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Rescue des proarrhythmogen letalen Phänotyps einer Ca2+/Calmodulin abhängigen Proteinkinase II-Überesxpression durch gezielte Inhibition einer neuronalen Natriumkanalisoform
Get PDFDie Herzinsuffizienz ist eine komplexe Erkrankung, die kardiale Arrhythmien induziert und somit erheblich zur hohen Morbidität und Mortalität beiträgt. Die Überexpression der Ca2+/Calmodulin-abhängigen Proteinkinase II (CaMKII) führt zu einer gestörten Ca2+-Homöostase, während der späte Natriumstrom (INaL), neben weiteren Natriumkanälen auch durch den NaV1.8 vermittelt, in der Herzinsuffizienz deutlich erhöht ist.
Diese Studie untersucht den NaV1.8-Knock-out als neuen antiarrhythmischen Therapieansatz. CaMKII-transgene (CaMKII+/T) Mäuse, die eine Herzinsuffizienz entwickeln, wurden mit NaV1.8-Knock-out-Mäusen (SCN10A-/-) gekreuzt. Die doppelt transgenen Mäuse (SCN10A-/-/CaMKII+/T) überlebten signifikant länger, obwohl die eingeschränkte linksventrikuläre Ejektionsfraktion der CaMKII+/T-Mäuse durch den NaV1.8-Knock-out nicht verbessert werden konnte, was auf keinen Effekt auf den Fortschritt der Herzinsuffizienz hindeutet.
In zellulären Experimenten zeigte sich eine signifikant geringere Anzahl arrhythmogener Ca2+-Wellen in den doppelt transgenen Mäusen. Die beobachtete Reduktion von Arrhythmien, anstatt einer verbesserten Pumpfunktion, erklärt wohl das verbesserte Überleben.
Zusammenfassend deutet diese Arbeit auf einen vielversprechenden Therapieansatz hin, um Arrhythmien in der Herzinsuffizienz zu reduzieren und dadurch möglicherweise die Prognose zu verbessern.Heart failure is a complex condition that induces cardiac arrhythmias, significantly contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. The overexpression of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) leads to disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis, while the late sodium current (INaL) mediated by sodium channels, such as NaV1.8 is markedly increased in heart failure.
This study explores NaV1.8 knockout as a novel antiarrhythmic therapeutic strategy. CaMKII transgenic (CaMKII+/T) mice, which develop heart failure, were crossed with NaV1.8 knockout mice (SCN10A-/-). The double transgenic mice (SCN10A-/-/CaMKII+/T) demonstrated significantly longer survival, although the impaired left ventricular ejection fraction in CaMKII+/T mice was not improved by NaV1.8 knockout, indicating no effect on heart failure progression.
Cellular experiments revealed fewer arrhythmogenic Ca2+ waves in the double transgenic mice. The observed reduction in arrhythmias rather than improved cardiac function likely explains the enhanced survival.
In conclusion, this work suggests a promising therapeutic avenue for reducing arrhythmias in heart failure, potentially improving prognosis.2024-12-1
Interaction of lymphoma cells and macrophages in an in-ovo model
No full textIn recent years, there has been increasing evidence that the tumor microenvironment plays a varying but important role in the development of lymphomas in different types of lymphoma and influences the success of treatment. Macrophages (Mφ) in the tumor microenvironment can promote tumor growth, which has already been clinically proven for Hodgkin's lymphoma in particular. However, the exact mechanisms and therapeutic options are still largely unclear. The structure of the microenvironment in Burkitt's lymphoma differs from that in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which in turn differs from that in Hodgkin's lymphoma. The aim of the present study was to utilize and further develop a preclinical xenograft model for the interaction between Hodgkin's lymphoma and Mφ that was recently developed in the research group. In this in ovo xenograft model of the interaction of lymphoma cells with Mφ, L-428 Hodgkin lymphoma cells, BL-2 Burkitt lymphoma cells and OCI-LY-3 and HBL-1 DLBCL lymphoma cells were comparatively analyzed. To investigate the influence of clinically relevant inhibitors, we chose ibrutinib as a prototype drug, which is already used clinically in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in some diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. It is an inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, which is not only important for B-cells but also plays a role in the function of cells of the innate immune system such as Mφ.
Growth in ovo was demonstrated for the cell lines HBL-1 and OCI-LY-3, thus establishing a new xenograft model for DLBCL. The developed lymphomas differ in size and structure from L-428 and BL-2-in-ovo-lymphomas. Furthermore, it was shown that the investigated DLBCL-in-ovo-lymphomas grow larger in the presence of Mφ and migrate more clearly into the mesoderm. This indicates an increased invasiveness of the lymphoma cells by Mφ.
Under the influence of ibrutinib, it was observed that the inhibitor primarily inhibited the viability of the DLBCL cell line HBL-1 and the Burkitt cell line BL-2 in vitro, while it led to an increase in viability in the Hodgkin cell line L-428. Ibrutinib had a consistently negative effect on the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages and inhibited the adhesion capacity of Mφ. In macrophages, the restriction of phosphorylation of AKT by ibrutinib was demonstrated. In the in-ovo-xenograft model, ibrutinib most likely had no effect on L-428 Mφ lymphomas. In HBL-1 Mφ-in-ovo-lymphomas, pretreatment with ibrutinib resulted in larger and more loosely structured tumors.
