Article
Microscopy
Misa Hayashida, Marek Malac, Jun Yamasaki
Summary: Bright-field transmission electron microscope (BFTEM) images exhibit spurious image intensity near the sample edge, which can be explained by considering the angular and energy loss distribution of the scattered electrons and lens aberrations. The spurious intensity can be significantly reduced by using electron energy filtering or a small collection semiangle.
Article
Optics
Ryoichi Horisaki, Kunihiko Ehira, Yohei Nishizaki, Makoto Naruse, Jun Tanida
Summary: This paper presents a technique for digital optical phase conjugation through scattering media using spatially and temporally incoherent light. The method eliminates the need for light coherence and interferometric measurement, and includes a method for suppressing background noise.
Article
Optics
Tetsuya Hoshino, Saswatee Banerjee, Sadao Aoki, Masahide Itoh
Summary: Reflectivity is useful for evaluating the extinction coefficient but sensitive to refractive index structure. A novel method using RCWA to assess the influence of structure on reflectivity was proposed and applied to analyze the reflectivity of rhodamine B dye. The reflection-absorption spectrum of the film was significantly influenced by its surface and internal structure.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Samadhi Nawalage, Pathum Wathudura, Ankai Wang, Max Wamsley, Shengli Zou, Dongmao Zhang
Summary: This article discusses the effects of light scattering on the experimental quantification of sample absorption, scattering, and emission intensities, as well as scattering and emission depolarization. The study uses polystyrene nanoparticles of different sizes to explore these effects. The insights gained from this study are crucial for understanding the strengths and limitations of scattering-based techniques for material characterization.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatsuhito Matsuo, Alessio De Francesco, Judith Peters
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of two polymorphic fibrils of hen egg white lysozyme, a model for human lysozyme, formed at pH 2.7 and pH 6.0 using neutron scattering techniques. The results show that the pH 6.0 polymorph exhibits higher molecular flexibility and faster diffusive motions compared to the pH 2.7 polymorph.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Christian Katlein, Lovro Valcic, Simon Lambert-Girard, Mario Hoppmann
Summary: The study focuses on the radiative transfer of solar radiation through polar sea ice, providing insights into key processes in climate and ecosystem models. By deploying a new instrument in the sea ice, researchers obtained vertically resolved light measurements of radiative transfer processes, revealing the spatiotemporal aspects of radiation transfer within the sea ice itself.
Article
Optics
Angika Bulbul, Joseph Rosen
Summary: The proposed imaging system with optical incoherent synthetic aperture achieves higher resolution through self-interference technique, overcoming the limitation of two-wave interference and has potential applications in astronomical interferometers.
PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiang Fu, Kaiming Luo, Yu Song, Meng Zhang, Su Zhang, Juntong Zhan, Jing Duan, Yingchao Li
Summary: Sea fog, a type of aerosol, poses hidden risks to ship navigation, ocean exploration, and human life. This research investigated the polarization transmission properties in a sea fog environment, and found that as sea fog concentration increases, light shows evident depolarization. Circularly polarized light has better polarization-maintaining properties compared to linearly polarized light. The penetrating impact of incoming light improves with increasing wavelength, and the salt content in sea fog affects the degree of polarization.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Laszlo Temleitner, Laszlo Pusztai, Gabriel J. Cuello, Anne Stunault
Summary: This article demonstrates how neutron diffraction with polarization analysis can be used to accurately determine the coherent static structure factor of disordered materials containing large amounts of proton nuclei. The focus is on incoherent scattering, which poses challenges in processing neutron diffraction data from hydrogenous materials. Incoherent scattering intensities for liquid acetone, cyclohexane, methanol, and water are reported, along with variations due to the changing chemical environment. The study also measures incoherent intensities as a function of the incident neutron beam wavelength for certain water samples. The results show that the incoherent intensity can be described by a single Gaussian function, with the width of the Gaussians depending on the applied wavelength and unaffected by the bonding environments of hydrogen atoms.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuexi Yan, Yixiao Jiang, Qianqian Jin, Tingting Yao, Weizhen Wang, Ang Tao, Chunyang Gao, Xiang Li, Chunlin Chen, Hengqiang Ye, Xiu-Liang Ma
Summary: By combining transmission electron microscopy, first-principles calculations, and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, we demonstrate unexpected strong interfacial interactions at the incoherent AlN/Al2O3 (0001) interface with a large mismatch, which result in the formation of misfit dislocation networks and stacking faults rarely observed at other incoherent interfaces. The strong interfacial interactions significantly tailor the interfacial atomic structure and electronic properties, leading to a reduced band gap and strong interfacial ultraviolet light emission. These findings suggest the potential of incoherent interfaces in developing novel heterojunction materials and devices.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Marco Leonetti, Luca Leuzzi, Giancarlo Ruocco
Summary: This study introduces a new digital-micromirror based binary-phase wavefront shaping technique, which allows the measurement of the full coupling matrix of a disordered medium without a reference and enables focusing transmitted light.
