@article{KotliarOrtnerConradietal.2022, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and Ortner, Marion and Conradi, Anna and Hacker, Patricia and Hauser, Christine and G{\"u}nthner, Roman and Moser, Michaela and Muggenthaler, Claudia and Diehl-Schmid, Janine and Priller, Josef and Schmaderer, Christoph and Grimmer, Timo}, title = {Altered retinal cerebral vessel oscillation frequencies in Alzheimer's disease compatible with impaired amyloid clearance}, series = {Neurobiology of Aging}, volume = {120}, journal = {Neurobiology of Aging}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0197-4580}, doi = {10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.08.012}, pages = {117 -- 127}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Retinal vessels are similar to cerebral vessels in their structure and function. Moderately low oscillation frequencies of around 0.1 Hz have been reported as the driving force for paravascular drainage in gray matter in mice and are known as the frequencies of lymphatic vessels in humans. We aimed to elucidate whether retinal vessel oscillations are altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD) at the stage of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Seventeen patients with mild-to-moderate dementia due to AD (ADD); 23 patients with MCI due to AD, and 18 cognitively healthy controls (HC) were examined using Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Oscillatory temporal changes of retinal vessel diameters were evaluated using mathematical signal analysis. Especially at moderately low frequencies around 0.1 Hz, arterial oscillations in ADD and MCI significantly prevailed over HC oscillations and correlated with disease severity. The pronounced retinal arterial vasomotion at moderately low frequencies in the ADD and MCI groups would be compatible with the view of a compensatory upregulation of paravascular drainage in AD and strengthen the amyloid clearance hypothesis.}, language = {en} } @article{NeumaierWeissVeldemanetal.2021, author = {Neumaier, Felix and Weiss, Miriam and Veldeman, Michael and Kotliar, Konstantin and Wiesmann, Martin and Schulze-Steinen, Henna and H{\"o}llig, Anke and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander and Albanna, Walid}, title = {Changes in endogenous daytime melatonin levels after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage - preliminary findings from an observational cohort study}, series = {Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery}, volume = {208}, journal = {Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery}, number = {Article No.: 106870}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0303-8467}, doi = {10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106870}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with early and delayed brain injury due to several underlying and interrelated processes, which include inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial, and neuronal apoptosis. Treatment with melatonin, a cytoprotective neurohormone with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, has been shown to attenuate early brain injury (EBI) and to prevent delayed cerebral vasospasm in experimental aSAH models. Less is known about the role of endogenous melatonin for aSAH outcome and how its production is altered by the pathophysiological cascades initiated during EBI. In the present observational study, we analyzed changes in melatonin levels during the first three weeks after aSAH.}, language = {en} } @article{KuchlerGuenthnerRibeiroetal.2023, author = {Kuchler, Timon and G{\"u}nthner, Roman and Ribeiro, Andrea and Hausinger, Renate and Streese, Lukas and W{\"o}hnl, Anna and Kesseler, Veronika and Negele, Johanna and Assali, Tarek and Carbajo-Lozoya, Javier and Lech, Maciej and Adorjan, Kristina and Stubbe, Hans Christian and Hanssen, Henner and Kotliar, Konstantin and Haller, Berhard and Heemann, Uwe and Schmaderer, Christoph}, title = {Persistent endothelial dysfunction in post-COVID-19 syndrome and its associations with symptom severity and chronic inflammation}, volume = {26}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Dordrecht}, doi = {10.1007/s10456-023-09885-6}, pages = {547 -- 563}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a lingering disease with ongoing symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive impairment resulting in a high impact on the daily life of patients. Understanding the pathophysiology of PCS is a public health priority, as it still poses a diagnostic and treatment challenge for physicians. Methods In this prospective observational cohort study, we analyzed the retinal microcirculation using Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA) in a cohort of patients with PCS and compared it to an age- and gender-matched healthy cohort (n = 41, matched out of n = 204). Measurements and main results PCS patients exhibit persistent endothelial dysfunction (ED), as indicated by significantly lower venular flicker-induced dilation (vFID; 3.42\% ± 1.77\% vs. 4.64\% ± 2.59\%; p = 0.02), narrower central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE; 178.1 [167.5-190.2] vs. 189.1 [179.4-197.2], p = 0.01) and lower arteriolar-venular ratio (AVR; (0.84 [0.8-0.9] vs. 0.88 [0.8-0.9], p = 0.007). When combining AVR and vFID, predicted scores reached good ability to discriminate groups (area under the curve: 0.75). Higher PCS severity scores correlated with lower AVR (R = - 0.37 p = 0.017). The association of microvascular changes with PCS severity were amplified in PCS patients exhibiting higher levels of inflammatory parameters. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that prolonged endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of PCS, and impairments of the microcirculation seem to explain ongoing symptoms in patients. As potential therapies for PCS emerge, RVA parameters may become relevant as clinical biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy management.}, language = {en} } @article{KuertenKotliarFuestetal.2021, author = {Kuerten, David and Kotliar, Konstantin and Fuest, Matthias and Walter, Peter and Hollstein, Muriel and Plange, Niklas}, title = {Does hemispheric vascular regulation differ significantly in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field asymmetry? A single-center, prospective study}, series = {International Ophthalmology}, volume = {41}, journal = {International Ophthalmology}, number = {41}, editor = {Neri, Piergiorgio}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {1573-2630}, doi = {10.1007/s10792-021-01876-0}, pages = {3109 -- 3119}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose Vascular risk factors and ocular perfusion are heatedly discussed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The retinal vessel analyzer (RVA, IMEDOS Systems, Germany) allows noninvasive measurement of retinal vessel regulation. Significant differences especially in the veins between healthy subjects and patients suffering from glaucoma were previously reported. In this pilot-study we investigated if localized vascular regulation is altered in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry. Methods 15 eyes of 12 glaucoma patients with advanced altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry were included. The mean defect was calculated for each hemisphere separately (-20.99 ± 10.49 pro- found hemispheric visual field defect vs -7.36 ± 3.97 dB less profound hemisphere). After pupil dilation, RVA measurements of retinal arteries and veins were conducted using the standard protocol. The superior and inferior retinal vessel reactivity were measured consecutively in each eye. Results Significant differences were recorded in venous vessel constriction after flicker light stimulation and overall amplitude of the reaction (p \ 0.04 and p \ 0.02 respectively) in-between the hemispheres spheres. Vessel reaction was higher in the hemisphere corresponding to the more advanced visual field defect. Arterial diameters reacted similarly, failing to reach statistical significance. Conclusion Localized retinal vessel regulation is significantly altered in glaucoma patients with asymmetri altitudinal visual field defects. Veins supplying the hemisphere concordant to a less profound visual field defect show diminished diameter changes. Vascular dysregulation might be particularly important in early glaucoma stages prior to a significant visual field defect.}, language = {en} } @article{AlbannaConzenWeissetal.2021, author = {Albanna, Walid and Conzen, Catharina and Weiss, Miriam and Seyfried, Katharina and Kotliar, Konstantin and Schmidt, Tobias Philip and Kuerten, David and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen and Bruecken, Anne and Schmidt-Trucks{\"a}ss, Arno and Neumaier, Felix and Wiesmann, Martin and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander}, title = {Non-invasive assessment of neurovascular coupling after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective observational trial using retinal vessel analysis}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, number = {12}, issn = {1664-2295}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2021.690183}, pages = {1 -- 15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and can lead to infarction and poor clinical outcome. The underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood, but animal models indicate that vasoactive metabolites and inflammatory cytokines produced within the subarachnoid space may progressively impair and partially invert neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the brain. Because cerebral and retinal microvasculature are governed by comparable regulatory mechanisms and may be connected by perivascular pathways, retinal vascular changes are increasingly recognized as a potential surrogate for altered NVC in the brain. Here, we used non-invasive retinal vessel analysis (RVA) to assess microvascular function in aSAH patients at different times after the ictus.}, language = {en} } @article{WerfelGuenthnerHapfelmeieretal.2022, author = {Werfel, Stanislas and G{\"u}nthner, Roman and Hapfelmeier, Alexander and Hanssen, Henner and Kotliar, Konstantin and Heemann, Uwe and Schmaderer, Christoph}, title = {Identification of cardiovascular high-risk groups from dynamic retinal vessel signals using untargeted machine learning}, series = {Cardiovascular Research}, volume = {118}, journal = {Cardiovascular Research}, number = {2}, editor = {Guzik, Tomasz J.}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0008-6363}, doi = {10.1093/cvr/cvab040}, pages = {612 -- 621}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA) provides a non-invasive way to assess microvascular function in patients and potentially to improve predictions of individual cardiovascular (CV) risk. The aim of our study was to use untargeted machine learning on DVA in order to improve CV mortality prediction and identify corresponding response alterations.