Synthesis of phthalimides cross-conjugated with an azulene ring, and their structural, optical and electrochemical properties.

The preparation of phthalimides cross-conjugated with an azulene ring was established by a one-pot Diels-Alder reaction of the corresponding 2-aminofuran derivatives with several maleimides, without the isolation of the intermediately formed [4 + 2] cycloadducts. The structure, optical and electrochemical properties of the novel phthalimide derivatives were clarified by single-crystal X-ray analysis, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra, spectroelectrochemistry and voltammetry experiments, and theoretical calculations. These results indicated that the substituents on the azulene ring greatly affect the optical and electrochemical properties of the molecules.

System Development Aiming Efficient Recording of Pedigree Information and Database Construction for Genetic Counseling Clinic.

In the collaborative research to support genomic medicine, we aim to improve the efficiency of operation such as prevention of hereditary cancer syndromes. In the present work, we built a prototype system to record a pedigree chart, clinical and genetic information on individuals during a genetic counseling session. In a mock examination, we were able to draw the pedigree chart of four generations in about four minutes and to record necessary information without disrupting conversation with counselees.