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Abstract: Germany is a safe country. Nonetheless, the number of reports about violence against rescue workers, fire brigades, the police and others has increased in recent times. The violence probably originates from a specific population segment that lives under certain violence-promoting conditions. The similarity of the violent events over time and at different locations could indicate that these forms of violence will become a "normal" expression of discontent. Prevention is therefore urgently needed. There are effective violence prevention programs primarily attached to the education system. However, improved coordination of these interventions is essential. Although most perpetrators of violence are male youths and young adults, violence prevention programs specific for this target group seem to be missing. Therefore, a program for prevention through participation is outlined that addresses especially the needs of less integrated youths and young adults. In this context, measures of inclusive urban planning, where all groups are involved in different aspects of designing public space, could be of particular importance. For the planning of future prevention programs, a reliable description of the phenomenology of the current violent acts is needed as well as in-depth scientific analyses of the underlying processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the dynamics of naturally increasing contact opportunities, frequencies of positive and negative intergroup contact experiences, and prejudice toward forced migrants, in 2 three-wave longitudinal studies (Study 1, N = 183, adult community sample; Study 2, N = 758, nation-wide adult probability sample) in Germany using latent growth curve and parallel process analyses. We examined (research question 1) whether prejudice increases or decreases with increased contact opportunities; (research question 2) whether the rate of change in prejudice is related to the rate of change of positive/negative contact; (research question 3) whether the trajectories of change in prejudice shift as a function of the histories of prior positive/negative contact; and (research question 4) whether the rate of change in positive/negative contact frequencies depends on prior prejudice levels. Across both studies, prejudice increased with increased contact opportunities, as did positive and negative contact frequencies (ad research question 1). Whereas changes in negative contact were significantly related to changes in prejudice in both studies, no such relationships emerged as significant for positive contact (ad research question 2). We did not find any supportive evidence for our research questions 3 and 4. Overall, our results demonstrate that increased contact opportunities can contribute to increases in prejudice. Moreover, they indicate that the trajectories of negative contact and prejudice may be more substantially intertwined than the trajectories of positive contact and prejudice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistics show that the increase in the number of refugees to Germany since 2015 was accompanied by an increase in xenophobic hate crimes. We deduced rivaling predictions from intergroup contact and intergroup threat theories that could explain the occurrence of xenophobic hate crimes. By combining structural data of the 402 German districts with the 2015 police crime statistics, we found evidence to support our predictions that aligns with intergroup contact theory: the higher the proportion of foreigners in a district, the lower the prevalence of xenophobic hate crimes. Our analyses further show that the prevalence of xenophobic hate crime attacks was positively related to the total prevalence of registered criminal offenses in a district and was higher in eastern German districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables parallel analysis of multiple genomic targets. The increasing demand for NGS-based multiplexed molecular diagnostics requires standardized protocols and recommendations to ensure reproducibility and accuracy of test results for routine clinical decision making. However, the lack of clinical NGS data from multi-laboratory tests and the absence of inter-laboratory comparisons have hampered the establishment of instructive clinical NGS standards. To fill the gap, we set up Proficiency Testing (PT) for inter-laboratory comparison, in which formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from eight lung and eight colon cancers were analyzed by 15 European molecular diagnostic laboratories on three different platforms using multiple target enrichment systems. We first performed platform, test, and informatics pipeline validation and conducted sensitivity and specificity analysis by random in silico down-sampling. We then implemented a multi-level filtering strategy based on performance tests of base substitution, replicate runs, and Sanger sequencing verified variants. We finally applied the filter criteria to the NGS data from the respective PT participants and obtained high inter-laboratory agreement. We demonstrated accuracy, scalability, and robustness of NGS by means of PT, serving as a benchmark for detecting clinically actionable molecular alterations in research and diagnostic laboratories. In conclusion, this study strongly highlights the importance of establishing standards for NGS-based testing, particularly when the test results impact on clinical decisions, and systematically provides data sets from multiple different labs to infer such standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether an intergroup contact intervention that included two intergroup meetings between Jewish and Arab Israeli students in Israel led to improved long-term intergroup relations. Besides our interest in long-term intergroup contact effects in an intractable conflict, we analyzed minority-majority differences in this context. Before we calculated our results, measurement equivalence across time was ascertained. Data were computed using latent change models. Results for minority members (Arab Israeli) showed positive short- but no long-term contact intervention effects, that is, attitudes and behavior intentions improved shortly after the intervention but went back to the before-intervention level after nine weeks. Contrary to our expectation for majority members (Jewish Israeli), the intervention led to a reduction of positive intergroup relations both in the short- and long-run. By merging quantitative data with students' comments about their intergroup experience, we identified that this effect was probably based on negative contact experiences. Results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although conflict mediation is implemented in many societal fields by now, it is still uncertain as to which