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AbstractRecent years have witnessed a fall in the numbers of bee colonies worldwide. To a large extent, this is due to diseases affecting honeybees. One such disease is nosemosis, which is caused by fungi from the genus Nosema. The antibiotic fumagallin used to be administered to treat nosemosis, but as it was found capable of being transferred to bee products, this practice has ceased. We therefore focused on natural substances for treating this disease, among them, aqueous extracts of the nest carton produced by the jet-black ant (Lasius fuliginosus). We tested the influence of 0.1% and 1% concentrations of such extracts on the incidence of nosemosis in honeybees. The “birch carton 2” extract turned out to be the most effective inhibitor of this disease. The incidence of nosemosis following the administration of this extract, as manifested by the number of spores, fell ca 18-fold in comparison with the control. Moreover, the “birch carton 2” extract was not found to be toxic towards bees.

AbstractMyrmecophilous insects depend on their ant hosts during at least part of their life cycle. Lasiusants appear to be primarily involved as host in myrmecophilous interactions, especially with aphids and beetles, e.g. staphylinid. Pella laticollisis a rove beetle having a close ecological association with Lasius fuliginosus, which is correlated to its behavior adapted to avoid attack. Microorganisms can also play an important role in the maintenance of such relationships. We used 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform to identify the bacterial communities associated with larvae and adults of both L. fuliginosusand P. laticollis. In addition, we determined the microbiota profiles of the nest-carton, an organic material lining the nest chambers. We obtained more than two million good quality reads. Taxonomic annotation showed that the profiles consisted of a total of 20 phyla, among which Proteobacteria was the most abundant. The samples were grouped according to the host’s developmental stage or the nest material, and the differences between those groups were significant. Only the microbiota of L. fuliginosuslarvae and adults did not differ significantly. Analyses at the genus level indicated a heightened abundance of Pseudomonasin the insects’ profiles. The bacterial communities associated with the nest-carton included bacterial genera recorded from soil and dead wood. The profiles showed the presence of two well-known endosymbiotic bacteria, namely, Rickettsiaand Wolbachia. According to our findings, the bacterial communities associated with larvae and adults of both L. fuliginosusand P. laticollisformed clusters according to the host’s identity and its developmental stage. The profiles determined for the nest-carton formed a separate group. Our study is in line with a new research trend that is focusing on microbiota associated not only with ants, but also with myrmecophiles and ant nests inhabited by those species.

Phthalimide analogues devoid of the glutarimide moiety exhibit multiple biological activities, thus making them candidates for the treatment of patients with different diseases, including those with inflammatory and painful disorders. In the present study, the activities of five phthalimide analogues devoid of the glutarimide moiety (N-hydroxyphthalimide, N-hydroxymethylphthalimide, N-3-hydroxypropylphthalimide, N-carboxy-3-methylphthalimide, N-carboxymethyl-3-nitrophthalimide) were evaluated in experimental models of acute and chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Development of new plasma instruments is needed to enable constellation‐ and small satellite‐based missions. Key steps in the development pathway of ultra‐compact plasma instruments employing lithographically patterned wafers are the implementation of layer‐to‐layer electrical interconnects and demonstration of massively parallel measurements, that is, simultaneous measurements through multiple identical plasma analyzer structures. Here we present energy resolved measurements of electron beams using a 5‐layer stack of wafer‐based, energy‐per‐charge, electrostatic analyzers. Each layer has eight distinct analyzer groups that are comprised of multiple micron scale energy‐per‐charge analyzers. The process of fabricating the electrical interconnects between the layers is described and the measured energy resolution and the angular resolution compared to theoretical predictions. The measurements demonstrate successful operation of 400 micron scale analyzers operating in parallel. Spacecraft are expensive and difficult to build. CubeSats, a class of small, inexpensive spacecraft are being used for scientific missions. However, standard instruments to measure the local plasma environment cannot fit on such small spacecraft. Here we describe a new type of space plasma instrument that is manufactured with processes similar to how computer chips are made. These plasma instruments are made by stacking layers of micro‐scale plasma analyzers to create a larger instrument with a significant geometric factor. Each layer includes nearly one hundred small energy‐per‐charge plasma analyzers working in parallel. Initial measurements from a 5‐layer instrument along with the processes used to build the instrument are described in this work. Microscale plasma energy analyzer demonstrated in laboratory testsLithographic fabrication process enables low voltage analysis of charged particles up to tens of keV/chargeMulti‐layer instrument required development of a novel fabrication process Microscale plasma energy analyzer demonstrated in laboratory tests Lithographic fabrication process enables low voltage analysis of charged particles up to tens of keV/charge Multi‐layer instrument required development of a novel fabrication process

