@article{DachwaldSchmidtSeboldtetal.2003, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Schmidt, Tanja D. and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Auweter-Kurtz,}, title = {Flight Opportunities from Mars to Earth for Piloted Missions Using Continuous Thrust Propulsion / Schmidt, Tanja D. ; Dachwald, Bernd ; Seboldt, Wolfgang ; Auweter-Kurtz, Monika}, publisher = {-}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2003}, language = {en} } @article{ScholzLeyDachwaldetal.2010, author = {Scholz, A. and Ley, Wilfried and Dachwald, Bernd and Miau, J. J. and Juang, J. C.}, title = {Flight results of the COMPASS-1 picosatellite mission}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 67 (2010), H. 9-10}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 67 (2010), H. 9-10}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {1289 -- 1298}, year = {2010}, language = {en} } @article{JungStaatMueller2013, author = {Jung, Alexander and Staat, Manfred and M{\"u}ller, Wolfram}, title = {Flight style optimization in ski jumping on normal, large, and ski flying hills}, series = {Journal of biomechanics}, volume = {Vol. 47}, journal = {Journal of biomechanics}, number = {Iss. 3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1873-2380 (E-Journal); 0021-9290 (Print)}, pages = {716 -- 722}, year = {2013}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{OhndorfDachwaldSeboldtetal.2011, author = {Ohndorf, Andreas and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Schartner, Karl-Heinz}, title = {Flight times to the heliopause using a combination of solar and radioisotope electric propulsion}, series = {32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference}, booktitle = {32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We investigate the interplanetary flight of a low-thrust space probe to the heliopause,located at a distance of about 200 AU from the Sun. Our goal was to reach this distance within the 25 years postulated by ESA for such a mission (which is less ambitious than the 15-year goal set by NASA). Contrary to solar sail concepts and combinations of allistic and electrically propelled flight legs, we have investigated whether the set flight time limit could also be kept with a combination of solar-electric propulsion and a second, RTG-powered upper stage. The used ion engine type was the RIT-22 for the first stage and the RIT-10 for the second stage. Trajectory optimization was carried out with the low-thrust optimization program InTrance, which implements the method of Evolutionary Neurocontrol,using Artificial Neural Networks for spacecraft steering and Evolutionary Algorithms to optimize the Neural Networks' parameter set. Based on a parameter space study, in which the number of thrust units, the unit's specific impulse, and the relative size of the solar power generator were varied, we have chosen one configuration as reference. The transfer time of this reference configuration was 29.6 years and the fastest one, which is technically more challenging, still required 28.3 years. As all flight times of this parameter study were longer than 25 years, we further shortened the transfer time by applying a launcher-provided hyperbolic excess energy up to 49 km2/s2. The resulting minimal flight time for the reference configuration was then 27.8 years. The following, more precise optimization to a launch with the European Ariane 5 ECA rocket reduced the transfer time to 27.5 years. This is the fastest mission design of our study that is flexible enough to allow a launch every year. The inclusion of a fly-by at Jupiter finally resulted in a flight time of 23.8 years,which is below the set transfer-time limit. However, compared to the 27.5-year transfer,this mission design has a significantly reduced launch window and mission flexibility if the escape direction is restricted to the heliosphere's "nose".}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrundmannBauerBodenetal.2019, author = {Grundmann, Jan Thimo and Bauer, Waldemar and Boden, Ralf and Ceriotti, Matteo and Chand, Suditi and Cordero, Federico and Dachwald, Bernd and Dumont, Etienne and Grimm, Christian D. and Heiligers, Jeannette and Herč{\´i}k, David and H{\´e}rique, Alain and Ho, Tra-Mi and Jahnke, Rico and Kofman, Wlodek and Lange, Caroline and Lichtenheldt, Roy and McInnes, Colin and Meß, Jan-Gerd and Mikschl, Tobias and Mikulz, Eugen and Montenegro, Sergio and Moore, Iain and Pelivan, Ivanka and Peloni, Alessandro and Plettemeier, Dirk and Quantius, Dominik and Reershemius, Siebo and Renger, Thomas and Riemann, Johannes and Rogez, Yves and Ruffer, Michael and Sasaki, Kaname and Schmitz, Nicole and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Seefeldt, Patric and Spietz, Peter and Spr{\"o}witz, Tom and Sznajder, Maciej and T{\´o}th, Norbert and Vergaaij, Merel and Viavattene, Giulia and Wejmo, Elisabet and Wiedemann, Carsten and Wolff, Friederike and Ziach, Christian}, title = {Flights are ten a sail - Re-use and commonality in the design and system engineering of small spacecraft solar sail missions with modular hardware for responsive and adaptive exploration}, series = {70th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)}, booktitle = {70th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)}, isbn = {9781713814856}, pages = {1 -- 7}, year = {2019}, language = {en} } @article{ArtmannHueckRossiteretal.2008, author = {Artmann, Gerhard and Hueck, Isgard S. and Rossiter, Katharine and Schmid-Sch{\"o}nbein, Geert W.}, title = {Fluid Shear Attenuates Endothelial Pseudopodia Formation into the Capillary Lumen / Hueck, Isgard S. ; Rossiter, Katharine ; Artman, Gerhard M. ; Schmid-Sch{\"o}nbein, Geert W.}, series = {Microcirculation. 15 (2008), H. 6}, journal = {Microcirculation. 15 (2008), H. 6}, isbn = {1549-8719}, pages = {531 -- 542}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KuhlenDigel2017, author = {Kuhlen, Max and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Fluorescence signatures and detection limits of ubiquitous terrestrial bio-compounds}, series = {2nd YRA MedTech Symposium 2017 : June 8th - 9th / 2017 / Hochschule Ruhr-West}, booktitle = {2nd YRA MedTech Symposium 2017 : June 8th - 9th / 2017 / Hochschule Ruhr-West}, editor = {Erni, Daniel and Fischerauer, Alice and Himmel, J{\"o}rg and Seeger, Thomas and Thelen, Klaus}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t Duisburg-Essen}, address = {Duisburg}, organization = {MedTech Symposium}, isbn = {978-3-9814801-9-1}, doi = {10.17185/duepublico/43984}, pages = {102 -- 103}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{DigelDemirciTemizArtmannetal.2004, author = {Digel, Ilya and Demirci, Taylan and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Nishikawa, K.