Invertebrate and trace fossil assemblages in wet interdune deposits of the Wahiba Sand Sea record environmental changes associated with the Indian Ocean Monsoon system during the Early Holocene wet period. This period is dated locally by infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) from ca. 9300 to 5500 years ago. Lacustrine deposits from interdune areas of the central sand sea developed during peak precipitation 9300 years (IRSL) ago. The deposits represent short-lived but permanent lakes characterized by salinity tolerant freshwater snails and ostracodes. Diverse trace fossils exposed on the present-day surface show that the dried out lake sediments became substrates for the dwelling, feeding, and reproductive activities of insects. This period of continued moist conditions with pronounced vegetation cover is recorded in post-lacustrine, wet interdune deposits from the coastal Wahiba Sand Sea. A 4-m thick succession of interdune deposits was dated to ca. 8500–5500 years (IRSL). This interdune succession shows intense bioturbation by rhizocretions and insect burrows and nests. Both sites of wet interdune deposits show that changes of moist conditions during the Early Holocene wet period can be monitored by a variety of biological indicators. The ecological information of in situ animal species and trace fossil assemblages adds to the understanding how climatic changes are expressed in continental environments.

Age dependence of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor number on hepatocytes of chickens was determined by incubation of liver cell membranes from chickens of different ages with 3H-prazosin. We showed, that there is a continuous and significant rise of alpha 1-adrenergic binding sites with increasing age of the chickens from 226 +/- 22 fmol/mg protein at the age of up to 4 weeks to 628 +/- 34 fmol/mg protein in laying hens. Changes in receptor affinity could not be registered. The KD-values ranged insignificantly from 0.34 +/- 0.03 nM to 0.50 +/- 0.06 nM in the different ages of chickens and amounted to 0.44 +/- 0.02 nM averagely. The classification of the binding sites for 3H-prazosin to the alpha 1B-subtype could be caused by the high sensitivity to chlorethylclonidine and by the low affinity for alpha A-adrenergic antagonists.

The aim of this study was to clarify the triggering mechanism of lipolysis in adipose tissue during feed withdrawal in pigs. Evaluation of blood samples drawn via an intravenous catheter from 10 growing pigs fasted for 60 h demonstrated, in addition to a haemodilution, a significant rise in plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids (250 +/- 37 to 1427 +/- 144 mu mol/l) and free glycerol (98 +/- 27 to 232 +/- 41 mu mol/l) within 48 h of feed restriction, and thereafter the concentrations levelled off. The pigs also showed a significant decrease in plasma levels of glucose (6.01 +/- 0.20 to 4.62 +/- 0.12 mmol/l) within 48 h of fasting, followed by repeated increase until the end of the experimental period. A significant decrease in plasma insulin-like growth factor I (84 +/- 13 to 65 +/- 7 ng/ml) was observed after 16 h, which continued during the whole period of feed withdrawal However, no significant changes in plasma levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline during the period of increased lipolysis were detected. Therefore, the observed stimulation of lipolysis in growing swine during fasting is not the result of an increase in plasma concentration of catecholamines.

The present investigations should contribute to clarify the importance of beta-adrenergic system in myocard for the triggering of sudden death syndrome and ascites in male broiler chickens. Therefore it should be verified if differences in density of beta-adrenergic receptors in myocard exist in several strains and sexes of chickens. We showed in both male and female broilers that the receptor density was significantly higher as in chickens of the laying strain. There were no significant differences in receptor density between sexes in both investigated strains as well as in K-D-values between all groups. The latter finding is referred to the absence of differences in receptor affinity for H-3- dihydroalprenolol between the groups. Clarification of the question if chronic heart failure is in contrast to myocard hypertrophy accompanied with reduction of beta-adrenergic receptor density or receptor affinity in broilers too, as could be shown in other species, has to carried out in further investigations.

The present investigations should contribute to clarify the importance of beta-adrenergic system in myocard for the triggering of sudden death syndrome and ascites in male broiler chickens. Therefore it should be verified if differences in density of beta-adrenergic receptors in myocard exist in several strains and sexes of chickens. We showed in both male and female broilers that the receptor density was significantly higher as in chickens of the laying strain. There were no significant differences in receptor density between sexes in both investigated strains as well as in KD-values between all groups. The latter finding is referred to the absence of differences in receptor affinity for 3H-dihydroalprenolol between the groups. Clarification of the question if chronic heart failure is in contrast to myocard hypertrophy accompanied with reduction of beta-adrenergic receptor density or receptor affinity in broilers too, as could be shown in other species, has to carried out in further investigations.

