Encoded and multiplexed surface plasmon resonance sensor platform

We present a flexible new sensor system that combines the joint advantages of (i) discretely functionalized, code-bearing, microparticles and (ii) label-free detection using grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance. This system offers the possibility of simultaneously investigating the real-time binding kinetics of a variety of molecular interactions. One single multiplexed assay could employ a wide range of immobilization chemistries, surface preparation methods, and formats. Thus, the new system offers a very high level of assay conformability to the end user, particularly when compared to fixed microarrays.     

Identifikation und Regionalisierung von Nitratabbauprozessen in einem Grundwasserleiter – Möglichkeiten und Nutzen für die Wassergewinnung

Denitrification with pyrite or organic carbon compounds in aquifers can lead to the release of ferrous iron, sulfate and bicarbonate into the groundwater. For the water catchment, Ortheide (Emsdetten, Germany), nitrate reduction with pyrite also causes an increased well clogging with iron hydroxides in some of the wells. With the help of hydrogeochemical modelling (PhreeqC), the main processes in the aquifer of the catchment area were identified and quantified. The presence or absence of pyrite in the aquifer sediments was determined based on groundwater compositions. This allowed the regionalization of autolithotrophic denitrification in the aquifer and the distinction of so called “origin zones” of nitrate, ferrous iron and bicarbonate. Based on these zones, the comparative sensitivity of agricultural areas towards nitrate concentrations in the raw water and the clogging tendency of the wells could be estimated.     

Assessment of Segregation in Hot Tear Cracks

In solidified slabs different types of segregations such as crystal segregation (micro segregation), centre segregation (macro segregation) and hot tear segregation (HTS) may occur. The present paper examines the segregation behaviour of different elements in hot tear cracks depending on the carbon content. The aim of this work is to determine the segregation factors in the hot tear cracks filled with residual melt and compare with micro and macro segregation. Within the scope of this examination, a microanalytical assessment was made of eight slab samples with different steel grades each showing different types of hot tear cracks that had been healed up by an inflow of residual melt. The hot tear cracks are located outside the primary dendrites in the dendritic interstices, parallel or transversal to the direction of casting. Segregation in the cracks healed up by residual melt depends on the carbon content and will become more pronounced as the carbon content increases. The intensity of segregation for the various elements in the hot tear cracks (hot tear crack segregation) is between that of crystal segregation and centre segregation. The thickness of the segregated zone in the hot tear crack area is 30 ‐ 50 μm. Apart from an enrichment of the alloying elements manganese, silicon and chromium, the healed up hot tear cracks also contain secondary precipitates of sulphides and niobium‐titanium‐carbonitrides. Towards the slab centre, the latter can cause, among other things, the development of niobium‐titanium‐carbonitrides (Nb_1‐x, Ti_x)(C_1‐y, N_y) networks in the primary dendritic interstices.     

Sickerwassertransport von Kolloiden und Schwermetallen in Bergbaufolgelandschaften – Felduntersuchungen und Laborversuche

The influence of colloids on the transport of heavy metals at a former lignite mining site investigated. A three-dimensional hydrochemical mapping allows a view into the disposal revealing the stratigraphy within the water body. A SEM/EDX based single-particle method for the characterization of aquatic colloids was developed. Within a size range from 30 nm to 1 μm mostly inorganic silica and salt colloids were be detected, whereas the size fraction below 30 nm was predominated by organic colloids. Although some heavy metals, mainly Co and Cu, were associated to colloids, the total amount of heavy metal colloids was neglectable. Silica colloids were chosen for batch and column investigations. Though the sorption coefficients suggested that the colloids should be a sink for heavy metals, no significant changes of the transport behaviour due to the presence of colloids was observed. Instead, the colloids were filtered by the sediment. The results of teh field and laboratory work indicate clearly that there is no significant enhancement of heavy metal transport at the Kanena landfill site by inorganic colloids.     

Possibilities of Fisherman’s Friend Type Lozenges Fortification with Omega-3 LC PUFA by Addition of Microencapsulated Fish Oil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of fish oil powder addition on sensory quality and oxidative stability of Fisherman’s Friend type lozenges. Microencapsulated fish oil (MFO) was used for lozenge formulation. Sensory quality of the moderate and strong mint flavored lozenges was not significantly affected by fish oil powder addition up to 60 and 80 g kg⁻¹, respectively. Higher MFO addition resulted in significant reduction in the sensory quality and increases in fishy off-flavor intensity. During 4 months of storage in air permeable packages, a gradual decrease in sensory quality and an increase in fishy off-flavor were detected in lozenges containing MFO, which were more significant in moderately flavored than in strongly flavored ones. The peroxide value increased significantly during air storage. However, the peroxide value of vacuum stored samples increased slightly whereas sensory scores remained stable. A recommendation to pack and store the MFO lozenges under limited oxygen is suggested due to the low stability of the MFO product. A dose of 5 lozenges fortified with MFO might provide 40 mg of omega-3 LC PUFA elevating its average level in the diet.     

