@article{FerreinSteinbauerVassos2012, author = {Ferrein, Alexander and Steinbauer, Gerald and Vassos, Stavros}, title = {Action-Based Imperative Programming with YAGI}, pages = {24 -- 31}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Many tasks for autonomous agents or robots are best described by a specification of the environment and a specification of the available actions the agent or robot can perform. Combining such a specification with the possibility to imperatively program a robot or agent is what we call the actionbased imperative programming. One of the most successful such approaches is Golog. In this paper, we draft a proposal for a new robot programming language YAGI, which is based on the action-based imperative programming paradigm. Our goal is to design a small, portable stand-alone YAGI interpreter. We combine the benefits of a principled domain specification with a clean, small and simple programming language, which does not exploit any side-effects from the implementation language. We discuss general requirements of action-based programming languages and outline YAGI, our action-based language approach which particularly aims at embeddability.}, language = {en} } @article{WernerWagnerMiyamotoetal.2012, author = {Werner, Frederik and Wagner, Torsten and Miyamoto, Ko-ichiro and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {High speed and high resolution chemical imaging based on a new type of OLED-LAPS set-up}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, volume = {175}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2011.12.102}, pages = {118 -- 122}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) are field-effect-based sensors. A modulated light source is used to define the particular measurement spot to perform spatially resolved measurements of chemical species and to generate chemical images. In this work, an organic-LED (OLED) display has been chosen as a light source. This allows high measurement resolution and miniaturisation of the system. A new developed driving method for the OLED display optimised for LAPS-based measurements is demonstrated. The new method enables to define modulation frequencies between 1 kHz and 16 kHz and hence, reduces the measurement time of a chemical image by a factor of 40 compared to the traditional addressing of an OLED display.}, language = {en} } @article{StadlerGarveyBocahutetal.2012, author = {Stadler, Andreas M. and Garvey, G. J. and Bocahut, A. and Sacquin-Mora, S. and Digel, Ilya and Schneider, G. J. and Natali, F. and Artmann, Gerhard and Zaccai, G.}, title = {Thermal fluctuations of haemoglobin from different species : adaptation to temperature via conformational dynamics}, series = {Journal of the Royal Society Interface}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society Interface}, number = {76}, publisher = {The Royal Society}, address = {London}, issn = {1742-5689}, doi = {10.1098/rsif.2012.0364}, pages = {2845 -- 2855}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Thermodynamic stability, configurational motions and internal forces of haemoglobin (Hb) of three endotherms (platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus; domestic chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus and human, Homo sapiens) and an ectotherm (salt water crocodile, Crocodylus porosus) were investigated using circular dichroism, incoherent elastic neutron scattering and coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations. The experimental results from Hb solutions revealed a direct correlation between protein resilience, melting temperature and average body temperature of the different species on the 0.1 ns time scale. Molecular forces appeared to be adapted to permit conformational fluctuations with a root mean square displacement close to 1.2 {\AA} at the corresponding average body temperature of the endotherms. Strong forces within crocodile Hb maintain the amplitudes of motion within a narrow limit over the entire temperature range in which the animal lives. In fully hydrated powder samples of human and chicken, Hb mean square displacements and effective force constants on the 1 ns time scale showed no differences over the whole temperature range from 10 to 300 K, in contrast to the solution case. A complementary result of the study, therefore, is that one hydration layer is not sufficient to activate all conformational fluctuations of Hb in the pico- to nanosecond time scale which might be relevant for biological function. Coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations permitted to explore residue-specific effects. They indicated that temperature sensing of human and chicken Hb occurs mainly at residues lining internal cavities in the β-subunits.