Initial results of an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program in a private health institution

Between October 1994 and the end of February 1995 115 patients were included in our programme. In these patients we monitored 141 cycles, performed 128 punctures and 100 ET. In 14 instances (9.2%) the cycle was abolished. By puncture of 1468 follicles 1370 oocytes were obtained which corresponded to a recovery rate of 93.3%. On average by aspiration 11.9 oocytes per patient were obtained. From the total number of acquired oocytes 54.6% were fertilized and 43.5% divided. Of 596 embryos 290 were transferred and the remainder was vitrified. A total of 17 clinical pregnancies were achieved, incl. 5 which terminated by abortion, the remainder proceeds. The authors are aware that they present a relatively small group during a short period of time, and thus the first results of the centre cannot be presented as a current standard. Despite this the results permit some optimism for the future and indicate a certain amount of standardization of the authors' clinical and laboratory work.     

Rat and human pancreatic islet cells contain a calcium ion independent phospholipase A2 activity selective for hydrolysis of arachidonate which is stimulated by adenosine triphosphate and is specifically localized to islet beta-cells

The recent demonstration that myocardial Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 exists as a complex of catalytic and regulatory polypeptides that is modulated by ATP has suggested a novel mechanisms through which alterations in glycolytic flux can be coupled to the generation of eicosanoids which facilitate insulin secretion. To determine the potential relevance of this mechanism, we examined the kinetic characteristics, substrate specificities, and cellular locus of phospholipase A2 activity in pancreatic islets. Rat pancreatic islets contain a Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 activity which is optimal at physiologic pH, preferentially hydrolyzes phospholipid substrates containing a vinyl ether linkage at the sn-1 position, and prefers arachidonic acid compared to oleic acid in the sn-2 position. Rat islet Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 activity is inhibited by the mechanism-based inhibitor (E)-6-(bromomethylene)-3-(1-naphthalenyl)-2H-tetrahydropyran-2-one and is stimulated by ATP. Purification of beta-cells from dispersed pancreatic islet cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting demonstrated that beta-cells (but not non-beta-cells) contain Ca(2+)-independent, ATP-stimulated phospholipase A2 activity. Remarkably, clonal RIN-m5f insulinoma cells, which possess a defect in glucose-induced insulin secretion, contain a Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 which is not modulated by alterations in ATP concentration. Collectively, these results and those of an accompanying paper [Ramanadham et al. (1993) Biochemistry (following paper in this issue)] implicate Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 as a putative glucose sensor which can couple alterations in glycolytic metabolism to the generation of biologically active eicosanoids and thereby facilitate glucose-induced insulin secretion.     

Changes in mitochondrial calcium concentration during the cardiac contraction cycle

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine whether mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes are high enough to change mitochondrial and cytosolic calcium concentration during the contraction cycle. METHODS: Isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes were stimulated with paired voltage clamp pulses until contractions were maximal (2 mM [Ca2+]o, 36 degrees C). At defined times of diastole or systole, the cells were shock frozen. Electron-probe microanalysis measured the concentration of total calcium in mitochondria (sigma Ca(mito)) and surrounding cytosol (sigma Cac). Other experiments were performed to evaluate DNP sensitive mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake from depolarisation induced [Ca2+]c transients (K5indo-1 fluorescence). RESULTS: At end of diastole, sigma Ca(mito) was 446 mumol.litre-1. During systole, sigma Ca(mito) increased with a 20 ms delay. A peak sigma Ca(mito) of 1050 mumol.litre-1 was measured 40 ms after start of systole, while 95 ms after start of systole sigma Ca(mito) had fallen to 530 mumol.litre-1. From the changes in sigma Ca(mito) the rates of net mitochondrial Ca2+ flux were estimated at 100 nmol.s-1 x mg-1 protein for Ca2+ influx and 36 nmol.s-1 x mg-1 protein for Ca2+ egress. Decay of sigma Ca(mito) was coupled to a rise in sigma Na(mito). sigma Cl(mito) and sigma K(mito) rose and fell in parallel with sigma Ca(mito), suggesting Ca2+ activation of mitochondrial anion and cation channels. Activation of the non-specific permeability can be excluded. Block of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake with DNP (100 microM) or FCCP (10 microM) increased the amplitude of the [Ca2+]c transients for 1-3 min by about 50%; evaluation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake from DNP sensitive difference signals, however, was hampered by sequestration of mitochondrial Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial calcium content changes during each individual contraction cycle; a substantial amount of calcium is taken up during the systole and released during later systole and diastole.     

真空熔炼高压气体雾化制粉技术及设备

介绍了气体雾化粉的品种、用途及工业化生产。还介绍了真空熔炼-高压气体雾化制粉所需的设备。     

汛期采金船的缆绳牵拉

本文介绍了采金船渡汛时的停泊方向及采金船在洪水中可能产生拖曳力的估算方法，为了防止采金船汛期发生溜船事故，建议采用缆绳牵拉固船的措施，以保障采金船的汛期安全。     

多功能滚齿机的数字控制系统

本文叙述了以ＳＴＤＰＣ／ＸＴ（或ＰＣ／ＡＴ）机为主要核心构成的滚齿机数字控制系统的结构，软件设计和特点，系统采用混合语言编程，极大地提高了软件设计的灵活性与快速性，也分析了ＣＮＣ系统的加工过程，提出了加工中的软件预处理控制方法，并给出了轴伺服控制的并行算法分析与实现。     

高功率CO2激光器换热性能的研究

高功率CO2气体激光器的换热性能好坏是器件长期稳定运行的关键环节之一。本文以板翅式热交换器为例阐明了热交换器的计算和设计方法。     

面向大规模定制的虚拟设计研究

综述了大规模定制的范围经济性和面向大规模定制的基本设计方法，并提出了一个虚拟设计框架，该框架改变了传统的设计模式，利用先进的设计方法学和仿真支撑技术为产品开发提供了最大柔性和敏捷性。同时，它提供了一个多学科合作的设计环境，用户直接参与进设计循环中。最后，结合新型剑杆织机的开发，展示了一个能够支持新产品快速成功开发的虚拟设计环境。     

多功能键盘设计

文中讨论的是多功能键盘，它是以ＡＴ８９Ｃ２０５１单片机为控制器，带有本地键盘和远程无线遥控键盘，适用于特殊场合的一种微机系统智能键盘。文中较详细地介绍了多功能键盘的设计思想、工作原理及软件控制过程等。