Magnetic Behaviors of Ferromagnetic Semiconductor Zn<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cr<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Te Grown by MBE

The magnetic and structural properties of MBE-grown films of Zn_1?xCr _x Te were investigated. The magnetization versus magnetic field (M–H) measurement of Zn_1?xCr _x Te (x = 0.01–0.17) showed clear hysteresis loop at low temperatures. The ferromagnetic transition temperature (T_C) estimated from the Arrott-plot analysis increased almost linearly with the Cr composition (x) up to 275 K at x = 0.17. However, in the magnetization versus temperature (M–T) measurement, the irreversibility between the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) processes was observed. This is typically observed in the magnetic random system such as spin-glass or superparamagnetic phase. In the high resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM) observations, structural defects such as stacking faults and polycrystalline-like structure were observed at high Cr compositions, whereas any apparent precipitates of different phases were not seen in all the range of Cr compositions examined. The correlation of the observed magnetic randomness with the local structural defects was discussed.     

Pho85 kinase, a yeast cyclin-dependent kinase, regulates the expression of UGP1 encoding UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase

The PHO85 gene is a negative regulator of the PHO system in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and encodes a protein kinase (Pho85) highly homologous to the Cdc28 kinase (Cdc28). Ten cyclin-like proteins are known to interact with Pho85, and combination with different cyclins is believed to be responsible for distinct Pho85 functions, including phosphate metabolism, carbon source utilization and cell cycle regulation. However, only a limited number of substrates of Pho85 kinase, including Pho4, Gsy2 and Sicl, have so far been identified. To search for more targets of Pho85 and to clarify the genetic control mechanisms by Pho85 kinase in these cellular functions, we carried out a genome-wide analysis of the effect of a pho85Delta mutation on gene expression. We found that expression of various genes involved in carbon metabolism are affected by the mutation and that among them, UGP1 promoter activity was increased in the absence of Pho85 kinase. This increase in the promoter activity was not observed in a pho4Delta mutant or with a mutant UGP1 promoter that is devoid of putative Pho4 and Bas2 binding sites, suggesting that UGP1 expression is modulated by Pho85 through Pho4. We also found that expression of several Pho85-cyclin genes were altered by the carbon source, the growth phase and Pho85 kinase itself.     

Growth and adhesion of osteoblast-like cells derived from neonatal rat calvaria on calcium phosphate ceramics

The effects of biocompatible ceramics on the growth and adhesion of osteoblast-rich rat calvarial cell cultures were investigated. Osteoblast-like cells and mouse fibroblast-like L-929 cells were cultured on composite sinters of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) culture carriers, whose Ca/P molar ratios were adjusted to values of 1.50, 1.55, 1.60, 1.64 and 1.67. The growth rates of both cell types were accelerated on the TCP-HAP ceramics as compared to those on polystyrene plastic (LUX) or bioinert zirconia ceramics. The population of osteoblast-like cells reached a density of 2.28 x 10(5) cells/cm2 on 100% HAP (Ca/P ratio 1.67) at 9 d of culture, while the corresponding cell density was 1.66 x 10(5) cells/cm2 on LUX and 1.26 x 10(5) cells/cm2 on zirconia. Adhesion of the osteoblast-like cells on TCP-HAP ceramics was similarly increased as compared with that on LUX or zirconia ceramics. The adhesion of L-929 cells on TCP-HAP ceramics was found to be weaker than that on cultures on LUX or zirconia ceramics. The time-dependent variations in the alkaline phosphatase activity of the osteoblast-like cells showed that the osteoblastic phenotype was potentiated by culturing the cells in calcium-rich media. The surface analyses of the Ca/P ratio and the microstructure by XRD and FTIR suggest that the Ca-rich surface was newly formed by recombination on the surface layer in the culture medium containing fetal bovine serum. These results suggest that the surface of TCP-HAP ceramics, especially that of 100% HAP ceramics, are effective for accelerating growth and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells. This is most probably due to the chemical and physical instability and composition of 100% HAP, which promote the formation of a Ca-rich layer at the cell-material interface and provision of Ca ions to the osteoblast-like cells.     

Production of poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid by microorganisms accumulated from river water using a two-stage perfusion culture system

The perfusion culture system using a shaken ceramic membrane flask (SCMF) was employed to accumulate microorganisms separated from river water and to produce poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB). Using a two-step culture method with a single SCMF, river microorganisms were cultured by separately feeding four representative carbon sources, n-propanol, lactic acid, methanol, and formic acid. After 140 h culture, the cell concentration and PHB content respectively reached 43 g/l and 35% when a propanol medium was fed. Using a two-stage perfusion culture with twin SCMFs, the seed cell mass was increased in the first SCMF and then supplied to the second flask for PHB production. As a consequence, the cellular PHB content rose to 51% in the second SCMF, while the cell concentration gradually increased to 25 g/l after 175 h perfusion culture. These results demonstrated the utility of the two-stage perfusion culture system for developing a cheap means of producing PHB coincident with wastewater treatment.     

n-3 long-chain FA decrease serum levels of TG and remnant-like particle-cholesterol in humans

A large number of papers have reported that administration of n−3 FA reduced serum TG concentrations in hypertriglyceridemic patients. However, few studies have examined the effect of n−3 FA on serum concentrations of remnant-like particle (RLP) cholesterol. Volunteers (n=41) whose serum TG concentrations were 100–300 mg/dL were recruited and randomly assigned to either an n−3 FA group or a control group with stratification by sex, age, and serum TG level in a double-blind manner. The subjects in the n−3 FA group were administered 125 ml of fermented soybean milk with fish oil containing 600 mg of EPA and 260 mg of DHA/d for 12 wk. The controls consumed control soybean milk with olive oil. Fasting blood samples were obtained before the start of administration and at 4, 8 and 12 wk. EPA concentrations in red blood cells increased significantly in all but one subject in the n−3 FA group, with no significant changes in the control group. TG levels decreased more in the n−3 FA group than in the control group at weeks 4 (P<0.05), 8 (P<0.01), and 12 (P<0.05) with their baseline as covariate. RLP cholesterol levels decreased more in the n−3 FA group than in the control at weeks 8 (P<0.01) and 12 (P<0.05) with their baseline as covariate. The groups did not differ in the other lipid levels. It is likely that n−3 long-chain FA may exert anti-atherosclerotic effects by lowering serum TG and RLP-cholesterol levels even at the dose of 860 mg/d.     