}, language = {en} } @article{WagnerWernerMiyamotoetal.2012, author = {Wagner, Torsten and Werner, Frederik and Miyamoto, Ko-Ichiro and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Development and characterisation of a compact light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) based on the digital light processing (DLP) technology for flexible chemical imaging}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, volume = {170}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2010.12.003}, pages = {34 -- 39}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Chemical imaging systems allow the visualisation of the distribution of chemical species on the sensor surface. This work represents a new flexible approach to read out light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) with the help of a digital light processing (DLP) set-up. The DLP, known well for video projectors, consists of a mirror-array MEMS device, which allows fast and flexible generation of light patterns. With the help of these light patterns, the sensor surface of the LAPS device can be addressed. The DLP approach has several advantages compared to conventional LAPS set-ups, e.g., the spot size and the shape of the light pointer can be changed easily and no mechanical movement is necessary, which reduces the size of the set-up and increases the stability and speed of the measurement. In addition, the modulation frequency and intensity of the light beam are important parameters of the LAPS set-up. Within this work, the authors will discuss two different ways of light modulation by the DLP set-up, investigate the influence of different modulation frequencies and different light intensities as well as demonstrate the scanning capabilities of the new set-up by pH mapping on the sensor surface.}, language = {en} } @article{StaatVu2012, author = {Staat, Manfred and Vu, Duc Khoi}, title = {Limit analysis of flaws in pressurized pipes and cylindrical vessels Part II: Circumferential defects}, series = {Engineering Fracture Mechanics ; 97(2013), H. 1}, volume = {97}, journal = {Engineering Fracture Mechanics ; 97(2013), H. 1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0013-7944}, doi = {10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.05.017}, pages = {314 -- 333}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Upper and lower bound theorems of limit analyses have been presented in part I of the paper. Part II starts with the finite element discretization of these theorems and demonstrates how both can be combined in a primal-dual optimization problem. This recently proposed numerical method is used to guide the development of a new class of closed-form limit loads for circumferential defects, which show that only large defects contribute to plastic collapse with a rapid loss of strength with increasing crack sizes. The formulae are compared with primal-dual FEM limit analyses and with burst tests. Even closer predictions are obtained with iterative limit load solutions for the von Mises yield function and for the Tresca yield function. Pressure loading of the faces of interior cracks in thick pipes reduces the collapse load of circumferential defects more than for axial flaws. Axial defects have been treated in part I of the paper.}, language = {en} } @article{LeursMezoOehlschlaegeretal.2012, author = {Leurs, Ulrike and Mezo, Gabor and {\"O}hlschl{\"a}ger, Peter and Orban, Erika and Marquard, Andrea and Manea, Marilena}, title = {Design, synthesis, in vitro stability and cytostatic effect of multifunctional anticancer drug-bioconjugates containing GnRH-III as a targeting moiety}, series = {Peptide Science}, volume = {98}, journal = {Peptide Science}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {New York, NY}, issn = {1097-0282}, doi = {10.1002/bip.21640}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Bioconjugates containing the GnRH-III hormone decapeptide as a targeting moiety are able to deliver chemotherapeutic agents specifically to cancer cells expressing GnRH receptors, thereby increasing their local efficacy while limiting the peripheral toxicity. However, the number of GnRH receptors on cancer cells is limited and they desensitize under continuous hormone treatment. A possible approach to increase the receptor mediated tumor targeting and consequently the cytostatic effect of the bioconjugates would be the attachment of more than one chemotherapeutic agent to one GnRH-III molecule. Here we report on the design, synthesis and biochemical characterization of multifunctional bioconjugates containing GnRH-III as a targeting moiety and daunorubicin as a chemotherapeutic agent. Two different drug design approaches were pursued. The first one was based on the bifunctional [4Lys]-GnRH-III (Glp-His-Trp-Lys-His-Asp-Trp-Lys-Pro-Gly-NH2) containing two lysine residues in positions 4 and 8, whose ϵ-amino groups were used for the coupling of daunorubicin. In the second drug design, the native GnRH-III (Glp-His-Trp-Ser-His-Asp-Trp-Lys-Pro-Gly-NH2) was used as a scaffold; an additional lysine residue was coupled to the ϵ-amino group of 8Lys in order to generate two free amino groups available for conjugation of daunorubicin. The in vitro stability/degradation of all synthesized compounds was investigated in human serum, as well as in the presence of rat liver lysosomal homogenate. Their cellular uptake was determined on human breast cancer cells and the cytostatic effect was evaluated on human breast, colon and prostate cancer cell lines. Compared with a monofunctional compound, both drug design approaches resulted in multifunctional bioconjugates with increased cytostatic effect.