T-SP1: a novel serine protease-like protein predominantly expressed in testis

Here, we describe a novel member in the group of membrane-anchored chymotrypsin (S1)-like serine proteases, namely testis serine protease 1 (T-SP1), as it is principally expressed in testis tissue. The human T-SP1 gene encompasses 28.7 kb on the short arm of chromosome 8 and consists of seven exons. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends ( RACE) experiments revealed that due to alternative splicing three different variants (T-SP1/1, -2, -3) are detectable in testis tissue displaying pronounced heterogeneity at their 3'-end. T-SP1/1 consists of an 18 amino acid signal peptide and of a 49 amino acid propeptide. The following domain with the catalytic triad of His(108), Asp(156), and Ser(250) shares sequence identities of 42% and 40% with the blood coagulation factor XI and plasma kallikrein, respectively. Only T-SP1/1 contains a hydrophobic part at the C-terminus, which provides the basis for cell membrane anchoring. Using a newly generated polyclonal anti-T-SP1 antibody, expression of the T-SP1 protein was found in the Leydig and Sertoli cells of the testis and in the epithelial cells of the ductuli efferentes. Notably, T-SP1 protein was also detectable in prostate cancer and in some ovarian cancer tissues, indicating tumor-related synthesis of T-SP1 beyond testis tissue

Mothers' Consumption of Soy Drink But Not Black Tea Increases the Flavonoid Content of Term Breast Milk: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Intervention Study

Objective: We performed a pilot RCT to prove the hypothesis that a controlled ingestion of polyphenol-rich beverages (soy drink, decaffeinated black tea) in nutritive dosages by nursing women has an effect on the composition (flavonoid concentration, total antioxidant capacity) of breast milk. Methods: Healthy nursing women were supplemented with either 250 mL of a soy drink (12 mg isoflavones; n = 18), 300 mL decaffeinated black tea (67 mg catechins; n = 18), or 300 mL water (n = 8, control) for 6 days. Milk samples were collected before, during, and after intervention. Flavonoid content (isoflavones/catechins, HPLC) and total antioxidant capacity of milk and test drinks in milk specimens were assessed. Results: Isoflavone content (genistein and daidzein) in breast milk increased up to 12 nmol/L after soy drink consumption; the major flavonoids constituents of black tea (catechin, epicatechin, and respective conjugates) could not be detected in milk samples. With both interventions, the total antioxidant capacity of breast milk was not affected. Conclusions: Mothers' daily consumption of a soy drink considerably increases isoflavone content of breast milk resulting in an estimated daily exposure of 9.6 nmol isoflavones in a 4-month-old suckling infant. Luminal flavanol uptake from black tea consumed by the nursing mother may be too low to affect flavanol concentrations in breast milk

A swamp as an obstacle to approach – archaeological and geoelectrical investigations on the Early Bronze Age fortification of Ratzersdorf, Lower Austria

Interdisciplinary cooperation between geoelectrics and archaeology made it possible to identify a swamp as an integral part of a defense concept for the first time in Austria at the Early Bronze Age hilltop settlement of Ratzersdorf, Lower Austria. The marsh and a spring were included as natural topographic structures in the defense conception of the fortification

Late Quaternary changes in moisture availability and weathering intensity on the central Tibetan Plateau indicated by chemical signatures of ostracod shells

High-resolution multi-proxy records from two lakes on the southern Tibetan Plateau, Nam Co and Tangra Yumco, are used to infer long-term variations in the Asian monsoon system with a novel set of ostracod shell chemistry proxies. We track the moisture evolution since the Last Glacial Maximum using the trace element, rare earth element (REE) and stable isotope composition of ostracod shells. The sediment records covering the past 18.8 cal. ka BP and 17.4 cal. ka BP, respectively, demonstrate the suitability of REEs as indicators of weathering intensity and thus hydrological changes and moisture sources in the catchment. In Nam Co, high concentrations of light REEs between 14 and 13 cal. ka BP suggest an increased drainage from the glaciated Nyainqêngtanglha Mountains in the south, pointing to meltwater input. REEs in ostracod shells therefore provide additional information on water sources critical for the interpretation of stable isotope records. Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca ratios reflect salinity and thus changes in effective moisture. Asynchronous behavior of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca ratios are controlled by changes in dominance of precipitating carbonate minerals in the lake. Synchronous behavior reflects calcite precipitation, indicating low-Mg/Ca warm-wet conditions. Constantly low Sr/Ca ratios reflect aragonite precipitation, indicating high-Mg dry conditions. Increased Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca relative to Mg/Ca ratios show monohydrocalcite precipitation, indicating high-Mg/Ca cold-dry conditions. Furthermore, Fe/Ca, Mn/Ca and U/Ca ratios in ostracods reflect changes in oxygen saturation in lake bottom waters controlled by lake level and microbial activity. The paleoclimate histories reconstructed from Nam Co and Tangra Yumco show high similarity throughout the late Quaternary. We identified two major dry periods, corresponding to Heinrich 1 and the Younger Dryas, followed by strengthening in Indian summer monsoon precipitation. The early Holocene is characterized by a moisture maximum, reflecting abundant water supply by a strong ISM. A time-delayed shift to dry conditions occurred at 2.6 cal. ka BP at Tangra Yumco, and at 2 cal. ka BP at Nam Co, resulting in decreasing lake levels, caused by weakened monsoon intensity due to a southeastward migration of the ISM-Westerly boundary with an estimated velocity of approximately 600 m per year

Modeling of GERDA Phase II data

The GERmanium Detector Array (GERDA) experiment at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) of INFN is searching for neutrinoless double-beta ($0\nu\beta\beta$) decay of $^{76}$Ge. The technological challenge of GERDA is to operate in a "background-free" regime in the region of interest (ROI) after analysis cuts for the full 100$\,$kg$\cdot$yr target exposure of the experiment. A careful modeling and decomposition of the full-range energy spectrum is essential to predict the shape and composition of events in the ROI around $Q_{\beta\beta}$ for the $0\nu\beta\beta$ search, to extract a precise measurement of the half-life of the double-beta decay mode with neutrinos ($2\nu\beta\beta$) and in order to identify the location of residual impurities. The latter will permit future experiments to build strategies in order to further lower the background and achieve even better sensitivities. In this article the background decomposition prior to analysis cuts is presented for GERDA Phase II. The background model fit yields a flat spectrum in the ROI with a background index (BI) of $16.04^{+0.78}_{-0.85} \cdot 10^{-3}\,$cts/(kg$\cdot$keV$\cdot$yr) for the enriched BEGe data set and $14.68^{+0.47}_{-0.52} \cdot 10^{-3}\,$cts/(kg$\cdot$keV$\cdot$yr) for the enriched coaxial data set. These values are similar to the one of Gerda Phase I despite a much larger number of detectors and hence radioactive hardware components

Modeling of GERDA Phase II data

The GERmanium Detector Array (Gerda) experiment at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) of INFN is searching for neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay of 76Ge. The technological challenge of Gerda is to operate in a “background-free” regime in the region of interest (ROI) after analysis cuts for the full 100 kg·yr target exposure of the experiment. A careful modeling and decomposition of the full-range energy spectrum is essential to predict the shape and composition of events in the ROI around Qββ for the 0νββ search, to extract a precise measurement of the half-life of the double-beta decay mode with neutrinos (2νββ) and in order to identify the location of residual impurities. The latter will permit future experiments to build strategies in order to further lower the background and achieve even better sensitivities. In this article the background decomposition prior to analysis cuts is presented for Gerda Phase II. The background model fit yields a flat spectrum in the ROI with a background index (BI) of 16.04+0.78−0.85⋅10−3 cts/(keV·kg·yr) for the enriched BEGe data set and 14.68+0.47−0.52⋅10−3 cts/(keV·kg·yr) for the enriched coaxial data set. These values are similar to the one of Phase I despite a much larger number of detectors and hence radioactive hardware components

Ueberwindung von Vorurteilen durch wissenschaftliche Kritik ueber das Bild der Frau

UuStB Koeln(38)-9Y5360 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman

Geoelektrisches Monitoring - Hangrutschung Laakirchen (OÖ)

