Preservation of protein fluorescence in embedded human dendritic cells for targeted 3D light and electron microscopy

In this study, we present a correlative microscopy workflow to combine detailed 3D fluorescence light microscopy data with ultrastructural information gained by 3D focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy. The workflow is based on an optimized high pressure freezing/freeze substitution protocol that preserves good ultrastructural detail along with retaining the fluorescence signal in the resin embedded specimens. Consequently, cellular structures of interest can readily be identified and imaged by state of the art 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy and are precisely referenced with respect to an imprinted coordinate system on the surface of the resin block. This allows precise guidance of the focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy and limits the volume to be imaged to the structure of interest. This, in turn, minimizes the total acquisition time necessary to conduct the time consuming ultrastructural scanning electron microscope imaging while eliminating the risk to miss parts of the target structure. We illustrate the value of this workflow for targeting virus compartments, which are formed in HIV‐pulsed mature human dendritic cells.     

Untersuchungen zu Herstellungs‐ und Instandhaltungs kosten von unterschiedlichen Konzepten zur Sicherstellung der Dauerhaftigkeit von Parkbauten

Research of production and maintenance costs for alternative concepts to ensure the durability of parking buildings There is currently an intense discussion about how to ensure the durability of parking buildings. Without having carried out a comprehensive cost analysis for the alternatives for durability concepts costs are nevertheless used as an argument for or against a certain execution. In this publication the costs of various execution concepts are compared on the basis of a virtual two‐storey underground garage with standard dimensions for the two major components of ”suspended ceiling“ and ”baseplate“. For instance the cost analysis includes the production costs for the minimum reinforcement in dependence of the examined surface protection or of the waterproofing system respectively. Furthermore the costs for maintenance, inspection and repair among other aspects are compared in dependence of the surface protecting system for a service life of 50 years. This cost approach takes into account consists of market fluctuations as well as scheduled maintenance cycles by considering medium, minimum and maximum costs. For the suspended ceiling the following coating or waterproofing systems respectively are examined: surface protection system ”OS 11“; ”mastic asphalt (single/double layer) with asphalt sheeting ”; ”mastic asphalt (single/double layer) with surface protection systems OS 10“ and ”PMMA“ protecting surface system. For the base plate two load cases are investigated: ”water exchange zone“ (WW) and ”water pressure“ (WD) in combination with the following surface protection systems: ”OS 11“, ”mastic asphalt (single/double layer) with asphalt sheeting“ and ”OS 8 with accompanying crack treatment“. For the ongoing maintenance costs, engineering values are chosen in accordance to the current state of knowledge. It is expected that current research projects are going to provide scientific results in the near future allowing an update of this cost analysis.     

Responsive Hybrid Polymeric/Metallic Nanoparticles for Catalytic Applications

The aims of the current study were to synthesize new responsive polymeric microgels with embedded silver nanoparticles and then to employ these particles as catalyst for reduction reactions. To these ends, stimuli‐responsive microgels from PNIPAAm and the chitosan derivative were firstly synthesized by free radical precipitation polymerization. Then, silver nanoparticles were synthesized inside these microgel networks by in situ reduction of AgNO₃. These microgels were temperature/pH sensitive with a phase transition temperature of 32–35 °C in water at pH = 3 and 8, respectively. The catalytic activity of the Ag nanoparticles for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol can be tuned through the swelling or collapse of the responsive microgel network hosting the active nanoparticles.

     

Modular tool concept and process design for micro impact extrusion

Micro impact extrusion is an appropriate mass production technology for micro structuring of sheet metal. The technology was applied to form sample geometries consisting of ten precision cavities which are intended to be collets for the form- and force-locked integration of piezo rods for later usage of the sheets as “smart sheet metal”. For reasons of flexibility, a modular tool concept was studied and applied. It allows a flexible arrangement of geometry elements but introduces new aspects which need to be considered. This study investigated the influences of tribological- and process parameters onto the microforming process. Therefore forming experiments were performed with different die coatings (titanium nitride, titanium carbon nitride, amorphous carbon), different lubricants (common oil, forming lubricant and without lubrication), as well as two die materials. In contrast to forming processes with established monolithic die configurations, phenomena like tilted structures and the appearance of unwanted burr were investigated. For creating structures with minimal tolerances, these effects need to be considered. The investigation of the influence of process parameters showed, that the lowest surface roughness was achieved without lubrication. Furthermore low-friction coatings and harder die materials improved the forming results.     

Untersuchungen zum System Holz-Zement

After it had been shown in a previous study that cements poor in alkali should be preferred when manufacturing wood-cement materials, this article outlines the investigations on the influence of wood (felling period, wood species, storage period) on the setting of cement. Detrimental impacts of the wood on the cement settings could be largely compensated by adding magnesium chloride or amorphous silicic acid (SiO₂-fume).     

铸态Al-7Si-0．3Mg合金的连续冷却析出图

采用冷却速率为0．01～3K／s的差示扫描量热法（DSC）和冷却速率更高的淬火膨胀法研究铸态Al-7Si-0．3Mg合金淬火的析出行为。在合金冷却的过程中发生了两种析出反应,高温反应开始于淬火起始温度540℃,低温反应始于400℃左右。3K／s的淬火冷却速率已经显著抑制淬火过程中相的析出。合金T6态的硬度随着淬火速率的增快而增加,这是由合金过饱和固溶度增加而导致的。通过膨胀实验和硬度实验的结果可以估计临界冷却速率大约为60K／s。通过光学显微镜观察淬火态的铸态Al-7Si-0．3Mg合金的显微组织。结果表明：根据淬火冷却速率的不同合金的显微组织由铝一硅共晶组织、铝固溶体枝晶及枝晶间的析出相组成。