@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} } @inproceedings{RosemannEggertVoigtetal.2012, author = {Rosemann, Michael and Eggert, Mathias and Voigt, Matthias and Beverungen, Daniel}, title = {Leveraging Social Network Data for Analytical CRM Strategies - The Introduction of Social BI.}, series = {ECIS 2012 Proceedings}, booktitle = {ECIS 2012 Proceedings}, pages = {12 S.}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldFeldmannEspeetal.2012, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Feldmann, Marco and Espe, Clemens and Plescher, Engelbert and Konstantinidis, K. and Forstner, R.}, title = {Enceladus explorer - A maneuverable subsurface probe for autonomous navigation through deep ice}, series = {63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012; Naples; Italy; 1 October 2012 through 5 October 2012. (Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC ; 3)}, booktitle = {63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012; Naples; Italy; 1 October 2012 through 5 October 2012. (Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC ; 3)}, publisher = {Curran}, address = {Red Hook, NY}, organization = {International Astronautical Congress <63, 2012, Napoli>}, isbn = {978-1-62276-979-7}, pages = {1756 -- 1766}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{OertelBung2012, author = {Oertel, Mario and Bung, Daniel Bernhard}, title = {Initial stage of two-dimensional dam-break waves: laboratory versus VOF}, series = {Journal of hydraulic research}, volume = {50}, journal = {Journal of hydraulic research}, number = {1}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1814-2079 (E-Journal); 0022-1686 (Print)}, doi = {10.1080/00221686.2011.639981}, pages = {89 -- 97}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Since several decades, dam-break waves have been of main research interest. Mathematical approaches have been developed by analytical, physical and numerical models within the past 120 years. During the past 10 years, the number of research investigations has increased due to improved measurement techniques as well as significantly increased computer memories and performances. In this context, the present research deals with the initial stage of two-dimensional dam-break waves by comparing physical and numerical model results as well as analytical approaches. High-speed images and resulting particle image velocimetry calculations are thereby compared with the numerical volume-of-fluid (VOF) method, included in the commercial code FLOW-3D. Wave profiles and drag forces on placed obstacles are analysed in detail. Generally, a good agreement between the laboratory and VOF results is found.}, 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{StaatTrenzLohmannetal.2012, author = {Staat, Manfred and Trenz, Eva and Lohmann, Philipp and Frotscher, Ralf and Klinge, Uwe and Tabaza, Ruth and Kirschner-Hermanns, Ruth}, title = {New measurements to compare soft tissue anchoring systems in pelvic floor surgery}, series = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials}, volume = {100B}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken, NJ}, issn = {1552-4981}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.32654}, pages = {924 -- 933}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Suburethral slings as well as different meshes are widely used treating stress urinary incontinence and prolaps in women. With the development of MiniSlings and special meshes using less alloplastic material anchorage systems become more important to keep devices in place and to put some tension especially on the MiniSlings. To date, there are many different systems of MiniSlings of different companies on the market which differ in the structure of the used meshes and anchors. A new objective measurement method to compare different properties of MiniSling systems (mesh and anchor) is presented in this article. Ballistic gelatine acts as soft tissue surrogate. Significant differences in parameters like pull-out strength of anchors or shrinkage of meshes under loading conditions have been determined. The form and size of the anchors as well as the structural stability of the meshes are decisive for a proper integration. The tested anchorings sytems showed markedly different mechanical function at their respective load bearing capacity. As the stable fixation of the device in tissue is a prerequisite for a permanet reinforcement, the proposed test system permits further optimisation of anchor and mesh devices to improve the success of the surgical treatment}, 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} } @article{BassamHeschelerTemizArtmannetal.2012, author = {Bassam, Rasha and Hescheler, J{\"u}rgen and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Effects of spermine NONOate and ATP on the thermal stability of hemoglobin}, series = {BMC Biophysics}, volume = {5}, journal = {BMC Biophysics}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {2046-1682}, doi = {10.1186/2046-1682-5-16}, pages = {Art. 16}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Minor changes in protein structure induced by small organic and inorganic molecules can result in significant metabolic effects. The effects can be even more profound if the molecular players are chemically active and present in the cell in considerable amounts. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of a nitric oxide donor (spermine NONOate), ATP and sodium/potassium environment on the dynamics of thermal unfolding of human hemoglobin (Hb). The effect of these molecules was examined by means of circular dichroism spectrometry (CD) in the temperature range between 25°C and 70°C. The alpha-helical content of buffered hemoglobin samples (0.1 mg/ml) was estimated via ellipticity change measurements at a heating rate of 1°C/min. Results Major results were: 1) spermine NONOate persistently decreased the hemoglobin unfolding temperature T u irrespectively of the Na + /K + environment, 2) ATP instead increased the unfolding temperature by 3°C in both sodium-based and potassium-based buffers and 3) mutual effects of ATP and NO were strongly influenced by particular buffer ionic compositions. Moreover, the presence of potassium facilitated a partial unfolding of alpha-helical structures even at room temperature. Conclusion The obtained data might shed more light on molecular mechanisms and biophysics involved in the regulation of protein activity by small solutes in the cell.}, language = {en} } @article{MansurovDigelBiisenbaevetal.2012, author = {Mansurov, Z. and Digel, Ilya and Biisenbaev, M. and Savistkaya, I. and Kistaubaeva, A. and Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Zhubanova, A.}, title = {Bio-composite material on the basis of carbonized rice husk in biomedicine and environmental applications}, series = {Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal}, volume = {14}, journal = {Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal}, number = {2}, publisher = {Institute of Combustion Problems}, address = {Almaty}, issn = {2522-4867}, doi = {10.18321/ectj105}, pages = {115 -- 131}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{ScheerKapelyukhMcEwanetal.2012, author = {Scheer, Nico and Kapelyukh, Yury and McEwan, Jillian and Beuger, Vincent and Stanley, Lesley A. and Rode, Anja and Wolf, C. Roland}, title = {Modeling Human Cytochrome P450 2D6 Metabolism and Drug-drug Interaction by a Novel Panel of Knockout and Humanized Mouse Lines}, series = {Molecular Pharmacology}, volume = {81}, journal = {Molecular Pharmacology}, number = {1}, publisher = {ASPET}, address = {Bethesda, Md.}, issn = {1521-0111}, doi = {10.1124/mol.111.075192}, pages = {63 -- 72}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The highly polymorphic human cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme is involved in the metabolism of up to 25\% of all marketed drugs and accounts for significant individual differences in response to CYP2D6 substrates. Because of the differences in the multiplicity and substrate specificity of CYP2D family members among species, it is difficult to predict pathways of human CYP2D6-dependent drug metabolism on the basis of animal studies. To create animal models that reflect the human situation more closely and that allow an in vivo assessment of the consequences of differential CYP2D6 drug metabolism, we have developed a novel straightforward approach to delete the entire murine Cyp2d gene cluster and replace it with allelic variants of human CYP2D6. By using this approach, we have generated mouse lines expressing the two frequent human protein isoforms CYP2D6.1 and CYP2D6.2 and an as yet undescribed variant of this enzyme, as well as a Cyp2d cluster knockout mouse. We demonstrate that the various transgenic mouse lines cover a wide spectrum of different human CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotypes. The novel humanization strategy described here provides a robust approach for the expression of different CYP2D6 allelic variants in transgenic mice and thus can help to evaluate potential CYP2D6-dependent interindividual differences in drug response in the context of personalized medicine.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BitzKraffOrzadaetal.2012, author = {Bitz, Andreas and Kraff, O. and Orzada, S. and Maderwald, S. and Brote, I. and Johst, S. and Ladd, E.}, title = {Assessment of RF Safety of Transmit Coils at 7 Tesla by Experimental and Numerical Procedures (490.)}, series = {19th annual ISMRM scientific meeting and exhibition 2011 : Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 7 - 13 May 2011}, booktitle = {19th annual ISMRM scientific meeting and exhibition 2011 : Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 7 - 13 May 2011}, number = {Volume 1}, publisher = {Curran}, address = {Red Hook, NY}, isbn = {978-1-61839-284-8}, pages = {475}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{PaulssenKongArciszewskietal.2012, author = {Paulßen, Elisabeth and Kong, Shushu and Arciszewski, Pawel and Wielbalck, Swantje and Abram, Ulrich}, title = {Aryl and NHC Compounds of Technetium and Rhenium}, series = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {134}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, number = {22}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {1520-5126}, doi = {10.1021/ja3033718}, pages = {9118 -- 9121}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Air- and water-stable phenyl complexes with nitridotechnetium(V) cores can be prepared by straightforward procedures. [TcNPh2(PPh3)2] is formed by the reaction of [TcNCl2(PPh3)2] with PhLi. The analogous N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) compound [TcNPh2(HLPh)2], where HLPh is 1,3,4-triphenyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene, is available from (NBu4)[TcNCl4] and HLPh or its methoxo-protected form. The latter compound allows the comparison of different Tc-C bonds within one compound. Surprisingly, the Tc chemistry with such NHCs does not resemble that of corresponding Re complexes, where CH activation and orthometalation dominate.