40-GHz bandwidth InGaAs/InAlAs multiple quantum well optical intensity modulator

High-speed waveguide InGaAs/InAIAs multiple quantum well (MQW) optical intensity modulators are demonstrated. To minimize the modulator capacitance, an undoped InAIAs cladding layer is added over the MQW core layer in the optical waveguide. In addition, polyimide is spin coated under the bonding pad. As a result, a very wide bandwidth in excess of 40 GHz is developed with a driving voltage of 6 V for a 10-dB extinction ratio and a linewidth broadening factor alpha of < 1.0 at an operating wavelength of 1.54 microm. The frequency response of the modulator is limited by the device capacitance and inductance.

cDNA cloning of rat proteasome subunit RC1, a homologue of RING10 located in the human MHC class II region

The nucleotide sequence of a cDNA that encodes a new subunit, named RCl, of rat proteasomes (multicatalytic proteinase complexes) has been determined. The polypeptide predicted from the open reading frame consisted of 208 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 23, 130, which is consistent with the size obtained by electrophoretic analysis of purified RCl. The partial amino acid sequences of several fragments of RCl, obtained by protein chemical analyses, were found to be in excellent accordance with those deduced from the cDNA sequence. Surprisingly, the overall structure of RCl was found to be almost identical to that of recently isolated RING10, whose gene is located in the class II region of the human MHC gene cluster. This finding suggests that RCl is a homologue of human RING10, supporting the proposal that proteasomes are involved in the antigen processing pathway.

[A new operative mode for sphenoclival regions; trans Le Fort I approach]

Tumors in the sphenoclival region have conventionally been approached transseptally (transsphenoidally) or transorally; however, the following disadvantages have not allowed wide application of these approaches; 1) limited operative field, especially at the lateral side, 2) unsatisfactory repair for the dural defects. We have applied Le Fort I osteotomy for lesions in this region, and we called the operative technique, by which we approached via the space that was obtained by moving the osteomized maxillary bone to the mandibular bone, trans Le Fort I approach. We have applied this approach in 5 patients and obtained a substantially wider operative field than that obtained by the conventional approach, with successful results. Three out of 5 patients were operated on via this trans Le Fort I approach, and the other 2 via this approach combined with mandibular midsplitting, which was performed to make a median osteotomy of the mandibular bone to accommodate osteomized maxillary bone (this technique is referred to as trans Le Fort I with mandibular midsplitting). The tumor was totally resected in 4 cases, and subtotally in 1 case with wide dural incision. One case was temporarily complicated with diabetes insipidus after the operation, but there were no complications in the remaining cases. Prognoses in patients were good in 2, fair in 1, and poor in 2 due to tumor progression. Although tracheostomy is inevitable with this approach, we think this technique is beneficial in operations of the skull base because, compared with conventional techniques, a somewhat wider operative field can be expected with this technique.

The effect of intermittent coronary sinus occlusion on coronary sinus pressure dynamics and coronary arterial flow

The effect of intermittent coronary sinus occlusion (ICSO) with a balloon-tipped catheter on coronary arterial flow and coronary sinus pressure (CSP) dynamics were studied in open-chest dogs. During coronary sinus occlusion (CSO), CSP gradually rose and finally reached a plateau, while left coronary arterial mean flow velocities decreased. After the release of CSO, CSP immediately returned to baseline values, and the flow velocities correspondingly increased over the baseline values (hyperemic response). The decrease in ratios of flow velocities during CSO were unrelated to the duration of CSO, whereas hyperemic responses were positively correlated with the CSO duration. In the repetitive application of CSO (ICSO), inadequately short duration of release period decreased the net volume of coronary arterial flow significantly. Moreover, hyperemic responses were abolished by maximal coronary vasodilation with intravenous adenosine, augmented by combination with coronary sinus retroperfusion and reduced by coronary arterial ischemia. These findings indicate the presence of a compensatory regulating mechanism in the coronary circulation during ICSO. We should attach much importance to this mechanism for the effectiveness of ICSO. To be accurate, the changes in coronary arterial flow as well as CSP dynamics should be considered when choosing adequate occlusion-release intervals of ICSO.

