@article{DigelKernGeenenetal.2020, author = {Digel, Ilya and Kern, Inna and Geenen, Eva-Maria and Akimbekov, Nuraly}, title = {Dental plaque removal by ultrasonic toothbrushes}, series = {dentistry journal}, volume = {8}, journal = {dentistry journal}, number = {28}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2304-6767}, doi = {10.3390/dj8010028}, pages = {1 -- 13}, year = {2020}, abstract = {With the variety of toothbrushes on the market, the question arises, which toothbrush is best suited to maintain oral health? This thematic review focuses first on plaque formation mechanisms and then on the plaque removal effectiveness of ultrasonic toothbrushes and their potential in preventing oral diseases like periodontitis, gingivitis, and caries. We overviewed the physical effects that occurred during brushing and tried to address the question of whether ultrasonic toothbrushes effectively reduced the microbial burden by increasing the hydrodynamic forces. The results of published studies show that electric toothbrushes, which combine ultrasonic and sonic (or acoustic and mechanic) actions, may have the most promising effect on good oral health. Existing ultrasonic/sonic toothbrush models do not significantly differ regarding the removal of dental biofilm and the reduction of gingival inflammation compared with other electrically powered toothbrushes, whereas the manual toothbrushes show a lower effectiveness.}, language = {en} } @article{Gaigall2020, author = {Gaigall, Daniel}, title = {Hoeffding-Blum-Kiefer-Rosenblatt independence test statistic on partly not identically distributed data}, series = {Communications in Statistics - Theory and Methods}, volume = {51}, journal = {Communications in Statistics - Theory and Methods}, number = {12}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1532-415X}, doi = {10.1080/03610926.2020.1805767}, pages = {4006 -- 4028}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The established Hoeffding-Blum-Kiefer-Rosenblatt independence test statistic is investigated for partly not identically distributed data. Surprisingly, it turns out that the statistic has the well-known distribution-free limiting null distribution of the classical criterion under standard regularity conditions. An application is testing goodness-of-fit for the regression function in a non parametric random effects meta-regression model, where the consistency is obtained as well. Simulations investigate size and power of the approach for small and moderate sample sizes. A real data example based on clinical trials illustrates how the test can be used in applications.}, language = {en} } @article{Gaigall2020, author = {Gaigall, Daniel}, title = {Testing marginal homogeneity of a continuous bivariate distribution with possibly incomplete paired data}, series = {Metrika}, volume = {2020}, journal = {Metrika}, number = {83}, publisher = {Springer}, issn = {1435-926X}, doi = {10.1007/s00184-019-00742-5}, pages = {437 -- 465}, year = {2020}, abstract = {We discuss the testing problem of homogeneity of the marginal distributions of a continuous bivariate distribution based on a paired sample with possibly missing components (missing completely at random). Applying the well-known two-sample Cr{\´a}mer-von-Mises distance to the remaining data, we determine the limiting null distribution of our test statistic in this situation. It is seen that a new resampling approach is appropriate for the approximation of the unknown null distribution. We prove that the resulting test asymptotically reaches the significance level and is consistent. Properties of the test under local alternatives are pointed out as well. Simulations investigate the quality of the approximation and the power of the new approach in the finite sample case. As an illustration we apply the test to real data sets.}, language = {en} } @article{Gaigall2020, author = {Gaigall, Daniel}, title = {Rothman-Woodroofe symmetry test statistic revisited}, series = {Computational Statistics \& Data Analysis}, volume = {2020}, journal = {Computational Statistics \& Data Analysis}, number = {142}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0167-9473}, doi = {10.1016/j.csda.2019.106837}, pages = {Artikel 106837}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The Rothman-Woodroofe symmetry test statistic is revisited on the basis of independent but not necessarily identically distributed random variables. The distribution-freeness if the underlying distributions are all symmetric and continuous is obtained. The results are applied for testing symmetry in a meta-analysis random effects model. The consistency of the procedure is discussed in this situation as well. A comparison with an alternative proposal from the literature is conducted via simulations. Real data are analyzed to demonstrate how the new approach works in practice.