A microprocessor-based control unit for Plasmodium falciparum culture apparatus

We describe a microprocessor–based control unit for apparatuswhich effects changes of culture medium on Plasmodium falciparumparasites maintained in vitro. The unit has required minimalattention during the two years it has been in operation andit has markedly facilitated the production of mature sexualstages of Plasmodium falciparum on a routine basis. Received on September 2, 1986; accepted on October 27, 1986     

A device for discrete information input into the Elektronika DZ-28 microcomputer

A simple matching device destined for the connection of electrophysiological plant with micro-computer "Electronics DZ-28" has been described. The device permits to carry out straight input of information concerning neurones impulsive activity.     

Mobile reconfigurable manufacturing unit for drilling and milling operations

A fraction of the customers demands variants of mass produced parts with minor changes, for example notches. Both the changes and the lot sizes are previously unknown. The mass production of semi-finished parts with variants is impossible under these circumstances. The manufacturers of the parts have also limited possibilities to use metal cutting machine tools at changing places in complex production systems. Therefore the Institute for Machine Tools designed and built a mobile reconfigurable manufacturing unit for drilling and milling operations. This paper discusses the units design, the static and dynamic properties, and the results of exemplary manufacturing tests.     

Eubacterial phylogeny based on translational apparatus proteins.

Lateral gene transfers are frequent among prokaryotes, although their detection remains difficult. If all genes are equally affected, this questions the very existence of an organismal phylogeny. The complexity hypothesis postulates the existence of a core of genes (those involved in numerous interactions) that are unaffected by transfers. To test the hypothesis, we studied all the proteins involved in translation from 45 eubacterial taxa, and developed a new phylogenetic method to detect transfers. Few of the genes studied show evidence for transfer. The phylogeny based on the genes devoid of transfer is very consistent with the ribosomal RNA tree, suggesting that an eubacterial phylogeny does exist.     

The fluorescent markers based on oxazolopyridine unit for imaging organelles

Bioactive oxazolopyridine unit was used in the synthesis of fluorescent markers for specific organelles in this paper. The compounds 1a-c are linked with double bond between oxazolopyridine ring and photogenic precursors (3a-c). Compound 1a showed higher fluorescence yield (0.86 in THF), compounds 1b-c showed larger stokes shifts in DMSO. In lipid vesicles environment, they also showed good optical properties. In addition, the three compounds are biomarkers with lower cytotoxicity. Among them, compound 1a based on oxazolopyridine and coumarin unit is a dual targetable fluorescent marker for mitochondria and lipid droplets; while the other two compounds 1b-c are only biomarkers for lipid droplets.     

A proposed standardized bioassay for formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis based on the international unit

Since standardization of preparations of Bacillus thuringiensis containing the δ-endotoxin cannot be accomplished by spore count alone, a bioassay is needed. However, before a bioassay can enjoy widespread use, there must be a generally accepted bioassay procedure. A bioassay based on the international unit (IU) and using the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, is proposed to fulfill this requirement. In this assay, the product is incorporated into an alfalfa meal-based diet, and 15–25 mg larvae are allowed to feed on the diet for 5 days. At the end of the test period, activity is measured by determining the LD₅₀ of the test material and comparing it with that of a standard preparation. Potency is then expressed as IU/mg.     

Processing of the results of experiments on molecular DNA-DNA hybridization by using the Elektronika BZ-34 programmable microcomputer

The programs for microcomputer "Electronika" BZ-34 permitting to compute the molecular DNA-DNA hybridization data with thermal stability duplex analysis have been developed. The proper different programs are offered for analysis of results obtained in different conditions of DNA hybridization. These programs are especially useful for accelerated calculation of large series of experimental data.     

Applications for positron emission mammography

High resolution positron emission mammography (PEM) can address the current clinical needs of breast cancer patients and the requirements for future translational work. Combining the quantitative capabilities of positron emission tomography (PET) with millimeter resolution, PEM can image the earliest in situ forms of breast cancer as well as putative cancer precursor lesions (e.g., atypical ductal hyperplasia) whose behavior is important for prevention studies. The importance of the ability to detect intraductal cancer cannot be overemphasized, for several reasons: at least one-third of new cancers are detected at this intraductal stage, intervention at this stage represents the best opportunity for complete cure, and a significant number of invasive cancers contain an intraductal component. Without knowledge of the extent of the intraductal component, surgeons are unable to completely excise cancers about a third of the time, leading to unnecessary re-excisions or radiation therapy. Current investigations aimed at specifying best practices in radiotherapy of DCIS patients are stymied by the lack of objective quantitative methods of rapidly assessing response. Other future applications of PEM are suggested, including an information technology project built on PEM that promises to individualize therapy and facilitate surveillance of high risk populations. The high overall accuracy of PEM (i.e., both specificity and sensitivity) is an unusual and welcome development in the history of breast imaging. With this high accuracy, and continued technical innovation to reduce radiation dose, PEM may someday replace X-ray mammography as a first line approach to breast cancer detection.     

Studies on the juxtaglomerular apparatus

The juxtaglomerular apparatus of the rat was studied after freeze-fracturing with special respect to intercellular junctions. It was found that juxtaglomerular granulated cells of the vas afferens are interconnected by gap junctions to adjacent cells (granulated cells, possibly also smooth muscle cells). Gap junctions have also been found on the surface of lacis cells and mesangial cells. It is therefore concluded that these cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus and the glomerulus--granulated cells (possibly also smooth muscle cells) of the vas afferens, lacis cells and mesangium cells--form a functional system reacting in a coordinated manner to physiological stimuli.     

Studies on the juxtaglomerular apparatus

The vascular pole of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in Tupaia belangeri was studied with special reference to the intercellular contacts of the periendothelial cells and the endothelium of the vas afferens. The periendothelial cells of the vascular pole of the glomerulum are connected by numerous gap junctions; and the granulated epithelial cells are suggested to form a functional unit. Probably there is a continuity of this system throughout the entire vascular pole including (1) all granulated cells, (2) all lacis cells, (3) the mesangium cells and (4) the adjacent smooth muscle cells of the vas afferens and vas efferens. Analysis of the endothelial junctions shows a zonular arrangement of tight junctions indicating a rather tight blood-tissue barrier next to the glomerular vascular pole; The ultrastructure of the different cell types of the vas afferens is also described, emphasizing the granulated epithelial cells and their innervation.