In liver cell membranes of laying hens alpha 1-adrenergic receptors were characterized using 3H-prazosin. Specific binding was saturable and indicative of a single class of high-affinity binding sites with a KD of 0.40 +/- 16 nM and a Bmax of 390 +/- 38 fmol/mg membrane protein. Preincubation of membranes with chlorethylclonidine significantly diminished the binding of 3H-prazosin (Bmax = 99 +/- 14 fmol/mg membrane protein). Furthermore, competition experiments revealed a rank order of prazosin >> phentolamine = oxymetazoline >> WB 4101, with Ki values of 0.71 +/- 0.62, 20 +/- 6, 32 +/- 13, and 119 +/- 48 nM, respectively. These results suggest the existence of alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors in hen liver cell membranes.

The concentration of epinephrine, norepinephrine and lactate were measured in blood collected from pigs at slaughter after electric stunning with 220 V and compared with pH values (pH 45 ) and conductivity (LF 45 ) in Longissimus dorsi muscle 45 minutes after slaughter. In group 1 [Duroc x (Yorkshire x Landrace)] the concentration of norepinephrine was significant higher than in group 2 [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace]) (66.2 ± 3.6 vs. 54.7 ± 3.9 ng/ml). Also, the level of lactate was significant higher in group 1 than in group 2(10.8 ± 0.5 vs. 9.1 ± 0.6 mmoles/l). However, no differences between the two groups were found in the concentrations of epinephrine (46.5 ± 2.5 vs. 46.8 ± 1.4 ng(ml), in pH 45 (6.68 ± 0.06 vs. 6.68 ± 0.09) and in LF 45 values (3.20 ± 0.06 vs. 3.21 ± 0.10 mS/cm). A correlation between the levels of epinephrine or norepinephrine and pH 45 or LF 45 was not detected.

The purpose of this study was to show the behaviour of the plasma level of catecholamines in stress-susceptible pigs during an acute stress and to gain new insights in the role of catecholamines in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia. Therefore, a halothane challenge test was performed in stress-susceptible growing pigs, and the changes of haematocrit, hormones and metabolites were monitored during the handling before the test, during halothane exposure and thereafter. Already in connection with the handling before the test, haematocrit values and plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucose, lactate and potassium increased significantly. However, the plasma concentration of cortisol and free glycerol increased gradually and the level of nonesterified fatty acids did not show any changes. While the levels of catecholamines and potassium decreased already during halothane exposure, haematocrit values and concentrations of glucose and lactate continued to increase. The present results indicate that the catecholamines are not involved in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia.

The aim of the experiments was to evaluate the effect of an acute stressor (snare restraint for 5 min) on hormonal and metabolic parameters in pigs and to look for parameters which reflect best the stress intensity. The snare restraint resulted in an increase in plasma level of epinephrine from 88 +/- 12 to 2264 +/- 470 pg/ml and in plasma level of norepinephrine from 206 +/- 14 to 7727 +/- 1969 pg/ml within a minute. In contrast, the cortisol level showed a delayed increase from 30.8 +/- 4.9 to 101.8 +/- 12.0 nmol/l. The inhibitory effect of catecholamines on insulin secretion resulted in a delayed increase of plasma level of insulin from 0.14 +/- 0.01 to 0.29 +/- 0.04 nmol/l. Moreover, there was a significant increase in haematocrit and in plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, free glycerol and ascorbic acid. A biphasic pattern in plasma level of potassium was observed. The present results suggest that besides the level of lactate the plasma concentration of catecholamines reflects best the individual degree of excitement and the time of physical strain.

Insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine and fenoterol were administered to hens br a continuous infusion for 30 minutes sia indwelling catheters after an overnight fast. A saline infusion served as control experiment. The infusion of glucagon brought about a significant rise in plasma level of glucose, lactate and glycerol and a significant decrease in plasma level of potassium. On the other hand, a significant drop in plasma level of glucose, potassium and inorganic phosphorus mas registrated during the insulin infusion. No evidence for an antilipolytic effect of insulin was obtained. The infusion of epinephrine and norepinephrine triggered a significant rise in plasma level of glucose, lactate and glycerol. However, the infusion of fenoterol brought about only a significant hyperglycaemic effect. The infusion of norepinephrine caused a short increase in plasma concentration of potassium during the first 5 minutes, followed by a sharp decrease. An infusion of epinephrine and fenoterol resulted in a significant drop in plasma level of potassium. Beyond it, the infusion of epinephine and fenoterol brought about a significant decrease in plasma level of inorganic phosphorus.

The concentration of epinephrine, norepinephrine and lactate were measured in blood collected from pigs at slaughter after electric stunning with 220 V and compared with pH values (pH(45)) and conductivity (LF(45)) in Longissimus dorsi muscle 45 minutes after slaughter. In group 1 [Duroc x (Yorkshire x Landrace)] the concentration of norepinephrine was significant higher than in group 2 [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace]) (66.2 +/- 3.6 vs. 54.7 +/- 3.9 ng/ml). Also, the level of lactate was significant higher in group 1 than in group 2 (10.8 +/- 0.5 vs. 9.1 +/- 0.6 mmoles/1). However, no differences between the two groups were found in the concentration of epinephrine (46.5 +/- 2.5 vs. 46.8 +/- 1.4 ng(ml), in pH(45) (6.68 +/- 0.06 vs. 6.68 +/- 0.09) and in LF(45) values (3.20 +/- 0.06 vs. 3.21 +/- 0.10 mS/cm). A correlation between the levels of epinephrine or norepinephrine and pH(45) or LF(45) was not detected.

