@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{ButenwegBursiPaolaccietal.2021, author = {Butenweg, Christoph and Bursi, Oreste S. and Paolacci, Fabrizio and Marinković, Marko and Lanese, Igor and Nardin, Chiara and Quinci, Gianluca}, title = {Seismic performance of an industrial multi-storey frame structure with process equipment subjected to shake table testing}, series = {Engineering Structures}, volume = {243}, journal = {Engineering Structures}, number = {15}, editor = {Yang, J.}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0141-0296}, doi = {10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112681}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Past earthquakes demonstrated the high vulnerability of industrial facilities equipped with complex process technologies leading to serious damage of process equipment and multiple and simultaneous release of hazardous substances. Nonetheless, current standards for seismic design of industrial facilities are considered inadequate to guarantee proper safety conditions against exceptional events entailing loss of containment and related consequences. On these premises, the SPIF project -Seismic Performance of Multi-Component Systems in Special Risk Industrial Facilities- was proposed within the framework of the European H2020 SERA funding scheme. In detail, the objective of the SPIF project is the investigation of the seismic behaviour of a representative industrial multi-storey frame structure equipped with complex process components by means of shaking table tests. Along this main vein and in a performance-based design perspective, the issues investigated in depth are the interaction between a primary moment resisting frame (MRF) steel structure and secondary process components that influence the performance of the whole system; and a proper check of floor spectra predictions. The evaluation of experimental data clearly shows a favourable performance of the MRF structure, some weaknesses of local details due to the interaction between floor crossbeams and process components and, finally, the overconservatism of current design standards w.r.t. floor spectra predictions.}, language = {en} } @article{ButenwegKubalskiElDeibetal.2021, author = {Butenweg, Christoph and Kubalski, Thomas and El-Deib, Khaled and Gellert, Christoph}, title = {Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten nach DIN EN 1998-1/NA-2021}, series = {Bautechnik : Zeitschrift f{\"u}r den gesamten Ingenieurbau}, volume = {98}, journal = {Bautechnik : Zeitschrift f{\"u}r den gesamten Ingenieurbau}, number = {11}, editor = {Jesse, Dirk}, publisher = {Ernst \& Sohn}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1437-0999}, doi = {10.1002/bate.202100064}, pages = {852 -- 863}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mauerwerksbauten in Deutschland sind mit Einf{\"u}hrung des nationalen Anwendungsdokuments DIN EN 1998-1/NA auf Grundlage einer neuen probabilistischen Erdbebenkarte nachzuweisen. F{\"u}r erfolgreiche Erdbebennachweise {\"u}blicher Grundrissformen von Mauerwerksbauten stehen in dem zuk{\"u}nftigen Anwendungsdokument neue rechnerische Nachweism{\"o}glichkeiten zur Verf{\"u}gung, mit denen die Tragf{\"a}higkeitsreserven von Mauerwerksbauten in der Baupraxis mit einem {\"u}berschaubaren Aufwand besser in Ansatz gebracht werden k{\"o}nnen. Das Standardrechenverfahren ist weiterhin der kraftbasierte Nachweis, der nun mit h{\"o}heren Verhaltensbeiwerten im Vergleich zur DIN 4149 durchgef{\"u}hrt werden kann. Die h{\"o}heren Verhaltensbeiwerte basieren auf der besseren Ausnutzung der geb{\"a}udespezifischen Verformungsf{\"a}higkeit und Energiedissipation sowie der Lastumverteilung der Schubkr{\"a}fte im Grundriss mit Ansatz von Rahmentragwirkung durch Wand-Deckeninteraktionen. Alternativ dazu kann ein nichtlinearer Nachweis auf Grundlage von Pushover-Analysen zur Anwendung kommen. Vervollst{\"a}ndigt werden die Regelungen f{\"u}r Mauerwerksbauten durch neue Regelungen f{\"u}r nichttragende Innenw{\"a}nde und Außenmauerschalen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die Grundlagen und Hintergr{\"u}nde der neuen rechnerischen Nachweise in DIN EN 1998-1/NA vor und demonstriert deren Anwendung an einem Beispiel aus der Praxis.