Refine
Year of publication
- 2014 (301) (remove)
Institute
- Fachbereich Medizintechnik und Technomathematik (65)
- Fachbereich Chemie und Biotechnologie (46)
- Fachbereich Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik (43)
- Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften (41)
- Fachbereich Energietechnik (40)
- INB - Institut für Nano- und Biotechnologien (35)
- IfB - Institut für Bioengineering (25)
- Fachbereich Maschinenbau und Mechatronik (21)
- Fachbereich Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik (13)
- Fachbereich Bauingenieurwesen (12)
Document Type
- Article (142)
- Conference Proceeding (67)
- Part of a Book (30)
- Book (21)
- Conference: Meeting Abstract (15)
- Report (8)
- Other (6)
- Bachelor Thesis (3)
- Patent (2)
- Part of a Periodical (2)
- Conference Poster (1)
- Doctoral Thesis (1)
- Master's Thesis (1)
- Video (1)
- Talk (1)
Keywords
In humans, 75% of all drugs are metabolized by the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system. Enzymes encoded by the CYP2C, CYP2D, and CYP3A gene clusters account for ∼80% of this activity. There are profound species differences in the multiplicity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, and the use of mouse models to predict pathways of drug metabolism is further complicated by overlapping substrate specificity between enzymes from different gene families. To establish the role of the hepatic and extrahepatic P450 system in drug and foreign chemical disposition, drug efficacy, and toxicity, we created a unique mouse model in which 30 cytochrome P450 genes from the Cyp2c, Cyp2d, and Cyp3a gene clusters have been deleted. Remarkably, despite a wide range of putative important endogenous functions, Cyp2c/2d/3a KO mice were viable and fertile, demonstrating that these genes have evolved primarily as detoxification enzymes. Although there was no overt phenotype, detailed examination showed Cyp2c/2d/3a KO mice had a smaller body size (15%) and larger livers (20%). Changes in hepatic morphology and a decreased blood glucose (30%) were also noted. A five-drug cocktail of cytochrome P450 isozyme probe substrates were used to evaluate changes in drug pharmacokinetics; marked changes were observed in either the pharmacokinetics or metabolites formed from Cyp2c, Cyp2d, and Cyp3a substrates, whereas the metabolism of the Cyp1a substrate caffeine was unchanged. Thus, Cyp2c/2d/3a KO mice provide a powerful model to study the in vivo role of the P450 system in drug metabolism and efficacy, as well as in chemical toxicity.
Der Embedded Wireless-Report
(2014)
Ab dem 1.1.2015 ist es soweit: Deutschland erhält einen flächendeckenden und weitgehend branchenunabhängigen gesetzlichen Mindestlohn. Danach haben grundsätzlich alle abhängig beschäftigten Arbeitnehmer einen Anspruch auf eine Entlohnung von wenigstens 8,50 EUR brutto je Arbeitsstunde. Die Auswirkungen dürften enorm sein. Das Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales geht jedenfalls davon aus, dass aufgrund der Einführung des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns mehrere Millionen Beschäftigte einen höheren Lohn beanspruchen können. Der nachfolgende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die wesentlichen Inhalte des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns und Hinweise für Anwendungsprobleme in der betrieblichen Praxis.
Persistent infection with the high-risk Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) is the causative event for the development of cervical cancer and other malignant tumors of the anogenital tract and of the head and neck. Despite many attempts to develop therapeutic vaccines no candidate has entered late clinical trials. An interesting approach is a DNA based vaccine encompassing the nucleotide sequence of the E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins. Because both proteins are consistently expressed in HPV infected cells they represent excellent targets for immune therapy. Here we report the development of 8 DNA vaccine candidates consisting of differently rearranged HPV-16 E6 and E7 sequences within one molecule providing all naturally occurring epitopes but supposedly lacking transforming activity. The HPV sequences were fused to the J-domain and the SV40 enhancer in order to increase immune responses. We demonstrate that one out of the 8 vaccine candidates induces very strong cellular E6- and E7- specific cellular immune responses in mice and, as shown in regression experiments, efficiently controls growth of HPV 16 positive syngeneic tumors. This data demonstrates the potential of this vaccine candidate to control persistent HPV 16 infection that may lead to malignant disease. It also suggests that different sequence rearrangements influence the immunogenecity by an as yet unknown mechanism.
In this work, the catalyst manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2), of calorimetric gas sensors (to monitor the sterilization agent vaporized hydrogen peroxide) has been investigated in more detail. Chemical analyses by means of X-ray-induced photoelectron spectroscopy have been performed to unravel the surface chemistry prior and after exposure to hydrogen peroxide vapor at elevated temperature, as applied in the sterilization processes of beverage cartons. The surface characterization reveals a change in oxidation states of the metal oxide catalyst after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, a cleaning effect of the catalyst, which itself is attached to the sensor surface by means of a polymer interlayer, could be observed.
Developing a new production host from a blueprint: Bacillus pumilus as an industrial enzyme producer
(2014)
As a semiconductor-based electrochemical sensor, the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) can realize two dimensional visualization of (bio-)chemical reactions at the sensor surface addressed by localized illumination. Thanks to this imaging capability, various applications in biochemical and biomedical fields are expected, for which the spatial resolution is critically significant. In this study, therefore, the spatial resolution of the LAPS was investigated in detail based on the device simulation. By calculating the spatiotemporal change of the distributions of electrons and holes inside the semiconductor layer in response to a modulated illumination, the photocurrent response as well as the spatial resolution was obtained as a function of various parameters such as the thickness of the Si substrate, the doping concentration, the wavelength and the intensity of illumination.
The simulation results verified that both thinning the semiconductor substrate and increasing the doping concentration could improve the spatial resolution, which were in good agreement with known experimental results and theoretical analysis. More importantly, new findings of interests were also obtained. As for the dependence on the wavelength of illumination, it was found that the known dependence was not always the case. When the Si substrate was thick, a longer wavelength resulted in a higher spatial resolution which was known by experiments. When the Si substrate was thin, however, a longer wavelength of light resulted in a lower spatial resolution. This finding was explained as an effect of raised concentration of carriers, which reduced the thickness of the space charge region.
