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Background: Currently, the potential benefits of additional resection after positive proximal intraoperative frozen sections (IFS) in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) on residual disease and oncological outcome remain uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the number of R0 resections after additional resection of a positive proximal IFS and the influence of additional resections on overall survival (OS) in patients with pCCA.Materials and methods: A retrospective, multicenter, matched case-control study was performed, including patients undergoing resection for pCCA between 2000 and 2019 at three tertiary centers. Primary outcome was the number of achieved ‘additional’ R0 resections. Secondary outcomes were OS, recurrence, severe morbidity and mortality.Results: Forty-four out of 328 patients undergoing resection for pCCA had a positive proximal IFS. An additional resection was performed in 35 out of 44 (79.5%) patients, which was negative in 24 (68.6%) patients. Nevertheless, seven out of these 24 patients were eventually classified as R1 resection due to other positive resection margins. Therefore, 17 (48.6%) patients could be classified as “true” R0 resection after additional resection. Ninety-day mortality after R1 resections was high (25%) and strongly influenced OS. After correction for 90-day mortality, median OS after negative additional resection was 33 months (95%CI:29.5–36.5) compared to 30 months (95%CI:24.4–35.6) after initial R1 (P = 0.875) and 46 months (95%CI:32.7–59.3) after initial R0 (P = 0.348).Conclusion: There were only 17 patients (out of a total of 328 patients) that potentially benefitted from routine IFS. Additional resection for a positive IFS leading to R0 resection was not associated with improved long-term survival.

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are non-digestible oligosaccharides characterized by a mix of structures that vary in their degree of polymerization (DP) and glycosidic linkage between the galactose moieties or between galactose and glucose. They have enjoyed extensive scientific scrutiny, and their health-promoting effects are supported by a large number of scientific and clinical studies. A variety of GOS-associated health-promoting effects have been reported, such as growth promotion of beneficial bacteria, in particular bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, inhibition of pathogen adhesion and improvement of gut barrier function. GOS have attracted significant interest from food industries for their versatility as a bioactive ingredient and in particular as a functional component of infant formulations. These oligosaccharides are produced in a kinetically-controlled reaction involving lactose transgalactosylation, being catalyzed by particular β-galactosidases of bacterial or fungal origin. Despite the well-established technology applied for GOS production, this process may still meet with technological challenges when employed at an industrial scale. The current review will cover relevant scientific literature on the beneficial physiological properties of GOS as a prebiotic for the infant gut microbiota, details of GOS structures, the associated reaction mechanism of β-galactosidase, and its (large-scale) production.

Epidural anesthesia has been considered the gold standard for perioperative analgesia, but the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and a shift from open to laparoscopic surgery have diminished the advantage of epidural anesthesia. The authors summarize data from two newer meta-analyses and discuss the consequences for the role of epidural anesthesia (EA) in the perioperative setting. These meta-analyses enabled to distinguish between pre- and post-ERAS outcomes. Endpoints related to open and laparoscopic abdominal surgery were retrieved. General data, also applicable on abdominal surgery, were included. Data on other types of surgery were ignored. Two meta-analyses met the subject and inclusion criteria of the search. They demonstrate no difference between epidural analgesia and the control for most investigated endpoints. Analgesia employing epidural techniques is often not clinically superior to its alternatives; is associated with a small but relevant number of serious complications; and has a relatively high failure rate. Data show that the distinction between pre-ERAS and ERAS is essential for understanding the role of EA in intestinal surgery. Since ERAS was introduced, the advantages of epidural anesthesia vanished while the incidence of serious neurological complications is higher than previously thought. The authors conclude that epidural anesthesia in abdominal surgery has become less preferred and is limited to patients and types of surgery known to be accompanied with difficult pain management. This requires the use of other methods for analgesia, such as intravenous ketamine, peripheral nerve blocks, continuous wound infiltration, intrathecal morphine, and intravenous, and non-invasive PCA.

A 35-year old dockworker sustained a pelvic injury when he was caught by a large loading clamshell grab. Primary survey revealed an open book pelvic fracture with soft tissue defects of the left thigh and groin. CT scanning of the thorax and abdomen did not reveal significant additional injuries. Partly due to patient’s haemodynamical instability, osteosynthesis of the pelvic fracture was performed immediately after resuscitation, whereby the severely contaminated wound of the thigh was debrided and irrigated. The following days, progressive facial subcutaneous emphysema developed, but patient remained clinically stable. Several specialists were consulted, but did not find a cause. At day 7, a second surgery was planned to treat a pelvic surgical wound infection. Unexpectedly, we found faecal contamination in the pelvic surgical wound. The consulted gastro/intestinal-surgeon performed a laparoscopic colostomy for a rectal laceration. Awareness for bowel injuries with open pelvic fracture should be high, also when subcutaneous emphysema is found remotely.

