Showing papers by "University of Münster published in 1983"

Thalidomide in the treatment of sixty cases of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: The therapeutic effect of thalidomide in chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE) was studied in sixty patients who were followed up for 2 years. In fifty-four patients (90%) a complete or marked regression of the disease was observed, but when the thalidomide was stopped, thirty out of forty-one (71%) patients relapsed. Patients undergoing a second course of thalidomide treatment again responded well. Nine of the patients in whom the disease recurred after successful treatment with thalidomide and who had been unresponsive to intermittent treatment with antimalarials, showed a good response to a second or third course with thalidomide. Mild side-effects were common and 25% of patients complained of slight to moderate polyneuritic symptoms. Since electroneurological examinations had not been performed before the thalidomide therapy, the frequency of neurological side-effects cannot be accurately calculated but we recommend neurological examinations before and periodically during thalidomide treatment. Thalidomide is a very effective drug in CDLE, but in most cases it exerts its effect only whilst treatment is continued. Its use should be restricted to patients resistant to topical steroids and systemic antimalarials.

Bunte Breccia of the Ries: Continuous deposits of large impact craters

Abstract: The 26-km-diameter Ries impact crater in south Germany and the mechanism of ejection and emplacement associated with its formation about 15 Myr ago are discussed in detail, and the implications of the findings for models of crater formation on earth, moon, and planets are considered. Field observations and laboratory tests on 560-m core materials from nine locations are reported. The continuous deposits (Bunte Breccia) are found to be a chaotic mixture resulting from deposition at ambient temperatures in a highly turbulent environment, probably in the ballistic scenario proposed by Oberbeck et al. (1975), with an emplacement time of only about 5 min. Further impact parameters are estimated using the 'Z model' of Maxwell (1977): initial radius = 6.5 km, excavation depth = 1650 m, excavation volume = 136 cu km, and transient cavity volume = 230 cu km. The interpretation of lunar and planetary remote-sensing and in situ evidence from impact craters is reviewed in the light of the Ries findings. Numerous photographs, maps, diagrams, and tables illustrate the investigation.

Better or just different? Positive social identity by discrimination against, or by differentiation from outgroups

Abstract: The object of this study is to explore to what degree the question of ingroup favouritism, brought to light in the framework of ‘social identity theory’, is dependent upon the methods used for measuring this variable. The influence of this factor on ingroup bias was tested under the following three conditions: ‘complementary assessment’, ‘separate assessment’ and ‘choice of dimensions’. This last condition gave the subjects the opportunity to choose which dimensions would be used for assessment. It was found that the degree of ingroup bias is different for each of the three conditions. The results indicate that it is only under certain circumstances that the ingroup distinguishes itself as ‘better’ at the expense of the outgroup. This occurs only if the subjects are not given the opportunity to assess both groups on non-corresponding dimensions, and therefore do not have the possibility to rate them ‘equally good’ but ‘different’.

Molecular Motions and Interactions as Studied by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) in Free Radical Solutions

Abstract: Revue des principes et applications de la DNP (aussi appelee double resonance electronique nucleaire ou effet Overhauser nucleaire) en insistant sur les mouvements moleculaires, collisions, couplages intermoleculaires et interactions chimiques

Mathematical problems of computerized tomography

Abstract: The data measured in computerized tomography; e.g., the X-ray attenuation in X-ray tomography or the resonance phenomena in nuclear magnetic resonance tomography, have to be processed to produce the pictures on which the diagnostic evaluation of the physician is based. This process consists of the solution of the following mathematical problem. The data depend on the searched-for distribution and this dependence can be described as an integral transform. To produce the final picture amounts to the inversion of the integral transform. This paper is concerned with the description of the integral transforms modeling the different techniques in computerized tomography. Among other things, the following questions are treated. Which numerical problems do we have to encounter in inverting the transforms; e.g., what accuracy in the reconstruction can we expect in dependence on the accuracy of the data. To what extent is a distribution determined by a finite number of measurements. Is it possible to recover the distribution reliably if the data are incomplete.

