Nuclear transparencies for nucleons, knocked-out under various semi-inclusive conditions

Using hadron dynamics we calculate nuclear transparencies for protons, knocked-out in high-$Q^2$, semi-inclusive reactions. Predicted transparencies are, roughly half a standard deviation above the NE18 data. The latter contain the effects of binned proton missing momenta and mass, and of finite detector acceptances. In order to test sensitivity we compare computed transparencies without restrictions and the same with maximal cuts for missing momenta and the electron energy loss. We find hardly any variation, enabling a meaningful comparison with data and predictions based on hadron dynamics. Should discrepancies persist in high-statistics data, the above may with greater confidence be attributed to exotic components in the description of the outgoing proton.Comment: 13 pages + 3 figsin appended PS file, report # WIS-94/43/Oct-P

Induction of oxidative stress as a mechanism of action of chemopreventive agents against cancer

Prevention is a promising option for the control of cancer. Cellular redox changes have emerged as a pivotal and proximal event in cancer. In this review, we provide a brief background on redox biochemistry, discuss the important distinction between redox signalling and oxidative stress, and outline the ‘multiple biological personalities' of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species: at low concentrations they protect the cell; at higher concentrations they can damage many biological molecules, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids; and, as we argue here, they may also prevent cancer by initiating the death of the transformed cell. Nitric oxide-donating aspirin is discussed as an instructive example: it generates a state of oxidative stress through which it affects several redox-sensitive signalling pathways, leading ultimately to the elimination of the neoplastic cell via apoptosis or necrosis. As additional examples, we discuss the chemopreventive n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which induce cell death through redox changes. We conclude that modulation of redox biochemistry represents a fruitful approach to cancer prevention

Manufacturing flow line systems: a review of models and analytical results

The most important models and results of the manufacturing flow line literature are described. These include the major classes of models (asynchronous, synchronous, and continuous); the major features (blocking, processing times, failures and repairs); the major properties (conservation of flow, flow rate-idle time, reversibility, and others); and the relationships among different models. Exact and approximate methods for obtaining quantitative measures of performance are also reviewed. The exact methods are appropriate for small systems. The approximate methods, which are the only means available for large systems, are generally based on decomposition, and make use of the exact methods for small systems. Extensions are briefly discussed. Directions for future research are suggested.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant DDM-8914277

Simulationsrechnungen zur Bevölkerungsentwicklung in den alten und neuen Bundesländern im 21. Jahrhundert

Birg H, Flöthmann E-J, Frein T, Ströker K. Simulationsrechnungen zur Bevölkerungsentwicklung in den alten und neuen Bundesländern im 21. Jahrhundert. IBS-Materialien ; 45. Bielefeld: Inst. für Bevölkerungsforschung u. Sozialpolitik; 1998

IMPACT OF MALE & FEMALE SEX ON THE POWER-DURATION RELATIONSHIP

K. Fisher, E. Flood, S. Alvord, D. Dougherty, K. Frein, B.W. Wilkins Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. Females exhibit greater type I muscle fiber distribution and higher muscle capillarization, both of which may lead to enhanced oxidative metabolic ability. Critical power (CP) is a measure of the highest, sustainable, steady state rate of oxidative metabolism. PURPOSE: This study, therefore, aimed to explore if a fundamental difference in CP exists between males and females. METHODS: Eleven subjects (6 men/5 women) aged 20.7±1.1 yr. participated in three study days. Subjects completed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine maximal oxygen uptake, a three-minute all-out test (3MT) on a cycle ergometer to estimate CP using end test power (ETP), and four 5-minute exercise trials of wattage-controlled cycling to predict CP using a novel muscle oxygenation zero-slope method. Female subjects were tested during the early follicular phase (during menstruation) of their menstrual cycle. Muscle oxygenation (forearm and thigh) and oxygen uptake were continuously measured throughout each exercise session and venous blood lactate was assessed before and after exercise trials. Body composition was determined via skin folds (4 site) to determine fat free mass (FFM). RESULTS: Male subjects had more FFM (70.8±8.8 kg) compared to female subjects (49.3±2.2 kg; p=0.001) and a greater ETP (223±37 W for males, 180±41 W for females) estimated from the 3MT. Muscle oxygenation zero-slope estimates of CP were greater for male (203±39 W) compared to female (174±55 W) participants. When controlling for FFM, ETP for male subjects was 3.2±0.6 W/kg and 3.6±0.7 W/kg for female subjects (p=0.285) and estimated CP from the zero-slope method was 2.9 W/kg ± 0.7 W/kg for male subjects and 3.5±1.0W/kg for female subjects (p=0.265). CONCLUSIONS: Male participants demonstrated a higher estimated CP compared to female participants independent of measurement method, either ETP via 3MT or the novel zero-slope method. However, when expressed relative to FFM the sex differences in CP disappear and women tended to have a higher CP than their male counterparts, although higher statistical power is needed to determine if significant differences exist. (AWARD WINNER

Simulationsrechnungen zur Bevoelkerungsentwicklung in den alten und neuen Bundeslaendern im 21. Jahrhundert

Der Forschungsbericht beinhaltet eine Studie zur Bevoelkerungsentwicklung in der Bundesrepublik (alte und neue Bundeslaender) bis zum Jahr 2100. Es wurden alte Berechnungen in einer Differenzierung nach alten und neuen Bundeslaendern unter Beruecksichtigung der aktuellen Datenbasis weitergefuehrt. Um der Zunahme der Lebenserwartungen Rechnung zu tragen, erwies es sich z.B. als erforderlich, das bisherige Hoechstalter in den Berechnungen von 100 auf 110 Jahre heraufzusetzen. Die Studie enthaelt darueber hinaus auch einen internationalen Vergleich der demographischen Entwicklung Deutschlands mit den USA, Japan und den uebrigen Industrielaendern. Fazit: Die Intensitaet der beiden fuer das 21. Jahrhundert wichtigsten demographischen Trends - die demographische Alterung der Bevoelkerung und die zunehmende Internationalisierung der Bevoelkerungsentwicklung durch Wanderung - ist bisher in Deutschland unterschaetzt worden. (prb)SIGLEAvailable from UuStB Koeln(38)-990106108 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman