Rohdichtebestimmung von Holzwerkstoffen mittels Computertomographie

In this work the vertical density profiles of three different commercial wood based panels (particleboard, MDF, OSB) were investigated using a conventional X-ray method as well as an industrial computer tomography (CT) method. The reconstructed gray level images of the obtained CT data were used to calculate a standardized density profile of each panel. The results showed that the measured (X-ray) and the calculated (CT) density profiles of the panels fit well in the core layer of the boards; in the most outer surface layers some anomalies in the results can occur in both methods. The advantage in the implementation and evaluation of the more complicated CT measurement compared to the conventional X-ray procedure is the three-dimensional data structure and the opportunity to do appropriate structural analysis of the investigated wood based panels.     

Optical properties of highly transparent polypropylene cast films: Influence of material structure,additives, and processing conditions

Polypropylene homopolymers and ethylene/propylene‐random‐copolymers formulated with and without anti‐blocking additives were extruded to cast films with an industrial scale extruder equipped with a soft box, a specific air knife that expels a higher volume of air at lower velocity. The films were analyzed as to their optical properties haze and clarity. A comprehensive topographical characterization was performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy. To obtain morphological information on a nanometer scale AFM phase imaging, micro‐thermal analysis and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) were done. A significant effect of additives and processing conditions on the film topography and the optical properties was revealed. The films without anti‐blocking and antacid aids showed the best optical properties and lowest vertical roughness fluctuations. In contrast, the addition of anti‐blocking and antacid aids reduced the optical properties associated with an increase in surface roughness. While for films without anti‐blocking aids an enhanced soft box condition resulted in lower vertical fluctuations of roughness and better optical properties, the behavior was in reverse for films with anti‐blocking aid. By means of SAXS crystalline lamellae with a thickness of about 2.5 nm were detected. High‐resolution phase imaging AFM yielded thicker crystal lamellae on the film surface. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:520–531, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Terahertz Absorption of Nematic Liquid Crystals

We present the first systematic study of cyanobiphenyls (CBs) and the phenylcyclohexanes in the range between 50 cm^-1 (1.5 THz) and 500 cm^-1 (15 THz). The impact of the alkyl chain length and of variations in the core structure on the spectrum is investigated using liquid crystals from the cyanobiphenyl and phenylcyclohexane families. Our measurements are supported by calculations based on density functional theory. This enables us to shine light on the vibrational dynamics of liquid crystal molecules in the terahertz frequency range.     

Optimizing counter-terror operations: Should one fight fire with “fire” or “water”?

This paper deals dynamically with the question of how recruitment to terror organizations is influenced by counter-terror operations. This is done within an optimal control model, where the key state is the (relative) number of terrorists and the key controls are two types of counter-terror tactics, one (“water”) that does not and one (“fire”) that does provoke recruitment of new terrorists. The model is nonlinear and does not admit analytical solutions, but an efficient numerical implementation of Pontryagin's minimum principle allows for solution with base case parameters and considerable sensitivity analysis. Generally, this model yields two different steady states, one where the terror organization is nearly eradicated and one with a high number of terrorists. Whereas water strategies are used at almost any time, it can be optimal not to use fire strategies if the number of terrorists is below a certain threshold.     

Attentional Capture by an Unannounced Color Singleton Depends on Expectation Discrepancy.

Eight experiments examined the conditions under which a color singleton that is presented for the 1st time without prior announcement captures attention. The main hypothesis is that an unannounced singleton captures attention to the extent that it deviates from expectations. This hypothesis was tested within a visual-search paradigm in which set-size effects were used to infer attentional capture. The results showed that attentional capture by an unannounced color singleton was due to a mismatch with expectations concerning the color of the object and not due to its being a singleton. Thus, the results imply that theories of attention have to consider expectation discrepancy as a determinant of attention shifts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the ferrite-austenite equilibrium in the Fe-Cu system

The thermodynamics of ferrite containing dissolved copper is analyzed theoretically, taking into account the effect of copper on the Curie temperature. By combination with experimental information on the solubility of copper in austenite, this model is used to predict the solubility of copper in ferrite. The result shows good agreement with experimental data but indicates that the data should be extrapolated in a manner different from that which has been previously suggested. The effects of copper and cobalt on the relative stability of the α and γ phases in iron-rich alloys are compared. It is concluded that their difference is mainly caused by the difference in their effects on the Curie temperature of α-iron.     

