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Background Exposure to future ocean acidification scenarios may alter the behaviour of marine teleosts through interference with neuroreceptor functioning. So far, most studies investigated effects of ocean acidification on the behaviour of fish, either isolated or in combination with environmental temperature. However, only few physiological studies on this issue were conducted despite the putative neurophysiological origin of the CO2-induced behavioural changes. Here, we present the metabolic consequences of long-term exposure to projected ocean acidification (396–548 μatm PCO2 under control and 915–1272 μatm under treatment conditions) and parallel warming in the brain of two related fish species, polar cod (Boreogadus saida, exposed to 0 °C, 3 °C, 6 °C and 8 °C) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, exposed to 3 °C, 8 °C, 12 °C and 16 °C). It has been shown that B. saida is behaviourally vulnerable to future ocean acidification scenarios, while G. morhua demonstrates behavioural resilience. Results We found that temperature alters brain osmolyte, amino acid, choline and neurotransmitter concentrations in both species indicating thermal responses particularly in osmoregulation and membrane structure. In B. saida, changes in amino acid and osmolyte metabolism at the highest temperature tested were also affected by CO2, possibly emphasizing energetic limitations. We did not observe changes in neurotransmitters, energy metabolites, membrane components or osmolytes that might serve as a compensatory mechanism against CO2 induced behavioural impairments. In contrast to B. saida, such temperature limitation was not detected in G. morhua; however, at 8 °C, CO2 induced an increase in the levels of metabolites of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle potentially indicating greater GABAergic activity in G.morhua. Further, increased availability of energy-rich substrates was detected under these conditions. Conclusions Our results indicate a change of GABAergic metabolism in the nervous system of Gadus morhua close to the optimum of the temperature range. Since a former study showed that juvenile G. morhua might be slightly more behaviourally resilient to CO2 at this respective temperature, we conclude that the observed change of GABAergic metabolism could be involved in counteracting OA induced behavioural changes. This may serve as a fitness advantage of this respective species compared to B. saida in a future warmer, more acidified polar ocean. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12983-017-0238-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) from taurine to water (TauCEST) can be used for in vivo mapping of taurine concentrations as well as for measurements of relative changes in intracellular pH (pH

Our goal is to answer the question: compared with experimental structures, how useful are predicted models for functional annotation? We assessed the functional utility of predicted models by comparing the performances of a suite of methods for functional characterization on the predictions and the experimental structures. We identified 28 sites in 25 protein targets to perform functional assessment. These 28 sites included nine sites with known ligand binding (holo‐sites), nine sites that are expected or suggested by experimental authors for small molecule binding (apo‐sites), and Ten sites containing important motifs, loops, or key residues with important disease‐associated mutations. We evaluated the utility of the predictions by comparing their microenvironments to the experimental structures. Overall structural quality correlates with functional utility. However, the best‐ranked predictions (global) may not have the best functional quality (local). Our assessment provides an ability to discriminate between predictions with high structural quality. When assessing ligand‐binding sites, most prediction methods have higher performance on apo‐sites than holo‐sites. Some servers show consistently high performance for certain types of functional sites. Finally, many functional sites are associated with protein‐protein interaction. We also analyzed biologically relevant features from the protein assemblies of two targets where the active site spanned the protein‐protein interface. For the assembly targets, we find that the features in the models are mainly determined by the choice of template. ISSN:0887-3585 ISSN:1097-0134

Temperature dependent chemical shifts of important brain metabolites measured by localisedPhantom measurements on solutions containing 11 metabolites were performed on a 7 T scanner between 1 and 43 °C. The temperature dependence of the chemical shift differences was fitted by a linear model. Spectra were simulated for different temperatures and analysed by the AQSES program (jMRUI 5.2) using model functions with chemical shift values for 37 °C.Large differences in the temperature dependence of the chemical shift differences were determined with a maximum slope of about ±7.5 × 10If

SummaryBackground: In the summer of 2016 an international group of biomedical and health informatics faculty and graduate students gathered for the 16th meeting of the International Partnership in Health Informatics Education (IPHIE) masterclass at the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. This international biomedical and health informatics workshop was created to share knowledge and explore issues in biomedical health informatics (BHI).Objective: The goal of this paper is to summarize the discussions of biomedical and health informatics graduate students who were asked to define interoperability, and make critical observations to gather insight on how to improve biomedical education.Methods: Students were assigned to one of four groups and asked to define interoperability and explore potential solutions to current problems of interoperability in health care.Results: We summarize here the student reports on the importance and possible solutions to the “interoperability problem” in biomedical informatics. Reports are provided from each of the four groups of highly qualified graduate students from leading BHI programs in the US, Europe and Asia.Conclusion: International workshops such as IPHIE provide a unique opportunity for graduate student learning and knowledge sharing. BHI faculty are encouraged to incorporate into their curriculum opportunities to exercise and strengthen student critical thinking to prepare our students for solving health informatics problems in the future.Citation: Turner AM, Facell JC, Jaspers M, Wetter T, Pfeifer D, Gatewood LC, Adam T, Li Y-C, Lin M-C, Evans RS, Beukenhorst A, van Mens H, Tensen E, Bock C, Fendrich L, Seitz P, Suleder J, Aldekhyyel R, Bridgeman K, Hu Z, Sattler A, Guo S-Y, Mohaimenul IMd, Ningrum DNA, Tung H-R, Bian J, Plasek JM, Rommel C, Burke J, Sohi H. Solving interoperability in translational health: perspectives of students from the International Partnership in Health Informatics Education (IPHIE) 2016 master class. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 651–659 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2017-01-CR-0012

