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ABSTRACTWhile the coal phase-out is progressing in many countries, formerly fossil-dependent regions receive transition funding for substitute economic activities. This can steer these regions into a sustainable future, yet it is not clear from the outset whether governance conditions and actors’ preferences are conducive to a genuinely sustainable transition. The present study examines to what extent sustainability goals shape the transition process following the coal phase-out in a German coal region (Lusatia), and the guiding logics observed therein. Three key aspects for regional transition processes are considered: enabling conditions for sustainability governance (policy coherence, participation, reflexivity, intergenerational equity); key actors and their sustainability conceptions; and the role of sustainability in selecting and funding transition projects. Based on expert interviews, policy documents, project lists, and sustainability declarations, our findings indicate that sustainability is a rather low priority for key actors. In combination with ambivalent governance conditions, this manifests as a weak sustainability focus among most resulting projects. Nevertheless, our analysis also reveals several projects focusing on selective aspects of sustainability. The phase-out therefore appears to follow the logic of signaling, and it remains unclear whether this might revert to mere energy system substitution or else aspire to comprehensive regional transformation.

Objective: Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation (ETBD) represents an innovative therapeutic approach for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (CETD), a common disease in children. Some evidence of a benefit of ETBD in the adults exist in contrast to sparse reports in children. The objective was to analyze short- and long-term outcome of ETBD in children with CETD.Methods: A retrospective chart-review was performed in a cohort of 19 children (mean age 13 years, 7-17) who underwent ETBD. The following parameters were analyzed: tubomanometry (R-value), tympanogram, hearing (CPT-AMA, Air-bone gap [ABG]), Eustachian Tube Score (ETS and ETS-7), and Eustachian Tube Disease questionnaire (ETDQ).Results: Twenty-four ears were dilated (in 5 patients subsequently after successful first intervention) and grouped as A (17) without and B (7) with additional T-tube insertion. Most children suffered from either chronic otitis media with effusion or chronic perforation (12, 63%), the remainder comprising recurrent otitis media, adhesive otitis media and CETD with barotrauma. Mean duration of symptoms were 7/8.2 years and mean follow-up 13.7/11.1 months. Eighty percent of patients reported a subjective benefit. Accordingly, the R-value, ETS, and ETS-7 were significantly (P< .05) improved. Tympanometry, CPT-AMA and ABG showed a positive trend, but the result was not significant. Tympanic retraction remained largely the same; a spontaneous closure of a chronic tympanic perforation was seen in 1 of 3 cases.Conclusions: The high subjective benefit and some significant objective improvement warrants further analysis of ETBD as part of the therapeutic management in pediatric CETD.

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Beschreibung der Entwicklung einer webbasierten, interaktiven Darstellung von maximalen tolerierbaren Verzehrmengen für ausgewählte Lebensmittel, die beispielsweise in einer Ereignissituation als potenziell kontaminiert angenommen werden („Kontaminantenrechner“). Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt einen Katalog wissenschaftlicher Anwendungskriterien für einen solchen Kontaminantenrechner. Als Anwendungsbeispiel wird der Fipronil-Ereignisfall im Sommer 2017 verwendet.

A broadly applicable and efficient method for the synthesis of N-alkyliminophosphoranes from phosphines that does not use potentially hazardous alkyl azides is reported. Under iron catalysis, a hydroxylamine-derived triflic acid salt oxidizes phosphines to a wide range of iminophosphorane triflic acid salts. Diphosphines afford phosphine-iminophosphoranes that can serve as ligands in transition metal complexes. The developed method can be employed in the synthesis of mixed diiminophosphoranes and in a traceless Staudinger ligation.

ABSTRACTThis editorial to the special issue: Transregional Configurations of Just Energy Transitions explores how discourses on justice are interrelated and influence transformation paths at different levels of society. We propose a spatial perspective that puts energy transitions and place-based research into context. For many years, discussions about the transformation of the energy sector focused on the climatological necessity of phasing out fossil fuels and on the technical and economic feasibility of doing so. In this special issue, we aim to reverse this logic: phasing out fossil fuels has become feasible, but phasing out the political, cultural, and social legacy of fossil fuel is a prerequisite for a just transition. The collection of articles contributes to place-based research, focusing on peripheral and fossil fuel producing regions in the global North and South. We also broaden the relational perspective on regional energy transitions by closely linking spatial and moral dimensions. The articles and this editorial show that the emergence of a region as a political arena or even as an institutional actor in climate and energy policy coincides with spatially defined (in)justice claims. In practical terms, this also means that a broader range of justice claims and regional spaces must be critically examined and incorporated into the design of energy transformations.

