Renal angiotensin-converting enzyme localization in diabetic rats and the effect of low protein diet

Recent evidence suggests a role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in diabetic nephropathy. The effect of diabetes and low protein diet on renal immunohistochemical ACE localization was studied in streptozotocin-induced DM rats. Immunohistochemical ACE localization was reduced in DM rats, and a low protein diet partially resolved this abnormality while inhibiting the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of cabergoline, a long-acting dopamine D2 agonist, on reserpine-treated rodents

We studied the characterization of cabergoline, a new ergot alkaloid derivative and a selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist, in comparison to bromocriptine and pergolide in reserpine-treated rodents. Cabergoline (0.25-1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) improved dose-dependently the reserpine-induced akinesia that was assessed on the locomotor activity, and the efficacy lasted longer than those of bromocriptine (1.25-5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) or pergolide (0.0625-0.5 mg/kg s.c.). Cabergoline (ED50 = 1.10 mg/kg, at 4 h after the administration of drugs) also reversed catalepsy, the failure to correct an externally imposed posture, and its efficacy was stronger and longer than bromocriptine (ED50 = 4.65 mg/kg, at 4 h). Further, reserpine-induced rigidity was improved equally by cabergoline (0.125-1.0 mg/kg, i.v) and bromocriptine (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.). When cabergoline was administered together with 3(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-DOPA), the effects were additive. Our results indicate that the long-lasting effects of cabergoline could be beneficial for treating Parkinson's disease.

Effects of the new class I antiarrhythmic agent Ro 22-9194, (2R)-2-amino-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-[3-(3-pyridyl)propyl]propionamide D-tartrate, on ischemia- and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in dogs: involvement of thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitory activity

We investigated the effects of (2R)-2-amino-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-[3-(3-pyridyl)propyl]propionamide D-tartrate (Ro 22-9194), a novel class I antiarrhythmic agent, on myocardial ischemia- and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in dogs. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation induced by reperfusion after a 30-min coronary ligation was significantly reduced by an i.v. infusion of Ro 22-9194 (10 mg/kg for 5 min before and an additional 20 mg/kg for 30 min during coronary ligation: total, 30 mg/kg) from 73% in the vehicle-treated group to 13%. Ro 22-9194 (20 and 30 mg/kg) also dose-dependently reduced the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, after coronary reperfusion. Other class I antiarrhythmic agents, mexiletine (15 mg/kg) and disopyramide (7.5 mg/kg), did not inhibit the development of ventricular fibrillation. In in vitro studies, Ro 22-9194, but neither mexiletine nor disopyramide (approximately 10(-3) M), inhibited thromboxane A2 synthase and arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of human platelets (IC50: 1.2 x 10(-5) M and 3.4 x 10(-5) M, respectively). Furthermore, Ro 22-9194 (30 mg/kg) attenuated the increase in venous thromboxane B2 concentrations in the local coronary vein during coronary ligation in dogs. A thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, OKY-046 (2.5 mg/kg administered for 5 min before coronary ligation) also showed no evident increases in thromboxane B2 concentrations as well as an antifibrillatory effect. Venous 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha concentrations were not affected by either Ro 22-9194 or OKY-046. These results demonstrate that, unlike mexiletine and disopyramide, Ro 22-9194 protects against reperfusion-induced fatal ventricular arrhythmias in dogs. They also suggest that, in addition to the class I antiarrhythmic effect, the thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitory activity may contribute to the antiarrhythmic properties of Ro 22-9194.

Fabrication of silver hollow nickel waveguides with multiple inner dielectric layers by the outer-coating method

Silver hollow nickel waveguides have been fabricated based on the outer-coating method with multiple inner dielectric layers composed of germanium and zinc sulfide. By choosing the sputtering conditions for germanium and zinc sulfide properly, we have fabricated, for the first time to our knowledge, a low-loss waveguide with multiple inner dielectric layers for Er:YAG laser light transmission.

Dopamine receptor affinities in vitro and stereotypic activities in vivo of cabergoline in rats

An ergot alkaloid derivative, cabergoline, and its metabolites were investigated for their affinities for dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in rat striatum in vitro in comparison with those of bromocriptine and pergolide. The affinity for D1 receptors was in the following order: pergolide > des-dimethylaminopropyl cabergoline (FCE21904) > cabergoline > or = bromocriptine > or = des-methyl cabergoline (FCE27395) > or = des-ethylcarbamoyl cabergoline (FCE21590). From the effects of GTP on these affinities for the D1 receptor, cabergoline, some of its metabolites, and pergolide were characterized as agonists in contrast to bromocriptine which was classified as an antagonist. The affinity for D2 receptors was ranked as follows: pergolide > or = cabergoline > or = FCE27395 > or = FCE21904 > bromocriptine > FCE21590 > carboxylic acid-type derivative of cabergoline (FCE21589). The affinity of each compound for the D2 receptor was much higher than that for the D1 receptor. The selectivity of cabergoline for D2 receptor was higher than those of bromocriptine and pergolide. Furthermore, these ergot alkaloids were investigated for eliciting stereotypy after subcutaneous administration to normal rats. Pergolide potently induced stereotypy at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, cabergoline slightly induced it only at a high dose of 2.0 mg/kg, whereas bromocriptine did not induce it at any of the doses tested, 10-40 mg/kg. These results suggest that pharmacological properties of cabergoline for the D1 and D2 receptors differ from those of bromocriptine and pergolide.

