134 research outputs found
Bull Threshers and Bindlestiffs: Harvesting and Threshing on the North American Plains
No full textThomas D. Isern is Professor of History & University Distinguished Professor of History at North Dakota State University. He is the author and coauthor of six books, including Dakota Circle: Excursions on the True Plains and Custom Combining on the Great Plains.This Kansas Open Books title is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Humanities Open Book Program.Bull Threshers and Bindlestiffs is a panorama on a continental canvas: the Great Plains of North America, stretching from Texas to Alberta. Onto this surface the author lays the large features of regional practice in the harvesting and threshing of wheat during the days before the combined harvester harvesting with binder and header, threshing with bull thresher and steam engine. Into the picture he places the key figures who accomplished the task of gathering the grain the farm men and women, the custom threshermen, and the bindlestiffs, or itinerant laborers. Affectionately he sketches the small details of folklife that comprised the everyday work and culture of the wheat belt building shocks, loading racks, constructing stacks, pitching bundles into the separator, hauling water to the engine, drinking deep from the crockery water jug. Bull Threshers and Bindlestiffs is a profusely illustrated study of a complex, vigorous regional culture concerned with the production of wheat a culture that centered around the annual harvest and declined with the advent of the combine. This is an examination of the interaction of culture, environment, and technology with import for the fields of agricultural history and regional history. More than that, with its grassroots research, its descriptions of tools and customs, and its lavish illustrations, it is a re-creation of a proud phase of regional life previously captured only in yellowed albumen photographs
Gypsum from soils of chesas, NE Spain [Dataset]
No full textDocuments:
Chesas_Thin_sections_scans.zip
Chesas_Fig.captions1991-01.xlsxWe show data of soils developed on the outcropping gypseous nucleus of the Barbastro-Balaguer anticline, NE Spain. Chesas is the local name for the lands of this outcrop that stand out by their whitish tones. The data collected here come from soils of the municipalities —from West to East— of Peraltilla, Almunia de San Juan, Tamarite, Torá, and Iborra. The analytical methods plus details of the landscape and sampling sites can be found in: (i) the book entitled “Morfología y génesis de suelos sobre yesos” (http://hdl.handle.net/10261/84695), and (ii) the article entitled “Salada Farrachuela, a saline wetland in Tamarite de Litera, Spain” (DOI: 10.29077/bol.114.ce05.herrero).
Here we present a compressed zip file with 302 TIFF images corresponding to 151 thin sections of these soils. Most of the sections —with the prevalent size of 13.5 × 5.7 cm— were manufactured by the first author in the Institut National Agronomique de Paris-Grignon under the technical supervision of Mr. P. Guilloré, in the context of a scholarship granted by the Government of France for working in the lab of Dr. N. Fédoroff. The surviving thin sections from chesas are archived and scanned at the EEAD-CSIC in Zaragoza, Spain. Their scans are compiled in the file “Chesas_Thin_sections_scans.zip”.
Several dozen micrographs of the chesas thin sections appeared in the abovementioned book published in 1991 (http://hdl.handle.net/10261/84695). The file “Chesas_Fig.captions1991-01.xlsx” presents a tentative English translation of the 154 Figure captions for the micrographs and the other figures in the book.We acknowledge the grant PID2021-127170OB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”, and the grant TED2021-130303B-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the “European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR”.Peer reviewe
Ground composition data for the southernmost area of Lérida province, NE Spain [Dataset]
No full textMore than 3000 physical, chemical and morphological data of soils described between December 1980 and July 1981 in the southernmost part of the province of Lérida, NE Spain, are collected in this dataset. The soils are located between the coordinates 41.62°N 1.06°E, and 41.28°N 0.34°E.
Most of the soil samples were taken in backhoe dug pits where their profiles were described. The data —presented here in an Excel spreadsheet— come from the book by J. Porta & R. Julià (eds.) published in 1982 with I.S.B.N. 84-5008771-6. Moreover, two chapters were scanned from this book and included in this dataset as “Description.pdf” and “FormationClassification.pdf”. The author did not proofread the galley proofs of these chapters. The data contained in “Description.pdf” were manually transcribed in 2025 to the excel file “ProfilesLerida04clas.xlsx”.
Care must be taken with the location coordinates given the non-correction of the galley proofs and because the resources available to us 45 years ago were quite rudimentary. The excel file “ProfilesLerida04clas.xlsx” incorporates the correction of obvious errors in the coordinates and their transformation to ETRS89 from the notations used in 1980-81. The help of Ms. Rosa Gómez-Báguena with the coordinates is greatly appreciated.
