@article{GhoschBaierSchuetzetal.2016, author = {Ghosch, S. and Baier, M. and Sch{\"u}tz, J. and Schneider, Felix and Scherer, Ulrich W.}, title = {Analysis of electronic autoradiographs by mathematical post-processing}, series = {Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids: Incorporating plasma science and plasma technology}, volume = {171}, journal = {Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids: Incorporating plasma science and plasma technology}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1029-4953}, doi = {10.1080/10420150.2016.1155587}, pages = {161 -- 172}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Autoradiography is a well-established method of nuclear imaging. When different radionuclides are present simultaneously, additional processing is needed to distinguish distributions of radionuclides. In this work, a method is presented where aluminium absorbers of different thickness are used to produce images with different cut-off energies. By subtracting images pixel-by-pixel one can generate images representing certain ranges of β-particle energies. The method is applied to the measurement of irradiated reactor graphite samples containing several radionuclides to determine the spatial distribution of these radionuclides within pre-defined energy windows. The process was repeated under fixed parameters after thermal treatment of the samples. The greyscale images of the distribution after treatment were subtracted from the corresponding pre-treatment images. Significant changes in the intensity and distribution of radionuclides could be observed in some samples. Due to the thermal treatment parameters the most significant differences were observed in the ³H and ¹⁴C inventory and distribution.}, language = {en} } @article{KolditzAlbinAbeletal.2016, author = {Kolditz, Melanie and Albin, Thivaharan and Abel, Dirk and Fasse, Alessandro and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Evaluation of foot position and orientation as manipulated variables to control external knee adduction moments in leg extension training}, series = {Computer methods and programs in biomedicine}, volume = {171}, journal = {Computer methods and programs in biomedicine}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0169-2607}, doi = {10.1016/j.cmpb.2016.09.005}, pages = {81 -- 86}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background and Objective Effective leg extension training at a leg press requires high forces, which need to be controlled to avoid training-induced damage. In order to avoid high external knee adduction moments, which are one reason for unphysiological loadings on knee joint structures, both training movements and the whole reaction force vector need to be observed. In this study, the applicability of lateral and medial changes in foot orientation and position as possible manipulated variables to control external knee adduction moments is investigated. As secondary parameters both the medio-lateral position of the center of pressure and the frontal-plane orientation of the reaction force vector are analyzed. Methods Knee adduction moments are estimated using a dynamic model of the musculoskeletal system together with the measured reaction force vector and the motion of the subject by solving the inverse kinematic and dynamic problem. Six different foot conditions with varying positions and orientations of the foot in a static leg press are evaluated and compared to a neutral foot position. Results Both lateral and medial wedges under the foot and medial and lateral shifts of the foot can influence external knee adduction moments in the presented study with six healthy subjects. Different effects are observed with the varying conditions: the pose of the leg is changed and the direction and center of pressure of the reaction force vector is influenced. Each effect results in a different direction or center of pressure of the reaction force vector. Conclusions The results allow the conclusion that foot position and orientation can be used as manipulated variables in a control loop to actively control knee adduction moments in leg extension training.}, language = {en} } @article{BelavyAlbrachtBruggemannetal.2016, author = {Belavy, Daniel L. and Albracht, Kirsten and Bruggemann, Gert-Peter and Vergroesen, Pieter-Paul A. and Dieen, Jaap H. van}, title = {Can exercise positively influence the intervertebral disc?