Many β-galactosidase enzymes convert lactose into a mixture of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) when incubated under the right conditions. Recently, the composition of commercial Vivinal GOS produced by Bacillus circulans β-galactosidase was studied in much detail in another study by van Leeuwen et al. As a spin-off of this study, we used the developed analytical strategy for the evaluation of 6 anonymous commercial GOS products, in comparison with Vivinal GOS. These GOS products were first subjected to HPLC-SEC, calibrated HPAEC-PAD profiling (glucose units in relation to a malto-oligosaccharide ladder), and 1D (1)H NMR spectroscopy. For a more detailed analysis and support of the conclusions based on the initial analysis, the GOS products were separated into DP-pure subpools on Bio-Gel P-2 (MALDI-TOF-MS analysis), which were subjected to calibrated HPAEC-PAD profiling and (1)H NMR analysis. Unidentified peaks from different GOS products, not present in Vivinal GOS, were isolated for detailed structural characterization. In this way, the differences between the various GOS products in terms of DP distribution and type of glycosidic linkages were established. A total of 13 new GOS structures were characterized, adding structural-reporter-group signals and HPAEC-PAD based glucose unit G.U. values to the analytical toolbox. The newly characterized products enhance the quality of the database with GOS structures up to DP4. The combined data provide a firm basis for the rapid profiling of the GOS products of microbial β-galactosidase enzymes.

Vivinal (R) GOS is a galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) product, prepared from lactose by incubation with Bacillus circulans beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23). This complex mixture of saccharides with degree of polymerization (DP) between 1 and 8 is generally applied in infant nutrition. Here, a detailed structural description of the commercial product up to the DP5 level is given. First, Vivinal (R) GOS was subjected to DP analysis using HPLC-SEC (Rezex RSO-01 oligosaccharide Ag+ column) and H-1 NMR analysis. Then, the product was fractionated on Bio-Gel P-2, and the obtained fractions were pooled according to DP, as indicated by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Finally, fractions of single DP, as well as their subfractions obtained by HPAEC-PAD on CarboPac PA-1, were analyzed by 1D/2D H-1/C-13 NMR spectroscopy and linkage analysis. In total, over 40 structures, providing a structural coverage of over 99% of the product, have been characterized. Detailed H-1 and C-13 NMR data, as well as G.U. values (glucose units; malto-oligosaccharide ladder) on CarboPac PA-1 of all oligosaccharides are included. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some beta-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are capable of producing mixtures of linear and branched galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) with various types of glycosidic linkages [degree of polymerization (DP) 2-8; mainly Gal(n)Glc] when incubated under specific conditions with lactose. These products are generally applied in infant formula. However, for most galacto-oligosaccharide products only major components (low DP) or linkage patterns have been described. To build up a library of H-1 and C-13 NMR data, a detailed NMR study on commercially available GOS di- and trisaccharides, and some larger GOS oligosaccharides was carried out. Based on the fully assigned H-1 and C-13 chemical shifts of these model compounds, a H-1 NMR structural-reporter-group concept was formulated to function as a tool in the structural analysis of single GOS components and GOS mixtures. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This systematic review summarizes the research of previous studies that used resistance training in the post-treatment phase of cancer patients with a focus on methodological quality, training methods and physical outcome measures. We found twenty-four studies (10 RCTs, 4 controlled clinical trials and 10 uncontrolled trials) that met all inclusion criteria. The studies were of moderate methodological quality. The majority of studies involved breast cancer patients (54%), followed by prostate cancer patients (13%). Most studies used a combination of resistance and aerobic training, which was mostly supervised. Resistance training involved large muscle groups, with 1-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions. The duration of the resistance training programs varied from 3-24 weeks, with a training frequency of 1-5 sessions per week. The training intensity ranged from 25% to 85% of the one-repetition maximum. Overall, positive training effects were observed for cardiopulmonary and muscle function, with significant increases in peak oxygen uptake (range: 6-39%), and in the one-repetition maximum (range: 11-110%). In general, there were no effects of training on body composition, endocrine and immune function, and haematological variables. No adverse effects of the resistance training were reported. Based upon these results, we recommend to incorporate resistance training in cancer rehabilitation programmes.

