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In this contribution we present a method to design prototype filters of oversampling uniform complex-modulated FIR filter bank pairs. Especially, we present a noniterative two-step procedure: (i) design of analysis prototype filter with minimum group delay and approximately linear-phase frequency response in the passband and the transition band and (ii) Design of synthesis prototype filter such that the filter bank pairs distortion function approximates a linear-phase allpass function. Both aliasing and imaging are controlled by introducing sophisticated stopband constraints in both steps. Moreover, we investigate the delay properties of oversampling uniform complex-modulated FIR filter bank pairs in order to achieve the lowest possible filter bank delay. An illustrative design example demonstrates the potential of the design approach.

This paper investigates the performance boundaries of a calibrated deterministic indoor channel model. From a propagation modeling point of view, this process allows to assess the weakness of ray tracing and sets the boundary conditions for a such modeling method. The principle of the deterministic model calibration used in this work focuses upon the estimation of optimal material parameters by means of a few pilot measurements and a simulated annealing method. This technique improves the accuracy of the prediction model for all measurement positions including those not considered by the calibration. The performance of the calibrated ray tracing model and the sensitivity of the calibration to the number of pilot measurements have been investigated. For this investigation, a measurement campaign has been conducted within an indoor office building at 2.45 GHz with 100 MHz bandwidth. Furthermore, the model performance has been compared to empirical indoor models.

Mobile communication services are getting more and more important and, in particular, multimedia services have attracted the interest of the users. Mobile TV is one of the most demanded candidates. Powerful and efficient communication systems are needed, which provide high capacities, especially at the downlink. Furthermore, interactivity is essential for supporting the user needs and to extend the service offering. As one possible solution to meet the mentioned requirements, we consider the combination of the cellular network UMTS and the mobile broadcast network DVB-H, which form a hybrid network. We investigate the performance of hybrid networks and develop a system model, which describes the hybrid network and the load switching between both networks. One of the contributions is the definition of the switching bound concept, which represents an efficient tool to assess the necessity and the feasibility of hybrid networks and the amount of load switching. The performance indicators cell load and grade of service are analyzed by using theoretical and realistic scenarios.

This account summarizes the activities of the first three years of our young research group working in the field of homogeneous asymmetric catalysis.

In the title complex, [Ir(C10H15)Cl2(C6H7N5)]·CH2Cl2 or [Ir(η5-C5Me5)Cl2(9-MeAde-κN7)]·CH2Cl2 (9-MeAde = 9-methyladenine), the coordination geometry of the IrIII atom approximates to a three-legged piano stool. The 9-methyladenine ligand is coordinated in a monodentate fashion to the Ir centre through its N-7 atom. The crystal structure contains centrosymmetric pairs of molecules, interacting through two N—H...N hydrogen bonds. An intramolecular N—H...Cl hydrogen bond is formed between the H atom of an NH2 group and a chlorido ligand. Further short intra- and intermolecular C—H...Cl contacts are observed.

An increasing number of small RNAs (sRNAs) have been shown to regulate critical pathways in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In bacteria, regulation by trans-encoded sRNAs is predominantly found in the coordination of intricate stress responses. The mechanisms by which sRNAs modulate expression of its targets are diverse. In common to most is the possibility that interference with the translation of mRNA targets may also alter the abundance of functional sRNAs. Aiming to understand the unique role played by sRNAs in gene regulation, we studied examples from two distinct classes of bacterial sRNAs in Escherichia coli using a quantitative approach combining experiment and theory. Our results demonstrate that sRNA provides a novel mode of gene regulation, with characteristics distinct from those of protein-mediated gene regulation. These include a threshold-linear response with a tunable threshold, a robust noise resistance characteristic, and a built-in capability for hierarchical cross-talk. Knowledge of these special features of sRNA-mediated regulation may be crucial toward understanding the subtle functions that sRNAs can play in coordinating various stress-relief pathways. Our results may also help guide the design of synthetic genetic circuits that have properties difficult to attain with protein regulators alone.

