Pop-up Langmuir probe diagnostic in the water cooled divertor of Wendelstein 7-X.

The design, development, and successful implementation of pop-up Langmuir probes installed in the water-cooled divertor of W7-X are described. The probes are controlled by drive coils (actuators) installed behind the divertor plates. These drive coils make use of the magnetic field in W7-X to move the probe tips into and out of the plasma. The drive coils were installed in the vacuum vessel after extensively testing the durability of the coils and analyzing the criteria for safe operation. The probe design is carefully tailored for each of the 36 probe tips in order to be suitable for the different magnetic field configurations used in W7-X and ensure that the probes do not present leading edges to the magnetic flux tubes. An electronic bridge circuit is used for measurement to compensate for the effects of signal propagation time on the long cable lengths used. The diagnostic is integrated with the segment control of W7-X for automated operation and control of the diagnostic. The evaluation of the results from the plasma operation is presented after accounting for appropriate sheath expansion for negative bias voltage on the probes.

Swift evaluation of electron density profiles obtained by the alkali beam emission spectroscopy technique using linearized reconstruction.

A method is presented for the swift reconstruction of electron density profiles measured by the alkali beam emission spectroscopy. It is based on the linearization of the governing rate equations and leads to a direct calculation for obtaining the profiles. The uncertainties of the measurement are incorporated into the problem through the utilization of Tikhonov regularization and the generalized least squares method. An approximation for the uncertainty of the reconstructed density data is calculated as well. The applicability of the method is tested against both simulated and real experimental results of the W7-X stellarator.

Association between olfactory function and quality of life in patients with olfactory disorders: a multicenter study in over 760 participants.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional, multi-centric study aimed to investigate the differences in quality of life among patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) of different origin, and to identify factors associated with olfactory-related quality of life (QOL). METHODS: Seven hundred sixty-three adults were recruited from 8 Smell & Taste clinics in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Olfactory-related QOL was assessed by the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD). Olfactory function was assessed with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test; self-assessment was performed with visual analog scales. RESULTS: Patients with post-infectious and post-traumatic OD showed poorer olfactory-related QOL than patients with sinonasal and idiopathic OD. The olfactory-related QOL was positively associated with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test score, self-assessed olfactory function, disease duration, and age, with younger olfactory dysfunction patients showing lower QOL. Female patients presented with poorer olfactory-related QOL. In addition, the results showed that self-assessment of olfactory function explained more of the variance in olfactory-related QOL than olfactory function evaluated by the Sniffin’ Sticks test. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the psychophysical testing results, several factors such as disease cause, disease duration, sex, or self- assessed olfactory dysfunction should be taken into account when assessing the individual severity of the smell loss.

Advanced neutral alkali beam diagnostics for applications in fusion research (invited).

Diagnosing the density profile at the edge of high temperature fusion plasmas by an accelerated lithium beam is a known technique since decades. By knowledge of the relevant atomic physics rate coefficients, the plasma electron density profile can be calculated from the relatively calibrated light profile along the beam. Several additional possibilities have already been demonstrated: Charge Exchange Resonance Spectroscopy (CXRS) for ion temperature/flow and Zeeman polarimetry for edge plasma current; therefore the Li-beam diagnostic offers a wealth of information at the plasma edge. The weaknesses of the method are the relatively faint light signal, background light, and technical difficulties of the beam injector which usually seriously limit the applicability. In this talk, we present systematic developments in alkali-beam diagnostics (Li, Na) for the injector and the observation system and detectors which resulted in strongly increased capabilities. Advanced systems have been built, and microsecond scale density profile, turbulence, and zonal flow measurement have been demonstrated. A novel edge current measurement technique has also been designed, and components have been tested with potential microsecond-scale time resolution. Additional possibilities of these advanced systems for spectral measurements (CXRS and various Zeeman schemes) are also discussed.

Improving genetic transformation rates in honeybees.

Functional genetic studies in honeybees have been limited by transformation tools that lead to a high rate of transposon integration into the germline of the queens. A high transformation rate is required to reduce screening efforts because each treated queen needs to be maintained in a separate honeybee colony. Here, we report on further improvement of the transformation rate in honeybees by using a combination of different procedures. We employed a hyperactive transposase protein (hyPBaseapis), we tripled the amount of injected transposase mRNAs and we injected embryos into the first third (anterior part) of the embryo. These three improvements together doubled the transformation rate from 19% to 44%. We propose that the hyperactive transposase (hyPBaseapis) and the other steps used may also help to improve the transformation rates in other species in which screening and crossing procedures are laborious.

Influence of backside loading on the floating mass transducer: An in vitro experimental study.