1. Climate change has been inducing range shifts for many species as they follow their suitable climate space and further shifts are projected. Whether species will be able to colonize regions where climate conditions become suitable, so-called 'new climate space', depends on species traits and habitat fragmentation. 2. By combining bioclimate envelope models with dispersal models, we identified areas where the spatial cohesion of the ecosystem pattern is expected to be insufficient to allow colonization of new climate space. 3. For each of three ecosystem types, three species were selected that showed a shift in suitable climate space and differed in habitat fragmentation sensitivity. 4. For the 2020 and 2050 time slices, the amount of climatically suitable habitat in northwest Europe diminished for all studied species. Additionally, significant portions of new suitable habitat could not be colonized because of isolation. Together, this will result in a decline in the amount of suitable habitat protected in Natura 2000 sites. 5. We develop several adaptation strategies to combat this problem: (i) link isolated habitat that is within a new suitable climate zone to the nearest climate-proof network; (ii) increase colonizing capacity in the overlap zone, the part of a network that remains suitable in successive time frames; (iii) optimize sustainable networks in climate refugia, the part of a species' range where the climate remains stable. 6. Synthesis and applications. Following the method described in this study, we can identify those sites across Europe where ecosystem patterns are not cohesive enough to accommodate species' responses to climate change. The best locations for climate corridors where improving connectivity is most urgent and potential gain is highest can then be pinpointed.

Upon hydrolysis with chymotrypsin, soy glycinin has a strong tendency to aggregate. The regions of glycinin from which the aggregating peptides originate were identified by accumulative-quantitative peptide mapping. To this end, the aggregating peptides were further hydrolyzed with trypsin to obtain peptides of which the sequence can be identified using RP-HPLC-MS/MS. This resulted in a hydrolysate in which 90% of the proteinaceous material was dissolved. The soluble fraction was analyzed using the method of accumulative-quantitative peptide mapping: fractionation using ion exchange chromatography, followed by identification of peptides by RP-HPLC-MS/MS, quantification based on the absorbance at 214 nm, and finally peptide mapping. For the peptide mapping the proportions in which each of the five glycinin subunits are present, as determined by Edman degradation, were taken into account. The results showed that mainly the basic polypeptide and a part of the acidic polypeptide, close to the location of the disulfide bridge between the basic and acidic polypeptides, are present in the aggregating peptide fraction. On the basis of the results obtained, an aggregation mechanism was proposed. The hydrophilic acidic polypeptides shield the hydrophobic basic polypeptides, and the former are preferentially degraded upon hydrolysis. This results in a net increase in hydrophobicity of the remaining material, which mainly consists of the basic polypeptide fragments. This increase in hydrophobicity is proposed to be the driving force in the aggregation of chymotrypsin-derived peptides of glycinin.

Cardiac remodelling is commonly defined as a physiological or pathological state that may occur after conditions such as myocardial infarction, pressure overload, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy or volume overload. When training excessively, the heart develops several myocardial adaptations causing a physiological state of cardiac remodelling. These morphological changes depend on the kind of training and are clinically characterised by modifications in cardiac size and shape due to increased load. Several studies have investigated morphological differences in the athlete's heart between athletes performing strength training and athletes performing endurance training. Endurance training is associated with an increased cardiac output and volume load on the left and right ventricles, causing the endurance-trained heart to generate a mild to moderate dilatation of the left ventricle combined with a mild to moderate increase in left ventricular wall thickness. Strength training is characterised by an elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This pressure overload causes an increase in left ventricular wall thickness. This may or may not be accompanied by a slight raise in the left ventricular volume. However, the development of an endurancetrained heart and a strength-trained heart should not be considered an absolute concept. Both forms of training cause specific morphological changes in the heart, dependent on the type of sport. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:129-33.). AD - Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: To assess possible ergogenic properties of corticosteroid administration. DESIGN: A balanced, double blind, placebo-controlled design was used. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight well-trained cyclists and rowers. INTERVENTION: Four weeks daily inhalation of 800 microg budesonide or placebo. Main outcome measurements: The subjects performed three incremental cycle ergometer tests until exhaustion, before and after two and four weeks of placebo or budesonide administration, to measure maximal power output (Wmax). Once a week they filled in a profile of mood state (POMS) questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in Wmax between the placebo (376+/-25 watt) and the corticosteroid group (375+/-36 watt) during the pre-intervention test, and there were no significant changes in either group after two and four weeks of intervention. No effect of the intervention on mood state was found. CONCLUSION: Four weeks of corticosteroid or placebo inhalation in healthy, well-trained athletes did not affect maximal power output or mood state. Hence no ergogenic properties of four weeks corticosteroid administration could be demonstrated, which corroborates previous studies with short-term corticosteroid administration.

