grant-in-aid for specially promoted research …...solenoid magnet of a magnetic field of 1 t. with...

【Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research】 Humanities and Social Sciences

Title of Project： A Comprehensive Study of the Structural Change in Social Stratification and the Mechanism of Generating Inequality in the Ageing Society with Low Fertility

Sawako Shirahase ( The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Humanities and

Sociology, Professor ) Research Area： Sociology Keyword： Social Stratification, Social Mobility, Demographic Change, Life Course

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Japan has been experiencing rapid demographic transformation due to an aging population and low birthrate. The number of the elderly aged 65 years and over in Japan is about 30 million, with its proportion reaching 23 percent of the overall population in 2012. The main purpose of our research is to examine the structural changes in social stratification and the process of generating social inequality in an aging society, Japan.

The traditional theory of social stratification has been developed on the basis of individual position in the labor market. Because of the rapid aging of society, however, the number of people who are either partly or completely out of the labor force has increased. The elderly, who are retired from work, cannot be differentiated according to labor market positions, but their work histories and wealth are likely to affect their living conditions.

Regarding the decline in fertility rate, young people tend to postpone leaving the parental home mainly due to economic hardship; they face difficulties in finding decent jobs that would allow them to become financially independent and form new families. These changes suggest that the basis of the stratification system cannot be ascribed easily to labor market position, but they request the new framework of social stratification theory.

【Research Methods】

Figure Two-tiered Organization

Our research project is structured on the lines of large-scale social surveys. Since 1955, the Social Stratification and Mobility (hereafter, SSM) Survey has been conducted every 10 years, and the seventh one is planned for 2015. The nationally representative panel surveys of the youth,

middle-aged, and elderly will also be conducted to examine the process of generating social inequality. Our project comprises a two-tiered structure as shown in the figure. In addition to survey teams, there are research teams tasked with examining four topics: (1) inequality structure; (2) life-course and family; (3) education and work; and (4) attitudes to inequality and welfare.

【Expected Research Achievements and Scientific Significance】

There are four outcomes that we expect from our project. First, we will show how the structure of social stratification is associated with demographic change. Second, we will develop a method for measuring social standing by taking into account gender and generational relations within the family. Third, we will pursue the longstanding tradition of the SSM Survey and at the same time, will conduct panel surveys of the youth, middle-aged, and elderly to examine how social inequality is generated on the individual level. Fourth, based on our empirical analyses, we will propose policy implications for suggesting ways of making our aging society sustainable.

Increased longevity and an aging population are inevitable demographic changes that will be faced by almost all industrial societies. Our project, therefore, intends to make a significant contribution to the future of aging societies and related forms of social stratification.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】 Shirahase, Sawako, 2010, “Japan as a Stratified Society: With a Focus on Class Identification.” Social Science Japan Journal 13(1): 31-52. Shirahase, Sawako (ed.), 2011, Demographic Change and Inequality in Japan. Melbourne: Trans Pacific Press.

【Term of Project】FY2013-2017 【Budget Allocation】348, 700 Thousand Yen 【Homepage Address and Other Contact

Information】 http://www.l.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ssm_spr/

【Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research】 Science and Engineering (Mathematics/Physics)

Title of Project： Physics of structural and dynamical hierarchies: from simple liquids to soft matter

Hajime Tanaka ( The University of Tokyo, Institute of Industrial Science,

Professor ) Research Area： Chemical Physics/BiophysicsKeyword： Glass transition, liquid-liquid transition, water anomaly, crystallization, soft matter

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 The liquid state is one of the most important fundamental states of matter and its deeper understanding will have a strong impact on various fields of science, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and bioscience. Despite its significance, however, its physical understanding lags far behind the other fundamental states, gases and solids. In this project, we tackle the unsolved fundamental problems in liquid science and also elucidate the roles of a liquid component in the dynamic behavior of soft and biological matter, focusing on the structural and dynamical hierarchies of these systems (see Fig. 1). More specifically, we study (1) thermodynamic and kinetic anomaly of water and water-like liquids, (2) mechanism of liquid-liquid transitions (LLT), (3) mechanism of liquid-glass transition, (4) roles of a hidden structural order of liquids during crystallization, (5) nonlinear flow behavior of glassy liquids and granular matter and the mechanism of flow instability and fracture, and (6) roles of hydrodynamic interactions on the dynamics of soft and bio matter.


We are planning to study the above six topics (1)-(6) by combining experiment, theory, and simulation, to draw a novel physical picture of the liquid state itself, identify the principle of state selection under shear deformation, and reveal how the presence of the liquid component affects dynamic behavior and pattern evolution in soft and bio matter.

【Expected Research Achievements and

Scientific Significance】

Liquids play crucial roles in bio- and chemical reactions and numerous industrial processes. For example, if we can control various physical (density, viscosity, …) and chemical (reactivity, miscibility, …) properties of a liquid by transforming a liquid to another liquid through external fields (temperature, pressure, flow, light, …) using LLT, the impact would be dramatic. Elucidation of instability mechanisms of liquid, amorphous, and granular matter under shear deformation will allow us to theoretically predict the onset of instability (or fracture) and slipping in a confined liquid. Furthermore, if the rule governing state selection under nonequilibrium situations is clarified, it should have a large impact on our understanding of nature. In the field of soft matter, we seek to reveal how the liquid component affects the dynamics of soft matter through dynamic couplings between different levels of the structural hierarchy. The basic understanding of features common to two spatio-temporal hierarchical systems, liquid and soft matter, will eventually contribute to the creation of highly functional materials, as seen in biological systems.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・A. Furukawa and H. Tanaka, Inhomogeneous

flow and fracture of glassy materials, Nature Mater. 8, 601-609 (2009).

・H. Tanaka et al., Critical-like behaviour of glass-forming liquids, Nature Mater. 9, 324-331 (2010).

・ K. Murata and H. Tanaka, Liquid–liquid transition without macroscopic phase separation in a water–glycerol mixture, Nature Mater. 11, 436-443 (2012).

【Term of Project】FY2013-2017

【Budget Allocation】368,800 Thousand Yen

【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】 http://tanakalab.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

Fig. 1 Hierarchical structure of hard-sphere liquid

－5－

Grant-in-Aid for Specially

Promoted Research


Title of Project： Emergent Iontronics

Yoshihiro Iwasa ( The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering,

Professor ) Research Area： Solid State Physics Keyword： Surface/Interface Properties, Strongly-Correlated Electronics, Functional Devices

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Transistors and batteries are well developed devices, based on physical and chemical concepts, and play crucial roles in modern information technology. This research project is an attempt to establish an interdisciplinary science, “iontronics”, which is electronics based on ionic functions, by fusing concepts of transistors and electrochemistry.

【Research Methods】 The key concept is the electric double layer (EDL, Fig. 1), which is formed at the interface between an electric conductor and an ionic conductor (electrolyte) when voltage is applied between them. We have proposed a novel device, an electrical double layer transistor (EDLT), which is a metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors (MOSFETs), using EDL as a gate dielectric. Taking advantage of the huge capacitance and high density charge accumulation by EDL, they anticipated the ability to control electronic phases of solid surfaces, including superconductivity, ferromagnetism, and Mott transitions, by the field effect, providing a versatile concept: Field effect phase control. Other important achievements are materials/chemical developments in the electrolytes and related functional devices. All these trends strongly indicate that, to strengthen and further develop the related science and technology, this is the right time to launch a project by fusing the two streams in physics, materials, and chemistry, and establish a new interdisciplinary area, which may be called “iontronics”.