mediation techniques are effective and which are not. Although there is some research concerned with interpersonal conflicts, hardly anything is known about mediation in intergroup conflicts. This study addresses this lack of knowledge. We conducted an experiment on the mediation of an intergroup conflict (N = 103 mediations) in which we evaluated the effectiveness of the combined perspective-taking techniques Controlled Dialogue and Role Reversal. The results confirmed the hypothesis that perspective-taking techniques increase interpersonal liking between group representatives. In accordance with the theory, the effect was statistically mediated by interpersonal empathy and the feeling to be heard. However, there was no effect on intergroup empathy and attitudes. Possible explanations for the missing effects on intergroup relations, as well as the theoretical and practical implications of the study, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical biopsy of minor salivary glands is routinely performed for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. However, surgical biopsies of the minor labial glands may result in various complications in up to 6% of patients. On the other hand, adverse events following core needle biopsies of the parotid gland in non-rheumatological settings have been reported as very rare. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and determine the presence of parotid gland tissue in ultrasound-guided parotid gland biopsies performed by rheumatologists in cadavers. Material and method: Two senior rheumatologists obtained, under direct ultrasound visualization in in-plane technique, biopsies of 8 parotid glands from 4 different cadavers using a core biopsy needle. One biopsy per gland was taken. Results: All histological exams showed typical parotid gland tissue without any neuronal or vascular tissue. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the parotid gland is a highly precise and easy method to obtain salivary gland tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: According to epidemiological studies, gay men are at a higher risk of mental disorders than heterosexual men. In the current study, the minority stress theory was investigated in German gay men: 1) it was hypothesized that minority stressors would positively predict mental health problems and that 2) group-level coping and social support variables would moderate these predictions negatively. Methods: Data from 1,188 German self-identified gay men were collected online. The questionnaire included items about socio-demographics, minority stress (victimization, rejection sensitivity, and internalized homonegativity), group-level coping (disclosure of sexual orientation, homopositivity, gay affirmation, gay rights support, and gay rights activism), and social support (gay social support and non-gay social support). A moderated multiple regression was conducted. Results: Minority stressors positively predicted mental health problems. Group-level coping did not interact with minority stressors, with the exception of disclosure and homopositivity interacting marginally with some minority stressors. Further, only two interactions were found for social support variables and minority stress, one of them marginal. Gay and non-gay social support inversely predicted mental health problems. In addition, disclosure and homopositivity marginally predicted mental health problems. Conclusions: The findings imply that the minority stress theory should be modified. Disclosure does not have a relevant effect on mental health, while social support variables directly influence mental health of gay men. Group-level coping does not interact with minority stressors relevantly, and only one relevant interaction between social support and minority stress was found. Further longitudinal or experimental replication is needed before transferring the results to mental health interventions and prevention strategies for gay men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social exclusion can evoke aggression. In the past two decades research has demonstrated this effect both for interpersonal and societal forms of exclusion. In addition, recent violent uprisings, like the London riots in August 2011, have been linked to social exclusion in the media. However, so far there is a lack of longitudinal studies which examine the aggression-enhancing effect of societal-level exclusion (i.e., marginalization) in disadvantaged groups. This research investigates the impact of perceived marginalization on aggression in a sample of N = 181 adolescents with a low educational background by means of a two-wave longitudinal study. The results of structural equation analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that perceived marginalization enhances aggression, and that this effect is mediated by the extent of negative societal meta-stereotypes. Furthermore, the reverse path from aggression to perceptions of marginalization is also significant. We discuss the implications of these findings and highlight practical consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present meta-analysis tested the effectiveness of contact-based interventions for the reduction of ethnic prejudice. Up to now, a meta-analysis summarizing the results of real-world interventions that rest on the intergroup contact theory has been missing. We included evaluations of programs realizing direct (i.e., face-to-face) and/or indirect (i.e., extended or virtual) contact in real-world settings outside the lab. The interventions' effectiveness was tested shortly after their end (κ=123 comparisons, N=11 371 participants) and with a delay of at least 1month (κ=25, N=1650). Our data show that contact interventions improve ethnic attitudes. Importantly, changes persist over time. Furthermore, not only direct but also indirect contact interventions are successful. In addition, contact programs are effective even in the context of a serious societal conflict (e.g., in the Middle East). Although changes are typically larger for ethnic majorities, there is an impact on minorities, too. Finally, contact interventions not only improve attitudes toward individuals involved in the program, their effects also generalize to outgroups as a whole. In sum, social psychology provides an intervention for prejudice reduction that can be successfully implemented in the practical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across various disciplines apologies are discussed as an instrument of conflict transformation. Questions regarding "how" and "why" apologies contribute to resolving conflicts need to be illuminated further. These questions are addressed in two experimental vignette studies in Germany. Study 1 supports the idea that the inclusion of more verbal elements in an apology increases forgiveness, especially