Science Graduate School Research Articles

An Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Science has won the 2nd prize at the 2nd National Science, Technology & Innovation in 2024.

The Outstanding Cambodian Scientists Awards has been initiated by the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (NCSTI) and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), coordinated by the General Department of Science. The initiative aims to highlight the value of knowledge generated through scientific research aligned with the eight priority areas outlined in the National Research Agenda 2025. The eight priority areas are local food, reliable energy supply, quality education, electronic and mechanical spare parts, cloud-based services, electricity and potable water, carbon neutrality, and digitally enhanced health. The application was open for one month, from February 14, 2024, to March 13, 2024. The selection committee would have selected the best based on the set criteria. According to a guideline of the Outstanding Cambodian Scientists Awards, some basic criteria for eligibility and evaluation for the award included degree holders with at least a Master’s degree, having publications (research papers, textbooks) in recognized publishers, conference presentations, thesis supervisions, grants received, recommendations from a researcher in the field, and a clean record regarding professional ethics and criminality. The committees, consisting of seven members, are selecting the top three ‘Outstanding Cambodian Scientists’; they consist of the following components: Minister of MISTI, Representative of the Advisor Board of NCSTI, Invited international researcher, Dr. HUL Seingheng, USS and Head of Secretariat of 2nd National STI Day 2024; Dr. TRY Sophal, Director General of STI, and Invited private sector from enterprise association, industrial association, or else. At the Gala Dinner held on March 24, 2024, the recipients of the prestigious awards were formally revealed. Dr. SOUM Veasna was one of the awardees and proudly accepted the 2nd prize at the 2nd National Science, Technology & Innovation event of 2024, focusing on the theme of ‘Electronic and Mechanical Spare Parts’. Delve into the pages ahead to explore the captivating narratives of his research endeavors and remarkable accomplishments within this domain.

Investigation on Fuel Properties of Synthetic Gasoline-like Fuels

Article Investigation on Fuel Properties of Synthetic Gasoline-like Fuels Weidi Huang 1,2, Koichi Kinoshita 1,*, Yohko Abe 1, Mitsuharu Oguma 1, and Kotaro Tanaka 2,3 1 Research Institute for Energy Conservation, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-2-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8564, Japan 2 Carbon Recycling Energy Research Centre, Ibaraki University, 4-12-1 Nakanarusawa, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan 3 Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University, 4-12-1 Nakanarusawa, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan * Correspondence: koichi-kinoshita@aist.go.jp Received: 8 November 2023 Accepted: 25 March 2024 Published: 27 March 2024 Abstract: Synthetic fuels have gained considerable attention due to their promising characteristics. A comprehensive survey was undertaken to assess the availability of synthetic fuels in the global market, followed by an investigation to evaluate their potential in engines. This report presents the initial findings regarding the physical and chemical properties of synthetic gasoline-like fuels, specifically DMC (dimethyl carbonate), bioethanol, EtG (ethanol-to-gasoline), G40, and bio-naphtha. A comparison was conducted between these synthetic fuels and conventional gasoline. Furthermore, discussions were provided to enhance the understanding of the potential influence of fuel properties on spray and combustion characteristics. EtG and G40 are specifically designed to emulate conventional gasoline. Results indicate that EtG and gasoline should be directly interchangeable in the engine or blended in any proportion because they have almost identical Research Octane Number (RON)/Motor Octane Number (MON), fuel density, and higher heating value (HHV). G40 has a higher RON (105) compared with that of gasoline (92.2), likely resulting from the high content of iso-paraffin in G40. Bio-naphtha exhibits the high fraction of paraffin and naphthene content relative to other fuels. The feature of chemical compositions results in a lower RON (55.9), lower HHV and smaller fuel density compared to other fuels. DMC and bioethanol blends in gasoline were investigated. Regardless of whether DMC or bioethanol is incorporated, under a 60% blend ratio, gasoline distillation accelerates initially, until DMC or bioethanol completely evaporates, after which gasoline distillation returns to its normal rate. With increasing the volumetric fraction of the ethanol in the blends, either chemical compositions or the RON/HHV basically change linearly.

