• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.72-79
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• 2002

Local M-H loops have been measured on the free layer of a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) junction using the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) system, with an optical beam size of about 2 $\mu$m diameter. Tunnel junctions were deposited using the DC magnetron sputtering method in a chamber with a base pressure of 3$\times$10$^{-9}$ Torr. The relatively irregular variations of coercive force H$_c$(∼17.5 Oe) and unidirectional anisotropy field H$_{ua}$(∼7.5 Oe) in the as-deposited sample are revealed. After $200{^{\circ}C}$ annealing, He decreases to 15 Oe but H$_{ua}$ increases to 20 Oe with smooth local variations. Two-dimensional plots of H$_c$ and H$_{ua}$ show the symmetric saddle shapes with their axes aligned with the pinned layer, irrespective of the annealing field angle. This is thought to be caused by geometric effects during deposition, together with a minor annealing effect. In addition, the variation of root mean square (RMS) surface roughness reveals it to be symmetric with respect to the center of the pinned-layer axis, with the roughness of 2.5 $\AA$ near the edge and 5.8 $\AA$ at the junction center. Comparison of surface roughness with the variation of H$_{ua}$ suggests that the H$_{ua}$ variation of the free layer is well described by dipole interactions related to surface roughness. As a whole, the reversal magnetization is not uniform over the entire junction area and the macroscopic properties are governed by the average sum of local distributions.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.63-71
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• 2002

Three fabrication techniques for forming thin barrier layer with uniform thickness and large barrier height in magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) are discussed. First, the effect of immiscible element addition to Cu layer, a high conducting layer generally placed under the MTJ, is investigated in order to reduce the surface roughness of the bottom ferromagnetic layer, on which the barrier is formed. The Ag addition to the Cu layer successfully realizes the smooth surface of the ferromagnetic layer because of the suppression of the grain growth of Cu. Second, a new plasma source, characterized as low electron energy of 1 eV and high density of $10^{12}$ $cm^{-3}$, is introduced to the Al oxidation process in MTJ fabrication in order to reduce damages to the barrier layer by the ion-bombardment. The magnetotransport properties of the MTJs are investigated as a function of the annealing temperature. As a peculiar feature, the monotonous decrease of resistance area product (RA) is observed with increasing the annealing temperature. The decrease of the RA is due to the decrease of the effective barrier width. Third, the influence of the mixed inert gas species for plasma oxidization process of metallic Al layer on the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) was investigated. By the use of Kr-O$_2$ plasma for Al oxidation process, a 58.8 % of MR ratio was obtained at room temperature after annealing the junction at $300{^{\circ}C}$, while the achieved TMR ratio of the MTJ fabricated with usual Ar-$0_2$ plasma remained 48.4%. A faster oxidization rate of the Al layer by using Kr-O$_2$ plasma is a possible cause to prevent the over oxidization of Al layer and to realize a large magnetoresistance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.622-626
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• 2007

Using multi-trait animal model BLUP, selection was conducted over seven generations for growth rate (DG), real-time ultrasound loin-eye muscle area (LEA), backfat thickness (BF), and intramuscular fat content (IMF) to develop a new line of purebred Duroc pigs with enhanced meat production and meat quality. This study was intended to investigate the relationship between restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of a heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) gene and intramuscular fat content (IMF) of this Duroc purebred population. The present experiment examined the RFLP of 499 slaughtered pigs. The DNA was separated from the blood or ear tissue of the pigs, which were slaughtered at 105 kg of body weight. Intramuscular fat content of the longissimus muscle was measured using chemical analysis. A significant difference was detected in the breeding value of IMF among the H-FABP PCR RFLP genotypes. The AA genotype has a significantly larger positive effect on the IMF breeding value than do the Aa and aa genotypes for the MspI RFLP. In addition, the DD genotype has a significantly greater positive effect on IMF breeding value than the Dd and dd genotypes for the HaeIII RFLP. For the HinfI RFLP, the hh genotype has a significantly larger positive effect on IMF breeding value than the HH genotype. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the IMF breeding values as the dependent variable and the three H-FABP genotypes as independent variables. Results revealed that the contribution of the genotypes to variation in IMF breeding values was approximately 40%. These results demonstrated that H-FABP RFLPs affect IMF in this Duroc population.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2004