ABSTRACTTransitions towards low-carbon societies trigger renegotiations of justice concerns in regions that have to abandon unsustainable, fossil-based production patterns. In these transition regions, tensions may appear between inner- and supra-regional justice claims on the one hand, and recognition-based and distributional justice concerns on the other. Intermediary actors such as municipal politicians have to navigate these spatial and moral tensions. Based on qualitative data generated in the German lignite-mining region of Lusatia, ‘moral rifts’ are reconstructed that shape local perceptions of justice. These rifts help elucidate how reconciliation in this region proves to be difficult despite considerable redistributive efforts. Unless patterns of misrecognition are adequately addressed, prospects for a successful transformation of the region remain limited.

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disorder leading to an impairment of quality of life and is therefore not only a cosmetic issue. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial – of particular importance is the colonization with the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. A wide range of different treatment options exists including topical and systemic treatments depending on severity. High Frequency (HF) therapy, historically developed in the 19thcentury, claims antimicrobial effects on acne skin, but solid data on its efficacy and mechanism of action is lacking.

Die Legitimität von Expert*innenkommissionen in Demokratien ist stets umstritten, weil Aushandlungsprozesse verlagert werden, die eigentlich in demokratisch legitimierten Gremien stattfinden sollten. Zugleich wird ihre Problemlösungsfähigkeit häufig gelobt. Die bisherige politikwissenschaftliche Forschung zur Legitimität von Expert*innenkommissionen konzentriert sich vor allem auf eine Beurteilung ihrer Funktionen im politischen System sowie auf einzelne Aspekte oder Dimensionen von Legitimität. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird ein umfassendes Kriteriensystem zur Beurteilung der Legitimität der Kommission Wachstum, Strukturwandel und Beschäftigung („Kohlekommission“, KWSB) entwickelt. Es beinhaltet die Input- (Inklusivität, politische Verantwortlichkeit), Throughput- (Accountability im Prozess, Transparenz, deliberative Arbeitsqualität, Inklusivität und Offenheit) und Outputlegitimität (Problemlösungsfähigkeit und Gemeinwohlorientierung). Dabei wird die Legitimität der KWSB auf Basis von Dokumentenanalysen und Interviews mit 14 der 28 Kommissionsmitglieder bzw. deren Stellvertreter*innen beurteilt. Durch die Kommission wurde ein Vorschlag entwickelt, wie ein schrittweiser Kohleausstieg mit erheblichen Unterstützungsleistungen für die betroffenen Regionen, Beschäftigten und Unternehmen aussehen kann. Über den gesamten Kommissionsprozess sind allerdings intransparente Verantwortlichkeiten, eine Privilegierung der Positionen einzelner Mitglieder sowie ein Ergebnis zu bemängeln, dessen Gemeinwohlorientierung wegen der hohen Kosten des Beschlusses und der geringen klimapolitischen Ambition umstritten ist. Zum Schluss des Aufsatzes wird diskutiert, wie die Legitimität vergleichbarer Kommissionen durch Regulierung sowie direktdemokratische Elemente erhöht werden könnte.

The complex COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy appears to impair prognosis. Recently, we presented the hypothesis that children are to some extent protected by higher α2‐macroglobulin (α2‐M) levels from severe COVID‐19. In addition to endothelial cells, thrombin, and platelets, neutrophil granulocytes also appear to play an important role. Neutrophils extrude extracellular nets, which are histone‐ and protease‐coated web‐like DNA structures; activate coagulation and platelets; and release radicals and proteases such as elastase. The unique phylogenetically ancient and “versatile” inhibitor α2‐M contributes particularly during childhood to the antithrombin activity of plasma, binds a broad spectrum of proteases, and interacts with other mediators of inflammation such as cytokines. It is suggested that the scope of basic research and clinical studies would include the potential role of α2‐M in COVID‐19.

The complex COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy appears to impair prognosis. Recently, we presented the hypothesis that children are to some extent protected by higher α2‐macroglobulin (α2‐M) levels from severe COVID‐19. In addition to endothelial cells, thrombin, and platelets, neutrophil granulocytes also appear to play an important role. Neutrophils extrude extracellular nets, which are histone‐ and protease‐coated web‐like DNA structures; activate coagulation and platelets; and release radicals and proteases such as elastase. The unique phylogenetically ancient and “versatile” inhibitor α2‐M contributes particularly during childhood to the antithrombin activity of plasma, binds a broad spectrum of proteases, and interacts with other mediators of inflammation such as cytokines. It is suggested that the scope of basic research and clinical studies would include the potential role of α2‐M in COVID‐19.

