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A new trend in automation is to deploy so-called cyber-physical systems (CPS) which combine computation with physical processes. The novel RoboCup Logistics League Sponsored by Festo (LLSF) aims at such CPS logistic scenarios in an automation setting. A team of robots has to produce products from a number of semi-finished products which they have to machine during the game. Different production plans are possible and the robots need to recycle scrap byproducts. This way, the LLSF is a very interesting league offering a number of challenging research questions for planning, coordination, or communication in an application-driven scenario. In this paper, we outline the objectives of the LLSF and present steps for developing the league further towards a benchmark for logistics scenarios for CPS. As a major milestone we present the new automated referee system which helps in governing the game play as well as keeping track of the scored points in a very complex factory scenario.
Technische Cellulose wurde als möglicher Rohstoff zur fermentativen Produktbildung untersucht. Hierfür wird Cellulose in der Lignocellulose-Bioraffinerie hergestellt und daraus Hydrolysat gewonnen. Die Prüfung der technischen Hydrolysate als Substrate erfolgte anhand eines breiten Spektrums an Bioprodukten, von Kraftstoffen wie Ethanolund Butanol, bis zu den Dicarbonsäuren Itacon- und Bernsteinsäure. Dabei werden Bakterien, Hefen und Pilze als Produktionsorganismen eingesetzt. Die einzelnen Herstellverfahren stellen unterschiedliche Anforderungen an die Substrathandhabung. Im Fall der Ethanol- und Butanol-Gewinnung kann eine simultane Saccharifizierung und Fermentierung (SSF) durchgeführt werden. Aufgrund der Produkttoxizität erfordert die Butanol-Herstellung dabei eine In-situ-Produktabtrennung durch Lösemittelimprägnierte Partikel. Die Herstellung der beiden Dicarbonsäuren unterscheidet sich in der Sensitivität der verwendeten Mikroorganismen gegenüber Inhibitoren, die in Spuren im Hydrolysat enthalten sind. Die Bernteinsäurebildung mit Actinobacillussuccinogenes kann mit unbehandeltem Hydrolysat erfolgen. Dagegen erfordert die Gewinnung von Itaconsäure mit A. terreus eine Detoxifizierung des Hydrolysats. Insgesamt konnte gezeigt werden, dass sämtliche Bioraffinerie-Hydrolysate als Substrate für unterschiedliche Fermentationen geeignet sind.
Bacillus pumilus reveals a remarkably high resistance to hydrogen peroxide provoked oxidative stress
(2014)
Bacillus pumilus is characterized by a higher oxidative stress resistance than other comparable industrially relevant Bacilli such as B. subtilis or B. licheniformis. In this study the response of B. pumilus to oxidative stress was investigated during a treatment with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at the proteome, transcriptome and metabolome level. Genes/proteins belonging to regulons, which are known to have important functions in the oxidative stress response of other organisms, were found to be upregulated, such as the Fur, Spx, SOS or CtsR regulon. Strikingly, parts of the fundamental PerR regulon responding to peroxide stress in B. subtilis are not encoded in the B. pumilus genome. Thus, B. pumilus misses the catalase KatA, the DNA-protection protein MrgA or the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase AhpCF. Data of this study suggests that the catalase KatX2 takes over the function of the missing KatA in the oxidative stress response of B. pumilus. The genome-wide expression analysis revealed an induction of bacillithiol (Cys-GlcN-malate, BSH) relevant genes. An analysis of the intracellular metabolites detected high intracellular levels of this protective metabolite, which indicates the importance of bacillithiol in the peroxide stress resistance of B. pumilus.
Shakedown analysis of Reissner-Mindlin plates using the edge-based smoothed finite element method
(2014)
This paper concerns the development of a primal-dual algorithm for limit and shakedown analysis of Reissner-Mindlin plates made of von Mises material. At each optimization iteration, the lower bound of the shakedown load multiplier is calculated simultaneously with the upper bound using the duality theory. An edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) combined with the discrete shear gap (DSG) technique is used to improve the accuracy of the solutions and to avoid the transverse shear locking behaviour. The method not only possesses all inherent features of convergence and accuracy from ES-FEM, but also ensures that the total number of variables in the optimization problem is kept to a minimum compared with the standard finite element formulation. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method.