}, language = {en} } @article{GrinsvenBonStrauvenetal.2012, author = {Grinsven, Bart van and Bon, Natalie vanden and Strauven, Hannelore and Grieten, Lars and Murib, Mohammed and Jim{\´e}nez Monroy, Kathia L. and Janssens, Stoffel D. and Haenen, Ken and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Vermeeren, Veronique and Ameloot, Marcel and Michiels, Luc and Thoelen, Ronald and Ceuninck, Ward de and Wagner, Patrick}, title = {Heat-Transfer Resistance at Solid-Liquid Interfaces: A Tool for The Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in DNA.}, series = {ACS Nano}, volume = {6}, journal = {ACS Nano}, number = {3}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {1936-086X}, doi = {10.1021/nn300147e}, pages = {2712 -- 2721}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In this article, we report on the heat-transfer resistance at interfaces as a novel, denaturation-based method to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA. We observed that a molecular brush of double-stranded DNA grafted onto synthetic diamond surfaces does not notably affect the heat-transfer resistance at the solid-to-liquid interface. In contrast to this, molecular brushes of single-stranded DNA cause, surprisingly, a substantially higher heat-transfer resistance and behave like a thermally insulating layer. This effect can be utilized to identify ds-DNA melting temperatures via the switching from low- to high heat-transfer resistance. The melting temperatures identified with this method for different DNA duplexes (29 base pairs without and with built-in mutations) correlate nicely with data calculated by modeling. The method is fast, label-free (without the need for fluorescent or radioactive markers), allows for repetitive measurements, and can also be extended toward array formats. Reference measurements by confocal fluorescence microscopy and impedance spectroscopy confirm that the switching of heat-transfer resistance upon denaturation is indeed related to the thermal on-chip denaturation of DNA.}, language = {en} } @article{AbouzarPoghossianCherstvyetal.2012, author = {Abouzar, Maryam H. and Poghossian, Arshak and Cherstvy, Andrey G. and Pedraza, Angela M. and Ingebrandt, Sven and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Label-free electrical detection of DNA by means of field-effect nanoplate capacitors: Experiments and modeling}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100710}, pages = {925 -- 934}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Label-free electrical detection of consecutive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization/denaturation by means of an array of individually addressable field-effect-based nanoplate silicon-on-insulator (SOI) capacitors modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NP) is investigated. The proposed device detects charge changes on Au-NP/DNA hybrids induced by the hybridization or denaturation event. DNA hybridization was performed in a high ionic-strength solution to provide a high hybridization efficiency. On the other hand, to reduce the screening of the DNA charge by counter ions and to achieve a high sensitivity, the sensor signal induced by the hybridization and denaturation events was measured in a low ionic-strength solution. High sensor signals of about 120, 90, and 80 mV were registered after the DNA hybridization, denaturation, and re-hybridization events, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy has been applied as reference method to verify the DNA immobilization, hybridization, and denaturation processes. An electrostatic charge-plane model for potential changes at the gate surface of a nanoplate field-effect sensor induced by the DNA hybridization has been developed taking into account both the Debye length and the distance of the DNA charge from the gate surface.}, 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{BaeckerRaueSchusseretal.2012, author = {B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Raue, Markus and Schusser, Sebastian and Jeitner, C. and Breuer, L. and Wagner, P. and Poghossian, Arshak and F{\"o}rster, Arnold and Mang, Thomas and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Microfluidic chip with integrated microvalves based on temperature- and pH-responsive hydrogel thin films}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100763}, pages = {839 -- 845}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Two types of microvalves based on temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and pH-responsive poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA) hydrogel films have been developed and tested. The PNIPAAm and PSA hydrogel films were prepared by means of in situ photopolymerization directly inside the fluidic channel of a microfluidic chip fabricated by combining Si and SU-8 technologies. The swelling/shrinking properties and height changes of the PNIPAAm and PSA films inside the fluidic channel were studied at temperatures of deionized water from 14 to 36 °C and different pH values (pH 3-12) of Titrisol buffer, respectively. Additionally, in separate experiments, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAAm hydrogel was investigated by means of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. Mass-flow measurements have shown the feasibility of the prepared hydrogel films to work as an on-chip integrated temperature- or pH-responsive microvalve capable to switch the flow channel on/off.