Changes in plasma levels of thrombomodulin during haemodialysis

We studied the changes in plasma levels of thrombomodulin (TM) known to be present on vascular endothelial cells and released into circulating blood following damage to endothelial cells, during haemodialysis in 49 patients with end-stage chronic glomerulonephritis maintained on haemodialysis. After a single haemodialysis, plasma levels of TM were significantly elevated from 38.4 +/- 13.8 ng/ml to 46.8 +/- 14.6 ng/ml (p less than 0.05). Plasma levels of TM before haemodialysis were significantly higher in the cases of long-term haemodialysis than in those of short-term haemodialysis (p less than 0.01). From these observations, increased plasma levels of TM may be due to decreased clearance of TM by renal insufficiency, or damage to endothelial cells induced by the recurrent haemodialysis. In those patients with a greater residual blood volume in a dialyser, the changes in plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complex and TM during a single haemodialysis were significantly higher. From these findings, it was suggested that endothelial cell damage is more severe in patients with greater residual blood volume.

MR imaging of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea after operation for acoustic neurinoma

MR was useful in verifying CSF rhinorrhea following removal of an intracanalicular acoustic neurinoma via the occipital route in a 29-year-old man. MR accurately identified the location of the CSF leak.

Cinatrins, a novel family of phospholipase A2 inhibitors. I. Taxonomy and fermentation of the producing culture; isolation and structures of cinatrins

Cinatrins A, B, C1, C2 and C3, a family of phospholipase A2 inhibitors were isolated from the fermentation broth of Circinotrichum falcatisporum RF-641. They were found to be novel spiro-gamma-dilactones and gamma-lactones derived from 1,2,3,5-tetra or 1,2,3(or 1,2,4)-trihydroxypentadecane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acids. Structures were elucidated by MS and NMR studies and chemical transformations. The structure of cinatrin C3 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis, and its absolute configuration was determined by comparison of the CD spectra with related compounds.

[A case of adult onset phosphoglucomutase deficiency]

A case of 38-year-old male with adult onset phosphoglucomutase (PGM) deficiency was reported. The patient was admitted at Kawamura Hospital (Gifu City) for evaluation of easy fatiguability and exercise-induced weakness of the extremities since he was 20 years old. Physical examination revealed moderate muscle weakness, wasting of extremities, bilateral clubbed fingers and hypoesthesia of distal portion of extremities. Fasting plasma glucose was low (58 mg/dl). Venous concentration of lactate failed to rise after an ischemic forearm exercise test. An epinephrine tolerance test revealed hyperglycemic response. Studies of anaerobic glycolysis in vitro using muscle homogenates with the substrate between glucose-1-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate showed decreased lactate production. Direct assay of individual muscle glycolytic enzymes demonstrated reduction of PGM activity (15% of normal, n = 12). Biopsy study with PAS staining of quadriceps femoris muscle demonstrated small amount of deeply staining glycogen in subsarcolemmal area. Electron microscopic examination revealed muscle destruction with small amount of glycogen in subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar spaces. Sural nerve biopsy showed degeneration of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers but there was no apparent accumulation of glycogen. From the clinical, biochemical and histopathological evidences, the patient might be a rare case of adult onset PGM deficiency.

Transient lupus anticoagulant induced by Epstein-Barr virus infection

A 25-year-old woman presented with an episode of left calf deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thrombosis. She was found to have a lupus anticoagulant with anticardiolipin antibodies, some autoimmune antibodies and antibodies for primary Epstein-Barr (EB) virus infection. Six months later, lupus anticoagulant and other autoimmune antibodies were found to be negative and EB virus antibodies were shown to be seroconverted. We suggest that the transient presence of lupus anticoagulant was due to EB virus infection caused by activation of polyclonal B-lymphocytes.

