bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OOCYTES OF HOLOTHURIA LEUCOSPILOTA (ECHINODERMATA: HOLOTHUROIDEA): AN ULTRA STRUCTURAL STUDY
Authors: Purwati Pradina
Published: September 2018

Ovaries of Holothuria leucospilota consist of simple tubules, within which oocytes grew and reached maturity. The oocytes development started at the tubule lining and as the development proceeded, the oocytes increased in size and moved to the tubule lumen. An ultra-section-method was applied to describe ultrastructural changes in the oocytes during their development, leading to the knowledge on gametogenesis of sea encumber H.leucospiota. Primary previtellogenic oocytes embedded in tubule lining was the earliest stage, which were characterized by the presence of nuage. Prior to yolk formation, clusters of mitochondria appeared in the ooplasm. This may indicate the need for energy to produce yolk substance. When yolk bodies were common in vitellogenic oocytes, nuage became invisible and mitochondria were no longer in groups. As development progressed, abundant microvilli appeared on the surface of vitellogenic oocytes, but less common on postvitellogenic oocytes when maximum growth had been attained. This structure was suggested to facilitate size increase and functional efficiency of oocyte surface.
EFFECT OF POVIDONE IODINE TREATMENT ON BACTERIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATED WITH WHITE SHRIMP (LITOPENAEUS VANNAMEI) LARVAE
Authors: Pangastuti Artini , Suwanto Antonius , Lestari Yulin , Suhartono Maggy T.
Published: September 2018

The efficacy of povidone iodine as a surface disinfectant was assessed in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) eggs and larvae. Eggs and nauplii were exposed to povidone iodine 20 ppm for 20 seconds. Culture-based method and Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) were used to monitor the total number of bacteria and diversity of the bacterial community associated with shrimp eggs and larva at each developmental stage. Povidone iodine reduced the total culturable bacteria, especially Vibrio, on eggs and nauplii, as well as the total bacteria in the whole community as estimated by T-RFLP results. Povidone iodine also reduced the diversity of bacterial community and altered the evenness of phylotypes distribution suggesting that the use of povidone iodine as a surface disinfectant in shrimp aquaculture should be reconsidered.
BIODEGRADATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH), PHENANTHRENE BY MARINE BACTERIUM THALASSOSPIRA SP. C.260
Authors: Murniasih Tutik , Lisdiyanti Puspita , Yopi -
Published: September 2018

Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound that is known to be reported toxic to marine flora and fauna. Remediation of this environmental pollutant using chemical and physical methods causes environmental issues. Bioremediation using marine has been applied to degrade such various PAH compounds. Screening of marine microorganism in degrading this recalcitrant is very importance for bioremediation application in Indonesian waters. The purpose of this study was to screen and isolate bacterial with potential application in biodegradation of phenanthrene and other harmful PAH in marine environments. Several potential bacteria strains were isolated from oil contaminated sea water in Cilacap area. Sequence analysis using 16S rRNA gene marine bacterium strain C.260 showed 96% sequence homology to sequence of Thalassospira sp. In biodegradation of phenanthrene, within 28 days experiments, this bacterium degraded 50% and 99.75% of phenanthrene in medium with and without enrichment with NPK fertilizer respectively. Using sublimation method, this bacterium also degradeds phenothiazine, fluoranthene, and dibenzothiophene.
SHARKS AND RAYS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Fahmi -
Published: September 2018

Indonesia is considered to have a high diversity of sharks and rays due in part to its position in the equatorial line, between two continents and two oceans. According to recent studies and various publications, the number of chondrichthyan species known to date is 207 species of 44 families, comprised of 109 species of sharks, 96 species of batoids, and two species of ghost sharks (chimaera). The Dasyatidae (stingrays) is the most speciose family of chondrichthyans occurring in Indonesia, followed by the Carcharhinidae (whaler sharks). Most species of elasmobranchs commonly occur on the continental or insular shelves and rays are more commonly found than sharks. This type of habitat can be found mostly in the western part of Indonesia (the Java Sea, Karimata Strait, South China Sea, Malacca Strait, and Macassar Strait). Due to the separation by the Wallace Line, there are some differences in species diversity between western and eastern region. The shark and ray fauna of the eastern region is more similar to the Australian fauna, while the fauna in the western region is more similar to the Asian fauna. There are also some endemic species known to occur in Indonesian waters. The endemicity of some species can be restricted in a certain area or in a regional area such as the Indo-West Pacific.
ONGROWING TECHNIQUES FOR JUVENILE DONKEY EAR ABALONE (HALIOTIS ASINIA) AT PEMENANG WATERS, NORTH LOMBOK, INDONESIA
Authors: Setyono Dwi Eny Djoko , Aswandy Indra
Published: September 2018

