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The invention relates to a method for AFM in which it is possible to measure magnetic information from single, isolated magnetic markers in on the scale of nm.The method is used to differentiate between marked and unmarked arrears, for measuring the magnetic AC-susceptibility of the marker and to determinate the geometry of a marker. Hereby the measured signal is further processed by an amplifier.
The method utilises nanoparticles (marker), which are placed on or in a sample. Because of the alternating magnetic field these particles are stimulated to create a magnetic flow, which is dependent on the AC-susceptibility of the particle and on with the external alternat-ing field. With this effect, the entire magnetic flow in the area around the marker is changed. Furthermore, the entire sample is scanned in 2-D or 3-D and differences in the magnetic flow, which generate a magnetic interference, are measured by detecting the oscillation of the AFM tip. This oscillation is the measurement signal, which makes it possible to measure smaller magnetic interac-tions.

Agronostics Aachen will be an innovative agricultural chemistry start-up operating in the growth market of plant defense priming. Primed plants show enhanced resistance to disease and pests, and increased tolerance to abiotic stress. Taking into account that these threats still destroy ~40% of possible crop yield, defense priming provides a unique opportunity to secure best possible yield.

The efficiency of solar cells made of CZ silicon decreases by more than 1% in absolute figures under sunlight within a few hours (light induced degradation – LID). At the University of Konstanz a method was developed that makes it possible to stabilize the efficiency of the solar cell at nearly its output level. During production the solar cells are regenerated by either illumination at temperatures of between 100 and 230 degrees or applying voltage. The method can be easily integrated in the conventional manufacturing process and allows for an increase in efficiency by up to 5% rel.

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have developed a measuring device for non-permanent contacting of busbarless solar cells that allows for precise and direct characterization of electrical properties. As each contact finger can be contacted repeatedly over reversibly releasable connections the device allows for accurate measurement of I-V characteristics without requiring subsequent adjustment with correction factors.

The invention offers a plasma protein biomarker set that can be used as a diagnostic tool for diagnosis and stratification of colorectal cancer.

A modern fuel cell is usually made of a stack of individual cells that are mechanically pressed together. In MOD-FC the pressing takes place not mechanically but hydraulically. Due to the complete flushing of separate individual cells with the hydraulic medium, a homogeneous pressing of the inner cell components is ensured. In addition, the hydraulic medium can be directly used as a cooling medium. This ensures a homogeneous electric current generation among the surface and also that no life shortening hot spots appear.
By the nearly ideal operating conditions MOD-FC are capable to examine in-situ membrane electrode units. First functional models are already in use (see figure). A plurality of simultaneously reproducible samples can be examined under the same operating conditions, which improve the quality of test results and reduces significantly the amount of sampling tests. Moreover, individual elements can be replaced by separate individual cells without great effort, due to the modular design of the stacks. In contrast to conventional fuel cell stacks MOD-FC can thus be maintained at a cellular basis.