Democracy Versus the National Security State

The Single Chip Cloud computer (SCC) is an experimental processor from Intel Labs with 48 cores connected with a 2D mesh on-chip network. We evaluate the performance of SCC regarding off-chip memory accesses and communication capabilities. As benchmark, we use the merging phase of mergesort, a representative of a memory access intensive algorithm. Mergesort is parallelized and adapted in 4 variants, each leveraging different features of the SCC, in order to assess and compare their performance impact. Our results motivate to consider on-chip pipelined mergesort on SCC, which is an issue of ongoing work

Preparation and Catalytic Activity of Boron-Substituted Zirconocenes

Borylated zirconocenes of the type (L2B–C5H4)2ZrCl2 and (L2B–C5H4)(C5H5)ZrCl2 are readily available in two steps. In the polymerization of ethylene and propylene in the presence of AlEt3 or methylalumoxan (MAO), these zirconocenes are more active than the unsubstituted reagent Cp2ZrCl2

Essential Role of the G-Domain in Targeting of the Protein Import Receptor atToc159 to the Chloroplast Outer Membrane

Two homologous GTP-bindin proteins, atToc33 and atToc159, control access of cytosolic precursor proteins to the chloroplast, at Toc33 is a constitutive outer chloroplast membrane protein, whereas the precusor receptor atToc159 may be able to switch between a soluble and an integral membrane form. By transient expression of GFP fusion proteins, mutant analysis, and biochemical experimentation, we demonstrate that the GTP-binding domain regulates the targeting of cytosolic atToc159 to the chloroplast and mediates the switch between cytosolic and integral membrane forms. Mutant atToc159, unable to bind GTP, does not reinstate a green phenotype in an albino mutant (ppi2) lacking endogenous atToc159, remaining trapped in the cytosol. Thus, the function of atToc159 in chloroplast biogenesis is dependent on an intrinsic GTP-regulated swtich that controls localization of the receptor to the chloroplast envelope

Sleep and physical activity from before conception to the end of pregnancy in healthy women: a longitudinal actigraphy study

Background Sleep and physical activity changes are common in pregnancy, but longitudinal data starting before conception are scarce. Our aim was to determine the changes of the daily total sleep time (TST) and physical activity duration (PAD) from before conception to end of pregnancies in respect of pregestational maternal factors. Methods This longitudinal observational study formed part of the CONIMPREG research project and recruited healthy women planning to become pregnant. Sleep and physical activity were recorded around-the-clock for ≥4 days via actigraphy before conception and during each trimester of pregnancy. Data were adjusted according to pregestational maternal body composition, parity and age. Results Among 123 women with eligible data, the unadjusted mean (95% confidence interval) TST increased from 415.3 min (405.5–425.2 min) before conception to 458.0 min (445.4–470.6 min) in the 1st trimester, remaining high through the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Variation was substantial before conception (±2SD range: 307–523 min). The unadjusted mean PAD before conception was 363.7 min (±2SD range: 120–608 min), decreasing sharply to 262.1 min in the first trimester and more gradually thereafter. Vigorous and moderate activity decreased more than light activity. TST and PAD were significantly associated with age, parity, and pregestational body fat percentage; lean body mass was negatively correlated with TST. Results were generally unaffected by seasonal variations. Conclusion Marked variations were found in pregestational TST and PAD. Healthy women slept ≥30 min longer during pregnancy, while PAD decreased by ≥ 90 min in early pregnancy and continued to decrease thereafter.publishedVersio

Regulation of emotions in the community: suppression and reappraisal strategies and its psychometric properties

Objective: The German Version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) has recently been published. The questionnaire investigates two common emotion regulation strategies (10 items) on two scales (suppression, reappraisal). Major aims of the study were to assess the reliability and factor structure of the ERQ, to determine population based norms and to investigate relations of suppression and reappraisal to anxiety, depression and demographic characteristics

Regulation of emotions in the community: suppression and reappraisal strategies and its psychometric properties

Objective: The German Version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) has recently been published. The questionnaire investigates two common emotion regulation strategies (10 items) on two scales (suppression, reappraisal). Major aims of the study were to assess the reliability and factor structure of the ERQ, to determine population based norms and to investigate relations of suppression and reappraisal to anxiety, depression and demographic characteristics

Targeting of an abundant cytosolic form of the protein import receptor at Toc159 to the outer chloroplast membrane

Chloroplast biogenesis requires the large-scale import of cytosolically synthesized precursor proteins. A trimeric translocon (Toc complex) containing two homologous GTP-binding proteins (atToc33 and atToc159) and a channel protein (atToc75) facilitates protein translocation across the outer envelope membrane. The mechanisms governing function and assembly of the Toc complex are not yet understood. This study demonstrates that atToc159 and its pea orthologue exist in an abundant, previously unrecognized soluble form, and partition between cytosol-containing soluble fractions and the chloroplast outer membrane. We show that soluble atToc159 binds directly to the cytosolic domain of atToc33 in a homotypic interaction, contributing to the integration of atToc159 into the chloroplast outer membrane. The data suggest that the function of the Toc complex involves switching of atToc159 between a soluble and an integral membrane form

The influence of region of interest width in fetal 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography late in pregnancy