Mouse submandibular gland prorenin-converting enzyme is a member of glandular kallikrein family

Mouse submandibular gland prorenin-converting enzyme (PRECE) consists of the two polypeptide chains of 17 and 10 kDa and cleaves mouse Ren-2 prorenin at a dibasic site to yield mature renin. Western blot analysis using an antiserum against this enzyme gave rise to multiple bands in mouse submandibular glands, suggesting that PRECE is a member of a protease family. Partial amino acid sequence analysis of purified PRECE and cloning and sequence analyses of its cDNA indicated that it is identical to the mGK-13 gene product, epidermal growth factor-binding protein type B, which is a member of the glandular kallikrein family and is involved in maturation of epidermal growth factor. Conditioned medium from Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with an expression plasmid for PRECE had prorenin converting activity. These results indicate that PRECE is involved in the maturation of two bioactive polypeptides expressed in mouse submandibular glands, Ren-2 renin and epidermal growth factor.

Molecular cloning of cDNA for the import precursor of human subunit B of H(+)-ATP synthase in mitochondria

The nucleotide sequence of the import precursor of subunit b of human H(+)-ATP synthase has been determined from a recombinant cDNA clone isolated by screening a human kidney cDNA library with a cDNA for rat subunit b as a probe. The sequence was composed of 1,134 nucleotides including a coding region for the import precursor of subunit b and noncoding regions on the 5'- and 3'-sides. The import precursor of subunit b and its mature polypeptide deduced from the open reading frame were found to consist of 256 and 214 amino acid residues with molecular weights of 28,893 and 24,610, respectively. The presequence of 42 amino acids could be the import signal peptide for directing the protein into the mitochondrial matrix.

Molecular cloning of cDNA for the import precursor of human coupling factor 6 of H(+)-ATP synthase in mitochondria

The nucleotide sequence of the import precursor of coupling factor 6 (factor 6) of human H(+)-ATP synthase has been determined from a recombinant cDNA clone isolated by screening a human kidney cDNA library with a cDNA for rat factor 6 as a probe. The sequence was composed of 466 nucleotides including a coding region for the import precursor of factor 6 and noncoding regions on the 5'- and 3'-sides. The import precursor of factor 6 and its mature polypeptide deduced from the open reading frame were found to consist of 108 and 76 amino acid residues with molecular weights of 12,596 and 8,969, respectively. The presequence of 32 amino acids could be the import signal peptide for directing the protein into the mitochondrial matrix.

Syntheses of 5,7,8- and 5,6,7-trioxygenated 3-alkyl-3',4'-dihydroxyflavones and their inhibitory activities against arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase

5,6,7- and 5,7,8-Trioxygenated 3',4'-dihydroxyflavones were derivatized by introducing alkyl groups of various chain lengths at the 3-position of the flavone skeleton. These compounds were tested as inhibitors for arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase purified from porcine leukocytes. Modification of the 3-position with an alkyl group of 6-10 carbons markedly decreased the IC50 values. 3-Hexyl-3',4'-dihydroxy-5,7, 8-trimethoxyflavone inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with an IC50 value of 58 nM. The platelet and leukocyte 12-lipoxygenases, 15-lipoxygenase of reticulocytes, and cyclooxygenase of vesicular gland were inhibited less potently (IC50 = 0.4, 0.4, 2.7, and 30 microM). Thus, the compound was a relatively selective inhibitor for 5-lipoxygenase.

[Clinical and cytological features of acute myelogenous leukemia with 8; 21 chromosome translocation]

Eight cases of acute myelogenous leukemia with (8; 21) translocation were reported. As recently reported, they showed following features: M2 morphology in FAB classification (all 8 patients), abnormal granulocyte maturation, i.e. large granules and pseudo Pelger-Huet forms (5), Auer rods (8), occasional eosinophilia (2), frequent loss of one sex chromosome (5), the low neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity (5), and tumor formation (one). Both CD13 and CD33 antigens were expressed on smaller number of leukemic cells than the other AML (M2) cells, whereas CD34 and HLA-DR antigens were expressed on higher number of cells. Interestingly CD19 antigen was detected on a small to large population of tumor cells from four out of six patients. Despite the high remission rate, many of them relapsed within one year. More intensive postinduction and maintenance therapy should be considered for those patients.

