@article{EulalioFroehlichManoetal.2011, author = {Eulalio, Ana and Fr{\"o}hlich, Kathrin S. and Mano, Miguel and Giacca, Mauro and Vogel, J{\"o}rg}, title = {A Candidate Approach Implicates the Secreted Salmonella Effector Protein SpvB in P-Body Disassembly}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68928}, year = {2011}, abstract = {P-bodies are dynamic aggregates of RNA and proteins involved in several post-transcriptional regulation processes. Pbodies have been shown to play important roles in regulating viral infection, whereas their interplay with bacterial pathogens, specifically intracellular bacteria that extensively manipulate host cell pathways, remains unknown. Here, we report that Salmonella infection induces P-body disassembly in a cell type-specific manner, and independently of previously characterized pathways such as inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis or microRNA-mediated gene silencing. We show that the Salmonella-induced P-body disassembly depends on the activation of the SPI-2 encoded type 3 secretion system, and that the secreted effector protein SpvB plays a major role in this process. P-body disruption is also induced by the related pathogen, Shigella flexneri, arguing that this might be a new mechanism by which intracellular bacterial pathogens subvert host cell function.}, subject = {Salmonella}, language = {en} } @article{NiewaldaVoellerEschbachetal.2011, author = {Niewalda, Thomas and V{\"o}ller, Thomas and Eschbach, Claire and Ehmer, Julia and Wen-Chuang, Chou and Timme, Marc and Fiala, Andr{\´e} and Gerber, Bertram}, title = {A Combined Perceptual, Physico-Chemical, and Imaging Approach to 'Odour-Distances' Suggests a Categorizing Function of the Drosophila Antennal Lobe}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0024300}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133510}, pages = {e24300}, year = {2011}, abstract = {How do physico-chemical stimulus features, perception, and physiology relate? Given the multi-layered and parallel architecture of brains, the question specifically is where physiological activity patterns correspond to stimulus features and/or perception. Perceived distances between six odour pairs are defined behaviourally from four independent odour recognition tasks. We find that, in register with the physico-chemical distances of these odours, perceived distances for 3octanol and n-amylacetate are consistently smallest in all four tasks, while the other five odour pairs are about equally distinct. Optical imaging in the antennal lobe, using a calcium sensor transgenically expressed in only first-order sensory or only second-order olfactory projection neurons, reveals that 3-octanol and n-amylacetate are distinctly represented in sensory neurons, but appear merged in projection neurons. These results may suggest that within-antennal lobe processing funnels sensory signals into behaviourally meaningful categories, in register with the physico-chemical relatedness of the odours.}, language = {en} } @article{NiewaldaVoellerEschbachetal.2011, author = {Niewalda, Thomas and V{\"o}ller, Thomas and Eschbach, Claire and Ehmer, Julia and Chou, Wen-Chuang and Timme, Marc and Fiala, Andr{\´e} and Gerber, Bertram}, title = {A Combined Perceptual, Physico-Chemical, and ImagingApproach to 'Odour-Distances' Suggests a CategorizingFunction of the Drosophila Antennal Lobe}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-74769}, year = {2011}, abstract = {How do physico-chemical stimulus features, perception, and physiology relate? Given the multi-layered and parallel architecture of brains, the question specifically is where physiological activity patterns correspond to stimulus features and/ or perception. Perceived distances between six odour pairs are defined behaviourally from four independent odour recognition tasks. We find that, in register with the physico-chemical distances of these odours, perceived distances for 3-octanol and n-amylacetate are consistently smallest in all four tasks, while the other five odour pairs are about equally distinct. Optical imaging in the antennal lobe, using a calcium sensor transgenically expressed in only first-order sensory or only second-order olfactory projection neurons, reveals that 3-octanol and n-amylacetate are distinctly represented in sensory neurons, but appear merged in projection neurons. These results may suggest that within-antennal lobe processing funnels sensory signals into behaviourally meaningful categories, in register with the physico-chemical relatedness of the odours.}, subject = {Drosophila Antennal Lobe}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Rueth2011, author = {R{\"u}th, Michael}, title = {A Comprehensive Study of Dilute Magnetic Semiconductor Resonant Tunneling Diodes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-71472}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We investigate transport measurements on all II-VI semiconductor resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs). Being very versatile, the dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) system (Zn,Be,Mn,Cd)Se is a perfect testbed for various spintronic device designs, as it allows for separate control of electrical and magnetic properties. In contrast to the ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As, doping ZnSe with Mn impurities does not alter the electrical properties of the semiconductor, as the magnetic dopant is isoelectric in the ZnSe host.