Turbulence causes rapid mixing of solutes and fine particles between open channel flow and coarse‐grained streambeds. Turbulent mixing is known to control hyporheic exchange fluxes and the distribution of vertical mixing rates in the streambed, but it is unclear how turbulent mixing ultimately influences mass transport at the reach scale. We used a particle‐tracking model to simulate local‐ and reach‐scale solute transport for a stream with coarse‐grained sediments. Simulations were first used to determine profiles of vertical mixing rates that best described solute concentration profiles measured within a coarse granular bed in flume experiments. These vertical mixing profiles were then used to simulate a pulse solute injection to show the effects of turbulent hyporheic exchange on reach‐scale solute transport. Experimentally measured concentrations were best described by simulations with a nonmonotonic mixing profile, with highest mixing at the sediment–water interface and exponential decay into the bed. Reach‐scale simulations show that this enhanced interfacial mixing couples in‐stream and hyporheic solute transport. Coupling produces an interval of exponential decay in breakthrough curves and delays the onset of power law tailing. High streamwise velocities in the hyporheic zone reduce mass recovery in the water column and cause breakthrough curves to exhibit steeper power law slopes than predictions from mobile‐immobile modeling theory. These results demonstrate that transport models must consider the spatial variability of streamwise velocity and vertical mixing for both the stream and the hyporheic zone, and new analytical theory is needed to describe reach‐scale transport when high streamwise velocities are present in the hyporheic zone. We simulated local and reach‐scale solute transport for streams with a coarse‐sediment hyporheic zoneEnhanced mixing below the sediment–water interface results in exponential tailing of breakthrough curves at intermediate timesHigh hyporheic velocities cause BTCs to deviate from current transport modeling theory

The deep structure and sedimentary record of rift basins provide an important insight into understanding the geological processes involved in lithospheric extension. We investigate the crustal structure and large‐scale sedimentary architecture of the southern Porcupine Basin, offshore Ireland along three wide‐angle seismic profiles, supplemented by 13 selected seismic reflection profiles. The seismic velocity and crustal geometry models obtained by joint refraction and reflection traveltime inversion clearly image the deep structure of the basin. Our results suggest the presence of three distinct crustal domains along the rifting axis: (a) continental crust becoming progressively hyperextended from north to south through the basin, (b) a transitional zone of uncertain nature, and (c) a 7‐ to 8‐km‐thick zone of oceanic crust. The latter is overlain by an ~8‐km compacted Upper Paleozoic‐Mesozoic succession and ~ 2 km of Cenozoic strata. Due to the lack of clear magnetic anomalies and in the absence of well control, the precise age of interpreted oceanic crust is unknown. However, we can determine an age range of Late Jurassic to Late Cretaceous from the regional context. We propose a northward propagating rifting process in the Porcupine Basin, resulting in variations in strain along the rift axis. New analysis of wide‐angle seismic data from the southern Porcupine BasinEvidence for presence of oceanic crust in the southern Porcupine Basin.Jurassic rifting propagated from south to north, resulting in nonuniform strain when rifting stopped.