after a more severe offense. The study also reveals that the relationship between the completeness of apology and forgiveness is mediated by anger reduction. Study 2 demonstrates that for a more severe offense four elements of apology are particularly relevant, namely conveying emotions, admitting fault, a statement of apology such as "I apologize," and an attempt at explanation. Implications for conflict transformation and further scholarly inquiries are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are small or large outgroup populations more closely related to an ingroup's prejudice? This paper addresses this question with national probability survey data from Germany focused on resident foreigners. Two interlocking processes underlie the complex relationship between population proportions and prejudice. Typically, larger outgroup population proportions simultaneously increase both threat and intergroup contact. The first process increases prejudice, the second decreases it. Using structural equation modelling, our analysis reveals that these two processes can be effectively combined into one complex model. Threat is perceptual; it involves what people think is the outgroup proportion and thus can be easily manipulated by political leaders and the mass media. Contact is experiential; it can reduce individual and collective threat as well as prejudice. The intricate relationship between threat and contact can be substantially altered by numerous moderators. Hence, rigid group segregation can limit contact, while unemployment can amplify threat. The paper provides evidence that reductions in prejudice have important consequences for intergroup relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explain differences in women's endorsement of sexist beliefs, we introduce the gender identity model (GIM). Based on social identity theory (SIT) and social role theory (SRT), we combine strength of gender identification and identity content and propose that different types of gender identity can be distinguished, which are predicted to relate to different levels of women's endorsement of sexist beliefs and engagement in collective action. Results of a correlational study and two experiments support the assumptions of the model: women reject Benevolent (BS), Hostile (HS), and Modern Sexisms (MS) and participate in collective action in particular when they are highly identified with the category women and have, at the same time, internalized progressive identity contents. In contrast, gender role preference has weaker or no effects on sexist beliefs and collective action when women are low identified with their gender in-group. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the relationship of ethnic prejudice and discriminatory behavioral intentions in Germany. We utilize two representative surveys conducted in 2002 and 2004 ( = 2,722 and 1,383, respectively) as well as a longitudinal study with three annual measurement points (2002–2004; = 825). Results show that prejudice is substantially correlated with the respondents' reports of their own discriminatory intentions ( = .33 to .49). Controlling for additional psychological variables, the cross-lagged, longitudinal analyses support the causal hypothesis that prejudice leads to discriminatory intentions. Additional influences on discriminatory intentions—intergroup threat and intergroup contact—are substantially mediated by ethnic prejudice. Thus, a practical implication of these results is that the reduction of intergroup threat and increment of intergroup contact may well lead to both reduced intergroup prejudice and to less discriminatory behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine which role the size of the immigrant population plays in explaining immigrant derogation within and between European regions. We draw upon group threat- and intergroup contact theory to consider the following question: does a larger size of immigrant population increase perceived group threat and thereby lead to greater immigrant derogation? Or does it increase intergroup contact and thereby ameliorate immigrant derogation? We test the empirical adequacy of these alternative suggestions using regionalized European Social Survey 2002 and official data which will be analyzed by means of multilevel structural equation modeling. Within regions, our results confirm that perceived group threat increases subsequent immigrant derogation. Likewise, intergroup contact reduces perceived group threat and thereby amends such derogation of immigrants. Between regions, our findings show that a larger size of the immigrant population increases both greater perceived group threat and intergroup contact. At the same time, the effects of perceived group threat and intergroup contact on immigrant derogation resemble those found within regions. In sum, these results lend evidence to the generalizability of both group threat- and contact effects. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the relationship between the percentage of an ethnic minority population in a geographically defined area and majority members' prejudice typically reveals a positive covariation. This result supports threat theory. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated significant exceptions. Based on intergroup contact theory, the present study demonstrates with a German probability sample that an increase in the percentage of ethnic minority members affords the majority greater opportunity for intergroup contact and thus reduces the majority's prejudice. These results also falsify frequent political claims that an increase in the minority population above a particular threshold necessarily worsens intergroup relations. The data are discussed in the context of the divergence of our results from those of other studies. Whether threat or contact effects occur may depend on an array of moderators that require further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypersecretion and chronic phlegm are major symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but animal models of COPD with a defined functional hypersecretion have not been established so far. To identify an animal model of combined morphological signs of airway inflammation and functional hypersecretion, rats were continuously exposed to different levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2, 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 40 ppm, 80 ppm) for 3 (short-term) or 20-25 (longterm) days. Histology revealed a dose-dependent increase in edema formation and inflammatory cell infiltration in short-term-exposed animals. The submucosal edema was replaced by fibrosis after long-term-exposure. The basal secretory activity was only significantly increased in the 20 ppm group. Also, stimulated secretion was significantly increased only after exposure to 20 