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Optical flow estimation is known from Computer Vision where it is used to determine obstacle movements through a sequence of images following an assumption of brightness conservation. This paper presents the first study on application of the optical flow method to aerated stepped spillway flows. For this purpose, the flow is captured with a high-speed camera and illuminated with a synchronized LED light source. The flow velocities, obtained using a basic Horn–Schunck method for estimation of the optical flow coupled with an image pyramid multi-resolution approach for image filtering, compare well with data from intrusive conductivity probe measurements. Application of the Horn–Schunck method yields densely populated flow field data sets with velocity information for every pixel. It is found that the image pyramid approach has the most significant effect on the accuracy compared to other image processing techniques. However, the final results show some dependency on the pixel intensity distribution, with better accuracy found for grey values between 100 and 150.
The behaviour of infilled reinforced concrete frames under horizontal load has been widely investigated, both experimentally and numerically. Since experimental tests represent large investments, numerical simulations offer an efficient approach for a more comprehensive analysis. When RC frames with masonry infill walls are subjected to horizontal loading, their behaviour is highly non-linear after a certain limit, which makes their analysis quite difficult. The non-linear behaviour results from the complex inelastic material properties of the concrete, infill wall and conditions at the wall-frame interface. In order to investigate this non-linear behaviour in detail, a finite element model using a micro modelling approach is developed, which is able to predict the complex non-linear behaviour resulting from the different materials and their interaction. Concrete and bricks are represented by a non-linear material model, while each reinforcement bar is represented as an individual part installed in the concrete part and behaving elasto-plastically. Each brick is modelled individually and connected taking into account the non-linearity of a brick mortar interface. The same approach is followed using two finite element software packages and the results are compared with the experimental results. The numerical models show a good agreement with the experiments in predicting the overall behaviour, but also very good matching for strength capacity and drift. The results emphasize the quality and the valuable contribution of the numerical models for use in parametric studies, which are needed for the derivation of design recommendations for infilled frame structures.
Following the recent successful landings and occasional re-awakenings of PHILAE, the lander carried aboard ROSETTA to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and the launch of the Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout, MASCOT, aboard the HAYABUSA2 space probe to asteroid (162173) Ryugu we present an overview of the characteristics and peculiarities of small spacecraft missions to small solar system bodies (SSSB). Their main purpose is planetary science which is transitioning from a ‘pure’ science of observation of the distant to one also supporting in-situ applications relevant for life on Earth. Here we focus on missions at the interface of SSSB science and planetary defence applications. We provide a brief overview of small spacecraft SSSB missions and on this background present recent missions, projects and related studies at the German Aerospace Center, DLR, that contribute to the worldwide planetary defence community. These range from Earth orbit technology demonstrators to active science missions in interplanetary space. We provide a summary of experience from recently flown missions with DLR participation as well as a number of studies. These include PHILAE, the lander of ESA’s ROSETTA comet rendezvous mission now on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and the Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout, MASCOT, now in cruise to the ~1 km diameter C-type near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu aboard the Japanese sample-return probe HAYABUSA2. We introduce the differences between the conventional methods employed in the design, integration and testing of large spacecraft and the new approaches developed by small spacecraft projects. We expect that the practical experience that can be gained from projects on extremely compressed timelines or with high-intensity operation phases on a newly explored small solar system body can contribute significantly to the study, preparation and realization of future planetary defence related missions. One is AIDA (Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment), a joint effort of ESA, JHU/APL, NASA, OCA and DLR, combining JHU/APL’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) and ESA’s AIM (Asteroid Impact Monitor) spacecraft in a mission towards near-Earth binary asteroid system (65803) Didymos. DLR is currently applying MASCOT heritage and lessons learned to the design of MASCOT2, a lander for the AIM mission to support a bistatic low frequency radar experiment with PHILAE/ROSETTA CONSERT heritage to explore the inner structure of Didymoon which is the designated impact target for DART.