}, language = {en} } @article{PaulssenNgyugenKahlckeetal.2012, author = {Paulßen, Elisabeth and Ngyugen, Hung Huy and Kahlcke, Nils and Deflon, Victor M. and Abram, Ulrich}, title = {Tricarbonyltechnetium(I) and -rhenium(I) complexes with N′-thiocarbamoylpicolylbenzamidines}, series = {Polyhedron}, volume = {40}, journal = {Polyhedron}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0277-5387}, doi = {10.1016/j.poly.2012.04.008}, pages = {153 -- 158}, year = {2012}, abstract = {N,N-Dialkylamino(thiocarbonyl)-N′-picolylbenzamidines react with (NEt4)2[M(CO)3X3] (M = Re, X = Br; M = Tc, X = Cl) under formation of neutral [M(CO)3L] complexes in high yields. The monoanionic NNS ligands bind in a facial coordination mode and can readily be modified at the (CS)NR1R2 moiety. The complexes [99Tc(CO)3(LPyMor)] and [Re(CO)3(L)] (L = LPyMor, LPyEt) were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Reactions of [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ with the N′-thiocarbamoylpicolylbenzamidines give the corresponding 99mTc complexes. The ester group in HLPyCOOEt allows linkage between biomolecules and the metal core.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Oflaz2012, author = {Oflaz, Hakan}, title = {Entwicklung eines Prototypen zur Prognose von Fr{\"u}hgeburten : ein biomedizintechnischer Ansatz}, publisher = {Deutsche Zentralbibliothek f{\"u}r Medizin}, address = {K{\"o}ln}, doi = {10.4126/38m-004639208}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{KurulganDemirci2012, author = {Kurulgan Demirci, Eylem}, title = {The effect of rhAPC on contractile tension : an in-vitro sepsis model of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{CzarneckiSpiliopoulou2012, author = {Czarnecki, Christian and Spiliopoulou, Myra}, title = {A holistic framework for the implementation of a next generation network}, series = {International Journal of Business Information Systems}, volume = {9}, journal = {International Journal of Business Information Systems}, number = {4}, publisher = {Inderscience Enterprises}, address = {Olney, Bucks}, issn = {1746-0972}, doi = {10.1504/IJBIS.2012.046291}, pages = {385 -- 401}, year = {2012}, abstract = {As the potential of a next generation network (NGN) is recognised, telecommunication companies consider switching to it. Although the implementation of an NGN seems to be merely a modification of the network infrastructure, it may trigger or require changes in the whole company, because it builds upon the separation between service and transport, a flexible bundling of services to products and the streamlining of the IT infrastructure. We propose a holistic framework, structured into the layers 'strategy', 'processes' and 'information systems' and incorporate into each layer all concepts necessary for the implementation of an NGN, as well as the alignment of these concepts. As a first proof-of-concept for our framework we have performed a case study on the introduction of NGN in a large telecommunication company; we show that our framework captures all topics that are affected by an NGN implementation.}, language = {en} } @book{Gell2012, author = {Gell, Sebastian}, title = {Determinants of earnings forecast error, earnings forecast revision and earnings forecast accuracy}, publisher = {Springer Gabler}, address = {Wiesbaden}, isbn = {978-3-8349-3936-4}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-8349-3937-1}, pages = {XXIV, 125 Seiten}, year = {2012}, abstract = {​Earnings forecasts are ubiquitous in today's financial markets. They are essential indicators of future firm performance and a starting point for firm valuation. Extremely inaccurate and overoptimistic forecasts during the most recent financial crisis have raised serious doubts regarding the reliability of such forecasts. This thesis therefore investigates new determinants of forecast errors and accuracy. In addition, new determinants of forecast revisions are examined. More specifically, the thesis answers the following questions: 1) How do analyst incentives lead to forecast errors? 2) How do changes in analyst incentives lead to forecast revisions?, and 3) What factors drive differences in forecast accuracy?}, language = {en} } @article{OrzadaMaderwaldPoseretal.2012, author = {Orzada, S. and Maderwald, S. and Poser, B. A. and Johst, S. and Kannengiesser, S. and Ladd, M. E. and Bitz, Andreas}, title = {Time-interleaved acquisition of modes: an analysis of SAR and image contrast implications}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {67}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2594}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.23081}, pages = {1033 -- 1041}, year = {2012}, abstract = {s the magnetic field strength and therefore the operational frequency in MRI are increased, the radiofrequency wavelength approaches the size of the human head/body, resulting in wave effects which cause signal decreases and dropouts. Especially, whole-body imaging at 7 T and higher is therefore challenging. Recently, an acquisition scheme called time-interleaved acquisition of modes has been proposed to tackle the inhomogeneity problems in high-field MRI. The basic premise is to excite two (or more) different Burn:x-wiley:07403194:media:MRM23081:tex2gif-stack-1 modes using static radiofrequency shimming in an interleaved acquisition, where the complementary radiofrequency patterns of the two modes can be exploited to improve overall signal homogeneity. In this work, the impact of time-interleaved acquisition of mode on image contrast as well as on time-averaged specific absorption rate is addressed in detail. Time-interleaved acquisition of mode is superior in Burn:x-wiley:07403194:media:MRM23081:tex2gif-stack-2 homogeneity compared with conventional radiofrequency shimming while being highly specific absorption rate efficient. Time-interleaved acquisition of modes can enable almost homogeneous high-field imaging throughout the entire field of view in PD, T2, and T2*-weighted imaging and, if a specified homogeneity criterion is met, in T1-weighted imaging as well.