@phdthesis{Buentemeyer2017, author = {B{\"u}ntemeyer, Tjark-Ole}, title = {Wertigkeit der Leberresektion bei Metastasen des Nebennierenkarzinoms - Analyse anhand des Deutschen Nebennierenkarzinom-Registers}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-155743}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Patienten mit einem hepatisch metastasierten Nebennierenkarzinom und ohne Hinweise auf extrahepatische Tumormanifestationen profitieren von einer Operation im Hinblick auf das Gesamt{\"u}berleben. Dies gilt sowohl f{\"u}r synchron- als auch f{\"u}r metachron metastasierte Patienten.}, subject = {Nebenniere}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Leimbach2017, author = {Leimbach, Andreas}, title = {Genomics of pathogenic and commensal \(Escherichia\) \(coli\)}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154539}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionized bacterial genomics. Its unparalleled sensitivity has opened the door to analyzing bacterial evolution and population genomics, dispersion of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and within-host adaptation of pathogens, such as Escherichia coli. One of the defining characteristics of intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC) pathotypes is a specific repertoire of virulence factors (VFs). Many of these IPEC VFs are used as typing markers in public health laboratories to monitor outbreaks and guide treatment options. Instead, extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) isolates are genotypically diverse and harbor a varied set of VFs -- the majority of which also function as fitness factors (FFs) for gastrointestinal colonization. The aim of this thesis was the genomic characterization of pathogenic and commensal E. coli with respect to their virulence- and antibiotic resistance-associated gene content as well as phylogenetic background. In order to conduct the comparative analyses, I created a database of E. coli VFs, ecoli_VF_collection, with a focus on ExPEC virulence-associated proteins (Leimbach, 2016b). Furthermore, I wrote a suite of scripts and pipelines, bac-genomics-scripts, that are useful for bacterial genomics (Leimbach, 2016a). This compilation includes tools for assembly and annotation as well as comparative genomics analyses, like multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), assignment of Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) categories, searching for protein homologs, detection of genomic regions of difference (RODs), and calculating pan-genome-wide association statistics. Using these tools we were able to determine the prevalence of 18 autotransporters (ATs) in a large, phylogenetically heterogeneous strain panel and demonstrate that many AT proteins are not associated with E. coli pathotypes. According to multivariate analyses and statistics the distribution of AT variants is instead significantly dependent on phylogenetic lineages. As a consequence, ATs are not suitable to serve as pathotype markers (Zude et al., 2014). During the German Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak in 2011, the largest to date, we were one of the teams capable of analyzing the genomic features of two isolates. Based on MLST and detection of orthologous proteins to known E. coli reference genomes the close phylogenetic relationship and overall genome similarity to enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) 55989 was revealed. In particular, we identified VFs of both STEC and EAEC pathotypes, most importantly the prophage-encoded Shiga toxin (Stx) and the pAA-type plasmid harboring aggregative adherence fimbriae. As a result, we could show that the epidemic was caused by an unusual hybrid pathotype of the O104:H4 serotype. Moreover, we detected the basis of the antibiotic multi-resistant phenotype on an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) plasmid through comparisons to reference plasmids. With this information we proposed an evolutionary horizontal gene transfer (HGT) model for the possible emergence of the pathogen (Brzuszkiewicz et al., 2011). Similarly to ExPEC, E. coli isolates of bovine mastitis are genotypically and phenotypically highly diverse and many studies struggled to determine a positive association of putative VFs. Instead the general E. coli pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is implicated as a deciding factor for intramammary inflammation. Nevertheless, a mammary pathogenic E. coli (MPEC) pathotype was proposed presumably encompassing strains more adapted to elicit bovine mastitis with virulence traits differentiating them from commensals. We sequenced eight E. coli isolates from udder serous exudate and six fecal commensals (Leimbach et al., 2016). Two mastitis isolate genomes were closed to a finished-grade quality (Leimbach et al., 2015). The genomic sequence of mastitis-associated E. coli (MAEC) strain 1303 was used to elucidate the biosynthesis gene cluster of its O70 LPS O-antigen. We analyzed the phylogenetic genealogy of our strain panel plus eleven bovine-associated E. coli reference strains and found that commensal or MAEC could not be unambiguously allocated to specific phylogroups within a core genome tree of reference E. coli. A thorough gene content analysis could not identify functional convergence of either commensal or MAEC, instead both have only very few gene families enriched in either pathotype. Most importantly, gene content and ecoli_VF_collection analyses showed that no virulence determinants are significantly associated with MAEC in comparison to bovine fecal commensals, disproving the MPEC hypothesis. The genetic repertoire of bovine-associated E. coli, again, is dominated by phylogenetic background. This is also mostly the case for large virulence-associated E. coli gene cluster previously associated with mastitis. Correspondingly, MAEC are facultative and opportunistic pathogens recruited from the bovine commensal gastrointestinal microbiota (Leimbach et al., 2017). Thus, E. coli mastitis should be prevented rather than treated, as antibiotics and vaccines have not proven effective. Although traditional E. coli pathotypes serve a purpose for diagnostics and treatment, it is clear that the current typing system is an oversimplification of E. coli's genomic plasticity. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed many nuances of pathogenic E. coli, including emerging hybrid or heteropathogenic pathotypes. Diagnostic and public health microbiology need to embrace the future by implementing HTS techniques to target patient care and infection control more efficiently.}, subject = {Escherichia coli}, language = {en} } @article{OehlerKistnerMartinetal.2017, author = {Oehler, Beatrice and Kistner, Katrin and Martin, Corinna and Schiller, J{\"u}rgen and Mayer, Rafaela and Mohammadi, Milad and Sauer, Reine-Solange and Filipovic, Milos R. and Nieto, Francisco R. and Kloka, Jan and Pfl{\"u}cke, Diana and Hill, Kerstin and Schaefer, Michael and Malcangio, Marzia and Reeh, Peter W. and Brack, Alexander and Blum, Robert and Rittner, Heike L.}, title = {Inflammatory pain control by blocking oxidized phospholipid-mediated TRP channel activation}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {5447}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-05348-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158536}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Phospholipids occurring in cell membranes and lipoproteins are converted into oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) by oxidative stress promoting atherosclerotic plaque formation. Here, OxPL were characterized as novel targets in acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OxPAPC) and its derivatives were identified in inflamed tissue by mass spectrometry and binding assays. They elicited calcium influx, hyperalgesia and induced pro-nociceptive peptide release. Genetic, pharmacological and mass spectrometric evidence in vivo as well as in vitro confirmed the role of transient receptor potential channels (TRPA1 and TRPV1) as OxPAPC targets. Treatment with the monoclonal antibody E06 or with apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F, capturing OxPAPC in atherosclerosis, prevented inflammatory hyperalgesia, and in vitro TRPA1 activation. Administration of D-4F or E06 to rats profoundly ameliorated mechanical hyperalgesia and inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis. These data reveal a clinically relevant role for OxPAPC in inflammation offering therapy for acute and chronic inflammatory pain treatment by scavenging OxPAPC.}, language = {en} } @article{WallmannSperlichBippBuckschetal.2017, author = {Wallmann-Sperlich, Birgit and Bipp, Tanja and Bucksch, Jens and Froboese, Ingo}, title = {Who uses height-adjustable desks? - Sociodemographic, health-related, and psycho-social variables of regular users}, series = {International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity}, volume = {14}, journal = {International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity}, number = {26}, doi = {10.1186/s12966-017-0480-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157888}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Sit-to-stand height-adjustable desks (HAD) may promote workplace standing, as long as workers use them on a regular basis. The aim of this study was to investigate (i) how common HAD in German desk-based workers are, and how frequently HADs are used, (ii) to identify sociodemographic, health-related, and psycho-social variables of workday sitting including having a HAD, and (iii) to analyse sociodemographic, health-related, and psycho-social variables of users and non-users of HADs. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 680 participants (51.9\% men; 41.0 ± 13.1 years) in a desk-based occupation was interviewed by telephone about their occupational sitting and standing proportions, having and usage of a HAD, and answered questions concerning psycho-social variables of occupational sitting. The proportion of workday sitting was calculated for participants having an HAD (n = 108) and not-having an HAD (n = 573), as well as for regular users of HAD (n = 54), and irregular/non-users of HAD (n = 54). Linear regressions were conducted to calculate associations between socio-demographic, health-related, psychosocial variables and having/not having an HAD, and the proportion of workday sitting. Logistic regressions were executed to examine the association of mentioned variables and participants' usage of HADs. Results: Sixteen percent report that they have an HAD, and 50\% of these report regular use of HAD. Having an HAD is not a correlate of the proportion of workday sitting. Further analysis restricted to participants having available a HAD highlights that only the 'perceived advantages of sitting less' was significantly associated with HAD use in the fully adjusted model (OR 1.75 [1.09; 2.81], p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present findings indicate that accompanying behavioral action while providing an HAD is promising to increase the regular usage of HAD. Hence, future research needs to address the specificity of behavioral actions in order to enhance regular HAD use, and needs to give more fundamental insights into these associations.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheinerEntlerBarronetal.2017, author = {Scheiner, Ricarda and Entler, Brian V. and Barron, Andrew B. and Scholl, Christina and Thamm, Markus}, title = {The Effects of Fat Body Tyramine Level on Gustatory Responsiveness of Honeybees (Apis mellifera) Differ between Behavioral Castes}, series = {Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience}, number = {55}, doi = {10.3389/fnsys.2017.00055}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157874}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Division of labor is a hallmark of social insects. In the honeybee (Apis mellifera) each sterile female worker performs a series of social tasks. The most drastic changes in behavior occur when a nurse bee, who takes care of the brood and the queen in the hive, transitions to foraging behavior. Foragers provision the colony with pollen, nectar or water. Nurse bees and foragers differ in numerous behaviors, including responsiveness to gustatory stimuli. Differences in gustatory responsiveness, in turn, might be involved in regulating division of labor through differential sensory response thresholds. Biogenic amines are important modulators of behavior. Tyramine and octopamine have been shown to increase gustatory responsiveness in honeybees when injected into the thorax, thereby possibly triggering social organization. So far, most of the experiments investigating the role of amines on gustatory responsiveness have focused on the brain. The potential role of the fat body in regulating sensory responsiveness and division of labor has large been neglected. We here investigated the role of the fat body in modulating gustatory responsiveness through tyramine signaling in different social roles of honeybees. We quantified levels of tyramine, tyramine receptor gene expression and the effect of elevating fat body tyramine titers on gustatory responsiveness in both nurse bees and foragers. Our data suggest that elevating the tyramine titer in the fat body pharmacologically increases gustatory responsiveness in foragers, but not in nurse bees. This differential effect of tyramine on gustatory responsiveness correlates with a higher natural gustatory responsiveness of foragers, with a higher tyramine receptor (Amtar1) mRNA expression in fat bodies of foragers and with lower baseline tyramine titers in fat bodies of foragers compared to those of nurse bees. We suggest that differential tyramine signaling in the fat body has an important role in the plasticity of division of labor through changing gustatory responsiveness.}, language = {en} } @article{LamazeOeztuerkColakFischeretal.2017, author = {Lamaze, Angelique and {\"O}zt{\"u}rk-{\c{C}}olak, Arzu and Fischer, Robin and Peschel, Nicolai and Koh, Kyunghee and Jepson, James E. C.}, title = {Regulation of sleep plasticity by a thermo-sensitive circuit in Drosophila}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/srep40304}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-181146}, pages = {12}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Sleep is a highly conserved and essential behaviour in many species, including the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In the wild, sensory signalling encoding environmental information must be integrated with sleep drive to ensure that sleep is not initiated during detrimental conditions. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which sleep timing is modulated by the environment are unclear. Here we introduce a novel behavioural paradigm to study this issue. We show that in male fruit flies, onset of the daytime siesta is delayed by ambient temperatures above 29°C. We term this effect Prolonged Morning Wakefulness (PMW). We show that signalling through the TrpA1 thermo-sensor is required for PMW, and that TrpA1 specifically impacts siesta onset, but not night sleep onset, in response to elevated temperatures. We identify two critical TrpA1-expressing circuits and show that both contact DN1p clock neurons, the output of which is also required for PMW. Finally, we identify the circadian blue-light photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME as a molecular regulator of PMW, and propose a model in which the Drosophila nervous system integrates information encoding temperature, light, and time to dynamically control when sleep is initiated. Our results provide a platform to investigate how environmental inputs co-ordinately regulate sleep plasticity.}, language = {en} } @article{RuppertFranzSaratisetal.2017, author = {Ruppert, Manuela and Franz, Mirjam and Saratis, Anastasios and Escarcena, Laura Velo and Hendrich, Oliver and Gooi, Li Ming and Schwenkert, Isabell and Klebes, Ansgar and Scholz, Henrike}, title = {Hangover links nuclear RNA signaling to cAMP regulation via the phosphodiesterase 4d ortholog dunce}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {18}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2016.12.048}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171950}, pages = {533-544}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The hangover gene defines a cellular stress pathway that is required for rapid ethanol tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster. To understand how cellular stress changes neuronal function, we analyzed Hangover function on a cellular and neuronal level. We provide evidence that Hangover acts as a nuclear RNA binding protein and we identified the phosphodiesterase 4d ortholog dunce as a target RNA. We generated a transcript-specific dunce mutant that is impaired not only in ethanol tolerance but also in the cellular stress response. At the neuronal level, Dunce and Hangover are required in the same neuron pair to regulate experience-dependent motor output. Within these neurons, two cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent mechanisms balance the degree of tolerance. The balance is achieved by feedback regulation of Hangover and dunce transcript levels. This study provides insight into how nuclear Hangover/RNA signaling is linked to the cytoplasmic regulation of cAMP levels and results in neuronal adaptation and behavioral changes.}, language = {en} } @article{EwaldBartlDandekaretal.2017, author = {Ewald, Jan and Bartl, Martin and Dandekar, Thomas and Kaleta, Christoph}, title = {Optimality principles reveal a complex interplay of intermediate toxicity and kinetic efficiency in the regulation of prokaryotic metabolism}, series = {PLOS Computational Biology}, volume = {13}, journal = {PLOS Computational Biology}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005371}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-180870}, pages = {19}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A precise and rapid adjustment of fluxes through metabolic pathways is crucial for organisms to prevail in changing environmental conditions. Based on this reasoning, many guiding principles that govern the evolution of metabolic networks and their regulation have been uncovered. To this end, methods from dynamic optimization are ideally suited since they allow to uncover optimality principles behind the regulation of metabolic networks. We used dynamic optimization to investigate the influence of toxic intermediates in connection with the efficiency of enzymes on the regulation of a linear metabolic pathway. Our results predict that transcriptional regulation favors the control of highly efficient enzymes with less toxic upstream intermediates to reduce accumulation of toxic downstream intermediates. We show that the derived optimality principles hold by the analysis of the interplay between intermediate toxicity and pathway regulation in the metabolic pathways of over 5000 sequenced prokaryotes. Moreover, using the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Escherichia coli as an example, we show how knowledge about the relation of regulation, kinetic efficiency and intermediate toxicity can be used to identify drug targets, which control endogenous toxic metabolites and prevent microbial growth. Beyond prokaryotes, we discuss the potential of our findings for the development of antifungal drugs.}, language = {en} } @article{VanSteenbergenBalteauGinionetal.2017, author = {Van Steenbergen, Anne and Balteau, Magali and Ginion, Audrey and Fert{\´e}, Laura and Battault, Sylvain and de Meester de Ravenstein, Christophe and Balligand, Jean-Luc and Daskalopoulos, Evangelos-Panagiotis and Gilon, Patrick and Despa, Florin and Despa, Sanda and Vanoverschelde, Jean-Louis and Horman, Sandrine and Koepsell, Hermann and Berry, Gerard and Hue, Louis and Bertrand, Luc and Beauloye, Christophe}, title = {Sodium-myoinositol cotransporter-1, SMIT1, mediates the production of reactive oxygen species induced by hyperglycemia in the heart}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/srep41166}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-180891}, pages = {14}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Hyperglycemia (HG) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species in the heart through activation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2). This production is independent of glucose metabolism but requires sodium/glucose cotransporters (SGLT). Seven SGLT isoforms (SGLT1 to 6 and sodium-myoinositol cotransporter-1, SMIT1) are known, although their expression and function in the heart remain elusive. We investigated these 7 isoforms and found that only SGLT1 and SMIT1 were expressed in mouse, rat and human hearts. In cardiomyocytes, galactose (transported through SGLT1) did not activate NOX2. Accordingly, SGLT1 deficiency did not prevent HG-induced NOX2 activation, ruling it out in the cellular response to HG. In contrast, myo-inositol (transported through SMIT1) reproduced the toxic effects of HG. SMIT1 overexpression exacerbated glucotoxicity and sensitized cardiomyocytes to HG, whereas its deletion prevented HG-induced NOX2 activation. In conclusion, our results show that heart SMIT1 senses HG and triggers NOX2 activation. This could participate in the redox signaling in hyperglycemic heart and contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy.}, language = {en} } @article{AdrianMartinezAlbertAndreetal.2017, author = {Adri{\´a}n-Mart{\´i}nez, S. and Albert, A. and Andr{\´e}, M. and Anghinolfi, M. and Anton, G. and Ardid, M. and Aubert, J.-J. and Baret, B. and Barrios-Marti, J. and Basa, S. and Bertin, V. and Biagi, S. and Bormuth, R. and Bouwhuis, M.C. and Bruijn, R. and Brunner, J. and Buto, J. and Capone, A. and Caramete, L. and Carr, J. and Chiarusi, T. and Circella, M. and Coniglione, R. and Costantini, H. and Coyle, P. and Creusot, A. and Dekeyser, I. and Deschamps, A. and De Bonis, G. and Distefano, C.}, title = {Stacked search for time shifted high energy neutrinos from gamma ray bursts with the ANTARES neutrino telescope}, series = {European Physical Journal C}, volume = {77}, journal = {European Physical Journal C}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1140/epjc/s10052-016-4496-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-181251}, pages = {10}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A search for high-energy neutrino emission correlated with gamma-ray bursts outside the electromagnetic prompt-emission time window is presented. Using a stacking approach of the time delays between reported gamma-ray burst alerts and spatially coincident muon-neutrino signatures, data from the Antares neutrino telescope recorded between 2007 and 2012 are analysed. One year of public data from the IceCube detector between 2008 and 2009 have been also investigated. The respective timing profiles are scanned for statistically significant accumulations within 40 days of the Gamma Ray Burst, as expected from Lorentz Invariance Violation effects and some astrophysical models. No significant excess over the expected accidental coincidence rate could be found in either of the two data sets. The average strength of the neutrino signal is found to be fainter than one detectable neutrino signal per hundred gamma-ray bursts in the Antares data at 90\% confidence level.}, language = {en} } @article{ShibanDiemerMuelleretal.2017, author = {Shiban, Youssef and Diemer, Julia and M{\"u}ller, Jana and Br{\"u}tting-Schick, Johanna and Pauli, Paul and M{\"u}hlberger, Andreas}, title = {Diaphragmatic breathing during virtual reality exposure therapy for aviophobia: functional coping strategy or avoidance behavior? A pilot study}, series = {BMC Psychiatry}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Psychiatry}, doi = {10.1186/s12888-016-1181-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-181007}, pages = {10}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Although there is solid evidence for the efficacy of in vivo and virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy for a specific phobia, there is a significant debate over whether techniques promoting distraction or relaxation have impairing or enhancing effects on treatment outcome. In the present pilot study, we investigated the effect of diaphragmatic breathing (DB) as a relaxation technique during VR exposure treatment. Method: Twenty-nine patients with aviophobia were randomly assigned to VR exposure treatment either with or without diaphragmatic breathing (six cycles per minute). Subjective fear ratings, heart rate and skin conductance were assessed as indicators of fear during both the exposure and the test session one week later. Results: The group that experienced VR exposure combined with diaphragmatic breathing showed a higher tendency to effectively overcome the fear of flying. Psychophysiological measures of fear decreased and self-efficacy increased in both groups with no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that diaphragmatic breathing during VR exposure does not interfere with the treatment outcome and may even enhance treatment effects of VR exposure therapy for aviophobic patients.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kuger2017, author = {Kuger, Fabian}, title = {Signal Formation Processes in Micromegas Detectors and Quality Control for large size Detector Construction for the ATLAS New Small Wheel}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-152495}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The Micromegas technology is one of the most successful modern gaseous detector concepts and widely utilized in nuclear and particle physics experiments. Twenty years of R \& D rendered the technology sufficiently mature to be selected as precision tracking detector for the New Small Wheel (NSW) upgrade of the ATLAS Muon spectrometer. This will be the first large scale application of Micromegas in one of the major LHC experiments. However, many of the fundamental microscopic processes in these gaseous detectors are still not fully understood and studies on several detector aspects, like the micromesh geometry, have never been addressed systematically. The studies on signal formation in Micromegas, presented in the first part of this thesis, focuses on the microscopic signal electron loss mechanisms and the amplification processes in electron gas interaction. Based on a detailed model of detector parameter dependencies, these processes are scrutinized in an iterating comparison between exper- imental results, theory prediction of the macroscopic observables and process simulation on the microscopic level. Utilizing the specialized detectors developed in the scope of this thesis as well as refined simulation algorithms, an unprecedented level of accuracy in the description of the microscopic processes is reached, deepening the understanding of the fundamental process in gaseous detectors. The second part is dedicated to the challenges arising with the large scale Micro- megas production for the ATLAS NSW. A selection of technological choices, partially influenced or determined by the herein presented studies, are discussed alongside a final report on two production related tasks addressing the detectors' core components: For the industrial production of resistive anode PCBs a detailed quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) scheme as well as the therefore required testing tools have been developed. In parallel the study on micromesh parameter optimization and production feasibility resulted in the selection of the proposed mesh by the NSW community and its full scale industrial manufacturing. The successful completion of both tasks were im- portant milestones towards the construction of large size Micromegas detectors clearing the path for NSW series production.