@article{Faber2011, author = {Faber, Eike}, title = {Anti-Germanism in Constantinople or the Revolt of Gainas?}, series = {New perspectives on late antiquity}, journal = {New perspectives on late antiquity}, publisher = {Cambridge Scholars}, address = {Newcastle upon Tyne}, isbn = {978-1-4438-2718-8}, pages = {124 -- 135}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @article{BalderjahnOloko2011, author = {Balderjahn, Ingo and Oloko, Shamsey}, title = {On the Moral Value of Cause related Marketing}, series = {Marketing : ZFP}, volume = {33}, journal = {Marketing : ZFP}, number = {2}, publisher = {C. H. Beck}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {0344-1369}, pages = {159 -- 170}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @article{WessigMoellnitzKellingetal.2011, author = {Wessig, Pablo and M{\"o}llnitz, Kristian and Kelling, Alexandra and Schilde, Uwe}, title = {Crystal structure of 1r,2c,3c,4t,5t,6t-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis-trimethylsilanyloxy-cyclohexane, C24H60O6Si6}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Kristallographie : international journal for structural, physical and chemical aspects of crystalline materials ; New crystal structures}, volume = {226}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Kristallographie : international journal for structural, physical and chemical aspects of crystalline materials ; New crystal structures}, number = {2}, publisher = {De Gruyter Oldenbourg}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {1433-7266}, doi = {10.1524/ncrs.2011.0105}, pages = {228 -- 230}, year = {2011}, abstract = {C24H60O6Si6, triclinic, P (1) over bar (no. 2), a = 11.307(2) angstrom, b = 12.159(2) angstrom, = 16.576(2) angstrom, alpha = 109.47(1)degrees, beta = 94.64(1)degrees, gamma = 111.65(1)degrees, V = 1942.3 angstrom(3), Z = 2, R-gt(F) = 0.043, wR(ref)(F-2) = 0.118, T = 210 K.}, language = {en} } @article{SpiesFranzmann2011, author = {Spies, Dennis and Franzmann, Simon T.}, title = {A two-dimensional approach to the political opportunity structure of extreme right parties in Western Europe}, series = {West European politics}, volume = {34}, journal = {West European politics}, number = {5}, publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {0140-2382}, doi = {10.1080/01402382.2011.591096}, pages = {1044 -- 1069}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Previous studies on the electoral fortunes of extreme right parties (ERPs) have pointed to the importance of variables of party competition for the success - or failure - of ERPs. These studies vary greatly when it comes to describing the political opportunity structure of the extreme right. Apart from their methodological differences, existing studies differ especially with regard to the assumed underlying dimension of party competition. This article tests the impact of three frequently discussed variables in the political opportunity structure of ERPs (mainstream party convergence, position of the established right and party system polarisation) on the vote share of ERPs in Western Europe. In addition to examining previous studies in this field, it focuses on the interplay between the economic and the cultural dimensions as part of the political opportunity structure. The authors show that a decrease in polarisation with regard to economic questions is accompanied by a growing salience of ERPs' core issues, leading in the end to an increase in ERPs' vote share.}, language = {en} } @article{AkalKoralayCandanetal.2011, author = {Akal, Cuneyt and Koralay, O. Ersin and Candan, Osman and Oberh{\"a}nsli, Roland and Chen, Fukun}, title = {Geodynamic significance of the early triassic karaburun granitoid (Western Turkey) for the opening history of Neo-Tethys}, series = {Turkish journal of earth sciences = T{\"u}rk yerbilimleri dergisi}, volume = {20}, journal = {Turkish journal of earth sciences = T{\"u}rk yerbilimleri dergisi}, number = {3}, publisher = {T{\"u}bitak}, address = {Ankara}, issn = {1300-0985}, doi = {10.3906/yer-1008-1}, pages = {255 -- 271}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The Karaburun Peninsula, which is considered part of the Anatolide-Tauride Block of Turkey, contains clastic and carbonate sequences deposited on the northern margin of Gondwana. The Palaeozoic clastic sequence, which is intruded by the Early Triassic granitoid and tectonically overlies a Mesozoic melange sequence, can be divided into three subunits: a lower clastic subunit consisting of a sandstone-shale alternation, an upper clastic subunit consisting of black chert-bearing shales, sandstone and conglomerate, and a Permo-Carboniferous carbonate subunit. The lower Triassic Karaburun I-type granitoid has a high initial Sr-87/Sr-86 ratio (0.709021-0.709168), and low Nd-143/Nd-144 ratio (0.512004-0.512023) and epsilon Nd (-5.34 to -5.70) isotopic values. Geochronological data indicate a crystallization (intrusion) age of 247.1 +/- 2.0 Ma (Scythian). Geochemically, the acidic magmatism reflects a subduction-related continental-arc basin tectonic setting, which can be linked to the opening of the northern branch of Neo-Tethys as a continental back-arc rifting basin on the northern margin of Gondwana. This can be related to the closure through southward subduction of the Palaeotethys Ocean beneath Gondwana.