Verbal Vs. Numerical Processing of Subjective Probabilities

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter examines individual's ability to express numerically what is internally represented. The chapter examines whether they represented in (1) a verbal propositional mode, (2) a numerical propositional mode, or (3) in an analogue mode of automatic frequency monitoring. It seems unlikely that the mathematically appropriate procedures with numerical estimates of uncertainty have become automatized. It is more likely that people handle uncertainty by customary verbal expressions and the implicit and explicit rules of conversation connected with them. The chapter analyzes the meaning of common verbal expressions for uncertain events. These expressions are interpreted as possibility functions and the procedures applicable to them are modeled in the possibility theory. This theory allows for a numerical interpretation by means of determining the elastic constraints on the usage of such expressions. The results gained by interpreting verbal expressions of uncertainty as possibility functions can be compared to the results of the studies, where subjects provide the numerical expressions themselves.

Precipitation hardening caused by a difference in shear modulus between particle and matrix

Abstract: The interaction force between a spherical precipitate, whose shear modulus differs from the one of the matrix, and a dislocation is calculated numerically. From the maximum and the range of this interaction force, the critical resolved shear stress τc is derived. If the total precipitated volume fraction stays constant and the particle radius rp is varied between 8 and 50 times the Burgers vector, τc increases monotonously with rp. This is in contrast to the findings published by other authors. Modulus hardening is weak compared with other mechanisms of precipitation strengthening. Die Wechselwirkungskraft zwischen einer kugelformigen Ausscheidung, die einen anderen Schubmodul als die Matrix hat, und einer Versetzung wird numerisch berechnet. Aus dem Maximum und der Reichweite dieser Kraft wird die kritische Schubspannung gewonnen. Diese wachst – bei konstant gehaltenem Volumenbruchteil der Partikel – monoton mit deren Radius, wenn dieser zwischen 8 und 50 Burgersvektoren liegt. Dieses Ergebnis steht in Widerspruch zu den Berechnungen anderer Autoren. Modulhartung ist im Vergleich zu anderen Mechanismen der Ausscheidungshartung schwach.

Chromosome assignment of genes encoding the alpha and beta subunits of glycoprotein hormones in man and mouse.

Abstract: The chromosomal locations of the genes for the common alpha subunit of the glycoprotein hormones and the beta subunit of chorionic gonadotropin in humans and mice have been determined by restriction enzyme analysis of DNA isolated from somatic cell hybrids. The CG alpha gene (CGA), detected as a 15-kb BamHI fragment in human DNA by hybridization to CG alpha cDNA, segregated with the chromosome 6 enzyme markers ME1 (malic enzyme, soluble) and SOD2 (superoxide dismutase, mitchondrial) and an intact chromosome 6 in human-rodent hybrids. Cell hybrids containing portions of chromosome 6 allowed the localization of CGA to the q12 leads to q21 region. The greater than 30- and 6.5-kb BamHI CGB fragments hybridizing to human CG beta cDNA segregated concordantly with the human chromosome 19 marker enzymes PEPD (peptidase D) and GPI (glucose phosphate isomerase) and a normal chromosome 19 in karyotyped hybrids. A KpnI-HindIII digest of cell hybrid DNAs indicated that the multiple copies of the CG beta gene are all located on human chromosome 19. In the mouse, the alpha subunit gene, detected by a mouse thyrotropin (TSH) alpha subunit probe, and the CG beta-like sequences (CG beta-LH beta), detected by the human CG beta cDNA probe, are on chromosomes 4 and 7, respectively.

