Acute Cryptococcal Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient on Natalizumab

Presented is the first case of acute immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in a patient on natalizumab for multiple sclerosis. The patient developed acute cerebral edema after initiation of amphotericin B. We propose several mechanisms that explain the acuity of IRIS in this specific patient population and suggest possible therapies

Ultrafast emission from colloidal nanocrystals under pulsed X-ray excitation

Fast timing has emerged as a critical requirement for radiation detection in medical and high energy physics, motivating the search for scintillator materials with high light yield and fast time response. However, light emission rates from conventional scintillation mechanisms fundamentally limit the achievable time resolution, which is presently at least one order of magnitude slower than required for next-generation detectors. One solution to this challenge is to generate an intense prompt signal in response to ionizing radiation. In this paper, we present colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) as promising prompt photon sources. We investigate two classes of NCs: two-dimensional CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) and spherical CdSe/CdS core/giant shell quantum dots (GS QDs). We demonstrate that the emission rates of these NCs under pulsed X-ray excitation are much faster than traditional mechanisms in bulk scintillators, i.e. 5d-4f transitions. CdSe NPLs have a sub-100 ps effective decay time of 77 ps and CdSe/CdS GS QDs exhibit a sub-ns value of 849 ps. Further, the respective CdSe NPL and CdSe/CdS GS QD X-ray excited photoluminescence have the emission characteristics of excitons (X) and multiexcitons (MX), with the MXs providing additional prospects for fast timing with substantially shorter lifetimes

Unequal access to protection? Selection patterns over arrival cohorts of Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany

Introduction: An ample scholarly literature on voluntary migration has shown that migration is a highly selective process, resulting in migrant populations that often differ significantly from their respective population of origin in terms of their socio-demographic characteristics. The literature attributes these differences to either migrants' active choice and agency in the migration decision (i.e., self-selection), or to selectively applied external constraints. Although the socio-demographic make-up of forced migrant populations has received significant attention in public discourses in receiving countries such as Germany and Turkey, the literature on migrant selection largely focuses on voluntary migration and self-selection mechanisms. As a result, the selection mechanisms of forcibly displaced persons are less well-understood. Particularly in the context of forced migration, the conditions for migration fluctuate heavily within a relatively short time span, e.g., regarding immigration policies and border controls. In this study we contribute to that literature by exploring the changing conditions under which Syrians sought international humanitarian protection between 2013 and 2017 and linking them to the selection outcomes in three major receiving countries: Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany. Methods: Based on novel household survey data, we compare age, gender, socio-economic background, and family context of the Syrian populations in Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany by arrival cohort (2013–2017). In a narrative approach, we combine the cohort analysis of Syrians in Lebanon, Turkey, and Germany with contextual analyses of the (changing) frameworks governing refugee migration in transit and destination countries and descriptive analyses of changing risk levels along migration routes into Europe. Results: Our analyses reveal that higher external barriers coincide with a stronger selection in migrants' socio-demographic make-up. In particular, riskier routes and higher entry barriers are associated with a lower share of female migrants, a lower share traveling with family members, and a higher socio-economic background. Discussion: In this study, we describe differences in forced migrants' selection outcomes in countries of first refuge neighboring the origin country, relative to a reception country in the global north. By establishing legal and political frameworks as well as the accessibility of routes as external barriers to forced migration we expand on the existing theoretical approaches to selection effects and identify a need for policy intervention to ensure equitable access to humanitarian protection.Peer Reviewe

Ecogenetics of mercury: From genetic polymorphisms and epigenetics to risk assessment and decision‐making

The risk assessment of mercury (Hg), in both humans and wildlife, is made challenging by great variability in exposure and health effects. Although disease risk arises following complex interactions between genetic (“nature”) and environmental (“nurture”) factors, most Hg studies thus far have focused solely on environmental factors. In recent years, ecogenetic‐based studies have emerged and have started to document genetic and epigenetic factors that may indeed influence the toxicokinetics or toxicodynamics of Hg. The present study reviews these studies and discusses their utility in terms of Hg risk assessment, management, and policy and offers perspectives on fruitful areas for future research. In brief, epidemiological studies on populations exposed to inorganic Hg (e.g., dentists and miners) or methylmercury (e.g., fish consumers) are showing that polymorphisms in a number of environmentally responsive genes can explain variations in Hg biomarker values and health outcomes. Studies on mammals (wildlife, humans, rodents) are showing Hg exposures to be related to epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. Such findings are beginning to increase understanding of the mechanisms of action of Hg, and in doing so they may help identify candidate biomarkers and pinpoint susceptible groups or life stages. Furthermore, they may help refine uncertainty factors and thus lead to more accurate risk assessments and improved decision‐making. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1248–1258. © 2013 SETACPeer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106903/1/etc2375.pd

Going from bad to worse? Well-being of Syrian refugees in Turkey in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes

Key points: (1) Social and economic disadvantages and poor living conditions of Syrians in Turkey prior to the earthquakes made them particularly vulnerable to the destructive force of the earthquakes. (2) Syrians have less social, financial and material resources to cope with the earthquake-related losses and damages, amplifying inequalities and vulnerabilities. (3) Rather than receiving the social and economic support that could help compensate for existing inequalities, some Syrians report experiences of discrimination and serious problems because of inadequate aid.Peer Reviewe

Die Viten irischer Heiliger im Magnum Legendarium Austriacum

In der österreichischen Legendensammlung des Magnum Legendarium Austriacum, die in den Klöstern Admont, Heiligenkreuz, Melk, Lilienfeld und Zwettl sowie in einer Handschrift der österreichischen Nationalbibliothek überliefert ist, befinden sich interessanterweise auch die Lebensbeschreibungen von 21 irischen Heiligen. Wer diese waren, welche von ihnen in Österreich verehrt wurden bzw. werden und in welchem Zusammenhang sie zum Magnum Legendarium Austriacum sie stehen könnten, habe ich versucht in dieser Arbeit zusammen zu fassen. Hier hat sich eine Schnittmenge mit der Arbeit von Christine Zucchelli ergeben, die die Verehrung irischer Heiliger in Österreich zum Thema hat. Aufgrund meiner Beschäftigung mit dem Thema bin ich zu dem Schluss gekommen, dass die Anzahl der Iren, deren Viten im Magnum Legendarium Austriacum verewigt sind, als unwichtiger einzuschätzen ist, als postuliert wird. Dies habe ich versucht durch Materialsammlung zu begründen. Den zweiten Teil dieser Schrift nehmen die Bearbeitungen dreier Viten aus dieser Gruppe ein: - die Vita des heiligen Kevin von Glendalough, ein auch heute noch wichtiger Heiliger in Irland, der bei uns aber kaum bekannt ist. Diese war bisher unbearbeitet, ich habe eine Textversion aus allen Überlieferungshandschriften erstellt, kommentiert und übersetzt. - die Vita der heiligen Ita von Killeedy, die auch heute noch in Irland verehrt wird. 2003 waren die Texte aus dem Magnum Legendarium Austriacum Thema einer Arbeit in Utrecht. Ich habe den Text auf der Basis von vier der fünf Handschriften neu bearbeitet, übersetzt und kommentiert. - die unvollständige Vita des heiligen Ronan, der historisch kaum greifbar ist. 1898 wurde der Text in den Analecta Bollandiana 17 ediert, aber ohne, dass Einsicht in die Zwettler Handschrift genommen wurde. Ich habe diesen Text unter Zuhilfenahme dieser und zweier anderer Handschriften neu bearbeitet, kommentiert und ebenfalls übersetzt.The so – called Great Austrian Legendary or Magnum Legendarium Austriacum is a collection of vitae sanctorum sanctarumque. It is exstant in several monasteries, namely Admont, Heiligenkreuz, Lilienfeld, Melk and Zwettl. There is even one more manuscript exstant in the National Library of Austria. Within this collection, there is a significant number of originally Irish saints. Within this work I tried to give a picture of who these holy Irishmen and women were and why their lives should be included in this collection. This is not a thesis on which Irish saints are worshiped in Austria, although I included the cults of those MLA saints, that are being cried to. I also worked on a theory, that the Irish offspring of these twenty one saints does not play as much as an important a role in the studies on the MLA as has been promoted in literature. The second part of this thesis is dedicated to the vitae of three Irish saints to be found in the MLA. - St. Kevin of Glendalough: his life has not been edited yet, so I compiled a text using all manuscripts. Furthermore I wrote a commentary and translated the text. - St. Ite of Killeedy: her MLA life has already been the theme of a thesis written in Utrecht. I revised the text, added, commented and translated it into German. - St. Ronan: the MLA life was already published in 1898 in the Analecta Bollandiana. The editor did non use the manuscript of Zwettl. I compiled a text using three of four existing manuscripts, wrote explanatory notes and translatet it

