ALBERT

Beschreibung: Arctic and subarctic regions are sensitive to climate change and, reversely, provide dramatic feedbacks to the global climate. With a focus on discovering paleoclimate and paleoceanographic evolution in the Arctic and Northwest Pacific Oceans during the last 20,000 years, we proposed this German–Sino cooperation program according to the announcement “Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) of the Federal Republic of Germany for a German–Sino cooperation program in the marine and polar research”. Our proposed program integrates the advantages of the Arctic and Subarctic marine sediment studies in AWI (Alfred Wegener Institute) and FIO (First Institute of Oceanography). For the first time, the collection of sediment cores can cover all climatological key regions in the Arctic and Northwest Pacific Oceans. Furthermore, the climate modeling work at AWI enables a “Data-Model Syntheses”, which are crucial for exploring the underlying mechanisms of observed changes in proxy records.

Beschreibung: Large amounts of gas hydrate are present in marine sediments offshore Taitao Peninsula, near the Chile Triple Junction. Here, marine sediments on the forearc contain carbon that is converted to methane in a regime of very high heat flow and intense rock deformation above the downgoing oceanic spreading ridge separating the Nazca and Antarctic plates. This regime enables vigorous fluid migration. Here, we present an analysis of the spatial distribution, concentration, estimate of gas-phases (gas hydrate and free gas) and geothermal gradients in the accretionary prism, and forearc sediments offshore Taitao (45.5°–47° S). Velocity analysis of Seismic Profile RC2901-751 indicates gas hydrate concentration values 〈10% of the total rock volume and extremely high geothermal gradients (〈190 °C·km−1). Gas hydrates are located in shallow sediments (90–280 m below the seafloor). The large amount of hydrate and free gas estimated (7.21 × 1011 m3 and 4.1 × 1010 m3; respectively), the high seismicity, the mechanically unstable nature of the sediments, and the anomalous conditions of the geothermal gradient set the stage for potentially massive releases of methane to the ocean, mainly through hydrate dissociation and/or migration directly to the seabed through faults. We conclude that the Chile Triple Junction is an important methane seepage area and should be the focus of novel geological, oceanographic, and ecological research.

Beschreibung: The presence of two known anthraquinones, Lupinacidin A and Galvaquinone B, which have antitumor activity, has been identified in the sea anemone (Gyractis sesere) from Easter Island. So far, these anthraquinones have been characterized from terrestrial and marine Actinobacteria only. In order to identify the anthraquinones producer, we isolated Actinobacteria associated with the sea anemone and obtained representatives of seven actinobacterial genera. Studies of cultures of these bacteria by HPLC, NMR, and HRLCMS analyses showed that the producer of Lupinacidin A and Galvaquinone B indeed was one of the isolated Actinobacteria. The producer strain, SN26_14.1, was identified as a representative of the genus Verrucosispora. Genome analysis supported the biosynthetic potential to the production of these compounds by this strain. This study adds Verrucosispora as a new genus to the anthraquinone producers, in addition to well-known species of Streptomyces and Micromonospora. By a cultivation-based approach, the responsibility of symbionts of a marine invertebrate for the production of complex natural products found within the animal’s extracts could be demonstrated. This finding re-opens the debate about the producers of secondary metabolites in sea animals. Finally, it provides valuable information about the chemistry of bacteria harbored in the geographically-isolated and almost unstudied, Easter Island

Beschreibung: With mining of seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) coming closer to reality, it is vital that we have a good understanding of the geochemistry of these occurrences and the potential toxicity impact associated with mining them. In this study, SMS samples from seven hydrothermal fields from various tectonic settings were investigated by in-situ microanalysis (electron microprobe (EMPA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)) to highlight the distribution of potentially-toxic trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cd, As, Sb, Co, Ni, Bi, Ag and Hg) within the deposits, their minerals and textures. We demonstrate that a combination of mineralogy, trace element composition and texture characterisation of SMS from various geotectonic settings, when considered along with our current knowledge of oxidation rates and galvanic coupling, can be used to predict potential toxicity of deposit types and individual samples and highlight which may be of environmental concern. Although we cannot quantify toxicity, we observe that arc-related sulfide deposits have a high potential toxicity when compared with deposits from other tectonic settings based on their genetic association of a wide range of potentially toxic metals (As, Sb, Pb, Hg, Ag and Bi) that are incorporated into more reactive sulfosalts, galena and Fe-rich sphalerite. Thus, deposits such as these require special care when considered as mining targets. In contrast, the exclusive concern of ultra-mafic deposits is Cu, present in abundant, albeit less reactive chalcopyrite, but largely barren of other metals such as As, Pb, Sb, Cd and Hg. Whilst geological setting does dictate metal endowment, ultimately mineralogy is the largest control of trace element distribution and subsequent potential toxicity. Deposits containing abundant pyrrhotite (high-temperature deposits) and Fe-rich sphalerite (ubiquitous to all SMS deposits) as well as deposits with abundant colloform textures also pose a higher risk. This type of study can be combined with “bulk lethal toxicity” assessments and used throughout the stages of a mining project to help guide prospecting and legislation, focus exploitation and minimise environmental impact.

Beschreibung: Salar de Huasco at the Chilean Altiplano of the Atacama Desert is considered a polyextreme environment, where solar radiation, salinity and aridity are extremely high and occur simultaneously. In this study, a total of 76 bacterial isolates were discovered from soil samples collected at two different sites in the east shoreline of Salar de Huasco, including H0 (base camp next to freshwater stream in the north part) and H6 (saline soils in the south part). All isolated bacteria were preliminarily identified using some of their phenotypic and genotypic data into the genera Streptomyces (86%), Nocardiopsis (9%), Micromonospora (3%), Bacillus (1%), and Pseudomonas (1%). Streptomyces was found dominantly in both sites (H0 = 19 isolates and H6 = 46 isolates), while the other genera were found only in site H0 (11 isolates). Based on the genotypic and phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequences of all Streptomyces isolates, 18% (12 isolates) revealed 〈98.7% identity of the gene sequences compared to those in the publicly available databases and were determined as highly possibly novel species. Further studies suggested that many Streptomyces isolates possess the nonribosomal peptide synthetases-coding gene, and some of which could inhibit growth of at least two test microbes (i.e., Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi) and showed also the cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma and or mouse fibroblast cell lines. The antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of these Streptomyces isolates were highly dependent upon the nutrients used for their cultivation. Moreover, the HPLC-UV-MS profiles of metabolites produced by the selected Streptomyces isolates unveiled apparent differences when compared to the public database of existing natural products. With our findings, the polyextreme environments like Salar de Huasco are promising sources for exploring novel and valuable bacteria with pharmaceutical potentials.

Beschreibung: We investigated the plankton community composition and abundance in the urban marine environment of Thessaloniki Bay. We collected water samples weekly from March 2017 to February 2018 at the coastal front of Thessaloniki city center and monthly samples from three other inshore sites along the urban front of the bay. During the study period, conspicuous and successive phytoplankton blooms, dominated by known mucilage-producing diatoms alternated with red tide events formed by the dinoflagellates Noctiluca scintillans and Spatulodinium pseudonoctiluca, and an extensive mucilage aggregate phenomenon, which appeared in late June 2017. At least 11 known harmful algae were identified throughout the study, with the increase in the abundance of the known harmful dinoflagellate Dinophysis cf. acuminata occurring in October and November 2017. Finally, a red tide caused by the photosynthetic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum on December 2017 was conspicuous throughout the sampling sites. The above-mentioned harmful blooms and red tides were linked to high nutrient concentrations and eutrophication. This paper provides an overview of eutrophication impacts on the response of the unicellular eukaryotic plankton organisms and their impact on water quality and ecosystem services

Beschreibung: Essential oil of Origanum species is well known for antimicrobial activity, but only a few have been evaluated in narrow spectrum antiprotozoal assays. Herein, we assessed the antiprotozoal potential of Turkish Origanum onites L. oil and its major constituents against a panel of parasitic protozoa. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation from the dried herbal parts of O. onites and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro activity of the oil and its major components were evaluated against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi, Leishmania donovani, and Plasmodium falciparum. The main component of the oil was identified as carvacrol (70.6%), followed by linalool (9.7%), p-cymene (7%), γ-terpinene (2.1%), and thymol (1.8%). The oil showed significant in vitro activity against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50 180 ng/mL), and moderate antileishmanial and antiplasmodial effects, without toxicity to mammalian cells. Carvacrol, thymol, and 10 additional abundant oil constituents were tested against the same panel; carvacrol and thymol retained the oil’s in vitro antiparasitic potency. In the T. b. brucei mouse model, thymol, but not carvacrol, extended the mean survival of animals. This study indicates the potential of the essential oil of O. onites and its constituents in the treatment of protozoal infections.

Beschreibung: This study is focused on the specific features of ocean–air interaction in the Laptev Sea, in the late summer, on the basis of recurrent measurements during four expeditions in the 2000s and 2010s, atmospheric reanalysis products, and satellite ice concentration data. It was established that in the “icy” years, the accumulation of heat in the upper ocean layer is insignificant for the subsequent ice formation. In the “ice-free” years, the accumulated heat storage in the upper mixed layer depends on the duration of open water and the distance of the point of interest to the nearest ice edge. In a broader context, we considered possible links between the average ice area/extent in the August–September–October (ASO) period, and in the December–January–February (DJF) period, for two representative Arctic regions; that is, the Eurasian segment, defined within the bounds 60–120° E, 65–80° N, and the American segment, defined within the bounds 150° E–150° W, 65–80° N. Significant “seasonal memory”, characterized by the consistent change of the ice cover parameters in sequential seasons, was revealed in the Eurasian segment between 2007 and 2017. No linkage on a seasonal time scale was found in the American segment. A possible explanation for the distinguished contrast between the two geographical regions is proposed

Beschreibung: The fungi associated with marine algae are prolific sources of metabolites with high chemical diversity and bioactivity. In this study, we investigated culture-dependent fungal communities associated with the Baltic seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. Altogether, 55 epiphytic and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified. Twenty-six strains were selected for a small-scale One-Strain-Many-Compounds (OSMAC)-based fermentation in four media under solid and liquid culture regimes. In total, 208 fungal EtOAc extracts were tested for anticancer activity and general cytotoxicity. Ten most active strains (i.e., 80 extracts) were analyzed for their metabolome by molecular networking (MN), in-silico MS/MS fragmentation analysis (ISDB–UNPD), and manual dereplication. Thirty-six metabolites belonging to 25 chemical families were putatively annotated. The MN clearly distinguished the impact of culture conditions in chemical inventory and anticancer activity of the fungal extracts that was often associated with general toxicity. The bioactivity data were further mapped into MN to seek metabolites, exclusively expressed in the active extracts. This is the first report of cultivable fungi associated with the Baltic F. vesiculosus that combined an OSMAC and an integrated MN-based untargeted metabolomics approaches for efficient assessment and visualization of the impact of the culture conditions on chemical space and anticancer potential of the fungi.

Beschreibung: As Streptomyces have shown an outstanding capacity for drug production, different campaigns in geographically distant locations currently aim to isolate new antibiotic producers. However, many of these newly isolated Streptomyces strains are classified as identical to already described species. Nevertheless, as discrepancies in terms of secondary metabolites and morphology are possible, we compared two Streptomyces strains with identical 16S rRNA gene sequences but geographically distant origins. Chosen were an Easter Island Streptomyces isolate (Streptomyces sp. SN25_8.1) and the next related type strain, which is Streptomyces griseus subsp. griseus DSM 40236T isolated from Russian garden soil. Compared traits included phylogenetic relatedness based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, macro and microscopic morphology, antibiotic activity and secondary metabolite profiles. Both Streptomyces strains shared several common features, such as morphology and core secondary metabolite production. They revealed differences in pigmentation and in the production of accessory secondary metabolites which appear to be strain-specific. In conclusion, despite identical 16S rRNA classification Streptomyces strains can present different secondary metabolite profiles and may well be valuable for consideration in processes for drug discovery

Beschreibung: Charge-coupled device (CCD) spectrometers are widely used as detectors in analytical laboratory instruments and as sensors for in situ optical measurements. However, as the applications become more complex, the physical and electronic limits of the CCD spectrometers may restrict their applicability. The errors due to dark currents, temperature variations, and blooming can be readily corrected. However, a correction for uncertainty of integration time and wavelength calibration is typically lacking in most devices, and detector non-linearity may distort the signal by up to 5% for some measurements. Here, we propose a simple correction method to compensate for non-linearity errors in optical measurements where compact CCD spectrometers are used. The results indicate that the error due to the non-linearity of a spectrometer can be reduced from several hundred counts to about 40 counts if the proposed correction function is applied.

Beschreibung: Fucoidans extracted from brown algae exert manifold biological activities paving the way for the development of numerous applications including treatments outside tumor therapy such as age-related macular degeneration or tissue engineering. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative effects of fucoidans extracted from six different algae (Fucus vesiculosus, F. serratus, F. distichus subsp. evanescens, Dictyosiphon foeniculaceus, Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima) as well as three reference compounds (Sigma fucoidan, heparin, enoxaparin) on tumor (HL-60, Raji, HeLa, OMM-1, A-375, HCT-116, Hep G2) and non-tumor (ARPE-19, HaCaT) cell lines. All fucoidans were extracted according to a standardized procedure and tested in a commercially available MTS assay. Cell viability was measured after 24 h incubation with test compounds (1–100 µg/mL). Apart from few exceptions, fucoidans and heparins did not impair cell viability. In contrast, fucoidans significantly increased cell viability of suspension cell lines, but not of adherent cells. Fucoidans slightly increased viability of tumor cells and had no impact on the viability of non-tumor cells. The cell viability of HeLa and ARPE-19 cells negatively correlated with protein content and total phenolic content (TPC) of fucoidans, respectively. In summary, none of the tested fucoidans turned out to be anti-proliferative, rendering them interesting for future studies and applications.

Beschreibung: Marine sediments of the Blake Ridge province exhibit clearly defined geophysical indications for the presence of gas hydrates and a free gas phase. Despite being one of the world’s best-studied gas hydrate provinces and having been drilled during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 164, discrepancies between previous model predictions and reported chemical profiles as well as hydrate concentrations result in uncertainty regarding methane sources and a possible co-existence between hydrates and free gas near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). Here, by using a new multi-phase finite element (FE) numerical model, we investigate different scenarios of gas hydrate formation from both single and mixed methane sources (in-situ biogenic formation and a deep methane flux). Moreover, we explore the evolution of the GHSZ base for the past 10 Myr using reconstructed sedimentation rates and non-steady-state P-T solutions. We conclude that (1) the present-day base of the GHSZ predicted by our model is located at the depth of ~450 mbsf, thereby resolving a previously reported inconsistency between the location of the BSR at ODP Site 997 and the theoretical base of the GHSZ in the Blake Ridge region, (2) a single in-situ methane source results in a good fit between the simulated and measured geochemical profiles including the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) zone, and (3) previously suggested 4 vol.%–7 vol.% gas hydrate concentrations would require a deep methane flux of ~170 mM (corresponds to the mass of methane flux of 1.6 × 10−11 kg s−1 m−2) in addition to methane generated in-situ by organic carbon (POC) degradation at the cost of deteriorating the fit between observed and modelled geochemical profiles.

Beschreibung: Zostera marina (eelgrass) is a marine foundation species with key ecological roles in coastal habitats. Its bacterial microbiota has been well studied, but very little is known about its mycobiome. In this study, we have isolated and identified 13 fungal strains, dominated by Penicillium species (10 strains), from the leaf and the root rhizosphere of Baltic Z. marina. The organic extracts of the fungi that were cultured by an OSMAC (One-Strain–Many-Compounds) regime using five liquid culture media under both static and shaking conditions were investigated for their chemical and bioactivity profiles. All extracts showed strong anti-quorum sensing activity, and the majority of the Penicillium extracts displayed antimicrobial or anti-biofilm activity against Gram-negative environmental marine and human pathogens. HPLC-DAD-MS-based rapid metabolome analyses of the extracts indicated the high influence of culture conditions on the secondary metabolite (SM) profiles. Among 69 compounds detected in all Penicillium sp. extracts, 46 were successfully dereplicated. Analysis of SM relatedness in culture conditions by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed generally low similarity and showed a strong effect of medium selection on chemical profiles of Penicillium sp. This is the first study assessing both the metabolite and bioactivity profile of the fungi associated with Baltic eelgrass Z. marina.

Beschreibung: The workshop on polar lows (PLs) and mesoscale weather extremes attracted 30 scientists from China, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to present the most recent findings on PL research and to summarize our present understanding of PLs and mesocyclones (MCs) as well as mesoscale weather extremes in the Arctic and Antarctic (see sidebar for the definition of PLs). The workshop had the following main themes: PL studies using satellite data and in situ observations, climatological aspects, PLs in reanalyses and model simulations, environments for PL genesis and operational aspects, polar mesoscale weather phenomena, and air–ocean–ice interactions. The workshop was concluded by a roundtable discussion resulting in recommendations for future research and actions.

Beschreibung: Variation in nutrient excretion rates and stoichiometric ratios (e.g., nitrogen to phosphorus) by consumers can have substantial effects on aquatic ecosystem function. While phylogenetic signals within an assemblage often explain variation in nutrient recycling rates and stoichiometry, the phylogenetically conserved traits that underlie this phenomenon remain unclear. In particular, variation in nutrient excretion stoichiometry across a phylogeny might be driven by phylogenetic patterns in either diet or body stoichiometry. We examined the relative importance of these traits in explaining variation in nutrient recycling rates and stoichiometry in a diverse family of Neotropical-armored catfishes, Loricariidae, in Panamanian streams. We found significant variation in nutrient mineralization traits among species and subfamilies, but variation in nutrient excretion stoichiometry among species was best explained by trophic position rather than body stoichiometry. The variation in trophic position among Panamanian species was consistent with variation in the trophic niche of their genera across South America, suggesting that phylogenetic patterns underpin the evolution of trophic and nutrient excretion traits among these species. Such geographical variation in nutrient mineralization patterns among closely related species may be common, given that trophic variation in fish lineages occurs widely. These results suggest that information on trophic trait evolution within lineages will advance our understanding of the functional contribution of animals to biogeochemical cycling.

Beschreibung: In-situ observation, climate reanalyses, and satellite remote sensing are used to study the annual cycle of turbulent latent heat flux (LHF) in the Agulhas Current system. We assess if the datasets do represent the intense exchange of moisture that occurs above the Agulhas Current and the Retroflection region, especially the new reanalyses as the former, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis 2 (NCEP2) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) reanalysis second-generation reanalysis (ERA-40) have lower sea and less distinct surface temperature (SST) in the Agulhas Current system due to their low spatial resolution thus do not adequately represent the Agulhas Current LHF. We use monthly fields of LHF, SST, surface wind speed, saturated specific humidity at the sea surface (Qss), and specific humidity at 10 m (Qa). The Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast fifth generation (ERA-5), and the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications version-2 (MERRA-2) are similar to the air–sea turbulent fluxes (SEAFLUX) and do represent the signature of the Agulhas Current. ERA-Interim underestimates the LHF due to lower surface wind speeds than other datasets. The observation-based National Oceanography Center Southampton (NOCS) dataset is different from all other datasets. The highest LHF of 250 W/m2 is found in the Retroflection in winter. The lowest LHF (~100 W/m2) is off Port Elizabeth in summer. East of the Agulhas Current, Qss-Qa is the main driver of the amplitude of the annual cycle of LHF, while it is the wind speed in the Retroflection and both Qss-Qa and wind speed in between. The difference in LHF between product are due to differences in Qss-Qa wind speed and resolution of datasets.

Beschreibung: The satellite-derived HOAPS (Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data) precipitation estimates have been validated against in-situ precipitation measurements from optical disdrometers, available from OceanRAIN (Ocean Rainfall And Ice-phase precipitation measurement Network) over the open-ocean by applying a statistical analysis for binary estimates. In addition to using directly collocated pairs of data, collocated data were merged within a certain temporal and spatial threshold into single events, according to the observation times. Although binary statistics do not show perfect agreement, simulations of areal estimates from the observations themselves indicate a reasonable performance of HOAPS to detect rain. However, there are deficits at low and mid-latitudes. Weaknesses also occur when analyzing the mean precipitation rates; HOAPS underperforms in the area of the intertropical convergence zone, where OceanRAIN observations show the highest mean precipitation rates. Histograms indicate that this is due to an underestimation of the frequency of moderate to high precipitation rates by HOAPS, which cannot be explained by areal averaging.

Beschreibung: The Cape Verde oceanic plateau hosts 10 islands and 11 seamounts and provides an extensive suite of alkaline lavas and pyroclastic rocks. The volcanic rocks host a range of crustal and mantle xenoliths. These xenoliths provide a spectrum of lithologies available to interact with magma during transport through the lithospheric mantle and crust. We explore the origin and depth of formation of crustal xenoliths to develop a framework of magma-crust interaction and a model for the crustal architecture beneath the Cape Verde oceanic plateau. The host lavas are phononephelinites to phonolites and the crustal xenoliths are mostly mafic plutonic assemblages with one sedimentary xenolith. REE profiles of clinopyroxene in the host lavas are light rare-earth element (LREE) enriched whereas clinopyoxene from the plutonic xenoliths are LREE depleted. Modelling of REE melt compositions indicates the plutonic xenoliths are derived from mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-type ocean crust. Thermobarometry indicates that clinopyroxene in the host lavas formed at depths of 17 to 46 km, whereas those in the xenoliths formed at 5 to 20 km. This places the depth of origin of the plutonic xenoliths in the oceanic crust. Therefore, the xenoliths trace magma-crust interaction to the MORB oceanic crust and overlying sediments located beneath the Cape Verde oceanic plateau.

Beschreibung: In marine environments bacterial microfoulers are an important determinant for the settlement of algal and animal macrofoulers. At the same time fouling is usually subject to seasonal fluctuation. Additionally, the seagrass Zostera marina is prone to microfouling, although this marine spermatophyte is known to be chemically defended against bacterial settlers. Spermatophytes are often capable of induced or activated defences against biological enemies such as pathogens or herbivores, but it is still unknown whether they can fine-tune their antifouling-defence according to settlement pressure. We therefore assessed the seasonality of bacterial settlement pressure, defence against microsettlers and concentrations of a previously identified defence compound, rosmarinic acid, on surfaces of Z. marina. All examined variables peaked in summer, while they tended to be lower in spring and autumn. The seasonality of defence activity and rosmarinic acid surface concentration was positively correlated with the seasonal fluctuation of fouling pressure, which suggests that Z. marina can adjust its defence level to the relatively high bacterial fouling pressure in summer. Besides of biotic factors the seasonal change of environmental factors, such as nitrogen supply, and in particular temperature, also affected the defence level, either directly or through indirect effects on the microbial settlers.

Beschreibung: Among the Microbacteriaceae the species of Subtercola and Agreia form closely associated clusters. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated three major phylogenetic branches of these species. One of these branches contains the two psychrophilic species Subtercola frigoramans and Subtercola vilae, together with a larger number of isolates from various cold environments. Genomic evidence supports the separation of Agreia and Subtercola species. In order to gain insight into the ability of S. vilae to adapt to life in this extreme environment, we analyzed the genome with a particular focus on properties related to possible adaptation to a cold environment. General properties of the genome are presented, including carbon and energy metabolism, as well as secondary metabolite production. The repertoire of genes in the genome of S. vilae DB165T linked to adaptations to the harsh conditions found in Llullaillaco Volcano Lake includes several mechanisms to transcribe proteins under low temperatures, such as a high number of tRNAs and cold shock proteins. In addition, S. vilae DB165T is capable of producing a number of proteins to cope with oxidative stress, which is of particular relevance at low temperature environments, in which reactive oxygen species are more abundant. Most important, it obtains capacities to produce cryo-protectants, and to combat against ice crystal formation, it produces ice-binding proteins. Two new ice-binding proteins were identified which are unique to S. vilae DB165T. These results indicate that S. vilae has the capacity to employ different mechanisms to live under the extreme and cold conditions prevalent in Llullaillaco Volcano Lake.