Abalone is one of the most prized sea delicacies in the world. In Indonesia, although donkey ear abalone (Haliotis asinina) forms a valuable fishery, little is known about its culture techniques. A study has been conducted to find out the most suitable technique for ongrowing donkey ear abalone, for to the local farmer in Indonesia. Juveniles used in study were collected from the southern Lombok coastal waters. They were reared in different type of structure (CNC = circular net cage and TNC = tyre net cage) and set at different depths. Juveniles were fed ad-libitum by macroalgae, Gracilaria spp. Results of the study showed that juveniles of donkey ear abalone have a better growth when cultured offshore in a TNC than in CNC. To gain a better growth, juveniles abalone need to be reared in cages which provided more shelter and less light. Donkey ear abalone was considered a hardy species, survival rate was not influenced by the type of structure (CNC or TNC) and setting position (depths).
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE RESPONSE OF AMPHIPHOD GRANDIDIERELLA SP. TO CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT OF JAKARTA BAY
Authors: Hindarti Dwi , Puspitasari Rachma , Arifin Zainal
Published: September 2018

A preliminary study on the response of amphipod exposed to contaminated sediments of Jakarta Bay was carried out in October 2009. The objective of the study was to determine the mortality rate of amphipod in response to exposure of contaminated sediments. Seven sediment samples were taken from the bay, i.e, reference site (St. A), and six-contaminated sites (St. B3, B5, C3, C5, D3, and D5). Amphipod (Grandidierella sp.) was collected from reference site. The study showed that average of mortality rate of amphipod ranged between 50.0 and 76.3% at contaminated sediments and 38.3% at reference sediments. There was significant difference on mortality rate of amphipod exposed to sediments of reference site and that of contaminated sites. The mortality of Grandidierella sp. was not strongly correlated with the concentration of Pb and Cu in contaminated sediments. The critical mortality factor of amphipod in this study might be due to variation in grain size of sediments and short period of acclimatization.
The Current Status of Ethnobiology in Ecuador
Authors: Gonzalez-Rivadeneira Tania Ivanova , Villagómez-Resendiz Radamés , Barili Alessio
Published: September 2018

This article gives an account of the current status of ethnobiology in Ecuador. Our goal is a generalized diagnosis of Latin America’s ethnobiological research production, which portrays Ecuadorian ethnobiology as practically non-existent. We perform an updated search of online databases, using a range of keywords, to show that elements of an ethnobiological research program are indeed present in Ecuadorian scholarship. While ethnobotany is the most developed sub-discipline of ethnobiology in Ecuador, there is also research on ethnomedicine, ethnozoology, and, to a lesser extent, ethnomycology. The development of these sub-disciplines promotes further ethnobiological scholarship in Ecuador. Beyond these sub-disciplines, ethnobiology is interwoven with contemporary anthropological accounts that emphasize the relationships between nature and culture and shine a light on the epistemic plurality of ethnobiology. If ethnobiology in Ecuador is distinguished by an epistemic plurality—understood through these different styles of reasoning—then it can be characterized without being confined to sub-disciplines with the ethno- prefix.
Wizja Europy Środkowowschodniej w projektach geopolitycznych ideologa eurazjatyzmu, Aleksandra Dugina
Authors: Bala Maciej
Published: September 2018

The article is an attempt to present the views of the Russian thinker on the political situation in the post-Soviet region. In his conception Aleksandr Dugin focuses on geopolitics, international relations and the position ofRussiain the new globalised world. Dugin attempts to undermine the principles of the new world order. He creates ideological foundations which may serve as a justification for regaining the imperial position ofRussia. The foundation of Dugin’s views is Eurasianism combined with the elements of geopolitics. The philosopher creates a blueprint for the Great Eurasian Empire which would compriseEast-Central Europe. According to Dugin, significant political and territorial changes will be conducted in this region on the basis of the religious faith of its inhabitants. The protestant countries will be federalized. Both the Protestant and Catholic countries will become theGermany’s sphere of influence. The Balkan states will have a somewhat different status as they will be federalized into one political subject connected withEurasia.GermanyandRussia, whose position is dominant in this region ofEurope, will become a part of the Great Eurasian Empire. There will be no room left for independentPolandandUkrainein the structure of the Eurasian Empire. Dugin does not take into account economic factors which would convince European states to integrate withEurasia. As for the present day, it is impossible to put the Eurasian project into realization.
Процесс индивидуации как ключ к интерпретации главного героя романа Федора Достоевского „Бесы”
Authors: Stryjakowska Anna
Published: September 2018

The article is an attempt to interpret Nikolay Stavrogin, the main character  of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel The Possessed, in the key of the analytical psychology. It is argued that Stavrogin may be undergoing the process of individuation by dealing with the collective unconscious. The attention is drawn particularly to the character of Matryosha, who can be perceived as the protagonist’s anima, showing him the way out of the tragic impasse.
Ukraińska mniejszość narodowa w Telewizji Polskiej. Analiza programów dla ukraińskiej mniejszości przed, podczas i po Euro¬majdanie na Ukrainie
Authors: Banytska Tetyana
Published: September 2018