Finding robust brain substrates of mood disorders is an important target for research. The degree to which major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are associated with common and/or distinct patterns of volumetric changes is nevertheless unclear. Furthermore, the extant literature is heterogeneous with respect to the nature of these changes. We report a meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies in MDD and BD. We identified studies published up to January 2015 that compared grey matter in MDD (50 data sets including 4101 individuals) and BD (36 data sets including 2407 individuals) using whole-brain VBM. We used statistical maps from the studies included where available and reported peak coordinates otherwise. Group comparisons and conjunction analyses identified regions in which the disorders showed common and distinct patterns of volumetric alteration. Both disorders were associated with lower grey-matter volume relative to healthy individuals in a number of areas. Conjunction analysis showed smaller volumes in both disorders in clusters in the dorsomedial and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, including the anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral insula. Group comparisons indicated that findings of smaller grey-matter volumes relative to controls in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus, along with cerebellar, temporal and parietal regions were more substantial in major depression. These results suggest that MDD and BD are characterised by both common and distinct patterns of grey-matter volume changes. This combination of differences and similarities has the potential to inform the development of diagnostic biomarkers for these conditions.

Tätowierungen werden als Körperschmuck verstanden und haben in allen Schichten der Bevölkerung eine weite Verbreitung gefunden. Trotz der 2009 in Deutschland in Kraft getretenen Tätowiermittel-Verordnung ist der Schutz der Verbraucher lückenhaft. Betrachtet werden die Prävalenz von Tätowierungen und ihre rechtlichen Grundlagen, Inhaltsstoffe von Tätowiermitteln, klinische Befunde von Unverträglichkeitsreaktionen, Pathogenese und Therapie. Zugrunde gelegt wurden eine selektive Literaturrecherche in der Datenbank PubMed und klinische Erfahrungen der Autoren. Unverträglichkeitsreaktionen durch Tätowiermittel stellen ein besonderes Problem dar, da die auslösenden Substanzen biologisch nicht abbaubar im Gewebe verbleiben können. Neben einem quälenden Pruritus ist das klinische Bild durch erythematöse Plaques gekennzeichnet. Histopathologisch finden sich unterschiedliche Entzündungsmuster einschließlich pseudolymphomatöser Reaktionen. Die Behandlung ist problematisch. In vielen Fällen sind umfangreiche Exzisionen notwendig mit allen damit verbundenen kosmetischen Konsequenzen. Eine Zulassungsverordnung, die den Nachweis der Unbedenklichkeit von Tätowiermitteln regelt, existiert bis heute nicht. Tattoos are regarded as body jewelry and have become widespread in all parts of society. Despite introduction of the tattooing agents’ regulation (Tätowiermittelverordnung) in Germany in 2009, consumer protection is incomplete. Prevalence of tattoos and their legal basis, ingredients of tattooing agents, clinical findings of adverse reactions, pathogenesis and therapy. The work is based on a selective literature search in PubMed and on the clinical experience of the authors. Adverse reactions by tattooing are a particular problem, because the causing substances are not biodegradable within the tissue. In addition to an agonizing pruritus, the clinical picture is characterized by erythematous plaques. Histopathology reveals different patterns of inflammation, including pseudolymphomatous reactions. Treatment is problematic. In many cases, extensive surgical excision is necessary, which is associated with cosmetic consequences. A regulation to assess the safety of tattooing does not exist.