}, language = {en} } @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} } @article{StreeseKotliarDeiserothetal.2020, author = {Streese, Lukas and Kotliar, Konstantin and Deiseroth, Arne and Infanger, Denis and Gugleta, Konstantin and Schmaderer, Christoph and Hanssen, Henner}, title = {Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial}, series = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports}, volume = {30}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1600-0838}, doi = {10.1111/sms.13560}, pages = {272 -- 280}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle-aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12-week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light-induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low-density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1\%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2\%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4\%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6\%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8\%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8\%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5\%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0\%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆-change VO2peak and ∆-changes ADmax and AFarea (P = .026, R² = 0.073; P = .019, R² = 0.081, respectively). 12-weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle-aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle-aged individuals with increased CV risk.}, 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{RamoshabaHuismanLammertynetal.2020, author = {Ramoshaba, Nthai E. and Huisman, Hugo W. and Lammertyn, Leandi and Kotliar, Konstantin and Schutte, Aletta E. and Smith, Wayne}, title = {Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study}, series = {Hypertension Research}, journal = {Hypertension Research}, number = {43}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Osaka}, issn = {1348-4214}, doi = {10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0}, pages = {1231 -- 1238}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20-30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R² = 0.267, β = -0.097 (95\% CI = -0.165; -0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95\% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life.}, language = {en} } @article{SmithKotliarLammertynetal.2020, author = {Smith, Wayne and Kotliar, Konstantin and Lammertyn, Leandi and Ramoshaba, Nthai E. and Vilser, Walthard and Huisman, Hugo W. and Schutte, Aletta E.}, title = {Retinal vessel caliber and caliber responses in true normotensive black and white adults: The African-PREDICT study}, series = {Microvascular Research}, volume = {128}, journal = {Microvascular Research}, number = {Article 103937}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0026-2862}, doi = {10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103937}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Purpose Globally, a detrimental shift in cardiovascular disease risk factors and a higher mortality level are reported in some black populations. The retinal microvasculature provides early insight into the pathogenesis of systemic vascular diseases, but it is unclear whether retinal vessel calibers and acute retinal vessel functional responses differ between young healthy black and white adults. Methods We included 112 black and 143 white healthy normotensive adults (20-30 years). Retinal vessel calibers (central retinal artery and vein equivalent (CRAE and CRVE)) were calculated from retinal images and vessel caliber responses to flicker light induced provocation (FLIP) were determined. Additionally, ambulatory blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and blood samples were collected. Results The groups displayed similar 24 h BP profiles and anthropometry (all p > .24). Black participants demonstrated a smaller CRAE (158 ± 11 vs. 164 ± 11 MU, p < .001) compared to the white group, whereas CRVE was similar (p = .57). In response to FLIP, artery maximal dilation was greater in the black vs. white group (5.6 ± 2.1 vs. 3.3 ± 1.8\%; p < .001). Conclusions Already at a young age, healthy black adults showed narrower retinal arteries relative to the white population. Follow-up studies are underway to show if this will be related to increased risk for hypertension development. The reason for the larger vessel dilation responses to FLIP in the black population is unclear and warrants further investigation.}, language = {en} } @article{FayyaziSardarThomasetal.2023, author = {Fayyazi, Mojgan and Sardar, Paramjotsingh and Thomas, Sumit Infent and Daghigh, Roonak and Jamali, Ali and Esch, Thomas and Kemper, Hans and Langari, Reza and Khayyam, Hamid}, title = {Artificial intelligence/machine learning in energy management systems, control, and optimization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/su15065249}, pages = {38}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Environmental emissions, global warming, and energy-related concerns have accelerated the advancements in conventional vehicles that primarily use internal combustion engines. Among the existing technologies, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles may have minimal contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and thus are the prime choices for environmental concerns. However, energy management in fuel cell electric vehicles and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles is a major challenge. Appropriate control strategies should be used for effective energy management in these vehicles. On the other hand, there has been significant progress in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and designing data-driven intelligent controllers. These techniques have found much attention within the community, and state-of-the-art energy management technologies have been developed based on them. This manuscript reviews the application of machine learning and intelligent controllers for prediction, control, energy management, and vehicle to