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Guillain‐Barré syndrome incidence within 8 weeks of a surgical procedure appears to be more common than previously thought. GBS following open‐heart surgery is exceedingly rare, perhaps underdiagnosed or underreported given surveillance data incidence. Clinicians should be keenly aware of this association and quickly consider a GBS diagnosis.

Hydrodissection incorporating different types of vasoconstrictors is commonly used in vaginal prolapse surgery. There is little evidence as to whether it adds clinical value or whether it exposes the patient to unnecessary risk. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a vasoconstrictor compared with saline alone on operative blood loss and cardiovascular parameters in a randomised clinical trial setting. Patients undergoing vaginal prolapse surgery were randomised to an ornipressin (Por-8, Ferring) solution or saline alone for hydrodissection. The surgeon and patient were blinded to the solution used. Operative blood loss was accurately quantified and blood pressure and pulse readings recorded Pre, intra- and postoperatively. Eighty women were randomised. There was a statistically significant difference in the median blood loss: 35 ml (1-209 ml) in the ornipressin group compared with 81 ml (2-328 ml) in the saline group, p = 0.03. There was no statistically significant difference in the median pre and postoperative blood pressure or pulse rate between groups. The use of a vasoconstrictor (ornipressin) resulted in a statistically significant decrease in operative blood loss during vaginal prolapse surgery. This occurred without any significant changes in measured cardiovascular parameters.

A rectocele is the bulging of the anterior rectal wall into the posterior vaginal compartment. The route of surgical repair can be transvaginal, transrectal or abdominal. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe a novel transvaginal surgical procedure and investigate the associated subjective and objective clinical outcomes. Database records were retrieved for all women who underwent a rectocele plication for the period from January 2010 until December 2015 in a referral urogynecology unit with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. This transvaginal technique entails a plication of the anterior rectal wall by suturing of the rectal muscularis layer. Clinical findings and quality of life (QOL) metrics were evaluated and reported on. One hundred thirty-nine women met the initial inclusion criteria with full data available for 123. The presenting symptoms included a vaginal bulge in 73 (52.5%), overactive bladder (OAB) in 73 (52.5%), obstructed defecation (OD) in 49 (35.3%) and anal incontinence (AI) in 35 (25.2%). The majority of women (n = 72, 51.8%) had stage 3–4 posterior prolapse. The mean follow-up period was 27 ± 15 months. The postoperative symptoms were significantly improved for all, except AI (p = 0.43). There was a significant improvement in posterior prolapse (p

Self-administered quality of life (QOL) questionnaires provide objective evaluation of an individual’s symptoms. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7) are condition-specific short form questionnaires. There are very few validated QOL questionnaires for women in Africa. The aim of this study was to validate these questionnaires in African women for the Afrikaans and Sesotho languages. Patients with pelvic floor disorders completed the questionnaires at baseline, 1 week later and after 6 months. A control group of women not known to have pelvic floor disorders completed the questionnaires at baseline and 1 week later. Psychometric properties tested were internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness. In each language group, 100 control and 100 study participants completed the scheduled rounds. Internal consistency, as measured by the Cronbach’s alpha value, was good for the PFDI-20 (0.71–0.89) and the PFIQ-7 (0.81–0.89) for both the Afrikaans-speaking and the Sesotho-speaking patients. The test–retest reliability showed very good intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.89–0.99 across all scales of both questionnaires and in both language groups. The construct validity was confirmed as was the responsiveness to treatment for both questionnaires. The Afrikaans and Sesotho versions of the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 are reliable and valid instruments that can be used in women with pelvic floor disorders speaking these languages.

Premise of the study: Field methodology and image analysis protocols using acoustic tomography were developed and evaluated as a tool to estimate the amount of internal decay and damage of living trees, with special attention to tropical rainforest trees with irregular trunk shapes. Methods and Results: Living trunks of a diversity of tree species in tropical rainforests in the Republic of Panama were scanned using an Argus Electronic PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph and evaluated for the amount and patterns of internal decay. A protocol using ImageJ analysis software was used to quantify the proportions of intact and compromised wood. The protocols provide replicable estimates of internal decay and cavities for trees of varying shapes, wood density, and bark thickness. Conclusions: Sonic tomography, coupled with image analysis, provides an efficient, noninvasive approach to evaluate decay patterns and structural integrity of even irregularly shaped living trees.

AGel amyloidosis is an autosomal dominantly inherited systemic amyloidosis which is most commonly observed in Finland. The clinical manifestation is characterised by lattice corneal dystrophy, bilateral facial palsy with myokymias, and cutis laxa. We report on a German family with an AGel amyloidosis due to a gelsolin p.Asp214Asn/D187N mutation encoded by exon 4 of the GSN gene on chromosome 9q34.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the new-born baby is a rare though well-acknowledged clinical condition. We present two cases of complete utero-vaginal prolapse in new-born babies. Both infants were otherwise healthy and neurologically normal in their clinical presentation and evaluation. The prolapse was successfully managed with a non-surgical approach. There appears to be two distinct forms of POP in newborns based on the available literature. There are those that occur in newborns with spina bifida (77 % of cases) and those that occur in neurologically intact newborns (23 %). The management of these two types are distinctly different and are discussed in greater detail in this report.

