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Walter Greiner: in memoriam
(2017)
Walter Greiner (29 October 1935 - 6 October 2016) was a German theoretical physicist. His scientific research interests include the thematic areas of atomic physics, heavy ion physics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics (particularly quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics). He is most known in Germany for his series of books in theoretical physics, but he is also well known around the world. Greiner was born on October 29, 1935, in Neuenbau, Sonnenberg, Germany. He studied physics at the University of Frankfurt (Goethe University in Frankfurt Am Main), receiving in this institution a BSci in physics and a Master’s degree in 1960 with a thesis on plasma-reactors, and a PhD in 1961 at the University of Freiburg under Hans Marshal, with a thesis on the nuclear polarization in μμ-mesic atoms. During the period of 1962 to 1964 he was assistant professor at the University of Maryland, followed by a position as research associate at the University of Freiburg, in 1964. Starting in 1965, he became a full professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Goethe University until 2003. Greiner has been a visiting professor to many universities and laboratories, including Florida State University, the University of Virginia, the University of California, the University of Melbourne, Vanderbilt University, Yale University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory. In 2003, with Wolf Singer, he was the founding Director of the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), and gave lectures and seminars in elementary particle physics. He died on October 6, 2016 at the age of 80.
Walter Greiner was an excellent teacher, researcher, friend. And he was a great supporter of the series of events known by the acronyms IWARA - International Workshop on Astronomy and Relativistic Astrophysics, STARS - Caribbean Symposium on Cosmology, Gravitation, Nuclear and Astroparticle Physics, and SMFNS - International Symposium on Strong Electromagnetic Fields and Neutron Stars. Walter Greiner left us. But his memory will remain always alive among us who have had the privilege of knowing him and enjoy his wisdom and joy of living.
Land surface and hydrologic models (LSM/HM) are used at diverse spatial resolutions ranging from 1-10 km in catchment-scale applications to over 50 km in global-scale applications. Application of the same model structure at different spatial scales requires that the model estimates similar fluxes independent of the model resolution and fulfills a flux-matching condition across scales. An analysis of state-of-the-art LSMs and HMs reveals that most do not have consistent and realistic parameter fields for land surface geophysical properties. Multiple experiments with the mHM, Noah-MP, PCR-GLOBWB and WaterGAP models are conducted to demonstrate the pitfalls of poor parameterization practices currently used in most operational models, which are insufficient to satisfy the flux-matching condition. These examples demonstrate that J. Dooge’s 1982 statement on the unsolved problem of parameterization in these models remains true. We provide a short review of existing parameter regionalization techniques and discuss a method for obtaining seamless hydrological predictions of water fluxes and states across multiple spatial resolutions. The multiscale parameter regionalization (MPR) technique is a practical and robust method that provides consistent (seamless) parameter and flux fields across scales. A general model protocol is presented to describe how MPR can be applied to a specific model, with an example of this application using the PCR-GLOBWB model. Applying MPR to PCR-GLOBWB substantially improves the flux-matching condition. Estimation of evapotranspiration without MPR at 5 arcmin and 30 arcmin spatial resolutions for the Rhine river basin results in a difference of approximately 29%. Applying MPR reduce this difference to 9%. For total soil water, the differences without and with MPR are 25% and 7%, respectively.
Land surface and hydrologic models (LSMs/HMs) are used at diverse spatial resolutions ranging from catchment-scale (1–10 km) to global-scale (over 50 km) applications. Applying the same model structure at different spatial scales requires that the model estimates similar fluxes independent of the chosen resolution, i.e., fulfills a flux-matching condition across scales. An analysis of state-of-the-art LSMs and HMs reveals that most do not have consistent hydrologic parameter fields. Multiple experiments with the mHM, Noah-MP, PCR-GLOBWB, and WaterGAP models demonstrate the pitfalls of deficient parameterization practices currently used in most operational models, which are insufficient to satisfy the flux-matching condition. These examples demonstrate that J. Dooge's 1982 statement on the unsolved problem of parameterization in these models remains true. Based on a review of existing parameter regionalization techniques, we postulate that the multiscale parameter regionalization (MPR) technique offers a practical and robust method that provides consistent (seamless) parameter and flux fields across scales. Herein, we develop a general model protocol to describe how MPR can be applied to a particular model and present an example application using the PCR-GLOBWB model. Finally, we discuss potential advantages and limitations of MPR in obtaining the seamless prediction of hydrological fluxes and states across spatial scales.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of trichuris suis ova in active crohn's disease
(2017)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To investigate the efficacy and safety of three different dosages of embryonated, viable eggs of Trichuris suis [TSO] versus placebo for induction of remission in mildly-to-moderately active ileocolonic, uncomplicated Crohn's disease [CD].
METHODS Adults with active CD [n = 252] randomly received six fortnightly doses of 250, 2500, or 7500 TSO/15 ml suspension/day [TSO 250, TSO 2500, TSO 7500], or 15 ml placebo solution/day, in a double-blind fashion, with 4 weeks' follow-up. Primary endpoint was the rate of clinical remission [Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI] < 150] at end of treatment, ie at Week 12 or withdrawal. Secondary endpoints included the course of clinical remission, rate of clinical response, change in CDAI, change in markers of inflammation, mucosal healing, and Physician's Global Assessment.
RESULTS Clinical remission at Week 12 occurred in 38.5%, 35.2%, and 47.2% of TSO 250, TSO 2500, and TSO 7500 patients, respectively, and in 42.9% of placebo recipients. TSO induced a dose-dependent immunological response. There was no response regarding laboratory markers of inflammation. Other secondary efficacy variables also showed no advantage of TSO over placebo for treatment of active CD. Administration of TSO did not result in any serious adverse drug reaction. Review of non-serious suspected adverse drug reactions following TSO did not reveal any safety concerns.
CONCLUSIONS Administration of 250-7500 TSO fortnightly over 12 weeks was safe and showed a dose-dependent immunological response, but no TSO dose showed a clinically relevant effect over placebo for induction of clinical remission or response in mildly-to-moderately active, ileocolonic CD.
