bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capturing the dynamic nascent transcriptome during acute cellular responses: The serum response
Authors: Kirkconnell Killeen S. , Paulsen Michelle T. , Magnuson Brian , Bedi Karan , Ljungman Mats
Published: May 2016

Dynamic regulation of gene expression via signal transduction pathways is of fundamental importance during many biological processes such as cell state transitioning, cell cycle progression and stress responses. In this study we used serum stimulation as a cell response paradigm to apply the nascent RNA Bru-seq technique in order to capture early dynamic changes in the nascent transcriptome. Our data provides an unprecedented view of the dynamics of genome-wide transcription during the first two hours of serum stimulation in human fibroblasts. While some genes showed sustained induction or repression, other genes showed transient or delayed responses. Surprisingly, the dynamic patterns of induction and suppression of response genes showed a high degree of similarity, suggesting that these opposite outcomes are triggered by a common set of signals. As expected, early response genes such as those encoding components of the AP-1 transcription factor and those involved in the circadian clock were immediately but transiently induced. Surprisingly, transcription of important DNA damage response genes and histone genes were rapidly repressed. We also show that RNA polymerase II accelerates as it transcribes large genes and this was independent of whether the gene was induced or not. These results provide a unique genome-wide depiction of dynamic patterns of transcription of serum response genes and demonstrate the utility of Bru-seq to comprehensively capture rapid and dynamic changes of the nascent transcriptome.
Cellular dynamics of regeneration reveals role of two distinct Pax7 stem cell populations in larval zebrafish muscle repair
Authors: Pipalia Tapan G. , Koth Jana , Roy Shukolpa D. , Hammond Christina L. , Kawakami Koichi , Hughes Simon M.
Published: May 2016

Heterogeneity of stem cells or their niches is likely to influence tissue regeneration. Here we reveal stem/precursor cell diversity during wound repair in larval zebrafish somitic body muscle using time-lapse 3D confocal microscopy on reporter lines. Skeletal muscle with incision wounds rapidly regenerates both slow and fast muscle fibre types. A swift immune response is followed by an increase in cells at the wound site, many of which express the muscle stem cell marker Pax7. Pax7+ cells proliferate and then undergo terminal differentiation involving Myogenin accumulation and subsequent loss of Pax7 followed by elongation and fusion to repair fast muscle fibres. Analysis of pax7a and pax7b transgenic reporter fish reveals that cells expressing each of the duplicated pax7 genes are distinctly localised in uninjured larvae. Cells marked by pax7a only or by both pax7a and pax7b enter the wound rapidly and contribute to muscle wound repair, but each behaves differently. Low numbers of pax7a-only cells form nascent fibres. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that the more numerous pax7b-marked cells frequently fuse to pre-existing fibres, contributing more strongly than pax7a-only cells to repair of damaged fibres. pax7b-marked cells are more often present in rows of aligned cells that are observed to fuse into a single fibre, but more rarely contribute to nascent regenerated fibres. Ablation of a substantial portion of nitroreductase-expressing pax7b cells with metronidazole prior to wounding triggered rapid pax7a-only cell accumulation, but this neither inhibited nor augmented pax7a-only cell-derived myogenesis and thus altered the cellular repair dynamics during wound healing. Moreover, pax7a-only cells did not regenerate pax7b cells, suggesting a lineage distinction. We propose a modified founder cell and fusion-competent cell model in which pax7a-only cells initiate fibre formation and pax7b cells contribute to fibre growth. This newly discovered cellular complexity in muscle wound repair raises the possibility that distinct populations of myogenic cells contribute differentially to repair in other vertebrates.
Show and tell: disclosure and data sharing in experimental pathology
Authors: Schofield Paul N. , Ward Jerrold M. , Sundberg John P.
Published: May 2016

Reproducibility of data from experimental investigations using animal models is increasingly under scrutiny because of the potentially negative impact of poor reproducibility on the translation of basic research. Histopathology is a key tool in biomedical research, in particular for the phenotyping of animal models to provide insights into the pathobiology of diseases. Failure to disclose and share crucial histopathological experimental details compromises the validity of the review process and reliability of the conclusions. We discuss factors that affect the interpretation and validation of histopathology data in publications and the importance of making these data accessible to promote replicability in research.
Practical Applications of Step-In Sociometry: Increasing Sociometric Intelligence via Self-Disclosure and Connection
Authors: Buchanan Dale Richard
Published: May 2016

This is a brief article on the historical, theoretical, and practical application of step-in sociometry. Instructions and guidelines for the use of democratic step-in are provided. Specific attention is paid to assisting individuals to learn how to deepen their connections with other group members. The pitfalls of using this tool and other adaptations of it are also included.
TOTAL HEMISPHERICAL EMISSIVITY OF PRE-OXIDIZED AND UN-OXIDIZED ZR-2.5Nb PRESSURE-TUBE MATERIALS AT 600 °C TO 1000 °C UNDER VACUUM
Authors: Fong Randy W.L. , Paine Michael , Nitheanandan Thambiayah
Published: May 2016

The emissivity of pre-oxidized and un-oxidized pressure-tube specimens has been measured at high temperatures under vacuum. The emissivity values of un-oxidized tube specimens decreased only slightly from 0.34 at 600 °C to 0.30 at 800 °C and changed gradually to 0.25 at 1000 °C. In comparison, the emissivity of pre-oxidized pressure-tube specimens decreased drastically from 0.70 at 600 °C to 0.35 at 800 °C, and gradually decreased to 0.25 at 1000 °C. The oxide layer of the pre-oxidized tube specimens dissolved into the metal matrix when heated to 700 °C and higher. Using these results, 2 linear correlations were obtained for emissivity with the oxide thickness measured by scanning electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis.
Insights from mercury stable isotopes into factors affecting the internal body burden of methylmercury in frequent fish consumers
Authors: Li Miling , von Stackelberg Katherine , Rheinberger Christoph M. , Hammitt James K. , Krabbenhoft David P. , Yin Runsheng , Sunderland Elsie M.
Published: May 2016