Introduction of Matsuba Laboratory, Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University

Introduction of Matsuba Laboratory, Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University

Research group for Mineralogy & Crystallogaraphy, Department of Earth Science, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University

Research group for Mineralogy & Crystallogaraphy, Department of Earth Science, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University

Exploring and Leveraging the basic principle for molecular reduction catalysis of biorenewables, CO2, and plastics using light, electric and heat energy

Biorenewable energy and chemicals hold great promise for a greener, more sustainable future. Biomass is organic materials that can be used to generate electricity and gas in the form of bioenergy. Catalysis is required to convert the biomass into a useful form. At the Saito Research Group in the Noyori Laboratory at the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Japan, Professor Susumu Saito and the team are engaged in the design and development of catalysts for exactly this. In one line of research, the team is developing upcycling catalysts for highly oxidised chemical compounds (HOCs). The idea is that these catalysts can be used to quickly and efficiently synthesise high-value-added organic molecules from carbon resources. In another project, the researchers are exploring organic synthesis based on one electron transfer from H2 or H2O using molecular and semiconductor photocatalysis. One electron (radical) species (OES) such as hydrogen atom (H•) can be produced from the homolytic cleavage of chemical bonds of H2 or H2O, occurring by visible/near-UV light energy inducing photo-excited states of tailored homogeneous and heterogeneous (semiconductor) catalysts. These OESs can be used in addition reactions and H-abstraction reactions to generate carbon-centred radical species and achieve artificial photosynthesis directed toward selective organic synthesis (APOS). A key focus for the team is on molecular metal catalysis. They designed novel (PNNP)M catalysts, with the PNNP representing two-phosphine and two-nitrogen coordinative atoms and the M representing metals, from which they derived robust reduction/dehydration catalysts with catalytic activity that can be sustained for a long period of time under visible light, electric and heat energy.

Computer & Software System Laboratory, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University

Computer & Software System Laboratory, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University

Research on a Minor Organism can also be Benefit the World: The Fascinating Cellular Slime Mold Dictyostelium discoideum.

In 1985, when I entered the Graduate School of Science at Kyoto University, I began my research on cellular slime molds, a group of soil microorganisms. The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is studied globally as a model organism for cell and developmental biology. I was conducting basic biological research into cell differentiation and migration using D. discoideum, and during this process, our research group made a discovery with potential implications for drug development. Specifically, we found that a chlorinated polyketide named differentiation-inducing factor 1 (DIF-1), derived from D. discoideum, exhibits antitumor activity. Based on this discovery, I began elucidating the mechanism of the antitumor action of DIF-1 and developing anticancer drugs using DIF-1 as a lead compound. During this period, in 1991, I obtained my Ph.D. in research related to D. discoideum cell differentiation, and subsequently served as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Special Research Fellow before joining the Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR) at Gunma University in 1993. I then joined the Graduate School of Health and Sports Sciences at Juntendo University in 2015, where I have been until 2024. Throughout this period, I continued my research on DIF-1 and discovered that DIF-1 and its derivatives possess various biological activities ─ such as anti-diabetic, immunoregulatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-malarial activities ─ that could be applicable in drug development. In this review, I aim to present a segment of both our fundamental and applied research on D. discoideum and DIF-1.

Probing the individuality of cells and molecules

Probing the individuality of cells and molecules Sotaro Uemura, Professor at the University of Tokyo, probes the individuality of cells and molecules. The Uemura Laboratory was established in the Division of Advanced Photon Life Sciences, part of the Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, at the University of Tokyo. Our research centres on biophysics, focusing on studying single-molecule genetics, particularly the unique aspects of molecules and cells. Human beings each have their distinct characteristics. Differences in things like gender, where we come from, physical attributes, health, and personality are examples. Bringing all these different individual traits together creates diversity, and our society is built upon this diversity.