Significant hormonal changes occur at the time of menopause and this has an impact on all oestrogen-sensitive tissue. The female lower urinary tract (LUT) is no exception. Decreasing levels of oestrogen characteristic of the menopause produce symptomatic, histological and functional changes of the vulva, vagina and lower urinary tract together. Examples of specific urogenital problems include urgency, urinary incontinence and susceptibility to urinary tract infection. Oestrogen therapy works by preventing or reversing urogenital atrophy and provides symptomatic improvement although it may need to be combined with other treatments for certain conditions such as incontinence. Oestrogen therapy requires time to become effective with vaginal preparations probably superior to systemic therapy. Prophylactic oestrogen therapy has not been shown to be clearly of benefit for specific types of urinary incontinence.

Recurrent urinary tract infections occur in approximately 5% of adult women. It has a significant impact on the affected women's quality of life and on health care costs. It is important to be aware of the physiologically protective factors preventing urinary tract infections. The clinician should also be able to identify relevant risk factors for recurrent infection. Clinical evaluation is relatively straightforward in cases without underlying complicating factors, but urine culture ought to be readily utilised. Treatment should be according to local antibiogram patterns and prophylactic and postcoital preventative strategies can be used according to current evidence. Certain subpopulations such as HIV positive patients require a different approach compared to the general population.

In this work, a novel bioresorbable bone adhesive based on radically polymerizable polylactide with methacrylate endgroups known from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cements and varying amounts of bioresorbable/biodegradable lactide moieties was developed. The swelling and degradation properties as well as the hardening time, viscosity, and adhesion properties (tension and shear resistance) were subsequently measured in vitro and optimized. For a broad use in surgery the handling properties, the shelf life and the storage temperature are important issues. The finally developed material consists of three substances that have to be mixed to start the reaction: a highly viscous mixture of oligomers and two β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP, Cerasorb®) powders with the radical starter and the promoter. The material has a processing time of 2 min and is completely cured after another minute. The tension and shear resistance of the material is 3.1–13.9 MPa that will decrease by storing the substance in a humid atmosphere. Degradation experiments showed a mass loss of 20–35% during the first 5 weeks. Tests with MC3T3-E1 cells showed an increase of the alkaline phosphatase activity over a period of 14 days. The mechanical and handling properties and the in vitro data are showing a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009

A 69-year-old man with an extensive medical history—including 2 failed renal transplants with hemodialysis, chronic immunosuppression, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 16 years previously—presented at the emergency department after sudden-onset chest pain followed by cardiopulmonary arrest. After the patient's resuscitation, a computed tomogram of his chest showed a 6.5 × 6-cm aneurysm of the saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the right coronary artery (RCA) (Fig. 1). The aneurysm actively extravasated contrast medium but was semi-contained (Fig. 2). After emergency reoperative sternotomy, the aneurysm was found to have a posterior free-wall rupture into the pericardium and right side of the chest (Fig. 3). Aneurysmectomy was performed, along with repeat CABG to the RCA because of active inferior-wall ischemia. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 14. Six months later, he was doing very well. Fig. 1. Reconstructed computed tomogram (coronal view) upon the patient's presentation shows a large aneurysm of the saphenous vein bypass graft from the aorta to the right coronary artery. Fig. 2. Axial computed tomogram upon presentation reveals the aneurysm of the saphenous vein bypass graft from the aorta to the right coronary artery (An), a large right hemothorax (Htx), and active extravasation from the aneurysm (arrow). Fig. 3. Intraoperative photograph after the opening of the anterior wall of the aneurysm (An) shows a posterior free-wall rupture of the aneurysm (arrow). The suction tip is in the posterior free-wall defect.

