@misc{ĆwiekKupczyńskaAltmannArendetal.2016, author = {Ćwiek-Kupczyńska, Hanna and Altmann, Thomas and Arend, Daniel and Arnaud, Elizabeth and Chen, Dijun and Cornut, Guillaume and Fiorani, Fabio and Frohmberg, Wojciech and Junker, Astrid and Klukas, Christian and Lange, Matthias and Mazurek, Cezary and Nafissi, Anahita and Neveu, Pascal and van Oeveren, Jan and Pommier, Cyril and Poorter, Hendrik and Rocca-Serra, Philippe and Sansone, Susanna-Assunta and Scholz, Uwe and van Schriek, Marco and Seren, {\"U}mit and Usadel, Bj{\"o}rn and Weise, Stephan and Kersey, Paul and Krajewski, Paweł}, title = {Measures for interoperability of phenotypic data}, series = {Plant methods}, journal = {Plant methods}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-407299}, pages = {18}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Plant phenotypic data shrouds a wealth of information which, when accurately analysed and linked to other data types, brings to light the knowledge about the mechanisms of life. As phenotyping is a field of research comprising manifold, diverse and time ‑consuming experiments, the findings can be fostered by reusing and combin‑ ing existing datasets. Their correct interpretation, and thus replicability, comparability and interoperability, is possible provided that the collected observations are equipped with an adequate set of metadata. So far there have been no common standards governing phenotypic data description, which hampered data exchange and reuse. Results: In this paper we propose the guidelines for proper handling of the information about plant phenotyping experiments, in terms of both the recommended content of the description and its formatting. We provide a docu‑ ment called "Minimum Information About a Plant Phenotyping Experiment", which specifies what information about each experiment should be given, and a Phenotyping Configuration for the ISA ‑Tab format, which allows to practically organise this information within a dataset. We provide examples of ISA ‑Tab ‑formatted phenotypic data, and a general description of a few systems where the recommendations have been implemented. Conclusions: Acceptance of the rules described in this paper by the plant phenotyping community will help to achieve findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable data.}, language = {en} } @article{UestuenSheikhGimenezIbanezetal.2016, author = {{\"U}st{\"u}n, Suayib and Sheikh, Arsheed and Gimenez-Ibanez, Selena and Jones, Alexandra and Ntoukakis, Vardis and B{\"o}rnke, Frederik}, title = {The Proteasome Acts as a Hub for Plant Immunity and Is Targeted by Pseudomonas Type III Effectors}, series = {Plant physiology : an international journal devoted to physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biophysics and environmental biology of plants}, volume = {172}, journal = {Plant physiology : an international journal devoted to physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biophysics and environmental biology of plants}, publisher = {American Society of Plant Physiologists}, address = {Rockville}, issn = {0032-0889}, doi = {10.1104/pp.16.00808}, pages = {1941 -- 1958}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Recent evidence suggests that the ubiquitin-proteasome system is involved in several aspects of plant immunity and that a range of plant pathogens subvert the ubiquitin-proteasome system to enhance their virulence. Here, we show that proteasome activity is strongly induced during basal defense in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Mutant lines of the proteasome subunits RPT2a and RPN12a support increased bacterial growth of virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pst) and Pseudomonas syringae pv maculicola ES4326. Both proteasome subunits are required for pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity responses. Analysis of bacterial growth after a secondary infection of systemic leaves revealed that the establishment of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is impaired in proteasome mutants, suggesting that the proteasome also plays an important role in defense priming and SAR. In addition, we show that Pst inhibits proteasome activity in a type III secretion-dependent manner. A screen for type III effector proteins from Pst for their ability to interfere with proteasome activity revealed HopM1, HopAO1, HopA1, and HopG1 as putative proteasome inhibitors. Biochemical characterization of HopM1 by mass spectrometry indicates that HopM1 interacts with several E3 ubiquitin ligases and proteasome subunits. This supports the hypothesis that HopM1 associates with the proteasome, leading to its inhibition. Thus, the proteasome is an essential component of pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity and SAR, which is targeted by multiple bacterial effectors.}, language = {en} } @article{CwiekKupczynskaAltmannArendetal.2016, author = {´Cwiek-Kupczynska, Hanna and Altmann, Thomas and Arend, Daniel and Arnaud, Elizabeth and Chen, Dijun and Cornut, Guillaume and Fiorani, Fabio and Frohmberg, Wojciech and Junker, Astrid and Klukas, Christian and Lange, Matthias and Mazurek, Cezary and Nafissi, Anahita and Neveu, Pascal and van Oeveren, Jan and Pommier, Cyril and Poorter, Hendrik and Rocca-Serra, Philippe and Sansone, Susanna-Assunta and Scholz, Uwe and van Schriek, Marco and Seren, {\"U}mit and Usadel, Bjorn and Weise, Stephan and Kersey, Paul and Krajewski, Pawel}, title = {Measures for interoperability of phenotypic data: minimum information requirements and formatting}, series = {Plant Methods}, volume = {12}, journal = {Plant Methods}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1746-4811}, doi = {10.1186/s13007-016-0144-4}, pages = {18}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Plant phenotypic data shrouds a wealth of information which, when accurately analysed and linked to other data types, brings to light the knowledge about the mechanisms of life. As phenotyping is a field of research comprising manifold, diverse and time-consuming experiments, the findings can be fostered by reusing and combining existing datasets. Their correct interpretation, and thus replicability, comparability and interoperability, is possible provided that the collected observations are equipped with an adequate set of metadata. So far there have been no common standards governing phenotypic data description, which hampered data exchange and reuse. Results: In this paper we propose the guidelines for proper handling of the information about plant phenotyping experiments, in terms of both the recommended content of the description and its formatting. We provide a document called "Minimum Information About a Plant Phenotyping Experiment", which specifies what information about each experiment should be given, and a Phenotyping Configuration for the ISA-Tab format, which allows to practically organise this information within a dataset. We provide examples of ISA-Tab-formatted phenotypic data, and a general description of a few systems where the recommendations have been implemented. Conclusions: Acceptance of the rules described in this paper by the plant phenotyping community will help to achieve findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable data.}, language = {en} } @article{ZwickelKahlKlaffkeetal.2016, author = {Zwickel, Theresa and Kahl, Sandra M. and Klaffke, Horst and Rychlik, Michael and M{\"u}ller, Marina E. H.}, title = {Spotlight on the Underdogs-An Analysis of Underrepresented Alternaria Mycotoxins Formed Depending on Varying Substrate, Time and Temperature Conditions}, series = {Toxins}, volume = {8}, journal = {Toxins}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6651}, doi = {10.3390/toxins8110344}, pages = {570 -- 583}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Alternaria (A.) is a genus of widespread fungi capable of producing numerous, possibly health-endangering Alternaria toxins (ATs), which are usually not the focus of attention. The formation of ATs depends on the species and complex interactions of various environmental factors and is not fully understood. In this study the influence of temperature (7 degrees C, 25 degrees C), substrate (rice, wheat kernels) and incubation time (4, 7, and 14 days) on the production of thirteen ATs and three sulfoconjugated ATs by three different Alternaria isolates from the species groups A. tenuissima and A. infectoria was determined. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used for quantification. Under nearly all conditions, tenuazonic acid was the most extensively produced toxin. At 25 degrees C and with increasing incubation time all toxins were formed in high amounts by the two A. tenuissima strains on both substrates with comparable mycotoxin profiles. However, for some of the toxins, stagnation or a decrease in production was observed from day 7 to 14. As opposed to the A. tenuissima strains, the A. infectoria strain only produced low amounts of ATs, but high concentrations of stemphyltoxin III. The results provide an essential insight into the quantitative in vitro AT formation under different environmental conditions, potentially transferable to different field and storage conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhuSchluppTiedemann2016, author = {Zhu, Fangjun and Schlupp, Ingo and Tiedemann, Ralph}, title = {Sequence Evolution and Expression of the Androgen Receptor and Other Pathway-Related Genes in a Unisexual Fish, the Amazon Molly, Poecilia formosa, and Its Bisexual Ancestors}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS one}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0156209}, pages = {19}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The all-female Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) originated from a single hybridization of two bisexual ancestors, Atlantic molly (Poecilia mexicana) and sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). As a gynogenetic species, the Amazon molly needs to copulate with a heterospecific male, but the genetic information of the sperm-donor does not contribute to the next generation, as the sperm only acts as the trigger for the diploid eggs' embryogenesis. Here, we study the sequence evolution and gene expression of the duplicated genes coding for androgen receptors (ars) and other pathway-related genes, i.e., the estrogen receptors (ers) and cytochrome P450, family19, subfamily A, aromatase genes (cyp19as), in the Amazon molly, in comparison to its bisexual ancestors. Mollies possess-as most other teleost fish—two copies of the ar, er, and cyp19a genes, i.e., ar\&\#945;/ar\&\#946;, er\&\#945;/er\&\#946;1, and cyp19a1 (also referred as cyp19a1a)/cyp19a2 (also referred to as cyp19a1b), respectively. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the ancestral bisexual species were generally predicted not to alter protein function. Some derived substitutions in the P. mexicana and one in P. formosa are predicted to impact protein function. We also describe the gene expression pattern of the ars and pathway-related genes in various tissues (i.e., brain, gill, and ovary) and provide SNP markers for allele specific expression research. As a general tendency, the levels of gene expression were lowest in gill and highest in ovarian tissues, while expression levels in the brain were intermediate in most cases. Expression levels in P. formosa were conserved where expression did not differ between the two bisexual ancestors. In those cases where gene expression levels significantly differed between the bisexual species, P. formosa expression was always comparable to the higher expression level among the two ancestors. Interestingly, er\&\#946;1 was expressed neither in brain nor in gill in the analyzed three molly species, which implies a more important role of er\&\#945; in the estradiol synthesis pathway in these tissues. Furthermore, our data suggest that interactions of steroid-signaling pathway genes differ across tissues, in particular the interactions of ars and cyp19as.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhuSchluppTiedemann2016, author = {Zhu, Fangjun and Schlupp, Ingo and Tiedemann, Ralph}, title = {Sequence Evolution and Expression of the Androgen Receptor and Other Pathway-Related Genes in a Unisexual Fish, the Amazon Molly, Poecilia formosa, and Its Bisexual Ancestors}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {6}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {Lawrence, Kan.}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0156209}, pages = {19}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The all-female Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) originated from a single hybridization of two bisexual ancestors, Atlantic molly (Poecilia mexicana) and sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). As a gynogenetic species, the Amazon molly needs to copulate with a heterospecific male, but the genetic information of the sperm-donor does not contribute to the next generation, as the sperm only acts as the trigger for the diploid eggs' embryogenesis. Here, we study the sequence evolution and gene expression of the duplicated genes coding for androgen receptors (ars) and other pathway-related genes, i.e., the estrogen receptors (ers) and cytochrome P450, family19, subfamily A, aromatase genes (cyp19as), in the Amazon molly, in comparison to its bisexual ancestors. Mollies possess-as most other teleost fish—two copies of the ar, er, and cyp19a genes, i.e., arα/arβ, erα/erβ1, and cyp19a1 (also referred as cyp19a1a)/cyp19a2 (also referred to as cyp19a1b), respectively. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the ancestral bisexual species were generally predicted not to alter protein function. Some derived substitutions in the P. mexicana and one in P. formosa are predicted to impact protein function. We also describe the gene expression pattern of the ars and pathway-related genes in various tissues (i.e., brain, gill, and ovary) and provide SNP markers for allele specific expression research. As a general tendency, the levels of gene expression were lowest in gill and highest in ovarian tissues, while expression levels in the brain were intermediate in most cases. Expression levels in P. formosa were conserved where expression did not differ between the two bisexual ancestors. In those cases where gene expression levels significantly differed between the bisexual species, P. formosa expression was always comparable to the higher expression level among the two ancestors. Interestingly, erβ1 was expressed neither in brain nor in gill in the analyzed three molly species, which implies a more important role of erα in the estradiol synthesis pathway in these tissues. Furthermore, our data suggest that interactions of steroid-signaling pathway genes differ across tissues, in particular the interactions of ars and cyp19as.}, language = {en} } @misc{ZhuSchluppTiedemann2016, author = {Zhu, Fangjun and Schlupp, Ingo and Tiedemann, Ralph}, title = {Sequence Evolution and Expression of the Androgen Receptor and Other Pathway-Related Genes in a Unisexual Fish, the Amazon Molly, Poecilia formosa, and Its Bisexual Ancestors}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-97119}, pages = {19}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The all-female Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) originated from a single hybridization of two bisexual ancestors, Atlantic molly (Poecilia mexicana) and sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). As a gynogenetic species, the Amazon molly needs to copulate with a heterospecific male, but the genetic information of the sperm-donor does not contribute to the next generation, as the sperm only acts as the trigger for the diploid eggs' embryogenesis. Here, we study the sequence evolution and gene expression of the duplicated genes coding for androgen receptors (ars) and other pathway-related genes, i.e., the estrogen receptors (ers) and cytochrome P450, family19, subfamily A, aromatase genes (cyp19as), in the Amazon molly, in comparison to its bisexual ancestors. Mollies possess-as most other teleost fish—two copies of the ar, er, and cyp19a genes, i.e., arα/arβ, erα/erβ1, and cyp19a1 (also referred as cyp19a1a)/cyp19a2 (also referred to as cyp19a1b), respectively. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the ancestral bisexual species were generally predicted not to alter protein function. Some derived substitutions in the P. mexicana and one in P. formosa are predicted to impact protein function. We also describe the gene expression pattern of the ars and pathway-related genes in various tissues (i.e., brain, gill, and ovary) and provide SNP markers for allele specific expression research. As a general tendency, the levels of gene expression were lowest in gill and highest in ovarian tissues, while expression levels in the brain were intermediate in most cases. Expression levels in P. formosa were conserved where expression did not differ between the two bisexual ancestors. In those cases where gene expression levels significantly differed between the bisexual species, P. formosa expression was always comparable to the higher expression level among the two ancestors. Interestingly, erβ1 was expressed neither in brain nor in gill in the analyzed three molly species, which implies a more important role of erα in the estradiol synthesis pathway in these tissues. Furthermore, our data suggest that interactions of steroid-signaling pathway genes differ across tissues, in particular the interactions of ars and cyp19as.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Zhu2016, author = {Zhu, Fangjun}, title = {Gene evolution and expression patterns in the all-female fish Amazon molly: Poecilia formosa}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {113}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Zhang2016, author = {Zhang, Youjun}, title = {Investigation of the TCA cycle and glycolytic metabolons and their physiological impacts in plants}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {175}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{ZengFrascaRumschoetteletal.2016, author = {Zeng, Ting and Frasca, Stefano and Rumsch{\"o}ttel, Jens and Koetz, Joachim and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke and Wollenberger, Ursula}, title = {Role of Conductive Nanoparticles in the Direct Unmediated Bioelectrocatalysis of Immobilized Sulfite Oxidase}, series = {Electroanalysis : an international journal devoted to fundamental and practical aspects of electroanalysis}, volume = {28}, journal = {Electroanalysis : an international journal devoted to fundamental and practical aspects of electroanalysis}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1040-0397}, doi = {10.1002/elan.201600246}, pages = {2303 -- 2310}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @misc{ZancolliBakerBarlowetal.2016, author = {Zancolli, Giulia and Baker, Timothy G. and Barlow, Axel and Bradley, Rebecca K. and Calvete, Juan J. and Carter, Kimberley C. and de Jager, Kaylah and Owens, John Benjamin and Price, Jenny Forrester and Sanz, Libia and Scholes-Higham, Amy and Shier, Liam and Wood, Liam and W{\"u}ster, Catharine E. and W{\"u}ster, Wolfgang}, title = {Is hybridization a source of adaptive venom variation in rattlesnakes?}, series = {Toxins}, journal = {Toxins}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-407595}, pages = {16}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Venomous snakes often display extensive variation in venom composition both between and within species. However, the mechanisms underlying the distribution of different toxins and venom types among populations and taxa remain insufficiently known. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus, Sistrurus) display extreme inter-and intraspecific variation in venom composition, centered particularly on the presence or absence of presynaptically neurotoxic phospholipases A2 such as Mojave toxin (MTX). Interspecific hybridization has been invoked as a mechanism to explain the distribution of these toxins across rattlesnakes, with the implicit assumption that they are adaptively advantageous. Here, we test the potential of adaptive hybridization as a mechanism for venom evolution by assessing the distribution of genes encoding the acidic and basic subunits of Mojave toxin across a hybrid zone between MTX-positive Crotalus scutulatus and MTX-negative C. viridis in southwestern New Mexico, USA. Analyses of morphology, mitochondrial and single copy-nuclear genes document extensive admixture within a narrow hybrid zone. The genes encoding the two MTX subunits are strictly linked, and found in most hybrids and backcrossed individuals, but not in C. viridis away from the hybrid zone. Presence of the genes is invariably associated with presence of the corresponding toxin in the venom. We conclude that introgression of highly lethal neurotoxins through hybridization is not necessarily favored by natural selection in rattlesnakes, and that even extensive hybridization may not lead to introgression of these genes into another species.}, language = {en} } @article{ZancolliBakerBarlowetal.2016, author = {Zancolli, Giulia and Baker, Timothy G. and Barlow, Axel and Bradley, Rebecca K. and Calvete, Juan J. and Carter, Kimberley C. and de Jager, Kaylah and Owens, John Benjamin and Price, Jenny Forrester and Sanz, Libia and Scholes-Higham, Amy and Shier, Liam and Wood, Liam and W{\"u}ster, Catharine E. and W{\"u}ster, Wolfgang}, title = {Is Hybridization a Source of Adaptive Venom Variation in Rattlesnakes? A Test, Using a Crotalus scutulatus x viridis Hybrid Zone in Southwestern New Mexico}, series = {Toxins}, volume = {8}, journal = {Toxins}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-6651}, doi = {10.3390/toxins8060188}, pages = {16}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Venomous snakes often display extensive variation in venom composition both between and within species. However, the mechanisms underlying the distribution of different toxins and venom types among populations and taxa remain insufficiently known. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus, Sistrurus) display extreme inter-and intraspecific variation in venom composition, centered particularly on the presence or absence of presynaptically neurotoxic phospholipases A2 such as Mojave toxin (MTX). Interspecific hybridization has been invoked as a mechanism to explain the distribution of these toxins across rattlesnakes, with the implicit assumption that they are adaptively advantageous. Here, we test the potential of adaptive hybridization as a mechanism for venom evolution by assessing the distribution of genes encoding the acidic and basic subunits of Mojave toxin across a hybrid zone between MTX-positive Crotalus scutulatus and MTX-negative C. viridis in southwestern New Mexico, USA. Analyses of morphology, mitochondrial and single copy-nuclear genes document extensive admixture within a narrow hybrid zone. The genes encoding the two MTX subunits are strictly linked, and found in most hybrids and backcrossed individuals, but not in C. viridis away from the hybrid zone. Presence of the genes is invariably associated with presence of the corresponding toxin in the venom. We conclude that introgression of highly lethal neurotoxins through hybridization is not necessarily favored by natural selection in rattlesnakes, and that even extensive hybridization may not lead to introgression of these genes into another species.}, language = {en} } @article{YarmanScheller2016, author = {Yarman, Aysu and Scheller, Frieder W.