international collaborative research group for science and...

International Collaborative Research Group

for Science and Technology

“Excellence is not a skill. it's an attitude.” – Ralph Marston, Jr.

Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence Kumamoto University, JAPAN

Kumamoto University was qualified as one of the super global universities of Japan by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2014.

Location of Kumamoto University

History of Kumamoto University

From Kumamoto University Guidebook 2014/15

http://ewww.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/en/visitors/guidebook/

Preface

In the year of 2013, our Kumamoto University was qualified as

one of the 22 academic institutions by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan under the Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities.

Just after the qualification, three international collaborative research groups were established at our university for the following three areas: life sciences, science and technology, and humanities and social sciences.

The major mission of our science and technology group is sustainable extension of our already existing international joint research networks and also establishing new international research networks together with overseas universities and institutions especially in the cutting edge areas of science and technology.

My current title is the Distinguished Professor belonging to the Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence. There, I have been working as the Head of the International Collaborative Research Group for Science and Technology since April 2014.

My research interest covers the intelligent systems applications to operation, control and management of electric power systems and also covers the applications of renewable energy power sources such as PV systems and wind turbine units to micro-grids and/or smart grids to achieve the optimal operation of those power sources together with new types of energy storage devices such as electrical double layer capacitors.

It is my great pleasure to prepare the preface for our brochure as the head of the group. I definitely believe that this brochure is highly attractive for overseas excellent researchers, especially for young researchers, in order to let them join our international research group.

August 17, 2015

Distinguished Professor Takashi HIYAMA Head of the International Collaborative Research Group for Science and Technology Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence Kumamoto University E-mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.cs.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/hiyama/

Representatives of International Collaborative Research Group for Science and Technology

POIE: Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence GSST: Gradchool of Science and Technology

Partner Institutions of Kumamoto University

From Kumamoto University Guidebook 2014/15

http://ewww.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/en/visitors/guidebook/

CONTENTS Page

Geothermal Research Laboratory

Prof. Toshiyuki TOSHA 1

Institute of Pulsed Power Science, Pulsed Power Infrastructure Division & Bioelectrics Division

Prof. Hidenori AKIYAMA & Prof. Sunao KATSUKI 3

Institute of Pulsed Power Science, Department of Extreme Condition Materials Science

Prof. Tsutomu MASHIMO 7

Physics, Earth Science and New Frontier Science

Prof. Akira YOSHIASA & Prof. Fuyuki SHIMOJO 9

X-Earth Center

Prof. Jun OTANI, Prof. Yuzo OBARA, Assoc. Prof. Akira SATO,

and Assoc. Prof. Toshifumi MUKUNOKI

12

Hydrology Laboratory

Prof. Jun SHIMADA, Assoc. Prof. Kimpei ICHIYANAGI, and Assoc. Prof. Takahiro HOSONO 15

Advanced Materials Laboratory

Prof. Kazuki TAKASHIMA & Assoc. Prof. Yoji MINE 17

Laboratory of Microstructure and Interface Control and Engineering

Prof. Sadahiro TSUREKAWA & Assoc. Prof. Yasuhiro MORIZONO 19

Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology

Prof. Tokio TANI 21

Plant Development and Physiology Laboratory

Prof. Shinichiro SAWA 23

Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory

Prof. Hirotaka IHARA, Assoc. Prof. Makoto TAKAFUJI, and Assist. Prof. Yutaka KUWAHARA25

Graphene Hybrid Material Laboratory

Prof. Shinya HAYAMI 27

Polymer Material Laboratory

Prof. Masashi KUNITAKE & Assist. Prof. Satoshi WATANABE 29

Human Interface Cyber Communication Laboratory

Prof. Tsuyoshi USAGAWA 31

Geothermal Research Laboratory

Research Topics and their summaries

The Matsukawa geothermal power plant in Iwate Prefecture started to generate electricity in 1966 and 16

power plants (excluding small ones) with 19 units

are working at present. These power plants were

planned to be constructed by the supports of the

government, which had managed several projects

for the geothermal energy developments such as

“The Sunshine Project”, “The New Sunshine

Project” and so on. The geothermal energy

development is deeply depended on the

governmental policy. Figure 1 shows how the

government in each country contributes the

development. Among OECD countries relatively

high contribution of the government are needed in

Japan.

Geothermal development has, however, been

suspended since the last commercial geothermal

power plant commenced to operate in 1999. The

suspension was partly due to the political

decision. Since then there was no financial

support for the technology developments. The

motivation for the development was rapidly

decreased. The reduction of the subsidy caused

the suspension of the survey in a green field and

the employment in a private company.

There used be several geothermal courses in

universities but there is few at present.

After the terrible disaster happened on 11 March

2011, demand for the stable energy supply

including geothermal energy has been increasing.

The Japanese government decided to increase the electricity produced by renewable energies and has introduced

Prof. Toshiyuki TOSHA Priority Organization

Innovation and Excellence

Fig. 1 Japan needs some supports from the Government for each stage of the geothermal development. (after World Bank, 2014)

Subsidy

Survey

TechnologyDevelopment

Electricity generation

Fig. 2 Annual change of the installed capacity of the geothermal power plant and the governmental budget

1

FIT (Feed In Tariff) for private company to make the development and the investment easily. As to the geothermal energy, the government eliminated the regulation on the development in the national park and integrated the development and the promotion of the geothermal energy in JOGMEC (Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation) which made a role in the development instead of NEDO. We are now restarting the technology development of the geothermal resources listed in Figure 3. We are looking for international collaboration works not only with the leading countries for the geothermal energy such as USA, New Zealand, Iceland and so on but also with the developing countries.

Research topics for possible collaborations

No. Research Topics Researchers

1. Joint work for the geophysical survey research using data obtained by

helicopter (tentative)

Prof. Toshiyuki Tosha

Publications

Tosha, T., Shimada, T. and Nakashima, H. “The Research Development for the Geothermal Energy in JOGMEC,

Japan”, Proc. World Geotherm. Cong. 2015, 11085, Melbourne Australia, 2015.

E-mail address for correspondence

Prof. Toshiyuki Tosha: [email protected]

Associated URL

In preparation

Fig. 3 List of the subsurface technologies t for geothermal development

2

Institute of Pulsed Power Science (IPPS) Pulsed Power Infrastructure Division & Bioelectrics Division

Prof. Hidenori AKIYAMA Pulsed Power Infrastructure

Division, Director

Prof. Sunao KATSUKI Bioelectrics Division

Pulsed power refers to the temporally and spatially

compressed energies that form powerful reactive fields, such as a ultra-high electric/magnetic field, high energy-density and atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasmas and shock waves. Our mission is to promote basic research into and new theories of pulsed power science through international-oriented problem solving on an interdisciplinary basis as well as to train globally active young researchers and engineers. 1. Pulsed Power Generation A wide variety of pulsed power generators have been developed. An all-solid-state generators based on magnetic pulse compression scheme operates with highly repetition rate without maintenance permanently. An inductive energy storage circuit with a fast recovery diode produces 10 ns high-voltage pulses repetitively. Also conventional high-power circuits such as Blumlein and Marx circuit are driven by very-fast semiconductor modulator. These generators are used for a wide variety of applications such as the generation of plasma in high-density media, the generation of plasma jets, and the application of blue-green algae treatment and medical care. 2. Plasmas in Fluids

Pulsed power enables to produce energetic discharge plasmas in fluids. Underwater plasmas, as shown in Fig. 2, are accompanied by energetic agents such as extremely high fields exceeding 1 MV/cm, chemically reactive species, shock waves and ultraviolet radiation, which can be used for chemical and bacterial decontamination. Supercritical and subcritical fluids in the vicinity of critical temperatures and critical pressures have interesting properties different from those of ordinary gases and liquids. The supercritical fluids are used for the process of separation of substances or enhancement of chemical reactions more efficiently than existing technologies. A special reactive fields where pulsed power is superposed on these supercritical fluids are set on creating and developing new and innovative substance conversion processes such as (1) Selective recovery of functional chemical substances from biomass resources and non-conventional resources, and (2) Functionalization of substances acted upon by pulsed discharge plasma and by other electromagnetism, and a process where industrial water, etc. are rendered harmless at high efficiency.