This article is an attempt to assess the quality of television programs targeted to Ukrainiannational minority in Poland. Public media in Poland have an obligation  of broadcasting programs for the minorities in their languages, which is imposed by the law on broadcasting. For the Ukrainian minority the Polish public television broadcasts three programs: „Przegląd ukraiński”, „Ukraińskie wieści” oraz „Telenowyny”. In this article the most important quality issues of these programs, such as duration of programs, subject diversity, methods of translation, technical aspects as well as the way of showing the civil unrest in Ukraine known as Euromaidan, are presented. An analysis was conducted within the timespan before, during and after the wave of demonstrations  in Ukraine (from 21 July 2013 to 22 June 2014).
John Italos on the eternity of the world
Authors: Kraft András , Perczel István
Published: September 2018

The paper discusses John Italos’ (d. after 1082) position on the eternity of the world. Italos was condemned for a series of heretical views including the thesis that the visible world was eternal. However, a treatise of Italos has been transmitted, in which he refutes the idea of an eternal kosmos and argues for its createdness in the beginning of time. The present study provides a critical edition of the Greek text of Italos’ treatise (Quaestio 71 of his Quaestiones quodlibetales), provided with a first English translation and followed by a commentary that develops Italos’ main arguments and identifies some of his sources. It is argued that Italos sincerely defended an anti-eternalist standpoint by adopting arguments, first and foremost, of the sixth-century philosopher John Philoponos. Moreover, Italos seems to react in Quaestio 71 to specific charges that had been brought up against him during his repeated synodal investigations in 1076/77 and 1082. His treatise against the eternity of the world appears to be a comprehensive apology of his orthodoxy.
Interactive Implants: Ethical, legal and social implications
Authors: Droste Wiebke , Hoffmann Peter , Olze Heidi , Kneist Werner , Krüger Thilo , Rupp Rüdiger , Ruta Marc
Published: September 2018

The use of intelligent implants and prostheses offers significant advances for optimizing medical treatment methods and is combined with an increasing technological modification of human body. This raises many exciting questions concerning law, ethics and social implications: Does the use of these techniques stay in line with our legal system and if yes, can the technical use be limited by governmental restrictions under certain conditions? Have moral values to be incorporated into technical artifacts? If machines are recreated from human beings, do they have to be provided with a legal subjectivity? Medical devices must be compatible with a high level of protection of health and safety. Therefore challenges, which are consequences of the indeterminate behaviour and the autonomous learning abilities of artificial intelligence, have to be faced. For avoidance of any hazards for legally protected rights medical product manufacturers have to assume legal duties, which affect construction, instruction and product development. For medical professionals there are also liabilities of maintenance measures and technical control that have to be accomplished. Associated with the use of intelligent medical devices is the processing of personal data on health. Health data have a high potential for misuse and discrimination and therefore they’re in need of special protection, particularly with regard to the development of “Big Data”, “Ubiquitous computing”, “Internet of Things” and constantly increasing cybercrime. If damages are suffered from the use of intelligent medical devices, difficulties in determining infringing acts, causality and culpability occur, especially because of the missing view into the technical progress of decision-making. It has to be explored, if the current liability law is able to assign responsibility adequately, otherwise there has to be found an appropriate concept for liability.
Observer-based controller design for the minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Smolinski Eike , Benkmann Alexander , Drewelow Wolfgang , Jeinsch Torsten , Cappius Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2018

Due to its advantages like minimal trauma and a low risk of infections, the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become the standard operation technique for many surgical procedures. During this type of intervention, one of the main tasks from a technical point of view is the control of the pressure in the operation area in order to give the surgeon sufficient space to perform his actions. Because no invasive measurements are available, an extended Kalman filter incorporating the peristaltic behavior of the used medical device was developed to estimate the pressure in the operation area. This contribution focuses on the observer design while a separately designed PI controller using loop shaping was employed for validation. The proposed observer-based control structure was tested with a simulator deploying the principle of physical equivalence.
Diagnostic ultrasound probes: a typology and overview of technologies
Authors: De Luca Ramona , Dattoma Tommaso , Forzoni Leonardo , Bamber Jeffrey , Palchetti Paolo , Gubbini Alessandro
Published: September 2018

The routine clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound (US) has spread considerably worldwide in recent decades. This is due in large part to the availability of US probes that enable a wide range of clinical applications as well as provide performance benefits arising from technological improvements. This paper describes the current commercially available US probe types, lists some of their clinical applications and briefly explains the technologies that are responsible for recent enhancements in image quality and ergonomics. Our intention is to summarize information that will allow healthcare professionals to select the appropriate probe for the intended use and the desired performance-price ratio.
In silico study of the dynamic interaction between extracorporeal circulation and native circulation
Authors: Bongert Markus , Gehron Johannes , Geller Marius , Böning Andreas , Grieshaber Philippe
Published: September 2018