}, language = {de} } @article{ElDeibButenwegKlinkel2021, author = {El-Deib, Khaled and Butenweg, Christoph and Klinkel, Sven}, title = {Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten mit realistischen Modellen und erh{\"o}hten Verhaltensbeiwerten}, series = {Mauerwerk}, volume = {2021}, journal = {Mauerwerk}, number = {3}, editor = {Jesse, Dirk}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1437-1022}, doi = {10.1002/dama.202110014}, pages = {110 -- 119}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die Anwendung des linearen Nachweiskonzepts auf Mauerwerksbauten f{\"u}hrt dazu, dass bereits heute Standsicherheitsnachweise f{\"u}r Geb{\"a}ude mit {\"u}blichen Grundrissen in Gebieten mit moderaten Erdbebeneinwirkungen nicht mehr gef{\"u}hrt werden k{\"o}nnen. Diese Problematik wird sich in Deutschland mit der Einf{\"u}hrung kontinuierlicher probabilistischer Erdbebenkarten weiter versch{\"a}rfen. Aufgrund der Erh{\"o}hung der seismischen Einwirkungen, die sich vielerorts ergibt, ist es erforderlich, die vorhandenen, bislang nicht ber{\"u}cksichtigten Tragf{\"a}higkeitsreserven in nachvollziehbaren Nachweiskonzepten in der Baupraxis verf{\"u}gbar zu machen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt ein Konzept f{\"u}r die geb{\"a}udespezifische Ermittlung von erh{\"o}hten Verhaltensbeiwerten vor. Die Verhaltensbeiwerte setzen sich aus drei Anteilen zusammen, mit denen die Lastumverteilung im Grundriss, die Verformungsf{\"a}higkeit und Energiedissipation sowie die {\"U}berfestigkeiten ber{\"u}cksichtigt werden. F{\"u}r die rechnerische Ermittlung dieser drei Anteile wird ein nichtlineares Nachweiskonzept auf Grundlage von Pushover-Analysen vorgeschlagen, in denen die Interaktionen von W{\"a}nden und Geschossdecken durch einen Einspanngrad beschrieben werden. F{\"u}r die Bestimmung der Einspanngrade wird ein nichtlinearer Modellierungsansatz eingef{\"u}hrt, mit dem die Interaktion von W{\"a}nden und Decken abgebildet werden kann. Die Anwendung des Konzepts mit erh{\"o}hten geb{\"a}udespezifischen Verhaltensbeiwerten wird am Beispiel eines Mehrfamilienhauses aus Kalksandsteinen demonstriert. Die Ergebnisse der linearen Nachweise mit erh{\"o}hten Verhaltensbeiwerten f{\"u}r dieses Geb{\"a}ude liegen deutlich n{\"a}her an den Ergebnissen nichtlinearer Nachweise und somit bleiben {\"u}bliche Grundrisse in Erdbebengebieten mit den traditionellen linearen Rechenans{\"a}tzen nachweisbar.}, language = {de} } @article{PoghossianWeldenBuniatyanetal.2021, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Welden, Rene and Buniatyan, Vahe V. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {An Array of On-Chip Integrated, Individually Addressable Capacitive Field-Effect Sensors with Control Gate: Design and Modelling}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {18}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s21186161}, pages = {17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The on-chip integration of multiple biochemical sensors based on field-effect electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitors (EISCAP) is challenging due to technological difficulties in realization of electrically isolated EISCAPs on the same Si chip. In this work, we present a new simple design for an array of on-chip integrated, individually electrically addressable EISCAPs with an additional control gate (CG-EISCAP). The existence of the CG enables an addressable activation or deactivation of on-chip integrated individual CG-EISCAPs by simple electrical switching the CG of each sensor in various setups, and makes the new design capable for multianalyte detection without cross-talk effects between the sensors in the array. The new designed CG-EISCAP chip was modelled in so-called floating/short-circuited and floating/capacitively-coupled setups, and the corresponding electrical equivalent circuits were developed. In addition, the capacitance-voltage curves of the CG-EISCAP chip in different setups were simulated and compared with that of a single EISCAP sensor. Moreover, the sensitivity of the CG-EISCAP chip to surface potential changes induced by biochemical reactions was simulated and an impact of different parameters, such as gate voltage, insulator thickness and doping concentration in Si, on the sensitivity has been discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{PourshahidiAchtsnichtNambipareecheeetal.2021, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Achtsnicht, Stefan and Nambipareechee, Mrinal Murali and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Multiplex detection of magnetic beads using offset field dependent frequency mixing magnetic detection}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {17}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s21175859}, pages = {16 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Magnetic immunoassays employing Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection (FMMD) have recently become increasingly popular for quantitative detection of various analytes. Simultaneous analysis of a sample for two or more targets is desirable in order to reduce the sample amount, save consumables, and save time. We show that different types of magnetic beads can be distinguished according to their frequency mixing response to a two-frequency magnetic excitation at different static magnetic offset fields. We recorded the offset field dependent FMMD response of two different particle types at frequencies ƒ₁ + n⋅ƒ₂, n = 1, 2, 3, 4 with ƒ₁ = 30.8 kHz and ƒ₂ = 63 Hz. Their signals were clearly distinguishable by the locations of the extremes and zeros of their responses. Binary mixtures of the two particle types were prepared with different mixing ratios. The mixture samples were analyzed by determining the best linear combination of the two pure constituents that best resembled the measured signals of the mixtures. Using a quadratic programming algorithm, the mixing ratios could be determined with an accuracy of greater than 14\%. If each particle type is functionalized with a different antibody, multiplex detection of two different analytes becomes feasible.