}, subject = {Semimagnetischer Halbleiter}, language = {en} } @article{KistlerSiwyFranketal.2011, author = {Kistler, Andreas D. and Siwy, Justyna and Frank, Breunig and Jeevaratnam, Praveen and Scherl, Alexander and Mullen, William and Warnock, David G. and Wanner, Christoph and Hughes, Derralynn A. and Mischak, Harald and W{\"u}thrich, Rudolf P. and Serra, Andreas L.}, title = {A Distinct Urinary Biomarker Pattern Characteristic of Female Fabry Patients That Mirrors Response to Enzyme Replacement Therapy}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0020534}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133526}, pages = {e20534}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Female patients affected by Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, exhibit a wide spectrum of symptoms, which renders diagnosis, and treatment decisions challenging. No diagnostic test, other than sequencing of the alpha-galactosidase A gene, is available and no biomarker has been proven useful to screen for the disease, predict disease course and monitor response to enzyme replacement therapy. Here, we used urine proteomic analysis based on capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry and identified a biomarker profile in adult female Fabry patients. Urine samples were taken from 35 treatment-naive female Fabry patients and were compared to 89 age-matched healthy controls. We found a diagnostic biomarker pattern that exhibited 88.2\% sensitivity and 97.8\% specificity when tested in an independent validation cohort consisting of 17 treatment-naive Fabry patients and 45 controls. The model remained highly specific when applied to additional control patients with a variety of other renal, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Several of the 64 identified diagnostic biomarkers showed correlations with measures of disease severity. Notably, most biomarkers responded to enzyme replacement therapy, and 8 of 11 treated patients scored negative for Fabry disease in the diagnostic model. In conclusion, we defined a urinary biomarker model that seems to be of diagnostic use for Fabry disease in female patients and may be used to monitor response to enzyme replacement therapy.}, language = {en} } @book{FalkMarohnMicheletal.2011, author = {Falk, Michael and Marohn, Frank and Michel, Ren{\´e} and Hofmann, Daniel and Macke, Maria and Tewes, Bernward and Dinges, Peter and Spachmann, Christoph and Englert, Stefan}, title = {A First Course on Time Series Analysis : Examples with SAS}, organization = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg / Lehrstuhl f{\"u}r Statistik}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-56489}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The analysis of real data by means of statistical methods with the aid of a software package common in industry and administration usually is not an integral part of mathematics studies, but it will certainly be part of a future professional work. The present book links up elements from time series analysis with a selection of statistical procedures used in general practice including the statistical software package SAS. Consequently this book addresses students of statistics as well as students of other branches such as economics, demography and engineering, where lectures on statistics belong to their academic training. But it is also intended for the practician who, beyond the use of statistical tools, is interested in their mathematical background. Numerous problems illustrate the applicability of the presented statistical procedures, where SAS gives the solutions. The programs used are explicitly listed and explained. No previous experience is expected neither in SAS nor in a special computer system so that a short training period is guaranteed. This book is meant for a two semester course (lecture, seminar or practical training) where the first three chapters can be dealt within the first semester. They provide the principal components of the analysis of a time series in the time domain. Chapters 4, 5 and 6 deal with its analysis in the frequency domain and can be worked through in the second term. In order to understand the mathematical background some terms are useful such as convergence in distribution, stochastic convergence, maximum likelihood estimator as well as a basic knowledge of the test theory, so that work on the book can start after an introductory lecture on stochastics. Each chapter includes exercises. An exhaustive treatment is recommended. Chapter 7 (case study) deals with a practical case and demonstrates the presented methods. It is possible to use this chapter independent in a seminar or practical training course, if the concepts of time series analysis are already well understood. This book is consecutively subdivided in a statistical part and an SAS-specific part. For better clearness the SAS-specific parts are highlighted. This book is an open source project under the GNU Free Documentation License.