Studies on GeF4 Valence and Rydberg States by Electron Impact Spectroscopy and Ab Initio Calculations.

Electron energy loss (EEL) spectra of GeF4 have been measured with incident electrons at 100 eV for 5° scattering angle and at 30 eV for 30° scattering angle, while sweeping the energy loss over the range 7.0-18.0 eV. Low-lying excited triplet, singlet, valence, and Rydberg states are investigated and the assignments supported by quantum chemical ab initio calculations. This provides the first comprehensive investigation of all singlet and triplet excited electronic states of germanium tetrafluoride up to the first ionization energy. The Rydberg series converging to the (lowest) ionization energy limits of GeF4 are also identified according to the magnitude of the quantum defects (δ).

Crossed-beam experiment for the scattering of low- and intermediate-energy electrons from BF3: A comparative study with XF3 (X = C, N, and CH) molecules.

Absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) for electron interaction with BF3 molecules have been measured in the impact energy range of 1.5-200 eV and recorded over a scattering angle range of 15°-150°. These angular distributions have been normalized by reference to the elastic DCSs of the He atom and integrated by employing a modified phase shift analysis procedure to generate integral cross sections (ICSs) and momentum transfer cross sections (MTCSs). The calculations of DCSs and ICSs have been carried out using an independent atom model under the screening corrected additivity rule (IAM-SCAR). The present elastic DCSs have been found to agree well with the results of IAM-SCAR calculation above 20 eV, and also with a recent Schwinger multichannel calculation below 30 eV. Furthermore, in the comparison with the XF3 (X = B, C, N, and CH) molecules, the elastic DCSs reveal a similar angular distribution which are approximately equal in magnitude from 30 to 200 eV. This feature suggests that the elastic scattering is dominated virtually by the 3-outer fluorine atoms surrounding the XF3 molecules. The vibrational DCSs have also been obtained in the energy range of 1.5-15 eV and vibrational analysis based on the angular correlation theory has been carried out to explain the nature of the shape resonances. Limited experiments on vibrational inelastic scattering confirmed the existence of a shape resonance with a peak at 3.8 eV, which is also observed in the vibrational ICS. Finally, the estimated elastic ICSs, MTCSs, as well as total cross sections are compared with the previous cross section data available.

BF3 valence and Rydberg states as probed by electron energy loss spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

In this contribution we probe BF3 low-lying excited singlet states measured at 100 eV, 2.8° scattering angle and triplet states at 40 eV, 40° scattering angle, while sweeping the energy loss over the range 10.0-20.0 eV. The electronic state spectroscopy has been investigated and the assignments supported by quantum chemical calculations. This provides the first comprehensive investigation of all singlet and triplet excited electronic states of boron trifluoride up to the first ionization potential. A generalized oscillator strength analysis is employed to derive oscillator strength f0 value and integral cross sections (ICSs) from the corresponding differential cross sections (DCSs). The f0 value is compared with the optical oscillator strength (OOS) from photoabsorption, and the unscaled Born ICSs are then compared with relevant energy and binary-encounter and f-scaled Born cross section (BEf-scaling) results determined as a part of this investigation. The lowest n members of the Rydberg series have been assigned as converging to the lowest ionization energy limits of boron trifluoride and classified according to the magnitude of the quantum defects (δ).

Elastic cross sections for electron scattering from GeF4: predominance of atomic-F in the high-energy collision dynamics.

We report absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) for elastic electron scattering from GeF(4). The incident electron energy range was 3-200 eV, while the scattered electron angular range was typically 15°-150°. In addition, corresponding independent atom model (IAM) calculations, within the screened additivity rule (SCAR) formulation, were also performed. Those results, particularly for electron energies above about 10 eV, were found to be in good quantitative agreement with the present experimental data. Furthermore, we compare our GeF(4) elastic DCSs to similar data for scattering from CF(4) and SiF(4). All these three species possess T(d) symmetry, and at each specific energy considered above about 50 eV their DCSs are observed to be almost identical. These indistinguishable features suggest that high-energy elastic scattering from these targets is virtually dominated by the atomic-F species of the molecules. Finally, estimates for the measured GeF(4) elastic integral cross sections are derived and compared to our IAM-SCAR computations and with independent total cross section values.

Rapid increase in circulating leptin in ventromedial hypothalamus-lesioned rats: role of hyperinsulinemia and implication for upregulation mechanism.

