@article{CiritsisHorbachStaatetal.2018, author = {Ciritsis, Alexander and Horbach, Andreas and Staat, Manfred and Kuhl, Christiane K. and Kraemer, Nils Andreas}, title = {Porosity and tissue integration of elastic mesh implants evaluated in vitro and in vivo}, series = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B: Applied Biomaterials}, volume = {106}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B: Applied Biomaterials}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {1552-4981}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.33877}, pages = {827 -- 833}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Purpose In vivo, a loss of mesh porosity triggers scar tissue formation and restricts functionality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and configuration changes as mesh deformation and mesh shrinkage of a soft mesh implant compared with a conventional stiff mesh implant in vitro and in a porcine model. Material and Methods Tensile tests and digital image correlation were used to determine the textile porosity for both mesh types in vitro. A group of three pigs each were treated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visible conventional stiff polyvinylidene fluoride meshes (PVDF) or with soft thermoplastic polyurethane meshes (TPU) (FEG Textiltechnik mbH, Aachen, Germany), respectively. MRI was performed with a pneumoperitoneum at a pressure of 0 and 15 mmHg, which resulted in bulging of the abdomen. The mesh-induced signal voids were semiautomatically segmented and the mesh areas were determined. With the deformations assessed in both mesh types at both pressure conditions, the porosity change of the meshes after 8 weeks of ingrowth was calculated as an indicator of preserved elastic properties. The explanted specimens were examined histologically for the maturity of the scar (collagen I/III ratio). Results In TPU, the in vitro porosity increased constantly, in PVDF, a loss of porosity was observed under mild stresses. In vivo, the mean mesh areas of TPU were 206.8 cm2 (± 5.7 cm2) at 0 mmHg pneumoperitoneum and 274.6 cm2 (± 5.2 cm2) at 15 mmHg; for PVDF the mean areas were 205.5 cm2 (± 8.8 cm2) and 221.5 cm2 (± 11.8 cm2), respectively. The pneumoperitoneum-induced pressure increase resulted in a calculated porosity increase of 8.4\% for TPU and of 1.2\% for PVDF. The mean collagen I/III ratio was 8.7 (± 0.5) for TPU and 4.7 (± 0.7) for PVDF. Conclusion The elastic properties of TPU mesh implants result in improved tissue integration compared to conventional PVDF meshes, and they adapt more efficiently to the abdominal wall. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 827-833, 2018.}, language = {en} } @article{ConzenAlbannaWeissetal.2018, author = {Conzen, Catharina and Albanna, Walid and Weiss, Miriam and K{\"u}rten, David and Vilser, Walthard and Kotliar, Konstantin and Z{\"a}ske, Charlotte and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander}, title = {Vasoconstriction and Impairment of Neurovascular Coupling after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: a Descriptive Analysis of Retinal Changes}, series = {Translational Stroke Research}, journal = {Translational Stroke Research}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1868-601X}, doi = {10.1007/s12975-017-0585-8}, pages = {284 -- 293}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Impaired cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling (NVC) contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Retinal vessel analysis (RVA) allows non-invasive assessment of vessel dimension and NVC hereby demonstrating a predictive value in the context of various neurovascular diseases. Using RVA as a translational approach, we aimed to assess the retinal vessels in patients with SAH. RVA was performed prospectively in 24 patients with acute SAH (group A: day 5-14), in 11 patients 3 months after ictus (group B: day 90 ± 35), and in 35 age-matched healthy controls (group C). Data was acquired using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG, Jena) for examination of retinal vessel dimension and NVC using flicker-light excitation. Diameter of retinal vessels—central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent—was significantly reduced in the acute phase (p < 0.001) with gradual improvement in group B (p < 0.05). Arterial NVC of group A was significantly impaired with diminished dilatation (p < 0.001) and reduced area under the curve (p < 0.01) when compared to group C. Group B showed persistent prolonged latency of arterial dilation (p < 0.05). Venous NVC was significantly delayed after SAH compared to group C (A p < 0.001; B p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to document retinal vasoconstriction and impairment of NVC in patients with SAH. Using non-invasive RVA as a translational approach, characteristic patterns of compromise were detected for the arterial and venous compartment of the neurovascular unit in a time-dependent fashion. Recruitment will continue to facilitate a correlation analysis with clinical course and outcome.