We report on a solvent‐free approach for the synthesis of low molecular weight, α,ω‐dihydroxy telechelic poly(β‐butyrolactone). In the presence of Ti(IV) alkoxides, mixtures of β‐butyrolactone and diols, like di‐ or triethylene glycol, were reacted in ratios between 4:1 and 10:1. The oligomerization proceeds at elevated temperatures (80–100°C). Different alkoxide substituents (R = Me, iPr, tBu) of the Ti(IV)(OR)4catalyst were investigated. The resulting oligomers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infra‐red (IR), gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC), titration, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐ToF‐MS) analysis. Aside from low molecular weight products, special effort was devoted to achieve high O‐acyl cleavage selectivity and to circumvent the formation of unsaturated end‐groups in order to form exclusively dihydroxy‐telechelic oligomers. Optimized results in terms of selectivity and reaction rates were achieved at 100°C using catalyst loadings of 0.2 mol% with respect to the monomer. The molecular weights determined by GPC were in good accordance with the ratio of monomer to diol used, confirming successful oligomer formation. Polyurethanes prepared from crude macrodiols without any additional catalyst feature molecular weights up to 50,000 g/mol. The reported work serves as concept to utilize β‐lactones for tailored polyol synthesis; the resulting products are suitable for polyurethane chemistry. Oligodiols are synthesized from β‐butyrolactone and diethylene glycol via Ti(IV) alkoxide catalysis. NMR and IR spectroscopy, acid‐base titration, GPC and MALDI‐ToF‐MS are used to determine their chemical structures. The highly selective O‐acyl ring‐opening mode leads to hydroxyl end‐groups, but water elimination can be avoided by running reactions below 100°C. Macrodiols with 1000 g/mol can react with diisocyanates to form polyurethanes with molecular weights of up to 50,000 g/mol (DP = 44).

In vitro differentiation of human stem cells can produce pancreatic β-cells; the loss of this insulin-secreting cell type underlies type 1 diabetes. Here, as a step towards understanding this differentiation process, we report the transcriptional profiling of more than 100,000 human cells undergoing in vitro β-cell differentiation, and describe the cells that emerged. We resolve populations that correspond to β-cells, α-like poly-hormonal cells, non-endocrine cells that resemble pancreatic exocrine cells and a previously unreported population that resembles enterochromaffin cells. We show that endocrine cells maintain their identity in culture in the absence of exogenous growth factors, and that changes in gene expression associated with in vivo β-cell maturation are recapitulated in vitro. We implement a scalable re-aggregation technique to deplete non-endocrine cells and identify CD49a (also known as ITGA1) as a surface marker of the β-cell population, which allows magnetic sorting to a purity of 80%. Finally, we use a high-resolution sequencing time course to characterize gene-expression dynamics during the induction of human pancreatic endocrine cells, from which we develop a lineage model of in vitro β-cell differentiation. This study provides a perspective on human stem-cell differentiation, and will guide future endeavours that focus on the differentiation of pancreatic islet cells, and their applications in regenerative medicine. Single-cell transcriptional profiling of in vitro human pancreatic β-cell differentiation reveals progenitor and terminal fates, produces a detailed time course of endocrine induction and underpins a lineage model.

Energy transformations not only evoke multi-dimensional claims for just distribution, recognition, and procedures, but also reveal how these claims depend on and shape the spatial context that they address. The aim of this contribution is to provide a framework that connects spatial and multi-dimensional aspects of justice in energy transition research. It builds on literature in the fields of just transition studies and energy justice. While the relevance of considering space and scale in socio-technical transitions is widely acknowledged, a conceptual framework can help to connect justice and spatiality in transitions and support scrutiny of their interconnections. The present work seeks to address this gap by incorporating contributions from the fields of political geography and political theory. Accordingly, it discusses central intersections in the moral–spatial tension field. Spatial justice claims are conceptualized as referring at the same time to moral (substance-related) and spatial dimensions of (in)justice and relating both to each other. The paper conceptualizes how justice claims refer to multiple scales, center-periphery relations, interterritorial and infrastructure-related concerns as well as to place-based attachments. It discusses the positioning of actors in this moral-spatial field as well as the reference to directional patterns of responsibility and effect. Attention to spatial justice claims further discloses processes of boundary construction, perpetuation, and contestation as well as the regional entrenchment of widely shared justice claims. Transformation-related political institutions and processes in affected regions reveal how various spatial justice claims are publicly related to each other.

