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Metrological traceability is essential to ensure the reliability of calibration tests. Calibration certificates usually include information on only one upper-level reference standard. As metrological traceability is multi-layered, generally there is no method available for end users to instantly confirm the traceability from the reference standard to a primary standard. This study focuses on the Ethereum blockchain, which has both tamper resistance and high availability, as a digital data management method. To improve the transparency and reliability of calibration tests, a smart contract that traces back to the primary standard is proposed. Consequently, it is confirmed that end users can instantly obtain traceability information. In addition, the execution of smart contracts requires transaction fees. Here, the calculation of the transaction fees is organized, and the traceability management system is discussed from a cost-effective perspective in the field of metrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streamwise turbulence statistics in the range from Reτ = 990 to Reτ = 20 750 at the High Reynolds Number Actual Flow Facility at the National Metrology Institute of Japan are presented, specifically focusing on the Reynolds number dependence of the inner peak turbulence intensity. Velocity measurements are conducted using laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), taking account of problems specific to this method, with the aim of providing reliable experimental results. The control volume and the fringe pattern of LDV, both of which influence turbulence statistics, are directly measured using a rotary wire device, and they are used to correct the measured turbulence intensity using methods developed in this study. The present results for mean velocity and turbulence intensity profiles agree well with direct numerical simulation data. The inner peak turbulence intensity in this pipe experiment increases with the increasing Reynolds number. It is found that the Reynolds number dependence of the inner peak up to Reτ = 20 750 is very similar to that in a turbulent boundary layer (TBL). The slope of the outer logarithmic region in the turbulence intensity profile is twice the slope obtained from the relation between the inner peak and the Reynolds number. This relation is also consistent with that for TBL flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new correction method for laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurement volume effects on the time-averaged velocity statistics is proposed by considering the probability density function of streamwise fluctuating velocity and the streamwise cross-sectional area of the measurement volume. The proposed correction method is fundamentally different from previous correction methods using a laser intensity profile of LDV. We propose a simple equation to correct the measurement volume effects. By using the equation and calculating both measurement locations and volumes precisely, the correction for the measurement volume effects on time-averaged velocity statistics can be performed on the basis of LDV measurement data. By comparing with the correction method proposed by Durst et al. (1995), the two correction methods provide almost the same results. In addition, the validity and applicability to high Reynolds numbers or low spatial resolution conditions of the two correction methods are confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of a novel methodology, image-processing-based ultrasonic velocimetry (IPUV). For evaluating flow velocity, we present a new perspective utilizing image processing for spatiotemporal echo images instead of conventional ultrasonic analysis methods such as pulse compression and quadrature detection. In addition to traditional tracer particle size O (100 μ m) , IPUV has a high applicability for measuring the velocity of microparticle dispersion of the particle size O (1 μ m) and dilute concentration O (0.001 wt. %). Velocimetry utilizing microparticles has significant merit: Velocity measurements can be conducted under conditions with less influence on the flow and higher traceability to fluid flow than the size conventionally used as a tracer particle. The accuracy and effectiveness of velocity analysis based on the IPUV principle are verified numerically and experimentally. In the experiments, IPUV was applied to Couette flow and stirring flow. In the former, the validity of the velocity profiling by IPUV was confirmed compared to the theoretical profiles of Couette flow. In the latter, IPUV measured velocity profiles in the stirring flows with different dispersions [spherical particle O (100 μ m) and mica O (1 μ m) ]. Differences in the ability of dispersed particles to follow turbulent fluctuations in stirring water flow appeared in the frequency spectrum of IPUV velocity profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study established a highly effective system, a controllable volumetric prover (CVP), for evaluating the responsiveness of flowmeters having