Numerical investigation of the angle of repose of monosized spheres.

This paper presents a numerical study of the angle of repose, a most important macroscopic parameter in characterizing granular materials, by means of a modified distinct element method. Emphasis is given to the effect of variables related to factors such as particle characteristics, material properties, and geometrical constraints. The results show that sliding and rolling frictions are the primary reasons for the formation of a sandpile; particle size and container thickness significantly influence the angle of repose; and the angle of repose is not so sensitive to density, Poisson's ratio, damping coefficient, and Young's modulus. Increasing rolling friction coefficient or sliding friction coefficient increases the angle of repose. Conversely, increasing particle size or container thickness decreases the angle of repose. The underlying mechanisms for these effects are discussed in terms of particle-particle and particle-wall interactions.

Cytogenetic and clinical studies in gonadal dysgenesis with 46,X,Xt(qter leads to p221::p223 leads to qter) karyotype: review and phenotype/karyotype correlations.

Chromosome analysis by Q, R, and C banding was performed in a case diagnosed clinically as gonadal dysgenesis and the karyotype was shown to be 46,X,Xt(qter leads to p221::p223 leads to qter). Localisation of the breakpoints in the fused X chromosomes and replication studies have led to a hypothesis on the origin of the translocation. A comparison of clinical and cytogenetical findings in this and other published cases has also been made in an attempt to detect some phenotype/karyotype correlations.

[Preliminary study of the physical chemistry and catalytic properties of glutathione-S-transferase from human placenta]. / Studio preliminare delle proprieta' catalitiche e chimico fisiche della glutatione-S-transferasi da placenta umana.

Glutathione-S-transferase activity has been identified in the cytosol of human placenta. The specific activity measured is about 50% of that found in human liver. While some kinetic data have a close correspondence with those attributed to transferases of other sources, the molecular weight (60.000 daltons) and electric properties of this protein are unusual. The inhibitory effect of several non-substrate compounds suggests that also the placental Glutathione-S-transferase may play some role in detoxication of exogenous substances.