Music to move the masses : protest music of the 1980s as a facilitator for social change in South Africa

In this research project I will endeavour to show how protest music, specifically during the 1980s, became an instrument with which musicians and the public themselves strived to counteract the social perceptions generated under apartheid. I will show how the protest music movement of the 1980s was able to contribute to the greater cultural revolution of the era by providing a medium through which South Africans could formulate a new collective identity. In this regard it is important to note that the term ‘protest music,’ as applied throughout this research project, refers to any music that in its form, aesthetic nature or context can be seen to raise objections against the status quo

Testing coupled dark energy with next-generation large-scale observations

Coupling dark energy to dark matter provides one of the simplest way to effectively modify gravity at large scales without strong constraints from local (i.e. solar system) observations. Models of coupled dark energy have been studied several times in the past and are already significantly constrained by cosmic microwave background experiments. In this paper we estimate the constraints that future large-scale observations will be able to put on the coupling and in general on all the parameters of the model. We combine cosmic microwave background, tomographic weak lensing, redshift distortions and power spectrum probes. We show that next-generation observations can improve the current constraint on the coupling to dark matter by two orders of magnitude; this constraint is complementary to the current solar-system bounds on a coupling to baryons.Comment: 18 pages, 12 figs, 8 table

Die Kultur- und Literaturdebatte der jüdischen Periodika 1933 - 1938 im nationalsozialistischen Deutschland

Unter Berücksichtigung einer breiten Quellenbasis und der Einbeziehung verschiedener Sichtweisen wird hier die teils widersprüchliche und kontroverse, aber auch identitätsstiftende Kunst- und Literaturdebatte der deutschen Juden detailliert beleuchtet. Wie unter den extremen Bedingungen des ‚Dritten Reiches’ eine „jüdische Kultur“ (weiter) entwickelt werden konnte und wie diese für die jüdische Bevölkerung an Bedeutung gewann, wird anhand der vielfältigen jüdischen Zeitungslandschaft – auch über Deutschland hinaus – bis in die 1940er Jahre beschrieben. Durch das detaillierte und chronologische Aufzeigen der veränderten Positionen in der jüdischen Presse von den 1920er Jahren bis zu deren gewaltsamer Beendigung im Jahre 1938 wird hier die Entwicklung von einer zunächst in die Gesamtbevölkerung integrierten Bevölkerungsgruppe zu einer isolierten ausgegrenzten Gruppe auf der Suche nach ihrer eigentlichen Identität beschrieben – Parallelen zu heutigen Entwicklungen sind unübersehbar. The study on hand investigates previously neglected broad-based sources (Jewish German periodicals and newspapers) and includes individual perspectives to thoroughly analyse the contradictory and controversial—but also identity forming and educational relevant—“Art and Literature-Debate” of the German Jews in the ‘Third Reich’. Based on the scrutiny of the diverse Jewish newspaper market—also beyond Germany—-up to the 1940s, the study characterises the ongoing developments of Jewish culture and its rising importance for the Jewish population under the extreme conditions of the ‘Third Reich’. The detailed and chronological description of the changed positions in the Jewish press from the 1920s up to their forcible termination in 1938 reveals its development from an initially integrated part of German culture to an isolated and excluded section relevant for the diminished Jewish population in search of an intrinsic identity. Parallels to contemporary cultural developments are obvious

Seasonal characteristics of organic aerosol chemical composition and volatility in Stuttgart, Germany

The chemical composition and volatility of organic aerosol (OA) particles were investigated during July–August 2017 and February–March 2018 in the city of Stuttgart, one of the most polluted cities in Germany. Total non-refractory particle mass was measured with a highresolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HRToF-AMS; hereafter AMS). Aerosol particles were collected on filters and analyzed in the laboratory with a filter inlet for gases and aerosols coupled to a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (FIGAERO-HR-ToFCIMS; hereafter CIMS), yielding the molecular composition of oxygenated OA (OOA) compounds. While the average organic mass loadings are lower in the summer period (5.1 ± 3.2 μgm¯³) than in the winter period (8.4 ±5.6 μgm¯³), we find relatively larger mass contributions of organics measured by AMS in summer (68.8 ±13.4 %) compared to winter (34.8 ±9.5 %). CIMS mass spectra show OOA compounds in summer have O: C of 0.82 ±0.02 and are more influenced by biogenic emissions, while OOA compounds in winter have O:C of 0.89 ±0.06 and are more influenced by biomass burning emissions. Volatility parametrization analysis shows that OOA in winter is less volatile with higher contributions of low-volatility organic compounds (LVOCs) and extremely low-volatility organic compounds (ELVOCs). We partially explain this by the higher contributions of compounds with shorter carbon chain lengths and a higher number of oxygen atoms, i.e., higher O:C in winter. Organic compounds desorbing from the particles deposited on the filter samples also exhibit a shift of signal to higher desorption temperatures (i.e., lower apparent volatility) in winter. This is consistent with the relatively higher O: C in winter but may also be related to higher particle viscosity due to the higher contributions of larger-molecular-weight LVOCs and ELVOCs, interactions between different species and/or particles (particle matrix), and/or thermal decomposition of larger molecules. The results suggest that whereas lower temperature in winter may lead to increased partitioning of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) into the particle phase, this does not result in a higher overall volatility of OOA in winter and that the difference in sources and/or chemistry between the seasons plays a more important role. Our study provides insights into the seasonal variation of the molecular composition and volatility of ambient OA particles and into their potential sources