Distribution of the 134Cs/137Cs ratio around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant using an unmanned helicopter radiation monitoring system

Large amounts of radioactive substances were released into the environment by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident. Several research institutes have mapped the distribution of nuclides with long half-lives, such as ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs. Although the ratio of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs has been believed to be equal without depending on the location of the contaminated area, several researchers report that it is different depending on places quite a little. We measured the energy spectrum of gamma rays in high resolution within an approximately 3-km radius of the FDNPP by using an unmanned helicopter equipped with a LaBr₃(Ce) scintillation detector. Then, we analyzed the ¹³⁴Cs/¹³⁷Cs ratio in the area from these measured data in detail. The results show that the ¹³⁴Cs/¹³⁷Cs ratio is different between the plume trace extending north and the other plume traces. We have obtained valuable data for identification of which radioactive substances were released by individual reactor units.     

A prototype of aerial radiation monitoring system using an unmanned helicopter mounting a GAGG scintillator Compton camera

Due to the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, some areas were contaminated by released radioisotopes (mainly ¹³⁷Cs and ¹³⁴Cs). Effective decontamination is demanded to encourage evacuated people to return. This paper proposes a new survey system using an unmanned helicopter equipped with a Compton camera for localizing radionuclides. As a prototype, 32 Ce:Gd₃(Al,Ga)₅O₁₂ (GAGG) crystals were coupled to 16 silicon photomultipliers and 16 avalanched photodiodes as the scatterer and absorber, respectively. A new Dynamic Time-over-Threshold (dToT) method was applied to convert CR-RC shaping signals to digital signals for multi-channel spectra and coincidence acquisition. The system was designed to work in two modes: one is Compton-camera mode (CCM) which obtains the radiation distribution maps through Compton imaging using hovering flights, while the other one is Gamma-camera mode (GCM) which maps the radiation distribution via measured coincidence events using programmed flights. For point source in CCM, an intrinsic efficiency of 1.68% with a combined standard uncertainty of 0.04% and an angular resolution of about 14° (FWHM, full width at half maximum) was achieved. In GCM, a spatial resolution of about 11 cm (FWHM) was obtained when detecting area is 11.2 cm away from the detector, while it was about 28 cm (FWHM) in single detector mode (SDM). Promising results were obtained in field in Fukushima.     

A Coalgebraic Representation of Reduction by Cone of Influence

The Cone of Influence Reduction is a fundamental abstraction technique for reducing the size of models used in symbolic model checking. We develop coalgebraic representations of systems as composites of state transition maps and connectors. These representations include synchronous systems, asynchronous systems, asynchronous systems with synchronization by channels, and those with shared variables, probabilistic synchronous systems and so on. We schematically show the cone of influence reduction using these coalgebraic representations, which give a unified framework for providing the technique for various kinds of systems.     

FREQUENCY-TUNABLE TERAHERTZ-WAVE GENERATION FROM GaP USING Cr:FORSTERITE LASERS

We have constructed THz spectrometers using the widely frequency-tunable THz-wave generated from GaP crystal pumped at 1.2 µm region using two Cr:forsterite lasers and compared with that pumped at 1 µm region using a YAG laser and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The systems have sufficient resolution for observation of solids and liquids at room temperature. We have measured terahertz absorption spectra of all twenty kinds of amino acids which form proteins.     

Selective potassium ion recognition by benzo-15-crown-5 fluoroionophore/gamma-cyclodextrin complex sensors in water

Three fluoroionophores Cn (n = 1, 3, 5), in which the crown ether unit and pyrenyl moiety are connected by a -(CH2)n- spacer, have been used to construct supramolecular Cn/gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CyD) complexes for alkali metal ion sensing in water. The Cn (n = 3, 5) are found to selectively form 2:1 complexes with K+ in the presence of gamma-CyD and exhibit the pyrene dimer emission in water. Equilibrium analysis of the C3/gamma-CyD complex reveals that the observed dimer emission arises from a 2:1:1 complex of C3 with K+ and gamma-CyD. In the absence of K+, the fluorescence lifetimes for the dimer species ((C3)2CyD and (C3)2(CyD)2) and the monomer species (C3CyD and C3(CyD)2) are 13-18 and 130-180 ns, respectively. Upon addition of 0.10 M KCI, a rising component corresponding to pyrene excimer formation is observed at the dimer emission region. For the C3/gamma-CyD complex, the apparent association constant for K+ of (3.8 +/- 1.3) x 10(9) M(-2) is only slightly affected by the presence of Na+. Although the C5/gamma-CyD complex shows high sensitivity for K+, the selectivity for K+ over Na+ is lower than that of the C3/gamma-CyD complex. In contrast, fluoroionophore C1 with the shortest methylene spacer exhibits no response for alkali metal cations in the presence of gamma-CyD. These results demonstrate that the response function of supramolecular Cn/gamma-CyD complexes is strongly affected by the methylene spacer length of Cn. The highest K+ selectivity is obtained for the C3/gamma-CyD complexes in water.