Bundeswehr

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles ("MISEV") guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these "MISEV2014" guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points.

In this paper, we look into the scaling issues of a vertical tunnel field-effect transistor (FET). The device, a gated p-i-n diode based on silicon, showed gate-controlled band-to-band tunneling from the heavily doped source to the intrinsic channel. An exponentially increasing input characteristics, perfect saturation in the output characteristics, and off-currents of the order of 1 fA//spl mu/m for sub-100-nm channel lengths were observed. Further, with a /spl delta/p/sup +/ SiGe layer at the p-source end, improvements in the device performance in terms of on-current, threshold voltage and subthreshold swing were shown, albeit trading off the off-currents which increase with Ge content x. We show here that the tunnel FET performance is nearly independent of channel length scaling L and with /spl delta/p/sup +/ SiGe layer, scaling t/sub ox/ is not critical to tunnel FET scaling. Further, with gate workfunction engineering, the tunnel FET can be tuned to achieve a high on-current as well as very low off-currents. Due to the perfect saturation in the output characteristics, the device looks good for sub-100-nm low-power analog devices.

Seven outbreaks of disease characterized by a pustular rash and suspected to have been caused by human monkeypox virus were investigated. The outbreaks occurred between February and August 2001 in the province of Equateur in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreaks involved a total of 31 persons and caused five deaths. Specimens from 14 patients were available and were analyzed by electron microscopy, virus isolation, and PCR assays specific for monkeypox virus and varicella-zoster virus. We provide evidence that two outbreaks were indeed caused by monkeypox virus (16 cases, with four deaths), that in two outbreaks both monkeypox and varicella-zoster virus were involved (seven cases, with one death), and that two outbreaks were cases of chickenpox caused by infection with varicella-zoster virus (six cases, with no deaths). In one outbreak, no evidence for either monkeypox or chickenpox was found (two cases, with no deaths).

The realization of a novel vertically grown tunnel field-effect transistor (FET) with several interesting properties is presented. The operation of the device is shown by means of both experimental results as well as two-dimensional computer simulations. This device consists of a MBE-grown, vertical p-i-n structure. A vertical gate controls the band-to-band tunneling width, and hence the tunneling current. Both n-channel and p-channel current behavior is observed. A perfect saturation in drain current-voltage (I/sub D/--V/sub DS/) characteristics in the reverse-biased condition for n-channel, an exponential and nearly temperature independent drain current-gate voltage (I/sub D/--V/sub GS/) relation for both subthreshold, as well as on-region, and source-drain off-currents several orders of magnitude lower then the conventional MOSFET are achieved. In the forward-biased condition, the device shows normal p-i-n diode characteristics.

