Die Wandelbarkeit der Nadelholzsamen und der aus ihnen gezogenen Pflanzen

European Journal of Forest Research -     

Shock-produced olivine glass: first observation

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations of an experimentally shock-deformed single crystal of natural peridot, (Mg(0.88)Fe(0.12))(2)SiO(4), recovered from peak pressures of about 56 x 10(9) pascals revealed the presence of amorphous zones located within crystalline regions with a high density of tangled dislocations. This is the first reported observation of olivine glass. The shocked sample exhibits a wide variation in the degree of shock deformation on a small scale, and the glass appears to be intimately associated with the highest density of dislocations. This study suggests that olivine glass may be formed as a result of shock at pressures above about 50 to 55 x 10(9) pascals and that further TEM observations of naturally shocked olivines may demonstrate the presence of glass.     

Cycle‐Characteristic Odour of Cow Urine Can Be Detected by the Female Face Fly (Musca autumnalis)

Due to declining dairy cow fertility rates, there is great interest in developing tools for oestrus detection. Compounds in the volatile profile of oestrous cows are suggested as oestrus‐specific, but consistent results have not been presented. Certain haematophagous arthropods can discriminate stages of the mammalian reproductive cycle based on host volatiles. This study investigated whether the face fly, Musca autumnalis de Geer (Diptera: Muscidae), can discriminate between urine from cows in oestrus and urine collected during the luteal phase. Individual flies were tested in a two‐choice behavioural assay with choice between odour of oestrous or luteal urine and water (control). Flies chose the control arm significantly more when exposed to oestrous urine than when exposed to luteal urine. Analysis of volatiles showed that 1‐hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) was released in greater amounts from oestrous urine than from urine collected during the luteal phase. In a dose response assay, flies were significantly attracted by 0.01 ng of 1‐hexadecanol but significantly repelled by 0.1 ng, a pattern consistent with fly responses to urine. In conclusion, M. autumnalis can discriminate between oestrous and luteal urine, and this may be mediated by differences in 1‐hexadecanol concentration.     

Effect of acid rain on sandstone: The Royal Palace and the Riddarholm church,Stockholm

The deterioration of two kinds of sandstone is discussed for two 18:th century buildings in central Stockholm: the Royal Palace, and the Royal Carolean Burial Chapel (Karolinska gravkoret) annexed to the mediaeval Riddarholm church. The facades of calcitic Gotland sandstone show many signs of serious decay, such as gypsum formation, pulverized surface, exfoliation, discolouration, and salt efflorescence. The socles are built of the more resistant quartzitic Roslagen sandstone, displaying some discolouration, cracks, and slight exfoliation. In total about 300 samples have been analysed. The surface concentration of sulphur is highest at ground level and at rain-sheltered positions. Chemical and sulphur isotope data indicate that the stone decay to a large part may be attributed to anthropogenic sources like acid deposition and car traffic.