Für die Lärmreduzierung von Flugzeugtriebwerken kommen perforierte Bleche mit dahinterliegender Kavität (sogenannte Liner) zum Einsatz. Das aeroakustische Dämpfungsprinzip dieser Elemente beruht auf der Wechselwirkung von Schall und Strömung. Bisherige physikalische Modelle der Dämpfungsprozesse erlauben jedoch nicht die notwendige Entwicklung effizienterer Liner, da die aeroakustische Wechselwirkung noch nicht vollständig verstanden ist. Daher ist die Kenntnis relevanter Größen, wie die lokale Schalldruckverteilung, entscheidend für das Verständnis der lokalen Dämpfungsprozesse. Dazu präsentieren wir ein kamerabasiertes Messsystem für die zweidimensionale nicht-invasive ortsaufgelöste Schalldruckbestimmung.

Quantitative gene expression assays are increasingly used for diagnosis and research, but are often restricted to specific instrumentation. We propose a robust technical and statistical framework that enables transferring of established real-time quantitative PCR assays across real-time quantitative PCR platforms without compromising analytical and clinical validity. The feasibility of our approach was tested on MammaTyper, an in vitrodiagnostic assay that quantifies breast cancer biomarkers and dichotomizes results according to cutoff points. CFX96, Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast, and Mx3000P were chosen as the candidate platforms, whereas the LightCycler 480 II was used as a reference. Two instruments were used per platform, and they were tested initially for equivalence via Bland-Altman and Deming regression analyses. A method comparison approach was adapted to adjust cutoffs for the new systems and the cross-platform agreement was evaluated. Finally, precision was estimated for each platform. The performance on the candidate devices was highly comparable to the reference platform, with a 7 log quantification range and amplification efficiencies of 97% to 103%. The equivalence tests successfully prequalified instruments, preventing constant and proportional errors and enabling reliable adjustments of cutoffs, which resulted in cross-platform marker and subtype agreements of 91% to 100% and κ values between 0.78 and 1.00. Provided that platform-specific adjustments are implemented, the described process can help expand the operability of quantitative diagnostic tests while maintaining assay performance characteristics.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Mit der klassischen Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR) werden bestimmte Zielabschnitte des Erbgutes (DNA) in einem einzigen Reaktionsansatz gezielt vervielfältigt und nachgewiesen. Bei der sogenannten droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) wird der Reaktionsansatz auf zehntausende winzige Tröpfchen (kleiner als 1 nL) verteilt (Wasser-in-Öl-Emulsion). Man erhält Tröpfchen, die entweder keine oder mindestens eine Kopie der Ziel-DNA enthalten. Anschließend wird eine PCR für jedes Tröpfchen durchgeführt, sodass sich entweder ein positives (1) oder ein negatives (0) Signal für jedes Tröpfchen ergibt. Diese 0/1-Antworten führten zu der Bezeichnung „digitale PCR“. Die ddPCR ermöglicht eine absolute Quantifizierung von DNA-Molekülen ohne Verwendung von Standardkurven.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7)/Mas axis of the renin-angiotensin system often opposes the detrimental effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme/Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor axis and has been associated with beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, whereas underlying mechanisms are mostly unknown. Here we investigate the effects of Ang-(1–7) and its receptor Mas on β-cell function. Isolated islets from Mas-deficient and wild-type mice were stimulated with Ang-(1–7) or its antagonists and effects on insulin secretion determined. Islets' cytoplasmic calcium and cAMP concentrations, mRNA amounts of Ins1, Ins2, Pdx1, and Mafaand effects of inhibitors of cAMP downstream signaling were determined. Ang-(1–7) was also applied to mice by osmotic pumps for 14 days and effects on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were assessed. Ang-(1–7) increased insulin secretion from wild-type islets, whereas antagonists and genetic Mas deficiency led to reduced insulin secretion. The Mas-dependent effects of Ang-(1–7) on insulin secretion did not result from changes in insulin gene expression or changes in the excitation-secretion coupling but from increased intracellular cAMP involving exchange protein activated directly by cAMP. Administration of Ang-(1–7) in vivo had only marginal effects on glucose tolerance in wild-type mice but still resulted in improved insulin secretion from islets isolated of these mice. Interestingly, although less pronounced than in wild types, Ang-(1–7) still affected insulin secretion in Mas-deficient islets. The data indicate a significant function of Ang-(1–7) in the regulation of insulin secretion from mouse islets in vitro and in vivo, mainly, but not exclusively, by Mas-dependent signaling, modulating the accessory pathway of insulin secretion via increase in cAMP.