Soy-derived proteins (soy protein isolate, glycinin, and ß-conglycinin) and bovine whey-derived proteins (whey protein isolate, ¿-lactalbumin, ß-lactoglobulin) were hydrolyzed using subtilisin Carlsberg, chymotrypsin, trypsin, bromelain, and papain. The (in)solubility of the hydrolysates obtained was studied as a function of pH. At neutral pH, all soy-derived protein hydrolysates, particularly those from glycinin, obtained by hydrolysis with subtilisin Carlsberg, chymotrypsin, bromelain, and papain showed a stronger aggregation compared to the non-hydrolyzed ones. This increase in aggregation was not observed upon hydrolysis by trypsin. None of the whey-derived protein hydrolysates exhibited an increase in aggregation at neutral pH. The high abundance of theoretical cleavage sites in the hydrophobic regions of glycinin probably explains the stronger exposure of hydrophobic groups than for the other proteins, which is suggested to be the driving force in the aggregate formation. Keywords: Aggregation; Peptides; Soy protein; Whey protein

The molar extinction coefficients of 20 amino acids and the peptide bond were measured at 214 nm in the presence of acetonitrile and formic acid to enable quantitative comparison of peptides eluting from reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, once identified with mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-MS). The peptide bond has a molar extinction coefficient of 923 M-1 cm-1. Tryptophan has a molar extinction coefficient that is ~30 times higher than that of the peptide bond, whereas the molar extinction coefficients of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and histidine are ~six times higher than that of the peptide bond. Proline, as an individual amino acid, has a negligible molar extinction coefficient. However, when present in the peptide chain (except at the N terminus), it absorbs ~three times more than a peptide bond. Methionine has a similar molar extinction coefficient as the peptide bond, while all other amino acids have much lower molar extinction coefficients. The predictability of the molar extinction coefficients of proteins and peptides, calculated by the amino acid composition and the number of peptide bonds present, was validated using several proteins and peptides. Most of the measured and calculated molar extinction coefficients were in good agreement, which shows that it is possible to compare peptides analyzed by RP-HPLC-MS in a quantitative way. This method enables a quantitative analysis of all peptides present in hydrolysates once identified with RP-HPLC-MS. Keywords: Molar extinction coefficient; molar absorption coefficient; UV absorbance; proteins; peptides; amino acids

Background: Creatine supplementation is popular among tennis players but it is not clear whether it actually enhances tennis performance. Objectives: To examine the effects of creatine supplementation on tennis specific performance indices. Methods: In a randomised, double blind design, 36 competitive male tennis players (24 creatine, mean (SD) age, 22.5 (4.9) years; 12 placebo, 22.8 (4.8) years) were tested at baseline, after six days of creatine loading, and after a maintenance phase of four weeks (14 creatine, 10 placebo). Serving velocity (10 serves), forehand and backhand velocity (three series of 5×8 strokes), arm and leg strength (bench press and leg press), and intermittent running speed (three series of five 20 metre sprints) were measured. Results: Compared with placebo, neither six days nor five weeks of creatine supplementation had a significant effect on serving velocity (creatine: +2 km/h; placebo: +2 km/h, p = 0.90); forehand velocity (creatine: +4 km/h; placebo: +4 km/h, p = 0.80), or backhand velocity (creatine: +3 km/h; placebo: +1 km/h, p = 0.38). There was also no significant effect of creatine supplementation on repetitive sprint power after 5, 10, and 20 metres, (creatine 20 m: −0.03 m/s; placebo 20 m: +0.01 m/s, p = 0.18), or in the strength of the upper and lower extremities. Conclusions: Creatine supplementation is not effective in improving selected factors of tennis specific performance and should not be recommended to tennis players.

