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When Christine Lagarde announced her first, moderate rescue package, she called upon member states to provide fiscal aid. But the markets showed to have lost confidence in fiscal policy. In the absence of strong monetary policy signals, the slide continued until Lagarde in her second attempt opened the floodgates.
Christine Lagarde verband die Ankündigung ihres ersten, moderaten Rettungspakets mit der Aufforderung an die Mitgliedstaaten, fiskalische Hilfen bereitzustellen. Die Märkte scheinen sich das Vertrauen in die Fiskalpolitik indessen abgewöhnt zu haben. Da starke geldpolitische Signale zunächst ausblieben, ging die Talfahrt weiter, bis Lagarde im zweiten Versuch in die Fußstapfen ihres Vorgängers trat und die Schleusen öffnete.
Governments, economists and intellectuals have called for common European bonds or increased own EU funds to address the recession induced by Covid19. Unfortunately, the German government, joined by the other members of the “Frugal Four” (Austria, Finland, the Netherlands), has categorically rejected to look into any such measures and favours using the ESM. This reaction created a déjà vu experience for citizens and governments of the heavily affected southern Member States of the EU. The proposal to use the ESM raises fears of another wave of austerity amounting to yet another lost decade for economic, social, and ecological development in Europe.
Warum das Stichwort Corona Bonds so viele falsche Assoziationen weckt, und wie sie beschaffen sein müssten, damit auch Deutschland damit gut klarkommt: Vor der morgigen Sitzung der Eurogruppe spricht Max Steinbeis mit MATTHIAS GOLDMANN über seinen Vorschlag und die damit verknüpften Chancen und Risiken.
The recovery plan of the Commission entitled "Next Generation EU" proposes a compromise that goes beyond the ominous lowest common denominator. With a package of EUR 750bn in total, comprising EUR 250bn in loans and the rest in grants, the Commission paves the way for both forward-looking public finance and constitutional innovation. The proposals are masterpieces of high-tech legal engineering. Again, European constitutional law evolves through crisis. Yet, again, it stands to reason how far the proposed instruments will shift the European Union towards enhancing solidarity and democracy.
The nucleoside analogue nelarabine, the prodrug of arabinosylguanine (AraG), is effective against T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) but not against B-cell ALL (B-ALL). The underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, data from pharmacogenomics studies and a panel of ALL cell lines reveal an inverse correlation between nelarabine sensitivity and the expression of SAMHD1, which can hydrolyse and inactivate triphosphorylated nucleoside analogues. Lower SAMHD1 abundance is detected in T-ALL than in B-ALL in cell lines and patient-derived leukaemic blasts. Mechanistically, T-ALL cells display increased SAMHD1 promoter methylation without increased global DNA methylation. SAMHD1 depletion sensitises B-ALL cells to AraG, while ectopic SAMHD1 expression in SAMHD1-null T-ALL cells induces AraG resistance. SAMHD1 has a larger impact on nelarabine/AraG than on cytarabine in ALL cells. Opposite effects are observed in acute myeloid leukaemia cells, indicating entity-specific differences. In conclusion, SAMHD1 promoter methylation and, in turn, SAMHD1 expression levels determine ALL cell response to nelarabine.
Markeninszenierung in Japan - zur narrativen Konstruktion der Lifestyle-Marken "Muji" und "Uniqlo"
(2020)
Die Einzelhandelsketten "Muji" und "Uniqlo" gelten als Musterbeispiele für international erfolgreiche Lifestyle-Marken aus Japan. Aus einer interdisziplinären Perspektive heraus identifiziert Christiane Rühle die Strukturen und Akteure dieser spezifischen Markeninszenierungen und arbeitet die dazugehörigen Positionen, Mittel und zentralen Motive heraus. Sie fragt im Kontext von unternehmensbezogener und nationalstaatlicher Imagebildung nach den Bezügen zwischen Konsum, Kultur und Identität und fokussiert dabei auf die Rolle, die privatwirtschaftliche Unternehmen innerhalb dieses Prozesses einnehmen.
In the context of workplace health promotion, physical activity programs have been shown to reduce musculoskeletal diseases and stress, and to improve the quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of using the “five-Business” stretch training device for office workers on their quality of life. A total of 313 office workers (173m/137f) participated voluntarily in this intervention–control study with an average age of 43.37 ± 11.24 (SD) years, 175.37 ± 9.35 cm in height and 75.76 ± 15.23 kg in weight, with an average BMI of 24.5 ± 3.81 kg/m2. The participants completed the stretch training twice a week for approximately 10 minutes for a duration of 12 weeks. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significantly improved outcomes in mental sum score (p = 0.008), physical functioning (p < 0.001), bodily pain (p = 0.01), vitality (p = 0.025), role limitations due to physical problems (p = 0.018) and mental health (p = 0.012) were shown after the stretching training. The results suggest that a 12-week stretching program for office desk workers is suitable to improve significantly their health-related quality of life.
Using a nonlinear Bayesian likelihood approach that fully accounts for the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates, the authors analyze US post-crisis business cycle dynamics and provide reference parameter estimates. They find that neither the inclusion of financial frictions nor that of household heterogeneity improve the empirical fit of the standard model, or its ability to provide a joint explanation for the post-2007 dynamics. Associated financial shocks mis-predict an increase in consumption. The common practice of omitting the ZLB period in the estimation severely distorts the analysis of the more recent economic dynamics.
Do current levels of bank capital in Europe suffice to support a swift recovery from the COVID-19 crisis? Recent research shows that a well-capitalized banking sector is a major factor driving the speed and breadth of recoveries from economic downturns. In particular, loan supply is negatively affected by low levels of capital. We estimate a capital shortfall in European banks of up to 600 billion euro in a severe scenario, and around 143 billion euro in a moderate scenario. We propose a precautionary recapitalization on the European level that puts the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) center stage. This proposal would cut through the sovereign-bank nexus, safeguard financial stability, and position the Eurozone for a quick recovery from the pandemic.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a six-week, twice weekly resistance training (4 sets at 30% 1-RM until failure) with practical blood flow restriction (BFR) using 7cm wide cuffs with a twist lock placed below the patella is superior to training without BFR (NoBFR) concerning muscle mass and strength gains in calf muscles.