Ultrathin polarizing films for the near-infrared region consisting of stacked anisotropic gold island films

We have fabricated an ultrathin polarizing film for the near-infrared region by stretching a periodic multilayer consisting of gold island layers and glass layers. A polarizing film with an extinction ratio of 21.5 dB and a thickness of ~0.2 microm has been realized at the wavelength of 1300 nm by use of a periodic multilayer of 12 gold island layers with a mass thickness of 21 nm. This polarizing film could be useful as a micropolarizer for fiber-embedded in-line optical devices and hybrid integrated optics.

Amino acid sequence and carbohydrate structure of a recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells: one N-and two O-linked carbohydrate chains are located between Kunitz domains 2 and 3 and one N-linked carbohydrate chain is in Kunitz domain 2

Human tissue factor pathway inhibitor is a protease inhibitor with three tandem Kunitz-type inhibitory domains. The recombinant protein (r-hTFPI) was produced using Chinese hamster ovary cells, and its polypeptide and carbohydrate chain structures were analyzed. The complete amino acid sequence, composed of 276 residues, was determined using a protein sequencer after protease digestion and it was identical to that predicted from the cDNA sequence. Among three potential N-glycosylation sites, both Asn117 and Asn167 were fully N-glycosylated but Asn228 was not. Thr175 was also fully O-glycosylated, but Ser174 was partially O-glycosylated. Carbohydrate composition and mass spectrometric analyses of the undecapeptide OG-11 (residues Leu 170approximately Leu180) showed that two O-linked carbohydrate chains consisted of a type-1 core structure (Gal-GalNAc-Ser/Thr) with 0-3 mol of N-acetylneuraminic acid(s). The N-linked carbohydrate chains were analyzed by two-dimensional carbohydrate mapping combined with sequential glycosidase digestion, after the reducing-ends of carbohydrate residues were tagged with 2-aminopyridine and non-reducing-end sialic acids were removed with sialidase. All the N-linked structures in r-hTFPI were complex-type carbohydrate chains with one fucose residue attached to the reducing-end GlcNAc and consisted of bi-, tri-, and tetraantennary carbohydrate chains in the ratio 1.9:1.3:1.0. Fucosylated tri- and tetraantennary carbohydrate chains with one or two N-acetyllactosaminyl repeats were also found (30% of carbohydrate chains determined). Thus, the region between Kunitz domains 2 and 3 encoded by exon 7 was highly glycosylated by two O-linked carbohydrate chains at Ser174 and Thr175 and one N-linked carbohydrate chain at Asn167. These results indicated that the region is occupied by a cluster of three bulky and acidic carbohydrate chains.

A cysteine protease inhibitor stored in the large granules of horseshoe crab hemocytes: purification, characterization, cDNA cloning and tissue localization

A cysteine protease inhibitor with an apparent Mr = 12,600, designated limulus (L)-cystatin, was isolated from hemocyte lysates of the Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), using two steps of chromatography, including dextran sulfate-agarose, and carboxymethylated papain-agarose. L-cystatin inhibits amidolytic activity of papain by forming a noncovalent 1:1 complex with an equilibrium constant (Ki) of 0.08 nM. It also inhibits cathepsin L (Ki = 0.17 nM) and ficin (Ki = 0.52 nM), but not argingipain (a bacterial cysteine protease) and calpains. A cDNA for L-cystatin was isolated and the open reading frame coded for a mature protein of 114 amino acids, of which 99 residues were confirmed by peptide sequencing. L-cystatin shows significant sequence identities to members of the family 2 cystatin, such as bovine colostrum cystatin (33%) and human cystatin S (31%). Northern blotting revealed expression of the mRNA in hemocytes and slightly in heart but expression was negligible in hepatopancreas, intestine, stomach, and muscle. Immunoblotting revealed the localization to be in the large granules of hemocytes. Furthermore, L-cystatin has an antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, which is much stronger than that of chicken egg white cystatin. These data suggest that the large granule-derived L-cystatin serves synergistically to accomplish an effective defense against invading microbes, together with other defense molecules that are released in response to external stimuli.

Phase-change optical disks compatible with a two-wavelength laser beam

Three types of multiple-layer structure are proposed for a two-wavelength-compatible phase-change optical disk that uses an 830-nm beam for writing and erasing and a 670-nm beam for reading. Each disk with an optimized structure exhibits high-enough carrier-to-noise and erasing ratios at 830 nm and 670 nm for practical use. One of the disks has a lower erasing ratio at 670 nm than at 830 nm for the same erased marks. This difference is explained by optical characteristics that stem from the multiple-layer structure of the disks.