}, language = {en} } @article{DavidCoyEnriqueCucaSefkow2011, author = {David Coy, Ericsson and Enrique Cuca, Luis and Sefkow, Michael}, title = {Pd-NHC catalyzed biaryl coupling by direct C-H Activation-A Novel strategy for the synthesis of dibenzocyclooctane lignans}, series = {Synthetic communications : an international journal for rapid communication of synthetic organic chemistry}, volume = {41}, journal = {Synthetic communications : an international journal for rapid communication of synthetic organic chemistry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0039-7911}, doi = {10.1080/00397910903531755}, pages = {41 -- 51}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Cross-coupling reactions, such as Buchwald-Hartwig arylamination and direct intramolecular biaryl coupling by C-H activation, were carried out using various Palladium-N-heterocyclic carbenes (Pd-NHC) as catalysts. The yields were good to excellent. The latter strategy was adopted to transform two dibenzylbutane lignans, isolated from the leaves of Ocotea macrophylla (Lauraceae), into the corresponding dibenzocyclooctane lignans in good overall yields. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications (R) to view the free supplemental file.}, language = {en} } @article{FeherWhelanMueller2011, author = {Feher, Kristen and Whelan, James and M{\"u}ller, Samuel}, title = {Assessing modularity using a random matrix theory approach}, series = {Statistical applications in genetics and molecular biology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Statistical applications in genetics and molecular biology}, number = {1}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2194-6302}, doi = {10.2202/1544-6115.1667}, pages = {36}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Random matrix theory (RMT) is well suited to describing the emergent properties of systems with complex interactions amongst their constituents through their eigenvalue spectrums. Some RMT results are applied to the problem of clustering high dimensional biological data with complex dependence structure amongst the variables. It will be shown that a gene relevance or correlation network can be constructed by choosing a correlation threshold in a principled way, such that it corresponds to a block diagonal structure in the correlation matrix, if such a structure exists. The structure is then found using community detection algorithms, but with parameter choice guided by RMT predictions. The resulting clustering is compared to a variety of hierarchical clustering outputs and is found to the most generalised result, in that it captures all the features found by the other considered methods.}, language = {en} } @article{BresselPrevostAppavouetal.2011, author = {Bressel, Katharina and Prevost, Sylvain and Appavou, Marie-Sousai and Tiersch, Brigitte and Koetz, Joachim and Gradzielski, Michael}, title = {Phase behaviour and structure of zwitanionic mixtures of perfluorocarboxylates and tetradecyldimethylamine oxide-dependence on chain length of the perfluoro surfactant}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {7}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {23}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c1sm05618b}, pages = {11232 -- 11242}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Phase behaviour and the mesoscopic structure of zwitanionic surfactant mixtures based on the zwitterionic tetradecyldimethylamine oxide (TDMAO) and anionic lithium perfluoroalkyl carboxylates have been investigated for various chain lengths of the perfluoro surfactant with an emphasis on spontaneously forming vesicles. These mixtures were studied at a constant total concentration of 50 mM and characterised by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), electric conductivity, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), viscosity, and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM). No vesicles are formed for relatively short perfluoro surfactants. The extension of the vesicle phase becomes substantially larger with increasing chain length of the perfluoro surfactant, while