Refine
Year of publication
Institute
- IfB - Institut für Bioengineering (692) (remove)
Document Type
- Article (452)
- Conference Proceeding (152)
- Part of a Book (37)
- Doctoral Thesis (20)
- Report (10)
- Book (8)
- Lecture (3)
- Other (3)
- Habilitation (2)
- Patent (2)
Keywords
- Finite-Elemente-Methode (7)
- Limit analysis (6)
- Clusterion (5)
- Shakedown analysis (5)
- solar sail (5)
- Air purification (4)
- Einspielen <Werkstoff> (4)
- Hämoglobin (4)
- Lipopolysaccharide (4)
- Luftreiniger (4)
- Plasmacluster ion technology (4)
- Raumluft (4)
- Sonde (4)
- CellDrum (3)
- Eisschicht (3)
- GOSSAMER-1 (3)
- Kohlenstofffaser (3)
- MASCOT (3)
- Technische Mechanik (3)
- lipopolysaccharides (3)
- shakedown analysis (3)
- Analytischer Zulaessigkeitsnachweis (2)
- Biocomposites (2)
- Bruchmechanik (2)
- Einspiel-Analyse (2)
- Erythrozyt (2)
- FEM (2)
- Fibroblast (2)
- Iterative learning control (2)
- Mars (2)
- Natural fibres (2)
- Pflanzenphysiologie (2)
- Pflanzenscanner (2)
- Polymer-matrix composites (2)
- Shakedown (2)
- Solar sail (2)
- Spacecraft (2)
- Stickstoffmonoxid (2)
- Stiffness (2)
- Stress concentrations (2)
- Trajectory Optimization (2)
- bacterial cellulose (2)
- biopotential electrodes (2)
- carbonized rice husk (2)
- celldrum technology (2)
- damage (2)
- locomotion (2)
- multiple NEA rendezvous (2)
- muscle fascicle behavior (2)
- nanostructured carbonized plant parts (2)
- nanostrukturierte carbonisierte Pflanzenteile (2)
- nitric oxide gas (2)
- plant scanner (2)
- prebiotic (2)
- ratchetting (2)
- shakedown (2)
- small spacecraft (2)
- ultrasound (2)
- ultrasound imaging (2)
- Achilles tendon (1)
- Adaptive control (1)
- Adsorption (1)
- Ageing (1)
- AlterG (1)
- Alternating plasticity (1)
- Alzheimer's disease (1)
- Analysis (1)
- Anastomose (1)
- Anastomosis (1)
- Anastomotic leakage (1)
- Anatomy (1)
- Annulus Fibrosus (1)
- Antarctic Glaciology (1)
- Antarctica (1)
- Architectural gear ratio (1)
- Arthosetherapie (1)
- Assistive technology (1)
- Asteroid Deflection (1)
- Attitude dynamics (1)
- Aufschlagversuch (1)
- Autofluoreszenzverfahren (1)
- Autolysis (1)
- Automated Optimization (1)
- Automatic control (1)
- Axialbelastung (1)
- Axially cracked pipe (1)
- Bacillus sp (1)
- Bacterial cellulose (1)
- Bakterien (1)
- Biomechanical simulation (1)
- Biomechanics (1)
- Biomechanik (1)
- Biomedizinische Technik (1)
- Bioreaktor (1)
- Biosolubilization (1)
- Bladder (1)
- Blutzellenlagerung (1)
- Bone quality and biomechanics (1)
- Bone sawing (1)
- Carbon sources (1)
- Cardiac myocytes (1)
- Cardiac tissue (1)
- Cell permeability (1)
- Cellular force (1)
- Cellulose nanostructure (1)
- Cement infiltration (1)
- Cementoblast (1)
- Chance constrained programming (1)
- Circular Dichroism (1)
- Coal (1)
- Coefficient of ocular rigidity (1)
- Collagen fibrils (1)
- Compression (1)
- Computational biomechanics (1)
- Connective tissues (1)
- Constitutive model (1)
- Contractile tension (1)
- Corneo-scleral shell (1)
- Cost-effectiveness (1)
- Culture media (1)
- DLR-ESTEC GOSSAMER roadmap for solar sailing (1)
- Damage mechanics theory (1)
- Dattel (1)
- Decomposition (1)
- Deformation (1)
- Dekontamination (1)
- Design-by-analysis (1)
- Differential tonometry (1)
- Disc Degeneration (1)
- Discontinuous fractures (1)
- Distorsion des oberen Sprunggelenks (1)
- Druckbeanspruchung (1)
- Druckbehälter (1)
- Druckbelastung (1)
- Drug simulation (1)
- Dry surfaces (1)
- EEG (1)
- ES-FEM (1)
- Einspiel-Kriterium (1)
- Einspielen (1)
- Elastostatics (1)
- Electromechanical modeling (1)
- Elektrodynamik (1)
- End-to-end colorectal anastomosis (1)
- Endothelial cells (1)
- Endothelial dysfunction (1)
- Endothelzelle (1)
- Environmental impact (1)
- Epithel (1)
- Evolution of damage (1)
- Evolutionary Neurocontrol (1)
- Exact Ilyushin yield surface (1)
- Experiment (1)
- Extension fracture (1)
- Extension strain criterion (1)
- External knee adduction moments (1)
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) (1)
- Extraterrestrial Glaciology (1)
- Eyeball (1)
- FGF23 (1)
- FS-FEM (1)
- Fehlerstellen (1)
- Finite element analysis (1)
- Finite element analysis (FEA) (1)