According to the Membrane Pacemaker Theory of metabolism (MPT) allometric scaling of metabolic rate in animals is determined by the composition of cellular and mitochondrial membranes that changes with body size in a predictable manner. MPT has been elaborated from interspecific comparisons in mammals. It projects that the degree of unsaturation of membrane phospholipids decreases in larger organisms, thereby lowering ion permeability of the membranes and making cellular and thus whole animal metabolism more efficient. Here we tested the applicability of the MPT to a marine ectotherm, the mussel Mytilus edulis at the intraspecific level. We determined effects of body mass on whole organism, tissue and cellular oxygen consumption rates, on heart rate, metabolic enzyme activities and on the lipid composition of membranes. In line with allometric patterns the organismal functions and processes such as heart rate, whole animal respiration rate and phospholipid contents showed a mass-dependent decline. However, the allometry of tissue and cellular respiration and activity of metabolic enzymes was poor; fatty acid unsaturation of membrane phospholipids of gill tissue was independent of animal size. It is thus conceivable that most of the metabolic allometry observed at the organismal level is determined by systemic functions. These whole organism patterns may be supported by energy savings associated with growing cell size but not by structural changes in membranes. Overall, the set of processes contributing to metabolic allometry in ectotherms may differ from that operative in mammals and birds, with a reduced involvement of the mechanisms proposed by the MPT.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) gain increasing attention and importance as a tool in marine ecology. So far, studies were largely limited to morphological studies, e.g. for the creation of digital libraries. Here, the utility of MRI and MRS for ecologists is tested and exemplified using formalin preserved samples of the Antarctic silverfish, Pleuragramma antarctica. As this species lacks a swim bladder, buoyancy is attained by the deposition of large amounts of lipids that are mainly stored in subcutaneous and intermuscular lipid sacs. In this study MRI and MRS are not only used to study internal morphology, but additionally to investigate functional morphology and to measure parameters of high ecological interest. The data are compared with literature data obtained by means of traditional ecological methods. The results from this study show that MR scans are not only an alternative to histological sections (as shown before), but even allow the visualization of particular features in delicate soft tissues, such as Pleuragramma's lipid sacs. 3D rendering techniques proved to be a useful tool to study organ volumes and lipid content, which usually requires laborious chemical lipid extraction and analysis. Moreover, the application of MRS even allows for an analysis of lipids and fatty acids within lipid sacs, which wouldn't be possible using destructive methods. MRI and MRS, in particular when used in combination, have the capacity to provide useful data on parameters of high ecological relevance and thus have proven to be a highly valuable addition, if not alternative, to the classical methods.

Single-cell investigations of the diatoms Coscinodsicus granii and Thalassiosira pseudonana were performed using laser desorption/ionization (LDI)-MS without the addition of chemical matrices. The unique cell wall architecture of these microalgae, more precisely the biomineralized nanostructured surface, supported the ionization of cellular as well as surface-related metabolites. In model experiments with purified diatom cell walls of eight species C. granii and T. pseudonana proved to promote the ionization of the polymer polyethylene glycol most efficiently. These species were therefore chosen for further experiments. Without any additional workup, living diatom cells can be washed, can be placed on the LDI target and can immediately be profiled using LDI-MS. Characteristic signals arising from the two species were assigned to common metabolites known from diatom metabolism. Among others, chlorophyll, phospholipids and amino acids were detected. Using these fingerprint signals, we were able to perform species-specific MS imaging down to a single-cell resolution of 20 by 20 µm. The larger C. granii cells can be directly visualized, while more than one of the smaller T. pseudonana cells is needed to generate high-quality images. The introduced technique will pave the way toward a chemotyping of phytoplankton that will enable the automated annotation of microalgal species. But also, an assignment of metabolic plasticity on a single-cell level that could answer fundamental questions about plankton diversity is now in reach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

It is widely assumed that the ability of an introduced species to acclimate to local environmental conditions determines its invasion success. The sea anemone Diadumene lineata is a cosmopolitan invader and shows extreme physiological tolerances. It was recently discovered in Kiel Fjord (Western Baltic Sea), although the brackish conditions in this area are physiologically challenging for most marine organisms. This study investigated salinity tolerance in D. lineata specimens from Kiel Fjord in order to assess potential geographical range expansion of the species in the Baltic Sea. In laboratory growth assays, we quantified biomass change and asexual reproduction rates under various salinity regimes (34: North Sea, 24: Kattegat, 14: Kiel Fjord, 7: Baltic Proper). Furthermore, we used 1H-NMR-based metabolomics to analyse intracellular osmolyte dynamics. Within four weeks D. lineata exhibited a fivefold population growth through asexual reproduction at high salinities (34 and 24). Biomass increase under these conditions was significantly higher (69 %) than at a salinity of 14. At a salinity of 7, anemones ceased to reproduce asexually, their biomass decreased and metabolic depression was observed. Five main intracellular osmolytes were identified to be regulated in response to salinity change, with osmolyte depletion at a salinity of 7. We postulate that depletion of intracellular osmolytes defines a critical salinity (Scrit) that determines loss of fitness. Our results indicate that D. lineata has the potential to invade the Kattegat and Skagerrak regions with salinity >10. However, salinities of the Baltic Proper (salinity

Increased maintenance costs at cellular, and consequently organism level, are thought to be involved in shaping the sensitivity of marine calcifiers to ocean acidification (OA). Yet, knowledge of the capacity of marine calcifiers to undergo metabolic adaptation is sparse. In Kiel Fjord, blue mussels thrive despite periodically high seawater PCO2, making this population interesting for studying metabolic adaptation under OA. Consequently, we conducted a multi-generation experiment and compared physiological responses of F1 mussels from ‘tolerant’ and ‘sensitive’ families exposed to OA for 1 year. Family classifications were based on larval survival; tolerant families settled at all PCO2 levels (700, 1120, 2400 µatm) while sensitive families did not settle at the highest PCO2 (≥99.8% mortality). We found similar filtration rates between family types at the control and intermediate PCO2 level. However, at 2400 µatm, filtration and metabolic scope of gill tissue decreased in tolerant families, indicating functional limitations at the tissue level. Routine metabolic rates (RMR) and summed tissue respiration (gill and outer mantle tissue) of tolerant families were increased at intermediate PCO2, indicating elevated cellular homeostatic costs in various tissues. By contrast, OA did not affect tissue and routine metabolism of sensitive families. However, tolerant mussels were characterised by lower RMR at control PCO2 than sensitive families, which had variable RMR. This might provide the energetic scope to cover increased energetic demands under OA, highlighting the importance of analysing intra-population variability. The mechanisms shaping such difference in RMR and scope, and thus species’ adaptation potential, remain to be identified.

Tetrazoles are small functional heterocycles that are suited to serve simultaneously as aromatic platform for diversity and as functional interaction motif. Furthermore, the tetrazole ring and its deprotonated tetrazolate counterpart are metal ion complexing ligands that possess a rich variety of binding and bridging modes. We recently demonstrated that fragments containing the tetrazole moiety and a metal chelating hydrazide group are well suited to discover selective screening hits with high ligand efficiency for a given protein target. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of new polydentate tetrazole-containing screening compounds and their synthetic precursors as well as their deposition in a multipurpose screening library in the frame of the EU-OPENSCREEN network. The pure and well-characterized screening compounds could be useful to aid drug discovery programs for multiple or hitherto undruggable targets by enclosure of under-represented tetrazole derivatives.

BACKGROUND: The use of smart home sensor systems is growing primarily due to the appeal of unobtrusively monitoring older adult health and wellness. However, integrating large-scale sensor systems within residential settings can be challenging when deployment takes place across multiple environments, requiring customization of applications, connection across various devices and effective visualization of complex longitudinal data. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to demonstrate the implementation of a smart home system using an open, extensible platform in a real-world setting and develop an application to visualize data real time. METHODS: We deployed the open source Lab of Things platform in a house of 11 residents as a demonstration of feasibility over the course of 3 months. The system consisted of Aeon Labs Z-wave Door/Window sensors and an Aeon Labs Multi-sensor that collected data on motion, temperature, luminosity, and humidity. We applied a Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation approach towards designing a visualization interface engaging gerontological experts. We then conducted a survey with 19 older adult and caregiver stakeholders to inform further design revisions. RESULTS: Our initial visualization mockups consisted of a bar chart representing activity level over time. Family members felt comfortable using the application. Older adults however, indicated it would be difficult to learn to use the application, and had trouble identifying utility. A key for older adults was ensuring that the data collected could be utilized by their family members, physicians, or caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: The approach described in this work is generalizable towards future smart home deployments and can be a valuable guide for researchers to scale a study across multiple homes and connected devices, and to create personalized interfaces for end users.

The ongoing process of ocean acidification already affects marine life, and according to the concept of oxygen and capacity limitation of thermal tolerance, these effects may be intensified at the borders of the thermal tolerance window. We studied the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on clapping performance and energy metabolism of the commercially important scallop Pecten maximus. Individuals were exposed for at least 30 days to 4 °C (winter) or to 10 °C (spring/summer) at either ambient (0.04 kPa, normocapnia) or predicted future PCO2 levels (0.11 kPa, hypercapnia). Cold-exposed (4 °C) groups revealed thermal stress exacerbated by PCO2 indicated by a high mortality overall and its increase from 55 % under normocapnia to 90 % under hypercapnia. We therefore excluded the 4 °C groups from further experimentation. Scallops at 10 °C showed impaired clapping performance following hypercapnic exposure. Force production was significantly reduced although the number of claps was unchanged between normocapnia- and hypercapnia-exposed scallops. The difference between maximal and resting metabolic rate (aerobic scope) of the hypercapnic scallops was significantly reduced compared with normocapnic animals, indicating a reduction in net aerobic scope. Our data confirm that ocean acidification narrows the thermal tolerance range of scallops resulting in elevated vulnerability to temperature extremes and impairs the animal’s performance capacity with potentially detrimental consequences for its fitness and survival in the ocean of tomorrow.

SUMMARY Rising levels of atmospheric CO2 lead to acidification of the ocean and alter seawater carbonate chemistry, which can negatively impact calcifying organisms, including mollusks. In estuaries, exposure to elevated CO2 levels often co-occurs with other stressors, such as reduced salinity, which enhances the acidification trend, affects ion and acid–base regulation of estuarine calcifiers and modifies their response to ocean acidification. We studied the interactive effects of salinity and partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) on biomineralization and energy homeostasis in juveniles of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, a common estuarine bivalve. Juveniles were exposed for 11 weeks to one of two environmentally relevant salinities (30 or 15 PSU) either at current atmospheric PCO2 (∼400 μatm, normocapnia) or PCO2 projected by moderate IPCC scenarios for the year 2100 (∼700–800 μatm, hypercapnia). Exposure of the juvenile oysters to elevated PCO2 and/or low salinity led to a significant increase in mortality, reduction of tissue energy stores (glycogen and lipid) and negative soft tissue growth, indicating energy deficiency. Interestingly, tissue ATP levels were not affected by exposure to changing salinity and PCO2, suggesting that juvenile oysters maintain their cellular energy status at the expense of lipid and glycogen stores. At the same time, no compensatory upregulation of carbonic anhydrase activity was found under the conditions of low salinity and high PCO2. Metabolic profiling using magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed altered metabolite status following low salinity exposure; specifically, acetate levels were lower in hypercapnic than in normocapnic individuals at low salinity. Combined exposure to hypercapnia and low salinity negatively affected mechanical properties of shells of the juveniles, resulting in reduced hardness and fracture resistance. Thus, our data suggest that the combined effects of elevated PCO2 and fluctuating salinity may jeopardize the survival of eastern oysters because of weakening of their shells and increased energy consumption.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technique that today constitutes one of the main pillars of preclinical and clinical imaging. MRI’s capacity to depict soft tissue in whole specimens ex vivo as well as in vivo, achievable voxel resolutions well below (100 μm)3, and the absence of ionizing radiation have resulted in the broad application of this technique both in human diagnostics and studies involving small animal model organisms. Unfortunately, MRI systems are expensive devices and have so far only sporadically been used to resolve questions in zoology and in particular in zoomorphology. However, the results from two recent studies involving systematic scanning of representative species from a vertebrate group (fishes) as well as an invertebrate taxon (sea urchins) suggest that MRI could in fact be used more widely in zoology. Using novel image data derived from representative species of numerous higher metazoan clades in combination with a comprehensive literature survey, we review and evaluate the potential of MRI for systematic taxon scanning. According to our results, numerous animal groups are suitable for systematic MRI scanning, among them various cnidarian and arthropod taxa, brachiopods, various molluscan taxa, echinoderms, as well as all vertebrate clades. However, various phyla in their entirety cannot be considered suitable for this approach mainly due to their small size (e.g., Kinorhyncha) or their unfavorable shape (e.g., Nematomorpha), while other taxa are prone to produce artifacts associated either with their biology (e.g., Echiura) or their anatomy (e.g., Polyplacophora). In order to initiate further uses of MRI in zoology, we outline the principles underlying various applications of this technique such as the use of contrast agents, in vivo MRI, functional MRI, as well as magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Finally, we discuss how future technical developments might shape the use of MRI for the study of zoological specimens.

