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.

Impact of Anode Microstructure on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract: We report a correlation between the microstructure of the anode electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and its electrochemical performance for a tubular design. It was shown that the electrochemical performance of the cell was extensively improved when the size of constituent particles was reduced so as to yield a highly porous microstructure. The SOFC had a power density of greater than 1 watt per square centimeter at an operating temperature as low as 600°C with a conventional zirconia-based electrolyte, a nickel cermet anode, and a lanthanum ferrite perovskite cathode material. The effect of the hydrogen fuel flow rate (linear velocity) was also examined for the optimization of operating conditions. Higher linear fuel velocity led to better cell performance for the cell with higher anode porosity. A zirconia-based cell could be used for a low-temperature SOFC system under 600°C just by optimizing the microstructure of the anode electrode and operating conditions.

Self-assembling machine

Abstract: The design of a machine which is composed of homogeneous mechanical units is described. We show the design of both hardware and control software of the unit. Each unit can connect with other units and change the connection by itself. In spite of its simple mechanism, a set of these units realizes various mechanical functions. We developed the control software of the unit which realizes "self-assembly," one of the basic functions of this machine. A set of these units can form a given shape of the whole system by themselves. The units exchange information about local geometric relation by communication, and cooperate to form the whole shape through a diffusion-like process. There is no upper level controller to supervise these units, and the software of each unit is completely the same. Three actual units have been built to test the basic movements, and the function of self-assembly has been verified by computer simulation. >

Free-radical generation from collapsing microbubbles in the absence of a dynamic stimulus.

Abstract: Free radicals are generated by the collapse of ultrasound-induced cavitation bubbles when they are forcefully compressed by dynamic stimuli. Radical generation occurs as a result of the extremely high temperatures induced by adiabatic compression during the violent collapse process. It is generally believed that extreme conditions are required for this type of radical generation. However, we have demonstrated free-radical generation from the collapse of microbubbles (diameter = <50 μm) in the absence of a harsh dynamic stimulus. In contrast to ultrasound-induced cavitation bubbles, which collapse violently after microseconds, the microbubbles collapsed softly under water after several minutes. Electron spin-resonance spectroscopy confirmed free-radical generation by the collapsing microbubbles. The increase of the surface charges (ζ potentials) of the microbubbles, which were measured during their collapse, supported the hypothesis that the significant increase in ion concentration around the shrinking ga...

Multiple wheat genomes reveal global variation in modern breeding.

Abstract: Advances in genomics have expedited the improvement of several agriculturally important crops but similar efforts in wheat (Triticum spp.) have been more challenging. This is largely owing to the size and complexity of the wheat genome1, and the lack of genome-assembly data for multiple wheat lines2,3. Here we generated ten chromosome pseudomolecule and five scaffold assemblies of hexaploid wheat to explore the genomic diversity among wheat lines from global breeding programs. Comparative analysis revealed extensive structural rearrangements, introgressions from wild relatives and differences in gene content resulting from complex breeding histories aimed at improving adaptation to diverse environments, grain yield and quality, and resistance to stresses4,5. We provide examples outlining the utility of these genomes, including a detailed multi-genome-derived nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein repertoire involved in disease resistance and the characterization of Sm16, a gene associated with insect resistance. These genome assemblies will provide a basis for functional gene discovery and breeding to deliver the next generation of modern wheat cultivars.