The mechanisms of marked increase in plasma leptin soon after ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) lesions were investigated. Although rats did not gain body weight or parametrial fat-pad mass 24 h after the operation, the acute VMH-lesioned rats exhibited substantial five- and fourfold increases in plasma leptin levels compared with sham-operated control rats in fed (22.6 +/- 3.2 vs. 5.8 +/- 1.2 ng/ml) and fasted (8.8 +/- 2.0 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.3 ng/ml) states, respectively. Plasma insulin concentration was doubled in VMH-lesioned rats compared with sham-operated controls in both fed and fasting states. Northern blot analysis revealed that mRNA of ob gene was not increased in parametrial fat pad of animals 24 h after the creation of VMH lesions. However, leptin content in the fat pad was significantly increased in VMH-lesioned rats compared with sham-operated controls (32.2 +/- 4.7 vs. 17.4 +/- 2.3 ng/g wet tissue). The leptin content in parametrial fat pad was highly correlated with plasma leptin concentrations (r = 0.898, P < 0.001). To define the effect of hyperinsulinemia on their hyperleptinemia, a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (25 mg/kg body wt) was intravenously administered into rats 5 days before the creation of VMH lesions. Plasma insulin levels were not increased after VMH lesions in STZ-pretreated rats. Plasma leptin levels were halved in the absence of hyperinsulinemia, but still remained twofold higher than those in their sham-operated counterparts (9.9 +/- 1.3 vs. 4.8 +/- 0.7 ng/ml). These results indicate that the destruction of VMH rapidly promotes leptin production before obesity develops through an enhanced translational process in which hyperinsulinemia occurring after VMH lesioning plays an important role. The present study also suggests that there are other mechanisms that rapidly upregulate leptin production in adipocytes in VMH-lesioned rats in which the target organ of this hormone has been destroyed.

Increased uncoupling protein-2 and -3 gene expressions in skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals are vulnerable to cold stress. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) play an important role in regulating thermogenesis. We investigated the gene expressions of UCPs in brown adipose tissue (BAT), white adipose tissue (WAT), liver and gastrocnemius muscle of STZ-diabetic rats using Northern blot. UCP-1, -2 and -3 mRNA expressions in BAT were all remarkably lower in STZ-diabetic rats than those in control rats. Both UCP-2 and -3 gene expressions in gastrocnemius muscle were substantially elevated in STZ-diabetic rats and insulin treatment restored UCP gene expressions to normal levels. These results suggest that in STZ-diabetic rats, the overexpression of UCP-2 and UCP-3 in skeletal muscle provides a defense against hypothermogenesis caused by decreased UCPs in BAT.

Predictive factors for the histologic nature of residual tumor mass after chemotherapy in patients with advanced testicular cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To further improve the accuracy of the prediction of histologic findings in the residual mass after chemotherapy in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors, various predictive factors were investigated. METHODS: A total of 23 patients with advanced testicular cancer underwent combination chemotherapy based on cisplatin following surgical removal of residual tumor mass in 20 patients and observation in 3. RESULTS: Complete fibrosis and/or necrosis was found in 6 (30%) operative specimens, teratoma in 3 (15%), and viable malignant tumor in 11 (55%). Three patients had no evidence of disease for a mean follow-up of 45 months. Five of the 6 patients and all of the 11 patients' results could be predicted by a combination of 4 factors, including absence of teratomatous element in the primary tumor, greater than 85% tumor reduction rate after chemotherapy, normal alpha-fetoprotein and beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin levels after chemotherapy, and actual half-life of alpha-fetoprotein less than 7 days. Among these factors the tumor reduction rate and the actual half-life of alpha-fetoprotein were the most important predictions statistically on multivariate analysis. With the use of these criteria, the sensitivity rate, specificity rate, and overall predictive value of diagnosis for existence of viable malignant tumors were 83.3%, 100%, and 94.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By determining these factors it seems possible to avoid surgical removal of the postchemotherapy residual mass in approximately 30% of patients with advanced metastatic testicular cancer.

Effect of oral adsorbent AST-120 on cyclosporin absorption in rats.

The oral adsorbent AST-120 is used to inhibit the progression of renal failure by adsorbing uraemic toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. When AST-120 is administered to patients receiving immunosuppressive medicines, it is important to study the effect of AST-120 on the amount of these and other drugs absorbed. We have, therefore, studied the in-vitro adsorption of cyclosporin by AST-120 and investigated the effect of oral administration of AST-120 on the absorption of cyclosporin in rats. The in-vitro adsorption ratios of AST-120 for cyclosporin were more than 80%. When pure cyclosporin powder was administered with AST-120, blood cyclosporin concentrations were significantly higher than when cyclosporin was administered alone. When cyclosporin dissolved in medium-chain triglyceride was administered to rats by intramuscular injection there was no significant difference in the blood cyclosporin concentration of rats given combined AST-120 and cyclosporin and those given cyclosporin alone. There was no significant difference between the serum concentration of total bile acids, in rats receiving combined oral AST-120 and cyclosporin dissolved in olive oil, and those receiving orally solely a solution of cyclosporin dissolved in olive oil. These results suggest that oral administration of AST-120 accelerates the absorption of orally administered cyclosporin from the gastrointestinal tract and does not affect the metabolism of cyclosporin. When a solution of cyclosporin in olive oil is administered orally, however, oral administration of AST-120 has no influence on cyclosporin absorption and does not affect the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids.

