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Objective: Primary polydipsia is characterized by excessive fluid intake which may suppress vasopressin levels. It is speculated that suppressed vasopressin levels lead to a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as vasopressin co-modulates the HPA axis. However, data is contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate markers of the HPA axis in patients with primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls. Design: Exploratory analysis combining data from two different prospective observational studies.Method: We included 34 patients with primary polydipsia (68% females, median aged 29.5 years (IQR 26.0, 38.8)) and 20 healthy volunteers (55% females, median age 24.0 years (IQR 22.0, 27.2)). The main outcome was circadian serum and salivary cortisol, 24-hour urinary free cortisol, and cortisol levels before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.Results: No difference was seen in circadian serum cortisol levels (p=0.9), urinary free cortisol levels (p=0.17), and serum cortisol in response to ACTH stimulation (p=0.77) between patients with primary polydipsia and healthy volunteers. However, circadian salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower in patients with primary polydipsia as compared to healthy volunteers with an estimated difference of -3.7 nmol/l (95%-CI -5.5, -1.8 nmol/l, p=Conclusion: Our results suggest no difference in HPA axis activity between patients with primary polydipsia and healthy volunteers. The observed difference in salivary cortisol levels may be linked to a dilution effect in saliva rather than an altered stress axis considering the other findings.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo realizar um estudo determinístico e quantitativo da avaliação do comportamento térmico e da vida útil de transformadores de distribuição. Para isso, busca-se compreender alguns pontos importantes da modelagem do comportamento térmico de transformadores imersos em óleo mineral, conforme apresenta a norma IEEE Std C57.91-2011 IEEE (2012). A partir desta norma foi desenvolvido um modelo térmico baseado em parâmetros físicos e mecânicos, no carregamento do transformador durante a operação e em aspectos térmicos importantes, como por exemplo, formas de refrigeração e influência da temperatura ambiente. Este modelo permite determinar um fator de aceleração do envelhecimento equivalente de um transformador e, em consequência, possibilita avaliar a sua vida útil. No estudo são analisados dois transformadores localizados em subestações distintas do sistema reticulado subterrâneo de Porto Alegre - RS (Brasil). A partir da aplicação de tecnologias inteligentes nesta rede elétrica convencional, foi possível realizar medições de grandezas elétricas e de temperatura em dois transformadores que possibilitaram validar o modelo avaliado com dados reais de um sistema elétrico em pleno funcionamento.

As Redes Inteligentes podem ser definidas como a superposição de um sistema unificado de comunicação e controle ao sistema existente de distribuição de energia elétrica, de forma a superar as vulnerabilidades causadas pelo fato dos Sistemas Elétricos de Potência utilizarem tecnologias antigas apesar de estarem cada vez mais interconectados. Diversos autores apontam a necessidade e o potencial do uso de técnicas avançadas de análise, abrangidas sob paradigmas como a Mineração de Dados, para que os dados gerados por esse sistema unificado sejam explorados de forma efetiva, capaz de apoiar o processo de gestão dos sistemas de distribuição de energia. Nesse artigo é apresentado um estudo de caso sobre a aplicação desse tipo de técnica aos dados gerados pelo sistema de monitoramento das subestações subterrâneas instalado e operado pela Companhia Estadual de Distribuição de Energia Elétrica na cidade de Porto Alegre. No estudo de caso apresentado, foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático capaz de prever o rendimento dos transformadores dessas subestações a partir de grandezas coletadas pelo sistema de monitoramento e da técnica estatística de Regressão Linear Múltipla. A partir da validação desse modelo, são propostos trabalhos futuros capazes de aprimorar o processo apresentado.

With the introduction of autonomous vehicles, drivers will be able to engage in non-related tasks while being driven. But in critical situations the car needs the support of the human driver. How do distracted drivers get back into the control-loop quickly when the car requests a take-over? To investigate effective take-over actions, we developed an interactive virtual reality experiment, that uses premises of the embodied cognition theory. Accordingly, the car should not only provide sensory input, but also help enhance the driver’s motor response by interpreting intention and thus helping to accomplish desired actions. This binds humans and machines together in becoming true cooperation partners in joint action. Therefore, we aim for a close monitoring of participants combined with sensorimotor feedforward and feedback. The presented prototype also serves as an open-access, cost-efficient toolkit that enables interested researchers to tailor the presented LoopAR tool to their own needs as part of a previously published toolkit called WestDrive. With the presented work, we hope to shift the paradigm of future research from only visual aids to full sensorimotor integration assistance.

