Ground-based and airborne in-situ measurements of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic aerosol plume in Switzerland in spring 2010

The volcanic aerosol plume resulting from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland in April and May 2010 was detected in clear layers above Switzerland during two periods (17–19 April 2010 and 16–19 May 2010). In-situ measurements of the airborne volcanic plume were performed both within ground-based monitoring networks and with a research aircraft up to an altitude of 6000 m a.s.l. The wide range of aerosol and gas phase parameters studied at the high altitude research station Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l.) allowed for an in-depth characterization of the detected volcanic aerosol. Both the data from the Jungfraujoch and the aircraft vertical profiles showed a consistent volcanic ash mode in the aerosol volume size distribution with a mean optical diameter around 3 ± 0.3 μm. These particles were found to have an average chemical composition very similar to the trachyandesite-like composition of rock samples collected near the volcano. Furthermore, chemical processing of volcanic sulfur dioxide into sulfate clearly contributed to the accumulation mode of the aerosol at the Jungfraujoch. The combination of these in-situ data and plume dispersion modeling results showed that a significant portion of the first volcanic aerosol plume reaching Switzerland on 17 April 2010 did not reach the Jungfraujoch directly, but was first dispersed and diluted in the planetary boundary layer. The maximum PM10 mass concentrations at the Jungfraujoch reached 30 μgm−3 and 70 μgm−3 (for 10-min mean values) duri ng the April and May episode, respectively. Even low-altitude monitoring stations registered up to 45 μgm−3 of volcanic ash related PM10 (Basel, Northwestern Switzerland, 18/19 April 2010). The flights with the research aircraft on 17 April 2010 showed one order of magnitude higher number concentrations over the northern Swiss plateau compared to the Jungfraujoch, and a mass concentration of 320 (200–520) μgm−3 on 18 May 2010 over the northwestern Swiss plateau. The presented data significantly contributed to the time-critical assessment of the local ash layer properties during the initial eruption phase. Furthermore, dispersion models benefited from the detailed information on the volcanic aerosol size distribution and its chemical composition.

ECG-triggered muscular counterpulsation for treatment of low cardiac output

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscular counterpulsation (MCP) has been used as a new noninvasive technique for treatment of low cardiac output. The MCP method is based on ECG-triggered skeletal muscle stimulation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate acute hemodynamic changes induced by MCP in the experimental animal. METHODS: Eight anaesthetized pigs (43+/-4 kg) were studied at rest and after IV â-blockade (10 mg propranolol) before and after MCP. Muscular counterpulsation was performed on both thighs using trains (75 ms duration) of multiple biphasic electrical impulses with a width of 1 ms and a frequency of 200 Hz at low (10 V) and high (30 V) amplitude. ECG-triggering was used to synchronize stimulation to a given time point. LV pressure-volume relations were determined using the conductance catheter. After baseline measurements, MCP was carried out for 10 minutes at low and high stimulation amplitude. The optimal time point for MCP was determined from LV pressure-volume loops using different stimulation time points during systole and diastole. Best results were observed during end-systole and, therefore, this time point was used for stimulation. RESULTS: Under control conditions, MCP was associated with a significant decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (-18%), a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (-11%) and stroke work index (-4%), whereas cardiac index (+2%) and ejection fraction (+6%) increased slightly. Pressure-volume loops showed a leftward shift with a decrease in end-systolic volume. After â-blockade, cardiac function decreased (HR, MAP, EF, dP/dt max), but it improved with skeletal muscle stimulation (HR +10% and CI +17%, EF +5%). There was a significant decrease in pulmonary (-19%) and systemic vascular resistance (-29%). CONCLUSIONS: In the animal model, ECG-triggered skeletal muscular counterpulsation is associated with a significant improvement in cardiac function at baseline and after IV â-blockade. Thus, MCP represents a new, non-invasive technique which improves cardiac function by diastolic compression of the peripheral arteries and veins, with a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and increase in cardiac output.