The objectives of the present study were (I) to determine the validity and reliability of measuring gingival thickness (GTH) with a recently developed, commercially available ultrasonic device; (II) to measure GTH in relation to tooth type and age of proband; (III) to correlate GTH with varying forms of premolars, canines and incisors. Ultrasonic measurements were performed in 200 periodontally healthy, male probands representing 3 different age groups (20-25, 40-45, 55-60 years). In the maxilla, mean GTH varied between 0.9 mm (canines, 1st molars) and 1.3 mm (2nd molars). In the mandible respective mean values ranged between 0.8 mm (canines) and 1.5 mm (2nd molars). No differences in means and standard deviations (0.36-0.39 mm) were observed in different age groups. In order to correlate GTH with other clinical parameters and form of tooth, in 42 probands of the youngest age group, presenting with no attrition or abrasion, no artificial crown restorations and (following prophylaxis) no overt gingivitis and no periodontal probing depth in excess of 3 mm, detailed clinical measurements and stone model cast analyses were performed. By stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, 24% (p < 0.0001) of the variation of GTH was explained by probing depth, recession, width of gingiva and tooth type. The ratio of the width of the crown to its length was not included into the model. When performing analysis of covariance with the subject as factor, the model was improved, now explaining 41% of the variation of GTH. In this model, the influence of periodontal probing depth was decreased, and recession was not included. It was concluded that there are individual differences in GTH (i.e., different biotypes). However, thickness mainly depends on tooth type and is correlated with width of gingiva. There appears to be no association with shape and form of the tooth. Validity and reliability of measuring GTH with the ultrasonic device was found to be excellent.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess thickness of all parts of the masticatory mucosa by using an ultrasonic measuring device. METHODS: A total of 40 periodontally healthy subjects, 19 to 30 years old, took part. Thickness of masticatory mucosa was measured at a maximum of 149 sites in each proband. RESULTS: Female volunteers had significantly thinner mean masticatory mucosa than males (p<0.01). Mean thickness of facial gingiva ranged between 0.7 mm at canines in the maxilla and central incisors in the mandible and 2.3 mm at 3rd molars in the mandible. In the mandible, thickness of lingual gingiva ranged between 0.9 mm at lateral incisors and 2.3 mm at 3rd molars. Interdental gingiva ranged between 1.0 mm 2.1 mm. With 3 mm or more, on average, palatal masticatory mucosa was thickest in the 3rd molar region and at 2nd premolars at more central locations. 2 regions with comparatively thin palatal mucosa of about 2 mm were identified, namely (i) at central and lateral incisors and (ii) at the prominence of the palatal roots of 1st and 2nd molars. The thickest tissue with more than 4 mm, on average, was observed in the tuberosity and retromolar regions. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable intra- as well as interindividual variation of thickness of masticatory mucosa could be observed. According to differences in thickness of facial and interdental gingiva, it appears that lining is also an important function of the gingiva in reducing and smoothing the pronounced convexities of the dentoalveolar, i.e., skeletal, complex.

AIMS: The aim of the present investigation was to study thickness of masticatory mucosa and gingival width in subjects with different periodontal phenotypes. METHODS: Periodontal phenotypes were defined with the aid of cluster analysis of standardised parameters including mean gingival thickness and width as well as ratio of crown width to its length at maxillary canines, lateral and central incisors of 40 young adults with healthy periodontal conditions. RESULTS: 3 groupings could be observed. Clusters A1 and A2 comprised 75% of all subjects. They were characterised by thin gingiva and a slender tooth form. Clusters A1 and A2 were differentiated by gingival width. Cluster B comprised 11 subjects with relatively thick and wide gingiva and a quadratic tooth shape. In general, characteristics of the frontal sextant in the maxilla were also found in other parts of the dentition. Thus, mean thickness of masticatory mucosa as well as gingival width and crown form differed significantly among clusters. In addition, cluster B subjects had a significantly greater mean periodontal probing depth. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify significant factors influencing palatal mucosal thickness. Women had considerably thinner palatal mucosa than men. Furthermore, cluster affiliation had a significant influence on thickness of palatal mucosa. Thickest tissue was found in the premolar region, whereas the mucosa over the root prominence of the first molar represented an anatomical barrier for graft harvesting. CONCLUSIONS: Thickness of masticatory mucosa strongly depends on gender and the periodontal phenotype.

Research suggests that different motivational dynamics underlie right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO). These differences may be framed in the theory of basic human values. RWA may trace back to conservation versus openness-to-change values, and SDO to self-enhancement versus self-transcendence values. Based on a large-scale German survey, associations of RWA and SDO with personal values and attitudes in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, were analyzed. Results indicated that RWA related more strongly than SDO to conservation values and threat-related attitudes toward Islam as an expression of the motivational goals of social control and security, whereas RWA and SDO related equally to self-enhancement versus self-transcendence values and concern for negative consequences of military action as an expression of the motivational goal of altruistic concern. Thus, the motivational bases of RWA and SDO appear to be only partly different.