various hydrodynamic principles. The CVP analyzes flowmeters' responsiveness by controlling the transient flow rate with various waveforms. The CVP is a novel system equipping various analysis methods to quantify indexes regarding flowmeter responsiveness, such as gain, time constant, harmonic distortion, and more. In this study, the system quantitatively compares the responsiveness in flowmeters with different hydrodynamic principles, such as Coriolis, tangential, and ultrasound, as application examples. The most reliable method for steady-state flow measurement, the static weighing method, evaluates the uncertainty of the flow rate control of CVP. Based on the model equation for the flow control by the CVP, the expanded uncertainty of the flow rate control by CVP is estimated as 0.15%. • The uncertainty of controllable volumetric prover is evaluated. • Flowmeters with different hydrodynamic principles are quantitatively compared. • An evaluation system is established based on several analysis methods. • A static weighing method is utilized for calibrating controllable volumetric prover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of this paper is to obtain a useful equation which gives a discharge coefficient of a throat-tapped flow nozzle. Experiments for throat-tapped flow nozzles with several different geometric parameters were performed using highly accurate flow facilities at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ). The effects of some geometric parameters on the discharge coefficient were experimentally investigated. The parameters include the ratio of the diameter of the pressure taps located at the throat to the throat diameter, the diameter of the pressure taps located at upstream pipe and the roughness of the nozzle surface. Also, the effectiveness of a flow conditioner prescribed in ASME PTC 6 was examined. Although a limitation to the proposed equations was found, the discharge coefficient is affected by the geometric parameters smaller than the measurement uncertainty. Finally, new equations for the discharge coefficient, which cover all experimental results within 0.5%, have been proposed as a set of functions of the Reynolds number. Highlights • The discharge coefficient of the throat-tapped flow nozzle was measured in experimentally at high Reynolds number. • The influences for the several geometric parameters of nozzle were investigated. • Useful new equations of the discharge coefficient were proposed. • New equations is available for wide range Reynolds number with 0.5% accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an evaluation system for flowmeter responsiveness, termed "Controllable volumetric prover (CVP)," which can simultaneously measure and control transient flow rate. The control of frequency, amplitude, and wave shape of flow rate work to efficiently evaluate flowmeter responsiveness for transient flow rate. Some analytical methods, such as Lissajous curve plotting, cumulative error calculation, and frequency filter, quantify the responsiveness sufficiently. In this study, to demonstrate the efficacy of the CVP test for evaluating flowmeter responsiveness, an ultrasonic flowmeter is selected as one of the representative examples of the application. CVP test for flowmeters has high potential in evaluating the frequency and amplitude dependence of flow rate measurement and the hysteresis effects during periodic pulsation flows. • Controllable volumetric prover is developed for evaluating flowmeter responsiveness. • Some effective methods based on statistical and frequency analysis are presented. • Ultrasonic velocity profiling technique is utilized for ensuring the transient flow. • Ultrasonic flowmeter is selected as the representative example of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal dikes are an essential social infrastructure to mitigate tsunami damage. However, there are no clear guidelines on effective dike shapes for reducing tsunami overflow. To examine effective dike shapes, numerical simulations of the amount of tsunami overflow at coastal dikes are conducted with reference to tsunami waveforms caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Results reveal the relationship between the dike shape and the amount of the overflow; the mechanism of overflow reduction based on the velocity and water level distribution is also verified. The comparison of the seaward and landward slopes of coastal dikes reveals that the seaward slope has a greater impact on the overflow, and the seaward slope with a vertical wall or a wave return structure reduces the overflow by 5%–30% compared to the 1:2 (26.6°) seaward slope. The landward slope should be determined based on the tsunami scale and the scour related to the dike stability. Since tsunami inflow damages human life and social infrastructure, achieving the overflow reduction without increasing dike height is vital. Our work contributes to rational design guidelines for coastal dikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-comparison for high temperature and high Reynolds number water flows was performed