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This article will discuss some of the issues in testing 10GBASE-LRM optical interfaces over multimode fiber, and will outline a methodology for doing so. The article will also describe test results from a recent multivendor interoperability test demonstrating the feasibility and robustness of the LRM interface

The ferromagnetic Ising model with antiferromagnetic dipole interactions is investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulations, focusing on the characterization of the phase transitions between the tetragonal liquid and stripe of width h phases. The dynamic evolution of the physical observables is analyzed within the short-time regime for 0.5≤δ≤1.3, where δ is the ratio between the short-range exchange and the long-range dipole interaction constants. The obtained results for the interval 0.5≤δ≤1.2 indicate that the phase transition line between the h=1 stripe and tetragonal liquid phases is continuous. This finding contributes to clarifying the controversy about the order of this transition. This controversy arises from the difficulties introduced in the simulations due to the presence of long-range dipole interactions, such as an important increase in the simulation times that limits the system size used, strong finite size effects, as well as to the existence of multiple metastable states at low temperatures. The study of the short-time dynamics of the model allows us to avoid these hindrances. Moreover, due to the fact that the finite-size effects do not significantly affect the power-law behavior exhibited in the observables within the short-time regime, the results could be attributed to those corresponding to the thermodynamic limit. As a consequence of this, a careful characterization of the critical behavior for the whole transition line is performed by giving the complete set of critical exponents. Fil: Horowitz, Claudio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina Fil: Bab, Marisa Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina Fil: Mazzini, Marcos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina Fil: Rubio Puzzo, Maria Leticia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina Fil: Saracco, Gustavo Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina

Previously, survival of rabies infection was shown to correlate with low IL-6 serum concentration in mice subjected to post-exposure treatment with the Fuenzalida Palacios rabies vaccine in conjunction with the immunomodulator Propionibacterium acnes, previously Corynebacterium parvum. Considering the substitution of the Fuenzalida Palacios rabies vaccine by the Vero cell raised anti-rabies vaccine in almost all countries, the objective of this work was to evaluate the survival and cytokine serum concentration of rabies virus-infected mice treated with P. acnes in conjunction with or the anti-rabies-VERO vaccine. For this, Swiss mice were experimentally infected with street rabies virus and subjected to vaccine and/or P. acnes following infection. Animals were killed at different times and serum was collected to evaluate cytokines. The greatest survival was observed in animals given one or two does of P. acnes in the absence of vaccination. Animals given anti-rabies VERO vaccine alone or with three doses of P. acnes had the second highest survival rate. The group that had the highest percentage of mortality also had the highest IL-6 concentration on the 10th day, a time correlating with clinical symptoms of the animals. The results reinforce the inefficacy of anti-rabies vaccine in only one dose as a post-exposure treatment irrespective of the type of vaccine used, the immunomodulation activity of P. acnes in rabies post-exposure treatment and suggest a role for IL-6 in rabies virus pathogenesis.

An epithermal facility for treating patients with brain gliomas has been designed and is under construction at the fast reactor TAPIRO at ENEA Casaccia (Italy). The calculational design tools employed were the Monte Carlo codes MCNP/MCNPX together with the DSA in-house variance reduction patch. A realistic anthropomorphic phantom (“ADAM”) was included to optimise dose profiles and in-phantom treatment-planning figures-of-merit. The adopted approach was to minimise the treatment time whilst maintaining a reasonable therapeutic ratio. It is shown that TAPIRO, in spite of its low power of 5 kW, is able to provide an epithermal beam that is of good quality and of sufficient intensity to allow a single beam patient irradiation, under conservative assumptions, of 50 min.

One of the most serious accidents that can occur in the experimental nuclear fusion reactor ITER is the break of one of the headers of the refrigeration system of the first wall of the Tokamak. This results in water-steam mixture discharge in vacuum vessel (VV), with consequent pressurization of this container. To prevent the pressure in the VV exceeds 150 KPa absolute, a system discharges the steam inside a suppression pool, at an absolute pressure of 4.2 kPa. The computer codes used to analyze such incident (eg. RELAP 5 or MELCOR) are not validated experimentally for such conditions. Therefore, we planned a basic research, in order to have experimental data useful to validate the heat transfer correlations used in these codes. After a thorough literature search on this topic, ACTA, in collaboration with the staff of ITER, defined the experimental matrix and performed the design of the experimental apparatus. For the thermal-hydraulic design of the experiments, we executed a series of calculations by MELCOR. This code, however, was used in an unconventional mode, with the development of models suited respectively to low and high steam flow-rate tests. The article concludes with a discussion of the placement of experimental data within the map featuring the phenomenon characteristics, showing the importance of the new knowledge acquired, particularly in the case of chugging.

