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"S" Researcher: 22
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New Ground Injection Material Using Calcium Phosphate
Ground-solidifying calcium phosphate compound, a major component of the teeth and bones of living organisms in nature, is an innovative low environmental impact injection material.
Focusing on calcium phosphate compounds (CPC) as a new cementing material for geotechnical grouting, we have investigated the optimum conditions for the precipitation of CPC and the solidification of sand by CPC, newly discovering two possibilities for their use: chemical grout and biogrout.
Research
To develop a new grout with low environmental load, we focused on minerals produced by living organisms in nature (biominerals), especially CPC, a major component of teeth and bones, and investigated the optimum conditions for CPC precipitation. We also conducted uniaxial compression tests on sand specimens solidified with CPC. In the CPC precipitation test, we have found that the precipitation volume tends to increase as the pH increases from weakly acidic to near neutral. This causes the uniaxial compressive strength of the CPC-solidified sand specimens to reach about 90 kPa, which is within the target range of 50 to 100 kPa for uniaxial compressive strength of sandy soil to prevent liquefaction. Electron microscopy of the specimens showed whisker-like CPC crystals (Fig. 1). These results indicate two possibilities of their usage: chemical grout using self-hardening property and biogrout using pH-dependent precipitation volume.
Satoru Kawasaki Professor -
Development of novel control strategies for intractable diseases in animals
Development of immunotherapy using antibody drugs and protein preparations for chronic infectious diseases and tumors in domestic and companion animals
In case of intractable diseases, the elimination mechanisms of pathogens and tumors are disturbed in vivo. This is thought to be due to various immunosuppressive factors that exhaust immune cells. the mechanism of eliminating pathogens and tumors in the body is disturbed, probably due to various immunosuppressive factors that exhaust immune cells. This study is aimed to develop novel formulations that target the immune evasion mechanism and apply them as a novel treatment for animal diseases.
Research
Research objective: Development of veterinary antibody drugs and protein drugs targeting PD-1 and other immunosuppressive factors and their application to therapeutics. Comparison with and advantage over conventional technology: This approach does not target a specific disease, but rather a wide range of diseases in which the anti-pathogen and anti-tumor effects are lost due to immunosuppressive mechanisms. Since the immunotherapy is based on activated lymphocytes, it is expected to have a multifunctional immune-enhancing effect. Uniqueness of the research: There are limited reports of clinical applications of this approach in the veterinary fields. Characteristics: We will establish therapeutic antibodies for animals and evaluate their effectiveness against various diseases. Efficacy: We aim to provide new treatments for diseases of livestock (cattle, horses, pigs, etc.) and companion animals (dogs, cats, etc.) for which there are no effective vaccines or treatments.
Satoru Konnai Professor -
Metabolism of Biological Components and Pre-symptomatic Disorder
Elucidation of the mechanism of non-infectious pathogenesis by considering the metabolism of biological components: Application as a system of evaluating the functionality of foods
Based on the metabolic analysis of biological components (bile acids, minerals, etc.), we conduct research on the elucidation of the pathogenesis of various diseases and the establishment of pre-symptomatic disorder models using laboratory animals. We aim to elucidate the point of action in prevention of disease onset via dietary intervention.
Research
The composition of bile acids synthesized by the liver fluctuates with aging and excessive energy intake, and that can be estimated under these conditions. Therefore, by feeding a very small amount of a specific bile acids to experimental animals, it is possible to create a state that mimics the bile acid environment in the corresponding situation. We have found that this results in fatty liver and related pathologies. We also found that a mild deficiency of zinc is a pre-symptomatic disorder model for ulcerative colitis. These findings indicate that minor metabolic changes that occur continuously due to dietary bias (excess or deficiency) are involved in the onset of infectious and non-infectious diseases, and that the experimental system itself, which mimics the situation by controlling dietary components, can serve as a model of pre-symptomatic disorders. Currently, we are constructing various pre-symptomatic disorder models and analyze their pathogenic mechanisms. We are also using these systems to evaluate the functionality of foods.