}, title = {MIP-esterase/Tyrosinase Combinations for Paracetamol and Phenacetin}, series = {Electroanalysis : an international journal devoted to fundamental and practical aspects of electroanalysis}, volume = {28}, journal = {Electroanalysis : an international journal devoted to fundamental and practical aspects of electroanalysis}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1040-0397}, doi = {10.1002/elan.201600042}, pages = {2222 -- 2227}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A new electrochemical MIP sensor for the most frequently used drug paracetamol (PAR) was prepared by electropolymerization of mixtures containing the template molecule and the functional monomers ophenylenediamine, resorcinol and aniline. The imprinting factor of 12 reflects the effective target binding to the MIP as compared with the non-imprinted electropolymer. Combination of the MIP with a nonspecific esterase allows the measurement of phenacetin - another analgesic drug. In the second approach the PAR containing sample solution was pretreated with tyrosinase in order to prevent electrochemical interferences by ascorbic acid and uric acid. Interference-free indication at a very low electrode potential without fouling of the electrode surface was achieved with the o-phenylenediamine: resorcinol-based MIP.}, language = {en} } @article{YanChenKaufmann2016, author = {Yan, Wenhao and Chen, Dijun and Kaufmann, Kerstin}, title = {Efficient multiplex mutagenesis by RNA-guided Cas9 and its use in the characterization of regulatory elements in the AGAMOUS gene}, series = {Plant methods}, volume = {12}, journal = {Plant methods}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1746-4811}, doi = {10.1186/s13007-016-0125-7}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background The efficiency of multiplex editing in plants by the RNA-guided Cas9 system is limited by efficient introduction of its components into the genome and by their activity. The possibility of introducing large fragment deletions by RNA-guided Cas9 tool provides the potential to study the function of any DNA region of interest in its 'endogenous' environment. Results Here, an RNA-guided Cas9 system was optimized to enable efficient multiplex editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate the flexibility of our system for knockout of multiple genes, and to generate heritable large-fragment deletions in the genome. As a proof of concept, the function of part of the second intron of the flower development gene AGAMOUS in Arabidopsis was studied by generating a Cas9-free mutant plant line in which part of this intron was removed from the genome. Further analysis revealed that deletion of this intron fragment results 40 \% decrease of AGAMOUS gene expression without changing the splicing of the gene which indicates that this regulatory region functions as an activator of AGAMOUS gene expression. Conclusions Our modified RNA-guided Cas9 system offers a versatile tool for the functional dissection of coding and non-coding DNA sequences in plants.}, language = {en} } @article{YanChenKaufmann2016, author = {Yan, Wenhao and Chen, Dijun and Kaufmann, Kerstin}, title = {Efficient multiplex mutagenesis by RNA-guided Cas9 and its use in the characterization of regulatory elements in the AGAMOUS gene}, series = {Plant Methods}, volume = {12}, journal = {Plant Methods}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1746-4811}, doi = {10.1186/s13007-016-0125-7}, pages = {2381 -- 2389}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Results: Here, an RNA-guided Cas9 system was optimized to enable efficient multiplex editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate the flexibility of our system for knockout of multiple genes, and to generate heritable large-fragment deletions in the genome. As a proof of concept, the function of part of the second intron of the flower development gene AGAMOUS in Arabidopsis was studied by generating a Cas9-free mutant plant line in which part of this intron was removed from the genome. Further analysis revealed that deletion of this intron fragment results 40 \% decrease of AGAMOUS gene expression without changing the splicing of the gene which indicates that this regulatory region functions as an activator of AGAMOUS gene expression. Conclusions: Our modified RNA-guided Cas9 system offers a versatile tool for the functional dissection of coding and non-coding DNA sequences in plants.}, language = {en} } @misc{YanChenKaufmann2016, author = {Yan, Wenhao and Chen, Dijun and Kaufmann, Kerstin}, title = {Molecular mechanisms of floral organ specification by MADS domain proteins}, series = {Current opinion in plant biology}, volume = {29}, journal = {Current opinion in plant biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {London}, issn = {1369-5266}, doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2015.12.004}, pages = {154 -- 162}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Flower development is a model system to understand organ specification in plants. The identities of different types of floral organs are specified by homeotic MADS transcription factors that interact in a combinatorial fashion. Systematic identification of DNA-binding sites and target genes of these key regulators show that they have shared and unique sets of target genes. DNA binding by MADS proteins is not based on 'simple' recognition of a specific DNA sequence, but depends on DNA structure and combinatorial interactions. Homeotic MADS proteins regulate gene expression via alternative mechanisms, one of which may be to modulate chromatin structure and accessibility in their target gene promoters.}, language = {en} } @misc{YanChenKaufmann2016, author = {Yan, Wenhao and Chen, Dijun and Kaufmann, Kerstin}, title = {Efficient multiplex mutagenesis by RNA‑guided Cas9 and its use in the characterization of regulatory elements in the AGAMOUS gene}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-90895}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: The efficiency of multiplex editing in plants by the RNA-guided Cas9 system is limited by efficient introduction of its components into the genome and by their activity. The possibility of introducing large fragment deletions by RNA-guided Cas9 tool provides the potential to study the function of any DNA region of interest in its 'endogenous' environment. Results: Here, an RNA-guided Cas9 system was optimized to enable efficient multiplex editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate the flexibility of our system for knockout of multiple genes, and to generate heritable largefragment deletions in the genome. As a proof of concept, the function of part of the second intron of the flower development gene AGAMOUS in Arabidopsis was studied by generating a Cas9-free mutant plant line in which part of this intron was removed from the genome. Further analysis revealed that deletion of this intron fragment results 40 \% decrease of AGAMOUS gene expression without changing the splicing of the gene which indicates that this regulatory region functions as an activator of AGAMOUS gene expression. Conclusions: Our modified RNA-guided Cas9 system offers a versatile tool for the functional dissection of coding and non-coding DNA sequences in plants.}, language = {en} } @article{YanFriemelAloisietal.2016, author = {Yan, Robert and Friemel, Martin and Aloisi, Claudia and Huynen, Martijn and Taylor, Ian A. and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke and Pastore, Annalisa}, title = {The Eukaryotic-Specific ISD11 Is a Complex-Orphan Protein with Ability to Bind the Prokaryotic IscS}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS one}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0157895}, pages = {383 -- 395}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The eukaryotic protein Isd11 is a chaperone that binds and stabilizes the central component of the essential metabolic pathway responsible for formation of iron-sulfur clusters in mitochondria, the desulfurase Nfs1. Little is known about the exact role of Isd11. Here, we show that human Isd11 (ISD11) is a helical protein which exists in solution as an equilibrium between monomer, dimeric and tetrameric species when in the absence of human Nfs1 (NFS1). We also show that, surprisingly, recombinant ISD11 expressed in E. coli co-purifies with the bacterial orthologue of NFS1, IscS. Binding is weak but specific suggesting that, despite the absence of Isd11 sequences in bacteria, there is enough conservation between the two desulfurases to retain a similar mode of interaction. This knowledge may inform us on the conservation of the mode of binding of Isd11 to the desulfurase. We used evolutionary evidence to suggest Isd11 residues involved in the interaction.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Xu2016, author = {Xu, Ke}, title = {Functional characterization of two MYB transcription factors, MYB95 and MYB47, in Arabidopsis thaliana}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {108}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{WutkeBeneckeSandovalCastellanosetal.2016, author = {Wutke, Saskia and Benecke, Norbert and Sandoval-Castellanos, Edson and D{\"o}hle, Hans-J{\"u}rgen and Friederich, Susanne and Gonzalez Soto, Javier Esteban and Hallsson, Jon Hallsteinn and Hofreiter, Michael and Lougas, Lembi and Magnell, Ola and Morales-Muniz, Arturo and Orlando, Ludovic and Palsdottir, Albina Hulda and Reissmann, Monika and Ruttkay, Matej and Trinks, Alexandra and Ludwig, Arne}, title = {Spotted phenotypes in horses lost attractiveness in the Middle Ages}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, journal = {Scientific reports}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep38548}, pages = {9}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Horses have been valued for their diversity of coat colour since prehistoric times; this is especially the case since their domestication in the Caspian steppe in similar to 3,500 BC. Although we can assume that human preferences were not constant, we have only anecdotal information about how domestic horses were influenced by humans. Our results from genotype analyses show a significant increase in spotted coats in early domestic horses (Copper Age to Iron Age). In contrast, medieval horses carried significantly fewer alleles for these phenotypes, whereas solid phenotypes (i.e., chestnut) became dominant. This shift may have been supported because of (i) pleiotropic disadvantages, (ii) a reduced need to separate domestic horses from their wild counterparts, (iii) a lower religious prestige, or (iv) novel developments in weaponry. These scenarios may have acted alone or in combination. However, the dominance of chestnut is a remarkable feature of the medieval horse population.}, language = {en} } @misc{WutkeAnderssonBeneckeetal.2016, author = {Wutke, Saskia and Andersson, Leif and Benecke, Norbert and Sandoval-Castellanos, Edson and Gonzalez, Javier and Hallsson, Jon Hallsteinn and Lougas, Lembi and Magnell, Ola and Morales-Muniz, Arturo and Orlando, Ludovic and Palsdottir, Albina Hulda and Reissmann, Monika and Munoz-Rodriguez, Mariana B. and Ruttkay, Matej and Trinks, Alexandra and Hofreiter, Michael and Ludwig, Arne}, title = {The origin of ambling horses}, series = {Current biology}, volume = {26}, journal = {Current biology}, publisher = {Cell Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0960-9822}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2016.07.001}, pages = {R697 -- R699}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Horseback riding is the most fundamental use of domestic horses and has had a huge influence on the development of human societies for millennia. Over time, riding techniques and the style of riding improved. Therefore, horses with the ability to perform comfortable gaits (e.g. ambling or pacing), so-called 'gaited' horses, have been highly valued by humans, especially for long distance travel. Recently, the causative mutation for gaitedness in horses has been linked to a substitution causing a premature stop codon in the DMRT3 gene (DMRT3_Ser301STOP) [1]. In mice, Dmrt3 is expressed in spinal cord interneurons and plays an important role in the development of limb movement coordination [1]. Genotyping the position in 4396 modern horses from 141 breeds revealed that nowadays the mutated allele is distributed worldwide with an especially high frequency in gaited horses and breeds used for harness racing [2]. Here, we examine historic horse remains for the DMRT3 SNP, tracking the origin of gaitedness to Medieval England between 850 and 900 AD. The presence of the corresponding allele in Icelandic horses (9th-11th century) strongly suggests that ambling horses were brought from the British Isles to Iceland by Norse people. Considering the high frequency of the ambling allele in early Icelandic horses, we believe that Norse settlers selected for this comfortable mode of horse riding soon after arrival. The absence of the allele in samples from continental Europe (including Scandinavia) at this time implies that ambling horses may have spread from Iceland and maybe also the British Isles across the continent at a later date.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Wutke2016, author = {Wutke, Saskia}, title = {Tracing Changes in Space and Time}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {x, 84}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The horse is a fascinating animal symbolizing power, beauty, strength and grace. Among all the animal species domesticated the horse had the largest impact on the course of human history due to its importance for warfare and transportation. Studying the process of horse domestication contributes to the knowledge about the history of horses and even of our own species. Research based on molecular methods has increasingly focused on the genetic basis of horse domestication. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses of modern and ancient horses detected immense maternal diversity, probably due to many mares that contributed to the domestic population. However, mtDNA does not provide an informative phylogeographic structure. In contrast, Y chromosome analyses displayed almost complete uniformity in modern stallions but relatively high diversity in a few ancient horses. Further molecular markers that seem to be well suited to infer the domestication history of horses or genetic and phenotypic changes during this process are loci associated with phenotypic traits. This doctoral thesis consists of three different parts for which I analyzed various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with coat color, locomotion or Y chromosomal variation of horses. These SNPs were genotyped in 350 ancient horses from the Chalcolithic (5,000 BC) to the Middle Ages (11th century). The distribution of the samples ranges from China to the Iberian Peninsula and Iceland. By applying multiplexed next-generation sequencing (NGS) I sequenced short amplicons covering the relevant positions: i) eight coat-color-associated mutations in six genes to deduce the coat color phenotype; ii) the so-called 'Gait-keeper' SNP in the DMRT3 gene to screen for the ability to amble; iii) 16 SNPs previously detected in ancient horses to infer the corresponding haplotype. Based on these data I investigated the occurrence and frequencies of alleles underlying the respective phenotypes as well as Y chromosome haplotypes at different times and regions. Also, selection coefficients for several Y chromosome lineages or phenotypes were estimated. Concerning coat color differences in ancient horses my work constitutes the most comprehensive study to date. I detected an increase of chestnut horses in the Middle Ages as well as differential selection for spotted and solid phenotypes over time which reflects changing human preferences. With regard to ambling horses, the corresponding allele was present in medieval English and Icelandic horses. Based on these results I argue that Norse settlers, who frequently invaded parts of Britain, brought ambling individuals to Iceland from the British Isles which can be regarded the origin of this trait. Moreover, these settlers appear to have selected for ambling in Icelandic horses. Relating to the third trait, the paternal diversity, these findings represent the largest ancient dataset of Y chromosome variation in non-humans. I proved the existence of several Y chromosome haplotypes in early domestic horses. The decline of Y chromosome variation coincides with the movement of nomadic peoples from the Eurasian steppes and later with different breeding practices in the Roman period. In conclusion, positive selection was estimated for several phenotypes/lineages in different regions or times which indicates that these were preferred by humans. Furthermore, I could successfully infer the distribution and dispersal of horses in association with human movements and actions. Thereby, a better understanding of the influence of people on the changing appearance and genetic diversity of domestic horses could be gained. My results also emphasize the close relationship of ancient genetics and archeology or history and that only in combination well-founded conclusions can be reached.}, language = {en} } @article{WurzbacherWarthmannBourneetal.2016, author = {Wurzbacher, Christian and Warthmann, Norman and Bourne, Elizabeth Charlotte and Attermeyer, Katrin and Allgaier, Martin and Powell, Jeff R. and Detering, Harald and Mbedi, Susan and Großart, Hans-Peter and Monaghan, Michael T.}, title = {High habitat-specificity in fungal communities in oligo-mesotrophic, temperate Lake Stechlin (North-East Germany)}, series = {MycoKeys}, volume = {41}, journal = {MycoKeys}, publisher = {Pensoft Publ.}, address = {Sofia}, issn = {1314-4057}, doi = {10.3897/mycokeys.16.9646}, pages = {17 -- 44}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Freshwater fungi are a poorly studied ecological group that includes a high taxonomic diversity. Most studies on aquatic fungal diversity have focused on single habitats, thus the linkage between habitat heterogeneity and fungal diversity remains largely unexplored. We took 216 samples from 54 locations representing eight different habitats in the meso-oligotrophic, temperate Lake Stechlin in North-East Germany. These included the pelagic and littoral water column, sediments, and biotic substrates. We performed high throughput sequencing using the Roche 454 platform, employing a universal eukaryotic marker region within the large ribosomal subunit (LSU) to compare fungal diversity, community structure, and species turnover among habitats. Our analysis recovered 1027 fungal OTUs (97\% sequence similarity). Richness estimates were highest in the sediment, biofilms, and benthic samples (189-231 OTUs), intermediate in water samples (42-85 OTUs), and lowest in plankton samples (8 OTUs). NMDS grouped the eight studied habitats into six clusters, indicating that community composition was strongly influenced by turnover among habitats. Fungal communities exhibited changes at the phylum and order levels along three different substrate categories from littoral to pelagic habitats. The large majority of OTUs (> 75\%) could not be classified below the order level due to the lack of aquatic fungal entries in public sequence databases. Our study provides a first estimate of lake-wide fungal diversity and highlights the important contribution of habitat heterogeneity to overall diversity and community composition. Habitat diversity should be considered in any sampling strategy aiming to assess the fungal diversity of a water body.}, language = {en} } @article{WrightAmesMitchelll2016, author = {Wright, Justin P. and Ames, Gregory M. and Mitchelll, Rachel M.}, title = {The more things change, the more they stay the same? When is trait variability important for stability of ecosystem function in a changing environment}, series = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London : B, Biological sciences}, volume = {371}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London : B, Biological sciences}, publisher = {Royal Society}, address = {London}, issn = {0962-8436}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2015.0272}, pages = {7}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The importance of intraspecific trait variability for community dynamics and ecosystem functioning has been underappreciated. There are theoretical reasons for predicting that species that differ in intraspecific trait variability will also differ in their effects on ecosystem functioning, particularly in variable environments. We discuss whether species with greater trait variability are likely to exhibit greater temporal stability in their population dynamics, and under which conditions this might lead to stability in ecosystem functioning. Resolving this requires us to consider several questions. First, are species with high levels of variation for one trait equally variable in others? In particular, is variability in response and effects traits typically correlated? Second, what is the relative contribution of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity to trait variability? If local adaptation dominates, then stability in function requires one of two conditions: (i) individuals of appropriate phenotypes present in the environment at high enough frequencies to allow for populations to respond rapidly to the changing environment, and (ii) high levels of dispersal and gene flow. While we currently lack sufficient information on the causes and distribution of variability in functional traits, filling in these key data gaps should increase our ability to predict how changing biodiversity will alter ecosystem functioning.}, language = {en} } @misc{WoodhouseMakowerYeungetal.2016, author = {Woodhouse, Jason Nicholas and Makower, A. Katharina and Yeung, Anna C. Y. and Ongley, Sarah E. and Micallef, Melinda L. and Moffitt, Michelle C. and Neilan, Brett A.}, title = {Advances in genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics of toxin-producing cyanobacteria}, series = {Environmental microbiology reports}, volume = {8}, journal = {Environmental microbiology reports}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.12366}, pages = {3 -- 13}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A common misconception persists that the genomes of toxic and non-toxic cyanobacterial strains are largely conserved with the exception of the presence or absence of the genes responsible for toxin production. Implementation of -omics era technologies has challenged this paradigm, with comparative analyses providing increased insight into the differences between strains of the same species. The implementation of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches has revealed distinct profiles between toxin-producing and non-toxic strains. Further, metagenomics and metaproteomics highlight the genomic potential and functional state of toxic bloom events over time. In this review, we highlight how these technologies have shaped our understanding of the complex relationship between these molecules, their producers and the environment at large within which they persist.