We compared the relevance of ibuprofen, vitamins C and E to control oxidative/nitrosative stress and heart disease in mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. Swiss mice were randomized into five groups: control, uninfected; infected without treatment; and infected treated with vitamins C, E or ibuprofen. Animals were inoculated with 2000 trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi. After 20 days, infected mice presented reduced vitamin C and E tissue levels, high cytokines (interferon gamma, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 10 and chemokine ligand 2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and nitric oxide (NO) cardiac production, intense myocarditis and reactive tissue damage, which was directly correlated with the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and the degree of pathological cardiac remodelling. Vitamins C and E supplementation were irrelevant to counteract reactive tissue damage and myocarditis in infected animals. Conversely, ibuprofen reduced tissue levels of cytokines, PGF2α and NO, as well as lipid and protein oxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity and the cardiac damage, without interfering with heart parasitism. Our results do not support the applicability of vitamin C and E supplementation in the management of acute Chagas cardiomyopathy. By controlling the inflammatory infiltrate, anti-inflammatory-based therapy proved to be a more rational strategy than a direct antioxidant therapy in attenuating oxidative/nitrosative stress and cardiac damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium matrix composites (AMC) are in the focus of recent research. In the field of lightweight design, dissimilar joints with AMC are of current interest. To ensure the positive properties of AMC—like high specific strength, increased wear resistance, and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)—a suitable joining technique is necessary. This work shows the state of the art of arc brazing using a filler material of the alloying system Al-Ag-Cu. Joints of AMC/stainless steel and AMC/aluminium alloy are investigated. The formation of brittle Al-Fe intermetallic phases in AMC/stainless steel joints must be reduced to obtain a sufficient joint strength. Therefore, an adapted alloying concept is used for the filler material. The filler (40 wt% Al, 40 wt% Ag, and 20 wt% Cu) is alloyed with various contents of Si (1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 wt%). Primarily solidified Si can be seen above 1.3 wt% Si in the microstructure. The melting temperature could be reduced about 10 K by additional Si. The microstructure analyzed by SEM, EDXS, and XRD, as well as the hardness profile of the joining zone, are characterized and discussed. In case of the interface braze metal/aluminium material, the formation of a thin (approx. 5 μm) phase layer, consisting of solid solution of Al, can be seen. Compared with that insights, the phase layer at the interface braze metal/stainless steel consists of intermetallics of the system Fe-Al. The results of the hardness measurements at the interface and XRD patterns prove the presence of Fe3Al, FeAl, and FeAl3. Cracks can occur between the brittle phases FeAl and FeAl3, due to their high hardness of approx. 600 HV0.005 (rep. FeAl) and 1020 HV0.005 (rep. FeAl3) and in combination of internal stress formation during cooling.

Suitable joining technologies are necessary for the application of aluminum matrix composites (AMC). Especially dissimilar joints between AMC and stainless steel are of enhanced interest. In this work, the approach of arc brazing source of this material combination is investigated. Therefore, basic examinations like the wetting behavior of a developed filler on the base metals is realized. The used filler of the system Al-Ag-Cu show a ternary eutectic of the phases Ag2Al, Al2Cu, and solid solution of Al. Sessile drop technique is applied for the wetting tests. To generate the arc, a TIG welding unit is used. The results of these wetting tests, like the wetting angles and the microstructure of the interfaces, are described and discussed. The wetting angle measured on cross sections show that the wetting on AMC is good (< 30°) while the wetting on stainless steel (~ 90 °) has to be improved. That demonstrates the excellent wettability of the AMC and the suitability of that approach. The wettability of stainless steel can be improved by pretreating, like preheating and polishing, which results in a wetting angle of approx. 35°. The influence of these pretreatments on the microstructure due to a various diffusion behavior of, for example, Al at the interface of the combined materials are described. Different phases in comparison to the filler can be seen at the interfaces of braze metal and the base metals by using SEM, due to a strong diffusion of Al. Analyze by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) at the interface of braze metal to stainless steel indicate intermetallic layers of the system Fe-Al, like AlFe3, Al2Fe and Al13Fe4. In the case of the AMC, a solid solution of Al in shape of a not compact layer occurs and no formation of Al4C3can be detected.

