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We discuss the selection and observations of a large sample of nearby galaxies, which we are using to quantify the star formation activity in the local Universe. The sample consists of 334 galaxies across all Hubble types from S0/a to Im and with recession velocities of between 0 and 3000 km s-1. The basic data for each galaxy are narrow band H$\alpha +$[Nii] and R-band imaging, from which we derive star formation rates, H$\alpha +$[Nii] equivalent widths and surface brightnesses, and R-band total magnitudes. A strong correlation is found between total star formation rate and Hubble type, with the strongest star formation in isolated galaxies occurring in Sc and Sbc types. More surprisingly, no significant trend is found between H$\alpha +$[Nii] equivalent width and galaxy R-band luminosity. More detailed analyses of the data set presented here will be described in subsequent papers.

•The roles and responsibilities of RTTs are many and varied.•Teaching “advanced skills” to a diverse audience is challenging.•The ESTRO ASMR course meets these challenges with a dynamic programme.

Permanent deformation in asphalt concrete pavements manifests itself as depressions along the wheel paths, ruts. The prediction of rut depth requires a knowledge of materials characteristics that relate the asphalt concrete permanent strains to stress and temperature. This paper analyzes the character of permanent strains as inferred from a creep/recovery test. It is shown that the separation of the strains into the timeindependent elastic and plastic strains and the timedependent viscoelastic strains requires tests with various times to unloading. The analysis is illustrated with the results of a series of uniaxial compression creep/recovery tests on one asphalt concrete mixture. The tested material exhibits temperaturedependent elastic and plastic strains that are proportional to the level of stress. The time and temperaturedependent viscoelastic strains are nonlinearly related to the stress level and stress history. An approximate constitutive equation that disregards this nonlinearity is presented.

In this Paper I present a new two-dimensional decomposition technique, which models the surface photometry of a galaxy with an exponential light profile for both bulge and disk and, when necessary, with a Freeman bar. The new technique was tested for systematic errors on both artificial and real data and compared with widely used one-dimensional decomposition techniques, where the luminosity profile of the galaxy is used. The comparisons indicate that a decomposition of the two-dimensional image of the galaxy with an exponential light profile for both bulge and disk yields the most reproducible and representative bulge and disk parameters. An extensive error analysis was made to determine the reliability of the model parameters. If the model with an exponential bulge profile is a reasonable description of a galaxy, the maximum errors in the derived model parameters are of order 20%. The uncertainties in the model parameters will increase, if the exponential bulge function is replaced by other often used bulge functions as the de Vaucouleurs law. All decomposition methods were applied to the optical and near-infrared data set presented by de Jong & van der Kruit (1994), which comprises 86 galaxies in six passbands.

A new method of stability evaluation of the stage-constructed embankment on soft ground using stress path is developed and presented in this paper. A series of CU tests was carried out to develop the new method to evaluate the stability of soft ground. A new concept of stability index (SI) is defined with stress path. The effective stress path (ESP) line approaches to the Kf line gradually along the same direction to a certain point, then the direction changes and approaches to the Kf line rapidly. The potential of failure increases swiftly when SI is less than 0.4, and the value of SI=0.4 could be assumed as a representative value to evaluate the potential of failure for the tested material.

Aims. We present an analysis of the star formation properties of field galaxies within the local volume out to a recession velocity limit of 3000?km?s-1.Methods. A parent sample of 863 star-forming galaxies is used to calculate a B-band luminosity function. This is then populated with star formation information from a subsample of 327?galaxies, for which we have H??imaging, firstly by calibrating a relationship between galaxy B-band luminosity and star formation rate, and secondly by a Monte?Carlo simulation of a representative sample of galaxies, in which star formation information is randomly sampled from the observed subset.Results. The total star formation rate density of the local Universe is found to be between 0.016 and 0.023?M??yr-1?Mpc-3with the uncertainties dominated by the internal extinction correction used in converting measured H??fluxes to star formation rates. If our internally derived B-band luminosity function is replaced by one from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey blue sequence, the star formation rate densities are ~60% of the above values. We also calculate the contribution to the total star formation rate density from galaxies of different luminosities and Hubble T-types. The largest contribution comes from bright galaxies with MB? -20?mag, and the total contribution from galaxies fainter than MB= -15.5?mag is less than 10%. Almost 60% of the star formation rate density comes from galaxies of types?Sb, Sbc or Sc; 9% from galaxies earlier than Sb and 33% from galaxies later than Sc. Finally, 75-80% of the total star formation in the local Universe is shown to be occurring in disk regions, defined as being >1?kpc from the centres of galaxies.Conclusions. The star formation rate density estimates found here are consistent with values from the recent literature using a range of different star formation indicators. Even though they are numerous, dwarf galaxies contribute little to the star formation in the local Universe, and the bulk of the star formation takes place in L*?spirals.

