Polarization- and space-encoded parallel optical fuzzy logic processor

A novel polarization- and space-encoded parallel optical fuzzy logic processor is proposed and demonstrated by use of optical fan-out elements and polarization multiplexing. Sixteen fuzzy logic operations between two inputs are achieved with a simple data-encoding scheme. Our system exhibits a high operation speed, a high signalto- noise ratio, a large information throughput, and the capacity to operate on two channels of polarization states independently.

Polarization-encoded optical logic operations in photorefractive media

We propose and demonstrate optical logic operations using polarization encoding and wave mixing in photorefractive crystals. In our approach two orthogonal polarization states of light beams are used to represent respective logic values of 1 and 0. All 16 two-input logic operations can be easily achieved by use of the recording and readout of photoinduced volume gratings in photorefractive crystals. An optical full adder is also proposed and demonstrated.

[The effects of phenytoin and carbamazepine on the cognitive function of epileptic patients]

We made a comparative study of the cognitive function of 60 epileptic patients before and after the use of phenytoin (DPH) and carbamazepine (CBZ). Five types of neuropsychological tests were adopted. Although both DPH and CBZ affected cognitive function, the degrees of their effects were not the same. DPH affected cognitive function in a broad field, including concentration, remembrance, psychological motor speed and mental processing, whereas CBZ had only slight effect on perception and motor speed. It is stressed that cognitive function disorder caused by antiepileptic drugs should be early detected by synchronous examinations of the level of antiepileptic drugs and the neuropsychological functions.

[Dot immunobinding assay for detection of three types of rheumatoid factor and its clinical significance]

We set up a dot immunobinding assay method for determination of IgM-, IgG- and IgA-rheumatoid factor (RF) and report here the results in 86 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was found that the positive rates of IgM-, IgG- and IgA-RF were 59.7%, 54.7% and 17.4% respectively. The total positive rate was 72.8%. The positive rate using the Latex method was only 43.0%. Our results reveal that dot immunobinding assay for RF is more sensitive than the Latex method. Furthermore, there was a profound correlation of IgG-RF with active stage and the frequency of extra-artivular manifestations in RA patients.

The synapse-specific phosphoprotein F1-20 is identical to the clathrin assembly protein AP-3

F1-20 and AP-3 are independently described, synapse-associated, developmentally regulated phosphoproteins with similar apparent molecular masses on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). F1-20 was cloned and characterized because of its synapse specificity. AP-3 was purified and studied biochemically because of its function as a clathrin assembly protein. Here we present evidence that establishes the identity of F1-20 and AP-3. Monoclonal antibodies against F1-20 and AP-3 both specifically recognize a single protein from mouse brain with an apparent molecular mass of 190 kDa on SDS-PAGE. These monoclonal antibodies also specifically recognize the cloned F1-20 protein expressed in Escherichia coli. The anti-F1-20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) stains a bovine protein with an apparent molecular mass on SDS-PAGE of 190 kDa that copurifies with brain clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) and that can be extracted from the brain CCVs under conditions that extract AP-3. The anti-F1-20 and anti-AP-3 mAbs specifically recognize the same spot on a two-dimensional gel run on a bovine brain clathrin-coated vesicle extract. AP-3 purified from bovine brain CCVs is recognized by both the anti-F1-20 and anti-AP-3 mAbs. Purified preparations of bovine AP-3 and bacterially expressed mouse F1-20 give identical patterns of protease digestion with bromelain and subtilisin. Sequence analyses reveal that F1-20 has an essentially neutral 30-kDa NH2-terminal domain with an amino acid composition typical of a globular structure and an acidic COOH-terminal domain rich in proline, serine, threonine, and alanine. This is consistent with proteolysis experiments that suggested that AP-3 could be divided into a 30-kDa globular uncharged clathrin-binding domain and an acidic, anomalously migrating domain.