This paper describes the procedure on the evaluation of the masonry chapter for the next generation of Eurocode 8, the European Standard for earthquake-resistant design. In CEN, TC 250/SC8, working group WG 1 has been established to support the subcommittee on the topic of masonry on both design of new structures (EN1998-1) and assessment of existing structures (EN1998-3). The aim is to elaborate suggestions for amendments which fit the current state of the art in masonry and earthquake-resistant design. Focus will be on modelling, simplified methods, linear-analysis (q-values, overstrength-values), nonlinear procedures, out-of-plane design as well as on clearer definition of limit states. Beside these, topics related to general material properties, reinforced masonry, confined masonry, mixed structures and non-structural infills will be covered too. This paper presents the preliminary work and results up to the submission date.
At the present time, one of the most serious environmental problems of Central Asia and South Kazakhstan is the ongoing large-scale deterioration of principal urban tree populations. Several major centers of massive spread of invasive plant pests have been found in urban dendroflora of this region. The degree of damage of seven most wide-spread aboriginal tree species was found to range from 21.4±1.1 to 85.4±1.8%. In particular, the integrity of the native communities of sycamore (Platanus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.) and elm (Ulmus spp.) is highly endangered. Our taxonomic analysis of the most dangerous tree pests of the region has revealed them as neobiontic xylophilous insects such as Cossus cossus L. (Order: Lepidoptera L.) Monochamus urussovi Fisch., Monochamus sutor L., Acanthocinus aedelis L. and Ñetonia aureate L. (Order: Coleoptera L.). We relate the origin of this threatening trend with the import of industrial wood in the mid 90s of the last century that was associated with high degree of the constructional work in the region. Because of the absence of efficient natural predators of the pest species, the application of microbiological methods of the pest control and limitation is suggested.
In this paper we present an extension of the action language Golog that allows for using fuzzy notions in non-deterministic argument choices and the reward function in decision-theoretic planning. Often, in decision-theoretic planning, it is cumbersome to specify the set of values to pick from in the non-deterministic-choice-of-argument statement. Also, even for domain experts, it is not always easy to specify a reward function. Instead of providing a finite domain for values in the non-deterministic-choice-of-argument statement in Golog, we now allow for stating the argument domain by simply providing a formula over linguistic terms and fuzzy uents. In Golog’s forward-search DT planning algorithm, these formulas are evaluated in order to find the agent’s optimal policy. We illustrate this in the Diner Domain where the agent needs to calculate the optimal serving order.
Surgical reconstruction of the interosseous membrane (IOM) could restore longitudinal forearm stability to avoid persisting disability due to capituloradial and ulnocarpal impingement in Essex Lopresti lesions. This biomechanical study aimed to assess longitudinal forearm stability of intact specimens, after sectioning of the IOM and after reconstruction with a TightRope construct using either a single or double bundle technique.
Turbulent dispersion in bounded horizontal jets : RANS capabilities and physical modeling comparison
(2016)
While plate fixation of proximal ulna fractures might lead to superior clinical results compared to tension band wiring, regular plates represent an established risk factor for wound complications. The olecranon double plates (Medartis, Basel, CH) might decrease complications related to the osteosynthesis because of their low profile and better anatomical fit. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical performance and clinical results of the olecranon double plates.
A New Class of Biosensors Based on Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Coat Proteins as Enzyme Nanocarrier
(2016)
An amperometric biosensor using a substrate recycling principle was realized for the detection of low adrenaline concentrations (1 nM) by measurements in phosphate buffer and Ringer’s solution at pH 6.5 and pH 7.4, respectively. In proof-of-concept experiments, a Boolean logic-gate principle has been applied to develop a digital adrenaline biosensor based on an enzyme AND logic gate. The obtained results demonstrate that the developed digital biosensor is capable for a rapid qualitative determination of the presence/absence of adrenaline in a YES/NO statement. Such digital biosensor could be used in clinical diagnostics for the control of a correct insertion of a catheter in the adrenal veins during adrenal venous-sampling procedure.
Label-free Electrostatic Detection of DNA Amplification by PCR Using Capacitive Field-effect Devices
(2016)
A capacitive field-effect EIS (electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor) sensor modified with a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/single-stranded probe DNA (ssDNA) bilayer has been used for a label-free electrostatic detection of pathogen-specific DNA amplification via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sensor is able to distinguish between positive and negative PCR solutions, to detect the existence of target DNA amplicons in PCR samples and thus, can be used as tool for a quick verification of DNA amplification and the successful PCR process.
Future engineers are increasingly confronted with the so-called Megatrends which are the big social challenges society has to cope with. These Megatrends, such as “Silver Society”, “Globalization”, “Mobility” and “Female Shift” require an application-oriented perspective on Diversity especially in the engineering field. Therefore, it is necessary to enable future engineers not only to look at the technical perspectives of a problem, but also to be able to see the related questions within societies they are developing their artefacts for. The aim of teaching engineering should be to prepare engineers for these requirements and to draw attention to the diverse needs in a globalized world.
Bringing together technical knowledge and social competences which go beyond a mere training of the so-called “soft skills”, is a new approach followed at RWTH Aachen University, one of the leading technical universities in Germany. RWTH Aachen University has established the bridging professorship “Gender and Diversity in Engineering” (GDI) which educates engineers with an interdisciplinary approach to expand engineering limits. In the frame of a sustainable teaching concept the research group under the leadership of Prof. Carmen Leicht-Scholten has developed an approach which imparts a supplication-specific Gender and Diversity expertise to engineers. In workshops students gain theoretical knowledge about Gender and Diversity and learn how to transfer their knowledge in their special field of study and later work. To substantiate this, the course participants have to solve case studies from real life. The cases which are developed in collaboration with non-profit organizations and enterprises from economy rise the students to challenges which are inspired by professional life. Evaluation shows the success of this approach as well as an increasing demand for such teaching formats.
A multi-spot light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), which belongs to the family of semiconductor field-effect devices, was applied for label-free detection of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) molecules by their intrinsic molecular charge. To reduce the distance between the DNA charge and sensor surface and thus, to enhance the electrostatic coupling between the dsDNA molecules and the LAPS, the negatively charged dsDNA molecules were electrostatically adsorbed onto the gate surface of the LAPS covered with a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte layer of PAH (poly(allylamine hydrochloride)). The surface potential changes in each spot of the LAPS, induced by the layer-by-layer adsorption of a PAH/dsDNA bilayer, were recorded by means of photocurrent-voltage and constant-photocurrent measurements. In addition, the surface morphology of the gate surface before and after consecutive electrostatic adsorption of PAH and dsDNA layers was studied by atomic force microscopy measurements. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy was used to verify the successful adsorption of dsDNA molecules onto the PAH-modified LAPS surface. A high sensor signal of 25 mV was registered after adsorption of 10 nM dsDNA molecules. The lower detection limit is down to 0.1 nM dsDNA. The obtained results demonstrate that the PAH-modified LAPS device provides a convenient and rapid platform for the direct label-free electrical detection of in-solution hybridized dsDNA molecules.
The interplay of albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ) adsorbed simultaneously on titanium was analyzed by gel electrophoresis and BCA assay. It was found that BSA and lysozyme adsorb cooperatively. Additionally, the isoelectric point of the respective protein influences the adsorption. Also, the enzymatic activity of lysozyme and amylase (AMY) in mixtures with BSA was considered with respect to a possible influence of protein-protein interaction on enzyme activity. Indeed, an increase of lysozyme activity in the presence of BSA could be observed. In contrast, BSA does not influence the activity of amylase.
The composition of plant biomass varies depending on the feedstock and pre-treatment conditions and influences its processing in biorefineries. In order to ensure optimal process conditions, the quantitative proportion of the main polymeric components of the pre-treated biomass has to be determined. Current standard procedures for biomass compositional analysis are complex, the measurements are afflicted with errors and therefore often not comparable. Hence, new powerful analytical methods are urgently required to characterize biomass. In this contribution, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was applied in combination with multivariate data analysis (MVA) to detect the cellulose content of the plant biomass pretreated by Liquid Hot Water (LHW) and Organosolv processes under various conditions. Unlike conventional techniques, the developed analytic method enables the accurate quantification of monosaccharide content of the plant biomass without any previous sample preparation. It is easy to handle and avoids errors in sample preparation.