}, language = {en} } @article{KobusBitzUdenetal.2012, author = {Kobus, Thiele and Bitz, Andreas and Uden, Mark J. van and Lagemaat, Miram W. and Rothgang, Eva and Orzada, Stephan and Heerschap, Arend and Scheenen, Tom W. J.}, title = {In vivo 31P MR spectroscopic imaging of the human prostate at 7 T: safety and feasibility}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {68}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-Liss}, address = {New York}, issn = {1522-2594}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.24175}, pages = {1683 -- 1695}, year = {2012}, abstract = {31P MR spectroscopic imaging of the human prostate provides information about phosphorylated metabolites that could be used for prostate cancer characterization. The sensitivity of a magnetic field strength of 7 T might enable 3D 31P MR spectroscopic imaging with relevant spatial resolution in a clinically acceptable measurement time. To this end, a 31P endorectal coil was developed and combined with an eight-channel 1H body-array coil to relate metabolic information to anatomical location. An extensive safety validation was performed to evaluate the specific absorption rate, the radiofrequency field distribution, and the temperature distribution of both coils. This validation consisted of detailed Finite Integration Technique simulations, confirmed by MR thermometry and Burn:x-wiley:07403194:media:MRM24175:tex2gif-stack-1 measurements in a phantom and in vivo temperature measurements. The safety studies demonstrated that the presence of the 31P endorectal coil had no influence on the specific absorption rate levels and temperature distribution of the external eight-channel 1H array coil. To stay within a 10 g averaged local specific absorption rate of 10 W/kg, a maximum time-averaged input power of 33 W for the 1H array coil was allowed. For transmitting with the 31P endorectal coil, our safety limit of less than 1°C temperature increase in vivo during a 15-min MR spectroscopic imaging experiment was reached at a time-averaged input power of 1.9 W. With this power setting, a second in vivo measurement was performed on a healthy volunteer. Using adiabatic excitation, 3D 31P MR spectroscopic imaging produced spectra from the entire prostate in 18 min with a spatial resolution of 4 cm3. The spectral resolution enabled the separate detection of phosphocholine, phosphoethanolamine, inorganic phosphate, and other metabolites that could play an important role in the characterization of prostate cancer.}, language = {en} } @article{YazdanbakhshSolbachBitz2012, author = {Yazdanbakhsh, Pedram and Solbach, Klaus and Bitz, Andreas}, title = {Variable power combiner for RF mode shimming in 7-T MR imaging}, series = {IEEE Transaction on Biomedical Engineering}, volume = {59}, journal = {IEEE Transaction on Biomedical Engineering}, number = {9}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {1558-2531}, doi = {10.1109/TBME.2012.2205926}, pages = {2549 -- 2557}, year = {2012}, abstract = {This contribution discusses the utilization of RF power in an MRI system with RF mode shimming which enables the superposition of circularly polarized modes of a transmit RF coil array driven by a Butler matrix. Since the required power for the individual modes can vary widely, mode-shimming can result in a significant underutilization of the total available RF power. A variable power combiner (VPC) is proposed to improve the power utilization: it can be realized as a reconfiguration of the MRI transmit system by the inclusion of one additional matrix network which receives the power from all transmit amplifiers at its input ports and provides any desired (combined) power distribution at its output ports by controlling the phase and amplitude of the amplifiers' input signals. The power distribution at the output ports of the VPC is then fed into the "mode" ports of the coil array Butler matrix in order to superimpose the spatial modes at the highest achievable power utilization. The VPC configuration is compared to the standard configuration of the transmit chain of our MRI system with 8 transmit channels and 16 coils. In realistic scenarios, improved power utilization was achieved from 17\% to 60\% and from 14\% to 55\% for an elliptical phantom and a region of interest in the abdomen, respectively, and an increase of the power utilization of 1 dB for a region of interest in the upper leg. In general, it is found that the VPC allows significant improvement in power utilization when the shimming solution demands only a few modes to be energized, while the technique can yield loss in power utilization in cases with many modes required at high power level.}, language = {en} }