Co-based materials are widely used in high temperature applications like aircraft industry, industrial furnaces, or gas turbine manufacturing. The main requirements on the Co superalloys are high temperature and corrosion resistance. To produce complex structures, it is necessary to join these alloys. In this work, Co-based brazing fillers for high temperature service conditions are developed. The influence of different alloying elements on the melting behavior as well as on the microstructure is investigated. A melting temperature below 1200 °C is achieved via addition of Ti to the near eutectic alloy CoZrTaC9, developed in previous studies. Brazing tests are carried out on the Co-based superalloy Mar M 509 using induction heating. The mechanical properties are determined by tensile tests at room temperature and at an elevated temperature of 850 °C. The fracture morphology of the tensile samples is investigated by light microscopy as well as SEM.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal of malignancies, in large measure, due to the propensity of PDAC cells to acquire resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. A better understanding of the molecular basis of acquired resistance is a major focus of contemporary PDAC research. We report here the results of a study to independently develop cisplatin resistance in two distinct parental PDAC cell lines, AsPC1 and BxPC3, and to subsequently examine the molecular mechanisms associated with the acquired resistance. Cisplatin resistance in both resistant cell lines was found to be multifactorial and to be associated with mechanisms related to drug transport, drug inactivation, DNA damage response, DNA repair and the modulation of apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the two resistant cell lines employed alternative molecular strategies in acquiring resistance dictated, in part, by pre-existing molecular differences between the parental cell lines. Collectively, our findings indicate that strategies to inhibit or reverse acquired resistance of PDAC cells to cisplatin, and perhaps other chemotherapeutic agents, may not be generalized but will require individual molecular profiling and analysis to be effective.

Nanoparticles exhibit a decrease in sintering and melting temperature with decreasing particle size in comparison to the corresponding bulk material. After melting or sintering of the nanoparticles, the material behaves like the bulk material. Therefore, high-strength and temperature-resistant joints can be produced at low temperatures, which is of big interest for various joining tasks. Joints (substrate: Cu) were prepared with an Ag nanoparticle-containing paste. The influence of the adjustable process parameters joining pressure, joining temperature, holding time, heating rate, thickness of paste application, surface treatment, pre-drying process, and subsequent heat treatment on the strength behavior of the joints was investigated. It is shown that in particular, the joining pressure exerts an essential influence on the achievable strengths. In addition, temperature, holding time, and thickness of paste application have a significant effect on strength behavior. In contrast, the pre-drying process, heating rate, surface pre-treatment, and subsequent heat treatment possess hardly any influence on joint strength.

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Male erectile dysfunction--defined as 'the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse'--is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in men.[1] Although erectile dysfunction can be [...]

Plant‐produced, natural‐product fungicides should be evaluated for their potential to complement or replace synthetic fungicides that are major components in the management of high maintenance turf. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL.) cultivar T.I. 1068 and sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) phylloplanins (T‐ and S‐phylloplanins), collected in leaf‐water washes (LWWs) of plants, and recombinant T‐phylloplanin inhibit Peronospora tabacinaD.B. Adam (oomycete) spore germination and reduce blue mold disease on tobacco. Here, in vitro (hyphal extension) and in vivo studies were conducted to test the ability of T‐ and S‐phylloplanins to inhibit growth of the turf pathogens Pyricularia oryzaeCavara (ascomycete) and Rhizoctonia solaniJ.G. Kühn (basidiomycete) and to test protection of turfgrass plants from gray leaf spot and brown patch diseases. Hyphal extension assays showed that LWWs containing T‐ and S‐phylloplanins inhibited both pathogens. Spraying potted grass plants with LWWs containing T‐ and S‐phylloplanins followed by inoculation with pathogens resulted in 97 and 88% inhibition of P. oryzaedisease and 94 and 82% inhibition of R. solanion annual (Lolium multiflorumLam. cv. Linn) and perennial (Lolium perenneL. cv. Double Eagle Blend) ryegrasses, respectively, under the conditions tested. In addition, T‐ and S‐phylloplanins led to 94 and 100% symptom reduction, respectively, on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferaL. cv. L‐93), for R. solanionly. Results indicate that T‐ and S‐phylloplanins have broad selectivity, inhibiting at least one member of the ascomycete and basidiomycete phyla, and may be useful as exogenously applied or endogenously expressed natural‐product antifungal agents to protect turf, crops, and other plants.