An in silico investigation of modelled Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) via a femoral arterial cannula revealed the existence of both a defined separation zone between the opposing flows (ECLS, native flow) and different ranges dependent on flow distribution. The interaction between pulsating native circulation and constant ECLS flow is dynamic. A transient simulation model was developed to investigate the dynamic influence on this fluid mechanical interaction. The in silico model is based on a CT-generated 3D model derived from a life-sized silicon aorta. A geometric standard cannula (16Fr) is inserted femoral. Inlet boundary conditions such as the temporal flow profile of a subject from the left ventricle (native circulation) and the flow from the femoral cannula are varied such that during transient simulations the summed flow (total perfusion) is 5.5 l/min. The outlet pressure boundary conditions at the branching arteries are selected such as to model the downstream vascular system. Transient simulations revealed the dynamic effects of different flow fractions (Heart - ECLS) on the flow. Stationary simulations show a separation zone between the two flows, the position of which respectively the ECLSrange, oscillates dependent of the native circulation. Furthermore, it was noted that a raised pulse was impedimental to ECLS. This can be partly compensated by increasing the length of cannula inserted. At the same time the ECLS supply for the brain can improve at the cost of performance post-bifurcation. Increasing the ECLS fraction to above 50% flow led to retrograde flow combined with blood suction from the femoral artery. The EMPAC project model has been further developed to include investigation of the dynamic effects of blood flow. This has made it possible for the first time to analyse in detail and evaluate the temporal effects of both opposing flows streams. A subsequent investigation explains whether aortic elasticity plays a significant role.
Flexible interventional imaging system based on miniaturized X-ray tubes (FlexScan)
Authors: Lagotzki Sinja , Iftikhar  , Friebe Michael , Boese Axel
Published: September 2018

In orthopedic hand surgeries C-arms are the standard imaging modalities for procedure and tool guidance. However, the currently used systems have a large footprint and high weight, which can lead to workspace restrictions and difficult positioning of the device at the desired imaging position. The aim of this paper is to present a prototype of a new, flexible, lightweight and small footprint X-ray system, which is capable to create 2D projection images from different orientations. The new design includes a miniaturized Xray tube covered in a custom-made case mounted on a flexible holding arm attached to the standard OR table rail. With that, fast positioning and fixation for the subsequent image acquisition is achieved. A flat panel detector is placed in an adjustable metal sheet construction below the table. For safety aspects an overlay of the X-ray cone beam with an integrated light source visualizes the irradiation area. The acquired images are visualized on a 2-in-1 netbook. A foot pedal initiates the imaging process. A prototype of the free movable miniaturized X-ray system FlexScan was build. Workspace restriction, usability and general imaging needs were simulated and tested. FlexScan has the potential to improve X-ray guided interventions on extremities especially for small private surgery centers. It fulfills the general imaging needs and is capable of producing 2D projection images from different orientations within a small and lightweight setup.
Vascular pattern detection and recognition in endoscopic imaging of the vocal folds
Authors: Boese Axel , Illanes Alfredo , Balakrishnan Sathish , Davaris Nikolaos , Arens Christoph , Friebe Michael
Published: September 2018

At present transoral laryngeal interventions are mainly observed and controlled by an external two dimensional direct microscopic view. This modality provides an overall view on the surgery situs in a straight line of sight. For treatment planning and appropriate documentation, an endoscopic inspection is mandatory prior to surgery. Nowadays a detailed endoscopic work-up of laryngeal lesions can be performed by contact endoscopy in combination with structure enhancement like Narrow Band Imaging. High resolution and magnification of up to 150 times provide detailed visualization of vascular structures and pathological changes of the tissue surface. In these procedures it is difficult however to localize the evaluated areas on large scale scenes like the microscopic view used for surgery. To provide a fast and easy image matching an automated vessel pattern recognition and allocation is presented. Endoscopic images depicting representative vessel structures of the vocal folds are selected out of contact endoscopy video scenes. These images are pre-processed for background homogenization. A Frangi Vessel Segmentation filter and morphological operations are used to extract the vessel structure and match it to the microscopic image. Using this method 4 detailed contact endoscopy images could be allocated in different scenes of the microscope video. This method can be used to simplify treatment planning and to prepare image data for documentation.
Fractal Dimensions of Subviral Particle Movement
Authors: Rausch Andreas , Schanze Thomas
Published: September 2018

The development of new medicines against virus infections like the Marburg virus disease requires an accurate knowledge of the respective pathogens. Conventionally, this process is very time expensive. In cooperation with the Virology of the Philipps-University in Marburg an automatic tracking algorithm for subviral particles in fluorescence image sequences was developed and programmed. To expand the benefit for the pharmaceutical researchers, also the trackevaluations need to be widely automated. In this work, a new parameterizing-method facing the fractal dimensions of spline interpolated subviral particle tracks is presented and tested with simulated and real data. The results reveal a good potential to classify tracks and, thus, types of subviral particles in infected cells.
A Summing Configuration based Low Noise Amplifier for MPI and MPS
Authors: Malhotra Ankit , Buzug Thorsten M.
Published: September 2018

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a novel tomographic imaging modality which uses static and dynamic magnetic fields to measure the magnetic response generated by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). For the characterization of the SPIONs magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) is used. In the current research, a low noise amplifier (LNA) suitable for MPI and MPS is presented. LNA plays a significant role in the receive chain of MPI and MPS by amplifying the signals from the nanoparticles while keeping the noise induced through its own circuitry minimal. The LNA is based on the summing configuration and fabricated on a printed circuit board (PCB). Moreover, the prototyped LNA is compared with a commercially available pre-amplifier. The input voltage noise of the prototyped LNA with a receiving coil of series resistance of 0.551 mΩ and an inductance of 130 μH is 561 pV/√Hz with a noise figure (NF) of 11.57 dB.
Progress and challenges in the development of novel implant concepts for cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and otolaryngologic applications
Authors: Grabow Niels , Schmitz Klaus-Peter
Published: September 2018

Medical device innovations may contribute to the reconstruction of biological functions, and thereby improve the quality of patients’ lives, as well as extend their life expectancy. The coordinated research project “RESPONSE - Partnership for Innovation in Implant Technology” (BMBF program Twenty20 - Partnership for Innovation, 2014 - 2021) is focusing on the development of novel concepts for implantable medical devices for cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic applications. The joint research efforts of academia and industry in the RESPONSE consortium address the challenges in implant design, biofunctionalization, process development and production. Particular attention is paid to the process of translation of medical device innovations, cost analysis, as well as health technology assessment.
Electrospinning for polymeric implants in cardiovascular applications
Authors: Kohse Stefanie , Arbeiter Daniela , Reske Thomas , Stiehm Michael , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Grabow Niels
Published: September 2018

Electrospinning is a method for producing fibrous polymer scaffolds that can be applied in drug delivery systems as well as for polymer-based implants. Biodegradable polymers for the purpose of cardiac tissue engineering are often applied as fibrous scaffolds for morphological mimikry of natural matrices but also drugeluting approaches are very promising. Hydrolytic degradation is one of the key parameters for successful application. The focus of our investigations is on monitoring accelerated in vitro degradation of electrospun nonwoven scaffolds. In the presented study degradation of poly(Llactide) is accelerated by alkaline hydrolysis. The process is characterized by weight loss, loss of molecular mass, surface morphology and thermal behavior of nonwoven samples, showing a fast degradation of the fibrous material within two weeks.
Short Distance Impedance Pneumography
Authors: Klum Michael , Schenck Tianhao , Pielmus Alexandru , Tigges Timo , Orglmeister Reinhold
Published: September 2018

Gold-standards for biosignal acquisition require body-spanning sensor positioning which is contradictory to the high integration of modern wearable medical monitors. In applications where obtrusiveness can decrease accuracy, as in sleep monitoring, compact sensor configurations are not only a matter of convenience. To acquire respiratory signals, most systems rely on nasal cannula pressure sensors or inductance plethysmography. Another well-established method is the impedance pneumography, where we aim to contribute to the field of short distance electrode configurations. Evaluating distances down to 8 cm we report linear correlations above 0.85 with respect to a pneumotachometer reference. We estimate the respiratory rate with an error below 0.2 bpm. Inspiratory and expiratory phase detection is possible with an error below 2.5 %. Using a first order polynomial model we estimated the respiratory flow with a relative error of down to 19 % at 8 cm. We conclude that short distance impedance pneumography is feasible and rough flow and volume estimates are possible using linear models. Further research regarding shorter distances and calibration is of great interest.
Bioimpedance Analysis of L929 and HaCaT Cells in Low Frequency Range
Authors: Teixeira Viviane S. , Kalckhoff Jan-Patrick , Krautschneider Wolfgang , Schroeder Dietmar
Published: September 2018

In this work, Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) is used to study fluids and cell solutions. A n ew fourelectrode- terminal (4T) chamber using 3D printing and stainless steel corrosion resistant V4A was designed to measure the impedance of live cell solutions at the frequency range 0.1Hz- 1MHz. At f < 1kHz the double layer (DL) that builds at electrode’s surface raises the impedance substantially preventing the observation of the real impedance of the cells. The new 4T design circumvents the DL, is more robust and cheap, and allows for the repeatability of the results. Experiments were performed in vitro with two cell lines, L929 (mouse fibroblasts) and HaCaT (human keratinocytes). Results show that it is possible to distinguish between the two cell types by means of its BIS measurements in the new setup. Also, a low-frequency dispersion (α-dispersion) was observed in HaCaT cells solution, but not in L929. Furthermore, a potentiostat circuit model was developed in LTSpice to simulate the hardware setup and two different circuit models were used to fit cell’s data.
The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly
Authors: Plischke Herbert , Linek Matthäus , Zauner Johannes
Published: September 2018

