No. 25 October 2010

= Foreword = International Research Activities at RISH in 2010 Professor Hiroshi Yamakawa Chair of the International Academic Exchange Committee, RISH, Kyoto University

Humanospheric science is a new between Professor H. A. Muin, Dean of the was held at Club, interdisciplinary science, the goal of Faculty of Forestry, Tanjungpura Universi- Yogyakarta, , on June 10-12, which is to conduct research concerning ty, , West , Indonesia, 2010. The purpose of the HSS2010 was to a “humanosphere” comprising of “four and Professor T. Tsuda, Director of RISH. share the state-of-the-art research results spheres” including outer space, the atmo- Tanjungpura University is an Indonesian in humanosphere sciences among Indone- sphere, the “forest-sphere”, and the human national university locating in Pontianak, sian and Japanese young scientists. With living environment, all of which are vital the capital city of Prov- a total of 116 participants from Indonesia to human existence. The Research Institute ince. The research collaboration between (111) and Japan (5), the HSS2010 was for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH) RISH and the Faculty of Forestry, Tanjung- very successful and inspiring. The research of Kyoto University was established in pura University, was started in 1996 under introductions from the five RISH students, 2004 to promote this new science with the JSPS-LIPI Core University Program in Ms. M. Yokozeki, Mr. S. Nonaka, Ms. M. academic activities and education through the field of wood science, and that program Nishioka, Mr. R. S. Maail, and Mr. Y. P. domestic and international collaborative ran from 1996 to 2005. Since that time, the Prihatmaji, were very informative and pro- research programs. RISH contributes to two institutions have conducted continu- vided a challenge to discover new research both academic and public societies, and ous collaboration and have finally reached topics in the humanosphere sciences. Prof. international collaborations play especially the present MOU. With the signing of this T. Yoshimura reported on the HSS2010 in important roles in the academic activities MOU, a new comprehensive and efficient more depth in this issue. of RISH. In fact, most members of RISH partnership will be built between the two Professors T. Tsuda and M. Yamamoto have been involved in multilateral collabo- institutes. Prof. T. Yoshimura, who played and Associate Professor H. Hashiguchi rations with other universities or research an important role in promoting the MOU, presented an outline of the ceremony for institutes at both the domestic and interna- summarized the recent activities. the 25th anniversary of the Middle and tional levels. Following the last two successful Upper atmosphere radar (MU radar). The On April 16, 2010, an MOU (Memo- Schools in 2008 and 2009, the Humano- MU radar facility is located at Shigaraki randum of Understanding) was signed sphere Science Schoool 2010 (HSS2010) MU Observatory, Shigaraki, Koka-city,

1 Japan. Since 1984, the MU radar has been Processes and Ozone Variations by Space- ability of softwood-” and Dr. D. Jana, who widely used by both domestic and interna- Based Multi-Sensor Datasets”, Dr. D. is currently a JSPS Post-Doctoral Fellow, tional collaborative researchers. The cer- Nunn from the University of Southampton, reports on “Investigating the Potential of emony for the 25th anniversary of the MU UK, whose theme was “Theory and Simu- Cellulose Nanofibres to Tailor the Mor- radar, with 150 participants, took place on lations on VLF Chorus Emissions”, Dr. B. phology of Polymer Foams”. September 2, 2010, at the Uji Obaku Plaza Nanan from the University of Sheffield, We are hoping that these international on the Uji campus of Kyoto University. UK, whose theme was “Study of Coupling activities will greatly support the establish- The international symposium on the 25th of the Thermosphere-ionosphere Region ment of a sustainable society worldwide. anniversary of the MU radar was also held with the Regions Below and Above”, and All reports by the Visiting Professors at on September 2 and 3, 2010, at the same Dr. Min-Fu Hsu from National Cheng RISH and the International Symposia held venue. Kung University, Taiwan, whose theme by RISH from March to September 2010 Our international activities are also was “Comparison of Structural Behaviour are summarized at the end of this News- supported by many Visiting Professors. of Timber Frames Used in Japanese and letter, including the IGAC-SPARC Inter- We welcomed, from October 2009 through Taiwanese Traditional Temples”. national Workshop (130th RISH Sympo- October 2010, Dr. W. Ke from the Univer- Dr. Min-fu Hsu and Dr. D. Y. Wang sium), International Symposium on Radar sity of Montreal, Canada, whose research report on their visits and research activities and Modeling Studies of the Atmosphere theme was “Research of a System of Wire- at RISH in articles entitled “The Experi- (131st RISH Symposium), Humanosphere less Power Transmission via Millimeter- ment on Taiwanese Dei-dou Wooden Science School 2010 (HSS2010), Towards wave”, Dr. K. Sujata from the University of Frames” and “Safeguard Both Climate and Establishment of Sustainable Humano- Adelaide, Australia, whose theme was “A Ozone Layer”, respectively. Among six sphere (152nd RISH Symposium), and Study on Equatorial Atmosphere Dynam- Mission Research Fellows pursuing four International Symposium on the 25th ics by Means of a Radar Observation Net- missions at RISH, Dr. Y. Wang reports on Anniversary of the MU Radar (156th RISH work”, Dr. D. Y. Wang from the University her research topics and experiences in an Symposium). of New Brunswick, Canada, whose theme article entitled “My new research at RISH was “Study of Stratospheric Dynamical -Mechanism elucidation of liquid perme-

