uni-con² – universal concrete construction

Die Umsetzung der Ziele des DFG-Schwerpunktprogramms (SPP) 1542 „Leicht Bauen mit Beton – Grundlagen für das Bauen der Zukunft mit bionischen und mathematischen Entwurfsprinzipien“ erfordert eine Anpassung grundlegender, im Stahlbetonbau etablierter Konstruktionsformen. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist die Stahlbetonskelettbauweise. Aktuelle Konstruktionen weisen klare Strukturen aus Stützen, Unterzügen und Decken, im Regelfall mit rechteckigen, über die Bauteillänge konstanten Querschnitten auf. Um diese typischen Konstruktionen zu optimieren, können die im Rahmen des SPP 1542 an der TU Braunschweig entwickelten Bauteil-, Füge- und Herstellungstechnologien genutzt werden. Um dies exemplarisch zu zeigen, wurde der Demonstrator uni-con² entwickelt und hergestellt. Der Demonstrator stellt einen Ausschnitt eines innovativen Tragwerks aus Hochleistungsbeton dar, das aus Platten- und Stabelementen, die nach dem Prinzip „form follows force“ an die einwirkenden Beanspruchungen angepasst werden, zusammengesetzt wird (Bild 1). Die vorgefertigten Elemente werden trocken gefügt. So kann der Aufbau beschleunigt und eine direkte Belastung ermöglicht werden. Die Verwendung von Trockenfugen erfordert eine hohe Präzision bei der Herstellung der Bauteile. Dies kann durch den Einsatz von hochpräzise hergestellten Schalungen sichergestellt werden. Der symmetrische Aufbau der Tragkonstruktion sowie die gleichbleibenden Spannweiten ermöglichen die multiple Verwendung der komplexen Schalungen. In Kombination mit der Reduktion des Zementverbrauchs ermöglicht dies zudem die Einsparung von natürlichen Ressourcen und Energie.The implementation of the objectives of the DFG Priority Programme (SPP) 1542 “Concrete light – Future concrete structures using bionic, mathematical and engineering formfinding principles” requires the modification of fundamental structural forms established in reinforced concrete construction. An example of this is the reinforced concrete framework construction. Current constructions show distinct structures consisting of columns, beams and slabs, usually having rectangular cross-sections that are constant over the entire length of the component. In order to optimise these standard structures, the construction, joining and manufacturing technologies developed within the scope of SPP 1542 at Technical University (TU) Braunschweig can be used. The demonstrator uni-con² was developed and manufactured to exemplify this. The demonstrator represents a cutout of an innovative load-bearing structure made of high-performance concrete, which is composed of slab and beam elements designed according to the “form follows force” principle and adapted to the relevant stresses (Fig. 1). The prefabricated elements are joined dry. In this way the assembly can be accelerated and a direct loading can be made possible. The use of dry joints requires high precision in the production of the components. This can be achieved by high precision formwork. The symmetrical configuration of the structure and the constant spans allow the multiple use of the complex formwork. In combination with the reduction of cement consumption, this also enables the saving of natural resources and energy