We also present the file "1989 XVI Reun.SECS Lérida suelos secano", a report including discussion and data about the studied soils.This research was possible thanks to the grant PID2021-127170OB-I00 funded by
MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”, and the grant
TED2021-130303B-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the “European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR”.Peer reviewe
Wederopbouw Managua Centrum; Reconstruction del area central: Differentiatie ontwikkelingslanden studenten projekten tussen 1983 en 1985
No full textArchitectur
Characterization of lignin streams during bionic liquid-based tretreatment from grass, hardwood, and softwood
No full textDelignification as a function of ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment has potential in terms of recovering and converting the fractionated lignin streams to renewable products. Renewable biogenic ionic liquids, or bionic liquids (e.g., cholinium lysinate, ([Ch][Lys])), provide opportunities in terms of effective, economic, and sustainable lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment. We have evaluated [Ch][Lys] pretreatment in terms of sugar and lignin yields for three different feedstocks: switchgrass, eucalyptus, and pine. Four lignin streams isolated during [Ch][Lys] pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were comprehensively analyzed, tracking their changes in physical-chemical structures. We observed changes in major lignin linkages and lignin aromatics units (p-hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacyl (G), and syringil (S)) that occurred during pretreatment. A compositional analysis of the different process streams and a comprehensive mass balance in conjunction with multiple analytical techniques (nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) is presented. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicates that there are significantly more lignin-carbohydrate interactions for G-rich lignin in pine. The lignin removal and extent of lignin depolymerization for switchgrass and eucalyptus were higher than pine and follows the order of switchgrass > eucalyptus > pine. The insights gained from this work contribute to better understanding of physiochemical properties of lignin streams generated during [Ch][Lys] pretreatment, offering a starting point for lignin valorization strategies
Observation and interpretation of type IIB supernova explosions
No full textCore-collapse supernovae (CC-SNe) explosions represent the final demise of massive stars. Among the various types, there is a group of relatively infrequent CC-SNe termed type IIb, which appear to be hybrids between normal type II SNe (those characterised by H emission) and type Ib (those that lack H features in their spectra but exhibit prominent HeI lines). The nature of the stellar progenitors leading to type IIb SNe is currently unknown, although two channels are contemplated: single massive stars that have lost part of their outer envelope as a consequence of stellar winds, and massive stars that shed mass by Roche-Lobe overflow to a companion. The latter is in fact the favoured scenario for most of the objects observed up to now. In the majority of cases, when there are no direct progenitor detections, some hints about type IIb SN progenitors (e.g., initial mass) can be derived indirectly from the objects' light curves (LCs) and spectra. Motivated by the relatively few well-sampled observational datasets that exist up to date for type IIb SNe and the unknowns on their progenitors, we carried out extensive observations (mainly in the optical domain) for the young type IIb SNe 2011fu and 2013df. Both these SNe are particularly interesting because they show a first LC peak caused by shock breakout, followed by a secondary 56Ni-decay-powered maximum. The analysis of the data for SNe 2011fu and 2013df points to precursors that seem to have been stars with large radii (of the order of 100~RSun), with low mass hydrogen envelopes (tenths of MSun), and relatively low initial masses (12-18 MSun), which could have formed part of interacting binary systems.
The nature of a third SN IIb candidate, OGLE-2013-SN-100, proved to be enigmatic.
OGLE-2013-SN-100, shows a first peak in the LC, and other characteristics somewhat similar to those of type IIb SNe. However, after a deeper analysis, we conclude OGLE-2013-SN-100 is likely not a SN of type IIb. We provide an alternative possible explanation for this object, which implies a combination of a SN explosion and interaction of its ejecta with circumstellar-material.
SNe~2011fu and 2013df were included in a larger sample of type IIb SNe to carry out a comparative study of their observables and environment. Regarding the host galaxies, 90% of the objects are located in giant (r<-18 mag) hosts. In addition, the SNe are about equally split in low star formation and high star formation rate spiral galaxies. Concerning the SN ultra-violet (UV), optical, and near-infrared (NIR) LCs, we find a dispersion in both shape and brightness. Particularly, a few objects show a sharp declining early phase in the UV and double-peaked optical-NIR LCs.