mantan Province. The corresponding = News Topics = institution with which RISH signed the The MOU with the Faculty of Forestry, MOU is the Faculty of Forestry. Tanjungpura University, Indonesia The research collaboration between RISH and the Faculty of Forestry, Tan- Professor Tsuyoshi Yoshimura jungpura University, began in 1996 under the JSPS-LIPI Core University Program in the field of wood science, The signing ceremony of a MOU joined the ceremony as a supporting which lasted from 1996 to 2005. Since (Memorandum of Understanding) was staff member. the program ended, the two institutions held between Professor H. Abdurrani At the signing ceremony, I con- have conducted continuous collabora- Muin, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, ducted a short seminar with the par- tion and have finally attained a fruitful Tanjungpura University, Pontianak, ticipation of many faculty mem- West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and bers Tanjungpura University Professor Toshitaka Tsuda, Director to overview the current study of RISH, Kyoto University, Kyoto, topics held at RISH, including Japan, on April 16, 2010. Since Pro- a brief introduction to Kyoto fessor Tsuda was not able to join University. the ceremony due to an event at the Tanjungpura University is university, I, acting as a representa- an Indonesian national univer- tive from RISH, brought a MOU with sity locating in Pontianak, the Professor Tsuda’s signature. Professor capital city of West Kalimantan H. Chairil Effendy, Rector of Tanjung- Province. The university con- pura University and I signed as wit- sists of nine faculties and over nesses after the signing by Professor 17,000 students, and plays a The signing ceremony by Rector H. Chairil H. Abdurrani Muin. Mr. Junpei Ueda major role as the highest educa- Effendy (middle) and Dean H. Abdurrani from the administration office also tional organization in West Kali- Muin (right)

2 No. 25 October 2010 result, the present MOU. It should be and Space-Remote Sensing Affairs, observation apparatuses. noted that Dr. Yuliati Indrayani, the in the city. RISH members working With the signing of this MOU, a first Vice-Dean of the Faculty of For- in the field of atmospheric science, new comprehensive and efficient part- estry, who took a Doctoral Degree at such as Professor Tsuda and Associ- nership will be built between the two RISH, worked a great deal to finalize ate Professor Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, institutes. Thus, the members of RISH the MOU. have been collaborating with the staff hope to actively promote academic Pontianak City is located just at these facilities for a long time. exchange and enhance educational beneath the equator, and there are some After the signing ceremony, Professor services through joint research, joint meteorological facilities of LAPAN, Yoshimura and Mr. Ueda visited one hosting of symposia, and an exchange the National Institute of Aeroneutics of the facilities to see the co-operating of faculty members.