Magnetische Ausrichtung von Mikro- Stahldrahtfasern in UHPFRC

Ausgangspunkt für dieses Anschlussprojekt am Institut für Tragwerksplanung der TU Braunschweig war der Wunsch, die Effektivität des Faseranteils derjenigen Betonbauteile zu erhöhen, die zuvor im SPP-Projekt Entwicklung neuartiger Verbindungen für komplexe Stab-, Flächen- und Raumtragelemente aus UHPFRC (S. 50 ff . in diesem Buch) hergestellt und untersucht wurden. Voruntersuchungen und Versuche zum Thema der magnetische Faserausrichtung in UHPFRC werden am ITE seit 2014 kontinuierlich durchgeführt [1]–[4]. Diese Voruntersuchungen berührten bereits zentrale Aspekte dieses Forschungsvorhabens und lieferten konkrete Hinweise auf die zu erwartenden Ergebnisse zur robotergestützten, magnetischen Ausrichtung und Verteilung der Mikrostahlfasern (MSF). Im Fokus der Forschung standen zum einen die Möglichkeiten der digitalen und robotergestützten Bauteilfertigung und zum anderen das Potenzial der Faserausrichtung zur Steigerung der Materialeffizienz von UHPFRC. In der Entwicklung des Verfahrens der magnetischen Faserausrichtung (MFA) wurden diese beiden Ansätze zusammengeführt.The starting point for this follow-up project, which was carried out at the Institute of Structural Design at the Technical University of Braunschweig, was the desire to increase the effectiveness of the fibre content of the type of concrete components that were previously manufactured and investigated in the SPP project Development of novel jointing systems for complex beam surface and spatial elements made of UHPFRC (p. 50 et seq. in this book). Preliminary investigations and tests on the topic of magnetic fiber alignment in UHPFRC have been carried out continuously at ITE since 2014 [1]–[4]. These preliminary investigations already touched upon central aspects of this research project and provided concrete indications of the expected fi ndings on robot-assisted magnetic alignment and distribution of the micro steel fi bres (MSF). The research focused on the possibilities of digital and robot based component production on the one hand and the potential of fibre orientation to increase the material efficiency of UHPFRC on the other. In the development of the magnetic fibre alignment (MFA) process, these two approaches were brought together

Selection of reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in human T cells and neutrophils

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The choice of reliable reference genes is a prerequisite for valid results when analyzing gene expression with real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). This method is frequently applied to study gene expression patterns in immune cells, yet a thorough validation of potential reference genes is still lacking for most leukocyte subtypes and most models of their in vitro stimulation. In the current study, we evaluated the expression stability of common reference genes in two widely used cell culture models-anti-CD3/CD28 activated T cells and lipopolysaccharide stimulated neutrophils-as well as in unselected untreated leukocytes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mRNA expression of 17 (T cells), 7 (neutrophils) or 8 (unselected leukocytes) potential reference genes was quantified by reverse transcription qPCR, and a ranking of the preselected candidate genes according to their expression stability was calculated using the programs NormFinder, geNorm and BestKeeper. <it>IPO8</it>, <it>RPL13A</it>, <it>TBP </it>and <it>SDHA </it>were identified as suitable reference genes in T cells. <it>TBP</it>, <it>ACTB </it>and <it>SDHA </it>were stably expressed in neutrophils. <it>TBP </it>and <it>SDHA </it>were also the most stable genes in untreated total blood leukocytes. The critical impact of reference gene selection on the estimated target gene expression is demonstrated for <it>IL-2 </it>and <it>FIH </it>expression in T cells.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study provides a shortlist of suitable reference genes for normalization of gene expression data in unstimulated and stimulated T cells, unstimulated and stimulated neutrophils and in unselected leukocytes.</p

Adoptive Immunotherapy in Chimeras with Donor Lymphocytes

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has a well-defined indication in the treatment of hematological malignancies. The beneficial immune effect of allogeneic marrow transplantation has long been known, but only recently have methods been developed to separate the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Animal experiments have shown that lymphocytes from the marrow donor can be transfused without causing severe GVHD if stable chimerism and tolerance is established. First clinical studies have been preformed in patients with recurrent chronic myelogenous leukemia. In these patients complete molecular remissions were induced that persist without further maintenance treatment. These results have been confirmed in larger multicenter studies in Europe and the USA. The best results were obtained in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML); repeated successes have been reported in relapsing acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma (MMY), and rare responses were reported for acute lymphoid leukemia. Contrary to animal experiments GVHD has been observed in human patients although to a lesser extent than expected in transplants not given immunosuppression. Secondly myelosuppression has been observed in patients treated with relapsing CML. In CML the incidence of GVHD could be reduced by depleting CD8(+) T cells from the donor lymphocyte concentrate. Alternatively only small numbers of T lymphocytes can be transfused and in the case of failing responses, the numbers of donor lymphocytes may be increased. Results in recurrent AML have been improved by the use of low-dose cytosine arabinoside, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilized blood cells as compared to lymphocytes only. In MMY the response rate is higher than in AML, but the remissions are of limited duration in most patients. Several protocols have been designed to include preemptive donor lymphocyte transfusion in patients with a high relapse risk after transplantation. Problems remain to avoid chronic GVHD and to circumvent the immune escape mechanisms of leukemia. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Entwicklung neuartiger Verbindungen für komplexe Stab-, Flächen- und Raumtragelemente aus UHPFRC

