Retrace error calibration for interferometric measurements using an unknown optical system.

In classical interferometric null test measurements, the measurement and reference beam path should be the same. A difference in the beam paths results in the so called retrace error. One very common approach to avoid retrace errors is to adapt the measurement wavefront to the reference wavefront with a computer generated hologram (CGH), which is costly and time consuming. A much more flexible approach is to do non nulltest measurement in combination with mathematical treatment of retrace errors. Most of such methods are based on iterative optimization or calibration of the nominal optical design of the interferometer. While this may be a convenient solution in the context of research, the more common use may be limited due to the need of the optical design of all interferometer components. In many cases, the optical designs of standard off the shelf optical assemblies are not available or disclosed by the manufacturer. This is especially true for transmission spheres of interferometers. We introduce the so called Black Box Model (BBM), used in the well known Tilted Wave Interferometry (TWI), as a mathematical model to account for retrace errors in interferometry. The Black Box Model is based on point characteristic functions which are adapted to the result and behavior of a real interferometer by calibration. With an extended calibration method, the need of a specific optical design of the interferometer is no longer necessary. Thus the method is attractive for a wide field of use in interferometry with standard off the shelf components.

Interferometric radius of curvature measurements: an environmental error treatment.

Interferometric determination of sphere radii is a well known technique. To keep accuracy high and uncertainties low, a precisely controlled environment is usually necessary. Environmental changes in temperature lead to time dependent drift in important measurement parameters and to disturbed results. We present a method to minimize time dependent drift to the first order. With this method, it is either possible to reduce the uncertainties further, or to relax environmental conditions and still be able to accomplish high precision measurements. We discuss two typical measurement configurations, the associated benefits and drawbacks and some relevant error sources.

Use of a white light supercontinuum laser for confocal interference-reflection microscopy.

Shortly after its development, the white light supercontinuum laser was applied to confocal scanning microscopy as a more versatile substitute for the multiple monochromatic lasers normally used for the excitation of fluorescence. This light source is now available coupled to commercial confocal fluorescence microscopes. We have evaluated a supercontinuum laser as a source for a different purpose: confocal interferometric imaging of living cells and artificial models by interference reflection. We used light in the range 460-700 nm where this source provides a reasonably flat spectrum, and obtained images free from fringe artefacts caused by the longer coherence length of conventional lasers. We have also obtained images of cytoskeletal detail that is difficult to see with a monochromatic laser.

Dinitroaniline herbicide-resistant transgenic tobacco plants generated by co-overexpression of a mutant alpha-tubulin and a beta-tubulin.

Dinitroaniline herbicides are used for the selective control of weeds in arable crops. Dinitroaniline herbicide resistance in the invasive weed goosegrass was previously shown to stem from a spontaneous mutation in an alpha-tubulin gene. We transformed and regenerated tobacco plants with an alpha/beta-tubulin double gene construct containing the mutant alpha-tubulin gene and showed that expression of this construct confers a stably inherited dinitroaniline-resistant phenotype in tobacco. In all transformed lines, the transgene alpha- and beta-tubulins increased the cytoplasmic pool of tubulin approximately 1.5-fold while repressing endogenous alpha- and beta-tubulin synthesis by up to 45% in some tissues. Transgene alpha- and beta-tubulin were overexpressed in every plant tissue analyzed and comprised approximately 66% of the total tubulin in these tissues. Immunolocalization studies revealed that transgene alpha- and beta-tubulins were incorporated into all four microtubule arrays, indicating that they are functional. The majority of the alpha/beta-tubulin pools are encoded by the transgenes, which implies that the mutant alpha-tubulin and the beta-tubulin can perform the majority, if not all, of the roles of microtubules in both juvenile and adult tobacco plants.

New E-beam-initiated hyaluronan acrylate cryogels support growth and matrix deposition by dermal fibroblasts.

Cryogels made of components of natural extracellular matrix components are potent biomaterials for bioengineering and regenerative medicine. Human dermal fibroblasts are key cells for tissue replacement during wound healing. Thus, any biomaterial for wound healing applications should enable growth, differentiation and matrix synthesis by these cells. Cryogels are highly porous scaffolds consisting of a network of interconnected pores. Here, we used a novel group of cryogels generated from acrylated hyaluronan where the polymerization was initiated by accelerated electrons (E-beam). This novel procedure omits any toxic polymerization initiators and results in sterile, highly elastic scaffolds with adjustable pore size, excellent swelling and low flow resistance properties. We show that these cryogels are effective 3D-substrates for long-term cultures of human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. The cells proliferate for at least 28days throughout the cryogels and deposit their own matrix in the pores. Moreover, key modulators of dermal fibroblasts during wound healing like TGFß and PDGF efficiently stimulated the expression of wound healing-relevant genes. In conclusion, electron beam initiated cryogels of acrylated hyaluronan represent a functional and cell compatible biomaterial that could be adapted for special wound healing applications by further functionalization.

Recovery of nanoparticles produced in phosphatidylcholine-based template phases.