This paper describes the development of a capacitively coupled high-pressure lamp with input power between 20 and 43 W at 2.45 GHz, using a coaxial line network. Compared with other electrodeless lamp systems, no cavity has to be used and a reduction in the input power is achieved. Therefore, this lamp is an alternative to the halogen incandescent lamp for domestic lighting. To serve the demands of domestic lighting, the filling of the lamp is optimized over all other resulting requirements, such as high efficacy at low induced powers and fast startups. A workflow to develop RF-driven plasma applications is presented, which makes use of the hot S-parameter technique. Descriptions of the fitting process inside a circuit and FEM simulator are given. Results of the combined ignition and operation network from simulations and measurements are compared. An initial prototype is built and measurements of the lamp's lighting properties are presented along with an investigation of the efficacy optimizations using large signal amplitude modulation. With this lamp, an efficacy of 135 lmW -1 is achieved.
Analysis of the long-term effect of the MBST® nuclear magnetic resonance therapy on gonarthrosis
(2016)
The structure of the female pelvic floor (PF) is an inter-related system of bony pelvis,muscles, pelvic organs, fascias, ligaments, and nerves with multiple functions. Mechanically, thepelvic organ support system are of two types: (I) supporting system of the levator ani (LA) muscle,and (II) the suspension system of the endopelvic fascia condensation [1], [2]. Significantdenervation injury to the pelvic musculature, depolimerization of the collagen fibrils of the softvaginal hammock, cervical ring and ligaments during pregnancy and vaginal delivery weakens thenormal functions of the pelvic floor. Pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, sexual dysfunction aresome of the dysfunctions which increases progressively with age and menopause due toweakened support system according to the Integral theory [3]. An improved 3D finite elementmodel of the female pelvic floor as shown in Fig. 1 is constructed that: (I) considers the realisticsupport of the organs to the pelvic side walls, (II) employs the improvement of our previous FEmodel [4], [5] along with the patient based geometries, (III) incorporates the realistic anatomy andboundary conditions of the endopelvic (pubocervical and rectovaginal) fascia, and (IV) considersvarying stiffness of the endopelvic fascia in the craniocaudal direction [3]. Several computationsare carried out on the presented computational model with healthy and damaged supportingtissues, and comparisons are made to understand the physiopathology of the female PF disorders.
The human arm consists of the humerus (upper arm), the medial ulna and the lateral radius (forearm). The joint between the humerus and the ulna is called humeroulnar joint and the joint between the humerus and the radius is called humeroradial joint. Lateral and medial collateral ligaments stabilize the elbow. Statistically, 2.5 out of 10,000 people suffer from radial head fractures [1]. In these fractures the cartilage is often affected. Caused by the injured cartilage, degenerative diseases like posttraumatic arthrosis may occur. The resulting pain and reduced range of motion have an impact on the patient’s quality of life. Until now, there has not been a treatment which allows typical loads in daily life activities and offers good long-term results. A new surgical approach was developed with the motivation to reduce the progress of the posttraumatic arthrosis. Here, the radius is shortened by 3 mm in the proximal part [2]. By this means, the load of the radius is intended to be reduced due to a load shift to the ulna. Since the radius is the most important stabilizer of the elbow it has to be confirmed that the stability is not affected. In the first test (Fig. 1 left), pressure distributions within the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints a native and a shortened radius were measured using resistive pressure sensors (I5076 and I5027, Tekscan, USA). The humerus was loaded axially in a tension testing machine (Z010, Zwick Roell, Germany) in 50 N steps up to 400 N. From the humerus the load is transmitted through both the radius and the ulna into the hand which is fixed on the ground. In the second test (Fig. 1 right), the joint stability was investigated using a digital image correlation system to measure the displacement of the ulna. Here, the humerus is fixed with a desired flexion angle and the unconstrained forearm lies on the ground. A rope connects the load actuator with a hook fixed in the ulna. A guide roller is used so that the rope pulls the ulna horizontally when a tensile load is applied. This creates a moment about the elbow joint with a maximum value of 7.5 Nm. Measurements were performed with varying flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°). For both tests and each measurement, seven specimens were used. Student ́s t-test was employed to determine whether the mean values of the measurements in native specimen and operated specimens differ significantly.
