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The estimation model as an online app (a brief description of the online app and how to use it); mathematical details on two specific approximations and how they relate to the proposed model; details on how landscapes are generated for the spatial simulations of epidemics.

We present high-resolution data of the single-excitation spectrum of protactinium, reaching slightly beyond the first-ionization threshold. Within this work, more than 1500 energy levels are recorded in different excitation energy ranges below $50\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}000\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Our experimental results show that the tabulated data in the literature severely underestimate the density of states particularly regarding the highly excited spectral range.

Green electronics for electrical driving or solar energy application need high temperature substrates because the next generation of power semiconductors is based on wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBG), e.g. GaN or SiC. These WBG materials support the possibility of higher switching currents and high frequency applications. Driven by the high-voltage blocking resistance of these WBG high temperatures up to 250°C are possible. For reduced switching losses new concepts for low inductive commutation cells are already developed, e.g. the wire-bond-less PCB embedding technology. So far, an affordable high temperature compatible resin material was not available and ceramics or lead frame solutions are state of the art. The present work shows the first results of a new resin material with a Tg > 200°C (~400°F) in combination with a high temperature PCB technology (Printed Circuit Board). The new Epoxy resin material HELP-I and the new Benzoxazine resin material HELP-H are suitable for peak temperatures up to 200°C. In addition to the known oxidation, new failure mechanisms are observed and microcracks in the resin are described by a simulation model. Based on these simulated and experimental validated data the optimization will be presented. This knowledge is now enabling organic substrate with operating temperature up to 200°C for the use of SiC and GaN. First test results will be shown, the resin material properties and also the possibility of SiC and GaN embedding into the new resin will be discussed.

The next generation of switches for power electronics is based upon Wide Band Gap semiconductors (WBG), e.g. GaN or SiC. These materials are supporting the possibility of higher switching currents and high frequency applications. Wide band gap semiconductors enable high voltage and high temperature applications. Power electronics need an optimized low inductive commutation cell for reducing the switching losses. For these reasons a bond-less PCB embedding technology was developed. But so far, a compatible high temperature resin material wasn't available and ceramics or lead frame solutions are state of the art. The present work shows the first results of a new resin material with a Tg > 200°C (~400°F) in combination with a high temperature PCB (Printed Circuit Board) embedding technology. Based on the resin material properties, the possibility of SiC and GaN embedding into the new resin will be discussed and first test results will be shown.

5th International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, Florida, 2017 Joseph (Josy) M. Bove dedication J Ayres 1 , LW Timmer 2 , and T Gottwald 3 Fundecitrus, SP, Brazil; 2 University of Florida, FL, USA; 3 USDA, FL, USA. Citation: Ayres J, Timmer LW, Gottwald T. 2017. Joseph (Josy) M. Bove dedication. J Cit Pathol. iocv_journalcitruspathology_34815. Joseph (Josy) M. Bove was a consummate professional who made many important discoveries that have had a significant effect on plant pathology and on citrus industries worldwide. He was born in Luxemburg, in 1929, moved to France as a boy and became a French citizen in 1968. He did his doctoral work on the in vitro synthesis of plant viral RNA under Jacques Monod at the Pasteur Institute, but most of his career was dedicated to the investigation of systemic prokaryotes infecting citrus. He was Researcher at the French Institute for Citrus and Tropical Fruit Research at Versailles, France (1959-1970); iocv_journalcitruspathology_34815 Director of Research at INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research) campus of Bordeaux, France (1971-1975) and professor of microbiology at the University of Bordeaux (1976-1997), Head of Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Plant Biology (1974-1994) and President of INRA-Bordeaux (1984-1994). Two of his most important discoveries were that the agent of citrus stubborn disease was not a virus as thought previously, but a bacterium and, more precisely, a helical mycoplasma to be named Spiroplasma citri. Similarly, the agent of citrus greening disease was not a virus, but also a bacterium, to be named Candidatus Liberibacter africanus for the disease in Africa and Ca. L. asiaticus for the disease in Asia. His group used antibiotic therapy and electron microscopy to demonstrate that the pathogen was a gram-negative bacterium. He also found that witches’ broom disease of lime, a disease that was devastating lime production in the Middle East, was associated with a mycoplasma Ca. Phytoplasma aurantifolia and transmitted by a leafhopper. Many colleagues and students were initially intimidated by his strong personality and his self- confidence, and he was often critical of weak papers and statements not supported with good data. But, he was always helpful to all, provided valuable suggestions, and was willing to share his knowledge and undertake projects of international cooperation. One of his major and unusual strengths was his ability to link the latest scientific findings with solutions to agricultural problems in the field. During his academic career, Bove published over 300 scientific articles in high impact journals. He served as Chairman of the International Organization of Citrus Virology and the International Organization of Mycoplasmology. He organized many scientific meetings and hosted numerous scientists and trainees in his lab and at his home with his wife Collette, who was a great scientist in her own right. Josy was a consultant for FAO on citrus diseases and traveled extensively. He was widely known everywhere and greatly respected for his insight into all types of problems. His list of countries visited was much longer than the ones he missed.