A two-group (BFR n = 12, mean age 27.33 (7.0) years, training experience 7.3 (7.0) years; NoBFR n = 9, mean age 28.9 (7.4) years, training experience 7.1 (6.6) years) randomized matched pair design based on initial 1-RM was used to assess the effects on structural and functional adaptations in healthy males (Perometer calf volume [CV], gastrocnemius muscle thickness using ultrasound [MT], 7-maximal hopping test for leg stiffness [LS], 1-RM smith machine calf raise [1-RM], and visual analogue scale as a measure of pain intensity [VAS]).
The mean number of repetitions completed per training session across the intervention period was higher in the NoBFR group compared to the BFR group (70 (16) vs. 52 (9), p = 0.002). VAS measured during the first session increased similarly in both groups from first to fourth set (p<0.001). No group effects or time×group interactions were found for CV, MT, LS, and 1-RM. However, there were significant time effects for MT (BFR +0.07 cm; NoBFR +0.04; p = 0.008), and 1-RM (BFR +40 kg; NoBFR +34 kg; p<0.001).
LS and CV remained unchanged through training. VAS in both groups were similar, and BFR and NoBFR were equally effective for increasing 1-RM and MT in trained males. However, BFR was more time efficient, due to lesser repetition per training session.
Uni-Highlights Juni/Juli 2020 : Einladungen zu ausgewählten Veranstaltungen der Goethe-Universität
(2020)
Uni-Highlights Mai/Juni 2020 : Einladungen zu ausgewählten Veranstaltungen der Goethe-Universität
(2020)
In this work a nonlinear evolution of pure states of a finite dimensional quantum system is introduced, in particular a Riccati evolution equation.
It is shown how this class of dynamics is actually a Hamiltonian dynamics in the complex projective space.
In this projective space it is shown that there is a nonlinear superposition rule, consistent with its linear counterpart in the Hilbert space. As an example, the developed nonlinear formalism is applied to the semiclassical Jaynes–Cummings model.
Later, it is shown that there is an inherent nonlinear evolution in the dynamics of the so-called generalized coherent states.
To show this, the fact that in quantum mechanics it is possible to immerse a ''classical'' manifold into the Hilbert space is employed, such that one may parametrize the time-dependence of the wave function through the variation of parameters in the classical manifold.
The immersion allows to consider the so-called principle of analogy, i.e. using the procedures and structures available from the classical setting to employ them in the quantum setting.
Finally, it is introduced the contact Hamiltonian mechanics, an extension of symplectic Hamiltonian mechanics, and it is showed that it is a natural candidate for a geometric description of non-dissipative and dissipative systems.
Background: Cytokines are mediators of inflammation that contribute to a low-grade inflammation in different disorders like major depression and obesity. It still remains unclear which psychological and medical factors interact with cytokine regulation. In the current investigation, the association between levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines and anthropometrics, mood state (depressiveness), physical activity and sleep were investigated in a sample of community-dwelled adults.
Methods: Forty-nine subjects met the inclusion criteria for analyses and were assessed at two time-points (baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2), average T1-T2-interval = 215 days). Serum cytokine measures included the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α, the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 and the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); anthropometrics were assessed via physical examination, depressiveness was assessed via Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)2, parameters of physical activity (steps, METs) and sleep (night/total sleep duration) were measured via a 1-week actigraphy.
Results: Correlation analyses showed low-to moderate significant relationships between the majority of cytokines and the BDI2 at T1, positive correlation with weight and BMI at T1 and T2, and negative correlations with the number of steps and METs at T2 and T2. Regression analyses for T1 revealed that the BDI2 score was the best positive predictor for the concentrations of all nine cytokines, followed by the number of steps and the nightsleep duration as negative predictors. At T2, the amount of steps was found to be negatively associated with IL-4, IL5, IL-10, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, whereas the BMI could significantly predict IL-12 and IL-13. The BDI2-score was not significantly associated with any of the cytokines. No associations could be found between dynamics in cytokines from T1 and T2 and changes in any of the variables.
Discussion: The present results indicate an influence of physical activity, subjective well-being and body composition on inflammatory mediators. Since there was no standardized intervention targeting the independent variables between T1 and T2, no assumptions on causality can be drawn from the association results.
Here, we describe a new immersion-based clearing method suitable for optical clearing of thick adult human brain samples while preserving its lipids and lipophilic labels such as 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI). This clearing procedure is simple, easy to implement, and allowed for clearing of 5 mm thick human brain tissue samples within 12 days. Furthermore, we show for the first time the advantageous effect of the Periodate-Lysine-Paraformaldehyde (PLP) fixation as compared to the more commonly used 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) on clearing performance.
Aging is a one-way process associated with profound structural and functional changes in the organism. Indeed, the neuromuscular system undergoes a wide remodeling, which involves muscles, fascia, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. As a result, intrinsic features of tissues, as well as their functional and structural coupling, are affected and a decline in overall physical performance occurs. Evidence from the scientific literature demonstrates that senescence is associated with increased stiffness and reduced elasticity of fascia, as well as loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and regenerative potential. The interaction between muscular and fascial structures is also weakened. As for the nervous system, aging leads to motor cortex atrophy, reduced motor cortical excitability, and plasticity, thus leading to accumulation of denervated muscle fibers. As a result, the magnitude of force generated by the neuromuscular apparatus, its transmission along the myofascial chain, joint mobility, and movement coordination are impaired. In this review, we summarize the evidence about the deleterious effect of aging on skeletal muscle, fascial tissue, and the nervous system. In particular, we address the structural and functional changes occurring within and between these tissues and discuss the effect of inflammation in aging. From the clinical perspective, this article outlines promising approaches for analyzing the composition and the viscoelastic properties of skeletal muscle, such as ultrasonography and elastography, which could be applied for a better understanding of musculoskeletal modifications occurring with aging. Moreover, we describe the use of tissue manipulation techniques, such as massage, traction, mobilization as well as acupuncture, dry needling, and nerve block, to enhance fascial repair.
