Convergent-Beam EMCD: Benefits, Pitfalls, and Applications

Energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD) is a versatile method for studying magnetic properties on the nanoscale. However, the classical EMCD technique is notorious for its low signal to noise ratio (SNR). Here, we study the theoretical possibilities of using a convergent beam for EMCD. In particular, we study the influence of detector positioning as well as convergence and collection angles on the detectable EMCD signal. In addition, we analyze the expected SNR and give guidelines for achieving optimal EMCD results

Serie Tiergesundheit: Tiersignale bewusst erkennen

Je besser Tierhalter in der Tierbeobachtung sind, umso früher erkennen sie Veränderungen und können damit auch früher gegensteuern

Phylogeny and evolution of Monoplacophora and Mollusca

The Mollusca comprises eight classes which are highly diverse in their morphology as well as in molecular appearance. The class level relationships in molluscs were hotly debated during decades and are still under discussion as there is no overall support for one single concept. Morphological and recent phylogenomic studies support the hypothesis of Aculifera (Solenogastres, Caudofoveata and Polyplacophora) and summarize Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Gastropoda, Monoplacophora and Scaphopoda as the Conchifera. Alternative concepts as Testaria (Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Gastropoda, Monoplacophora, Scaphopoda and Polyplacophora) or Serialia (Monoplacophora + Polyplacophora) were suggested in the past based on morphological analyses (Testaria) or mainly molecular evidence (Serialia). In order to bring resolution to the class relationships and the early evolution within Mollusca we compiled several comprehensive taxon sets comprising different molecular datasets: combined nuclear and mitochondrial markers obtained via Sanger sequencing (“standard markers”), mitochondrial genomes (analyzing the phylogenetic information of the sequence data as well as comparing the gene arrangements) and phylogenomic data obtained via Next Generation Sequencing. We were able to generate novel data of several species of the elusive class Monoplacophora. Based on the set of standard markers, we found support for Serialia whereas the phylogenomic approach leads to Aculifera and Conchifera, providing first molecular evidence for Monoplacophora sister to Cephalopoda plus other conchiferans; a clade of Gastropoda and Scaphopoda is also supported. Both phylogenetic analyses were used for time estimations and resulted in congruent ages for the molluscan stem (Precambrian) and the diversification of Mollusca (584Mya). We were the first to present a complete mitochondrial genome of a monoplacophoran species ever. Analyzing the mitochondrial gene arrangements we were able to detect potential synapomorphies for Mollusca. Standard marker analyses on comprehensive taxon sets provided novel phylogenetic hypotheses on several molluscan subgroups, such as chitons and gastropods, in particular heterobranchs, challenging mitogenomic approaches and results in the latter. Overall, our studies addressed the phylogeny and evolution of Mollusca and subgroups with a variety of markers and methods and helped to pave the way from using multilocus markers and mitogenomics towards whole genomes

Homöopathie - Rechtliches für Landwirte

Homöopathie kommt auf vielen Biobetrieben zum Einsatz. Häufig wird die Anwendung homöopathischer Arzneimittel vom Landwirt selbst vorgenommen. Dabei sind einige rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen zu beachten

Promoting Competence Development of Apprentices through Combined Workplace and Workshop Learning

Both on-the-job and off-the-job learning situations are crucial to provide high quality apprenticeship training, so that training workshops can also fulfil a crucial role in providing modern and effective training of apprentices. The shape of such training workshops needs to be revised, however, changing from the pure training of basic manual skills towards promoting the acquisition of work-process knowledge. Three case studies were carried out in large-scale companies and the results show how each has designed appropriate learning environments for their apprentices

Hochträchtige Schafe gut füttern

Stoffwechselstörungen bei Schafen treten typischerweise in der Trächtigkeit und bei der Geburt auf. Die Trächtigkeitstoxikose ist eine schwere Erkrankung, die zu massiven Verlusten führen kann