Mikrowellentechnik
(2014)
Two single-incision mini-slings used for treating urinary incontinence in women are compared with respect to the stresses they produce in their surrounding tissue. In an earlier paper we experimentally observed that these implants produce considerably different stress distributions in a muscle tissue equivalent. Here we perform 2D finite element analyses to compare the shear stresses and normal stresses in the tissue equivalent for the two meshes and to investigate their failure behavior. The results clearly show that the Gynecare TVT fails for increasing loads in a zipper-like manner because it gradually debonds from the surrounding tissue. Contrary to that, the tissue at the ends of the DynaMesh-SIS direct may rupture but only at higher loads. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental observations thus the computational model helps to interpret the experimental results and provides a tool for qualitative evaluation of mesh implants.
Successful bone sawing requires a high level of skill and experience, which could be gained by the use of Virtual Reality-based simulators. A key aspect of these medical simulators is realistic force feedback. The aim of this paper is to model the bone sawing process in order to develop a valid training simulator for the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, the most often applied corrective surgery in case of a malposition of the mandible. Bone samples from a human cadaveric mandible were tested using a designed experimental system. Image processing and statistical analysis were used for the selection of four models for the bone sawing process. The results revealed a polynomial dependency between the material removal rate and the applied force. Differences between the three segments of the osteotomy line and between the cortical and cancellous bone were highlighted.
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.
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.
Prozessintegrierte Magnetseparation im Labormaßstab mittels High-Gradient Magnetic Separator (HGMS)
(2014)
Die Hochgradient-Magnetseparation (HGMS) stellt eine Alternative zu konventionellen Methoden der Proteinaufarbeitung wie Filtration und Chromatographie dar und dient zudem als Prozessintensivierung. Bisherige Separatoren sind für Anwendungen von mehreren Litern Prozessvolumina Fermentationsmedium und Gramm Magnetpartikel ausgelegt. Bei der Entwicklung und Anwendung neuartiger Magnetpartikeloberflächen ist die Verfügbarkeit großer Mengen nicht gegeben. Bisherige Filterkammern erhöhen zudem den Arbeitsaufwand und verursachen größere Partikelverluste bei Spülvorgängen oder der Reinigung aufgrund der Partikeladsorption. Für Anwendungen im Maßstab < 500 mL wird deshalb ein Miniatur-Hochgradientfilter (miniHGF) entwickelt. Das Modell wird im 3D-Drucker Makerbot Replicator 2 gefertigt und magne-isierbare Drähte zur Partikelabscheidung eingesetzt. Die Vergleichbarkeit mit einem etablierten Magnetseparator wird anhand der Aufnahme von Durchbruchskurven und Bestimmung der Filtereffizienz untersucht. Die Praxistauglichkeit mit kleinen Volumina wird in wiederholten Batch-Versuchen mit auf Magnetpartikeln immobilisiertem Enzym und einem kolorimetrischen Assay geprüft.
In diesem Beitrag wird die NIR- und MIR-Spektrometrie in Kombination mit multivariaten Kalibrationsmodellen zur Analyse von Monosacchariden und Cellulose aus Biomasse etabliert. Spektrengemischter Standardlösungen mit definierten Glucose- und Xylosekonzentrationen in Wasser werden im NIR-(Lambda 750, Perkin Elmer, USA) und MIR-Bereich (Spektrum 100, PerkinElmer) in Gegenwart von entweder Carboxymethylcellulose oder Grasfasern aufgenommen. Darauf basierend werden Kalibrationsmodelle (Unscrambler®, CAMO-Software AS, Norwegen) entwickelt und zur Vorhersage der Zuckerkonzentration in den Hydrolyseproben und der Celluloseanteile angewendet. Darüber hinaus wird die Partikelgröße der Rohstoffe bestimmt. Die Messergebnisse bilden die experimentelle Basis für die numerische Modellierung der Reaktionskinetik der enzymatischen Hydrolyse von Lignocellulose. Das Modell kombiniert die Bilanzierung der Partikelgrößenverteilungen mit der Multienzymkinetik. Dabei werden neben der Partikelgrößenverteilung und der Substratkonzentration die Zusammensetzung der Rohstoffe nach Vorbehandlung sowie die Produktinhibierung und mehrere enzymatische Aktivitäten berücksichtigt. Das Modell ermöglicht es, die Partikelgrößenverteilungen und die Konzentrationen der Substrate und Produkte während der Hydrolyse vorherzusagen und die kinetischen Parameter im Batch- sowie im Fed-Batch-Reaktor zu bestimmen.
