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We investigate the critical behavior of the two-dimensional spin-$1$ Baxter-Wu model in the presence of a crystal-field coupling $\Delta$ with the goal of determining the universality class of transitions along the second-order part of the transition line and narrowing down the location of the multicritical point. We employ extensive Monte Carlo simulations using two different methodologies: (i) a study of the zeros of the energy probability distribution, closely related to the Fisher zeros of the partition function, and (ii) the well-established multicanonical approach employed to study the probability distribution of the crystal-field energy. A detailed finite-size scaling analysis in the regime of second-order phase transitions in the $(\Delta, T)$ phase diagram supports previous claims that the transition belongs to the universality class of the $4$-state Potts model. For positive values of $\Delta$, on approaching the vicinity of the multicritical point, we observe the presence of strong finite-size effects, indicative of crossover effects due to the proximity of the first-order part of the transition line. Finally, we demonstrate how a combination of cluster and heat-bath updates allows one to equilibrate larger systems, and we demonstrate the potential of this approach for resolving the ambiguities observed in the regime of $\Delta \gtrsim 0$., Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures, 2 tables, submitted for publication

Objective:To assess whether chronic white matter inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as detected in vivo by paramagnetic rim MRI lesions (PRLs) is associated with higher serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels, a marker of neuroaxonal damage. Methods:In 118 patients with MS with no gadolinium-enhancing lesions or recent relapses, we analyzed 3D-submillimeter phase MRI and sNfL levels. Histopathologic evaluation was performed in 25 MS lesions from 20 additional autopsy MS cases. Results:In univariable analyses, participants with ≥2 PRLs (n = 43) compared to those with ≤1 PRL (n = 75) had higher age-adjusted sNfL percentiles (median, 91 and 68;p< 0.001) and higher Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale scores (MSSS median, 4.3 and 2.4;p= 0.003). In multivariable analyses, sNfL percentile levels were higher in PRLs ≥2 cases (βadd, 16.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6-28.0;p< 0.01), whereas disease-modifying treatment (DMT), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and T2 lesion load did not affect sNfL. In a similar model, sNfL percentile levels were highest in cases with ≥4 PRLs (n = 30; βadd, 30.4; 95% CI, 15.6-45.2;p< 0.01). Subsequent multivariable analysis revealed that PRLs ≥2 cases also had higher MSSS (βadd, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.3-1.9;p< 0.01), whereas MSSS was not affected by DMT or T2 lesion load. On histopathology, both chronic active and smoldering lesions exhibited more severe acute axonal damage at the lesion edge than in the lesion center (edge vs center:p= 0.004 andp= 0.0002, respectively). Conclusion:Chronic white matter inflammation was associated with increased levels of sNfL and disease severity in nonacute MS, suggesting that PRL contribute to clinically relevant, inflammation-driven neurodegeneration.

International audience; Meeting Abstract

Hintergrund: Die Trabekulektomie gilt als Standardverfahren der filtrierenden Glaukomchirurgie. Als Hauptursache für das Versagen der Operation wird die hohe postoperative Vernarbungstendenz der Sickerkissen angesehen. Es gibt zahlreiche Versuche dieses Versagen frühzeitig mit Hilfe von Klassifikationssystemen[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 27. Jahrestagung der Regionalgesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens e. V.

Einleitung: Bei einem Aphakie-Glaukom handelt sich um eine schwerwiegende und weitreichende Komplikation nach einer Linsenabsaugung bei kongenitaler Katarakt oder anderen erworbenen Linsentrübungen. Methode: In einer retrospektiven Datenanalyse der Universitätsaugenklinik Magdeburg von [zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 26. Jahrestagung der Regionalgesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens

Hintergrund: Die Trabekulektomie gilt als Standardverfahren der filtrierenden Glaukomchirurgie. Als Hauptursache für das Versagen der Operation wird die hohe postoperative Vernarbungstendenz der Sickerkissen angesehen. Hierauf könnte die Tenon’sche Kapsel einen maßgeblichen Einfluss[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 26. Jahrestagung der Regionalgesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens

Using high-precision Monte Carlo simulations and finite-size scaling we study the effect of quenched disorder in the exchange couplings on the Blume-Capel model on the square lattice. The first-order transition for large crystal-field coupling is softened to become continuous, with a divergent correlation length. An analysis of the scaling of the correlation length as well as the susceptibility and specific heat reveals that it belongs to the universality class of the Ising model with additional logarithmic corrections which is also observed for the Ising model itself if coupled to weak disorder. While the leading scaling behavior of the disordered system is therefore identical between the second-order and first-order segments of the phase diagram of the pure model, the finite-size scaling in the ex-first-order regime is affected by strong transient effects with a crossover length scale L∗≈32 for the chosen parameters. © 2018 American Physical Society.

Operation of geostationary satellites and research of the geostationary region depend on both modelling e. g. of the environment and data banks consisting of objects with preferably high accuracy ephemerides and, if possible, completeness of the number of objects in this region. Of course, due to physical reasons, not all objects are detectable, but for now it is assumed that an object size of 30cm or larger is sufficient for the aforementioned topics. It is of international interest to exchange and access this data on a low cost basis. For this reason, SMARTnetTM was started, allowing for interchanging data, especially tracklets, within the community of telescope owners or telescope operators on a no exchange of funds basis. In this context, a tracklet is a series of the angle pair right ascension and declination including the corresponding epoch of the same object. Over one year ago, SMARTnetTM was opened for international co-operations. The main objective of SMARTnetTM is the exchange of tracklets, allowing for each participating entity to develop own catalogues, own algorithms, and own products. In this paper, the consortium, consisting of the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB) and the German Space Operation Center (GSOC) at DLR, is presenting the current partners of SMARTnetTM, statistics of data collected as well as results like e. g. tracklet correlation. Furthermore, an outlook of future contributions is given.

Einleitung: Die mikroinvasive Glaukomchirurgie (Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, MIGS) stellt seit einigen Jahren ein neuartiges operatives Vorgehen zur Senkung des intraokularen Druckes (IOD) dar. Mit dem XEN® Gel Stent wurde ein Implantat entwickelt, welches primär für die Therapie [zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 25. Jahrestagung der Regionalgesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens

Lattice Monte Carlo methods are used to investigate far from and out-of-equilibrium systems, including surface growth, spin systems and solid mixtures. Such studies require observations of large systems over long times scales, to allow structures to grow over orders of magnitude, which necessitates massively parallel simulations. This talk presents work done to address the problem of parallel processing introducing correlations in Monte Carlo updates. Studies of the effect of correlations on scaling and dynamical properties of surface growth systems and related lattice gases is investigated further by comparing results obtained by correlation-free and intrinsically correlated simulations. Where the latter, based on a stochastic cellular automaton approach, are of interest because of their high efficiency. The primary subject of study is the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang surface growth in (2+1) dimensions. Key physical insights about this universality class, like precise universal exponent values and exponent relations, obtained from large-scale simulations are presented. At the end of the talk, I will also speak about my current work at the computational science group at HZDR, which includes problems like frameworkdevelopment, image analysis and related machine learning applications.

