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Background: The International Classification of Diseases-10th revision (ICD-10) surrogates of the modified frailty index (mFI) have been defined in recent research. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these ICD-10 surrogates and their association with hospital referral in an older population from Germany. Methods: The present sample included adults aged ≥65 years followed in German general practices between 2010 and 2021. The index date was the most recent visit date. There were 11 ICD-10 surrogates of the mFI, including a total of 52 diagnoses. These surrogates were assessed in the 12 months prior to the index date. Referral to the hospital was analyzed in the 12 months following the index date. Covariates included age and sex. Results: There were 1,406,038 patients included in the study (mean (standard deviation) age 77.0 (7.9) years; 56.2% women). The prevalence of the ICD-10 surrogates of the mFI ranged from 3.3% for a "history of transient ischemic attack or stroke without neurological deficit" to 68.1% for a "history of hypertension requiring medication". In addition, 24%, 37%, and 23% of participants had 1, 2–3, and >3 ICD-10 surrogates of the mFI, respectively. There was a positive and significant relationship between the number of ICD-10 surrogates and 12-month incident hospital referral (reference: 0 surrogate; 1 surrogate: HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.31–1.42; 2–3 surrogates: HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.93–2.08; >3 surrogates: HR = 3.32, 95% CI = 3.19–3.44). Conclusions: ICD-10 surrogates of the mFI were relatively frequent and were significantly associated with 12-month incident hospital referral in this sample of older adults from general practices in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep‐ploughing far beyond the common depth of 30 cm was used more than 50 years ago in Northern Germany with the aim to break root‐restricting layers and thereby improve access to subsoil water and nutrient resources. We hypothesized that effects of this earlier intervention on soil properties and yields prevailed after 50 years. Hence, we sampled two sandy soils and one silty soil (Cambisols and a Luvisol) of which half of the field had been deep‐ploughed 50 years ago (soils then re‐classified as Treposols). The adjacent other half was not deep‐ploughed and thus served as the control. At all the three sites, both deep‐ploughed and control parts were then conventionally managed over the last 50 years. We assessed yields during the dry year 2019 and additionally in 2020, and rooting intensity at the year of sampling (2019), as well as changes in soil structure, carbon and nutrient stocks in that year. We found that deep‐ploughing improved yields in the dry spell of 2019 at the sandy sites, which was supported by a more general pattern of higher NDVI indices in deep‐ploughed parts for the period from 2016 to 2021 across varying weather conditions. Subsoil stocks of soil organic carbon and total plant‐available phosphorus were enhanced by 21%–199% in the different sites. Root biomass in the subsoil was reduced due to deep‐ploughing at the silty site and was increased or unaffected at the sandy sites. Overall, the effects of deep‐ploughing were site‐specific, with reduced bulk density in the buried topsoil stripes in the subsoil of the sandy sites, but with elevated subsoil density in the silty site. Hence, even 50 years after deep‐ploughing, changes in soil properties are still detectable, although effect size differed among sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the compressive behavior of eco-friendly concrete containing glass waste (GW) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). In all mixtures, cement and water are stayed constant while fine and coarse aggregates were varied. The studied parameters are: utilizing fine recycled glass (FRG) instead of fine natural aggregate (FNA) at substitution levels of 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100 %, performing coarse recycled glass (CRG) instead of coarse natural aggregate (CNA) at replacement ratios of 0, 10, 20 and 40 %, conducting both CRG at constant ratio (20 %) as well as RCA at varied levels (0, 16, 40 and 80 %) and replacing CNA by RCA at varied levels (0, 16, 40 and 80 %). The experimental results showed that replacing 10, 25, 50 and 100 % of FNA by FRG declined the compressive strength of concrete by 12.8, 18.5, 24.5 and 49.8 %, respectively. Also, the compressive strength of concrete decreased by 18.5, 23.3, and 32.83 % when 10, 20, and 40 % of CNA were substituted by CRG, respectively. Additionally, the current study investigates the efficacy of machine learning (ML) techniques in evaluating the compressive strength of eco-friendly concrete containing GW and RCA separately. Four tree-based ensemble methods—decision trees, random forest, gradient boosted regression trees, and extreme gradient boosting—were trained and tested using 241 and 319 datasets to predict the compressive strength of eco-friendly concrete containing GW and RCA, respectively. The data employed in constructing the ML model were gathered from both the current