- Finite element method (1)
- Finite element modelling (1)
- First Order Reliabiblity Method (1)
- First-order reliability method (1)
- Fließgrenze (1)
- Force (1)
- Forces (1)
- Fracture configuration (1)
- Fracture simulation (1)
- Freeze–thaw process (1)
- Frequency adaption (1)
- Fußball (1)
- Geriatric (1)
- Glaciological instruments and methods (1)
- Glaucoma (1)
- Global and local collapse (1)
- Gonarthrose (1)
- Gossamer (1)
- Gossamer structures (1)
- Grenzwertberechnung (1)
- Growth modelling (1)
- H2 (1)
- Haemodialysis (1)
- Handbike (1)
- Harnleiter (1)
- Heart tissue culture (1)
- Hemoglobin structure (1)
- Hip fractures (1)
- Hodgkin–Huxley models (1)
- Homogenization (1)
- Human-Computer interaction (1)
- Hybrid Propellants (1)
- Hydrodynamik (1)
- Hydrogel (1)
- Hydrogenotrophic methanogens (1)
- Hämoglobinstruktur (1)
- Ice melting probe (1)
- Ice penetration (1)
- Icy moons (1)
- Impedance Spectroscopy (1)
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (1)
- Inotropic compounds (1)
- Interplanetary flight (1)
- Interstellar objects (1)
- Intervertebral Disc (1)
- Intradiscal Pressure (1)
- Inverse dynamic problem (1)
- Inverse kinematic problem (1)
- Ion channels (1)
- Jupiter (1)
- Kinematics (1)
- Kinetics (1)
- Klotho (1)
- Knee (1)
- Kniegelenkarthrose (1)
- Knochen (1)
- Knochenbildung (1)
- Knochenchirugie (1)
- Knochendichte (1)
- Körpertemperatur (1)
- LPS (1)
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (1)
- Lichtstreuungsbasierte Instrumente (1)
- Liver (1)
- Load modeling (1)
- Long COVID (1)
- Low-Thrust Propulsion (1)
- MBST (1)
- Machine learning (1)
- Manipulated variables (1)
- Mechanical simulation (1)
- Mechanical stability (1)
- Mechanics (1)
- Mechanische Beanspruchung (1)
- Mechanotransduction (1)
- Medusomyces gisevi (1)
- Methane (1)
- Methanogenesis (1)
- Microbial adhesion (1)
- Microcirculation (1)
- Mild cognitive impairment (1)
- Missions (1)
- Mohr–Coulomb criterion (1)
- Multimode failure (1)
- Multiphase (1)
- Muscle (1)
- Muscle Fascicle (1)
- Muscle Force (1)
- Muscle fibers (1)
- Musculoskeletal model (1)
- Musculoskeletal system (1)
- Myocardial infarction and cardiac death (1)
- NONOate (1)
- Natriumhypochlorit (1)
- Niacin (1)
- Nitric Oxide (1)
- Nitric Oxide Donor (1)
- Non-linear optimization (1)
- Non-parallel fissures (1)
- Nucleus Pulposus (1)
- Ocean worlds (1)
- Ocular blood flow (1)
- Orbital dynamics (1)
- Organkultur (1)
- Osteoporose (1)
- Osteoporosis (1)
- PFM (1)
- PHILAE (1)
- PTH (1)
- Paralympic sport (1)
- Passive stretching (1)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (1)
- Pelvic muscle (1)
- Permeability (1)
- Permeabilität (1)
- Pflanzenstress (1)
- Pharmacology (1)
- Phosphate (1)
- Physiology (1)
- Planetary Protection (1)
- Planetary exploration (1)
- Plastizität (1)
- Post-COVID-19 syndrome (1)
- Pressure loaded crack-face (1)
- Pressure-volume relationship (1)
- Prevention (1)
- Progressive plastic deformation (1)
- Prophylaxis (1)
- Proteine (1)
- Proximal humerus fracture (1)
- Pulsations (1)
- RVA (1)
- Random variable (1)
- Ratcheting (1)
- Ratchetting (1)
- Recombinant activated protein C (1)
- Reconstruction (1)
- Red blood cell storage (1)
- Rehabilitation Technology and Prosthetics (1)
- Rehabilitation engineering (1)
- Reliability analysis (1)
- Reliability of structures (1)
- Retinal vessel analysis (1)
- Retinal vessels (1)
- Reusable Rocket Engines (1)
- Riboflavin (1)
- Robotic rehabilitation (1)
- Rohr (1)
- Rohrbruch (1)
- Rotator cuff (1)
- Running (1)
- S-FEM (1)
- Sampling methods (1)
- Schienbeinschoner (1)
- Schwammknochen (1)
- Sensitivity (1)
- Sepsis (1)
- Septic cardiomyopathy (1)
- Sequence-Search (1)
- Shakedown criterion (1)
- Simulation (1)
- Skeletal muscle (1)
- Sleep EEG (1)
- Small Aral Sea (1)
- Small Solar System Body Lander (1)
- Small Spacecraft (1)
- Small spacecraft (1)
- Solar Power Sail (1)
- Solar Sail (1)
- Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization (1)
- Spleen (1)
- Sprunggelenkorthesen (1)
- Stahl (1)
- Statics (1)
- Stochastic programming (1)
- Strukturanalyse (1)
- Subclacial exploration (1)
- Subglacial lakes (1)
- SunRav BookEditor (1)