Fig. 1 Pulsed power modulator (40 J, 100 Hz)

Fig. 2 Still image of pulsed power

produced underwater plasma.

Fig. 3 Pulsed power produced corona

discharge in super critical fluid.

3

3. Environmental Process Atmospheric pressure discharge plasmas that are produced by nanosecond pulsed power is non-thermal but include abundant energetic electrons over 10 eV. These plasmas can be applied to wade range of environmental technologies such as decomposition of poisonous molecules, synthesis of ozone, etc. We have developed highly repetitive nanosecond pulse generators to put the non-thermal plasma technology into industry. 4. Bioelectrics Bioelectrics refers to the use of pulsed power and pulsed-power-produced powerful reactive fields to give novel physical stresses to biological cells, tissues and/or organisms as well as bacteria. Bioelectrics is an interdisciplinary scientific field that includes physics, biology, chemistry, medical science, agriculture, environmental as well as engineering, and is expected to open up new science and technology. Application of pulsed power such as a pulsed electric field is a unique physical stress and causes a variety of cellular responses such as permeabilization of membrane, phosphatidylserine externalization, increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration, production of reactive oxygen species (Fig. 5), which eventually result in a programmed dell death or an acceleration of cell cycling. These biological effects of pulsed power can be used for medical care such as treatment of cancer, wound, skin disease, etc. We have investigated the primary physical effect of pulsed power on organisms and the subsequent secondary biological response. Molecular mechanisms of the following due to nanosecond-pulsed high electric fields have been elucidated: activation of signal transmission, stress responses, and cellular deaths. Thus, much information which will form a crucial foundation for cancer treatment using nanosecond-pulsed high electric fields has been obtained. Furthermore, repetitive micro shock waves and highly repetitive cavitation are produced by using nanosecond-pulsed discharge and laser irradiation in liquid media. These various shock waves are from micro foci to planes, and their clarification will aid in the use such shock waves in such fields as bone formation, treatment of internal organs, cancer treatment, and DNA drug delivery.

Fig. 4 Nanosecond pulsed generator and low-temperature discharge plasmas in air in a wire-cylinder coaxial electrode system. Diameter of the outer electrode is 78 mm.

Fig. 5 Generation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells induced by nanosecond electrical pulses.

Fig. 6 Brain cancer treatment using

pulsed power

4

Existing collaboration with overseas institutions

No. Overseas Universities or Institutions Associated Researchers

1 Institute of Plasma Physics AS CR (Czech Republic) Pulse Plasma Systems Department Prof. Petr Lukes

2 Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands) Department of Electrical Engineering Prof. A.J.M. Pemen

3 Old Dominion University (USA) Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

Prof. Karl H. Schoenbach Prof. Shu Xiao

4 Queensland University of Technology (Australia) Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering, School of Engineering Systems

Prof. Firuz Zare

5 University of Glasgow (UK) Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering Prof. Konstantinos Kontis

6 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India) Department of Aerospace Engineering Prof. Viren Menezes

7 Harbin Institute of Technology (China) School of Electrical Engineering and Automation Prof. Chaohai Zhang

8 Texas Tech University (USA) Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Prof. John Mankowski

9 Korean Electrotechnology Research Institute (Korea) High Power Laboratory Planning Division Dr. Yun Sik Jin

Prof. Petr Lukes

Institute of Plasma Physics AS CR

(Czech Republic)

Prof. A.J.M. Pemen Eindhoven University

of Technology (The Netherlands)

Prof. Karl H. SchoenbachOld Dominion University

(USA)

Prof. Firuz Zare Queensland University of

Technology (Australia)

Prof. Konstantinos

Kontis University of Glasgow

(UK)

Prof. Viren Menezes Indian Institute of

Technology Bombay (India)

Prof. Chaohai Zhang Harbin Institute of

Technology (China)

Prof. John Mankowski Texas Tech University

(USA)

5

Research topics for possible collaborations No. Research Topics Researchers

1. Generation, control, measurement and application of pulsed power using the electrical energy

Prof. Hidenori Akiyama Prof. Takashi Sakugawa

2. Fundamental science of the effects of pulsed power on biology Prof. Hiroyoshi Takano

3. Advanced applications utilizing the biological effects of pulsed power (Bioelectrics) Prof. Sunao Katsuki

4. Medical applications using biological effects of pulsed power Prof. Ken-ichi Yano

5. Effects of shock waves on biology; medical applications of ultrasound, nanosecond pulsed electric and laser generated plasma, cavitation, and shock waves.

Prof. S. Hamid R. Hosseini

6. Environment applications of nanosecond pulsed power Prof. Takao Namihira Prof. Douyang Wang

Publications 1. S.W. Lim, S. Katsuki, Y.S. Jin, C. Cho, Y.B. Kim, “Nanosecond High-Voltage Pulse Generator Using a Spiral

Blumlein PFL for Electromagnetic Interference Test”, IEEE Trans. Plasma Science, Vol. 42, Issue 10, pp.2909-2912, 2015.

2. H. Hosseini, S. Moosavi-Nejad, H. Akiyama, V. Menezes, “Shock wave interaction with interfaces between materials having different acoustic impedances”, Vol. 104, Article number 103701, Applied Physics Letters, 2014.

3. S.W. Lim, S. Kitajima, P. Lu, S. Katsuki, H. Akiyama, Y. Teramoto, “Optical Observations of Post-discharge Phenomena of Laser-triggered Discharge Produced Plasma for EUV Lithography”, Japanese Journal of Applied Physics Vol. 54, 01AA01, 2014

4. P. Lu, S. Kitajima, S. Lim, S. Katsuki, H. Akiyama, Y. Teramoto, “Investigation on Recovery of Gap Insulation Strength and EUV Radiation in the Post-discharge Stage of a Laser-triggered Discharge Produced Tin Plasma EUV Source”, Vol. 47, Issue 43, Article number 435205, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 2014

5. E. Shiraishi, H. Hosseini, D.K. Kang, T. Kitano, H. Akiyama, “Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Suppresses Development of Eyes and Germ Cells through Blocking Synthesis of Retinoic Acid in Medaka (Oryzias latipes) ”, Vol. 8, Article number e70670, PLoS ONE, 2013.

6. Ruma, P. Lukes, N. Aoki, E. Spetlikova, S.H.R. Hossini, T. Sakugawa, H. Akiyama, “Effects of pulse frequency of input power on the physical and chemical properties of pulsed streamer discharge plasmas in water”, Vol.46, Article number 125202, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 2013.

E-mail addresses for correspondence

Prof. Hidenori Akiyama: [email protected] Prof. Sunao Katsuki: [email protected]

Associated URL Institute of Pulsed Power Science: http://www.ipps.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/

6

Department of Extreme Condition Materials Science Institute of Pulsed Power Science

Prof. Tsutomu MASIMO

Research topics and their summaries In our laboratory, shock comprfession research of solids and unique materials processing using strong gravitational field and pulsed plasma in liquids. The nano-structured, graded materials and peculiar metastable materials are synthesized and the unique physical properties are discovered. 1) Shock compression research of solids We have concerned ourselves in the high-pressure phase transition & EOS, and the renewal of pressure calibration problem by shock compression (APS fellow, 2011). We developed a high time-resolution streak photographic syste, and performed the Hugoniot measurement experiments on various kinds of compounds. The phase transitions have been observed for ZnO, TiO2, ZrO2, Gd3Ga5O12, ZnS, ZnSe, AlN, B4C, etc. We started to measure the Hugoniot data of pressure scale materials such as Au, Pt, MgO at room temperature to revise the pressure scale and discuss the earth interior structure. We measure the Hugoniot data of high-temperature sample to determine the Grüneisen parameter, for the first time in the world. We also intend to measure the electrical conductivities of water, hydrogen, etc.. 2) Strong-gravity materials science Strong gravitational field causes the sedimentation of atoms and changes in crystal structure in multi-component condensed matter. We have developed a high-temperature ultracentrifuge, and, for the first time succeeded in realizing the gravity-induced diffusions of atoms in alloys and compounds (APS fellow, 2011). Recently, the crystal structure changes were discovered on some compounds. It enables us to synthesize new materials and to discover new physical properties. Strong gravitational field can be used in physics, materials synthesis, impurity and interface control, graded materials processing, isotope separation, etc. and is expected to exploit a new materials science. Such research at Kumamoto University is only one in the world. 3) Nano-materials processing using the pulsed plasma in liuid method We have also developed a new synthesis method of nanomaterials using pulsed plasma in liquid. The pulsed plasma in liquid enables us to synthesize nano-carbons, nano particles of metals and compounds of oxides, sulphides, etc. By changing the liquid or electrode, we can obtain various kinds of nanomaterials. The applied power is 100 times smaller than those of arc discharge, and, this method does not need vacuum system, cooling system, etc. Carbon fullerene C60, nanotube, nano-diamond, anataze-type TiO2 nanocrystals, wurtzite-type ZnS nanocrystals, non-doped tetoragonal ZrO2, the carbon-coated Fe, Co, Ni nano particle, ZrC, WC nano particle, etc. have been synthesized by this method.