Micro- and nano-structured materials, including composites, are crucial for future energy technologies. Key processes during production and life-time are governed by self-organization in phase separation processes at the micro and nano scale. Examples include nano-structured Silicon thin film absorber layers in solar cells providing tailored band-gaps [1] on top of reduced production cost. In the case of micro-patterned electrolyte-matrices, used in a range of fuel cell technologies, both production and aging are governed by phase separation and affect the efficiency and lifetime of large industrial installations. Simulations of these out-of-equilibrium, inhomogeneous real world systems provide important insights, finding reaction pathways for self-organization and self-alignment of nanostructures. To this end, 3D kinetic Metropolis lattice Monte Carlo simulations can be used to model physical systems at experimental scales in an atomistic way, thereby side-stepping many caveats connected with the alternative phase-field simulations. These same long-time and large-scale simulations also provide important insights into more fundamental physical problems. The question of super-universality, that is if and how different types of quenched disorder affect universal properties, is still under investigation even for fundamental models like Ising [2], realization of which can be found in important complex magnetic systems, apart from binary mixtures. We propose massively parallel simulation techniques using the architecture of modern graphics processing units (GPUs) to address these problems, ranging from the kinetic Metropolis Monte Carlo to any Potts models with quenched disorder. While pioneering work in this area [3] focused on efficient but correlated stochastic cellular automaton implementations, our simulations can be virtually correlation-free [4]. Here, we present two implementations for large-scale simulations on GPUs: One is optimized to offer fast time-to-solution on experimental-scale simulations [5], the other provides highly efficient parameter studies or large sample sizes for large-scale simulations [6]. Harnessing the compute power of modern (multi-)GPU installations leads to increased energy efficiency as well as reduced time-to-solution. [1] Apl. Phys. Lett. 103, 133106 (2013); Appl. Phys. Lett. 103, 203103 (2013); Nanolett. 16, 1942 (2016) [2] e.g. EPL 117, 10012 (2017); Phys. Rev. B 88 042129 (2013); Phys. Rev. B 78 224419 (2012); J. Phys. A 24 L1087 (1991) [3] J. Comp. Phys. 228, 4469 (2009); Phys. Proc. 15 92 (2001) [4] http://arxiv.org/abs/1705.01022 ; https://arxiv.org/abs/1701.03638 [5] EPJST 210, 175 (2012) [6] Phys. Rev. E 94 022107 (2016)

We review the pertinent features of the phase diagram of the zero-field Blume-Capel model, focusing on the aspects of transition order, finite-size scaling and universality. In particular, we employ a range of Monte Carlo simulation methods to study the 2D spin-1 Blume-Capel model on the square lattice to investigate the behavior in the vicinity of the first-order and second-order regimes of the ferromagnet-paramagnet phase boundary, respectively. To achieve high-precision results, we utilize a combination of (i) a parallel version of the multicanonical algorithm and (ii) a hybrid updating scheme combining Metropolis and generalized Wolff cluster moves. These techniques are combined to study for the first time the correlation length of the model, using its scaling in the regime of second-order transitions to illustrate universality through the observed identity of the limiting value of ξ/L with the exactly known result for the Ising universality class. © 2017, EDP Sciences and Springer.

We'll present a method for highly efficient lattice Monte Carlo simulations with correlation-free updates. Achieving freedom from erroneous correlations requires random selection of lattice sites for updates, which must be restricted by suitable domain decomposition to create parallelism. While approaches based on caching limit the number of allowed states, the multisurface-type approach presented here allows arbitrarily complex states. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated in the fact that it allowed us to solve a long-standing dispute around surface growth under random kinetic deposition in the KPZ-universality class. The method has also been applied to Potts models and is suitable for spin-glass simulations, such as those required to test quantum annealers, like D-Wave.

Hintergrund: Im Februar 2016 wurden die 2-Jahresdaten der vom DRCR.net initiierten Studie zum Vergleich der drei VEGF-Hemmer Aflibercept, Bevacizumab und Ranibizumab bei der Behandlung des diabetischen Makulaödems publiziert. In den 1-Jahresdaten zeigte sich ein Vorteil für die Patienten mit[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 24. Jahrestagung der Regionalgesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens

Hintergrund: Im Rahmen der ARGOS-02-Studie wurde 22 Glaukompatienten während einer geplanten Kataraktoperation ein sulcusfixierter intraokularer Drucksensor (Eyemate-IO) implantiert. Dieser erlaubt nicht nur eine telemetrische Selbstmessung des IOD durch den Patienten, sondern auch automatische[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 24. Jahrestagung der Regionalgesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens

Im dargestellten Fall einer jungen, kontaktlinsentragenden Patientin, deren Krankheitsverlauf mit einer Bagatellverletzung der Hornhaut durch einen Zweig begann, wurde nach der anfänglichen Arbeitsdiagnose einer (unspezifischen) Pilzkeratitis mit Fluconazol-AT initial ambulant therapiert. Mithilfe[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 23. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft der Augenärzte Sachsen-Anhalts und Thüringens

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of dynamic lumbosacral-MRI compared to upright myelography to detect segmental dural compression. Methods and Materials: 95 patients were screened for the study. Seventeen patients complaining of low back pain and clinically suspected dural compression qualified for the study. These patients underwent myelography and dynamic lumbosacral-MRI with an open-configuration 0.25 T tilting system. Images were obtained in supine and upright position for both modalities. Two independent readers evaluated the myelography images and the lumbosacral- MRI on a persegment basis with regard to segmental dural compression. Reference standard was a consensus reading of myelography in upright position. Reader agreement was assessed by correlation statistics (Cohen's kappa) and diagnostic accuracy was calculated on a persegment basis. Results: Myelography in upright position showed 35 segmental dural compressions. Lumbosacral-MRI showed 30 segmental dural compressions in supine and 33 in upright position. The agreement between the readers for Myelography in supine and upright position was 0.881 and 0.808 respectively. The inter-rater agreement for MRI in supine and upright position was 0.895 and 0.747. MRI sensitivity/specificity in upright position were 80%/92% for reader 1 and 74.3%/96% for reader 2; in supine position 77.1%/96% for reader 1 and 74.1%/98% for reader 2. Conclusion: Dynamic MRI with an open-configuration, low-field tilting MRI system is a feasible and promising tool to study lumbosacral dural compression. We demonstrated that this MR technology performed highly specific compared to upright myelography, but had some limitations regarding sensitivity. Interobserver agreement was comparable to myelography.

Space debris in geostationary orbits may be detected with optical telescopes when the objects are illuminated by the Sun. The advantage compared to Radar can be found in the illumination: radar illuminates the objects and thus the detection sensitivity depletest proportional to the fourth power of the d istance. The German Space Operation Center, GSOC, together with the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern, AIUB, are setting up a telescope system called SMARTnet to demonstrate the capability of performing geostationary surveillance. Such a telescope system will consist of two telescopes on one mount: a smaller telescope with an aperture of 20cm will serve for fast survey while the larger one, a telescope with an aperture of 50cm, will be used for follow-up observations. The telescopes will be operated by GSOC from Oberpfaffenhofen by the internal monitoring and control system called SMARTnetMAC. The observation plan will be generated by MARTnetPlanning seven days in advance by applying an optimized planning scheduler, taking into account fault time like cloudy nights, priority of objects etc. From each picture taken, stars will be identified and everything not being a star is treated as a possible object. If the same object can be identified on multiple pictures within a short time span, the trace is called a tracklet. In the next step, several tracklets will be correlated to identify individual objects, ephemeris data for these objects are generated and catalogued . This will allow for services like collision avoidance to ensure safe operations for GSOC’s satellites. The complete data processing chain is handled by BACARDI, the backbone catalogue of relational debris information and is presented as a poster.

As the number of space debris is increasing in the geostationary ring, it becomes mandatory for any satellite operator to avoid any collisions. Space debris in geosynchronous orbits may be observed with optical telescopes. Other than radar, that requires very large dishes and transmission powers for sensing high-altitude objects, optical observations do not depend on active illumination from ground and may be performed with notably smaller apertures. The detection size of an object depends on the aperture of the telescope, sky background and exposure time. With a telescope of 50 cm aperture, objects down to approximately 50 cm may be observed. This size is regarded as a threshold for the identification of hazardous objects and the prevention of potentially catastrophic collisions in geostationary orbits. In collaboration with the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB), the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) is building a small aperture telescope to demonstrate the feasibility of optical surveillance of the geostationary ring. The telescope will be located in the southern hemisphere and complement an existing telescope in the northern hemisphere already operated by AIUB. These two telescopes provide an optimum coverage of European GEO satellites and enable a continuous monitoring independent of seasonal limitations. The telescope will be operated completely automatically. The automated operations should be demonstrated covering the full range of activities including scheduling of observations, telescope and camera control as well as data processing.