Beschreibung: Photosynthesis is a key process for the establishment and maintenance of life on earth, and it is manifested in several major lineages of the prokaryote tree of life. The evolution of photosynthesis in anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria is of major interest as these have the most ancient roots of photosynthetic systems. The phylogenetic relations between anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria were compared on the basis of sequences of key proteins of the type-II photosynthetic reaction center, including PufLM and PufH (PuhA), and a key enzyme of bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis, the light-independent chlorophyllide reductase BchXYZ. The latter was common to all anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, including those with a type-I and those with a type-II photosynthetic reaction center. The phylogenetic considerations included cultured phototrophic bacteria from several phyla, including Proteobacteria (138 species), Chloroflexi (five species), Chlorobi (six species), as well as Heliobacterium modesticaldum (Firmicutes), Chloracidobacterium acidophilum (Acidobacteria), and Gemmatimonas phototrophica (Gemmatimonadetes). Whenever available, type strains were studied. Phylogenetic relationships based on a photosynthesis tree (PS tree, including sequences of PufHLM-BchXYZ) were compared with those of 16S rRNA gene sequences (RNS tree). Despite some significant differences, large parts were congruent between the 16S rRNA phylogeny and photosynthesis proteins. The phylogenetic relations demonstrated that bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis had evolved in ancestors of phototrophic green bacteria much earlier as compared to phototrophic purple bacteria and that multiple events independently formed different lineages of aerobic phototrophic purple bacteria, many of which have very ancient roots. The Rhodobacterales clearly represented the youngest group, which was separated from other Proteobacteria by a large evolutionary gap

Beschreibung: Bacterial and archaeal diversity and succession were studied during a mesocosm experiment that investigated whether changing light regimes could affect the onset of phytoplankton blooms. For this, 454-pyrosequencing of the bacterial V1-V3 and archaeal V3-V9 16S rRNA regions was performed in samples collected from four mesocosms receiving different light irradiances at the beginning and the end of the experiment and during phytoplankton growth. In total, 46 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with ≥1% relative abundance occurred (22-34 OTUs per mesocosm). OTUs were affiliated mainly with Rhodobacteraceae, Flavobacteriaceae and Alteromonadaceae. The four mesocosms shared 11 abundant OTUs. Dominance increased at the beginning of phytoplankton growth in all treatments and decreased thereafter. Maximum dominance was found in the mesocosms with high irradiances. Overall, specific bacterial OTUs had different responses in terms of relative abundance under in situ and high light intensities, and an early phytoplankton bloom resulted in different bacterial community structures both at high (family) and low (OTU) taxonomic levels. Thus, bacterial community structure and succession are affected by light regime, both directly and indirectly, which may have implications for an ecosystem's response to environmental changes.

Beschreibung: The sponge genus Latrunculia is a prolific source of discorhabdin type pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids. In the continuation of our research interest into this genus, we studied the Antarctic deep-sea sponge Latrunculia biformis that showed potent in vitro anticancer activity. A targeted isolation process guided by bioactivity and molecular networking-based metabolomics yielded three known discorhabdins, (−)-discorhabdin L (1), (+)-discorhabdin A (2), (+)-discorhabdin Q (3), and three new discorhabdin analogs (−)-2-bromo-discorhabdin D (4), (−)-1-acetyl-discorhabdin L (5), and (+)-1-octacosatrienoyl-discorhabdin L (6) from the MeOH-soluble portion of the organic extract. The chemical structures of 1–6 were elucidated by extensive NMR, HR-ESIMS, FT-IR, [α]D, and ECD (Electronic Circular Dichroism) spectroscopy analyses. Compounds 1, 5, and 6 showed promising anticancer activity with IC50 values of 0.94, 2.71, and 34.0 µM, respectively. Compounds 1–6 and the enantiomer of 1 ((+)-discorhabdin L, 1e) were docked to the active sites of two anticancer targets, topoisomerase I-II and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), to reveal, for the first time, the binding potential of discorhabdins to these proteins. Compounds 5 and 6 are the first discorhabdin analogs with an ester function at C-1 and 6 is the first discorhabdin bearing a long-chain fatty acid at this position. This study confirms Latrunculia sponges to be excellent sources of chemically diverse discorhabdin alkaloids.

Beschreibung: In dem Discussion Paper werden die Bedingungen und Herausforderungen für den transformativen Forschungsansatz des IASS diskutiert.

Beschreibung: Einen spannenden, aktions- und forschungsorientierten Einstieg in die Themenfelder Klima und Rohstoffe ermöglicht die Zukunftsbox Kohlenstoff, die das IASS in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Futurium entwickelt hat. Die Materialien eignen sich für Schülergruppen jeder Schulform ab Klassenstufe 8. Die Zukunftsbox kann fachübergreifend eingesetzt werden. Mit ihr will das IASS einen Beitrag zur Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung leisten.

Beschreibung: This report presents the results of the third and the last workshop in the series “Yamal 2040” organised within Blue-Action work package WP5 “Delivering and valuing climate and information services”. The Blue-Action team at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) in cooperation with the Primakov National Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Science (IMEMO) and Foresight Intelligence, and with inputs provided by the National Oceanographic Center (UKRI-NOC) and the M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics Russian Academy of Sciences (IAP-RAS) in the Blue-Action work package WP2 “Lower latitude drivers of Arctic changes” developed forward-looking scenarios to better understand the risks and opportunities associated with multiple developments in the Arctic and help stakeholders to adapt to them. This case study looks at a specific region, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in Arctic Russia (YNAO or Yamal region), a region with substantial ongoing and planned petroleum and shipping activities. Together with stakeholder groups, the team has co-developed a suite of scenarios to describe possible futures for this region in 2040 by incorporating cutting edge climate predictions with environmental, social and cultural concerns, economic opportunities, and political and legal developments. The scenarios are the outcome of a truly co-design and co-development process involving partners, stakeholders and using various foresight methods tailored to the project’s needs. These methods allow to constructively deal with cognitive biases, thus enabling participants to think out of the box when planning the future. This approach is very helpful in tackling complex issues linked to numerous interacting uncertainties.

Beschreibung: Wir zeigen, wie die vorgeschlagene 1000 m-Abstandsregelung zwischen Windkraftanlagen und Wohngebäude den Ausbau der Windkraft an Land in Deutschland praktisch stoppen würde. Wir zeigen auch, dass ein Abstand von 600 m gleichzeitig den Schutz der Anwohner und der Ausbau der Windkraft möglich machen kann.

Beschreibung: Following more than a decade of informal deliberations, States at the United Nations (UN)are currently negotiating an “international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction” (“BBNJ Agreement”). The negotiations aim to strengthen the international legal framework for the protection and management of the global ocean by addressing gaps in the current framework and building on existing obligations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to cooperate to protect and preserve the marine environment and conserve marine living resources. This policy brief explores how integrated ecosystem-based management (EBM) in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) can be advanced at the regional level and how the BBNJ Agreement can build on experiences in other legally binding agreements to strengthen regional cooperation, coordination and coherence. To this end, five building blocks are identified: 1. A robust global body such as a Conference of Parties capable of taking decisions and adopting recommendations; 2. A suite of regional mechanisms for integrated policy development and coordination; 3. Effective science-policy advisory mechanisms; 4. Overarching environmental obligations and principles; and 5. Operational principles to ensure good governance. A review of the current President’s draft text of the BBNJ Agreement highlights where the text could be strengthened to advance EBM. In particular, the BBNJ Agreement could draw inspiration from a range of existing instruments and craft specific obligations to: cooperate to promote in-situ conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats; mainstream biodiversity into all decision-making bodies and processes; and strengthen regional cooperation by supporting existing institutions and by building cross-sectoral platforms for cooperation.

Beschreibung: The overall aim of WP2 is to understand both the actual and possible application of the precautionary principle in eight different cases, and explain potential commonalities and differences in the application of the precautionary principle in the cases. This analysis should reflect the particular context of the case and reveal the arguments that have been used for invoking the precautionary principle and/or adopting precautionary measures (even without mentioning the precautionary principle). The multiple case study component of the RECIPES project is one of the key analytical phases of the project. Within the scope of the entire RECIPES project, WP2 builds on aspects of WP1, in particular the final WP1 report taking stock of the precautionary principle since 2000. The outputs of WP2 will feed directly into WP3, with the aim of the development of new tools and approaches to the PP in a co-creation approach. This document is intended for the individual case study analysis, and does not directly inform the cross-case comparison analysis which will take place in task 2.4.

Beschreibung: The IASS – and the research project Co-creation and Contemporary Policy Advice, in particular – aim to support policymakers in their efforts to address complex societal challenges within the context of a broad transformation towards sustainability. These challenges are interwoven with other issues and embedded within dynamic contexts that are characterized by a high degree of uncertainty, making it difficult to develop a unified approach to their resolution. In response to this, this IASS Discussion Paper presents a model for the development of co-creative policy advice that is intended to support actors from policymaking and public administration in addressing such complex challenges. The primary goal of the process outlined here is the development, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, of an in-depth understanding of a specific challenge – before appropriate strategies and measures for its resolution are put in place. The insights gained in this scoping process shape the development of tailored solution generation processes and the allocation of public procurement contracts for the implementation of societal transformation processes. In this approach, the policy advice process begins well before potential solutions are developed and presented to policymakers and administrative bodies. Rather, this model responds to the need to develop an integrated understanding of societal challenges in close cooperation with the people and institutions affected on the ground before public procurement processes for their resolution are launched.

Beschreibung: Este resumen para los tomadores de decisiones se basa en el informe ‘Strengthening Regional Ocean Governance for the High Seas: Opportunities and Challenges to Improve the Legal and Institutional Framework of the Southeast Atlantic and Southeast Pacific’. Está dirigido a los tomadores de decisiones, así como a otras personas que trabajan en cuestiones de gobernanza de los océanos, en particular en las regiones del Atlántico Sudeste y el Pacífico Sudeste. El informe se preparó como parte del proyecto Fortalecimiento de la gobernanza regional de los océanos en alta mar (‘STRONG High Seas’) y se basa en estudios anteriores, en particular en relación con el Pacífico Sudeste. El informe tiene por objeto proporcionar un examen de los marcos de gobernanza pertinentes actualmente en vigor para la gestión de la biodiversidad de la alta mar en esas regiones. El informe utiliza las cuestiones que se están debatiendo en las negociaciones en curso para un nuevo instrumento jurídicamente vinculante sobre la conservación y el uso sostenible de la BBNJ en el marco de las Naciones Unidas, así como determinadas metas del Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 14 (ODS 14), como una lente a través de la cual se pueden evaluar los avances hacia la conservación y el uso sostenible.

Beschreibung: South Africa is in the midst of an energy transition, with important social and economic implications, depending on the pathway that is chosen. Economic prosperity, new sources of income for citizens and households, business and employment opportunities as well as health impacts: through its energy pathway, South Africa will define the basis for its future development.

Beschreibung: Diese Broschüre stellt den multikriteriellen Ansatz zur Bewertung von Energiewende-Politik vor, der im Kopernikus-Projekt „Energiewende-Navigationssystem“ (ENavi) im Arbeitspaket „Bewertung“ (AP11) entwickelt wurde. Die illustrierte Zusammenfassung verdeutlicht die Stellung des Bewertungsansatzes im Gesamtprojekt sowie die einzelnen Schritte des Bewertungsprozesses und zeigt anhand von exemplarischen Maßnahmen die hohe Relevanz der ENavi-Bewertungskriterien für die Gesellschaft.

Beschreibung: This guide for action can be used by policymakers at any level or in any form of government to identify how to redesign governance processes to respond to the Fridays for Future Movement in a way that is meaningful and impactful.

Beschreibung: Die Wissenschaftsplattform Nachhaltigkeit 2030 ist ein zentraler Ort der Wissenschaft, an dem sie drängende Fragen der Nachhaltigkeits-politik reflektiert und diskutiert – im Austausch mit Politik, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft. Wissen für Nachhaltigkeit wird dort zusammengetragen und weitergetragen, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Umsetzung der Deutschen Nachhaltigkeits-strategie. Die Plattform arbeitet unabhängig und ist systematisch eingebunden in den offiziellen politischen Steuerungs-, Dialog- und Umsetzungsprozess der Agenda 2030. Träger der Plattform sind SDSN Germany, DKN Future Earth und das IASS Potsdam.

Beschreibung: This guide for action can be used by decision-makers at any level or in any form of organisation or business to identify how to respond to the Fridays for Future Movement in a way that is meaningful, responsive and impactful.