The halothane test was performed under different conditions in 10 halothane-sensitive growing pigs (Landrace, line 01). Haematological and metabolic changes in blood were monitored during the handling of the pigs before the test, during the exposure to halothane and thereafter. Already in connection with the catching and fixation of the pigs, the levels of haemoglobin in blood, and of glucose, lactate and potassium in plasma increased significantly. However, the concentration of glycerol was not raised before the occurrence of the malignant hyperthermia. While the level of potassium decreased already from the beginning of the halothane exposure until the development of symptoms, the values of haemoglobin, glucose and lactate continued to increased. The level of the free fatty acids did not show any changes during the experimental period. An infusion of phentolamine reduced the increase of haemoglobin and potassium and an infusion of propranolol reduced the increase of haemoglobin and glycerol significantly, without any effect on the result of the halothane test. By an anaesthesia, starting 30 minutes before the exposure to halothane, the development of the typical halothane reaction was obviated for at least 10 minutes. Observed metabolic changes during a simultaneous epinephrine administration were exclusively due to its adrenergic effects.

The halothane test was performed under different conditions in 10 halothane-sensitive growing pigs (Landrace, line 01). Haematological and metabolic changes in blood were monitored during the handling of the pigs before the test, during the exposure to halothane and thereafter. Already in connection with the catching and fixation of the pigs, the levels of haemoglobin in blood, and of glucose, lactate and potassium in plasma increased significantly. However, the concentration of glycerol was not raised before the occurrence of the malignant hyperthermia. While the level of potassium decreased already from the beginning of the halothane exposure until the development of symptoms, the values of haemoglobin, glucose and lactate continued to increase. The level of the free fatty acids did not show any changes during the experimental period. An infusion of phentolamine reduced the increase of haemoglobin and potassium and an infusion of propranolol reduced the increase of haemoglobin and glycerol significantly, without any effect on the result of the halothane test. By an anaesthesia, starting 30 minutes before the exposure to halothane, the development of the typical halothane reaction was obviated for at least 10 minutes. Observed metabolic changes during a simultaneous epinephrine administration were exclusively due to its adrenergic effects.

A halothane test was performed under different conditions on 10 halothane-sensitive fattening Landrace pigs. Using normal testing procedures all pigs responded. Anaesthesia, by means of barbiturate followed by diazepam and ketamine, 30 minutes before exposure to halothane, abolished the halothane induced response. Continuous infusion of epinephrine (1-mu-g/kg/min) failed to restore the response. Infusion of the beta-receptor blocking agent propranolol (5-mu-g/kg/min) also had no effect whereas a moderate response was observed in two of eight pigs following the infusion of the alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agent phentolamine (20-mu-g/kg/min). The increase in the rectal temperature during infusion of propranolol was significantly greater after propranolol treatment than after phentolamine. The results of these studies therefore indicate that the sympathetic nervous system plays only a secondary role in modifying malignant hyperthermia in swine. Excitement of the animals before applying the halothane test is desirable.

With growing interest in increasing the density of integrated circuits, isolation techniques have become more important. A dielectric or junction as an insulator is mostly used to prevent electrical interaction between the elements of IC’s. These methods consume a lot of space on the silicon crystal. The first attempt to use other techniques was SOS technology, but for normal VLSI-IC’s, SOS has been found to be too expensive. Another solution was to use buried dielectric layers formed by high-fluence implantation of 0+ of N+ ions. Several papers have reported on buried oxide, using 0+ ion implantation with an epitaxial layer [1–6].

In our paper CMOS devices on buried nitride formed by nitrogen implantation are reported and the devices are realized directly in the residual layer without epitaxy. The data of the silicon nitride obtained by an implant with 150 keV nitrogen ions with a dose of 1 . 5 . 1 0 ' ~ cm-2 and annealed for 2h at 1200 OC are: Thickness: .4 pm, Breakdown Voltage: 160 V, leakage current <loo nA/cm2 at lo V. Dielectric Constant: 7 .

A scaled n-well CMOS technology with 40 nm gate oxide, 1 μm PMOS and 2 μm NMOS transistors has been realised with peak effective mobilities of 710 and 260 cm2V−1s−1 for electrons and holes, respectively, and available voltage gains as high as 80 for a 1 μm PMOS and 115 for a 2 μm NMOS transistor. The corresponding maximum inverter gain was 75. The inverter supply voltage range was 1.5 to 12 V and the inverter delay time was 300 ps at 5 V supply voltage.