The device simulation was found to be helpful to understand the relationship between the spatial resolution and device parameters, to understand the physics behind it, and to optimize the device structure and measurement conditions for realizing higher performance of chemical imaging systems.
A novel photoexcitation method for the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) realized a higher spatial resolution of chemical imaging. In this method, a modulated light probe, which generates the alternating photocurrent signal, is surrounded by a ring of constant light, which suppresses the lateral diffusion of photocarriers by enhancing recombination. A device simulation verified that a higher spatial resolution could be obtained by adjusting the gap between the modulated and constant light. It was also found that a higher intensity and a longer wavelength of constant light was more effective. However, there exists a tradeoff between the spatial resolution and the amplitude of the photocurrent, and thus, the signal-to-noise ratio. A tilted incidence of constant light was applied, which could achieve even higher resolution with a smaller loss of photocurrent.
Die Beschäftigung von Prokuristen ist gängige betriebliche Praxis. Unternehmen stehen dabei immer wieder vor der Frage, ob und welche Arbeitnehmer sie zu Prokuristen bestellen sollen. Nicht selten bleiben hierbei die arbeitsrechtlichen Konsequenzen, die mit der Bestellung eines Arbeitnehmers zum Prokuristen einhergehen können, unberücksichtigt, wie diverse Gerichtsentscheidungen zeigen. Dieser Beitrag soll einen Überblick über die arbeitsrechtlichen Folgen bei der Beschäftigung von Prokuristen geben und der betrieblichen Praxis somit gleichzeitig als Entscheidungshilfe dienen, wenn es um das Ob und Wie der möglichen Bestellung eines Arbeitnehmers zum Prokuristen geht.
Thema
06 Im Steinreich | Wie Dombaumeister und FH-Absolvent Helmut Maintz mit modernen Mitteln das Erbe von 1200 Jahren bewahrt
12 Ein Meer aus Purpur und Gold | Karlsfiguren als Botschafter Aachens
14 Karl ist in uns allen! | Fotoshooting auf dem Münsterplatz war ein Riesenerfolg Studium
16 Made in Goethestraße | Studierende arbeiten an der Weiterentwicklung von 3-D-Druckern
18 Wenn Träume fliegen lernen | Fachbereich Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik bietet Summerschool Segelfliegen an
20 Kampf um die goldene Dose | Robotikwettbewerb für Scientific-Programming-Studierende
21 Rückenschmerz war gestern | FH-Team entwickelt eine Auflage für Bürostühle
22 Auf gute Nachbarschaft | FH kooperiert mit niederländischem Studierendenverein
24 Vier Unternehmen, drei Tage und 1000 Eindrücke | Studierende des Fachbereichs Wirtschaftswissenschaften auf Benchmark-Reise
25 Ein Grill ist keine Lampe | Gestalter gewinnen Publikumspreis beim Young Creations Award: Upcycling 2014
26 Eine Aufgabe für die gesamte Hochschule | Halbzeitbilanz für das Projekt zur Qualitätsverbesserung in Studium und Lehre
27 Kreative Zufälle | Siebdruckkurs im Ludwig Forum
28 Meldungen/Studium International 30 Goldrausch | Zehn Studierende des Fachbereichs Bauingenieurwesen fahren auf Exkursion nach Kalifornien
32 Torbens Triple | Student des Fachbereichs Wirtschaftswissenschaften auf der Erfolgsspur
34 Auf einmal mittendrin | Studierende des Fachbereichs Gestaltung erleben Istanbul
36 Wenn Tiger am Tatort schwitzen | Zwei FH-Studentinnen forschen für ein paar Monate in der weiten Welt FORSCHUNG UND TRANSFER
38 Der IceMole wird erwachsen | Einschmelzsonde besteht Härtetest in der Antarktis
40 Zündkerze | Mit Mikrowellenenergie Sprit sparen
42 Eine Aufgabe für eine ganze Generation | Energiewende ist und bleibt zentrales Thema des Solar-Instituts Jülich
44 „Early Birds“ – Premiere in Belgien | Vertreter aus Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft zu Gast bei der Sterisys PGmbH
46 Eine elektronische Nase | FH-Forscher entwickelt neues Verfahren zur Überwachung von Abfüllprozessen
48 Ein Höhenflug | Motorsegler der FH Aachen überfliegt den Himalaya bis hinauf zum Gipfel des Mount Everest Personen
52 Unser Mann auf dem Himalaya | Fabian Nawrath hat schon in vielen Ländern eine Dose Cola getrunken
58 Ein Mythos lebt | FH-Alumnus Uwe Niermann und Künstler Peter Klasen bringen Rennlegende wieder auf die Strecke 62 Noch mehr Fahrspaß am Dreiländereck | FH-Student René Hamacher engagiert sich fürs Mountainbiken
63 Boonzaaijer begeistert | FH Aachen verleiht Lehrpreis an Designprofessor
64 Mein Partner mit der kalten Schnauze | Tierische Verstärkung in der Telefonzentrale der FH Aachen
68 Alles andere als langweilig | Leif Battermann ist einer von 78 Studierenden, die eine Ehrenplakette erhalten
70 Rückenwind fürs Studium | 70 Studierende erhalten ein FH-Stipendium
72 Von Kaiser Wilhelm bis Buffalo Bill | Thomas Lochner erzählt die Geschichte der Aachener Tuchindustrie
73 Personalia / Professoren
76 Neue Gleichstellungsbeauftragte | Judith Kürten löst Andrea Stühn ab
76 im Amt bestätigt | Prof. Klocke steht auch in der neuen Amtsperiode an der Spitze des Hochschulrats der FH Kiel SERVICE
78 Den Boden bereiten | Der neue Campus der FH Aachen an der Eupener Straße nimmt Gestalt an
