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Notes: Sensitization rates to contact allergens vary between centers and are influenced by sex and age. Eliminating the latter 2 factors by standardization of data by age and sex, the present analysis address possible differences between centers remaining after elimination of these confounders, and analyzes other factors which might influence rates, e.g. the MOAHL index. Overall standardized rates were well within the range reported in previous studies and may be regarded as representing the rates of the “patch test population” in Central Europe (e.g. nickel sulfate 12.9%, fragrance mix 10.5″. balsam of Peru 7.3%. thimerosal 5.6%). For this analysis, data of those departments which contributed more than 2000 patients or of those with extreme proportion concerning sex, age and occupational cases were selected. Patients from these 10 departments differed considerably will regard to the items of the MOAHL index and with regard to standardized rates. The items of the MOAHL index proved to be suitable for describing different patch test populations and for explaining some differences between centers. Only ‘atopic dermatitis’ seems to have little influence on (standardized) rates. Face dermatitis is not yet represented in the MOAHL index, but should be included, together with age 〉 40 years, in an extended index (acronym: MOAHLFA). Regional allergen exposure (with striking differences between East Germany, West Germany and to a lesser extent Austria) seems to have a great influence on the sensitization pattern observed in a department. In addition, sociological factors may influence sensitization rates, which is exemplified by high rates of nickel allergy in a socially delined subgroup. Future studies should focus on these factors, as well as on factors concerning patch test practices and quality control.

Notes: The new Schwerionen-Synchrotron (SIS)/Experimenteller Speicher-Ring (ESR) heavy ion accelerator facility [Nucl. Instrum. Methods A 278, 7, 19 (1989)], built for basic atomic and nuclear physics at Darmstadt (Federal Republic of Germany), also provides unique possibilities to study rf accelerator and beam/target interaction physics for inertial confinement fusion driven with heavy ion beams. It is the first machine that offers this opportunity. Beam parameters and experiments planned over the next five years are discussed.

Notes: This paper presents numerical simulations of compression, ignition, and burn of a radiation-driven inertial fusion capsule suitable for use in a heavy-ion-beam-driven laboratory microfusion facility to achieve breakeven (thermonuclear energy output=input radiation energy). These simulations have been carried out using a one-dimensional, three-temperature, Lagrangian computer code medusa-kat [J. Appl. Phys. 60, 898 (1986)]. The basic capsule design is simple and consists of a thin gold microballoon coated with a beryllium ablator. A high-pressure gaseous deuterium–tritium (DT) fuel is filled in the capsule. The capsule is driven by a shaped radiation pulse having a prepulse corresponding to a radiation temperature of 100 eV and a main pulse with a temperature of 300 eV. A parameter study of the capsule gain, G versus input radiation energy over a range 52–76 kJ, has been carried out. The fuel mass has also been varied over a range 0.3–0.8 μg. It has been found that G∼1 can be achieved with an absorbed radiation energy of 70 kJ provided that the fuel mass lies between 0.5 and 0.7 μg. These simulations have also been repeated over the same parameter range but using an unshaped pulse with a constant radiation temperature of 300 eV. An overall reduction of 10%–30% has been observed in the gain curves in this case.

Notes: A mathematical model to predict Sorghum hale-pense seedling recruitment dynamics in relation to soil temperature was derived from the experimen-tal results obtained in a previous investigation. The model is based on the assumption that soil temperature controls seedling recruitment of S. halepense by controlling release from dormancy and germination rate once dormancy breakage has been produced. The previous analysis sup-plied mathematical functions to describe both the release from dormancy as controlled by tempera-ture fluctuations, and the response to ‘thermal time’ after dormancy breakage. These relation-ships were used in the construction of the model. This was tested against experimental field data with two differently aged seedbanks, in two seasons: spring and autumn. In each case in situ germination was monitored in plots with bare soil or soil surface shaded to simulate cover by a canopy. Soil temperature was recorded hourly and was used as an input of the model.A good description of seedling emergence dynamics in the field was obtained with the model, showing that seedling recruitment can be predicted using soil temperature data. The practi-cal value of the developed model is discussed.

Notes: Seed dormancy in Sorghum halepense is overcome by exposure to fluctuating temperatures and the effect is determined both by the diurnal amplitude and the maximum temperature. It was found that repeated cycles of particular regimes were additive, each cycle resulting in release from dormancy of a further proportion of the population. The range of regimes having this additive effect was wider in seeds which had after-ripened in the soil during winter than in those which were freshly dispersed. The temperature-dependent germination rate of seeds whose dormancy had been removed by the effect of fluctuating temperatures was analysed using a ‘thermal time’ approach, and estimates obtained of base and optimum temperatures and the required ‘thermal time’ for the germination of different fractions of the population. The results provide a basis for developing a model to predict seedling recruitment in the field using soil temperature data.

Notes: Cetirizine, a H1-receptor antagonist, exerts besides its well-known anti-allergic potential an array of anti-inflammatory activities. In particular epithelial cells activated in the presence of cetirizine showed a reduced ICAM-1 cell surface expression and a diminished release of sICAM-1.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ObjectiveWe wondered whether cetirizine might influence the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from human epithelial cells activated with agonists distinct from histamine.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉MethodsWe used the human lung epithelial cell line A549 for our in vitro studies. IL-8 release was determined by IL-8 enzyme immunoassay, the intracellular staining for IL-8 and NF-kB was analysed by FACS analysis and IL-8 mRNA steady state level was studied by Northern blot analysis. Confluent epithelial cell monolayer were pre-incubated with cetirizine (0.01 −1.0 μmol/L) for 30 min and afterwards activated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ) or different agonists (PMA, NaF, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) for 24 h.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉ResultsEpithelial cells stimulated with TNF-α IL-1β, PMA and RSV, respectively, showed a significantly increased release of IL-8. Pre-incubation with cetirizine diminished the IL-8 release from cells activated with TNF-α or PMA in a significant manner. The reduced IL-8 release coincided with a diminished percentage of cells expressing IL-8. Northern blot analysis revealed a reduced steady state level of IL-8 mRNA in cells pretreated with cetirizine and stimulated with TNF-α. Furthermore, a decreased amount of accessible DNA-binding sites of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) was determined by FACS analysis.〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉ConclusionsThese results suggest that cetirizine reduced the release of IL-8 from A549 cells stimulated with PMA and TNF-α, respectively, by lowering IL-8 gene expression. Therefore, cetirizine might exert anti-inflammatory effects beyond its H1-receptor antagonistic activity in the course of inflammatory respiratory tract disorders such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.