Evaluation of Impulse-Oscillometric Extravasation Prevention.

Infusion liquid extravasation occurs in up to 6% of all intensive care patients and up to 78% for neonates. Currently, emerging extravasation cannot be detected. An impulse-oscillometric method to detect the onset of extravasation is tested and evaluated in vitro.

Red-emitting KHFWOF:Mn for application in warm-white phosphor-converted LEDs - optical properties and magnetic resonance characterization.

We report novel efficient Mn4+ phosphors of composition K3HF2MO2F4:Mn4+ (M = Mo, W) containing [HF2]- and octahedral [MO2F4]2- building units. The phosphor exhibits strong absorption at 450 nm and an external quantum yield of 90%. K3HF2WO2F4:0.

On the sensitization of Eu with Ce and Tb by composite structured CaLuHfAlO garnet phosphors for blue LED excitation.

This work deals with the photoluminescence of various composite structured Ca2LuHf2Al3O12 garnet type LED phosphors. It is well known that sensitization of Eu3+ with Ce3+ suffers from metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) quenching. Spatial separation of the sensitizer and activator results in a reduced quenching mechanism and thus higher luminescence intensities, when Ce3+ is excited in the blue spectral range and transfers its energy to Eu3+.

Effect of a Sodium and Calcium DL--Hydroxybutyrate Salt in Healthy Adults.

Background: Ketone body therapy and supplementation are of high interest for several medical and nutritional fields. The intake of ketone bodies is often discussed in relation to rare metabolic diseases, such as multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD), that have no alternatives for treatment. Case reports showed positive results of therapy using ketone bodies.

Photoluminescence and energy transfer behavior of narrow band red light emitting LiBaTb(MoO):Eu.

This work concerns the polycrystalline red emitting solid state compound LiBa(TbEu)(MoO), from which a series of powder samples was prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction. The phase formation of the samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction which revealed the formation of a solid solution without a miscibility gap. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra and decay curves were recorded as a function of Tb and Eu concentration and temperature.

Statistical Analysis of the Main Configuration Parameters of the Network Dynamic and Adaptive Radio Protocol (DARP).

The present work analyses the wireless sensor network protocol (DARP) and the impact of different configuration parameter sets on its performance. Different scenarios have been considered, in order to gain a better understanding of the influence of the configuration on network protocols. The developed statistical analysis is based on the method known as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), which focuses on the effect of the configuration on the performance of DARP.

Monitoring of nanoclay-protein adsorption isotherms via fluorescence techniques.

The investigation of nanoparticles and their interaction with bio-macromolecules have become an important issue; the widely discussed protein corona around nanoparticles and their biological fate in general have drawn particular attention. Here, we focus on nanoclay dispersions and the use of solvatochromic fluorescent dyes (Dansyl and Coumarin 153) for monitoring the interaction with two model proteins, bovine serum albumin and β-lactoglobulin. On one hand, these dyes are poorly emissive in water, but experience a boost in their fluorescence when adsorbed into the hydrophobic domains of proteins.

Formation of brine channels in sea ice.

Liquid salty micro-channels (brine) between growing ice platelets in sea ice are an important habitat for CO-binding microalgaea with great impact on polar ecosystems. The structure formation of ice platelets is microscopically described and a phase field model is developed. The pattern formation during solidification of the two-dimensional interstitial liquid is considered by two coupled order parameters, the tetrahedricity as structure of ice and the salinity.

Development of a simplified urban water balance model (WABILA).

During the last decade, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) has become more and more accepted. However, there is not any simple tool or option available to evaluate the influence of these measures on the local water balance. To counteract the impact of new settlements, planners focus on mitigating increases in runoff through installation of infiltration systems.

Development of a New Monomer for the Synthesis of Intrinsic Antimicrobial Polymers with Enhanced Material Properties.

The use of biocidal compounds in polymers is steadily increasing because it is one solution to the need for safety and hygiene. It is possible to incorporate an antimicrobial moiety to a polymer. These polymers are referred to as intrinsic antimicrobial.

Photophysical efficiency-boost of aqueous aluminium phthalocyanine by hybrid formation with nano-clays.

Novel organic-inorganic hybrid materials comprising nanoscaled layered silicates and native aluminium hydroxide phthalocyanine (Al(OH)Pc) allowed for the first time the exploitation of their unique photophysical properties in aqueous ambience. In particular, we were able to observe the efficient emission of Al(OH)Pc-nanoclay hybrids and generation of singlet oxygen in aqueous solution.

Long-term effect of a low-intensity smoking intervention embedded in an adherence program for patients with hypercholesterolemia: Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: We evaluated the long-term effect of a smoking intervention embedded in an adherence program in patients with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Method: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial: In 2002-2004, 8108 patients with hypercholesterolemia were enrolled from general practices in Germany. Patients received a 12-month adherence program and statin medication (intervention) or statin medication only (control).

