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With the increasing demand for metalliferous and mineral raw materials and the consequent depletion of the global natural resource base, the possible utilization of secondary raw material sources is receiving more and more attention. In the present study, we present results from a detailed vanadium deportment study of three basic oxygen furnace slag (BOS) samples known to containing elevated bulk concentrations of vanadium. Complementary analytical methods that were used to quantify the abundance and composition of V-containing phases include SEM-based automated mineralogy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction as well as electron probe microanalysis. The vanadium deportment was quantified using Monte-Carlo simulations of the data obtained from automated mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis. The total V concentrations identified by XRF are between 1.7 and 2.2 wt.% V. The most important hosts of vanadium are larnite-, brownmillerite- and portlandite-solid solutions. In two samples Ca carbonates also significantly contribute to the V deportment, while wuestite, lime, and native iron do not contribute significantly to the vanadium deportment. A thorough consistency check identifies considerable uncertainties in the density of the V-bearing phases as the most likely reason to explain remaining discrepancies between measured and calculated V values.

L’ischémie mésentérique aiguë (IMA) est associée à une mortalité de 60 à 80 %. Un diagnostic précoce et un traitement rapide sont essentiels. Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer les marqueurs pronostiques de mortalité, afin de mieux anticiper l’évolution clinique et débuter un traitement adapté suffisamment tôt.

Abstract: Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is among the most common dysfunctions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It interferes with quality of life and is a risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma in the lower esophagus. Laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective treatment of GERD, but the physiologic mechanisms of the different available procedures had not been investigated to date. Methods: In this study, 28 German Landrace pigs underwent baseline manometry and 24-h pH monitoring followed by myotomy to induce reflux esophagitis. After new-onset reflux was proved, the pigs were randomized to groups based on four treatments: total fundoplication, anterior hemifundoplication, posterior hemifundoplication, and control. On days 10 and 60 after the intervention, the effectiveness of the different fundoplication modifications was compared with that of the control subjects by 24-h pH monitoring manometry. Finally, the pigs were killed, after which the minimum volume and pressure required to breach the gastroesophageal junction were recorded. Results: After myotomy, a significant increase in the reflux could be confirmed. The findings after fundoplication showed a significant decrease in the fraction of time that the pH fell below four and an increase in the vector volume compared with the measurement after myotomy. Total fundoplication and posterior hemifundoplication were highly effective, whereas measurements after anterior fundoplication still showed increased fraction times. Pharmacologic stimulation with pentagastrin showed an increase in the vector volume of the esophageal sphincter. Conclusions: Total fundoplication and posterior hemifundoplication are potent operations for the treatment of GERD. Anterior hemifundoplication reduces the reflux as well, but the effects are significantly less than with total and posterior fundoplication. Pharmacologic stimulation showed excellent results after posterior hemifundoplication, and a tendency to overcorrection was shown after total fundoplication.

Ziel: Zur Verhütung einer Gefährdung der Gesundheit von Mensch und Tier bei Anwendung von Arzneimitteln fordert der Gesetzgeber im Arzneimittelgesetz die zentrale Erfassung und Auswertung von Arzneimittelrisiken, insbesondere von Nebenwirkungen und Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Mitteln. Bereits seit 1988 müssen die pharmazeutischen Unternehmen einen qualifizierten Stufenplanbeauftragten benennen, der für die Erfüllung der Anzeigepflichten von Arzneimittelrisiken verantwort-lich ist und gemäβ einem internen Maβnahmenplan («Stufenplan») geeignete Maβ-nahmen bei Auftreten von Beanstandungen ergreifen muβ. Quellen und Auswahlkriterien: Grundlagen dieser Übersicht sind die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen, insbesondere das Arzneimittelgesetz und ergänzende Vorschriften, die die Pflichten des Stufenplanbeauftragten präzisieren. Ergebnisse: Blutkomponenten unterliegen ohne Einschränkung den Vorschriften für Arzneimittel, so daβ die entsprechenden Richtlinien für transfusionsmedizinische Einrichtungen unverändert zur Anwendung kommen. In diesem Artikel werden die geltenden Vorschriften zusammengefaβt. Am Beispiel einer transfusionsmedizinischen Abteilung an einer Universitätsklinik wird die praktische Umsetzung dar-gestellt. Schluβfolgerungen: Im Zusammenhang mit der Übertragung viraler Infektions-krankheiten hat sich in den letzten Jahren mehrfach gezeigt, wie wichtig die Funk-tion des Stufenplanbeauftragten für die Ergreifung effektiver Maβnahmen beim Auftreten von schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen ist. Durch die in den transfusions-medizinischen Einrichtungen erfolgte Umsetzung der entsprechenden gesetzlichen Bestimmungen konnte die Arzneimittelsicherheit von Blutkomponenten entschei-dend verbessert werden.

