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Showing papers in "Synthesiology English edition in 2009"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a milling pretreatment method based on the understanding of the nanoscopic structural characteristics of wood and cellulose is proposed to unravel cellulosic components into nanoscale fibers.
Abstract: Bioethanol production from woody biomass by enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic components and fermentation has attracted much attention. In this process, pretreatment is important to improve enzymatic degradability of cellulose. A milling process is one of the most effective methods for pretreatment, but its high cost has been a problem. Recently we have developed the economically-feasible wet-mechanochemical process as milling pretreatment, which can unravel cellulosic components into nanoscale fibers. Thus-obtained nanofibrous product showed a high enzymatic accessibility, while keeping the cellulose crystalline structure and the lignin content. This process is based on the understanding of the nanoscopic structural characteristics of wood and cellulose.

23 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The reliability of the measurement of trace moisture in a gas was improved markedly owing to the establishment of a trace moisture standard at AIST as mentioned in this paper, which made it possible to evaluate properly the quality of high purity gases used in industry.
Abstract: The reliability of the measurement of trace moisture in a gas was improved markedly owing to the establishment of a trace moisture standard at AIST As a result, problems with conventional methods for measuring trace moisture in gases were revealed This article presents the scenario which we adopted to improve the reliability of measurement of the trace moisture, the development of a national trace moisture standard, the provision of a metrological system traceable to a national standard for industrial measurements, and problems revealed of trace moisture analyzers available commercially through comparisons with the national standard This improvement makes it possible to evaluate properly the quality of high purity gases used in industry

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the 1H NMR method was improved to allow precise comparisons of signal quantities from protons with different chemical shifts, enabling calibration at an acceptable level of uncertainty for a variety of organic reference materials using a primary reference material.
Abstract: Reference materials are indispensable for accurate analysis of hazardous substances in food and the environment. For organic substances, however, the dissemination of reference materials is hopelessly unable to catch up with today's rapidly proliferating analytical needs. To solve this problem, analytical techniques were improved to develop a method in which a single primary reference material could provide accurate quantitative measurements for a wide variety of organic compounds. In pursuit of this goal, we turned our attention to the 1H NMR method. We improved upon the method to allow precise comparisons of signal quantities from protons with different chemical shifts, enabling calibration at an acceptable level of uncertainty for a variety of organic reference materials using a primary reference material for protons. This result opens the prospect of highly efficient metrological traceability, reducing the required number of national reference materials to a minimal level.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a methodology of process intensification was discussed through the concept of "detuning" from the ideal state, especially for the energysaving continuous distillation processes, which are typical energy consumer in the chemical and petrochemical industries.
Abstract: A methodology of process intensification was discussed through the concept of "detuning" from the ideal state, especially for the energysaving continuous distillation processes, which are typical energy consumer in the chemical and petrochemical industries. First, the reversible distillation was shown as the thermodynamically ideal state. Then, it was indicated that several energy efficient modifications of distillation processes can be obtained by "detuning" or simplifying the reversible system. Among these modifications, an internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC) was one of the most promising options. The development of the HIDiC in the national projects was reviewed and the reduction of energy consumption by the HIDiC was estimated to be 60 % of the conventional column from the results of the projects.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The field of earthquake archaeology has become popular both in archeology and paleoseismology and many important and useful results have been gradually obtained as discussed by the authors, which will lead to a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural history of the earthquake-prone country, Japan.
Abstract: Traces of paleoearthquakes have been found at many archeological sites in Japan. However, most of them have been neglected to date and not considered to be a subject relevant to archeological research. The author has studied these traces since 1988, naming this new study field "Earthquake Archaeology". The field has become popular both in archeology and paleoseismology and many important and useful results have been gradually obtained. These developments will lead to a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural history of the earthquake-prone country, Japan. Most paleoearthquake phenomena present at archeological sites manifest as liquefaction, lateral spreading and landslides. Detailed geological observations may also contribute to a reduction in damage caused by big earthquakes.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Daily life behavior modeling is discussed, which consists of statistical learning, probabilistic reasoning, user modeling, and large-scale data collecting technologies for research as a service.
Abstract: Daily life behavior modeling is discussed. This modeling framework consists of statistical learning, probabilistic reasoning, user modeling, and large-scale data collecting technologies. Bayesian networks can represent causality relationship as graphical structures. Such models should include situations and contexts of daily life behavior through real services. In order to collect large-scale data connected with them, we have to provide real services supported by many users. This concept is named "Research as a service" and discussed in this paper.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a formulation of the methodology of Synthesiology as a discipline is presented, which states that what Yoshikawa calls Type 2 Basic Research (SBR) is synthetic research.