}, title = {Free Radical Nature of the Bactericidal Effect of Plasma-Generated Cluster Ions (PCIs)}, series = {Biomedizinische Technik. 49 (2004), H. Erg.-Bd. 2}, journal = {Biomedizinische Technik. 49 (2004), H. Erg.-Bd. 2}, isbn = {0932-4666}, pages = {982 -- 983}, year = {2004}, language = {en} } @article{StadlerDigelEmbsetal.2009, author = {Stadler, Andreas M. and Digel, Ilya and Embs, Jan P. and Unruh, Tobias and Tehei, M. and Zaccai, G. and B{\"u}ldt, G. and Artmann, Gerhard}, title = {From powder to solution : Hydration dependence of human hemoglobin dynamics correlated to body temperature}, series = {Biophysical Journal. 96 (2009), H. 12}, journal = {Biophysical Journal. 96 (2009), H. 12}, publisher = {Cell Press}, address = {Cambridge, Mass.}, isbn = {0006-3495}, pages = {5073 -- 5081}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrundmannBauerBieleetal.2015, author = {Grundmann, Jan Thimo and Bauer, Waldemar and Biele, Jens and Cordero, Frederico and Dachwald, Bernd and Koncz, Alexander and Krause, Christian and Mikschl, Tobias and Montenegro, Sergio and Quantius, Dominik and Ruffer, Michael and Sasaki, Kaname and Schmitz, Nicole and Seefeldt, Patric and T{\´o}th, Norbert and Wejmo, Elisabet}, title = {From Sail to Soil - Getting Sailcraft Out of the Harbour on a Visit to One of Earth's Nearest Neighbours}, series = {4th IAA Planetary Denfense Conference - PDC 2015, 13-17 April 2015, Frascati, Roma, Italy}, booktitle = {4th IAA Planetary Denfense Conference - PDC 2015, 13-17 April 2015, Frascati, Roma, Italy}, pages = {20 S.}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @article{KotliarNagelVilseretal.2008, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and Nagel, Edgar and Vilser, Walthard and Lanzl, Ines M.}, title = {Functional in vivo assessment of retinal artery microirregularities in glaucoma / Kotliar, Konstantin E. ; Nagel, Edgar ; Vilser, Walthard ; Lanzl, Ines M.}, series = {Acta Ophthalmologica. 86 (2008), H. 4}, journal = {Acta Ophthalmologica. 86 (2008), H. 4}, publisher = {-}, isbn = {1755-3768}, pages = {424 -- 433}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kotliar2008, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin}, title = {Functional in-vivo assessment and biofluidmechanical analysis of age-related and pathological microstructural changes in retinal vessels [Elektronische Ressource]}, publisher = {-}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{SeidovaKotliarFoergeretal.2009, author = {Seidova, Seid-Fatima and Kotliar, Konstantin and Foerger, Frauke and Klopfer, Matthias and Lanzl, Ines}, title = {Functional retinal changes in Gaucher disease}, series = {Documenta Ophthalmologica}, volume = {118}, journal = {Documenta Ophthalmologica}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {1573-2622}, pages = {151 -- 154}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @incollection{ArtmannMeruvuKizildagetal.2018, author = {Artmann, Gerhard and Meruvu, Haritha and Kizildag, Sefa and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Functional Toxicology and Pharmacology Test of Cell Induced Mechanical Tensile Stress in 2D and 3D Tissue Cultures}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_7}, pages = {157 -- 192}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Mechanical forces/tensile stresses are critical determinants of cellular growth, differentiation and migration patterns in health and disease. The innovative "CellDrum technology" was designed for measuring mechanical tensile stress of cultured cell monolayers/thin tissue constructs routinely. These are cultivated on very thin silicone membranes in the so-called CellDrum. The cell layers adhere firmly to the membrane and thus transmit the cell forces generated. A CellDrum consists of a cylinder which is sealed from below with a 4 μm thick, biocompatible, functionalized silicone membrane. The weight of cell culture medium bulbs the membrane out downwards. Membrane indentation is measured. When cells contract due to drug action, membrane, cells and medium are lifted upwards. The induced indentation changes allow for lateral drug induced mechanical tension quantification of the micro-tissues. With hiPS-induced (human) Cardiomyocytes (CM) the CellDrum opens new perspectives of individualized cardiac drug testing. Here, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown in CellDrums. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-cells induce membrane up-and-down deflections. The recorded cycles allow for single beat amplitude, single beat duration, integration of the single beat amplitude over the beat time and frequency analysis. Dose effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca2+ channels were sensitively and highly reproducibly observed. Data were consistent with published reference data as far as they were available. The combination of the CellDrum technology with hiPS-Cardiomyocytes offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological and toxicological studies. It allows new preclinical basic as well as applied research in pharmacolgy and toxicology.}, language = {en} } @incollection{AkimbekovZhanadilovnaUalievaetal.2020, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly and Zhanadilovna, Abdieva G. and Ualieva, Perizat S. and Abaihanovna, Zhusipova D. and Digel, Ilya and Savitskaya, Irina S. and Zhubanova, Azhar Achmet}, title = {Functionalization of Carbon Based Wound Dressings with Antimicrobial Phytoextracts for Bioactive Treatment of Septic Wounds}, series = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, booktitle = {Carbon Nanomaterials in Biomedicine and the Environment}, publisher = {Jenny Stanford Publishing}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-4800-27-3}, doi = {10.1201/9780429428647-11}, pages = {211 -- 228}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The treatment of septic wounds with curative dressings based on biocomposites containing sage and marigold phytoextracts was effective in in vitro and in vivo experiments. These dressings caused the purification of the wound surface from purulent-necrotic masses three days earlier than in the other experimental groups. The consequence of an increase in incidents of severe course of the wound and the observed tendency to increase the number of adverse effects is the development of long-term recurrent wound processes. To treat purulent wounds, the following tactics were used: The purulent wounds of animals were covered with the examined wound dressing, and then the next day samples were taken, the procedure was performed once in 2 days. To obtain the active nanostructured sorbents such as carbonized rice husks, they are functionalized with biologically active components possessing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, immunomodulating, antiallergic and other types of properties.