@article{DachwaldMikuckiTulaczyketal.2014, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mikucki, Jill and Tulaczyk, Slawek and Digel, Ilya and Espe, Clemens and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Kowalski, Julia and Xu, Changsheng}, title = {IceMole : A maneuverable probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of subsurface ice and subglacial aquatic ecosystems}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {55}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {65}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1727-5644}, doi = {10.3189/2014AoG65A004}, pages = {14 -- 22}, year = {2014}, abstract = {There is significant interest in sampling subglacial environments for geobiological studies, but they are difficult to access. Existing ice-drilling technologies make it cumbersome to maintain microbiologically clean access for sample acquisition and environmental stewardship of potentially fragile subglacial aquatic ecosystems. The IceMole is a maneuverable subsurface ice probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of glacial ice and subglacial materials. The design is based on the novel concept of combining melting and mechanical propulsion. It can change melting direction by differential heating of the melting head and optional side-wall heaters. The first two prototypes were successfully tested between 2010 and 2012 on glaciers in Switzerland and Iceland. They demonstrated downward, horizontal and upward melting, as well as curve driving and dirt layer penetration. A more advanced probe is currently under development as part of the Enceladus Explorer (EnEx) project. It offers systems for obstacle avoidance, target detection, and navigation in ice. For the EnEx-IceMole, we will pay particular attention to clean protocols for the sampling of subglacial materials for biogeochemical analysis. We plan to use this probe for clean access into a unique subglacial aquatic environment at Blood Falls, Antarctica, with return of a subglacial brine sample.}, language = {en} } @article{LevesqueSiegwolfEilmannetal.2014, author = {L{\´e}vesque, Mathieu and Siegwolf, Rolf and Eilmann, Britta and Saurer, Matthias and Rigling, Andreas}, title = {Increased water-use efficiency does not lead to enhanced tree growth under xeric and mesic conditions}, series = {New Phytologist}, volume = {203}, journal = {New Phytologist}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1469-8137 (Online)}, doi = {10.1111/nph.12772}, pages = {94 -- 109}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{RaueWambachGloeggleretal.2014, author = {Raue, Markus and Wambach, M. and Gl{\"o}ggler, S. and Grefen, Dana and Kaufmann, R. and Abetz, C. and Georgopanos, P. and Handge, U. A. and Mang, Thomas and Bl{\"u}mich, B. and Abetz, V.}, title = {Investigation of historical hard rubber ornaments of Charles Goodyear}, series = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, volume = {Vol. 215}, journal = {Macromolecular chemistry and physics}, number = {No. 3}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1352}, pages = {245 -- 254}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{HafnerDemetzWeickertetal.2014, author = {Hafner, David and Demetz, Oliver and Weickert, Joachim and Reißel, Martin}, title = {Mathematical Foundations and Generalisations of the Census Transform for Robust Optic Flow Computation}, series = {Journal of Mathematical Imaging and Vision}, journal = {Journal of Mathematical Imaging and Vision}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1573-7683 (Online)}, doi = {10.1007/s10851-014-0529-9}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{FredebeulKreinSteingroever2014, author = {Fredebeul-Krein, Markus and Steingr{\"o}ver, Markus}, title = {Wholesale broadband access to IPTV in an NGA environment : how to deal with it from a regulatory perspective?}, series = {Telecommunications Policy}, volume = {38}, journal = {Telecommunications Policy}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0308-5961 (Print)}, doi = {doi:10.1016/j.telpol.2013.04.002}, pages = {264 -- 277}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{MartinGonzalezKotliarRiosMartinezetal.2014, author = {Martin-Gonzalez, Anabel and Kotliar, Konstantin and Rios-Martinez, Jorge and Lanzl, Ines and Navab, Nassir}, title = {Mediated-reality magnification for macular degeneration rehabilitation}, series = {Journal of Modern Optics}, volume = {61}, journal = {Journal of Modern Optics}, number = {17}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1362-3044}, doi = {10.1080/09500340.2014.936110}, pages = {1400 -- 1408}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{VogtMottaghyRathetal.2014, author = {Vogt, C. and Mottaghy, Darius and Rath, V. and Marquart, G. and Dijkshoorn, L. and Wolf, A. and Clauser, C.}, title = {Vertical variation in heat flow on the Kola Peninsula: palaeoclimate or fluid flow?