Satoshi Ishizuka Professor -
Automatic Recognition System for Symmetry and Regularity of Shapes
Exhaustive extraction of face-symmetric, axisymmetric, and regular arrangement patterns from 3D mesh models, measured point clouds, FEM meshes, etc.
This software extracts symmetrical subregions and regularly arranged grid or radial regions from 3D measurement data of lasers and X-ray CT scans fully automatically.
It is useful for reverse engineering and the generation of 3D-CAD data and FEM meshes.Research
This software can automatically and comprehensively extract the symmetry and regularity of shape patterns that appear on the surface of 3D mesh models measured by laser/X-ray CT scanning, 3D measurement point groups, FEM finite element meshes, etc. None of these functions are available with conventional commercial software. This software has a wide range of applications, including automatic reference surface generation and model shaping of 3D-CAD data for reverse engineering, generation of reduced element size models (1/4 models, etc.) and shaping of element boundaries in FEM preprocessors, as well as quantitative symmetry inspection of manufactured products. It is also possible to automatically extract various shapes of regular array (rectangular, radial, etc.) that correspond to pattern features in 3D-CAD data. It can also be applied to the generation of BIM (Building Information Model) from laser measurements.
Satoshi Kanai Professor -
Quality Control in Crowdsourcing
Highly accurate decision-making using people’s confidence rating
We are conducting research to guarantee the quality of work results in crowdsourcing, which allows us to commission jobs to many people via the Internet. The use of workers’ confidence rating on the work results will be effective to ensure high-quality work results.
Research
With the advent of crowdsourcing services in recent years, it has become easy to commission jobs (tasks) to a large number of people via the Internet, and these services are being used in various fields of information science (image recognition, natural language processing, information retrieval, databases, etc.). In crowdsourcing, it is important to check the work quality because not all workers necessarily have the required skills and diligence to work on a task. We have proposed a method to ensure the work quality by asking workers to report their confidence (degree of conviction) in their work results. The technical feature of this method is that it does not trust the confidence rating reported by workers as it is, but performs statistical quality control assuming the existence of over- and under-confident workers.
Satoshi Oyama Associate Professor -
A Novel Porous Structure with High Mechanical Performance for Additive Manufacturing
Biomimetic design based on bone biomechanics
A novel three-dimensional (3D) printed porous structure with high mechanical performance is designed biomimetically based on the insights of bone biomechanics. The resulting structure might be lightweight and mechanically isotropic with suppressed fracture progression and high energy absorption.
Research
In general, porous structures with repeating units, such as diamond lattices, suffer from mechanical issues, such as fracture development, low energy absorption, and mechanical anisotropy due to these repeating units. To address these issues, we develop a novel porous structure with high mechanical performance for additive manufacturing. The structure is designed biomimetically based on the insights of bone biomechanics. It has a framework made up of 3D isotropically interconnected beams. Here, the beam lengths and bifurcation counts are arbitrarily determined using probability distributions without any repeated units. Furthermore, the structure can be manufactured through the powder bed fusion of a laser beam using metal powders and material extrusion using plastic filaments. Additionally, compression tests revealed that the structure exhibited suppressed fracture progress after the initial fracture and increased energy absorption. Moreover, the fracture behavior of the structure was found to be independent of the compression direction because of its structural isotropy.
Satoshi Yamada Assistant ProfessorPhDDivision of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering -
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Resilience and Adaptive Capacity of Arctic Marine Systems under a Changing Climate
Overall understanding of marine ecosystems throughout the Arctic Rim
International workshops have been held to present individual research results of existing research projects in the pan Arctic seas (i.e., the Arctic Ocean and adjacent subarctic seas), which have been underway in Japan, the U.S., and Norway, with the aim of achieving an overall understanding of the results in each area by identifying similarities and differences.