In a previous study on 42 young adult, periodontally healthy subjects without any attrition, abrasion or crown restoration, gingival thickness (GTH) was determined at facial aspects of premolars, canines and incisors by a novel ultrasonic device. GTH strongly depended on periodontal probing depth, width of gingiva (WG), and tooth type. Whereas the ratio of crown width to its length (CW/CL) was not identified as an explanatory variable, a significant influence of the subject was ascertained. The aim of the present study was to extend these analyses in order to identify subjects with different morphological characteristics of gingiva, i.e., gingival phenotypes. When employing cluster analysis on standardized parameters mean GTH, WG and CW/CL of upper canines, lateral and central incisors, 3 clusters were identified. Cluster A comprised 2/3 of subjects, displaying "normal" GTH, WG and CW/CL. Cluster B (n = 9, 21%) had a significantly thicker and wider gingiva, and a more quadratic form of upper front teeth. A 3rd cluster (cluster C, n = 5, 12%) was identified showing "normal" GTH, high CW/CL, but a narrow zone of keratinized tissue. Some characteristics of gingival phenotype of the upper front tooth region were also found at upper premolars (WG, CW/CL) but in general not at mandibular teeth. Present results clearly indicate evidence for the existence of different gingival phenotypes. Clinical relevance of these observations has to be tested in longitudinal studies.

BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, early, ideally real-time, identification of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals is pivotal in interrupting infection chains. Volatile organic compounds produced during respiratory infections can cause specific scent imprints, which can be detected by trained dogs with a high rate of precision. METHODS: Eight detection dogs were trained for 1 week to detect saliva or tracheobronchial secretions of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a randomised, double-blinded and controlled study. RESULTS: The dogs were able to discriminate between samples of infected (positive) and non-infected (negative) individuals with average diagnostic sensitivity of 82.63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.02-83.24%) and specificity of 96.35% (95% CI: 96.31-96.39%). During the presentation of 1012 randomised samples, the dogs achieved an overall average detection rate of 94% (±3.4%) with 157 correct indications of positive, 792 correct rejections of negative, 33 incorrect indications of negative or incorrect rejections of 30 positive sample presentations. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicate that trained detection dogs can identify respiratory secretion samples from hospitalised and clinically diseased SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals by discriminating between samples from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and negative controls. This data may form the basis for the reliable screening method of SARS-CoV-2 infected people.

A screening assay for real-time LightCycler (Roche Applied Science, Mannheim, Germany) PCR identification of smallpox virus DNA was developed and compiled in a kit system under good manufacturing practice conditions with standardized reagents. In search of a sequence region unique to smallpox virus, the nucleotide sequence of the 14-kDa fusion protein gene of each of 14 variola virus isolates of the Russian World Health Organization smallpox virus repository was determined and compared to published sequences. PCR primers were designed to detect all Eurasian-African species of the genus ORTHOPOXVIRUS: A single nucleotide mismatch resulting in a unique amino acid substitution in smallpox virus was used to design a hybridization probe pair with a specific sensor probe that allows reliable differentiation of smallpox virus from other orthopoxviruses by melting-curve analysis. The applicability was demonstrated by successful amplification of 120 strains belonging to the orthopoxvirus species variola, vaccinia, camelpox, mousepox, cowpox, and monkeypox virus. The melting temperatures (T(m)s) determined for 46 strains of variola virus (T(m)s, 55.9 to 57.8 degrees C) differed significantly (P = 0.005) from those obtained for 11 strains of vaccinia virus (T(m)s, 61.7 to 62.7 degrees C), 15 strains of monkeypox virus (T(m)s, 61.9 to 62.2 degrees C), 40 strains of cowpox virus (T(m)s, 61.3 to 63.7 degrees C), 8 strains of mousepox virus (T(m), 61.9 degrees C), and 8 strains of camelpox virus (T(m)s, 64.0 to 65.0 degrees C). As most of the smallpox virus samples were derived from infected cell cultures and tissues, smallpox virus DNA could be detected in a background of human DNA. By applying probit regression analysis, the analytical sensitivity was determined to be 4 copies of smallpox virus target DNA per sample. The DNAs of several human herpesviruses as well as poxviruses other than orthopoxviruses were not detected by this method. The assay proved to be a reliable technique for the detection of orthopoxviruses, with the advantage that it can simultaneously identify variola virus.

