Silicon micro/nanofabrication using metastable helium atom beam lithography

We utilize metastable helium (He*) atom beam lithography to pattern silicon substrates by using self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) grown directly on silicon surface as resist. An improved wet-chemical etching method was used to transfer the resist pattern into silicon substrate. Negative and positive pattern formations with well-defined edges were observed for silicon(100) substrate with SAM after exposure to the He* atom beam followed by the etching. Results indicate a clear transition from positive to negative patterns relies on the He* dosage. The pattern sizes on silicon were successfully decreased to the order of 100 nm, even less than 50 nm.

A microfluidic mixer with self-excited 'turbulent' fluid motion for wide viscosity ratio applications

In micromixer studies, compared with the design, modeling and characterization, the influence of the fluid properties on mixing has been less discussed. This topic is of practical significance as the properties of diverse biological and chemical liquids to be mixed have large variations. Here, we report a microfluidic mixer for mixing fluids with widely different viscosities. It contains an interconnected multi-channel network through which the bulk fluid volumes are divided into smaller ones and chaotically reorganized. Then, the multiple fluid streams are driven into an expansion chamber which triggers viscous flow instabilities. Experiments with the co-flow of glycerol and aqueous solutions show an automatic transition of the flow from a steady state to a 'turbulent' state, significantly enhancing the mixing. This observation is rather interesting considering that it occurs in a passive flow and the average Reynolds number involved is small. Further testing indicates that this mixer works well at viscosity ratio (chi) up to the order of 10(4).

Thermal characterization of lowly Nd3+ doped disordered Nd:CNGG crystal

Thermal properties of a lowly Nd(3+)-doped disordered Nd:CNGG crystal have been symmetrically investigated. At room temperature, the specific heat, thermal diffusion coefficient and density were determined to be 0.595 J/g.K, 1.223 mm(2)/s and 4.718 g/cm(3), corresponding the thermal conductivity of 3.43 W/m.K. By measuring the thermal lens at different pump power, the thermal-optical coefficient was calculated to be 9.2x10(-6) K(-1) for the first time to our knowledge. All the thermal properties recovered that this material can be used in the moderate and even high pump power.

Solvent-induced DNA conformational transition

Modified water models with scaled charges are used to investigate solvent polarity effects on DNA structure. Several intensive molecular dynamics simulations of the DNA EcoRI dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG) in different model solvents are performed. When the polarity of the solvent molecule decreases, from overpolarized to less polarized, DNA experiences the conformational transitions of constrained-->B form-->(A-B)mix-->A form. We demonstrate that one important cause of these structure changes is the competition between hydration and direct cation coupling to the free oxygen atoms in the phosphate groups on DNA backbones.

Preparation and characterisation of mesoporous TiO2 photo-catalyst

Photo-catalytic oxidation with TiO2 as the photo-catalyst is one of the most efficient methods of advanced oxidation for the degradation of organic pollutants. It can completely oxidise many of the persistent organic pollutants into small molecules such as H2O and CO2. However, a number of factors currently limit the large-scale adaptation of the technology in industries. The catalytic activity of TiO2 is normally only effective in the UV irradiation range and it has been difficult to utilise irradiations in higher wavelengths. The immobilisation of the catalyst for large-scale operations has also been difficult and reduces the efficiency of the photo-oxidation reactions. Nanometer particles of TiO2 are highly photo-effective but difficult to recover and reuse. In this paper, mesoporous TiO2 catalyst with an average pore size of 5 nm was prepared by using a tartaric sol-gel method with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as template agent. UV irradiation was also applied during the preparation process to modify the surface characteristics of the photo-catalyst. The catalyst was then analysed and characterised by using a number of techniques. Results indicated that UV irradiation during the preparation process of the mesoporous TiO2 catalyst changed its surface characteristics. It was observed that the UV irradiated TiO2 catalyst has higher absorbance in the visible wavelength region (400-650 nm), indicating a potential shift of the effective photo-catalytic wavelengths.

