YM-32890 A and B, new types of macrolide antibiotics produced by Cytophaga sp

Two new types of macrolide antibiotics, YM-32890 A and B, have been isolated from the fermentation broth of cytophaga sp. YL-02905S. In this paper, the taxonomy of the producing strain, fermentation, isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activity of the antibiotics are reported. YM-32890 A inhibits the growth of staphylococci including a macrolide-resistant strain, but shows no antimicrobial activity against other Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast.     

Body effects on SAR distributions for microwave exposures in a realistic model of the human head.

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations of specific absorption rate (SAR) in a human head exposed to microwaves have, to date, been carried out on models of the head only. This was because it was believed that the body effects on the average SAR of the head could be ignored at high frequencies of around 1 GHz. That opinion, however, was based on inappropriate calculation conditions and is therefore unreliable. In this paper, we have re-examined the body effects on the SAR distributions in a realistic homogeneous model of the adult head exposed to microwaves. We found that the SAR on the eye surface of the head-only model exposed to E-polarized waves was 31% smaller than that of the whole-body model at 900 MHz, and 43% larger at 1.5 GHz. For a size that can practically be considered whole-body, it is necessary to have the top of the head to the belly for 900 MHz and to the chest area for 1.5 GHz. The previously unclear body effects of H-polarized waves were assumed to be less than those of E-polarized waves, suggesting that the chest area would be sufficient for both frequencies.     

Epstein-Barr virus-positive multiple early gastric cancers and dysplastic lesions: a case report

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated as a causal virus of gastric cancer with episomal monoclonality, elevated antibodies and a unique morphologic expression in the early intramucosal stage, but the infection mechanisms have not been demonstrated. EBV has been shown only in the cancerous lesions by the highly sensitive EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) method, not in the dysplastic mucosa adjacent to the cancer. A case is presented of multiple EBV-positive gastric cancer and dysplastic epithelium observed in a 52-year-old man. Serial cut sections of the gastrectomy specimen showed four small cancerous lesions, three of which were EBER-positive, and three EBER-positive, minute, non-cancerous dysplastic lesions. The three cancerous lesions were intramucosal cancer, with one having minimal submucosal invasion forming a lymphoepithelioma-like histology. All of these EBER-positive cancerous and dysplastic lesions showed intense CD8 T-lymphocytic infiltration. There was no such findings in the EBV-negative cancerous lesion. It was concluded that EBV infection may occur in the epithelial cells of atrophic gastric mucosa, and progress to cancer with monoclonal expansion through the EBV-positive dysplastic change. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytic reactions can occur even in the dysplastic lesions. Multifocal EBV infection in the gastric mucosa may occur and, if necessary, total gastrectomy is recommended in such a case.     

Utilization of a direct sandwich ELISA kit for rapid diagnosis of adenovirus hemorrhagic cystitis in a patient with adult T-cell leukemia

We report on a case of adenovirus hemorrhagi cystitis that developed in a 49-year-old woman during intensive chemotherapy for adult T-cell leukemia. Although rapid etiologic diagnosis is essential for the effective management of viral hemorrhagic cystitis, the isolation of adenovirus from urine is often too time-cousuming. We detected the adenovirus antigen in the patient's urine using an Adenoclone direct sandwich ELISA kit (Cambridge Bio Science), which is commonly employed for the diagnosis of adenovirus conjunctivitis. Treatment consisted of intravenous vidarabine and bladder irrigation, which resulted in prompt clinical improvement. The Adenoclone kit was useful for the rapid etiologic diagnosis of adenovirus hemmorrhagic cystitis.     

Intussusception caused by a carcinoma of the cecum during pregnancy: report of a case and review of the literature

Respiratory infections are the most common infection in children. They differ remarkably according to age, bacteria and viruses. Therefore a careful history of outbreak, age, former infections, involvement of surroundings, symptoms, etc are essential. The present study included 50 children, aged between 0.3 and 12 yrs, all treated ambulatorily. 21 received brodimoprim (B) and 29 erythromycin (E). Indications were: tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis and scarlet fever. Dosages were: B was given 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) initially followed by 5 mg/kg b.w., once-a-day. The duration of treatment varied between 4 and 14 days (mean 8.3 days). E was given 30.50 mg/kg b.w. 3 times per day; duration 4 to 14 days (mean 8.6 days). Overall results were: in group B:12 cures, 5 improvements, 3 failures; 1 not assessable. In group E: 20 cures, 8 improvements, 1 failure. Side effects: in group B: vomiting (1), skin reaction (2), discontinuation (2); in group E: skin reaction (1), diarrhea (5), diarrhea+vomiting (1); discontinuation (2). The differences in efficacy and tolerability in the two groups are not statistically significant. The improved compliance with a single versus t.i.d. dosages has to be taken into account.     

