Showing papers by "Tokyo University of Science published in 2018"

Towards K-Ion and Na-Ion Batteries as "Beyond Li-Ion".

Abstract: Li-ion battery commercialized by Sony in 1991 has the highest energy-density among practical rechargeable batteries and is widely used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage system in the world. Moreover, the battery market is rapidly growing in the world and further fast-growing is expected. With expansion of the demand and applications, price of lithium and cobalt resources is increasing. We are, therefore, motivated to study Na- and K-ion batteries for stationary energy storage system because of much abundant Na and K resources and the wide distribution in the world. In this account, we review developments of Na- and K-ion batteries with mainly introducing our previous and present researches in comparison to that of Li-ion battery.

Alloy Clusters: Precise Synthesis and Mixing Effects

Abstract: ConspectusMetal alloys exhibit functionalities unlike those of single metals. Such alloying has drawn considerable research interest, particularly for nanoscale particles (metal clusters/nanoparticles), from the viewpoint of creating new functional nanomaterials. In gas phase cluster research, generated alloy clusters can be spatially separated with atomic precision in vacuum. Thus, the influences of increases or decreases in each element on the overall electronic structure of the cluster can be elucidated. However, to further understand the related mixing and synergistic effects, alloy clusters need to be produced on a large scale and characterized by various techniques. Because alloy clusters protected by thiolate (SR) can be synthesized by chemical methods and are stable in both solution and the solid state, these clusters are ideal study materials to better understand the mixing and synergistic effects. Moreover, the alloy clusters thus created have potential applications as functional materials. Ther...

Pathways to electrochemical solar-hydrogen technologies

Abstract: Solar-powered electrochemical production of hydrogen through water electrolysis is an active and important research endeavor. However, technologies and roadmaps for implementation of this process do not exist. In this perspective paper, we describe potential pathways for solar-hydrogen technologies into the marketplace in the form of photoelectrochemical or photovoltaic-driven electrolysis devices and systems. We detail technical approaches for device and system architectures, economic drivers, societal perceptions, political impacts, technological challenges, and research opportunities. Implementation scenarios are broken down into short-term and long-term markets, and a specific technology roadmap is defined. In the short term, the only plausible economical option will be photovoltaic-driven electrolysis systems for niche applications. In the long term, electrochemical solar-hydrogen technologies could be deployed more broadly in energy markets but will require advances in the technology, significant cost reductions, and/or policy changes. Ultimately, a transition to a society that significantly relies on solar-hydrogen technologies will benefit from continued creativity and influence from the scientific community.

Downregulation of cytoplasmic DNases is implicated in cytoplasmic DNA accumulation and SASP in senescent cells

Abstract: Accumulating evidence indicates that the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contributes to many aspects of physiology and disease. Thus, controlling the SASP will have tremendous impacts on our health. However, our understanding of SASP regulation is far from complete. Here, we show that cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear DNA plays key roles in the onset of SASP. Although both DNase2 and TREX1 rapidly remove the cytoplasmic DNA fragments emanating from the nucleus in pre-senescent cells, the expression of these DNases is downregulated in senescent cells, resulting in the cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear DNA. This causes the aberrant activation of cGAS-STING cytoplasmic DNA sensors, provoking SASP through induction of interferon-β. Notably, the blockage of this pathway prevents SASP in senescent hepatic stellate cells, accompanied by a decline of obesity-associated hepatocellular carcinoma development in mice. These findings provide valuable new insights into the roles and mechanisms of SASP and possibilities for their control.

Search for CP Violation in Neutrino and Antineutrino Oscillations by the T2K Experiment with 2.2×1021 Protons on Target

Abstract: The T2K experiment measures muon neutrino disappearance and electron neutrino appearance in accelerator-produced neutrino and antineutrino beams. With an exposure of $14.7(7.6)\times 10^{20}$ protons on target in neutrino (antineutrino) mode, 89 $ u_e$ candidates and 7 anti-$ u_e$ candidates were observed while 67.5 and 9.0 are expected for $\delta_{CP}=0$ and normal mass ordering. The obtained $2\sigma$ confidence interval for the $CP$ violating phase, $\delta_{CP}$, does not include the $CP$-conserving cases ($\delta_{CP}=0,\pi$). The best-fit values of other parameters are $\sin^2\theta_{23} = 0.526^{+0.032}_{-0.036}$ and $\Delta m^2_{32}=2.463\pm0.065\times10^{-3} \mathrm{eV}^2/c^4$.

