Showing papers by "University of Tokyo published in 1998"

Metal-insulator transitions

Abstract: Metal-insulator transitions are accompanied by huge resistivity changes, even over tens of orders of magnitude, and are widely observed in condensed-matter systems. This article presents the observations and current understanding of the metal-insulator transition with a pedagogical introduction to the subject. Especially important are the transitions driven by correlation effects associated with the electron-electron interaction. The insulating phase caused by the correlation effects is categorized as the Mott Insulator. Near the transition point the metallic state shows fluctuations and orderings in the spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom. The properties of these metals are frequently quite different from those of ordinary metals, as measured by transport, optical, and magnetic probes. The review first describes theoretical approaches to the unusual metallic states and to the metal-insulator transition. The Fermi-liquid theory treats the correlations that can be adiabatically connected with the noninteracting picture. Strong-coupling models that do not require Fermi-liquid behavior have also been developed. Much work has also been done on the scaling theory of the transition. A central issue for this review is the evaluation of these approaches in simple theoretical systems such as the Hubbard model and $t\ensuremath{-}J$ models. Another key issue is strong competition among various orderings as in the interplay of spin and orbital fluctuations. Experimentally, the unusual properties of the metallic state near the insulating transition have been most extensively studied in $d$-electron systems. In particular, there is revived interest in transition-metal oxides, motivated by the epoch-making findings of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates and colossal magnetoresistance in manganites. The article reviews the rich phenomena of anomalous metallicity, taking as examples Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Ru compounds. The diverse phenomena include strong spin and orbital fluctuations, mass renormalization effects, incoherence of charge dynamics, and phase transitions under control of key parameters such as band filling, bandwidth, and dimensionality. These parameters are experimentally varied by doping, pressure, chemical composition, and magnetic fields. Much of the observed behavior can be described by the current theory. Open questions and future problems are also extracted from comparison between experimental results and theoretical achievements.

Evidence for oscillation of atmospheric neutrinos

Abstract: We present an analysis of atmospheric neutrino data from a 33.0 kton yr (535-day) exposure of the Super-Kamiokande detector. The data exhibit a zenith angle dependent deficit of muon neutrinos which is inconsistent with expectations based on calculations of the atmospheric neutrino flux. Experimental biases and uncertainties in the prediction of neutrino fluxes and cross sections are unable to explain our observation. The data are consistent, however, with two-flavor ${\ensuremath{ u}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}{\ensuremath{ u}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ oscillations with ${sin}^{2}2\ensuremath{\theta}g0.82$ and $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}l\ensuremath{\Delta}{m}^{2}l6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}3}\mathrm{eV}{}^{2}$ at 90% confidence level.

Room-temperature magnetoresistance in an oxide material with an ordered double-perovskite structure

Abstract: Colossal magnetoresistance—a huge decrease in resistance in response to a magnetic field—has recently been observed in manganese oxides with perovskite structure. This effect is attracting considerable interest from both fundamental and practical points of view1. In the context of using this effect in practical devices, a noteworthy feature of these materials is the high degree of spin polarization of the charge carriers, caused by the half-metallic nature of these materials20,21; this in principle allows spin-dependent carrier scattering processes, and hence the resistance, to be strongly influenced by low magnetic fields. This type of field control has been demonstrated for charge-carrier scattering at tunnelling junctions2,3 and at crystal-twin or ceramic grain boundaries4,5, although the operating temperature of such structures is still too low (⩽150 K) for most applications. Here we report a material—Sr2FeMoO6, an ordered double perovskite6—exhibiting intrinsic tunnelling-type magnetoresistance at room temperature. We explain the origin of this behaviour with electronic-structure calculations that indicate the material to be half-metallic. Our results show promise for the development of ordered perovskite magnetoresistive devices that are operable at room temperature.