80 Herzlich willkommen! | Fotoaktion bei den Newcomer Days
82 Neuer Hörsaal auf dem Campus Jülich | Nach nur sieben Monaten Bauzeit fertiggestellt
83 Alle Ampeln auf Grün | Schülerinnen bauen Auto mit Wasserstoffantrieb
84 Gemeinsam für den Wissenschaftsstandort | Region und Hochschulen unterzeichnen Kooperationsvertrag
86 Messen und Veranstaltungen
93 Meldungen/Service
94 Ortswechsel | Macht Kunst Schätze – die Ausstellungen zum Karlsjahr
96 Impressum
Thema
06 On the Road and Inside Indonesia | FH-Studentin Petra Hess schreibt ein Buch über Sulawesi
12 Von Hunden im Schafskostüm | Mit „North Orbit“ zeigt der Student Kevin Ramolla Island einmal anders Studium
16 Intelligenter als Staubsaugerroboter | Robotik an der FH Aachen
18 Wir sind Weltmeister! | Carologistics-Team gewinnt bei Roboter-WM
20 „Dein Passwort hält 28 Trilliarden Jahre lang durch!“ | Studierende schärfen Bewusstsein für Passwortsicherheit
22 Gute Ideen für echte Herausforderungen | Zukunftswerkstatt bei der Summer School Renewable Energy
24 Auf der Überholspur | Aixtreme-Racing-Team blickt auf eine gute Saison
26 Das „Momentum“ halten | Interview mit Teamchef Maximilian Philippi
28 Statt Fernseher und Fitnessstudio | Help e.V. hilft jungen Menschen, sich sozial zu engagieren
30 Nimm mein Auto! | FH-Student arbeitet im Start-up-Unternehmen „Tamyca“
32 Nominiert: PR-Bild-Award
34 Den Nerv der Zeit getroffen | Studenten gewinnen dritten Platz bei weltweitem Wettbewerb International
36 Kleiner Sprung, großer Sprung | Solange Wetzels hat sich für ein Studium an der FH entschieden
FORSCHUNG UND TRANSFER
38 Schlag auf Schlag | Pulsierende Herzzellen ebnen im Institut für Bioengineering den Weg zur personalisierten Medizin 42 Komplexe Prozesse einfach dargestellt | Gestalterteam entwirft iPad-App für „ProSense“
44 Zwei Welten vereint | Bei der Entwicklung von Sensoren verknüpft das Institut für Nano- und Biotechnologien Biologie und Mikroelektronik Personen
48 Wir machen euch zum Kaiser! | Fotoaktion bei den Newcomer Days
50 An der Schnittstelle | Dr. Nils Bausch arbeitet als Lecturer an der University of Portsmouth
55 Zwei neue Publikationen zum Aachener Dom
SERVICE
56 Meldungen
59 Kopfnuss
60 Ortswechsel | „La Batte“ in Lüttich
62 Impressum
DNA-hybridization detection using light-addressable potentiometric sensor modified with gold layer
(2014)
Does stiffer electoral competition reduce political shirking? For a micro-analysis of this question, I construct a new data set spanning the years 2005 to 2012 covering biographical and political information about German Members of Parliament (MPs), including their attendance rates in voting sessions. For the parliament elected in 2009, I show that indeed opposition party MPs who expect to face a close race in their district show significantly and relevantly lower absence rates in parliament beforehand. MPs of governing parties seem not to react significantly to electoral competition. These results are confirmed by an analysis of the parliament elected in 2005, by several robustness checks, and also by employing an instrumental variable strategy exploiting convenient peculiarities of the German electoral system. The study also shows how MPs elected via party lists react to different levels of electoral competition.
Üblicherweise werden biotechnologische Reaktionssysteme im mikrofluidischen Maßstab in vorstrukturierten Bauteilen oder mit auf Wellplatten basierenden Robotersystemen realisiert. In dem hier vorgestellten System werden chemische oder biologische Reaktionen mit magnetischen Mikroreaktoren (MR) durchgeführt, bei denen hydrophobe magnetische Mikropartikel einen wässrigen Kern umschließen. Solche MR bieten eine gute Kontrolle der Reaktionsbedingungen, eine verbesserte Sicherheit und Portabilität. Die neue Plattformtechnologie ermöglicht die zweidimensionale Bewegung der magnetischen MR auf einer planaren Ebene. Oberhalb oder unterhalb der Plattform werden Magnetfeldgradienten zum Manipulieren und Bewegen eines oder mehrerer magnetischer MR erzeugt. Die optimal auf die MR wirkenden magnetischen Kräfte werden experimentell ermittelt und simuliert. Die Aktivierung der Magnetfelder wird automatisiert durch elektrische Spulen mit Eisenkern bzw. Neodymmagnet gesteuert. Angewendet wurde das System beim reversiblen Öffnen von MR, um z. B. Reaktionspartner in den wässrigen Kern zu injizieren oder Proben zu entnehmen. Ferner wurde Lac-case A und b-Glucosidase auf einer Quarzglasoberfläche immobilisiert und mit einem MR zum Reagieren gebracht. Weiterhin wurden MR fusioniert und so ein wässriger Kern bestehend aus Laccase mit einem aus dem entsprechenden Substrat Syringaldazin vereint.
Einleitung vor § 1297
(2014)
Die Informationsbroschüre „Elektromobilität in einer vernetzten Welt“ richtet sich an IT-Dienstleister. In dieser Broschüre werden mögliche Potenziale im Bereich der Elektromobilität aufgezeigt. Die Mobilität der Zukunft ist eine interdisziplinäre Angelegenheit und kein reines Automotive-Thema mehr. Beispiele wie Mobilitätsmanagement, eCommerce und Individualisierung sind im Mobilitätsbereich für die IT-Branche relevant.