}, subject = {Zeitreihenanalyse}, language = {en} } @unpublished{Nassourou2011, author = {Nassourou, Mohamadou}, title = {A Knowledge-based Hybrid Statistical Classifier for Reconstructing the Chronology of the Quran}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-54712}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Computationally categorizing Quran's chapters has been mainly confined to the determination of chapters' revelation places. However this broad classification is not sufficient to effectively and thoroughly understand and interpret the Quran. The chronology of revelation would not only improve comprehending the philosophy of Islam, but also the easiness of implementing and memorizing its laws and recommendations. This paper attempts estimating possible chapters' dates of revelation through their lexical frequency profiles. A hybrid statistical classifier consisting of stemming and clustering algorithms for comparing lexical frequency profiles of chapters, and deriving dates of revelation has been developed. The classifier is trained using some chapters with known dates of revelation. Then it classifies chapters with uncertain dates of revelation by computing their proximity to the training ones. The results reported here indicate that the proposed methodology yields usable results in estimating dates of revelation of the Quran's chapters based on their lexical contents.}, subject = {Text Mining}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Mark2011, author = {Mark, Stefan}, title = {A Magnetic Semiconductor based Non-Volatile Memory and Logic Element}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-71223}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2011}, abstract = {For the realization of a programmable logic device, or indeed any nanoscale device, we need a reliable method to probe the magnetization direction of local domains. For this purpose we extend investigations on the previously discovered tunneling anisotropic magneto resistance effect (TAMR) by scaling the pillar size from 100 µm down to 260 nm. We start in chapter 4 with a theoretical description of the TAMR effect and show experimental data of miniaturized pillars in chapter 5. With such small TAMR probes we are able to locally sense the magnetization on the 100 nm scale. Sub-micron TAMR and anisotropic magneto resistance (AMR) measurements of sub-millimeter areas show that the behavior of macroscopic (Ga,Mn)As regions is not that of a true macrospin, but rather an ensemble average of the behavior of many nearly identical macrospins. This shows that the magnetic anisotropies of the local regions are consistent with the behavior extracted from macroscopic characterization. A fully electrically controllable read-write memory device out the ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As is presented in chapter 6. The structure consists of four nanobars which are connected to a circular center region. The first part of the chapter describes the lithography realization of the device. We make use of the sub-micron TAMR probes to read-out the magnetization state of a 650 nm central disk. Four 200 nm wide nanobars are connected to the central disk and serve as source and drain of a spin-polarized current. With the spin-polarized current we are able to switch the magnetization of the central disk by means of current induced switching. Injecting polarized holes with a spin angular momentum into a magnetic region changes the magnetization direction of the region due to the p-d exchange interaction between localized Mn spins and itinerant holes. The magnetization of the central disk can be controlled fully electrically and it can serve as one bit memory element as part of a logic device. In chapter 7 we discuss the domain wall resistance in (Ga,Mn)As. At the transition from nanobars to central disk we are able to generate 90° and 180° domain walls and measure their resistance. The results presented from chapter 5 to 7 combined with the preexisting ultracompact (Ga,Mn)As-based memory cell of ref. [Papp 07c] are the building blocks needed to realize a fully functioning programmable logic device. The work of ref. [Papp 07c] makes use of lithographically engineered strain relaxation to produce a structure comprised of two nanobars with mutually orthogonal uniaxial easy axes, connected by a narrow constriction. Measurements showed that the resistance of the constriction depends on the relative orientation of the magnetization in the two bars. The programmable logic device consists of two central disks connected by a small constriction. The magnetization of the two central disks are used as the input bits and the constriction serves as the output during the logic operation. The concept is introduced in the end of chapter 6 and as an example for a logic operation an XOR gate is presented. The functionality of the programmable logic scheme presented here can be straightforwardly extended to produce multipurpose functional elements, where