An Unusual Supernova in the Error Box of the Gamma-Ray Burst of 25 April 1998

Abstract: The discovery of afterglows associated with gamma-ray bursts at X-ray, optical and radio wavelengths and the measurement of the redshifts of some of these events has established that gamma-ray bursts lie at extreme distances, making them the most powerful photon-emitters known in the Universe. Here we report the discovery of transient optical emission in the error box of the gamma-ray burst GRB980425, the light curve of which was very different from that of previous optical afterglows associated with gamma-ray bursts. The optical transient is located in a spiral arm of the galaxy ESO 184-GS2, which has a redshift velocity of only 2,550 km/ s. Its optical spectrum and location indicate that it is a very luminous supernova, which has been identified as SN1998bw. If this supernova and GRB980425 are indeed associated, the energy radiated in gamma-rays is at least four orders of magnitude less than in other gamma-ray bursts, although its appearance was otherwise unremarkable: this indicates that very different mechanisms can give rise to gamma-ray bursts. But independent of this association, the supernova is itself unusual, exhibiting an unusual light curve at radio wavelengths that requires that the gas emitting the radio photons be expanding relativistically.

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Photometric Camera

Abstract: We have constructed a large-format mosaic CCD camera for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The camera consists of two arrays, a photometric array that uses 30 2048 × 2048 SITe/Tektronix CCDs (24 μm pixels) with an effective imaging area of 720 cm2 and an astrometric array that uses 24 400 × 2048 CCDs with the same pixel size, which will allow us to tie bright astrometric standard stars to the objects imaged in the photometric camera. The instrument will be used to carry out photometry essentially simultaneously in five color bands spanning the range accessible to silicon detectors on the ground in the time-delay–and–integrate (TDI) scanning mode. The photometric detectors are arrayed in the focal plane in six columns of five chips each such that two scans cover a filled stripe 25 wide. This paper presents engineering and technical details of the camera.

Kinesin and Dynein Superfamily Proteins and the Mechanism of Organelle Transport

Abstract: Cells transport and sort proteins and lipids, after their synthesis, to various destinations at appropriate velocities in membranous organelles and protein complexes. Intracellular transport is thus fundamental to cellular morphogenesis and functioning. Microtubules serve as a rail on which motor proteins, such as kinesin and dynein superfamily proteins, convey their cargoes. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of organelle transport in cells and describes kinesin and dynein superfamily proteins.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is essential for vascularization of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Vascularization of organs generally occurs by remodelling of the preexisting vascular system during their differentiation and growth to enable them to perform their specific functions during development. The molecules required by early vascular systems, many of which are receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, have been defined by analysis of mutant mice. As most of these mice die during early gestation before many of their organs have developed, the molecules responsible for vascularization during organogenesis have not been identified. The cell-surface receptor CXCR4 is a seven-transmembrane-spanning, G-protein-coupled receptor for the CXC chemokine PBSF/SDF-1 (for pre-B-cell growth-stimulating factor/stromal-cell-derived factor), which is responsible for B-cell lymphopoiesis, bone-marrow myelopoiesis and cardiac ventricular septum formation. CXCR4 also functions as a co-receptor for T-cell-line tropic human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1. Here we report that CXCR4 is expressed in developing vascular endothelial cells, and that mice lacking CXCR4 or PBSF/SDF-1 have defective formation of the large vessels supplying the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, mice lacking CXCR4 die in utero and are defective in vascular development, haematopoiesis and cardiogenesis, like mice lacking PBSF/SDF-1, indicating that CXCR4 is a primary physiological receptor for PBSF/SDF-1. We conclude that PBSF/SDF-1 and CXCR4 define a new signalling system for organ vascularization.

Aggregation of alpha-synuclein in Lewy bodies of sporadic Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Abstract: Lewy bodies (LBs) are hallmark lesions of degenerating neurons in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Recently, a point mutation in the gene encoding the presynaptic alpha-synuclein protein was identified in some autosomal-dominantly inherited familial PD pedigrees, and light microscopic studies demonstrated alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity in LBs of sporadic PD and DLB. To characterize alpha-synuclein in LBs, we raised monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to LBs purified from DLB brains and obtained a MAb specific for alpha-synuclein that intensely labeled LBs. Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical studies performed with this MAb as well as other antibodies to alpha-and beta-synuclein showed that alpha-synuclein, but not beta-synuclein, is a component of LBs in sporadic PD and DLB. Western blot analyses of highly purified LBs from DLB brains showed that full-length as well as partially truncated and insoluble aggregates of alpha-synuclein are deposited in LBs. Thus, these data strongly implicate alpha-synuclein in the formation of LBs and the selective degeneration of neurons in sporadic PD and DLB.

