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BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We have reported that the intra- and perioperative administration of landiolol has a preventive effect on postoperative AF in the early postoperative period after CABG surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effect of postoperative treatment with carvedilol following landiolol against postoperative AF. METHODS: We reviewed all patients who underwent CABG from December 2005 and February 2009. Fifty-three patients underwent scheduled isolated CABG and were divided two groups; carvedilol group (n = 31), and control group (n = 22). Incidences of postoperative AF were noted. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to the occurrence of AF after CABG. The maximum ventricular rate of AF was significantly lower in the carvedilol group than in the control group. All patients with AF in the control group needed treatment for tachycardia, but this was not necessary in the carvedilol group. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative treatment with carvedilol following landiolol has the effect of preventing tachycardia during AF after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) genes were injected directly into the liver of adult rats with non-histone chromosomal protein high mobility group 1 by the hemagglutinating B virus of Japan (Sendai virus)-liposome method (Kato, K., Nakanishi, M., Kaneda, Y., Uchida, T., and Okada, Y. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 3361-3364). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that HBV surface antigen was expressed by the hepatocytes in vivo. On successive injections of the HBsAg genes, the antibody to HBV surface polypeptides was produced in the rats, and characteristic pathological changes of lymphocytic focal necrosis and denaturation of hepatic cells were observed in the liver of all the rats. We conclude that hepatitis is caused by the direct injection of HBsAg genes.

We studied electromyographic (EMG) responses of the alae nasi (AN) and the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles, which act as upper airway dilators, during contraction of gastrocnemius muscle in six chest-intact anesthetized dogs with spontaneous breathing and in four thoracotomized, phrenicotomized and mechanically ventilated dogs with right thoracic and left cervical vagotomy. Muscle contraction was phasically induced by electrical stimulation of the intact gastrocnemius nerve or the distal cut end of this nerve for 20-30 sec. Stimulation intensity was determined as twice the motor threshold in each dog. In chest-intact animals, phasic contraction induced by intact nerve stimulation produced initial rapid increases in upper airway muscle activity, but stimulation of the distal cut end of the nerve did not show the rapid increase in upper airway muscle activity. Furthermore, stimulation of the proximal cut end did not produce any transient response with the stimulation intensity used in this study. In chest-open and vagotomized animals with artificial ventilation, responses of the upper airway muscles to contraction during the intact nerve stimulation were observed. These results suggest that the contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle activates upper airway dilating muscles via reflex mechanisms.

The magnetic and magneto-optical properties were investigated for Co/Ru, Co/Au and Co/Pd multilayers. Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was found in the Co/Ru system. The anisotropy was enhanced by adopting a Pd base layer due to improvement of their periodicity and crystallinity. The Co/Ru multilayers with Co thicknesses less than 18A are easy to magnetize along the direction perpendicular to the film plane. As the Co thickness decreases, saturation magnetization per unit volume Co decreases in Co/Ru and Co/Au systems but increases in the Co/Pd system. The Co/Ru films exhibit small remanent magnetizations and coercive fields of a few hundred Oe. In spite of the difference of the nonmagnetic metal layer in the three systems, the surface anisotropy energies are almost equal. The difference of the volume anisotropy energy is due to demagnetization energy. The magneto-optical effect of Co/Ru multilayers diminishes in the short wave length region.