Kinematic analysis of work-related musculoskeletal loading of trunk among dentists in Germany
(2017)
BACKGROUND: In Germany, about 86.7 % of the dentists have stated to suffer from pain in the neck and shoulder region. These findings are predominantly based on surveys. Therefore the objective of this study is to conduct a kinematic analysis of occupational posture in dentistry.
METHODS: Twenty one dentists (11 f/10 m; age: 40.1 ± 10.4 years) have participated in this examination. The CUELA-System was used to collect kinematic data of the activities on an average dental workday. A detailed, computer-based task analysis took place parallel to the kinematic examination. Through the synchronization of data collected from both measurements, patterns of posture were arranged chronologically and in conjunction with the tasks performed: (I) "treatment" (II) "office" and (III) "other activities". For the data analysis, characteristic data of joint angular distributions (percentiles P05, P25, P50, P75 and P95) of head, neck and torso at pre-defined tasks were examined and assessed corresponding to ergonomic standards.
RESULTS: Forty one percent of tasks executed on an average dental workday can be categorized as the treatment of patients. These tasked are most frequently performed in "straight back" positions (78.7 %), whereas 20.1 % were carried out in a "twisted or inclined" torso posture, 1.1 % "bowed" and only 0.1 % "bowed and twisted/inclined to the side" upper body position. In particular, it can be observed that in the area of the cervical and thoracic spine the 75th and 95th percentile show worse angular values during treatment than during non-dental tasks. For the period of treatment (at a standardized dental chair construction), a seated position with a strong inclination of the thoracic spine to the right while the lumbar spine is inclined towards the left is adopted.
CONCLUSION: The kinematic analysis of dentists illustrates typical patterns of postures during tasks that are essential to the dental treatment of patients. The postures in the area of the cervical and thoracic spine have higher angular values during treatment compared to other dental tasks. Consistently, appropriate ergonomic design measures to optimize the dental chair and equipment as well as integrated training in ergonomics as part of the study of dentistry to prevent musculoskeletal are recommended.
A precise definition of a brain state has proven elusive. Here, we introduce the novel local-global concept of intrinsic ignition characterizing the dynamical complexity of different brain states. Naturally occurring intrinsic ignition events reflect the capability of a given brain area to propagate neuronal activity to other regions, giving rise to different levels of integration. The ignitory capability of brain regions is computed by the elicited level of integration for each intrinsic ignition event in each brain region, averaged over all events. This intrinsic ignition method is shown to clearly distinguish human neuroimaging data of two fundamental brain states (wakefulness and deep sleep). Importantly, whole-brain computational modelling of this data shows that at the optimal working point is found where there is maximal variability of the intrinsic ignition across brain regions. Thus, combining whole brain models with intrinsic ignition can provide novel insights into underlying mechanisms of brain states.
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) regulates differentiation, survival, proliferation and transformation of hematopoietic cells. Upon cytokine stimulation, STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation (pYSTAT5) is transient, while in diverse neoplastic cells persistent overexpression and enhanced pYSTAT5 are frequently found. Post-translational modifications might contribute to enhanced STAT5 activation in the context of transformation, but the strength and duration of pYSTAT5 are incompletely understood. We found that O-GlcNAcylation and tyrosine phosphorylation act together to trigger pYSTAT5 levels and oncogenic transcription in neoplastic cells. The expression of a mutated hyperactive gain-of-function (GOF) STAT5 without O-GlcNAcylation resulted in decreased tyrosine phosphorylation, oligomerization and transactivation potential and complete loss of oncogenic transformation capacity. The lack of O-GlcNAcylation diminished phospho-ERK and phospho-AKT levels. Our data show that O-GlcNAcylation of STAT5 is an important process that contributes to oncogenic transcription through enhanced STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation and oligomerization driving myeloid transformation. O-GlcNAcylation of STAT5 could be required for nutrient sensing and metabolism of cancer cells.
B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy of bone-marrow (BM)-derived lymphoid precursor cells at various stages of differentiation. Although first-line therapy with chemotherapy and—in the case of BCR-ABL1 positive ALL—tyrosine kinase inhibitors is initially highly effective with remission rates of >90%, the overall survival rate in adult patients is 40–50% across all risk groups. Relapse originates from putative leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) that are intrinsically resistant to chemotherapeutic regimens, which may explain the poor long-term prognosis of patients with disease recurrence. Eradication of LICs thus is a principal aim of novel therapeutic approaches. A prerequisite for developing effective LIC-targeted treatments is the ability to identify and clinically monitor LICs in ALL, a goal that has to date been elusive. The existence, phenotype, biological properties and the hierarchical organization of LICs in BCP-ALL remain highly controversial. ...
In 2006, the Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology published its consensus document on the use of autologous cell therapy for repair of the heart. Since then, there have been numerous clinical trials and analyses performed to establish the role of autologous cell therapy in the treatment of both acute and chronic cardiac disease. The majority of these studies have been Phase II clinical trials. Phase III clinical trials of autologous cell therapy have been launched (e.g. BAMI), which marks the successful progression of clinical investigation of autologous cell therapy in heart disease. The Task Force has reviewed its 2006 recommendations and the developments in this area of research and proposes updated recommendations for the future of autologous cell therapy in the heart. This article does not duplicate the many reviews on stem cells and the heart but gives considered recommendations based on the experience from the last 10 years.
Background: Recognizing patients at risk for pulmonary complications (PC) is of high clinical relevance. Migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to inflammatory sites plays an important role in PC, and is tightly regulated by specific chemokines including interleukin (IL)−8 and other mediators such as leukotriene (LT)B4. Previously, we have reported that LTB4 indicated early patients at risk for PC after trauma. Here, the relevance of LTB4 to indicating lung integrity in a newly established long-term porcine severe trauma model (polytrauma, PT) was explored.
Methods: mTwelve pigs (3 months old, 30 ± 5 kg) underwent PT including standardized femur fracture, lung contusion, liver laceration, hemorrhagic shock, subsequent resuscitation and surgical fracture fixation. Six animals served as controls (sham). After 72 h lung damage and inflammatory changes were assessed. LTB4 was determined in plasma before the experiment, immediately after trauma, and after 2, 4, 24 or 72 h. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)-fluid was collected prior and after the experiment.
