GABA: Receptors, transporters and metabolism

1996

Macroeconomic performance and convergence in OECD countries

1996

Abstract This paper investigates the robustness of the correlation between growth and a set of variables which comprises accumulation rates in human and physical capital and medium term macroeconomic indicators in OECD countries. We include these variables as additional regressors in the standard growth equation that comes from the human capital-augmented Solow model. Our results show that variables related to medium term macroeconomic performance affect both growth and convergence. In some periods these variables even outperform the explanatory power of the conventional growth variables such as the accumulation rates. Our results also suggest that it is difficult to analyse the contributio…

Scaling properties of topologically random channel networks

1996

Abstract The analysis deals with the scaling properties of infinite topologically random channel networks (ITRNs) fast introduced by Shreve (1967, J. Geol. , 75: 179–186) to model the branching structure of rivers as a random process. The expected configuration of ITRNs displays scaling behaviour only asymptotically, when the ruler (or ‘yardstick’) length is reduced to a very small extent. The random model can also reproduce scaling behaviour at larger ruler lengths if network magnitude and diameter are functionally related according to a reported deterministic rule. This indicates that subsets of rrRNs can be scaling and, although rrRNs are asymptotically plane-filling due to the law of la…

The age of PSR J1012 + 5307

1996

Rift-controlled fluvial/tidal transitional series in the Oukai¨meden Sandstones, High Atlas of Marrakesh (Morocco)

1996

Abstract The Carnian formation of the Oukai¨meden Sandstones was deposited in the northwestern corner of the African craton along tectonic troughs grouped as a WSW-ENE rift system on the southwestern margin of the Tethys. Red sandstones represent mainly distal braided-stream deposits where very extensive sand flats with 3D dunes, 2D sand waves and high-regime horizontally laminated sandstones predominate. The similarities in orientation between current patterns and trough border faulting, the sudden large variations in the thickness of deposits and the occurrence of lateral alluvial fans along the marginal faults are all evidence of the tectonic control of sedimentation. The middle part of …

A study of coupled-reaction channel effects in the36S +37Cl system, hybridization between single particle orbits

1996

Elastic and inelastic scattering as well as transfer transitions involving a valence proton in thesd- andfp- shell orbits are studied in the interaction of37Cl +36S at ECM=50 MeV. Experimental angular distributions of single particle states of37Cl (elastic and inelastic transfer) are presented with a CRC analysis. In the CRC calculations the effects of inelastic and transfer couplings are studied using known spectroscopic information. In the CRC analysis six single particle bound states and the collective 2+ excitation of36S are included in the coupling scheme. Higher order coupling effects are found to be important. A distinct effect, the mixing of single particle states (of different pari…

Extension of the dynamic range of flame atomic absorption spectrometry using flow injection analysis with variable-volume dilution chambers

1996

Abstract A simple and inexpensive procedure is proposed for the extension of the dynamic range of flame atomic absorption spectrometry measurements using on-line dilution. The proposed methodology is based on the use of a manifold with two coupled dilution chambers and a zone injection system. The samples are prediluted in a closed system which includes a variable-volume mixing chamber (10–120 ml) and two injection valves. The samples are injected through one of these valves, and the other is employed to take 100 μl of prediluted samples which are then passed through a new dilution chamber (volume 1–10 ml) and aspirated by the nebulizer of the instrument. A third injection valve mounted in …

Phantomuntersuchung zur Optimierung der Spiral-CT und 3 D-Rekonstruktion des Tracheobronchialsystems

1996

PURPOSE To optimise three-dimensional spiral CT of the tracheobronchial tree using adequate acquisition and reconstruction parameters for spiral CT of the chest. MATERIAL AND METHODS Qualitative and quantitative assessment of different 3 D reconstructions of two test objects of the tracheobronchial tree depending on section thickness, reconstruction interval, pitch, and reconstruction algorithm used in spiral CT (Siemens, Somatom plus S) of the chest. The frequency of volume and stairstep artifacts was evaluated. The 3 D reconstructions were generated using a seeded VOI-technique (Allegro, ISG). RESULTS Reduction of artifacts was achieved by decreasing section thickness. Increasing overlap …

Excess free energy, enthalpy and entropy of surfactant-surfactant mixed micelle formation