Scalaron from R 2 -gravity as a heavy field

Abstract: We study a model of inflation in which a scalar field χ is non-minimally coupled to Starobinsky's R2 gravity. After transforming it to the Einstein frame, a new scalar field, the scalaron , will appear and couple to χ with a nontrivial field metric, while χ acquires a positive mass via the non-minimal coupling. Initially inflation occurs along the direction with χ trapped near its origin by this induced mass. After crosses a critical value, it starts rolling down rapidly and proceeds to damped oscillations around an effective local minimum determined by the value of χ, while inflation still continues, driven by the χ field at this second stage where the effect of the non-minimal coupling becomes negligible. The presence of the damped oscillations during the transition from the first to second stage of inflation causes enhancement and oscillation features in the power spectrum of the curvature perturbation. Assuming that the oscillations may be treated perturbatively, we calculate these features by using the δ N formalism, and discuss its observational implications to large scale CMB anomalies or primordial black hole formation, depending on the scale of the features.

Host defense against oral microbiota by bone-damaging T cells

Abstract: The immune system evolved to efficiently eradicate invading bacteria and terminate inflammation through balancing inflammatory and regulatory T-cell responses. In autoimmune arthritis, pathogenic TH17 cells induce bone destruction and autoimmune inflammation. However, whether a beneficial function of T-cell-induced bone damage exists is unclear. Here, we show that bone-damaging T cells have a critical function in the eradication of bacteria in a mouse model of periodontitis, which is the most common infectious disease. Bacterial invasion leads to the generation of specialized TH17 cells that protect against bacteria by evoking mucosal immune responses as well as inducing bone damage, the latter of which also inhibits infection by removing the tooth. Thus, bone-damaging T cells, which may have developed to stop local infection by inducing tooth loss, function as a double-edged sword by protecting against pathogens while also inducing skeletal tissue degradation.

MAIT cells protect against pulmonary Legionella longbeachae infection.

Abstract: Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells recognise conserved microbial metabolites from riboflavin synthesis. Striking evolutionary conservation and pulmonary abundance implicate them in antibacterial host defence, yet their functions in protection against clinically important pathogens are unknown. Here we show that mouse Legionella longbeachae infection induces MR1-dependent MAIT cell activation and rapid pulmonary accumulation of MAIT cells associated with immune protection detectable in immunocompetent host animals. MAIT cell protection is more evident in mice lacking CD4+ cells, and adoptive transfer of MAIT cells rescues immunodeficient Rag2−/−γC−/− mice from lethal Legionella infection. Protection is dependent on MR1, IFN-γ and GM-CSF, but not IL-17A, TNF or perforin, and enhanced protection is detected earlier after infection of mice antigen-primed to boost MAIT cell numbers before infection. Our findings define a function for MAIT cells in protection against a major human pathogen and indicate a potential role for vaccination to enhance MAIT cell immunity.

3D printing of composite sandwich structures using continuous carbon fiber and fiber tension

Abstract: Many modern aircraft components are made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer sandwich structures with two outer skins possessing high tensile and compressive strengths separated by a lightweight core that provides shear stiffness. However, the conventional manufacturing method involves a complicated and costly bonding process. This study used a continuous carbon fiber 3D printer to manufacture sandwich structures with honeycomb, rhombus, rectangle, and circle core shapes as a single piece. The functional properties of the sandwich structures were quantified by shape evaluations and three-point bending tests. Three-point bending tests showed maximum load and flexural modulus increased as effective density increased for all core shapes, but the rhombus core shape was the strongest. Because the mechanical properties depended on the core shape, continuous carbon fiber 3D printers can be used to flexibly design core shapes that satisfy the desired strength and stiffness.

