Learning argumentation skills through the use of prompts for self-explaining examples.

Learning with self-explaining examples is an effective method in well-structured domains. The authors analyzed this method in teaching the complex skill of argumentation, experimentally comparing 4 conditions (N = 71 student teachers) that differed with respect to whether and how the processing of the examples was supported by self-explanation prompts. They found that examples of argumentation could be successfully used to teach declarative knowledge about argumentation. However, when the skill of argumentation is to be fostered, prompts that direct the learners' attention to the principles of argumentation should be used. The authors demonstrate that learning with self-explaining examples is also a promising method of enhancing skills in ill-structured domains such as argumentation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The influence of the sequential extractions on the structure and the properties of single cell materials from apples

In order to evaluate the influence of disintegration on the structure and the properties of single cell wall materials from apples, parenchymatic single cells (MM) were extracted step by step with water (BM), chelating agents (CH), sodium chlorite/acetic acid mixture (CO) and sodium hydroxide/NaBH₄ (CA). The composition and the structure parameters of the dried materials obtained showed enhanced cell wall disintegration in the order MM, BM, CH, CO and CA. This disintegration was proved by decreasing yields and increasing glucose contents indicating a lower share of amorphous matrix and a higher share of cellulose-xyloglucan network with rising steps of the sequential extraction. However, systematic alterations of galacturonan content, bulk density, solid density and porosity with increasing cell wall disintegration were not found. The hydration properties, determined as swelling and water retention capacities, decreased in the order BM, MMCO, CH and CA. Also, the structure-viscous and viscoelastic properties of the rehydrated CWM in the decreasing order CH, CO, BM, MM and CA were not in agreement with the order of the cell wall disintegration as well as with the order of the hydration properties. The results show a complex and multivariate correlation between structure, physical state and properties.     

Nanostructured ordering of fluorescent markers and single proteins on substrates

Highly ordered hexagonal nanopatterns of gold clusters on glass substrates were used as anchoring points for the specific attachment of fluorescence dyes and proteins labeled with fluorescence dyes. Thiol- or disulfide-containing linker molecules were used for the binding to the gold dots. In order to ensure specific binding on the gold dots only, the surface area in between the dots was protected against unspecific adsorption. For the attachment of polar low-molecular-weight fluorescence dyes, an octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer was prepared on the surface in between the gold dots, whereas a layer prepared from star-shaped poly(ethylene oxide-stat-propylene oxide) prepolymers was used to prevent unspecific adsorption of proteins between the gold dots. Fluorescence microscopy proved the specific binding of the dyes as well as of the proteins. Scanning force microscopy studies show that each gold dot is only capable of binding one protein at a time.     

Failure analysis from the back side of a die

A back side failure analysis flow has been developed in order to enable failure analysis of flip-chip, lead-on-chip dies and within multi-metal-level dies. A combination with frontside failure analysis methods is possible too. The back side flow consists of stepwise bulk silicon removal, electrical and physical failure analysis methods. Four different methods for bulk silicon thinning in order to localize electrical defects using photoemission microscope (PEM) are compared. A method to remove the bulk silicon after PEM analysis to expose the gate oxide level of a die has been developed. Different back side applications like physical analysis of gate oxide defects, passive voltage contrast and microprobing with an atomic force microscope tip for detection of interrupts within interconnect lines are described.     

Fügen und Verbinden mit UV‐ und lichthärtenden Acrylaten

Joining and connecting with the help of uv‐ and lighthardening acrylates. At the moment in the field of construction adhesively bonded joints are only carried out by the use of silicones. On the other hand alternative adhesives offer many advantages. Beside a higher strength also thinner adhesive bonded joints with completely transparent or coloured joints are possible. To apply adhesively bonded glass the design and calculation of these connections must be ensured. In a current joint research project transparent adhesives of higher strength, will be investigated for their suitability for structural glass. Typical glass constructions, which require transparent, elastic and non‐ageing adhesive bonded joints are subject for investigation.     

Das Waldkirch‐Erdbeben (Baden‐Württemberg) vom 5. Dezember 2004

The Waldkirch earthquake (Baden‐Württemberg) on Dezember 5, 2004. The Waldkirch earthquake on December 5, 2004, was the strongest event on the area of the Federal Republic of Germany since the Roermond earthquake in 1992. The shaking effects of this earthquake were perceived in neighboring areas at a distance of 200 km. During a field investigation of several days the damaged buildings in the affected area were surveyed and the regional distribution of damages documented. The paper gives an impression of the damages and attempts to derive conclusions regarding the strength of the quake (and corresponding parameters) by applying mean damage grades. Based on the damages of the buildings, the maximum observed shake effects on the scale of the EMS‐98 [8] reached the intensity of I(EMS) = VI, but didn't exceed it. This can be explained by the location of the epicenter in a sparsely populated forest area, and by the circumstance that any significant communities can only be found at a distance of 15 to 20 km. The version of the German Seismic Code DIN 4149: 1981, still valid until 2005, does not consider the affected area as a particular seismic one. Nevertheless, the low degree of damage is regarded as the consequence of respecting basic design principles. In this context the lasting and sustained contribution of a planning guide for earthquake‐resistant design, published by the Ministry of Interior Baden‐Württemberg, is recognized.