ppm. BrdU-assays and AgNOR-analysis demonstrated cellular metaplasia and glandular hypertrophy rather than hyperplasia as the underlying morphological correlate of the hypersecretion. In summary, SO2-exposure can lead to characteristic airway remodeling and changes in mucus secretion in rats. As only long-term exposure to 20 ppm leads to a combination of hypersecretion and airway inflammation, only this mode of exposure should be used to mimic human COPD. Concentrations less or higher than 20 ppm or short term exposure do not induce the respiratory symptom of hypersecretion. The present model may be used to characterize the effects of new compounds on mucus secretion in the background of experimental COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, ideas of Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorization Theory have been successfully applied to the organizational domain. In this article, the authors provide an overview of these recent developments and present a concept of social identification in organizational contexts, based on these theories. The assumptions of this framework are that (a) social identification in organizational contexts is a multifaceted concept consisting of different dimensions and foci (or targets), (b) higher levels of identification are related to higher productivity and more positive work-related attitudes, and (c) identification is a very flexible concept that is linked to the situational context. The authors present the results of a series of field and laboratory studies in which the proposed relationships are analyzed and, in the main, confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine (I) the effects of increased salience on three work-related identities (i.e. career, school and occupation), (2) whether these effects had an impact on extra-role behaviours, and (3) whether identification mediated these effects. Standardized questionnaires were completed by 464 schoolteachers concerning identification with the focuses career, school, and occupation as well as scales measuring work extra-role behaviours. The questionnaire was administered under four experimental conditions. As expected, teachers identified more strongly with their schools when their school-type was made salient; they identified more strongly with their occupation when they were told that they were compared with other professional groups. Higher salience of the school membership identity was associated with higher levels of self-reported extra-role behaviours on behalf of the school. This effect was mediated by school identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furthering G. W. Allport's (1954) contentions for optimal contact, the authors introduce a new construct: the perceived importance of contact. They propose that perceived importance is the best proximal predictor of contact's reduction of prejudice. If individuals have opportunities for contact at work or in the neighborhood, their chances to have intergroup acquaintances and friends increase. Intergroup contact among acquaintances and friends can be perceived as more or less important, which in turn determines intergroup evaluations. A 1st study shows that the new measure of perceived importance is indeed distinct from established quantity and quality indicators. The results are cross-validated in a 2nd study that also sheds light on the meaning of importance. In 3rd and 4th studies, structural equation analyses and a meta-analysis support the hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictions of social identity and self-categorization theories about the relevance of social identification in organizational contexts are presented. We propose that different foci of identification (e.g. with own career, team, organization, occupation) as well as different dimensions of organizational identification (cognitive, affective, evaluative, and behavioural) can be separated. Furthermore, these different aspects of organizational identification are assumed to be differentially associated with work-related attitudes and behaviours. Predictions are first tested in a questionnaire study of 515 German school teachers. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that dimensions and foci can indeed be differentiated. In addition, results indicate that different aspects correlate differentially with different criteria. The results are cross-validated in two samples of 233 German school teachers and 358 bank accountants, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveys show that respondents from East Germany consistently show higher levels of ethnic prejudice than respondents from West Germany. Comparable differences can be found in statistics on crimes and violence against ethnic minority members. On the basis of three surveys (ALLBUS, 1996, N= 2893; Shell Youth Study (Deutsche Shell), 2000, N= 3560; and our own survey of school students, N= 769), the hypothesis that this difference can be largely explained by contrasting interethnic contact opportunities and experiences is tested and supported. Demographic data show that living in the Eastern or Western part of Germany offers differential opportunities for contact with foreigners. Structural equation analyses reveal that this difference, in turn, influences the number of foreigners in the neighborhood or classroom. As a consequence of these varying opportunities for contact, respondents report marked differences in more intimate and personal contact--such as having foreign friends or experiencing contact of personal importance. Foreign friends and importance of contact proved to be the relevant proximal contact variables that reduce ethnic prejudice. Beyond the German context, these results point to a more inclusive model of intergroup relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the connections between prejudice and specific attitudes toward acculturation in Germany. Results of surveys confirm the hypothesis that prejudice is related to ideologies of assimilation and segregation among majoritygroup members. Moreover, experimental and correlational studies indicate that these attitudes are linked to discriminatory behavior. Further analyses of studies with ethnic minorities prove that prejudice and acculturation are linked within minority groups as well. Additionally it is shown that prejudice is functional in order for minorities to acculturate. These studies confirm the impression that there is a close link between macrosocial and microsocial levels of coping with migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. School teaching seems to be particularly stressful. The stress model of Lazarus and colleagues and its adaptation to educational settings by Kyriacou and Sutcliffe is the basis for an analysis of antecedents and consequences of teacher stress. Aims. The first aim was to test the theoretical model