We report on the annealing effects on strontium ruthenate thin films deposited on SrTiO3using liquid‐delivery metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The results of high resolution X‐ray diffraction (HR‐XRD), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrical resistivity, before and after a post‐growth annealing process were analyzed and compared. XRD and Raman spectroscopy for the as‐deposited film revealed that the film had c‐axis orientation and contained RuO2as secondary phase. Single phase SrRuO3could be obtained by annealing the film at 700 °C. Annealing at higher temperatures up to 850 °C leads to ruthenium deficiency, which is revealed by an increase in the out‐of‐plane lattice parameter, while at even higher annealing temperatures a decrease in the out‐of‐plane lattice parameter was detected might be due to diffusion of Ti from the substrate. The electrical resistivity increased with increasing annealing temperature up to 950 °C and showed typical metallic temperature dependence, while for the film annealed at 1000 °C a semiconductor‐like behavior was observed.

In gemeinsamer Kooperation der Professuren Verbundwerkstoffe (Prof. G. Wagner), Strukturleichtbau und Kunststoffverarbeitung (Prof. L. Kroll) sowie Polymerchemie (Prof. S. Spange) der Technischen Universität Chemnitz wurde ein großserientaugliches Formgebungsverfahren zur Herstellung faserverstärkter C/C-SiC-Verbunde entwickelt. Das Verfahren wird die Produktionskosten erheblich senken. In joint cooperation of the departments of composite materials (Prof. G. Wagner), lightweight structures and polymer technology (Prof. L. Kroll), and polymer chemistry (Prof. S. Spange) of Technische Universität Chemnitz a process suitable for large-scale production of fibre-reinforced C/C-SiC composites has been developed. This process will significantly reduce the production costs.

Graphical Abstract

The friction stir welding (FSW) technology enables the production of high-strength joints of light weight metal sheets. In this paper, the fatigue properties of AA5454-FSW-joints will be discussed. High-resolution plastic strain amplitude, temperature and electrical resistance measurements were performed to describe and evaluate the fatigue behaviour in detail. The plastic strain amplitude determined in mechanical stress-strain hysteresis measurements is qualified to describe the proceeding fatigue damage. Additionally, the change in temperature caused by plastic deformation work and measured with thermocouples fixed on the specimen surface allows a precise fatigue assessment. The electrical resistance measurements are directly related to the fatigue-induced defect structure and density in the welding zone. The fatigue behaviour of the welding zone, which corresponds to the specimen gauge length, is characterized by pronounced cyclic hardening leading to a plastic strain amplitude nearby zero. Additionally, results of microscopic investigations of the welding zone are presented for a microstructure-related interpretation of the fatigue properties.

With the industrial use of FSW growing steadily, non-destructive testing methods that can detect the impending formation of flaws during welding must be developed. The present work accomplished two goals. First, the distribution of oxide fragments within aluminium welds could be correlated with certain welding process variables. Consequently, an approach was suggested to prevent the conglomeration of oxide fragments in the weld by reducing the surface roughness of the abutted edges. Second, welding forces can be used to predict the formation of elongated cavities inside the weld. This project showed that by monitoring the welding forces, the ability to change the welding variables in real time could prevent the formation of flaws in friction stir welds.

