TY - JOUR A1 - Müller, Tim M. A1 - Leise, Philipp A1 - Lorenz, Imke-Sophie A1 - Altherr, Lena A1 - Pelz, Peter F. T1 - Optimization and validation of pumping system design and operation for water supply in high-rise buildings JF - Optimization and Engineering N2 - The application of mathematical optimization methods for water supply system design and operation provides the capacity to increase the energy efficiency and to lower the investment costs considerably. We present a system approach for the optimal design and operation of pumping systems in real-world high-rise buildings that is based on the usage of mixed-integer nonlinear and mixed-integer linear modeling approaches. In addition, we consider different booster station topologies, i.e. parallel and series-parallel central booster stations as well as decentral booster stations. To confirm the validity of the underlying optimization models with real-world system behavior, we additionally present validation results based on experiments conducted on a modularly constructed pumping test rig. Within the models we consider layout and control decisions for different load scenarios, leading to a Deterministic Equivalent of a two-stage stochastic optimization program. We use a piecewise linearization as well as a piecewise relaxation of the pumps’ characteristics to derive mixed-integer linear models. Besides the solution with off-the-shelf solvers, we present a problem specific exact solving algorithm to improve the computation time. Focusing on the efficient exploration of the solution space, we divide the problem into smaller subproblems, which partly can be cut off in the solution process. Furthermore, we discuss the performance and applicability of the solution approaches for real buildings and analyze the technical aspects of the solutions from an engineer’s point of view, keeping in mind the economically important trade-off between investment and operation costs. KW - Technical Operations Research KW - MINLP KW - MILP KW - Experimental validation KW - Pumping systems Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11081-020-09553-4 SN - 1573-2924 VL - 2021 IS - 22 SP - 643 EP - 686 PB - Springer ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rausch, Valentin A1 - Harbrecht, Andreas A1 - Kahmann, Stephanie Lucina A1 - Fenten, Thomas A1 - Jovanovic, Nebojsa A1 - Hackl, Michael A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - Osteosynthesis of Phalangeal Fractures: Biomechanical Comparison of Kirschner Wires, Plates, and Compression Screws JF - The Journal of Hand Surgery N2 - Purpose The aim of this study was to compare several osteosynthesis techniques (intramedullary headless compression screws, T-plates, and Kirschner wires) for distal epiphyseal fractures of proximal phalanges in a human cadaveric model. Methods A total of 90 proximal phalanges from 30 specimens (index, ring, and middle fingers) were used for this study. After stripping off all soft tissue, a transverse distal epiphyseal fracture was simulated at the proximal phalanx. The 30 specimens were randomly assigned to 1 fixation technique (30 per technique), either a 3.0-mm intramedullary headless compression screw, locking plate fixation with a 2.0-mm T-plate, or 2 oblique 1.0-mm Kirschner wires. Displacement analysis (bending, distraction, and torsion) was performed using optical tracking of an applied random speckle pattern after osteosynthesis. Biomechanical testing was performed with increasing cyclic loading and with cyclic load to failure using a biaxial torsion-tension testing machine. Results Cannulated intramedullary compression screws showed significantly less displacement at the fracture site in torsional testing. Furthermore, screws were significantly more stable in bending testing. Kirschner wires were significantly less stable than plating or screw fixation in any cyclic load to failure test setup. Conclusions Intramedullary compression screws are a highly stable alternative in the treatment of transverse distal epiphyseal phalangeal fractures. Kirschner wires seem to be inferior regarding displacement properties and primary stability. Clinical relevance Fracture fixation of phalangeal fractures using plate osteosynthesis may have the advantage of a very rigid reduction, but disadvantages such as stiffness owing to the more invasive surgical approach and soft tissue irritation should be taken into account. Headless compression screws represent a minimally invasive choice for fixation with good biomechanical properties. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.04.010 SN - 0363-5023 VL - 45 IS - 10 SP - 987.e1 EP - 987.e8 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stulpe, Werner T1 - Pairwise coexistence of effects versus coexistence JF - Journal of Physics: Conference Series Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1638/1/012004 SN - 1742-6596 VL - 1638 IS - 012004 SP - 1 EP - 21 PB - IOP CY - Bristol ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Nobis, Moritz A1 - Schmitt, Carlo A1 - Schemm, Ralf A1 - Schnettler, Armin T1 - Pan-European CVAR-constrained stochastic unit commitment in day-ahead and intraday electricity markets JF - Energies N2 - The fundamental modeling of energy systems through individual unit commitment decisions is crucial for energy system planning. However, current large-scale models are not capable of including uncertainties or even risk-averse behavior arising from forecasting errors of variable renewable energies. However, risks associated with uncertain forecasting errors have become increasingly relevant within the process of decarbonization. The intraday market serves to compensate for these forecasting errors. Thus, the uncertainty of forecasting errors results in uncertain intraday prices and quantities. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-stage risk-constrained stochastic optimization approach to fundamentally model unit commitment decisions facing an uncertain intraday market. By the nesting of Lagrangian relaxation and an extended Benders decomposition, this model can be applied to large-scale, e.g., pan-European, power systems. The approach is applied to scenarios for 2023—considering a full nuclear phase-out in Germany—and 2035—considering a full coal phase-out in Germany. First, the influence of the risk factors is evaluated. Furthermore, an evaluation of the market prices shows an increase in price levels as well as an increasing day-ahead-intraday spread in 2023 and in 2035. Finally, it is shown that intraday cross-border trading has a significant influence on trading volumes and prices and ensures a more efficient allocation of resources. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en13092339 SN - 1996-1073 N1 - Special Issue Uncertainties and Risk Management in Competitive Energy Markets VL - 13 IS - Art. 2339 SP - 1 EP - 35 PB - MDPI CY - Basel 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 - http://dx.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 - JOUR A1 - Tippkötter, Nils A1 - Roth, Jasmine T1 - Purified Butanol from Lignocellulose – Solvent‐Impregnated Resins for an Integrated Selective Removal JF - Chemie Ingenieur Technik N2 - In traditional microbial biobutanol production, the solvent must be recovered during fermentation process for a sufficient space-time yield. Thermal separation is not feasible due to the boiling point of n-butanol. As an integrated and selective solid-liquid separation alternative, solvent impregnated resins (SIRs) were applied. Two polymeric resins were evaluated and an extractant screening was conducted. Vacuum application with vapor collection in fixed-bed column as bioreactor bypass was successfully implemented as butanol desorption step. In course of further increasing process economics, fermentation with renewable lignocellulosic substrates was conducted using Clostridium acetobutylicum. Utilization of SIR was shown to be a potential strategy for solvent removal from fermentation broth, while application of a bypass column allows for product removal and recovery at once. KW - Biofuel KW - Biorefinery KW - Butanol KW - Clostridium acetobutylicum KW - Lignocellulose Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cite.202000200 SN - 1522-2640 VL - 92 IS - 11 SP - 1741 EP - 1751 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Raffeis, Iris A1 - Adjei-Kyeremeh, Frank A1 - Vroomen, Uwe A1 - Westhoff, Elmar A1 - Bremen, Sebastian A1 - Hohoi, Alexandru A1 - Bührig-Polaczek, Andreas T1 - Qualification of a Ni-Cu alloy for the laser powder bed fusion process (LPBF): Its microstructure and mechanical properties JF - Applied Sciences N2 - As researchers continue to seek the expansion of the material base for additive manufacturing, there is a need to focus attention on the Ni–Cu group of alloys which conventionally has wide industrial applications. In this work, the G-NiCu30Nb casting alloy, a variant of the Monel family of alloys with Nb and high Si content is, for the first time, processed via the laser powder bed fusion process (LPBF). Being novel to the LPBF processes, optimum LPBF parameters were determined, and hardness and tensile tests were performed in as-built conditions and after heat treatment at 1000 °C. Microstructures of the as-cast and the as-built condition were compared. Highly dense samples (99.8% density) were achieved after varying hatch distance (80 µm and 140 µm) with scanning speed (550 mm/s–1500 mm/s). There was no significant difference in microhardness between varied hatch distance print sets. Microhardness of the as-built condition (247 HV0.2) exceeded the as-cast microhardness (179 HV0.2.). Tensile specimens built in vertical (V) and horizontal (H) orientations revealed degrees of anisotropy and were superior to conventionally reported figures. Post heat treatment increased ductility from 20% to 31% (V), as well as from 16% to 25% (H), while ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) were considerably reduced. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app10103401 SN - 2076-3417 N1 - Special Issue Materials Development by Additive Manufacturing Techniques VL - 10 IS - Art. 3401 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - 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 - http://dx.