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldTuryshevDittusetal.2005, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Turyshev, Slava G. and Dittus, H. and Shao, M. [u.a.]}, title = {Fundamental Physics with the Laser Astrometric Test Of Relativity / S.G. Turyshev ; H. Dittus ; M. Shao ... B.Dachwald ...}, series = {Proceedings of the 39th ESLAB Symposium "Trends in Space Science and Cosmic Vision 2020" : 19 - 21 April 2005, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands / European Space Agency. [Comp. by: F. Favata ...] . - (ESA SP ; 588)}, journal = {Proceedings of the 39th ESLAB Symposium "Trends in Space Science and Cosmic Vision 2020" : 19 - 21 April 2005, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands / European Space Agency. [Comp. by: F. Favata ...] . - (ESA SP ; 588)}, publisher = {ESA Publ. Div.}, address = {Noordwijk}, isbn = {9290928999}, pages = {8 -- 11}, year = {2005}, language = {en} } @article{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katja N. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior is preserved during 30\% body weight supported gait training}, series = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, volume = {2021}, journal = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, number = {2}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2020.614559}, pages = {Artikel 614559}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Rehabilitative body weight supported gait training aims at restoring walking function as a key element in activities of daily living. Studies demonstrated reductions in muscle and joint forces, while kinematic gait patterns appear to be preserved with up to 30\% weight support. However, the influence of body weight support on muscle architecture, with respect to fascicle and series elastic element behavior is unknown, despite this having potential clinical implications for gait retraining. Eight males (31.9 ± 4.7 years) walked at 75\% of the speed at which they typically transition to running, with 0\% and 30\% body weight support on a lower-body positive pressure treadmill. Gastrocnemius medialis fascicle lengths and pennation angles were measured via ultrasonography. Additionally, joint kinematics were analyzed to determine gastrocnemius medialis muscle-tendon unit lengths, consisting of the muscle's contractile and series elastic elements. Series elastic element length was assessed using a muscle-tendon unit model. Depending on whether data were normally distributed, a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to determine if body weight supported walking had any effects on joint kinematics and fascicle-series elastic element behavior. Walking with 30\% body weight support had no statistically significant effect on joint kinematics and peak series elastic element length. Furthermore, at the time when peak series elastic element length was achieved, and on average across the entire stance phase, muscle-tendon unit length, fascicle length, pennation angle, and fascicle velocity were unchanged with respect to body weight support. In accordance with unchanged gait kinematics, preservation of fascicle-series elastic element behavior was observed during walking with 30\% body weight support, which suggests transferability of gait patterns to subsequent unsupported walking.}, language = {en} } @article{DemirciKurulganDemirciTrzewiketal.2009, author = {Demirci, Taylan and Kurulgan Demirci, Eylem and Trzewik, J{\"u}rgen and Linder, Peter and Digel, Ilya and Artmann, Gerhard and Sakizli, Meral and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Gene expression profile analysis of 3T3/NIH fibroblasts after one hour mechanical stress}, series = {IUBMB Life. 61 (2009), H. 3}, journal = {IUBMB Life. 61 (2009), H. 3}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, isbn = {1521-6543}, pages = {311 -- 312}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{KurulganDemirciDemirciTrzewiketal.2011, author = {Kurulgan Demirci, Eylem and Demirci, T. and Trzewik, J{\"u}rgen and Linder, Peter and Karakulah, G. and Artmann, Gerhard and Sakizli, M. and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Genome-Wide Gene Expression Analysis of NIH 3T3 Cell Line Under Mechanical Stimulation}, series = {Cellular and molecular bioengineering. 4 (2011), H. 1}, journal = {Cellular and molecular bioengineering. 4 (2011), H. 1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {1865-5025}, pages = {46 -- 55}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @incollection{DachwaldOhndorf2019, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, Andreas}, title = {Global optimization of continuous-thrust trajectories using evolutionary neurocontrol}, series = {Modeling and Optimization in Space Engineering}, booktitle = {Modeling and Optimization in Space Engineering}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-10501-3}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-10501-3_2}, pages = {33 -- 57}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Searching optimal continuous-thrust trajectories is usually a difficult and time-consuming task. The solution quality of traditional optimal-control methods depends strongly on an adequate initial guess because the solution is typically close to the initial guess, which may be far from the (unknown) global optimum. Evolutionary neurocontrol attacks continuous-thrust optimization problems from the perspective of artificial intelligence and machine learning, combining artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms. This chapter describes the method and shows some example results for single- and multi-phase continuous-thrust trajectory optimization problems to assess its performance. Evolutionary neurocontrol can explore the trajectory search space more exhaustively than a human expert can do with traditional optimal-control methods. Especially for difficult problems, it usually finds solutions that are closer to the global optimum. Another fundamental advantage is that continuous-thrust trajectories can be optimized without an initial guess and without expert supervision.