- Surface microorganisms (1)
- Surgical Navigation and Robotics (1)
- Surgical staplers (1)
- Swabbing (1)
- Tapered ends (1)
- Temperaturabhängigkeit (1)
- Tendon Rupture (1)
- Tendon properties (1)
- Tendons (1)
- Tension (1)
- Thiamine (1)
- Tissue Engineering (1)
- Traglastanalyse (1)
- Training (1)
- Trajectories (1)
- Ultrasound (1)
- Uniaxial compression test (1)
- Ureter (1)
- Variable height stapler design (1)
- Vascular response (1)
- Vasomotions (1)
- Vertebroplastie (1)
- Vertebroplasty (1)
- Viscous flow (1)
- Viskose Strömung (1)
- Viskosität (1)
- Visual field asymmetry (1)
- Vitamin A (1)
- Vitamin B (1)
- Vitamin D (1)
- Wasserbrücke (1)
- Wasserstoffperoxid (1)
- Wolff's Law (1)
- Wolffsches Gesetz (1)
- Wundheilung (1)
- Zug-Druck Belastung (1)
- achilles tendon (1)
- actin cytoskeleton (1)
- activated nanostructured carbon (1)
- adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) (1)
- adsorption (1)
- agility (1)
- aktivierte nanostrukturierte Kohlenstofffaser (1)
- alternierend Verformbarkeit (1)
- anaesthetic complications (1)
- anisotropy (1)
- ankle braces (1)
- ankle sprain (1)
- aortic perfusion (1)
- arthrosis therapy (1)
- asteroid lander (1)
- asteroid sample return (1)
- attitude dynamics (1)
- autofluorescence-based detection system (1)
- biaxial tensile experiment (1)
- biofilms (1)
- biomechanics (1)
- bone density (1)
- bone structure (1)
- burst pressure (1)
- burst tests (1)
- cancellous bone (1)
- cardiomyocyte biomechanics (1)
- cell aerosolization (1)
- cell atomization (1)
- cerebral small vessel disease (1)
- chance constrained programming (1)
- coculture (1)
- cognitive impairment (1)
- community dwelling (1)
- computational fluid dynamics analysis (1)
- connective tissue (1)
- constitutive modeling (1)
- constructive alignment (1)
- contractile tension (1)
- correlation (1)
- crop yield (1)
- cytosolic water diffusion (1)
- date palm tree (1)
- dental trauma (1)
- design-by-analysis (1)
- dialysis (1)
- difficult airway (1)
- distance learning (1)
- distorted element (1)
- double-lumen tube intubation (1)
- drop jump (1)
- e-books (1)
- e-issues (1)
- ecological structure (1)
- electromyography (1)
- endoluminal (1)
- energy absorption (1)
- energy dissipation (1)
- epithelization (1)
- examination (1)
- exopolysaccharides (1)
- extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (1)
- fibulare Bandruptur (1)
- finite element analysis (1)
- flaw (1)
- flotilla missions (1)
- force generation (1)
- forehead EEG (1)
- fortschreitende plastische Deformation (1)
- gait (1)
- gonarthrosis (1)
- habitability (1)
- healthy aging (1)
- heliosphere (1)
- hemoglobin (1)
- hemoglobin dynamics (1)
- hiPS cardiomyocytes (1)
- high-intensity exercise (1)
- human dermal fibroblasts (1)
- humic acid (1)
- hydrogel (1)
- hyper-gravity (1)
- hyperelastic (1)
- hypo-gravity (1)
- ice moons (1)
- icy moons (1)
- immobilization (1)
- impedance spectroscopy (1)
- in-ear EEG (1)
- intraclass correlation coefficient (1)
- ion propulsion (1)
- kontraktile Spannung (1)
- life detection (1)
- light scattering analysis (1)
- lignite (1)
- limit analysis (1)
- limit and shakedown analysis (1)
- linear kinematic hardening (1)
- lipopolysaccharide (1)
- load limit (1)
- long-term retention (1)
- low-rank coal (1)
- low-thrust (1)
- low-thrust trajectory optimization (1)
- material shakedown (1)
- mechanical buffer (1)
- metagenomics (1)
- microbial diversity (1)
- multimodal (1)
- muscle mechanics (1)
- near-Earth asteroid (1)
- non-simplex S-FEM elements (1)
- nonlinear kinematic hardening (1)
- orbit control (1)
- orbital dynamics (1)
- overload (1)
- parabolic flight (1)
- performance testing (1)
- physiology (1)
- pipes (1)
- planetary defence (1)
- plant stress (1)
- plasma generated ions (1)
- practical learning (1)
- prevention (1)
- probabilistic fracture mechanics (1)
- protein (1)
- psychosocial (1)
- pullulan (1)
- rehabilitation (1)
- reliability of structures (1)
- responsive space (1)
- retinal microvasculature (1)
- retinal vessels (1)
- rhAPC (1)
- running (1)
- rupture of the fibular ligament (1)
- sEMG (1)
- sailcraft (1)
- sample return (1)
- sarcomere operating length (1)
- second-order reliability method (1)
- sensors (1)
- series elastic element behavior (1)
- shotgun sequencing (1)
- shoulder (1)
- simulation (1)
- small solar system body characterisation (1)
- small spacecraft asteroid lander (1)
- small spacecraft solar sail (1)
- smooth muscle contraction (1)
- softs (1)
- soil amendment (1)
- soil health (1)
- soil remediation (1)
- solar sails (1)
- solar system (1)
- space missions (1)
- sprint start (1)
- standard error of measurement (1)
- stiffness (1)
- stochastic programming (1)
- strain energy function (1)
- stretch reflex (1)
- stretch-shortening cycle (1)
- subglacial aquatic ecosystems (1)
- subsurface ice (1)
- subsurface ice research (1)
- subsurface probe (1)
- surface modification (1)
- survival (1)
- system engineering (1)
- tendon rupture (1)
- tension–torsion loading (1)
- test-retest reliability (1)
- training simulator (1)
- tri-lineage differentiation (1)
- twin-fluid atomizer (1)
- ultrasonography (1)
- underwater vehicle (1)
- unloading (1)
- vessels (1)
- videolaryngoscopy (1)
- virgin passive (1)
- virtual reality (1)
- viscoelasticity (1)
- walking (1)
- walking gait (1)
- water bridge phenomenon (1)
- wound healing (1)
- yield stress (1)
Muscular activity in terms of surface electromyography (sEMG) is usually normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). This study aims to compare two different MVIC-modes in handcycling and examine the effect of moving average window-size. Twelve able-bodied male competitive triathletes performed ten MVICs against manual resistance and four sport-specific trials against fixed cranks. sEMG of ten muscles [M. trapezius (TD); M. pectoralis major (PM); M. deltoideus, Pars clavicularis (DA); M. deltoideus, Pars spinalis (DP); M. biceps brachii (BB); M. triceps brachii (TB); forearm flexors (FC); forearm extensors (EC); M. latissimus dorsi (LD) and M. rectus abdominis (RA)] was recorded and filtered using moving average window-sizes of 150, 200, 250 and 300 ms. Sport-specific MVICs were higher compared to manual resistance for TB, DA, DP and LD, whereas FC, TD, BB and RA demonstrated lower values. PM and EC demonstrated no significant difference between MVIC-modes. Moving average window-size had no effect on MVIC outcomes. MVIC-mode should be taken into account when normalised sEMG data are illustrated in handcycling. Sport-specific MVICs seem to be suitable for some muscles (TB, DA, DP and LD), but should be augmented by MVICs against manual/mechanical resistance for FC, TD, BB and RA.
Background
Impairment of neurovascular coupling (NVC) was recently reported in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage and may correlate with disease severity and outcome. However, previous techniques to evaluate NVC required invasive procedures. Retinal vessels may represent an alternative option for non-invasive assessment of NVC.
Methods
A prototype of an adapted retinal vessel analyzer was used to assess retinal vessel diameter in mice. Dynamic vessel analysis (DVA) included an application of monochromatic flicker light impulses in predefined frequencies for evaluating NVC. All retinae were harvested after DVA and electroretinograms were performed.
Results
A total of 104 retinal scans were conducted in 21 male mice (90 scans). Quantitative arterial recordings were feasible only in a minority of animals, showing an emphasized reaction to flicker light impulses (8 mice; 14 scans). A characteristic venous response to flicker light, however, could observed in the majority of animals. Repeated measurements resulted in a significant decrease of baseline venous diameter (7 mice; 7 scans, p < 0.05). Ex-vivo electroretinograms, performed after in-vivo DVA, demonstrated a significant reduction of transretinal signaling in animals with repeated DVA (n = 6, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first non-invasive study assessing murine retinal vessel response to flicker light with characteristic changes in NVC. The imaging system can be used for basic research and enables the investigation of retinal vessel dimension and function in control mice and genetically modified animals.
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and can lead to infarction and poor clinical outcome. The underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood, but animal models indicate that vasoactive metabolites and inflammatory cytokines produced within the subarachnoid space may progressively impair and partially invert neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the brain. Because cerebral and retinal microvasculature are governed by comparable regulatory mechanisms and may be connected by perivascular pathways, retinal vascular changes are increasingly recognized as a potential surrogate for altered NVC in the brain. Here, we used non-invasive retinal vessel analysis (RVA) to assess microvascular function in aSAH patients at different times after the ictus.
Suburethral slings as well as different meshes are widely used treating stress urinary incontinence and prolaps in women. With the development of MiniSlings and special meshes using less alloplastic material anchorage systems become more important to keep devices in place and to put some tension especially on the MiniSlings. To date, there are many different systems of MiniSlings of different companies on the market which differ in the structure of the used meshes and anchors. A new objective measurement method to compare different properties of MiniSling systems (mesh and anchor) is presented in this article. Ballistic gelatine acts as soft tissue surrogate. Significant differences in parameters like pull-out strength of anchors or shrinkage of meshes under loading conditions have been determined. The form and size of the anchors as well as the structural stability of the meshes are decisive for a proper integration. The tested anchorings sytems showed markedly different mechanical function at their respective load bearing capacity. As the stable fixation of the device in tissue is a prerequisite for a permanet reinforcement, the proposed test system permits further optimisation of anchor and mesh devices to improve the success of the surgical treatment
The Saturnian moon Enceladus with its extensive water bodies underneath a thick ice sheet cover is a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life. Direct exploration of such extraterrestrial aquatic ecosystems requires advanced access and sampling technologies with a high level of autonomy. A new technological approach has been developed as part of the collaborative research project Enceladus Explorer (EnEx). The concept is based upon a minimally invasive melting probe called the IceMole. The force-regulated, heater-controlled IceMole is able to travel along a curved trajectory as well as upwards. Hence, it allows maneuvers which may be necessary for obstacle avoidance or target selection. Maneuverability, however, necessitates a sophisticated on-board navigation system capable of autonomous operations. The development of such a navigational system has been the focal part of the EnEx project. The original IceMole has been further developed to include relative positioning based on in-ice attitude determination, acoustic positioning, ultrasonic obstacle and target detection integrated through a high-level sensor fusion. This paper describes the EnEx technology and discusses implications for an actual extraterrestrial mission concept.
The absence of a general method for endotoxin removal from liquid interfaces gives an opportunity to find new methods and materials to overcome this gap. Activated nanostructured carbon is a promising material that showed good adsorption properties due to its vast pore network and high surface area. The aim of this study is to find the adsorption rates for a carboneous material produced at different temperatures, as well as to reveal possible differences between the performance of the material for each of the adsorbates used during the study (hemoglobin, serum albumin and lipopolysaccharide, LPS).
One of the priority trends of carbon nanotechnology is creation of nanocomposite systems. Such carbon nanostructured composites were produced using - raw materials based on the products of agricultural waste, such as grape stones, apricot stones, rice husk. These products have a - wide spectrum of application and can be obtained in large quantities. The Institute of Combustion Problems has carried out the work on synthesis of the nanostructured carbon sorbents for multiple applications including the field of biomedicine. The article presents the data on the synthesis and physico-chemical properties of carbonaceous sorbents using physicochemical methods of investigation: separation and purification of biomolecules; isolation of phytohormone - fusicoccin; adsorbent INGO-1 in the form of an adsorption column for blood detoxification, oral (entero) sorbent - INGO-2; the study of efferent and probiotic properties and sorption activity in regard to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), new biocomposites - based on carbonized rice husk (CRH) and cellular microorganisms; the use of CRH in wound treatment. A new material for blood detoxication (INGO-1) has been obtained. Adsorption of p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate has shown that active carbon adsorbent can remove clinically significant level of p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate from human plasma. Enterosorbent INGO-2 possesses high adsorption activity in relation to Gram-negative bacteria and their endotoxins. INGO-2 slows down the growth of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, without having a negative effect on bifido and lactobacteria. The use of enterosorbent INGO-2 for sorption therapy may provide a solution to a complex problem - detoxication of the digestive tract and normalization of the intestinal micro ecology. The immobilized probiotic called "Riso-lact" was registered at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a biologically active food additive. The developed technology is patented and provides production of the medicine in the form of freeze-dried biomass immobilized in vials.
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
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.
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.
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.
Multiple Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous and Sample Return Using First Generation Solar Sailcraft
(2005)
The scientific interest in near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and the classification of some of those as potentially hazardous asteroid for the Earth stipulated the interest in NEA exploration. Close-up observations of these objects will increase drastically our knowledge about the overall NEA population. For this reason, a multiple NEA rendezvous mission through solar sailing is investigated, taking advantage of the propellantless nature of this groundbreaking propulsion technology. Considering a spacecraft based on the DLR/ESA Gossamer technology, this work focuses on the search of possible sequences of NEA encounters. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through a number of fully-optimized trajectories. The results show that it is possible to visit five NEAs within 10 years with near-term solar-sail technology. Moreover, a study on a reduced NEA database demonstrates the reliability of the approach used, showing that 58% of the sequences found with an approximated trajectory model can be converted into real solar-sail trajectories. Lastly, this second study shows the effectiveness of the proposed automatic optimization algorithm, which is able to find solutions for a large number of mission scenarios without any input required from the user.
Exposure to prolonged periods in microgravity is associated with deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system due to chronic changes in mechanical stimulation. Given astronauts will operate on the Lunar surface for extended periods of time, it is critical to quantify both external (e.g., ground reaction forces) and internal (e.g., joint reaction forces) loads of relevant movements performed during Lunar missions. Such knowledge is key to predict musculoskeletal deconditioning and determine appropriate exercise countermeasures associated with extended exposure to hypogravity.
For now, the Planetary Defense Conference Exercise 2021's incoming fictitious(!), asteroid, 2021 PDC, seems headed for impact on October 20th, 2021, exactly 6 months after its discovery. Today (April 26th, 2021), the impact probability is 5%, in a steep rise from 1 in 2500 upon discovery six days ago. We all know how these things end. Or do we? Unless somebody kicked off another headline-grabbing media scare or wants to keep civil defense very idle very soon, chances are that it will hit (note: this is an exercise!). Taking stock, it is barely 6 months to impact, a steadily rising likelihood that it will actually happen, and a huge uncertainty of possible impact energies: First estimates range from 1.2 MtTNT to 13 GtTNT, and this is not even the worst-worst case: a 700 m diameter massive NiFe asteroid (covered by a thin veneer of Ryugu-black rubble to match size and brightness), would come in at 70 GtTNT. In down to Earth terms, this could be all between smashing fireworks over some remote area of the globe and a 7.5 km crater downtown somewhere. Considering the deliberate and sedate ways of development of interplanetary missions it seems we can only stand and stare until we know well enough where to tell people to pack up all that can be moved at all and save themselves. But then, it could just as well be a smaller bright rock. The best estimate is 120 m diameter from optical observation alone, by 13% standard albedo. NASA's upcoming DART mission to binary asteroid (65803) Didymos is designed to hit such a small target, its moonlet Dimorphos. The Deep Impact mission's impactor in 2005 successfully guided itself to the brightest spot on comet 9P/Tempel 1, a relatively small feature on the 6 km nucleus. And 'space' has changed: By the end of this decade, one satellite communication network plans to have launched over 11000 satellites at a pace of 60 per launch every other week. This level of series production is comparable in numbers to the most prolific commercial airliners. Launch vehicle production has not simply increased correspondingly – they can be reused, although in a trade for performance. Optical and radio astronomy as well as planetary radar have made great strides in the past decade, and so has the design and production capability for everyday 'high-tech' products. 60 years ago, spaceflight was invented from scratch within two years, and there are recent examples of fast-paced space projects as well as a drive towards 'responsive space'. It seems it is not quite yet time to abandon all hope. We present what could be done and what is too close to call once thinking is shoved out of the box by a clear and present danger, to show where a little more preparedness or routine would come in handy – or become decisive. And if we fail, let's stand and stare safely and well instrumented anywhere on Earth together in the greatest adventure of science.
Molecular-genetic identification of emerged novel invasive pathogens of Asiatic Elm Ulmus pumila L
(2014)
The dwarf elm Ulmus pumila L. (Ulmaceae) is one of indigenous species of flora in Kazakhstan and forms a basis of dendroflora in virtually all settlements of the region. In the past decade, multiple outbreaks of previously unknown diseases of the small-leaved elm have been registered. In our study, by the molecular-genetic analysis it was found that the pathogens responsible for the outbreaks are microfungi belonging to the genus Fusarium – F. solani and F. oxysporum. The nucleotide sequences (ITS regions) isolated from the diseased trees showed very high similarity with the GenBank control numbers EU625403.1 and FJ478128.1 (100.0 and 99.0 % respectively). Oncoming research will focus on the search of natural microbial antagonists of the discovered phytopathogens.
Modulation of muscle-tendon interaction in the human triceps surae during an energy dissipation task
(2017)
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have shown to be promising in disease studies and drug screenings [1]. Cardiomyocytes derived from hiPSCs have been extensively investigated using patch-clamping and optical methods to compare their electromechanical behaviour relative to fully matured adult cells. Mathematical models can be used for translating findings on hiPSCCMs to adult cells [2] or to better understand the mechanisms of various ion channels when a drug is applied [3,4]. Paci et al. (2013) [3] developed the first model of hiPSC-CMs, which they later refined based on new data [3]. The model is based on iCells® (Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI), Madison WI, USA) but major differences among several cell lines and even within a single cell line have been found and motivate an approach for creating sample-specific models. We have developed an optimisation algorithm that parameterises the conductances (in S/F=Siemens/Farad) of the latest Paci et al. model (2018) [5] using current-voltage data obtained in individual patch-clamp experiments derived from an automated patch clamp system (Patchliner, Nanion Technologies GmbH, Munich).
