@article{AbouzarPoghossianCherstvyetal.2012, author = {Abouzar, Maryam H. and Poghossian, Arshak and Cherstvy, Andrey G. and Pedraza, Angela M. and Ingebrandt, Sven and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Label-free electrical detection of DNA by means of field-effect nanoplate capacitors: Experiments and modeling}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100710}, pages = {925 -- 934}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Label-free electrical detection of consecutive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization/denaturation by means of an array of individually addressable field-effect-based nanoplate silicon-on-insulator (SOI) capacitors modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NP) is investigated. The proposed device detects charge changes on Au-NP/DNA hybrids induced by the hybridization or denaturation event. DNA hybridization was performed in a high ionic-strength solution to provide a high hybridization efficiency. On the other hand, to reduce the screening of the DNA charge by counter ions and to achieve a high sensitivity, the sensor signal induced by the hybridization and denaturation events was measured in a low ionic-strength solution. High sensor signals of about 120, 90, and 80 mV were registered after the DNA hybridization, denaturation, and re-hybridization events, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy has been applied as reference method to verify the DNA immobilization, hybridization, and denaturation processes. An electrostatic charge-plane model for potential changes at the gate surface of a nanoplate field-effect sensor induced by the DNA hybridization has been developed taking into account both the Debye length and the distance of the DNA charge from the gate surface.}, language = {en} } @article{GrinsvenBonStrauvenetal.2012, author = {Grinsven, Bart van and Bon, Natalie vanden and Strauven, Hannelore and Grieten, Lars and Murib, Mohammed and Jim{\´e}nez Monroy, Kathia L. and Janssens, Stoffel D. and Haenen, Ken and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Vermeeren, Veronique and Ameloot, Marcel and Michiels, Luc and Thoelen, Ronald and Ceuninck, Ward de and Wagner, Patrick}, title = {Heat-Transfer Resistance at Solid-Liquid Interfaces: A Tool for The Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in DNA.}, series = {ACS Nano}, volume = {6}, journal = {ACS Nano}, number = {3}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {1936-086X}, doi = {10.1021/nn300147e}, pages = {2712 -- 2721}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In this article, we report on the heat-transfer resistance at interfaces as a novel, denaturation-based method to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA. We observed that a molecular brush of double-stranded DNA grafted onto synthetic diamond surfaces does not notably affect the heat-transfer resistance at the solid-to-liquid interface. In contrast to this, molecular brushes of single-stranded DNA cause, surprisingly, a substantially higher heat-transfer resistance and behave like a thermally insulating layer. This effect can be utilized to identify ds-DNA melting temperatures via the switching from low- to high heat-transfer resistance. The melting temperatures identified with this method for different DNA duplexes (29 base pairs without and with built-in mutations) correlate nicely with data calculated by modeling. The method is fast, label-free (without the need for fluorescent or radioactive markers), allows for repetitive measurements, and can also be extended toward array formats. Reference measurements by confocal fluorescence microscopy and impedance spectroscopy confirm that the switching of heat-transfer resistance upon denaturation is indeed related to the thermal on-chip denaturation of DNA.}, language = {en} } @article{BaeckerRaueSchusseretal.2012, author = {B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Raue, Markus and Schusser, Sebastian and Jeitner, C. and Breuer, L. and Wagner, P. and Poghossian, Arshak and F{\"o}rster, Arnold and Mang, Thomas and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Microfluidic chip with integrated microvalves based on temperature- and pH-responsive hydrogel thin films}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100763}, pages = {839 -- 845}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Two types of microvalves based on temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and pH-responsive poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA) hydrogel films have been developed and tested. The PNIPAAm and PSA hydrogel films were prepared by means of in situ photopolymerization directly inside the fluidic channel of a microfluidic chip fabricated by combining Si and SU-8 technologies. The swelling/shrinking properties and height changes of the PNIPAAm and PSA films inside the fluidic channel were studied at temperatures of deionized water from 14 to 36 °C and different pH values (pH 3-12) of Titrisol buffer, respectively. Additionally, in separate experiments, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAAm hydrogel was investigated by means of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. Mass-flow measurements have shown the feasibility of the prepared hydrogel films to work as an on-chip integrated temperature- or pH-responsive microvalve capable to switch the flow channel on/off.