Tadashi Ishibashi

Two-dimensional arrangement of a functional protein by cysteine-gold interaction: Enzyme activity and characterization of a protein monolayer on a gold substrate

We have characterized the functional protein, myosin subfragment 1 (S1), attached to a gold substrate by the sulfhydryl groups of cysteine in proteins. The amino groups of the regulatory light chain (RLC) isolated from myosin were labeled with a radioisotope (125I), and the labeled RLC was incorporated into S1 from which the RLC had been removed. The radiation from 125I showed that S1 molecules had attached to the gold and, through the interference effect of the monochromatic radiation from 125I, provided information about the position of labeled RLC sites in the S1 monolayer. The interference fringes showed that the RLC was located close to the gold surface and that all of the adsorbed S1 molecules had the same orientation. We confirmed that the motor function of S1 on the gold surface is maintained by observing sliding movement at low ionic strength and by observing the detachment at high ionic strength of fluorescent actin filaments in the presence of ATP. We also found that the adsorbed S1 molecules were not removed from the Au surface by a reducing agent. Thus the Au-S bond is more stable than the S-S bond.

A multiplexed phase-change-type color LCD

Multiplexing of the Grandjean phase-change-type guest-host (PCGH) LCD in the low voltage region is discussed. When cell gap L is controlled asP < L < 1.25P(Pis the cholesteric pitch), the Grandjean PCGH LCD, with 1/2 bias and 1/2 duty, ensures a ±10-percent driving margin.

A design of multiplexing liquid-crystal display for calculators

A numeric liquid-crystal display using the dynamic scattering mode has been developed for calculators by adopting a total system design through the integrated development of material, device, and system. A mixed Schiff-base nematic liquid crystal with the dopants of l-hexadecylpyridinum bromide and p-aminophenol has been developed for the 1:2 selection multiplexing drive over a wide temperature range (0-40°C). A reliable package has been achieved with new technology. A 1-chip CMOS driving circuit with a 42-lead package has been developed for 8-digit 7-segment numeric readout displays in order to eliminate the dc component of the applied voltage, to minimize variations in the drive voltage, and to reduce power consumption. The devices have passed severe reliability tests. Our displays have lasted 15 000 h under normal test conditions. Using the dichroic mirror approach, it has become possible to design color displays of yellow, green, blue, or any color which have high readability and wide viewing angle under severe ambient light conditions.

Dye-type liquid-crystal displays

The progress of dye technologies for liquid-crystal display, which have been greatly expected to provide new characteristics to the LCD have been reviewed. First, we discuss optical properties of the cholesteric medium and their application to phase change guest-host LCDs. The electrooptical properties of this dye-type display are reviewed from the viewpoint of multiplexability, which is one of the key factors for real application. Basic technologies for a dye-type LCD such as the dye itself and the host LC are also discussed. Finally, we propose a new field of application for dye-type LCDs.

Liquid Crystal for Multiplexed Twisted Nematic Displays — Its Philosophy and Practice

To extend the applicability of twisted nematic liquid crystal displays (TN-LCDs), it is very important to develop liquid crystals (LCs) themselves. A few papers have been published1 concerning the design of LCs for TN-LCD application, discussing the relationship between material properties and display performance. But, most of those papers have neglected problems of multiplexing capability of displays, including factors of practical importance, such as angular dependence of viewing characteristics.

Contrast Ratio of Planar-Type Phase Change Guest-Host Color LCD

Light propagation along the helical axis of a planar cholesteric with dichroic dyes is calculated using the 2×2 Jones matrix formulation. The formulation is proved to be more useful than others for evaluating the dye LCD, as it reduces the number of parameters. The perceived contrast ratios are derived, and the dependences on the various cholesteric parameters are estimated. The results show that a small value of Δn and a high-order parameter are essential for improving the dye LCD contrast ratios.

Site determination of radioactive atoms from the interference effect of electron-capture rays: structural change of 111In-labelled azobenzene derivative

Abstract The structural change of a 111 In-labelled azobenzene derivative was examined using the interference effect of electron-capture X-rays emitted by nuclear transformations in radioactive atoms. Interference fringes were generated between the direct monochromatic emission from the radioactive atoms and the emission totally reflected by the substrate surface. The site of a radioactive atom can be determined by analysing the measured interference fringes, because the period of these fringes depends on the position of the radioactive atoms relative to the substrate surface.

Gassensitivity of Modified Surfaces of a Surface Acoustic Wave Device by Chemical Adsorption Technique and Langmuir-Blodgett Technique

The gassensitivity of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device with a surface modified by an organic monolayer is reported. A chemical adsorption technique, as well as a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique, was used to prepare the gas-sensitive monolayer on the SAW device. The specific sensitivity of a modified surface for organic gases was recognized and it was elucidated that the devices could be used in a pattern recognition system for odoriferous gases. The gas-sensitive monolayer is expected to realize an electronic nose of ultrasmall scale at low cost.

Liquid Crystal Display for Automotive Instrument Panel

A liquid-crystal display using the twisted nematic mode was developed for an automotive instrument panel. A low viscosity, quick response liquid crystal of wide nematic range was designed with the aid of the molecular theory for viscosity of liquid crystals. A liquid crystal less than 20 cp at 25 degree C with wide mesomorphic range was developed. For the most uniform response and widest viewing angle, a liquid crystal molecular alignment of low tilt angle was developed. A simple rubbing alignment technique was used which is compatible to glass sealing.