Detection and Imaging of Nitric Oxide with Novel Fluorescent Indicators: Diaminofluoresceins

Abstract: Nitric oxide is a gaseous, free radical which plays a role as an intracellular second messenger and a diffusable intercellular messenger. To obtain direct evidence for NO functions in vivo, we have designed and synthesized diaminofluoresceins (DAFs) as novel fluorescent indicators for NO. The fluorescent chemical transformation of DAFs is based on the reactivity of the aromatic vicinal diamines with NO in the presence of dioxygen. The N-nitrosation of DAFs, yielding the highly green-fluorescent triazole form, offers the advantages of specificity, sensitivity, and a simple protocol for the direct detection of NO (detection limit 5 nM). The fluorescence quantum efficiencies are increased more than 100 times after the transformation of DAFs by NO. Fluorescence detection with visible light excitation and high sensitivity enabled the practical assay of NO production in living cells. Membrane-permeable DAF-2 diacetate (DAF-2 DA) can be used for real-time bioimaging of NO with fine temporal and spatial resolutio...

A temperature and emissivity separation algorithm for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images

Abstract: The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) scanner on NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS)-AM1 satellite (launch scheduled for 1998) will collect five bands of thermal infrared (TIR) data with a noise equivalent temperature difference (NE/spl Delta/T) of /spl les/0.3 K to estimate surface temperatures and emissivity spectra, especially over land, where emissivities are not known in advance. Temperature/emissivity separation (TES) is difficult because there are five measurements but six unknowns. Various approaches have been used to constrain the extra degree of freedom. ASTER's TES algorithm hybridizes three established algorithms, first estimating the normalized emissivities and then calculating emissivity band ratios. An empirical relationship predicts the minimum emissivity from the spectral contrast of the ratioed values, permitting recovery of the emissivity spectrum. TES uses an iterative approach to remove reflected sky irradiance. Based on numerical simulation, TES should be able to recover temperatures within about /spl plusmn/1.5 K and emissivities within about /spl plusmn/0.015. Validation using airborne simulator images taken over playas and ponds in central Nevada demonstrates that, with proper atmospheric compensation, it is possible to meet the theoretical expectations. The main sources of uncertainty in the output temperature and emissivity images are the empirical relationship between emissivity values and spectral contrast, compensation for reflected sky irradiance, and ASTER's precision, calibration, and atmospheric compensation.

The core protein of hepatitis C virus induces hepatocellular carcinoma in transgenic mice.

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide Chronic hepatitis ultimately results in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) However, the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic HCV infection is still unclear The ability of the core protein of HCV to modulate gene transcription, cell proliferation and cell death may be involved in the pathogenesis of HCC Here, we report the development of HCC in two independent lines of mice transgenic for the HCV core gene, which develop hepatic steatosis early in life as a histological feature characteristic of chronic hepatitis C After the age of 16 months, mice of both lines developed hepatic tumors that first appeared as adenomas containing fat droplets in the cytoplasm Then HCC, a more poorly-differentiated neoplasia, developed from within the adenomas, presenting in a 'nodule-in-nodule' manner without cytoplasmic fat droplets; this closely resembled the histopathological characteristics of the early stage of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C These results indicate that the HCV core protein has a chief role in the development of HCC, and that these transgenic mice provide good animal models for determining the molecular events in hepatocarcinogenesis with HCV infection

Effects of sexual dimorphism on facial attractiveness

Abstract: Testosterone-dependent secondary sexual characteristics in males may signal immunological competence1 and are sexually selected for in several species2,3. In humans, oestrogen-dependent characteristics of the female body correlate with health and reproductive fitness and are found attractive4,5,6. Enhancing the sexual dimorphism of human faces should raise attractiveness by enhancing sex-hormone-related cues to youth and fertility in females5,7,8,9,10,11, and to dominance and immunocompetence in males5,12,13. Here we report the results of asking subjects to choose the most attractive faces from continua that enhanced or diminished differences between the average shape of female and male faces. As predicted, subjects preferred feminized to average shapes of a female face. This preference applied across UK and Japanese populations but was stronger for within-population judgements, which indicates that attractiveness cues are learned. Subjects preferred feminized to average or masculinized shapes of a male face. Enhancing masculine facial characteristics increased both perceived dominance and negative attributions (for example, coldness or dishonesty) relevant to relationships and paternal investment. These results indicate a selection pressure that limits sexual dimorphism and encourages neoteny in humans.