Strategies and standards for predicting the likelihood of pharmacokinetically significant inhibitory drug-drug interactions for drug development purposes which rely primarily on projected in vivo concentrations of cytochrome P450 (CYP) or transporter inhibitors, [I], and in vitro estimates of their inhibitory constants, Ki, were specified in several commentaries based upon a conference held by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS) several years ago. Since then the application of those strategies and standards has met with varying degrees of success. Many of the vexing issues that were identified in the EUFEPS Conference Report remain, while other issues are systematically being resolved. This article briefly reviews the underlying strategy in the prediction of the significance of inhibitory DDIs using [I]/Ki ratios; some of the difficulties or pitfalls associated with the predictive application of [I]/Ki ratios; and some of the recent refinements of the general strategy.

Abstract: The different response to growth on serpentine soil is a major autecological difference between the annual asteracean species Microseris douglasiiand M. bigelovii,with nearly non‐overlapping distribution ranges in California. Early flowering and seed set is regarded as a crucial character contributing to escape drought and thus is strongly correlated with survival and reproductive success on serpentine as naturally toxic soil. M. bigelovii(strain C94) from non‐serpentine soil produces more leaves at the expense of bud production in the first growing phase than M. douglasii(B14) from serpentine soil. A QTL mapping study for this trade‐off and for other growth‐related traits was performed after six generations of inbreeding (F7) from a single interspecific hybrid between B14 and C94 on plants that were grown on serpentine and alternatively on normal potting soil. The trade‐off is mainly correlated with markers on one map region on linkage group 03a (lg03a) with major phenotypic effects (phenotypic variance explained [PVE] = 18.8 ‐ 31.7 %). Plants with the M. douglasiiallele in QTL‐B1 (QTL‐NL1) produce more buds but fewer leaves in the first 119 days on both soil types. Three modifier QTL could be mapped for bud and leaf production. In one modifier (QTL‐B2 = QTL‐NL4) the M. douglasiiallele is again associated with more buds but fewer leaves. QTL mapped for bud set in the F6 co‐localize with QTL‐B1 (major QTL) and QTL‐B3. Two additional QTL for leaf length and red coloration of leaves could be mapped to one map region on lg03a. Co‐localization of the two QTL loci with major phenotypic effects on bud and leaf production strongly suggests that a major genetic locus controls the trade‐off between the two adaptive traits. The importance of mutational changes in major genes for the adaptation to stressful environments is discussed.

Abstract: Range expansion from Pleistocene refugia and anthropogenic influences contribute to the present distribution pattern of Arabidopsis thaliana.We scored a genome‐wide set of CAPSs and found two markers with an east‐west geographic distribution across the Eurasian range of the species. Regions around the two SNPs were sequenced in 98 accessions, including newly collected plants from Middle Asia and Western Siberia. These regions correspond to a gene (∼ 1500 bp) and a non‐coding region (∼ 500 bp) 300 kbp apart on chromosome 2. Nucleotide diversities, π, of the two sequenced fragments were 0.0032 and 0.0130. The haplotypes of both sequences belonged to one of two groups: a rather uniform “Asian” and a more variable “European” haplotype group, on the basis of non‐disjunct clusters of SNPs. Recombination between “Asian” and “European” haplotypes occurs where they meet. Especially in the “European” haplotype, many rare SNP variants representing independent mutations are scattered among the shared haplotype‐specific SNPs. This agrees with previous suggestions of two large haplotype groups in A. thalianaand the post‐glacial colonization of central Europe from the east and the west. A clear correlation between climatic factors and the haplotype distribution may reflect the dispersal history rather than local climate adaptation. The pattern of SNP variation within the contiguous sequences explains why only a minority of SNPs selected across the genome show evidence of this geographic pattern.