Understanding of atmospheric aerosol particles with improved particle identification and quantification by single particle mass spectrometry

Single particle mass spectrometry (SPMS) is a useful, albeit not fully quantitative tool to determine chemical composition and mixing state of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. During a six-week field campaign in summer 2016 at a rural site in the upper Rhine valley near Karlsruhe city in southwest Germany, ~3.7 × 10⁵ single particles were analysed by a laser ablation aerosol particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LAAPTOF). Combining fuzzy classification, marker peaks, typical peak ratios, and laboratory-based reference spectra, seven major particle classes were identified. With the precise identification and well characterized overall detection efficiency (ODE) for this instrument, particle similarity can be transferred into corrected number fractions and further transferred into mass fractions. Considering the entire measurement period, “Potassium rich and aromatics coated dust” (class 5) dominated the particle number (46.5% number fraction) and mass (36.0% mass fraction); “Sodium salts like particles” (class 3) were the second lowest in number (3.5%), but the second dominating class in terms of particle mass (25.3%). This difference demonstrates the crucial role of particle mass quantification for SPMS data. Using corrections for maximum, mean, and minimum ODE, the total mass of the quantified particles measured by LAAPTOF accounts for ~12%, ~25%, and ~104% of the total mass measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) with a collection efficiency of 0.5. These two mass spectrometers show a good correlation (correlation coefficient γ > 0.6) regarding total mass for more than 70% of the measurement time, indicating non-refractory species measured by AMS might originate from particles consisting of internally mixed non-refractory and refractory components. In addition, specific relationships of LAAPTOF ion intensities and AMS mass concentrations for non-refractory compounds were found for specific measurement periods. Furthermore, our approach allows for the first time to assign the nonrefractory compounds measured by AMS to different particle classes. Overall AMS-nitrate was mainly arising from class 3, while class 5 was dominant during events rich in organic aerosol particles

Laser ablation aerosol particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LAAPTOF): performance, reference spectra and classification of atmospheric samples

The laser ablation aerosol particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LAAPTOF, AeroMegt GmbH) is able to identify the chemical composition and mixing state of individual aerosol particles, and thus is a tool for elucidating their impacts on human health, visibility, ecosystem, and climate. The overall detection efficiency (ODE) of the instrument we use was determined to range from  ∼ (0.01±0.01) to  ∼ (4.23±2.36)% for polystyrene latex (PSL) in the size range of 200 to 2000nm,  ∼ (0.44±0.19) to  ∼ (6.57±2.38)% for ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), and  ∼ (0.14±0.02) to  ∼ (1.46±0.08)% for sodium chloride (NaCl) particles in the size range of 300 to 1000nm. Reference mass spectra of 32 different particle types relevant for atmospheric aerosol (e.g. pure compounds NH4NO3, K2SO4, NaCl, oxalic acid, pinic acid, and pinonic acid; internal mixtures of e.g. salts, secondary organic aerosol, and metallic core–organic shell particles; more complex particles such as soot and dust particles) were determined. Our results show that internally mixed aerosol particles can result in spectra with new clusters of ions, rather than simply a combination of the spectra from the single components. An exemplary 1-day ambient data set was analysed by both classical fuzzy clustering and a reference-spectra-based classification method. Resulting identified particle types were generally well correlated. We show how a combination of both methods can greatly improve the interpretation of single-particle data in field measurements

Understanding atmospheric aerosol particles with improved particle identification and quantification by single-particle mass spectrometry

