Search

Most of the data used to develop efficiency models were obtained from distillation tests under total reflux conditions. However, commercial distillation columns are generally operated in a non-total reflux mode of operation. Therefore, the current efficiency models may not be truly representative of actual efficiencies observed in the field. There is a need to develop reliable efficiency models using data on both total reflux and non-total reflux conditions. As a part of the current study, an Oldershaw column capable of operating in non-total reflux was used to measure point efficiency data for two viscous test systems: tert-amyl-alcohol/isobutanol and cyclopentanol/cyclohexanol. Results showed that the point efficiency decreased with an increase in the stripping factor and a decrease in the concentration of the light component in the feed. The effect of reflux ratio, L/V, and slope of the equilibrium curve was also studied. Important findings will be discussed along with a comparison of the point efficiency data for cyclohexane/n-heptane and the test systems used in this study.

Distillation is one of the oldest separation processes and the most widely used unit operation in the chemical process industry. Although several experimental variables that affect the distillation tray efficiency have been explored in the past, nearly all of the previous studies were conducted under total reflux conditions. However, non-total reflux conditions more closely represent the actual operation of a commercial distillation column. Therefore, in this study, we present results obtained from an Oldershaw column operated under non-total reflux conditions. An Oldershaw column was designed, installed, and commissioned that can operate under total as well as non-total reflux conditions. The validation was performed using data for the cyclohexane/n-heptane test system from our earlier study as well as from Fractionation Research, Inc. (FRI) (the world’s largest industrial consortium on distillation). We conducted a systematic study using the cyclohexane/n-heptane test system over a range of values for several variables including stripping factor, reflux ratios, and feed compositions for the column operated at vacuum to atmospheric pressure conditions. Results showed an increase in point efficiency with a decrease in the stripping factor for both atmospheric and vacuum conditions. The point efficiency increased as the concentration of the light key in the feed increased. Further, a higher efficiency was observed under atmospheric conditions compared to vacuum.

Besondere Merkmale sind ein wichtiges Element, um die Funktionssicherheit von Produkten sicherzustellen. Bei Nichterfüllung drohen haftungsrechtliche Konsequenzen. Gleichzeitig verursachen sie hohe Aufwände für Prüfung und Dokumentation. Der VDA-Band „Besondere Merkmale“ gibt eine Systematik zur Reduzierung vor. Darin nicht berücksichtigt ist der Anwendungskontext. Wie damit sicherheitsrelevante Besondere Merkmale reduziert und Anforderungen für Produktion und Prüfung abgeleitet werden können, wird im vorliegenden Beitrag erläutert.

The prediction of HETP by mass transfer correlations is important to the successful design of packed distillation columns. A HETP performance comparison of five structured packing correlations in the literature was carried out. The correlations evaluated were Gualito, Billet and Schultes, Delft, Aspen, and Song. Experimental HETP data consisted of total reflux data from Fractionation Research Inc., with cyclohexane/n-heptane and o/p-xylene as the test systems of interest. The data was collected over a range of high-capacity structured packings, including MellapakPlus 252.Y, 452.Y, and 752.Y. This paper presents the performance of the studied correlations, as well as discusses major differences in behavior between the models. In addition to HETP performance, effective area predictions by all models are presented and analyzed. Overall, the Billet and Schultes and Song correlations provided the lowest error in HETP predictions across all packings, but the other models displayed strength in specific packings or systems.

The geometric features of the bipolar plate and the position of these features in relation to each other across several components influence the performance and service life of a fuel cell. Dynamic tolerancing is one way of improving the joining tolerances and therefore the performance. In the case of fuel cell assembly, dynamic tolerancing does not interfere with the manufacturing tolerances of the individual components and is therefore a potential, cost-effective tool for improving quality. A promising feature for the application is the channel offset between two bipolar plates. In order to investigate the effects of the dynamic tolerance approach on the channel offset within a cell and across stacks, a simulation programme was developed in this thesis and a discrete event simulation was carried out. This simulates the resulting channel misalignment in the assembly with or without the application of dynamic tolerancing. The simulation results show that the extreme values and the scatter, as well as the average channel misalignment, could be significantly reduced by applying the dynamic tolerance approach to the input model.