Flt-1 lacking the tyrosine kinase domain is sufficient for normal development and angiogenesis in mice

Abstract: Receptor tyrosine kinases Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR, and their ligand, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were shown to be essential for angiogenesis in the mouse embryo by gene targeting. Flk-1/KDR null mutant mice exhibited impaired endothelial and hematopoietic cell development. On the other hand, Flt-1 null mutation resulted in early embryonic death at embryonic day 8.5, showing disorganization of blood vessels, such as overgrowth of endothelial cells. Flt-1 differs from Flk-1 in that it displays a higher affinity for VEGF but lower kinase activity, suggesting the importance of its extracellular domain. To examine the biological role of Flt-1 in embryonic development and vascular formation, we deleted the kinase domain without affecting the ligand binding region. Flt-1 tyrosine kinase-deficient homozygous mice (flt-1TK−/−) developed normal vessels and survived. However, VEGF-induced macrophage migration was strongly suppressed in flt-1TK−/− mice. These results indicate that Flt-1 without tyrosine kinase domain is sufficient to allow embryonic development with normal angiogenesis, and that a receptor tyrosine kinase plays a main biological role as a ligand-binding molecule.

Continuous excitation of planetary free oscillations by atmospheric disturbances

Abstract: Seismology provides a powerful tool for probing planetary interiors1,2, but it has been considered inapplicable to tectonically inactive planets where earthquakes are absent. Here, however, we show that the atmospheres of solid planets are capable of exerting dynamic pressure on their surfaces, thereby exciting free oscillations with amplitudes large enough to be detected by modern broad-band seismographs. Order-of-magnitude estimates of these forces give similar amplitudes of a few nanogals for the Earth, Venus and Mars despite widely varying atmospheric and ambient conditions. The amplitudes are also predicted to have a weak frequency dependence. Our analysis of seismograms, recorded continuously from 1992 to 1993 at 13 globally distributed stations, shows strong evidence for continuously excited fundamental-mode free oscillations on the Earth. This result, together with other recent studies3,4,5, is consistent with our estimate of atmospheric forcing and we therefore propose that it may be possible to detect atmospheric excitation of free oscillations on Venus and Mars as well.

Multimedia data-embedding and watermarking technologies

Abstract: We review developments in transparent data embedding and watermarking for audio, image, and video. Data-embedding and watermarking algorithms embed text, binary streams, audio, image, or video in a host audio, image, or video signal. The embedded data are perceptually inaudible or invisible to maintain the quality of the source data. The embedded data can add features to the host multimedia signal, e.g., multilingual soundtracks in a movie, or provide copyright protection. We discuss the reliability of data-embedding procedures and their ability to deliver new services such as viewing a movie in a given rated version from a single multicast stream. We also discuss the issues and problems associated with copy and copyright protection and assess the viability of current watermarking algorithms as a means for protecting copyrighted data.

On Classification and Regression

Abstract: We address the problem of computing various types of expressive tests for decision tress and regression trees. Using expressive tests is promising, because it may improve the prediction accuracy of trees. The drawback is that computing an optimal test could be costly. We present a unified framework to approach this problem, and we revisit the design of efficient algorithms for computing important special cases. We also prove that it is intractable to compute an optimal conjunction or disjunction.

Troglitazone increases the number of small adipocytes without the change of white adipose tissue mass in obese Zucker rats.