Hypokalemia may accelerate kidney function decline. Both hypo- and hyperkalemia can cause sudden cardiac death. However, little is known about the relationship between serum potassium and death or the occurrence of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy (KRT). We investigated this relationship in older people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4-5.

Zusammenfassung.Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, mithilfe einer systematischen Literaturrecherche die derzeit zugänglichen evidenzbasierten computergestützten Interventionen zur Reduktion depressiver Symptome zu identifizieren. Insgesamt ließen sich 37 Interventionen ausfindig machen, welche überwiegend (51,4 %) ausschließlich auf Methoden der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie basieren. Für den englischen Sprachraum gibt es ein breites Angebot an internetbasierten, computer- und/oder smartphonegestützten Interventionen. Das deutschsprachige Angebot ist jedoch noch gering. Sprachliche und kulturelle Anpassungen der fremdsprachigen Interventionssysteme für den deutschsprachigen Raum würden eine erhebliche Erweiterung des verfügbaren Angebotes ermöglichen. Zur Ausschöpfung des Potenzials computergestützter Interventionen scheint die Frage essenziell, wie zukünftig Angebote für geeignete Patientengruppen qualitätsgesichert bereitgestellt werden können.

The transplantation of glucose-responsive, insulin-producing cells offers the potential for restoring glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. Pancreas transplantation and the infusion of cadaveric islets are currently implemented clinically, but these approaches are limited by the adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy over the lifetime of the recipient and the limited supply of donor tissue. The latter concern may be addressed by recently described glucose-responsive mature beta cells that are derived from human embryonic stem cells (referred to as SC-β cells), which may represent an unlimited source of human cells for pancreas replacement therapy. Strategies to address the immunosuppression concerns include immunoisolation of insulin-producing cells with porous biomaterials that function as an immune barrier. However, clinical implementation has been challenging because of host immune responses to the implant materials. Here we report the first long-term glycemic correction of a diabetic, immunocompetent animal model using human SC-β cells. SC-β cells were encapsulated with alginate derivatives capable of mitigating foreign-body responses in vivo and implanted into the intraperitoneal space of C57BL/6J mice treated with streptozotocin, which is an animal model for chemically induced type 1 diabetes. These implants induced glycemic correction without any immunosuppression until their removal at 174 d after implantation. Human C-peptide concentrations and in vivo glucose responsiveness demonstrated therapeutically relevant glycemic control. Implants retrieved after 174 d contained viable insulin-producing cells.

Um für komplexe, hochdynamische Strömungsprozesse wie bei Einspritzungen in Verbrennungsmotoren eine hohe Datenrate zu erreichen, d. h. eine große Voxelanzahl im dreidimensionalen Messvolumen und eine hohe Messrate, wird der Aufbau einer Lichtfeld-High-Speed-Kamera sowie deren Anwendung für ein frequenzmoduliertes Doppler-Global-Velozimeter (FM-DGV) vorgestellt. Die Lichtfeldauswertung gestattet hierbei die 3D-Rekonstruktion des Messvolumens für jedes aufgenommene Bild. Das Messsystem wurde zunächst für zwei simultan beobachtete Messebenen aufgebaut und es wird die Untersuchung eines instationären Sprays präsentiert.

We report on a search for the NH${_3}$inversion band at 9.0 μm, the CH4band at 7.7 μm, and the CH3OH band at 9.7 μm in the spectra of 10 heavily obscured stellar objects taken with the spectrophotometer ISOPHOT-S aboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). Four of them show indications of the NH3inversion band at 9.0 μm superimposed on the always strong silicate band. The results show that ammonia ice may be abundant in some cool and dense molecular circumstellar regions. The 9.7 μm band of solid CH3OH was detected in 5 of the sources, and also the 7.7 μm band of solid CH4was found in 5 sources. The PHT-S detections were cross-checked against ISO-SWS spectra from archive data. Considering the different beam sizes (24 $\times$24 $\sq \arcsec$versus 14 $\times$20 $\sq \arcsec$), there is good agreement.