To obtain estimates for the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in ducks and geese in Germany, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were established based on affinity-purified T. gondii tachyzoite surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1) and used to examine duck and goose sera for T. gondii-specific antibodies. The results of 186 sera from 60 non-infected ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and 101 sera from 36 non-infected geese (Anser anser) as well as 72 sera from 11 ducks and 89 sera from 12 geese inoculated experimentally with T. gondii tachyzoites (intravenously) or oocysts (orally) and positive in a T. gondii immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were used to select a cut-off value for the TgSAG1-ELISA. Sera obtained by serial bleeding of experimentally inoculated ducks and geese were tested to analyze the time course of anti-TgSAG1 antibodies after inoculation and to assess the sensitivity of the assays in comparison with IFAT. In ducks, IFAT titres and ELISA indices peaked 2 and 5 weeks p.i with tachyzoites, respectively. Only three of six geese inoculated with tachyzoites at the same time as the ducks elicited a low and non-permanent antibody response as detected by the IFAT. In the TgSAG1-ELISA, only a slight increase of the ELISA indices was observed in four of six tachyzoite-inoculated geese. By contrast, inoculation of ducks and geese with oocysts led to an increase in anti-TgSAG1 antibodies within 1 or 2 weeks, which were still detectable at the end of the observation period, i.e. 11 weeks p.i. Inoculation of three ducks and three geese with oocysts of Hammondia hammondi, a protozoon closely related to T. gondii, resulted in a transient seroconversion in ducks and geese as measured by IFAT or TgSAG1-ELISA. Using the newly established TgSAG1-ELISA, sera from naturally exposed ducks and geese sampled in the course of a monitoring program for avian influenza were examined for antibodies to T. gondii; 145/2534 (5.7%) of the ducks and 94/373 (25.2%) of the geese had antibodies against TgSAG1. Seropositive animals were detected on 20 of 61 duck and in 11 of 13 goose farms; the seroprevalences within positive submissions of single farms ranged from 2.2% to 78.6%. Farms keeping ducks or geese exclusively indoors had a significantly lower risk (odds ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.3) of harboring serologically positive animals as compared with farms where the animals had access to an enclosure outside the barn.

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of different processing procedures and preparations on the viability and infectivity of Trichinella spiralis ML. The muscles of limbs tongue and masseters of pigs experimentally infected were collected, splitted to pieces, and pooled. Five batches were used for the following processing procedures: (1) seasoning with "adobo", commercially acquired chilli and several other spices, (2) "wet-curing" by immersion of meat pieces in 3% brine during 24 hours, (3) cold storage without any further processing or preparation, (4) freezing to -20 degrees C and, (5) drying for 24 hours at 60 degrees C. Samples were stored at 4 degrees C for 15, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 or 266 days after preparation. At the last-mentioned dates, ML were recovered and used to determine the reproductive capacity by infecting naïve mice. The state of meat conservation or spoilage respectively was tested by visual and tactile examination. In samples treated by freezing or drying no motile larvae were found after artificial digestion and, following inoculation of mice with larvae recovered from these groups, no ML were founded after 40 days of infection. After the artificial digestion of the cold stored samples, the ones seasoned with "adobo" and "wet-cured", a number of motile ML were consistently obtained. Initial reproductive capacity index was as of 80+/-0.5, then rates decreased to 60 - 70 between days 15 and 105 PT and dropped to 40+/-6.7 at day 266 for seasoned, 33+/-2.7 for cold-stored and 33+/-2.5 for cured samples. The influence of storage time (p=0.000005; factorial ANOVA) but not for processing procedure (p=0.724; factorial ANOVA) were statistically significant. The sensorial examination of the meat samples showed severe changes caused by spoilage in odour, texture and colour from day 45 of storage. Data reported from this trial proves that curing or flavoring do not inactivate the Trichinella Mexican strain, although cold storage for more than three months led to a partial decrease of the reproductive capacity. Freezing and drying seemed to be effective measures to eliminate the ML infectivity.

The present study aimed at determining the contamination of blue mussels grown in Germany with relevant bacterial organisms. Seasonal variations were examined. For that purpose, mussel samples were taken regularly between June 2004 and May 2005 in seven shellfish-growing areas of the German Wadden Sea. A total of 90 samples were analysed. The analysis included the compulsory microbiological parameters Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., as well as the determination of the contamination with Vibrio spp. Although the analysed mussels complied with the legislation in force, potential human pathogens were detected in a wide range of samples. Vibrio spp. was detected in 74.4% of the samples analysed in this study. Among Vibrio isolates, Vibrio alginolyticus was the species most frequently detected (51.2%), followed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (39.5%). Vibrio vulnificus was detected in 3.5% of the samples. V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were not found in samples collected at low water temperatures. The results indicate that blue mussels from shellfish-growing areas in the German Wadden Sea regularly contain pathogens relevant to public health. They also show that E. coli is not a reliable indicator for the contamination with Vibrio spp. To improve consumer protection, it therefore seems necessary to extend the analysis of mussels for direct human consumption by additional parameters.

