Validierung eines 2-Regionen-Modells zur Simulation des Stofftransportes im Boden anhand von Laborsäulen- und Feldversuchen

Validation of a 2-domain-model for the simulation of solute transfer in soils by laboratory and field experiments The simulation of water and solute transfer in the unsaturated zone on the basis of the classical convective dispersive model gives dissatisfactory results in many cases. Especially in the zone of evapotranspiration the observed penetration depths of surface-applied chemicals often exceed calculated values. This has been attributed to preferential flow in domains with accelerated flow. The aim of the investigations presented here was to extend the conventional theory of solute transfer in order to enable improved model predictions without introducing too much complexity to the model which might reduce its applicability. The mobile-immobile-concept of Coats and Smith (1964) was chosen to extend the model FLOTRA (Wagner et al., 1992), which is based on the convective dispersive approach. The model parameters additionally needed by the model are the immobile water content θ_im and the solute transfer coefficient α. The applicability of the model was tested on the basis of several laboratory and field experiments. It is shown, that with the mobile-immobile-approach modeling results of water and solute transfer in the top soil layers, which are most important in view of soil and groundwater protection, were improved compared to the calculations with the classical convective dispersive model.     

Accumulation soils like “Ockererde”—forgotten soil units in soil‐classification systems

Accumulation soils like those known as “Ockererde” are not yet represented in the German and in international soil‐classification systems, even though they represent important members of catenas found in humid low‐mountain areas influenced by the translocation of interpedon matter. Currently, this soil is referred to as “(Hang‐)Oxigley”, though this does not take into account its water and matter dynamics. Six representative catenas in the Black Forest (SW Germany) will be used to describe the occurrence, extent, and properties of the accumulation‐affected “Ockererde” derived from a variety of parent materials at specific altitudes. On the basis of their morphological, chemical, and physical properties as well as matter dynamics, it is possible to distinguish “Ockererde” clearly from soil units with similar characteristics (“Lockerbraunerde”, Andosols). Finally, suggestions will be given for the classification of “Ockererde”.     

Predicting carbon content in illitic clay fractions from surface area, cation exchange capacity and dithionite-extractable iron

We used the specific surface area (SSA), the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the content of dithionite‐extractable iron (Fe_d) to predict the content of organic carbon in illitic clay fractions of topsoils from loess. We determined SSA (BET‐N₂ method) and CEC of clay fractions after removing organic C or reducing oxides or both. The CEC and the SSA of the carbon‐ and oxide‐free clay fraction explained 56% and 54% of the variation in C content, respectively. The Fe_d content of the clay fractions was strongly and negatively related to the C content, and with the SSA of the carbon‐free clay fraction it predicted C content almost completely (R² = 0.96). The results indicate that the amount of cations adhering to the silicate clay minerals and the size of the silicate mineral surface area are important properties of the mineral phase for the storage potential of C. The reason for the negative relation between iron oxides and C content remains unclear.     

Effects of heating and illumination on trans-cis isomerization and degradation of beta-carotene and lutein in isolated spinach chloroplasts

The influence of thermal treatment and light exposure on degradation and isomerization of the predominant carotenoids (lutein and beta-carotene) occurring in green leafy vegetables was assessed. The effect of lipid addition on carotenoid stability was also evaluated. For the first time, the stabilities of pure carotenoids and chloroplast-bound carotenoids were compared. Besides degradation, heating caused carotenoid isomerization in all samples. Whereas pure carotenoids favor 13-cis isomers, in native chloroplasts and heated chloroplasts 9-cis isomers were predominant. Illumination of freshly prepared chloroplast isolates caused an initial increase in the level of lutein (9.6%) and beta-carotene (29.8%), while pure carotenoids exhibited time-dependent degradation. The addition of lipids to chloroplast preparations had the reverse effects on the retention of both carotenoids after heating; isomerization was not significantly affected. It was demonstrated that carotenoid stability has to be evaluated for every individual pigment in its genuine environment. Stability data based on model systems (e.g., pure carotenoids) may not be transferred to complex food matrices without intensive investigation.     

Determination of carotenoid stereoisomers in commercial dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for the determination of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin including their cis-isomers and alpha-carotene in commercial dietary supplements by HPLC has been developed. The study comprises 11 oral dosage forms, including 9 soft gelatin capsules, 1 dragée, and 1 effervescent tablet formulation. The capsule content was extracted with an acetone-hexane mixture, and the gelatin shell was digested with papain to release carotenoids that had migrated into the coat. Sample preparation for tablets and dragées was carried out as described for the capsule content. Extraction recoveries exemplified for all-trans-beta-carotene and all-trans-lutein were 95 +/- 5% and 93 +/- 2%, and 95 +/- 2% and 79 +/- 5% after enzymatic treatment, respectively. Apart from all-trans-beta-carotene, its 9-cis- and 13-cis-isomers were detected in all samples, whereas no evidence for cis-isomerization of lutein and zeaxanthin could be obtained. Migration of carotenoids into the shells was only observed in the case of beta-carotene. With the exception of one preparation, the beta-carotene contents determined exceeded the dosage specified on the label by up to 48%, which results from stability overages necessary to compensate for losses during storage.     

Methodical studies of transmucosal oxygen partial pressure measurement in the calf and dog]

Transcutaneous PO2-measurement has been thought being non practicable in veterinary medicine. Consequently, the measuring method has been slightly modified. PO2 was taken from the mucous membrane of the lower surface of tongue. This has been practised in 6 dogs and 10 calves. We achieved a significant correlation between transmucosal and arterial PO2, taken simultaneously in each animal. Considering these results the use of transmucosal measurement may be recommended for a trend-measuring in anesthesized animals. Nevertheless, there has to be pointed out that transmucosal PO2 has to be interpreted regarding its complexity.     

Brain and spinal cord lesions in encephalitozoonosis in the blue fox

The central nervous system lesions in encephalitozoonosis were studied in 11 naturally infected blue foxes. Immunohistochemical staining was employed in the demonstration of the parasites and identification of host cells. Consistent findings in acute to subacute stages included granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis and vasculitis, with arterial lesions similar to polyarteritis nodosa. Chronic stages were dominated by arteriosclerosis, perivascular mononuclear infiltrations and gliosis, with less prominent granulomatous reaction. Parasites were almost constantly observed in association with active lesions both in vessels and nervous tissue. Parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) occurred in endothelial cells and in the medial layer of arteries. Neurons, including even their processes, were widely parasitized, a fact that may account for the brain being an important target organ. PV also occurred in ependymal cells of the choroid plexus and occasionally in macrophages. A great number of parasites was demonstrated in phagolysosomes of macrophages, a fact that probably reflects a relative resistance to digestion, and may consequently contribute to the development of the prominent granulomatous reaction. It was concluded that the brain lesions, except in chronic stages of mild infections, seem to be pathognomonic for encephalitozoonosis in the blue fox.