A study on the systematic of the atomic ionization potentials for both, the lanthanide and actinide elements have been performed. The existing experimental basis, predominantly relying on results from resonance ionization spectroscopy, has been extended by novel laser spectroscopic investigations on the elements Au, Dy, Pr and Pa. Conclusive results of suitable precision for the ionization potentials could be obtained except for Pa, due to the complexity of its atomic spectrum. Nevertheless, a consistent interpretation of the observed trends for the ionization potentials of lanthanides and actinides was attempted. The series of lanthanides depicts the two well-known, completely smooth, linear trends above and below half-shell closure, from which an expectation value for the missing ionization potential of the all radioactive element promethium of IP Pm= 44985(140) cm −1 was derived. In contrast, the lighter members of the actinide series below the half-filled shell exhibit a significant deviation from predictions, which are ascribed dominantly to relativistic influences affecting the energetic position of the multitude of low-lying configurations. With the assumption of removal of a 6d electron during the ionization process agreement between theory and experiment and a smooth, even though not linear behavior, is obtained also in this region of the Periodic Table. This new interpretation could help to better predict similar trends and systematics for elements heavier than the actinides. Particularly relevant in this respect are the super-heavy elements, which are produced only in minuscule atom numbers and thus were not accessible for any atomic physics study yet.

Aim Surgical closure of high or complex anal fistulae is often a difficult challenge. A special Nitinol clip, the OTSC clip (Ovesco AG), was evaluated for fistula closure in a porcine model. Method A total of 20 fistulae were created in 10 animals by seton insertion. Four weeks after fistula induction the setons were removed: one internal fistula opening per animal was left untreated as control whereas the other opening was closed by the OTSC clip using a specially developed transanal clip applicator. The safety and technical feasibility of the clip application were tested. Another 4 weeks later, fistulae were macroscopically assessed for closure. For histological examination, the anorectum including the fistula tract was excised en bloc. Results Four weeks after clip placement, all external and internal fistula openings were macroscopically closed. The clip application site presented with an increased scarring. Microscopically, 40% of residual tracts and a more intense chronic inflammation were seen in the untreated control fistulae. After clip placement, 10% of the fistulae persisted associated with a higher density of collagen fibres indicating a better fistula scarring and healing. No unexpected side-effects or complications caused by the clip were observed. Conclusion Fistula closure using the OTSC clip represents a promising sphincter-preserving minimally invasive procedure. This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the ‘anal fistula claw’ for fistula closure. In spite of limitations of the porcine model the results justify clinical applications and further investigations.

The long-lived radio isotope 237 Np is generated within the nuclear fuel cycle and represents a major hazard in the final disposal of nuclear waste. Related geochemical research requires sensitive methods for the detection of ultratrace amounts of neptunium in environmental samples. Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) has proven to be one of the most sensitive methods for the detection of plutonium. A precondition for the application of RIMS to ultratrace analysis of neptunium is the knowledge of an efficient and selective scheme for optical excitation and ionization. Therefore, a multitude of medium to high-lying atomic levels in neptunium was located by applying in-source resonance ionization spectroscopy. By using excitation via six previously known first excited, intermediate levels of odd parity, a set of twelve so far unknown high-lying levels of even parity were identified and studied further for their suitability in resonant excitation/ionization schemes. Autoionizing resonances for efficient ionization of neptunium atoms were subsequently accessed spectroscopically. Altogether five resonance ionization schemes were investigated and characterized concerning their saturation behavior and relative efficiency. Applying a calibrated sample, an overall efficiency of 0.3 % was determined.