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure can cause adverse health effects in children and adults and is predominantly from seafood consumption in the United States (U.S.). Here we examine evidence for differences in MeHg uptake and metabolism in U.S. individuals who consume three or more fish meals per week. We hypothesized based on prior research that some individuals have enhanced capacity to demethylate ingested MeHg and this will be reflected by a greater than typically observed δ202Hg offset in their hair relative to consumed fish (∼2 ‰). We used self-reported seafood intake data to identify individuals with hair Hg concentrations that agree extremely well with reported ingestion and those that do not. Approximately one-third of individuals in our survey population had hair Hg levels below the lower bound of probabilistic exposure modeling based on dietary intake data. The Δ199Hg values measured in the hair of a subset of individuals with the highest and lowest discrepancies between modeled and measured exposures are consistent with self-reported fish intake, validating the reliability of their dietary recall information. The δ202Hg offset between fish and human hair is similar for low- and high-discrepancy individuals, suggesting enhanced in vivo demethylation does not explain some individuals with hair Hg levels equivalent to non-fish consumers (0.10 ug/g). Using the probabilistic exposure model, we find dietary MeHg absorption efficiencies required to explain hair Hg levels in these high-discrepancy individuals are on average lower than 14% (range: 1%–72%). Exposure modeling for MeHg typically assumes a range of 91–97% and our results emphasize much greater inter-individual variability in this value.
Will the end of bursaries lower student nurse applications to UK universities?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: May 2016

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the recently launched Government consultation on the future funding of nurse education and the abolition of student nurse bursaries
Translational research and symptom management in oncology nursing
Authors: Lopes-Júnior Luis Carlos , Olson Karin , de Omena Bomfim Emiliana , Pereira-da-Silva Gabriela , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , de Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia
Published: May 2016

In recent years, translational research (TR) has become a new approach for bridging basic research and clinical practice. This article examines studies in which the authors used TR to learn more about the underlying causes of selected symptoms, and to discuss these results in the context of cancer nursing and symptom management. A literature review was undertaken, plus critical analysis of the authors. TR conducted by cancer nursing scholars has been relatively limited in the past, but is becoming more common as nurses complete additional academic work in the basic sciences and develop research teams with colleagues of those areas of knowledge. The goal in these studies is to show how a set of variables explains differential interventional effects. The availability of TR provides new evidence for the management of symptoms experienced by individuals with cancer, which could lead to improvements in the care of cancer patients across the world.
Care home managers' knowledge of palliative care: a Northern Irish study
Authors: Mitchell Gary , McGreevy Jessie , Preshaw Deborah HL , Agnelli Joanne , Diamond Monica
Published: May 2016

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine care home managers' knowledge of palliative care using the palliative care quiz for nursing (PCQN).

Background:

Palliative care is strongly advocated for all people living with advancing incurable illness. Within a care home setting there should be a particular emphasis on the importance of palliative care, particularly for those residents who, because of their advancing age, are likely to live with non-malignant diseases such as dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure to name a few.

Methods:

Before the beginning of a workshop on optimising palliative care for people living in care homes, 56 care home managers (all nurses) completed the PCQN, a validated questionnaire that is used to assess a nurse's knowledge of palliative care, as part of a learning exercise.

Results:

The quiz consisted of 20 questions for which participants could answer true, false or don't know. The average score was 12.89 correct answers out of a possible 20 (64.45%).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the need to develop the knowledge and competence of care home managers in relation to palliative care. This is particularly important given the increasing number of people who are living with non-malignant disease within a care home setting.
Ideas to raise students' aspirations
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: May 2016

There are lots of programmes, initiatives and ideas out there to help schools in raising the aspirations of disadvantaged students. Karen Sullivan reports
Examination season survival tips
Authors: Gatley Rachel
Published: May 2016

Exam season stress is not just for pupils. Rachel Gatley reminds teachers that they need to look after their own wellbeing too as the summer term reaches its climax
Developing pupils' resilience
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: May 2016

Promoting resilience is seen as key to helping pupils handle challenges to their mental health. But what are the tools that pupils really need? Expert Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises
Effectiveness and safety of Mobi-C for treatment of single-level cervical disc spondylosis
Authors: Hou Y. , Nie L. , Pan X. , Si M. , Han Y. , Li J. , Zhang H.
Published: May 2016

Aims

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mobi-C implant in cervical disc degeneration, a randomised study was conducted, comparing the Mobi-C prosthesis arthroplasty with anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) in patients with single level cervical spondylosis.

Patients and Methods

From January 2008 to July 2009, 99 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups, those having a Mobi-C implant (n = 51; 30 men, 21 women) and those undergoing ACDF (n = 48; 28 men, 20 women).The patients were followed up for five years, with the primary outcomes being the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, visual analogue scale for pain and the incidence of further surgery. The secondary outcomes were the Neck Disability Index and range of movement (ROM) of the treated segment.

