We have screened antibodies for immunocytochemical staining in the optic lobes of the brain of Drosophila melanogaster. Seven polyclonal antisera and five monoclonal antibodies are described that selectively and reproducibly stain individual cells and/or produce characteristic staining patterns in the neuropile. Such antisera are useful for the cellular characterization of molecular and structural brain defects in visual mutants. In the wildtype visual system we can at present separately stain the following: the entire complement of columnar "T1" neurons; a small set of presumptive serotonergic neurons; some 3000 cells that contain and synthesize gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA); and three groups of cells that bind antibodies to Ca2+-binding proteins. In addition, small groups of hitherto unknown tangential cells that send fine arborizations into specific strata of the medulla, and two patterns of characteristic layers in the visual neuropile have been identified by use of monoclonal antibodies generated following immunization of mice with homogenates of the brain of Drosophila melanogaster.

SummaryA new PT reagent based on recombinant human tissue factor and synthetic phospholipids (phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine) with defined fatty acid side chains was calibrated against BCT/253 and CRM 149R. A small but consistent bias in the International Sensitivity Index (ISI) value was obtained using either the human or rabbit brain reference material. ISI values were around 1.0 or slightly lower depending on the respective instrument. Mixing studies with factor deficient plasmas showed a high factor sensitivity especially for factor VII as compared to commercial rabbit brain or human placenta thromboplastin. In an international field trial the reagent was tested using fully or semi automated Electra™ coagulometers in 4 different laboratories. Results with normal samples were in excellent agreement among the different laboratories. Mean values were 10.9, 10.9, 11.0, 11,7 s with a range of 9.5 to 12.5 s. Results of males and females were not different. In patients with liver disease very similar PT activities were found as compared to sensitive rabbit brain or human placental thromboplastins. In normals and patients with oral anticoagulation INR values correlated very well against BCT (r = 0.98, regression line y =-0.07 + 0.9 x). The distribution of samples was linear over the whole range. In the comparison against sensitive rabbit brain thromboplastin or human placental thromboplastin similar correlations were found. In a few cases higher INR values were observed for the recombinant reagent especially in patients with intensive treatment. Factor assays in those patients showed at least the strong reduction of one vitamin Independent coagulation factor. Over all the linearity was better against the rabbit brain reagent than against the human placental reagent which is slightly less factor VII sensitive as shown in mixing studies with normal and factor VII deficient plasma. Precision studies in the 4 laboratories showed excellent reproducibility of lyophilised controls or local patient plasma pools for all reagents with a better performance of the recombinant reagent. C. V. values from day to day ranged from 1.3% to 5% for normal and abnormal controls.These results show that the recombinant PT reagent, especially in conjunction with a precise automated instrument, may improve the results of PT testing and thus may lead to better patient care.

Potential vorticity (PV) is a quantity that can be computed by combining the rotation and stratification in the atmosphere. Due to the combination of these physical processes potential vorticity is considered as one of the most important scalar quantities in atmospheric dynamics. It is able to explain the occurrence of frontal rain bands and plays a key role in particularly strong wind peaks in extratropical cyclones. When wind flows around mountain peaks, rather than over it, a potential vorticity accumulation shaped as elongated banners forms in the mountain's lee. The role of these so called potential vorticity banners has recently raised considerable interest in the meteorological community for instance due to their influence in aviation wind hazards and maritime transport. I thankfully look back at a great experience while working on this Thesis. I particularly want to thank my supervisor Dr. Tobias Günther who supported me while I was working on this Master Thesis. I am very grateful to Tobias's challenging questions and valuable advise which played a central role to complete this work. I learned a lot from our respectful, open and friendly interactions we had.

A histological investigation of various skeletal muscles of 13 German Landrace and two Mangaliza pigs was conducted. The animals were tested by halothane and provided with venous indwelling catheters, They were stressed by either halothane or Myostress 3 to 7 days before slaughter. Results of halothane testing and activity of creatinekinase with and without stress were compared with the results of the histological investigations. German Landrace pigs showed varying degrees of stress susceptibility, while Mangaliza pigs can be classified as muscularly healthy. The pathogenesis of stress susceptibility is discussed on the basis of histological alterations. A latent hypoxia as manifested in oversized type I1 B fibres is central to the considerations, as it leads to lesions of membranes of the mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum. As a result, rapid anaerobic glycolysis with increased lactate production and local lactate congestion may develop. Ultimately, necrosis of the muscle fibres occurs, which is a typical sign of stress susceptibility in pigs.

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