We assessed the effect of focal graded cooling of the ventral medullary surface (VMS) on breathing pattern and blood pressure in 15 anesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated dogs. Diaphragmatic electromyogram or phrenic neurogram, referred to as Ec, and blood pressure (BP) were obtained during localized (2 x 2 mm2) cooling of the VMS. Greatest depression of both Ec and BP was obtained by cooling in the areas located 4-9 mm caudal to the foramen cecum (Fc) and lateral to the pyramids. Mild cooling in these intermediate areas decreased both inspiratory duration (Ti) and the rate of rise of Ec (Ec/Ti), but respiratory rate was unchanged. Cooling of the rostral areas (0-3 mm from Fc) induced mild depression of Ec amplitude due to reduction in Ec/Ti without changing Ti, and prolonged expiratory duration (Te) significantly. Cooling of the caudal areas (12-18 mm from Fc) reduced Ec amplitude mildly due to reduction in Ti without affecting Ec/Ti, and shortened Te greatly. Cooling of the rostral areas produced mild fall in BP, but cooling of the caudal areas did not affect BP significantly. It is suggested that rostral and intermediate parts of the VMS participate in the shaping of inspiratory drive, whereas wide areas of the VMS including caudal part are involved in the determination of respiratory timing. It is also suggested that the rostral and intermediate parts, and not the caudal part, of the VMS are important in the regulation of vasomotor tone.

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements were carried out for the Ga K edge of Nd13.0Fe68.2Co10.8Ga1.0Zr0.1B6.9 and the Zr K edge of Nd16Fe75.5Zr0.5B8 magnets during the hydrogen disproprotionation desorption recombination process. XAFS results show that Zr occupies an Fe(j2) site for the as-cast state while Ga occupies an Fe(c2) site in the Nd2Fe14B structure for the homogenized state. Small changes of the Zr XAFS spectra after disproportionation suggest that locally the Nd2Fe14B phase including Zr at an Fe(j2) site is stabilized against disproportionation. Ga changes its occupancy from an Fe(c2) site in Nd2Fe14B structure for the homogenized state to the α-Fe phase for the disproportionated stage. Ga seems to play a different role in the enhancement of magnetic anisotropy than that of Zr.

Recently, the opportunity to treat images has increased. Most of the images are large, so they are usually compressed with JPEG and MPEG, which is a major compression standard. JPEG and MPEG use DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) for transform. The DCT causes more and more blocky noise as the compression rate is set higher and higher. The images taken in the past are usually strongly compressed. We propose a method of improving image quality using inverse wavelet transform. The proposed method transforms DCT coefficients into wavelet coefficients, decodes the coefficients by using inverse wavelet transform that selects the basis filters. The edge is protected by setting the threshold and controlling process, and improving image quality is aimed at.

High energy γ-rays were measured with a large BaF2 detector in coincidence with fusion residues produced in the 92 Mo+ 40 Ar reactions at E A=21 and 26 MeV . The obtained γ-ray spectra were compared with statistical calculations for γ-ray transitions from highly excited nuclei. Contributions of bremsstrahlung in the early stages of the reaction were subtracted. The evolution of the GDR γ-ray yields and the shape of the γ-ray spectra are well reproduced by calculations in which the width of the GDR increases with the excitation energy.

The authors report the findings of a research study that investigates the practical experience of Japanese industries in the implementation of factory automation (FA). Eighteen well-known Japanese companies were considered in the study, including NEC, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mazda, and Nippon Steel. It was found that very few Japanese companies were concerned about the potential negative impact of FA on short-term profit. The payback period method is by far the most popular financial justification technique used by Japanese companies to evaluate FA investments. FA system design and vendor selection were typically conducted by company employees, not outside consultants. Most surveyed companies spent two years or less to complete a typical automation project. System design and software development were identified as the two most time-consuming tasks in an FA project. Reduced labor costs, improved quality, and increased flexibility were the three apparent benefits of FA. Exorbitant cost, increased need for technical expertise, and lack of adequate software were identified as the most serious difficulties which Japanese companies have experienced. >

This study evaluates the importance of accurately modeling strategic threats in complex multilateral conflict-of-interest decision problems. The objective is to improve prescriptive accuracy when cooperative n-person game theory is applied to the analysis of such problems. A competitive experiment compares the von Neumann-Morgenstern characteristic function v and Harsanyi function H in terms of descriptive accuracy. Results indicate that H is significantly more accurate than v. This suggests that strategic threats may be an important factor in modeling cooperative games.