}, series = {Geophysical Journal International}, volume = {199}, journal = {Geophysical Journal International}, number = {2}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1365-246X}, doi = {10.1093/gji/ggu282}, pages = {829 -- 843}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Following earlier studies, we present forward and inverse simulations of heat and fluid transport of the upper crust using a local 3-D model of the Kola area. We provide best estimates for palaeotemperatures and permeabilities, their errors and their dependencies. Our results allow discriminating between the two mentioned processes to a certain extent, partly resolving the non-uniqueness of the problem. We find clear indications for a significant contribution of advective heat transport, which, in turn, imply only slightly lower ground surface temperatures during the last glacial maximum relative to the present value. These findings are consistent with the general background knowledge of (i) the fracture zones and the corresponding fluid movements in the bedrock and (ii) the glacial history of the Kola area.}, language = {en} } @article{HaagZontarSchleupenetal.2014, author = {Haag, S. and Zontar, D. and Schleupen, Josef and M{\"u}ller, T. and Brecher, C.}, title = {Chain of refined perception in self-optimizing assembly of micro-optical systems}, series = {Journal of sensors and sensor systems}, volume = {3}, journal = {Journal of sensors and sensor systems}, number = {1}, publisher = {Copernicus Publ.}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {2194-878X}, doi = {10.5194/jsss-3-87-2014}, pages = {87 -- 95}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Today, the assembly of laser systems requires a large share of manual operations due to its complexity regarding the optimal alignment of optics. Although the feasibility of automated alignment of laser optics has been shown in research labs, the development effort for the automation of assembly does not meet economic requirements - especially for low-volume laser production. This paper presents a model-based and sensor-integrated assembly execution approach for flexible assembly cells consisting of a macro-positioner covering a large workspace and a compact micromanipulator with camera attached to the positioner. In order to make full use of available models from computer-aided design (CAD) and optical simulation, sensor systems at different levels of accuracy are used for matching perceived information with model data. This approach is named "chain of refined perception", and it allows for automated planning of complex assembly tasks along all major phases of assembly such as collision-free path planning, part feeding, and active and passive alignment. The focus of the paper is put on the in-process image-based metrology and information extraction used for identifying and calibrating local coordinate systems as well as the exploitation of that information for a part feeding process for micro-optics. Results will be presented regarding the processes of automated calibration of the robot camera as well as the local coordinate systems of part feeding area and robot base.}, language = {en} } @article{VosLagemaatBarentszetal.2014, author = {Vos, E. K. and Lagemaat, M. W. and Barentsz, J. O. and F{\"u}tterer, J. J. and Zamecnik, P. and Roozen, H. and Orzada, S. and Bitz, Andreas and Maas, M. C. and Scheenen, T. W. J.}, title = {Image quality and cancer visibility of T2-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the prostate at 7 Tesla}, series = {European Radiology}, volume = {24}, journal = {European Radiology}, number = {8}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1432-1084}, doi = {10.1007/s00330-014-3234-6}, pages = {1950 -- 1958}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Objectives To assess the image quality of T2-weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate and the visibility of prostate cancer at 7 Tesla (T). Materials \& methods Seventeen prostate cancer patients underwent T2w imaging at 7T with only an external transmit/receive array coil. Three radiologists independently scored images for image quality, visibility of anatomical structures, and presence of artefacts. Krippendorff's alpha and weighted kappa statistics were used to assess inter-observer agreement. Visibility of prostate cancer lesions was assessed by directly linking the T2w images to the confirmed location of prostate cancer on histopathology. Results T2w imaging at 7T was achievable with 'satisfactory' (3/5) to 'good' (4/5) quality. Visibility of anatomical structures was predominantly scored as 'satisfactory' (3/5) and 'good' (4/5). If artefacts were present, they were mostly motion artefacts and, to a lesser extent, aliasing artefacts and noise. Krippendorff's analysis revealed an α = 0.44 between three readers for the overall image quality scores. Clinically significant cancer lesions in both peripheral zone and transition zone were visible at 7T. Conclusion T2w imaging with satisfactory to good quality can be routinely acquired, and cancer lesions were visible in patients with prostate cancer at 7T using only an external transmit/receive body array coil.}, language = {en} } @article{LagemaatVosMaasetal.2014, author = {Lagemaat, Miriam W. and Vos, Eline K. and Maas, Marnix C. and Bitz, Andreas and Orzada, Stephan and Uden, Mark J. van and Kobus, Thiele and Heerschap, Arend and Scheenen, Tom W. J.