Amino Acid Transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5) Mediates MeHg-Induced Oxidative Stress Defense in the Human Placental Cell Line HTR-8/SVneo

The placental barrier can protect the fetus from contact with harmful substances. The potent neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg), however, is very efficiently transported across the placenta. Our previous data suggested that L-type amino acid transporter (LAT)1 is involved in placental MeHg uptake, accepting MeHg-L-cysteine conjugates as substrate due to structural similarity to methionine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant defense of placental cells to MeHg exposure and the role of LAT1 in this response. When trophoblast-derived HTR-8/SVneo cells were LAT1 depleted by siRNA-mediated knockdown, they accumulated less MeHg. However, they were more susceptible to MeHg-induced toxicity. This was evidenced in decreased cell viability at a usually noncytotoxic concentration of 0.03 µM MeHg (~6 µg/L). Treatment with ≥0.3 µM MeHg increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis rate, and oxidative stress of HTR-8/SVneo cells. These effects were enhanced under LAT1 knockdown. Reduced cell number was seen when MeHg-exposed cells were cultured in medium low in cysteine, a constituent of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH). Because LAT1-deficient HTR-8/SVneo cells have lower GSH levels than control cells (independent of MeHg treatment), we conclude that LAT1 is essential for de novo synthesis of GSH, required to counteract oxidative stress. Genetic predisposition to decreased LAT1 function combined with MeHg exposure could increase the risk of placental damage.     

Interpretation und Modellierung der Temperaturverteilung in einer Sicker- und Grundwassermeßstelle der Braunkohlentagebaukippe Cospuden

The time and depth depending temperature distribution in an isolated expolratory hole in the dump of former open-cast lignite mine Cospuden is analyzed and interpreted. By means of hydrodynamical modeling several model assumptions are tested on following influences: seasons, hydraulic situation, geochemical processes, sampling regime, specific features of drilling, and support of bore hole. Best correspondence between measured temperature distribution and model assumptions is obtained by the following primary processes: seasonal influences of earth's surface and reactive processes in the dump. Then are favored: Slow exothermic reactions with an high extant of reaction heat in the depth of 2 to 6 m, slow strongly exothermic reactions above the piezometric water level in 9 to 13 m depth with a maximum near 11 m, and simultaneously run of fast endothermic and slow weakly exothermic reactions in the zone of saturation of the bore hole. It is tried to assign chemical reactions to these processes.     

Development of Endothelial Cell Networks in 3D Tissues by Combination of Melt Electrospinning Writing with Cell‐Accumulation Technology

A remaining challenge in tissue engineering approaches is the in vitro vascularization of engineered constructs or tissues. Current approaches in engineered vascularized constructs are often limited in the control of initial vascular network geometry, which is crucial to ensure full functionality of these constructs with regard to cell survival, metabolic activity, and potential differentiation ability. Herein, the combination of 3D‐printed poly‐ε‐caprolactone scaffolds via melt electrospinning writing with the cell‐accumulation technique to enable the formation and control of capillary‐like network structures is reported. The cell‐accumulation technique is already proven itself to be a powerful tool in obtaining thick (50 µm) tissues and its main advantage is the rapid production of tissues and its ease of performance. However, the applied combination yields tissue thicknesses that are doubled, which is of outstanding importance for an improved handling of the scaffolds and the generation of clinically relevant sample volumes. Moreover, a correlation of increasing vascular endothelial growth factor secretion to hypoxic conditions with increasing pore sizes and an assessment of the formation of neovascular like structures are included.