at the same time the size of these vesicles increases. Head group interactions in these systems play a central role in the ability to form vesicles, as already protonating 10 mol\% of the TDMAO largely enhances the propensity for vesicle formation. The range of vesicle formation in the phase diagram is not only substantially enlarged but also extends to shorter perfluoro surfactants, where without protonation no vesicles would be formed. The size and polydispersity of the vesicles are related to the chain length of the perfluoro surfactant, the vesicles becoming smaller and more monodisperse with increasing perfluoro surfactant chain length. The ability of the mixed systems to form well-defined unilamellar vesicles accordingly can be controlled by the length of the alkyl chain of the perfluorinated surfactant and depends strongly on the charge conditions, which can be tuned easily by pH-variation.}, language = {en} } @article{SangoroIacobNaumovetal.2011, author = {Sangoro, J. R. and Iacob, C. and Naumov, S. and Valiullin, R. and Rexhausen, Hans and Hunger, J. and Buchner, R. and Strehmel, Veronika and Kaerger, J. and Kremer, F.}, title = {Diffusion in ionic liquids the interplay between molecular structure and dynamics}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {7}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {5}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c0sm01404d}, pages = {1678 -- 1681}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Diffusion in a series of ionic liquids is investigated by a combination of Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) and Pulsed Field Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (PFG NMR). It is demonstrated that the mean jump lengths increase with the molecular volumes determined from quantum-chemical calculations. This provides a direct means-via Einstein-Smoluchowski relation-to determine the diffusion coefficient by BDS over more than 8 decades unambiguously and in quantitative agreement with PFG NMR measurements. New possibilities in the study of charge transport and dynamic glass transition in ionic liquids are thus opened.}, language = {en} } @article{WeissBoettcherLaschewsky2011, author = {Weiss, Jan and B{\"o}ttcher, Christoph and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Self-assembly of double thermoresponsive block copolymers end-capped with complementary trimethylsilyl groups}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {7}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {2}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c0sm00531b}, pages = {483 -- 492}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A set of double thermoresponsive diblock copolymers poly(N-n-propylacrylamide)-block-poly(N-ethylacrylamide) (PNPAM-b-PNEAM) was synthesised by sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisations. Using a twofold trimethylsilyl (TMS)-labeled RAFT-agent, the relative size of the two blocks was varied. While soluble as unimers below 15 degrees C, all copolymers exhibited thermally induced two-step self-assembly in water, due to distinct lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase transitions of PNPAM (around 20 degrees C) and PNEAM (around 70 degrees C). Their temperature-dependent self-organisation in dilute aqueous solution was studied by turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The copolymers show distinct, two-step self-organisation behaviour with respect to transition temperatures, aggregate type and size, which can be correlated to the relative lengths of the low and high LCST blocks. For polymers having short blocks with low LCST, the first thermal transition induces the formation of individual micelles. Further heating above the second thermal transition results reversibly either in a shrink of the micelle size or in aggregation of the micelles, with hydrodynamic diameters below 250 nm. In contrast in the case of polymers having a long block with low LCST, the first thermal transition already leads to clusters of micelles, while the second thermal transition makes the clusters shrink. Noteworthy, the twofold TMS-labeled end groups report not only on the molar masses of the polymers, but can simultaneously serve as NMR-probes for the self-assembly process. The signal of the TMS-aryl end group displays a reversible temperature dependent, two-step splitting that is indicative of the self-organisation of the block copolymers.