}, title = {Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 7 T in patients with prostate cancer}, series = {Investigative Radiology}, volume = {49}, journal = {Investigative Radiology}, number = {5}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia, Pa.}, issn = {1536-0210}, doi = {10.1097/RLI.0000000000000012}, pages = {363 -- 372}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Objectives The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of phosphorus (³¹P) spectra of the human prostate and to investigate changes of individual phospholipid metabolites in prostate cancer through in vivo ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at 7 T. Materials and Methods In this institutional review board-approved study, 15 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer underwent T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional ³¹P MRSI at 7 T. Voxels were selected at the tumor location, in normal-appearing peripheral zone tissue, normal-appearing transition zone tissue, and in the base of the prostate close to the seminal vesicles. Phosphorus metabolite ratios were determined and compared between tissue types. Results Signals of phosphoethanolamine (PE) and phosphocholine (PC) were present and well resolved in most ³¹P spectra in the prostate. Glycerophosphocholine signals were observable in 43\% of the voxels in malignant tissue, but in only 10\% of the voxels in normal-appearing tissue away from the seminal vesicles. In many spectra, independent of tissue type, 2 peaks resonated in the chemical shift range of inorganic phosphate, possibly representing 2 separate pH compartments. The PC/PE ratio in the seminal vesicles was highly elevated compared with the prostate in 5 patients. A considerable overlap of ³¹P metabolite ratios was found between prostate cancer and normal-appearing prostate tissue, preventing direct discrimination of these tissues. The only 2 patients with high Gleason scores tumors (≥4+5) presented with high PC and glycerophosphocholine levels in their cancer lesions. Conclusions Phosphorus MRSI at 7 T shows distinct features of phospholipid metabolites in the prostate gland and its surrounding structures. In this exploratory study, no differences in ³¹P metabolite ratios were observed between prostate cancer and normal-appearing prostate tissue possibly because of the partial volume effects of small tumor foci in large MRSI voxels.}, language = {en} } @article{MaasVosLagemaatetal.2014, author = {Maas, Marnix C. and Vos, Eline K. and Lagemaat, Miriam W. and Bitz, Andreas and Orzada, Stephan and Kobus, Thiele and Kraff, Oliver and Maderwald, Stefan and Ladd, Mark E. and Scheenen, Tom W. J.}, title = {Feasibility of T₂-weighted turbo spin echo imaging of the human prostate at 7 tesla}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {71}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1522-2594}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.24818}, pages = {1711 -- 1719}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Purpose To demonstrate that high quality T₂-weighted (T2w) turbo spin-echo (TSE) imaging of the complete prostate can be achieved routinely and within safety limits at 7 T, using an external transceive body array coil only. Methods Nine healthy volunteers and 12 prostate cancer patients were scanned on a 7 T whole-body system. Preparation consisted of B₀ and radiofrequency shimming and localized flip angle calibration. T₁ and T₂ relaxation times were measured and used to define the T2w-TSE protocol. T2w imaging was performed using a TSE sequence (pulse repetition time/echo time 3000-3640/71 ms) with prolonged excitation and refocusing pulses to reduce specific absorption rate. Results High quality T2w TSE imaging was performed in less than 2 min in all subjects. Tumors of patients with gold-standard tumor localization (MR-guided biopsy or prostatectomy) were well visualized on 7 T imaging (n = 3). The number of consecutive slices achievable within a 10-g averaged specific absorption rate limit of 10 W/kg was ≥28 in all subjects, sufficient for full prostate coverage with 3-mm slices in at least one direction. Conclusion High quality T2w TSE prostate imaging can be performed routinely and within specific absorption rate limits at 7 T with an external transceive body array.}, language = {en} } @article{PasteurTippkoetterKampeisetal.2014, author = {Pasteur, Aline and Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils and Kampeis, Percy and Ulber, Roland}, title = {Optimization of high gradient magnetic separation filter units for the purification of fermentation products}, series = {IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS}, volume = {50}, journal = {IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS}, number = {10}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {0018-9464}, doi = {10.1109/TMAG.2014.2325535}, pages = {Artikel 5000607}, year = {2014}, abstract = {High gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) has been established since the early 1970s. A more recent application of these systems is the use in bioprocesses. To integrate the HGMS in a fermentation process, it is necessary to optimize the separation matrix with regard to the magnetic separation characteristics and permeability of the non-magnetizable components of the fermentation broth. As part of the work presented here, a combined fluidic and magnetic force finite element model simulation was created using the software COMSOL Multiphysics and compared with separation experiments. Finally, as optimal lattice orientation of the separation matrix, a transversal rhombohedral arrangement was defined. The high suitability of the new filter matrix has been verified by separation experiments.