Robust adaptive neural network control of uncertain nonholonomic systems with strong nonlinear drifts

In this paper, robust adaptive neural network (NN) control is presented to solve the control problem of nonholonomic systems in chained form with unknown virtual control coefficients and strong drift nonlinearities. The robust adaptive NN control laws are developed using state scaling and backstepping. Uniform ultimate boundedness of all the signals in the closed-loop are guaranteed, and the system states are proven to converge to a small neighborhood of zero. The control performance of the closed-loop system is guaranteed by appropriately choosing the design parameters. The proposed adaptive NN control is free of control singularity problem. An adaptive control based switching strategy is used to overcome the uncontrollability problem associated with x0 (t0) = 0. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Draining to Inferior Vena Cava

A 12-year-old girl complained of tachycardia and dyspnea after exertion but without cyanosis. Her echocardiogram showed an ASD and a widened inferior vena cava. A difference in PO2 between inferior and superior vena cava was evident. An anastomosis between left atrium and pulmonary vein, and a long oval pericardium to cover the opening of the descending vein and ASD into left atrium were performed during cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient recovered without complications.

Tagging and mapping of rice sheath blight resistant gene

Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) is one of the severe rice diseases worldwide. In this study, an F(2) population from a cross between "4011" and "Xiangzaoxian19" is used to identify molecular markers linked with the resistant trait. "4011" was a transgenic rice cultivar carrying a resistant gene to sheath blight, while "Xiangzaoxian19" is a highly susceptible one. As a result, five molecular markers, including three RFLP markers converted from RAPD and AFLP markers, and two SSR markers were identified to link with the sheath blight resistant gene. This dominant resistant gene was named as R sb 1 and mapped on rice chromosome 5. The linkage distance between the markers (E-AT:M-CAC(120), E-AT:M-CTA(230), OPN-16(2000), RM164(320) and RM39(300)) and R sb 1 was 1.6 cM, 9.9 cM, 1.6 cM, 15.2 cM and 1.6 cM, respectively.

Isolated lower extremity chemotherapeutic infusion for treatment of osteosarcoma: experimental study and preliminary clinical report

PURPOSE

To increase the dose of drug delivered to a tumor while maintaining tolerable systemic side effects, an interventional technique of isolated lower extremity infusion was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were performed in eight dogs. Four dogs were treated by a combination of intraarterial (IA) femoral cisplatin infusion at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg with drug removal from the ipsilateral extremity venous blood by a dialyzer. The other four dogs comprised the control group. In these animals, left femoral arterial IA cisplatin infusion was performed without dialysis. Leukocyte and platelet counts, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and serum creatinine levels were recorded before and after the treatment. Subsequently, two human patients with inoperable osteosarcoma were treated with the isolated infusion.

RESULTS

In the experiments, 85%-90% of the free platinum that entered the dialyzer was removed. The peak systemic plasma cisplatin concentrations in animals undergoing dialysis were reduced by 81.25% compared to those in animals undergoing femoral IA infusion without hemodialysis. There were no significant changes in the hematologic profiles or BUN and serum creatinine levels in the experimental animals. However, in the control group, all dogs developed myelosuppression and severe renal toxicity after IA infusion of the same dose of cisplatin. Clinically, immediate relief of symptoms related to the primary tumor was achieved in both human patients after the combination of isolated IA infusion and embolotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Single-pass hemodialysis removed a significant amount of cisplatin after regional IA infusion, reduced systemic toxicity, and permitted survival of the experimental animals. In two patients with osteosarcoma, percutaneous isolated lower extremity chemotherapeutic infusion therapy and embolotherapy were performed safely with partial responses.

Delayed complications after esophageal stent placement for treatment of malignant esophageal obstructions and esophagorespiratory fistulas

PURPOSE

To evaluate delayed complications after esophageal expandable metallic stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 1993 to December 1997, 90 expandable metallic stents were placed in 82 consecutive patients with inoperable malignant esophageal obstruction (n = 49) or malignant esophagorespiratory fistula (n = 33). Stents used included covered Gianturco-Rosch Z stents (n = 20), Wallstents (covered, n = 31; uncovered, n = 13), and Ultraflex stents (covered, n = 8; uncovered, n = 10). Patients were followed prospectively and monitored for delayed complications, defined as major (hemorrhage, tracheal compression, stent migration, perforation or fistula formation, granulomatous obstruction, tumor ingrowth and overgrowth, funnel phenomenon, and stent covering disruption) or minor (reflux, chest pain, and food impaction).

RESULTS

Mean survival was 4.5 months after stent placement (range, 3 weeks to 26 months). The overall incidence of delayed complications was 64.6%, with 17 patients (20.7%) experiencing more than one complication. The rates of delayed complications in patients with Z stents, Wallstents, and Ultraflex stents were 75.0%, 68.1%, and 44.4%, respectively (P <.05). Most complications were life-threatening and occurred more frequently when stents were placed in the proximal third of the esophagus, compared with more distally (P <.05). Thirteen patients (15.9%) died from complications directly related to stent placement.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal stent placement for malignant obstruction or fistula is associated with a substantial incidence of delayed complications.

[The TEM investigations of lymphatic vessels in the acute inflamed dental pulps]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible ultrastructural modifications of the lymphatic capillaries in the acute inflamed dental pulps.

METHODS

The ultrastructural features of the lymphatic vessels endothelial wall in the human normal and acute inflamed dental pulps were investigated by TEM using conventional methods.

RESULTS

The lymphatic capillaries in normal dental pulp were characterized by a thin wall with an irregular profile. The endothelial cells were joined one another by specialized junctional complexes, such as end-to-end contacts, overlapping and more complex interdigitation. Opening junctions were never present in these vessels. The cytoplasm of the endothelial cells was rich in micropinocytotic vesicles. In the acute inflamed pulpal tissue, the lymphatic vessels were dilated and the intercellular adjoining structure were less intricate, end-to-end contacts and overlaping were most frequent ones. Opening junctions were frequently detectable. In particular, the micropinocytotic vesicles were almost absent.

CONCLUSION

In the acute inflamed pulpal tissue, the modification occurs in the diameter of lymphatic capillaries, intercellular adjoining structures and the amounts of micropinocytotic vesicles, so we thought that a network of lymphatic vessels drained the dental pulp.

[Prediction of output fraction from single layer to commingling oil well by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)]

For crude oil from the same source, there is no obvious difference in chromatographic fingerprint of total hydrocarbons. But an evident difference in the concentrations of the series compounds of naphthalene and phenanthrene in oils has been found. Based on the fact, a new method for determine production allocation in commingled production, has been proposed. In this method, the series compounds of naphthalene and phenanthrene are selected as geochemistry indicator and are pretreated with aluminum oxide-silica gel column, and their relative concentration is determined by HPLC. Being verified by artificially mixing samples, the method can be used for the oils that can not be differentiated with the chromatographic fingerprint of total hydrocarbons, and error between predicted value and real value is 8% and its accuracy is better than that of the gas chromatographic fingerprint method. Based on the mixture principle, a model for prediction of output fraction of single oil layer is proposed. This model has been applied to production allocation calculation.

Identification and characterization of circulating prostate carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Analysis of prostate carcinoma cells isolated from the peripheral blood suggested a classification based on three categories.

METHODS

Centrifugation density gradients and magnetic cell sorting were used to isolate circulating prostate carcinoma cells from peripheral blood. Immunocytochemistry staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization allowed characterization of isolated cancer cells.

RESULTS

Terminal cells can be divided into 3 classes: 1) large, buoyant, fragile cells with a large nucleus that were captured in a 1.068 g/mL gradient; 2) enucleate cells (4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole [DAPI] negative) that were positive for cytokeratin and PSMA antibodies; and 3) cellular debris exhibiting cytokeratin and PSMA positive staining as well as nuclear debris identified by DAPI staining, which included cytoplasmic debris. Growing cells also exhibited three morphologic characteristics: those possessing stem cell-like morphology and characteristics such as small size, high density, developed cytokeratin systems, PSMA expression, and aneuploidy; those in M phase; and cell clusters. The majority of isolated cells exhibited intermediate characteristics and thus comprised the third group of circulating cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the significance of the cluster remains undetermined, observation suggests that the cluster has the ability to circulate as a microtumor and subsequently arrest in the small veins and capillaries. It is hypothesized that the clusters could escape certain facets of immune surveillance and possibly gain a selective growth advantage over single cells in a distant site. Further hypothesis proposes that arrested cells recruit growth-promoting nutrients, which would result in the invasion of local blood vessels and vascularization.