In-source resonance ionization spectroscopy of uranium has been carried out as preparation for the analysis of low contaminations of nuclear material in environmental samples via laser mass spectrometry. Using three-step resonance ionization spectroscopy, 86 levels of odd parity in the energy range from 37,200–38,650 cm − 1 were studied, 51 of these levels were previously unknown. Suitable excitation schemes for analytic applications are discussed.

An ISOLDE-type hot-cavity laser ion source based on high-repetition-rate Ti:Sapphire lasers has been set up at the Holifield radioactive ion beam facility. To assess the feasibility of the all-solid-state laser system for applications at advanced radioactive ion beam facilities, spectroscopy and performance tests have been conducted with this source. The results of recent studies on excitation schemes, source efficiency, beam emittance and ion time structure are presented.

A combined structure consisting of a laser ion source and a linear Paul trap (LIST) has been designed to produce radioactive ion beams of high purity and optimal temporal and spacial brilliance at on-line isotope separator (ISOL) facilities. The functionality of the LIST was experimentally demonstrated in off-line tests using the RISIKO off-line mass separator together with an all solid state Ti:sapphire laser system at the University of Mainz. Two different ion trap designs were tested extracting the performance of these devices regarding ionization efficiency and selectivity as well as time structure and transverse emittance of the produced ion beam. The results of these measurements are presented together with an outlook on the next steps towards the first on-line application of the LIST.

Multi-step resonance ionization spectroscopy of cobalt has been performed using a hot-cavity laser ion source and three Ti:Sapphire lasers. The photoionization spectra revealed members of five new autoionizing Rydberg series that originate from three different lower levels of 3d74s5s h4F9/2, 3d74s4d f4G11/2, and 3d74s4d f4H13/2 and converge to the first four excited states of singly ionized Co. The analyses of the Rydberg series yield 63564.689 �� 0.036 cm-1 as the first ionization potential of Co, which is an order of magnitude more accurate than the previous estimation. Using a three-step resonance ionization scheme that employs an autoinizing Rydberg state in the last transition, we obtained an overall ionization efficiency of about 18% for Co.

SummaryMagnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a noninvasive technique for evaluation of the biliary system without need of contrast agents. Heavily T2-weighted projection a

Ziel: Als Alternative zur operativen Revision einer hohen, benignen biliaren Striktur soll das technische Vorgehen der groskalibrigen Gallengangschienung mit Yamakawa-Prothesen ohne repetitive Ballondilatation am Beispiel einer Patientin geschildert werden. Methoden: Zur Stenoseuberbruckung wurde bilateral eine percutan-transhepatische Anlage von 2 Yamakawa-Prothesen aus Silikon vorgenommen (Ductus hepaticus, rechts: 14-F-Prothese; links: 12-F-Prothese). Die Prothesen wurden unter permanentem oralen Antibioticaschutz alle 8 Wochen durch neue Prothesen ersetzt. Nach 8 Monaten wurden beide Prothesen entfernt. Ergebnisse: Die Kontroll-Cholangiographie zeigte ein normal-weites intrahepatisches Gallenwegsystem rechts und eine 50 %ige Mundungsstenose des linken Ductus hepaticus. Die Nachbeobachtung uber einen Zeitraum von 18 Monaten zeigte keinen Hinweis auf eine Abflusbehinderung des Gallengangsystems. Schlusfolgerungen: Im Vergleich zur repetitiven Ballondilatation und zur Implantation metallischer Gallenwegstents bietet sich die prolongierte, groskalibrige Schienung benigner biliarer Strikturen mit Yamakawa-Prothesen als alternative Therapieform an.