[The changes in free radical and prostaglandin metabolism in newborn infants with asphyxia]

Blood plasma thromboxane-B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels were determined by radioimmunoassay technique during the first six to sixteen hours of life in 16 newborn infants with severe asphyxia, 18 newborn infants with mild asphyxia and 27 normal term neonates. Plasma lipid peroxidation (LPO) content was measured by TBA-colour-contrast method in 15 infants with severe asphyxia, 17 infants with mild asphyxia and 24 healthy term newborn infants. The results showed that blood plasma LPO, TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels in infants suffering from severe asphyxia were higher than those in infants with mild asphyxia and normal infants (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was noted between the mild asphyxia group and normal control group (P > 0.01). These suggest that production of free radicals is increased and prostaglandin metabolism is triggered in the infants with severe asphyxia, that cerebral ischemia and hypoxia caused by asphyxia contributes to the augmented production of prostaglandins and free radicals, and that accumulation of free radicals and prostaglandin enhances brain damage and the metabolism of arachidonic acid appears to be an important source of the free radicals in infants with intrauterine asphyxia.

Explant culture of rabbit tracheobronchial epithelium: structure and prostaglandin metabolism

This study examines the potential usefulness of explant culture of rabbit tracheal epithelium as a model for the study of epithelial function under normal and potentially pathologic conditions. Accordingly, we assessed the structure and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release of tracheal epithelial explants obtained from adult pathogen-free rabbits. Epithelial cells attached to their native connective tissue substratum were maintained in culture for 5 days in serum-free medium, under bipolar conditions (air-liquid interface) on a permeable membrane (pore size, 0.2 mm), and nourished from the basolateral surface. At 5 days in culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy demonstrated a pseudostratified, ciliated columnar epithelium with prominent folds and mucus secretion identical in appearance to the mucosa before culture. On the day of dissection (day 0) and after 4 days in culture (day 4), explants released PGE2 into the medium spontaneously. However, day 4 explants produced 3- to 4-fold greater amounts of PGE2 than day 0 explants. Moreover, day 4 explants demonstrated increased PGE2 release in response to bradykinin, a receptor-dependent agonist, and ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, while day 0 explants did not. Primary tracheal epithelial cell cultures grown to confluence (day 9) on a collagen substrate demonstrated PGE2 responses to bradykinin and ionomycin that qualitatively resembled those of day 4 explants. We conclude that rabbit tracheal explants cultured in vitro under the above conditions maintain cellular differentiation, in situ three-dimensional organization, and PGE2 synthetic pathways over several days in culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Monolithic self-Q-switched Cr,Nd:YAG laser

We report the operation of a diode-pumped monolithic self-Q-switched Cr,Nd:YAG laser in which the codoped ions create saturable absorption for Nd(3+) laser emission at 1064 nm. With a 70-microm beam diameter in the gain medium, the Q-switched pulse has a duration of 3.5 ns and a peak power of 2 kW. The output is linearly polarized with an extinction ratio of 600:1. The pulse-to-pulse intensity fluctuation is less than the instrument resolution of 0.25%. A 5-mm-long KTP crystal butted against the monolithic cavity produces 2-ns-long pulses at 532nm with a peak power-conversion efficiency of 30%.

Microsurgical replantation of the avulsed scalp: report of six cases

This article reports the successful microsurgical replantation of six scalps avulsed for over 3 to 11 hr, after trauma and before repair, including five total and one partial avulsion. The authors believe that one key to successful replantation is effective vessel anastomoses. In the reported series, three scalps were reconstructed with two superficial temporal vessels and in five cases, with a 1:1 ratio between arteries and veins. The partially avulsed scalp was replanted successfully with only one artery and one vein. The management of postoperative complications is discussed.

Financing health care in rural China: preliminary report of a nationwide study

One unforeseen consequence of the change from collective to household production in rural China has been that the financial basis of the rural health services has been eroded. The majority of peasants now pay for health care on a fee-for-service basis. A major initiative aimed at the establishment of prepayment schemes for funding rural health services is underway. A nationwide survey which compared health utilization and expenditure under different financing mechanisms was carried out in 1988. This paper presents the preliminary findings of that study. There is evidence that hospital charges were a barrier to inpatient care for those not covered by an insurance scheme. The data were less clearcut with regard to access to outpatient care. There is a need for further study which focuses on poor households and those living in remote villages. The study found that drug charges are an important source of revenue for the rural health services. The impact of this on prescription practices is an area which requires additional research. The cost of rural health services was relatively low. It is feasible to finance them almost entirely out of local resources in the more developed regions. The situation in the poorer provinces is more complicated. In spite of the fact that average health expenditure was almost 5% of household income in 1988, there was evidence of lack of access. This suggests that it may be more difficult to develop prepayment schemes to cover the full range of rural health services in the less developed regions.

