Novel Flexibilizer for Cement Rotary Kiln Bricks

A new type of magnesia spinel brick containing a novel flexibilizer was developed.The publication presents an investigation on its chemical composition,physical...     

Probing electric field response of LC thermosets via time-resolved X-ray and dielectric spectroscopy

Curing of LCTs in an AC electric field was studied to understand the interplay between crosslink reaction and formation of a liquid crystalline (LC) phase and its effect on mechanical thermal properties on resulting thermosetting films. We show that dicyanate thermosetting monomers with ester functionality exhibit the ability to realign even after long curing times and allow poling of the LC director in resulting thermosetting films. To probe the details of the underlying process that leads to reorientation of the LC director model compounds were synthesized and their frequency and temperature dependent behavior under electric fields was studied. Curing reactions under electric fields show that the dual-frequency characteristics of the dicyanate mesogens behave very differently than epoxy thermosets. Size exclusion experiments reveal a prolonged gelation point in this system responsible for orientational switching even after long curing times. Finally, the ability to change orientation of the LC director allows tuning of modulus and thermal coefficient of expansion, making these thermoset films potential candidates for underfills, encapsulation materials and protective coatings for LC displays and active matrix substrates which require match in refractive index and mechanical/thermal properties.     

Accelerated Wound Closure of Deep Partial Thickness Burns with Acellular Fish Skin Graft

Thermal injuries are caused by exposure to a variety of sources, and split thickness skin grafts are the gold standard treatment for severe burns; however, they may be impossible when there is no donor skin available. Large total body surface area burns leave patients with limited donor site availability and create a need for treatments capable of achieving early and complete coverage that can also retain normal skin function. In this preclinical trial, two cellular and tissue based products (CTPs) are evaluated on twenty-four 5 × 5 deep partial thickness (DPT) burn wounds. Using appropriate pain control methods, DPT burn wounds were created on six anesthetized Yorkshire pigs. Wounds were excised one day post-burn and the bleeding wound beds were subsequently treated with omega-3-rich acellular fish skin graft (FSG) or fetal bovine dermis (FBD). FSG was reapplied after 7 days and wounds healed via secondary intentions. Digital images, non-invasive measurements, and punch biopsies were acquired during rechecks performed on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 45, and 60. Multiple qualitative measurements were also employed, including re-epithelialization, contraction rates, hydration, laser speckle, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Each treatment produced granulated tissue (GT) that would be receptive to skin grafts, if desired; however, the FSG induced GT 7 days earlier. FSG treatment resulted in faster re-epithelialization and reduced wound size at day 14 compared to FBD (50.2% vs. 23.5% and 93.1% vs. 106.7%, p < 0.005, respectively). No differences in TEWL measurements were observed. The FSG integrated into the wound bed quicker as evidenced by lower hydration values at day 21 (309.7 vs. 2500.4 µS, p < 0.05) and higher blood flow at day 14 (4.9 vs. 3.1 fold change increase over normal skin, p < 0.005). Here we show that FSG integrated faster without increased contraction, resulting in quicker wound closure without skin graft application which suggests FSG improved burn wound healing over FBD.     

Hörsaalmanagement

An innovative system for efficient lecture-room scheduling is introduced. The core of the system is a new mathematical model. For the solution a column generation approach is presented. A numerical investigation shows that the approach has a very high solution quality. All considered instances of the problem are solved almost optimally within reasonable time. For the application an internet-based system has been developed. All processes of information, communication, and scheduling are implemented in the system.