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For many years now E-learning researchers have been discussing the use of laptops in educational settings. The One Laptop per Child project, (OLPC project), has been used in developing countries since the year 2002 to avoid the increase of the digital divide between those with ready access to technology and those with limited access. Austria has become one of the first countries in the European Union (EU) to start an OLPC-project of its own. The focus of the project was on the use of digital devices in education at elementary school level. Accompanied by a solid research team, which brought teachers, e-learning experts and a software developer together, a first attempt was established. This article will describe the preliminary work and the first real life setting of this project, concluding with the experiences of the whole research group. It will also summarize a recommendation for the transfer of the project to developing countries. (Contains 4 figures and 7 online resources.)

Simple Summary: Due to life-long immunosuppression, organ transplant recipients are prone to skin cancer development. We evaluated the association of cumulative UV burden with skin aging and skin cancer in two groups of transplant patients with and without skin cancer, who were matched for gender, age, type of organ transplanted, post-transplantation period, and immunosuppressive therapy. Individuals with actinic keratoses had a 7.5-fold risk for skin cancer development, and those with green or blue eyes a 4.1- or 3.6-fold risk, respectively; carriers of particular MC1R genotypes associated with a diminished function had a 1.9-fold increased risk. The extent of skin aging was only connected with a higher number of tumors, but not with the development of skin cancer per se. The risk of keratinocyte cancer is determined by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which also influence skin aging. Few studies have linked skin aging and UV exposure with the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We evaluated signs of actinic skin damage and aging, individual UV burden, and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variants. A total of 194 organ transplant recipients (OTR) who suffered from NMSC were compared to 194 tumor-free controls matched for gender, age, type of transplanted organ, post-transplantation (TX) period, and immunosuppressive therapy. Compared with the cases, the controls scored higher in all skin aging scores and there were no differences in UV burden except for intentional whole-body UV exposure for specific UV scenarios and periods of life in favor of cases. The number of NMSCs correlated with all types of skin aging scores, the extent of intentional sun exposure, older age, longer post-TX period, shorter interval from TX to first NMSC, and specific MC1R risk groups. Multivariable models revealed a 7.5-fold risk of developing NMSC in individuals with actinic keratosis; 4.1- or 3.6-fold in those with green or blue eyes, respectively; and a 1.9-fold increased risk in the MC1R medium- + high-risk group. In the absence of skin aging contributing to NMSC development, certain MC1R risk types may identify OTR at risk for high tumor burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• The CaDNAP 13-STR panel was used to analyze 1184 dogs from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. • High genotyping success rates were observed across all individuals and breeds (n = 166). • All 1184 13 STR profiles were unique. • Simulation of locus drop-out indicates that 6–7 STR profiles already provide robust discriminatory power. • Reference frequency data across all breeds provide more conservative statistical estimates. Crime scene samples originating from domestic dogs such as hair, blood, or saliva can be probative as possible transfer evidence in human crime and in dog attack cases. In the majority of such cases canine DNA identification using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is the method of choice, which demands, among others, a systematic survey of allele frequency data in the relevant dog populations. A set of 13 highly polymorphic canine STR markers was used to analyze samples of 1,184 dogs (including 967 purebred dogs) from the so-called DACH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). This CaDNAP 13-STR panel has previously been validated for canine identification in a forensic context. Here, we present robust estimates of allele frequencies, which are essential to assess the weight of the evidence by estimating the probability of a matching DNA profile within the dog population under question, e.g. in the form of a random match probability (RMP). The geographical provenance of the tested dogs showed a negligible influence on the observed genotype variation. Therefore, we combined the STR data from all three countries into a single dog population sample (DPS). In contrast, pronounced genetic differentiation between dog breeds was found by principal component analysis and sub-structure analysis with the STRUCTURE software. These findings entailed the need to account for the effects of DPS breed composition on allele frequency estimates. A possible strategy, which was favored here, relies on collecting a DPS that is guided by the breed composition of the relevant dog population. In total, dogs from 166 different breeds were included in our DPS, 64 of them including at least 5 individuals (n = 771 dogs). Sampling reflected the abundance of breeds in the DACH countries with the following being the most common ones: German Shepherds (population frequency: 14.3%), Dachshunds (5.9%), Labrador Retrievers (3.9%), and Golden Retrievers (3.2%). The pedigree listing of the purebred dogs in our DPS ranked German Shepherds (DPS frequency 8.5%) first, followed by Labrador Retrievers (3.9%), Golden Retrievers (3%), and Dachshunds (2.5%). RMP values based on overall allele frequencies and accounting for substructure using F ST between breeds ranged between 10-13 and 10-14 and represent a conservative approach of RMP assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The