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Michael Meyer-Hermann

Publications and source records attributed to Michael Meyer-Hermann.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Kinetic and Dynamic Delaunay tetrahedralizations in three dimensions

We describe the implementation of algorithms to construct and maintain three-dimensional dynamic Delaunay triangulations with kinetic vertices using a three-simplex data structure. The code is capable of constructing the geometric dual, the Voronoi or Dirichlet tessellation. Initially, a given list of points is triangulated. Time evolution of the triangulation is not only governed by kinetic vertices but also by a changing number of vertices. We use three-dimensional simplex flip algorithms, a stochastic visibility walk algorithm for point location and in addition, we propose a new simple method of deleting vertices from an existing three-dimensional Delaunay triangulation while maintaining the Delaunay property. The dual Dirichlet tessellation can be used to solve differential equations on an irregular grid, to define partitions in cell tissue simulations, for collision detection etc.

physics.bio-ph↗

The relation of morphology and affinity maturation in germinal centers

The specific morphology of germinal centers is analyzed in the context of the optimization of the humoral immune response. The relevance of dark and light zones for the affinity maturation process is investigated in the framework of a theoretical model for the germinal center reaction. Especially, it is shown that an intermediate appearance of dark zones in germinal center reactions is advantageous for the process of antibody optimization. Methodological aspects are discussed.

physics.bio-ph↗

Presynaptic calcium dynamics of learning neurons

We present a new model for the dynamics of the presynaptic intracellular calcium concentration in neurons evoked by various stimulation protocols. The aim of the model is twofold: We want to discuss the calcium transients during and after specific stimulation protocols as they are used to induce long-term-depression and long-term-potentiation. In addition we would like to provide a general tool which allows the comparison of different calcium experiments. This may help to draw conclusions on a wider base in future.

physics.bio-ph↗

The type of seeder cells determines the efficiency of germinal center reactions

We discuss the origin of two classes of germinal centers that have been observed during humoral immune responses: Some germinal centers develop very well and give rise to a large number of high affinity antibody producing plasma cells. Other germinal center reaction are very weak and the output production is practically absent. We propose an explanation for this nearly all-or-none behavior of germinal center reactions: The affinity of the seeder B-cells to the antigen is the critical parameter that determines the fate of the germinal center reaction. This hypothesis is verified in the framework of a space-time simulation of germinal center reactions.

physics.bio-ph↗

A possible role of chemotaxis in germinal center formation

During the germinal center reaction a characteristic morphology is developed. In the framework of a recently developed space-time-model for the germinal center a mechanism for the formation of dark and light zones has been proposed. The mechanism is based on a diffusing differentiation signal which is secerned by follicular dendritic cells. Here, we investigate a possible influence of recently found chemokines for the germinal center formation in the framework of a single-cell-based stochastic and discrete three-dimensional model. We will also consider alternative possible chemotactic pathways that may play a role for the development of both zones. Our results suggest that the centrocyte motility resulting from a follicular dendritic cell-derived chemokine has to exceed a lower limit to allow the separation of centroblasts and centrocytes. In contrast to light microscopy the dark zone is ring shaped. This suggests that FDC-derived chemoattractants alone cannot explain the typical germinal center morphology.

physics.bio-ph↗

A mathematical model for the germinal center morphology and affinity maturation

During germinal center reactions the appearance of two specific zones is observed: the dark and the light zone. Up to now, the origin and function of these zones are poorly understood. In the framework of a stochastic and discrete model several possible pathways of zone development during germinal center reactions are investigated. The importance of the zones in the germinal center for affinity maturation, i.e. the process of antibody optimization is discussed.

physics.bio-ph↗

Does Recycling in Germinal Centers Exist?

A general criterion is formulated in order to decide if recycling of B-cells exists in GC reactions. The criterion is independent of the selection and affinity maturation process and based solely on total centroblast population arguments. An experimental test is proposed to verify whether the criterion is fulfilled.

physics.bio-ph↗

Recycling probability and dynamical properties of germinal center reactions

We introduce a new model for the dynamics of centroblasts and centrocytes in a germinal center. The model reduces the germinal center reaction to the elements considered as essential and embeds proliferation of centroblasts, point mutations of the corresponding antibody types represented in a shape space, differentiation to centrocytes, selection with respect to initial antigens, differentiation of positively selected centrocytes to plasma or memory cells and recycling of centrocytes to centroblasts. We use exclusively parameters with a direct biological interpretation such that, once determined by experimental data, the model gains predictive power. Based on the experiment of Han et al. (1995b) we predict that a high rate of recycling of centrocytes to centroblasts is necessary for the germinal center reaction to work reliably. Furthermore, we find a delayed start of the production of plasma and memory cells with respect to the start of point mutations, which turns out to be necessary for the optimization process during the germinal center reaction. The dependence of the germinal center reaction on the recycling probability is analyzed.

physics.bio-ph↗

Nonuniqueness of the $λΦ^4$-vacuum

We prove that the massless neutral $λΦ^4$-theory does not possess a unique vacuum. Based on the Wightman axioms the non-existence of a state which preserves Poincar{é} and scale invariance is demonstrated non-perturbatively for a non-vanishing self-interaction. We conclude that it is necessary to break the scale invariance in order to define a vacuum state. The renormalized vacuum expectation value of the energy-momentum tensor is derived from the two-point Wightman function employing the point-splitting technique and its relation to the phionic and the scalar condensate is addressed. Possible implications to other self-interacting field theories and to different approaches in quantum field theory are pointed out. PACS: 11.10.Cd, 11.15.Tk, 11.30.Qc

hep-th↗

On the anomalous dimension for the transversity distribution

We show that a standard calculation of the splitting function for the nonsinglet structure function h_1 does not lead to the expected result. The calculation is compared to the corresponding derivation of the splitting function for the nonsinglet polarized structure function g_1. We analyze possible explanations for the unexpected result and discuss its implications. PACS: 11.10.Hi; 11.40.-q; 11.55.Ds; 13.88.+e

hep-ph↗