Climate change with increasing temperature and ocean acidification (OA) poses risks for marine ecosystems. According to Portner and Farrell [1], synergistic effects of elevated temperature and CO(2)-induced OA on energy metabolism will narrow the thermal tolerance window of marine ectothermal animals. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of an acute temperature rise on energy metabolism of the oyster, Crassostrea gigas chronically exposed to elevated CO(2) levels (partial pressure of CO(2) in the seawater similar to 0.15 kPa, seawater pH similar to 7.7). Within one month of incubation at elevated PCO(2) and 15 degrees C hemolymph pH fell (pH(e) = 7.1 +/- 0.2 (CO(2)-group) vs. 7.6 +/- 0.1 (control)) and P(e)CO(2) values in hemolymph increased (0.5 +/- 0.2 kPa (CO(2)-group) vs. 0.2 +/- 0.04 kPa (control)). Slightly but significantly elevated bicarbonate concentrations in the hemolymph of CO(2)-incubated oysters ([HCO(3)(-)](e) = 1.8 +/- 0.3 mM (CO(2)-group) vs. 1.3 +/- 0.1 mM (control)) indicate only minimal regulation of extracellular acid-base status. At the acclimation temperature of 15 degrees C the OA-induced decrease in pHe did not lead to metabolic depression in oysters as standard metabolism rates (SMR) of CO(2)-exposed oysters were similar to controls. Upon acute warming SMR rose in both groups, but displayed a stronger increase in the CO(2)-incubated group. Investigation in isolated gill cells revealed a similar temperature-dependence of respiration between groups. Furthermore, the fraction of cellular energy demand for ion regulation via Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was not affected by chronic hypercapnia or temperature. Metabolic profiling using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy revealed substantial changes in some tissues following OA exposure at 15 degrees C. In mantle tissue alanine and ATP levels decreased significantly whereas an increase in succinate levels was observed in gill tissue. These findings suggest shifts in metabolic pathways following OA-exposure. Our study confirms that OA affects energy metabolism in oysters and suggests that climate change may affect populations of sessile coastal invertebrates such as mollusks.

Future scenarios for the oceans project combined developments of CO2 accumulation and global warming and their impact on marine ecosystems. The synergistic impact of both factors was addressed by studying the effect of elevated CO2 concentrations on thermal tolerance of the cold-eurythermal spider crab Hyas araneus from the population around Helgoland. Here ambient temperatures characterize the southernmost distribution limit of this species. Animals were exposed to present day normocapnia (380 ppm CO2), CO2 levels expected towards 2100 (710 ppm) and beyond (3000 ppm). Heart rate and haemolymph PO2 (PeO2) were measured during progressive short term cooling from 10 to 0°C and during warming from 10 to 25°C. An increase of PeO2 occurred during cooling, the highest values being reached at 0°C under all three CO2 levels. Heart rate increased during warming until a critical temperature (Tc) was reached. The putative Tc under normocapnia was presumably >25°C, from where it fell to 23.5°C under 710 ppm and then 21.1°C under 3000 ppm. At the same time, thermal sensitivity, as seen in the Q10 values of heart rate, rose with increasing CO2 concentration in the warmth. Our results suggest a narrowing of the thermal window of Hyas araneus under moderate increases in CO2 levels by exacerbation of the heat or cold induced oxygen and capacity limitation of thermal tolerance.

Global warming trends in the marine environment currently lead to poleward shifts in the distribution of marine fauna along European coastlines indicating limited thermal tolerance of affected species and potential loss of their southernmost populations. The present study analyses the degree and limits of thermal specialisation in various populations of a key species of the intertidal zone, the lugworm Arenicola marina, which is exposed to highly fluctuating conditions in temperature, salinity, pH and oxygen levels during the seasonal as well as the tidal cycle. Thermal windows of tolerance and exercise performance were compared in three populations from the Russian White Sea, the German North Sea and the French Atlantic coast. Digging experiments in natural marine sediments quantified performance capacity and its optimum temperature. Temperature dependent ventilation and respiration were analysed in lugworms dwelling in artificial self-perfused burrows. Haemoglobin oxygen affinity was examined for an evaluation of population specific adaptations in the oxygen supply system. The results reflect a shift of both the thermal window and the thermal optimum towards higher temperatures with decreasing latitude. This shift was accompanied by a reduction of performance amplitude, i.e. the absolute number of digging periods, and a widening of the distance between critical temperatures, i.e. the total aerobic window of thermal tolerance.

Acidification of ocean surface waters by anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO(2)) emissions is a currently developing scenario that warrants a broadening of research foci in the study of acid-base physiology. Recent studies working with environmentally relevant CO(2) levels, indicate that some echinoderms and molluscs reduce metabolic rates, soft tissue growth and calcification during hypercapnic exposure. In contrast to all prior invertebrate species studied so far, growth trials with the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis found no indication of reduced growth or calcification performance during long-term exposure to 0.6 kPa CO(2). It is hypothesized that the differing sensitivities to elevated seawater pCO(2) could be explained by taxa specific differences in acid-base regulatory capacity. In this study, we examined the acid-base regulatory ability of S. officinalis in vivo, using a specially modified cannulation technique as well as (31)P NMR spectroscopy. During acute exposure to 0.6 kPa CO(2), S. officinalis rapidly increased its blood [HCO(3)(-)] to 10.4 mM through active ion-transport processes, and partially compensated the hypercapnia induced respiratory acidosis. A minor decrease in intracellular pH (pH(i)) and stable intracellular phosphagen levels indicated efficient pH(i) regulation. We conclude that S. officinalis is not only an efficient acid-base regulator, but is also able to do so without disturbing metabolic equilibria in characteristic tissues or compromising aerobic capacities. The cuttlefish did not exhibit acute intolerance to hypercapnia that has been hypothesized for more active cephalopod species (squid). Even though blood pH (pHe) remained 0.18 pH units below control values, arterial O(2) saturation was not compromised in S. officinalis because of the comparatively lower pH sensitivity of oxygen binding to its blood pigment. This raises questions concerning the potentially broad range of sensitivity to changes in acid-base status amongst invertebrates, as well as to the underlying mechanistic origins. Further studies are needed to better characterize the connection between acid-base status and animal fitness in various marine species.

