Neural activity in dopaminergic areas such as the ventral tegmental area is influenced by timing processes, in particular by the temporal expectation of rewards during Pavlovian conditioning. Receipt of a reward at the expected time allows to compute reward-prediction errors which can drive learning in motor or cognitive structures. Reciprocally, dopamine plays an important role in the timing of external events. Several models of the dopaminergic system exist, but the substrate of temporal learning is rather unclear. In this article, we propose a neuro-computational model of the afferent network to the ventral tegmental area, including the lateral hypothalamus, the pedunculopontine nucleus, the amygdala, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the ventral basal ganglia (including the nucleus accumbens and the ventral pallidum), as well as the lateral habenula and the rostromedial tegmental nucleus. Based on a plausible connectivity and realistic learning rules, this neuro-computational model reproduces several experimental observations, such as the progressive cancelation of dopaminergic bursts at reward delivery, the appearance of bursts at the onset of reward-predicting cues or the influence of reward magnitude on activity in the amygdala and ventral tegmental area. While associative learning occurs primarily in the amygdala, learning of the temporal relationship between the cue and the associated reward is implemented as a dopamine-modulated coincidence detection mechanism in the nucleus accumbens.

Introduction: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) during chemotherapy-induced aplasia may offer long-term survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with otherwise poor prognosis including ELN adverse risk, relapsed or refractory disease. However, the value of residual morphologic disease prior HCT in this context has not been conclusively settled until yet. Therefore, we aimed to investigate variables predicting outcome in this unique setting of sequential conditioning therapy, with a focus on pretreatment morphologic blast count. In contrast to the most popular FLAMSA-RIC protocol, we used a melphalan-based conditioning regimen during aplasia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 173 AML patients who underwent a sequential melphalan-based conditioning therapy between 2003 and 2015 at our centre. All patients participated either in the prospective Phase 2 BRIDGE trial (NCT01295307), the Phase 3 AML2003 study (NCT00180102) or were treated according to this protocol and underwent allogeneic HCT after melphalan-based conditioning in treatment-induced aplasia. Results: Median bone marrow blast count prior to conditioning was 10% (range, 0–96%). Four year probabilities of EFS and OS were 34% (95% CI, 28–43%) and 43% (95% CI, 36–52%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, blast count >20% was associated with worse EFS (HR = 1.93; p = 0.009) and OS (HR = 1.80; p = 0.026). This effect was not significant anymore for HCT during 1st line therapy. Conclusion: Allogeneic HCT in aplasia with a melphalan-based conditioning regimen has the potential to cure a subset of adverse risk AML patients, even with persistent morphological disease prior HCT. However, a high pre-transplant blast count still indicates patients with a dismal prognosis, especially in the relapsed patient group, for whom post-transplant strategies should be considered to further optimize post HCT outcome.

The work consists of two parts. In the first part which is concerned with random walks, we construct the conditional versions of a multidimensional random walk given that it does not leave the Weyl chambers of type C and of type D, respectively, in terms of a Doob h-transform. Furthermore, we prove functional limit theorems for the rescaled random walks. This is an extension of recent work by Eichelsbacher and Koenig who studied the analogous conditioning for the Weyl chamber of type A. Our proof follows recent work by Denisov and Wachtel who used martingale properties and a strong approximation of random walks by Brownian motion. Therefore, we are able to keep minimal moment assumptions. Finally, we present an alternate function that is amenable to an h-transform in the Weyl chamber of type C. In the second part which is concerned with Brownian motion, we examine the non-exit probability of a multidimensional Brownian motion from a growing truncated Weyl chamber. Different regimes are identified according to the growth speed, ranging from polynomial decay over stretched-exponential to exponential decay. Furthermore we derive associated large deviation principles for the empirical measure of the properly rescaled and transformed Brownian motion as the dimension grows to infinity. Our main tool is an explicit eigenvalue expansion for the transition probabilities before exiting the truncated Weyl chamber.

