@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} } @article{NguyenDuongTranetal.2012, author = {Nguyen, Nhu Huynh and Duong, Minh Tuan and Tran, Thanh Ngoc and Pham, Phu Tinh and Grottke, O. and Tolba, R. and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Influence of a freeze-thaw cycle on the stress-stretch curves of tissues of porcine abdominal organs}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {45}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {14}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-2380}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.07.008}, pages = {2382 -- 2386}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The paper investigates both fresh porcine spleen and liver and the possible decomposition of these organs under a freeze-thaw cycle. The effect of tissue preservation condition is an important factor which should be taken into account for protracted biomechanical tests. In this work, tension tests were conducted for a large number of tissue specimens from twenty pigs divided into two groups of 10. Concretely, the first group was tested in fresh state; the other one was tested after a freeze-thaw cycle which simulates the conservation conditions before biomechanical experiments. A modified Fung model for isotropic behavior was adopted for the curve fitting of each kind of tissues. Experimental results show strong effects of the realistic freeze-thaw cycle on the capsule of elastin-rich spleen but negligible effects on the liver which virtually contains no elastin. This different behavior could be explained by the autolysis of elastin by elastolytic enzymes during the warmer period after thawing. Realistic biomechanical properties of elastin-rich organs can only be expected if really fresh tissue is tested. The observations are supported by tests of intestines.}, language = {en} } @article{KotliarLanzl2011, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and Lanzl, Ines M.}, title = {Can vascular function be assessed by the interpretation of retinal vascular diameter changes?}, series = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS. 52 (2011), H. 1}, journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS. 52 (2011), H. 1}, publisher = {ARVO}, address = {Rockville, Md.}, isbn = {0146-0404}, pages = {635 -- 636}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @article{KotliarMueckeVilseretal.2008, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and M{\"u}cke, Bruno and Vilser, Walthard and Schilling, Rudolf}, title = {Effect of aging on retinal artery blood column diameter measured along the vessel axis / Kotliar, Konstantin E. ; M{\"u}cke, Bruno ; Vilser, Walthard ; Schilling, Rudolf ; Lanzl, Ines M.}, series = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS. 49 (2008), H. 5}, journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS. 49 (2008), H. 5}, publisher = {-}, isbn = {0146-0404}, pages = {2094 -- 2102}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{KotliarLanzlHanssenetal.2012, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and Lanzl, Ines M. and Hanssen, Henner and Eberhardt, Karla and Vilser, Walthard and Halle, Martin and Heemann, Uwe and Schmidt-Trucks{\"a}ss, Arno and Baumann, Marcus}, title = {Does increased blood pressure rather than aging influence retinal pulse wave velocity?}, series = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS}, volume = {53}, journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS}, number = {4}, publisher = {ARVO}, address = {Rockville, Md.}, issn = {0146-0404}, doi = {10.1167/iovs.11-8815}, pages = {2119 -- 2126}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Purpose: It was demonstrated previously that retinal pulse wave velocity (rPWV) as a measure of retinal arterial stiffness is increased in aged anamnestically healthy volunteers compared with young healthy subjects. Using novel methodology of rPWV assessment this finding was confirmed and investigated whether it might relate to the increased blood pressure usually accompanying the aging process, rather than to the aging itself. Methods: A total of 12 young 25.5-year-old (24.0-28.8) [median(1st quartile-3rd quartile)] and 12 senior 68.5-year-old (63.8-71.8) anamnestically healthy volunteers; and 12 senior 63.0-year-old (60.8-65.0) validated healthy volunteers and 12 young 33.0-year-old (29.5-35.0) hypertensive patients were examined. Time-dependent alterations of vessel diameter were assessed by the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer in a retinal artery of each subject. The data were filtered and processed using mathematical signal analysis and rPWVs were calculated. Results: rPWV amounted to 1200 (990-1470) RU (relative units)/s in the hypertensive group and to 1040 (700-2230) RU/s in anamnestically healthy seniors. These differed significantly