A total of 267 cysts were collected from March to December 2004 from two main abattoirs in northern Germany. The cysts were classified by the usual organoleptic methods during meat inspection as Cysticercus bovis. The reported prevalence of cysticercosis in the abattoirs was 0.48 and 1.08%, respectively. The cysts were examined macroscopically for description of their morphology and constituents and classified as viable or degenerating (dead). The DNA was extracted from these cysts and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for evaluation of the detection methods used and to make certain that the cysts did indeed belong to C. bovis, as indicated at the slaughterhouses. Two sets of primers were used with different sensitivity levels. The first, HDP1, was able to detect 200 fg of Taenia saginata DNA and 100 pg of C. bovis DNA. The other primer set, HDP2, was able to detect 1 pg of T. saginata DNA and 1 ng of C. bovis DNA. No more than 52.4% of the samples tested positive for C. bovis in the PCR using both primers, while 20% of the viable cysts and 49.2% of the degenerating cysts tested negative with both primers.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of aging prior to deboning and deep-freezing on the tenderness of cooked broiler breast fillets. Broilers (Ross-208) that were 37 and 38 d old were slaughtered in a licensed poultry meat plant. After spray chilling, carcasses with BW between 1,080 and 1,300 g were selected for the study and transported to a chilling room (2 to 4 degrees C). The whole carcasses were aged for up to 24 h. During the aging process, continuous measurements were made of pH values, electric conductivity, and firmness of the raw fillets. After the aging process, the carcasses were deboned, and the breast fillets were immediately frozen to an internal temperature of -20 degrees C. Tenderness was measured both mechanically with a Warner-Bratzler shear force device and by sensory testing. The ultimate pH values in the fillets were reached during the first 5 h of aging. Electric conductivity increased during the whole aging period. During the first hours of aging, firmness increased significantly, corresponding with the onset of rigor mortis. After between 8 and 9 h of aging, firmness decreased significantly. Shear force values of aged fillets also changed significantly; the highest values were found at the beginning of aging, which then decreased from the sixth hour. The results of the instrumental tenderness measurements were confirmed by the sensory evaluations. Implementation of in-plant measurements of firmness, thus, seemed to be useful in predicting the sensory quality of poultry meat.

In endometrial cancer, decreased expression of progesterone receptor (PR) isotypes A and B (PRA and PRB) is a feature of poorly differentiated tumours. In distant metastases, PRB is the predominantly expressed isotype and endometrial cancer cells that express PRB have been observed to be more invasive. Furthermore, PRB-associated in vitro invasion is markedly inhibited by progestagens. In the present study, ovariectomized mice were injected intraperitoneally with Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells that express only PRA, only PRB, both PRA and PRB, or no PR. Half of the mice were substituted with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). After ten weeks, growth and spread of the cancer cells were examined macroscopically, microscopically, and by PCR detection. Without MPA substitution, cells that express only PRB were found to be the most proliferative and migrative, while cells that express only PRA, both receptor isotypes, or no PR, showed minimal growth and spread. MPA appeared to inhibit growth and spread of PR-positive cells. Surprisingly, when mice that were inoculated with PR-negative cells were substituted with MPA, this resulted in massive abdominal tumour growth. These results provide further evidence that over-expression of PRB in endometrial cancer contributes to the development of a more aggressive phenotype. MPA inhibits tumour growth and spread of PR-positive cells, but can also have an indirectly stimulating effect on PR-negative tumour cells, probably through a host-mediated response.