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Dachwald2005, author = {Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Global optimization of low-thrust space missions using evolutionary neurocontrol}, series = {Proceedings of the international workshop on global optimization}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the international workshop on global optimization}, pages = {85 -- 90}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Low-thrust space propulsion systems enable flexible high-energy deep space missions, but the design and optimization of the interplanetary transfer trajectory is usually difficult. It involves much experience and expert knowledge because the convergence behavior of traditional local trajectory optimization methods depends strongly on an adequate initial guess. Within this extended abstract, evolutionary neurocontrol, a method that fuses artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms, is proposed as a smart global method for low-thrust trajectory optimization. It does not require an initial guess. The implementation of evolutionary neurocontrol is detailed and its performance is shown for an exemplary mission.}, language = {en} } @incollection{DachwaldBoehnhardtBrojetal.2014, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Boehnhardt, Herrmann and Broj, Ulrich and Geppert, Ulrich R. M. E. and Grundmann, Jan-Thimo and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Seefeldt, Patric and Spietz, Peter and Johnson, Les and K{\"u}hrt, Ekkehard and Mottola, Stefano and Macdonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R. and Vasile, Massimiliano and Reinhard, Ruedeger}, title = {Gossamer roadmap technology reference study for a multiple NEO Rendezvous Mission}, series = {Advances in solar sailing}, booktitle = {Advances in solar sailing}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin [u.a.]}, isbn = {978-3-642-34906-5 (Print) ; 978-3-642-34907-2 (E-Book)}, pages = {211 -- 226}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A technology reference study for a multiple near-Earth object (NEO) rendezvous mission with solar sailcraft is currently carried out by the authors of this paper. The investigated mission builds on previous concepts, but adopts a strong micro-spacecraft philosophy based on the DLR/ESA Gossamer technology. The main scientific objective of the mission is to explore the diversity of NEOs. After direct interplanetary insertion, the solar sailcraft should—within less than 10 years—rendezvous three NEOs that are not only scientifically interesting, but also from the point of human spaceight and planetary defense. In this paper, the objectives of the study are outlined and a preliminary potential mission profile is presented.}, language = {en} } @incollection{MacdonaldMcGrathAppourchauxetal.2014, author = {Macdonald, Malcolm and McGrath, C. and Appourchaux, T. and Dachwald, Bernd and Finsterle, W. and Gizon, L. and Liewer, P. C. and McInnes, Colin R. and Mengali, G. and Seboldt, W. and Sekii, T. and Solanki, S. K. and Velli, M. and Wimmer-Schweingruber, R. F. and Spietz, Peter and Reinhard, Ruedeger}, title = {Gossamer roadmap technology reference study for a solar polar mission}, series = {Advances in solar sailing}, booktitle = {Advances in solar sailing}, editor = {Macdonald, Malcolm}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin, Heidelberg}, isbn = {978-3-642-34906-5}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-34907-2_17}, pages = {243 -- 257}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A technology reference study for a solar polar mission is presented. The study uses novel analytical methods to quantify the mission design space including the required sail performance to achieve a given solar polar observation angle within a given timeframe and thus to derive mass allocations for the remaining spacecraft sub-systems, that is excluding the solar sail sub-system. A parametric, bottom-up, system mass budget analysis is then used to establish the required sail technology to deliver a range of science payloads, and to establish where such payloads can be delivered to within a given timeframe. It is found that a solar polar mission requires a solar sail of side-length 100-125 m to deliver a 'sufficient value' minimum science payload, and that a 2.5 μm sail film substrate is typically required, however the design is much less sensitive to the boom specific mass.}, language = {en} } @incollection{McInnesBothmerDachwaldetal.2014, author = {McInnes, Colin R. and Bothmer, Volker and Dachwald, Bernd and Geppert, Ulrich R. M. E. and Heiligers, Jeannette and Hilgers, Alan and Johnson, Les and Macdonald, Malcolm and Reinhard, Ruedeger and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Spietz, Peter}, title = {Gossamer roadmap technology reference study for a Sub-L1 Space Weather Mission}, series = {Advances in solar sailing}, booktitle = {Advances in solar sailing}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin [u.a.]}, isbn = {978-3-642-34906-5 (Print) ; 978-3-642-34907-2 (E-Book)}, pages = {227 -- 242}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A technology reference study for a displaced Lagrange point space weather mission is presented. The mission builds on previous concepts, but adopts a strong micro-spacecraft philosophy to deliver a low mass platform and payload which can be accommodated on the DLR/ESA Gossamer-3 technology demonstration mission. A direct escape from Geostationary Transfer Orbit is assumed with the sail deployed after the escape burn. The use of a miniaturized, low mass platform and payload then allows the Gossamer-3 solar sail to potentially double the warning time of space weather events. The mission profile and mass budgets will be presented to achieve these ambitious goals.