English as a lingua franca between couples

Diese Diplomarbeit ist ein kleiner Beitrag zu der interessanten Forschung, die im Bereich English als Verkehrssprache (ELF) betrieben wird, und konzentriert sich auf einen Forschungsbereich, der bis jetzt ignoriert wurde. In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde besonderes Augenmerk auf die Verwendung von ELF als wichtigste Sprache für Business, Wissenschaft und Akademie gelegt. Hingegen wurde verhältnismäßig wenig im Bezug auf die Verwendung von ELF als primäres Kommunikationsmittel in zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen erforscht. Das Ziel dieser Diplomarbeit ist die Wichtigkeit von ELF als ‚private Verkehrssprache‘ hervorzuheben und besonderen Fokus auf die Entwicklung von ELF für private Zwecke zu legen. Einer der privatesten und vertrautesten Verwendungszwecke ist English als Kommunikationsmittel für Lebenspartner. Das Hauptziel dieser Diplomarbeit ist es ELF als Paarsprache zu untersuchen. Die Arbeit basiert auf einer qualitativen Studie von fünf Paaren, die ELF als Sprache in ihrer Beziehung gewählt haben und bezieht sich auf die Daten der Interviews, in welchen die befragten Personen ihre Wahrnehmungen bezüglich ihrer Sprachwahl und die Auswirkungen auf ihre Beziehung erläuterten. Die Ergebnisse bieten Einblick in die Bewegründe ihrer Sprachwahl und regt andere interessante Themenbereiche an, wie etwa ELF als Kommunikationsmittel um Emotionen auszudrücken und in welchem Ausmaß es zur Familiensprache werden kann. Der theoretische Hintergrund dieser Diplomarbeit basiert auf einem Überblick von bereits existierender Forschung im Bereich von ELF. Er konzentriert sich auf [ELF] Sprachhaltung, sowie auf [ELF] Sprachbewusstsein und Sprachwahl. Zusätzlich, werden besondere Eigenschaften von Paarsprache im Allgemeinen erwähnt, und im Besonderen werden die Eigenschaften von mehrsprachigen Pärchen diskutiert. Ein Hauptaugenmerk liegt vor allem auf mehrsprachigen Paaren und ihrer Sprachwahl wenn sie Emotionen ausdrücken. Der praktische Teil der Diplomarbeit präsentiert die Resultate der detaillierten Analyse der Interviews. Die aufkommenden Fragen- und Problembereiche werden durch genaue Beschreibungen der Ergebnisse klargestellt und durch Beispieldaten erläutert. Im Resümee, werden Schlussfolgerungen gezogen, welche auf Annahmen aus dem theoretischen Teil stammend basieren.This thesis sets out to contribute to the interesting research area of English as a lingua franca (ELF), and aims to explore a field which has not been dealt with before. During recent decades, the use of ELF as the principal language of business, science and academia has been well observed. However, very little research has been done concerning the interesting development of ELF as the primary means of communication in interpersonal relationships. This thesis stresses the growing importance of ELF as ‘the private lingua franca’ and it will focus on ELF as used for personal purposes. One of the most intimate uses of English is as a means of communication for couples. The major objective of this thesis is to investigate ELF as the language of couples. It rests on a qualitative study of five couples who use ELF as the language of their relationship, drawing on the data of interviews in which the participants exchanged perceptions of their language choice and how it affected their relationships. The findings provide insight into the couples’ motivations for choosing ELF, and raise other interesting issues like the extent to which ELF is an adequate means of expressing emotion and how far it might serve as a family language. These issues in turn raise questions about the possible limitations as well as the advantages and disadvantages of ELF. The theoretical background of this thesis is provided by an overview of already existing ELF research. It concentrates on [ELF] language attitudes, and on [ELF] language choice and awareness. Furthermore, certain features of the language of couples in general are outlined. But more specifically, the theoretical part of the study delves into the matter of multilingual couple talk. Particular focus lies on multilinguals and their language choice when expressing emotions. The practical part of the thesis presents the results of a detailed analysis of the five interviews. The issues and points made are clarified by a description of the results and exemplified through extracts from the data. In a resume and discussion at the end, conclusions are drawn which are based on assumptions from the theoretical background

Evidence for bystander signalling between human trophoblast cells and human embryonic stem cells

Maternal exposure during pregnancy to toxins can occasionally lead to miscarriage and malformation. It is currently thought that toxins pass through the placental barrier, albeit bilayered in the first trimester, and damage the fetus directly, albeit at low concentration. Here we examined the responses of human embryonic stem (hES) cells in tissue culture to two metals at low concentration. We compared direct exposures with indirect exposures across a bi-layered model of the placenta cell barrier. Direct exposure caused increased DNA damage without apoptosis or a loss of cell number but with some evidence of altered differentiation. Indirect exposure caused increased DNA damage and apoptosis but without loss of pluripotency. This was not caused by metal ions passing through the barrier. Instead the hES cells responded to signalling molecules (including TNF-α) secreted by the barrier cells. This mechanism was dependent on connexin 43 mediated intercellular ‘bystander signalling’ both within and between the trophoblast barrier and the hES colonies. These results highlight key differences between direct and indirect exposure of hES cells across a trophoblast barrier to metal toxins. It offers a theoretical possibility that an indirectly mediated toxicity of hES cells might have biological relevance to fetal development

Search for the production of dark matter in association with top-quark pairs in the single-lepton final state in proton-proton collisions at √s=8 TeV

Peer reviewe

Search for massive resonances decaying in to WW,WZ or ZZ bosons in proton-proton collisions at root s=13 TeV

Peer reviewe