logical Research Institute, Japan Meteo- = News Topics = rological Agency. Ceremony for the 25th Anniversary A 10-minute movie describing the of the MU Radar advances of the MU radar from its construction to the recent events at the Professor Toshitaka Tsuda, Observatory was played. Professor Professor Mamoru Yamamoto, Toshitaka Tsuda presented letters of appreciation to the Mitsubishi Electric and Associate Professor Hiroyuki Hashiguchi Corporation and to Koka-city, each of which contributed a great deal to the The Middle and Upper atmosphere moto, President, Kyoto University, continuous operation of the MU radar. radar (MU radar), located at Shigaraki addressed to expect a future advance in After the exhibition of congratulatory MU Observatory, Shigaraki, Koka-city, research activities related with the MU telegrams, the closing address was pre- Japan, is the most capable atmosphere radar and Shigaraki MU Observatory. sented by Professor Takashi Watanabe, radar facility in the world. Since 1984, Four thoughtful congratulatory address- Vice Director, RISH, Kyoto University. the MU radar has been widely used by es were presented by Mr. Harumi Koya- After the ceremony, Professor both domestic and international col- ma, Director for Research Coordination, Mamoru Yamamoto, RISH, Kyoto Uni- laborative researchers. The MU radar Scientific Research Institutes Division, versity chaired the reception for the 25th is powerful VHF-band atmosphere Research Promotion Bureau, Ministry anniversary of the MU radar. After the radar with a center frequency of 46.5 of Education, Culture, Sports, Science opening address by Professor Toshitaka MHz and a peak output power of 1 and Technology (MEXT), Professor Tsuda, four congratulatory addresses MW that provides fast beam steering Robert A. Vincent, President, Scientific that included anecdotes about the MU and flexibility for various observations. Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics radar were given by Emeritus Profes- Various new perspectives and insights in (SCOSTEP), Professor Ryoichi Fujii, sor Shoichiro Fukao, Kyoto University, meteorology, upper atmosphere dynam- Vice President, Nagoya University, and Professor Akimasa Sumi, Executive ics, and astronomical physics have Dr. Masahito Ishihara, Director, Meteo- Director, Transdisciplinary Initiative been discovered through the MU radar rological Satellite and Observation for Global Sustainability, Integrated observations. The ceremony for the 25th System Research Department, Meteoro- Research System for Sustainability Sci- anniversary of the MU radar, with 150 participants, took place on September 2, 2010, at the Uji Obaku Plaza on the Uji campus of Kyoto University. An international symposium on the 25th anniversary of the MU radar was also held on September 2 and 3, 2010, at the same venue. The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Yasuyuki Konishi, Director, Uji Admin- istration Office, Kyoto University. The opening address was given by Professor Toshitaka Tsuda, Director, RISH, Kyoto Symposium participants, 2-3 September 2010, at the Uji Obaku Plaza on the Uji campus of University. Professor Hiroshi Matsu- Kyoto University

3 ence, the University of Tokyo, Dr. C.H. Kyoto University. More than 130 par- obtained at the MU radar observatory Liu Academia Sinica, Vice President, ticipants enjoyed the reception for the during the 25 years of its operation, and and Dr. Juergen Roettger Max-Planck- 25th anniversary of the MU radar. a discussion of the ongoing research Institute, Senior Scientist Emeritus. The international symposium on of the atmosphere and ionosphere and The reception party started with a toast September 2-3 was devoted to a review future plans related to the MU radar and by Emeritus Professor Susumu Kato, of the many scientific achievements its observatory.