Beschreibung: Tras más de una década de deliberaciones informales, los Estados de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) están negociando actualmente un „instrumento internacional jurídicamente vinculante para la conservación y el uso sostenible de la biodiversidad marina en las áreas situadas fuera de la jurisdicción nacional“ („Acuerdo BBNJ“). El objetivo de las negociaciones es reforzar el marco jurídico internacional para la protección y la gestión de los océanos globales, colmando las lagunas del marco actual y aprovechando las obligaciones existentes en virtud de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar (CONVEMAR) para cooperar en la protección y la preservación del medio ambiente marino y la conservación de los recursos marinos vivos. Este informe explora cómo la gestión ecosistémica (EBM, por sus siglas en inglés) en las áreas marinas fuera de la jurisdicción nacional (ABNJ, por sus siglas en inglés) puede ser promovida a nivel regional y cómo el acuerdo BBNJ puede aprovechar las experiencias de otros acuerdos legalmente vinculantes para fortalecer la cooperación, la coordinación y la coherencia regional. Para ello, se han identificado cinco bloques de construcción: 1. Un órgano global sólido, como una Conferencia de las Partes, capaz de tomar decisiones y adoptar recomendaciones; 2. Un conjunto de mecanismos regionales para el desarrollo y la coordinación de políticas integradas; 3. Mecanismos eficaces de asesoramiento científico-político; 4. Obligaciones y principios medioambientales generales; y 5. Principios operativos para garantizar una buena gobernanza. Un examen del actual proyecto de texto del Presidente del acuerdo BBNJ pone de relieve los aspectos en los que el texto podría reforzarse para hacer avanzar la EBM. En particular, el acuerdo BBNJ podría inspirarse en una serie de instrumentos existentes y establecer obligaciones específicas para: cooperar en la promoción de la conservación in situ de los ecosistemas y los hábitats naturales; integrar la biodiversidad en todos los órganos y procesos de toma de decisiones; y reforzar la cooperación regional apoyando a las instituciones existentes y creando plataformas de cooperación transectoriales.

Beschreibung: Das vorliegende Papier ist eine Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse der Arbeitsgruppe Global Commons der Wissenschaftsplattform Nachhaltigkeit 2030 (WPN 2030) (Laufzeit Januar 2018 – Dezember 2019). Die Plattform wurde 2017 gegründet, um die Umsetzung der Agenda 2030 und ihrer Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) sowie der Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie (DNS) wissenschaftlich zu begleiten. Im Rahmen der Arbeitsprozesse wurde die Nutzung und Governance sogenannter Global Commons als ein zentrales Thema von Nachhaltigkeitspolitik in, mit und durch Deutschland identifiziert. Kernziel der eingesetzten Arbeitsgruppe war es, aus einer sektorenübergreifenden Bestandsaufnahme der Governance zentraler Commons Handlungsempfehlungen abzuleiten, wie Deutschland zur Stärkung der globalen Nachhaltigkeitsarchitektur in diesem Bereich beitragen kann. Zu diesem Zweck fokussierte sich die Arbeitsgruppe auf die folgenden zentralen Umweltressourcen mit Bezug zur Agenda 2030: (i) Wälder, (ii) Böden/Biodiversität, (iii) Ozeane und (iv) Süßwasser. Zur Vertiefung dieser Bereiche wurden vier Hintergrundstudien in Auftrag gegeben, welche die globale Governance der jeweiligen Ressourcen und die Rolle Deutschlands analysieren.

Beschreibung: Der vorliegende praktische Leitfaden richtet sich an politische Entscheidungsträgerinnen und Entscheidungsträger auf jeder Ebene und in jeder Form von Regierung. Er soll helfen, Governance-Prozesse so umzugestalten, dass sie mit einer bedeutungsvollen, wirksamen Reaktion auf die Bewegung Fridays for Future eingehen.

Beschreibung: In a decarbonised future electricity system, Europe will rely on fluctuating renewable sources, such as solar PV and wind power, to a much larger extent than today. This means that Europe as a whole and each individual country on the continent must increase the availability of flexibilityoptionsin order to balance the grid. Such flexibility options include dispatchable renewable sources (e.g. concentrating solar power (CSP)with thermal storage), electricity storage, anddemand-response. We start from the notion that the future does not happen, but it is madeby a series of policy decisions between now and then. If this is true, then the electricity system of 2050 is determined by the sum of all policy decisions affecting the power system – the policy pathway – in all legislations in Europeuntil 2050. In this report, we take the first steps towards identifying the potential future role for dispatchable renewables – specifically CSP with thermal storage – as a function of policy decisions that either increase the need for power system flexibility (e.g. fluctuating renewables) or provide flexibility (e.g. storage, dispatchable renewables, flexible demand). We draw on the energy transition logics framework developed by Foxon and colleagues. This framework poses that the space of possible energy transition pathways is a triangle with three distinct policy logicsin its corners: a state-centred logic, in which the central government leads or carries out the transition; a market-centred logic, in which the government sets the framework but leaves all other decisions to market actors; and a grassroots-centred logic, in which the transition is carried out locally with the resources available to each community. Any transition strategy will consist, in some constellation, of policies from these corner. We investigate policy strategies in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and of the European Union as a whole. For each case, we define one dominant pathway, consisting of currently valid, implemented policies of the current (or newly resigned) government. In addition, we identify up to three minority pathwaysfor each case, describing the energy policy visions and strategies of parties that are currently in opposition but could form a government in the future. For each case, we identify pathways representing each of the three logics, bothin narrative formand as a set of 41 quantitative variables affecting the need for and provision of power system flexibility. This report is a primary data source for the power system modelling in the MUSTEC project. This modelling will happen in 2019 and 2020, and will bring detailed, quantitiave insights of how the potential role for dispatchable renewables is affected by energy policy decisions. However,from the data we have derivedhere, we can draw a number of conclusions. We show that all countries and the EU as a whole seek to strongly decarbonise their power systems, as a key part of economy-wide decarbonisation efforts. Some countries have plans that would suffice to fulfil the European (Union and national) commitments under the Paris Agreement: net-zero emissions, mainly or exclusively based on renewables. We also show that all countries seek to vastly expand intermittent renewables, which will trigger a greatly increased need for flexibility. However, this is not reflected in the policies we analysed: no pathway, dominant or minority, is specific on how they want to provide flexibility, especially not at the scale and pace needed. This problem will be exacerbated as the climate targets are tightened and fossil fuels – first coal and lignite (mainly in the 2020s) and later gas power (especially in the 2040s) – are phased out: once this happens, the European power system(s) will lose much of its current flexibility, and unlessother, carbon-free flexibility options are expanded, it will be increasingly difficult to maintain power system stability.

Beschreibung: Das Diskussionspapier untersucht die bilateralen Energiepartnerschaften der Bundesregierung - eines der zentralen Elemente der deutschen internationalen Energiewendepolitik. Gestützt auf eine umfassende Datenanalyse liefert es eine Bestandsaufnahme der Ziele, Umsetzung und inhaltlichen Schwerpunkte der Partnerschaften. Zudem arbeitet es deren Rolle in der bilateralen Energiezusammenarbeit heraus. Das Diskussionspapier liefert damit erstmals eine umfassende wissenschaftlich fundierte Analyse zur Gestaltung dieses wichtigen Politikinstruments. Auf dieser Basis stellt es fünf Thesen zur weiteren Ausgestaltung der Energiepartnerschaften vor. Die Auswertung zeigt die Flexibilität des Politikinstruments Energiepartnerschaften. Die Partnerländer sind in hohem Maße divers. Sie beinhalten Vorreiter im Bereich erneuerbare Energien ebenso wie große Erdgas- und Öllieferanten. Die Bundesregierung passt das Politikinstrument der Ausgangslage des Partnerlands an. Die Federführung liegt dabei in Deutschland zumeist im Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi) und in den Partnerländern in der Regel ebenso im Energieministerium. Mit der Umsetzung der Partnerschaften betraut sind die GIZ, adelphi, Navigant und die AHK. Diese Umsetzer unterhalten teilweise auch Sekretariate im Partnerland. Typisch für viele Partnerschaften sind regelmäßige Treffen von Steuerungs- und Arbeitsgruppen. In deren Rahmen werden in einigen Partnerschaften auch andere deutsche Ministerium eingebunden. Zu den strategischen Zielen der Partnerschaften zählen neben der Förderung einer globalen Energiewende Aspekte wie die Stärkung des internationalen Klimaschutzes und die Verbesserung von Exportchancen für deutsche Unternehmen. Konkretisiert wird dies in operativen Zielen wie der Unterstützung des Partnerlands beim Ausbau von erneuerbaren Energien oder der politischen Flankierung von Unternehmensaktivitäten. In ihrer Umsetzung unterscheiden die Partnerschaften sich dabei von Aktivitäten anderer Ministerien im Bereich der bilateralen Energiezusammenarbeit sowie der Außenwirtschaftsförderung im Energiebereich des BMWi. Sie schaffen dabei einen strategischen Mehrwert, indem sie Ressortkommunikation im Bereich internationale Energiewendepolitik ermöglichen, als Dach für internationale Energiewendeaktivitäten dienen und ein Netzwerk für die globale Energiewende aufbauen.

Beschreibung: This document fulfils RECIPES delivery 2.1, the literature research for the multi-case study analysis, and covers the theoretical component of criteria for multi-case study analysis. Those criteria are presented in delivery 2.2 as the comparative multiple-case design, which is the methodological framework developed in task 2.2. Thus deliveries 2.1 and 2.2 are tightly linked, and should be taken together as the overall case study framework for WP2. The comparative multiple-case design contains the practical methodological framework required by each partner to execute the case study analysis for task 2.3. Delivery 2.3 explains the case study selection process which was undertaken to arrive at the eight cases studies to be carried out in WP2.

Beschreibung: Der vorliegende praktische Leitfaden richtet sich an Entscheidungsträgerinnen und Entscheidungsträger auf allen Ebenen in jeder Art von Organisation und Unternehmen. Er soll eine bedeutungsvolle, wirksame Reaktion auf die Bewegung Fridays for Future ermöglichen.

Beschreibung: The primary aim of the report – Ecological Baselines of the Southeast Atlantic and Southeast Pacific - Status of Marine Biodiversity and Anthropogenic Pressures in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction – is to provide decision makers with relevant and useful information on the current status of the marine environment in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), both in the Southeast Pacific and the Southeast Atlantic, as well as highlight key pressures placed upon it by human activities. Such information is intended to support decision makers with improved understanding of the functioning and importance of ecological features of ABNJ and their contribution to global human wellbeing.

Beschreibung: The 2015 agreement setting forth the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an important achievement that poses complex and demanding challenges. To adequately address them, judgments must determine contextually and culturally appropriate balances between independently valuable, but often conflicting targets (Singh et al. 2018). Simultaneously, a global coherence across local and regional actions must be ensured, so that local efforts do not destructively interfere with each other, nor overstep limitations in the resources of the planet (Randers et al. 2018). The Global Sustainability Strategy Forum (GSSF) responds to the fact that, after some 40 years sustainability science has produced many insights, but has not really affected our collective behavior with respect to its impact on the environment. Generally, that is deemed to be the result of lack of communication between scientists and the outside world. But might it be that the present practice of science is in itself deficient in producing results that are useful to implement the changes called for? The Forum was established in 2018 with funding from the VW Foundation to identify and address sustainability challenges at the global to regional scales by bringing together, in week-long work-shops, renowned experts in sustainable development and thought leaders in business, government, and civil society from around the world. Under the patronage of Prof. Dr Rita Süssmuth, former President of the German Bundestag, the first Forum was coordinated by Solène Droy with assistance from Paul Skaloud. Moderated by Ilan Chabay (IASS), Sander van der Leeuw (Arizona State University), Ortwin Renn (IASS), 14 panelists convened in Potsdam (Germany) 4-8 March 2019. Eight main lessons emerged from in-depth discussions and reflections towards the end of the forum. They capture some of the main approaches deemed as necessary for science and society to counter patterns and trends of unsustainability and are outlined in this paper. The results were subsequently discussed at the Inland Department of the Office of the German Federal President, addressing fundamental challenges rarely discussed directly at such a high political level. Discussion ranged from tensions between the complexity of the issues and the urgency of the challenges, such as societal acceptance of change, and on the emerging role for compelling plausible visions to inspire and guide sustainability transformation. The expert panel will expand to include decision-makers from business, politics, and civil society to consider strategies for implementation within regional and sectoral contexts. The approach the GSSF develops draws upon indicators and other information to create evidence-informed expert judgments on strategies for implementation of socially just transitions toward sustainable futures at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Of course, the changes required include strengthening and expanding dialogues between scientists, policy makers, business, and civil society; unbiased consideration of diverse sources of knowledge; the substantial refocus of education in an effort to make the central ideas accessible across all ages and segments of society. But that is not enough – the focus of sustainability science itself must be changed to deal with the core issues regarding our current societies’ impact on the environment.