Smoothed Finite Element Methods for Nonlinear Solid Mechanics Problems: 2D and 3D Case Studies
(2016)
The Smoothed Finite Element Method (SFEM) is presented as an edge-based and a facebased techniques for 2D and 3D boundary value problems, respectively. SFEMs avoid shortcomings of the standard Finite Element Method (FEM) with lower order elements such as overly stiff behavior, poor stress solution, and locking effects. Based on the idea of averaging spatially the standard strain field of the FEM over so-called smoothing domains SFEM calculates the stiffness matrix for the same number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) as those of the FEM. However, the SFEMs significantly improve accuracy and convergence even for distorted meshes and/or nearly incompressible materials.
Numerical results of the SFEMs for a cardiac tissue membrane (thin plate inflation) and an artery (tension of 3D tube) show clearly their advantageous properties in improving accuracy particularly for the distorted meshes and avoiding shear locking effects.
Air-water flows can be found in different engineering applications: from nuclear engineering to huge hydraulic structures. In this paper, a single tip fibre optical probe has been used to record high frequency (over 1 MHz) phase functions at different locations of a stepped spillway. These phase functions have been related to the interfacial velocities by means of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and the measurements of a classical double tip conductivity probe. Special attention has been put to the input selection and the ANN dimensions. Finally, ANN have shown to be able to link the signal rising times and plateau shapes to the air-water interfacial velocity.
Sensitivity of turbulent Schmidt number and turbulence model to simulations of jets in crossflow
(2016)
Environmental discharges have been traditionally designed by means of cost-intensive and time-consuming experimental studies. Some extensively validated models based on an integral approach have been often employed for water quality problems, as recommended by USEPA (i.e.: CORMIX). In this study, FLOW-3D is employed for a full 3D RANS modelling of two turbulent jet-to-crossflow cases, including free surface jet impingement. Results are compared to both physical modelling and CORMIX to better assess model performance. Turbulence measurements have been collected for a better understanding of turbulent diffusion's parameter sensitivity. Although both studied models are generally able to reproduce jet trajectory, jet separation downstream of the impingement has been reproduced only by RANS modelling. Additionally, concentrations are better reproduced by FLOW-3D when the proper turbulent Schmidt number is used. This study provides a recommendation on the selection of the turbulence model and the turbulent Schmidt number for future outfall structures design studies.
Plate osteosynthesis of displaced proximal phalangeal neck fractures of the hand allows early mobilization due to a stable internal fixation. Nevertheless, joint stiffness—because of soft tissue irritation—represents a common complication leading to high complication rates. Del Pinal et al. recently reported promising clinical results for a new, minimally invasive fixation technique with a cannulated headless intramedullary compression screw. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare plate fixation of proximal phalangeal neck fractures to less two less invasive techniques: Crossed k-wire fixation and intramedullary screw fixation. We hypothesized that these fixation techniques provide inferior stability when compared to plate osteosynthesis.
The Dry-Low-NOₓ (DLN) Micromix combustion technology has been developed as low emission combustion principle for industrial gas turbines fueled with hydrogen or syngas. The combustion process is based on the phenomenon of jet-in-crossflow-mixing. Fuel is injected perpendicular into the air-cross-flow and burned in a multitude of miniaturized, diffusion-like flames. The miniaturization of the flames leads to a significant reduction of NOₓ emissions due to the very short residence time of reactants in the flame.
In the Micromix research approach, CFD analyses are validated towards experimental results. The combination of numerical and experimental methods allows an efficient design and optimization of DLN Micromix combustors concerning combustion stability and low NOₓ emissions.
The paper presents a comparison of several numerical combustion models for hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas. They differ in the complexity of the underlying reaction mechanism and the associated computational effort.
For pure hydrogen combustion a one-step global reaction is applied using a hybrid Eddy-Break-up model that incorporates finite rate kinetics. The model is evaluated and compared to a detailed hydrogen combustion mechanism derived by Li et al. including 9 species and 19 reversible elementary reactions. Based on this mechanism, reduction of the computational effort is achieved by applying the Flamelet Generated Manifolds (FGM) method while the accuracy of the detailed reaction scheme is maintained.