Attenuated viral vaccines can be generated by targeting essential pathogenicity factors. We report here the rational design of an attenuated recombinant coronavirus vaccine based on a deletion in the coding sequence of the non-structural protein 1 (nsp1). In cell culture, nsp1 of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), like its SARS-coronavirus homolog, strongly reduced cellular gene expression. The effect of nsp1 on MHV replication in vitro and in vivo was analyzed using a recombinant MHV encoding a deletion in the nsp1-coding sequence. The recombinant MHV nsp1 mutant grew normally in tissue culture, but was severely attenuated in vivo. Replication and spread of the nsp1 mutant virus was restored almost to wild-type levels in type I interferon (IFN) receptor-deficient mice, indicating that nsp1 interferes efficiently with the type I IFN system. Importantly, replication of nsp1 mutant virus in professional antigen-presenting cells such as conventional dendritic cells and macrophages, and induction of type I IFN in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, was not impaired. Furthermore, even low doses of nsp1 mutant MHV elicited potent cytotoxic T cell responses and protected mice against homologous and heterologous virus challenge. Taken together, the presented attenuation strategy provides a paradigm for the development of highly efficient coronavirus vaccines.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell responses are critical for spontaneous resolution of HCV viremia. Here we examined the effect of a lymphotropic virus, HIV-1, on the ability of coinfected patients to maintain spontaneous control of HCV infection.We measured T cell responsiveness by lymphoproliferation and interferon-gamma ELISPOT in a large cohort of HCV-infected individuals with and without HIV infection. Among 47 HCV/HIV-1-coinfected individuals, spontaneous control of HCV was associated with more frequent HCV-specific lymphoproliferative (LP) responses (35%) compared to coinfected persons who exhibited chronic HCV viremia (7%, p = 0.016), but less frequent compared to HCV controllers who were not HIV infected (86%, p = 0.003). Preservation of HCV-specific LP responses in coinfected individuals was associated with a higher nadir CD4 count (r(2) = 0.45, p < 0.001) and the presence and magnitude of the HCV-specific CD8(+) T cell interferon-gamma response (p = 0.0014). During long-term follow-up, recurrence of HCV viremia occurred in six of 25 coinfected individuals with prior control of HCV, but in 0 of 16 HIV-1-negative HCV controllers (p = 0.03, log rank test). In these six individuals with recurrent HCV viremia, the magnitude of HCV viremia following recurrence inversely correlated with the CD4 count at time of breakthrough (r = -0.94, p = 0.017).These results indicate that HIV infection impairs the immune response to HCV-including in persons who have cleared HCV infection-and that HIV-1-infected individuals with spontaneous control of HCV remain at significant risk for a second episode of HCV viremia. These findings highlight the need for repeat viral RNA testing of apparent controllers of HCV infection in the setting of HIV-1 coinfection and provide a possible explanation for the higher rate of HCV persistence observed in this population.

On March 9th, 2005, a conference entitled "Qualitative Market Research—State of the Art and Prospects" was held in Frankfurt/M., organized by the Association of German Social and Market Researchers (BVM e.V.). Because of the great interest generated by the conference it was repeated on April 20th, 2005. The aim of the conference was to bring together market research professionals from the supply and demand sector to discuss the state of the art of qualitative market research in Germany. Within this report the main topics and discussions from the conference will be summarized and evaluated in relation to their meaning for qualitative market research in Germany. The presentations revealed that qualitative market research in Germany is a diverse enterprise. The conference was an important step to optimize transparency and knowledge-management within qualitative market research. First, the variety of the presented approaches was helpful: After an introduction on essential features of qualitative research that laid a theoretical foundation and a point of reference for the following discussion, qualitative market research was presented in five talks from psychodynamic, cognitive, ethnological and systemic perspectives. Second, the final clients’ forum provided the opportunity for intensive and fruitful discussions between market researchers from business organizations and institutes. In practice, the meaning of qualitative methods within the market research process differs broadly between organizations. It became clear that market researchers frequently combine qualitative and quantitative approaches, but that there is still the need to discuss how this integration of methods can be realized systematically and in the best way. Additionally, it was suggested that further discussion is needed on the importance of qualitative research by itself, e.g. in its meaning for predictions and consultancy needs. Summarizing, the conference illustrated that qualitative market research in Germany is in a phase of dynamic development. Still, there is much unexplored potential for market research in general as well for cooperation with academic-social qualitative researchers. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs050356

Undifferentiated Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) is a common clinical syndrome among patients seeking hospital care. Detection of co-infections at the time of presentation is a diagnostic challenge, especially with limited laboratory support. Even if detected, early treatment and cure of these co-infections can be difficult for the clinicians. We are presenting a rare case of Hepatitis B and leptospirosis co-infection with high titres of Salmonella paratyphi A and scrub typhus. There are a few reports of leptospirosis in Hepatitis -B infected individuals but no generalization can be made due to limited data. Prompt and accurate serological diagnosis of multiple infectious agents have becomes mandatory in a healthcare set-up.

The impetus for the current FQS issue was the growing impact of qualitative methods in applied market, media and opinion research. The quantity and variety of contributions submitted revealed the creative potential of qualitative methods not only for academic research, but also—and especially—in the realm of applied research, and indicated how science and practice can engage in an exchange that is productive and inspiring for both sides. This article begins by providing an introduction to the spectrum of contributions accepted for publication in FQS 5(2). It then reflects upon topics that were not addressed in the submissions despite our Call for Papers as a potential indication of problems and "blind spots. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0402232

The full potential of qualitative market studies in academic social research and market research is still not being explored. In this article first it is pointed out why academic social research should consider the practice of qualitative market research followed by ways of intensifying the connection between applied and academic social research. In the second part of the article it is argued that though the state of qualitative procedures within the applied market and marketing research is promising, a greater recognition is still indicated. At the same time it is suggested that a substantial restructuring within the qualitative market research is necessary in order to make better use of its potential. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0402331