}, language = {en} } @article{GerhardsSanderZivkovicetal.2020, author = {Gerhards, Michael and Sander, Volker and Zivkovic, Miroslav and Belloum, Adam and Bubak, Marian}, title = {New approach to allocation planning of many-task workflows on clouds}, series = {Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience}, volume = {32}, journal = {Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience}, number = {2 Article e5404}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Chichester}, issn = {1532-0634}, doi = {10.1002/cpe.5404}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Experience has shown that a priori created static resource allocation plans are vulnerable to runtime deviations and hence often become uneconomic or highly exceed a predefined soft deadline. The assumption of constant task execution times during allocation planning is even more unlikely in a cloud environment where virtualized resources vary in performance. Revising the initially created resource allocation plan at runtime allows the scheduler to react on deviations between planning and execution. Such an adaptive rescheduling of a many-task application workflow is only feasible, when the planning time can be handled efficiently at runtime. In this paper, we present the static low-complexity resource allocation planning algorithm (LCP) applicable to efficiently schedule many-task scientific application workflows on cloud resources of different capabilities. The benefits of the presented algorithm are benchmarked against alternative approaches. The benchmark results show that LCP is not only able to compete against higher complexity algorithms in terms of planned costs and planned makespan but also outperforms them significantly by magnitudes of 2 to 160 in terms of required planning time. Hence, LCP is superior in terms of practical usability where low planning time is essential such as in our targeted online rescheduling scenario.}, language = {en} } @article{GossmannThomasHorvathetal.2020, author = {Gossmann, Matthias and Thomas, Ulrich and Horv{\´a}th, Andr{\´a}s and Dragicevic, Elena and Stoelzle-Feix, Sonja and Jung, Alexander and Raman, Aravind Hariharan and Staat, Manfred and Linder, Peter}, title = {A higher-throughput approach to investigate cardiac contractility in vitro under physiological mechanical conditions}, series = {Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods}, volume = {105}, journal = {Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods}, number = {Article 106843}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York, NY}, doi = {10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106843}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @article{HamouKotliarTanetal.2020, author = {Hamou, Hussam Aldin and Kotliar, Konstantin and Tan, Sonny Kian and Weiß, Christel and Blume, Christian and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander and Albanna, Walid}, title = {Surgical nuances and placement of subgaleal drains for supratentorial procedures—a prospective analysis of efficacy and outcome in 150 craniotomies}, series = {Acta Neurochirurgica}, volume = {2020}, journal = {Acta Neurochirurgica}, number = {162}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {0942-0940}, doi = {10.1007/s00701-019-04196-6}, pages = {729 -- 736}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background For supratentorial craniotomy, surgical access, and closure technique, including placement of subgaleal drains, may vary considerably. The influence of surgical nuances on postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or impaired wound healing overall remains largely unclear. With this study, we are reporting our experiences and the impact of our clinical routines on outcome in a prospectively collected data set. Method We prospectively observed 150 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and recorded technical variables (type/length of incision, size of craniotomy, technique of dural and skin closure, type of dressing, and placement of subgaleal drains). Outcome variables (subgaleal hematoma/CSF collection, periorbital edema, impairment of wound healing, infection, and need for operative revision) were recorded at time of discharge and at late follow-up. Results Early subgaleal fluid collection was observed in 36.7\% (2.8\% at the late follow-up), and impaired wound healing was recorded in 3.3\% of all cases, with an overall need for operative revision of 6.7\%. Neither usage of dural sealants, lack of watertight dural closure, and presence of subgaleal drains, nor type of skin closure or dressing influenced outcome. Curved incisions, larger craniotomy, and tumor size, however, were associated with an increase in early CSF or hematoma collection (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01 resp.), and larger craniotomy size was associated with longer persistence of subgaleal fluid collections (p < 0.05). Conclusions Based on our setting, individual surgical nuances such as the type of dural closure and the use of subgaleal drains resulted in a comparable complication rate and outcome. Subgaleal fluid collections were frequently observed after supratentorial procedures, irrespective of the closing technique employed, and resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases without significant sequelae. Our results are limited due to the observational nature in our single-center study and need to be validated by supportive prospective randomized design.