Effect of testosterone and endurance training on glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle of chronic hyperglycaemic female rats.van Breda E, Keizer H, Kuipers H, Kranenburg G.Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. vanbreda@bw.unimaas.nlOBJECTIVES: To investigate in glycolytic and oxidative muscles of trained (nine weeks) and untrained hyperglycaemic female rats the effect of hyperandrogenicity and/or endurance training on energy metabolic properties. METHODS: Glycogen content and activity of muscle enzymes with regulatory functions in glycogen synthesis were examined. RESULTS: Testosterone treatment increased glycogen content of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles of hyperglycaemic sedentary (18% and 84% respectively) and hyperglycaemic trained (7% and 16% respectively) rats. In both types of muscle of the hyperglycaemic testosterone treated exercised subgroup, less depletion of glycogen was found than in the untreated group (38% and 87% for EDL and soleus respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms by which training and/or hyperandrogenism alone or in combination elicits their specific effects are complex. Differences in sex, surgery, levels of hormones administered, and exercise model used may be the main reasons for the observed discrepancies. Conclusions from the results: (a) hyperandrogenism is not a primary cause of the development of insulin resistance; (b) glycogen content of slow and fast twitch muscle is increased by training through increased glycogen synthase activity. The most plausible explanation for differences between different muscle fibre types is the different levels of expression of androgen receptors in these fibres. Hyperandrogenicity therefore acts on energy metabolic variables of hyperglycaemic animals by different mechanisms in glycolytic and oxidative muscle fibres

Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Academic Anxiety Center, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. OBJECTIVE: To test the possible antipanic effects of acute exercise in healthy volunteers exposed to an inhalation of 35% CO2 challenge. METHOD: Twenty healthy subjects in a randomized separate group design, performed exercise in a bicycle ergometer reaching >6 mm of blood lactate and a control condition of minimal activity in the same fashion with no lactate elevation. Immediately afterwards an inhalation of a vital capacity using a mixture of 35% CO2/65% O2 through a mask was given on both conditions. RESULTS: Subjects under the exercise condition reported less panic symptoms than controls after a CO2 challenge on the diagnostic statistical manual-IV (DSM-IV) Panic Symptom List but no difference on the Visual Analogue Anxiety Scale. CONCLUSION: Subjects under the exertion condition had lactate levels comparable with those of lactate infusions but an inhibitory rather than accumulative effect was seen when combined with a CO2 challenge.

Objectives—(a) To investigate the effects of reduced training on physical condition and performance in well trained cyclists; (b) to study whether an intermittent exercise programme would maintain physiological training adaptations more effectively than a continuous exercise programme during a period of reduced training.Methods—Twelve male cyclists participated in a 21 day training programme and were divided into two training groups. One group (age 25.3 (7) years; weight 73.3 (5.7) kg; Vo2max58.6 (4.5) ml/kg/min; means (SD)) underwent a continuous endurance exercise training programme (CT) whereas the second group (age 22.8 (3.5) years; weight 74.1 (7.0) kg; Vo2max59.7 (6.7) ml/kg/min) followed an intermittent endurance exercise training programme (IT). During this reduced training period, both groups trained for two hours a day, three days a week.Results—Neither group showed changes in maximal workload (Wmax) (4.6 (0.5)v4.8 (0.5) W/kg and 4.6 (0.5)v4.7 (0.6) W/kg for the CT and IT group respectively) and Vo2max(58.6 (4.5)v60.1 (5.8) ml/kg/min and 59.7 (6.7)v58.8 (7.5) ml/kg/min for the CT and IT group respectively). During the submaximal steady state exercise test, substrate use and heart rate remained unchanged after reduced training.Conclusions—These results indicate that well trained cyclists who reduce training intensity and volume for 21 days can maintain physiological adaptations, as measured during submaximal and maximal exercise. An intermittent training regimen has no advantage over a continuous training regimen during a detraining period.