}, language = {en} } @article{WiltingPatelPfestorfetal.2016, author = {Wilting, A. and Patel, R. and Pfestorf, Hans and Kern, C. and Sultan, K. and Ario, A. and Penaloza, F. and Kramer-Schadt, S. and Radchuk, Viktoriia and Foerster, D. W. and Fickel, J{\"o}rns}, title = {Evolutionary history and conservation significance of the Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas}, series = {Journal of zoology : proceedings of the Zoological Society of London}, volume = {299}, journal = {Journal of zoology : proceedings of the Zoological Society of London}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0952-8369}, doi = {10.1111/jzo.12348}, pages = {239 -- 250}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The leopard Panthera pardus is widely distributed across Africa and Asia; however, there is a gap in its natural distribution in Southeast Asia, where it occurs on the mainland and on Java but not on the interjacent island of Sumatra. Several scenarios have been proposed to explain this distribution gap. Here, we complemented an existing dataset of 68 leopard mtDNA sequences from Africa and Asia with mtDNA sequences (NADH5+ ctrl, 724bp) from 19 Javan leopards, and hindcasted leopard distribution to the Pleistocene to gain further insights into the evolutionary history of the Javan leopard. Our data confirmed that Javan leopards are evolutionarily distinct from other Asian leopards, and that they have been present on Java since the Middle Pleistocene. Species distribution projections suggest that Java was likely colonized via a Malaya-Java land bridge that by-passed Sumatra, as suitable conditions for leopards during Pleistocene glacial periods were restricted to northern and western Sumatra. As fossil evidence supports the presence of leopards on Sumatra at the beginning of the Late Pleistocene, our projections are consistent with a scenario involving the extinction of leopards on Sumatra as a consequence of the Toba super volcanic eruption (similar to 74kya). The impact of this eruption was minor on Java, suggesting that leopards managed to survive here. Currently, only a few hundred leopards still live in the wild and only about 50 are managed in captivity. Therefore, this unique and distinctive subspecies requires urgent, concerted conservation efforts, integrating insitu and ex situ conservation management activities in a One Plan Approach to species conservation management.}, language = {en} } @article{WeyrichLenzJescheketal.2016, author = {Weyrich, Alexandra and Lenz, Dorina and Jeschek, Marie and Tzu Hung Chung, and Ruebensam, Kathrin and Goeritz, Frank and Jewgenow, Katarina and Fickel, J{\"o}rns}, title = {Paternal intergenerational epigenetic response to heat exposure in male Wild guinea pigs}, series = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {25}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0962-1083}, doi = {10.1111/mec.13494}, pages = {1729 -- 1740}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Epigenetic modifications, of which DNA methylation is the best studied one, can convey environmental information through generations via parental germ lines. Past studies have focused on the maternal transmission of epigenetic information to the offspring of isogenic mice and rats in response to external changes, whereas heterogeneous wild mammals as well as paternal epigenetic effects have been widely neglected. In most wild mammal species, males are the dispersing sex and have to cope with differing habitats and thermal changes. As temperature is a major environmental factor we investigated if genetically heterogeneous Wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) males can adapt epigenetically to an increase in temperature and if that response will be transmitted to the next generation(s). Five adult male guinea pigs (F0) were exposed to an increased ambient temperature for 2 months, i.e. the duration of spermatogenesis. We studied the liver (as the main thermoregulatory organ) of F0 fathers and F1 sons, and testes of F1 sons for paternal transmission of epigenetic modifications across generation(s). Reduced representation bisulphite sequencing revealed shared differentially methylated regions in annotated areas between F0 livers before and after heat treatment, and their sons' livers and testes, which indicated a general response with ecological relevance. Thus, paternal exposure to a temporally limited increased ambient temperature led to an 'immediate' and 'heritable' epigenetic response that may even be transmitted to the F2 generation. In the context of globally rising temperatures epigenetic mechanisms may become increasingly relevant for the survival of species.}, language = {en} } @article{WeyrichBenzKarletal.2016, author = {Weyrich, Alexandra and Benz, Stephanie and Karl, Stephan and Jeschek, Marie and Jewgenow, Katarina and Fickel, J{\"o}rns}, title = {Paternal heat exposure causes DNA methylation and gene expression changes of Stat3 in Wild guinea pig sons}, series = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {6}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {2045-7758}, doi = {10.1002/ece3.1993}, pages = {2657 -- 2666}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Epigenetic mechanisms convey environmental information through generations and can regulate gene expression. Epigenetic studies in wild mammals are rare, but enable understanding adaptation processes as they may occur in nature. In most wild mammal species, males are the dispersing sex and thus often have to cope with differing habitats and thermal changes more rapidly than the often philopatric females. As temperature is a major environmental selection factor, we investigated whether genetically heterogeneous Wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) males adapt epigenetically to an increase in temperature, whether that response will be transmitted to the next generation(s), and whether it regulates mRNA expression. Five (F0) adult male guinea pigs were exposed to an increased ambient temperature for 2 months, corresponding to the duration of the species' spermatogenesis. To study the effect of heat, we focused on the main thermoregulatory organ, the liver. We analyzed CpG-methylation changes of male offspring (F1) sired before and after the fathers' heat treatment (as has recently been described in Weyrich et al. [Mol. Ecol., 2015]). Transcription analysis was performed for the three genes with the highest number of differentially methylated changes detected: the thermoregulation gene Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (Stat3), the proteolytic peptidase gene Cathepsin Z (Ctsz), and Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) with function in epigenetic regulation. Stat3 gene expression was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), which indicated a close link between CpG-methylation and expression levels for this gene. The two other genes did not show gene expression changes. Our results indicate the presence of a paternal transgenerational epigenetic effect. Quick adaptation to climatic changes may become increasingly relevant for the survival of wildlife species as global temperatures are rising.}, language = {en} } @article{WettsteinKanoSchaeferetal.2016, author = {Wettstein, Christoph and Kano, Kenji and Schaefer, Daniel and Wollenberger, Ursula and Lisdat, Fred}, title = {Interaction of Flavin-Dependent Fructose Dehydrogenase with Cytochrome c as Basis for the Construction of Biomacromolecular Architectures on Electrodes}, series = {Analytical chemistry}, volume = {88}, journal = {Analytical chemistry}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0003-2700}, doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00815}, pages = {6382 -- 6389}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The creation of electron transfer (ET) chains based on the defined arrangement of enzymes and redox proteins on electrode surfaces represents an interesting approach within the field of bioelectrocatalysis. In this study, we investigated the ET reaction of the flavin-dependent enzyme fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) with the redox protein cytochrome c (cyt c). Two different pH optima were found for the reaction in acidic and neutral solutions. When cyt c was adsorbed on an electrode surface while the enzyme remained in solution, ET proceeded efficiently in media of neutral pH. Interprotein ET was also observed in acidic media; however, it appeared to be less efficient. These findings suggest that two different ET pathways between the enzyme and cyt c may occur. Moreover, cyt c and FDH were immobilized in multiple layers on an electrode surface by means of another biomacromolecule: DNA (double stranded) using the layer -by -layer technique. The biprotein multilayer architecture showed a catalytic response in dependence on the fructose concentration, indicating that the ET reaction between both proteins is feasible even in the immobilized state. The electrode showed a defined response to fructose and a good storage stability. Our results contribute to the better understanding of the ET reaction between FDH and cyt c and provide the basis for the creation of all-biomolecule based fructose sensors the sensitivity of which can be controlled by the layer preparation.}, language = {en} } @article{WestburyProstSeelenfreundetal.2016, author = {Westbury, Michael V. and Prost, Stefan and Seelenfreund, Andrea and Ramirez, Jose-Miguel and Matisoo-Smith, Elizabeth A. and Knapp, Michael}, title = {First complete mitochondrial genome data from ancient South American camelids - The mystery of the chilihueques from Isla Mocha (Chile)}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, journal = {Scientific reports}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep38708}, pages = {7}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @misc{WessigBaderKlieretal.2016, author = {Wessig, Pablo and Bader, Denise and Klier, Dennis Tobias and Hettrich, Cornelia and Bier, Frank Fabian}, title = {Detecting carbohydrate-lectin interactions using a fluorescent probe based on DBD dyes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-394382}, pages = {1235 -- 1238}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Herein we present an efficient synthesis of a biomimetic probe with modular construction that can be specifically bound by the mannose binding FimH protein - a surface adhesion protein of E. coli bacteria. The synthesis combines the new and interesting DBD dye with the carbohydrate ligand mannose via a Click reaction. We demonstrate the binding to E. coli bacteria over a large concentration range and also present some special characteristics of those molecules that are of particular interest for the application as a biosensor. In particular, the mix-and-measure ability and the very good photo-stability should be highlighted here.}, language = {en} } @article{WadkeKandasamyVogeletal.2016, author = {Wadke, Namita and Kandasamy, Dineshkumar and Vogel, Heiko and Lah, Ljerka and Wingfield, Brenda D. and Paetz, Christian and Wright, Louwrance P. and Gershenzon, Jonathan and Hammerbacher, Almuth}, title = {The Bark-Beetle-Associated Fungus, Endoconidiophora polonica, Utilizes the Phenolic Defense Compounds of Its Host as a Carbon Source}, series = {Plant physiology : an international journal devoted to physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biophysics and environmental biology of plants}, volume = {171}, journal = {Plant physiology : an international journal devoted to physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biophysics and environmental biology of plants}, publisher = {American Society of Plant Physiologists}, address = {Rockville}, issn = {0032-0889}, doi = {10.1104/pp.15.01916}, pages = {914 -- 931}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Norway spruce (Picea abies) is periodically attacked by the bark beetle Ips typographus and its fungal associate, Endoconidiophora polonica, whose infection is thought to be required for successful beetle attack. Norway spruce produces terpenoid resins and phenolics in response to fungal and bark beetle invasion. However, how the fungal associate copes with these chemical defenses is still unclear. In this study, we investigated changes in the phenolic content of Norway spruce bark upon E. polonica infection and the biochemical factors mediating these changes. Although genes encoding the rate-limiting enzymes in Norway spruce stilbene and flavonoid biosynthesis were actively transcribed during fungal infection, there was a significant time-dependent decline of the corresponding metabolites in fungal lesions. In vitro feeding experiments with pure phenolics revealed that E. polonica transforms both stilbenes and flavonoids to muconoid-type ring-cleavage products, which are likely the first steps in the degradation of spruce defenses to substrates that can enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Four genes were identified in E. polonica that encode catechol dioxygenases carrying out these reactions. These enzymes catalyze the cleavage of phenolic rings with a vicinal dihydroxyl group to muconoid products accepting a wide range of Norway spruce-produced phenolics as substrates. The expression of these genes and E. polonica utilization of the most abundant spruce phenolics as carbon sources both correlated positively with fungal virulence in several strains. Thus, the pathways for the degradation of phenolic compounds in E. polonica, initiated by catechol dioxygenase action, are important to the infection, growth, and survival of this bark beetle-vectored fungus and may play a major role in the ability of I. typographus to colonize spruce trees.}, language = {en} } @article{WackerPiephoHarwoodetal.2016, author = {Wacker, Alexander and Piepho, Maike and Harwood, John L. and Guschina, Irina A. and Arts, Michael T.}, title = {Light-Induced Changes in Fatty Acid Profiles of Specific Lipid Classes in Several Freshwater Phytoplankton Species}, series = {Frontiers in plant science : FPLS}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science : FPLS}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-462X}, doi = {10.3389/fpls.2016.00264}, pages = {1 -- 13}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We tested the influence of two light intensities [40 and 300 μmol PAR / (m2s)] on the fatty acid composition of three distinct lipid classes in four freshwater phytoplankton species. We chose species of different taxonomic classes in order to detect potentially similar reaction characteristics that might also be present in natural phytoplankton communities. From samples of the bacillariophyte Asterionella formosa, the chrysophyte Chromulina sp., the cryptophyte Cryptomonas ovata and the zygnematophyte Cosmarium botrytis we first separated glycolipids (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol), phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine) as well as non-polar lipids (triacylglycerols), before analyzing the fatty acid composition of each lipid class. High variation in the fatty acid composition existed among different species. Individual fatty acid compositions differed in their reaction to changing light intensities in the four species. Although no generalizations could be made for species across taxonomic classes, individual species showed clear but small responses in their ecologically-relevant omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in terms of proportions and of per tissue carbon quotas. Knowledge on how lipids like fatty acids change with environmental or culture conditions is of great interest in ecological food web studies, aquaculture, and biotechnology, since algal lipids are the most important sources of omega-3 long-chain PUFA for aquatic and terrestrial consumers, including humans.}, language = {en} } @misc{WackerPiephoHarwoodetal.2016, author = {Wacker, Alexander and Piepho, Maike and Harwood, John L. and Guschina, Irina A. and Arts, Michael T.}, title = {Light-Induced Changes in Fatty Acid Profiles of Specific Lipid Classes in Several Freshwater Phytoplankton Species}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-90682}, pages = {1 -- 13}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We tested the influence of two light intensities [40 and 300 μmol PAR / (m2s)] on the fatty acid composition of three distinct lipid classes in four freshwater phytoplankton species. We chose species of different taxonomic classes in order to detect potentially similar reaction characteristics that might also be present in natural phytoplankton communities. From samples of the bacillariophyte Asterionella formosa, the chrysophyte Chromulina sp., the cryptophyte Cryptomonas ovata and the zygnematophyte Cosmarium botrytis we first separated glycolipids (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol), phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine) as well as non-polar lipids (triacylglycerols), before analyzing the fatty acid composition of each lipid class. High variation in the fatty acid composition existed among different species. Individual fatty acid compositions differed in their reaction to changing light intensities in the four species. Although no generalizations could be made for species across taxonomic classes, individual species showed clear but small responses in their ecologically-relevant omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in terms of proportions and of per tissue carbon quotas. Knowledge on how lipids like fatty acids change with environmental or culture conditions is of great interest in ecological food web studies, aquaculture, and biotechnology, since algal lipids are the most important sources of omega-3 long-chain PUFA for aquatic and terrestrial consumers, including humans.}, language = {en} } @article{VencesLyraKuenemanetal.2016, author = {Vences, Miguel and Lyra, Mariana L. and Kueneman, Jordan G. and Bletz, Molly C. and Archer, Holly M. and Canitz, Julia and Handreck, Svenja and Randrianiaina, Roger-Daniel and Struck, Ulrich and Bhuju, Sabin and Jarek, Michael and Geffers, Robert and McKenzie, Valerie J. and Tebbe, Christoph C. and Haddad, CLio F. B. and Glos, Julian}, title = {Gut bacterial communities across tadpole ecomorphs in two diverse tropical anuran faunas}, series = {The science of nature}, volume = {103}, journal = {The science of nature}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0028-1042}, doi = {10.1007/s00114-016-1348-1}, pages = {68 -- 73}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Animal-associated microbial communities can play major roles in the physiology, development, ecology, and evolution of their hosts, but the study of their diversity has yet focused on a limited number of host species. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing of partial sequences of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to assess the diversity of the gut-inhabiting bacterial communities of 212 specimens of tropical anuran amphibians from Brazil and Madagascar. The core gut-associated bacterial communities among tadpoles from two different continents strongly overlapped, with eight highly represented operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in common. In contrast, the core communities of adults and tadpoles from Brazil were less similar with only one shared OTU. This suggests a community turnover at metamorphosis. Bacterial diversity was higher in tadpoles compared to adults. Distinct differences in composition and diversity occurred among gut bacterial communities of conspecific tadpoles from different water bodies and after experimental fasting for 8 days, demonstrating the influence of both environmental factors and food on the community structure. Communities from syntopic tadpoles clustered by host species both in Madagascar and Brazil, and the Malagasy tadpoles also had species-specific isotope signatures. We recommend future studies to analyze the turnover of anuran gut bacterial communities at metamorphosis, compare the tadpole core communities with those of other aquatic organisms, and assess the possible function of the gut microbiota as a reservoir for protective bacteria on the amphibian skin.}, language = {en} } @article{vandeWeijerBijleveldHuschek2016, author = {van de Weijer, Steve and Bijleveld, Catrien and Huschek, Doreen}, title = {Offending and mortality}, series = {Advances in life course research}, volume = {28}, journal = {Advances in life course research}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1569-4909}, doi = {10.1016/j.alcr.2015.11.004}, pages = {91 -- 99}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Previous research has shown that offenders are at increased risk to die prematurely, but the etiology of this association is still unknown. Moreover, most previous studies use relatively short follow-up periods and do not take into account variation within the offender population with respect to frequency, timing and types of offenses. Method: Using conviction data for a number of families at high-risk of offending born on average in 1932, we study mortality in both offenders and non-offenders, from a similar socio-economic background, until 2007. We condition on life expectancy of the parents, age, gender, year of birth and marital status. We investigate associations between mortality and offending for different types of offenses: violent offenses, property offenses, weapons offenses, drugs offenses and driving under influence. Results: In general, offending sample members were not significantly more likely to have died than non offending sample members. Compared to the general population, however, both the offending and non offending sample members were at increased risk to die. Sample members who were convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or weapons offenses were at increased risk to die prematurely compared to non-offending sample members. Conclusions: The relationship between offending in general and mortality is largely spurious. Limitations: The use of official conviction data might have influenced the results. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{UdDinRaufGhafooretal.2016, author = {Ud-Din, Aziz and Rauf, Mamoona and Ghafoor, S. and Khattak, M. N. K. and Hameed, M. W. and Shah, H. and Jan, S. and Muhammad, K. and Rehman, A. and Inamullah,}, title = {Efficient use of artificial micro-RNA to downregulate the expression of genes at the post-transcriptional level in Arabidopsis thaliana}, series = {Genetics and molecular research}, volume = {15}, journal = {Genetics and molecular research}, publisher = {FUNPEC}, address = {Ribeirao Preto}, issn = {1676-5680}, doi = {10.4238/gmr.15027439}, pages = {11}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Micro-RNAs are cellular components regulating gene expression at the post-transcription level. In the present study, artificial micro-RNAs were used to decrease the transcript level of two genes, AtExpA8 (encoding an expansin) and AHL25 (encoding an AT-hook motif nuclear localized protein) in Arabidopsis thaliana. The backbone of the Arabidopsis endogenous MIR319a micro-RNA was used in a site-directed mutagenesis approach for the generation of artificial micro-RNAs targeting two genes. The recombinant cassettes were expressed under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter in individual A. thaliana plants. Transgenic lines of the third generation were tested by isolating total RNA and by subsequent cDNA synthesis using oligo-dT18 primers and mRNAs as templates. The expression of the two target genes was checked through quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction to confirm reduced transcript levels for AtExpA8 and AHL25. Downregulation of AtExpA8 resulted in the formation of short hypocotyls compared with those of the wild-type control in response to low pH and high salt concentration. This technology could be used to prevent the expression of exogenous and invading genes posing a threat to the normal cellular physiology of the host plant.