Showing papers by "University of Jena published in 2005"
TL;DR: The current knowledge in the structure and chemistry of cellulose, and in the development of innovative cellulose esters and ethers for coatings, films, membranes, building materials, drilling techniques, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs are assembled.
Abstract: As the most important skeletal component in plants, the polysaccharide cellulose is an almost inexhaustible polymeric raw material with fascinating structure and properties. Formed by the repeated connection of D-glucose building blocks, the highly functionalized, linear stiff-chain homopolymer is characterized by its hydrophilicity, chirality, biodegradability, broad chemical modifying capacity, and its formation of versatile semicrystalline fiber morphologies. In view of the considerable increase in interdisciplinary cellulose research and product development over the past decade worldwide, this paper assembles the current knowledge in the structure and chemistry of cellulose, and in the development of innovative cellulose esters and ethers for coatings, films, membranes, building materials, drilling techniques, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs. New frontiers, including environmentally friendly cellulose fiber technologies, bacterial cellulose biomaterials, and in-vitro syntheses of cellulose are highlighted together with future aims, strategies, and perspectives of cellulose research and its applications.
6,098 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the utility of several efficiency criteria is investigated in three examples using a simple observed streamflow hydrograph, and the selection and use of specific efficiency criteria and interpretation of the results can be a challenge for even the most experienced hydrologist since each criterion may place different emphasis on different types of simulated and observed behaviours.
Abstract: . The evaluation of hydrologic model behaviour and performance is commonly made and reported through comparisons of simulated and observed variables. Frequently, comparisons are made between simulated and measured streamflow at the catchment outlet. In distributed hydrological modelling approaches, additional comparisons of simulated and observed measurements for multi-response validation may be integrated into the evaluation procedure to assess overall modelling performance. In both approaches, single and multi-response, efficiency criteria are commonly used by hydrologists to provide an objective assessment of the "closeness" of the simulated behaviour to the observed measurements. While there are a few efficiency criteria such as the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, coefficient of determination, and index of agreement that are frequently used in hydrologic modeling studies and reported in the literature, there are a large number of other efficiency criteria to choose from. The selection and use of specific efficiency criteria and the interpretation of the results can be a challenge for even the most experienced hydrologist since each criterion may place different emphasis on different types of simulated and observed behaviours. In this paper, the utility of several efficiency criteria is investigated in three examples using a simple observed streamflow hydrograph.
2,375 citations
TL;DR: The evidence suggests that the concept of power is partly represented in perceptual form as vertical difference, and that thinking about power involves mental simulation of space and can be interfered with by perception of vertical differences.
Abstract: Metaphorically, power equals up. Drawing on embodied theories of cognition, the author argues that thinking about power involves mental simulation of space and can be interfered with by perception of vertical differences. Study 1 assessed image schemas for power and found a shared vertical difference metaphor. Studies 2, 3, and 4 showed that the judgment of a group's power is influenced by the group's vertical position in space and motor responses implying vertical movement. Study 5 ruled out that the influence of vertical position on power judgments is driven by valence differences. Study 6 showed that vertical position also influences the power judgment result itself. The evidence suggests that the concept of power is partly represented in perceptual form as vertical difference.
602 citations
TL;DR: It was confirmed that this IL is a so-called non-derivatizing solvent, which can be applied as a reaction medium for the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate and without using any catalyst, cellulose derivatives with high degree of substitution could be prepared.
Abstract: The application of different ionic liquids (IL), namely 1-N-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C(4)mim](+)Cl(-)), 3-methyl-N-butyl-pyridinium chloride and benzyldimethyl(tetradecyl)ammonium chloride were investigated as solvents for cellulose. The ILs used have the ability to dissolve cellulose with a degree of polymerization in the range from 290 to 1 200 to a very high concentration. Using [C(4)mim](+)Cl(-), no degradation of the polymer appears. By (13)C NMR measurement it was confirmed that this IL is a so-called non-derivatizing solvent. [C(4)mim](+)Cl(-) can be applied as a reaction medium for the synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate. Without using any catalyst, cellulose derivatives with high degree of substitution could be prepared.(13)C NMR spectrum of cellulose dissolved in the IL [C(4)mim](+)Cl(-) (top). The (13)C NMR spectrum of cellulose dissolved in DMSO/tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate is shown for comparison (bottom).