With the dramatic change underway in the process of drug discovery and Development it has become increasingly important to define, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the dispositional features of new chemical entities (NCEs) as early in the process as possible. To that end strategies have emerged that are designed to enable reasonable predictions about a NCEs absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, systemic bioavailability and likelihood for significant pre-systemic clearance, character of metabolic processing both within the gastrointestinal tract and the liver, in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK), and likelihood for clinically significant interactions with other drugs. To some extent these strategies have embraced interspecies allometric scaling in which findings in animals are extrapolated to predict outcomes in humans. However, a greater emphasis in recent years has been placed on predicting human PK and the likelihood of clinically significant drug-drug interactions for NCEs solely from in vitro experiments. These general strategies have been methodologically streamlined so that hundreds or even thousands of experiments on a given NCE can be conducted within several days. Dispositional data from these pre-clinical experiments is useful for rapidly identifying potential marketing advantages for NCEs, and for screening out those substances that should not be placed into more expensive and labor-intensive animal experiments or brought to clinical trial. The key issue in these strategies is the accuracy with which pre-clinical findings predict clinical outcomes. Based largely on retrospective analyses the current state of the art exhibits a high percentage of useful predictions. However, there are many examples in which the prediction of either human PK or clinical drug-drug interactions from pre-clinical data has failed. The reasons for inaccurate predictions are manifold, and may include the actual in vitro methodology used, inappropriate model selection, and errant scale-up factors. Additionally, in vitro methods may fail to account for complex hepatobiliary processing including transport phenomena and Phase II metabolism. Progress has been made in establishing humanized methodologies that accurately describe these processes, with a view toward reconstituting the contributions of each into a more complex and accurate depiction and prediction of in vivo PK and drug-interaction potential.

The structural, electronic, and thermochemical properties of indium compounds which are of interest in halide transport and organometallic chemical vapor deposition processes have been studied by ab initio and statistical thermodynamic methods. The compounds reported include:  indium halides and hydrides (InF, InCl, InCl3, InH, InH2, InH3); indium clusters (In2, In3); methylindium, dimethylindium, and their hydrogen derivatives [In(CH3), In(CH3)H, In(CH3)H2, In(CH3)2, In(CH3)2H]; dimethylindium dimer [In2(CH3)4] and trimethylindium [In(CH3)3]; dehydrogenated methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethylindium [In(CH3)2CH2, In(CH3)CH2, In(CH2)]; trimethylindium adducts with ammonia, trimethylamine and hydrazine [(CH3)3In:NH3, (CH3)3In:N(CH3)3, (CH3)3In:N(H2)N(H2)]; dimethylamino-indium and methylimino-indium [In(CH3)2(NH2), In(CH3)(NH)]; indium nitride and indium nitride dimer (InN, In2N2); indium phosphide, -arsenide, and -antimonide (InP, InAs, InSb). The predicted electronic properties are based on density functional theory calculations; the calculated thermodynamic properties are reported following the format of the JANAF (Joint Army, Navy, NASA, Air Force) Tables. Equilibrium compositions at two temperatures (298 and 1000K) have been analyzed for groups of competing simultaneous reactions.

Abstract: The loss of the two inner (adaxial) microsporangia (MS) on the anthers is a shared, derived character for three species of the genus Microseris(Asteraceae). In a hybrid between M. douglasii(4 MS) and M. bigelovii(2 MS), one major gene and four modifier loci are responsible for the difference in MS number. The homozygous recessive (2 MS) genotype of the major gene is necessary but not sufficient for the reduction. In addition, at least five M. bigelovii(2 MS) alleles of the three major modifiers are needed for a stable 2‐MS phenotype in all florets of a plant. One, two or three M. bigeloviialleles of the modifiers cause the random reduction or loss of some of the adaxial MS. When the major gene and two modifiers specify 2 MS and only one modifier is homozygous for the M. douglasii(4 MS) alleles, sister plants can have any phenotype from pure 2 MS to pure 4 MS. Here, we examine the phenotypic expression of these genotypes raised under the normal winter annual conditions and under long‐day conditions. In all cases, the phenotypes vary among sister plants, but the range of variation (most notably under long‐day conditions) depends on the specific modifier gene contributing the M. douglasiialleles. The phenotypic variance in one of the genotypes was decreased by a factor of ten in the depauperate heads produced in the long‐day experiment. This effect is mediated by a dependence of the MS phenotype on the position of the floret relative to the edge of the flowering head (capitulum) and directly by the size of the capitulum. Genotypes specifying phenotypes with more or less precisely two or four MS in all florets show hardly any dependence on environmental or developmental factors. The significance of these observations lies in the non‐linear, “canalized” relationship between phenotypic expression and gene dosage, which shows how a qualitative morphological change dependent on a single major gene mutation can pass through a potentially maladaptive intermediate stage.

The insertion of trocars under visual guidance has been developed to a safe procedure. However, 'blind' primary puncture for insufflation with a Veress needle still carries a well-recognised risk of injuries. We have added specific optical features to the protective shield of a conventional Veress needle with the aim of minimising these risks. The resulting special Veress needle, with an optical protective shield, allows us to benefit from the advantages of optical trocars (Optiview trocars; Ethicon Endosurgery, Cincinnati, USA) during the primary puncture. Orientation within the tissue layers and visualisation of adhesions and intraperitoneal organs is therefore possible prior to the penetration of the peritoneum. This Veress needle consists of a conventional needle with an integrated spring mechanism. The spring-activated protective shield allows the integration of a fibre glass optic at the distal end of the protective shield. The tissue surrounding the transparent shield is thus visible. The protective shield and optic are not mechanically tied to each other. We have modified this needle to suit the non-trocar Dilatation System Step (Innerdyne, California, USA). This gives a system capable of performing primary punctures under the usual Veress needle conditions, but the area to be accessed can be viewed. At the same time, a sleeve (an expandable trocar bushing) is brought into the intra-abdominal area and dilated to an internal diameter of 7, 10 or 12 mm. After dilatation, high-flow insufflation takes place under optical monitoring, e.g. with a 10 mm optic. Diagnostic inspection is therefore possible while insufflation is still in progress; this is considerably less time-consuming than the conventional method. The area to be diagnosed can be accessed repeatedly using the same Veress needle and various sleeves. Such an approach makes it unnecessary to use classical trocar systems. A more effective utilisation of instrumentation is also more cost-effective. The dilatable sleeves are always brought in with the low penetration pressure of the Veress needle and under visual control. Dilatation trocars are used to spread the sleeves, thus risks can be reduced to a minimum.

The administration of phenylbutazone together with warfarin to dogs resulted in an elevation of the free fraction of warfarin in the plasma from 2·6 to 8·0% thus providing direct support for the notion that phenylbutazone induced inhibition of warfarin binding to plasma proteins. This inhibition as evaluated by a kinetic method was accompanied by a two-fold decrease in the plasma half-life of warfarin from 18·4 h in control animals to 9·6 h in phenylbutazone-treated animals. Marked increases in warfarin-induced hypoprothrombinaemia were observed when at doses up to 8 mg kg−1(orally) it was given with phenylbutazone (50 mg kg−1, orally). The unbound fraction of warfarin in canine plasma ranged from 1·7 to 4·3% indicating individual differences in the extent of the plasma binding of warfarin in the dog.

Es wird über Planung und Ausführung des 421 m hohen Fernmeldeturms in Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia berichtet. Der Turm wird in Stahlbetonbauweise errichtet und ist mit einem Durchmesser von 24.50 m bei 1.40 m Wanddicke am Fußpunkt und mit einem Durchmesser von 13.60 m bei .60 m Wanddicke am Turmkopf der vierthöchste Turm der Welt im Jahr 1995.

We present the first next-to-leading-order QCD analysis of neutrino charm production, using a sample of 6090?µ- and -induced opposite-sign dimuon events observed in the CCFR detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We find that the nucleon strange quark content is suppressed with respect to the non-strange sea quarks by a factor ?=0.477-0.053+0.063, where the error includes statistical, systematic and QCD scale uncertainties. In contrast to previous leading order analyses, we find that the strange seax-dependence is similar to that of the non-strange sea, and that the measured charm quark mass,mc=1.70±0.19 GeV/c2, is larger and consistent with that determined in other processes. Further analysis finds that the difference inx-distributions betweenxs(x) and is small. A measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |Vcd|=0.232-0.020+0.018 is also presented.

The rate of neutrino- and antineutrino-induced prompt same-sign dimuon production in steel was measured using a sample of µ-µ- events and 25 µ+µ+ events withPµ>9 GeV/c, produced in 1.5 millionvµ and 0.3 million induced charged-current events with energies between 30 GeV and 600 GeV. The data were obtained with the Chicago-Columbia-Fermilab-Rochester (CCFR) neutrino detector in the Fermilab Tevatron Quadrupole Triplet Neutrino Beam during experiments E 744 and E 770. After background subtraction, the prompt rate of same-sign dimuon production is (0.53±0.24)×10-4 pervµ charged-current event and (0.52±0.33)×10-4 per charged-current event. The kinematic distributions of the same-sign dimuon events after background subtraction are consistent with those of the non-prompt background due to meson decays in the hadron shower of a charged-current event. Calculations ofc gluon bremsstrahlung, based on improved measurements of the charm mass parameter and nucleon structure functions by the CCFR collaboration, yield a prompt rate of (0.09±0.39)×10-4 pervµ charged-current event. In this case,c gluon bremsstrahlung is probably not an observable source of prompt same-sign dimuons.

Microseris strain C34 is a hybrid between the Chilean speciesM. pygmaea (10 pappus parts) and the CalifornianM. bigelovii (5 pappus parts). The plants are propagated by selfing from the original hybrid specimen. Each plant has from 5 to 10 pappus parts per achene with an average value that is additively determined by four unlinked quantitatively acting genes. Single-gene heterozygote sublines have been obtained for two of these,pp-1 (shown to be linked to a modifier of acid phosphatase-1) andpp-4. Sublines homozygous for all four additive genes show residual genetic variation influencing pappus part number. At least one additional gene can be demonstrated by its linkage with leucine aminopeptidase-1. Lines for the further characterization of these hypostatic genes are selected.