The objective of this project is to advance the science and technologies of EDLTs and establish an

interdisciplinary area of “iontronics”, by strategic collaboration between physicists, materials scientists, and chemists. The project is formed by three subjects. (1) Quantum phase control: Discovery of new states of matter and establishing the methodology for this purpose. Electric field induced control of spin-orbit interaction. (2) Materials study: Search for novel electronic and ionic conductors and their subsequent combinations. (3) Functional device: Fabrication of functional EDLTs such as phase transition FETs, flexible/stretchable/printed transistors, actuators, light-emitting electrochemical cells and high-speed EDLTs (Fig. 2).

【Publications Relevant to the Project】

“Superconducting Dome in a Gate Tuned Band Insulator”, J. T. Ye, Y. J. Zhang, R. Akashi, M. S. Bahramy, R. Arita, Y. Iwasa, Science 388, 1193-1196 (2012). “Collective bulk carrier delocalization driven by electrostatic charge accumulation”, M. Nakano, K. Shibuya, D. Okuyama, T. Hatano, S. Ono, M. Kawasaki, Y. Iwasa, Y. Tokura, Nature 487, 459-462 (2012).



【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】

http://iwasa.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp [email protected]

Figure 2 Project scheme

Figure 1 Electric double layer (EDL) formed at the interface between an electric conductor and an ionic conductor


Title of Project： Search for Muon Lepton Flavor Violation with High Intensity Muon Beam

Yoshitaka Kuno ( Osaka University, Graduate School of Science, Professor )

Research Area： Experimental Particle PhysicsKeyword： muon

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 The proposed research project is to search for a process of charged lepton flavor violation (CLFV) of muon to electron(μ-e) conversion by the first phase of the J-PARC E21 COMET experiment (COMET Phase-I), with an improved experimental sensitivity by more than hundreds. It has been confirmed that neutrinos are massive and mixed by the observation of neutrino oscillation. Therefore, lepton flavor for neutrinos is known to be violated. However, CLFV has been yet to be observed, and a discovery of CLFV is considered to be one of the most important subjects and potentially leading search in particle physics.


This research method is to construct detectors for COMET Phase-I. The detector of the COMET Phase-I is selected to be a cylindrical drift chamber (CDC) surrounding a muon-stopping target located at its center. Segmented trigger counters are placed at both the upstream and downstream ends of the CDC. The CDC is placed inside a superconducting solenoid magnet of a magnetic field of 1 T. With a total J-PARC proton beam power of 3.2 kW, about 5.8×109 stopped muons/s are expected. With a running period of 1.5×106 sec and the detector acceptance of 0.062, an expected single event sensitivity is 3.1×10-15. The background events are estimated to be 0.03 events.


The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics is known to be incomplete since it has many

self-undetermined parameters, although we have not seen any striking experimental phenomena that the SM cannot explain. The major goal of particle physics is to find new physics beyond the SM. At the high-energy frontier, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has made magnificent progress such as discovery a Higgs-like particle, but the LHC cannot find any new particles in their energy region so far. Therefore, the other approach of searching for rare process has attracted much attention recently, in particular on CLFV.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・ Y. Kuno, “A Search for Muon-to-electron

Conversion at J-PARC: The COMET Experiment”, PTEP 2013 (2013) 022C01, DOI : 10.1093/ptep/pts089

・ Y. Kuno and Y. Okada, “Muon Decay and Physics beyond the Standard Model”, Rev. Mod. Phys. 73 (2001) 151-202, DOI : 10.1103/Rev/ModPhys.73.151



【Homepage Address and Other Contact

Information】 http://mlfv.hep.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

Figure 1 Layout Figure 2 Detector

－6－


Title of Project： Emergent Iontronics

Yoshihiro Iwasa ( The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering,

Professor ) Research Area： Solid State Physics Keyword： Surface/Interface Properties, Strongly-Correlated Electronics, Functional Devices

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Transistors and batteries are well developed devices, based on physical and chemical concepts, and play crucial roles in modern information technology. This research project is an attempt to establish an interdisciplinary science, “iontronics”, which is electronics based on ionic functions, by fusing concepts of transistors and electrochemistry.

【Research Methods】 The key concept is the electric double layer (EDL, Fig. 1), which is formed at the interface between an electric conductor and an ionic conductor (electrolyte) when voltage is applied between them. We have proposed a novel device, an electrical double layer transistor (EDLT), which is a metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors (MOSFETs), using EDL as a gate dielectric. Taking advantage of the huge capacitance and high density charge accumulation by EDL, they anticipated the ability to control electronic phases of solid surfaces, including superconductivity, ferromagnetism, and Mott transitions, by the field effect, providing a versatile concept: Field effect phase control. Other important achievements are materials/chemical developments in the electrolytes and related functional devices. All these trends strongly indicate that, to strengthen and further develop the related science and technology, this is the right time to launch a project by fusing the two streams in physics, materials, and chemistry, and establish a new interdisciplinary area, which may be called “iontronics”.


The objective of this project is to advance the science and technologies of EDLTs and establish an

interdisciplinary area of “iontronics”, by strategic collaboration between physicists, materials scientists, and chemists. The project is formed by three subjects. (1) Quantum phase control: Discovery of new states of matter and establishing the methodology for this purpose. Electric field induced control of spin-orbit interaction. (2) Materials study: Search for novel electronic and ionic conductors and their subsequent combinations. (3) Functional device: Fabrication of functional EDLTs such as phase transition FETs, flexible/stretchable/printed transistors, actuators, light-emitting electrochemical cells and high-speed EDLTs (Fig. 2).


“Superconducting Dome in a Gate Tuned Band Insulator”, J. T. Ye, Y. J. Zhang, R. Akashi, M. S. Bahramy, R. Arita, Y. Iwasa, Science 388, 1193-1196 (2012). “Collective bulk carrier delocalization driven by electrostatic charge accumulation”, M. Nakano, K. Shibuya, D. Okuyama, T. Hatano, S. Ono, M. Kawasaki, Y. Iwasa, Y. Tokura, Nature 487, 459-462 (2012).



【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】

http://iwasa.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp [email protected]

Figure 2 Project scheme

Figure 1 Electric double layer (EDL) formed at the interface between an electric conductor and an ionic conductor


Title of Project： Search for Muon Lepton Flavor Violation with High Intensity Muon Beam

Yoshitaka Kuno ( Osaka University, Graduate School of Science, Professor )

Research Area： Experimental Particle PhysicsKeyword： muon

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 The proposed research project is to search for a process of charged lepton flavor violation (CLFV) of muon to electron(μ-e) conversion by the first phase of the J-PARC E21 COMET experiment (COMET Phase-I), with an improved experimental sensitivity by more than hundreds. It has been confirmed that neutrinos are massive and mixed by the observation of neutrino oscillation. Therefore, lepton flavor for neutrinos is known to be violated. However, CLFV has been yet to be observed, and a discovery of CLFV is considered to be one of the most important subjects and potentially leading search in particle physics.


This research method is to construct detectors for COMET Phase-I. The detector of the COMET Phase-I is selected to be a cylindrical drift chamber (CDC) surrounding a muon-stopping target located at its center. Segmented trigger counters are placed at both the upstream and downstream ends of the CDC. The CDC is placed inside a superconducting solenoid magnet of a magnetic field of 1 T. With a total J-PARC proton beam power of 3.2 kW, about 5.8×109 stopped muons/s are expected. With a running period of 1.5×106 sec and the detector acceptance of 0.062, an expected single event sensitivity is 3.1×10-15. The background events are estimated to be 0.03 events.


The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics is known to be incomplete since it has many

self-undetermined parameters, although we have not seen any striking experimental phenomena that the SM cannot explain. The major goal of particle physics is to find new physics beyond the SM. At the high-energy frontier, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has made magnificent progress such as discovery a Higgs-like particle, but the LHC cannot find any new particles in their energy region so far. Therefore, the other approach of searching for rare process has attracted much attention recently, in particular on CLFV.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・ Y. Kuno, “A Search for Muon-to-electron

Conversion at J-PARC: The COMET Experiment”, PTEP 2013 (2013) 022C01, DOI : 10.1093/ptep/pts089

・ Y. Kuno and Y. Okada, “Muon Decay and Physics beyond the Standard Model”, Rev. Mod. Phys. 73 (2001) 151-202, DOI : 10.1103/Rev/ModPhys.73.151




Information】 http://mlfv.hep.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

Figure 1 Layout Figure 2 Detector

－7－


Promoted Research

【Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research】 Science and Engineering (Chemistry)

Title of Project： Physically Perturbed Assembly for Tailoring High-Performance Soft Materials with Controlled Macroscopic Structural Anisotropy

Takuzo Aida (The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor)

Research Area： Chemistry Keyword： Supramolecular Chemistry, Hybrid Materials, Physical Perturbations

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 A remarkable progress in supramolecular chemistry in the last two decades now allows us to design and tailor a variety of desired nanostructures by optimizing a thermodynamic control. However, there still remains an essential missing link between molecular/nano structures and those with meso/macroscopic size regimes. This is mainly because the assembling events from “nanoscale size regimes” toward “upper hierarchical levels” suffer from an irreversible interference by numerous kinetic traps, leading to the formation of ill-defined macroscopic structures. On the other hand, in living system, many biological events rely on certain macroscopic structural anisotropies of biomaterials. Those anisotropic structures are constructed under physical perturbations such as electrical potentials, ion/fluid fluxes, osmotic pressures, and sheer forces. Having a lesson from biological assembling events, we are taking up the challenge of filling the above-mentioned “missing link” by applying physical perturbations to our highly reputed assembled motifs.

【Research Methods】 In this project, we will mainly focus attention on utilization of three chemical motifs (1)–(3), all of which require a certain structural anisotropy up to a macroscopic length scale for their practical applications. Motif (1) is the first

ferroelectric columnar liquid crystal. Motif (2) is an “aqua material” with aligned 2D nanosheets. Motif (3) is a dispersion of highly concentrated imidazolium ion-adsorbed carbon nanomaterials.


This project will cause a big paradigm shift in industrial technologies as well as basic sciences. (1) Development of ferroelectric columnar liquid crystals is remarkably important for application to low-cost, ultrahigh density organic memory devices. (2) Aqua materials having a certain structural anisotropy will pave the way for a full-fledged artificial muscles and cartilages. (3) Dispersions of highly concentrated and oriented carbon nanomaterials could allow us to fabricate conceptually new metal-free electronic devices. We apply a variety of physical perturbations to control kinetic events of the assembly of large-dimension nanostructures and achieve structural anisotropies.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・D. Miyajima et al. Ferroelectric columnar liquid

crystal featuring confined polar groups within core–shell architecture, Science 336, 209–213 (2012).

・Q. Wang et al. High-water-content mouldable hydrogels by mixing clay and a dendritic molecular binder, Nature 463, 339–343 (2010).

・ T. Fukushima et al. Molecular ordering of organic molten salts triggered by single-walled carbon nanotubes, Science 300, 2072–2075 (2003).




Information】 http://macro.chem.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp

[email protected]


Title of Project： Development of polymeric micelles for Brain-Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acid Drugs to Treat Intractable Neurological Diseases

Kazunori Kataoka (The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor )

Research Area： Nanobiotechnology, Polymer chemistryKeyword： Drug delivery systems, Nanobiomaterials, polymeric micelle, brain targeting

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 In the aging society of developed countries, strong demand is placed on the cure of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, which now affects over 200,000 people in Japan. Recent progress in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurological disorders holds promise for development of nucleic acid-based therapies that modulate disease pathways through regulation of gene expression. To this end, novel drug delivery systems (DDS) are indispensable for the successful function of these nucleic acid drugs in brain cells, such as neurons, by penetrating the tight barrier of endothelial/ependymal cell layers that protect the brain from outer environments. In this context, this research project aims to develop nano DDS that overcome the brain barrier for nucleic acid delivery to central nervous system, and further, demonstrate the efficacy of the nano DDS on the molecular therapy of neurological disorders. In particular, multifunctional block copolymers are elaborated to construct polymeric micelles featuring biocompatibility, target specificity, and stimuli responsivity for smart nucleic acid delivery (Figure 1).


This project is performed by three research groups on the molecular design, the functional assessment, and the therapeutic evaluation under the supervision of the principal investigator. The molecular design group develops multifunctional block copolymers and their self-assemblies with nucleic acids, i.e., polymeric micelles, for enhanced

blood circulation property and tissue penetrability (biocompatibility), brain cell-targeting ability (target specificity), and overcoming subcellular barriers in response to the intracellular stimuli (stimuli responsivity). The functional assessment group investigates the basic, biological functionalities of the obtained polymeric micelles using cultured brain-related cells and mice. Further, the therapeutic evaluation group optimizes the structure of therapeutic nucleic acids/targeting peptide ligands, and then, verifies the therapeutic efficacy of their polymeric micelles on murine disease models.


Accomplishment of this project will enable molecular therapy by nucleic acid drugs to cure neurological diseases, which lack established effective therapies. Furthermore, development of an approach to overcome the blood-brain barrier to deliver various bioactive compounds into the brain will certainly provide innovative contributions for the treatment of a broad scope of neurological disorders, such as brain tumors and amino acid metabolism disorders.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】 1. S. Uchida, K. Kataoka, et al. In vivo messenger

RNA introduction into the central nervous system using polyplex nanomicelle. PLoS One 8, e56220 (2013)

2. R. J. Christie, K. Kataoka, et al. Targeted polymeric micelles for siRNA treatment of experimental cancer by intravenous injection. ACS Nano 6, 5174-5189 (2012)


【Budget Allocation】427, 600 Thousand Yen


Information】 http://www.bmw.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

[email protected]

Figure 1 Polymeric micelle-based nanocarrier for smart nucleic acid delivery

－8－


Title of Project： Physically Perturbed Assembly for Tailoring High-Performance Soft Materials with Controlled Macroscopic Structural Anisotropy

Takuzo Aida (The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor)

Research Area： Chemistry Keyword： Supramolecular Chemistry, Hybrid Materials, Physical Perturbations

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 A remarkable progress in supramolecular chemistry in the last two decades now allows us to design and tailor a variety of desired nanostructures by optimizing a thermodynamic control. However, there still remains an essential missing link between molecular/nano structures and those with meso/macroscopic size regimes. This is mainly because the assembling events from “nanoscale size regimes” toward “upper hierarchical levels” suffer from an irreversible interference by numerous kinetic traps, leading to the formation of ill-defined macroscopic structures. On the other hand, in living system, many biological events rely on certain macroscopic structural anisotropies of biomaterials. Those anisotropic structures are constructed under physical perturbations such as electrical potentials, ion/fluid fluxes, osmotic pressures, and sheer forces. Having a lesson from biological assembling events, we are taking up the challenge of filling the above-mentioned “missing link” by applying physical perturbations to our highly reputed assembled motifs.

【Research Methods】 In this project, we will mainly focus attention on utilization of three chemical motifs (1)–(3), all of which require a certain structural anisotropy up to a macroscopic length scale for their practical applications. Motif (1) is the first

ferroelectric columnar liquid crystal. Motif (2) is an “aqua material” with aligned 2D nanosheets. Motif (3) is a dispersion of highly concentrated imidazolium ion-adsorbed carbon nanomaterials.