Fish migration represents one of the most complex and intriguing biological phenomena in the animal kingdom. How do fish migrate such vast distances? What are the costs and benefits of migration? Some of these fundamental questions have been addressed through the use of telemetry. However, telemetry alone has not and will not yield a complete understanding of the migration biology of fish a or provide solutions to problems such as identifying physical barriers to migration or understanding potential impacts of climate change. Telemetry can be coupled with other tools and techniques to yield new insights into animal biology. Using Fraser River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) as a model, we summarize the advances that we have made in understanding salmonid migration biology through the integration of disciplines (i.e., interdisciplinary research) including physiology, behavior, functional genomics, and experimental biology. We also discuss opportunities for using large-scale telemetry arrays and taking a more experimental approach to studies of fish migration that use telemetry (i.e., intervention studies involving endocrine implants, simulated migration studies) rather than simply focusing on descriptive or correlational techniques. Only through integrative and interdisciplinary research will it be possible to understand the mechanistic basis of fish migrations and to predict and possibly mitigate the consequences of anthropogenic impacts. Telemetry is a tool that has the potential to integrate research across disciplines and between the lab and the field to advance the science of fish migration biology. The techniques that we have applied to the study of Pacific salmon are equally relevant to other fish taxa in both marine and freshwater systems as well as migratory animals beyond ichthyofauna. The interdisciplinary approach used here was essential to address a pressing and complex conservation problem association with sockeye salmon migration.

Current demands on light weight constructions lead to an increasing use of light weight metals such as aluminum or magnesium alloys as well as fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). Suitable welding methods are necessary to join these dissimilar material groups and to integrate them in engineering structures. At the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering the ultrasonic metal welding technique was successfully applied to realize aluminum sheet/carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) - joints. The welding during this process occurs in two steps: First the ultrasonic shear waves lead to a softening and displacement of the polymer matrix out of the welding zone. In the second step a direct weld between the load bearing carbon fibers of the CFRP and the aluminum alloy sheet is generated. A welding time of less than 5 s and no damage of the carbon fibers are important advantages of the process. Actually tensile shear strengths of about 30 MPa were achieved for the joints. By means of light microscopic and SEM investigations the bonding mechanisms can be described in detail. Possible application fields of such welds can be seen in the automotive or in the aircraft industry.

The ultrasonic welding technology enables to produce high‐strength joints between sheet metal and aluminium foam sandwich (AFS) without melting of the metal or any damage of the foam structure. In the investigations the used welding processes and different factors influencing the weldability were varied. The achievable mechanical properties for ultrasonically welded metal joints, especially under monotonic and cyclic load, will be discussed. Additionally, results of microscopic investigations of the bonding zone and possible applications are presented.

This paper presents the results of the structural properties of 2(ZnSe)x(CuInSe2)1–x (ZCIS) crystals and thin films in the range 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.36. In this composition range the tetragonal phase (domains) within their surrounding cubic matrix coexists. The crystals were prepared by the solid-state reaction of the elements, followed by controlled cooling at different rates. ZCIS thin films were prepared by selenization of sequentally evaporated ZnSe/(Cu + In) precursors. The selenization procedure was carried at various temperatures ranging from 300 to 540 °C. The morphology of the tetragonal domains and their orientation relationship to the cubic matrix were determined by selected area diffraction (SAD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM). The results reveal that the compositions of domains and matrix within the thin films agree with those measured for polycrystalline bulk material, i.e. the extension of the two-phase range mentioned above could be confirmed. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

AbstractThe crystallographic orientation of carlsbergite (CrN) in the north Chile meteorite (hexahedrite) was investigated using electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. These studies examined the CrN crystals in the rhabdites (idiomorphic schreibersite) and in kamacite. It was found that the CrN crystals embedded in rhabdite show a number of different orientation relationships with the host crystals. These orientations can be explained based on the lattice dimensions of both coexisting crystalline materials. It was also found that both carlsbergite and kamacite are characterized by a high dislocation density (= l09cm-2) while rhabdite is free of dislocations. It is supposed that in spite of the deformed metallic matrix, a general connection between the orientation relation of all the phases involved exists.

Heutzutage finden Emulsionen eine breite Anwendung in der Industrie und im täglichen Leben. Neben Hochdruckemulgiersystemen stellen Dispergier-/Dissolverscheiben eine einfache Möglichkeit dar, insbesondere hochviskose Emulsionen mit sehr langsamen Emulgatoren mit mittleren Tropfengrößen bis ca. 130 nm und engen Verteilungsbreiten zu erzeugen. Dabei sind sie vor allem kostengünstiger und bereiten weniger Probleme beim Scale up.