A boolean function requiring 3n network size

Paul [P] first proved a 2.5n-lower bound for the network complexity of an explicit boolean function. We modify the definition of Paul\u27s function a little and prove a 3n-lower bound for the network complexity of that function

A boolean function requiring 3n network size

Paul [P] first proved a 2.5n-lower bound for the network complexity of an explicit boolean function. We modify the definition of Paul's function a little and prove a 3n-lower bound for the network complexity of that function

The structure of working hours in Swiss companies

The change in our society’s set of values and the requirements of dynamic markets (shorter product life-cycles, increasing speed of innovation, greater customerorientation, internationalization, etc.) present companies with an increasing number of new challenges. These challenges are not only found in the development of new products, production technologies, etc. but are also found in connection with time and flexibility, in particular. Both theory and practice require new solutions in respect of working hours and their flexibilization. Which flexible models of working hours are being used in Swiss companies today, which factors have influenced their introduction and which aspects of working-hour structures should receive more attention in future in the opinion of those involved - these questions are the basis of this contribution

Zukunft Einfamilienhaus – explorative Befunde aus der Perspektive der Ressourcenund Flächeninanspruchnahme

Das Einfamilienhaus galt und gilt immer noch vielen Menschen als Wohnideal und hat eine große Bedeutung für die Wohnungsversorgung in Deutschland. Zugleich mehren sich die Indizien dafür, dass diese Bestände zumindest regional unter Druck geraten könnten. Der demografische Wandel und Veränderungen der Nutzerpräferenzen, aber auch Veränderungen auf den Finanz- und Immobilienmärkten, stellen die Bestände vor neue Herausforderungen. Trotz Niedrigzinsphase und Nachfrageboom in wachsenden Regionen sind stagnierende oder nachgebende Preise, Veräußerungsschwierigkeiten und selbst Leerstände in abgelegeneren Regionen in diesem Segment keine Seltenheit mehr. Zugleich ist das Einfamilienhaus die am meisten ressourcenintensive Wohnform. Damit ergeben sich potenziell auch ökologische Folgewirkungen einer möglichen Leerstandsentwicklung im Sinne von Ineffizienzen der Nutzung materieller Ressourcen und der Flächeninanspruchnahme. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden im Rahmen eines aktuell laufenden Projektes zwei westdeutsche Mittelstädte mit stabiler bzw. abnehmender Bevölkerung als Fallstudienstädte untersucht. Dabei wurden zum einen Prognosen für die Bevölkerungs- und Haushaltsentwicklung gerechnet und Bestandsaufnahmen der Siedlungs- und Baustruktur zur Abschätzung der Ressourcenintensität konkreter Einfamilienhausbestände durchgeführt. Zum anderen wurden im Rahmen qualitativer Interviews mit Expertinnen und Experten des Wohnungs- und Bauwesens Einschätzungen der Situation sowie möglicher Entwicklungstrends erhoben

Status of light weight cassette design of SOFC

Lightweight SOFC stacks are currently being developed especially for automotive applications such as APU and for portable devices. Within the EU funded project MMLCR=SOFC the Jülich lightweight so-called CS-design was improved concerning better suitability for glass sealing, reduced manufacturing effort and increased power. Based on modelling in combination with manufacturing experience, test results, and post-test analysis substantial changes of the previous CS-design were made. The manufacturing of single parts, particularly due to the improved design of sheet metal interconnects, as well as the assembling processes are suitable for low-cost mass manufacturing. The novel decal concept of glass-ceramic sealant screen printed on foil in order to produce green tapes is used for joining the stack layers offering an enormous potential for cost savings in industrial assembly process. First stack tests with the new CSV–design showed a comparable electrochemical performance to the previous CSIV design having at the same time a better thermo-mechanical behavior.</jats:p

KRASG12C/TP53 co-mutations identify long-term responders to first line palliative treatment with pembrolizumab monotherapy in PD-L1 high (≥50%) lung adenocarcinoma

Background: Pembrolizumab is a standard of care as first line palliative therapy in PD-L1 overexpressing (≥50%) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed at the identification of KRAS and TP53-defined mutational subgroups in the PD-L1 high population to distinguish long-term responders from those with limited benefit. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, patients from 4 certified lung cancer centers in Berlin, Germany, having received pembrolizumab monotherapy as first line palliative treatment for lung adenocarcinoma (LuAD) from 2017 to 2018, with PD-L1 expression status and targeted NGS data available, were evaluated. Results: A total of 119 patients were included. Rates for KRAS, TP53 and combined mutations were 52.1%, 47.1% and 21.9%, respectively, with no association given between KRAS and TP53 mutations (P=0.24). By trend, PD-L1 expression was higher in KRAS-positive patients (75% vs. 65%, P=0.13). Objective response rate (ORR), median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the KRASG12C group (n=32, 51.6%) were 63.3%, 19.8 months (mo.) and not estimable (NE), respectively. Results in KRASother and wild type patients were similar and by far lower (42.7%, P=0.06; 6.2 mo., P<0.001; 23.4 mo., P=0.08). TP53 mutations alone had no impact on response and survival. However, KRASG12C/TP53 co-mutations (n=12) defined a subset of long-term responders (ORR 100.0%, PFS 33.3 mo., OS NE). In contrast, patients with KRASother/TP53 mutations showed a dismal prognosis (ORR 27.3%, P=0.002; PFS 3.9 mo., P=0.001, OS 9.7 mo., P=0.02). Conclusions: A comprehensive assessment of KRAS subtypes and TP53 mutations allows a highly relevant prognostic differentiation of patients with metastatic, PD-L1 high LuAD treated upfront with pembrolizumab

Probiotic modulation of symbiotic gut microbial–host metabolic interactions in a humanized microbiome mouse model

The transgenomic metabolic effects of exposure to either Lactobacillus paracasei or Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics have been measured and mapped in humanized extended genome mice (germ-free mice colonized with human baby flora). Statistical analysis of the compartmental fluctuations in diverse metabolic compartments, including biofluids, tissue and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in relation to microbial population modulation generated a novel top-down systems biology view of the host response to probiotic intervention. Probiotic exposure exerted microbiome modification and resulted in altered hepatic lipid metabolism coupled with lowered plasma lipoprotein levels and apparent stimulated glycolysis. Probiotic treatments also altered a diverse range of pathways outcomes, including amino-acid metabolism, methylamines and SCFAs. The novel application of hierarchical-principal component analysis allowed visualization of multicompartmental transgenomic metabolic interactions that could also be resolved at the compartment and pathway level. These integrated system investigations demonstrate the potential of metabolic profiling as a top-down systems biology driver for investigating the mechanistic basis of probiotic action and the therapeutic surveillance of the gut microbial activity related to dietary supplementation of probiotics