}, language = {en} } @incollection{DuongSeifarthTemizArtmannetal.2018, author = {Duong, Minh Tuan and Seifarth, Volker and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Growth Modelling Promoting Mechanical Stimulation of Smooth Muscle Cells of Porcine Tubular Organs in a Fibrin-PVDF Scaffold}, series = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, booktitle = {Biological, Physical and Technical Basics of Cell Engineering}, editor = {Artmann, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Zhubanova, Azhar A. and Digel, Ilya}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Singapore}, isbn = {978-981-10-7904-7}, doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-7904-7_9}, pages = {209 -- 232}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Reconstructive surgery and tissue replacements like ureters or bladders reconstruction have been recently studied, taking into account growth and remodelling of cells since living cells are capable of growing, adapting, remodelling or degrading and restoring in order to deform and respond to stimuli. Hence, shapes of ureters or bladders and their microstructure change during growth and these changes strongly depend on external stimuli such as training. We present the mechanical stimulation of smooth muscle cells in a tubular fibrin-PVDFA scaffold and the modelling of the growth of tissue by stimuli. To this end, mechanotransduction was performed with a kyphoplasty balloon catheter that was guided through the lumen of the tubular structure. The bursting pressure was examined to compare the stability of the incubated tissue constructs. The results showed the significant changes on tissues with training by increasing the burst pressure as a characteristic mechanical property and the smooth muscle cells were more oriented with uniformly higher density. Besides, the computational growth models also exhibited the accurate tendencies of growth of the cells under different external stimuli. Such models may lead to design standards for the better layered tissue structure in reconstructing of tubular organs characterized as composite materials such as intestines, ureters and arteries.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HallmannHeideckerSchlottereretal.2016, author = {Hallmann, Marcus and Heidecker, Ansgar and Schlotterer, Markus and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {GTOC8: results and methods of team 15 DLR}, series = {26th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Napa, CA}, booktitle = {26th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Napa, CA}, year = {2016}, abstract = {This paper describes the results and methods used during the 8th Global Trajectory Optimization Competition (GTOC) of the DLR team. Trajectory optimization is crucial for most of the space missions and usually can be formulated as a global optimization problem. A lot of research has been done to different type of mission problems. The most demanding ones are low thrust transfers with e.g. gravity assist sequences. In that case the optimal control problem is combined with an integer problem. In most of the GTOCs we apply a filtering of the problem based on domain knowledge.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldKahleWie2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Kahle, Ralph and Wie, Bong}, title = {Head-on impact deflection of NEAs: a case study for 99942 Apophis}, series = {Planetary Defense Conference 2007}, booktitle = {Planetary Defense Conference 2007}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 99942 Apophis provides a typical example for the evolution of asteroid orbits that lead to Earth-impacts after a close Earth-encounter that results in a resonant return. Apophis will have a close Earth-encounter in 2029 with potential very close subsequent Earth-encounters (or even an impact) in 2036 or later, depending on whether it passes through one of several less than 1 km-sized gravitational keyholes during its 2029-encounter. A pre-2029 kinetic impact is a very favorable option to nudge the asteroid out of a keyhole. The highest impact velocity and thus deflection can be achieved from a trajectory that is retrograde to Apophis orbit. With a chemical or electric propulsion system, however, many gravity assists and thus a long time is required to achieve this. We show in this paper that the solar sail might be the better propulsion system for such a mission: a solar sail Kinetic Energy Impactor (KEI) spacecraft could impact Apophis from a retrograde trajectory with a very high relative velocity (75-80 km/s) during one of its perihelion passages. The spacecraft consists of a 160 m × 160 m, 168 kg solar sail assembly and a 150 kg impactor. Although conventional spacecraft can also achieve the required minimum deflection of 1 km for this approx. 320 m-sized object from a prograde trajectory, our solar sail KEI concept also allows the deflection of larger objects. For a launch in 2020, we also show that, even after Apophis has flown through one of the gravitational keyholes in 2029, the solar sail KEI concept is still feasible to prevent Apophis from impacting the Earth, but many KEIs would be required for consecutive impacts to increase the total Earth-miss distance to a safe value}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMacDonaldMcInnes2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and MacDonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R.}, title = {Heliocentric Solar Sail Orbit Transfers with Locally Optimal Control Laws / Malcolm Macdonald ; Colin McInnes ; Bernd Dachwald}, series = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 1}, journal = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 1}, isbn = {0022-4650}, pages = {273 -- 276}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{LeipoldFichtnerHeberetal.2006, author = {Leipold, M. and Fichtner, H. and Heber, B. and Groepper, P. and Lascar, S. and Burger, F. and Eiden, M. and Niederstadt, T. and Sickinger, C. and Herbeck, L. and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, W.}, title = {Heliopause Explorer - A Sailcraft Mission to the Outer Boundaries of the Solar System}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 59 (2006), H. 8-11}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 59 (2006), H. 8-11}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {786 -- 796}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldLeipoldFichtner2003, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Leipold, M. and Fichtner, H.