However, the absence of a first LC peak, in some of the cases, may be due to lack of early observations. In addition, we found dispersion in the evolution of the colour indices of the SNe, making the colour comparison method not suitable to estimate extinction toward a type IIb SN. In the optical domain, the study of the (secondary) peak brightness in the R band shows that low luminosity events could be uncommon and the average brightness of the sample is ~-17.5 mag. As for the spectral properties, the SNe that show an early spike in their LCs exhibit blue, shallow-lined early-time spectra and arise from extended progenitors (R~100 RSun). Additionally, while there is an overall resemblance of the measured ejecta velocities, there is also dispersion of equivalent widths, nebular line luminosities and ratios among all the objects that could indicate differences in the ionisation state of the ejecta and mixing. All in all, we find heterogeineity in the studied observables of the sample of type IIb SNe, which reflects the variety of their explosion parameters and progenitor properties.Las supernovas de colapso gravitatorio (CC-SNe) representan el fin de la evolución de estrellas masivas. Entre otros tipos, hay un grupo de CC-SNe relativamente infrecuentes denominado SNe IIb, que aparentan ser híbridos entre SNe de tipo II (con emisión de H) y tipo Ib (que carecen de H pero sí presentan HeI). La naturaleza de los progenitores de las SNe IIb es desconocida, aunque se contemplan dos escenarios: estrellas muy masivas, que pierden parte de su envoltura por vientos estelares, y estrellas masivas, que forman parte de un sistema binario y han cedido masa a una compañera antes de explotar. Este segundo escenario es de hecho el más favorable para la mayor parte de las SNe IIb observadas hasta ahora. En la mayoría de los casos, cuando no hay detecciones directas de los progenitores de las SNe IIb, pueden obtenerse pistas sobre su naturaleza (e.g. masa inicial) a partir de las curvas de luz (LC) y espectros de las SNe. Motivados por el bajo número de SNe IIb observadas en detalle y las incógnitas sobre sus progenitores, hemos hecho observaciones intensivas (principalmente en el rango óptico) de dos SNe IIb jóvenes: SNe 2011fu y 2013df. Ambas SNe son particularmente interesantes porque presentan un primer máximo en su LC, debido al shock breakout y que ha sido escasamente observado para otras SNe, seguido de un segundo máximo provocado por el decaimiento radiactivo del 56Ni. El análisis de los datos de SNe 2011fu y 2013df apunta a que sus precursores parecen haber sido estrellas con radios del orden de 100 Rsol, con envolturas de H de baja masa (décimas de Msol) y con masas iniciales relativamente bajas (12-18 Msol), lo que apunta a que podrían haber formado parte de sistemas estelares binarios. La naturaleza de un tercer objeto candidato a SN IIb, OGLE-2013-SN-100, resultó ser enigmática. OGLE-2013-SN-100, presenta un primer máximo en su LC y otras características parecidas a las SNe IIb. Sin embargo, tras un análisis profundo de sus datos, concluimos que probablemente no sea una SN IIb y damos una posible explicación alternativa para este objeto, que implica la combinación de una SN y la interacción del material eyectado con material circunestelar. SNe 2011fu y 2013df fueron incluidas en una muestra de SNe IIb para hacer un estudio comparativo de sus observables y entorno. Con respecto a las galaxias en las que tienen lugar, 90% de los objetos están localizados en galaxias gigantes (r<-18 mag). Además las SNe están divididas prácticamente por igual en galaxias con alta y con baja formación estelar. En relación a las LCs en el ultravioleta (UV), óptico e infrarrojo cercano (NIR), encontramos dispersión tanto en la forma como en el brillo. Particularmente, algunos objetos presentan LC con una caída pronunciada en fases tempranas en el UV y curvas de luz con dos máximos en el óptico-NIR. Hemos encontrado además dispersión en la evolución de los índices de color de las SNe, lo que hace que el método de comparación de colores no sea adecuado para estimar la extinción hacia una SN IIb. En el rango óptico, el estudio del máximo (secundario) en las curvas de luz en banda R muestra que los objetos de baja luminosidad podrían ser poco comunes y que la magnitud media del máximo está en torno a -17.5 mag. Con respecto a las propiedades espectrales, las SNe que muestran un primer máximo en la LC tienen espectros tempranos azules con líneas poco pronunciadas y provienen de progenitores extensos (R~100Rsol). Además, mientras que las velocidades del material eyectado en la explosiones de las distintas SNe son parecidas, hay dispersión en las anchuras equivalentes de las líneas y en las luminosidades y ratios de las líneas nebulares de los distintos objetos lo que podría indicar diferencias en el estado de ionización y grado de mezcla. En definitiva, encontramos heterogeneidad en los observables de la muestra de SNe IIb, lo que refleja la variedad en los parámetros de explosión y en las características de sus progenitores.DOCTORAT EN FÍSICA COMPUTACIONAL I APLICADA (Pla 2007
Structure and Dynamics of GeoCyp: A Thermophilic Cyclophilin with a Novel Substrate Binding Mechanism That Functions Efficiently at Low Temperatures
No full textThermophilic proteins have found
extensive use in research and
industrial applications because of their high stability and functionality