the given geometry can be used as various different computational elements depending on the number of input bits and the chosen electrical addressing. The realization of such a programmable logic device is shown in chapter 8, where we see that the constriction indeed can serve as a output of the logic operation because its resistance is dependent on the relative magnetization state of both disks. Contrary to ref. [Papp 07c], where the individual magnetic elements connected to the constriction only have two non-volatile magnetic states, each disk in our scheme connected to the constriction has four non-volatile magnetic states. Switching the magnetization of a central disk with an electrical current does not only change the TAMR read-out of the respective disk, it also changes the resistance of the constriction. The resistance polar plot of the constriction maps the relative magnetization states of the individual disks. The presented device design serves as an all-electrical, all-semiconductor logic element. It combines a memory cell and data processing in a single monolithic paradigm.}, subject = {Magnetischer Halbleiter}, language = {en} } @article{Lin2011, author = {Lin, Hang}, title = {A Mixed Bag of Results: Village Elections in Contemporary China}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68684}, year = {2011}, abstract = {While there is only little transformation to the absolute power of the party-state to be detected, some grassroots democratic experiments, however, are receiving enormous attention of the world, especially village elections. Nevertheless, this preliminary exercise of democracy is widely characterized as a mixed bag of results. Since its first conduction, it has experienced immense development and bought great impact not only on different rural political institutions, but also on common mass villagers, as well as changes to the local governance. But at the same time, the limitations of the factual effectiveness of these elections can hardly be underestimated and such aspects as the standardization of electoral procedures are still to be further improved. Moreover, given the wide variations across Chinese countryside and the strong oppositions from all levels, the future of China's village elections remain hard to gauge.}, subject = {China}, language = {en} } @article{SommerRichterRogauschetal.2011, author = {Sommer, Claudia and Richter, Helmut and Rogausch, Jan P. and Frettloh, Jule and Lungenhausen, Margitta and Maier, Christoph}, title = {A modified score to identify and discriminate neuropathic pain: a study on the German version of the neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI)}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68716}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Neuropathic pain must be correctly diagnosed for optimal treatment. The questionnaire named Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) was developed in its original French version to evaluate the different symptoms of neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that the NPSI might also be used to differentiate neuropathic from non-neuropathic pain. Methods: We translated the NPSI into German using a standard forward-backward translation and administered it in a case-control design to patients with neuropathic (n = 68) and non-neuropathic pain (headache and osteoarthritis, n = 169) to validate it and to analyze its discriminant properties, its sensitivity to change, and to detect neuropathic pain subgroups with distinct profiles. Results: Using a sum score (the NPSI-G score), we found sensitivity to change (r between 0.37 and 0.5 for pain items of the graded chronic pain scale) and could distinguish between neuropathic and other pain on a group basis, but not for individual patients. Post hoc development of a discriminant score with optimized diagnostic properties to distinguish neuropathic pain from non-neuropathic pain resulted in an instrument with high sensitivity (91\%) and acceptable specificity (70\%). We detected six different pain profiles in the patient group with neuropathic pain; three profiles were found to be distinct. Conclusions: The NPSI-G potentially combines the properties of a diagnostic tool and an instrument to identify subtypes of neuropathic pain.}, subject = {Neuralgie}, language = {en} } @article{SchrammFrauneNaumannetal.2011, author = {Schramm, Sabine and Fraune, Johanna and Naumann, Ronald and Hernandez-Hernandez, Abrahan and H{\"o}{\"o}g, Christer and Cooke, Howard J. and Alsheimer, Manfred and Benavente, Ricardo}, title = {A Novel Mouse Synaptonemal Complex Protein Is Essential for Loading of Central Element Proteins, Recombination, and Fertility}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68895}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous, meiosis-specific structure that is highly conserved in evolution. During meiosis, the SC mediates synapsis of homologous chromosomes. It is essential for proper recombination and segregation of homologous chromosomes, and therefore for genome haploidization. Mutations in human SC genes can cause infertility. In order to gain a better understanding