This paper outlines research and development towards an integrated Earth sensing sensorweb system for improved crop and rangeland yield predictions. The paper introduces the concepts of integrated Earth sensing and in situ sensorwebs and describes the key aspects and innovations of an intelligent sensorweb for integrated Earth sensing (ISIES). ISIES incorporates a sensorweb that provides automatic and continuous in situ measurements and advanced crop growth models and leading-edge sensorweb-enabled OpenGIS-compliant Web services. A key component of each in situ sensorweb node is SmartCore, a compact device developed to control sensor data traffic autonomously and to communicate wirelessly in two-way mode with the ISIES central server. The system server automatically integrates the in situ sensorweb data with remote sensing data and crop models to provide maps of leaf area index and soil moisture and biomass and improved predictions of crop and rangeland yield.

Gene expression profiling was used to compare the gene expression patterns of human germinal center (GC) T helper (Th) cells with other CD4+ T-cell subsets (naive, central, and effector memory T cells). GC-Th cells, specifically localized in germinal centers to help B cells, are distantly related to central and effector memory T cells in global gene expression profiles. GC-Th cells displayed substantial differences in mRNA for adhesion molecules, chemoattractant receptors, and cytokines compared with other populations. Distinct expression of transcriptional factors by GC-Th cells is consistent with the hypothesis that they may be different from other T cells in cell lineage. Interestingly, CXCL13, a critical chemokine for B-cell entry to lymphoid follicles, is one of the most highly up-regulated genes in GC-Th cells. GC-Th cells (but not other T cells) produce and secrete large amounts of functional CXCL13 upon T-cell receptor activation, a process that is dependent on costimulation, requires translation and transcription, and is dramatically enhanced by activation in the presence of GC-B cells. This study revealed for the first time the unique gene expression program of GC-Th cells.

Although local knowledge of their economic exploitation is still poor, a new look at vicuña may offer important economic possibilities for the inhabitants of the High Andes in Bolivia. This article investigates the possibilities for a change in vicuña production systems in Bolivia, which could result in increased economic benefits whilst guaranteeing the sustainability of the system. Its main conclusion is that future vicuña production systems can certainly be made more efficient and sustainable, but that more effort is needed to develop new marketing systems and technologies if the inhabitants are to take full advantage of the possibilities that vicuña production offers.

Although local knowledge of their economic exploitation is still poor, a new look at vicuña may offer important economic possibilities for the inhabitants of the High Andes in Bolivia. This article investigates the possibilities for a change in vicuña production systems in Bolivia, which could result in increased economic benefits whilst guaranteeing the sustainability of the system. Its main conclusion is that future vicuña production systems can certainly be made more efficient and sustainable, but that more effort is needed to develop new marketing systems and technologies if the inhabitants are to take full advantage of the possibilities that vicuña production offers.

Efficient, large-scale processes were developed for the preparation of the potent PNP inhibitors 2,6-diamino-3,5-dihydro-7-(3-thienylmethyl)-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one hydrochloride, monohydrate (1) and 2-amino-3,5-dihydro-7-(3-thienylmeth-yl)-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one hydrochloride, monohydrate (2). We report (1) a safe, continuous nitration process for the preparation of 2-amino-6-chloro-5-nitro-4-pyrimidinol (8a) and its stable diisopropylamine salt (8b), (2) the first MgCl2/Et3N-mediated C-alkylation of a chloronitropyrimidine, (3) a rare catalytic protodediazotization of the diazonium salt 2-amino-4-oxo-7-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-6-diazonium chloride (14), (4) a single-step process to prepare 2 directly from 2-amino-6-hydroxy-5-nitro-α-(3-thienylmethyl)-4-pyrimidineacetonitrile (12) using a sponge nickel-catalyzed reduction, and (5) a method to convert the over-reduction by-product 2,5-diamino-6-(1-aminomethyl-2-thiophen-3-yl-ethyl)-pyrimidin-4-ol (16) into 2 using air oxidation.