Identification of histidine 31 and cysteine 95 in the active site of self-incompatibility associated S6-RNase in Nicotiana alata

S-RNase is associated with the gametophytic self-incompatibility of flowering plants in Solanaceae and, on the basis of sequence homology, belongs to the RNase T2 family. To identify the active site residues in S-RNase, Nicotiana alata S6-RNase was studied by chemical modification. S6-RNase was inactivated with iodoacetic acid under conditions similar to those used for the inactivation of RNase T2. No inactivation took place in the presence of 2'GMP. Analysis of carboxymethylated S6-RNase revealed that the S-carboxymethylation of Cys95 caused inactivation of the enzyme and that the two histidine residues corresponding to two essential histidine residues of RNase T2 remained intact. Treatment of S6-RNase with diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) resulted in loss of enzyme activity, and the enzyme was protected from inactivation in the presence of 2'GMP. The ethoxycarbonylated residues in DEPC-inactivated S6-RNase were analyzed by mass spectrometry, which also provided structural information on sugar moieties attached to Asn27 and Asn37. His31 was modified with DEPC in the absence of 2'GMP and was not modified in its presence. His31 and His91 are conserved in all members of the RNase T2 family sequenced so far, but Cys95 is not conserved in all known Solanaceae S-RNases. These results suggest that His31, possibly together with His91, corresponding to His115 at the active site of RNase T2, is essential to the function of S6-RNase, but Cys95 is not essential though its S-carboxymethylation causes inactivation.

Complete covalent structure of porcine liver acylamino acid-releasing enzyme and identification of its active site serine residue

The complete covalent structure of porcine liver acylamino acid-releasing enzyme (AARE) [EC3.4.19.1], which catalyzes the hydrolysis of an N-terminally acylated peptide to release an N-acylamino acid, has been established. On basis of the amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA sequence of porcine liver AARE [Mitta, M. et al. (1989) J. Biochem. 106, 548-555], sequence determination has been achieved by automated Edman degradation of peptides generated by chemical or enzymatic cleavages of the reduced and S-carboxymethylated protein. Ion-spray mass spectrometry was also successfully used to confirm the amino acid sequences of the peptides determined above and to elucidate both the N-terminal blocking group and the status of half-cystine residues of this protein. The protein consists of 732 amino acid residues, and the N-terminal methionine residue is blocked by an acetyl group. All of 18 half-cystine residues of this protein were proved to exist as cysteine residues. A serine residue reactive with diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) was also identified as Ser587 by preparation of the AARE labeled with tritiated DFP followed by isolation and sequence analysis of a radioactive peptide obtained from its endoproteinase Asp-N digest.

Reaction mechanism of L-2-haloacid dehalogenase of Pseudomonas sp. YL. Identification of Asp10 as the active site nucleophile by 18O incorporation experiments

L-2-Haloacid dehalogenase (EC 3.8.1.2) catalyzes the hydrolytic dehalogenation of L-2-haloacids to produce the corresponding D-2-hydroxy acids. We have analyzed the reaction mechanism of the enzyme from Pseudomonas sp. YL and found that Asp10 is the active site nucleophile. When the multiple turnover enzyme reaction was carried out in H2(18)O with L-2-chloropropionate as a substrate, lactate produced was labeled with 18O. However, when the single turnover enzyme reaction was carried out by use of a large excess of the enzyme, the product was not labeled. This suggests that an oxygen atom of the solvent water is first incorporated into the enzyme and then transferred to the product. After the multiple turnover reaction in H2(18)O, the enzyme was digested with lysyl endopeptidase, and the molecular masses of the peptide fragments formed were measured by an ionspray mass spectrometer. Two 18O atoms were shown to be incorporated into a hexapeptide, Gly6-Lys11. Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of this peptide revealed that Asp10 was labeled with two 18O atoms. Our previous site-directed mutagenesis experiment showed that the replacement of Asp10 led to a significant loss in the enzyme activity. These results indicate that Asp10 acts as a nucleophile on the alpha-carbon of the substrate leading to the formation of an ester intermediate, which is hydrolyzed by nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on the carbonyl carbon atom.

Theoretical and experimental investigations of loss behavior in the infrared in quartz hollow waveguides with rough inner surfaces

Transmission losses in quartz hollow waveguides with rough inner surfaces have been measured, and an anomalous loss decrease has been observed just beyond the resonance wavelength at the infrared. Detailed analyses have been conducted to check the applicability of available theories in the prediction of additional loss increases or decreases in wide infrared-wavelength regions. A new theory based on a thin-film-coating model has also been presented for the first time, to our knowledge, to describe the additional loss behavior.

Lymphocyte isoforms of mouse p50 LSP1, which are phosphorylated in mitogen-activated T cells, are formed through alternative splicing and phosphorylation

p50 is phosphorylated in mitogen-stimulated T cells, and translocated from the membrane to the cytosol after activation of protein kinase C. Sequence analysis of p50 revealed that it is identical with LSP1, a putative calcium-binding and actin-binding protein. lymphocyte form of p50 exhibits heterogeneity in the apparent molecular mass on SDS-PAGE, 50 and 52 kDa (pp50 and pp52), and each isoform exhibits heterogeneity in the isoelectric point, when examined by two-dimensional PAGE. When the two molecular mass variants of p50 were dephosphorylated with alkaline phosphatase, both isoforms showed the same apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa on SDS-PAGE, but could be distinguished by their distinct isoelectric points. Dephosphorylated pp50 (p50a) has an acidic pI compared with dephosphorylated pp52 (p50b). Comparison of the peptide maps of purified p50a and p50b on HPLC revealed that the difference was limited to one peptide peak. NH2-terminal sequence and mass spectrometric analyses of these peptides showed that the peptides derived from p50a and p50b had the same NH2-terminal amino acid sequence up to eight residues, but had distinct molecular masses, 5,533.4 and 6,318.6 Da, respectively. These data suggested that pp52 (p50b) is the product of the previously cloned cDNA and the reduction in the molecular mass of the p50a-derived peptide could be explained by deletion of six amino acid residues, EHLIRH or HLIRHQ.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Simple method to fabricate a polarizer with a large aperture by the use of anodic alumina films

A simple method is proposed for the fabrication of an optical polarizer with a large aperture by the use of anodic alumina films. The aperture size of the polarizer is 10 × 10 mm(2), the extinction ratio is shown to be larger than 35 dB, and the insertion loss is less than 1 dB at a wavelength of 1.55 µm.