Analytical studies of four-inch pipe whip tests under BWR LOCA conditions

The purpose of pipe rupture studies in JAERI is to perform model tests on pipe whip, restraint behavior, jet impingement and jet thrust force, and to establish a computational method for analyzing these phenomena. This report presents the analytical results of 4-inch pipe whip tests under BWR LOCA conditions.Dynamic response analyses were performed using the general-purpose finite element program ADINA. The test pipe was modelled by straight beam elements and the four restraints were modelled by a single truss element. The analytical results were compared with the experimental results. Impact time and maximum total restraint force showed good agreement with experimental results. On the other hand, pipe strain and pipe deflection could not be predicted so well. The reason for this is that the sliding of the restraint during the pipe whip movement cannot be considered in the analyses.     

Forming mental models in learning operating procedures for terminalequipment

People faced with an unfamiliar product or service tend to fall back on mental models based on analogical relationships with familiar products or services. Two experiments on the analogical relationships or metaphors that people might use when operating a communications terminal are described. In the first experiment, the role previously acquired operating knowledge has in determining the mental models people use when directory dialing with novel equipment is examined. In a second experiment, it is shown that an explicit appeal to an analogy between conventional mail and electronic mail can help users learn to use an electronic mail system, and make it easier for them to remember how to use the system as long as 90 days after initial exposure. It is concluded that the mental model is constructed only from the user's operating knowledge acquired as a result of past experiences, and the metaphor method is effective when the instructions are metaphorically taught     

HLA-A26 subtype A pockets accommodate acidic N-termini of ligands

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy (FFS) is routinely requested preoperatively as part of evaluation of pelvic masses to exclude colonic involvement by the tumor or concurrent colonic neoplasm. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of preoperative FFS in patients with suspected gynecologic malignancy. METHODS: FFS, performed using a 60 cm sigmoidoscope, evaluated (1) presence of bowel involvement by the tumor, (2) extrinsic compression by the tumor, and (3) presence of colonic neoplasms. FFS findings were correlated with surgical findings. RESULTS: A total of 107 women underwent preoperative FFS and subsequent surgery. Eleven patients (11%) had lower gastrointestinal symptoms. At surgery, 63% of pelvic tumors were malignant and 37% were benign. The most common abnormality at FFS was colonic polyps in 23 patients (21%). Colonic adenomas were found in 11 patients (10%). Extrinsic compression by the tumor without mucosal abnormalities was seen in 15 patients (14%). The most common intraoperative finding was tumor adhering to the bowel in 18 patients requiring dissection, but only 1 patient required bowel resection. Eight of these 18 patients had preoperative lower gastrointestinal symptoms. All 15 patients with extrinsic compression at FFS had tumor adhering to the bowel. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic masses cause extrinsic compression at FFS in 14% of patients. This is suggestive of tumor adherent to the bowel at surgery. However, bowel resection is rarely required because of tumor involvement. Most patients with bowel adherence by tumor have lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Colonic adenomas are found in one tenth of patients, mostly in patients older than 50 years of age. Preoperative FFS does not change the surgical management of pelvic tumors. Screening FFS is indicated in all patients with pelvic tumors over age 50, as in persons with average risk, but is otherwise unnecessary in evaluation of pelvic masses.     

High-Strength and High-Fracture-Toughness Ceramics in the Al2O3/LaAl11O18 Systems

Control of microstructure in the Al₂O₃/LaAl₁₁O₁₈ system was performed. Elongated alumina grains were formed by doping with small addition of silica, and 20 vol% lanthana- luminate was formed in situ by the reaction of LaAlO₃- A1₂O₃ in an alumina matrix. Strengths of over 600 MPa and a high fracture toughness (6 MPa.m^1/2) were achieved in the material with both elongated A1₂O₃ grains and LaAl₁₁O₁₈ platelets. Generally antagonistic properties such as strength and fracture toughness have been made compatible in the same ceramic system.