Successful replication of parvovirus B19 in the human megakaryocytic leukemia cell line MB-02

The pathogenic human parvovirus B19 has been shown to undergo productive replication in the erythroid lineage in primary normal human hematopoietic progenitor cells. However, none of the established erythroleukemia cell lines has allowed B19 virus replication in vitro. The remarkable erythroid tissue tropism of B19 virus was evaluated with a human megakaryocytic leukemia cell line, MB-02, which is dependent on the growth factor granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor but can be induced to undergo erythroid differentiation following treatment with erythropoietin (Epo). Whereas these cells did not support B19 virus DNA replication in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor alone, active viral DNA replication was observed if the cells were exposed to Epo for 5 to 10 days prior to B19 virus infection, as detected by the presence of the characteristic B19 virus DNA replicative intermediates on Southern blots. No replication occurred if the cells were treated with Epo for 3 days or less. In addition, complete expression of the B19 virus genome also occurred in Epo-treated MB-02 cells, as detected by Northern blot analysis. B19 progeny virions were released into culture supernatants that were biologically active in secondary infection of normal human bone marrow cells. The availability of the only homogeneous permanent cell line in which induction of erythroid differentiation leads to a permissive state for B19 virus replication in vitro promises to yield new and useful information on the molecular basis of the erythroid tissue tropism as well as parvovirus B19-induced pathogenesis.

A micromolar pool of antigenically distinct precursors is required to initiate cooperative assembly of hepatitis B virus capsids in Xenopus oocytes

Assembly of hepatitis B virus capsid-like (core) particles occurs efficiently in a variety of heterologous systems via aggregation of approximately 180 molecules of a single 21.5-kDa core protein (p21.5), resulting in an icosahedral capsid structure with T = 3 symmetry. Recent studies on the assembly of hepatitis B virus core particles in Xenopus oocytes suggested that dimers of p21.5 represent the major building block from which capsids are generated. Here we determined the concentration dependence of this assembly process. By injecting serially diluted synthetic p21.5 mRNA into Xenopus oocytes, we expressed different levels of intracellular p21.5 and monitored the production of p21.5 dimers and capsids by radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation, by radioimmunoassay, or by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. The data revealed that (i) p21.5 dimers and capsids are antigenically distinct, (ii) capsid assembly is a highly cooperative and concentration-dependent process, and (iii) p21.5 must accumulate to a signature concentration of approximately 0.7 to 0.8 microM before capsid assembly initiates. This assembly process is strikingly similar to the assembly of RNA bacteriophage R17 as defined by in vitro studies.

Modified-signed-digit optical computing by using fan-out elements

We present a novel three-step modified-signed-digit optical computing system based on the discrete correlation of space-coded input matrices that are multiply imaged by using optical fan-out elements. The advantages of our method over other approaches include a larger throughput, more flexible operation, and an easier optical implementation.

Hepatitis B virus capsid particles are assembled from core-protein dimer precursors

Our studies on the assembly of hepatitis B virus capsids or core particles in Xenopus oocytes have demonstrated that unassembled p21.5 core proteins ("free p21.5") provide a pool of low-molecular-mass precursors for core-particle assembly. Here we have characterized this material. Free p21.5 sedimented through gradients of 3-25% sucrose (wt/vol) as a single protein species of approximately 40 kDa, corresponding to a p21.5 dimer. On nonreducing SDS/polyacrylamide gels, free p21.5 migrated as disulfide-linked p21.5 dimeric species of 35 and 37 kDa. Truncated core proteins lacking most or all of the 36-amino acid protamine region at the p21.5 carboxyl terminus were also found to behave as disulfide-linked dimers with appropriately reduced molecular masses. Our experiments failed to reveal monomeric core proteins or stable intermediates between dimers and capsids along the assembly pathway. We conclude that hepatitis B virus core particles are most likely assembled by aggregating 90 (or possibly 180) disulfide-linked p21.5 dimers. We discuss similarities between the assembly of hepatitis B virus capsids and simple T = 3 plant virus and bacteriophage structures.