The rate of gas evolution (volumetric mass transfer coefficient) is a critical parameter in understanding and predicting gas–liquid separation, especially in the energy industry. This work led to the development of an empirical correlation to determine the mass transfer coefficient based on the dead oil properties and energy dissipation. The approach was evaluated using published n-dodecane data. The empirical correlation was tested for model and crude oils using experimental data for the rate of gas evolution and absorption under varying levels of energy dissipation and from liquids of varying viscosities. The energy dissipated in the liquid was varied by changing the mixing speed from 25 to 500 rpm. The rate of gas evolution/absorption was measured using one model oil (Exxsol D-110) and three crude oils (crudes A, B, and C) of varying viscosities at elevated pressure (3.45 MPa) and at two different temperatures (298.15 and 348.15 K), while pure methane was used as the gas phase. The mass transfer coefficient determined for each liquid was correlated with an empirical equation based on the kinematic viscosity and energy dissipation, similar to the Lamont and Scott model. This work also evaluated the impact of inlet conditioning (multiple shear environments) on gas evolution. In gas–liquid separators, varying levels of energy dissipation are encountered. For example, high levels of energy are encountered in inlet conditioning devices, followed by lower levels of energy within the separator. Thus, the impact on the rate of gas evolution when an initial shear pulse (high energy dissipation) was applied prior to the gas evolution stage was investigated. The initial shear pulse increased the rate of gas evolution in all cases. This work provides an approach for estimating the rate of mass transfer in hydrocarbons, and it provides insight into cases where different levels of energy dissipation are experienced.

Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is an important mediator of cellular immune responses, but high systemic levels of this cytokine are associated with immunopathology. IFNγ binds to its receptor (IFNγR) and to extracellular matrix (ECM) via four positively charged C-terminal amino acids (KRKR), the ECM-binding domain (EBD). Across evolution, IFNγ is not well conserved, but the EBD is highly conserved, suggesting a critical function. Here, we show that IFNγ lacking the EBD (IFNγΔKRKR) does not bind to ECM but still binds to the IFNγR and retains bioactivity. Overexpression of IFNγΔKRKRin tumors reduced local ECM binding, increased systemic levels and induced sickness behavior, weight loss and toxicity. To analyze the function of the EBD during infection, we generated IFNγΔKRKRmice lacking the EBD by using CRISPR–Cas9. Infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus resulted in higher systemic IFNγΔKRKRlevels, enhanced sickness behavior, weight loss and fatal toxicity. We conclude that local retention of IFNγ is a pivotal mechanism to protect the organism from systemic toxicity during prolonged immune stimulation.

Microfluidics is relatively a new area in the oil and gas industry and has great potential to be used as an effective tool to address various outstanding research questions where microscale investigation is necessary. Low salinity brine flooding has been known to enhance oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs through a wettability alteration mechanism. Wettability alteration is a molecular-scale phenomenon that is often characterized at a mesoscale through contact angle experiments. By using microfluidic chips, the low salinity effects involving solid–fluid interactions could be directly visualized, and the wettability alteration could be verified at microscale. However, to replicate solid–fluid interactions involved in carbonate reservoirs, the internal wetting surfaces must be transformed to carbonate surfaces. In this study, first, wetting surfaces of straight-channel glass microfluidic chips were functionalized using a metal-chelating silane coupling agent, and then, the surfaces were coated with CaCO3using a layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition process. The calcite-coated straight-channel glass microfluidic chips were then used to investigate the effects of brine salinity and the role of divalent ions in the wettability alteration of oil-wet calcite surfaces at both room temperature and high temperature (70 °C). Naphthenic acid was used as the surface-active component in a model oil to render calcite surfaces oil wet. Six single-electrolyte-based brines were used in this study: high salinity 5 M NaCl, seawater equivalent 0.656 M NaCl, and 4-times diluted seawater-equivalent low salinity brines─0.164 M ionic strength NaCl, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and MgCl2. The low salinity brines were found to induce significant wettability alteration on naphthenic-acid-adsorbed calcite surfaces at ambient temperature. Low salinity Na2SO4resulted in the highest wettability alteration followed by low salinity NaCl solution. Insignificant wettability alteration was observed in 0.656 M NaCl compared to 0.164 M NaCl where the wettability alteration was significant, suggesting the extent of wettability alteration increases with reduction in brine salinity. Magnesium ions were found to be unfavorable for wettability alteration in the presence or absence of sulfate ions. Exposure to higher temperature resulted in no or insignificant further wettability alteration in most of the brines.

Die Herstellung von Batteriezellen setzt sich aus einer Vielzahl von Einzelprozessen mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Qualitätsansprüchen zusammen. Mit dem Ziel, eine hochwertige und leistungsstarke Batteriezelle zu produzieren, ist daher für die interprozessuale Qualitätskontrolle und Prozessoptimierung die Kenntnis qualitätskritischer Parameter essenziell. In diesem Beitrag werden die Identifikation dieser Parameter und die anschließende Aufnahme von Ursache-Wirkungs-Zusammenhängen als Basis für das digitale Qualitätsmanagement beschrieben.