Mass production of D-psicose from d-fructose by a continuous bioreactor system using immobilized D-tagatose 3-epimerase.

An improved process for the mass production of D-psicose from D-fructose was developed. A D-fructose solution (60%, pH 7.0) was passed at 45 degrees C through a column filled with immobilized D-tagatose 3-epimerase (D-TE) which was produced using recombinant Escherichia coli, and 25% of the substrate was converted to D-psicose. After epimerization, the substrate, D-fructose, was removed by treatment with baker's yeast. The supernatant was concentrated to a syrup by evaporation under vacuum and D-psicose was crystallized with ethanol. Approximately 20 kg of pure crystal D-psicose was obtained in 60 d.

Two cases of recurrent IgA nephropathy following kidney transplantation.

Recurrence of immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy following kidney transplantation has been described as occurring in 40% to 60% of cases. Although this type of recurrence was considered a benign condition for a long time, more recent data showed that recurrent transplant IgA nephropathy may be a significant contributor to graft loss. We present 2 cases of recurrent IgA nephropathy following kidney transplantation. In case 1, renal function remained stable with a creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL at 5 months after diagnosis and 61 months after transplantation. In case 2, the patient lost his graft and returned to regular hemodialysis at 36 months after diagnosis and 125 months after kidney transplantation.

Effects of dietary casein and soybean protein on triglyceride turnover in rat liver.

We previously found that hepatic lipogenic enzyme induction, fatty acid synthesis, and triglyceride level were markedly lower in rats fed soybean protein than in those fed casein (Iritani et al. (1986): J. Nutr., 116: 190). After labeling triglycerides with tritiated water, the effects of dietary protein on the triglyceride degradation have been investigated. After the injection of tritiated water into rats, the radioactivities of fatty acids and triglycerides reached a plateau in 1-2 days and were markedly lower in the soybean protein group than in the casein group. The decreasing rates of triglyceride radioactivities were similar between the casein and soybean protein groups. The enzyme activities in glycerolipid synthesis were similar between the groups. Therefore, the lowering effects of soybean protein on triglyceride levels appear to be ascribed to triglyceride synthesis (due to fatty acid synthesis) rather than to the degradation.

[Clinical studies on mycosis especially deep-seated candidiasis in blood disorder patients].

Deep-seated mycosis is prominently increasing as a terminal infection in compromised hosts with malignant blood disorders or malignant tumors. Moreover, localized candidal abscess of visual organs has recently been reported in several laboratories. We investigated the occurrence of deep-seated mycosis in 105 autopsied cases with blood disorders in our clinic from 1980 to 1987. Forty-four of those cases had died of various infections, and 80% of them were fungal infections. More than half of the fungal infections were aspergillosis. Deep-seated candidiasis was recognized in 10 cases, 6 of which were systemic candidiasis, the average duration of neutropenia below 500/mm3 was 19.7 days that of lymphopenia was 36.5 days. Two cases were complicated with GI-tract ulcer, and involved with hepatic candidiasis. On the other hand, in the 4 cases of localized candidial abscess, the duration of neutropenia was 58.5 days and that of lymphopenia was 28.8 days. These four cases were complicated with GI-tract ulcer. Histologically, Candida spp. were recognized at the bottom of the ulcer and invasion by inflammatory cells or tumor cells was found in the portal vein. We surmised that GI-tract ulceration is a very important complication of hepatic candidiasis or liver abscess, and the occurrence of localized candidiasis seems to depend on the duration and severity of neutropenia.

[Decrease of nosocomial bacteremia and nosocomial pneumonia after introduction of preventive measures of hospital infection].

In the early 1980's methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was reported as a major pathogenic organism of geriatric hospital infection in Japan. At the same time in the A geriatric hospital MRSA infection was prevalent. To decrease nosocomial infections some active preventive measures against hospital infection were taken since Oct. 1991. About a year before introduction of prevention of hospital infection in the geriatric ward (190 beds) of A hospital 193 episodes of nosocomial bacteremia were observed. However a year after introduction of preventive measures episodes of nosocomial bacteremia were decreased to less than a half (45.6%) in comparison to the number before introduction of prevention. As a causative organism gram-positive bacteria including MRSA were markedly decreased. Major portals of entry of bacteremia (74.9%) were urinary-tract system, intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) catheter, and pressure sores. MRSA-positive pressure sores were decreased to 20.4% of those before prevention. On the other hand 87 episodes of nosocomial pneumonia were observed before prevention. However a year after introduction of preventive measures episodes of nosocomial pneumonia were decreased to less than a half (44.8%) in comparison to the number before introduction of prevention. After prevention MRSA and mixed infection of P. aeruginosa and MRSA were markedly decreased. The decrease of bacteremia and nosocomial pneumonia were caused by cleaning hands, the preventive measures for decrease and improvement of pressure sores, cleaning the upper respiratory tract for prevention of lower respiratory-tract infection cleaning floors and education of the staff, etc.