Microseris B87 is derived from a single hybrid specimen betweenM. pygmaea with few, weakly hairy peripheral achenes and aM. bigelovii with many, strongly hairy peripheral achenes. Offspring through the F4 and F5 generations obtained by spontaneous selfing were analyzed for the segregation of quantitative and qualitative characters relating to achene dimorphism. The phenotypic effects of two previously identified unlinked genes determining the relative number of outer achenes are characterized in partially and completely homozygous sublines. We show that two morphological markers genetically linked to one of these genes are themselves regulated by the system inducing heterocarpy. Not more than two more unlinked genes are involved in the genetic basis of the heterocarpic response. The interaction of these genes in determining the heterocarpy phenotypes is discussed in the framework of a model postulating genes for a morphogen gradient across the capitulum and genes responding to this gradient.

Abstract: The proportion of the outer, “hairy” achenes in capitula of hybrid D 14 (Microseris pygmaea M. bigelovii) is determined by the same major gene as in its sister hybrid, B 87, as shown by marker segregation. Crossover between major gene and markers shows their genetic independence. Two modifiers segregating 9:7 influence the proportion of hairies in plants homozygous for the major gene. These same modifiers (or two genes linked with them) also determine the segregation of the number of achenes per head. Most likely, the modifiers act indirectly via a residual dependence of heterocarpy on capitulum size within strict quantitative limits set by the major gene. The identification of modifiers in a polygenic system as major genes for another character acting pleiotropically supports our contention that relatively few genes interact in plant development to determine key morphological characteristics at the organismic level.

Microseris strain C34 is a hybrid between the Chilean speciesM. pygmaea (10 pappus parts) and the CalifornianM. bigelovii (5 pappus parts). The F1 specimen had from 5 to 10 pappus parts per achene with an average of 6. F2, F3 and F4 plants derived from this hybrid by spontaneous selfing show segregation for the average number of pappus parts. Four segregating unlinked genes could be demonstrated, each with an allele determining 5 pappus parts from thebigelovii parent, one with an allele determining 10 pappus parts, three with null alleles from thepygmaea parent. The expected average pappus part number is the arithmetic mean of the 5- and 10-determining factors. Considerable environmental and developmental influences, both “random noise” and systematic shifts, could be demonstrated to influence the phenotypic expression. The parallel hybrid strain B87 has two 10-alleles rather than one in itspygmaea genome. The evolution of the pappus part genes ofM. pygmaea from those of abigelovii-like ancestor seems to demand the concerted (non-independent) mutation of at least two genes.

The genetic relationships among 10 inbred lines representing 10 populations of the autogamous annualMicroseris elegans from throughout California has been determined using random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). Seventeen arbitrary 10 base pair primers produced 134 amplification products; 81 of these were shared by two or more strains. The 3 genotypes from Northern California are closely related as are 3 genotypes from Middle Californian populations which are not nearest neighbors. DNA fingerprinting with the oligonucleotide (GATA)4 gave compatible results, but the comparison was limited to samples run on one gel. Isoenzyme patterns are compatible with the DNA results, but limited by the very low number of informative polymorphisms. The clustered relationship among genotypes within a species and their geographic distribution suggests very restricted genetic recombination and an origin of new populations from randomly dispersed achenes within the range of the species.

The autogamous diploid annualMicroseris douglasii of California occurs in many isolated populations. The populations consist of one to many highly inbred biotypes. Morphological variation among populations usually is greater than within populations. In spite of the virtual absence of gene flow even within populations, genetically determined character differences are randomly distributed and associated throughout the range of the species. Recent evidence even suggests introgression of chloroplasts from the relatedM. bigelovii. Offspring families from 25 plants of a very variable population were raised and examined for segregation of morphological and molecular (RAPD) markers. All 25 original plants were completely homozygous for all markers, but each differed from all others at least in some markers. The population consisted of two genetically isolated groups of plants: a distinct inbred line (3 plants) and 22 plants with random associations of a common set of markers and characters, possibly recombinant inbreds from a past hybridization event. One of these 22 plants contained a chloroplast genome found inM. bigelovii, the other 24 plants a chloroplast genome found only inM. douglasii.

Summary A case of supratentorial haemangioblastoma is presented. Diagnostic examinations, including computerized axial tomography, were not accurate. Histological examination of the removed tissue disclosed the correct diagnosis.

