Measurement of natural plasma flow along the field lines in the scrape-Off layer on the JT-60U divertor tokamak

The plasma profile and parallel plasma flow in the scrape-off layer (SOL) were systematically measured using reciprocating Mach probes installed at the outer midplane and near the divertor magnetic null (x point) in the JT-60U tokamak with a single null divertor. For the ion vertical drift due to the toroidal magnetic field gradient (ion nablaB drift) directed towards the divertor, SOL plasma flow along the magnetic field lines away from the divertor ("flow reversal") was discovered at the midplane far from the divertor. A quantitative evaluation of the ion "Pfirsch-Schluter flow," wherein the parallel flow is naturally produced in a toroidal plasma, was consistent with the measurement.     

Reductive coupling of 1,3-dimethyluracils with benzophenone by low-valent titanium: unusual two-to-one coupling

The reductive coupling of 1,3-dimethyluracil with benzophenone by Zn-TiCl₄ in THF gave unusual two-to-one adduct and its further reduced product. The reductive coupling of 1,3-dimethyl-5-fluorouracil with benzophenone by Zn-TiCl₄ also gave two-to-one adduct. 1,3-Dimethylthymine was, however, completely inert under the same conditions.     

Strong lateral growth and crystallization via two-dimensional allotropic transformation of semi-metal Bi film

Two-dimensional (2D) nano-objects, such as metallic nanofilms are the most fundamental building blocks for nanoelectronics devices. However, the fabrication of highly ordered nanofilms has been difficult because of well known Stranski-Krastanov growth, which results in rough growth front and high density grains. Here we report on the unusual high-quality film growth of Bi on a Si surface with atomic-level surface/interface smoothness and high film crystallinity. The formation of a newly discovered 2D allotrope was clarified to initiate its strong 2D growth. Above several-monolayer thickness, the 2D allotrope transforms into a single-crystalline film with bulk-like layered structure. Our study unveils the atomistic growth process of nano-sized Bi, and the obtained knowledge here will be generally applicable for the fabrication of various nano-devices using this intriguing material that shows rich thermal, magnetic, electronic properties in nanometer scale.     

Insulinomimetic Zn(II) complexes as evaluated by both glucose-uptake activity and inhibition of free fatty acids release in isolated rat adipocytes

We prepared 4 new Zn(II) complexes with Zn(O4), Zn(N(2)O(2)), and Zn(S2O2) coordination modes and evaluated their insulinomimetic activities in an in vitro study. The insulinomimetic activities of bis(pyrrole-2-carboxylato)zinc (Zn(pc)2), bis(alpha-furonic acidato)zinc (Zn(fa)2), bis(thiophene-2-carboxylato)zinc (Zn(tc)2), and bis(thiophene-2-acetato)zinc (Zn(ta)2) complexes were found to be higher than that of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). Zn(ta)2 showed the highest insulinomimetic activity among the Zn(II) complexes because of its high lipophilicity.