of teacher stress on a large sample using structural equation statistics (study l). The results should then be cross-validated and the model enlarged by additional operationalisations (study II). Samples. Heterogeneous samples of German school teachers (study I:N = 356, study II: N = 201). Methods. In study 1, standardised questionnaires measuring workload and mobbing as stressors, physical symptoms as stress reactions, and social support and self-efficacy as moderating variables. In addition to these concepts, coping strategies, burnout and absenteeism were assessed in study I1. Results. The structural equation modelling in study I revealed that the predications of the stress model hold true: Workload and mobbing lead to stress reactions, whereas principal support reduces the perception of workload and mobbing Global support and self-efficacy moderate the relationships between the variables. These results were confirmed in study II and the model was enlarged by burnout and coping strategies. With all concepts 12% of the variance of absenteeism can be explained. Conclusions. Limitations of the studies, using cross-sectional data and self-reported measures are discussed. Practical implications for improving the situation are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because company cars add to corporate CO 2 footprints, companies are beginning to replace cars with mobility budgets that employees can use for leisure and commuting trips. This study examines whether nudges can encourage sustainable travel in such a subsidized setting. We conduct a field experiment with 341 employees of a large German company. Observing expenditure items charged to the mobility budget, we test if social comparisons and a climate-related moral appeal induce a shift towards low-emissions transport modes. We find that simultaneous application of both nudges causes a reduction in car use, particularly taxi and ride sharing, as well as substitution towards micromobility, but not public transport. The social comparison alone is not effective, and the treatment effects of the combined nudge vanish in the second half of the treatment period. Survey evidence suggests that these results are driven by a minority that complies with the communicated social norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 14 field experiments on the differential treatment of ethnic majority and minority groups were conducted. In all studies, German participants were confronted with a German or a foreign confederate (ostensibly a member of the migrant-worker population or a refugee/asylum seeker), In 9 experiments, the foreign confederate received worse treatment than did his German counterpart. Meta-analyses showed a significant overall correlation between ethnic group membership and indexes of discrimination (r = .24), which support the assumption of everyday ethnic discrimination in Germany. Categorizing studies according to the directness of interaction between confederate and participants revealed a significantly stronger discrimination in remote contact situations (r = .34 vs. r = .17), replicating results of a review on American studies by Crosby, Bromley, and Saxe (1980). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of a threat to a person's self-definition on the subsequent rating of a target person and on the person's distancing from a associating with that target person. Devaluation of the target and dissociation from the target were found, given the following theoretical preconditions: (a) The subjects were highly committed to a given self-definition, in this case that of psychologist; (b) the target person was initially perceived as relatively incompetent in the area of psychology; and (c) the ratings of the target had to do with the particular self-definition in question and not with other facets of the target. The experiment was designed, and results interpreted, from the perspective of a theory of symbolic self-completion (Wicklund & Gollwitzer, 1982). Linkages to the other theories are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines three issues concerning the frequently negative correlation between formal education and ethnic prejudice, namely its reliability, its validity and the manner in which it is mediated. Reliability is demonstrated across three indices of ethnic attitudes in seven representative samples drawn from four European countries (West Germany, Netherlands, France, Great Britain; total N=3788). The Hypothesis that this correlation reflects only the tendency of more highly educated respondents to give more socially desirable answers and not true attitude differences was inconsistent with the finding from the survey data that educational level also correlated negatively with responses to an index of subtle prejudice. Results from an experiment employing the bogus pipeline procedure similarly refute this hypothesis, indicating that significant education-related differences in expressed prejudice remain under conditions in which the tendency to give socially desirable responses is reduced. Finally, path analysis based on the survey data show that part but not all of the association between low education and ethnic prejudice is mediated by social psychological variables. Particularly group relative deprivation, perceived belief incongruency, political conservation, and acception of inter-ethnic contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stereotype content model (SCM) is a prominent model of social perception proposing two dimensions of evaluation: Warmth and competence. Occupational stereotypes have rarely been assessed in this model, especially in the German context, albeit their important impact on how individuals experience gainful occupation and navigate everyday social interactions. Responding to recent methodological critiques regarding the SCM's scale performance, we developed a context‐adapted, well‐performing German‐language SCM scale and assessed warmth and competence ratings of 13 occupational groups in a heterogeneous sample (N = 425). Using the alignment optimization procedure to allow for more reliable latent mean value comparisons, we found occupational stereotypes to differ substantially on both dimensions, with Firefighters presenting the most favorable and Politicians and Unemployed people showing the least favorable evaluations. We discuss our findings in terms of their content‐wise and methodological meaning as well as their implications for research and in occupational contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which analyzed the unfolded protein response (UPR) in fibroblasts from congenital disorders of glycosylation type-I (CDG-I) patients. Status of UPR in CDGI-I fibroblasts; Coordinated induction of amino acid metabolism and transport in the fibroblast UPR; Elevation of UPR protein levels in glycosylation-impaired fibroblasts.