Further Characterization of the Three Polypeptide Chains of Bovine and Human Short‐Chain Collagen (Intima Collagen)

Abstract: Short-chain collagen was isolated from bovine and from human placenta after limited pepsin digestion. By reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds under non-denaturing conditions, mainly non-collagenous domains were cleaved off yielding a uniform component composed of three polypeptide chains with molecular masses between 37 kDa and 48 kDa in a nearly equimolar ratio. The chains (SC1*, SC2* and SC3*) were isolated and characterized. By comparison of peptide patterns obtained after various cleavage procedures, they could be identified as more or less shortened forms of SC1, SC2 and SC3, the isolation of which from bovine short-chain collagen has been described [Jander et al. (1981) Eur. J. Biochem. 114, 17–25]. The peptide patterns; as well as N-terminal sequence determination, give evidence for the genetic individuality of the three chains; the data so far available suggest that together they form one triple-helical structure which represents the collagenous domain of the basic molecular unit of short-chain collagen.

Localization of β-oxidation enzymes in peroxisomes isolated from nonfatty plant tissues.

Abstract: Peroxisomes from spinach leaves, mungbean hypocotyls, and potato tubers catalyze a palmitoyl-CoA-dependent, KCN-insensitive O2 uptake. In the course of this reaction O2 is reduced to H2O2 in a 1:1 stoichiometry and palmitoyl-CoA oxidized, in a 1:1 stoichiometry, to a product serving as substrate for enoyl-CoA hydratase. These findings demonstrate the existence of a peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase in these tissues. Enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.17), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.35), and thiolase (EC 2.3.1.9) are also associated with the peroxisomes from mung-bean hypocotyls and potato tubers (as well as with spinach leaf peroxisomes as recently reported; Gerhardt 1981, FEBS Lett. 126, 71). The low activities of these enzymes in mitochondrial fractions seem to be due to contaminating peroxisomes since the ratio of β-oxidation enzyme activities to catalase activity did not significantly differ between peroxisomal and mitochondrial fractions isolated on sucrose density gradients. The proof of localization of β-oxidation enzymes in peroxisomes without glyoxysomal function leads to the concept that fatty-acid oxidation is a consistent basic function of the peroxisome in cells of higher plants.

Closure of osteochondral lesions using chondral fragments and fibrin adhesive.

Abstract: In 75 knee joints of 46 adult rabbits osteochondral defects of 4 mm diameter were placed by a drill reaching the cancellous bone. Twenty-three defects were left untreated, or closed by collagen foam or fibrin adhesive, or a combination of both. Fifty-two defects were closed with very small autologous cartilage fragments and a special fibrin adhesive. The adhesive differed from commercially supplied types by digested alpha chain of fibrinogen for increase in concentration, and by the addition of alpha-2-macroglobulin as protease-inhibitor. In most cases small pieces of collagen foam were added for hemostasis. In the first group of 23 joints observed over up to 40 weeks, no hyaline cartilage was found histologically in any of the defects. In the second group a rapid proliferation of chondrocytes appeared with development of hyaline cartilage with alcianblue-positive matrix. It resembled juvenile cartilage in its histologic appearance and with regard to the induction of ossification. The phenomenon is interpreted as a "second adolescence" of the adult cartilage induced by the rich nutritional and oxygen supply from the cancellous vessels, which resembles the environmental conditions before the forming of subchondral cortical bone at the end of the growth period. This method enabled us to achieve a complete closure of defects by hyaline cartilage on the very level of the surrounding articular surface.

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Separation of Isoflavones and Structural Elucidation of Isoflavone 7-O-glucoside 6''-malonates from Cicer arietinum.

Abstract: An efficient separation by HPLC of isoflavone aglycones and glucosides on reversed - phase columns is described. The main isoflavone constituents of CICER ARIETINUM L., various TRIFOLIUM species, BAPTISIA AUSTRALIS L. and ONONIS SPINOSA L. are formononetin 7-O-glucoside 6''-malonate and biochanin A 7-O-glucoside 6''-malonate.