An extensive transbasal approach to frontal skull-base tumors. Technical note

Lesions in the base of the frontal fossa have conventionally been approached extra- and intradurally through a bilateral frontal craniotomy. However, when the lesion is large or deeply situated, wider bilateral retraction of the frontal lobes is required to obtain a sufficiently large operative field. The authors describe a new operative approach for huge tumors at the frontal skull base, employing an en bloc bilateral osteotomy of the orbital roofs and frontal sinus. This procedure, which is a modification of the transbasal approach described by Derome and Guiot, is termed the "extensive transbasal approach." The advantages of this technique over conventional operative approaches are described.

Effect of ceruletide on plasma monoamine metabolites in the rabbit

Ceruletide, a cholecystokinin octapeptide-like substance, has been shown to have some effect on tardive dyskinesia. We, too, previously examined the effect of ceruletide on various types of involuntary movement, and found that responders tended to have high plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) levels. It is generally accepted that both central and peripheral sources make a contribution of plasma HVA. In this study, the response of plasma HVA in rabbits to ceruletide was investigated after pretreatment with debrisoquin sulfate, a drug which selectively blocks peripheral HVA production by inhibition of MAO. As a result, 8 and 50 micrograms/kg ceruletide treatment showed a tendency to decrease plasma HVA levels, but showed no significant differences; however, 140 and 200 micrograms/kg ceruletide showed a significant reduction of plasma HVA. These results are important to the understanding of the mechanism of ceruletide's effect on the brain, as well as to predict the effect of ceruletide on involuntary movements.

[STAPHYOGRAM, a new rapid identification kit for the aerobic, gram-positive, catalase-positive cocci--application of fluorometric microplate hybridization for the pre-identification of 386 isolates used]

A new simplified test kit, STAPHYOGRAM plate, was developed for 4-hr identification of aerobic, Gram-positive and catalase-positive cocci. The plate has 18 wells, in which different dehydrated substrates and nutrients are fixed. An 18-hr agar-culture suspension of a test strain with a turbidity of McFarland No. 4 was distributed into all wells in 50-microliters quantities. After 4-hr incubation at 37C, the profile number was obtained by summarizing positive reactions. The ability of the plate to differentiate the type strains of the 30 species of the three genera in the family Micrococcaceae was confirmed. These three genera are Staphylococcus, Micrococcus and Stomatococcus. The applicability of the fluorometric microplate hybridization technique to identification of aerobic, Gram-positive and catalase-positive cocci was confirmed by homologous hybridization among the type strains of the 30 species. Thus, 386 isolates of human and animal origin were pre-identified by microplate hybridization and used for evaluating the STAPHYOGRAM plate. Of the 236 profile numbers thus obtained with the 386 isolates, 218 (92.4%) were species-proper each and all for the 15 species of Staphylococcus and Stomatococcus mucilaginosus. A total of 342 (88.6%) of the 386 isolates were given such profile numbers, and were identified without any additional test. Among the 15 species identified primarily by the results of STAPHYOGRAM plate culture, S. caprae, S. lugdunensis, S. gallinarum and S. delphini were validly published after Approved Lists of Bacterial Names. The identified strains of S. caprae (48), S. haemolyticus (46), S. capitis (35) numbered between those of S. epidermidis (67) and S. saprophyticus (31). Profile numbers common to two species were seven (27 strains) and that to four species was one (17 strains). These 44 strains were identified with one to three additional tests. From these results, we were convinced that the STAPHYOGRAM test plate is useful for the rapid identification of members of family Micrococcaceae. By compiling STAPHYOGRAM plate data on genetically identified strains, an exclusive list of profile numbers will soon be prepared for perfection of the kit.

Two immunologically different isozymes of ascorbate peroxidase from spinach leaves

Two isozymes of ascorbate peroxidase (AP) from spinach leaves were separated by hydrophobic chromatography and designated AP-I and AP-II. They had similar molecular weights of about 31,000, as determined by gel-filtration, and showed high specificity for ascorbate. One of the two isozymes (AP-II) was purified to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblotting confirmed that antiserum against AP-II reacted with AP-II but not with AP-I. This antiserum inhibited the activity of AP-II, but not that of AP-I. The amino acid composition and partial amino acid sequence of AP-II were determined.