This project will cause a big paradigm shift in industrial technologies as well as basic sciences. (1) Development of ferroelectric columnar liquid crystals is remarkably important for application to low-cost, ultrahigh density organic memory devices. (2) Aqua materials having a certain structural anisotropy will pave the way for a full-fledged artificial muscles and cartilages. (3) Dispersions of highly concentrated and oriented carbon nanomaterials could allow us to fabricate conceptually new metal-free electronic devices. We apply a variety of physical perturbations to control kinetic events of the assembly of large-dimension nanostructures and achieve structural anisotropies.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・D. Miyajima et al. Ferroelectric columnar liquid

crystal featuring confined polar groups within core–shell architecture, Science 336, 209–213 (2012).

・Q. Wang et al. High-water-content mouldable hydrogels by mixing clay and a dendritic molecular binder, Nature 463, 339–343 (2010).

・ T. Fukushima et al. Molecular ordering of organic molten salts triggered by single-walled carbon nanotubes, Science 300, 2072–2075 (2003).




Information】 http://macro.chem.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp

[email protected]


Title of Project： Development of polymeric micelles for Brain-Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acid Drugs to Treat Intractable Neurological Diseases

Kazunori Kataoka (The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor )

Research Area： Nanobiotechnology, Polymer chemistryKeyword： Drug delivery systems, Nanobiomaterials, polymeric micelle, brain targeting

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 In the aging society of developed countries, strong demand is placed on the cure of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, which now affects over 200,000 people in Japan. Recent progress in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurological disorders holds promise for development of nucleic acid-based therapies that modulate disease pathways through regulation of gene expression. To this end, novel drug delivery systems (DDS) are indispensable for the successful function of these nucleic acid drugs in brain cells, such as neurons, by penetrating the tight barrier of endothelial/ependymal cell layers that protect the brain from outer environments. In this context, this research project aims to develop nano DDS that overcome the brain barrier for nucleic acid delivery to central nervous system, and further, demonstrate the efficacy of the nano DDS on the molecular therapy of neurological disorders. In particular, multifunctional block copolymers are elaborated to construct polymeric micelles featuring biocompatibility, target specificity, and stimuli responsivity for smart nucleic acid delivery (Figure 1).


This project is performed by three research groups on the molecular design, the functional assessment, and the therapeutic evaluation under the supervision of the principal investigator. The molecular design group develops multifunctional block copolymers and their self-assemblies with nucleic acids, i.e., polymeric micelles, for enhanced

blood circulation property and tissue penetrability (biocompatibility), brain cell-targeting ability (target specificity), and overcoming subcellular barriers in response to the intracellular stimuli (stimuli responsivity). The functional assessment group investigates the basic, biological functionalities of the obtained polymeric micelles using cultured brain-related cells and mice. Further, the therapeutic evaluation group optimizes the structure of therapeutic nucleic acids/targeting peptide ligands, and then, verifies the therapeutic efficacy of their polymeric micelles on murine disease models.


Accomplishment of this project will enable molecular therapy by nucleic acid drugs to cure neurological diseases, which lack established effective therapies. Furthermore, development of an approach to overcome the blood-brain barrier to deliver various bioactive compounds into the brain will certainly provide innovative contributions for the treatment of a broad scope of neurological disorders, such as brain tumors and amino acid metabolism disorders.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】 1. S. Uchida, K. Kataoka, et al. In vivo messenger

RNA introduction into the central nervous system using polyplex nanomicelle. PLoS One 8, e56220 (2013)

2. R. J. Christie, K. Kataoka, et al. Targeted polymeric micelles for siRNA treatment of experimental cancer by intravenous injection. ACS Nano 6, 5174-5189 (2012)




Information】 http://www.bmw.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

[email protected]

Figure 1 Polymeric micelle-based nanocarrier for smart nucleic acid delivery

－9－


Promoted Research


Title of Project： Chemistry of Hierarchical Coordination Space

Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University, Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Professor )

Research Area： Coordination chemistryKeyword： Porous crystal, Rational synthesis, Storage-Separation-Conversion

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Porous material is used as a thing indispensable

to a life of human beings over 3500 from ancient Egypt (activated carbon) to the present age (zeolite etc.). If novel materials are developed with porous functions (storage, separation, transformation, etc.) superior to conventional materials such as zeoltite and activated carbon, they bring innovative changes to the life of humankind. To realize the innovation, it is necessary to open up new science dealing with the synthesis, structures, and behaviors in space ranging from microscopic to macrosopic through mesoscopic scales.

We have developed new porous materials called as porous coordination polymers (PCPs) and led the world in this field. Among those materials, porous crystals with flexible nature have been developed, but they are also crystalline and can change their porous structures reversibly while retaining high regularity. To ultimately deepen and advance such soft porous functions, progress in the chemistry, which enables us to spatiotemporally control the molecular and ion recognition events, is necessary. In this research project, we focus on structural and temporal hierarchy in PCPs and consider the space in PCPs as "hierarchical coordination space”, and aim to develop new scientific fields through the finding of new phenomena and specific principle in hierarchical coordination space.

Figure 1 Hierarchical coordination space

【Research Methods】 Plan A: Ultra-precision separation and on-demand storage

Extreamly difficult targets still remain in separation. For example, our targets are (a) gas separation at ambient conditions, (b) isotope separation, and (c) selective separation of trace gases. Plan B: Chemical conversions

We develop new porous systems for chemical conversions. Our target is the development of new science and technolgy for conversions by (a) control of isomerization phenomena and (b) dynamic metal clusters installed in PCPs. Plan C: Anisotropic transport

We aim to cultivate new science to control anisotropic transport phenomena in meso and macro scales by immobilizing PCP crystals on lipid bilayer membrane and cell membrain, or by integration of PCP crystals to create membrane materials.


"Technology and science for on-demand control of small molecule" is eagerly awaited from the social demands for sustainable society. In particular, science and technology, which realize conversion of gas molecules in air or exhaust gases into valuable chemicals, have the potential to fundamentally solve the energy problem and natural resource issues.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・Y. Sakata et al. Science, 339, 193–196 (2013). ・H. Sato et al. Nat. Mater. 9, 661–666 (2010).



【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】 http://www.icems.kyoto-u.ac.jp/e/ppl/grp/ kitagawa.html

【Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research】 Science and Engineering (Engineering)

Title of Project： Integrated nano-biomechanics

Takami Yamaguchi (Tohoku University, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Emeritus)

Research Area： Biomedical engineeringKeyword： Biomechanics, computational biomechanics, experimental biomechanics,

theoretical biomechanics, biomedical engineering 【Purpose and Background of the Research】

A biological system has a hierarchical structure, consisting of molecules, cells, tissues and organs. To understand pathophysiological phenomena, we must clarify interactions from molecular to organ levels. In this project, we will establish “Integrated nano-biomechanics” for analyzing multi-scale interactions in pathophysiological phenomena. We integrate computational, theoretical, and experimental biomechanics at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. We will clarify biomechanics of diseases, including an infectious disease, malaria, cancer metastasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia etc., and will develop new methods for the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases.

【Research Methods】 We establish integrated nano-biomechanics by

a bottom-up approach from the molecular level to the organ level (Fig. 1).

Pathophysiologicalphenomena

Integrated nano‐biomechanics

Computation, Theory, Experiment

Fig. 1. Integrated nano-biomechanics

At the molecular level, we develop a numerical model of ligand-receptor bindings, based on binding kinetics measured by atomic

force microscopy, for simulating cytoadhesion of malaria-infected red blood cells. The axonemal structure of respiratory cilia is also clarified using cryo-electron tomography to numerically model ciliary motion. These models at the molecular level are extended to cellular models, such as a red blood cell model, a platelet model, a cancer cell model, and a ciliated cell model. We then simulate cytoadhesion of malaria infected red blood cells, thrombogenesis, cancer metastasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and swallowing disorders at the tissue and organ levels.