from rPWVs in young healthy group (410 [280-500] RU/s) and in validated healthy seniors (400 [320-510] RU/s). rPWV associated with age and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the pooled cohort excluded validated healthy seniors. In a regression model these associations remain when alternately adjusted for MAP and age. When including validated healthy seniors in the pooled cohort only association with MAP remains. Conclusions: Both aging (with not excluded cardiovascular risk factors) and mild hypertension are associated with elevated rPWV. rPWV increases to a similar extent both in young mildly hypertensive subjects and in aged anamnestically healthy persons. Healthy aging is not associated with increased rPWV.}, language = {en} } @article{LustfeldPithanReissel2012, author = {Lustfeld, H. and Pithan, C. and Reißel, Martin}, title = {Metallic electrolyte composites in the framework of the brick-layer model}, series = {Journal of the European Ceramic Society}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of the European Ceramic Society}, number = {4}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0955-2219}, doi = {10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2011.10.017}, pages = {859 -- 864}, year = {2012}, abstract = {It is well known that the already large dielectric constants of some electrolytes like BaTiO₃ can be enhanced further by adding metallic (e.g. Ni, Cu or Ag) nanoparticles. The enhancement can be quite large, a factor of more than 1000 is possible. The consequences for the properties will be discussed in the present paper applying a brick-layer model (BLM) for calculating dc-resistivities of thin layers and a modified one (PBLM) that includes percolation for calculating dielectric properties of these materials. The PBLM results in an at least qualitative description and understanding of the physical phenomena: This model gives an explanation for the steep increase of the dielectric constant below the percolation threshold and why this increase is connected to a dramatic decrease of the breakdown voltage as well as the ability of storing electrical energy. We conclude that metallic electrolyte composites like BaTiO₃ are not appropriate for energy storage.}, language = {en} } @article{BohrnStuetzFuchsetal.2012, author = {Bohrn, U. and St{\"u}tz, E. and Fuchs, K. and Fleischer, M. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Wagner, P.}, title = {Monitoring of irritant gas using a whole-cell-based sensor system}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, volume = {175}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2012.05.088}, pages = {208 -- 217}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Cell-based sensors for the detection of gases have long been underrepresented, due to the cellular requirement of being cultured in a liquid environment. In this work we established a cell-based gas biosensor for the detection of toxic substances in air, by adapting a commercial sensor chip (Bionas®), previously used for the measurement of pollutants in liquids. Cells of the respiratory tract (A549, RPMI 2650, V79), which survive at a gas phase in a natural context, are used as biological receptors. The physiological cell parameters acidification, respiration and morphology are continuously monitored in parallel. Ammonia was used as a highly water-soluble model gas to test the feasibility of the sensor system. Infrared measurements confirmed the sufficiency of the medium draining method. This sensor system provides a basis for many sensor applications such as environmental monitoring, building technology and public security.}, language = {en} } @article{HillenAlperSelverFischeretal.2007, author = {Hillen, Walter and Alper Selver, M. and Fischer, Felix and Kuntalp, Mehmet}, title = {A software tool for interactive generation, representation, and systematical storage of transfer functions for 3D medical images / Alper Selver, M. ; Fischer, Felix ; Kuntalp, Mehmet ; Hillen, Walter}, series = {Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. 86 (2007), H. 3}, journal = {Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. 86 (2007), H. 3}, publisher = {-}, isbn = {0169-2607}, pages = {270 -- 280}, year = {2007}, 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{HanssenNickelDrexeletal.2011, author = {Hanssen, H. and Nickel, T. and Drexel, V. and Hertel, G. and Emslander, I. and Sisic, Z. and Lorang, D. and Schuster, T. and Kotliar, Konstantin and Pressler, A. and Schmidt-Trucks{\"a}ss, A. and Weis, M. and Halle, M.}, title = {Exercise-induced alterations of retinal vessel diameters and cardiovascular risk reduction in obesity}, series = {Atherosclerosis}, volume = {216}, journal = {Atherosclerosis}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {0021-9150}, pages = {433 -- 439}, year = {2011}, language = {en} }