A 3D finite element model of the female pelvic floor for the reconstruction of urinary incontinence
(2014)
Developing a new production host from a blueprint: Bacillus pumilus as an industrial enzyme producer
(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.
Today, the assembly of laser systems requires a large share of manual operations due to its complexity regarding the optimal alignment of optics. Although the feasibility of automated alignment of laser optics has been shown in research labs, the development effort for the automation of assembly does not meet economic requirements – especially for low-volume laser production. This paper presents a model-based and sensor-integrated assembly execution approach for flexible assembly cells consisting of a macro-positioner covering a large workspace and a compact micromanipulator with camera attached to the positioner. In order to make full use of available models from computer-aided design (CAD) and optical simulation, sensor systems at different levels of accuracy are used for matching perceived information with model data. This approach is named "chain of refined perception", and it allows for automated planning of complex assembly tasks along all major phases of assembly such as collision-free path planning, part feeding, and active and passive alignment. The focus of the paper is put on the in-process image-based metrology and information extraction used for identifying and calibrating local coordinate systems as well as the exploitation of that information for a part feeding process for micro-optics. Results will be presented regarding the processes of automated calibration of the robot camera as well as the local coordinate systems of part feeding area and robot base.
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.
The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and the pregnane X receptor (PXR) are closely related nuclear receptors involved in drug metabolism and play important roles in the mechanism of phenobarbital (PB)-induced rodent nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we have used a humanized CAR/PXR mouse model to examine potential species differences in receptor-dependent mechanisms underlying liver tissue molecular responses to PB. Early and late transcriptomic responses to sustained PB exposure were investigated in liver tissue from double knock-out CAR and PXR (CARᴷᴼ-PXRᴷᴼ), double humanized CAR and PXR (CARʰ-PXRʰ), and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mouse livers exhibited temporally and quantitatively similar transcriptional responses during 91 days of PB exposure including the sustained induction of the xenobiotic response gene Cyp2b10, the Wnt signaling inhibitor Wisp1, and noncoding RNA biomarkers from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Transient induction of DNA replication (Hells, Mcm6, and Esco2) and mitotic genes (Ccnb2, Cdc20, and Cdk1) and the proliferation-related nuclear antigen Mki67 were observed with peak expression occurring between 1 and 7 days PB exposure. All these transcriptional responses were absent in CARᴷᴼ-PXRᴷᴼ mouse livers and largely reversible in wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mouse livers following 91 days of PB exposure and a subsequent 4-week recovery period. Furthermore, PB-mediated upregulation of the noncoding RNA Meg3, which has recently been associated with cellular pluripotency, exhibited a similar dose response and perivenous hepatocyte-specific localization in both wild-type and CARʰ-PXRʰ mice. Thus, mouse livers coexpressing human CAR and PXR support both the xenobiotic metabolizing and the proliferative transcriptional responses following exposure to PB.
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.
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.
Organisation
(2014)
The impact of wake model effects is investigated for two highly
non-planar lifting systems. Dependent on the geometrical
arrangement of the configuration, the wake model shape is found
to considerably affect the estimation. Particularly at higher angles
of attack, an accurate estimation based on the common linear wake
model approaches is involved.
Access to promising radiometals as isotopes for novel molecular imaging agents requires that they are routinely available and inexpensive to obtain. Proximity to a cyclotron center outfitted with solid target hardware, or to an isotope generator for the metal of interest is necessary, both of which can introduce significant hurdles in development of less common isotopes. Herein, we describe the production of ⁴⁴Sc (t₁⸝₂ = 3.97 h, Eavg,β⁺ = 1.47 MeV, branching ratio = 94.27%) in a solution target and an automated loading system which allows a quick turn-around between different radiometallic isotopes and therefore greatly improves their availability for tracer development. Experimental yields are compared to theoretical calculations.