SYNTAXIN-11 (STX11) is a SNARE protein that mediates the fusion of cytotoxic granules with the plasma membrane at the immunological synapses of CD8 T or NK cells. Autosomal recessive inheritance of deleterious STX11 variants impairs cytotoxic granule exocytosis, causing familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 4 (FHL-4). In several FHL-4 patients, we also observed hypogammaglobulinemia, elevated frequencies of naive B cells, and increased double-negative DN2:DN1 B cell ratios, indicating a hitherto unrecognized role of STX11 in humoral immunity. Detailed analysis of Stx11-deficient mice revealed impaired CD4 T cell help for B cells, associated with disrupted germinal center formation, reduced isotype class switching, and low antibody avidity. Mechanistically, Stx11−/− CD4 T cells exhibit impaired membrane fusion leading to reduced CD107a and CD40L surface mobilization and diminished IL-2 and IL-10 secretion. Our findings highlight a critical role of STX11 in SNARE-mediated membrane trafficking and vesicle exocytosis in CD4 T cells, important for successful CD4 T cell–B cell interactions. Deficiency in STX11 impairs CD4 T cell–dependent B cell differentiation and humoral responses.

There is a need to better understand the mechanisms that govern gas evolution (i.e., desorption) from supersaturated solutions at elevated pressures for improved design and troubleshooting of gas–liquid separators used in the oil and gas industry. The rate of gas evolution is generally represented in terms of the mass transfer coefficient, which can be affected by the presence of chemical additives. In the oil and gas industry, a wide variety of chemical additives are used, such as demulsifiers, antifoamers, and corrosion inhibitors. Two different classes of chemical additives were evaluated in this work, Xiameter PMX-200 (silicone-based) and Synperonic PE/L61 (alcohol-based). The rate of gas evolution (volumetric mass transfer coefficient) was determined at two different mixing speeds (25 and 500 rpm). The impact of the chemical additive concentration (Xiameter PMX-200) on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient was investigated using Exxsol D-110 (model oil) at different concentrations, while Synperonic PE/L61 (alcohol-based) was investigated only at a concentration of 80 ppm in Exxsol D-110. The effect of chemical additives in crude oils was also investigated using two crude oils (Crude A and B). For the measurements with crude oil, the concentration of Xiameter PMX-200 (silicone-based) was 10 ppm and that of Synperonic PE/L61 (alcohol-based) was 80 ppm. Results showed that the addition of chemical additives did not affect the number of moles of methane solubilized into the crude and model oils. However, the addition of chemical additives reduced the volumetric mass transfer coefficient during absorption and desorption into/from the crude and model oils. Based on these data, we hypothesize that chemical additives can form a resistive layer (near the bulk liquid–gas interface), thereby causing a reduction in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient.

Background: Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous cellular serine-threonine kinase with broad spectrum of substrates. This enzyme is widely expressed in eukaryotic cells and is overexpressed in different human cancers. Thus, the inhibition of CK2 can induce the physiological process of apoptosis leading to tumor cell death. Objectives: Selecting natural inhibitors toward the target enzyme using database mining. Methods: With our continuous effort to discover new compounds with CK2 inhibitory effect, several commercial natural databases were searched using molecular modeling approach and the selected compounds were evaluated in vitro. Results: Three compounds were selected as candidates and evaluated in vitro using CK2 holoenzyme, their effect on three cancer cell lines was determined. The selected candidates were weak inhibitors toward the target enzyme, only one compound showed moderate effect on cell viability. Conclusion: Several natural databases were screened, compounds were selected and tested in vitro. Despite the unexpected low inhibitory activity of the tested compounds, this study can help in directing the search of potent CK2 inhibitors and better understand the binding requirements of the ATP competitive inhibitors.

The kinetics of gas evolution in supersaturated solutions is a critical uncertainty in the design and operation of gas/liquid separators. Incorrectly predicting the amount of gas that evolves in a gas/liquid separator can lead to gas carry under with the liquid, resulting in equipment damage downstream of the separator. Central to addressing this problem is the measurement of the gas evolution rate at specific levels of supersaturation. The supersaturation ratio (S) is defined as S=Pg,oPg,ss−1, where Pg,ois the pressure before depressurization and Pg,ssis the pressure after depressurization. Exxsol D-110, a model oil, was used as the liquid phase, and methane was used as the gaseous phase. The rate of gas evolution was investigated at six supersaturation ratios (0.15, 0.30, 0.70, 1.30, 2.00, and 2.83) and at three different rates of energy dissipation (mixing speeds: 100, 250, and 500 rpm). The rate of gas absorption into the oil was within 20% of the rate of gas evolution up to a supersaturation ratio of 1.30. At a supersaturation ratio of 2.83, the rate of gas evolution was higher than the rate of absorption. At a supersaturation ratio of 2.00, the rate of gas evolution was higher than the rate of absorption only at 500 rpm. Thus, the supersaturation ratio and the rate of energy dissipation (mixing speed/shear environment) are key parameters that affect the rate of gas evolution.