597 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors hypothesize that combinatorial multimer formation of MIKC-type MADS-domain proteins facilitated an unusually efficient and rapid functional diversification based on gene duplication, sequence divergence and fixation.
464 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of subcutaneous injection immunotherapy was performed in subjects with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, with or without asthma.
Abstract: Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy uses aqueous extracts of natural source materials as a basis for preparations to downregulate the allergic response. Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the cloning of many allergens, thus facilitating investigations aimed at improving efficacy and safety of immunotherapy. Objective To determine the effectiveness of a mixture of 5 recombinant grass pollen allergens in reducing symptoms and need for symptomatic medication in patients allergic to grass pollen. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of subcutaneous injection immunotherapy was performed in subjects with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, with or without asthma. Primary endpoint was a symptom medication score compiled from separate symptom and medication scores. Secondary endpoints included a rhinitis quality of life questionnaire, conjunctival provocation, and specific antibody responses. Results The symptom medication score showed significant improvements in subjects receiving recombinant allergens as opposed to placebo, with reductions in both symptoms and medication usage. The rhinitis quality of life questionnaire revealed clinically relevant significant improvements in overall assessment and in 5 of 7 separate domains, and conjunctival provocation showed a clear trend in favor of active treatment. All treated subjects developed strong allergen-specific IgG 1 and IgG 4 antibody responses. Some patients were not sensitized to Phl p 5 but nevertheless developed strong IgG antibody responses to that allergen. Conclusion A recombinant allergen vaccine can be a effective and safe treatment to ameliorate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. The clinical benefit is associated with modification of the specific immune response with promotion of IgG 4 and reduction of IgE antibodies consistent with the induction of IL-10–producing regulatory T cells.
460 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that in Arabidopsis a second protein kinase, STN8, is required for the quantitative phosphorylation of PSII core proteins, indicating that short-term and long-term photosynthetic adaptations are coupled.
Abstract: Illumination changes elicit modifications of thylakoid proteins and reorganization of the photosynthetic machinery. This involves, in the short term, phosphorylation of photosystem II (PSII) and light-harvesting (LHCII) proteins. PSII phosphorylation is thought to be relevant for PSII turnover, whereas LHCII phosphorylation is associated with the relocation of LHCII and the redistribution of excitation energy (state transitions) between photosystems. In the long term, imbalances in energy distribution between photosystems are counteracted by adjusting photosystem stoichiometry. In the green alga Chlamydomonas and the plant Arabidopsis, state transitions require the orthologous protein kinases STT7 and STN7, respectively. Here we show that in Arabidopsis a second protein kinase, STN8, is required for the quantitative phosphorylation of PSII core proteins. However, PSII activity under high-intensity light is affected only slightly in stn8 mutants, and D1 turnover is indistinguishable from the wild type, implying that reversible protein phosphorylation is not essential for PSII repair. Acclimation to changes in light quality is defective in stn7 but not in stn8 mutants, indicating that short-term and long-term photosynthetic adaptations are coupled. Therefore the phosphorylation of LHCII, or of an unknown substrate of STN7, is also crucial for the control of photosynthetic gene expression.
459 citations
TL;DR: Susceptibility‐weighted imaging is currently being tested in a number of centers worldwide as an emerging technique to improve the diagnosis of neurological trauma, brain neoplasms, and neurovascular diseases because of its ability to reveal vascular abnormalities and microbleeds.
Abstract: Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) consists of using both magnitude and phase images from a high-resolution, three-dimensional, fully velocity compensated gradient-echo sequence. Postprocessing is applied to the magnitude image by means of a phase mask to increase the conspicuity of the veins and other sources of susceptibility effects. This article gives a background of the SWI technique and describes its role in clinical neuroimaging. SWI is currently being tested in a number of centers worldwide as an emerging technique to improve the diagnosis of neurological trauma, brain neoplasms, and neurovascular diseases because of its ability to reveal vascular abnormalities and microbleeds.
