Evidence of Quantum Resonance in Periodically-Ordered Three-Dimensional Superlattice of CdTe Quantum Dots.

Semiconductor quantum dot (QD) superlattices, which are periodically ordered three-dimensional (3D) array structures of QDs, are expected to exhibit novel photo-optical properties arising from the resonant interactions between adjacent QDs. Since the resonant interactions such as long-range dipole-dipole Coulomb coupling and short-range quantum resonance strongly depend on inter-QD nano space, precise control of the nano space is essential for physical understanding of the superlattice, which includes both of nano and bulk scales. Here, we study the pure quantum resonance in the 3D CdTe QD superlattice deposited by a layer-by-layer assembly of positively charged polyelectrolytes and negatively charged CdTe QDs. From XRD measurements, existence of the periodical ordering of QDs both in the lamination and in-plane directions, that is, the formation of the 3D periodic QD superlattice, was confirmed. The lowest excitation energy decreases exponentially with decreasing the nano space between the CdTe QD layers and also with decreasing the QD size, which is apparently indicative of the quantum resonance between the QDs rather than a dipole-dipole Coulomb coupling. The quantum resonance was also computationally demonstrated and rationalized by the orbital delocalization to neighboring CdTe QDs in the superlattice.

[A case of MALT lymphoma simultaneously associated with gastric and pulmonary involvement].

A 52-year-old man had been treated by hemodialysis because of IgA nephropathy since 1994. Gastric MALT lymphoma was diagnosed in January 2007. Radiation therapy was performed for 4 weeks (40Gy) and the response was complete remission (CR) by September 2007. He was admitted to our hospital in February 2008 because of an abnormal chest shadow. Chest CT showed multiple cystic lesions with calcification and consolidation. Transbronchial lung biopsy from the area of consolidation (left S5) showed pulmonary invasion of small lymphoid cells. PCR analysis showed clonal rearrangement of the heavy chain of the immunoglobulin gene. Accordingly, MALT lymphoma was diagnosed. Rituximab infusion was performed, because CD20 immunostaining was positive and he had been treated by hemodialysis. The abnormal chest shadow was presented since gastric MALT lymphoma was diagnosed. We considered that MALT lymphoma occurred simultaneously in the stomach and lung.

[A case of endobronchial mucormycosis with peculiar bronchoscopic findings].

Small cell lung cancer was diagnosed in a 54-year-old man in 1997. He had received 5 cycles of systemic chemotherapy and thoracic irradiation since 1997, and a favorable response had been achieved. In August 2001, pro-GRP was again elevated, and he was readmitted. Bronchoscopic findings revealed a white dendritic endobronchial mass on a cheese-like plug obstructing the left upper bronchus division. Numerous mucor hyphe and cancer cells were detected by transbronchial biopsy, and a fungal culture disclosed mucor. Although no antifungal drug was administered, the bronchial lesion disappeared after removal with biopsy forceps and 2 cycles of systemic anticancer chemotherapy. Endobronchial involvement of mucormycosis is rare and this case is unique because of the peculiar bronchoscopic finding with the endobronchial lesion.

[Study of cockroach allergen in adult asthmatics in Japan].

To study the clinical significance of cockroach allergen in adult asthmatics in Japan, we performed intradermal skin test to four commercial base cockroach extracts. The specific IgE antibody to cockroach was measured in sera by CAP-RAST. Positive rates of immediate intradermal skin response to cockroach extracts were 10.2-12.6%. Positive rate of CAP-RAST to cockroach was 12.6%. We performed bronchial provocation test on 6 cockroach sensitive asthmatics. Immediate asthmatic response was provoked in 2 cases and late asthmatic response was provoked in one case. Positive histamine release from peripheral leukocytes (HRT) to cockroach was shown in cockroach sensitive asthmatics. RAST-inhibition studies of cockroach showed several inhibition patterns and indicated partial cross-reactivity between cockroach species and mite. These results indicate that there is a possibility that cockroach is one of the important inhalent allergens in Japan.