http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/ Latest news from HELENA en http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/typo3conf/ext/tt_news/ext_icon.gif http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/ 18 16 Latest news from HELENA TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 02 May 2012 14:17:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16236/index.html Participation in the Orientation Days is mandatory for all HELENA graduate students (starting date after November 1, 2010)May 21-23, 2012 in the Auditorium, Building 23, and Seminar Rooms on the Neuherberg CampusAgenda [pdf file]The program of day 1 on May 21, 2012, will introduce you to the mission of the Helmholtz Zentrum München and its research programs as well as to core aspects of the Graduate School. An Interactive Introduction Round will give you time to get to know your fellow students. In the afternoon, there will be a city rallye in the center of Munich and a dinner.Days 2 and 3 on May 22-23, 2012 will focus entirely on the training of key competences. When you register for the Orientation Days you can choose between five different workshops in English. Important: You will participate in ONE workshop on day 2 and 3! Please select your favorite workshop and your second choice, in case your first selection is fully booked. Please register as soon as possible - first come, first serve! These workshops cover the following topics: 360 Degree Management - Building productive working relationships with those around you by Rob Thompson. Agenda...Understanding peer-reviewed publishing by Dr. Gunther Tress. Agenda...Successful Collaboration in International Teams by Monika Maria Thiel. Agenda...Dissertation as Project by Dr. Florian Wenzel. Agenda...Coping with the Challenges of a Doctoral Thesis by Dr. Bärbel Tress. Agenda... Registration Please let us know if you will participate or not by online registration (deadline May 11, 2012).You must be a member of HELENA to participate. If you are not a member yet, please fill out the membership application form and send it back to Gaby Hellmann, Graduate Student Office.

Participation in the Orientation Days is mandatory for all HELENA graduate students (starting date after November 1, 2010)May 21-23, 2012 in the Auditorium, Building 23, and Seminar Rooms on the Neuherberg CampusAgenda [pdf file]The program of day 1 on May 21, 2012, will introduce you to the mission of the Helmholtz Zentrum München and its research programs as well as to core aspects of the Graduate School. An Interactive Introduction Round will give you time to get to know your fellow students. In the afternoon, there will be a city rallye in the center of Munich and a dinner.Days 2 and 3 on May 22-23, 2012 will focus entirely on the training of key competences. When you register for the Orientation Days you can choose between five different workshops in English. Important: You will participate in ONE workshop on day 2 and 3! Please select your favorite workshop and your second choice, in case your first selection is fully booked. Please register as soon as possible - first come, first serve! These workshops cover the following topics: 360 Degree Management - Building productive working relationships with those around you by Rob Thompson. Agenda...Understanding peer-reviewed publishing by Dr. Gunther Tress. Agenda...Successful Collaboration in International Teams by Monika Maria Thiel. Agenda...Dissertation as Project by Dr. Florian Wenzel. Agenda...Coping with the Challenges of a Doctoral Thesis by Dr. Bärbel Tress. Agenda... Registration Please let us know if you will participate or not by online registration (deadline May 11, 2012).You must be a member of HELENA to participate. If you are not a member yet, please fill out the membership application form and send it back to Gaby Hellmann, Graduate Student Office.

• Participation in the Orientation Days is mandatory for all HELENA graduate students (starting date after November 1, 2010)
  
• May 21-23, 2012 in the Auditorium, Building 23, and Seminar Rooms on the Neuherberg Campus
• Agenda [pdf file]
• The program of day 1 on May 21, 2012, will introduce you to the mission of the Helmholtz Zentrum München and its research programs as well as to core aspects of the Graduate School. An Interactive Introduction Round will give you time to get to know your fellow students. In the afternoon, there will be a city rallye in the center of Munich and a dinner.
• Days 2 and 3 on May 22-23, 2012 will focus entirely on the training of key competences. When you register for the Orientation Days you can choose between five different workshops in English.
• Important: You will participate in ONE workshop on day 2 and 3!
• Please select your favorite workshop and your second choice, in case your first selection is fully booked. Please register as soon as possible - first come, first serve!