The organizers and supporting orga- = News Topics = nizations/programs and lecturers are Humanosphere Science School (HSS) listed below. 2010 in Gadjah Mada University Organizers: Research Institute for Sustainable Professor Tsuyoshi Yoshimura Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University Following the last two success- Maail and Mr. Yulianto Purmono Prihat- Research and development Unit for ful Schools in 2008 and 2009, the maji, were very informative and provid- Biomaterials (RDUB), LIPI Humanosphere Science School 2010 ed a challenge to discover new research Gadjah Mada University (UGM) (HSS2010) was held at Gadjah Mada topics in the humanosphere sciences. Center for Southeast Area Studies University Club, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Proceedings of the lectures were (CSEAS), Kyoto University on June 10-12, 2010. The purpose of delivered to all participants with the pro- Supporting Organization/Programs: the HSS2010 was to share the state-of- gram book, which listed the program, Global-COE Program, Kyoto Uni- the-art research results in humanosphere social activities, lecturers and partici- versity sciences among Indonesian and Japa- pants, and brief CVs of lecturers. Brief AA-JSPS Program, Kyoto Univer- nese young scientists. With a total of introductions of RISH and RDUB were sity 116 participants from all over Indonesia also included in the book. Kyoto University (111) and Japan (5), the HSS2010 was On the last day of HSS2010, a Lecturers: very successful. The research introduc- full-day culture trip to Borobudur and RISH: Prof. Toshitaka Tsuda, Prof. tions from the five RISH students, Ms. Prambanan temples was held, with the Shuichi Kawai, Prof. Naoki Shi- Makiko Yokozeki, Mr. Sho Nonaka, Ms. participation of the Japanese lecturers nohara, Prof. Tsuyoshi Yoshimu- Mimei Nishioka, Mr. Rohny Setiawan and students. ra, Assoc. Prof. Kenshi Taka- hashi, Assist. Prof. Tomohiko Mitani CSEAS: Dr. Satoko Hamamoto, Ms. Hiroko Kinoshita, Mr. Mohamad Najmul Islam LIPI: Prof. Endang Sukara RDUB: Dr. Sulaeman Yusuf UGM: Prof. Mohammad Na’im, Dr. Sri Nugroho Marsoem LAPAN: Dr. Dhani Herdiwijaya Prof. Toshitaka Tsuda delivers opening remarks The culture trip IPB: Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo

= Visiting Professor = The Experiment on Taiwanese Dei-dou Wooden Frames Dr. Min-fu Hsu, Visiting Professor from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan

Due to the MOU signed between Humanosphere (RISH) of Kyoto Uni- the Research Institute for Sustainable versity and the College of Planning

4 No. 25 October 2010

for the Chung Family at Ping-tung County in the southern part of Taiwan. The Ancestral Hall was rebuilt in 1930 and then completed in 1935, when Japa- nese occupied Taiwan. In 1995, due to the expansion of the road at the front of this Ancestral Hall and its Doorway Hall were scheduled be destroyed. I was Figure 3 Comparison of the two specimens Figure 1 The real frame informed of these plans by a local alum- nus of the Department of Architecture loads were 5.06, 6.51, 6.98, and 7.46 of N.C.K.U. and thus had a chance to kN-m. hire workers to carefully dismantle the The hysteretic loops of the two spec- front part of this hall. imens are given in Fig. 3, from which After building the copy frame, severe pinching and effects of column we performed experiments to test the racking were observed. There was no frames. The details of the materials, significant difference between the two load applied, and other experimental specimens in terms of strength or stiff- plans were planned, and then the exper- ness; this means that the material and its

Figure 2 The duplicate frame imental setup and dimensions of the age do not play a significant role in the specimens were prepared and assem- strength or the stiffness. and Design of National Cheng Kung bled by the help of a master carpenter The racking of the column, the story University (N.C.K.U.), I have prepared from Taiwan from 7 to 13 August. The drift of the global frame, and the timber two wooden frames in Taiwan, one of roof weights reflect the dimensions of joint of specimen A can be compared, which is the real one made from Hinoki the entrance, which ranges from 2.5 to from which we can learn that the story (Fig. 1) and the other of which is the 5 m. In the first stage of the experiment, drift of the entire structure comes rac duplicate one made from Sugi (Fig. 2), the load was released when small dis- king of the column. The comparison to become two specimens for use in the placement was reached (1%), and then between joint A and the racking of the cooperative structural experiments at a cyclic loading test was applied until column has revealed that the upper the Laboratory of Structural Function. large deformation occurred. To simu- structure is very rigid and that joints This effort is a part of the comparative late the roof weight, we applied 16, 21, A and B, apart from column racking, studies between Japanese wooden struc- 26, and 31 kN as vertical loads. Using provide most of the moment resistance ture and Taiwanese wooden structure specimen A as an example, we observed for the structure. jointly led by Professor Kohei Komatsu the same phenomenon in specimen B, After the experiment, the real frame and me. As a result of this work, I was which was that the vertical loads posi- will be presented as a gift to RISH and invited by RISH as a visiting professor tively affected the structural behavior be displayed in the Xylarium at RISH. from 19 July to 18 October 2010. of these two Taiwanese wooden frames, The duplicate frame without any deco- The real frame was a part of the as expected. The maximum loads at 1% ration will be displayed in the Wood “Doorway Hall” of the “Ancestral Hall” story drift with these different vertical Composite Hall at RISH.

