National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

About: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is a government organization based out in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Thin film. The organization has 22114 authors who have published 65856 publications receiving 1669827 citations. The organization is also known as: Sangyō Gijutsu Sōgō Kenkyū-sho.

A novel mode of DNA recognition by a beta-sheet revealed by the solution structure of the GCC-box binding domain in complex with DNA.

Abstract: The 3D solution structure of the GCC-box binding domain of a protein from Arabidopsis thaliana in complex with its target DNA fragment has been determined by heteronuclear multidimensional NMR in combination with simulated annealing and restrained molecular dynamic calculation. The domain consists of a three-stranded anti-parallel beta-sheet and an alpha-helix packed approximately parallel to the beta-sheet. Arginine and tryptophan residues in the beta-sheet are identified to contact eight of the nine consecutive base pairs in the major groove, and at the same time bind to the sugar phosphate backbones. The target DNA bends slightly at the central CG step, thereby allowing the DNA to follow the curvature of the beta-sheet.

ISRM-Suggested Method for Determining the Mode I Static Fracture Toughness Using Semi-Circular Bend Specimen

Abstract: The International Society for Rock Mechanics has so far developed two standard methods for the determination of static fracture toughness of rock. They used three different core-based specimens and tests were to be performed on a typical laboratory compression or tension load frame. Another method to determine the mode I fracture toughness of rock using semi-circular bend specimen is herein presented. The specimen is semi-circular in shape and made from typical cores taken from the rock with any relative material directions noted. The specimens are tested in three-point bending using a laboratory compression test instrument. The failure load along with its dimensions is used to determine the fracture toughness. Most sedimentary rocks which are layered in structure may exhibit fracture properties that depend on the orientation and therefore measurements in more than one material direction may be necessary. The fracture toughness measurements are expected to yield a size-independent material property if certain minimum specimen size requirements are satisfied.

A highly alkaline-stable metal oxide@metal-organic framework composite for high-performance electrochemical energy storage.

Abstract: Most metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hardly maintain their physical and chemical properties after exposure to alkaline aqueous solutions, thus precluding their use as potential electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices. Here, we present the design and synthesis of a highly alkaline-stable metal oxide@MOF composite, Co3O4 nanocube@Co-MOF (Co3O4@Co-MOF), via a controllable and facile one-pot hydrothermal method under highly alkaline conditions. The obtained composite possesses exceptional alkaline stability, retaining its original structure in 3.0 M KOH for at least 15 days. Benefitting from the exceptional alkaline stability, unique structure, and larger surface area, the Co3O4@Co-MOF composite shows a specific capacitance as high as 1020 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and a high cycling stability with only 3.3% decay after 5000 cycles at 5 A g-1. The as-constructed solid-state flexible device exhibits a maximum energy density of 21.6 mWh cm-3.

Nb2O5·nH2O as a heterogeneous catalyst with water-tolerant Lewis acid sites.

Abstract: Niobic acid, Nb(2)O(5)·nH(2)O, has been studied as a heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst. NbO(4) tetrahedra, Lewis acid sites, on Nb(2)O(5)·nH(2)O surface immediately form NbO(4)-H(2)O adducts in the presence of water. However, a part of the adducts can still function as effective Lewis acid sites, catalyzing the allylation of benzaldehyde with tetraallyl tin and the conversion of glucose into 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural in water.