These workshops cover the following topics:

• 360 Degree Management - Building productive working relationships with those around you by Rob Thompson. Agenda...
• Understanding peer-reviewed publishing by Dr. Gunther Tress. Agenda...
• Successful Collaboration in International Teams by Monika Maria Thiel. Agenda...
• Dissertation as Project by Dr. Florian Wenzel. Agenda...
• Coping with the Challenges of a Doctoral Thesis by Dr. Bärbel Tress. Agenda...

Registration

• Please let us know if you will participate or not by online registration (deadline May 11, 2012).
• You must be a member of HELENA to participate. If you are not a member yet, please fill out the membership application form and send it back to Gaby Hellmann, Graduate Student Office.

]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 14:17:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16308/index.html This introduction to mass spectrometry based proteomics gives users of core facility proteomics a deeper understanding of proteomics in general. An important goal is to gain insight into how to handle and evaluate data from proteomics experiments. This includes data management, evaluation of MS/MS spectra and statistical significance, putting the data into biological context and formatting the results for publication. Lectures: Introduction to MS based Proteomics (Ionization, MS Instruments, Sample Preparation)Quality control of protein identification: MS/MS- Fragmentation, Strategies for determining confidence scores for protein identification, false discovery rates (FDRs) and decoy strategiesFrom protein lists to functional network analysis (How to search your proteins of interest against protein and protein network databases)Optional: Proteomics Data Standards and how to publish your proteomics data Practicals: Site Visit: Instrumentation (Q-Trap 4000, Orbitrap XL) with application examplesAnalyzing peptide digests on a LC-MS instrument (and a MALDI-TOF/TOF instrument (falls sie noch in Betrieb ist ;-)) and analyzing the samples with different search engines against different DBs, +/- post translational modifications How to access information from LC-MS/MS raw-data: Quality control of LC performance, MS and MS/MS parameter with Xcalibur, RawMeat. How to access information from a Scaffold result file:Interpretation and validation of MS/MS spectra: Users will adopt their knowledge of the morning lecture in order to evaluate several MS/MS spectraProtein Data interpretation and data mining (Mascot Scores, Protein and Peptide FDRs, GO Terms, Blast..) Further information and registration: More...

This introduction to mass spectrometry based proteomics gives users of core facility proteomics a deeper understanding of proteomics in general. An important goal is to gain insight into how to handle and evaluate data from proteomics experiments. This includes data management, evaluation of MS/MS spectra and statistical significance, putting the data into biological context and formatting the results for publication. Lectures: Introduction to MS based Proteomics (Ionization, MS Instruments, Sample Preparation)Quality control of protein identification: MS/MS- Fragmentation, Strategies for determining confidence scores for protein identification, false discovery rates (FDRs) and decoy strategiesFrom protein lists to functional network analysis (How to search your proteins of interest against protein and protein network databases)Optional: Proteomics Data Standards and how to publish your proteomics data Practicals: Site Visit: Instrumentation (Q-Trap 4000, Orbitrap XL) with application examplesAnalyzing peptide digests on a LC-MS instrument (and a MALDI-TOF/TOF instrument (falls sie noch in Betrieb ist ;-)) and analyzing the samples with different search engines against different DBs, +/- post translational modifications How to access information from LC-MS/MS raw-data: Quality control of LC performance, MS and MS/MS parameter with Xcalibur, RawMeat. How to access information from a Scaffold result file:Interpretation and validation of MS/MS spectra: Users will adopt their knowledge of the morning lecture in order to evaluate several MS/MS spectraProtein Data interpretation and data mining (Mascot Scores, Protein and Peptide FDRs, GO Terms, Blast..) Further information and registration: More... This introduction to mass spectrometry based proteomics gives users of core facility proteomics a deeper understanding of proteomics in general. An important goal is to gain insight into how to handle and evaluate data from proteomics experiments. This includes data management, evaluation of MS/MS spectra and statistical significance, putting the data into biological context and formatting the results for publication.
 