}, title = {Heliopause Explorer - A Sailcraft Mission to the Outer Boundaries of the Solar System / M. Leipold ; H. Fichtner ; B. Heber ... B. Dachwald ...}, series = {Proceedings of the Fifth IAA International Conference on Low Cost Planetary Missions : 24 - 26 September 2003, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands / [comp. by R. A. Harris]}, journal = {Proceedings of the Fifth IAA International Conference on Low Cost Planetary Missions : 24 - 26 September 2003, ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands / [comp. by R. A. Harris]}, publisher = {ESA}, address = {Noordwijk}, isbn = {92-9092-853-0}, pages = {367 -- 375}, year = {2003}, language = {en} } @article{ProbstBehbahaniBorrmannetal.2010, author = {Probst, M. and Behbahani, Mehdi and Borrmann, E. and Elgeti, S. and Nicolai, M. and Behr, M.}, title = {Hemodynamic Modeling for Numerical Analysis and Design of Medical Devices}, year = {2010}, language = {en} } @article{StadlerDigelArtmannetal.2008, author = {Stadler, A. M. and Digel, Ilya and Artmann, Gerhard and Embs, Jan P. and Zaccai, Joe and B{\"u}ldt, Georg}, title = {Hemoglobin Dynamics in Red Blood Cells: Correlation to Body Temperature}, series = {Biophysical Journal. 95 (2008), H. 11}, journal = {Biophysical Journal. 95 (2008), H. 11}, isbn = {1542-0086}, pages = {5449 -- 5461}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{ArtmannZerlinDigel2008, author = {Artmann, Gerhard and Zerlin, Kay and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Hemoglobin Senses Body Temperature}, series = {Bioengineering in Cell and Tissue Research / Artmann, Gerhard M. ; Chien, Shu (Eds.)}, journal = {Bioengineering in Cell and Tissue Research / Artmann, Gerhard M. ; Chien, Shu (Eds.)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {978-3-540-75408-4}, pages = {415 -- 447}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{ArtmannDigelZerlinetal.2009, author = {Artmann, Gerhard and Digel, Ilya and Zerlin, Kay and Maggakis-Kelemen, Christina and Linder, Peter and Porst, Dariusz and Kayser, Peter and Stadler, David and Dikta, Gerhard and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l}, title = {Hemoglobin senses body temperature}, series = {European Biophysics Journal}, volume = {38}, journal = {European Biophysics Journal}, number = {5}, isbn = {0175-7571}, pages = {589 -- 600}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @incollection{DigelMansurovBiisenbaevetal.2012, author = {Digel, Ilya and Mansurov, Zulkhair and Biisenbaev, Makhmut and Savitskaya, Irina and Kistaubaeva, Aida and Akimbekov, Nuraly and Zhubanova, Azhar}, title = {Heterogeneous Composites on the Basis of Microbial Cells and Nanostructured Carbonized Sorbents}, series = {Composites and Their Applications}, booktitle = {Composites and Their Applications}, editor = {Hu, Ning}, publisher = {Intech}, address = {London}, isbn = {978-953-51-0706-4}, doi = {10.5772/47796}, pages = {249 -- 272}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The fact that microorganisms prefer to grow on liquid/solid phase surfaces rather than in the surrounding aqueous phase was noticed long time ago [1]. Virtually any surface - animal, mineral, or vegetable - is a subject for microbial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation. It would be adequate to name just a few notorious examples on microbial colonization of contact lenses, ship hulls, petroleum pipelines, rocks in streams and all kinds of biomedical implants. The propensity of microorganisms to become surface-bound is so profound and ubiquitous that it vindicates the advantages for attached forms over their free-ranging counterparts [2]. Indeed, from ecological and evolutionary standpoints, for many microorganisms the surface-bound state means dwelling in nutritionally favorable, non-hostile environments [3]. Therefore, in most of natural and artificial ecosystems surface-associated microorganisms vastly outnumber organisms in suspension and often organize into complex communities with features that differ dramatically from those of free cells [4].}, language = {en} } @article{LinderDigelTemizArtmannetal.2007, author = {Linder, Peter and Digel, Ilya and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Kayser, Peter and Porst, Dariusz and Artmann, Gerhard}, title = {High-throughput testing of mechanical forces generated in thin cell and tissue layers}, series = {Tissue Engineering. 13 (2007), H. 7}, journal = {Tissue Engineering. 13 (2007), H. 7}, isbn = {1076-3279}, pages = {1778 -- 1778}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Duong2015, author = {Duong, Minh Tuan}, title = {Hyperelastic modeling and soft-tissue growth integrated with the smoothed finite element method - SFEM}, publisher = {RWTH Aachen University}, pages = {174 S.}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @article{DoorschodtSchreinemachersBehbahanietal.2011, author = {Doorschodt, B. M. and Schreinemachers, M. C. J. M. and Behbahani, Mehdi and Florquin, S. and Weis, J. and Staat, Manfred and Tolba, R. H.}, title = {Hypothermic machine perfusion of kidney grafts: which pressure is preferred}, series = {Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 39 (2011), H. 3}, journal = {Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 39 (2011), H. 3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, isbn = {1573-9686}, pages = {1051 -- 1059}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @incollection{DachwaldUlamecKowalskietal.2023, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ulamec, Stephan and Kowalski, Julia and Boxberg, Marc S. and Baader, Fabian and Biele, Jens and K{\"o}mle, Norbert}, title = {Ice melting probes}, series = {Handbook of Space Resources}, booktitle = {Handbook of Space Resources}, editor = {Badescu, Viorel and Zacny, Kris and Bar-Cohen, Yoseph}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-030-97912-6 (Print)}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-97913-3_29}, pages = {955 -- 996}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The exploration of icy environments in the solar system, such as the poles of Mars and the icy moons (a.k.a. ocean worlds), is a key aspect for understanding their astrobiological potential as well as for extraterrestrial resource inspection. On these worlds, ice melting probes are considered to be well suited for the robotic clean execution of such missions. In this chapter, we describe ice melting probes and their applications, the physics of ice melting and how the melting behavior can be modeled and simulated numerically, the challenges for ice melting, and the required key technologies to deal with those challenges. We also give an overview of existing ice melting probes and report some results and lessons learned from laboratory and field tests.