Beschreibung: Arctic stakeholders are faced with uncertainty as to the future development of social, political, economic, and environmental conditions, not least due to the ongoing transformations inflicted by climate change. In Blue-Action, the case study focusing on “Yamal 2040: Scenarios for the Russian Arctic” (CS5) has employed a specific co-design and engagement methodology to support stakeholders of one particular region in the Arctic, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (YNAO) in Russia, to respond to this situation of general uncertainty, to develop forward-looking scenarios to better understand the risks and opportunities associated with future transformations in the Arctic. This methodology is the Foresight Exercise. The Foresight Exercise was conducted in the form of a series of three international workshops over 10 months between late 2017 and late 2018. The result thereof were three scenarios for the possible futures of the YNAO, which were co‐designed by stakeholders participating in the workshops and representing environmental NGOs, indigenous peoples’ organisations, business, media, policy‐makers, representatives oflocal communities, and scientists from the natural and social sciences. Results of the workshops were presented in the Blue‐Action deliverables D5.20, D5.21, and D5.22. This present deliverable takes stock of the Foresight Exercise from the perspective of the stakeholder engagement methodology.

Beschreibung: On 27 January 2019, the research group CO2 Utilisation Strategies and Society at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) hosted the International Round Table “Contextualising Carbon Dioxide Utilisation – International Policy Perspectives on CCU Technologies”. The Round Table on CO2 Utilisation is a series of events, initiated, organised by and held at the IASS in Pots-dam. First started in 2014, it is now an established series that provides an occasion for the profes-sional community involved with the development of CCU technologies to debate and engage with a broad range of societal stakeholders. Framed by two presentations about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and CCU technologies' possible contribution to their delivery, the one-day event consisted of three ses-sions. The sessions were structured according to global regions and focused first on selected coun-tries in Europe (Finland, France, Germany), then on overarching European perspectives and eventu-ally took on a non-European perspective with presentations from China and the United States. Actors in the field of CCU technologies as well as funding agencies and other organisations ascribe the potential to contribute to ecologic, environmental and societal objectives to CCU technologies. Such objectives may be part of the SDGs and other policy targets. Except for further technical de-velopment, the extent of this contribution largely depends on political support with regard to ecolog-ic aspects as well as economic incentives. In order to unfold their full sustainability potential, CCU technologies need a supportive regulatory and policy framework on a European and international level today, and require more tailored support in the future. On either level, specific risks need to be monitored and considered in policy decisions.

Beschreibung: Après plus d‘une décennie de délibérations informelles, les États aux Nations unies (ONU) négocient actuellement un „instrument international juridiquement contraignant sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la biodiversité marine des zones situées au-delà des limites de la juridiction nationale“ („Accord BZAJN“). Les négociations visent à renforcer le cadre juridique international pour la protection et la gestion de l‘océan pour combler les lacunes du cadre actuel et en s‘appuyant sur les obligations existantes dans le cadre de la Convention des Nations unies sur le droit de la mer (CNUDM) à coopérer pour protéger et préserver le milieu marin et la conservation des ressources marines vivantes. Cette note d‘information explore la manière comment la gestion écosystémique (EBM, pour son acronyme en anglais) dans les zones marines situées au-delà de la juridiction nationale (ZAJN) peut être avancée au niveau régional et comment l‘accord BZAJN peut s‘appuyer sur l‘expérience d‘autres accords juridiquement contraignants pour renforcer la coopération, la coordination et la cohérence regional. À cette fin, cinq éléments de base sont identifiés: 1. Un organe mondial efficace, tel qu‘une conférence des parties, capable de prendre des décisions et d‘adopter des recommandations; 2. Une série de mécanismes régionaux pour l‘élaboration et la coordination intégrées des politiques; 3. Des mécanismes consultatifs efficaces en matière de science et de politique; 4. Des obligations et des principes environnementaux généraux; et 5. Des principes opérationnels pour assurer une bonne gouvernance. Un examen de l‘avant-projet de l‘accord BZAJN de la présidente actuelle met en évidence les points sur lesquels le texte pourrait être renforcé pour faire progresser la gestion écosystémique. En particulier, l‘accord BZAJN pourrait s‘inspirer à partir d‘une série d‘instruments existants et d‘élaborer des obligations spécifiques pour: coopérer à promouvoir la conservation in-situ des écosystèmes et habitats naturels; intégrer la biodiversité dans tous les organes et processus décisionnels; et renforcer la coopération régionale en soutenant institutions existantes et en créant des des plateformes de coopération intersectoriel.

Beschreibung: This summary for decision-makers is based on the report ‘Strengthening Regional Ocean Governance for the High Seas: Opportunities and Challenges to Improve the Legal and Institutional Framework of the Southeast Atlantic and Southeast Pacific’. It is targeted towards policy and decision-makers as well as others working on issues of ocean governance, particularly in the Southeast Atlantic and Southeast Pacific regions The report was prepared as part of the Strengthening Regional Ocean Governance for the High Seas (‘STRONG High Seas’) project and builds on previous studies, particularly in relation to the Southeast Pacific. It is intended to provide a review of the relevant governance frameworks currently in place for the management of high seas biodiversity in these regions. The report uses the issues under discussion in the ongoing negotiations for a new legally binding BBNJ agreement under the United Nations, as well as selected Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 targets, as a lens through which to assess progress towards conservation and sustainable use.

Beschreibung: Ce résumé destiné aux décideurs se fonde sur le rapport ‘Strengthening Regional Ocean Governance for the High Seas: Opportunities and Challenges to Improve the Legal and Institutional Framework of the Southeast Atlantic and Southeast Pacific’. Il s’adresse aux responsables politiques et décideurs ainsi qu’à tous ceux travaillant sur les questions relatives à la gouvernance des océans, en particulier dans les régions de l’Atlantique du Sud-Est et du Pacifique du Sud-Est. Ce rapport a été élaboré dans le cadre du projet Strengthening Regional Ocean Governance for the High Seas (‘STRONG High Seas’) et s’appuie sur des études antérieures, en particulier en ce qui concerne le Pacifique du Sud-Est. Il a pour but de passer en revue les cadres de gouvernance pertinents actuellement en place pour la gestion de la biodiversité de la haute mer dans ces régions. Le rapport utilise les questions à l’étude dans le cadre des négociations en cours pour un nouvel instrument juridiquement contraignant sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la BZAJN, ainsi qu’une sélection de cibles de l’Objectif de développement durable 14 (ODD 14), comme un prisme au travers duquel évaluer les cadres légaux et institutionnels des deux régions focales ainsi que les progrès en direction de la conservation et de l’utilisation durable.

Beschreibung: Das vorliegende Papier „Beirätedialog 2019: Empfehlungen zur Weiterentwicklung der Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie 2020“ stellt die zentralen Ergebnisse des Beirätedialogs 2019 vor. Es fasst die Ergebnisse und Empfehlungen aus der Dialogveranstaltung 2019 zusammen (S. 6-8.) und präsentiert die individuellen Beiträge und Empfehlungen für die 2020 anstehende Weiterentwicklung der Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie (S. 8-57), welche von dreizehn der fünfzehn Teilnehmenden im Nachtrag zum Dialogtreffen 2019 eingereicht wurden.

Beschreibung: Die Deutsche Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie (DNS) wurde 2002 erstmals von der Bundesregierung vorgelegt. Seit der Überarbeitung von 20161 ist die Strategie an den Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) der Vereinten Nationen ausgerichtet. Die DNS legt dar, mit welchen Mitteln die Bundesregierung zur Erreichung der SDGs beitragen will. Die aktuelle Fassung der Strategie stammt von 20182. Die nächste grundlegende Weiterentwicklung der Strategie steht 2020 an. Um möglichst viele Perspektiven und Expertise in die Weiterentwicklung der Strategie einfließen zu lassen, organisiert die Bundesregierung – wie auch schon für vorherige Überarbeitungen – ein gesamtgesellschaftliches Konsultationsverfahren. Unter anderem mit drei Regionalkonferenzen, bei denen im Dialog Beiträge von Bürger*innen und Gesellschaftsvertreter*innen gesammelt werden. Wissenschaftliche Beiträge wurden über die bisherigen gesamtgesellschaftlichen Konsultationsverfahren nur sehr wenige eingebracht. Um die Stimme der Wissenschaft diesmal stärker und systematisch einzubringen, hat die Wissenschaftsplattform Nachhaltigkeit 2030 (wpn2030) eine eigenständige wissenschaftliche Konsultation zu Weiterentwicklung der Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie aufgesetzt. Unter dem Titel „Eine Frage der Wissenschaft: Die Deutsche Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie auf dem Prüfstand“ und anhand von sieben Leitfragen waren Wissenschaftler*innen aller Fachrichtungen eingeladen, ihre Erkenntnisse, Vorschläge, Ideen und Empfehlungen online für die Überarbeitung der Strategie einzubringen. Laufzeit des Prozesses war von Mai bis August 2019, insgesamt flossen 93 Beiträge ein.

Beschreibung: Nachhaltige Entwicklung in, mit und durch Deutschland ist in hohem Maße von einer Transformation unserer Mobilitäts- und Verkehrssysteme abhängig. Die Wissenschaftsplattform Nachhaltigkeit 2030 als eine zentrale wissenschaftliche Begleiterin Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspolitik hat das Thema daher mit einer Arbeitsgruppe ins Zentrum ihrer Arbeit gestellt. Das vorliegende Papier beinhaltet wissenschaftlich basierte Empfehlungen für den Staatssekretärsausschuss für nachhaltige Entwicklung für die Förderung einer Mobilitäts- und Verkehrswende. Dafür hat die Arbeitsgruppe unter anderem vorliegende wissenschaftliche Studien zu Szenarien einer Verkehrs- und Mobilitätswende in Deutschland ausgewertet und mit beteiligten Wissenschaftler*innen diskutiert. Zudem hat sich die Arbeitsgruppe in mehreren Schritten mit Vertreter*innen aus Mobilitätspraxis, Politik und Zivilgesellschaft ausgetauscht – unter anderem in Fachgesprächen und einem Trialog – und dabei Chancen und Herausforderungen von Maßnahmen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven beleuchtet. Ergebnis sind fünf grundlegende politische Empfehlungen, mit jeweils konkretisierenden Vertiefungen.

Beschreibung: The structural repertoire of bioactive naphthacene quinones is expanded by engineering Streptomyces albus to express the lysolipin minimal polyketide synthase II (PKS II) genes from Streptomyces tendae Tü 4042 (llpD-F) with the corresponding cyclase genes llpCI-CIII. Fermentation of the recombinant strain revealed the two new polyaromatic tridecaketides lysoquinone-TH1 (7, identified) and TH2 (8, postulated structure) as engineered congeners of the dodecaketide lysolipin (1). The chemical structure of 7, a benzo[a]naphthacene-8,13-dione, was elucidated by NMR and HR-MS and confirmed by feeding experiments with [1,2-13C2]-labeled acetate. Lysoquinone-TH1 (7) is a pentangular polyphenol and one example of such rare extended polyaromatic systems of the benz[a]napthacene quinone type produced by the expression of a minimal PKS II in combination with cyclases in an artificial system. While the natural product lysolipin (1) has antimicrobial activity in nM-range, lysoquinone-TH1 (7) showed only minor potency as inhibitor of Gram-positive microorganisms. The bioactivity profiling of lysoquinone-TH1 (7) revealed inhibitory activity towards phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an important target for the treatment in human health like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These results underline the availability of pentangular polyphenolic structural skeletons from biosynthetic engineering in the search of new chemical entities in drug discovery

Beschreibung: The combination of LC-MS/MS based metabolomics approach and anti-MRSA activity-guided fractionation scheme was applied on the Gram-negative bacterium Aequorivita sp. isolated from shallow Antarctic sea sediment using a miniaturized culture chip technique. This methodology afforded the isolation of three new (1–3) and four known (4–7) N-terminal glycine- or serine-bearing iso-fatty acid amides esterified with another iso-fatty acid through their C-3 hydroxy groups. The chemical structures of the new compounds were elucidated using a set of spectroscopic (NMR, [α]D and FT-IR) and spectrometric (HRMS, HRMS/MS) methods. The aminolipids possessing an N-terminal glycine unit (1, 2, 4, 5) showed moderate in vitro antimicrobial activity against MRSA (IC50 values 22–145 µg/mL). This is the first in-depth chemistry and biological activity study performed on the microbial genus Aequorivita.