}, language = {en} } @incollection{Czarnecki2018, author = {Czarnecki, Christian}, title = {Establishment of a central process governance organization combined with operational process improvements : Insights from a BPM Project at a leading telecommunications operator in the Middle East}, series = {Business process management cases : digital innovation and business transformation in practice}, booktitle = {Business process management cases : digital innovation and business transformation in practice}, editor = {vom Brocke, Jan and Mendling, Jan}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-319-58306-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-58307-5}, pages = {57 -- 76}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Because of customer churn, strong competition, and operational inefficiencies, the telecommunications operator ME Telco (fictitious name due to confidentiality) launched a strategic transformation program that included a Business Process Management (BPM) project. Major problems were silo-oriented process management and missing cross-functional transparency. Process improvements were not consistently planned and aligned with corporate targets. Measurable inefficiencies were observed on an operational level, e.g., high lead times and reassignment rates of the incident management process.}, language = {en} } @incollection{CzarneckiAuth2018, author = {Czarnecki, Christian and Auth, Gunnar}, title = {Prozessdigitalisierung durch Robotic 7 Process Automation}, series = {Digitalisierung in Unternehmen: von den theoretischen Ans{\"a}tzen zur praktischen Umsetzung}, booktitle = {Digitalisierung in Unternehmen: von den theoretischen Ans{\"a}tzen zur praktischen Umsetzung}, editor = {Barton, Thomas and M{\"u}ller, Christian and Seel, Christian}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Wiesbaden}, isbn = {9783658227739}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-658-22773-9_7}, pages = {113 -- 131}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Im Rahmen der digitalen Transformation werden innovative Technologiekonzepte, wie z. B. das Internet der Dinge und Cloud Computing als Treiber f{\"u}r weitreichende Ver{\"a}nderungen von Organisationen und Gesch{\"a}ftsmodellen angesehen. In diesem Kontext ist Robotic Process Automation (RPA) ein neuartiger Ansatz zur Prozessautomatisierung, bei dem manuelle T{\"a}tigkeiten durch sogenannte Softwareroboter erlernt und automatisiert ausgef{\"u}hrt werden. Dabei emulieren Softwareroboter die Eingaben auf der bestehenden Pr{\"a}sentationsschicht, so dass keine {\"A}nderungen an vorhandenen Anwendungssystemen notwendig sind. Die innovative Idee ist die Transformation der bestehenden Prozessausf{\"u}hrung von manuell zu digital, was RPA von traditionellen Ans{\"a}tzen des Business Process Managements (BPM) unterscheidet, bei denen z. B. prozessgetriebene Anpassungen auf Ebene der Gesch{\"a}ftslogik notwendig sind. Am Markt werden bereits unterschiedliche RPA-L{\"o}sungen als Softwareprodukte angeboten. Gerade bei operativen Prozessen mit sich wiederholenden Verarbeitungsschritten in unterschiedlichen Anwendungssystemen sind gute Ergebnisse durch RPA dokumentiert, wie z. B. die Automatisierung von 35 \% der Backoffice-Prozesse bei Telefonica. Durch den vergleichsweise niedrigen Implementierungsaufwand verbunden mit einem hohen Automatisierungspotenzial ist in der Praxis (z. B. Banken, Telekommunikation, Energieversorgung) ein hohes Interesse an RPA vorhanden. Der Beitrag diskutiert RPA als innovativen Ansatz zur Prozessdigitalisierung und gibt konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen f{\"u}r die Praxis. Dazu wird zwischen modellgetriebenen und selbstlernenden Ans{\"a}tzen unterschieden. Anhand von generellen Architekturen von RPA-Systemen werden Anwendungsszenarien sowie deren Automatisierungspotenziale, aber auch Einschr{\"a}nkungen, diskutiert. Es folgt ein strukturierter Markt{\"u}berblick ausgew{\"a}hlter RPA-Produkte. Anhand von drei konkreten Anwendungsbeispielen wird die Nutzung von RPA in der Praxis verdeutlicht.