Use of textile structures for reinforcement of pelvic floor structures has to consider mechanical forces to the implant, which are quite different to the tension free conditions of the abdominal wall. Thus, biomechanical analysis of textile devices has to include the impact of strain on stretchability and effective porosity. Prolift® and Prolift + M®, developed for tension free conditions, were tested by measuring stretchability and effective porosity applying mechanical strain. For comparison, we used Dynamesh-PR4®, which was designed for pelvic floor repair to withstand mechanical strain. Prolift® at rest showed moderate porosity with little stretchability but complete loss of effective porosity at strain of 4.9 N/cm. Prolift + M® revealed an increased porosity at rest, but at strain showed high stretchability, with subsequent loss of effective porosity at strain of 2.5 N/cm. Dynamesh PR4® preserved its high porosity even under strain, but as consequence of limited stretchability. Though in tension free conditions Prolift® and Prolift + M® can be considered as large pore class I meshes, application of mechanical strain rapidly lead to collapse of pores. The loss of porosity at mechanical stress can be prevented by constructions with high structural stability. Assessment of porosity under strain was found helpful to define requirements for pelvic floor devices. Clinical studies have to prove whether devices with high porosity as well as high structural stability can improve the patients' outcome.
Engineering of functional interfaces / Patrick Wagner ; Theodor Doll ; Michael J. Schöning (eds.)
(2014)
The chemical imaging sensor, which is based on the principle of the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), is a powerful tool to visualize the spatial distribution of chemical species on the sensor surface. The spatial resolution of this sensor depends on the diffusion of photocarriers excited by a modulated light. In this study, a novel hybrid fiber-optic illumination was developed to enhance the spatial resolution. It consists of a modulated light probe to generate a photocurrent signal and a ring of constant light, which suppresses the lateral diffusion of minority carriers excited by the modulated light. It is demonstrated that the spatial resolution was improved from 92 μm to 68 μm.
The development of a cost-effective hydrolysis for crude cellulose is an essential part of biorefinery developments. To establish such high solid hydrolysis, a new solid state reactor with static mixing is used. However, concentrations >10% (w/w) cause a rate and yield reduction of enzymatic hydrolysis. By optimizing the synergetic activity of cellulolytic enzymes at solid concentrations of 9%, 17% and 23% (w/w) of crude Organosolv cellulose, glucose concentrations of 57, 113 and 152 g L⁻¹ are reached. However, the glucose yield decreases from 0.81 to 0.72gg⁻¹ at 17% (w/w). Optimal conditions for hydrolysis scale-up under minimal enzyme addition are identified. As result, at 23% (w/w) crude cellulose the glucose yield increases from 0.29 to 0.49gg⁻¹. As proof of its applicability, biobutanol, succinic and itaconic acid are produced with the crude hydrolysate. The potential of the substrate is proven e.g. by a high butanol yield of 0.33gg⁻¹.
A semiconductor field-effect device has been used for an enzymatically catalyzed degradation of biopolymers for the first time. This novel technique is capable to monitor the degradation process of multiple samples in situ and in real-time. As model system, the degradation of the biopolymer poly(D, L-lactic acid) has been monitored in the degradation medium containing the enzyme lipase from Rhizomucor miehei. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of capacitive field-effect sensors for degradation studies of biodegradable polymers.
This article describes the fabrication, characterization and application of an epidermal temporary-transfer tattoo-based potentiometric sensor, coupled with a miniaturized wearable wireless transceiver, for real-time monitoring of sodium in the human perspiration. Sodium excreted during perspiration is an excellent marker for electrolyte imbalance and provides valuable information regarding an individual's physical and mental wellbeing. The realization of the new skin-worn non-invasive tattoo-like sensing device has been realized by amalgamating several state-of-the-art thick film, laser printing, solid-state potentiometry, fluidics and wireless technologies. The resulting tattoo-based potentiometric sodium sensor displays a rapid near-Nernstian response with negligible carryover effects, and good resiliency against various mechanical deformations experienced by the human epidermis. On-body testing of the tattoo sensor coupled to a wireless transceiver during exercise activity demonstrated its ability to continuously monitor sweat sodium dynamics. The real-time sweat sodium concentration was transmitted wirelessly via a body-worn transceiver from the sodium tattoo sensor to a notebook while the subjects perspired on a stationary cycle. The favorable analytical performance along with the wearable nature of the wireless transceiver makes the new epidermal potentiometric sensing system attractive for continuous monitoring the sodium dynamics in human perspiration during diverse activities relevant to the healthcare, fitness, military, healthcare and skin-care domains.
Die Erdbeben in Albstadt 1978 (Magnitude 5,7), Roermond 1992 (Magnitude 5,9) oder in Waldkirch 2004 (Magnitude 5,1) haben verdeutlicht, dass die erdbebensichere Auslegung von Mauerwerksbauten auch in Deutschland von großer Bedeutung ist. Bereits im Jahr 1981 wurde die DIN 4149 (1981) “Bauten in deutschen Erdbebengebieten – Lastannahmen, Bemessung und Ausführung üblicher Hochbauten“ eingeführt, in der aber für Mauerwerksbauten nur wenige Anforderungen gestellt wurden. Diese Norm wurde durch den NABau-Arbeitsausschuss “Erdbeben; Sonderfragen“ des Deutschen Instituts für Normung e.V. (DIN) auf Grundlage des Eurocode 8 (2004) vollständig überarbeitet und durch die DIN 4149 (2005) abgelöst, die umfangreiche Regelungen für die seismische Auslegung von Mauerwerksbauten enthält. Mittlerweile liegen die DIN EN 1998-1 (2010) und der Nationale Anhang DIN EN 1998-1/NA (2011) vor, die nach Einarbeitung der Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Anwendungserprobung bauaufsichtlich eingeführt und die DIN 4149 (2005) ersetzen werden. Der folgende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die seismische Berechnung und Bemessung von Mauerwerksbauten nach dem europäischen Regelwerk und illustriert deren Anwendung an einem baupraktischen Beispiel.
EU-Projekt INSYSME : innovative Systeme für erdbebentaugliche Ausfachungswände aus Ziegelmauerwerk
(2014)
Am 1. Oktober 2013 ist das auf drei Jahre angelegte EU-Forschungsprojekt INSYSME – Innovative Systeme für erdbebentaugliche Ausfachungswände aus Ziegelmauerwerk in Stahlbetonrahmentragwerken – gestartet. Unter der Koordination der Universität Padua beteiligen sich 16 Partner aus sechs europäischen Ländern (Deutschland, Griechenland, Italien, Portugal, Rumänien, Türkei). Als deutsche Partner nehmen die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mauerziegel aus Bonn, die Universität Kassel sowie das Ingenieurbüro SDA-engineering GmbH aus Herzogenrath, teil. Ziel der deutschen Partner ist die Entwicklung von innovativen Ausfachungssystemen aus monolithischem wärmedämmenden Ziegelmauerwerk, mit denen nicht nur eine erhöhte Erdbebensicherheit, sondern auch die sichere Erfüllung der steigenden Anforderungen aus Windbeanspruchungen gewährleistet werden können. Die Forschungsergebnisse sollen vom Partner SDA-engineering GmbH in die bereits seit einigen Jahren verfügbare Softwarelösung MINEA [1] integriert werden. Weitere Informationen stehen auf den Websites des Projektes [2] zur Verfügung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden nach einer kurzen thematischen Einführung die Ergebnisse von Tastversuchen an senkrecht zur Ebene belasteten Ausfachungswänden aus Planziegelmauerwerk vorgestellt. Im Anschluss wird das geplante Arbeitsprogramm der deutschen Partner im Projekt INSYSME beschrieben.
Organic anion transporting polypeptide (Oatp) 1a/1b knockout and OATP1B1 and -1B3 humanized mouse models are promising tools for studying the roles of these transporters in drug disposition. Detailed characterization of these models will help to better understand their utility for predicting clinical outcomes. To advance this approach, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of these mouse lines by evaluating the compensatory changes in mRNA expression, quantifying the amounts of OATP1B1 and -1B3 protein by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and studying the active uptake in isolated hepatocytes and the pharmacokinetics of some prototypical substrates including statins. Major outcomes from these studies were 1) mostly moderate compensatory changes in only a few genes involved in drug metabolism and disposition, 2) a robust hepatic expression of OATP1B1 and -1B3 proteins in the respective humanized mouse models, and 3) functional activities of the human transporters in hepatocytes isolated from the humanized models with several substrates tested in vitro and with pravastatin in vivo. However, the expression of OATP1B1 and -1B3 in the humanized models did not significantly alter liver or plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin and pitavastatin compared with Oatp1a/1b knockout controls under the conditions used in our studies. Hence, although the humanized OATP1B1 and -1B3 mice showed in vitro and/or in vivo functional activity with some statins, further characterization of these models is required to define their potential use and limitations in the prediction of drug disposition and drug-drug interactions in humans.
Network theory provides novel concepts that promise an improved characterization of interacting dynamical systems. Within this framework, evolving networks can be considered as being composed of nodes, representing systems, and of time-varying edges, representing interactions between these systems. This approach is highly attractive to further our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological dynamics in human brain networks. Indeed, there is growing evidence that the epileptic process can be regarded as a large-scale network phenomenon. We here review methodologies for inferring networks from empirical time series and for a characterization of these evolving networks. We summarize recent findings derived from studies that investigate human epileptic brain networks evolving on timescales ranging from few seconds to weeks. We point to possible pitfalls and open issues, and discuss future perspectives.
The Dry Low NOx (DLN) Micromix combustion principle with increased energy density is adapted for the industrial gas turbine APU GTCP 36-300 using hydrogen and hydrogen-rich syngas with a composition of 90%-Vol. hydrogen (H₂) and 10%-Vol. carbon-monoxide (CO). Experimental and numerical studies of several combustor geometries for hydrogen and syngas show the successful advance of the DLN Micromix combustion from pure hydrogen to hydrogen-rich syngas. The impact of the different fuel properties on the combustion principle and aerodynamic flame stabilization design laws, flow field, flame structure and emission characteristics is investigated by numerical analysis using a hybrid Eddy Break Up combustion model and validated against experimental results.
Planning the layout and operation of a technical system is a common task
for an engineer. Typically, the workflow is divided into consecutive stages: First,
the engineer designs the layout of the system, with the help of his experience or of
heuristic methods. Secondly, he finds a control strategy which is often optimized
by simulation. This usually results in a good operating of an unquestioned sys-
tem topology. In contrast, we apply Operations Research (OR) methods to find a
cost-optimal solution for both stages simultaneously via mixed integer program-
ming (MILP). Technical Operations Research (TOR) allows one to find a provable
global optimal solution within the model formulation. However, the modeling error
due to the abstraction of physical reality remains unknown. We address this ubiq-
uitous problem of OR methods by comparing our computational results with mea-
surements in a test rig. For a practical test case we compute a topology and control
strategy via MILP and verify that the objectives are met up to a deviation of 8.7%.
Vor dem Hintergrund zunehmender gesellschaftlicher Veränderungen bei den Lebens- und Familienformen hat es sich die Commission on European Family Law (CEFL) seit 2001 zum Ziel gesetzt, unverbindliche Regelungsvorschläge für ein europaweit einheitliches Familienrecht zu schaffen. Die Vorstellung und Diskussion dieser auf rechtsvergleichender Basis erstellten Principles erfolgt auf den regelmäßig veranstalteten Tagungen der CEFL. Die nunmehr fünfte Konferenz zum Thema „Family Law and Culture in Europe – Developments, Challenges and Opportunities“ fand erstmals in Deutschland statt. Ausgerichtet wurde die Veranstaltung, zu der ca. 200 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmern aus Wissenschaft und Praxis aus insgesamt 33 Ländern angereist waren, von Nina Dethloff (Direktorin des Instituts für Deutsches, Europäisches und Internationales Familienrecht an der Universität Bonn), Katharina Boele-Woelki (Direktorin des Utrecht Centre for European Research into Family Law und Preisträgerin des Anneliese Maier-Forschungspreises der Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung) und Werner Gephart (Direktor des Käte Hamburger Kollegs „Recht als Kultur“).