Exemplarily, we were able to test the new method for examining in-ovo-lymphomas in small animal volume computed tomography, which may provide important insights into the structure of tumors in the future.
In summary, this work provides several in-ovo-models for the analysis of the interaction of lymphoma cells with Mφ, allowing not only to study the mechanisms of cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment, but also to test the effect of lymphoma drugs on these interactions in a preclinical model.2024-12-2
Better understanding the resources and limitations of relatives of people with advanced COPD: a qualitative study
No full textResearch question: COPD is a chronic disease that is very stressful both mentally and physically in its advanced stages and is now the third most common cause of death worldwide. People with COPD are reluctant to seek professional support, with their relatives often taking on the role of carer. In this regard, this qualitative study investigated what it means for relatives to accompany a person with advanced COPD and what burdens and needs result for the relatives.
Design and method: The data collection took the form of focussed interviews with accompanying relatives (n = 12, age 48 - 79, 8w) of people with advanced COPD (stage III / IV according to GOLD). The interpretative analysis was carried out using the qualitative research method of grounded theory (Strauss 1998; Strauss and Corbin 1996).
Results: The central phenomenon was that accompanying relatives experienced a permanent, high level of stress, which meant being confronted with a wide range of demands. Due to the unpredictable course of the illness, one particularly notable manifestation of the persistently high level of stress was severe psychological tension and was characterised by a constant fear of unforeseen events and powerless observation of physical and mental changes.
Uncertainties about the need for support and the perceived complexity of organisational aspects of care resulted in challenging disease management, which was the cause of the permanent, high level of stress experienced by the relatives. It also became apparent that relatives felt obliged to provide care due to the extensive support needs of their loved one, as well as in the sense of socially anchored and relationship-immanent expectations, and saw no way out of their situation. They were constantly available, put their own needs aside and took responsibility for their loved one, resulting in a lack of clarity about roles and tasks. Switching between the roles of distanced expert and empathetic relative was an additional burden. By adapting to the restrictions caused by the disease, COPD ultimately became a shared handicap. Anger, conflicts, the reduction of social contacts and the impairment of their own health were possible consequences.
Conclusion: Family members accompanying people with advanced COPD are exposed to high physical and psychological stress. The healthcare system has not yet systematically provided the intensified relief required in this regard. As important gatekeepers, GPs could act as continuous contacts for relatives and offer concrete, close-knit support and, if necessary, establish contact with palliative care providers, nursing services and other healthcare providers.2024-12-1
Static and Dynamic Reservoir Characterization of the Heterogeneous Upper Jurassic Carbonate Reservoir Beneath the German Alpine Foreland Basin: A case study on a Premature Thermal Breakthrough Southeast of Munich
No full textThis study investigates the causes of an unexpected Premature Thermal Breakthrough (PTB) in a geothermal doublet located southeast of Munich. The PTB occurred after only three years of operation, which contradicts previous reservoir models projecting stable production temperatures for fifty years. The PTB poses a significant risk to geothermal system sustainability in the Upper Jurassic carbonate (Malm) reservoir, whose thermal and hydraulic behavior is controlled by complex subsurface permeability structures. To define the causes of the PTB, an integrated approach is utilized, combining multi-scale geological and geophysical data with well testing and modeling approaches.
Analysis of 3D seismic data, Formation Micro Image logs, and production logging data reveals key structural features controlling the reservoir's permeability. The production well penetrates an NNW-SSE fracture corridor, which is coupled with a fault damage zone penetrated by the injection well. The fracture network of both features promotes anisotropic permeability, forming a direct hydraulic communication that reduces the thermal sweep efficiency in the reservoir between the injector and the producer. Pressure Transient Analysis and interference tests delineate a fractured reservoir behavior, with a linear flow regime reflecting the fracture-induced permeability anisotropy.
This research emphasizes the importance of utilizing localized, fit-for-purpose dynamic models to capture reservoir heterogeneities that regional models may overlook. Through the development of a conceptual hydrogeological model, incorporating the reservoir permeability structure, and defining the reservoir system type, this study provides insights into improving dynamic reservoir simulations and mitigating PTB risks in comparable geothermal systems.2024-11-1
The dynamics of singularities in passive, driven, and active matter
Get PDFOut-of-equilibrium statistical physics studies the time evolution of large collections of particles in terms of a reduced number of meso- and macroscopic observables. Their nature emerge from of the underlying microscopic theory, with some notable examples being the density for motile particles, the magnetization for Ising-like spins, and the orientation for aligning polar and nematic particles. At the mesoscopic level, these observables can be described in terms of a field theory, which specifies their value as a function of space and time.
Topological constraints can induce the formation of singularities in these fields, such as point defects in two-dimensional liquid crystals, domain walls in magnetic systems, and interfaces in phase-separating mixtures.
Despite the importance of the study of these defects for the characterization of the large-scale behaviour of the system, the description of their out-of-equilibrium motion still poses unsolved questions. The aim of this thesis is to address the problem, by de- termining the dynamics of the singularities from the underlying field theory and study its consequence on the large-scale behoaviour of the system under consideration.