Abstract: Troglitazone (CS-045) is one of the thiazolidinediones that activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), which is expressed primarily in adipose tissues. To elucidate the mechanism by which troglitazone relieves insulin resistance in vivo, we studied its effects on the white adipose tissues of an obese animal model (obese Zucker rat). Administration of troglitazone for 15 d normalized mild hyperglycemia and marked hyperinsulinemia in these rats. Plasma triglyceride level was decreased by troglitazone in both obese and lean rats. Troglitazone did not change the total weight of white adipose tissues but increased the number of small adipocytes ( 5,000 micron2) by approximately 50%. In fact, the percentage of apoptotic nuclei was approximately 2.5-fold higher in the troglitazone-treated retroperitoneal white adipose tissue than control. Concomitantly, troglitazone normalized the expression levels of TNF-alpha which were elevated by 2- and 1.4-fold in the retroperitoneal and mesenteric white adipose tissues of the obese rats, respectively. Troglitazone also caused a dramatic decrease in the expression levels of leptin, which were increased by 4-10-fold in the white adipose tissues of obese rats. These results suggest that the primary action of troglitazone may be to increase the number of small adipocytes in white adipose tissues, presumably via PPARgamma. The increased number of small adipocytes and the decreased number of large adipocytes in white adipose tissues of troglitazone-treated obese rats appear to be an important mechanism by which increased expression levels of TNF-alpha and higher levels of plasma lipids are normalized, leading to alleviation of insulin resistance.

Characterizing Selection Bias Using Experimental Data

Abstract: This paper develops and applies semiparametric econometric methods to estimate the form of selection bias that arises from using nonexperimental comparison groups to evaluate social programs and to test the identifying assumptions that justify three widely-used classes of estimators and our extensions of them: (a) the method of matching; (b) the classical econometric selection model which represents the bias solely as a function of the probability of participation; and (c) the method of difference-in-differences. Using data from an experiment on a prototypical social program combined with unusually rich data from a nonexperimental comparison group, we reject the assumptions justifying matching and our extensions of that method but find evidence in support of the index-sufficient selection bias model and the assumptions that justify application of a conditional semiparametric version of the method of difference-in-difference. Fa comparable people and to appropriately weight participants and nonparticipants a sources of selection bias as conveniently measured. We present a rigorous defin bias and find that in our data it is a small component of conventially meausred it is still substantial when compared with experimentally-estimated program impa matching participants to comparison group members in the same labor market, givi same questionnaire, and making sure they have comparable characteristics substan the performance of any econometric program evaluation estimator. We show how t analysis to estimate the impact of treatment on the treated using ordinary obser

Bactericidal and Detoxification Effects of TiO2 Thin Film Photocatalysts

Abstract: To examine the special features of the antibacterial effect for a thin transparent titanium dioxide (TiO2) film, the photocatalytic degradation of endotoxin, which is a pyrogenic constituent of Escherichia coli (E. coli), as well as its bactericidal activity, was investigated. The TiO2 films were prepared from titanium isopropoxide solution, annealing at 500 °C. The bactericidal activity for E. coli cells was estimated by survival ratio calculated from the number of viable cells which form colonies on the nutrient agar plates. The endotoxin concentration was determined by the Limulus tests. When E. coli cells were killed by the TiO2 photocatalyst under UV irradiation, the endotoxin from the cells was also degraded efficiently. This result shows that the TiO2 photocatalyst has both bactericidal activity and decomposing activity for the endotoxin (i.e., detoxifying activity). The bactericidal effect of the TiO2 thin film results from both inactivating the viability of the bacteria and the destruction of the...

Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors in Tumorigenesis (Part II)

Abstract: The rate-limiting enzyme in arachidonate metabolism is mediated by enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COXs), These enzymes catalyze the biosynthesis of prostaglandin H 2 , the precursor of molecules, such as prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxanes. The COX enzyme family consists of the classical COX-1 enzyme, which is constitutively expressed in many tissues, and a second enzyme, i.e., COX-2, which is induced by various stimuli, such as mitogens and cytokines, and is involved in many inflammatory reactions. Because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, these drugs also cause unwanted side effects, exemplified by gastrointestinal bleeding. Accumulating evidence indicates that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancers in human and experimental animals and can reduce the polyp number and size in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. This Part I (of a two-part review) focuses on the discovery of the COXs; their biochemical, molecular, and structural properties ; and on the discovery of isozyme-specific inhibitors of COX activity.

