Basel II: Führen die neuen Anforderungen an die Kreditinstitute zu einer Benachteiligung des Mittelstands?

In der Öffentlichkeit wurden Befürchtungen geäußert, dass Basel II den Mittelstand benachteilige, indem die Kreditverfügbarkeit für die Unternehmen eingeschränkt und ihre Zinskosten steigen würden. Für Dr. Werner Müller, Bundeswirtschaftsminister, ist diese Frage »derzeit noch nicht endgültig zu beantworten. Zwar werden zu vielen der für uns noch kritischen Punkte erfolgversprechende Lösungsansätze diskutiert, eine abschließende Einigung in Basel steht aber noch aus.« Dr. Helmut Krämer-Eis und Dr. Gregor Taistra, KfW, sehen in dem Konsultationspapier von Basel »gute Ansätze«, so dass »Basel II nicht pauschal zur Benachteiligung des Mittelstands und auch nicht zu dem vielfach befürchteten Credit Crunch führen (muss)«. Für Gerhard Hofmann, Deutsche Bundesbank, ist »unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Stabilität der einzelnen Bank und unseres Bankensystems ... Basel II unverzichtbar.« Nach Ansicht von Prof. Dr. Thomas Heidron, Hochschule für Bankwirtschaft Frankfurt/Main, wird Basel II die Situation im Mittelstand nicht grundsätzlich verändern, während laut Prof. Dr. Stephan Paul, Dr. Stefan Stein, Universität Bochum, und Dr. Michael Paul, Simon, Kucher & Partners, Basel II sogar mehr Chancen als Risiken für den Mittelstand bringt.Kreditgeschäft, Eigenkapitalvorschriften, Mittelstand, Mittelstandspolitik, Kredit, Kreditrisiko

Sparse-Lagrangian PDF Modelling of Silica Synthesis from Silane Jets in Vitiated Co-flows with Varying Inflow Conditions

This paper presents a comparison of experimental and numerical results for a series of turbulent reacting jets where silica nanoparticles are formed and grow due to surface growth and agglomeration. We use large-eddy simulation coupled with a multiple mapping conditioning approach for the solution of the transport equation for the joint probability density function of scalar composition and particulate size distribution. The model considers inception based on finite-rate chemistry, volumetric surface growth and agglomeration. The sub-models adopted for these particulate processes are the standard ones used by the community. Validation follows the “paradigm shift” approach where elastic light scattering signals (that depend on particulate number and size), OH- and SiO-LIF signals are computed from the simulation results and compared with “raw signals” from laser diagnostics. The sensitivity towards variable boundary conditions such as co-flow temperature, Reynolds number and precursor doping of the jet is investigated. Agreement between simulation and experiments is very good for a reference case which is used to calibrate the signals. While keeping the model parameters constant, the sensitivity of the particulate size distribution on co-flow temperature is predicted satisfactorily upstream although quantitative differences with the data exist downstream for the lowest coflow temperature case that is considered. When the precursor concentration is varied, the model predicts the correct direction of the change in signal but notable qualitative and quantitative differences with the data are observed. In particular, the measured signals show a highly non-linear variation while the predictions exhibit a square dependence on precursor doping at best. So, while the results for the reference case appear to be very good, shortcomings in the standard submodels are revealed through variation of the boundary conditions. This demonstrates the importance of testing complex nanoparticle synthesis models on a flame series to ensure that the physical trends are correctly accounted for

Mathematical models of morphogen gradients and their effects on gene expression

not applicabl

Folding and organization of a contiguous chromosome region according to the gene distribution pattern in primary genomic sequence