Results

The incidence of further surgery was found to be statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.49), with seven ACDF patients requiring further surgery and only one Mobi-C patient requiring re-operation. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) between the two groups in the ROM of the treated segment. However, both Mobi-C surgery and ACDF surgery were effective in improving the patient’s clinical symptoms. Take home message: Mobi-C implant surgery is a safe alternative to ACDF surgery in cervical disc degeneration. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:829–3.
Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in patients with extracapsular fractures of the hip
Authors: Tengberg P. T. , Foss N. B. , Palm H. , Kallemose T. , Troelsen A.
Published: May 2016

Aims

We chose unstable extra-capsular hip fractures as our study group because these types of fractures suffer the largest blood loss. We hypothesised that tranexamic acid (TXA) would reduce total blood loss (TBL) in extra-capsular fractures of the hip.

Patients and Methods

A single-centre placebo-controlled double-blinded randomised clinical trial was performed to test the hypothesis on patients undergoing surgery for extra-capsular hip fractures. For reasons outside the control of the investigators, the trial was stopped before reaching the 120 included patients as planned in the protocol.

Results

In all 72 patients (51 women, 21 men; 33 patients in the TXA group, 39 in the placebo group) were included in the final analysis, with a significant mean reduction of 570.8 ml (p = 0.029) in TBL from 2100.4 ml (standard deviation (sd) = 1152.6) in the placebo group to 1529.6 ml (sd = 1012.7) in the TXA group. The 90-day mortality was 27.2% (n = 9) in the TXA group and 10.2% (n = 4) in the placebo group (p = 0.07). We were not able to ascertain a reliable cause of death in these patients.

Discussion

TXA significantly reduced TBL in extra-capsular hip fractures, but concerns regarding its safety in this patient group must be investigated further before the use of TXA can be recommended. Take home message: We present a randomised clinical trial that is unique in the literature. We evaluate the effect of TXA in very homogenous population - extra-capsular fractures operated with short intramedullary nails. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:747–53.
The influence of a history of clinical depression on peri-operative outcomes in elective total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Mollon B. , Mahure S. A. , Ding D. Y. , Zuckerman J. D. , Kwon Y. W.
Published: May 2016

Aims

Depression can significantly affect quality of life and is associated with higher rates of medical comorbidities and increased mortality following surgery. Although depression has been linked to poorer outcomes following orthopaedic trauma, total joint arthroplasty and spinal surgery, we wished to examine the impact of depression in elective total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) as this has not been previously explored.

Patients and Methods

The United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify patients undergoing elective TSA over a ten-year period. Between 2002 and 2012, 224 060 patients underwent elective TSA.

Results

Among the identified patients who had undergone TSA, 12.4% had a diagnosis of a history of depression. A diagnosis of depression was twice as common in women compared with men (16.0% vs 8.0%, p < 0.001), and more frequent in those with low income and Medicaid insurance (p < 0.001). A diagnosis of depression was an independent risk factor for post-operative delirium (odds ratio (OR) 2.29, p < 0.001), anaemia (OR 1.65, p < 0.001), infection (2.09, p = 0.045) and hospital discharge to a placement other than home (OR 1.52, p < 0.001)

Conclusion

A history of clinical depression is present in 12.4% of patients undergoing elective TSA and the disease burden is projected to increase further in the future. Depression is often underdiagnosed and pre-operative screening and appropriate peri-operative management of patients is encouraged. Take home message: The awareness that clinical depression is associated with increased complications following total shoulder arthroplasty provides physicians an opportunity for early intervention in this at-risk population. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:818–24.
Immunity in Context: Science and Society in Dialogue
Authors: Tauber Alfred I
Published: May 2016

Without disputing the richness of the original incarnation of the immune self – conceived in segregated terms and defended by immunity – this useful heuristic is undergoing transformation. A relational or dialectical orientation has supplemented this incarnation of selfhood from an exclusive focus on the defensive scenario to one that now accommodates more expansive ecological intercourse, one in which active tolerance allows for cooperative exchanges within both the internal and external environments. This revision that emphasizes communal relationships finds support in the social matrix. Just as the autonomous immune self found its own conceptual coordinates in modernist notions of personal identity, changing cultural values, revised notions of personal identity, and the vast growth of ecological awareness resonate with shifts in theorizing about immunity. Such correspondence highlights the ready movement of potent metaphors between the laboratory and its supporting culture.
Acerca de la independencia de los modelos respecto de las teorías
Authors: Accorinti Hernán Lucas , Martínez Juan Camilo
Published: May 2016

La concepción teórico dominante, supone una subordinación y dependencia de los modelos respecto de las teorías. Nos proponemos alterar la noción de independencia entre modelo y teoría que ha sido concebida como relativa e histórica para el caso de la superconductividad y el llamado efecto Meissner. Para ello tomaremos como caso de estudio los modelos atómicos y moleculares en química cuántica. Estos modelos, ponen de manifiesto una independencia conceptual que es constitutiva del proceso de modelización que no puede concebirse como consecuencia de una deficiencia contingente de la teoría utilizada, deficiencia que sería resuelta con el progreso futuro de la ciencia.
An Assessment of Algorithmic Parameters Affecting Image Classification Accuracy by Random Forests
Authors: Di Shi  , Yang Xiaojun
Published: May 2016

Random forests as a promising ensemble learning algorithm have been increasingly used for remote sensor image classification, and are found to perform identical or better than some popular classifiers. With only two algorithmic parameters, they are relatively easier to implement. Existing
literature suggests that the performance of random forests is insensitive to changing algorithmic parameters. However, this was largely based on the classifier's accuracy that does not necessarily represent the resulting thematic map accuracy. The current study extends beyond the classifier's
accuracy assessment and investigate how the algorithmic parameters could affect the resulting thematic map accuracy by random forests. A set of random forest models with different parameter settings was carefully constructed and then used to classify a satellite image into multiple land cover
categories. Both the classifier's accuracy and the map accuracy were assessed. The results reveal that these parameters can affect the map accuracy up to 9 ∼16 percent for some classes, although their impact on the classifier's accuracy was quite limited. A careful parameterization prioritizing
thematic map accuracy can help improve the performance of random forests in image classification, especially for spectrally complex land cover classes. These findings can help establish practical guidance on the use of random forests in the remote sensing community.
Predicting Palustrine Wetland Probability Using Random Forest Machine Learning and Digital Elevation Data-Derived Terrain Variables
Authors: Maxwell Aaron E. , Warner Timothy A. , Strager Michael P.
Published: May 2016