Most fungal fatty acid synthases assemble from two multidomain subunits, α and β, into a heterododecameric FAS complex. It has been recently shown that the complex assembly occurs in a cotranslational manner and is initiated by an interaction between the termini of α and β subunits. This initial engagement of subunits may be the rate-limiting phase of the assembly and subject to cellular regulation. Therefore, we hypothesized that bypassing this step by genetically fusing the subunits could be beneficial for biotechnological production of fatty acids. To test the concept, we expressed fused FAS subunits engineered for production of octanoic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Collectively, our data indicate that FAS activity is a limiting factor of fatty acid production and that FAS fusion proteins show a superior performance compared to their split counterparts. This strategy is likely a generalizable approach to optimize the production of fatty acids and derived compounds in microbial chassis organisms.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), derived from membrane sphingolipids, is a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator capable of evoking complex immune phenomena. Studies have highlighted its importance regarding intracellular signaling cascades as well as membrane-bound S1P receptor (S1PR) engagement in various clinical conditions. In neurological disorders, the S1P–S1PR axis is acknowledged in neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and cerebrovascular disorders. Modulators of S1P signaling have enabled an immense insight into fundamental pathological pathways, which were pivotal in identifying and improving the treatment of human diseases. However, its intricate molecular signaling pathways initiated upon receptor ligation are still poorly elucidated. In this review, the authors highlight the current evidence for S1P signaling in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders as well as stroke and present an array of drugs targeting the S1P signaling pathway, which are being tested in clinical trials. Further insights on how the S1P–S1PR axis orchestrates disease initiation, progression, and recovery may hold a remarkable potential regarding therapeutic options in these neurological disorders.
Ziel des Lehr-Lern-Projektes war die Schaffung einer kollegialen Arbeitsgemeinschaft zwischen Lehramtsstudierenden der hochschulischen Ausbildungsphase und bereits im Beruf etablierten Lehrkräften im Fachbereich Geschichte. Traditionell hierarchische Strukturen wurden aufgebrochen, um die jeweiligen Kompetenzen der Teilnehmenden für beide Seiten gewinnbringend zu vereinen. Anders als in den hochschulischen Praktika treten Lehramtsstudierende den Lehrkräften mit Expertise gegenüber: Der Austausch ist daher weniger einseitig als vielmehr von doppelseitigem Nutzen. Dieses Konzept bietet im Sinne einer community of practice nicht nur den Lehramtsstudierenden die Chance, ihr theoretisch erworbenes Wissen praxisorientiert anzuwenden und zu reflektieren, sondern ermöglicht auch den Lehrkräften, an den aktuellen geschichtsdidaktischen Forschungen und Entwicklungen an den Hochschulen teilzuhaben und mithilfe der Studierenden in der eigenen Schulpraxis zu reflektieren und gegebenenfalls anzuwenden. Anliegen des Lehr-Lern-Projektes ist ein Plädoyer, das Potenzial der Hochschulen über die eigenen Studierenden im Fortbildungsbereich der Lehrkräfte gewinnbringend zu nutzen, die schulische Reichweite von fachdidaktischer For-schung auszuschöpfen und den Lehramtsstudierenden zugleich eine weitere Möglichkeit einer schulpraktischen Erfahrung zu bieten. Nicht zuletzt: Die Verzahnung von Ausbildungs- und Weiterbildungsphase ist eine weitere gewinnbringende Möglichkeit, Akteur*innen der Lehrer*innenbildung in einen gewinnbringenden und praxisnahen Dialog zu bringen.
Envy, the inclination to compare rewards, can be expected to unfold when inequalities in terms of pay-off differences are generated in competitive societies. It is shown that increasing levels of envy lead inevitably to a self-induced separation into a lower and an upper class. Class stratification is Nash stable and strict, with members of the same class receiving identical rewards. Upper-class agents play exclusively pure strategies, all lower-class agents the same mixed strategy. The fraction of upper-class agents decreases progressively with larger levels of envy, until a single upper-class agent is left. Numerical simulations and a complete analytic treatment of a basic reference model, the shopping trouble model, are presented. The properties of the class-stratified society are universal and only indirectly controllable through the underlying utility function, which implies that class-stratified societies are intrinsically resistant to political control. Implications for human societies are discussed. It is pointed out that the repercussions of envy are amplified when societies become increasingly competitive.
Tsetse flies are the transmitting vector of trypanosomes causing human sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis in sub-saharan Africa. 3-alkylphenols are used as attractants in tsetse fly traps to reduce the spread of the disease. Here we present an inexpensive production method for 3-ethylphenol (3-EP) and 3-propylphenol (3-PP) by microbial fermentation of sugars. Heterologous expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae of phosphopantetheinyltransferase-activated 6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MSA) synthase (MSAS) and 6-MSA decarboxylase converted acetyl-CoA as a priming unit via 6-MSA into 3-methylphenol (3-MP). We exploited the substrate promiscuity of MSAS to utilize propionyl-CoA and butyryl-CoA as alternative priming units and the substrate promiscuity of 6-MSA decarboxylase to produce 3-EP and 3-PP in yeast fermentations. Increasing the formation of propionyl-CoA by expression of a bacterial propionyl-CoA synthetase, feeding of propionate and blocking propionyl-CoA degradation led to the production of up to 12.5 mg/L 3-EP. Introduction of a heterologous ‘reverse ß-oxidation’ pathway provided enough butyryl-CoA for the production of 3-PP, reaching titers of up to 2.6 mg/L. As the concentrations of 3-alkylphenols are close to the range of the concentrations deployed in tsetse fly traps, the yeast broths might become promising and inexpensive sources for attractants, producible on site by rural communities in Africa.
