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Single-molecule imaging and manipulation with optical microscopy have become essential methods for studying biomolecular machines; however, only few efforts have been directed towards synthetic molecular machines. Single-molecule optical microscopy was now applied to a synthetic molecular rotor, a double-decker porphyrin (DD). By attaching a magnetic bead (ca. 200 nm) to the DD, its rotational dynamics were captured with a time resolution of 0.5 ms. DD showed rotational diffusion with 90° steps, which is consistent with its four-fold structural symmetry. Kinetic analysis revealed the first-order kinetics of the 90° step with a rate constant of 2.8 s−1. The barrier height of the rotational potential was estimated to be greater than 7.4 kJ mol−1 at 298 K. The DD was also forcibly rotated with magnetic tweezers, and again, four stable pausing angles that are separated by 90° were observed. These results demonstrate the potency of single-molecule optical microscopy for the elucidation of elementary properties of synthetic molecular machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-molecule imaging and manipulation with optical microscopy have become essential methods for studying biomolecular machines; however, only few efforts have been directed towards synthetic molecular machines. Single-molecule optical microscopy was now applied to a synthetic molecular rotor, a double-decker porphyrin (DD). By attaching a magnetic bead (ca. 200 nm) to the DD, its rotational dynamics were captured with a time resolution of 0.5 ms. DD showed rotational diffusion with 90° steps, which is consistent with its four-fold structural symmetry. Kinetic analysis revealed the first-order kinetics of the 90° step with a rate constant of 2.8 s−1. The barrier height of the rotational potential was estimated to be greater than 7.4 kJ mol−1 at 298 K. The DD was also forcibly rotated with magnetic tweezers, and again, four stable pausing angles that are separated by 90° were observed. These results demonstrate the potency of single-molecule optical microscopy for the elucidation of elementary properties of synthetic molecular machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of microfluidics systems for high-throughput postgenome analysis has been steadily increasing. We conceived and fabricated an integrated six-microchip capillary electrophoresis unit on a small area of 30 × 30 mm for high-throughput DNA analysis. The design of the structure was performed using a fluid dynamics simulation of electrophoresis to improve the DNA separation resolution. A narrow width of the micro channel at the corners was adopted. For simple fabrication of the microchip, we developed the PMMA structure of the micro fluid channel using lithography, molding, and fusion bonding techniques. It was demonstrated that the proposed integrated structure of micro channels results in good performance of on-chip DNA separation in a small one-unit area of 9 × 9 mm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 177(1): 32-36, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (). DOI 10.1002/eej.21156 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. Purpose: To report a case of a traumatic macular hole with severe retinal folds in which vitreous surgery combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling was beneficial. To demonstrate that the area from which the ILM was peeled can be clearly differentiated by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Methods: A posterior hyaloid detachment was created during vitreous surgery on a 34 year old man with a traumatic macular hole. The remaining vitreous was resected and the ILM was peeled. The fundus was examined through a scanning laser ophthalmoscope before and after the surgery. Results: The retinal folds disappeared concurrently with the detachment of the ILM, resulting in closure of the macular hole. The area from which the ILM was peeled was clearly observed through the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Conclusion: In this patient, it was helpful to perform not only posterior hyaloid detachment but also ILM peeling. The scanning laser ophthalmoscope was highly useful for observing the area from which the ILM was peeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a patient with a Leber’s idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis-like lesion that was caused by vitreous traction accompanying a posterior hyaloid detachment. Methods: We present a 49-year-old woman who showed segmental optic disc edema, peripapillary retinal detachment, and a macular star. Results: An incomplete posterior hyaloid detachment was present, and the posterior hyaloid membrane was attached to the nasal margin of the optic disc. Fluorescein angiography revealed a bent retinal artery on the upper margin of the optic disc, and leakage of fluorescein was observed from this area. Conclusion: Vascular damage to the optic disc due to vitreous traction should also be considered as a mechanism for the ophthalmoscopic appearance of the fundus when lesions suggestive of Leber’s idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis are present in an adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor in response to an article about diabetic maculopathy by Dr. Toke Bek in the August 1999 issue.

The cover page of the journal "Angewandte Chemie International Edition" is presented.

Background: We conducted a historical cohort study of patients with schizophrenia to identify more robust risk factors at discharge that contribute to readmission within a year. Methods and Findings: The subjects underwent brief psychoeducation during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was conducted using factors selected in the univariate analysis. Using logistic regression analysis, the number of hospital admissions (P =.01) and Schedule for Assessment of Insight Japanese version score (P =.04) were identified as risk factors for readmission, with odds ratios of 0.70 and 1.18, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that improvement in insight and early intervention may lead to a more stable community life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pivotal guest role: A new porphyrin polymer, poly(PorZn⋅DD) (see picture, pink/purple), composed of a porphyrinatozinc and a porphyrin double‐decker complex as a repeating unit was synthesized. In poly(PorZn⋅DD), porphyrinatozinc complexes recognize a divalent amine (tan/red) to induce an intramolecular pivoting motion through the rotation of porphyrin double‐decker complexes and the polymer undergoes shortening and compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der Gast bestimmt: Ein Porphyrinpolymer, poly(PorZn⋅DD) (siehe Bild, rosa/violett), mit einem Porphyrinatozink ‐ und einem Porphyrin ‐ Doppeldeckerkomplex als Wiederholungseinheit, wurde synthetisiert. Die Porphyrinatozinkkomplexe in ihm erkennen ein divalentes Amin (braun/rot), was eine intramolekulare Drehbewegung durch Rotation der Porphyrin ‐ Doppeldeckerkomplexe zur Folge hat und so zu einer Verkürzung und Kompaktierung des Polymers führt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]