}, language = {en} } @article{HasanKeilStaatetal.2012, author = {Hasan, Istabrak and Keil, Ludger and Staat, Manfred and Wahl, Gerhard and Bourauel, Christoph}, title = {Determination of the frictional coefficient of the implant-antler interface : experimental approach}, series = {Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik}, volume = {57}, journal = {Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik}, number = {5}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1862-278X}, pages = {359 -- 363}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The similar bone structure of reindeer antler to human bone permits studying the osseointegration of dental implants in the jawbone. As the friction is one of the major factors that have a significant influence on the initial stability of immediately loaded dental implants, it is essential to define the frictional coefficient of the implant-antler interface. In this study, the kinetic frictional forces at the implant-antler interface were measured experimentally using an optomechanical setup and a stepping motor controller under different axial loads and sliding velocities. The corresponding mean values of the static and kinetic frictional coefficients were within the range of 0.5-0.7 and 0.3-0.5, respectively. An increase in the frictional forces with increasing applied axial loads was registered. The measurements showed an evidence of a decrease in the magnitude of the frictional coefficient with increasing sliding velocity. The results of this study provide a considerable assessment to clarify the suitable frictional coefficient to be used in the finite element contact analysis of antler specimens.}, language = {en} } @article{StadlerGarveyBocahutetal.2012, author = {Stadler, Andreas M. and Garvey, G. J. and Bocahut, A. and Sacquin-Mora, S. and Digel, Ilya and Schneider, G. J. and Natali, F. and Artmann, Gerhard and Zaccai, G.}, title = {Thermal fluctuations of haemoglobin from different species : adaptation to temperature via conformational dynamics}, series = {Journal of the Royal Society Interface}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society Interface}, number = {76}, publisher = {The Royal Society}, address = {London}, issn = {1742-5689}, doi = {10.1098/rsif.2012.0364}, pages = {2845 -- 2855}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Thermodynamic stability, configurational motions and internal forces of haemoglobin (Hb) of three endotherms (platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus; domestic chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus and human, Homo sapiens) and an ectotherm (salt water crocodile, Crocodylus porosus) were investigated using circular dichroism, incoherent elastic neutron scattering and coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations. The experimental results from Hb solutions revealed a direct correlation between protein resilience, melting temperature and average body temperature of the different species on the 0.1 ns time scale. Molecular forces appeared to be adapted to permit conformational fluctuations with a root mean square displacement close to 1.2 {\AA} at the corresponding average body temperature of the endotherms. Strong forces within crocodile Hb maintain the amplitudes of motion within a narrow limit over the entire temperature range in which the animal lives. In fully hydrated powder samples of human and chicken, Hb mean square displacements and effective force constants on the 1 ns time scale showed no differences over the whole temperature range from 10 to 300 K, in contrast to the solution case. A complementary result of the study, therefore, is that one hydration layer is not sufficient to activate all conformational fluctuations of Hb in the pico- to nanosecond time scale which might be relevant for biological function. Coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations permitted to explore residue-specific effects. They indicated that temperature sensing of human and chicken Hb occurs mainly at residues lining internal cavities in the β-subunits.}, language = {en} } @article{StaatVu2012, author = {Staat, Manfred and Vu, Duc Khoi}, title = {Limit analysis of flaws in pressurized pipes and cylindrical vessels Part II: Circumferential defects}, series = {Engineering Fracture Mechanics ; 97(2013), H. 1}, volume = {97}, journal = {Engineering Fracture Mechanics ; 97(2013), H. 1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0013-7944}, doi = {10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.05.017}, pages = {314 -- 333}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Upper and lower bound theorems of limit analyses have been presented in part I of the paper. Part II starts with the finite element discretization of these theorems and demonstrates how both can be combined in a primal-dual optimization problem. This recently proposed numerical method is used to guide the development of a new class of closed-form limit loads for circumferential defects, which show that only large defects contribute to plastic collapse with a rapid loss of strength with increasing crack sizes. The formulae are compared with primal-dual FEM limit analyses and with burst tests. Even closer predictions are obtained with iterative limit load solutions for the von Mises yield function and for the Tresca yield function. Pressure loading of the faces of interior cracks in thick pipes reduces the collapse load of circumferential defects more than for axial flaws. Axial defects have been treated in part I of the paper.}, language = {en} } @article{KurulganDemirciDemirciLinderetal.2012, author = {Kurulgan Demirci, Eylem and Demirci, Taylan and Linder, Peter and Trzewik, J{\"u}rgen and Gierkowski, Jessica Ricarda and Gossmann, Matthias and Kayser, Peter and Porst, Dariusz and Digel, Ilya and Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {rhAPC reduces the endothelial cell permeability via a decrease of contractile tensions induced by endothelial cells}, series = {Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering}, volume = {113}, journal = {Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1347-4421}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.03.019}, pages = {212 -- 219}, year = {2012}, abstract = {All cells generate contractile tension. This strain is crucial for mechanically controlling the cell shape, function and survival. In this study, the CellDrum technology quantifying cell's (the cellular) mechanical tension on a pico-scale