Gebaute Geschichte in Turin
(2014)
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“).
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.
Vorbemerkung vor § 1353
(2014)
Vorbemerkung vor § 1297
(2014)
Einleitung vor § 1297
(2014)
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%.
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
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.
Vorbeschäftigungszeiten als Leiharbeitnehmer zählen für Kündigungsschutz grundsätzlich nicht mit
(2014)
Molecular Modeling Approach to the Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Silica-Reinforced Rubbers
(2014)
Recently, we have suggested a nanomechanical model for dissipative loss in filled elastomer networks in the context of the Payne effect. The mechanism is based on a total interfiller particle force exhibiting an intermittent loop, due to the combination of short-range repulsion and dispersion forces with a long-range elastic attraction. The sum of these forces leads, under external strain, to a spontaneous instability of “bonds” between the aggregates in a filler network and attendant energy dissipation. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to obtain chemically realistic forces between surface modified silica particles. The latter are combined with the above model to estimate the loss modulus and the low strain storage modulus in elastomers containing the aforementioned filler-compatibilizer systems. The model is compared to experimental dynamic moduli of silica filled rubbers. We find good agreement between the model predictions and the experiments as function of the compatibilizer's molecular structure and its bulk concentration.
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.
Vestibular effects of a 7 Tesla MRI examination compared to 1.5 T and 0 T in healthy volunteers
(2014)
Ultra-high-field MRI (7 Tesla (T) and above) elicits more temporary side-effects compared to 1.5 T and 3 T, e.g. dizziness or “postural instability” even after exiting the scanner. The current study aims to assess quantitatively vestibular performance before and after exposure to different MRI scenarios at 7 T, 1.5 T and 0 T. Sway path and body axis rotation (Unterberger's stepping test) were quantitatively recorded in a total of 46 volunteers before, 2 minutes after, and 15 minutes after different exposure scenarios: 7 T head MRI (n = 27), 7 T no RF (n = 22), 7 T only B₀ (n = 20), 7 T in & out B₀ (n = 20), 1.5 T no RF (n = 20), 0 T (n = 15). All exposure scenarios lasted 30 minutes except for brief one minute exposure in 7 T in & out B₀. Both measures were documented utilizing a 3D ultrasound system. During sway path evaluation, the experiment was repeated with eyes both open and closed. Sway paths for all long-lasting 7 T scenarios (normal, no RF, only B₀) with eyes closed were significantly prolonged 2 minutes after exiting the scanner, normalizing after 15 minutes. Brief exposure to 7 T B₀ or 30 minutes exposure to 1.5 T or 0 T did not show significant changes. End positions after Unterberger's stepping test were significantly changed counter-clockwise after all 7 T scenarios, including the brief in & out B₀ exposure. Shorter exposure resulted in a smaller alteration angle. In contrast to sway path, reversal of changes in body axis rotation was incomplete after 15 minutes. 1.5 T caused no rotational changes. The results show that exposure to the 7 Tesla static magnetic field causes only a temporary dysfunction or “over-compensation” of the vestibular system not measurable at 1.5 or 0 Tesla. Radiofrequency fields, gradient switching, and orthostatic dysregulation do not seem to play a role.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of phosphorus (³¹P) spectra of the human prostate and to investigate changes of individual phospholipid metabolites in prostate cancer through in vivo ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at 7 T.
Materials and Methods
In this institutional review board–approved study, 15 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer underwent T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional ³¹P MRSI at 7 T. Voxels were selected at the tumor location, in normal-appearing peripheral zone tissue, normal-appearing transition zone tissue, and in the base of the prostate close to the seminal vesicles. Phosphorus metabolite ratios were determined and compared between tissue types.
Results
Signals of phosphoethanolamine (PE) and phosphocholine (PC) were present and well resolved in most ³¹P spectra in the prostate. Glycerophosphocholine signals were observable in 43% of the voxels in malignant tissue, but in only 10% of the voxels in normal-appearing tissue away from the seminal vesicles. In many spectra, independent of tissue type, 2 peaks resonated in the chemical shift range of inorganic phosphate, possibly representing 2 separate pH compartments. The PC/PE ratio in the seminal vesicles was highly elevated compared with the prostate in 5 patients. A considerable overlap of ³¹P metabolite ratios was found between prostate cancer and normal-appearing prostate tissue, preventing direct discrimination of these tissues. The only 2 patients with high Gleason scores tumors (≥4+5) presented with high PC and glycerophosphocholine levels in their cancer lesions.