Beschreibung: The ultramafic-hosted Kairei vent field is located at 25°19′ S, 70°02′ E, towards the Northern end of segment 1 of the Central Indian Ridge (CIR-S1) at a water depth of ~2450 m. This study aims to investigate the distribution of trace elements among sulfide minerals of differing textures and to examine the possible factors controlling the trace element distribution in those minerals using LA-ICP-MS spot and line scan analyses. Our results show that there are distinct systematic differences in trace element distributions throughout the different minerals, as follows: (1) pyrite is divided into three types at Kairei, including early-stage euhedral pyrite (py-I), sub-euhedral pyrite (py-II), and colloform pyrite (py-III). Pyrite is generally enriched with Mo, Au, As, Tl, Mn, and U. Pyrite-I has high contents of Se, Te, Bi, and Ni when compared to the other types; py-II is enriched in Au relative to py-I and py-III, but poor in Ni; py-III is enriched in Mo, Pb, and U but is poor in Se, Te, Bi, and Au relative to py-I and py-II. Variations in the concentrations of Se, Te, and Bi in pyrite are most likely governed by the strong temperature gradient. There is generally a lower concentration of nickel than Co in pyrite, indicating that our samples precipitated at high temperatures, whereas the extreme Co enrichment is likely from a magmatic heat source combined with an influence of serpentinization reactions. (2) Chalcopyrite is characterized by high concentrations of Co, Se, and Te. The abundance of Se and Te in chalcopyrite over the other minerals is interpreted to have been caused by the high solubilities of Se and Te in the chalcopyrite lattice at high temperatures. The concentrations of Sb, As, and Au are relatively low in chalcopyrite from the Kairei vent field. (3) Sphalerite from Zn-rich chimneys is characterized by high concentrations of Sn, Co, Ga, Ge, Ag, Pb, Sb, As, and Cd, but is depleted in Se, Te, Bi, Mo, Au, Ni, Tl, Mn, Ba, V, and U in comparison with the other minerals. The high concentrations of Cd and Co are likely caused by the substitution of Cd2+ and Co2+ for Zn2+ in sphalerite. A high concentration of Pb accompanied by a high Ag concentration in sphalerite indicates that Ag occurs as Pb–Ag sulfosalts. Gold is generally low in sphalerite and strongly correlates with Pb, suggesting its presence in microinclusions of galena. The strong correlation of As with Ge in sphalerite from Kairei suggests that they might precipitate at medium temperatures and under moderately reduced conditions. (4) Bornite–digenite has very low concentrations of most trace elements, except for Co, Se, and Bi. Serpentinization in ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems might play an important role in Au enrichment in pyrite with low As contents. Compared to felsic-hosted seafloor massive sulfide deposits, sulfide minerals from ultramafic-hosted deposits show higher concentrations of Se and Te, but lower As, Sb, and Au concentrations, the latter often attributed to the contribution of magmatic volatiles. As with typical ultramafic-hosted seafloor massive sulfide deposits, Se enrichment in chalcopyrite from Kairei indicates that the primary factor that controls the Se enrichment is temperature-controlled mobility in vent fluids.

Beschreibung: An UPLC-qTOF-MS-based dereplication study led to the targeted isolation of seven bromoindole alkaloids from the sub-Arctic sponge Geodia barretti. This includes three new metabolites, namely geobarrettin A–C (1–3) and four known compounds, barettin (4), 8,9-dihydrobarettin (5), 6-bromoconicamin (6), and l-6-bromohypaphorine (7). The chemical structures of compounds 1–7 were elucidated by extensive analysis of the NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute stereochemistry of geobarrettin A (1) was assigned by ECD analysis and Marfey’s method employing the new reagent l-Nα-(1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)tryptophanamide (l-FDTA). The isolated compounds were screened for anti-inflammatory activity using human dendritic cells (DCs). Both 2 and 3 reduced DC secretion of IL-12p40, but 3 concomitantly increased IL-10 production. Maturing DCs treated with 2 or 3 before co-culturing with allogeneic CD4+ T cells decreased T cell secretion of IFN-γ, indicating a reduction in Th1 differentiation. Although barettin (4) reduced DC secretion of IL-12p40 and IL-10 (IC50 values 11.8 and 21.0 μM for IL-10 and IL-12p40, respectively), maturing DCs in the presence of 4 did not affect the ability of T cells to secrete IFN-γ or IL-17, but reduced their secretion of IL-10. These results indicate that 2 and 3 may be useful for the treatment of inflammation, mainly of the Th1 type.

Beschreibung: This study presents a novel approach, based on high-dimensionality hydro-acoustic data, for improving the performance of angular response analysis (ARA) on multibeam backscatter data in terms of acoustic class separation and spatial resolution. This approach is based on the hyper-angular cube (HAC) data structure which offers the possibility to extract one angular response from each cell of the cube. The HAC consists of a finite number of backscatter layers, each representing backscatter values corresponding to single-incidence angle ensonifications. The construction of the HAC layers can be achieved either by interpolating dense soundings from highly overlapping multibeam echo-sounder (MBES) surveys (interpolated HAC, iHAC) or by producing several backscatter mosaics, each being normalized at a different incidence angle (synthetic HAC, sHAC). The latter approach can be applied to multibeam data with standard overlap, thus minimizing the cost for data acquisition. The sHAC is as efficient as the iHAC produced by actual soundings, providing distinct angular responses for each seafloor type. The HAC data structure increases acoustic class separability between different acoustic features. Moreover, the results of angular response analysis are applied on a fine spatial scale (cell dimensions) offering more detailed acoustic maps of the seafloor. Considering that angular information is expressed through high-dimensional backscatter layers, we further applied three machine learning algorithms (random forest, support vector machine, and artificial neural network) and one pattern recognition method (sum of absolute differences) for supervised classification of the HAC, using a limited amount of ground truth data (one sample per seafloor type). Results from supervised classification were compared with results from an unsupervised method for inter-comparison of the supervised algorithms. It was found that all algorithms (regarding both the iHAC and the sHAC) produced very similar results with good agreement (〉0.5 kappa) with the unsupervised classification. Only the artificial neural network required the total amount of ground truth data for producing comparable results with the remaining algorithms.

Beschreibung: The metabolism of seaweeds depends on environmental parameters, the availability of nutrients, and biotic/abiotic stresses; therefore, their chemical composition fluctuates throughout the year. This study investigated seasonal variations in the metabolome of the Baltic Sea brown alga Fucus vesiculosus and its potential relation to the bioactivity profile. By using a definitive screening design (DSD) combined with pressurised liquid extraction (PLE), an optimised protocol was developed to extract algal biomass monthly for a full calendar year. An untargeted metabolomics approach using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSn)-based molecular networking and manual dereplication was employed. The extracts were simultaneously screened for their in vitro antimicrobial, anticancer/apoptotic, and free radical scavenging activities. 44 compounds were putatively dereplicated in the metabolome. Many compounds were found to vary with the sampling month; phlorotannin total ion count (TIC) was highest in summer, whilst chlorophylls, lipids, and carotenoids peaked in winter and spring. The greatest radical scavenging and apoptotic activities against pancreas cancer cells observed in the summer months were attributed to high phlorotannin TIC. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) inhibitory activity was produced year-round without a clear seasonal trend. This is the first study applying DSD-based optimised PLE extraction combined with a metabolome analysis of F. vesiculosus for the identification of seasonal variations in both metabolome and bioactivity.

Beschreibung: Many scientific institutions are faced with the question of how they should inform their scientists and scientific coordinators about the option of publishing open access. This task is one that libraries have taken upon themselves: libraries are familiar with the market participants and have years of experience in teaching information and publication literacy. This case report looks at two approaches taken by the Central Library of Forschungszentrum Jülich in 2017. It highlights the motivation,strategy,resourcesandimplementation,aswellasthefirstevaluationofbothapproaches. ThefirstapproachwasaredesignofthetrainingcoursesofferedbytheCentralLibrarywithafocuson the target groups and new contents. The second approach was implemented as part of International Open Access Week and involved offering an information event tailored to each scientific institute. Theeventwascustomizedtomeettheneedsofthetargetgroupdefinedbyeachinstitute,theinstitute itself, and was organized individually. As a result of these efforts, the open access rate increased over the last few months and at 48% open access in 2017, Forschungszentrum Jülich is well on its way to achieving the open access goals set by the Helmholtz Association.

Beschreibung: This article presents gas hydrate experimental measurements for mixtures containing methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) with the aim to better understand the impact of water (H2O) on the phase equilibrium. Some of these phase equilibrium experiments were carried out with a very high water-to-gas ratio that shifts the gas hydrate dissociation points to higher pressures. This is due to the significantly different solubilities of the different guest molecules in liquid H2O. A second experiment focused on CH4-CO2 exchange between the hydrate and the vapor phases at moderate pressures. The results show a high retention of CO2 in the gas hydrate phase with small pressure variations within the first hours. However, for our system containing 10.2 g of H2O full conversion of the CH4 hydrate grains to CO2 hydrate is estimated to require 40 days. This delay is attributed to the shrinking core effect, where initially an outer layer of CO2-rich hydrate is formed that effectively slows down the further gas exchange between the vapor phase and the inner core of the CH4-rich hydrate grain.

Beschreibung: The production of secondary metabolites by a new isolate of the purple sulfur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum, which had shown antibiotic activities during a preliminary study, revealed the production of several metabolites. Growth conditions suitable for the production of one of the compounds shown in the metabolite profile were established and compound 1 was purified. The molecular formula of compound 1 (C20H28O2) was determined by high resolution mass spectra, and its chemical structure by means of spectroscopic methods. The evaluation of these data revealed that the structure of the compound was identical to dehydroabietic acid, a compound known to be characteristically produced by conifer trees, but so far not known from bacteria, except cyanobacteria. The purified substance showed weak antibiotic activities against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus lentus with IC50 values of 70.5 µM (±2.9) and 57.0 µM (±3.3), respectively.

Beschreibung: The decarbonisation of our energy supply is reliant on new technologies that are raw material intensive and will require a significant increase in the production of metals to sustain them. Ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts are seafloor precipitates, enriched in metals such as cobalt and tellurium, both of which have a predicted future demand above current production rates. In this study, we investigate the texture and composition of FeMn crusts on Tropic Seamount, a typical Atlantic guyot off the coast of western Africa, as a basis for assessing the future mineral resource potential of Atlantic Seamounts. The majority of the summit is flat and covered by FeMn crusts with average thicknesses of 3–4 cm. The crusts are characterized by two dominant textures consisting of either massive pillared growth or more chaotic, cuspate sections of FeMn oxides, with an increased proportion of detrital and organic material. The Fe, Mn, and Co contents in the FeMn oxide layers are not affected by texture. However, detrital material and bioclasts can form about 50% of cuspate areas, and the dilution effect of this entrained material considerably reduces the Fe, Mn, and Co concentrations if the bulk samples are analyzed. Whilst Tropic Seamount meets many of the prerequisites for a crust mining area, the thickness of the crusts and their average metal composition means extraction is unlikely to be viable in the near future. The ability to exploit more difficult terrains or multiple, closely spaced edifices would make economic feasibility more likely.

Beschreibung: Modern volcano monitoring commonly involves Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements to identify ground motions caused by volcanic activity. However, InSAR is largely affected by changes in atmospheric refractivity, in particular by changes which can be attributed to the distribution of water (H2O) vapor in the atmospheric column. Gas emissions from continuously degassing volcanoes contain abundant water vapor and thus produce variations in the atmospheric water vapor content above and downwind of the volcano, which are notably well captured by short-wavelength X-band SAR systems. These variations may in turn cause differential phase errors in volcano deformation estimates due to excess radar path delay effects within the volcanic gas plume. Inversely, if these radar path delay effects are better understood, they may be even used for monitoring degassing activity, by means of the precipitable water vapor (PWV) content in the plume at the time of SAR acquisitions, which may provide essential information on gas plume dispersion and the state of volcanic and hydrothermal activity. In this work we investigate the radar path delays that were generated by water vapor contained in the volcanic gas plume of the persistently degassing Láscar volcano, which is located in the dry Atacama Desert of Northern Chile. We estimate water vapor contents based on sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission measurements from a scanning UV spectrometer (Mini-DOAS) station installed at Láscar volcano, which were scaled by H2O/SO2 molar mixing ratios obtained during a multi-component Gas Analyzer System (Multi-GAS) survey on the crater rim of the volcano. To calculate the water vapor content in the downwind portion of the plume, where an increase of water vapor is expected, we further applied a correction involving estimation of potential evaporation rates of water droplets governed by turbulent mixing of the condensed volcanic plume with the dry atmosphere. Based on these estimates we obtain daily average PWV contents inside the volcanic gas plume of 0.2–2.5 mm equivalent water column, which translates to a slant wet delay (SWD) in DInSAR data of 1.6–20 mm. We used these estimates in combination with our high resolution TerraSAR-X DInSAR observations at Láscar volcano, in order to demonstrate the occurrence of repeated atmospheric delay patterns that were generated by volcanic gas emissions. We show that gas plume related refractivity changes are significant and detectable in DInSAR measurements. Implications are two-fold: X-band satellite radar observations also contain information on the degassing state of a volcano, while deformation signals need to be interpreted with care, which has relevance for volcano observations at Láscar and for other sites worldwide.

