, for example, from sub parts per trillion by volume (sub-pptv) to approximately 5 pptv.     

Shear properties of metal-free wooden load-bearing walls using plywood jointed with a combination of adhesive tape and wood dowels

In this study, the potential of wood-only (metal-free) load-bearing walls was proposed and tested based on the idea of using the same type of material throughout wherever possible while improving basic properties such as strength, sound insulation, and heat insulation. Specifically, a technique was tested of combining pressure sensitive adhesive tape and wood dowels in place of nails for load-bearing structures with panel reinforcement represented by wood-frame construction. For this paper, its strength was evaluated by conducting in-plane shear tests, which revealed that the initial rigidity and maximum load of the proposed test specimens were greater than that of specimens using nails for jointing. However, the shear load factor, which is calculated based on some strength parameters and which forms the foundation of housing strength design, was slightly lower than that of the nail-jointed specimen. This was because there was a large decline in post-collapse resistance and a lower calculated absorbed energy caused by brittleness. The early detachment of panels was also revealed as a problem in the tests.     

Investigation of pathways of advanced glycation end-products accumulation in macrophages

Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) play a role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including diabetic complications and atherosclerosis. In atherosclerotic lesions of human aortas, AGE are localized in the extracellular matrix and intracellularly in foam cells. Two interpretations are possible for AGE accumulation inside macrophages, one is endocytic uptake of extracellular AGE-proteins by scavenger receptors; the other is intracellular AGE formation inside the macrophages. In the present study, we determined the pathways involved in AGE accumulation inside macrophages. RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line, incubated with BSA and 1600 mM glucose for 40 weeks, recognized heavily modified AGE- BSA. In contrast, the cells showed no ligand activity for mildly modified AGE-BSA, prepared by incubating BSA with 50 mM glucose for 24 weeks. Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML)-modified proteins of about 65 kDa were detected in human monocyte-derived macrophages incubated for 7 days with 30 mM glucose and phorbol myristate acetate. Furthermore, CML was generated when glycated protein was incubated with hypochloric acid. Taken together, our results indicate that AGE detected inside foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions are generated intracellularly rather than representing endocytic uptake of extracellular AGE-proteins by scavenger receptors.     

L-Ergothioneine scavenges superoxide and singlet oxygen and suppresses TNF-α and MMP-1 expression in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts

The hair lipid composition collected from 44 Japanese females between 1 and 81 years of age was examined for eight lipids including hydrocarbons (HCs), squalene (SQ), wax esters (WEs), triglycerides (TGs), fatty acids (FAs), cholesterol (CH), ceramides (CERs), and 18-methyl eicosanoic acid (MEA). In this study, the 5-cm length from the proximal root end of hair fibers, which had never been exposed to any chemical treatment, was used after 5-min incubation with hexane following shampooing. Hair lipids were extracted with solvent and subsequent alkali-solvent and were then analyzed by a combination of chromatography. Although the average contents of the lipids showed great fluctuations among individuals, there were significant correlations between the levels of each lipid, which allowed for the classification of the hair lipids into four groups: group A: SQ, WEs, TGs, and FAs (designated as endogenous lipids based upon their sebum origin); group B: CH and CERs (designated as endogenous lipids); group C: HC (unknown origin); and group D: MEA (the other endogenous lipid). A principal component analysis for eight lipids revealed that the hair lipid composition was characterized by a predominant negative correlation between each lipid for groups A and B. This negative correlation suggests that the endogenous lipids in group B serve as a barrier against the penetration of predominantly sebum-derived exogenous lipids (group A). Endogenous lipids consisting of CH and CERs (group B) and MEA (group D) should be designated as intrinsic internal lipids of human hair.     

Colorimetric microdetermination of sulphites in foods by use of the modified rankine apparatus. IV.