418 citations
TL;DR: The WHO Global School Health Initiative and the potential for setting up oral health programmes in schools using the health-promoting school framework are discussed and the challenges faced in promoting oral health in schools in both developed and developing countries are highlighted.
Abstract: Schools provide an important setting for promoting health, as they reach over 1 billion children worldwide and, through them, the school staff, families and the community as a whole. Health promotion messages can be reinforced throughout the most influential stages of children's lives, enabling them to develop lifelong sustainable attitudes and skills. Poor oral health can have a detrimental effect on children's quality of life, their performance at school and their success in later life. This paper examines the global need for promoting oral health through schools. The WHO Global School Health Initiative and the potential for setting up oral health programmes in schools using the health-promoting school framework are discussed. The challenges faced in promoting oral health in schools in both developed and developing countries are highlighted. The importance of using a validated framework and appropriate methodologies for the evaluation of school oral health projects is emphasized.
395 citations
TL;DR: In addition to comorbidities and organ dysfunction, high tidal volumes and positive fluid balance are associated with a worse outcome from ALI/ARDS.
387 citations
TL;DR: The results show the mean times per day people in Germany spend in their homes, classified by gender, age group, building location, city size, region, building type, owner-occupier status, number of people at home, smoking and ventilation habits, moisture emission and ill health factors such as asthma, allergy and number of acute respiratory infections per year.
TL;DR: Despite technical progress in the management of acute renal failure over the last 50 years, mortality rates seem to have remained unchanged at around 50%.
TL;DR: Interference with AGE formation has therapeutic potential for preventing the progression of chronic renal diseases, as shown from data of animal experiments and, more recently, the first clinical trials.
Abstract: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a heterogeneous group of protein and lipids to which sugar residues are covalently bound. AGE formation is increased in situations with hyperglycemia (e.g., diabetes mellitus) and is also stimulated by oxidative stress, for example in uremia. It appears that activation of the renin-angiotensin system may contribute to AGE formation through various mechanisms. Although AGEs could nonspecifically bind to basement membranes and modify their properties, they also induce specific cellular responses including the release of profibrogenic and proinflammatory cytokines by interacting with the receptor for AGE (RAGE). However, additional receptors could bind AGEs, adding to the complexity of this system. The kidney is both: culprit and target of AGEs. A decrease in renal function increases circulating AGE concentrations by reduced clearance as well as increased formation. On the other hand, AGEs are involved in the structural changes of progressive nephropathies such as glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy. These effects are most prominent in diabetic nephropathy, but they also contribute to renal pathophysiology in other nondiabetic renal diseases. Interference with AGE formation has therapeutic potential for preventing the progression of chronic renal diseases, as shown from data of animal experiments and, more recently, the first clinical trials.
TL;DR: (C)BT was at least as effective as pharmacotherapy and depending on type of analysis even significantly more effective, and there were no significant differences between (C) BT alone and a combination approach but characteristics of studies have to be considered.
TL;DR: The neurophysiological approach revealed that the different states of consciousness are mainly brought about by a compromised brain structure, transient changes in brain dynamics (disconnectivity), and neurochemical and metabolic processes.
Abstract: The article reviews the current knowledge regarding altered states of consciousness (ASC) (a) occurring spontaneously, (b) evoked by physical and physiological stimulation, (c) induced by psychological means, and (d) caused by diseases. The emphasis is laid on psychological and neurobiological approaches. The phenomenological analysis of the multiple ASC resulted in 4 dimensions by which they can be characterized: activation, awareness span, self-awareness, and sensory dynamics. The neurophysiological approach revealed that the different states of consciousness are mainly brought about by a compromised brain structure, transient changes in brain dynamics (disconnectivity), and neurochemical and metabolic processes. Besides these severe alterations, environmental stimuli, mental practices, and techniques of self-control can also temporarily alter brain functioning and conscious experience.