}, language = {en} } @article{TippkoetterWollnySucketal.2014, author = {Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils and Wollny, Steffen and Suck, Kirstin and Sohling, Ulrich and Ruf, Friedrich and Ulber, Roland}, title = {Recycling of spent oil bleaching earth as source of glycerol for the anaerobic production of acetone, butanol, and ethanol with Clostridium diolis and lipolytic Clostridium lundense}, series = {Engineering in Life Sciences}, volume = {14}, journal = {Engineering in Life Sciences}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1618-2863}, doi = {10.1002/elsc.201300113}, pages = {425 -- 432}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A major part of edible oil is subjected to bleaching procedures, primarily with minerals applied as adsorbers. Their recycling is currently done either by regaining the oil via organic solvent extraction or by using the spent bleaching earth (SBE) as additive for animal feed, etc. As a new method, the reutilization of the by-product SBE for the microbiologic formation of acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) is presented as proof-of-concept. The SBE was taken from a palm oil cleaning process. The recycling concept is based on the application of lipolytic clostridia strains. Due to considerably long fermentation times, co-fermentation with Candida rugosa and enzymatic hydrolyses of the bound oil with a subsequent clostridia fermentation are shown as alternative routes. Anaerobic fermentations under comparison of different clostridia strains were performed with glycerol media, enzymatically hydrolyzed palm oil and SBE. Solutes, side product compositions and productivities were quantified via HPLC. A successful production of ABE solutes from SBE has been done with a yield of 0.15 g butanol per gram of bound glycerol. Thus, the biotechnological recycling of the waste stream is possible in principle. Inhibition of the substrate suspension has been observed. A chromatographic ion-exchange of substrates increased the biomass concentration.}, language = {en} } @article{TippkoetterDuweWiesenetal.2014, author = {Tippk{\"o}tter, Nils and Duwe, Anna-Maria and Wiesen, Sebastian and Sieker, Tim and Ulber, Roland}, title = {Enzymatic hydrolysis of beech wood lignocellulose at high solid contents and its utilization as substrate for the production of biobutanol and dicarboxylic acids}, series = {Bioresource Technology}, volume = {167}, journal = {Bioresource Technology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2014.06.052}, pages = {447 -- 455}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The development of a cost-effective hydrolysis for crude cellulose is an essential part of biorefinery developments. To establish such high solid hydrolysis, a new solid state reactor with static mixing is used. However, concentrations >10\% (w/w) cause a rate and yield reduction of enzymatic hydrolysis. By optimizing the synergetic activity of cellulolytic enzymes at solid concentrations of 9\%, 17\% and 23\% (w/w) of crude Organosolv cellulose, glucose concentrations of 57, 113 and 152 g L⁻¹ are reached. However, the glucose yield decreases from 0.81 to 0.72gg⁻¹ at 17\% (w/w). Optimal conditions for hydrolysis scale-up under minimal enzyme addition are identified. As result, at 23\% (w/w) crude cellulose the glucose yield increases from 0.29 to 0.49gg⁻¹. As proof of its applicability, biobutanol, succinic and itaconic acid are produced with the crude hydrolysate. The potential of the substrate is proven e.g. by a high butanol yield of 0.33gg⁻¹.}, language = {en} } @article{HoehrPaulssenBenardetal.2014, author = {Hoehr, Cornelia and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Benard, Francois and Lee, Chris Jaeil and Hou, Xinchi and Badesso, Brian and Ferguson, Simon and Miao, Qing and Yang, Hua and Buckley, Ken and Hanemaayer, Victoire and Zeisler, Stefan and Ruth, Thomas and Celler, Anna and Schaffer, Paul}, title = {⁴⁴ᶢSc production using a water target on a 13 MeV cyclotron}, series = {Nuclear medicine and biology}, volume = {41}, journal = {Nuclear medicine and biology}, number = {5}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-9614}, doi = {10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2013.12.016}, pages = {401 -- 406}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Access to promising radiometals as isotopes for novel molecular imaging agents requires that they are routinely available and inexpensive to obtain. Proximity to a cyclotron center outfitted with solid target hardware, or to an isotope generator for the metal of interest is necessary, both of which can introduce significant hurdles in development of less common isotopes. Herein, we describe the production of ⁴⁴Sc (t₁⸝₂ = 3.97 h, Eavg,β⁺ = 1.47 MeV, branching ratio = 94.27\%) in a solution target and an automated loading system which allows a quick turn-around between different radiometallic isotopes and therefore greatly improves their availability for tracer development. Experimental yields are compared to theoretical calculations.