@article{AkimbekovDigelAbdievaetal.2021, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly and Digel, Ilya and Abdieva, Gulzhamal and Ualieva, Perizat and Tastambek, Kuanysh}, title = {Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data}, series = {Biofuels}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biofuels}, number = {3}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1759-7277}, pages = {247 -- 258}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24\% of crude lignite (5\% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe-mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovDigelTastambeketal.2021, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Tastambek, Kuanysh T. and Sherelkhan, Dinara K. and Jussupova, Dariya B. and Altynbay, Nazym P.}, title = {Low-rank coal as a source of humic substances for soil amendment and fertility management}, series = {Agriculture}, volume = {11}, journal = {Agriculture}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2077-0472}, doi = {10.3390/agriculture11121261}, pages = {25 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production.}, 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{AlexyukBogoyavlenskiyAlexyuketal.2021, author = {Alexyuk, Madina and Bogoyavlenskiy, Andrey and Alexyuk, Pavel and Moldakhanov, Yergali and Berezin, Vladimir and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Epipelagic microbiome of the Small Aral Sea: Metagenomic structure and ecological diversity}, series = {MicrobiologyOpen}, volume = {10}, journal = {MicrobiologyOpen}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2045-8827}, doi = {10.1002/mbo3.1142}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Microbial diversity studies regarding the aquatic communities that experienced or are experiencing environmental problems are essential for the comprehension of the remediation dynamics. In this pilot study, we present data on the phylogenetic and ecological structure of microorganisms from epipelagic water samples collected in the Small Aral Sea (SAS). The raw data were generated by massive parallel sequencing using the shotgun approach. As expected, most of the identified DNA sequences belonged to Terrabacteria and Actinobacteria (40\% and 37\% of the total reads, respectively). The occurrence of Deinococcus-Thermus, Armatimonadetes, Chloroflexi in the epipelagic SAS waters was less anticipated. Surprising was also the detection of sequences, which are characteristic for strict anaerobes—Ignavibacteria, hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, and archaeal methanogenic species. We suppose that the observed very broad range of phylogenetic and ecological features displayed by the SAS reads demonstrates a more intensive mixing of water masses originating from diverse ecological niches of the Aral-Syr Darya River basin than presumed before.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Bayer2021, author = {Bayer, Robin}, title = {Development of a novel in-vitro vascular model for determination of physiological and pathophysiological mechanobiology}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t zu K{\"o}ln}, address = {K{\"o}ln}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-362212}, pages = {IV, 115 Seiten}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{BrockhausBehbahaniMurisetal.2021, author = {Brockhaus, Moritz K. and Behbahani, Mehdi and Muris, Farina and Jansen, Sebastian V. and Schmitz- Rode, Thomas and Steinseifer, Ulrich and Clauser, Johanna C.}, title = {In vitro thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile mechanical circulatory support systems: Design and proof-of-concept}, series = {Artificial Organs}, volume = {45}, journal = {Artificial Organs}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1525-1594}, doi = {10.1111/aor.14046}, pages = {1513 -- 1521}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in-vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom-made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6\% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential.}, language = {en} } @article{GermanMikuckiWelchetal.2021, author = {German, Laura and Mikucki, Jill A. and Welch, Susan A. and Welch, Kathleen A. and Lutton, Anthony and Dachwald, Bernd and Kowalski, Julia and Heinen, Dirk and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Espe, Clemens and Lyons, W. Berry}, title = {Validation of sampling antarctic subglacial hypersaline waters with an electrothermal ice melting probe (IceMole) for environmental analytical geochemistry}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {101}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry}, number = {15}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {0306-7319}, doi = {10.1080/03067319.2019.1704750}, pages = {2654 -- 2667}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Geochemical characterisation of hypersaline waters is difficult as high concentrations of salts hinder the analysis of constituents at low concentrations, such as trace metals, and the collection of samples for trace metal analysis in natural waters can be easily contaminated. This is particularly the case if samples are collected by non-conventional techniques such as those required for aquatic subglacial environments. In this paper we present the first analysis of a subglacial brine from Taylor Valley, (~ 78°S), Antarctica for the trace metals: Ba, Co, Mo, Rb, Sr, V, and