TL;DR: It is suggested that theta reflects working memory functions whereas upper alpha may be important for the reactivation of long- term memory codes in short-term memory.
Abstract: . Recent findings are reviewed indicating that upper alpha oscillations - when analyzed with appropriate time/frequency resolution - show a similar physiological reactivity as theta in working memory tasks. Comparable to theta, a load dependent increase in power can be observed during retention and increased evoked activity during retrieval. During retrieval attempts theta behaves like a traveling wave spreading from anterior to posterior sites. During actual retrieval, however, evoked upper alpha becomes transiently nested in theta. We suggest that theta reflects working memory functions whereas upper alpha may be important for the reactivation of long-term memory codes in short-term memory.
TL;DR: An approximate solution of the planar spring-mass dynamics is derived in elementary functions assuming a small angular sweep and a small spring compression during stance and accurately predicts stable locomotion well extending into the physiologically reasonable parameter domain.
TL;DR: The first results of single-particle micro-Raman measurements in combination with a classification method, the so-called support vector machine technique, allowing for a fast, reliable, and nondestructive online identification method for single bacteria.
Abstract: Microorganisms, such as bacteria, which might be present as contamination inside an industrial food or pharmaceutical clean room process need to be identified on short time scales in order to minimize possible health hazards as well as production downtimes causing financial deficits. Here we describe the first results of single-particle micro-Raman measurements in combination with a classification method, the so-called support vector machine technique, allowing for a fast, reliable, and nondestructive online identification method for single bacteria.
TL;DR: Suspensions of bacterial magnetosomes with respect to magnetic losses are investigated in this paper, where specific loss power is determined from hysteresis loops, susceptibility spectra and calorimetry with a maximum value of 960 W/g at 410 kHz and field amplitude 10 KA/m.
TL;DR: A novel ytterbium-doped fiber design that combines the advantages of rod and fiber gain media is reported that has significantly reduced nonlinearity, which allows for scalability in the performance of a high-peak-power fiber laser and amplifier system.
Abstract: We report on a novel ytterbium-doped fiber design that combines the advantages of rod and fiber gain media. The fiber design has outer dimensions of a rod laser, meaning a diameter in the range of a few millimeters and a length of just a few tens of centimeters, and includes two important waveguide structures, one for pump radiation and one for laser radiation. We obtained 120-W output power in single-mode beam quality from a 48-cm-long fiber cane that corresponds to an extracted power of 250 W/m. The fiber has significantly reduced nonlinearity, which therefore allows for scalability in the performance of a high-peak-power fiber laser and amplifier system.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review article deals with the technically important carboxymethyl ethers of cellulose and starch, and recent developments of synthesis, characterization, and application are presented considering adequately own research work in this field.
Abstract: This review article deals with the technically important carboxymethyl ethers of cellulose and starch. Recent developments of synthesis, characterization, and application are presented considering adequately own research work in this field. In particular, the structure characterization by means of chromatographic (HPLC) and NMR-spectroscopic techniques as well as commercially important synthesis paths and alternative methods are described.
TL;DR: Investigations on total phenolics in strawberry products proved fining to be a mild method to clarify berry juices and wines without removing high amounts of total phenolic.
Abstract: Strawberries were processed to juice, nectar, wine, and puree. For investigation of the antioxidant capacity as well as the contents of ascorbic acid, total phenolics and total anthocyanins, samples were taken after different stages of production to determine the effects of processing. The content of vitamin C was measured spectrophotometrically. The total phenolic content was analyzed by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the amount of total anthocyanins was determined by using the pH-differential method. Two different methods-the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power test-were used to determine the hydrophilic antioxidant capacity. This study showed the decrease of all investigated parameters within processing strawberries to different products. The content of ascorbic acid decreased with production time and processing steps, especially during heat treatment. The investigations on total phenolics in strawberry products proved fining to be a mild method to clarify berry juices and wines without removing high amounts of total phenolics. Fermentation did not lead to heavy losses of total phenolics, probably due to polymerization and condensation of monomer phenolics such as anthocyanins. Total anthocyanins and the hydrophilic antioxidant capacity decreased while using high temperatures. Anthocyanins also decreased considerably during the processing of wines, mainly caused by fermentation and pasteurization.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented a companion of the ≤2 Myr young classical Tauri star GQ Lup in the Lupus star forming region at 140 ± 50 pc from imaging, astrometry, and spectroscopy.