We start from passive matter, which evolve to minimize their free energy. For polar and nematic systems in two dimensions, the relevant singularities are point defects in the angular field. We show how the presence and motion of the defects affects the angular field in diffusive systems. We do so providing the exact expression for the orientation created by multiple moving defects, which we find to depend on their past trajectories and thus to be nonlocal in time.
Our results lead to so far unnoticed structures in the orientation field of moving defects which we discuss in light of existing experimental results. We then show how the equation of motion of point defects, domain walls, disclination lines and any other singularities can be understood with one unifying mathematical framework. We will use this framework to obtain an analytical description of two long-lasting problems in point-defects motion, namely the scale dependence of the defect mobility and the role of elastic anisotropy in the motion of defects in liquid crystals.
We then turn our attention to conserved systems in which the material proper- ties are modulated in space and time. We study the effect of such modulations on the motion of the interfaces, showing that space dependencies in the surface tension and chemical potential induce two new forces, which are of surface and bulk type respectively. We use our results to study non-isothermal systems, quantifying ther- mophoretic motion experienced by droplets of phase-separating binary mixtures. Our analysis shows that the effective force due to temperature gradients can change signs depending on the size of the droplet due to the competition of bulk and surface con- tributions. Finally, we turn our attention to active matter, in which the microscopic components can perform work to drive the system far from equilibrium. In partic- ular, we study the behavior of phase-separating mixtures with chemically mediated interaction, by supposing that the phase-separating species can produce a chemical
that is in turn able to affect their surface tension. For self-chemotactic mixtures, the activity causes the interface of a droplet to undergo shape instabilities, as well as caus- ing reverse Ostwald ripening and affecting coalescence. When two chemically inter- acting mixtures are combined, the non-reciprocal interaction cause the formation of self-propelling clusters. Contrary to what is often observed, these droplets display self-propulsion with purely attractive interactions, due to the non-local nature of the forces governing their behavior.2024-12-2
The subacute effects of psilocybin on personality, mindfulness, and ego-dissolution
No full textPsychedelics are a class of drugs that can occasion similar changes in conscious ex-
periences mediated via the G-protein coupled Serotonin 2A receptor. These changes
vary from slight distortions in perceptions to pseudohallucinations and the experienced
cessation of a personal self distinct from and necessary for conscious experience, known
as ego-dissolution. Psychedelics produce positive changes of affect predicted by the
strength of ego-dissolution, for instance alleviating depressive symptoms, Psychedelics
are currently being studied for their efficacy in treating psychiatric diseases, particu-
larly depression. Psilocybin, a prodrug contained in psychoactive mushrooms species, is
expected to be introduced into clinical practice within this decade due to its relatively
short duration of effect and low toxicity.
In this thesis, I present the results of a naturalistic study without a control group of
55 self-selected participants of psilocybin retreats. Questionnaires about personality
structure, life satisfaction, mindfulness and anxiety were answered a day before, a day
after and seven days after the consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The
strength of the psychedelic experience was recorded one day after consumption.
This work aimed to further characterise the effects of a single dose of psilocybin-
containing mushrooms on subjective measures of well-being and on personality struc-
ture. My hypotheses were improved life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, neuroticism,
non-judging of inner experience at Day 7. Additionally, stronger ego-dissolution was
hypothesised to predict stronger changes in these measures of well-being.
The data was analysed with multiple linear and linear mixed models. The results show
that the majority of the subjects experienced high degrees ego-dissolution. They saw on
median positive changes in attitudes about their life and self, their behaviour and mood
as well as their relationships and spirituality. The strength of ego-dissolution did not
statistically significantly predict changes, but clear statistical trends of reduced state
and trait anxiety, improved life satisfaction and reduced neuroticism became apparent.
The reduction in neuroticism is here argued to be the underlying factor in these positive
changes. This thesis further characterises the psychologically underlying mechanism for the al-
leviation of depressive symptoms, for which psilocybin is currently being clinically tri-
alled. A reduction in neuroticism is hypothesised to underlie reductions in anxiety and
improvements in life satisfaction.10000-01-0
Comparative analyses of stress-induced dynamics in global differential gene expression across more than 550 million years of streptophyte evolution
No full textThe transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats was a major evolutionary step in the evolution of plants. It ushered in the birth of embryophytes. This transition occurred before the last common ancestor (LCA) of land plants (embryophytes) lived. This land-dwelling LCA of land plants had a diverse range of physiological and developmental features that were adaptive on land, enabling its descendants to inhabit nearly all regions of the Earth. This pivotal moment in the history of evolution poses an important query: what were the essential components enabled this monophyletic group to successfully adapt to terrestrial life? A variety of abiotic stressors that occurred in pronounced severity on land posed a significant obstacle to this transition. Thus, early colonizers of land faced numerous challenges, including osmotic stress, temperature fluctuations, water scarcity, and increased irradiation. Considering their adaptation to terrestrial environments, it is reasonable to believe that the LCA of land plants already had mechanisms in place to detect, communicate, and respond to different environmental cues. Here, we studied living terrestrial plants and their closest algal relatives challenged with various abiotic stress conditions to discover the ancient mechanisms involved. Our objective was to reconstruct the original set of molecular biological tools that facilitated the colonization of land by incorporating a phylogenetic framework into comparative gene expression research.