Single-particle mass spectrometry (SPMS) is a widely used tool to determine chemical composition and mixing state of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. During a 6-week field campaign in summer 2016 at a rural site in the upper Rhine valley, near the city of Karlsruhe in southwest Germany, ∼3.7×10$^{5}$ single particles were analysed using a laser ablation aerosol particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LAAPTOF). Combining fuzzy classification, marker peaks, typical peak ratios, and laboratory-based reference spectra, seven major particle classes were identified. With the precise particle identification and well-characterized laboratory-derived overall detection efficiency (ODE) for this instrument, particle similarity can be transferred into corrected number and mass fractions without the need of a reference instrument in the field. Considering the entire measurement period, aged-biomass-burning and soil-dust-like particles dominated the particle number (45.0 % number fraction) and mass (31.8 % mass fraction); sodium-salt-like particles were the second lowest in number (3.4 %) but the second dominating class in terms of particle mass (30.1 %). This difference demonstrates the crucial role of particle number counts\u27 correction for mass quantification using SPMS data. Using corrections for size-resolved and chemically resolved ODE, the total mass of the particles measured by LAAPTOF accounts for 23 %–68 % of the total mass measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) depending on the measurement periods. These two mass spectrometers show a good correlation (Pearson\u27s correlation coefficient γ>0.6) regarding total mass for more than 85 % of the measurement time, indicating non-refractory species measured by AMS may originate from particles consisting of internally mixed non-refractory and refractory components. In addition, specific relationships of LAAPTOF ion intensities and AMS mass concentrations for non-refractory compounds were found for specific measurement periods, especially for the fraction of org ∕ (org + nitrate). Furthermore, our approach allows the non-refractory compounds measured by AMS to be assigned to different particle classes. Overall AMS nitrate mainly arose from sodium-salt-like particles, while aged-biomass-burning particles were dominant during events with high organic aerosol particle concentrations

Kinetics, SOA yields, and chemical composition of seconaary organic aerosol from beta-caryophyllene ozonolysis with and without nitrogen oxides between 213 and 313 K

beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most important sesquiterpenes (SQTs) in the atmosphere, with a large potential contribution to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation mainly from reactions with ozone (O-3) and nitrate radicals (NO3). In this work, we study the temperature dependence of the kinetics of BCP ozonolysis, SOA yields, and SOA chemical composition in the dark and in the absence and presence of nitrogen oxides including nitrate radicals (NO3). We cover a temperature range of 213-313 K, representative of tropospheric conditions. The oxidized components in both gas and particle phases were characterized on a molecular level by a chemical ionization mass spectrometer equipped with a filter inlet for gases and aerosols using iodide as the reagent ion (FIGAERO-iodide-CIMS). The batch mode experiments were conducted in the 84.5 m(3) aluminium simulation chamber AIDA at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In the absence of nitrogen oxides, the temperature-dependent rate coefficient of the endocyclic double bond in BCP reacting with ozone between 243-313 K is negatively correlated with temperature, corresponding to the following Arrhenius equation: k = (1.6 +/- 0.4) x 10(-15) x exp((559 +/- 97)/ T). The SOA yields increase from 16 +/- 5 % to 37 +/- 11 %, with temperatures decreasing from 313 to 243 K at a total organic particle mass of 10 mu g m(-3). The variation in the ozonolysis temperature leads to a substantial impact on the abundance of individual organic molecules. In the absence of nitrogen oxides, monomers C14-15H22-24O3-7 (37.4 %), dimers C28-30H44-48O5-9 (53.7 %), and timers C41_44H62_6609_11 (8.6 %) are abundant in the particle phase at 213 K. At 313 K, we observed more oxidized monomers (mainly C14-15H22-24O6-9, 67.5 %) and dimers (mainly C27-29H42-44O9-11, 27.6 %), including highly oxidized molecules (HOMs; C14H22O7,9C15H22O7,9C15H24O7,9), which can be formed via hydrogen shift mechanisms, but no significant timers. In the presence of nitrogen oxides, the organonitrate fraction increased from 3 % at 213 K to 12 % and 49 % at 243 and 313 K, respectively. Most of the organonitrates were monomers with Cis skeletons and only one nitrate group. More highly oxygenated organonitrates were observed at higher temperatures, with their signal-weighted O : C atomic ratio increasing from 0.41 to 0.51 from 213 to 313 K. New dimeric and timeric organic species without nitrogen atoms (C-20, C-35) were formed in the presence of nitrogen oxides at 298-313 K, indicating potential new reaction pathways. Overall, our results show that increasing temperatures lead to a relatively small decrease in the rate coefficient of the endocyclic double bond in BCP reacting with ozone but to a strong decrease in SOA yields. In contrast, the formation of HOMs and organonitrates increases significantly with temperature.Peer reviewe

Kinetics, SOA yields, and chemical composition of secondary organic aerosol from β-caryophyllene ozonolysis with and without nitrogen oxides between 213 and 313 K