Fig.3. High-temperature ultracentrifuge

Fig.4. Synthesis of nanomaterials by the pulsed-plasma in liquid

Fig.1. Keyed-powder gun and two-stage light gas gun, and high-velocity streak cameras

Fig.2. Effects of strong gravity on crystal

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1 AGH University of Science and Technology (Poland) Thermoelectric Research Laboratory

Prof. Krzysztof Wojciechowski Prof. Marek Danielewski

2 University of Debrecen Department of Solid State Physics Prof. Zoltán Erdélyi

3 Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology (ICCT) of National Academy of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Prof. Saadat Sulaimankulova

4 Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington Senior Res. Yingwei Fei

Research topics for possible collaborations No. Research Topics Researchers 1. Advanced materials processing using strong-gravity Prof. Tsutomu Mashimo 2. Synthesis of nanomaterials using pulsed plasma in liuid Prof. Tsutomu Mashimo

3. Shock compression research of solids: Phase transition, EOS, pressure scale Prof. Tsutomu Mashimo

Publications 1. T. Mashimo, R. Chau, Y. Zhang, T. Kobayoshi, T. Sekine, K. Fukuoka, Y. Syono, M. Kodama, and W. J. Nellis, “Transition to a virtually incompressible oxide phase at a shock pressure of 120 GPa (1.2 Mbar): Gd3Ga5O12”, Phys. Rev. Lett., 96, 105504-1-4 (2006). 2. X. Liu, T. Mashimo, K. Ogata, T. Kinoshita, T. Sekine, X. Zhou, W. J. Nellis, “Anomalous elastic–plastic transition of MgO under shock compression”, J. Appl. Phys. 114, 243511 (2013). 3. T. Mashimo, X.S. Huang, X. Fan, K. Koyama, M. Motokawa, “Slater-Poring curve of Fe-Cu solid solution alloys”, Phys. Rev. B, 66 (13), 132407-132410 (2002). 4. T. Mashimo, “Self-consistent approach to the diffusion induced by a centrifugal field in condensed matter: sedimentation”, Phys. Rev. A38, 4149-4154 (1988). 5. T. Mashimo, X.S. Huang, T. Osakabe, M. Ono, M. Nishihara, H. Ihara, M. Sueyoshi, K. Shibasaki, S. Shibasaki and N. Mori, “Advanced high-temperature ultracentrifuge apparatus for mega-gravity materials science”, Rev. Sci. Instr. 74,160-163 (2003). 6. T. Mashimo, M. Ono, X.S. Huang, Y. Iguchi, S. Okayasu K. Kobayashi, E. Nakamura, “Sedimentation of isotope atoms in monoatomic liquid Se”, Appl. Phys. Lett., 91, 231917-1-3 (2007). 7. E. Omurzak uul, J. Jasnakunov, N. Mairykava, A. Abdykerimova , A. Maatkasynov, S. Sulaaimankulov, M. Matsuda, M. Nishida, H. Ihara, T. Mashimo, “Synthesis method of nanomaterials by pulsed plasma in liquid”, J. Nanosci. Nanotechnol., 7, 3157-3159 (2007). 8. L. Chen, T. Mashimo, E. Omurzak, H. Okudera, C. Iwamoto, A. Yoshiasa, “Pure Tetragonal ZrO2 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Pulsed Plasma in Liquid”. J. Phys. Chem. C 115, 9370–9375 (2011). 9. Z. Abdullaeva, E. Omurzak, C. Iwamoto, L. Chen, T. Mashimo, “Onion-like carbon-encapsulated Co, Ni, and Fe magnetic nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity synthesized by a pulsed plasma in a liquid”, Carbon, 50, 1776-1785 (2012).


Prof. T. Mashimo: [email protected]

Prof. Krzysztof Wojciechowski AGH University

(Poland)

Prof. Zoltán ErdélyiUniversity of

Debrecen (Hungary)

Prof. Sulaimankulova SaadatICCT

(Kyrgyz Republic)

Prof. Yingwei Fei

Carnegie Institution of Washington

(USA)

8

Physics, Earth Science and New Frontier Science Graduate School of Science and Technology

Precise atomic level structure observation and physical property of condensed matter

under extreme condition

In the natural world, there are domains under extreme physical conditions that scientists have not yet to fully

experiment with and exploit. In these domains there exist various substances and materials that possess amazing

properties yet waiting to be discovered. Performing experiments under multiple extreme conditions, such as trace

element local structure analysis and precise measurements at high temperatures and pressures, is necessary in order

to reveal these mysteries (Figs. 1.2.4). Materials change states according to surrounding environments and the

states may be recorded. The resulting scientific breakthroughs then lead to pioneering developments in new realms

of research. When evaluating new results from experimentation under extreme conditions, simulated trials for

theoretical applications are essential. Thus the formulation of new theories, along with improvements and

innovations in simulation technologies, is very important and contributes to the strengthening of theoretical

principles (Figs.3 and 5). Utilizing the advantages Kumamoto University offers, our researchers are able to deepen

our understandings in various areas, such as structural analyses and physical property measurements of molten

substances in ultra-high pressure, high temperature conditions (Fig. 1); structural organizations of multicomponent,

multiphase systems; and histories and local structures of specific types of ppb-order trace elements (related to

precision environmental assessment, understanding mass extinction events by meteorite impact (Fig.4), advances

in criminal investigations, etc.). Advances in these fields consequently open up new doors for experimentation

under new combinations of extreme conditions.

Prof. Akira YOSHIASA Prof. Fuyuki SHIMOJO

Fig.1. High temperature (3000℃) in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments

Fig.2. Phase diagram by accuratein-situ experiments

Fig.3. Hydrogen production process from water with an AlLi cluster clarified by the newly formulated large-scale quantum theory.

9



1 Université de Lorraine Faculté des Sciences et Technologies (France) Prof. Massimo Nespolo

2 The Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans, Université Blaise Pascal (France)

Prof. Denis Andrault Prof. Kennth Koga

3 Bayerisches Geoinstitut, Universität Bayreuth (Germany) Dr. Nobuyoshi Miyajima Dr. Catherine McCammon

4 Max-Planck-Institut fuer Festkoerperforschung Stuttgart(Germany) Prof. Arndt Simon

5 Institute of Physical Chemistry (Czech Republic) Dr. Petr Krti J. Heyrovsky Dr. Valery Petrykin

6 University of Southern California (USA) Collaboratory for Advanced Computing & Simulations Prof. Priya Vashishta

7 University of Southern California (USA) Collaboratory for Advanced Computing & Simulations Prof. Rajiv K. Kalia

8 University of Southern California (USA) Collaboratory for Advanced Computing & Simulations Prof. Aiichiro Nakano

9 Universidade Federal de São Carlos (Brazil) Departamento de Física Prof. José Pedro Rino

10 Institute of High Performance Computing (Singapore) Materials Science and Engineering Department Dr. Paulo S. Branicio

11 University of Science and Technology (China) School of Earth and Space Sciences Prof. Zhongqing Wu

Prof. Massimo Nespolo Dr. Denis Andrault Dr. Petr Krtil J. Heyrovsky Dr. Valery Petrykin

Fig.5. Photoexcited electronic wave function in dendrimer obtained by the newly formulated time-dependent quantum theory.