between Physikalische-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) using differential pressure meters. The flowrate range considered herein was from 250 m 3 /h to 740 m 3 /h and the temperature range was from 20 °C to 80 °C. The Reynolds number based on the pipe diameter ranges from 4.4×10 5 to 3.6×10 6 . The expanded uncertainty of volumetric flowrate with a coverage factor k =2 is 0.040% for PTB and 0.070% for NMIJ. The differential pressure meters as the transfer meter were a throat-tapped flow nozzle and an orifice. The results for both flow meters were in good agreement between the two labs. The difference in the average discharge coefficient at the same Reynolds number ranged from −0.05% to 0.03% for the flow nozzle and from −0.01% to 0.05% for the orifice. The results of the comparison indicate a high level of consistency between PTB and NMIJ for high temperature and high Reynolds number water flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the results of an inter-laboratory comparison of two small water flow calibration facilities with extremely low uncertainty between Endress+Hauser Japan Co. Ltd. (E+H-J) and the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) is reported. Flowrate range between 30 kg/h and 36,000 kg/h is compared. Expanded uncertainty of mass flowrate is from 0.020% to 0.025% at E+H-J and from 0.021% to 0.023% at NMIJ. In order to achieve low uncertainty, NMIJ carries out a re-evaluation of the uncertainty budget for two weighing tank systems. With advanced control of ambient temperature and calibration, the uncertainty level can be reduced to approximately half of previous levels. Results of the inter-laboratory comparison show excellent agreement for both standards, which is less than 0.018%. En values are also less than 0.52 for all examined flowrate points. These results show a high level of consistency for the facilities at both labs. To know the substantial difference, comparison is performed using corrected fitting curves between the flowrate by the test meters and the reference. As a result, significant difference between two facilities was quite small, and is estimated to be less than 0.001%. Differences in this comparison are one or two orders of magnitude lower than previous comparisons on water flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents an experimental study to evaluate the applicability of the ultrasonic pulse-train Doppler method (UPTD) to the disturbed flow in a pipe. The UPTD can expand the detectable velocity range compared with the conventional ultrasonic pulse Doppler method and has an advantage of trouble-free installation into conventional hardware. Comparative experiments were conducted using two different transducer frequencies, 1 MHz and 4 MHz. The UPTD was only applied to the 4-MHz condition to expand the velocity range fourfold, which is equal to the velocity range of a 1-MHz transducer. The probability density distributions of the measured velocities were almost the same between 1 MHz and 4 MHz, even though the measurement position was not only downstream of a long straight pipe but also downstream 10 or 5 pipe diameters from an obstacle plate. To estimate the influence of aliasing on the velocity measurement for a large fluctuating flow, experiments using a 2-MHz transducer were also conducted. These results indicated that it is possible to estimate the standard deviation of the velocities measured under the aliasing condition, and the accuracy of flow rate measurement decreases when the standard deviation of the velocity exceeds the measurable velocity by approximately twice. Additionally, the flow rate by the 1-MHz transducer was about −2% smaller than that by the 4-MHz transducer for both the straight pipe and disturbed conditions. Through the validation of the influence of the measurement volume between 1 MHz and 4 MHz conditions, the flow rate difference was found to be likely due to the influences of not only the measurement volume but also the standing wave formed by the pulses reflected on the opposite pipe wall. • This paper presents the experimental study of the applicability evaluation of the UPTD on the large fluctuating flow. • To generate the large fluctuating flow, the obstacle plate was installed upstream of the measuring position. • The flow rate differences using 1 MHz were approximately −2%, although that using 4 MHz with the UPTD were within ±0.5%. • The flow rate using 1 MHz was likely to be influenced by the reflected pulse from the opposite pipe wall. • The influence of the aliasing on the measured velocity was investigated in the case of the large fluctuating flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain the specific values of the flowrate measurement uncertainty using the ultrasonic Doppler velocity profile (UVP) method under disturbed flow conditions, experimental measurements were performed. To generate a disturbed flow, obstacle plates were installed upstream of the test section. To estimate which experimental parameter dominates the uncertainty, parametric examinations are conducted for the obstacle plate