@article{AkimbekovDigelTastambeketal.2021, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Tastambek, Kuanysh T. and Sherelkhan, Dinara K. and Jussupova, Dariya B. and Altynbay, Nazym P.}, title = {Low-rank coal as a source of humic substances for soil amendment and fertility management}, series = {Agriculture}, volume = {11}, journal = {Agriculture}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2077-0472}, doi = {10.3390/agriculture11121261}, pages = {25 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production.}, language = {en} } @article{FiedlerOrzadaFloeseretal.2022, author = {Fiedler, Thomas M. and Orzada, Stephan and Fl{\"o}ser, Martina and Rietsch, Stefan H. G. and Schmidt, Simon and Stelter, Jonathan K. and Wittrich, Marco and Quick, Harald H. and Bitz, Andreas and Ladd, Mark E.}, title = {Performance and safety assessment of an integrated transmit array for body imaging at 7 T under consideration of specificabsorption rate, tissue temperature, and thermal dose}, series = {NMR in Biomedicine}, volume = {35}, journal = {NMR in Biomedicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {0952-3480 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/nbm.4656}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In this study, the performance of an integrated body-imaging array for 7 T with 32 radiofrequency (RF) channels under consideration of local specific absorption rate (SAR), tissue temperature, and thermal dose limits was evaluated and the imaging performance was compared with a clinical 3 T body coil. Thirty-two transmit elements were placed in three rings between the bore liner and RF shield of the gradient coil. Slice-selective RF pulse optimizations for B1 shimming and spokes were performed for differently oriented slices in the body under consideration of realistic constraints for power and local SAR. To improve the B1+ homogeneity, safety assessments based on temperature and thermal dose were performed to possibly allow for higher input power for the pulse optimization than permissible with SAR limits. The results showed that using two spokes, the 7 T array outperformed the 3 T birdcage in all the considered regions of interest. However, a significantly higher SAR or lower duty cycle at 7 T is necessary in some cases to achieve similar B1+ homogeneity as at 3 T. The homogeneity in up to 50 cm-long coronal slices can particularly benefit from the high RF shim performance provided by the 32 RF channels. The thermal dose approach increases the allowable input power and the corresponding local SAR, in one example up to 100 W/kg, without limiting the exposure time necessary for an MR examination. In conclusion, the integrated antenna array at 7 T enables a clinical workflow for body imaging and comparable imaging performance to a conventional 3 T clinical body coil.}, language = {en} } @article{AngermannGuenthnerHanssenetal.2022, author = {Angermann, Susanne and G{\"u}nthner, Roman and Hanssen, Henner and Lorenz, Georg and Braunisch, Matthias C. and Steubl, Dominik and Matschkal, Julia and Kemmner, Stephan and Hausinger, Renate and Block, Zenonas and Haller, Bernhard and Heemann, Uwe and Kotliar, Konstantin and Grimmer, Timo and Schmaderer, Christoph}, title = {Cognitive impairment and microvascular function in end-stage renal disease}, series = {International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research (MPR)}, volume = {31}, journal = {International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research (MPR)}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {1049-8931 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/mpr.1909}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objective Hemodialysis patients show an approximately threefold higher prevalence of cognitive impairment compared to the age-matched general population. Impaired microcirculatory function is one of the assumed causes. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis is a quantitative method for measuring neurovascular coupling and microvascular endothelial function. We hypothesize that cognitive impairment is associated with altered microcirculation of retinal vessels. Methods 152 chronic hemodialysis patients underwent cognitive testing using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Retinal microcirculation was assessed by Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analysis, which carries out an examination recording retinal vessels' reaction to a flicker light stimulus under standardized conditions. Results In unadjusted as well as in adjusted linear regression analyses a significant association between the visuospatial executive function domain score of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the maximum arteriolar dilation as response of retinal arterioles to the flicker light stimulation was obtained. Conclusion This is the first study determining retinal microvascular function as surrogate for cerebral microvascular function and cognition in hemodialysis patients. The relationship between impairment in executive function and reduced arteriolar reaction to flicker light stimulation supports the involvement of cerebral small vessel disease as contributing factor for the development of cognitive impairment in this patient population and might be a target for noninvasive disease monitoring and therapeutic intervention.}, language = {en} } @article{KarschuckKaulenPoghossianetal.2021, author = {Karschuck, Tobias and Kaulen, Corinna and Poghossian, Arshak and Wagner, Patrick H. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Gold nanoparticle-modified capacitive field-effect sensors: Studying the surface density of nanoparticles and coupling of charged polyelectrolyte macromolecules}, series = {Electrochemical Science Advances}, volume = {2}, journal = {Electrochemical Science Advances}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0938-5193}, doi = {10.1002/elsa.202100179}, pages = {10 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The coupling of ligand-stabilized gold nanoparticles with field-effect devices offers new possibilities for label-free biosensing. In this work, we study the immobilization of aminooctanethiol-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuAOTs) on the silicon dioxide surface of a capacitive field-effect sensor. The terminal amino group of the AuAOT is well suited for the functionalization with biomolecules. The attachment of the positively-charged AuAOTs on a capacitive field-effect sensor was detected by direct electrical readout using capacitance-voltage and constant capacitance measurements. With a higher particle density on the sensor surface, the measured signal change was correspondingly more pronounced. The results demonstrate the ability of capacitive field-effect sensors for the non-destructive quantitative validation of nanoparticle immobilization. In addition, the electrostatic binding of the polyanion polystyrene sulfonate to the AuAOT-modified sensor surface was studied as a model system for the label-free detection of charged macromolecules. Most likely, this approach can be transferred to the label-free detection of other charged molecules such as enzymes or antibodies.}, language = {en} } @article{HoffmannRohrbachUhletal.2022, author = {Hoffmann, Andreas and Rohrbach, Felix and Uhl, Matthias and Ceblin, Maximilian and Bauer, Thomas and Mallah, Marcel and Jacob, Timo and Heuermann, Holger and Kuehne, Alexander J. C.}, title = {Atmospheric pressure plasma-jet treatment of polyacrylonitrile-nonwovens—Stabilization and roll-to-roll processing}, series = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {139}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, number = {37}, publisher = {Wiley}, issn = {0021-8995 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/app.52887}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Carbon nanofiber nonwovens represent a powerful class of materials with prospective application in filtration technology or as electrodes with high surface area in batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. While new precursor-to-carbon conversion processes have been explored to overcome productivity restrictions for carbon fiber tows, alternatives for the two-step thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile precursors into carbon fiber nonwovens are absent. In this work, we develop a continuous roll-to-roll stabilization process using an atmospheric pressure microwave plasma jet. We explore the influence of various plasma-jet parameters on the morphology of the nonwoven and compare the stabilized nonwoven to thermally stabilized samples using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. We show that stabilization with a non-equilibrium plasma-jet can be twice as productive as the conventional thermal stabilization in a convection furnace, while producing electrodes of comparable electrochemical performance.}, language = {en} } @article{PourshahidiAchtsnichtOffenhaeusseretal.2022, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Achtsnicht, Stefan and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection Setup Employing Permanent Ring Magnets as a Static Offset Field Source}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {22}, editor = {Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22228776}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) has been explored for its applications in fields of magnetic biosensing, multiplex detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and the determination of core size distribution of MNP samples. Such applications rely on the application of a static offset magnetic field, which is generated traditionally with an electromagnet. Such a setup requires a current source, as well as passive or active cooling strategies, which directly sets a limitation based on the portability aspect that is desired for point of care (POC) monitoring applications. In this work, a measurement head is introduced that involves the utilization of two ring-shaped permanent magnets to generate a static offset magnetic field. A steel cylinder in the ring bores homogenizes the field. By variation of the distance between the ring magnets and of the thickness of the steel cylinder, the magnitude of the magnetic field at the sample position can be adjusted. Furthermore, the measurement setup is compared to the electromagnet offset module based on measured signals and temperature behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{PoghossianKarschuckWagneretal.2022, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Karschuck, Tobias and Wagner, Patrick and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Field-Effect Capacitors Decorated with Ligand-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: Modeling and Experiments}, series = {Biosensors}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biosensors}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-6374}, doi = {10.3390/bios12050334}, pages = {Artikel 334}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Nanoparticles are recognized as highly attractive tunable materials for designing field-effect biosensors with enhanced performance. In this work, we present a theoretical model for electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitors (EISCAP) decorated with ligand-stabilized charged gold nanoparticles. The charged AuNPs are taken into account as additional, nanometer-sized local gates. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves and constant-capacitance (ConCap) signals of the AuNP-decorated EISCAPs have been simulated. The impact of the AuNP coverage on the shift of the C-V curves and the ConCap signals was also studied experimentally on Al-p-Si-SiO₂ EISCAPs decorated with positively charged aminooctanethiol-capped AuNPs. In addition, the surface of the EISCAPs, modified with AuNPs, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy for different immobilization times of the nanoparticles.