A pilot-scale study was performed using a palladium-catalyzed and polymer-coated nanoscale zero-valent iron (ZVI) particle suspension at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. A total of 300 pounds of nanoscale ZVI particle suspension was injected via a gravity feed and recirculated through a source area containing chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The recirculation created favorable mixing and distribution of the iron suspension and enhanced the mass transfer of sorbed and nonaqueous constituents into the aqueous phase, where the contaminants could be reduced. Between 65 and 99 percent aqueous-phase VOC concentration reduction occurred, due to abiotic degradation, within five weeks of the injection. The rapid abiotic degradation processes then yielded to slower biological degradation as subsequent decreases in -elimination parameters were observed—yet favorable redox conditions were maintained as a result of the ZVI treatment. Post-treatment analyses revealed cumulative reduction of soil contaminant concentrations between 8 and 92 percent. Aqueous-phase VOC concentrations in wells side gradient and downgradient of the source were reduced up to 99 percent and were near or below applicable regulatory criteria. These reductions, coupled with the generation of innocuous by-products, indicate that nanoscale ZVI effectively degraded contamination and reduced the mass flux from the source, a critical metric identified for source treatment. A summary of this project was recently presented at the US EPA Workshop on Nanotechnology for Site Remediation in Washington, D.C., on October 21–22, 2005. This case study supplied evidence that nanoscale zero valent iron, an emerging remediation technology, has been implemented successfully in the field. More information about this workshop and this presentation can be found at www.frtr.gov/nano/index.htm. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The correlation between the structure, the magnetic and magnetotransport properties of sputter-deposited (Co 90 Al 10 ) x Ag 100− x granular films (19⩽ x ⩽45) are investigated. For an (Co 90 Al 10 ) content of about 28% the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio of the films reach its highest value of 6%. Al doping reduces the MR ratio in CoAg films, however, leads to a almost constant MR ratio against post annealing up to 773 K in (Co 90 Al 10 ) 28 Ag 72 granular films, although the film structure is affected by annealing, respectively. According to magnetization measurements, superparamagnetic cobalt grains in the as-deposited (Co 90 Al 10 ) 28 Ag 72 sample show after annealing up to 773 K both superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviour. Annealing at 823 K causes a domain formation of large ferromagnetic grains with strong correlation.

Wir berichten uber eine 57-jahrige Patienten mit innerhalb der letzten vier Jahre achtmalig aufgetretenen Keratoakanthomen. Diese entstanden an chronisch UV-exponierten Stellen; die Patientin selbst sah einen moglichen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Auftreten der Keratoakanthome und einer immunsuppressiven Therapie mit Leflunomid aufgrund einer rheumatoiden Arthritis. Durch humangenetische Diagnostik konnte bei der Patientin eine bislang nicht bekannte Mutation im TGFBR-1-Gen nachgewiesen werden, die fur das gehaufte Auftreten der Keratoakanthome ursachlich erscheint. Die immunsuppressive Therapie mit Leflunomid hat das Auftreten der Keratoakanthome zudem mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit begunstigt.

Two-year-old beech seedlings were kept from germination to bioassays with Lymantria dispar under the following conditions: ambient CO 2 /low N, elevated CO 2 /low N, ambient CO 2 /elevated N, and elevated CO 2 /elevated N. The effect of these growing conditions of the trees on the performance of the defoliator L. dispar was studied 2 years after initiating the tree cultivation. The developmental success of third-instar larvae of L. dispar was characterized by the weight gained, percentage of weight gain, relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), and efficiency of conversion of ingested food into body substance (ECI). Contrary to our expectations, additional N-fertilization did not increase and elevated CO 2 did not delay larval growth rate. However, the environmental treatments of the beech seedlings were found to affect the larval performance. Larvae consumed significantly higher amounts of foliage (RCR) on beech trees under controlled conditions (ambient CO 2 and low N) compared to those under elevated CO 2 and enhanced N. The opposite was true for ECI. The lowest efficacy to convert consumed food to body substance was observed under control conditions and the highest when the larvae were kept on beech trees grown under elevated CO 2 and additional N-fertilization. These opposite effects resulted in the weight gain-based parameters (absolute growth, percentage of growth, and RGR) of the gypsy moth larvae remaining unaffected. The results indicate that the gypsy moth larvae are able to change their ECI and RCR to obtain a specific growth rate. This is discussed as an adaptation to specific food qualities.

Infection of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, with the microsporidium Vairimorpha sp. strongly influences the development of the host in ways typical of many species of terrestrial entomopathogenic Microsporidia; growth is reduced while development time is extended in infected insects. The appearance of the different stages of the parasite in the host relative to the elapsed time after oral infection, as well as the influence of the parasite proliferation on food utilization of the host, were examined. At 3 days postinfection, midgut muscle cells were infected with primary spores, and the fat body tissues contained meronts, sporonts, and primary spores. Many more fat body cells contained vegetative stages and primary spores at 4 and 5 days postinfection, and diplokaryotic spores and immature octospores were also present. Approximate digestibility of infected larvae increased during this time period, whereas the conversion of ingested and digested food to body substance decreased. The relative growth rate of infected and uninfected groups did not differ significantly between 4 and 5 days postinfection, although the relative consumption rate in infected L. dispar larvae was higher. Between 8 and 10 days postinfection, the relative growth rate of uninfected larvae increased. The infected group did not demonstrate this increase at a time period characterized by maturation of diplokaryotic spores and octospores in larval fat body tissues. Total body weight of uninfected larvae remained higher than that of infected larvae after 8 days postinfection.

We report the effect of hydrostatic pressure up to 1.5 GPa on the superconducting transition temperatures Tc of four compounds in the series Y2C2Br2−xIx(0

By means of a steady-state heat-flow technique, we have measured the thermal conductivity in a bulk crystal of highly enriched (99.8588%) 28 Si for temperatures between 2 and 310 K. Maximum values of about 30 000 W m −1 K −1 for κ are found around 20 K. This is six times larger than in natural silicon and even exceeds the maximum in diamond with natural isotope abundance. At room temperature, we obtain a thermal conductivity enhancement of almost 60% compared to natural Si. Our results agree well with theoretical predictions.