The geoelectrical monitoring dataset was acquired on a landslide in Laakirchen, located in the judicial district of Gmunden (Upper Austria). During March 2010, a shallow rotational landslide was triggered by snow melting and intense rainfall, in the vicinity of a renovated house. The particular area is known for its high potential for landslides. From a geological point of view the location is dominated by the so called "Buntmergel" and younger age fluvial sediments. The Laakirchen landslide was monitored by geophysical/geotechnical systems from September 2011 to June 2013. In less than two years, a cumulative displacement of about 70 mm has been recorded at a depth of 3.5 m below ground level by an automatic inclinometer. The orientation of the geoelectrical monitoring profile was parallel to the gradient of the slope, including 61 electrodes, placed at intervals of 1 m. The power supply for the measuring instruments was provided by the connection to the local power grid. Therefore, the number of daily measurements was not limited to electrical power saving reasons. The main purpose of the collection of continuous geoelectrical data was to investigate the correlation between the temporal change of electrical resistivity and the acceleration of the landslide body, which was directly influenced by increased water saturation of the subsurface. Therefore, the recorded temporal changes of electrical resistivity are mainly based on the changes of water saturation and soil temperature. The monitoring period lasts for almost two years (09/2011 to 06/2013) and a complete geoelectrical dataset was collected every 4 hours, consisting of 1765 data points. The data collection was achieved with the Geomon4D system, which was developed by the Department of Geophysics of the Geological Survey of Austria. The provided series of geoelectrical datasets represents raw data, where a very simple preliminary filtering is performed, to eliminate data points that are erroneous due to technical limitations of the monitoring system. This is applied to all data points exceeding the voltage range of -9.95 to +9.95 V or with injection current below 0.5 mA (forward or reverse). Therefore, a comprehensive data analysis, processing and inversion are possible with the published datasets.Der geoelektrische Monitoringdatensatz wurde auf einer Hangrutschung in Laakirchen im Bezirk Gmunden (Oberösterreich) aufgenommen. Im März 2010 wurde knapp unterhalb eines sanierten Hauses eine oberflächennahe Rotationsrutschung durch heftige Regenfälle kombiniert mit der Schneeschmelze ausgelöst. Das Gebiet ist grundsätzlich für das hohe Hangrutschungspotenzial bekannt. Aus geologischer Sicht wird der Standort von den sogenannten „Buntmergeln“ und jüngeren fluviatilen Sedimenten dominiert. Die Hangrutschung in Laakirchen wurde von September 2011 bis Juni 2013 mittels geophysikalischer/geotechnischer Monitoringsysteme beobachtet. Im entsprechenden Zeitraum wurde mit dem automatischen Inklinometer eine kumulative Verschiebung von etwa 70 mm in einer Tiefe von 3,5 m unter der Geländeoberkante aufgezeichnet. Die Ausrichtung des geoelektrischen Monitoringsprofils war parallel zur Hangneigung bzw. Bewegungsrichtung. Das Profil umfasste 61 Elektroden, die mit einem konstanten Abstand von 1 m positioniert wurden. Die Stromversorgung des geoelektrischen Monitoringsystems erfolgte durch den Anschluss an das lokale Stromnetz. Durch die uneingeschränkte Energieversorgung konnten 6 Tiefensektionen pro Tag gemessen werden. Der Hauptzweck der Akquirierung kontinuierlicher geoelektrischer Messdaten bestand darin, die Korrelation zwischen der Änderung des elektrischen Widerstandes (zeitlich) und der Beschleunigung des Hangrutschungskörpers, die direkt durch die Wassersättigung des Untergrundes beeinflusst war, zu untersuchen. Daher stehen die aufgezeichneten Änderungen des elektrischen Widerstandes (zeitlich) in direkten Bezug zu den Änderungen der Wassersättigung des Untergrundes und der Bodentemperatur. Der Monitoringzeitraum umfasste fast zwei Jahre (09/2011 bis 06/2013). In diesem Zeitraum wurde im zeitlichen Abstand von vier Stunden ein vollständiger geoelektrischer Datensatz mit 1765 Datenpunkten erfasst. Die Datenerfassung erfolgte mit dem Geomon4D-System, das von der Fachabteilung Geophysik der Geologischen Bundesanstalt entwickelt wurde. Die hier veröffentlichten geoelektrischen Datensätze stellen Rohdaten dar, bei denen ausschließlich aus messtechnischer Sicht fehlerhafte Datenpunkte entfernt wurden (Stromeinspeisung kleiner als 0,5 mA und Spannungen größer als ±9,95 V). Daher ist mit den veröffentlichten Datensätzen weiterhin eine umfassende Datenanalyse, -verarbeitung und -inversion möglich.The published dataset consists of more than 2900 individual geoelectric depth sections that were acquired over a period of almost two years. Each individual depth section can be inverted into a 2D model of the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. The temporal change of these models represents the essential information content of this dataset. The geoelectrical monitoring was carried out with the measuring system (Geomon4D) developed by the Department of Geophysics of the Geological Survey of Austria, which is specially designed for monitoring application. The measuring point distribution (in total 1765 measuring points per depth section) corresponds to the so-called multiple-gradient array. The geoelectric monitoring profile consists of 61 stainless steel electrodes with a constant electrode spacing of 1 m.Der publizierte Datensatz besteht aus über 2900 einzelnen geoelektrischen Tiefensektionen, die über einen Zeitraum von knapp zwei Jahren aufgenommen wurden. Jede einzelne Tiefensektion kann mittels Inversionsrechnung in ein 2D-Modell des spezifischen elektrischen Widerstandes des Untergrundes umgesetzt werden. Die zeitliche Änderung dieser Modelle stellt den wesentlichen Informationsgehalt dieses Datensatzes dar. Das geoelektrische Monitoring erfolgte mit einem an der Geologischen Bundesanstalt entwickelten Messsystem (Geomon4D), das speziell für den Monitoring Einsatz konzipiert ist. Die Messpunktverteilung (in Summe 1765 Messpunkte pro Tiefensektion) entspricht der sogenannten Multiplen-Gradienten-Anordnung. Das geoelektrische Monitoring Profil umfasst in Summe 61 Edelstahlelektroden mit einem konstanten Elektrodenabstand von 1 m

