@article{AkimbekovDigelOHerasetal.2014, author = {Akimbekov, N.Sh. and Digel, Ilya and O´Heras, C. and Tastambek, K.T. and Savitskaya, I.S. and Ualyeva, P.S. and Mansurov, Z.A. and Zhubanova, A.A.}, title = {Adsorption of bacterial lipopolysaccharides on carbonized rice husks obtained in the batch experiments}, series = {Experimental Biology}, volume = {60}, journal = {Experimental Biology}, number = {1/2}, publisher = {Al-Farabi Kazakh National University}, address = {Almaty}, issn = {1563-0218}, pages = {144 -- 148}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The scope of this study is the measurement of endotoxin adsorption rate for carbonized rice husk. It showed good adsorption properties for LPS. During the batch experiments, several techniques were used and optimized for improving the material's adsorption behavior. Also, with the results obtained it was possible to differentiate the materials according to their adsorption capacity and kinetic characteristics.}, language = {en} } @article{AlebouyehSamamiPieperBreitbachetal.2014, author = {Alebouyeh Samami, Behzad and Pieper, Martin and Breitbach, Gerd and Hodapp, Josef}, title = {Heat production in the windings of the stators of electric machines under stationary condition}, series = {Heat and mass transfer}, volume = {50}, journal = {Heat and mass transfer}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0947-7411 (Print) ; 1432-1181 (E-Journal)}, doi = {10.1007/s00231-014-1371-8}, pages = {1707 -- 1716}, year = {2014}, abstract = {In electric machines due to high currents and resistive losses (joule heating) heat is produced. To avoid damages by overheating the design of effective cooling systems is required. Therefore the knowledge of heat sources and heat transfer processes is necessary. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a good and effective calculation method for the temperature analysis based on homogenization techniques. These methods have been applied for the stator windings in a slot of an electric machine consisting of copper wires and resin. The key quantity here is an effective thermal conductivity, which characterizes the heterogeneous wire resin-arrangement inside the stator slot. To illustrate the applicability of the method, the analysis of a simplified, homogenized model is compared with the detailed analysis of temperature behavior inside a slot of an electric machine according to the heat generation. We considered here only the stationary situation. The achieved numerical results are accurate and show that the applied homogenization technique works in practice. Finally the results of simulations for the two cases, the original model of the slot and the homogenized model chosen for the slot (unit cell), are compared to experimental results.}, language = {en} } @article{AlhwarinFerreinScholl2014, author = {Alhwarin, Faraj and Ferrein, Alexander and Scholl, Ingrid}, title = {IR stereo kinect: improving depth images by combining structured light with IR stereo}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{AlmajhdiSengerAmeretal.2014, author = {Almajhdi, Fahad N. and Senger, Tilo and Amer, Haitham M. and Gissmann, Lutz and {\"O}hlschl{\"a}ger, Peter}, title = {Design of a highly effective therapeutic HPV16 E6/E7-specific DNA vaccine: optimization by different ways of sequence rearrangements (Shuffling)}, series = {PLOS one}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLOS one}, number = {9}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0113461}, pages = {e113461}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Persistent infection with the high-risk Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) is the causative event for the development of cervical cancer and other malignant tumors of the anogenital tract and of the head and neck. Despite many attempts to develop therapeutic vaccines no candidate has entered late clinical trials. An interesting approach is a DNA based vaccine encompassing the nucleotide sequence of the E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins. Because both proteins are consistently expressed in HPV infected cells they represent excellent targets for immune therapy. Here we report the development of 8 DNA vaccine candidates consisting of differently rearranged HPV-16 E6 and E7 sequences within one molecule providing all naturally occurring epitopes but supposedly lacking transforming activity. The HPV sequences were fused to the J-domain and the SV40 enhancer in order to increase immune responses. We demonstrate that one out of the 8 vaccine candidates induces very strong cellular E6- and E7- specific cellular immune responses in mice and, as shown in regression experiments, efficiently controls growth of HPV 16 positive syngeneic tumors. This data demonstrates the potential of this vaccine candidate to control persistent HPV 16 infection that may lead to malignant disease. It also suggests that different sequence rearrangements influence the immunogenecity by an as yet unknown mechanism.}, language = {en} } @article{AltherrEdererLorenzetal.2014, author = {Altherr, Lena and Ederer, Thorsten and Lorenz, Ulf and Pelz, Peter F. and P{\"o}ttgen, Philipp}, title = {Experimental validation of an enhanced system synthesis approach}, series = {Operations Research Proceedings 2014}, journal = {Operations Research Proceedings 2014}, editor = {L{\"u}bbecke, Marco and Koster, Arie and Letmathe, Peter and Madlener, Reihard and Peis, Britta and Walther, Grit}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Basel}, isbn = {978-3-319-28695-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-28697-6_1}, pages = {6}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Planning the layout and operation of a technical system is a common task for an engineer. Typically, the workflow is divided into consecutive stages: First, the engineer designs the layout of the system, with the help of his experience or of heuristic methods. Secondly, he finds a control strategy which is often optimized by simulation. This usually results in a good operating of an unquestioned sys- tem topology. In contrast, we apply Operations Research (OR) methods to find a cost-optimal solution for both stages simultaneously via mixed integer program- ming (MILP). Technical Operations Research (TOR) allows one to find a provable global optimal solution within the model formulation. However, the modeling error due to the abstraction of physical reality remains unknown. We address this ubiq- uitous problem of OR methods by comparing our computational results with mea- surements in a test rig. For a practical test case we compute a topology and control strategy via MILP and verify that the objectives are met up to a deviation of 8.7\%.}, language = {en} } @article{ArinkinDigelPorstetal.2014, author = {Arinkin, Vladimir and Digel, Ilya and Porst, Dariusz and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard}, title = {Phenotyping date palm varieties via leaflet cross-sectional imaging and artificial neural network application}, series = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {15}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, number = {55}, issn = {1471-2105}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2105-15-55}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background True date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are impressive trees and have served as an indispensable source of food for mankind in tropical and subtropical countries for centuries. The aim of this study is to differentiate date palm tree varieties by analysing leaflet cross sections with technical/optical methods and artificial neural networks (ANN). Results Fluorescence microscopy images of leaflet cross sections have been taken from a set of five date palm tree cultivars (Hewlat al Jouf, Khlas, Nabot Soltan, Shishi, Um Raheem). After features extraction from images, the obtained data have been fed in a multilayer perceptron ANN with backpropagation learning algorithm. Conclusions Overall, an accurate result in prediction and differentiation of date palm tree cultivars was achieved with average prediction in tenfold cross-validation is 89.1\% and reached 100\% in one of the best ANN.}, language = {en} } @article{BandodkarMolinnusMirzaetal.2014, author = {Bandodkar, Amay J. and Molinnus, Denise and Mirza, Omar and Guinovart, Tomas and Windmiller, Joshua R. and Valdes-Ramirez, Gabriela and Andrade, Francisco J. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Wang, Joseph}, title = {Epidermal tattoo potentiometric sodium sensors with wireless signal transduction for continuous non-invasive sweat monitoring}, series = {Biosensors and bioelectronics}, volume = {54}, journal = {Biosensors and bioelectronics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-4235 (E-Journal); 0956-5663 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2013.11.039}, pages = {603 -- 609}, year = {2014}, abstract = {This article describes the fabrication, characterization and application of an epidermal temporary-transfer tattoo-based potentiometric sensor, coupled with a miniaturized wearable wireless transceiver, for real-time monitoring of sodium in the human perspiration. Sodium excreted during perspiration is an excellent marker for electrolyte imbalance and provides valuable information regarding an individual's physical and mental wellbeing. The realization of the new skin-worn non-invasive tattoo-like sensing device has been realized by amalgamating several state-of-the-art thick film, laser printing, solid-state potentiometry, fluidics and wireless technologies. The resulting tattoo-based potentiometric sodium sensor displays a rapid near-Nernstian response with negligible carryover effects, and good resiliency against various mechanical deformations experienced by the human epidermis. On-body testing of the tattoo sensor coupled to a wireless transceiver during exercise activity demonstrated its ability to continuously monitor sweat sodium dynamics. The real-time sweat sodium concentration was transmitted wirelessly via a body-worn transceiver from the sodium tattoo sensor to a notebook while the subjects perspired on a stationary cycle. The favorable analytical performance along with the wearable nature of the wireless transceiver makes the new epidermal potentiometric sensing system attractive for continuous monitoring the sodium dynamics in human perspiration during diverse activities relevant to the healthcare, fitness, military, healthcare and skin-care domains.}, language = {en} } @article{BeckBuchleitnerFerreinetal.2014, author = {Beck, Daniel and Buchleitner, Martin and Ferrein, Alexander and Niem{\"u}ller, Tim and Steinbauer, Gerald}, title = {Mostly Harmless \& AllemaniACs - mixed innovations}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{Bernecker2014, author = {Bernecker, Andreas}, title = {Do politicians shirk when reelection is certain? Evidence from the German parliament}, series = {European Journal of Political Economy}, volume = {36}, journal = {European Journal of Political Economy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0176-2680}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2014.07.001}, pages = {55 -- 70}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Does stiffer electoral competition reduce political shirking? For a micro-analysis of this question, I construct a new data set spanning the years 2005 to 2012 covering biographical and political information about German Members of Parliament (MPs), including their attendance rates in voting sessions. For the parliament elected in 2009, I show that indeed opposition party MPs who expect to face a close race in their district show significantly and relevantly lower absence rates in parliament beforehand. MPs of governing parties seem not to react significantly to electoral competition. These results are confirmed by an analysis of the parliament elected in 2005, by several robustness checks, and also by employing an instrumental variable strategy exploiting convenient peculiarities of the German electoral system. The study also shows how MPs elected via party lists react to different levels of electoral competition.}, language = {en} } @article{Bernecker2014, author = {Bernecker, Andreas}, title = {Divided Government and the Adoption of Economic Reforms}, series = {CESifo DICE Report - Journal for Institutional Comparison}, volume = {12}, journal = {CESifo DICE Report - Journal for Institutional Comparison}, number = {4}, publisher = {Ifo Institute for Economic Research}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {1612-0663}, pages = {47 -- 52}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{BronderWuPoghossianetal.2014, author = {Bronder, Thomas and Wu, Chunsheng and Poghossian, Arshak and Werner, Frederik and Keusgen, M. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Label-free detection of DNA hybridization with light-addressable potentiometric sensors: comparison of various DNA-immobilization strategies}, series = {Procedia Engineering}, volume = {87}, journal = {Procedia Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1877-7058}, doi = {10.1016/j.proeng.2014.11.647}, pages = {755 -- 758}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) consisting of a p-Si-SiO2 and p-Si-SiO2-Au structure, respectively, have been tested for a label-free electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) hybridization. Three different strategies for immobilizing single-stranded probe DNA (ssDNA) molecules on a LAPS surface have been studied and compared: (a) immobilization of thiol-modified ssDNA on the patterned Au surface via gold-thiol bond, (b) covalent immobilization of amino-modified ssDNA onto the SiO2 surface functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and (c) layer-by-layer adsorption of negatively charged ssDNA on a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte layer of poly(allylamine hydrochloride).}, language = {en} } @article{BaeckerKramerHucketal.2014, author = {B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Kramer, F. and Huck, Christina and Poghossian, Arshak and Bratov, A. and Abramova, N. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Planar and 3D interdigitated electrodes for biosensing applications: The impact of a dielectric barrier on the sensor properties}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (A) - Applications and Materials Science}, volume = {211}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (A) - Applications and Materials Science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1521-396X (E-Journal); 1862-6319 (E-Journal); 0031-8965 (Print); 1862-6300 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201330416}, pages = {1357 -- 1363}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Planar and three-dimensional (3D) interdigitated electrodes (IDE) with electrode digits separated by an insulating barrier of different heights were electrochemically characterized and compared in terms of their sensing properties. Due to the impact of the surface resistance, both types of IDE structures display a non-linear behavior in low-ionic strength solutions. The experimental data were fitted to an electrical equivalent circuit and interpreted taking into account the surface-charge-governed properties. The effect of a charged polyelectrolyte layer electrostatically assembled onto the sensor surface on the surface resistance in solutions with different KCl concentration is studied. In case of the same electrode footprint, 3D-IDEs show a larger cell constant and a higher sensitivity to molecular adsorption than that of planar IDEs. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of 3D-IDEs as a new transducer structure for a direct label-free sensing of charged molecules.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMikuckiTulaczyketal.2014, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mikucki, Jill and Tulaczyk, Slawek and Digel, Ilya and Espe, Clemens and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Kowalski, Julia and Xu, Changsheng}, title = {IceMole : A maneuverable probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of subsurface ice and subglacial aquatic ecosystems}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {55}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {65}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1727-5644}, doi = {10.3189/2014AoG65A004}, pages = {14 -- 22}, year = {2014}, abstract = {There is significant interest in sampling subglacial environments for geobiological studies, but they are difficult to access. Existing ice-drilling technologies make it cumbersome to maintain microbiologically clean access for sample acquisition and environmental stewardship of potentially fragile subglacial aquatic ecosystems. The IceMole is a maneuverable subsurface ice probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of glacial ice and subglacial materials. The design is based on the novel concept of combining melting and mechanical propulsion. It can change melting direction by differential heating of the melting head and optional side-wall heaters. The first two prototypes were successfully tested between 2010 and 2012 on glaciers in Switzerland and Iceland. They demonstrated downward, horizontal and upward melting, as well as curve driving and dirt layer penetration. A more advanced probe is currently under development as part of the Enceladus Explorer (EnEx) project. It offers systems for obstacle avoidance, target detection, and navigation in ice. For the EnEx-IceMole, we will pay particular attention to clean protocols for the sampling of subglacial materials for biogeochemical analysis. We plan to use this probe for clean access into a unique subglacial aquatic environment at Blood Falls, Antarctica, with return of a subglacial brine sample.