We have developed a method for quantifying the effects of neurotrophic factors by using digital image processing techniques to enhance the morphometric analysis of cultured neurons. Dissociated cell cultures from rat embryonic cerebral cortex were selected as a model biological system. Binary images of neuronal neurites were extracted from gray images of cultured neurons stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. Pattern recognition techniques were used to estimate the number of neurons per culture dish and the average length of the neurites on each cell. In 4-day cultures, addition of extracts from 2-week-old rat cortices dose-dependently increased both parameters. The method proved suitable for use in bioassays of factors influencing neuronal survival and neurite promotion.

This is the third in a series of articles dealing with computational programs for cooperative n-person game theory models. An APL computer program is described for calculating the constrained game function CGF(S) introduced by Charnes and his colleagues (Charnes, 1953). The constrained game function forms an important extension of the von Neumann-Morgenstern characteristic function. It indexes the expected value of coalitions when constraints prevent the free implementation of every distinguishable strategy choice alternative. This modelling approach could materially improve the descriptive accuracy of game theory analysis—especially in application settings where it is seldom reasonable to assume that coalitions have free and equal access to every apparent strategy alternative.

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor digitorum longus tendon is an injury related to ultramarathon running. A 32-year-old male ultramarathon runner developed chronic tenosynovitis of the ankle dorsiflexors. He was diagnosed with extensor digitorum longus tenosynovitis caused by talar head impingement associated with exostosis. He failed to respond to non-operative management and decided to undergo tenosynovectomy of the extensor digitorum longus tendon. The pain was relieved without functional disturbance of the foot and ankle, and the patient returned to running 3 weeks postoperatively. At the 2-year follow-up, he was participating fully in ultramarathons.

We investigated the effect of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation on tissue damage during distance running.Eight male distance runners (mean +/- standard deviation; age: 20.4+/-1.2 years, body weight: 58.4+/-4.2 kg) participated in a double blinded cross over designed study conducted during training camp. During each intervention period, the subjects were asked to participate in a 25-km run, and the blood BCAA and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, an index of tissue damage, were measured pre- and post-run. Either a drink containing BCAA (0.4% BCAA in a 4% carbohydrate solution) or an iso-calorie placebo drink was provided to the subjects 5 times during the run without any restriction in the volume.The total volume of the drink consumed by the subjects did not differ substantially between the trials: 591+/-188 (2.36 g BCAA) vs 516+/-169 mL in BCAA and placebo trial, respectively. During the run, the blood BCAA concentration was maintained in the BCAA trial. However, the blood BCAA concentration level tended to decrease in the placebo trial (P0.1). The extent of the blood LDH increase in the BCAA trial was significantly less than that of the placebo trail (48% vs 58%, P0.05).Maintaining the blood BCAA level throughout a long distance run contributes to a reduction in the LDH release and, therefore, the effect of BCAA supplementation is suggested to reduce the degree of muscle damage.

Summary Background and objectives: Although traditional herbal medicines have been used for more than 2000 years, there are few studies on their molecular mechanisms of action. We examined the pharmacological effect and mechanism of action of a traditional herbal medicine (Kososan) with global gene expression analysis using a DNA chip. Methods: Fourteen healthy subjects were given the herbal medicine (Kososan) for 2 weeks and interviewed. Peripheral blood was collected before and after 2-week medication. Based on the outcomes of the interview, the subjects were divided into responders and non-responders. We analysed the blood samples from responder and non-responder groups, respectively, using a DNA chip. Results: In the Kososan responder group, 70 genes were over-expressed (2-fold or more), and their over-expression was normalized by Kososan (0·5-fold or less), whereas 24 genes were under-expressed (0·5-fold or less), and the under-expression was normalized by Kososan (2-fold or more). Conclusion: This exploratory study suggests that gene expression profiling is a possible approach for studying the effects of complex herbal remedies. Some of the genes studied seem to have functions related to the pharmacological effects of Kososan, which have been known for a long time.