Research
The objective of this study is to provide an overall understanding of the response of marine ecosystems to environmental change in the Pacific-Arctic-Atlantic region by identifying similarities and differences in the circumpolar pan Arctic seas (i.e., the Arctic Ocean and adjacent subarctic seas). The Ecosystem Studies of Sub-Arctic and Arctic Seas (ESSAS), a regional research program of the Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR), is the parent organization of this project. The research is promoted mainly by the scientific steering committee members from Japan, the United States, and Norway. Between 2015 and 2018, in particular, three international workshops were held to present the results of existing research in each country and to promote an integrated understanding of marine ecosystems throughout the pan Arctic seas.
Sei-Ichi Saitoh -
Microscopic Indentation
Visualization of hardness/deformation in small areas
We have enabled the in-situ observation of changes in indentation shapes and surrounding surfaces during indentation hardness tests. This will contribute to material development and the clarification of causes of accidents through the high-throughput collection of accurate data enabled by the combination of high temporal resolution of information from video recording and hardness tests.
Research
The hardness test, a method to clarify the strength of materials from the deformation caused by local loading, is widely used based on its high simplicity and reproducibility. To obtain highly accurate stress response information while taking advantage of the simplicity of this method, we have developed in-situ hardness tests (micro-indentation) method.
To observe the surface of the specimen both inside and around the indentation through a transparent indenter during the indentation test, it is necessary to optimize the optical conditions. However, by introducing a liquid with a refractive index close to that of the transparent indenter around the indenter, we have enabled a wide range of surface observations.Seiji Miura Professor -
Glacier Ice Sheet-Ocean Interactions in Greenland
Warming Greenland's Coastal Environment
In Greenland, which is located in the Arctic region, the mass of the glacier ice sheet has been rapidly decreasing in recent years. We are conducting research using field surveys and satellite data, with the focus on the environmental changes along the coast of Greenland, where the glacier ice sheets meet the ocean.
Research
Greenland is approximately six times the size of Japan, and 80% of its area is covered by glacial ice sheets. The ice in Greenland is rapidly diminishing due to the effects of global warming. In particular, glaciers flowing from the ice sheets into the ocean are undergoing remarkable changes, suggesting the influence of the warming ocean. In addition, the inflow of meltwater into the ocean is expected to raise sea levels and cause changes in ocean circulation and ecosystems, although the details are still unclear. Against this background, we are working to understand the interaction between glacier ice sheets and the ocean, and the resulting changes in the coastal environment of Greenland. We are conducting field observations and satellite data analysis with special focus on the Kanak region in the northwestern part of the country. Ultimately, we aim to clarify the impact of environmental changes on fisheries and traffic, and to provide feedback to local residents.
Shin Sugiyama Professor -
Hyperpolarized 13C MRI for Genetic Mutation Imaging
Non-invasive visualization of genetic mutations in tumors by metabolic MRI
The outcome of cancer treatment largely depends on the type of genetic mutation that the cancer cells carry. Using the characteristic metabolic changes brought about by genetic mutations as an indicator, we are developing a molecular imaging technique to identify mutated genes non-invasively using the latest metabolic MRI.
Research
Hyperpolarized 13C nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a state-of-the-art technique for real-time visualization of metabolic reactions in vivo by temporarily amplifying the MRI signal of any compound labeled with 13C tens of thousands of times. It is expected to be a dream molecular imaging technology that can acquire signals from deep inside the body, which is difficult with optical imaging without radiation exposure like PET/CT.
Cells become cancerous through the accumulation of genetic mutations, and the type of mutation greatly influences the response to cancer therapy. Many cancer-causing mutations are associated with characteristic metabolic changes. Hyperpolarized 13C MRI can be used to non-invasively identify mutated genes in tumors by looking at specific metabolic changes.Shingo Matsumoto Associate Professor -
Optimal Design of Advanced Composite Materials
New functional composite materials with free fiber shape
Advanced composites (carbon fiber-reinforced composites) have come to be widely used as structural materials, but their anisotropic properties have not yet efficiently been exploited. In our laboratory, we are developing a method to optimally design the fiber orientation (linear or curved) of composites.