Ca-Al-rich chondrules and inclusions in ordinary chondrites

Abstract: Ca-Al-rich objects, hitherto mostly found in carbonaceous chondrites, are shown to be widespread, albeit rare, constituents of type 3 ordinary chondrites. Widespread occurrence and textural similarities of Ca-Al-rich chondrules to common, Mg-Fe-rich chondrules suggest that they formed by related processes. It is suggested in this article that Ca-Al-rich chondrules were formed by total melting and crystallization of heterogeneous, submillimeter- to submillimeter-sized dustballs made up of mixtures of high-temperature, Ca-Al-rich and lower-temperature, Na-K-rich components.

Berechnung der wahren PCB-Gehalte in Umweltproben

Abstract: Mit Hilfe der Capillar-GC wurden die Anteile aller einzelnen Chlorbiphenyle in zwei technischen PCB-Gemischen (Clophen A 30 und Clophen A 60) ermittelt. In diesen beiden Handelsprodukten sind praktisch alle in Umweltproben vorkommenden polychlorierten Biphenyle (PCB) enthalten. Die Probenaufgabe erfolgte durch eine diskriminierungsfreie Direktinjektion. Trotz der Verwendung von Capillaren hoher Trennleistung lie\en sich uberlagerungen einiger Komponenten nicht vermeiden. Diese Fraktionen wurden mit Hilfe einer SAulenschaltung in eine zweite CapillarsAule anderer PolaritAt geleitet, auf der sie sich trennen lie\en. Zur Detektion diente ein FID, der fur chlorierte Biphenyle mit gleicher Zahl an Cl-Atomen praktisch die gleiche Anzeigeempfindlichkeit hat, nicht jedoch fur unterschiedliche Chlorierungsgrade. Zur Korrektur dieses unterschiedlichen FID-Responses wurden mit Hilfe einer Losung von einzelnen PCB mit 1 bis 10 Cl-Atomen pro Molekul Eichfaktoren ermittelt.

Influence of low magnetic-field-strength variations on the retina and pineal gland of quail and humans.

Abstract: Recently, Schulten postulated on the basis of his experiments and quantum-mechanical calculations that variations of the strength of the earth's magnetic field may influence reactions in biological systems. In this paper groups of birds were subjected to different variations of low magnetic-field strength. The influence of these variations on the enzyme hydroxyindol-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) was determined. HIOMT is unique to the retina and the pineal gland and seems to be involved in regulation of light-adaptation processes. A significant effect was found, which can be interpreted as being in agreement with Schulten's theory. These observations were further supported by our examination of the influence of magnetic field variation on human night-vision acuity. Whereas the magnetic influence on the avian retina may be interpreted in connection with navigation, the importance for the human retina remains to be elucidated.

Freshwater Euplotes Species with a 9 Type 1 Cirrus Pattern Depend upon Endosymbionts1,2

Abstract: The hypothesis is advanced that all freshwater Euplotes species with a 9 type 1 fronto-ventral cirrus pattern (E. patella type) depend upon bacteria-like endosymbionts. Aposymbiotic cells of these species are unable to divide. The hypothesis is based on the investigation of 40 different freshwater Euplotes stocks collected in Germany, France, the USA, and Japan. No symbionts were found in E. crenosus and E. palustris, freshwater species with 10 fronto-ventral cirri, nor in E. muscicola, a representative of the freshwater Euplotes group with a 9 type 2 fronto-ventral cirrus pattern (E. affinis type). Characteristic for the essential endosymbionts are multiple nucleoids, a feature described earlier for omikron, an indispensable symbiont of E. aediculatus. Although the symbionts differ from omikron and among each other in size, shape, and their average number per host, they are believed to be related to omikron. In two stocks a different type of bacterium was found in which no defined nucleoids can be detected. Transfer of this symbiont into aposymbiotic cells, originally carrying omikron, revealed that it can restore the ability to multiply. Similarly, omikron was also able to restore the ability to divide in cells freed of this symbiont. It is assumed that this different type of symbiont is a secondary invader of Euplotes which displaced the original omikron-like endosymbiont. Some of the stocks were found to carry, in addition to omikron-like symbionts, other symbiotic bacteria; E. daidaleos carries in addition an alga. The findings suggest that the freshwater Euplotes species with a 9 type 1 cirrus pattern are closely related to each other and evolved from an ancestor (probably of cirrotype 10) which already was dependent upon endosymbionts of the omikron type. It supports the view that the two subgroups of freshwater Euplotes forms with a cirrotype of 9 have evolved independently from each other from species with 10 fronto-ventral cirri by losing a cirrus at different positions.