Der neue V8-Ottomotor von BMW mit „Twin Turbo“ ist ein weiterer Meilenstein beim Ansatz der „Effizienten Dynamik“ und setzt damit „BMW EfficientDynamics“ auch in der Luxusklasse um. Dahinter steht die Vision der Antriebsentwicklung „Freude am Fahren durch effiziente Antriebsdynamik“. Die Kombination von strahlgefuhrter Direkteinspritzung der zweiten Generation mit Piezo-Injektoren in zentraler Anordnung, „Twin Turbo“-Aufladung sowie der innovativen Anordnung der beiden Turbolader und der motornahen Katalysatoren im V-Raum stellt eine einzigartige und wegweisende Kombination dar. Der Motor feierte seine Premiere im Fruhjahr dieses Jahres im neuen X6 und dient auch als Motorisierung in der neu vorgestellten funften Generation des BMW 7er. Nach dem im ersten Teil in der MTZ 11/2008 der Grundmotor im Detail dargestellt wurde, hat dieser zweite Teil die funktionalen Eigenschaften des Motors zum Inhalt.

Thermal tolerance windows were investigated in lugworms Arenicola marina (L.) from the North Sea, the English Channel and the Atlantic during winter and summer seasons. We adopted the concept of oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance and tested a variety of methods for their suitability to identify characteristics of the respective thermal window, such as critical, pejus (lat.: getting worse) and optimum temperatures (Tc, Tp and Topt), as well as temperature-dependent perfor- mance. First, the effect of acute temperature changes on oxygen consumption and pumping activity was examined in artificial burrows ventilated by lugworms collected in winter and summer from North Sea mudflats (acclimation temperatures 5 and 10°C). Second, the window of acutely temperature- dependent growth was evaluated by following the integration of uniformly labelled 13 C-L-phenylala- nine into proteins of the cuticulo-muscular tube, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, possibly providing access to Tp values. Third, seasonal changes in haemoglobin half-saturation oxy- gen tension (P50) and haemoglobin oxygen status in vivo were studied in lugworms from the North Sea population. Tc values were defined by use of oxygen consumption measurements, whereas pumping activity, growth performance and tissue oxygenation allowed determination of Topt. Our results show that the thermal window of actively ventilating lugworms is narrower in winter than in summer. The acute optimum temperature of growth performance was tilted towards the lower Tc and likely shifts with acclimation. Methods were found suitable to identify the acute thermal window of oxygen-limited thermal tolerance in the lugworm. Consecutive comparison of populations during various seasons in a latitudinal cline should thus lead to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Marine ectotherms, including oysters are exposed to variable environmental conditions in coastal shallow waters and estuaries. In the light of global climate change, additional stressors like pollution might pose higher risk to populations. On the basis of the concept of oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance in aquatic ectotherms ( 40 ), we show that a persistent pollutant, cadmium, can have detrimental effects on oysters ( Crassostrea virginica). During acute warming from 20 to 28°C (4°C/48 h) standard metabolic rate (SMR) rose in control and cadmium-exposed (50 μg Cd2+/l) animals, with a consistently higher SMR in Cd-exposed oysters. Additionally, Cd-exposed oysters showed a stronger temperature-dependent decrease in hemolymph oxygen partial pressures. This observation indicates that the effect of temperature on aerobic metabolism was exacerbated due to the additional Cd stress. The oxygen delivery systems could not provide enough oxygen to cover Cd-induced elevated metabolic demands at high temperatures. Interestingly, cardiac performance (measured as the heart rate and hemolymph supply to tissues) rose to a similar extent in control and Cd-exposed oysters with warming indicating that cardiac output was unable to compensate for elevated energy demand in Cd-exposed oysters. Together with the literature data on metal-induced reduction of ventilatory capacity, these findings suggest that synergistic effects of elevated temperatures and cadmium exposure led to oxygen limitation by impaired performance in oxygen supply through ventilation and circulation. Overall, cadmium exposure resulted in progressive hypoxemia in oysters at high temperatures, suggesting that the thermal tolerance window is narrowed in marine ectotherms inhabiting polluted areas compared with pristine environments.

SUMMARY Traditionally, critical swimming speed has been defined as the speed when a fish can no longer propel itself forward, and is exhausted. To gain a better understanding of the metabolic processes at work during a Ucrit swim test, and that lead to fatigue, we developed a method using in vivo31P-NMR spectroscopy in combination with a Brett-type swim tunnel. Our data showed that a metabolic transition point is reached when the fish change from using steady state aerobic metabolism to non-steady state anaerobic metabolism, as indicated by a significant increase in inorganic phosphate levels from 0.3±0.3 to 9.5±3.4 mol g–1, and a drop in intracellular pH from 7.48±0.03 to 6.81±0.05 in muscle. This coincides with the point when the fish change gait from subcarangiform swimming to kick-and-glide bursts. As the number of kicks increased, so too did the Pi concentration, and the pHi dropped. Both changes were maximal at Ucrit. A significant drop in Gibbs free energy change of ATP hydrolysis from –55.6±1.4 to –49.8±0.7 kJ mol–1 is argued to have been involved in fatigue. This confirms earlier findings that the traditional definition of Ucrit, unlike other critical points that are typically marked by a transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, is the point of complete exhaustion of both aerobic and anaerobic resources.

Integrating sensor systems within the home can be a tedious process due to the challenges of deploying systems across multiple environments, customizing applications, and connecting across various devices. We demonstrate the deployment of sensors using the Lab of Things platform within a residence over a 3 month period. We developed a real time visualization application from the generated sensor data, and evaluated it through a survey with 19 older adults and caregivers. Findings can be a valuable guide to scale a study across multiple settings, and to create personalized interfaces.

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) from glutamate to water (GluCEST) is a powerful tool for mapping glutamate concentration and intracellular pH. GluCEST could also be helpful to understand the physiology of lower aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the GluCEST effect and the exchange rate ksw from amine protons of glutamate to water in a broad range of temperatures (1-37°C) and pH (5.5-8.0). Z-spectra were measured from glutamate solutions at different pH values and temperatures and analysed by numerically solving the Bloch-McConnell equation. As expected, a strong dependence of the GluCEST effect and the determined ksw values on pH and temperature was observed. In addition, a strong dependence of the GluCEST effect on phosphate buffer concentration was confirmed. The in vitro data show that GluCEST is detectable in the whole temperature range, even at 1°C. An interpolation function for the exchange rate ksw was determined for the considered range of temperatures and pH values, showing a bijective relation between the exchange rate and pH at a given temperature. To investigate the specificity of GluCEST imaging at low temperatures, the CEST effect was investigated for several metabolites relevant for CEST imaging of the brain. As an example, the contribution of GluCEST to the total CEST effect at 3 ppm was estimated for zebrafish (Danio rerio). It is shown that also at lower temperatures glutamate is the major contributor to the total CEST effect, particularly if the experimental parameters are optimized.