Im Rahmen einer tierexperimentellen Studie an der Ratte wurde der Effekt einer elektrischen In-vivo-Stimulation des zervikalen N. vagus auf die Mukosamastzellen im Jejunum untersucht. Dabei zeigten mannliche Tiere nach Stimulation mit 1,0 mA (5 Hz, 5 ms, 12 min) eine deutliche Zunahme der Mastzelldichte in der Lamina propria; gleichzeitig kam es zu einem signifikanten Anstieg des Gewebehistaminspiegels (ANOVA:p

Ion beam purity is of crucial importance to many basic and applied studies in nuclear science. Selective photodetachment has been proposed to suppress unwanted species in negative ion beams while preserving the intensity of the species of interest. A highly efficient technique based on photodetachment in a gas-filled radio frequency quadrupole ion cooler has been demonstrated. In off-line experiments with stable ions, up to 10(4) times suppression of the isobar contaminants in a number of interesting radioactive negative ion beams has been demonstrated. For selected species, this technique promises new experimental possibilities in studies on exotic nuclei, accelerator mass spectrometry, and fundamental properties of negative atomic and molecular ions.

The modern food production system is globalised, industrialised and utterly divorced from the consumer. Humans, animals and the environment have been heavily impacted due to unsustainable production methods, waste of resources and globalisation. Hence, major changes in the global food system are inevitable. In 2002, the Schweisfurth-Foundation Munich in collaboration with IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) drafted the vision statement ‘Toward Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production – A Vision for the Future Viability of Food Production, Processing, and Marketing’. Its core concept is the developments of sustainable agriculture and food production, which is culturally rooted, ethically sound, economically profitable, and thus contributes to regional development, ecological health and the common wealth. The concept intelligently links regionalisation and globalisation and links traditional knowledge and modern technologies. The Vision states that food must be produced as organically as possible in order to protect the natural bases of existence and preserve plant and animal diversity. The idea favours short distances that do not incur costs to be borne by society at large for unsustainable industrial practices. Furthermore, the concept is based on an ecology of integrated cycles and close sourcing. It compounds value creation by taking metabolic products or waste and transforming them into food or green energy through natural recycling. This type of organic food production, processing, and marketing is multifunctional. It benefits several other areas important to societies. For example, this system saves energy, reduces transport costs, creates jobs, preserves occupational opportunities, protects the concept of apprenticeships, and promotes regional development. The concept has been developed further and has been successfully put into practice in several regions. This paper drafts the problems of industrial agriculture, introduces the concept and refers to a practical example of successful implementation.

Surgical closure of high or complex anal fistulae is often a difficult challenge. A special Nitinol clip, the OTSC clip (Ovesco AG), was evaluated for fistula closure in a porcine model.A total of 20 fistulae were created in 10 animals by seton insertion. Four weeks after fistula induction the setons were removed: one internal fistula opening per animal was left untreated as control whereas the other opening was closed by the OTSC clip using a specially developed transanal clip applicator. The safety and technical feasibility of the clip application were tested. Another 4 weeks later, fistulae were macroscopically assessed for closure. For histological examination, the anorectum including the fistula tract was excised en bloc.Four weeks after clip placement, all external and internal fistula openings were macroscopically closed. The clip application site presented with an increased scarring. Microscopically, 40% of residual tracts and a more intense chronic inflammation were seen in the untreated control fistulae. After clip placement, 10% of the fistulae persisted associated with a higher density of collagen fibres indicating a better fistula scarring and healing. No unexpected side-effects or complications caused by the clip were observed.Fistula closure using the OTSC clip represents a promising sphincter-preserving minimally invasive procedure. This study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the 'anal fistula claw' for fistula closure. In spite of limitations of the porcine model the results justify clinical applications and further investigations.

International audience; In-source resonance ionization spectroscopy was used to identify an efficient and selective three step excitation/ionization scheme of thorium, suitable for titanium:sapphire (Ti:sa) lasers. The measurements were carried out in preparation of laser spectroscopic investigations for an identification of the low-lying 229 m Th isomer predicted at 7.6 ± 0.5 eV above the nuclear ground state. Using a sample of 232 Th, a multitude of optical transitions leading to over 20 previously unknown intermediate states of even parity as well as numerous high-lying odd parity auto-ionizing states were identified. Level energies were determined with an accuracy of 0.06 cm −1 for intermediate and 0.15 cm −1 for auto-ionizing states. Using different excitation pathways an assignment of total angular momenta for several energy levels was possible. One particularly efficient ionization scheme of thorium, exhibiting saturation in all three optical transitions, was studied in detail. For all three levels in this scheme, the isotope shifts of the isotopes 228 Th, 229 Th, and 230 Th relative to 232 Th were measured. An overall efficiency including ionization, transport and detection of 0.6 % was determined, which was predominantly limited by the transmission of the mass spectrometer ion optics.

International audience; The depopulation of excited states in beams of negatively charged carbon and silicon ions was demonstrated using collisional detachment and laser photodetachment in a radio frequency quadrupole ion guide filled with helium. The high lying, loosely bound 2 D excited state in C − was completely depleted through collisional detachment alone, which was quantitatively determined within 6%. For Si − the combined signal from the population in the 2 P and 2 D excited states was only partly depleted through collisions in the cooler. The loosely bound 2 P state was likely to be completely depopulated and the more tightly bound 2 D state was partly depopulated through collisions. 98(2)% of the remaining 2 D population was removed by photodetachment in the cooler using less than 2 W laser power. The total reduction of the excited population in Si −, including collisional detachment and photodetachment, was estimated to be 99(1)%. Employing this novel technique to produce a pure ground state negative ion beam offers possibilities to enhance selectivity, as well as accuracy, in high precision experiments on atomic as well as molecular negative ions.

Using resonance ionization spectroscopy the first-ionization potential of actinium has been determined by analyzing different Rydberg series in two-color resonant laser excitation. Three individual Rydberg series were investigated, converging toward the ionic ground state and toward the first- and second-excited state of the actinium ion, respectively. A combined analysis of the convergence limits leads to a consistent value for the first-ionization potential of Ac of $43\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}394.45\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(19)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, equivalent to $5.380\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}226\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(24)$ eV.

International audience; SPIRAL2 is the new project under construction at GANIL to produce radioactive ion beams and in particular neutron rich ion beams. For the past 10 yr SPIRAL1 at GANIL has been delivering accelerated radioactive ion beams of gases. Both facilities now need to extend the range of radioactive ion beams produced to condensable elements. For that purpose, a resonant ionization laser ion source, funded by the French Research National Agency, is under development at GANIL, in collaboration with IPN Orsay, University of Mainz Germany and TRIUMF, Vancouver Canada . A description of this project called GISELE GANIL Ion Source using Electron Laser Excitation is presented.

Laser ion sources based on resonant excitation and ionization of atoms are well-established tools for selective and efficient production of radioactive ion beams. Recent developments are focused on the use of the state-of-the-art all solid-state laser systems. To date, 35 elements of the periodic table are available from laser ion sources based on tunable Ti:sapphire lasers. Recent progress in this field regarding the establishment of suitable optical excitation schemes for Ti:sapphire lasers are reported.

The time spreads of Mn ions produced by three-photon resonant ionization in a hot-cavity laser ion source are measured. A one-dimensional ion-transport model is developed to simulate the observed ion time structures. Assuming ions are generated with a Maxwellian velocity distribution and are guided by an axial electric field, the predictions of the model agree reasonably well with the experimental data and suggest that the ions are radially confined in the ion source and a substantial fraction of the ions in the transport tube are extracted.

The N\'eel state in fermionic mixtures of two pseudospin species in an optical lattice is analyzed at low temperatures. Experimentally it remains a challenge to demonstrate antiferromagnetic correlations in ultracold fermionic quantum gases. We find that, while in balanced systems the N\'eel order parameter can point in any spatial direction, in imbalanced mixtures antiferromagnetism is strictly perpendicular to the quantization axis (i.e., the z-axis). Since, experimentally, one always has to assume some minimal imbalance this should have important consequences for ongoing experiments., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

On‐line production facilities for radioactive isotopes nowadays heavily rely on resonance ionization laser ion sources due to their demonstrated unsurpassed efficiency and elemental selectivity. Powerful high repetition rate tunable pulsed dye or Ti:sapphire lasers can be used for this purpose. To counteract limitations of short pulse pump lasers, as needed for dye laser pumping, i.e. copper vapor lasers, which include high maintenance and nevertheless often only imperfect reliability, an all‐solid‐state Nd:YAG pumped Ti:sapphire laser system has been constructed. This could complement or even replace dye laser systems, eliminating their disadvantages but on the other hand introduce shortcomings on the side of the available wavelength range. Pros and cons of these developments will be discussed.