experimental study and previous studies. The findings indicate that the XGBoost model demonstrates exceptional accuracy. The impact of each parameter on the predicted outcomes was discussed. • Eco-friendly concrete with GW and RCA investigated using cube compression tests • Replacing FNA with FRG reduced f cu by 13–50 % at varying replacement levels • Replacing CNA with CRG reduced f cu by 18.5–33 % at varying replacement levels • Increasing FRG/CRG replacement lowers concrete density; enhances fluidity greatly • XGBoost ML predicts eco-friendly concrete's compressive strength accurately [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foothill areas of eastern Turkey are an arid and semiarid region with natural salinization, where calcareous alluvial saline soils (Calcaric Fluvisols) are circulated as a result of floods of the Aras River. In this study, the effects of salinity and alkalinity on soil aggregate size distribution and enzyme activities at different aggregate size were investigated. For this purpose, soil samples were collected with three replicates at saline, alkaline, saline-alkaline and non-saline–alkaline areas and passed through into different sieves (2, 1, 0.850, 0.425, 0.106 and 0.02 mm) by dry sieving method for determining aggregate weight distribution in each macro (2–0.45 mm) and micro (0.45–0.02 mm) aggregates. For determining aggregate size distribution, sieves were shaken using a horizontal shaking machine (Retsch, AS 200 basic, Haan, Germany). The soil enzymes were determined in these aggregate sizes (2–1, 1–0.850, 0.850–0.425, 0.425–0.106, 0.106–0.02 mm) for all soil types. All soils belonged to the clay loam with the carbon content in the range of 0.5–0.8%, while the percentage of exchangeable sodium for the non-saline–alkaline and alkaline–saline soils was from 3.5 to 22%, but the pH diapason from 8.3 to 8.9. Results showed that soil salinity and alkalinity decreased the weight of macro aggregates and increased the weight of micro aggregates, besides soil salinity and alkalinity decreased soil enzyme activities. But soil salinity decreased enzyme activity more than alkalinity. Furthermore, the highest urease and catalase activities were in macro aggregates (0.850–0.425 mm aggregate size) for all soil types. The reason may be that macro aggregates contain higher organic matter and organic carbon than micro aggregates. Consequently, the highest enzyme (urease and catalase) activities were detected in macro aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, the Indo-Pacific region became the focal point of great power competition. In 2020, Germany published its 'Policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific. Germany—Europe—Asia: shaping the twenty-first century together'. The publication of the Indo-Pacific guidelines and the deployment of frigate Bayern to the Indo-Pacific in early August 2021 offer a starting point for a discussion on a German grand strategy in the post-liberal world order. This article argues that the publication of the German Indo-Pacific guidelines and Germany's increased engagement in the region are a consequence of a change in how Germany perceives China. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, the rise of China was seen as an opportunity for Germany, but this has changed, with China now increasingly seen as a threat to Germany's national interests. Consequently, Germany is strengthening its cooperation with like-minded countries in Asia and is engaging in soft balancing against China. Germany's Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer stops short of using the word alliance, calling for 'an international network of like-minded countries' and also stops short of declaring a containment strategy against China, saying that Germany works together with China where this is possible, but digs its heels in against China where it has to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Simulated warming caused a rapid loss of OC in mountainous grassland soils rich in OM. • SOC loss was associated with a disruption of large-macroaggregates. • Intensive grassland slightly offset OC losses and promoted SM formation. • Soil perturbation effects have to be differentiated from climate change effects. Mountainous grassland soils are considered one of the most unique biological hotspots, rich in organic carbon (OC). At the same time, they are exposed to great threats, as climate warming is more pronounced in mountainous regions than in lowland areas. In this study, we assessed the effect of simulated warming (+1K, +2K, and + 3 K) on OC stocks and soil structure in grassland soils of the Northern Limestone Alps in Germany by translocating plant-soil mesocosms from high- (1260 m a.s.l., Rendzic Phaeozem) and mid- (860 m a. s. l., Haplic Cambisol) to low-elevation (600 m a.s.l). Plant-soil mesocosms were exposed to both extensive and intensive grassland management practices. Four years after translocation, we observed a rapid decrease of topsoil SOC stocks under intensive (−1.0 t C ha yr−1) and extensive management (-2.2 t C ha yr−1), under the highest temperature increase. Intensive management with about 1 t C ha−1 yr−1 higher manure C return than extensive management (1.6 vs. 0.8 t C ha−1 yr−1 intensive and extensive, respectively) may explain the difference in SOC losses between different management treatments. Under both management practices, the loss of SOC was mainly associated with a decrease of large macroaggregates, at both management practices. In addition, different aggregate specific OC loss rates resulted in an altered distribution of OC among the aggregate size classes. Our study provides evidence that simulated climate change induced a rapid and substantial decline of SOC in mountainous, OC-rich grassland soils, which may be attributed to decreased physical OC protection within large macroaggregates. Optimized grassland management in form of increased application of organic fertilizers could only partially offset the SOC loss by improved formation of small macroaggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In designed experiments, different sources of variability and an adequate scale of measurement need to be considered, but not all approaches in common usage are equally valid. In order to elucidate the importance of sources of variability and choice of scale, we conducted an experiment where the effects of biochar and slurry applications on soil properties related to soil fertility were studied for different designs: (a) for a field‐scale sampling design with either a model soil (without natural variability) as an internal control or with composited soils, (b) for a design with a focus on amendment variabilities, and (c) for three individual field‐scale designs with true field replication and a combined analysis representative of the population of loess‐derived soils. Three silty loam sites in Germany were sampled and the soil macroaggregates were crushed. For each design, six treatments (0, 0.15 and 0.30 g slurry‐N kg−1 with and without 30 g biochar kg−1) were applied before incubating the units under constant soil moisture conditions for 78 days. CO2 fluxes were monitored and soils were analysed for macroaggregate yields and associated organic carbon (C). Mixed‐effects models were used to describe the effects. For all soil properties, results for the loess sites differed with respect to significant contributions of fixed effects for at least one site, suggesting the need for a general inclusion of different sites. Analysis using a multilevel model allowed generalizations for loess soils to be made and showed that site:slurry:biochar and site:slurry interactions were not negligible for macroaggregate yields. The use of a model soil as an internal control enabled observation of variabilities other than those related to soils or amendments. Experiments incorporating natural variability in soils or amendments resulted in partially different outcomes, indicating the need to include all important sources of variability. Highlights: Effects of biochar and slurry applications were studied for different designs and mixed‐effects models were used to describe the effects.Including an internal control allowed observation of, e.g., methodological and analytical variabilities.The results suggested the need for a general inclusion of different sites.Analysis using a multilevel model allowed generalizations for loess soils.The results indicated the need to include all important sources of variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Epoxy sealer + β-TCP, and Epoxy sealer + NAC showed low cytotoxicity. • Addition of NAC improved the antimicrobial property against E. faecalis. • Incorporating β-TCP or NAC improves the adhesiveness and biocompatibility. This in vitro study was designed to evaluate the biocompatibility, adhesiveness, and antimicrobial activity of epoxy resin-based sealer associated with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) or beta-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles (β-TCP) as an experimental retro-filling material. Cytotoxicity was assessed using 2,3-Bis-(Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulphophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide (XTT) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays after exposing human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to extracts of the materials for 1, 3, or 7 days. For the adhesive resistance test, root canals (48 single-root teeth) were instrumented with Reciproc #40 files (VDW GmbH, Germany) and obturated. After 7 days, the apices were sectioned and a retrograde cavity prepared and filled with the experimental materials (Mineral trioxide aggregate, Epoxy sealer, Epoxy sealer + NAC, and Epoxy sealer + β-TCP). For the push-out test, one 2-mm thick slice was obtained from the apical third of each specimen. Antimicrobial activity was performed using agar diffusion method. Biofilms were grown in microplates and exposed to the extracts of retro-filled materials, followed by analysis of growth inhibition on agar plates. Epoxy sealer in association with β-TCP or NAC showed better bond strength while Mineral trioxide aggregate allowed for the lowest adhesion. Mineral trioxide aggregate, Epoxy sealer + β-TCP, and Epoxy sealer + NAC showed low cytotoxicity. Epoxy sealer was the most cytotoxic. In antimicrobial activity assays, all materials had no effect on Candida