Lectures:

• Introduction to MS based Proteomics (Ionization, MS Instruments, Sample Preparation)
• Quality control of protein identification: MS/MS- Fragmentation, Strategies for determining confidence scores for protein identification, false discovery rates (FDRs) and decoy strategies
• From protein lists to functional network analysis (How to search your proteins of interest against protein and protein network databases)
• Optional: Proteomics Data Standards and how to publish your proteomics data

Practicals:

• Site Visit: Instrumentation (Q-Trap 4000, Orbitrap XL) with application examples
• Analyzing peptide digests on a LC-MS instrument (and a MALDI-TOF/TOF instrument (falls sie noch in Betrieb ist ;-)) and analyzing the samples with different search engines against different DBs, +/- post translational modifications
• How to access information from LC-MS/MS raw-data: Quality control of LC performance, MS and MS/MS parameter with Xcalibur, RawMeat.
• How to access information from a Scaffold result file:
  • Interpretation and validation of MS/MS spectra: Users will adopt their knowledge of the morning lecture in order to evaluate several MS/MS spectra
  • Protein Data interpretation and data mining (Mascot Scores, Protein and Peptide FDRs, GO Terms, Blast..)

Further information and registration: More... ]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:48:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16307/index.html The general aim of this course is to achieve a higher level of understanding in core proteomics procedures concerning protein identification strategies with a main focus on methods for quantitation. After completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to plan quantitative proteomics experiments based on their project goals. Factors to consider include possible quantitative strategies, optimized workflows including sample preparation and number of replicates. Prerequisite for participation in the course is the attendance of the first course “Mass spectrometry in protein analytics”. Schedule Lectures (first and second morning): Introduction to quantitative proteomics strategies (SILAC, ICPL, Label-Free, SRM,) Targeted quantitative proteomics: Building an SRM essay for absolute quantification (AQUA peptides)Quantitative proteomic analyses of protein complexes and protein interaction networksApplication of quantitative proteomics to functional analysis of diseasesStatistics of quantitative proteomics data: Significance testing (e.g. Perseus) – internal standards, distribution curves, t-tests, Anova, cluster analysis (optional). Practicals: Complete Workflow for building an SRM Assay:Running and analyzing LC-MS/MS runs of differentially expressed protein samples (e.g. Label-free, ICPL); Identification of differentially regulated proteins (first day) Selection of suitable peptide candidates and corresponding transitions with different software programsOptimization of instrument settings for selected peptide transitions (second day)Quantitative analysis of established SRM assay (third day) Alternatives: Quantitative Label-Free or ICPL analysis (e.g. with sample preparation like 1D gel)Phosphoproteomics with different fragmentation techniques and sample preparation (TiO2, IMAC, comparison 1 and 2 dim. enrichment strategies) with cartridge based columns Further information ans registration: More...

The general aim of this course is to achieve a higher level of understanding in core proteomics procedures concerning protein identification strategies with a main focus on methods for quantitation. After completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to plan quantitative proteomics experiments based on their project goals. Factors to consider include possible quantitative strategies, optimized workflows including sample preparation and number of replicates. Prerequisite for participation in the course is the attendance of the first course “Mass spectrometry in protein analytics”. Schedule Lectures (first and second morning): Introduction to quantitative proteomics strategies (SILAC, ICPL, Label-Free, SRM,) Targeted quantitative proteomics: Building an SRM essay for absolute quantification (AQUA peptides)Quantitative proteomic analyses of protein complexes and protein interaction networksApplication of quantitative proteomics to functional analysis of diseasesStatistics of quantitative proteomics data: Significance testing (e.g. Perseus) – internal standards, distribution curves, t-tests, Anova, cluster analysis (optional). Practicals: Complete Workflow for building an SRM Assay:Running and analyzing LC-MS/MS runs of differentially expressed protein samples (e.g. Label-free, ICPL); Identification of differentially regulated proteins (first day) Selection of suitable peptide candidates and corresponding transitions with different software programsOptimization of instrument settings for selected peptide transitions (second day)Quantitative analysis of established SRM assay (third day) Alternatives: Quantitative Label-Free or ICPL analysis (e.g. with sample preparation like 1D gel)Phosphoproteomics with different fragmentation techniques and sample preparation (TiO2, IMAC, comparison 1 and 2 dim. enrichment strategies) with cartridge based columns Further information ans registration: More... The general aim of this course is to achieve a higher level of understanding in core proteomics procedures concerning protein identification strategies with a main focus on methods for quantitation. After completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to plan quantitative proteomics experiments based on their project goals. Factors to consider include possible quantitative strategies, optimized workflows including sample preparation and number of replicates. Prerequisite for participation in the course is the attendance of the first course “Mass spectrometry in protein analytics”. Schedule

Lectures (first and second morning):

• Introduction to quantitative proteomics strategies (SILAC, ICPL, Label-Free, SRM,)

• Targeted quantitative proteomics: Building an SRM essay for absolute quantification (AQUA peptides)
• Quantitative proteomic analyses of protein complexes and protein interaction networks
• Application of quantitative proteomics to functional analysis of diseases
• Statistics of quantitative proteomics data: Significance testing (e.g. Perseus) – internal standards, distribution curves, t-tests, Anova, cluster analysis (optional).

Practicals:

• Complete Workflow for building an SRM Assay:
  • Running and analyzing LC-MS/MS runs of differentially expressed protein samples (e.g. Label-free, ICPL);  
  • Identification of differentially regulated proteins (first day)
  • Selection of suitable peptide candidates and corresponding transitions with different software programs
  • Optimization of instrument settings for selected peptide transitions (second day)
  • Quantitative analysis of established SRM assay (third day)

• Alternatives:
  • Quantitative Label-Free or ICPL analysis (e.g. with sample preparation like 1D gel)
  • Phosphoproteomics with different fragmentation techniques and sample preparation (TiO2, IMAC, comparison 1 and 2 dim. enrichment strategies) with cartridge based columns

Further information ans registration: More... ]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:33:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16250/index.html The EURADOS School on retrospective dosimetry is intended for scientists who are new in the field and those who want to deepen and widen their knowledge. It will give general and practical information on different physical and biological assays for dose assessment. The main focus will be on the performance of the dosimetric assays after unclear or assumed human exposure to ionizing radiation. The school will be composed of lectures, tutorials and mainly of prac-tical exercises given by experts in the field. Topics to be covered: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and luminescence (OSL/TL) of teeth and objects carried on or close the body Identification of radiogenic EPR/OSL/TL signals and reconstruction of absorbed dose Introduction into automated dicentric, CMBN and γH2AX Assay Steps needed to go from an aberration yield to a dose estimation (incl. control group, calibration curve) Further information, fees and registration: Flyer | registration form

The EURADOS School on retrospective dosimetry is intended for scientists who are new in the field and those who want to deepen and widen their knowledge. It will give general and practical information on different physical and biological assays for dose assessment. The main focus will be on the performance of the dosimetric assays after unclear or assumed human exposure to ionizing radiation. The school will be composed of lectures, tutorials and mainly of prac-tical exercises given by experts in the field. Topics to be covered: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and luminescence (OSL/TL) of teeth and objects carried on or close the body Identification of radiogenic EPR/OSL/TL signals and reconstruction of absorbed dose Introduction into automated dicentric, CMBN and γH2AX Assay Steps needed to go from an aberration yield to a dose estimation (incl. control group, calibration curve) Further information, fees and registration: Flyer | registration form The EURADOS School on retrospective dosimetry is intended for scientists who are new in the field and those who want to deepen and widen their knowledge. It will give general and practical information on different physical and biological assays for dose assessment. The main focus will be on the performance of the dosimetric assays after unclear or assumed human exposure to ionizing radiation. The school will be composed of lectures, tutorials and mainly of prac-tical exercises given by experts in the field.   Topics to be covered:  

• Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and luminescence (OSL/TL) of teeth and objects carried on or close the body  
• Identification of radiogenic EPR/OSL/TL signals and reconstruction of absorbed dose  
• Introduction into automated dicentric, CMBN and γH2AX Assay  
• Steps needed to go from an aberration yield to a dose estimation (incl. control group, calibration curve)   