The probability of palustrine wetland occurrence in the state of West Virginia, USA, was mapped based on topographic variables and using random forests (RF) machine learning. Models were developed for both selected ecological subregions and the entire state. The models were first trained
using pixels randomly selected from the United States National Wetland Inventory (NWI) dataset and were tested using a separate random subset from the NWI and a database of wetlands not found in the NWI provided by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). The models produced
area under the curve (AUC) values in excess of 0.90, and as high as 0.998. Models developed in one ecological subregion of the state produced significantly different AUC values when applied to other subregions, indicating that the topographical models should be extrapolated to new physiographic
regions with caution. Several previously unexplored DEM-derived terrain variables were found to be of value, including distance from water bodies, roughness, and dissection. Non-NWI wetlands were mapped with an AUC value of 0.956, indicating that the probability maps may be useful for finding
potential palustrine wetlands not found in the NWI .
Profit Improving via Strategic Technology Sharing
Authors: Kao Kuo-Feng , Peng Cheng-Hau
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates whether a downstream monopolist has an incentive to freely share its technology to potential entrants. With a linear demand, it is more profitable for the downstream monopolist to share its obsolete technology with the potential entrants even with no returns. In this context, technology sharing is a Pareto improvement. Moreover, the profit of the downstream monopolist via technology sharing increases with the number of new entrants, but the nexus between social welfare and the number of new entrants is non-monotonic.
Inhibition of IRE1 signaling affects expression of a subset genes encoding for TNF-related factors and receptors and modifies their hypoxic regulation in U87 glioma cells
Authors: Minchenko Oleksandr H. , Kryvdiuk Iryna V. , Minchenko Dmytro O. , Riabovol Olena O. , Halkin Oleh V.
Published: May 2016

Inhibition of IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme-1), the major signaling pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress, significantly decreases tumor growth and proliferation of glioma cells. To elucidate the role of IRE1- mediated glioma growth, we studied the expression of a subset genes encoding for TNF (tumor necrosis factor)- related factors and receptors and their hypoxic regulation in U87 glioma cells overexpressing dominant-negative IRE1 (dnIRE1). We demonstrated that the expression of TNFAIP1, TNFRSF10D, TNFRSF21, TNFRSF11B, TNFSF7, and LITAF genes is increased in glioma cells with modified IRE1; however, TNFRSF10B, TRADD, and TNFAIP3 is down-regulated in these cells as compared to their control counterparts. We did not find TNFRSF1A gene expression to change significantly under this experimental condition. In control glioma cells, hypoxia leads to the up-regulated expression of TNFAIP1, TNFAIP3, TRADD, and TNFRSF10D genes and the concomitant down-regulation of TNFRSF21, TNFRSF11B, and LITAF genes; while, TNFRSF10B and TNFRSF1A genes are resistant to hypoxic treatment. However, inhibition of IRE1 modifies the hypoxic regulation of LITAF, TNFRSF21, TNFRSF11B, and TRADD genes and introduces hypoxia-induced sensitivity to TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF1A, and TNFSF7 gene expressions. Furthermore, knockdown by siRNA of TNFRSF21 mRNA modifies the hypoxic effect on the IRE1-dependent rate of proliferation and cell death in U87 glioma cells. The present study demonstrates that fine-tuned manipulation of the expression of TNF-related factors and receptors directly relating to cell death and proliferation, is mediated by an effector of endoplasmic reticulum stress, IRE1, as well as by hypoxia in a gene-specific manner. Thus, inhibition of the kinase and endoribonuclease activities of IRE1 correlates with deregulation of TNF-related factors and receptors in a manner that is gene specific and thus slows tumor growth.
Sweet Transvestite: Hosenrollen in der Oper
Authors: Rauscher Susanne
Published: May 2016

In this essay the author describes the genesis, transformation and function of cross-dressing in the history of the opera. Whereas in baroque times the woman in trousers - together with the castrato - was meant to meet the audience’s need for high-pitched, angelic voices, the »real« breeches part in post-baroque operas followed also other theatrical purposes. These purposes are examined in three cases: Mozart’s Cherubino (from Le Nozze di Figaro) - the first breeches part that was designed exclusively for a female singer - and Richard Strauss’ »young and romantic men« Octavian (from The Rosenkavalier) as well as the Composer (from Ariadne auf Naxos).
Admissible pair of spaces for non-correctly solvable linear differential equations
Authors: Chernyavskaya Nina A. , Dorel Lela S. , Shuster Leonid A.
Published: May 2016

We consider the differential equation

-

y
'

(
x
)

+
q

(
x
)

y

(
x
)

=
f

(
x
)

,

x
∈
ℝ
,

$ -y^{\prime }(x)+q(x)y(x)=f(x), \quad x \in \mathbb {R},$

where

f
∈

L
p

(
ℝ
)

${f \in L_{p}(\mathbb {R})}$

,

p
∈
[
1
,
∞
)

${p\in [1,\infty )}$

, and

0
≤
q
∈

L

1

loc

(
ℝ
)

${0\le q \in L_{1}^{\rm loc}(\mathbb {R})}$

,

∫

-
∞

0

q

(
t
)

d
t
=

∫

0

∞

q

(
t
)

d
t
=
∞
,

${\int _{-\infty }^{0}q(t)\,dt=\int _{0}^{\infty }q(t)\,dt=\infty ,}$

q
0

(
a
)

=

inf

x
∈
ℝ

∫

x
-
a

x
+
a

q

(
t
)

d
t
=
0

for

any

a
∈

(
0
,
∞
)

.

