TY - JOUR A1 - Streese, Lukas A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Deiseroth, Arne A1 - Infanger, Denis A1 - Gugleta, Konstantin A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph A1 - Hanssen, Henner T1 - Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial JF - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports N2 - The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle-aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12-week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light-induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low-density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆-change VO2peak and ∆-changes ADmax and AFarea (P = .026, R² = 0.073; P = .019, R² = 0.081, respectively). 12-weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle-aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle-aged individuals with increased CV risk. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13560 SN - 1600-0838 VL - 30 IS - 2 SP - 272 EP - 280 PB - Wiley CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Smith, Wayne A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Lammertyn, Leandi A1 - Ramoshaba, Nthai E. A1 - Vilser, Walthard A1 - Huisman, Hugo W. A1 - Schutte, Aletta E. T1 - Retinal vessel caliber and caliber responses in true normotensive black and white adults: The African-PREDICT study JF - Microvascular Research N2 - Purpose Globally, a detrimental shift in cardiovascular disease risk factors and a higher mortality level are reported in some black populations. The retinal microvasculature provides early insight into the pathogenesis of systemic vascular diseases, but it is unclear whether retinal vessel calibers and acute retinal vessel functional responses differ between young healthy black and white adults. Methods We included 112 black and 143 white healthy normotensive adults (20–30 years). Retinal vessel calibers (central retinal artery and vein equivalent (CRAE and CRVE)) were calculated from retinal images and vessel caliber responses to flicker light induced provocation (FLIP) were determined. Additionally, ambulatory blood pressure (BP), anthropometry and blood samples were collected. Results The groups displayed similar 24 h BP profiles and anthropometry (all p > .24). Black participants demonstrated a smaller CRAE (158 ± 11 vs. 164 ± 11 MU, p < .001) compared to the white group, whereas CRVE was similar (p = .57). In response to FLIP, artery maximal dilation was greater in the black vs. white group (5.6 ± 2.1 vs. 3.3 ± 1.8%; p < .001). Conclusions Already at a young age, healthy black adults showed narrower retinal arteries relative to the white population. Follow-up studies are underway to show if this will be related to increased risk for hypertension development. The reason for the larger vessel dilation responses to FLIP in the black population is unclear and warrants further investigation. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103937 SN - 0026-2862 VL - 128 IS - Article 103937 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Finger, Felix A1 - de Vries, Reynard A1 - Vos, Roelof A1 - Braun, Carsten A1 - Bil, Cees T1 - A comparison of hybrid-electric aircraft sizing methods T2 - AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum N2 - The number of case studies focusing on hybrid-electric aircraft is steadily increasing, since these configurations are thought to lead to lower operating costs and environmental impact than traditional aircraft. However, due to the lack of reference data of actual hybrid-electric aircraft, in most cases, the design tools and results are difficult to validate. In this paper, two independently developed approaches for hybrid-electric conceptual aircraft design are compared. An existing 19-seat commuter aircraft is selected as the conventional baseline, and both design tools are used to size that aircraft. The aircraft is then re-sized under consideration of hybrid-electric propulsion technology. This is performed for parallel, serial, and fully-electric powertrain architectures. Finally, sensitivity studies are conducted to assess the validity of the basic assumptions and approaches regarding the design of hybrid-electric aircraft. Both methods are found to predict the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of the reference aircraft with less than 4% error. The MTOM and payload-range energy efficiency of various (hybrid-) electric configurations are predicted with a maximum difference of approximately 2% and 5%, respectively. The results of this study confirm a correct formulation and implementation of the two design methods, and the data obtained can be used by researchers to benchmark and validate their design tools. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1006 N1 - AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, Driving aerospace solutions for global challenges, Orlando, 06. - 10. January 2020 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rausch, Valentin A1 - Kahmann, Stephanie Lucina A1 - Baltschun, Christoph A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - Pressure distribution to the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity: a biomechanical study JF - The Journal of Hand Surgery N2 - Purpose Mechanical impingement at the narrow radioulnar space of the tuberosity is believed to be an etiological factor in the injury of the distal biceps tendon. The aim of the study was to compare the pressure distribution at the proximal radioulnar space between 2 fixation techniques and the intact state. Methods Six right arms and 6 left arms from 5 female and 6 male frozen specimens were used for this study. A pressure transducer was introduced at the height of the radial tuberosity with the intact distal biceps tendon and after 2 fixation methods: the suture-anchor and the cortical button technique. The force (N), maximum pressure (kPa) applied to the radial tuberosity, and the contact area (mm²) of the radial tuberosity with the ulna were measured and differences from the intact tendon were detected from 60° supination to 60° pronation in 15° increments with the elbow in full extension and in 45° and 90° flexion of the elbow. Results With the distal biceps tendon intact, the pressures during pronation were similar regardless of extension and flexion and were the highest at 60° pronation with 90° elbow flexion (23.3 ± 53.5 kPa). After repair of the tendon, the mean peak pressure, contact area, and total force showed an increase regardless of the fixation technique. Highest peak pressures were found using the cortical button technique at 45° flexion of the elbow and 60° pronation. These differences were significantly different from the intact tendon. The contact area was significantly larger in full extension and 15°, 30°, and 60° pronation using the cortical button technique. Conclusions Pressures on the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity increase during pronation, especially after repair of the tendon. Clinical relevance Mechanical impingement could play a role in both the etiology of primary distal biceps tendon ruptures and the complications occurring after fixation of the tendon using certain techniques. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.01.006 SN - 0363-5023 VL - 45 IS - 8 SP - 776.e1 EP - 776.e9 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Finger, Felix A1 - Braun, Carsten A1 - Bil, Cees T1 - Comparative assessment of parallel-hybrid-electric propulsion systems for four different aircraft T2 - AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum N2 - As battery technologies advance, electric propulsion concepts are on the edge of disrupting aviation markets. However, until electric energy storage systems are ready to allow fully electric aircraft, the combination of combustion engine and electric motor as a hybrid-electric propulsion system seems to be a promising intermediate solution. Consequently, the design space for future aircraft is expanded considerably, as serial-hybrid-, parallel-hybrid-, fully-electric, and conventional propulsion systems must all be considered. While the best propulsion system depends on a multitude of requirements and considerations, trends can be observed for certain types of aircraft and certain types of missions. This paper provides insight into some factors that drive a new design towards either conventional or hybrid propulsion systems. General aviation aircraft, VTOL air taxis, transport aircraft, and UAVs are chosen as case studies. Typical missions for each class are considered, and the aircraft are analyzed regarding their take-off mass and primary energy consumption. For these case studies, a high-level approach is chosen, using an initial sizing methodology. Results indicate that hybrid-electric propulsion systems should be considered if the propulsion system is sized by short-duration power constraints (e.g. take-off, climb). However, if the propulsion system is sized by a continuous power requirement (e.g. cruise), hybrid-electric systems offer hardly any benefit. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1502 N1 - AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, Driving aerospace solutions for global challenges, Orlando, 06. - 10. January 2020 ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Kreyer, Jörg A1 - Müller, Marvin A1 - Esch, Thomas T1 - A Map-Based Model for the Determination of Fuel Consumption for Internal Combustion Engines as a Function of Flight Altitude N2 - In addition to very high safety and reliability requirements, the design of internal combustion engines (ICE) in aviation focuses on economic efficiency. The objective must be to design the aircraft powertrain optimized for a specific flight mission with respect to fuel consumption and specific engine power. Against this background, expert tools provide valuable decision-making assistance for the customer. In this paper, a mathematical calculation model for the fuel consumption of aircraft ICE is presented. This model enables the derivation of fuel consumption maps for different engine configurations. Depending on the flight conditions and based on these maps, the current and the integrated fuel