To assess Eustachian tube balloon dilation in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction by objective analysis, especially tubomanometry.

Zusammenfassung.Die epidemiologische Beschreibung von Internetabhängigkeit und die Entwicklung von Interventionen erfordern eine reliable und ökonomische Erfassungsmethode von Internetabhängigkeit. Die Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) erfasst die Kernelemente von Internetabhängigkeit mit 14 Items, allerdings fehlten bisher bevölkerungsrepräsentative Normwerte für die deutsche Version der CIUS. In der vorliegenden Studie werden nun teststatistische Kennwerte und Normwerte für die deutsche Version der CIUS vorgelegt. 8 132 Personen aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung (14 – 64 Jahren) mit einer durchschnittlichen privaten Internetnutzung von einer Stunde oder länger, an mindestens einem Tag in der Woche oder am Wochenende beantworteten die CIUS. Insgesamt weist die CIUS gute psychometrische Eigenschaften auf und die vorgelegten Normwerte bieten die Möglichkeit für Vergleiche von individuellen Werten mit denen der internetnutzenden Bevölkerung.

We investigated the long-term light variations of six young irregular variables, all of them UX Orionis stars or related objects. For this aim we determined new photographic magnitudes for the five stars VX Cas, BH Cep, BO Cep, SV Cep, and RZ Psc and made use of similar data for WW Vul published independently. The magnitudes were derived from Argelander brightness estimates performed on plates of the Harvard College Observatory and Sonneberg Observatory plate collections. The data cover a period of about 100 years and are available at the Centre des Données Stellaires, Strasbourg. The new data were supplemented by multicolour photoelectric measurements taken from the literature and visual estimates collected by the AAVSO. The resulting lightcurves are displayed and discussed. Algol-like minima are observed with all the stars. Their properties are discussed under the presumption that they are caused by circumstellar dust clouds orbiting the stars. Parameters of the circumstellar dust shells are derived from modelling the observed infrared excess radiation and compared with constraints from the light variations.

In a systematic search we looked for coincidences in the positions of eclipsing binaries and IRAS point sources as evidence of a physical association. In a detailed discussion of the available optical and infrared data combined with model calculations, we show that 50-75% of the coincidences between eclipsing binaries and IRAS sources are real. We discuss a subsample of 44 stars in some detail and surveyed the vicinity of them on POSS and SRC/ESO atlases for possible optical counterparts and present identification maps. In the cases of BS Sco and V 718 Sco the infrared radiation may come from an accretion disk.

With the growing perception of industrialized societies that fossil raw materials are limited resources, academic chemical research and chemical industry have started to introduce novel catalytic technologies which aim at the development of economically competitive processes relying much more strongly on the use of alternative carbon feedstocks. Great interest is given world-wide to carbon dioxide (CO2) as it is part of the global carbon cycle, nontoxic, easily available in sufficient quantities anywhere in the industrialized world, and can be managed technically with ease, and at low cost. In principle carbon dioxide can be used to generate a large variety of synthetic products ranging from bulk chemicals like methanol and formic acid, through polymeric materials, to fine chemicals like aromatic acids useful in the pharmaceutical industry. Owing to the high thermodynamic stability of CO2, the energy constraints of chemical reactions have to be carefully analyzed to select promising processes. Furthermore, the high kinetic barriers for incorporation of CO2into C-H or C-C bond forming reactions require that any novel transformation of CO2must inevitably be associated with a novel catalytic technology. This short review comprises a selection of the most recent academic and industrial research developments mainly with regard to innovations in CO2chemistry in the field of homogeneous catalysis and processes.

ABSTRACTGenotypes of samples from protease inhibitor-naïve patients in Frankfurt's HIV Cohort were analyzed with five tipranavir resistance prediction algorithms. Mean scores were higher in non-B than in B subtypes. The proportion of non-B subtypes increased with increasing scores, except in weighted algorithms. Virtual and in vitrophenotype analyses of samples with increased scores showed no reduced tipranavir susceptibility. Current algorithms appear suboptimal for interpretation of resistance to tipranavir in non-B subtypes; increased scores might reflect algorithm bias rather than “natural resistance.”