Specific mammalian genes functionally and dynamically associate together within the nucleus. Yet, how an array of many genes along the chromosome sequence can be spatially organized and folded together is unknown. We investigated the 3D structure of a well-annotated, highly conserved 4.3-Mb region on mouse chromosome 14 that contains four clusters of genes separated by gene “deserts.” In nuclei, this region forms multiple, nonrandom “higher order” structures. These structures are based on the gene distribution pattern in primary sequence and are marked by preferential associations among multiple gene clusters. Associating gene clusters represent expressed chromatin, but their aggregation is not simply dependent on ongoing transcription. In chromosomes with aggregated gene clusters, gene deserts preferentially align with the nuclear periphery, providing evidence for chromosomal region architecture by specific associations with functional nuclear domains. Together, these data suggest dynamic, probabilistic 3D folding states for a contiguous megabase-scale chromosomal region, supporting the diverse activities of multiple genes and their conserved primary sequence organization

Single cell immune profiling by mass cytometry of newly diagnosed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated with nilotinib

Monitoring of single cell signal transduction in leukemic cellular subsets has been proposed to provide deeper understanding of disease biology and prognosis, but has so far not been tested in a clinical trial of targeted therapy. We developed a complete mass cytometry analysis pipeline for characterization of intracellular signal transduction patterns in the major leukocyte subsets of chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Changes in phosphorylated Bcr-Abl1 and the signaling pathways involved were readily identifiable in peripheral blood single cells already within three hours of the patient receiving oral nilotinib. The signal transduction profiles of healthy donors were clearly distinct from those of the patients at diagnosis. Furthermore, using principal component analysis, we could show that phosphorylated transcription factors STAT3 (Y705) and CREB (S133) within seven days reflected BCR-ABL1(IS) at three and six months. Analyses of peripheral blood cells longitudinally collected from patients in the ENEST1st clinical trial showed that single cell mass cytometry appears to be highly suitable for future investigations addressing tyrosine kinase inhibitor dosing and effect. (clinicaltrials. gov identifier: 01061177)Peer reviewe

Whole body vibration compared to conventional physiotherapy in patients with gonarthrosis: a protocol for a randomized, controlled study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative arthropathy. Load-bearing joints such as knee and hip are more often affected than spine or hands. The prevalence of gonarthrosis is generally higher than that of coxarthrosis.</p> <p>Because no cure for OA exists, the main emphasis of therapy is analgesic treatment through either mobility or medication. Non-pharmacologic treatment is the first step, followed by the addition of analgesic medication, and ultimately by surgery.</p> <p>The goal of non-pharmacologic and non-invasive therapy is to improve neuromuscular function, which in turn both prevents formation of and delays progression of OA. A modification of conventional physiotherapy, whole body vibration has been successfully employed for several years. Since its introduction, this therapy is in wide use at our facility not only for gonarthrosis, but also coxarthrosis and other diseases leading to muscular imbalance.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This study is a randomized, therapy-controlled trial in a primary care setting at a university hospital. Patients presenting to our outpatient clinic with initial symptoms of gonarthrosis will be assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. After patient consent, 6 weeks of treatment will ensue. During the six weeks of treatment, patients will receive one of two treatments, conventional physiotherapy or whole-body-vibration exercises of one hour three times a week. Follow-up examinations will be performed immediately after treatment and after another 6 and 20 weeks, for a total study duration of 6 months. 20 patients will be included in each therapy group.</p> <p>Outcome measurements will include objective analysis of motion and ambulation as well as examinations of balance and isokinetic force. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and SF-12 scores, the patients' overall status, and clinical examinations of the affected joint will be carried out.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>As new physiotherapy techniques develop for the treatment of OA, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of competing strategies. With this study, not only patient-based scores, but also objective assessments will be used to quantify patient-derived benefits of therapy.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) DRKS00000415</p> <p>Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01037972</p> <p>EudraCT 2009-017617-29</p

