Evolutionary Layout of Graph Transformation Sequences

Graph transformation is used in various different research areas and has been implemented in several tool environments. However, the layout of graph transformation sequences is often perceived as not optimal and remains to be a difficult task. This is partly due to the slightly different requirements for layouting graph transformation sequences compared to standard graph sequences. In this paper, we clearly define these special requirements and present a layout algorithm which fulfills them. This layout algorithm allows the user to keep track of changes during transformation steps by introducing a concept of node aging and protection of senior node positions in the layout. Furthermore, this layout algorithm introduces a concept of layout patterns. We extended the well-known spring embedder layout algorithm by these new concepts and implemented the new algorithm in AGG, an environment for Attributed Graph Grammars. The layout algorithm has been tested with various graph grammars. A brief outlook describes how this layout algorithm can also be used for different kinds of graph sequences, e.g. sequences of successively developing class diagrams

Implementing Distributed Controllers for Systems with Priorities

Implementing a component-based system in a distributed way so that it ensures some global constraints is a challenging problem. We consider here abstract specifications consisting of a composition of components and a controller given in the form of a set of interactions and a priority order amongst them. In the context of distributed systems, such a controller must be executed in a distributed fashion while still respecting the global constraints imposed by interactions and priorities. We present in this paper an implementation of an algorithm that allows a distributed execution of systems with (binary) interactions and priorities. We also present a comprehensive simulation analysis that shows how sensitive to changes our algorithm is, in particular changes related to the degree of conflict in the system.Comment: In Proceedings FOCLASA 2010, arXiv:1007.499

Propionibacterium spp. in prosthetic joint infections: a diagnostic challenge

Introduction: Propionibacterium species are common inhabitants of the skin and usually non-pathogenic for humans. However, Propionibacterium spp. can occasionally cause infections, but are estimated to play a minor role in prosthetic joint infections (PJI). The relative frequency of these anaerobes and their potential to cause surgical site infection may be clinically underestimated. An unknown proportion of these infections might be missed, since little is known about their clinical presentation, and since growth of Propionibacterium spp. in diagnostic samples is often interpreted as contamination. Thus, a hypothesis is being tested, stating that Propionibacterium spp. is not as rare as often reported, and it can cause severe soft-tissue damages in PJI. Materials and methods: In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed all PJI that had been treated in our institution from 2000 to 2005, and assessed the relative frequency of those caused by Propionibacterium spp. In the identified cases, features that led to the diagnosis (clinical, laboratory, radiological, microbiological and histopathological characteristics) were analysed. Results: Of 139 cases of prosthetic joint infections, 8(6%) were caused by Propionibacterium spp. Seven patients complained of pain as the main symptom, and four had damaged soft-tissue. Analysis of the diagnostic procedures showed a median of 39% positive samples out of all cultured biopsies (median 9.5 biopsies per case), with a median time-to-positivity of 8days. Results of histopathological examinations of the periprosthetic tissue correlated well with the clinical courses. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Propionibacterium associated prosthetic joint infections occur at a relative frequency that is comparable to many other pathogens. Clinical signs are generally subtle, but the spectrum includes also significant soft-tissue damages. In this study, a median of 9.5 biopsies per case, an incubation time of 14days, and the aid of histopathological examinations proved to be helpful in establishing the diagnosi

Greening der Berufe und nachhaltige Arbeitswelt

GREENING DER BERUFE UND NACHHALTIGE ARBEITSWELT Greening der Berufe und nachhaltige Arbeitswelt / Graf, Susanne (Rights reserved) ( -