This paper focuses on the characterization and use of polymer-modified phosphatidylcholine (PC)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-based inverse microemulsions as a template phase for BaSO4 nanoparticle formation. The area of the optically clear inverse microemulsion phase in the isooctane/hexanol/water/PC/SDS system is not significantly changed by adding polyelectrolytes, i.e., poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), or amphoteric copolymers of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and maleamid acid to the SDS-modified inverse microemulsion. Shear experiments show non-Newtonian flow behavior and oscillation experiments show a frequency-dependent viscosity increase (dilatant behavior) of the microemulsions. Small amounts of bulk water were identified by means of differential scanning calorimetry. One can conclude that the macromolecules are incorporated into the individual droplets, and polymer-filled microemulsions are formed. The polymer-filled microemulsions were used as a template phase for the synthesis of BaSO4 nanoparticles. After solvent evaporation the nanoparticles were redispersed in water and isooctane, respectively. The polymers incorporated into the microemulsion are involved in the redispersion process and influence the size and shape of the redispersed BaSO4 particles in a specific way. The crystallization process mainly depends on the type of solvent and the polymer component added. In the presence of the cationic polyelectrolyte PDADMAC the crystallization to larger cubic crystals is inhibited, and layers consisting of polymer-stabilized spherical nanoparticles of BaSO4 (6 nm in size) will be observed.

Steal phenomenon caused by a parallel branch of the internal mammary artery.

We report on a patient with postoperative mammary artery steal resulting from a parallel branch of the vessel as well as from a patent first left intercostal artery, both of which had not been divided. The patient was cured of angina pectoris after embolization of both vessels.

[Radiological follow-up of anastomotic insufficiency following partial esophageal resections or gastrectomies. The effects of barium-containing contrast media]. / Radiologische Kontrolle von Anastomoseninsuffizienzen nach Osophagusteilresektionen oder Gastrektomien. Effekte bariumhaltiger Kontrastmittel.

Fistulae after abdomino-thoracic operations are usually treated conservatively because of the high complication rate of repeated surgery. If the anastomoses function adequately, healing usually occurs spontaneously after four to six weeks. Amongst 271 patients with intrathoracic oesophago-gastric or oesophago-jejunal anastomoses, entero-cutaneous fistulae occurred 29 times. Extension of the fistula into the pleura or peritoneum was first excluded by using an absorbable contrast medium and then a barium contrast examination was carried out. Thoracic fistulae closed, on average, after 21.8 days and fistulae in the upper abdomen after 20.3 days. Barium sulphate stimulates granulation tissue in the fistula and therefore leads to more rapid obliteration. This improves the quality of the patient's life and reduced the time the patient has to spend in hospital. There were no local or systematic complications.

[Digital radiography: optimization of chest radiographs using a modified exposure control]. / Digitale Radiographie: Optimierung der Thoraxaufnahmetechnik durch modifizierte Belichtungssteuerung.

Phototiming over the lung fields frequently compromises the signal-to-noise ratio available in the mediastinal and diaphragmatic regions of the chest. A moderate dose increase would be justified if a significant improvement in diagnostic performance could be achieved. We compared the impact of mediastinal phototiming (150 kVp, 150 cm FFD, 1.0 mm focus, 12:1 grid [higher kVp chosen to minimize dose increase]) to standard lungfield phototiming (125 kVp, 150 cm FFD, 1.0 mm focus, 12:1 grid) on the detectability of simulated pulmonary nodules (wax, 0.5-2.5 cm in diameter) superimposed on human volunteers in storage phosphor radiographs (1744 x 2144 pixels, 10 bit). ROC analysis of 1920 observations by 8 readers showed a significantly higher (p less than 0.03) detectability of simulated pulmonary nodules with mediastinal phototiming (ROC area = 0.89) than standard lungfield phototiming (ROC area = 0.84).

[The visibility of a central venous catheter using digital luminescence radiography in intensive care radiology]. / Erkennbarkeit zentralvenöser Katheter bei Einsatz der digitalen Lumineszenzradiographie in der intensivmedizinischen Radiologie.

The aim of the following study was to assess the impact of dose alterations on the detection of catheters. We compared the performance of well-exposed conventional and digital portable chest radiographs in the detection of thin catheters and tested the influences of dose alterations. Portable chest radiographs of 20 patients were obtained with conventional film/screen (FR) and with storage phosphors at 50% (SRL), 100% (SRN), and 250% (SRH) of the conventionally required exposure dose. The region of the mediastinum was subdivided into an average of 18 fields, 50% of which were superimposed with thin catheter segments. ROC analysis of 11,600 observations by 8 readers found only SRH equivalent to FR in catheter visualisation. Performance decreased significantly with SRN and SRL. Detection of low contrast catheters was found to be significantly decreased in storage phosphor radiographs obtained with standard exposure dose. A dose reduction is not feasible with current equipment if performance equivalent to conventional radiography is to be achieved.

Therapy with refugee families: what is a "good" conversation?