}, language = {en} } @article{GorzalkaSchmiedtSchorn2021, author = {Gorzalka, Philip and Schmiedt, Jacob Estevam and Schorn, Christian}, title = {Automated Generation of an Energy Simulation Model for an Existing Building from UAV Imagery}, series = {Buildings}, volume = {11}, journal = {Buildings}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-5309}, doi = {10.3390/buildings11090380}, pages = {15 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {An approach to automatically generate a dynamic energy simulation model in Modelica for a single existing building is presented. It aims at collecting data about the status quo in the preparation of energy retrofits with low effort and costs. The proposed method starts from a polygon model of the outer building envelope obtained from photogrammetrically generated point clouds. The open-source tools TEASER and AixLib are used for data enrichment and model generation. A case study was conducted on a single-family house. The resulting model can accurately reproduce the internal air temperatures during synthetical heating up and cooling down. Modelled and measured whole building heat transfer coefficients (HTC) agree within a 12\% range. A sensitivity analysis emphasises the importance of accurate window characterisations and justifies the use of a very simplified interior geometry. Uncertainties arising from the use of archetype U-values are estimated by comparing different typologies, with best- and worst-case estimates showing differences in pre-retrofit heat demand of about ±20\% to the average; however, as the assumptions made are permitted by some national standards, the method is already close to practical applicability and opens up a path to quickly estimate possible financial and energy savings after refurbishment.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ButenwegBursiNardinetal.2021, author = {Butenweg, Christoph and Bursi, Oreste S. and Nardin, Chiara and Lanese, Igor and Pavese, Alberto and Marinković, Marko and Paolacci, Fabrizio and Quinci, Gianluca}, title = {Experimental investigation on the seismic performance of a multi-component system for major-hazard industrial facilities}, series = {Pressure Vessels \& Piping Virtual Conference July 13-15, 2021}, booktitle = {Pressure Vessels \& Piping Virtual Conference July 13-15, 2021}, publisher = {American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)}, address = {New York}, isbn = {9780791885352}, doi = {10.1115/PVP2021-61696}, pages = {8 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Past earthquakes demonstrated the high vulnerability of industrial facilities equipped with complex process technologies leading to serious damage of the process equipment and multiple and simultaneous release of hazardous substances in industrial facilities. Nevertheless, the design of industrial plants is inadequately described in recent codes and guidelines, as they do not consider the dynamic interaction between the structure and the installations and thus the effect of seismic response of the installations on the response of the structure and vice versa. The current code-based approach for the seismic design of industrial facilities is considered not enough for ensure proper safety conditions against exceptional event entailing loss of content and related consequences. Accordingly, SPIF project (Seismic Performance of Multi-Component Systems in Special Risk Industrial Facilities) was proposed within the framework of the European H2020 - SERA funding scheme (Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe). The objective of the SPIF project is the investigation of the seismic behaviour of a representative industrial structure equipped with complex process technology by means of shaking table tests. The test structure is a three-story moment resisting steel frame with vertical and horizontal vessels and cabinets, arranged on the three levels and connected by pipes. The dynamic behaviour of the test structure and of its relative several installations is investigated. Furthermore, both process components and primary structure interactions are considered and analyzed. Several PGA-scaled artificial ground motions are applied to study the seismic response at different levels. After each test, dynamic identification measurements are carried out to characterize the system condition. The contribution presents the experimental setup