Bisher war das tierarztliche Berufsbild im Bereich Verbraucherschutz durch die von Schonberg und Lerche formulierten Beschreibungen einer ,,polizeitierarztlichen Lebensmittelkontrolle‘‘ (Schonberg 1929) und ,,tierarztlichen Lebensmitteluberwachung‘‘ (Lerche 1942) gepragt. Sie umfasste neben der Schlachttierund Fleischuntersuchung, die unbestritten immer eine Kernkompetenz der Tierarzte darstellte, die Untersuchung und Beurteilung von Lebensmitteln tierischer Herkunft sowie die Kontrolle der allgemeinen Hygiene in Lebensmittelbetrieben. Die Vorgaben fur die einheitliche Durchfuhrung des Lebensmittelgesetzes (aus dem Jahre 1934!) mit der strikten Trennung der Zustandigkeiten fur chemische, tierarztliche und arztliche Sachverstandige werden in weiten Teilen Deutschlands – zumindest in den Untersuchungseinrichtungen und den ministeriellen Strukturen – weiterhin beachtet. Spatestens seit der Neuausrichtung der Lebensmittelund Futtermitteluberwachung mit Integration aller relevanten Bereiche (,,farm to table‘‘) ist die Trennung in die Bereiche Lebensmittel tierischer und pflanzlicher Herkunft jedoch eigentlich hinfallig. Das BMELV hat dem Rechnung getragen, in dem es alle relevanten Organisationseinheiten in der Unterabteilung 32 ,,Sicherheit in der Lebensmittelkette‘‘ zusammengefasst hat. Auch in den Bundeslandern folgte man dem neuen Ansatz durch Bildung integrierter, interdisziplinarer Landesamter und Untersuchungseinrichtungen. In den zustandigen Vorort-Behorden der meisten Bundeslander sind die Amtstierarzte bereits seit vielen Jahren fur die gesamte Lebensmitteluberwachung inklusive Wein und Trinkwasser, kosmetische Mittel, Bedarfsgegenstande und Tabak zustandig. Opinion articles are not peer-reviewed but concise commentary articles with reference to recent occasions and developments in the fields of food, feed and commodities as well as crop protection products, veterinary drugs, genetic engineering and consumer protection. Please email us your comments, criticisms, or differing points of view to: jvl@bvl.bund.de. The editorial office reserves the right to reject and to edit and/or condense articles for publication. In der Rubrik ,,Opinion‘‘ bietet das JVL Raum fur personliche Meinungsauserungen zu aktuellen Fragen aus den Bereichen Lebensmittel, Futtermittel, Bedarfsgegenstande, Pflanzenschutzmittel, Tierarzneimittel, Gentechnik und Verbraucherschutz. Die Redaktion des JVL behalt sich ausdrucklich vor, daruber zu entscheiden, ob sie eingereichte Meinungsauserungen zur Publikation im JVL freigibt bzw. im Einzelfall nur in Auszugen oder gekurzt im JVL veroffentlicht. Beitrage konnen unter dieser Adresse eingereicht werden: jvl@bvl.bund.de.

The thermodynamic temperature of the melting point of palladium in air was measured by noise thermometric methods. The temperature measurement was based on noise comparison using a two-channel arrangement to eliminate parasitic noises of electronic components by cross correlation. Three miniature fixed points filled with pure palladium (purity: ~99.99%, mass: ~90 g) were used to realize the melts of the fixed point metal. The measured melting temperature of palladium in air amounted to 1552.95 °C ± 0.21 K (k = 2). This temperature is 0.45 K lower than the temperature of the melting point of palladium measured by radiation thermometry.

An internationally-accepted ultra-low temperature scale is needed to provide the basis for reliable thermometry in the temperature range in which commercial dilution refrigerators operate, and in experiments investigating the properties of 3He and other condensed matter. Several laboratories have developed 3He melting-pressure scales, but there are substantial differences even between the most recent of them. These amount to about 0.3% of T near 500 mK, rising to about 6% of T at 0.9 mK. In 1996 a collaboration was initiated between low temperature physicists in national laboratories and elsewhere to derive an equation for the melting pressure of 3He which could be accepted for international use from 1 K to 0.9 mK, the Neel temperature of solid 3He. After an open workshop in Leiden in 1998, discussions took place to see if thermodynamic calculation of 3He melting pressures could resolve the differences. In January 2000 the authors (apart from ALR and GS) met at NIST and were able to reach a compromise on the Provisional Low Temperature Scale, PLTS-2000. Its 1-sigma uncertainty is estimated to be 0.3% of T (up to a maximum of 0.5 mK), but this rises to about 2% of T at 0.9 mK. The provisional status recognizes that the PLTS-2000 is a compromise, rather than a true consensus, but it is likely to be some years before it can be replaced by a more accurate scale. The scale was announced at the Quantum Fluids and Solids conference in Minnesota, USA, in June 2000, and was formally adopted by the Comite International des Poids et Mesures in October 2000.