}, language = {en} } @article{LehnertzAnsmannBialonskietal.2014, author = {Lehnertz, Klaus and Ansmann, Gerrit and Bialonski, Stephan and Dickten, Henning and Geier, Christian and Porz, Stephan}, title = {Evolving networks in the human epileptic brain}, series = {Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena}, volume = {267}, journal = {Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0167-2789}, doi = {10.1016/j.physd.2013.06.009}, pages = {7 -- 15}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Network theory provides novel concepts that promise an improved characterization of interacting dynamical systems. Within this framework, evolving networks can be considered as being composed of nodes, representing systems, and of time-varying edges, representing interactions between these systems. This approach is highly attractive to further our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological dynamics in human brain networks. Indeed, there is growing evidence that the epileptic process can be regarded as a large-scale network phenomenon. We here review methodologies for inferring networks from empirical time series and for a characterization of these evolving networks. We summarize recent findings derived from studies that investigate human epileptic brain networks evolving on timescales ranging from few seconds to weeks. We point to possible pitfalls and open issues, and discuss future perspectives.}, language = {en} } @article{Tran2014, author = {Tran, Duc Hung}, title = {Multiple corporate governance attributes and the cost of capital - Evidence from Germany}, series = {The British Accounting Review}, volume = {46}, journal = {The British Accounting Review}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0890-8389}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2014.02.003}, pages = {179 -- 197}, year = {2014}, abstract = {This paper investigates the extent to which corporate governance affects the cost of debt and equity capital of German exchange-listed companies. I examine corporate governance along three dimensions: financial information quality, ownership structure and board structure. The results suggest that firms with high levels of financial transparency and bonus compensations face lower cost of equity. In addition, block ownership is negatively related to firms' cost of equity when the blockholders are other firms, managers or founding-family members. Consistent with the conjecture that agency costs increase with firm size, I find significant cost of debt effects only in the largest German companies. Here, the creditors demand lower cost of debt from firms with block ownerships held by corporations or banks. My findings demonstrate that a uniform set of governance attributes is unlikely to satisfy suppliers of debt and equity capital equally.}, language = {en} } @article{LuisierLempiaeinenScherbichleretal.2014, author = {Luisier, Rapha{\"e}lle and Lempi{\"a}inen, Harri and Scherbichler, Nina and Braeuning, Albert and Geissler, Miriam and Dubost, Valerie and M{\"u}ller, Arne and Scheer, Nico and Chibout, Salah-Dine and Hara, Hisanori and Picard, Frank and Theil, Diethilde and Couttet, Philippe and Vitobello, Antonio and Grenet, Olivier and Grasl-Kraupp, Bettina and Ellinger-Ziegelbauer, Heidrung and Thomson, John P. and Meehan, Richard R. and Elcombe, Clifford R. and Henderson, Colin J. and Wolf, C. Roland and Schwarz, Michael and Moulin, Pierre and Terranova, Remi and Moggs, Jonathan G.}, title = {Phenobarbital Induces Cell Cycle Transcriptional Responses in Mouse Liver Humanized for Constitutive Androstane and Pregnane X Receptors}, series = {Toxicological Sciences}, volume = {139}, journal = {Toxicological Sciences}, number = {2}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1094-2025}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfu038}, pages = {501 -- 511}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are closely related nuclear receptors involved in drug metabolism and play important roles in the mechanism of phenobarbital (PB)-induced rodent nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we have used a humanized CAR/PXR mouse model to examine potential species differences in receptor-dependent mechanisms underlying liver tissue molecular responses to PB. Early and late transcriptomic responses to sustained PB exposure were investigated in liver tissue from double knock-out CAR and PXR (CARᴷᴼ-PXRᴷᴼ), double humanized CAR and PXR (CARʰ-PXRʰ), and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mouse livers exhibited temporally and quantitatively similar transcriptional responses during 