$q_{0}(a)=\inf _{x\in \mathbb {R}}\int _{x-a}^{x+a}q(t)\,dt=0 \quad \text{for any } a\in (0,\infty ).$

Under these conditions, the above equation is not correctly solvable
in

L
p

(
ℝ
)

${L_{p}(\mathbb {R})}$

for any

p
∈
[
1
,
∞
)

${p \in [1, \infty ) }$

.
Let

q
*

(
x
)

${q^{*}(x)}$

be the Otelbaev-type average of the function q(t),

t
∈
ℝ

${t\in \mathbb {R}}$

,
at the point

t
=
x

${t=x}$

; let

θ
(
x
)

${\theta (x)}$

be a continuous positive function for

x
∈
ℝ

${x \in \mathbb {R}}$

, and

L

p
,
θ

(
ℝ
)

=

f
∈

L

p

loc

(
ℝ
)

:

∫

-
∞

∞

|
θ

(
x
)

f

(
x
)

|

p

d
x
<
∞

,

∥
f
∥

p
,
θ

:
=

∥
f
∥

L

p
,
θ

(
ℝ
)

=

∫

-
∞

∞

|
θ

(
x
)

f

(
x
)

|

p

d
x

1
/
p

.

$L_{p,\theta }(\mathbb {R}) = \Biggl \lbrace f\in L_{p}^{\rm loc}(\mathbb {R}):
\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }|\theta (x)f(x)|^{p}\,dx<\infty \Biggr \rbrace ,\quad \Vert f\Vert _{p,\theta }:=\Vert f\Vert _{L_{p,\theta }(\mathbb {R})}=\Biggl (\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }|\theta (x)f(x)|^{p}\,dx\Biggr )^{1/p}.$

We show that if there exists a constant

c
∈
[
1
,
∞
)

${c\in [1, \infty )}$

such that the inequality

c

-
1

q
*

(
x
)

≤
θ

(
x
)

≤
c

q
*

(
x
)

$c^{-1}q^{*}(x)\le \theta (x)\le cq^{*}(x)$

holds for all

x
∈
ℝ

${x \in \mathbb {R}}$

, then under some additional conditions for q
the pair of spaces

{

L

p
,
θ

(
ℝ
)

;

L
p

(
ℝ
)

}

${\lbrace L_{p, \theta }(\mathbb {R}); L_{p}(\mathbb {R})\rbrace }$

is admissible for the considered
equation.
Schadenvermeidungsmaßnahmen und Versicherung bei immateriellen Risiken / Self Protection and Insurance of Irreplacable Commodities
Authors: Blind Knut
Published: May 2016

In diesem Beitrag wird das optimale Ausmaß an Präventionsmaßnahmen, welche die Schadeneintrittswahrscheinlichkeit zu reduzieren vermögen, bei immateriellen Risiken bestimmt und mit dem Optimum bei materiellen Vermögensschäden verglichen. Die praktische Relevanz des theoretischen Ergebnisses wird anhand der aktuellen Problematik der Informationssicherheit in Kommunikationssystemen aufgezeigt. Nach der Ableitung der Versicherungsnachfrage bei immateriellen im Vergleich zu materiellen Risiken wird in einer abschließenden Analyse untersucht, welchen Einfluß die Versicherungsmöglichkeit auf das Schadenpräventionsverhalten hat. Abschließend wird die praktische Bedeutung des theoretischen Ergebnisses am restriktiven Angebot an Versicherungen gegen Verluste immaterieller Werte, wie der Privatsphäre und Liebhaberwerten von Kunstgegenständen, illustriert.
Zielgerichtete Wohnungspolitik bei staatlichen Haushaltsrestriktionen / Housing Policies Under Tightening Budgets
Authors: Oberhauser Alois
Published: May 2016

Die Verschlechterung der Haushaltssituation des Staates erfordert auch eine Überprüfung der hohen Subventionen, die aufgrund verschiedener Ziele im Rahmen der Wohnungspolitik gewährt werden: Die Förderung des Erwerbs selbstgenutzten Wohneigentums sollte beibehalten, jedoch stärker auf junge Familien mit Kindern ausgerichtet werden. Der Steuergerechtigkeit würde es entsprechen und zugleich zur Sanierung der öffentlichen Finanzen beitragen, wenn die sogenannte Konsumgutlösung aufgegeben wird und die Nettomietwerte selbstgenutzten Wohneigentums in die Bemessungsgrundlage der Einkommensteuer einbezogen werden. Beim Mietwohnungsbau sollte zu einer einkommensunabhängigen Begünstigung übergegangen und der soziale Wohnungsbau durch fiskalisch günstigere Verfahren ersetzt werden. Durch die verfehlte Baulanderschließungspolitik werden die Kosten des Wohnungsbaus unnötig in die Höhe getrieben und die Intentionen der Vermögensverteilungspolitik ins Gegenteil verkehrt.
Trend und Zyklus im Bruttoinlandsprodukt der Bundesrepublik Deutschland / Trends and Cycles in the Gross Domestic Product of the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Assenmacher Walter
Published: May 2016