}, language = {en} } @article{Dikta2014, author = {Dikta, Gerhard}, title = {Asymptotically efficient estimation under semi-parametric random censorship models}, series = {Journal of multivariate analysis}, volume = {124}, journal = {Journal of multivariate analysis}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1095-7243 (E-Journal); 0047-259X (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmva.2013.10.002}, pages = {10 -- 24}, year = {2014}, abstract = {We study the estimation of some linear functionals which are based on an unknown lifetime distribution. The observations are assumed to be generated under the semi-parametric random censorship model (SRCM), that is, a random censorship model where the conditional expectation of the censoring indicator given the observation belongs to a parametric family. Under this setup a semi-parametric estimator of the survival function was introduced by the author. If the parametric model assumption is correct, it is known that the estimated functional which is based on this semi-parametric estimator is asymptotically at least as efficient as the corresponding one which rests on the nonparametric Kaplan-Meier estimator. In this paper we show that the estimated functional which is based on this semi-parametric estimator is asymptotically efficient with respect to the class of all regular estimators under this semi-parametric model.}, language = {en} } @article{EilmannSterckWegneretal.2014, author = {Eilmann, Britta and Sterck, Frank J. and Wegner, L. and de Vries, Sven M. G. and von Arx, G. and Mohren, Godefridus M. J. and den Ouden, Jan and Sass-Klaassen, Ute G. W.}, title = {Wood structural differences between northern and southern beech provenances growing at a moderate site}, series = {Tree Physiology}, volume = {34}, journal = {Tree Physiology}, number = {8}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1758-4469 (Online)}, doi = {10.1093/treephys/tpu069}, pages = {882 -- 893}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{FateriGebhardtThuemmleretal.2014, author = {Fateri, Miranda and Gebhardt, Andreas and Th{\"u}mmler, Stefan and Thurn, Laura}, title = {Experimental investigation on selective laser melting of glass}, series = {Physics procedia : 8th International Conference on Laser Assisted Net Shape Engineering LANE 2014}, volume = {56 (2014)}, journal = {Physics procedia : 8th International Conference on Laser Assisted Net Shape Engineering LANE 2014}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1875-3892 (E-Journal); 1875-3884 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.phpro.2014.08.118}, pages = {357 -- 364}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{FeichtingerEilmannBuchmannetal.2014, author = {Feichtinger, Linda M. and Eilmann, Britta and Buchmann, Nina and Rigling, Andreas}, title = {Growth adjustments of conifers to drought and to century-long irrigation}, series = {Forest Ecology and Management}, volume = {2014}, journal = {Forest Ecology and Management}, number = {334}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-7042 (Online)}, doi = {10.1016/j.foreco.2014.08.008}, pages = {96 -- 105}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Our knowledge on tree responses to drought is mainly based on short-term manipulation experiments which do not capture any possible long-term adjustments in this response. Therefore, historical water channels in inner-Alpine dry valleys were used as century-long irrigation experiments to investigate adjustments in tree growth to contrasting water supply. This involved quantifying the tree-ring growth of irrigated and non-irrigated (control) Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Valais (Switzerland), as well as European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in Vinschgau (Italy). Furthermore, the adjustments in radial growth of Scots pine and European larch to an abrupt stop in irrigation were analyzed. Irrigation promoted the radial growth of all tree species investigated compared to the control: (1) directly through increased soil water availability, and (2) indirectly through increased soil nutrients and humus contents in the irrigated plots. Irrigation led to a full elimination of growth responses to climate for European larch and black pine, but not for Scots pine, which might become more sensitive to drought with increasing tree size in Valais. For the control trees, the response of the latewood increment to water availability in July/August has decreased in recent decades for all species, but increased in May for Scots pine only. The sudden irrigation stop caused a drop in radial growth to a lower level for Scots pine or similar level for larch compared to the control for up to ten years. However, both tree species were then able to adjust to the new conditions and subsequently grew with similar (Scots pine) or even higher growth rates (larch) than the control. To estimate the impact of climate change on future forest development, the duration of manipulation experiments should be on longer time scales in order to capture adjustment processes and feedback mechanisms of forest ecosystems.}, language = {en} } @article{FredebeulKreinSteingroever2014, author = {Fredebeul-Krein, Markus and Steingr{\"o}ver, Markus}, title = {Wholesale broadband access to IPTV in an NGA environment : how to deal with it from a regulatory perspective?}, series = {Telecommunications Policy}, volume = {38}, journal = {Telecommunications Policy}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0308-5961 (Print)}, doi = {doi:10.1016/j.telpol.2013.04.002}, pages = {264 -- 277}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{FrotscherStaat2014, author = {Frotscher, Ralf and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Stresses produced by different textile mesh implants in a tissue equivalent}, series = {BioNanoMaterials}, volume = {15}, journal = {BioNanoMaterials}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2191-4672 (E-Journal); 2193-066X (E-Journal); 0011-8656 (Print); 1616-0177 (Print); 2193-0651 (Print)}, doi = {10.1515/bnm-2014-0003}, pages = {25 -- 30}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Two single-incision mini-slings used for treating urinary incontinence in women are compared with respect to the stresses they produce in their surrounding tissue. In an earlier paper we experimentally observed that these implants produce considerably different stress distributions in a muscle tissue equivalent. Here we perform 2D finite element analyses to compare the shear stresses and normal stresses in the tissue equivalent for the two meshes and to investigate their failure behavior. The results clearly show that the Gynecare TVT fails for increasing loads in a zipper-like manner because it gradually debonds from the surrounding tissue. Contrary to that, the tissue at the ends of the DynaMesh-SIS direct may rupture but only at higher loads. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental observations thus the computational model helps to interpret the experimental results and provides a tool for qualitative evaluation of mesh implants.}, language = {en} } @article{FuestKotliarWalteretal.2014, author = {Fuest, Matthias and Kotliar, Konstantin and Walter, Peter and Plange, Niklas}, title = {Monitoring intraocular pressure changes after intravitreal Ranibizumab injection using rebound tonometry}, series = {Ophthalmic and physiological optics}, volume = {34}, journal = {Ophthalmic and physiological optics}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1475-1313 (E-Journal); 0275-5408 (Print)}, doi = {10.1111/opo.12134}, pages = {438 -- 444}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{FunkeDickhoffKeinzetal.2014, author = {Funke, Harald and Dickhoff, J. and Keinz, Jan and Anis, H. A. and Parente, A. and Hendrick, P.}, title = {Experimental and numerical study of the micromix combustion principle applied for hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas as fuel with increased energy density for industrial gas turbine applications}, series = {Energy procedia}, journal = {Energy procedia}, number = {61}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1876-6102 (E-Journal)}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2014.12.201}, pages = {1736 -- 1739}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The Dry Low NOx (DLN) Micromix combustion principle with increased energy density is adapted for the industrial gas turbine APU GTCP 36-300 using hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas with a composition of 90\%-Vol. hydrogen (H₂) and 10\%-Vol. carbon-monoxide (CO). Experimental and numerical studies of several combustor geometries for hydrogen and syngas show the successful advance of the DLN Micromix combustion from pure hydrogen to hydrogen-rich syngas. The impact of the different fuel properties on the combustion principle and aerodynamic flame stabilization design laws, flow field, flame structure and emission characteristics is investigated by numerical analysis using a hybrid Eddy Break Up combustion model and validated against experimental results.