Beschreibung: Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations are resulting in a reduction in seawater pH, with potential detrimental consequences for marine organisms. Improved efforts are required to monitor the anthropogenically driven pH decrease in the context of natural pH variations. We present here a high resolution surface water pH data set obtained in summer 2011 in North West European Shelf Seas. The aim of our paper is to demonstrate the successful deployment of the pH sensor, and discuss the carbonate chemistry dynamics of surface waters of Northwest European Shelf Seas using pH and ancillary data. The pH measurements were undertaken using spectrophotometry with a Lab-on-Chip pH sensor connected to the underway seawater supply of the ship. The main processes controlling the pH distribution along the ship's transect, and their relative importance, were determined using a statistical approach. The pH sensor allowed 10 measurements h(-1) with a precision of 0.001 pH units and a good agreement with pH calculated from a pair of discretely sampled carbonate variables dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA) and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO(2)) (e.g., pH(DICpCO2)). For this summer cruise, the biological activity formed the main control on the pH distribution along the cruise transect. This study highlights the importance of high quality and high resolution pH measurements for the assessment of carbonate chemistry dynamics in marine waters.

Beschreibung: Optical communication promises to be a high-rate supplement for acoustic communication in short-range underwater applications. In the photic zone of oceanic and coastal waters, underwater optical communication systems are exposed by remaining sunlight. This ambient light generates additional noise in photodetectors, thus degrading system performance. This effect can be diminished by the use of optical filters. This paper investigates light field characteristics of different water types and potential interactions with optical underwater communication. A colored glass and different thin film bandpass filters are examined as filter/detector combinations under varying light and water conditions, and their physical constraints are depicted. This is underlined by various spectral measurements as well as optical signal-to-noise ratio calculations. The importance of matching the characteristics of the light emitting diode (LED) light source, the photodetector, and the filter on the ambient conditions using wider angle of incidents is emphasized.

Beschreibung: Infections arising from multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria are spreading rapidly throughout the world and threaten to become untreatable. The origins of resistance are numerous and complex, but one underlying factor is the capacity of bacteria to rapidly export drugs through the intrinsic activity of efflux pumps. In this Review, we describe recent advances that have increased our understanding of the structures and molecular mechanisms of multidrug efflux pumps in bacteria. Clinical and laboratory data indicate that efflux pumps function not only in the drug extrusion process but also in virulence and the adaptive responses that contribute to antimicrobial resistance during infection. The emerging picture of the structure, function and regulation of efflux pumps suggests opportunities for countering their activities.

Beschreibung: The Antarctic deep-sea sponge Latrunculia (Latrunculia) biformis Kirkpatrick, 1908 (Class Demospongiae Sollas, Order Poecilosclerida Topsent, Latrunculiidae Topsent) was selected for chemical analyses due to its potent anticancer activity. Metabolomic analysis of its crude extract by HRMS/MS-based molecular networking showed the presence of several clusters of pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids, i.e., discorhabdin and epinardin-type brominated pyridopyrroloquinolines and tsitsikammamines, the non-brominated bis-pyrroloiminoquinones. Molecular networking approach combined with a bioactivity-guided isolation led to the targeted isolation of the known pyrroloiminoquinone tsitsikammamine A (1) and its new analog 16,17-dehydrotsitsikammamine A (2). The chemical structures of the compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis (one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR, HR-ESIMS). Due to minute amounts, molecular modeling and docking was used to assess potential affinities to potential targets of the isolated compounds, including DNA intercalation, topoisomerase I-II, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzymes. Tsitsikammamines represent a small class of pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids that have only previously been reported from the South African sponge genus Tsitsikamma Samaai & Kelly and an Australian species of the sponge genus Zyzzya de Laubenfels. This is the first report of tsitsikammamines from the genus Latrunculia du Bocage and the successful application of molecular networking in the identification of comprehensive chemical inventory of L.biformis followed by targeted isolation of new molecules. This study highlights the high productivity of secondary metabolites of Latrunculia sponges and may shed new light on their biosynthetic origin and chemotaxonomy

Beschreibung: Mastermind is a two players zero sum game of imperfect information. Starting with Erdős and Rényi (1963), its combinatorics have been studied to date by several authors, e.g., Knuth (1977), Chvátal (1983), Goodrich (2009). The first player, called “codemaker”, chooses a secret code and the second player, called “codebreaker”, tries to break the secret code by making as few guesses as possible, exploiting information that is given by the codemaker after each guess. For variants that allow color repetition, Doerr et al. (2016) showed optimal results. In this paper, we consider the so called Black-Peg variant of Mastermind, where the only information concerning a guess is the number of positions in which the guess coincides with the secret code. More precisely, we deal with a special version of the Black-Peg game with n holes and 𝑘≥𝑛 colors where no repetition of colors is allowed. We present upper and lower bounds on the number of guesses necessary to break the secret code. For the case 𝑘=𝑛, the secret code can be algorithmically identified within less than (𝑛−3)⌈log2𝑛⌉+52𝑛−1 queries. This result improves the result of Ker-I Ko and Shia-Chung Teng (1985) by almost a factor of 2. For the case 𝑘〉𝑛, we prove an upper bound of (𝑛−2)⌈log2𝑛⌉+𝑘+1. Furthermore, we prove a new lower bound of n for the case 𝑘=𝑛, which improves the recent 𝑛−loglog(𝑛) bound of Berger et al. (2016). We then generalize this lower bound to k queries for the case 𝑘≥𝑛.

Beschreibung: This report is intended to provide a review of the relevant governance frameworks currently in place for the management of high seas biodiversity in these regions. The report uses the issues under discussion in the ongoing negotiations for a new legally binding BBNJ agreement under the United Nations, as well as selected Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 targets, as a lens through which to assess progress towards conservation and sustainable use.

Beschreibung: The series of the Yamal 2040 Scenario Workshops is a part of the international research project “BlueAction – Arctic Impact on Weather and Climate” funded through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme. This project aims to evaluate the impact of a changing Arctic on northern hemisphere weather and climate. Blue-Action brings together 120 experts from over 40 organizations in 17 countries most of whom are climate scientists dealing with improvement of existing and development of new techniques that will enable robust and reliable forecasting of weather and hazardous climate events in the Arctic and over the northern hemisphere. However, Blue-Action is not limited to natural science’ goals alone. As a final result, the project aims to improve the safety and wellbeing of people in the Arctic and across the northern hemisphere by reducing risks associated with a changing climate and Arctic operations like resource exploitation, and to support evidence-based decision-making by policymakers worldwide. To achieve this, Blue- Action takes a transdisciplinary approach, bridging scientific understandings of Arctic climate, weather and risk management research with key rights- and stakeholder knowledge. This is being done within the project’s Work Package 5 “Developing and Valuing Climate Services”, which consists of a set of case studies that bring scientists together with stakeholders to co-develop products that “translate” the model outputs and improved modelling skill developed in other work packages into societal- and sectorrelevant products. Our case study in the Blue-Action project develops a study of the impact of the Arctic changes on resource development in the Russian Arctic with the goal of improving stakeholders’ capacity to adapt to these changes. The Yamal 2040 Scenario Workshop series is at the core of the case study. The work carried out in this deliverable is a desk study producing a map of stakeholder groups involved in oil and gas development on the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (YNAO). This study is part of the preparatory work for the scenario exercise conducted in cooperation with various stakeholder groups active in or affected by oil and gas development in YNAO.

Beschreibung: Qu'il s'agisse d'énergie propre, de production durable ou de réduction de la pauvreté, les idées et analyses sur les défis du développement durable ne manquent pas. Pourtant, nous faisons encore trop peu de progrès pour atteindre un état de durabilité. Comment mieux mettre en oeuvre nos connaissances et lier les défis du développement durable, la science et les réponses politiques? Tel est le thème du Global Sustainability Strategy Forum, qui, tous les deux ans, réunira une quinzaine d'éminents experts internationaux sur la durabilité pendant une semaine, et pour la première fois du 4 au 8 mars 2019 à Potsdam.

Beschreibung: From clean energy to sustainable production and the fight against poverty – insights into the many challenges of sustainable development are not in short supply. But despite the wealth of knowledge available to policymakers, little progress has been made in the transformation towards a sustainable future. How can we bring our knowledge to bear more effectively? This question underpins the Global Sustainability Strategy Forum, which will bring together 15 leading international experts for a week-long retreat in Potsdam every two years, beginning on 4 – 8 March 2019.

Beschreibung: What are the prerequisites for employing superconducting links in the power grid of the future? This document assesses the main elements of a new 3-gigawatt-class superconducting cable. In addition to discussing the technical details of the cable conductor, electrical insulation, and grid connections, it outlines the environmental benefits and future implementation challenges of this new technology. The concluding remarks include recommendations for industry and policymakers.

Beschreibung: Grundlegende gesellschaftliche Fragen, komplexe systemische Risiken, umfassende Zukunftsentwürfe - sie finden nach Meinung vieler Beobachter keinen angemessenen Platz in der politischen Auseinandersetzung und noch weniger im Handeln von Regierung und politischer Administration. Das ist das Problem, von dem hier die Rede sein soll. Es gilt daher Herausforderungen mittel- und langfristiger Art gezielter und systematischer zu Themen politischer Strategieentwicklung zu machen - das ist die Aufgabe. Die Frage ist: Welche Formen politisch-administrativer Organisation und Vorgehensweise sind geeignet mit solchen Herausforderungen umzugehen und nachhaltige Lösungsansätze zu erarbeiten? Ausgangsüberlegung hier ist es, dass über offene und innovative Suchprozesse effiziente und effektive Steuerungs- und Regierungsstrukturen identifiziert und initiiert werden können und sollten. Der vorliegende Beitrag begründet und skizziert einen Vorschlag für einen solchen offenen Suchprozess innerhalb des deutschen Regierungshandelns auf Bundesebene. Vorgeschlagen wird die Einrichtung eines „Government Innovation Lab(oratorium)s“ - als eine von mehreren Ressorts getragene Arbeitseinheit mit dem Auftrag, innovative abteilungs- und ressortübergreifende Kommunikations- und Kooperationsformen zu initiieren. "Lab" steht für den experimentellen und kollaborativen Ansatz, Innovation bezieht sich auf Organisation und Verfahren, Government adressiert den Innovationsimpuls in Richtung auf das Betriebssystem des Regierens selbst. Der Vorschlag für ein solches „Lab“ ist bewusst als ein experimenteller Impuls für den Kreis der Bundesministerien und als Stärkung ressortübergreifender Koordination zu verstehen. Das „Lab“ fokussiert auf Anstöße für organisatorische Innovationen in frühen Phasen der Themenfindung und -strukturierung im politisch-administrativen Umgang mit neuen und noch schwer greifbaren Problemlagen. Der Vorschlag ist als Experiment auf starke Promotoren und unterschiedliche Anknüpfungspunkte angewiesen, setzt er doch an der vielfach als neuralgisch – d.h. schmerzhaft und kaum lösbar - wahrgenommenen Frage an, wie auf Seiten der Exektuve Komplexität zu organisieren sei. Das hier vorgelegte Papier kann und soll nicht konkrete Optionen für die einzelnen Umsetzungs-schritte, die Organisation, Steuerung und Vorgehensweise entwerfen, sondern bietet für weitere Sondierungsgespräche im Raum von Experten, Promotoren und Entscheidern eine Gesprächs- und Diskussionsgrundlage. Am Beginn steht die Frage des Umgangs mit komplexen Herausforderungen im Politik- bzw. Regierungsbetrieb und die zentrale Rolle von Kommunikation, Kooperation und Koordination für nachhaltige Lösungsansätze (Teil 1). Es folgen Überlegungen zur Anschlussfähigkeit von Innovationen im Regierungsbetrieb mit Blick auf eine Stärkung ressortübergreifender Ko-ordination (Teil 2). Erläutert werden auf dieser Basis Grundidee und einzelne Stränge des angedachten „Government Innovation Lab“ (Teil 3), der Beitrag endet mit einem kurzen Ausblick (Teil 4). Der Beitrag entstand unter anderem vor dem beruflichen Hintergrund des Autors in der Organisationsberatung und seit 2007 als Referatsleiter im Bundesumweltministerium. Der Beitrag gibt jedoch ausschließlich persönliche Überlegungen und Einschätzungen des Autors wieder.