was used to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on human aortic endothelial cell (HAoEC) tension. The LPS effect during gram-negative sepsis on endothelial cells is cell contraction causing endothelium permeability increase. The aim was to finding out whether recombinant activated protein C (rhAPC) would reverse the endothelial cell response in an in-vitro sepsis model. In this study, the established in-vitro sepsis model was confirmed by interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels at the proteomic and genomic levels by ELISA, real time-PCR and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation by florescence staining. The thrombin cellular contraction effect on endothelial cells was used as a positive control when the CellDrum technology was applied. Additionally, the Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) mRNA expression level was checked by real time-PCR to support contractile tension results. According to contractile tension results, the mechanical predominance of actin stress fibers was a reason of the increased endothelial contractile tension leading to enhanced endothelium contractility and thus permeability enhancement. The originality of this data supports firstly the basic measurement principles of the CellDrum technology and secondly that rhAPC has a beneficial effect on sepsis influenced cellular tension. The technology presented here is promising for future high-throughput cellular tension analysis that will help identify pathological contractile tension responses of cells and prove further cell in-vitro models.}, language = {en} } @article{SpelthahnKirsanovLeginetal.2012, author = {Spelthahn, Heiko and Kirsanov, Dmitry and Legin, Andrey and Osterrath, Thomas and Schubert, J{\"u}rgen and Zander, Willi and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Development of a thin-film sensor array for analytical monitoring of heavy metals in aqueous solutions}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, isbn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100733}, pages = {885 -- 891}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In industrial processes there is a variety of heavy metals (e.g., copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead) in use for wires, coatings, paints, alloys, batteries, etc. Since the application of these transition metals for industry is inevitable, it is a vital task to develop proper analytical techniques for their monitoring at low activity levels, especially because most of these elements are acutely toxic for biological organisms. The determination of ions in solution by means of a simple and inexpensive sensor array is, therefore, a promising task. In this work, a sensor array with heavy metal-sensitive chalcogenide glass membranes for the simultaneous detection of the four ions Ag⁺, Cu2⁺, Cd2⁺, and Pb2⁺ in solution is realized. The results of the physical characterization by means of microscopy, profilometry, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as the electrochemical characterization by means of potentiometric measurements are presented. Additionally, the possibility to expand the sensor array by polymeric sensor membranes is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{SpelthahnSchubertSchoening2012, author = {Spelthahn, Heiko and Schubert, J{\"u}rgen and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {D{\"u}nnschichtsensoren f{\"u}r die Schwermetallanalytik}, series = {GIT : Labor-Fachzeitschrift}, volume = {56}, journal = {GIT : Labor-Fachzeitschrift}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0016-3538}, pages = {285 -- 287}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Die Detektion von Schadstoffen repr{\"a}sentiert in der Umweltanalytik eine wichtige Aufgabenstellung. Gerade die Abwasser- bzw. Brauchwasseranalytik sowie die Prozesskontrolle haben einen hohen Stellenwert. Siliziumbasierte D{\"u}nnschichtsensoren bieten eine kosteng{\"u}nstige M{\"o}glichkeit, „online"-Messungen bzw. Vor-Ort-Messungen zeitnah durchzuf{\"u}hren. In dieser Arbeit wird ein potentiometrisches Sensorarray auf der Basis von Chalkogenidgl{\"a}sern zur Detektion von Schwermetallen in w{\"a}ssrigen Medien vorgestellt.}, language = {en} } @article{NovacekTranKlingeetal.2012, author = {Novacek, V. and Tran, Thanh Ngoc and Klinge, U. and Tolba, R. H. and Staat, Manfred and Bronson, D. G. and Miesse, A. M. and Whiffen, J. and Turquier, F.}, title = {Finite element modelling of stapled colorectal end-to-end anastomosis : Advantages of variable height stapler design}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {45}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {115}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-2380}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.07.021}, pages = {2693 -- 2697}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The impact of surgical staplers on tissues has been studied mostly in an empirical manner. In this paper, finite element method was used to clarify the mechanics of tissue stapling and associated phenomena. Various stapling modalities and several designs of circular staplers were investigated to evaluate the impact of the device on tissues and mechanical performance of the end-to-end colorectal anastomosis. Numerical simulations demonstrated that a single row of staples is not adequate to resist leakage due to non-linear buckling and opening of the tissue layers between two adjacent staples. Compared to the single staple row configuration, significant increase in stress experienced by the tissue at the inner staple rows was observed in two and three rows designs. On the other hand, adding second and/or third staple row had no effect on strain in the tissue inside the staples. Variable height design with higher staples in outer rows significantly reduced the stresses and strains in outer rows when compared to the same configuration with flat cartridge.}, language = {en} }