Abstract: We present a companion of the ≤2 Myr young classical T Tauri star GQ Lup in the Lupus star forming region at 140 ± 50 pc from imaging, astrometry, and spectroscopy. With direct K-band imaging using VLT/NACO, we detected an object 6 mag fainter than GQ Lup located 0.7 �� west of it. Compared to images obtained 2 to 5 years earlier with Subaru/CIAO and HST/PC, this object shares the proper motion of GQ Lup by 5 and 7σ, respectively, hence it is a co-moving companion. Its K −Lcolor is consistent with a spectral type early to mid L. Our NACO K-band spectrum yields spectral type M9−L4 with H2O and CO absorption, consistent with the new GAIA-Dusty template spectrum for log g � 2t o 3a ndTeff � 2000 K with ∼2 Rjup radius at ∼140 pc, hence few Jupiter masses. Using the theoretical models from Wuchterl & Tscharnuter (2003), Burrows et al. (1997), and Baraffe et al. (2002), the mass lies between 1 and 42 Jupiter masses.
TL;DR: It is suggested that scaling up, at least over the short term, is appropriate in interpreting the implications of such experiments for larger-scale patterns and both complementarity and selection effects contributed to the positive net biodiversity effect.
Abstract: In a large integrated biodiversity project (The Jena Experiment in Germany) we established two experiments, one with a pool of 60 plant species that ranged broadly from dominant to subordinate competitors on large 20 · 20 m and small 3.5 · 3.5 m plots (¼ main experiment), and one with a pool of nine potentially dominant species on small 3.5 · 3.5 m plots (¼ dominance experiment). We found identical positive species richness–aboveground productivity relationships in the main experiment at both scales. This result suggests that scaling up, at least over the short term, is appropriate in interpreting the implications of such experiments for larger-scale patterns. The species richness–productivity relationship was more pronounced in the experiment with dominant species (46.7 and 82.6% yield increase compared to mean monoculture, respectively). Additionally, transgressive overyielding occurred more frequently in the dominance experiment (67.7% of cases) than in the main experiment (23.4% of cases). Additive partitioning and relative yield total analyses showed that both complementarity and selection effects contributed to the positive net biodiversity effect.
TL;DR: Evidence has been accumulated that shows that inulin-type fructans and corresponding fermentation products reduced the risks for colon cancer, including the reduction of exposure to risk factors and suppression of tumour cell survival.
Abstract: Inulin-type fructans (beta(2,1)fructans) extracted from chicory roots (Cichorium intybus) are prebiotic food ingredients, which in the gut lumen are fermented to lactic acid and SCFA. Research in experimental animal models revealed that inulin-type fructans have anticarcinogenic properties. A number of studies report the effects of inulin-type fructans on chemically induced pre-neoplastic lesions (ACF) or tumours in the colon of rats and mice. In twelve studies, there were twenty-nine individual treatment groups of which twenty-four measured aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and five measured tumours. There was a significant reduction of ACF in twenty-one of the twenty-four treatment groups and of tumour incidence in five of the five treatment groups. Higher beneficial effects were achieved by synbiotics (mixtures of probiotics and prebiotics), long-chain inulin-type fructans compared to short-chain derivatives, and feeding high-fat Western style diets. Inulin-type fructans reduced tumour incidence in APC(Min) mice in two of four studies and reduced growth and metastasising properties of implanted tumour cells in mice (four studies). The effects have been reported to be associated with gut flora-mediated fermentation and production of butyrate. In human cells, inulin-derived fermentation products inhibited cell growth, modulated differentiation and reduced metastasis activities. In conclusion, evidence has been accumulated that shows that inulin-type fructans and corresponding fermentation products reduced the risks for colon cancer. The involved mechanisms included the reduction of exposure to risk factors and suppression of tumour cell survival. Thus, this specific type of dietary fibre exerted both blocking agent and suppressing agent types of chemopreventive activities.