HYPOTHESIS: The vibration of the floating mass transducer (FMT) of a single active middle-ear implant (AMEI) is distinctly influenced by the properties of the material coupled to its back side. BACKGROUND: In round window vibroplasty, the FMT needs to be padded against the surrounding bone opposite from the round window membrane. This represents one factor influencing its performance as a round window driver. Therefore, we examined the effects of different materials linked to the back side of an FMT on its vibration range. METHODS: The back side of an FMT was glued to a silicone cylinder 1.0 mm in diameter and 1.0 mm - 1.5 mm in length and of 40A, 50A or 70A Shore hardness; to cartilage of equivalent size; or to a round window soft coupler (RWSC), all firmly fixed on a steel plate. The vibrations were determined by a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measuring the velocity of the centre point on the front side of the FMT. RESULTS: The materials on the back side of the FMT significantly influenced the vibration range of the FMT. The RWSC and silicone of 40A Shore hardness allowed for the highest detected velocities, while cartilage led to a distinct reduction similarly to 70A silicone. CONCLUSION: The coupling on the back side of an FMT distinctly affects its vibration range. In this regard, the RWSC and silicone of 40A Shore hardness yield the least impairment of vibration. Thus, the RWSC may be a feasible option in round window vibroplasty when additionally connected to the FMT opposite from the round window membrane.

Confirmation of the topology of the Wendelstein 7-X magnetic field to better than 1:100,000.

Fusion energy research has in the past 40 years focused primarily on the tokamak concept, but recent advances in plasma theory and computational power have led to renewed interest in stellarators. The largest and most sophisticated stellarator in the world, Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), has just started operation, with the aim to show that the earlier weaknesses of this concept have been addressed successfully, and that the intrinsic advantages of the concept persist, also at plasma parameters approaching those of a future fusion power plant. Here we show the first physics results, obtained before plasma operation: that the carefully tailored topology of nested magnetic surfaces needed for good confinement is realized, and that the measured deviations are smaller than one part in 100,000. This is a significant step forward in stellarator research, since it shows that the complicated and delicate magnetic topology can be created and verified with the required accuracy.

[Nerve Tubes for the Repair of Traumatic Sensory Nerve Lesions of the Hand: Review and Planning Study for a Randomised Controlled Multicentre Trial]. / Nervetubes zur Versorgung von traumatischen sensiblen Nervenläsionen der Hand - Übersicht sowie retrospektive Planungsstudie für eine randomisiert-kontrollierte multizentrische Studie.

BACKGROUND: Nerve tubes are used for bridging of short nerve gaps and for coating of primary end-to-end nerve sutures. This article provides an overview of available implants and their application. Also it presents a retrospective planning study aiming to determine the static 2-point discrimination after primary peripheral nerve repair with and without the use of a nerve tube. The results have been used to determine the sample size of a prospective randomised trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 54 peripheral nerve injuries of 41 patients were treated by primary end-to-end nerve sutures with or without the additional use of a nerve tube (n=28 and n=26, respectively). 38 digital nerves and 16 median and ulnar nerves were affected. Nerve tubes were used for the repair of 15 digital nerves and 13 median and ulnar nerves. Clinical follow-up was performed 46 months after surgery (patients without nerve tubes) and 18 months after surgery (patients with nerve tubes), respectively. Static 2-point discrimination (2PD) was measured by double-tip compasses (weight: 18 g) and patients were examined for clinical signs of neuroma. Further examinations included grip strength as a percentage value compared with the uninjured hand and, in case of finger injuries, the range of motion in the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, Strickland score, DASH score and implant-associated complications. RESULTS: In patients with primary end-to-end sutures for finger injuries, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment with and without nerve tubes regarding 2PD, grip strength, DASH- or Strickland score. However, 2PD values of patients with nerve tubes had an increased spread. Average 2PD in digital nerves was 4.5 mm (3-15; SD: 3.9) without nerve tubes and 5.5 mm (3-15; SD: 5) with nerve tubes. Average 2PD after lesions of the median and ulnar nerves was 10 mm (3-15; SD: 5.9 and 5.4, respectively) in both groups. CONCLUSION: The additional use of a nerve tube showed no superiority in this planning study. The expected average 2PD is 5 mm after digital nerve injuries and 10 mm after lesions of the median or ulnar nerves.

Epidemiology and Economics Support Decisions about Freedom from Aquatic Animal Disease.