Beschreibung: Bei der Realisierung einer nachhaltigen Lebensweise kommt der Wirtschaft zentrale Bedeutung zu. Dies umfasst sowohl die Entwicklung eines entsprechenden regulatorischen Rahmens als auch die Förderung und Etablierung nachhaltiger Unternehmenspraktiken, die ökologische und soziale Be-lange integrieren. Branchenübergreifend ist dabei eine Auseinandersetzung zwischen ökofairem und konventionellem Wirtschaften zu beobachten, von der Agrarwirtschaft, über Chemie und Automo-bilindustrie, bis zur Energiewirtschaft – um die besonders umstrittenen Branchen zu nennen. In Wis-senschaft und Öffentlichkeit wird über die Machbarkeit von ökofairem Wirtschaften im Wettbewerb mit vorrangig profitgetriebenen Konkurrenten diskutiert, wobei der Fokus meist auf einer Analyse der Geschäftspraktiken liegt. Der vorliegende Artikel wendet sich dem bisher meist wenig beleuchte-ten Aspekt der mentalen Voraussetzungen öko-fairen Wirtschaftens zu und beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, welche Einstellungen und Werten den Entscheidungen von ökofairen UnternehmerInnen vorausgehen und diese prägend beeinflussen. Dabei zeigt die Auswertung von 35 qualitativen Interviews mit GeschäftsführerInnen und InhaberIn-nen ökofairer Betriebe, dass sie – unterschiedlich ausgeprägt - Verantwortung übernehmen für die Belange aller Berührungsgruppen ihres Unternehmens, von KundInnen, über MitarbeiterInnen, Lie-ferantInnen, das lokale Umfeld, die Gesellschaft und die Natur. Sie definieren Nachhaltigkeit als zukunftsorientiertes Konzept für die Wirtschaft. Ihre Anstrengungen für nachhaltige Unternehmens-praxis werden von vielen nicht als Belastung empfunden, sondern erfüllen sie mit Freude. Unter-nehmensintern leben sie es vor, setzen die Ressourcen des Unternehmens dafür ein und verstetigen den Kurs mit Regelwerken, Nachhaltigkeitsberichten und Managementsystemen. Die Vorteile des ökofairen Wirtschaftens werden aus den Angaben der Befragten deutlich. Diese Unternehmen führen den lebenden Beweis, dass eine werte-orientierte, ethisch motivierte Wirtschaftspraxis im Wettbe-werb bestehen kann. Im Anschluss an die Darstellung der Interview-Ergebnisse werden die Stufen der Entwicklung des Bewusstseins, die in der Studie erkennbar wurden, nachgezeichnet und mit dem Konzept des Homo Oeconomicus verglichen. Es wird argumentiert, dass es erforderlich ist, das Verständnis des Homo Oeconomicus zu überwinden, um die ökologischen und sozialen Herausforderungen des Anthropo-zäns bewältigen zu können. Die Weiterentwicklung der ethischen Reife der Menschheit wird als die grundlegende Voraussetzung der Veränderung beschrieben. Danach werden die Möglichkeiten der Verbreitung von fortschrittlichen Denkformen in Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft und Staat erörtert und es wird eine Perspektive zur Veränderung aufgezeigt, die in Ansätzen bereits existiert.

Beschreibung: Die Studie arbeitet gesellschaftliche Strukturdeterminanten und -dynamiken sowie Frames, Bedingungsverhältnisse, Trade-offs, Kopplungen und Eigendynamiken von Energiewende und – in deutlich verkürzter Form – von Energiekonflikten und von nachhaltiger Entwicklung heraus, thematisiert die Zusammenhänge dieser drei Sphären, und versucht auf dieser Grundlage, Entwicklungsmuster und Erfolgschancen der Energiewende abzuschätzen. Als eine soziotechnische Transformation verlangt die Energiewende die Realisierung eine Vielzahl von Maßnahmen in praktisch allen Teilsystemen der Gesellschaft, die ihrerseits vielfältige Konflikte generieren. Von daher ist die Energiewende in ihrer Entwicklung nicht akteurspezifisch steuerbar und eine erwünschte konsistente, ihre Nachhaltigkeit gewährleistende, produktive Konflikte nutzende und unproduktive Konflikte vermeidende Energiewendepolitik allenfalls ansatzweise zu erwarten. Prinzipiell ist eine die Energiewende konsequent vorantreibende Interaktionsdynamik der sie prägenden Einflussfaktoren zwar denkbar und möglich, in der Praxis ist hingegen eine die Energiewende eher erratisch antreibende Interaktionsdynamik aus einer Kombination von für sie vorteilhaften und nachteiligen Einflussfaktoren zu beobachten.

Beschreibung: Ob saubere Energie, nachhaltige Produktion oder Armutsbekämpfung – an Ideen und Erkenntnissen zu den Herausforderungen nachhaltiger Entwicklung mangelt es nicht. Dennoch machen wir beim Wandel zur Nachhaltigkeit zu wenig Fortschritte. Wie können wir unser Wissen besser umsetzen? Das ist das Thema des Global Sustainability Strategy Forum, das alle zwei Jahre rund 15 führende internationale Nachhaltigkeitsexpertinnen und -experten zu einer einwöchigen Klausur zusammenbringen wird, zum ersten Mal vom 4. bis 8. März 2019 in Potsdam.

Beschreibung: Die Förderung des Energieträgers Braunkohle im Tagebau ist mit erheblichen Eingriffen in Landschaft, Wasserhaushalt und Siedlungsstrukturen verbunden. Es wird Milliarden kosten, die vom Bergbau beanspruchten Gebiete wieder nutzbar zu machen und alle Folgeschäden zu beheben. Die Finanzierung und Durchführung der Maßnahmen zur Wiedernutzbarmachung der Tagebaue liegt nach Bundesberggesetz in der Verantwortung der Tagebaubetreiber.

Beschreibung: In order to sketch the possibility space for the future setup of the International Monetary System (IMS), this paper develops four different scenarios that outline potential outcomes of the IMS’s evolution by 2040. These scenarios derive from the analytical exercise of adopting a Money View perspective of today’s institutional shape of the IMS. The paper argues that the IMS’s current setup crucially relies on the supply of US Dollar-denominated credit money forms issued by private and public institutions outside the United States—through Eurodollar deposits, central bank swaps as well as ‘shadow money forms’ created by non-banks such as overnight repurchase agreements, money market fund shares and foreign exchange swaps. As this ‘realm’ of offshore dollar creation forms the heart of the present IMS, the four scenarios project potential institutional developments in coming decades following different trajectories. The Continued Dollar Hegemony scenario depicts the sustained dominance of private international money creation via offshore dollars within the Pax Americana. The Competing Monetary Blocs scenario envisions the US, the EU, and China as three gravitational centers with private international money creation in the blocs’ peripheries via offshore dollars, offshore euros and offshore renminbi. In the International Monetary Federation scenario, countries have created a strong publicly organized IMS, comprising a multilateral framework of one international and several regional clearing unions, based upon Keynes’ ideas for an International Clearing Union. Finally, the International Monetary Anarchy scenario entails the post-crisis emergence of a non-system with a substantial breakdown of public and private international monetary cooperation and creation.

Beschreibung: This paper studies the transformation of the International Monetary System (IMS) in the run up to and after the 2007-9 Financial Crisis. Adopting a Money View perspective, it argues that the IMS, in contrast to wide-spread skepticism, does have a system-like quality. This paper understands the IMS as a US-centered hierarchical payments system within which short-term debt instruments are issued as credit money by various public and private financial institutions, in particular central, commercial and shadow banks. With the Fed located at the apex of the IMS, credit money forms denominated in US dollars are located highest up in the hierarchy and trade at par with each other, whilst they typically have fluctuating exchange rates to credit money forms denominated in the units of account of other monetary jurisdictions. From this, the paper argues that the key component of today’s IMS is the ‘realm’ of offshore US dollar creation, which is situated in between US dollar-denominated credit money issued in the US (‘onshore dollars’) and non-US dollar-denominated credit money issued outside the US. In this ‘offshore dollar realm’, non-US financial institutions are able to create international liquidity via US dollar-denominated private credit money outside the US. The paper systematically carves out the post-2008 setup of the offshore dollar realm with a focus on Eurodollar deposits, offshore money market fund shares, foreign exchange swaps and central bank swaps. With the institutional innovations materializing during the 2007-9 Financial Crisis, the IMS is now a public-private hybrid that fully mirrors the onshore US monetary system in the offshore dollar realm.

Beschreibung: Este informe demuestra que existe tanto la necesidad como la oportunidad de aumentar la interacción entre los niveles regional y mundial de la gobernanza de los océanos mediante un nuevo acuerdo mundial para la conservación y el uso sostenible de la diversidad biológica marina en las áreas fuera de la jurisdicción nacional (ABNJ, por sus siglas en inglés). En particular, este informe de política tiene por objeto destacar el papel y la contribución de la gobernanza regional y sectorial en elaborar y apuntalar la aplicación de un acuerdo fuerte en alta mar. Los esfuerzos regionales ofrecen lecciones aprendidas, plataformas para el intercambio de datos y conocimientos científicos, mecanismos para convocar a los Estados y las partes interesadas y coordinar los enfoques y medidas regionales para la gestión. Este informe identifica las oportunidades para aumentar la coordinación, la cooperación y la acción entre estos dos niveles en vista de un acuerdo internacional jurídicamente vinculante eficaz en el marco de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar (CONVEMAR).

Beschreibung: The paper points out that a “balanced mix” of nuclear, wind and solar will be the most expensive option – unless future nuclear reactors can ramp like current open-cycle gas turbines.

Beschreibung: This policy brief demonstrates that there is both a need and opportunity to increase the interplay between the regional and global levels of ocean governance through a new global agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Particularly, this policy brief aims to highlight the role and contribution of regional and sectoral governance in developing and underpinning the implementation of a strong high seas agreement. Regional efforts offer lessons learned, platforms for scientific data and knowledge exchange, mechanisms for convening states and stakeholders and coordinating regional approaches and measures for management. This policy brief identifies opportunities for how the coordination, cooperation and action between these two levels can be increased in view of an effective international legally binding agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Beschreibung: Cette note d'information montre qu'il est à la fois nécessaire et possible d'accroître l'interaction entre les niveaux régional et mondial de la gouvernance des océans par le biais d'un nouvel accord mondial pour la conservation et l'utilisation durable de la biodiversité marine dans les zones situées au-delà de la juridiction nationale (BZAJN). Cette note vise en particulier à mettre en évidence le rôle et la contribution de la gouvernance régionale et sectorielle dans l'élaboration et la mise en oeuvre d'un accord efficace sur la haute mer. Les efforts régionaux offrent des enseignements, des plateformes d'échange de données et de connaissances scientifiques, des mécanismes pour réunir les États et les parties prenantes et de coordonner les approches et les mesures régionales de gestion. Cette note d'information identifie les possibilités d'accroître la coordination, la coopération et l'action entre ces deux niveaux en vue d'un accord international juridiquement contraignant efficace dans le cadre de la Convention des Nations unies sur le droit de la mer (CNUDM).

Beschreibung: Linear diterpenes that are commonly found in brown algae are of high chemotaxonomic and ecological importance. This study reports bifurcatriol (1), a new linear diterpene featuring two stereogenic centers isolated from the Irish brown alga Bifurcariabifurcata. The gross structure of this new natural product was elucidated based on its spectroscopic data (IR, 1D and 2D-NMR, HRMS). Its absolute configuration was identified by experimental and computational vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy, combined with the calculation of 13C-NMR chemical shielding constants. Bifurcatriol (1) was tested for in vitro antiprotozoal activity towards a small panel of parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi, and Leishmania donovani) and cytotoxicity against mammalian primary cells. The highest activity was exerted against the malaria parasite P. falciparum (IC50 value 0.65 μg/mL) with low cytotoxicity (IC50 value 56.6 μg/mL). To our knowledge, this is the first successful application of VCD and DP4 probability analysis of the calculated 13C-NMR chemical shifts for the simultaneous assignment of the absolute configuration of multiple stereogenic centers in a long-chain acyclic natural product.