Differences in survey questions' wordings and weakness in some questions used to measure noise annoyance have interfered with accumulating knowledge about the factors that affect different communities' responses to noise. In 1993 an ICBEN team, Community Response to Noise, set the goal of creating high-quality survey questions that would yield internationally comparable measures of overall reactions to noise sources. After 7 years of discussions and research the team has developed and tested a method that attempts to meet those goals. The team recommends the use of a pair of multi-purpose questions in community noise surveys. The wording of the questions is presented for the nine languages for which a standardized empirical study protocol has been followed to select annoyance scale words. The team's protocol can be used to create comparable questions for additional languages in the future.

Wide-field-of-view infrared cameras, operating on the new generation of large telescopes, offer unprecedented gains in the detection of faint sources and in observing efficiency for both direct imaging and spectroscopy. With a 1024 × 1024 pixel, 1-2.5 ?m detector, the PISCES camera provides 8.'5 and 3.'16 fields at the 2.3 m Bok telescope and 6.5 m Multiple Mirror Telescope, respectively. Its refractive optics utilize all spherical surfaces and standard glasses. A cold pupil stop suppresses the thermal background produced by the emissive surfaces normally present in Cassegrain optical configurations. The optical design is directly extendable to wider fields with larger detector formats. Future upgrades include low-resolution (R = 200-500) multiobject spectroscopy.

Three different percentages of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (0.1, 0.5, and 1% by mass of asphalt cement) were used to modify conventional asphalt cement (60/70) in this study. Mechanical properties of modified asphalt cement and mixture were evaluated. Penetration grade, kinematic viscosity, softening point and dynamic shear rheometer test were measured to evaluate physical properties of modified asphalt cement. The results exhibited that modifying asphalt cement with CNTs decreased its penetration and increased its kinematic viscosity and softening point. Rutting parameter increased with CNTs at the given temperature for both unaged and RTFOT-aged samples. Marshall stability tests, low temperature cracking tests, indirect tensile tests and wheel tracking tests were conducted to assess the mechanical performance of modified hot asphalt mixture. The Marshall stability increased with CNTs but no significant difference at 0.5 and 1.0wt%, while Marshall flow decreased with CNTs. The results of wheel tracking test showed that rut depth decreased by 45% upon adding 0.5% CNTs by weight of asphalt cement; also, this percentage of CNTs endowed improvement in low temperature cracking and indirect tensile strength of the asphalt concrete. This study underlines that adding CNTs into asphalt cement enhances the performance of asphalt concrete pavement in both hot and cold weather, which in turn prolongs the pavement’s service life and saves maintenance expenses.

To characterize cis‐acting elements controlling the expression of T cell receptor beta‐chains we generated a number of transgenic mouse lines harboring a rearranged T cell receptor beta‐chain with different extensions of 5′ and 3′ flanking sequences. Transcriptional analysis of transgenic mice carrying these clones showed that sequences located downstream of the polyadenylation signal of the C beta 2 region are indispensable for expression in transgenic mice. The sequences conferring enhancer activity in this fragment were further defined by transient CAT assays. Strong enhancer activity was found to reside in a 550 bp fragment located 5 kb downstream from C beta 2. The nucleotide sequence of this fragment revealed a number of oligonucleotide motifs characteristic for enhancer elements.

