Immunoblotting for the serodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis in alive and dead Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber)

A novel species-specific anti-beaver-IgG-alkaline-phosphatase conjugate was synthesized for the development of a new serological test for echinococcosis in beavers. Two different ELISAs conventionally used for human Echinococcus multilocularis serology (Em18-ELISA and Em2-ELISA) yielded diagnostic sensitivities of 0% and 46%, respectively. In contrast, the subsequently developed immunoblotting assay gave an 85% diagnostic sensitivity (11 out of 13 beavers with alveolar echinococcosis were immunoblotting-positive, i.e. showed reactivity with a specific 21 Mr band), and maximal specificity. In conclusion, this immunoblotting assay should be the method of choice for use in serological studies on E. multilocularis in Eurasian beavers, and the test proved suitable to investigate both animals alive and post-mortem

Galileo-based Collision Avoidance System

Nowadays, collision avoidance (CA) systems are an intensive research topic since the majority of all traffic accidents are collisions that are caused due to inattention or unadjusted driving behaviour of the driver. In order to scan the vehicle's surrounding for potential crashes, up to date prototypic CA systems are based on on-board environmental sensors, such as camera or radar systems. The limited sensor covering area and the functionality of the used sensors under varying environmental conditions require an enormous effort to ensure a reliable detection of obstacles, and thus limit the application of the systems. In order to expand the operating field of such systems, a Galileo-based CA system will be developed within the project "GALILEO above". This advanced driver assistance system detects surrounding vehicles that are on collision course, and react autonomous, if the driver does not intervene to avoid the crash. For this purpose the system initiates an emergency stop or an emergency steering. For the development process of the CA system the Galileo test centre "automotiveGATE" in Aldenhoven, Germany will be used. Pseudolites will be installed at the automotiveGATE which provide Galileo-like navigation signals and enable the development and tuning of Galileo based vehicle systems. Thus, these systems are available on the market when the Galileo satellite system becomes operative. At the end of the project GALILEO above, first prototypes should demonstrate the potential of Galileo-based collision avoidance systems. In this paper the GALILEO above project will be introduced followed by a detailed description of the development process of the CA system. Furthermore, first results will be presented.Galileo abov

A Collision Avoidance System based on Galileo Satellite

Nowadays, collision avoidance systems (CAS) are an intensive research topic since the majority of all traffic accidents are collisions that are caused due to inattention or unadjusted driving behaviour of the driver. Up to date prototypic CAS are based on on-board environmental sensors, such as camera or radar systems, that scan the vehicle's surrounding in order to assess the situation's hazardousness. The functionality of the used sensors under varying environmental conditions and the limited sensor covering area require an enormous effort to ensure a reliable detection of obstacles, and thus limit the application of the systems. In order to expand the operating field of such systems, a Galileo-based CAS will be developed within the project ‘Galileo above‘ (Anwendungszentrum für bodengebundenen Verkehr / application centre for ground based traffic). This advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) detects surrounding vehicles that are on collision course and reacts autonomously, if the driver does not intervene to avoid the crash. For this purpose the system initiates an emergency stop and/or an emergency steering manoeuvre. For the development of the CAS, the Galileo test centre automotiveGATE in Aldenhoven, Germany, will be used. On this test area pseudolites will be installed which provide Galileo-like navigation signals. Thus, the development respectively tuning of Galileo-based vehicle systems will be enabled, so as to have them available on the market when the Galileo satellite system becomes operative. At the end of the project ‘Galileo above‘, first prototypes should demonstrate the potential of Galileo-based CAS

Pavillon de l'Industrie Canadienne des Pâtes et Papiers, île Notre-Dame, Montréal, ca 1966

Construit pour l'Exposition universelle et internationale de Montréal, 1967; Date du début des travaux de réalisation : Ca 1966

Fallot's tetralogy in a European beaver (Cator fiber)

A 20-mo-old, female, 9-kg European beaver (Castor fiber) presented with apathy, reduced appetite of 3-day duration and a grade 5/6 systolic heart murmur. Thoracic radiographs revealed a diffuse broncho-interstitial pattern suspicious for bronchopneumonia. The echocardiographic findings of a hypertrophied right ventricle, ventricular septal defect with overriding aorta, and infundibular pulmonic stenosis were consistent with Fallot’s tetralogy. Even though the bronchopneumonia rather than the congenital cardiac defect was considered of primary importance for the presenting clinical signs, the latter was relevant for the decision not to continue any medical treatment. Both disease processes were confirmed on necropsy