We report on experimental studies of the transport of multiply (Ar2,3+, 0.2–0.3 keV/u) and highly charged ions (Ar16+, Xe44+, 2–3 keV/u) through nanoscale apertures. Arrays of apertures with diameters of 50–200 nm and aspect ratios of 1.5:1–1:5 were formed in silicon nitride membranes by focused ion beam drilling in combination with ion beam assisted thin film deposition. The fraction of ions undergoing charge exchange is found to be in agreement with model predictions for low charge state ions, while it is much lower than expected for high charge state ions. We discuss results in relation to a classical over-the-barrier model and capillary guiding mechanisms.

We developed a DVD encoding system which delivered to Time Warner Inc. This system is comprises MPEG2 video encoders/decoders, a Dolby AC3 audio encodeddecoder, a studio controller, a GUI, and a Syscon. With the system, DVD titles can be easily produced in high picture and sound quality.

The time-dependent energy distribution of solvation dynamics is studied by molecular dynamics simulations of a Lennard-Jones mixture. We calculate the response functions of the average and the variance which correspond to the spectral peak shift and bandwidth. Our calculation shows that the variance relaxation is slower than that of the average. The result agrees qualitatively with the experimental results. Dividing the obtained response functions into subcomponents caused by each solvent, we find that the relaxation is dominated by that solvent which strongly interacts with the solute. Extracting the redistribution component from the response functions, we find that it causes the slower relaxation of the response function. Thus, we conclude that the difference of the slower relaxations between the average and variance is caused by the redistribution process.

This paper analyzes and discusses several methods for reducing the quantization effects in adaptive filters. Described methods are "offset truncation rule", "error feed back quantizer", "memory size expansion method" and "leakage algorithm". In this work, the quantization effects in the tap Weight control loop of an adaptive equalizer are analyzed assuming additive input noise. Then convergence speed and the tap weight variance in each method are examined by computer simulation and theoretical analysis. The results are as follows: the offset truncation rule is better than the rounding rule in terms of convergence speed and behavior for a high S/N input signal, the error feedback quantizer and memory size expansion method have good performance almost the same as a non quantized structure, and the leakage algorithm is very effective when the input auto-correlation matrix has small eigen values.

Perpendicular magnetic recording is a promising candidate for future recording system over 200 Gb/in/sup 2/. Therefore, it is important to have a tool that can prospect accurately a reproduced waveform and roll-off characteristics. Generally, a reciprocity method is used to analytically study a signal waveform in which a fictitious head field is used. In perpendicular magnetic recording, it is difficult to obtain an exact fictitious field due to strong and complicated interaction between MR head and soft underlayer (SUL). Thus, it is desirable to directly calculate reading process with a micromagnetic model considering the MR-SUL interaction. In this study, we investigated the read process in GMR head using a micromagnetic model taking into account the interaction. It was found that the interaction between the shields of MR head and SUL reduces the peak amplitude of signal.

We have developed a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon thin film transistor (LTPS-TFT) fingerprint sensor (FPS) based on a newly clarified detection principle and a unique driving scheme. We have also integrated a comparator circuit onto a glass substrate for the first time. The circuit recognizes ridges and valleys in a fingerprint. Using this system, we have succeeded in taking fine fingerprint images at 4 V operation. This fingerprint sensor is suitable for mobile applications that require thin devices that are low cost and low power.