Soil water is of great importance to agricultural and hydrological systems, affecting crop yields, agricultural management practices and a wide range of physical and chemical processes in soils. Many models have been developed over the years to simulate soil water, ranging from simple water balance procedures to complex deterministic models. In this paper, some of the basic concepts, strengths, weaknesses and input requirements of soil water models are reviewed. Simple budget models which require only available water-holding capacity, based on the concepts of field capacity and wilting point, and monthly average values of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET)are often adequate for climatic characterizations. However, detailed deterministic models are useful for investigating more complex processes such as solute movement, soil degradation and crop growth. These models are based on Richards’ equation, with an added term for root water extraction. They generally require daily or hourly meteorological data and detailed hydraulic conductivity and water potential functions for various soil layers.Meteorological data for input into models are widely available in Canada from a network of climate stations. However, the network density is sparse for those models which use the most accurate procedures for estimating PET, requiring parameters such as wind, solar radiation and/or humidity. Moreover, pedotransfer functions generally need to be used to estimate, from existing soil databases, the required soil inputs for sophisticated models.To demonstrate a practical application, a soil water model was used in conjunction with simple crop yield/water use relationships to characterize soil water regimes and crop production risks. The probability of obtaining break-even yields (PBEY) for continuous spring wheat was calculated and mapped for the Canadian prairie region. PBEYranged from less than 20% in the most arid region of the prairies to between 60 and 100% in most humid areas. An estimate of PBEYbased on modelled yields was in close agreement with that based on long-term measured yields in the sub-arid region. With increasing availability of integrated multi-process based models, this technique has potential for studying the effects of soil characteristics and crop management techniques on PBEY. Key words:Soil water, simulation models, review, spring wheat, break-even yield, Canadian prairies

The deregulated tyrosine kinase activity of the Bcr/Abl protein has been causally linked to the development of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-positive leukemia in mice and man. Abnormally tyrosine-phosphorylated substrates of the Bcr/Abl kinase in Ph-positive cells are likely to contribute to leukemogenesis by interfering with normal signal transduction pathways. We have previously shown that the adaptor molecule Crkl is a major in vivo substrate for the Bcr/Abl tyrosine kinase, and it is thought to connect Bcr/Abl with downstream effectors. In the current study, a tyrosine-phosphorylated protein with a molecular mass of approximately 120 kDa was identified which binds only to the Crkl Src homology 2 (SH2) domain in cells, including Ph-positive patient material, containing an active Bcr/Abl protein. We demonstrate here that this protein is Cbl, originally discovered as an oncogene which induces B-cell and myeloid leukemias in mice. The Crkl SH2 domain binds specifically to Cbl. The Src homology 3 (SH3) domains of Crkl do not bind to Cbl, but do bind Bcr/Abl. These findings suggest the existence of a trimolecular complex involving Bcr/Abl, Crkl, and Cbl and are consistent with a model in which Crkl mediates the oncogenic signal of Bcr/Abl to Cbl.

Difficulties in comparing the results from studies have interfered with accumulating knowledge about communities' responses to noise. Gaps in the information presented in publications have been especially serious problems for combined social and acoustical surveys of residents' responses to environmental noise. In an attempt to alleviate this problem an ICBEN team. Community Response to Noise, recommends the guidelines in this article for reporting on combined social/acoustical surveys of residents' reactions to noise. A table lists guidelines for information on 18 topics for publications of three levels of detail. The guidelines were developed in three years of correspondence with acoustical and social sciences experts from 12 countries. These guidelines are supported by the 11 members of the ICBEN noise team and the 26 experts listed in the article.

An evaluation of the water flow submodel, LEACHW, of the LEACHM solute transport model was conducted using profiles of volumetric water content, θ(z), and hydraulic head, H(z), measured under steady sated and near‐saturated flow conditions in two large, intact, soil columns. The hydraulic conductivity (K)‐water content (θ)‐pressure head (ψ) relationships, K‐θ‐ψ, required by LEACHW were obtained by fitting the Van Genuchten functions to measurements of sated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and θ vs. ψ obtained: (i) using in‐situ TDR and tensiometer measurements, with the θ‐ψ data being collected during the initial column wetting; and (ii) using the traditional saturated flow‐desorption technique on intact soil core subsamples collected from the columns at the end of the experiment. The LEACHW model provided reasonably accurate predictions of the θ(z) and H(z) profiles, regardless of whether the in‐situ or soil core‐based K‐θ‐ψ relationships were used, and regardless of whether sated or near‐saturated flow occurred. The LEACHW predictions were substantially more accurate, however, when the K‐θ‐ψ relationships derived from the in‐situ measurements were used. It was concluded that the LEACHW model, coupled with independently measured K‐θ‐ψ functions, could provide reasonably accurate predictions of steady θ(z) and H(z) profiles in large, intact soil columns, regardless of whether the soil macropores are largely water‐conducting (sated flow) or largely nonwater‐conducting (near‐saturated flow). It also appears that in‐situ Ksand θ‐ψ measurements, with the θ‐ψ data collected during initial wetting, may provide more appropriate K‐θ‐ψ relationships for use in water and solute transport models than the traditional saturated flow‐desorption method using intact soil core subsamples.