of the process of SC assembly in a model system that would be relevant for humans, we are investigating meiosis in mice. Here, we report on a newly identified component of the murine SC, which we named SYCE3. SYCE3 is strongly conserved among mammals and localizes to the central element (CE) of the SC. By generating a Syce3 knockout mouse, we found that SYCE3 is required for fertility in both sexes. Loss of SYCE3 blocks synapsis initiation and results in meiotic arrest. In the absence of SYCE3, initiation of meiotic recombination appears to be normal, but its progression is severely impaired resulting in complete absence of MLH1 foci, which are presumed markers of crossovers in wild-type meiocytes. In the process of SC assembly, SYCE3 is required downstream of transverse filament protein SYCP1, but upstream of the other previously described CE-specific proteins. We conclude that SYCE3 enables chromosome loading of the other CE-specific proteins, which in turn would promote synapsis between homologous chromosomes.}, subject = {Maus}, language = {en} } @unpublished{Nassourou2011, author = {Nassourou, Mohamadou}, title = {A Rule-based Statistical Classifier for Determining a Base Text and Ranking Witnesses In Textual Documents Collation Process}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-57465}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Given a collection of diverging documents about some lost original text, any person interested in the text would try reconstructing it from the diverging documents. Whether it is eclecticism, stemmatics, or copy-text, one is expected to explicitly or indirectly select one of the documents as a starting point or as a base text, which could be emended through comparison with remaining documents, so that a text that could be designated as the original document is generated. Unfortunately the process of giving priority to one of the documents also known as witnesses is a subjective approach. In fact even Cladistics, which could be considered as a computer-based approach of implementing stemmatics, does not present or recommend users to select a certain witness as a starting point for the process of reconstructing the original document. In this study, a computational method using a rule-based Bayesian classifier is used, to assist text scholars in their attempts of reconstructing a non-existing document from some available witnesses. The method developed in this study consists of selecting a base text successively and collating it with remaining documents. Each completed collation cycle stores the selected base text and its closest witness, along with a weighted score of their similarities and differences. At the end of the collation process, a witness selected more often by majority of base texts is considered as the probable base text of the collection. Witnesses' scores are weighted using a weighting system, based on effects of types of textual modifications on the process of reconstructing original documents. Users have the possibility to select between baseless and base text collation. If a base text is selected, the task is reduced to ranking the witnesses with respect to the base text, otherwise a base text as well as ranking of the witnesses with respect to the base text are computed and displayed on a histogram.}, subject = {Textvergleich}, language = {en} } @article{KatjaLopezTillichetal.2011, author = {Katja, Schulze and L{\´o}pez, Diana A. and Tillich, Ulrich M. and Frohme, Marcus}, title = {A simple viability analysis for unicellular cyanobacteria using a new autofluorescence assay, automated microscopy, and ImageJ}, series = {BMC Biotechnology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Biotechnology}, number = {118}, doi = {10.1186/1472-6750-11-118}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137735}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background Currently established methods to identify viable and non-viable cells of cyanobacteria are either time-consuming (eg. plating) or preparation-intensive (eg. fluorescent staining). In this paper we present a new and fast viability assay for unicellular cyanobacteria, which uses red chlorophyll fluorescence and an unspecific green autofluorescence for the differentiation of viable and non-viable cells without the need of sample preparation. Results The viability assay for unicellular cyanobacteria using red and green autofluorescence was established and validated for the model organism Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Both autofluorescence signals could be observed simultaneously allowing a direct classification of viable and non-viable cells. The results were confirmed by plating/colony count, absorption spectra and chlorophyll measurements. The use of an automated fluorescence microscope and a novel ImageJ based image analysis plugin allow a semi-automated analysis. Conclusions The new method simplifies the process of viability analysis and allows a quick and accurate analysis. Furthermore results indicate that a combination of the new assay with absorption spectra or chlorophyll concentration measurements allows the estimation of the vitality of cells.