Clinical predictors of prophylaxis use prior to the onset of acute venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients SWIss Venous ThromboEmbolism Registry (SWIVTER)

BACKGROUND: We investigated clinical predictors of appropriate prophylaxis prior to the onset of venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS: In 14 Swiss hospitals, 567 consecutive patients (306 medical, 261 surgical) with acute VTE and hospitalization < 30 days prior to the VTE event were enrolled. RESULTS: Prophylaxis was used in 329 (58%) patients within 30 days prior to the VTE event. Among the medical patients, 146 (48%) received prophylaxis, and among the surgical patients, 183 (70%) received prophylaxis (P < 0.001). The indication for prophylaxis was present in 262 (86%) medical patients and in 217 (83%) surgical patients. Among the patients with an indication for prophylaxis, 135 (52%) of the medical patients and 165 (76%) of the surgical patients received prophylaxis (P < 0.001). Admission to the intensive care unit [odds ratio (OR) 3.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.94-5.57], recent surgery (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.51-3.44), bed rest > 3 days (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.45-3.09), obesity (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.03-3.90), prior deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.31-2.24) and prior pulmonary embolism (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.05-2.26) were independent predictors of prophylaxis. In contrast, cancer (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.89-1.25), age (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-1.01), acute heart failure (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.79-1.63) and acute respiratory failure (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.89-1.59) were not predictive of prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Although an indication for prophylaxis was present in most patients who suffered acute VTE, almost half did not receive any form of prophylaxis. Future efforts should focus on the improvement of prophylaxis for hospitalized patients, particularly in patients with cancer, acute heart or respiratory failure, and in the elderly.

Structural analysis of B-Box 2 from MuRF1: identification of a novel self-association pattern in a RING-like fold

The B-box motif is the defining feature of the TRIM family of proteins, characterized by a RING finger-B-box-coiled coil tripartite fold. We have elucidated the crystal structure of B-box 2 (B2) from MuRF1, a TRIM protein that supports a wide variety of protein interactions in the sarcomere and regulates the trophic state of striated muscle tissue. MuRF1 B2 coordinates two zinc ions through a cross-brace alpha/beta-topology typical of members of the RING finger superfamily. However, it self-associates into dimers with high affinity. The dimerization pattern is mediated by the helical component of this fold and is unique among RING-like folds. This B2 reveals a long shallow groove that encircles the C-terminal metal binding site ZnII and appears as the defining protein-protein interaction feature of this domain. A cluster of conserved hydrophobic residues in this groove and, in particular, a highly conserved aromatic residue (Y133 in MuRF1 B2) is likely to be central to this role. We expect these findings to aid the future exploration of the cellular function and therapeutic potential of MuRF1.

Excavation at Bakr Awa 2010 and 2011

The site of Bakr Awa is situated in north-eastern Iraq, in the Plain of Shahrizor. Excavations were undertaken in 1960/61by the Iraqi Department of Antiquities and 2010/11 by the University of Heidelberg/Germany. Occupation layers from the beginning of the Early Bronze Age tothe Ottoman period were uncoveredin the lower city and on the citadel. Archaeological evidence from the secondmillennium B.C. shows the most intensive settlement activities and apparent prosperity at Bakr Awa. Several forms of pottery, small finds and architecture reflect dynamic processes of cultural and political transformation at this site located in an area of transition between northern and southern Mesopotamia and western Iran.

Middle to Late Holocene vegetation history of the Upper Engadine (Swiss Alps): the role of man and fire

o reconstruct the vegetation and fire history of the Upper Engadine, two continuous sediment cores from Lej da Champfèr and Lej da San Murezzan (Upper Engadine Valley, southeastern Switzerland) were analysed for pollen, plant macrofossils, charcoal and kerogen. The chronologies of the cores are based on 38 radiocarbon dates. Pollen and macrofossil data suggest a rapid afforestation with Betula, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus cembra, and Larix decidua after the retreat of the glaciers from the lake catchments 11,000 cal years ago. This vegetation type persisted until ca. 7300 cal b.p. (5350 b.c.) when Picea replaced Pinus cembra. Pollen indicative of human impact suggests that in this high-mountain region of the central Alps strong anthropogenic activities began during the Early Bronze Age (3900 cal b.p., 1950 b.c.). Local human settlements led to vegetational changes, promoting the expansion of Larix decidua and Alnus viridis. In the case of Larix, continuing land use and especially grazing after fire led to the formation of Larix meadows. The expansion of Alnus viridis was directly induced by fire, as evidenced by time-series analysis. Subsequently, the process of forest conversion into open landscapes continued for millennia and reached its maximum at the end of the Middle Ages at around 500 cal b.p. (a.d. 1450).