DRIVE: Diversity, Representation, and Inclusion for Value in Education – interprofessional faculty development for a bias-free curriculum at UMass Chan Medical School

Abstract Objective: The DRIVE Initiative engages interprofessional faculty and learners at UMass Chan Medical School to build tools and support for educators to identify and mitigate bias in their educational materials and teaching. Methods: Key DRIVE resources include a core skills workshop, taught by representatives from the Graduate, Nursing and Medical schools. To encourage active application of these skills, there is a printable curriculum appraisal tool and an independent learning module. The DRIVE team also offers individual consultation for faculty as well as discussion across our academic community through weekly DRIVE-in cafés. Results: In 2021, 16 core skills workshops were held with 84 faculty attending. Monday DRIVE-in cafés were started; the associated interactive library guide which links to curated resources and the anonymous reporting tool was accessed 922 times. Discussion: While the workshop is required for core faculty in the School of Medicine and highly encouraged for all others, we have noted gaps in uptake particularly in basic sciences (Graduate School) and are increasing efforts in that area. Challenges have included demonstrating relevance to faculty across disciplines e.g., loose connection to basic science teaching. To increase adoption, materials and programs have been continuously updated and improved based on feedback, and workshops tailored to specific audiences. Recruiting compensated faculty from multiple schools has been vital to our success. Conclusion: Biased curricula harm our learning environments and those who teach and learn within them, and lead to the perpetuation of disparities: the interprofessional approach of DRIVE has demonstrated success in mitigating this.

Student-Led Mentoring System Designed to Lower Barriers for Graduate School Applicants

Ocean and Earth science graduate school admissions processes can be bewildering. Unwritten expectations and small professional circles, compounded by oceanography’s history of colonialism, sexism, and racism, advantage those privileged enough to navigate as insiders. Thus, even more holistic graduate admissions processes may be inequitable. Here, we share (1) a model for effective peer-to-peer support, Applicant Support & Knowledgebase (ASK), and (2) insights into challenges faced by under-supported applicants. We aim to generate a discussion about the bias in and inaccessibility of the US-based ocean science graduate school entry process and how peer-to-peer programs like ASK can contribute to a tapestry of solutions that address these inequities.

과학고 졸업생의 대학 전공과 대학 졸업 후 진로 분석

This study analyzed science high school graduates’ college major and career choice after college graduation using five waves of Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey of Korea Employment Information Service. The findings indicated that 92 percent of 510 science high school graduates chose engineering and natural science major in college, whereas about 3 percent of them chose medical or pharmaceutical school. After college graduation, about 60 percent of science high school graduates entered a graduate school majoring in engineering and natural science, while 45 percent of the comparison group did. This finding confirms science high school graduates are more likely to become advanced engineers and scientists than graduates from general high school. Also, the proportion of science high school graduates who re-entered medical school or entered medical professional school at graduate level was higher than the comparison group. Therefore, about 13 percent of science high school graduates made a career choice in the medical or pharmaceutical field. Finally, we divided science high school graduates’ career choices after college graduation into four categories: engineering or natural science graduate school, medical/pharmaceutical school, other graduate school, and no graduate school, and compared characteristics of each groups, based on which we suggested implications.

Issue Information

Front cover: Sugashima Island in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, was depicted in Hiroshige Utagawa's ukiyoe (below ‘Cells’ in this painting). A report on yeasts and fi lamentous fungi collected around the Sugashima Marine Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University (NU‐MBL) on this island has been published in the February 2022 issue of this journal (Goshima (2022) Genes to Cells 27: 124‐137, DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12916). It was the fi rst article in this journal to explore new marine microorganism species. In this article, the author also observed that three species of marine black yeasts changed their mode of growth and division in response to cell density. We are reminded once again that the seas are a treasure trove of biodiversity. We thank Prof. Gohta Goshima (Director, NU‐MBL) for providing the data. Designed by TRAIS Co., Ltd. (Kobe, Japan). image