Technische Fortschritte und fachliche Subspezialisierung haben der endokrinen Chirurgie in den letzten 10 Jahren ein anderes Gesicht gegeben. Die Tendenz geht einerseits Richtung minimal invasiver Chirurgie mit kleinen Zugängen, andrerseits erlauben präzisere Operationstechniken die vollständigere und radikalere Entfernung des endokrinen Gewebes, insbesondere bei der Schilddrüsenchirurgie. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die heutigen Operationstechniken und Operationsstrategien im Bereich der endokrinen Chirurgie.

ABSTRACTThe detection of Trypanosoma cruziinfection in domestic dogs and cats is relevant to evaluating human transmission risks and the effectiveness of insecticide spraying campaigns. However, the serological assays routinely used are associated with cross-reactivity in sera from mammals infected with Leishmaniaspp. We used a trans-sialidase inhibition assay (TIA) for T. cruzidiagnosis in serum samples from 199 dogs and 57 cats from areas where these types of infections are endemic. TIA is based on the antibody neutralization of recombinant trans-sialidase, an enzyme that is not detected in the coendemic Leishmaniaspecies or Trypanosoma rangeliparasites. T. cruziinfection was also evaluated by conventional serology (CS) (indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunochromatographic dipstick test) and xenodiagnosis. Sera from 30 dogs and 15 cats from areas where these organisms are not endemic and 5 dogs with visceral leishmaniasis were found to be nonreactive by TIA and CS. Samples from dogs and cats demonstrated 91 and 95% copositivities between TIA and CS, whereas the conegativities were 98 and 97%, respectively. Sera from xenodiagnosis-positive dogs and cats also reacted by TIA (copositivities of 97 and 83%, respectively). TIA was reactive in three CS-negative samples and was able to resolve results in two cat serum samples that were CS inconclusive. Our study is the first to describe the development of trans-sialidase neutralizing antibodies in naturally infected dogs and cats. High CS conegativity and the absence of trans-sialidase neutralization in dog sera from areas where leishmaniasis is not endemic and from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis support TIA specificity. The TIA may be a useful tool for T. cruzidetection in the main domestic reservoirs.

Replication of HIV-1 after cell entry is essentially dependent on the reverse transcriptase (RT). Antiretroviral drugs impairing the function of the RT currently aim at the polymerase subunit. One reason for failure of antiretroviral treatment is the evolvement of resistance-associated mutations in the viral genome. For RT inhibitors, almost all identified mutations are located within the polymerase; therefore, general genotyping confines to investigate this subunit. Recently several studies have shown that substitutions within the RNase H and the connection domain increase antiviral drug-resistance in vitro, and some of them are present in patient isolates. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of these substitutions and their association with mutations in the polymerase domain arising during antiretroviral treatment. We performed genotypic analyzes on seventy-four virus isolates derived from treated and untreated patients, followed at the HIV Centre of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital (Frankfurt/Main, Germany). We subsequently analysed the different substitutions in the c-terminal region to evaluate whether there were associations with each other, n-terminal substitutions or with antiretroviral treatment. We identified several primer grip substitutions, but almost all of them were located in the connection domain. This is consistent with other in-vivo studies, in which especially the primer grip residues located in the RNase H were unvaried. Furthermore, we identified other substitutions in the connection domain and in the RNase H. Especially E399D seemed to be associated with an antiretroviral treatment and N-terminal resistance-delivering mutations. Some of the identified substitutions were associated with antiviral treatment and drug resistance-associated mutations. Due to the low prevalence of C-terminal mutations and as only a few of them could be associated with antiviral treatment and N-terminal resistance-delivering mutations, we would not recommend routinely testing of the C-terminal RT region.

I analyze how ownership can be structured to minimize the haggling costs due to contractual incompleteness. i model haggling as a contest in which integration gives the integrating party a relative advantage over the integrated party. In a one-period model, this implies that the contest will become more uneven and social waste reduced, making integration the optimal strategy. in the infinitely repeated version of the model, the parties can also enter a relational contract under which each party promises not to engage in haggling. I show that such a contract is less stable under integration, since the integrating party gains much more from deviating than does any party under non-integration.

The anodic oxidation of 1,3‐diisopropylbenzene in methanol gave exclusively the desired dimethoxy‐functionalized product in excellent yield when potassium bromate was utilized as supporting electrolyte. Similar electrochemical conversions in other alcoholic solvents were not successful based on the low conductivity of the mixture. The introduction of other alcohols could then be realized when the dimethoxy derivative was converted under SN1 conditions in alcohols used as solvent. Thereby, higher alcohols could be introduced in moderate yields and acceptable selectivities.