The crystal structure of MgCO3-II has long been discussed in the literature where DFT-based model calculations predict a pressure-induced transition of the carbon atom from the sp2 to the sp3 type of bonding. We have now determined the crystal structure of iron-bearing MgCO3-II based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements using synchrotron radiation. We laser-heated a synthetic (Mg0.85Fe0.15)CO3 single crystal at 2500 K and 98 GPa and observed the formation of a monoclinic phase with composition (Mg2.53Fe0.47)C3O9 in the space group C2/m that contains tetrahedrally coordinated carbon, where CO44− tetrahedra are linked by corner-sharing oxygen atoms to form three-membered C3O96− ring anions. The crystal structure of (Mg0.85Fe0.15)CO3 (magnesium iron carbonate) at 98 GPa and 300 K is reported here as well. In comparison with previous structure-prediction calculations and powder X-ray diffraction data, our structural data provide reliable information from experiments regarding atomic positions, bond lengths, and bond angles.
A new pseudopolymorph of perchlorinated neopentasilane: the benzene monosolvate Si(SiCl3)4·C6H6
(2020)
A new pseudopolymorph of dodecachloropentasilane, namely a benzene monosolvate, Si5Cl12·C6H6, is described. There are two half molecules of each kind in the asymmetric unit. Both Si5Cl12 molecules are completed by crystallographic twofold symmetry. One of the benzene molecules is located on a twofold rotation axis with two C—H groups located on this rotation axis. The second benzene molecule has all atoms on a general position: it is disordered over two equally occupied orientations. No directional interactions beyond normal van der Waals contacts occur in the crystal.
In this report, we present the contributions, outcomes, ideas, discussions and conclusions obtained at the PaleoMaps Workshop 2019, that took place at the Institute of Geography of the University of Cologne on 23 and 24 September 2019. The twofold aim of the workshop was: (1) to provide an overview of approaches and methods that are presently used to incorporate paleoenvironmental information in human–environment interaction modeling applications, and building thereon; (2) to devise new approaches and solutions that might be used to enhance the reconstruction of past human–environmental interconnections. This report first outlines the presented papers, and then provides a joint protocol of the often extensive discussions that came up following the presentations or else during the refreshment intervals. It concludes by adressing the open points to be resolved in future research avenues, e.g., implementation of open science practices, new procedures for reviewing of publications, and future concepts for quality assurance of the often complex paleoenvironmental data. This report may serve as an overview of the state of the art in paleoenvironment mapping and modeling. It includes an extensive compilation of the basic literature, as provided by the workshop attendants, which will itself facilitate the necessary future research.
Joschua Yesni Arnaut verwebt sein künstlerisches Schaffen eng mit seinen persönlichen Erfahrungen: In "Didn’t We Deserve A Look At You The Way You Really Are?" in der Schleuse der Rüsselheimer Opelvillen stellt er das Thema Gewalt in den Mittelpunkt. Ein Gespräch über Neurosen, Privilegien und den Charme des Zufalls.
This article provides a proposal to use IMF Article VIII, Section 2 (b) to establish a binding mechanism on private creditors for a sovereign debt standstill. The proposal builds on the original idea by Whitney Deveboise (1984). Using arguments brought forward by confidential IMF staff papers (1988, 1996) and the IMF General Counsel (1988), this paper shows how an authoritative interpretation of Article VIII, Section 2 (b) can provide protection from litigation to countries at risk of debt distress.
The envisaged mechanism presents several advantages over recent proposals for a binding standstill mechanism, such as the International Developing Country Debt Authority (IDCDA) by UNCTAD and a Central Credit Facility (CFF) by the Bolton Committee. First, this approach would not require the creation of new intergovernmental mechanisms or facilities. Second, the activation of the standstill mechanism can be set in motion by any IMF member country and does not require a modification of its Articles of Agreement. Third, debtor countries acting in good faith under an IMF program would be protected from aggressive litigation strategies from holdout creditors in numerous jurisdictions, including the US and the UK. Fourth, courts in key jurisdictions would avoid becoming overburdened by a cascade of sovereign debt litigation covering creditors and debtors across the globe. Fifth, private creditors would receive uniform treatment and ensure intercreditor equality. Sixth and last, the mechanism would provide additional safeguards to protect emergency multilateral financing provided to tackle Covid-19.
Using a novel experimental design, I test how the exposure to information about a group’s relative performance causally affects the members’ level of identification and thereby their propensity to harm affiliates of comparison groups. I find that both, being informed about a high and poor relative performance of the ingroup similarly fosters identification. Stronger ingroup identification creates increased hostility against the group of comparison. In cases where participants learn about poor relative performance, there appears to be a direct level effect additionally elevating hostile discrimination. My findings shed light on a specific channel through which social media may contribute to intergroup fragmentation and polarization.
Measurements of halogenated trace gases in ambient air frequently rely on canister sampling followed by offline laboratory analysis. This allows for a large number of compounds to be analysed under stable conditions, maximizing measurement precision. However, individual compounds might be affected during the sampling and storage of canister samples. In order to assess halocarbon stability in whole-air samples from the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere, we performed stability tests using the high-resolution sampler (HIRES) air sampling unit, which is part of the Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container (CARIBIC) instrument package. The HIRES unit holds 88 lightweight stainless-steel cylinders that are pressurized in flight to 4.5 bar using metal bellows pumps. The HIRES unit was first deployed in 2010 but has up to now not been used for regular halocarbon analysis with the exception of chloromethane analysis. The sample collection unit was tested for the sampling and storage effects of 28 halogenated compounds. The focus was on compound stability in the stainless-steel canisters during storage of up to 5 weeks and on the influence of ozone, since flights take place in the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere with ozone mixing ratios of up to several hundred parts per billion by volume (ppbv). Most of the investigated (hydro)chlorofluorocarbons and long-lived hydrofluorocarbons were found to be stable over a storage time of up to 5 weeks and were unaltered by ozone being present during pressurization. Some compounds such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, and tetrachloroethene started to decrease in the canisters after a storage time of more than 2 weeks or exhibited lowered mixing ratios in samples pressurized with ozone present. A few compounds such as tetrachloromethane and tribromomethane were found to be unstable in the HIRES stainless-steel canisters independent of ozone levels. Furthermore, growth was observed during storage for some species, namely for HFC-152a, HFC-23, and Halon 1301.