The historical site of the Monte Mario lower Pleistocene succession (Rome, Italy) is an important marker of the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary. Recently, the Monte Mario site was excavated and restudied. A spectacular angular unconformity characterizes the contact between the Monte Vaticano and the Monte Mario formations, which marks the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary. Biostratigraphical analyses carried out on ostracod, foraminifer, and calcareous nannofossil assemblages indicate an Early Pliocene age (topmost Zanclean, 3.81–3.70 Ma) for the underlying Monte Vaticano Formation, whereas the Monte Mario Formation has been dated as early Pleistocene (Santernian, 1.66–1.59 Ma). Palaeomagnetic analyses point to C2Ar and C1r2r polarity chrons for the Monte Vaticano and the Monte Mario formations, respectively. The Monte Mario Formation consists of two obliquity-forced depositional sequences (MM1 and MM2) characterized by transgressive systems tracts of littoral marine environments at depths, respectively, of 40–80 m and 15–20 m. The data obtained from foraminifer and ostracod assemblages allow us to reconstruct early Pleistocene relative sea-level changes near Rome. At the Plio/Pleistocene transition, a relative sea-level drop of at least 260 m occurred, as a result of both tectonic uplift of the central Tyrrhenian margin and glacio-eustatic changes linked to early Pleistocene glaciation (Marine Isotope Stage 58).

Defence properties of hemoctyes were investigated using the anti-hemocyte monoclonal antibody BrH1 obtained by immunizing mice with 2% paraformaldehyde-fixed hemoctyes of the stick insect Bacillus rossius . In Western blot analysis, the antibody recognized a 180 kDa antigen in hemocyte cell lysates, whereas fat body lysates and cell-free hemolymph were negative. In immunofluorescence analysis of cultured or freshly collected hemoctyes, BrH1 stained intracellular antigen(s) in detergent-treated cells. Transverse cryosections of adult stick insects probed by immunofluorescence with BrH1 showed in situ the scattered distribution of hemoctyes inside the haemocoel. The antigen(s) recognized by BrH1 appears to be involved in cell defence hemocyte-mediated mechanisms, as evidenced by the fact that cryosections of insects challenged in vivo with yeast cells, bacteria, or polystyrene latex particles and probed with BrH1 showed an accumulation of antigen surrounding the injected stimuli. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

The SSN is an emergency system, based on intentional primary depressurization, which, when added to a proven type PWR, has the potential to reduce, by at least a factor of 10, the core melt probability. The paper describes the system components and function. Then it gives a summary of (i) the thermal/hydraulic analyses performed to verify the core cooling capability of the system, and (ii) the probabilistic studies performed for the assessment of the system potential in reducing the core melt probability. The main results of two experimental tests related to the performances of the system are then briefly described. Possible problems faced in the implementation of an SSN concept are discussed in a separate chapter.

The eggshells of Sergentomyia minuta, S. schwetzi and S. ingrami are studied by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. In all three species the surface sculpturing is characterized by a polygonal pattern due to intersecting ridges. Each ridge is formed by columns arranged in palisade and resting on a reticular basal layer. TEM shows that the columns represent the outer chorion and the basal layer the intermediated one. Under these layers an inner chorion and a vitelline envelope are present. The eggshell structures of the three species are compared with those of other Phlebotominae and their taxonomic value is discussed.

A 1-D model is presented for calculations of both longwave and shortwave radiant flux distribution along the atmospheric column, in order to study the effect of various energy scenarios on the global climate change. The model evaluates the radiative balance terms relative to the various atmospheric layers, which also take into account the formation and the effects produced by stratified clouds. The computer code consists of two blocks: the first block evaluates the optical properties of the cloud layer, while the latter determines the radiative balance. The paper presents the application of the model to the analysis of the radiative transfer processes which took place in the atmosphere containing the combustion products of the oil well fires above Kuwait. The results fit the observational data of the surface temperature change, giving a first validation of the adequacy of the model in studying well-defined climatic problems.