Conclusions
Phosphorus MRSI at 7 T shows distinct features of phospholipid metabolites in the prostate gland and its surrounding structures. In this exploratory study, no differences in ³¹P metabolite ratios were observed between prostate cancer and normal-appearing prostate tissue possibly because of the partial volume effects of small tumor foci in large MRSI voxels.
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.
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.
This paper investigates the extent to which corporate governance affects the cost of debt and equity capital of German exchange-listed companies. I examine corporate governance along three dimensions: financial information quality, ownership structure and board structure. The results suggest that firms with high levels of financial transparency and bonus compensations face lower cost of equity. In addition, block ownership is negatively related to firms' cost of equity when the blockholders are other firms, managers or founding-family members. Consistent with the conjecture that agency costs increase with firm size, I find significant cost of debt effects only in the largest German companies. Here, the creditors demand lower cost of debt from firms with block ownerships held by corporations or banks. My findings demonstrate that a uniform set of governance attributes is unlikely to satisfy suppliers of debt and equity capital equally.
Up in the clouds and above fuels and construction materials must be very carefully selected to ensure a smooth flight and touchdown. Out of around 38,000 single and dual-engined propeller aeroplanes, roughly a third are affected by a new trend in the fuel sector that may lead to operating troubles or even emergency landings: The admixture of bio-ethanol to conventional gasoline. Experiences with these fuels may be projected to alternative mixtures containing new components.
New coupled finite-infinite element approach for wave propagation simulation of unbounded soil media
(2014)
Die PIA GmbH prüft seit fast 8 Jahren die Standsicherheit von Behältern für Kleinkläranlagen. Diese bestehen in der Regel aus Kunststoff oder Beton und müssen über ihre gesamte Lebensdauer den Beanspruchungen aus Handhabung, Einbau und Betrieb standhalten. Die Standsicherheit kann nach EN 12566 wahlweise durch einen rechnerischen Nachweis oder durch einen praktischen Nachweis wie die Bruchlastprüfung oder die Prüfung in der Grube erfolgen.
Because of its minor environmental impact, electricity generation using wind power is getting remarkable. The further growth of the wind industry depends on technological solutions to the challenges in production and construction of the turbines. Wind turbine tower vibrations, which limit power generation efficiency and cause fatigue problems with high maintenance costs, count as one of the main structural difficulties in the wind energy sector. To mitigate tower vibrations auxiliary measures are necessary. The effectiveness of tuned mass damper is verified by means of a numeric study on a 5 MW onshore reference wind turbine. Hereby, also seismic-induced vibrations and soil–structure interaction are considered. Acquired results show that tuned mass damper can effectively reduce resonant tower vibrations and improve the fatigue life of wind turbines. This chapter is also concerned with tuned liquid column damper and a semiactive application of it. Due to its geometric versatility and low prime costs, tuned liquid column dampers are a good alternative to other damping measures, in particular for slender structures like wind turbines.
Die erdbebensichere Auslegung von erdverlegten Rohrleitungssystemen ist von wesentlicher Bedeutung zur Sicherstellung der Funktionalität der Versorgungsinfrastruktur nach einem Erdbebenereignis. Zur Vermeidung von Netzausfällen ist es erforderlich, die räumlich weit ausgedehnten Leitungssysteme mit geeigneten rechnerischen Modellen seismisch zu bemessen. Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die Beanspruchung von Rohrleitungssystemen durch seismische Welleneinwirkung und stellt geeignete Näherungsansätze und ein detailliertes Rechenmodell für seismische Leitungsanalysen vor. Mit den Ansätzen wird in Berechnungsbeispielen der Einfluss wesentlicher Parameter auf die seismisch induzierten Dehnungen in Rohrleitungssystemen untersucht.