of the investigated structure and installations, selected measurement data and describes the obtained damage. Furthermore, important findings for the definition of performance limits, the effectiveness of floor response spectra in industrial facilities will be presented and discussed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BalaskasHoffmeisterButenwegetal.2021, author = {Balaskas, Georgios and Hoffmeister, Benno and Butenweg, Christoph and Pilz, Marco and Bauer, Anna}, title = {Earthquake early warning and response system based on intelligent seismic and monitoring sensors embedded in a communication platform and coupled with BIM models}, series = {8th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering}, booktitle = {8th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering}, editor = {Papadrakakis, Manolis and Fragiadakis, Michalis}, publisher = {National Technical University of Athens}, address = {Athen}, isbn = {978-618-85072-5-8}, issn = {2623-3347}, doi = {10.7712/120121.8539.18855}, pages = {987 -- 998}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This paper describes the concept of an innovative, interdisciplinary, user-oriented earthquake warning and rapid response system coupled with a structural health monitoring system (SHM), capable to detect structural damages in real time. The novel system is based on interconnected decentralized seismic and structural health monitoring sensors. It is developed and will be exemplarily applied on critical infrastructures in Lower Rhine Region, in particular on a road bridge and within a chemical industrial facility. A communication network is responsible to exchange information between sensors and forward warnings and status reports about infrastructures'health condition to the concerned recipients (e.g., facility operators, local authorities). Safety measures such as emergency shutdowns are activated to mitigate structural damages and damage propagation. Local monitoring systems of the infrastructures are integrated in BIM models. The visualization of sensor data and the graphic representation of the detected damages provide spatial content to sensors data and serve as a useful and effective tool for the decision-making processes after an earthquake in the region under consideration.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MilkovaButenwegDumovaJovanoska2021, author = {Milkova, Kristina and Butenweg, Christoph and Dumova-Jovanoska, Elena}, title = {Region-sensitive comprehensive procedure for determination of seismic fragility curves}, series = {1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering 1CroCEE 22-24 March 2021 Zagreb, Croatia}, booktitle = {1st Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering 1CroCEE 22-24 March 2021 Zagreb, Croatia}, publisher = {University of Zagreb}, address = {Zagreb}, doi = {10.5592/CO/1CroCEE.2021.158}, pages = {121 -- 128}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Seismic vulnerability estimation of existing structures is unquestionably interesting topic of high priority, particularly after earthquake events. Having in mind the vast number of old masonry buildings in North Macedonia serving as public institutions, it is evident that the structural assessment of these buildings is an issue of great importance. In this paper, a comprehensive methodology for the development of seismic fragility curves of existing masonry buildings is presented. A scenario - based method that incorporates the knowledge of the tectonic style of the considered region, the active fault characterization, the earth crust model and the historical seismicity (determined via the Neo Deterministic approach) is used for calculation of the necessary response spectra. The capacity of the investigated masonry buildings has been determined by using nonlinear static analysis. MINEA software (SDA Engineering) is used for verification of the structural safety of the structures Performance point, obtained from the intersection of the capacity of the building and the spectra used, is selected as a response parameter. The thresholds of the spectral displacement are obtained by splitting the capacity curve into five parts, utilizing empirical formulas which are represented as a function of yield displacement and ultimate displacement. As a result, four levels of damage limit states are determined. A maximum likelihood estimation procedure for the process of fragility curves determination is noted as a final step in the proposed procedure. As a result, region specific series of vulnerability curves for structures are defined.