General principles of milieu therapy together with a general psychodynamic frame of reference were felt to have become inadequate in providing an adequate and coherent treatment program in an inpatient psychotherapeutic setting. Both Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) and Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) are individual psychotherapy models developed for use in outpatient practice. Theoretically, both models could be adjusted for use in an inpatient setting. However, despite their common psychodynamic roots they differ fundamentally on some theoretical and practical issues.To reorganize the inpatient group psychotherapeutic program using TFP as the frame of reference supported with principles from MBT to provide strong guidelines for the multidisciplinary treatment.We describe the basic principles and procedures of both psychotherapy models and their modifications to adjust these models for inpatient group psychotherapy.From both a theoretical and a pragmatic point of view the TFP and MBT models complement each other extremely well. The modified TFP model seemed to work well in an inpatient psychotherapy setting. With the help of the detailed frame of reference, the working methods of the various disciplines could be better aligned and coordinated so that they bolster each other. The use of video registration, common practice in TFP treatments, made a major contribution to this process.Working with the TFP model enriched with MBT principles was successful in optimizing the treatment program.

Using the ARGUS detector at the e+e- storage ring DORIS II, we have searched for the real and imaginary part of the electric dipole formfactor d_tau of the tau lepton in the production of tau pairs at q^2=100 GeV^2. This is the first direct measurement of this CP violating formfactor. We applied the method of optimised observables which takes into account all available information on the observed tau decay products. No evidence for CP violation was found, and we derive the following results: Re(d_tau)=(1.6+-.9)*10^(-16) ecm and Im(d_tau)=(-0.2+-0.8)*10^(-16) ecm, where statistical and systematic errors have been combined., 8 pages, 5 figures (10 subfigures)

Using the ARGUS detector at the e+e− storage ring DORIS II at DESY, we have found evidence for the production of the excited charmed baryon state Λc(2593)+ in the channel Λc+π+π−. Its mass was determined to be (2594.6±0.9±0.4) MeV/c2, and the natural width measured to be Γ = (2.9−2.1−1.4+2.9+1.8) MeV. The production cross section times the branching ratios of σ(e+e− → Λc(2593)+X) × Br(Λc(2593)+ → Λc+π+π−) × Br(Λc+ → pK−π+) was measured to be (0.25−0.13+0.24 ±0.13) pb. The fractions of Λc(2593)+ decays proceeding through the Σc0π+ and Σc++π− channels were determined to be 0.29±0.10±0.11 and 0.37±0.12±0.13, respectively.

Using the ARGUS detector at the e+e− storage ring DORIS II at DESY, we have made two measurements of the mixing parameter χd using kaons as flavour tags. Using D∗+ K± correlations we found χd = 0.20 ± 0.13 ± 0.12 and from the study of (D∗+l−) K± correlations we obtained χd = 0.19 ± 0.07 ± 0.09. The branching ratio for B → D∗+ X has been updated: Br(B → D∗+ X) = (19.6 ± 1.9)%. We have also determined the average multiplicity of charged kaons in B0 decays to be 0.78 ± 0.08.

A maximum likelihood analysis of ARGUS data on two-photon production of π+π+π0π0π−π− is presented. A small fraction of events is due to the production of omega pairs. The γγ → ωω cross section has its maximum value close to threshold.

Using the ARGUS detector at the e + e − storage ring DORIS II, we have measured the semileptonic branching ratios of the D 0 meson to be Br ( D 0 → e + ν e X ) = (6.9 ± 0.3 ± 0.5) % and Br ( D 0 → μ + ν μ X ) = (6.0 ± 0.7 ± 1.2) %, and the semileptonic branching ratio of the charmed hadron mixture from e + e − annihilation around 10 GeV to be Br ( c → e + ν e X ) = (9.6 ± 0.4 ± 1.1) %.

The partial decay width into electrons, Γ ee , of the ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) resonances have been measured with the detector ARGUS at thee+e− storage ring DORISII of DESY. Applying the formula of Kuraev and Fadin for the radiative corrections we find: Γ ee (ϒ(1S))= (1.32±0.04±0.03) keV and Γ ee (ϒ(2S))=(0.52±0.03±0.01) keV. The total decay width of the ϒ(4S) resonance and its partial width into electrons have been determined as well. Fitting the data with a generalized Breit-Wigner function with an energy dependent decay width Γ(s) and a mass shift functionm(s), we obtain the following resonance parameters: Γ(M2)=(10.0±2.8±2.7) MeV, Γ ee =(0.28±0.05±0.01)keV andB ee =(2.77±0.50±0.49)·10−5. We argue that the disagrecment of this result with the world average originates from our more adequate parametrization of the observed ϒ(4S) resonance cross section.

