Within-field wheat yield prediction from IKONOS data: a new matrix approach

This study demonstrates a unique matrix approach to determine within-field variability in wheat yields using fine spatial resolution 4?m IKONOS data. The matrix approach involves solving a system of simultaneous equations based on IKONOS data and post-harvest yields available at entire field scale. This approach was compared with a regression-based modelling approach involving field-sensor measured yields and the corresponding IKONOS measured indices and wavebands. The IKONOS data explained 74–78% variability in wheat yield. This is a significant result since the finer spatial resolution leads to capturing greater spatial variability and detail in landscape relative to coarser spatial resolution data. A pixel-by-pixel mapping of wheat yield variability highlights the fine spatial detail provided by IKONOS data for precision farming applications.     

Growth characteristics of MoS2 coatings prepared by unbalanced bipolar DC magnetron sputtering

MoS2 coatings were prepared by unbalanced bipolar DC magnetron sputtering under different argon pressures and for different deposition times, and the structure and morphology of MoS2 coatings were determined and observed respectively by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that at lower argon pressures of 0.15 Pa and 0.40 Pa, MoS2 coatings are formed with the （002） basal plane parallel to the surface, whereas the coating deposited at the argon pressure above 0.60 Pa has the （002） basal plane perpendicular to the surface. Two stages can be classified for the formation of MoS2 coating. At the initial stage of coating formation, the （002） basal plane with S-Mo-S layer structure grows on the substrate whatever the argon pressure is. And then the coating under 0.40 Pa argon pressure still grows with （002） laminate structure, but the coatings under 0.88 Pa and 1.60 Pa argon pressures turn to grow with the mixed basal and edge orientations. The morphology and structure of MoS2 coatings are highly related to their growth rate and the energy of sputtered particles.     

A new generic surface micromachining module for MEMS hermetic packaging at temperatures below 200 °C

This paper presents the different processing steps of a new generic surface micromachining module for MEMS hermetic packaging at temperatures around 180 °C based on nickel plating and photoresist sacrificial layers. The advantages of thin film caps are the reduced thickness and area consumption and the promise of being a low-cost batch process. Moreover, sealing happens by a reflow technique, giving the freedom of choosing the pressure and atmosphere inside the cavity. Sacrificial etch holes are situated above the device allowing shorter release times compared to the state-of-the-art. With the so-called over-plating process, small etch holes can be created in the membrane without the need of expensive lithography tools. The etch holes in the membrane have been shown to be sufficiently small to block the sealing material to pass through, but still large enough to enable an efficient release.     

Bacterial colonization of distal airways in healthy subjects and chronic lung disease: a bronchoscopic study

[14C]-labelled palmitic acid (PA), oleic acid (OA), linoleic (LA) and arachidonic (AA) acids were transferred from macrophages (M phi) to lymphocytes (LY) when equal numbers of the two cell types were co-cultured. The relative degree and amounts of the fatty acids transferred from M phi to LY are as follow: AA (368.57 +/- 21.62) = OA (274.52 +/- 15.41) > LA (42.11 +/- 8.31) = PA (36.53 +/- 2.45). The transfer units are nmol/10(10) M phi/10(10) LY and the values are mean +/- SEM for 7 experiments. The [14C]-radioactivity transferred was mainly directed to the phospholipid fraction of the lymphocytes (85% by PA, 86% by LA, 83% by OA and 79% by AA). In the same order as above, phosphatidylcholine was the phospholipid moiety most heavily labelled (82% by PA, 71% by LA, 66% by OA and 47% by AA). The amount of [14C]-radioactivity transferred to stimulated lymphocytes of thioglycollate treated animals remained unchanged for LA, PA and AA but reduced for OA (71%). The significance of these observations for the immune functions of the cells and resolution of the question of whether some of the [14C]-isotope transfer involves a component of exchange or is unequivocally net fatty acid mass transfer are still being investigated.     

Aluminium composite coatings containing micrometre and nanometre-sized particles electroplated from a non-aqueous electrolyte

The electrolytic codeposition of micro- and nano-sized particles with aluminum from a nonaqueous electrolyte is investigated. SiC, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiB₂ and hexagonal BN particles were codeposited with aluminium from an AlCl₃/dimethylsulfone (DMSO₂) electrolyte. The effect of particle concentration and current density on the codeposition rate of SiO₂ with aluminium was investigated. The codeposition of the various particles with Al from AlCl₃:DMSO₂ solutions is very high. The amount of codeposited particles is Langmuir dependent on the particle concentration in the electrolyte. In contrast, the effect of the current density on the amount of codeposited SiO₂ is small.     

Alpha-melanotropin hormone inhibits the binding of [3H]SCH 23390 to the dopamine D1 receptor in vitro

We have previously demonstrated that the simultaneous presence of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and dopamine resulted in a reduction in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in slices containing caudate putamen and accumbens nuclei as compared to those treated only with dopamine or alpha-MSH. This study was carried out to explore if the interaction between alpha-MSH and dopamine could be explained on the basis of a direct interaction between alpha-MSH and the dopamine D1 receptor. Saturation curves for [n-methyl-3 H](R)-(+)-8 chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1 H-3-benzazepin-7-o] hemimaleate ([3H]SCH 23390) binding in the presence of increasing concentrations of alpha-MSH were performed. Nonlinear regression in the presence of alpha-MSH revealed an increased dissociation constant (Kd). The binding capacity (Bmax) was not affected by the peptide. These data suggest an apparent competitive interaction between alpha-MSH and [3H]SCH 23390 in striatal membranes on the dopamine D1 receptor; (Ki = 1.2 X 10(-7) M). The present data show that alpha-MSH could interact with the dopamine D1 receptor modulating allosterically the affinity of [3H]SCH 23390 for the receptor or by causing a change in the lipid environment of the dopamine receptor, resulting in an inhibition of the ligand binding to it.     

Identification of HER2/neu-derived peptide epitopes recognized by gastric cancer-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Attention is drawn to the high incidence of varus angulation in the lower femur in Ollier's disease; eight of a total of 14 patients with this condition have this deformity. There may be retardation or arrest of the medial portion of the lower femoral growth plate. One case demonstrates a bone bridge, a condition not previously described in Ollier's disease. The limb-length inequality and varus angulation require concurrent management by a variety of techniques, which are described. Three of the eight patients have reached skeletal maturity; the remainder provide useful information on the condition and are a stimulus for discussion of future management.