A resonant ionization laser ion source based on all‐solid‐state, tunable Ti:Sapphire lasers is being developed for the production of pure radioactive ion beams. It consists of a hot‐cavity ion source and three pulsed Ti:Sapphire lasers operating at a 10 kHz pulse repetition rate. Spectroscopic studies are being conducted to develop ionization schemes that lead to ionizing an excited atom through an auto‐ionization or a Rydberg state for numerous elements of interest. Three‐photon resonant ionization of 12 elements has been recently demonstrated. The overall efficiency of the laser ion source measured for some of these elements ranges from 1 to 40%. The results indicate that Ti:Sapphire lasers could be well suited for laser ion source applications. The time structures of the ions produced by the pulsed lasers are investigated. The information may help to improve the laser ion source performance.

Spectroscopic investigations of the rare earth elements Tb, Dy and Ho have been carried out using laser resonance ionization mass spectroscopy. A variety of new intermediate energy levels and autoionizing states were observed in these elements. Efficient and selective excitation and ionization schemes for the elements have been developed for Ti:Sapphire lasers using the spectroscopic data. Resonant ionization schemes for Np were also been studied as the preparation work for related investigations on actinide elements and for the spectroscopy on the heaviest elements, where spectroscopic data so far are scarce or not existing at all.

The inception of laser resonance ionization spectroscopy and its application as a resonant ionization laser ion source (RILIS) took place merely 20 years ago with pulsed dye lasers [1–5]. By now next generation radioactive ion beam (RIB) facilities are being planned or built. Understanding and considering the unique RILIS requirements in the layout of next generation RIB facilities will allow for cost‐effective implementation of this versatile ion source. This discussion touches on laser beam transport and RILIS requirements not necessarily obvious to experts in conventional ion sources.

The TRIUMF Resonant Ionization Laser Ion Source (RILIS) for radioactive ion beam production is presented, with target ion source, laser beam transport, laser system and operation. In this context aspects of titanium sapphire (TiSa) laser based RILIS and facility requirements are discussed and results from the first years of TRILIS RIB delivery are given.

In order to describe unbalanced ultracold fermionic quantum gases on optical lattices in a harmonic trap, we investigate an attractive ($U, 9 pages, 5 figures

Three-photon resonance ionization of atomic manganese (Mn) in a hot-cavity ion source using Ti:sapphire lasers has been demonstrated. Three-step ionization schemes employing different intermediate levels and Rydberg or autoionizing (AI) states in the final ionization step are established. Strong AI resonances were observed via the 3d54s5s f 6S5/2 level at 49 415.35 cm−1, while Rydberg transitions were reached from the 3d54s4d e 6D9/2,7/2,5/2 levels at around 47 210 cm−1. Analyses of the strong Rydberg transitions associated with the 3d54s4d e 6D7/2 lower level indicate that they belong to the dipole-allowed 4d → nf 6F°9/2,7/2,5/2 series converging to the 3d54s 7S3 ground state of Mn II. From this series, an ionization potential of 59 959.56 ± 0.01 cm−1 is obtained for Mn. At high ion source temperatures the semi-forbidden 4d → nf 8F°9/2,7/2,5/2 series was also observed. The overall ionization efficiency for Mn has been measured to be about 0.9% when using the strong AI transition in the third excitation step and 0.3% when employing an intense Rydberg transition. Experimental data indicate that the ionization efficiency was limited by the interaction of Mn atoms with ion source materials at high temperatures.

As an alternative method to the operative revision of benign bile duct strictures, we report the use of a large-bore bile duct prosthesis (Yamakawa prosthesis) in one patient.Bilateral percutaneous transhepatic implantation of Yamakawa prostheses (14 F right side, 12 F left side) was performed without adjunctive balloon dilatation. The prostheses were exchanged every 8 weeks under continuous antibiotic treatment and were finally removed after 8 months.Control cholangiography showed a normal intrahepatic biliary system on the right side and a 50% stenosis at the orifice of the left hepatic duct. Follow-up over 18 months showed no signs of recurrent disease.In comparison to balloon dilatation and implantation of metallic stents, prolonged bilateral splinting with large-bore Yamakawa prostheses seems to be an alternative for the treatment of benign bile duct strictures.