Throughout the past decade, zwitterionic moieties have gained attention as constituents of biocompatible materials for exhibiting superhydrophilic properties that prevent nonspecific protein adsorption. Researchers have been working to synthesize zwitterionic materials for diverse biomedical applications such as drug delivery, protein stabilization, and surface modification of implantable materials. These zwitterionic materials have been used in assorted architectures, including protein conjugates, surface coatings, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and liposomes. Herein, we summarize recent advancements that further our understanding of interactions between biomolecules and zwitterionic moieties. We focus on the solution behavior of zwitterions and zwitterionic polymers and the molecular interactions between these molecules and biomolecules as determined by both experimental and theoretical studies. Further, we discuss the implications of using such interactions in vivoand how zwitterionic moieties may be incorporated to facilitate targeted delivery of proteins, genes, or small molecules. Finally, we discuss current knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to advance the field.

The design of gas–liquid separators is commonly based on the American Petroleum Institute (API) 12J guidelines. Although these guidelines have been useful, they may fail to provide sufficient time required for complete gas–liquid separation and may lead to problems, such as gas carry-under (GCU), in some cases. Therefore, an accurate understanding of gas evolution rates (volumetric mass transfer coefficient) from supersaturated solutions is critical. The objective of this work was to elucidate the influence of pressure and temperature on the rate of gas evolution from a supersaturated model oil (Exxsol D-110) and three crude oils (crude A, crude B, and crude C) of varying viscosities. The initial pressure was varied up to 10.45 MPa, keeping the temperature constant at 298.15 K. The increase in the initial saturation pressure showed that the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (gas evolution) of Exxsol D-110 and crude B (having the same viscosity) exhibited different trends. In contrast, crude A and crude C with different viscosities exhibited similar volumetric mass transfer coefficients. The effect of temperature was determined by varying the liquid temperature from 288.15 to 348.15 K at a constant initial saturation pressure of 3.45 MPa. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient increased with an increase in temperature. At similar viscosities, crude oils exhibited different volumetric mass transfer coefficients. On the basis of our experimental data, it was observed that the viscosity of the oils was not the only factor that affected gas evolution. For all cases considered in this work, the time required to evolve 50% of the gas was higher than the time estimated by the API 12J guidelines.

In the petroleum industry, emulsions are encountered in nearly every stage of oil production, transportation, and operation. An understanding of the mass transfer rates during gas evolution from supersaturated solutions is critical for enabling better design and operation of gas–liquid separators. The objective of this work was to elucidate the influence of surfactant and water droplet sizes present in water-in-oil emulsions on the rate of gas evolution (volumetric mass transfer coefficient) from supersaturated systems. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient during gas evolution at elevated pressure (3.45 ± 0.00689 MPa) was determined using a batch stirred tank system. The volume of the liquid phase (0.0005 m3), the initial saturation pressure (3.45 ± 0.00689 MPa), the liquid-phase temperature (298.15 ± 0.5 K), and the mixing speed during gas evolution (250 rpm) were kept constant during the experiments. Ultrahigh purity methane was used as the gas phase. Pure model oil (Tech 80) and water-in-oil emulsions (30 wt % water) were used as the liquid phases. Water-in-oil emulsions with two different droplet sizes with average droplet sizes of 6.6 ± 2.6 and 21.7 ± 7 μm were used to investigate the influence of the droplet size on gas evolution rates. We hypothesize that the presence of water droplets in the continuous oil phase increases the diffusional path length, which would result in a decrease in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient. At the investigated emulsion concentrations, our results showed that the presence of the surfactant (Span 80 at 0.1 wt %) did not affect the volumetric mass transfer coefficient of methane leaving the model oil. However, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient decreased with a decrease in the initial droplet size. The decrease in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient results in an increased time required for gas evolution. Based on our data set, one can infer that a decrease in the initial droplet size might increase the time required for the solution gas to exit the liquid in a gas–liquid separator. In addition, our results showed that gas evolution from supersaturated water-in-oil emulsions led to the destabilization of the water-in-oil emulsions. We hypothesize that this increase in the droplet size is due to the coalescence of the emulsion droplets during gas evolution.