}, language = {en} } @article{GoedhuysJanzMohnen2014, author = {Goedhuys, Micheline and Janz, Norbert and Mohnen, Pierre}, title = {Knowledge-based productivity in "low-tech" industries: evidence from firms in developing countries}, series = {Industrial and corporate change}, volume = {23}, journal = {Industrial and corporate change}, number = {1}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1464-3650 (E-Journal); 0960-6491 (Print)}, doi = {10.1093/icc/dtt006}, pages = {1 -- 23}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Using firm-level data from five developing countries—Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, Tanzania, and Bangladesh—and three industries—food processing, textiles, and the garments and leather products—this article examines the importance of various sources of knowledge for explaining productivity and formally tests whether sector- or country-specific characteristics dominate these relationships. Knowledge sources driving productivity appear mainly sector specific. Also differences in the level of development affect the effectiveness of knowledge sources. In the food processing sector, firms with higher educated managers are more productive, and in least-developed countries, additionally those with technology licenses and imported machinery and equipment. In the capital-intensive textiles sector, productivity is higher in firms that conduct R\&D. In the garments and leather products sector, higher education of the managers, licensing, and R\&D raise productivity.}, language = {en} } @article{GuoMiyamotoWagneretal.2014, author = {Guo, Yuanyuan and Miyamoto, Ko-ichiro and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Theoretical study and simulation of light-addressable potentiometric sensors}, series = {Physica status solidi (A) : applications and materials}, volume = {211}, journal = {Physica status solidi (A) : applications and materials}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0031-8965}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201330354}, pages = {1467 -- 1472}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is a semiconductor-based potentiometric sensor using a light probe with an ability of detecting the concentration of biochemical species in a spatially resolved manner. As an important biomedical sensor, research has been conducted to improve its performance, for instance, to realize high-speed measurement. In this work, the idea of facilitating the device-level simulation, instead of using an equivalent-circuit model, is presented for detailed analysis and optimization of the performance of the LAPS. Both carrier distribution and photocurrent response have been simulated to provide new insight into both amplitude-mode and phase-mode operations of the LAPS. Various device parameters can be examined to effectively design and optimize the LAPS structures and setups for enhanced performance.}, language = {en} } @article{GuoMiyamotoWagneretal.2014, author = {Guo, Yuanyuan and Miyamoto, Ko-ichiro and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Device simulation of the light-addressable potentiometric sensor for the investigation of the spatial resolution}, series = {Sensors and actuators B: Chemical}, volume = {204}, journal = {Sensors and actuators B: Chemical}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-3077 (E-Journal); 0925-4005 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2014.08.016}, pages = {659 -- 665}, year = {2014}, abstract = {As a semiconductor-based electrochemical sensor, the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) can realize two dimensional visualization of (bio-)chemical reactions at the sensor surface addressed by localized illumination. Thanks to this imaging capability, various applications in biochemical and biomedical fields are expected, for which the spatial resolution is critically significant. In this study, therefore, the spatial resolution of the LAPS was investigated in detail based on the device simulation. By calculating the spatiotemporal change of the distributions of electrons and holes inside the semiconductor layer in response to a modulated illumination, the photocurrent response as well as the spatial resolution was obtained as a function of various parameters such as the thickness of the Si substrate, the doping concentration, the wavelength and the intensity of illumination. The simulation results verified that both thinning the semiconductor substrate and increasing the doping concentration could improve the spatial resolution, which were in good agreement with known experimental results and theoretical analysis. More importantly, new findings of interests were also obtained. As for the dependence on the wavelength of illumination, it was found that the known dependence was not always the case. When the Si substrate was thick, a longer wavelength resulted in a higher spatial resolution which was known by experiments. When the Si substrate was thin, however, a longer wavelength of light resulted in a lower spatial resolution. This finding was explained as an effect of raised concentration of carriers, which reduced the thickness of the space charge region. The device simulation was found to be helpful to understand the relationship between the spatial resolution and device parameters, to understand the physics behind it, and to optimize the device structure and measurement conditions for realizing higher performance of chemical imaging systems.}, language = {en} } @article{GuoSekiMiyamotoetal.2014, author = {Guo, Yuanyuan and Seki, Kosuke and Miyamoto, Ko-ichiro and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Novel photoexcitation method for light-addressable potentiometric sensor with higher spatial resolution}, series = {Applied physics express : APEX}, volume = {7}, journal = {Applied physics express : APEX}, number = {6}, publisher = {IOP}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1882-0786 (E-Journa); 1882-0778 (Print)}, doi = {10.7567/APEX.7.067301}, pages = {067301-4}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A novel photoexcitation method for the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is proposed to achieve a higher spatial resolution of chemical images. The proposed method employs a combined light source that consists of a modulated light probe, which generates the alternating photocurrent signal, and a ring of constant illumination surrounding it. The constant illumination generates a sheath of carriers with increased concentration which suppresses the spread of photocarriers by enhanced recombination. A device simulation was carried out to verify the effect of constant illumination on the spatial resolution, which demonstrated that a higher spatial resolution can be obtained.}, language = {en} } @article{GuoSekiMiyamotoetal.2014, author = {Guo, Yuanyuan and Seki, Kosuke and Miyamoto, Ko-ichiro and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Device simulation of the light-addressable potentiometric sensor with a novel photoexcitation method for a higher spatial resolution}, series = {Procedia Engineering}, volume = {87}, journal = {Procedia Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1877-7058}, doi = {10.1016/j.proeng.2014.11.369}, pages = {456 -- 459}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A novel photoexcitation method for the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) realized a higher spatial resolution of chemical imaging. In this method, a modulated light probe, which generates the alternating photocurrent signal, is surrounded by a ring of constant light, which suppresses the lateral diffusion of photocarriers by enhancing recombination. A device simulation verified that a higher spatial resolution could be obtained by adjusting the gap between the modulated and constant light. It was also found that a higher intensity and a longer wavelength of constant light was more effective. However, there exists a tradeoff between the spatial resolution and the amplitude of the photocurrent, and thus, the signal-to-noise ratio. A tilted incidence of constant light was applied, which could achieve even higher resolution with a smaller loss of photocurrent.}, language = {en} } @article{HaagZontarSchleupenetal.2014, author = {Haag, S. and Zontar, D. and Schleupen, Josef and M{\"u}ller, T. and Brecher, C.}, title = {Chain of refined perception in self-optimizing assembly of micro-optical systems}, series = {Journal of sensors and sensor systems}, volume = {3}, journal = {Journal of sensors and sensor systems}, number = {1}, publisher = {Copernicus Publ.}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {2194-878X}, doi = {10.5194/jsss-3-87-2014}, pages = {87 -- 95}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Today, the assembly of laser systems requires a large share of manual operations due to its complexity regarding the optimal alignment of optics. Although the feasibility of automated alignment of laser optics has been shown in research labs, the development effort for the automation of assembly does not meet economic requirements - especially for low-volume laser production. This paper presents a model-based and sensor-integrated assembly execution approach for flexible assembly cells consisting of a macro-positioner covering a large workspace and a compact micromanipulator with camera attached to the positioner. In order to make full use of available models from computer-aided design (CAD) and optical simulation, sensor systems at different levels of accuracy are used for matching perceived information with model data. This approach is named "chain of refined perception", and it allows for automated planning of complex assembly tasks along all major phases of assembly such as collision-free path planning, part feeding, and active and passive alignment. The focus of the paper is put on the in-process image-based metrology and information extraction used for identifying and calibrating local coordinate systems as well as the exploitation of that information for a part feeding process for micro-optics. Results will be presented regarding the processes of automated calibration of the robot camera as well as the local coordinate systems of part feeding area and robot base.