Haplotype-phenotype correlation in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy

In typical Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), peak motor function is usually only unassisted sitting or sliding on the buttocks, though a few patients are able to walk at some point. However, a few patients have a severe phenotype and never acquire head control. In addition, it is clinically difficult to differentiate this severe FCMD from Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) or from muscle-eye-brain disease (MEBD). In order to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation, we performed haplotype analysis using microsatellite markers closest to the FCMD gene (FCMD) in 56 Japanese FCMD families, including 35 families whose children were diagnosed as FCMD with the typical phenotype, 12 families with a mild phenotype, and 9 families with a severe phenotype. Of the 12 propositi with the mild phenotype, 8 could walk and the other 4 could stand with support; 10 cases were homozygous for the ancestral founder (A-F) haplotype whereas the other 2 were heterozygous for the haplotype. In the 9 severe cases, who had never acquired head control or the ability to sit without support, 3 had progressive hydrocephalus, 2 required a shunt operation, and 7 had ophthalmological abnormalities. Haplotype analysis showed that 8 of the 9 cases of the severe phenotype are heterozygous for the A-F haplotype, and the other one homozygous for the haplotype. We confirmed that at least one chromosome in each of the 56 FCMD patients has the A-F haplotype. The rate of heterozygosity for the A-F haplotypes was significantly higher in severe cases than in typical or mild cases (P < 0.005). Severe FCMD patients appeared to be compound heterozygotes for the founder mutation and another mutation. Thus, the present study yielded molecular genetic evidence of a broad clinical spectrum in FCMD.

[Expression of EGFR in keratosis of laryngeal and the correlation with malignant phenotype]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the roles of EGFR expression in laryngeal keratosis.

METHOD

The ABC immunohistochemical method was performed to investigate the expression of EGFR in 32 cases of laryngeal keratosis tissue.

RESULT

The EGFR indices in light, moderate and serious non-typical hyperplasia were 12.5%, 22.5% and 47.8% respectively. There were significant differences between heavy with light and middle non-typical hyperplasia (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The EGFR might play some role in the process of carcinogenesis of laryngeal keratosis, and be as an useful marker for the assessment of the behavior and prognosis in the laryngeal premalignant lesions keratosis.

Effects of tripchlorolide on the epididymides and testes of rats

AIM

To further evaluate the antifertility effects of tripchlorolide, a derivative of triptolide produced at the extraction procedure of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., in male rats and to investigate its sites and possible mechanisms of action.

METHODS

In male rats, tripchlorolide was given by oral garage at a dose of 50 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 for 5 weeks, fertility was assessed by mating tests, and biochemical indices and light microscopic observation of the epididymides and testes were also performed.

RESULTS

Administration of tripchlorolide at 50 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 for 3 weeks did not influence the fertility of male rats, but 5-week treatment rendered the rats infertile. The density and motility of spermatozoa collected from cauda epididymides were reduced significantly. The epididymal weights, as well as the L-carnitine concentration and alpha-glucosidase content in the epididymal fluid were decreased. There were no significant differences in alpha-glucosidase and acid phosphatase (ACP) in caput epididymal homogenates between the control and the experimental rats. Obvious morphological changes were observed in the epididymal spermatozoa, mainly including head and tail separation or acrosome curving. Sloughed spermatids were found in the seminifeous and epididymal tubules. In testicular homogenates, tripchlorolide had no influence on the lactate dehydrogenase-C4 (LDH-C4) and hyaluronidase activities. No apparent lesions were observed in the seminiferous and epididymal epithelium.

CONCLUSION

At the dose level employed, tripchlorolide has a significant effect on the fertility in male rats and the primary sites of action may be spermatids and testicular and epididymal spermatozoa.

Influence of sextant prostate needle biopsy or surgery on the detection and harvest of intact circulating prostate cancer cells

PURPOSE

The feasibility of harvesting intact, circulating prostate cancer cells from the blood of men with advanced prostate cancer has previously been demonstrated. We studied the influence of sextant prostate needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy on harvesting intact circulating prostate cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Via standard venipuncture 20 c.c. blood were obtained preoperatively, and 30 minutes and 3 days postoperatively from 23 men with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing surgery. Similarly, blood was obtained before and after routine prostate biopsy from 13 men for an elevated prostate specific antigen level and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. The blood cells were removed via density centrifugation and magnetic cell sorting. The remaining prostate epithelial cells were characterized by indirect fluorescent immunocytochemical staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization using deoxyribonucleic acid probes.