Geoelektrisches Monitoring - Hangrutschung Ampflwang (OÖ)

The geoelectrical monitoring dataset was acquired on a landslide formed after a house construction within the area of an old deep-seated landslide near to the town of Ampflwang (Upper Austria). The deep-seated landslide developed mostly in quaternary slope/landslide deposits and anthropogenic deposits, situated above the underlying Neogene rocks, i.e.: fluvial gravels of Hausruck Formation at the top, limnic to fluvial coal-rich clay with brown coal beds of Ampflwang Formation in the middle, and marine silty-sandy marl to silty sand of Ottnang Formation at the base. The small part of the old deep-seated landslide reactivated in March 2010, was observed by topographic changes and inclinometric data. It is about 110 m long, 40 m wide, 4 m thick and represents a shallow rotational-translational landslide of an elliptic shape and quite smooth topography. The surrounding infrastructure (e.g. terrace, sewage pipes) of the newly constructed family house was partly damaged by the landslide. The main purpose of the collection of continuous geoelectrical data was to investigate the correlation between the temporal change of electrical resistivity and the acceleration of the landslide body, which was directly influenced by increased water saturation of the subsurface. Therefore, the recorded temporal changes of the electrical resistivity are mainly based on the changes of water saturation and soil temperature. The monitoring period lasts for almost one year (12/2010 to 09/2011) and a complete geoelectrical dataset was collected every four hours, consisting of 1765 data points. The data collection was achieved with the Geomon4D system, which was developed by the Department of Geophysics of the Geological Survey of Austria. The provided series of geoelectrical datasets represents raw data, where a very simple preliminary filtering is performed, to eliminate data points that are erroneous due to technical limitations of the monitoring system. This is applied to all data points exceeding the voltage range of -9.95 to +9.95 V or with injection current below 0.5 mA (forward or reverse). Therefore, a comprehensive data analysis, processing and inversion are possible with the published datasets.Der geoelektrische Monitoringdatensatz wurde auf einer Hangrutschung aufgenommen, die unmittelbar nach der Neuerrichtung eines Einfamilienhauses im Bereich einer älteren, tieferreichenden Hangrutschung in der Nähe der Ortschaft Ampflwang (Oberösterreich), entstanden war. Die ältere, tieferreichende Hangrutschung entwickelte sich ausschließlich in quartären Hang- und Erdrutschablagerungen und anthropogenen Ablagerungen, die sich über den darunterliegenden Gesteinen aus dem Neogen befinden. Diese umfassen Flusskies der Hausruck-Formation oben, limnischer bis fluvialer kohlereiche Tone mit Braunkohle-Zwischenlagen der Ampflwang-Formation in der Mitte und marine schluffig-sandige Mergel bis schluffige Sande der Ottnang-Formation an der Basis. Der kleine Teil der älteren, tieferreichenden Hangrutschung, deren Reaktivierung im März 2010 durch topografische Veränderungen und Inklinometer-Daten bemerkt wurde, ist etwa 110 m lang, 40 m breit und erstreckt sich bis in eine Tiefe von etwa 4 m. Es ist eine flache rotations-translatorische Hangrutschung mit elliptischer Form und relativ glatter Topografie. Die umgebende Infrastruktur (z. B. Terrasse, Abwasserrohre) des neu errichteten Einfamilienhauses wurde durch die Hangrutschung teilweise beschädigt. Der Hauptzweck der Akquirierung kontinuierlicher geoelektrischer Messdaten bestand darin, die Korrelation zwischen der Änderung des elektrischen Widerstandes (zeitlich) und der Beschleunigung des Hangrutschungskörpers, die direkt durch die Wassersättigung des Untergrundes beeinflusst war, zu untersuchen. Daher stehen die aufgezeichneten Änderungen des elektrischen Widerstandes (zeitlich) in