configuration, the distance between the obstacle plates and the measurement section, the incident angle of the ultrasonic beam, and the flowrate. The maximum deviation of the measured flowrate from the reference flowrate exceeds 2% when the flowrate is measured 8 D downstream of the obstacle plate. At a distance of 25 D downstream, the deviation is within the fundamental uncertainty level of the flowrate measurement using the UVP method. Because several uncertainty factors in this examination are cross-correlated with each other, the uncertainties of these factors are evaluated independently using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The total uncertainty is 7.98%, 1.97%, and 1.14% at 8 D , 16 D , and 25 D , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The static pressure measurement error at a wall tap of a flow nozzle is examined for a wide range of Reynolds number. The static pressure measurement error is obtained using the measured discharge coefficient for the flow nozzle. The static pressure measurement error is influenced by the diameter of the wall tap and the viscosity of the working fluid. This paper presents several relations between the static pressure measurement error normalized by the wall shear stress and the tap Reynolds number, which is based on the diameter of the wall tap and the friction velocity. The best relation to reasonably explain the static pressure measurement error is proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present paper describes a fundamental uncertainty analysis for a flowrate measurement in a pipe using an ultrasonic Doppler velocity profile method and an evaluation of the estimated uncertainty by an actual flow calibration. The uncertainties are estimated for internal factors originating from the measurement equipment; UVP provided by Met-Flow sa. and external factors depending on on-site measurements, such as the inclination angle of the ultrasonic transducer. The relative expanded uncertainty due to internal factors is estimated to be 0.34% with a coverage factor of 2. The relative external uncertainty including external factors is estimated to be from 0.42% to 2.13% depends on the inclination angle of the transducer. The results of the actual flow calibration under the same condition as the uncertainty analysis are within the range of uncertainty considering the internal factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An aim of this research work is to establish an evaluation method concerning a responsiveness of flowmeters for a transient flow rate. To this end, reference flow metering systems for the transient flow are proposed in this paper. Because a behavior of the responsiveness depends on the type of flowmeter, evaluations using different parameters, such as response time to sudden rise and sudden fall in flow rate, response to the frequency and amplitude of flow pulsation, mean characteristic and so on are needed. To achieve a precise evaluation, two reference flow metering methods for transient flow rates are proposed in this paper. One is a high-response weighing method and the other is a velocity profile measurement method using the ultrasonic pulsed Doppler method (UPDM). Since the behaviors of the transient flow rate measured by both methods show good agreement, we conclude them to be useable as a reference flow metering system. • A flow facility for transient flowrate is established to evaluate a responsiveness of flowmeters. • The responsiveness for Coriolis, vortex, turbine, ultrasonic, electromagnetic flowmeters are examined. • The reference flow metering system for transient flow rate is established using high response weighing tank system. • The potential of ultrasonic Doppler method as the reference flow metering is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The results of calibration tests of the feedwater flowrate of ultrasonic flowmeters used in a nuclear power plant for variety of upstream conditions obtained using the new high Reynolds number calibration facility at NMIJ are described. In this examination, the measurements are performed for five pattern pipe layouts with one or two elbows. The flow conditioners installed upstream of the flowmeter are the tube bundle type and the Mitsubishi, which are normally used in nuclear power plants. The calibration result for each flowmeter are largely different for each flow conditioner and each upstream pipe layout, except in some special cases. Moreover, the trend of the correction factor with Reynolds number is not uniform for each case. Furthermore, some differences were observed for individual flowmeters. It is recommended that the feedwater flowmeter, especially when used to perform measurement uncertainty recapture, is calibrated based on the actual pipe layout and the Reynolds number corresponding to the actual nuclear power plant conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new test facility has been constructed for the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) for calibration of feedwater flowmeters used in nuclear power stations at Reynolds numbers of up to 18 