}, series = {Sports Medicine}, volume = {46}, journal = {Sports Medicine}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1179-2035}, doi = {10.1007/s40279-015-0444-2}, pages = {473 -- 485}, year = {2016}, abstract = {To better understand what kinds of sports and exercise could be beneficial for the intervertebral disc (IVD), we performed a review to synthesise the literature on IVD adaptation with loading and exercise. The state of the literature did not permit a systematic review; therefore, we performed a narrative review. The majority of the available data come from cell or whole-disc loading models and animal exercise models. However, some studies have examined the impact of specific sports on IVD degeneration in humans and acute exercise on disc size. Based on the data available in the literature, loading types that are likely beneficial to the IVD are dynamic, axial, at slow to moderate movement speeds, and of a magnitude experienced in walking and jogging. Static loading, torsional loading, flexion with compression, rapid loading, high-impact loading and explosive tasks are likely detrimental for the IVD. Reduced physical activity and disuse appear to be detrimental for the IVD. We also consider the impact of genetics and the likelihood of a 'critical period' for the effect of exercise in IVD development. The current review summarises the literature to increase awareness amongst exercise, rehabilitation and ergonomic professionals regarding IVD health and provides recommendations on future directions in research.}, language = {en} } @article{MiyamotoSatoAbeetal.2016, author = {Miyamoto, Ko-Ichiro and Sato, Takuya and Abe, Minami and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Light-addressable potentiometric sensor as a sensing element in plug-based microfluidic devices}, series = {Micromachines}, volume = {7}, journal = {Micromachines}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2072-666X}, doi = {10.3390/mi7070111}, pages = {111}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A plug-based microfluidic system based on the principle of the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is proposed. The LAPS is a semiconductor-based chemical sensor, which has a free addressability of the measurement point on the sensing surface. By combining a microfluidic device and LAPS, ion sensing can be performed anywhere inside the microfluidic channel. In this study, the sample solution to be measured was introduced into the channel in a form of a plug with a volume in the range of microliters. Taking advantage of the light-addressability, the position of the plug could be monitored and pneumatically controlled. With the developed system, the pH value of a plug with a volume down to 400 nL could be measured. As an example of plug-based operation, two plugs were merged in the channel, and the pH change was detected by differential measurement.}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerWilson2016, author = {Scheer, Nico and Wilson, Ian D.}, title = {A comparison between genetically humanized and chimeric liver humanized mouse models for studies in drug metabolism and toxicity}, series = {Drug Discovery Today}, volume = {21}, journal = {Drug Discovery Today}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1359-6446}, doi = {10.1016/j.drudis.2015.09.002}, pages = {250 -- 263}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Mice that have been genetically humanized for proteins involved in drug metabolism and toxicity and mice engrafted with human hepatocytes are emerging and promising in vivo models for an improved prediction of the pharmacokinetic, drug-drug interaction and safety characteristics of compounds in humans. The specific advantages and disadvantages of these models should be carefully considered when using them for studies in drug discovery and development. Here, an overview on the corresponding genetically humanized and chimeric liver humanized mouse models described to date is provided and illustrated with examples of their utility in drug metabolism and toxicity studies. We compare the strength and weaknesses of the two different approaches, give guidance for the selection of the appropriate model for various applications and discuss future trends and perspectives.}, language = {en} } @article{PaulssenLengkeekLeetal.2016, author = {Paulßen, Elisabeth and Lengkeek, Nigel A. and Le, Van So and Pellegrini, Paul A. and Greguric, Ivan and Weiner, Ron}, title = {The role of additives in moderating the influence of Fe(III) and Cu(II) on the radiochemical yield of [⁶⁸Ga(DOTATATE)]}, series = {Applied Radiation and Isotopes}, volume = {107}, journal = {Applied Radiation and Isotopes}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-9800}, doi = {10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.09.008}, pages = {13 -- 16}, year = {2016}, abstract = {[⁶⁸Ga(DOTATATE)] has demonstrated its clinical usefulness. Both Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺, potential contaminants in Gallium-68 generator eluent, substantially reduce the radiochemical (RC) yield of [⁶⁸Ga(DOTATATE)] if the metal/ligand ratio of 1:1 is exceeded. A variety of compounds were examined for their potential ability to reduce this effect. Most had no effect on RC yield. However, addition of phosphate diminished the influence of Fe³⁺ by likely forming an insoluble iron salt. Addition of ascorbic acid reduced Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ to Cu⁺ and Fe²⁺ respectively, both of which have limited impact on RC yields. At low ligand amounts (5 nmol DOTATATE), the addition of 30 nmol phosphate (0.19 mM) increased the tolerance of Fe3⁺ from 4 nmol to 10 nmol (0.06 mM), while the addition of ascorbic acid allowed high RC yields (>95\%) in the presence of 40 nmol Fe³⁺ (0.25 mM) and 100 nmol Cu²⁺ (0.63 mM). The effect of ascorbic acid was highly pH-dependant, and gave optimal results at pH 3.