The Zygnematophyceae, which are the closest algal relatives of land plants, belong to a genus of streptophyte algae that has recently gained significant attention. Phylogenetic investigations have significantly improved our understanding of the relationships between the six primary streptophyte algae classes (Zygnematophyceae, Coleochaetophyceae, Charophyceae, Klebsormidiophyceae, Chlorokybophyceae, and Mesostigmatophyceae), as well as their closest cousins, Chlorophytes and Embryophytes. The recent sequencing and annotation of genomes from significant representative streptophyte algae present an exceptional opportunity to investigate the expansion, contraction, and innovation of numerous gene families throughout the course of 550 million years of green lineage evolution. These findings have demonstrated that several genes for characteristics previously believed to be exclusive to land plants were actually already present in their algal ancestors. Prominent instances include phytohormone signaling, communication between plastids and the nucleus, formation of phragmoplasts, synthesis of compounds derived from phenylpropanoids, and routes for responding to stress. However, establishing the presence or absence of gene families merely represents the initial stage. Multiple instances of evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) have demonstrated that the structure, behaviors, and traits of organisms are influenced by gene regulatory networks and the spatiotemporal control of genes in various environments and developmental stages.
In order to determine the preserved patterns of responses to abiotic stressors in land plants and their closest algal relative, it is necessary to examine the gene expression profile. We utilized state-of-art statistical models and bioinformatics techniques to identify stress response patterns that extend across a range of 550 million years of evolutionary history. Based on RNA-Seq datasets generated by our research team, I have re-annotated the genome of Mesotaenium endlicherianum and enhanced the number of predicted protein coding genes by twofold compared to the initial annotation. The annotation's significant improvement was also highlighted by measures such as BUSCO score and Annotation Edit Distance. Expanding on this, I examined the differences in gene expression between different types of streptophyte algae, specifically M. endlicherianum and Zygnema circumcarinatum, and compared them to changes in gene expression in various land plant species, including Physcomitrium patens, Marchantia polymorpha, and Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, I conducted co-expression network analysis to identify clusters of genes that collaborate in response to diverse abiotic stressors. I then compared the outcomes of this investigation across different phylogenetic clades. I employed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to examine the outcomes of a gradient table of various temperatures and light intensities. In a separate investigation, I employed Dirichlet Process paired with Gaussian process (DPGP) on time series datasets to identify gene clusters by leveraging the temporal relationships within the datasets. For my third research project, I employed a modified version of Graphical Lasso known as Rapid Condition adaptable Fused Graphical Lasso (RCFGL) to reconstruct a sparse but highly robust co-expression network. This was done utilizing publicly accessible datasets for nine different organisms and various abiotic conditions. Furthermore, I employed a combination of Granger causality and Random Forest to predict the gene regulatory network using our time series dataset.
By examining the subject from multiple perspectives and employing diverse methodologies, we were able to reconstruct a reliable picture. This was achieved by analyzing expression data spanning 550 million years of evolution in terrestrial plants and their closest algal relative. Our investigation revealed the presence of various mechanisms, including the formation of lipid droplets, genetic signatures of signals derived from plastids and cell walls, osmosensors, kinase signaling, calcium-dependent signaling, and signaling mediated by abscisic acid and ethylene. These mechanisms can be traced back to the last common ancestor of zygnematophyceae and land plants. Furthermore, our data, along with other studies, indicate that the algal ancestor of land plants possessed several genetic elements related to stress perception, signaling, and response, including the ability to respond to auxin, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid, as well as the biosynthesis of certain specialized metabolites like flavonoids. With the advent of land plants, various modules and gene families were integrated in the LCA of embryophytes, leading to the intricacies in molecular networks that are akin to all plants on land.2024-11-2
Investigation of selected Controlling Instruments
Get PDFIn the dissertation, three controlling instruments were examined: methods for determining individual risk attitudes, remuneration systems and behaviour-oriented controls, which play important roles in a corporate context. The first two were analysed by means of a laboratory experiment and the latter by means of a model-theoretical analysis.
To determine the individual risk attitude of a decision-maker with regard to a produc-tion decision, I created the new Confectioner One Shot Game, which was used for the first time and tested at the same time. The test person has to put himself in the role of a confectioner and decide how many cakes he wants to produce. His individual risk attitude is then derived from this decision. In order to check whether a new procedure actually tests the criterion it claims to test, it must be certified as having high parallel test reability. For this purpose, the test subjects undergo the new procedure and also old procedures that have already proved their worth. If the results of the procedures correlate, the new procedure is certified as having high parallel test reability. The Confectioner One Shot Game was carried out together with the two prominent procedures Holt and Laury Lottery and Eckel and Grosman Lottery. The respective results correlate with each other, which attests to the high parallel test reability of the Confectioner One Shot Game.
