Single- and multiobjective evolutionary optimization assisted by Gaussian random field metamodels

This paper presents and analyzes in detail an efficient search method based on evolutionary algorithms (EA) assisted by local Gaussian random field metamodels (GRFM). It is created for the use in optimization problems with one (or many) computationally expensive evaluation function(s). The role of GRFM is to predict objective function values for new candidate solutions by exploiting information recorded during previous evaluations. Moreover, GRFM are able to provide estimates of the confidence of their predictions. Predictions and their confidence intervals predicted by GRFM are used by the metamodel assisted EA. It selects the promising members in each generation and carries out exact, costly evaluations only for them. The extensive use of the uncertainty information of predictions for screening the candidate solutions makes it possible to significantly reduce the computational cost of singleand multiobjective EA. This is adequately demonstrated in this paper by means of mathematical test cases and a multipoint airfoil design in aerodynamics.     

Energy Metabolites as Biomarkers in Ischemic and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

With more than 25 million people affected, heart failure (HF) is a global threat. As energy production pathways are known to play a pivotal role in HF, we sought here to identify key metabolic changes in ischemic- and non-ischemic HF by using a multi-OMICS approach. Serum metabolites and mRNAseq and epigenetic DNA methylation profiles were analyzed from blood and left ventricular heart biopsy specimens of the same individuals. In total we collected serum from n = 82 patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and n = 51 controls in the screening stage. We identified several metabolites involved in glycolysis and citric acid cycle to be elevated up to 5.7-fold in DCM (p = 1.7 × 10⁻⁶). Interestingly, cardiac mRNA and epigenetic changes of genes encoding rate-limiting enzymes of these pathways could also be found and validated in our second stage of metabolite assessment in n = 52 DCM, n = 39 ischemic HF and n = 57 controls. In conclusion, we identified a new set of metabolomic biomarkers for HF. We were able to identify underlying biological cascades that potentially represent suitable intervention targets.     

Mechanical characterization of PEDOT:PSS thin films

By tensile testing the mechanical properties of thin films of the intrinsically conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) under different relative humidities are investigated. It can be shown that the fracture behaviour strongly depends on humidity and reaches from brittle to plastic. The fracture surfaces are first investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surfaces change from smooth at 23% rH to rough with shear lips for samples tested at 55% rH. Atomic force microscopy then reveals the topography of fracture surfaces at the nanometer scale and thus gives insights into the morphology of PEDOT:PSS thin films. By combining the experimental findings of the tensile tests and the AFM scans a micromechanical model for the deformation behavior of PEDOT:PSS can then be derived.     

Self-report measures for the assessment of human–machine interfaces in automated driving

Cognition, Technology & Work - For a successful market introduction of Level 3 Automated Driving Systems (L3 ADS), a careful evaluation of human–machine interfaces (HMIs) is necessary....     

A new one-phase material model for the numerical prediction of critical material flow conditions in thixoforging processes

Thixoforging allows one-step forming processes of near-net shape components having excellent mechanical properties. However, the high sensitivity of thixoforging regarding process conditions requires precise modelling and determination of process related parameters. At the same time, simple numerical design proves challenging because of the inaccuracy of existing one-phase material models regarding the shear thinning flow behaviour of semi solid metals. Consequently, this paper deals with the development of a new one-phase material model providing a more precise simulation of materials’ shear rate dependency. By using this model, simulations could be performed, which allowed the prediction of solidification and flow-related component defects.     

Charge patterns as templates for the assembly of layered biomolecular structures

Electric fields are used to guide the assembly of biomolecules in predefined geometric patterns on solid substrates. Local surface charges serve as templates to selectively position proteins on thin-film polymeric electret layers, thereby creating a basis for site-directed layered assembly of biomolecular structures. Charge patterns are created using the lithographic capabilities of an atomic force microscope, namely by applying voltage pulses between a conductive tip and the sample. Samples consist of a poly(methyl methacrylate) layer on a p-doped silicon support. Subsequently, the sample is developed in a water-in-oil emulsion, consisting of a dispersed aqueous phase containing biotin-modified immunoglobulinG molecules, and a continuous nonpolar, insulating oil phase. The electrostatic fields cause a net force of (di)electrophoretic nature on the droplet, thereby guiding the proteins to the predefined locations. Due to the functionalization of the immunoglobulinG molecules with biotin-groups, these patterns can now be used to initiate the localized layer-by-layer assembly of biomolecules based on the avidin-biotin mechanism. By binding 40 nm sized biotin-labelled beads to the predefined locations via a streptavidin linker, we verify the functionality of the previously deposited immunoglobulinG-biotin. All assembly steps following the initial deposition of the immunoglobulinG from emulsion can conveniently be conducted in aqueous solutions. Results show that pattern definition is maintained after immersion into aqueous solution.     

Die Stahlverbundkonstruktion der Bügelbauten des Berliner Hauptbahnhofs

Steel composite construction of the bow buildings at the Berlin Main station. Currently Berlin main station, Europe's largest crossway terminal, is under construction next to the government quarter. The east‐west glass roof intersects two buildings. These “bow‐buildings” highlight the underground north‐south track in a characteristic way. The north‐south glass roof, measuring 180 m, is hanging between these buildings. The “bow‐buildings” are office towers with 12 storeys. The steel composite structure is on the outside of the cladding. The buildings in form of a bridge are remarkable. They consist of 4 storeys an have a span of 87 m.     

Somatic gene therapy in squamous epithelial carcinomas of the head-neck area

Gene therapy is an important new approach to the treatment and prevention of human diseases. Somatic gene therapy involves the introduction of novel genetic material into somatic cells to express therapeutic gene products. Two main strategies in somatic gene therapy of cancer are applied: the genetic correction of the defect, or the elimination of cancer cells by cytotoxic drugs or the immuno system. Gene transfer can be accomplished by physical and chemical methods or nonreplicating viruses. The different transfer systems vary strongly in their efficiency of transfection, plasmid maintenance, and protein expression. The clinical application could be performed in two ways: Firstly, by in vivo application of genome modifying substances injected directly into the tumour; secondly, by ex vivo application of genetically modified tumour cells as a tumour vaccine. The following review will discuss some of the gene therapy strategies that could be effective in managing head and neck cancer.