We have studied the c-axis and the in-plane infrared response of the anisotropic crystals of ${\mathrm{LaSrGaO}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{LaSrAlO}}_{4}.$ We identify both transverse and longitudinal phonons. The lattice bands show pronounced features of mode coupling, which we attribute to the random distribution of La and Sr atoms in the lattice. We present a scheme to identify and quantify the coupling that induces the asymmetric line shapes. We use the results to discuss infrared-active vibrations of other compounds, including ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}{\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}.$

Die Bismutseltenerdoxidhalogenide Bi2SEO4X (SE = Y, La–Lu; X = Cl, Br, I) wurden festkorperchemisch aus stochiometrischen Gemengen BiOX, Bi2O3 und dem jeweiligen Seltenerdoxid SE2O3 synthetisiert und rontgenografisch, IR-spektroskopisch sowie mittels Massenspektrometrie und DTA/TG-Messungen charakterisiert. Die Kristallstruktur (tetragonal, P4/mmm, a ≈ 3,9 A, c ≈ 9 A) wurde durch Rietveld-Rechnungen verfeinert. Sie kann als Schichtstruktur aus [M3O4]+-Einheiten, die durch Halogen-Monoschichten getrennt sind, beschrieben werden. Die Seltenerd- und Bismutatome in Bi2SEO4X sind 8-fach koordiniert, die Struktur last sich vom Sillenit-Typ (LiBi3O4Cl) ableiten. Die Standardbildungsenthalpien wurden aus Losewarmen und die Standardentropien aus CP-Funktionen hergeleitet. Investigations on the Bismuth Rare-Earth Oxyhalides Bi2REO4X (X = Cl, Br, I) Compounds of the composition of Bi2REO4X (RE = Y, La–Lu; X = Cl, Br, I) have been prepared by solid state reaction of stoichiometric mixtures of BiOX, Bi2O3, and RE2O3. They were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and DTA/TG measurements as well. The crystal structure (tetragonal, P4/mmm, a ≈ 3.9 A, c ≈ 9 A) was determined by the Rietveld method. In the structure [M3O4]+ layers are interleaved by single halogen layers. Rare-earth and bismuth atoms in Bi2REO4X are 8-coordinated. The structure can be derived from the LiBi3O4Cl2 type structure. The enthalpies of formation are derived from heats of solution. The standard entropies were calculated from low-temperature measurements of the specific heat capacities.

We investigated the magnetic properties of pure and lanthanoid (RE = Gd, Dy, or Er) doped samples of Y2C2Br2 (Tc = 5.04 K) by means of SQUID magnetization measurements. The analysis of the high-field susceptibility of the undoped material allows the determination of the Pauli susceptibility, the electronic density of states, and the Stoner enhancement. Tc decreases with increasing spin momenta S and doping concentrations x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.2 at.%/Y) of the paramagnetic lanthanoid dopants. We estimate the exchange integral |Iex| of the lanthanoid spin and the conduction electron spin as well as the critical concentrations xc, relying on the Ginzburg–Landau–Abrikosov–Gor'kov (GLAG) theory of impurity pair breaking for dilute alloys (x → 0).

Superconductivity in layered yttrium carbide bromides and iodides with transition temperatures ranging up to 11.6 K is achieved by adjusting the Br:I, ratio to ≈1:3 in phases of Y 2 C 2 (Br,I) 2 . In our contribution, we compile basic physical and chemical properties of Y 2 C 2 X 2 (X=Cl, Br, I) and present new results of the La-based phases La 2 C 2 X 2 (X=Br, I).

Die biologischen Eigenschaften von Tumorzellen werden durch zumeist erworbene Veranderungen proliferationsrelevanter Gene – Protoonkogene und Tumorsuppressorgene – bestimmt, deren Nachweis neuartige diagnostische und prognostische Parameter liefern kann. Meningeome und Gliome zahlen zu den genetisch am besten charakterisierten soliden Tumoren: Es sind artspezifisch eine Reihe spezifischer primarer und sekundarer genetischer Aberrationen bekannt, die mit klinischen Parametern wie z.B. der Rezidivneigung von Meningeomen oder der malignen Progression von Astrozytomen assoziiert sind. Die insbesondere fur Gliome typische fokale Progression mit der Folge einer intratumoralen Heterogenitat ist auf komplexe sekundare Mutations- und Selektionsmechanismen zwischen Tumorzellen zuruckzufuhren, die auch iatrogen durch Strahlen- oder Chemotherapien mitbestimmt werden.