Redox Reactions of Isolated Ferrocene Derivatives Observed By Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Redox reactions on electrode surfaces have been widely applied to fundamental technologies such as energy conversion and storage, metal refining, and electronics. Recently, it has become clear that local structures at the single-atom and single-molecule level affect the efficiency and selectivity of redox reactions [1]. EC-STM, a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and electrochemical (EC) measurements, allows direct observation of electrochemical interfaces with high spatial resolution [2], and we aimed to observe the redox reactions of single molecules using this technique. As a target molecule, ferrocene (Fc) was coupled to a tripodal base molecule [3], which was known to form an ordered self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a gold electrode. By preparing mixed SAM with the molecules with and without Fc moieties, we could stably deposit Fc species on the Au (111) electrode in an isolated and dispersed state, which enables us to observe clear changes in the EC-STM images upon the redox reaction of the single Fc derivative. A mixture of 8,13-trimercaptotriptycene (Trip) and its Fc derivative (Fc-Trip) was deposited on an Au(111) electrode (the molecules were provided by the Fukushima Lab., Chemical Biology Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the Suzuki Lab., Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed with a potentiostat (HZ-7000, Hokuto Denko) at a sweep rate of 100 mV/s in 0.1 M HClO4 solution. STM measurements were performed using an MS-10 STM (Bruker), controlled by a NanoScope V (Bruker). A Pt/Ir wire coated with Apiezon wax was used as a probe in the home-made electrochemical cell. The sample potential (Esample) was varied from 0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) to 0.4 V while the potential difference between the tip and the sample was kept at 0.3 V.The CV results are shown in Fig. 1 (a), where the peak originating from the redox reactions of Fc-Trip is observed (dotted line is only for Trip), indicating that the redox potential of Fc-Trip is ~0.3 V. Since the full width at half maximum of the peak is about 0.1 V, Fc-Trip do not interact with each other and are considered to be isolated and dispersed on the Au(111) electrode [4]. Corresponding EC-STM images are shown in Fig. 1 (c)-(e). While the bright spots derived from Fc-Trip are observed at Esample = 0.2 V (the tip potential Etip is 0.5 V), as indicated by white circles, the bright spots almost disappeared at Esample = 0.4 V (Etip = 0.7 V). We confirmed that the change of the height is reversible with respect to the applied potentials, as shown in Fig. 1(c) and 1(e). The height of the bright spot in the EC-STM image reflects the electron transfer rate through the redox molecule between the tip and the sample. When the sample potential is set to 0.2 V, Fc-Trip is formally in the reduced state, but the electrons are readily transferred to the tip regulated at 0.5 V. On the other hand, when the sample potential is set to settle the oxidized state (0.4 V), the molecule cannot pass electrons to the high potential tip. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 1(d), the current between the tip and the sample is not increased with the presence of the Fc moiety, leading to the apparent disappearance of spots. We noticed that some bright spots did not disappear at Esample = 0.4 V (an arrow in Fig. 1(d)), which suggests that there is heterogeneity in the redox reactivity. In the future, we plan to investigate the heterogeneity by combining spectroscopic techniques with the EC-STM measurement.[1] J. H. K. Pfisterer et al., Nature , 74, 549 (2017)[2] Y. Yokota et al., J. Phys. Chem. C, 111, 7561 (2007)[3] F. Ishiwari et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 141, 5995 (2019)[4] C. E. D. Chidsey et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 112, 4301 (1990) Figure 1

Optical and Electromagnetic Waves Lab., Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University

Optical and Electromagnetic Waves Lab., Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University

Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University

Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University

Research on super directional antennas for wireless power transmission

Professor Atsushi Saito and Takehiro Sato, Saito Laboratory, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Japan, are working to advance the technology of wireless power transfer using microwaves. This could make it possible for electric vehicles to be charged wirelessly while driving, as well as for drones to be charged in flight. The research could also potentially benefit factories, eliminating the need for many complex wirings for factory equipment by introducing a wireless supply system. In their work, Saito and Sato are striving to advance the technology of wireless power transfer using microwaves and are currently applying superconducting technology to the transmitting antenna, which is filling a research gap. A central idea is to improve the directivity by narrowing down the radio waves and sending them only to the desired location. With support from Fuji Electric corporation, the researchers have designed and evaluated a microwave antenna that uses a high temperature superconductivity (HTS) thick disk as a patch antenna, enabling wireless transfer and obtaining a resonance frequency of 4.996 GHz. This has established the foundations for future work by confirming it is possible to design the desired HTS antenna.