Abstract: In the analytical sciences, several formulations of the discipline such as Descartes' discourse, Kuhn's paradigm, and Popper's falsifiability have been attempted, but such discussion has not been done for Synthesiology. The only exception is the series of work by Yoshikawa. Here, I attempt a formulation of the methodology of Synthesiology as a discipline by stating that what Yoshikawa calls Type 2 Basic Research is synthetic research.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have developed a high-performance molecular detection sensor for diagnosis, medication, and medical treatments that utilizes waveguide modes as basic technology and successfully obtained sensors with high sensitivity and stability by applying nano-perforation technology, optical simulation and experiments, and an originally developed sensing-plate fabrication process.
Abstract: High sensitivity sensors for detection of molecules are aspired in various fields of application, particularly in medical technology, pharmacy and environmental sciences. In the present research, we have developed a high-performance molecular detection sensor for diagnosis, medication, and medical treatments that utilizes waveguide modes as basic technology. We successfully obtained sensors with high sensitivity and stability by applying nano-perforation technology, optical simulation and experiments, and an originally developed sensing-plate fabrication process. In this report, the scenario of the present research, elemental technologies and their synthesis for achieving the scenario and the properties of the realized sensors are described. In addition, a rapid progress in sensing performance obtained by a breakthrough is reported.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a method to improve the quality of the data collected by the data collection system. But, the method requires a large amount of data and is computationally expensive.
Abstract: 長さの国家標準として用いられるヨウ素安定化ヘリウムネオンレーザの発振波長は、レーザ共振器の機械的長さで決まる。従来、機械的安定度の高い共振器を実現するためには特殊な材料や素子を使ったり、周囲環境を厳重に管理したりすることは当然と考えられてきた。しかし、レーザの動作や共振器に要求される性能を詳しく調べた結果、レーザ共振器の機構に要求される機械的特性の多くは、市販の汎用部品で十分実現可能であることが明らかとなった。汎用部品を多用して大幅な価格低下を実現しつつ、発振波長の安定度や周囲環境の変動に対する耐性を大幅に向上させることが可能となり、国家標準器として十分な精度で、かつ保守や移送が容易なものを実現した。この設計にもとづくヨウ素安定化ヘリウムネオンレーザは、日本の長さの国家標準として長年用いられただけでなく、民間の校正事業者が持つ標準器として、また発展途上国の国家標準器としても用いられている。

8 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, material development and application of a number of photocatalysts have been carried out taking into consideration many factors including application, cost, as well as applicable regulations.
Abstract: Photocatalysts are capable of decomposing organic compounds such as toxic and bioresistant pollutants into non toxic gases in the presence of light. Material development and application of a number of photocatalysts have been carried out taking into consideration many factors including application, cost, as well as applicable regulations. As a result of these efforts, a variety of new photocatalytic products are now on the market.

8 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A software system is developed to generate a database of three-dimensional structures of these compounds and this database is distributed, which makes it possible to identify new active compounds for many drug targets.
Abstract: Every year, several million compounds for drug screening are released by numerous vendors around the world. The information provided on these compounds is in the form of their two-dimensional (2D) structures. We have developed a software system to generate a database of three-dimensional (3D) structures of these compounds and have distributed this database. We have also developed a database of protein-compound docking scores of 180 proteins with respect to these millions of compounds. These databases make it possible to identify new active compounds for many drug targets.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a scenario in Synthesiology, from Type 2 Basic Research to Product Realization Research, is also discussed to allow for the integration of various technology components, including the components of integrated research, disclosure and widespread utilization of the developed system in industrial and social applications, and the trials of applying the output for environmental management and the social system.
Abstract: −251 Synthesiology English edition Vol.1 No.4 (2009) research comprising of combination of various research areas, the components of integrated research, disclosure and widespread utilization of the developed system in industrial and social applications, and the trials of applying the output for environmental management and the social system. Furthermore, the advanced scenario in Synthesiology, from Type 2 Basic Research to Product Realization Research, is also discussed to allow for the integration of various technology components.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a strategic scenario that fulfills several conditions, including mass synthesis (by integrating molecular design, synthesis, and self-assembly technologies), practical use, low cost, and safety, is presented.
Abstract: Organic nanotubes are hollow fibers formed through the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules in a solvent. Because nanoparticles and proteins can be included within their hollow interiors, such nanotubes can be applied to a wide range of fields. To promote the practical use of organic nanotube, we have developed a strategic scenario that fulfills several conditions, including mass synthesis (by integrating molecular design, synthesis, and self-assembly technologies), practical use, low cost, and safety.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the processes of PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) carbon fiber and its technology transfer to private companies and found a new R&D management model, named "excited-oscillation model".
Abstract: We have investigated the processes of invention of PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) carbon fiber and its technology transfer to private companies. From this investigation and analysis, we have found a new R&D management model, named "excited-oscillation model". This model suggests that both the top-down management and the personal motivation should be in phase and synergetic with each other. In this paper, the results and concept of the above model are described in detail.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a non-combustible magnesium alloy with drastically improved areas of application is sought in which flammability is suppressed, which is the worst weakness of magnesium alloys.