In mehrfaktoriellen 2 x 2 x 4 Untersuchungen im Zeitraum vom 7. - 28. Lebenstag und in Bilanzversuchen vom 15. - 20. Lebenstag mit männlichen Broilerküken (Cobb 500) wurden die Effekte der Versuchsfaktoren Zerkleinerung (Hammermühle vs. Walzenstuhl), thermische Behandlung (Konditionierung bei 70°C vs. Konditionierung/Expandierung 100°C) und Zusätze von Zink-Bacitracin bzw. Roxazym G2 (ohne Zusatz, mit Zink-Bacitracin 50 mg, mit Roxayzm G2 150 ppm und deren Zusatzkombination A+E) sowie die Interaktionen untersucht. Als Kriterien dienten die Parameter Futterverzehr, Lebendmassezunahme, Futteraufwand, Nährstoffansatz und -verwertung, ileale Verdaulichkeit von ausgewählten Aminosäuren, Proteinverwertung/Proteinqualität und Umsetzbarkeit der Energie. Die Versuchstiere erhielten ab dem 7. Lebenstag die entsprechenden Versuchsmischungen. Der Gehalt an XP und MEn aller Versuchsmischungen war einheitlich (XP 21,7% und MEn 12,3 MJ/kg Futter). Die Lysinversorgung wurde auf 90 % unter der optimalen Bedarfsdeckung in allen Futtermischungen limitiert. Die Auswirkungen der Versuchsfaktoren lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: - Zerkleinerung : Die Zerkleinerungstechnologie mit dem Walzenstuhl übte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Futterverzehr (-3,5 %) und Futteraufwand (-2,8 %) gegenüber der Zerkleinerung mit der Hammermühle aus. Die Nährstoffverwertung (XP und Energie) zeigten durch Walzenstuhl-Zerkleinerung tendenzielle Verbesserungen. Die ileale Lysinverdaulichkeit blieb unverändert, die ileale Verdaulichkeit von Threonin und Met+Cys wurde signifikant erhöht. Die Walzenstuhl-Zerkleinerung führte zu einer besseren Futterstruktur und zu einer höheren Nährstoffdichte in den Pellets. Das wird deutlich durch die höhere N-Aufnahme bzw. N-Bilanz sowie durch gesteigerte N-Verwertungsparameter und einen erhöhten Gehalt an N-korrigierter umsetzbarer Energie (MEn). - Thermische Behandlung : Durch erhöhte Hitzeapplikation mit dem Expander konnten in der vorliegenden Arbeit hinsichtlich der Leistungsparameter, Nährstoffansatz und -verwertung keine Unterschiede gegenüber der Konditionierung festgestellt werden. Die Expandierung führte zu einer signifikant erhöhten ilealen Lysinverdaulichkeit, die durch die gemessene Lysinwirksamkeit im Bilanzversuch jedoch nicht widergespiegelt wurde. Auch signifikant niedrigere N-Bilanz und physiologische Proteinnutzwerte (PNu) sowie die tendenzielle Verringerung der N-Verdaulichkeit und des Gehaltes an umsetzbarer Energie deuten auf eine negative Wirkung der intensiveren thermischen Behandlung durch Expandieren hin. Hierzu sind weitere klärende Untersuchungen notwendig. - Futterzusätze: Durch die alleinige Supplementierung mit dem Antibiotikum Zink-Bacitracin oder NSP-spaltenden Enzym Roxazym G2 bzw. deren Kombination reagierten Mastleistung und Futterverwertung signifikant positiv. Während der Effekt der Enzymzulagen bei Nährstoffverwertung und ilealer Verdaulichkeit ausgewählter Aminosäure signifikant höher gegenüber der unsupplementierten Gruppe war, blieb ein Effekt von Zink-Bacitracin hinsichtlich dieser Parameter aus. Der Effekt der Zusatzkombination war bei Mastleistung, Nährstoffansatz und -verwertung und bei der ilealen Verdaulichkeit der ausgewählten Aminosäuren gegenüber der Kontrolle oder dem alleinigen Zusatz signifikant höher. Das deutet auf einen synergistischen Effekt der gleichzeitigen Applikation der beiden Additive hin. Die N-Verwertung einschließlich des Gehalts an N-korrigierter scheinbar umsetzbarer Energie lag nach alleiniger Applikation von Zink-Bacitracin unerwartet signifikant niedriger gegenüber den anderen Zusätzen bzw. tendenziell gegenüber der Kontrolle. Die Gehalte an scheinbar umsetzbarer Energie (AMEn) waren deutlich durch den Enzymzusatz allein oder in Kombination mit Zink-Bacitracin erhöht. -Interaktionen: Die Abhängigkeit der Versuchsfaktoren voneinander im Mastversuch war nicht stark ausgeprägt. Die Zerkleinerung in Verbindung mit anschließender thermischer Behandlung führte zur Beeinflussung der Futterverzehrsdaten. Danach verbesserten die Verfahrenskombinationen Hammermühle x Konditionierung oder Walzenstuhl x Expandierung bedingt durch einen erhöhten Futterverzehr die Lebendmassezunahme und den Nährstoffansatz signifikant. Hinsichtlich der ilealen Aminosäurenverdaulichkeit zeigten die Futterzusätze eine Abhängigkeit von der Behandlung bzw. Zerkleinerung und Behandlung. Die Enzymzulage allein oder in Kombination mit Zink-Bacitracin zeigte stärkere Effektivität in Verbindung mit der thermischen Behandlung durch Expandieren.