The Gram-positive endospore-forming bacterium Bacillus licheniformis can be found widely in nature and it is exploited in industrial processes for the manufacturing of antibiotics, specialty chemicals, and enzymes. Both in its varied natural habitats and in industrial settings, B. licheniformis cells will be exposed to increases in the external osmolarity, conditions that trigger water efflux, impair turgor, cause the cessation of growth, and negatively affect the productivity of cell factories in biotechnological processes. We have taken here both systems-wide and targeted physiological approaches to unravel the core of the osmostress responses of B. licheniformis. Cells were suddenly subjected to an osmotic upshift of considerable magnitude (with 1 M NaCl), and their transcriptional profile was then recorded in a time-resolved fashion on a genome-wide scale. A bioinformatics cluster analysis was used to group the osmotically up-regulated genes into categories that are functionally associated with the synthesis and import of osmostress-relieving compounds (compatible solutes), the SigB-controlled general stress response, and genes whose functional annotation suggests that salt stress triggers secondary oxidative stress responses in B. licheniformis. The data set focusing on the transcriptional profile of B. licheniformis was enriched by proteomics aimed at identifying those proteins that were accumulated by the cells through increased biosynthesis in response to osmotic stress. Furthermore, these global approaches were augmented by a set of experiments that addressed the synthesis of the compatible solutes proline and glycine betaine and assessed the growth-enhancing effects of various osmoprotectants. Combined, our data provide a blueprint of the cellular adjustment processes of B. licheniformis to both sudden and sustained osmotic stress.
Members of the species Bacillus pumilus get more and more in focus of the biotechnological industry as potential new production strains. Based on exoproteome analysis, B. pumilus strain Jo2, possessing a high secretion capability, was chosen for an omics-based investigation. The proteome and metabolome of B. pumilus cells growing either in minimal or complex medium was analyzed. In total, 1542 proteins were identified in growing B. pumilus cells, among them 1182 cytosolic proteins, 297 membrane and lipoproteins and 63 secreted proteins. This accounts for about 43% of the 3616 proteins encoded in the B. pumilus Jo2 genome sequence. By using GC–MS, IP-LC/MS and H NMR methods numerous metabolites were analyzed and assigned to reconstructed metabolic pathways. In the genome sequence a functional secretion system including the components of the Sec- and Tat-secretion machinery was found. Analysis of the exoproteome revealed secretion of about 70 proteins with predicted secretion signals. In addition, selected production-relevant genome features such as restriction modification systems and NRPS clusters of B. pumilus Jo2 are discussed.
Die Nutzung von Prozessmodellierungsmethoden oder - werkzeugen kann erheblichen Einfluss auf die Effektivität von Prozessen haben. Das gilt insbesondere für Situationen, in denen Personen unter Stress stehen oder ungeübt sind. In diesen Fällen geben Prozessmodelle konkrete Empfehlungen, nach denen sich die handelnden Personen richten könnten. In Experimenten mit der Business-Simulation Apollo 13 haben wir den Effekt eines Einsatzes von Prozessmodellierungsmethoden und -werkzeugen untersucht. Bereits bekannte Theorien (z.B. über geeignete Verhältnisse von Kommunikationsinhalten) konnten bestätigt werden. Darüber hinaus haben wir eine besondere Bedeutung der Übertragbarkeit von Prozessmodellen in konkrete Handlungen identifiziert.
Cytochrom P450 sind Häm-Proteine, die zur Enzymklasse der Oxidoreduktasen (EC 1.14.xy) gehören. Eine wichtige Reaktion ist die Hydroxylierung nichtaktivierter C–H-Bindungen, die in technischen Systemen von großem Interesse ist. Durch die Verwendung von M-IDA-2-Partikeln ist eine direkte Aufreinigung mit gleichzeitiger Immobilisierung und die Applikation der Enzyme aus dem Zelllysat möglich. Damit ist das Verfahren mehr als fünf Stunden schneller als die konventionelle Chromatographie und mehr als 80 % der Aufreinigungszeit wird gespart. Mit dem isolierten nativen Enzym konnte die Plattformchemikalie 9,10-Dihydroxystearinsäure aus Ölsäure hergestellt werden. Unter anderem für die Kunststoffindustrie können aus diesem Produkt wichtige Monomere wie z. B. Azelainsäure hergestellt werden. Die Bildung des Produkts erfolgt in einem zweiphasigen Reaktionssystem an der Grenzfläche zwischen dem Öl und der wässrigen Phase als Feststoff. Um das immobilisierte Enzym aktiv in die obere Phase zu transportieren, wurde eine neue magnetische Mischvorrichtung entwickelt. Das Reaktionsprodukt wurde mit NMR, GC-MS und HPLC-MS analysiert und mit einem chemisch synthetisierten Standard von 9,10-Dihydroxystearinsäure verglichen. Derzeit werden Studien des immobilisierten Häms des Enzyms durchgeführt.
