Application of Surface wave methods for seismic site characterization

Surface-wave dispersion analysis is widely used in geophysics to infer a shear wave velocity model of the subsoil for a wide variety of applications. A shear-wave velocity model is obtained from the solution of an inverse problem based on the surface wave dispersive propagation in vertically heterogeneous media. The analysis can be based either on active source measurements or on seismic noise recordings. This paper discusses the most typical choices for collection and interpretation of experimental data, providing a state of the art on the different steps involved in surface wave surveys. In particular, the different strategies for processing experimental data and to solve the inverse problem are presented, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Also, some issues related to the characteristics of passive surface wave data and their use in H/V spectral ratio technique are discussed as additional information to be used independently or in conjunction with dispersion analysis. Finally, some recommendations for the use of surface wave methods are presented, while also outlining future trends in the research of this topic

Gamma-Spektrometrie zur digitalen Bodenkartierung auf Feld- und Landschaftsskala

Die feldskalige Variation von Bodeneigenschaften wird zunehmend durch geophysikalische Sensor-Erkundung abgebildet (Bodenradar, elektrische Leitfähigkeit/Widerstand). Dabei gewinnt auch die Anwendung Gamma-spektrometrischer Verfahren an Bedeutung. Sowohl boden- als auch luftgestützte kontinuierliche Messungen der natürlichen Radionuklide sind als gute Proxies für Oberbodeneigenschaften bekannt, müssen jedoch auf ihre Anwendbarkeit und Übertragbarkeit innerhalb einer Skala (z.B. Feld) und über Skalengrenzen hinweg (regionale Ansätze) getestet werden. Es soll die Frage beantwortet werden, ob Bodeneigenschaften und ihre räumliche Verteilung innerhalb der Nordostdeutschen Jungmoränenlandschaft bei vergleichbarem geologischem Ausgangsgestein durch die Gamma-Spektrometrie abgebildet und quanifiziert werden können. Zwei Landschaftsausschnitte in der Uckermark (Kraatz, 10 km² und Dedelow, 12 km²) wurden im Herbst 2014 durch eine Hubschrauberbefliegung kartiert. Innerhalb dieser beiden Gebiete wurde jeweils ein Feld (25 ha) annähernd zeitgleich mit einem Traktor-gestützten Messsystem befahren und durch Bodenuntersuchungen an 120 Referenzpunkten begleitet. Auf der Feldskala wurden die boden- und luftgestützten Gamma-spektrometrischen Verteilungskarten für die Gesamtzählraten, K, U und Th mit den punktspezifischen Bodeninformationen in Beziehung gesetzt. Für die Gebietsskala wurden vorhandene Bodenkartenwerke mit den Hubschrauber-spektrometrischen Karten verglichen. Karten unterschiedlicher Rasterzellgrößen wurden auf ihre räumliche Beziehung zu Bodentextureigenschaften an den Referenzpunkten und deren Gültigkeit bzw. Übertragbarkeit auf andere Felder untersucht. Auf der Feldskala waren die bodengestützten Gamma-Informationen in ihrer Genauigkeit an den Referenzpunkten den luftgestützten Informationen überlegen (größerer räumlicher Footprint der Hubschraubermessung). Unabhängig davon sind luftgestützte Gamma-spektroskopische Kartierungen das Mittel der Wahl, um räumliche Muster größerer Landschaftsausschnitte zu kartieren

BAC library resources for map-based cloning and physical map construction in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Background: Although second generation sequencing (2GS) technologies allow re-sequencing of previously gold-standard-sequenced genomes, whole genome shotgun sequencing and de novo assembly of large and complex eukaryotic genomes is still difficult. Availability of a genome-wide physical map is therefore still a prerequisite for whole genome sequencing for genomes like barley. To start such an endeavor, large insert genomic libraries, i.e. Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) libraries, which are unbiased and representing deep haploid genome coverage, need to be ready in place. Result: Five new BAC libraries were constructed for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar Morex. These libraries were constructed in different cloning sites (HindIII, EcoRI, MboI and BstXI) of the respective vectors. In order to enhance unbiased genome representation and to minimize the number of gaps between BAC contigs, which are often due to uneven distribution of restriction sites, a mechanically sheared library was also generated. The new BAC libraries were fully characterized in depth by scrutinizing the major quality parameters such as average insert size, degree of contamination (plate wide, neighboring, and chloroplast), empty wells and off-scale clones (clones with 250 fragments). Additionally a set of gene-based probes were hybridized to high density BAC filters and showed that genome coverage of each library is between 2.4 and 6.6 X. Conclusion: BAC libraries representing >20 haploid genomes are available as a new resource to the barley research community. Systematic utilization of these libraries in high-throughput BAC fingerprinting should allow developing a genome-wide physical map for the barley genome, which will be instrumental for map-based gene isolation and genome sequencing.Daniela Schulte, Ruvini Ariyadasa, Bujun Shi, Delphine Fleury, Chris Saski, Michael Atkins, Pieter deJong, Cheng-Cang Wu, Andreas Graner, Peter Langridge and Nils Stei

Zinc homeostasis and signaling in health and diseases: Zinc signaling

The essential trace element zinc (Zn) is widely required in cellular functions, and abnormal Zn homeostasis causes a variety of health problems that include growth retardation, immunodeficiency, hypogonadism, and neuronal and sensory dysfunctions. Zn homeostasis is regulated through Zn transporters, permeable channels, and metallothioneins. Recent studies highlight Zn’s dynamic activity and its role as a signaling mediator. Zn acts as an intracellular signaling molecule, capable of communicating between cells, converting extracellular stimuli to intracellular signals, and controlling intracellular events. We have proposed that intracellular Zn signaling falls into two classes, early and late Zn signaling. This review addresses recent findings regarding Zn signaling and its role in physiological processes and pathogenesis

The immune system and the impact of zinc during aging

The trace element zinc is essential for the immune system, and zinc deficiency affects multiple aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. There are remarkable parallels in the immunological changes during aging and zinc deficiency, including a reduction in the activity of the thymus and thymic hormones, a shift of the T helper cell balance toward T helper type 2 cells, decreased response to vaccination, and impaired functions of innate immune cells. Many studies confirm a decline of zinc levels with age. Most of these studies do not classify the majority of elderly as zinc deficient, but even marginal zinc deprivation can affect immune function. Consequently, oral zinc supplementation demonstrates the potential to improve immunity and efficiently downregulates chronic inflammatory responses in the elderly. These data indicate that a wide prevalence of marginal zinc deficiency in elderly people may contribute to immunosenescence