Integrated nano-biomechanics will give novel understandings of diseases from the mechanical perspective. We will be able to predict the progress of diseases on computers to provide new diagnosis and treatment methods.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・ Ueno H, Ishikawa T, Bui KH, Gonda K,

Ishikawa T, Yamaguchi T, “Mouse respiratory cilia with the asymmetric axonemal structure on sparsely distributed ciliary cells can generate overall directional flow”, Nanomedinine, 8, 1081-1087 (2012).

・Imai Y, Kobayashi I, Ishida S, Ishikawa T, Buist M, Yamaguchi T, “Antral recirculation in the stomach during gastric mixing”, Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 304, G536-G542 (2013).




Information】 http://www.pfsl.mech.tohoku.ac.jp/nanobiomech /index.html

[email protected]

－10－


Title of Project： Chemistry of Hierarchical Coordination Space

Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University, Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Professor )

Research Area： Coordination chemistryKeyword： Porous crystal, Rational synthesis, Storage-Separation-Conversion

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Porous material is used as a thing indispensable

to a life of human beings over 3500 from ancient Egypt (activated carbon) to the present age (zeolite etc.). If novel materials are developed with porous functions (storage, separation, transformation, etc.) superior to conventional materials such as zeoltite and activated carbon, they bring innovative changes to the life of humankind. To realize the innovation, it is necessary to open up new science dealing with the synthesis, structures, and behaviors in space ranging from microscopic to macrosopic through mesoscopic scales.

We have developed new porous materials called as porous coordination polymers (PCPs) and led the world in this field. Among those materials, porous crystals with flexible nature have been developed, but they are also crystalline and can change their porous structures reversibly while retaining high regularity. To ultimately deepen and advance such soft porous functions, progress in the chemistry, which enables us to spatiotemporally control the molecular and ion recognition events, is necessary. In this research project, we focus on structural and temporal hierarchy in PCPs and consider the space in PCPs as "hierarchical coordination space”, and aim to develop new scientific fields through the finding of new phenomena and specific principle in hierarchical coordination space.

Figure 1 Hierarchical coordination space

【Research Methods】 Plan A: Ultra-precision separation and on-demand storage

Extreamly difficult targets still remain in separation. For example, our targets are (a) gas separation at ambient conditions, (b) isotope separation, and (c) selective separation of trace gases. Plan B: Chemical conversions

We develop new porous systems for chemical conversions. Our target is the development of new science and technolgy for conversions by (a) control of isomerization phenomena and (b) dynamic metal clusters installed in PCPs. Plan C: Anisotropic transport

We aim to cultivate new science to control anisotropic transport phenomena in meso and macro scales by immobilizing PCP crystals on lipid bilayer membrane and cell membrain, or by integration of PCP crystals to create membrane materials.


"Technology and science for on-demand control of small molecule" is eagerly awaited from the social demands for sustainable society. In particular, science and technology, which realize conversion of gas molecules in air or exhaust gases into valuable chemicals, have the potential to fundamentally solve the energy problem and natural resource issues.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・Y. Sakata et al. Science, 339, 193–196 (2013). ・H. Sato et al. Nat. Mater. 9, 661–666 (2010).



【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】 http://www.icems.kyoto-u.ac.jp/e/ppl/grp/ kitagawa.html


Title of Project： Integrated nano-biomechanics

Takami Yamaguchi (Tohoku University, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Emeritus)

Research Area： Biomedical engineeringKeyword： Biomechanics, computational biomechanics, experimental biomechanics,

theoretical biomechanics, biomedical engineering 【Purpose and Background of the Research】

A biological system has a hierarchical structure, consisting of molecules, cells, tissues and organs. To understand pathophysiological phenomena, we must clarify interactions from molecular to organ levels. In this project, we will establish “Integrated nano-biomechanics” for analyzing multi-scale interactions in pathophysiological phenomena. We integrate computational, theoretical, and experimental biomechanics at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. We will clarify biomechanics of diseases, including an infectious disease, malaria, cancer metastasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia etc., and will develop new methods for the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of such diseases.

【Research Methods】 We establish integrated nano-biomechanics by

a bottom-up approach from the molecular level to the organ level (Fig. 1).

Pathophysiologicalphenomena

Integrated nano‐biomechanics

Computation, Theory, Experiment

Fig. 1. Integrated nano-biomechanics

At the molecular level, we develop a numerical model of ligand-receptor bindings, based on binding kinetics measured by atomic

force microscopy, for simulating cytoadhesion of malaria-infected red blood cells. The axonemal structure of respiratory cilia is also clarified using cryo-electron tomography to numerically model ciliary motion. These models at the molecular level are extended to cellular models, such as a red blood cell model, a platelet model, a cancer cell model, and a ciliated cell model. We then simulate cytoadhesion of malaria infected red blood cells, thrombogenesis, cancer metastasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and swallowing disorders at the tissue and organ levels.


Integrated nano-biomechanics will give novel understandings of diseases from the mechanical perspective. We will be able to predict the progress of diseases on computers to provide new diagnosis and treatment methods.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・ Ueno H, Ishikawa T, Bui KH, Gonda K,

Ishikawa T, Yamaguchi T, “Mouse respiratory cilia with the asymmetric axonemal structure on sparsely distributed ciliary cells can generate overall directional flow”, Nanomedinine, 8, 1081-1087 (2012).

・Imai Y, Kobayashi I, Ishida S, Ishikawa T, Buist M, Yamaguchi T, “Antral recirculation in the stomach during gastric mixing”, Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 304, G536-G542 (2013).




Information】 http://www.pfsl.mech.tohoku.ac.jp/nanobiomech /index.html

[email protected]

Science and Engineering (Engineering)

－11－


Promoted Research


Title of Project： Science and Technology for Geothermal Energy Frontier

Noriyoshi Tsuchiya ( Tohoku University, Graduate School of Environmental Studies,

Professor ) Research Area： Earth and Resource System EngineeringKeyword： Geothermal Energy, Brittle-Ductile Transition, Supercritical Geofluid

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 EGS has been highlightened as a most

promising method of geothermal development recently because of applicability to sites which have been considered to be unsuitable for geothermal development. Meanwhile, some critical problems have been experimentally identified, such as low recovery of injected water, difficulties to establish universal design/development methodology, and occurrence of large induced seismicity. Future geothermal target is supercritical and superheated geothermal fluids in and around ductile rock bodies under high temperatures. Ductile regime which is estimated beyond brittle zone is target region for future geothermal development due to high enthalpy fluids and relatively weak water-rock interaction. It is very difficult to determine exact depth of Brittle-Ductile boundary due to strong dependence of temperature (geotherm) and strain rate, however, ductile zone is considered to be developed above 400C and below 3 km in geothermal fields in Tohoku District.

【Research Methods】 Hydrothermal experiments associated with

additional advanced technology will be conducting to understand ‘Beyond brittle World’ and to develop deeper and hotter geothermal reservoir.

【Expected Research Achievements and Scientific Significance】 We propose a new concept of the engineered

geothermal development where reservoirs are created in ductile basement, expecting the following advantages: (a)simpler design and control the reservoir, (b)nearly full recovery of injected water, (c)sustainable production, (d)cost reduction by development of relatively shallower ductile zone in compression tectonic zones, (e)large quantity of energy extraction from widely distributed ductile zones, (f)establishment of universal and conceptual design/development methodology, and (g) suppression of felt earthquakes from/around the reservoirs. In ductile regime, Mesh-like fracture cloud has great potential for heat extraction between injection and production wells in spite of single and simple mega-fracture. Based on field observation and high performance hydrothermal experiments, our research goals are 1)Analysis and understanding of geothermal structure and geofluids in ductile condition of the

Japanese Island arc, 2)Fundamental technologies of drilling under ductile region for geothermal reservoir, 3) Development of geothermal reservoir simulator of two phase and multiphase flow including supercritical state through rock fracture, 4) Lab scale support for ICDP-JBBP, 5) Application of new EGS technologies to conventional geothermal fields as recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and energy crisis in Japan.