Abstract: Technological innovation bringing direct energy savings and reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions has been cited as an urgent issue in the field of transportation machinery. To cope with this issue, demand has been growing for structural materials that are lightweight yet offer high functionality because weight reduction of machinery can be immediately beneficial. A new non-combustible magnesium alloy with drastically improved areas of application is sought in which flammability is suppressed ——the worst weakness of magnesium alloys. Developing this new alloy as a basic component for reducing environmental load will contribute greatly to technological innovation for weight reduction in transportation machinery. This paper examines one methodology for industrialization of a new material through the resolution of the various technical issues related to practical application of non-combustible magnesium alloys.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the traceability system of Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM) is established, that is, measurement results by CMM are traceable to the national standards of length.
Abstract: Digital engineering technique has widely been used for speedy and effective manufacturing of industrial products. Coordinate measuring machines (CMM) are being used for measuring three-dimensional shapes of products and taking an important role to keep the quality of the products high. National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ/AIST) has established the traceability system of CMM, that is, measurement results by CMM are traceable to the national standards of length. To achieve this objective, not only calibration techniques have been developed, but industrial standards (ISO and JIS) and guidelines to which accredited laboratories should conform were documented. In addition, to raise the calibration capabilities of prefectural laboratories and to contribute to the local industries, technical supports have been provided by NMIJ.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: SelfA as mentioned in this paper is a self-calibratable angle device that can detect a variety of angle deviation sources by itself, and has the ability to output an angular calibration value.
Abstract: A rotary encoder is an angular readout device that reads an optical pattern written on the circumference of a shaft similar to a 360 degrees protractor and outputs angle position information. Since the output of a rotary encoder deviates from the true angle position due to optical pattern errors or eccentricity of the shaft about the rotation axis, users have encountered difficulty in ensuring the reliability of the angle information derived from an encoder. In order to solve this problem, "SelfA: A Self-calibratable Angle device" was developed. The SelfA can detect a variety of angle deviation sources by itself, and has the ability to output an angular calibration value. This SelfA can detect the angle deviation value from an optical encoder which has been a black box until now and enables "visualization" of these factors quantitatively.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated low-energy processing techniques for ceramic components and concluded that a decrease in the amount of organic binder is the most effective technique to promote low energy processing, and have successfully developed a novel binder technology.
Abstract: Because of serious global environmental problems, the ceramic industry has been concentrating on the reduction of energy usage during manufacturing. In this project, we have investigated low-energy processing techniques for ceramic components. Our research and development approach was carried out with the goal of realizing new ceramics that can be manufactured using conventional manufacturing processes and equipment at low-cost without significant degradation in material properties. After a careful investigation of possible technologies, we concluded that a decrease in the amount of organic binder is the most effective technique to promote low-energy processing, and have successfully developed a novel binder technology. Our technology and knowledge have contributed to greatly reduce the amount of energy required for ceramic fabrication through a collaborative research project with a private company.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a model that includes the effects of the diffusion of environmentally conscious products and analyzed the long term diffusions and the effect of various diffusion promoting measures, including the Bass diffusion model, consumer preference model, and the learning curve model.
Abstract: In order to bring change to society through technological developments, analysis of the social acceptance of a given technology is indispensable. In this research, we developed a model that includes the effects of the diffusion of environmentally conscious products. To analyze the long term diffusions and to analyze the effects of various diffusion promoting measures, we have incorporated three existing models: the Bass diffusion model, the consumer preference model, and the learning curve model. These models have been argued for individually to date. The paper describes the research objective, existing models, the developed model, the related developed tools, and an analysis example.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A secure and reliable next generation smart electric wheelchair system that is equipped with a novel 3D stereo vision system referred to here as a 'stereo omni-directional camera' for use in future advanced personal mobility devices for everyone.
Abstract: We propose a secure and reliable next generation smart electric wheelchair system that is equipped with a novel 3D stereo vision system referred to here as a 'stereo omni-directional camera'. The novel vision system is not only intended for use with a new genearation of electric wheelchairs for conventional wheelchair users, but also for use in future advanced personal mobility devices for everyone.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis and comparison of exergy were conducted in case when heater tube used in the molten aluminum was made of steel and ceramics, and a guideline for rationalization of casting process for efficient use of resource and energy.
Abstract: In order to increase manufacture efficiency and lower environmental impact, it is necessary to know the processes of consumption and emission of resource and energy, as the processes span out widely after originating from one process. In this paper, analysis and comparison of exergy were conducted in case when heater tube used in the molten aluminum was made of steel and ceramics. Exergy analysis was done for complete operation of aluminum casting. We then created a guideline for rationalization of casting process for efficient use of resource and energy.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The development of the flexible-printable device processing technology as a processing technology of information terminal device that can make the best use of user's individuality and contribute to the expansion of information technology in the world.
