Photoinduced change in the charge order pattern in the quarter-filled organic conductor (EDO-TTF)2PF6 with a strong electron-phonon interaction

The quasistable state in the photoinduced phase transition for the quasi-one-dimensional quarter-filled organic conductor (EDO-TTF)2PF6 has been examined by ultrafast reflective measurements and time-dependent model calculations incorporating both electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions. The transient optical conductivity spectrum over a wide probe photon-energy range revealed that photoexcitation induced a new type of charge-disproportionate state. Additionally, coherent and incoherent oscillations dependent on probe photon energies were found, as predicted by the calculation.     

Subterranean electrical structure of Kozu-shima volcanic island, Japan

Following the electric current injection experiment carried out in 2009, a VLF-MT (Very Low Frequency Magnetotelluric) survey has been conducted in Kozu-shima Island to obtain further information on the subterranean electrical structure that might help understanding the results of our monitoring of geoelectric potentials. A number of VAN-type pre-seismic geoelectric potential anomalies were observed in 1997-2000, even showing a remarkable "Selectivity". However, similar pre-seismic anomalies were not observed during the Izu-Island volcano-seismic swarm 2000. All these observations would require extremely high degree of heterogeneity in the subterranean electrical structure of the volcanic island and its possible time changes. Several correlations between the results of this survey and the volcanic geology of the island and ground water distribution were found. Further investigation is needed for a complete explanation of the observed phenomena.     

Iron-Catalyzed Biomimetic Dimerization of Tryptophan-Containing Peptides

Biomimetic oxidative dimerization of tryptophan derivatives in aqueous media with oxygen as a bulk oxidant catalyzed by an iron octacarboxy phthalocyanine complex was established. The discovery of the extremely active iron catalyst enables aerobic enzyme-mimetic oxidation to be performed in a flask. This method was applicable to the oxidative dimerization of a wide range of tryptophan derivatives, including various dipeptides and oligopeptides, with remarkable functional-group tolerance without the protection of the amino acid residues. Furthermore, oxidative dimerization of tryptophan derivatives bearing dioxopiperazine units enabled the convergent total synthesis of five natural pyrroloindole compounds and unnatural congeners. The established chemical method provides facile access to a broad range of dimerized peptides with a unique scaffold to link two turn structures, which will serve as a powerful tool to create new small- and medium-sized-molecules as drug candidates.     

One-year Ocular Safety Observation of Workers and Estimations of Microorganism Inactivation Efficacy in the Room Irradiated with 222-nm Far Ultraviolet-C Lamps

Two krypton-chloride germicidal excimer lamp units (Care222 TRT-104C11-UI-U3, USHIO Inc.) were installed in the examination room of an ophthalmology department. The irradiation dose was set not to exceed the former (i.e., before 2022) threshold limit value (TLV) (22 mJ cm⁻²/8 h) recommended by the ACGIH. Section 1: The eyes and lids of the six ophthalmologists (5 wore glasses for myopic correction) who worked in the room for a mean stay of 6.7 h week⁻¹ were prospectively observed for 12 months. Slitlamp examinations revealed neither acute adverse events such as corneal erosion, conjunctival hyperemia, and lid skin erythema nor chronic adverse events such as pterygium, cataract, or lid tumor. The visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal endothelial cell density remained unchanged during the study. Section 2: The irradiation of samples placed on the table or floor using the same fixtures in the room (5–7.5 mJ cm⁻²) was associated with >99% inhibition of φX174 phage and >90% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, no acute or chronic health effects in human participants was observed in a clinical setting of full-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation by 222-nm lamp units, and high efficacy in deactivation of microorganisms was determined in the same setting.