Light is an important factor for regulation of circadian, endocrine and metabolic processes in the human body. Through this light has a positive effect on cognition, on the stabilization of circadian rhythms and for general wellbeing. These effects are described as non-visual effects of light. Many dynamic lighting systems are already in use in workplaces and living spaces, aiming to address visual and also non-visual effects. In Europe and US the term “Human Centric Lighting” or abbreviated "HCL” was introduced, as a scientifically agreed concept on how to plan non-visual effects of artificial light in synergy with natural light. Older people, especially with neurological and psychological diseases can especially benefit from this lighting concept. However, in order to achieve the desired non-visual effects, certain conditions should be fulfilled. In Germany the DIN SPEC 67600 is a guideline for the design of biologically effective illumination, with examples for senior- and nursing homes. A goal of this evaluation was to check whether the recommendations of the specification DIN SPEC 67600 in three nursing homes were met and another goal was if effectiveness of the lighting on residents and nursing staff can be determined. Photometric measurements were taken and subjective perceived non-visual effects of light were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: Although none of the three facilities met all the criteria of the DIN SPEC 67600 guidelines, non-visual lighting effects on residents and nursing staff could be detected. The results also indicate that careful attention should be paid on maintenance of HCL systems. The correct use of HCL solutions in homes for the elderly has opportunities to improve health status if the system is properly designed and maintained. Therefore next to the existing (non-visual) metrics and HCL design guidelines, guidelines for maintaining and regular inspections should be established.
Silicone-based Chip-in-Foil System
Authors: Bleck Lena , Heid Andreas , Metzen Rene von
Published: September 2018

Aiming at devices for bioelectronic medicine, this paper proposes a die embedding process for the fabrication of flexible smart implants. By combining thinned bare dies with a polymeric encapsulation, completely flexible implants can be designed. The dies are encapsulated using a flip-chip process and a backfilling with silicone rubber. A completely even surface without detectable edge between the chip and the surrounding polymer substrate is achieved by gluing the chips face-down onto a polyimide-covered substrate. The backside is coated with silicone rubber and a second carrier substrate is attached. Removing the first substrate subsequent to curing of the silicone leads to chips located under a continuous polyimide layer, enabling the use of microtechnology for further processing steps. A custom-made test chip is proposed that enables the evaluation of the mechanical and chemical stability of the system.
Biomechanics and clinical experience of a 3D biomimicking vascular stent
Authors: Schmidt Wolfram , Wissgott Christian , Brandt-Wunderlich Christoph , Behrens Peter , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Grabow Niels , Andresen Reimer
Published: September 2018

The presented investigation was designed to assess the biomechanical behavior of a 3D biomimicking self-expanding stent with respect to general technical parameters added by first clinical tests. The test sample was a Veryan Medical Biomimics 3D with 6.0 mm expanded diameter and 80 mm length. The profile of the delivery catheter with mounted stent, the strut thickness, the bending stiffness, the axial stiffness for tension and compression and the length change during expansion were measured. The bending stiffness was 2.73 Nmm², axial stiffness at tension 7.77 N/mm and at compression 97.61 N/mm. The stent shortened during expansion by 11.54 %. Radial force at 5 mm diameter was 2.54 N. Clinical experience provided no stent fractures after 24 months. Duplexsonography showed stent patency without any binary restenosis or intimal hyperplasia.
Histological evaluation of a cochlear implant electrode array with electrically activated shape change for perimodiolar positioning
Authors: Rau Thomas S. , Suzaly N.úha , Pawsey Nick , Hügl Silke , Majdani Lenarz , Majdani Omid
Published: September 2018

For the treatment of deafness or severe hearing loss cochlear implants (CI) are used to stimulate the auditory nerve of the inner ear. In order to produce an electrode array which is both atraumatic and reaches a perimodiolar final position a design featuring shape memory effect was proposed. A Nitinol wire with a diameter of 100 μm was integrated in a state of the art lateral wall electrode array. The wire serves as an actuator after it has been ‘trained’ to adopt the spiral shape of an average human cochlea. Three small diameter platinum-iridium wires (each 20 μm) were crimped to the Nitinol wire in order to produce thermal energy. An insertion test was pursued using a human temporal bone specimen. The prototype electrode array was cooled down by means of immersion in ice water and freeze spray to enable sufficient straightening. Thereafter, insertion into the cochlea through the round window as performed. Insertion was feasible but difficult as premature curling of the electrode occurred during the movement towards the inner ear while passing the middle ear cavity. Therefore, the insertion had to be performed faster than usual. The shape memory actuator was subsequently activated with 450mA current at 5V for 3 seconds. After insertion the specimen was embedded in epoxy resin, microgrinded and all histological slices were assessed for trauma. Perimodiolar position was achieved. No insertion trauma was observed and there were no indications of thermal damage caused by the electrical heating. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first histological evaluation of the insertion trauma caused by an electrically activated shape memory electrode array. These promising results support further research on shape memory CI electrode arrays.
Hemodynamic influence of design parameters of novel venous valve prostheses
Authors: Stiehm Michael , Kohse Stefanie , Schümann Kerstin , Kaule Sebastian , Siewert Stefan , Oldenburg Jan , Keiler Jonas , Grabow Niels , Wree Andreas , Schmitz Klaus-Peter
Published: September 2018

