TY  - JOUR
A1  - Reisert, Steffen
A1  - Geissler, H.
A1  - Weiler, C.
A1  - Wagner, P.
A1  - Schöning, Michael Josef
T1  - Multiple sensor-type system for monitoring the microbicidal effectiveness of aseptic sterilisation processes
JF  - Food control
N2  - The present work describes a novel multiple sensor-type system for the real-time analysis of aseptic sterilisation processes employing gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a sterilant. The inactivation kinetics of Bacillus atrophaeus by gaseous H2O2 have been investigated by means of a methodical calibration experiment, taking into account the process variables H2O2 concentration, humidity and gas temperature. It has been found that the microbicidal effectiveness at H2O2 concentrations above 2% v/v is largely determined by the concentration itself, while at lower H2O2 concentrations, the gas temperature and humidity play a leading role. Furthermore, the responses of different types of gas sensors towards the influencing factors of the sterilisation process have been analysed within the same experiment. Based on a correlation established between the inactivation kinetics and the sensor responses, a calorimetric H2O2 sensor and a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOX) sensor have been identified as possible candidates for monitoring the microbicidal effectiveness of aseptic sterilisation processes employing gaseous H2O2. Therefore, two linear models that describe the relationship between sensor response and microbicidal effectiveness have been proposed.
Y1  - 2015
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.07.063
SN  - 1873-7129 (E-Journal); 0956-7135 (Print)
VL  - 47
SP  - 615
EP  - 622
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Achtsnicht, Stefan
A1  - Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad
A1  - Offenhäusser, Andreas
A1  - Krause, Hans-Joachim
T1  - Multiplex detection of different magnetic beads using frequency scanning in magnetic frequency mixing technique
JF  - Sensors
N2  - In modern bioanalytical methods, it is often desired to detect several targets in one sample within one measurement. Immunological methods including those that use superparamagnetic beads are an important group of techniques for these applications. The goal of this work is to investigate the feasibility of simultaneously detecting different superparamagnetic beads acting as markers using the magnetic frequency mixing technique. The frequency of the magnetic excitation field is scanned while the lower driving frequency is kept constant. Due to the particles’ nonlinear magnetization, mixing frequencies are generated. To record their amplitude and phase information, a direct digitization of the pickup-coil’s signal with subsequent Fast Fourier Transformation is performed. By synchronizing both magnetic beads using frequency scanning in magnetic frequency mixing technique magnetic fields, a stable phase information is gained. In this research, it is shown that the amplitude of the dominant mixing component is proportional to the amount of superparamagnetic beads inside a sample. Additionally, it is shown that the phase does not show this behaviour. Excitation frequency scans of different bead types were performed, showing different phases, without correlation to their diverse amplitudes. Two commercially available beads were selected and a determination of their amount in a mixture is performed as a demonstration for multiplex measurements.
KW  - frequency mixing magnetic detection
KW  - magnetic sandwich immunoassay
KW  - multiparametric immunoassays
Y1  - 2019
U6  - https://doi.org/10.3390/s19112599
SN  - 1424-8220
VL  - 19
IS  - 11
PB  - MDPI
CY  - Basel
ER  - 
TY  - BOOK
A1  - Grotendorst, Johannes
T1  - Multiscale Simulation Methods in Molecular Sciences :  Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS) ; winter school, 2 - 6 March 2009, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany ; lecture notes
Y1  - 2009
SN  - 978-3-9810843-8-2
CY  - Jülich
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Khaydukova, M. M.
A1  - Zadorozhnaya, O. A.
A1  - Kirsanov, D. O.
A1  - Iken, Heiko
A1  - Rolka, David
A1  - Schöning, Michael Josef
A1  - Babain, V. A.
A1  - Vlasov, Yu. G.
A1  - Legin, A. V.
T1  - Multivariate processing of atomic-force microscopy images for detection of the response of plasticized polymeric membranes
JF  - Russian journal of applied chemistry
N2  - The possibility of using the atomic-force microscopy as a method for detection of the analytical signal from plasticized polymeric sensor membranes was analyzed. The surfaces of cadmium-selective membranes based on two polymeric matrices were examined. The digital images were processed with multivariate image analysis techniques. A correlation was found between the surface profile of an ion-selective membrane and the concentration of the ion in solution.
Y1  - 2014
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1134/S1070427214030112
SN  - 1608-3296 (E-Journal); 1070-4272 (Print)
VL  - 87
IS  - 3
SP  - 307
EP  - 314
PB  - Springer
CY  - Dordrecht
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Ziemons, Karl
T1  - Muoproduction of J/ψ and the gluon distribution of the nucleon
JF  - Zeitschrift für Physik C Particles and Fields
N2  - Measurements are presented of the inclusive distributions of the J/Ψ meson produced by muons of energy 200 GeV from an ammonia target. The gluon distribution of the nucleon has been derived from the data in the range 0.04<x<0.36 using a technique based on the colour singlet model. An arbitrary normalisation factor is required to obtain a reasonable integral of the gluon distribution. Some comments are made on the use of J/Ψ productionby virtual photons to extract the gluon distribution at HERA.
Y1  - 1992
SN  - 1431-5858
N1  - European Muon Collaboration
VL  - 56
IS  - 1
SP  - 21
EP  - 28
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Monti, Elena
A1  - Waldvogel, Janice
A1  - Ritzmann, Ramona
A1  - Freyler, Kathrin
A1  - Albracht, Kirsten
A1  - Helm, Michael
A1  - De Cesare, Niccolò
A1  - Pavan, Piero
A1  - Reggiani, Carlo
A1  - Gollhofer, Albert
A1  - Narici, Marco Vincenzo
T1  - Muscle in variable gravity: “I do not know where I am, but I know what to do”
JF  - Frontiers in Physiology
N2  - 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.
KW  - parabolic flight
KW  - drop jump
KW  - hypo-gravity
KW  - hyper-gravity
KW  - sarcomere operating length
Y1  - 2021
U6  - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.714655
SN  - 1664-042X
VL  - 12
PB  - Frontiers Research Foundation
CY  - Lausanne
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Schoenrock, Britt
A1  - Muckelt, Paul E.
A1  - Hastermann, Maria
A1  - Albracht, Kirsten
A1  - MacGregor, Robert
A1  - Martin, David
A1  - Gunga, Hans-Christian
A1  - Salanova, Michele
A1  - Stokes, Maria J.
A1  - Warner, Martin B.
A1  - Blottner, Dieter
T1  - Muscle stiffness indicating mission crew health in space
JF  - Scientific Reports
N2  - Muscle function is compromised by gravitational unloading in space affecting overall musculoskeletal health. Astronauts perform daily exercise programmes to mitigate these effects but knowing which muscles to target would optimise effectiveness. Accurate inflight assessment to inform exercise programmes is critical due to lack of technologies suitable for spaceflight. Changes in mechanical properties indicate muscle health status and can be measured rapidly and non-invasively using novel technology. A hand-held MyotonPRO device enabled monitoring of muscle health for the first time in spaceflight (> 180 days). Greater/maintained stiffness indicated countermeasures were effective. Tissue stiffness was preserved in the majority of muscles (neck, shoulder, back, thigh) but Tibialis Anterior (foot lever muscle) stiffness decreased inflight vs. preflight (p < 0.0001; mean difference 149 N/m) in all 12 crewmembers. The calf muscles showed opposing effects, Gastrocnemius increasing in stiffness Soleus decreasing. Selective stiffness decrements indicate lack of preservation despite daily inflight countermeasures. This calls for more targeted exercises for lower leg muscles with vital roles as ankle joint stabilizers and in gait. Muscle stiffness is a digital biomarker for risk monitoring during future planetary explorations (Moon, Mars), for healthcare management in challenging environments or clinical disorders in people on Earth, to enable effective tailored exercise programmes.
KW  - Ageing
KW  - Anatomy
KW  - Muscle
KW  - Musculoskeletal system
KW  - Physiology
Y1  - 2024
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54759-6
SN  - 2045-2322
N1  - Corresponding author: Dieter Blottner
VL  - 14
IS  - Article number: 4196
PB  - Springer Nature
CY  - London
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Liphardt, Anna-Maria
A1  - Fernandez-Gonzalo, Rodrigo
A1  - Albracht, Kirsten
A1  - Rittweger, Jörn
A1  - Vico, Laurence
T1  - Musculoskeletal research in human space flight – unmet needs for the success of crewed deep space exploration
JF  - npj Microgravity
N2  - Based on the European Space Agency (ESA) Science in Space Environment (SciSpacE) community White Paper “Human Physiology – Musculoskeletal system”, this perspective highlights unmet needs and suggests new avenues for future studies in musculoskeletal research to enable crewed exploration missions. The musculoskeletal system is essential for sustaining physical function and energy metabolism, and the maintenance of health during exploration missions, and consequently mission success, will be tightly linked to musculoskeletal function. Data collection from current space missions from pre-, during-, and post-flight periods would provide important information to understand and ultimately offset musculoskeletal alterations during long-term spaceflight. In addition, understanding the kinetics of the different components of the musculoskeletal system in parallel with a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms driving these alterations appears to be the best approach to address potential musculoskeletal problems that future exploratory-mission crew will face. These research efforts should be accompanied by technical advances in molecular and phenotypic monitoring tools to provide in-flight real-time feedback.