Objective: Adrenal insufficiency in the outpatient setting is associated with excess morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life. Evidence on its health-care burden in medical inpatients is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the health-care burden of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) and secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) among hospitalized inpatients. Design and methods: In this nationwide cohort study, adult medical patients with either PAI or SAI hospitalized between 2011 and 2015 were compared with propensity-matched (1:1) medical controls, respectively. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality. Main secondary outcomes included ICU admission rate, length-of-hospital stay, 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission rates. Results: In total, 594 hospitalized cases with PAI and 4880 cases with SAI were included. Compared with matched controls, in-hospital mortality was not increased among PAI or SAI patients, respectively. Patients with adrenal insufficiency were more likely to be admitted to ICU (PAI: OR 1.9 (95% CI, 1.27 to 2.72) and SAI: OR 1.5 (95% CI, 1.35 to 1.75)). Length of hospital stay was prolonged by 1.0 days in PAI patients (8.9 vs 7.9 days (95% CI, 0.06 to 1.93)), and by 3.3 days in SAI patients (12.1 vs 8.8 days (95% CI, 2.82 to 3.71)), when compared with matched controls. Patients with SAI were found to have higher 30-day and 1-year readmission rates (14.1 vs 12.1% and 50.0 vs 40.7%; P < 0.001) than matched controls. Conclusions: While no difference in in-hospital mortality was found, adrenal insufficiency was associated with prolonged length of hospital stay, and substantially higher rates of ICU admission and hospital readmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intergroup contact can improve majority members' perception of minorities. Integrating the intergroup contact hypothesis with the stereotype content model and BIAS‐Map, we hypothesized that positive intergroup contact improves German majority members' evaluations of asylum seekers on the warmth and competence dimensions. Using cross‐sectional survey data and structural equation modelling, we found support for this hypothesis (Study 1a, N = 182). Warmth and competence perceptions, in turn, predicted specific intergroup emotions (Study 1b, N = 255). A causal effect of intergroup contact on changes in stereotype content, emotions, and solidarity‐based collective action intentions as an important facilitative behavioural intention debated in the intergroup contact literature is established with experimental data (Study 2, N = 74). Participants interacting with an asylum seeker rated asylum seekers higher on warmth and specific intergroup emotions and were more supportive of solidarity‐based collective actions in favour of asylum seekers. Our study demonstrates that contact has differential effects on cognitive, affective, and behavioural components of prejudice towards asylum seekers that are systematically linked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A market model for energy trading and energy management of Microgrids is described. • Device-oriented bidding strategies are presented for each device type in buildings. • PV probabilistic forecast is integrated to demonstrate market dynamics on different type days. • The utility and prosumers benefit, in addition to the added value of the ICT infrastructure are quantified. Abstract Energy trading markets are one of the most viable solutions to incentivize prosumers in Microgrids. They offer the utility a versatile access for flexible loads coordination without violating the consumer privacy. In the literature, several models and designs were presented to address different aspects of energy trading markets, yet there is a gap between these models and their application in real-life. This paper describes a novel discrete-timely double-sided auction model that facilitates energy trading between prosumers in near real-time and forward markets. Since the practical realization of the model represents a crucial criterion for this model, the market is designed with fast clearing mechanism and simple bidding rules that guarantee the benefits of the prosumers, their privacy, and consider their personal preferences. Additionally, a decentralized home energy management approach is followed at the prosumer level to maximize the system reliability and enable an easy integration of multiple devices from different manufacturers. Hence, a device-oriented bidding strategy is demonstrated that considers the physical characteristics and technical limitations of each device type such as electric vehicles (EV), micro-combined heat and power systems (micro-CHP) or heat pumps. Furthermore, an open-source day-ahead probabilistic forecast for the photovoltaic systems (PV) is integrated with a bidding scheme that maximizes the prosumers commitment in the forward market. In the results, field measurements and testbeds data are used to quantify the benefits of the market model to the utility and the prosumers based on different metrics such as self-sufficiency, self-consumption, peak load and CO 2 emission reduction, and total costs. The results indicate that the market model can increase self-sufficiency and self-consumption of a microgrid while reducing the prosumer costs on average by 23%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How receiving society members perceive and respond to immigration are crucial factors that shape the context of reception for immigrants coming to a new country. In this paper, we examine these processes through the lens of intergroup contact research, with a focus on relations between immigrants and members of receiving societies, to discern ways in which receiving societies are or are not welcoming toward immigrants. Reviewing recent theorizing with illustrative empirical studies and ongoing programs of research that focus on new immigrants in Germany and the United States, we describe how direct and indirect forms of positive and negative contact can serve either to facilitate or inhibit positive immigrant‐receiving community relations. We also discuss factors that may contribute to the emergence of positive and negative contact experiences between immigrants and receiving society members. We close with a discussion of policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Loss of the CDKN2A gene and its protein p16 is a common event in pleural mesothelioma, which is frequently investigated to confirm the diagnosis. The loss of CDKN2A is often accompanied by simultaneous loss of the genes located in the vicinity, including the MTAP gene and protein. Detection of CDKN2A loss is usually achieved by relatively expensive fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Here, we investigated