The heat capacities at constant pressure have been measured for CuInSe2, CuInTe2and AgGaTe2in the temperature range 1K ≤T≤40K and for CuInS2and AgInTe2between 1 K and room temperature. From the low temperature data we derive the following Debye temperatures θDin the limit T → O K: θD(CuInS2) = 273 K, θD(CuInSe2) = 222 K, θD(CuInTe2) = 191 K, θD(AgGaTe2) = 182 K and θD(AgInTe2) = 156 K. A plot of the average atomic heat capacity at constant volume Cvshows that the data scale to one general curve for all 5 compounds considered in this paper. This is, also, true for a plot Cv, i.e., all I-III-VI2compounds measured thus far deviate similarly from the Debye approximation. By integration of the general curves Cv(T/θD) and θDx Cv(T/θD) we derive tne standard entropies S0298and energies E0298-E00of 11 compounds of the type I-III-VI2, for which the Debye temperatures are known. The difference between the energies E0298-E00and enthalpies H0298-H00is within the error limits of the experimental data (< 1%). The molar S0298and H0298-H00values for the I-III-VI2compounds are approximately twice the corresponding molar values for their II-VI isoelectronic analogs. The thermodynamic functions at standard state obtained by integration of the experimental data are all < 10% smaller than the corresponding values estimated on the basis of the Debye approximation.

The phase relations at the InAs/GaAs pseudo-binary and their implications regarding the growth of Ga In As crystals from the melt by gradient freezing and zone leveling are discussed. Homogeneous crystals have been grown for x > O.85 by gradient freezing. For compositions x ≤ 0.85 zone leveling is the only melt growth technique that results in macroscopically homogeneous crack-free crystals. However, compositional inhomogeneities on a microscopic scale are difficult to suppress in this range. The band gap of GaxIn1-xAs at 77K varies as Eg = 0.1+13+ 0.720×+0.3T5×2.

Heterojunctions of n-type CdSnP2on p-type InP substrates are prepared by LPE from Sn-solutions. The significance of the tipping arrangement, of the initial solution composition and of the temperature program for preparing LPE layers of high quality is discussed. Heterodiodes cleaved from such LPE wafers electroluminesce under forward bias between 1 µm and 1.8 %m with internal quantum efficiencies approaching 1.8% at room temperature. When used as photovoltaic detectors, the quantum efficiency of these diodes surpasses that of Si for λ > 1.09 µ, and exceeds 1% for all wave-lengths between 0.96 and 1.3 µ.

The pharmacokinetics of cefoperazone and sulbactam in combination were evaluated in six, elderly, seriously ill patients treated with the drug combination for intra-abdominal infections. After giving informed consent, three males and three females aged 63.5 to 77.5 (mean 67.9) years and weighing 54.5 to 86.8 (mean, 67.6) kg were treated with cefoperazone (2.0 g) and sulbactam (1.0 g) infused intravenously every 12 h for at least 5 days. Cefoperazone and sulbactam pharmacokinetics were characterized on both days 1 and 5 of treatment. Eleven serial blood samples were obtained just prior to and following dose 1 on days 1 and 5 of treatment. Mean estimates of cefoperazone maximal concentration in plasma (Cmax), area under the curve of drug concentration in plasma versus time (AUC), half-life (t 1/2), apparent volume of distribution by the area method (Varea), apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vss), and total body clearance (CL) for day 1 (day 5) were 297.5 237.5) micrograms/ml, 1,247 (1,063) micrograms.h/ml, 7.0 (4.9) h, 16.1 (13.4) liter, 13.1 (14.4) liter, and 28.9 (34.2) ml/min, respectively. Day 1 (day 5) mean values for sulbactam Cmax, AUC, t 1/2, Varea, Vss, and CL were 110.3 (78.0) micrograms/ml, 228 (217) micrograms.h/ml, 3.4 (2.5) h, 26.1 (18.5) liter, 18.9 (15.4) liter, and 97 (94) ml/min, respectively. Both drugs evidenced slower elimination and greater pharmacokinetic variability in these patients compared with values previously reported for normal volunteers. As patients improved during the course of therapy, the only pharmacokinetic parameter significantly changed between days 1 and 5 was a shortened sulbactam t 1/2. Our inability to find substantial evidence of pharmacokinetic normalization may have been related to sample size and study duration. Both drugs were present in potentially therapeutic concentrations for the entire 12-h dosing interval, but without undue accumulation from days 1 to 5.

The lattice parameters of stoichiometric CuInSe2 and of several related defect structures grown from off-stoichiometric melt compositions are reported. For CuInSe2a = 5.814 ± .003 A and c = 11.63 ± 0.04 A corresponding to c/a = 2.000 ± 0.008. The current JPDS data for CuInSe2represent an average of the lattice constants of off-stoichiometric defect structures within its homogeneity range.