Using the ARGUS detector at the e+e− storage ring DORIS II at DESY we have measured the parameters of a charmed strange meson D* s2 + (2573) decaying into D0K+. The mass of this state was found to be (2574.5±3.3±1.6) MeV/c 2. The measured value of its width is (10.4±8.3±3.0) MeV and the product of the production cross section and branching ratio for this channel was determined to be (10.6±4.2 −1.2 +2.3 ) pb.

Using the ARGUS detector at the DORIS II electron-positron storage ring at DESY, we have measured BR(D*+→D0π+)=(68.8±2.4±1.3)%, BR(D*+→D+π0)=(31.2±1.1±0.8)%, BR(D*+→D+γ)

Lepton spectra in τ decays have been studied with the ARGUS detector at thee+e− storage ring DORIS II at DESY using the “pseudo-rest-frame” technique. We have improved upper limits for two-body τ-decays into a lepton and an unobservable particle.

Using the ARGUS detector at the e+e - storage ring DORIS II at DESY, we have studied lepton energy spectra in ~- decays. We present a "pseudo-rest-frame" technique in which the second r in the event, decaying into a heavy hadronic system, is used as reference. This method allows for the first measurement of the Michel Parameter 7/in ~- decays. We also determine the Michel Parameter p in 7" --~ e~u decays with a precision comparable to the present world average. The measured values of the parameters p = 0.735 4- 0.036 4- 0.020 and r 1 = 0.03 4- 0.18 4- 0.12 are in good agreement with standard V-A coupling at the ~--~,-W vertex.

Using the detector ARGUS at the e+e− storage ring DORIS II at DESY, we have observed the decays Λc+ → Ξ−K+π+ and Λc+ → Ξ∗0K+ and obtained evidence for the decay Ξc0 → ΛKs0. All three of these decays are of interest as they provide information about W-exchange processes. The products of cross sections and branching ratios for Λc+ → Ξ−K+π+ and Λc+ → Ξ∗0K+ are (1.7±0.3±0.3) pb and (0.6±0.2±0.1) pb, respectively, which implies that (35±17) % of the Ξ−K+π+ final state is generated through a two-body decay via intermediate W-exchange. The product of production cross section and branching ratio for Ξc0 → Λ Ks0 is (2.1 ± 1.0 ± 0.6) pb.

A case study is presented in which a destructive metallurgical analysis was performed on three GE Frame 7FA+e stage 1 buckets which had each been repaired using different approaches. The metallurgical condition and extent of the prior repairs are presented for each of the buckets following one additional service interval. The analyses included evaluation of the macroscopic condition, base alloy microstructure, stress rupture properties, internal and external surface coating conditions and the tip integrity. The first bucket had not been dimensionally restored at the tip during repair (i.e. the tip was still comprised of the original casting). The bucket exhibited moderate oxidation and loss of tip material. Base alloy degradation was observed at the mid airfoil height in the form of coarsening, rounding and agglomeration of the primary gamma prime precipitates. Secondary gamma prime precipitates remained in some of these regions, indicative that the alloy microstructure had not been rejuvenated by full solution treatment during repair. The second bucket had been weld repaired at the tip using a solid solution strengthened weld filler alloy. Following service, the tip exhibited significant oxidation and approximately 6mm of material loss at the mid-chord and trailing edge tip. Within the tip repair material, micro-cracks and creep voids were observed. The base alloy condition appeared similar to the first bucket. The third bucket had been tip weld repaired using a precipitation hardened weld filler alloy and rejuvenated with a full solution treatment. Following service, the bucket exhibited negligible oxidation and material loss at the tip. Overall, microstructural base alloy degradation was found to be minor.

Polarization in the exclusive decay B → J/ψK ∗ was measured using the ARGUS detector at the e+e− storage ring DORIS II. The ratio of the transverse to the total decay width was found to be ΓT/Γ = 0.03±0.16±0.15. This measurement demonstrates that the B 0 → J/ψK ∗0 decay channel can be effectively used for CP violation studies.

Using the ARGUS detector at the e+ e− storage ring DORIS II we have measured the absolute branching ratios of the D0 meson, Br(D0→K− π+)=(3.41±0.12±0.28)%, Br(D0→K− π+ π+ π−)=(6.80± 0.27±0.57)%, and Br (D 0 → K 0 π + π − )=(5.03±0.39±0.49)% .