if inexpensive immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 and MTAP could be used as an alternative detection method. Comparing CDKN2A and MTAP gene status, analyzed by the copy-number variation array, with p16/MTAP IHC revealed high sensitivity and specificity of the IHC for detecting gene loss. Our data show that p16/MTAP IHC can be used as an alternative to p16 FISH for detection of CDKN2A/MTAP loss. We recommend combined MTAP and p16 immunohistochemistry to confirm the diagnosis of PM. CDKN2A deletion is a common alteration in pleural mesothelioma (PM) and frequently associated with co-deletion of MTAP. Since the standard detection method for CDKN2A deletion and FISH analysis is relatively expensive, we here investigated the suitability of inexpensive p16 and MTAP IHC by comparing concordance between IHC and OncoScan CNV arrays on samples from 52 PM patients. Concordance was determined using Cohen's kappa statistics. Loss of CDKN2A was associated with co-deletion of MTAP in 71% of cases. CDKN2A-MTAP copy-number normal cases were also IHC positive in 93% of cases for p16 and 100% for MTAP, while homozygous deletion of CDKN2A-MTAP was always associated with negative IHC for both proteins. In cases with heterozygous CDKN2A-MTAP loss, IHC expression of p16 and MTAP was negative in 100% and 71%, respectively. MTAP and p16 IHC showed high sensitivity (MTAP 86.5%, p16 100%) and specificity (MTAP 100%, p16 93.3%) for the detection of any gene loss. Loss of MTAP expression occurred exclusively in conjunction with loss of p16 labeling. Both p16 and MTAP IHC showed high concordance with Oncoscan CNV arrays (kappa = 0.952, p < 0.0001, and kappa = 0.787, p < 0.0001 respectively). We recommend combined MTAP and p16 immunohistochemistry to confirm the diagnosis of PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive intergroup contact has not only been shown to be positively associated with favourable attitudes towards members of the contacted group but also with attitudes towards members of secondary outgroups (secondary transfer effect, STE). Only a few studies have addressed a potential STE of negative intergroup contact (i.e., a generalization of negative contact experiences to secondary outgroups). Furthermore, longitudinal studies on STEs and on underlying mediation processes are lacking. In the present research, we investigated the existence of a STE for negative (and positive) intergroup contact in four longitudinal samples with three (Studies 1a and 1b) and two waves (Studies 2 and 3; Noverall = 2052, time lags between waves 2 to 12 months). Our studies did not provide robust evidence for a STE of negative (and positive) contact, nor for indirect STEs via attitude generalization, ingroup identification or diversity beliefs. We discuss implications and suggest avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregation of the RNA‐binding protein TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) is the key neuropathological feature of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). In physiological conditions, TDP‐43 is predominantly nuclear, forms oligomers, and is contained in biomolecular condensates assembled by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). In disease, TDP‐43 forms cytoplasmic or intranuclear inclusions. How TDP‐43 transitions from physiological to pathological states remains poorly understood. Using a variety of cellular systems to express structure‐based TDP‐43 variants, including human neurons and cell lines with near‐physiological expression levels, we show that oligomerization and RNA binding govern TDP‐43 stability, splicing functionality, LLPS, and subcellular localization. Importantly, our data reveal that TDP‐43 oligomerization is modulated by RNA binding. By mimicking the impaired proteasomal activity observed in ALS/FTLD patients, we found that monomeric TDP‐43 forms inclusions in the cytoplasm, whereas its RNA binding‐deficient counterpart aggregated in the nucleus. These differentially localized aggregates emerged via distinct pathways: LLPS‐driven aggregation in the nucleus and aggresome‐dependent inclusion formation in the cytoplasm. Therefore, our work unravels the origins of heterogeneous pathological species reminiscent of those occurring in TDP‐43 proteinopathy patients. Synopsis: Loss of TDP‐43 oligomerization and RNA binding promotes diverse TDP‐43 pathologies providing insight into the origins of heterogeneous pathological species occurring in human disease. TDP‐43 oligomerization and RNA binding govern its stability, splicing regulation, LLPS, and subcellular localization.TDP‐43 oligomerization is modulated by RNA binding.Monomeric TDP‐43 forms inclusions in the cytoplasm, whereas its RNA binding‐deficient counterpart aggregates in the nucleus.TDP‐43 aggregates emerge via distinct pathways: LLPS‐driven aggregation in the nucleus and aggresome‐dependent inclusion formation in the cytoplasm.Our work unravels the origins of heterogeneous TDP‐43 inclusions reminiscent of those occurring in TDP‐43 proteinopathy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A probabilistic PV forecast model tailored for EMS applications is presented. • The model showed its capability to forecast using only the commonly available data in buildings. • Different evaluation metrics were used to validate the reliability and accuracy of the model. Abstract The photovoltaic (PV) generation forecast is a key element to an efficient building energy management system (EMS) operation. The forecast’s uncertainties and generation variabilities expose the loads to misplanning, and hence decrease building autonomy, self-sufficiency, and potential costs savings. In this paper, a novel approach for a day-ahead PV power generation probabilistic forecast is proposed that is especially optimized for building EMS applications. The model consists of several modules to develop the probabilistic forecast. Initially, a clear sky model is tuned to incorporate the system and temperature losses and partial shading. The deviation of the PV power from the clear sky power is used to train a bagging regression tree, which produces a deterministic point forecast. The probabilistic forecast is developed based on the probabilistic analysis of the point forecast and regenerating it based on the given weather conditions. The model is developed based on the available data in buildings such as the historic PV measurements acquired from the inverter and the weather forecasts. The probabilistic forecast was validated over a complete-year data set of a rooftop PV system in Munich, Germany, where the results showed its capability to provide an accurate and reliable forecast for EMS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many researchers subscribe to the three‐component conceptualization of attitudes, the idea that attitudes have