We studied the electronic $c$-axis conductivity ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{c}^{\mathrm{el}}(\ensuremath{\omega},T)$ of ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ by far-infrared ellipsometry. The substitution of ${\mathrm{Y}}^{3+}$ by ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ makes the overdoped regime accessible and decouples the electronic properties of ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes and CuO chains. We find evidence that the unusual $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and $T$ dependence of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{c}^{\mathrm{el}}(\ensuremath{\omega},T)$ in the normal state, in particular, the ``pseudogap,'' is determined by the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes which confine the charge carriers. In the overdoped regime this confinement is relaxed. Simultaneously, the superconducting energy gap is reduced and a large fraction of the quasiparticles remains unpaired below ${T}_{c}$.

Nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxation are reported for 13 C, 79/81 Br and 127 I in the layered carbide halides Y 2 C 2 Br 2 , Y 2 C 2 Br 0.5 I 1.5 , Y 2 C 2 I 2 and Y 2 CBr 2 for natural isotope abundances and for 13 C-enriched samples. Field and temperature dependences of 13 C spin-lattice relaxation are derived. The data analysis supports p-like character of the conduction electrons at the C 2 dumbbell sites in the superconducting dicarbides. Nonlinear temperature dependence of the 13 C Korringa rate in Y 2 C 2 Br 2 indicates that the Fermi energy falls in a region of positive curvature of the energy-dependent density of states.

The amino acid composition of larvae, pupae, and adult mosquitoes of Anopheles stephensi infected with Nosema algerae and noninfected insects was analyzed using an amino acid analyzer. The increase and decrease in the concentration of single amino acids during the development of the microsporidium were compared with the spread of meronts, sporonts, and spores within the host. The appearance of meronts and sporonts coincided mainly with an increase in the concentration of alanine and histidine. The amount of alanine, proline, and tyrosine decreased during spore formation. Tyrosine appeared in the hemolymph of infected A. stephensi, whereas this amino acid could not be found in the blood of uninfected insects. The spores themselves contained predominantly the glycogenic amino acid alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, and glycine. Proline, methionine, or tyrosine could not be detected within the spores. Copyright 1998 Academic Press. Copyright 1998 Academic Press

Stoffwechselkrankheiten sind ihrem Wesen nach monogene Krankheiten, von denen die meisten autosomal-rezessiv erblich sind. Es gibt nur wenige Ausnahmen, die autosomal-dominant (z. B. akute intermittierende Porphyrie, familiare Hypercholesterinamie durch PCSK9-Mutationen), X-chromosomal-rezessiv (z. B. Fabry-Krankheit) oder mitochondrial (verschiedene Mitochondriopathien) vererbt werden. Bei den autosomal-rezessiven Stoffwechselkrankheiten sind in der Regel die Eltern des Patienten klinisch unauffallig, fur Geschwister besteht hingegen ein Erkrankungsrisiko von bis zu 25 %. Eine Familienanamnese muss in jedem Fall erhoben werden. Gezielt zu erfragen ist dabei zum einen eine mogliche Konsanguinitat der Eltern, die das Auftreten seltener autosomal-rezessiver Merkmale begunstigt, zum anderen der ethnische Hintergrund mit Blick auf populationsspezifische (»judische«, »finnische« etc.) Erkrankungen.

The Cu-isotope effect on the spin-Peierls transition temperature TSP in samples of the Cu2+ linear-chain compound CuGeO3 has been determined by dc-magneticsusceptibility and specific-heat measurements. A downshift of the spin-Peierls transition by about 0.1 K for the 65Cu-isotope enriched 65CuGeO3 as compared to natCuGeO3 containing the natural mixture of isotopes is found consistently in the magnetization and specific heat. This result suggests different isotope effects on the phonon characteristic frequency θ0 on the one hand and on the spin-phonon coupling constant g on the other hand. However, the isotope effect on TSP is smaller than estimated if all atoms were to contribute to ω0 and only the Cu atoms to g.

We characterize the superconducting state of the carbides YC${}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Th}}_{x}{\mathrm{C}}_{2},$ and ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}$ $(0lxl~0.3)$ by means of magnetization and specific-heat measurements. ${\mathrm{YC}}_{2}$ is a superconductor with ${T}_{c}=4.02(5)$ K. Partial substitution with Ca and Th, as well as doping with the strongly pair breaking Gd, reduces the critical temperature. Isothermal magnetization measurements on ${\mathrm{YC}}_{2}$ indicate a superconducting behavior close to the type-I limit with ${B}_{c2}(0)=59(2)$ mT. Specific-heat data of ${\mathrm{YC}}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{Y}}_{0.8}{\mathrm{Th}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{Y}}_{0.9}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{0.1}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}$ are analyzed in terms of weak-coupling BCS theory and the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ model. The comparison with the model predictions as well as the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}{/}^{13}$C-isotope effect on ${T}_{c}$ indicate excellent agreement with weak-coupling BCS theory for YC${}_{2}$. A strong dependence of the superconducting properties on the carbon deficiency is observed. We describe high-temperature annealing procedures to optimize the superconducting properties of the samples. Ab initio calculations of the electronic band structure using the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital atomic-sphere approximation method are presented and the density of states at the Fermi energy is discussed in view of the experimental Pauli susceptibilities and heat-capacity results.

We have studied the c-polarized optical phonons of high quality single crystals of La{sub 2{minus}x}Sr{sub x}CuO{sub 4} with doping concentrations ranging from the underdoped to the overdoped regime (x=0.1,0.12,0.15,0.18,0.2) at temperatures between 10 and 300 K. We discuss the dependence of all observed phonon modes on temperature as well as on doping. We find no indication for a coupling of the zone-center phonons to the electronic continuum, either in the normal or in the superconducting state. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal-dominant condition characterized by hypoplasia/aplasia of clavicles, patent fontanelles, supernumerary teeth, short stature, and other changes in skeletal patterning and growth. In some families, the phenotype segregates with deletions resulting in heterozygous loss of CBFA1, a member of the runt family of transcription factors. In other families, insertion, deletion, and missense mutations lead to translational stop codons in the DNA binding domain or in the C-terminal transactivating region. In-frame expansion of a polyalanine stretch segregates in an affected family with brachydactyly and minor clinical findings of CCD. We conclude that CBFA1 mutations cause CCD and that heterozygous loss of function is sufficient to produce the disorder.

Using Raman spectroscopy and far-infrared ellipsometry we have investigated several ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ ceramics which were made from different isotopically pure Cu or Ba precursors. The observed shifts of Raman- and infrared-active phonons reveal insight into their relative Ba and Cu normal mode content. This allows us to examine mode eigenvectors obtained from lattice dynamical calculations. Our Raman results demonstrate that the 121 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and 153 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ ${\mathrm{A}}_{\mathrm{g}}$ phonons are only very weakly mixed and represent almost pure Ba and Cu vibrations, respectively, whereas they suggest considerable Ba-Cu-O mixing in the case of the ${\mathrm{B}}_{2\mathrm{g}}$ and ${\mathrm{B}}_{3\mathrm{g}}$ phonons at 140 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and 142 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. The analysis of the infrared-active ${\mathrm{B}}_{1\mathrm{u}}$ modes yields a substantial contribution of Cu to the 150 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and the 280 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ phonons and of Ba to the 150 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ mode. Making use of proposed eigenvectors, which are shown to be compatible with the observed isotope shifts, we determine effective charges for all ions from measured infrared oscillator strengths on a ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ crystal. We find that the proposed eigenvectors are compatible with earlier experiments of the oxygen isotope effect as well as the replacement of Y by rare earth elements.

Objective Robotic-assisted techniques are continuing to cement their role in coronary surgery, particularly in facilitating the endoscopic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), regardless of how the subsequent bypass grafting is performed. As more surgeons attempt to become trained in robotic-assisted procedures, we sought to better define the learning curve associated with robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest. Methods Between January 2011 and July 2012, a total of 77 patients underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution. The LIMA was harvested endoscopically in all patients, using standard robotic instruments, followed by direct grafting to anterior wall myocardial vessels via a small thoracotomy. Intraoperative times for various components of the procedure were collated and analyzed. Results The mean ± SD time taken to insert and position the ports for the robotic instruments was 3.9 ± 1.4 minutes. The mean ± SD LIMA harvest time was 31.8 ± 10.1 minutes, and the mean ± SD total robotic time was 44.2 ± 12.9 minutes. All time variables consistently continued to decrease as the experience of the operating surgeon increased, with the greatest magnitude of improvement being evident within the first 20 cases. The logarithmic learning curves for LIMA harvest time and total robot time during our entire experience were both calculated as 90%, correlating to an expected 10% improvement in performance for each doubling of cases completed. Conclusions Coronary surgeons can rapidly become proficient in robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest, with significant improvement in operative times evident within the first 20 cases completed. These data may be useful in designing appropriate training programs for newer surgeons seeking to gain experience in robotic-assisted coronary surgery.

Resistivity, susceptibility, and specific heat measurements on the new layered superconductors ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{I}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ have been performed to characterize their superconducting state. Our experiments indicate bulk superconductivity with ${T}_{c}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}9.97\mathrm{K}$ for ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{I}}_{2}$ and ${T}_{c}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}5.04\mathrm{K}$ for ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$. An analysis of the specific heat anomalies at ${T}_{c}$ in terms of the weak coupling BCS and the two-fluid model, as well as estimates based on McMillan's formula, reveals strong electron-phonon coupling in the present systems, in contrast to the related three-dimensional superconductor ${\mathrm{YC}}_{2}$ with ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}4.0\mathrm{K}$.