RNA- and DNA-binding activities in hepatitis B virus capsid protein: a model for their roles in viral replication

The hepatitis B virus capsid or core protein (p21.5) binds nucleic acid through a carboxy-terminal protamine region that contains nucleic acid-binding motifs organized into four repeats (I to IV). Using carboxy-terminally truncated proteins expressed in Escherichia coli, we detected both RNA- and DNA-binding activities within the repeats. RNA-binding and packaging activity, assessed by resolving purified E. coli capsids on agarose gels and disclosing their RNA content with ethidium bromide, required only the proximal repeat I (RRRDRGRS). Strikingly, a mutant in which four Arg residues replaced repeat I was competent to package RNA, demonstrating that Arg residues drive RNA binding. In contrast, probing immobilized core proteins with 32P-nucleic acid revealed an activity which (i) required more of the protamine region (repeats I and II), (ii) appeared to bind DNA better than RNA, and (iii) was apparently modulated by phosphorylation in p21.5 derived from Xenopus oocytes. Deletion analysis suggested that this activity may depend on an SPXX-type DNA-binding motif in repeat II. Similar motifs found in repeats III and IV may also function to bind DNA. On the basis of these observations, together with a reinterpretation of recent studies showing that capsid protein mutants cause defects in viral genome replication, we propose a model suggesting that hepadnavirus capsid proteins participate directly in the intracapsid reverse transcription of RNA into DNA. In this model, repeat I binds RNA whereas the distal repeats are progressively recruited to bind elongating DNA strands. The latter motifs may be required for replication to be energetically feasible.

Cys residues of the hepatitis B virus capsid protein are not essential for the assembly of viral core particles but can influence their stability

In the spherical capsid of hepatitis B virus (HBV), intermolecular disulfide bonds cross-link the approximately 180 p21.5 capsid protein subunits into a stable lattice. In this study, we used mutant capsid proteins to investigate the role that disulfide bonds and the four p21.5 Cys residues (positions 48, 61, 107, and 185) play in capsid assembly and/or stabilization. p21.5 Cys residues were either replaced by Ala or removed (Cys-185) by carboxyl-terminal truncation, creating Cys-minus mutants which were expressed in Xenopus oocytes via microinjected synthetic mRNAs. Fractionation of radiolabeled oocyte extracts on 10 to 60% sucrose gradients revealed that Cys-minus core proteins resolved into the nonparticulate and capsid forms seen for wild-type p21.5. On 5 to 30% sucrose gradients, nonparticulate Cys-minus core proteins sedimented as dimers of approximately 40 kDa. We conclude that Cys residues and disulfides are not required for the assembly of either HBV capsids or the dimers that provide the precursors for capsid assembly. Since assembly presumably demands an appropriate p21.5 tertiary structure, it is unlikely that Cys residues are required for proper p21.5 folding. However, Cys residues stabilize isolated p21.5 structures, as evidenced by the marked reduction in stability of Cys-minus dimers and capsids (i) in nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and (ii) upon protease digestion. We discuss these results in the context of the HBV life cycle and the role of Cys residues in other proteins.

Hemophilic blood cyst--a case report

We report a case of hemophilic blood cyst in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment are discussed, and neither inflammatory changes nor pathological cells were seen in the numerous histological sections obtained surgically.

Parvovirus B19 replication in human umbilical cord blood cells

The human parvovirus B19 is now known to be one of the causative agents of nonimmune hydrops fetalis and spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. The presence of the viral proteins and antibodies in fetuses of B19-infected women suggests that the virus can cross the placental barrier. In order to gain an insight into the mechanism of intrauterine fetal infection and the virus-induced hydrops fetalis, we examined whether human umbilical cord blood cells were permissive for B19 replication. Cord blood cells were infected with B19 in vitro, and Southern blot analyses of low M(r) DNA isolated from these cells revealed the presence of the characteristic replicative intermediates of B19 DNA. In addition, B19 genome expression in cord blood cells was detected by Northern blot analysis. Quantitative DNA dot blot analysis of culture supernatants documented complete assembly and release of B19 progeny virions in these cells. The progeny virions were biologically active in secondary infections of normal human bone marrow cells. The human umbilical cord blood cells may be a useful alternative to bone marrow and fetal liver culture systems for further studies on B19 since the need for bone marrow donors is obviated and, unlike fetal tissues, there are no ethical questions associated with the experimental use of cord blood because it is normally discarded. These studies also suggest that the umbilical cord blood may be a site for active replication of parvovirus B19 in vivo and may thus provide a means for transmission of the virus during intrauterine fetal infections.