This article addresses the question of what is a "good" conversation by analyzing "poor" conversations. During a project on family therapy with refugee families, we often experienced what we labeled as "poor" conversations. We present examples of a variety of such conversations, which we then analyze with reference to therapeutic maps and central concerns of the therapists. We describe four patterns of therapist/client relationships that emerged from this analysis. The main focus of our discussion is to clarify when "poor" conversations may be an important part of the therapeutic process, and when and how they should be avoided. We believe that the issues we raise are central to therapeutic work in general and not just to therapy with refugee families.

Reflections during a study on family therapy with drug addicts.

This article presents ideas and reflections emerging during a project on family therapy with drug abusers. Initially inspired by the writings of Stanton and Todd on the subject, the project developed into a recursive and self-reflective process, characterized by increasing doubts about the usefulness of categorization of families, of pre-planning therapy, and of the therapist as an "expert." The limitations of approaches that emphasize the importance of understanding the family structure as the basis for changing it are discussed, particularly with respect to how they decrease therapist flexibility and may block the family's finding their own solution. Alternative approaches to practice and research are also discussed, bearing on ideas particularly formulated by theoreticians and practitioners inspired by second-order cybernetics.

Engaging refugee families in therapy: exploring the benefits of including referring professionals in first family interviews.

The possible benefits of including referring professionals in the first family interviews are being explored as a way to engage refugee families in therapy. Families in exile confront a number of problems related both to premigration traumatic exposures and to present adaptation processes. Refugee clients and the referring professionals in the larger system frequently see the problems and their solutions quite differently. This situation may often result in unclear working alliances in a context of therapy. We will describe first family interviews in which referring professionals are interviewed about their reasons for referrals, and where the families are invited to discuss these considerations. The conversations permit families, referrers, and therapists to reflect upon differences in positions and perspectives. Their experiences suggest that agreements or contracts based on these joint interviews are less ambiguous and more clearly formulated than contracts based on interviews with families alone. Finally, these experiences are discussed as a potentially valuable approach in a cross-cultural context.

[Roentgen diagnosis of the foot]. / Röntgendiagnostik des Fusses.

Diagnostic modalities in trauma studies of the foot include conventional radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital projection radiography (DR). Several projections and special views of the conventional radiographic technique are shown with special respect to the hindfoot and the subtalar joint. The importance of ultrasound for soft tissue diagnosis is emphasized. Other modalities (CT, MRI, DR) are illustrated.

[Clinical aspects and therapy of Kaposi's sarcoma]. / Klinik und Therapie des Kaposi-Sarkoms.

Three own cases are presented in order to discuss the clinical characteristics as well as the therapy of the Kaposi syndrome. This disease occurs very rarely. In its typical form it has to be classified as semi-malignant. Generally it takes an extended course over many years. In case of loco-regional tumors, radiotherapy is considered to be the method of choice. It should be performed in an extended-field technique allowing to reduce the recurrence rate and to achieve a better local tumor control. The total dose is individually determined between 25 and 40 Gy.

[Atypical ultrasound picture of pleomorphic adenoma]. / Atypisches Erscheinungsbild eines pleomorphen Adenoms im Ultraschall.

Presentation of an atypical sonomorphology in a case of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. The tumour was resected and worked up for histological examination. The results emphasise the difficulty of differentiating the subtypes of parotid neoplasms by ultrasonography alone.

Re-evaluation of differential phase contrast (DPC) in a scanning laser microscope using a split detector as an alternative to differential interference contrast (DIC) optics.

In this paper, differential phase imaging (DPC) with transmitted light is implemented by adding a suitable detection system to a standard commercially available scanning confocal microscope. DPC, a long-established method in scanning optical microscopy, depends on detecting the intensity difference between opposite halves or quadrants of a split photodiode detector placed in an aperture plane. Here, DPC is compared with scanned differential interference contrast (DIC) using a variety of biological specimens and objective lenses of high numerical aperture. While DPC and DIC images are generally similar, DPC seems to have a greater depth of field. DPC has several advantages over DIC. These include low cost (no polarizing or strain-free optics are required), absence of a double scanning spot, electronically variable direction of shading and the ability to image specimens in plastic dishes where birefringence prevents the use of DIC. DPC is also here found to need 20 times less laser power at the specimen than DIC.

[Destructive non-infectious spondylopathy during hemodialysis]. / Destruierende nicht-infektiöse Spondylopathie bei Hämodialyse.

Improvement of long-term treatment with hemodialysis requires an optimized radiological differential diagnosis of bone changes associated with long-term hemodialysis. 85 patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis were examined. In a conventional radiographic skeletal survey of the whole spine, 22 patients (26%) had involved intervertebral discs. The site of predilection was the cervical spine followed by the lumbar spine; oligosegmental involvement was seen in nine patients. Eighteen patients with destructive non-infectious spondyloarthropahy had juxtaarticular cystic bony changes associated with the hip, shoulder and wrist. Bone biopsy in eight patients revealed amyloid as content of these cysts. The interrelation between the duration of preterminal and terminal renal failure on one hand and destructive bone changes in the spine and cysts on the other hand seems to point to destructive spondyloarthropathy as an important complication of renal insufficiency and dialysis.