}, language = {en} } @article{StoyanovKolloscheRisseetal.2011, author = {Stoyanov, Hristiyan and Kollosche, Matthias and Risse, Sebastian and McCarthy, Denis N. and Kofod, Guggi}, title = {Elastic block copolymer nanocomposites with controlled interfacial interactions for artificial muscles with direct voltage control}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {7}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {1}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c0sm00715c}, pages = {194 -- 202}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Soft, physically crosslinking, block copolymer elastomers were filled with surface-treated nanoparticles, in order to evaluate the possibility for improvement of their properties when used as soft dielectric actuators. The nanoparticles led to improvements in dielectric properties, however they also reinforced the elastomer matrix. Comparing dielectric spectra of composites with untreated and surface-treated particles showed a measurable influence of the surface on the dielectric loss behaviour for high filler amounts, strongly indicating an improved host-guest interaction for the surface-treated particles. Breakdown strength was measured using a test bench and was found to be in good agreement with the results from the actuation measurements. Actuation responses predicted by a model for prestrained actuators agreed well with measurements up to a filler amount of 20\%(vol). Strong improvements in actuation behaviour were observed, with an optimum near 15\%(vol) nanoparticles, corresponding to a reduction in electrical field of 27\% for identical actuation strains. The use of physically crosslinking elastomer ensured the mechanical properties of the matrix elastomer were unchanged by nanoparticles effecting the crosslinking reaction, contrary to similar experiments performed with chemically crosslinking elastomers. This allows for a firm conclusion about the positive effects of surface-treated nanoparticles on actuation behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{DimitrovaKoppitz2011, author = {Dimitrova, Ilinka and Koppitz, J{\"o}rg}, title = {On the maximal regular subsemigroups of ideals of order-preserving or order-reversing transformations}, series = {Semigroup forum}, volume = {82}, journal = {Semigroup forum}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0037-1912}, doi = {10.1007/s00233-010-9272-8}, pages = {172 -- 180}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We characterize the maximal regular subsemigroups of the ideals of the semigroup of all order-preserving transformations as well as of the semigroup of all order-preserving or order-reversing transformations on a finite ordered set.}, language = {en} } @article{AntoniouPashalidisGessneretal.2011, author = {Antoniou, Stella and Pashalidis, I. and Gessner, Andre and Kumke, Michael Uwe}, title = {The effect of humic acid on the formation and solubility of secondary solid phases (Nd(OH)CO3 and Sm(OH)CO3)}, series = {Radiochimica acta : international journal for chemical aspects of nuclear science and technology}, volume = {99}, journal = {Radiochimica acta : international journal for chemical aspects of nuclear science and technology}, number = {4}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {0033-8230}, doi = {10.1524/ract.2011.1812}, pages = {217 -- 223}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The formation of secondary Ln(III) solid phases (e.g. Nd(OH)CO3 and Sm(OH)CO3) has been studied as a function of the humic acid (HA) concentration in 0.1 M NaClO4 aqueous solution and their solubility has been investigated in the neutral pH range (6.5-8) under normal atmospheric conditions. Nd(III) and Sm(III) were selected as analogues for trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions. The solid phases under investigation have been prepared by alkaline precipitation and characterized by TGA, ATR-FTIR, XRD, TRLFS, DR-UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy, and solubility measurements. The spectroscopic data obtained indicate that Nd(OH)CO3 and Sm(OH)CO3 are stable and remain the solubility limiting solid phases even in the presence of increased HA concentration (0.5 g/L) in solution. Upon base addition in the Ln(III)-HA system decomplexation of the previously formed Ln(III)-humate complexes and precipitation of two distinct phases occurs, the inorganic (Ln(OH)CO3) and the organic phase (HA), which is adsorbed on the particle surface of the former. Nevertheless, HA affects the particle size of the solid phases. Increasing HA concentration results in decreasing crystallite size of the Nd(OH)CO3 and increasing crystallite size of the Sm(OH)CO3 solid phase, and affects inversely the solubility of the solid phases. However, this impact on the solid phase properties is expected to be of minor relevance regarding the chemical behavior and migration of trivalent lanthanides and actinides in the geosphere.