RESULTS

Sextant biopsy of the prostate induced circulating cells in 3 of 13 men (23%), only 1 of whom demonstrated cells with aneuploidy (Gleason score 3+4 = 7). Circulating cells were detected preoperatively, 30 minutes or 3 days postoperatively in 35% of radical prostatectomy cases. Of the patients 13% had detectable circulating cells 30 minutes postoperatively only and 9% had cells harvested on postoperative day 3. Persistence of circulating prostate cancer cells was noted in 13% of men on postoperative day 3. Serum prostate specific antigen level and pathological stage did not appear to be related to harvested cell number.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate cancer cells can be harvested from men with clinically localized disease undergoing sextant needle biopsy or radical prostatectomy. Routine prostate biopsy and surgery may influence the number of measurable circulating cells in the short term but the clinical significance and long-term prevalence of detectable circulating cells are unknown. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this assay for detecting, staging and monitoring prostate cancer.

Intracellular generation of MDA-LYS epitope in foam cells

Oxidative stress plays a central role in atherogenesis. Antioxidants, such as probucol, inhibit oxidation of LDL, retard secretion of interleukin-1, growth factors and chemoattractants, and thus inhibit progression of atherosclerosis. Other antioxidants with an ability to inhibit LDL oxidation, however, could not prevent progression of atherosclerosis. The inconsistency between antioxidant potencies indicated oxidative events might have occurred at locations other than LDL. MDA-lysine epitope (MDA-lys) is closely associated with atherogenesis and was recognized as marker for oxidation. We traced formation of MDA-lys during oxidation of LDL and formation of foam cells. The results indicated that thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) was primarily present in lipid fraction of ox-LDL not associated with protein fraction after Cu2+ oxidation in vitro. Oxidized LDL did not increase significant immunoreactivity of MDA-lys epitope under our experimental conditions. Foam cells, however, showed the presence of MDA-lys epitope suggesting that intracellular oxidation events occurred to internalized lipids. The uptake of non-oxidatively modified LDL (acetylated LDL) was sufficient to generate MDA-lys epitope in foam cells, consistent with the hypothesis that atherosclerosis is associated with oxidative events in addition to LDL oxidation. We hypothesized that MDA-lys may be generated through intracellular lipid metabolism during the formation of foam cells.

Basic fibroblast growth factor enhanced LAK cell cytotoxicities against human bladder neoplasm cells

AIM

To study the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells from patients with bladder cancer and LAK cells cytolysis against bladder tumor cells.

METHODS

LAK cell proliferation was assayed in the presence of various concentrations of bFGF combined with interleukin-2 (IL-2) by cell count. Cytotoxicity of LAK cells against bladder cancer cell line EJ cells and bladder tumor cells (BTC) from patients was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays.

RESULTS

The proliferation of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) was inhibited by bFGF 5 micrograms.L-1. bFGF did not affect the stimulation of LAK cells induced by IL-2. The LAK cell numbers in the combination of IL-2 with bFGF were not significantly different compared with that treated with IL-2 alone. bFGF enhanced cytotoxicity of LAK cells against bladder cancer cell line EJ cells or BTC, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although the proliferation of PBMC was inhibited by bFGF, bFGF increased LAK cell cytotoxicity against bladder neoplasm cells.

Effects of reflection-induced retardance on the immunity of bulk optic-material current sensors

Reflection-induced phase retardance inside bulk optic-material current sensors makes the state of polarization of the light change, which reduces the immunity of the sensors against electromagnetic interference. These effects are analyzed theoretically for the first time, to our knowledge. A comparison between the theoretical analysis and the experimental results are given.

Modulating effect of mitomycin or cisplatin on lymphokine-activated killer cell proliferation and antitumor activity to bladder cancer cell lines in vitro

AIM

To study the effect of mitomycin (Mit) or cisplatin (Cis) on the proliferation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in patients with transitional cell cancer of bladder and their cytolysis to bladder tumor cells.

METHODS

LAK cell proliferation was assayed in the presence of Mit or Cis by cell counting. Bladder cancer cell lines BIU-87 and EJ were cultured as target cells and cytotoxicity of LAK cells was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTS

The proliferation of LAK cells induced by recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) was inhibited by Cis in a concentration-dependent manner and was decreased to 55.3% at 100 mg.L-1 compared with control at 96 h. The enhanced growth of the LAK cells was observed with Mit 5-10 mg.L-1 from 48 to 96 h. Cis 10 mg.L-1 increased the cytotoxicity against BIU-87 and EJ cells.

CONCLUSION

Immunomodulatory effect of chemotherapeutic agents on LAK cell proliferation induced by IL-2 in patients with bladder cancer mainly depends on the drug itself.