Energy transfer and unusual decay behaviour of BaCa2Si3O9:Eu(2+),Mn(2+) phosphor.

In this work the photoluminescence (PL) of BaCa2Si3O9:Eu(2+),Mn(2+) and the energy transfer (ET) between Eu(2+) and Mn(2+) were examined. A series of powder samples with various Mn(2+) concentrations were prepared by high temperature solid state route. Phase purity was investigated using X-ray powder diffractometry.

Cyclic fatigue testing of denture teeth for bulk fracture.

Objectives: Clinical experience with implant-supported dentures indicates that fracture and chipping of teeth are becoming an issue. Tooth fracture and chipping rates of approximately 2.5% per year are being experienced at one university.

Precise measurements of the thermo-optical aberrations of an Yb:YAG thin-disk laser.

We report on interferometric measurements of the thermo-optical aberrations of the laser medium of an Yb:YAG thin-disk laser in pumped and cw lasing conditions at several pump-power levels with a mean repeatability of 5 nm. These measurements build the basis for future intracavity compensation of the aberrations with our deformable mirror in order to improve the fundamental-mode efficiency.

X-ray magneto-optical polarization spectroscopy: an analysis from the visible region to the x-ray regime.

An ultra-high vacuum compatible multipurpose chamber for magneto-optical reflection and transmission experiments with polarization analysis on magnetic systems is introduced. It is applicable in a broad photon energy range from the visible to the soft x-ray regime and for a wide angular range from grazing to normal incidence. It exploits a novel magnetization device based on rotating permanent magnets, which generates tuneable magnetic fields up to 570 mT in longitudinal, transverse and polar geometry.

Preparation and characterization of nanodispersions of yttria, yttrium aluminium garnet and lutetium aluminium garnet.

Refractory and chemically inert nanoparticulate solids like yttria, yttrium aluminium garnet or lutetium aluminium garnet are notoriously difficult to disperse in aqueous solution, although such dispersions might prove useful for 2D- and 3D-printing, deposition of films or other shaping procedures for ceramic green bodies. This work reports on experiments to prepare such dispersions from nanopowders, using a range of selected carboxylic acids as ligands for electrostatic charging and stabilization of the various nanomaterials. The assessment of the system properties achieved combines ζ-potential and viscosity (flow curve) measurements in the resulting colloidal systems.

Effects of a rapeseed oil-enriched hypoenergetic diet with a high content of α-linolenic acid on body weight and cardiovascular risk profile in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

In therapy of the metabolic syndrome, the optimal dietary approach with regard to its macronutrient composition and metabolically favourable food components, such as the plant-derived n-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA), is still a matter of debate. We investigated the effects of a hypoenergetic diet with low energy density (ED) enriched in rapeseed oil, resulting in high MUFA content and an ALA intake of 3.5 g/d on body weight and cardiovascular risk profile in eighty-one patients with the metabolic syndrome in comparison with an olive oil diet rich in MUFA, but with a low ALA content.

TetraMag: a compact magnetizing device based on eight rotating permanent magnets.

In this paper we describe a novel magnetizing device based on eight rotatable permanent magnets arranged in a quadrupolar configuration, which is termed the TetraMag. TetraMag creates stable and homogeneous magnetic fields at the sample position with a resolution of 0.02 mT tunable between -570 mT and +570 mT.

Laryngeally echolocating bats.

Echolocation of bats is a fascinating topic with an ongoing controversy regarding the signal processing that bats perform on the echo. Veselka et al. found that bats that use the larynx for producing the echolocating ultrasound have a stylohyal bone that connects the larynx to the auditory bulla.

The attribution of primary and secondary emotions to the in-group and to the out-group: the case of equal status countries.

We examined the attribution of primary and secondary emotions in the context of equal status groups with a non-conflictual relationship, that is, Germans and French. In Study 1 (N = 169), we found that in such an intergroup context, there was no differential attribution of secondary emotions but an over-attribution of primary emotions to the out-group. Only high identifiers tended to attribute more secondary emotions to the in-group than to the out-group.

Potential of nano-ZnS as electrocatalyst.

ZnS is a versatile wide-gap semiconductor that shows remarkable chemical stability against oxidation and hydrolysis. These properties are retained when the particle size steps down to 10 nm and below, and thus ZnS nanoparticles are interesting entities for optical and catalytic functions, where they might be exposed to quite aggressive environments. Moreover, ZnS may be doped by a host of elements, so that the electrical and optical properties can be tuned over an extended range.

Modelling of biofilters for ammonium reduction in combined sewer overflow.

Biofiltration has proved to be a useful system to treat combined sewer overflow (CSO). The study presented uses numerical simulation to detect the critical operating conditions of the filter. The multi-component reactive transport module CW2D was used for the simulation study.