Twelve volunteers participated in a two‐way crossover trial in which the effects of ceftibuten on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline were evaluated. Subjects were given single intravenous doses of theophylline (4 mg/kg) with no ceftibuten treatment and on the sixth day of ceftibuten treatment. Ceftibuten 200 mg was taken orally twice daily (7:00 AM and 7:00 PM). A total of 13 blood samples per subject were collected over 48 hours following theophylline administration. Ceftibuten failed to alter either the systemic clearance of theophylline (CL), its volume of distribution (Vss), or its elimination half‐life (t1/2). The 24‐hour plasma theophylline concentration measured both by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) was used for a single sample estimate of theophylline clearance (CL), and it was found to provide a suitable estimate of the multisample value for CL.

Zusammenfassung: Die Magnetokardiographie mit Vielkanal (SQUID)-Systemen ermöglicht eine nicht-invasive Lokalisation von akzessorischen Leitungsbahnen und ventrikulären Ektopien. Die Ortsgenauigkeit dieser Lokalisation in Kombination mit einer kernspintomographischen Bildgebung liegt bei 10–15 mm für oberflächennahe und 15–20 mm für dorsal gelegene Quellen im Herzen. Die Kombination aus nicht-invasiver biomagnetischer Lokalisation und kurativer Ablation erscheint sinnvoll und möglich. Für klinische Anwendungen in der Routine ist die Methode sowohl meßtechnisch wie von Seiten der Datenverarbeitung noch zu aufwendig. Eine weitere Optimierung und Vereinfachung insbesondere der Datenverarbeitung ist daher erforderlich.

Zusammenfassung: Mobiltelefone können bekanntermaßen durch die Abstrahlung von elektromagnetischen Feldern zu einer Fehlfunktion von antibradykarden Herzschrittmachern führen. Eine Beeinflussung von pektoral implantierten Kardioverter-Defibrillatoren (ICD) erscheint somit theoretisch ebenfalls denkbar. Wir untersuchten 15 Patienten mit subpektoralen «single-lead» ICD-Systemen (Cardiac Pacemaker Inc., Ventak PRX III und Ventak Mini) auf Veränderungen von programmierten Parametern sowie Störungen der Wahrnehmung, Stimulation, Arrhythmieerkennung und-beendigung ducch die Benutzung eines D-Netz Mobiltelefons. In allen durchgeführten Tests zeigten sich dabei keine Beeinflussung der ICDs während Stand-by-Modus, Verbindungsaufbau und Gesprächsführung. Somit scheint die Benutzung eines GSM oder D-Netz Telefones für Patienten mit subpektoralen ICD-Systemen der untersuchten Art keine Gefahr darzustellen.

Quantitative characters of the flowering head of a garden population ofMicroseris laciniata were scored during the second, third, and fourth season of growth. Number of achenes per head, number of phyllaries per head and the average number of pappus parts per achene in single heads show significant plant to plant variation. Achenes per head and pappus parts per achene were scored in identical plants in two subsequent seasons. The number of pappus parts per achene varies freely between five and ten. This contrasts with annual species ofMicroseris in which either five or ten pappus parts are found, depending on the species. In spite of a clear plant-specific average of pappus parts, both high and low pappus part determination can be demonstrated in all specimens. The number of pappus parts depends on the position of an achene on the receptacle, marginal achenes usually having fewer pappus parts than central ones. This gradient is not closely correlated with the position of an achene on the “genetic spiral”.

A least squares fit of Feulgen hydrolysis time curves to the Bateman function is performed using an especially adapted parameter transformation together with a standard conjugate gradients iteration procedure. The method has been applied to a large number of measured data, and the use and limits of the computer evaluation are discussed.

Early identification of and intervention for all children who have hearing impairments remain unattained goals in the United States. Physicians typically are the first persons to obtain the medical and family history of infants and children and are the primary professionals confronted with parental concerns about hearing loss. Heightened awareness of the common causes of hearing loss in infants and children can facilitate prompt and appropriate referrals to audiologists when hearing loss is suspected. A strong and interactive relationship between physician and audiologist is needed to attain the common goals of providing the earliest and best possible diagnosis of and optimal management for hearing impaired pediatric patients.