Data from utility meters can be electronically transmitted to the utility. In case of deviations between the data displayed by the measurement instrument and the data transmitted reading of this display is the measurement result that serves as the basis for the price to pay. The ability of a measurement instrument to remotely read its data does not result in an additional type approval of the whole measurement system. But such a national approval process might be necessary for the transmission module which is not subject to the European Measurement Instruments Directive (MID).

Among bivalves, scallops are exceptional due to their capacity to escape from predators by swimming which is provided by rapid and strong claps that are produced by the phasic muscle interspersed with tonic muscle contractions. Based on the concept of oxygen and capacity-limited thermal tolerance, the following hypothesis was tested: ocean warming and acidification (OWA) would induce disturbances in aerobic metabolic scope and extracellular acid-case status and impair swimming performance in temperate scallops. Following longterm incubation under near-future OWA scenarios [20 vs. 10 °C (control) and 0.112 kPa CO2 (hypercapnia) vs. 0.040 kPa CO2 (normocapnic control)], the clapping performance and metabolic rates (MR) were measured in resting (RMR) and fatigued (maximum MR) king scallops, Pecten maximus, from Roscoff, France. Exposure to OA, either alone or combined with warming, left MR and swimming parameters such as the total number of claps and clapping forces virtually unchanged. Only the duration of the escape response was affected by OA which caused earlier exhaustion in hyper- than in normocapnic scallops at 10 °C. While maximum MR was unaffected, warm exposure increased RMR in both normocapnic and hypercapnic P. maximus resulting in similar Q10 values of ~2.2. The increased costs of maintenance and the observation of strongly reduced haemolymph PO2 levels indicate that at 20 °C scallops have reached the upper thermal pejus range with unbalanced capacities for aerobic energy metabolism. As a consequence, warming to 20 °C decreased mean phasic force during escape performance until fatigue. The observed prolonged recovery time in warm incubated scallops might be a consequence of elevated metabolic costs at reduced oxygen availability in the warmth.

High-resolution proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on tissue specimens from 33 patients with astrocytic tumors (22 astrocytomas, 11 glioblastomas) and 13 patients with meningiomas. For all patients, samples of primary tumors and their first recurrences were examined. Increased anaplasia, with respect to malignant transformation, resulting in a higher malignancy grade, was present in 11 recurrences of 22 astrocytoma patients. Spectroscopic features of tumor types, as determined on samples of the primary occurrences, were in good agreement with previous studies. Compared with the respective primary astrocytomas, characteristic features of glioblastomas were significantly increased concentrations of alanine (Ala) (p = 0.005), increased metabolite ratios of glycine (Gly)/total creatine (tCr) (p = 0.0001) and glutamate (Glu)/glutamine (Gln) (p = 0.004). Meningiomas showed increased Ala (p = 0.02) and metabolite ratios [Gly, total choline (tCho), Ala] over tCr (p = 0.001) relative to astrocytomas, and N-acetylaspartate and myo-inositol were absent. Metabolic changes of an evolving tumor were observed in recurrent astrocytomas: owing to their consecutive assessments, more indicators of malignant degeneration were detected in astrocytoma recurrences (e.g. Gly, p = 0.029; tCho, p = 0.034; Glu, p = 0.015; tCho/tCr, p = 0.001) in contrast to the comparison of primary astrocytomas with primary glioblastomas. The present investigation demonstrated a correlation of the tCho-signal with tumor progression. Significantly elevated concentrations of Ala (p = 0.037) and Glu (p = 0.003) and metabolite ratio tCho/tCr (p = 0.005) were even found in recurrent low-grade astrocytomas with unchanged histopathological grading (n = 11). This may be related to an early stage of malignant transformation, not yet detectable morphologically, and emphasizes the high sensitivity of 1H NMR spectroscopy in elucidating characteristics of brain tumor metabolism.

This article looks at various positive and negative measures which can be implemented to encourage the use of e-government. In particular, it focuses on incentive systems (primarily financial ones) as alternative measures to mandatory use requirements and includes consideration of the problematical issues of accessibility and the digital divide. The article also considers the possibility of levying special fees to offset the advantages of e-government to customers and the question of what INCENTIVES might exist for local and federal governments.

The microstructural evolution of brine inclusions in granular and columnar sea ice has been investigated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for temperatures between –28 and –3˚C. Thin-section and salinity measurements were completed on core samples obtained from winter sea ice near Barrow, Alaska, USA. Subsamples of granular (2–5cm depth in core) and columnar sea ice (20–23 cm depth) were investigated with morphological spin-echo and diffusion-weighted imaging in a Bruker 4.7T MRI system operating at field gradients of 200 mTm–1 at temperatures of approximately –28, –15, –6 and –3˚C. Average linear pore dimensions range from 0.2 to 1 mm and increase with bulk liquid volume fraction as temperatures rise from –15 to –3˚C. Granular ice pores are significantly larger than columnar ice pores and exhibit a higher degree of connectivity. No evidence is found of strongly non-linear increases in pore connectivity based on the MRI data. This might be explained by shortcomings in resolution, sensitivity and lack of truly three-dimensional data, differences between laboratory and field conditions or the absence of a percolation transition. Pore connectivity increases between –6 and –3˚C. Pore-number densities average at 1.4±1.2mm–2. The pore-number density distribution as a function of cross-sectional area conforms with power-law and lognormal distributions previously identified, although significant variations occur as a function of ice type and temperature. At low temperatures (< –26˚C), pore sizes were estimated from 1H self-diffusivity measurements, with self-diffusivity lower by up to an order of magnitude than in the free liquid. Analysis of diffusional length scales suggests characteristic pore dimensions of

Trademark offices which run according to principles of new management have an inherent need for dependable forecasting data in planning capacity and service levels. We wanted to find out whether there are factors which positively or negatively influence customers to register trademarks in Switzerland. Lacking literature on the idiosyncrasies of trademark filing behavior, we developed our own forecasting model adapted from those in other fields. It included timelines for trademark applications and corresponding classes over a 9-year period (1992–2001) and internal events which might possibly influence filing. The forecast is based on state space models with and without explanatory variables. We used a standard model with trend, season and random components, then added variables for external interventions and finally, added a model for regressors. The result was a statistical model which produced reliable forecasting over an 18-month period. It compares well to four other forecasting methods. Reliability was improved slightly by adding economic variables such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, SPI, SMI and the Swiss Consumer Index.