Results: Lung injury, local gene expression of IL-8, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18 and PMN-infiltration into lungs increased significantly in PT compared with sham. Systemic LTB4 increased markedly in both groups 4 h after trauma. Compared with declined plasma LTB4 levels in sham, LTB4 increased further in PT after 72 h. Similar increase was observed in BAL-fluid after PT.
Conclusions: In a severe trauma model, sustained changes in terms of lung injury and inflammation are determined at day 3 post-trauma. Specifically, increased LTB4 in this porcine long-term model indicated a rapid inflammatory alteration both locally and systemically. The results support the concept of LTB4 as a biomarker for PC after severe trauma and lung contusion.
The KER for electron capture of vibrational cooled HeH+ and H3 + ions at 20 keV from residual gas atoms has been measured in the Frankfurt Low Energy Storage Ring (FLSR). At a vacuum in the order of few 10-11 mbar, this residual gas consists to 99% of H2 molecules. For the identification of the recoil products of this reaction, a recoil spectrometer (with an MCP-detector with position and time sensitive read out) was installed at one of the focus points (IP) in the FLSR. The planned extension of this set up by a gas target to a full COLTRIMS reaction microscope will be discussed.
Alu elements are retrotransposons that frequently form new exons during primate evolution. Here, we assess the interplay of splicing repression by hnRNPC and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in the quality control and evolution of new Alu-exons. We identify 3100 new Alu-exons and show that NMD more efficiently recognises transcripts with Alu-exons compared to other exons with premature termination codons. However, some Alu-exons escape NMD, especially when an adjacent intron is retained, highlighting the importance of concerted repression by splicing and NMD. We show that evolutionary progression of 3' splice sites is coupled with longer repressive uridine tracts. Once the 3' splice site at ancient Alu-exons reaches a stable phase, splicing repression by hnRNPC decreases, but the exons generally remain sensitive to NMD. We conclude that repressive motifs are strongest next to cryptic exons and that gradual weakening of these motifs contributes to the evolutionary emergence of new alternative exons.
Background: Taxonomy offers precise species identification and delimitation and thus provides basic information for biological research, e.g. through assessment of species richness. The importance of molecular taxonomy, i.e., the identification and delimitation of taxa based on molecular markers, has increased in the past decade. Recently developed exploratory tools now allow estimating species-level diversity in multi-locus molecular datasets.
Results: Here we use molecular species delimitation tools that either quantify differences in intra- and interspecific variability of loci, or divergence times within and between species, or perform coalescent species tree inference to estimate species-level entities in molecular genetic datasets. We benchmark results from these methods against 14 morphologically readily differentiable species of a well-defined subgroup of the diverse Drusinae subfamily (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae). Using a 3798 bp (6 loci) molecular data set we aim to corroborate a geographically isolated new species by integrating comparative morphological studies and molecular taxonomy.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that only multi-locus species delimitation provides taxonomically relevant information. The data further corroborate the new species Drusus zivici sp. nov. We provide differential diagnostic characters and describe the male, female and larva of this new species and discuss diversity patterns of Drusinae in the Balkans. We further discuss potential and significance of molecular species delimitation. Finally we argue that enhancing collaborative integrative taxonomy will accelerate assessment of global diversity and completion of reference libraries for applied fields, e.g., conservation and biomonitoring.
Neuroblastoma is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous pediatric malignancy that includes a high-risk subset for which new therapeutic agents are urgently required. As well as MYCN amplification, activating point mutations of ALK and NRAS are associated with high-risk and relapsing neuroblastoma. As both ALK and RAS signal through the MEK/ERK pathway, we sought to evaluate two previously reported inhibitors of ETS-related transcription factors, which are transcriptional mediators of the Ras-MEK/ERK pathway in other cancers. Here we show that YK-4-279 suppressed growth and triggered apoptosis in nine neuroblastoma cell lines, while BRD32048, another ETV1 inhibitor, was ineffective. These results suggest that YK-4-279 acts independently of ETS-related transcription factors. Further analysis reveals that YK-4-279 induces mitotic arrest in prometaphase, resulting in subsequent cell death. Mechanistically, we show that YK-4-279 inhibits the formation of kinetochore microtubules, with treated cells showing a broad range of abnormalities including multipolar, fragmented and unseparated spindles, together leading to disrupted progression through mitosis. Notably, YK-4-279 does not affect microtubule acetylation, unlike the conventional mitotic poisons paclitaxel and vincristine. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that YK-4-279 overcomes vincristine-induced resistance in two neuroblastoma cell-line models. Furthermore, combinations of YK-4-279 with vincristine, paclitaxel or the Aurora kinase A inhibitor MLN8237/Alisertib show strong synergy, particularly at low doses. Thus, YK-4-279 could potentially be used as a single-agent or in combination therapies for the treatment of high-risk and relapsing neuroblastoma, as well as other cancers.
Background: In the area of education research, it is well-known that studies of a defi ned question are seldom replicated. Furthermore, e-learning resources with evidence-based content in dentistry have received relatively little attention from researchers.
The Context and Purpose of the Study: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate how dentistry students from two consecutive cohorts in their fi rst clinical semester rate a long-standing evidencebased dentistry (EbD) resource in an e-learning environment using a questionnaire of 43 specifi c items on 1) general questions regarding user-friendliness and acceptability, as well as 2) specifi c questions on content and functional range (A), handling and technical aspects (B), and didactics and educational value (C) based on a Likert scale from 0 = ‘strongly disagree’ to 3 = ‘strongly agree’, and how this compares to a primary study in which the resource was addressed as a novelty. The data were analyzed statistically using a one-way ANOVA followed by a Kruskal-Wallis multiple-comparison Z-test.