everything (V2X) in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The effectiveness of data-driven control and optimization systems are investigated to evolve, classify, and compare, and future trends and directions for sustainability are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{FissabreRottke2023, author = {Fissabre, Anke and Rottke, Evelin}, title = {Das Quelle-Fertighaus : Einklang von Maß, Konstruktion und Entwurf}, series = {architectura}, volume = {51}, journal = {architectura}, number = {1}, editor = {Bergdoll, Barry and Schwarting, Andreas and Tragbar, Klaus}, publisher = {Deutscher Kunstverlag (DKV)}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2569-1554}, doi = {10.1515/atc-2021-1005}, pages = {57 -- 78}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The steel prefabricated family house ›Quelle-Fertighaus‹ designed and constructed by the German company Quelle, is an innovative modular system commercialised in 1962. All aspects of the Quelle-Fertighaus are planned on the principle of minimal effort for maximal flexibility. The clever design of the ground plan based on a 4 m × 7 m module offers the flexibility for either one to three additional modules. The steel construction is innovative and unique, consisting of load-bearing portal frames acting as braces. The house design is furthermore characterised by a simple metrical grid layout and the practical placement of the foundation and basement, which allowed the very cost-effective production and the lowest price for a prefabricated family house in Germany during the postwar era. Nowadays its portal-frame-construction offers an interesting approach for its renovation and transformation according to present building demands.}, language = {de} } @article{NeumaierKotliarHaerenetal.2021, author = {Neumaier, Felix and Kotliar, Konstantin and Haeren, Roel Hubert Louis and Temel, Yasin and L{\"u}ke, Jan Niklas and Seyam, Osama and Lindauer, Ute and Clusmann, Hans and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander and Schneider, Toni and Albanna, Walid}, title = {Retinal Vessel Responses to Flicker Stimulation Are Impaired in Ca v 2.3-Deficient Mice—An in- vivo Evaluation Using Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA)}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, publisher = {Frontiers}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2021.659890}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{AbbasHedwigBalcetal.2023, author = {Abbas, Karim and Hedwig, Lukas and Balc, Nicolae and Bremen, Sebastian}, title = {Advanced FFF of PEEK: Infill strategies and material characteristics for rapid tooling}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {2023}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {15}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/polym15214293}, pages = {Artikel 4293}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Traditional vulcanization mold manufacturing is complex, costly, and under pressure due to shorter product lifecycles and diverse variations. Additive manufacturing using Fused Filament Fabrication and high-performance polymers like PEEK offer a promising future in this industry. This study assesses the compressive strength of various infill structures (honeycomb, grid, triangle, cubic, and gyroid) when considering two distinct build directions (Z, XY) to enhance PEEK's economic and resource efficiency in rapid tooling. A comparison with PETG samples shows the behavior of the infill strategies. Additionally, a proof of concept illustrates the application of a PEEK mold in vulcanization. A peak compressive strength of 135.6 MPa was attained in specimens that were 100\% solid and subjected to thermal post-treatment. This corresponds to a 20\% strength improvement in the Z direction. In terms of time and mechanical properties, the anisotropic grid and isotropic cubic infill have emerged for use in rapid tooling. Furthermore, the study highlights that reducing the layer thickness from 0.15 mm to 0.1 mm can result in a 15\% strength increase. The study unveils the successful utilization of a room-temperature FFF-printed PEEK mold in vulcanization injection molding. The parameters and infill strategies identified in this research enable the resource-efficient FFF printing of PEEK without compromising its strength properties. Using PEEK in rapid tooling allows a cost reduction of up to 70\% in tool production.}, language = {en} } @article{AbbasBalcBremenetal.2022, author = {Abbas, Karim and Balc, Nicolae and Bremen, Sebastian and Skupin, Marco}, title = {Crystallization and aging behavior of polyetheretherketone PEEK within rapid tooling and rubber molding}, series = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, volume = {6}, journal = {Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2504-4494}, doi = {10.3390/jmmp6050093}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In times of short product life cycles, additive manufacturing and rapid tooling are important methods to make tool development and manufacturing more efficient. High-performance polymers are the key to mold production for prototypes and small series. However, the high temperatures during vulcanization injection molding cause thermal aging and can impair service life. The extent to which the thermal stress over the entire process chain stresses the material and whether it leads to irreversible material aging is evaluated. To this end, a mold made of PEEK is fabricated using fused filament fabrication and examined for its potential application. The mold is heated to 200 ◦C, filled with rubber, and cured. A differential scanning calorimetry analysis of each process step illustrates the crystallization behavior and first indicates the material resistance. It shows distinct cold crystallization regions at a build chamber temperature of 90 ◦C. At an ambient temperature above Tg, crystallization of 30\% is achieved, and cold crystallization no longer occurs. Additional tensile tests show a decrease in tensile strength after ten days of thermal aging. The steady decrease in recrystallization temperature indicates degradation of the additives. However, the tensile tests reveal steady embrittlement of the material due to increasing crosslinking.