The previously developed soil water‐crop production model SWA‐CROP was adapted and tested for grassland production under the weather conditions and management practices encountered on sandy soils in the Netherlands. The model, which required soil physical and crop properties as input, was driven by meteorological data. The main output of the soil water balance module (SWATRE) included actual transpiration and the distribution of soil water contents and pressure heads over depth and time. The crop production module (CROPR) calculated dry‐matter yields of roots, stubble, and harvestable sward. The CROPR module was also used to calculate leaf‐area index and soil cover, which formed feedback loops with the soil water balance. After initial calibration, 85% of the predicted soil water contents in the root zone fell within 10% of the measured data. Seasonal accumulated grass yield, predicted by the model under non‐stressed conditions, was within 10% of the measured yield, but yields during dry periods were overestimated. Discrepancies between measured and predicted yields under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions were attributed to the model's inability to simulate growth and death rates of individual plant organs.

HYDRODYNAMIQUE - Une Introduction by Walter H. Graf and M. S. Altinakar, Presses Poly techniques et Universitaires Romandes, Lausanne, 1995CIVIL ENGINEERING HYDRAULICS by R. Featherstone and C. Nalluri, Blackwell Science Ltd. 25 John Street, London WCIN 2 BL SB 401pp ISBN 0-632-03863-2 price unknownSTREAMFLOW MEASUREMENT by H. W. Herschy, E & FN Spon, 2-6 Boundary Row, London SE1/8HN UK HB 524 pp. ISBN 0-419-19490-8 price unknownHYDRAULIC DESIGN OF STEPPED CASCADES, CHANNELS, WEIRS AND SPILLWAYS by H. Chanson, Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, UK HB 292 ISBN 0-08-041918-6 £55, - US$88,-

Reaction of 1,3-dimetallated acetylenes KC°C-CH(K)R (R=alkyl, O-alkyl, S-alkyl, aryl, N(alkyl)2) with non-enolizable thiocarbonyl compounds XCSSCH3 (X=aryl, heteroaryl, t-Bu, CH3O, t-BuO, CH3S, N(alkyl)2) gives 2,3-disub-stituted thiophenes (6) having X in the 2-position and R in the 3-position.

A simulation model describing water movement through field-cropped soils was developed. The soil water flow equation, which included a root extraction term, was approximated using a finite difference technique. Hydraulic conductivity (K) and diffusivity (D) functions were calculated by using the Millinton-Quirk technique. The chosen boundry conditions, rainfall, evapotranspiration, and a fluctuating water table approximated those existing in the field. Submodels to calculate interception, evaporation, and transpiration were included in the model. Model predictions were in good agreement with field data from a fairly uniform soil. On a soil containing discontinous clay varves the predictions were not satisfactory when the original calculated Kand Dfunctions were used. Predicted and measured water content profiles were in closer agreement when the Kand Dfunctions were modified within the limits of the measured moisture retention curve data.

