TY - JOUR A1 - Gilbert, Fabian A1 - Böhm, Dirk A1 - Eden, Lars A1 - Schmalzl, Jonas A1 - Meffert, Rainer H. A1 - Köstler, Herbert A1 - Weng, Andreas M. A1 - Ziegler, Dirk T1 - Comparing the MRI-based Goutallier Classification to an experimental quantitative MR spectroscopic fat measurement of the supraspinatus muscle JF - BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders N2 - Background The Goutallier Classification is a semi quantitative classification system to determine the amount of fatty degeneration in rotator cuff muscles. Although initially proposed for axial computer tomography scans it is currently applied to magnet-resonance-imaging-scans. The role for its clinical use is controversial, as the reliability of the classification has been shown to be inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to compare the semi quantitative MRI-based Goutallier Classification applied by 5 different raters to experimental MR spectroscopic quantitative fat measurement in order to determine the correlation between this classification system and the true extent of fatty degeneration shown by spectroscopy. Methods MRI-scans of 42 patients with rotator cuff tears were examined by 5 shoulder surgeons and were graduated according to the MRI-based Goutallier Classification proposed by Fuchs et al. Additionally the fat/water ratio was measured with MR spectroscopy using the experimental SPLASH technique. The semi quantitative grading according to the Goutallier Classification was statistically correlated with the quantitative measured fat/water ratio using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results Statistical analysis of the data revealed only fair correlation of the Goutallier Classification system and the quantitative fat/water ratio with R = 0.35 (p < 0.05). By dichotomizing the scale the correlation was 0.72. The interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were substantial with R = 0.62 and R = 0.74 (p < 0.01). Conclusion The correlation between the semi quantitative MRI based Goutallier Classification system and MR spectroscopic fat measurement is weak. As an adequate estimation of fatty degeneration based on standard MRI may not be possible, quantitative methods need to be considered in order to increase diagnostic safety and thus provide patients with ideal care in regard to the amount of fatty degeneration. Spectroscopic MR measurement may increase the accuracy of the Goutallier classification and thus improve the prediction of clinical results after rotator cuff repair. However, these techniques are currently only available in an experimental setting. KW - rotator cuff KW - MRI KW - spectroscopy KW - goutallier KW - classification KW - shoulder surgery Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147788 VL - 17 IS - 355 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bluemel, Christina A1 - Linke, Fraenze A1 - Herrmann, Ken A1 - Simunovic, Iva A1 - Eiber, Matthias A1 - Kestler, Christian A1 - Buck, Andreas K. A1 - Schirbel, Andreas A1 - Bley, Thorsten A. A1 - Wester, Hans-Juergen A1 - Vergho, Daniel A1 - Becker, Axel T1 - Impact of \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT on salvage radiotherapy planning in patients with prostate cancer and persisting PSA values or biochemical relapse after prostatectomy JF - EJNMMI Research N2 - Background Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is clinically established in prostate cancer (PC) patients with PSA persistence or biochemical relapse (BCR) after prior radical surgery. PET/CT imaging prior to SRT may be performed to localize disease recurrence. The recently introduced \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA outperforms other PET tracers for detection of recurrence and is therefore expected also to impact radiation planning. Forty-five patients with PSA persistence (16 pts) or BCR (29 pts) after prior prostatectomy, scheduled to undergo SRT of the prostate bed, underwent \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT. The median PSA level was 0.67 ng/ml. The impact of \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT on the treatment decision was assessed. Patients with oligometastatic (≤5 lesions) PC underwent radiotherapy (RT), with the extent of the RT area and dose escalation being based on PET positivity. Results Suspicious lesions were detected in 24/45 (53.3 %) patients. In 62.5 % of patients, lesions were only detected by 68Ga-PSMA PET. Treatment was changed in 19/45 (42.2 %) patients, e.g., extending SRT to metastases (9/19), administering dose escalation in patients with morphological local recurrence (6/19), or replacing SRT by systemic therapy (2/19). 38/45 (84.4 %) followed the treatment recommendation, with data on clinical follow-up being available in 21 patients treated with SRT. All but one showed biochemical response (mean PSA decline 78 ± 19 %) within a mean follow-up of 8.12 ± 5.23 months. Conclusions \(^{68}\)Ga-PSMA PET/CT impacts treatment planning in more than 40 % of patients scheduled to undergo SRT. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm this significant therapeutic impact on patients prior to SRT. KW - prostate cancer KW - salvage radiotherapy KW - PSMA KW - PET/CT KW - recurrence Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147798 VL - 6 IS - 78 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Anisimov, A. N. A1 - Simin, D. A1 - Soltamov, V. A. A1 - Lebedev, S. P. A1 - Baranov, P. G. A1 - Astakhov, G. V. A1 - Dyakonov, V. T1 - Optical thermometry based on level anticrossing in silicon carbide JF - Scientific Reports N2 - We report a giant thermal shift of 2.1 MHz/K related to the excited-state zero-field splitting in the silicon vacancy centers in 4H silicon carbide. It is obtained from the indirect observation of the optically detected magnetic resonance in the excited state using the ground state as an ancilla. Alternatively, relative variations of the zero-field splitting for small temperature differences can be detected without application of radiofrequency fields, by simply monitoring the photoluminescence intensity in the vicinity of the level anticrossing. This effect results in an all-optical thermometry technique with temperature sensitivity of 100 mK/Hz\(^{1/2}\) for a detection volume of approximately 10\(^{−6}\) mm\(^3\). In contrast, the zero-field splitting in the ground state does not reveal detectable temperature shift. Using these properties, an integrated magnetic field and temperature sensor can be implemented on the same center. KW - electronic and spintronic devices KW - electronic properties and materials Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147809 VL - 6 IS - 33301 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaviraghi, Beatrice A1 - Schindele, Andreas A1 - Annunziato, Mario A1 - Borzì, Alfio T1 - On Optimal Sparse-Control Problems Governed by Jump-Diffusion Processes JF - Applied Mathematics N2 - A framework for the optimal sparse-control of the probability density function of a jump-diffusion process is presented. This framework is based on the partial integro-differential Fokker-Planck (FP) equation that governs the time evolution of the probability density function of this process. In the stochastic process and, correspondingly, in the FP model the control function enters as a time-dependent coefficient. The objectives of the control are to minimize a discrete-in-time, resp. continuous-in-time, tracking functionals and its L2- and L1-costs, where the latter is considered to promote control sparsity. An efficient proximal scheme for solving these optimal control problems is considered. Results of numerical experiments are presented to validate the theoretical results and the computational effectiveness of the proposed control framework. KW - jump-diffusion processes KW - partial integro-differential Fokker-Planck Equation KW - optimal control theory KW - nonsmooth optimization KW - proximal methods Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147819 VL - 7 IS - 16 SP - 1978 EP - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Sommerlandt, Frank M. J. A1 - Spaethe, Johannes A1 - Rössler, Wolfgang A1 - Dyer, Adrian G. T1 - Does Fine Color Discrimination Learning in Free-Flying Honeybees Change Mushroom-Body Calyx Neuroarchitecture? JF - PLoS One N2 - Honeybees learn color information of rewarding flowers and recall these memories in future decisions. For fine color discrimination, bees require differential conditioning with a concurrent presentation of target and distractor stimuli to form a long-term memory. Here we investigated whether the long-term storage of color information shapes the neural network of microglomeruli in the mushroom body calyces and if this depends on the type of conditioning. Free-flying honeybees were individually trained to a pair of perceptually similar colors in either absolute conditioning towards one of the colors or in differential conditioning with both colors. Subsequently, bees of either conditioning groups were tested in non-rewarded discrimination tests with the two colors. Only bees trained with differential conditioning preferred the previously learned color, whereas bees of the absolute conditioning group, and a stimuli-naïve group, chose randomly among color stimuli. All bees were then kept individually for three days in the dark to allow for complete long-term memory formation. Whole-mount immunostaining was subsequently used to quantify variation of microglomeruli number and density in the mushroom-body lip and collar. We found no significant differences among groups in neuropil volumes and total microglomeruli numbers, but learning performance was negatively correlated with microglomeruli density in the absolute conditioning group. Based on these findings we aim to promote future research approaches combining behaviorally relevant color learning tests in honeybees under free-flight conditions with neuroimaging analysis; we also discuss possible limitations of this approach.q KW - bees KW - behavioral conditioning KW - learning KW - color vision