Y1  - 2023
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-023-00258-3
SN  - 2373-8065
VL  - 9
IS  - Article number: 9
SP  - 1
EP  - 9
PB  - Springer Nature
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Burkhardt, Klaus
A1  - Schwarz, Sonja
A1  - Pan, Chengrui
A1  - Stelter, Felix
A1  - Kotliar, Konstantin
A1  - Eynatten, Maxilian von
A1  - Sollinger, Daniel
A1  - Lanzl, Ines
A1  - Heemann, Uwe
A1  - Baumann, Marcus
T1  - Myeloid-related protein 8/14 complex describes microcirculatory alterations in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy
JF  - Cardiovascular Diabetology
Y1  - 2009
SN  - 1475-2840
VL  - 8
IS  - 10
SP  - 1
EP  - 8
PB  - -
ER  - 
TY  - GEN
A1  - Blottner, Dieter
A1  - Hastermann, Maria
A1  - Muckelt, Paul
A1  - Albracht, Kirsten
A1  - Schoenrock, Britt
A1  - Salanova, Michele
A1  - Warner, Martin
A1  - Gunga, Hans-Christian
A1  - Stokes, Maria
T1  - MYOTONES - Inflight muscle health status monitoring during long-duration space missions onboard the International Space Station: a single case study
T2  - IAC Papers Archive
N2  - The MYOTONES experiment is the first to monitor changes in the basic biomechanical properties (tone, elasticity and stiffness) of the resting human myofascial system due to microgravity with a oninvasive, portable device on board the ISS. The MyotonPRO device applies several brief mechanical stimuli to the surface of the skin, and the natural oscillation signals of the tissue beneath are detected and computed by the MyotonPRO. Thus, an objective, quick and easy determination of the state of the underlying tissue is possible.
Two preflight, four inflight and four post flight measurements were performed on a male astronaut using the same 10 measurement points (MP) for each session. MPs were located on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, M. soleus, M. gastrocnemius, M. multifidus, M. splenius capitis, M. deltoideus anterior, M. rectus femoris, infrapatellar tendon, M. tibialis anterior. Subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs was measured using ultrasound imaging. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of lower limb muscles and functional tests were also performed pre- and postflight. 
Our first measurements on board the ISS confirmed increased tone and stiffness of the lumbar multifidus muscle, an important trunk stabilizer, dysfunction of which is known to be associated with back pain. Furthermore, reduced tone and stiffness of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia were observed inflight vs. preflight, confirming previous findings from terrestrial analog studies and parabolic 
flights. Unexpectedly, the deltoid showed negative inflight changes in tone and stiffness, and increased elasticity, suggesting a potential risk of muscle atrophy in longer spaceflight that should be addressed by adequate inflight countermeasure protocols. Most values from limb and back MPS showed deflected patterns (in either directions) from inflight shortly after the re-entry phase on the landing day and one week later. Most parameter values then normalized to baseline after 3 weeks likely due to 1G re-adaptation and possible outcome of the reconditioning protocol. No major changes in subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs were found inflight vs preflight, suggesting no bias (i.e., fluid shift, extreme tissue thickening or loss). Pre- and postflight MRI and functional tests showed negligible changes in calf muscle size, power and force, which is likely due to training effects from current inflight exercise protocols.
The MYOTONES experiment is currently ongoing to collect data from further crew members. The potential impact of this research is to better understand the effects of microgravity and countermeasures over the time course of an ISS mission cycle. This will enable exercise countermeasures to be tailored
Y1  - 2019
SN  - 00741795
N1  - International Astronautical Congress: space: the power of the past, the promise of the future - Washington DC, USA/Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika
Dauer: 21.10.2019 → 25.10.2019
PB  - Pergamon
CY  - Oxford
ER  -