For hydrogen-rich syngas combustion (H₂-CO) numerical analyses based on a skeletal H₂/CO reaction mechanism derived by Hawkes et al. and a detailed reaction mechanism provided by Ranzi et al. are performed.
The comparison between combustion models and the validation of numerical results is based on exhaust gas compositions available from experimental investigation on DLN Micromix combustors.
The conducted evaluation confirms that the applied detailed combustion mechanisms are able to predict the general physics of the DLN-Micromix combustion process accurately. The Flamelet Generated Manifolds method proved to be generally suitable to reduce the computational effort while maintaining the accuracy of detailed chemistry.
Especially for reaction mechanisms with a high number of species accuracy and computational effort can be balanced using the FGM model.
L.setulosus is offered for creation of biopreparation «Setulin», possesing he- mostatic action, the basic reactant of biopreparation is diterpen – lagochirzin. Results under the maintenance and dynamics of diterpen lagochirzin accumula- tion in various parts of L.setulosus are presented: in roots, stalks, leaves, flowers and calyx lobes during the growing season, and also results on conditions of cultivation L.setulosus in the conditions of a typical sierozem are resulted. From the obtained data is visible, that the given species of a plant is endemic. It is established, that dynamics of accumulation of lagochirzin in phytomass accrues from the beginning to the middle of the growing season. The chemical analysis of L.setulosus on a localization of lagochirzin in various organs of a plant, has shown, that the greatest quantity of lagochirzin collects in calyx lobes of the plants. Also it is established, that L.setulosus can be cultivated in the conditions of the typical sierozem, a mineral food is necessary for the given species of plants of Lagochilus genus, except nitric fertilizers. Comparative studying of wild-growing and cultural forms of L.setulosus has shown, that in the cultivated phytomass of plants the maintenance of lagochirzin on 17-20 % higher than in the wild-growing species.
In the last decades, several hundred exoplanets could be detected thanks to space-based observatories, namely CNES’ COROT and NASA’s Kepler. To expand this quest ESA plans to launch CHEOPS as the f irst small class mission in the cosmic visions program (S1) and PLATO as the 3rd medium class mission, so called M3 . PLATO’s primary objective is the detection of Earth like Exoplanets orbiting solar type stars in the habitable zone and characterisation of their bulk properties. This is possible by precise lightcurve measurement via 34 cameras. That said it becomes obvious that accurate pointing is key to achieve the required signal to noise ratio for positive transit detection. The paper will start with a comprehensive overview of PLATO’s mission objectives and mission architecture. Hereafter, special focus will be devoted to PLATO’s pointing requirements. Understanding the very nature of PLATO’s pointing requirements is essential to derive a design baseline to achieve the required performance. The PLATO frequency domain is of particular interest, ranging from 40 mHz to 3 Hz. Due to the very different time-scales involved, the spectral pointing requirement is decomposed into a high frequency part dominated by the attitude control system and the low frequency part dominated by the thermo-elastic properties of the spacecraft’s configuration. Both pose stringent constraints on the overall design as well as technology properties to comply with the derived requirements and thus assure a successful mission.
Based on an identifying Volterra type integral equation for randomly right censored observations from a lifetime distribution function F, we solve the corresponding estimating equation by an explicit and implicit Euler scheme. While the first approach results in some known estimators, the second one produces new semi-parametric and pre-smoothed Kaplan–Meier estimators which are real distribution functions rather than sub-distribution functions as the former ones are. This property of the new estimators is particular useful if one wants to estimate the expected lifetime restricted to the support of the observation time.
Specifically, we focus on estimation under the semi-parametric random censorship model (SRCM), that is, a random censorship model where the conditional expectation of the censoring indicator given the observation belongs to a parametric family. We show that some estimated linear functionals which are based on the new semi-parametric estimator are strong consistent, asymptotically normal, and efficient under SRCM. In a small simulation study, the performance of the new estimator is illustrated under moderate sample sizes. Finally, we apply the new estimator to a well-known real dataset.