KW - vision KW - calyx KW - cognition KW - honey bees Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147932 VL - 11 IS - 10 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lugrin, Jean-Luc A1 - Latoschik, Marc Erich A1 - Habel, Michael A1 - Roth, Daniel A1 - Seufert, Christian A1 - Grafe, Silke T1 - Breaking Bad Behaviors: A New Tool for Learning Classroom Management Using Virtual Reality JF - Frontiers in ICT N2 - This article presents an immersive virtual reality (VR) system for training classroom management skills, with a specific focus on learning to manage disruptive student behavior in face-to-face, one-to-many teaching scenarios. The core of the system is a real-time 3D virtual simulation of a classroom populated by twenty-four semi-autonomous virtual students. The system has been designed as a companion tool for classroom management seminars in a syllabus for primary and secondary school teachers. This will allow lecturers to link theory with practice using the medium of VR. The system is therefore designed for two users: a trainee teacher and an instructor supervising the training session. The teacher is immersed in a real-time 3D simulation of a classroom by means of a head-mounted display and headphone. The instructor operates a graphical desktop console, which renders a view of the class and the teacher whose avatar movements are captured by a marker less tracking system. This console includes a 2D graphics menu with convenient behavior and feedback control mechanisms to provide human-guided training sessions. The system is built using low-cost consumer hardware and software. Its architecture and technical design are described in detail. A first evaluation confirms its conformance to critical usability requirements (i.e., safety and comfort, believability, simplicity, acceptability, extensibility, affordability, and mobility). Our initial results are promising and constitute the necessary first step toward a possible investigation of the efficiency and effectiveness of such a system in terms of learning outcomes and experience. KW - virtual reality training KW - immersive classroom management KW - immersive classroom KW - virtual agent interaction KW - student simulation Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147945 VL - 3 IS - 26 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ankenbrand, Markus J. A1 - Weber, Lorenz A1 - Becker, Dirk A1 - Förster, Frank A1 - Bemm, Felix T1 - TBro: visualization and management of de novo transcriptomes JF - Database N2 - RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become a powerful tool to understand molecular mechanisms and/or developmental programs. It provides a fast, reliable and cost-effective method to access sets of expressed elements in a qualitative and quantitative manner. Especially for non-model organisms and in absence of a reference genome, RNA-seq data is used to reconstruct and quantify transcriptomes at the same time. Even SNPs, InDels, and alternative splicing events are predicted directly from the data without having a reference genome at hand. A key challenge, especially for non-computational personnal, is the management of the resulting datasets, consisting of different data types and formats. Here, we present TBro, a flexible de novo transcriptome browser, tackling this challenge. TBro aggregates sequences, their annotation, expression levels as well as differential testing results. It provides an easy-to-use interface to mine the aggregated data and generate publication-ready visualizations. Additionally, it supports users with an intuitive cart system, that helps collecting and analysing biological meaningful sets of transcripts. TBro’s modular architecture allows easy extension of its functionalities in the future. Especially, the integration of new data types such as proteomic quantifications or array-based gene expression data is straightforward. Thus, TBro is a fully featured yet flexible transcriptome browser that supports approaching complex biological questions and enhances collaboration of numerous researchers. KW - database Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147954 VL - 2016 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Subramanian, Hariharan A1 - Döring, Frank A1 - Kollert, Sina A1 - Rukoyatkina, Natalia A1 - Sturm, Julia A1 - Gambaryan, Stepan A1 - Stellzig-Eisenhauer, Angelika A1 - Meyer-Marcotty, Philipp A1 - Eigenthaler, Martin A1 - Wischmeyer, Erhard T1 - PTH1R Mutants Found in Patients with Primary Failure of Tooth Eruption Disrupt G-Protein Signaling JF - PLoS One N2 - Aim Primary failure of tooth eruption (PFE) is causally linked to heterozygous mutations of the parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) gene. The mutants described so far lead to exchange of amino acids or truncation of the protein that may result in structural changes of the expressed PTH1R. However, functional effects of these mutations have not been investigated yet. Materials and Methods In HEK293 cells, PTH1R wild type was co-transfected with