Real‐Time NMR Spectroscopy for Studying Metabolism

Current metabolomics approaches utilize cellular metabolite extracts, are destructive, and require high cell numbers. We introduce here an approach that enables the monitoring of cellular metabolism at lower cell numbers by observing the consumption/production of different metabolites over several kinetic data points of up to 48 hours. Our approach does not influence cellular viability, as we optimized the cellular matrix in comparison to other materials used in a variety of in‐cell NMR spectroscopy experiments. We are able to monitor real‐time metabolism of primary patient cells, which are extremely sensitive to external stress. Measurements are set up in an interleaved manner with short acquisition times (approximately 7 minutes per sample), which allows the monitoring of up to 15 patient samples simultaneously. Further, we implemented our approach for performing tracer‐based assays. Our approach will be important not only in the metabolomics fields, but also in individualized diagnostics.     

Study of sintering processes in copper and nickel by positron annihilation

In the advanced stage of non-isothermal sintering, vacancy clusters are present as prevailing type of defects. Their concentration considerably decreases at further temperature increase, and it can be concluded that thermally activated conversion of multiple vacancies into climbable dislocations takes place. Hence, in conformity with recent experiments, coincidence of intensive material transport ($ \dot \varepsilon $ e-maximum) and decrease of defect concentration (recovery) can be understood.     

Formation of a Special Intermediate during Phase Transformation of Zeolite NaA to Nepheline

In the process of phase transformation of zeolite NaA to nepheline under hydrothermal conditions a special intermediate occurs. This is due to the high reaction rate of nepheline formation in the presence of water molecules. Consequently, the usually observed amorphous material with high condensed silica does not occur as separate phase. – The intermediate which is formed due to the destruction of the long-range order of zeolite is significantly short-range ordered. The phase transformation process starts at the outer surface of zeolite crystals, thus generating a diffusion barrier for sorption uptake processes.     

On the validity of constraints on light elementary particles and extra-dimensional physics from the Casimir effect

We discuss the constraints on the parameters of a Yukawa interaction obtained from the indirect measurements of the Casimir pressure between parallel plates using the sphere–plate configuration. Recently, it was claimed in the literature that the application of the proximity force approximation (PFA) to the calculation of a Yukawa interaction in the sphere–plate configuration could lead to a large error of order 100% in the constraints obtained. Here we re-calculate the constraints both exactly and using the PFA, and arrive at identical results. We elucidate the reasons why an incorrect conclusion was obtained suggesting that the PFA is inapplicable to calculate the Yukawa force.     

Functional Analysis of Tube Chain Conveyors

This paper describes some of the aspects necessary for the design and use of tube chain conveyors. It is based on the reports of experienced experts and recent tube chain conveyor experimental results. The aim of the research work is the formulation of general technical regulations for tube chain conveyors. Theoretical models were developed, which allow the calculation of the motion resistances in all parts of the conveyor by the use of empirical extracted correction factors. Specially designed measurement equipment enabled the measurement of the important chain tractive force from the closed tube system. The measurements show the influence of the major operational parameters and the bulk solid properties.