}, language = {en} } @article{VahidpourAlghazaliAkcaetal.2022, author = {Vahidpour, Farnoosh and Alghazali, Yousef H. M. and Akca, Sevilay and Hommes, Gregor and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {An Enzyme-Based Interdigitated Electrode-Type Biosensor for Detecting Low Concentrations of H₂O₂ Vapor/Aerosol}, series = {Chemosensors}, volume = {10}, journal = {Chemosensors}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2227-9040}, doi = {10.3390/chemosensors10060202}, pages = {Arikel 202}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This work introduces a novel method for the detection of H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol of low concentrations, which is mainly applied in the sterilization of equipment in medical industry. Interdigitated electrode (IDE) structures have been fabricated by means of microfabrication techniques. A differential setup of IDEs was prepared, containing an active sensor element (active IDE) and a passive sensor element (passive IDE), where the former was immobilized with an enzymatic membrane of horseradish peroxidase that is selective towards H₂O₂. Changes in the IDEs' capacitance values (active sensor element versus passive sensor element) under H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol atmosphere proved the detection in the concentration range up to 630 ppm with a fast response time (<60 s). The influence of relative humidity was also tested with regard to the sensor signal, showing no cross-sensitivity. The repeatability assessment of the IDE biosensors confirmed their stable capacitive signal in eight subsequent cycles of exposure to H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol. Room-temperature detection of H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol with such miniaturized biosensors will allow a future three-dimensional, flexible mapping of aseptic chambers and help to evaluate sterilization assurance in medical industry.}, language = {en} } @article{HoffmannUhlCeblinetal.2022, author = {Hoffmann, Andreas and Uhl, Matthias and Ceblin, Maximilian and Rohrbach, Felix and Bansmann, Joachim and Mallah, Marcel and Heuermann, Holger and Jacob, Timo and Kuehne, Alexander J.C.}, title = {Atmospheric pressure plasma-jet treatment of PAN-nonwovens—carbonization of nanofiber electrodes}, series = {C - Journal of Carbon Research}, volume = {8}, journal = {C - Journal of Carbon Research}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2311-5629}, doi = {10.3390/c8030033}, pages = {8 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Carbon nanofibers are produced from dielectric polymer precursors such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Carbonized nanofiber nonwovens show high surface area and good electrical conductivity, rendering these fiber materials interesting for application as electrodes in batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. However, thermal processing is slow and costly, which is why new processing techniques have been explored for carbon fiber tows. Alternatives for the conversion of PAN-precursors into carbon fiber nonwovens are scarce. Here, we utilize an atmospheric pressure plasma jet to conduct carbonization of stabilized PAN nanofiber nonwovens. We explore the influence of various processing parameters on the conductivity and degree of carbonization of the converted nanofiber material. The precursor fibers are converted by plasma-jet treatment to carbon fiber nonwovens within seconds, by which they develop a rough surface making subsequent surface activation processes obsolete. The resulting carbon nanofiber nonwovens are applied as supercapacitor electrodes and examined by cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Nonwovens that are carbonized within 60 s show capacitances of up to 5 F g⁻¹.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovDigelTastambeketal.2022, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Tastambek, Kuanysh T. and Marat, Adel K. and Turaliyeva, Moldir A. and Kaiyrmanova, Gulzhan K.}, title = {Biotechnology of Microorganisms from Coal Environments: From Environmental Remediation to Energy Production}, series = {Biology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Biology}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-7737}, doi = {10.3390/biology11091306}, pages = {47 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {It was generally believed that coal sources are not favorable as live-in habitats for microorganisms due to their recalcitrant chemical nature and negligible decomposition. However, accumulating evidence has revealed the presence of diverse microbial groups in coal environments and their significant metabolic role in coal biogeochemical dynamics and ecosystem functioning. The high oxygen content, organic fractions, and lignin-like structures of lower-rank coals may provide effective means for microbial attack, still representing a greatly unexplored frontier in microbiology. Coal degradation/conversion technology by native bacterial and fungal species has great potential in agricultural development, chemical industry production, and environmental rehabilitation. Furthermore, native microalgal species can offer a sustainable energy source and an excellent bioremediation strategy applicable to coal spill/seam waters. Additionally, the measures of the fate of the microbial community would serve as an indicator of restoration progress on post-coal-mining sites. This review puts forward a comprehensive vision of coal biodegradation and bioprocessing by microorganisms native to coal environments for determining their biotechnological potential and possible applications.}, language = {en} }