Research
Advanced composites (carbon fiber composites, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)) are widely used as structural materials due to their high specific strength and stiffness. The development of fiber orientation technology has made it possible to arrange fibers not only in straight but also curved lines. Compared with straight fibers, design flexibility is greatly improved, and it is thus possible to produce CFRP components for specific part shapes and uses. In our laboratory, we have been producing composite specimens with curved fibers using a fiber stitching machine (Fig. 1), which is based on embroidery machine technology, to evaluate the mechanical properties of specimens and develop a unique method to optimize fiber shapes. For example, Figure 2 shows the optimum fiber shape to reduce the strain concentration around the holes in a wing model with multiple circular holes, and the strain distribution is shown in Fig. 3. It has been found that the strain concentration is reduced more than with straight fibers.
Shinya Honda Associate Professor -
Establishment of Precision Medicine Targeting Cancer Stem Cells Using Synthetic Polymer Gels
Development of a method to initialize cancer stem cells using hydrogel
It is important to eradicate cancer stem cells to cure cancer. This method uses Hokkaido University's original biomaterial (synthetic polymeric hydrogel) to induce reprogramming (initialization) of cancer stem cells rapidly and efficiently, making it possible to predict the properties of cancer stem cells and their response to treatment in case of recurrence.
Research
It is essential to eradicate treatment-resistant cancer stem cells to cure cancer. However, their number is small, and it is difficult to isolate and analyze cancer stem cells using conventional methods. With this study, we used a synthetic polymeric hydrogel (Science 344, 161-162, 2014) originally developed by Hokkaido University to induce reprogramming (initialization) of cancer stem cells rapidly, easily, inexpensively, and efficiently, allowing us to analyze the properties of cancer stem cells, evaluate their response to treatment, and predict the properties of cancer cells at the time of recurrence. This technology is expected to make it possible to screen drugs that target cancer stem cells, predict the nature of recurrent tumors that may occur in the future, and administer prophylactic drugs, thereby providing cancer patients with accurate cancer stem cell-targeted precision medicine (preventive preemptive medicine).
Shinya Tanaka Professor -
Ecosystem Restoration of Disturbed Areas
Promoting eco-friendly restoration of ecosystems that have been disturbed by natural or human activities through facilitation.
Facilitation refers to a phenomenon whereby the establishment of a certain plant prompts the invasion and establishment of another species. In ecosystems that have suffered catastrophic damage due to a major disturbance such as a volcanic eruption, fire, tsunami or mining, the detection and introduction of such facilitators will help rapid and eco-friendly ecosystem restoration.
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Fig. Platanthera metabifolia, which has taken root in a patch of Mineyanagi willow on Mt. Komagatake in Oshima after its major eruption in 1920.
The Mineyanagi willow promotes the colonization by many species and thereby enhances ecological diversity . -
Fig. Relationship between coverage of M. sinensis, a facilitator, and the number/density of woody plants on a ski slope in Sapporo (plot size: 4 m2).
The colonization of M. sinensis prompts an increase in the number of woody plants, so the creation of M. sinensis grasslands will lead to the growth of natural forests without afforestation efforts.
Research
Ecosystem restoration after large-scale disturbance is often an urgent task, but it has often been difficult to establish a target plant species in a disturbed environment. A facilitator is a plant species that prompts the establishment of other species once it has been established. If we can detect and establish a facilitator in the respective disturbed areas to prompt the invasion and establishment of the target species there, it will be possible to quickly restore ecosystems in a cost-effective manner with minimal human effort. Therefore, this is an ecofriendly technology for ecosystem restoration.
So far, we have found that the white beak-sedge (Rhynchospora) is functioning as a facilitator in the post-mined peatland of Sarobetsu Mire, and the Mineyanagi willow in Mt. Komagatake in Oshima, Hokkaido. Microtopography modification has also been found effective as a means of introducing facilitators.Shiro Tsuyuzaki Professor -
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Elucidation and Application of Ecosystem Recovery Mechanisms after Large-scale Fires
Toward the mitigation of global warming
In the Arctic region of North America, the scale of wildfires is increasing due to global warming. As a result, the way ecosystems recovery progresses after fires is changing, and it is urgent to elucidate the mechanism of ecosystem recovery from a new perspective. It is also necessary to develop various methods for ecosystem restoration after large-scale disturbance by applying the knowledge obtained in this study.