The plant dynamics and the interactions of plant systems and operator with the random evolution of parameters led to the development of dynamic reliability methodologies. The present paper approaches a dynamic PSA methodology by making use of the thermal–hydraulic model of CANDU 6 reactor, implemented in RELAP5 Mod.3.3, and of IDDA code. IDDA (Integrated Dynamic Decision Analysis) is a software code that with the help of enhanced dynamic event tree methodology provides results in terms of system unavailability. The coupling of the two above mentioned codes allows a full representation of the plant operational states, as well as of all the possible occurrence patterns that complete the spectrum of possible probability-consequence conditions. The plant transient considered for the CANDU 6 thermal–hydraulic model is the total Loss of Feed Water (LOFW) supply to the secondary side of steam generators. That is followed by depletion of water inventory and subsequent cool down via Emergency Water System (EWS). The present dynamic PSA approach reveals those situations where the correct intervention of protective equipment could bring to unexpected events. This allows taking the most appropriate decisions for the given plant configuration.

The idea to couple the treatment planning system (TPS) to the information on the real boron distribution in the patient acquired by positron emission tomography (PET) is the main added value of the new methodology set-up at DIMNP (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Nucleare e della Produzione) of University of Pisa, in collaboration with the JRC (Joint Research Centre) at Petten (NL). This methodology has been implemented in a new TPS, called Boron Distribution Treatment Planning System (BDTPS), which takes into account the actual boron distribution in the patient's organ, as opposed to other TPSs used in BNCT that assume an ideal uniform boron distribution. BDTPS is based on the Monte Carlo technique and has been experimentally validated comparing the computed main parameters (thermal neutron flux, boron dose, etc.) to those measured during the irradiation of an ad hoc designed phantom (HEterogeneous BOron phantoM, HEBOM). The results are also in good agreement with those obtained by the standard TPS SERA and by reference calculations carried out using an analytical model with the MCNP code. In this paper, the methodology followed for both the experimental and the computational validation of BDTPS is described.

A lipase-like protein (PhpaLIP) was identified as the major protein component in the secretion of the female reproductive accessory glands of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. The full-length cDNA encoding this protein was isolated and its nucleotide sequence determined. The deduced translational product of the gene contains a GFSFG motif, consistent with a GXSXG consensus, which is shared by most bacterial and eukaryotic hydrolases. Transcriptional analysis of the PhpaLIP gene showed that its expression is female-specific, and is also detectable in districts other than accessory glands, suggesting that it might play different functions. Taken together with the observation of sequence similarity shared by PhpaLIP and mammalian lipases, the demonstration of the presence of lipase activity in the accessory gland secretion suggests a possible biological role of PhpaLIP gene product.

The existence of distinct tubulins in microtubules forming the sperm axoneme has been demonstrated in various species, whereas little is known about the distribution of tubulin variants in insect spermatozoa. In the present study, a panel of specific antibodies has been used to investigate the presence and localization of tubulin isotypes and post-translationally modified tubulins in the spermatozoon of the stick insect Bacillus rossius. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunogold staining showed differences in labelling in the mature sperm and that the tubulin epitopes localized differentially in the axoneme. In particular, the tyrosinated alpha-tubulin mainly occurs on doublets. These results provide an insight into the molecular composition of the microtubules forming the sperm axoneme of B. rossius and suggest that the structural specificity could reflect distinct functional roles within axonemal microtubules.