}, subject = {Gasionisationsdetektor}, language = {en} } @article{WanzekSchwindtCapraetal.2017, author = {Wanzek, Katharina and Schwindt, Eike and Capra, John A. and Paeschke, Katrin}, title = {Mms1 binds to G-rich regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and influences replication and genome stability}, series = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {45}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, number = {13}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkx467}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170577}, pages = {7796-7806}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The regulation of replication is essential to preserve genome integrity. Mms1 is part of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that is linked to replication fork progression. By identifying Mms1 binding sites genome-wide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae we connected Mms1 function to genome integrity and replication fork progression at particular G-rich motifs. This motif can form G-quadruplex (G4) structures in vitro. G4 are stable DNA structures that are known to impede replication fork progression. In the absence of Mms1, genome stability is at risk at these G-rich/G4 regions as demonstrated by gross chromosomal rearrangement assays. Mms1 binds throughout the cell cycle to these G-rich/G4 regions and supports the binding of Pif1 DNA helicase. Based on these data we propose a mechanistic model in which Mms1 binds to specific G-rich/G4 motif located on the lagging strand template for DNA replication and supports Pif1 function, DNA replication and genome integrity.}, language = {en} } @article{CaiElMerahbiLoeffleretal.2017, author = {Cai, Kai and El-Merahbi, Rabih and Loeffler, Mona and Mayer, Alexander E. and Sumara, Grzegorz}, title = {Ndrg1 promotes adipocyte differentiation and sustains their function}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {7191}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-07497-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170565}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Adipocytes play a central role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in the body. Differentiation of adipocyte precursor cells requires the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (Pparγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/Ebps). Transcriptional activity is regulated by signaling modules activated by a plethora of hormones and nutrients. Mechanistic target of rapamacin complexes (mTORC) 1 and 2 are central for the coordination of hormonal and nutritional inputs in cells and are essential for adipogenesis. Serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (Sgk1)-dependent phosphorylation of N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (Ndrg1) is a hallmark of mTORC2 activation in cells. Moreover, Pparγ activation promotes Ndrg1 expression. However, the impact of Ndrg1 on adipocyte differentiation and function has not yet been defined. Here, we show that Ndrg1 expression and its Sgk1-dependent phosphorylation are induced during adipogenesis. Consistently, we demonstrate that Ndrg1 promotes adipocyte differentiation and function by inducing Pparγ expression. Additionally, our results indicate that Ndrg1 is required for C/Ebpα phosphorylation. Moreover, we found that Ndrg1 phosphorylation by Sgk1 promotes adipocyte formation. Taken together, we show that induction of Ndrg1 expression by Pparγ and its phosphorylation by Sgk1 kinase are required for the acquisition of adipocyte characteristics by precursor cells.}, language = {en} } @article{FoersterPfisterReussetal.2017, author = {Foerster, Anna and Pfister, Roland and Reuss, Heiko and Kunde, Wilfried}, title = {Commentary: Feeling the Conflict: The Crucial Role of Conflict Experience in Adaptation}, series = {Frontiers in Psychology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychology}, number = {1405}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01405}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-190032}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A commentary on: Feeling the Conflict: The Crucial Role of Conflict Experience in Adaptationby Desender, K., Van Opstal, F., and Van den Bussche, E. (2014). Psychol. Sci. 25, 675-683. doi:10.1177/0956797613511468 Conflict adaptation in masked priming has recently been proposed to rely not on successful conflictresolution but rather on conflict experience (Desender et al., 2014). We re-assessed this proposal ina direct replication and also tested a potential confound due toconflict strength. The data supported this alternative view, but also failed to replicate basic conflict adaptation effects of the original studydespite considerable power.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Plank2017, author = {Plank, Christina}, title = {Somatische Befunde und kognitive Leistungen von "Heavy Usern" mit anorektischen und bulimischen Essst{\"o}rungen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154113}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Ziel: Das Ziel der explorativen Studie war es, erwachsene Patientinnen mit restriktiver bzw. bulimischer Anorexie oder Bulimie mit einer starken Inanspruchnahme von station{\"a}ren Versorgungsleistungen, sogenannte Heavy User (HU), die eine vollstation{\"a}re Behandlung in der Klinik und Poliklinik f{\"u}r Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Universit{\"a}tsklinikums W{\"u}rzburg erhalten haben, zu beschreiben, soziodemographische sowie erkrankungsbezogene somatische und kognitive Charakteristika darzustellen und die Ergebnisse mit einer Kontrollgruppe aus Patientinnen mit dem gleichen St{\"o}rungsbild, aber einer geringeren Inanspruchnahme medizinischer Versorgungsangebote, den Nicht-Heavy Usern (NHU), zu vergleichen. Teilnehmer und Methode: 23 anorektische bzw. bulimische Heavy User-Patientinnen, die sich im Zeitraum der Datenerhebung (1997-2008) zum mindestens dritten Mal in einer station{\"a}ren Therapie aufgrund ihrer Essst{\"o}rung befanden, und eine Vergleichsgruppe von 13 Nicht-Heavy User-Patientinnen mit h{\"o}chstens einem station{\"a}ren Voraufenthalt wurden in dieser Studie untersucht. Allgemein- und neurologischer Status sowie die Laborparameter zum Aufnahmezeitpunkt und die Auswertungen der kranialen CTs bzw. MRTs sowie der kognitiven Testverfahren zu Beginn der Therapie und vor der Entlassung wurden analysiert und miteinander verglichen. Ergebnisse und Schlußfolgerung: Die anorektischen und bulimischen Heavy User weisen viele auff{\"a}llige somatische Befunde, von der Norm abweichende Laborparameter sowie im Falle der anorektischen Heavy User eine h{\"a}ufig bestehende Hirnatrophie auf. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus zeigen sie eine Reihe von kognitiven Defiziten in verschiedenen Bereichen. Am st{\"a}rksten davon betroffen sind die restriktiv anorektischen Heavy User. Die Auspr{\"a}gungen der untersuchten pathologischen Befunde unterscheiden sich jedoch nicht signifikant von denen der Nicht-Heavy User. Spezifische Eigenschaften der Heavy User, die es zulassen, sie von einem Nicht-Heavy User abzugrenzen, wurden nicht gefunden. Weitere Studien sind notwendig, um andere typische Merkmale der Heavy User zu eruieren, damit sie m{\"o}glichst fr{\"u}hzeitig identifiziert und ihnen f{\"u}r sie geeignetere alternative Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeiten angeboten werden k{\"o}nnen.}, subject = {Essst{\"o}rungen}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Iltzsche2017, author = {Iltzsche, Fabian}, title = {The Role of DREAM/MMB-mediated mitotic gene expression downstream of mutated K-Ras in lung cancer}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154108}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The evolutionary conserved Myb-MuvB (MMB) multiprotein complex has an essential role in transcriptional activation of mitotic genes. MMB target genes as well as the MMB associated transcription factor B-Myb and FoxM1 are highly expressed in a range of different cancer types. The elevated expression of these genes correlates with an advanced tumor state and a poor prognosis. This suggests that MMB could contribute to tumorigenesis by mediating overexpression of mitotic genes. Although MMB has been extensively characterized biochemically, the requirement for MMB to tumorigenesis in vivo remains largely unknown and has not been tested directly so far. In this study, conditional knockout of the MMB core member Lin9 inhibits tumor formation in vivo in a mouse model of lung cancer driven by oncogenic K-Ras and loss of p53. The incomplete recombination observed within tumors points towards an enormous selection pressure against the complete loss of Lin9. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated depletion of Lin9 or the MMB associated subunit B-Myb provides evidence that MMB is required for the expression of mitotic genes in lung cancer cells. Moreover, it was demonstrated that proliferation of lung cancer cells strongly depends on MMB. Furthermore, in this study, the relationship of MMB to the p53 tumor suppressor was investigated in a primary lung cancer cell line with restorable p53 function. Expression analysis revealed that mitotic genes are downregulated after p53 re-expression. Moreover, activation of p53 induces formation of the repressive DREAM complex and results in enrichment of DREAM at mitotic gene promoters. Conversely, MMB is displaced at these promoters. Based on these findings the following model is proposed: In p53-negative cells, mitogenic stimuli foster the switch from DREAM to MMB. Thus, mitotic genes are overexpressed and may promote chromosomal instability and tumorigenesis. This study provides evidence that MMB contributes to the upregulation of G2/M phase-specific genes in p53-negative cells and suggests that inhibition of MMB (or its target genes) might be a strategy for treatment of lung cancer.}, subject = {Nicht-kleinzelliges Bronchialkarzinom (NSCLC)}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kurz2017, author = {Kurz, Julian Frederick}, title = {Capacity Planning and Control with Advanced Information}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154097}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Die Dissertation „Capacity Planning and Control with Advanced Information" besteht aus drei inhaltlich abgeschlossenen Teilen, die ein {\"u}bergeordnetes Thema zur Grundlage haben: Wie k{\"o}nnen Daten {\"u}ber zuk{\"u}nftige Bedarfe zur Kapazit{\"a}tsplanung und -steuerung genutzt werden? Im Rahmen von Industrie 4.0 werden zunehmend Daten erzeugt und f{\"u}r pr{\"a}dikative Analysen genutzt. Zum Beispiel werden Flugzeugtriebwerke mit Sensoren ausgestattet, die verschiedene Parameter in Echtzeit ermitteln und {\"u}bertragen. In Kombination mit Flugpl{\"a}nen k{\"o}nnen diese Daten, unter Einsatz geeigneter Machine Learning Algorithmen, zur Vorhersage des Zeitpunkts der n{\"a}chsten Wartung und des Wartungsbedarfs genutzt werden. In dieser Arbeit werden diese Vorhersagedaten zur optimalen Planung und Steuerung der Kapazit{\"a}t eines MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) Dienstleisters genutzt. Im ersten Artikel, "Capacity Planning for a Maintenance Service Provider with Advanced Information", wird die aus mehreren Stationen bestehende Produktionsst{\"a}tte des MRO Dienstleisters mit Hilfe eines Netzwerks aus GI/G/1 Warteschlagen beschrieben. Durch L{\"o}sung eines Optimierungsproblems werden die Kapazit{\"a}ten der einzelnen Stationen so ermittelt, dass Kapazit{\"a}ts- und Strafkosten f{\"u}r eine zu lange Durchlaufzeit minimiert werden. Dar{\"u}berhinaus wird untersucht, wie Vorhersagedaten bez{\"u}glich des Eintreffens und Wartungsaufwands zuk{\"u}nftiger Auftr{\"a}ge genutzt werden k{\"o}nnen, um die Gesamtkosten zu reduzieren. Der Artikel "Flexible Capacity Management with Future Information" nutzt Informationen hinsichtlich zuk{\"u}nftigerWartungsbedarfe f{\"u}r die Steuerung einer flexiblen Kapazit{\"a}t. Die Produktionsst{\"a}tte des MRO Dienstleisters wird als M/M/1 Warteschlange beschrieben, die zwischen einer Basiskapazit{\"a}t und einer erh{\"o}hten Kapazit{\"a}t wechseln kann. Allerdings kann die hohe Kapazit{\"a}t nur einen definierten Zeitanteil genutzt werden. In dem Artikel werden Politiken entwickelt, welche die erwartete Warteschlangenl{\"a}ge minimieren, falls keine Informationen bez{\"u}glich des Eintreffens zuk{\"u}nftiger Auftr{\"a}ge verf{\"u}gbar sind beziehungsweise alle Informationen in einem unendlich langen Zeitfenster vorliegen. Es zeigt sich, dass die erwartete Warteschlangenl{\"a}nge drastisch reduziert werden kann, falls Informationen {\"u}ber zuk{\"u}nftige Bedarfe genutzt werden k{\"o}nnen. Im dritten Artikel, "Queueing with Limited Future Information", wird neben der Steuerung einer flexiblen Kapazit{\"a}t auch die Zulassungskontrolle behandelt: Welche Auftr{\"a}ge sollten umgeleitet werden, zum Beispiel an einen Subdienstleister, falls ein definierter Anteil aller ankommenden Triebwerke nicht angenommen werden muss? Es werden Politiken zur Steuerung der flexiblen Kapazit{\"a}t und f{\"u}r die Zulassungskontrolle entwickelt, die zuk{\"u}nftige Informationen in verschieden langen Zeitfenstern ber{\"u}cksichtigen: keine Informationen, endlich und unendlich lange Zeitfenster. Numerische Analysen zeigen, dass die Ber{\"u}cksichtigung von Informationen {\"u}ber die Zukunft im Vergleich zu reaktiven Politiken zu einer Verringerung der mittleren Warteschlangenl{\"a}nge f{\"u}hrt. Andererseits wird ersichtlich, dass die Nutzung von k{\"u}rzeren Zeitfenstern unter bestimmten Umst{\"a}nden vorteilhaft sein kann. Den inhaltlichen Rahmen der Dissertation bilden die Einleitung im ersten Kapitel sowie ein Ausblick in Kapitel 5. Beweise werden im Anhang zusammengefasst.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Terveer2017, author = {Terveer, Nils}, title = {Springs and Parachutes - Development and Characterization of Novel Formulations for Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154311}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Successful formulation development of novel, particularly organic APIs of low molecular weight as candidates for ground-breaking pharmaceutical products is a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry because of the poor aqueous solubility of most of these compounds. The hit identification strategies of drug development in use today apply high throughput screening techniques for the investigation of thousands of substances. This approach led to a systematical increase in molecular weight and lipophilicity and a decrease of water solubility of lead compounds reaching market access. The high lipophilicity causes an excellent permeability of the compounds which favours the absorption process from the small intestine, but it causes a decrease of water-solubility. It becomes evident that an adequate aqueous solubility is necessary for absorption of the API from the gastrointestinal fluids into the systemic circulation and hence for efficacy of the pharmaceutical product. Only an dissolved API is getting absorbed and becomes efficacious. The precipitated proportion is resigned directly. Therefore, the development of an individual formulation aligning the physicochemical characteristics is necessary for every API to produce supersaturated solutions in the small intestine and to reach an adequate bioavailability after absorption into the systemic circulation. In this thesis a specific formulation development was investigated for two exemplary poorly water-soluble APIs to replace the empirical approach often used today. The basic tyrosine-kinase inhibitor imatinib and six different acetylated amino acids were transferred into ILs. As compared to the free base and the mesylate salt, which is marketed by Novartis AG as Gleevec®, the dissolution rate as well as the supersaturation time was increased significantly. By changing the mesylate anion with its potential genotoxic risks, the total toxicity of the drug product could be decreased. The amorphous ILs proved adequate stability under forcing conditions and there was no recrystallization of the free base observed. The amorphous character of the ILs caused an increased amount of water vapour sorption which can be compensated by special packaging materials. Taken together, the presentation of imatinib as an IL is intended for oral administration as a tablet and can cause a reduction of dose because of the increased solubility. Therefore, the occurrence of side effects can be reduced as compared to Gleevec®. If there is actually an increased bioavailability to observe, has to be proved by the execution of animal trials. The novel NOX inhibitor VAS3947 is intended for the treatment of endothelial dysfunctions causing diseases like heart failure and stroke. The compounds poor aqueous solubility hindered further clinical development so far and make the drug candidate to remain in a very early stage of the drug development process. Therefore, different formulation concepts were evaluated in this study: An amorphous solid dispersion prepared from VAS3947 and Eudragit® L100 by means of spray drying was able to increase the dissolution rate and solubility of the compound significantly, but with the accomplished kinetic solubility being in the low µM range it is not possible to reach therapeutic plasma concentrations. In contrast, the incorporation into cyclodextrins resulted in an 760-fold increased solubility. Different cyclodextrins were evaluated. Especially the lipophilic derivatives of the β-cyclodextrin showed to be the most adequate excipients. The incorporation of the API into the cyclodextrin cavity was proved by means of NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, a formulation of VAS3947 and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin was prepared. This formulation is intended for the intravenous application during animal trials, which have to be conducted to get to know the pharmacokinetics of VAS3947. This formulation reached a concentration of 1 mg/mL spending striking protection of VAS3947 against degradation. Presentation of VAS3947 as a microemulsion system led also to increase the aqueous solubility of the compound, but not in the same extent as the cyclodextrin formulation. Beside the formulation development a physicochemical characterization was performed to get to know important parameters such as log P and pKa values of VAS3947. An HPLC method was developed and validated to analyse the extent of solubility improvement. A major issue of the compound VAS3947 and all related triazolopyrimidine derivatives, developed by Vasopharm GmbH, is the insufficient chemical stability because of presence of a hemiaminal moiety in the chemical structure. Stability investigations and an extensive biopharmaceutical characterization confirm the hindering of further clinical development by insufficient drug stability and high cytotoxicity. Poor aqueous solubility is an additional disadvantage which can be handled by a concerted formulation development.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Haeckel2017, author = {H{\"a}ckel, Annalena}, title = {Implementierung und Umsetzbarkeit eines Tablet-gest{\"u}tzten Screenings auf Unterst{\"u}tzungsbedarf in der Radioonkologie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154974}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Die Inzidenz und Pr{\"a}valenz von Krebserkrankungen pr{\"a}sentiert sich in den vergangenen Jahren ungebrochen hoch. Durch die stetige Optimierung der Versorgung werden Betroffenen neuartige Optionen offeriert. Moderne Onkotherapie zeichnet sich durch sektoren{\"u}bergreifende Kooperation aus. Diese komplexen Versorgungskonzepte k{\"o}nnen durch innovative Technologien simplifiziert werden. Vorliegende Arbeit er{\"o}rtert die Frage nach der Umsetzbarkeit Tablet-gest{\"u}tzter Screenings in der Routine der Strahlenmedizin. Die Erfassung der ESAS-Items und des Unterst{\"u}tzungsbedarfs erm{\"o}glichte nach dem Vorbild kanadischer Versorgungskonzepte definierte Aussagen zur Qualit{\"a}t der medizinischen Versorgung. Im Rahmen der Studie erhielten Tumorpatienten vor der perkutanen Radiotherapie (T1) ein Tablet-gest{\"u}tztes Symptom-Screening. Das Tablet-Screening wurde von den Teilnehmern bez{\"u}glich Bedienung und Nutzerfreundlichkeit evaluiert. Nach Abschluss der Radiotherapie erfolgte eine telefonische Nachbefragung der Teilnehmer (T2). Insgesamt partizipierten 332 Krebspatienten am Tablet-Screening. 79 potentielle Studienprobanden nahmen nicht teil. Als Hauptursachen zeigten sich fehlende Zeit (21,5\%), die Teilnahme an sonstigen Studien (20,3\%) und zu hohe psychische Belastungen (17,7\%). Der Anteil der Screening-Teilnehmer mit fundierten Vorkenntnissen im Umgang mit Tablet-PCs (15,7\%) war gering. Probanden mit Tablet-Vorerfahrungen waren signifikant j{\"u}nger als Unerfahrene. Anwendung und Nutzerfreundlichkeit erlangte hohe Zustimmung. Die wenigen (21,7\%) Bef{\"u}rworter konventioneller Stift-Papier-Frageb{\"o}gen waren signifikant {\"a}lter. 219 Screening-Teilnehmer stellten ihre ausgewerteten Symptom-Frageb{\"o}gen weiteren Auswertungen zur Verf{\"u}gung. Der Performance-Status wurde von Patient und Mediziner eher divergent bewertet (ĸ=0,254). Von T1 zu T2 nahm der Anteil positiv gescreenter Probanden ab. Kurativpatienten markierten bei den ESAS-Items M{\"u}digkeit, Kurzatmigkeit und Sonstiges signifikante Symptomverbesserungen. Bei Palliativpatienten zeigte Kurzatmigkeit signifikante Verbesserung, Depressionen hingegen signifikante Verschlechterung. Der schw{\"a}chste Unterst{\"u}tzungsbedarf (23,3\%) wurde beim ,,Bedarf an Informationen beim Erstellen von Patientenverf{\"u}gungen'' registriert. Die BUKA-Studie konnte die Chancen Tablet-gest{\"u}tzter Befragungen in der Routine der Radioonkologie darstellen. Das Screening markierte durchg{\"a}ngig positive Bewertungen sowie große Akzeptanz. Die positiven Ergebnisse deckten sich mit denen anderer Studien bez{\"u}glich EDV-gest{\"u}tzter Datenerhebung. Die oftmals nicht ausreichendende Zeit zur Studienteilnahme war jedoch nicht auf eine zu zeitintensive Bedienung von Tablet-PCs zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren. Die Anzahl der Screening-Items sollte der kurzen Wartezeit der Strahlenambulanz angepasst werden. EDV-Screenings sollten dar{\"u}ber hinaus zuk{\"u}nftig bereits von zuhause absolviert werden. Die zunehmende Technisierung des Alltags l{\"a}sst den Anteil PC-erfahrener Patienten weiter ansteigen. Die Einf{\"u}hrung EDV-gest{\"u}tzter Versionen bietet eine effektive M{\"o}glichkeit des Patienten-Monitoring als Grundlage multidisziplin{\"a}rer onkologischer Versorgung. Infolge der zunehmenden PC-gest{\"u}tzten Verarbeitung hochsensibler Patientendaten ist die Gew{\"a}hrleistung vollkommener Datensicherheit dringend notwendig. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Arbeiten pr{\"a}sentierte das Studienkollektiv {\"u}berwiegend Kurativpatienten mit gutem Allgemeinzustand. Trotz geringerer Symptombelastung konnten auch hier die positiven Effekte der Radiotherapie dargestellt werden. Der hohe Unterst{\"u}tzungsbedarf erschien oftmals dem mangelnden medizinischen Verst{\"a}ndnis der Betroffenen geschuldet. Kurativpatienten {\"a}ußerten deutlich mehr Interesse aktiv an der Therapie teilzuhaben. Palliativpatienten erschienen durch das {\"U}bermaß an Therapien entkr{\"a}ftet.}, subject = {Screening}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Offner2017, author = {Offner, Kristin}, title = {SH3-mediated protein interactions of Mena and VASP}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154481}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Regulation of actin cytoskeletal turnover is necessary to coordinate cell movement and cell adhesion. Proteins of the Enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) family are important mediators in cytoskeleton control, linking cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways to actin assembly. In mammals, the Ena/VASP family consists of mammalian Enabled (Mena), VASP, and Ena-VASP-like (EVL). The family members share a tripartite domain organization, consisting of an N-terminal Ena/VASP homology 1 (EVH1) domain, a central proline-rich region (PRR), and a C-terminal EVH2 domain. The EVH1 domain mediates binding to the focal adhesion proteins vinculin and zyxin, the PRR interacts with the actin-binding protein profilin and with Src homology 3 (SH3) domains, and the EVH2 domain mediates tetramerization and actin binding. Endothelial cells line vessel walls and form a semipermeable barrier between blood and the underlying tissue. Endothelial barrier function depends on the integrity of cell-cell junctions and defective sealing of cell-cell contacts results in vascular leakage and edema formation. In a previous study, we could identify a novel interaction of the PRR of VASP with αII-spectrin. VASP-targeting to endothelial cell-cell contacts by interaction with the αII-spectrin SH3 domain is sufficient to initiate perijunctional actin filament assembly, which in turn stabilizes cell-cell contacts and decreases endothelial permeability. Conversely, barrier function of VASP-deficient endothelial cells and microvessels of VASP- null mice is defective, demonstrating that αII-spectrin/VASP complexes regulate endothelial barrier function in vivo. The aim of the present study was to characterize the structural aspects of the binding of Ena/VASP proteins to αII-spectrin in more detail. These data are highly relevant to understand the cardiovascular function of VASP and its subcellular targeting. In the present study, the following points were experimentally addressed: 1. Comparison of the interaction between αII-spectrin and Mena, VASP, or EVL In contrast to the highly conserved EVH1/EVH2 domains, the PRR is the most divergent part within the Ena/VASP proteins and may differ in binding modes and mechanisms of regulation. More specifically, VASP contains a triple GP5 motif, whereas EVL and Mena contain one or more GP6 motifs or even longer proline stretches. In the present study, we used peptide scans and competitive αII-spectrin SH3 pull-down assays with the recombinant Mena, VASP, and VASP mutants to investigate the relative binding efficiency. Our results indicate that binding of the αII-spectrin SH3 domain to GP6 motifs is superior to GP5 motifs, giving a rationale for a stronger interaction of αII-spectrin with EVL and Mena than with VASP. 2. Interaction of SH3i with Ena/VASP proteins In the mammalian heart, an αII-spectrin splice variant exists (SH3i), which contains a 20 amino acid insertion C-terminal to the SH3 domain. We used GST-fusion proteins of αII-spectrin, comprising the SH3 domain with or without the alternatively spliced amino acids, to pull-down recombinant Mena, VASP or VASP mutants. The results demonstrate a substantially increased binding of the C-terminal extended SH3 domain as compared to the general αII-spectrin isoform without the 20 amino acid insertion. These findings were also confirmed in pull-down experiments with heart lysates and purified Mena from heart muscle. The increased binding was not due to an alternative, SH3-independent binding interface because a pointmutation of the SH3 domain (W1004R) in the alternatively spliced αII-spectrin isoform completely abrogated the interaction. To analyze the interaction of SH3i and Ena/VASP proteins in living cells, we expressed the extended SH3 domain as GFP fusion proteins in endothelial cells. Here, we observed an extensive co-localization with Mena and VASP at the leading edge of lamellipodia confirming the in vivo relevance of the interaction with potential impact on cell migration and angiogenesis. 3. Binding affinity and influence of the Ena/VASP tetramerization domain We also determined the binding affinity of the general and the alternatively spliced αII-spectrin SH3 with Ena/VASP proteins by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using a peptide from the PRR of Mena (collaboration with Dr. Stephan Feller, University of Oxford). Surprisingly, the binding affinity of the general SH3 domain was low (~900 μM) as compared to other SH3 domain- mediated interactions, which commonly display binding constants in the low micromolar range. Furthermore and in contrast to the pull-down assays, we could not detect an increased binding affinity of the C-terminally extended SH3 domain. This could be either explained by the existence of a third protein, which "bridges" the Mena/αII-spectrin complex in the pull-down assays, or, more likely, by the small size of the Mena peptide, which lacks major parts of the Mena protein, including the tetramerization domain. Indeed, it has been previously shown that the tetramerization of Ena is crucial for the interaction with the Abl- SH3 domain, although no SH3 binding sites are found in the tetramerization domain. To address this point experimentally, we used a VASP mutant that lacks the tetramerization domain in pull-down assays. Neither the general nor the alternatively spliced SH3 domain bound to the monomeric VASP, demonstrating the crucial (indirect) impact of Ena/VASP tetramerization on the interaction with αII-spectrin. In summary, we conclude that the αII-spectrin SH3 domain binds to the proline- rich region of all Ena/VASP proteins. However, binding to EVL and Mena, which both possess one or more GP6 motifs, is substantially more efficient than VASP, which only contains GP5 motifs. The C-terminally extended SH3 domain, which is present in the αII-spectrin splice variant SH3i, binds stronger to the Ena/VASP proteins than the general isoform and expression of the isolated domain is sufficient for co-localization with Ena/VASP in living endothelial cells. Finally, the tetramerization of the Ena/VASP proteins is indispensable for the interaction with either isoform of αII-spectrin.