Testergebnisse von Schülerinnen und Schülern dienen regelmäßig als ein zentrales Kriterium für die Beurteilung der Effektivität von Schule und Unterricht. Gültige Rückschlüsse über Schule und Unterricht setzen voraus, dass die eingesetzten Testinstrumente mögliche Effekte des Unterrichts auffangen können, also instruktionssensitiv sind. Jedoch wird diese Voraussetzung nur selten empirisch überprüft. Somit bleibt mitunter unklar, ob ein Test nicht instruktionssensitiv oder ein Unterricht nicht effektiv war. Die Klärung dieser Frage erfordert die empirische Untersuchung der Instruktionssensitivität der eingesetzten Tests und Items. Während die Instruktionssensitivität in den USA bereits seit Langem diskutiert wird, findet das Konzept im deutschsprachigen Diskurs bislang nur wenig Beachtung. Unsere Arbeit zielt daher darauf ab, das Konzept Instruktionssensitivität in den deutschsprachigen Diskurs über schulische Leistungsmessung einzubetten. Dazu werden drei Themenfelder behandelt, (a) der theoretische Hintergrund des Konzepts Instruktionssensitivität, (b) die Messung von Instruktionssensitivität sowie (c) die Identifikation von weiteren Forschungsbedarfen. Student performance in assessments is a criterion regularly used to determine the effectiveness of school and instruction. Valid interpretation requires that outcomes are affected by instruction to a significant degree. Hence, instruments need to be capable of detecting effects of instruction, that is, instruments need to be instructionally sensitive. However, the empirical investigation of the instructional sensitivity of tests and items is under-researched. In consequence, in many cases, it remains unclear whether teaching was ineffective, or the instrument was insensitive. While there is a living discussion on the instructional sensitivity of tests and items in the USA, the concept of instructional sensitivity is rather unknown in German-speaking countries. Thus, the present study aims at (a) introducing the concept of instructional sensitivity, (b) providing an overview on current approaches of measuring instructional sensitivity, and (c) identifying further research directions.

Most of the distillation efficiency correlations that have been published thus far were developed or validated based on efficiency data at liquid viscosities less than 1 mPa·s. However, distillation with liquid viscosities greater than 1 mPa·s is encountered, in certain cases, in the chemical process industry. To study the effect of liquid viscosity on distillation efficiency at greater than 1 mPa·s, standardized test systems with elevated liquid viscosities at typical distillation conditions are required. To meet this objective, a new test system, cyclopentanol/cyclohexanol, was chosen on the basis of a comprehensive set of search criteria. For this test system, vapor–liquid equilibrium data were collected from 2 to 101.3 kPa and modeled with the nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) model. In addition, liquid viscosity data were measured from 303.15 to 373.15 K and modeled with the modified forms of the Andrade equations, in order to precisely represent the nonlinear dependence of liquid viscosity with temperature and composition. This test system will help study the effect of liquid viscosity on distillation efficiency from 1 to 5 mPa·s. Subsequent investigations on the effect of liquid viscosity on separation efficiency of distillation columns with trays are enabled.

Efficient phase separation of oil and water in emulsions is critical for water treatment and hydrocarbon processing. Our research aims at elucidating the separation of water-in-oil emulsions using silica nanoparticles (SNPs). By probing the surfactant–nanoparticle interactions, we show that surfactant-stabilized emulsions can be destabilized depending on the nanoparticle wettability and the mode of nanoparticle addition. The efficiency of nanoparticles to demulsify surfactant-stabilized emulsions depended on both the nanoparticle and surfactant concentration. Water-in-oil emulsions were destabilized when partially hydrophobic nanoparticles were added to the surfactant-stabilized emulsion after emulsion formation (post-mixing). Hydrophilic and partially hydrophobic nanoparticles adsorb the surfactants via hydrogen bonding which in turn leads to depletion of surfactants at the oil–water interface. Upon the addition of hydrophilic nanoparticles, the preferential distribution of nanoparticles in the water phase led to lower adsorption of surfactants from the oil phase, resulting in inefficient destabilization as compared to that of partially hydrophobic nanoparticles. Water-in-oil emulsions were not destabilized upon post-mixing hydrophobic nanoparticles due to weak hydrophobic interactions between surfactants and hydrophobic nanoparticles. For a fixed concentration of nanoparticles of specific wettability, changing the mode of nanoparticle addition altered the flow behavior and the network strength of surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions.