The monoclonal antibody DLE7 was obtained against 44- to 50-kDa polypeptides solubilized from the vitelline envelope of the Mediterranean sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. In Western blot analysis of chorion lysates it recognized cross-reactive bands at 44 kDa, 48 kDa, and 110 kDa. Previous affinity blotting with concanavalin-A showed that most of solubilized bands were glycosylated. Enzymatic deglycosylation of chorion proteins followed by Western blot analysis with DLE7 showed that the 48-kDa and 110-kDa antigens were differentially affected by endoglycosidase-F treatment. When DLE7 was employed in immunofluorescence analysis, isolated chorions and ovarian cryosections stained intensely. Positivity was also observed in liver cryosections of spawning females but not in liver of males and nonspawning females. To study the origin and delivery of chorion proteins, DLE7 was used in Western blot analysis of liver homogenates and blood serum of spawning females. Cross-reacting bands were detected in liver (90 kDa) and serum (180 kDa, 50 kDa). DLE7 was also used for the first time to set up an indirect ELISA assay to detect egg antigens in the blood of egg-producing females, raising the possibility of using DLE7 as a female-specific marker of spawning for sea bass.

The pipefishes Syngnathus abaster and S. acus have paired testes of atypical organization. Each testis is a hollow tube consisting of a single germinal compartment of the tubular type. During the reproductive period, the germinal epithelium consists of small spermatocysts containing spermatogonia or primary spermatocytes. Cysts of older germ cells, such as secondary spermatocytes and spermatids were never observed. Developing symplastic spermatids were found in the lumen of the tubule together with mature sperm and large droplet-containing cells. Most of the spermatids were giant cells with four nuclei at the same developmental stage. Symplastic spermatids, which presumably form by nuclear division not followed by cytokinesis, are a stage of spermatogenesis in pipefishes.

A simplified climate model which links a Box Advection Diffusion Model and a Global Carbon Cycle Model, has been set-up at DCMN of the University of PISA. The biosphere is represented by six ecosystems: tropical and temperate forests, grassland, land used for agriculture, urban areas, tundra and semi-desertic areas. In the vertical direction the model considers four fields: terrestrial surface, litter, humus and stable charcoal. The effect of varying various model parameters affecting oceanic circulation and biosphere is discussed The analysis shows that, on a two centurie time frame starting from unperturbed 1860 equilibrium, the atmospheric CO 2 concentration, and ultimately climate, will be prevalently determined by energy policies.

The leiomyoma of the ovary is a very rare form of ovarian neoplasia, while its uterine localization is very common and diffused. It occurs prevalently in post-menopausal women usually causing abdominal swelling and pain. Such a case occurred in our observation and we report it here.

The Authors made a transversal epidemiological study on 256 children attending the elementary schools in a commune of Siena. The subjects aged between 6 and 11 years have been examined having in view a registration of prevalence of dysgnathia problems in children.

(1986). Taxonomy and phylogenetic inference. Bollettino di zoologia: Vol. 53, No. sup001, pp. 53-60.

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy investigation of the egg-shell morphology of Sarcoptes scabiei (L.) has been carried out. The eggs are oval in shape and exhibit numerous aeropyles on the external surface. The egg-shell consists of two layers: an inner translucent layer and an outer layer of finger-like projections with rounded tips. The projections are made of fibrillar units, embedded in a dense matrix, with no regular spatial distribution. The matrix and the fibrillar material were partially digested by treatment with 0.5% protease solution.

It is generally believed that the Diptera originated at the latest during Permian, probably from a Mecopteroid ancestor or from a group close to Neuroptera.

The authors have assayed plasma prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone in 30 women undergoing voluntary termination of pregnancy by vacuum aspiration under general anesthesia, in order to study in more detail, the correlations between PRL and sexual steroid hormones during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Results obtained in the various plasma samples taken at intervals until 5 hours following vacuum curettage show a marked increase in PRL in the control group, from 80 to 3000 ng/ml, with a progressive decrease at the 5th hour. A much slighter increase was found in patients treated with Metergoline, compared to that of the former group, with an increase from 90 to 180 ng/ml, while in those patients treated with Sulpiride, the maximum increase ranges between 160-340 ng/ml. The plasma level of E2 decreased significantly and progressively after the sample taken at 30 minutes, with a similar pattern in the 3 groups. The plasma progesterone concentrations showed a similar patern in the groups treated with Metergoline and Sulpiride, with a progessive decrease in comparison with basal levels. On the contrary, the increase was found in the control groups, in comparison with basal values, in samples taken at 30 minutes, with a slow, progressive decrease in subsequent samples. It can be concluded from these results that the stress caused by vacuum curettage under anesthesia causes a stronger stimulation of PRL than the inhibition of this hormone caused by the fall of E2 and P concentrations; the inhibitory effect of Metergoline on PRL did not completely annul the effect of anesthesia and vacuum curettage on PRL production. While E2 shows a progressive decrease compared to basal values, with a similar behavior in all 3 groups, P, which decreases in the 2 groups that have undergone pharmacological treatment, shows a peak increase in the sample taken at 30 minutes. THe significance of this observation is not yet clear, and will be the subject of further study. (author's modified)