Fig.4. XANE spectra near the Ti K-edge for natural glasses. Dotted lines are meteorite impact glasses and solid lines are non impact related glasses.

Institute of Physical Chemistry (Czech Republic)

Université de Lorraine(France)

Université Blaise Pascal(France)

10



1. Precise structure analyses of advanced materials under extreme conditions

Prof. Akira Yoshiasa Prof. Fuyuki Shimojo

2. In-situ experiment of atomic level structure and physical property Prof. Akira Yoshiasa Prof. Fuyuki Shimojo

3. Local structure determination of host-guest and trace elements by X-ray absorption fine structure Prof. Akira Yoshiasa

4 Extreme condition’s records in the Earth’s materials and mass extinction of species Prof. Akira Yoshiasa

5 Formulation of new theories, along with improvements and innovations in simulation technologies Prof. Fuyuki Shimojo

6 Newly formulated large-scale and time-dependent quantum theory Prof. Fuyuki Shimojo Publications 1. A. Yoneda, H. Fukui, F. Xu, A. Nakatsuka, A. Yoshiasa, Y. Seto, K. Ono, S. Tsutsui, H. Uchiyama, A. Q. R. Baron,

Single crystal elasticity of Cmcm- and Pbnm- CaIrO3: The D” diversity interpreted by lattice preferred orientation of post perovskite, Nature Communications, 5, (2014) 3453 doi:10.1038/ncomms4453.

2. Akira Yoshiasa, Akihiko Nakatsuka, Maki Okube and Tomoo Katsura, Single-crystal metastable high temperature C2/c clinoenstatite quenched rapidly from high temperature and high pressure. Acta Cryst. B, 69 (2013) 541-546

3. Tatsuya Hiratoko, Akira Yoshiasa, Tomotaka Nakatani, Maki Okube, Akihiko Nakatsuka and Kazumasa Sugiyama, Temperature dependence of pre-edge feature in Ti K-edge XANES spectra for ATiO3 (A= Ca and Sr), A2TiO4 (A=Mg and Fe), TiO2 rutile and TiO2 anatase. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation, 20 (2013) 641-643

4. Yohei Sato, Masami Terauchi, Wataru Inami, and Akira Yoshiasa, High energy-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy analysis of dielectric property and electronic structure of hexagonal diamond. Diamond and Related Materials, 25 (2012) 40-44.

5. Ling Wang, Akira Yoshiasa, Maki Okube and Takashi Takeda, Titanium local structure in tektite by X –ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation, 18 (2011) 885-890

6. H.Arima, O.Ohtaka, T.Hattori, Y.Katayama, W.Utsumi and A.Yoshiasa, In Situ XAFS and XRD studies of pressure-induced local stuructural change in liquid AgI. (2007) J.Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 076104 (7pp)

7. O.Ohtaka, H.Arima, H.Fukui, W.Utsumi, Y.Katayama and A.Yoshiasa, Pressure-induced polymorphic phase transition in liquid alkali-GeO2. (2004) Phys.Rev.Lett. 92, 155506-1-4.

8. K. Shimamura, F. Shimojo, R. K. Kalia, A. Nakano, and P. Vashishta, Bonding and Structure of Ceramic/Ceramic Interfaces, Physical Review Letters 111 (2013) 066103 (6pp)

9. F. Shimojo, S. Ohmura, R. K. Kalia, A. Nakano, and P. Vashishta, Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Rapid Hydrogen Production from Water Using Aluminum Clusters as Catalyzers, Physical Review Letters 104 (2010) 126102 (4 pp.)


Prof. Akira Yoshiasa: [email protected] and Prof.Fuyuki Shimojo: [email protected]

Associated URLs

http://www.sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~yoshiasa/ and http://crocus.sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/physics/mdlab/

Prof. Priya Vashishta Prof. Rajiv K. Kalia Dr. Paulo S. Branicio Institute of High

Performance Computing (Singapore)

Prof. José Pedro Rino Universidade Federal de

São Carlos (Brazil)

University of Southern California(USA)

11

X-Earth Center Graduate School of Science and Technology

Research topics and their summaries

X-Earth Center possesses X-ray CT scanner that holds two types of functions; such as Industrial use and μ-focus use in the engineering field and it is rarely worldwide at this base. Also, by sharing the medical X-ray CT scanner which is owned by the Department of Life Science in Kumamoto University, it made possible to evaluate the behavior with micro scale and macro scale; hence, new collaboration between engineering and medical science will form a new research base in Kumamoto University. Using the quantitative image processing technique to the phenomenon that we have introduced a technique to visualize a mass transfer phenomenon of the porous body which is the result of the past base formation study in particular here, and to analyze and a detailed image analysis technology by the three dimensions DIC (digital image correlation) into, we suggest the basis of the medicine mechanic cooperation, elucidation of the condition of a patient mechanism of heart and the bone of the human body and a new artificial bone.

Specification of the micro-focused X-ray CT scanner

Radiographic Field of Vision 400mm, height 500 mm Number of display pixels 1024 x 1024 (corn), 2048 x 2048 (slice) Cone Beam Scan Normal, Offset, Half X-ray beam thickness 4 μm minimum Power of X-ray 240 kV (140W) maximum Maximam sample weight 245 N

Flat Panel Detectors Effective pixel number: 2000 x 2000 Range of Vision: 400mm x 400mm

Prof. Jun OTANI Prof. Yuzo OBARA Assoc. Prof. Toshifumi MUKUNOKIAssoc. Prof. Akira SATO

Inside view of the industrial X-ray CT scanner

Inside view of the micro-focused X-ray CT scanner

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Fig. 4 Visualization of contaminant migration in sandy soil (Geoenvironmental engineering)

Fig. 3 Flow simulation of branched blood vessels

Pore network structure of porous rock

Fig.1 Application of micro X-ray CT for contrast-injected hind limb vessel (left) and a coronary stent

Macroscopical migration of CO2

Fig. 2 Analysis of CO2 migration in the porous rock (Rock engineering)

(a) Pore structure of sand (c) Only oil part in pore space(b) Liquid part in pore space

13



1 Universite Joseph Fourier (FRA) Assoc. Prof. Laurent Oxarango

2 Czech Academy of Science (CZE) Prof. Lubomir Stas

3 Czech Academy of Science (CZE) Kamil Soucek

4 Polytech Clermont-Ferrand (FRA) Asst. Prof. Bastien Chevalier Research topics for possible collaborations


1. Characterization of soil property using X-ray CT and Digital Image Correlation Jun Otani

2. Evaluation of damage induced in concrete by chipping Yuzo Obara

3. Evaluations of water and material migrations, multi-phase flows in porous rock materials using X-ray CT Akira Sato

4. Characterization of flow property in soil using X-ray CT and LBM simulation Toshifumi Mukunoki

Publications

1. S. Taniguchi, J. Otani & M. Kumagai, A study on characteristics evaluation to control quality of asphalt

mixture using X-ray CT, Road Materials and Pavement Design, Volume 15, Issue4, 892-910 (2014)

2. S. Taniguchi, K. Ogawa, J. Otani and L. Nishizaki, A study on quality evaluation for bituminous mixture

using X-ray CT, Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 7(2), Springer, 81-101,2013

3. T. Mukunoki, T. Nakano, J. Otani and J.P. Gourc (2014), Study of cracking process of clay cap barrier in

landfill using X-ray CT, Applied Clay Science, Vol. 101, pp. 558-566, DOI 10.1016/j.clay. 2014.09.019

4. M. D. Kuruppu, Y. Obara, M. R. Ayatollahi, K. P. Chong and T. Funatsu, ISRM-Suggested Method for

Determining the Mode I Static Fracture Toughness Using Semi-Circular Bend Specimen, Rock Mech Rock

Eng, Vol.47, pp.267-274,2014

5. M. Kataoka, Y. Obara, and M. Kuruppu, Estimation of Fracture Toughness of Anisotropic Rocks by

Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) Tests Under Water Vapor Pressure, Rock Mech Rock Eng, 47, 267-274doi

10.1007/s00603-014-0665-y, 2014

6. M. Kataoka, Y. Obara and H.S. Jeong, Influence of water vapor pressure in surrounding environment on

strength and fracture toughness of racks, The 2013 ISRM International Symposium (EUROCK 2013),

Wroclaw, Poland, September 21-26, pp.287-292. E-mail addresses for correspondence

Prof. Jun Otani: [email protected]

Prof. Yuzo Obara: [email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Akira Sato: [email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Toshifumi Mukunoki: [email protected] Associated URL

http://www.civil.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/x-earth/en/index.html

14

Hydrology Laboratory Graduate School of Science and Technology


1) Sustainable groundwater management based on regional hydrological cycle (Prof. Shimada)

Under the framework of CREST project by Japanese government, our group has been done groundwater flow

system study in considering nitrate pollution from agricultural activities. As 3D groundwater flow simulation and

groundwater age tracers developed by CREST project could be applicable to Asian monsoon countries, we start to

establish co-research with those countries to apply our methodology to solve their local groundwater problems.

