Open Access
REVIEW
Tak-Sing Wong*, Branden Brough†, Chih-Ming Ho∗,‡
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.6, No.1, pp. 1-56, 2009, DOI:10.3970/mcb.2009.006.001
Abstract Mimicking nature's approach in creating devices with similar functional complexity is one of the ultimate goals of scientists and engineers. The remarkable elegance of these naturally evolved structures originates from bottom-up self-assembly processes. The seamless integration of top-down fabrication and bottom-up synthesis is the challenge for achieving intricate artificial systems. In this paper, technologies necessary for guided bottom-up assembly such as molecular manipulation, molecular binding, and the self assembling of molecules will be reviewed. In addition, the current progress of synthesizing mechanical devices through top-down and bottom-up approaches will be discussed. More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Arthur J. Sit*, John H.K. Liu†
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.6, No.1, pp. 57-70, 2009, DOI:10.3970/mcb.2009.006.057
Abstract Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. The main risk factor for glaucoma is an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which is also the only currently treatable risk factor. Despite its importance, our understanding of IOP is incomplete and our ability to measure IOP is limited. IOP is known to undergo both random fluctuations as well as variations following a circadian pattern. In humans, IOP is highest at night and lower during the daytime, largely due to changes in body position, although other factors appear to contribute. In rabbits, IOP is also highest at night and lower… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Weijuan Yao*, Lanping Amy Sung†
Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.6, No.1, pp. 71-82, 2009, DOI:10.3970/mcb.2009.006.071
Abstract Erythrocyte tropomodulin (E-Tmod) is a tropomyosin-binding and actin capping protein at the point end of the filaments. It is part of a molecular ruler that plays an important role in generating short actin protofilaments critical for the integrity of the cell membrane. Here, with the use of \textit {E-Tmod+/lacZ} mice, we demonstrated a specific E-Tmod expression in horizontal cells (HCs) in the retina, and analyzed the stress-strain relationship of HCs, vertically oriented neurons, and retinal ganglial cells (RGC) under normal and high intraocular pressure (IOP). Since their dendrites are oriented laterally in a plane and form most complicated synapses with… More >
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