Regulation of intracellular free arachidonic acid in Aplysia nervous system

We have studied the regulation of arachidonic acid (AA) uptake, metabolism, and release in Aplysia nervous system. Following uptake of [ 3 H]AA, the distribution of radioactivity in intracellular and extracellular lipid pools was measured as a function of time in the presence or absence of exogenous AA. The greatest amount of AA was esterified into phosphatidylinositol (relative to pool size). We found that the intracellular free AA pool underwent rapid turnover, and that radioactive free AA and eicosanoids were released at a rapid rate into the extracellular medium, both in the presence and absence of exogenous AA. Most of the released radioactivity originated from phosphatidylinositol.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/48020/1/232_2005_Article_BF01868464.pd

The need for developing an effective and acceptable engineering response to terrorist attacks on railway systems

In recent years terrorism has affected rail transport in Europe and elsewhere in the world. This paper gives a brief historical review of terrorist attacks on rail systems and the counter-terrorism security measures which have evolved in response. The possibilities for ‘designing-in’ resilience to a terrorist attack are examined, and some inputs by which engineering may have a positive long term impact on the security of rail systems are identified. The paper reviews media articles, academic papers and reports, government material and the results of interviews with security managers on rail systems. It considers the required performance of counter-terrorism measures with regard to the safety of passengers and staff, the physical processes taking place during a bomb explosion, and also highlights several issues that will affect how counter terrorist measures are ‘designed-in’, including public and business acceptability, reduction of threat and cost-effectiveness