This article presents the basic principles of the superstimulated echo mechanism and shows preliminary results of its application to T 1-weighted imaging with positive T 1-contrast. A superstimulated echo scheme uses a preparation of square-wave modulated, periodically inverted z-magnetization, which after signal evolution during the mixing time TM is fully converted into transverse magnetization. This avoids the 50% signal loss of a conventional stimulated echo. Furthermore, its implementation as a preparation module for standard turbo spin echo (TSE) imaging allows producing images with positive T 1-contrast. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fragestellung: Die Rekonstruktion der korakoklavikulären Bänder (KKB) mittels autologer Sehnentransplantate wird zunehmend zur Behandlung von Akromioklavikulargelenksverletzungen durchgeführt. Es existieren unterschiedliche Verfahren zur Befestigung der Transplantate am Processus [for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], Deutscher Kongress für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie; 75. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie, 97. Tagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, 52. Tagung des Berufsverbandes der Fachärzte für Orthopädie

Fragestellung: Die anatomische Rekonstruktion der korakoklavikulären Bänder zur Behandlung von ACG- Luxationen bietet biomechanisch, verglichen mit alternativen Verfahren, die höchste Stabilität. Ansatz und Ursprung der CC-Bänder sind gut beschrieben. Wenig ist jedoch bisher[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], Deutscher Kongress für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie; 74. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie, 96. Tagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, 51. Tagung des Berufsverbandes der Fachärzte für Orthopädie

TSE (RARE,FSE...)-sequences arecurrently the most widely used MR-techniques for T2-weigthed diagnosisand an indispensable tool especiallyfor examinations of various patholo-gies of the CNS [1]. The widespreaduse of these techniques is primarilydue to the very robust and reliableT2-contrast based on the signalgeneration mechanism by spin echorefocusing.

Previous studies have revealed beneficial in vitro effects of progesterone on sperm function. The aim of this pilot study was to prove if orally given micronized progesterone leads to elevations in progesterone and/or 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone levels in seminal plasma, since higher seminal plasma levels of these hormones could possibly have a beneficial effect on sperm function as seen in in vitro investigations. Multiple application of micronized progesterone given over 4 days (daily dose 400 mg) to 6 healthy subjects resulted in elevated seminal plasma levels of progesterone (10.90 +/- 9.02 nmol/l vs. 1.43 +/- 0.56 nmol/l, p = 0.04) and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (3.09 +/- 1.72 nmol/l vs. 1.62 +/- 1.26 nmol/l, p = 0.04) whereas no significant difference could be found in testosterone levels (34.82 +/- 13.00 vs. 30.91 +/- 8.56 nmol/l, p = 0.43). In contrast, androstendione levels in seminal plasma were reduced (2.68 1.28 nmol/l vs. 3.65 +/- 1.36 nmol/l, p = 0.01). Although micronized progesterone is rapidly metabolized, oral application resulted in pronounced elevations of progesterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in seminal plasma. Further studies will show if oral application of micronized progesterone can induce beneficial effects on sperm function such as those seen in in vitro investigations.

