Experimental frames in a modern modeling and simulation system

We investigate the experimental frame concept for discrete event simulation. We first give a brief history of experimental frames and then present and discuss the desired properties of a modern approach to experimental frames. Lastly, we describe the experimental frames implemented in the Hierarchical Modeling and Simulation System-Java (HiMASS-j). HiMASS-j is a prototype modeling and simulation system that uses the Hierarchical Control Flow Graph Model paradigm, visual interactive modeling, and the modern approach to experimental frames.     

Note on the interpretation of electroluminescence images using their spectral information

We show how to use the reciprocity between electroluminescence and solar cell quantum efficiency for the simulation and interpretation of electroluminescence images. The analysis of the spectral properties of the electroluminescence images obtained by using different short- and long-pass filters yields information about surface recombination velocity, bulk diffusion length and reflection of the back side in flat and textured solar cells.     

Potent Inhibition of Acid Sphingomyelinase by Phosphoinositide Analogues

The different mammalian sphingomyelinases are involved in cell regulation, apoptosis and inflammatory events. Recent reports suggest pharmacological potential especially for inhibitors of the acid sphingomyelinase. Phosphatidyl inositol‐3,5bisphosphate (PtdIns3,5P₂) is the most potent selective acid sphingomyelinase inhibitor known to date. In the present study, we synthesized analogues of PtdIns3,5P₂ for initial structure–activity‐relationship (SAR) studies. We identified an inhibitor that is easy to synthesize, that has superior chemical and biophysical properties when compared to PtdIns3,5P₂ and that should be stable against virtually all phospholipases. Last but not least, the new inhibitor partially protected cells from dexamethasone‐induced cell death.     

Uptake of Cm(III) and Eu(III) by calcium silicate hydrates: a solution chemistry and time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy study

The interaction of the two chemical homologues [Cm(III) and Eu(III)] with calcium silicate hydrates (CSH phases) at pH 13.3 has been investigated in batch-type sorption studies using Eu(III) and complemented with time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) using Cm(III). The sorption data for Eu(III) reveal fast sorption kinetics and a strong uptake by CSH phases with distribution ratios of (6 +/- 3) x 10(5) L kg(-1). Three different Cm(III) species have been identified: A nonfluorescing species, which was identified as a curium hydroxide (surface) precipitate, and two fluorescing Cm(III)/CSH-sorbed species. The fluorescing sorbed species have characteristic emission spectra with main peak maxima at 618.9 and 620.9 nm and fluorescence emission lifetimes of 289 +/- 11 and 1482 +/- 200 micros, respectively. From the fluorescence lifetimes, it was calculated that the two fluorescing Cm(III) species have one or two and no water molecules left in their first coordination sphere, suggesting that these species are incorporated into the CSH structure. A structural model for Cm(III) and Eu(III) incorporation into CSH phases is proposed based on the substitution for Ca at two different types of sites in the CSH structure.     

Natural production of organic bromine compounds in Berlin Lakes

Berlin surface waters are characterized by elevated concentrations of organic bound bromine (up to 35 microg/L) in late summer. Organic bromine compounds in lakes are of significant importance because human life is closely connected to fresh water. Apart from recreational use, fresh water is frequently used for the production of drinking water, e.g., after bank filtration. Therefore the source, particularly the mechanism responsible for the formation is studied. Field studies indicate that the organic bromine compounds, measured as adsorbable organic bromine (AOBr), are autochthonous. Staggered maxima concentrations of chlorophyll-a, DOC and AOBr indicate that phototrophic organisms might contribute to the AOBr after death. The involvement of phototrophic organisms was established in the laboratory using surface water and/or cultures of organisms. Light and the presence of phototrophic organisms are essential for an AOBr production. Phototrophic organisms incorporate bromide, which is released randomly and after cell death. A part of the incorporated bromide is used for the formation of organic bromine compounds in the cell. After death of the organisms the brominated compounds and the incorporated bromide are released into the water phase, and an extracellular AOBr production can lead to a further formation of AOBr, most probably due to the parallel release of haloperoxidases.     

Aluminium in wild mushrooms and cultivated Agaricus bisporus

 The aluminium content in wild mushrooms (n = 271, 19 species) and in cultivated Agaricus bisporus (n = 15) was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. With an aluminium content of 30 – 50 μ/g dry matter (DM) Boletus and Xerocomus species, the most well-known and most popular mushrooms, proved to be poor in aluminium. Several species of the genus Suillus, Macrolepiota rhacodes, Hypholoma capnoides as well as individual samples of Russula ochroleuca and Amanita rubescens contained high aluminium concentrations of about 100 μg/g DM and more. Cultivated Agaricus bisporus had the lowest aluminium content, i. e. 14 μg/g DM. The site, its geological origin as well as the mushroom species influenced the aluminium content in the fruitbodies: these factors require further investigation. Mushrooms do not contribute significantly to aluminium intake by humans. Received: 23 January 1997     

Fate of the glucose degradation products 3-deoxyglucosone and glyoxal during peritoneal dialysis

Conventional fluids for peritoneal dialysis (PD) contain reactive glucose degradation products (GDPs) as a result of glucose breakdown during heat-sterilization. GDPs in PD fluids (PDFs) have been associated with the progressive alteration of the peritoneal membrane during long-term PD by cytotoxic effects and formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). In this study, we investigated the possible fate of two characteristic GDPs, 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) and glyoxal, during PD. In vivo, 3-DG and glyoxal concentrations, which were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), decreased in PDFs by 78% and 88% during 4 h of dwell time. The PDFs were then incubated in vitro in the presence of the most important reaction partners of GDPs in the peritoneal cavity. Neither human peritoneal mesothelial cells, human peritoneal fibroblasts, soluble protein, an insoluble collagen surface, nor components of spent dialysate led to a significant reduction of 3-DG or glyoxal after 6 h. Only after long-term incubation, a noticeable decrease of 3-DG was observed (-37% after three weeks), more likely due to spontaneous degradation reaction than formation of advanced glycation endproducts. These results suggest that in the course of PD, 3-DG, and glyoxal are absorbed into the organism and thus might contribute to the systemic pool of reactive carbonyl compounds.