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Butenweg2021, author = {Butenweg, Christoph}, title = {Integrated approach for monitoring and management of buildings with digital building models and modern sensor technologies}, series = {Civil Engineering 2021 - Achievements and Visions: Proceedings of the International Conferenecs celebrating 175th Anniversary of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade, October 25 - 26, 2021 Belgrade, Serbia}, booktitle = {Civil Engineering 2021 - Achievements and Visions: Proceedings of the International Conferenecs celebrating 175th Anniversary of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade, October 25 - 26, 2021 Belgrade, Serbia}, editor = {Kuzmanović, Vladan and Ignjatović, Ivan}, publisher = {University of Belgrade}, address = {Belgrade}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MilijašŠakićMarinkovićetal.2021, author = {Milijaš, Aleksa and Šakić, Bogdan and Marinković, Marko and Butenweg, Christoph}, title = {Experimental investigation of behaviour of masonry infilled RC frames under out-of-plane loading}, series = {8th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering}, booktitle = {8th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering}, editor = {Papadrakakis, Manolis and Fragiadakis, Michalis}, publisher = {National Technical University of Athens}, address = {Athen}, isbn = {978-618-85072-5-8}, issn = {2623-3347}, doi = {10.7712/120121.8528.18914}, pages = {829 -- 846}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Masonry infills are commonly used as exterior or interior walls in reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures and they can be encountered all over the world, including earthquake prone regions. Since the middle of the 20th century the behaviour of these non-structural elements under seismic loading has been studied in numerous experimental campaigns. However, most of the studies were carried out by means of in-plane tests, while there is a lack of out-of-plane experimental investigations. In this paper, the out-of-plane tests carried out on full scale masonry infilled frames are described. The results of the out-of-plane tests are presented in terms of force-displacement curves and measured out-of-plane displacements. Finally, the reliability of existing analytical approaches developed to estimate the out-of-plane strength of masonry infills is examined on presented experimental results.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ŠakićMilijašMarinkovićetal.2021, author = {Šakić, Bogdan and Milijaš, Aleksa and Marinković, Marko and Butenweg, Christoph and Klinkel, Sven}, title = {Influence of prior in-plane damage on the out-of-plane response of non-load bearing unreinforced masonry walls under seismic load}, series = {8th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering}, booktitle = {8th ECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering}, editor = {Papadrakakis, Manolis and Fragiadakis, Michalis}, publisher = {National Technical University of Athens}, address = {Athen}, isbn = {9786188507258}, issn = {2623-3347}, doi = {10.7712/120121.8527.18913}, pages = {808 -- 828}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Reinforced concrete frames with masonry infill walls are popular form of construction all over the world as well in seismic regions. While severe earthquakes can cause high level of damage of both reinforced concrete and masonry infills, earthquakes of lower to medium intensity some-times can cause significant level of damage of masonry infill walls. Especially important is the level of damage of face loaded infill masonry walls (out-of-plane direction) as out-of-plane load cannot only bring high level of damage to the wall, it can also be life-threating for the people near the wall. The response in out-of-plane direction directly depends on the prior in-plane damage, as previous investigation shown that it decreases resistance capacity of the in-fills. Behaviour of infill masonry walls with and without prior in-plane load is investigated in the experimental campaign and the results are presented in this paper. These results are later compared with analytical approaches for the out-of-plane resistance from the literature. Conclusions based on the experimental campaign on the influence of prior in-plane damage on the out-of-plane response of infill walls are compared with the conclusions from other authors who investigated the same problematic.}, language = {en} } @article{Gaigall2021, author = {Gaigall, Daniel}, title = {Test for Changes in the Modeled Solvency Capital Requirement of an Internal Risk Model}, series = {ASTIN Bulletin}, volume = {51}, journal = {ASTIN Bulletin}, number = {3}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1783-1350}, doi = {10.1017/asb.2021.20}, pages = {813 -- 837}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In the context of the Solvency II directive, the operation of an internal risk model is a possible way for risk assessment and for the determination of the solvency capital requirement of an insurance company in the European Union. A Monte Carlo procedure is customary to generate a model output. To be compliant with the directive, validation of the internal risk model is conducted on the basis of the model output. For this purpose, we suggest a new test for checking whether there is a significant change in the modeled solvency capital requirement. Asymptotic properties of the test statistic are investigated and a bootstrap approximation is justified. A simulation study investigates the performance of the test in the finite sample case and confirms the theoretical results. The internal risk model and the application of the test is illustrated in a simplified example. The method has more general usage for inference of a broad class of law-invariant and coherent risk measures on the basis of a paired sample.