}, language = {en} } @article{AggarwalDhimanKumaretal.2012, author = {Aggarwal, P. and Dhiman, S. and Kumar, G. and Scherer, Ulrich W. and Singla, M. L. and Srivastava, A.}, title = {Optical study of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) modified by different ionizing radiation dose}, series = {Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Physics}, volume = {50}, journal = {Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Physics}, number = {2}, issn = {0019-5596}, pages = {129 -- 132}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Thin films of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) [PET]were exposed to radiation dose ranging from 10 to 30 kGy by using gamma rays in the range 12.8-177.8 MGy using swift light ions of hydrogen. There was no effect of the radiation dose on the optical behaviour of PET as a result of exposure to radiation dose up to 30 kGy brought about by gamma rays but a significant decrease in the optical band gap values was observed when PET was exposed to swift light ions of hydrogen. The data obtained are discussed in terms of optical studies carried out on PET using swift heavy ions.}, language = {en} } @article{SpelthahnSchubertSchoening2012, author = {Spelthahn, Heiko and Schubert, J{\"u}rgen and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {D{\"u}nnschichtsensoren f{\"u}r die Schwermetallanalytik}, series = {GIT : Labor-Fachzeitschrift}, volume = {56}, journal = {GIT : Labor-Fachzeitschrift}, number = {4}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {0016-3538}, pages = {285 -- 287}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Die Detektion von Schadstoffen repr{\"a}sentiert in der Umweltanalytik eine wichtige Aufgabenstellung. Gerade die Abwasser- bzw. Brauchwasseranalytik sowie die Prozesskontrolle haben einen hohen Stellenwert. Siliziumbasierte D{\"u}nnschichtsensoren bieten eine kosteng{\"u}nstige M{\"o}glichkeit, „online"-Messungen bzw. Vor-Ort-Messungen zeitnah durchzuf{\"u}hren. In dieser Arbeit wird ein potentiometrisches Sensorarray auf der Basis von Chalkogenidgl{\"a}sern zur Detektion von Schwermetallen in w{\"a}ssrigen Medien vorgestellt.}, 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{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{KotliarLanzlHanssenetal.2012, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and Lanzl, Ines M. and Hanssen, Henner and Eberhardt, Karla and Vilser, Walthard and Halle, Martin and Heemann, Uwe and Schmidt-Trucks{\"a}ss, Arno and Baumann, Marcus}, title = {Does increased blood pressure rather than aging influence retinal pulse wave velocity?}, series = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS}, volume = {53}, journal = {Investigative Ophthalmology \& Visual Science, IOVS}, number = {4}, publisher = {ARVO}, address = {Rockville, Md.}, issn = {0146-0404}, doi = {10.1167/iovs.11-8815}, pages = {2119 -- 2126}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Purpose: It was demonstrated previously that retinal pulse wave velocity (rPWV) as a measure of retinal arterial stiffness is increased in aged anamnestically healthy volunteers compared with young healthy subjects. Using novel methodology of rPWV assessment this finding was confirmed and investigated whether it might relate to the increased blood pressure usually accompanying the aging process, rather than to the aging itself. Methods: A total of 12 young 25.5-year-old (24.0-28.8) [median(1st quartile-3rd quartile)] and 12 senior 68.5-year-old (63.8-71.8) anamnestically healthy volunteers; and 12 senior 63.0-year-old (60.8-65.0) validated healthy volunteers and 12 young 33.0-year-old (29.5-35.0) hypertensive patients were examined. Time-dependent alterations of vessel diameter were assessed by the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer in a retinal artery of each subject. The data were filtered and processed using mathematical signal analysis and rPWVs were calculated. Results: rPWV amounted to 1200 (990-1470) RU (relative units)/s in the hypertensive group and to 1040 (700-2230) RU/s in anamnestically healthy seniors. These differed significantly from rPWVs in young healthy group (410 [280-500] RU/s) and in validated healthy seniors (400 [320-510] RU/s). rPWV associated with age and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the pooled cohort excluded validated healthy seniors. In a regression model these associations remain when alternately adjusted for MAP and age. When including validated healthy seniors in the pooled cohort only association with MAP remains. Conclusions: Both aging (with not excluded cardiovascular risk factors) and mild hypertension are associated with elevated rPWV. rPWV increases to a similar extent both in young mildly hypertensive subjects and in aged anamnestically healthy persons. Healthy aging is not associated with increased rPWV.