1996

Enthalpies of dilution and osmotic coefficients of sodium decylsulfate (NaDeS)-dodecyldimethylamine oxide (DDAO) mixtures in water were determined at 298 and 310 K, respectively. From the enthalpies of dilution, the apparent and then the partial molar relative enthalpies of the surfactant mixtures were calculated. From the osmotic coefficients, calculated at 298 K, the non-ideal free energies were derived. The latter were combined with the partial molar relative enthalpies to obtain the non-ideal entropies. From the apparent molar properties, using a previously reported approach, the excess thermodynamic properties for the surfactant-surfactant mixed micelle formation in water were evaluate…

Vocal function following laser and conventional surgery of small malignant vocal fold tumours

1996

AbstractIn the disecribed study, 26 patients after conventional, and 27 patients after laser cordectomy were examined six months or more after the operation. Videolarybogstroboscopy revealed that patients after laser cordectomy more often phonate on a purely glottic level (81 per cent) in comparison to patienbts after conventional cordectomy (19 per cent). Webs were more frequent and more extended after conventional cordectomy compared to endoscopic laser surgery. The maximal phonation time showed a very wide range with a mean value of 9 to 10 sec; there was no statistical difference between the groups of patients. Using yanagihara's classification of sonograms, a better voice quality was m…

A walk through time: What you should have read by now or will read soon about psychotherapy

1996

In this paper a five years analysis of psychotherapy is done. The sample, taken from the PsycLIT was composed of 2694 books and book's chapters which deal with psychotherapy from many perspectives. Results are offered about first author's sex, institutional affiliation and country. Besides, the content of each book and chapter is analyzed in terms of the therapeutic approach followed, the pathology and sample treated, and the specific theme or author's work reviewed. The paper ends with a thorough discussion of the most relevant results found and brief comments about the future of psychotherapy.

Characterisation of a novel airway late phase model in the sensitized guinea pig which uses silica and Bordetella pertussis as adjuvant for sensitiza…

1996

The objective of the present investigation was to validate a novel model of allergic late phase reaction in the airways of conscious guinea pigs by monitoring airway function with CO2-forced respiration. In addition airway inflammation as one possible cause for the development of airway late phase reaction was characterized by a novel technique which consists of bronchoalveolar lavage via the orotracheal route. Guinea pigs were sensitized twice at 2-week intervals with ovalbumin in silica and Bordetella pertussis. Two weeks after the booster sensitization all guinea pigs showed an acute decrease of tidal volume under CO2-forced respiration 5-15 min after antigen challenge. In contrast 42 ou…

Supercritical-fluid extraction of chlorofluoroalkanes from rigid polyurethane foams

1996

Abstract Preliminary results about a process for recovering expanding agents chlorofluoroalkanes (CFCs) both trapped in the cavities and dissolved in the polymer from rigid polyurethane foams are reported. The performances of liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide, and of CO2-propane supercritical mixtures were compared. Better results in terms of extraction time and amount of extracted CFCs were obtained with finely ground materials and supercritical propane-carbon dioxide fluids.

Viral diseases causing the greatest economic losses to the tomato crop. II. The Tomato yellow leaf curl virus — a review

1996

Abstract Tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus (TYLCV), transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most devastating diseases of cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). TYLCV causes economic losses up to 100% in tomato crop in many tropical and subtropical regions, and is spreading towards new areas. The increasing economic importance of TYLCV has resulted in the need for accurate detection and identification procedures, stimulating intensive research efforts focused on virus biology, diversity, and epidemiology to develop successful control strategies. Breeding for resistance appears to be the best approach to control this disease, but to date only partial…

Duration of HCV infection as a predictor of nonresponse to interferon

1996

Duration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a key feature in determining responsiveness to interferon (IFN). Studies assessing its value as a predictive factor in chronic HCV infection show that a long duration of infection reduces the likelihood of a sustained response to IFN (defined as ALT normalization and clearance of serum HCV-RNA). The effect of HCV infection duration is independent of the presence of cirrhosis and level of HCV viremia. Meta-analysis of IFN trials in acute HCV infection shows an obvious effect of the drug on long-term ALT normalization and HCV-RNA clearance. Treatment of HCV infection during the acute or early chronic phase could therefore maximize therapeutic e…

The function of the soluble IL-6 receptor in vivo.

1996

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is considered an important mediator of acute inflammatory responses. Moreover, IL-6 functions as a differentiation and growth factor of hematopoietic precursor cells, B-cells, T-cells, keratinocytes, neuronal cells, osteoclasts and endothelial cells. IL-6 exhibits its action via a receptor complex consisting of a specific IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and a signal-transducing subunit (gp130). Soluble forms of both receptor components are generated by shedding and are found in patients with various diseases such as AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis and others. The function of the soluble IL-6R in vivo is unknown. To discriminate between the biologic function of hIL-6 alone and that of …

Characterization of mitotic chromosomes of four species of the genus Diplodus: Karyotypes and chromosomal nucleolar organizer region phenotypes

1996

Karyotypes have been described in four Mediterranean species of the genus Diplodus (Teleostei, Sparidae), D. vulgaris, D. puntazzo, D. sargus and D. annularis. Chromosomes were mainly acrocentric in all but D. vulgaris, where certain chromosome pairs were subtelocentric. A remarkable intraspecific heteromorphism in the number of NOR-bearing chromosomes along with a substantial interspecific variability in position of chromosomal Ag signals have been encountered. The presumed origin of multiple NOR-bearing chromosomes in Diplodus species and variation of the NOR location is discussed. ? 1996 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles

A galectin links the aggregation factor to cells in the sponge (Geodia cydonium) system.

1996

The cDNA for the full-length lectin from the marine sponge Geodia cydonium was cloned. Analysis of the deduced aa sequence revealed that this lectin belongs to the group of galectins. The full-length galectin, which was obtained also in a recombinant form, has an M(r) of 20,877; in the processed form it is a 15 kDa polypeptide. The enriched aggregation factor from G.cydonium also was determined to contain, besides minimal amounts of the galectin, a 140 kDa polypeptide which is involved in cell-cell adhesion. Monoclonal antibodies have been raised against this protein; Fab' fragments prepared from them abolished cell-cell reaggregation. Cell reaggregation experiments revealed that the aggreg…

Initial attachment of human gingival fibroblast-like cells in vitro to titanium surfaces oretreated with saliva and serum

1996

Wound healing at the implant-soft tissue interface occurs in the presence of saliva and blood. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate potential influence of saliva and serum on initial attachment of human gingival fibroblast-like cells to titanium (Ti) surfaces. 10×10mm large specimens were prepared from pure Ti, incubated for 1 h in either whole human saliva, fetal calf serum, their mixtures in proportions 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75, or buffer as control. Subsequently suspensions of human gingival fibroblast-like cells were applied in 4 separate assays to Ti surfaces for 40 min and cell attachment was evaluated by means of image analysis under reflected light microscopy. Significant…

Stress fields in general composite laminates

1996

A direct approach is employed to obtain a general boundary integral formulation for the analysis of composite laminates subjected to uniform axial strain. The integral equations governing the problem are directly deduced from the reciprocity theorem, employing the generalized orthotropic elasticity fundamental solutions expressly inferred. The solution is achieved by the boundary element method, which gives, once the traction-free boundary conditions and the interfacial continuity conditions are enforced, a linear system of algebraic equations. The formulation does not present restrictions with regard to the laminate stacking sequence and it does not require any aprioristic assumption. The …

Prenylated benzopyran derivatives from two Polyalthia species

1996

Two new benzopyran derivatives, (6E,10E)-isopolycerasoidol and polycerasoidin methyl ester, have been isolated from a methanolic extract of the stem bark of Polyalthia cerasoides. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. Polyalthia sclerophylla contains (6E,10E)-isopolycerasoidol, besides the known polycerasoidin and polycerasoidol. In addition, a known phenylpropene derivative, trans-asarone, has also been isolated from both species and fully characterized.