Purpose
To demonstrate that high quality T₂-weighted (T2w) turbo spin-echo (TSE) imaging of the complete prostate can be achieved routinely and within safety limits at 7 T, using an external transceive body array coil only.
Methods
Nine healthy volunteers and 12 prostate cancer patients were scanned on a 7 T whole-body system. Preparation consisted of B₀ and radiofrequency shimming and localized flip angle calibration. T₁ and T₂ relaxation times were measured and used to define the T2w-TSE protocol. T2w imaging was performed using a TSE sequence (pulse repetition time/echo time 3000–3640/71 ms) with prolonged excitation and refocusing pulses to reduce specific absorption rate.
Results
High quality T2w TSE imaging was performed in less than 2 min in all subjects. Tumors of patients with gold-standard tumor localization (MR-guided biopsy or prostatectomy) were well visualized on 7 T imaging (n = 3). The number of consecutive slices achievable within a 10-g averaged specific absorption rate limit of 10 W/kg was ≥28 in all subjects, sufficient for full prostate coverage with 3-mm slices in at least one direction.
Conclusion
High quality T2w TSE prostate imaging can be performed routinely and within specific absorption rate limits at 7 T with an external transceive body array.
Feldbustechnologie
(2014)
This paper develops a new finite element method (FEM)-based upper bound algorithm for limit and shakedown analysis of hardening structures by a direct plasticity method. The hardening model is a simple two-surface model of plasticity with a fixed bounding surface. The initial yield surface can translate inside the bounding surface, and it is bounded by one of the two equivalent conditions: (1) it always stays inside the bounding surface or (2) its centre cannot move outside the back-stress surface. The algorithm gives an effective tool to analyze the problems with a very high number of degree of freedom. Our numerical results are very close to the analytical solutions and numerical solutions in literature.
The concept of an injective affine embedding of the quantum states into a set of classical states, i.e., into the set of the probability measures on some measurable space, as well as its relation to statistically complete observables is revisited, and its limitation in view of a classical reformulation of the statistical scheme of quantum mechanics is discussed. In particular, on the basis of a theorem concerning a non-denseness property of a set of coexistent effects, it is shown that an injective classical embedding of the quantum states cannot be supplemented by an at least approximate classical description of the quantum mechanical effects. As an alternative approach, the concept of quasi-probability representations of quantum mechanics is considered.
Gebaute Geschichte in Turin
(2014)
Generation Y
(2014)
1. Drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters play important roles in the absorption, metabolism, tissue distribution and excretion of various compounds and their metabolites and thus can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. Furthermore, they can be involved in drug–drug interactions which can result in adverse responses, life-threatening toxicity or impaired efficacy. Significant species differences in the interaction of compounds with drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters have been described.
2. In order to overcome the limitation of animal models in accurately predicting human responses, a large variety of mouse models humanized for drug metabolizing enzymes and to a lesser extent drug transporters have been created.
3. This review summarizes the literature describing these mouse models and their key applications in studying the role of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in drug bioavailability, tissue distribution, clearance and drug–drug interactions as well as in human metabolite testing and risk assessment.
4. Though such humanized mouse models have certain limitations, there is great potential for their use in basic research and for testing and development of new medicines. These limitations and future potentials will be discussed.
Geologisch-geotechnischer Planungsprozess von Tunnelbauten mit Schwerpunkt tiefliegender Tunnel
(2014)
A technology reference study for a multiple near-Earth object (NEO) rendezvous mission with solar sailcraft is currently carried out by the authors of this paper. The investigated mission builds on previous concepts, but adopts a strong micro-spacecraft philosophy based on the DLR/ESA Gossamer technology. The main scientific objective of the mission is to explore the diversity of NEOs. After direct interplanetary insertion, the solar sailcraft should—within less than 10 years—rendezvous three NEOs that are not only scientifically interesting, but also from the point of human spaceight and planetary defense. In this paper, the objectives of the study are outlined and a preliminary potential mission profile is presented.
A technology reference study for a solar polar mission is presented. The study uses novel analytical methods to quantify the mission design space including the required sail performance to achieve a given solar polar observation angle within a given timeframe and thus to derive mass allocations for the remaining spacecraft sub-systems, that is excluding the solar sail sub-system. A parametric, bottom-up, system mass budget analysis is then used to establish the required sail technology to deliver a range of science payloads, and to establish where such payloads can be delivered to within a given timeframe. It is found that a solar polar mission requires a solar sail of side-length 100–125 m to deliver a ‘sufficient value’ minimum science payload, and that a 2.5 μm sail film substrate is typically required, however the design is much less sensitive to the boom specific mass.
A technology reference study for a displaced Lagrange point space weather mission is presented. The mission builds on previous concepts, but adopts a strong micro-spacecraft philosophy to deliver a low mass platform and payload which can be accommodated on the DLR/ESA Gossamer-3 technology demonstration mission. A direct escape from Geostationary Transfer Orbit is assumed with the sail deployed after the escape burn. The use of a miniaturized, low mass platform and payload then allows the Gossamer-3 solar sail to potentially double the warning time of space weather events. The mission profile and mass budgets will be presented to achieve these ambitious goals.