}, language = {en} } @article{EckhardtAndersMuranyietal.2011, author = {Eckhardt, Manon and Anders, Maria and Muranyi, Walter and Heilemann, Mike and Krijnse-Locker, Jacomine and M{\"u}ller, Barbara}, title = {A SNAP-Tagged Derivative of HIV-1-A Versatile Tool to Study Virus-Cell Interactions}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0022007}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133534}, pages = {e22007}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Fluorescently labeled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) derivatives, combined with the use of advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques, allow the direct visualization of dynamic events and individual steps in the viral life cycle. HIV proteins tagged with fluorescent proteins (FPs) have been successfully used for live-cell imaging analyses of HIV-cell interactions. However, FPs display limitations with respect to their physicochemical properties, and their maturation kinetics. Furthermore, several independent FP-tagged constructs have to be cloned and characterized in order to obtain spectral variations suitable for multi-color imaging setups. In contrast, the so-called SNAP-tag represents a genetically encoded non-fluorescent tag which mediates specific covalent coupling to fluorescent substrate molecules in a self-labeling reaction. Fusion of the SNAP-tag to the protein of interest allows specific labeling of the fusion protein with a variety of synthetic dyes, thereby offering enhanced flexibility for fluorescence imaging approaches. Here we describe the construction and characterization of the HIV derivative HIV(SNAP), which carries the SNAP-tag as an additional domain within the viral structural polyprotein Gag. Introduction of the tag close to the C-terminus of the matrix domain of Gag did not interfere with particle assembly, release or proteolytic virus maturation. The modified virions were infectious and could be propagated in tissue culture, albeit with reduced replication capacity. Insertion of the SNAP domain within Gag allowed specific staining of the viral polyprotein in the context of virus producing cells using a SNAP reactive dye as well as the visualization of individual virions and viral budding sites by stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy. Thus, HIV(SNAP) represents a versatile tool which expands the possibilities for the analysis of HIV-cell interactions using live cell imaging and sub-diffraction fluorescence microscopy.}, language = {en} } @article{FischerMaierSiegemundetal.2011, author = {Fischer, Roman and Maier, Olaf and Siegemund, Martin and Wajant, Harald and Scheurich, Peter and Pfizenmaier, Klaus}, title = {A TNF Receptor 2 Selective Agonist Rescues Human Neurons from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0027621}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133552}, pages = {e27621}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a dual role in neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas TNF receptor (TNFR) 1 is predominantly associated with neurodegeneration, TNFR2 is involved in tissue regeneration and neuroprotection. Accordingly, the availability of TNFR2-selective agonists could allow the development of new therapeutic treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. We constructed a soluble, human TNFR2 agonist (TNC-scTNF(R2)) by genetic fusion of the trimerization domain of tenascin C to a TNFR2-selective single-chain TNF molecule, which is comprised of three TNF domains connected by short peptide linkers. TNC-scTNFR2 specifically activated TNFR2 and possessed membrane-TNF mimetic activity, resulting in TNFR2 signaling complex formation and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Protection from neurodegeneration was assessed using the human dopaminergic neuronal cell line LUHMES. First we show that TNC-scTNF(R2) interfered with cell death pathways subsequent to H(2)O(2) exposure. Protection from cell death was dependent on TNFR2 activation of the PI3K-PKB/Akt pathway, evident from restoration of H(2)O(2) sensitivity in the presence of PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Second, in an in vitro model of Parkinson disease, TNC-scTNFR(2) rescues neurons after induction of cell death by 6-OHDA. Since TNFR2 is not only promoting anti-apoptotic responses but also plays an important role in tissue regeneration, activation of TNFR2 signaling by TNC-scTNF(R2) appears a promising strategy to ameliorate neurodegenerative processes.