In order to efficiently convert lignocellulose, it is often necessary to conduct a pretreatment. The biomass considered in this study typically comprises of agricultural and horticultural residues, as well as beechwood. A very environmentally friendly method, namely, fungal pretreatment using white-rot fungi, leads to an enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis. In contrast to other processes presented, the energy input is extremely low. However, the fungal growth on the lignocellulosic substrates takes several weeks at least in order to be effective. Thus, the reduction of chemicals and energy for thermal processing is a target of our current research. Liquid hot water (LHW) and solvent-based pretreatment (OrganoSolv) require more complex equipment, as they depend on high temperatures (160 – 180 °C) and enhanced pressure (up to 20 bar). However, they prove to be promising processes in regard to the fractioning of lignocellulose. For optimal lignin recovery the parameters differ from those established in cellulose extraction. A novel screening system scaled down to a reaction volume of 100 mL has been developed and successfully tested for this purpose.
We present an electromechanically coupled computational model for the investigation of a thin cardiac tissue construct consisting of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial, ventricular and sinoatrial cardiomyocytes. The mechanical and electrophysiological parts of the finite element model, as well as their coupling are explained in detail. The model is implemented in the open source finite element code Code_Aster and is employed for the simulation of a thin circular membrane deflected by a monolayer of autonomously beating, circular, thin cardiac tissue. Two cardio-active drugs, S-Bay K8644 and veratridine, are applied in experiments and simulations and are investigated with respect to their chronotropic effects on the tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of coupled micro- and macroscopic electromechanical models of cardiac tissue to be adapted to experimental results at the cellular level. Further model improvements are discussed taking into account experimentally measurable quantities that can easily be extracted from the obtained experimental results. The goal is to estimate the potential to adapt the presented model to sample specific cell cultures.
Electromicrobial engineering is an emerging, highly interdisciplinary research area linking bioprocesses with electrochemistry. In this work, microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of biobutanol is carried out during acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentations with Clostridium acetobutylicum. A constant electric potential of −600mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) with simultaneous addition of the soluble redox mediator neutral red is used in order to study the electron transfer between the working electrode and the bacterial cells. The results show an earlier initiation of solvent production for all fermentations with applied potential compared to the conventional ABE fermentation. The f inal butanol concentration can be more than doubled by the application of a negative potential combined with addition of neutral red. Moreover a higher biofilm formation on the working electrode compared to control cultivations has been observed. In contrast to previous studies, our results also indicate that direct electron transfer (DET) might be possible with C. acetobutylicum. The presented results make microbial butanol production economically attractive and therefore support the development of sustainable production processes in the chemical industry aspired by the “Centre for resource-efficient chemistry and raw material change” as well as the the project “NanoKat” working on nanostructured catalysts in Kaiserslautern.
NVS123 is a poorly water-soluble protease 56 inhibitor in clinical development. Data from in vitro hepatocyte studies suggested that NVS123 is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4. As a consequence of limited solubility, NVS123 therapeutic plasma exposures could not be achieved even with high doses and optimized formulations. One approach to overcome NVS123 developability issues was to increase plasma exposure by coadministrating it with an inhibitor of CYP3A4 such as ritonavir. A clinical boost effect was predicted by using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. However, initial boost predictions lacked sufficient confidence because a key parameter, fraction of drug metabolized by CYP3A4 (ƒₘCYP3A4), could not be estimated with accuracy on account of disconnects between in vitro and in vivo preclinical data. To accurately estimate ƒₘCYP3A4 in human, an in vivo boost effect study was conducted using CYP3A4-humanized mouse model which showed a 33- to 56-fold exposure boost effect. Using a top-down approach, human ƒₘCYP3A4 for NVS123 was estimated to be very high and included in the human PBPK modeling to support subsequent clinical study design. The combined use of the in vivo boost study in CYP3A4-humanized mouse model mice along with PBPK modeling accurately predicted the clinical outcome and identified a significant NVS123 exposure boost (∼42-fold increase) with ritonavir.