}, language = {en} } @article{SeifarthGrosseGrossmannetal.2017, author = {Seifarth, Volker and Grosse, Joachim O. and Grossmann, Matthias and Janke, Heinz Peter and Arndt, Patrick and Koch, Sabine and Epple, Matthias and Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Mechanical induction of bi-directional orientation of primary porcine bladder smooth muscle cells in tubular fibrin-poly(vinylidene fluoride) scaffolds for ureteral and urethral repair using cyclic and focal balloon catheter stimulation}, series = {Journal of Biomaterials Applications}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of Biomaterials Applications}, number = {3}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {1530-8022}, doi = {10.1177/0885328217723178}, pages = {321 -- 330}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{GossmannFrotscherLinderetal.2016, author = {Goßmann, Matthias and Frotscher, Ralf and Linder, Peter and Bayer, Robin and Epple, U. and Staat, Manfred and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard}, title = {Mechano-pharmacological characterization of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells}, series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry}, volume = {38}, journal = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry}, number = {3}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1421-9778 (Online)}, doi = {10.1159/000443124}, pages = {1182 -- 1198}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background/Aims: Common systems for the quantification of cellular contraction rely on animal-based models, complex experimental setups or indirect approaches. The herein presented CellDrum technology for testing mechanical tension of cellular monolayers and thin tissue constructs has the potential to scale-up mechanical testing towards medium-throughput analyses. Using hiPS-Cardiac Myocytes (hiPS-CMs) it represents a new perspective of drug testing and brings us closer to personalized drug medication. Methods: In the present study, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown on ultra-thin circular silicone membranes and deflect under the weight of the culture medium. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-CMs induced variations of the membrane deflection. The recorded contraction-relaxation-cycles were analyzed with respect to their amplitudes, durations, time integrals and frequencies. Besides unstimulated force and tensile stress, we investigated the effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca²⁺ channels (S-Bay K8644/verapamil) and Na⁺ channels (veratridine/lidocaine). Results: The measured data and simulations for pharmacologically unstimulated contraction resembled findings in native human heart tissue, while the pharmacological dose-response curves were highly accurate and consistent with reference data. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of the CellDrum with hiPS-CMs offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological, toxicological studies and offers new preclinical basic research potential.}, language = {en} } @article{SeifarthGossmannGrosseetal.2015, author = {Seifarth, Volker and Goßmann, Matthias and Grosse, J. O. and Becker, C. and Heschel, I. and Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Development of a Bioreactor to Culture Tissue Engineered Ureters Based on the Application of Tubular OPTIMAIX 3D Scaffolds}, series = {Urologia Internationalis}, volume = {2015}, journal = {Urologia Internationalis}, number = {95}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {0042-1138}, doi = {10.1159/000368419}, pages = {106 -- 113}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @article{ArinkinDigelPorstetal.2014, author = {Arinkin, Vladimir and Digel, Ilya and Porst, Dariusz and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard}, title = {Phenotyping date palm varieties via leaflet cross-sectional imaging and artificial neural network application}, series = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {15}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, number = {55}, issn = {1471-2105}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2105-15-55}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background True date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are impressive trees and have served as an indispensable source of food for mankind in tropical and subtropical countries for centuries. The aim of this study is to differentiate date palm tree varieties by analysing leaflet cross sections with technical/optical methods and artificial neural networks (ANN). Results Fluorescence microscopy images of leaflet cross sections have been taken from a set of five date palm tree cultivars (Hewlat al Jouf, Khlas, Nabot Soltan, Shishi, Um Raheem). After features extraction from images, the obtained data have been fed in a multilayer perceptron ANN with backpropagation learning algorithm. Conclusions Overall, an accurate result in prediction and differentiation of date palm tree cultivars was achieved with average prediction in tenfold cross-validation is 89.1\% and reached 100\% in one of the best ANN.}, language = {en} }