We present a new kind of capillary force on a couple of immiscible liquid; Fluorinert and silicone oil. Fluorinert is a type of fluorine compound produced by 3 M. When a drop of silicone oil was poured on a Fluorinert layer, spontaneous convection was observed. Driving force of this flow is considered to be the distribution of surface tension. Thermo-capillary convection or solute-capillary convection was noted, however this new type of convection is considered depending on evaporation. As well known, for micro-scale phenomena, wetting and surface tension are dominant. These two forces are also dominant under microgravity conditions, and thus when we carry out microgravity experiments we are aware of their presence. This new capillary convection was discovered during the preparation of microgravity experiments. The driving force point seemed to be at the liquid-liquid-gas triple meeting point. The fact that this driving force does not need any mechanical system leads to the possibility to build very small actuators. Promising application area of this method is not only the development of micro-actuators but also the handling of fluids in space.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate usefulness of perfusion cooling for regional spinal cord hypothermia during most or all of thoracic or thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.From 1987 to 2003, 103 patients underwent most or all of thoracic or thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair. Forty-eight patients underwent operation using distal aortic perfusion, mild hypothermia and segment sequential repair (group MH). Fifty-five patients underwent the same operation as group MH except epidural perfusion cooling and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [group ECCSFD]. The aorta was replaced sequentially in segment and several paris of intercostal and lumbar arteries were reconstructed in 2 groups.Cardiopulmonary bypass time of group MH and group ECCSFD was averaged 235 and 241 minutes, respectively. The lowest CSF temperature in group ECCSFD was averaged 24.7 degrees C, and the difference between nasopharyngeal and CSF temperature was averaged 6.4 degrees C. The rate of spinal cord injury of group MH and ECCSFD was 10.4% and 3.6%, respectively. Hospital mortality of group MH and ECCSFD was 8.3% and 5.5%, respectively. The incidence of spinal cord injury and hospital mortality of group ECCSFD were decreased compared to them of group MH.We conclude that the perfusion cooling of epidural space and CSF drainage are effective method in reducing postoperative spinal cord injury.

Guided self-assembly patterns for a template of the X-Y type quantum dot storage media were investigated. By adjusting the length of polystyrene-poly methyl methacrylate (PS-PMMA) block copolymer chains and relative volume fractions, the pitch of the phase-separated hexagonal-packing PMMA dots structure was 26 nm. This corresponds to the recording density of 1.1 tera bit per square inch. Phase diagram with respect to the polymer size and the fraction ratio is presented. Guide structures for aligning the self-ordering patterns were prepared using the nanoimprint process. Equilateral triangle guides were found to be suitable for the hexagonal-packed self-ordering structure. A single-domain hexagonal-packing structure was formed with each crystal axis parallel to the side of the triangle.

Summary form only given, as follows. Operation modes of oversized backward wave oscillators are studied experimentally Two kinds of periodic slow wave structures (SWSs) are fabricated.

We propose a security system for a wireless home network, regarding which consumers need not be aware of configuration of IP address or wireless LAN protocol type. This system assumes that a server manages a connectivity of each appliance to the wireless home network. The server uses two kinds of keys. First is a master key which is unique to each appliance. Second is a shared network key, which is securely distributed to each appliance with encryption by the master key. The periodic distribution of the new shared network key through the application layer ensures the timely update of the key, and prevents unknown appliances from joining the home network. The distributed data on the home network are protected by the encryption function in the data link layer of for example, IEEE802.11 and Bluetooth protocols. This system ensures higher security for the wireless home network with small implementation cost.

Ataxic sensory neuronopathy with Sjögren's syndrome is a devastating neurologic complication for which there is no established treatment. IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given to five patients with severe disabilities for an average of 12 years. Four patients showed remarkable improvement, two of whom responded after the first course. The authors conclude that IVIG is safe and effective to treat even chronically debilitated patients who have the disease, presumably because it ameliorates smoldering inflammation.

We have investigated Coulomb blockade phenomena in low-dimensional Si metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs) with the very small length and very narrow width of channel regions, which are fabricated using e-beam lithography, dry etching and focused ion beam (FIB) implantation. Coulomb blockade phenomena have been found in Si nano-wires and narrow channel Si MOSFETs. In our previous study, the conduction mechanism and Coulomb blockade phenomena in one-dimensional p-type Si wires formed by FIB implantation has been reported. In the present study, we have successfully fabricated low-dimensional p-channel Si MOSFETs, whose source/drain regions with a width of 100 nm are formed by selective FIB implantation. Coulomb blockade phenomena and magnetoresistance are examined using the sample, as a function of channel length.