Venous ulcers of the lower limbs are one clinical manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency. Currently, there is no venous valve prosthesis available. This study presents novel venous valve prostheses made of threedimensional electrospun fibrous nonwoven leaflets. The aim of this study was to prove the feasibility of the manufacturing process as well as to investigate design features of the venous valve prostheses from a hemodynamic point of view. An adapted pulse duplicator system (ViVitrolabs, Victoria, BC, CA) was used for characterization of the hydrodynamic performance. For eight different venous valve prototypes flow rate, effective orifice area and regurgitation fraction was investigated in vitro. In particular, tricusp valve designs showed an up to 40% higher effective orifice area as well as 15% higher maximum flowrate compared to bicusp valve designs. However, the regurgitation fraction of the bicusp valve designs is up to 86% lower compared to tricusp valve. Additionally, the hemodynamic performance of the tricuspid valves showed a high sensitivity regarding the leaflet length. Bicuspid valves are less sensitive to changes of design parameters, more sufficient and therefore highly reliable.
Usability Evaluation of a One-Handed Touchbased OR-Table Control
Authors: Krumholz Philipp , Janß Armin , Radermacher Klaus
Published: September 2018

Due to the increasing number and the complexity of devices in the operation room (OR), which are caused by the diversity and variety of proprietary interface designs, the probability for use errors increases. In order to ensure a safe intraoperative workflow in the OR, integrated OR systems with central work stations have been developed. For this, there also exist concepts for handhelds, which offer touchbased graphical user interfaces (GUI). However, those come along with various limitations, e.g. possibility for one-handed interaction, which is influenced i.a. by the size, the design and the working task. Within our investigations, requirements for an enhanced concept have been gathered by taking into account corresponding standards regarding ergonomics, riskmanagement and usability-engineering. According to DIN EN 60601-2-46, machinery directive 2006/42 EG and guideline VDI/VDE 3850, the stipulated user interface has been designed in order to preselect functions on the touchscreen and their subsequent activation by physical buttons. Furthermore, the accessibility of areas of interest has been considered on the touchscreen, to avoid the re-gripping of the handheld. As a first step, the OR-table control for a tablet has been realized with Microsoft Blend, using a 22’ touch monitor. The usability study has been conducted in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9241-11 and IEC 62366. A group of ten surgeons and OR nurses underwent multiple tasks in the framework of a usability test, comparing the developed concept with a common keypad handheld. The study showed comparable results concerning the usability criteria effectiveness and efficiency. However, the concept clearly outperforms the handheld regarding user satisfaction, in particular due to the higher learnability and the easy transfer of daily-used GUI skills. The current approach motivates to develop a functional model of a touch-based handheld for OR-tables as well as with further integrated OR devices and to conduct additional usability studies.
Analysis and Simulation of the Illumination Optics of Rigid Medical Endoscopes
Authors: Gaertner Alexander , Belloni Paola
Published: September 2018

Our work focuses on enhancing the illumination optics of a rigid medical endoscope using optomechanical simulation. We aim on improving the efficiency of the illumination optics to provide more light in the surgeon’s field of view (FOV) and therefore better image quality. We conducted an extensive market analysis and measured several rigid endoscopes and their external light sources in the lighting technology laboratory. Surprisingly, all endoscopes showed a degree of efficiency below 20 %. Our optimization approach is based first on a photometric and colorimetric analysis carried out with an integrating sphere and a goniophotometer. Secondly, the results obtained are implemented in a 3Doptomechanical simulation model developed with the raytracing software LightTools (Synopsis©). In the simulation model both the geometrical components as well as the critical interfaces are examined considering light coupling at boundary surfaces and light transfer within the illumination optics. Moreover, the optimization takes into account spectral power distribution (SPD) and angular light distribution (ALD) of the light provided from the fiberoptic cable connected to an external light source as well as additional interfering factors like gluing, dispersive absorption and total reflection at critical angles.
Clinical Evaluation of Mobile Medical Apps
Authors: Michael Scholtes , Annemarie Behrend , Buedenbender Stephanie , Volker Gross , Keywan Sohrabi
Published: September 2018

