Plasmonically sensitized metal-oxide electron extraction layers for organic solar cells.

ZnO and TiOx are commonly used as electron extraction layers (EELs) in organic solar cells (OSCs). A general phenomenon of OSCs incorporating these metal-oxides is the requirement to illuminate the devices with UV light in order to improve device characteristics. This may cause severe problems if UV to VIS down-conversion is applied or if the UV spectral range (λ < 400 nm) is blocked to achieve an improved device lifetime. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are used to plasmonically sensitize metal-oxide based EELs in the vicinity (1-20 nm) of the metal-oxide/organic interface. We evidence that plasmonically sensitized metal-oxide layers facilitate electron extraction and afford well-behaved highly efficient OSCs, even without the typical requirement of UV exposure. It is shown that in the plasmonically sensitized metal-oxides the illumination with visible light lowers the WF due to desorption of previously ionosorbed oxygen, in analogy to the process found in neat metal oxides upon UV exposure, only. As underlying mechanism the transfer of hot holes from the metal to the oxide upon illumination with hν < Eg is verified. The general applicability of this concept to most common metal-oxides (e.g. TiOx and ZnO) in combination with different photoactive organic materials is demonstrated.

CD137 deficiency does not affect development of airway inflammation or respiratory tolerance induction in murine models.

The co-stimulatory molecule CD137 (4-1BB) plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of asthma, characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperreactivity, increased T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels. We have shown previously that application of an agonistic CD137 monoclonal antibody (mAb) prevented and even reversed an already established asthma phenotype. In the current study we investigated whether deficiency of the CD137/CD137L pathway affects the development of allergic airway inflammation or the opposite immune reaction of respiratory tolerance. CD137⁻/⁻ and wild-type (WT) mice were sensitized and challenged with the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA) and analysed for the presence of allergic disease parameters (allergy protocol). Some animals were tolerized by mucosal application of OVA prior to transferring the animals to the allergy protocol to analyse the effect of CD137 loss on tolerance induction (tolerance protocol). Eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, Th2 cytokine production and elevated allergen-specific serum IgE levels were increased equally in CD137⁻/⁻ and WT mice. Induction of tolerance resulted in comparable protection from the development of an allergic phenotype in both mouse strains. In addition, no significant differences could be identified in CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3⁺) regulatory T cells, supporting the conclusion that CD137⁻/⁻ mice show equal Th2-mediated immune responses compared to WT mice. Taken together, CD137⁻/⁻ mice and WT mice develop the same phenotype in a murine model of Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation and respiratory tolerance.

[Relevance of a performance capacity model for uniform and standardized performance diagnostics]. / Die Relevanz eines Leistungsfähigkeitsmodells für eine einheitliche und standardisierte Leistungsdiagnostik.

To obtain a standardized method for performance capacity assessment in social medicine reference to a generally accepted model of performance capacity is necessary. Further, such a model enables description of the effects of chronic disease on performance capacity. This article describes how the term "performance capacity" can be reduced to operational basal parameters by a hierarchic breakdown, with the domain "physical performance capacity" having the most complex structure. Furthermore the construction of a graduation according to work-load taxonomies for every parameter is shown. The collection of data on the level of basal parameters is essential to assess the concrete performance capacity. To apply the model as a basis for estimating the effects of chronic disease, graduated disease features have to be created. The benefit of the procedure described lies in increased transparency of the decision process. Hence, performance capacity assessment will gain reliability and objectivity.

Orofacial findings in the Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome.

The Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome is a triad of congenital anomalies characterised by haemangiomas, varicosities, and unilateral bony and soft tissue hypertrophy. Hypertrophy usually affects one distal limb, but trunk or face may be affected. Cutaneous haemangiomas (nevus flammeus) of varying extent and irregular contour are often present in the hypertrophic regions. Varicosities may also be part of the vascular lesions of the syndrome. Orofacial manifestations include facial asymmetry, jaw enlargement, and malocclusions as well as premature tooth eruption. Two cases of the Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome are presented here. Both of these show the typical hemifacial hypertrophy and premature eruption of teeth on the affected side. In the first case only the left mandibular region was affected. In contrast, in the second there was hypertrophy of the whole left side of the body including upper and lower jaws. This boy also suffers from congenital ideokinetic retardation, while the first was otherwise normal. Both cases differ from previously reported cases of the Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome in lacking any prominent facial nevus flammeus. In the first case there was also malformation of the crown of the first permanent molar on the affected side that has not been described previously.

Nursing-bottle syndrome caused by prolonged drinking from vessels with bill-shaped extensions.

Our investigating 186 infants between the ages of one and six with carious destruction of the maxillary primary incisors, it was learned which risk factors were responsible for the condition known as nursing bottle syndrome. One hundred and twenty-eight infants (68.8 percent) were given a nursing bottle, twelve (6.5 percent) a feeding cup or other bottles with bill- shaped extensions, and forty-one (22.0 percent) both a nursing bottle and vessels with bill-shaped extensions; in all cases the feeding was excessive and prolonged beyond the first year of life. An additional five infants (2.7 percent) were breast-fed excessively beyond the first year. The results confirm the risk of tooth destruction, typical of nursing bottle syndrome, by prolonged and frequent consumption of cariogenic beverages from vessels with bill-shaped extensions. It is important, therefore, that a warning regarding dental health hazards of such feeding methods be issued.

Atmospheric temperature profiling in the presence of clouds with a pure rotational Raman lidar by use of an interference-filter-based polychromator.

A lidar polychromator design for the measurement of atmospheric temperature profiles in the presence of clouds with the rotational Raman method is presented. The design utilizes multicavity interference filters mounted sequentially at small angles of incidence. Characteristics of this design are high signal efficiency and adjustable center wavelengths of the filters combined with a stable and relatively simple experimental setup. High suppression of the elastic backscatter signal in the rotational Raman detection channels allows temperature measurements independent of the presence of thin clouds or aerosol layers; no influence of particle scattering on the lidar temperature profile was observed in clouds with a backscatter ratio of at least 45. The minimum integration time needed for temperature profiling with a statistical temperature error of +/-1 K at, e.g., 20-km height and 960-m height resolution is 1.5 h.

Consequences of serious oral injury associated with the congenital analgia syndrome.

Three sisters at the ages of seven months, twelve years, and thirteen years presented with the initial damages to the oral tissues and the distinctive long-term effects in conjunction with the congenital analgia syndrome. The severity of this syndrome justifies the consideration of a prophylactic extraction of the primary dentition. A controlled mastication will be more likely with increasing age and eruption of the permanent teeth.

Therapy for male couples experiencing relationship problems and sexual problems.

This article examines four issues that need to be explored by the therapist as possible causes of stress for a male couple: stereotypic male roles, stereotypic sexual roles, homophobia, which includes the "coming out" process, and sexual dysfunctions. These issues can cause anxiety and stress, which may in turn cause relationship problems for a male couple. The role of the therapist is clarified and suggestions for treatment are given.