}, language = {en} } @article{HafnerDemetzWeickertetal.2014, author = {Hafner, David and Demetz, Oliver and Weickert, Joachim and Reißel, Martin}, title = {Mathematical Foundations and Generalisations of the Census Transform for Robust Optic Flow Computation}, series = {Journal of Mathematical Imaging and Vision}, journal = {Journal of Mathematical Imaging and Vision}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1573-7683 (Online)}, doi = {10.1007/s10851-014-0529-9}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{HandtkeSchroeterJuergenetal.2014, author = {Handtke, Stefan and Schroeter, Rebecca and J{\"u}rgen, Britta and Methling, Karen and Schl{\"u}ter, Rabea and Albrecht, Dirk and Hijum, Sacha A. F. T. van and Bongaerts, Johannes and Maurer, Karl-Heinz and Lalk, Michael and Schweder, Thomas and Hecker, Michael and Voigt, Birgit}, title = {Bacillus pumilus reveals a remarkably high resistance to hydrogen peroxide provoked oxidative stress}, series = {PLOS one}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLOS one}, number = {1}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0085625}, pages = {e85625}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Bacillus pumilus is characterized by a higher oxidative stress resistance than other comparable industrially relevant Bacilli such as B. subtilis or B. licheniformis. In this study the response of B. pumilus to oxidative stress was investigated during a treatment with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at the proteome, transcriptome and metabolome level. Genes/proteins belonging to regulons, which are known to have important functions in the oxidative stress response of other organisms, were found to be upregulated, such as the Fur, Spx, SOS or CtsR regulon. Strikingly, parts of the fundamental PerR regulon responding to peroxide stress in B. subtilis are not encoded in the B. pumilus genome. Thus, B. pumilus misses the catalase KatA, the DNA-protection protein MrgA or the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase AhpCF. Data of this study suggests that the catalase KatX2 takes over the function of the missing KatA in the oxidative stress response of B. pumilus. The genome-wide expression analysis revealed an induction of bacillithiol (Cys-GlcN-malate, BSH) relevant genes. An analysis of the intracellular metabolites detected high intracellular levels of this protective metabolite, which indicates the importance of bacillithiol in the peroxide stress resistance of B. pumilus.}, language = {en} } @article{HandtkeVollandMethlingetal.2014, author = {Handtke, Stefan and Volland, Sonja and Methling, Karen and Albrecht, Dirk and Becher, D{\"o}rte and Nehls, Jenny and Bongaerts, Johannes and Maurer, Karl-Heinz and Lalk, Michael and Liesegang, Heiko and Voigt, Birgit and Daniel, Rolf and Hecker, Michael}, title = {Cell physiology of the biotechnological relevant bacterium Bacillus pumilus - An omics-based approach}, series = {Journal of Biotechnology}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, number = {192(A)}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-4863 (E-Journal); 0168-1656 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.08.028}, pages = {204 -- 214}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Members of the species Bacillus pumilus get more and more in focus of the biotechnological industry as potential new production strains. Based on exoproteome analysis, B. pumilus strain Jo2, possessing a high secretion capability, was chosen for an omics-based investigation. The proteome and metabolome of B. pumilus cells growing either in minimal or complex medium was analyzed. In total, 1542 proteins were identified in growing B. pumilus cells, among them 1182 cytosolic proteins, 297 membrane and lipoproteins and 63 secreted proteins. This accounts for about 43\% of the 3616 proteins encoded in the B. pumilus Jo2 genome sequence. By using GC-MS, IP-LC/MS and H NMR methods numerous metabolites were analyzed and assigned to reconstructed metabolic pathways. In the genome sequence a functional secretion system including the components of the Sec- and Tat-secretion machinery was found. Analysis of the exoproteome revealed secretion of about 70 proteins with predicted secretion signals. In addition, selected production-relevant genome features such as restriction modification systems and NRPS clusters of B. pumilus Jo2 are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{HeineHerrmannSelmeretal.2014, author = {Heine, A. and Herrmann, G. and Selmer, Thorsten and Terwesten, F. and Buckel, W. and Reuter, K.}, title = {High resolution crystal structure of clostridium propionicum β-Alanyl-CoA:Ammonia Lyase, a new member of the "Hot Dog Fold" protein superfamily}, series = {Proteins}, volume = {82}, journal = {Proteins}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1097-0134 (E-Journal); 0887-3585 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/prot.24557}, pages = {2041 -- 2053}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Clostridium propionicum is the only organism known to ferment β-alanine, a constituent of coenzyme A (CoA) and the phosphopantetheinyl prosthetic group of holo-acyl carrier protein. The first step in the fermentation is a CoA-transfer to β-alanine. Subsequently, the resulting β-alanyl-CoA is deaminated by the enzyme β-alanyl-CoA:ammonia lyase (Acl) to reversibly form ammonia and acrylyl-CoA. We have determined the crystal structure of Acl in its apo-form at a resolution of 0.97 {\AA} as well as in complex with CoA at a resolution of 1.59 {\AA}. The structures reveal that the enyzme belongs to a superfamily of proteins exhibiting a so called "hot dog fold" which is characterized by a five-stranded antiparallel β-sheet with a long α-helix packed against it. The functional unit of all "hot dog fold" proteins is a homodimer containing two equivalent substrate binding sites which are established by the dimer interface. In the case of Acl, three functional dimers combine to a homohexamer strongly resembling the homohexamer formed by YciA-like acyl-CoA thioesterases. Here, we propose an enzymatic mechanism based on the crystal structure of the Acl·CoA complex and molecular docking. Proteins 2014; 82:2041-2053. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzeMangPeteretal.2014, author = {Heinze, Daniel and Mang, Thomas and Peter, Karin and M{\"o}ller, Martin and Weichold, Oliver}, title = {Synthesis of low molecular weight poly(vinyl acetate) and its application as plasticizer}, series = {Journal of applied polymer science}, volume = {131}, journal = {Journal of applied polymer science}, number = {9}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {New York}, issn = {1097-4628 (E-Journal); 0021-8995 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/app.40226}, pages = {Article No. 40226}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Poly(vinyl acetate), PVAc, with a degree of polymerization Xn = 10 was prepared by chain-transfer radical polymerization using carbon tetrachloride and used as oligomeric plasticizer for commercial PVAc. However, the chlorinated chain ends cause a low thermal stability requiring mild Cl/H substitution. The product exhibits high thermal stability and excellent melt-compounding properties. Blends of oligomeric and commercial PVAc show single glass transition temperatures which decrease with higher oligomer content and exhibit small negative deviations from Fox' linear additivity rule. This indicates plasticization and miscibility being mainly due to entropic effects. Injection-moulded thick specimens show ductile behaviour at oligomer contents >10 wt \%, while sheets with a thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm appear flexible already at 7.5 wt \%. The oxygen permeability coefficients are an order of magnitude lower than those of low-density polyethylene. Due to the sum of their properties, the plasticized sheets present a promising alternative in the preparation of barrier materials.}, language = {en} } @article{HentschkeHagerHojdis2014, author = {Hentschke, Reinhard and Hager, Jonathan and Hojdis, Nils}, title = {Molecular Modeling Approach to the Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Silica-Reinforced Rubbers}, series = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, volume = {131}, journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science}, number = {18}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {1097-4628}, doi = {10.1002/app.40806}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Recently, we have suggested a nanomechanical model for dissipative loss in filled elastomer networks in the context of the Payne effect. The mechanism is based on a total interfiller particle force exhibiting an intermittent loop, due to the combination of short-range repulsion and dispersion forces with a long-range elastic attraction. The sum of these forces leads, under external strain, to a spontaneous instability of "bonds" between the aggregates in a filler network and attendant energy dissipation. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to obtain chemically realistic forces between surface modified silica particles. The latter are combined with the above model to estimate the loss modulus and the low strain storage modulus in elastomers containing the aforementioned filler-compatibilizer systems. The model is compared to experimental dynamic moduli of silica filled rubbers. We find good agreement between the model predictions and the experiments as function of the compatibilizer's molecular structure and its bulk concentration.}, language = {en} } @article{HoehrPaulssenBenardetal.2014, author = {Hoehr, Cornelia and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Benard, Francois and Lee, Chris Jaeil and Hou, Xinchi and Badesso, Brian and Ferguson, Simon and Miao, Qing and Yang, Hua and Buckley, Ken and Hanemaayer, Victoire and Zeisler, Stefan and Ruth, Thomas and Celler, Anna and Schaffer, Paul}, title = {⁴⁴ᶢSc production using a water target on a 13 MeV cyclotron}, series = {Nuclear medicine and biology}, volume = {41}, journal = {Nuclear medicine and biology}, number = {5}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-9614}, doi = {10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2013.12.016}, pages = {401 -- 406}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Access to promising radiometals as isotopes for novel molecular imaging agents requires that they are routinely available and inexpensive to obtain. Proximity to a cyclotron center outfitted with solid target hardware, or to an isotope generator for the metal of interest is necessary, both of which can introduce significant hurdles in development of less common isotopes. Herein, we describe the production of ⁴⁴Sc (t₁⸝₂ = 3.97 h, Eavg,β⁺ = 1.47 MeV, branching ratio = 94.27\%) in a solution target and an automated loading system which allows a quick turn-around between different radiometallic isotopes and therefore greatly improves their availability for tracer development. Experimental yields are compared to theoretical calculations.}, language = {en} } @article{HoltrupSadeghfamHeuermannetal.2014, author = {Holtrup, S. and Sadeghfam, Arash and Heuermann, Holger and Awakowicz, P.}, title = {Characterization and optimization technique for microwave-driven high-intensity discharge lamps using hot S-parameters}, series = {IEEE transactions on microwave theories and techniques}, volume = {62}, journal = {IEEE transactions on microwave theories and techniques}, number = {10}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {0018-9480}, doi = {10.1109/TMTT.2014.2342652}, pages = {2471 -- 2480}, year = {2014}, abstract = {High-intensity discharge lamps can be driven by radio-frequency signals in the ISM frequency band at 2.45 GHz, using a matching network to transform the impedance of the plasma to the source impedance. To achieve an optimal operating condition, a good characterization of the lamp in terms of radio frequency equivalent circuits under operating conditions is necessary, enabling the design of an efficient matching network. This paper presents the characterization technique for such lamps and presents the design of the required matching network. For the characterization, a high-intensity discharge lamp was driven by a monofrequent large signal at 2.45 GHz, whereas a frequency sweep over 300 MHz was performed across this signal to measure so-called small-signal hot S-parameters using a vector network analyzer. These parameters are then used as an equivalent load in a circuit simulator to design an appropriate matching network. Using the measured data as a black-box model in the simulation results in a quick and efficient method to simulate and design efficient matching networks in spite of the complex plasma behavior. Furthermore, photometric analysis of high-intensity discharge lamps are carried out, comparing microwave operation to conventional operation.}, language = {en} } @article{HuckPoghossianBaeckeretal.2014, author = {Huck, Christina and Poghossian, Arshak and B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Chaudhuri, S. and Zander, W. and Schubert, J. and Begoyan, V. K. and Buniatyan, V. V. and Wagner, P. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Capacitively coupled electrolyte-conductivity sensor based on high-k material of barium strontium titanate}, series = {Sensors and actuators. B: Chemical}, journal = {Sensors and actuators. B: Chemical}, number = {198}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-3077 (E-Journal); 0925-4005 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2014.02.103}, pages = {102 -- 109}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{HuckPoghossianBaeckeretal.2014, author = {Huck, Christina and Poghossian, Arshak and B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Reisert, Steffen and Schubert, J. and Zander, W. and Begoyan, V. K. and Buniatyan, V. V. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Chemical sensors based on a high-k perovskite oxide of barium strontium titanate}, series = {Procedia Engineering}, volume = {87}, journal = {Procedia Engineering}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1877-7058}, doi = {10.1016/j.proeng.2014.11.258}, pages = {28 -- 31}, year = {2014}, abstract = {High-k perovskite oxide of barium strontium titanate (BST) represents a very attractive multi-functional transducer material for the development of (bio-)chemical sensors for liquids. In this work, BST films have been applied as a sensitive transducer material for a label-free detection of adsorbed charged macromolecules (positively charged polyelectrolytes) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide vapor as well as protection insulator layer for a contactless electrolyte-conductivity sensor. The experimental results of characterization of individual sensors are presented. Special emphasis is devoted towards the development of a capacitively-coupled contactless electrolyte-conductivity sensor.}, language = {en} } @article{HuckPoghossianKerroumietal.2014, author = {Huck, Christina and Poghossian, Arshak and Kerroumi, Iman and Schusser, Sebastian and B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Zander, Willi and Schubert, J{\"u}rgen and Buniatyan, Vahe V. and Martirosyan, Norayr W. and Wagner, Patrick and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Multiparameter sensor chip with Barium Strontium Titanate as multipurpose material}, series = {Electroanalysis}, volume = {26}, journal = {Electroanalysis}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1521-4109 (E-Journal); 1040-0397 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/elan.201400076}, pages = {980 -- 987}, year = {2014}, abstract = {It is well known that biochemical and biotechnological processes are strongly dependent and affected by a variety of physico-chemical parameters such as pH value, temperature, pressure and electrolyte conductivity. Therefore, these quantities have to be monitored or controlled in order to guarantee a stable process operation, optimization and high yield. In this work, a sensor chip for the multiparameter detection of three physico-chemical parameters such as electrolyte conductivity, pH and temperature is realized using barium strontium titanate (BST) as multipurpose material. The chip integrates a capacitively coupled four-electrode electrolyte-conductivity sensor, a capacitive field-effect pH sensor and a thin-film Pt-temperature sensor. Due to the multifunctional properties of BST, it is utilized as final outermost coating layer of the processed sensor chip and serves as passivation and protection layer as well as pH-sensitive transducer material at the same time. The results of testing of the individual sensors of the developed multiparameter sensor chip are presented. In addition, a quasi-simultaneous multiparameter characterization of the sensor chip in buffer solutions with different pH value and electrolyte conductivity is performed. To study the sensor behavior and the suitability of BST as multifunctional material under harsh environmental conditions, the sensor chip was exemplarily tested in a biogas digestate.