The structure of spherical brushes formed by symmetric diblock polyampholytes end-grafted onto small spherical particles in aqueous solution is examined within the framework of the so-called primitive model using Monte Carlo simulations. The properties of the two blocks are identical except for the sign of their charges. Three different chain flexibilities corresponding to flexible, semiflexible,

Partial and generalized status epilepticus (pSE and gSE) trigger the same level of progenitor cell proliferation in adult dentate gyrus, but survival of new neurons is poor after gSE. Here, we show markedly elevated levels of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rat hippocampal formation at 7 days following pSE but not gSE. Administration of the cyclooxygenase

A gas sensor based on the gas-correlation technique has been developed using a multimode diode laser (MDL) in a dual-beam detection scheme. Measurement of CO2 mixed with CO as an interfering gas is successfully demonstrated using a 1570 run tunable MDL. Despite overlapping absorption spectra and occasional mode hops, the interfering signals can be effectively excluded by a statistical procedure in

In this article, John Locke's accounts of political liberty and legitimate government are read as expressions of a normative demand for non-arbitrariness. I argue that Locke locates infringements of political liberty in dependence on the arbitrary will of another, whether or not interference or restraint actually takes place. This way Locke is tentatively placed in that tradition of republican tho

Pyromellitic dianhydride-4,4-oxydianiline (PMDA–ODA) polyimide films have been studied using high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and model semi-empirical INDO/S–CI calculations. Experimental and theoretical C 1s, N 1s, and O 1s spectra are presented, and found to be in good agreement with each other. Shakeup features of the spectra are identified, and their electronic nature analyzed

OBJECTIVES To assess the value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in predicting survival and relate this to the baseline variables in men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). METHODS The data from 417 men with HRPC were included in a. logistic regression model that included hemoglobin, PSA, alkaline phosphatase, Soloway score, and performance status pain analgesic sc

Musculoskeletal conditions are an increasingly common problem across the globe due to increased longevity and increased exposure to risk factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity. The increase is predicted to be greatest in developing countries, and there is thus an urgent need for the implementation of strategies and policies that will prevent and control these conditions. The ideal i

In recent work, the concentration index has been widely used as a measure of income-related health inequality. The purpose of this note is to illustrate two different methods for decomposing the overall health concentration index using data collected from a Short Form (SF-36) survey of the general Australian population conducted in 1995. For simplicity, we focus on the physical functioning scale o

A method for purification of recombinant apolipoprotein A1 in aqueous two-phase systems has been studied. A mutant of apolipoprotein A-I, the Milano variant, was expressed in E. coli. Phase systems containing ethylene oxide (EO)-propylene oxide (PO) random copolymers have been used. These polymers are thermoseparating and have the ability to separate into one water-rich and one polymer-rich phase

Biodegradable supermacroporous PHEMA cryogels were produced by combining two cross-linkers, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and a newly developed disulfide water soluble crosslinker, N,N'-bis(methacryloyl)-L-cystine. The biodegradable PHEMA cryogels were prepared with gel fraction yields up to 70% and were characterized by highly interconnected pores of micrometer size and good mechanical stabili

In this paper we prove the existence of steady periodic two-dimensional capillary-gravity waves on flows with an arbitrary vorticity distribution. The original free-surface problem is first transformed to a second-order quasi-linear elliptic equation with a second-order quasi-linear boundary condition in a fixed domain by a change of variables. We then use local bifurcation theory combined with th

A validation study of a computerised test recently developed involving the Stroop effect, extended here by inclusion of a third, more difficult test series, is presented. Three groups of men belonging to the Swedish armed forces and adjudged to differ in their qualifications (20, 32, and 19 men of levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and a fourth group of 18 men convicted of serious crimes of violenc

Acute ethanol exposure stimulated serotonin2 receptor signalling in cultured astrocytes. Pretreatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor H7 significantly increased the ethanol-induced potentiation of [3H]-inositol phosphates accumulation. The increase could be explained by an augmented activation of phospholipase C. The results indicate a role of PKC for the modulation of ethanol effects on cellu

Two sets of strongly coupled rotational bands have been identified in Zn-62. These bands have been observed up to the terminating states of their respective configurations. Lifetime measurements indicate that the transition quadrupole moments in these bands decrease as termination is approached. These results establish the first terminating states of rotational bands in the A similar to 60 mass re

Seven different but related cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) gene families have been identified. Type III cGMP-inhibited (cGI) PDEs, the PDE3 gene family, are found in many tissues. cGI PDEs exhibit a high affinity for both cAMP and cGMP, and are selectively and relatively specifically inhibited by certain agents which augment myocardial contractility, promote smooth muscle relaxation and

In this article the nation is shown to be a historical subject. As such, it is constructed and constantly reconstructed by discursive practices of power and knowledge. The author argues that the symbiotic interlinkage between nationalism and the organising knowledge principle of historicity, is an example of a power practice in the modern state. Throughout the article, it is shown that this practi

Six healthy volunteers were exposed to gaseous hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) concentrations of 10, 40, or 80 micrograms.m-3 (65, 260 or 520 nmol.m-3, respectively) for 8 h. The respiratory uptake of the inhaled HHPA was almost complete. Rapid increases in plasma and urinary levels of hexahydrophthalic acid (HHP acid) were seen. During the first 4 h after the end of exposure, the half-time of

The introduction of exchange-traded credit default swap (CDS) index futures is eminent and this development in the credit market is the subject of this article. A theoretically appealing and practically implementable approach to computing accurate futures margins based on extreme value theory is suggested. The approach is then exemplified with a study of the increasingly popular iTraxx Europe CDS