University of Münster

About: University of Münster is a education organization based out in Münster, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 35609 authors who have published 69059 publications receiving 2278534 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Munster & University of Muenster.

The CBL–CIPK Ca2+-decoding signaling network: function and perspectives

Abstract: Contents Summary 517 I. Introduction 517 II. Comparative genomics of the CBL–CIPK signaling network 518 III. Structural features and functional principles of CBLs and CIPKs 521 IV. Functions and targets of CBL–CIPK complexes 523 Conclusions and perspectives 525 Acknowledgements 526 References 526 Summary Calcium serves as a versatile messenger in many adaptation and developmental processes in plants. Cellular calcium signals are detected and transmitted by calcium-binding proteins functioning as sensor molecules. The family of calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins represents a unique group of calcium sensors and contributes to the decoding of calcium transients by interacting with and regulating the family of CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). In higher plants, CBL proteins and CIPKs form a complex signaling network that allows for flexible but specific signal–response coupling during environmental adaptation reactions. This review presents novel findings concerning the evolution of this signaling network and key insights into the physiological function of CBL–CIPK complexes. These aspects will be presented and discussed in the context of emerging functional principles governing efficient and specific information processing in this signaling system.

Identification of the astringent taste compounds in black tea infusions by combining instrumental analysis and human bioresponse.

Abstract: Application of taste dilution analyses on freshly prepared black tea infusions revealed neither the high molecular weight thearubigen-like polyphenols nor the catechins and theaflavins, but a serie...

Baby Schema in Infant Faces Induces Cuteness Perception and Motivation for Caretaking in Adults

Abstract: Ethologist Konrad Lorenz proposed that baby schema ('Kindchenschema') is a set of infantile physical features such as the large head, round face and big eyes that is perceived as cute and motivates caretaking behavior in other individuals, with the evolutionary function of enhancing offspring survival. Previous work on this fundamental concept was restricted to schematic baby representations or correlative approaches. Here, we experimentally tested the effects of baby schema on the perception of cuteness and the motivation for caretaking using photographs of infant faces. Employing quantitative techniques, we parametrically manipulated the baby schema content to produce infant faces with high (e.g. round face and high forehead), and low (e. g. narrow face and low forehead) baby schema features that retained all the characteristics of a photographic portrait. Undergraduate students (n = 122) rated these infants' cuteness and their motivation to take care of them. The high baby schema infants were rated as more cute and elicited stronger motivation for caretaking than the unmanipulated and the low baby schema infants. This is the first experimental proof of the baby schema effects in actual infant faces. Our findings indicate that the baby schema response is a critical function of human social cognition that may be the basis of caregiving and have implications for infant-caretaker interactions.

Social Comparison 2.0: Examining the Effects of Online Profiles on Social-Networking Sites

Abstract: Through their features—such as profile photographs or the personal vita—online profiles on social-networking sites offer a perfect basis for social comparison processes. By looking at the profile photograph, the user gains an impression of a person's physical attractiveness, and the user's vita shows which career path the person is pursuing. Against the background of Festinger's Social Comparison Theory, the focus of this research is on the effects of online profiles on their recipients. Therefore, qualitative interviews (N = 12) and two online experiments were conducted in which virtual online profiles of either physically attractive or unattractive persons (N = 93) and profiles of users with either high or low occupational attainment (N = 103) were presented to the participants. Although qualitative interviews did not initially give reason to expect online profiles to constitute a basis for comparison processes, results of the experiments proved otherwise. The first study indicates that recipie...