Clathrate hydrates are non-stoichiometric, ice-like crystalline solids that can lead to plugging of crude oil pipelines. In addition, wax deposition leads to partial or complete blockage of crude oil pipelines. Crude oil is a complex hydrocarbon mixture that includes asphaltenes, aromatics, naphthenes, resins, and paraffins. Deconvoluting the effects of solid particles and surfactants that are present in crude oil on hydrate and wax formation would improve the hydrate and wax prediction strategies. A fundamental investigation using model oil was carried out to (i) deconvolute the effect of hydrophobicity of solid particles, surfactants, and water on hydrate and wax formation in water-in-oil emulsions and (ii) investigate the relationship between hydrates and wax in silica- and surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions. The results showed that the presence of silica and water did not have a significant effect on the wax appearance temperature (WAT). In addition, the amount of hydrate formation decreased with an increase in hydrophobicity of silica nanoparticles at the water–oil interface. The presence of wax promoted hydrate formation in water-in-oil emulsions stabilized using either highly hydrophobic silica nanoparticles or a surfactant. On the contrary, the presence of wax did not promote hydrate formation in water-in-oil emulsions stabilized using the least hydrophobic silica nanoparticles. Our data indicate that wax did not exist at the water/oil interface; therefore, wax did not serve as nucleation sites for hydrate formation. The addition of wax affected the droplet size of water-in-oil emulsions stabilized by highly hydrophobic silica nanoparticles, which, in turn, influenced hydrate formation. Also, hydrate dissociation led to destabilization of water-in-oil emulsions in the presence of wax that led to changes in the WAT.

The European Union is the world’s deepest free trade zone. Amongst its members, it has abolished tariffs and lowered non-tariff barriers. This has led to trade creation within Europe and to trade diversion between EU countries and outsiders. Deep trade integration and the resulting mutual dependence has, in the eyes of many, facilitated political integration. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will undo some of these effects by means of preference erosion, so that cross-country trade links within Europe may lose relative prominence. However, the presence of a rich fabric of regional value chains in Europe and substantial income effects could counter this development. We provide insights on the empirical importance of these effects based on a New Quantitative Trade Model. We show that TTIP could indeed lower trade integration in Europe since predicted income effects turn out not to be large enough to overcome the effects of preference erosion. However, there is substantial heterogeneity across sectors and countries. One way to minimize preference erosion would be to promote projects and programs to further deepen the EU’s single market.

This essay presents a brief introduction to the scholarly methodology known as “poststructuralism.” The first two parts discuss basic concepts in poststructuralist study in general, as well as major concerns involved in poststructuralist study of any text. The focus is on the importance of the materiality of the signifier and how that materiality both plays a part in and disrupts the construction of meaning. The second two parts show more specifically how these concepts and concerns come to bear on the study of biblical texts and related material. The focus is on a poststructuralist methodology that questions and challenges the meanings that readers assign to biblical texts. These four parts are followed by a brief conclusion.

In seismology, the rupture mechanisms of an earthquake, a glacier stick‐slip and a landslide are not directly observed, but inferred from surface measurements. In contrast, laboratory experiments can illuminate near field effects. The near field reflects the rupture mechanism but is highly attenuated in the case of real‐world surface data. We directly image the elastic wave‐field of a nucleating rupture non‐invasively in its near‐field with ultrasound speckle correlation. Our imaging yields the particle velocity of the full shear wave field at the source location and inside the 3D frictional body. We experimentally show that a strong bimaterial contrast, as encountered in environmental seismology, yields a unidirectional or linear force mechanism for pre‐rupture microslips and decelerating supershear ruptures. A weak contrast, characteristic for earthquakes, generates a double‐couple source mechanism for sub‐Rayleigh ruptures, sometimes preceded by slow deformation at the interface. This deformation is reproduced by the NF of a unidirectional force. Earthquakes, avalanches, icequakes and landslides originate from a common process: rupture at a material interface. During a rupture, for example, when a landslide slips, a characteristic pattern of seismic waves is created. This pattern differs at the earth's surface and the rupture interface, which is the source of the seismic waves inside the earth. Usually scientists only measure the waves arriving at the surface and need to deduce the wave pattern inside the earth from the surface measurement. We build a laboratory experiment which enables us to film wave propagation around the rupture surface, as if we had a camera inside the material. We film waves emitted during and prior to a rupture. For a soft material on a hard surface, such as encountered in icequakes or landslides, a single force model better explains the observed wave pattern than the commonly used model of four distributed forces. The rupture moves faster than shear waves propagate which results in a supershear cone, the elastic equivalent to the acoustic Mach cone created by supersonic aircrafts. For two materials of similar hardness, such as encountered in earthquakes, the classic model of four forces better explains the ruptures, which travel at sub‐shear speed. Noninvasive elastic near‐field laboratory observations reveal source mechanisms of micro‐slips, supershear and sub‐Rayleigh rupturesStrong material contrasts as encountered in glacier stick‐slip and landslides cause single force micro‐slips and supershear rupturesWeak contrasts, which are found in natural faults, show a double‐couple mechanism that is at times preceded by a slowly rising single force Noninvasive elastic near‐field laboratory observations reveal source mechanisms of micro‐slips, supershear and sub‐Rayleigh ruptures Strong material contrasts as encountered in glacier stick‐slip and landslides cause single force micro‐slips and supershear ruptures Weak contrasts, which are found in natural faults, show a double‐couple mechanism that is at times preceded by a slowly rising single force