}, language = {en} } @article{WischnewskiMischkeWangetal.2011, author = {Wischnewski, Juliane and Mischke, Steffen and Wang, Yongbo and Herzschuh, Ulrike}, title = {Reconstructing climate variability on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau since the last Lateglacial - a multi-proxy, dual-site approach comparing terrestrial and aquatic signals}, series = {Quaternary science reviews : the international multidisciplinary research and review journal}, volume = {30}, journal = {Quaternary science reviews : the international multidisciplinary research and review journal}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0277-3791}, doi = {10.1016/j.quascirev.2010.10.001}, pages = {82 -- 97}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A sediment core from a closed basin lake (Lake Kuhai) from the semi-arid northeastern Tibetan Plateau was analysed for its pollen record to infer Lateglacial and post glacial vegetation and climatic change. At Lake Kuhai five major vegetation and climate shifts could be identified: (1) a change from cold and dry to relatively warmer and more moist conditions at 14.8 cal ka BP: (2) a shift to conditions of higher effective moisture and a stepwise warmer climate at 13.6 cal ka BP; (3) a further shift with increased moisture but colder conditions at 7.0 cal ka BP; (4) a return to a significantly colder and drier phase at 6.3 cal ka BP; (5) and a change back to relatively moist conditions at 2.2 cal ka BP. To investigate the response of lake ecosystems to climatic changes, statistical comparisons were made between the lake Kuhai pollen record and a formerly published ostracod and sedimentary record from the same sediment core. Furthermore, the pollen and lacustrine proxies from lake Kuhai were compared to a previously published pollen and lacustrine record from the nearby Lake Koucha. Statistical comparisons were done using non-metric multidimensional scaling and Procrustes rotation. Differences between lacustrine and pollen responses within one site could be identified, suggesting that lacustrine proxies are partly influenced by in-lake or local catchment processes, whereas the terrestrial (pollen) proxy shows a regional climate signal. Furthermore, we found regional differences in proxy response between lake Kuhai and Lake Koucha. Both pollen records reacted in similar ways to major environmental changes, with minor differences in the timing and magnitude of these changes. The lacustrine records were very similar in their timing and magnitude of response to environmental changes; however, the nature of change was at times very distinct. To place the current study in the context of Holocene moisture evolution across the Tibetan Plateau, we applied a five-scale moisture index and average link clustering to all available continuous palaeo-climate records from the Tibetan Plateau to possibly find general patterns of moisture evolution on the Plateau. However, no common regional pattern of moisture evolution during the Holocene could be detected. We assign this to complex responses of different proxies to environmental and atmospheric changes in an already very heterogeneous mountain landscape where minor differences in elevation can cause strong variation in microenvironments.}, language = {en} } @article{ParkinsonSpringerPrinz2011, author = {Parkinson, Jim and Springer, Anne and Prinz, Wolfgang}, title = {Can you see me in the snow? - action simulation aids the detection of visually degraded human motion}, series = {The quarterly journal of experimental psychology}, volume = {64}, journal = {The quarterly journal of experimental psychology}, number = {8}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hove}, issn = {1747-0218}, doi = {10.1080/17470218.2011.594895}, pages = {1463 -- 1472}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Using a novel paradigm, we demonstrate that action simulation can directly facilitate ongoing perception of people's movements. Point-light actors (PLAs) representing common human motions were shown embedded in a visual noise reminiscent of "TV snow". At first, the PLAs were perceived clearly, then occluded from view for a short duration, during which it was hypothesized that a real-time action simulation was generated tracking the motion's course. The PLA then reappeared in motion at variable visibility against the noise, whilst detection thresholds for the reappearance were measured. In the crucial manipulation, the test motion was either temporally congruent with the motion as it would have continued during occlusion, and thus temporally matching the simulation, or temporally incongruent. Detection thresholds were lower for congruent than for incongruent reappearing motions, suggesting that reappearing motion that temporally matched the internal action simulation was more likely to be detected.