Ziel: Das verbleibende Restrisiko abzuschätzen, durch Blut- oder Plasmatransfusion HIV zu übertragen. Verfahren und Techniken zur Diagnostik der HIV-Infektion bei Blutspendern darzustellen. Quellen:Die deutsch- und englischsprachige medizinische Literatur zum Thema sowie eigene Erfahrungen der Autoren. Auswahlkriterien:Keine speziellen Auswahlkriterien. Ergebnisse:Transfusionsbedingte HIV-Infektionen sind in Deutschland durch konsequentes Spenderscreening, Durchführung des Anti-HIV-Tests und Tests, die andere Infektionserreger erkennen, wesentlich vermindert worden. Die Wertigkeit des p24-Antigentests bleibt offen. Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (PCR) und Multi-primer-Amplifikationstests (SAA) bringen bis heute keine Verbesserung der HIV-Erkennung in der Frühphase der Infektion und können aus technischen Gründen nicht in Serie durchgeführt werden. Klinische Studien zur Effektivität von Versuchen, Viren durch Psoralen, Methylenblau und UV-Bestrahlung zu inaktivieren, stehen noch aus. Schluβfolgerungen:Verbesserungen der HIV-Sicherheit können erreicht werden durch weiterhin konsequentes Testen auf Antikörper von Infektionserregern, durch strikte Spenderselektion und durch Regionalisierung des Spendenaufkommens. Eine 100%ige Sicherheit gegen Infektionserreger wird es bei Blutkonserven nicht geben, besonders unter dem Aspekt, daβ geographisch eingegrenzte Infektionserreger ihr angestammtes Habitat verlassen.

Summary/ZusammenfassungKimball'sPrudence and Two-Fund Separation as Determinants of Mutual Fund Performance EvaluationWe consider investors with mean-variance-skewness preferences who aim at selecting one out of Fdifferent funds and combining it optimally with the riskless asset and direct stock holdings. Direct stock holdings are either exogenously or endogenously determined. In our theoretical section, we derive and discuss several performance measures for the investor's decision problems with a central role of Kimball's(1990) prudence and of several variants of Sharpeand Treynormeasures. In our empirical section, we show that the distinction between exogenous and endogenous stock holding is less important than the issue of skewness preferences. The latter are most relevant for fund rankings, when an investor's skewness preferences are not derived from cubic HARA utility so that the two-fund separation theorem is not valid. (JEL G11)KimballsPrudence und Zwei-Fonds-Separation als Determinanten der Performancemessung für InvestmentfondsWir betrachten Investoren mit Erwartungswert-Varianz-Schiefe-Präferenzen, deren Ziel in der Selektion eines von Fzur Auswahl stehenden Fonds fund dessen optimaler Kombination mit einer risikolosen Anlage und einem direkten Aktienengagement besteht. Direkte Aktienengagements sind dabei entweder exogen vorgegeben oder werden endogen bestimmt. In dem theoretischen Teil unserer Abhandlung entwickeln und diskutieren wir verschiedene Performancemaße, wobei Kimballs(1990) „Prudence“ und diverse Varianten von Sharpe- und Treynor-Maßen eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Im empirischen Teil des Beitrags zeigen wir, dass der Unterscheidung zwischen exogenem und endogenem Aktienengagement eine geringere Bedeutung zukommt als der Frage nach der Berücksichtigung von Schiefepräferenzen. Deren Bedeutung für Fondsrankings ist dabei dann am größten, wenn sie nicht aus der Annahme einer kubischen Nutzenfunktion vom HARA-Typ hergeleitet werden, sodass die Zwei-Fonds-Separation keine Gültigkeit hat.

It is often argued in economics that building a reputation for trustworthiness could help individuals or firms to mitigate or even overcome problems of contractual incompleteness. In this paper, we use data from the German eBay website to test whether a seller’s bad reputation has an effect on selling prices. For auctions of popular DVDs at eBay we do indeed find evidence for this hypothesis. We show that an increase in the share of negative ratings of one percentage point decreases the selling price by about 4 per cent. The number of negative ratings, in contrast, does not affect the selling price significantly. Hence, bidders on the eBay marketplace seem to concentrate on relative rather than on absolute measures of reputation. Further, we challenge the recommendation that it is profitable for eBay sellers to let their auction end in the evening, when many potential buyers are supposed to be online. We find that prices are relatively lower in the evening. This may be due to a much higher supply of DVDs in the evening.