Influence of human impact and bedrock differences on the vegetational history of the Insubrian Southern Alps

Vegetation history for the study region is reconstructed on the basis of pollen, charcoal and AMS14C investigations of lake sediments from Lago del Segrino (calcareous bedrock) and Lago di Muzzano (siliceous bedrock). Late-glacial forests were characterised byBetula andPinus sylvestris. At the beginning of the Holocene they were replaced by temperate continental forest and shrub communities. A special type of temperate lowland forest, withAbies alba as the most important tree, was present in the period 8300 to 4500 B.P. Subsequently,Fagus, Quercus andAlnus glutinosa were the main forest components andA. alba ceased to be of importance.Castanea sativa andJuglans regia were probably introduced after forest clearance by fire during the first century A.D. On soils derived from siliceous bedrock,C. sativa was already dominant at ca. A.D. 200 (A.D. dates are in calendar years). In limestone areas, however,C. sativa failed to achieve a dominant role. After the introduction ofC. sativa, the main trees were initially oak (Quercus spp.) and later the walnut (Juglans regia). Ostrya carpinifolia became the dominant tree around Lago del Segrino only in the last 100–200 years though it had spread into the area at ca. 5000 cal. B.C. This recent expansion ofOstrya is confirmed at other sites and appears to be controlled by human disturbances involving especially clearance. It is argued that these forests should not be regarded as climax communities. It is suggested that under undisturbed succession they would develop into mixed deciduous forests consisting ofFraxinus excelsior, Tilia, Ulmus, Quercus and Acer.

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 705 - Studien über Nationalismus und Autorität; Darmstädter Gemeindestudie; "Project on Attitudes of German Youth" u.a. (p. IX 176 - IX 181a)

"Gruppenuntersuchung über Nationalismus", Juni 1950. Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Ergänzungen von Friedrich Pollock, 18 Blatt; "Beitrag des Instituts für Sozialforschung zu dem Forschungsobjekt (Forschungsprojekt?) über Autorität", 1950/51, a) Typoskript, 5 Blatt, b) Typoskript mit dem Titel "New Project on Authority" mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 7 Blatt; "Memorandum über eine Studie zum Problem der Autorität im deutschen Erziehungswesen", ca. 1950. Typoskript, 4 Blatt; "Darmstädter Gemeindestudie", 1950-52: 1. Theodor W. Adorno: "Memorandum re: Stand der Darmstädter Gemeindestudie bei der Abreise von Theodor W. Adorno", 15.10.1952. Typoskript mit eigenhändigen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 2. Ansprache bei der Überreichung der ersten Publikationen der Studie an den Minister und den Bürgermeister von Darmstadt, 2.7.1952, Typoskript, 9 Blatt; 3. Max Horkheimer: "Gutachten über die Darmstädter Gemeindestudie", 1.4.1952. Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 4. "Memorandum on the Participation of the Institute of Social Research in the Darmstadt Community Study", 31.3.1952. Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 5. Theodor W. Adorno: 'Memorandum re: Darmstadt', 4.9.1951. Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 6. "Eine Untersuchung über die Einstellung der Arbeitnehmer zu ihren wirtschaftlichen Interessenvertretungen (Darmstädter Gemeindestudie). Entwurf", 20.7.1951. Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 7. Theodor W. Adorno: "Memorandum über zwei an das Institut für Sozialforschung zu vergebende Aufträge im Rahmen der Darmstädter Gemeindestudie". Typoskripte, 6 Blatt; 8. Theodor W. Adorno: "Aktennotiz über die Besprechung am 20. November 1950 zwischen den Leitern der Darmstädter Gemeindestudie, insbesondere Dr. Grigsy und Magnifizenz Rolfes, und Theodor W. Adorno". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 9. Bemerkungen zum Abbruch und zur Neuorganisation der Studie, für eine Rede in Chicago, Typoskript, englisch, ohne Datum, 1 Blatt; "Outline of a Study of In-Between-Culture" ("Edelkitsch"), Anfang der 1950er Jahre. Typoskript, englisch, 1 Blatt; "Project on Attitudes of German Youth", 1951: 1. "Some Remarks of the Present German Social Situation", a) Typoskript, 24 Blatt, b) Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 23 Blatt, c) Typoskript, 23 Blatt, d) Typoskript, 21 Blatt, e) Entwurf, Typoskript, 23 Blatt; 2. "Estimate for six month project on Attitudes of German Youth", 2 Blatt; Institut für Sozialforschung: "Umfrage unter Frankfurter Studenten" (Max Horkheimer: "Vorbemerkung"): Über die soziale Situation und die Einstellun der Studenten, 1952, Ergebnisse eines Praktikums zur empirischen Sozialforschung, Wintersemester 1951/52, als Typoskript vervielfältigt, gebunden, 126 Blatt;