Comparison of standard fusion with a "topping off" system in lumbar spine surgery: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fusion of lumbar spine segments is a well-established therapy for many pathologies. The procedure changes the biomechanics of the spine. Initial clinical benefits may be outweighed by ensuing damage to the adjacent segments. Various surgical devices and techniques have been developed to prevent this deterioration. "Topping off" systems combine rigid fusion with a flexible pedicle screw system to prevent adjacent segment disease (ASD). To date, there is no convincing evidence that these devices provide any patient benefits.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The study is designed as a randomized, therapy-controlled trial in a clinical care setting at a university hospital. Patients presenting to the outpatient clinic with degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis will be assessed against study inclusion and exclusion criteria. After randomization, the control group will undergo conventional fusion. The intervention group will undergo fusion with a supplemental flexible pedicle screw system to protect the adjacent segment ("topping off").</p> <p>Follow-up examination will take place immediately after treatment during hospital stay, after 6 weeks, and then after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Subsequently, ongoing assessments will be performed annually.</p> <p>Outcome measurements will include quality of life and pain assessments using questionnaires (SF-36™, ODI, COMI). In addition, clinical and radiologic ASD, work-related disability, and duration of work disability will be assessed. Inpatient and 6-month mortality, surgery-related data (e.g., intraoperative complications, blood loss, length of incision, surgical duration), postoperative complications, adverse events, and serious adverse events will be documented and monitored throughout the study. Cost-effectiveness analysis will also be provided.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>New hybrid systems might improve the outcome of lumbar spine fusion. To date, there is no convincing published data on effectiveness or safety of these topping off systems. High quality data is required to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of topping off devices. If only because these devices are quite expensive compared to conventional fusion implants, nonessential use should be avoided. In fact, these high costs necessitate efforts by health care providers to evaluate the effects of these implants. Randomized clinical trials are highly recommended to evaluate the benefits or harm to the patient.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01224379">NCT01224379</a></p

Flexible modelling of spatial variation in agricultural field trials with the R package INLA

The objective of this paper was to fit different established spatial models for analysing agricultural field trials using the open-source R package INLA. Spatial variation is common in field trials, and accounting for it increases the accuracy of estimated genetic effects. However, this is still hindered by the lack of available software implementations. We compare some established spatial models and show possibilities for flexible modelling with respect to field trial design and joint modelling over multiple years and locations. We use a Bayesian framework and for statistical inference the integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) implemented in the R package INLA. The spatial models we use are the well-known independent row and column effects, separable first-order autoregressive ( AR1⊗AR1 ) models and a Gaussian random field (Matérn) model that is approximated via the stochastic partial differential equation approach. The Matérn model can accommodate flexible field trial designs and yields interpretable parameters. We test the models in a simulation study imitating a wheat breeding programme with different levels of spatial variation, with and without genome-wide markers and with combining data over two locations, modelling spatial and genetic effects jointly. The results show comparable predictive performance for both the AR1⊗AR1 and the Matérn models. We also present an example of fitting the models to a real wheat breeding data and simulated tree breeding data with the Nelder wheel design to show the flexibility of the Matérn model and the R package INLA

Autoantibodies to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors found in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Autoantibodies to the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor of the M3 type (hmAchR M3) have been suggested to play an etiopathogenic role in Sjögren's syndrome. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) often is associated with this syndrome. Therefore, we studied the co-presence of hmAchR M3 autoantibodies in patients with PBC.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Frequency of hmAchR M3 autoantibodies was assessed by Western blotting analysis as well as by an ELISA using a 25-mer peptide of the 2^ndextracellular loop of hmAchR M3. Co-localization of hmAchR M3/PBC-specific autoantibodies was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Finally, sera from patients with PBC as well as from healthy controls were tested.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Western blotting analysis as well as results from ELISA testing revealed a significantly enhanced IgG reactivity in PBC patients in contrast to healthy controls. Co-localization of autoantibodies with the hmAchR M3 receptor-specific autoantibodies was observed in 10 out of 12 PBC-patients but none of the 5 healthy controls. Antibodies of the IgM type were not found to be affected.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>For the first time, our data demonstrate the presence of autoantibodies to the hmAchR M3 in PBC patients. These findings might contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease. Further studies have to focus on the functionality of hmAchR M3 autoantibodies in PBC patients.</p