We use the mode-coupling theory (MCT), which has been highly successful in accounting for the anomalous relaxation behaviour near the liquid-to-glass transition, for describing the dynamics of monatomic (i.e. simple) liquids away from the glass formation regime. We find that the dynamical structure factor predicted by MCT compares well to experimental findings and results of computer simulations. The memory function exhibits a two-step decay as found frequently in experimental and simulation data. The long-time relaxation regime, in which the relaxation rate strongly depends on the density and is identified as the α relaxation. At high density this process leads the glass instability. The short-time relaxation rate is fairly independent of density.

Gram-negative bacteria acquired through gastrointestinal infection can be a serious cause for the development of septic shock especially in immunosuppressed patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the early events of the immune reaction against S. typhimurium. Bacteria were injected into mice at different concentrations. Four animals from each group were killed at five different points of time. Liver cytokine mRNA expression was determined by semiquantitative rt-PCR and liver histology was examined. Serum cytokine levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4 and IL-10 were determined. intravenous (i.v.) infection with 109 bacteria led to lethal septic shock within 24 h. A delayed production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-18 and IL-10 and milder histological alterations in the liver were observed in these animals. The highest expression of cytokines in the liver and the strongest histological alterations were seen after infection with 107 bacteria. Here, an increased mRNA expression of all proinflammatory cytokines began 1 h after infection. Animals infected with 1 x 102 bacteria had the highest detectable serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10. These data indicate that the immediate events in the immune reaction within the liver after infection with S. typhimurium are associated with the outcome of the subsequent sepsis.

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This Special issue of the "Condensed Matter Physics" journal is dedicated to Professor Giancarlo Ruocco on the occasion of his 60 birthday. Giancarlo Ruocco is widely known as one of the pioneers in the development of the meV resolution Inelastic X-ray Scattering (IXS), a novel and yet state-ofthe-art technique for studying atomistic dynamics in condensed and soft matter. The IXS opened new possibilities in understanding the microscopic nature of relaxation processes in liquids, glasses, complex biomolecular systems and polymers. His strong background in theory allowed Giancarlo Ruocco to combine experimental findings with theoretical analysis of IXS data, that led to fundamental results for dynamic processes in various condensed and soft matter systems. Born in Rome, Giancarlo graduated in 1981 with Laurea degree in Physics from the Sapienza University of Rome. His first studies were performed under the guidance of Prof. G. Signorelli and Prof. V. Mazzacurati and were focused on Raman scattering in water. In 1984 Giancarlo took a position of