@article{PhilippEfthimiouPaganoetal.2022, author = {Philipp, Mohr and Efthimiou, Nikos and Pagano, Fiammetta and Kratochwil, Nicolaus and Pizzichemi, Marco and Tsoumpas, Charalampos and Auffray, Etiennette and Ziemons, Karl}, title = {Image reconstruction analysis for positron emission tomography with heterostructured scintillators}, series = {IEEE Transactions on Radiation and Plasma Medical Sciences}, volume = {7}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Radiation and Plasma Medical Sciences}, number = {1}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {2469-7311}, doi = {10.1109/TRPMS.2022.3208615}, pages = {41 -- 51}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The concept of structure engineering has been proposed for exploring the next generation of radiation detectors with improved performance. A TOF-PET geometry with heterostructured scintillators with a pixel size of 3.0×3.1×15 mm3 was simulated using Monte Carlo. The heterostructures consisted of alternating layers of BGO as a dense material with high stopping power and plastic (EJ232) as a fast light emitter. The detector time resolution was calculated as a function of the deposited and shared energy in both materials on an event-by-event basis. While sensitivity was reduced to 32\% for 100 μm thick plastic layers and 52\% for 50 μm, the CTR distribution improved to 204±49 ps and 220±41 ps respectively, compared to 276 ps that we considered for bulk BGO. The complex distribution of timing resolutions was accounted for in the reconstruction. We divided the events into three groups based on their CTR and modeled them with different Gaussian TOF kernels. On a NEMA IQ phantom, the heterostructures had better contrast recovery in early iterations. On the other hand, BGO achieved a better contrast to noise ratio (CNR) after the 15th iteration due to the higher sensitivity. The developed simulation and reconstruction methods constitute new tools for evaluating different detector designs with complex time responses.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelmannPourshahidiShalabyetal.2022, author = {Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Pourshahidi, Mohammad Ali and Shalaby, Ahmed and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Probing particle size dependency of frequency mixing magnetic detection with dynamic relaxation simulation}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {563}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, number = {In progress, Art. No. 169965}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2022.169965}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) fundamentally rely on the particles' magnetic relaxation as a response to an alternating magnetic field. The magnetic relaxation complexly depends on the interplay of MNP magnetic and physical properties with the applied field parameters. It is commonly accepted that particle core size is a major contributor to signal generation in all the above applications, however, most MNP samples comprise broad distribution spanning nm and more. Therefore, precise knowledge of the exact contribution of individual core sizes to signal generation is desired for optimal MNP design generally for each application. Specifically, we present a magnetic relaxation simulation-driven analysis of experimental frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) for biosensing to quantify the contributions of individual core size fractions towards signal generation. Applying our method to two different experimental MNP systems, we found the most dominant contributions from approx. 20 nm sized particles in the two independent MNP systems. Additional comparison between freely suspended and immobilized MNP also reveals insight in the MNP microstructure, allowing to use FMMD for MNP characterization, as well as to further fine-tune its applicability in biosensing.}, language = {en} } @article{PourshahidiEngelmannOffenhaeusseretal.2022, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Resolving ambiguities in core size determination of magnetic nanoparticles from magnetic frequency mixing data}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {563}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, number = {In progress, Art. No. 169969}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2022.169969}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) has been widely utilized as a measurement technique in magnetic immunoassays. It can also be used for the characterization and distinction (also known as "colourization") of different types of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based on their core sizes. In a previous work, it was shown that the large particles contribute most of the FMMD signal. This leads to ambiguities in core size determination from fitting since the contribution of the small-sized particles is almost undetectable among the strong responses from the large ones. In this work, we report on how this ambiguity can be overcome by modelling the signal intensity using the Langevin model in thermodynamic equilibrium including a lognormal core size distribution fL(dc,d0,σ) fitted to experimentally measured FMMD data of immobilized MNPs. For each given median diameter d0, an ambiguous amount of best-fitting pairs of parameters distribution width σ and number of particles Np with R2 > 0.99 are extracted. By determining the samples' total iron mass, mFe, with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), we are then able to identify the one specific best-fitting pair (σ, Np) one uniquely. With this additional externally measured parameter, we resolved the ambiguity in core size distribution and determined the parameters (d0, σ, Np) directly from FMMD measurements, allowing precise MNPs sample characterization.}, language = {en} } @article{SteuerDankertGilmartinMulleretal.2019, author = {Steuer-Dankert, Linda and Gilmartin, Shannon K. and Muller, Carol B. and Dungs, Carolin and Sheppard, Sheri and Leicht-Scholten, Carmen}, title = {Expanding engineering limits : a concept for socially responsible education of engineers}, series = {The international journal of engineering education}, volume = {35}, journal = {The international journal of engineering education}, number = {2}, isbn = {0949-149X}, pages = {658 -- 673}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @article{SteuerDankertSharmaBlecketal.2017, author = {Steuer-Dankert, Linda and Sharma, Mamta Rameshwarlal and Bleck, Wolfgang and Leicht-Scholten, Carmen}, title = {Diversity and innovation management in large research groups}, series = {International Journal of Innovation Management}, volume = {5}, journal = {International Journal of Innovation Management}, number = {2}, issn = {1757-5877}, pages = {49 -- 72}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Contemporary research appreciates a diverse workforce as a potential source of innovation. Researchers explore the fine details of why diversity management is central for generating innovations in heterogeneous research groups and how it could be effectively implemented into organizations. Complex research associations that discuss topics with a high impact on society increasingly address the necessity of establishing a diverse workforce to confront the challenges of tomorrow. Characterized by complex management structures as well as hierarchies, research associations have not been a subject of investigation until now. For this reason, the presented research project aims to develop a diversity and innovation management strategy with the ultimate goal of inducing change in the corporate culture. The proposed approach consisted of six phases; the first two phases investigated the status quo of diversity in the existing organizational structures of member institutes and the variety of particular working cultures within the research association. The third and the fourth phases utilized qualitative and quantitative studies. The third phase focused on the connection of management level to diversity and innovation, and the need for diversity and innovation management, and tailor-made methods of implementing them. The first three phases have been accomplished successfully; preliminary results are already available. The fourth phase will mainly focus on exploring the mind-set of the employees. The fifth phase will consolidate the findings in the first four phases into an implementable strategy. The final phase will address the implementation of this strategy into the organization. Phases 4 to 6 have not yet been undertaken}, language = {en} } @article{MonakhovaDiehl2022, author = {Monakhova, Yulia and Diehl, Bernd W.K.}, title = {Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an elegant tool for a complete quality control of crude heparin material}, series = {Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis}, volume = {219}, journal = {Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis}, number = {Article number: 114915}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {0731-7085}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114915}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometric methods for the quantitative analysis of pure heparin in crude heparin is proposed. For quantification, a two-step routine was developed using a USP heparin reference sample for calibration and benzoic acid as an internal standard. The method was successfully validated for its accuracy, reproducibility, and precision. The methodology was used to analyze 20 authentic porcine heparinoid samples having heparin content between 4.25 w/w \% and 64.4 w/w \%. The characterization of crude heparin products was further extended to a simultaneous analysis of these common ions: sodium, calcium, acetate and chloride. A significant, linear dependence was found between anticoagulant activity and assayed heparin content for thirteen heparinoids samples, for which reference data were available. A Diffused-ordered NMR experiment (DOSY) can be used for qualitative analysis of specific glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in heparinoid matrices and, potentially, for quantitative prediction of molecular weight of GAGs. NMR spectrometry therefore represents a unique analytical method suitable for the simultaneous quantitative control of organic and inorganic composition of crude heparin samples (especially heparin content) as well as an estimation of other physical and quality parameters (molecular weight, animal origin and activity).