}, language = {en} } @article{RieberGrafHartletal.2011, author = {Rieber, Nikolaus and Graf, Anna and Hartl, Dominik and Urschel, Simon and Belohradsky, Bernd H. and Liese, Johannes}, title = {Acellular Pertussis Booster in Adolescents Induces Th1 and Memory CD8+ T Cell Immune Response}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68960}, year = {2011}, abstract = {In a number of countries, whole cell pertussis vaccines (wcP) were replaced by acellular vaccines (aP) due to an improved reactogenicity profile. Pertussis immunization leads to specific antibody production with the help of CD4+ T cells. In earlier studies in infants and young children, wcP vaccines selectively induced a Th1 dominated immune response, whereas aP vaccines led to a Th2 biased response. To obtain data on Th1 or Th2 dominance of the immune response in adolescents receiving an aP booster immunization after a wcP or aP primary immunization, we analyzed the concentration of Th1 (IL-2, TNF-a, INF-c) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) cytokines in supernatants of lymphocyte cultures specifically stimulated with pertussis antigens. We also investigated the presence of cytotoxic T cell responses against the facultative intracellular bacterium Bordetella pertussis by quantifying pertussis-specific CD8+ T cell activation following the aP booster immunization. Here we show that the adolescent aP booster vaccination predominantly leads to a Th1 immune response based on IFNgamma secretion upon stimulation with pertussis antigen, irrespective of a prior whole cell or acellular primary vaccination. The vaccination also induces an increase in peripheral CD8+CD69+ activated pertussis-specific memory T cells four weeks after vaccination. The Th1 bias of this immune response could play a role for the decreased local reactogenicity of this adolescent aP booster immunization when compared to the preceding childhood acellular pertussis booster. Pertussis-specific CD8+ memory T cells may contribute to protection against clinical pertussis.}, subject = {Jugend}, language = {en} } @article{RudertHolzapfelJakubietz2011, author = {Rudert, Maximilian and Holzapfel, Boris Michael and Jakubietz, Michael}, title = {Adjuvant Radiotherapy}, series = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, volume = {108}, journal = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International}, number = {33}, doi = {10.3238/arztebl.2011.0553a}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133571}, pages = {553}, year = {2011}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{SongXiuHuangetal.2011, author = {Song, Ning-Ning and Xiu, Jian-Bo and Huang, Ying and Chen, Jia-Yin and Zhang, Lei and Gutknecht, Lise and Lesch, Klaus Peter and Li, He and Ding, Yu-Qiang}, title = {Adult Raphe-Specific Deletion of Lmx1b Leads to Central Serotonin Deficiency}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0015998}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133581}, pages = {e15998}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The transcription factor Lmx1b is essential for the differentiation and survival of central serotonergic (5-HTergic) neurons during embryonic development. However, the role of Lmx1b in adult 5-HTergic neurons is unknown. We used an inducible Cre-LoxP system to selectively inactivate Lmx1b expression in the raphe nuclei of adult mice. Pet1-CreER(T2) mice were generated and crossed with Lmx1b(flox/flox) mice to obtain Pet1-CreER(T2); Lmx1b(flox/flox) mice (which termed as Lmx1b iCKO). After administration of tamoxifen, the level of 5-HT in the brain of Lmx1b iCKO mice was reduced to 60\% of that in control mice, and the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2), serotonin transporter (Sert) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (Vmat2) was greatly down-regulated. On the other hand, the expression of dopamine and norepinephrine as well as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (Aadc) and Pet1 was unchanged. Our results reveal that Lmx1b is required for the biosynthesis of 5-HT in adult mouse brain, and it may be involved in maintaining normal functions of central 5-HTergic neurons by regulating the expression of Tph2, Sert and Vmat2.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schnabel2011, author = {Schnabel, Eva}, title = {Alcohol and driving-related performance - A comprehensive meta-analysis focusing the significance of the non-significant}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-69959}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The present work reviews the experimental literature on the acute effects of alcohol on human behaviour related to driving performance. A meta-analysis was conducted which includes studies published between 1954 and 2007 in order to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the substance alcohol. 450 studies reporting 5,300 findings were selected from over 12,000 references after applying certain in- and exclusion criteria. Thus, the present meta-analysis comprises far more studies than reviews on alcohol up to now. In the selected studies, different performance tests were conducted which were relevant for driving. The classification system used in this work assigns these tests to eight categories. The main categories consist of several sub categories classifying the tasks more precisely. The main categories were: (1) visual functions, (2) attention (including vigilance), (3) divided attention, (4) en-/decoding (including information processing and memory), (5) reaction time (including simple reaction time and choice reaction time), (6) psychomotor skills, (7) tracking and (8) driving. In addition to the performance aspect, the classification system takes into account mood and social behaviour