2) Development of database for stable isotopes in precipitation over Indonesia and Japan (Dr.Ichiyanagi)

Under the cooperated research with the Bandung Institute of Technology to reveal the spatio-temporal variations

of stable isotopes in precipitation across the Indonesia Maritime Continent, rainfall samples were collected at more

than 40 sites over Indonesia. The stable water isotopes of these samples are analyzing by water isotope analyzer at

our laboratory. Also Meteorological observations and precipitation sampling were started at Kumamoto University

(Fig.1) to cooperate with the Global Network for Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) by the International Atomic

Energy Agency. In order to reveal spatio-temporal variations of stable isotopes in precipitation across Japan, the

database is developing based on the result of the intensive observation throughout 2013.

3) Quantification of the land use effect on chemical weathering and nutrient fluxes (Dr. Hosono)

Our group has decided to establish research cooperation with Dr. Jens Hartmann (Universität Hamburg,

Germany) group focusing on Global Change and the alteration of matter fluxes through the Earth System. Present

co-research started from 2014 focuses on the quantification of the land use effect on chemical weathering and

nutrient fluxes in a highly active volcanic weathering area around Mt. Aso, with implication on the carbon cycle and

water quality. All samples collected in these surveys are under analyzing in both laboratories (Fig. 2,3).

Fig. 1. AWS & Rain sampler at KU. Fig. 2. Sampling survey in Aso Fig. 3. ICP-MS analysis

Assoc. Prof. Takahiro HOSONOAssoc. Prof. Kimpei ICHIYANAGI Prof. Jun SHIMADA

15



1 Institute for Geology, University of Hamburg Prof. Dr. Jens Hartmann,

Dr. Thorben Aman, Mr. Tom Jäppinen

2 Applied Meteorological group of the Dep. of

Meteorology, Bandung Institute of Technology

Dr. Rusmawan Suwarman

Dr. Totok Suprijo

3 Isotope Hydrology Section, International Atomic

Energy Agency

Dr. Takuya Matsumoto

Dr. Stefan Terzer



1. Quantification of the chemical weathering in a highly active volcanic weathering area: Implications for the carbon cycle due CO2 consumption

A. Prof. T. Hosono

2. Hydro-meteorological survey by using stable water isotopes A. Prof. K. Ichiyanagi Publications

1. Hosono, T.; Tokunaga, T.; Tsushima, A.; Shimada, J. (2014): Combined use of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S tracers to study anaerobic bacterial processes in groundwater flow systems. Water Research, 54, 284-296.

2. Hosono, T.; Tokunaga, T.; Kagabu, M.; Nakata, H.; Orishikida, T.; Lin, I-T.; Shimada, J. (2013): The use of δ15N and δ18O tracers with an understanding of groundwater flow dynamics for evaluating the origins and attenuation mechanisms of nitrate pollution. Water Research, 47, 2661-2675.

3. Raymond, P.A., Hartmann, J., et al.(2013) ; Global carbon dioxide emissions from inland waters. Nature, 503, 355-359.

4. Suwarman, R., K. Ichiyanagi, et al. (2013), The Variability of Stable Isotopes and Water Origin of Precipitation over the Maritime Continent. SOLA, 9, 74-78, doi:10.2151/sola.2013-017.


Prof. Jun Shimada : [email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Takahiro Hosono: [email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Kimpei Ichiyanagi: [email protected]

Associated URLs

http://www.sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~hydrolab/

http://accafe.jp/kumamoto_crest/index.php?FrontPage

Assoc. Porf. Ichiyanagi, Drs. Suprijo & Suwarman MOU with Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia

Res. Fell. Dr. Thorben Aman Univ. of Hamburg

Germany

Mr. Tom Jäppinen Univ. of Hamburg

Germany

Prof. Dr. Jens Hartmann Univ. of Hamburg

Germany

16

Advanced Materials Laboratory


The mechanical properties of materials are dominated by their hierarchically-interconnected

microstructure, including grain-boundary, precipitates, etc. It is, therefore, important to evaluate the

mechanical properties of each microstructural constituent to develop materials with superior mechanical

properties. However, it is rather difficult to measure the mechanical properties of each microstru ctural

constituent, because the size of the microconstituents is of the order of microns. We have developed a

machine that enables the mechanical testing of micro-sized materials. This testing machine has been

developed for measuring the mechanical properties of MEMS materials (mainly, thin film materials). To

date, tensile, bending, fracture toughness, and fatigue tests have been carried out for specimens with

dimensions of approximately 10 μm using this testing machine. The size of these specimens is smaller

than the grain diameter of ordinary bulk materials, thus enabling the direct measurement of the mechanical

properties of individual microconstituents, including the strength of grain boundaries, fracture toughness

of precipitates, interfacial strength between the matrix and secondary phase, etc. We have developed a

micromechanical characterization method and a preparation technique for micro-sized test pieces from the

microconstituents of the bulk material. This testing technique is useful for elucidating the deformation and

fracture mechanisms of materials and for multi-scale design of high performance materials.

Prof. Kazuki TAKASHIMA Assoc. Prof. Yoji MINE

Fig. 1 Mechanical testing machine for micro-sized materials.

Fig. 2 Examples of micro- sized specimen .

17



1 The University of Birmingham, School of Metallurgy and

Materials (UK) Prof. Paul Bowen

2 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute for Applied

Materials Prof. Oliver Kraft



1. Mechanical Characterization of Micro/Nano-Sized Materials Prof. Kazuki Takashima

Prof. Yoji Mine

2. Fracture and Fatigue of Advanced Materials Prof. Kazuki Takashima

Prof. Yoji Mine Publications

1. Y. Mine, H. Takashima, M. Matsuda, K. Takashima: Microtension Behaviour of Lenticular Martensite Structure of Fe‒30 mass% Ni aAloy, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 618 (2014) 359‒367.

2. Y. Mine, H. Yoshimura, M. Matsuda, K. Takashima, Y. Kawamura: Microfracture behaviour of extruded Mg–Zn–Y alloys containing long-period stacking ordered structure at room and elevated temperatures, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 570 (2013) 63-69.

3. Y. Mine, K. Takashima, P. Bowen: Effect of Lamellar Spacing on Fatigue Crack Growth Behaviour of a TiAl-Based Aluminide with Lamellar Microstructure, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 532 (2012) 13-20.


Prof. Kazuki Takashima: [email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Yoji Mine: [email protected]

Associated URL

http:// http://www.msre.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~sentan/

Fig. 3 Preparation of micro-sized specimens from hierarchical microstructure in materials .

Fig. 4 Examples of deformation behavior and strain distribution measurement in micro-sized specimens, which are difficult to measure by conventional technique.