[Flow cytometric DNA analysis and chemosensitivity in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck]

Cellular DNA content and succinate dehydrogenase activity of 92 human head and neck (34 laryngeal, 24 pharyngeal, 21 oral cavity, 13 maxillary) squamous cell carcinomas were examined, and DNA ploidy status and chemosensitivity were analyzed and compared. DNA aneuploidy was observed in 54 tumors (58.7%). The aneuploid pattern was most common in tumors of the maxillary sinus (84%), and least common in tumors of the larynx (41.3%). Histologically, aneuploidy was detected in 71.4% of poorly-differentiated, 63.8% of moderately-differentiated and 37.5% of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas. There was a statistically significant difference between the survival rates of patients with diploid and aneuploid patterns. Chemosensitivity was determined by exposing fresh tumor material to five antitumor drugs: adriamycin (ADM), cisplatin (CDDP), carboquone (CQ), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC). The average decrease in succinate dehydrogenase (SD) activity was 49.8% with ADM, 33.6% with CDDP, 39.9% with CQ, 68.4% with 5-FU and 45.5% with MMC. Histologically, poorly-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas were most sensitive to these five antitumor drugs. We also compared average SD activity in tumors from different organs and found that pharyngeal tumors tend to be most sensitive to these drugs, except for MMC. The chemosensitivity of a tumor with DNA diploidy tended to be higher among well- and moderately-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas. In contrast, tumors with DNA aneuploidy tended to have higher chemosensitivity in the poorly-differentiated type. The results of this study indicate that simultaneous analysis of DNA ploidy and chemosensitivity will be helpful in understanding the characteristics of tumors as well as in predicting the most effective chemotherapy agents for head and neck cancer patients.

Overproduction of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase and its structural analysis by ion-spray mass spectrometry

We cloned the pol gene from the Thermus aquaticus YT-1 strain into a plasmid vector and constructed a high-level expression system of the gene in Escherichia coli. Six codons in the translational start region were changed to simple AT-type codons or codons which are most frequently used in E. coli by the genetic engineering techniques with retention of the amino acid sequence of the native enzyme. The modified pol genes were expressed under the lac promoter of pUC-type plasmid and 266,418 units of activity was obtained in a sonicated and heated crude extract from 2 g of E. coli cells bearing one of the recombinant plasmids, pTAQ9. Highly purified protein was subjected to structural analysis using a protein sequencer and an ion-spray mass spectrometer combined with reversed-phase HPLC (LC-MS). The primary structure of the DNA polymerase was identical with the amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the pol gene as far as examined (about 95% of the sequence); though, several regions where small peptides of less than 5 residues were produced by lysyl endopeptidase digestion could not be sequenced.

[Evaluation of myocardial viability and efficacy of reperfusion therapy by dual-SPECT using 99mTc-PYP and 201Tl in acute myocardial infarction]

Dual SPECT using 99mTc-PYP and 201Tl was performed in 70 patients with acute myocardial infarction, and the ratio of overlap zone between 201Tl and 99mTc-PYP uptake in the infarcted area was determined (the Y-ratio). The Y-ratio was significantly higher in the group with redistribution in the infarcted area on exercise thallium myocardial scintigraphy in the chronic stage of infarction, as well as in the group with normal left ventricular wall motion. Thus, the Y-ratio value was apparently useful in the evaluation of myocardial viability. Patients from 60% of the Y-ratio upward are suggested that myocardial viability had been survived. When the Y-ratio was determined in 30 patients who underwent early reperfusion therapy (ICT or direct-PTCA), no significant difference was found between the ICT group and the direct-PTCA group. However, the Y-ratio was significantly higher when reperfusion was performed within 6 hours than when it was performed after 6 hours, and a significant positive correlation (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), was found between reperfusion time from cardiac event within 9 hours and the value of (100--the Y-ratio).

CONCLUSION

The Y-ratio was grateful appeared to be useful for the quantitative evaluation of myocardial viability in the acute stage of myocardial infarction. In addition, it appears to be important to perform reperfusion as soon as possible to improve myocardial salvage.