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2020, author = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Increased shoulder muscle stretch reflex elicitability in supine subject posture}, series = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science}, volume = {28}, journal = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1878-5913}, doi = {10.3233/IES-192219}, pages = {139 -- 146}, year = {2020}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely used to examine neural muscle function. The knowledge of reflex response in muscles crossing the shoulder is limited. OBJECTIVE: To quantify reflex modulation according to various subject postures and different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering. METHODS: Thirteen healthy male participants performed two sets of external shoulder rotation stretches in various positions and with different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of two different pre-activation levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexive response was observed in all tested muscles in all experimental conditions. The reflex elicitation rate revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (5,288) = 2.358, ρ= 0.040; η2= 0.039; f= 0.637) and a significant test condition main effect (F (1,288) = 5.884, ρ= 0.016; η2= 0.020; f= 0.143). Reflex latency revealed a significant muscle pre-activation level main effect (F (1,274) = 5.008, ρ= 0.026; η2= 0.018; f= 0.469). CONCLUSION: Muscular reflexive response was more consistent in the primary internal rotators of the shoulder. Supine posture in combination with visual feedback of muscle pre-activation level enhanced the reflex elicitation rate.}, language = {en} } @article{HorbachStaatPerezVianaetal.2020, author = {Horbach, Andreas and Staat, Manfred and Perez-Viana, Daniel and Simmen, Hans-Peter and Neuhaus, Valentin and Pape, Hans-Christoph and Prescher, Andreas and Ciritsis, Bernhard}, title = {Biomechanical in vitro examination of a standardized low-volume tubular femoroplasty}, series = {Clinical Biomechanics}, volume = {80}, journal = {Clinical Biomechanics}, number = {Art. 105104}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105104}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background Osteoporosis is associated with the risk of fractures near the hip. Age and comorbidities increase the perioperative risk. Due to the ageing population, fracture of the proximal femur also proves to be a socio-economic problem. Preventive surgical measures have hardly been used so far. Methods 10 pairs of human femora from fresh cadavers were divided into control and low-volume femoroplasty groups and subjected to a Hayes fall-loading fracture test. The results of the respective localization and classification of the fracture site, the Singh index determined by computed tomography (CT) examination and the parameters in terms of fracture force, work to fracture and stiffness were evaluated statistically and with the finite element method. In addition, a finite element parametric study with different position angles and variants of the tubular geometry of the femoroplasty was performed. Findings Compared to the control group, the work to fracture could be increased by 33.2\%. The fracture force increased by 19.9\%. The used technique and instrumentation proved to be standardized and reproducible with an average poly(methyl methacrylate) volume of 10.5 ml. The parametric study showed the best results for the selected angle and geometry. Interpretation The cadaver studies demonstrated the biomechanical efficacy of the low-volume tubular femoroplasty. The numerical calculations confirmed the optimal choice of positioning as well as the inner and outer diameter of the tube in this setting. The standardized minimally invasive technique with the instruments developed for it could be used in further comparative studies to confirm the measured biomechanical results.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{IomdinaKiselevaKotliaretal.2020, author = {Iomdina, Elena N. and Kiseleva, Anna A. and Kotliar, Konstantin and Luzhnov, Petr V.}, title = {Quantification of Choroidal Blood Flow Using the OCT-A System Based on Voxel Scan Processing}, series = {2020 International Conference on Biomedical Innovations and Applications (BIA)}, booktitle = {2020 International Conference on Biomedical Innovations and Applications (BIA)}, isbn = {978-1-7281-7073-2}, doi = {10.1109/BIA50171.2020.9244511}, pages = {41 -- 44}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @article{JildehKirchnerOberlaenderetal.2020, author = {Jildeh, Zaid B. and Kirchner, Patrick and Oberl{\"a}nder, Jan and Vahidpour, Farnoosh and Wagner, Patrick H. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Development of a package-sterilization process for aseptic filling machines: A numerical approach and validation for surface treatment with hydrogen peroxide}, series = {Sensor and Actuators A: Physical}, volume = {303}, journal = {Sensor and Actuators A: Physical}, number = {111691}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0924-4247}, doi = {10.1016/j.sna.2019.111691}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Within the present work a sterilization process by a heated gas mixture that contains hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is validated by experiments and numerical modeling techniques. The operational parameters that affect the sterilization efficacy are described alongside the two modes of sterilization: gaseous and condensed H₂O₂. Measurements with a previously developed H₂O₂ gas sensor are carried out to validate the applied H₂O₂ gas concentration during sterilization. We performed microbiological tests at different H₂O₂ gas concentrations by applying an end-point method to carrier strips, which contain different inoculation loads of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. The analysis of the sterilization process of a pharmaceutical glass vial is performed by numerical modeling. The numerical model combines heat- and advection-diffusion mass transfer with vapor-pressure equations to predict the location of condensate formation and the concentration of H₂O₂ at the packaging surfaces by changing the gas temperature. For a sterilization process of 0.7 s, a H₂O₂ gas concentration above 4\% v/v is required to reach a log-count reduction above six. The numerical results showed the location of H₂O₂ condensate formation, which decreases with increasing sterilant-gas temperature. The model can be transferred to different gas nozzle- and packaging geometries to assure the absence of H₂O₂ residues.}, language = {en} } @article{JungStaat2020, author = {Jung, Alexander and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Erratum to "Modeling and simulation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac tissue" [GAMM-Mitteilungen, (2019), 42, 4, 10.1002/gamm.201900002]}, series = {GAMM-Mitteilungen}, volume = {43}, journal = {GAMM-Mitteilungen}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH GmbH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1522-2608}, doi = {10.1002/gamm.202000011}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @article{KetelhutBrueggeGoelletal.2020, author = {Ketelhut, Maike and Br{\"u}gge, G. M. and G{\"o}ll, Fabian and Braunstein, Bjoern and Albracht, Kirsten and Abel, Dirk}, title = {Adaptive iterative learning control of an industrial robot during neuromuscular training}, series = {IFAC PapersOnLine}, volume = {53}, journal = {IFAC PapersOnLine}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2405-8963}, doi = {10.1016/j.ifacol.2020.12.741}, pages = {16468 -- 16475}, year = {2020}, abstract = {To prevent the reduction of muscle mass and loss of strength coming along with the human aging process, regular training with e.g. a leg press is suitable. However, the risk of training-induced injuries requires the continuous monitoring and controlling of the forces applied to the musculoskeletal system as well as the velocity along the motion trajectory and the range of motion. In this paper, an adaptive norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm to minimize the knee joint loadings during the leg extension training with an industrial robot is proposed. The response of the algorithm is tested in simulation for patients with varus, normal and valgus alignment of the knee and compared to the results of a higher-order iterative learning control algorithm, a robust iterative learning control and a recently proposed conventional norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm. Although significant improvements in performance are made compared to the conventional norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm with a small learning factor, for the developed approach as well as the robust iterative learning control algorithm small steady state errors occur.}, language = {en} } @article{KnoxBruggemannGossmannetal.2020, author = {Knox, Ronald and Bruggemann, Andrea and Gossmann, Matthias and Thomas, Ulrich and Horv{\´a}th, Andr{\´a}s and Dragicevic, Elena and Stoelzle-Feix, Sonja and Fertig, Niels and Jung, Alexander and Raman, Aravind Hariharan and Staat, Manfred and Linder, Peter}, title = {Combining physiological relevance and throughput for in vitro cardiac contractility measurement}, series = {Biophysical Journal}, volume = {118}, journal = {Biophysical Journal}, number = {Issue 3, Supplement 1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0006-3495}, doi = {10.1016/j.bpj.2019.11.3104}, pages = {570a}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Despite increasing acceptance of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) in safety pharmacology, controversy remains about the physiological relevance of existing in vitro models for their mechanical testing. We hypothesize that existing signs of immaturity of the cell models result from an improper mechanical environment. We cultured hiPSC-CMs in a 96-well format on hyperelastic silicone membranes imitating their native mechanical environment, resulting in physiological responses to compound stimuli.We validated cell responses on the FLEXcyte 96, with a set of reference compounds covering a broad range of cellular targets, including ion channel modulators, adrenergic receptor modulators and kinase inhibitors. Acute (10 - 30 min) and chronic (up to 7 days) effects were investigated. Furthermore, the measurements were complemented with electromechanical models based on electrophysiological recordings of the used cell types.hiPSC-CMs were cultured on freely-swinging, ultra-thin and hyperelastic silicone membranes. The weight of the cell culture medium deflects