}, language = {de} } @article{DantismRoehlenWagneretal.2018, author = {Dantism, Shahriar and R{\"o}hlen, Desiree and Wagner, Torsten and Wagner, Patrick and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Optimization of Cell-Based Multi-Chamber LAPS Measurements Utilizing FPGA-Controlled Laser-Diode Modules}, series = {physica status solidi a : applications and materials sciences}, volume = {215}, journal = {physica status solidi a : applications and materials sciences}, number = {15}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201800058}, pages = {Article number 1800058}, year = {2018}, abstract = {A light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is a field-effect-based potentiometric device, which detects concentration changes of an analyte solution on the sensor surface in a spatially resolved way. It uses a light source to generate electron-hole pairs inside the semiconductor, which are separated in the depletion region due to an applied bias voltage across the sensor structure and hence, a surface-potential-dependent photocurrent can be read out. However, depending on the beam angle of the light source, scattering effects can occur, which influence the recorded signal in LAPS-based differential measurements. To solve this problem, a novel illumination unit based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) consisting of 16 small-sized tunable infrared laser-diode modules (LDMs) is developed. Due to the improved focus of the LDMs with a beam angle of only 2 mrad, undesirable scattering effects are minimized. Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12 bacteria are used as a test microorganism to study the extracellular acidification on the sensor surface. Furthermore, a salt bridge chamber is built up and integrated with the LAPS system enabling multi-chamber differential measurements with a single Ag/AgCl reference electrode.}, language = {en} } @article{deBloisdeZangerPaulssenetal.2018, author = {de Blois, Eric and de Zanger, Rory M. S. and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Sze Chan, Ho and Breeman, Wouter A. P.}, title = {Semi-automated system for concentrating 68Ga-eluate to obtain high molar and volume concentration of 68Ga-Radiopharmaca for preclinical applications}, series = {Nuclear Medicine and Biology}, volume = {64-65}, journal = {Nuclear Medicine and Biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2018.06.006}, pages = {16 -- 21}, year = {2018}, abstract = {68Ga-radiopharmaceuticals are common in the field of Nuclear Medicine to visualize receptor-mediated processes. In contrast to straightforward labeling procedures for clinical applications, preclinical in vitro and in vivo applications are hampered for reasons like e.g. volume restriction, activity concentration, molar activity and osmolality. Therefore, we developed a semiautomatic system specifically to overcome these problems. A difficulty appeared unexpectedly, as intrinsic trace metals derived from eluate (Zn, Fe and Cu) are concentrated as well in amounts that influence radiochemical yield and thus lower molar activity.}, language = {en} } @incollection{DigelAkimbekovKistaubayevaetal.2018, author = {Digel, Ilya and Akimbekov, Nuraly Sh. and Kistaubayeva, Aida and Zhubanova, Azhar A.}, title = {Microbial Sampling from Dry Surfaces: Current Challenges and Solutions}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_19}, pages = {421 -- 456}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Sampling of dry surfaces for microorganisms is a main component of microbiological safety and is of critical importance in many fields including epidemiology, astrobiology as well as numerous branches of medical and food manufacturing. Aspects of biofilm formation, analysis and removal in aqueous solutions have been thoroughly discussed in literature. In contrast, microbial communities on air-exposed (dry) surfaces have received significantly less attention. Diverse surface sampling methods have been developed in order to address various surfaces and microbial groups, but they notoriously show poor repeatability, low recovery rates and suffer from lack of mutual consistency. Quantitative sampling for viable microorganisms represents a particular challenge, especially on porous and irregular surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to examine in depth the factors involved in microorganisms' recovery efficiency and accuracy depending on the sampling technique used. Microbial colonization, retention and community composition on different dry surfaces are very complex and rely on numerous physicochemical and biological factors. This study is devoted to analyze and review the (a) physical phenomena and intermolecular forces relevant for microbiological surface sampling; (b) challenges and problems faced by existing sampling methods for viable microorganisms and (c) current directions of engineering and research aimed at improvement of quality and efficiency of microbiological surface sampling.