分布式蓄热罐容量优化及二级管网调节改进

介绍分布式蓄热、二级管网调节方法研究现状,对分布式蓄热罐容量优化及二级管网调节方法改进途径进行综述。国内外均重视分布式蓄热、二级管网调节方法的研究。采用蓄热罐在带来良好经济效益的同时,还能实现节能减排,蓄热罐容量对供热系统的经济性存在较大影响。对分布式蓄热罐容量进行优化,是提高供热系统经济性的有效方法。在热网的运行调节方面,变频泵技术受到了广泛关注,对变频泵变流量调节与分布式蓄热系统相结合的优化研究还比较缺乏。     

Colloidal quantum dots in all-dielectric high-Q pillar microcavities

We have fabricated all-dielectric high-Q optical pillar resonators with embedded colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots or rods as light emitters by focused ion beam milling. Three-dimensional light confinement and distinct pillar microcavity modes are observed. Results from a waveguide model for the mode patterns and their spectral positions are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. Cavities with elliptical cross sections show higher quality factors in the short axis direction than do circular resonators of the same cross-sectional area.     

A new benchmark for pose estimation with ground truth from virtual reality

The development of programming paradigms for industrial assembly currently gets fresh impetus from approaches in human demonstration and programming-by-demonstration. Major low- and mid-level prerequisites for machine vision and learning in these intelligent robotic applications are pose estimation, stereo reconstruction and action recognition. As a basis for the machine vision and learning involved, pose estimation is used for deriving object positions and orientations and thus target frames for robot execution. Our contribution introduces and applies a novel benchmark for typical multi-sensor setups and algorithms in the field of demonstration-based automated assembly. The benchmark platform is equipped with a multi-sensor setup consisting of stereo cameras and depth scanning devices (see Fig. 1). The dimensions and abilities of the platform have been chosen in order to reflect typical manual assembly tasks. Following the eRobotics methodology, a simulatable 3D representation of this platform was modelled in virtual reality. Based on a detailed camera and sensor simulation, we generated a set of benchmark images and point clouds with controlled levels of noise as well as ground truth data such as object positions and time stamps. We demonstrate the application of the benchmark to evaluate our latest developments in pose estimation, stereo reconstruction and action recognition and publish the benchmark data for objective comparison of sensor setups and algorithms in industry.     

Process Conditions and Microstructures of Ceramic Coatings by Gas Phase Deposition Based on Plasma Spraying

Plasma spraying at very low pressure (50-200 Pa) is significantly different from atmospheric plasma conditions (APS). By applying powder feedstock, it is possible to fragment the particles into very small clusters or even to evaporate the material. As a consequence, the deposition mechanisms and the resulting coating microstructures could be quite different compared to conventional APS liquid splat deposition. Thin and dense ceramic coatings as well as columnar-structured strain-tolerant coatings with low thermal conductivity can be achieved offering new possibilities for application in energy systems. To exploit the potential of such a gas phase deposition from plasma spray-based processes, the deposition mechanisms and their dependency on process conditions must be better understood. Thus, plasma conditions were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy. Coating experiments were performed, partially at extreme conditions. Based on the observed microstructures, a phenomenological model is developed to identify basic growth mechanisms.     

Innovative energy technologies and climate policy in Germany

Due to the size and structure of its economy, Germany is one of the largest carbon emitters in the European Union. However, Germany is facing a major renewal and restructuring process in electricity generation. Within the next two decades, up to 50% of current electricity generation capacity may retire because of end-of-plant lifetime and the nuclear phase-out pact of 1998. Substantial opportunities, therefore, exist for deployment of advanced electricity generating technologies in both a projected baseline and in alternative carbon policy scenarios. We simulate the potential role of coal integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC), natural gas combined cycle (NGCC), carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), and wind power within a computable general equilibrium model of Germany from the present through 2050. These advanced technologies and their role within a future German electricity system are the focus of this paper. We model the response of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany to various technology and carbon policy assumptions over the next few decades. In our baseline scenario, all of the advanced technologies except CCS provide substantial contributions to electricity generation. We also calculate the carbon price where each fossil technology, combined with CCS, becomes competitive. Constant carbon price experiments are used to characterize the model response to a carbon policy. This provides an estimate of the cost of meeting an emissions target, and the share of emissions reductions available from the electricity generation sector.