Migration, Integration, Asylum: Political Developments in Germany 2018

Der jährlich erscheinende Politikbericht der nationalen Kontaktstelle des Europäischen Migrationsnetzwerks (EMN) beschreibt für knapp ein Dutzend Themenfelder im Bereich der Migrations-, Integrations- und Asylpolitik relevante Entwicklungen im Jahr 2018. Der 15. Politikbericht im Rahmen des Europäischen Migrationsnetzwerks bietet wie gewohnt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten politischen, rechtlichen und institutionellen Entwicklungen des Jahres 2018 in den folgenden Bereichen: Allgemeine politische, rechtliche und institutionelle Struktur, legale Zuwanderung und Mobilität, internationaler Schutz und Asyl, unbegleitete Minderjährige und andere Schutzbedürftige, Integration und Antidiskriminierung, Saatsangehörigkeit und Staatenlosigkeit, irreguläre Migration, Schleusung, Grenzkontrolle und Visapolitik, Rückkehr, Menschenhandel und Migration und Entwicklung. Der EU-weit vergleichende Bericht "Annual Report on Migration and Asylum 2018" fasst wiederum die Ergebnisse von 27 nationalen Politikberichten zusammen und gibt somit einen hilfreichen Überblick zu den EU-weiten Entwicklungen.The annual policy report of the National Contact Point of the European Migration Network (EMN) describes relevant developments in 2018 for almost a dozen topical areas in migration, integration and asylum policy. As usual, the 15th Policy Report of the European Migration Network provides an overview of the most important political, legal and institutional developments in 2018 in the following areas: general political, legal and institutional structure, legal migration and mobility, international protection and asylum, unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups, integration and non-discrimination, citizenship and statelessness, irregular migration, migrant smuggling, border control and visa policy, returns, trafficking in human beings, and migration and development. The EU-wide comparative report entitled "Annual Report on Migration and Asylum 2018" summarises the results of 27 national policy reports, and thus provides a helpful overview of EU-wide developments. The comparative annual report is available in three different formats, each in English: the detailed EMN synthesis report, the compact EMN Inform, and the one-page EMN Flash

Bioäpfel - besser und gesünder? Eine Vergleichsstudie mit Standard- und Alternativmethoden der Qualitätserfassung

Die am FiBL auf drei Jahre angelegte Vergleichsstudie für Äpfel aus integrierter und biologischer Produktion weist nach dem ersten Versuchsjahr signifikante anbaubedingte Unterschiede nach

Retinoic acid pathway activity in wilms tumors and characterization of biological responses in vitro

Background: Wilms tumor (WT) is one of the most common malignancies in childhood. With current therapy protocols up to 90% of patients can be cured, but there is still a need to improve therapy for patients with aggressive WT and to reduce treatment intensity where possible. Prior data suggested a deregulation of the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway in high-risk WT, but its mode of action remained unclear. Results: The association of retinoid signaling and clinical parameters could be validated in a large independent tumor set, but its relevance in primary nephrectomy tumors from very young children may be different. Reduced RA pathway activity and MYCN overexpression were found in high risk tumors as opposed to tumors with low/ intermediate risk, suggesting a beneficial impact of RA especially on advanced WT. To search for possible modes of action of retinoids as novel therapeutic options, primary tumor cell cultures were treated in vitro with all-trans-RA (ATRA), 9cis-RA, fenretinide and combinations of retinoids and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Genes deregulated in high risk tumors showed opposite changes upon treatment suggesting a positive effect of retinoids. 6/7 primary cultures tested reduced proliferation, irrespective of prior RA signaling levels. The only variant culture was derived from mesoblastic nephroma, a distinct childhood kidney neoplasm. Retinoid/HDAC inhibitor combinations provided no synergistic effect. ATRA and 9cis-RA induced morphological changes suggestive of differentiation, while fenretinide induced apoptosis in several cultures tested. Microarray analysis of ATRA treated WT cells revealed differential expression of many genes involved in extracellular matrix formation and osteogenic, neuronal or muscle differentiation. The effects documented appear to be reversible upon drug withdrawal, however. Conclusions: Altered retinoic acid signaling has been validated especially in high risk Wilms tumors. In vitro testing of primary tumor cultures provided clear evidence of a potential utility of retinoids in Wilms tumor treatment based on the analysis of gene expression, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis

Literatur-Rundschau

Literatur-RundschauStephan Brünjes/Ulrich Wenger, Radio-Report. Programme - Profile - Perspektiven (Susanne Kampmann)Andreas Kunkel, Fernsehleben. Mediennutzung als Sozialisationsfaktor. Auswirkungen des Fernsehens auf Gesellschaft und Individuum (Susanne Kampmann) Deutsche Presse-Agentur (Hg.), Alles über die Nachricht- Das dpa-Handbuch (Christof Haverkamp)Ralf Clasen/Dirk U. W allbrecht/Thomas Rommerskirchen, Internet für Journalisten. Online-Recherchen im Netz der Netze (Thomas Graf) Helmut Scherer/Hans-Bernd Brosius (Hg.), Zielgruppen, Publikationssegmente, Nutzergruppen. Beiträge aus der Rezeptionsforschung (SuK)Herbert Lepper (Hg.). Volk, Kirche und Vaterland. Wahlaufrufe, Aufrufe, Satzungen und Statuten des Zentrums 1870-1933. Eine Quellensammlung zur Geschichte insbesondere der Rheinischen und Westfälischen Zentrumspartei (Michael Schmolke)