Einfluss der HiPIMS‐Parameter beim PVD‐Verfahren

Effect of PVD process parameters on structural properties of CrN layers Commonly, imperfections on substrate surfaces influence layer nucleation unfavorably. They cause growth defects in the coating structures prepared by physical vapor deposition. In consequence this leads to local loss of adhesion, higher friction, voids and thus favoring pitting corrosion. CrN‐coatings are known for their high hardness and good wear resistance. Further they have a better resistance to corrosion than Ti‐based nitrides. Among other parameters, the structure and the mechanical properties of those coatings can be influenced by varying bias voltage and gas flow during film growth. Due to variation of those parameters during reactive magnetron sputtering CrN‐coatings were deposited with preferred crystallized lattice orientation (111) and (200). The main objective of investigation is the potential to cover imperfections.     

Advanced thermal failure analysis and reliability investigations – Industrial demands and related limitations

The thermal interaction between actively operated integrated circuits and applied characterization tools is one of the most important ones within failure analysis (FA) and reliability/methodology (RM) investigations. Hereby different kind of thermal interaction mechanisms can be utilized, whereas these mechanisms have to be separated for instance into classes with respect to thermal excitation and/or detection, spatial limitations, and underlying physical principle. Although they all have in common the capability to link the thermo-electric device characteristic to a representing output signal, they have to be interpreted in completely different ways. Therefore, within this paper we discuss from a practical engineering point of view established FA/RM characterization techniques by means of infrared-lock in thermography (IR-LIT) and thermal induced voltage alteration (TIVA) case studies as well as the capability of non established ones like scanning thermal microscopy (SThM), thermal reflectance microscopy (TRM), and time domain thermal reflectance (TDTR). Hereby we focus on the complementarities of the methods for localization and characterization as well as on the according industrial demands and related limitations.     

Tracking in unprepared environments for augmented reality systems

Many augmented reality applications require accurate tracking. Existing tracking techniques require prepared environments to ensure accurate results. This paper motivates the need to pursue augmented reality tracking techniques that work in unprepared environments, where users are not allowed to modify the real environment, such as in outdoor applications. Accurate tracking in such situations is difficult, requiring hybrid approaches. This paper summarizes two 3DOF results: a real-time system with a compass — inertial hybrid, and a non-real-time system fusing optical and inertial inputs. We then describe the preliminary results of 5- and 6-DOF tracking methods run in simulation. Future work and limitations are described.     

Natural feature tracking for augmented reality

Natural scene features stabilize and extend the tracking range of augmented reality (AR) pose-tracking systems. We develop robust computer vision methods to detect and track natural features in video images. Point and region features are automatically and adaptively selected for properties that lead to robust tracking. A multistage tracking algorithm produces accurate motion estimates, and the entire system operates in a closed-loop that stabilizes its performance and accuracy. We present demonstrations of the benefits of using tracked natural features for AR applications that illustrate direct scene annotation, pose stabilization, and extendible tracking range. Our system represents a step toward integrating vision with graphics to produce robust wide-area augmented realities     

Über den Einfluß der Kornverteilungskurve auf das dynamische und das kumulative Verhalten nichtbindiger Böden

On the influence of the grain size distribution curve on the dynamic and the cumulative behaviour of non-cohesive soils. This paper presents experimental studies on non-cohesive soils on the influence of the grain size distribution curve on the dynamic soil properties and the accumulation of residual deformations under cyclic loading. It is shown that the dynamic shear modulus is not influenced by the mean grain diameter but decreases strongly with the non-uniformity. For a non-uniform soil the common empirical formulas overestimate the dynamic shear modulus by up to 70%. Also the residual deformations under cyclic loading depend significantly on the grain size distribution curve. They are larger for fine-grained soils. Under cyclic loading non-uniform soils densify much faster than uniform soils.     

Combination of the Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor PQ912 (Varoglutamstat) and the Murine Monoclonal Antibody PBD-C06 (m6) Shows Additive Effects on Brain Aβ Pathology in Transgenic Mice

Compelling evidence suggests that pyroglutamate-modified Aβ (pGlu3-Aβ; AβN3pG) peptides play a pivotal role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Approaches targeting pGlu3-Aβ by glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibition (Varoglutamstat) or monoclonal antibodies (Donanemab) are currently in clinical development. Here, we aimed at an assessment of combination therapy of Varoglutamstat (PQ912) and a pGlu3-Aβ-specific antibody (m6) in transgenic mice. Whereas the single treatments at subtherapeutic doses show moderate (16–41%) but statistically insignificant reduction of Aβ42 and pGlu-Aβ42 in mice brain, the combination of both treatments resulted in significant reductions of Aβ by 45–65%. Evaluation of these data using the Bliss independence model revealed a combination index of ≈1, which is indicative for an additive effect of the compounds. The data are interpreted in terms of different pathways, in which the two drugs act. While PQ912 prevents the formation of pGlu3-Aβ in different compartments, the antibody is able to clear existing pGlu3-Aβ deposits. The results suggest that combination of the small molecule Varoglutamstat and a pE3Aβ-directed monoclonal antibody may allow a reduction of the individual compound doses while maintaining the therapeutic effect.