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Langer2017, author = {Langer, Simon}, title = {Herz-Hirn Interaktion im Mausmodell: Herzinsuffizienz nach Myokardinfarkt f{\"u}hrt zu depressivem Verhalten bei M{\"a}usen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154733}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Herzinsuffizienz, Depression und Angstst{\"o}rungen treten geh{\"a}uft gemeinsam auf und beeinflussen teilweise gegenseitig ihre Prognose. Die Zusammenh{\"a}nge zwischen diesen Erkrankungen sind bislang nicht aufgekl{\"a}rt. In der vorliegenden Arbeit f{\"u}hrte isch{\"a}mische Herzinsuffizienz im Mausmodell zu Depressions-{\"a}hnlichem Verhalten innerhalb von 8 Wochen nach Infarktinduktion. Weiter zeigte sich eine Minderung der Ged{\"a}chtnisleistung. Angst-assoziiertes Verhalten ließ sich nicht nachweisen. Immunhistochemisch konnten keine Ver{\"a}nderungen in spezifischen Hirnarealen nachgewiesen werden. Molekulare Methoden legen Ver{\"a}nderungen des Serotoninstoffwechsels als m{\"o}gliche Erkl{\"a}rung nahe. Nach operativer Ligatur eines Herzkrankgef{\"a}ßes wurden C57/Bl6N M{\"a}use {\"u}ber einen Zeitraum von 8 Wochen beobachtet. In dieser Zeit wurden neben Herzultraschalluntersuchungen eine Reihe von Verhaltenstest durchgef{\"u}hrt, um depressive und {\"a}ngstliche Verhaltensstrukturen sowie die kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit beurteilen zu k{\"o}nnen. Nach Ablauf des Beobachtungszeitraumes wurden das Herz und das Gehirn entnommen und weiteren histologischen und molekularen Untersuchungen zugef{\"u}hrt. Die histologische Aufarbeitung des Herzens nach Ende des Versuchszeitraumes best{\"a}tigte die Beobachtungen anderen Autoren, dass eine Infarktgr{\"o}ße von mehr als 30\% mit sehr hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit zur Entstehung einer Herzinsuffizienz f{\"u}hrt. Im der histologischen Aufarbeitung des Gehirns zeigen sich keine strukturellen Ver{\"a}nderungen bei herzkranken M{\"a}usen, die die beobachteten {\"A}nderungen im Verhalten begr{\"u}nden k{\"o}nnten. Insbesondere kann eine hypoxische Hirnsch{\"a}digung durch eine etwaige Minderperfusion empfindlicher Hirnareale ausgeschlossen werden. M{\"a}use, die nach Induktion eines Myokardinfarktes eine Herzinsuffizienz entwickeln, zeigen nach 8 Wochen Depressions-assoziiertes, adynamisches Verhalten sowie eine Verminderung der kognitiven Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit, nicht aber Anzeichen von Angstst{\"o}rungen. Diesen Verhaltens{\"a}nderungen kann kein strukturelles Korrelat im Gehirn zugewiesen werden. Dies ist ein Indiz daf{\"u}r, dass sich Ver{\"a}nderung auf molekularer Ebene vollziehen, welche sich dem Mikroskop entziehen. Die im Myokard beobachtete Regulation des Serotoninstoffwechsels ist ein m{\"o}glicher Erkl{\"a}rungsansatz hierf{\"u}r.}, subject = {Deutsches Zentrum f{\"u}r Herzinsuffizienz W{\"u}rzburg}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Svistunov2017, author = {Svistunov, Andrey}, title = {Langzeitergebnisse der Erhaltungstherapie mit Gemcitabin nach Cisplatin-basierter adjuvanter Chemotherapie des operativ behandelten muskelinfiltrierenden Urothelkarzinoms}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154666}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Der Stellenwert der Erhaltungstherapie mit Gemcitabin (GEM), die im Anschluss an die Cisplatin-basierte Polychemotherapie (CBPC) bei den radikal operativ vorbehandelten Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem Urothelkarzinom (UC) erfolgt, bleibt bis dato unklar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit konnten die Ergebnisse der GEM-Erhaltungstherapie mittels retrospektiver Analyse evaluiert werden. Zwischen 1999 und 2013 erhielten 38 operativ vorbehandelte Patienten im Anschluss an die prim{\"a}re CBPC zus{\"a}tzlich im viertelj{\"a}hrlichen Intervall zwei konsekutive Infusionen von GEM (1 250 mg/m2) als Erhaltungstherapie. Dieses Kollektiv wurde durch ein ebenso operativ vorbehandeltes Kontrollkollektiv (n = 38), das lediglich eine prim{\"a}re CBPC erhielt, mittels eines `Propensity Score Matching`-Verfahrens gematched. Mittels Kaplan-Meier-Sch{\"a}tzungen mitsamt dem Log-rank-Test wurden die Gesamt{\"u}berlebens- und tumorspezifische {\"U}berlebensraten sowie das progressionsfreie {\"U}berleben in beiden Kollektiven beurteilt. Die Analyse der {\"U}berlebensdaten erfolgte durch die Regressionsmethode nach Cox (proportionales Hazard Modell). Die mediane Follow-Up Zeit betrug 37 Monate bei einem Interquartilsabstand von 9 bis 148 Monaten. Die Patienten, die die GEM-Erhaltungstherapie erhielten, zeigten signifikant bessere Ergebnisse bez{\"u}glich der Gesamt-5-Jahres-{\"U}berlebensrate (49,2 vs. 26,5 \%, p = 0,0314) sowie der tumorspezifischen 5-Jahres-{\"U}berlebensrate (61,3 vs. 33,4 \%, p = 0,0386). Dabei ergab sich in beiden Kollektiven kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied bez{\"u}glich des progressionsfreien 5-Jahres-{\"U}berlebens (10,3 vs. 16,1 \%, p = 0,134). Es ist dargelegt, dass die zus{\"a}tzliche GEM-Erhaltungschemotherapie nach Abschluss der prim{\"a}ren CBPC bei operativ vorbehandelten Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem UC sowohl Gesamt- als auch tumorspezifisches {\"U}berleben (wenngleich an einem kleinen Patientenkollektiv) verbessern kann. Der Einfluss der GEM-Erhaltungstherapie auf das progressionsfreie {\"U}berleben sollte in prospektiven Studien mit großer Patientenanzahl k{\"u}nftig evaluiert werden.}, subject = {Gemcitabin}, language = {de} } @article{GarciaBetancurGoniMorenoHorgeretal.2017, author = {Garc{\´i}a-Betancur, Juan-Carlos and Go{\~n}i-Moreno, Angel and Horger, Thomas and Schott, Melanie and Sharan, Malvika and Eikmeier, Julian and Wohlmuth, Barbara and Zernecke, Alma and Ohlsen, Knut and Kuttler, Christina and Lopez, Daniel}, title = {Cell differentiation defines acute and chronic infection cell types in Staphylococcus aureus}, series = {eLife}, volume = {6}, journal = {eLife}, number = {e28023}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.28023}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170346}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A central question to biology is how pathogenic bacteria initiate acute or chronic infections. Here we describe a genetic program for cell-fate decision in the opportunistic human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, which generates the phenotypic bifurcation of the cells into two genetically identical but different cell types during the course of an infection. Whereas one cell type promotes the formation of biofilms that contribute to chronic infections, the second type is planktonic and produces the toxins that contribute to acute bacteremia. We identified a bimodal switch in the agr quorum sensing system that antagonistically regulates the differentiation of these two physiologically distinct cell types. We found that extracellular signals affect the behavior of the agr bimodal switch and modify the size of the specialized subpopulations in specific colonization niches. For instance, magnesium-enriched colonization niches causes magnesium binding to S. aureusteichoic acids and increases bacterial cell wall rigidity. This signal triggers a genetic program that ultimately downregulates the agr bimodal switch. Colonization niches with different magnesium concentrations influence the bimodal system activity, which defines a distinct ratio between these subpopulations; this in turn leads to distinct infection outcomes in vitro and in an in vivo murine infection model. Cell differentiation generates physiological heterogeneity in clonal bacterial infections and helps to determine the distinct infection types.}, language = {en} } @article{BocukWolffKrauseetal.2017, author = {Bocuk, Derya and Wolff, Alexander and Krause, Petra and Salinas, Gabriela and Bleckmann, Annalen and Hackl, Christina and Beissbarth, Tim and Koenig, Sarah}, title = {The adaptation of colorectal cancer cells when forming metastases in the liver: expression of associated genes and pathways in a mouse model}, series = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, number = {342}, doi = {10.1186/s12885-017-3342-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170853}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women. Systemic disease with metastatic spread to distant sites such as the liver reduces the survival rate considerably. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in gene expression that occur on invasion and expansion of CRC cells when forming metastases in the liver. Methods: The livers of syngeneic C57BL/6NCrl mice were inoculated with 1 million CRC cells (CMT-93) via the portal vein, leading to the stable formation of metastases within 4 weeks. RNA sequencing performed on the Illumina platform was employed to evaluate the expression profiles of more than 14,000 genes, utilizing the RNA of the cell line cells and liver metastases as well as from corresponding tumour-free liver. Results: A total of 3329 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified when cultured CMT-93 cells propagated as metastases in the liver. Hierarchical clustering on heat maps demonstrated the clear changes in gene expression of CMT-93 cells on propagation in the liver. Gene ontology analysis determined inflammation, angiogenesis, and signal transduction as the top three relevant biological processes involved. Using a selection list, matrix metallopeptidases 2, 7, and 9, wnt inhibitory factor, and chemokine receptor 4 were the top five significantly dysregulated genes. Conclusion: Bioinformatics assists in elucidating the factors and processes involved in CRC liver metastasis. Our results support the notion of an invasion-metastasis cascade involving CRC cells forming metastases on successful invasion and expansion within the liver. Furthermore, we identified a gene expression signature correlating strongly with invasiveness and migration. Our findings may guide future research on novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of CRC liver metastasis.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Wolf2017, author = {Wolf, Beat}, title = {Reducing the complexity of OMICS data analysis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-153687}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The field of genetics faces a lot of challenges and opportunities in both research and diagnostics due to the rise of next generation sequencing (NGS), a technology that allows to sequence DNA increasingly fast and cheap. NGS is not only used to analyze DNA, but also RNA, which is a very similar molecule also present in the cell, in both cases producing large amounts of data. The big amount of data raises both infrastructure and usability problems, as powerful computing infrastructures are required and there are many manual steps in the data analysis which are complicated to execute. Both of those problems limit the use of NGS in the clinic and research, by producing a bottleneck both computationally and in terms of manpower, as for many analyses geneticists lack the required computing skills. Over the course of this thesis we investigated how computer science can help to improve this situation to reduce the complexity of this type of analysis. We looked at how to make the analysis more accessible to increase the number of people that can perform OMICS data analysis (OMICS groups various genomics data-sources). To approach this problem, we developed a graphical NGS data analysis pipeline aimed at a diagnostics environment while still being useful in research in close collaboration with the Human Genetics Department at the University of W{\"u}rzburg. The pipeline has been used in various research papers on covering subjects, including works with direct author participation in genomics, transcriptomics as well as epigenomics. To further validate the graphical pipeline, a user survey was carried out which confirmed that it lowers the complexity of OMICS data analysis. We also studied how the data analysis can be improved in terms of computing infrastructure by improving the performance of certain analysis steps. We did this both in terms of speed improvements on a single computer (with notably variant calling being faster by up to 18 times), as well as with distributed computing to better use an existing infrastructure. The improvements were integrated into the previously described graphical pipeline, which itself also was focused on low resource usage. As a major contribution and to help with future development of parallel and distributed applications, for the usage in genetics or otherwise, we also looked at how to make it easier to develop such applications. Based on the parallel object programming model (POP), we created a Java language extension called POP-Java, which allows for easy and transparent distribution of objects. Through this development, we brought the POP model to the cloud, Hadoop clusters and present a new collaborative distributed computing model called FriendComputing. The advances made in the different domains of this thesis have been published in various works specified in this document.}, subject = {Bioinformatik}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{YazdaniRashvanlouei2017, author = {Yazdani Rashvanlouei, Kourosh}, title = {Developing a Framework for International Projects of ERP Implementation}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154000}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Enterprise Systeme werden immer mehr von Bedeutung, was sie in die Mitte der Aufmerksamkeit und der Ber{\"u}cksichtigung durch Organisationen in verschiedensten Formen r{\"u}ckt - seien es Unternehmen oder Industrien von riesigen {\"o}ffentlichen oder privaten Organisationen bis hin zu mittleren und kleinen Dienstleistungsunternehmen. Diese Systeme verbessern sich st{\"a}ndig, sowohl funktionell, als auch technologisch und sie sind unumg{\"a}nglich f{\"u}r Unternehmen, um ihre Produktivit{\"a}t zu vergr{\"o}ßern und um in dem nationalen und globalen Wettbewerb mitzuhalten. Da lokale Softwarel{\"o}sungen die Bedingungen, speziell von großen Betrieben, funktionell und technologisch nicht erf{\"u}llen konnten und da riesige globale Softwarehersteller, wie SAP, Oracle und Microsoft ihre L{\"o}sungen rapide verbessern und sie ihren Markt immer mehr {\"u}ber den Globus expandieren, nimmt die Nachfrage f{\"u}r diese globalen Marken und deren nahezu einwandfreien Softwarel{\"o}sungen t{\"a}glich zu. Die Zustimmung f{\"u}r internationale ERP Unternehmensberatungsanwendungen nimmt deswegen exponentiell zu, w{\"a}hrend die Forschung der beeinflussenden Faktoren und des Fachwissens wenig verbreitet ist. Deswegen ist es so dringlich, dieses Gebiet zu erforschen. Das schlussendliche f{\"u}nf-in-f{\"u}nf Framework dieser Studie sammelt zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte alle historisch erw{\"a}hnten, kritischen Erfolgsfaktoren und Projektaktivit{\"a}ten. Diese wurden in f{\"u}nf Phasen unterteilt und nach den f{\"u}nf Schwerpunkten der internationalen ERP Projektdurchf{\"u}hrung kategorisiert. Dieses Framework bietet einen {\"U}berblick und bildet einen umfassenden Fahrplan f{\"u}r solche Projekte.}, subject = {ERP}, language = {en} } @article{WeigandRonchiRizkRabinetal.2017, author = {Weigand, Isabel and Ronchi, Cristina L. and Rizk-Rabin, Marthe and Dalmazi, Guido Di and Wild, Vanessa and Bathon, Kerstin and Rubin, Beatrice and Calebiro, Davide and Beuschlein, Felix and Bertherat, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Fassnacht, Martin and Sbiera, Silviu}, title = {Differential expression of the protein kinase A subunits in normal adrenal glands and adrenocortical adenomas}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {49}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-00125-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157952}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Somatic mutations in protein kinase A catalytic α subunit (PRKACA) were found to be causative for 30-40\% of cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) of the adrenal gland, rendering PKA signalling constitutively active. In its resting state, PKA is a stable and inactive heterotetramer, consisting of two catalytic and two regulatory subunits with the latter inhibiting PKA activity. The human genome encodes three different PKA catalytic subunits and four different regulatory subunits that are preferentially expressed in different organs. In normal adrenal glands all regulatory subunits are expressed, while CPA exhibit reduced protein levels of the regulatory subunit IIβ. In this study, we linked for the first time the loss of RIIβ protein levels to the PRKACA mutation status and found the down-regulation of RIIβ to arise post-transcriptionally. We further found the PKA subunit expression pattern of different tumours is also present in the zones of the normal adrenal cortex and demonstrate that the different PKA subunits have a differential expression pattern in each zone of the normal adrenal gland, indicating potential specific roles of these subunits in the regulation of different hormones secretion.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Haller2017, author = {Haller, Elisabeth}, title = {Postoperatives Outcome nach offener Herzoperation mit begleitender Amputation des linken Vorhofohres zur Thrombembolieprophylaxe bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern : eine retrospektive Studie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154391}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Studie an der Klinik und Poliklinik f{\"u}r Herz-, Thorax- und thorakale Gef{\"a}ßchirurgie der Uniklinik W{\"u}rzburg im Zeitraum von Januar 2010 bis Mai 2013 wurden 148 kardiochirurgische konsekutive Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern und Amputation des linken Vorhofohres retrospektiv untersucht. Zielsetzung war zu evaluieren inwiefern die Vorhofohramputation ein sicheres Verfahren darstellt. 2,7\% des Patientenkollektivs erlitten perioperativ einen Apoplex. Die Tatsache, dass alle Patienten in der Aufwachphase bzw. direkt post extubationem mit einem fokal-neurologischen Defizit auff{\"a}llig geworden waren und in allen F{\"a}llen ein isch{\"a}mischer cerebraler Insult radiologisch nachweisbar war, legt nahe, dass es sich um embolische Infarkte im direkten Zusammenhang mit der Operation handelte. Die Apoplexpatienten, bei denen perioperativ eine TAA nachweisbar war (50\%), hatten das cerebrale Ereignis bereits vor Auftreten der TAA. 50\% der Apoplexpatienten entsprechen mit der Kombination aus operativer Myokardrevaskularisation und einem Eingriff an der Aortenklappe dem in der Literatur beschriebenen h{\"o}chsten Risiko f{\"u}r einen Apoplex bei kardiochirurgischen Eingriffen [4]. Aufgrund der geringen Fallzahl der Studie war die Erhebung von bestimmten Risikoprofilen f{\"u}r das Auftreten eines Apoplex nicht m{\"o}glich, auff{\"a}llig war jedoch, dass 75\% der Apoplexpatienten an intermittierendem Vorhofflimmern litten. Dar{\"u}berhinaus zeigten die Apoplexpatienten eine signifikant (p=0,008) l{\"a}ngere Nachbeatmungszeit. Eine Aussage {\"u}ber die Effektivit{\"a}t der Vorhofohramputation in Hinblick auf die Prophylaxe eines Apoplex ist in der vorliegenden Studie aufgrund des kurzen Beobachtungszeitraums bis zum Zeitpunkt der Entlassung nicht m{\"o}glich. Zu diesem Zweck bedarf es weiteren Studien, in der das Patientenkollektiv postoperativ in Intervallen hinsichtlich eines cerebralen Insults und der Antikoagulation nachverfolgt wird. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus kann - wie in der Literatur beschrieben - vermutet werden, dass Patienten mit pr{\"a}operativem Vorhofflimmern ein erh{\"o}htes perioperatives Mortalit{\"a}ts- und Morbidit{\"a}tsrisiko haben. Die Letalit{\"a}t war mit 8,1\% in der untersuchten Patientenkohorte deutlich h{\"o}her als in der Literatur, bei genauerer Betrachtung der Auswahl der Patienten zeigt sich jedoch, dass das Einschlusskriterium der Diagnose Vorhofflimmern als Risikofaktor eine große Rolle spielt [4]. Des Weiteren wurde mit 11,8\% bei den Kombinationsoperationen eine deutlich h{\"o}here Letalit{\"a}t im Gegensatz zu den isolierten CABG-OPs mit 4,8\% festgestellt. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die perioperativ verstorbenen Patienten gem{\"a}ß den Risikostratifizierungen aus der Literatur ein deutlich erh{\"o}htes Risikoprofil f{\"u}r Morbidit{\"a}t besaßen [25-30]. Insbesondere das mit 76 (SD±9) Jahren signifikant (p=0,001) h{\"o}here Lebensalter der Patienten und die signifikant (0,001) l{\"a}ngere Operationszeit, v.a. eine mit 197 Minuten (SD±11) signifikant l{\"a}ngere EKZ-Dauer, scheinen eine entscheidende Rolle in der Betrachtung der perioperativen Morbidit{\"a}t zu spielen. Eine TAA trat perioperativ bei 31,1\% der Patienten auf. Im Hinblick auf eine Kardioversion konnte festgestellt werden, dass die medikament{\"o}se Kardioversion 94,7\% Sinusrhythmus bei Entlassung der elektrischen Kardioversion mit 61,1\% Sinusrhythmus bei Entlassung {\"u}berlegen war. Des Weiteren zeigte die vorliegende Studie, dass eine Cryoablation mit einer Steigerung der Rate an Sinusrhythmus von pr{\"a}operativ 53,0\% auf 69,7\% bei Entlassung erfolgreich zu sein scheint. Zur weiteren Evaluation der Cryoablation m{\"u}ssen jedoch gesonderte Studien durchgef{\"u}hrt werden, da in der vorliegenden Studie zu beachten ist, dass sowohl Patienten mit chronischem Vorhofflimmern als auch Patienten mit intermittierendem Vorhofflimmern ber{\"u}cksichtigt wurden. Die Revisionsrate aufgrund einer Blutung war mit 7,4\% h{\"o}her als Vegleichswerte in der Literatur [37-39]. Die Kombinationsoperationen hatten mit 11,3\% eine mehr als doppelt so hohe Revisionsrate als die isolierten Koronarchirurgieeingriffe mit 3,9\%. Herzchirurgische Kombinationseingriffe werden in der Literatur mit einem erh{\"o}hten Revisionsrisiko beschrieben. In der vorliegenden Studie scheint, wie auch in der Literatur [40,41], die Dauer der Herzlungenmaschinenzeit eine Rolle zu spielen. In der vorliegenden Studie war diese mit 152 Minuten (±52,35) bei den Kombinationsoperationen im Gegensatz zu 106 Minuten (±54,76) bei den isolierten CABG-OPs deutlich l{\"a}nger und entspricht mit >150 Minuten auch einer in der Literatur beschriebenen Zeitgrenze f{\"u}r ein signifikant h{\"o}heres Risiko einer Revision [41]. Auf der Basis der im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung genannten Ergebnisse kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass die chirurgische Amputation des linken Vorhofohres ein sicheres Verfahren ist, das die Operationszeit nur unwesentlich verl{\"a}ngert. Inwieweit die chirurgische Vorhofohramputation auch einen benefiziellen Aspekt im Sinne der Reduktion der Rate von postoperativ neuaufgetretenen Apoplexen eine Rolle spielt bzw. das Verzichten auf eine Antikoagulationstherapie bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern m{\"o}glich macht, m{\"u}ssen weiterf{\"u}hrende prospektiv-randomisierte Studien zeigen.}, subject = {Vorhofflimmern}, language = {de} } @article{BousquetOnoratoBachertetal.2017, author = {Bousquet, J. and Onorato, G. L. and Bachert, C. and Barbolini, M. and Bedbrook, A. and Bjermer, L. and Correia de Sousa, J. and Chavannes, N. H. and Cruz, A. A. and De Manuel Keenoy, E. and Devillier, P. and Fonseca, J. and Hun, S. and Kostka, T. and Hellings, P. W. and Illario, M. and Ivancevich, J. C. and Larenas-Linnemann, D. and Millot-Keurinck, J. and Ryan, D. and Samolinski, B. and Sheikh, A. and Yorgancioglu, A. and Agache, I. and Arnavielhe, S. and Bewick, M. and Annesi-Maesano, I. and Anto, J. M. and Bergmann, K. C. and Bindslev-Jensen, C. and Bosnic-Anticevich, S. and Bouchard, J. and Caimmi, D. P. and Camargos, P. and Canonica, G. W. and Cardona, V. and Carriazo, A. M. and Cingi, C. and Cogan, E. and Custovic, A. and Dahl, R. and Demoly, P. and De Vries, G. and Fokkens, W. J. and Fontaine, J. F. and Gemicioğlu, B. and Guldemond, N. and Gutter, Z. and Haahtela, T. and Hellqvist-Dahl, B. and Jares, E. and Joos, G. and Just, J. and Khaltaev, N. and Keil, T. and Klimek, L. and Kowalski, M. L. and Kull, I. and Kuna, P. and Kvedariene, V. and Laune, D. and Louis, R. and Magnan, A. and Malva, J. and Mathieu-Dupas, E. and Mel{\´e}n, E. and Menditto, E. and Morais-Almeida, M. and M{\"o}sges, R. and Mullol, J. and Murray, R. and Neffen, H. and O'Hehir, R. and Palkonen, S. and Papadopoulos, N. G. and Passalacqua, G. and P{\´e}pin, J. L. and Portejoie, F. and Price, D. and Pugin, B. and Raciborski, F. and Simons, F. E. R. and Sova, M. and Spranger, O. and Stellato, C. and Todo Bom, A. and Tomazic, P. V. and Triggiani, M. and Valero, A. and Valovirta, E. and VandenPlas, O. and Valiulis, A. and van Eerd, M. and Ventura, M. T. and Wickmann, M. and Young, I. and Zuberbier, T. and Zurkuhlen, A. and Senn, A.}, title = {CHRODIS criteria applied to the MASK (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK) Good Practice in allergic rhinitis: a SUNFRAIL report}, series = {Clinical and Translational Allergy}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Clinical and Translational Allergy}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1186/s13601-017-0173-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173527}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A Good Practice is a practice that works well, produces good results, and is recommended as a model. MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel Network (MASK), the new Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative, is an example of a Good Practice focusing on the implementation of multi-sectoral care pathways using emerging technologies with real life data in rhinitis and asthma multi-morbidity. The European Union Joint Action on Chronic Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing across the Life Cycle (JA-CHRODIS) has developed a checklist of 28 items for the evaluation of Good Practices. SUNFRAIL (Reference Sites Network for Prevention and Care of Frailty and Chronic Conditions in community dwelling persons of EU Countries), a European Union project, assessed whether MASK is in line with the 28 items of JA-CHRODIS. A short summary was proposed for each item and 18 experts, all members of ARIA and SUNFRAIL from 12 countries, assessed the 28 items using a Survey Monkey-based questionnaire. A visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (strongly disagree) to 100 (strongly agree) was used. Agreement equal or over 75\% was observed for 14 items (50\%). MASK is following the JA-CHRODIS recommendations for the evaluation of Good Practices.}, language = {en} } @article{LiuChenGaoetal.2017, author = {Liu, Han and Chen, Chunhai and Gao, Zexia and Min, Jiumeng and Gu, Yongming and Jian, Jianbo and Jiang, Xiewu and Cai, Huimin and Ebersberger, Ingo and Xu, Meng and Zhang, Xinhui and Chen, Jianwei and Luo, Wei and Chen, Boxiang and Chen, Junhui and Liu, Hong and Li, Jiang and Lai, Ruifang and Bai, Mingzhou and Wei, Jin and Yi, Shaokui and Wang, Huanling and Cao, Xiaojuan and Zhou, Xiaoyun and Zhao, Yuhua and Wei, Kaijian and Yang, Ruibin and Liu, Bingnan and Zhao, Shancen and Fang, Xiaodong and Schartl, Manfred and Qian, Xueqiao and Wang, Weimin}, title = {The draft genome of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) reveals the development of intermuscular bone and adaptation to herbivorous diet}, series = {GigaScience}, volume = {6}, journal = {GigaScience}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1093/gigascience/gix039}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170844}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala is the economically most important cyprinid fish species. As an herbivore, it can be grown by eco-friendly and resource-conserving aquaculture. However, the large number of intermuscular bones in the trunk musculature is adverse to fish meat processing and consumption. As a first towards optimizing this aquatic livestock, we present a 1.116-Gb draft genome of M. amblycephala, with 779.54 Mb anchored on 24 linkage groups. Integrating spatiotemporal transcriptome analyses, we show that intermuscular bone is formed in the more basal teleosts by intramembranous ossification and may be involved in muscle contractibility and coordinating cellular events. Comparative analysis revealed that olfactory receptor genes, especially of the beta type, underwent an extensive expansion in herbivorous cyprinids, whereas the gene for the umami receptor T1R1 was specifically lost in M. amblycephala. The composition of gut microflora, which contributes to the herbivorous adaptation of M. amblycephala, was found to be similar to that of other herbivores. As a valuable resource for the improvement of M. amblycephala livestock, the draft genome sequence offers new insights into the development of intermuscular bone and herbivorous adaptation.