In various phyla of marine invertebrates limited capacities of both ventilatory and circulatory performance were found to set the borders of the thermal tolerance window with limitations in aerobic scope and onset of hypoxia as a first line of sensitivity to both cold and warm temperature extremes. The hypothesis of oxygen limited thermal tolerance has recently been investigated in fish using a combination of non-invasive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodology with invasive techniques. In contrast to observations in marine invertebrates arterial oxygen tensions in fish were independent of temperature, while venous oxygen tensions displayed a thermal optimum. As the fish heart relies on venous oxygen supply, limited cardio-circulatory capacity is concluded to set the first level of thermal intolerance in fish. Nonetheless, maximized ventilatory capacity is seen to support circulation in maintaining the width of thermal tolerance windows. The interdependent setting of low and high tolerance limits is interpreted to result from trade-offs between optimized tissue functional capacity and baseline oxygen demand and energy turnover co-determined by the adjustment of mitochondrial densities and functional properties to a species-specific temperature range. At temperature extremes, systemic hypoxia will elicit metabolic depression, thereby widening the thermal window transiently sustained especially in those species preadapted to hypoxic environments.

Last autumn BMW has launched the facelift of its X5 series. One of various modifications was the replacement of the V8 powertrain by the new 4.4 ltr. Valvetronic engine — well known from the 5, 6 and 7 series — and by the 6 speed ZF automatic gearbox. The new BMW x-Drive 4 by 4 technology enables with an electronically controlled multiplate wet clutch in the transfer box an extremely fast and continuosly variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds. As the successor of the top model X5 4.6iS the Valvetronic eightcylinder engine has been increased in displacement to 4.8 ltrs and has been optimized by power improving modifications at the base engine as well as at the air intake system and exhaust system. Since April 2004 this powertrain is offered as the new top model X5 4.8iS.

BMW hat im Herbst 2003 die Fahrzeugbaureihe X5 einer Modelluberarbeitung unterzogen. Dabei wurde der bisherige Antrieb durch den aus 5er-, 6er- und 7er-Reihe bekannten, 4,4-l-Valvetronic-Motor und das Sechsgang-Automatikgetriebe von ZF ersetzt. Die neue BMW-Allradtechnik x-Drive ermoglicht mit Hilfe einer elektrisch betatigten Lamellenkupplung im Verteilergetriebe eine schnelle und stufenlos variable Verteilung des Antriebsmomentes zwischen Vorder- und Hinterachse. Als Nachfolger fur die Top-Variante X5 4,6iS wurde der Valvetronic-Achtzylindermotor im Hubraum auf 4,8 l angehoben und durch leistungssteigernde Masnahmen im Grundmotor sowie im Ansaug- und Abgassystem fein optimiert. Er wird seit April 2004 als neue Spitzenvariante X5 4,8iS im Markt angeboten.

In vivo (31)P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to measure the levels of ATP, phospho-l-arginine (PLA), and inorganic phosphate in the adductor muscle of the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki and two temperate species, Aequipecten opercularis and Pecten maximus. Graded exercise regimes from light (one to two contractions) to exhausting (failing to respond to further stimulation) were imposed on animals of each species at its habitat temperature (0 degrees vs. 12 degrees C, respectively). NMR spectroscopy allowed noninvasive measurement of metabolite levels and intracellular pH at high time resolution (30-120-s intervals) during exercise and throughout the recovery period. Significant differences were shown between the magnitude and form of the metabolic response with increasing levels of exercise in each species. After exhaustion, short-term (first 15 min) muscle alkalosis was followed by acidosis of up to 0.2 pH units during the recovery process. Aequipecten opercularis had similar resting muscle PLA levels compared with either P. maximus or A. colbecki but used a fivefold greater proportion of this store per contraction and was able to perform only half as many claps (maximum of 24) as the other species before exhaustion. All species regenerated their PLA store at a similar rate despite different environmental temperatures. These findings argue for some cold compensation of muscular performance and recovery capacities in the Antarctic scallop, albeit at levels of performance similar to scallops with low activity lifestyles from temperate latitudes.

Temperature-induced pH changes in white muscle tissue of three eelpout populations with different levels of eurythermy (the cold stenothermal Antarctic species Pachycara brachycephalum and the temperate eelpout Zoarces viviparus from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea) were monitored online by use of in vivo 31 P-NMR in unrestrained, unanaesthetized fish. An intracellular pH (pH i ) change of around −0.015 pH units/°C was observed in all eelpout populations in accordance with the α -stat hypothesis. The pH change was completed earlier (within 4 h) in the stenothermal Antarctic eelpout than in the Baltic population (within 8 h) and latest (not within 12 h) in the eurythermal North Sea population. These findings confirm the hypothesis that the kinetics of temperature-dependent pH i regulation is reflected by the relative contribution of active and passive processes to a temperature-induced pH change. The extent of passively induced pH i changes is in line with the general hypothesis that the temperature-dependent adjustment of pH i occurs mostly by active mechanisms in eurythermal animals, whereas in stenothermal animals pH changes are largely elicited by passive processes. Temperature changes had no influence on high-energy phosphates like phosphocreatine and ATP or on the Gibbs free energy change of ATP hydrolysis (Δ G /Δ ξ ).

The effect of acute increase in temperature on oxygen partial pressure (Po 2 ) was measured in the gill arches of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua between 10 and 19° C by use of oxygen microoptodes. Oxygen saturation of the gill blood under control conditions varied between 90 and 15% reflecting a variable percentage of arterial or venous blood in accordance with the position of each optode in the gill arch. The data obtained suggested that arterial Po 2 remained more or less constant and arterial oxygen uptake did not become limiting during warming. A progressive drop in venous Po 2 . however, was observed at >10° C indicating that excessive oxygen uptake from the blood is not fully compensated for by circulatory performance, until finally, Po 2 levels fully collapse. In a second set of experiments energy and acid-base status of white muscle of Atlantic cod in vivo was measured by magnetic resonance ( 31 P-NMR) spectroscopy in unanaesthetized and unimmobilized fish in the temperature range between 13 and 21° C. A decrease in white muscle intracellular pH (pH i ) with temperature occurred between 10 and 16° C (ApH per ° C = -0.025 per C). In white muscle temperature changes had no influence on high-energy phosphates such as phosphocreatine (PCr) or ATP except during exposure to high critical temperatures (>16° C), indicating that white muscle energy status appears to be relatively insensitive to thermal stress if compared to the thermal sensitivity of the whole animal. The data were consistent with the hypothesis of an oxygen limitation of thermal tolerance in animals, which is set by limited capacity of oxygen supply mechanisms. In the case of Atlantic cod circulatory rather than ventilatory performance may be the first process to cause oxygen deficiency during heat stress.