}, language = {en} } @article{JensKaldenhoffKirschnerHermannsetal.2014, author = {Jens, Otto and Kaldenhoff, E. and Kirschner-Hermanns, R. and M{\"u}hl, Thomas and Klinge, Uwe}, title = {Elongation of textile pelvic floor implants under load is related to complete loss of effective porosity, thereby favoring incorporation in scar plates}, series = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A}, volume = {102}, journal = {Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {New York}, issn = {1552-4965}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.a.34767}, pages = {1079 -- 1084}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Use of textile structures for reinforcement of pelvic floor structures has to consider mechanical forces to the implant, which are quite different to the tension free conditions of the abdominal wall. Thus, biomechanical analysis of textile devices has to include the impact of strain on stretchability and effective porosity. Prolift® and Prolift + M®, developed for tension free conditions, were tested by measuring stretchability and effective porosity applying mechanical strain. For comparison, we used Dynamesh-PR4®, which was designed for pelvic floor repair to withstand mechanical strain. Prolift® at rest showed moderate porosity with little stretchability but complete loss of effective porosity at strain of 4.9 N/cm. Prolift + M® revealed an increased porosity at rest, but at strain showed high stretchability, with subsequent loss of effective porosity at strain of 2.5 N/cm. Dynamesh PR4® preserved its high porosity even under strain, but as consequence of limited stretchability. Though in tension free conditions Prolift® and Prolift + M® can be considered as large pore class I meshes, application of mechanical strain rapidly lead to collapse of pores. The loss of porosity at mechanical stress can be prevented by constructions with high structural stability. Assessment of porosity under strain was found helpful to define requirements for pelvic floor devices. Clinical studies have to prove whether devices with high porosity as well as high structural stability can improve the patients' outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{KhaydukovaZadorozhnayaKirsanovetal.2014, author = {Khaydukova, M. M. and Zadorozhnaya, O. A. and Kirsanov, D. O. and Iken, Heiko and Rolka, David and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Babain, V. A. and Vlasov, Yu. G. and Legin, A. V.}, title = {Multivariate processing of atomic-force microscopy images for detection of the response of plasticized polymeric membranes}, series = {Russian journal of applied chemistry}, volume = {87}, journal = {Russian journal of applied chemistry}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {1608-3296 (E-Journal); 1070-4272 (Print)}, doi = {10.1134/S1070427214030112}, pages = {307 -- 314}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The possibility of using the atomic-force microscopy as a method for detection of the analytical signal from plasticized polymeric sensor membranes was analyzed. The surfaces of cadmium-selective membranes based on two polymeric matrices were examined. The digital images were processed with multivariate image analysis techniques. A correlation was found between the surface profile of an ion-selective membrane and the concentration of the ion in solution.}, language = {en} } @article{KluczkaEcksteinAlexopoulosetal.2014, author = {Kluczka, Sven and Eckstein, Julian and Alexopoulos, Spiros and Vaeßen, Christiane and Roeb, Martin}, title = {Process simulation for solar steam and dry reforming}, series = {Energy procedia : Proceedings of the SolarPACES 2013 International Conference}, volume = {49}, journal = {Energy procedia : Proceedings of the SolarPACES 2013 International Conference}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1876-6102 (E-Journal)}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2014.03.092}, pages = {850 -- 859}, year = {2014}, abstract = {In co-operation with the German Aerospace Center, the Solar-Institut J{\"u}lich has been analyzing the different technologies that are available for methanol production from CO2 using solar energy. The aim of the project is to extract CO2 from industrial exhaust gases or directly from the atmosphere to recycle it by use of solar energy. Part of the study was the modeling and simulating of a methane reformer for the production of synthesis gas, which can be operated by solar or hybrid heat sources. The reformer has been simplified in such a way that the model is accurate and enables fast calculations. The developed pseudo-homogeneous one- dimensional model can be regarded as a kind of counter-current heat exchanger and is able to incorporate a steam reforming reaction as well as a dry reforming reaction.}, language = {en} } @article{KronhardtAlexopoulosReisseletal.2014, author = {Kronhardt, Valentina and Alexopoulos, Spiros and Reißel, Martin and Sattler, Johannes, Christoph and Hoffschmidt, Bernhard and H{\"a}nel, Matthias and Doerbeck, Till}, title = {High-temperature thermal storage system for solar tower power plants with open-volumetric air receiver simulation and energy balancing of a discretized model}, series = {Energy procedia}, volume = {49}, journal = {Energy procedia}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1876-6102 (E-Journal) ; 1876-6102 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.egypro.2014.03.094}, pages = {870 -- 877}, year = {2014}, abstract = {This paper describes the modeling of a high-temperature storage system for an existing solar tower power plant with open volumetric receiver technology, which uses air as heat transfer medium (HTF). The storage system model has been developed in the simulation environment Matlab/Simulink®. The storage type under investigation is a packed bed thermal energy storage system which has the characteristics of a regenerator. Thermal energy can be stored and discharged as required via the HTF air. The air mass flow distribution is controlled by valves, and the mass flow by two blowers. The thermal storage operation strategy has a direct and significant impact on the energetic and economic efficiency of the solar tower power plants.}, language = {en} } @article{KueppersSteffenHellmuthetal.2014, author = {K{\"u}ppers, Tobias and Steffen, Victoria and Hellmuth, Hendrik and O'Connell, Timothy and Bongaerts, Johannes and Maurer, Karl-Heinz and Wiechert, Wolfgang}, title = {Developing a new production host from a blueprint: Bacillus pumilus as an industrial enzyme producer}, series = {Microbial cell factories}, volume = {13}, journal = {Microbial cell factories}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1475-2859 (E-Journal)}, doi = {10.1186/1475-2859-13-46}, pages = {Article No. 46}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{Laack2014, author = {Laack, Walter van}, title = {Nature is much smarter than expected: the Genetic Code is not degenerate}, series = {American journal of humanities and social sciences}, volume = {Vol. 2}, journal = {American journal of humanities and social sciences}, number = {No. 1}, issn = {2329-0781 (Print) ; 2329-079X (Online)}, pages = {10 -- 12}, year = {2014}, abstract = {In any books about genetics it can still today be read that our genetic code is called "degenerate" because it is still believed that 43 = 64 triplets encode the 20 essential amino acids. Indeed we have to assume the inverse law, what means that 34 = 81 exact code positions are really effective for our genetic code and encode the amino acids, compiled to proteins. This very important discovery leads to two completely new results that are limits-overlooking: 1) 34 (=81) genetic code positions mean exactly the same number as there are stable and naturally existing chemical elements in our universe. This famous argument should now lead to some alternative, as well as new fundamental conclusions about our existence. 2) A genetic code positioning system shows that nature is much smarter than expected: mutations are made less dangerous than believed, because they won't be that easily able any more to cause severe damages in the protein-synthesis. This should also lead to some alternative views upon evolution of life.}, language = {en} } @article{Laack2014, author = {Laack, Walter van}, title = {Therefore Fermat is right}, series = {American journal of humanities and social sciences : AJHSS}, volume = {2}, journal = {American journal of humanities and social sciences : AJHSS}, number = {2}, issn = {2329-079X (E-Journal); 2329-0781 (Print)}, pages = {117 -- 120}, year = {2014}, abstract = {It was Fernat's idea to investigate how many numbers would fulfill the equation according to the Pythagorean Theorem if the exponent were increased to random, e.g. to a3 + b3 = c3. His question became therefore: are there two whole numbers the cubes of which add up to the volume of the cube of a third whole number? He posed this same question, of course, for all kinds of higher exponents, so that the equation could be generalized: is there an integral solution for the equation an + bn = cn, if the exponent n is higher than 2? Although in 1993, the English mathematician Andrew Wiles was able to produce an arithmetical proof for Fermat's famous theorem, I will show that there is a simple logical explanation which is also pragmatic and plausible and what is the result of a fundamental alternative idea how our world seems to be constructed.}, language = {en} } @article{LagemaatVosMaasetal.2014, author = {Lagemaat, Miriam W. and Vos, Eline K. and Maas, Marnix C. and Bitz, Andreas and Orzada, Stephan and Uden, Mark J. van and Kobus, Thiele and Heerschap, Arend and Scheenen, Tom W. J.