Deaminase-mediated multiplex genome editing in Escherichia coli

Abstract: In eukaryotes, the CRISPR-Cas9 system has now been widely used as a revolutionary genome engineering tool1, 2. However, in prokaryotes, the use of nuclease-mediated genome editing tools has been limited to negative selection for the already modified cells because of its lethality3, 4. Here, we report on deaminase-mediated targeted nucleotide editing (Target-AID) 5 adopted in Escherichia coli. Cytidine deaminase PmCDA1 fused to the nuclease-deficient CRISPR-Cas9 system achieved specific point mutagenesis at the target sites in E. coli by introducing cytosine mutations without compromising cell growth. The cytosine-to-thymine substitutions were induced mainly within an approximately five-base window of target sequences on the protospacer adjacent motif-distal side, which can be shifted depending on the length of the single guide RNA sequence. Use of a uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor 6 in combination with a degradation tag (LVA tag) 7 resulted in a robustly high mutation efficiency, which allowed simultaneous multiplex editing of six different genes. The major multi-copy transposase genes that consist of at least 41 loci were also simultaneously edited by using four target sequences. As this system does not rely on any additional or host-dependent factors, it may be readily applicable to a wide range of bacteria.

A Smart Sensing Method for Object Identification Using Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly

Abstract: The potential use of circularly polarized luminescence for object identification in a sensor application is demonstrated. New luminescence probes using pyrene derivatives as sensor luminophores were developed. (R,R)-Im2 Py and (S,S)-Im2 Py contain two chiral imidazole moieties at 1,6-positions through ethynyl spacers (angle between spacers ca. 180°). The probe molecules spontaneously self-assemble into chiral stacks (P or M helicity) upon coordination to metal ions with tetrahedral coordination (Zn2+ ). The chiral probes display neither circular dichroism (CD) nor circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) without metal ions. However, (R,R)-Im2 Py and (S,S)-Im2 Py exhibit intense chiroptical activity (CD and CPL) upon self-assembly with Zn2+ ions. (R,R)-Im2 Py and (S,S)-Im2 Py with chemical stimuli-responsibility allow sensing using the CPL signal as detection output, enabling us to discriminate between a signal from the target analyte and that from non-target species.

Trehalose protects against oxidative stress by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 and autophagy pathways.

Abstract: Dysfunction of autophagy, which regulates cellular homeostasis by degrading organelles and proteins, is associated with pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration and metabolic disease. Trehalose, a naturally occurring nontoxic disaccharide found in plants, insects, microorganisms and invertebrates, but not in mammals, was reported to function as a mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR)-independent inducer of autophagy. In addition, trehalose functions as an antioxidant though its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we showed that trehalose not only promoted autophagy, but also increased p62 protein expression, in an autophagy-independent manner. In addition, trehalose increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in a p62-dependent manner and enhance expression of its downstream antioxidant factors, heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinone dehydrogenase 1 (Nqo1). Moreover, treatment with trehalose significantly reduced amount of reactive oxygen species. Collectively, these results suggested that trehalose can function as a novel activator of the p62-Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, in addition to inducing autophagy. Therefore, trehalose may be useful to treat many chronic diseases involving oxidative stress and dysfunction of autophagy.

Targeted Delivery of Functionalized Upconversion Nanoparticles for Externally Triggered Photothermal/Photodynamic Therapies of Brain Glioblastoma.

Abstract: Therapeutic efficacy of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is often severely limited by poor penetration of therapeutics through blood-brain barrier (BBB) into brain tissues and lack of tumor targeting. In this regard, a functionalized upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based delivery system which can target brain tumor and convert deep tissue-penetrating near-infrared (NIR) light into visible light for precise phototherapies on brain tumor was developed in this work. Methods: The UCNP-based phototherapy delivery system was acquired by assembly of oleic acid-coated UCNPs with angiopep-2/cholesterol-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol) and the hydrophobic photosensitizers. The hybrid nanoparticles (ANG-IMNPs) were characterized by DLS, TEM, UV/vis and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Cellular uptake was examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The PDT/PTT effect of ANG-IMNPs was evaluated using MTT assay. Tumor accumulation of NPs was determined by a non-invasive in vivo imaging system (IVIS). The in vivo anti-glioma effect of ANG-IMNPs was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) examination of tumor tissues and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: In vitro data demonstrated enhanced uptake of ANG-IMNPs by murine astrocytoma cells (ALTS1C1) and pronounced cytotoxicity by combined NIR-triggered PDT and PTT. In consistence with the increased penetration of ANG-IMNPs through endothelial monolayer in vitro, the NPs have also shown significantly enhanced accumulation at brain tumor by IVIS. The IHC tissue examination confirmed prominent apoptotic and necrotic effects on tumor cells in mice receiving targeted dual photo-based therapies, which also led to enhanced median survival (24 days) as compared to the NP treatment without angiopep-2 (14 days). Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo data strongly indicate that the ANG-IMNPs were capable of selectively delivering dual photosensitizers to brain astrocytoma tumors for effective PDT/PTT in conjugation with a substantially improved median survival. The therapeutic efficacy of ANG-IMNPs demonstrated in this study suggests their potential in overcoming BBB and establishing an effective treatment against GBM.