albicans. Addition of NAC improved the antimicrobial property of Epoxy sealer against Enterococcus faecalis compared to unmodified Epoxy sealer (P < 0.05). Incorporating β-TCP or NAC with Epoxy sealer could improve the adhesiveness and biocompatibility for better use in endodontic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agates with spectacular micro-structural features were found in volcanic rocks at several occurrences in the Saar-Nahe region (Germany). These agates include spirals of several tens up to several hundreds of μm in size within zones lacking the characteristic structural agate banding. A combined mineralogical study by polarising microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence microscopy and spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction provided evidence that the spirals consist of well-ordered trigonal α-quartz, whereas the surrounding matrix is composed of strongly disordered or amorphous SiO2 phases. The quartz micro-crystals show a systematic rotation of the crystal orientation perpendicular to the direction of the spiral loops indicating helical growth. It is assumed that the spiral growth is initiated by dislocations with a screw component. The lacking symmetry of the strongly disordered or amorphous matrix initiated a curved development by a screw dislocation in a system far from equilibrium. The atoms/molecules are packed into spiral layers, which is energetically favoured in comparison with the incorporation into plane crystal faces. Such self-organisation growth and polymerisation initiated by a screw dislocation can produce variable spiral morphologies sometimes resembling living forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Topsoil SOC stocks and soil structure recovered 26 years after topsoil removal. • Topsoil buried under the plough layer non-linearly lost 30–50% of SOC in 55 years. • Topsoil SOC recovery and stability of buried SOC was dependent on N fertilisation. Erosion of fertile topsoil means severe land degradation and yield loss. Here, we show that reformation of the fertile topsoil and crop yield increase is possible by good agricultural management within a few decades. Evidence relies on a unique long-term field experiment in NE Germany, where in 1964 the sandy soil (Luvisol) had been excavated to 52 cm and refilled with subsoil material of 52 cm thickness. Undisturbed trials served as controls, these were all combined with either no fertilisation, mineral fertilisation or a combined mineral and organic fertilisation. It took only 26 years until new topsoil had been formed. Its soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N stocks and the aggregate size distributions equalled that of the other treatments; SOC sequestration corresponded to 28 Mg SOC ha−1. The former topsoil buried below the plough layer lost 30–50 percent of its SOC during 5 decades in a non-linear manner. We conclude that our current agricultural tools can restore degraded arable land rather fast and contribute to climate change mitigation through a significant SOC sequestration as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A high proportion of patients with relapsed classical Hodgkin's lymphoma achieve a response with the antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin, and the drug is well tolerated. We modified the escalated BEACOPP regimen (eBEACOPP; bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) and implemented brentuximab vedotin with the aim to reduce toxic effects while maintaining the protocol's efficacy.Methods: We did an open-label, multicentre, randomised phase 2 study at 20 study sites in Germany. Adult patients (aged 18-60 years) with newly diagnosed, advanced, classical Hodgkin's lymphoma were randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment with six cycles of either BrECAPP (brentuximab vedotin 1·8 mg/kg on day 1, etoposide 200 mg/m2 on days 2-4, doxorubicin 35 mg/m2 on day 2, cyclophosphamide 1250 mg/m2 on day 2, procarbazine 100 mg/m2 on days 2-8, and prednisone 40 mg/m2 on days 2-15) or BrECADD (brentuximab vedotin 1·8 mg/kg on day 1, etoposide 150 mg/m2 on days 2-4, doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 on day 2, cyclophosphamide 1250 mg/m2 on day 2, dacarbazine 250 mg/m2 on days 3-4, and dexamethasone 40 mg on days 2-5). Randomisation was done centrally by stratified minimisation, with study site and sex as stratification factors. The co-primary endpoints were complete response to chemotherapy and complete remission at the end of treatment, which were assessed by intention to treat. Patients who were found not to meet inclusion criteria after randomisation or without restaging data after two cycles of study treatment were excluded from the primary endpoint analysis. All patients who started study treatment were assessable for safety. This report presents the final analysis at a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR 13·2-21·5). The preplanned 2-year follow-up analysis is yet to be reported. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01569204.Findings: Between Oct 26, 2012, and May 15, 2014, 104 patients were enrolled to the study (52 were assigned to each study arm). Two patients dropped out before the start of study treatment because of acute infection (n=1) and withdrawal of consent (n=1) and one patient was excluded because of intermediate-stage disease (all were assigned BrECAPP). 