million. This very large Reynolds number is achieved in a 600 mm pipe at a flowrate of 3.33  m3/s (12,000  m3/h) and a water temperature of 70  ∘C. This calibration facility consists of a circulation loop with four pumps and four reference flowmeter sets, a prover system, a heating and cooling unit, and other components. The expanded uncertainty of this facility is 0.077%. The present paper describes, in detail, the new facility, the calibration method of the reference flowmeter, experiments for flow field, uncertainty estimation, and the results of an example calibration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peridinin, which was isolated from the planktonic algae dinoflagellates causing red tides, is a highly oxidized carotenoid containing an allene and a characteristic (Z)-γ-ylidenebutenolide function in the main conjugated polyene chain in addition to functionalized cyclohexane rings at both ends of the molecule. We achieved a stereocontrolled total synthesis of peridinin by featuring the Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation under precise reaction conditions, Wittig reaction with silylfuranmethylide followed by photosensitized oxygenation, stereocontrolled Pd-catalyzed one-pot (Z)-γ-ylidenebutenolide synthesis, and modified Julia-Kocienski olefination. This synthesis is the first example of controlling the stereochemistry of polyfunctional allenic carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we investigate the control of flow characteristics and heat transfer of a drag-reducing dilute cationic surfactant solution in a channel, in order to develop a highly efficient heat exchanger. As has been reported by many authors, addition of certain polymers or surfactants reduces heat transfer in drag-reduced water flow. Therefore, other measures must be taken in order to compensate the reduction in heat transfer. Specifically, this study investigates the effects of non-isothermal heating on drag-reduced flow: experiments were conducted in order to study passive control for effecting the drag-reduction state by employing temperature-dependent physical properties and heat transfer augmentation by complex flow. In addition, velocity and temperature profiles were measured under the coexistence of turbulent and drag-reducing flow in order to clarify the effect of drag reduction. It was confirmed that the drag reduction state was changed and diminished due to the temperature rise near the wall, especially the condition in the region of 50 greatly influence on drag reduction of pipe flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • False detection depends on the pulse position in the reference window and SNR. • False detection rate increases as the number density of reflectors decreases. • Proposed method is able to improve accuracy in the flow rate measurement. • The boundary value of the edge cutoff time of the proposed method is 1.7 T 0. • The edge cutoff time is better to be set at 1.7 T 0 with the threshold of at least 0.6. This paper discusses the influence of decreasing the number density of reflectors on the false detection rate of ultrasound time-domain correlation (UTDC) measurements. False detections are expected to be inhibited when the number density of reflectors decreases. This is because the sidelobe peaks of the cross-correlation coefficient becomes smaller when each pulse can be recognized separately, rather than when some pulses overlap. However, this separated waveform pattern is expected to occur more frequently as the number density of reflectors decreases. This pattern develops because parts of individual pulses exist in the reference window. In this study, the influence of the positional relationship between the pulse and the reference window in the presence of noise was investigated by simulating the UTDC signal process using an assumed pulse waveform. The simulation results show that there is a high probability of an increase in the false detection rate when the pulse length is under approximately 1.7 times the ultrasound period. The simulation results also showed that damped waveform region has a high potential to cause false detection. The flow rate was measured for three different reflector number densities at a national standard calibration facility for water flow measurements in Japan. The conditions under which false detection occurred and the influence on the flow rate error were evaluated. The measurement results showed good agreement with the simulation results. In addition, this paper also presents an application of a new signal processing method for UTDC measurements for reducing the rate of false detections caused by the pulse pattern. The experimental results show that this effectively reduces the flow rate error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study on a static pressure measurement errors in wall taps was conducted using a high Reynolds number actual flow facility (Hi-Reff). The bulk Reynolds number Re D examined was up to 1.3 × 107 and tap Reynolds number Re t was up to 8.5 × 104. The behavior of the static pressure measurement error at high Reynolds