Article
Engineering, Marine
H. P. Nguyen, H. Liang, V. H. Luong
Summary: This paper presents a Finite Element - Dual Boundary Element Method (FE-DBEM) for hydroelastic analysis of very large floating structures protected by vertical perforated barrier. The structure and barrier are modelled based on the shell theory, while the linear potential flow theory is employed for modelling wave structure interactions. The proposed method is validated by comparing with published experimental and mathematical results.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chen Hu, Bin Luo, Wei Pan, Lianshan Yan, Xihua Zou
Summary: A method to suppress scattering noise in a single laser system is proposed in this work, by using a narrow-band optical filter to suppress the carrier of scattering light, significantly reducing the noise in the signal. Experimental results show that stable transmission of a 5GHz RF signal can be achieved over a 50km single mode fiber.
IEEE PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Daniel C. Luenemann, Anitta R. Thomas, Jingjing Xu, Rabea Bartoelke, Henrik Mouritsen, Antonietta De Sio, Christoph Lienau
Summary: The study demonstrates that the separation of incoherent emission signals from coherent light scattering can be easily achieved using highly stable common-path interferometers for both excitation and detection. This approach has been successfully applied to suppress scattering from FAD and Cry4, showing potential benefits for fluorescence lifetime or Raman-based imaging and spectroscopy.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gwendylan A. Turner, Yechan Hwang, Jiayue Rong, Camila Strachan, Garth J. Simpson
Summary: An analytical theory is proposed to predict remarkably large electric-dipole-allowed circular dichroism (CD) in electronic ultraviolet-visible absorbance spectroscopy. The theory suggests that partial depolarization of the transmitted beam provides a pathway for surface-specific and chiral-specific dissymmetry parameters. Ab initio quantum chemical calculations are used to generate predictions that align with experimental measurements. These results connect molecular structure and orientation to the observed CD in oriented thin-film assemblies.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yoko Iwamiya, Masayoshi Kawai, Daisuke Nishio-Hamane, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Zenji Hiroi
Summary: A novel coating technique enables paper to be used as a plastic alternative with water resistance and durability, while maintaining its original texture and flexibility. The organic-inorganic hybrid materials obtained can replace many plastic products and are easily decomposed in the natural environment without causing pollution.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Maria Yokota, Takumi Kusano, Mikiya Mori, Katsuharu Okuda, Takuro Matsunaga
Summary: In this study, a novel press cell was developed for in-situ observation of the internal structure of powder materials using synchrotron-radiation computed laminography technique. The press cell was capable of compressing powder beds at pressures up to 100 MPa, and clear reconstructed images were obtained under compression pressure. By analyzing the obtained three-dimensional reconstructed images, changes in contact number and area between particles, as well as thickness and tortuosity of percolation path, were clarified.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wataru Yoshimune, Akira Kuwaki, Takumi Kusano, Takuro Matsunaga, Hiroshi Nakamura
Summary: Shape-controlled platinum nanoparticles with high oxygen reduction activity were synthesized using organic surfactants as a soft template in oleylamine. In situ experiments revealed the formation of anisotropic rod-shaped nanoparticles with different shapes appearing during the reaction process. The aspect ratio of the platinum nanoparticles was found to be correlated with the packing motifs of surfactant molecules, indicating the importance of interfacial structure in controlling nanoparticle shape and optimizing fuel cell performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Vladimir Yu Rudyak, Xiang Li, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Georgy S. Peters, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Irina R. Nasimova, Alexander Chertovich
Summary: Polymer stimuli-responsive microgels are used in various applications, with interpenetrating network (IPN) microgels showing non-uniform inner architecture and microphase separation in selective solvent conditions. This study utilized static light scattering (SLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to investigate the structure factors of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyacrylic acid IPN microgels, revealing microphase separation and proposing a microstructured sphere model for interpretation. Additional analysis and verification were done through coarse-grained molecular dynamics computer simulations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takumi Kusano, Naomi Kumano, Wataru Yoshimune, Toshihisa Munekata, Takuro Matsunaga, Masashi Harada
Summary: The study examined the impact of polymer adsorption on the dispersion stability of nanoparticles through small-angle scattering techniques, revealing significant differences in the adsorption structures of PAAm and PEO on the silica particles, resulting in changes in the interaction potential between nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Naoki Hasegawa, Atsushi Kamiya, Takuro Matsunaga, Naoki Kitano, Masashi Harada
Summary: This study examines the addition of propylene glycol to catalyst ink to reduce cracks in the catalyst layer, and experimentally clarifies the relationship between solvent composition changes and Pt/C particle dispersion during the drying process. Analysis using methods such as 1H NMR, laser microscopy, and ultra-small angle X-ray scattering indicates that propylene glycol suppresses Pt/C particle agglomeration and inhibits crack formation in the catalyst layer.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yoko Iwamiya, Daisuke Nishio-Hamane, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Zenji Hiroi