distribution of Y-chromosomal haplogroup G2a (G-P15) in present-day paternal lineages in Tyrol (Austria) was analyzed by applying a high-density regional sampling scheme that also covered remote mountain areas. There is evidence from ancient genetic data for a high frequency of Y-chromosomal haplogroup G in prehistoric populations of Central Europe, whilst nowadays levels well below 10% are routinely observed. A population sample comprising ∼3700 specimens was analyzed for Y-chromosomal variation by genotyping Y-SNPs and Y-STRs. The set of binary markers included nine SNPs specific for sub-lineages of haplogroup G. The frequency of haplogroup G in 2379 unrelated men born in Tyrol amounted to 11.3%. Nearly all of these Y chromosomes belonged to haplogroup G2a. The main sub-haplogroup within G2a was defined by the SNP L497 (G2a3b1c) and reached a population frequency of 8.6%. Although this average level is higher than reported for other countries the geographical distribution of haplogroup G-L497 showed a differentiated pattern with a clustered distribution within some alpine valleys, where maxima above 40% were found. Both, the estimation of coalescent times and a principle coordinates analysis based on R ST values derived from Y-STR haplotypes from different sub-regions of Tyrol revealed evidence for an old settlement history associated with Y chromosomes belonging to haplogroup G in the Tyrolean Alps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The distribution of Y-chromosomal haplogroup G2a (G-P15) in present-day paternal lineages in Tyrol (Austria) was analyzed by applying a high-density regional sampling scheme that also covered remote mountain areas. There is evidence from ancient genetic data for a high frequency of Y-chromosomal haplogroup G in prehistoric populations of Central Europe, whilst nowadays levels well below 10% are routinely observed. A population sample comprising ∼3700 specimens was analyzed for Y-chromosomal variation by genotyping Y-SNPs and Y-STRs. The set of binary markers included nine SNPs specific for sub-lineages of haplogroup G. The frequency of haplogroup G in 2379 unrelated men born in Tyrol amounted to 11.3%. Nearly all of these Y chromosomes belonged to haplogroup G2a. The main sub-haplogroup within G2a was defined by the SNP L497 (G2a3b1c) and reached a population frequency of 8.6%. Although this average level is higher than reported for other countries the geographical distribution of haplogroup G-L497 showed a differentiated pattern with a clustered distribution within some alpine valleys, where maxima above 40% were found. Both, the estimation of coalescent times and a principle coordinates analysis based on R ST values derived from Y-STR haplotypes from different sub-regions of Tyrol revealed evidence for an old settlement history associated with Y chromosomes belonging to haplogroup G in the Tyrolean Alps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The small alpine district of East Tyrol (Austria) has an exceptional demographic history. It was contemporaneously inhabited by members of the Romance, the Slavic and the Germanic language groups for centuries. Since the Late Middle Ages, however, the population of the principally agrarian-oriented area is solely Germanic speaking. Historic facts about East Tyrol's colonization are rare, but spatial density-distribution analysis based on the etymology of place-names has facilitated accurate spatial mapping of the various language groups' former settlement regions. To test for present-day Y chromosome population substructure, molecular genetic data were compared to the information attained by the linguistic analysis of pasture names. The linguistic data were used for subdividing East Tyrol into two regions of former Romance (A) and Slavic (B) settlement. Samples from 270 East Tyrolean men were genotyped for 17 Y-chromosomal microsatellites (Y-STRs) and 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs). Analysis of the probands' surnames revealed no evidence for spatial genetic structuring. Also, spatial autocorrelation analysis did not indicate significant correlation between genetic (Y-STR haplotypes) and geographic distance. Haplogroup R-M17 chromosomes, however, were absent in region A, but constituted one of the most frequent haplogroups in region B. The R-M343 (R1b) clade showed a marked and complementary frequency distribution pattern in these two regions. To further test East Tyrol's modern Y-chromosomal landscape for geographic patterning attributable to the early history of settlement in this alpine area, principal coordinates analysis was performed. The Y-STR haplotypes from region A clearly clustered with those of Romance reference populations and the samples from region B matched best with Germanic speaking reference populations. The combined use of onomastic and molecular genetic data revealed and mapped the marked structuring of the distribution of Y chromosomes in an alpine region that has been culturally homogeneous for centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the results of an attempt to identify the supposed remains of a famous World War I (WWI) Italian soldier who was killed in battle along the Italian front in 1915. Thanks to the availability of offspring from both paternal and maternal lineage Y-STRs and mtDNA were analysed and both showed a clear exclusion scenario: the remains did not belong to the supposed war hero. This is the first effort of identification of the remains of soldiers who perished during World War I within a multidisciplinary project aimed at the retrieval of historical and cultural aspects linked to WWI, and the systematic study of the remains of soldiers and ultimately their identification. This last step involves both Italian and Austrian laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the influence of accession to the European Union on the development of the public economy and the social economy in Austria. Background of the Austrian economic policy and structure; History of the public and social economy; Changes in the economic policy and structure.