OBJECTIVES: To identify genes that are involved in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We used a multiple gene analysis system and a set of available genes participating in processes such as proliferation, differentiation, tumour progression, and metastasis, to identify their RA related expression. Synovial tissues from 22 patients with RA were evaluated in comparison with those from six patients with osteoarthritis and two patients with non-inflamed joints as controls, using northern blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction experiments. RESULTS: Our data confirm the role of c-fos and c-jun as constitutive signal transmitters in solid RA tissues, thus demonstrating the potential of the approach. Activation of both genes persisted through multiple passages of the cells in tissue cultures derived from the synovial lining of RA tissues. There was an increased expression of ets-2 in 30% of RA samples and an up to 30-fold decreased expression of the potential metastasis suppressor gene nm23-H1 in 90% of RA tissues, compared with control tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented show for the first time a significant decrease of nm23-H1 expression in RA, which is possibly involved in local invasiveness, and a strong activation of the ets-2 nuclear oncogene in about one third of RA tissues, which may also be part of a pathway leading to advanced disease stages. The constitutive expression of c-fos and c-jun in RA tissue most probably results from a continuing inflammatory stimulus. These findings with cell cultures suggest an intrinsic activation mechanism of these early response genes in RA.

We have measured the $c$-axis optical response of a large, high-quality single crystal of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1.87}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.13}$Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ between 30 and 700 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in the 10-300 K temperature range with a far-infrared Fourier ellipsometer. Since ellipsometry provides both amplitude and phase information, we directly obtain the complex dielectric function, thereby avoiding the errors introduced by the Kramers-Kronig transformation or the reference determination. A purely algebraic treatment of our data within the two-fluid Gorter-Casimir model reveals no indication of a reduction of the normal carrier scattering rate $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ below ${T}_{c}$. We obtain $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\approx}130\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}70$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and a plasma frequency for the superconducting carriers of ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ps}}\ensuremath{\approx}260\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Thus, assuming a weak-coupling BCS gap ($3.5{k}_{B}{T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}77$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, with ${T}_{c}=31.5$ K) we conclude that the $c$-axis optical response of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1.87}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.13}$Cu${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ can neither be modeled within the clean nor with the dirty limit.

New germanides ScAuGe, TmAuGe, and LuAuGe were prepared by melting mixtures of the elements in an arc furnace and subsequent annealing at 1070 K. The structures of ScAuGe and LuAuGe were refined from X-ray single-crystal diffractometer data: P6 3 mc (No. 186), Z = 2, a = 430.82(5) pm, c = 684.58(10) pm, V = 0.1100(1) nm 3 , wR 2 = 0.0688, 275 F o 2 values, ten variables for ScAuGe; P6 3 mc (No. 186), Z = 2, a = 437.75(4) pm, c = 711.38(6) pm, V = 0.1181(1) nm 3 , wR 2 = 0.0340, 355 F o 2 values, 11 variables, and a batch scale factor of 0.47(3) for LuAuGe. The lattice constants for TmAuGe are a = 439.08(4) pm, c = 716.59(7) pm, and V = 0.1196(1) nm 3 . The crystal structures of these germanides are derived from the CaIn 2 -type structure by an ordered arrangement of Au and Ge atoms at the indium position. The crystal chemistry of ScAuGe and LuAuGe is compared with that of the recently reported cerium compound. Although the AuGe intralayer distances at 259.6 pm in CeAuGe, 260.5 pm in LuAuGe, and 257.6 pm in ScAuGe are similar, the AuGe interlayer distances at 364.2 pm in CeAuGe, 292.7 pm in LuAuGe, and 275.2 pm in ScAuGe differ significantly. Thus, the [AuGe] polyanions are changed from two-dimensional layers in CeAuGe to a three-dimensional network of distorted tetrahedra in ScAuGe. Chemical bonding within the structures was investigated by TB-LMTO-ASA band structure calculations. The energy bands, the densities of states and the valence charge densities are discussed. Bonding is characterized by intralayer bonds between Au and Ge within the puckered AuGe hexagons. In addition, in the case of ScAuGe strong bonds are directed from the Au atoms of one layer to the Ge atoms of the neighbouring layer. Weaker interlayer bonding is observed in LuAuGe and no interlayer interaction in CeAuGe, as already indicated by the pronounced increase of the interlayer distances.

