Active suspension design for a Large Space Structure ground test facility

The expected future high performance requirements for Large Space Structures (LSS) enforce technology innovations such as active vibration damping techniques e.g., by means of structure sensors and actuators. The implementation of new technologies like that requires an interactive and integrated structural and control design with an increased effort in hardware validation by ground testing. During the technology development phase generic system tests will be most important covering verification and validation aspects up to the preparation and definition of relevant space experiments. For many applications using advanced designs it is deemed necessary to improve existing testing technology by further reducing disturbances and gravity coupling effects while maintaining high performance reliability. A key issue in this context is the improvement of suspension techniques. The ideal ground test facility satisfying these requirements completely will never be found. The highest degree of reliability will always be obtained by passive suspension methods taking into account severe performance limitations such as non-zero rigid body modes, restriction of degrees of freedom of motion and frequency response limitations. Passive compensation mechanisms, e.g., zero-spring-rate mechanisms, either require large moving masses or they are limited with respect to low-frequency performance by friction, stiction or other non-linear effects. With active suspensions these limitations can be removed to a large extent thereby increasing the range of applications. Despite an additional complexity which is associated with a potential risk in reliability their development is considered promising due to the amazing improvement of real-time control technology which is still continuing

Detection of amplified DNA sequences by reverse chromosome painting using genomic tumor DNA as probe

A modification of reverse chromosome painting was carried out using genomic DNA from tumor cells as a complex probe for chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization to normal metaphase chromsome spreads. Amplified DNA sequences contained in such probes showed specific signals, revealing the normal chromosome positions from which these sequences were derived. As a model system, genomic DNAs were analyzed from three tumor cell lines with amplification units including the proto-oncogene c-myc. The smallest amplification unit was about 90 kb and was present in 16–24 copies; the largest unit was bigger than 600 kb and was present in 16–32 copies. Specific signals that co-localized with a differently labeled c-myc probe on chromosome band 8q24 were obtained with genomic DNA from each cell line. In further experiments, genomic DNA derived from primary tumor material was used in the case of a male patient with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Southern blot analysis using an epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) probe that maps to 7p13 indicated the amplification of sequences from this gene. Using reverse chromosome painting, signals were found both on band 7p13 and bands 12q13–q15. Notably, the signal on 12q13–q15 was consistently stronger. The weaker 7p13 signal showed co-localization with the major signal of the differently labeled EGFR probe. A minor signal of this probe was seen on 12q13, suggesting cross-hybridization to ERB3 sequences homologous to EGFR. The results indicate co-amplification of sequences from bands 12q13–q15, in addition to sequences from band 7p13. Several oncogenes map to 12q13–q15 providing candidate genes for a tumor-associated proto-oncogene amplification. Although the nature of the amplified sequences needs to be clarified, this experiment demonstrates the potential of reverse chromosome painting with genomic tumor DNA for rapidly mapping the normal chromosomal localization of the DNA from which the amplified sequences were derived. In addition, a weaker staining of chromosomes 10 and X was consistently observed indicating that these chromosomes were present in only one copy in the GBM genome. This rapid approach can be used to analyze cases where no metaphase spreads from the tumor material are available. It does not require any preknowledge of amplified sequences and can be applied to screen large numbers of tumors