18

Laboratory of Microstructure and Interface Control and Engineering (MICE) Graduate School of Science and Technology

Research topics and their summaries The research in this group is focused on the physical properties of grain boundaries and interfaces, the

influence of grain boundary microstructure on the function and performance of polycrystalline materials and the development of processing methods to control the grain boundary microstructure. Illustrative examples of our research are given below. (1) Development of Advanced Materials Towards Low Carbon Society using Grain Boundary EngineeringDevelopment of new polycrystalline solar cells using a materials science approach: Grain boundaries are generally considered as an origin for a decrease in convergent efficiency of solar cells. However, because the grain boundary possesses a different electric structure with the grain interior, it often shows an interesting and a unique function. The goal of this study is to develop a new polycrystalline material for solar cells on the basis of the grain boundary function. Grain boundary engineering for heat-resistant ferritic steels: It is essential to decrease CO2 gas emission by increasing in operating temperature of fossil-fired power plant, in order to reduce the greenhouse warming. We have applied the grain boundary engineering to achieve enhanced properties of heat-resistant ferritic steels expected for boilers and turbines, for instance. (2) Microstructural control of materials using magnetic field

Recently, many studies have been carried out on the effect of applied magnetic fields on metallic materials, and research on electromagnetic processing of materials (EPM) is continuing both in Japan and elsewhere. In our group, we are carrying out basic research on the influence of magnetic fields on diffusion in the solid state and on the physical phenomena controlling grain boundary segregation, grain boundary energy and the relationship between magnetic properties and phase stability.

(3) Role of grain boundaries for plastic deformation of polycrystalline materials Grain boundaries significantly influence the mechanical properties of polycrystalline materials. It is of

great importance to understand the role of grain boundaries for dislocation motion under an applied stress. We

Prof. Sadahiro TSUREKAWA Assoc. Prof. Yasuhiro MORIZONO

Fig.2: microtexture control by magnetic crystallisation in Fe-Si-B: (a) no applied magnetic field, (b)applied field（H=6T）

Fig. 1: EBSD image of a creep crack (in black) and surrounding microstructure. The differently coloured areas above and below the crack represent different prior austenite grains.

19

apply a nanoindentation technique to study the incipient plasticity in the vicinity of grain boundaries using orientation-controlled bicrystals and well-characterized polycrystals.



1 Institute of Physics, Academy of Science, Czech Republic Prof. Pavel Lejček

2 Masaryk University, Czech Republic Prof. Mojmir Šob

3 Institute of Physical Metallurgy and Metal Physics, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Prof. Dmitri A. Molodov

4 Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany Prof. Victoria A. Yardley



1. Grain Boundary Structure and Properties Prof. S. Tsurekawa

2. Grain Boundary Engineering Prof. S. Tsurekawa

3. Electromagnetic Processing of Materials (EPM) Prof. S. Tsurekawa

Publications 1. T. Watanabe, S. Tsurekawa, The control of brittleness and development of desirable mechanical properties in

polycrystalline systems by grain boundary engineering, Acta Materialia, 47 (15), pp. 4171-4185, 1999. 2. H. Fujii, S. Tsurekawa, Diffusion of carbon in iron under magnetic field, Physical Review, B83, 054412 (12

pages), 2011. 3. S. Tsurekawa, H. Takahashi, Y. Nishibe, T. Watanabe, Potential barrier at grain boundaries in

polycrystalline silicon: influence of grain boundary character and copper/iron contamination, Philosophical Magazine, 93 (10-12), pp. 1413-1424, 2013.


Prof. Sadahiro Tsurekawa: [email protected] Assoc. Prof. Yasuhiro Morizono: [email protected]

Associated URL

http://www.msre.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~mice/

Prof. Pavel Lejček

Institute of Physics, ASCR Czech Republic

Prof. Mojmir Šob

Masaryk UniversityCzech Republic

Prof. Dmitri A. Molodov

RWTH Aachen UniversityGermany

Prof. Victoria A. YardleyRuhr-University Bochum

Germany

Fig.3: Load – Penetration curve showing “pop-in” event during nanoindentation in the grain interior and near the random grain boundary in Al bicrystal

20

Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology


We are studying the novel functions of RNAs (Ribonucleic Acids) in

eukaryotic cells. Recent genome-wide analyses have revealed that mammalian

genomes generate a large number of RNAs with no significant protein-coding

capacity, in addition to general protein-coding mRNAs. Those unique RNAs are

called as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Rapidly accumulating experimental

evidence suggests that ncRNAs play essential roles in regulation of gene

expression.

To establish new paradigm of “ncRNA regulation” in the eukaryotic cells,

several research projects are now ongoing in our laboratory. One of those is the

functional analysis of ncRNAs generated from the chromosome centromeres, using mutants of fission yeast

Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Fig. 1) and human cultured cells (Fig. 2) as

model systems. We found that pre-mRNA splicing factors are involved in

the formation of heterochromatin through their binding to the intron in

centromeric ncRNAs in S. pombe. In addition, we discovered that human

centromeric ncRNA (satellite I ncRNA) is essential for chromosome

segregation during cell division. We revealed that the knockdown of human

satellite I ncRNA by using antisense DNA/RNA oligonucleotide inhibits

proper chromosome segregation, generating the grape shape nuclei, and

causes severe growth impairment selective to the cancer cells (Fig. 2). Our

finding suggests that human satellite I ncRNA is a novel and promising

target for anticancer drugs (Patent application No. 2013-4750).

We are also studying the roles of cellular structures involved in RNA

metabolism, such as alternative pre-mRNA splicing and generation of

piRNAs essential for maintenance of genome stability, using the methods of

chemical biology and a fluorescent microscope (Fig. 3). We screened the

bacteria (actinomycetes) cultures for the chemical compounds that inhibits

formation of the nuclear structures, such as nuclear speckles, and identified

several inhibitors that induce aberrant formation of the nuclear structures.

The identified compounds are very useful for analyzing the regulatory

mechanisms of gene expression and development of novel anticancer or antivirus drugs.

Prof. Tokio TANI

Fig. 1. Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Fig. 3. Confocal Laser Microscope

Fig. 2. Knockdown of human satellite I RNA (Sat I KD) inhibits growth of cultured cervical cancer cells.

21



1 EMBL Grenoble Outstation (France) Dr. Ramesh Pillai

2 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S.A.) Dr. David Frendewey



1. Visual screening of actinomycetes cultures for chemical modulators for

cellular structures involved in RNA processing and metabolism Prof. Tokio Tani

2. Analysis of RNA processing mechanisms using fission yeast

Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system Prof. Tokio Tani

3. Knockdown analyses of non-coding RNAs in mammalian cultured cellsProf. Tokio Tani and

Takashi Ideue

Publications 1. Takashi Ideue, Yukiko Cho, Kanako Nishimura and Tokio Tani. Involvement of satellite I non-coding

RNA in regulation of chromosome segregation, 19, pp.528-538, Genes to Cells, 2014. 2. Yutaro Kurogi, Yota Matsuo, Yuki Mihara, Hiroaki Yagi, Kaya Shigaki-Miyamoto, Syukichi Toyota,

Yuko Azuma, Masayuki Igarashi and Tokio Tani. Identification of a chemical inhibitor for nuclear speckle formation: Implications for the functions of nuclear speckles in regulation of alternative splicing, 446, pp.119-124, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2014.

3. Madoka Chinen and Tokio Tani. Diverse functions of nuclear non-coding RNAs in eukaryotic gene expression. 17, 1402-1417, Frontiers in Bioscience, 2012.

4. Madoka Chinen, Misato Morita, Kazuhiro Fukumura and Tokio Tani. Involvement of the spliceosomal U4 snRNA in heterochromatic gene silencing at fission yeast centromeres. 285, 5630-5638, J. Biol. Chem., 2010.


Prof. Tokio Tani: [email protected]

Associated URLs

http://aster.sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~biohome/staff/tani/index.htm

Dr. Ramesh PillaiEMBL France

Dr. David Frendewey Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

U.S.A.

22

Plant Development and Physiology Laboratory Graduate School of Science and Technology


Multicellular organisms require the precise coordination of cell division and differentiation to ensure

organised development. Plants have evolved a unique structure called the meristem, which consists of cells

that divide continuously and renew themselves. In the plant body plan, regulation of meristem size and

activity is the most important to maintain proper plant development. For the purpose, plants developed

excellent non-cell autonomous molecular mechanisms which enable plants to understand the status of the

plant body. Two major meristems, the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and the root apical meristem (RAM),

are located on the top and the bottom ends of the apical-basal axis, respectively, and are responsible for

providing cells for postembryonic growth and development. Each meristem forms repetitive structures,

and is maintained throughout the life of the plant. In

Arabidopsis thaliana, the SAM is divided into three

areas: the peripheral zone (PZ), the central zone (CZ) and

the rib zone (RZ). In the CZ, undifferentiated stem cell

resides just above the organising centre (OC), and their

descendant cells displaced to PZ are recruited into organ

differentiation. The RAM, on the other hand, consists of

several cell files, which originate from the stem cells

surrounding the quiescent centre (QC).We are studying

about non-cell autonomous molecular mechanisms that

contribute to plant development by using some plants,

Arabidopsis mainly focusing on the signaling pathway of

CLE peptide hormones.