The effect of rotation on the cooling of neutron stars is investigated. The thermal evolution equations are solved in two dimensions with full account of general relativistic effects. It is found that rotation is particularly important in the early epoch when the neutron star's interior is not yet isothermal. The polar surface temperature is up to 63% higher than the equatorial temperature. This temperature difference might be observable if the thermal radiation of a young, rapidly rotating neutron star is detected. In the intermediate epoch (10^2 < t < 10^5 yr), when the interior becomes isothermal, the polar temperature is still up to 31% higher than the equatorial temperature. Afterwards photon surface radiation dominates the cooling, and the surface becomes isothermal on a timescale of 10^7 yr. Furthermore, the transition between the early and the intermediate epochs is delayed by several hundred years. An additional effect of rotation is the reduction of the neutrino luminosity due to the reduction of the central density with respect to the non-rotating case., 4 pages, 2 figures, to be published in letter section of Astronomy & Astrophysics

The possibility of a neutron m=2-superfluid in the interior of neutron stars is investigated. This pairing state is energetically favoured in strong magnetic fields ($H\sim 10^{16}-10^{17}$ G). Because of the node in the angular-dependent energy gap along the field direction the neutrino emissivity is only suppressed polynomially as function in $T/T_{c}$ instead of exponentially, as it is obtained for a nodeless pairing state. The effect of this pairing state on the thermal evolution of neutron stars is studied, and its outcome is compared with the evolution of ``normal'', i.e. nodeless, superfluid and non-superfluid neutron stars, and also with observations. We find that particularly the predicted surface temperatures of the enhanced cooling scenario considerably change and come into agreement with temperatures deduced from observational data within the hydrogen atmosphere model. Furthermore the surface temperature depends on the magnetic field strength as an additional parameter aside from the neutron star mass. The latter is however only operative in the case of the intermediate cooling scenario., 10 pages including 6 ps-figures. To be published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Postscript version of paper and additional tables can be found at http://www.physik.uni-muenchen.de/sektion/suessmann/astro/cool/schaab.0797

Neutrino emission from the dense hadronic component in neutron stars is subject to strong modifications due to collective effects in the nuclear medium. We implement new estimates of the neutrino emissivities of two processes operating in the nuclear medium into numerical cooling simulations of neutron stars. The first process is the modified Urca process, for which the softening of the pion exchange mode and other polarization effects as well as the neutrino emission arising from the intermediate reaction states are taken into account. The second process concerns neutrino emission through superfluid pair breaking and formation processes. It is found that the medium effects on the emissivity of the modified Urca process result in a strong density dependence, which gives a smooth crossover from the standard to the nonstandard cooling scenario for increasing star masses. For superfluid stars, the superfluid pair breaking and formation processes accelerate mildly both the standard and the nonstandard cooling scenario. This leads to a good agreement between the theoretical cooling tracks and the rather low temperatures observed for objects like PSRs 0833-45 (Vela), 0656+14, and 0630+18 (Geminga). The robustness of our findings against variations in both the underlying equation of state of baryonic matter and the used fast cooling processes is demonstrated. Hence we conclude that the two recalculated neutrino emissivities studied here enable one to reproduce theoretically most of the observed pulsar temperatures by varying the masses of neutron star models., 31 pages (LaTex) including 15 ps-figures, revised version, to be published in Astronomy and Astrophysics

This paper gives an overview of the properties of all possible equilibrium sequences of compact strange-matter stars with nuclear crusts, which range from strange stars to strange dwarfs. In contrast to their non-strange counterparts, --neutron stars and white dwarfs--, their properties are determined by two (rather than one) parameters, the central star density and the density at the base of the nuclear crust. This leads to stellar strange-matter configurations whose properties are much more complex than those of the conventional sequence. As an example, two generically different categories of stable strange dwarfs are found, which could be the observed white dwarfs. Furthermore we find very low-mass strange stellar objects, with masses as small as those of Jupiter or even lighter planets. Such objects, if abundant enough in our Galaxy, should be seen by the presently performed gravitational microlensing searches. Further aspects studied in this paper concern the limiting rotational periods and the cooling behavior of neutron stars and their strange counterparts., 9 pages, 3 figures