at elevated temperatures while simultaneously providing valuable insight
into our understanding of protein folding, stability, dynamics, and
function. Cyclophilins, constituting a ubiquitously expressed family
of peptidyl–prolyl isomerases with a range of biological functions
and disease associations, have been utilized both for conferring stress
tolerances and in exploring the link between conformational dynamics
and enzymatic function. To date, however, no active thermophilic cyclophilin
has been fully biophysically characterized. Here, we determine the
structure of a thermophilic cyclophilin (GeoCyp) from <i>Geobacillus
kaustophilus</i>, characterize its dynamic motions over several
time scales using an array of methodologies that include chemical
shift-based methods and relaxation experiments over a range of temperatures,
and measure catalytic activity over a range of temperatures to compare
its structure, dynamics, and function to those of a mesophilic counterpart,
human cyclophilin A (CypA). Unlike those of most thermophile/mesophile
pairs, GeoCyp catalysis is not substantially impaired at low temperatures
as compared to that of CypA, retaining ∼70% of the activity
of its mesophilic counterpart. Examination of substrate-bound ensembles
reveals a mechanism by which the two cyclophilins may have adapted
to their environments through altering dynamic loop motions and a
critical residue that acts as a clamp to regulate substrate binding
differentially in CypA and GeoCyp. Fast time scale (pico- to nanosecond)
dynamics are largely conserved between the two proteins, in accordance
with the high degree of structural similarity, although differences
do exist in their temperature dependencies. Slower (microsecond) time
scale motions are likewise localized to similar regions in the two
proteins with some variability in their magnitudes yet do not exhibit
significant temperature dependencies in either enzyme
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Changing Safety Culture, One Step at a Time: The Value of the DOE-VPP Program at PNNL
No full textThe primary value of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is the ongoing partnership between management and staff committed to change Laboratory safety culture one step at a time. VPP enables PNNL's safety and health program to transcend a top-down, by-the-book approach to safety, and it also raises grassroots safety consciousness by promoting a commitment to safety and health 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PNNL VPP is a dynamic, evolving program that fosters innovative approaches to continuous improvement in safety and health performance at the Laboratory
Review of \u3ci\u3eLies Across America: What Our Historic Sites Get Wrong\u3c/i\u3e By James W. Loewen
No full textFairness demands confession of a certain chronology in my preparing this review. I read the work under discussion and then, before writing about it, began reading The Use and Abuse of Australian History (2000) by Graeme Davison. Lies Across America suffers by comparison to the masterly Australian work. My yellow-pad notes document, however, that before reading Davison I had already recorded my disappointments with James W. Loewen\u27s work.
To give it its due, the book is entertaining and thought-provoking. Where Loewen finds fault, there generally is fault, and the accumulation of such faults in perceptible patterns gives pause. It is appropriate for self-conscious historians to critique the monumental history affixed to the American landscape.
The author\u27s critique fails, though, in three ways. First, it chooses easy targets and peppers them redundantly, like a waterfowler who not only shoots sitting ducks but also exceeds the bag limit. How many times do we need to hear about the mythic excesses of the Daughters of Confederate Veterans? Second, the work offers no perceptive explanations of how perverse versions of history made their way into our historic sites. Calling them lies is cheap. Third, the author sets unrealistic expectations and then violates them himself. He demands a history that is impartial and timeless. Usually, however, after smashing the mythology of a monument, he goes on to insist on substituting his own preferred mythology.
Come home to the Plains for an example: Loewen excoriates the Nebraska State Historical Society for not pronouncing Willa Cather a lesbian right out there on Highway 281. Nebraskans instead emphasize her love of the Great Plains landscape and her compelling female characters. To demand that the mythic Cather serve the narrative needs of urban gays instead of the filiopietism of rural Nebraskans is rank colonialism.
Elsewhere on the Plains Loewen treats the naming of Devil\u27s Lake without finding any historic site to focus on there, takes the usual easy shot at the Confederate Room of the Oklahoma Historical Society, and takes on two obscure and thoughtlessly bigoted historical markers in Gardner, Kansas, and Brookings, South Dakota. The Great Plains section of the book is dull. This in a land that contains the Pike Pawnee Village obelisk, the Wrong-Side Up monument, and of course the infamous Sand Creek battle-or-massacre marker.
Lies Across America is a book for the 1980s, a monument itself to American disillusionment. In the twenty-first century it rings tinny
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