β-caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most important sesquiterpenes (SQTs) in the atmosphere, with a large potential contribution to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation mainly from reactions with ozone (O$_{3}$) and nitrate radicals (NO$_{3}$). In this work, we study the temperature dependence of the kinetics of BCP ozonolysis, SOA yields, and SOA chemical composition in the dark and in the absence and presence of nitrogen oxides including nitrate radicals (NO$_{3}$. We cover a temperature range of 213–313 K, representative of tropospheric conditions. The oxidized components in both gas and particle phases were characterized on a molecular level by a chemical ionization mass spectrometer equipped with a filter inlet for gases and aerosols using iodide as the reagent ion (FIGAERO-iodide-CIMS). The batch mode experiments were conducted in the 84.5 m$^{3}$ aluminium simulation chamber AIDA at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In the absence of nitrogen oxides, the temperature-dependent rate coefficient of the endocyclic double bond in BCP reacting with ozone between 243–313 K is negatively correlated with temperature, corresponding to the following Arrhenius equation: k= (1.6 ± 0.4) × 10$^{-15}$ × exp((559 ±  97)/T). The SOA yields increase from 16 ± 5 % to 37 ± 11 %, with temperatures decreasing from 313 to 243 K at a total organic particle mass of 10 µg m$^{-3}$. The variation in the ozonolysis temperature leads to a substantial impact on the abundance of individual organic molecules. In the absence of nitrogen oxides, monomers C$_{14-15}$H$_{22-24}$O$_{3-7}$ (37.4 %), dimers C$_{28-30}$H$_{44-48}$O$_{5-9}$ (53.7 %), and trimers C$_{41-44}$H$_{62-66}$O$_{9-11}$ (8.6 %) are abundant in the particle phase at 213 K. At 313 K, we observed more oxidized monomers (mainly C$_{14-15}$H$_{22-24}$O$_{6-9}$, 67.5 %) and dimers (mainly C$_{27-29}$H$_{42-44}$O$_{9-11}$, 27.6 %), including highly oxidized molecules (HOMs; C$_{14}$H$_{22}$O$_{Zahl}$7,9 C$_{15}$H$_{22}$O$_{7,9}$C$_{15}$H$_{24}$O$_{7,9}$), which can be formed via hydrogen shift mechanisms, but no significant trimers. In the presence of nitrogen oxides, the organonitrate fraction increased from 3 % at 213 K to 12 % and 49 % at 243 and 313 K, respectively. Most of the organonitrates were monomers with C15 skeletons and only one nitrate group. More highly oxygenated organonitrates were observed at higher temperatures, with their signal-weighted O:C atomic ratio increasing from 0.41 to 0.51 from 213 to 313 K. New dimeric and trimeric organic species without nitrogen atoms (C$_{20}$, C$_{35}$) were formed in the presence of nitrogen oxides at 298–313 K, indicating potential new reaction pathways. Overall, our results show that increasing temperatures lead to a relatively small decrease in the rate coefficient of the endocyclic double bond in BCP reacting with ozone but to a strong decrease in SOA yields. In contrast, the formation of HOMs and organonitrates increases significantly with temperature

Computer aided analysis of additional chromosome aberrations in Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia using a simplified computer readable cytogenetic notation

BACKGROUND: The analysis of complex cytogenetic databases of distinct leukaemia entities may help to detect rare recurring chromosome aberrations, minimal common regions of gains and losses, and also hot spots of genomic rearrangements. The patterns of the karyotype alterations may provide insights into the genetic pathways of disease progression. RESULTS: We developed a simplified computer readable cytogenetic notation (SCCN) by which chromosome findings are normalised at a resolution of 400 bands. Lost or gained chromosomes or chromosome segments are specified in detail, and ranges of chromosome breakpoint assignments are recorded. Software modules were written to summarise the recorded chromosome changes with regard to the respective chromosome involvement. To assess the degree of karyotype alterations the ploidy levels and numbers of numerical and structural changes were recorded separately, and summarised in a complex karyotype aberration score (CKAS). The SCCN and CKAS were used to analyse the extend and the spectrum of additional chromosome aberrations in 94 patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph-positive) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and secondary chromosome anomalies. Dosage changes of chromosomal material represented 92.1% of all additional events. Recurring regions of chromosome losses were identified. Structural rearrangements affecting (peri)centromeric chromosome regions were recorded in 24.6% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: SCCN and CKAS provide unifying elements between karyotypes and computer processable data formats. They proved to be useful in the investigation of additional chromosome aberrations in Ph-positive ALL, and may represent a step towards full automation of the analysis of large and complex karyotype databases