This paper gives an overview of the properties of all possible equilibrium sequences of compact strange-matter stars with nuclear crusts, which range from strange stars to strange dwarfs. In contrast to their non-strange counterparts, --neutron stars and white dwarfs--, their properties are determined by two (rather than one) parameters, the central star density and the density at the base of the nuclear crust. This leads to stellar strange-matter configurations whose properties are much more complex than those of the conventional sequence. As an example, two generically different categories of stable strange dwarfs are found, which could be the observed white dwarfs. Furthermore we find very-low-mass strange stellar objects, with masses as small as those of Jupiter or even lighter planets. Such objects, if abundant enough in our Galaxy, should be seen by the presently performed gravitational microlensing searches., Comment: 15 pages, LaTeX, plus 9 postscript figures. Presented by F. Weber at the Vulcano Workshop 1996 Frontier Objects in Astrophysics and Particle Physics May 27 -- June 1, Vulcano, Italy. To be published by the Societa Italiana di Fisica

Single--particle spectra of $\Lambda $ and $\Sigma $ hypernuclei are calculated within a relativistic mean--field theory. The hyperon couplings used are compatible with the $\Lambda $ binding in saturated nuclear matter, neutron-star masses and experimental data on $\Lambda $ levels in hypernuclei. Special attention is devoted to the spin-orbit potential for the hyperons and the influence of the $\rho $-meson field (isospin dependent interaction)., Comment: 18 pages, including 2 figs., figs. 1 and 4-6 available as postscript-datasets on request; written in Latex, report# LBL-33031

Single--particle spectra of $��$ and $��$ hypernuclei are calculated within a relativistic mean--field theory. The hyperon couplings used are compatible with the $��$ binding in saturated nuclear matter, neutron-star masses and experimental data on $��$ levels in hypernuclei. Special attention is devoted to the spin-orbit potential for the hyperons and the influence of the $��$-meson field (isospin dependent interaction)., 18 pages, including 2 figs., figs. 1 and 4-6 available as postscript-datasets on request; written in Latex, report# LBL-33031

We reported on the first pregnancy achieved in the Erlangen IVF program after cryopreservation and embryo transfer. After hMG stimulation in the first treatment cycle, nine oocytes were retrieved by laparoscopy from a 31-year-old woman and three embryos transferred. Five other oocytes were fertilized and developed to four- to eight-cell embryos, which were subsequently cryopreserved. Transfer of these embryos two cycles later resulted in a singleton pregnancy and the birth of a healthy girl.

Item does not contain fulltext Over the last years the reality surrounding HIV-infection has undergone a considerable change with regard to the life expectancy of patients, and the plans they can make for their lives. Because the majority of the HIV positive population is of reproductive age, one of these plans might be to have children, often as an expression of a fulfilled partnership. The need for medical support to realize this wish, however, is often confronted with ethical, medical or forensic restraints. For this reason, interdisciplinary recommendations have now been developed--for the first time on a global basis--which aim to provide guidelines for practitioners in this complicated area.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a disease with poor prognosis, and molecular markers are needed to improve understanding of disease progression and resultant treatment. Only limited data concerning the expression of maspin, a serine protease inhibitor, in ovarian cancer (OC) are available. This study investigates the prognostic value of maspin expression (ME) in various OC cell lines and clinical tissue specimens from OC patients.Tumour purified mouse anti-human maspin monoclonal antibody was applied to tissue specimens from 87 OC patients. ME was recorded by an immunoreactive score, which was correlated with grading, stage, histopathological subtypes and overall survival. Additionally ME was evaluated in established ovarian cancer cell lines (HEY, SKOV3, OVCAR3/8) and paclitaxel- and docetaxel-resistant HEY cells by QRT-PCR.There was significant correlation between cytoplasmatic ME and overall survival (p0.05). OC patients with high levels of ME had a median survival of 28 vs. 57 months for those with low levels. Significant differential ME was detected between benign, borderline ovarian lesions and OC, as well as among different tumour gradings. Normal ovarian epithelial cells expressed less maspin than ovarian cancer cells as measured by QRT-PCR. Docetaxel- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cell lines showed an even higher level of ME, suggesting an unfavourable role of ME in OC cell lines.Maspin is expressed differentially in OC, and low expression levels of maspin are correlated with a longer survival.