Die metallischen Eigenschaften der Carbidhalogenide Y2X2C2 beruhen auf YC-Kovalenz. Die Supraleitung der Verbindungen wird auf paarweise Attraktion von Leitungselektronen durch C2-π*-Zustande an der Fermikante zuruckgefuhrt. Diese Hypothese wird experimentell und mit Bandstrukturrechnungen verfolgt. Neutronenbeugung am Pulver ergibt d(CC) = 128(1) pm fur Y2Br2C2. Rontgeneinkristalluntersuchungen an Y2Br2C2 und Y2I1,5Br0,5C2 zeigen eine charakteristische Anderung der Koordination fur die C2-Gruppe. Die systematische Variation des mittleren Halogenidradius in Y2(X,X′)2C2 (X,X′ = Br, Cl; I, Cl und I, Br) ergibt einen monotonen Anstieg von Tc = 2,3 K (X = Cl) uber Tc = 5,05 K (X = Br) mit einem Maximum bei Tc = 11,2 fur Y2I1,6Br0,4C2. Ein Isotopeneffekt 12C/13C wird nicht gefunden. Photoelektronenspektren von Y2Br2C2 (Anregungsenergien zwischen 40 und 140 eV) werden mit den Ergebnissen von Bandstrukturrechnungen (LMTO, E.H.) verglichen. Die elektronische Struktur zeigt insbesondere zwei Bander, die das Ferminiveau kreuzen. Eines besitzt C2-π*-Y-dxz,yz-Charakter und hat einen Sattelpunkt bei EF. Das zweite schneidet mit groser Dispersion das Ferminiveau und hat dort ausschlieslich Y-d-Charakter. Die Ergebnisse werden im Rahmen theoretischer Modelle (van-Hove-Singularitat; lokal gepaarte und itinerante Elektronen) diskutiert. Superconductivity in Rare Earth Metal Carbide Halides of the Type SE2X2C2 The metallic nature of the carbide halides Y2X2C2 is due to YC covalency. The superconductivity of the compounds is attributed to a pairwise attraction of conduction electrons by C2-π* states at the Fermi level. The hypothesis is followed by experiments and band structure calculations. – Neutron powder diffraction reveals d(CC) = 128(1) pm for Y2Br2C2. X-ray single crystal investigations on Y2Br2C2 and Y2I1.5Br0.5C2 show a characteristic variation of the coordination of the C2 unit. Systematic changes of the average halide radius in Y2(X,X′)2C2 (X,X′ = Br, Cl I, Cl and I, Br) lead to a monotonic increase of Tc = 2.3 K (X = Cl) via Tc = 5.05 K (X = Br) to a maximum Tc = 11.2 K for Y2I1.6Br0.4C2. No isotope effect for 12C/13C could be detected. Photoelectron spectra of Y2Br2C2 (excitation energies between 40 and 140 eV) are compared with the results of band structure calculations (LMTO, E.H.). The electronic structure reveals two bands crossing the Fermi level. One of them has C2-π*-Y-dxz,yz character and exhibits a saddle-point at EF. The other intersects the Fermi level with large dispersion and has exclusively Y-d character at the crossing point. The results are discussed with respect to theoretical models (van Hove singularity, local pairs and itinerant electrons).

By combining reflectance spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry, the complex dielectric function of SrTiO3 in the frequency range 40–5000 cm−1 at 20, 100, 200, and 300 K has been determined. Using a factorized description, analytical expressions for the optical quantities were derived, giving excellent agreement with the experimental data. These can be used for two‐layer fits of films on SrTiO3, e.g., of high‐Tc superconductors. The fit parameters complement very well those found at higher temperatures.

Acrodysostosis is characterized by a peripheral dysostosis that is accompanied by short stature, midface hypoplasia, and developmental delay. Recently, it was shown that heterozygous point mutations in the PRKAR1A gene cause acrodysostosis with hormone resistance. By mutational analysis of the PRKAR1A gene we detected four different mutations (p.Arg368Stop, p.Ala213Thr, p.Tyr373Cys, and p.Arg335Cys) in four of seven affected patients with acrodysostosis. The combination of clinical results, endocrinological parameters and in silico mutation analysis gives evidence to suppose a pathogenic effect of each mutation. This assumption is supported by the de novo origin of these mutations. Apart from typical radiological abnormalities of the hand bones, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone and parathyroid hormone values as well as short stature are the most common findings. Less frequent features are characteristic facial dysmorphisms, sensorineural hearing loss and mild intellectual disability. These results lead to the conclusion that mutations of PKRAR1A are the major molecular cause for acrodysostosis with endocrinological abnormalities. In addition, in our cohort of 44 patients affected with brachydactyly type E (BDE) we detected only one sequence variant of PRKAR1A (p.Asp227Asn) with an unclear effect on protein function. Thus, we conclude that PRKAR1A mutations may play no major role in the pathogenesis of BDE.

Zusammenfassung62 intrakranielle Meningeome von 60 Patienten wurden präoperativ durch 18FDG-PET untersucht, um den Zusammenhang zwischen 18FDG-Aufnahme und biologischem Tumorverhalten zu überprüfen. Als Parameter der Tumoraggressivität dienten histopathologisches Grading, Zelldichte, Ki-67-Proliferationsindex und Nachweis chromosomaler Aberrationen. Wir fanden einen signifikant erhöhten 18FDG-Uptake bei Grad 2- und 3- im Vergleich zu Grad 1-Meningeomen, bei zellreichen gegenüber mäßig zellreichen Meningeomen, und bei Tumoren mit einem erhöhten Ki-67-Proliferationsindex (über 2%). Die beiden Meningeome, bei denen die ausgeprägtesten chromosomalen Aberrationen beobachtet wurden, wiesen den höchsten 18FDG-Uptake unter den zytogenetisch untersuchten Meningeomen auf. Hieraus folgern wir, daß die 18FDG-PET zur Abschätzung der biologischen Aggressivität von intrakraniellen Meningeomen geeignet ist.