Concept of the X-ray Astronomy Recovery Mission

Abstract: The ASTRO-H mission was designed and developed through an international collaboration of JAXA, NASA, ESA, and the CSA. It was successfully launched on February 17, 2016, and then named Hitomi. During the in-orbit verification phase, the on-board observational instruments functioned as expected. The intricate coolant and refrigeration systems for soft X-ray spectrometer (SXS, a quantum micro-calorimeter) and soft X-ray imager (SXI, an X-ray CCD) also functioned as expected. However, on March 26, 2016, operations were prematurely terminated by a series of abnormal events and mishaps triggered by the attitude control system. These errors led to a fatal event: the loss of the solar panels on the Hitomi mission. The X-ray Astronomy Recovery Mission (or, XARM) is proposed to regain the key scientific advances anticipated by the international collaboration behind Hitomi. XARM will recover this science in the shortest time possible by focusing on one of the main science goals of Hitomi,“Resolving astrophysical problems by precise high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy”.1 This decision was reached after evaluating the performance of the instruments aboard Hitomi and the mission’s initial scientific results, and considering the landscape of planned international X-ray astrophysics missions in 2020’s and 2030’s. Hitomi opened the door to high-resolution spectroscopy in the X-ray universe. It revealed a number of discrepancies between new observational results and prior theoretical predictions. Yet, the resolution pioneered by Hitomi is also the key to answering these and other fundamental questions. The high spectral resolution realized by XARM will not offer mere refinements; rather, it will enable qualitative leaps in astrophysics and plasma physics. XARM has therefore been given a broad scientific charge: “Revealing material circulation and energy transfer in cosmic plasmas and elucidating evolution of cosmic structures and objects”. To fulfill this charge, four categories of science objectives that were defined for Hitomi will also be pursued by XARM; these include (1) Structure formation of the Universe and evolution of clusters of galaxies; (2) Circulation history of baryonic matters in the Universe; (3) Transport and circulation of energy in the Universe; (4) New science with unprecedented high resolution X-ray spectroscopy. In order to achieve these scientific objectives, XARM will carry a 6 × 6 pixelized X-ray micro-calorimeter on the focal plane of an X-ray mirror assembly, and an aligned X-ray CCD camera covering the same energy band and a wider field of view. This paper introduces the science objectives, mission concept, and observing plan of XARM.

Dectin-1 Contributes to Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Neutrophil Infiltration

Abstract: Background: Macrophage-associated immune response plays an important role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Dectin-1, expressed mainly on activated myeloid cells, is crucial for the r...

Stable and Highly Efficient Electrochemical Production of Formic Acid from Carbon Dioxide Using Diamond Electrodes.

Abstract: High faradaic efficiencies can be achieved in the production of formic acid (HCOOH) by metal electrodes, such as Sn or Pb, in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2 ). However, the stability and environmental load in using them are problematic. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to HCOOH was investigated in a flow cell using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. BDD electrodes have superior electrochemical properties to metal electrodes, and, moreover, are highly durable. The faradaic efficiency for the production of HCOOH was as high as 94.7 %. Furthermore, the selectivity for the production of HCOOH was more than 99 %. The rate of the production was increased to 473 μmol m-2 s-1 at a current density of 15 mA cm-2 with a faradaic efficiency of 61 %. The faradaic efficiency and the production rate are almost the same as or larger than those achieved using Sn and Pb electrodes. Furthermore, the stability of the BDD electrodes was confirmed by 24 h operation.