The increasing fields of applications for modern optical fibers present great challenges to the material properties and the processing technology of fiber optics. This paper gives an overview of the capabilities and limitations of established vapor deposition fiber preform technologies, and discusses new techniques for improved and extended doping properties in fiber preparation. In addition, alternative fabrication technologies are discussed, such as a powder-based process (REPUSIL) and an optimized glass melting method to overcome the limits of conventional vapor deposition methods concerning the volume fabrication of rare earth (RE)-doped quartz and high silica glasses. The new preform technologies are complementary with respect to enhanced RE solubility, the adjustment of nonlinear fiber properties, and the possibility of hybrid fiber fabrication. The drawing technology is described based on the requirements of specialty fibers such as adjusted preform and fiber diameters, varying coating properties, and the microstructuring of fiber configurations as low as in the nanometer range.

Mobile Technologien rücken immer mehr in den Mittelpunkt der Arbeitswelt und werden dadurch zu Mitgestaltern des unternehmerischen Erfolgs. Die Anwendung adäquater Sicherheitsstrategien schützt nicht nur vor den damit entstehenden Gefahren sondern gewährleistet auch den richtigen Umgang mit sensiblen Daten über weitreichende Netzwerke.

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were originally described as regulating apoptosis by direct binding to caspases. More recently, IAPs have been identified as important modulators of canonical and noncanonical nuclear factor κB signaling via their ubiquitin-E3 ligase activity. IAPs are therefore, not only gatekeepers of cell death, but are probably also involved in the regulation of inflammation, as well as innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we analyzed the role of IAPs in T-cell immunity during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection by pharmacological targeting with an IAP antagonist/second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase-mimetic. Expansion of virus-specific CD8 T cells was drastically reduced in LCMV-infected mice exposed to IAP antagonists. Accordingly, virus control was substantially impaired, indicated by high virus titres in the spleen and the spread of LCMV to peripheral organs. The profound negative effect of IAP antagonists on T-cell immunity was partially linked to tumor necrosis factor–mediated cell death of activated T cells and required inhibition of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, as well as cellular IAP-1. Thus, IAPs play an important role in T-cell expansion and survival in the context of a highly inflammatory environment such as a virus infection, indicating that IAP antagonists may interfere with immune responses.

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were originally described as regulating apoptosis by direct binding to caspases. More recently, IAPs have been identified as important modulators of canonical and noncanonical nuclear factor κB signaling via their ubiquitin-E3 ligase activity. IAPs are therefore, not only gatekeepers of cell death, but are probably also involved in the regulation of inflammation, as well as innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we analyzed the role of IAPs in T-cell immunity during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection by pharmacological targeting with an IAP antagonist/second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase-mimetic. Expansion of virus-specific CD8 T cells was drastically reduced in LCMV-infected mice exposed to IAP antagonists. Accordingly, virus control was substantially impaired, indicated by high virus titres in the spleen and the spread of LCMV to peripheral organs. The profound negative effect of IAP antagonists on T-cell immunity was partially linked to tumor necrosis factor–mediated cell death of activated T cells and required inhibition of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, as well as cellular IAP-1. Thus, IAPs play an important role in T-cell expansion and survival in the context of a highly inflammatory environment such as a virus infection, indicating that IAP antagonists may interfere with immune responses.

Manufacturing companies are continuously facing the challenge of operating their manufacturing processes and systems in order to deliver the required production rates of high quality products of increasing complexity, with limited use and waste of resources. This aspect is particularly critical in emerging sectors, such as the e-mobility industry, where state of the art quality and process control technologies show strong limitations. This paper proposes new solutions for implementing in-line product repair strategies in the production of electric drives for the automotive industry. Moreover, it develops an innovative quantitative tool to estimate the impact of the proposed strategies on the overall process-chain performance. The benefits of the approach are validated within a real industrial context.