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 - Ramoshaba, Nthai E. A1 - Huisman, Hugo W. A1 - Lammertyn, Leandi A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Schutte, Aletta E. A1 - Smith, Wayne T1 - Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study JF - Hypertension Research N2 - Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20–30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R² = 0.267, β = −0.097 (95% CI = −0.165; −0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0 SN - 1348-4214 IS - 43 SP - 1231 EP - 1238 PB - Springer Nature CY - Osaka 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 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103937 SN - 0026-2862 VL - 128 IS - Article 103937 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Sattler, Johannes, Christoph A1 - Röger, Marc A1 - Schwarzbözl, Peter A1 - Buck, Reiner A1 - Macke, Ansgar A1 - Raeder, Christian A1 - Göttsche, Joachim T1 - Review of heliostat calibration and tracking control methods JF - Solar Energy N2 - Large scale central receiver systems typically deploy between thousands to more than a hundred thousand heliostats. During solar operation, each heliostat is aligned individually in such a way that the overall surface normal bisects the angle between the sun’s position and the aim point coordinate on the receiver. Due to various tracking error sources, achieving accurate alignment ≤1 mrad for all the heliostats with respect to the aim points on the receiver without a calibration system can be regarded as unrealistic. Therefore, a calibration system is necessary not only to improve the aiming accuracy for achieving desired flux distributions but also to reduce or eliminate spillage. An overview of current larger-scale central receiver systems (CRS), tracking error sources and the basic requirements of an ideal calibration system is presented. Leading up to the main topic, a description of general and specific terms on the topics heliostat calibration and tracking control clarifies the terminology used in this work. Various figures illustrate the signal flows along various typical components as well as the corresponding monitoring or measuring devices that indicate or measure along the signal (or effect) chain. The numerous calibration systems are described in detail and classified in groups. Two tables allow the juxtaposition of the calibration methods for a better comparison. In an assessment, the advantages and disadvantages of individual calibration methods are presented. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.06.030 VL - 207 SP - 110 EP - 132 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Valero, Daniel A1 - Chanson, Hubert A1 - Bung, Daniel B. T1 - Robust estimators for free surface turbulence characterization: A stepped spillway application JF - Flow Measurement and Instrumentation N2 - Robust estimators are parameters insensitive to the presence of outliers. However, they presume the shape of the variables’ probability density function. This study exemplifies the sensitivity of turbulent quantities to the use of classic and robust estimators and the presence of outliers in turbulent flow depth time series. A wide range of turbulence quantities was analysed based upon a stepped spillway case study, using flow depths sampled with Acoustic Displacement Meters as the flow variable of interest. The studied parameters include: the expected free surface level, the expected fluctuation intensity, the depth skewness, the autocorrelation timescales, the vertical velocity fluctuation intensity, the perturbations celerity and the one-dimensional free surface turbulence spectrum. Three levels of filtering were utilised prior to applying classic and robust estimators, showing that comparable robustness can be obtained either using classic estimators together with an intermediate filtering technique or using robust estimators instead, without any filtering technique. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2020.101809 SN - 0955-5986 VL - 76 IS - Art. 101809 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaigall, Daniel T1 - Rothman–Woodroofe symmetry test statistic revisited JF - Computational Statistics & Data Analysis N2 - The Rothman–Woodroofe symmetry test statistic is revisited on the basis of independent but not necessarily identically distributed random variables. The distribution-freeness if the underlying distributions are all symmetric and continuous is obtained. The results are applied for testing symmetry in a meta-analysis random effects model. The consistency of the procedure is discussed in this situation as well. A comparison with an alternative proposal from the literature is conducted via simulations. Real data are analyzed to demonstrate how the new approach works in practice. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.csda.2019.106837 SN - 0167-9473 VL - 2020 IS - 142 SP - Artikel 106837 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Fiedler, Thomas M. A1 - Ladd, Mark E. A1 - Clemens, Markus A1 - Bitz, Andreas T1 - Safety of subjects during radiofrequency exposure in ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging JF - IEEE Letters on Electromagnetic Compatibility Practice and Applications N2 - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important medical imaging techniques. Since the introduction of MRI in the mid-1980s, there has been a continuous trend toward higher static magnetic fields to obtain i.a. a higher signal-to-noise ratio. The step toward ultra-high-field (UHF) MRI at 7 Tesla and higher, however, creates several challenges regarding the homogeneity of the spin excitation RF transmit field and the RF exposure of the subject. In UHF MRI systems, the wavelength of the RF field is in the range of the diameter of the human body, which can result in inhomogeneous spin excitation and local SAR hotspots. To optimize the