A NIN-LIKE PROTEIN mediates nitrate-induced control of root nodule symbiosis in Lotus japonicus.

Abstract: Legumes and rhizobia establish symbiosis in root nodules. To balance the gains and costs associated with the symbiosis, plants have developed two strategies for adapting to nitrogen availability in the soil: plants can regulate nodule number and/or stop the development or function of nodules. Although the former is accounted for by autoregulation of nodulation, a form of systemic long-range signaling, the latter strategy remains largely enigmatic. Here, we show that the Lotus japonicus NITRATE UNRESPONSIVE SYMBIOSIS 1 (NRSYM1) gene encoding a NIN-LIKE PROTEIN transcription factor acts as a key regulator in the nitrate-induced pleiotropic control of root nodule symbiosis. NRSYM1 accumulates in the nucleus in response to nitrate and directly regulates the production of CLE-RS2, a root-derived mobile peptide that acts as a negative regulator of nodule number. Our data provide the genetic basis for how plants respond to the nitrogen environment and control symbiosis to achieve proper plant growth.

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 on Cu2O-loaded Zn-Cr layered double hydroxides

Abstract: A series of Cu 2 O-loaded Zn-Cr layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was prepared via an in situ reduction process from Cu-Zn-Cr ternary LDHs and applied to the photoreduction of CO 2 . The formation of Cu 2 O nanoparticles and the preservation of the LDH structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Among the loaded LDHs, the 0.1Cu 2 O@Zn 1.8 Cr LDH exhibited optimal activity for the conversion of CO 2 into CO in pure water and was superior to both the corresponding Cu-Zn-Cr ternary LDH and pristine Zn 2 Cr LDHs. In addition, the production of CO was further promoted by increasing the solubility of CO 2 using a nano-bubble solution instead of pure water. The loaded Cu 2 O nanoparticles probably function as effective electron traps, promoting charge separation and providing active sites for CO 2 reduction.

Suppression of IL-17F, but not of IL-17A, provides protection against colitis by inducing T reg cells through modification of the intestinal microbiota

Abstract: The cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F have 50% amino-acid identity and bind the same receptor; however, their functional differences have remained obscure. Here we found that Il17f-/- mice resisted chemically induced colitis, but Il17a-/- mice did not, and that Il17f-/- CD45RBhiCD4+ T cells induced milder colitis in lymphocyte-deficient Rag2-/- mice, accompanied by an increase in intestinal regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Clostridium cluster XIVa in colonic microbiota capable of inducing Treg cells was increased in both Il17f-/- mice and mice given transfer Il17f-/- T cells, due to decreased expression of a group of antimicrobial proteins. There was substantial production of IL-17F, but not of IL-17A, not only by naive T cells but also by various colon-resident cells under physiological conditions. Furthermore, antibody to IL-17F suppressed the development of colitis, but antibody to IL-17A did not. These observations suggest that IL-17F is an effective target for the treatment of colitis.

Basophil-derived IL-4 promotes epicutaneous antigen sensitization concomitant with the development of food allergy

Abstract: Background Exaggerated thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) production and infiltration of basophils are associated with the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), a recognized risk factor for the development of food allergies. Although TSLP and basophils have been implicated in promotion of food-induced allergic disorders in response to epicutaneous sensitization, the mechanisms by which TSLP-elicited basophils guide the progression of allergic inflammation in the skin to distant mucosal sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract, are poorly understood. Objective We sought to test the role of basophil-intrinsic IL-4 production in TH2 sensitization to food antigens in the skin and effector food-induced allergic responses in the gut. Methods Mice were epicutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin on an AD-like skin lesion, followed by intragastric antigen challenge to induce IgE-mediated food allergy. The requirement for basophil-derived IL-4 production for TH2 polarization and the pathogenesis of IgE-mediated food allergy was assessed in vitro by using coculture experiments with naive T cells and in vivo by using Il4 3′UTR mice that selectively lack IL-4 production in basophils. Results Epicutaneous food antigen sensitization is associated with infiltration of IL-4–competent innate immune cells to the skin, with basophils and eosinophils representing the predominant populations. In contrast to basophils, absence of eosinophils did not alter disease outcome. Coculture of IL-4–competent basophils together with dendritic cells and naive T cells was sufficient to promote TH2 polarization in an IL-4–dependent manner in vitro, whereas absence of basophil-intrinsic IL-4 production in vivo was associated with reduced food-induced allergic responses. Conclusion TSLP-elicited basophils promote epicutaneous sensitization to food antigens and subsequent IgE-mediated food allergy through IL-4. Strategies to target the TSLP–basophil–IL-4 axis in patients with AD might lead to innovative therapies that can prevent the progression of allergies to distant mucosal sites.