In a collective remuneration system, the contents of a bonus pot are distributed equally across all team members. In a mixed remuneration system, part of the pot is distributed equally, while the other part depends on individual performance. It was analysed which remuneration system is more suitable for increasing team output in a situation where team members are reassigned to different tasks after each period. The team member who has shown the highest work effort is assigned to the most important task, the team member who has shown the second highest work effort is assigned to the second most important task and so on. It could be shown that the mixed remuneration system induces a higher team output in this decision situation than the collective one.
The subject of the investigation in the last study is behavioural monitoring that can be carried out by a supervisor. A distinction was made as to whether they were car-ried out with a high or low frequency of control. The influence of the different control frequencies on the relationship between the supervisor and his employees was then derived from the literature.2024-11-2
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Studies on a Series of Osmium and Iridium Hydride Complexes
Get PDFDue to the important role of transition metal hydrides in organometallic catalysis, their properties
and reactivity have been thoroughly investigated and reviewed. Considering their importance,
substantial efforts were undertaken to categorize and parametrize thermodynamic trends in the
periodic table, e.g., bond dissociation free energies (BDFE), hydricities and acidities of transition
metal hydrides either as ground state reactivity or after photoexcitation in order to exploit them for
catalytic transformations. The crucial influence of ligands on adjusting both the electronic and
steric characteristics around the metal center is widely recognized, exerting a substantial impact
on reactivity. Exploring the ligand-centered reactivity of transition metal complexes bearing
"redox-active" ligands is currently a prominent focus in the fields of coordination
chemistry[100,101,160]. These types of ligands demonstrate electron donor or acceptor behavior in
which the redox events mainly occur on the ligands rather than the respective metal, facilitating
the stabilization of a broad range of redox states and coordination modes. Tridentate, monoanionic
P-N-P pincer type ligands are of this type and their properties and applications have been
extensively studied in organometallic chemistry[102,103]. In addition to the PNP pincer type ligands,
chelating ligands such as bipyridine can also tune the range of oxidation state a metal complex can
posess. There have been several examples where 2,2’-bipyridine has been utilized as a building
block for a PNN or NNN pincer ligands[111,112]. Over the years, the chemistry of Ru(II) and Os(II)
polypyridyl complexes, especially those featuring 2,2’-bipyridine (bpy) have been extensively
studied. A number of osmium (II) hydride complexes have been reported by Sullivan et al. bearing
2,2’-bipyridine ligand[161]. There have been several examples of osmium monohydride complexes
over the past years, however, among them there has been only one example of an isolable
osmium(III) hydride complex, [Os(en)2(py)H)]2+ reported by Taube et. al.[56]. Bianchini et. al.[77]
have also reported the cyclic voltammogram of a osmium(II) hydride complex [OsIIHCl(PP3)] (PP3
= P(CH2CH2PPh2)3) which undergoes one electron oxidation, that is discussed below. However,
no isolated [OsIIIHCl(PP3)]+ has been reported so far to the best of our knowledge.
This encourages a systematic design of an osmium hydride complex with increased
thermochemical stability and kinetic inertness toward oxidation. For this purpose two sets of
ligands were utilized. An unsaturated PNP pincer ligand to stabilize the possible formed transition
metal hydride radical cations and providing a robust framework to guarantee the access to various33
oxidation states. Also bipyridine ligand as a redox-active ligand providing access to lower
reduction potentials and increased stability.2024-11-2
Development of a standard for access to and use of digital process data within the technical production of timber using the example of motor-manual wood harvesting
No full textZusammenfassung
Einleitung:
Im Rahmen der sekundären oder technischen Produktion von Rundholz werden zunehmend Daten zur Gewinnung weitergehender Informationen gesammelt. Hierbei hat es sich etabliert, auf Basis sensorbasierter Datenerfassung die Einsatzdaten forstlicher Arbeitssysteme zu verarbeiten und an die Akteuere der Holzbereitstellungskette zu übermitteln. Im Bereich der motormanuellen Holzernte bieten die beiden großen Hersteller, STIHL und Husqvarna, hierfür die entsprechenden Produktlinien „STIHL connected“ bzw. „Husqvarna Fleet Services“ an. Auf Grundlage der digital verarbeiteten Motorsägendaten können Informationen über den Standort, den Zustand und die Auslastung sowie den Wartungsbedarf der Maschinen und auch über den Arbeitseinsatz der Motorsägenführer gewonnen werden.
Das Sammeln von Daten zur Informationsgewinnung dient prima facie dazu, zeitliche und monetäre Ressourchen einzusparen und bietet damit ein enormes Potenzial zur Steigerung der Wirtschaftlichkeit forstlicher Arbeitsmaschinen. So erscheint es auf der Grundlage der gewonnen Informationen beispielsweise einfacher, den arbeitstäglichen Einsatz von Motorsägen zu organisieren und somit auch die bestmögliche Leistung aus den Maschinen herauszuholen. Dieses Ziel kann bei marktwirtschaftlicher Betrachtung keineswegs irritieren.