}, language = {en} } @article{HeuserGototPiotrowskietal.2017, author = {Heuser, Christoph and Gotot, Janine and Piotrowski, Eveline Christina and Philipp, Marie-Sophie and Courr{\`e}ges, Christina Johanna Felicia and Otte, Martin Sylvester and Guo, Linlin and Schmid-Burgk, Jonathan Leo and Hornung, Veit and Heine, Annkristin and Knolle, Percy Alexander and Garbi, Natalio and Serfling, Edgar and Evaristo, C{\´e}sar and Thaiss, Friedrich and Kurts, Christian}, title = {Prolonged IKK\(\beta\) Inhibition Improves Ongoing CTL Antitumor Responses by Incapacitating Regulatory T Cells}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {21}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.082}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173643}, pages = {578-586}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmunity but limit antitumor immunity. The canonical NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling pathway both activates immunity and promotes thymic Treg development. Here, we report that mature Tregs continue to require NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling through I\(\kappa\)B-kinase \(\beta\) (IKK\(\beta\)) after thymic egress. Mice lacking IKK\(\beta\) in mature Tregs developed scurfy-like immunopathology due to death of peripheral FoxP3\(^+\) Tregs. Also, pharmacological IKK\(\beta\) inhibition reduced Treg numbers in the circulation by ~50\% and downregulated FoxP3 and CD25 expression and STAT5 phosphorylation. In contrast, activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were resistant to IKK\(\beta\) inhibition because other pathways, in particular nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) signaling, sustained their survival and expansion. In a melanoma mouse model, IKK\(\beta\) inhibition after CTL cross-priming improved the antitumor response and delayed tumor growth. In conclusion, prolonged IKK\(\beta\) inhibition decimates circulating Tregs and improves CTL responses when commenced after tumor vaccination, indicating that IKK\(\beta\) represents a druggable checkpoint.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17360, title = {Measurements of charge and CP asymmetries in \(b\)-hadron decays using top-quark events collected by the ATLAS detector in \(pp\) collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {02}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP02(2017)071}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173603}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Same- and opposite-sign charge asymmetries are measured in lepton+jets \({t\overline{t}}\) events in which a \(b\)-hadron decays semileptonically to a soft muon, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb\(^{-1}\) from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The charge asymmetries are based on the charge of the lepton from the top-quark decay and the charge of the soft muon from the semileptonic decay of a \(b\)-hadron and are measured in a fiducial region corresponding to the experimental acceptance. Four CP asymmetries (one mixing and three direct) are measured and are found to be compatible with zero and consistent with the Standard Model.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Dhara2017, author = {Dhara, Ayan}, title = {Stimuli-Responsive Self-Assembly and Spatial Functionalization of Organic Cages Based on Tribenzotriquinacenes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154762}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Within this thesis, synthetic strategies for self-assembled organic cage compounds have been developed that allow for both stimuli-responsive control over assembly/disassembly processes and spatial control over functionalization. To purposefully operate the reversible assembly of organic cages, boron-nitrogen dative bonds have been exploited for the formation of a well-defined, discrete bipyramidal organic assembly in solution. Thermodynamic association equilibria for cage formation have been investigated by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). Temperature-dependent NMR studies revealed a reversible cage opening upon heating and quantitative reassembly upon cooling. For the spatial functionalization of organic cages, two divergent molecular building units have been designed and synthesized, namely tribenzotriquinacene derivatives possessing a terminal alkyne moiety at the apical position and a meta-diboronic acid having a pyridyl group at the 2-position. Facile access to a variety of apically functionalized tribenzotriquinacenes has been illustrated by post-synthetic modifications at the terminal alkyne group by Sonogashira cross-coupling and azide-alkyne click reactions. Finally, these apically functionalized tribenzotriquinacene building blocks have been implemented into boronate ester-based organic cage compounds showing modular exohedral functionalities.}, subject = {Selbstorganisation}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Bergauer2017, author = {Bergauer, Lisa}, title = {Die Bedeutung des neurotrophen Faktors Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) f{\"u}r die Integrit{\"a}t der intestinalen Epithelbarriere}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-155259}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die Effekte des neurotrophen Faktors GDNF auf die Struktur und Funktion der intestinalen Epithelbarriere untersucht. Zellkulturen mit Caco2 beziehungsweise HT29B6 dienten als Modellsysteme f{\"u}r die Epithelschicht der Darmschleimhaut. Transwellsassays und TER-Messungen mittels ECIS-Ger{\"a}t fungierten als zentrale Untersuchungsmethoden zur Evaluation der funktionellen Barriereeigenschaft der Zellmonolayer. Die morphologischen und quantitativen Ver{\"a}nderungen von Zelljunktionsproteinen wurden mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenzf{\"a}rbungen beziehungsweise Western Blot-Untersuchungen dargestellt. Um Migration- und Proliferationsverhalten nach Verletzung des Zellmonolayers zu untersuchen, f{\"u}hrten wir in vitro-Scratch-Assays durch. Zun{\"a}chst wurde best{\"a}tigt, dass intestinale Epithelzellen die GDNF-Rezeptoren GFRα1, GFRα2 und RET exprimieren. Es zeigte sich sowohl in Immunf{\"a}rbungen gegen Junktionsproteine als auch in Permeabilit{\"a}tsmessungen, dass GDNF zu einer verst{\"a}rkten Differenzierung der intestinalen Epithelbarriere f{\"u}hrt. In Inhibitions- und Aktivierungsexperimenten mit verschiedenen Mediatoren wurde als zugrunde liegender Mechanismus die Inaktiverung der p38 MAPK durch GDNF identifiziert. Weiterhin zeigten Versuche mit epithelialen Wundheilungsassays, dass GDNF, {\"u}ber eine cAMP/PKA-abh{\"a}ngige Induktion der Proliferation, zu einer Verbesserung der Wundheilung f{\"u}hrt. In Immunf{\"a}rbungen und Western Blot-Analysen wurde beobachtet, dass auch intestinale Epithelzelllinien in der Lage sind GDNF zu synthetisieren. Zusammenfassend konnte in der vorliegenden Arbeit erstmals gezeigt werden, dass der neurotrophe Faktor GDNF direkt auf die Differenzierung und Proliferation von kultivierten Enterozyten Einfluss nehmen kann. Die Tatsache, dass intestinale Epithelzellen selbst GDNF synthetisieren und sezernieren k{\"o}nnen, weist auf einen neuen autokrinen- oder parakrinen Wirkmechanismus des neurotrophen Faktors hin.}, subject = {Epithel}, language = {de} } @misc{Shane2017, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Shane, Nadine}, title = {The Country-of-Origin Effect and its Potential Impact on How German Consumers Perceive Chinese Luxury Goods}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-153047}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {This thesis investigates the impact of the country-of-origin effect on Chinese luxury brands which intend to enter the German luxury goods market. By means of a questionnaire and a quantitative analysis, possible threats to Chinese newcomers that derive from an unfavorable country image are illustrated. In fact, the Chinese origin of luxury goods has an impact on German consumers' perception.}, subject = {China}, language = {en} } @article{StoevesandtHospKerstanetal.2017, author = {Stoevesandt, Johanna and Hosp, Christine and Kerstan, Andreas and Trautmann, Axel}, title = {Safety of 100 µg venom immunotherapy rush protocols in children compared to adults}, series = {Allergy, Asthma \& Clinical Immunology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Allergy, Asthma \& Clinical Immunology}, number = {32}, doi = {10.1186/s13223-017-0204-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157830}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: There is a paucity of studies examining the safety of venom immunotherapy (VIT) in children. We aimed to assess the incidence of anaphylactic side effects during rush VIT in a cohort of pediatric patients and adult controls. Methods: 72 consecutive cycles of VIT-buildup in 71 children/adolescents aged 7-17 years were retrospectively evaluated and compared to an adult control group (n = 981) with regard to baseline parameters (sex, causative venom, severity of index sting reaction, results of allergy testing, comorbidities) and the incidence of anaphylactic adverse reactions. Results: Compared to adults, severe index sting-induced anaphylaxis was significantly less common in children (P = .001). Children were more likely to suffer from bee venom allergy (P < .001) and showed higher levels of bee venom-specific IgE (P = .013), but lower serum tryptase concentrations (P = .014). The overall rate of VIT-induced anaphylactic reactions was higher in children than in adults (6.9\% vs 2.5\%, P = .046 by univariate analysis). In the final binary logistic regression model, however, only bee VIT (P = .039; odds ratio 2.25; confidence interval 1.04-4.87) and 5-day compared to 3-day buildup protocols (P = .011; odds ratio 2.64; confidence interval 1.25-5.57) were associated with an increased risk of treatment-induced anaphylaxis. All pediatric patients finally reached and tolerated the target maintenance dose of 100 µg. Conclusions: The higher anaphylactic reaction rate observed in pediatric patients may be attributed to a greater prevalence of bee venom allergy. VIT-induced anaphylaxis in children is usually mild and does not affect further updosing and maintenance of VIT.}, language = {en} } @article{SeherLaglerStuehmeretal.2017, author = {Seher, Axel and Lagler, Charlotte and St{\"u}hmer, Thorsten and M{\"u}ller-Richter, Urs Dietmar Achim and K{\"u}bler, Alexander Christian and Sebald, Walter and M{\"u}ller, Thomas Dieter and Nickel, Joachim}, title = {Utilizing BMP-2 muteins for treatment of multiple myeloma}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0174884}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158144}, pages = {e0174884}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Multiple myeloma (MM) represents a haematological cancer characterized by the pathological hyper proliferation of antibody-producing B-lymphocytes. Patients typically suffer from kidney malfunction and skeletal disorders. In the context of MM, the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) member Activin A was recently identified as a promoter of both accompanying symptoms. Because studies have shown that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2-mediated activities are counteracted by Activin A, we analysed whether BMP2, which also binds to the Activin A receptors ActRII and ActRIIB but activates the alternative SMAD-1/5/8 pathway, can be used to antagonize Activin A activities, such as in the context of MM. Therefore three BMP2 derivatives were generated with modified binding activities for the type II (ActRIIB) and/or type I receptor (BMPRIA) showing either increased or decreased BMP2 activity. In the context of MM these BMP2 muteins show two functionalities since they act as a) an anti-proliferative/apoptotic agent against neoplastic B-cells, b) as a bone-formation promoting growth factor. The molecular basis of both activities was shown in two different cellular models to clearly rely on the properties of the investigated BMP2 muteins to compete for the binding of Activin A to the Activin type II receptors. The experimental outcome suggests new therapeutic strategies using BMP2 variants in the treatment of MM-related pathologies.}, language = {en} } @article{WangIpKlausKarikarietal.2017, author = {Wang Ip, Chi and Klaus, Laura-Christin and Karikari, Akua A. and Visanji, Naomi P. and Brotchie, Jonathan M. and Lang, Anthony E. and Volkmann, Jens and Koprich, James B.}, title = {AAV1/2-induced overexpression of A53T-α-synuclein in the substantia nigra results in degeneration of the nigrostriatal system with Lewy-like pathology and motor impairment: a new mouse model for Parkinson's disease}, series = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, volume = {5}, journal = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1186/s40478-017-0416-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159429}, year = {2017}, abstract = {α-Synuclein is a protein implicated in the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). AAV1/2-driven overexpression of human mutated A53T-α-synuclein in rat and monkey substantia nigra (SN) induces degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons and decreases striatal dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Given certain advantages of the mouse, especially it being amendable to genetic manipulation, translating the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein model to mice would be of significant value. AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein or AAV1/2 empty vector (EV) at a concentration of 5.16 x 10\(^{12}\) gp/ml were unilaterally injected into the right SN of male adult C57BL/6 mice. Post-mortem examinations included immunohistochemistry to analyze nigral α-synuclein, Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein and TH expression, striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) levels by autoradiography and dopamine levels by high performance liquid chromatography. At 10 weeks, in AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein mice there was a 33\% reduction in TH+ dopaminergic nigral neurons (P < 0.001), 29\% deficit in striatal DAT binding (P < 0.05), 38\% and 33\% reductions in dopamine (P < 0.001) and DOPAC (P < 0.01) levels and a 60\% increase in dopamine turnover (homovanilic acid/dopamine ratio; P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence showed that the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein injected mice had widespread nigral and striatal expression of vector-delivered A53T-α-synuclein. Concurrent staining with human PD SN samples using gold standard histological methodology for Lewy pathology detection by proteinase K digestion and application of specific antibody raised against human Lewy body α-synuclein (LB509) and Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein (81A) revealed insoluble α-synuclein aggregates in AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein mice resembling Lewy-like neurites and bodies. In the cylinder test, we observed significant paw use asymmetry in the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein group when compared to EV controls at 5 and 9 weeks post injection (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). These data show that unilateral injection of AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein into the mouse SN leads to persistent motor deficits, neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and development of Lewy-like pathology, thereby reflecting clinical and pathological hallmarks of human PD.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinHesslingMuhammadKleinetal.2017, author = {Klein-Hessling, Stefan and Muhammad, Khalid and Klein, Matthias and Pusch, Tobias and Rudolf, Ronald and Fl{\"o}ter, Jessica and Qureischi, Musga and Beilhack, Andreas and Vaeth, Martin and Kummerow, Carsten and Backes, Christian and Schoppmeyer, Rouven and Hahn, Ulrike and Hoth, Markus and Bopp, Tobias and Berberich-Siebelt, Friederike and Patra, Amiya and Avots, Andris and M{\"u}ller, Nora and Schulze, Almut and Serfling, Edgar}, title = {NFATc1 controls the cytotoxicity of CD8\(^{+}\) T cells}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {8}, journal = {Nature Communications}, number = {511}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-017-00612-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170353}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are effector CD8\(^{+}\) T cells that eradicate infected and malignant cells. Here we show that the transcription factor NFATc1 controls the cytotoxicity of mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Activation of Nfatc1\(^{-/-}\) cytotoxic T lymphocytes showed a defective cytoskeleton organization and recruitment of cytosolic organelles to immunological synapses. These cells have reduced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and mice with NFATc1-deficient T cells are defective in controlling Listeria infection. Transcriptome analysis shows diminished RNA levels of numerous genes in Nfatc1\(^{-/-}\) CD8\(^{+}\) T cells, including Tbx21, Gzmb and genes encoding cytokines and chemokines, and genes controlling glycolysis. Nfatc1\(^{-/-}\), but not Nfatc2\(^{-/-}\) CD8\(^{+}\) T cells have an impaired metabolic switch to glycolysis, which can be restored by IL-2. Genome-wide ChIP-seq shows that NFATc1 binds many genes that control cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. Together these data indicate that NFATc1 is an important regulator of cytotoxic T lymphocyte effector functions.}, language = {en} } @article{KnauerGessnerFensholtetal.2017, author = {Knauer, Kim and Gessner, Ursula and Fensholt, Rasmus and Forkuor, Gerald and Kuenzer, Claudia}, title = {Monitoring agricultural expansion in Burkina Faso over 14 years with 30 m resolution time series: the role of population growth and implications for the environment}, series = {Remote Sensing}, volume = {9}, journal = {Remote Sensing}, number = {2}, doi = {10.3390/rs9020132}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171905}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Burkina Faso ranges amongst the fastest growing countries in the world with an annual population growth rate of more than three percent. This trend has consequences for food security since agricultural productivity is still on a comparatively low level in Burkina Faso. In order to compensate for the low productivity, the agricultural areas are expanding quickly. The mapping and monitoring of this expansion is difficult, even on the basis of remote sensing imagery, since the extensive farming practices and frequent cloud coverage in the area make the delineation of cultivated land from other land cover and land use types a challenging task. However, as the rapidly increasing population could have considerable effects on the natural resources and on the regional development of the country, methods for improved mapping of LULCC (land use and land cover change) are needed. For this study, we applied the newly developed ESTARFM (Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model) framework to generate high temporal (8-day) and high spatial (30 m) resolution NDVI time series for all of Burkina Faso for the years 2001, 2007, and 2014. For this purpose, more than 500 Landsat scenes and 3000 MODIS scenes were processed with this automated framework. The generated ESTARFM NDVI time series enabled extraction of per-pixel phenological features that all together served as input for the delineation of agricultural areas via random forest classification at 30 m spatial resolution for entire Burkina Faso and the three years. For training and validation, a randomly sampled reference dataset was generated from Google Earth images and based on expert knowledge. The overall accuracies of 92\% (2001), 91\% (2007), and 91\% (2014) indicate the well-functioning of the applied methodology. The results show an expansion of agricultural area of 91\% between 2001 and 2014 to a total of 116,900 km\(^2\). While rainfed agricultural areas account for the major part of this trend, irrigated areas and plantations also increased considerably, primarily promoted by specific development projects. This expansion goes in line with the rapid population growth in most provinces of Burkina Faso where land was still available for an expansion of agricultural area. The analysis of agricultural encroachment into protected areas and their surroundings highlights the increased human pressure on these areas and the challenges of environmental protection for the future.}, language = {en} } @article{DennerLangPellenetal.2017, author = {Denner, Ansgar and Lang, Jean-Nicolas and Pellen, Mathieu and Uccirati, Sandro}, title = {Higgs production in association with off-shell top-antitop pairs at NLO EW and QCD at the LHC}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP02(2017)053}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171871}, year = {2017}, abstract = {We present NLO electroweak corrections to Higgs production in association with off-shell top-antitop quark pairs. The full process pp → e +νeµ -ν¯µbb¯H is considered, and hence all interference, off-shell, and non-resonant contributions are taken into account. The electroweak corrections turn out to be below one per cent for the integrated cross section but can exceed 10\% in certain phase-space regions. In addition to its phenomenological relevance, the computation constitutes a major technical achievement as the full NLO virtual corrections involving up to 9-point functions have been computed exactly. The results of the full computation are supported by two calculations in the double-pole approximation. These also allow to infer the effect of off-shell contributions and emphasise their importance especially for the run II of the LHC. Finally, we present combined predictions featuring both NLO electroweak and QCD corrections in a common set-up that will help the experimental collaborations in their quest of precisely measuring the aforementioned process.}, language = {en} } @article{TriphanJobstAnjorinetal.2017, author = {Triphan, Simon M. F. and Jobst, Bertram J. and Anjorin, Angela and Sedlaczek, Oliver and Wolf, Ursula and Terekhov, Maxim and Hoffmann, Christian and Ley, Sebastian and D{\"u}ber, Christoph and Biederer, J{\"u}rgen and Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich and Jakob, Peter M. and Wielp{\"u}tz, Mark O.}, title = {Reproducibility and comparison of oxygen-enhanced T\(_1\) quantification in COPD and asthma patients}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0172479}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171833}, year = {2017}, abstract = {T\(_1\) maps have been shown to yield useful diagnostic information on lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, both for native T\(_1\) and ΔT\(_1\), the relative reduction while breathing pure oxygen. As parameter quantification is particularly interesting for longitudinal studies, the purpose of this work was both to examine the reproducibility of lung T\(_1\) mapping and to compare T\(_1\) found in COPD and asthma patients using IRSnapShotFLASH embedded in a full MRI protocol. 12 asthma and 12 COPD patients (site 1) and further 15 COPD patients (site 2) were examined on two consecutive days. In each patient, T\(_1\) maps were acquired in 8 single breath-hold slices, breathing first room air, then pure oxygen. Maps were partitioned into 12 regions each to calculate average values. In asthma patients, the average T\(_{1,RA}\) = 1206ms (room air) was reduced to T\(_{1,O2}\) = 1141ms under oxygen conditions (ΔT\(_1\) = 5.3\%, p < 5⋅10\(^{-4})\), while in COPD patients both native T\(_{1,RA}\) = 1125ms was significantly shorter (p < 10\(^{-3})\) and the relative reduction to T\(_{1,O2}\) = 1081ms on average ΔT\(_1\) = 4.2\%(p < 10\(^{-5}\)). On the second day, with T\(_{1,RA}\) = 1186ms in asthma and T\(_{1,RA}\) = 1097ms in COPD, observed values were slightly shorter on average in all patient groups. ΔT\(_1\) reduction was the least repeatable parameter and varied from day to day by up to 23\% in individual asthma and 30\% in COPD patients. While for both patient groups T\(_1\) was below the values reported for healthy subjects, the T\(_1\) and ΔT\(_1\) found in asthmatics lies between that of the COPD group and reported values for healthy subjects, suggesting a higher blood volume fraction and better ventilation. However, it could be demonstrated that lung T\(_1\) quantification is subject to notable inter-examination variability, which here can be attributed both to remaining contrast agent from the previous day and the increased dependency of lung T\(_1\) on perfusion and thus current lung state.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17241, title = {Measurement of \(b\)-hadron pair production with the ATLAS detector in proton-proton collisions at \(\sqrt{s}=8\) TeV}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {11}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP11(2017)062}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172414}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A measurement of \(b\)-hadron pair production is presented, based on a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.4 fb\(^{-1}\) of proton-proton collisions recorded at \(\sqrt{s}=8\) TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Events are selected in which a \(b\)-hadron is reconstructed in a decay channel containing \(J/ψ → μμ\), and a second \(b\)-hadron is reconstructed in a decay channel containing a muon. Results are presented in a fiducial volume defined by kinematic requirements on three muons based on those used in the analysis. The fiducial cross section is measured to be 17.7 ± 0.1(stat.) ± 2.0(syst.) nb. A number of normalised differential cross sections are also measured, and compared to predictions from the PHYTHIA8, HERWIG++, MADGRAPH5_AMC@NLO+PYTHIA8 and SHERPA event generators, providing new constraints on heavy flavour production.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17239, title = {Measurement of the \(t\overline{t}γ\) production cross section in proton-proton collisions at \(\sqrt{s} = 8\) TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {86}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP11(2017)086}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172399}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The cross section of a top-quark pair produced in association with a photon is measured in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of \(\sqrt{s} = 8\) TeV with 20.2 fb\(^{-1}\) of data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2012. The measurement is performed by selecting events that contain a photon with transverse momentum \(p_T\) > 15 GeV, an isolated lepton with large transverse momentum, large missing transverse momentum, and at least four jets, where at least one is identified as originating from a \(b\)-quark. The production cross section is measured in a fiducial region close to the selection requirements. It is found to be 139 ± 7 (stat.) ± 17 (syst.) fb, in good agreement with the theoretical prediction at next-to-leading order of 151 ± 24 fb. In addition, differential cross sections in the fiducial region are measured as a function of the transverse momentum and pseudorapidity of the photon.}, language = {en} } @article{LindertPozzoriniBoughezaletal.2017, author = {Lindert, J. M. and Pozzorini, S. and Boughezal, R. and Campbell, J. M. and Denner, A. and Dittmaier, S. and Gehrmann-De Ridder, A. and Gehrmann, T. and Glover, N. and Huss, A. and Kallweit, S. and Maierh{\"o}fer, P. and Mangano, M. L. and Morgan, T. A. and M{\"u}ck, A. and Petriello, F. and Salam, G. P. and Sch{\"o}nherr, M. and Williams, C.