91 days of PB exposure including the sustained induction of the xenobiotic response gene Cyp2b10, the Wnt signaling inhibitor Wisp1, and noncoding RNA biomarkers from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Transient induction of DNA replication (Hells, Mcm6, and Esco2) and mitotic genes (Ccnb2, Cdc20, and Cdk1) and the proliferation-related nuclear antigen Mki67 were observed with peak expression occurring between 1 and 7 days PB exposure. All these transcriptional responses were absent in CARᴷᴼ-PXRᴷᴼ mouse livers and largely reversible in wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mouse livers following 91 days of PB exposure and a subsequent 4-week recovery period. Furthermore, PB-mediated upregulation of the noncoding RNA Meg3, which has recently been associated with cellular pluripotency, exhibited a similar dose response and perivenous hepatocyte-specific localization in both wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mice. Thus, mouse livers coexpressing human CAR and PXR support both the xenobiotic metabolizing and the proliferative transcriptional responses following exposure to PB.}, language = {en} } @article{SalpatiChuChenetal.2014, author = {Salpati, Laurent and Chu, Xiaoyan and Chen, Liangfu and Prasad, Bhagwat and Dallas, Shannon and Evers, Raymond and Mamaril-Fishman, Donna and Geier, Ethan G. and Kehler, Jonathan and Kunta, Jeevan and Mezler, Mario and Laplanche, Loic and Pang, Jodie and Soars, Matthew G. and Unadkat, Jashvant D. and van Waterschoot, Robert A.B. and Yabut, Jocelyn and Schinkel, Alfred H. and Scheer, Nico and Rode, Anja}, title = {Evaluation of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 humanized mice as a translational model to study the pharmacokinetics of statins}, series = {Drug Metabolism and Disposition}, volume = {42}, journal = {Drug Metabolism and Disposition}, number = {8}, publisher = {ASPET}, address = {Bethesda, Md.}, issn = {1521-009X}, doi = {10.1124/dmd.114.057976}, pages = {1301 -- 1313}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Organic anion transporting polypeptide (Oatp) 1a/1b knockout and OATP1B1 and -1B3 humanized mouse models are promising tools for studying the roles of these transporters in drug disposition. Detailed characterization of these models will help to better understand their utility for predicting clinical outcomes. To advance this approach, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of these mouse lines by evaluating the compensatory changes in mRNA expression, quantifying the amounts of OATP1B1 and -1B3 protein by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and studying the active uptake in isolated hepatocytes and the pharmacokinetics of some prototypical substrates including statins. Major outcomes from these studies were 1) mostly moderate compensatory changes in only a few genes involved in drug metabolism and disposition, 2) a robust hepatic expression of OATP1B1 and -1B3 proteins in the respective humanized mouse models, and 3) functional activities of the human transporters in hepatocytes isolated from the humanized models with several substrates tested in vitro and with pravastatin in vivo. However, the expression of OATP1B1 and -1B3 in the humanized models did not significantly alter liver or plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin and pitavastatin compared with Oatp1a/1b knockout controls under the conditions used in our studies. Hence, although the humanized OATP1B1 and -1B3 mice showed in vitro and/or in vivo functional activity with some statins, further characterization of these models is required to define their potential use and limitations in the prediction of drug disposition and drug-drug interactions in humans.}, language = {en} } @article{Bernecker2014, author = {Bernecker, Andreas}, title = {Do politicians shirk when reelection is certain? Evidence from the German parliament}, series = {European Journal of Political Economy}, volume = {36}, journal = {European Journal of Political Economy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0176-2680}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2014.07.001}, pages = {55 -- 70}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Does stiffer electoral competition reduce political shirking? For a micro-analysis of this question, I construct a new data set spanning the years 2005 to 2012 covering biographical and political information about German Members of Parliament (MPs), including their attendance rates in voting sessions. For the parliament elected in 2009, I show that indeed opposition party MPs who expect to face a close race in their district show significantly and relevantly lower absence rates in parliament beforehand. MPs of governing parties seem not to react significantly to electoral competition. These results are confirmed by an analysis of the parliament elected in 2005, by several robustness checks, and also by employing an instrumental variable strategy exploiting convenient peculiarities of the German electoral system. The study also shows how MPs elected via party lists react to different levels of electoral competition.}, language = {en} }