= Visiting Professor = Safeguard Both Climate and Ozone Layer Dr. Ding-Yi Wang Visiting Professor from University of New Brunswick, Canada

The stratospheric ozone is important environmental issues. A major cause of for shielding the planet from harmful the depletion is trace gases such as chlo- solar radiation. Ozone depletion and rine and bromine compounds originating (CFCs), halogen-containing substances, global warming have become serious from human-made chlorofluorocarbons and the like. The space-based Japanese

5 instrument SMILES (Superconductive can make measurements covering all local time 6:00 PM. The observations Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission latitudes from pole to pole and at six are generally in agreement with the sim- Sounder) provides global measurements different local times simultaneously on ulations of the Chemistry-Climate Model

of the minor constituents (O3, HCl, ClO, the same day for a given latitude. Using at the Meteorological Research Institute,

HO2, HOCl, BrO, O3 isotopes, HNO3, the combined data sets observed during Japan. The results were presented at two

CH3CN, etc.) that allow researchers to 2007 and 2009, we are examining the international workshops, and a journal study the ozone destruction. characteristics of global ozone distribu- paper describing our findings is under Under the invitation of Prof. Masato tions and the seasonal and diurnal varia- preparation for submission. Shiotani (SMILES Principal Investiga- tions in the stratosphere and the lower My visit at RISH was fruitful. It is tor), I had the opportunity to work with mesosphere. my great pleasure to express my heartfelt him at RISH from 1 March to 28 June, A major finding is the presence of gratitude to my host, Prof. Shiotani, to 2010. This was my first experience ozone diurnal variation maxima around the International Exchange Program of working in Japan. As a research scientist, 5 hPa and 75° latitudes in both hemi- Kyoto University for providing financial I have been working on satellite obser- spheres during the late spring and sum- and scientific support, and to Ms. Akemi vations of the middle atmosphere for mer months (Figure). The maxima have Hatano and my colleagues at RISH for many years in Canada, USA, Germany, peak values of ~0.4 ppmv or the percent their many kinds of help. Whenever I Australia, and China. The main topic of deviations of ~10 -15% with respect to am, wherever I am, whatever I do, there my research at RISH was to characterize the midnight value, and occur around is no end to keeping the memory green! diurnal variations of the stratospheric ozone by using space-based multi-sensor datasets. Understanding the global ozone diur- nal variations provides important infor- mation on the photochemistry, dynamics and transport, and energetics of the atmosphere. The earlier measurements generally have rather poor spatial or tem- poral coverage. Studies from such data sources have therefore been restricted to the analysis of day-night differences or to the mesosphere, where the diurnal varia- tion is most remarkable. Our study uses three space-based instruments: the MLS/Aura (Microwave

Limb Sounder), the SMR/Odin (Sub- Figure Local time-pressure cross sections of zonal-mean ozone diurnal variation fields Millimeter Receiver), and the MIPAS/ (in ppmv) in June 2007 at 75°N (left) and percent deviations (right) from the Envisat (The Michelson Interferom- midnight values at each pressure level. The data are derived from the MRI-CCM simulation (top) and from the combined MLS/Aura, SMR/Odin, and MIPAS/ eter for Passive Atmospheric Sounding). Envisat measurements in 2007 (bottom). 0 h is midnight, and 12 h is noon. The three sun-synchronous instruments

= Post-doctoral fellow = Investigating the potential of cellulose nanofibres to tailor the morphology of polymer foams Dr. Jana Dlouhá JSPS Post-doctoral Fellow

During my engineer studies in Czech mainly studied mechanical properties of posite with complicated hierarchical Republic and my PhD in France, I have wood. Wood is fascinating natural com- structure starting from the nanoscale. At

6 No. 25 October 2010

the cell wall level, cellulose microfibrils rapid depressurization of the polymer to tailor the morphology of foams pro-

are embedded in softer matrix made up melt-supercritical fluid system. Reduce duced with supercritical CO2. We used of hemicelluloses and lignin. Microfi- the cell size to nanoscale while keep- polyvinyl alcohol as a matrix because of brils represent the strongest element of ing high porosity is nowadays the main good affinity with cellulose. Moreover, the wood cell wall. After removal of the challenge in this field. by changing the degree of hydrolysis of matrix, it is possible to mechanically Nucleation of bubbles upon depres- PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) one can change

further fibrillate macroscopic wood surization is mainly determined by the solubility of CO2 in the polymer fibres to nanofibres. Cellulose nanofi- processing conditions and interfacial as well as the strength of interactions bres represent the main research activity tension at the nucleating site. If the between nanofibres and matrix. While of the Laboratory of Active Bio-based nucleation rate is high, the gas in for fully hydrolyzed PVA the nucleat- Materials headed by Professor Hiroyuki the polymer melt is consumed for ing efficiency of CNF (cabon nano Yano who kindly supported my applica- generation of bubbles and less quan- fiber) was poor, in the case of partially tion for post-doctoral fellowship. tity remains available for their growth. hydrolyzed PVA the density of cells sig- Thanks to excellent mechanical prop- Thus, high density cell foams with tiny nificantly increased. In both polymers erties, high aspect ratio and huge surface pores can be achieved. Nanoparticles CNF also considerably restricted the area cellulose nanofibres are often used may promote the nucleation process cell growth. To further investigate the to improve thermo-mechanical proper- but their potential to act as nucleating potential of CNF to affect the foaming ties of polymers. In the field of nano- agent depends on the size, geometry, process, modification of the filler and

composite materials, porous materials level of dispersion and relative decrease of the matrix by CO2-philic groups will such as aerogels or foams have recently of interfacial tension at the nucleating be investigated. We hope to obtain com- drawn a great deal of attention. In case site. Even if the morphology of foams petitive results compared to the effect of of cellulose nanocomposites, porosity is is generally improved after addition of nanoclay or carbon nanofibres used in typically achieved by freeze-drying or nanoparticles, it is often difficult to real- previous studies. supercritical drying. On the other hand ize all the nucleating potential because I sincerely wish to thank Prof. Yano in polymer science, microcellular foams of problems with particles aggregations for providing me the opportunity to are mostly produced by supercritical and relative energetic inefficiency of work at RISH and for supporting my foaming. Here, a solid polymer is satu- additional nucleating sites. research here and I also would like to rated by supercritical fluids in molten In the present work, we try for the thank JSPS foundation for financial state and bubbles are nucleated upon first time to use cellulose nanofibres support.

= Post-doctoral fellow = My new research at RISH -Mechanism elucidation of liquid permeability of softwood- Dr. Yue Wang Mission Research Fellow

It has been two years since I wrote a rior, Prof. Sugiyama Junji, and to other short manuscript describing my research staff members and students of LBMI, of pit aspiration (Fig. B) caused by in the adaptation of reaction wood in for giving me a support and assistance heartwood formation and air drying. response to environmental changes for to make my work better. The pit aspiration causes problems for the RISH International Newsletter. For Since April 2010, I have been pur- the timber and wood products industry, the past two years, I have continued suing my new research into the liquid because the time needed for drying tim- this research at the Laboratory of Bio- permeability of softwood as a mission ber increases, the moisture content of mass Morphogenesis and Information researcher at RISH. In living conifer- the dried timber is heterogeneous, and (LBMI) under a JSPS postdoctoral fel- ous trees, bordered pits (Fig. A) are preservatives are unable to permeate lowship. I completed this research proj- essential paths for liquid transportation the inside of the timber. These problems ect in March 2010, and I would first like from one tracheid to another. However, result in high cost and low quality. To to express my appreciation to my supe- these paths are always occluded because recover the conductive function of the