Results: A response rate of 100% was achieved. The majority of the users thought the topic of EbD to be important. The e-learning resource was rated with a score of 2.40 ± 0.66 (on a Likert scale from 1-6 where 1 = "very good" and 6 = "insuffi cient"). 86.15% of the students stated that they consider the resource benefi cial for their study in clinical simulation and in patient treatment courses. The results averaged for A: 1.92 (±0.57; median: 1.928), B: 1.48 (±0.60), and C: 2.27 (±0.67). The obtained results in the replication study showed no statistical signifi cant differences to the primary study.
Conclusions: The e-learning resource with dentistry vignettes cases and learning components on evidence-based principles was consistently rated positively by the students. Owing to their agreement with the data of the primary study, the results of the present study point to the remarkable validity of the method of evaluation. This should be addressed in future studies with larger cohorts.
Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Untersuchung der Saumvegetation im nordwestlichen England. Die Aufnahmen der artenreichen Gesellschaften der Trifolio-Geranietea wurden an sonnexponierten Standorten mit flachgründigen Böden über Kalkstein erstellt. Die Analysen zeigen eine neue Assoziation Helianthemo nummularii-Teucrietum scorodoniae ass. nova und eine Gesellschaft, die von Trifolium medium dominiert wird. In schattigen, nitrophytischen und mehr mesophytischen Wäldern wurden die Säume der Galio-Urticetea untersucht und folgende Gesellschaften festgestellt: Anthriscetum sylvestris Hadac 1968, Urtico-Cruciatetum laevipedis Dierschke 1973, Urtico-Aegopodietum podagranae (R.Tx.1963) Oberd. 1964 in Görs 1969, Phalarido-Petasitetum officinalis Schwickerath 1933 und Alliario-Chaerophylletum temuli Lohmeyer 1949.
Thelypteris limbosperma erweist sich als Charakterart einer Saum- und Lichtungsgesellschaft kühlfeuchter Standorte der Wälder höherer Mittelgebirge auf sauren Böden. Für die Assoziation, die durch Aufnahmen aus dem Rothaargebirge, dem Taunus und dem Schwarzwald belegt wird, wird der Name Luzulo luzuloidis-Thelypteridetum limbospermae gewählt.
Calamagrostis phragmitoides wurde erstmals 1983 im Harz entdeckt. Mittlerweile sind zahlreiche weitere Wuchsorte bekannt, die sich alle in Höhenlagen zwischen 500 und 650m ü.NN befinden. Aufgrund der teilweise schwierigen Abgrenzung von der im Harz allgegenwärtigen und morphologisch sehr variablen Calamagrostis villosa bzw. aufgrund von Verwechslungen mit Calamagrostis canescens blieben die Vorkommen von C. phragmitoides im Harz lange unentdeckt. Mehrheitlich sind die untersuchten Exemplare apomiktisch und fallen in die Variationsbreite der als wichtig erachteten Merkmale. Allerdings treten im Harz auch Individuen auf, deren morphologische Merkmale (incl. Habitus) völlig mit apomiktischem C. phragmitoides übereinstimmen, aber stets aufblühen und aus ihren sich öffnenden Antheren Pollenkörner entlassen. Hier handelt es sich offensichtlich um Formen der C. phragmitoides, die vorerst als „Calamagrostis phragmitoides pollenbildend“ bezeichnet werden. Ergänzend wurden in den Jahren 1998 und 1999 an zahlreichen Wuchsorten Vegetationsaufnahmen erstellt, die die Soziologie des Purpur-Reitgrases dokumentieren. Neben Vorkommen in lichten Erlenwäldern und an Bachufern wächst die Art in anthropogen entstandenen, allerdings aktuell nicht mehr genutzten Kleinseggenriedern des Caricion fuscae und Hochstaudenfluren sowie aufgelassenen Feuchtwiesen (Filipendulenion bzw. Calthion palustris). Diese Vergesellschaftung ist für C. phragmitoides zumindest in Mitteleuropa typisch. Bemerkenswert ist die Fähigkeit dieses Glazialrelikts, geeignete Offenlandbiotope in räumlicher Nähe zu „natürlichen Vorkommen“ nach Nutzungsaufgabe zu besiedeln und vielerorts die vorhandene Vegetation zu verdrängen. Das Resultat sind artenarme Calamagrostis phragmitoides-Dominanzbestände.
Flora und Vegetation der Naturschutzgebiete „Torfmoor” und „Mecklenbruch” (Landkreis Holzminden, Süd-Niedersachsen) werden eingehend beschrieben. Den größten Anteil an der Vegetation haben in beiden Gebieten Bruchwälder, die weitgehend dem Vaccinio uliginosi-Betuletum pubescentis zugeordnet werden können. Die ungestörte Hochmoorvegetation (Sphagnetum magellanici), die vorwiegend auf das NSG Mecklenbruch beschränkt ist, weist eine Ausdehnung von etwa 5 ha auf. In Bereichen, die durch frühere Entwässerung geschädigt worden sind, hat sich Calluna vulgaris stark ausgebreitet. An trockeneren Randbereichen des NSG Mecklenbruch mit geringer Torfauflage kommen artenarme Molinia caerulea-Dominanzbestände vor. Die Standortbedingungen der unterschiedlichen Vegetationseinheiten werden durch exemplarische Messungen von Grundwasserstand, pH-Wert, Leitfähigkeit und C/N-Verhältnis charakterisiert. Abschließend werden Vorschläge zum Erhalt der heutigen Vegetation gemacht.
Während der Vegetationsperiode 1997 wurden am Untersberg bei Salzburg (Österreich) an drei subalpinen Pflanzengesellschaften (Alnetum viridis, Homogyno-Piceetum und Rhodothamno-Rhododendretum hirsuti) phänologische Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Dabei war es möglich, vollständige generative Jahreszyklen von 40 verschiedenen Taxa zu erheben, diese zu symphänologischen Gruppen zusammenzufassen und daraus eine zeitliche Gliederung der Vegetationsperiode in Phänophasen vorzuschlagen. Die einzelnen Phasen werden beschrieben und durch analytisch-quantitative Phänospektren veranschaulicht. Die Vegetationszeit, Vitalität der Bestände sowie die zeitliche und räumliche Variabilität werden diskutiert.