A new color classification method using an integrated color sensor has been proposed. This method quickly classifies an unknown color into one of the reference colors by simplified fuzzy inference; the membership functions used for the fuzzy inference are optimized by a genetic algorithm. Simulation of classification between analogous standard colors shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed method classifies low color-difference glass bottles on the basis of their components for recycling. >

A three-dimensional FEM (finite element method) analysis was performed on a flip-chip type BGA (ball grid array), and the resulting maximum equivalent plastic strain range (MEPSR) was used to determine the optimum material and structure for such packages. As a result, we were able to confirm the substantial influence of the combination of various materials, and structural parameters upon the package thermal fatigue life, and its nature. This also allowed us to optimize the material elements, an important parameter in package design, and the package structure.

The Hall coefficient, resistivity and Seebeck coefficient of Ag/sub 2/Te have been measured over the temperature range from 100 to 300 K. These results indicate that the compound is highly degenerate. The effect of the magnetic field has also been studied up to 1.2 T. The size of the transversal magnetoresistance with a magnetic field of 1.2 T is about 15% at lower temperatures, but it decreases to about 5% at higher temperatures. The effect of the magnetic field on the Seebeck coefficient is on the other hand more intense at higher than at lower temperatures. The experimental results have been analyzed by numerically solving the Boltzmann transport equation.

We present some results on thermoelectrical properties of several levels of Sn doped Bi/sub 88/Sb/sub 12/ single crystal. Resistivity and Seebeck coefficient are measured between 100 and 300 K by applying magnetic field 0-1.2 T. Based on experimental results, these values have a strong dependence on magnetic field and the dependence is the same as that of the Sn doping effect.

A Peltier current lead was proposed to reduce heat leak from the current lead. We studied two experiments as the principle of the Peltier current lead. In the first experiment, we measured Peltier cooling temperatures and resistivity of the semiconductors and copper lead; the purpose of this was for comparison with the second experiment. In the second experiment, the high temperature superconductor (HTS) was cooling down for Peltier effect at 77 K. Those temperatures were small, because the figure of merit of semiconductors, BiSb (n-type) and BiTe (p-type) were not enough values to be cooling HTS.

Galvanomagnetic and thermomagnetic effects were studied in order to serve the solid state energy conversion. A possible merit of the use of magnetic field in these effect is obvious because the Seebeck emf (longitudinal Nernst-Ettingshausen effect) or Peltier cooling (Nernst effect) could be enhanced under the magnetic field. Moreover, the Ettingshausen effect generates a temperature gradient under the magnetic field. Such three effects were studied experimentally. On a Bi/Sb sample, the temperature difference due to the Ettingshausen effect for the sample width of 10 mm, and the current density of 1 A/mm/sup 2/ was 23 K at the ambient temperature of 100 K and in the magnetic field of 1.0 tesla. The Nernst temperature difference under the relevant condition was 15.4K for 10 mm length.

Developing a new driving method for a brushless DC motor, the authors report a manner of motor operation by using a "vector chart" in this paper, and make the feedback operation clear in the method. As a result, the motor is driven at more than 16,000 RPM and starts quickly without any sensing elements in the motor, i.e. is a sensorless driving motor.

This paper describes a transport stream control LSI for digital HDTV receivers with HDD recording capability. A high performance HDD playback function using the partial transport stream is realized by a special designed RISC processor and the bitrate control algorithm in this new LSI.

A novel chip set for US/Japan DTV is described. It consists of a flexible HD-MPEG AN decoder, a powerful format converter/graphics processor, high performance 8PSK/OFDM demodulators, and 1394 digital interface.