}, title = {Precise predictions for \(V+\)jets dark matter backgrounds}, series = {European Physical Journal C}, volume = {77}, journal = {European Physical Journal C}, doi = {10.1140/epjc/s10052-017-5389-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172555}, year = {2017}, abstract = {High-energy jets recoiling against missing transverse energy (MET) are powerful probes of dark matter at the LHC. Searches based on large MET signatures require a precise control of the \({Z(ν\overline{ν})}+\) jet background in the signal region. This can be achieved by taking accurate data in control regions dominated by \(Z(ℓ^+ℓ^-)+\) jet, \(W(ℓν)+\) jet and \(γ+\) jet production, and extrapolating to the \({Z(ν\overline{ν})}+\) jet background by means of precise theoretical predictions. In this context, recent advances in perturbative calculations open the door to significant sensitivity improvements in dark matter searches. In this spirit, we present a combination of state-of-the-art calculations for all relevant \(V+\) jets processes, including throughout NNLO QCD corrections and NLO electroweak corrections supplemented by Sudakov logarithms at two loops. Predictions at parton level are provided together with detailed recommendations for their usage in experimental analyses based on the reweighting of Monte Carlo samples. Particular attention is devoted to the estimate of theoretical uncertainties in the framework of dark matter searches, where subtle aspects such as correlations across different \(V+\) jet processes play a key role. The anticipated theoretical uncertainty in the \({Z(ν\overline{ν})}+\) jet background is at the few percent level up to the TeV range.}, language = {en} } @article{BiedermannDennerDittmaieretal.2017, author = {Biedermann, Benedikt and Denner, Ansgar and Dittmaier, Stefan and Hofer, Lars and J{\"a}ger, Barbara}, title = {Next-to-leading-order electroweak corrections to the production of four charged leptons at the LHC}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP01(2017)033}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171966}, year = {2017}, abstract = {We present a state-of-the-art calculation of the next-to leading-order electroweak corrections to ZZ production, including the leptonic decays of the Z bosons into μ\(^+\)μ\(^ -\)e\(^+\)e\(^-\) or μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\)μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\) final states. We use complete leading-order and next-to-leading-order matrix elements for four-lepton production, including contributions of virtual photons and all off-shell effects of Z bosons, where the finite Z-boson width is taken into account using the complex-mass scheme. The matrix elements are implemented into Monte Carlo programs allowing for the evaluation of arbitrary differential distributions. We present integrated and differential cross sections for the LHC at 13 TeV both for an inclusive setup where only lepton identification cuts are applied, and for a setup motivated by Higgs-boson analyses in the four-lepton decay channel. The electroweak corrections are divided into photonic and purely weak contributions. The former show the well-known pronounced tails near kinematical thresholds and resonances; the latter are generically at the level of ∼ -5\% and reach several -10\% in the high-energy tails of distributions. Comparing the results for μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\)e\(^+\)e\(^-\) and μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\)μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\) final states, we find significant differences mainly in distributions that are sensitive to the μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\) pairing in the μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\)μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\) final state. Differences between μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\)e\(^+\)e\(^-\) and μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\)μ\(^+\)μ\(^-\) channels due to interferences of equal-flavour leptons in the final state can reach up to 10\% in off-shell-sensitive regions. Contributions induced by incoming photons, i.e. photon-photon and quark-photon channels, are included, but turn out to be phenomenologically unimportant.}, language = {en} } @article{CosteaCoelhoSunagawaetal.2017, author = {Costea, Paul I. and Coelho, Louis Pedro and Sunagawa, Shinichi and Munch, Robin and Huerta-Cepas, Jaime and Forslund, Kristoffer and Hildebrand, Falk and Kushugulova, Almagul and Zeller, Georg and Bork, Peer}, title = {Subspecies in the global human gut microbiome}, series = {Molecular Systems Biology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Molecular Systems Biology}, number = {12}, doi = {10.15252/msb.20177589}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172674}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Population genomics of prokaryotes has been studied in depth in only a small number of primarily pathogenic bacteria, as genome sequences of isolates of diverse origin are lacking for most species. Here, we conducted a large-scale survey of population structure in prevalent human gut microbial species, sampled from their natural environment, with a culture-independent metagenomic approach. We examined the variation landscape of 71 species in 2,144 human fecal metagenomes and found that in 44 of these, accounting for 72\% of the total assigned microbial abundance, single-nucleotide variation clearly indicates the existence of sub-populations (here termed subspecies). A single subspecies (per species) usually dominates within each host, as expected from ecological theory. At the global scale, geographic distributions of subspecies differ between phyla, with Firmicutes subspecies being significantly more geographically restricted. To investigate the functional significance of the delineated subspecies, we identified genes that consistently distinguish them in a manner that is independent of reference genomes. We further associated these subspecies-specific genes with properties of the microbial community and the host. For example, two of the three Eubacterium rectale subspecies consistently harbor an accessory pro-inflammatory flagellum operon that is associated with lower gut community diversity, higher host BMI, and higher blood fasting insulin levels. Using an additional 676 human oral samples, we further demonstrate the existence of niche specialized subspecies in the different parts of the oral cavity. Taken together, we provide evidence for subspecies in the majority of abundant gut prokaryotes, leading to a better functional and ecological understanding of the human gut microbiome in conjunction with its host.}, language = {en} } @article{RotheBrandenburgHaunetal.2017, author = {Rothe, Hansj{\"o}rg and Brandenburg, Vincent and Haun, Margot and Kollerits, Barbara and Kronenberg, Florian and Ketteler, Markus and Wanner, Christoph}, title = {Ecto-5 ' -Nucleotidase CD73 (NT5E), vitamin D receptor and FGF23 gene polymorphisms may play a role in the development of calcific uremic arteriolopathy in dialysis patients - Data from the German Calciphylaxis Registry}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0172407}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171817}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Introduction: Calciphylaxis/calcific uremic arteriolopathy affects mainly end-stage kidney disease patients but is also associated with malignant disorders such as myeloma, melanoma and breast cancer. Genetic risk factors of calciphylaxis have never been studied before. Methods: We investigated 10 target genes using a tagging SNP approach: the genes encoding CD73/ ecto-5'-nucleotidase (purinergic pathway), Matrix Gla protein, Fetuin A, Bone Gla protein, VKORC1 (all related to intrinsic calcification inhibition), calcium-sensing receptor, FGF23, Klotho, vitamin D receptor, stanniocalcin 1 (all related to CKD-MBD). 144 dialysis patients from the German calciphylaxis registry were compared with 370 dialysis patients without history of CUA. Genotyping was performed using iPLEX Gold MassARRAY(Sequenom, San Diego, USA), KASP genotyping chemistry (LGC, Teddington, Middlesex, UK) or sequencing. Statistical analysis comprised logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex. Results: 165 SNPs were finally analyzed and 6 SNPs were associated with higher probability for calciphylaxis (OR>1) in our cohort. Nine SNPs of three genes (CD73, FGF23 and Vitamin D receptor) reached nominal significance (p< 0.05), but did not reach statistical significance after correction for multiple testing. Of the CD73 gene, rs4431401 (OR = 1.71, 95\%CI 1.08-2.17, p = 0.023) and rs9444348 (OR = 1.48, 95\% CI 1.11-1.97, p = 0.008) were associated with a higher probability for CUA. Of the FGF23 and VDR genes, rs7310492, rs11063118, rs13312747 and rs17882106 were associated with a higher probability for CUA. Conclusion: Polymorphisms in the genes encoding CD73, vitamin D receptor and FGF23 may play a role in calciphylaxis development. Although our study is the largest genetic study on calciphylaxis, it is limited by the low sample sizes. It therefore requires replication in other cohorts if available.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17221, title = {Evidence for the \(H\) → \({b\overline{b}}\) decay with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {24}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP12(2017)024}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172216}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A search for the decay of the Standard Model Higgs boson into a \({b\overline{b}}\) pair when produced in association with a \(W\) or \(Z\) boson is performed with the ATLAS detector. The analysed data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.1 fb\(^{-1}\), were collected in proton-proton collisions in Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Final states containing zero, one and two charged leptons (electrons or muons) are considered, targeting the decays \(Z\) → \({νν}\), \(W\) → \({ℓν}\) and \(Z\) → \({ℓℓ}\). For a Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV, an excess of events over the expected background from other Standard Model processes is found with an observed significance of 3.5 standard deviations, compared to an expectation of 3.0 standard deviations. This excess provides evidence for the Higgs boson decay into b-quarks and for its production in association with a vector boson. The combination of this result with that of the Run 1 analysis yields a ratio of the measured signal events to the Standard Model expectation equal to 0.90 ± 0.18(stat.)\(^{+0.21}_{-0.19}\)(syst.). Assuming the Standard Model production cross-section, the results are consistent with the value of the Yukawa coupling to \(b\)-quarks in the Standard Model.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17231, title = {Analysis of the Wtb vertex from the measurement of triple-differential angular decay rates of single top quarks produced in the \(t\)-channel at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal or High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal or High Energy Physics}, number = {17}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP12(2017)017}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172310}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The electroweak production and subsequent decay of single top quarks in the \(t\)-channel is determined by the properties of the \({Wtb}\) vertex, which can be described by the complex parameters of an effective Lagrangian. An analysis of a triple-differential decay rate in \(t\)-channel production is used to simultaneously determine five generalised helicity fractions and phases, as well as the polarisation of the produced top quark. The complex parameters are then constrained. This analysis is based on 20.2 fb\(^{-1}\) of proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The fraction of decays containing transversely polarised \(W\) bosons is measured to be \(f_1\) = 0.30 ± 0.05. The phase between amplitudes for transversely and longitudinally polarised \(W\) bosons recoiling against left-handed \(b\)-quarks is measured to be \(\delta\)_ = 0.002\(\pi^{+0.016\pi}_{+0.017\pi}\), giving no indication of CP violation. The fractions of longitudinal or transverse \(W\) bosons accompanied by right-handed \(b\)-quarks are also constrained. Based on these measurements, limits are placed at 95\% CL on the ratio of the complex coupling parameters Re [\({g_R/V_L}\) \(\in\) [-0.12, 0.17] and Im [\({g_R/V_L}\) \(\in\) [-0.07, 0.06]. Constraints are also placed on the ratios |\({V_R}/{V_L}\)| and |\({g_L}/{V_L}\)|. In addition, the polarisation of single top quarks in the \(t\)-channel is constrained to be \(P\) > 0.72 (95\% CL). None of the above measurements make assumptions about the value of any of the other parameters or couplings and all of them are in agreement with the Standard Model.}, language = {en} } @article{HassanVasquezGuoLiangetal.2017, author = {Hassan, Musa A. and Vasquez, Juan J. and Guo-Liang, Chew and Meissner, Markus and Siegel, T. Nicolai}, title = {Comparative ribosome profiling uncovers a dominant role for translational control in \(Toxoplasma\) \(gondii\)}, series = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-017-4362-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172376}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background The lytic cycle of the protozoan parasite \(Toxoplasma\) \(gondii\), which involves a brief sojourn in the extracellular space, is characterized by defined transcriptional profiles. For an obligate intracellular parasite that is shielded from the cytosolic host immune factors by a parasitophorous vacuole, the brief entry into the extracellular space is likely to exert enormous stress. Due to its role in cellular stress response, we hypothesize that translational control plays an important role in regulating gene expression in \(Toxoplasma\) during the lytic cycle. Unlike transcriptional profiles, insights into genome-wide translational profiles of \(Toxoplasma\) \(gondii\) are lacking. Methods We have performed genome-wide ribosome profiling, coupled with high throughput RNA sequencing, in intracellular and extracellular \(Toxoplasma\) \(gondii\) parasites to investigate translational control during the lytic cycle. Results Although differences in transcript abundance were mostly mirrored at the translational level, we observed significant differences in the abundance of ribosome footprints between the two parasite stages. Furthermore, our data suggest that mRNA translation in the parasite is potentially regulated by mRNA secondary structure and upstream open reading frames. Conclusion We show that most of the \(Toxoplasma\) genes that are dysregulated during the lytic cycle are translationally regulated.}, language = {en} } @article{MendeLetunicHuertaCepasetal.2017, author = {Mende, Daniel R. and Letunic, Ivica and Huerta-Cepas, Jaime and Li, Simone S. and Forslund, Kristoffer and Sunagawa, Shinichi and Bork, Peer}, title = {proGenomes: a resource for consistent functional and taxonomic annotations of prokaryotic genomes}, series = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {45}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, number = {D1}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkw989}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171987}, pages = {D529-D534}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The availability of microbial genomes has opened many new avenues of research within microbiology. This has been driven primarily by comparative genomics approaches, which rely on accurate and consistent characterization of genomic sequences. It is nevertheless difficult to obtain consistent taxonomic and integrated functional annotations for defined prokaryotic clades. Thus, we developed proGenomes, a resource that provides user-friendly access to currently 25 038 high-quality genomes whose sequences and consistent annotations can be retrieved individually or by taxonomic clade. These genomes are assigned to 5306 consistent and accurate taxonomic species clusters based on previously established methodology. proGenomes also contains functional information for almost 80 million protein-coding genes, including a comprehensive set of general annotations and more focused annotations for carbohydrate-active enzymes and antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, broad habitat information is provided for many genomes. All genomes and associated information can be downloaded by user-selected clade or multiple habitat-specific sets of representative genomes. We expect that the availability of high-quality genomes with comprehensive functional annotations will promote advances in clinical microbial genomics, functional evolution and other subfields of microbiology. proGenomes is available at http://progenomes.embl.de.}, language = {en} } @article{GotschyBauerWinteretal.2017, author = {Gotschy, Alexander and Bauer, Wolfgang R. and Winter, Patrick and Nordbeck, Peter and Rommel, Eberhard and Jakob, Peter M. and Herold, Volker}, title = {Local versus global aortic pulse wave velocity in early atherosclerosis: An animal study in ApoE\(^{-/-}\) mice using ultrahigh field MRI}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0171603}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171824}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Increased aortic stiffness is known to be associated with atherosclerosis and has a predictive value for cardiovascular events. This study aims to investigate the local distribution of early arterial stiffening due to initial atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, global and local pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in ApoE\(^{-/-}\) and wild type (WT) mice using ultrahigh field MRI. For quantification of global aortic stiffness, a new multi-point transit-time (TT) method was implemented and validated to determine the global PWV in the murine aorta. Local aortic stiffness was measured by assessing the local PWV in the upper abdominal aorta, using the flow/area (QA) method. Significant differences between age matched ApoE\(^{-/-}\) and WT mice were determined for global and local PWV measurements (global PWV: ApoE\(^{-/-}\): 2.7 ±0.2m/s vs WT: 2.1±0.2m/s, P<0.03; local PWV: ApoE\(^{-/-}\): 2.9±0.2m/s vs WT: 2.2±0.2m/s, P<0.03). Within the WT mouse group, the global PWV correlated well with the local PWV in the upper abdominal aorta (R\(^2\) = 0.75, P<0.01), implying a widely uniform arterial elasticity. In ApoE\(^{-/-}\) animals, however, no significant correlation between individual local and global PWV was present (R\(^2\) = 0.07, P = 0.53), implying a heterogeneous distribution of vascular stiffening in early atherosclerosis. The assessment of global PWV using the new multi-point TT measurement technique was validated against a pressure wire measurement in a vessel phantom and showed excellent agreement. The experimental results demonstrate that vascular stiffening caused by early atherosclerosis is unequally distributed over the length of large vessels. This finding implies that assessing heterogeneity of arterial stiffness by multiple local measurements of PWV might be more sensitive than global PWV to identify early atherosclerotic lesions.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17323, title = {Probing the \(W tb\) vertex structure in \(t\)-channel single-top-quark production and decay in \(pp\) collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {04}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP04(2017)124}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173234}, year = {2017}, abstract = {To probe the \(W tb\) vertex structure, top-quark and \(W\)-boson polarisation observables are measured from \(t\)-channel single-top-quark events produced in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 20.2 fb\(^{-1}\), recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Selected events contain one isolated electron or muon, large missing transverse momentum and exactly two jets, with one of them identified as likely to contain a \(b\)-hadron. Stringent selection requirements are applied to discriminate \(t\)-channel single-top-quark events from background. The polarisation observables are extracted from asymmetries in angular distributions measured with respect to spin quantisation axes appropriately chosen for the top quark and the \(W\) boson. The asymmetry measurements are performed at parton level by correcting the observed angular distributions for detector effects and hadronisation after subtracting the background contributions. The measured top-quark and \(W\)-boson polarisation values are in agreement with the Standard Model predictions. Limits on the imaginary part of the anomalous coupling \(g_R\) are also set from model independent measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{WuPonsGoudetetal.2017, author = {Wu, Yu and Pons, Val{\´e}rie and Goudet, Am{\´e}lie and Panigai, Laetitia and Fischer, Annette and Herweg, Jo-Ana and Kali, Sabrina and Davey, Robert A. and Laporte, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Bouclier, C{\´e}line and Yousfi, Rahima and Aubenque, C{\´e}line and Merer, Goulven and Gobbo, Emilie and Lopez, Roman and Gillet, Cynthia and Cojean, Sandrine and Popoff, Michel R. and Clayette, Pascal and Le Grand, Roger and Boulogne, Claire and Tordo, No{\"e}l and Lemichez, Emmanuel and Loiseau, Philippe M. and Rudel, Thomas and Sauvaire, Didier and Cintrat, Jean-Christophe and Gillet, Daniel and Barbier, Julien}, title = {ABMA, a small molecule that inhibits intracellular toxins and pathogens by interfering with late endosomal compartments}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-15466-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173170}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Intracellular pathogenic microorganisms and toxins exploit host cell mechanisms to enter, exert their deleterious effects as well as hijack host nutrition for their development. A potential approach to treat multiple pathogen infections and that should not induce drug resistance is the use of small molecules that target host components. We identifed the compound 1-adamantyl (5-bromo-2-methoxybenzyl) amine (ABMA) from a cell-based high throughput screening for its capacity to protect human cells and mice against ricin toxin without toxicity. This compound efciently protects cells against various toxins and pathogens including viruses, intracellular bacteria and parasite. ABMA provokes Rab7-positive late endosomal compartment accumulation in mammalian cells without affecting other organelles (early endosomes, lysosomes, the Golgi apparatus, the endoplasmic reticulum or the nucleus). As the mechanism of action of ABMA is restricted to host-endosomal compartments, it reduces cell infection by pathogens that depend on this pathway to invade cells. ABMA may represent a novel class of broad-spectrum compounds with therapeutic potential against diverse severe infectious diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{SchielmannSzwedaGucwaetal.2017, author = {Schielmann, Marta and Szweda, Piotr and Gucwa, Katarzyna and Kawczyński, Marcin and Milewska, Maria J. and Martynow, Dorota and Morschh{\"a}user, Joachim and Milewski, Sławomir}, title = {Transport deficiency is the molecular basis of \(Candida\) \(albicans\) resistance to antifungal oligopeptides}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.02154}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173245}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Oligopeptides incorporating \(N3\)-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (FMDP), an inhibitor of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase, exhibited growth inhibitory activity against \(Candida\) \(albicans\), with minimal inhibitory concentration values in the 0.05-50 μg mL\(^{-1}\) range. Uptake by the peptide permeases was found to be the main factor limiting an anticandidal activity of these compounds. Di- and tripeptide containing FMDP (F2 and F3) were transported by Ptr2p/Ptr22p peptide transporters (PTR) and FMDP-containing hexa-, hepta-, and undecapeptide (F6, F7, and F11) were taken up by the oligopeptide transporters (OPT) oligopeptide permeases, preferably by Opt2p/Opt3p. A phenotypic, apparent resistance of \(C. albicans\) to FMDP-oligopeptides transported by OPT permeases was triggered by the environmental factors, whereas resistance to those taken up by the PTR system had a genetic basis. Anticandidal activity of longer FMDP-oligopeptides was strongly diminished in minimal media containing easily assimilated ammonium sulfate or L-glutamine as the nitrogen source, both known to downregulate expression of the OPT genes. All FMDP-oligopeptides tested were more active at lower pH and this effect was slightly more remarkable for peptides F6, F7, and F11, compared to F2 and F3. Formation of isolated colonies was observed inside the growth inhibitory zones induced by F2 and F3 but not inside those induced by F6, F7, and F11. The vast majority (98\%) of those colonies did not originate from truly resistant cells. The true resistance of 2\% of isolates was due to the impaired transport of di- and to a lower extent, tripeptides. The resistant cells did not exhibit a lower expression of \(PTR2\), \(PTR22\), or \(OPT1-3\) genes, but mutations in the \(PTR2\) gene resulting in T422H, A320S, D119V, and A320S substitutions in the amino acid sequence of Ptr2p were found.}, language = {en} } @article{LischkeHerpertzBergeretal.2017, author = {Lischke, Alexander and Herpertz, Sabine C. and Berger, Christoph and Domes, Gregor and Gamer, Matthias}, title = {Divergent effects of oxytocin on (para-)limbic reactivity to emotional and neutral scenes in females with and without borderline personality disorder}, series = {Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience}, volume = {12}, journal = {Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1093/scan/nsx107}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173309}, pages = {1783-1792}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients' hypersensitivity for emotionally relevant stimuli has been suggested be due to abnormal activity and connectivity in (para-)limbic and prefrontal brain regions during stimulus processing. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to modulate activity and functional connectivity in these brain regions, thereby optimizing the processing of emotional and neutral stimuli. To investigate whether oxytocin would be capable of attenuating BPD patients' hypersensitivity for such stimuli, we recorded brain activity and gaze behavior during the processing of complex scenes in 51 females with and 48 without BPD after intranasal application of either oxytocin or placebo. We found divergent effects of oxytocin on BPD and healthy control (HC) participants' (para-)limbic reactivity to emotional and neutral scenes: Oxytocin decreased amygdala and insula reactivity in BPD participants but increased it in HC participants, indicating an oxytocin-induced normalization of amygdala and insula activity during scene processing. In addition, oxytocin normalized the abnormal coupling between amygdala activity and gaze behavior across all scenes in BPD participants. Overall, these findings suggest that oxytocin may be capable of attenuating BPD patients' hypersensitivity for complex scenes, irrespective of their valence.}, language = {en} } @article{ChengOthmanStopperetal.2017, author = {Cheng, Cheng and Othman, Eman M. and Stopper, Helga and Edrada-Ebel, RuAngelie and Hentschel, Ute and Abdelmohsen, Usama Ramadan}, title = {Isolation of petrocidin A, a new cytotoxic cyclic dipeptide from the marine sponge-derived bacterium \(Streptomyces\) sp. SBT348}, series = {Marine Drugs}, volume = {15}, journal = {Marine Drugs}, number = {12}, doi = {10.3390/md15120383}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172644}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A new cyclic dipeptide, petrocidin A (\(\textbf{1}\)), along with three known compounds—2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (\(\textbf{2}\)), 2,3-dihydroxybenzamide (\(\textbf{3}\)), and maltol (\(\textbf{4}\))—were isolated from the solid culture of \(Streptomyces\) sp. SBT348. The strain \(Streptomyces\) sp. SBT348 had been prioritized in a strain collection of 64 sponge-associated actinomycetes based on its distinct metabolomic profile using liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The absolute configuration of all α-amino acids was determined by HPLC analysis after derivatization with Marfey's reagent and comparison with commercially available reference amino acids. Structure elucidation was pursued in the presented study by mass spectrometry and NMR spectral data. Petrocidin A (\(\textbf{1}\)) and 2,3-dihydroxybenzamide (\(\textbf{3}\)) exhibited significant cytotoxicity towards the human promyelocytic HL-60 and the human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cell lines. These results demonstrated the potential of sponge-associated actinomycetes for the discovery of novel and pharmacologically active natural products.