numbers was clarified experimentally. The static pressure measurement error normalized by wall shear stress increases with Reynolds number and reaches an asymptotic value. Its maximum value is 7.1 at Re t = 8470. The asymptotic value increases with the size of the tap diameter up to 6 mm and then becomes constant for tap diameters exceeding 6 mm. The universal curve reported in previous studies is observed for only a limited range of tap Reynolds numbers of below 700 and of tap diameters below 4 mm. • The static pressure measurement error at a wall tap in a fully developed pipe flow. • Experiments are performed up to high Reynolds number using Hi-Reff. • The universal curve for the static pressure measurement error is limited in low Reynolds number and small tap diameter less than 6 mm. • The static pressure measurement error reaches asymptotic value at high Reynolds number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis of a novel sphingosine kinase inhibitor, (−)-F-12509A ((−)-1), was achieved in a highly efficient manner that included nine longest linear steps and 45% overall yield from (−)-bicyclic β-ketoester (−)-2, and its absolute configuration was determined to be (5S,9S,10S). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A non-electrical and atmospheric pressure driven infusion pump was developed. • This infusion pump prototype works by inflating a sleeping-bag-shaped air bag to compress a drip bag. • This study investigated the behaviors of the drip bag and the air bag independently to quantify their respective effects. • 'Wrinkles' that appeared on the drip bag surface, trapped, and isolated small quantities of liquid inside the drip bag. • 'Wrinkles' also affected the adhesiveness of contact surfaces between the air bag and the drip bag. A novel non-electrical infusion pump prototype, driven by a vacuum-piston-cylinder, was developed for intravenous (IV) fluid therapy. This infusion pump prototype, called as AIR-BAG, was designed to work by inflating a sleeping-bag-shaped air bag to compress a drip bag for producing an infusion flow rate. This study was aimed at investigating the influencing factors on its flow performance by measuring the discharge flow rate stability using a gravimetric test bench. In determining the influencing factors, this study took an investigatory strategy of studying the behaviors of the drip bag and the air bag independently in order to examine and quantify their respective effects on the overall flow performance. From the investigation, it was found that 'wrinkles', created on the drip bag surface, trapped, and isolated small quantities of liquid inside the drip bag, leading to a rapid drop of liquid pressure inside the drip bag and hence a decrease of infusion flow rate. Due to the existence of the wrinkles, the adhesiveness of contact surfaces between the air bag and the drip bag, which was crucial for transition of pressurizing force, became highly affected, consequently further deteriorating the flow performance of AIR-BAG. The findings and understandings from this investigation will path the way for further improvement of prototype AIR-BAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a novel methodology, a combined system of optical and ultrasonic measurements, for evaluating spatial propagation characteristics of ultrasonic pulse-echo. The system can record pulse-echo profiles except in the near field where the ultrasound is not well-focused. An in-house-developed stereo-vision system is utilized as a reference to measure the three-dimensional coordinates in spherical particle dispersion in water. Ultrasonic pulse-echo from the particles is identified to the three-dimensional coordinates obtained by the stereo-vision system. Acquiring numerous data of randomly-dispersed particles in water gives higher data density in three-dimensional space than the conventional method using a hydrophone sensor. The method realizes a highly-accurate evaluation of the tilt angle of the pulse emission against the transducer casing axis within O (0. 0 1 ∘). The fact that the pulse-echo waveform in the three-dimensional space, rather than the radiation sound pressure field of the conventional method, can be converted into a database is crucial. • A calibration method for the ultrasound transducer is established. • Ultrasound pulse-echo measurement is combined with a stereo-vision system. • The propagation characteristic of ultrasound pulse-echo is measured with high accuracy. • The calibration result is validated by applying velocity profiling of water flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study constructs a model to represent the strain–stress field surrounding a splay fault and demonstrates the accumulation processes of both strain and stress around the splay fault. We consider the case of multiple fault dislocations, construct the model as a function of the effective viscosity in the media, and investigate the influence of the effective viscosity on the strain and stress accumulation patterns. The results show that the strain and stress tend to accumulate in the splay fault and the