Browsing by Author "Mueller, R."

High-resolution G-band images of the interior of a supergranulation cell show ubiquitous bright points (BPs; some 0.3 BPs per Mm(2)). They are located in intergranular lanes and often form chains of elongated blobs whose smallest dimension is at the resolution limit (135 km on the Sun). Most of them live for a few minutes, having peak intensities from 0.8 to 1.8 times the mean photospheric intensity. These BPs are probably tracing intense magnetic concentrations, whose existence has been inferred in spectropolarimetric measurements. Our finding provides a new convenient tool for the study of the internetwork magnetism, so far restricted to the interpretation of weak polarimetric signals.

Cases of pathologically changed bone might constitute a diagnostic pitfall and frequently need histological methods to be etiologically properly evaluated. With micro-computed tomography (mu CT), a new epoch of 2D and 3D imaging has been launched. We evaluated the diagnostic investigation of this analytical method versus well established histological investigations of historical human bone. Pathological changes due to various etiologies (infectious, traumatic, endocrinological neoplasia) observed in autopsy-based macerated human skulls (Galler Collection, Natural History Museum Basel, Switzerland) were investigated by mu CT and compared with histological thin ground sections using polarized light. Micro-CT images visualize the architecture of the bone with high spatial resolution without preparation or destruction of the sample in the area to be sectioned. Changes in the bone surfaces as well as alterations of the diploe can be assessed. However, morphological patterns caused by reactive response, such as typical arrangements of collagen fibers, can only be visualized by the microscopic investigation of thin ground sections using polarized light. A great advantage Of LCT is the high number of slices obtained so that spatial differences within the areas of the specimen become visible. Micro-CT is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of vestiges of skull bone diseases. Its advantages over histology are the fast, automated image acquisition and the fact that the specimen is not completely destroyed. Only excision of the area to be scanned is necessary, if the specimen is too large to be scanned as a whole. Further, the 3D visualization of the micro-architecture allows an easy orientation within the sample, for example, for the choice of the location of the histological slices. However, the need to differentiate woven from lamellar bone still makes histology an indispensable method.

Micro-computed tomography (mu CT) is of great interest for palaeopathological examination because it is less invasive than histology. This study evaluates the diagnostic value of mu CT for postcranial macerated bones. We investigated five specimens (osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, trauma, osteosarcoma and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) of a pathology reference series by mu CT and polarised light microscopy. The 3D mu CT images allow an easy orientation within the specimen. Surface structures, thickness, continuity of the cortex and number, thickness and orientation of the trabeculae can be evaluated. The high number of mu CT slices helps to choose the most interesting areas for further investigations. Grey value images display the degree of mineralisation. Yet, the differentiation between woven and lamellar bone is only possible using polarised light microscopy. mu CT is a tool of high value for the examination of posteranial bone disorders. It cannot replace histological examinations completely because it cannot assess the bone quality (woven or lamellar). For the choice of the optimal location where slices for the microscopic investigation are later cut in heterogeneous samples, mu CT is very useful. Therefore, we suggest performing the mu CT examination first, followed by histology if necessary. (c) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Inhibitory molecules derived from CNS myelin and glial scar tissue are major causes for insufficient functional regeneration in the mammalian CNS. A multitude of these molecules signal through the Rho/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway. We evaluated three inhibitors of ROCK, Y- 27632, Fasudil (HA-1077), and Dimethylfasudil (H-1152), in models of neurite outgrowth in vitro. We show, that all three ROCK inhibitors partially restore neurite outgrowth of Ntera-2 neurons on the inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan substrate. In the rat optic nerve crush model Y-27632 dose-dependently increased regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons in vivo. Application of Dimethylfasudil showed a trend towards increased axonal regeneration in an intermediate concentration. We demonstrate that inhibition of ROCK can be an effective therapeutic approach to increase regeneration of CNS neurons. The selection of a suitable inhibitor with a broad therapeutic window, however, is crucial in order to minimize unwanted side effects and to avoid deleterious effects on nerve fiber growth.

Backround: Currently, management of antibody deficient patients differs significantly among caregivers. Evidence and consensus based (S3) guidelines for the treatment of primary antibody deficiencies were developed to improve the management of these patients. Methods: Based on a thorough analysis of current evidence (systematic literature search in PubMed; deadline November 2011) 14 recommendations were finalized during a consensus meeting in Frankfurt in November 2011 using structured consensus methods (nominal group technique). Experts were nominated by their scientific societies/patient initiatives (0 Tab. 1). Results: The guidelines focus on indication, practical issues and monitoring of immunoglobulin replacement therapy as well as on different routes of administration. Furthermore recommendations regarding supportive measures such as antiinfective therapy, vaccinations and physiotherapy are given. Combining literature evidence and experience of caregivers within this evidence and consensus based guidelines offers the chance to improve the quality of care for antibody deficient patients.

We describe the design of the Sunrise Filter Imager (SuFI) and the Image Stabilization and Light Distribution (ISLiD) unit onboard the Sunrise balloon borne solar observatory. This contribution provides the necessary information which is relevant to understand the instruments' working principles, the relevant technical data, and the necessary information about calibration issues directly related to the science data.