consumption for freely definable flight emissions is calculated. For that purpose, an interpolation method is used, that has been optimized for accuracy and calculation time. The mission boundary conditions flight altitude and power requirement of the ICE form the basis for this calculation. The mathematical fuel consumption model is embedded in a parent program. This parent program presents the simulated fuel consumption by means of an example flight mission for a representative airplane. The focus of the work is therefore on reproducing exact consumption data for flight operations. By use of the empirical approaches according to Gagg-Farrar [1] the power and fuel consumption as a function of the flight altitude are determined. To substantiate this approaches, a 1-D ICE model based on the multi-physical simulation tool GT-Suite® has been created. This 1-D engine model offers the possibility to analyze the filling and gas change processes, the internal combustion as well as heat and friction losses for an ICE under altitude environmental conditions. Performance measurements on a dynamometer at sea level for a naturally aspirated ICE with a displacement of 1211 ccm used in an aviation aircraft has been done to validate the 1-D ICE model. To check the plausibility of the empirical approaches with respect to the fuel consumption and performance adjustment for the flight altitude an analysis of the ICE efficiency chain of the 1-D engine model is done. In addition, a comparison of literature and manufacturer data with the simulation results is presented. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.25967/490162 N1 - 68. Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 30.09.-02.10.2019, Darmstadt PB - DGLR CY - Bonn ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jildeh, Zaid B. A1 - Kirchner, Patrick A1 - Oberländer, Jan A1 - Vahidpour, Farnoosh A1 - Wagner, Patrick H. A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef T1 - Development of a package-sterilization process for aseptic filling machines: A numerical approach and validation for surface treatment with hydrogen peroxide JF - Sensor and Actuators A: Physical N2 - Within the present work a sterilization process by a heated gas mixture that contains hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is validated by experiments and numerical modeling techniques. The operational parameters that affect the sterilization efficacy are described alongside the two modes of sterilization: gaseous and condensed H₂O₂. Measurements with a previously developed H₂O₂ gas sensor are carried out to validate the applied H₂O₂ gas concentration during sterilization. We performed microbiological tests at different H₂O₂ gas concentrations by applying an end-point method to carrier strips, which contain different inoculation loads of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. The analysis of the sterilization process of a pharmaceutical glass vial is performed by numerical modeling. The numerical model combines heat- and advection-diffusion mass transfer with vapor–pressure equations to predict the location of condensate formation and the concentration of H₂O₂ at the packaging surfaces by changing the gas temperature. For a sterilization process of 0.7 s, a H₂O₂ gas concentration above 4% v/v is required to reach a log-count reduction above six. The numerical results showed the location of H₂O₂ condensate formation, which decreases with increasing sterilant-gas temperature. The model can be transferred to different gas nozzle- and packaging geometries to assure the absence of H₂O₂ residues. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2019.111691 SN - 0924-4247 VL - 303 IS - 111691 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Capitain, Charlotte A1 - Ross-Jones, Jesse A1 - Möhring, Sophie A1 - Tippkötter, Nils T1 - Differential scanning calorimetry for quantification of polymer biodegradability in compost JF - International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation N2 - The objective of this study is the establishment of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) based method for online analysis of the biodegradation of polymers in complex environments. Structural changes during biodegradation, such as an increase in brittleness or crystallinity, can be detected by carefully observing characteristic changes in DSC profiles. Until now, DSC profiles have not been used to draw quantitative conclusions about biodegradation. A new method is presented for quantifying the biodegradation using DSC data, whereby the results were validated using two reference methods. The proposed method is applied to evaluate the biodegradation of three polymeric biomaterials: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), cellulose acetate (CA) and Organosolv lignin. The method is suitable for the precise quantification of the biodegradability of PHB. For CA and lignin, conclusions regarding their biodegradation can be drawn with lower resolutions. The proposed method is also able to quantify the biodegradation of blends or composite materials, which differentiates it from commonly used degradation detection methods. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2020.104914 SN - 0964-8305 VL - 149 SP - In Press, Article number 104914 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Mennicken, Max A1 - Peter, Sophia K. A1 - Kaulen, Corinna A1 - Simon, Ulrich A1 - Karthäuser, Silvia T1 - Transport through Redox-Active Ru-Terpyridine Complexes Integrated in Single Nanoparticle Devices JF - The Journal of Physical Chemistry C N2 - Transition metal complexes are electrofunctional molecules due to their high conductivity and their intrinsic switching ability involving a metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Here, a method is presented to contact reliably a few to single redox-active Ru-terpyridine complexes in a CMOS compatible nanodevice and preserve their electrical functionality. Using hybrid materials from 14 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and bis-{4′-[4-(mercaptophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]}-ruthenium(II) complexes a device size of 30² nm² inclusive nanoelectrodes is achieved. Moreover, this method bears the opportunity for further downscaling. The Ru-complex AuNP devices show symmetric and asymmetric current versus voltage curves with a hysteretic characteristic in two well separated conductance ranges. By theoretical approximations based on the single-channel Landauer model, the charge transport through the formed double-barrier tunnel junction is thoroughly analyzed and its sensibility to the molecule/metal contact is revealed. It can be verified that tunneling transport through the HOMO is the main transport mechanism while decoherent hopping transport is present to a minor extent. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b11716 SN - 1932-7455 VL - 124 IS - 8 SP - 4881 EP - 4889 PB - ACS Publications CY - Washington, DC ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rupp, Matthias A1 - Rieke, Christian A1 - Handschuh, Nils A1 - Kuperjans, Isabel T1 - Economic and ecological optimization of electric bus charging considering variable electricity prices and CO₂eq intensities JF - Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment N2 - In many cities, diesel buses are being replaced by electric buses with the aim of reducing local emissions and thus improving air quality. The protection of the environment and the health of the population is the highest priority of our society. For the transport companies that operate these buses, not only ecological issues but also economic issues are of great importance. Due to the high purchase costs of electric buses compared to conventional buses, operators are forced to use electric vehicles in a targeted manner in order to ensure amortization over the service life of the vehicles. A compromise between ecology and economy must be found in order to both protect the environment and ensure economical operation of the buses. In this study, we present a new methodology for optimizing the vehicles’ charging time as a function of the parameters CO₂eq emissions and electricity costs. Based on recorded driving profiles in daily bus operation, the energy demands of conventional and electric buses are calculated for the passenger transportation in the city of Aachen in 2017. Different charging scenarios are defined to analyze the influence of the temporal variability of CO₂eq intensity and electricity price on the environmental impact and economy of the bus. For every individual day of a year, charging periods with the lowest and highest costs and emissions are identified and recommendations for daily bus operation are made. To enable both the ecological and economical operation of the bus, the parameters of electricity price and CO₂ are weighted differently, and several charging periods are proposed, taking into account the priorities previously set. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate the influence of selected parameters and to derive recommendations for improving the ecological and economic balance of the battery-powered electric vehicle. In all scenarios, the optimization of the charging period results in energy cost savings of a maximum of 13.6% compared to charging at a fixed electricity price. The savings potential of CO₂eq emissions is similar, at 14.9%. From an economic point of view, charging between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. results in the lowest energy costs on average. The CO₂eq intensity is also low in this period, but midday charging leads to the largest savings in CO₂eq emissions. From a life cycle perspective, the electric bus is not economically competitive with the conventional bus. However, from an ecological point of view, the electric bus saves on average 37.5% CO₂eq emissions over its service life compared to the diesel bus. The reduction potential is maximized if the electric vehicle exclusively consumes electricity from solar and wind power. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2020.102293 SN - 1361-9209 VL - 81 IS - Article 102293 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER -