Several studies reported training-induced improvements in executive function tasks and also observed transfer to untrained tasks. However, the results are mixed and there is a large interindividual variability within and across studies. Given that training-related performance changes would require modification, growth or differentiation at the cellular and synaptic level in the brain, research on critical moderators of brain plasticity potentially explaining such changes is needed. In the present study, a pre-post-follow-up design (N = 122) and a 3-weeks training of two response inhibition tasks (Go/NoGo and Stop-Signal) was employed and genetic variation (Val66Met) in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promoting differentiation and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity was examined. Because Serotonin (5-HT) signaling and the interplay of BDNF and 5-HT are known to critically mediate brain plasticity, genetic variation in the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) was also addressed. The overall results show that the kind of training (i.e., adaptive vs. non-adaptive) did not evoke genotype-dependent differences. However, in the Go/NoGo task, better inhibition performance (lower commission errors) were observed for BDNF Val/Val genotype carriers compared to Met-allele ones supporting similar findings from other cognitive tasks. Additionally, a gene-gene interaction suggests a more impulsive response pattern (faster responses accompanied by higher commission error rates) in homozygous l-allele carriers relative to those with the s-allele of 5-HTTLPR. This, however, is true only in the presence of the Met-allele of BDNF, while the Val/Val genotype seems to compensate for such non-adaptive responding. Intriguingly, similar results were obtained for the Stop-Signal task. Here, differences emerged at post-testing, while no differences were observed at T1. In sum, although no genotype-dependent differences between the relevant training groups emerged suggesting no changes in the trained inhibition function, the observed genotype-dependent performance changes from pre- to post measurement may reflect rapid learning or memory effects linked to BDNF and 5-HTTLPR. In line with ample evidence on BDNF and BDNF-5-HT system interactions to induce (rapid) plasticity especially in hippocampal regions and in response to environmental demands, the findings may reflect genotype-dependent differences in the acquisition and consolidation of task-relevant information, thereby facilitating a more adaptive responding to task-specific requirements.

Background According to international study results, physical therapists are afflicted with work-related musculoskeletal, psychosocial and dermal disorders as well as infections. The few existing studies in German-speaking regions focus mainly on dermal and psychosocial exposures and resulting complaints. An overview of all relevant work-related exposures and complaints of physical therapists is currently lacking. We sought to identify work-related exposures based on the subjective experiences and beliefs of physiotherapeutic representatives, in order to identify relevant work-related complaints and diseases. Likewise we aimed to compare the international evidence with the actual situation of physical therapists in Germany. Methods Two complementary qualitative approaches were used: 1) a focus group discussion with representatives of professional physiotherapy associations as well as health and safety stakeholders and 2) qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews incorporating currently employed physical therapists. The group discussion was conducted applying a moderation technique, and interviews were analyzed using the content analysis approach by Mayring. Results The focus group discussion with five participants and the 40 semi-structured interviews with physical therapists identified comparable results. The main exposures of physiotherapeutic work were considered to be musculoskeletal (e.g., awkward body postures during treatment, patient transfers, passive mobilization), psychosocial (e.g., statutory audit of prescriptions and the associated conflicts with doctors and health insurance providers) and partly dermal and infectious (e.g., wet work and risk of infection) factors. Diseases of the spine, wrist or finger joints, burnout syndrome and infections were mentioned as possible consequences. Conclusions The subjective data generated by both groups (focus group discussion and interviews) were comparable and consistent with the current state of research. The results provide new insight regarding work-related exposures and diseases of physical therapists working in Germany. These findings aided the design of a German-wide representative survey of practicing physical therapists.

Unspecific peroxygenases (UPO, EC 1.11.2.1) secreted by fungi open an efficient way to selectively oxyfunctionalize diverse organic substrates, including less-activated hydrocarbons, by transferring peroxide-borne oxygen. We investigated a cell-free approach to incorporate epoxy and hydroxyl functionalities directly into the bulky molecule testosterone by a novel unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) that is produced by the ascomycetous fungus Chaetomium globosum in a complex medium rich in carbon and nitrogen. Purification by fast protein liquid chromatography revealed two enzyme fractions with the same molecular mass (36 kDa) and with specific activity of 4.4 to 12 U mg−1. Although the well-known UPOs of Agrocybe aegerita (AaeUPO) and Marasmius rotula (MroUPO) failed to convert testosterone in a comparative study, the UPO of C. globosum (CglUPO) accepted testosterone as substrate and converted it with total turnover number (TTN) of up to 7000 into two oxygenated products: the 4,5-epoxide of testosterone in β-configuration and 16α-hydroxytestosterone. The reaction performed on a 100 mg scale resulted in the formation of about 90 % of the epoxide and 10 % of the hydroxylation product, both of which could be isolated with purities above 96 %. Thus, CglUPO is a promising biocatalyst for the oxyfunctionalization of bulky steroids and it will be a useful tool for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant steroidal molecules.

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a powerful approach to investigate the molecular ultrastructure of labeled cell compartments. However, quantitative CLEM studies are rare, mainly due to small sample sizes and the sensitivity of fluorescent proteins to strong fixatives and contrasting reagents for EM. Here, we show that fusion of a self-labeling protein to insulin allows for the quantification of age-distinct insulin granule pools in pancreatic beta cells by a combination of super resolution and transmission electron microscopy on Tokuyasu cryosections. In contrast to fluorescent proteins like GFP organic dyes covalently bound to self-labeling proteins retain their fluorescence also in epoxy resin following high pressure freezing and freeze substitution, or remarkably even after strong chemical fixation. This enables for the assessment of age-defined granule morphology and degradation. Finally, we demonstrate that this CLEM protocol is highly versatile, being suitable for single and dual fluorescent labeling and detection of different proteins with optimal ultrastructure preservation and contrast.