Dieselmotoren haben in Europa besonders im Segment der Oberklasse eine sehr hohe Bedeutung erlangt. Fur den Einsatz im neuen BMW 7er wurden die bereits aus dem Vorgangermodell bekannten Dieselmotoren, der 3-l-Reihensechszylindermotor und der 3,9-l-V8-Motor, tiefgreifend uberarbeitet [1,2]. Wie schon bei den im Herbst letzten Jahres zum Start des neuen BMW 7er eingefuhrten Achtzylinder-Ottomotoren werden auch die beiden Dieselmotoren ausschlieslich mit Sechsgang-Stufenautomatikgetrieben der neuesten Generation kombiniert.

Particularly in the luxury performance segment, diesel engines have become very significant in Europe over the years. Serving as power units for the new BMW 7-Series, the 3.0-litre straight-six and 3.9-litre V8 diesel engines which already featured in the previous models have been fundamentally revised and updated. Like the 8-cylinder gasoline engines introduced last autumn at the launch of the new 7-Series, the two new diesel engines are combined exclusively with the latest-generation six-speed automatic transmission.

In order to assess the effects of ocean acidification and warming on the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), specimens were reared in aquarium tanks and exposed to elevated conditions of temperature (+3°C) and acidity (−0.3 pH units) for a period of 10 months. The whole system comprised a factorial experimental design with 4 treatments (3 aquaria per treatment): control, lowered pH, elevated temperature, and lowered pH/elevated temperature. Mortality was estimated on a weekly basis and every 2 months, various biometrical parameters and physiological processes were measured: somatic and shell growth, metabolic rates and body fluid acid-base parameters. Mussels were highly sensitive to warming, with 100% mortality observed under elevated temperature at the end of our experiment in October. Mortality rates increased drastically in summer, when water temperature exceeded 25°C. In contrast, our results suggest that survival of this species will not be affected by a pH decrease of ~0.3 in the Mediterranean Sea. Somatic and shell growth did not appear very sensitive to ocean acidification and warming during most of the experiment, but were reduced, after summer, in the lowered pH treatment. This was consistent with measured shell net dissolution and observed loss of periostracum, as well as uncompensated extracellular acidosis in the lowered pH treatment indicating a progressive insufficiency in acid-base regulation capacity. However, based on the present dataset, we cannot elucidate if these decreases in growth and regulation capacities after summer are a consequence of lower pH levels during that period or a consequence of a combined effect of acidification and warming. To summarize, while ocean acidification will potentially contribute to lower growth rates, especially in summer when mussels are exposed to sub-optimal conditions, ocean warming will likely pose more serious threats to Mediterranean mussels in this region in the coming decades, This work was funded by the EC FP7 project “Mediterranean Sea Acidification in a changing climate” (MedSeA; grant agreement 265103), the French program PNEC (Programme national environnement côtier; Institut national des sciences de l'univers) and the EC FP7 project “European Project on Ocean Acidification” (EPOCA; grant agreement 211384)

Transmission technology is currently going through a very creative phase. Numerous new concepts, such as automated manual transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, traction transmissions or twin-clutch transmissions, have been introduced and are placing in question the conventional stepped automatic gearbox as the state of the art. However, a glance at the history of engineering shows that, generally speaking, it was not the revolutionary developments but rather the evolutionary path of further development that was the most successful. This article describes the path that BMW, together with the system supplier ZF, has taken in the development of the new 6-speed stepped automatic gearbox, which is to make its debut in the premiere of the new 7-Series. This path pursues the application of evolutionary further development of the stepped automatic gearbox, albeit with some revolutionary highlights.

Die Getriebetechnik befindet sich zur Zeit in einer sehr kreativen Phase. Zahlreiche neue Getriebekonzepte wie automatisierte Handschaltgetriebe, stufenlose Umschlingungsgetriebe, Traktionsgetriebe oder Doppelkupplungsgetriebe treten in Wettbewerb zum konventionellen Stufenautomaten. Der Stufenautomat ist aber nach wie vor bei hochmotorisierten Limousinen die kompromisslose Moglichkeit der Drehmomentwandlung. Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt den Weg, den BMW gemeinsam mit dem Systemlieferanten ZF bei der Entwicklung des neuen Sechsgang-Stufenautomaten 6HP26 gegangen ist, der in der neuen 7er-Reihe Premiere feiern wird. Dieser Weg verfolgt die konsequente Weiterentwicklung der Starken des Konzepts Stufenautomat, bei der innovative Highlights zum Einsatz kommen.

Microstructure and thermal evolution of sea-ice brine inclusions were investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Ice samples were kept at temperatures between −2°C and −25°C during 1H imaging in a 4.7-T magnet at 200 MHz. Measurements were completed in a 20-cm diameter cylindrical probe and actively shielded gradient coils (max. 50 mT m−1, pixel dimensions >0.2 mm, slice thicknesses >1 mm), and for higher resolution in a mini-imaging unit with a 9-cm diameter probe with gradient coils of 200 mT m−1 (pixel dimensions

T2*-weighted imaging at 4.7 T was used to identify the cortical areas activated by electrical stimulation of the forepaw and hindpaw of alpha-chloralose anesthetized rats. Variation of the coronal slice position relative to the bregma, showed that the forepaw representation in the somatosensory cortex is more frontal and lateral than that of the hindpaw. Overlap between both activation areas was observed only in a small region in the slice at the level of the bregma. Documented localizations of both representations are in good agreement with earlier observations using invasive techniques. The determination of the separate areas of both paws indicates the feasibility of more complex activation studies in anesthetized animals, such as combined stimulations for the investigation of potentiation or depression effects on individual stimuli.