・Tsuchiya, N. and Hirano, N. (2007), ISLAND ARC, 16, 6-15. ・ Okamoto, A. *, Saishu, H., Hirano, N. & Tsuchiya, N. (2010) Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 74, 3692-3706. ・Majer, E.L., Baria, R., Stark, M., Oates, S., Bonner, J. Smith, B. & Asanuma H., (2007) Geothermics, 36, 185-222. ・Watanabe, N.*, Hirano, N. Tsuchiya, N. (2009) Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth, 114(4), B04208.

【Term of Project】FY2013-2017 【Budget Allocation】420,200 Thousand Yen 【Homepage Address and Other Contact

Information】 http://geo.kankyo.tohoku.ac.jp/oldweb/index-e. html

[email protected]

MagmaticIntrusion

Ductile

GepthermalPawer Plant

0.5-3km

B-DTransition

Natural Fracture

Brittle

Natural Fracture

JBBPType-Ⅰ

Bey

ond

Brit

tle

Type I

Type II

150 C

200 C

300 C

400 C

500 C

Deeper Extensionof ConventinalReservoirTemp. 350-400CDepth ~3000m

JBBPType-II

Isolated ArtificialFracturesTemp.　~500CDepth ~4000m

Temp.

GeothermalReservoir

Tem. 200-300CDepth 1000-2000m

Brit

tle

Supe

rcrit

ical

Heat

Con

duct

ion

Hydr

othe

rmal

Con

vect

ion

Subc

ritica

l

Depth 2-5 km

ConventionalGeothermal

Reservoir

Asei

smic

Seism

ogen

ic（Ro

ck M

echa

nics

）（

Earth

quak

e）（

Geofl

uid）

）refsnarTtaeH（

Injection andStimulatedReservoir

Three Principal Elements for]Geothermal

Heat SourceFractureFluid

EGS in Brittle

Lost circulationSite DependentScale ProblemsInduced seismicity


Title of Project： Measurement of animal/cell motion using MEMS multi axis force sensor

Isao Shimoyama ( The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Information

Science and Technology, Professor ) Research Area： Engineering Keyword： MEMS, NEMS, Bio Mechanics

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Living systems, from single cell to animals, can move by exerting forces to an environment and receiving reactive-forces from it. These stable locomotion of living systems provide a wealth of hints for locomotion of man-made objects. From this point, the explication of biological locomotion is a significant scientific theme. It becomes critical to measure forces acting between the interfaces of living systems and the environment surrounding them, in order to create dynamic models of biological locomotion. However, it is difficult to measure the force vector without influencing the interfacial dynamics environment. Researchers cannot create accurate dynamic models of biological locomotion. The purpose of this research is to measure distributions of force vectors occurred at the biological locomotion without disturbing the surrounding dynamics environment of the living systems by using a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) multi-axial force sensor. By exploiting the MEMS sensors’ miniature size, we can measure force vector distributions without disturbing an interfacial dynamics environment between the living systems and the environments.

【Research Methods】 To measure force vectors produced by locomotion of living systems, we create MEMS multi-axis force sensors whose size, shape, and sensitivity is appropriate for the target living systems. By using these sensors, we measure the forces acting on the interfaces between the living system and the environment to build an accurate dynamic model to elucidate the mechanisms of a biological locomotion. In this project, we analyze the locomotion of three living systems; cells which is a minimum unit of the living systems, micro-meter size insects, and bipedal humans. These living systems can be said to be representative examples of locomotion who utilize interactive forces between their surface and the environment. Thus, they are appropriate samples for experimental study. By analyzing the mechanisms of locomotion of various scales, from those of cells to human

beings, we elucidate living systems’ superior locomotive functions and their ability to control locomotion.


Our original MEMS multi-axis force sensors, the key of our research, enables to measure wide range forces; the µN-order forces applied to µm-order size single cells, the mN-order forces occur around the mm-order size insects, and the N- to kN-order forces produced by humans. The comprehensive dynamic models of the biological locomotion can be built-up as results of this project. For example, a real-time analysis of a force distribution at an interface between a cellular membrane and its contact surface when a cell moves, a construction of a dynamic model of an insect flight's rapid transition, and an analysis of a slippage at a human walking.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・H. Takahashi, I. Shimoyama et al., “A triaxial tactile sensor without crosstalk using pairs of piezoresistive beams with sidewall doping,” Sens. Actuator A-Phys., vol. 199, pp. 43-48, 2013. ・T. Kan, I. Shimoyama et al., “Design of a piezoresistive triaxial force sensor probe using the sidewall doping method,” J. Micromech. Microeng., vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 035027, 2013. ・T. Itabashi, I Shimoyama, S. Ishiwata et al., “Mechanical impulses can control metaphase progression in a mammalian cell,” PNAS, vol. 109, no. 19, pp. 7320-7325, 2012.



【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】 http://www.leopard.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/


－12－


Title of Project： Science and Technology for Geothermal Energy Frontier

Noriyoshi Tsuchiya ( Tohoku University, Graduate School of Environmental Studies,

Professor ) Research Area： Earth and Resource System EngineeringKeyword： Geothermal Energy, Brittle-Ductile Transition, Supercritical Geofluid

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 EGS has been highlightened as a most

promising method of geothermal development recently because of applicability to sites which have been considered to be unsuitable for geothermal development. Meanwhile, some critical problems have been experimentally identified, such as low recovery of injected water, difficulties to establish universal design/development methodology, and occurrence of large induced seismicity. Future geothermal target is supercritical and superheated geothermal fluids in and around ductile rock bodies under high temperatures. Ductile regime which is estimated beyond brittle zone is target region for future geothermal development due to high enthalpy fluids and relatively weak water-rock interaction. It is very difficult to determine exact depth of Brittle-Ductile boundary due to strong dependence of temperature (geotherm) and strain rate, however, ductile zone is considered to be developed above 400C and below 3 km in geothermal fields in Tohoku District.

【Research Methods】 Hydrothermal experiments associated with

additional advanced technology will be conducting to understand ‘Beyond brittle World’ and to develop deeper and hotter geothermal reservoir.

【Expected Research Achievements and Scientific Significance】 We propose a new concept of the engineered

geothermal development where reservoirs are created in ductile basement, expecting the following advantages: (a)simpler design and control the reservoir, (b)nearly full recovery of injected water, (c)sustainable production, (d)cost reduction by development of relatively shallower ductile zone in compression tectonic zones, (e)large quantity of energy extraction from widely distributed ductile zones, (f)establishment of universal and conceptual design/development methodology, and (g) suppression of felt earthquakes from/around the reservoirs. In ductile regime, Mesh-like fracture cloud has great potential for heat extraction between injection and production wells in spite of single and simple mega-fracture. Based on field observation and high performance hydrothermal experiments, our research goals are 1)Analysis and understanding of geothermal structure and geofluids in ductile condition of the

Japanese Island arc, 2)Fundamental technologies of drilling under ductile region for geothermal reservoir, 3) Development of geothermal reservoir simulator of two phase and multiphase flow including supercritical state through rock fracture, 4) Lab scale support for ICDP-JBBP, 5) Application of new EGS technologies to conventional geothermal fields as recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and energy crisis in Japan.