}, language = {en} } @article{LilieBaerKettneretal.2011, author = {Lilie, Hauke and Baer, Dorit and Kettner, Karina and Weininger, Ulrich and Balbach, Jochen and Naumann, Manfred and Mueller, Eva-Christina and Otto, Albrecht and Gast, Klaus and Golbik, Ralph and Kriegel, Thomas}, title = {Yeast hexokinase isoenzyme ScHxk2 stability of a two-domain protein with discontinuous domains}, series = {Protein engineering design \& selection}, volume = {24}, journal = {Protein engineering design \& selection}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1741-0126}, doi = {10.1093/protein/gzq098}, pages = {79 -- 87}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The hexokinase isoenzyme 2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScHxk2) represents an archetype of a two-domain protein with the active site located in a cleft between the two domains. Binding of the substrate glucose results in a rigid body movement of the two domains leading to a cleft closure of the active site. Both domains of this enzyme are composed of discontinuous peptide sequences. This structural feature is reflected in the stability and folding of the ScHxk2 protein. Structural transitions induced by urea treatment resulted in the population of a thermodynamically stable folding intermediate, which, however, does not correspond to a molecule with one domain folded and the other unfolded. As demonstrated by different spectroscopic techniques, both domains are structurally affected by the partial denaturation. The intermediate possesses only 40\% of the native secondary structural content and a substantial increase in the Stokes radius as judged by circular dichroism and dynamic light scattering analyses. One-dimensional H-1 NMR data prove that all tryptophan residues are in a non-native environment in the intermediate, indicating substantial changes in the tertiary structure. Still, the intermediate possesses quite a high stability for a transition intermediate of about Delta G = -22 kJ mol(-1).}, language = {en} } @article{BullerLaschewskyLutzetal.2011, author = {Buller, Jens and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Lutz, Jean-Francois and Wischerhoff, Erik}, title = {Tuning the lower critical solution temperature of thermoresponsive polymers by biospecific recognition}, series = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {2}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, number = {7}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c1py00001b}, pages = {1486 -- 1489}, year = {2011}, abstract = {A thermosensitive statistical copolymer based on oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates incorporating biotin was synthesized by free radical copolymerisation. The influence of added avidin on its thermoresponsive behaviour was investigated. The specific binding of avidin to the biotinylated copolymers provoked a marked increase of the lower critical solution temperature.}, language = {en} } @article{ZehmLaschewskyHeunemannetal.2011, author = {Zehm, Daniel and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Heunemann, Peggy and Gradzielski, Michael and Prevost, Sylvain and Liang, Hua and Rabe, J{\"u}rgen P. and Lutz, Jean-Francois}, title = {Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic semi-brush and dual brush block copolymers in solution and on surfaces}, series = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {2}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c0py00200c}, pages = {137 -- 147}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The combination of two techniques of controlled free radical polymerization, namely the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques, together with the use of a macromonomer allowed the synthesis of symmetrical triblock copolymers, designed as amphiphilic dual brushes. One type of brush was made of poly(n-butyl acrylate) as soft hydrophobic block, i.e. characterized by a low glass transition temperature, while the other one was made of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The new triblock polymers represent "giant surfactants" according to their molecular architecture. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks microphase separate in the bulk. In aqueous solution, they aggregate into globular micellar aggregates, their size being determined by the length of the stretched polymer molecules. As determined by the combination of various scattering techniques for the dual brush copolymer, a rather compact structure is formed, which is dominated by the large hydrophobic poly(n-butyl acrylate) block. The aggregation number for the dual brush is about 10 times larger than for the "semi-brush" precursor copolymer, due to the packing requirements for the much bulkier hydrophobic core. On mica surfaces the triblock copolymers adsorb with worm-like backbones and stretched out side chains.