subducting oceanic crust, and the rate of accumulation varies with the effective viscosity. The accumulation and relaxation of strain and stress are simultaneous, and the slower the effective viscosity, the slower the accumulation rate. We discuss the relationship between the splay faults, fluid, and intraslab earthquakes. Finally, the possibility that effective viscosity may contribute to the mode of occurrence of intraslab earthquakes at the Hikurangi subduction margin is discussed. Plain Language Summary: We construct a simple model to explain the evolution of strain and stress over time in a subduction margin. The model constructed in this study is the case where a fault branches from a plate boundary. We investigate the influence of the effective viscosity of its constituents on the temporal evolution of strain and stress. The results show that the rate of strain and stress accumulation varies with the effective viscosity. Our result may suggests the influence of the effective viscosity on the source distribution of the microearthquakes observed at the Hikurangi subduction margin. Key Points: Temporal evolution of strain and stress caused by the dislocation of tri‐materials with different effective viscosities is calculatedStrain and stress accumulation rate depends on the effective viscosityStrain and stress accumulated at the multiple fault edge strongly influence the stress perturbations in the subducting oceanic crust [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introducing a sulfamide moiety to our coumarin derivatives afforded enhanced Raf/MEK inhibitory activity concomitantly with an acceptable PK profile. Novel sulfamide 17 showed potent HCT116 cell growth inhibition (IC50 =8nM) and good PK profile (bioavailability of 51% in mouse), resulting in high in vivo antitumor efficacy in the HCT116 xenograft (ED50 =4.8mg/kg). We confirmed the sulfamide moiety showed no negative impact on tests run on the compound to evaluate DMPK (PK profiles in three animal species, CYP inhibition and CYP induction) and the safety profile (hERG and AMES tests). Sulfamide 17 had favorable properties that warranted further preclinical assessment [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Slip on clay fault planes at shallow depths in the seismogenic zone could be controlled by their rheology as well as their frictional properties; however, the rheological nature of clay faults is still an open question. Investigating the rheological properties of clay minerals is essential for understanding and modeling shallow earthquake faulting. Here, we perform dynamic viscoelasticity measurements on three clay minerals, namely kaolinite, illite, and smectite, wetted with water using a custom-made high pressure, high temperature rheometer. Our results confirm that the rheological properties resulting from the microstructure of clay minerals depend on the oscillation frequency, oscillation amplitude, temperature, and amount of water contained. In addition, the rheological properties vary systematically with the type of clay mineral. This suggests that the viscoelastic behavior of earthquake faults varies with the type of clay minerals present. • Dynamic viscoelasticity measurements are performed on clay minerals under high temperature and high pressure. • Dynamic viscoelasticity of clay minerals depends on oscillation frequency, oscillation amplitude, temperature and the type of mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In flow velocity measurements, resolution, miniaturization, and accuracy of measuring devices are important issues because the measuring devices significantly affect the flow in the micro-space, sonic flow, and turbulent flow. We studied recovery temperature anemometry (RTA) using micrometer-order thermometers and evaluated its validity in two velocity ranges (40–90 and 315–420 m/s) by conducting two experiments and a numerical simulation. The results confirmed that the difference between the reference velocity and RTA was within 5% in the velocity range 60–90 m/s for both the thermocouple and platinum thermometer given the same recovery temperature coefficient of 0.83. It is a valuable finding that velocity measurement by RTA is independent of the type of thermometer used. This suggests that the accuracy of about 5% can be guaranteed even without calibration by giving the recovery temperature coefficient according to the thermometer geometry, which is an excellent advantage not found in other anemometers. Furthermore, the supersonic flow measured using RTA agrees well with the simulation results and theoretical trends. Our findings ensure that the micrometer-order point measurement of flow velocity, which is difficult with existing anemometers, using RTA is possible over a wide range of flow velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase is considered an attractive therapeutic target for human cancers, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our previous study revealed that 8,9-side-chains of 6,6-dimethyl-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazole scaffold crucially affected kinase