Rheologische Eigenschaften von Kapselmembranen

By using the spinning‐ and squeezing‐capsule method it is possible to characterize the rheological properties of capsule membranes. On the basis of a capsule model system, it could be shown that the incorporation of solid particles in the gel membrane of liquid filled capsules leads to a significant increase of the mechanical stability as well as the two dimensional Young modulus. A combination of both methods enabled the calculation of the two dimensional Poisson ratio of the membrane material.     

Quality - Key factor for high value in professional patent, technical and scientific information

An effective and efficient innovation process needs reliable scientific, technical and patent information of high quality. To obtain information of high quality, specific quality criteria during the entire information workflow have to be followed. This article focuses on quality criteria for database producers, information providers and information specialists. In particular, STN International^® is used as an example to describe in detail the quality criteria for information providers, and the value they add through a comprehensive information offer. This includes value-add patent databases; quality assurance of databases; a standardized host environment; a transparent and sophisticated retrieval system; ensured data security and privacy; and professional and qualified customer support.     

Influence of annealing conditions on microstructure and phase occurrence in high-alloy CrMnN steels

The influence of annealing at 750, 800, 850, 900 and 950 °C for 4 h on the microstructure and the phase occurrence in two high-alloy CrMnN austenitic stainless steels was investigated using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermodynamic calculations. Austenite, σ, and Cr₂N were identified in both steels experimentally. The experimental results were found to be in good agreement with the thermodynamic predictions. In one of the steels, M₂₃C₆ as a non-equilibrium probably residual phase was found. Cr₂N appeared in the steels either in the form of discrete particles or as a part of cells consisting of alternate lamellae of Cr₂N and austenite.     

Across-task conflict regulation: A replication failure.

Fernandez-Duque and Knight (2008, Experiment 4) described an across-task effect of endogenously generated, anticipatory control: A cue that predicted conflict in an upcoming Eriksen flanker task modulated conflict regulation in a subsequent number Stroop task. In 3 experiments, 1 of which included an exact replication condition, we failed to observe the expected across-task effect. However, a reanalysis of our data revealed a conflict adaptation effect: Number task processing on incongruent trials was influenced by random fluctuations in flanker task performance. Our findings, alongside reports of reactive across-task conflict regulation (Freitas, Bahar, Yang, & Banai, 2007), challenge Fernandez-Duque and Knight’s claim that across-task effects are a distinctive feature of anticipatory cognitive control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recovery and well-being among Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) pilots

This study investigated the effects of a compressed working week with high cognitive and emotional work demands within the population of Dutch Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) pilots. Work stressors were measured and levels of well-being were examined before, during and after a series of day and night shifts. Results revealed that (i) the start of a series of day shifts was more taxing for well-being than the start of a series of night shifts, (ii) there were no differences in the decrease in well-being during day and night shifts, (iii) distress during shifts was more strongly related to a decrease in well-being during night than during day shifts and (iv) it took HEMS pilots more time to recover from a series of night shifts than from a series of day shifts. It is concluded that HEMS pilots should not start earlier during day shifts, nor have longer series of night shifts.     

U18666A Treatment Results in Cholesterol Accumulation,Reduced Na+, K+-ATPase Activity,and Increased Oxidative Stress in Rat Cortical Astrocytes

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of U18666A, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis and its intracellular transport, on oxidative stress parameters in cortical astrocytes cultured from Wistar rats (0–3 days old). The cultures were incubated with U18666A (0.25 µg/mL) for 48 h, conditions that are considered ideal to mimic Niemann–Pick type C disease. A variety of indicators of oxidative stress were measured. U18666A treatment increased cholesterol 2‐fold in treated compared to control astrocytes. Oxidative stress was significantly elevated in treated cells as demonstrated by a 1.7‐fold increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a 60 % decrease is sulfhydral groups, and a 3.7‐fold increase in carbonyl groups, indicative of increased lipid and protein oxidation following U18666A treatment. Consistent with these changes, both catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly reduced nearly 50 % in treated compared to control astrocytes. Collectively, these change resulted in a 50 % reduction in Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase specific activity following U18666A treatment, suggesting a significant alteration in its plasma membrane environment. Overall, these changes indicate that U18666A treatment results in increased cholesterol levels and an increased level of oxidative stress in cortical astrocytes, consistent with what is observed in Niemann–Pick type C disease.     

Thermally induced process‐related contaminants: The example of acrolein and the comparison with acrylamide

α,β‐Unsaturated aliphatic carbonyl compounds are naturally widespread in food, but are also formed during the thermal treatment of food. This applies, for example, to the genotoxic carcinogen acrylamide (AA), but also to acrolein (AC), the simplest α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde. First observations indicate that human exposure to AC may be higher than the exposure to AA. The DFG Senate Commission on Food Safety therefore compared data on AC and AA available in the scientific literature, evaluating current knowledge on formation, occurrence, exposure, metabolism, biological effects, toxicity, and carcinogenicity and defined knowledge gaps as well as research needs in an opinion on November 19, 2012, in German. The English version was agreed on April 17, 2013.