A technique to harvest viable tracheobronchial epithelial cells from living human donors

The ability to obtain airway epithelial cells from the lower respiratory tract in living human donors will facilitate study of the biologic properties of these cells. We report our experience harvesting tracheobronchial epithelial cells from living human donors by brushing the mucosal surface of the trachea and mainstem bronchi. Cells were obtained on 21 occasions from 18 healthy adult subjects under direct vision with a brush-tipped catheter during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The average number of cells harvested per subject was 14 +/- 2 x 10(6), and cell viability determined by trypan blue exclusion averaged 36 +/- 4%. Of note, cell viability was significantly enhanced when lidocaine was confined to the nares. Lidocaine was also observed to diminish cell viability in vitro in a dose-dependent fashion. Morphologic and staining properties were used to classify harvested cells into the three major cell types present in the mucosa (i.e., ciliated, secretory, and basal cells). All three subtypes were obtained. The percentage of ciliated, secretory, and basal-like cells was 24 +/- 2%, 11 +/- 1%, 29 +/- 1%, respectively, while the remaining 36% were difficult to type. In one subject in whom brushing was performed on three occasions over a 7-wk period, the percentage of each of the three subtypes was similar across procedures. Harvested cells could be successfully placed in primary culture with a plating efficiency of 50 to 60% and could be subcultured for up to seven passages. Acutely dissociated cells could be used to study the beta-adrenergic receptor adenylyl cyclase system since they produced cAMP in response to isoproterenol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of a novel synapse-specific protein. II. cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of the F1-20 protein

The F1-20 protein is a novel neuronal-specific, synapse-associated protein that is expressed nonuniformly in mouse brain. Expression of the F1-20 protein is developmentally regulated in a pattern coincident with active synaptogenesis and synaptic maturation. Here we report the cloning of the cDNA sequence for the F1-20 protein. We found two distinct isoforms of F1-20 cDNA that differed by the presence of 15 additional nucleotides, which does not interrupt the open reading frame. RNase protection analysis and PCR amplification of mouse brain RNA revealed that both isoforms are present in cellular RNA. It is likely that the two F1-20 mRNA isoforms are derived from RNA splicing events utilizing alternative 3' acceptor sites. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence for the complete open reading frame revealed that the predominant F1-20 mRNA encodes an 896 amino acid polypeptide with a molecular weight of 91,319 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence does not contain a signal sequence, or any extensive hydrophobic regions. The deduced amino acid sequence does contain a number of consensus sequences for protein kinases. Searches of the protein and nucleic acid sequence data bases revealed that the F1-20 protein has not been previously characterized at the primary structure level, although a weak similarity was found between rabbit calpastatin and the C-terminal portion of the F1-20 protein. We then determined biochemically that the F1-20 protein is a substrate for Ca(2+)-dependent proteolysis, which is specifically inhibited by calpain inhibitors in vitro. This indicates that the F1-20 protein is a substrate for neuronal calpain. We observed that treatment of a synaptosomal lysate with alkaline phosphatase led to an increase in the electrophoretic mobility of the F1-20 protein, as well as to an increase in the sharpness of the electrophoretic band. This indicates that the F1-20 protein is phosphorylated in vivo.

Characterization of a novel synapse-specific protein. I. Developmental expression and cellular localization of the F1-20 protein and mRNA

A molecular description of the nerve terminal will be required to understand synaptic function fully. The goals of this study were to contribute toward such a description by characterizing a novel synapse-specific protein. A monoclonal antibody library was screened for antibodies to synaptic proteins. The antibodies were then used to isolate cDNA clones by expression screening. Here we report a detailed characterization of the protein reactive with monoclonal antibody F1-20. Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses revealed that the F1-20 protein is synapse associated. Western blot analyses revealed that the F1-20 protein is a brain-specific polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight on SDS-PAGE of 190,000 Da. Northern blot analyses indicated that probes generated from an F1-20 cDNA clone hybridize to a single brain-specific mRNA of approximately 4.8 kilobases. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that F1-20 mRNA expression is neuronal specific. Northern and Western blot analyses indicated that F1-20 mRNA levels increase abruptly at postnatal day 4 and protein levels increase abruptly at postnatal day 7. This corresponds to a period of active synaptogenesis and synaptic maturation in the mouse CNS. We characterized the neuroanatomical distribution of the F1-20 protein by immunohistochemistry, and of the F1-20 mRNA by in situ hybridization. We found that the F1-20 mRNA and protein are expressed nonuniformly in brain. Variation in the expression of the F1-20 protein is complex and reveals patterns also exhibited by probes directed against other synapse-associated molecules. The highest levels of F1-20 protein are found in the cortically organized regions of the brain. The highest levels of F1-20 mRNA are found in long-distance projection neurons. There is also variation in the expression of F1-20 mRNA between different classes of large output neuron, as well as extensive variation in the expression of F1-20 mRNA between different nuclear groups.