}, 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{RichterBraunsteinStaeudleetal.2021, author = {Richter, Charlotte and Braunstein, Bj{\"o}rn and St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Attias, Julia and S{\"u}ss, Alexander and Weber, Tobias and Mileva, Katya N. and Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Green, David A. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running differs between simulated Lunar and Martian gravities}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {Article number: 22555}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-00527-9}, pages = {13 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The international partnership of space agencies has agreed to proceed forward to the Moon sustainably. Activities on the Lunar surface (0.16 g) will allow crewmembers to advance the exploration skills needed when expanding human presence to Mars (0.38 g). Whilst data from actual hypogravity activities are limited to the Apollo missions, simulation studies have indicated that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, muscle activation, and joint angles decrease with declining gravity level. However, these alterations in locomotion biomechanics do not necessarily scale to the gravity level, the reduction in gastrocnemius medialis activation even appears to level off around 0.2 g, while muscle activation pattern remains similar. Thus, it is difficult to predict whether gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running on Moon will basically be the same as on Mars. Therefore, this study investigated lower limb joint kinematics and gastrocnemius medialis behavior during running at 1 g, simulated Martian gravity, and simulated Lunar gravity on the vertical treadmill facility. The results indicate that hypogravity-induced alterations in joint kinematics and contractile behavior still persist between simulated running on the Moon and Mars. This contrasts with the concept of a ceiling effect and should be carefully considered when evaluating exercise prescriptions and the transferability of locomotion practiced in Lunar gravity to Martian gravity.}, language = {en} } @article{WerkhausenWillwacherAlbracht2021, author = {Werkhausen, Amelie and Willwacher, Steffen and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles shorten throughout stance during sprint acceleration}, series = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine \& Science in Sports}, volume = {31}, journal = {Scandinavian Journal of Medicine \& Science in Sports}, number = {7}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0905-7188 (Druckausgabe)}, doi = {10.1111/sms.13956}, pages = {1471 -- 1480}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The compliant nature of distal limb muscle-tendon units is traditionally considered suboptimal in explosive movements when positive joint work is required. However, during accelerative running, ankle joint net mechanical work is positive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how plantar flexor muscle-tendon behavior is modulated during fast accelerations. Eleven female sprinters performed maximum sprint accelerations from starting blocks, while gastrocnemius muscle fascicle lengths were estimated using ultrasonography. We combined motion analysis and ground reaction force measurements to assess lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, and to estimate gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit length during the first two acceleration steps. Outcome variables were resampled to the stance phase and averaged across three to five trials. Relevant scalars were extracted and analyzed using one-sample and two-sample t-tests, and vector trajectories were compared using statistical parametric mapping. We found that an uncoupling of muscle fascicle behavior from muscle-tendon unit behavior is effectively used to produce net positive mechanical work at the joint during maximum sprint acceleration. Muscle fascicles shortened throughout the first and second steps, while shortening occurred earlier during the first step, where negative joint work was lower compared with the second step. Elastic strain energy may be stored during dorsiflexion after touchdown since fascicles did not lengthen at the same time to dissipate energy. Thus, net positive work generation is accommodated by the reuse of elastic strain energy along with positive gastrocnemius fascicle work. Our results show a mechanism of how muscles with high in-series compliance can contribute to net positive joint work.