}, language = {en} } @article{Kurz2018, author = {Kurz, Melanie}, title = {Was heißt: Verantwortung im Design? Historische Positionen}, series = {Boxhorn: das Magazin aus dem Fachbereich Gestaltung der FH Aachen}, journal = {Boxhorn: das Magazin aus dem Fachbereich Gestaltung der FH Aachen}, number = {34}, address = {Aachen}, pages = {26 -- 33}, year = {2018}, language = {de} } @article{Kurz2019, author = {Kurz, Melanie}, title = {Images of Sweden in Germany: from Sundborn and Bullerby to Ikea}, series = {nomad: the magazine for new design culture, business affairs and contemporary lifestyle}, journal = {nomad: the magazine for new design culture, business affairs and contemporary lifestyle}, number = {8}, isbn = {2513-0714}, pages = {136 -- 147}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @article{UysalCreutzFiratetal.2022, author = {Uysal, Karya and Creutz, Till and Firat, Ipek Seda and Artmann, Gerhard and Teusch, Nicole and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Bio-functionalized ultra-thin, large-area and waterproof silicone membranes for biomechanical cellular loading and compliance experiments}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {14}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2073-4360}, pages = {2213}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Biocompatibility, flexibility and durability make polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes top candidates in biomedical applications. CellDrum technology uses large area, <10 µm thin membranes as mechanical stress sensors of thin cell layers. For this to be successful, the properties (thickness, temperature, dust, wrinkles, etc.) must be precisely controlled. The following parameters of membrane fabrication by means of the Floating-on-Water (FoW) method were investigated: (1) PDMS volume, (2) ambient temperature, (3) membrane deflection and (4) membrane mechanical compliance. Significant differences were found between all PDMS volumes and thicknesses tested (p < 0.01). They also differed from the calculated values. At room temperatures between 22 and 26 °C, significant differences in average thickness values were found, as well as a continuous decrease in thicknesses within a 4 °C temperature elevation. No correlation was found between the membrane thickness groups (between 3-4 µm) in terms of deflection and compliance. We successfully present a fabrication method for thin bio-functionalized membranes in conjunction with a four-step quality management system. The results highlight the importance of tight regulation of production parameters through quality control. The use of membranes described here could also become the basis for material testing on thin, viscous layers such as polymers, dyes and adhesives, which goes far beyond biological applications.}, language = {en} } @article{BuedenbenderJanssenWobben2009, author = {B{\"u}denbender, Martin and Janssen, Matthias and Wobben, Magnus}, title = {Versorgungssicherheit auf Elektrizit{\"a}tsm{\"a}rkten — Investitionsdilemma durch ineffizientes Marktdesign?}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Energiewirtschaft}, volume = {33}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Energiewirtschaft}, number = {1}, issn = {1866-2765}, pages = {49 -- 61}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Dieser Artikel befasst sich mit dem Investitionsdilemma in der Stromerzeugung, welches in unzureichend ausgestalteten liberalisierten Stromm{\"a}rkten zu einem gesamtwirtschaftlich unerw{\"u}nscht geringen Niveau an Versorgungssicherheit f{\"u}hrt. Die origin{\"a}ren Ursachen im deutschen Strommarkt liegen in einer eingeschr{\"a}nkten Schadenersatzpflicht der Lieferanten im Falle eines kapazit{\"a}tsbedingten Stromausfalls und in der zeitlichen Differenz zwischen letzter Handelsm{\"o}glichkeit und Lieferung. Letzteres verhindert ein jederzeitiges individuelles Glattstellen von unerwartet auftretenden Ein- bzw. Ausspeise{\"a}nderungen. Des Weiteren f{\"u}hren Faktoren wie die fehlende Partizipation der Endverbraucher am Großhandelsmarkt, die nur undifferenziert m{\"o}gliche Abschaltung von Endverbrauchern oder time lags durch lange Bau- und Genehmigungszeiten von Erzeugungskapazit{\"a}ten in Verbindung mit {\"u}ber lange Zeitr{\"a}ume nicht versicherbaren Risiken bez{\"u}glich Brennstoff-, CO2-Zertifikate- und Strompreisen zu einer Versch{\"a}rfung der Problematik. Sinnvolle L{\"o}sungsans{\"a}tze sind zum einen die Erh{\"o}hung der Intraday-Handelsliquidit{\"a}t zur Verbesserung der Marktr{\"a}umungsfunktion bis m{\"o}glichst kurz vor Stromlieferung, was z. B. durch eine F{\"o}rderung der Direktvermarktung Erneuerbarer Energien erreicht werden kann. Zum anderen tr{\"a}gt ein verst{\"a}rkter Ausbau von smart metern bei Endverbrauchern zu einer h{\"o}heren Versorgungssicherheit bei, da dies die Gl{\"a}ttung von Lastspitzen und die Artikulation der tats{\"a}chlichen Zahlungsbereitschaft von Endverbrauchern am Großhandelsmarkt erm{\"o}glicht.}, language = {de} }