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMikuckiTulaczyketal.2014, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mikucki, Jill and Tulaczyk, Slawek and Digel, Ilya and Espe, Clemens and Feldmann, Marco and Francke, Gero and Kowalski, Julia and Xu, Changsheng}, title = {IceMole : A maneuverable probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of subsurface ice and subglacial aquatic ecosystems}, series = {Annals of Glaciology}, volume = {55}, journal = {Annals of Glaciology}, number = {65}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1727-5644}, doi = {10.3189/2014AoG65A004}, pages = {14 -- 22}, year = {2014}, abstract = {There is significant interest in sampling subglacial environments for geobiological studies, but they are difficult to access. Existing ice-drilling technologies make it cumbersome to maintain microbiologically clean access for sample acquisition and environmental stewardship of potentially fragile subglacial aquatic ecosystems. The IceMole is a maneuverable subsurface ice probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of glacial ice and subglacial materials. The design is based on the novel concept of combining melting and mechanical propulsion. It can change melting direction by differential heating of the melting head and optional side-wall heaters. The first two prototypes were successfully tested between 2010 and 2012 on glaciers in Switzerland and Iceland. They demonstrated downward, horizontal and upward melting, as well as curve driving and dirt layer penetration. A more advanced probe is currently under development as part of the Enceladus Explorer (EnEx) project. It offers systems for obstacle avoidance, target detection, and navigation in ice. For the EnEx-IceMole, we will pay particular attention to clean protocols for the sampling of subglacial materials for biogeochemical analysis. We plan to use this probe for clean access into a unique subglacial aquatic environment at Blood Falls, Antarctica, with return of a subglacial brine sample.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldXuFeldmannetal.2011, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Xu, Changsheng and Feldmann, Marco and Plescher, Engelbert}, title = {IceMole : Development of a novel subsurface ice probe and testing of the first prototype on the Morteratsch Glacier}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2011 Vienna | Austria | 03 - 08 April 2011}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2011 Vienna | Austria | 03 - 08 April 2011}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We present the novel concept of a combined drilling and melting probe for subsurface ice research. This probe, named "IceMole", is currently developed, built, and tested at the FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences' Astronautical Laboratory. Here, we describe its first prototype design and report the results of its field tests on the Swiss Morteratsch glacier. Although the IceMole design is currently adapted to terrestrial glaciers and ice shields, it may later be modified for the subsurface in-situ investigation of extraterrestrial ice, e.g., on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. If life exists on those bodies, it may be present in the ice (as life can also be found in the deep ice of Earth).}, language = {en} } @article{WerfelGuenthnerHapfelmeieretal.2022, author = {Werfel, Stanislas and G{\"u}nthner, Roman and Hapfelmeier, Alexander and Hanssen, Henner and Kotliar, Konstantin and Heemann, Uwe and Schmaderer, Christoph}, title = {Identification of cardiovascular high-risk groups from dynamic retinal vessel signals using untargeted machine learning}, series = {Cardiovascular Research}, volume = {118}, journal = {Cardiovascular Research}, number = {2}, editor = {Guzik, Tomasz J.}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0008-6363}, doi = {10.1093/cvr/cvab040}, pages = {612 -- 621}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA) provides a non-invasive way to assess microvascular function in patients and potentially to improve predictions of individual cardiovascular (CV) risk. The aim of our study was to use untargeted machine learning on DVA in order to improve CV mortality prediction and identify corresponding response alterations.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KahmannHacklWegmannetal.2016, author = {Kahmann, Stephanie and Hackl, Michael and Wegmann, Kilian and M{\"u}ller, Lars-Peter and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Impact of a proximal radial shortening osteotomy on the distribution of forces and the stability of the elbow}, series = {1st YRA MedTech Symposium 2016 : April 8th / 2016 / University of Duisburg-Essen}, booktitle = {1st YRA MedTech Symposium 2016 : April 8th / 2016 / University of Duisburg-Essen}, editor = {Erni, Daniel}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t Duisburg-Essen}, address = {Duisburg}, organization = {MedTech Symposium}, doi = {10.17185/duepublico/40821}, pages = {7 -- 8}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The human arm consists of the humerus (upper arm), the medial ulna and the lateral radius (forearm). The joint between the humerus and the ulna is called humeroulnar joint and the joint between the humerus and the radius is called humeroradial joint. Lateral and medial collateral ligaments stabilize the elbow. Statistically, 2.5 out of 10,000 people suffer from radial head fractures [1]. In these fractures the cartilage is often affected. Caused by the injured cartilage, degenerative diseases like posttraumatic arthrosis may occur. The resulting pain and reduced range of motion have an impact on the patient's quality of life. Until now, there has not been a treatment which allows typical loads in daily life activities and offers good long-term results. A new surgical approach was developed with the motivation to reduce the progress of the posttraumatic arthrosis. Here, the radius is shortened by 3 mm in the proximal part [2]. By this means, the load of the