}, language = {en} } @article{FroehlichPinartKelleretal.2017, author = {Fr{\"o}hlich, M. and Pinart, M. and Keller, T. and Reich, A. and Cabieses, B. and Hohmann, C. and Postma, D. S. and Bousquet, J. and Ant{\´o}, J. M. and Keil, T. and Roll, S.}, title = {Is there a sex-shift in prevalence of allergic rhinitis and comorbid asthma from childhood to adulthood? A meta-analysis}, series = {Clinical and Translational Allergy}, volume = {7}, journal = {Clinical and Translational Allergy}, doi = {10.1186/s13601-017-0176-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172508}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Allergic rhinitis and asthma as single entities affect more boys than girls in childhood but more females in adulthood. However, it is unclear if this prevalence sex-shift also occurs in allergic rhinitis and concurrent asthma. Thus, our aim was to compare sex-specifc differences in the prevalence of coexisting allergic rhinitis and asthma in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Methods: Post-hoc analysis of systematic review with meta-analysis concerning sex-specific prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we assessed male-female ratios for coexisting allergic rhinitis and asthma in children (0-10 years), adolescents (11-17) and adults (> 17). Electronic searches were performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE for the time period 2000-2014. We included population-based observational studies, reporting coexisting allergic rhinitis and asthma as outcome stratifed by sex. We excluded non-original or non-population-based studies, studies with only male or female participants or selective patient collectives. Results: From a total of 6539 citations, 10 studies with a total of 93,483 participants met the inclusion criteria. The male-female ratios (95\% CI) for coexisting allergic rhinitis and asthma were 1.65 (1.52; 1.78) in children (N = 6 studies), 0.61 (0.51; 0.72) in adolescents (N = 2) and 1.03 (0.79; 1.35) in adults (N = 2). Male-female ratios for allergic rhinitis only were 1.25 (1.19; 1.32, N = 5) in children, 0.80 (0.71; 0.89, N = 2) in adolescents and 0.98 (0.74; 1.30, N = 2) in adults, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of coexisting allergic rhinitis and asthma shows a clear male predominance in childhood and seems to switch to a female predominance in adolescents. This switch was less pronounced for allergic rhinitis only.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17318, title = {Measurement of the \(k_t\) splitting scales in \(Z → ℓℓ\) events in \(pp\) collisions at \(\sqrt{s}=8\) TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {08}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP08(2017)026}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173180}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A measurement of the splitting scales occuring in the \(k_t\) jet-clustering algorithm is presented for final states containing a \(Z\) boson. The measurement is done using 20.2 fb\(^{-1}\) of proton-proton collision data collected at a centre-of-mass energy of \(\sqrt{s} = 8\) TeV by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC in 2012. The measurement is based on charged-particle track information, which is measured with excellent precision in the \(p_T\) region relevant for the transition between the perturbative and the non-perturbative regimes. The data distributions are corrected for detector effects, and are found to deviate from state-of-the-art predictions in various regions of the observables.}, language = {en} } @article{WylerMenegattiFrankeetal.2017, author = {Wyler, Emanuel and Menegatti, Jennifer and Franke, Vedran and Kocks, Christine and Boltengagen, Anastasiya and Hennig, Thomas and Theil, Kathrin and Rutkowski, Andrzej and Ferrai, Carmelo and Baer, Laura and Kermas, Lisa and Friedel, Caroline and Rajewsky, Nikolaus and Akalin, Altuna and D{\"o}lken, Lars and Gr{\"a}sser, Friedrich and Landthaler, Markus}, title = {Widespread activation of antisense transcription of the host genome during herpes simplex virus 1 infection}, series = {Genome Biology}, volume = {18}, journal = {Genome Biology}, doi = {10.1186/s13059-017-1329-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173381}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background Herpesviruses can infect a wide range of animal species. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is one of the eight herpesviruses that can infect humans and is prevalent worldwide. Herpesviruses have evolved multiple ways to adapt the infected cells to their needs, but knowledge about these transcriptional and post-transcriptional modifications is sparse. Results Here, we show that HSV-1 induces the expression of about 1000 antisense transcripts from the human host cell genome. A subset of these is also activated by the closely related varicella zoster virus. Antisense transcripts originate either at gene promoters or within the gene body, and they show different susceptibility to the inhibition of early and immediate early viral gene expression. Overexpression of the major viral transcription factor ICP4 is sufficient to turn on a subset of antisense transcripts. Histone marks around transcription start sites of HSV-1-induced and constitutively transcribed antisense transcripts are highly similar, indicating that the genetic loci are already poised to transcribe these novel RNAs. Furthermore, an antisense transcript overlapping with the BBC3 gene (also known as PUMA) transcriptionally silences this potent inducer of apoptosis in cis. Conclusions We show for the first time that a virus induces widespread antisense transcription of the host cell genome. We provide evidence that HSV-1 uses this to downregulate a strong inducer of apoptosis. Our findings open new perspectives on global and specific alterations of host cell transcription by viruses.}, language = {en} } @article{KasaragodMidekessaSridharetal.2017, author = {Kasaragod, Prasad and Midekessa, Getnet B. and Sridhar, Shruthi and Schmitz, Werner and Kiema, Tiila-Riikka and Hiltunen, Jukka K. and Wierenga, Rik K.}, title = {Structural enzymology comparisons of multifunctional enzyme, type-1 (MFE1): the flexibility of its dehydrogenase part}, series = {FEBS Open Bio}, volume = {7}, journal = {FEBS Open Bio}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1002/2211-5463.12337}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172732}, pages = {1830-1842}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Multifunctional enzyme, type-1 (MFE1) is a monomeric enzyme with a 2E-enoyl-CoA hydratase and a 3S-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) active site. Enzyme kinetic data of rat peroxisomal MFE1 show that the catalytic efficiencies for converting the short-chain substrate 2E-butenoyl-CoA into acetoacetyl-CoA are much lower when compared with those of the homologous monofunctional enzymes. The mode of binding of acetoacetyl-CoA (to the hydratase active site) and the very similar mode of binding of NAD\(^+\) and NADH (to the HAD part) are described and compared with those of their monofunctional counterparts. Structural comparisons suggest that the conformational flexibility of the HAD and hydratase parts of MFE1 are correlated. The possible importance of the conformational flexibility of MFE1 for its biocatalytic properties is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{AppelSchulerVogeletal.2017, author = {Appel, Patricia and Schuler, Michael and Vogel, Heiner and Oezelsel, Amina and Faller, Hermann}, title = {Short Questionnaire for Workplace Analysis (KFZA): factorial validation in physicians and nurses working in hospital settings}, series = {Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1186/s12995-017-0157-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157510}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in psychosocial workplace risk assessments in Germany. One of the questionnaires commonly employed for this purpose is the Short Questionnaire for Workplace Analysis (KFZA). Originally, the KFZA was developed and validated for office workers. The aim of the present study was to examine the factorial validity of the KFZA when applied to hospital settings. Therefore, we examined the factorial structure of a questionnaire that contained all the original items plus an extension adding 11 questions specific to hospital workplaces and analyzed both, the original version and the extended version. Methods: We analyzed questionnaire data of a total of 1731 physicians and nurses obtained over a 10-year period. Listwise exclusion of data sets was applied to account for variations in questionnaire versions and yielded 1163 questionnaires (1095 for the extended version) remaining for factor analysis. To examine the factor structure, we conducted a principal component factor analysis. The number of factors was determined using the Kaiser criterion and scree-plot methods. Factor interpretation was based on orthogonal Varimax rotation as well as oblique rotation. Results: The Kaiser criterion revealed a 7-factor solution for the 26 items of the KFZA, accounting for 62.0\% of variance. The seven factors were named: "Social Relationships", "Job Control", "Opportunities for Participation and Professional Development", "Quantitative Work Demands", "Workplace Environment", "Variability" and "Qualitative Work Demands". The factor analysis of the 37 items of the extended version yielded a 9-factor solution. The two additional factors were named "Consequences of Strain" and "Emotional Demands". Cronbach's α ranged from 0.63 to 0.87 for these scales. Conclusions: Overall, the KFZA turned out to be applicable to hospital workers, and its content-related structure was replicated well with some limitations. However, instead of the 11 factors originally proposed for office workers, a 7-factor solution appeared to be more suitable when employed in hospitals. In particular, the items of the KFZA factor "Completeness of Task" might need adaptation for the use in hospitals. Our study contributes to the assessment of the validity of this popular instrument and should stimulate further psychometric testing.}, language = {en} } @article{HofmannKellerWalteretal.2017, author = {Hofmann, Ulf Krister and Keller, Ramona Luise and Walter, Christian and Mittag, Falk}, title = {Predictability of the effects of facet joint infiltration in the degenerate lumbar spine when assessing MRI scans}, series = {Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research}, doi = {10.1186/s13018-017-0685-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173027}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background Imaging results are frequently considered as hallmarks of disease by spine surgeons to plan their future treatment strategy. Numerous classification systems have been proposed to quantify or grade lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and thus objectify imaging findings. The clinical impact of the measured parameters remains, however, unclear. To evaluate the pathological significance of imaging findings in patients with multisegmental degenerative findings, clinicians can perform image-guided local infiltrations to target defined areas such as the facet joints. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the correlation of MRI facet joint degeneration and spinal stenosis measurements with improvement obtained by image-guided intraarticular facet joint infiltration. Methods Fifty MRI scans of patients with chronic lumbar back pain were graded radiologically using a wide range of classification and measurement systems. The reported effect of facet joint injections at the site was recorded, and a comparative analysis performed. Results When we allocated patients according to their reported pain relief, 27 showed no improvement (0-30\%), 16 reported good improvement (31-75\%) and 7 reported excellent improvement (> 75\%). MRI features assessed in this study did, however, not show any relevant correlation with reported pain after facet joint infiltration: Values for Kendall's tau ranged from \(\tau\) = - 0.190 for neuroforaminal stenosis grading as suggested by Lee, to \(\tau\) = 0.133 for posterior disc height as proposed by Hasegawa. Conclusion Despite the trend in evidence-based medicine to provide medical algorithms, our findings underline the continuing need for individualised spine care that, along with imaging techniques or targeted infiltrations, includes diagnostic dimensions such as good patient history and clinical examination to formulate a diagnosis. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03308149, retrospectively registered October 2017}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17220, title = {Measurement of the Drell-Yan triple-differential cross section in \(pp\) collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {59}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP12(2017)059}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172204}, year = {2017}, abstract = {This paper presents a measurement of the triple-differential cross section for the Drell-Yan process \({Z/γ^*}\) → ℓ\(^+\)ℓ\(^-\) where ℓ is an electron or a muon. The measurement is performed for invariant masses of the lepton pairs, \(m_{ℓℓ}\) , between 46 and 200 GeV using a sample of 20.2 fb\(^{-1}\) of \(pp\) collisions data at a centre-of-mass energy of \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in 2012. The data are presented in bins of invariant mass, absolute dilepton rapidity, |\(y_{ℓℓ}\)|, and the angular variable cos \(θ^*\) between the outgoing lepton and the incoming quark in the Collins-Soper frame. The measurements are performed in the range |\(y_{ℓℓ}\)| < 2.4 in the muon channel, and extended to |\(y_{ℓℓ}\)| < 3.6 in the electron channel. The cross sections are used to determine the \(Z\) boson forward-backward asymmetry as a function of |\(y_{ℓℓ}\)| and \(m_{ℓℓ}\) . The measurements achieve high-precision, below the percent level in the pole region, excluding the uncertainty in the integrated luminosity, and are in agreement with predictions. These precision data are sensitive to the parton distribution functions and the effective weak mixing angle.}, language = {en} } @article{KuznetsovAlmuzzainiKritikouetal.2017, author = {Kuznetsov, Nikolai V. and Almuzzaini, Bader and Kritikou, Joanna S. and Baptista, Marisa A. P. and Oliveira, Mariana M. S. and Keszei, Marton and Snapper, Scott B. and Percipalle, Piergiorgio and Westerberg, Lisa S.}, title = {Nuclear Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein co-regulates T cell factor 1-mediated transcription in T cells}, series = {Genome Medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Genome Medicine}, doi = {10.1186/s13073-017-0481-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173486}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) family of actin-nucleating factors are present in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. The role of nuclear WASp for T cell development remains incompletely defined. Methods We performed WASp chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) in thymocytes and spleen CD4\(^+\) T cells. Results WASp was enriched at genic and intergenic regions and associated with the transcription start sites of protein-coding genes. Thymocytes and spleen CD4\(^+\) T cells showed 15 common WASp-interacting genes, including the gene encoding T cell factor (TCF)12. WASp KO thymocytes had reduced nuclear TCF12 whereas thymocytes expressing constitutively active WASp\(^{L272P}\) and WASp\(^{I296T}\) had increased nuclear TCF12, suggesting that regulated WASp activity controlled nuclear TCF12. We identify a putative DNA element enriched in WASp ChIP-seq samples identical to a TCF1-binding site and we show that WASp directly interacted with TCF1 in the nucleus. Conclusions These data place nuclear WASp in proximity with TCF1 and TCF12, essential factors for T cell development.}, language = {en} } @article{WohlfarthSchmitteckertHaertleetal.2017, author = {Wohlfarth, Carolin and Schmitteckert, Stefanie and H{\"a}rtle, Janina D. and Houghton, Lesley A. and Dweep, Harsh and Fortea, Marina and Assadi, Ghazaleh and Braun, Alexander and Mederer, Tanja and P{\"o}hner, Sarina and Becker, Philip P. and Fischer, Christine and Granzow, Martin and M{\"o}nnikes, Hubert and Mayer, Emeran A. and Sayuk, Gregory and Boeckxstaens, Guy and Wouters, Mira M. and Simr{\´e}n, Magnus and Lindberg, Greger and Ohlsson, Bodil and Schmidt, Peter Thelin and Dlugosz, Aldona and Agreus, Lars and Andreasson, Anna and D'Amato, Mauro and Burwinkel, Barbara and Bermejo, Justo Lorenzo and R{\"o}th, Ralph and Lasitschka, Felix and Vicario, Maria and Metzger, Marco and Santos, Javier and Rappold, Gudrun A. and Martinez, Cristina and Niesler, Beate}, title = {miR-16 and miR-103 impact 5-HT4 receptor signalling and correlate with symptom profile in irritable bowel syndrome}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-13982-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173478}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gut-brain disorder involving alterations in intestinal sensitivity and motility. Serotonin 5-HT4 receptors are promising candidates in IBS pathophysiology since they regulate gut motor function and stool consistency, and targeted 5-HT4R selective drug intervention has been proven beneficial in subgroups of patients. We identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs201253747) c.*61 T > C within the 5-HT4 receptor gene \(HTR4\) to be predominantly present in diarrhoea-IBS patients (IBS-D). It affects a binding site for the miR-16 family and miR-103/miR-107 within the isoforms \({HTR4b/i}\) and putatively impairs \(HTR4\) expression. Subsequent miRNA profiling revealed downregulation of miR-16 and miR-103 in the jejunum of IBS-D patients correlating with symptoms. \(In\) \(vitro\) assays confirmed expression regulation via three 3′UTR binding sites. The novel isoform \(HTR4b\_2\) lacking two of the three miRNA binding sites escapes miR-16/103/107 regulationin SNP carriers. We provide the first evidence that \(HTR4\) expression is fine-tuned by miRNAs, and that this regulation is impaired either by the SNP c.*61 T > C or bydiminished levels of miR-16 and miR-103 suggesting that \(HTR4\) might be involved in the development of IBS-D.}, language = {en} } @article{TemmeFriebeSchmidtetal.2017, author = {Temme, Sebastian and Friebe, Daniela and Schmidt, Timo and Poschmann, Gereon and Hesse, Julia and Steckel, Bodo and St{\"u}hler, Kai and Kunz, Meik and Dandekar, Thomas and Ding, Zhaoping and Akhyari, Payam and Lichtenberg, Artur and Schrader, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Genetic profiling and surface proteome analysis of human atrial stromal cells and rat ventricular epicardium-derived cells reveals novel insights into their cardiogenic potential}, series = {Stem Cell Research}, volume = {25}, journal = {Stem Cell Research}, doi = {10.1016/j.scr.2017.11.006}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172716}, pages = {183-190}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Epicardium-derived cells (EPDC) and atrial stromal cells (ASC) display cardio-regenerative potential, but the molecular details are still unexplored. Signals which induce activation, migration and differentiation of these cells are largely unknown. Here we have isolated rat ventricular EPDC and rat/human ASC and performed genetic and proteomic profiling. EPDC and ASC expressed epicardial/mesenchymal markers (WT-1, Tbx18, CD73,CD90, CD44, CD105), cardiac markers (Gata4, Tbx5, troponin T) and also contained phosphocreatine. We used cell surface biotinylation to isolate plasma membrane proteins of rEPDC and hASC, Nano-liquid chromatography with subsequent mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis identified 396 rat and 239 human plasma membrane proteins with 149 overlapping proteins. Functional GO-term analysis revealed several significantly enriched categories related to extracellular matrix (ECM), cell migration/differentiation, immunology or angiogenesis. We identified receptors for ephrin and growth factors (IGF, PDGF, EGF, anthrax toxin) known to be involved in cardiac repair and regeneration. Functional category enrichment identified clusters around integrins, PI3K/Akt-signaling and various cardiomyopathies. Our study indicates that EPDC and ASC have a similar molecular phenotype related to cardiac healing/regeneration. The cell surface proteome repository will help to further unravel the molecular details of their cardio-regenerative potential and their role in cardiac diseases.}, language = {en} } @article{GarciaLarsenArthurPottsetal.2017, author = {Garcia-Larsen, Vanessa and Arthur, Rhonda and Potts, James F. and Howarth, Peter H. and Ahlstr{\"o}m, Matti and Haahtela, Tari and Loureiro, Carlos and Bom, Ana Todo and Brożek, Grzegorz and Makowska, Joanna and Kowalski, Marek L. and Thilsing, Trine and Keil, Thomas and Matricardi, Paolo M. and Tor{\´e}n, Kjell and van Zele, Thibaut and Bachert, Claus and Rymarczyk, Barbara and Janson, Christer and Forsberg, Bertil and Niżankowska-Mogilnicka, Ewa and Burney, Peter G. J.}, title = {Is fruit and vegetable intake associated with asthma or chronic rhino-sinusitis in European adults? Results from the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA\(^2\)LEN) Survey}, series = {Clinical and Translational Allergy}, volume = {7}, journal = {Clinical and Translational Allergy}, doi = {10.1186/s13601-016-0140-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-180887}, pages = {9}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Fruits and vegetables are rich in compounds with proposed antioxidant, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases. Objective: We investigated the association between asthma, and chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) with intake of fruits and vegetables in European adults. Methods: A stratified random sample was drawn from the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA\(^2\)LEN) screening survey, in which 55,000 adults aged 15-75 answered a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Asthma score (derived from self-reported asthma symptoms) and CRS were the outcomes of interest. Dietary intake of 22 subgroups of fruits and vegetables was ascertained using the internationally validated GA\(^2\)LEN Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adjusted associations were examined with negative binomial and multiple regressions. Simes procedure was used to control for multiple testing. Results: A total of 3206 individuals had valid data on asthma and dietary exposures of interest. 22.8\% reported having at least 1 asthma symptom (asthma score ≥1), whilst 19.5\% had CRS. After adjustment for potential confounders, asthma score was negatively associated with intake of dried fruits (β-coefficient -2.34; 95\% confidence interval [CI] -4.09, -0.59), whilst CRS was statistically negatively associated with total intake of fruits (OR 0.73; 95\% CI 0.55, 0.97). Conversely, a positive association was observed between asthma score and alliums vegetables (adjusted β-coefficient 0.23; 95\% CI 0.06, 0.40). None of these associations remained statistically significant after controlling for multiple testing. Conclusion and clinical relevance: There was no consistent evidence for an association of asthma or CRS with fruit and vegetable intake in this representative sample of European adults.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17217, title = {All-sky search for high-energy neutrinos from gravitational wave event GW170104 with the ANTARES neutrino telescope}, series = {European Physical Journal C}, volume = {77}, journal = {European Physical Journal C}, organization = {The ANTARES Collaboration}, doi = {10.1140/epjc/s10052-017-5451-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172174}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Advanced LIGO detected a significant gravitational wave signal (GW170104) originating from the coalescence of two black holes during the second observation run on January 4th, 2017. An all-sky high-energy neutrino follow-up search has been made using data from the Antares neutrino telescope, including both upgoing and downgoing events in two separate analyses. No neutrino candidates were found within ±500 s around the GW event time nor any time clustering of events over an extended time window of ±3 months. The non-detection is used to constrain isotropic-equivalent high-energy neutrino emission from GW170104 to less than ∼ 1.2 × \(10^{55}\) erg for a \(E^{-2}\) spectrum. This constraint is valid in the energy range corresponding to the 5-95\% quantiles of the neutrino flux [3.2 TeV; 3.6 PeV], if the GW emitter was below the Antares horizon at the alert time.}, language = {en} } @article{JannaschGaetznerWeigeletal.2017, author = {Jannasch, Maren and Gaetzner, Sabine and Weigel, Tobias and Walles, Heike and Schmitz, Tobias and Hansmann, Jan}, title = {A comparative multi-parametric in vitro model identifies the power of test conditions to predict the fibrotic tendency of a biomaterial}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1689}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-01584-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170908}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Despite growing effort to advance materials towards a low fibrotic progression, all implants elicit adverse tissue responses. Pre-clinical biomaterial assessment relies on animals testing, which can be complemented by in vitro tests to address the Russell and Burch's 3R aspect of reducing animal burden. However, a poor correlation between in vitro and in vivo biomaterial assessments confirms a need for suitable in vitro biomaterial tests. The aim of the study was to identify a test setting, which is predictive and might be time- and cost-efficient. We demonstrated how sensitive in vitro biomaterial assessment based on human primary macrophages depends on test conditions. Moreover, possible clinical scenarios such as lipopolysaccharide contamination, contact to autologous blood plasma, and presence of IL-4 in an immune niche influence the outcome of a biomaterial ranking. Nevertheless, by using glass, titanium, polytetrafluorethylene, silicone, and polyethylene representing a specific material-induced fibrotic response and by comparison to literature data, we were able to identify a test condition that provides a high correlation to state-of-the-art in vivo studies. Most important, biomaterial ranking obtained under native plasma test conditions showed a high predictive accuracy compared to in vivo assessments, strengthening a biomimetic three-dimensional in vitro test platform.}, language = {en} } @article{BrodehlBelkeGarnettetal.2017, author = {Brodehl, Andreas and Belke, Darrell D. and Garnett, Lauren and Martens, Kristina and Abdelfatah, Nelly and Rodriguez, Marcela and Diao, Catherine and Chen, Yong-Xiang and Gordon, Paul M. K. and Nygren, Anders and Gerull, Brenda}, title = {Transgenic mice overexpressing desmocollin-2 (DSC2) develop cardiomyopathy associated with myocardial inflammation and fibrotic remodeling}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0174019}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171084}, pages = {e0174019}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart muscle disorder leading to ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure, mainly as a result of mutations in cardiac desmosomal genes. Desmosomes are cell-cell junctions mediating adhesion of cardiomyocytes; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease remain widely unknown. Desmocollin-2 is a desmosomal cadherin serving as an anchor molecule required to reconstitute homeostatic intercellular adhesion with desmoglein-2. Cardiac specific lack of desmoglein-2 leads to severe cardiomyopathy, whereas overexpression does not. In contrast, the corresponding data for desmocollin-2 are incomplete, in particular from the view of protein overexpression. Therefore, we developed a mouse model overexpressing desmocollin-2 to determine its potential contribution to cardiomyopathy and intercellular adhesion pathology. Methods and results We generated transgenic mice overexpressing DSC2 in cardiac myocytes. Transgenic mice developed a severe cardiac dysfunction over 5 to 13 weeks as indicated by 2D-echocardiography measurements. Corresponding histology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated fibrosis, necrosis and calcification which were mainly localized in patches near the epi- and endocardium of both ventricles. Expressions of endogenous desmosomal proteins were markedly reduced in fibrotic areas but appear to be unchanged in non-fibrotic areas. Furthermore, gene expression data indicate an early up-regulation of inflammatory and fibrotic remodeling pathways between 2 to 3.5 weeks of age. Conclusion Cardiac specific overexpression of desmocollin-2 induces necrosis, acute inflammation and patchy cardiac fibrotic remodeling leading to fulminant biventricular cardiomyopathy.