Traumatic injury in the presence of a thin and narrow zone of gingival tissue may lead to gingival recession. Especially in class I and II recessions, root coverage may be accomplished with connective tissue grafts. In order to prevent recurrent recession, altering gingival dimensions width and thickness might be of advantage. In the present study, dimensions of gingiva were followed for 1 year after root coverage with connective tissue grafts. The study population consisted of 18 patients with a total of 28 class I or II recessions. Gingival width and depth of the recession were measured with a caliper, and thickness of the marginal tissue with an ultrasonic device. Periodontal probing depth was determined with a pressure-controlled electronic probe. Mean (+/-sd) recession depth at baseline was 3.1+/-1.4 mm. After 12 months, coverage amounted to 74+/-30%. Width of gingiva rose from 2.1+/-1.0 mm to 3.2+/-1.4 mm, whereas thickness was increased from 0.8+/-0.3 mm to 1.5+/-0.7 mm, on average. No significant alteration of periodontal probing depth was observed but a mean gain of clinical attachment of 1.7+/-1.1 mm was ascertained. In a multiple regression analysis, recession depth and presence of the recession in the maxilla, but not tooth type significantly influenced relative root coverage (R2=0.34, p<0.01). Attachment gain after surgery depended on baseline attachment loss and was negatively influenced by smoking. The present results point to the possibility of doubling gingival thickness after root coverage with connective tissue grafts.

Following several political‐psychological approaches, the present research analyzed whether orientations toward human rights are a function of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), basic human values in the sense of Schwartz (1992 ), and political ideology. Three dimensions of human rights attitudes (endorsement, restriction, and enforcement) were differentiated from human rights knowledge and behavior. In a time‐lagged Internet survey ( N = 479), using structural equation modeling, RWA, universalism and power values, and political ideology (measured at Time 1) differentially predicted dimensions of human rights attitudes (measured at Time 2 five months later). RWA and universalism values also predicted self‐reported human rights behavior, with the effects mediated through human rights endorsement. Human rights knowledge also predicted behavior. The psychological roots of positive and negative orientations toward human rights, consequences for human rights education, and the particular role of military enforcement of human rights are discussed.

Using two-dimensional device simulations, the electrical parameters of gated tunnel field-effect transistor (FET) are optimized with a SiGe delta doped layer in the source region. In order to prove the validity of the simulation models we compare simulation results with the experimentally realized tunnel FET on silicon and show that it gives a good match. It is shown that the incorporation of pseudomorphic strained-Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ layers leads to a significant performance increase. Furthermore, it becomes evident that the improvements are not a direct consequence of bandgap lowering but rather an indirect consequence of tunnel barrier width lowering. This leads to an asymmetry in the n- and the p-channel performance.

The high mortality rate of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is due, in part, to the lack of non-invasive approaches able to accurately detect this silent tumour at early stages, when therapeutic options can be potentially curative or may at least increase the overall survival of patients. The fact that the majority of CCA tumours are not linked to any known aetiological factor highly compromises the monitoring of patients at risk for tumour development and also their early diagnosis. Combination of clinical/biochemical features, imaging techniques and analysis of non-specific tumour biomarkers in serum are commonly used to help in the diagnosis of CCA, but tumour biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. Moreover, no prognostic biomarkers are currently used in the clinical setting, deserving more innovative research, and international validation and consensus. Important efforts have been made in the last few years to identify accurate non-invasive biomarkers, by using innovative techniques and high-throughput omics technologies. This review summarizes and discusses the advances in the investigation of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CCA and envisions the future directions in this field of research.

The tunnel field-effect transistor (tunnel FET) is a promising candidate for future CMOS technology. Its device characteristics have been subject to a variety of experimental and theoretical studies. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of using a high-kappa gate dielectric in the tunnel FET compared to a standard silicon oxide with same equivalent oxide thickness, which exhibits a quite different behavior compared to a conventional MOSFET due to its totally different working principle. It turns out that the fringing field effect, while deteriorating conventional MOSFET characteristics, leads to a much higher on-current comparable with actual conventional MOSFETs, a subthreshold slope of the tunnel FET lower than the theoretical limit for conventional MOSFETs, and a massive improved inverter delay, underlining its prospect for future applications. This leads to the conclusion that high-kappa materials with permittivities > 30 can advantageously be used in CMOS technology, giving rise to further technological development.