[Ketamine infusion therapy for refractory neuralgia in spinal disease: report of two cases].

We report two cases of refractory pain in a spinal disease. One case was a 60-year-old male who presented intractable pain in bilateral upper extremities after anterior fusion (C5/6, 6/7) for cervical spondylosis. The other was a 63-year-old female who also had intractable pain in the left anterio-lateral chest wall with no remarkable past history. Both cases were refractory to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or minor tranquilizer or local anesthesia with bupivacaine. However, their pain was significantly relieved by the intravenous administration of a test dose (5mg) of ketamine which is a noncompetitive blocker of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. As for case 1, the effect of the injection of the test dose lasted, so continuing infusion therapy of ketamine was cancelled. In case 2, recurrence of the pain was recognized gradually. She underwent continuing infusion therapy of 2mg/kg of ketamine, and it brought about continued pain relief. We conclude that ketamine infusion therapy should also be considered for therapy of refractory neuralgia in spinal disease.

[Laparoscopic salvage of malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters caused by ovarian fimbria: a case report].

We report a case of peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction caused by ovarian fimbria, which was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. In June 2000, a 51-year-old woman, who started peritoneal dialysis in April 2000, complained of outflow obstruction of peritoneal dialysis fluid. Fluoroscopic imaging demonstrated the obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter by ovarian fimbria. Since the alpha technique under the fluoroscopic imaging did not improve the obstruction, the ovarian fimbria was removed laparoscopically in June 5, 2000. Peritoneal dialysis was successfully started the day after the surgery with no leakage of peritoneal dialysis fluid. The patient has remained without obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter for 8 months postoperatively.

[Urolithiasis associated with Crohn's disease: a case report].

We report a case of urolithiasis caused by surgical treatment for Crohn's disease. A 28-year-old woman was referred to our department for further examination of renal stones from the medical department in September, 1995. She suffered from Crohn's disease and had a history of jejuno-ileal resection because of perforation of the ileum in 1988. Radiographs revealed multiple bilateral renal stones, and the urine oxalate concentration was elevated. She was treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and the administration of sodium bicarbonate and citrate, but these treatments did not prevent recurrence and enlargement of stones. Renal function was gradually worsened and we performed transurethral lithotomy and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The stones were mainly composed of oxalate calcium monohydrate. A renal biopsy was performed at the operation, showing deposition of crystals in almost all renal tubules. Diet therapy (low oxalate and low fat) and the administration of sodium bicarbonate and citrate were performed strictly and recurrence was not recognized 10 months after complete removal of the stones.

[Clinical study of sonography and percutaneous nephrostomy in pyonephrosis].

Sonography and percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) were performed on 16 patients with pyonephrosis and the following results were obtained. Sonography revealed a dilated collecting system in all cases within which, however, neither debris nor gas was observed in any case, the pelvocaliceal system appeared hypoechoic in 2 cases and anechoic in 14 cases. From the clinical symptoms and the dilated collecting system demonstrated by sonography, pyonephrosis was diagnosed in 14 cases. The purulent fluid aspirated from the collecting system confirmed the diagnosis in all cases. The clinical condition was stabilized by PNS and antibacterial therapy in all cases. However, in 5 of the patients with pyrexia for more than 6 days before PNS, sepsis developed in 3 cases and pyrexia continued for more than 3 days after the treatment in 4 cases. The affected 11 kidneys showing recovery of renal function following PNS were all salvaged by elective surgery. These findings suggest that prompt diagnosis by needle aspiration is necessary, even in the absence of any sonographically characteristic findings, whenever pyonephrosis is suspected. Our experience suggests that PNS is a useful therapeutic procedure for pyonephrosis.

[Clinical evaluation of Cernilton in benign prostatic hypertrophy].

Twenty patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy were treated with Cernilton, 6 tablets a day for an average of 13.2 weeks. Subjective effectiveness was observed in the improvement of sense of residual urine (92%), retardation (86%), night frequency (85%), strain on urination (56%), protraction (53%) and forceless urinary stream (53%). The overall subjective effectiveness was 80% of patients, and the overall objective effectiveness was 54% of patients. Night frequency, residual urine volume and tidal urine volume were improved significantly. The overall effectiveness was 80%. No side effects were observed.