Abstract: We have worked on the development of the flexible-printable device processing technology as a processing technology of information terminal device that can make the best use of user's individuality. We have succeeded in the development of several low-temperature printing technologies for flexible active devices such as flexible displays and circuits. In this research, we have paid attention especially to the social requirements for the technology, and positions of respective technologies in the total set-up concept. We believe that it would contribute to the expansion of information technology in the world.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a scenario in which a group of people are living in a house with three roommates, and the house is divided into three groups: 1.
Abstract: 本論文では、マイクロ環境下での光学的なスケール効果の問題を“実時間”で解決する実時間全焦点顕微鏡の構成にあたり、システムを必要となる構成要素に分解し、その構成要素を製品として構築するためのいくつかの試みを紹介しながら、実時間全焦点顕微鏡のシステム構成方法について論じる。実時間全焦点顕微鏡の構成に際しては、マイクロ環境下での作業を前提とし、理論だけにとどまらず、製品化を見据えた実現を視野に入れながら構成した。


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Geological Map of Japan 1:50,000 as discussed by the authors shows fundamental national land information of the subsurface materials of the district, and is multifriously used for resources development, disaster prevention, siting of industrial activities, environment protection, and as the geological standard of the region.
Abstract: The Geological Map of Japan 1:50,000 shows fundamental national land information of the subsurface materials of the district, and is multifariously used for resources development, disaster prevention, siting of industrial activities, environment protection, and as the geological standard of the district. It is important basic information for understanding natural environments scientifically and is essential information for the sustainable development of Japan. While geological maps mostly made by universities or companies are for understanding specifically interesting strata or rocks, the 1:50,000 geological maps made by GSJ, AIST comprehensively integrate research results of all strata and rocks in the district and explain the geological evolution of the district. There has never been any paper describing the process in developing the 1:50,000 geological map, which integrates geological research for the district. The author shows his own development process with the 1:50,000 geological maps as examples.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a novel high-performance magnetic tunnel junction device based on magnesium oxide (MgO) and the underlying mass-manufacturing technology was developed for the production of the magnetic heads of ultra-high density hard disk drives (HDD).
Abstract: We have been promoting Full Research to develop ultimate green IT devices based on non-volatile electronics. A core technology of non-volatile electronics is a non-volatile memory possessing features such as large capacity, high-speed operation, and high endurance. To develop such an ultimate non-volatile memory, we developed a novel high-performance magnetic tunnel junction device based on magnesium oxide (MgO) and the underlying mass-manufacturing technology. This technology has already been commercialized for the production of the magnetic heads of ultra-high density hard disk drives (HDD). Now we are also performing intensive R&D activities for developing the ultimate non-volatile memory called Spin-RAM.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a hydrodesulfurization catalyst for sulfur-free diesel with a sulfur content below 10 ppm, and succeeded in commercializing it as a novel desulfurisation catalyst through joint research with a catalyst manufacturer.
Abstract: Clean transportation fuels, particularly with significantly reduced sulfur content, are effective in reducing tailpipe emissions and lead to the development of novel high-performance exhaust treatment devices. We have developed a hydrodesulfurization catalyst for sulfur-free diesel with a sulfur content below 10 ppm as well as a catalyst preparation method, and succeeded in commercializing it as a novel desulfurization catalyst through joint research with a catalyst manufacturer.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a multi-lead users model for the transfer of technology into households through an empirical analysis of the development and diffusion of induction heating (IH) cookery is proposed.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a multi lead users model for the transfer of technology into households through an empirical analysis of the development and diffusion of induction heating (IH) cookery. Even if big firms successfully develop a technology such as IH, a new cooking paradigm based upon a special cooking device or special recipes is necessary when introducing a new technology to households. We postulate that two types of lead users play crucial roles in the task: reasoning-based lead users with technological expertise contribute to the development of functionality; sensitivity- based lead users having little expertise contribute to diffusion by making product socially trendy and authentically attractive. When introducing advanced technologies such as robots that have not been successfully diffused into households, forming flexible networks between the multi lead users and other stakeholders becomes highly indispensable.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a cascade earthquake model was adopted to assess the probability of future large earthquakes based upon the past activities of active faults, and the authors divided active faults into behavioral segments.
Abstract: In order to assess the probability of the occurrence of future large earthquakes based upon the past activities of active faults, we divided active faults into behavioral segments, and adopted the cascade earthquake model, that is, a model that considers that an earthquake is sometimes caused by a single segment and sometimes caused by multiple segments. Using this model, we can evaluate the rupture probability of active faults by a uniform standard without any inconsistencies with field data. The result was published as the Rupture Probability Map of Major Active Faults in Japan.