Sodium-doped carbon nitride nanotubes for efficient visible light-driven hydrogen production

Abstract: Sodium-doped carbon nitride nanotubes (Na x -CNNTs) were prepared by a green and simple two-step method and applied in photocatalytic water splitting for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) element mapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements confirm that sodium was successfully introduced in the carbon nitride nanotubes (CNNTs), and the intrinsic structure of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was also maintained in the products. Moreover, the porous structure of the CNNTs leads to relatively large specific surface areas. Photocatalytic tests indicate that the porous tubular structure and Na+ doping can synergistically enhance the hydrogen evolution rate under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation in the presence of sacrificial agents, leading to a hydrogen evolution rate as high as 143 μmol·h−1 (20 mg catalyst). Moreover, other alkali metal-doped CNNTs, such as Li x -CNNTs and K x -CNNTs, were tested; both materials were found to enhance the hydrogen evolution rate, but to a lower extent compared with the Na x -CNNTs. This highlights the general applicability of the present method to prepare alkali metal-doped CNNTs; a preliminary mechanism for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in the Na x -CNNTs is also proposed.

Depth of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray Induced Air Shower Maxima Measured by the Telescope Array Black Rock and Long Ridge FADC Fluorescence Detectors and Surface Array in Hybrid Mode

Abstract: The Telescope Array observatory utilizes fluorescence detectors and surface detectors to observe air showers produced by ultra high energy cosmic rays in the Earth's atmosphere Cosmic ray events observed in this way are termed hybrid data The depth of air shower maximum is related to the mass of the primary particle that generates the shower This paper reports on shower maxima data collected over 85 years using the Black Rock Mesa and Long Ridge fluorescence detectors in conjunction with the array of surface detectors We compare the means and standard deviations of the observed $X_{\mathrm{max}}$ distributions with Monte Carlo $X_{\mathrm{max}}$ distributions of unmixed protons, helium, nitrogen, and iron, all generated using the QGSJet~II-04 hadronic model We also perform an unbinned maximum likelihood test of the observed data, which is subjected to variable systematic shifting of the data $X_{\mathrm{max}}$ distributions to allow us to test the full distributions, and compare them to the Monte Carlo to see which elements are not compatible with the observed data For all energy bins, QGSJet~II-04 protons are found to be compatible with Telescope Array hybrid data at the 95% confidence level after some systematic $X_{\mathrm{max}}$ shifting of the data Three other QGSJet~II-04 elements are found to be compatible using the same test procedure in an energy range limited to the highest energies where data statistics are sparse

Physics potentials with the second Hyper-Kamiokande detector in Korea

Abstract: We have conducted sensitivity studies on an alternative configuration of the Hyper-Kamiokande experiment by locating the 2nd Hyper-Kamiokande detector in Korea at $\sim$1100$-\ $1300 km baseline. Having two detectors at different baselines improves sensitivity to leptonic CP violation, neutrino mass ordering as well as nonstandard neutrino interactions. There are several candidate sites in Korea with greater than 1 km high mountains ranged at an 1$-$3 degree off-axis angle. Thanks to larger overburden of the candidate sites in Korea, low energy physics, such as solar and supernova neutrino physics as well as dark matter search, is expected to be improved. In this paper sensitivity studies on the CP violation phase and neutrino mass ordering are performed using current T2K systematic uncertainties in most cases. We plan to improve our sensitivity studies in the near future with better estimation of our systematic uncertainties.