Die langfristige Entwicklung des Bruttoinlandsprodukts (BIP) marktwirtschaftlich organisierter Volkswirtschaften vollzieht sich nach traditioneller Auffassung trendstationär: Die zyklischen Schwankungen des BIP's um seinen deterministischen Trend bilden eine stationäre Zeitreihe. Diese empirisch gut abgesicherte Hypothese, die sich auch in der Trennung von Wachstums- und Konjunkturtheorie manifestiert, wurde durch die Arbeit von Nelson und Plosser (1982) in Frage gestellt. Die Entwicklung aller wichtigen makroökonomischen Variablen ist danach nicht trend-, sondern differenzstationär. Dieses neue Paradigma, mit stochastischer Trendhypothese bezeichnet, ist nicht nur für die Zerlegung einer Zeitreihe in Wachstums- und Konjunkturkomponente bedeutsam, sondern hat auch weitreichende Konsequenzen für die dynamische Struktur einer Volkswirtschaft. Deterministische und stochastische Trendhypothese müssen daher für einzelne Volkswirtschaften mit dem Ziel ökonometrisch überprüft werden, welche der beiden Hypothesen die Entwicklung des BIP’s besser erfaßt. Für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland (alte Bundesländer) erfolgt diese Überprüfung mit dem Einheitswurzeltest anhand der Nachkriegszeitreihe des BIP’s. Da Strukturbrüche in einer Zeitreihe die differenzstationäre Hypothese begünstigen, müssen diese identifiziert und regressionsanalytisch erfaßt werden. Um die Verläßlichkeit der Ergebnisse abzusichern, wurden bei allen Tests für beide Trendhypothesen empirische Verteilungen der Einheitswurzelteststatistik bei kleinen Stichproben durch Simulation ermittelt. Die benötigten simulierten Zeitreihen resultieren aus trend- bzw. differenzstationären Modellen, die jeweils so stochastisch kalibriert wurden, daß sich größtmögliche Übereinstimmung mit dem historischen, datenerzeugenden Prozeß ergibt. Die zusammenfassende Auswertung aller Testergebnisse legt den Schluß nahe, daß das BIP der Bundesrepublik Deutschland keinen stochastischen Trend aufweist.
Minima, Zero-points, Saddle-points and Singularities of the Variance of the Horvitz-Thompson Estimator in Selection With Unequal Probabilities Without Replacement / Minima, Nullpunkte, Sattelpunkte und Singularitäten der Varianz des Horvitz-Thompson Schätzers bei Auswahl mit unterschiedlichen Wahrscheinlichkeiten ohne Zurücklegen
Authors: Schneeberger Hans
Published: May 2016

It is shown that a minimum of the variance V(ŶHT) of the Horvitz-Thompson estimator with value zero can be found in the interior of the region of feasible probabilities of selection zi (0 < zi < 1; ∑ zi = 1), if yN/Y < 1/n, where the units i = 1,...,N of the population are ordered according to their values yi > 0; Y is the total. Other zero-points of the variance can be found by taking units apriori into the sample.

If yN/Y > 1/n, units must be taken apriori into the sample to attain V = 0. An objective rule for the number of these units is given.
Is there Chaos on the German Labor Market? / Ist der deutsche Arbeitsmarkt chaotisch?
Authors: Neugart Michael
Published: May 2016

Evidence on the role of chaotic and nonlinear dynamics on labor markets is mixed. It is unclear whether nonlinear relationships are responsible for the dynamic patterns observed in Europe during the past decades. In this paper, we test German labor market data for the null hypothesis of an i.i.d. process with the BDS test. As several processes including chaotic, nonlinear deterministic, and stochastic linear and nonlinear systems are nested within the alternative hypothesis, time series are whitened with linear and nonlinear filters. Lyapunov exponents and correlation dimensions are applied to the residuals of the filtered time series to test for chaotic dynamics. There seems to be a nonlinear deterministic core to German labor market dynamics. Chaos does not occur.
Privatization of Public Pensions in Germany: Who Gains and How Much? / Privatisierung der deutschen Rentenversicherung: Wer gewinnt und wieviel?
Authors: Fehr Hans
Published: May 2016

This paper examines the distributional and efficiency effects of pension privatization in Germany. Starting from a benchmark that reflects the current unfunded pension system, a fully funded system is introduced. The accrued benefits of the old system are financed by alternative tax combinations as well as deficit increases. The quantitative analysis is based on an Auerbach-Kotlikoff type simulation model that distinguishes between five lifetime income classes within each age cohort. The simulations reveal a clear trade-off between the efficiency and equity aspects of alternative financing schemes. While consumption taxes are the most efficient financing instrument, they also undermine intra- and intergenerational equity. Phasing-out the unfunded system on the other hand not only dampens the income redistribution across and within generations, but also reduces the efficiency gains dramatically.
Can Noise Traders Cause Persistent Deviations from Fundamental Values on the Stock Market? / Können Noise Trader langfristige Abweichungen der Aktienkurse von ihren Fundamentalwerten bewirken?
Authors: Binswanger Mathias
Published: May 2016

Models which are built on the assumption of rational expectations can easily outline the conditions under which bubbles may exist but they remain silent on the factors that cause the price to deviate from the fundamental value. In this paper it is argued that dynamic extensions of the noise trader model of De Long et al. (1990a) may provide a behavioral explanation of persistent deviations of stock prices from their fundamental value if changing fundamentals and especially fundamental shocks are included. As a consequence the pattern and the sustainability of bubbles also depend on noise traders’ reaction to fundamental shocks. In the multi period extension of the noise trader model developed in the paper noise traders’ behavior is captured by two components. First, there is a fundamentally unwarranted optimism about the future development of dividends independent of the recent development of fundamentals. Second, noise traders overreact to an average of recent dividend shocks, which results in waves of optimism or pessimism that create high price volatility. The model shows that sustainable bubbles are slowly growing, while large overreactions to fundamental shocks will result in fast growing but frequently bursting bubbles.
The Aging of the Unions in West Germany, 1980–2006
Authors: Schnabel Claus , Wagner Joachim
Published: May 2016