TL;DR: The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the accuracy of thorax ultrasound (TUS) in the diagnosis of PE (T USPE), and found that TUS is a suitable tool to demonstrate a PE at the bedside and in the emergency setting.
TL;DR: In this paper, the capacity of the emotional film clips to elicit a specific target emotion was evaluated, and four neutral clips were selected and shown to 38 subjects, together with 16 emotional clips from earlier studies on emotion induction.
Abstract: In the past decade several film sets for the induction of emotions have been developed. These film sets mainly consist of emotional clips from feature films. Since the neutral stimuli in these sets were abstract scenes, documentary or television excerpts, the aim of the present study was to develop a set that includes comparable neutral stimuli from commercially available feature films that match the emotional ones in their content. Furthermore, the capacity of the emotional film clips to elicit a specific target emotion was evaluated. Four neutral clips were selected and shown to 38 subjects, together with 16 emotional clips from earlier studies on emotion induction. Four clips were selected to elicit anger, and three clips to elicit each of the target emotions disgust, fear, sadness, and amusement. The participants rated their feelings on 21 emotion scales. Cluster analysis confirmed the six a priori groups of films. ANOVA further revealed that the four neutral clips, were rated neutral on the valence and low on the intensity dimension. Most of the emotional film clips primarily elicited their respective target emotion. In summary, at least two clips for each target emotion were able to elicit that emotion selectively.
TL;DR: The growth-promoting effect initiated by P. indica is accompanied by a co-regulated stimulation of enzymes involved in nitrate and starch metabolisms, which requires heterotrimeric G proteins.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the asymptotic growth of the microscopic degeneracy of BPS dyons in 4D N = 4 string theory captures the known corrections to the macroscopic entropy of four-dimensional extremal black holes, which originate both from the presence of interactions in the effective action quadratic in the Riemann tensor and from nonholomorphic terms.
Abstract: It is shown that the asymptotic growth of the microscopic degeneracy of BPS dyons in four-dimensional N = 4 string theory captures the known corrections to the macroscopic entropy of four-dimensional extremal black holes. These corrections are subleading in the limit of large charges and originate both from the presence of interactions in the effective action quadratic in the Riemann tensor and from non-holomorphic terms. The presence of the non-holomorphic corrections and their contribution to the thermodynamic free energy is discussed. It is pointed out that the expression for the macroscopic entropy, written as a function of the dilaton field, is stationary at the horizon by virtue of the attractor equations.
TL;DR: It is proposed that melatonin (synthesized locally or delivered topically) could counteract or buffer external (environmental) or internal stresses to preserve the biological integrity of the organ and to maintain its homeostasis.
Abstract: Melatonin has been experimentally implicated in skin functions such as hair growth cycling, fur pigmentation, and melanoma control, and melatonin receptors are expressed in several skin cells including normal and malignant keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. Melatonin is also able to suppress ultraviolet (U)-induced damage to skin cells and shows strong antioxidant activity in Uexposed cells. Moreover, we recently uncovered expression in the skin of the biochemical machinery involved in the sequential transformation of l-tryptophan to serotonin and melatonin. Existence of the biosynthetic pathway was confirmed by detection of the corresponding genes and proteins with actual demonstration of enzymatic activities for tryptophan hydroxylase, serotonin N-acetyl-transferase, and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase in extracts from skin and skin cells. Initial evidence for in vivo synthesis of melatonin and its metabolism was obtained in hamster skin organ culture and in one melanoma line. Therefore, we propose that melatonin (synthesized locally or delivered topically)could counteract or buffer external (environmental)or internal stresses to preserve the biological integrity of the organ and to maintain its homeostasis. Furthermore, melatonin could have a role in protection against solar radiation or even in the management of skin diseases.