}, language = {en} } @article{InfantinoPaulssenMostaccietal.2016, author = {Infantino, Angelo and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Mostacci, Domiziano and Schaffer, Paul and Trinczek, Michael and Hoehr, Cornelia}, title = {Assessment of the production of medical isotopes using the Monte Carlo code FLUKA: Simulations against experimental measurements}, series = {Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms}, volume = {366}, journal = {Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1872-9584}, doi = {10.1016/j.nimb.2015.10.067}, pages = {117 -- 123}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The Monte Carlo code FLUKA is used to simulate the production of a number of positron emitting radionuclides, ¹⁸F, ¹³N, ⁹⁴Tc, ⁴⁴Sc, ⁶⁸Ga, ⁸⁶Y, ⁸⁹Zr, ⁵²Mn, ⁶¹Cu and ⁵⁵Co, on a small medical cyclotron with a proton beam energy of 13 MeV. Experimental data collected at the TR13 cyclotron at TRIUMF agree within a factor of 0.6 ± 0.4 with the directly simulated data, except for the production of ⁵⁵Co, where the simulation underestimates the experiment by a factor of 3.4 ± 0.4. The experimental data also agree within a factor of 0.8 ± 0.6 with the convolution of simulated proton fluence and cross sections from literature. Overall, this confirms the applicability of FLUKA to simulate radionuclide production at 13 MeV proton beam energy.}, language = {en} } @article{Bernecker2016, author = {Bernecker, Andreas}, title = {Divided we reform? Evidence from US welfare policies}, series = {Journal of Public Economics}, volume = {142}, journal = {Journal of Public Economics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0047-2727}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpubeco.2016.08.003}, pages = {24 -- 38}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Divided government is often thought of as causing legislative deadlock. I investigate the link between divided government and economic reforms using a novel data set on welfare reforms in US states between 1978 and 2010. Panel data regressions show that, under divided government, a US state is around 25\% more likely to adopt a welfare reform than under unified government. Several robustness checks confirm this counter-intuitive finding. Case study evidence suggests an explanation based on policy competition between governor, senate, and house.}, language = {en} } @article{KosterScheidweilerTieves2016, author = {Koster, Arie and Scheidweiler, Robert and Tieves, Martin}, title = {A flow based pruning scheme for enumerative equitable coloring algorithms}, series = {A flow based pruning scheme for enumerative equitable coloring algorithms}, journal = {A flow based pruning scheme for enumerative equitable coloring algorithms}, doi = {10.48550/arXiv.1607.08754}, pages = {1 -- 30}, year = {2016}, abstract = {An equitable graph coloring is a proper vertex coloring of a graph G where the sizes of the color classes differ by at most one. The equitable chromatic number is the smallest number k such that G admits such equitable k-coloring. We focus on enumerative algorithms for the computation of the equitable coloring number and propose a general scheme to derive pruning rules for them: We show how the extendability of a partial coloring into an equitable coloring can be modeled via network flows. Thus, we obtain pruning rules which can be checked via flow algorithms. Computational experiments show that the search tree of enumerative algorithms can be significantly reduced in size by these rules and, in most instances, such naive approach even yields a faster algorithm. Moreover, the stability, i.e., the number of solved instances within a given time limit, is greatly improved. Since the execution of flow algorithms at each node of a search tree is time consuming, we derive arithmetic pruning rules (generalized Hall-conditions) from the network model. Adding these rules to an enumerative algorithm yields an even larger runtime improvement.}, language = {en} } @article{BeckenbachScheidweiler2016, author = {Beckenbach, Isabel and Scheidweiler, Robert}, title = {Perfect ƒ-Matchings and ƒ-Factors in Hypergraphs - A Combinatorial Approach}, series = {Discrete Mathematics}, volume = {240}, journal = {Discrete Mathematics}, number = {10}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2192-7782}, doi = {10.1016/j.disc.2017.05.005}, pages = {2499 -- 2506}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We prove characterizations of the existence of perfect ƒ-matchings in uniform mengerian and perfect hypergraphs. Moreover, we investigate the ƒ-factor problem in balanced hypergraphs. For uniform balanced hypergraphs we prove two existence theorems with purely combinatorial arguments, whereas for non-uniform balanced hypergraphs we show that the ƒ-factor problem is NP-hard.}, language = {en} }