Der zunehmende Bedarf an fossilen Rohstoffen bei gleichzeitig abnehmender Versorgungssicherheit führt zu einer intensiven Suche nach erneuerbaren Ressourcen. Ein vielversprechendes Ausgangsmaterial mit einer weltweiten Verfügbarkeit stellt Gras dar. In 2012 wurden in Deutschland 33 Millionen Tonnen (Heugewicht) Gras auf 4,82 Millionen Hektar Ackerland produziert, davon wurden 60,5 % siliert. Durch die Silierung kann Gras als Substrat zeitlich uneingeschränkt verfügbar sein, ohne dem Risiko des schnellen Verderbs ausgesetzt zu sein. Eine Schlüsselrolle im Rahmen des Silierprozesses nimmt die Produktion von Milchsäure ein. Milchsäure ist einbedeutendes biotechnologisches Produkt für die Lebensmittel- und die chemische Industrie. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird die vollständige Umwandlung der fermentierbaren Zucker in der Silage zu Milchsäure angestrebt, um die maximale Ausbeute der organischen Säure zu erreichen. Im ersten Verfahrensschritt wird die Silage gepresst und der erhaltene Presskuchen einer Liquid-Hot-Water-Behandlung unterzogen. Durch diese einfache Vorbehandlung können hohe Glucoseausbeuten im nachfolgenden SSF-Schritt bei gleichzeitig geringem Enzymeinsatz und Chemikalienverbrauch realisiert werden. Zur Aufreinigung der Milchsäure wurden extraktive und chromatographische Methoden untersucht.
Our knowledge on tree responses to drought is mainly based on short-term manipulation experiments which do not capture any possible long-term adjustments in this response. Therefore, historical water channels in inner-Alpine dry valleys were used as century-long irrigation experiments to investigate adjustments in tree growth to contrasting water supply. This involved quantifying the tree-ring growth of irrigated and non-irrigated (control) Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Valais (Switzerland), as well as European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in Vinschgau (Italy). Furthermore, the adjustments in radial growth of Scots pine and European larch to an abrupt stop in irrigation were analyzed.
Irrigation promoted the radial growth of all tree species investigated compared to the control: (1) directly through increased soil water availability, and (2) indirectly through increased soil nutrients and humus contents in the irrigated plots. Irrigation led to a full elimination of growth responses to climate for European larch and black pine, but not for Scots pine, which might become more sensitive to drought with increasing tree size in Valais. For the control trees, the response of the latewood increment to water availability in July/August has decreased in recent decades for all species, but increased in May for Scots pine only. The sudden irrigation stop caused a drop in radial growth to a lower level for Scots pine or similar level for larch compared to the control for up to ten years. However, both tree species were then able to adjust to the new conditions and subsequently grew with similar (Scots pine) or even higher growth rates (larch) than the control.
To estimate the impact of climate change on future forest development, the duration of manipulation experiments should be on longer time scales in order to capture adjustment processes and feedback mechanisms of forest ecosystems.
Heat production in the windings of the stators of electric machines under stationary condition
(2014)
In electric machines due to high currents and resistive losses (joule heating) heat is produced. To avoid damages by overheating the design of effective cooling systems is required. Therefore the knowledge of heat sources and heat transfer processes is necessary. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a good and effective calculation method for the temperature analysis based on homogenization techniques. These methods have been applied for the stator windings in a slot of an electric machine consisting of copper wires and resin. The key quantity here is an effective thermal conductivity, which characterizes the heterogeneous wire resin-arrangement inside the stator slot. To illustrate the applicability of the method, the analysis of a simplified, homogenized model is compared with the detailed analysis of temperature behavior inside a slot of an electric machine according to the heat generation. We considered here only the stationary situation. The achieved numerical results are accurate and show that the applied homogenization technique works in practice. Finally the results of simulations for the two cases, the original model of the slot and the homogenized model chosen for the slot (unit cell), are compared to experimental results.
Clostridium propionicum is the only organism known to ferment β-alanine, a constituent of coenzyme A (CoA) and the phosphopantetheinyl prosthetic group of holo-acyl carrier protein. The first step in the fermentation is a CoA-transfer to β-alanine. Subsequently, the resulting β-alanyl-CoA is deaminated by the enzyme β-alanyl-CoA:ammonia lyase (Acl) to reversibly form ammonia and acrylyl-CoA. We have determined the crystal structure of Acl in its apo-form at a resolution of 0.97 Å as well as in complex with CoA at a resolution of 1.59 Å. The structures reveal that the enyzme belongs to a superfamily of proteins exhibiting a so called “hot dog fold” which is characterized by a five-stranded antiparallel β-sheet with a long α-helix packed against it. The functional unit of all “hot dog fold” proteins is a homodimer containing two equivalent substrate binding sites which are established by the dimer interface. In the case of Acl, three functional dimers combine to a homohexamer strongly resembling the homohexamer formed by YciA-like acyl-CoA thioesterases. Here, we propose an enzymatic mechanism based on the crystal structure of the Acl·CoA complex and molecular docking. Proteins 2014; 82:2041–2053. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In this study, a high-speed chemical imaging system was developed for visualization of the interior of a microfluidic channel. A microfluidic channel was constructed on the sensor surface of the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), on which the ion concentrations could be measured in parallel at up to 64 points illuminated by optical fibers. The temporal change of pH distribution inside the microfluidic channel was recorded at a maximum rate of 100 frames per second (fps). The high frame rate allowed visualization of moving interfaces and plugs in the channel even at a flow velocity of 111 mm/s, which suggests the feasibility of plug-based microfluidic devices for flow-injection analysis (FIA).
This paper describes the modeling of a high-temperature storage system for an existing solar tower power plant with open volumetric receiver technology, which uses air as heat transfer medium (HTF). The storage system model has been developed in the simulation environment Matlab/Simulink®. The storage type under investigation is a packed bed thermal energy storage system which has the characteristics of a regenerator. Thermal energy can be stored and discharged as required via the HTF air. The air mass flow distribution is controlled by valves, and the mass flow by two blowers. The thermal storage operation strategy has a direct and significant impact on the energetic and economic efficiency of the solar tower power plants.