Soweit aber nicht nur Daten über Maschinen verarbeitet werden, sondern auch Informationen über Menschen gewonnen werden können, darf insbesondere die rechtliche Relevanz dieser Vorgänge nicht unterschätzt werden. In den näheren Fokus einzubeziehen ist hier in erster Linie das Datenschutzrecht. Daran anschließend stellt sich die Rechtsfrage, wer die Informationen betriebswirtschaftlich nutzen darf, wer also die Verfügungsbefugnis über Motorsägendaten besitzt. In Betracht zu ziehen sind hier zunächst die Motorsägen-Hersteller sowie die –Eigentümer. Aber auch die Motorsägenführer kommen als Verfügungsberechtigte im Hinblick auf die Motorsägendaten grundsätzlich in Frage.
Eine gesamtwirtschaftliche Betrachtung gebietet es, die rechtlichen Facetten der sensorbasierten Datenverarbeitung zu beleuchten, um einerseits rechtliche Grauzonen zu identifizieren und idealerweise eine juristisch einwandfreie Handhabung der Systeme zu skizzieren.
Methoden Publikation Nr. 1:
Um den Zugriff auf und die Nutzung von digitalen Prozessdaten innerhalb der technischen Produktion von Rundholz am Beispiel der motormanuellen Holzernte rechtlich zu durchleuchten und damit einen Nutzungsstandard vorzuzeichnen, mussten die maßgeblichen Rechtsbeziehungen offengelegt und bewertet werden. In Publikation Nr. 1 war daher in einem ersten Schritt zu klären, welche Daten durch die Systeme „STIHL connected“ und „Husqvarna Fleet Services“ konkret verarbeitet werden. In einem zweiten Schritt galt es zu klären, ob es sich bei diesen Daten um reine Sachdaten oder auch um personenbezogene Daten handelt. Hierzu wurde eine juristische Quellenanalyse vorgenommen. Das Ergebnis wurde sodann auf die verarbeiteten Daten übertragen. In einem dritten und letzten Schritt wurde analysiert, ob im Falle einer Anonymsierung oder Pseudonymisierung der erfassten Daten noch verwertbare Informationen verbleiben. Hierzu musste auf mathematikwissenschaftliche Quellen zurückgegriffen werden, die dann auf Anwendungsszenarien zu übertragen waren.
Ergebnisse Publikation Nr. 1:
Durch die Systeme zur sensorbasierten Verarbeitung von Motorsägendaten werden nicht nur maschinenbezogene Sachdaten sondern mittelbar über die Identifizierung der jeweiligen Maschine auch personenbezogene Daten i.S.v. Art. 4 Nr. 1 DS-GVO erhoben und somit verarbeitet (Art. 4 Nr. 2 DS-GVO). Der Anwendungsbereich des Datenschutzrechts ist folglich eröffnet womit die entsprechenden rechtlichen Vorgaben im Hinblick auf die Datenverarbeitung einzuhalten sind (Art. 2 Abs. 1 DS-GVO bzw. § 1 Abs. 1 S. 1 BDSG).
Sowohl Anonymisierung als auch Pseudonymisierung der sensorbasiert erfassten Daten haben zur Folge, dass diese nur noch sehr eingeschränkt genutzt werden können. Auf Basis der sensorbasiert verarbeiteten Motorsägendaten können dann lediglich generelle Aussagen getroffen werden und die Daten lassen sich dann nur noch zu statistischen Zwecken nutzen.
Methoden Publikation Nr. 2:
In Publikation Nr. 2 wurde auf der Grundlage juristischer Quellen untersucht, ob die sensorbasierte Verarbeitung der Motorsägendaten datenschutzrechtlich zulässig ist. Die Frage wurde unter der Voraussetzung beantwortet, dass auch personenbezogene Daten verarbeitet werden. Zentral war hier die Überlegung, ob stets eine Einwilligung des betroffenen Motorsägenführers in die Verarbeitung der Daten notwendig ist.
Ergebnisse Publikation Nr. 2:
Die Verarbeitung von Motorsägendaten steht unter einem datenschutzrechtlichen Erlaubnisvorbehalt. Die Einwilligung des Motorsägenführers ist für die Verarbeitung der Motorsägendaten von Seiten der Hersteller grundsätzlich keine zwingende Voraussetzung. Die Datenverarbeitung ist regelmäßig durch ein berechtigtes Interesse der Hersteller legitimiert.
Die Einwilligung des Motorsägenführers ist für die Verarbeitung der Motorsägendaten durch den Eigentümer ebenfalls keine zwingende Voraussetzung. Die Verarbeitung der Motorsägendaten ist auch hier regelmäßig durch ein berechtigtes Interesse des Eigentümers legitimiert.
Werden Arbeitnehmerdaten verarbeitet, so macht dies aber in jedem Fall die Mitbestimmung eines gewählten Betriebsrats oder Personalrats erforderlich, zumal die Daten objektiv zur Überwachung der Arbeitnehmer geeignet sind.
Publikation Nr. 3:
In Publikation Nr. 3 wurde ebenfalls auf der Grundlage einer juristischen Quellenanalyse untersucht, ob die gesetzlichen Regelungen einzelnen Personen oder Personengruppen eine Verfügungsbefugnis an den Motorsägendaten zuweisen. Wie bereits erwähnt, kommen hierfür die Motorsägen-Hersteller, die –Eigentümer aber auch die Motorsägenführer in Betracht.
