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One of the main neutron sources for the astrophysical s process is the reaction ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O, taking place in thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch stars at temperatures around 90 MK. To model the nucleosynthesis during this process the reaction cross section needs to be known in the 150-230 keV energy window (Gamow peak). At these sub-Coulomb energies, cross section direct measurements are severely affected by the low event rate, making us rely on input from indirect methods and extrapolations from higher-energy direct data. This leads to an uncertainty in the cross section at the relevant energies too high to reliably constrain the nuclear physics input to s-process calculations. We present the results from a new deep-underground measurement of ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O, covering the energy range 230-300 keV, with drastically reduced uncertainties over previous measurements and for the first time providing data directly inside the s-process Gamow peak. Selected stellar models have been computed to estimate the impact of our revised reaction rate. For stars of nearly solar composition, we find sizeable variations of some isotopes, whose production is influenced by the activation of close-by branching points that are sensitive to the neutron density, in particular, the two radioactive nuclei ^{60}Fe and ^{205}Pb, as well as ^{152}Gd.

Experimental investigations of propagating vortex flow states ( p V states) in a short Taylor-Couette system with asymmetric boundary conditions are presented. The flow state was established in a ferrofluid showing no magneto-viscous effect and was exposed to axial magnetic fields. It was found that the magnetic field led to a change in the spatial and temporal behavior of the p V state, indicating complex interactions between the flow field and magnetic field. A stepwise applied axial magnetic field destabilized the p V state, leading to an intermittent flow state. Gradually increasing the axial magnetic fields changed the temporal behavior of the regime. Up to magnetic field strengths of 20 kA/m, the orbital frequency, as a measure for the temporal periodicity, was increased with field strength.

In the present study, the lipid raft composition of a canine mastocytoma cell line (C2) was analyzed. Lipid rafts were well separated from non-raft plasma membranes using a detergent-free isolation technique. To study the influence of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on raft fatty acid composition in comparison to non-raft cell membrane, C2 were supplemented with one of the following: α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, linoleic acid or arachidonic acid. Enrichment of the culture medium with a specific PUFA resulted in an increase in the content of this fatty acid both in rafts and non-raft membranes. Contents of cholesterol and protein were found not to be affected by the changes in the fatty acid profiles. In conclusion, our data provide strong evidence that PUFA modulate lipid composition and physiological properties of membrane micro domains of mast cells which in turn may have effects on mast cell function., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ro 23-6240 is a new fluoroquinolone displaying pronounced activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. In order to obtain information about the absorption, distribution and excretion of this quinolone in man, six healthy volunteers received in cross-over an intravenous infusion of 100 mg Ro 23-6240 and an oral dose of two tablets corresponding to 400 mg Ro 23-6240. Serial plasma and urine samples were assayed for unchanged substance by HPLC with subsequent fluorescence or UV detection. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated from these data assuming a two-compartment open model. Characteristic of this new antibacterial are the high plasma levels following oral administration (Cmax: 4.5 micrograms/ml) and the long elimination half-lives (8-12 h). Both these parameters are favourable kinetic prerequisites for a once-a-day dosage regimen. In addition, the volume of distribution at steady state clearly exceeds 1 l/kg and points to good tissue penetration. Total systemic clearance was 122 ml/min and total renal clearance reached 89 ml/min. Within 96 h, 60-70% of the administered dose was recovered from urine as unchanged drug. The absolute bioavailability (extent of absorption) of the tablet amounted to 96%, indicating a complete absorption of this galenic formulation.

A retrograde axonal transport of nerve growth factor (NGF) from the adrenergic nerve terminals in the mouse iris to the cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurones in the superior cervical ganglion has been demonstrated. After injection of iodinated nerve growth factor (125I-NGF) into the anterior eye-chamber there was a relatively rapid accumulation of radioactivity in the superior cervical ganglia on both injected and non-injected sides, as was the case after subcutaneous injection. However, 4 h after intraocular injection a preferential accumulation of radioactivity became apparent in the superior cervical ganglion on the injected side, and this difference between the ganglia on injected and non-injected sides gradually increased to a maximum at 16 h. Transection of the postganglionic adrenergic fibres as well as the prior intraocular injection of colchicine abolished the preferential accumulation of 125I-NGF in the superior cervical ganglion of the injected side, whereas the destruction of adrenergic nerve terminals by 6-hydroxydopamine did not impair the preferential accumulation. It is concluded that the retrograde axonal transport of NGF, which was estimated to take place at a rate of about 2.5 mm/h, depends on a colchicine-sensitive mechanism as does the orthograde rapid axonal transport. However, the uptake of NGF may not only take place from the nerve terminals but also from the preterminal parts, as has been shown in other studies with horseradish peroxidase. Autoradiographic studies strongly supported the existence of a retrograde transport by showing a clear localization of radioactivity in a small number of neurones in the superior cervical ganglion on the injected side, whereas on the non-injected side there was only a diffuse distribution of radioactivity throughout the ganglion.