7 bordered pits and improve the liquid Using a laser microscope, I observed the permeability of wood, researchers have deformations of aspirated PMs during investigated the following three types transverse compression, and I evaluated of method: (1) biological methods using the relationship between deformation bacteria, enzymes, or fungi to degrade and stress. Second, to clarify the physi- the pit membrane (PM); (2) chemical cal properties of the PM, especially the methods using different solvents to influence of incrustation, I subjected extract the deposits or degrade the pit samples to ethanol-benzene extraction border; and (3) physical methods using and extraction-compression combined transverse compression, freeze-drying, treatments. Third, I used scanning elec- smoke-heating treatments, and the like tron microscopy to observe the rupture to make irreparable damages to the PM. of the PM due to compression. Next, As is clear form these methods, the rup- I will measure the amount of liquid ture of the PM is the key to opening the permeability of treated softwoods to aspirated bordered pit. evaluate the efficiency of transverse Currently, my research focuses on compression and find the best treatment the effect of morphological variability conditions. of PMs on the efficiency of transverse I especially want to thank all of my compression to improve liquid permea- colleagues at RISH for giving me the bility of softwoods. First, I investigated chance to begin my new post-doctoral the mechanical properties of the PM. research.

Visiting Professors of RISH from October 2009 to October 2010 Period Name Affiliation Research title title 1 October 2009- Wu KE, University of Montreal, Canada Research of System of Wireless Power Transmission via Millimeter-wave 31 December 2009 1 March 2010- Kovalam SUJATA, University of A study on equatorial atmosphere dynamics by means of a radar 30 June 2010 Sdelaide, Australia observation network 1 March 2010- Ding-Yi WANG, University of Study of Stratospheric Dynamical Processes and Ozone Variations by 27 June 2010 New Brunswick, Canada Space-Based Multi-Sensor Datasets 28 June 2010- David NUNN, University of Theory and simulations on VLF chorus emissions 27 October 2010 Southampton, UK 15 July 2010- Balan NANAN, University of Study of coupling of the thermosphere-ionosphere region with the 14 January 2011 Sheffield, UK regions below and above 19 July 2010- Min-Fu HSU, National Cheng Kung Comparison of structural behaviour of timber frames used in Japanese 18 October 2010 University, Taiwan and Taiwanese traditional temples

International Symposium from October 2009 to October 2010 Period Theme Place 25-26 October Inamori Hall at Shiran-Kaikan in Kyoto, IGAC-SPARC International Workshop (130th RISH Symposium) 2009 Japan 10-13 November International Symposium on Radar and Modeling Studies of the Kyoto University Uji Campus, Japan 2009 Atmosphere (131st RISH Symposium) Humanosphere Science School 2010 (HSS2010): Towards Establishment Gadjah Mada University Club, 10-12 June 2010 of Sustainable Humanosphere (152nd RISH Symposium) Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2-3 September International Symposium on the 25th Anniversary of the MU Radar Kyoto University Uji Campus, Japan 2010 (156th RISH Symposium)

The Committee of International Academic Exchange Hiroshi Yamakawa (Chair), Toshitaka Tsuda, Shuichi Kawai, Takashi Watanabe, Kazufumi Yazaki, Yoshiharu Ohmura, Toshiaki Umezawa, Hiroyuki Yano, Kunio Tsunoda, Hirotsugu Kojima and Kenshi Takahashi (Chief Editor of the International Newsletter) Published by T. Tsuda (Director of RISH) Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan Tel: +81-774-38-3601, Fax: +81-774-38-3600/31-8463 http://www.rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

Title Back : Illustrated by Chikako Noshi 8