In co-operation with the German Aerospace Center, the Solar-Institut Jülich has been analyzing the different technologies that are available for methanol production from CO2 using solar energy. The aim of the project is to extract CO2 from industrial exhaust gases or directly from the atmosphere to recycle it by use of solar energy. Part of the study was the modeling and simulating of a methane reformer for the production of synthesis gas, which can be operated by solar or hybrid heat sources. The reformer has been simplified in such a way that the model is accurate and enables fast calculations. The developed pseudo-homogeneous one- dimensional model can be regarded as a kind of counter-current heat exchanger and is able to incorporate a steam reforming reaction as well as a dry reforming reaction.
Die Teilefertigung durch Rapid Prototyping (RP) verkürzt den Weg von der Idee bis zum Produkt, wobei unter anderem Optimierungszyklen in geringer Zeit durchlaufen werden können. Ferner eröffnen neue Entwicklungen in diesem Bereich die Möglichkeit individueller Produktionsverfahren. Im Unterschied zur klassischen Fertigung von Prototypen wird beim RP mit additiver Schichtfertigung (Additive Layer Manufacturing, ALM) gearbeitet. Je nach Methode werden Flüssigkeiten oder Pulver nach Vorgaben eines 3D-Computermodells sequentiell aufgetragen. Diese Verfahren existieren seit ca. 25 Jahren, jedoch sind seit kurzem ausgesprochen günstige Geräte verfügbar, die Objekte mit Genauigkeiten bis 20 lm fertigen können. Das RP hat in klinischen Anwendungsgebieten bzw. im Bereich des Tissue Engineering bereits vielfach Einzug gefunden. Aber auch chemisch-biotechnologische Entwicklungen können von den Verfahren profitieren. So wurden Mikrofluidiksysteme und Bioreaktoren bereits erfolgreich durch RP gefertigt. Durch ALM ist ebenso die Herstellung von Reaktionseinheiten aus biokompatiblen Materialien wie ionotropen Gelen möglich. Ferner sind sehr komplexe Strukturierungen von Oberflächen im Nanometerbereich realisierbar, die für die Auftragung heterogener Katalysatoren oder auch Mikroorganismen eingesetzt werden können. Auch der Bereich Reaktoren- und Apparatebau kann von den Fortschritten in der additiven Fertigung profitieren. Verfahren wie selektives Laser- oder Elektronenstrahlschmelzen erlauben es, metallische Komponenten in nahezu beliebigen Geometrien zu fertigen. Somit können Strukturen verwirklicht werden, die mit konventionellen Fertigungstechniken nur sehr schwer oder überhauptnicht herstellbar wären. Durch Anwendung von rechnergestützter Modellierung können optimale Strukturen identifiziert und additiv gefertigt werden. Eine anschließende katalytische Funktionalisierung der Oberfläche ermöglicht die Herstellung strukturierter Reaktoren mit maßgeschneiderten Eigenschaften.
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.
Among the variety of transducer concepts proposed for label-free detection of biomolecules, the semiconductor field-effect device (FED) is one of the most attractive platforms. As medical techniques continue to progress towards diagnostic and therapies based on biomarkers, the ability of FEDs for a label-free, fast and real-time detection of multiple pathogenic and physiologically relevant molecules with high specificity and sensitivity offers very promising prospects for their application in point-of-care and personalized medicine for an early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The presented paper reviews recent advances and current trends in research and development of different FEDs for label-free, direct electrical detection of charged biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge. The authors are mainly focusing on the detection of the DNA hybridization event, antibody-antigen affinity reaction as well as clinically relevant biomolecules such as cardiac and cancer biomarkers.