Using data from the social survey ALLBUS for West Germany in the period 1980 to 2006, this paper demonstrates that union members are on average older than non-unionized employees. The probability of being unionized shows the inverted U-shaped pattern in age conjectured by Blanchflower (BJIR 2007) only in very few years. It is demonstrated that both intra-cohort change and cohort replacement effects have played a roughly equal role in the substantial fall in union density since 1980. If older cohorts with high densities continue to be replaced by young cohorts with low densities, average union density will fall further.
Improved asymptotic analysis for dynamical probe method
Authors: Ji Yong-Gwan , Kim Kyoungsun , Nakamura Gen
Published: May 2016

We concerned with the asymptotic analysis for the dynamical probe method which is a reconstruction scheme to identify an anomaly inside a heat conductor from the Neumann-to-Dirichlet map. In this paper an inclusion was considered as an anomaly and we succeeded giving an improved asymptotic behavior of the indicator function defined in terms of the Neumann-to-Dirichlet map to identify not only the location of the inclusion but also some of its physical properties simultaneously. The two major improvements made for analyzing the asymptotic behavior of the indicator function are as follows. Firstly, we can know the distance to the boundary of unknown inclusion as we probe it from its outside. This improvement can avoid overshooting the boundary points as much as possible if we probe it from outside the inclusion numerically. Secondly, we can know the value of heat conductivity of inclusion as we probe close to the inclusion even without touching it.
Transreligious Theology as the Quest for
Interreligious Wisdom
Authors: Thatamanil John J.
Published: May 2016

This article seeks to define and defend the work of transreligious theology and invite a broad
range of instructors from a variety of institutional settings to teach it. What is distinctive here is my definition
of transreligious theology understood as the quest for interreligious wisdom. My central questions will
be these: Just what is transreligious theology? Why should it be taught? Finally, this essay will take up
the concrete question of how transreligious theology might be taught in a variety of institutional settings
including undergraduate religious studies departments and even within the state university context.
Probleme der funktionalen Religionstheorie Niklas Luhmanns
Authors: Pollack Detlef
Published: May 2016

Funktionale Analysen untersuchen Gegenstände im Hinblick auf Probleme, die mit ihnen gelöst sind. Aus dieser Herangehensweise resultieren eine Vielzahl von methodologischen Problemen, von denen vier hier im Hinblick darauf, wie Luhmann mit ihnen umgeht, behandelt werden: das Problem der inkongruenten Perspektive, das der Wahl des jeweiligen Bezugsgesichtspunktes, der Unbestimmtheit und Weite funktionaler Analysen sowie das Problem der häufig mit funktionalen Herangehensweisen verbundenen Unterstellung eines invarianten Bedarfs an funktionalen Problemlösungen. Besonderer Wert wird auf die Herausarbeitung des Widerspruchs zwischen der Behauptung der Nichtsubstituierbarkeit von Religion und dem Nachweis funktionaler Äquivalente für sie sowie auf das Spannungsverhältnis zwischen der Möglichkeit religiöser Funktionserfüllung und innerreligiösem Funktionsbewußtsein gelegt.
Historiker, Max Weber und Niklas Luhmann. Zum schwierigen (aber möglicherweise produktiven) Verhältnis von Geschichtswissenschaft und Systemtheorie
Authors: Schlögl Rudolf
Published: May 2016

I. Historiker werden die „Religion der Gesellschaft“ in erster Linie aus der Perspektive der Weberschen Religionssoziologie wahrnehmen. II. Für den Frühneuzeithistoriker ist in der religionssoziologischen Argumentation Luhmanns die Feststellung zentral, daß die Ausbildung eines stabilen, symbolisch generalisierten Kommunikationsmediums für das Sozialsystem Religion mißlingt und die Geschichte von Religion in der Frühen Neuzeit deswegen durch die Suche nach Substituten gekennzeichnet ist. III. Während Max Weber Religion in einen ursächlichen Zusammenhang zur Herausbildung des okzidentalen Rationalismus setzt und insbesondere im asketischen Protestantismus eine der Haupttriebkräfte identifiziert, verweist Luhmann auf den universalen Charakter der Heilsunsicherheit, die für die Evolution von Religion relevant wird, sobald sie sich auf einen (einzigen)Beobachtergott eingelassen hat. Für die Geschichtsforschung zur Frühen Neuzeit ergeben sich mehrere Anschlußstellen zu dieser systemtheoretischen Religionssoziologie. Sie liegen vor allem in einem kommunikationstheoretisch fundierten Begriff der Religion, in der Typologie sozialer Systembildung und im Begriff der Säkularisierung, den Luhmann expliziert.
Weltreligion oder Weltreligionen?
Authors: Stichweh Rudolf
Published: May 2016