Summary: We have developed a simple technique to coat paper with a silica-resin composite, which addresses the weaknesses of paper such as lack of water resistance and strength. The coating film, containing finely dispersed anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, exhibits moderate photocatalytic effects and antibacterial activity. Additionally, the porous silica-resin film has a high adsorptive capacity and efficiently captures and decomposes organic pollutants. The stable silica-resin-TiO2 composite coating transforms paper into an excellent plastic substitute with enhanced functionality.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Takuma Kureha, Masashi Ohira, Yuki Takahashi, Xiang Li, Elliot P. Gilbert, Mitsuhiro Shibayama
Summary: The nanostructures of temperature-responsive and biocompatible gels were investigated using small-angle neutron scattering. The behavior of these gels was dependent on the copolymerization ratio, with the swollen gels exhibiting characteristic peaks in the SANS profiles. The long hydrophilic side chains acted as a cushioning material between the domains, while the domains were randomly distributed in the other gel type. The results of this study have implications for controlling the physical properties and structures of hydrogels for advanced applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiaki Tsutsumi-Arai, Yoko Iwamiya, Reiko Hoshino, Chika Terada-Ito, Shunsuke Sejima, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Zenji Hiroi, Reiko Tokuyama-Toda, Ryugo Iwamiya, Kouhei Ijichi, Toshie Chiba, Kazuhito Satomura
Summary: The study found that applying silica-resin coating technology to the non-woven fabric filters in masks can effectively load antimicrobial agents, thereby preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. This technology also has the potential to make significant breakthroughs in various fields, including infection prevention, building aging prevention, cultural property protection, realization of a plastic-free society, and environmental pollution prevention.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Satoshi Nogami, Kazunori Kadota, Hiromasa Uchiyama, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Yuichi Tozuka
Summary: This study evaluated the drug diffusion behavior and kinetics of gelatin hydrogels prepared with polymers. The results showed that gelatin was homogeneously mixed with HPMCP or Eudragit((R)) but not with other polymers. The release rate of nizatidine from gelatin/HPMCP hydrogels was inhibited compared to gelatin/Eudragit((R)) hydrogels at pH 1.2. The drug diffusion mechanism of the gelatin/HPMCP hydrogel formulations was identified using four kinetic models.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masashi Ohira, Shintaro Nakagawa, Ryotaro Sampei, Takako Noritomi, Takamasa Sakai, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Xiang Li
Summary: Polymer crystallization significantly alters the physical properties of polymeric materials. However, little research has been done on crystallization in polymer networks. This study investigated the crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) networks made from well-defined branched precursors. The results showed that network formation had a smaller effect on crystallization compared to the bulky end-groups in uncrosslinked polymers. The primary parameter that influenced crystallization in the PEG networks was the molecular weight of the precursor PEG, or the chain length between junctions.
Article
Polymer Science
Motoki Shibata, Yohei Nakanishi, Jun Abe, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Hiroki Iwase, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Ryuhei Motokawa, Takayuki Kumada, Shin-ichi Takata, Katsuhiro Yamamoto, Mikihito Takenaka, Tsukasa Miyazaki
Summary: Microplastic pollution is causing degradation of marine ecosystems. Decomposition of plastic using near critical or supercritical water is a promising method to remove microplastics. This study investigated the decomposition processes of polystyrene particles in deuterated water under near critical or supercritical conditions and observed the changes in material structure.
Article
Polymer Science
Di Jia, Yui Tsuji, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Murugappan Muthukumar
Summary: When long polymers are trapped in multiple entropic traps created by hydrogels, they are frozen into a nondiffusive topologically frustrated dynamical state (TFDS). The center of mass diffusion coefficient is zero in the TFDS regime, but the segmental dynamics of the macromolecule is active. It is found that the polydispersity in the number of monomers in the entropic traps is caused by conformational fluctuations.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Chiaki Tsutsumi-Arai, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Yoko Iwamiya, Chika Terada-Ito, Zenji Hiroi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Kazuhito Satomura
Summary: This study investigated the surface characteristics of a denture base coating containing hinokitiol and its effect on Candida albicans adhesion and growth. The results showed that the hinokitiol coating had lower CFU and higher stability compared to the control group, and exhibited improved surface characteristics.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Yokota, Takuro Matsunaga
Summary: This study using X-ray computed laminography technique investigated the structure of unpressed and pressed electrodes and their relationship with the performance of all-solid-state batteries. The results showed significantly increased packing fraction in the cathode layer after pressing, especially near the surface. Furthermore, it was found that the performance bottleneck is caused by the local layer with the smallest packing fraction.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES ADVANCES
(2021)