42 (86%, 95% CI 73-94) of 49 patients assigned BrECAPP achieved a complete response after chemotherapy and 46 (94%, 95% CI 83-99) had complete remission as their final treatment outcome. In the BrECADD group, 46 (88%, 95% CI 77-96) of 52 patients achieved both a complete response after chemotherapy and complete remission as their final treatment outcome. 58 serious adverse events were reported, 32 events in 21 of 50 patients who received BrECAPP and 26 events in 18 of 52 patients who received BrECADD. The most common grade 3-4 toxic effects were haematological adverse events (91 [89%] of 102 patients). Grade 3-4 organ toxic effects were reported in seven (17%) of 42 patients assigned BrECAPP and two (4%) of 46 allocated BrECADD. 16 (32%) of 50 patients assigned BrECAPP and 18 (35%) of 52 allocated BrECADD had grade 1-2 peripheral neuropathy, and one (2%) patient assigned BrECAPP developed grade 3 peripheral neuropathy; all but one case (allocated BrECAPP) resolved. No deaths were reported during the follow-up period.Interpretation: Both eBEACOPP variants met the co-primary efficacy endpoints. Particularly, the BrECADD regimen was associated with a more favourable toxicity profile and was, therefore, selected to challenge standard eBEACOPP for the treatment of advanced classical Hodgkin's lymphoma in the phase 3 HD21 study by the German Hodgkin Study Group (NCT02661503), which aims to further reduce treatment-related morbidity.Funding: Takeda Pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial sector of bottom ash (BA) treatment from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) in Germany is currently changing. In order to increase the recovery rates of metals or to achieve a higher quality of mineral aggregates derived from BA, new procedures have been either implemented to existing plants or completely new treatment plants have been built recently. Three treatment trains, which are designated as entire sequences of selected processing techniques of BA, are introduced and compared. One treatment train is mainly characterized by usage of a high speed rotation accelerator whereas another is operating completely without crushing. In the third treatment train the BA is processed wet directly after incineration. The consequences for recovered metal fractions and the constitution of remaining mineral aggregates are discussed in the context of legislative and economical frameworks. Today the recycling or disposal options of mineral residues still have a high influence on the configuration and the operation mode of the treatment trains of BA despite of the high value of recovered metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Black heavy mineral (HM) aggregates of metallic luster and composed of ilmenite and rutile were named “nigrine” (amount of rutile>ilmenite) and “antinigrine” (amount of ilmenite>rutile). They contain inclusions of, e.g., columbite-(Fe), pyrochlore group minerals, wolframite solid solution series (=s.s.s.), monazite, zircon, Fe oxides and sulfides as well as alteration minerals such as pseudorutile and Fe–Ti–Nb–Ta–Al–P compounds, whose precise chemical composition and mineralogical affiliation cannot be determined. These titaniferous HM aggregates are of widespread occurrence in gneisses and shear zones cutting through them as well as alluvial, fluvial and colluvial deposits at different distances from rare-element phosphate pegmatites within the crystalline basement in SE Germany. “Nigrine” and “antinigrine” may be subdivided into three types which formed at different periods relative to the Variscan tectonic disturbances and which show different qualities as markers for the origin and presence of Nb-bearing pegmatites along the western edge of the Bohemian Massif, SE Germany. Type A developed pre- to synkinematically within or near deep-seated shear zones which formed below 730°C as early as 321 to 329Ma. These HM aggregates are poor in Nb and impoverished in accessory minerals. The HM aggregates having developed in shear zones mark the “kitchen” where friction and heating contributed to the formation of felsic intrusive bodies, such as pegmatites and aplites. This type of Ti-bearing HM aggregates may be held as distal proximity indicator. Type B is early postkinematic and enriched in niobian rutile, rife with lots of inclusions, especially columbite-(Fe). It precipitated in the crystalline country rocks at temperatures around 600°C concomitant with the nearby rare-element pegmatites between 302 and 311Ma. It is the most proximal member of this group of HM aggregates. Type C “nigrine” is enriched in W and late postkinematic relative to the shearing processes in the crystalline basement. It formed around 470°C during the same period of time as type C. It does, however, not qualify as a marker for rare-element pegmatites, as it is unrelated to these felsic intrusives. During the late Neogene the Variscan basement was strongly uplifted and many pegmatites were stripped off their roof rocks. As a consequence of this, “nigrine” and “antinigrine” were released from their host rocks and became part of the terrigenous sediments laid down in the drainage systems which upstream cut into the crystalline basement and the pegmatites/aplites. Due to their high resistance to chemical weathering these titaniferous HM aggregates acted as “armored relics” for less resistant minerals such as columbite and pyrochlore. When these titaniferous HM aggregates got decomposed by attrition these mineral inclusions of lesser stability appear in the fluvial sediments further afield from their source than expected, considering the low stability to weathering of single crystals of columbite- and pyrochlore group minerals. “Antinigrine” and “nigrine” may be spotted in the HM suites of drainage systems around pegmatites at a distance of ≤10km with correlation coefficient of RNb–Ti =+0.42, while in the range 2–5km RNb–Ti increases to +0.77, in the range 1–2km RNb–Ti is +0.85 and around 1km from the rare-element pegmatite RNb–Ti stands at +0.92. “Nigrine” and “antinigrine” are no ideal mineral aggregates to form placer-type deposits of their own due to their variegated mineralogy, excluding some Ta-enriched subtypes in Colombia and Sierra Leone. The variable mineralogy detrimental to its use as a source of Ti, is the strong point as an exploration tool for rare-element pegmatites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Freshwater tufa deposits are the result of calcification associated with biofilms dominated by cyanobacteria. Recent investigations highlighted the fact that the formation of microbial calcium carbonates is mainly dependent on the saturation index, which is determined by pH, the ion activity of Ca2+ and CO32-, and the occurrence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by microorganisms. EPS, which contain carboxyl and/or hydroxyl groups, can strongly bind cations. This may result in inhibition of CaCO3 precipitation. In contrast, the formation of templates for crystal nucleation was reported by many previous investigations. The purposes of this study were (i) to characterize the in situ distribution of EPS glycoconjugates in tufa-associated bioflims of two German hard-water creeks by employing fluorescence lectin-binding analysis (FLBA), (ii) to verify the specific lectin-binding pattern by competitive-inhibition assays, and (iii) to assess whether carbonates are associated with structural EPS domains. Three major in situ EPS domains (cyanobacterial, network-like, and cloud-like structures) were detected by FLBA in combination with laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Based on lectin specificity, the EPS glycoconjugates produced by cyanobacteria contained mainly fucose, amino sugars (N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-galactosamine), and sialic acid. Tufa deposits were irregularly covered by network-like EPS structures, which may originate from cyanobacterial EPS secretions. Cloud-like EPS glycoconjugates were dominated by sialic acid, amino sugars, and galactose. In some cases calcium carbonate crystals were associated with cyanobacterial EPS glycoconjugates. The detection of amino sugars and calcium carbonate in close association with decaying sheath material indicated that microbially mediated processes might be important for calcium carbonate precipitation in freshwater tufa systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using hydro-acoustic survey techniques (side-scan sonar and multibeam), high-resolution bathymetric and acoustic images (sonographs) of former marine aggregate extractions, from Tromper Wiek (Rugen Island, Baltic German Coast) were obtained. These data, together with ground-truthing (underwater video and seabed sediment samples) are used to describe the present condition of marks generated by mining, in terms of their morphology and superficial grain size distribution. Different features (pits and furrows), generated by different extraction techniques (anchor suction dredging and trailer hopper suction dredging, respectively) were detected at both of the study sites: Tromper Wiek 1 (sandy gravel seabed) and Tromper Wick East (sandy seabed). Regeneration varies, depending upon the material extracted and the mining technique applied. In general, it is rapid during the first years following the extraction, becoming almost undetectable over a longer period of time. However, the marks are still detectable after more than 10 years, since they were generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical, chemical and biological characteristics were investigated for aerobic granules and sludge flocs from three laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). One reactor was operated as normal SBR (N-SBR) and two reactors were operated as granular SBRs (G-SBR1 and G-SBR2). G-SBR1 was inoculated with activated sludge and G-SBR2 with granules from the municipal wastewater plant in Garching (Germany). The following major parameters and functions were measured and compared between the three reactors: morphology, settling velocity, specific gravity (SG), sludge volume index (SVI), specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR), distribution of the volume fraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and