Genetic disorders of lymphocyte cytotoxicity predispose patients to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Reduced lymphocyte cytotoxicity has been demonstrated in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2 (HPS2), but only a single patient was reported who developed HLH. Because that patient also carried a potentially contributing heterozygous RAB27A mutation, the risk for HLH in HPS2 remains unclear. We analyzed susceptibility to HLH in the pearl mouse model of HPS2. After infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, pearl mice developed all key features of HLH, linked to impaired virus control caused by a moderate defect in CTL cytotoxicity in vivo. However, in contrast to perforin-deficient mice, the disease was transient, and all mice fully recovered and controlled the infection. An additional heterozygous Rab27a mutation did not aggravate the cytotoxicity defect or disease parameters. In the largest survey of 22 HPS2 patients covering 234 patient years, we identified only 1 additional patient with HLH and 2 with incomplete transient HLH-like episodes, although cytotoxicity or degranulation was impaired in all 16 patients tested. HPS2 confers a risk for HLH that is lower than in Griscelli or Chediak-Higashi syndrome, probably because of a milder defect in cytotoxicity. Preemptive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not appear justified in HPS2.

Genetic disorders of lymphocyte cytotoxicity predispose patients to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Reduced lymphocyte cytotoxicity has been demonstrated in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2 (HPS2), but only a single patient was reported who developed HLH. Because that patient also carried a potentially contributing heterozygous RAB27Amutation, the risk for HLH in HPS2 remains unclear. We analyzed susceptibility to HLH in the pearlmouse model of HPS2. After infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, pearlmice developed all key features of HLH, linked to impaired virus control caused by a moderate defect in CTL cytotoxicity in vivo. However, in contrast to perforin-deficient mice, the disease was transient, and all mice fully recovered and controlled the infection. An additional heterozygous Rab27amutation did not aggravate the cytotoxicity defect or disease parameters. In the largest survey of 22 HPS2 patients covering 234 patient years, we identified only 1 additional patient with HLH and 2 with incomplete transient HLH-like episodes, although cytotoxicity or degranulation was impaired in all 16 patients tested. HPS2 confers a risk for HLH that is lower than in Griscelli or Chediak-Higashi syndrome, probably because of a milder defect in cytotoxicity. Preemptive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not appear justified in HPS2.

Syntaxin-11 (Stx11), an atypical member of the SNARE protein family, is part of the cytolytic machinery of T and NK cells and involved in the fusion of lytic granules with the plasmamembrane. Functional loss of syntaxin-11 in humans causes defective degranulation and impaired cytolytic activity of T and NK cells. Furthermore, patients with STX11deficiency develop familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 4 (FHL4), a life-threatening disease of severe hyperinflammation. We established Stx11-deficient mice as an animal model for FHL4. Stx11-deficient mice exhibited severely reduced degranulation and cytolytic activity of CTL and NK cells and developed all clinical symptoms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The HLH phenotype was further characterized by hyperactive CD8 T cells and continuous IFN-γ production. However, in contrast to perforin-deficient mice, which represent a model for FHL2, progression of HLH was not fatal. Survival of Stx11-deficient mice was determined by exhaustion of antigen-specific T cells, characterized by expression of inhibitory receptors, sequential loss of effector functions, and finally T-cell deletion. Blockade of inhibitory receptors on T cells in Stx11-deficient mice converted nonfatal disease course into fatal HLH, identifying T-cell exhaustion as an important factor for determination of disease severity in HLH.

Syntaxin-11 (Stx11), an atypical member of the SNARE protein family, is part of the cytolytic machinery of T and NK cells and involved in the fusion of lytic granules with the plasmamembrane. Functional loss of syntaxin-11 in humans causes defective degranulation and impaired cytolytic activity of T and NK cells. Furthermore, patients with STX11 deficiency develop familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 4 (FHL4), a life-threatening disease of severe hyperinflammation. We established Stx11-deficient mice as an animal model for FHL4. Stx11-deficient mice exhibited severely reduced degranulation and cytolytic activity of CTL and NK cells and developed all clinical symptoms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The HLH phenotype was further characterized by hyperactive CD8 T cells and continuous IFN-γ production. However, in contrast to perforin-deficient mice, which represent a model for FHL2, progression of HLH was not fatal. Survival of Stx11-deficient mice was determined by exhaustion of antigen-specific T cells, characterized by expression of inhibitory receptors, sequential loss of effector functions, and finally T-cell deletion. Blockade of inhibitory receptors on T cells in Stx11-deficient mice converted nonfatal disease course into fatal HLH, identifying T-cell exhaustion as an important factor for determination of disease severity in HLH.