}, title = {Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 7 T in patients with prostate cancer}, series = {Investigative Radiology}, volume = {49}, journal = {Investigative Radiology}, number = {5}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia, Pa.}, issn = {1536-0210}, doi = {10.1097/RLI.0000000000000012}, pages = {363 -- 372}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Objectives The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of phosphorus (³¹P) spectra of the human prostate and to investigate changes of individual phospholipid metabolites in prostate cancer through in vivo ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at 7 T. Materials and Methods In this institutional review board-approved study, 15 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer underwent T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional ³¹P MRSI at 7 T. Voxels were selected at the tumor location, in normal-appearing peripheral zone tissue, normal-appearing transition zone tissue, and in the base of the prostate close to the seminal vesicles. Phosphorus metabolite ratios were determined and compared between tissue types. Results Signals of phosphoethanolamine (PE) and phosphocholine (PC) were present and well resolved in most ³¹P spectra in the prostate. Glycerophosphocholine signals were observable in 43\% of the voxels in malignant tissue, but in only 10\% of the voxels in normal-appearing tissue away from the seminal vesicles. In many spectra, independent of tissue type, 2 peaks resonated in the chemical shift range of inorganic phosphate, possibly representing 2 separate pH compartments. The PC/PE ratio in the seminal vesicles was highly elevated compared with the prostate in 5 patients. A considerable overlap of ³¹P metabolite ratios was found between prostate cancer and normal-appearing prostate tissue, preventing direct discrimination of these tissues. The only 2 patients with high Gleason scores tumors (≥4+5) presented with high PC and glycerophosphocholine levels in their cancer lesions. Conclusions Phosphorus MRSI at 7 T shows distinct features of phospholipid metabolites in the prostate gland and its surrounding structures. In this exploratory study, no differences in ³¹P metabolite ratios were observed between prostate cancer and normal-appearing prostate tissue possibly because of the partial volume effects of small tumor foci in large MRSI voxels.}, language = {en} } @article{LeandroBungCarvalho2014, author = {Leandro, J. and Bung, Daniel B. and Carvalho, R.}, title = {Measuring void fraction and velocity fields of a stepped spillway for skimming flow using non-intrusive methods}, series = {Experiments in fluids}, journal = {Experiments in fluids}, number = {55}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {0723-4864 (Print) ; 1432-1114 (Online)}, doi = {10.1007/s00348-014-1732-6}, pages = {Art. 1732}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{LehnertzAnsmannBialonskietal.2014, author = {Lehnertz, Klaus and Ansmann, Gerrit and Bialonski, Stephan and Dickten, Henning and Geier, Christian and Porz, Stephan}, title = {Evolving networks in the human epileptic brain}, series = {Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena}, volume = {267}, journal = {Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0167-2789}, doi = {10.1016/j.physd.2013.06.009}, pages = {7 -- 15}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Network theory provides novel concepts that promise an improved characterization of interacting dynamical systems. Within this framework, evolving networks can be considered as being composed of nodes, representing systems, and of time-varying edges, representing interactions between these systems. This approach is highly attractive to further our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological dynamics in human brain networks. Indeed, there is growing evidence that the epileptic process can be regarded as a large-scale network phenomenon. We here review methodologies for inferring networks from empirical time series and for a characterization of these evolving networks. We summarize recent findings derived from studies that investigate human epileptic brain networks evolving on timescales ranging from few seconds to weeks. We point to possible pitfalls and open issues, and discuss future perspectives.}, language = {en} } @article{LeinhosSchusserBaeckeretal.2014, author = {Leinhos, Marcel and Schusser, Sebastian and B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Poghossian, Arshak and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Micromachined multi-parameter sensor chip for the control of polymer-degradation medium}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (A) : special issue on engineering and functional interfaces}, volume = {211}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (A) : special issue on engineering and functional interfaces}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1521-396X (E-Journal); 1862-6319 (E-Journal); 0031-8965 (Print); 1862-6300 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201330364}, pages = {1346 -- 1351}, year = {2014}, abstract = {It is well known that the degradation environment can strongly influence the biodegradability and kinetics of biodegradation processes of polymers. Therefore, besides the monitoring of the degradation process, it is also necessary to control the medium in which the degradation takes place. In this work, a micromachined multi-parameter sensor chip for the control of the polymer-degradation medium has been developed. The chip combines a capacitive field-effect pH sensor, a four-electrode electrolyte-conductivity sensor and a thin-film Pt-temperature sensor. The results of characterization of individual sensors are presented. In addition, the multi-parameter sensor chip together with an impedimetric polymer-degradation sensor was simultaneously characterized in degradation solutions with different pH and electrolyte conductivity. The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of the multi-parameter sensor chip for the control of the polymer-degradation medium.}, language = {en} } @article{LuisierLempiaeinenScherbichleretal.2014, author = {Luisier, Rapha{\"e}lle and Lempi{\"a}inen, Harri and Scherbichler, Nina and Braeuning, Albert and Geissler, Miriam and Dubost, Valerie and M{\"u}ller, Arne and Scheer, Nico and Chibout, Salah-Dine and Hara, Hisanori and Picard, Frank and Theil, Diethilde and Couttet, Philippe and Vitobello, Antonio and Grenet, Olivier and Grasl-Kraupp, Bettina and Ellinger-Ziegelbauer, Heidrung and Thomson, John P. and Meehan, Richard R. and Elcombe, Clifford R. and Henderson, Colin J. and Wolf, C. Roland and Schwarz, Michael and Moulin, Pierre and Terranova, Remi and Moggs, Jonathan G.}, title = {Phenobarbital Induces Cell Cycle Transcriptional Responses in Mouse Liver Humanized for Constitutive Androstane and Pregnane X Receptors}, series = {Toxicological Sciences}, volume = {139}, journal = {Toxicological Sciences}, number = {2}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1094-2025}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfu038}, pages = {501 -- 511}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are closely related nuclear receptors involved in drug metabolism and play important roles in the mechanism of phenobarbital (PB)-induced rodent nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we have used a humanized CAR/PXR mouse model to examine potential species differences in receptor-dependent mechanisms underlying liver tissue molecular responses to PB. Early and late transcriptomic responses to sustained PB exposure were investigated in liver tissue from double knock-out CAR and PXR (CARᴷᴼ-PXRᴷᴼ), double humanized CAR and PXR (CARʰ-PXRʰ), and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mouse livers exhibited temporally and quantitatively similar transcriptional responses during 91 days of PB exposure including the sustained induction of the xenobiotic response gene Cyp2b10, the Wnt signaling inhibitor Wisp1, and noncoding RNA biomarkers from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Transient induction of DNA replication (Hells, Mcm6, and Esco2) and mitotic genes (Ccnb2, Cdc20, and Cdk1) and the proliferation-related nuclear antigen Mki67 were observed with peak expression occurring between 1 and 7 days PB exposure. All these transcriptional responses were absent in CARᴷᴼ-PXRᴷᴼ mouse livers and largely reversible in wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mouse livers following 91 days of PB exposure and a subsequent 4-week recovery period. Furthermore, PB-mediated upregulation of the noncoding RNA Meg3, which has recently been associated with cellular pluripotency, exhibited a similar dose response and perivenous hepatocyte-specific localization in both wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mice. Thus, mouse livers coexpressing human CAR and PXR support both the xenobiotic metabolizing and the proliferative transcriptional responses following exposure to PB.}, language = {en} }