From June 1994 to July 2001, 92 consecutive patients underwent total aortic arch replacement using hypothermic selective cerebral perfusion. Forty-four patients had nondissecting fusiform or saccular aneurysms (non-ruptured 34, ruptured 10), and 48 patients had dissection (acute 37, chronic 11). Hospital mortality rate was 6.8% in the nondissecting group and 6.3% in the dissecting group. No major operative cerebral complications were observed. There were 9 late deaths in the nondissecting group and 5 late deaths in the dissecting group. The actuarial survival rate was 61.6% after 100 months in the nondissecting group and 82.5% after 86 months in the dissecting group (p = 0.5128). In the postoperative aortic accidents, there were 2 cases of the descending aortic rupture and 2 cases of cholesterol crystal embolization in the nondissecting group and 3 cases of thoracoabdominal grafting, 2 cases of re-operation in the ascending aorta and 1 case of descending aortic rupture in the dissection group. The actuarial freedom from aortic accidents was 88% after 100 months in the nondissecting group and 80% after 86 months in the dissecting group (p = 0.6908). Our surgical outcome of total aortic arch replacement using hypothermic selective cerebral perfusion are satisfactory.

A 72-year-old man with back pain on the left side was admitted. Imaging analysis revealed a retroperitoneal mass and a mass in the left iliocostal muscle and the left quadratus lumborum muscle. The two masses could not be resected en bloc, and were resected separately. The clinicopathological findings of these tumors revealed dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The primary dedifferentiated liposarcoma appeared to have originated from the retroperitoneal space extending into the iliocostal muscle and the quadratus lumborum muscle. Then the mass was thought to have formed accompanied with osteogenesis.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is the natural cofactor for producing neurotransmitters such as catecholamines, indoleamines, and nitric oxide. Sepiapterin reductase (SPR; EC 1. 1. 1. 153) catalyzes the terminal step in the biosynthesis of BH4 and is regulated by phosphorylation and feedback inhibitors such as N-acetyl serotonin (NAS). SPR reduces the two carbonyl groups (-CO-CO-) of 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin to dihydroxy groups (-CHOH-CHOH-) to form BH4, and it also reduces sepiapterin (6-1′-oxo-2′-hydroxypropyl-7,8-dihydropterin) to dihydrobiopterin (6-1′,2′-dihydroxypropyl-7,8-dihydropterin). SPR shows a high specificity for the carbonyl groups of these pteridines, nevertheless, SPR can catalyze the NADPH-dependent reduction of various non-pteridine carbonyl compounds such as phenylpropanedione like many other enzymes of the NADP(H)-preferring short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family. In this study, we constructed various deletion and point mutants of SPR for residues postulated as the active site of SDR family enzymes and determined the sites of SPR for binding NADPH and substrate and the catalytic site.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for the aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, i.e., phenylalanine hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylase, which enzymes catalyze the rate-limiting steps in the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Sepiapterin reductase (SPR) is essential for BH4 biosynthesis by catalyzing the last step of the synthesis, and is important for controlling the level of BH4 in the brain. It has been reported that the BH4-requiring enzymes phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan hydroxylases are phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM KII). We have also found the phosphorylation of a BH4-recycling enzyme (dihydropteridine reductase) and SPR (sepiapterin reductase) by CaM KII in vitro (1). CaM KII, which is a Ser/Thr protein kinase, is known to occur abundantly in the brain, and is thought to play important roles in a variety of neuronal functions mediated by calcium ions (2). Recently, we reported that SPR phosphorylated by CaM KII was more sensitive to Ca2+-activated protease (calpain) than the non-phosphorylated form of SPR (3). This information suggests that the functions of both enzymes, i.e., those generating and those requiring BH4, may be regulated by CaM KII-dependent phosphorylation. In this study, we constructed various mutant SPRs and determined sites of SPR phosphorylated by CaM KII.

Scanning-tunneling-microscope (STM)-induced light emission from nanoscale structures on a hydrogen-terminated Si(001) surface was mapped spatially and analyzed spectroscopically in the visible spectral range. The light intensity map has high spatial resolution comparable to that of STM topographic images. Light is created by the dipole transition between localized surface states. The experimental results support the mechanism including light creation by the dipole transition.