Perturbation theory and excursion set estimates of the probability distribution function of dark matter, and a method for reconstructing the initial distribution function

Nonlinear evolution can sometimes be modelled by a deterministic mapping from initial to final of the local smoothed overdensity. Perturbation theory methods base on this deterministic and local mapping and ignore the 'cloud-in-cloud' effect, while the excursion set approach methods take this nonlocality into account. We compared these methods using the spherical collapse mapping and showed that, on scales where the rms fluctuation is small, both models give similar results and they are in good agreement with numerical simulations. If the deterministic mapping depends on quantities other than overdensity, this will also manifest as stochasticity if the other quantities are ignored. We considered the Zeldovich approximation and Ellipsoidal Collapse model, both include the tidal field in the evolution. Our anaylsis shows that the change in cell shape effect should be included on scales where the rms is of order of unity or larger. On scales where the rms is less than 2 methods based on the spherical collapse model allow a rather accurate reconstruction of the shape of the initial distribution from the nonlinear field. This can be used as the basis for constraining the statistical properties of the initial fluctuation field. (Abridge)Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures; Figures and texts modified; accepted for publication in MNRA

Appearance of the canine meninges in subtraction magnetic resonance images

The canine meninges are not visible as discrete structures in noncontrast magnetic resonance (MR) images, and are incompletely visualized in T1‐weighted, postgadolinium images, reportedly appearing as short, thin curvilinear segments with minimal enhancement. Subtraction imaging facilitates detection of enhancement of tissues, hence may increase the conspicuity of meninges. The aim of the present study was to describe qualitatively the appearance of canine meninges in subtraction MR images obtained using a dynamic technique. Images were reviewed of 10 consecutive dogs that had dynamic pre‐ and postgadolinium T1W imaging of the brain that was interpreted as normal, and had normal cerebrospinal fluid. Image‐anatomic correlation was facilitated by dissection and histologic examination of two canine cadavers. Meningeal enhancement was relatively inconspicuous in postgadolinium T1‐weighted images, but was clearly visible in subtraction images of all dogs. Enhancement was visible as faint, small‐rounded foci compatible with vessels seen end on within the sulci, a series of larger rounded foci compatible with vessels of variable caliber on the dorsal aspect of the cerebral cortex, and a continuous thin zone of moderate enhancement around the brain. Superimposition of color‐encoded subtraction images on pregadolinium T1‐ and T2‐weighted images facilitated localization of the origin of enhancement, which appeared to be predominantly dural, with relatively few leptomeningeal structures visible. Dynamic subtraction MR imaging should be considered for inclusion in clinical brain MR protocols because of the possibility that its use may increase sensitivity for lesions affecting the meninges

Speciation without chromatography: Part I. Determination of tributyltin in aqueous samples by chloride generation, headspace solid-phase microextraction and inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry

An analytical procedure was developed for the determination of tributyltin in aqueous samples. The relatively high volatility of the organometal halide species confers suitability for their headspace sampling from the vapour phase above natural waters or leached solid samples. Tributyltin was collected from the sample headspace above various chloride-containing matrices, including HCl, sodium chloride solution and sea-water, by passive sampling using a polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB)-coated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber. Inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) was used for detection following thermal desorption of analytes from the fiber. A detection limit of 5.8 pg ml–1(as tin) was realized in aqueous samples. Method validation was achieved using NRCC PACS-2 (Sediment) certified reference material, for which reasonable agreement between certified and measured values for tributyltin content was obtained

Knowledge of risk and self-protection practices and the degree of influenza hazard from live poultry sales.

1. Perceptions of risk from buying live chickens were moderate, but sickness anxieties did not predict buying or touching habits. 2. Buying was strongly predicted by the erroneous belief that cooking is the best means of protection from avian influenza. Health education groups seeking to increase preventive practices to control possible avian influenza outbreaks need to learn from this.published_or_final_versio