Background: Myocardial perfusion with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is an established diagnostic test for evaluation of myocardial ischaemia. For quantification purposes, the 16 segment American Heart Association (AHA) model poses limitations in terms of extracting relevant information on the extent/severity of ischaemia as perfusion deficits will not always fall within an individual segment, which reduces its diagnostic value, and makes an accurate assessment of outcome data or a result comparison across various studies difficult. We hypothesised that division of the myocardial segments into epi- and endocardial layers and a further circumferential subdivision, resulting in a total of 96 segments, would improve the accuracy of detecting myocardial hypoperfusion. Higher (sub-)subsegmental recording of perfusion abnormalities, which are defined relatively to the normal reference using the subsegment with the highest value, may improve the spatial encoding of myocardial blood flow, based on a single stress perfusion acquisition. Objective: A proof of concept comparison study of subsegmentation approaches based on transmural segments (16 AHA and 48 segments) vs. subdivision into epi- and endocardial (32) subsegments vs. further circumferential subdivision into 96 (sub-)subsegments for diagnostic accuracy against invasively defined obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Thirty patients with obstructive CAD and 20 healthy controls underwent perfusion stress CMR imaging at 3 T during maximal adenosine vasodilation and a dual bolus injection of 0.1mmol/kg gadobutrol. Using Fermi deconvolution for blood flow estimation, (sub-)subsegmental values were expressed relative to the (sub)subsegment with the highest flow. In addition, endo−/epicardial flow ratios were calculated based on 32 and 96 (sub-)subsegments. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of discrimination between patients with CAD and healthy controls. Observer reproducibility was assessed using Bland-Altman approaches. Results: Subdivision into more and smaller segments revealed greater accuracy for #32, #48 and # 96 compared to the standard #16 approach (area under the curve (AUC): 0.937, 0.973 and 0.993 vs 0.820, p<0.05). The #96-based endo−/epicardial ratio was superior to the #32 endo−/epicardial ratio (AUC 0.979, vs. 0.932, p<0.05). Measurements for the #16 model showed marginally better reproducibility compared to #32, #48 and #96 (mean difference± standard deviation: 2.0±3.6 vs. 2.3±4.0 vs 2.5±4.4 vs. 4.1±5.6). Conclusions: Subsegmentation of the myocardium improves diagnostic accuracy and facilitates an objective cutoff-based description of hypoperfusion, and facilitates an objective description of hypoperfusion, including the extent and severity of myocardial ischaemia. Quantification based on a single (stress-only) pass reduces the overall amount of gadolinium contrast agent required and the length of the overall diagnostic study.
Körpersymmetrie gilt unter Evolutionswissenschaftlern als Hinweis auf eine stabile Entwicklungsgeschichte von der Eizelle bis hin zum erwachsenen Lebewesen mit daraus resultierender Gesundheit. Symmetrie steht für gute Abwehrmechanismen trotz einflussnehmender Störfaktoren, die allgegenwärtig sind. Symmetrische Körper und Gesichter werden vom anderen Geschlecht bevorzugt und als attraktiver bewertet. Das Gegenstück der Symmetrie bildet die fluktuierende Asymmetrie als Abweichung von perfekter, bilateraler Symmetrie an verschiedenen Stellen des Körpers. Symmetrie kann somit als Fitnessindikator angesehen werden, also als ein Merkmal des erfolgreichen Umwerbens in der Partnerwahl. Dies geschieht typischerweise durch die Entwicklung eines Merkmals oder durch aufwändigeres Verhalten, dessen Ausbildung für ein weniger „fittes“ Individuum zu kostspielig wäre. Die Kernfragen der vorliegenden Studie waren, ob sich diese Anforderung des Fitnessindikators Symmetrie auf die verborgene Struktur des Kehlkopfes übertragen lässt und ob die Asymmetrie des Kehlkopfes mit der Attraktivität der Stimme assoziiert ist. Die fluktuierende Asymmetrie des Larynx wurde bisher noch nicht untersucht. An der Untersuchung nahmen 80 Versuchspersonen im Alter von 20 bis 70 Jahren teil. Hauptzielgrößen waren Larynxasymmetrie und Stimmattraktivität. Die Larynxasymmetrie wurde mittels Videolaryngostroboskopie und anschließender Asymmetriebewertung auf einer 7-stufigen Skala durch Experten erfasst. Die Attraktivität der Stimme wurde auf Basis eines vorgelesenen phonetischen Standardtexts durch Dritte bewertetet. Weitere Variablen waren die Gesichtsasymmetrie, die durch Vermessung von Fotografien bestimmt wurde, und die durch Dritte bewertete Gesichtsattraktivität. Mit Hilfe eines Fragebogens, der abgesehen von Alter, Geschlecht, Anzahl bisheriger Sexualpartner, Erkältungskrankheiten im vorherigen Jahr sowie eingenommener Medikamente und das Rauchverhalten die Beschwerdenliste nach Zerssen (1976) und die Kurzfassung des Voice Handicap Index (VHI-12) enthielt, wurde versucht, die Gesundheit zu registrieren. Darüber hinaus erbat der Fragebogen bei weiblichen Probanden Angaben zum Menstruationszyklus, um die Fertilität zum Messzeitpunkt zu erfassen. Der Erfassung der Körperkonstitution dienten die Messungen von Größe und Gewicht, des Körperfettanteils und der Muskelmasse sowie die Umfangsbestimmung von Hals, Schulter, Brust, Taille, Hüfte und Bizeps. Das 2D:4D-Längenverhältnis wurde mit Hilfe einer Fotokopie der palmaren Handseite als Indikator für pränatales Testosteron ermittelt. Der zentrale Zusammenhang zwischen Stimmattraktivität und Larynxasymmetrie bestätigte sich nur für Männer. Für diese bestand außerdem eine positive Relation der Stimmattraktivität mit dem Schulter-Hüft-Verhältnis und dem Verhältnis von Brust zu Taille, d. h. Stimmen von Männern mit verhältnismäßig breiter Schulter und breiter Brust wurden attraktiver bewertet. Umgekehrt galt: Je niedriger der BMI, Körperfettanteil, Halsumfang, das Alter und die Anzahl eingenommener rezeptpflichtiger Medikamente, umso höher war die Attraktivitätsbewertung ihrer Stimme. Weibliche Stimmen wurden umso attraktiver bewertet, je jünger die Frauen waren, je größer das Brust-Taille- Verhältnis, je niedriger das Taille Hüft-Verhältnis, je geringen