U. Samples were collected englacially using an electrothermal melting probe called the IceMole. This probe uses differential heating of a copper head as well as the probe's sidewalls and an ice screw at the melting head to move through glacier ice. Detailed blanks, meltwater, and subglacial brine samples were collected to evaluate the impact of the IceMole and the borehole pump, the melting and collection process, filtration, and storage on the geochemistry of the samples collected by this device. Comparisons between melt water profiles through the glacier ice and blank analysis, with published studies on ice geochemistry, suggest the potential for minor contributions of some species Rb, As, Co, Mn, Ni, NH4+, and NO2-+NO3- from the IceMole. The ability to conduct detailed chemical analyses of subglacial fluids collected with melting probes is critical for the future exploration of the hundreds of deep subglacial lakes in Antarctica.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrundmannBorellaCeriottietal.2021, author = {Grundmann, Jan Thimo and Borella, Laura and Ceriotti, Matteo and Chand, Suditi and Cordero, Federico and Dachwald, Bernd and Fexer, Sebastian and Grimm, Christian D. and Hendrikse, Jeffrey and Herč{\´i}k, David and Herique, Alain and Hillebrandt, Martin and Ho, Tra-Mi and Kesseler, Lars and Laabs, Martin and Lange, Caroline and Lange, Michael and Lichtenheldt, Roy and McInnes, Colin R. and Moore, Iain and Peloni, Alessandro and Plettenmeier, Dirk and Quantius, Dominik and Seefeldt, Patric and Venditti, Flaviane c. F. and Vergaaij, Merel and Viavattene, Giulia and Virkki, Anne K. and Zander, Martin}, title = {More bucks for the bang: new space solutions, impact tourism and one unique science \& engineering opportunity at T-6 months and counting}, series = {7th IAA Planetary Defense Conference}, booktitle = {7th IAA Planetary Defense Conference}, year = {2021}, abstract = {For now, the Planetary Defense Conference Exercise 2021's incoming fictitious(!), asteroid, 2021 PDC, seems headed for impact on October 20th, 2021, exactly 6 months after its discovery. Today (April 26th, 2021), the impact probability is 5\%, in a steep rise from 1 in 2500 upon discovery six days ago. We all know how these things end. Or do we? Unless somebody kicked off another headline-grabbing media scare or wants to keep civil defense very idle very soon, chances are that it will hit (note: this is an exercise!). Taking stock, it is barely 6 months to impact, a steadily rising likelihood that it will actually happen, and a huge uncertainty of possible impact energies: First estimates range from 1.2 MtTNT to 13 GtTNT, and this is not even the worst-worst case: a 700 m diameter massive NiFe asteroid (covered by a thin veneer of Ryugu-black rubble to match size and brightness), would come in at 70 GtTNT. In down to Earth terms, this could be all between smashing fireworks over some remote area of the globe and a 7.5 km crater downtown somewhere. Considering the deliberate and sedate ways of development of interplanetary missions it seems we can only stand and stare until we know well enough where to tell people to pack up all that can be moved at all and save themselves. But then, it could just as well be a smaller bright rock. The best estimate is 120 m diameter from optical observation alone, by 13\% standard albedo. NASA's upcoming DART mission to binary asteroid (65803) Didymos is designed to hit such a small target, its moonlet Dimorphos. The Deep Impact mission's impactor in 2005 successfully guided itself to the brightest spot on comet 9P/Tempel 1, a relatively small feature on the 6 km nucleus. And 'space' has changed: By the end of this decade, one satellite communication network plans to have launched over 11000 satellites at a pace of 60 per launch every other week. This level of series production is comparable in numbers to the most prolific commercial airliners. Launch vehicle production has not simply increased correspondingly - they can be reused, although in a trade for performance. Optical and radio astronomy as well as planetary radar have made great strides in the past decade, and so has the design and production capability for everyday 'high-tech' products. 60 years ago, spaceflight was invented from scratch within two years, and there are recent examples of fast-paced space projects as well as a drive towards 'responsive space'. It seems it is not quite yet time to abandon all hope. We present what could be done and what is too close to call once thinking is shoved out of the box by a clear and present danger, to show where a little more preparedness or routine would come in handy - or become decisive. And if we fail, let's stand and stare safely and well instrumented anywhere on Earth together in the greatest adventure of science.}, language = {en} } @article{HacklBuessKammerlohretal.2021, author = {Hackl, Michael and Buess, Eduard and Kammerlohr, Sandra and Nacov, Julia and Staat, Manfred and Leschinger, Tim and M{\"u}ller, Lars P. and Wegmann, Kilian}, title = {A "comma sign"-directed subscapularis repair in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears yields biomechanical advantages in a cadaveric model}, series = {The american journal of sports medicine}, volume = {49}, journal = {The american journal of sports medicine}, number = {12}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {1552-3365}, doi = {10.1177/03635465211031506}, pages = {3212 -- 3217}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Additional stabilization of the "comma sign" in anterosuperior rotator cuff repair has been proposed to provide biomechanical benefits regarding stability of the repair. Purpose: This in vitro investigation aimed to investigate the influence of a comma sign-directed reconstruction technique for anterosuperior rotator cuff tears on the primary stability of the subscapularis tendon repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used in this study. Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (complete full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons) were created, and supraspinatus repair was performed with a standard suture bridge technique. The subscapularis was repaired with either a (1) single-row or (2) comma sign technique. A high-resolution 3D camera system was used to analyze 3-mm and 5-mm gap formation at the subscapularis tendon-bone interface upon incremental cyclic loading. Moreover, the ultimate failure load of the repair was recorded. A Mann-Whitney test was used to assess significant differences between the 2 groups. Results: The comma sign repair withstood significantly more loading cycles than the single-row repair until 3-mm and 5-mm gap formation occurred (P≤ .047). The ultimate failure load did not reveal any significant differences when the 2 techniques were compared (P = .596). Conclusion: The results of this study show that additional stabilization of the comma sign enhanced the primary stability of subscapularis tendon repair in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Although this stabilization did not seem to influence the ultimate failure load, it effectively decreased the micromotion at the tendon-bone interface during cyclic loading. Clinical Relevance: The proposed technique for stabilization of the comma sign has shown superior biomechanical properties in comparison with a single-row repair and might thus improve tendon healing. Further clinical research will be necessary to determine its influence on the functional outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{HacklNacovKammerlohretal.2021, author = {Hackl, Michael and Nacov, Julia and Kammerlohr, Sandra and Staat, Manfred and Buess, Eduard and Leschinger, Tim and M{\"u}ller, Lars P. and Wegmann, Kilian}, title = {Intratendinous Strain Variations of the Supraspinatus Tendon Depending on Repair Technique: A Biomechanical Analysis Regarding the Cause of Medial Cuff Failure}, series = {The American Journal of Sports Medicine}, volume = {49}, journal = {The American Journal of Sports Medicine}, number = {7}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {1552-3365}, doi = {10.1177/03635465211006138}, pages = {1847 -- 1853}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{HeiligersSchoutetensDachwald2021, author = {Heiligers, Jeannette and Schoutetens, Frederic and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Photon-sail equilibria in the alpha centauri system}, series = {Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics}, volume = {44}, journal = {Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics}, number = {5}, issn = {1533-3884}, doi = {10.2514/1.G005446}, pages = {1053 -- 1061}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2021, author = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Test-retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men}, series = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology}, volume = {62}, journal = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology}, number = {Article 102611}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1050-6411}, doi = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102611}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test-retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall "good" relative reliability. SRD 95\% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms.. The reflex gain showed overall poor test-retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended.}, language = {en} } @article{HunkerGossmannRamanetal.2021, author = {Hunker, Jan L. and Gossmann, Matthias and Raman, Aravind Hariharan and Linder, Peter}, title = {Artificial neural networks in cardiac safety assessment: Classification of chemotherapeutic compound effects on hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte contractility}, series = {Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods}, volume = {111}, journal = {Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods}, number = {Article number 107044}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {1056-8719}, doi = {10.1016/j.vascn.2021.107044}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Jung2021, author = {Jung, Alexander}, title = {Electromechanical modelling and simulation of hiPSC-derived cardiac cell cultures}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t Duisburg-Essen}, isbn = {978-3-9821811-1-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hbz:464-20210624-134942-7}, pages = {III, 135 Seiten}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @misc{JungMuellerStaat2021, author = {Jung, Alexander and M{\"u}ller, Wolfram and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Corrigendum to "Wind and fairness in ski jumping: A computer modelling analysis" [J. Biomech. 