We studied the magnetotransport properties of tunnel junctions with AlO and AlN barriers fabricated using microwave-excited plasma. The plasma nitridation process provided wider controllability than the plasma oxidization for the formation of MTJs with ultra-thin insulating layer, because of the slow nitriding rate of metal Al layers, comparing with the oxidizing rate of them. High tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratios of 49 and 44% with respective resistance-area product $(R{\times}A) of 3 {\times} 10^4 and 6 {\times} 10^3 {\Omega}{\mu}m^2$ were obtained in the Co-Fe/Al-N/Co-Fe MTJs. We conclude that AlN is a hopeful barrier material to realize MTJs with high TMR ratio and low $R{\times}A$ for high performance MRAM cells. In addition, in order to clarify the annealing temperature dependence of TMR, the local transport properties were measured for Ta $50{\AA} /Cu 200 {\AA}/Ta 50 {\AA}/Ni_{76}Fe_{24} 20 {\AA}/Cu 50 {\AA}/Mn_{75}Ir_{25} 100 {\AA}/Co_{71}Fe_{29} 40 {\AA}/Al-O$ junction with $d_{Al}= 8 {\AA} and P_{O2}{\times}t_{0X}/ = 8.4 {\times} 10^4$ at various temperatures. The current histogram statistically calculated from the electrical current image was well in accord with the fitting result considering the Gaussian distribution and Fowler-Nordheim equation. After annealing at $340^{\circ}C$, where the TMR ratio of the corresponding MTJ had the maximum value of 44%, the average barrier height increased to 1.12 eV and its standard deviation decreased to 0.1 eV. The increase of TMR ratio after annealing could be well explained by the enhancement of the average barrier height and the reduction of its fluctuation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2010.02a
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• pp.7-8
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• 2010

The surface conductive layer (SCL) of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamonds has attracting much interest. However, neither photoemission electron microscopic (PEEM) nor micro-spectroscopic (PEEMS) information is available so far. Since SCL retains in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) condition, PEEM or PEEMS study will give an insight of SCL, which is the subject of the present study. The sample was made on a Ib-type HTHP diamond (001) substrate by non-doping CVD growthin a DC-plasma deposition chamber. The SCL properties of the sample in air were; a few tens K/Sq. in sheet resistance, ${\sim}180\;cm^2/vs$ in Hall mobility, ${\sim}2{\times}10^{12}/cm^2$ in carrier concentration. The root-square-mean surface roughness (Rq) of the sample was ~0.2nm as checked by AFM. A $2{\times}1$ LEED pattern and a sheet resistance of several hundreds K/Sq. in UHV were checked in a UHV chamber with an in-situ resist-meter [1]. The sample was then installed in a commercial PEEM/S apparatus (Omicron FOCUS IS-PEEM) which was composed of electro-static-lens optics together with an electron energy-analyzer. The presence of SCL was regularly monitored by measuring resistance between two electrodes (colloidal graphite) pasted on the two ends of sample surface. Figure 1 shows two PEEM images of a same area of the sample; a) is excited with a Hg-lamp and b) with a Xe-lamp. The maximum photon energy of the Hg-lamp is ~4.9 eV which is smaller that the band gap energy ($E_G=5.5\;eV$) of diamond and the maximum photon energy of the Xe-lamp is ~6.2 eV which is larger than $E_G$. The image that appear with the Hg-lamp can be due to photo-excitation to unoccupied states of the hydrogen-terminated negative electron affinity (NEA) diamond surface [2]. Secondary electron energy distribution of the white background of Figs.1a) and b) indeed shows that the whole surface is NEA except a large black dot on the upper center. However, Figs.1a) and 1b) show several features that are qualitatively different from each other. Some of the differences are the followings: the two main dark lines A and B in Fig.1b) are not at all obvious and the white lines B and C in Fig.1b) appear to be dark lines in Fig.1a). A PEEMS analysis of secondary electron energy distribution showed that all of the features A-D have negative electron affinity with marginal differences among them. These differences can be attributed to differences in the details of energy band bending underneath the surface present in SCL [3].

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.640-648
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• 2004

This paper describes a new magnetization method for non-destructive testing with magneto-optical sensor (denoted as MO sensor) which have the following characteristic : high observation sensitivity, independence of the crack orientation, and precise imaging of a complex crack geometry such as multiple cracks. When a magnetic field is applied normally to the surface of a specimen which is significantly larger than its defects, approximately the same magnetic charge per unit area occurs on the surface of the specimen. If there is a crack in the specimen, magnetic charge per unit area has the same value at the bottom of the crack. The distribution of the vertical component of the magnetic flux density, B$\_$Z/, is almost uniform over the no-crack area (denoted as B$\_$Z,BASE/), while the magnetic flux density is smaller in the surroundings of the crack(denoted as B$\_$Z,CRACK/) If B$\_$Z, BASE/ is a bit larger than the saturated magnetic flux density of the MO sensor (B$\_$s/) , then small magnetic domains occur over the crack area and a large domain over the non-crack area because B$\_$Z,CRACK/ is smaller than B$\_$s/.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.215-220
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• 2022