The work consists of two parts. In the first part which is concerned with random walks, we construct the conditional versions of a multidimensional random walk given that it does not leave the Weyl chambers of type C and of type D, respectively, in terms of a Doob h-transform. Furthermore, we prove functional limit theorems for the rescaled random walks. This is an extension of recent work by Eichelsbacher and Koenig who studied the analogous conditioning for the Weyl chamber of type A. Our proof follows recent work by Denisov and Wachtel who used martingale properties and a strong approximation of random walks by Brownian motion. Therefore, we are able to keep minimal moment assumptions. Finally, we present an alternate function that is amenable to an h-transform in the Weyl chamber of type C. In the second part which is concerned with Brownian motion, we examine the non-exit probability of a multidimensional Brownian motion from a growing truncated Weyl chamber. Different regimes are identified according to the growth speed, ranging from polynomial decay over stretched-exponential to exponential decay. Furthermore we derive associated large deviation principles for the empirical measure of the properly rescaled and transformed Brownian motion as the dimension grows to infinity. Our main tool is an explicit eigenvalue expansion for the transition probabilities before exiting the truncated Weyl chamber.

Leichtbau zählt als eines der Zukunftstechnologien des 21. Jahrhunderts, um sowohl die Mobilitätsfragen von morgen zu beantworten als auch die klima- und energiepolitischen Ziele zu erreichen. Ein wesentlicher Fokus wird dabei auf Multi-Material-Systeme gelegt. Insbesondere die Kombination von faserverstärkten Kunststoffen und metallischen Legierungen zu sog. hybriden Laminaten zeigt ein hohes Substitutions- und Leichtbaupotential gegenüber klassischen monolithischen Konstruktionswerkstoffen. Vorrangig werden derartige hybride Schichtverbunde mit einer duroplastischen Matrix hergestellt, wodurch allerdings Restriktionen, bspw. gegenüber Produktivität, Recycling- und Lagerfähigkeit, resultieren. Eine besondere Alternative dazu bieten hybride Laminate auf Thermoplastbasis. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden die am Bundesexzellenzcluster MERGE entwickelten neuartigen thermoplastbasierten Schichtverbunde Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polyamid/Aluminium Laminate (CAPAAL®) und Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Aluminium Laminate (CATPUAL) erforscht und im optimierten variothermen Pressprozess hergestellt. Um die Werkstoffverbunde über die Grundlagenforschung hinaus, etwa in der industriellen Nutzung, zu etablieren, wurden umfangreiche Charakterisierungen und Fertigungsstudien durchgeführt. Zum einen erfolgten mikrostrukturell-analytische Untersuchungen u. a. zu der Imprägniergüte, der Oberflächenbehandlung der Aluminiumlegierung und des Versagensverhaltens. Zum anderen fanden mechanisch-technologische Charakterisierungen bezüglich quasi-statischer Versuche unter Zug- und Biegebelastung sowie Ermüdungsversuche unter Biegebelastung im Niedrig-Frequenzbereich statt. Die quasi-statischen Untersuchungen der Subkomponenten (Aluminiumlegierung, Verbundwerkstoff) und der hybriden Laminate wurden sowohl unter Raumtemperatur als auch unter definierten Temperaturbelastungen und Konditionierungszuständen durchgeführt, um deren Sensitivität zu analysieren sowie zu bewerten. Ebenfalls erfolgten analytische Berechnungen zur Auslegung der hybriden Schichtverbunde basierend auf der klassischen Laminattheorie und der Mischungsregel unter Einbeziehung des Metallvolumengehalts. Darüber hinaus wurden die thermisch induzierten Eigenspannungen analytisch ermittelt und in die Berechnungen der quasi-statischen Kennwerte inkludiert. Anhand der Untersuchungen konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass CAPAAL® und CATPUAL als „maßgeschneiderte“ Halbzeuge oder Strukturbauteile mit einem hohen Leichtbaupotential für großseriennahe Anwendungen prädestiniert sind. Diese weisen in Abhängigkeit der medialen Belastungen eine höhere Performance und ein weniger katastrophales Versagensverhalten als die entsprechenden Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunde auf. Zudem wurde konstatiert, dass eine hervorragende Ermüdungsfestigkeit unter Biegebelastung vorliegt. Die theoretischen Vorhersagen weisen vor allem über den Ansatz der Mischungsregel eine gute Korrelation zu den experimentell ermittelten