variables related to driving safety like tiredness or aggression. Following the evaluation method of vote-counting, the number of significant findings and the number of non-significant findings were summarised per blood alcohol concentration (BAC) group. Thereby, a quantitative estimation of the effects of alcohol depending on the BAC was established, the so-called impairment function, which shows the percentage of significantly impaired findings. In order to provide a general overview of alcohol effects on driving-related performance, a global impairment function was established by aggregating all performance findings. The function is nearly linear with about 30\% significant findings at a BAC of 0.05\% and 50\% significant findings at a BAC of 0.08\%. In addition, more specific impairment functions considering only the findings of the single behavioural categories were calculated. The results revealed that impairment depends not only on the BAC, but also clearly differs between most of the performance categories. Tracking and driving performance were most affected by alcohol with impairment beginning at very low BACs of 0.02\%. Also psychomotor skills were considerably affected by rather low BACs. Impairment of visual functions and information processing occurred at BACs of 0.04\% and increased substantially with higher BACs. Impairment in memory tests could be found with very low BACs of 0.02\%, but varied depending on the kind of memory. Performance decrements in divided attention tests could also be found with very low BACs in some studies. Attention started to be impaired at 0.04\% BAC, but - as in vigilance tasks - considerable impairment only occurred at higher BACs. Choice reaction time was affected at lower BACs than simple reaction time, which was - together with the critical flicker fusion frequency - the least sensitive parameter to the effects of alcohol. To conclude, most skills which are relevant for the safe operation of a vehicle are clearly impaired by BACs of 0.05\%, with motor functions being more affected than cognitive functions and complex tasks more than simple tasks. Generally, the results provided no evidence of a threshold effect for alcohol. There was no driving-related performance category for which a sudden transition from unimpaired to impaired occurred at a particular BAC level. In addition, a comparison was made between the present meta-analysis and two reviews of Moskowitz (Moskowitz \& Fiorentino, 2000; Moskowitz \& Robinson, 1988). Moskowitz reported much lower BACs at which performance was impaired. The reasons for this discrepancy lies in a different way to review scientific findings. On the one hand, Moskowitz focused on significant findings when selecting studies and findings for his reviews. On the other hand, the evaluation method used by Moskowitz ignored non-significant findings and counted each study once at the lowest BAC for which impairment was found. Those non-significant findings are as important as the significant ones in order to determine thresholds of impairment. Therefore, in contrast to Moskowitz, the present work describes the effects of alcohol with functions considering also the non-significant findings. The significance of the non-significant is emphasized with respect to the selection procedure as well as to the evaluation method.}, subject = {Trunkenheit im Verkehr}, language = {en} } @article{HolzapfelRechlLehneretal.2011, author = {Holzapfel, Boris Michael and Rechl, Hans and Lehner, Stefan and Pilge, Hakan and Gollwitzer, Hans and Steinhauser, Erwin}, title = {Alloplastic Reconstruction of the Extensor Mechanism after Resection of Tibial Sarcoma [Research Article]}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-69072}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism is essential for good extremity function after endoprosthetic knee replacement following tumor resection. Only a few biological methods have been able to reliably restore a functional extensor mechanism, but they are often associated with significant complication rates. Reattachment of the patellar tendon to the prosthesis using an alloplastic patellar ligament (Trevira cord) can be an appropriate alternative. In vivo and in vitro studies have already shown that complete fibrous ingrowth in polyethylene chords can be seen after a period of six months. However, until now, no biomechanical study has shown the efficacy of an alloplastic cord and its fixation device in providing sufficient stability and endurance in daily life-activity until newly formed scar tissue can take over this function. In a special test bench developed for this study, different loading regimes were applied to simulate loads during everyday life. Failure loads and failuremodes were evaluated. The properties of the cord were compared before and after physiological conditioning. It was shown that rubbing was the mode of failure under dynamic loading. Tensile forces up to 2558N did not result in material failure. Thus, using an artificial cord together with this fixation device, temporary sufficient stable fixation can be expected.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} }