Entropy rigidity of Hilbert and Riemannian metrics

In this paper we provide two new characterizations of real hyperbolic $n$-space using the Poincar\'e exponent of a discrete group and the volume growth entropy. The first characterization is in the space of Hilbert metrics and generalizes a result of Crampon. The second is in the space of Riemannian metrics with Ricci curvature bounded below and generalizes a result of Ledrappier and Wang.Comment: 14 pages, some revisions following the referees remarks. To be published in IMR

Parent-child interaction therapy:An evidence-based treatment for child maltreatment

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The Impact of Individual Investment Behavior for Retirement Welfare: Evidence from the United States and Germany

Much of the industrialized world is undergoing a significant demographic shift, placing strain on public pension systems. Policymakers are responding with pension system reforms that put more weight on privately managed retirement funds. One concern with these changes is the effect on individual welfare if individuals invest suboptimally. Using micro-level data from the United States and Germany, we compare the optimal expected lifetime utility computed using a realistically calibrated model with the actual utility as reflected in empirical asset allocation choices. Through this analysis, we are able to identify the population subgroups with relatively large welfare losses. Our results should be helpful to public policymakers in designing programs to improve the performance of privately organized retirement systems.Asset Allocation, Retirement Welfare, Pension Reform

Pancreatic phospholipase A2 activity in acute pancreatitis: A prognostic marker for early identification of patients at risk

Remarkably elevated levels of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) are measurable in human blood samples in cases of acute pancreatitis. The source of the enzyme was first thought to be exclusively the pancreas, but now it is generally accepted that two isoenzymes the pancreatic PLA(2), group I, and the extrapancreatic PLA(2), group II contribute to the raised activity. In contrast to the group II-PLA(2), the pancreatic PLA(2) is heatresistant for 1 hour at 60 degreesC. The catalytically inactive proenzyme of the pancreatic PLA(2) can be activated by trypsin. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of PLA(2) isoenzyme activity measurements to identify patients with severe complications in acute pancreatitis. Blood samples from patients suffering from acute pancreatitis were analyzed for catalytically active pancreatic PLA(2) on day 1 and 2 of hospitalization with a modified radiometric Escherichia colibased PLA(2) assay. In 10 of 41 patients clearly elevated values of catalytically active, heatresistant pancreatic PLA(2) (7.2 to 81.2 U/l) were observed. This group of patients was characterized by severe complications (necrotizing pancreatitis, shock, sepsis, respiratory problems) of which two patients subsequently died. Patients with low or undetectable activity (<7 U/l) of pancreatic PLA(2) recovered rapidly. According to these results the presence of catalytically active pancreatic PLA(2) in serum is associated with severe complications of acute pancreatitis. In contrast to total serumPLA(2), the catalytic concentration of pancreatic PLA(2) can serve as a prognostic marker in acute pancreatitis

The impact of individual investment behavior for retirement welfare: evidence from the United States and Germany

Much of the industrialized world is undergoing a significant demographic shift, placing strain on public pension systems. Policymakers are responding with pension system reforms that put more weight on privately managed retirement funds. One concern with these changes is the effect on individual welfare if individuals invest suboptimally. Using micro-level data from the United States and Germany, we compare the optimal expected lifetime utility computed using a realistically calibrated model with the actual utility as reflected in empirical asset allocation choices. Through this analysis, we are able to identify the population subgroups with relatively large welfare losses. Our results should be helpful to public policymakers in designing programs to improve the performance of privately organized retirement systems

Diffusion based degradation mechanisms in giant magnetoresistive spin valves

Spin valve systems based on the giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effect as used for example in hard disks and automotive applications consist of several functional metallic thin film layers. We have identified by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) two main degradation mechanisms: One is related to oxygen diffusion through a protective cap layer, and the other one is interdiffusion directly at the functional layers of the GMR stack. By choosing a suitable material as cap layer (TaN), the oxidation effect can be suppressed.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures. to be published in Appl. Phys. Let

Anbauwürdigkeit und Vorfruchtwert verschiedener Körnerleguminosen-Anbausysteme im Praxisversuch in Luxemburg

Due to the protein deficit in Europe and the many negative impacts related to soy imports from overseas, it is important to increase the cultivation of grain legumes for regional fodder production. Therefore, as part of the COBRA project, two on-farm trial of different grain legume cropping systems were set up at two Luxembourgish organic farms, with the aim to demonstrate the practicality of growing grain legumes and to study their fodder and pre-crop value, as well as their suitability for cultivation under organic growing conditions in Luxembourg. Overall, all the tested grain legumes, with the exception of winter faba bean in Colmar-Berg, showed good suitability for regional high-protein fodder production. Both lupin species showed a good previous crop value at both locations, as well as good suitability for cultivation. However, due to the high anthracnose susceptibility of white lupin, this crop cannot be recommended for cultivation on a larger scale