Crustal structure between the Knipovich Ridge and the Van Mijenfjorden (Svalbard)

The Alfred Wegener Institute of Polar and Marine Research, the University of Bergenand the Hokkaido University acquired new seismic refraction data along a transect fromthe Knipovich Ridge to the inner Van Mijenfjorden in southern Svalbard. A close spacing ofon- and offshore receivers and a dense marine shot pattern provide the data for a high resolutionp-wave velocity model for geological interpretation. Additional new seismic reflection data(University of Bergen) yield structural information for a more reliable analysis.Crustal thickness along the Van Mijenfjorden is 33 to 34 km. Seismic velocities of 5.0 km/sare observed within the upper crustal section of the Tertiary Central Spitsbergen Basin.A Paleozoic sedimentary basin with a depth of 8 to 10 km is associated with the Nordfjorden Block.The seismic velocities are up to 6.0 km/s. Paleozoic sedimentary rocks are expected furtherto the west of the Hornsund Lineament since seismic velocities reveal a similar range here.West of the Bellsund the continental crust thins gradually over a 90 km wide rifted zone.The velocity structure within this section is very complex and comprises zones of decreasedvelocities below the West Spitsbergen Fold Belt (down to 20 km depth) and slightly elevatedvelocities (7.2 km/s) at the crust-mantle transition. The first structure is interpreted as intensivelyfractured rocks linked to post-Late Paleocene transpressive orogenic activity and subsequentlyaffected by transtension during break-up from Greenland. The faster deep-crustal velocities aresupposed to express magmatic intrusions of an unidentified origin. Melts could either be channelled by theSpitsbergen Shear Zone from more distant sources, or originate in magmatic interaction between the northern Knipovich Ridgeand the neighbouring young rifted crust.Oceanic crust each side of the Knipovich Ridge is thin (~3.5 km) and is characterised by theabsence of oceanic layer 3 (3.5/4.1 to 4.7 km/s). The oceanic section exhibits zones of verythin crust (~1 km) that are interpreted as fracture zones. Beneath these we observed decreasedmantle velocities (~7.3 km/s) indicating probable serpentinization of peridotites along thesefracture zones. Thickness variations further provide information about the segmentationand magma supply along the northern Knipovich Ridge

Effect of the Strawberry Genotype, Cultivation and Processing on the Fra a 1 Allergen Content

Birch pollen allergic patients show cross-reactivity to vegetables and fruits, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). The objective of this study was to quantify the level of the Fra a 1 protein, a Bet v 1-homologous protein in strawberry fruits by a newly developed ELISA, and determine the effect of genotype, cultivation and food processing on the allergen amount. An indirect competitive ELISA using a specific polyclonal anti-Fra a 1.02 antibody was established and revealed high variability in Fra a 1 levels within 20 different genotypes ranging from 0.67 to 3.97 μg/g fresh weight. Mature fruits of red-, white- and yellow-fruited strawberry cultivars showed similar Fra a 1 concentrations. Compared to fresh strawberries, oven and solar-dried fruits contained slightly lower levels due to thermal treatment during processing. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis demonstrated degradation of recombinant Fra a 1.02 after prolonged (>10 min) thermal treatment at 99 ◦ C. In conclusion, the genotype strongly determined the Fra a 1 quantity in strawberries and the color of the mature fruits does not relate to the amount of the PR10-protein. Cultivation conditions (organic and conventional farming) do not affect the Fra a 1 level, and seasonal effects were minor

Integrated control and health management. Orbit transfer rocket engine technology program

To insure controllability of the baseline design for a 7500 pound thrust, 10:1 throttleable, dual expanded cycle, Hydrogen-Oxygen, orbit transfer rocket engine, an Integrated Controls and Health Monitoring concept was developed. This included: (1) Dynamic engine simulations using a TUTSIM derived computer code; (2) analysis of various control methods; (3) Failure Modes Analysis to identify critical sensors; (4) Survey of applicable sensors technology; and, (5) Study of Health Monitoring philosophies. The engine design was found to be controllable over the full throttling range by using 13 valves, including an oxygen turbine bypass valve to control mixture ratio, and a hydrogen turbine bypass valve, used in conjunction with the oxygen bypass to control thrust. Classic feedback control methods are proposed along with specific requirements for valves, sensors, and the controller. Expanding on the control system, a Health Monitoring system is proposed including suggested computing methods and the following recommended sensors: (1) Fiber optic and silicon bearing deflectometers; (2) Capacitive shaft displacement sensors; and (3) Hot spot thermocouple arrays. Further work is needed to refine and verify the dynamic simulations and control algorithms, to advance sensor capabilities, and to develop the Health Monitoring computational methods

Effect of tomato variety, cultivation, climate and processing on Sola l 4, an allergen from Solanum lycopersicum