The 2nd edition of the lightning risk management
standard (IEC 62305-2) considers structures, which may
endanger environment. In these cases, the loss is not limited to
the structure itself, which is valid for usual structures. In the past
(Edition 1) this danger was simply taken into account by a special
hazard factor, multiplying the existing risk for the structure with
a number. Now, in the edition 2, we add to the risk for the
structure itself a “second risk” due to the losses outside the
structure. The losses outside can be treated independently from
what occurs inside. This is a major advantage to analyze the risk
for sensitive structures, like chemical plants, nuclear plants, or
structures containing explosives, etc. In this paper, the existing
procedure given by the European version EN 62305-2 Ed.2 is
further developed and applied to a few structures.
There is significant interest in sampling subglacial environments for geobiological studies, but they are difficult to access. Existing ice-drilling technologies make it cumbersome to maintain microbiologically clean access for sample acquisition and environmental stewardship of potentially fragile subglacial aquatic ecosystems. The IceMole is a maneuverable subsurface ice probe for clean in situ analysis and sampling of glacial ice and subglacial materials. The design is based on the novel concept of combining melting and mechanical propulsion. It can change melting direction by differential heating of the melting head and optional side-wall heaters. The first two prototypes were successfully tested between 2010 and 2012 on glaciers in Switzerland and Iceland. They demonstrated downward, horizontal and upward melting, as well as curve driving and dirt layer penetration. A more advanced probe is currently under development as part of the Enceladus Explorer (EnEx) project. It offers systems for obstacle avoidance, target detection, and navigation in ice. For the EnEx-IceMole, we will pay particular attention to clean protocols for the sampling of subglacial materials for biogeochemical analysis. We plan to use this probe for clean access into a unique subglacial aquatic environment at Blood Falls, Antarctica, with return of a subglacial brine sample.
Objectives
To assess the image quality of T2-weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate and the visibility of prostate cancer at 7 Tesla (T).
Materials & methods
Seventeen prostate cancer patients underwent T2w imaging at 7T with only an external transmit/receive array coil. Three radiologists independently scored images for image quality, visibility of anatomical structures, and presence of artefacts. Krippendorff’s alpha and weighted kappa statistics were used to assess inter-observer agreement. Visibility of prostate cancer lesions was assessed by directly linking the T2w images to the confirmed location of prostate cancer on histopathology.
Results
T2w imaging at 7T was achievable with ‘satisfactory’ (3/5) to ‘good’ (4/5) quality. Visibility of anatomical structures was predominantly scored as ‘satisfactory’ (3/5) and ‘good’ (4/5). If artefacts were present, they were mostly motion artefacts and, to a lesser extent, aliasing artefacts and noise. Krippendorff’s analysis revealed an α = 0.44 between three readers for the overall image quality scores. Clinically significant cancer lesions in both peripheral zone and transition zone were visible at 7T.
Conclusion
T2w imaging with satisfactory to good quality can be routinely acquired, and cancer lesions were visible in patients with prostate cancer at 7T using only an external transmit/receive body array coil.
This study describes a label-free impedimetric sensor based on short ssDNA recognition elements for the detection of hybridization events. We concentrate on the elucidation of the influence of target length and recognition sequence position on the sensorial performance. The impedimetric measurements are performed in the presence of the redox system ferri-/ferrocyanide and show an increase in charge transfer resistance upon hybridization of ssDNA to the sensor surface. Investigations on the impedimetric signal stability demonstrate a clear influence of the buffers used during the sensor preparation and the choice of the passivating mercaptoalcanol compound. A stable sensor system has been developed, enabling a reproducible detection of 25mer target DNA in the low nanomolar range. After hybridization, a sensor regeneration can be reached with deionized water by adjustment of effective convection conditions, ensuring a sensor reusability. By investigations of longer targets with overhangs exposed to the solution, we can demonstrate applicability of the impedimetric detection for longer ssDNA. However, a decreasing charge transfer resistance change (ΔRct) is found by extending the overhang. As a strategy to increase the impedance change for longer target strands, the position of the recognition sequence can be designed in a way that a small overhang is exposed to the electrode surface. This is found to result in an increase in the relative Rct change. These results suggest that DNA and consequently negative charge near the electrode possess a larger impact on the impedimetric signal than DNA further away.
The ideal combination among biomolecules and nanomaterials is the key for reaching biosensing units with high sensitivity. The challenge, however, is to find out a stable and sensitive film architecture that can be incorporated on the sensor’s surface. In this paper, we report on the benefits of incorporating a layer-by-layer (LbL) nanofilm of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) field-effect sensors for detecting urea. Three sensor arrangements were studied in order to investigate the adequate film architecture, involving the LbL film with the enzyme urease: (i) urease immobilized directly onto a bare EIS [EIS-urease] sensor; (ii) urease atop the LbL film over the EIS [EIS-(PAMAM/CNT)-urease] sensor; and (iii) urease sandwiched between the LbL film and another CNT layer [EIS-(PAMAM/CNT)-urease-CNT]. The surface morphology of all three urea-based EIS biosensors was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), while the biosensing abilities were studied by means of capacitance–voltage (C/V) and dynamic constant-capacitance (ConCap) measureaments at urea concentrations ranging from 0.1 mM to 100 mM. The EIS-urease and EIS-(PAMAM/CNT)-urease sensors showed similar sensitivity (∼18 mV/decade) and a nonregular signal behavior as the urea concentration increased. On the other hand, the EIS-(PAMAM/CNT)-urease-CNT sensor exhibited a superior output signal performance and higher sensitivity of about 33 mV/decade. The presence of the additional CNT layer was decisive to achieve a urea based EIS sensor with enhanced properties. Such sensitive architecture demonstrates that the incorporation of an adequate hybrid enzyme-nanofilm as sensing unit opens new prospects for biosensing applications using the field-effect sensor platform.