After menopause, decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone remodel the collagen of the soft tissues thereby reducing their stiffness. Stress urinary incontinence is associated with involuntary urine leakage due to pathological movement of the pelvic organs resulting from lax suspension system, fasciae, and ligaments. This study compares the changes in the orientation and position of the female pelvic organs due to weakened fasciae, ligaments, and their combined laxity. A mixture theory weighted by respective volume fraction of elastin-collagen fibre compound (5%), adipose tissue (85%), and smooth muscle (5%) is adopted to characterize the mechanical behaviour of the fascia. The load carrying response (other than the functional response to the pelvic organs) of each fascia component, pelvic organs, muscles, and ligaments are assumed to be isotropic, hyperelastic, and incompressible. Finite element simulations are conducted during Valsalva manoeuvre with weakened tissues modelled by reduced tissue stiffness. A significant dislocation of the urethrovesical junction is observed due to weakness of the fascia (13.89 mm) compared to the ligaments (5.47 mm). The dynamics of the pelvic floor observed in this study during Valsalva manoeuvre is associated with urethral-bladder hypermobility, greater levator plate angulation, and positive Q-tip test which are observed in incontinent females.
A laser-enhanced solar sail is a solar sail that is not solely propelled by solar radiation but additionally by a laser beam that illuminates the sail. This way, the propulsive acceleration of the sail results from the combined action of the solar and the laser radiation pressure onto the sail. The potential source of the laser beam is a laser satellite that coverts solar power (in the inner solar system) or nuclear power (in the outer solar system) into laser power. Such a laser satellite (or many of them) can orbit anywhere in the solar system and its optimal orbit (or their optimal orbits) for a given mission is a subject for future research. This contribution provides the model for an ideal laser-enhanced solar sail and investigates how a laser can enhance the thrusting capability of such a sail. The term ”ideal” means that the solar sail is assumed to be perfectly reflecting and that the laser beam is assumed to have a constant areal power density over the whole sail area. Since a laser beam has a limited divergence, it can provide radiation pressure at much larger solar distances and increase the radiation pressure force into the desired direction. Therefore, laser-enhanced solar sails may make missions feasible, that would otherwise have prohibitively long flight times, e.g. rendezvous missions in the outer solar system. This contribution will also analyze exemplary mission scenarios and present optimial trajectories without laying too much emphasis on the design and operations of the laser satellites. If the mission studies conclude that laser-enhanced solar sails would have advantages with respect to ”traditional” solar sails, a detailed study of the laser satellites and the whole system architecture would be the second next step
Hintergrund
Die Anwendung und das Verständnis von Statistik sind sehr wichtig für die biomedizinische Forschung und für die klinische Praxis. Dies gilt insbesondere auch zur Abschätzung der Möglichkeiten unterschiedlichster Diagnostik- und Therapieoptionen beim Glaukom. Die scheinbare Komplexität der Statistik, die zum Teil dem „gesunden Menschenverstand“ zu widersprechen scheint, zusammen mit der nur vorsichtigen Akzeptanz der Statistik bei vielen Medizinern können zu bewussten und unbewussten Manipulationen bei der Datendarstellung und -interpretation führen.
Ziel der Arbeit
Ziel ist die verständliche Darstellung einiger typischer Fehler in der medizinisch-statistischen Datenbehandlung.
Material und Methoden
Anhand hypothetischer Beispiele aus der Glaukomdiagnostik erfolgen die Darstellung der Wirkung eines hypotensiven Medikamentes sowie die Beurteilung der Ergebnisse eines diagnostischen Tests. Es werden die typischsten statistischen Einsatzbereiche und Irrtumsquellen ausführlich und verständlich analysiert
Ergebnisse
Mechanismen von Datenmanipulation und falscher Dateninterpretation werden aufgeklärt. Typische Irrtumsquellen bei der statistischen Auswertung und Datendarstellung werden dabei erläutert.
Schlussfolgerungen
Die erläuterten praktischen Beispiele zeigen die Notwendigkeit, die Grundlagen der Statistik zu verstehen und korrekt anwenden zu können. Fehlendes Grundlagenwissen und Halbwissen der medizinischen Statistik können zu folgenschweren Missverständnissen und falschen Entscheidungen in der medizinischen Forschung, aber auch in der klinischen Praxis führen.
Solar sails provide ignificant advantages over other low-thrust propulsion systems because they produce thrust by the momentum exchange from solar radiation pressure (SRP) and thus do not consume any propellant.The force exerted on a very thin sail foil basically depends on the light incidence angle. Several analytical SRP force models that describe the SRP force acting on the sail have been established since the 1970s. All the widely used models use constant optical force coefficients of the reflecting sail material. In 2006,MENGALI et al. proposed a refined SRP force model that takes into account the dependancy of the force coefficients on the light incident angle,the sail’s distance from the sun (and thus the sail emperature) and the surface roughness of the sail material [1]. In this paper, the refined SRP force model is compared to the previous ones in order to identify the potential impact of the new model on the predicted capabilities of solar sails in performing low-cost interplanetary space missions. All force models have been implemented within InTrance, a global low-thrust trajectory optimization software utilizing evolutionary neurocontrol [2]. Two interplanetary rendezvous missions, to Mercury and the near-Earth asteroid 1996FG3, are investigated. Two solar sail performances in terms of characteristic acceleration are examined for both scenarios, 0.2 mm/s2 and 0.5 mm/s2, termed “low” and “medium” sail performance. In case of the refined SRP model, three different values of surface roughness are chosen, h = 0 nm, 10 nm and 25 nm. The results show that the refined SRP force model yields shorter transfer times than the standard model.