Auf Niedermoorstandorten des Oberspreewaldes im Biosphärenreservat „Spreewald“ (Brandenburg) werden Pappelaufforstungen vegetationskundlich und standortsökologisch untersucht. Floristisch-soziologisch werden die Salix cinerea-Populus x euramericana- und die Calamagrostis canescens-Populus x euramericana-Gesellschaft differenziert, die jeweils enge synsystematische und synökologische Beziehungen zu den naturnahen Beständen des Carici elongatae-Alnetum bzw. Pruno-Fraxinetum aufweisen. Die in den Pappelforsten im Vergleich zu den naturnahen Waldgesellschaften ermittelten Vegetationsveränderungen werden im wesentlichen auf den geringeren Kronenschlußgrad und damit auf den höheren Lichtgenuß der Krautschicht zurückgeführt. Weniger die Aufforstung von Hybridpappeln, sondern vielmehr das komplexe Wirkungsgefüge vielfältiger anthropogener Standortsbeeinflussungen auf Auen- bzw. Niedermoorstandorten des Oberspreewaldes (Entwässerung, ehemalige Nutzungen, forstliche Maßnahmen usw.) wird als ausschlaggebend für die Veränderungen von Vegetation und Boden angesehen. Aus der Vegetation der Pappelforste und der qualitativen und quantitativen Zusammensetzung der Gehölzverjüngung in den Pappelforsten werden Entwicklungstendenzen und -ziele im Hinblick auf eine Umwandlung in naturnahe Feuchtwälder abgeleitet.
In der Vegetationsperiode 1999 wurden Eiben-Steilhang-Buchenwälder in den Nördlichen Voralpen zwischen Salzburg und Niederösterreich untersucht und pflanzensoziologisch nach der Methode von BRAUN-BLANQUET (1964) bearbeitet. Die Buche bildet die Baumschicht 1, die Eibe die Baumschicht 2. Es konnten in Niederösterreich fünf, in Oberösterreich vier und in Salzburg ein Eibensteilhangbuchenwald nachgewiesen werden. Das Taxo-Fagetum ist eine sehr seltene Waldgesellschaft in Österreich. Die Wuchsorte sind schwer zu erreichen. Die Steilhänge weisen eine Neigung von 30—45° auf. Die Krautschicht wird meist von Gräsern dominiert.
An Hand von Vegetationsaufnahmen auf Dauerflächen in den beiden Naturwaldreservaten „Hasbruch“ und „Pretzetzer Landwehr“ läßt sich die Waldvegetation auf den stau- und grundwasserbeeinflußten Böden dem Luzulo-Fagetum, Galio odorati-Fagetum (nur Hasbruch) und Stellario-Carpinetum zuordnen. Mit Hilfe der Angaben aus der Forstlichen Standortaufnahme und der Zeigerwerte nach Ellenberg wurde der Einfluß von Bodenfeuchtigkeit, Basen- und Stickstoffversorgung sowie der Bewirtschaftung auf das Vorkommen und die Dominanz von Stieleiche (Querem robur), Hainbuche (Carpinus betulus) und Rotbuche (Fagus sylvatica) geprüft. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass im atlantisch geprägten nordwestdeutschen Tiefland Fagus sylvatica auch stärker vernässte, grund- und stauwasserbeeinflußte Böden nicht meidet, sondern sich bei fehlender Bewirtschaftung sogar zur konkurrenzstärksten Baumart entwickeln kann. Mit zunehmender Vernässung, Basen- und Nährstoffversorgung nimmt der Buchenanteil in den untersuchten Wäldern zwar deutlich ab, dies ist allerdings eher als Ausdruck für die Geschwindigkeit der Sukzessionsprozesse zu werten, die mit der Zeitdauer einer fehlenden Bewirtschaftung verknüpft ist.
Fritz Runge wurde in Bocholt in Westfalen geboren. Er besuchte in Münster Volksschule und Gymnasium und studierte später an den Universitäten Münster und Berlin. 1939 wurde er bei Prof. Dr. Hanning an der Westfälischen Wilhelms Universität zu Münster mit einer Arbeit über das Thema „Die Waldgesellschaften des Inneren der Münsterschen Bucht“ zum Dr. rer. nat. promoviert. 1950 übernahm er die Stelle eines wissenschaftlichen Referenten beim Landesmuseum für Naturkunde der Provinz Westfalen in Münster. 27 Jahre arbeitete er in diesem Haus und blieb ihm auch nach seiner Pensionierung bis wenige Wochen vor seinem Tod verbunden.
Außerhalb der führenden geobotanischen Universitätsinstitute hat H. Schlüter als „Persönlichkeits-Institution“ die Entwicklung der Vegetationsgeographie im Osten Deutschlands wesentlich mitgestaltet und insbesondere zwischen Vegetationskunde, Forstwissenschaft und Geographie vermittelt. In Zeiten, da über Interdisziplinarität zwar viel geredet wird, im übrigen aber die Spezialisierung voranschreitet, hat er interdisziplinäre Betrachtungs- und Arbeitsweisen ganz selbstverständlich praktiziert.
Sammelrezension zu Konrad Gross, Wolfgang Klooß u. Reingard M. Nischik (Hg.): Kanadische Literaturgeschichte. Unter Mitarbeit von Heinz Antor, Doris Eibl, Klaus-Dieter Ertler, Albert-Reiner Glaap, Paul Goetsch, Fritz Peter Kirsch, Martin Kuester, Rolf Lohse, Hartmut Lutz, Ursula Mathis-Moser, Markus M. Müller, Andrea Oberhuber, Caroline Rosenthal, Dorothee Scholl und Waldemar Zacharasiewicz. Stuttgart, Weimar (Metzler) 2005. 446 S.
Ingo Kolboom u. Roberto Mann: Akadien: ein französischer Traum in Amerika. Vier Jahrhunderte Geschichte und Literatur der Akadier. Mit Gastbeiträgen von Maurice Basque, Sandra Eulitz, Jacques Gauthier, Ingrid Neumann-Holzschuh und Thomas Scheufler sowie einer CD-ROM mit Materialien und Dokumenten und einer DVD mit dem Film 'Die Akadier - Odyssee eines Volkes' von Eva und Georg Bense. Heidelberg (Synchron) 2005. 1014 S.
