The agonistic prodrug Fingolimod (FTY720) en-abled the first oral treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by modulating sphin-golipid signaling. Scientists developed novel Fingolimod non-prodrug derivatives, which re-duce the blood-brain-barrier leakage and blood T lymphocytes. Advantageously one derivative is fully active in the absence of sphingosine ki-nase 2 while exhibiting comparable activity to Fingolimod.

Scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt developed a new mobile device to determine ad-hoc coagulation times from full-blood samples utilizing “surface acoustic waves”. This coagulation time is of high importance e.g. during emergency situations when the coagulation status of a patient under anticoagulant therapy needs rapid evaluation.

A new embodiment of a braiding machine was developed at the Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) of Stuttgart University. It features a thread positioning unit which forms a secondary ring of horn-gears close to the braiding point. This secondary ring moves synchronously with the primary horn-gears of the braiding machine. Therefore, the position of each thread, that is close to the mandrel, is clearly defined. This is a basic requirement for manipulation of specific threads during the braiding process, which in turn permits the automated production of components with highly varying diameters at a constant braid angle.

The invention relates to a sample holder to be used in cryo fluorescence microscopes or to simply and cost effectively upgrade a room temperature fluorescence microscope. The holder solves existing problems regarding thermal and mechanical stability of the sample and allows for a localization accuracy of a few hundred Angstroms.

Scientist at the Westfälische Wilhelms University of Münster developed the efficient Cu-catalyzed PEN method for the formation of tetra-substituted pyrazoles. In this atomeconomic process, readily available enamines and nitriles are reacted by C-C and N-N bond formation. A broad scope of enamines and nitriles can be utilized in this process.

Based on a very thin, high-strength design of the invention the ultrasonic sensor is placed between the teeth of the approximal region, thus reducing the distance significantly. As a result the images posses a very high spatial resolution.
The ultrasonic sensor consists of a metallic base plate with a reinforced frame, made of high-strength pure titanium or a TiAl6V4 alloy. The edges of the frame are rounded to make the insertion in the approximal region more comfortable. The total thickness of the design is limited to a maximum of 0.8 mm. The piezoelectric part is made on a PVDF-film equipped with spacers and shielded by an adjustable cover. The cover allows for a special contact by respecting the safety clearance to the teeth. By removing the cover hydrogel is pumped into the gap to provide acoustic coupling. In addition, it is used for lubrication of the cover movement.

The Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) at the University of Stuttgart developed a flexible pressure roll mechanism for braiding machines, which significantly improves the automated braiding of components with sharp curvatures and widely varying cross-sections without the need for manual intervention. While overbraiding a mandrel the flexible mounting of the pressure rolls allows for adaptation to the mandrel’s positioning (e.g. inclined position) and to changes in the cross section. They exert a constant and precisely defined force on the braid and thereby press it against the mandrel.
As part of the automated process, the robot control of the braiding machine coordinates the movement of the pressure rolls. This significantly improves the braiding of components with a variable cross-section and curvatures so that manual intervention is no longer required.

The presented method combines the advantages of a highly specific and sensitive immunological sensor surface with the extensive detail of an infrared spectroscopic analysis, with particular regard to the secondary structure analysis of protein biomarker candidates. Every non-clotting, cell-free fluid is analyzable.

An der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes (HTW
Saar) wurde nun ein System entwickelt, dass die Möglichkeiten erdgedeckter Flüssiggas-tanks optimal aus nutzt und so eine substanzielle Energie-und Kosteneinsparung generiert. Die entscheidende Innovation besteht darin, dass flüssiggas betriebene Blockheizkraftwerk (BHKW) mit einer Wärmepumpe zu koppeln, wobei der Gastank außer zur Speicherung des Flüssiggases gleichzeitig
als Erdwärmekollektor und Verdampfer für die Wärmepumpe genutzt wird. Dies ist nur bei einem erdgedeckten Tank sinnvoll möglich.
Das Flüssiggas dient im laufenden Betrieb gleichzeitig als Kraftstoff und als Kältemittel. Die erfindungsgemäße Anlage trägt auf diese Weise dazu bei, Betriebskosten zu reduzieren und die Energieeffizienz des Systems zu steigern. Da die verwendeten Komponenten bis auf wenige Bauteile mit denen eines herkömmlichen flüssiggasbetriebenen BHKW übereinstimmen, kann auf einfache Weise und ohne die Anschaffung separater Wärmekollektoren ein deutliches Einsparpotenzial nutzbar gemacht werden. Modellrechnungen
ergeben eine Reduktion des Kraftstoffverbrauchs von bis zu 40%.
Die Optimierung des gesamten Systems im Hinblick auf die verschieden Betriebsparameter ist Gegenstand einer aktuellen Prototypenstudie.

The invention concerns a T-cell based immunotherapy using peptides which are derived from human membrane protein desmoglein. By applying a medical preparation including a peptide or a combination of peptides, a specific immunological tolerance is triggered. Therefore, the clinical signs of pemphigus vulgaris disease improve, because the base for disease is deprived.

The present invention provides a novel container which allows the secure and stable storage of DBS-cards. The device comprises an air-tight box which can be used to store DBS-cards under vacuum or an inert gas such as nitrogen. Additionally, a drying agent in the container prevents accumulation of humidity, thereby ensuring the safe storage of samples at room temperature or in the freezer. The storage of DBS-cards without oxygen and humidity enables to prevent any form of sample deterioration over a longer time period. Furthermore, the container is equipped with a proof of originality. The container can only be opened by breaking the proof of originality, thereby making any tampering attempt visible immediately. Thus, this novel container enables the reliable analysis of DBS-cards.