Background In Japan, there is a large regional disparity in plastic surgery availability. In order for plastic surgery to be widely available for all citizens, it is essential for at least one plastic surgery facility to be located in each secondary medical zone. Methods Using the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery homepage and some databases, we extracted data on secondary medical zones that do not have a plastic surgery facility. The national and regional coverage rates were calculated. The coverage rate for each group divided by the degree of population concentration was also calculated. Results We found that 147 of 344 secondary medical zones did not have a plastic surgery facility, and the area coverage rate was found to be 57.27% nationwide. The coverage rate in terms of population was 87.07% (correlation coefficient of area and population coverage = 0.983). The area coverage rates in Hokkaido-Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku-Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa districts were 47.46, 72.15, 76.47, 62.79, 52.08, and 32.81%, respectively. The corresponding population coverage rates were 79.92, 91.62, 94.27, 90.59, 80.68, and 69.54%, respectively. The area coverage rates in metropolitan areas, provincial cities, and rural areas were 98.08, 75.90, and 15.87%, respectively. In contrast, the area coverage rate of dermatology was 62.79% and that of orthopaedics was 97.09%. Conclusion Unfortunately, it is estimated that more than 40% of secondary medical zones are underserved by plastic surgery, and 13% of the population is not able to fully benefit from this specialty in Japan.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.83-85
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• 2017

We conducted an unbiased near- to mid-infrared imaging and spectroscopic survey of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) as a part of the AKARI Mission Program "Large-area Survey of the LMC" (LSLMC, PI: T. Onaka). An area of about 10 square degrees of the LMC was observed by five photometric bands (3.2, 7, 11, 15, and $24{\mu}m$) and a low-resolution slitless prism ($2-5{\mu}m$, R ~20) equipped with AKARI /IRC. We constructed and publicly released photometric and spectroscopic catalogues of point sources in the LMC based on the survey data. The catalogues provide a large number of near-infrared spectral data, coupled with complementary broadband photometric data. Combined use of the present AKARI LSLMC catalogues with other infrared point source catalogues of the LMC possesses scientific potential that can be applied to various astronomical studies.

• Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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• v.2
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• pp.529-532
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• 2006

The oceanic currents in the South China Sea (SCS) are strongly influenced by monsoon winds. A review on the SCS currents has indicated that previous studies have pointed out an anticyclonic circulation in the area between the southern Vietnam coast and the Spratly Islands. However, its detail is not understood because of less information of in situ observations. The physical-biological interaction is quite new research area, which has been established and promoted by means of the ocean color remote sensing. Temporal/spatial variability of the phytoplankton activities are well captured by ocean color (OC) -derived Chlorophyll-a images. Combining the OC-Chl-a and the other high-resolution satellite data (e.g., SST images), the biological aspects of oceanographic variation is well described. The blooming phenomena in the area between the southern Vietnam coast and the Spratly islands are further investigated. Change in the wind-system related to the El Nino generates upwelling/SST-cooling in the sea south of the Spratly Islands through the air-sea-land interaction was studied. The seasonal upwelling is also associated with the harmful algal bloom (HAB) off two side of Indochina Peninsula have investigated. The seasonal variation of SCS phytoplankton blooming and related oceanic conditions in Vietnam coast was observed. Ocean color satellite data has effective contribute to study the oceanic condition and phytoplankton blooming in South China Sea.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 2016

Backgrounds: The accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), March 2011, caused serious radioactive contamination over wide area in east Japan. Therefore, it is important to know the effect of the accident and the status of NPP. Materials and Methods: This paper provides a review on the status of radiation dose and radioactive contamination caused by the accident on the basis of publicized information. Results and Discussion: Monitoring of radiation dose and exposure dose of residents has been conducted extensively by the governments and various organizations. The effective dose of general residents due to the accident proved to be less than a mSv both for external and internal dose. The equivalent committed dose of thyroid was evaluated to be a few mSv in mean value and less than 50 mSv even for children. Monitoring of radioactivity concentration has been carried out on food ingredients, milk and tap water, and actual meal. These studies indicated the percentage of foods above the regulation standard was over 10% in 2011 but decreasing steadily with time. The internal dose due to foods proved to be tens of ${\mu}Sv$ and much less than that due to natural $^{40}K$ even in the Fukushima area and decreasing steadily, although high level concentration is still observed in wild plants, wild mushrooms, animals and some kind of fishes. Conclusion: According to extensive studies, not only the effect of the accident but also the pathway and countermeasures against radioactive contamination have been revealed, and they are applied very effectively for restoration of environment and reconstruction of the area.