}, language = {en} } @article{DigelWehlitzKayseretal.2018, author = {Digel, Ilya and Wehlitz, V. and Kayser, Peter and Figiel-Lange, A. and Bassam, R. and Rundstedt, F. von}, title = {Suspension depletion approach for exemption of infected Solanum jasminoides cells from pospiviroids}, series = {Plant Pathology}, volume = {67}, journal = {Plant Pathology}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1365-3059}, doi = {10.1111/ppa.12750}, pages = {358 -- 365}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Despite numerous studies, viroid elimination from infected plants remains a very challenging task. This study introduces for the first time a novel 'suspension depletion' approach for exemption of Solanum jasminoides plants from viroids. The proposed method implies initial establishment of suspension cultures of the infected plant cells. The suspended cells were then physically treated (mild thermotherapy, 33 °C), which presumably delayed the replication of the viroid. The viroid concentration in the treated biomass was monitored weekly using pospiviroid-specific PCR. After 10-12 weeks of continuous treatment, a sufficient decrease in viroid concentration was observed such that the infection became undetectable by PCR. The treated single cells then gave rise to microcolonies on a solid culture medium and the obtained viroid-negative clones were further promoted to regenerate into viroid-free plants. Three years of accumulated experimental data suggests feasibility, broad applicability, and good efficacy of the proposed approach.}, language = {en} } @article{DitzhausGaigall2018, author = {Ditzhaus, Marc and Gaigall, Daniel}, title = {A consistent goodness-of-fit test for huge dimensional and functional data}, series = {Journal of Nonparametric Statistics}, volume = {30}, journal = {Journal of Nonparametric Statistics}, number = {4}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {1029-0311}, doi = {10.1080/10485252.2018.1486402}, pages = {834 -- 859}, year = {2018}, abstract = {A nonparametric goodness-of-fit test for random variables with values in a separable Hilbert space is investigated. To verify the null hypothesis that the data come from a specific distribution, an integral type test based on a Cram{\´e}r-von-Mises statistic is suggested. The convergence in distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis is proved and the test's consistency is concluded. Moreover, properties under local alternatives are discussed. Applications are given for data of huge but finite dimension and for functional data in infinite dimensional spaces. A general approach enables the treatment of incomplete data. In simulation studies the test competes with alternative proposals.}, language = {en} } @article{DruckenmuellerGuentherElbers2018, author = {Druckenm{\"u}ller, Katharina and G{\"u}nther, Klaus and Elbers, Gereon}, title = {Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool to monitor exhaust air from poultry operations}, series = {Science of the Total Environment}, volume = {630}, journal = {Science of the Total Environment}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0048-9697}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.072}, pages = {536 -- 543}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Intensive poultry operation systems emit a considerable volume of inorganic and organic matter in the surrounding environment. Monitoring cleaning properties of exhaust air cleaning systems and to detect small but significant changes in emission characteristics during a fattening cycle is important for both emission and fattening process control. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometric techniques as a monitoring tool of exhaust air from poultry operation systems. To generate a high-quality data set for evaluation, the exhaust air of two poultry houses was sampled by applying state-of-the-art filter sampling protocols. The two stables were identical except for one crucial difference, the presence or absence of an exhaust air cleaning system. In total, twenty-one exhaust air samples were collected at the two sites to monitor spectral differences caused by the cleaning device, and to follow changes in exhaust air characteristics during a fattening period. The total dust load was analyzed by gravimetric determination and included as a response variable in multivariate data analysis. The filter samples were directly measured with NIR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and factor analysis (FA) were effective in classifying the NIR exhaust air spectra according to fattening day and origin. The results indicate that the dust load and the composition of exhaust air (inorganic or organic matter) substantially influence the NIR spectral patterns. In conclusion, NIR spectroscopy as a tool is a promising and very rapid way to detect differences between exhaust air samples based on still not clearly defined circumstances triggered during a fattening period and the availability of an exhaust air cleaning system.}, language = {en} }