Downscaling of the contact length Lc of a side-contacted carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET) is challenging because of the rapidly increasing contact resistance as Lc falls below 20–50 nm. If in agreement with existing experimental results, theoretical work might answer the question, which metals yield the lowest CNT–metal contact resistance and what physical mechanisms govern the geometry dependence of the contact resistance. However, at the scale of 10 nm, parameter-free models of electron transport become computationally prohibitively expensive. In our work we used a dedicated combination of the Green function formalism and density functional theory to perform an overall ab initio simulation of extended CNT–metal contacts of an arbitrary length (including infinite), a previously not achievable level of simulations. We provide a systematic and comprehensive discussion of metal–CNT contact properties as a function of the metal type and the contact length. We have found and been able to explain very uncommon relations between chemical, physical and electrical properties observed in CNT–metal contacts. The calculated electrical characteristics are in reasonable quantitative agreement and exhibit similar trends as the latest experimental data in terms of: (i) contact resistance for Lc = ∞, (ii) scaling of contact resistance Rc(Lc); (iii) metal-defined polarity of a CNTFET. Our results can guide technology development and contact material selection for downscaling the length of side-contacts below 10 nm.

The crystal structure of a new bismuth-based light-absorbing material for the application in solar cells was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction for the first time. (CH3NH3)3(Bi2I9) (MBI) is a promising alternative to recently rapidly progressing hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites due to the higher tolerance against water and low toxicity. Single crystal X-ray diffraction provides detailed structural information as an essential prerequisite to gain a fundamental understanding of structure property relationships, while powder diffraction studies demonstrate a high degree of crystallinity in thin films.

A new approach for the fine tuning of flexibility in MOFs, involving functionalization of the secondary building unit, is presented. The "gate pressure" MOF [Zn3(bpydc)2(HCOO)2] was used as a model material and SBU functionalization was performed by using monocarboxylic acids such as acetic, benzoic or cinnamic acids instead of formic acid in the synthesis. The resulting materials are isomorphous to [Zn3(bpydc)2(HCOO)2] in the "as made" form, but show different structural dynamics during the guest removal. The activated materials have entirely different properties in the nitrogen physisorption experiments clearly showing the tunability of the gate pressure, at which the structural transformation occurs, by using monocarboxylic acids with varying backbone structure in the synthesis. Thus, increasing the number of carbon atoms in the backbone leads to the decreasing gate pressure required to initiate the structural transition. Moreover, in situ adsorption/PXRD data suggest differences in the mechanism of the structural transformations: from "gate opening" in the case of formic acid to "breathing" if benzoic acid is used.

We present the synthesis and structural characterization of novel ruthenium complexes containing C^C* cyclometalated N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, η6-arene (p-cymene) ligands and one bridging chlorine ion. Complexes of the general formula [Ru(p-cymene)(C^C*)Cl] were prepared via a one-pot synthesis using in situ transmetalation from the correspondent silver NHC complexes. These complexes react with sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaBArF4) to form dinuclear complexes of the general structure [Ru(p-cymene)(C^C*)-μ-Cl-(p-cymene)(C^C*)Ru]+[BArF4]−. Solid-state structures confirm that the pseudo-tetrahedral coordination around the metal center with the η6-ligand aligned perpendicularly to the C^C* ligand and the i-Pr group “atop” is retained in the bimetallic complexes.

Background Critical illness myopathy (CIM) and polyneuropathy (CIP) are a common complication of critical illness. Both cause intensive-care-unit-acquired (ICU-acquired) muscle weakness (ICUAW) which increases morbidity and delays rehabilitation and recovery of activities of daily living such as walking ability. Focused physical rehabilitation of people with ICUAW is, therefore, of great importance at both an individual and a societal level. A recent systematic Cochrane review found no randomised controlled trials (RCT), and thus no supporting evidence, for physical rehabilitation interventions for people with defined CIP and CIM to improve activities of daily living. Therefore, the aim of our study is to compare the effects of an additional physiotherapy programme with systematically augmented levels of mobilisation with additional in-bed cycling (as the parallel group) on walking and other activities of daily living.

Thesis "Transformation of military periodicals since 1989 (for example Obrany lidu and other titles of Naše Vojsko)" discusses the armed services press after 1945, and captures his transformation, inter alia, to reflect changes in the overall social situation during the next decade. The method of work is a historical analysis. This thesis is primarily focused and deals with the establishment of periodicals and the way of state institutions controlling, especially the Ministry of National Defence and the Chief political administration. The aim is to create an overview of army press and, by selected periodicals, to monitor changes occurring during their existence. Attention is also devoted to economic production company - Naše Vojsko (Magnet-Press). This thesis also reflects the transformation of army press which came after the events of November 1989 and which brought a massive reduction in army press. The text is given more attention to newspapers and magazines, the development of more reflective of social change in our country such as in Obrana lidu, Lidová armáda or Československý voják, more narrowly focused than the professional military journals. This thesis uses in addition information from various newspapers and magazines, archival materials from the National Library in Prague,...