}, language = {en} } @article{TurjemanCentenoCuadrosEggersetal.2016, author = {Turjeman, Sondra Feldman and Centeno-Cuadros, Alejandro and Eggers, Ute and Rotics, Shay and Blas, Julio and Fiedler, Wolfgang and Kaatz, Michael and Jeltsch, Florian and Wikelski, Martin and Nathan, Ran}, title = {Extra-pair paternity in the socially monogamous white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is fairly common and independent of local density}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, journal = {Scientific reports}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep27976}, pages = {9}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Although many birds are socially monogamous, most (>75\%) studied species are not strictly genetically monogamous, especially under high breeding density. We used molecular tools to reevaluate the reproductive strategy of the socially monogamous white stork (Ciconia ciconia) and examined local density effects. DNA samples of nestlings (Germany, Spain) were genotyped and assigned relationships using a two-program maximum likelihood classification. Relationships were successfully classified in 79.2\% of German (n = 120) and 84.8\% of Spanish (n = 59) nests. For each population respectively, 76.8\% (n = 73) and 66.0\% (n = 33) of nests contained only full-siblings, 10.5\% (n = 10) and 18.0\% (n = 9) had half-siblings (at least one nestling with a different parent), 3.2\% (n = 3) and 10.0\% (n = 5) had unrelated nestlings (at least two nestlings, each with different parents), and 9.5\% (n = 9) and 6.0\% (n = 3) had "not full-siblings" (could not differentiate between latter two cases). These deviations from strict monogamy place the white stork in the 59th percentile for extra-pair paternity among studied bird species. Although high breeding density generally increases extra-pair paternity, we found no significant association with this species' mating strategies. Thus although genetic monogamy is indeed prominent in the white stork, extra-pair paternity is fairly common compared to other bird species and cannot be explained by breeding density.}, language = {en} } @misc{TeraoRomaoLeimkuehleretal.2016, author = {Terao, Mineko and Romao, Maria Joao and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke and Bolis, Marco and Fratelli, Maddalena and Coelho, Catarina and Santos-Silva, Teresa and Garattini, Enrico}, title = {Structure and function of mammalian aldehyde oxidases}, series = {Archives of toxicology : official journal of EUROTOX}, volume = {90}, journal = {Archives of toxicology : official journal of EUROTOX}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0340-5761}, doi = {10.1007/s00204-016-1683-1}, pages = {753 -- 780}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Mammalian aldehyde oxidases (AOXs; EC1.2.3.1) are a group of conserved proteins belonging to the family of molybdo-flavoenzymes along with the structurally related xanthine dehydrogenase enzyme. AOXs are characterized by broad substrate specificity, oxidizing not only aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes into the corresponding carboxylic acids, but also hydroxylating a series of heteroaromatic rings. The number of AOX isoenzymes expressed in different vertebrate species is variable. The two extremes are represented by humans, which express a single enzyme (AOX1) in many organs and mice or rats which are characterized by tissue-specific expression of four isoforms (AOX1, AOX2, AOX3, and AOX4). In vertebrates each AOX isoenzyme is the product of a distinct gene consisting of 35 highly conserved exons. The extant species-specific complement of AOX isoenzymes is the result of a complex evolutionary process consisting of a first phase characterized by a series of asynchronous gene duplications and a second phase where the pseudogenization and gene deletion events prevail. In the last few years remarkable advances in the elucidation of the structural characteristics and the catalytic mechanisms of mammalian AOXs have been made thanks to the successful crystallization of human AOX1 and mouse AOX3. Much less is known about the physiological function and physiological substrates of human AOX1 and other mammalian AOX isoenzymes, although the importance of these proteins in xenobiotic metabolism is fairly well established and their relevance in drug development is increasing. This review article provides an overview and a discussion of the current knowledge on mammalian AOX.}, language = {en} } @article{TanskiCoutureLantuitetal.2016, author = {Tanski, George and Couture, Nicole and Lantuit, Hugues and Eulenburg, Antje and Fritz, Michael}, title = {Eroding permafrost coasts release low amounts of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from ground ice into the nearshore zone of the Arctic Ocean}, series = {Global biogeochemical cycles}, volume = {30}, journal = {Global biogeochemical cycles}, publisher = {American Geophysical Union}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0886-6236}, doi = {10.1002/2015GB005337}, pages = {1054 -- 1068}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Ice-rich permafrost coasts in the Arctic are highly sensitive to climate warming and erode at a pace that exceeds the global average. Permafrost coasts deliver vast amounts of organic carbon into the nearshore zone of the Arctic Ocean. Numbers on flux exist for particulate organic carbon (POC) and total or soil organic carbon (TOC, SOC). However, they do not exist for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which is known to be highly bioavailable. This study aims to estimate DOC stocks in coastal permafrost as well as the annual flux into the ocean. DOC concentrations in ground ice were analyzed along the ice-rich Yukon coast (YC) in the western Canadian Arctic. The annual DOC flux was estimated using available numbers for coast length, cliff height, annual erosion rate, and volumetric ice content in different stratigraphic horizons. Our results showed that DOC concentrations in ground ice range between 0.3 and 347.0mgL(-1) with an estimated stock of 13.63.0gm(-3) along the YC. An annual DOC flux of 54.90.9Mgyr(-1) was computed. These DOC fluxes are low compared to POC and SOC fluxes from coastal erosion or POC and DOC fluxes from Arctic rivers. We conclude that DOC fluxes from permafrost coasts play a secondary role in the Arctic carbon budget. However, this DOC is assumed to be highly bioavailable. We hypothesize that DOC from coastal erosion is important for ecosystems in the Arctic nearshore zones, particularly in summer when river discharge is low, and in areas where rivers are absent.}, language = {en} } @misc{TangMcGinnisIonescuetal.2016, author = {Tang, Kam W. and McGinnis, Daniel F. and Ionescu, Danny and Großart, Hans-Peter}, title = {Methane Production in Oxic Lake Waters Potentially Increases Aquatic Methane Flux to Air}, series = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : a journal of European Chemical Societies}, volume = {3}, journal = {Physical chemistry, chemical physics : a journal of European Chemical Societies}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {2328-8930}, doi = {10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00150}, pages = {227 -- 233}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Active methane production in oxygenated lake waters challenges the long-standing paradigm that microbial methane production occurs only under anoxic conditions and forces us to rethink the ecology and environmental dynamics of this powerful greenhouse gas. Methane production in the upper oxic water layers places the methane source closer to the air water interface, where convective mixing and microbubble detrainment can lead to a methane efflux higher than that previously assumed. Microorganisms may produce methane in oxic environments by being equipped with enzymes to counteract the effects of molecular oxygen during methanogenesis or using alternative pathways that do not involve oxygen-sensitive enzymes. As this process appears to be influenced by thermal stratification, water transparency, and primary production, changes in lake ecology due to climate change will alter methane formation in oxic water layers, with far-reaching consequences for methane flux and climate feedback.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Synodinos2016, author = {Synodinos, Alexios D.}, title = {Savanna dynamics under extreme conditions}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-395000}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {x, 168}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Savannas cover a broad geographical range across continents and are a biome best described by a mix of herbaceous and woody plants. The former create a more or less continuous layer while the latter should be sparse enough to leave an open canopy. What has long intrigued ecologists is how these two competing plant life forms of vegetation coexist. Initially attributed to resource competition, coexistence was considered the stable outcome of a root niche differentiation between trees and grasses. The importance of environmental factors became evident later, when data from moister environments demonstrated that tree cover was often lower than what the rainfall conditions would allow for. Our current understanding relies on the interaction of competition and disturbances in space and time. Hence, the influence of grazing and fire and the corresponding feedbacks they generate have been keenly investigated. Grazing removes grass cover, initiating a self-reinforcing process propagating tree cover expansion. This is known as the encroachment phenomenon. Fire, on the other hand, imposes a bottleneck on the tree population by halting the recruitment of young trees into adulthood. Since grasses fuel fires, a feedback linking grazing, grass cover, fire, and tree cover is created. In African savannas, which are the focus of this dissertation, these feedbacks play a major role in the dynamics. The importance of these feedbacks came into sharp focus when the notion of alternative states began to be applied to savannas. Alternative states in ecology arise when different states of an ecosystem can occur under the same conditions. According to this an open savanna and a tree-dominated savanna can be classified as alternative states, since they can both occur under the same climatic conditions. The aforementioned feedbacks are critical in the creation of alternative states. The grass-fire feedback can preserve an open canopy as long as fire intensity and frequency remain above a certain threshold. Conversely, crossing a grazing threshold can force an open savanna to shift to a tree-dominated state. Critically, transitions between such alternative states can produce hysteresis, where a return to pre-transition conditions will not suffice to restore the ecosystem to its original state. In the chapters that follow, I will cover aspects relating to the coexistence mechanisms and the role of feedbacks in tree-grass interactions. Coming back to the coexistence question, due to the overwhelming focus on competition and disturbance another important ecological process was neglected: facilitation. Therefore, in the first study within this dissertation I examine how facilitation can expand the tree-grass coexistence range into drier conditions. For the second study I focus on another aspect of savanna dynamics which remains underrepresented in the literature: the impacts of inter-annual rainfall variability upon savanna trees and the resilience of the savanna state. In the third and final study within this dissertation I approach the well-researched encroachment phenomenon from a new perspective: I search for an early warning indicator of the process to be used as a prevention tool for savanna conservation. In order to perform all this work I developed a mathematical ecohydrological model of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) with three variables: soil moisture content, grass cover and tree cover. Facilitation: Results showed that the removal of grass cover through grazing was detrimental to trees under arid conditions, contrary to expectation based on resource competition. The reason was that grasses preserved moisture in the soil through infiltration and shading, thus ameliorating the harsh conditions for trees in accordance with the Stress Gradient Hypothesis. The exclusion of grasses from the model further demonstrated this: tree cover was lower in the absence of grasses, indicating that the benefits of grass facilitation outweighed the costs of grass competition for trees. Thus, facilitation expanded the climatic range where savannas persisted into drier conditions. Rainfall variability: By adjusting the model to current rainfall patterns in East Africa, I simulated conditions of increasing inter-annual rainfall variability for two distinct mean rainfall scenarios: semi-arid and mesic. Alternative states of tree-less grassland and tree-dominated savanna emerged in both cases. Increasing variability reduced semi-arid savanna tree cover to the point that at high variability the savanna state was eliminated, because variability intensified resource competition and strengthened the fire disturbance during high rainfall years. Mesic savannas, on the other hand, became more resilient along the variability gradient: increasing rainfall variability created more opportunities for the rapid growth of trees to overcome the fire disturbance, boosting the chances of savannas persisting and thus increasing mesic savanna resilience. Preventing encroachment: The breakdown in the grass-fire feedback caused by heavy grazing promoted the expansion of woody cover. This could be irreversible due to the presence of alternative states of encroached and open savanna, which I found along a simulated grazing gradient. When I simulated different short term heavy grazing treatments followed by a reduction to the original grazing conditions, certain cases converged to the encroached state. Utilising woody cover changes only during the heavy grazing treatment, I developed an early warning indicator which identified these cases with a high risk of such hysteresis and successfully distinguished them from those with a low risk. Furthermore, after validating the indicator on encroachment data, I demonstrated that it appeared early enough for encroachment to be prevented through realistic grazing-reduction treatments. Though this dissertation is rooted in the theory of savanna dynamics, its results can have significant applications in savanna conservation. Facilitation has only recently become a topic of interest within savanna literature. Given the threat of increasing droughts and a general anticipation of drier conditions in parts of Africa, insights stemming from this research may provide clues for preserving arid savannas. The impacts of rainfall variability on savannas have not yet been thoroughly studied, either. Conflicting results appear as a result of the lack of a robust theoretical understanding of plant interactions under variable conditions. . My work and other recent studies argue that such conditions may increase the importance of fast resource acquisition creating a 'temporal niche'. Woody encroachment has been extensively studied as phenomenon, though not from the perspective of its early identification and prevention. The development of an encroachment forecasting tool, as the one presented in this work, could protect both the savanna biome and societies dependent upon it for (economic) survival. All studies which follow are bound by the attempt to broaden the horizons of savanna-related research in order to deal with extreme conditions and phenomena; be it through the enhancement of the coexistence debate or the study of an imminent external threat or the development of a management-oriented tool for the conservation of savannas.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Sviben2016, author = {Sviben, Sanja}, title = {Calcite biomineralization in coccolithophores}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {119}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SvanysEigemannGrossartetal.2016, author = {Svanys, Algirdas and Eigemann, Falk and Großart, Hans-Peter and Hilt, Sabine}, title = {Microcystins do not necessarily lower the sensitivity of Microcystis aeruginosa to tannic acid}, series = {FEMS microbiology letters}, volume = {363}, journal = {FEMS microbiology letters}, publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0378-1097}, doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnv227}, pages = {53 -- 77}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Different phytoplankton strains have been shown to possess varying sensitivities towards macrophyte allelochemicals, yet the reasons for this are largely unknown. To test whether microcystin (MC) is responsible for strain-specific sensitivities of Microcystis aeruginosa to macrophyte allelochemicals, we compared the sensitivity of 12 MC- and non-MC-producing M. aeruginosa strains, including an MC-deficient mutant and its wild type, to the polyphenolic allelochemical tannic acid (TA). Non-MC-producing strains showed a significantly higher sensitivity to TA than MC-producing strains, both in Chlorophyll a concentrations and quantum yields of photosystem II. In contrast, an MC-deficient mutant displayed a higher fitness against TA compared to its wild type. These results suggest that the resistance of M. aeruginosa to polyphenolic allelochemicals is not primarily related to MCs per se, but to other yet unknown protective mechanisms related to MCs.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Stief2016, author = {Stief, Anna}, title = {Genetics and ecology of plant heat stress memory}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {175}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SteinDoeringArjesFladungetal.2016, author = {Stein, F. and Doering-Arjes, P. and Fladung, Erik and Br{\"a}mick, Uwe and Bendall, B. and Schroeder, B.}, title = {Downstream Migration of the European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla) in the Elbe River, Germany: Movement Patterns and the Potential Impact of Environmental Factors}, series = {River Research and Applications}, volume = {32}, journal = {River Research and Applications}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1535-1459}, doi = {10.1002/rra.2881}, pages = {666 -- 676}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Recruitment of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) has declined to the extent that they have been added to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that eels complete their outward river migration in order to contribute to the available spawning stock. We conducted a 4-year (2007-2011) telemetry study to understand the migratory behaviour and potential impact of environmental factors on the eel during this critical life stage. Out of 399 female eels tagged with acoustic transmitters, only 28\% demonstrated clear downstream migratory behaviour. Fifty-five percent were detected exhibiting no downstream migration behaviour and 17\% were not detected at any monitoring station. Movement patterns of downstream-migrating (silver) eels were characterized by nocturnal activity and seasonal migration, with distinct peaks in autumn and spring. Migration was often discontinuous and exhibited phases of active locomotion and expanded stopovers. The most important determinants of movement activity were water temperature, cumulative precipitation and moonlight, although the significance varied by season and location in the river basin. Our results evidence a discontinuous, stepwise migration over an extended period. Furthermore, our findings indicate that migration success depends on holding duration prior to tagging and environmental predictors with varying importance depending on the season, as well as the locations of capture, tagging and release. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.}, language = {en} } @article{SrivastavaMcMahonStepanauskasetal.2016, author = {Srivastava, Abhishek and McMahon, Katherine D. and Stepanauskas, Ramunas and Großart, Hans-Peter}, title = {De novo synthesis and functional analysis of the phosphatase-encoding gene acI-B of uncultured Actinobacteria from Lake Stechlin (NE Germany)}, series = {International microbiology : official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology}, volume = {19}, journal = {International microbiology : official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology}, publisher = {Institut d'Estudis Catalans}, address = {Barcelona}, issn = {1139-6709}, doi = {10.2436/20.1501.01.262}, pages = {39 -- 47}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The National Center for Biotechnology Information [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/guide/taxonomy/] database enlists more than 15,500 bacterial species. But this also includes a plethora of uncultured bacterial representations. Owing to their metabolism, they directly influence biogeochemical cycles, which underscores the the important status of bacteria on our planet. To study the function of a gene from an uncultured bacterium, we have undertaken a de novo gene synthesis approach. Actinobacteria of the acI-B subcluster are important but yet uncultured members of the bacterioplankton in temperate lakes of the northern hemisphere such as oligotrophic Lake Stechlin (NE Germany). This lake is relatively poor in phosphate (P) and harbors on average similar to 1.3 x 10(6) bacterial cells/ml, whereby Actinobacteria of the ac-I lineage can contribute to almost half of the entire bacterial community depending on seasonal variability. Single cell genome analysis of Actinobacterium SCGC AB141-P03, a member of the acI-B tribe in Lake Stechlin has revealed several phosphate-metabolizing genes. The genome of acI-B Actinobacteria indicates potential to degrade polyphosphate compound. To test for this genetic potential, we targeted the exoP-annotated gene potentially encoding polyphosphatase and synthesized it artificially to examine its biochemical role. Heterologous overexpression of the gene in Escherichia coli and protein purification revealed phosphatase activity. Comparative genome analysis suggested that homologs of this gene should be also present in other Actinobacteria of the acI lineages. This strategic retention of specialized genes in their genome provides a metabolic advantage over other members of the aquatic food web in a P-limited ecosystem.