}, language = {en} } @article{VangeelPishvaHompesetal.2017, author = {Vangeel, Elise Beau and Pishva, Ehsan and Hompes, Titia and van den Hove, Daniel and Lambrechts, Diether and Allegaert, Karel and Freson, Kathleen and Izzi, Benedetta and Claes, Stephan}, title = {Newborn genome-wide DNA methylation in association with pregnancy anxiety reveals a potential role for \(GABBR1\)}, series = {Clinical Epigenetics}, volume = {9}, journal = {Clinical Epigenetics}, doi = {10.1186/s13148-017-0408-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173825}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: There is increasing evidence for the role of prenatal stress in shaping offspring DNA methylation and disease susceptibility. In the current study, we aimed to identify genes and pathways associated with pregnancy anxiety using a genome-wide DNA methylation approach. Methods: We selected 22 versus 23 newborns from our Prenatal Early Life Stress (PELS) cohort, exposed to the lowest or highest degree of maternal pregnancy anxiety, respectively. Cord blood genome-wide DNA methylation was assayed using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (HM450, n = 45) and candidate gene methylation using EpiTYPER (n = 80). Cortisol levels were measured at 2, 4, and 12 months of age to test infant stress system (re)activity. Results: Data showed ten differentially methylated regions (DMR) when comparing newborns exposed to low versus high pregnancy anxiety scores. We validated a top DMR in the GABA-B receptor subunit 1 gene (GABBR1) revealing the association with pregnancy anxiety particularly in male newborns (most significant CpG Pearson R = 0.517, p = 0.002; average methylation Pearson R = 0.332, p = 0.039). Cord blood GABBR1 methylation was associated with infant cortisol levels in response to a routine vaccination at 4 months old. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results show that pregnancy anxiety is associated with differential DNA methylation patterns in newborns and that our candidate gene GABBR1 is associated with infant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to a stressor. Our findings reveal a potential role for GABBR1 methylation in association with stress and provide grounds for further research.}, language = {en} } @article{SalkerSinghZengetal.2017, author = {Salker, Madhuri S. and Singh, Yogesh and Zeng, Ni and Chen, Hong and Zhang, Shaqiu and Umbach, Anja T. and Fakhri, Hajar and Kohlhofer, Ursula and Quintanilla-Martinez, Leticia and Durairaj, Ruban R. Peter and Barros, Flavio S. V. and Vrljicak, Pavle and Ott, Sascha and Brucker, Sara Y. and Wallwiener, Diethelm and Madunić, Ivana Vrhovac and Breljak, Davorka and Sabolić, Ivan and Koepsell, Hermann and Brosens, Jan J. and Lang, Florian}, title = {Loss of endometrial sodium glucose cotransporter SGLT1 is detrimental to embryo survival and fetal growth in pregnancy}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-11674-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173814}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Embryo implantation requires a hospitable uterine environment. A key metabolic change that occurs during the peri-implantation period, and throughout early pregnancy, is the rise in endometrial glycogen content. Glycogen accumulation requires prior cellular uptake of glucose. Here we show that both human and murine endometrial epithelial cells express the high affinity Na\(^+\)-coupled glucose carrier SGLT1. Ussing chamber experiments revealed electrogenic glucose transport across the endometrium in wild type (\(Slc5a1^{+/+}\)) but not in SGLT1 defcient (\(Slc5a1^{-/-}\)) mice. Endometrial glycogen content, litter size and weight of offspring at birth were signifcantly lower in \(Slc5a1^{-/-}\) mice. In humans, \(SLC5A1\) expression was upregulated upon decidualization of primary endometrial stromal cells. Endometrial \(SLC5A1\) expression during the implantation window was attenuated in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss when compared with control subjects. Our fndings reveal a novel mechanism establishing adequate endometrial glycogen stores for pregnancy. Disruption of this histiotrophic pathway leads to adverse pregnancy outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{CernaVelazcoFaberJonesPerezetal.2017, author = {Cerna-Velazco, Nhell and Faber, Thomas and Jones-P{\´e}rez, Joel and Porod, Werner}, title = {Constraining sleptons at the LHC in a supersymmetric low-scale seesaw scenario}, series = {European Physical Journal C}, volume = {77}, journal = {European Physical Journal C}, doi = {10.1140/epjc/s10052-017-5231-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173809}, year = {2017}, abstract = {We consider a scenario inspired by natural supersymmetry, where neutrino data is explained within a low-scale seesaw scenario. We extend the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model by adding light right-handed neutrinos and their superpartners, the R-sneutrinos, and consider the lightest neutralinos to be higgsino-like. We consider the possibilities of having either an R-sneutrino or a higgsino as lightest supersymmetric particle. Assuming that squarks and gauginos are heavy, we systematically evaluate the bounds on slepton masses due to existing LHC data.}, language = {en} } @article{BuffBrinkmannBruchmannetal.2017, author = {Buff, Christine and Brinkmann, Leonie and Bruchmann, Maximilian and Becker, Michael P.I. and Tupak, Sara and Herrmann, Martin J. and Straube, Thomas}, title = {Activity alterations in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala during threat anticipation in generalized anxiety disorder}, series = {Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience}, volume = {12}, journal = {Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1093/scan/nsx103}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173298}, pages = {1766-1774}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Sustained anticipatory anxiety is central to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). During anticipatory anxiety, phasic threat responding appears to be mediated by the amygdala, while sustained threat responding seems related to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Although sustained anticipatory anxiety in GAD patients was proposed to be associated with BNST activity alterations, firm evidence is lacking. We aimed to explore temporal characteristics of BNST and amygdala activity during threat anticipation in GAD patients. Nineteen GAD patients and nineteen healthy controls (HC) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a temporally unpredictable threat anticipation paradigm. We defined phasic and a systematic variation of sustained response models for blood oxygen level-dependent responses during threat anticipation, to disentangle temporally dissociable involvement of the BNST and the amygdala. GAD patients relative to HC responded with increased phasic amygdala activity to onset of threat anticipation and with elevated sustained BNST activity that was delayed relative to the onset of threat anticipation. Both the amygdala and the BNST displayed altered responses during threat anticipation in GAD patients, albeit with different time courses. The results for the BNST activation hint towards its role in sustained threat responding, and contribute to a deeper understanding of pathological sustained anticipatory anxiety in GAD.}, language = {en} } @article{Schamel2017, author = {Schamel, Johannes}, title = {A demographic perspective on the spatial behaviour of hikers in mountain areas: the example of Berchtesgaden National Park}, series = {eco.mont - Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management}, volume = {9}, journal = {eco.mont - Journal on Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management}, number = {Special issue}, issn = {2073-1558}, doi = {10.1553/eco.mont-9-sis66}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172128}, pages = {66-74}, year = {2017}, abstract = {In Germany, as in many Western societies, demographic change will lead to a higher number of senior visitors to natural recreational areas and national parks. Given the high physiological requirements of many outdoor recreation activities, especially in mountain areas, it seems likely that demographic change will affect the spatial behaviour of national park visitors, which may pose a challenge to the management of these areas. With the help of GPS tracking and a standardized questionnaire (n=481), this study empirically investigates the spatial behaviour of demographic age brackets in Berchtesgaden National Park (NP) and the potential effects of demographic change on the use of the area. Cluster analysis revealed four activity types in the study area. More than half of the groups with visitors aged 60 and older belong to the activity type of Walker.}, language = {en} } @article{ZopfFreyKienitzetal.2017, author = {Zopf, Kathrin and Frey, Kathrin R. and Kienitz, Tina and Ventz, Manfred and Bauer, Britta and Quinkler, Marcus}, title = {\(Bcl\)I polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor and adrenal crisis in primary adrenal insufficiency}, series = {Endocrine Connections}, volume = {6}, journal = {Endocrine Connections}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1530/EC-17-0269}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173276}, pages = {685-691}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Context: Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at a high risk of adrenal crisis (AC). Glucocorticoid sensitivity is at least partially genetically determined by polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Objectives: To determine if a number of intercurrent illnesses and AC are associated with the GR gene polymorphism \(Bcl\)I in patients with PAI and CAH. Design and patients: This prospective, longitudinal study over 37.7 ± 10.1 months included 47 PAI and 25 CAH patients. During the study period, intercurrent illness episodes and AC were documented. Results: The study period covered 223 patient years in which 21 AC occurred (9.4 AC/100 pat years). There were no significant differences between \(Bcl\)I polymorphisms (CC (n=29), CG (n=34) and GG (n=9)) regarding BMI, hydrocortisone equivalent daily dose and blood pressure. We did not find a difference in the number of intercurrent illnesses/patient year among \(Bcl\)I polymorphisms (CC (1.5±1.4/pat year), CG (1.2±1.2/pat year) and GG (1.6±2.2/pat year)). The occurrence of AC was not significantly different among the homozygous (GG) genotype (32.5 AC/100 pat years), the CC genotype (6.7 AC/100 pat years) and the CG genotype (4.9 AC/100 pat years). Concomitant hypothyroidism was the highest in the GG genotype group (5/9), compared to others (CC (11/29) and CG (11/34)). Conclusions: Although sample sizes were relatively small and results should be interpreted with caution, this study suggests that the GR gene polymorphism \(Bcl\)I may not be associated with the frequencies of intercurrent illnesses and AC.}, language = {en} } @article{FereroRiveroWaeldchenetal.2017, author = {Ferero, Andrea and Rivero, Olga and W{\"a}ldchen, Sina and Ku, Hsing-Ping and Kiser, Dominik P. and G{\"a}rtner, Yvonne and Pennington, Laura S. and Waider, Jonas and Gaspar, Patricia and Jansch, Charline and Edenhofer, Frank and Resink, Th{\´e}r{\`e}se J. and Blum, Robert and Sauer, Markus and Lesch, Klaus-Peter}, title = {Cadherin-13 Deficiency Increases Dorsal Raphe 5-HT Neuron Density and Prefrontal Cortex Innervation in the Mouse Brain}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience}, number = {307}, doi = {10.3389/fncel.2017.00307}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170313}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: During early prenatal stages of brain development, serotonin (5-HT)-specific neurons migrate through somal translocation to form the raphe nuclei and subsequently begin to project to their target regions. The rostral cluster of cells, comprising the median and dorsal raphe (DR), innervates anterior regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex. Differential analysis of the mouse 5-HT system transcriptome identified enrichment of cell adhesion molecules in 5-HT neurons of the DR. One of these molecules, cadherin-13 (Cdh13) has been shown to play a role in cell migration, axon pathfinding, and synaptogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of Cdh13 to the development of the murine brain 5-HT system. Methods: For detection of Cdh13 and components of the 5-HT system at different embryonic developmental stages of the mouse brain, we employed immunofluorescence protocols and imaging techniques, including epifluorescence, confocal and structured illumination microscopy. The consequence of CDH13 loss-of-function mutations on brain 5-HT system development was explored in a mouse model of Cdh13 deficiency. Results: Our data show that in murine embryonic brain Cdh13 is strongly expressed on 5-HT specific neurons of the DR and in radial glial cells (RGCs), which are critically involved in regulation of neuronal migration. We observed that 5-HT neurons are intertwined with these RGCs, suggesting that these neurons undergo RGC-guided migration. Cdh13 is present at points of intersection between these two cell types. Compared to wildtype controls, Cdh13-deficient mice display increased cell densities in the DR at embryonic stages E13.5, E17.5, and adulthood, and higher serotonergic innervation of the prefrontal cortex at E17.5. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence for a role of CDH13 in the development of the serotonergic system in early embryonic stages. Specifically, we indicate that Cdh13 deficiency affects the cell density of the developing DR and the posterior innervation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and therefore might be involved in the migration, axonal outgrowth and terminal target finding of DR 5-HT neurons. Dysregulation of CDH13 expression may thus contribute to alterations in this system of neurotransmission, impacting cognitive function, which is frequently impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity and autism spectrum disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{GilbertKleinWengetal.2017, author = {Gilbert, Fabian and Klein, Detlef and Weng, Andreas Max and K{\"o}stler, Herbert and Schmitz, Benedikt and Schmalzl, Jonas and B{\"o}hm, Dirk}, title = {Supraspinatus muscle elasticity measured with real time shear wave ultrasound elastography correlates with MRI spectroscopic measured amount of fatty degeneration}, series = {BMC Muscoskeletal Disorders}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC Muscoskeletal Disorders}, number = {549}, doi = {10.1186/s12891-017-1911-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159378}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Fatty Degeneration (FD) of the rotator cuff muscles influences functional and anatomical outcome after rotator cuff repair. The MRI based estimation of fatty degeneration is the gold standard. There is some evidence that Ultrasound elastography (EUS) can detect local differences of tissue stiffness in muscles and tendons. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) was evaluated to determine the extent to which shear wave velocity was associated with measures of fatty degeneration. MRI-spectroscopic fat measurement was used as a reference to quantify the amount of fat in the muscle belly. Methods: Forty-two patients underwent SWE of the supraspinatus muscles at its thickest diameter. After ultrasound evaluation an MRI-spectroscopic fat measurement of the supraspinatus muscle was performed using the SPLASH-technique. A gel filled capsule was used to locate the measured area in the MRI. The values of shear wave velocity (SWV) measured with SWE and spectroscopic fat measurement were correlated statistically using Pearson's correlation test. Results: Correlation of the fat amount measured with MRI-spectroscopy and the SWV measured with SWE was ρ =0.82. Spectroscopic measured fat ratio of the supraspinatus muscle ranged from 0\% to 77.41\% and SWV from 1.59 m/s to 5.32 m/s. In 4 patients no sufficient SWE could be performed, these individuals showed a larger diameter of the overlying soft tissue. SWV measured with SWE showed a good correlation with MRI spectroscopic fat amount of the supraspinatus muscle. Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that SWE may be a sufficient tool in detecting and estimating the amount of fatty degeneration in the supraspinatus muscle in real time. Large overlying soft tissue may be a limitation in performing sufficient EUS.}, language = {en} } @article{JakubietzJakubietzMeffertetal.2017, author = {Jakubietz, Michael G. and Jakubietz, Rafael G. and Meffert, Rainer H. and Schmidt, Karsten and Zahn, Robert K.}, title = {Biomechanical properties of first dorsal extensor compartment regarding adequacy as a bone-ligament-bone graft}, series = {Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open}, volume = {5}, journal = {Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1097/GOX.0000000000001397}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158851}, pages = {e1397}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Bone-ligament-bone grafts for reconstruction of the scapholunate ligament are a valuable tool to prevent disease progression to carpal collapse. Locally available grafts do not require an additional donor site. The first extensor compartment was evaluated biomechanically regarding its possible use as an autograft. Methods: Twelve native fresh-frozen, human cadaver specimens were tested by applying axial tension in a Zwick Roell machine. Load to failure, transplant elongation, and bony avulsion were recorded. The load to failure was quantitated in newtons (N) and the displacement in length (millimeters). Parameters were set at distinct points as start of tension, 1 mm stretch and 1.5 mm dissociation, failure and complete tear, and were evaluated under magnified visual control. Although actual failure occurred at higher tension, functional failure was defined at a stretch of 1.5 mm. Results: Mean load at 1 mm elongation was 44.1 ± 28 N and at 1.5 mm elongation 57.5 ± 42 N. Failure occurred at 111 ± 83.1 N. No avulsion of the bony insertion was observed. Half the transplants failed in the central part of the ligament, while the rest failed near the insertion but not at the insertion itself. Analysis of tension strength displayed a wide range from 3.8 to 83.7 N/mm at a mean of 33.4 ± 28.4 N/mm. Conclusions: The biomechanical tensile properties of the first dorsal extensor compartment are similar to those of the dorsal part of the scapholunate ligament. A transplant with a larger bone stock and a longer ligament may display an advantage, as insertion is possible in the dorsal, easily accessible part of the carpal bones rather than in the ar{\^e}te-like region adjacent to the insertion of the scapholunate ligament. In this study, 1.5 mm lengthening of the bone-ligament-bone transplant was defined as clinical failure, as such elongation will cause severe gapping and is considered as failure of the transplant.}, language = {en} } @article{JakubietzNickelNeshkovaetal.2017, author = {Jakubietz, Rafael G. and Nickel, Aljoscha and Neshkova, Iva and Schmidt, Karsten and Gilbert, Fabian and Meffert, Rainer H. and Jakubietz, Michael G.}, title = {Long-term patency of twisted vascular pedicles in perforator-based propeller flaps}, series = {Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open}, volume = {5}, journal = {Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1097/GOX.0000000000001544}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158870}, pages = {e1544}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Propeller flaps require torsion of the vascular pedicle of up to 180 degrees. Contrary to free flaps, where the relevance of an intact vascular pedicle has been documented, little is known regarding twisted pedicles of propeller flaps. As secondary surgeries requiring undermining of the flap are common in the extremities, knowledge regarding the necessity to protect the pedicle is relevant. The aim of this study was a long-term evaluation of the patency of vascular pedicle of propeller flaps. Methods: In a retrospective clinical study, 22 patients who underwent soft-tissue reconstruction with a propeller flap were evaluated after 43 months. A Doppler probe was used to locate and evaluate the patency of the vascular pedicle of the flap. Results: The flaps were used in the lower extremity in 19 cases, on the trunk in 3 cases. All flaps had healed. In all patients, an intact vascular pedicle could be found. Flap size, source vessel, or infection could therefore not be linked to an increased risk of pedicle loss. Conclusions: The vascular pedicle of propeller flaps remains patent in the long term. This allows reelevation and undermining of the flap. We therefore recommend protecting the pedicle in all secondary cases to prevent later flap loss.}, language = {en} } @article{JakubietzJakubietzMeffertetal.2017, author = {Jakubietz, Rafael G. and Jakubietz, Michael G. and Meffert, Rainer H. and Schmidt, Karsten}, title = {Multiple-level replantation in elderly patients: risk versus benefit}, series = {Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open}, volume = {5}, journal = {Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1097/GOX.0000000000001313}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158443}, pages = {e1313}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Multiple-level amputations of the upper extremity represent a surgical challenge generally only attempted in young patients. This case demonstrates a successful replantation in an elderly woman. The postoperative course was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulopathy most likely due to inadequate resuscitation. Hand trauma is often underestimated in its general severity. Upper extremity amputations need to be handled similar to polytraumatized patients.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17354, title = {Measurements of top-quark pair to \(Z\)-boson cross-section ratios at \(\sqrt{s}\) \(=13 , 8, 7\) TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {02}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP02(2017)117}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173544}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Ratios of top-quark pair to \(Z\)-boson cross sections measured from proton-proton collisions at the LHC centre-of-mass energies of \(\sqrt{s}\) = 13 TeV, 8 TeV, and 7 TeV are presented by the ATLAS Collaboration. Single ratios, at a given \(\sqrt{s}\) for the two processes and at different \(\sqrt{s}\) for each process, as well as double ratios of the two processes at different \(\sqrt{s}\), are evaluated. The ratios are constructed using previously published ATLAS measurements of the \({t\overline{t}}\) and \(Z\)-boson production cross sections, corrected to a common phase space where required, and a new analysis of \(Z\) → ℓ\(^+\)ℓ\(^-\) where ℓ = \(e, µ\) at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 13 TeV performed with data collected in 2015 with an integrated luminosity of 3.2 fb\(^-1\). Correlations of systematic uncertainties are taken into account when evaluating the uncertainties in the ratios. The correlation model is also used to evaluate the combined cross section of the \(Z\) → \(e\)\(^+\)\(e\)\(^-\) and the \(Z\) → \(µ\)\(^+\)\(µ\)\(^-\) channels for each \(\sqrt{s}\) value. The results are compared to calculations performed at next-to-next-to-leading-order accuracy using recent sets of parton distribution functions. The data demonstrate significant power to constrain the gluon distribution function for the Bjorken-\(x\) values near 0.1 and the light-quark sea for \(x\) < 0.02.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17361, title = {Measurement of the \(ZZ\) production cross section in proton-proton collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8 TeV using the \(ZZ\) → \(ℓ^-ℓ^+ℓ^{′-}ℓ^{′+}\) and \(ZZ\) → \(ℓ^-ℓ^+{ν\overline{ν}}\) decay channels with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {99}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP01(2017)099}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173616}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A measurement of the \(ZZ\) production cross section in the \(ℓ^-ℓ^+ℓ^{′-}ℓ^{′+}\) and \(ℓ^-ℓ^+{ν\overline{ν}}\) channels (ℓ = e, µ) in proton-proton collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 8TeV at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb\(^{-1}\) collected by the ATLAS experiment in 2012 is presented. The fiducial cross sections for \(ZZ\) → \(ℓ^-ℓ^+ℓ^{′-}ℓ^{′+}\) and \(ZZ\) → \(ℓ^-ℓ^+{ν\overline{ν}}\) are measured in selected phase-space regions. The total cross section for \(ZZ\) events produced with both \(Z\) bosons in the mass range 66 to 116GeV is measured from the combination of the two channels to be 7.3 ± 0.4(stat) ± 0.3 (syst)\(^{-0.2}_{-0.1}\) (lumi) pb, which is consistent with the Standard Model prediction of 6.6\(^{+0.7}_{-0.6}\) pb. The differential cross sections in bins of various kinematic variables are presented. The differential event yield as a function of the transverse momentum of the leading \(Z\) boson is used to set limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge boson couplings in \(ZZ\) production.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-17366, title = {Measurement of the \({t\overline{t}}Z\) and \({t\overline{t}}W\) production cross sections in multilepton final states using 3.2 fb\(^{-1}\) of \(pp\) collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {European Physical Journal C}, volume = {77}, journal = {European Physical Journal C}, number = {40}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1140/epjc/s10052-016-4574-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173662}, year = {2017}, abstract = {A measurement of the \({t\overline{t}}Z\) and \({t\overline{t}}W\) production cross sections in final states with either two same-charge muons, or three or four leptons (electrons or muons) is presented. The analysis uses a data sample of proton-proton collisions at \(\sqrt{s}\) = 13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2015, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 3.2 fb\(^{-1}\). The inclusive cross sections are extracted using likelihood fits to signal and control regions, resulting in \(\sigma_{{t\overline{t}}Z}\) = 0.9 ± 0.3 pb and \(\sigma_{{t\overline{t}}W}\) = 1.5 ± 0.8 pb, in agreement with the Standard Model predictions.}, language = {en} } @article{HaertleMaierhoferBoecketal.2017, author = {Haertle, Larissa and Maierhofer, Anna and B{\"o}ck, Julia and Lehnen, Harald and B{\"o}ttcher, Yvonne and Bl{\"u}her, Matthias and Schorsch, Martin and Potabattula, Ramya and El Hajj, Nady and Appenzeller, Silke and Haaf, Thomas}, title = {Hypermethylation of the non-imprinted maternal MEG3 and paternal MEST alleles is highly variable among normal individuals}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0184030}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170433}, pages = {e0184030}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Imprinted genes show parent-specific activity (functional haploidy), which makes them particularly vulnerable to epigenetic dysregulation. Here we studied the methylation profiles of oppositely imprinted genes at single DNA molecule resolution by two independent parental allele-specific deep bisulfite sequencing (DBS) techniques. Using Roche (GSJunior) next generation sequencing technology, we analyzed the maternally imprinted MEST promoter and the paternally imprinted MEG3 intergenic (IG) differentially methylated region (DMR) in fetal cord blood, adult blood, and visceral adipose tissue. Epimutations were defined as paternal or maternal alleles with >50\% aberrantly (de)methylated CpG sites, showing the wrong methylation imprint. The epimutation rates (range 2-66\%) of the paternal MEST and the maternal MEG3 IG DMR allele, which should be completely unmethylated, were significantly higher than those (0-15\%) of the maternal MEST and paternal MEG3 alleles, which are expected to be fully methylated. This hypermethylation of the non-imprinted allele (HNA) was independent of parental origin. Very low epimutation rates in sperm suggest that HNA occurred after fertilization. DBS with Illumina (MiSeq) technology confirmed HNA for the MEST promoter and the MEG3 IG DMR, and to a lesser extent, for the paternally imprinted secondary MEG3 promoter and the maternally imprinted PEG3 promoter. HNA leads to biallelic methylation of imprinted genes in a considerable proportion of normal body cells (somatic mosaicism) and is highly variable between individuals. We propose that during development and differentiation maintenance of differential methylation at most imprinting control regions may become to some extent redundant. The accumulation of stochastic and environmentally-induced methylation errors on the non-imprinted allele may increase epigenetic diversity between cells and individuals.}, language = {en} } @article{BalasubramanianOthmanKampiketal.2017, author = {Balasubramanian, Srikkanth and Othman, Eman M. and Kampik, Daniel and Stopper, Helga and Hentschel, Ute and Ziebuhr, Wilma and Oelschlaeger, Tobias A. and Abdelmohsen, Usama R.}, title = {Marine sponge-derived Streptomyces sp SBT343 extract inhibits staphylococcal biofilm formation}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.00236}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171844}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are opportunistic pathogens that cause nosocomial and chronic biofilm-associated infections. Indwelling medical devices and contact lenses are ideal ecological niches for formation of staphylococcal biofilms. Bacteria within biofilms are known to display reduced susceptibilities to antimicrobials and are protected from the host immune system. High rates of acquired antibiotic resistances in staphylococci and other biofilm-forming bacteria further hamper treatment options and highlight the need for new anti-biofilm strategies. Here, we aimed to evaluate the potential of marine sponge-derived actinomycetes in inhibiting biofilm formation of several strains of S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results from in vitro biofilm-formation assays, as well as scanning electron and confocal microscopy, revealed that an organic extract derived from the marine sponge-associated bacterium Streptomyces sp. SBT343 significantly inhibited staphylococcal biofilm formation on polystyrene, glass and contact lens surfaces, without affecting bacterial growth. The extract also displayed similar antagonistic effects towards the biofilm formation of other S. epidermidis and S. aureus strains tested but had no inhibitory effects towards Pseudomonas biofilms. Interestingly the extract, at lower effective concentrations, did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on mouse fibroblast, macrophage and human corneal epithelial cell lines. Chemical analysis by High Resolution Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) of the Streptomyces sp. SBT343 extract proportion revealed its chemical richness and complexity. Preliminary physico-chemical characterization of the extract highlighted the heat-stable and non-proteinaceous nature of the active component(s). The combined data suggest that the Streptomyces sp. SBT343 extract selectively inhibits staphylococcal biofilm formation without interfering with bacterial cell viability. Due to absence of cell toxicity, the extract might represent a good starting material to develop a future remedy to block staphylococcal biofilm formation on contact lenses and thereby to prevent intractable contact lens-mediated ocular infections.}, language = {en} } @article{BertiVosselGamer2017, author = {Berti, Stefan and Vossel, Gerhard and Gamer, Matthias}, title = {The orienting response in healthy aging: Novelty P3 indicates no general decline but reduced efficacy for fast stimulation rates}, series = {Frontiers in Psychology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychology}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01780}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173651}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Automatic orienting to unexpected changes in the environment is a pre-requisite for adaptive behavior. One prominent mechanism of automatic attentional control is the Orienting Response (OR). Despite the fundamental significance of the OR in everyday life, only little is known about how the OR is affected by healthy aging. We tested this question in two age groups (19-38 and 55-72 years) and measured skin-conductance responses (SCRs) and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to novels (i.e., short environmental sounds presented only once in the experiment; 10\% of the trials) compared to standard sounds (600 Hz sinusoidal tones with 200 ms duration; 90\% of the trials). Novel and standard stimuli were presented in four conditions differing in the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) with a mean ISI of either 10, 3, 1, or 0.5 s (blocked presentation). In both age groups, pronounced SCRs were elicited by novels in the 10 s ISI condition, suggesting the elicitation of stable ORs. These effects were accompanied by pronounced N1 and frontal P3 amplitudes in the ERP, suggesting that automatic novelty processing and orientation of attention are effective in both age groups. Furthermore, the SCR and ERP effects declined with decreasing ISI length. In addition, differences between the two groups were observable with the fastest presentation rates (i.e., 1 and 0.5 s ISI length). The most prominent difference was a shift of the peak of the frontal positivity from around 300 to 200 ms in the 19-38 years group while in the 55-72 years group the amplitude of the frontal P3 decreased linearly with decreasing ISI length. Taken together, this pattern of results does not suggest a general decline in processing efficacy with healthy aging. At least with very rare changes (here, the novels in the 10 s ISI condition) the OR is as effective in healthy older adults as in younger adults. With faster presentation rates, however, the efficacy of the OR decreases. This seems to result in a switch from novelty to deviant processing in younger adults, but less so in the group of older adults.}, language = {en} } @article{WestermannBarquistVogel2017, author = {Westermann, Alexander J. and Barquist, Lars and Vogel, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Resolving host-pathogen interactions by dual RNA-seq}, series = {PLoS Pathogens}, volume = {13}, journal = {PLoS Pathogens}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1006033}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171921}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The transcriptome is a powerful proxy for the physiological state of a cell, healthy or diseased. As a result, transcriptome analysis has become a key tool in understanding the molecular changes that accompany bacterial infections of eukaryotic cells. Until recently, such transcriptomic studies have been technically limited to analyzing mRNA expression changes in either the bacterial pathogen or the infected eukaryotic host cell. However, the increasing sensitivity of high-throughput RNA sequencing now enables "dual RNA-seq" studies, simultaneously capturing all classes of coding and noncoding transcripts in both the pathogen and the host. In the five years since the concept of dual RNA-seq was introduced, the technique has been applied to a range of infection models. This has not only led to a better understanding of the physiological changes in pathogen and host during the course of an infection but has also revealed hidden molecular phenotypes of virulence-associated small noncoding RNAs that were not visible in standard infection assays. Here, we use the knowledge gained from these recent studies to suggest experimental and computational guidelines for the design of future dual RNA-seq studies. We conclude this review by discussing prospective applications of the technique.}, language = {en} } @article{KrohnMoltAlawiFoerstneretal.2017, author = {Krohn-Molt, Ines and Alawi, Malik and F{\"o}rstner, Konrad U. and Wiegandt, Alena and Burkhardt, Lia and Indenbirken, Daniela and Thieß, Melanie and Grundhoff, Adam and Kehr, Julia and Tholey, Andreas and Streit, Wolfgang R.}, title = {Insights into microalga and bacteria interactions of selected phycosphere biofilms using metagenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {2017}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {8}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.01941}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173701}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Microalga are of high relevance for the global carbon cycling and it is well-known that they are associated with a microbiota. However, it remains unclear, if the associated microbiota, often found in phycosphere biofilms, is specific for the microalga strains and which role individual bacterial taxa play. Here we provide experimental evidence that \(Chlorella\) \(saccharophila\), \(Scenedesmus\) \(quadricauda\), and \(Micrasterias\) \(crux-melitensis\), maintained in strain collections, are associated with unique and specific microbial populations. Deep metagenome sequencing, binning approaches, secretome analyses in combination with RNA-Seq data implied fundamental differences in the gene expression profiles of the microbiota associated with the different microalga. Our metatranscriptome analyses indicates that the transcriptionally most active bacteria with respect to key genes commonly involved in plant-microbe interactions in the Chlorella (Trebouxiophyceae) and Scenedesmus (Chlorophyceae) strains belong to the phylum of the α-Proteobacteria. In contrast, in the Micrasterias (Zygnematophyceae) phycosphere biofilm bacteria affiliated with the phylum of the Bacteroidetes showed the highest gene expression rates. We furthermore show that effector molecules known from plant-microbe interactions as inducers for the innate immunity are already of relevance at this evolutionary early plant-microbiome level.}, language = {en} } @article{AbuHalimaHaeuslerBackesetal.2017, author = {Abu-Halima, Masood and H{\"a}usler, Sebastian and Backes, Christina and Fehlmann, Tobias and Staib, Claudia and Nestel, Sigrun and Nazarenko, Irina and Meese, Eckart and Keller, Andreas}, title = {Micro-ribonucleic acids and extracellular vesicles repertoire in the spent culture media is altered in women undergoing \(In\) \(Vitro\) Fertilization}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-13683-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173632}, year = {2017}, abstract = {MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are class of small RNA molecules with major impact on gene regulation. We analyzed the potential of miRNAs secreted from pre-implantation embryos into the embryonic culture media as biomarkers to predict successful pregnancy. Using microarray analysis, we profiled the miRNome of the 56 spent culture media (SCM) after embryos transfer and found a total of 621 miRNAs in the SCM. On average, we detected 163 miRNAs in SCM of samples with failed pregnancies, but only 149 SCM miRNAs of embryos leading to pregnancies. MiR-634 predicted an embryo transfer leading to a positive pregnancy with an accuracy of 71\% and a sensitivity of 85\%. Among the 621 miRNAs, 102 (16.4\%) showed a differential expression between positive and negative outcome of pregnancy with miR-29c-3p as the most significantly differentially expressed miRNA. The number of extracellular vehicles was lower in SCM with positive outcomes (3.8 × 10\(^9\)/mL EVs), as compared to a negative outcome (7.35 × 10\(^9\)/mL EVs) possibly explaining the reduced number of miRNAs in the SCM associated with failed pregnancies. The analysis of the miRNome in the SCM of couples undergoing fertility treatment lays the ground towards development of biomarkers to predict successful pregnancy and towards understanding the role of embryonic miRNAs found in the SCM.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Loeffler2017, author = {L{\"o}ffler, Diana}, title = {Color, Metaphor and Culture - Empirical Foundations for User Interface Design}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-153782}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Using color in user interface design is both art and science. Often, designers focus on aesthetic properties of color, but neglect that it also carries meaning and entails profound psychological consequences. Color psychology, filling this gap, is in its infancy, and lacks a theoretical approach that predicts and explains color-meaning associations shared by a large group of people in a large variety of contexts. To amend this situation, this work develops Conceptual Metaphor Theory of Color (CMToC), which predicts and explains cross-cultural and experience-based semantic color associations. The theory is based on the idea from cognitive linguistics that the study of metaphorical language provides valuable insights into our mental models involving color. A discussion of three types of metaphors that cover associations with physical and abstract concepts in light of existing empirical evidence provides the basis for deriving empirical research questions. The first research question addresses the use of color for conveying physical information like weight in user interfaces. The results of four online surveys involving a total of 295 German and Japanese participants show the relative impact of hue, saturation and brightness for associations with 16 physical properties. Two thirds of these color associations were correctly predicted by CMToC. Participants frequently matched physical properties to colors based on sensorimotor correspondences and participants of both cultures did not considerably vary in their performance. The second research question addresses the use of color for conveying abstract information like importance in user interfaces. In one experimental study, a total of 75 German and Japanese participants validated color-to-abstract mappings in form of color population stereotypes like important is dark. The majority of these color associations (86\%) were correctly predicted by CMToC. Again, participants of both cultures did not considerably vary in their performance. The third research question addresses whether predicted color associations with physical and abstract information are processed automatically as a precondition for intuitive use. The results of three studies involving a total of 85 German and Japanese participants show on the example of temperature that color automatically influences the identification speed of related physical properties, but not vice versa. Color and abstract information were not automatically associated. As a result of these studies it can be concluded that predictions of CMToC are cross-culturally valid for user interface design. Derived implicit associations with physical properties and explicit associations with abstract concepts can inform design decisions in both hard- and software user interface design.}, subject = {Softwareergonomie}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Tabisz2017, author = {Tabisz, Barbara}, title = {Site Directed Immobilization of BMP-2: Two Approaches for the Production of Osteoinductive Scaffolds}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-153766}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Bone fractures typically heal without surgical intervention. However, pathological situations exist which impede the healing process resulting in so-called non-union fractures. Such fractures are nowadays treated with scaffold material being introduced into the defect area. These scaffolds can be doped with osteogenic factors, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2. BMP2 belongs to the most osteogenic growth factors known to date. Its medical use, efficiency and safety have been approved by FDA for certain applications. Currently, BMP2 is distributed with a stabilizing scaffold, which is simply soaked with the growth factor. Due to fast release kinetics supraphysiological high doses of BMP2 are required which are causally associated with severe side effects observed in certain applications being most harmful in the area of the cervical spine. These side-effects include inflammation, swelling and breathing problems, leading to disastrous consequences or secondary surgical interventions. Since it could be shown that a retardation of BMP2 release from the scaffold resulted in superior bone forming properties in vivo, it seems obvious to further reduce this release to a minimum. This can be achieved by covalent coupling which in the past was already elaborated using mainly classical EDC/NHS chemistry. Using this technique coupling of the protein occurs non-site-directedly leading mainly to an unpredictable product outcome with variable osteogenic activities. In order to improve the reproducibility of scaffold functionalization by BMP2 we created variants one of which contains a unique unnatural amino acid substitution within the mature polypeptide sequence (BMP2-K3Plk) and another, BMP2-A2C, in which an N-terminal alanine has been substituted by cysteine. These modifications enable site-specific and covalent immobilization of BMP2 e.g. onto polymeric beads. Both proteins were expressed in E. coli, renatured and purified by cation-exchange chromatography. Both variants were extensively analyzed in terms of purity and biological activity which was tested by in vitro interaction analyses as well as in cell based assays. Both proteins could be successfully coupled to polymeric beads. The different BMP2 functionalized beads were shown to interact with the ectodomain of the type I receptor BMPR-IA in vitro indicating that the biological activity of both BMP2 variants retained upon coupling. Both functionalized beads induced osteogenic differentiation C2C12 cells but only of those cells which have been in close contact to the particular beads. This strongly indicates that the BMP2 variant are indeed covalently coupled and not just adsorbed. We claim that we have developed a system for a site-specific and covalent immobilization of BMP-2 onto solid scaffolds, potentially eliminating the necessity of high-dose scaffold loading. Since immobilized proteins are protected from removal by extracellular fluids, their activities now rely mainly on the half-life of the used scaffold and the rate of proteolytic degradation. Assuming that due to prolonged times much lower loading capacities might be required we propose that the immobilization strategy employed in this work may be further refined and optimized to replace the currently used BMP2-containing medical products.}, subject = {Protein chemistry}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Reichert2017, author = {Reichert, Thorsten}, title = {Classification and Reduction of Equivariant Star Products on Symplectic Manifolds}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-153623}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {This doctoral thesis provides a classification of equivariant star products (star products together with quantum momentum maps) in terms of equivariant de Rham cohomology. This classification result is then used to construct an analogon of the Kirwan map from which one can directly obtain the characteristic class of certain reduced star products on Marsden-Weinstein reduced symplectic manifolds from the equivariant characteristic class of their corresponding unreduced equivariant star product. From the surjectivity of this map one can conclude that every star product on Marsden-Weinstein reduced symplectic manifolds can (up to equivalence) be obtained as a reduced equivariant star product.}, subject = {Homologische Algebra}, language = {en} } @article{MusekampSchulerSeekatzetal.2017, author = {Musekamp, Gunda and Schuler, Michael and Seekatz, Bettina and Bengel, J{\"u}rgen and Faller, Hermann and Meng, Karin}, title = {Does improvement in self-management skills predict improvement in quality of life and depressive symptoms? A prospective study in patients with heart failure up to one year after self-management education}, series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, number = {51}, doi = {10.1186/s12872-017-0486-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157501}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Heart failure (HF) patient education aims to foster patients' self-management skills. These are assumed to bring about, in turn, improvements in distal outcomes such as quality of life. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that change in self-reported self-management skills observed after participation in self-management education predicts changes in physical and mental quality of life and depressive symptoms up to one year thereafter. Methods: The sample comprised 342 patients with chronic heart failure, treated in inpatient rehabilitation clinics, who received a heart failure self-management education program. Latent change modelling was used to analyze relationships between both short-term (during inpatient rehabilitation) and intermediate-term (after six months) changes in self-reported self-management skills and both intermediate-term and long-term (after twelve months) changes in physical and mental quality of life and depressive symptoms. Results: Short-term changes in self-reported self-management skills predicted intermediate-term changes in mental quality of life and long-term changes in physical quality of life. Intermediate-term changes in self-reported self-management skills predicted long-term changes in all outcomes.}, language = {en} } @article{ForkuorHounkpatinWelpetal.2017, author = {Forkuor, Gerald and Hounkpatin, Ozias K.L. and Welp, Gerhard and Thiel, Michael}, title = {High resolution mapping of soil properties using remote sensing variables in south-western Burkina Faso: a comparison of machine learning and multiple linear regression models}, series = {PLOS One}, volume = {12}, journal = {PLOS One}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0170478}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-180978}, pages = {21}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Accurate and detailed spatial soil information is essential for environmental modelling, risk assessment and decision making. The use of Remote Sensing data as secondary sources of information in digital soil mapping has been found to be cost effective and less time consuming compared to traditional soil mapping approaches. But the potentials of Remote Sensing data in improving knowledge of local scale soil information in West Africa have not been fully explored. This study investigated the use of high spatial resolution satellite data (RapidEye and Landsat), terrain/climatic data and laboratory analysed soil samples to map the spatial distribution of six soil properties-sand, silt, clay, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen-in a 580 km2 agricultural watershed in south-western Burkina Faso. Four statistical prediction models-multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest regression (RFR), support vector machine (SVM), stochastic gradient boosting (SGB)-were tested and compared. Internal validation was conducted by cross validation while the predictions were validated against an independent set of soil samples considering the modelling area and an extrapolation area. Model performance statistics revealed that the machine learning techniques performed marginally better than the MLR, with the RFR providing in most cases the highest accuracy. The inability of MLR to handle non-linear relationships between dependent and independent variables was found to be a limitation in accurately predicting soil properties at unsampled locations. Satellite data acquired during ploughing or early crop development stages (e.g. May, June) were found to be the most important spectral predictors while elevation, temperature and precipitation came up as prominent terrain/climatic variables in predicting soil properties. The results further showed that shortwave infrared and near infrared channels of Landsat8 as well as soil specific indices of redness, coloration and saturation were prominent predictors in digital soil mapping. Considering the increased availability of freely available Remote Sensing data (e.g. Landsat, SRTM, Sentinels), soil information at local and regional scales in data poor regions such as West Africa can be improved with relatively little financial and human resources.}, language = {en} } @article{SchampelKuerten2017, author = {Schampel, Andrea and Kuerten, Stefanie}, title = {Danger: high voltage - the role of voltage-gated calcium channels in central nervous system pathology}, series = {Cells}, volume = {6}, journal = {Cells}, number = {4}, doi = {10.3390/cells6040043}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-172653}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are widely distributed within the central nervous system (CNS) and presumed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of a broad spectrum of CNS disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as well as multiple sclerosis. Several calcium channel blockers have been in clinical practice for many years so that their toxicity and side effects are well studied. However, these drugs are primarily used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and most if not all effects on brain functions are secondary to peripheral effects on blood pressure and circulation. While the use of calcium channel antagonists for the treatment of CNS diseases therefore still heavily depends on the development of novel strategies to specifically target different channels and channel subunits, this review is meant to provide an impulse to further emphasize the importance of future research towards this goal.}, language = {en} } @article{AmpattuHagmannLiangetal.2017, author = {Ampattu, Biju Joseph and Hagmann, Laura and Liang, Chunguang and Dittrich, Marcus and Schl{\"u}ter, Andreas and Blom, Jochen and Krol, Elizaveta and Goesmann, Alexander and Becker, Anke and Dandekar, Thomas and M{\"u}ller, Tobias and Schoen, Christoph}, title = {Transcriptomic buffering of cryptic genetic variation contributes to meningococcal virulence}, series = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, number = {282}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-017-3616-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-157534}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Commensal bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis sometimes cause serious disease. However, genomic comparison of hyperinvasive and apathogenic lineages did not reveal unambiguous hints towards indispensable virulence factors. Here, in a systems biological approach we compared gene expression of the invasive strain MC58 and the carriage strain α522 under different ex vivo conditions mimicking commensal and virulence compartments to assess the strain-specific impact of gene regulation on meningococcal virulence. Results: Despite indistinguishable ex vivo phenotypes, both strains differed in the expression of over 500 genes under infection mimicking conditions. These differences comprised in particular metabolic and information processing genes as well as genes known to be involved in host-damage such as the nitrite reductase and numerous LOS biosynthesis genes. A model based analysis of the transcriptomic differences in human blood suggested ensuing metabolic flux differences in energy, glutamine and cysteine metabolic pathways along with differences in the activation of the stringent response in both strains. In support of the computational findings, experimental analyses revealed differences in cysteine and glutamine auxotrophy in both strains as well as a strain and condition dependent essentiality of the (p)ppGpp synthetase gene relA and of a short non-coding AT-rich repeat element in its promoter region. Conclusions: Our data suggest that meningococcal virulence is linked to transcriptional buffering of cryptic genetic variation in metabolic genes including global stress responses. They further highlight the role of regulatory elements for bacterial virulence and the limitations of model strain approaches when studying such genetically diverse species as N. meningitidis.}, language = {en} }