A retrospective study is reported assessing final height (FH) and its predictive factors in 52 patients (31 male, 21 female) who underwent renal transplantation (RTx) before the age of 15 y. They received prednisone daily or on alternate days as well as azathioprine. The study period covered 20 y. FH remained below the third height percentile [height standard deviation score for chronologic age (hSDSCA) < −1.88] for most of these patients (77 males, 71 females). Median (range) FH was 165.0 (143.0–176.8) cm in males and 153.0 (135.0–168.4) cm in females. Median difference between FH and target height was 15.0 and 15.4 cm for males and females, respectively. For both sexes, the median hSDSCAwas already below −1.88 at the start of the first hemodialysis, after which it decreased significantly until the first RTx. After RTx, there was no significant improvement of hSDSCA. The predictive factors for FH were determined by evaluating various factors simultaneously in a multiple regression analysis. This analysis provided a regression equation for predicting FH. A higher hSDSCAat the time of the first RTx and alternate-day versusdaily prednisone therapy both had a significantly positive influence on FH, whereas a longer duration of reduced GFR (<50 mL/min/1.73 m2) had a significantly negative effect on FH. Other factors such as age or bone age at first RTx, primary renal disease, duration of initial dialysis, repeat RTx, and the cumulative dose of prednisone did not influence FH significantly. In conclusion, 71–77 of patients that received their first renal transplant before the age of 15 ended up with severely short adult stature. Optimization of the hSDSCAat first RTx appears very important. Long-term administration of prednisone on alternate days would then result in optimal FH, particularly if the GFR remains above 50 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Results from a 2‐year study concerned with additions and losses of N from cropped fields in an intensively farmed sandy loam watershed in southern Ontario indicated that heavily fertilized hurley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL. [Kentucky 2110]) (220 kg N/ha per year) potato (Solanum tuberosumL. [Superior]) (165 kg N/ha per year) fields can potentially lose up to 52 and 92 kg N/ha per year, respectively, from the 75‐cm profile by leaching and denitrification. Mineral N production rates calculated from results obtained in the field over the growing season varied from 0.0 to 0.73 kg N/ha per year. The lower rate resulted from leaching losses. The monitored NO3‐N profile distributions under fertilized hurley tobacco and potato crops showed definite leaching patterns. Soil water samples taken periodically from the potato field at 90 and 150 cm showed NO3‐N moving through the lower profile in response to rainfall events. A plot treated with Cl showed no significant Cl leaching losses until early fall when rains moved about 45% of the added Cl below 75 cm.

Proper consideration of traffic loading in pavement design requires knowledge of the full axle load distribution by the main axle types, including single, tandem, and tridem axles. Although the equivalent single axle load (ESAL) concept has been used since the 1960s for empirical pavement design, the new mechanistic-based pavement design procedures under development by various agencies most likely will require the use of the axle load distribution. Procedures and models for converting average daily traffic into ESALs and axle load distribution are presented, as are the relevant issues on the characterization of the full axle load distributions for single, tandem, and tridem axles for use in mechanistic-based pavement design. Weigh-in-motion data from the North Central Region of the Long-Term Pavement Performance study database were used to develop the models for predicting axle load distribution.

BCR/ABL is considered responsible for the development of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia. Experimental animal models, such as transgenic mice, have demonstrated unambiguously that Bcr/Abl is capable of inducing leukemogenesis. The adaptor molecule Crkl is a major in vivo substrate of the deregulated Bcr/Abl tyrosine kinase and functions as a molecular link with other signaling proteins. While associated in vivo with Bcr/Abl through its SH3 domain, Crkl can interact simultaneously via its SH2 domain with other tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Here we report the identification of prominently tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins with a molecular mass of approximately 110 kDa, which bind specifically to the Crkl SH2 domain in leukemic tissues of P190BCR/ABL transgenic mice. We demonstrate that these proteins are identical to Hef1/Cas-L, which is related to p130(Cas). The proto-oncoprotein p120(Cbl) and Hef1, but not p130(Cas), were detectably phosphorylated on tyrosine in P190Bcr/Abl-expressing leukemic cells and were found in complex with Crkl, showing the existence of protein complexes in P190Bcr/Abl leukemic cells, consisting of P190Bcr/Abl, Crkl, and Hef1 or p120(Cbl). This supports a model in which Crkl acts as mediator between Bcr/Abl and downstream effectors. Since Hef1 is involved in the beta1-integrin signaling pathway, our study demonstrates that Bcr/Abl could specifically interfere with normal beta1-integrin signaling.