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The landscape of a black spruce forest after a large fire in Alaska in 2004 (photo taken in 2005). With conventional fires, total destruction is rare, but with this fire, even the organic layer was burned away. As a result, the way how ecosystem recovery progresses has changed. It is necessary to elucidate the transition mechanism and develop conservation and restoration methods as soon as possible.
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Changes in key ecosystem functions caused by wildfires. In the short term, CO2 is directly released during fires, and in the long term, CO2 absorption is reduced due to reduced photosynthesis and methane is released due to thawing of the permafrost. Thus, there are positive (exacerbating) feedback effects on global warming.
Research
The belts of taiga and tundra in Alaska is a fire-prone area associated with lightning strikes, and ecosystem recovery has thus been acclimatized to fire. In the past, the fires were mostly canopy fires with low fire intensity that did not lead to the complete burning of organic layers including peat. In particular, black spruce was dominant on north-facing slopes, and fast forest regeneration was achieved immediately after canopy fires due to dispersion of black spruce seeds.
However, with the development of climate changes, wildfires are increasing in both intensity and frequency. During the 2004 Alaska wildfires, the total area burned exceeded that of Shikoku (Japanese fourth mainland), and the organic layer was also burned away. As a result, ecosystem recovery after large wildfires greatly differs from that after forest canopy fires. In particular, the existence of an organic layer is essential for seed germination and growth, and the development of methods to promote the establishment of Sphagnum moss as a base material is essential for organic matter accumulation. In addition, we studied the impact of wildfires on the ecosystems in the tundra zone.Shiro Tsuyuzaki Professor -
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Exploring Strategies for Coexistence between Indigenous Siberians and Wildlife
A practical study on an adaptive wildlife management system for utilization and protection of wild animals and birds
To reduce conflicts between local communities and wildlife (e.g., agricultural damage and invasive species problems), we plan and implement surveys and countermeasures with the participation and initiative of local residents, and provide bottom-up policy support. In recent years, we have also been involved in the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries to protect the livelihoods of indigenous people in Siberia.
Research
◇ Survey of reindeer and other wild animals and establishment of protected areas
In the Arctic region of the Republic of Sakha in the Russian Federation, which is the closest Arctic area to Japan, we have attached satellite transmitters to wild animals (e.g., reindeer, musk ox, wolf) used by indigenous people to clarify the effects of global warming and seasonal migration. Based on this information, we are working with indigenous groups, local governments, hunting groups and other parties to establish and evaluate protected areas and hunting areas that contribute to traditional livelihoods.
◇ Survey of Migratory Birds in Japan and Evaluation of International Protected Areas
Siberia is an important breeding ground for migratory birds that use the arctic and other northern regions, including Japan, but their habitats are changing due to global warming. Therefore, we are conducting surveys, research, and practical applications to comprehensively evaluate the impact of global warming on habitat protection areas by creating a network of different surveys that have been conducted in individual countries.Shirow Tatsuzawa Assistant Professor -
Next-generation Visualization Technology for Sports Content
Creation of information presentation technology that accelerates knowledge sharing
We are building next-generation visualization technology to provide data that support sports watching and education. Using various data obtained from users and their surrounding environment, we will derive a theory that defines, “analysis data” and “presentation methods adapted to the usage environment” to enable information presentation that accelerates knowledge sharing.
Research
In terms of the present situation concerning sports, various forms of image and video distribution have spread, and a new environment for watching sports is being established, whereby related data along with images and video footing can be viewed via smartphones and other mobile terminals. However, with soccer, it is only possible to view basic data such as free kick success rate and running distance. This research analyzes various data obtained from users and their surrounding environment to help them understand and visualize the data to accelerate knowledge sharing, even when the relevant knowledge and experience are essential. Examples include ball passing and the degree of dominance. Since the visualization technology of this research can obtain various data surrounding the user and provide various kinds of information in a way that is adaptable to the user's environment, it has high potential for application to the fields of IoT and AI, and is expected to contribute to the creation of new technologies in these fields.