Kennwerten auf.:1 Einleitung 2 Stand der Wissenschaft und Technik 3 Materialien und experimentelle Untersuchungen 4 Versuchsergebnisse und Diskussion 5 Bewertung der erzielten Ergebnisse 6 Ausgewählte Leichtbaulösungen 7 Zusammenfassung und Ausblick / Lightweight construction is considered one of the future technologies of the 21st century, both to answer tomorrow's mobility questions and to achieve climate and energy policy goals. A major focus is placed on multi-material systems. In particular, the combination of fibre-reinforced plastics and metal alloys to form so-called hybrid laminates shows a high substitution and lightweight construction potential compared to classic monolithic construction materials. Such hybrid laminates are primarily produced with a thermoset matrix, which results in restrictions, e. g. with regard to productivity, recyclability and storability. Hybrid laminates based on thermoplastics offer a special alternative. In the context of this work, the novel thermoplastic-based laminates Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polyamid/Aluminium Laminate (CAPAAL®) and Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Aluminium Laminate (CATPUAL) were researched and produced in an optimised vario-heat pressing process. In order to establish the material composites beyond basic research, for example in industrial use, extensive characterization and manufacturing studies were carried out. On the one hand, microstructural-analytical characterisations were conducted, for example, on the impregnation quality, the surface treatment of the aluminium alloy and the failure behaviour. On the other hand, mechanical-technological investigations were carried out with regard to quasi-static tests under tensile and bending load as well as fatigue tests under bending load in the low-frequency range. The quasi-static tests of the subcomponents (aluminium alloy, composite material) and hybrid laminates were carried out both at room temperature and under defined temperature loads and conditioning conditions in order to analyse and evaluate their sensitivity. Analytical calculations for the design of the hybrid laminates based on the classical laminate theory and the rule of mixtures including the metal volume content were also considered. Furthermore, the thermally induced residual stresses were determined analytically and included in the calculations of the quasi-static characteristic values. Based on the investigations, it was possible to prove that CAPAAL® and CATPUAL are predestined as 'tailor-made' semi-finished products or structural components with a high lightweight construction potential for applications close to large-scale production. Depending on the medial loads, these exhibit higher performance and less catastrophic failure behaviour than the corresponding fibre-plastic composites. In addition, it was stated that there is an excellent fatigue strength under bending load. The theoretical predictions show a good correlation to the experimentally determined characteristic values, especially via the rule of mixtures approach.:1 Einleitung 2 Stand der Wissenschaft und Technik 3 Materialien und experimentelle Untersuchungen 4 Versuchsergebnisse und Diskussion 5 Bewertung der erzielten Ergebnisse 6 Ausgewählte Leichtbaulösungen 7 Zusammenfassung und Ausblick

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characterization and structuring of ternary binders composed of Portland Cement (PC), Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC), and Calcium Sulfate (CŜ). Ternary binders exhibit unique characteristics that make them suitable for various advanced technological applications. The combination of these three components enhances early setting and strength development, and reduces shrinkage, while also contributing to lower CO₂ emissions compared to plain Portland cement. The hydration mechanisms of ternary binders (PC–CAC–CŜ) involve complex chemical interactions. PC primarily contributes to long–term strength and durability, CAC accelerates early strength development, and CŜ regulates setting time and moderates shrinkage. These combined effects lead to a synergistic improvement in the performance of the ternary binders. With the addition of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM), these binders exhibit notable changes in fresh and hardened properties, and, most importantly, achieve a lower carbon footprint. The methodology chosen for this investigation involves Design of Experiments (DOE) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), aiming to statistically understand and refine the properties of ternary binders. The research is conducted over multiple stages, each using varied DOE methods to investigate the effects of several parameters, including binder composition, SCM, cement replacement ratio, specific types of CAC and CŜ, and the addition of chemical admixtures. Each of these factors is analyzed for its impact on specific properties such as workability, setting time, hydration kinetics, dimensional stability, compressive strength, and phase assemblage. A particularly advanced aspect of this research is the investigation of chemical admixtures and their interaction with ternary binders. Furthermore, the study incorporates a rigorous analysis using the orthogonal Taguchi design, comparing it with findings from the comprehensive previous investigation. The main goal is to determine whether the Taguchi design can optimize the process, potentially indicating significant reductions in experimental runs, labor hours, and overall costs. This thesis offers significant insights into optimizing ternary binders for enhanced performance and sustainability. By understanding the relationship between rheological parameters and physicochemical microstructure development, the research contributes to the advancement of construction materials with improved early strength, reduced shrinkage, and lower environmental impact. The findings have important implications for the development of high–performance, sustainable construction materials suitable for a wide range of applications.:Acknowledgements i Abstract ii Glossary vi 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Research motivation and objectives 2 1.3 Thesis outline 3 2 Literature review 5 2.1 Portland Cement 5 2.1.1 Hydration of Portland Cement 6 2.2 Calcium Aluminate Cement 9 2.2.1 Hydration of Calcium Aluminate Cement 10 2.3 Calcium Sulphate 11 2.4 Ternary binders 14 2.4.1 Hydration and technological properties 14 2.5 Supplementary cementitious materials 20 2.6 Chemical admixtures 22 2.6.1 Superplasticizers 23 2.6.2 Viscosity Modifying Agents (Stabilizers) 24 2.6.3 Accelerators 24 2.6.4 Retarders 25 2.7 Statistical models 26 2.7.1 Design of Experiments (DOE) 26 2.7.1.1 Factorial design 27 2.7.1.2 Fractional factorial design 28 2.7.1.3 Response surface method 28 2.7.1.4 Mixture design 29 2.7.1.5 Taguchi method 30 2.7.2 Principal Component Analysis (PCA) 31 3 Analytical methods 32 3.1 Flow test 32 3.2 Setting time 32 3.3 Isothermal calorimetry 32 3.4 Length change 33 3.5 Compressive strength tests 34 3.6 X–Ray diffraction 34 4 Materials 36 4.1 Characterization of the raw materials 36 4.2 Selection of the mix design and the sample preparation 37 4.3 Schematic design 38 5 Step I: Influence of binder content in ternary binders 40 5.1 Mixture design 40 5.1.1 Workability and Compressive strength 41 5.2 Summary 44 6 Step II: Influence of composition, supplementary cementitious materials and cement replacement ratio in ternary binders 45 6.1 Factorial design 45 6.1.1 Workability 46 6.1.2 Initial setting time 48 6.1.3 Compressive strength 50 6.2 Principal Component Analysis 52 6.2.1 X–Ray powder diffraction 52 6.3 Summary 55 7 Step III: Influence of composition, Calcium Aluminate Cement and sulphate source variation in ternary binders 57 7.1 Factorial design 57 7.1.1 Workability 58 7.1.2 Initial setting time 59 7.1.3 Compressive strength 61 7.2 Principal Component Analysis 64 7.2.1 X–Ray powder diffraction 64 7.3 Summary 66 8 Step IV: Influence of chemical admixtures in ternary binders 67 8.1 Response Surface Method (RSM) 67 8.1.1 Workability 69 8.1.2 Initial setting time 70 8.1.3 Compressive strength 72 8.1.4 Hydration kinetic 77 8.1.5 Early age shrinkage 81 8.1.6 X–Ray diffraction analysis 83 8.2 Summary 89 9 Step V: Influence of composition, water content, chemical admixtures, Calcium Aluminate Cement and sulphate source in ternary binders 91 9.1 Taguchi orthogonal array 91 9.1.1 Workability 92 9.1.2 Setting time 93 9.1.3 Compressive strength 94 9.1.4 Hydration kinetic 98 9.1.5 Early age shrinkage 101 9.1.6 X – Ray diffraction analysis 104 9.1.6.1 In–Situ 106 9.2 Summary 111 10 Conclusions and perspectives 113 10.1 Conclusions 113 10.2 Perspectives 117 References 119 Appendix A 130 Appendix B 135