Abstract: The successful marriage policy of margrave Leopold III increased the importance of the House of Babenberg in late medieval Austria (12th century). Historical documentation is inconclusive in providing evidence whether or not his eldest son Adalbert derived from an earlier relationship or from the marriage with King Henry IV''s daughter Agnes of Waiblingen, with whom Leopold is considered to have had 17 children. As a matter of fact Adalbert was ignored in the line of succession in favor of a younger brother, Leopold IV, which has led to long term historical discussions. Human remains attributed to these individuals were subjected to DNA analysis. Autosomal, Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA analyses brought successful results, which suggested that Leopold III, Agnes and Adalbert were related in parent–son constellation, in contrast to historical considerations. A possible mix-up of Adalbert''s remains with those of his younger brother Ernst could not be confirmed by DNA analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A previously healthy febrile patient with travel history to Nicaragua showed rapid clinical deterioration with hemodynamic shock and anuria. Diagnosis of severe malaria was established based on intra-erythrocytic parasites and antimalarial treatment was initiated. However, upon reevaluation Babesia microti infection was suspected and molecular characterization by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established a data set of 17 Y-STRs of 261 males from the Tyrolean district of Reutte. In total we observed 228 different haplotypes, 203 of which were unique and 25 occurred between two and four times. The haplotype diversity was 0.9987 and the discrimination capacity was 0.8736. Further, samples were typed with a selection of 19 Y-SNPs to establish the haplogroup background. Data are available in the Y chromosome haplotype reference database under accession number YA003715. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three recently described Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) were typed in a sample of 135 men from Tyrol (Austria). These SNPs define sub-clades of haplogroup (hg) R1b. The derived states of U152 (hg R1b3h) U106 (R1b3i) and U198 (R1b3i1) were found within the Austrian R1b population sub-sample (N =42) in 9 (21.4%), 25 (59.5%), and 1 (2.4%) individuals, respectively. Only 8 (19.0%) of the hg R1b Y-chromosomes remained unresolved. These novel SNPs proved to be promising tools for distinguishing R1b lineages in the evolutionary as well as in the forensic context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes the case of a 40-year-old woman with a family history of cardiomyopathy, personal history of hypotension and depression in Vienna, Austria. Clinical neurologic investigation revealed right-sided tinnitus, cervicalgia, generalized diffuse wasting and reduced patellar tendon reflexes. It was assumed that the patient suffered from right-sided hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with generalized wasting.

Efficient long-distance quantum teleportation is crucial for quantum communication and quantum networking schemes. Here we describe the high-fidelity teleportation of photons over a distance of 600 metres across the River Danube in Vienna, with the optimal efficiency that can be achieved using linear optics. Our result is a step towards the implementation of a quantum repeater, which will enable pure entanglement to be shared between distant parties in a public environment and eventually on a worldwide scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The duplicated Y-STR DYS385 is one of the most informative markers on the Y-chromosome. It consists of two copies—DYS385a and DYS385b—that are located close to the inner borders of palindrome P4. The application of standard PCR protocols for DYS385 results in the simultaneous amplification of both copies. Hence, an explicit assignment of the alleles to their loci is not possible which causes a loss of information. Recently, a PCR strategy was published that allows the separate analysis of DYS385a and b, which we followed with modifications in our study on 133 unrelated Caucasian men from Tirol (Austria). Additionally all markers of the minimal haplotype (including DYS385) were amplified using standard PCR protocols. The non-allele-discriminating amplification strategy for DYS385 allowed the discrimination of 27 different genotypes (GD=0.8616). By the separate analysis of the two DYS385 copies, this number increased to 34 (GD=0.9185). However, the cumulative haplotype diversity of the complete minimal haplotype was 0.9951, regardless of the amplification strategy for DYS385. This indicates that in the context of the minimal haplotype, the separate analysis of DYS385a and b has no or only a marginally positive effect on the differentiation of paternal lineages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]