}, 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} } @article{StaeudleSeynnesLapsetal.2021, author = {St{\"a}udle, Benjamin and Seynnes, Olivier and Laps, Guido and G{\"o}ll, Fabian and Br{\"u}ggemann, Gert-Peter and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Recovery from achilles tendon repair: a combination of Postsurgery Outcomes and Insufficient remodeling of muscle and tendon}, series = {Medicine \& Science in Sports \& Exercise}, volume = {53}, journal = {Medicine \& Science in Sports \& Exercise}, number = {7}, publisher = {American College of Sports Medicine}, address = {Philadelphia, Pa.}, issn = {1530-0315}, doi = {10.1249/MSS.0000000000002592}, pages = {1356 -- 1366}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) patients have persistent functional deficits in the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit (MTU). The complex remodeling of the MTU accompanying these deficits remains poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to associate in vivo and in silico data to investigate the relations between changes inMTU properties and strength deficits inATR patients. Methods: Elevenmale subjects who had undergone surgical repair of complete unilateral ATR were examined 4.6 ± 2.0 (mean ± SD) yr after rupture. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) tendon stiffness, morphology, and muscle architecture were determined using ultrasonography. The force-length relation of the plantar flexor muscles was assessed at five ankle joint angles. In addition, simulations (OpenSim) of the GM MTU force-length properties were performed with various iterations of MTU properties found between the unaffected and the affected side. Results: The affected side of the patients displayed a longer, larger, and stiffer GM tendon (13\% ± 10\%, 105\% ± 28\%, and 54\% ± 24\%, respectively) compared with the unaffected side. The GM muscle fascicles of the affected side were shorter (32\% ± 12\%) and with greater pennation angles (31\% ± 26\%). A mean deficit in plantarflexion moment of 31\% ± 10\% was measured. Simulations indicate that pairing an intact muscle with a longer tendon shifts the optimal angular range of peak force outside physiological angular ranges, whereas the shorter muscle fascicles and tendon stiffening seen in the affected side decrease this shift, albeit incompletely. Conclusions: These results suggest that the substantial changes in MTU properties found in ATR patients may partly result from compensatory remodeling, although this process appears insufficient to fully restore muscle function.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{RingersBialonskiSolovevetal.2021, author = {Ringers, Christa and Bialonski, Stephan and Solovev, Anton and Hansen, Jan N. and Ege, Mert and Friedrich, Benjamin M. and Jurisch-Yaksi, Nathalie}, title = {Preprint: Local synchronization of cilia and tissue-scale cilia alignment are sufficient for global metachronal waves}, series = {bioRxiv}, journal = {bioRxiv}, doi = {10.1101/2021.11.23.469646}, pages = {19 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Motile cilia are hair-like cell extensions present in multiple organs of the body. How cilia coordinate their regular beat in multiciliated epithelia to move fluids remains insufficiently understood, particularly due to lack of rigorous quantification. We combine here experiments, novel analysis tools, and theory to address this knowledge gap. We investigate collective dynamics of cilia in the zebrafish nose, due to its conserved properties with other ciliated tissues and its superior accessibility for non-invasive imaging. We revealed that cilia are synchronized only locally and that the size of local synchronization domains increases with the viscosity of the surrounding medium. Despite the fact that synchronization is local only, we observed global patterns of traveling metachronal waves across the multiciliated epithelium. Intriguingly, these global wave direction patterns are conserved across individual fish, but different for left and right nose, unveiling a chiral asymmetry of metachronal coordination. To understand the implications of synchronization for fluid pumping, we used a computational model of a regular array of cilia. We found that local metachronal synchronization prevents steric collisions and improves fluid pumping in dense cilia carpets, but hardly affects the direction of fluid flow. In conclusion, we show that local synchronization together with tissue-scale cilia alignment are sufficient to generate metachronal wave patterns in multiciliated epithelia, which enhance their physiological function of fluid pumping.}, language = {en} }