}, language = {en} } @article{LustfeldPithanReissel2012, author = {Lustfeld, H. and Pithan, C. and Reißel, Martin}, title = {Metallic electrolyte composites in the framework of the brick-layer model}, series = {Journal of the European Ceramic Society}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of the European Ceramic Society}, number = {4}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0955-2219}, doi = {10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2011.10.017}, pages = {859 -- 864}, year = {2012}, abstract = {It is well known that the already large dielectric constants of some electrolytes like BaTiO₃ can be enhanced further by adding metallic (e.g. Ni, Cu or Ag) nanoparticles. The enhancement can be quite large, a factor of more than 1000 is possible. The consequences for the properties will be discussed in the present paper applying a brick-layer model (BLM) for calculating dc-resistivities of thin layers and a modified one (PBLM) that includes percolation for calculating dielectric properties of these materials. The PBLM results in an at least qualitative description and understanding of the physical phenomena: This model gives an explanation for the steep increase of the dielectric constant below the percolation threshold and why this increase is connected to a dramatic decrease of the breakdown voltage as well as the ability of storing electrical energy. We conclude that metallic electrolyte composites like BaTiO₃ are not appropriate for energy storage.}, language = {en} } @article{BohrnStuetzFuchsetal.2012, author = {Bohrn, U. and St{\"u}tz, E. and Fuchs, K. and Fleischer, M. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Wagner, P.}, title = {Monitoring of irritant gas using a whole-cell-based sensor system}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, volume = {175}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2012.05.088}, pages = {208 -- 217}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Cell-based sensors for the detection of gases have long been underrepresented, due to the cellular requirement of being cultured in a liquid environment. In this work we established a cell-based gas biosensor for the detection of toxic substances in air, by adapting a commercial sensor chip (Bionas®), previously used for the measurement of pollutants in liquids. Cells of the respiratory tract (A549, RPMI 2650, V79), which survive at a gas phase in a natural context, are used as biological receptors. The physiological cell parameters acidification, respiration and morphology are continuously monitored in parallel. Ammonia was used as a highly water-soluble model gas to test the feasibility of the sensor system. Infrared measurements confirmed the sufficiency of the medium draining method. This sensor system provides a basis for many sensor applications such as environmental monitoring, building technology and public security.}, language = {en} } @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} } @article{WernerGroebelKrumbeetal.2012, author = {Werner, Frederik and Groebel, Simone and Krumbe, Christoph and Wagner, Torsten and Selmer, Thorsten and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo and Baumann, Marcus and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Nutrient concentration-sensitive microorganism-based biosensor}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100801}, pages = {900 -- 904}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{KirchnerReisertPuetzetal.2012, author = {Kirchner, Patrick and Reisert, Steffen and P{\"u}tz, Patrick and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Characterisation of polymeric materials as passivation layer for calorimetric H2O2 gas sensors}, series = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, volume = {209}, journal = {Physica Status Solidi (a)}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201100773}, pages = {859 -- 863}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Calorimetric gas sensors for monitoring the H₂O₂ concentration at elevated temperatures in industrial sterilisation processes have been presented in previous works. These sensors are built up in form of a differential set-up of a catalytically active and passive temperature-sensitive structure. Although, various types of catalytically active dispersions have been studied, the passivation layer has to be established and therefore, chemically as well as physically characterised. In the present work, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoralkoxy (PFA) and epoxy-based SU-8 photoresist as temperature-stable polymeric materials have been investigated for sensor passivation in terms of their chemical inertness against H₂O₂, their hygroscopic properties as well as their morphology. The polymeric materials were deposited via spin-coating on the temperature-sensitive structure, wherein spin-coated FEP and PFA show slight agglomerates. However, they possess a low absorption of humidity due to their hydrophobic surface, whereas the SU-8 layer has a closed surface but shows a slightly higher absorption of water. All of them were inert against gaseous H₂O₂ during the characterisation in H₂O₂ atmosphere that demonstrates their suitability as passivation layer for calorimetric H₂O₂ gas sensors.}, language = {en} }