Die 'Arbeitsstelle für deutschmährische Literatur' veranstaltete im Oktober 2014 anlässlich des 50. Todestags des Dichters eine Tagung über Franz Spunda. Hier zeigt sich die Bedeutung Spundas für den Veranstalter, denn trotz der erwähnten Präsenz Spundas im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs und trotz der Existenz einer - wenn auch bescheidenen - Spunda-Forschung wurde bis dato noch nie eine Spunda-Konferenz veranstaltet. Die von 3. bis 4. Oktober 2014 in der Geburtsstadt des Autors organisierte Tagung mit dem Titel 'Franz Spunda im Kontext' brachte 10 ausländische sowie inländische Wissenschaftler zusammen.
Background: Arising from the relevance of sensorimotor training in the therapy of nonspecific low back pain patients and from the value of individualized therapy, the present trial aims to test the feasibility and efficacy of individualized sensorimotor training interventions in patients suffering from nonspecific low back pain.
Methods and study design: A multicentre, single-blind two-armed randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a 12-week (3 weeks supervised centre-based and 9 weeks home-based) individualized sensorimotor exercise program is performed. The control group stays inactive during this period. Outcomes are pain, and pain-associated function as well as motor function in adults with nonspecific low back pain. Each participant is scheduled to five measurement dates: baseline (M1), following centre-based training (M2), following home-based training (M3) and at two follow-up time points 6 months (M4) and 12 months (M5) after M1. All investigations and the assessment of the primary and secondary outcomes are performed in a standardized order: questionnaires – clinical examination – biomechanics (motor function). Subsequent statistical procedures are executed after the examination of underlying assumptions for parametric or rather non-parametric testing.
Discussion: The results and practical relevance of the study will be of clinical and practical relevance not only for researchers and policy makers but also for the general population suffering from nonspecific low back pain.
Background: Self-myofascial release (SMR) aims to mimic the effects of manual therapy and tackle dysfunctions of the skeletal muscle and connective tissue. It has been shown to induce improvements in flexibility, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In addition to neuronal mechanisms, improved flexibility may be driven by acute morphological adaptations, such as a reduction in passive tissue stiffness or improved movement between fascial layers. The aim of the intended study is to evaluate the acute effects of SMR on the passive tissue stiffness of the anterior thigh muscles and the sliding properties of the associated fasciae.
Methods: In a crossover study de sign, 16 participants will receive all of the following interventions in a permutated random order: (1) one session of 2 × 60 s of SMR at the anterior thigh, (2) one session of 2 × 60 s of passive static stretching of the anterior thigh and (3) no intervention. Passive tissue stiffness, connective tissue sliding, angle of first stretch sensation, as well as maximal active and passive knee flexion angle, will be evaluated before and directly after each intervention.
Discussion: The results of the intended study will allow a better understanding of, and provide further evidence on, the local effects of SMR techniques and the underlying mechanisms for flexibility improvements.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of dividing and nondividing cells involves regulatory interactions with the nuclear pore complex (NPC), followed by translocation to the nucleus and preferential integration into genomic areas in proximity to the inner nuclear membrane (INM). To identify host proteins that may contribute to these processes, we performed an overexpression screen of known membrane-associated NE proteins. We found that the integral transmembrane proteins SUN1/UNC84A and SUN2/UNC84B are potent or modest inhibitors of HIV-1 infection, respectively, and that suppression corresponds to defects in the accumulation of viral cDNA in the nucleus. While laboratory strains (HIV-1NL4.3 and HIV-1IIIB) are sensitive to SUN1-mediated inhibition, the transmitted founder viruses RHPA and ZM247 are largely resistant. Using chimeric viruses, we identified the HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein as a major determinant of sensitivity to SUN1, and in vitro-assembled capsid-nucleocapsid (CANC) nanotubes captured SUN1 and SUN2 from cell lysates. Finally, we generated SUN1−/− and SUN2−/− cells by using CRISPR/Cas9 and found that the loss of SUN1 had no effect on HIV-1 infectivity, whereas the loss of SUN2 had a modest suppressive effect. Taken together, these observations suggest that SUN1 and SUN2 may function redundantly to modulate postentry, nuclear-associated steps of HIV-1 infection.
IMPORTANCE HIV-1 causes more than 1 million deaths per year. The life cycle of HIV-1 has been studied extensively, yet important steps that occur between viral capsid release into the cytoplasm and the expression of viral genes remain elusive. We propose here that the INM components SUN1 and SUN2, two members of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, may interact with incoming HIV-1 replication complexes and affect key steps of infection. While overexpression of these proteins reduces HIV-1 infection, disruption of the individual SUN2 and SUN1 genes leads to a mild reduction or no effect on infectivity, respectively. We speculate that SUN1/SUN2 may function redundantly in early HIV-1 infection steps and therefore influence HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis.
Objective: To analyze the financial burden of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: Based on a systematic search of the literature (Medline and the Cochrane Library, combining the MeSH terms ‘complementary therapies', ‘neoplasms', ‘costs', ‘cost analysis', and ‘cost-benefit analysis'), an expert panel discussed different types of analyses and their significance for CAM in oncology. Results: Of 755 publications, 43 met our criteria. The types of economic analyses and their parameters discussed for CAM in oncology were cost, cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analyses. Only a few articles included arguments in favor of or against these different methods, and only a few arguments were specific for CAM because most CAM methods address a broad range of treatment aim parameters to assess effectiveness and are hard to define. Additionally, the choice of comparative treatments is difficult. To evaluate utility, healthy subjects may not be adequate as patients with a life-threatening disease and may be judged differently, especially with respect to a holistic treatment approach. We did not find any arguments in the literature that were directed at the economic analysis of CAM in oncology. Therefore, a comprehensive approach assessment based on criteria from evidence-based medicine evaluating direct and indirect costs is recommended. Conclusion: The usual approaches to conventional medicine to assess costs, benefits, and effectiveness seem adequate in the field of CAM in oncology. Additionally, a thorough deliberation on the comparator, endpoints, and instruments is mandatory for designing studies.