A peptide that stimulates phosphorylation of the plant insulin-binding protein. Isolation, primary structure and cDNA cloning

The soybean seed basic 7S globulin (Bg) is capable of binding bovine insulin and insulin-like growth factors, and has protein kinase activity which corresponds to about two thirds of the tyrosine kinase activity of the rat insulin receptor. A 4-kDa peptide named leginsulin, which can bind to Bg and compete with insulin for binding to Bg, was isolated from radicles of germinated soybean seeds. The leginsulin had a stimulatory effect on the phosphorylation activity of Bg, suggesting that it is involved in cellular signal transduction. The leginsulin was sequenced by automated Edman degradation and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It consisted of 37 amino acid residues with six half-cystines in three disulfide bridges. The mass spectrometric analysis revealed that a portion of the peptide is processed to delete the C-terminal glycine like a number of animal peptide hormones, but not C-terminally amidated. The cDNA encoding the leginsulin was cloned, sequenced and considered to code for a precursor polypeptide consisting of a putative signal peptide, the leginsulin, a linker peptide, a 6-kDa peptide and a C-terminal peptide. Although there is no sequence similarity between the leginsulin and insulin or insulin-like growth factors, the leginsulin is a possible candidate for plant peptide hormones.

Cube polarizers by the use of metal particles in anodic alumina films

Metal columns in an anodic alumina film exhibit a prominent anisotropy in the optical loss near the resonance wavelength. The resonance wavelength depends on the direction of polarization and varies with the volume ratio of the metal columns. Based on the anisotropy, we fabricated cube polarizers and attained an extinction ratio of > 30 dB near the 1-µ m wavelength.

Optical waveguides fabricated in anodic alumina films

The transmittance of an anodic alumina film changes significantly with the refractive index of the guest material that is contained in columnar pores. We fabricated a channel waveguide with a Y junction in an alumina film by filling the pores with photocurable resins of suitable refractive indices.

Optical-disk media fabrication for high data-transfer rate

Two media fabrication methods are developed in order to improve the data-transfer rate of optical disks. One is a beam-scanning method for multispiral pregroove recording. A sixfold spiral pregroove with a 1.6-µm spacing can be recorded with this method. The other is a method for fabrication of phase-change optical-disk media that provides signal reading at 670 nm, writing at 830 nm, and high erasability at high linear velocity. The linear recording density of disks fabricated in this way is 1.2 times higher than that of optical disks read at 830 nm, and the erasability is more than 25 dB at 40 m/s. These methods offer the possibility of a data transfer rate 10 times higher than with conventional methods.

Effects of fluoride intake on the mineral content, acid solubility and resorption caused by experimental periodontitis of rat alveolar bone

Adult rats were given either distilled water or drinking water containing 100 parts/10(6) of fluoride. The alveolar bone of rats given fluoride for 90 days showed an increased mineral content and decreased acid solubility compared to the bone of rats given distilled water. Experimental periodontitis was initiated in both groups after 110 days of treatment to cause alveolar bone resorption. Fourteen days later, the rats were killed and it was found that the alveolar bone resorption caused by experimental periodontitis was significantly smaller in the rats given fluoride in their drinking water than in those given distilled water. The findings suggest that fluoride intake might have a protective effect on rapidly progressing alveolar bone resorption.

Er:YAG, CO, and CO(2) laser delivery by ZnS-coated Ag hollow waveguides

ZnS-coated Ag hollow waveguides for Er:YAG, CO, and CO(2) laser light are fabricated based on a sputtering and an electroplating technique. Three types of these waveguides with a 1-mm diameter and a 1-m length are fabricated. Two of them are designed to achieve the minimum loss at the wavelengths of Er:YAG and CO laser light, and the other is for all the lasers. Straight losses of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.25 dB/m are obtained for Er:YAG, CO, and CO(2) laser light, respectively. Because the waveguides are flexible and low loss, they are useful in delivery of mid-infrared lasers in industrial and medical applications.

Effects of sex hormones on production of prostaglandin E2 by human peripheral monocytes

The effects of sex hormones on the vitro production of prostaglandin (PG) E2 by monocytes were investigated. Monocytes were obtained from heparinized peripheral blood of healthy adults and incubated for 24 hours with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sex hormones. After incubation, the medium was assayed for PGE2 by means of radioimmunoassay. PGE2 production by monocytes was enhanced by progesterone. Estradiol reduced PGE2 production at 0.4 ng/ml, but enhanced it at 20 ng/ml. Testosterone reduced PGE2 production. The reduced PGE2 production by monocytes treated with 0.4 ng/ml of estradiol was restored to the control level by addition of progesterone at 20 ng/ml. These results suggest that sex hormones may modulate gingival inflammation mediated by PGE2.

Multif requency three-dimensional optical read-only memory disks using metallic island films: preliminary experiments

Basic operation of new multifrequency three-dimensional (3-D) optical read-only memory (ROM) disks has been demonstrated experimentally. Several types of metallic island film exhibiting a selectiveresonance absorption in a visible-near infrared region are used as recording layers on the 3-D disks. The monochromatic light with a suitable wavelength near the resonance wavelength of each layer is used for the readout of information. We demonstrate that bar-code patterns recorded in silver and copper island layers can be read by using transmitted or reflected light. Furthermore, we also show that the 3-D disks with ≥3 recording layers can be realized.

