Publications by authors named "Marc Herrmann"

In this exploratory study, the potential of large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT to support pre-service primary education mathematics teachers in constructing mathematical proofs in geometry is investigated. Utilizing the theoretical framework of instrumental genesis, the prior experiences of students with LLMs, their beliefs about the operating principle and their interactions with the chatbot are analyzed. Using qualitative content analysis, inductive categories for these aspects are formed.

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The use of procedures for the automated scoring of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) fragments has recently increased. Corresponding software does not only automatically score the presence or absence of AFLP fragments, but also allows an evaluation of how different settings of scoring parameters influence subsequent population genetic analyses. In this study, we used the automated scoring package rawgeno to evaluate how five scoring parameters influence the number of polymorphic bins and estimates of pairwise genetic differentiation between populations (F(st)).

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For both research and diagnostic purposes, the ability to detect low levels of proteins in a cost- and time-effective manner is essential. In this study, the cytokine TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), a widely used protein indicator of inflammatory response, was chosen to demonstrate the ability of the dual-network microfluidic ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) platform developed by the authors to rapidly quantify low concentrations of this biomarker in serum. Through the optimization of several experimental parameters, the system was shown to meet the requirements for fundamental and applied studies, while also being relevant for challenging clinical applications such as the diagnosis of septic patients.

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Achieving efficient passivation of micro-channels against non-specific adsorption of biomolecules is a critical aspect in the development of microfluidic ELISA systems. Usual surface treatments such as pre-coating of the channels with serum albumin, exposure to oxygen plasma, polyethylene glycol grafting however exhibit a lack of long-term stability, with procedures that can be time-consuming, complex or associated with costly materials and instruments. In this paper, we present a new fluidic design combined with an original strategy of manipulating magnetic beads in order to reduce assay noise in bead-based microfluidic ELISA without the need for prior channel pre-treatment.

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Background/aims: The molecular mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis remain largely unknown. Previous studies suggest that activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is important during hepatocyte transformation but the role of Frizzled receptor (FZD) in this process has not been defined. Here we investigate activation of this pathway by FZD using transgenic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) murine models.

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Background & Aims: The molecular pathogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is understood poorly. In some tumors, activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway as a result of beta-catenin gene mutations has been found. However, in many other HCCs, activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has been shown in the absence of such mutations.

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