Isotopic exchange on the diurnal scale between near-surface snow and lower atmospheric water vapor at Kohnen station, East Antarctica

Quantifying the magnitude of post-depositional processes affecting the isotopic composition of surface snow is essential for a more accurate interpretation of ice core data. To achieve this, high temporal resolution measurements of both lower atmospheric water vapor and surface snow iso- topic composition are required. This study presents contin- uous measurements of water vapor isotopes performed in East Antarctica (Kohnen station) from December 2013 to January 2014 using a laser spectrometer. Observations have been compared with the outputs of two atmospheric gen- eral circulation models (AGCMs) equipped with water va- por isotopes: ECHAM5-wiso and LMDZ5Aiso. During our monitoring period, the signals in the 2 m air temperature T , humidity mixing ratio q and both water vapor isotopes δD and δ18O are dominated by the presence of diurnal cycles. Both AGCMs simulate similar diurnal cycles with a mean amplitude 30 to 70 % lower than observed, possibly due to an incorrect simulation of the surface energy balance and the boundary layer dynamics. In parallel, snow surface samples were collected each hour over 35 h, with a sampling depth of 2–5 mm. A diurnal cycle in the isotopic composition of the snow surface is observed in phase with the water vapor, reaching a peak-to-peak amplitude of 3 ‰ for δD over 24 h (compared to 36 ‰ for δD in the water vapor). A simple box model treated as a closed system has been developed to study the exchange of water molecules between an air and a snow reservoir. In the vapor, the box model simulations show too much isotopic depletion compared to the observations. Mix- ing with other sources (advection, free troposphere) has to be included in order to fit the observations. At the snow surface, the simulated isotopic values are close to the observations with a snow reservoir of ∼ 5 mm depth (range of the snow sample depth). Our analysis suggests that fractionation oc- curs during sublimation and that vapor–snow exchanges can no longer be considered insignificant for the isotopic compo- sition of near-surface snow in polar regions

A highly specific and sensitive serological assay detects SARS‑CoV‑2 antibody levels in COVID‑19 patients that correlate with neutralization

Objective The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic challenges national health systems and the global economy. Monitoring of infection rates and seroprevalence can guide public health measures to combat the pandemic. This depends on reliable tests on active and former infections. Here, we set out to develop and validate a specific and sensitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Methods In our ELISA, we used SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and a stabilized version of the spike (S) ectodomain as antigens. We assessed sera from patients infected with seasonal coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 and controls. We determined and monitored IgM-, IgA- and IgG-antibody responses towards these antigens. In addition, for a panel of 22 sera, virus neutralization and ELISA parameters were measured and correlated. Results The RBD-based ELISA detected SARS-CoV-2-directed antibodies, did not cross-react with seasonal coronavirus antibodies and correlated with virus neutralization (R2 = 0.89). Seroconversion started at 5 days after symptom onset and led to robust antibody levels at 10 days after symptom onset. We demonstrate high specificity (99.3%; N = 1000) and sensitivity (92% for IgA, 96% for IgG and 98% for IgM; > 10 days after PCR-proven infection; N = 53) in serum. Conclusions With the described RBD-based ELISA protocol, we provide a reliable test for seroepidemiological surveys. Due to high specificity and strong correlation with virus neutralization, the RBD ELISA holds great potential to become a preferred tool to assess thresholds of protective immunity after infection and vaccination

Iranian Tradition in Numidia

Автор прослеживает существование на территории Нумидии некоторых иранских традиций

Livia's Elevation to Augusta

Статья посвящена личности Ливии Друзиллы, жены Октавиана Августа и матери императора Тиберия.Библиогр.: с. 337-338

New standards for aggregates, asphalt and concrete in road construction - Part 1

Die Notwendigkeit der Erstellung eines neuen Regelwerks für Gesteinskörnungen, Schichten ohne Bindemittel, Asphalt, hydraulisch gebundene Tragschichten und Beton für Fahrbahndecken ergab sich aus der Umsetzung der Europäischen Normen (EN). Die seit dem 1. Juni 2004 gültigen EN für Gesteinskörnungen wurden durch die Technischen Lieferbedingungen für Gesteine im Straßenbau (TL Gestein-StB) in Deutschland anwendbar gemacht. Ausgehend von den TL Gestein-StB mussten für die verschiedenen Einsatzgebiete der Gesteinskörnungen die betroffenen Regelwerke überarbeitet werden. Hierbei wurden bestehende oder fast fertig gestellte EN berücksichtigt. Diese Überarbeitung basiert auf dem "zweiteiligen Regelwerk", das heißt Zusätzliche Technische Vertragsbedingungen (ZTV) und Technische Lieferbedingungen (TL), für den jeweiligen Produktbereich. Das Anforderungsniveau der Baustoffe und Baustoffgemische wurde gegenüber den bisherigen Festlegungen weitgehend beibehalten. Die bisherige Güteüberwachung wurde auf Grund der Vorgaben der mandatierten EN durch ein neues Qualitätsnachweisverfahren ersetzt. Unterstützt wird dieses neue Verfahren durch die freiwillige Güteüberwachung der Gesteinsproduzenten. Die neuen Regelungen werden in dieser 2-teiligen Veröffentlichung vorgestellt. Veränderungen und Zusammenhänge der Regelwerke werden anhand von Beispielen dargestellt. Die Auswirkungen der Neuerungen und die weitere Entwicklung der Regelwerke werden diskutiert.The need for the preparation of new standards for aggregates, unbound layers, asphalt, hydraulically bound layers and concrete for pavement arises from the implementing of the European Standards (EN). The EN for aggregates, available since 1st of June 2004, has been made applicable in Germany by the "Technical conditions of delivery for aggregates in road constructions - TL Gestein-StB". Based on the TL Gestein-StB the regulations for the different fields of application of aggregates must be revised. Thought has been given to existing EN and drafts of EN. The revision is based on the two regulations, that means additional technical conditions of contract (ZTV) and Technical conditions of delivery (TL), for each product range. The requirements for the materials and the mixtures have not been really changed compared to former specifications. As a result of the input of the mandated EN the previous control system has been replaced by a quality assurance system. This new procedure is assisted by a voluntary control system from the aggregate producers. The new regulations will be presented in this publication in two parts. By means of examples, the changes and coherences of the regulations will be displayed. The effects of the improvements and the further development of the regulations will be discussed