Background and Objectives To evaluate standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as an alternative to intravenous cytomegalovirus hyperimmune immunoglobulin (CMVIG) for prophylaxis and therapy of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, we measured the ELISA and neutralizing titres of CMV-specific antibodies in CMVIG and IVIG preparations. Materials and Methods Anti-CMV-IgG ELISA and neutralizing titres (fibroblast-based test) in CMVIG CG (Cytogam®, n = 20), CMVIG CT (Cytotect® CP, n = 3), IVIG P (Privigen®, n = 32) and IVIG K/G (Kiovig®/Gammagard®, n = 5) were compared, and IgG subclasses 1–4 were determined by nephelometry. Results Cytomegalovirus hyperimmune immunoglobulins contained more than fourfold higher CMV ELISA and CMV-neutralizing activity per gram of IgG than the standard IVIGs. Pooled data for all four products showed a significant correlation between anti-CMV-IgG ELISA and neutralizing titres (r = 0·93, P

Residues of tetracyclines and their epimers were frequently found in bones of slaughtered animals, and also in meat and bone meals for animal feed that had been heat treated according to EU legislation. The aim of this study was to examine the formation of anhydrotetracycline and 4-epianhydrotetracycline, as toxic degradation products of tetracycline, during a heat treatment. Meat and bone meals containing bound tetracycline residues were heat treated at 100 and 133 °C for up to 45 min, extracted with hydrochloric acid and subsequently analyzed for tetracycline, 4-epitetracycline, anhydrotetracycline and 4-epianhydrotetracycline, using HPLC and LC–MS–MS. Small amounts of anhydrotetracycline and 4-epianhydrotetracycline were even found in the pre-treatment control samples. The heat treatments led to a significant increase of the amounts of these degradation products. During the most rigorous heat treatment, at 133 °C for 45 min, the mean percentage decrease of the concentrations of tetracycline and 4-epitetracycline was 50%, while the mean percentage increase of the concentrations of anhydrotetracycline and 4-epianhydrotetracycline was 533%.

The stability of bound tetracycline residues during heat treatments at 133 degrees C and 100 degrees C for up to 45 min was investigated. An intermediate product from a rendering plant was mixed with bone splinters that contained bound tetracycline (TC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) residues. The mixture was heated in an autoclave at 133 degrees C for 20, 30 and 45 min and at 100 degrees C for 20 and 30 min and subsequently dried at 103 degrees C for 4 h. Two different extraction procedures with hydrochloric acid were used, one with and one without the previous sedimentation of bone particles. Tetracycline concentrations were determined by HPLC analysis before and after the heat treatment. A complete destruction of tetracyclines during heat treatment at 133 degrees C could not be demonstrated, but there was a significant decrease of TC by about 50%. CTC was less resistant to the same temperature, which brought about a reduction of 90-100%. Treatment at 100 degrees C did not bring about any reduction, except for CTC after extraction without sedimentation. The possible toxicological relevance of the findings is discussed. Further research has to be done on possible degradation products of the tetracycline derivatives.

Tetracycline residues were frequently found in the bones of slaughtered animals. These bound residues will contaminate products for human consumption, such as mechanically deboned meat. The aim of this study was to examine the behaviour of bound residues of chlortetracycline during in vitro digestion. Dough batches containing poultry meat and 2.5% by weight of bone splinters and bone meal with chlortetracycline residues were incubated with hydrochloric acid and pepsin at 40°C. With the aid of HPLC and agar diffusion tests, evidence was obtained that these bound residues of chlortetracycline could be released during in vitro digestion and become antimicrobially active. Hens fed with chlortetracycline containing meat and bone meal were also able to release bound tetracycline residues.

The incidence of tetracycline (TC) residues in bones of slaughtered animals (pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks and calves) was investigated using a screening fluorescence test and HPLC analysis. Fluorescence findings vary from 18.8% to 100% depending on species. The concentrations of TCs in the bones were 0.14–50.0 mg kg −1 . Additionally, an experimental evaluation of the specifity and sensitivity of the fluorescence screening test was performed. Chickens were fed low dosages of oxytetracycline (OTC) and subsequently analysed for detectable residues after a withdrawal period of 1, 5, 15 and 25 days. The results are discussed with regard to the possible toxicological significance of TC residues in bones.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the perinatal outcome of spontaneously conceived twins with those conceived after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. Clinical data of 188 twin pregnancies was collected from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Mainz for the years 1996-2006. The twins were divided into 2 groups according to the manner of conception: spontaneously conceived twins (n = 142) and twins (n = 46) conceived after IVF and ICSI. In order to investigate the perinatal outcome of spontaneous twins and twins conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART), we evaluated the following parameters: maternal age, fertility, nulliparity rate, gestational age, mode of delivery, fetal weight and Apgar score. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in maternal age, fertility and gestational age between spontaneous twins and IVF/ICSI twins. Maternal gestational age was 255 days in the spontaneous group and 254 days in IVF/ICSI group. Fetal weight and Apgar score were similar between the two groups. The nulliparity rate was higher in IVF/ICSI group. Obviously there were more cesarean sections in the IVF/ICSI group than in the spontaneous group (76.2 % and 42.5 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of gestation, neonatal birth weight and Apgar score were similar between IVF/ICSI twins and spontaneous twins. IVF/ICSI twins had a higher cesarean section rate.