The effect of electrical stimulation of both cervical vagal nerves on mucosal mast cells in the jejunum was investigated in an in vivo animal model with rats of both sexes. Males showed a significant increase of mast cell densities after electrical stimulation (1.0 mA, 5 Hz, 5 ms, 12 min) in the lamina propria. Simultaneously, we observed a significant increase of tissue histamine levels (ANOVA: P0.05), whereas serum levels remained unchanged. However, even though females had significantly higher levels throughout compared to males (ANOVA: P0.05), they did not show any significant reaction to electrical stimulation. These in vivo data support morphological and in vitro data from other investigators, who hypothesized a functional interaction between mucosal mast cells and nerves. However, degranulation seems to be a poor in situ indicator for mast-cell stimulation, as mast-cell densities increased in males, while the percentage of degranulated cells remained the same in all groups (about 40%). Instead, electrical stimulation of the vagal nerve seems to trigger histamine synthesis, or simply stabilization of mast cells. Interestingly, this phenomenon seems to be sex-dependent, suggesting a regulatory role for sex hormones in this scenario.

Wound healing represents a complex cascade of biochemical and cellular events designed to achieve regeneration or restoration of tissue integrity following injury. After a long-lasting lag phase, during the past decade substantial progress has been made towards the understanding of the cellular regulation of repair in health and disease [3]. Locally acting growth factors (cytokines) play a key role in the regulation of all phases of tissue repair. Tissue repair is not restricted to the skin, although much of the present knowledge is based on data generated from experimental and clinical skin wounds [4, 15].

Laser spectroscopic investigations on high-lying states around the ionization potential (IP) in the atomic spectrum of Fe have been carried out for the development of a practical three-step resonance ionization scheme accessible by Ti: sapphire lasers. A hot cavity laser ion source, typically used at on-line radioactive ion beam production facilities, was employed in this work. Ionization schemes employing high-lying Rydberg and autoionizing states populated by three-photon excitations were established. Five new Rydberg and autoionizing Rydberg series converging to the ground and to the first four excited states of Fe II are reported. Analyses of the Rydberg series yield the value 63 737.686 ± 0.068 cm−1 for the ionization potential of iron.

This brief clinical report illustrates the case of a 50-y-old male patient with severe radiation-induced renal and intestinal fibrosis who received glutamine-enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The patient had end-stage renal disease and, therefore, underwent a kidney transplant. In the postoperative course the patient developed signs of bowel obstruction and cachexia. He received two courses of glutamine-enriched TPN before he underwent surgery for small bowel stenosis. Postoperatively, the patient received a third course of glutamine-enriched TPN. During the patient's hospital course the following indexes were monitored: patient's weight, serum concentrations of protein, albumin, and trialglycerol. Intestinal permeability was assessed with the lactulose-mannitol sugar test (L-M test). We measured changes in the patient's weight and the L-M test. We hypothesize that glutamine-enriched TPN may have been beneficial in the hospital course of this critically ill patient and may have influenced the patient's intestinal function and permeability.

To assess the effect of six different enteral diets on the gut barrier.Laboratory study.University hospital, Germany.70 Specific pathogen free female Crl:CDR BR rats.For 7 days, 6 groups of rats were fed orally with standard chow (n = 15); total parenteral nutrition solution (oral TPN, n = 15); elemental diet (ED, n = 10); nutrient-defined diet (NDD, n = 10); or the NDD supplemented with uracil (NDD+uracil, n = 10), or fibre (NDD+fibre, n = 10).Bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, numbers of Gram negative enterobacteria and total aerobic bacteria in the caecum, and intestinal concentrations of secretory IgA.The incidence of bacterial translocation was significantly increased in the groups given oral TPN, ED, NDD, and NDD+uracil compared with the group given chow. Only NDD+fibre resulted in a similar degree of translocation to that in the chow group. All groups in which there was increased translocation had a highly significant overgrowth of aerobic bacteria in the caecum, mainly by Gram negative enteric organisms. The secretory IgA concentration was reduced in the group that had been given oral TPN, and that in the ED and NDD+uracil groups was similar to that in the chow group. NDD and NDD+fibre were associated with higher intestinal concentrations of secretory IgA than chow.Fibre-free enteral diets do not protect the gut antimicrobial barrier whatever else is in them. The superiority of early enteral as opposed to parenteral nutrition after injury may, therefore, not be the result of a specific protective effect on the gut barrier. The supplementation of commercial enteral diets with bulk fibre should be tested in clinical trials.