the membranes downwards. Rhythmic contraction of the hiPSC-CMs resulted in dynamic deflection changes which were quantified by capacitive distance sensing. The cells were cultured for 7 days prior to compound addition. Acute measurements were conducted 10-30 minutes after compound addition in standard culture medium. For chronic treatment, compound-containing medium was replaced daily for up to 7 days. Electrophysiological properties of the employed cell types were recorded by automated patch-clamp (Patchliner) and the results were integrated into the electromechanical model of the system.Calcium channel agonist S Bay K8644 and beta-adrenergic stimulator isoproterenol induced significant positive inotropic responses without additional external stimulation. Kinase inhibitors displayed cardiotoxic effects on a functional level at low concentrations. The system-integrated analysis detected alterations in beating shape as well as frequency and arrhythmic events and we provide a quantitative measure of these.}, language = {en} } @article{KoppSchunckGosauetal.2020, author = {Kopp, Alexander and Schunck, Laura and Gosau, Martin and Smeets, Ralf and Burg, Simon and Fuest, Sandra and Kr{\"o}ger, Nadja and Zinser, Max and Krohn, Sebastian and Behbahani, Mehdi and K{\"o}pf, Marius and Lauts, Lisa and Rutkowski, Rico}, title = {Influence of the casting concentration on the mechanical and optical properties of Fa/CaCl2-derived silk fibroin membranes}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {21}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {18 art. no. 6704}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms21186704}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In this study, we describe the manufacturing and characterization of silk fibroin membranes derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. To date, the dissolution process used in this study has only been researched to a limited extent, although it entails various potential advantages, such as reduced expenses and the absence of toxic chemicals in comparison to other conventional techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fibroin concentrations on the process output and resulting membrane properties. Casted membranes were thus characterized with regard to their mechanical, structural and optical assets via tensile testing, SEM, light microscopy and spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using BrdU, XTT, and LDH assays, followed by live-dead staining. The formic acid (FA) dissolution method was proven to be suitable for the manufacturing of transparent and mechanically stable membranes. The fibroin concentration affects both thickness and transparency of the membranes. The membranes did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity. When compared to other current scientific and technical benchmarks, the manufactured membranes displayed promising potential for various biomedical applications. Further research is nevertheless necessary to improve reproducible manufacturing, including a more uniform thickness, less impurity and physiological pH within the membranes.}, language = {en} } @incollection{Laack2020, author = {Laack, Walter van}, title = {Twee Kanten van {\´e}{\´e}n Medaille}, series = {Het Geheim van Elysion : 45 Jaar Studies naar Nabij-de-Dood-Ervaringen over Bewustzijn in Liefde zonder Waarheen}, booktitle = {Het Geheim van Elysion : 45 Jaar Studies naar Nabij-de-Dood-Ervaringen over Bewustzijn in Liefde zonder Waarheen}, publisher = {Van Warven}, address = {Kampen}, isbn = {978-94-93175-44-0}, pages = {97 -- 105}, year = {2020}, language = {nl} } @article{MalanHamerKaeneletal.2020, author = {Malan, Leone and Hamer, Mark and K{\"a}nel, Roland von and Kotliar, Konstantin and Wyk, Roelof D. van and Lambert, Gavin W. and Vilser, Walthard and Ziemssen, Tjalf and Schlaich, Markus P. and Smith, Wayne and Magnusson, Martin and Wentzel, Annemarie and Myburgh, Carlien E. and Steyn, Hendrik S. and Malan, Nico T.}, title = {Delayed retinal vein recovery responses indicate both non-adaptation to stress as well as increased risk for stroke: the SABPA study}, series = {Cardiovascular Journal of Africa}, volume = {26}, journal = {Cardiovascular Journal of Africa}, number = {31}, publisher = {Clinics Cardive Publishing}, address = {Durbanville}, issn = {1680-0745}, doi = {10.5830/CVJA-2020-031}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @incollection{MansurovJandosovChenchiketal.2020, author = {Mansurov, Zulkhair A. and Jandosov, Jakpar and Chenchik, D. and Azat, Seitkhan and Savitskaya, Irina S. and Kistaubaeva, Aida and Akimbekov, Nuraly and Digel, Ilya and Zhubanova, Azhar Achmet}, title = {Biocomposite Materials Based on Carbonized Rice Husk in Biomedicine and Environmental Applications}, series = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, booktitle = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, publisher = {Jenny Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd.}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-4800-27-3}, doi = {10.1201/9780429428647-2}, pages = {3 -- 32}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This chapter describes the prospects for biomedical and environmental engineering applications of heterogeneous materials based on nanostructured carbonized rice husk. Efforts in engineering enzymology are focused on the following directions: development and optimization of immobilization methods leading to novel biotechnological and biomedical applications; construction of biocomposite materials based on individual enzymes, multi-enzyme complexes and whole cells, targeted on realization of specific industrial processes. Molecular biological and biochemical studies on cell adhesion focus predominantly on identification, isolation and structural analysis of attachment-responsible biological molecules and their genetic determinants. The chapter provides a short overview of applications of the biocomposite materials based of nanostructured carbonized adsorbents. It emphasizes that further studies and better understanding of the interactions between CNS and microbial cells are necessary. The future use of living cells as biocatalysts, especially in the environmental field, needs more systematic investigations of the microbial adsorption phenomenon.}, language = {en} } @article{MennickenPeterKaulenetal.2020, author = {Mennicken, Max and Peter, Sophia K. and Kaulen, Corinna and Simon, Ulrich and Karth{\"a}user, Silvia}, title = {Transport through Redox-Active Ru-Terpyridine Complexes Integrated in Single Nanoparticle Devices}, series = {The Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, volume = {124}, journal = {The Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, number = {8}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {1932-7455}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b11716}, pages = {4881 -- 4889}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Transition metal complexes are electrofunctional molecules due to their high conductivity and their intrinsic switching ability involving a metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Here, a method is presented to contact reliably a few to single redox-active Ru-terpyridine complexes in a CMOS compatible nanodevice and preserve their electrical functionality. Using hybrid materials from 14 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and bis-{4′-[4-(mercaptophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]}-ruthenium(II) complexes a device size of 30² nm² inclusive nanoelectrodes is achieved. Moreover, this method bears the opportunity for further downscaling. The Ru-complex AuNP devices show symmetric and asymmetric current versus voltage curves with a hysteretic characteristic in two well separated conductance ranges. By theoretical approximations based on the single-channel Landauer model, the charge transport through the formed double-barrier tunnel junction is thoroughly analyzed and its sensibility to the molecule/metal contact is revealed. It can be verified that tunneling transport through the HOMO is the main transport mechanism while decoherent hopping transport is present to a minor extent.}, language = {en} } @article{MoratFaudeHanssenetal.2020, author = {Morat, Mareike and Faude, Oliver and Hanssen, Henner and Ludyga, Sebastian and Zacher, Jonas and Eibl, Angi and Albracht, Kirsten and Donath, Lars}, title = {Agility Training to Integratively Promote Neuromuscular, Cognitive, Cardiovascular and Psychosocial Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Protocol of a One-Year Randomized-Controlled Trial}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {17}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph17061853}, pages = {1 -- 14}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Exercise training effectively mitigates aging-induced health and fitness impairments. Traditional training recommendations for the elderly focus separately on relevant physiological fitness domains, such as balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Thus, a more holistic and functional training framework is needed. The proposed agility training concept integratively tackles spatial orientation, stop and go, balance and strength. The presented protocol aims at introducing a two-armed, one-year randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effects of this concept on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cognitive and psychosocial health outcomes in healthy older adults. Eighty-five participants were enrolled in this ongoing trial. Seventy-nine participants completed baseline testing and were block-randomized to the agility training group or the inactive control group. All participants undergo pre- and post-testing with interim assessment after six months. The intervention group currently receives supervised, group-based agility training twice a week over one year, with progressively demanding perceptual, cognitive and physical exercises. Knee extension strength, reactive balance, dual task gait speed and the Agility Challenge for the Elderly (ACE) serve as primary endpoints and neuromuscular, cognitive, cardiovascular, and psychosocial meassures serve as surrogate secondary outcomes. Our protocol promotes a comprehensive exercise training concept for older adults, that might facilitate stakeholders in health and exercise to stimulate relevant health outcomes without relying on excessively time-consuming physical activity recommendations.}, language = {en} }