Further information, fees and registration: Flyer | registration form ]]> Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:11:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16207/index.html The thematic field "ecosystems biology" offers a retreat for HELENA graduate students (block course / 2 half days). Content: Lectures of members oft the Department Environmental Sciences and of guest speakers [read more]Keynote speaker: Prof. F. Beese (former head of soil ecology at HMGU)Location: ScheyernDate: July 9 (10 am) - July 10 (2 pm)Accomodation in Scheyern is possible. Further highlights: Visit of the Scheyern Research Platform and of the Monastery; barbecue at the evening of July 9 Please infors Ms. Dunja Arukayadas as soon as possible if you will take part and if you need an accomodation in Scheyern.
Research Platform Scheyern
The thematic field "ecosystems biology" offers a retreat for HELENA graduate students (block course / 2 half days). Content: Lectures of members oft the Department Environmental Sciences and of guest speakers [read more]Keynote speaker: Prof. F. Beese (former head of soil ecology at HMGU)Location: ScheyernDate: July 9 (10 am) - July 10 (2 pm)Accomodation in Scheyern is possible. Further highlights: Visit of the Scheyern Research Platform and of the Monastery; barbecue at the evening of July 9 Please infors Ms. Dunja Arukayadas as soon as possible if you will take part and if you need an accomodation in Scheyern. The thematic field "ecosystems biology" offers a retreat for HELENA graduate students (block course / 2 half days).

• Content: Lectures of members oft the Department Environmental Sciences and of guest speakers [read more]
• Keynote speaker: Prof. F. Beese (former head of soil ecology at HMGU)
• Location: Scheyern
• Date: July 9 (10 am) - July 10 (2 pm)
• Accomodation in Scheyern is possible.
• Further highlights: Visit of the Scheyern Research Platform and of the Monastery; barbecue at the evening of July 9

Please infors Ms. Dunja Arukayadas as soon as possible if you will take part and if you need an accomodation in Scheyern. ]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:39:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16172/index.html HELENA invites you to a 2-day workshop on intellectual property rights organized by the European Patent Academy (training department of the European Patent Office) on May 9-10, 2012 in Munich. Please find a draft version of the program here. The final one will follow in due time. This IPR workshop intends to make doctoral students of the Helmholtz centers familiar with intellectual property and technology transfer issues and to encourage exchanges between them and IP experts (patent examiners, patent attorneys, technology transfer officers).VenueEuropean Patent OfficeIsar Building Room 103Erhardtstr. 2780469 MunichRegistration If you wish to attend the workshop, please send a short e-mail to: camille.courger@helmholtz-muenchen.de by April, 4.30 places are available and the registration is free of charge.

HELENA invites you to a 2-day workshop on intellectual property rights organized by the European Patent Academy (training department of the European Patent Office) on May 9-10, 2012 in Munich. Please find a draft version of the program here. The final one will follow in due time. This IPR workshop intends to make doctoral students of the Helmholtz centers familiar with intellectual property and technology transfer issues and to encourage exchanges between them and IP experts (patent examiners, patent attorneys, technology transfer officers).VenueEuropean Patent OfficeIsar Building Room 103Erhardtstr. 2780469 MunichRegistration If you wish to attend the workshop, please send a short e-mail to: camille.courger@helmholtz-muenchen.de by April, 4.30 places are available and the registration is free of charge. HELENA invites you to a 2-day workshop on intellectual property rights organized by the European Patent Academy (training department of the European Patent Office) on May 9-10, 2012 in Munich. Please find a draft version of the program here. The final one will follow in due time. This IPR workshop intends to make doctoral students of the Helmholtz centers familiar with intellectual property and technology transfer issues and to encourage exchanges between them and IP experts (patent examiners, patent attorneys, technology transfer officers).

Venue

European Patent Office
Isar Building Room 103
Erhardtstr. 27
80469 Munich

Registration

• If you wish to attend the workshop, please send a short e-mail to: camille.courger@helmholtz-muenchen.de by  April, 4.
• 30 places are available and the registration is free of charge.