・Tsuchiya, N. and Hirano, N. (2007), ISLAND ARC, 16, 6-15. ・ Okamoto, A. *, Saishu, H., Hirano, N. & Tsuchiya, N. (2010) Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 74, 3692-3706. ・Majer, E.L., Baria, R., Stark, M., Oates, S., Bonner, J. Smith, B. & Asanuma H., (2007) Geothermics, 36, 185-222. ・Watanabe, N.*, Hirano, N. Tsuchiya, N. (2009) Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth, 114(4), B04208.

【Term of Project】FY2013-2017 【Budget Allocation】420,200 Thousand Yen 【Homepage Address and Other Contact

Information】 http://geo.kankyo.tohoku.ac.jp/oldweb/index-e. html

[email protected]

MagmaticIntrusion

Ductile

GepthermalPawer Plant

0.5-3km

B-DTransition

Natural Fracture

Brittle

Natural Fracture

JBBPType-Ⅰ

Bey

ond

Brit

tle

Type I

Type II

150 C

200 C

300 C

400 C

500 C

Deeper Extensionof ConventinalReservoirTemp. 350-400CDepth ~3000m

JBBPType-II

Isolated ArtificialFracturesTemp.　~500CDepth ~4000m

Temp.

GeothermalReservoir

Tem. 200-300CDepth 1000-2000m

Brit

tle

Supe

rcrit

ical

Heat

Con

duct

ion

Hydr

othe

rmal

Con

vect

ion

Subc

ritica

l

Depth 2-5 km

ConventionalGeothermal

Reservoir

Asei

smic

Seism

ogen

ic（Ro

ck M

echa

nics

）（

Earth

quak

e）（

Geofl

uid）

）refsnarTtaeH（

Injection andStimulatedReservoir

Three Principal Elements for]Geothermal

Heat SourceFractureFluid

EGS in Brittle

Lost circulationSite DependentScale ProblemsInduced seismicity


Title of Project： Measurement of animal/cell motion using MEMS multi axis force sensor

Isao Shimoyama ( The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Information

Science and Technology, Professor ) Research Area： Engineering Keyword： MEMS, NEMS, Bio Mechanics

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 Living systems, from single cell to animals, can move by exerting forces to an environment and receiving reactive-forces from it. These stable locomotion of living systems provide a wealth of hints for locomotion of man-made objects. From this point, the explication of biological locomotion is a significant scientific theme. It becomes critical to measure forces acting between the interfaces of living systems and the environment surrounding them, in order to create dynamic models of biological locomotion. However, it is difficult to measure the force vector without influencing the interfacial dynamics environment. Researchers cannot create accurate dynamic models of biological locomotion. The purpose of this research is to measure distributions of force vectors occurred at the biological locomotion without disturbing the surrounding dynamics environment of the living systems by using a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) multi-axial force sensor. By exploiting the MEMS sensors’ miniature size, we can measure force vector distributions without disturbing an interfacial dynamics environment between the living systems and the environments.

【Research Methods】 To measure force vectors produced by locomotion of living systems, we create MEMS multi-axis force sensors whose size, shape, and sensitivity is appropriate for the target living systems. By using these sensors, we measure the forces acting on the interfaces between the living system and the environment to build an accurate dynamic model to elucidate the mechanisms of a biological locomotion. In this project, we analyze the locomotion of three living systems; cells which is a minimum unit of the living systems, micro-meter size insects, and bipedal humans. These living systems can be said to be representative examples of locomotion who utilize interactive forces between their surface and the environment. Thus, they are appropriate samples for experimental study. By analyzing the mechanisms of locomotion of various scales, from those of cells to human

beings, we elucidate living systems’ superior locomotive functions and their ability to control locomotion.


Our original MEMS multi-axis force sensors, the key of our research, enables to measure wide range forces; the µN-order forces applied to µm-order size single cells, the mN-order forces occur around the mm-order size insects, and the N- to kN-order forces produced by humans. The comprehensive dynamic models of the biological locomotion can be built-up as results of this project. For example, a real-time analysis of a force distribution at an interface between a cellular membrane and its contact surface when a cell moves, a construction of a dynamic model of an insect flight's rapid transition, and an analysis of a slippage at a human walking.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・H. Takahashi, I. Shimoyama et al., “A triaxial tactile sensor without crosstalk using pairs of piezoresistive beams with sidewall doping,” Sens. Actuator A-Phys., vol. 199, pp. 43-48, 2013. ・T. Kan, I. Shimoyama et al., “Design of a piezoresistive triaxial force sensor probe using the sidewall doping method,” J. Micromech. Microeng., vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 035027, 2013. ・T. Itabashi, I Shimoyama, S. Ishiwata et al., “Mechanical impulses can control metaphase progression in a mammalian cell,” PNAS, vol. 109, no. 19, pp. 7320-7325, 2012.



【Homepage Address and Other Contact Information】 http://www.leopard.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/


－13－


Promoted Research


Title of Project： Physics of highly polarized semiconductors and their application to deep ultraviolet light emitting devices

Hiroshi Amano ( Nagoya University, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor )

Research Area： Electronic materials/Electric materialsKeyword： Electrical and electronic materials

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 This proposal is aimed at expanding the

application of nitride-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) not only to low power processes, such as the distinction of counterfeit bills, printing, and sterilization, but also to high-power processes, such as water purification in a filtration plant.

Currently, the project members are seeking a novel concept not only to control polarization charges and drift current, but also to make the most of the polarization charges and electric field used for the injection of more holes into the active layer. The novel concept in principle is a newly developed band engineering in semiconductor device with an inclusion of the polarization effects. Nitride semiconductors having strong polarization have aroused academic curiosity as "polarized semiconductor" devices. The project will surely provide a considerable amount of information for developing new devices.

【Research Methods】 The project members will focus on the following

points. -Growth of high-quality and DUV transparent

bulk AlN growth by using needle crystal as a seed and HVPE method

-Fabrication of low resistive and highly transparent graphene electrode for p-AlGaN

-Development of polarized semiconductor physics for device design

Final goal is the understanding and establishment of design rule for polarized semiconductor devices and the realization of high output power DUV LEDs for large scale water purification plant, superfine lithography, printing, air purification, and energy storage by hydrogen generation.


Scientific Significance】 The project will provide watt-class power

palm-top DUV light sources. Such light sources are expected to be developed as germicidal and

purification applications in the medical, agricultural, and environmental fields, resulting in much higher security and safety in human society. Examples of application are summarized in Fig.1.

This project is also focused on establishing the new physics called "device physics on polarized semiconductors". Another important scientific significance is to utilize graphene as a transparent electrode for p-type AlGaN.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・ T. Takeuchi, S. Sota, H. Amano et al.,

“Quantum-Confined Stark Effect due to Piezoelectric Fields in GaInN Strained Quantum Wells”, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 36, L382-L385(1997).

・C. Pernot, M. Kim, H. Amano et al., “Improved Efficiency of 255-280 nm AlGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes”, Appl. Phys. Exp., 3, 061004-1-3(2010).




Information】 http://www.semicond.nuee.nagoya-u.ac.jp/index.html [email protected]

400

320

280

100

200

Visible

UV A

UV B

UV C

Wavelength [nm]

UV Printer

Dermatology

UV CureCounterfeit money detector

mW W

Waterpurification

Water purification plant

KW

Air purification and sterilization

Fig. 1 Expected applications of solid-state UV/DUV light sources with different output powers and emission wavelengths.