Tretinoin or retinol enhancement of lymphokine-activated killer cell proliferation and cytotoxicity against human bladder cancer cells in vitro

AIM

To study the effect of tretinoin (Tre) or retinol (Ret) on the proliferation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in patients with transitional cell cancer of bladder and their cytolysis to bladder tumor cells.

METHODS

LAK cell proliferation was assayed in the presence of either Tre or Ret by cell counting. Human transitional bladder cancer cell lines BIU-87, EJ, or bladder tumor cells (BTC) from patients with bladder cancer were used as target cells and cytotoxicity of LAK cells was determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTS

The proliferation of LAK cells induced by interleukin-2 (IL-2) was stimulated by Tre or Ret (10-100 nmol.L-1). The cytotoxicity of LAK cells against BIU-87, EJ cells, or BTC was enhanced by pretreatment of LAK cells with Tre or Ret 10-100 nmol.L-1.

CONCLUSION

Tre or Ret enhances the proliferation and cytotoxicity of LAK cells from patients with bladder cancer. Retinoids are potential in adoptive immunotherapy of bladder cancer.

Detection of intact prostate cancer cells in the blood of men with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To develop a procedure to be used to find, identify, and characterize the living prostate cancer cells in the blood of patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS

The procedure is based on a negative selection approach that removes most of the blood cells and collects the remaining prostate cancer cells, which are identified and characterized by fluorescent in situ hybridization with deoxyribonucleic acid probes and by indirect fluorescent immunocytochemical staining. The blood cells are removed via density gradient centrifugation.

RESULTS

Using the prostate cancer LNCaP cells as a model, the recovery rate of the added prostate cancer cells to 10 mL of blood was about 85%, with a dilution of 1 LNCaP cell to 10,000 white blood cells or more. Blood samples varying from 9 to 27 mL were collected and analyzed from 8 men aged 54 to 79 years who had varying levels of PSA in serum. In one blood sample, prostate cancer cells were not found; in the seven other samples, the number of prostate cancer cells found per milliliter of blood varied from 1 to 20. Prostate cancer cells were not found in 7.5 to 15-mL blood samples from 3 healthy younger men. The prostate cells were found to be aneuploid for chromosomes 7 and 8, highly suggestive that these cells were cancerous.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a negative selection approach, prostate cells can be found in the blood of patients with prostate cancer, as identified by prostate cell-specific probes and antibodies. These cells were found to be aneuploid.

Polarization-preserving totally reflecting prisms with a single medium layer

When reflectors with layers are used at non-normal incidence, the two planes of polarization generally have different phase shifts. The difference in the shifts is known as phase retardance. For prisms with a single layer, this retardance depends on four factors: prism index, layer index, the ratio of the optical thickness of the layer to the wavelength, and angle of incidence. When the retardance is kept at zero and the reflectance for both p and s components of a polarized light are controlled at almost 100% after reflection, a polarization-preserving total reflection is realized. Polarization-preserving totally reflecting prisms (PPTRP's) have many applications in scientific research and optical engineering. Designers of the PPTRP's need references concerning the phase properties of the PPTRP's. However, few papers can be found in which the effects of the four factors on the retardance of the PPTRP's were investigated and compared thoroughly, although the theory concerned has been known and the influences from some (not all) factors have been reported. Therefore it is still necessary to study the behavior of the PPTRP's from all aspects. The effects of all four factors on the retardance are analyzed and compared from all aspects. A general method of designing PPTRP's is proposed. As an example, a special PPTRP is designed and both theoretical and experiment results are given.

[Effect of acupuncture on heart rate variability in coronary heart disease patients]

The heart rate variability (HRV) of 20 coronary heart disease patients has been determined before and after acupuncture treatment by using frequency domain analysis of HRV. The results showed that there was significant difference between the change of low frequency (LF) components in HRV before and after manipulatory acupuncturing Neiguan group and electro-acupuncturing Neiguan group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the control group (P > 0.05), also no significant difference on the change of high frequency (HF) components in HRV before and after acupuncture in both groups. In the electro-puncturing group, the LF/HF change was marked (P < 0.05). And in manipulatory acupuncturing group, the value of LF reduced to the lowest level 10 minutes after acupuncture treatment, and then gradually restored 20 to 30 minutes later, without any rebound phenomenon. It suggested that acupuncture could regulate and improve HRV in coronary heart disease patients. Its mechanism might be relevant to the central regulation and neurotransmitter participation.