]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:33:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16170/index.html HELENA invites all members to join the Graduate Student Meeting Diabetes. The objective is to bring together young scientists from diverse fields with a common interest in Diabetes Research, sharing ideas and changing one's own point of view on different issues. This should take place in a relaxed and informal environment. There could be various subjects: Forum: Discussion about Diabetes relevant topics like certain methods used during one`s graduate student project.Profiles: Graduate students have the chance to find out more about the research of colleagues and make use of each other's knowledge.Useful links: Access to sources which can help graduate students at their own research.Downloads: Relevant materials can be downloaded.Communication: Opportunity to talk with representatives from today's diabetes research. Further information and contact: Daniel Gradinger

HELENA invites all members to join the Graduate Student Meeting Diabetes. The objective is to bring together young scientists from diverse fields with a common interest in Diabetes Research, sharing ideas and changing one's own point of view on different issues. This should take place in a relaxed and informal environment. There could be various subjects: Forum: Discussion about Diabetes relevant topics like certain methods used during one`s graduate student project.Profiles: Graduate students have the chance to find out more about the research of colleagues and make use of each other's knowledge.Useful links: Access to sources which can help graduate students at their own research.Downloads: Relevant materials can be downloaded.Communication: Opportunity to talk with representatives from today's diabetes research. Further information and contact: Daniel Gradinger HELENA invites all members to join the Graduate Student Meeting Diabetes. The objective is to bring together young scientists from diverse fields with a common interest in Diabetes Research, sharing ideas and changing one's own point of view on different issues. This should take place in a relaxed and informal environment. There could be various subjects:

• Forum: Discussion about Diabetes relevant topics like certain methods used during one`s graduate student project.
• Profiles: Graduate students have the chance to find out more about the research of colleagues and make use of each other's knowledge.
• Useful links: Access to sources which can help graduate students at their own research.
• Downloads: Relevant materials can be downloaded.
• Communication: Opportunity to talk with representatives from today's diabetes research.

Further information and contact: Daniel Gradinger]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:55:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16168/index.html HELENA promotes the internationalization of graduate students via lab exchanges or conferences. Barbara Berschneider, graduate student at the Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), has now won the poster price at the „Advancing in IPF Research” Symposium 2012. Barbara Berschneider, graduate student in the CPC junior research group „Lung epithelial cell plasticity“ under supervision of Melanie Königshoff, was invited to participate in the AIR (“Advancing in IPF Research”) Symposium 2012 organized by InterMune Germany on March 2-3, 2012 in Hamburg. At the conference, German lung experts discussed current topics and new guidelines in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Within this framework Barbara had the chance to present a poster on her research project “Regulation of WISP1 by microRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis” and received a poster prize awarded by the AIR scientific committee for her outstanding work. Further information Conference homepage: http://www.air-ipf.de/

HELENA promotes the internationalization of graduate students via lab exchanges or conferences. Barbara Berschneider, graduate student at the Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), has now won the poster price at the „Advancing in IPF Research” Symposium 2012. Barbara Berschneider, graduate student in the CPC junior research group „Lung epithelial cell plasticity“ under supervision of Melanie Königshoff, was invited to participate in the AIR (“Advancing in IPF Research”) Symposium 2012 organized by InterMune Germany on March 2-3, 2012 in Hamburg. At the conference, German lung experts discussed current topics and new guidelines in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Within this framework Barbara had the chance to present a poster on her research project “Regulation of WISP1 by microRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis” and received a poster prize awarded by the AIR scientific committee for her outstanding work. Further information Conference homepage: http://www.air-ipf.de/ HELENA promotes the internationalization of graduate students via lab exchanges or conferences. Barbara Berschneider, graduate student at the Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), has now won the poster price at the „Advancing in IPF Research” Symposium 2012. Barbara Berschneider, graduate student in the CPC junior research group „Lung epithelial cell plasticity“ under supervision of Melanie Königshoff, was invited to participate in the AIR (“Advancing in IPF Research”) Symposium 2012 organized by InterMune Germany on March 2-3, 2012 in Hamburg. At the conference, German lung experts discussed current topics and new guidelines in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Within this framework Barbara had the chance to present a poster on her research project “Regulation of WISP1 by microRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis” and received a poster prize awarded by the AIR scientific committee for her outstanding work.  Further information Conference homepage: http://www.air-ipf.de/ ]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:47:00 +0200 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/education/lectures-seminars-courses/systems-biology-imaging-structural-biology/reading-and-discussion-course-on-statistical-learning-and-data-mining/index.html Contents: Probability and Entropy, Inference, Clustering, Model Comparison, Monte Carlo Methods, Independent Component Analysis and Latent Variable Modelling, Neural networks, Learning as Inference, Supervised Learning in Multilayer Networks, Gaussian Processes