On the other hand, only the plant parasitic nematodes

have CLE genes in animal kingdom, suggesting that the

nematode CLE gene may be responsible for successful

nematode infection to plant root. Nematode is one of the

major root pathogens that parasitize important crops and

cause billion dollars of economical losses annually. We

are also studying molecular mechanisms of molecular

mechanisms of nematode infection steps.

Prof. Shinichiro SAWA

Fig. 1. Map of CLV components

Fig. 2. Root of Arabidopsis thaliana

infected by Plant parasitic nematode,

Meloydogyne incognita.

23



1 Cambridge University (UK) Prof. Paul Dupree

2 University of British Columbia (Canada) Prof. George Haughn

3 Monash University (Australia) Prof. John Bowman

4 Wageningen University Prof. Ben Scheres


1. Analysis of plant stem cell maintenance system. Prof. Shinichiro Sawa

2. Analysis of plant parasitic nematode infection mechanisms Prof. Shinichiro Sawa Publications

1. Sawa, S., Watanabe, K., Goto, K., Kanaya, E., Morita, E. H., and Okada, K. (1999) FILAMENTOUS

FLOWER, a meristem and organ identity gene of Arabidopsis, encodes a protein with a zinc finger and

a HMG-related domains. Genes and Development 13 (9): 1079-1088.

2. Kondo, T., Sawa, S., Kinoshita, A., Mizuno, S., Kakimoto, T., Fukuda, H., and Sakagami, Y. (2006)

A Plant Peptide Encoded by CLV3 Identified by In Situ MALDI TOF-MS Analysis. Science 313:

845-848. ; co-first author and corresponding author.

3. Kinoshita, A, et al., and Sawa, S. (2015) A plant U-box protein, PUB4, regulates asymmetric cell

division and cell proliferation in the root meristem. Development In Press. E-mail address for correspondence

Prof. Shinichiro Sawa: [email protected] Associated URL

http://www.sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~sawa/

https://www.plantcellwall.jp/nkb48/

24

Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory Graduate School of Science and Technology

Research topics and their summaries Our research group have been creating a new class of functional organic, polymer and hybrid materials for the wide range of application fields such as organic photo-electro devices, medical and pharmaceutics, industrial materials and separation science on the basis of supramolecular chemistry-based nano-architecture. (1) Fabrication of nanostructured materials through molecularly oriented fibrous self-assembling

Based on our-own molecular technology, we have been investigating the nanosized-fibrous self-assemblies with unique morphological features such as tubular, helical and ribbon-like structures in aqueous and organic media. These fibrous self-assemblies are useful as the various functional materials such as molecular recognition and spectral conversion.

(2) Supramolecular gels Molecularly oriented nanofibrous aggregates were created by controlling the intermolecular interactions of low-molecular weight self-assembling molecules. Tuning the chemical structure of self-assembling molecules yielded various spramolecular functions.

(3) Development of photo-functional supramolecular gels and their application to photo-management materials We have been developing the photo-functional gels based on molecularly oriented-fibrous assemblies. Their photo-functions can be controlled by the oriented-structures of the molecules. These photo-functional gels have a potential to apply the spectral conversion films for the efficient use of light in the solar cell system and lighting system.

(4) Development of supramolecularly functional transparent films We have been fabricating the functional transparent films by supramolecular gels with photo-functions. The photo-functional films can be useful for the photo- and optical-devices.

(5) Development of functional hybrid nanoparticles and their applications We have been developing the core-shell microspheres having nanoparticles-shell layers. These core-shell microspheres are applicable to the light scattering materials, polishing materials, and so on.

(6) Nano-structured materials for medical applications We have been investigating to use our supramolecular gel system and hybrid nanoparticle system for the non-viral vectors for gene therapy.

Prof. Hirotaka IHARA Assoc. Prof. Makoto TAKAFUJI Assist. Prof. Yutaka KUWAHARA

Fig. 1. Unique morphological micrographs and drawings of functional materials originated by group’s technology

25



1 CNRS, France; CBMN, University of Bordeaux, France Dr. Reiko Oda, Prof. Sylvain Nlate 2 Depart. Chemistry, Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA Dr. Etsuko Fujita 3 Depart. Chem. Mater. Eng., University of Alberta, Canada Prof. Zhanghe Xu 4 College of Chemistry, Jilin University, China Prof. Pengchong Xue, Prof. Ran Lu 5 Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Indian Academy

of Science, India Dr. N. Madhusudana Rao, Dr. Vijaya Gopal

6 Lanzhou Inst. Chem. Phys., Chin. of Acad. Sci., China Prof. Hongdeng Qiu 7 Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, China Prof. M. Mizanur Rahman



1 Development of supramolecular gels with photo- and electro-functions Prof. Ihara Prof. Takafuji

2 Development of packing materials for high performance liquid chromatography

Prof. Ihara Prof. Takafuji

Publications

1. H. Jintoku, M. Dateki, M. Takafuji, H. Ihara, Supramolecular gel-functionalized polymer film with tunable optical activity., Vol.3, pp.1480-1483, Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2015.

2. Y. Okazaki, H. Jintoku, R. Oda, M. Takafuji, H. Ihara, Creation of a polymer backbone in lipid bilayer membrane-based nanotubes for morphological and microenvironmental stabilization, Vol.4, pp.33194-33197, RSC Advances, 2014.

3. H. Jintoku, H. Ihara, The simplest method for fabrication of high refractive index polymer-metal oxide hybrid based on soap-free process., Vol.50, pp.10611-10614, Chemical Communications, 2014.

4. M. Takafuji, K. Kitaura, T. Nishiyama, V. Gopal, T. Imamura, H. Ihara, Chemically tunable cationic polymer-bonded magnetic nanoparticles for gene magnetofection., Vol.2, pp.644-650, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2014.

5. A. K. Mallik, S. Guragain, H. Hachisako, M. M. Rahman, M. Takafuji, H. Ihara, Tuning of the molecular orientation of gel forming compounds and their effect on molecular-shape selectivity in liquid chromatography., Vol.1324, pp.149-54, Journal of Chromatography A, 2014.

6. H. Qiu, S. Jiang, M. Takafuji, H. Ihara, Polyanionic and polyzwitterionic azobenzene ionic liquid-functionalized silica materials and their chromatographic applications., Vol.49, pp.2454-2456, Chemical Communications, 2013.

E-mail addresses for correspondence Prof. Hirotaka Ihara: [email protected], Assoc. Prof. Makoto Takafuji: [email protected], Assist. Prof. Yutaka Kuwahara: [email protected]

Associated URL: http://www.chem.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~ihara/lab3/index.html

Dr. Reiko Oda, CNRS; Univ. of

Bordeaux, France

Prof. Sylvain Nlate, Univ. of

Bordeaux, France

Prof. Hongdeng Qiu, Chin. of

Acad. Sci., China

26

Graphene Hybrid Material Laboratory Graduate School of Science and Technology


Graphene oxide (GO) is an intermediate product when graphene is produced by chemical exfoliation of

graphite. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is falsely similar in graphene. GO and rGO can be shown specific

chemical and physical

properties because of a

various oxygen functional

groups and defects on the

nano sheet. Though a study

is performed lively all over the world rapidly, the study in the country is limited using cheap nature graphite

about a large quantity of synthetic possible GO, and this application group promotes research and development

and technique emergence about the problem of each field of energy, medical care, the environment as a key

reaction in oxidation-reduction reaction GO↔rGO between GO

(a negative charge, hydrophilic) and rGO (neutral, hydrophobic).

In our research, we have focused on specific functionality of GO

and rGO including proton conduction, semiconduction,

photo-catalytic properties. The advanced properties can be

produced fuel cell, super-capacitor, nano cell, solar cell, and so

on. In the realm of material research there exists no alternative to

GO and rGO for affording such a wide variety of fascinating

properties and diversified applications. For this reason, we adopt

GO and rGO as super materials, and contribute to the

development of the industry.