Geochemistry on sediments in Lake Biwa

Thirty sediment cores (30-40 cm in length), 47 Ekman dredge sediments, and Mn concretions were collected from Lake Biwa. The concentrations of 36 elements in the samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation, X-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption, and colorimetric analyses. The elements determined included Mn, P, As, Sb, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, Cr, Ti, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Hf, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, U, Th, Au, Ta, Nd, Br and N. Based on statistical considerations and calculation of the concentration factors of the elements, the features of the elemental distribution in Lake Biwa sediment were determined. The main results are summarized as follows : (1) Concentrations of Mn and As were very high in the uppermost oxidized layer of the offshore sediment and Mn concretions. This resulted from the dissolution-deposition cycles of these elements within the sedimentary column and the bottom water. The fixation of As at the sediment surface is mainly attributed to the adsorption of arsenate onto Mn (II) -rich hydrous Mn (IV) oxide. (2) There were high concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Hg in the recent sediments. Although the source of these elements is attributed to human activities, the individual distributions of Zn and Cu in the sediment may result from the deposition of metal-rich planktonic debris and subsequent degradation of the debris. (3) The orders of increasing concentrations of alkali metals and lanthanides in the sediment from the central region compared with the nearshore pediment were identical to the orders of increasing atomic numbers from Na to Cs and from La to Lu, respectively.

Chlorophyll a content, protist biomass and experimental plankton growth and mortality in West Greenland water samples

We evaluated the role of microzooplankton (sensu latto, grazers <500 µm) in determining the fate of phytoplankton production (PP) along a glacier-to-open sea transect in the Greenland subarctic fjord, Godthabfjord. Based on the distribution of size fractionated chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations we established 4 zones: (1) Fyllas Bank, characterized by deep chl a maxima (ca. 30 to 40 m) consisting of large cells, (2) the mouth and main branch of the fjord, where phytoplankton was relatively homogeneously distributed in the upper 30 m layer, (3) inner waters influenced by glacial melt water and upwelling, with high chl a concentrations (up to 12 µg/l) in the >10 µm fraction within a narrow (2 m) subsurface layer, and (4) the Kapisigdlit branch of the fjord, ice-free, and characterized with a thick and deep chl a maximum layer. Overall, microzooplankton grazing impact on primary production was variable and seldom significant in the Fyllas Bank and mouth of the fjord, quite intensive (up to >100% potential PP consumed daily) in the middle part of the main and Kapisigdlit branches of the fjord, and rather low and unable to control the fast growing phytoplankton population inhabiting the nutrient rich waters in the upwelling area in the vicinity of the glacier. Most of the grazing impact was on the <10 µm phytoplankton fraction, and the major grazers of the system seem to be >20 µm microzooplankton, as deducted from additional dilution experiments removing this size fraction. Overall, little or no export of phytoplankton out of the fjord to the Fyllas Bank can be determined from our data.

Major and trace element analyses from DSDP Hole 26-253 at the Ninetyeast Ridge in the Indian Ocean

A basaltic sequence of Eocene submarine-erupted pyroclastic sediments totals at least 388 m at DSDP Site 253 on the Ninetyeast Ridge. These fossiliferous hyaloclastic sediments have been erupted and fragmented by explosive volcanism (hydroexplosions) in shallow water. The occurrence of interbedded basaltic ash-fall tuffs within the younger horizons of the hyaloclastic sequence marks the emergence of some Ninetyeast Ridge volcanic vents above sea level. Considerable textural variation allows subdivision of the sequence into six informal lithostratigraphic units. Hydrothermal and diagenetic alteration has caused the complete replacement of all original glass by smectites, and the introduction of abundant zeolite and calcite cements. The major and trace element contents of the hyaloclastites vary due to the alteration, and the admixture of biogenous calcite. On a calcium carbonate-free basis systematic variations are recognisable. Mg, Ni, Cr and Cu are enriched, and Li and Zn depleted in the three older units relative to the younger three. The chemical variability is reflected by the development of saponite in the older part of the sequence and montmorillonite in the younger; and by the presence of a quartz-normative basalt flow occurring in Unit II, in contrast to the Mg-rich highly olivine-normative basalt at the base of the sequence. The younger and older parts of the sequence therefore appear to have been derived from magmas of different chemistry. The sequence, like other basaltic rocks recovered from the Ninetyeast Ridge, is enriched in the light relative to the heavy rare earth elements (REE) although the REE contents vary unsystematically with depth, probably because of the high-temperature subaqueous alteration and the presence of biogenous calcite. This REE data indicates that the Ninetyeast Ridge volcanism was different from that which produces mid-ocean ridge basalts.