}, language = {en} } @article{RohlfingMitevaMoronettietal.2011, author = {Rohlfing, Anne-Katrin and Miteva, Yana and Moronetti, Lorenza and He, Liping and Lamitina, Todd}, title = {The caenorhabditis elegans mucin-like protein OSM-8 negatively regulates osmosensitive physiology via the transmembrane protein PTR-23}, series = {PLoS Genetics : a peer-reviewed, open-access journal}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS Genetics : a peer-reviewed, open-access journal}, number = {1}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1553-7390}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1001267}, pages = {17}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The molecular mechanisms of animal cell osmoregulation are poorly understood. Genetic studies of osmoregulation in yeast have identified mucin-like proteins as critical regulators of osmosensitive signaling and gene expression. Whether mucins play similar roles in higher organisms is not known. Here, we show that mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans mucin-like gene osm-8 specifically disrupt osmoregulatory physiological processes. In osm-8 mutants, normal physiological responses to hypertonic stress, such as the accumulation of organic osmolytes and activation of osmoresponsive gene expression, are constitutively activated. As a result, osm-8 mutants exhibit resistance to normally lethal levels of hypertonic stress and have an osmotic stress resistance (Osr) phenotype. To identify genes required for Osm-8 phenotypes, we performed a genome-wide RNAi osm-8 suppressor screen. After screening,18,000 gene knockdowns, we identified 27 suppressors that specifically affect the constitutive osmosensitive gene expression and Osr phenotypes of osm-8 mutants. We found that one suppressor, the transmembrane protein PTR-23, is co-expressed with osm-8 in the hypodermis and strongly suppresses several Osm-8 phenotypes, including the transcriptional activation of many osmosensitive mRNAs, constitutive glycerol accumulation, and osmotic stress resistance. Our studies are the first to show that an extracellular mucin-like protein plays an important role in animal osmoregulation in a manner that requires the activity of a novel transmembrane protein. Given that mucins and transmembrane proteins play similar roles in yeast osmoregulation, our findings suggest a possible evolutionarily conserved role for the mucin-plasma membrane interface in eukaryotic osmoregulation.}, language = {en} } @article{PilzParolaiPicozzietal.2011, author = {Pilz, Marco and Parolai, Stefano and Picozzi, Matteo and Zschau, Jochen}, title = {Evaluation of proxies for seismic site conditions in large urban areas the example of Santiago de Chile}, series = {Physics and chemistry of the earth}, volume = {36}, journal = {Physics and chemistry of the earth}, number = {16}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1474-7065}, doi = {10.1016/j.pce.2011.01.007}, pages = {1259 -- 1266}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Characterizing the local site response in large cities is an important step towards seismic hazard assessment. To this regard, single station seismic noise measurements were carried out at 146 sites in the northern part of Santiago de Chile. This extensive survey allowed the fundamental resonance frequency of the sedimentary cover, derived from horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratios, to be mapped. By inverting the spectral ratios under the constraint of the thickness of the sedimentary cover, known from previous gravimetric measurements, local S-wave velocity profiles have been retrieved. After interpolation between the individual profiles, the resulting high resolution 3D S-wave velocity model allows the entire area, as well as deeper parts of the basin, to be represented in great detail. Since one lithology shows a great scatter in the velocity values only a very general correlation between S-wave velocity in the uppermost 30 m (v(s)(30)) and local geology is found. Local S-wave velocity profiles can serve as a key factor in seismic hazard assessment, since they allow an estimate of the amplification potential of the sedimentary cover. Mapping the intensity distribution of the 27 February 2010 Maule, Chile, event (Mw = 8.8) the results indicate that local amplification of the ground motion might partially explain the damage distribution and encourage the use of the low cost seismic noise techniques for the study of seismic site effects.}, language = {en} }