der Halsumfang, je niedriger der Stimmstörungsindex (VHI-12) und je weniger Zigaretten sie geraucht haben. Erwartungsgemäß korrelierte die Larynxasymmetrie bei Männern signifikant negativ mit der Gesichtsattraktivität sowie beinahe signifikant mit dem Schulter-Hüft-Verhältnis. Männliche Larynges wurden außerdem asymmetrischer bewertet, je älter die Person, je höher der BMI, der Körperfettanteil, der Halsumfang und die Anzahl eingenommener Medikamente war. Für Frauen einzig (positiv) signifikant wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen Larynxasymmetrie und Nikotinabusus. Die zusätzlich erfolgten Regressionsanalysen erzielten ein signifikantes Ergebnis für den Zusammenhang zwischen der Stimmattraktivität mit der Muskelmasse für beide Geschlechter, außerdem gelang es, einen signifikanten Zusammenhang zwischen der Larynxasymmetrie und der SHR bei Männern darzustellen. Die (negativen) Korrelationen zwischen der Larynxasymmetrie für Männer mit Stimm- und Gesichtsattraktivität deuten darauf hin, dass Larynxasymmetrie als Fitnessindikator dienen kann. Darüber hinaus lieferte die vorliegende Studie keine einfach interpretierbaren Ergebisse; häufig waren sie geschlechtsspezifisch. Die Dissertation unterstrich damit die Komplexität der Zusammenhänge und wies auf den Stellenwert von Geschlechterunterschieden hin. Weiterführende Untersuchungen sind nötig, um die Ergebnisse zu bestätigen und um den Stellenwert der Larynxasymmetrie für Frauen zu klären.
Direct nanoscopic observation of plasma waves in the channel of a graphene field-effect transistor
(2020)
Plasma waves play an important role in many solid-state phenomena and devices. They also become significant in electronic device structures as the operation frequencies of these devices increase. A prominent example is field-effect transistors (FETs), that witness increased attention for application as rectifying detectors and mixers of electromagnetic waves at gigahertz and terahertz frequencies, where they exhibit very good sensitivity even high above the cut-off frequency defined by the carrier transit time. Transport theory predicts that the coupling of radiation at THz frequencies into the channel of an antenna-coupled FET leads to the development of a gated plasma wave, collectively involving the charge carriers of both the two-dimensional electron gas and the gate electrode. In this paper, we present the first direct visualization of these waves. Employing graphene FETs containing a buried gate electrode, we utilize near-field THz nanoscopy at room temperature to directly probe the envelope function of the electric field amplitude on the exposed graphene sheet and the neighboring antenna regions. Mapping of the field distribution documents that wave injection is unidirectional from the source side since the oscillating electrical potentials on the gate and drain are equalized by capacitive shunting. The plasma waves, excited at 2 THz, are overdamped, and their decay time lies in the range of 25-70 fs. Despite this short decay time, the decay length is rather long, i.e., 0.3-0.5 μm, because of the rather large propagation speed of the plasma waves, which is found to lie in the range of 3.5-7 × 106 m/s, in good agreement with theory. The propagation speed depends only weakly on the gate voltage swing and is consistent with the theoretically predicted 1/4 power law.
A strong decline and thinning of the Arctic sea-ice cover over the past five decades has been documented. The former multiyear sea-ice system has largely changed to an annual system and with it the dynamics of sea-ice transport across the Arctic Ocean. Less sea ice is reaching the Fram Strait and more ice and ice-transported material is released in the northern Laptev Sea and the central Arctic Ocean. This trend is expected to have a decisive impact on ice associated (“sympagic”) communities. As sympagic fauna plays an important role in transmitting carbon from the ice-water interface to the pelagic and benthic food webs, it is important to monitor its community composition under the changing environmental conditions. We investigated the taxonomic composition, abundance and distribution of sea-ice meiofauna (here heterotrophs >10 μm; eight stations) and under-ice fauna (here metazoans >300 μm; fourteen stations) in Arctic 1.5 year-old pack ice north of Svalbard. Sampling was conducted during spring 2015 by sea-ice coring and trawling with a Surface and Under-Ice Trawl. We identified 42 taxa associated with the sea ice. The total abundance of sea-ice meiofauna ranged between 580 and 17,156 ind.m–2 and was dominated by Ciliophora (46%), Copepoda nauplii (29%), and Harpacticoida (20%). In contrast to earlier studies in this region, we found no Nematoda and few flatworms in our sea-ice samples. Under-ice fauna abundance ranged between 15 and 6,785 ind.m–2 and was dominated by Appendicularia (58%), caused by exceptionally high abundance at one station. Copepoda nauplii (23%), Calanus finmarchicus (9%), and Calanus glacialis (6%) were also very abundant while sympagic Amphipoda were comparatively rare (0.35%). Both sympagic communities showed regional differences in community composition and abundance between shelf and offshore stations, but only for the under-ice fauna those differences were statistically significant. Selected environmental variables moderately explained variations in abundances of both faunas. The results of this study are consistent with predictions of diversity shifts in the new Arctic.
Limb stump pain after amputation, due to sensitized neuromas, is a common condition that can cause a great deal of suffering in affected patients. Treatment is difficult, requiring a multidisciplinary approach that is often unsatisfactory. One treatment used to mitigate pain is electrical stimulation (EStim), administered using several different therapeutic approaches. The research described in this dissertation sought to characterize changes in peripheral nerve morphology, and neuroma formation, following limb amputation, with an eye toward developing better treatment strategies, that intervene before neuromas are fully formed. Another focus of this study was to evaluate the effect EStim has on changes in peripheral nerve morphology, and neuroma formation, following limb amputation.