Postnatal formation of the blood-testis barrier in the rat with special reference to the initiation of meiosis.

Abstract: Postnatal formation of the Blood-Testis Barrier (BTB) in the rat was studied by either fixation in hypertonic fixative or employing lanthanum tracer. After 15 days of age, meiosis has reached different stages of spermatogenesis in differnt zones of the seminiferous cords. Only in those parts where germ cells are in the pachytene stage of meiosis do Sertoli cells form an effective barrier or tight compartment. Between 16 and 19 days of age, final formation of the BTB, which is to be found in the adult rat testis, occurs by zygotene and then leptotene stages successively entering the tight compartment. Thus, formation of a BTB by Sertoli cells does not occur synchronously along the length of the seminiferous cord but in accordance with the stage of meiosis of the associated germ cells.

Experimental investigation of disturbances in body image estimation in anorexia nervosa patients, and ballet and gymnastics pupils

Abstract: Three different methods were used to study perceptual disorders of body image in 36 anorexia nervosa patients and 35 age-matched ballet/gymnastics pupils: (1) a video distortion of width of head and whole body of the subject; (2) a modification of the Image Marking Procedure first described by Askevold (1975); and (3) the Body Image Screening Scale, a paper-pencil version (not in a scale of 1:1, but diminished) of (2) (Fichter & Meermann, 1981). Concerning the video task (1), both groups under investigation show underestimation of their own body dimensions (head, whole body “en face,” whole body “en profile”) and of a female dummy. Underestimation seems to be due to the method used. For the other techniques (2,3), we found the known overestimation of body dimensions in anorexia nervosa patients. But the ballet/gymnastics pupils show overestimation as well. Anorexia nervosa patients show significantly higher overestimation in both techniques only for the thighs, calves, and hips. In neither task 1 nor task 3 were there significant differences found between patients and pupils in estimating the size of a female dummy, confirming that our methods deliver information about body image disturbances and not about a more general perceptual disorder including external objects. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications of body image disturbances in anorexia nervosa are discussed.

In-vitro degradation of starch granules isolated from spinach chloroplasts.

Abstract: The initial reactions of transitory starch degradation in Spinacia oleracea L. were investigated using an in-vitro system composed of native chloroplast starch granules, purified chloroplast and non-chloroplast forms of phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1) from spinach leaves, and α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) isolated from Bacillus subtilis. Starch degradation was followed by measuring the release of soluble glucans, by determining phosphorylase activity, and by an electron-microscopic evaluation following deep-etching of the starch granules. Starch granules were readily degraded by α-amylase but were not a substrate for the chloroplast phosphorylase. Phosphorolysis and glucan synthesis by this enzyme form were strictly dependent upon a preceding amylolytic attack on the starch granules. In contrast, the non-chloroplast phosphorylase was capable of using starch-granule preparations as substrate. Hydrolytic degradation of the starch granules was initiated at the entire particle surface, independently of its size. As a result of amylolysis, soluble glucans were released with a low degree of polymerization. When assayed with these glucans as substrate, the chloroplast phosphorylase form exhibited a higher apparent affinity and a higher reaction velocity compared with the non-chloroplast phosphorylase form. It is proposed that transitory starch degradation in vivo is initiated by hydrolysis; phosphorolysis is most likely restricted to a pool of soluble glucan intermediates.