Graded index profile of anodic alumina films that is induced by conical pores

The size and the shape of micropores in anodic alumina films are studied by electron microscope observation and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Pores have conical shapes with ~ 10-nm diameters and are widened at the rate of ~ 0.05 nm/min by immersion in a sulfuric acid solution. Such conical pores give rise to the refractive-index distribution and anisotropy in the alumina films. By analyzing interference fringes, we find that a graded-index profile, as well as birefringence, exists in the anodic alumina films. The experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

[Clinical studies of ofloxacin 300 mg once a day administration in chronic respiratory tract infections]

Forty patients with chronic respiratory infections were randomly assigned to 2 groups to compare the effect of once daily administration of 300 mg each and 3 times daily administration of 600 mg each of ofloxacin (OFLX). Twenty patients were administered with 300 mg OFLX a day and 18 cases received 600 mg. The number of underlying diseases in the 300 mg group was greater than that in the 600 mg group. The ratios of general amelioration of clinical symptoms were 80.0% in the 300 mg group and 88.9% in the 600 mg group. For bacteriological effects, the eradication rate was 80.0% in the 300 mg group and it was 84.6% in the 600 mg. The incidence of side effects in the 300 mg group was 0% and that of the 600 mg group was 5.6% (1 patient) but the symptom was mild. The incidence of abnormal laboratory test results was 15.0% in the 300 mg group and it was 11.2% in the 600 mg group, but all of these abnormalities were slight and transient. The safety rates in the 300 mg and the 600 mg groups were 95.0% and 94.4%, respectively. Efficacy rates in the 300 mg and the 600 mg groups were 80.0% and 88.9%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in all the results between the 2 treatment groups, and the both treatments were highly effective. From the above results, we consider that once daily administration of 300 mg is a useful therapy in respiratory tract infections.

Transmission properties of rectangular hollow waveguides for CO(2) laser light

Transmission losses of two types of dielectric-coated rectangular waveguide are analyzed theoretically to transmit linearly or circularly polarized CO(2) laser light. When ZnS and PbTe are chosen as coating materials, waveguide losses are reduced by ~ 1 order of magnitude by increasing each pair of coating materials. Phosphor bronze rectangular waveguides with small aspect ratios and various cross sections, whose inner walls are coated with a single PbF(2) layer, are fabricated by using vacuum-evaporation and assembly techniques. Transmission losses of straight and bent waveguides are measured for coherent CO(2) laser light as well as for incoherent infrared lights. Straight waveguide losses of 0.1 dB/m including a coupling loss from a laser, are obtained at a 10.6-microm wavelength for 1-m-long and small-core waveguides.

Cloning and characterization of an interstitial deletion at chromosome 11p15 in a sporadic breast cancer

In a number of types of cancer including breast, hepatocellular, and bladder carcinoma, frequent losses of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 11p15 have indicated the presence of one or more tumor suppressor genes in this region. In the present study, we report the detection and characterization of a rearrangement at 11p15 in a sporadic breast carcinoma. Genomic DNA clones encompassing the rearranged region were isolated; localization of both flanking clones to 11p15 by two-color fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that the rearrangement was caused by an interstitial deletion in the affected allele. Although it is uncertain whether the region between the flanking two loci was missing from tumor cells, our result implied that a putative tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 11p15 is located between the loci on either side of the interstitial deletion or may be interrupted by one of the breakpoints.

Antibodies against 70-kD heat shock cognate protein inhibit mediated nuclear import of karyophilic proteins

Previously, we found that anti-DDDED antibodies strongly inhibited in vivo nuclear transport of nuclear proteins and that these antibodies recognized a protein of 69 kD (p69) from rat liver nuclear envelopes that showed specific binding activities to the nuclear location sequences (NLSs) of nucleoplasmin and SV-40 large T-antigen. Here we identified this protein as the 70-kD heat shock cognate protein (hsc70) based on its mass, isoelectric point, cellular localization, and partial amino acid sequences. Competition studies indicated that the recombinant hsc70 expressed in Escherichia coli binds to transport competent SV-40 T-antigen NLS more strongly than to the point mutated transport incompetent mutant NLS. To investigate the possible involvement of hsc70 in nuclear transport, we examined the effect of anti-hsc70 rabbit antibodies on the nuclear accumulation of karyophilic proteins. When injected into the cytoplasm of tissue culture cells, anti-hsc70 strongly inhibited the nuclear import of nucleoplasmin, SV-40 T-antigen NLS bearing BSA and histone H1. In contrast, anti-hsc70 IgG did not prevent the diffusion of lysozyme or 17.4-kD FITC-dextran into the nuclei. After injection of these antibodies, cells continued RNA synthesis and were viable. These results indicate that hsc70 interacts with NLS-containing proteins in the cytoplasm before their nuclear import.

Bending losses and beam profiles of zinc selenide-coated silver waveguides for carbon dioxide laser light

Circular hollow waveguides with an interior silver layer and an inner coating of zinc selenide are fabricated. The fabrication process for rf sputtering of zinc-selenide and silver, electroplating of nickel, and etching of a polyimide mandrel is described in detail. As a result of the measurements of transmission losses, the waveguides show a remarkably low-loss property when they are bent. Further, output beam profiles of the straight and the bent waveguide are investigated, and it is shown that the waveguide with a smaller diameter exhibits a well-shaped beam profile without sacrificing the low-loss property.

Measurement of the refractive index and thickness for infrared optical films deposited on rough substrates

A novel method is proposed to evaluate the refractive index and thickness of dielectric thin films in the infrared wavelength range. The method is useful for measurement of thin films that are formed on such rough substrates as metal plates, since it utilizes only the wavelengths of interference peaks, which is slightly affected by surface roughness of the sample. The method was applied to the measurement of germanium, zinc selenide, and lead fluoride films deposited on copper substrates. Measured thicknesses agreed well with the values that were obtained by ellipsometry, and refractive indices exhibited a tendency to increase with the film thickness.