75 (2018) 147-153]}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {128}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {Article number: 110690}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0021-9290}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110690}, pages = {1 Seite}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{KezerashviliDachwald2021, author = {Kezerashvili, Roman Ya and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Preface: Solar sailing: Concepts, technology, and missions II}, series = {Advances in Space Research}, volume = {67}, journal = {Advances in Space Research}, number = {9}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0273-1177}, doi = {10.1016/j.asr.2021.01.037}, pages = {2559 -- 2560}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @incollection{Kotliar2021, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin}, title = {Ocular rigidity: clinical approach}, series = {Ocular Rigidity, Biomechanics and Hydrodynamics of the Eye}, booktitle = {Ocular Rigidity, Biomechanics and Hydrodynamics of the Eye}, editor = {Pallikaris, I. and Tsilimbaris, M. K. and Dastiridou, A. I.}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-64422-2}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-64422-2_2}, pages = {15 -- 43}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The term ocular rigidity is widely used in clinical ophthalmology. Generally it is assumed as a resistance of the whole eyeball to mechanical deformation and relates to biomechanical properties of the eye and its tissues. Basic principles and formulas for clinical tonometry, tonography and pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements are based on the concept of ocular rigidity. There is evidence for altered ocular rigidity in aging, in several eye diseases and after eye surgery. Unfortunately, there is no consensual view on ocular rigidity: it used to make a quite different sense for different people but still the same name. Foremost there is no clear consent between biomechanical engineers and ophthalmologists on the concept. Moreover ocular rigidity is occasionally characterized using various parameters with their different physical dimensions. In contrast to engineering approach, clinical approach to ocular rigidity claims to characterize the total mechanical response of the eyeball to its deformation without any detailed considerations on eye morphology or material properties of its tissues. Further to the previous chapter this section aims to describe clinical approach to ocular rigidity from the perspective of an engineer in an attempt to straighten out this concept, to show its advantages, disadvantages and various applications.}, 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} } @inproceedings{MandekarJentschLutzetal.2021, author = {Mandekar, Swati and Jentsch, Lina and Lutz, Kai and Behbahani, Mehdi and Melnykowycz, Mark}, title = {Earable design analysis for sleep EEG measurements}, series = {UbiComp '21}, booktitle = {UbiComp '21}, doi = {10.1145/3460418.3479328}, pages = {171 -- 175}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Conventional EEG devices cannot be used in everyday life and hence, past decade research has been focused on Ear-EEG for mobile, at-home monitoring for various applications ranging from emotion detection to sleep monitoring. As the area available for electrode contact in the ear is limited, the electrode size and location play a vital role for an Ear-EEG system. In this investigation, we present a quantitative study of ear-electrodes with two electrode sizes at different locations in a wet and dry configuration. Electrode impedance scales inversely with size and ranges from 450 kΩ to 1.29 MΩ for dry and from 22 kΩ to 42 kΩ for wet contact at 10 Hz. For any size, the location in the ear canal with the lowest impedance is ELE (Left Ear Superior), presumably due to increased contact pressure caused by the outer-ear anatomy. The results can be used to optimize signal pickup and SNR for specific applications. We demonstrate this by recording sleep spindles during sleep onset with high quality (5.27 μVrms).}, language = {en} } @article{MontiWaldvogelRitzmannetal.2021, author = {Monti, Elena and Waldvogel, Janice and Ritzmann, Ramona and Freyler, Kathrin and Albracht, Kirsten and Helm, Michael and De Cesare, Niccol{\`o} and Pavan, Piero and Reggiani, Carlo and Gollhofer, Albert and Narici, Marco Vincenzo}, title = {Muscle in variable gravity: "I do not know where I am, but I know what to do"}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.714655}, pages = {19 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Performing tasks, such as running and jumping, requires activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles before (motor unit pre-activation) and during movement performance (Santello and Mcdonagh, 1998). A well-timed and regulated muscle activation elicits a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) response, naturally occurring in bouncing movements (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Taube et al., 2012). By definition, the SSC describes the stretching of a pre-activated muscle-tendon complex immediately followed by a muscle shortening in the concentric push-off phase (Komi, 1984). Given the importance of SSC actions for human movement, it is not surprising that many studies investigated the biomechanics of this phenomenon; in particular, drop jumps (DJs) represent a good paradigm to study muscle fascicle and tendon behavior in ballistic movements involving the