A set of 18 absolute cross sections for electron-impact-induced line radiation of Ne, Ar, and Kr in the spectral range between 46 and 100 nm was measured providing an accurate database for the use of an electron-impact excitation source as a source of calculable radiant flux. Unparalleled, low relative uncertainties, mostly below 4{percent}, were achieved, mainly because the electron storage ring BESSY served as a primary standard source in the vuv to determine the responsivity of the spectrometer-detector system used for the cross-section measurements, and because a spinning rotor gauge was used as a secondary standard for the determination of the target gas density. A comparison of our cross-section data with published experimental and theoretical data is presented. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

SUMER – the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of the Emitted Radiation instrument on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) – observed its first light on January 24, 1996, and subsequently obtained a detailed spectrum with detector B in the wavelength range from 660 to 1490 A (in first order) inside and above the limb in the north polar coronal hole. Using detector A of the instrument, this range was later extended to 1610 A. The second-order spectra of detectors A and B cover 330 to 805 A and are superimposed on the first-order spectra. Many more features and areas of the Sun and their spectra have been observed since, including coronal holes, polar plumes and active regions. The atoms and ions emitting this radiation exist at temperatures below 2 × 106 K and are thus ideally suited to investigate the solar transition region where the temperature increases from chromospheric to coronal values. SUMER can also be operated in a manner such that it makes images or spectroheliograms of different sizes in selected spectral lines. A detailed line profile with spectral resolution elements between 22 and 45 mA is produced for each line at each spatial location along the slit. From the line width, intensity and wavelength position we are able to deduce temperature, density, and velocity of the emitting atoms and ions for each emission line and spatial element in the spectroheliogram. Because of the high spectral resolution and low noise of SUMER, we have been able to detect faint lines not previously observed and, in addition, to determine their spectral profiles. SUMER has already recorded over 2000 extreme ultraviolet emission lines and many identifications have been made on the disk and in the corona.

SUMER – Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation – is not only an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrometer capable of obtaining detailed spectra in the range from 500 to 1610 A, but, using the telescope mechanisms, it also provides monochromatic images over the full solar disk and beyond, into the corona, with high spatial resolution. We report on some aspects of the observation programmes that have already led us to a new view of many aspects of the Sun, including quiet Sun, chromospheric and transition region network, coronal hole, polar plume, prominence and active region studies. After an introduction, where we compare the SUMER imaging capabilities to previous experiments in our wavelength range, we describe the results of tests performed in order to characterize and optimize the telescope under operational conditions. We find the spatial resolution to be 1.2 arc sec across the slit and 2 arc sec (2 detector pixels) along the slit. Resolution and sensitivity are adequate to provide details on the structure, physical properties, and evolution of several solar features which we then present. Finally some information is given on the data availability and the data management system.

The full elimination of all specified risk material (SRM) in food of animal origin is crucial for consumer protection and is of high priority in inner EU trade. Among other tissues, the tonsils of cattle are considered as SRM. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the 'cut at the back of the tongue just before the tongue bones' required by EC regulation is sufficient to remove tonsils and lymphatic tissue completely. Eight skulls from cattle were collected for the simulation of a vertical cut according to the EC regulation and the detection of the target at the back of the tongue. Further, specimens of the lingual mucosa were cut out from two tongues and examined microscopically. The most caudal of these specimens was from the macroscopically visible part of the lingual tonsil. The most rostral specimen contained the most caudal Papilla vallata. Simulation of the obligatory ventro-dorsal cut yielded hits at varying locations on the dorsal surface of the tongue, sometimes including tissue of the lingual tonsil. Histological examination of the lingual mucosa gave clear evidence that lymphatic tissue resembling the tissue of a tonsil in terms of its histological organization and infiltration of the mucosal epithelium could even be found in areas with no macroscopically visible lingual tonsils.

The Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) to be flown aboard the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is designed to probe the solar atmosphere through the detection of spectral emission lines in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelength range 15 nm to 80 nm. By observing the absolute and relative radiance of selected lines and line profiles, we will be able to derive temperature, density, flow and abundance information for the plasmas in the solar atmosphere. Spatial and temporal resolutions of down to a few arcseconds and 1 second, respectively, allow such studies to be made within the fine-scale structure of the solar corona. Simultaneous coverage of large-wavelength bands provides the capability for simultaneously observing the properties of plasmas across the wide temperature ranges of the solar atmosphere. The pre-launch calibration is achieved through the use of a hollow cathode discharge source which is used as a transfer standard to allow calibration of the CDS against the primary standard of the BESSY electron storage ring in Berlin. The transfer source provides a radiation source of calibrated radiant flux stable to a few percent. By the use of different selected gases in the discharge tube, each of the detector wavelength intervals in the CDS can be covered adequately. The pre-delivery calibration of the CDS has been performed and some results are shown.

Determination of acid phosphatase (E.C. 3.1.3.2.) activity in meat and meat products Is based on spectrophotometric measurement of free phenol released from phenyl phosphate substrate during enzyme catalysis under prescribed conditions. Precision parameters of a new modified phosphatase assay, proposed for determination of extent of heating of canned picnics and hams, were evaluated in an interlaboratory study with 10 (1 German, 2 Italian, and 7 Hungarian) participating laboratories. The test materials were 5 lean meat batters subjected to different heat treatments (i.e., with different levels of phosphatase activity). The materials were presented to participants as 10 randomly coded samples (2 blind replicates of each material). The interlaboratory study was then repeated with 3 test materials and 2 blind replicates (3 × 2) prepared in the same way. The repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr), outliers excluded, varied from 2.2 to 10.7%, and the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) varied from 12.6 to 25.3%. Results were compared with other data in the literature. The sensitivity of the new modified phosphatase assay was also compared with that of the original procedure described in USDA Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook. A higher sensitivity was observed for the method described in this paper. However, the method’s reproducibility was poorer than that of common analytical methods. Although high, the variability may still be acceptable for determining phosphatase activity to assess extent of heat treatment of canned picnics and hams.

The micro-Raman scattering response of a graphene-like location on the surface of bulk natural graphite is investigated both at $T=\unit{4.2}{K}$ and at room temperature in magnetic fields up to 29 T. Two different polarization configurations, co-circular and crossed-circular, are employed in order to determine the Raman scattering selection rules. Several distinct series of electronic excitations are observed and we discuss their characteristic shapes and amplitudes. In particular, we report a clear splitting of the signals associated with the inter-Landau level excitations $-n\rightarrow+n$. Furthermore, we observe the pronounced interaction of the zone-center E$_{\text{2g}}$-phonon with three different sets of electronic excitations. Possible origins for these graphene-like inclusions on the surface of bulk graphite are discussed., 10 pages, 11 figures

The polarization-resolved Raman-scattering response due to E-2g phonons in monolayer graphene has been investigated in magnetic fields up to 29 T. The hybridization of the E-2g phonon is only observed with the fundamental inter-Landau-level excitation (involving the n = 0 Landau level) and in just one of the two configurations of the circularly cross-polarized excitation and scattered light. This polarization anisotropy of the magnetophonon resonance is shown to be inherent to relatively strongly doped graphene samples with carrier concentrations typical for graphene deposited on Si/SiO2 substrates.

Pressure stability in the ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system of a gravitational wave detector is a crucial point for its sensitivity limit. We carried out an investigation in order to detect pressure fluctuations in an UHV system pumped with an ion pump. The expected characteristics of pressure pulses caused by desorption were simulated with Monte Carlo methods. Test equipment was developed with a sensitivity limit for relative pressure changes of 10−3 at a base pressure of 10−6 Pa in the range up to 1 kHz, and of 10−4 below 40 Hz. Pressure fluctuations in the 10−4 range of working pressure were found in the frequency range

The experiment Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) is designed for the investigations of plasma flow characteristics, turbulence and wave motions, plasma densities and temperatures, structures and events associated with solar magnetic activity in the chromosphere, the transition zone and the corona. Specifically, SUMER will measure profiles and intensities of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lines emitted in the solar atmosphere ranging from the upper chromosphere to the lower corona; determine line broadenings, spectral positions and Doppler shifts with high accuracy; provide stigmatic images of selected areas of the Sun in the EUV with high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution and obtain full images of the Sun and the inner corona in selectable EUV lines, corresponding to a temperature range from 104to more than 1.8 x 106K. The spatial and spectral resolution capabilities of the instrument will be considered in this contribution in some detail, and a new detector concept will be introduced.