Speckle tracking echocardiography is a promising method for assessment of myocardial function in fetal and neonatal hearts, but further studies are necessary to validate and optimize the settings for use in fetal cardiology. Previous studies have shown that the definition of the region of interest (ROI) affects strain values in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate how different widths of ROI influences measurements of four-chamber longitudinal systolic strain in fetuses late in pregnancy. Thirty-one singleton, healthy fetuses born to healthy mothers underwent an echocardiographic examination during gestational week 37. Speckle tracking was performed with two different settings for ROI width; the narrowest and second most narrow, provided both widths were assessed as suitable for the myocardial wall thickness of the fetus. We found an inverse correlation between the ROI width and the strain values. Four-chamber longitudinal strain changed from − 20.7 ± 3.6% to − 18.0 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001) with increasing ROI width. Further, strain decreased from the endocardium to the epicardium with multilayer measurements. Different widths of ROI influenced the strain measurements significantly in the fetal heart, comparable to what has been reported in adults. A standardization of the ROI setting could improve the interpretation, and reduce variability in fetal strain measurements.publishedVersio

Evaluationsbericht der Erziehungswissenschaftlichen Lehr- und Forschungswerkstatt (ELF) der Technischen Universität Dresden: Auswertung der Teilnehmendenevaluationen aus dem Zeitraum Wintersemester 2013/14 bis Sommersemester 2018

Die Erziehungswissenschaftliche Lehr- und Forschungswerkstatt (ELF) ist ein Projekt, das an den Arbeitsbereich der Professur Schulpädagogik: Schulforschung des Instituts für Erziehungswissenschaft an der Technischen Universität Dresden angebunden ist und seit dem Wintersemester 2013/2014 Lehrveranstaltungen anbietet. Die ELF bietet engagierten Studierenden Raum, sich wissenschaftsbasiert in Team- und Kooperationsfähigkeit, Selbständigkeit und kritischer Selbstreflexion zu üben. Mit den Angeboten „Kollegiale Fallberatung“, „Blocktrainings zu sozialen und personalen Kompetenzen im Lehrer*innenberuf“ (kurz auch „Kompetenztrainings“ oder „Trainings“ genannt) und „Tutor*innentraining 1 und 2“ werden pädagogische Kompetenzen der Studierenden gestärkt, die bereits in der Organisation und Bewältigung des Studienalltags höchste Relevanz haben (Themen der Trainings sind bspw. Stress-/Zeitmanagement und Kommunikation) und auch im späteren Berufsalltag eine erhebliche Rolle spielen. Im Zuge dieser Lehrerfahrungen werden die Studierenden intensiv, individuell und prozessbezogen in ihren Lern- und Entwicklungsprozessen im Sinne eines Peer-Coaching von studentischen Mitarbeiter*innen der ELF begleitet. Die Reflexion dieser Selbsterfahrung als Lehrperson im Studium ist ein bedeutsamer Faktor für erfolgreiches pädagogisches Handeln im späteren Berufsleben, da die Handlungs- und Reflexionsfähigkeit der Teilnehmenden maßgeblich erweitert werden. Die Vermittlung der Lehrinhalte im Rahmen der ELF folgt darüber hinaus dem Prinzip eines Multiplikatorensystems. Die Teilnehmer*innen aller Lehrveranstaltungen der ELF erhalten mit der letzten Sitzung der Kollegialen Fallberatung, am Ende des zweiten Trainingstages der Kompetenztrainings und zum Abschluss des Tutor*innenprogrammes einen auf das jeweilige Format der Lehrveranstaltung zugeschnittenen Evaluationsbogen. Der Evaluationsbogen erhebt neben personenbezogenen Daten auch subjektive Einstellungen zu dem Format und der Durchführung des jeweiligen Lehrangebotes sowie der Leitung dessen durch die Peer-Leiter*innen, Einstellungen bezüglich der ELF und deren Wahrnehmung sowie die Einschätzung der individuellen Kompetenzentwicklung. Im vorliegenden Bericht werden die Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Evaluationen im Zeitraum vom Wintersemester 2013/14 bis zum Sommersemester 2018 dargestellt und erörtert.:1 Einführung 2 Methodik 3 Kollegiale Fallberatung (KFB) 4 Kompetenztrainings 5 Tutor*innentraining 1 6 Tutor*innentraining 2 7 Auswertung offene Fragen 8 Ausblick 9 Literatu

Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban for Postoperative Thromboprophylaxis in Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. Clinical end point studies on thromboprophylaxis with direct oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing bariatric surgery are lacking. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of a prophylactic dose of 10 mg/d of rivaroxaban for both 7 and 28 days after bariatric surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This assessor-blinded, phase 2, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, with participants from 3 academic and nonacademic hospitals in Switzerland. INTERVENTION Patients were randomized 1 day after bariatric surgery to 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban for either 7 days (short prophylaxis) or 28 days (long prophylaxis). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of deep vein thrombosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and pulmonary embolism within 28 days after bariatric surgery. Main safety outcomes included major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and mortality. RESULTS Of 300 patients, 272 (mean [SD] age, 40.0 [12.1] years; 216 women [80.3%]; mean body mass index, 42.2) were randomized; 134 received a 7-day and 135 a 28-day VTE prophylaxis course with rivaroxaban. Only 1 thromboembolic event (0.4%) occurred (asymptomatic thrombosis in a patient undergoing sleeve gastrectomy with extended prophylaxis). Major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events were observed in 5 patients (1.9%): 2 in the short prophylaxis group and 3 in the long prophylaxis group. Clinically nonsignificant bleeding events were observed in 10 patients (3.7%): 3 in the short prophylaxis arm and 7 in the long prophylaxis arm. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, once-daily VTE prophylaxis with 10 mg of rivaroxaban was effective and safe in the early postoperative phase after bariatric surgery in both the short and long prophylaxis groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03522259