The Antimatter Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEGIS) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is an experiment investigating the influence of earth’s gravitational force upon antimatter. To perform precise measurements the antimatter needs to be cooled to a temperature of 100 mK. This will be done in a Penning trap, formed by several electrodes, which are charged with several kV and have to be individually electrically insulated. The trap is thermally linked to a mixing chamber of a 3He-4He dilution refrigerator. Two link designs are examined, the Rod design and the Sandwich design. The Rod design electrically connects a single electrode with a heat exchanger, immersed in the helium of the mixing chamber, by a copper pin. An alumina ring and the helium electrically insulate the Rod design. The Sandwich uses an electrically insulating sapphire plate sandwiched between the electrode and the mixing chamber. Indium layers on the sapphire plate are applied to improve the thermal contact. Four differently prepared test Sandwiches are investigated. They differ in the sapphire surface roughness and in the application method of the indium layers. Measurements with static and sinusoidal heat loads are performed to uncover the behavior of the thermal boundary resistances. The thermal total resistance of the best Sandwich shows a temperature dependency of T-2,64 and is significantly lower, with roughly 30 cm2K4/W at 50 mK, than experimental data found in the literature. The estimated thermal boundary resistance between indium and sapphire agrees very well with the value of the acoustic mismatch theory at low temperatures. In both designs, homemade heat exchangers are integrated to transfer the heat to the cold helium. These heat exchangers are based on sintered structures to increase the heat transferring surface and to overcome the significant influence of the thermal resistance (Kapitza resistance). The heat exchangers are optimized concerning the adherence of the sinter to the substrate and its sinter height, e.g. its thermal penetration length. Ruthenium oxide metallic resistors (RuO2) are used as temperature sensors for the investigations. They consist of various materials, which affect the reproducibility. The sensor conditioning and the resulting good reproducibility is discussed as well.

The Antimatter Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEGIS) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is an experiment investigating the influence of earth’s gravitational force upon antimatter. To perform precise measurements the antimatter needs to be cooled to a temperature of 100 mK. This will be done in a Penning trap, formed by several electrodes, which are charged with several kV and have to be individually electrically insulated. The trap is thermally linked to a mixing chamber of a 3He-4He dilution refrigerator. Two link designs are examined, the Rod design and the Sandwich design. The Rod design electrically connects a single electrode with a heat exchanger, immersed in the helium of the mixing chamber, by a copper pin. An alumina ring and the helium electrically insulate the Rod design. The Sandwich uses an electrically insulating sapphire plate sandwiched between the electrode and the mixing chamber. Indium layers on the sapphire plate are applied to improve the thermal contact. Four differently prepared test Sandwiches are investigated. They differ in the sapphire surface roughness and in the application method of the indium layers. Measurements with static and sinusoidal heat loads are performed to uncover the behavior of the thermal boundary resistances. The thermal total resistance of the best Sandwich shows a temperature dependency of T-2,64 and is significantly lower, with roughly 30 cm2K4/W at 50 mK, than experimental data found in the literature. The estimated thermal boundary resistance between indium and sapphire agrees very well with the value of the acoustic mismatch theory at low temperatures. In both designs, homemade heat exchangers are integrated to transfer the heat to the cold helium. These heat exchangers are based on sintered structures to increase the heat transferring surface and to overcome the significant influence of the thermal resistance (Kapitza resistance). The heat exchangers are optimized concerning the adherence of the sinter to the substrate and its sinter height, e.g. its thermal penetration length. Ruthenium oxide metallic resistors (RuO2) are used as temperature sensors for the investigations. They consist of various materials, which affect the reproducibility. The sensor conditioning and the resulting good reproducibility is discussed as well.