2 cm long monolithic multisection laser for active modelocking at 2.2 GHz

A 2 cm long three-contact multisection laser has been fabricated for modelocking at very low repetition rates. Active modelocking yields 8.0-12.3 ps pulses at 2.2, 4.3 and 6.5 GHz corresponding to the fundamental, first, and second harmonics of the cavity resonance frequency. This device demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating monolithic pulse sources operating at rates as low as the OC-48 Sonet transmission rate (2.488 Gbit/s).<>     

Westernized food habits and concentrations of serum lipids in the Japanese

It has recently been reported that there exists a new 'RING-finger' protein family among the zinc-finger (Zf) proteins. Previously, we had isolated the mouse Mel-18 cDNA (mMel-18) encoding the nuclear RING-finger protein that exhibits an ability to bind to a nonspecific DNA column. Here, we have isolated and characterized the human Mel-18 cDNA (hMel-18) using the mMel-18 cDNA as a probe. The deduced hMel-18 protein contains 344 amino acids (38 kDa) with a RING-finger motif, a helix-loop-helix (HLH)-like structure and a Pro/Ser-rich region. The hMel-18 gene is conserved among vertebrates. Its mRNA is highly expressed in placenta, lung and kidney, but the level is low in liver, pancreas and skeletal muscle. Using in situ hybridization, we mapped hMel-18 to band q22 of chromosome 12. It is possible that the Mel-18/bmi-1 gene family represents a mammalian homologue of the Drosophila polycomb gene group.     

Effects of local geometry and fluid dynamics on regional platelet deposition on artificial surfaces

An important aspect of blood-material interactions is the activation, adhesion, and subsequent aggregation of blood platelets on the artificial surface, all of which are directly affected by local fluid dynamics. The objective of this work was to directly correlate changing local fluid dynamic conditions produced by various vessel geometries, including stenosis, aneurysm, and separate contraction and expansion geometries, with quantitative in vitro measurements of regional platelet deposition. We directly measured platelet deposition as a function of axial position along four Lexan flow chambers with axisymmetric models of these geometries using 111In-labeled platelets. Platelet deposition was maximum in observed areas of flow recirculation and reattachment and minimum in locations of high shear and separation. For the stenosis geometry, two distinct regions of increased platelet deposition were apparent, one proximal to and one distal to the stenosis throat. An approximately linear increase in platelet densities was produced in the aneurysm region, increasing in the direction of flow. Through a comparison of platelet deposition with local fluid streamline orientation, we have shown that platelet deposition is increased in certain areas due to the enhanced convective transport of platelets and blood cells to the vessel wall along locally curved streamlines with velocity components perpendicular to the vessel wall.     

Laser radiation scattering by the optical breakdown plasma

The spatial distribution measurements of laser radiation, scattered in the laser spark, were accomplished for various laser radiation wavelengths (1060, 530, 353, and 265 nm) and various pressures of the gas (air at 10-760 mm Hg). The interference structure of the laser light scattering cone behind the laser spark was observed for the first time. It is proposed to consider the observed structure as a result of interference of the laser radiation, scattered by two or more self-focusing centers in laser spark air plasma. The experimental dependence of the maximal angle of the light scattering on the gas pressure and on the laser radiation wavelength was obtained     

The effect of a split in WAIS-R VIQ and PIQ scores on patients with cognitive impairment and psychiatric illness

To determine the most effective treatment for acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, several clinical trials were undertaken in recent years to evaluate whether a 2-week course of ceftriaxone would be superior to oral antibiotics. Of the 46 patients suffering from acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, 14 were treated with ceftriaxone 2g for 15 days. The remaining patients received either oral penicillin V 1.5 million IU t.i.d. or doxycycline 100 mg b.i.d. for 20 to 30 days. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Of the 14 ceftriaxone-treated patients four showed incomplete regression of the inflammatory skin changes after 6 to 12 months. Two out of five patients who were monitored for Borrelia burgdorferi DNA excretion were still positive after 12 months as compared to none of six patients who were treated orally for 20-30 days. Six out of 11 patients treated orally for only 20 days needed retreatment after 6 months because of continuing skin manifestations, neuropathy or arthralgia. A 30-day duration of treatment with oral antibiotics and not the chosen antibiotic is crucial for curing acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. The duration of treatment with ceftriaxone needed for eradication of Borrelia in acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans has yet to be determined in future studies.