Contents: Probability and Entropy, Inference, Clustering, Model Comparison, Monte Carlo Methods, Independent Component Analysis and Latent Variable Modelling, Neural networks, Learning as Inference, Supervised Learning in Multilayer Networks, Gaussian Processes ]]> Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:54:00 +0100 http://www.helmholtz-helena.de/helena/news/overview/news-detail/article/16111/index.html Through intensive mentoring and guidance by a personal thesis committee, graduate students can concentrate on their scientific project and conclude the dissertation quickly on a high scientific level. Ilona Keller, graduate student at the “Proteasome Function in Lung Disease” group, Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) / Institute for Lung Biology and Disease, relates her experience with the thesis committee. Ms. Keller, how did you become aware of HELENA and of the CPC? I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular Medicine at the University of Ulm. Towards the end of my studies I searched on the Internet for open graduate student positions and found the offer of the Comprehensive Pneumology Center. What is the topic of your dissertation? I’m a graduate student in the research group of Silke Meiners and am studying the role of immunoproteasomes (IP) in chronic lung diseases such as COPD. Proteasomes are found in every cell of the body and degrade more than 90% of cellular proteins. The resulting peptides are used for antigen presentation. The IP, however, represents a special form: Normally, it is only expressed in antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, but it can be induced in almost every cell by interferon-gamma. It produces a different repertoire of peptides than the constitutive proteasome and does so with higher efficiency. Thus, after a viral infection, pathogenic foreign proteins can be presented swiftly to the immune system by the infected cell. Furthermore, IPs are able to degrade oxidatively modified proteins faster than constitutive proteasomes. In this context, I’m particularly interested in whether cigarette smoke, known as the main trigger of COPD and a source of oxidative stress in the lung, influences the expression of IPs. For this we have the possibility to treat wild-type or knockout mice with cigarette smoke, to study the impact on the expression of IP and finally to investigate antigen presentation. How did you choose the members of your thesis committee? My supervisor suggested them. The two other advisers are also at Helmholtz Zentrum München, which makes for easier communication and short distances. How did you experience your first meeting with your thesis committee? I collected my data, composed a short introduction to the topic and gave a talk in front of my lab group to prepare. The thesis committee meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere. My results were discussed and evaluated, and it was a good experience for me to exchange views with other scientists who have an objective outside perspective of the dissertation. If you only discuss your results with the same people all the time you may run the risk of getting entangled in certain points of view or even of getting stuck. That’s why it was good to get new input from the outside, but also to have the basic tenets confirmed. How would you rate the value of the thesis committee for your dissertation? The thesis committee meeting is a good opportunity to take interim stock of the results of the dissertation and to have them reviewed by other scientists. This can provide new impulses for the dissertation and help set new emphases about which direction to take. Of course, the preparation of these meetings is associated with a certain amount of time and effort, but I think it is worthwhile to invest this time. Ms. Keller, thank you very much for the interview!
Ilona Keller, graduate student at the “Proteasome Function in Lung Disease” group
Through intensive mentoring and guidance by a personal thesis committee, graduate students can concentrate on their scientific project and conclude the dissertation quickly on a high scientific level. Ilona Keller, graduate student at the “Proteasome Function in Lung Disease” group, Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) / Institute for Lung Biology and Disease, relates her experience with the thesis committee. Ms. Keller, how did you become aware of HELENA and of the CPC? I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular Medicine at the University of Ulm. Towards the end of my studies I searched on the Internet for open graduate student positions and found the offer of the Comprehensive Pneumology Center. What is the topic of your dissertation? I’m a graduate student in the research group of Silke Meiners and am studying the role of immunoproteasomes (IP) in chronic lung diseases such as COPD. Proteasomes are found in every cell of the body and degrade more than 90% of cellular proteins. The resulting peptides are used for antigen presentation. The IP, however, represents a special form: Normally, it is only expressed in antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, but it can be induced in almost every cell by interferon-gamma. It produces a different repertoire of peptides than the constitutive proteasome and does so with higher efficiency. Thus, after a viral infection, pathogenic foreign proteins can be presented swiftly to the immune system by the