Correlation of loss of alleles on the short arms of chromosomes 11 and 17 with metastasis of primary breast cancer to lymph nodes

To examine the role of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) during tumor development and/or progression, we looked for correlations between metastasis of breast cancer to a regional lymph node(s) and LOH of chromosomal arms 11p, 13q, 16q, 17p, and 17q, where frequent losses in primary tumors have been detected. No correlation between lymph node metastasis and LOH of chromosomes 13q, 16q, or 17q was observed. However, tumors showing LOH of chromosomes 11p (chi 2 = 10.82, P less than 0.01) and 17p (chi 2 = 6.78, P less than 0.01) revealed a significantly higher incidence of metastasis to a regional lymph node(s) than tumors without LOH on these chromosomal arms. Furthermore, only four of 30 (13%) patients with tumors that retained both 11p and 17p had metastasis to a regional lymph node(s), compared with 24 of 32 (75%) patients with tumors that had lost both 11p and 17p. Analysis of LOH with markers on chromosomes 11p and 17p in a large number of tumors indicated that the peritelomeric region of each of these chromosomal arms contains a tumor suppressor gene that may be associated with tumor progression, particularly metastasis to a regional lymph node(s).

Optical anisotropy of stretched gold island films: experimental results

Stretched gold island films with large optical anisotropy are demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge. The resonance absorption wavelength for polarization parallel to the stretching direction shifted from 0.54 to 0.95 microm by stretching a 9-nm-thick gold island film by five times, whereas the resonance wavelength shifted slightly to the shorter wavelength for perpendicular polarization. The origin of optical anisotropy is shown to come from an elongated island shape. Embedding of island films in a glass film is also shown to be necessary to produce the anisotropy in the stretching process.

NH2-terminal acetylation of ribosomal proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using a mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in the NAT1 gene, that encodes one of the NH2-terminal acetyltransferases, we have identified 14 ribosomal proteins whose electrophoretic mobility at pH 5.0 suggests they carry an additional charge, presumably due to the lack of NH2-terminal acetylation. At least 30 other ribosomal proteins from the mutant are electrophoretically normal. Attempted NH2-terminal analysis of most of the presumed acetylated proteins from wild type cells indicated that all were blocked. NH2-terminal analysis of the same proteins from the nat1 mutant strain yielded unique sequences. Each one carries an NH2-terminal serine. We conclude that these are normally acetylated due to the presence of the NAT1 gene product. It seems surprising that cells whose ribosomes have been altered to this degree grow rather well and synthesize the same spectrum of proteins as do wild type cells (Mullen, J. R., Kayne, P. S., Moerschell, R. P., Tsunasawa, S. Gribskov, M., Sherman, F., and Sternglanz, R. (1989) EMBO J. 8, 2067-2075). Finally, this analysis has provided the first sequence information available for several of the acetylated ribosomal proteins and for one non-acetylated ribosomal protein, which is clearly the product of the MFT1 gene (Garrett, J. M., Singh, K. K., Vonder Haar, R. A., and Emr. S. D. (1991) Mol. Gen. Gen. 225, 483-491).

[Chemosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas using subrenal capsule assay--comparative assay of 5-FU, FT, UFT, and HCFU and immunohistochemical study]

The chemosensitivity of 23 human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (9 pharyngeal, 5 laryngeal, 5 oral cavity, 2 maxillary sinus, 1 salivary gland, 1 cervical esophagus) were examined using subrenal capsule (SRC) assays against 5-FU, FT, UFT and HCFU. Assays adequate for evaluation were obtained in 19 of 23 cases and the averages of tumor size changes on day 6 were, 17.3% for control, -0.8% for 5-FU, 10.3% for FT, -10.4% for UFT and 2.4% for HCFU. Sensitivity rates for each drug were 26.3% for 5-FU, 6.3% for FT, 38.9% for UFT and 11.1% for HCFU. To evaluate the clinical utility of these anticancer drugs, we determined the therapeutic index (TI), the ratio between tumor chemosensitivity and changes in animal body weight as a criterion for toxicity. The mean values of TI were 0.891 for control, 0.989 for 5-FU, 0.944 for FT, 1.054 for UFT and 0.980 for HCFU. UFT showed a greater antineoplastic effect as compared to the other three agents. Immunohistochemical study of the transplanted tumors revealed a specific antigen staining pattern similar to that observed in the original human cancer tissues. Degeneration of tumor tissues in drug-treated animals was also confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Based on the results obtained from subrenal capsule assays, either by examining tumor size changes or evaluating TI, UFT proved to be the most effective of the 5-FU analogues against human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Effects of sex hormones on chemotaxis of human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes

The effects of sex hormones on the in vitro chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes were investigated using fMLP as the chemoattractant. PMNs, monocytes, and plasma were obtained from heparinized peripheral blood of healthy adults. Chemotaxis of PMNs or monocytes treated with sex hormones were tested using 48-well chemotaxis microchambers. The correlation between sex hormone levels in plasma and the chemotactic ability of PMNs from the same donor was also investigated. The chemotaxis of PMNs was enhanced by progesterone, while it was reduced by estradiol. Random migration of PMNs was also enhanced by progesterone and reduced by estradiol. The effect of estradiol on PMN chemotaxis was inhibited by addition of antiestrogens or progesterone. Testosterone did not have a measurable effect on PMN chemotaxis. A significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of progesterone in plasma of females and PMN chemotactic ability in vitro. For males, there was no significant relationship between plasma levels of sex hormones and PMN chemotactic ability. Estradiol and testosterone levels in plasma did not correlate with PMN chemotactic ability. Sex hormones had no effect on the chemotaxis of monocytes. These results suggest that the altered PMN chemotaxis associated with gingival inflammation may be due to the effects of sex hormones.