cognitive, affective, and behavioural (intentional) components. Yet, these components are rarely considered simultaneously in scales, especially those measuring attitudes towards refugees. Moreover, it is debated how these components relate to one another. We present the development and validation of a six‐item short‐scale to measure attitudes towards refugees based on three surveys (Study 1: N = 330; Study 2a: N = 2,083; Study 2b: N = 2,174). We assessed the performance of this scale with respect to three rivalling attitude conceptualizations (one‐factor, three‐factor, and second‐order factor model). We found that a three‐factor or second‐order factor conceptualization fitted best to the data. The scale had excellent psychometric properties. We hope that our work stimulates a wave of relevant research on attitudes towards refugees that applies this scale, and contributes to the debate on the conceptualization of attitudes in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During mammalian development, DNA methylation patterns need to be reset in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and preimplantation embryos. However, many LTR retrotransposons and imprinted genes are impervious to such global epigenetic reprogramming via hitherto undefined mechanisms. Here, we report that a subset of such genomic regions are resistant to widespread erasure of DNA methylation in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) lacking the de novo DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. Intriguingly, these loci are enriched for H3K9me3 in mESCs, implicating this mark in DNA methylation homeostasis. Indeed, deletion of the H3K9 methyltransferase SET domain bifurcated 1 (Setdb1) results in reduced H3K9me3 and DNA methylation levels at specific loci, concomitant with increased 5-hydroxymethylation (5hmC) and ten-eleven translocation 1 binding. Taken together, these data reveal that Setdb1 promotes the persistence of DNA methylation in mESCs, likely reflecting one mechanism by which DNA methylation is maintained at LTR retrotransposons and imprinted genes during developmental stages when DNA methylation is reprogrammed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to a dual process model perspective, intergroup contact should be particularly effective for people high in right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), but not for those high in social dominance orientation (SDO), because of different underlying motivational goals. In the present studies, we tested the hypothesis that imagined contact, that is, the mental representation of a positive intergroup encounter, improves intergroup relations for high RWAs. In two experimental studies, we showed that high RWAs, compared with low RWAs, show less negative emotions toward Turks (Study 1; N = 120) and more willingness to engage in future contact with Romani people (Study 2; N = 85) after imagined contact. As expected, people high in SDO did not benefit from imagined contact. Instead, people low in SDO showed less negative emotions after imagined contact in Study 1, but this effect was not replicated in the second study. Theoretical implications and the role of imagined contact as a possible intervention for highly biased individuals will be discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pol II(G) is a distinct form of RNA polymerase II that contains the tightly associated Gdown1 polypeptide (encoded by POLR2M). Unlike Pol II, Pol II(G) is highly dependent upon Mediator for robust activator-dependent transcription in a biochemically defined in vitro system. Here, in vitro studies show that Gdown1 competes with TFIIF for binding to the RPB1 and RPB5 subunits of Pol II, thereby inhibiting an essential function of TFIIF in preinitiation complex assembly, but also that Mediator can actually facilitate Pol II(G) binding to the promoter prior to subsequent Mediator functions. Complementary ChIP and RNAi analyses reveal that Pol II(G) is recruited to promoter regions of subsets of actively transcribed genes, where it appears to restrict transcription. These and other results suggest that Pol II(G) may act to modulate some genes while simultaneously, as a poised (noninitiated) polymerase, setting the stage for Mediator-dependent enhancement of their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PARP inhibitors are used for treatment of tumors lacking function of the double-strand DNA break repair proteins BRCA1 or BRCA2 and are already approved for several cancer types. Thus, it is clinically crucial to determine germline as well as somatic BRCA1/2 mutations in those patients. The amplicon-based Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay is a test routinely used in diagnostics with FFPE specimens. The assay is validated for the detection of mutations, however, data on its performance in detecting large genomic rearrangements in FFPE tissue, is scarce. We cross-validated Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay in blood samples and/or FFPE tissue with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for exon deletions and with OncoScan and an in-house hybridization-based target capture assay (MelArray) with a customized pipeline for the detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and heterozygous versus complete gene loss. The Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay could detect both exon deletion and mono- and bi-allelic losses of the BRCA1/2 genes. We show that the therapeutically relevant large genomic rearrangements are reliably detected with the amplicon-based Oncomine BRCA1 and BRCA2 Assay in FFPE tumor tissue. Based on our data, we suggest tumor BRCA testing as standard diagnostic prescreening prior to germline BRCA testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an introduction to research on European prejudice and discrimination. First, we list the distinctive characteristics of a European perspective and provide a short sketch of European immigration and ethnic groups. Europe has become a multicultural community. Nevertheless, public opinion and the continent's politics often do not reflect this empirical fact. Prejudice and discrimination directed at immigrants are a widespread phenomena across Europe. Several cross-European surveys support this conclusion, although theoretically driven surveys on prejudice and discrimination in Europe remain rare. Cross-European research studies classical and modern theories of prejudice and discrimination and attempts to uncover the psychological mechanisms that explain individual readiness to exclude ethnic groups. A brief sketch of recent European research is presented. This issue offers both important cross-national perspectives as well as needed comparisons with the more studied case of racial prejudice and discrimination in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]