Summary Detection and determination of traces of sulphites in foods was attempted by use of the modified Rankine apparatus and pararosaniline colorimetry. Replacement of alkaline titration reported previously by pararosaniline colorimetry lowered the absolute detection limit from 30 g (titration method) to 2 g. In view of clean analysis, in the color developing system, 0.1 N-sodium hydroxide was used in place of mercuric chloride solution commonly used as an absorbant of sulphites. In order to prevent oxidative decomposition of sulphites during operation, nitrogen gas was used as carrier instead of air. Dimedone and sodium azide were used for the elimination of aldehydes and nitrites, respecitvely, in the sample, which will disturb the color development of sulphites with pararosaniline-formaldehyde reagents. With this improved method, it was possible to determine the residual sulphites in frozen peeled shrimps, sugared beans and other foods with low sulphite contents accurately.

---

Colorimetrische Mikrobestimmung von Sulfiten in Lebensmitteln bei Anwendung der modifizierten IV. Rankine Apparatur

Zusammenfassung Geringe Sulfitmengen in Lebensmitteln (geschälte Garnelen, gezuckerte Bohnen) können colorimetrisch bestimmt werden. Die neuentwickelte Methode beruht auf einer Kombination von colorimetrischer Bestimmung mittels p-Rosanilin und der Bestimmungsmethode nach Rankine. Auf diese Weise lassen sich Gehalte von 2 g noch genau bestimmen. Bei der Farbentwicklung wurde das giftige Quecksilbertetrachlorid durch 0.1 n-NaOH ersetzt, anstelle von Luft Stickstoff als Trägergas verwendet und somit eine Oxydation des Sulfits während der Bestimmung vermieden. Da Nitrit und Aldehyde die Farbentwicklung stören, wurde ihr Einfluß durch Dimedon und Natriumazid ausgeschaltet.

---

---

Studies on the Analyses of Sulphites in Foods (IV)     

Establishment of a modified rankine method for the separate determination of free and combined sulphites in foods. III

Summary Considerable improvements were made to the original Rankine method. Replacement of aspiration with an injection system contributed a great deal to the simplification of procedure, being accompanied with an increase in reproducibility. Air (flow rate 1.01/min) was used for injection because the use of inert gas gave little increase in recovery rate.Sodium bisulphite (free sulphite) and three kinds of combined sulphite compound (bisulphite adducts of acetaldehyde, pyruvic acid and D-mannose) were used to find the most suitable conditions for the separate determination of free and combine sulphites.Free sulphite was expelled from the sample by bubbling at 0 °C for 30 min. It was confirmed that no combined sulphite was dissociated under these conditions. The phosphoric acid concentration had an important role in the liberation of sulphite. When 25% phosphoric acid was used, more than 99% of free sulphite was expelled by cold bubbling and more than 99% of combined sulphite was recovered by heating afterwards for 10 min.The scope of the modified Rankine method was also extended to the determination of sulphite in concentrated orange juice.

---

Verwendung der modifizierten Rankine-Methode zur getrennten Bestimmung von Sulfiten in Lebensmitteln. III

Zusammenfassung Die Rankine-Methode wurde bedeutend verbessert. Ein Umtausch der Aspiration mit Blasensystem trug beträchtlich zur Vereinfachung des Bestimmungsverfahrens bei, und die Reproduzierbarkeit wurde verbessert. Luft (Fließrate 1,01/min) wurde als Blasengas benutzt, da der Gebrauch von Inertgas für die Wiederfindungsrate unbedeutend ist.Natriumhydrogensulfit (freies Sulfit) und drei Arten gebundener Sulfite (Acetaldehydhydrogensulfit, Pyruvathydrogensulfit undd-Mannosehydrogensulfit) dienten dazu, die geeignetsten Bedingungen für die getrennte Bestimmung der freien und gebundenen Sulfite zu ermitteln.Freies Sulfit wurde bei 0 °C durch 30 min Durchblasen vertrieben. Hierbei ging kein gebundenes Sulîit verloren. Die Phosphorsäurekonzentration war wichtig für die Freisetzung des Sulfites. Wenn man 25%ige Phosphorsäure verwendet, werden > 99% freien Sulfites beim Durchblasen in der Kälte vertrieben, während > 99% gebundenen Sulfites durch nachheriges 10 min langes Erhitzen wiedergewonnen werden.Die modifizierte Rankine-Methode wurde weiterhin für konzentrierte Säfte verwendet.

---

---

Studies on the Analyses of Sulphites in Foods (III)