direkten Bezug zu den Änderungen der Wassersättigung des Untergrundes und der Bodentemperatur. Der Monitoringzeitraum umfasste fast ein Jahr (12/2010 bis 09/2011). In diesem Zeitraum wurde im zeitlichen Abstand von vier Stunden ein vollständiger geoelektrischer Datensatz mit 1765 Datenpunkten erfasst. Die Datenerfassung erfolgte mit dem Geomon4D-System, das von der Fachabteilung Geophysik der Geologischen Bundesanstalt entwickelt wurde. Die hier veröffentlichten geoelektrischen Datensätze stellen Rohdaten dar, bei denen ausschließlich aus messtechnischer Sicht fehlerhafte Datenpunkte entfernt wurden (Stromeinspeisung kleiner als 0.5 mA und Spannungen größer als ±9.95 V). Daher ist mit den veröffentlichten Datensätzen weiterhin eine umfassende Datenanalyse, -verarbeitung und -inversion möglich.The published dataset consists of more than 1600 individual geoelectric depth sections that were acquired over a period of almost one year. Each individual depth section can be inverted into a 2D model of the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. The temporal change of these models represents the essential information content of this dataset. The geoelectrical monitoring was carried out with the measuring system (Geomon4D) developed by the Department of Geophysics of the Geological Survey of Austria, which is specially designed for monitoring application. The measuring point distribution (in total 1765 measuring points per depth section) corresponds to the so-called multiple-gradient array. The geoelectric monitoring profile consists of 61 stainless steel electrodes with a constant electrode spacing of 1 m.Der publizierte Datensatz besteht aus über 1600 einzelnen geoelektrischen Tiefensektionen, die über einen Zeitraum von knapp einem Jahr aufgenommen wurden. Jede einzelne Tiefensektion kann mittels Inversionsrechnung in ein 2D-Modell des spezifischen elektrischen Widerstandes des Untergrundes umgesetzt werden. Die zeitliche Änderung dieser Modelle stellt den wesentlichen Informationsgehalt dieses Datensatzes dar. Das geoelektrische Monitoring erfolgte mit einem an der Geologischen Bundesanstalt entwickelten Messsystem (Geomon4D), das speziell für den Monitoring Einsatz konzipiert ist. Die Messpunktverteilung (in Summe 1765 Messpunkte pro Tiefensektion) entspricht der sogenannten Multiplen-Gradienten-Anordnung. Das geoelektrische Monitoring Profil umfasst in Summe 61 Edelstahlelektroden mit einem konstanten Elektrodenabstand von 1 m

Yeast Ysl2p, Homologous to Sec7 Domain Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors, Functions in Endocytosis and Maintenance of Vacuole Integrity and Interacts with the Arf-Like Small GTPase Arl1p

We previously described the isolation of ysl2-1 due to its genetic interaction with Δypt51/vps21, a mutant with a deletion of the coding sequence for the yeast Rab5 homolog, which regulates endocytic traffic between early and late endosomes. Here we report that Ysl2p is a novel 186.8-kDa peripheral membrane protein homologous to members of the Sec7 family. We provide multiple genetic and biochemical evidence for an interaction between Ysl12p and the Arf-like protein Arl1p, consistent with a potential function as an Arf guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). The temperature-sensitive alleles ysl2-307 and ysl2-316 are specifically defective in ligand-induced degradation of Ste2p and α-factor and exhibit vacuole fragmentation directly upon a shift to 37°C. In living cells, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Ysl2p colocalizes with endocytic elements that accumulate FM4-64. The GFP-Ysl2p staining is sensitive to a mutation in VPS27 resulting in the formation of an aberrant class E compartment, but it is not affected by a sec7 mutation. Consistent with the idea that Ysl2p and Arl1p have closely related functions, Δarl1 cells are defective in endocytic transport and in vacuolar protein sorting