If you maintain St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) in Florida, its possible that gray leaf spot, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe grisea (Pyricularia grisea), will be a problem in your lawn or sod field. Research has proven the effectiveness of amendments of silicon (Si) to soils that are deficient in soluble Si (

With reference to the question whether and how individualization processes and the changed social reality in gender relations can be stated analysing the transition to parenthood, different development processes of plans related to family formation will be considered in this article. First, fundamental empirical studies are introduced, in which development processes and different forms of family planning are discussed. Subsequently, the typology of biographical family formation planning will be presented, which is based on the longitudinal panel study 'Status Passages into Employment' as a part of the Special Collaborative Centre 186 at the University of Bremen. It will be shown, how young adults, after finishing their vocational training, anticipate the transition into parenthood in its temporal realization and in coordination with the shaping of the occupational biography. The typology illustrates a broad spectrum of anticipation and the shaping of the transition into parenthood, which extend from longterm planning to unplanned pregnancy. Zusammenfassung Anknüpfend an die Frage, ob und wie sich Individualisierungsprozesse und die veränderte soziale Realität im Geschlechterverhältnis bei der Betrachtung des Übergangs in die Elternschaft konstatieren lassen und zu welchen verschiedenen Übergangsformen sie führen, werden Entwicklungsprozesse von antizipatorischen Vorstellungen zur Familiengründung diskutiert. Zunächst werden für diese Fragestellung grundlegende empirische Studien aus dem deutschen Sprachraum erörtert, ehe die im Kontext des Forschungsprojektes 'Statuspassagen in die Erwerbstätigkeit' des Sonderforschungsbereiches 186 der Universität Bremen entwickelte Längsschnitttypologie biographischer Pläne zur Familiengründung vorgestellt wird, die zeigt, wie junge Erwachsene nach Beendigung der Berufsausbildung den Übergang in die Elternschaft in seiner zeitlichen Realisierung und in Koordination mit der Gestaltung der Berufsbiographie antizipieren und planen.

On the basis of several examples from our longitudinal study "Transitions to Employment," dealing with the shaping of biography of young adults and typical transition-patterns from education to employment, we discuss the use of a text databank in the evaluation of problem-centered interviews. First, we explain the structure of the project's "databank of biographical interviews with young adults" which is founded on a thematic and temporarily differentiating system of categories recording job- and family-related actions and orientations. We present different ways of using the databank in qualitative evaluation. The manner how certain cases and categories of the databank are selected and included in the analysis depends on the objective and the problem's complexity. Our examples show that the use of a databank is an important possibility to support the evaluation of qualitative interviews, facilitating a thematic directed access and thus allowing the handling of data which are particularly extensive. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0003183

We are presenting the basic features of our qualitative German panel study concerning the job entry of young adults, dealing also with methodological issues. The selection of the respondents in qualified jobs (commercial-technical, crafts/trade, services) took into account gender-specific aspects, different labor-market prospects and regions. From the quantitative panel, a theoretical sample of respondents was selected who were interviewed three times in three-years intervals (3 waves). These interviews, focusing on individual biographies (i.e. orientations and action strategies) form the basis for constructing a typology. Methodological innovations concern the modeling of the sequence of occupational actions and orientations as life-course sequences and the case-specific and case-comparing analysis of interview transcripts. This was done—based on a data bank containing the interview material—by means of a detailed scheme of categories. The integration of quantitative and qualitative longitudinal data presents a theoretical and methodological challenge. Our focus is on biography and life-course research which suggests an interdisciplinary approach. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0002178

Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die regionalen Effekte des kommunalen Finanzausgleichs. Auf der Basis eines Modells des traditionellen Verteilungssystems werden die räumliche Inzidenz sowie die allokative Effizienz von Zuweisungen analysiert. Es läßt sich zeigen, daß die Berücksichtigung eines zentralörtlichen Bedarfs nicht zur Internalisierung von Spillovers führt. So erhalten zentrale Orte trotz eines steigenden Bedarfs unter Umständen sogar weniger als vorher, eine These, die prinzipiell für jedes denkbare Bedarfsmaß gilt und die bisher gültige Vorstellung eindeutig widerlegt. Als Ursache hierfür werden systemimmanente Zielkonflikte offengelegt, die die Eignung der gängigen Praxis für Ziele der Raumordnung grundsätzlich in Frage stellen.

The occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in water, sediment and copepods was studied over a wide range of salinity using conventional and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques in the Cochin backwaters. V. cholerae occurred either as culturable or non-culturable form in this tropical estuary. During the pre monsoon period when high salinity prevailed (35.5psu) V. cholerae was associated with copepods only in non-culturable form, but with the onset of monsoon when lower salinity prevailed, copepod-associated-V. cholerae reverted back to culturable form. The optimum salinity range for culturability was found to be 15-20psu. This points to the fact that salinity is a major factor that which influences V. cholerae's culturability and its association with copepods in Cochin backwaters.