Modularization and abstraction in logic programming

In knowledge information processing, the structuring of knowledge and algorithms is one of the key issues. The goal of this work is to introduce the concepts and mechanisms of abstraction, modularization and parameterization into logic programming, which is one of the preliminary steps toward creating a kernel language for fifth generation computer systems.     

Relationship between the dose of lidocaine administered endotracheally in small children and the serum lidocaine level--recommended dose prior to endotracheal intubation

To determine the optimum dose of lidocaine administered in the trachea prior to endotracheal intubation, we divided 102 surgical patients 3-5 years of age into 3 groups, i.e., group 1; 1 mg.kg-1 was sprayed in the trachea, group 2; 2 mg.kg-1 was sprayed in the trachea, group 3; 1 mg.kg-1 was sprayed in the trachea, and 1 mg.kg-1 in the pharynx and the oral cavity simultaneously. The venous serum concentration of lidocaine was measured two times either 1.5, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 45 min after the spray in each case. In group 1, the mean concentration of lidocaine reached the maximum of 1.05 micrograms.ml-1 at 5 min and decreased gradually after that with a small inter-individual variation. In group 2, after reaching the mean maximum concentration of 3.51 micrograms.ml-1 at 3 min, the serum level dropped quickly and then gradually decreased. There were a few cases where serum level was over 7 micrograms.ml-1. In group 2, after reaching the mean maximum concentration of 1.38 micrograms.ml-1 at 5 min, the serum level decreased more slowly, suggesting a slow absorption from the pharynx and/or the oral cavity. We conclude that the recommended dose of lidocaine for endotracheal administration is less than 2 mg.kg-1.     

Successful treatment of a persistent cutaneous fistula to the seminal tract: imaging with three-dimensional computed tomography

The best position for Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA) light traps, in relation to human-occupied bed nets for trapping of host-seeking Anopheles gambiae Giles and Culex quinquefasciatus Say mosquitoes, was determined in Tanzania. Significantly higher catches were recorded for both species when the trap was positioned at the foot end of the bed, near the top of the net. Parity rates were significantly higher near the top of the net than at the level of the host. Since trap position affects the catch size and the proportion of infectious mosquitoes therein, standardized use of this sampling technique for estimating entomologic inoculation rates (i.e., the number of potentially infectious bites received over a certain period of time) is recommended.     

Prospect and status of MITI''s quantum functional device project

The Quantum Functional Device (QFD) project started in fiscal year (FY) 1991 as a ten-year project. The mission of this QFDs project is to develop novel devices for information processing which control quantum phenomena to realize low power consumption, and high-speed and multi-functional operation. The participants in this project are the Electrotechnical Laboratory, five universities, and eight private companies, including two US and UK companies.     

Stimulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors inhibits beta-amyloid toxicity

We describe an immunocompetent 8-year-old boy with a serological profile indicating chronic infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) who developed subcutaneous and pulmonary lesions related to a peripheral T-cell proliferation. No clonal rearrangement of T-cell receptor or immunoglobulin genes was seen. However, the finding of a t(3;17)(q21;q25) in 44 metaphases from one skin lesion demonstrated a clonal origin. We also showed that the proliferative T cells contained EBV genome leading to the diagnosis of EBV-associated peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Further cytogenetic and molecular studies are needed to identify genes implicated in the pathogenesis of this haematological malignancy.     

Acute transformation of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with t(1;3) (p36;q21) abnormality

A 66-year-old man was given a peripheral blood test because of low grade fever. Leukocytosis was detected, and the blood and bone marrow findings were consistent with those of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Three months later the hematological findings were: WBC 58,800/microliter (19% blastoid cells, 22% monocytes), Hb 9.0 g/dl, and a platelet count of 116 x 10(4)/microliters. A bone marrow examination revealed the presence of 52.6% blastoid cells and dysmegakaryocytopoiesis, including micromegakaryocytes. Serum and urinary lysozyme levels were elevated. Karyotypic analysis detected t(1; 3) (p36;q21), but not major bcr/abl mRNA. The patient was given a diagnosis of acute transformation of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Despite treatment, he died about 3 months later. t(1;3) is occasionally observed in cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemia. Patients with t(1;3) often exhibit dysmegakaryocytopoiesis; furthermore, acute leukemia develops more readily in those who also have MDS. Cases of long-term survival are rare.