selectivity, cellular activity, and metabolic stability. In this work, we optimized the side-chains and identified highly selective, orally active and potent ALK inhibitor CH5424802 (18a) as the clinical candidate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In transit-time ultrasonic flow meters (TOF), the flow rate is derived from the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse between two ultrasonic transducers. To convert the transit time into flow rate, a profile factor (PF) is required. Because the PF strongly depends on the velocity profile, a precise calibration of the PF is essential to the accuracy of the TOF. Hence, a field calibration, referred to as on-site calibration, is desirable. In this study, a hybrid ultrasonic flow meter that helps calibrate the TOF using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV) is proposed for on-site calibration by integrating the velocity profiles over the cross-sectional area of a pipe. Thus, a new system of hybrid ultrasonic flow meter was developed. The maximum flow rate measured using a conventional UDV is significantly lower than that measured using the TOF. Therefore, a system was developed to measure higher velocities and flow rates. The system is novel in that the transit time and velocity profile can be simultaneously measured using a de-aliasing method. To evaluate the influence of the velocity profile on the PF, experiments were conducted under a wide range of flow-rate conditions, which otherwise cannot be implemented using the conventional UDV. To evaluate the influence of the velocity profile in the pipe, an obstacle plate was placed at 8 D upstream the test section. Radially arranged measuring lines were employed. The experimental results show that increasing the number of measuring lines did not improve the accuracy of the TOF. On the other hand, the flow rate could be accurately obtained using the proposed UDV by measuring the velocity profile even under distorted flow conditions. Furthermore, the calibration of the PF based on the flow rate obtained using the proposed UDV was found to be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

9-Substituted 6,6-dimethyl-11-oxo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[b]carbazoles were discovered as highly selective and potent anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors by structure-based drug design. The high target selectivity was achieved by introducing a substituent close to the E0region of the ATP binding site, which has a unique amino acid sequence. Among the identified inhibitors, compound 13dshowed highly selective and potent inhibitory activity against ALK with an IC50value of 2.9 nM and strong antiproliferative activity against KARPAS-299 with an IC50value of 12.8 nM. The compound also displayed significant antitumor efficacy in an established ALK fusion gene-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) xenograft model in mice without body weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase is considered a promising therapeutic target for human cancers. We identified novel tetracyclic derivatives as potent ALK inhibitors. Among them, compound 27 showed strong cytotoxicity against KARPAS-299 with an IC50 value of 21nM and significant antitumor efficacy in ALK fusion-positive blood and solid cancer xenograft models in mice without body weight loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A static weighing system for a liquid microflow calibration rig, whose minimum flow rate is 1 mg/min (equivalent to 1 μL/min for water), was designed and evaluated. The developed weighing system, which can collect over 10 g of water, has two features: (i) an automatic detachable device with a sealing and wiper mechanism in contact with a needle and (ii) a flexible air bag to contain the air from the weighing vessel. Having these two features, the weighing system succeeds in reducing the evaporation effect as well as preventing tension on the weighing scale. However, uncertainty due to the mass difference of adhering liquid on the outside surface of needle before needle insertion and after needle extraction should be considered. Theoretical and experimental analysis were conducted. The mass difference due to the adhering liquid on the needle was estimated to be smaller than 1/3 of the target standard uncertainty of mass measurement set at 0.1 mg, indicating that the detachable procedure was not a dominant uncertainty source for mass measurement. The evaporation rate during collection was experimentally estimated to be less than 0.001 mg/min, which corresponds to less than 0.1% for the lowest flow rate of 1 mg/min. • Weighing system for liquid microflow calibration rig is designed and evaluated. • This study minimizes an evaporation effect for a static weighing method. • Evaporation effect is estimated to be less than 0.1 mg and below 0.1 % at 1 mg/min. • Automatic detachable device is placed between a weighing vessel and a feeding nozzle. • Syringe pumps were calibrated by this weighing system from 1 mg/min to 10,000 mg/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]