Chemisorption of hydrogen on charged vanadium clusters

1996

Abstract The chemisorption of hydrogen on positively charged vanadium clusters, V n + ( n = 1–17), was studied by measuring reaction rates and saturation coverages. Vanadium clusters are produced by laser vaporization and are injected into a Penning trap. Rates of the reaction V n + +H 2 → V n + H 2 are measured by axial ejection of all ions out of the trap after variable storage times and subsequent time-of-flight detection. An odd-even effect of the reaction rate is observed with odd clusters being more reactive. Clusters with low reactivity are found to be highly stable, as reflected by the respective separation energies of atoms. The number of adsorbed hydrogen atoms, m , is determined …

The oxidizing agent tertiary butyl hydroperoxide induces disturbances in spindle organization, c-meiosis, and aneuploidy in mouse oocytes

1996

It has been recently proposed that a concomitant generation of oxidative stress of oocytes with increasing maternal age may be a major factor responsible for the age-related increase in aneuploid conceptions. As a preliminary step in the testing of this hypothesis, we need to confirm that oxidative stress in itself can induce errors in chromosome segregation. In order to achieve this goal, germinal vesicle (GV)-stage mouse oocytes from unstimulated ICR and (C57BL x CBA) F1 hybrid female mice were matured in vitro for 9 h for metaphase I (MI) oocytes or 16 h for metaphase II (MII) oocytes in the presence of varying concentrations of the oxidizing agent tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH). MII…

Statistical inference and Monte Carlo algorithms

1996

This review article looks at a small part of the picture of the interrelationship between statistical theory and computational algorithms, especially the Gibbs sampler and the Accept-Reject algorithm. We pay particular attention to how the methodologies affect and complement each other.

A simple method for counting the number of trapped ions in an ion trap

1996

The number of stored Ca\(^+\) ions in an ion trap was measured optically by utilizing the metastable states. All the ions trapped are first pumped into the metastable \(D\) states. The ions in the metastable \(D\) states are transferred to the ground \(S\) state via the \(P\) state by exciting a \(D\rightarrow P\) transition. Each ion then emits one photon through a subsequent \(P\rightarrow S\) spontaneous emission. Thus, the number of photons is the same as the number of trapped ions initially in the metastable states. When a fraction of all the stored ions are pumped into the metastable states, the method is still applicable if the fraction of the ions is known.

The A + B → 0 reaction on a disordered lattice

1996

Abstract In this paper a stochastic model for the A + B → 0 reaction with creation of particles on a disordered surface is studied for d = 2 and d = 3 spatial dimensions. Densities and correlations of the particles are examined in detail. We find that the stationary state which exists for d = 3 in case of an ordered lattice vanishes in the case of a disordered lattice. A stationary state for d = 2 never exists.

QUALITY ATTRIBUTES, PECTOLYTIC ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING POSTHARVEST RIPENING OF NECTARINE

1996

The postharvest ripening at 20C and 90-95% RHfor 10 days of 'Armking' nectarine grown in a greenhouse was investigated over two seasons. Firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, pH and maturity index were all adequate to stablish the rate ofripening. However, soluble solids content and reducing and non-reducing sugars showed no significant changes. It took about 10 days for very early ripening fruit (100 g weight and 82 N firmness) and 6 days for normal early ripening fruits (115 g weight and 46 N firmness), both harvested at preclimacteric stage, to become eating ripe (near 20 N). Total weight loss and decay after 10 days was approximately 11%. During ripening there was a temporal coin…

Picosecond time-resolved study on the nature of high-energy-state quenching in isolated pea thylakoids different localization of zeaxanthin dependent…

1996

Abstract The influence of the transthylakoid proton gradient on the kinetics of picosecond fluorescence decay was examined using isolated pea thylakoids having high or low zeaxanthin contents. Fluorescence lifetime measurements were performed with open (Fo) and closed (Fm) PS II reaction centers. Zeaxanthin formation in membrane energized isolated thylakoids led to a marked decrease of the average fluorescence lifetime at both Fm and Fo. In contrast, when zeaxanthin synthesis was blocked by the inhibitor DTT, the fluorescence lifetime decrease was less pronounced in the Fm state and totally missing in the Fo state. Samples containing the uncoupler ammonium chloride did not exhinit any zeaxa…

Identification of cyclin A as a molecular target of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in hepatic and non-hepatic autoimmune diseases.