We use polarized magneto-Raman scattering to study purely electronic excitations and the electron-phonon coupling in bulk graphite. At a temperature of 4.2 K and in magnetic fields up to 28 T we observe $K$-point electronic excitations involving Landau bands with $\Delta |n|=0$ and with $\Delta |n|=\pm2$ that can be selected by controlling the angular momentum of the excitation laser and of the scattered light. The magneto-phonon effect involving the $E_{2g}$ optical phonon and $K$-point inter Landau bands electronic excitations with $\Delta |n|=\pm1$ is revealed and analyzed within a model taking into account the full $k_z$ dispersion. These polarization resolved results are explained in the frame of the Slonczewski-Weiss-McClure (SWM) model which directly allows to quantify the electron-hole asymmetry., Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures

A large outbreak of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 occurred in Germany in May 2011. The source of infection was undetermined.We conducted a matched case-control study and a recipe-based restaurant cohort study, along with environmental, trace-back, and trace-forward investigations, to determine the source of infection.The case-control study included 26 case subjects with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome and 81 control subjects. The outbreak of illness was associated with sprout consumption in univariable analysis (matched odds ratio, 5.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 29) and with sprout and cucumber consumption in multivariable analysis. Among case subjects, 25% reported having eaten sprouts, and 88% reported having eaten cucumbers. The recipe-based study among 10 groups of visitors to restaurant K included 152 persons, among whom bloody diarrhea or diarrhea confirmed to be associated with Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli developed in 31 (20%). Visitors who were served sprouts were significantly more likely to become ill (relative risk, 14.2; 95% CI, 2.6 to ∞). Sprout consumption explained 100% of cases. Trace-back investigation of sprouts from the distributor that supplied restaurant K led to producer A. All 41 case clusters with known trading connections could be explained by producer A. The outbreak strain could not be identified on seeds from the implicated lot.Our investigations identified sprouts as the most likely outbreak vehicle, underlining the need to take into account food items that may be overlooked during subjects' recall of consumption.

The cost of hydrogen from water electrolysis is estimated, assuming that the electricity was produced from solar, hydro-, fossil, or nuclear power. The costs for hydrogen end-use in the sectors of power generation, heat and transportation are calculated, based on a state-of-the-art technology and a more advanced technology expected to represent the state by the year 2010. The cost of hydrogen utilization (without energy taxes) is higher than the current price of fossil fuels (including taxes). Without restrictions imposed on fossil fuel consumption, hydrogen will not gain a significant market share in either of the cases discussed.

On board the ESA/NASA space mission SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) there will be several VUV telescope/spectrometer systems to observe the solar disk and its corona in the wavelength range 15 nm to 160 nm. To determine the absolute spectral sensitivity of these instruments prior to launching, transfer source standards have been developed. These transfer standards consist of a high-current hollow cathode source combined with collimating optics. One standard uses a concave mirror at normal incidence for the wavelength range 50 nm to 160 nm and the other standard uses Wolter type II grazing incidence optics for the range 16 nm to 80 nm. These transfer source standards are calibrated against the electron storage ring BESSY as a primary radiometric source standard.

The radiant intensity of VUV emission lines of a high-current hollow-cathode source has been determined for the 40-125-nm spectral range. The source is operated at a constant current of 1 A with an aluminum cathode. Different rare gases are alternatively used as the buffer gas at pressures of ~100 Pa. The radiant intensity has been determined by comparison with the calculable spectral radiant flux of the electron storage ring BESSY. Radiant intensities of the emission lines are in the 7-1400-µW/sr range. The long-term reproducibility of the radiant intensity of the source is within ±10% (2σ value). The systematic uncertainty of the radiometric calibration is better than 9% (√32σ value).

Laser pulses of 15 ns and

The elimination of specified risk material from food is crucial to restricting the risk to public health arising from bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The distribution of lymphoreticular tissue as potential specified risk material of the bovine lingual tonsil is described in relation to topographical anatomical landmarks. The definition of a proper landmark is a prerequisite for establishing adequate legal regulations concerning the removal of the lingual tonsil after slaughter. The main parameter to identify the lymphoreticular tissue in this study was the immunohistochemical identification of the follicular dendritic cells in the lingual tonsil. Lymph nodules were detected in areas up to 30 mm rostral of a given macroscopic landmark, i.e., the most caudal of the papillae vallatae. This area must therefore be adequately removed from the bovine tongue in the slaughterhouse. The current method for the removal of the lingual tonsil tissue according to Regulation (EC) 999/2001 at the slaughterhouse and alternatives to this method are discussed.

The paper reports measurements of the time integrated spectral intensity near 34 nm of a BRV (Balloffet-Romand-Vodar) source of emission continuum. The transmittance profile of the combined filters is presented and the percent efficiency (electrons per photon) of the calibration system is given as a function of wavelength. It is noted that the BRV source provides an excellent emission continuum for XUV spectroscopy.