Ergebnisse Publikaton Nr. 3:
Weder Motorsägen-Hersteller noch Motorsägen-Eigentümer noch Motorsägenführer besitzen nach geltendem Recht (de lege lata) die Befugnis, über die Motorsägendaten zu verfügen. Eine solche Befugnis folgt nicht aus den gesetzlichen Regelungen zum Datenschutzrecht, Sachenrecht, Deliktsrecht, Urheberrecht oder Wettbewerbsrecht. Auch das Vertragsrecht schafft zwar keine Verfügungsbefugnis an den Motorsägendaten. Das Vertragsrecht stellt aber jedenfalls eine erste praktikable Möglichkeit für die (betriebs-)wirtschaftliche Verwertung personenbezogener Daten bereit. Es ist rechtlich denkbar, dass die datenschutzrechtlich Verantwortlichen den datenschutzrechtlich betroffenen Personen für die Ermöglichung der Datennutzung ein Entgelt zahlen.
Eine Verfügungsbefugnis an den Motorsägendaten war auch vom Standpunkt des künftigen Rechts (de lege ferenda) zum Zeitpunkt der Ausarbeitung der dritten dieser Betrachtung zugrundeliegenden Publikation im ersten Quartal 2023 nicht zu erwarten. Der bis dahin lediglich im Entwurf vorliegende Data Act sollte die Daten zwar einem Zugriffsrecht der Nutzer unterwerfen. Von einer Datenverfügungsbefugnis konnte jedoch auf Basis des Data-Act-Entwurfs keine Rede sein. Hieran hat sich auch nach Vorliegen des Data-Act in seiner finalen Fassung nichts geändert.
Allgemeine Diskussion:
Das Ergebnis aus Publikation Nr. 1, wonach die sensorbasiert verarbeiteten Motorsägendaten auch personenbezogen sind, überrascht nicht. Die Rechtsprechung des EuGH legt den Begriff der personenbezogenen Daten sehr weit aus. Dass anonymisierte oder pseudonymisierte Daten nur eingeschränkt nutzbar sind, ist die zu erwartende Folge dieser Verarbeitungsvorgänge.
Dass eine Einwilligung in die Verarbeitung der personenbezogenen Motorsägendaten datenschutzrechtlich grundsätzlich nicht erforderlich ist, wurde zu Beginn der Untersuchung in Publikation Nr. 2 nicht prognostiziert. Kritisch darf dieses Ergebnis einerseits deshalb gesehen werden, weil hierdurch die privatautnomome Entscheidung über die Verwendung der eigenen pesonenbezogenen Daten berührt wird. Eine gesamtwirtschaftliche Betrachtung gebietet es jedoch andererseits, technische Neuerungen nicht generell an allzu restriktiven Datenschutzbestimmungen scheitern zu lassen.
Nicht befriedigend erscheint das Ergebnis aus Publikation Nr. 3, wonach auf der Grundlage geltenden Rechts keine Verfügungsbefugnis an den Motorsägendaten besteht. Obschon die Informationsgewinnung durch Datenvernetzung im Rahmen der vierten industriellen Revolution das allseits bestimmende Thema ist, erscheint auch auf europarechtlicher Ebene die Etablierung einer echten Verfügungsbefugnis an Daten nicht absehbar. Das Ergebnis, über das Vertragsrecht eine erste praktikable Möglichkeit für die (betriebs-)wirtschaftliche Verwertung personenbezogener Daten zu eröffnen, darf zudem kritisch gesehen werden. Es wird nicht stets der Endkunde sein, der die Motorsäge auch tatsächlich bedient. Nur dem Endkunden wird aber ggf. vom Hersteller ein Entgelt für die Nutzung der personenbezogenen Daten gezahlt werden. Bei lebensnaher Betrachtung ist es denkbar, dass auch Dritte die Sägen bedienen, denen aber kein Entgelt für die Datennutzung seitens des Herstellers bezahlt worden war. Die Datenverarbeitnung seitens der Hersteller verbleibt in einem solchen Fall zumindest im rechtlichen Graubereich. Um Rechtssicherheit im Hinblick auf die Verfügungsbefugnis an den (Motorsägen-)Daten zu schaffen, ist daher der Gesetzgeber gefordert, der diesen Bereich umfassend regeln sollte.Summary
Introduction:
As part of the secondary or technical production of round wood, data is increasingly being collected to obtain further information. It has become established to process the operational data of forestry work systems on the basis of sensor-based data collection and to transmit it to the actors in the wood supply chain. In the area of motor-manual wood harvesting, the two major manufacturers, STIHL and Husqvarna, offer the corresponding product lines “STIHL connected” and “Husqvarna Fleet Services”. Based on the digitally processed chainsaw data, information can be obtained about the location, condition and utilization as well as the maintenance requirements of the machines and also about the workload of the chainsaw operators.
Collecting data to obtain information prima facie serves to save time and monetary resources and thus offers enormous potential for increasing the profitability of forestry machines. For example, based on the information obtained, it appears easier to organize the daily use of chainsaws and thus get the best possible performance from the machines. This goal cannot in any way be irritating when viewed from a market economy perspective.