Der Essay betrachtet Niklas Luhmanns „Die Religion der Gesellschaft“ unter dem Gesichtspunkt des Beitrags dieses Buches zur Theorie der Weltgesellschaft. Entscheidend ist, daß Luhmann nicht bei der Diagnose einer segmentaren Differenzierung der Weltreligion in eine Vielzahl von Glaubenssystemen stehenbleibt. Luhmann demonstriert vielmehr eine zunehmende religiöse Varietät in der Weltgesellschaft der Gegenwart, die auf abnehmende Bindungsfähigkeit religiöser Organisationen und auf zunehmende Individualisierung der Verhaltenswahl zurückgeht. Weil Religionen externe Kriterien der Evaluation ablehnen, „insulieren“ sie sich gegeneinander. Religiöse Dogmatik fungiert dabei als Differential, das den Prozeß der Anpassung eines Glaubenssystems an sich selbst steuert. Diversifizierung von Religion in der Weltgesellschaft ist das Resultat dieser Konstellation.
Vom Modell zur Mode. Medien und Formen der Nachahmung
Authors: Esposito Elena
Published: May 2016

Ausgehend von der Diagnose der Veränderung der Vorstellung vom Modell in der Moderne diskutiert der Text die Formen der Nachahmung: von der Imitation der auctores zur Unterstützung der Kreativität und der Produktion des Neuen, von der Wiederholung zur Überraschung (Information). Diese Wandlungen werden mit entsprechenden Veränderungen der Struktur der Gesellschaft und ihrer Semantik in Beziehung gesetzt, insbesondere mit der für die Massenmedien typischen Präferenz für Neues. Die Frage ist dann, welche Rolle die Nachahmung überhaupt noch spielen kann. Die Form der Mode wird als eigentümliche Kombination von Originalität und Nachahmung diskutiert: eine paradoxale Imitation der Neuheit, die ständig wechselt und den Zeitbezug auf Gleichzeitigkeit verlegt. Das erfordert eine unvorgesehene soziale und zeitliche Reflexivität.
Financial Noises: Inclusion and the Promise of Meaning
Authors: Stäheli Urs
Published: May 2016

Dieser Aufsatz schlägt vor, die Geschichte von Börsenkommunikation als eine Geschichte unterschiedlicher Formen von Lärm zu schreiben. Ausgangspunkt ist die Beobachtung, dass im 19. Jahrhundert die populäre Semantik der Börse durch die Finanzspekulation als lärmiges Phänomen fasziniert war. Der Aufsatz schlägt vor, diese Beobachtungen von Lärm mit Inklusionsprozessen in Spekulationskommunikation zu verbinden. Es wird argumentiert, dass der Lärm selbst - und nicht nur das Versprechen eines finanziellen Profits - Finanzspekulation attraktiv macht. Lärm wird gerade für jene, die noch nicht inkludiert sind, zu einer der wichtigsten Attraktionen von Spekulation: Inklusion wird so zu einem Prozess, der Lärm zu verarbeiten und zu decodieren sucht. Daher wird Lärm nicht nur als Störung oder Hindernis verstanden, sondern als Generator von Sinn. Der Aufsatz untersucht diese Frage an Hand von drei kurzen, historischen >Fallstudien<, die für drei unterschiedliche Bedeutungen des Börsenlärms für Inklusionsprozesse stehen.
Zur Systemtheorie der Emotionen
Authors: Simon Fritz B.
Published: May 2016

Emotionen als psychische Ereignisse, die nicht von außen beobachtbar sind, müssen von der Kommunikation von Emotionen unterschieden werden. In ihrer sozialen Funktion lassen sie sich als symbolisch generalisierte Kommunikationsmedien verstehen, die - je nach Typ der kommunizierten Emotion - die Entstehung charakteristischer Interaktionssysteme wahrscheinlich oder unwahrscheinlich machen. These ist, dass eine ihrer zentralen Funktionen darin besteht, als »Außenseite « die Bildung von Organisationen zu fördern, die einer nicht-emotionalen Logik der Entscheidungsbildung und Konfliktlösung dienen. Die Ausdifferenzierung gesellschaftlicher Funktionssysteme läßt sich als Institutionalisierung der Negation der Kommunikation von Emotion im Rahmen des Zivilisationsprozesses erklären. Emotionen spielen eine zentrale Rolle bei der Stabilisierung kultureller Muster, da ihre Befolgung oder der Verstoß gegen sie von den Interaktionsteilnehmern der jeweiligen Kultur mit der Kommunikation von positiven oder negativen Emotionen beantwortet wird.
Das Populäre als Form
Authors: Hahn Torsten , Werber Niels
Published: May 2016

›Pop‹ ist, so der Vorschlag dieses Beitrags, kein eigenständiges Funktionssystem, sondern ein Bestandteil des Kunstsystems. Populäre, ›bloß‹ unterhaltende Kommunikationsformen aus dem Kunstsystem auszuschließen, wie Fuchs/Heidingsfelder vorschlagen, wiederholt Luhmanns Differenz zwischen Höhenkamm, d.h. Kunst für Kenner, und Trivialem als Teil der Massenmedien. Im Gegensatz dazu verstehen wir als Kunst all jene Kommunikation, die entweder interessant oder langweilig unterhält, was ›Pop‹ und Pop-Musik einschließt. Weiterhin gehört ein Großteil der Funktionen, der für die Autoren den Ausschlag gibt, ›Pop‹ zum Sozialsystem zu promovieren (die Betonung der Seite der Mitteilung, die Provokation, die Verkörperung von Kommunikation etc.), zu den Operationen des Kunstsystems. Unser Vorschlag ist, ›Pop‹ als Strategie des Erreichens von Völlinklusion aufzufassen, d.h. als Semantik oder Form, die von verschiedenen Funktionssystemen dazu genutzt wird, ›totale‹ Inklusion zu ermöglichen. Infolgedessen werden spezielle Formen des Populären wie Charts, Rankings, In-and-Out-Listen etc. im Wirtschaftsystem oder Wissenschaftssystem usw. genauso wie in Massenmedien oder der Kunst genutzt.