radius is intended to be reduced due to a load shift to the ulna. Since the radius is the most important stabilizer of the elbow it has to be confirmed that the stability is not affected. In the first test (Fig. 1 left), pressure distributions within the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints a native and a shortened radius were measured using resistive pressure sensors (I5076 and I5027, Tekscan, USA). The humerus was loaded axially in a tension testing machine (Z010, Zwick Roell, Germany) in 50 N steps up to 400 N. From the humerus the load is transmitted through both the radius and the ulna into the hand which is fixed on the ground. In the second test (Fig. 1 right), the joint stability was investigated using a digital image correlation system to measure the displacement of the ulna. Here, the humerus is fixed with a desired flexion angle and the unconstrained forearm lies on the ground. A rope connects the load actuator with a hook fixed in the ulna. A guide roller is used so that the rope pulls the ulna horizontally when a tensile load is applied. This creates a moment about the elbow joint with a maximum value of 7.5 Nm. Measurements were performed with varying flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°). For both tests and each measurement, seven specimens were used. Student's t-test was employed to determine whether the mean values of the measurements in native specimen and operated specimens differ significantly.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMcDonaldMcInnesetal.2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and McDonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R. and Mengali, Giovanni}, title = {Impact of Optical Degradation on Solar Sail Mission Performance}, series = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 4}, journal = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 4}, isbn = {0022-4650}, pages = {740 -- 749}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NixFrotscherStaat2012, author = {Nix, Yvonne and Frotscher, Ralf and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Implementation of the edge-based smoothed extended finite element method}, series = {Proceedings 6th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering (ECCOMAS 2012) Vienna, Austria, September 10-14, 2012}, booktitle = {Proceedings 6th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering (ECCOMAS 2012) Vienna, Austria, September 10-14, 2012}, editor = {Eberhardsteiner, J.}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{TemizArtmannResmiAkhunlaretal.2005, author = {Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Resmi, Halil and Akhunlar, H{\"u}lya and G{\"u}ner, G{\"u}l}, title = {In vitro effects of high glucose concentrations on membrane protein sulfhydryl oxidation, G-actin and deformability of human erythrocytes. Resmi, Halil ; Akhunlar, H{\"u}lya ; Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l ; G{\"u}ner, G{\"u}l}, series = {Cell biochemistry and function. 23 (2005), H. 3}, journal = {Cell biochemistry and function. 23 (2005), H. 3}, isbn = {0263-6484}, pages = {163 -- 168}, year = {2005}, 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} } @inproceedings{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2018, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bjoern and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and Suess, Alexander and Weber, T. and Rittweger, Joern and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {In vivo fascicle length of the gastrocnemius muscle during walking in simulated martian gravity using two different body weight support devices}, series = {23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Dublin, Irland}, booktitle = {23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Dublin, Irland}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{Digel2010, author = {Digel, Ilya}, title = {In-situ biological decontamination of an ice melting probe}, year = {2010}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzelSchaeferMuelleretal.2010, author = {Heinzel, Alexander and Sch{\"a}fer, Ralf and M{\"u}ller, Hans-Wilhelm and Schieffer, Andre and Ingenhag, Ariane and Eickhoff, Simon B. and Northoff, Georg and Franz, Matthias and Hautzel, Hubertus}, title = {Increased Activation of the Supragenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex during Visual Emotional Processing in Male Subjects with High Degrees of Alexithymia: An Event-Related fMRI Study}, series = {Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics}, volume = {79}, journal = {Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics}, number = {6}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {0033-3190}, doi = {10.1159/000320121}, pages = {363 -- 370}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Background: One of the most prominent neurobiological models of alexithymia assumes an altered function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as the crucial neural correlate of alexithymia. So far functional imaging studies have yielded inconclusive results. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis in healthy alexithymics and nonalexithymics in an event-related fMRI study. Methods: Thirty high- and 30 low-alexithymic right-handed male subjects (selected by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, TAS-20) were investigated with event-related fMRI using a picture viewing paradigm. The stimuli consisted of happy, fearful and neutral facial expressions (Ekman-Friesen) as well as positive, negative and neutral pictures from the International Affective Picture System. Results: Contrasting the high-alexithymic with the low-alexithymic group we observed increased activation of the supragenual ACC for different emotional valences as well as for different emotional stimuli. Moreover, there was a positive correlation of the ACC with the individual TAS-20 scores but no correlations with the individual Beck Depression Inventory scores. Additionally, there was no difference in activity of the amygdala. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the supragenual ACC is constantly activated more strongly in alexithymic subjects and that this activation is related to the symptoms of alexithymia and not to associated symptoms such as depression. Therefore, our findings support the hypothesis of an altered function of the ACC in alexithymia.}, language = {en} }