Using the ARGUS detector at the DORIS II storage ring we have investigated the Lorentz structure of the electroweak interaction in semi-hadronic τ decays. Spin correlations in the process e + e − → τ + τ − → v τ π + π 0 v τ π − π 0 are exploited for a measurement of the normalized product of the vector ( g V ) and axial vector ( g A ) couplings of the τ lepton, γin AV = 2 Re {g A g V ∗ } (|g V | 2 ) . The correlations are sensitive to the product of the couplings in both τ decays: γ AV 2 = γ AV (τ − → ν τ W − ) AV = −h(v τ )h( v τ ) . The measured value, γ AV 2 = 1.044±0.057±0.060, determines the relative sign of the neutrino helicities. Assuming CP invariance, the absolute value | γ AV | = 1.022±0.028±0.030 was found to be incellent agreement with the Standard Model. The contribution of scalar ( g s ) or pseudoscalar ( g P ) couplings was also investigated. No evidence for a scalar-like coupling was found.

An analysis of the reaction yy ~ r/c was l~erformed in five different decay channels of the r/c: /~sK+~r ~, K+K-Tr+~ "- , 27r+21r -, ~b~b and 2K+2K -. A value Fry(r/c) = ( 11.3 + 4.2) keV was obtained for the radiative decay width by combining the results from the first four channels. Using our result on the two-photon width we also determined the branching ratio for the decay r/c --~ 2K+2K -.

Using the ARGUS detector at thee+e− storage ring DORIS II, we have studied Cabibbo-suppressedD0 decay modes resulting in theK+K−π+π− final state and two-bodyD0 decay modes with a ϕ meson in the final state. TheBR(D0→KS0KS0π+π− was measured for the first time. We also present a measurement of theD+→KS0KS0K+ branching ratio. The values are compared with other experimental results and model predictions.

We present the results of a partial reconstruction of the decay channel B − → D j (∗) π − performed using the ARGUS detector operating at the e+e− storage-ring DORIS II. In the context of this paper, D j (∗)0 is an L = 1 excited charm meson decaying to D ∗+ π − . The measured product of branching ratios is Br(B − → D 1 0 (2414)π − ) · Br Br(D 1 0 → D ∗+ π − ) = (0.17 ± 0.05 ± 0.04)% where the first error is statistical and statistical and the second systematic. No evidence for the decay B − → D 2 ∗0 (2459) π − ) · Br(D 2 ∗0 → D ∗+ π − ) at the 90% confidence level.

Polarization of the Λ daughter baryon from Λc+ → Λl+ vl decay has been measured for the first time using the ARGUS detector at the DORIS II ϵ+ϵ− storage ring. Expressed in terms of the Λc+ semileptonic asymmetry parameter the result is αΛc= −0.91±0.49 for events in the mass region 1.85

Het doel van training is het verbeteren van het fysieke prestatievermogen en te pieken tijdens belangrijke wedstrijden. Ofschoon het prestatievermogen van ieder mens voor 60-70 procent door aangeboren eigenschappen (talent) wordt bepaald, blijft er 25-30 procent ruimte voor prestatieverbetering door middel van training. Om het volledige potentieel aan verbeteringsmogelijkheden te benutten, is regelmatige training over een langere periode vereist. Daarom maakt een atleet gebruik van een planmatige aanpak (de trainingsopbouw), waarbij zowel de omvang (= totale hoeveelheid verrichte arbeid) als de intensiteit geleidelijk wordt verhoogd.

Ploughing is criticised because: (1) the rotational energy produced by the tractor favours the use of powered rotating tools; (2) erosion risks are greater on bare soil than under permanent cover; (3) in ploughed soil the more rapid decomposition of organic matter supposedly leads to poorer soil structures; (4) chemical weed control would make ploughing superfluous. Zero-tillage research revealed that conventional tillage strongly reduces the weed population, that seedbeds are a great help in getting a good start for arable crops, that ploughing is very effective as a method of residue management, that zero-tillage only seldom results in higher yields (except in cases where a second crop can be grown if tillage for that crop can be omitted) and that, therefore, profits are often lower in the zero-tillage cropping system. A large part of the energy used for ploughing is lost in the traction device and not absorbed by the soil. There is a vast experience on the effects of ploughing among ploughmen. Scientists are aware of the fact that ploughing can change soil structures, but their knowledge should be made more applicable. The open furrow improves traction, acts as a steering aid for the tractor and reduces soil resistance. Nevertheless, systems that avoid subsoil compaction by not driving through the open furrow should be developed further.