Within ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 plan, a mission to explore the Saturnian System, with special emphasis on its two moons Titan and Enceladus, was selected for study, termed TANDEM (Titan and Enceladus Mission). In this paper, we describe an optimized mission design for a TANDEM-derived solar electric propulsion (SEP) mission. We have chosen the SEP mission scenario for the interplanetary transfer of the TANDEM spacecraft because all feasible gravity assist sequences for a chemical transfer between 2015 and 2025 result in long flight times of about nine years. Our SEP system is based on the German RIT ion engine. For our optimized mission design, we have extensively explored the SEP parameter space (specific impulse, thrust level, power level) and have calculated an optimal interplanetary trajectory for each setting. In contrast to the original TANDEM mission concept, which intends to use two launch vehicles and an all-chemical transfer, our SEP mission design requires only a single Ariane 5 ECA launch for the same payload mass. Without gravity assist, it yields a faster and more flexible transfer with a fight time of less than seven years, and an increased payload ratio. Our mission design proves thereby the capability of SEP even for missions into the outer solar system.
In this paper, we will provide a feasible mission design for a multiple-rendezvous mission to Jupiter's Trojans. It is based on solar electric propulsion, as being currently used on the DAWN spacecraft, and other flight-proven technology. First, we have selected a set of mission objectives, the prime objective being the detection of water -especially subsurface water -to provide evidence for the Trojans' formation at large solar distances. Based on DAWN and other comparable missions, we have determined suitable payload instruments to achieve these objectives. Afterwards, we have designed a spacecraft that is able to carry the selected payload to the Trojan region and rendezvous successively with three target bodies within a maximum mission duration of 15 years. Accurate low-thrust trajectories have been obtained with a global low-thrust trajectory optimization program (InTrance). During the transfer from Earth to the first target, the spacecraft is propelled by two RIT-22 ion engines from EADS Astrium, whereas a single RIT-15 is used for transfers within the Trojan region to reduce the required power. For power generation, the spacecraft uses a multi-junction solar array that is supported by concentrators. To achieve moderate mission costs, we have restricted the launch mass to a maximum of 1600 kg, the maximum interplanetary injection capability of a Soyuz/Fregat launcher. Our final layout has a mass of 1400 kg, yielding a margin of about 14%. Nestor (a member of the L4-population) was determined as the first mission target. It can be reached within 4.6 years from launch. The fuel mass ratio for this transfer is about 35%. The stay time at Nestor is 1.2 years. Eurymedon was selected as the second target (transfer time 3.5 years, stay time 3.0 years) and Irus as the third target (transfer time 2.2 years). The transfers within the Trojan L4-population can be accomplished with fuel mass ratios of about 3% for each trajectory leg. Including the stay times in orbit around the targets, the mission can be accomplished within a total duration of about 14.5 years. According to our mission analysis, it is also feasible to fly to the L5-population with similar flight times. It has to be noted that -for a first analysis -we have taken only the named targets into account. Allowing also rendezvous with unnamed objects will very likely decrease the mission duration. Based on a scaling of DAWN's mission costs (due to comparable scientific instruments and mission objectives), and taking into account the longer mission duration and the potential re-use of already developed technology, we have estimated that these three rendezvous can be accomplished with a budget of about 250 Million Euros, i.e. about 25% of ROSETTA's budget.
The so-called "compound solar sail", also known as "Solar Photon Thruster" (SPT), is a solar sail design concept, for which the two basic functions of the solar sail, namely light collection and thrust direction, are uncoupled. In this paper, we introduce a novel SPT concept, termed the Advanced Solar Photon Thruster (ASPT). This model does not suffer from the simplified assumptions that have been made for the analysis of compound solar sails in previous studies. We present the equations that describe the force, which acts on the ASPT. After a detailed design analysis, the performance of the ASPT with respect to the conventional flat solar sail (FSS) is investigated for three interplanetary mission scenarios: An Earth-Venus rendezvous, where the solar sail has to spiral towards the Sun, an Earth-Mars rendezvous, where the solar sail has to spiral away from the Sun, and an Earth-NEA rendezvous (to near-Earth asteroid 1996FG3), where a large orbital eccentricity change is required. The investigated solar sails have realistic near-term characteristic accelerations between 0.1 and 0.2mm/s2. Our results show that a SPT is not superior to the flat solar sail unless very idealistic assumptions are made.