}, language = {en} } @article{SpillingSchulzPauletal.2016, author = {Spilling, Kristian and Schulz, Kai G. and Paul, Allanah J. and Boxhammer, Tim and Achterberg, Eric Pieter and Hornick, Thomas and Lischka, Silke and Stuhr, Annegret and Bermudez, Rafael and Czerny, Jan and Crawfurd, Kate and Brussaard, Corina P. D. and Grossart, Hans-Peter and Riebesell, Ulf}, title = {Effects of ocean acidification on pelagic carbon fluxes in a mesocosm experiment}, series = {Biogeosciences}, volume = {13}, journal = {Biogeosciences}, publisher = {Copernicus}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {1726-4170}, doi = {10.5194/bg-13-6081-2016}, pages = {6081 -- 6093}, year = {2016}, abstract = {About a quarter of anthropogenic CO2 emissions are currently taken up by the oceans, decreasing seawater pH. We performed a mesocosm experiment in the Baltic Sea in order to investigate the consequences of increasing CO2 levels on pelagic carbon fluxes. A gradient of different CO2 scenarios, ranging from ambient (similar to 370 mu atm) to high (similar to 1200 mu atm), were set up in mesocosm bags (similar to 55m(3)). We determined standing stocks and temporal changes of total particulate carbon (TPC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and particulate organic carbon (POC) of specific plankton groups. We also measured carbon flux via CO2 exchange with the atmosphere and sedimentation (export), and biological rate measurements of primary production, bacterial production, and total respiration. The experiment lasted for 44 days and was divided into three different phases (I: t0-t16; II: t17-t30; III: t31-t43). Pools of TPC, DOC, and DIC were approximately 420, 7200, and 25 200 mmol Cm-2 at the start of the experiment, and the initial CO2 additions increased the DIC pool by similar to 7\% in the highest CO2 treatment. Overall, there was a decrease in TPC and increase of DOC over the course of the experiment. The decrease in TPC was lower, and increase in DOC higher, in treatments with added CO2. During phase I the estimated gross primary production (GPP) was similar to 100 mmol C m(-2) day(-1), from which 75-95\% was respired, similar to 1\% ended up in the TPC (including export), and 5-25\% was added to the DOC pool. During phase II, the respiration loss increased to similar to 100\% of GPP at the ambient CO2 concentration, whereas respiration was lower (85-95\% of GPP) in the highest CO2 treatment. Bacterial production was similar to 30\% lower, on average, at the highest CO2 concentration than in the controls during phases II and III. This resulted in a higher accumulation of DOC and lower reduction in the TPC pool in the elevated CO2 treatments at the end of phase II extending throughout phase III. The "extra" organic carbon at high CO2 remained fixed in an increasing biomass of small-sized plankton and in the DOC pool, and did not transfer into large, sinking aggregates. Our results revealed a clear effect of increasing CO2 on the carbon budget and mineralization, in particular under nutrient limited conditions. Lower carbon loss processes (respiration and bacterial remineralization) at elevated CO2 levels resulted in higher TPC and DOC pools than ambient CO2 concentration. These results highlight the importance of addressing not only net changes in carbon standing stocks but also carbon fluxes and budgets to better disentangle the effects of ocean acidification.}, language = {en} } @article{SpijkermanStojkovicHollandetal.2016, author = {Spijkerman, Elly and Stojkovic, Slobodanka and Holland, Daryl and Lachmann, Sabrina C. and Beardall, John}, title = {Nutrient induced fluorescence transients (NIFTs) provide a rapid measure of P and C (co-)limitation in a green alga}, series = {European journal of phycology}, volume = {51}, journal = {European journal of phycology}, publisher = {Hindawi}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {0967-0262}, doi = {10.1080/09670262.2015.1095355}, pages = {47 -- 58}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Nutrient Induced Fluorescence Transients (NIFTs) have been shown to be a possible way of testing for the limiting nutrient in algal populations. In this study we tested the hypothesis that NIFTs can be used to detect a (co-)limitation for inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and CO2 in the green alga Chlamydomonas acidophila and that the magnitude of the NIFTs can be related to cellular P:C ratios. We show a co-limitation response for Pi and CO2 via traditional nutrient enrichment experiments in natural phytoplankton populations dominated by C. acidophila. We measured NIFT responses after a Pi- or a CO2-spike in C. acidophila batch cultures at various stages of Pi and inorganic C limitation. Significant NIFTs were observed in response to spikes in both nutrients. The NIFT response to a Pi-spike showed a strong negative correlation with cellular P:C ratio that was pronounced below 3 mmol P: mol C (equivalent to 0.2 pg P cell(-1)). Both cellular P and C content influenced the extent of the Pi-NIFT response. The NIFT response to a CO2-spike correlated to low CO2 culturing conditions and also had a negative correlation with cellular P content. A secondary response within the Pi-NIFT response was related to the CO2 concentration and potentially reflected co-limitation. In conclusion, NIFTs provided a quick and reliable method to detect the growth-limiting nutrient in an extremophile green alga, under Pi-, CO2- and Pi/CO2 (co-)limited growth conditions.}, language = {en} } @misc{SperfeldRaubenheimerWacker2016, author = {Sperfeld, Erik and Raubenheimer, David and Wacker, Alexander}, title = {Bridging factorial and gradient concepts of resource co-limitation: towards a general framework applied to consumers}, series = {Ecology letters}, volume = {19}, journal = {Ecology letters}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1461-023X}, doi = {10.1111/ele.12554}, pages = {201 -- 215}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Organism growth can be limited either by a single resource or by multiple resources simultaneously (co-limitation). Efforts to characterise co-limitation have generated two influential approaches. One approach uses limitation scenarios of factorial growth assays to distinguish specific types of co-limitation; the other uses growth responses spanned over a continuous, multi-dimensional resource space to characterise different types of response surfaces. Both approaches have been useful in investigating particular aspects of co-limitation, but a synthesis is needed to stimulate development of this recent research area. We address this gap by integrating the two approaches, thereby presenting a more general framework of co-limitation. We found that various factorial (co-)limitation scenarios can emerge in different response surface types based on continuous availabilities of essential or substitutable resources. We tested our conceptual co-limitation framework on data sets of published and unpublished studies examining the limitation of two herbivorous consumers in a two-dimensional resource space. The experimental data corroborate the predictions, suggesting a general applicability of our co-limitation framework to generalist consumers and potentially also to other organisms. The presented framework might give insight into mechanisms that underlie co-limitation responses and thus can be a seminal starting point for evaluating co-limitation patterns in experiments and nature.}, language = {en} } @misc{SpellervandenHurkCharpentieretal.2016, author = {Speller, Camilla and van den Hurk, Youri and Charpentier, Anne and Rodrigues, Ana and Gardeisen, Armelle and Wilkens, Barbara and McGrath, Krista and Rowsell, Keri and Spindler, Luke and Collins, Matthew J. and Hofreiter, Michael}, title = {Barcoding the largest animals on Earth: ongoing challenges and molecular solutions in the taxonomic identification of ancient cetaceans}, series = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London : B, Biological sciences}, volume = {371}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London : B, Biological sciences}, publisher = {Royal Society}, address = {London}, issn = {0962-8436}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2015.0332}, pages = {11}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SoliveresvanderPlasManningetal.2016, author = {Soliveres, Santiago and van der Plas, Fons and Manning, Peter and Prati, Daniel and Gossner, Martin M. and Renner, Swen C. and Alt, Fabian and Arndt, Hartmut and Baumgartner, Vanessa and Binkenstein, Julia and Birkhofer, Klaus and Blaser, Stefan and Bl{\"u}thgen, Nico and Boch, Steffen and B{\"o}hm, Stefan and B{\"o}rschig, Carmen and Buscot, Francois and Diek{\"o}tter, Tim and Heinze, Johannes and H{\"o}lzel, Norbert and Jung, Kirsten and Klaus, Valentin H. and Kleinebecker, Till and Klemmer, Sandra and Krauss, Jochen and Lange, Markus and Morris, E. Kathryn and M{\"u}ller, J{\"o}rg and Oelmann, Yvonne and Overmann, J{\"o}rg and Pasalic, Esther and Rillig, Matthias C. and Schaefer, H. Martin and Schloter, Michael and Schmitt, Barbara and Sch{\"o}ning, Ingo and Schrumpf, Marion and Sikorski, Johannes and Socher, Stephanie A. and Solly, Emily F. and Sonnemann, Ilja and Sorkau, Elisabeth and Steckel, Juliane and Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf and Stempfhuber, Barbara and Tschapka, Marco and T{\"u}rke, Manfred and Venter, Paul C. and Weiner, Christiane N. and Weisser, Wolfgang W. and Werner, Michael and Westphal, Catrin and Wilcke, Wolfgang and Wolters, Volkmar and Wubet, Tesfaye and Wurst, Susanne and Fischer, Markus and Allan, Eric}, title = {Biodiversity at multiple trophic levels is needed for ecosystem multifunctionality}, series = {Nature : the international weekly journal of science}, volume = {536}, journal = {Nature : the international weekly journal of science}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {0028-0836}, doi = {10.1038/nature19092}, pages = {456 -- +}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Sokolowska2016, author = {Sokolowska, Ewelina Maria}, title = {Implementation of a plasmodesmata gatekeeper system, and its effect on intercellular transport}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {143}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Sin2016, author = {Sin, Celine}, title = {Post-transcriptional control of gene expression}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-102469}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {xxv, 238}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Gene expression describes the process of making functional gene products (e.g. proteins or special RNAs) from instructions encoded in the genetic information (e.g. DNA). This process is heavily regulated, allowing cells to produce the appropriate gene products necessary for cell survival, adapting production as necessary for different cell environments. Gene expression is subject to regulation at several levels, including transcription, mRNA degradation, translation and protein degradation. When intact, this system maintains cell homeostasis, keeping the cell alive and adaptable to different environments. Malfunction in the system can result in disease states and cell death. In this dissertation, we explore several aspects of gene expression control by analyzing data from biological experiments. Most of the work following uses a common mathematical model framework based on Markov chain models to test hypotheses, predict system dynamics or elucidate network topology. Our work lies in the intersection between mathematics and biology and showcases the power of statistical data analysis and math modeling for validation and discovery of biological phenomena.}, language = {en} } @article{SicardKappelLeeetal.2016, author = {Sicard, Adrien and Kappel, Christian and Lee, Young Wha and Wozniak, Natalia Joanna and Marona, Cindy and Stinchcombe, John R. and Wright, Stephen I. and Lenhard, Michael}, title = {Standing genetic variation in a tissue-specific enhancer underlies selfing-syndrome evolution in Capsella}, series = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {113}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, publisher = {National Acad. of Sciences}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1613394113}, pages = {13911 -- 13916}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Mating system shifts recurrently drive specific changes in organ dimensions. The shift in mating system from out-breeding to selfing is one of the most frequent evolutionary transitions in flowering plants and is often associated with an organ-specific reduction in flower size. However, the evolutionary paths along which polygenic traits, such as size, evolve are poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear how natural selection can specifically modulate the size of one organ despite the pleiotropic action of most known growth regulators. Here, we demonstrate that allelic variation in the intron of a general growth regulator contributed to the specific reduction of petal size after the transition to selfing in the genus Capsella. Variation within this intron affects an organ-specific enhancer that regulates the level of STERILE APETALA (SAP) protein in the developing petals. The resulting decrease in SAP activity leads to a shortening of the cell proliferation period and reduced number of petal cells. The absence of private polymorphisms at the causal region in the selfing species suggests that the small-petal allele was captured from standing genetic variation in the ancestral out-crossing population. Petal-size variation in the current out-crossing population indicates that several small-effect mutations have contributed to reduce petal-size. These data demonstrate how tissue-specific regulatory elements in pleiotropic genes contribute to organ-specific evolution. In addition, they provide a plausible evolutionary explanation for the rapid evolution of flower size after the out-breeding-to-selfing transition based on additive effects of segregating alleles.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Shikangalah2016, author = {Shikangalah, Rosemary Ndawapeka}, title = {An ecohydrological impact assessment in urban areas}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-102356}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {ii, 105}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Over the last decades, the world's population has been growing at a faster rate, resulting in increased urbanisation, especially in developing countries. More than half of the global population currently lives in urbanised areas with an increasing tendency. The growth of cities results in a significant loss of vegetation cover, soil compaction and sealing of the soil surface which in turn results in high surface runoff during high-intensity storms and causes the problem of accelerated soil water erosion on streets and building grounds. Accelerated soil water erosion is a serious environmental problem in cities as it gives rise to the contamination of aquatic bodies, reduction of ground water recharge and increase in land degradation, and also results in damages to urban infrastructures, including drainage systems, houses and roads. Understanding the problem of water erosion in urban settings is essential for the sustainable planning and management of cities prone to water erosion. However, in spite of the vast existence of scientific literature on water erosion in rural regions, a concrete understanding of the underlying dynamics of urban erosion still remains inadequate for the urban dryland environments. This study aimed at assessing water erosion and the associated socio-environmental determinants in a typical dryland urban area and used the city of Windhoek, Namibia, as a case study. The study used a multidisciplinary approach to assess the problem of water erosion. This included an in depth literature review on current research approaches and challenges of urban erosion, a field survey method for the quantification of the spatial extent of urban erosion in the dryland city of Windhoek, and face to face interviews by using semi-structured questionnaires to analyse the perceptions of stakeholders on urban erosion. The review revealed that around 64\% of the literatures reviewed were conducted in the developed world, and very few researches were carried out in regions with extreme climate, including dryland regions. Furthermore, the applied methods for erosion quantification and monitoring are not inclusive of urban typical features and they are not specific for urban areas. The reviewed literature also lacked aspects aimed at addressing the issues of climate change and policies regarding erosion in cities. In a field study, the spatial extent and severity of an urban dryland city, Windhoek, was quantified and the results show that nearly 56\% of the city is affected by water erosion showing signs of accelerated erosion in the form of rills and gullies, which occurred mainly in the underdeveloped, informal and semi-formal areas of the city. Factors influencing the extent of erosion in Windhoek included vegetation cover and type, socio-urban factors and to a lesser extent slope estimates. A comparison of an interpolated field survey erosion map with a conventional erosion assessment tool (the Universal Soil Loss Equation) depicted a large deviation in spatial patterns, which underlines the inappropriateness of traditional non-urban erosion tools to urban settings and emphasises the need to develop new erosion assessment and management methods for urban environments. It was concluded that measures for controlling water erosion in the city need to be site-specific as the extent of erosion varied largely across the city. The study also analysed the perceptions and understanding of stakeholders of urban water erosion in Windhoek, by interviewing 41 stakeholders using semi-structured questionnaires. The analysis addressed their understanding of water erosion dynamics, their perceptions with regards to the causes and the seriousness of erosion damages, and their attitudes towards the responsibilities for urban erosion. The results indicated that there is less awareness of the process as a phenomenon, instead there is more awareness of erosion damages and the factors contributing to the damages. About 69\% of the stakeholders considered erosion damages to be ranging from moderate to very serious. However, there were notable disparities between the private householders and public authority groups. The study further found that the stakeholders have no clear understanding of their responsibilities towards the management of the control measures and payment for the damages. The private householders and local authority sectors pointed fingers at each other for the responsibilities for erosion damage payments and for putting up prevention measures. The reluctance to take responsibility could create a predicament for areas affected, specifically in the informal settlements where land management is not carried out by the local authority and land is not owned by the occupants. The study concluded that in order to combat urban erosion, it is crucial to understand diverse dynamics aggravating the process of urbanisation from different scales. Accordingly, the study suggests that there is an urgent need for the development of urban-specific approaches that aim at: (a) incorporating the diverse socio-economic-environmental aspects influencing erosion, (b) scientifically improving natural cycles that influence water storages and nutrients for plants in urbanised dryland areas in order to increase the amount of vegetation cover, (c) making use of high resolution satellite images to improve the adopted methods for assessing urban erosion, (d) developing water erosion policies, and (e) continuously monitoring the impact of erosion and the influencing processes from local, national and international levels.}, language = {en} } @article{ShahnejatBushehriNobmannAlluetal.2016, author = {Shahnejat-Bushehri, Sara and Nobmann, Barbara and Allu, Annapurna Devi and Balazadeh, Salma}, title = {JUB1 suppresses Pseudomonas syringae-induced defense responses through accumulation of DELLA proteins}, series = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {1559-2316}, doi = {10.1080/15592324.2016.1181245}, pages = {7}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Phytohormones act in concert to coordinate plant growth and the response to environmental cues. Gibberellins (GAs) are growth-promoting hormones that recently emerged as modulators of plant immune signaling. By regulating the stability of DELLA proteins, GAs intersect with the signaling pathways of the classical primary defense hormones, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), thereby altering the final outcome of the immune response. DELLA proteins confer resistance to necrotrophic pathogens by potentiating JA signaling and raise the susceptibility to biotrophic pathogens by attenuating the SA pathway. Here, we show that JUB1, a core element of the GA - brassinosteroid (BR) - DELLA regulatory module, functions as a negative regulator of defense responses against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) and mediates the crosstalk between growth and immunity.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{ShahnejatBushehri2016, author = {Shahnejat-Bushehri, Sara}, title = {Unravelling the role of the Arabidopsis NAC transcription factor JUNGBRUNNEN1 (JUB1) for the regulation of growth and stress responses}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {155}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SedaghatmehrMuellerRoeberBalazadeh2016, author = {Sedaghatmehr, Mastoureh and M{\"u}ller-R{\"o}ber, Bernd and Balazadeh, Salma}, title = {The plastid metalloprotease FtsH6 and small heat shock protein HSP21 jointly regulate thermomemory in Arabidopsis}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {7}, journal = {Nature Communications}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms12439}, pages = {14}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Acquired tolerance to heat stress is an increased resistance to elevated temperature following a prior exposure to heat. The maintenance of acquired thermotolerance in the absence of intervening stress is called 'thermomemory' but the mechanistic basis for this memory is not well defined. Here we show that Arabidopsis HSP21, a plastidial small heat shock protein that rapidly accumulates after heat stress and remains abundant during the thermomemory phase, is a crucial component of thermomemory. Sustained memory requires that HSP21 levels remain high. Through pharmacological interrogation and transcriptome profiling, we show that the plastid-localized metalloprotease FtsH6 regulates HSP21 abundance. Lack of a functional FtsH6 protein promotes HSP21 accumulation during the later stages of thermomemory and increases thermomemory capacity. Our results thus reveal the presence of a plastidial FtsH6-HSP21 control module for thermomemory in plants.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schoeppler2016, author = {Sch{\"o}ppler, Vanessa}, title = {Material properties of Banksia follicles}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {119}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SchusterHerdeMazzonietal.2016, author = {Schuster, Andrea C. and Herde, Antje and Mazzoni, Camila J. and Eccard, Jana and Sommer, Simone}, title = {Evidence for selection maintaining MHC diversity in a rodent species despite strong density fluctuations}, series = {Immunogenetics}, volume = {68}, journal = {Immunogenetics}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0093-7711}, doi = {10.1007/s00251-016-0916-z}, pages = {429 -- 437}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Strong spatiotemporal variation in population size often leads to reduced genetic diversity limiting the adaptive potential of individual populations. Key genes of adaptive variation are encoded by the immune genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) playing an essential role in parasite resistance. How MHC variation persists in rodent populations that regularly experience population bottlenecks remains an important topic in evolutionary genetics. We analysed the consequences of strong population fluctuations on MHC class II DRB exon 2 diversity in two distant common vole (Microtus arvalis) populations in three consecutive years using a high-throughput sequencing approach. In 143 individuals, we detected 25 nucleotide alleles translating into 14 unique amino acid MHC alleles belonging to at least three loci. Thus, the overall allelic diversity and amino acid distance among the remaining MHC alleles, used as a surrogate for the range of pathogenic antigens that can be presented to T-cells, are still remarkably high. Both study populations did not show significant population differentiation between years, but significant differences were found between sites. We concluded that selection processes seem to be strong enough to maintain moderate levels of MHC diversity in our study populations outcompeting genetic drift, as the same MHC alleles were conserved between years. Differences in allele frequencies between populations might be the outcome of different local parasite pressures and/or genetic drift. Further understanding of how pathogens vary across space and time will be crucial to further elucidate the mechanisms maintaining MHC diversity in cyclic populations.