Computer applications in medicine are very important. However, there are differences in quality of such software, which periodically led to discussions about safety, regulation, and registration of software applications. Today, the admission procedure of medical products is highly regulated, and this applies also for mobile medical apps. The clinical evaluation is one important aspect of the admission procedure, especially due to the latest regulatory changes of the guideline MedDev 2.7/1 revision 4. The requirements have increased, and uncertainty grows in medical app development companies. The aim of this paper was the development of a process orientated guide, that gives an overview of the needed steps of a clinical evaluation of mobile medical apps and that could help to give a rough estimation about the necessary effort. The guide was developed, based on the relevant literature and legal texts. The clinical evaluation can be conducted in five substeps: “Planning and Scoping”, “Literature Research”, “Literature Assessment”, “Clinical Data Analysis” and “Reporting”. Prospectively, this guide will be evaluated by developers and adjusted, as soon as Medical Device Regulation is legally binding.
Innovative Ventilation Technology for Operating Rooms
Authors: Gruber Sabine , Buhl Sebastian , Bulitta Clemens
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the decontamination potential of the Potok system both in an experimental setting in a research Operating Room (OR) with standalone Air Decontamination Units (Potok 150-M-01) and in a clinical setting in a real operating theatre in Moscow. Our experiments showed an impact of the Potok units on the bacterial contamination of the room air according to the Swedish SIS-TS 39:2015 standard. For the initial measurements in our research OR in Weiden this could be shown by a decrease of the bacterial burden at all three different measurement points (OR table, instrumentation tray, periphery). Also the subsequently done measurements in the Moscow hospital verified this decontaminating effectivity of the Potok system. In this case the initial background contamination of the operating theatre was higher than in the research OR in Germany. This bacterial burden could be effectively decreased by the use of the installed Potok based ventilation system.
Numerical simulation of a transcatheter aortic heart valve under application-related loading
Authors: Pfensig Sylvia , Kaule Sebastian , Ott Robert , Wüstenhagen Carolin , Stiehm Michael , Keiler Jonas , Wree Andreas , Grabow Niels , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Siewert Stefan
Published: September 2018

For the treatment of severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, minimally invasive heart valve prostheses have more recently become the lifesaving solution for elderly patients with high operational risk and thus, are often implanted in patients with challenging aortic root configuration. A correct prosthesis deployment and stent adaption to the target region is essential to ensure optimal leaflet performance and long-term prosthesis function. The objective of this study was the development of a suitable in silico setup for structural numerical simulation of a transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) in different cases of clinical relevance. A transcatheter valve prosthesis comprising an unpressurized trileaflet heart valve and an adapted stent configuration was designed. An aortic root (AR) model was developed, based on microcomputed tomography of a native healthy specimen. Using the finite-element analysis (FEA), various loading cases including prosthesis biomechanics with valve opening and closing under physiological pressure ratios throughout a cardiac cycle, prosthesis crimping as well as crimping and release into the developed AR model were simulated. Hyperelastic constitutive law for polymeric leaflet material and superelasticity of shape memory alloys for the self-expanding Nitinol stent structure were implemented into the FEA setup. Calculated performance of the valve including the stent structure demonstrated enhanced leaflet opening and closing as a result of stent deformation and redirected loading. Crimping and subsequent release into the AR model as well as the stent adaption to the target region after expansion proved the suitability of the TAV design for percutaneous application. FEA represented a useful tool for numerical simulation of an entire minimally invasive heart valve prosthesis in relevant clinical scenarios.
Experimental setup for evaluation of cavitation effects in ESWL
Authors: Reinhardt Nina , Dietz-Laursonn Kristin , Janzen Marc , Radermacher Klaus , Bach Christian , Radermacher Klaus , Fuente Matias de la
Published: September 2018

Cavitation is a major fracture mechanism in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). However, it can cause tissue trauma and its effects on kidney stones and surrounding tissue are not fully understood. Therefore experimental setups enabling systematic parameter studies are crucial. We developed and evaluated a testing rig comprising three measuring methods in order to examine this mechanism. Our initial evaluation of this setup based on standard components showed promising results. Primary cavitation was displayed by high-speed photography 195 μs after the shock front had passed the focal zone. The effect of different pulse repetition rates (30, 60, 90, 120 SW/min) on the extension of the cavitation area was determined. The lifetime of secondary cavitation was analysed by B-mode ultrasound imaging. In a post processing progress the images showing bubbles were compared to a reference picture for both types of cavitation and the number of pixels that changed colour was counted. Furthermore stone comminution at different pulse repetition rates (30, 60, 90, 120 SW/min) was investigated by fixed-dose fragmentation. We observed an inverse correlation of cavitation and fragmentation. As the pulse repetition rate increases, the area of primary cavitation grows whereas the fragmentation efficiency decreases. B-mode imaging showed that secondary cavitation bubbles persisted between the shocks and can serve as nuclei. The higher the pulse repetition rate is, the more of these nuclei remain and thus facilitate formation of primary cavitation. The experimental setup provides reproducible results regarding the development of primary and secondary cavitation on the one hand and the fragmentation of phantom stones on the other hand. Therefore it can be utilized to further investigate the effect of different boundary conditions and shock wave parameters on cavitation and stone comminution. The impact of different focal sound fields is subject of ongoing research.