Entwicklung verschiedenfarbiger Möhrensorten für den Biolandbau

Das abgeschlossene FuE-Projekt kann insgesamt als sehr erfolgreich betrachtet werden. Alle geplanten Projektziele sind im Wesentlichen erreicht worden. Das übergeordnete Projektziel - Pre-Breeding und Etablierung eines Möhrenzüchtungsprogramms für verschiedenfarbige Möhren bei Fa. satimex – ist umgesetzt worden. Projektpartner satimex steht mit Projektabschluss auf sehr breiter Basis ein Zuchtmaterial in allen Farbvarianten der Möhre sowie umfangreiches Datenmaterial als Grundlage einer zukünftigen Züchtung zur Verfügung. Umfangreiche Untersuchungen hinsichtlich des Resistenzverhaltens gegen Alternaria spp., sensorischer Parameter, flüchtiger Inhaltsstoffe sowie agronomischer Merkmale ermöglichten eine detaillierte Beschreibung und Bewertung der entwickelten Zuchtlinien und stellen eine wichtige Entscheidungshilfe für das zukünftige Zuchtprogramm dar. Darüber hinaus wurden aussichtsreiche Zuchtlinien unter Praxisbedingungen in Bio-Betrieben getestet, Daten zu Vermarktungschancen erhoben und eine Lagereignungsprüfung durchgeführt. Es wird eingeschätzt, dass mit dem Projektabschluss ein umfangreiches Zuchtmaterial in allen geplanten Farbklassen zur Verfügung steht. Farb- und Formenvielfalt ist bereits ausreichend realisiert, weiterer Züchtungsbedarf besteht insbesondere bei der äußeren und inneren Wurzelqualität, der Schossfestigkeit und der Resistenz bzw. Toleranz gegen biotische und abiotische Stressfaktoren. Eine wissenschaftliche Anschlussfähigkeit ist durch die extreme genetische Breite und morphologische Variabilität des entwickelten Zuchtmaterials gegeben, welche es für weitere wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen interessant macht. Forschungsansätze werden speziell in drei Richtungen gesehen: i) Verbesserung der Resistenz bei allen roten (Lycopin) Genotypen, ii) Aufklärung des genetischen Hintergrundes der Blühinduktion zur Verbesserung der Schossresistenz und iii) Entwicklung von molekularen Markern für Aromakomponenten der Möhre auf der Basis sensorischer und chemisch analytischer Untersuchungen

Partial discharges of epoxy-mica-insulation under harmonic distorted voltages

The increasing propagation of power electronics technologies and the related operational equipment such as inverter-fed drives and solid-state transformers in electrical grids lead to growing harmonic distortion of the voltage waveform. Harmonics modify the shape of a voltage waveform but also affect the peak voltage despite constant RMS voltage. Resulting from this, it was previously found that harmonics not only have an influence on the partial discharge patterns and characteristics but also the lifetime of model insulations. The epoxy-mica main wall insulation of rotating electrical machines is partial discharge-resistant to certain extent. Nonetheless, severe production faults should be detected by partial discharge measurements as they may lead to accelerated ageing. The purpose of this contribution is to investigate the impact of harmonics on the partial discharge characteristics of the insulation system of rotating electrical machines in general and especially on a test object with an artificial void fault. An assessment of the partial discharge pattern and apparent charge measurement is given by analyzing the characteristics to harmonic waveform parameters that incoporate peak alteration and shape modification. It is shown that the voltage shape and gradients play a subordinate role compared to the voltage peak altering effect of harmonics. The effects are more pronounced with the test object with an artificially introduced fault

Understanding Buffalo\u27s Economic Development (review essay)

Reviewing Diana Dillaway, Power Failure: Politics, Patronage, and the Economic Future of Buffalo, New York (2006)

Convergent evolution of heat-inducibility during subfunctionalization of the Hsp70 gene family

Background: Heat-shock proteins of the 70 kDa family (Hsp70s) are essential chaperones required for key cellular functions. In eukaryotes, four subfamilies can be distinguished according to their function and localisation in different cellular compartments: cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and chloroplasts. Generally, multiple cytosol-type Hsp70s can be found in metazoans that show either constitutive expression and/or stress-inducibility, arguing for the evolution of different tasks and functions. Information about the hsp70 copy number and diversity in microbial eukaryotes is, however, scarce, and detailed knowledge about the differential gene expression in most protists is lacking. Therefore, we have characterised the Hsp70 gene family of Paramecium caudatum to gain insight into the evolution and differential heat stress response of the distinct family members in protists and to investigate the diversification of eukaryotic hsp70s focusing on the evolution of heat-inducibility. Results: Eleven putative hsp70 genes could be detected in P. caudatum comprising homologs of three major Hsp70-subfamilies. Phylogenetic analyses revealed five evolutionarily distinct Hsp70-groups, each with a closer relationship to orthologous sequences of Paramecium tetraurelia than to another P. caudatum Hsp70-group. These highly diverse, paralogous groups resulted from duplications preceding Paramecium speciation, underwent divergent evolution and were subject to purifying selection. Heat-shock treatments were performed to test for differential expression patterns among the five Hsp70-groups as well as for a functional conservation within Paramecium. These treatments induced exceptionally high mRNA up-regulations in one cytosolic group with a low basal expression, indicative for the major heat inducible hsp70s. All other groups showed comparatively high basal expression levels and moderate heat-inducibility, signifying constitutively expressed genes. Comparative EST analyses for P. tetraurelia hsp70s unveiled a corresponding expression pattern, which supports a functionally conserved evolution of the Hsp70 gene family in Paramecium. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest an independent evolution of the heat-inducible cytosol-type hsp70s in Paramecium and in its close relative Tetrahymena, as well as within higher eukaryotes. This result indicates convergent evolution during hsp70 subfunctionalization and implies that heat-inducibility evolved several times during the course of eukaryotic evolution