bacteria, organic carbon and nitrogen removal. Compared with sludge flocs, granular sludge had excellent settling properties, good solid-liquid separation, high biomass concentration, simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. Aerobic granular sludge does not have a higher microbial activity and there are some problems including higher effluent suspended solids, lower ratio of VSS/SS and no nitrification at the beginning of cultivation. Measurement with CLSM and additional image analysis showed that EPS glycoconjugates build one main fraction inside the granules. The aerobic granules from G-SBR1 prove to be heavier, smaller and have a higher microbial activity compared with G-SBR2. Furthermore, the granules were more compact, with lower SVI and less filamentous bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Wadden Sea of the southern North Sea, severe depletion of fine-grained sediments has been observed since dike construction due to increased energy levels. Of particular interest is the seasonal turnover of the fine sediment fractions. To better understand the seasonal response of muddy sediments, surface sediments, box-core sedimentary facies, and accumulation rates were investigated in a back-barrier basin of the East Frisian Wadden Sea, Germany. Measurements of accumulation rates indicate that the tidal flats are currently erosional. In summer, fine-grained sediments drape large areas of the nearshore tidal flats, whereas in winter the same tidal flats are dominated by sand. The distribution pattern of grain-size modes shows that in summer the sediment is mostly unimodal, whereas in winter the sediment is bimodal. This pattern is explained by the mixing and unmixing of different source populations in response to seasonally changing energy conditions. Size analyses of the mud fractions have revealed a general dearth of particles around 7 phi. The mud is thus composed of at least two different subpopulations: a better sorted coarse population (<7 phi) and an unsorted fine population (>7 phi). This suggests that the finer particles deposited in summer are incorporated in larger flocs and aggregates, which are hydraulically equivalent to codeposited sand particles; the flocs and aggregates subsequently are broken down and eliminated in winter. The apparent seasonal coarsening/fining is therefore regarded to be an artefact of the mechanical procedure of grain size analysis, in the course of which flocs and aggregates are broken down into their constituent particles. Box core peels confirm that most surface sediments are draped by mud in summer, whereas the sediments display wave-generated sedimentary structures in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remains of a small 17th-century Danish frigate were investigated off the island of Rügen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, northern Germany. Through research in the Danish National Archives in Copenhagen it was possible to identify the ship. Using documentary and archaeological sources, the layout, equipment and appearance of one of the small and less prestigious warships of the 17th and early 18th century could be reconstructed. In addition, aspects of shipboard life will be illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of propofol and its solvent Intralipid on the adhesion of activated platelets to leukocytes in vitro.Design and Setting: Prospective study in an experimental laboratory.Participants: Sixteen healthy volunteers.Interventions: Whole blood was incubated for 60 min with propofol (4, 40 micro g/ml), an equal volume of Intralipid 10% or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). After stimulation with adenosine-5-diphosphate (ADP) platelet-leukocyte adhesion and platelet surface expression of P-selectin, GPIb and fibrinogen-binding to platelets were evaluated by flow cytometry.Measurements and Results: The 4 micro g/ml concentration of propofol did not alter binding of platelets to leukocytes, expression of P-selectin, GPIb and fibrinogen binding to platelets. The 40 micro g/ml concentration of propofol reduced spontaneous and ADP-induced formation of platelet-neutrophil conjugates compared with PBS and the equal volume of Intralipid. In addition, binding of ADP-activated platelets to monocytes were also inhibited by 40 micro g/ml propofol. Following incubation with propofol, platelets showed reduced binding of fibrinogen in the unstimulated and ADP-stimulated blood samples as well as a lower percentage of platelets with bound fibrinogen. Effects dependent on the solvent Intralipid were enhanced adhesion of platelets to monocytes in comparison with propofol (40 micro g/ml) and PBS.Conclusion: In clinically used concentrations, propofol does not alter the adhesion of platelets to leukocytes in vitro. At ten-fold anesthetic concentration propofol reduced the formation of platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte conjugates. We suggest that this effect is due to an inhibition of fibrinogen-binding to platelets by propofol. These effects were all independent of the propofol carrier Intralipid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Particle size analysis without pretreatment (NP) results in a coarser soil texture. • Clay and silt partly remain incorporated in preserved water-stable aggregates. • Textural changes correlate with organic carbon content, pH and exchangeable cations. • Calculated specific surface area can be useful to quantify the texture changes. • NP texture inclusion is recommended for future soil parameter estimation schemes. Soil texture, derived from the particle size distribution, is an essential soil parameter as it influences numerous soil properties. Most determination methods include a pretreatment that removes bonding agents like organic matter, chalk and/or iron oxides in order to guarantee full dispersion of the soil particles. Particle size analysis with no pretreatment of the samples causes shifts in the particle size distribution that lead to a coarser soil texture. Particle size analysis (sieve and sedimentation method) with pretreatment and with no pretreatment was performed on 93 top- and subsoil samples, subdivided into four sample groups from Germany (glacial and marine sediments) and one sample group from the Ukraine (loess). Particle size analysis with no pretreatment significantly reduced the clay content (by 54–89 % of the content after particle size analysis with pretreatment) and increased the silt content (by 13–36 % of the content after particle size analysis with pretreatment) and sand content (by 3–483 % of the content after particle size analysis with pretreatment) in all sample groups. The shifts in the particle size distribution were attributed to the preservation of water stable aggregates and correlated with soil organic carbon content, pH, and exchangeable cation composition. The specific surface area of the soil samples decreased significantly (by 38–65%) after particle size analysis with no pretreatment in all sample groups. The derivation of soil parameters from no pretreatment texture reduced the estimates of effective cation exchange capacity by 29–62 % and the estimates of not plant available water capacity by 18–54 % compared to the estimates from pretreatment texture. For soils with a high aggregation potential at the microscale, new pedotransfer functions for the derivation of soil parameters based on no pretreatment texture data should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Apple replant disease is reflected in a huge in-field variability of tree growth. • Plants showing most stunted shoot growth revealed lowest δ 15N values in the rhizosphere. • Apple replant disease severity is correlated to a reduced micronutrient supply of Mn and Co for infected plants up to 100 cm shoot length. Orchards affected by apple replant disease may show a distinct in-field variability of the severity of apple replant disease (ARD) symptoms. As abiotic soil properties can affect pathogen survival but show considerable variability at the scale of a few meters, we hypothesized that the variability of abiotic soil properties may be used to explain parts of the in-field variability of ARD. We sampled soil and rhizosphere of 32 apple trees with different degree of ARD symptoms after two years of growth at the horticultural research station Heidgraben, Germany. The sandy soils correspond to Entic Podzols. Soil analyses comprised soil aggregate-size fractionations, the assessment of the stocks of nitrogen and essential macro- and micronutrients, as well as a tracing of stable δ 15N natural abundance both in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil. The results showed that there was indeed a huge in-field variability of tree growth, following a Gaussian distribution, but classified here in shoot heights of < 40, 40–80, 80–120, and >120 cm, respectively. An effect of soil aggregation on ARD or vice versa was not detected. Elevated tree growth, however, went along with a consumption of soil macronutrients (R2: = 0.3 – 0.8 for the n = 4 ARD classes; significant only for K on individual plant basis). Intriguingly, opposite correlations were observed for micronutrients, where reduced tree growth occurred at subsites short in micronutrient supply (R2 = 0.9 for Mn and Co, significant for Mn and Co for ARD infected plants up to 100 cm shoot length on individual plant basis). Moreover, the plants showing most stunted shoot growth revealed lowest δ 15N values in the rhizosphere, as typical for reduced N cycling. Our data therefore confirm that at least parts of the in-field variability of ARD severity is correlated to reduced micronutrient supply and N cycling, possibly via effects on habitat properties of pathogenic soil microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the issues concerning the massive arms procurements deal by South Africa, as revealed by a corruption probe in Germany. The scandal could damage the African National Congress political establishment. The issues involve the sale of frigates over USD18 million that could have gone on bribes.

Reports on the selection of agate as the theme for a mineral show to be held in Munich, Germany from October 29 to 30, 2005. Examples of agate masterpieces to be featured at the show; Inclusion of agate cold baths of the Catherine Palace at the event; Exhibition of a painting of a clown with agate patterns by artist Henk Rayer.