Photogeneration of Highly Amphiphilic TiO2 Surfaces

Abstract: The discovery of photoinduced water splitting on TiO2 electrodes has prompted extensive research on TiO2 and other semiconductor materials, which have been widely adopted as potential substances for solar energy conversion and environmental purification. Most work has focused on improving the efficiency of energy conversion or photocatalytic reactions. Little research has been reported to clarify the effect of light on the properties of TiO2 surfaces. Very recently, we found that UV illumination of TiO2 materials can generate surfaces that display 0 contact angle for both water and oily liquids. Following this finding, intensive research has been performed to explicate the mechanism of this unique amphiphilic surface character. In this communication, we report the details of the photoconvertible surface wettability. The formation of a microstructured composite between hydrophilic and oleophilic phases, which results from the photogenerated Ti defects at definite sites, is considered to account for this unique feature. The observation of the amphiphilic surfaces was initiated by the contact angle measurements of TiO2 anatase thin films. The water contact angle for a freshly prepared film averaged 15 ±1 . After the sample had been stored in the dark for 2 months, the water contact angle increased to 72 ±1 . When a water droplet touched the UV-illuminated film, it spread immediately, leaving an irregular shape on the surface with a contact angle of 0 ±1 . The contact angle of glycerol trioleate (GT), a main ingredient of edible oil, for the TiO2 surface was also measured. Prior to UV illumination, the GT contact angle averaged 10 ±1 , indicating that the surface is hydrophobic and oleophilic. Surprisingly, after UV illumination a GT droplet also spread out, resulting in a contact angle of 0 ±1 when it touched the TiO2 surface. Parallel experiments were performed using other liquid species, e.g., hexadecane, ethylene glycol, tetralin. Distinct contact angles resulted for the hydrophobic TiO2 surface. However, all of the liquids spread completely on a UV-illuminated TiO2 surface, with a contact angle of 0 ±1 . This leads to the tremendous conclusion that UV illumination has created a surface that is both highly hydrophilic and highly oleophilic. The wettability change was observed on both anatase and rutile TiO2 surfaces in the form of either polycrystals or a single crystal, independent of their photocatalytic activities. Even after the TiO2 had been stored in the dark for a few days, the high amphiphilicity of the TiO2 surface was maintained. A longer storage period induced a gradual increase in the water contact angle, revealing a surface wettability trend towards hydrophobicity. However, the high amphiphilicity was repeatedly regenerated by UV illumination. Surface wettability is generally denoted by the contact angle. According to Young's equation, the contact angle of a liquid drop on a solid surface results from the balance between the cohesive forces in the liquid and the adhesive forces between the solid and the liquid. For a certain liquid, the predominant contribution to the contact angle comes from the interfacial character of the solid material, which is related to its surface structure. Therefore, structural change of the TiO2 surface via UV illumination may play an important role in its unique wettability. Friction force microscopy (FFM) images supply information at a microscopic level to explain surface wettability. A rutile TiO2(110) single crystal was used since its wettability behavior (as induced by UV illumination) is analogous to anatase polycrystalline films. In addition, a flat surface is required for FFM measurement. Before UV illumination (Fig. 1a), no difference in contrast was observed for either the FFM image or the topographic image (not shown here), indicating microscopically homogeneous wettability on the surface. After UV illumination (Fig. 1b), however, a distribution of hydrophilic (bright) and oleophilic (dark) areas was clearly seen on the surface. Figure 1c shows a medium scale FFM image, corresponding to the framed area in Figure 1b, which illustrates hydrophilic domains with a regular rectangular shape in the range of 30±80 nm in size. A higher resolution topographic image (Fig. 1d) was also acquired, demonstrating that the hydrophilic domains are higher in position than the oleophilic areas. The image was viewed by rotating the sample stage by 45 with respect to Figure 1c, indicating that the characteristic structure is irrespective of the scanning direction. All the images show that the rectangular features align particularly along the [001] direction of the (110) single-crystal surface. As schematically illustrated in Figure 2A, oxygen bridging sites align along the same direction. It is widely accepted that the atomic coordinations at the TiO2 surface differ from those in the bulk since the atom arrangements are truncated on the surface. This gives rise to five-coordinated Ti atoms and two-coordinated O atoms, which are more energetically reactive than the six-coordinated Ti and