Freiraum und Innovationsdruck. Begleitumstände innovativer kirchlicher Sozialformen an der Peripherie

Geht Kirche anders? Die Frage nach Veränderung beschäftigt die Evangelische Kirche in Deutschlandseit Jahren. In einem ‚von oben‘ initiierten Reformprozess versucht sie, Neues anzustoßen. Danebenereignet sich Neues ‚an der Basis‘ – emergent, kontingent und oft abseits der kirchlichen Zentren. EineStudie des Greifswalder Instituts zur Erforschung von Evangelisation und Gemeindeentwicklung gingdiesen Bewegungen nach und versuchte, Begleitumstände sozial‐missionarischer Innovationen an derPeripherie zu rekonstruieren. Dabei erwies sich als bedeutsam: Die besondere Konstellation von Personenmit gewissen Haltungen (einzelnen „heros“ oder Pionieren, Teams und netzwerkartigen Geflechten),die weichen Faktoren (Stimmungen/Atmosphären) und das Setting, in dem jene agierten:Wo alte kirchliche Formen dysfunktional geworden waren (Innovationsdruck) und die daraus resultierendeBrache Freiräume zum Experimentieren geschaffen hat. Der Artikel führt in die Ergebnisse derStudie ein und fragt nach Konsequenzen für kirchenleitendes Handeln.Doing church differently? The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) has tried to modernize itself foryears. In 2006, the EKD initiated a reform process that has been adapted by almost every regionalchurch. Beside this top‐down‐process, the EKD experiences renewal from the bottom up and oftenoutside of the official institution and at the periphery. The Institute for Research on Evangelizationand Congregational Development of the University of Greifswald tried to analyze these movements. Ina current study, they reconstructed factors that go alongside the renewed practices. They found thatthe combination of people with certain attitudes (individual “heroes”, teams, networks), of soft factorslike atmospheres, and of the surrounding circumstances are especially fruitful for change. Thereappears to be a special need for change when old behavioral patterns no longer function and thusprovide the space for experimentation. The article introduces the study and asks for the consequencesin regard to church management

Theologie als unmögliche Notwendigkeit: der Theologiebegriff Karl Barths in seiner Genese (1914-1932)

Ziel vorliegender Arbeit ist es zu zeigen, dass sich der Theologiebegriff Karl Barths aus seiner pfarramtlichen Praxis heraus entwickelten und der Funktion der Predigtkontrolle stets verhaftet blieb. Insofern stellt sie einen Beitrag in der derzeitigen Diskussion um Kontinuität und Diskontinuität innerhalb des Barthschen Werdegangs zwischen "Römerbrief" und "Kirchlicher Dogmatik" dar. Dieser Zeitraum wird anhand verschiedener Texte abgeschritten, wobei sich beobachten lässt, dass Parallelen zwischen Anfang- und Endpunkt nicht nur formal, in der engen Koppelung von Theologie an die Verkündigung, existieren. Auch auf inhaltlicher Ebene besteht eine große Übereinstimmung. Ob nun als junger Dialektiker oder als reifer Dogmatiker, Karl Bath meint in beiden Fällen, dass eine Prüfung von Verkündung ihr zu attestieren hat, dass sie eine unmögliche Notwendigkeit darstellt, deren Wirklichkeit einzig im göttlichen Wort begründet liegt