SSC. Within a DJ, three main phases [pre-activation, braking, and push-off (PO; Komi, 2000)] have been recognized and extensively studied in common and challenging conditions, such as changes in load, falling height, or simulated hypo-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Arampatzis et al., 2001; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007; Ritzmann et al., 2016; Helm et al., 2020). These studies show that the timing and amount of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit pre-activation in DJs are differentially regulated based on the load applied to the muscle, being optimal in normal "Earth" gravity conditions (Avela et al., 1994), but decreased in simulated hypo-gravity, hyper-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Ritzmann et al., 2016), or unknown conditions (i.e., unknown falling heights; Helm et al., 2020). Some authors indicated that, when falling from heights different from the optimal one [defined as the drop height giving a maximum DJ performance indicated as peak ground reaction force (GRF) or jump high], electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexors increases from lower than optimal to higher than optimal heights (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Sousa et al., 2007). These findings highlight the ability of the central nervous system to regulate the timing and amount of pre-activation according to different jumping conditions, thus regulating muscle fascicle length, tendon and joint stiffness as well as position, in order to safely land on the ground and quickly re-bounce. Similarly, to pre-activation, also in the braking phase, the plantar flexors are differentially regulated. In optimal height (i.e., load) jumping conditions, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicles shorten at early ground contact (possibly due to the intervention of the stretch reflex; Gollhofer et al., 1992) and behave quasi-isometrically in the late braking phase, enabling tendon elongation, and storage of elastic energy (Gollhofer et al., 1992; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). When increasing the falling height (augmenting the impact GRF), the quasi-isometric behavior of fascicles disappears, and fast fascicle lengthening occurs (Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). In the third and last PO phase, fascicles shorten and the tendon releases the elastic energy previously stored. Bobbert et al. (1987) reported no influence of jumping height on the work done and on the net vertical impulse assessed during PO; this observation suggests that, despite an optimal DJ performance might be achieved only in specific conditions (falling heights, loads), the central nervous system seems to be able to regulate muscle behavior in order to effectively perform the required task also in challenging situations. Although the regulation of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit in DJs has been extensively investigated, very few studies focused on sarcomeres behavior during the performance of this SSC movement (Kurokawa et al., 2003; Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006). Sarcomeres represent muscle contractile units and are known to express different amounts of force depending on their length (Gordon et al., 1966; Walker and Schrodt, 1974); thus, understanding the time course of their responses during DJs is fundamental to gain further insights into muscle force-generating capacity. In vivo measurement of sarcomere length in humans has been so far been performed only in static positions and under highly controlled experimental conditions (Llewellyn et al., 2008; Sanchez et al., 2015). Instead, human sarcomere length estimation (achieved by dividing GM measured fascicle length for a fixed sarcomere number) in dynamic contractions provided an indirect measure of sarcomere operating range during squat jump, countermovement jump, and DJ (Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006; Kurokawa et al., 2003). The results of these studies showed that sarcomeres operate in the ascending limb of their length-tension (L-T) relationship in all types of jumps, and particularly so in DJ. However, most of the available observations on sarcomere and muscle fascicle behavior were made in condition of constant gravity. Thus, in order to understand how sarcomere and muscle fascicle length are regulated in variable gravity conditions, we performed experiments in a parabolic flight, involving variable gravity levels, ranging from about zero-g to about double the Earth's gravity (1 g; Waldvogel et al., 2021). Specifically, the aims of the present study were as follows: 1. To investigate the ability of the neuromuscular system in regulating fascicle length in response to conditions of variable gravity. 2. To estimate sarcomere operative length in the different DJ phases, in order to calculate its theoretical force production and its possible modulation in conditions of variable gravity. We hypothesized that muscle fascicles would be differentially regulated in different gravity conditions compared to 1 g, particularly in anticipation of landing and re-bouncing in unknown gravity levels. In addition, we hypothesized that sarcomeres would operate in the upper part of the ascending limb of their L-T relationship, possibly lengthening during the braking phase (especially in hyper-gravity) while operating quasi-isometrically in 1 g.}, language = {en} }