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Biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles depend critically on their preparation as aqueous colloidal suspensions, or ferrofluids, with long term stability under physiological conditions. Dispersion of the magnetic nanoparticles is generally achieved by the use of protein cages, polysaccharide, polypeptide and charged macromolecular coatings, which minimize interparticle magnetic interactions, particle agglomeration and precipitation. The synthesis and characterization of gummic-acid stabilized maghemite ferrofluids is reported. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering measurements give a γ-Fe2O3 magnetic core diameter of 8 nm and a nanocomposite particle hydrodynamic diameter of 50 nm. Mössbauer and magnetization measurements indicate the presence of isolated, sterically stabilized superparamagnetic nanoparticles resistant to aging, and thus, promising agents for the production of novel magneto-pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stochastic generation, i.e., electrical power production by an uncontrolled primary energy source, is expected to play an important role in future power systems. A new power system structure is created due to the large-scale implementation of this small-scale, distributed, non-dispatchable generation; the ‘horizontally-operated’ system. Modeling methodologies that can deal with the operational uncertainty introduced by these power units should be used for analyzing the impact of this generation to the system. In this contribution, the principles for this modeling are presented, based on the decoupling of the single stochastic generator behavior (marginal distribution-stochastic unit capacity) from the concurrent behavior of the stochastic generators (stochastic dependence structure-stochastic system dispatch). Subsequently, the stochastic bounds methodology is applied to model the extreme power contribution of the stochastic generation to the system, based on two new sampling concepts (comonotonicity–countermonotonicity). The application of this methodology to the power system leads to the definition of clusters of positively correlated stochastic generators and the combination of different clusters based on the sampling concepts. The stochastic decomposition and clustering concepts presented in this contribution provide the basis for the application of new uncertainty analysis techniques for the modeling of stochastic generation in power systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present comparative Mössbauer investigations of nanosized FeOOH and FeOOD biomineral phases nucleated within the 7-nm diameter cavity of horse-spleen apoferritin in order to assess deuterium isotopic effects on nanoscale, bioinorganic lattice structures with extended hydrogen bond networks. Differences in magnetic anisotropy energy, packing density and degree of crystallinity in the resulting iron oxo-hydroxide nanophases obtained via D2O (heavy water) vs. H2O (light water) solution chemistry are noted. These observations point to the possibility of stabilizing new thermodynamic states in the solid-state by utilizing isotope effects, with important implications for new synthetic pathways to novel nano materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present Mössbauer studies of hybrid iron-oxide nanoparticles obtained by the disproportionation of oleic acid stabilized wüstite (FexO) nanoparticles produced by selective oxidation of iron pentacarbonyl in high boiling temperature organic solvents. The results support X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscope studies of the presence of mixed FexO and Fe3O4 phases within the nanoparticles whose relative content can be altered through heat treatment in nitrogen atmosphere. Furthermore, the Mössbauer study gives evidence of the presence of an amorphous, spin-glass like phase due to spin frustration at the FexO/Fe3O4 interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the incorporation of iron in the quasicrystal i-Al[sub74]Si[sub6]Mn[20-x]Fe[subx]. Classes of manganese sites; High-field Mössbauer measurements used.

Objectives: As most reports on the gamma knife have related only to short or mid-term results, we decided to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of radiosurgical treatment for benign skull base meningiomas in 200 patients with a follow up of 5-12 years to define the role of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for basal meningiomas and to provide further data for comparison with other treatment options.Methods: In total, 99 patients were treated with a combination of microsurgical resection and GKRS. In 101 patients, GKRS was performed as the sole treatment option. Tumour volumes ranged from 0.38 to 89.8 cm3 (median 6.5 cm3), and doses of 7-25 Gy (median 12 Gy) were given to the tumour borders at covering isodose volume curves (range 20-80%, median 45%).Results: The actuarial progression free survival rate was 98.5% at 5 years and 97.2% at 10 years. Passing radiation induced oedema occurred in two patients (1%). The neurological status improved in 83 cases (41.5%), remained unaltered in 108 (54%), and deteriorated in 9 (4.5%). Worsening was transient in seven patients (3.5%) and unrelated to tumour or treatment in one (0.5%). Repeated microsurgical resection was performed in five patients following GKRS (2.5%).Conclusions: GKRS has proved to be an effective alternative to microsurgical resection, radiotherapy, and Linac based radiosurgery for adjunctive and primary treatment of selected patients with basal meningiomas. Because of the excellent long term tumour control rate and low morbidity associated with GKRS, this treatment option should be used more frequently in the therapeutic management of benign skull base meningiomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object. Treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma) has been considerably improved by microsurgical techniques. Nevertheless, these rare tumours of the frontal skull base are still associated with high rates of tumour recurrence and mortality, thus remaining a challenge even for experienced surgeons. A novel therapeutic approach that combines endoscopic sinus surgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery is presented here. Taking into account the rarity of the disease the present study comprises a relatively large series of patients treated in a similar manner. Methods. 14 patients (8 males, 6 females) aged 27–75 years (median 38) were treated between May 1993 and December 2003. This series comprises 12 newly diagnosed esthesioneuroblastomas. Two more patients had already previously undergone surgery (24/39 months earlier). Paranasal and nasal endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. Marginal irradiation doses ranging from 15–34 Gy were given to the residual tumours by means of radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) involving 1–7 isocentres within 3 months after surgery. Median follow-up is 58 months (range 13–128). Results. There was no mortality. In all patients tumour control was achieved within the treated area. 4 patients underwent a second radiosurgical procedure 6–79 months (median 34 months) after initial radiosurgery. One patients had to undergo an additional craniotomy because of extensive neoplastic infiltration, 1 developed postoperative liquorrhea, 1 case was complicated by bilateral frontal sinusitis. All patients complained of nasal discharge and crusts. Karnovsky Index – preoperatively ranging from 80%–100% – remained stable in 12 patients, an improvement was observed in 2 cases. Conclusions. Based on the favourable results recorded so far, the combination of endoscopic sinus surgery and radiosurgery can be considered a promising treatment option for esthesioneuroblastoma that merits further consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]