homogeneity in a region of interest, UHF MRI systems use parallel transmit systems with multiple transmit antennas and time-dependent modulation of the RF signal in the individual transmit channels. Furthermore, SAR increases with increasing field strength, while the SAR limits remain unchanged. Two different approaches to generate the RF transmit field in UHF systems using antenna arrays close and remote to the body are investigated in this letter. Achievable imaging performance is evaluated compared to typical clinical RF transmit systems at lower field strength. The evaluation has been performed under consideration of RF exposure based on local SAR and tissue temperature. Furthermore, results for thermal dose as an alternative RF exposure metric are presented. Y1 - 2020 SN - 2637-6423 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/LEMCPA.2020.3029747 VL - 2 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - IEEE CY - New York, NY ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Keller, Johannes A1 - Rath, Volker A1 - Bruckmann, Johanna A1 - Mottaghy, Darius A1 - Clauser, Christoph A1 - Wolf, Andreas A1 - Seidler, Ralf A1 - Bücker, H. Martin A1 - Klitzsch, Norbert T1 - SHEMAT-Suite: An open-source code for simulating flow, heat and species transport in porous media JF - SoftwareX N2 - SHEMAT-Suite is a finite-difference open-source code for simulating coupled flow, heat and species transport in porous media. The code, written in Fortran-95, originates from geoscientific research in the fields of geothermics and hydrogeology. It comprises: (1) a versatile handling of input and output, (2) a modular framework for subsurface parameter modeling, (3) a multi-level OpenMP parallelization, (4) parameter estimation and data assimilation by stochastic approaches (Monte Carlo, Ensemble Kalman filter) and by deterministic Bayesian approaches based on automatic differentiation for calculating exact (truncation error-free) derivatives of the forward code. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.softx.2020.100533 SN - 2352-7110 VL - 12 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dadfar, Dryed Mohammadali A1 - Camozzi, Denise A1 - Darguzyte, Milita A1 - Roemhild, Karolin A1 - Varvarà, Paola A1 - Metselaar, Josbert A1 - Banala, Srinivas A1 - Straub, Marcel A1 - Güver, Nihan A1 - Engelmann, Ulrich M. A1 - Slabu, Ioana A1 - Buhl, Miriam A1 - Leusen, Jan van A1 - Kögerler, Paul A1 - Hermanns-Sachweh, Benita A1 - Schulz, Volkmar A1 - Kiessling, Fabian A1 - Lammers, Twan T1 - Size-isolation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles improves MRI, MPI and hyperthermia performance JF - Journal of Nanobiotechnology N2 - Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are extensively used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic particle imaging (MPI), as well as for magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). We here describe a sequential centrifugation protocol to obtain SPION with well-defined sizes from a polydisperse SPION starting formulation, synthesized using the routinely employed co-precipitation technique. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analyses show that the SPION fractions obtained upon size-isolation are well-defined and almost monodisperse. MRI, MPI and MFH analyses demonstrate improved imaging and hyperthermia performance for size-isolated SPION as compared to the polydisperse starting mixture, as well as to commercial and clinically used iron oxide nanoparticle formulations, such as Resovist® and Sinerem®. The size-isolation protocol presented here may help to identify SPION with optimal properties for diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12951-020-0580-1 SN - 1477-3155 VL - 18 IS - Article number 22 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - Nature Portfolio ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gazda, Quentin A1 - Maurischat, Andreas T1 - Special functions and Gauss-Thakur sums in higher rank and dimension Y1 - 2020 PB - De Gruyter CY - Berlin ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Eckert, Alexander A1 - Abbasi, Mozhdeh A1 - Mang, Thomas A1 - Saalwächter, Kay A1 - Walther, Andreas T1 - Structure, Mechanical Properties, and Dynamics of Polyethylenoxide/Nanoclay Nacre-Mimetic Nanocomposites JF - Macromolecules N2 - Nacre-mimetic nanocomposites based on high fractions of synthetic high-aspect-ratio nanoclays in combination with polymers are continuously pushing boundaries for advanced material properties, such as high barrier against oxygen, extraordinary mechanical behavior, fire shielding, and glass-like transparency. Additionally, they provide interesting model systems to study polymers under nanoconfinement due to the well-defined layered nanocomposite arrangement. Although the general behavior in terms of forming such layered nanocomposite materials using evaporative self-assembly and controlling the nanoclay gallery spacing by the nanoclay/polymer ratio is understood, some combinations of polymer matrices and nanoclay reinforcement do not comply with the established models. Here, we demonstrate a thorough characterization and analysis of such an unusual polymer/nanoclay pair that falls outside of the general behavior. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and sodium fluorohectorite form nacre-mimetic, lamellar nanocomposites that are completely transparent and show high mechanical stiffness and high gas barrier, but there is only limited expansion of the nanoclay gallery spacing when adding increasing amounts of polymer. This behavior is maintained for molecular weights of PEO varied over four orders of magnitude and can be traced back to depletion forces. By careful investigation via X-ray diffraction and proton low-resolution solid-state NMR, we are able to quantify the amount of mobile and immobilized polymer species in between the nanoclay galleries and around proposed tactoid stacks embedded in a PEO matrix. We further elucidate the unusual confined polymer dynamics, indicating a relevant role of specific surface interactions. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01931 SN - 1520-5835 VL - 53 IS - 5 SP - 1716 EP - 1725 PB - ACS Publications CY - Washington, DC ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hamou, Hussam Aldin A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Tan, Sonny Kian A1 - Weiß, Christel A1 - Blume, Christian A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander A1 - Albanna, Walid T1 - Surgical nuances and placement of subgaleal drains for supratentorial procedures—a prospective analysis of efficacy and outcome in 150 craniotomies JF - Acta Neurochirurgica N2 - Background For supratentorial craniotomy, surgical access, and closure technique, including placement of subgaleal drains, may vary considerably. The influence of surgical nuances on postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or impaired wound healing overall remains largely unclear. With this study, we are reporting our experiences and the impact of our clinical routines on outcome in a prospectively collected data set. Method We prospectively observed 150 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and recorded technical variables (type/length of incision, size of craniotomy, technique of dural and skin closure, type of dressing, and placement of subgaleal drains). Outcome variables (subgaleal hematoma/CSF collection, periorbital edema, impairment of wound healing, infection, and need for operative revision) were recorded at time of discharge and at late follow-up. Results Early subgaleal fluid collection was observed in 36.7% (2.8% at the late follow-up), and impaired wound healing was recorded in 3.3% of all cases, with an overall need for operative revision of 6.7%. Neither usage of dural sealants, lack of watertight dural closure, and presence of subgaleal drains, nor type of skin closure or dressing influenced outcome. Curved incisions, larger craniotomy, and tumor size, however, were associated with an increase in early CSF or hematoma collection (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01 resp.), and larger craniotomy size was associated with longer persistence of subgaleal fluid collections (p < 0.05). Conclusions Based on our setting, individual surgical nuances such as the type of dural closure and the use of subgaleal drains resulted in a comparable complication rate and outcome. Subgaleal fluid collections were frequently observed after supratentorial procedures, irrespective of the closing technique employed, and resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases without significant sequelae. Our results are limited due to the observational nature in our single-center study and need to be validated by supportive prospective randomized design. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-04196-6 SN - 0942-0940 VL - 2020 IS - 162 SP - 729 EP - 736 PB - Springer Nature CY - Cham ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Muschallik, Lukas A1 - Molinnus, Denise A1 - Jablonski, Melanie A1 - Kipp, Carina Ronja A1 - Bongaerts, Johannes A1 - Pohl, Martina A1 - Wagner, Torsten A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Selmer, Thorsten A1 - Siegert, Petra T1 - Synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones and vicinal (R, R)-diols by Bacillus clausii DSM 8716ᵀ butanediol dehydrogenase JF - RSC Advances N2 - α-hydroxy ketones (HK) and 1,2-diols are important building blocks for fine chemical synthesis. Here, we describe the R-selective 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase from B. clausii DSM 8716ᵀ (BcBDH) that belongs to the metal-dependent medium chain dehydrogenases/reductases family (MDR) and catalyzes the selective asymmetric reduction of prochiral 1,2-diketones to the corresponding HK and, in some cases, the reduction of the same to the corresponding 1,2-diols. Aliphatic diketones, like 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione, 5-methyl-2,3-hexanedione, 3,4-hexanedione and 2,3-heptanedione are well transformed. In addition, surprisingly alkyl phenyl dicarbonyls, like 2-hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-1-one and phenylglyoxal are accepted, whereas their derivatives with two phenyl groups are not substrates. Supplementation of Mn²⁺ (1 mM) increases BcBDH's activity in biotransformations. Furthermore, the biocatalytic reduction of 5-methyl-2,3-hexanedione to mainly 5-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone with only small amounts of 5-methyl-2-hydroxy-3-hexanone within an enzyme membrane reactor is demonstrated. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D0RA02066D SN - 2046-2069 VL - 10 SP - 12206 EP - 12216 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) CY - Cambridge ER -