}, language = {en} } @article{SchneiderBroseRalletal.2016, author = {Schneider, Florian D. and Brose, Ulrich and Rall, Bj{\"o}rn C. and Guill, Christian}, title = {Animal diversity and ecosystem functioning in dynamic food webs}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {7}, journal = {Nature Communications}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms12718}, pages = {3129 -- 3138}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Species diversity is changing globally and locally, but the complexity of ecological communities hampers a general understanding of the consequences of animal species loss on ecosystem functioning. High animal diversity increases complementarity of herbivores but also increases feeding rates within the consumer guild. Depending on the balance of these counteracting mechanisms, species-rich animal communities may put plants under top-down control or may release them from grazing pressure. Using a dynamic food-web model with body-mass constraints, we simulate ecosystem functions of 20,000 communities of varying animal diversity. We show that diverse animal communities accumulate more biomass and are more exploitative on plants, despite their higher rates of intra-guild predation. However, they do not reduce plant biomass because the communities are composed of larger, and thus energetically more efficient, plant and animal species. This plasticity of community body-size structure reconciles the debate on the consequences of animal species loss for primary productivity.}, language = {en} } @article{SchneidervanSchaikZangerleetal.2016, author = {Schneider, A. -K. and van Schaik, L. and Zangerle, A. and Eccard, Jana and Schroeder, B.}, title = {Which abiotic filters shape earthworm distribution patterns at the catchment scale?}, series = {European journal of soil science}, volume = {67}, journal = {European journal of soil science}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1351-0754}, doi = {10.1111/ejss.12346}, pages = {431 -- 442}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Earthworms affect various soil ecosystem processes in their role as ecosystem engineers. The spatial distribution of earthworms determines the spatial distribution of their functional effects. In particular, earthworm-induced macropore networks may act as preferential flow pathways. In this research we aimed to determine earthworm distributions at the catchment scale with species distribution models (SDMs). We used land-use types, temporally invariant topography-related variables and plot-scale soil characteristics such as pH and organic matter content. We used data from spring 2013 to estimate probability distributions of the occurrence of ten earthworm species. To assess the robustness of these models, we tested temporal transferability by evaluating the accuracy of predictions from the models derived for the spring data with the predictions from data of two other field surveys in autumn 2012 and 2013. In addition, we compared the performance of SDMs based (i) on temporally varying plot-scale predictor variables with (ii) those based on temporally invariant catchment-scale predictors. Models based on catchment-scale predictors, especially land use and slope, experience a small loss of predictive performance only compared with plot-scale SDMs but have greater temporal transferability. Earthworm distribution maps derived from this kind of SDM are a prerequisite for understanding the spatial distribution patterns of functional effects related to earthworms.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmiedelArayaBortolottoetal.2016, author = {Schmiedel, Ute and Araya, Yoseph and Bortolotto, Maria Ieda and Boeckenhoff, Linda and Hallwachs, Winnie and Janzen, Daniel and Kolipaka, Shekhar S. and Novotny, Vojtech and Palm, Matilda and Parfondry, Marc and Smanis, Athanasios and Toko, Pagi}, title = {Contributions of paraecologists and parataxonomists to research, conservation, and social development}, series = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {30}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0888-8892}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.12661}, pages = {506 -- 519}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Citizen science has been gaining momentum in the United States and Europe, where citizens are literate and often interested in science. However, in developing countries, which have a dire need for environmental data, such programs are slow to emerge, despite the large and untapped human resources in close proximity to areas of high biodiversity and poorly known floras and faunas. Thus, we propose that the parataxonomist and paraecologist approach, which originates from citizen-based science, is well suited to rural areas in developing countries. Being a paraecologist or a parataxonomist is a vocation and entails full-time employment underpinned by extensive training, whereas citizen science involves the temporary engagement of volunteers. Both approaches have their merits depending on the context and objectives of the research. We examined 4 ongoing paraecologist or parataxonomist programs in Costa Rica, India, Papua New Guinea, and southern Africa and compared their origins, long-term objectives, implementation strategies, activities, key challenges, achievements, and implications for resident communities. The programs supported ongoing research on biodiversity assessment, monitoring, and management, and participants engaged in non-academic capacity development in these fields. The programs in Southern Africa related to specific projects, whereas the programs in Costa Rica, India, and Papua New Guinea were designed for the long term, provided sufficient funding was available. The main focus of the paraecologists' and parataxonomists' activities ranged from collection and processing of specimens (Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea) or of socioeconomic and natural science data (India and Southern Africa) to communication between scientists and residents (India and Southern Africa). As members of both the local land user and research communities, paraecologists and parataxonomists can greatly improve the flow of biodiversity information to all users, from local stakeholders to international academia.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtSaxenhoferDrewesetal.2016, author = {Schmidt, Sabrina and Saxenhofer, Moritz and Drewes, Stephan and Schlegel, Mathias and Wanka, Konrad M. and Frank, Raphael and Klimpel, Sven and von Blanckenhagen, Felix and Maaz, Denny and Herden, Christiane and Freise, Jona and Wolf, Ronny and Stubbe, Michael and Borkenhagen, Peter and Ansorge, Hermann and Eccard, Jana and Lang, Johannes and Jourdain, Elsa and Jacob, Jens and Marianneau, Philippe and Heckel, Gerald and Ulrich, Rainer G{\"u}nter}, title = {High genetic structuring of Tula hantavirus}, series = {Archives of virology}, volume = {161}, journal = {Archives of virology}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Wien}, issn = {0304-8608}, doi = {10.1007/s00705-016-2762-6}, pages = {1135 -- 1149}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Tula virus (TULV) is a vole-associated hantavirus with low or no pathogenicity to humans. In the present study, 686 common voles (Microtus arvalis), 249 field voles (Microtus agrestis) and 30 water voles (Arvicola spec.) were collected at 79 sites in Germany, Luxembourg and France and screened by RT-PCR and TULV-IgG ELISA. TULV-specific RNA and/or antibodies were detected at 43 of the sites, demonstrating a geographically widespread distribution of the virus in the studied area. The TULV prevalence in common voles (16.7 \%) was higher than that in field voles (9.2 \%) and water voles (10.0 \%). Time series data at ten trapping sites showed evidence of a lasting presence of TULV RNA within common vole populations for up to 34 months, although usually at low prevalence. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a strong genetic structuring of TULV sequences according to geography and independent of the rodent species, confirming the common vole as the preferential host, with spillover infections to co-occurring field and water voles. TULV phylogenetic clades showed a general association with evolutionary lineages in the common vole as assessed by mitochondrial DNA sequences on a large geographical scale, but with local-scale discrepancies in the contact areas.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtRoedigerGruneretal.2016, author = {Schmidt, Carsten and Roediger, Stefan and Gruner, Melanie and Moncsek, Anja and Stohwasser, Ralf and Hanack, Katja and Schierack, Peter and Schroeder, Christian}, title = {Multiplex localization of sequential peptide epitopes by use of a planar microbead chip}, series = {Analytica chimica acta : an international journal devoted to all branches of analytical chemistry}, volume = {908}, journal = {Analytica chimica acta : an international journal devoted to all branches of analytical chemistry}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0003-2670}, doi = {10.1016/j.aca.2015.12.030}, pages = {150 -- 160}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Epitope mapping is crucial for the characterization of protein-specific antibodies. Commonly, small overlapping peptides are chemically synthesized and immobilized to determine the specific peptide sequence. In this study, we report the use of a fast and inexpensive planar microbead chip for epitope mapping. We developed a generic strategy for expressing recombinant peptide libraries instead of using expensive synthetic peptide libraries. A biotin moiety was introduced in vivo at a defined peptide position using biotin ligase. Peptides in crude Escherichia coli lysate were coupled onto streptavidin-coated microbeads by incubation, thereby avoiding tedious purification procedures. For read-out we used a multiplex planar microbead chip with size- and fluorescence-encoded microbead populations. For epitope mapping, up to 18 populations of peptide-loaded microbeads (at least 20 microbeads per peptide) displaying the primary sequence of a protein were analyzed simultaneously. If an epitope was recognized by an antibody, a secondary fluorescence-labeled antibody generated a signal that was quantified, and the mean value of all microbeads in the population was calculated. We mapped the epitopes for rabbit anti-PA28 gamma (proteasome activator 28 gamma) polyclonal serum, for a murine monoclonal antibody against PA28 gamma, and for a murine monoclonal antibody against the hamster polyoma virus major capsid protein VP1 as models. In each case, the identification of one distinct peptide sequence out of up to 18 sequences was possible. Using this approach, an epitope can be mapped multiparametrically within three weeks. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtRabschBroekeretal.2016, author = {Schmidt, Andreas and Rabsch, Wolfgang and Br{\"o}ker, Nina Kristin and Barbirz, Stefanie}, title = {Bacteriophage tailspike protein based assay to monitor phase variable glucosylations in Salmonella O-antigens}, series = {BMC microbiology}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC microbiology}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2180}, doi = {10.1186/s12866-016-0826-0}, pages = {2214 -- 2226}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Non-typhoid Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) accounts for a high number of registered salmonellosis cases, and O-serotyping is one important tool for monitoring epidemiology and spread of the disease. Moreover, variations in glucosylated O-antigens are related to immunogenicity and spread in the host. However, classical autoagglutination tests combined with the analysis of specific genetic markers cannot always reliably register phase variable glucose modifications expressed on Salmonella O-antigens and additional tools to monitor O-antigen glucosylation phenotypes of S. Typhimurium would be desirable. Results: We developed a test for the phase variable O-antigen glucosylation state of S. Typhimurium using the tailspike proteins (TSP) of Salmonella phages 9NA and P22. We used this ELISA like tailspike adsorption (ELITA) assay to analyze a library of 44 Salmonella strains. ELITA was successful in discriminating strains that carried glucose 1-6 linked to the galactose of O-polysaccharide backbone (serotype O1) from non-glucosylated strains. This was shown by O-antigen compositional analyses of the respective strains with mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. The ELITA test worked rapidly in a microtiter plate format and was highly O-antigen specific. Moreover, TSP as probes could also detect glucosylated strains in flow cytometry and distinguish multiphasic cultures differing in their glucosylation state. Conclusions: Tailspike proteins contain large binding sites with precisely defined specificities and are therefore promising tools to be included in serotyping procedures as rapid serotyping agents in addition to antibodies. In this study, 9NA and P22TSP as probes could specifically distinguish glucosylation phenotypes of Salmonella on microtiter plate assays and in flow cytometry. This opens the possibility for flow sorting of cell populations for subsequent genetic analyses or for monitoring phase variations during large scale O-antigen preparations necessary for vaccine production.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtRabschBroekeretal.2016, author = {Schmidt, Andreas and Rabsch, Wolfgang and Broeker, Nina K. and Barbirz, Stefanie}, title = {Bacteriophage tailspike protein based assay to monitor phase variable glucosylations in Salmonella O-antigens}, series = {BMC microbiology}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC microbiology}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2180}, doi = {10.1186/s12866-016-0826-0}, pages = {11}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Non-typhoid Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) accounts for a high number of registered salmonellosis cases, and O-serotyping is one important tool for monitoring epidemiology and spread of the disease. Moreover, variations in glucosylated O-antigens are related to immunogenicity and spread in the host. However, classical autoagglutination tests combined with the analysis of specific genetic markers cannot always reliably register phase variable glucose modifications expressed on Salmonella O-antigens and additional tools to monitor O-antigen glucosylation phenotypes of S. Typhimurium would be desirable. Results We developed a test for the phase variable O-antigen glucosylation state of S. Typhimurium using the tailspike proteins (TSP) of Salmonella phages 9NA and P22. We used this ELISA like tailspike adsorption (ELITA) assay to analyze a library of 44 Salmonella strains. ELITA was successful in discriminating strains that carried glucose 1-6 linked to the galactose of O-polysaccharide backbone (serotype O1) from non-glucosylated strains. This was shown by O-antigen compositional analyses of the respective strains with mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. The ELITA test worked rapidly in a microtiter plate format and was highly O-antigen specific. Moreover, TSP as probes could also detect glucosylated strains in flow cytometry and distinguish multiphasic cultures differing in their glucosylation state. Conclusions Tailspike proteins contain large binding sites with precisely defined specificities and are therefore promising tools to be included in serotyping procedures as rapid serotyping agents in addition to antibodies. In this study, 9NA and P22TSP as probes could specifically distinguish glucosylation phenotypes of Salmonella on microtiter plate assays and in flow cytometry. This opens the possibility for flow sorting of cell populations for subsequent genetic analyses or for monitoring phase variations during large scale O-antigen preparations necessary for vaccine production.}, language = {en} } @article{SchlaegelLewis2016, author = {Schl{\"a}gel, Ulrike E. and Lewis, Mark A.}, title = {A framework for analyzing the robustness of movement models to variable step discretization}, series = {Journal of mathematical biology}, volume = {73}, journal = {Journal of mathematical biology}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0303-6812}, doi = {10.1007/s00285-016-0969-5}, pages = {815 -- 845}, year = {2016}, abstract = {When sampling animal movement paths, the frequency at which location measurements are attempted is a critical feature for data analysis. Important quantities derived from raw data, e.g. travel distance or sinuosity, can differ largely based on the temporal resolution of the data. Likewise, when movement models are fitted to data, parameter estimates have been demonstrated to vary with sampling rate. Thus, biological statements derived from such analyses can only be made with respect to the resolution of the underlying data, limiting extrapolation of results and comparison between studies. To address this problem, we investigate whether there are models that are robust against changes in temporal resolution. First, we propose a mathematically rigorous framework, in which we formally define robustness as a model property. We then use the framework for a thorough assessment of a range of basic random walk models, in which we also show how robustness relates to other probabilistic concepts. While we found robustness to be a strong condition met by few models only, we suggest a new method to extend models so as to make them robust. Our framework provides a new systematic, mathematically founded approach to the question if, and how, sampling rate of movement paths affects statistical inference.}, language = {en} } @article{SchlaegelLewis2016, author = {Schl{\"a}gel, Ulrike E. and Lewis, Mark A.}, title = {Robustness of movement models: can models bridge the gap between temporal scales of data sets and behavioural processes?}, series = {Journal of mathematical biology}, volume = {73}, journal = {Journal of mathematical biology}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0303-6812}, doi = {10.1007/s00285-016-1005-5}, pages = {1691 -- 1726}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SchererJeltschGrimmetal.2016, author = {Scherer, Cedric and Jeltsch, Florian and Grimm, Volker and Blaum, Niels}, title = {Merging trait-based and individual-based modelling: An animal functional type approach to explore the responses of birds to climatic and land use changes in semi-arid African savannas}, series = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, volume = {326}, journal = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-3800}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.07.005}, pages = {75 -- 89}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Climate change and land use management practices are major drivers of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. To understand and predict resulting changes in community structures, individual-based and spatially explicit population models are a useful tool but require detailed data sets for each species. More generic approaches are thus needed. Here we present a trait-based functional type approach to model savanna birds. The aim of our model is to explore the response of different bird functional types to modifications in habitat structure. The functional types are characterized by different traits, in particular body mass, which is related to life-history traits (reproduction and mortality) and spatial scales (home range area and dispersal ability), as well as the use of vegetation structures for foraging and nesting, which is related to habitat quality and suitability. We tested the performance of the functional types in artificial landscapes varying in shrub:grass ratio and clumping intensity of shrub patches. We found that an increase in shrub encroachment and a decrease in habitat quality caused by land use mismanagement and climate change endangered all simulated bird functional types. The strength of this effect was related to the preferred habitat. Furthermore, larger-bodied insectivores and omnivores were more prone to extinction due to shrub encroachment compared to small-bodied species. Insectivorous and omnivorous birds were more sensitive to clumping intensity of shrubs whereas herbivorous and carnivorous birds were most affected by a decreasing amount of grass cover. From an applied point of view, our findings emphasize that policies such as woody plant removal and a reduction in livestock stocking rates to prevent shrub encroachment should prioritize the enlargement of existing grassland patches. Overall, our results show that the combination of an individual-based modelling approach with carefully defined functional types can provide a powerful tool for exploring biodiversity responses to environmental changes. Furthermore, the increasing accumulation of worldwide data sets on species' core and soft traits (surrogates to determine core traits indirectly) on one side and the refinement of conceptual frameworks for animal functional types on the other side will further improve functional type approaches which consider the sensitivities of multiple species to climate change, habitat loss, and fragmentation.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchellerSakarDasdan2016, author = {Scheller, Frieder W. and Sakar Dasdan, Dolunay}, title = {Selected papers presented on the 2nd International Conference on the New Trends in Chemistry, Zagreb, Croatia, April 19-22, 2016 Preface}, series = {Bulgarian chemical communications : journal of the Chemical Institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and of the Bulgarian Chemical Society = Izvestija po chimija}, volume = {48}, journal = {Bulgarian chemical communications : journal of the Chemical Institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and of the Bulgarian Chemical Society = Izvestija po chimija}, publisher = {Bulgarian Academy of Sciences}, address = {Sofia}, issn = {0324-1130}, pages = {4 -- 4}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Sauter2016, author = {Sauter, J{\"o}rg}, title = {The molecular origin of plant cell wall swelling}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {iii, 127 S.}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit werden die Eigenschaften von hydratisierten Hemicellulose Polysacchariden mittels Computersimulation untersucht. Die hohe Quellfähigkeit von Materialien die aus diesen Molek{\"u}len bestehen, erlaubt die Erzeugung von zielgerichteter Bewegung in Planzenmaterialien, ausschließlich gesteuert durch Wasseraufnahme. Um den molekularen Ursprung dieses Quellvermögens zu untersuchen wird, im Vergleich mit Experimenten, ein atomistisches Modell f{\"u}r Hemicellulose Polysaccharide entwickelt und getestet. Unter Verwendung dieses Modells werden Simulationen von kleinen Polysacchariden benutzt um die Wechselwirkungen mit Wasser, den Einfluss von Wasser auf die Konformationsfreiheit der Molek{\"u}le, und die Quellfähigkeit, quantifiziert durch den osmotischen Druck, zu verstehen. Es wird gezeigt, dass verzweigte und lineare Polysaccharide unterschiedliche Hydratisierungseingenschaften im Vergleich zu lineare Polysacchariden aufweisen. Um das Quellverhalten auf Längen- und Zeitskalen untersuchen zu können die {\"u}ber die Begrenzungen atomistischer Simulationen hinausgehen, wurde eine Prozedur entwickelt um {\"u}bertragbare vergröberte Modelle herzuleiten. Die Übertragbarkeit der vegröberten Modelle wird gezeigt, sowohl {\"u}ber unterschiedliche Polysaccharidkonzentrationen als auch {\"u}ber unterschiedliche Polymerlängen. Daher erlaubt die Prozedur die Konstruktion von großen vergröberter Systemen ausgehend von kleinen atomistischen Referenzsystemen. Abschließend wird das vergröberte Modell verwendet um zu zeigen, dass lineare und verzweigte Polysaccharide ein unterschiedliches Quellverhalten aufweisen, wenn sie mit einem Wasserbad gekoppelt werden.}, language = {en} } @article{SasMuellerKappeletal.2016, author = {Sas, Claudia and Mueller, Frank and Kappel, Christian and Kent, Tyler V. and Wright, Stephen I. and Hilker, Monika and Lenhard, Michael}, title = {Repeated Inactivation of the First Committed Enzyme Underlies the Loss of Benzaldehyde Emission after the Selfing Transition in Capsella}, series = {Current biology}, volume = {26}, journal = {Current biology}, publisher = {Cell Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {0960-9822}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2016.10.026}, pages = {3313 -- 3319}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The enormous species richness of flowering plants is at least partly due to floral diversification driven by interactions between plants and their animal pollinators [1, 2]. Specific pollinator attraction relies on visual and olfactory floral cues [3-5]; floral scent can not only attract pollinators but also attract or repel herbivorous insects [6-8]. However, despite its central role for plant-animal interactions, the genetic control of floral scent production and its evolutionary modification remain incompletely understood [9-13]. Benzenoids are an important class of floral scent compounds that are generated from phenylalanine via several enzymatic pathways [14-17]. Here we address the genetic basis of the loss of floral scent associated with the transition from outbreeding to selfing in the genus Capsella. While the outbreeding C. grandiflora emits benzaldehyde as a major constituent of its floral scent, this has been lost in the selfing C. rubella. We identify the Capsella CNL1 gene encoding cinnamate: CoA ligase as responsible for this variation. Population genetic analysis indicates that CNL1 has been inactivated twice independently in C. rubella via different novel mutations to its coding sequence. Together with a recent study in Petunia [18], this identifies cinnamate: CoA ligase as an evolutionary hotspot for mutations causing the loss of benzenoid scent compounds in association with a shift in the reproductive strategy of Capsella from pollination by insects to self-fertilization.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Sas2016, author = {Sas, Claudia}, title = {Evolution of the selfing syndrome in the genus capsella}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {94}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SarauliBorowskiPetersetal.2016, author = {Sarauli, David and Borowski, Anja and Peters, Kristina and Schulz, Burkhard and Fattakhova-Rohlfing, Dina and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke and Lisdat, Fred}, title = {Investigation of the pH-Dependent Impact of Sulfonated Polyaniline on Bioelectrocatalytic Activity of Xanthine Dehydrogenase}, series = {ACS catalysis}, volume = {6}, journal = {ACS catalysis}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {2155-5435}, doi = {10.1021/acscatal.6b02011}, pages = {7152 -- 7159}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We report on the pH-dependent bioelectrocatalytic activity of the redox enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) in the presence of sulfonated polyaniline PMSA1 (poly(2-methoxyaniline-5-sulfonic acid)-co-aniline). Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopic measurements with both components in solution reveal electron transfer from the hypoxanthine (HX)-reduced enzyme to the polymer. The enzyme shows bioelectrocatalytic activity on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, when the polymer is present. Depending on solution pH, different processes can be identified. It can be demonstrated that not only product-based communication with the electrode but also efficient polymer-supported bioelectrocatalysis occur. Interestingly, substrate dependent catalytic currents can be obtained in acidic and neutral solutions, although the highest activity of XDH with natural reaction partners is in the alkaline region. Furthermore, operation of the enzyme electrode without addition of the natural cofactor of XDH is feasible. Finally, macroporous ITO electrodes have been used as an immobilization platform for the fabrication of HX-sensitive electrodes. The study shows that the efficient polymer/enzyme interaction can be advantageously combined with the open structure of an electrode material of controlled pore size, resulting in good processability, stability, and defined signal transfer in the presence of a substrate.}, language = {en} } @article{SanderScheffler2016, author = {Sander, Martha Maria and Scheffler, Christiane}, title = {Bilateral asymmetry in left handers increased concerning morphological laterality in a recent sample of young adults}, series = {Journal of biological and clinical anthropology : Anthropologischer Anzeiger ; Mitteilungsorgan der Gesellschaft f{\~A}¼r Anthropologie}, volume = {73}, journal = {Journal of biological and clinical anthropology : Anthropologischer Anzeiger ; Mitteilungsorgan der Gesellschaft f{\~A}¼r Anthropologie}, publisher = {Schweizerbart}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0003-5548}, doi = {10.1127/anthranz/2016/0663}, pages = {335 -- 342}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SakschewskivonBlohBoitetal.2016, author = {Sakschewski, Boris and von Bloh, Werner and Boit, Alice and Poorter, Lourens and Pe~na-Claros, Marielos and Heinke, Jens and Joshi, Jasmin Radha and Thonicke, Kirsten}, title = {Resilience of Amazon forests emerges from plant trait diversity}, series = {Nature climate change}, volume = {6}, journal = {Nature climate change}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {1758-678X}, doi = {10.1038/NCLIMATE3109}, pages = {1032 -- +}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{SaffertAdamlaSchiewecketal.2016, author = {Saffert, Paul and Adamla, Frauke and Schieweck, Rico and Atkins, John F. and Ignatova, Zoya}, title = {An Expanded CAG Repeat in Huntingtin Causes+1 Frameshifting}, series = {The journal of biological chemistry}, volume = {291}, journal = {The journal of biological chemistry}, publisher = {American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, address = {Bethesda}, issn = {0021-9258}, doi = {10.1074/jbc.M116.744326}, pages = {18505 -- 18513}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Maintenance of triplet decoding is crucial for the expression of functional protein because deviations either into the -1 or +1 reading frames are often non-functional. We report here that expression of huntingtin (Htt) exon 1 with expanded CAG repeats, implicated in Huntington pathology, undergoes a sporadic +1 frameshift to generate from the CAG repeat a trans-frame AGC repeat-encoded product. This +1 recoding is exclusively detected in pathological Htt variants, i.e. those with expanded repeats with more than 35 consecutive CAG codons. An atypical +1 shift site, UUC C at the 5 end of CAG repeats, which has some resemblance to the influenza A virus shift site, triggers the +1 frameshifting and is enhanced by the increased propensity of the expanded CAG repeats to form a stem-loop structure. The +1 trans-frame-encoded product can directly influence the aggregation of the parental Htt exon 1.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{RuizMartinez2016, author = {Ruiz-Martinez, Maria}, title = {Characterisation and engineering of lignocellulolytic enzymes from the soil bacterium Sorangium cellulosum}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {137}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Rottstock2016, author = {Rottstock, Tanja}, title = {Effects of plant community diversity and composition on fungal pathogens in experimental grasslands}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {139}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{RoticsKaatzResheffetal.2016, author = {Rotics, Shay and Kaatz, Michael and Resheff, Yehezkel S. and Turjeman, Sondra Feldman and Zurell, Damaris and Sapir, Nir and Eggers, Ute and Flack, Andrea and Fiedler, Wolfgang and Jeltsch, Florian and Wikelski, Martin and Nathan, Ran}, title = {The challenges of the first migration: movement and behaviour of juvenile vs. adult white storks with insights regarding juvenile mortality}, series = {Journal of animal ecology : a journal of the British Ecological Society}, volume = {85}, journal = {Journal of animal ecology : a journal of the British Ecological Society}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0021-8790}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12525}, pages = {938 -- 947}, year = {2016}, abstract = {1. Migration conveys an immense challenge, especially for juvenile birds coping with enduring and risky journeys shortly after fledging. Accordingly, juveniles exhibit considerably lower survival rates compared to adults, particularly during migration. Juvenile white storks (Ciconia ciconia), which are known to rely on adults during their first fall migration presumably for navigational purposes, also display much lower annual survival than adults. 2. Using detailed GPS and body acceleration data, we examined the patterns and potential causes of age-related differences in fall migration properties of white storks by comparing first-year juveniles and adults. We compared juvenile and adult parameters of movement, behaviour and energy expenditure (estimated from overall dynamic body acceleration) and placed this in the context of the juveniles' lower survival rate. 3. Juveniles used flapping flight vs. soaring flight 23\% more than adults and were estimated to expend 14\% more energy during flight. Juveniles did not compensate for their higher flight costs by increased refuelling or resting during migration. When juveniles and adults migrated together in the same flock, the juvenile flew mostly behind the adult and was left behind when they separated. Juveniles showed greater improvement in flight efficiency throughout migration compared to adults which appears crucial because juveniles exhibiting higher flight costs suffered increased mortality. 4. Our findings demonstrate the conflict between the juveniles' inferior flight skills and their urge to keep up with mixed adult-juvenile flocks. We suggest that increased flight costs are an important proximate cause of juvenile mortality in white storks and likely in other soaring migrants and that natural selection is operating on juvenile variation in flight efficiency.}, language = {en} } @article{RosencrantzVuHoaNguyenParketal.2016, author = {Rosencrantz, Ruben R. and Vu Hoa Nguyen, and Park, Hyunji and Schulte, Christine and B{\"o}ker, Alexander and Schnakenberg, Uwe and Elling, Lothar}, title = {Lectin binding studies on a glycopolymer brush flow-through biosensor by localized surface plasmon resonance}, series = {Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry : a merger of Fresenius' journal of analytical chemistry and Analusis}, volume = {408}, journal = {Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry : a merger of Fresenius' journal of analytical chemistry and Analusis}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1618-2642}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-016-9667-9}, pages = {5633 -- 5640}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A localized surface plasmon resonance biosensor in a flow-through configuration was applied for investigating kinetics of lectin binding to surface-grafted glycopolymer brushes. Polycarbonate filter membranes with pore sizes of 400 nm were coated with a 114-nm thick gold layer and used as substrate for surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization of a glycomonomer. These grafted from glycopolymer brushes were further modified with two subsequent enzymatic reactions on the surface to yield an immobilized trisaccharide presenting brush. Specific binding of lectins including Clostridium difficile toxin A receptor domain to the glycopolymer brush surface could be investigated in a microfluidic setup with flow-through of the analytes and transmission surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.}, language = {en} } @article{RonquilloHankeGogokhiaReveloetal.2016, author = {Ronquillo, Cecinio C. and Hanke-Gogokhia, Christin and Revelo, Monica P. and Frederick, Jeanne M. and Jiang, Li and Baehr, Wolfgang}, title = {Ciliopathy-associated IQCB1/NPHP5 protein is required for mouse photoreceptor outer segment formation}, series = {The FASEB journal : the official journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology}, volume = {30}, journal = {The FASEB journal : the official journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology}, publisher = {Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology}, address = {Bethesda}, issn = {0892-6638}, doi = {10.1096/fj.201600511R}, pages = {3400 -- 3412}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Null mutations in the human IQCB1/NPHP5 (nephrocystin-5) gene that encodes NPHP5 are the most frequent cause of Senior-LOken syndrome, a ciliopathy that is characterized by Leber congenital amaurosis and nephronophthisis. We generated germline Nphp5-knockout mice by placing a -Geo gene trap in intron 4, thereby truncating NPHP5 at Leu87 and removing all known functional domains. At eye opening, Nphp5(-/-) mice exhibited absence of scotopic and photopic electroretinogram responses, a phenotype that resembles Leber congenital amaurosis. Outer segment transmembrane protein accumulation in Nphp5(-/-) endoplasmic reticulum was evident as early as postnatal day (P)6. EGFP-CETN2, a centrosome and transition zone marker, identified basal bodies in Nphp5(-/-) photoreceptors, but without fully developed transition zones. Ultrastructure of P6 and 10 Nphp5(-/-) photoreceptors revealed aberrant transition zones of reduced diameter. Nphp5(-/-) photoreceptor degeneration was complete at 1 mo of age but was delayed significantly in Nphp5(-/-);Nrl(-/-) (cone only) retina. Nphp5(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast developed normal cilia, and Nphp5(-/-) kidney histology at 1 yr of age showed no significant pathology. Results establish that nephrocystin-5 is essential for photoreceptor outer segment formation but is dispensable for kidney and mouse embryonic fibroblast ciliary formation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Rolke2016, author = {Rolke, Daniel}, title = {R{\"a}umliche und zeitliche Expressionsmuster sowie Funktionen der Serotonin-Rezeptor-Subtypen der Honigbiene, Apis mellifera L., 1758}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-96667}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {xii, 125}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Das biogene Amin Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamin, 5-HT) agiert als wichtiger chemischer Botenstoff bei einer Vielzahl von Organismen. Das durch 5 HT vermittelte Signal wird dabei durch spezifische Rezeptoren wahrgenommen und in eine zellul{\"a}re Reaktion umgesetzt. Diese 5 HT Rezeptoren geh{\"o}ren {\"u}berwiegend zur Familie der G Protein gekoppelten Rezeptoren (GPCRs). Die Honigbiene Apis mellifera bietet unter anderem aufgrund ihrer eusozialen Lebensweise vielf{\"a}ltige Ansatzpunkte zur Erforschung der Funktionen des serotonergen Systems in Insekten. Bei A. mellifera wurden bereits vier 5-HT-Rezeptor-Subtypen beschrieben und molekular sowie pharmakologisch charakterisiert: Am5 HT1A, Am5 HT2α, Am5 HT2β und Am5 HT7. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, gewebespezifische sowie alters- und tageszeitabh{\"a}ngige Expressionsmuster der 5 HT Rezeptor-Subtypen zu untersuchen, um zu einem umfassenden Verst{\"a}ndnis des serotonergen Systems der Honigbiene beizutragen und eine Basis zur Hypothesenentwicklung f{\"u}r m{\"o}gliche physiologische Funktionen zu schaffen. Es wurde die Expression der 5 HT Rezeptorgene sowohl im zentralen Nervensystem, als auch in Teilen des Verdauungs-, Exkretions- und Speicheldr{\"u}sensystems gemessen. Dabei konnte gezeigt werden, dass die untersuchten 5-HT-Rezeptor-Subtypen generell weit im Organismus der Honigbiene verbreitet sind. Interessanterweise unterschieden sich die untersuchten Gewebe hinsichtlich der mRNA-Expressionsmuster der untersuchten Rezeptoren. W{\"a}hrend beispielsweise im Gehirn Am5 ht1A und Am5 ht7 st{\"a}rker als Am5 ht2α und Am5 ht2β exprimiert wurden, zeigte sich in Darmgewebe ein umgekehrtes Muster. Es war bereits bekannt, dass es bei der Expression der Am5-ht2-Gene zu alternativem Spleißen kommt. Dies f{\"u}hrt zur Entstehung der verk{\"u}rzten mRNA-Varianten Am5 ht2αΔIII und Am5 ht2βΔII. Die daraus resultierenden Proteine k{\"o}nnen nicht als funktionelle GPCRs agieren. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass diese verk{\"u}rzten Spleißvarianten dennoch ubiquit{\"a}r in der Honigbiene exprimiert werden. Bemerkenswerterweise wurden gewebe{\"u}bergreifende {\"A}hnlichkeiten der Expressionsmuster der Spleißvarianten gegen{\"u}ber deren zugeh{\"o}rigen Volll{\"a}ngenvarianten festgestellt, welche auf Funktionen der verk{\"u}rzten Varianten in vivo hindeuten. Im Hinblick auf die bei A. mellifera haupts{\"a}chlich altersbedingte Arbeitsteilung wurde die Expression der 5 HT Rezeptor-Subtypen in Gehirnen von unterschiedlich alten Arbeiterinnen mit unterschiedlichen sozialen Rollen verglichen. W{\"a}hrend auf mRNA-Ebene keines der vier 5 HT Rezeptor-Subtypen eine altersabh{\"a}ngig unterschiedliche Expression zeigte, konnte f{\"u}r das Am5-HT1A-Protein eine h{\"o}here Konzentration in den Gehirnen {\"a}lterer Tiere gefunden werden. Dies deutet auf eine posttranskriptionale Regulation der 5 HT1A Rezeptorexpression hin, welche im Zusammenhang mit der Arbeitsteilung stehen k{\"o}nnte. Es erfolgte die Untersuchung tageszeitlicher {\"A}nderungen sowohl der Expression der 5 HT Rezeptor-Subtypen, als auch des biogenen Amins 5 HT selbst. W{\"a}hrend es in den Gehirnen von Arbeiterinnen, welche unter nat{\"u}rlichen Bedingungen gehalten wurden, zu keiner tageszeitabh{\"a}ngigen Ver{\"a}nderung des 5 HT-Titers kam, zeigte die mRNA-Expression von Am5-ht2α und Am5-ht2β eine periodische Oszillation mit Zunahme w{\"a}hrend des Tages und Abnahme w{\"a}hrend der Nacht. Diese Regulation wird durch externe Faktoren hervorgerufen und ist nicht auf einen endogenen circadianen Rhythmus zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren. Dies ging aus der Wiederholung der Expressionsmessungen an Gehirnen von Bienen, welche unter konstanten Laborbedingungen gehalten wurden, hervor. Weiterhin wurde die Beteiligung des serotonergen Systems an der Steuerung von Aspekten des circadianen lokomotorischen Aktivit{\"a}tsrhythmus anhand von Verhaltensexperimenten untersucht. Mit 5 HT gef{\"u}tterte Arbeiterinnen zeigten dabei unter konstanten Bedingungen eine l{\"a}ngere Periode des Aktivit{\"a}tsrhythmus als Kontrolltiere. Dies deutet auf einen Einfluss von 5 HT auf die Modulation der Synchronisation der inneren Uhr hin. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse tragen wesentlich zum tieferen Verst{\"a}ndnis des serotonergen Systems der Honigbiene bei und bieten Ansatzpunkte f{\"u}r weitergehende Studien zur Funktion von 5 HT im Zusammenhang mit der Modulation von physiologischen Prozessen, Arbeitsteilung und circadianen Rhythmen.}, language = {de} } @misc{RoggenbuckBorghiSommaetal.2016, author = {Roggenbuck, Dirk and Borghi, Maria Orietta and Somma, Valentina and B{\"u}ttner, Thomas and Schierack, Peter and Hanack, Katja and Grossi, Claudia and Bodio, Caterina and Macor, Paolo and von Landenberg, Philipp and Boccellato, Francesco and Mahler, Michael and Meroni, Pier Luigi}, title = {Antiphospholipid antibodies detected by line immunoassay differentiate among patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, with infections and asymptomatic carriers}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {436}, issn = {1866-8372}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-407211}, pages = {14}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) can be detected in asymptomatic carriers and infectious patients. The aim was to investigate whether a novel line immunoassay (LIA) differentiates between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and asymptomatic aPL+ carriers or patients with infectious diseases (infectious diseases controls (IDC)). Methods Sixty-one patients with APS (56 primary, 22/56 with obstetric events only, and 5 secondary), 146 controls including 24 aPL+ asymptomatic carriers and 73 IDC were tested on a novel hydrophobic solid phase coated with cardiolipin (CL), phosphatic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, beta2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI), prothrombin, and annexin V. Samples were also tested by anti-CL and anti-β2GPI ELISAs and for lupus anticoagulant activity. Human monoclonal antibodies (humoAbs) against human β2GPI or PL alone were tested on the same LIA substrates in the absence or presence of human serum, purified human β2GPI or after CL-micelle absorption. Results Comparison of LIA with the aPL-classification assays revealed good agreement for IgG/IgM aß2GPI and aCL. Anti-CL and anti-ß2GPI IgG/IgM reactivity assessed by LIA was significantly higher in patients with APS versus healthy controls and IDCs, as detected by ELISA. IgG binding to CL and ß2GPI in the LIA was significantly lower in aPL+ carriers and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL) + samples than in patients with APS. HumoAb against domain 1 recognized β2GPI bound to the LIA-matrix and in anionic phospholipid (PL) complexes. Absorption with CL micelles abolished the reactivity of a PL-specific humoAb but did not affect the binding of anti-β2GPI humoAbs. Conclusions The LIA and ELISA have good agreement in detecting aPL in APS, but the LIA differentiates patients with APS from infectious patients and asymptomatic carriers, likely through the exposure of domain 1.}, language = {en} } @article{RoggenbuckBorghiSommaetal.2016, author = {Roggenbuck, Dirk and Borghi, Maria Orietta and Somma, Valentina and Buettner, Thomas and Schierack, Peter and Hanack, Katja and Grossi, Claudia and Bodio, Caterina and Macor, Paolo and von Landenberg, Philipp and Boccellato, Francesco and Mahler, Michael and Meroni, Pier Luigi}, title = {Antiphospholipid antibodies detected by line immunoassay differentiate among patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, with infections and asymptomatic carriers}, series = {IEEE transactions on geoscience and remote sensing}, volume = {18}, journal = {IEEE transactions on geoscience and remote sensing}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1478-6354}, doi = {10.1186/s13075-016-1018-x}, pages = {14}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) can be detected in asymptomatic carriers and infectious patients. The aim was to investigate whether a novel line immunoassay (LIA) differentiates between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and asymptomatic aPL+ carriers or patients with infectious diseases (infectious diseases controls (IDC)). Methods: Sixty-one patients with APS (56 primary, 22/56 with obstetric events only, and 5 secondary), 146 controls including 24 aPL+ asymptomatic carriers and 73 IDC were tested on a novel hydrophobic solid phase coated with cardiolipin (CL), phosphatic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, beta2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI), prothrombin, and annexin V. Samples were also tested by anti-CL and anti-beta 2GPI ELISAs and for lupus anticoagulant activity. Human monoclonal antibodies (humoAbs) against human beta 2GPI or PL alone were tested on the same LIA substrates in the absence or presence of human serum, purified human beta 2GPI or after CL-micelle absorption. Results: Comparison of LIA with the aPL-classification assays revealed good agreement for IgG/IgM a beta 2GPI and aCL. Anti-CL and anti-beta 2GPI IgG/IgM reactivity assessed by LIA was significantly higher in patients with APS versus healthy controls and IDCs, as detected by ELISA. IgG binding to CL and beta 2GPI in the LIA was significantly lower in aPL+ carriers and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL) + samples than in patients with APS. HumoAb against domain 1 recognized beta 2GPI bound to the LIA-matrix and in anionic phospholipid (PL) complexes. Absorption with CL micelles abolished the reactivity of a PL-specific humoAb but did not affect the binding of anti-beta 2GPI humoAbs. Conclusions: The LIA and ELISA have good agreement in detecting aPL in APS, but the LIA differentiates patients with APS from infectious patients and asymptomatic carriers, likely through the exposure of domain 1.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterRolkeBlenauetal.2016, author = {Richter, Katharina Natalia and Rolke, Daniel and Blenau, Wolfgang and Baumann, Otto}, title = {Secretory cells in honeybee hypopharyngeal gland: polarized organization and age-dependent dynamics of plasma membrane}, series = {Cell \& tissue research}, volume = {366}, journal = {Cell \& tissue research}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0302-766X}, doi = {10.1007/s00441-016-2423-9}, pages = {163 -- 174}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The honeybee hypopharyngeal gland consists in numerous units, each comprising a secretory cell and a canal cell. The secretory cell discharges its products into a convoluted tubular membrane system, the canaliculus, which is surrounded at regular intervals by rings of actin filaments. Using probes for various membrane components, we analyze the organization of the secretory cells relative to the apicobasal configuration of epithelial cells. The canaliculus was defined by labeling with an antibody against phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin (pERM), a marker protein for the apical membrane domain of epithelial cells. Anti-phosphotyrosine visualizes the canalicular system, possibly by staining the microvillar tips. The open end of the canaliculus leads to a region in which the secretory cell is attached to the canal cell by adherens and septate junctions. The remaining plasma membrane stains for Na,K-ATPase and spectrin and represents the basolateral domain. We also used fluorophore-tagged phalloidin, anti-phosphotyrosine and anti-pERM as probes for the canaliculus in order to describe fine-structural changes in the organization of the canalicular system during the adult life cycle. These probes in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy allow the fast and detailed three-dimensional analysis of the canalicular membrane system and its structural changes in a developmental mode or in response to environmental factors.}, language = {en} } @article{ReynaGonzalezSchmidPetrasetal.2016, author = {Reyna-Gonz{\´a}lez, Emmanuel and Schmid, Bianca and Petras, Daniel and S{\"u}ssmuth, Roderich D. and Dittmann, Elke}, title = {Leader Peptide-Free In Vitro Reconstitution of Microviridin Biosynthesis Enables Design of Synthetic Protease-Targeted Libraries}, series = {Angewandte Chemie : a journal of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker ; International edition}, volume = {55}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie : a journal of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker ; International edition}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201604345}, pages = {9398 -- 9401}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Microviridins are a family of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides with a highly unusual architecture featuring non-canonical lactone as well as lactam rings. Individual variants specifically inhibit different types of serine proteases. Here we have established an efficient in vitro reconstitution approach based on two ATP-grasp ligases that were constitutively activated using covalently attached leader peptides and a GNAT-type N-acetyltransferase. The method facilitates the efficient in vitro one-pot transformation of microviridin core peptides to mature microviridins. The engineering potential of the chemo-enzymatic technology was demonstrated for two synthetic peptide libraries that were used to screen and optimize microviridin variants targeting the serine proteases trypsin and subtilisin. Successive analysis of intermediates revealed distinct structure-activity relationships for respective target proteases.}, language = {en} } @misc{RevereyGrossartPremkeetal.2016, author = {Reverey, Florian and Großart, Hans-Peter and Premke, Katrin and Lischeid, Gunnar}, title = {Carbon and nutrient cycling in kettle hole sediments depending on hydrological dynamics: a review}, series = {Hydrobiologia : acta hydrobiologica, hydrographica, limnologica et protistologica}, volume = {775}, journal = {Hydrobiologia : acta hydrobiologica, hydrographica, limnologica et protistologica}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0018-8158}, doi = {10.1007/s10750-016-2715-9}, pages = {1 -- 20}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Kettle holes as a specific group of isolated, small lentic freshwater systems (LFS) often are (i) hot spots of biogeochemical cycling and (ii) exposed to frequent sediment desiccation and rewetting. Their ecological functioning is greatly determined by immanent carbon and nutrient transformations. The objective of this review is to elucidate effects of a changing hydrological regime (i.e., dry-wet cycles) on carbon and nutrient cycling in kettle hole sediments. Generally, dry-wet cycles have the potential to increase C and N losses as well as P availability. However, their duration and frequency are important controlling factors regarding direction and intensity of biogeochemical and microbiological responses. To evaluate drought impacts on sediment carbon and nutrient cycling in detail requires the context of the LFS hydrological history. For example, frequent drought events induce physiological adaptation of exposed microbial communities and thus flatten metabolic responses, whereas rare events provoke unbalanced, strong microbial responses. Different potential of microbial resilience to drought stress can irretrievably change microbial communities and functional guilds, gearing cascades of functional responses. Hence, dry-wet events can shift the biogeochemical cycling of organic matter and nutrients to a new equilibrium, thus affecting the dynamic balance between carbon burial and mineralization in kettle holes.}, language = {en} } @article{ReineckeWulfBaetenetal.2016, author = {Reinecke, J. and Wulf, M. and Baeten, Lander and Brunet, J. and Decocq, G. and De Frenne, G. and Diekmann, M. and Graae, B. J. and Heinken, Thilo and Hermy, M. and Jamoneau, A. and Lenoir, J. and Plue, J. and Orczewska, A. and Van Calster, H. and Verheyen, Kris and Naaf, T.}, title = {Acido- and neutrophilic temperate forest plants display distinct shifts in ecological pH niche across north-western Europe}, series = {Ecography : pattern and diversity in ecology ; research papers forum}, volume = {39}, journal = {Ecography : pattern and diversity in ecology ; research papers forum}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0906-7590}, doi = {10.1111/ecog.02051}, pages = {1164 -- 1175}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Ecological niches of organisms vary across geographical space, but niche shift patterns between regions and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We studied shifts in the pH niche of 42 temperate forest plant species across a latitudinal gradient from northern France to boreo-nemoral Sweden. We asked 1) whether species restrict their niches with increasing latitude as they reach their northern range margin (environmental constraints); 2) whether species expand their niches with increasing latitude as regional plant species richness decreases (competitive release); and 3) whether species shift their niche position toward more acidic sites with increasing latitude as the relative proportion of acidic soils increases (local adaptation). Based on 1458 vegetation plots and corresponding soil pH values, we modelled species response curves using Huisman-Olff-Fresco models. Four niche measures (width, position, left and right border) were compared among regions by randomization tests. We found that with increasing latitude, neutrophilic species tended to retreat from acidic sites, indicating that these species retreat to more favorable sites when approaching their range margin. Alternatively, these species might benefit from enhanced nitrogen deposition on formerly nutrient-poor, acidic sites in southern regions or lag behind in post-glacial recolonization of potential habitats in northern regions. Most acidophilic species extended their niche toward more base-rich sites with increasing latitude, indicating competitive release from neutrophilic species. Alternatively, acidophilic species might benefit from optimal climatic conditions in the north where some have their core distribution area. Shifts in the niche position suggested that local adaptation is of minor importance. We conclude that shifts in the pH niche of temperate forest plants are the rule, but the directions of the niche shifts and possible explanations vary. Our study demonstrates that differentiating between acidophilic and neutrophilic species is crucial to identify general patterns and underlying mechanisms.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Reinecke2016, author = {Reinecke, Antje Adriana}, title = {Impact of protein structure on the mechanics and assembly of mytilus byssal threads}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {101}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{ReilImholtDrewesetal.2016, author = {Reil, Daniela and Imholt, Christian and Drewes, Stephan and Ulrich, Rainer G{\"u}nter and Eccard, Jana and Jacob, Jens}, title = {Environmental conditions in favour of a hantavirus outbreak in 2015 in Germany?}, series = {Zoonoses and Public Health}, volume = {63}, journal = {Zoonoses and Public Health}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1863-1959}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12217}, pages = {83 -- 88}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Bank voles can harbour Puumala virus (PUUV) and vole populations usually peak in years after beech mast. A beech mast occurred in 2014 and a predictive model indicates high vole abundance in 2015. This pattern is similar to the years 2009/2011 when beech mast occurred, bank voles multiplied and human PUUV infections increased a year later. Given similar environmental conditions in 2014/2015, increased risk of human PUUV infections in 2015 is likely. Risk management measures are recommended.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Reil2016, author = {Reil, Daniela}, title = {Puumala hantavirus dynamics in bank voles: identification of environmental correlates to predict human infection risk}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {85}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Reichel2016, author = {Reichel, Victoria Eleonore}, title = {Biomedical applications and multifunctional nanostructures based on magnetite nanoparticles synthesized in presence of biological additives}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {94, XX}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @misc{RajasundaramSelbig2016, author = {Rajasundaram, Dhivyaa and Selbig, Joachim}, title = {analysis}, series = {Current opinion in plant biology}, volume = {30}, journal = {Current opinion in plant biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {London}, issn = {1369-5266}, doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2015.12.010}, pages = {57 -- 61}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The development of 'omics' technologies has progressed to address complex biological questions that underlie various plant functions thereby producing copious amounts of data. The need to assimilate large amounts of data into biologically meaningful interpretations has necessitated the development of statistical methods to integrate multidimensional information. Throughout this review, we provide examples of recent outcomes of 'omics' data integration together with an overview of available statistical methods and tools.}, language = {en} } @misc{RainfordHofreiterMayhew2016, author = {Rainford, James L. and Hofreiter, Michael and Mayhew, Peter J.}, title = {Phylogenetic analyses suggest that diversification and body size evolution are independent in insects}, series = {BMC evolutionary biology}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-407328}, pages = {17}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Skewed body size distributions and the high relative richness of small-bodied taxa are a fundamental property of a wide range of animal clades. The evolutionary processes responsible for generating these distributions are well described in vertebrate model systems but have yet to be explored in detail for other major terrestrial clades. In this study, we explore the macro-evolutionary patterns of body size variation across families of Hexapoda (insects and their close relatives), using recent advances in phylogenetic understanding, with an aim to investigate the link between size and diversity within this ancient and highly diverse lineage. Results: The maximum, minimum and mean-log body lengths of hexapod families are all approximately log-normally distributed, consistent with previous studies at lower taxonomic levels, and contrasting with skewed distributions typical of vertebrate groups. After taking phylogeny and within-tip variation into account, we find no evidence for a negative relationship between diversification rate and body size, suggesting decoupling of the forces controlling these two traits. Likelihood-based modeling of the log-mean body size identifies distinct processes operating within Holometabola and Diptera compared with other hexapod groups, consistent with accelerating rates of size evolution within these clades, while as a whole, hexapod body size evolution is found to be dominated by neutral processes including significant phylogenetic conservatism. Conclusions: Based on our findings we suggest that the use of models derived from well-studied but atypical clades, such as vertebrates may lead to misleading conclusions when applied to other major terrestrial lineages. Our results indicate that within hexapods, and within the limits of current systematic and phylogenetic knowledge, insect diversification is generally unfettered by size-biased macro-evolutionary processes, and that these processes over large timescales tend to converge on apparently neutral evolutionary processes. We also identify limitations on available data within the clade and modeling approaches for the resolution of trees of higher taxa, the resolution of which may collectively enhance our understanding of this key component of terrestrial ecosystems.}, language = {en} } @article{RainfordHofreiterMayhew2016, author = {Rainford, James L. and Hofreiter, Michael and Mayhew, Peter J.}, title = {Phylogenetic analyses suggest that diversification and body size evolution are independent in insects}, series = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2148}, doi = {10.1186/s12862-015-0570-3}, pages = {47 -- 55}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: Skewed body size distributions and the high relative richness of small-bodied taxa are a fundamental property of a wide range of animal clades. The evolutionary processes responsible for generating these distributions are well described in vertebrate model systems but have yet to be explored in detail for other major terrestrial clades. In this study, we explore the macro-evolutionary patterns of body size variation across families of Hexapoda (insects and their close relatives), using recent advances in phylogenetic understanding, with an aim to investigate the link between size and diversity within this ancient and highly diverse lineage. Results: The maximum, minimum and mean-log body lengths of hexapod families are all approximately log-normally distributed, consistent with previous studies at lower taxonomic levels, and contrasting with skewed distributions typical of vertebrate groups. After taking phylogeny and within-tip variation into account, we find no evidence for a negative relationship between diversification rate and body size, suggesting decoupling of the forces controlling these two traits. Likelihood-based modeling of the log-mean body size identifies distinct processes operating within Holometabola and Diptera compared with other hexapod groups, consistent with accelerating rates of size evolution within these clades, while as a whole, hexapod body size evolution is found to be dominated by neutral processes including significant phylogenetic conservatism. Conclusions: Based on our findings we suggest that the use of models derived from well-studied but atypical clades, such as vertebrates may lead to misleading conclusions when applied to other major terrestrial lineages. Our results indicate that within hexapods, and within the limits of current systematic and phylogenetic knowledge, insect diversification is generally unfettered by size-biased macro-evolutionary processes, and that these processes over large timescales tend to converge on apparently neutral evolutionary processes. We also identify limitations on available data within the clade and modeling approaches for the resolution of trees of higher taxa, the resolution of which may collectively enhance our understanding of this key component of terrestrial ecosystems.}, language = {en} } @article{RadchukOppelGroeneveldetal.2016, author = {Radchuk, Viktoriia and Oppel, Steffen and Groeneveld, Juergen and Grimm, Volker and Schtickzelle, Nicolas}, title = {Simple or complex: Relative impact of data availability and model purpose on the choice of model types for population viability analyses}, series = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, volume = {323}, journal = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-3800}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.11.022}, pages = {87 -- 95}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Population viability analysis (PVA) models are used to estimate population extinction risk under different scenarios. Both simple and complex PVA models are developed and have their specific pros and cons; the question therefore arises whether we always use the most appropriate model type. Generally, the specific purpose of a model and the availability of data are listed as determining the choice of model type, but this has not been formally tested yet. We quantified the relative importance of model purpose and nine metrics of data availability and resolution for the choice of a PVA model type, while controlling for effects of the different life histories of the modelled species. We evaluated 37 model pairs: each consisting of a generally simpler, population-based model (PBM) and a more complex, individual-based model (IBM) developed for the same species. The choice of model type was primarily affected by the availability and resolution of demographic, dispersal and spatial data. Low-resolution data resulted in the development of less complex models. Model purpose did not affect the choice of the model type. We confirm the general assumption that poor data availability is the main reason for the wide use of simpler models, which may have limited predictive power for population responses to changing environmental conditions. Conservation biology is a crisis discipline where researchers learned to work with the data at hand. However, for threatened and poorly-known species, there is no short-cut when developing either a PBM or an IBM: investments to collect appropriately detailed data are required to ensure PVA models can assess extinction risk under complex environmental conditions. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{PerillonHilt2016, author = {P{\´e}rillon, C{\´e}cile and Hilt, Sabine}, title = {Groundwater influence differentially affects periphyton and macrophyte production in lakes}, series = {Hydrobiologia : acta hydrobiologica, hydrographica, limnologica et protistologica}, volume = {778}, journal = {Hydrobiologia : acta hydrobiologica, hydrographica, limnologica et protistologica}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0018-8158}, doi = {10.1007/s10750-015-2485-9}, pages = {91 -- 103}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Groundwater influx can significantly contribute to nutrient and carbon budgets of lakes, and its influence is the strongest in littoral areas dominated by macrophytes and periphyton. We have reviewed the effects of groundwater-borne nitrogen and phosphorus and dissolved inorganic and organic carbon (DIC, DOC) on these benthic primary producers in lakes. We develop a hypothesis for groundwater effects including the less studied impacts of periphyton shading on macrophytes. Groundwater-borne nutrients and DIC promote both macrophytes and periphyton. Direct studies on groundwater-borne DOC effects are lacking, but coloured DOC contributes to light attenuation and thus can restrict the growth of benthic primary producers. We predict that above certain threshold levels of nutrient influx by groundwater, periphyton and macrophyte biomass should decline owing to shading by phytoplankton and periphyton, respectively. However, because of their higher light requirements, those thresholds should be lower for macrophytes. For macrophytes, a threshold level is also predicted for a shift from DIC limitation to light limitation. Differences in light requirements are expected to result in lower thresholds of DOC loading for declines of macrophytes than periphyton.}, language = {en} }