However, to the extent that not only data is processed via machines, but information can also be obtained about people, the legal relevance of these processes in particular should not be underestimated. The primary focus here is on data protection law. This then raises the legal question of who is allowed to use the information for business purposes, i.e. who has the authority to dispose of chainsaw data. The first thing to consider here are the chainsaw manufacturers and the owners. But the chainsaw operators are also fundamentally eligible to have access to the chainsaw data.
A macroeconomic view requires examining the legal facets of sensor-based data processing in order to identify legal gray areas and, ideally, to outline a legally flawless handling of the systems.
Methods Publication No. 1:
In order to legally examine the access to and use of digital process data within the technical production of round wood using the example of motor-manual wood harvesting and thus set a standard of use, the relevant legal relationships had to be disclosed and evaluated. In publication no. 1, the first step was to clarify which data was specifically processed by the “STIHL connected” and “Husqvarna Fleet Services” systems. In a second step, it was necessary to clarify whether this data was purely factual data or also personal data. For this purpose, a legal source analysis was carried out. The result was then transferred to the processed data. In a third and final step, it was analyzed whether usable information would still remain in the event of anonymization or pseudonymization of the collected data. For this purpose, mathematical science sources had to be used, which then had to be transferred to application scenarios.
Results publication no. 1:
The systems for sensor-based processing of chainsaw data not only collect and process machine-related factual data but also, indirectly through the identification of the respective machine, personal data within the meaning of Art. 4 No. 1 GDPR (Art. 4 No. 2 GDPR). The scope of application of data protection law is therefore opened, which means that the corresponding legal requirements with regard to data processing must be adhered to (Art. 2 Para. 1 GDPR or Section 1 Para. 1 Sentence 1 BDSG).
Both anonymization and pseudonymization of sensor-based data mean that they can only be used to a very limited extent. Based on the sensor-based chainsaw data, only general statements can be made and the data can then only be used for statistical purposes.
Methods Publication No. 2:
Publication No. 2 examined, on the basis of legal sources, whether sensor-based processing of chainsaw data is permissible under data protection law. The question was answered under the condition that personal data is also processed. The central consideration here was whether the affected chainsaw operator's consent to the processing of the data is always necessary.
Results publication no. 2:
The processing of chainsaw data is subject to permission under data protection law. The consent of the chainsaw operator is generally not a mandatory requirement for the manufacturers to process the chainsaw data. Data processing is regularly legitimized by the legitimate interest of the manufacturer.
The consent of the chainsaw operator is also not a mandatory requirement for the owner to process the chainsaw data. The processing of chainsaw data is also regularly legitimized by the legitimate interest of the owner.
If employee data is processed, this always requires the participation of an elected works council or staff council, especially since the data is objectively suitable for monitoring employees.
Publication No. 3:
The publication also examined, on the basis of a legal source analysis, whether the legal regulations assign individual people or groups of people the right to dispose of the chainsaw data. As already mentioned, the chainsaw manufacturers, the owners and also the chainsaw operators come into consideration for this.
Results of publication no. 3:
Neither chainsaw manufacturers nor chainsaw owners nor chainsaw operators have the authority under applicable law (de lege lata) to dispose of the chainsaw data. Such an authority does not follow from the legal regulations on data protection law, property law, tort law, copyright or competition law. Contract law also does not create any authority to dispose of the chainsaw data. In any case, contract law provides a first practical option for the (business) use of personal data. It is legally conceivable that those responsible for data protection pay the persons affected by data protection a fee for enabling the use of data.
Authority to dispose of the chainsaw data was also not to be expected from the point of view of future law (de lege ferenda) at the time of the preparation of the third publication on which this analysis is based in the first quarter of 2023. The Data Act, which until then was only in draft form, was intended to subject the data to user access rights. However, based on the draft Data Act, there could be no question of any authority to dispose of data. Nothing has changed in this regard even after the Data Act was presented in its final version.
General discussion:
The result from publication no. 1, according to which the sensor-based chainsaw data is also personal, is not surprising. The case law of the ECJ interprets the concept of personal data very broadly. The expected consequence of these processing operations is that anonymized or pseudonymized data can only be used to a limited extent.
It was not predicted at the beginning of the investigation in publication no. 2 that consent to the processing of personal chainsaw data is generally not required under data protection law. On the one hand, this result can be viewed critically because it affects the privately autonomous decision about the use of one's own personal data. On the other hand, from a macroeconomic perspective, it is important not to allow technical innovations to generally fail due to overly restrictive data protection regulations.
The result from publication no. 3, according to which there is no authority to dispose of the chainsaw data on the basis of applicable law, does not seem satisfactory. Although the acquisition of information through data networking is the dominant topic in the context of the fourth industrial revolution, the establishment of real authority to dispose of data does not appear to be foreseeable at the European legal level either. The result of opening up the first practicable possibility for the (business) use of personal data through contract law can also be viewed critically. It will not always be the end customer who actually operates the chainsaw. However, only the end customer may be paid a fee by the manufacturer for the use of the personal data. If you look at it more realistically, it is conceivable that third parties also operate the saws, but who were not paid for data use by the manufacturer. In such a case, data processing by the manufacturer remains at least in the legal gray area. In order to create legal certainty with regard to the authority to dispose of the (chainsaw) data, the legislature is asked to comprehensively regulate this area.2024-11-2