Effects of ionising radiation on extracellular matrix (ECM)-modulated cell survival and on adhesion and invasion are not well understood. In particular, the aggressiveness of glioblastoma multiforme has been associated with tumour cell invasion into adjacent normal brain tissue. To examine these effects in more depth, four human glioblastoma cell lines (A-172, U-138, LN-229 and LN-18) were irradiated on fibronectin (FN), Matrigel, BSA or polystyrene. Major findings of this study include a significantly increased survival of irradiated A-172 but not of irradiated U-138, LN-229, and LN-18 cells on FN or Matrigel compared to cells irradiated on polystyrene or BSA. Irradiation induced a dose-dependent increase in functional beta 1- and beta 3-integrins in all four glioma cell lines. This integrin induction caused improved cell adhesion to FN or Matrigel. In contrast to U-138, LN-229 and LN-18 cells, irradiation strongly impaired A-172 cell invasion. Invasion of all cell lines was inhibited by anti-integrin antibodies, the disintegrin echistatin and the MMP-2/-9 inhibitor III. Additionally, beta 1- and beta 3-integrins modulated basal and radiation-altered gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2. Tested glioblastoma cell lines showed a differential cellular susceptibility to FN or Matrigel which affected the cellular radiosensitivity. Three out of four glioma cell lines demonstrated a combination of a substratum-independent survival after irradiation and an invasive potential which was not affected by irradiation. beta 1- and beta 3-integrins were identified to play a substantial, regulatory role in survival, adhesion, invasion and MMP-2 activity. Detailed insights into radioresistance and invasion processes might offer new therapeutic strategies to enhance cell killing of lethal high-grade astrocytoma.

We report independent results from two subgroups of the Mars Express Radio Science (MaRS) team who independently analyzed Mars Express (MEX) radio tracking data for the purpose of determining consistently the gravitational attraction of the moon Phobos on the MEX spacecraft, and hence the mass of Phobos. New values for the gravitational parameter (GM = 0.7127 ± 0.0021 × 10 −3 km 3 /s 2 ) and density of Phobos (1876 ± 20 kg/m 3 ) provide meaningful new constraints on the corresponding range of the body's porosity (30% ± 5%), provide a basis for improved interpretation of the internal structure. We conclude that the interior of Phobos likely contains large voids. When applied to various hypotheses bearing on the origin of Phobos, these results are inconsistent with the proposition that Phobos is a captured asteroid.

us further information regarding the link between sensitization and lung function. 9 These study findings extend those in previous studies and show that development of atopy very early in life is associated with measurable differences in lung function and respiratory morbidity from infancy, which persist into adulthood. The early onset of atopy and a lung function reduction suggest an antenatal trigger or cause. Further investigation into the possible causal links between these 2 might provide a target to prevent early sensitization and the associated persistent lung function deficit that begins in infancy.

Thrusters that exploit vacuum arc discharges to produce high-velocity plasma jets directly or as sources of plasma that is subsequently accelerated electrostatically have been proposed or are currently under development. Vacuum arc discharges exhibit certain regularities in their behavior that allow the performance of these thrusters to be described by simple semiempirical models. Empirical data on the current density distribution, charge state and velocity of ions created in vacuum arc discharges, and the total cathode mass loss rate are used to develop expressions for the expected thrust and specific impulse as a function of thruster geometry. Thruster electrical efficiency and thrust-to-power ratio are calculated based on measurements of the burning voltage for given thruster operating parameters. Estimates of achievable thruster performance for a wide range of cathode materials are presented. This analysis suggests that thrusters using vacuum arc sources can be operated efficiently with a range of propellant options that gives great flexibility in specific impulse. In addition, the efficiency of plasma production in these devices appears to be largely independent of scale because the metal vapor is ionized within tens of micrometers of the cathode electron emission sites, so this approach is well suited for micropropulsion.