It is well known that the degradation environment can strongly influence the biodegradability and kinetics of biodegradation processes of polymers. Therefore, besides the monitoring of the degradation process, it is also necessary to control the medium in which the degradation takes place. In this work, a micromachined multi-parameter sensor chip for the control of the polymer-degradation medium has been developed. The chip combines a capacitive field-effect pH sensor, a four-electrode electrolyte-conductivity sensor and a thin-film Pt-temperature sensor. The results of characterization of individual sensors are presented. In addition, the multi-parameter sensor chip together with an impedimetric polymer-degradation sensor was simultaneously characterized in degradation solutions with different pH and electrolyte conductivity. The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of the multi-parameter sensor chip for the control of the polymer-degradation medium.
Planar and three-dimensional (3D) interdigitated electrodes (IDE) with electrode digits separated by an insulating barrier of different heights were electrochemically characterized and compared in terms of their sensing properties. Due to the impact of the surface resistance, both types of IDE structures display a non-linear behavior in low-ionic strength solutions. The experimental data were fitted to an electrical equivalent circuit and interpreted taking into account the surface-charge-governed properties. The effect of a charged polyelectrolyte layer electrostatically assembled onto the sensor surface on the surface resistance in solutions with different KCl concentration is studied. In case of the same electrode footprint, 3D-IDEs show a larger cell constant and a higher sensitivity to molecular adsorption than that of planar IDEs. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of 3D-IDEs as a new transducer structure for a direct label-free sensing of charged molecules.
An enzyme system organized in a flow device was used to mimic a reversible Controlled NOT (CNOT) gate with two input and two output signals. Reversible conversion of NAD⁺ and NADH cofactors was used to perform a XOR logic operation, while biocatalytic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate resulted in an Identity operation working in parallel. The first biomolecular realization of a CNOT gate is promising for integration into complex biomolecular networks and future biosensor/biomedical applications.
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.
In der Reihe der nachwachsenden Rohstoffe besitzt Holz als erneuerbare und umweltfreundliche Ressource ein großes Potenzial. Über 11 Mio. ha Holz, das laut der Fachagentur für nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR) auch für industrielle Zwecke genutzt werden kann, wuchsen im Jahr 2013 allein auf bundesdeutscher Fläche. 56,8 Mio. m³ jährlicher Holzeinschlag in den letzten zehn Jahren wurde zu knapp der Hälfte stofflich und der Rest energetisch verwertet. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit konnte auf der Basis vom Holz der Buche, die nach Fichte und Kiefer die dritthäufigste Baumart in Deutschland ist und 15% der deutschen Waldfläche ausmacht, die Fraktionierung der polymeren Hauptbestandteile mit niedrigem energetischen Einsatz erreicht werden. Hierbei werden in einem nachgeschalteten Extraktionsprozess die beiden Komponenten Hemicellulose und Lignin in flüssiger Form von der finalen festen Cellulosefraktion abgetrennt. Die Extraktion der Hemicellulose erfolgt durch eine Liquid Hot Water (LHW)-Behandlung. Untersucht wird der katalytische Zusatz anorganischer Säuren wie H₃PO₄ und H₂SO₄. Im Hinblick auf die weitere Verwertung von Lignin zu aromatischen Synthesebausteinen kommt die Organosolv-Extraktion mit einem Ethanol/Wasser-Gemisch zum Einsatz. Von Vorteil ist die weitere Verwendung beider Stoffströme ohne Fällungsschritt und nachteiliger Verdünnung der Hemicellulose.
High-k perovskite oxide of barium strontium titanate (BST) represents a very attractive multi-functional transducer material for the development of (bio-)chemical sensors for liquids. In this work, BST films have been applied as a sensitive transducer material for a label-free detection of adsorbed charged macromolecules (positively charged polyelectrolytes) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide vapor as well as protection insulator layer for a contactless electrolyte-conductivity sensor. The experimental results of characterization of individual sensors are presented. Special emphasis is devoted towards the development of a capacitively-coupled contactless electrolyte-conductivity sensor.