Sho Takahashi Associate Professor -
Compact Aerial Video Display System
Direct Touch Visual Presentation System with which images look as if they are floating on the desktop and can be touched directly
We have developed a small video display system that displays images such as 3DCG, which are conventionally shown on a display, in the air. Users can directly reach out and touch the images that seem to float in front of them on their desktop.
Research
Improvement in the performance of stereoscopic displays and head-mounted displays (HMDs) has led to improvement in the quality of 3DCG and virtual reality (VR) experiences. With this research, we are studying the next generation of information interfaces. Aerial video display technology does not require displays, goggles, or other equipment in the space in front of the user. With the technology, 3DCG can be displayed in real space, and the user does not have to enter virtual space, thus it is possible to present information naturally, both in terms of equipment and visuals. Furthermore, the user can directly reach out to where the image is displayed, and can touch and move the image. In addition to realizing this aerial video display system in a desktop size, we are also researching the technology to create video content suitable for it.
Shunsuke Komizunai Assistant Professor -
Control of Sedimentation and Diffusion Behavior Using the Collectivity of Particles in Liquid
Free control of the settling behavior of particles
We introduce technologies to accelerate the sedimentation rate and control the dispersion behavior of particles in complex channels by taking advantage of the collective nature of particles observed when there is a difference in the concentration of the suspension.
Research
We propose technologies to actively control the sedimentation rate and dispersion behavior by effectively using the collective nature of particles in liquid caused by concentration differences. When suspension conditions change, heterogeneously dispersed particles show collective sedimentation behavior. We aim to understand the behavior of particles near the concentration interface, which is closely associated with such collective behavior, to actively use it to promote sedimentation, control dispersion and improve transport efficiency, all of which are important in various engineering processes.
Shusaku Harada Associate Professor -
Multi-physics Simulation
To clarify the coupled phenomena of electromagnetism, heat, fluid, and structure
We simulate multiphysics phenomena such as electromagnetism, heat, fluid, and structure. We conduct comprehensive research that covers aspects from mesh generation to the execution of simulations and visualization of the results. By observing invisible phenomena, we aim to contribute to the manufacturing field.
Research
We are developing our own simulation tools to analyze multi-physics phenomena such as heat, fluid, and structure, which cannot be analyzed by commercial simulation software, with a focus on electromagnetism. We carefully select the most suitable analysis method for each phenomenon, and conduct comprehensive research on mesh generation, speeding up, enlargement, and visualization (drawing) of the analysis results. We aim to apply these methods to everything from equipment performance evaluation to design. Furthermore, advanced design techniques are also possible by using the tools together with optimization algorithms and game theory.
So Noguchi Associate Professor -
Reorganization of Public Facilities in an Era of a 30% Population Decline
Grand design of “Machi no Seitai” and living areas
In Hokkaido, it is expected that more than a hundred villages will disappear in the near future. “Machi no Seitai” is an attempt to optimize the size of local cities in a broad sense, in view of the era of a 30% population decline, while focusing on the reorganization of public buildings that remain unused or underutilized in local regions.
Research
The town of Kamishihoro in Kato-gun, Hokkaido, like other municipalities in Hokkaido, is facing a rapid population decline: from 10,309 in 1965 to about half that number in 2010. It is estimated that the population will decline to 3,222 by 2040. In 2012, taking this situation into consideration, the city established 10 themes for the creation of a city with a population of 5,000; and the first of these was to create a grand design for the layout of public facilities.
The reorganization of public facilities in urban municipalities is generally implemented to ease financial pressures by controlling the number of facilities. However, Kamishihoro Town has different challenges and objectives. We are exploring the question of that kind of affluent lifestyle that can be achieved in a small town with a population below 10,000, and the role of public facilities to this end.Suguru Mori Professor