Right forelimbs of 42 male Sprague Dawley rats were amputated. At 3, 7, 28, 60 and 90 days post amputation (DPA) 6 limb stumps, in each group, were harvested and changes in peripheral nerve morphology, and neuroma formation were measured. In addition, limb stumps of 6 EStim treated, 6 sham-treated (deactivated EStim devices), and 6 non-treated rats were harvested at 28 DPA.
Analysis revealed six distinct morphological characteristics of peripheral nerves during nerve regrowth and neuroma development; 1) normal nerve, 2) degenerating axons, 3) axonal sprouts, 4) unorganized bundles of axons in connective tissue, 5) unorganized axon growth into muscles, and 6) unorganized axon growth into fibrotic tissue (neuroma). At the early stages (3 & 7 DPA), normal nerves could be identified throughout the limb stump tissues and small areas of axonal sprouts were present near the distal tip of the stumps. Signs of degenerating axons were evident from 7 to 90 DPA. From day 28 on, variability of nerve characteristics, with signs of unorganized axon growth into muscle and fibrotic tissue, and neuroma formation, became visible in multiple areas of stump tissue. These pathological features became more evident at 60 and 90 DPA. EStim treated stumps revealed neuroma formation in 1 out of 6 animals, whereas in sham and controls, neuroma formation was seen in 4 out of 6 stumps respectively.
We were able to identify 6 separate histological stages of peripheral nerve regrowth and neuroma formation over 90 days following amputation. Axonal regrowth was observed as early as 3 DPA, and signs of unorganized axonal growth and neuroma formation were evident by 28 DPA. Our observations suggest that EStim-based treatment and/or other prevention strategies might be more effective if administered in the initial dynamic stages of neuroma development.
Over the past two decades, our understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been gleaned from the discoveries made in familial and/or sporadic forms of PD in the Caucasian population. The transferability and the clinical utility of genetic discoveries to other ethnically diverse populations are unknown. The Indian population has been under-represented in PD research. The Genetic Architecture of PD in India (GAP-India) project aims to develop one of the largest clinical/genomic bio-bank for PD in India. Specifically, GAP-India project aims to: (1) develop a pan-Indian deeply phenotyped clinical repository of Indian PD patients; (2) perform whole-genome sequencing in 500 PD samples to catalog Indian genetic variability and to develop an Indian PD map for the scientific community; (3) perform a genome-wide association study to identify novel loci for PD and (4) develop a user-friendly web-portal to disseminate results for the scientific community. Our “hub-spoke” model follows an integrative approach to develop a pan-Indian outreach to develop a comprehensive cohort for PD research in India. The alignment of standard operating procedures for recruiting patients and collecting biospecimens with international standards ensures harmonization of data/bio-specimen collection at the beginning and also ensures stringent quality control parameters for sample processing. Data sharing and protection policies follow the guidelines established by local and national authorities.We are currently in the recruitment phase targeting recruitment of 10,200 PD patients and 10,200 healthy volunteers by the end of 2020. GAP-India project after its completion will fill a critical gap that exists in PD research and will contribute a comprehensive genetic catalog of the Indian PD population to identify novel targets for PD.
The permeability and inflammatory tissue reaction to Mucomaix® matrix (MM), a non- cross-linked collagen-based matrix was evaluated in both ex vivo and in vivo settings. Liquid platelet rich fibrin (PRF), a blood concentrate system, was used to assess its capacity to absorb human proteins and interact with blood cells ex vivo. In the in vivo aspect, 12 Wister rats had MM implanted subcutaneously, whereas another 12 rats (control) were sham-operated without biomaterial implantation. On days 3, 15 and 30, explantation was completed (four rats per time-point) to evaluate the tissue reactions to the matrix. Data collected were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparisons tests (GraphPad Prism 8). The matrix absorbed the liquid PRF in the ex vivo study. Day 3 post-implantation revealed mild tissue inflammatory reaction with presence of mononuclear cells in the implantation site and on the biomaterial surface (mostly CD68-positive macrophages). The control group at this stage had more mononuclear cells than the test group. From day 15, multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) were seen in the implantation site and the outer third of the matrix with marked increase on day 30 and spread to the matrix core. The presence of these CD68-positive MNGCs was associated with significant matrix vascularization. The matrix degraded significantly over the study period, but its core was still visible as of day 30 post-implantation. The high permeability and fast degradation properties of MM were highlighted.
Background: Culture-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit variable characteristics when manufactured using different methods and different source materials. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact on MSC characteristics when different laboratories propagated MSCs from cultures initiated with BM aliquots derived from the same donor source material.
Methods and Methods: Five aliquots from each of three different BM donors were distributed to five independent laboratories. Three laboratories plated whole BM and two laboratories a mononuclear BM cell fraction. Four laboratories cultured in media supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and one laboratory used human platelet lysate (hPL). Initial cell seeding densities (i.e., P0) ranged from 19.7 × 103/cm2–282 × 103/cm2 and for second seeding (i.e., P1) 0.05 × 103–5.1 × 103 cells/cm2. Post-thawed MSCs from each laboratory were analyzed for cell viability, immunophenotype, tri-lineage differentiation, fibroblast colony-forming units (CFU-F), gene expression, and immunosuppressive activity.
Results: Transit times from BM collection to receipt by laboratories located in the United States ranged from 16.0–30.0 h and from 41.5–71.5 h for a laboratory in Asia. Post-thaw culture derived MSCs rom BM #1, #2, and #3 exhibited viabilities that ranged from 74–92%, 61–96%, and 23–90%, respectively. CFU activity from BM #1, #2, and #3 per 200 MSCs plated averaged 45.1 ± 21.4, 49.3 ± 26.8 and 14.9 ± 13.3, respectively. No substantial differences were observed in immunophenotype, and immunosuppressive activities. Global gene expression profiles of MSCs revealed transcriptome differences due to different inter-laboratory methods and to donor source material with the center effects showing greater molecular differences than source material.
