We report a novel method for base detection using a base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) nucleoside. We developed BDF probes containing methoxybenzodeazaadenine MDA and methoxybenzodeazainosine MDI, which give strong fluorescence only when the base on the complementary strand is cytosine and thymine, respectively. Thus, the MDA- and MDI-containing ODNs can be used as a very effective BDF probe for the detection of single base alterations, such as SNPs and point mutations. The present method using BDF probes is a very powerful tool for SNP typing that does not require any enzymes and time-consuming steps, and can avoid hybridization errors. In addition, a combination of MDA- and MDI-containing BDF probes facilitates the T/C SNP typing of a heterozygous sample.

We report on a new method for the detection of a base at a specific site in a DNA sequence by monitoring the fluorescence emission of fluorescein. To achieve this goal, we developed a new base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) nucleobase, naphthodeazaadenine ((ND)A). The fluorescence spectrum of the duplex possessing a cytosine base as a complementary base of (ND)A showed a fluorescence peak at 383 nm when using an excitation wavelength of 350 nm. When the complementary base of (ND)A was one of the other bases, the fluorescence intensity was very low. The fluorescence emission spectrum of (ND)A overlapped with the fluorescence excitation spectrum of fluorescein in the wavelength range of 400-500 nm. Thus, we designed FRET-BDF probes containing (ND)A as the FRET donor and fluorescein as the acceptor. The interaction of these two fluorophores, which are separated by defined base pairs, allowed an efficient energy transfer that resulted in a dominant fluorescence emission of fluorescein at 520 nm when using an excitation wavelength of 350 nm. Fluorescence emission from FRET-BDF probes was observed only when the complementary base of (ND)A is C, thus achieving a clear distinction of a C base on the complementary DNA strand. However, the general utility of our method is limited due to the quenching of the (ND)A fluorescence by a G/C base pair flanking (ND)A.

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A handshake is an embodied interaction for displaying closeness through physical contact. In this study, we develop a handshake response motion model for a handshake during active approach to a human on the basis of analysis of handshake motions between humans. We also develop a handshake robot system that uses the proposed model. A sensory evaluation is performed for analyzing the time lag preferred by humans between the approaching motion and the hand motion generated by the robot system. Another sensory evaluation is performed for determining the preferred timing of a handshake motion that is accompanied by a voice greeting. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed model can generate a handshake response motion during active approach that is preferred by humans. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated.S. Ota is with Graduate School of System engineering,

The purpose of this study was to improve tensile properties by grain refinement technique for injection molding of magnesium alloy by using solid carbon materials. A solid carbon material of Carbon Black was attached to surface of AZ91D alloy chips by using ball-milling. AZ91D alloy chips and Carbon Black were mixed while heating and stirring in the cylinder of magnesium injection molding machine, then molten metal was injection molded to 2.5 mm thick flat plate. The mechanical characteristics of molded products were evaluated uniaxial tensile load. The tensile test result showed that the 0.2% of proof stress, tensile strength and fracture strain were improved by Carbon Black addition. Microstructure observation revealed that the grain size of molded products were progressively finer when Carbon Black addition was increased. These results suggested that the addition of appropriate amount of Carbon Black is effective to improve the tensile properties of AZ91D alloy.