Inhibitory effects of diallyl sulfide on the metabolism and tumorigenicity of the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in A/J mouse lung

Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a component of garlic oil, has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis by several chemical carcinogens. Our previous work demonstrated that DAS inhibited the metabolic activation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, including the tobacco-specific 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), in rat lung and nasal mucosa microsomes. In the present study, the effects of DAS on the tumorigenicity and the metabolism of NNK in A/J mouse lung were examined. Female A/J mice at 7 weeks of age were pretreated with DAS (200 mg/kg body wt in corn oil, p.o) daily for 3 days. Two hours after the final DAS treatment, the mice were either given a single dose of NNK (2 mg/mouse, i.p.) and kept for an additional 16 weeks for determining the production of pulmonary tumors, or were killed immediately so as to measure the microsomal activity in metabolizing NNK. In comparison to the vehicle control group, DAS pretreatment significantly decreased the incidence of NNK-induced lung tumors (37.9 versus 100%) and the tumor multiplicity (0.6 versus 7.2 tumors/mouse). In pulmonary metabolism of NNK, DAS pretreatment reduced the rates of formation of keto aldehyde, keto alcohol, NNAL-N-oxide, and NNK-N-oxide by 70-90%. In addition, the formation of NNK oxidative metabolites from NNK in the liver microsomes from DAS-pretreated mice was remarkably reduced. DAS also inhibited the metabolism of NNK in mouse lung microsomes in vitro. These results demonstrate that DAS is an effective chemopreventive agent against NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis, probably by inhibiting the metabolic activation of NNK.

Characterization of hepatitis B virus capsid particle assembly in Xenopus oocytes

Little is known about the assembly of the 28-nm nucleocapsid or core particle of hepatitis B virus. Here we show that this assembly process can be reconstituted in Xenopus oocytes injected with a synthetic mRNA encoding the hepatitis B virus capsid protein (p21.5). Injected oocytes produce both a nonparticulate p21.5 species (free p21.5) and capsid particles. We describe rapid and simple methods for fractionating these species on a small scale either with step gradients of 10 to 60% (wt/vol) sucrose or by centrifugation to pellet the particles, and we characterize the oocyte core particles. Free p21.5 exhibits chemical and physical properties distinctly different from those of particles. Free p21.5 is partially cleaved by proteinase K, whereas core particles are almost completely resistant to cleavage. This suggests that the carboxyl-terminal protamine region, the main target for proteases within p21.5, is exposed in free p21.5 but faces the interior of the p21.5 core particle. Finally, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that free p21.5 can be chased almost quantitatively into core particles, establishing that free p21.5 is fully competent to form particles and represents an assembly intermediate on the pathway for core particle formation. However, core particle assembly appears very dependent on p21.5 concentration and is rapidly compromised if the p21.5 concentration is lowered. The advantages of oocytes for studying assembly are discussed.

Spatial-light-modulator-based electro-optical imaging system

We describe a novel electro-optical system that can image objects over a long range of distance without involving any mechanical movement.

Cloning and partial sequencing of the porcine growth hormone (pGH) gene from pituitary gland

High molecular weight DNA was isolated from porcine pituitary gland, and a genomic library was constructed using lambda EMBL3 as cloning vector. Five positive clones were identified by in-situ hybridization with the full-length pGH cDNA as the probe. Dot-blot hybridization, restriction analysis, and Southern hybridization showed that one of the positive clones contained the entire pGH gene. A subclone that contained the upstream sequence from the SmaI site of pGH gene was identified, and part of it was sequenced. We also compared the sequence of our pGH gene with the corresponding sequence of the published pGH gene.

