Tokyo Institute of Technology

About: Tokyo Institute of Technology is a education organization based out in Tokyo, Tôkyô, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Thin film & Catalysis. The organization has 46775 authors who have published 101656 publications receiving 2357893 citations. The organization is also known as: Tokyo Tech & Tokodai.

Artificial muscle-like function from hierarchical supramolecular assembly of photoresponsive molecular motors.

Abstract: A striking feature of living systems is their ability to produce motility by amplification of collective molecular motion from the nanoscale up to macroscopic dimensions. Some of nature's protein motors, such as myosin in muscle tissue, consist of a hierarchical supramolecular assembly of very large proteins, in which mechanical stress induces a coordinated movement. However, artificial molecular muscles have often relied on covalent polymer-based actuators. Here, we describe the macroscopic contractile muscle-like motion of a supramolecular system (comprising 95% water) formed by the hierarchical self-assembly of a photoresponsive amphiphilic molecular motor. The molecular motor first assembles into nanofibres, which further assemble into aligned bundles that make up centimetre-long strings. Irradiation induces rotary motion of the molecular motors, and propagation and accumulation of this motion lead to contraction of the fibres towards the light source. This system supports large-amplitude motion, fast response, precise control over shape, as well as weight-lifting experiments in water and air.

Economic Impacts from PM2.5 Pollution-Related Health Effects in China: A Provincial-Level Analysis.

Abstract: This study evaluates the PM2.5 pollution-related health impacts on the national and provincial economy of China using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and the latest nonlinear exposure–response functions. Results show that the health and economic impacts may be substantial in provinces with a high PM2.5 concentration. In the WoPol scenario without PM2.5 pollution control policy, we estimate that China experiences a 2.00% GDP loss and 25.2 billion USD in health expenditure from PM2.5 pollution in 2030. In contrast, with control policy in the WPol scenario, a control investment of 101.8 billion USD (0.79% of GDP) and a gain of 1.17% of China’s GDP from improving PM2.5 pollution are projected. At the provincial level, GDP loss in 2030 in the WoPol scenario is high in Tianjin (3.08%), Shanghai (2.98%), Henan (2.32%), Beijing (2.75%), and Hebei (2.60%) and the top five provinces with the highest additional health expenditure are Henan, Sichuan, Shandong, Hebei, and Jiangsu. Controlling PM2.5 pollut...

Detection of local ATP release from activated platelets using cell surface-attached firefly luciferase

Abstract: We have developed a method for measuring the local concentration of ATP at the extracellular surface of live cells. This method relies on the specific attachment to the cell surface of a chimeric protein that consists of the IgG-binding domain of Staphylococcus aureus protein A fused in-frame with the complete sequence for firefly luciferase (proA-luc). Expression of proA-luc in Escherichia coli and its one-step affinity purification are straightforward. Attachment to cells is demonstrated to be specific and antibody dependent using several suspended and adherent cell types. Light production by cell surface-attached luciferase is continuous, linearly related to ATP concentration, and sufficient to provide nanomolar sensitivity. The spatial resolution of this method enables the observation of strictly local changes in extracellular ATP during its secretion from activated platelets. Furthermore, the activity of cell-attached luciferase is relatively refractory to the inclusion of nucleotidases in the medium, arguing for its effectiveness in cell systems possessing potent ecto-ATPases.