selected PTH1R mutants identified in patients with PFE. The effects on activation of PTH-regulated intracellular signaling pathways were analyzed by ELISA and Western immunoblotting. Differential effects of wild type and mutated PTH1R on TRESK ion channel regulation were analyzed by electrophysiological recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Results In HEK293 cells, activation of PTH1R wild type increases cAMP and in response activates cAMP-stimulated protein kinase as detected by phosphorylation of the vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). In contrast, the PTH1R mutants are functionally inactive and mutant PTH1R/Gly452Glu has a dominant negative effect on the signaling of PTH1R wild type. Confocal imaging revealed that wild type PTH1R is expressed on the cell surface, whereas PTH1R/Gly452Glu mutant is mostly retained inside the cell. Furthermore, in contrast to wild type PTH1R which substantially augmented K+ currents of TRESK channels, coupling of mutated PTH1R to TRESK channels was completely abolished. Conclusions PTH1R mutations affect intracellular PTH-regulated signaling in vitro. In patients with primary failure of tooth eruption defective signaling of PTH1R mutations is suggested to occur in dento-alveolar cells and thus may lead to impaired tooth movement. KW - phosphorylation KW - xenopus oocytes KW - calcium signaling KW - intracellular receptors KW - mutation KW - teeth KW - tooth eruption KW - transfection Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147967 VL - 11 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kiermasch, David A1 - Rieder, Philipp A1 - Tvingstedt, Kristofer A1 - Baumann, Andreas A1 - Dyakonov, Vladimir T1 - Improved charge carrier lifetime in planar perovskite solar cells by bromine doping JF - Scientific Reports N2 - The charge carrier lifetime is an important parameter in solar cells as it defines, together with the mobility, the diffusion length of the charge carriers, thus directly determining the optimal active layer thickness of a device. Herein, we report on charge carrier lifetime values in bromine doped planar methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI\(_3\)) solar cells determined by transient photovoltage. The corresponding charge carrier density has been derived from charge carrier extraction. We found increased lifetime values in solar cells incorporating bromine compared to pure MAPbI\(_3\) by a factor of ~2.75 at an illumination intensity corresponding to 1 sun. In the bromine containing solar cells we additionally observe an anomalously high value of extracted charge, which we deduce to originate from mobile ions. KW - devices for energy harvesting KW - solar cells Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147976 VL - 6 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Othman, Eman M. A1 - Naseem, Muhammed A1 - Awad, Eman A1 - Dandekar, Thomas A1 - Stopper, Helga T1 - The Plant Hormone Cytokinin Confers Protection against Oxidative Stress in Mammalian Cells JF - PLoS One N2 - Modulating key dynamics of plant growth and development, the effects of the plant hormone cytokinin on animal cells gained much attention recently. Most previous studies on cytokinin effects on mammalian cells have been conducted with elevated cytokinin concentration (in the μM range). However, to examine physiologically relevant dose effects of cytokinins on animal cells, we systematically analyzed the impact of kinetin in cultured cells at low and high concentrations (1nM-10μM) and examined cytotoxic and genotoxic conditions. We furthermore measured the intrinsic antioxidant activity of kinetin in a cell-free system using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay and in cells using the dihydroethidium staining method. Monitoring viability, we looked at kinetin effects in mammalian cells such as HL60 cells, HaCaT human keratinocyte cells, NRK rat epithelial kidney cells and human peripheral lymphocytes. Kinetin manifests no antioxidant activity in the cell free system and high doses of kinetin (500 nM and higher) reduce cell viability and mediate DNA damage in vitro. In contrast, low doses (concentrations up to 100 nM) of kinetin confer protection in cells against oxidative stress. Moreover, our results show that pretreatment of the cells with kinetin significantly reduces 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide mediated reactive oxygen species production. Also, pretreatment with kinetin retains cellular GSH levels when they are also treated with the GSH-depleting agent patulin. Our results explicitly show that low kinetin doses reduce apoptosis and protect cells from oxidative stress mediated cell death. Future studies on the interaction between cytokinins and human cellular pathway targets will be intriguing. KW - DNA damage KW - apoptosis KW - oxidative stress KW - fluorescence recovery after photobleaching KW - lymphocytes KW - antioxidants KW - cell staining KW - cytokinins Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147983 VL - 11 IS - 12 ER -