Prof. Shinya HAYAMI

graphene GO rGOFig. 1. Structures of graphene, GO and rGO.

Fig. 2. SQUID magnetic susceptibility (left) and dielectric (right) measurements

machine.

27



1

The University of Queensland, Australia Australian Institute for Bioengineering

and Nanotechnology, Yu group

Prof. Chengzhong (Michael) Yu

2 University of Western Sydney, Australia Department of Chemistry, Li group

Prof. Feng Li

3 Kyungpook National University, Korea Department of Chemistry, Min group

Prof. Kil Sik Min



1. Development of GO and rGO mateials Prof. Shinya Hayami

2. Physical and chemical properties of GO and rGO Prof. Shinya Hayami

3. Development of energy device by GO and rGO Prof. Shinya Hayami Publications

1. S. Kang, H. Zheng, T. Liu, K. Hamachi, S. Kanegawa, K. Sugimoto, Y. Shiota, S. Hayami, M. Mito, T.

Nakamura, M. Nakano, M. L. Baker, H. Nojiri, K. Yoshizawa, C. Duan, O. Sato, A Ferromagnetically

Coupled Fe42 Cyanide-Bridged Nanocage, Nature Commun., 6, 5955 (2015)

2. K. Hatakeyama, M. R. Karim, C. Ogata, H. Tateishi, A. Funatsu, T. Taniguchi, M. Koinuma, S. Hayami, Y.

Matsumoto, Proton Conductivities of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets: Single, Multilayer, and Modified

Nanosheets, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 53, 6997-7000 (2014).

3. M. R. Karim, K. Hatakeyama, T. Matsui, H.Takehira, T. Taniguchi, M. Koinuma, Y. Matsumoto, T.

Akutagawa, T. Nakamura, S. Noro, T. Yamada, H. Kitagawa, S. Hayami, Graphene Oxide Nanosheet with

High Proton Conductivity, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 135, 8097-8100 (2013). E-mail addresses for correspondence

Prof. Shinya Hayami: [email protected]

Prof. Chengzhong (Michael) Yu The University of Queensland

Australia

Prof. Feng LiUniversity of Western Sydney

Australia

Prof. Kil Sik Min Kyungpook National University

Korea

28

Polymer Material Laboratory Graduate School of Science and Technology


Our research interest lies at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry, material

chemistry, electrochemistry and colloid & surface chemistry, and is targeted towards the methodology based

on self-assembly to construct functional polymer-based materials with hierarchical nano/meso structures. The

deep consideration of respective correlations between the construction (condition and process), the neno/meso

structures formed and their functions/properties would be guided by a detailed understanding of the

intermolecular interactions between the constituents. Recently, 2-D/3-D self-assembly of various covalently

interconnected polymeric nanoarchitectures in low-dimensions has reported as a soft solution methodology

(Fig. 1a).

As a top-down approach, the nanofabrication based on soft lithography has been also focused to produce a

new type of electronics, photonics and bionics-related devices, for instant upconversion transparent displays

(Fig.1b). Fusion of top-down approach and bottom-up approach based on deep understanding of

physical/chemical phenomena on surfaces in molecular scale would pave a way to develop innovative future

materials or molecular devices.

850 nm

1500 nm

PDMS

waveguide

550 nm

Er3+

850nm 1500nm

550

nm

4S3/2

4I13/2

4I15/2

Figure 1 (a) In situ & real space STM images of thermodynamic self-assembly of covalently-bonded

porphyrine meshs.ref. 1 (b) Schematic illustration of a flexible transparent display based on an upconversion

system produced by soft lithography. ref. 3

Prof. Masashi KUNITAKE

(a) (b)

Assist. Prof. Satoshi WATANABE

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1 UCLA, CNSI, Pico lab (USA) Prof. James, K. Gimzewski,

Dr. Adam, Z. Stieg

2 Eastern Michigan University Prof. John Texter


1. In-situ STM/AFM observation of supramolecular assemblies or

nanostructures on surfaces Prof. Masashi Kunitake

2. Application of micro- and nanopatterning techniques in wet

process to electronics, photonics and bionics-related devices

Assist. Prof.

Satoshi Watanabe

Publications

1. R. Tanoue, M. Kunitake et al., “Thermodynamically Controlled Self-Assembly of Covalent

Nanoarchitectures in Aqueous Solution” 5, 3923–3929 ACS Nano, 2011.

2. E. Kuraya, M. Kunitake et al., "Simultaneous Electrochemical Analysis of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic

Antioxidants in Bicontinuous Microemulsion" 87, 1489–1493, Anal. Chem., 2015.

3. S. Watanabe et al., “3D Micromolding of Arrayed Waveguide Gratings on Upconversion Luminescent

Layers for Flexible Transparent Displays without Mirrors, Electrodes and Electric Circuits” accepted, Adv.

Funct. Mater. 2015. E-mail addresses for correspondence

Prof. Masashi Kunitake: [email protected]

Assist. Prof. Satoshi Watanabe: [email protected]

Associated URL

http://chem.chem.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~polymers/

Prof. John Texter Eastern Michigan University.

USA

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Human Interface Cyber Communication Laboratory Graduate School of Science and Technology

Project for sharing e-Learning contents to enrich the credit transfer with international universities.

Well-designed instructional material is important for successful e-Learning implementation, and lecturers

play a major role in terms of designing and building learning content. This means lecturers are often asked to

provide their time and experiences. Sharing and re-using e-Learning content on particular subject between

Learning Management Systems (LMS) can be one of the methods to reduce the burden of lecturers. This project

focuses on developing new environment of sharing e-Learning contents between distributed LMSs at various

universities, especially to encourage students’ exchange based on credit transfer between universities.

Experimental Systems are installed as the virtual machines on a single server (Figure 1) with intelligent switch and

NAS (Figure 2).

Prof. Tsuyoshi USAGAWA

Figure 2. Switch, Global Moodle Server and

internal NAS server.

Figure 1 Experimental Server (Several Virtual

Machines on a single Ubuntu Server)

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1 Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Head of Information System Development Center Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya, Indoensia

Dr. Achmad Affandi,

2 Faculty of Informatics, ITS, Surabaya, Indoensia Dr. Royyana Muslim Ijtihadie

3 Faculty of Engineering, Head of Department of Electrical Engineering Universitas Sam Ratulangi, Manado, Indonesia

Dr. Vecky C. Poekoel Ms. Sary Paturusi

4 Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Head of Computer Center, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia

Dr .Linawati,

Dr. Affandi (ITS) Dr. Royyana (ITS) Dr. Vecky & Ms. Sary (UNSRAT) Dr. Linawati(UNUD)


1. Application of contents synchronization among the e-Learning servers over internet

Prof. Tsuyoshi Usagawa

2. Contents developments for Engineering Education, especially in the field of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Prof. Tsuyoshi Usagawa

3. Data mining for Education Prof. Tsuyoshi Usagawa Publications 1. Deepak Prasad, Tsuyoshi Usagawa,” Scoping the Possiblities: Student Perferences towards Open Texbooks

Adopation for e-Learning”, Creative Education, 2012 2. Deepak Prasad, Tsuyoshi Usagawa, “Towards Development of OER Derived Custom-Built Open Textbooks;

A baseline survey of University Teachers at the University of the South Pacific,” The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Vol.15, pp.226-241(2014)

3. Sary P., Chisaki Y., Usagawa T.,”Assessing Lectureres and Student’s Readiness for E-learing: A preliminary study at national university in North Sulawesi Indonesia,” Proc. 84h Annual Conference on Education & e-Learning, pp.132-137 (2014)

4. Royyana M Ijtihadie, Bekti C Hidayanto, Achmad Affandi, Yoshifumi Chisaki, Tsuyoshi Usagawa,” Dynamic content synchronization between learning management systems over limited bandwidth network,” Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences (Springer open), Vol.2, No.17, pp.1-16 (2012)


Prof. Tsuyoshi Usagawa: [email protected]

Associated URL: http://www.hicc.cs.kumamoto-u.ac.jp (tentative)

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