Im Gegensatz zur konventionellen Computertomographie (CT) rotiert bei der Elektronenstrahltomographie (EBT) keine Röntgenröhre mechanisch um den Patienten, sondern es wird ein Elektronenstrahl auf semizirkulär um den Patienten angeordnete Targets gelenkt, an denen dann die eigentliche Röntgenstrahlung entsteht. Mit dieser ultraschnellen Technik ist es möglich geworden, axiale Schnittbilder des Herzens in 50 bzw. 100 ms zu erzeugen und mit einer Ortsauflösung <0,5 mm2sämtliche Strukturen des Herzens präzise abzubilden. Die Akquisition von 30–40 axialen, EKG-getriggerten Schnittbildern (Schichtdicken 2–3 mm) im kurzen Atemstillstand erlaubt die komplette, dreidimensionale Abbildung des Herzens eines Patienten. Die Gesamtmeßzeiten liegen zwischen 30 und 50 s. Auch wenn mit der EBT eine vollständige Beurteilung der Morphologie und der Funktion des Herzens bis hin zur Messung der Myokardperfusion möglich ist, liegt doch der wesentliche Vorteil der Methode in der nichtinvasiven Beurteilung der Koronararterien. Ohne Gabe von Kontrastmittel können in den einzelnen axialen Schnitten auch geringe Koronarkalzifizierungen exakt quantifiziert werden. Der Nachweis von Koronarkalk mit der EBT muß als der derzeit empflindlichste nichtinvasive Marker für das Vorliegen einer koronaren Atheromatose einschließlich ihrer Frühformen angesehen werden. Die peripher-venöse Kontrastmittelgabe während der Datenakquisition erlaubt zudem eine Darstellung von Koronargefäßinnenlumina einschließlich signifikanter Stenosierungen. Die Methode eignet sich insbesondere zur Beurteilung des Verlaufs nach Angioplastie und aortokoronarer Bypass-Operation. Die wesentlichen Probleme und Grenzen der Methode sind unter der Voraussetzung eines stabilen Sinusrhythmus in Atem- und Bewegungsartefakten sowie Überlagerung der Koronararterien durch Venen und durch ausgeprägte Koronarkalzifizierungen zu sehen. Trotzdem sind bereits bisher mit der EBT klinisch beurteilbare, nichtinvasive Darstellungen von Koronararterien möglich geworden, die durch einen weiteren technischen Fortschritt möglicherweise noch optimiert werden können. Electron beam CT, which does not require mechanical movement of an X-ray tube, has a temporal resolution which exceeds that of conventional computed tomography by a factor of about ten. Axial images of the heart can be acquired within 50 to 100 ms with a spatial resolution below 0.5 mm2and permit precise visualization of all cardiac structures. ECG-triggered acquisition of 30 to 40 axial images (3 mm slice thickness) in a short inspiratory breathhold allows one to sample a 3-dimensional volume data set which covers the complete heart. Overall acquisition times are approximately 30 to 50 seconds. While electron beam CT in general permits a complete cardiac investigation, including morphology, function, and perfusion, the method's most important application is non-invasive imaging of the coronary arteries. Without contrast enhancement, coronary calcification by EBCT currently constitutes the most sensitive non-invasive marker for the presence even of very early forms of coronary atherosclerosis. Intraveneous injection of contrast agent during image acquisition additionally permits the selective visualization of the coronary artery lumen and detection of significant stenoses. This method is especially well suited in the follow-up of coronary interventions and coronary bypass grafting. Breathhold and movement artifacts, superposition of coronary arteries and veins, as well as severe coronary calcifications currently constitute the method's main problems. In spite of these limitations, electron beam CT has been shown to permit clinically valuable non-invasive investigations of the coronary arteries, which may be further refined as technology progresses.

Abstract:  Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) methods have been used to verify the hybridogenic origin and to identify the parental species of some ornamental cultivars in the subgenus Melanocrommyum of the genus Allium. The cultivars had been selected from seed obtained after uncontrolled pollination in breeders’ fields. The combination of GISH analysis with RAPD markers is very suitable for testing the hybridogenic origin of plants and to ascertain the parental species of the hybrids in such cases. As suspected, A. macleanii and A. cristophii are the parental species of ‘Globemaster’. The parental species of cultivar ‘Globus’ are A. karataviense and A. stipitatum, and not A. cristophii and A. giganteum as has been assumed on morphological grounds. Cultivars ‘Lucy Ball’ and ‘Gladiator’ are of hybrid origin, though only one of the parental species, A. hollandicum, could be confirmed. The cultivars ‘Purple Sensation’, ‘Mount Everest’, ‘White Giant’, ‘Michael H. Hoog’ and ‘Mars’ are not hybrids since neither GISH nor RAPD suggest the presence of a second genome. ‘Purple Sensation’ belongs to A. hollandicum, ‘Mount Everest’, ‘White Giant’ and ‘Mars’ to A. stipitatum,‘Michael H. Hoog’ to A. rosenorum.