Das Institut für Tragwerksentwurf (ITE) und das Institut für Baustof e, Massivbau und Brandschutz (iBMB) der TU Braunschweig bearbeiteten in der ersten Förderperiode des SPP 1542 „Leicht Bauen mit Beton“ gemeinsam das Teilprojekt „Entwicklung neuartiger Verbindungen für geometrisch komplexe Flächen- und Stabwerkselemente aus UHPC“. Schwerpunkt waren umfangreiche Untersuchungen zu geometrisch komplexen und hochpräzise hergestellte trocken gefügten Stoßverbindungen für dünnwandige UHPC-Bauteile zur Übertragung von Druck-, Biege- und Scherkräften. Zur Verbesserung der Zugtragfähigkeit und des Nachbruchverhaltens wurde im Forschungsprojekt stahlfaserverstärkter ultrahochfester Beton (UHPFRC) verwendet. Die einzelnen Arbeitspakete waren entsprechend der Expertisen der beiden Institute aufgeteilt. Während sich das ITE insbesondere mit der Entwicklung der Bauteil- und Fugengeometrien sowie dem Schalungsbaus befasste, lagen Planung und Umsetzung der experimentellen und numerischen Material- und Bauteiluntersuchungen in der Verantwortung des iBMB. [Aus. Einleitung)The Institute of Structural Design (ITE) and the Institute of Building Materials, Concrete Structures and Fire Safety (iBMB) of the Technical University of Braunschweig worked together in the f rst funding period of the SPP 1542 “Concrete Light” on the subproject “Development of novel jointing systems for complex beam surface and spatial elements made of UHPFRC”. The focus was on extensive investigations of geometrically complex and high-precision dry-jointed connections for thin-walled UHPC components for the transmission of compressive, bending and shear forces. Steel f bre reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (UHPFRC) was used in the research project to improve the tensile strength and post fracture behaviour. The individual work packages were divided according to the expertise of the two institutes. While the ITE was particularly concerned with the development of the component and joint geometries as well as the formwork construction, the iBMB was responsible for the planning and implementation of the experimental and numerical material and element analyses. [Off: Introduction

The emergence of mesencephalic trigeminal neurons

Background The cells of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) are the proprioceptive sensory neurons that innervate the jaw closing muscles. These cells differentiate close to the two key signalling centres that influence the dorsal midbrain, the isthmus, which mediates its effects via FGF and WNT signalling and the roof plate, which is a major source of BMP signalling as well as WNT signalling. Methods In this study, we have set out to analyse the importance of FGF, WNT and BMP signalling for the development of the MTN. We have employed pharmacological inhibitors of these pathways in explant cultures as well as utilising the electroporation of inhibitory constructs in vivo in the chick embryo. Results We find that interfering with either FGF or WNT signalling has pronounced effects on MTN development whilst abrogation of BMP signalling has no effect. We show that treatment of explants with either FGF or WNT antagonists results in the generation of fewer MTN neurons and affects MTN axon extension and that inhibition of both these pathways has an additive effect. To complement these studies, we have used in vivo electroporation to inhibit BMP, FGF and WNT signalling within dorsal midbrain cells prior to, and during, their differentiation as MTN neurons. Again, we find that inhibition of BMP signalling has no effect on the development of MTN neurons. We additionally find that cells electroporated with inhibitory constructs for either FGF or WNT signalling can differentiate as MTN neurons suggesting that these pathways are not required cell intrinsically for the emergence of these neurons. Indeed, we also show that explants of dorsal mesencephalon lacking both the isthmus and roof plate can generate MTN neurons. However, we did find that inhibiting FGF or WNT signalling had consequences for MTN differentiation. Conclusions Our results suggest that the emergence of MTN neurons is an intrinsic property of the dorsal mesencephalon of gnathostomes, and that this population undergoes expansion, and maturation, along with the rest of the dorsal midbrain under the influence of FGF and WNT signalling