Although often depicted as rigid structures, proteins are highly dynamic systems, whose motions are essential to their functions. Despite this, it is difficult to investigate protein dynamics due to the rapid timescale at which they sample their conformational space, leading most NMR-determined structures to represent only an averaged snapshot of the dynamic picture. While NMR relaxation measurements can help to determine local dynamics, it is difficult to detect translational or concerted motion, and only recently have significant advances been made to make it possible to acquire a more holistic representation of the dynamics and structural landscapes of proteins. Here, we briefly revisit our most recent progress in the theory and use of exact nuclear Overhauser enhancements (eNOEs) for the calculation of structural ensembles that describe their conformational space. New developments are primarily targeted at increasing the number and improving the quality of extracted eNOE distance restraints, such that the multi-state structure calculation can be applied to proteins of higher molecular weights. We then review the implications of the exact NOE to the protein dynamics and function of cyclophilin A and the WW domain of Pin1, and finally discuss our current research and future directions.
In diesem Aufsatz möchten wir Denk- und Deutungsmuster des mediengestützten Studiums und der mediengestützten Lehre herausarbeiten, welche die These einer qualitativ neuen Form der Bildung stützen2. Der Rahmen, in dem wir uns dabei bewegen, wird einerseits durch die Debatte um die Wissensgesellschaft und andererseits durch die Perspektive der kanadischen Medientheorie3 gekennzeichnet.
Unser Augenmerk gilt den Veränderungen in unserer Alltagskultur, den Deutungs- und Wahrnehmungsmustern und den entsprechenden Erwartungshorizonten, welche sich zunehmend unter den Bedingungen moderner Medientechnologien verändern. Besonders hervorheben wollen wir dabei den Zusammenhang von medientechnischen und kulturellen Modernisierungen. Fragen der Entwicklung und Nutzung neuer Medientechnologien wie dem Internet lassen sich so jenseits einer Sichtweise der Instrumentalisierung in den Blick nehmen. Wir werden uns bei den nachfolgenden Betrachtungen dazuhin auf das Feld der Hochschulen und die dort angesiedelten Fragen zur mediengestützten Lehre beschränken.
Möglichkeiten der Evaluation von E-Learning-Arrangements. Eine Analyse am Beispiel von EverLearn
(2010)
E-Learning in der Hochschulpraxis: wie Lehren und Lernen nicht auf der (virtuellen) Strecke bleiben
(2010)
Die Anforderungen an eine zukunftsorientierte Hochschulentwicklung sind eng mit dem Einsatz neuer Medien verknüpft, welche sich sowohl institutionell, personell und hochschulpolitisch niederschlagen werden. Neben der technischen Integration neuer Lehrformen spielen insbesondere die organisatorischen und didaktischen Implikationen eine zentrale Rolle. Als ein wichtiger Aspekt zur Qualitätssicherung der Hochschullehre bei steigender Studierendenzahl spielen die neuen Medien dahingehend eine Rolle, dass durch den Einsatz innovativer Lehrtechnologien eine verbesserte Betreuung und Beratung der Studierenden angestrebt wird (vgl. Albrecht 2003, S. 83). Häufig wird die Annahme vertreten, dass E-Learning hier eine kostensparende Variante darstellt, die gleichzeitig durch den „Neuigkeitseffekt“ die Lernmotivation der Teilnehmenden steigere (vgl. Meister 2001, S. 167). Die generellen Befürworter des E-Learnings zeigen neue didaktische Handlungsmöglichkeiten auf, z. B. Lernen durch Exploration (insbesondere durch Navigieren, Browsing, Searching, Connecting und Collecting, vgl. Peters 2000), während die empirische Bestätigung erhöhter Lerneffekte im E-Learning noch aussteht. Der folgende Beitrag fordert die Lehrenden dazu auf, die didaktischen Aspekte des E-Learnings stärker in den Blick zu nehmen, damit sich ein lernförderlicher Einsatz computer- und internetbasierter Lehr- / Lernszenarien endlich in der (Hochschul-)Praxis etablieren kann. Denn die gängigste Variante von E-Learning an deutschen Hochschulen – soweit wagen wir uns vor – besteht häufig in der bloßen Informationsdistribution aktueller Seminarinhalte. Didaktische und methodische Überlegungen bleiben dabei ganz offensichtlich auf der Strecke...
Der Einsatz von E-Learning-Angeboten wird seit Mitte der 1990er Jahre intensiv diskutiert (Baumgartner et al. 2002, S. 13) und sowohl von der Industrie als auch von staatlichen Stellen gefördert (Kerres et al. 2005). Neben dem Wunsch nach genereller Modernisierung (Bachmann et al. 2004, S. 1) soll der Einsatz von E-Learning vor allem zu einer Verbesserung der Betreuungsintensität der Lernenden, insbesondere in Massenveranstaltungen an deutschen Hochschulen führen (Grüne et al. 2006; Hiltz 1995; Mathes 2002; Schwickert et al. 2005). E-Learning soll es ermöglichen, die Lernenden intensiver und individueller zu betreuen, und so zu einer Erhöhung des empfundenen Servicegrades beitragen (Alavi 1994; Schutte 1997).
Seit der Abschaffung der zentralen Vergabestelle für Studienplätze (ZVS) müssen Hochschulen solche vermuteten Wettbewerbsvorteile nutzen und sich aktiv um die Steigerung der Bewerberzahlen und die Zufriedenheit der Lernenden bemühen, was zu der Forderung führte, den Einsatz von E-Learning-Angeboten in der Hochschullehre auszudehnen (BLK 2002, S. 1; BMBF 2000). In der Folge wurden große Summen für die Entwicklung und die Implementierung innovativer E-Learning-Angebote bereitgestellt, ohne deren langfristigen Erfolg sicherstellen zu können (Marshall et al. 2004).