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide. However, tomato allergies in patients suffering from birch pollen allergy occur frequently. Due to highly similar protein structures of the tomato allergen Sola l 4 and the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1, patients cross-react with allergenic proteins from tomato as well as other fruits or vegetables. The aim of this study was to quantify Sola l 4 in various tomatoes differing in color, size and shape for identification of varieties with a reduced allergen level. Therefore, an indirect competitive ELISA using a specific polyclonal Sola l 4 antibody was developed. In addition, two varieties, both cultivated either conventionally or organically and furthermore dried with different methods, were analyzed to investigate the influence of the cultivation method and processing techniques on Sola l 4 level. Within 23 varieties, Sola l 4 content varied significantly between 0.24 and 1.71 μg Sola l 4/g FW. The tomato cultivars Rugantino and Rhianna showed the significantly lowest level, whereas in cultivars Farbini and Bambello the significantly highest concentration was determined. Drying of tomatoes in the oven and by sun resulted in a significant decrease. The thermal instability was verified for the recombinant Sola l 4 emphasizing the results for the native protein in dried tomato samples. Overall, the Sola l 4 content is cultivar-dependent and no correlation between color and Sola l 4 amount was found. During the drying process of tomatoes Sola l 4 level was significantly reduced due to thermal instability. Growing conditions have a minor effect whereas seasonal effects show a more pronounced impact. These findings could extend the knowledge about the allergen level of different tomato varieties and may help to improve food safety to potentially increase the life quality of patients suffering from birch pollen allergy

Observation of high-Tc superconductivity in inhomogeneous combinatorial ceramics

A single-sample synthesis concept based on multi-element ceramic samples can produce a variety of local products. When applied to cuprate superconductors (SC), statistical modelling predicts the occurrence of possible compounds in a concentration range of about 50 ppm. In samples with such low concentrations, determining which compositions are superconducting is a challenging task and requires local probes or separation techniques. Here, we report results from samples with seven components: BaO2, CaCO3, SrCO3, La2O3, PbCO3, ZrO2 and CuO oxides and carbonates, starting from different grain sizes. The reacted ceramics show different phases, particular grain growth, as well as variations in homogeneity and superconducting properties. High-Tc superconductivity up to 118 K was found. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) can assign Pb1223 and (Sr,Ca,Ba)0.7-1.0CuO2 phases in inhomogeneous samples milled with 10 mm ball sizes. Rather uniform samples featuring strong grain growth were obtained with 3 mm ball sizes, resulting in Tc =70 K superconductivity of the La(Ba,Ca)2Cu3Ox based phase. Scanning SQUID microscopy (SSM) establishes locally formed superconducting areas at a level of a few microns in inhomogeneous superconducting particles captured by a magnetic separation technique. The present results demonstrate a new synthetic approach for attaining high-Tc superconductivity in compounds without Bi, Tl, Hg, or the need for high-pressure synthesis

Histamine release after intravenous application of short-acting hypnotics. A comparison of etomidate, Althesin (CT1341) and propanidid

The subject of histamine release was investigated in 16 volunteers by means of plasma histamine determination after the administration of etornidate, Althesin, propanidid, and Cremophor EL. Althesin and propanidid caused release of histamine in various degrees of frequency. Blood pressure changes were rather pronounced with both anaesthetic agents; tachycardia reached its maximum in the first and second minute, which seems to be an argument against histamine release as the underlying cause of this reaction. Histamine was, indeed, only released to such an extent (with the exception of one borderline case) that no clinical symptoms other than secretion of gastric juice and erythema were to be expected. After the application of etomidate and Cremophor EL an increase in plasma histamine was not detectable. Changes in the differential blood picture in terms of a decrease in basophils only occurred after Althesin and propanidid; not, however, after etomidate and Cremophor EL. Etomidate is, therefore, the first hypnotic drug for intravenous application which is unlikely to cause chemical histamine release

Severe B Cell Deficiency in Mice Lacking the Tec Kinase Family Members Tec and Btk

The cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase Tec has been proposed to have important functions in hematopoiesis and lymphocyte signal transduction. Here we show that Tec-deficient mice developed normally and had no major phenotypic alterations of the immune system. To reveal potential compensatory roles of other Tec kinases such as Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), Tec/Btk double-deficient mice were generated. These mice exhibited a block at the B220+CD43+ stage of B cell development and displayed a severe reduction of peripheral B cell numbers, particularly immunoglobulin (Ig)MloIgDhi B cells. Although Tec/Btknull mice were able to form germinal centers, the response to T cell–dependent antigens was impaired. Thus, Tec and Btk together have an important role both during B cell development and in the generation and/or function of the peripheral B cell pool. The ability of Tec to compensate for Btk may also explain phenotypic differences in X-linked immunodeficiency (xid) mice compared with human X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) patients

Chiral fermions and anomaly cancellation on orbifolds with Wilson lines and flux

We consider six-dimensional supergravity compactified on orbifolds with Wilson lines and bulk flux. Torus Wilson lines are decomposed into Wilson lines around the orbifold fixed points, and twisted boundary conditions of matter fields are related to fractional localized flux. Both, orbifold singularities and flux lead to chiral fermions in four dimensions. We show that in addition to the standard bulk and fixed point anomalies the Green-Schwarz term also cancels the four-dimensional anomaly induced by the flux background. The two axions contained in the antisymmetric tensor field both contribute to the cancellation of the four-dimensional anomaly and the generation of a vector boson mass via the Stueckelberg mechanism. An orthogonal linear combination of the axions remains massless and couples to the gauge field in the standard way. Furthermore, we construct convenient expressions for the wave functions of the zero modes and relate their multiplicity and behavior at the fixed points to the bulk flux quanta and the Wilson lines.Comment: 30 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, clarifying remarks adde