A process for an efficient phase separation of emulsions resulting from biphasic whole cell-bio-transformations has been developed at the TU Dortmund. The phase separation of unavoidable emulsions typically present due the presence of microorganisms and bio-surfactants, which has previously been seen as problematic, has been greatly simplified to permit further processing of the reaction mixture. In contrast to other approaches such as the use of de-emulsifiers or centrifuges a phase separation can be achieved with a minimal effort in both energy and equipment. Using a physical effect the new methods enables a high potential for an industrial application due to its scalability, low costs and easy process control.

The inventive method allows the context-sensitive indexing of hemodynamic parameters. For the indexation of hemodynamic and biochemical parameters a more specific adjustment based also on non-biometric data can be used to more accurately assess and easily access the parameters and thus simplify and improve the care of critically ill patients.

Scientists at the Universities of Stuttgart and Constance have developed a technology which should significantly improve ingrowth of implants into the surrounding tissue and at the same time ensure long-term stability.
A new type of implant coating created of a non-water-soluble, functionalized extracellular matrix (FECM) is achieved by means of metabolic oligosaccharide engineering. The coating improves the cell-material interaction at the interface between tissue and biomaterials (e. g. titanium). Since the patient’s own cells can be used to produce the FECM, no immunogenicity of the implant coating is to be feared.

Nowadays, biological wastewater treatment can efficiently remove carbon sources. The challenge however lies in the purification and elimination of nitrogen sources within a compact plant design. HAWK-Scientists developed an on-side and energy-efficient biological purification system for a decentralized wastewater treatment.

Focal adhesions are cell junctions that act as mechanical linkages between the intracellular actin cytoskeleton of a live cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM). They have a wide functional scope. In this context Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) plays a pivotal role. FAK is often overexpressed in tumor cells and is partly responsible for the high tissue invasiveness of the infected cells. Now “small molecules” have been developed at the University of Konstanz, Germany, that interfere with the localization and thus with FAK functioning. Therefore, these molecules can be deployed in cancer treatment as well as in the prevention and treatment of restenosis via drug-eluting stents.
The novel FAK inhibitors are highly effective, cell-penetrating, easy to sterilize and can be produced through chemically defined synthesis.

Injury results in release of cytoplasmic ATP, which is sensed by monocytes/macrophages via ATP receptor P2X7. This swiftly induces inflammasome activation, caspase-1-dependent cleavage and release of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18 and HMGB1. Excessive systemic IL-1ß release is the first stage of a reaction chain causing SIRS and high patient mortality.

IL-1ß is involved in host defense against infections. Pathogen-induced inflammasome activation, however, typically involve ATP-independent pathways. Hence, a-1-antitrypsin, SLPI, CRP, and DPPC inhibit injury induced inflammation but do not inhibit clearance of pathogens.

Scope of application: SIRS, Major surgery, Trauma, Extracorporeal circulation (e.g. cardiopulmonary bypass, ECMO), Chronic inflammation, Lung injury

SIRS-related multi organ dysfunction (MODS) and acute lung injury (ALI) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The proposed remedies have the potential to become affordable life-saving medicaments for numerous indications.

Bei der vorliegenden Erfindung handelt es sich um ein Verfahren zur Herstellung dünner Polymer-Elektrolyte, die zudem mechanisch stabil und gleichzeitig auch flexibel sind. Diese zeichnen sich durch gute ionische Transporteigenschaften aus, d.h. die Leitfähigkeit bei Raumtemperatur beträgt 1 mS/cm. Die Membranen können aufgrund ihrer mechanischen Eigenschaften in Lithium-basierten Energiespeichen gleichzeitig als Elektrolyt und Separator eingesetzt werden. Das Verfahren ermöglicht die Verarbeitung von Polyacrylnitril basierten Membranen zusammen mit dem Lithiumleitsalz und ermöglicht eine gleichmäßige Materialstärke.

The invention consists of a cooled cylinder unit for a rheometer
and a method to identify rheological properties. By use of the
invention the cooling time in convective cooled rheometers can be
reduced. This can be necessary to reduce or prevent thermal
degradation of thermal sensitive polymers (i.e. biobased or bio-
degradable polymers).

The Snail/Gfi1 (SNAG) family of zinc finger proteins is a group of transcriptional repressors. Gfi1 is expressed in the hematopoietic and nervous system. Consequently, mutations of Gfi1 cause defects in hematopoiesis and inner ear development. In the Gfi1P2A/P2A mouse strain, a point mutation has been inserted in the SNAG domain that replaces a proline at amino acid position 2 by alanine (P2A). This completely abrogates the activity of Gfi1 as transcriptional repressor. Gfi1 and its paralogue Gfi1b have overlapping, however differential functions in hematopoiesis. Loss of Gfi1 in mice affects pre-T-cell differentiation, the development of neutrophil granulocytes and inner ear hair cells, whereas in contrast loss of Gfi1b impairs the development of erythroid cells and megacaryocytes. Therefore, Gfi1P2A/P2A mice can be used as a model to study and treat deafness as a consequence of defects of inner ear development as well as defects of hematopoiesis in immunological disorders.