Core-radius dependency of mode transition and attenuation constants in circular hollow waveguides for the infrared

Attenuation constants in circular hollow waveguides are numerically evaluated based on the exact characteristic equation. Mode transition takes place when waveguides become thinner.

Optical polarizer using anisotropic metallic island films with a large aperture and a high extinction ratio

A new type of an optical polarizer consisting of anisotropic metallic island films is proposed, and its optical properties are investigated theoretically. It is shown that an extinction ratio of 63 dB and an insertion loss of 0.02 dB at a resonance wavelength, e.g., 0.64 microm, are expected for the polarizer when silver is used as the metal. A broadband polarizer is also designed by combining several kinds of anisotropic island film.

Optical loss distribution in anodically oxidized alumina with a 2-D structure

Optical losses have been measured for anodized alumina films with 100-200-A size microstructure. A significant loss increase is seen near the surface of the film, and such a loss distribution disappears by treating the film with hot water or glycerin. The optical loss also depends strongly on the direction of polarization. An alumina microstructure has been modeled based on electron microscope observations, and optical losses have been calculated theoretically. From a comparison of experimental and theoretical results, it would appear that distribution and anisotropy of optical losses are caused by conical micropores and aluminum microcolumns.

TiO(2)-SiO(2) based glasses for infrared hollow waveguides

Hollow core waveguides made of TiO(2)-SiO(2) based glasses have been proposed for the IR. A series of TiO(2)-SiO(2) based glasses were prepared and their complex refractive indices measured by reflectometry. Using measured refractive indices, we calculated spectral losses of the TiO(2)-SiO(2) hollow waveguides. With the waveguides, we can expect efficient transmission of mid-IR light including CO(2) laser light, since refractive indices of the glasses become less than unity and the absorption coefficients become small in the 8-11-microm wavelength range.

[YAG laser contact therapy of ovarian endometriosis under laparoscopy]

Thirty-six patients with ovarian endometriosis were treated with Nd:YAG laser contact irradiation under laparoscopic control. Indications for laparoscopy were infertility (n = 20) and dysmenorrhea (n = 16). The laparoscopic procedures so far undertaken in our clinic include: Aspiration of chocolate cyst, removal of ovarian endometriosis, adhesion-lysis, uterine nerve ablation, coagulation of peritoneal endometriosis and irrigation. No complications were seen. After undergoing this procedure, eight of 20 patients achieved pregnancy and 15 of 16 patients obtained pain relief. Serum CA125 levels were significantly decreased postoperatively. We confirmed that contact irradiation with a cone-shaped sapphire probe provides adequate incision and lysis at lower power levels, and that this method is an effective treatment for ovarian endometriosis.

Spectral bending losses of incoherent IR light in circular waveguides

Bending losses of three types of circular hollow waveguide have been investigated experimentally for a wide spectral range of infrared wavelengths.

Dielectric-coated metallic hollow waveguide for 3-microm Er:YAG, 5-microm CO, and 10.6-,microm CO(2) laser light transmission

The possibility of dielectric-coated metallic hollow waveguides that can deliver 3-microm Er: YAG, 5-microm CO, and 10.6-microm CO(2) laser light simultaneously with low transmission loss is shown theoretically and experimentally.

Residual aluminum and its dichroism in anodized alumina thin films

Aluminum is anodized in a sulfuric acid solution with a large current density. It is shown for the first time to our knowledge that the aluminum is only partially oxidized in the process and that the alumina thin film containing the residual aluminum acts as a polarizer with a large extinction ratio in the infrared-wavelength region.

Waveguide losses in sharply bent circular hollow waveguides

Losses in the general class of sharply bent circular hollow waveguides are evaluated theoretically for linearly polarized modes. A theory presented in this paper confirms the experimental results for metallic waveguides obtained previously, when the polarization is perpendicular to the plane of curvature.

[Bacteriological study of gingivitis in pubertal children. 2. Subgingival microflora cultivable on the nonselective blood agar medium]

The present study involved cultural and microscopic characterization of the subgingival microorganisms of pubertal children with gingivitis. Samples were obtained from eight children 12-14 years of age. Gram-positive organisms made up 56% of the isolates and included mainly Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces naeslundii. Gram-negative anaerobic rods constituted 25% of the isolates and Bacteroides intermedius (9.7%) was most predominant species. The selective media permitted significantly lower recovery of Actinomyces spp. and Capnocytophaga spp. than nonselective blood agar medium. However, sixty-nine percents of isolates were cultured on the selective media employed in the present study. These results suggest that the subgingival microflora of gingivitis in pubertal children may be similar to those of adult gingivitis and that the use of these six selective media makes it possible to enumerate predominant cultivable microorganisms in subgingival area of pubertal children with gingivitis.