The first case involved a 32-year old nullipara who had had a first trimester abortion by curettage. 2 years after receiving a ML Cu 250 IUD, she requested removal of the IUD but the procedure was done in a incomplete fashion: 1 of the arms of the device broke off and stayed in the uterine cavity. Its position was visualized by echography centrally at the fundus, and it was removed during hysteroscopy under general anesthesia. The second case was a 38-year old patient which 2 previous pregnancies ended in eutocia. She wanted removal of a ML Cu 250 IUD 3 years after its insertion. Partial removal was also effected in this case: an arm of the indented crown remained in the cavity, breaking off at the point of insertion over the central filament. Ecography did not visualize clearly the location of the fragment. Intracavitary maneuvers and subsequently curettage under general anesthesia were performed without success. Hysteroscopy under general anesthesia finally localized the fragment deeply embedded in the endometrium, provoking a virus reaction over the left lateral wall. After attempts at removal with endoscopy, Pean pincers were introduced and fragmented the distal are of the IUD. There have been reports of rupture of IUDs: 1 case of Lippes Loop, 1 case of Cu-7, 1 case of Majzlin spring, and 4 cases of ML Cu 250. Radiological visualization of a fragment is impossible, as the crown is not radiopaque. Hysteroscopy is the intervention of choice in order to avoid inappropriate surgical maneuvers.

Epidemiological indexes of dental decay and prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque were studied in a group of 255 schoolchildren aged 6–11 from a suburban area near Siena (Italy). Mutans streptococci were isolated from 17.4% of subjects: a significant correlation with dental decay indexes and with the presence of active caries was observed.

(1978). Indagine Comparativa sulle Strutture Micropilari e Corionidee Delle uova di Pediculus Humanus Capitis, Phthirus Pubis e Haematopinus suis (Insecta, Anoplura) Bollettino di zoologia: Vol. 45, No. sup001, pp. 32-32.

Il saggio affronta il rapporto tra l'ineffabilità dell'uno e la dimensione temporale dell'io così come emerge nella raccolta di racconti di Borges dal titolo L'Aleph.

This study is aimed at demonstrating the role played by a calpastatin isoform (Xcalp3) in Xenopus embryos. A specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) was raised against a glutathioneS-transferase (GST)-Xcalp3 fusion protein and characterized byimmunoblotting and confocalfluorescence microscopy on stage 20‐36 embryos. Under these conditions, calpastatin reactivity is associated with a major 110 kDa protein fraction and preferentially expressed by notochord and somitic cells. In notochord cells, anti-calpastatin reactive sites were initially restricted to the luminal space of the vacuoles and later became diffused throughout the cytoplasm. In contrast, anti-calpastatin reactive sites in somitic cells were initially diffused throughout the cytoplasm and became restricted to a few intracellular granules in the later developmental stages. At the ultrastructural level, notochord cells appeared as flattened discs containing several vacuoles and numerous electron-dense granules. During transition from stages 26 to 32, electron-dense granules were gradually reduced in number as vacuoles enlarged in size and losed their calpastatin reactivity. Electron-dense granules were also present in myoblast cells and their number gradually reduced during development. To determinewhether these observations bear any causal relationship to the calpain/calpastatin system, a number of Xenopus embryos were examined both ultrastructurally and histochemically following exposure to a specific calpain inhibitor (CI3). Under these conditions, Xenopus embryos exhibitedan altered right-left symmetry and an abnormalaxial shortening.In CI3-treated stage 32embryos, notochordcells had a reducedvacuolar extension and exhibited at the same time an increase in granular content. The overall morphology of the somites was also distorted and myoblasts were altered both in shape and granular content. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the calpain/calpastatin may play an important role in the control of notochord elongation and somite differentiation during Xenopus embryogenesis. # 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.