[Psychosocial stress and essential hypertension]

A case-control study of 72 pairs indicated that stress events in daily life stimulative factor might induce the development of hypertension in susceptible persons. The sustained stress of tension and anxiety and passive mood of psychodefence could be the psychological factors inducing hypertension. Personality, as a mediated variable, has an important influence on the initiation and progress of hypertension.

Prospective multicenter study on isolation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from homosexual men after seroconversion

A prospective multicenter study was undertaken to isolate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from 45 homosexual men for a period of 30 months after seroconversion. Efficiency of HIV-1 isolation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was relatively stable over time, ranging from 64% at the time of seroconversion to more than 82% after 18 months of seroconversion. However, Kaplan-Meier analysis of HIV-1 culture data indicates that the cumulative proportion of HIV-1 culture positivity at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after seroconversion was 62, 65, 84, and 92%, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between the presence of HIV-1 p24 antigen in serum, or numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ blood lymphocytes, and HIV-1 isolation within this period of time. These data suggest that HIV-1 viremia in homosexual men gradually increases to almost 100% culture positivity by 18 months after seroconversion.

[Synthesis of delta virus cDNA of China Sichuan strain]

delta virus cDNA of China Sichuan strain, 1.2 kb in length, was synthesized by extraction of RNA from liver tissue in a patient with subacute severe hepatitis, followed by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The result was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization using 32P and biotin labelled delta virus cDNA (HN88, cloned in USA) probes respectively.

Bovine endozepine potentiates morphine analgesia in mice

This paper describes the influence of bovine endozepine (BEP) on the analgesic effect of morphine. The intraventricular administration of BEP between doses of 2-4 nmole in mice resulted in the potentiation of the morphine-analgesic effect. The basic pain threshold did not change when BEP was given alone, thus indicating that BEP is unable to elicit analgesic effect alone. Intravenous injection of BEP in the dose range of 5-7.5 mg/kg also potentiated the analgesic effect of morphine. These observations suggest that endozepine can act as a regulator of pain.

Phytochrome-mediated swelling of etiolated leaf protoplasts and its possible biological significance

Red light, mediated by the photoreceptor phytochrome, induces maize leaf unrolling as well as leaf expansion. Protoplasts prepared from maize leaves still in the rolled condition swell in a red-far red photoreversible manner indicating that phytochrome mediates this phenomenon. To determine if protoplast swelling is related to leaf unrolling, leaf expansion, or both, we compared red-light induced swelling of protoplasts from rolled maize leaves to protoplasts prepared from tissues that are known to grow in response to light but do not unroll. We also compared the swelling response of protoplasts from rolled vs. unrolled leaves. In all cases, we found that swelling correlated with the unrolling response and not leaf expansion.

[Anastomosis of peripheral nerves by fibrin glue. An experimental study]

This paper reports the results of experimental research of anastomosing peripheral nerves by fibrinogen glue. In research of 80 sciatic nerves of 40 rats, taking epineurial suture as a control, we welded the nerves by domestic glue or Tissu-col from abroad separately to make an evaluation and survey of nerve conduct speed and gastrocnemius weight and the histology and ultrastructure. It has demonstrated that this is a more practical method for nerve repair.

[Production and characterization of anti-human hepatocellular carcinoma monoclonal antibodies]

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, QGY-7703, derived from a Chinese patient, was used to immunize the BALB/c mice. Fifteen hybridomas producing McAb that reacted with QGY-7703 cells were isolated from 858 hybridomas created in three cell fusions. In further studies two McAb, namely, AQGY1 and A-QGY2, were selected which specifically stained HCC cells grown in vitro. The reactivity of these McAb was not removed by the absorption by homogenates of the normal liver, but was by homogenates of HCC cells. A-QGY1 and A-QGY2 also reacted definitely with HCC cells in liver tissues of HCC patients, but neither with other cells in the tissues nor with nontransformed liver tissues of the same patients. Furthermore these two McAb stained the adult or fetal liver tissues, nor all of the other normal or tumor tissues that had been tested. Blocking and absorbing experiments revealed that A-QGY1 and AQGY2 antigens had no immunohomogenicity with antigens such as HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg, AFP and CEA. The specificity of these two McAb may be used potentially for the sero diagnosis, histologic identification, radioimmunoimaging and destruction of human hepatocellular carcinoma.