Criminality in a sample of drug abusers in Greece

In order to produce mAbs directed specifically against HLA-DR10 molecule, transfected mouse L cells, expressing the DRB1*1001 allele, were used to immunize C3H mice over a period of 4 weeks. Two mAbs, 2C12 and 4B6, derived from this fusion were found to recognize, with different affinity, polymorphic epitopes of DR10 that are shared with DR1, 3, 7, and 9. These mAbs were screened on a large panel of homozygous B lymphoblastoid cell lines using microlymphocytotoxicity and the results were confirmed by flow cytometry. The reactive pattern of 2C12 and 4B6 was compared to that of MP10 human mAb also recognizing the DR10 specificity in addition to DR1, 2 and 9. Based on serologic specificity and cellular absorption experiments, we conclude that the epitopes the murine and human mAbs respectively recognize on the DR10 molecule, are probably different.     

Plane wave propagation in uniaxial bianisotropic medium

The uniaxial bianisotropic medium is a generalisation of the bi-isotropic and chiral media which recently have been subject to intensive research. Such a medium results, for example, when microscopic helices with parallel axes are positioned in a host dielectric in random locations. Plane wave propagation in such a medium is studied and a simple solution for the dispersion equation is found. Numerical examples for the wave number surfaces of the medium are given.<>     

Effect of the initial state on spalling of copper

The results are presented of experimental examination of the effect of the grain size on the spoliation of copper. Levels of the loading pressure, corresponding to various stages of spollation, were determined for two initial states characterized by a mean grain size of 0.29 and 1.62 mm. The results show that for the material with the smaller grain these levels are approximately 0.2 GPa higher than for the material with the larger grain size.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 2, pp. 73–75, February, 1996.     

The ultimate ductile state model for a pipe with an axial through crack

A statistically admissible solution has been constructed for a pipe with an axial through crack. The boundaries of the limit region have been obtained and the strength conditions on its boundary have been formulated. The extension of the distribution of forces and moments beyond the limit region boundary has been substantiated. The results obtained for a pipe with closed ends are in fair agreement with the experimental data. The influence of the axial force and the property anisotropy upon the fracture stress has been studied. The possibility of considering several cracks is analysed.     

Calculating the response of sensitive elements based on wave delay devices

A method of calculating the response of sensitive elements based on wave delay devices is described using as an example a gauge for measuring the diameter of holes in metal objects. The efficiency of a sensitive element consisting a cylindrical helix with a longitudinally conducting shield is demonstrated. Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 9, pp. 46–50, September, 1996.     

Allelic diversity at the primate Mhc-G locus: exon 3 bears stop codons in all Cercopithecinae sequences

The aim of this study was to determine whether bisaramil-an antiarrhythmic compound under clinical investigation-influences the reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and biochemical parameters characterizing occlusion-reperfusion-induced free-radical reactions. The left descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 60 min in anaesthetized dogs followed by one hour of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken at different times of the occlusion and reperfusion for the determination of plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); furthermore of the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Free-radical generating capacity of polymorph neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) was also measured. At the end of the experiments heart tissue samples were excised from the injured areas and from the intact part of the left ventricular muscle. In tissues samples the concentrations of MDA and GSH and the activity of SOD were determined. Bisaramil was given as an i.v. bolus injection at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 several minutes prior to the end of LAD-occlusion; then the administration was repeated in the 30th minute of reperfusion. In the control group (10 dogs) ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurred in seven cases which resulted in death in three. In the bisaramil-treated group, however. VF was seen in three cases and no death was recorded. Bisaramil inhibited the elevation of the plasma concentration of MDA and GSSG during the reperfusion and abolished the decrease in the plasma concentration of GSH during the occlusion and reperfusion. The activity of SOD and catalase in plasma was much better preserved in the bisaramil-treated group then in the controls. Bisaramil significantly inhibited the increase of the superoxide-radical generating capacity of PMNs during the reperfusion. The data obtained from myocardial tissue samples supported the cardioprotective effect of bisaramil. The biochemical investigation of ischemic-reperfused myocardium showed that bisaramil promoted preservation of SOD-activity and of tissue glutathione. Results of this study clearly showed that bisaramil has a significant effect on ischemiareperfusion injury. Besides its inhibitory effects on ischaemia-reperfusion induced arrhythmias it has a special benefit in influencing free-radical mediated damage leading to better preservation of membranes and to limitations of irreversible cell injuries.