Title of Project： Fracture mechanics in single digit nanometer scale

Takayuki Kitamura ( Kyoto University, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor )

Research Area： Engineering Keyword： Fracture, Nano/Micro material mechanics, Material design/Process/Mechanical

properties/Evaluation 【Purpose and Background of the Research】

Since recent dramatic advances in nanotechnology utilizing the intriguing functionalities of nano-components (e.g., semiconductor-, optical- and bio-devices) have drawn much attention, high reliability is one of the most important requirements. In such nano-components, the concentrated inhomogeneous deformation field, which brings about the fracture, must be extremely confined to single digit nanometer scale (1-10 nm).

For macro-scale components, the fracture mechanics and criteria have been well established. However, the applicability to the local “fracture” in the single digit nanometer scale is questionable. A new concept might be necessary for the fracture mechanics.

The primary importance of this project is to understand the fracture mechanics and mechanism in nano-components with the single digit nanometer scale deformation concentration.

The final goal of this project is to develop the methodology of fracture experiments, and to establish “Nanoscale Fracture Mechanics” for a local deformation field further confined to “1-10 nm” by the experimental observations and atomic-and-electronic-level simulations.

【Research Methods】 This project covers a variety of advances and

challenging developments in experimental techniques, such as the handling and manipulation of nano-components and the detection and control of light load, etc. (Fig.1 : our proposed system) One

of the most important issues in this project is the direct measurement of the displacement in the single digit nanometer scale. (Fig. 2: experimental techniques for directly observing the atomic positions and extraction of strain field near a dislocation). The measurement of single-digit nanometer-scale displacement (strain) field can be achieved by applying the applicant’s techniques.


The targets of this project is (1) to establish the experimental technique on the fracture testing in the single digit nanometer scale strain concentration, and, (2) to understand the mechanics of fracture phenomenon in the nanometer scale. These bring a new frontier in the “fracture mechanics” and contribute to the reliability of nano-components.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・T. Kitamura, H. Hirakata, T. Sumigawa, T.

Shimada, "Fracture Nanomechanics" (ISBN: 978-9814241830), Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd., 297 pages (2011).

・T. Sumigawa and T. Kitamura, Chapter 20 "In-Situ Mechanical Testing of Nano-Component in TEM", "The Transmission Electron Microscope", Dr. Khan Maaz (Ed.) (ISBN 978-953-51-0450-6), Intech, pp.355-380 (2012).


Information】 http://kitamura-lab.p1.bindsite.jp/kyoto-u/

Fig. 2 (a) Strain concentration field around a dislocation (HAADF image), and (b) a nanomaterial with a notch.

Fig. 1 In-situ observation system on single digit nanoscale deformation field.

－14－


Title of Project： Physics of highly polarized semiconductors and their application to deep ultraviolet light emitting devices

Hiroshi Amano ( Nagoya University, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor )

Research Area： Electronic materials/Electric materialsKeyword： Electrical and electronic materials

【Purpose and Background of the Research】 This proposal is aimed at expanding the

application of nitride-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) not only to low power processes, such as the distinction of counterfeit bills, printing, and sterilization, but also to high-power processes, such as water purification in a filtration plant.

Currently, the project members are seeking a novel concept not only to control polarization charges and drift current, but also to make the most of the polarization charges and electric field used for the injection of more holes into the active layer. The novel concept in principle is a newly developed band engineering in semiconductor device with an inclusion of the polarization effects. Nitride semiconductors having strong polarization have aroused academic curiosity as "polarized semiconductor" devices. The project will surely provide a considerable amount of information for developing new devices.

【Research Methods】 The project members will focus on the following

points. -Growth of high-quality and DUV transparent

bulk AlN growth by using needle crystal as a seed and HVPE method

-Fabrication of low resistive and highly transparent graphene electrode for p-AlGaN

-Development of polarized semiconductor physics for device design

Final goal is the understanding and establishment of design rule for polarized semiconductor devices and the realization of high output power DUV LEDs for large scale water purification plant, superfine lithography, printing, air purification, and energy storage by hydrogen generation.


Scientific Significance】 The project will provide watt-class power

palm-top DUV light sources. Such light sources are expected to be developed as germicidal and

purification applications in the medical, agricultural, and environmental fields, resulting in much higher security and safety in human society. Examples of application are summarized in Fig.1.

This project is also focused on establishing the new physics called "device physics on polarized semiconductors". Another important scientific significance is to utilize graphene as a transparent electrode for p-type AlGaN.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・ T. Takeuchi, S. Sota, H. Amano et al.,

“Quantum-Confined Stark Effect due to Piezoelectric Fields in GaInN Strained Quantum Wells”, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 36, L382-L385(1997).

・C. Pernot, M. Kim, H. Amano et al., “Improved Efficiency of 255-280 nm AlGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes”, Appl. Phys. Exp., 3, 061004-1-3(2010).




Information】 http://www.semicond.nuee.nagoya-u.ac.jp/index.html [email protected]

400

320

280

100

200

Visible

UV A

UV B

UV C

Wavelength [nm]

UV Printer

Dermatology

UV CureCounterfeit money detector

mW W

Waterpurification

Water purification plant

KW

Air purification and sterilization

Fig. 1 Expected applications of solid-state UV/DUV light sources with different output powers and emission wavelengths.


Title of Project： Fracture mechanics in single digit nanometer scale

Takayuki Kitamura ( Kyoto University, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor )

Research Area： Engineering Keyword： Fracture, Nano/Micro material mechanics, Material design/Process/Mechanical

properties/Evaluation 【Purpose and Background of the Research】

Since recent dramatic advances in nanotechnology utilizing the intriguing functionalities of nano-components (e.g., semiconductor-, optical- and bio-devices) have drawn much attention, high reliability is one of the most important requirements. In such nano-components, the concentrated inhomogeneous deformation field, which brings about the fracture, must be extremely confined to single digit nanometer scale (1-10 nm).

For macro-scale components, the fracture mechanics and criteria have been well established. However, the applicability to the local “fracture” in the single digit nanometer scale is questionable. A new concept might be necessary for the fracture mechanics.

The primary importance of this project is to understand the fracture mechanics and mechanism in nano-components with the single digit nanometer scale deformation concentration.

The final goal of this project is to develop the methodology of fracture experiments, and to establish “Nanoscale Fracture Mechanics” for a local deformation field further confined to “1-10 nm” by the experimental observations and atomic-and-electronic-level simulations.

【Research Methods】 This project covers a variety of advances and

challenging developments in experimental techniques, such as the handling and manipulation of nano-components and the detection and control of light load, etc. (Fig.1 : our proposed system) One

of the most important issues in this project is the direct measurement of the displacement in the single digit nanometer scale. (Fig. 2: experimental techniques for directly observing the atomic positions and extraction of strain field near a dislocation). The measurement of single-digit nanometer-scale displacement (strain) field can be achieved by applying the applicant’s techniques.


The targets of this project is (1) to establish the experimental technique on the fracture testing in the single digit nanometer scale strain concentration, and, (2) to understand the mechanics of fracture phenomenon in the nanometer scale. These bring a new frontier in the “fracture mechanics” and contribute to the reliability of nano-components.

【Publications Relevant to the Project】・T. Kitamura, H. Hirakata, T. Sumigawa, T.

Shimada, "Fracture Nanomechanics" (ISBN: 978-9814241830), Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd., 297 pages (2011).

・T. Sumigawa and T. Kitamura, Chapter 20 "In-Situ Mechanical Testing of Nano-Component in TEM", "The Transmission Electron Microscope", Dr. Khan Maaz (Ed.) (ISBN 978-953-51-0450-6), Intech, pp.355-380 (2012).


Information】 http://kitamura-lab.p1.bindsite.jp/kyoto-u/

Fig. 2 (a) Strain concentration field around a dislocation (HAADF image), and (b) a nanomaterial with a notch.

Fig. 1 In-situ observation system on single digit nanoscale deformation field.

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