Conclusion: Functional and molecular differences exist among MSCs produced by different centers even when the same BM starting material is used to initiate cultures. These results indicated that manufacturing of MSCs by five independent centers contributed more to MSC variability than did the source material of the BM used in this study. Thus, emphasizing the importance of establishing worldwide standards to propagate MSCs for clinical use.
Purpose: In the clinical routine, detection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) by visual inspection is challenging. Still, information about the presence and location of FCD is highly relevant for prognostication and treatment decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to develop, describe and test a method for the calculation of synthetic anatomies using multiparametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) data and surface-based analysis, which allows for an improved visualization of FCD.
Materials and Methods: Quantitative T1-, T2- and PD-maps and conventional clinical datasets of patients with FCD and epilepsy were acquired. Tissue segmentation and delineation of the border between white matter and cortex was performed. In order to detect blurring at this border, a surface-based calculation of the standard deviation of each quantitative parameter (T1, T2, and PD) was performed across the cortex and the neighboring white matter for each cortical vertex. The resulting standard deviations combined with measures of the cortical thickness were used to enhance the signal of conventional FLAIR-datasets. The resulting synthetically enhanced FLAIR-anatomies were compared with conventional MRI-data utilizing regions of interest based analysis techniques.
Results: The synthetically enhanced FLAIR-anatomies showed higher signal levels than conventional FLAIR-data at the FCD sites (p = 0.005). In addition, the enhanced FLAIR-anatomies exhibited higher signal levels at the FCD sites than in the corresponding contralateral regions (p = 0.005). However, false positive findings occurred, so careful comparison with conventional datasets is mandatory.
Conclusion: Synthetically enhanced FLAIR-anatomies resulting from surface-based multiparametric qMRI-analyses have the potential to improve the visualization of FCD and, accordingly, the treatment of the respective patients.
Temperature elevations constitute a major threat to plant performance. In recent years, much was learned about the general molecular mode of heat stress reaction of plants. The current research focuses on the integration of the knowledge into more global networks, including the reactions of cellular compartments. For instance, chloroplast function is central for plant growth and survival, and the performance of chloroplasts is tightly linked to the general status of the cell and vice versa. We examined the changes in photosynthesis, chloroplast morphology and proteomic composition posed in Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplasts after a single or repetitive heat stress treatment over a period of two weeks. We observed that the acclimation is potent in the case of repetitive application of heat stress, while a single stress results in lasting alterations. Moreover, the physiological capacity and its adjustment are dependent on the efficiency of the protein translocation process as judged from the analysis of mutants of the two receptor units of the chloroplast translocon, TOC64, and TOC33. In response to repetitive heat stress, plants without TOC33 accumulate Hsp70 proteins and plants without TOC64 have a higher content of proteins involved in thylakoid structure determination when compared to wild-type plants.
A new virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of 2019. Infected persons developed an atypical form of pneumonia, later known as COVID-19. The pathogen created a pandemic, with fatalities throughout the world, and also led to the adoption of restrictive measures which were, until recently, unthinkable, as well as fostering new political conflicts. Even the path of the multilateral order in its current form is at stake. For a take on these issues under international law, the legal regime of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its response to the pandemic provides an insightful access. ...
Since the introduction of rental E-scooters in Germany in mid-June 2019, the safety of this new means of transport has been the subject of extensive public debate. However, valid data on injuries and usage habits are not yet available. This retrospective two-center study included a total of 76 patients who presented to the emergency department following E-scooter-related accidents. The mean age was 34.3 ± 12.4 years and 69.7% of the patients were male. About half of the patients were admitted by ambulance (42.1%). Fractures were found in 48.6% of patients, and 27.6% required surgical treatment due to a fracture. The upper extremities were the most commonly affected body region, followed by injuries to the lower extremity and to the head and face. Only one patient had worn a helmet. In-hospital treatment was necessary for 26.3% of the cases. Patients presented to the emergency department mainly during the weekend and on-call times. This is the first report on E-scooter-related injuries in Germany. Accidents with E-scooters can cause serious injuries and, therefore, represent a further burden to emergency departments. The use of E-scooters appears to be mostly recreational, and the rate of use of protective gear is low.
Transcriptional basis for differential thermosensitivity of seedlings of various tomato genotypes
(2020)
Transcriptional reprograming after the exposure of plants to elevated temperatures is a hallmark of stress response which is required for the manifestation of thermotolerance. Central transcription factors regulate the stress survival and recovery mechanisms and many of the core responses controlled by these factors are well described. In turn, pathways and specific genes contributing to variations in the thermotolerance capacity even among closely related plant genotypes are not well defined. A seedling-based assay was developed to directly compare the growth and transcriptome response to heat stress in four tomato genotypes with contrasting thermotolerance. The conserved and the genotype-specific alterations of mRNA abundance in response to heat stress were monitored after exposure to three different temperatures. The transcripts of the majority of genes behave similarly in all genotypes, including the majority of heat stress transcription factors and heat shock proteins, but also genes involved in photosynthesis and mitochondrial ATP production. In turn, genes involved in hormone and RNA-based regulation, such as auxin- and ethylene-related genes, or transcription factors like HsfA6b, show a differential regulation that associates with the thermotolerance pattern. Our results provide an inventory of genes likely involved in core and genotype-dependent heat stress response mechanisms with putative role in thermotolerance in tomato seedlings.
Did the Federal Reserves’ Quantitative Easing (QE) in the aftermath of the financial crisis have macroeconomic effects? To answer this question, the authors estimate a large-scale DSGE model over the sample from 1998 to 2020, including data of the Fed’s balance sheet. The authors allow for QE to affect the economy via multiple channels that arise from several financial frictions. Their nonlinear Bayesian likelihood approach fully accounts for the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates. They find that between 2009 to 2015, QE increased output by about 1.2 percent. This reflects a net increase in investment of nearly 9 percent, that was accompanied by a 0.7 percent drop in aggregate consumption. Both, government bond and capital asset purchases were effective in improving financing conditions. Especially capital asset purchases significantly facilitated new investment and increased the production capacity. Against the backdrop of a fall in consumption, supply side effects dominated which led to a mild disinflationary effect of about 0.25 percent annually.