In diesem Beitrag untersuchen wir, wie eine nachhaltige Implementierung von E-Learning-Projekten in Hochschulen durch organisatorische Gestaltungsmaßnahmen gefördert werden kann. Die Untersuchung erfolgt aus dem Blickwinkel der Wirtschaftsinformatik, die sich mit dem Potenzial von Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik (IKT) für die Verbesserung von Geschäftsprozessen beschäftigt (Laudon et al. 2007; Lyytinen 1985; WKWI 1994)...
Dem vorliegenden Buch liegt die erkenntnisleitende Annahme zugrunde, dass der ebenso komplexe wie hybride Gegenstandsbereich „E-Learning“ keiner akademischen Fachkultur exklusiv zurechenbar ist oder ihr gar „allein gehört“. Aus diesem Umstand wird gewöhnlich die Notwendigkeit eines stärker inter- und multidisziplinär ausgerichteten Forschens und Arbeitens an den Hochschulen abgeleitet. Doch trotz schlüssiger Begründung der Notwendigkeit, den Blick über den Tellerrand der eigenen Disziplin zu richten und die Kooperation mit Vertretern anderer Fachkulturen zu verstärken, scheinen beim Thema E-Learning die Grenzen zwischen den Disziplinen besonders undurchlässig zu sein. So kommt es, dass die vielfach beschworenen Synergieeffekte im Prozess des wissenschaftlichen Forschens eher die Ausnahme als die Regel darstellen. In der Tat sollte man sich vor diesbezüglichen Illusionen hüten. Denn der Weg zu einer konstruktiven interdisziplinären Forschungs- und Gesprächskultur dürfte noch sehr weit sein, und es ist keineswegs absehbar, ob die damit verbundenen Erwartungen und Hoffnungen sich tatsächlich jemals erfüllen werden...
In diesem Beitrag untersuchen wir den Erfolg von E-Learning-Maßnahmen in einer Massenveranstaltung an der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main. Mit Bezug auf das Modell von Seufert und Euler gehen wir auf die didaktische Dimension der Nachhaltigkeit von E-Learning-Aktivitäten ein (Seufert et al. 2003a, S. 6; Seufert et al. 2003b, S. 18f.). Die didaktische Dimension sehen Seufert und Euler als die zentrale und wichtigste Dimension der Nachhaltigkeit von E-Learning-Angeboten an. Der Einsatz von E-Learning-Maßnahmen muss sich daran messen lassen, ob er Lernziele besser erreicht als alternative, weniger aufwändige Lernszenarien (Seufert et al. 2004, S. 11)...
E-Learning ist das Thema zahlreicher Debatten. Die Beiträge in diesem Buch zielen darauf ab, die Diskussion zu intensivieren und zu vertiefen. Dabei fokussieren die Autoren die Bereiche Hochschule und Weiterbildung als wichtige Einsatzgebiete von E-Learning, mit dem Ziel einer Verbindung beider Bereiche. Dies geschieht aus Sicht der Wirtschaftsinformatik, der Erziehungswissenschaft und der Wirtschaftspädagogik.
Die Autoren zeigen in ihren Beiträgen, wie pädagogische Gesichtspunkte mit Fragen der Organisation und der Informationstechnik verknüpft werden können und leiten daraus Einsatzchancen für E-Learning-Konzepte ab.
Background and aims: Liver steatosis has shown to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the presence and severity of CAD and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) assessed by transient elastography (TE) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP).
Methods: 576 Patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in this prospective study, receiving at least 10 TE and CAP measurements using the FibroScan® M-probe. Clinically relevant CAD (CAD 3) was defined as stenosis with ≥75% reduction of the luminal diameter. NAFLD was determined by CAP ≥234 dB/m. NAFLD with advanced fibrosiswas determined by TE-values ≥7.9kPa in the presence of NAFLD and absence of congestive or right-sided heart failure. Rates and 95% confidence intervals are shown.
Results: 505 patients were available for analysis of NAFLD. However, only 392 patients were available for analysis of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis, since 24 patients had to be excluded due to non valid TE-measurements and 89 patients due to congestive or right-sided heart failure or suspected concomitant liver disease, respectively. 70.5% (66.3%-74.4%) of patients had CAD 3, 71.5% (67.3%-75.4%) were diagnosed with NAFLD, and 11.2% (8.3%-14.8%) with NAFLD with advanced fibrosis. Patients with CAD 3 had higher median CAP-values (273±61 vs. 260±66 dB/m; p = 0.038) and higher degrees of steatosis as compared to patients without CAD 3. While NAFLD was significantly more often diagnosed in patients with CAD 3 (75.0% vs. 63.1%, p = 0.0068), no significant difference was found for NAFLD with advanced fibrosis (10.7% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.60).
Conclusions: Clinically relevant CAD is frequently associated with the presence of NAFLD, but not NAFLD with advanced fibrosis.
Importance of latrine communication in European rabbits shifts along a rural–to–urban gradient
(2016)
Background: Information transfer in mammalian communication networks is often based on the deposition of excreta in latrines. Depending on the intended receiver(s), latrines are either formed at territorial boundaries (between-group communication) or in core areas of home ranges (within-group communication). The relative importance of both types of marking behavior should depend, amongst other factors, on population densities and social group sizes, which tend to differ between urban and rural wildlife populations. Our study is the first to assess (direct and indirect) anthropogenic influences on mammalian latrine-based communication networks along a rural-to-urban gradient in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) living in urban, suburban and rural areas in and around Frankfurt am Main (Germany).
Results: The proportion of latrines located in close proximity to the burrow was higher at rural study sites compared to urban and suburban ones. At rural sites, we found the largest latrines and highest latrine densities close to the burrow, suggesting that core marking prevailed. By contrast, latrine dimensions and densities increased with increasing distance from the burrow in urban and suburban populations, suggesting a higher importance of peripheral marking.
Conclusions: Increased population densities, but smaller social group sizes in urban rabbit populations may lead to an increased importance of between-group communication and thus, favor peripheral over core marking. Our study provides novel insights into the manifold ways by which man-made habitat alterations along a rural-to-urban gradient directly and indirectly affect wildlife populations, including latrine-based communication networks.