1996

Abstract Background/Aims: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a diagnostic of various autoimmune diseases and also of autoimmune hepatitis type 1. The designation ANA describes a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies. In liver diseases, only a few nuclear target antigens have been molecularly identified and characterized. Cyclins play a central role in a cell cycle regulation, DNA transcription, and cell proliferation. Cyclin A was also identified as an integration site of the hepatitis B virus in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study we identify cyclin A as a novel nuclear target protein of ANA. Methods: Sera of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) type 1 ( n =61), type 2…

Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding α-acetolactate decarboxylase fromLeuconostoc oenos

1996

The alsD gene encoding alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase was isolated from a genomic library of Leuconostoc oenos, using a screening procedure developed on microtiter plates. The nucleotide sequence of alsD encodes a putative protein of 239 amino acids showing significant similarity with other bacterial alpha-acetolactate decarboxylases. Upstream from alsD lies an open reading frame (alsS) which is highly similar to bacterial genes coding for catabolic alpha-acetolactate synthases. Northern (RNA) blotting analyses indicated the presence of a 2.4-kb dicistronic transcript of alsS and alsD. This suggests that the alsS and alsD genes are organized in a single operon.

Sedation in allergic rhinitis is caused by the condition and not by antihistamine treatment

1996

Sedation is regarded as a common side-effect of most H1-antihistamines. This view must be accepted, yet can hardly be assessed under treatment of allergic disorders. Since central sedative potency is hard to evaluate, different methods of measurement have been introduced in the four phases of clinical investigation. While tests of high complexity in early trials can detect true central effects, they seem to have the disadvantage of not taking into consideration the important interactions of drugs with the disorder. Therefore, we used a visual analog scale (VAS) as an instrument to demonstrate sedative effects in five clinical studies carried out between 1989 and 1994 with a total number of …

Stereoselective synthesis of 2-amino-1-hydroxy-3-phenylpropylphosphonic acid

1996

Abstract A highly stereoselective synthesis of 2-amino-1-hydroxy-3-phenylpropylphosphonic acid was achieved by simple addition of diethyl phosphite to enantiomeric N-blocked phenylalaninals. These compouds exhibit significant herbicidal activity.

Precise pion electroproduction in thep(e, e? ?+)n reaction at W=1125 MeV

1996

The reactione+p →> e+π ++n at c.m. energyW=1125MeV and momentum transfer Q2=0.117GeV2/c2 has been measured. The transverse and longitudinal structure functions have been separated by varying the polarization of the virtual photon (Rosenbluth plot) with a 3 to 4% error. In addition the longitudinal-transverse interference term has been determined measuring the right-left asymmetry with an accuracy of 3%. The experimental data are compared to model calculations, and the sensitivity of the results to the axial and pion formfactors is discussed.

A conjecture on the number of conjugacy classes in ap-solvable group

1996

IfG is ap-solvable group, it is conjectured that k(G/O P (G) ≤ |G| p ′. The conjecture is easily obtained for solvable groups as a consequence of R. Knorr’s work on the k(GV) problem. Also, a related result is obtained: k(G/F(G)) is bounded by the index of a nilpotent injector ofG.

Binding of extracellular matrix proteins to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia

1996

As detected by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, binding of fibronectin and laminin appeared to be associated with the protrusions present on the outer cell wall layer of resting Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. Flow cytometry confirmed that binding of laminin to conidia was dose dependent and saturable. Laminin binding was virtually eliminated in trypsin-treated organisms, thus suggesting the protein nature of the binding site. Conidia were also able to specifically adhere to laminin immobilized on microtiter plates. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting (immunoblotting) with laminin and antilaminin antibody of whole conidial homogenates allowed…

The Hot Bands of Methane between 5 and 10 μm

1996

Experimental line intensities of 1727 transitions arising from nine hot bands in the pentad-dyad system of methane are fitted to first and second order using the effective dipole moment expansion in the polyad scheme. The observed bands are nu3 - nu2, nu3 - nu4, nu1 - nu2, nu1 - nu4, 2nu4 - nu4, nu2 + nu4 - nu2, nu2 + nu4 - nu4, 2nu2 - nu2, and 2nu2 - nu4, and the intensities are obtained from long-path spectra recorded with the Fourier transform spectrometer located at Kitt Peak National Observatory. For the second order model, some of the 27 intensity parameters are not linearly independent, and so two methods (extrapolation and effective parameters) are proposed to model the intensities …