Construction Skewness Correction the And R Control Chart under Non –Normality

Shewhart's charts are powerful tools in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and are widely used. Usually, Shewhart's charts are depending on the normality assumption. The control charts rely on normality assumptions, which is not always the case for industrial data. Skewness correction and an alternate technique of constructing non-normality control charts for persons The proposes of this paper is to use a skewness correction SC control chart to monitor or construct the control chart for the skewness distribution. The SC chart or the new control chart compared with the Shewhart and weighted variance (WV) control. The probability of exceeding out-of-control detections is also accomplished under a normal curve, the probability that a deviation from the means of the 3σ limit in both directions is 0.0027. Change with the sample size leads to an increase in skewness distribution, leading to a relative increase in the type-Ι error. Reference: M. A., Majed H. A S. (2016). SCALED WEIGHTED VARIANCE S CONTROL CHART FOR SKEWED POPULATIONS, 15th September 2016. Vol.91. No.1 M A.,Majed H. A.,Ali A. (2020). Enhancing R control Chart Performance in Monitoring Process Dispersion Using Scaled Weighted Varianceb Method for Skewed population .Medwell journal 2020 K. ,Berna.Y. ,(2005), The Individuals Control Chart In Case of Non-Normality, Vol. 5,Issue 2 I Li, Nan-C. Su ,(2014). Design of X And R Control Charts For Skew Normal Distributed Data Montegomery (2019). Introduction To Statistical Quality Control ,6th edition Lai K. C., Heng J.,C (2003). Skewness Correction X and R charts for Skewed Distributions, Wiley D. , Hamurkaroglu. C. (2012) , Control Charts for Skewed Distributions Weibull, Gamma and Lognormal, Vol.9, No 2 2012 Michael .B. C. Khoo, Zhang WU, (2008). A SYNTHETIC CONTROL CHART FOR MONITORING THE PROCESS MEAN OF SKEWED POPULATIONS BASED ON THE WEIGHTED VARIANCE METHOD, Vol 15, No 3, 2008. Mans E. (2008). A simulation method For Skewness Correction .Dec 2008 Mostapha A,(2020). EWMA Control Chart For Skewed Distribution, Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Hacettepe University as a Partial Fulfillment to the Requirements for the Award of the degree of Masters in Statistics. Osaman H.A.,Muhammad A.,(2018) ,A new Generalized Ra ng Control Chart for the Weibull Distribution,Wiley 2018. Rao R.S, Pushpa L. (2016). Skewness Corrected Control Charts For two Inverted CHPSS pecial Issue 10. Dec. 2016, han , Rashid M. Muhammad R.,(2015), On Efficient Skewnes Correction Charts Under Contamintion and Non-Normality,2015 John Willey Thomas P.,(2003). The Six Sigma Handbook, Revised and Expanded, McGraw –Hill.

埼玉大学大学院理工学研究科数理電子情報部門「明連・成瀬研究室」，「田井野研究室」

埼玉大学大学院理工学研究科数理電子情報部門「明連・成瀬研究室」，「田井野研究室」

First person – Naoto Tanaka

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Naoto Tanaka is first author on ‘ CZON-cutter – a CRISPR-Cas9 system for multiplexed organelle imaging in a simple unicellular alga’, published in JCS. Naoto conducted the research described in this article while at Yamato Yoshida's lab at Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan. He is now a Master's student in the lab of Kakutani Tetsuji at the same institution investigating the evolution and role of epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone modifications, in photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Advancing Preservation for Archives and Manuscripts

Advancing Preservation for Archives and Manuscripts