infected cell. Furthermore, IPs are able to degrade oxidatively modified proteins faster than constitutive proteasomes. In this context, I’m particularly interested in whether cigarette smoke, known as the main trigger of COPD and a source of oxidative stress in the lung, influences the expression of IPs. For this we have the possibility to treat wild-type or knockout mice with cigarette smoke, to study the impact on the expression of IP and finally to investigate antigen presentation. How did you choose the members of your thesis committee? My supervisor suggested them. The two other advisers are also at Helmholtz Zentrum München, which makes for easier communication and short distances. How did you experience your first meeting with your thesis committee? I collected my data, composed a short introduction to the topic and gave a talk in front of my lab group to prepare. The thesis committee meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere. My results were discussed and evaluated, and it was a good experience for me to exchange views with other scientists who have an objective outside perspective of the dissertation. If you only discuss your results with the same people all the time you may run the risk of getting entangled in certain points of view or even of getting stuck. That’s why it was good to get new input from the outside, but also to have the basic tenets confirmed. How would you rate the value of the thesis committee for your dissertation? The thesis committee meeting is a good opportunity to take interim stock of the results of the dissertation and to have them reviewed by other scientists. This can provide new impulses for the dissertation and help set new emphases about which direction to take. Of course, the preparation of these meetings is associated with a certain amount of time and effort, but I think it is worthwhile to invest this time. Ms. Keller, thank you very much for the interview! Through intensive mentoring and guidance by a personal thesis committee, graduate students can concentrate on their scientific project and conclude the dissertation quickly on a high scientific level. Ilona Keller, graduate student at the “Proteasome Function in Lung Disease” group, Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) / Institute for Lung Biology and Disease, relates her experience with the thesis committee. Ms. Keller, how did you become aware of HELENA and of the CPC? I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular Medicine at the University of Ulm. Towards the end of my studies I searched on the Internet for open graduate student positions and found the offer of the Comprehensive Pneumology Center. What is the topic of your dissertation? I’m a graduate student in the research group of Silke Meiners and am studying the role of immunoproteasomes (IP) in chronic lung diseases such as COPD. Proteasomes are found in every cell of the body and degrade more than 90% of cellular proteins. The resulting peptides are used for antigen presentation. The IP, however, represents a special form: Normally, it is only expressed in antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, but it can be induced in almost every cell by interferon-gamma. It produces a different repertoire of peptides than the constitutive proteasome and does so with higher efficiency. Thus, after a viral infection, pathogenic foreign proteins can be presented swiftly to the immune system by the infected cell. Furthermore, IPs are able to degrade oxidatively modified proteins faster than constitutive proteasomes. In this context, I’m particularly interested in whether cigarette smoke, known as the main trigger of COPD and a source of oxidative stress in the lung, influences the expression of IPs. For this we have the possibility to treat wild-type or knockout mice with cigarette smoke, to study the impact on the expression of IP and finally to investigate antigen presentation. How did you choose the members of your thesis committee? My supervisor suggested them. The two other advisers are also at Helmholtz Zentrum München, which makes for easier communication and short distances. How did you experience your first meeting with your thesis committee? I collected my data, composed a short introduction to the topic and gave a talk in front of my lab group to prepare. The thesis committee meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere. My results were discussed and evaluated, and it was a good experience for me to exchange views with other scientists who have an objective outside perspective of the dissertation. If you only discuss your results with the same people all the time you may run the risk of getting entangled in certain points of view or even of getting stuck. That’s why it was good to get new input from the outside, but also to have the basic tenets confirmed. How would you rate the value of the thesis committee for your dissertation? The thesis committee meeting is a good opportunity to take interim stock of the results of the dissertation and to have them reviewed by other scientists. This can provide new impulses for the dissertation and help set new emphases about which direction to take. Of course, the preparation of these meetings is associated with a certain amount of time and effort, but I think it is worthwhile to invest this time. Ms. Keller, thank you very much for the interview! ]]> Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:29:00 +0100