In this study, we review the application of epidemiology and economics to decision-making about freedom from aquatic animal disease, at national and regional level, and recent examples from Europe. Epidemiological data (e.g. pathogen prevalence and distribution) determine the technical feasibility and cost of eradication. The eradication of pathogens which exist in wild populations, or in a latent state, is technically difficult, uncertain and expensive. Notably, the eradication of diseases of molluscs is rarely attempted because host populations (farmed and wild) cannot be completely removed from open water systems. Doubt about the success of eradication translates into uncertain ex-ante cost estimates. Additionally, the benefits of an official disease-free status cannot be estimated with any accuracy. For example, in Europe, official freedom from epizootic ulcerative syndrome and white spot syndrome virus has not been pursued, arguably because the evidence does not exist for the benefits (reduced risk of disease in wild populations) to be estimated and thus weighed against the costs of maintaining disease freedom (e.g. restriction on imports). Economic analysis must assess not only whether the benefits of disease freedom outweigh costs, but whether it is the economically optimal disease control option. Government may also want to compare investment in aquatic animal health with other opportunities. As resources become scarce, governments have sought to share costs of disease control with industry, and thus to ensure equity, the distribution benefits must be known so costs can be borne by those who benefit. The economic principles to support decisions about disease freedom are well established, but their application is constrained by lack of epidemiological data, which may explain the lack of economic analysis in support of aquatic animal management in Europe. The integration of epidemiology and economics in disease control planning will identify research aimed at improving the underpinning evidence base.

Multi-element composition of soils of seasonal wetlands across North Dakota, USA.

The main goal of this study was to assess if the soils of wetlands of different condition varied in terms of element composition. The rationale was that compared to wetlands of good condition, wetlands of poor condition-which in the region have typically been disturbed by agricultural activities, are lower in biodiversity and have fewer native species-would have been altered in their physical and chemical soil characteristics. This in turn would have altered the element composition of the soils. The concentrations of about 50 elements in the topsoil of 43 seasonal wetlands of varying condition, as measured by plant community based assessments, across North Dakota were determined. Organic matter content of the soils increased as condition increased, and it was the most important variable explaining 40 % of variation in the concentrations of elements. This can be partly explained by binding of elements to organic matter (S, Se) and for most other elements (that bind mostly to the inorganic fraction) by displacement by organic matter. The biogeochemistry of S is further implicated in the distribution of Ca, most likely via formation of insoluble gypsum (calcium sulfate).

[The DIEP Flap as Method of Choice in Breast Reconstruction - Results and Protocol for Succesful Reconstruction]. / Der DIEP Lappen als Standard in der autologen Brustrekonstruktion - Ergebnisse und Algorithmus zur erfolgreichen Rekonstruktion.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction is becoming increasingly important, especially in light of the increased rates of prophylactic mastectomies with BRCA mutations. Regarding the indications and complications between free TRAM and free DIEP flaps for autologous breast reconstruction the current data is not clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who received an autologous breast reconstruction between January 2010 and January 2014 using free DIEP or free MS-2-TRAM flaps were included in the study. The choice of flap between DIEP and MS-2-TRAM was performed by a standardised algorithm with preoperative CT angiography, intraoperative evaluation of the flap perfusion and Doppler detection. The analysis took into account partial flap necrosis <20% and >20%), complete flap loss, flap necrosis and surgical revision of the anastomosis. RESULTS: The study considered 362 women who received a total of 419 free flaps for breast reconstruction. 66 patients received a bilateral reconstruction (52 double DIEPS, 9 DIEP and MS2 TRAM and 5 double MS2 TRAMs). The total flap loss was 0.24%. Partial necrosis <20% occurred in 0.72% (DIEP 0.82%, MS2 TRAM 0%), partial necrosis >20% in 0.72% (DIEP 0.69% MS2 TRAM 0.98%). One DIEP flap was lost (0.24%). After implementing our protocol the rate of MS-2-Tram flaps could be reduced to 10-15% of all autologous breast reconstruction procedures as compared to the years before. CONCLUSION: Through the application of the presented algorithm for breast reconstruction with free DIEP flap, such surgery is a safe treatment option if it is done at high frequency in a microsurgical centre. Flap loss and complications are not increased compared to MS2 TRAM flaps. The decision for the selection of the appropriate flap for breast reconstruction should be based on the presented algorithm in order to achieve secure and reproducible results.

Tailored Height Gradients in Vertical Nanowire Arrays via Mechanical and Electronic Modulation of Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching.

In current top-down nanofabrication methodologies the design freedom is generally constrained to the two lateral dimensions, and is only limited by the resolution of the employed nanolithographic technique. However, nanostructure height, which relies on certain mask-dependent material deposition or etching techniques, is usually uniform, and on-chip variation of this parameter is difficult and generally limited to very simple patterns. Herein, a novel nanofabrication methodology is presented, which enables the generation of high aspect-ratio nanostructure arrays with height gradients in arbitrary directions by a single and fast etching process. Based on metal-assisted chemical etching using a catalytic gold layer perforated with nanoholes, it is demonstrated how nanostructure arrays with directional height gradients can be accurately tailored by: (i) the control of the mass transport through the nanohole array, (ii) the mechanical properties of the perforated metal layer, and (iii) the conductive coupling to the surrounding gold film to accelerate the local electrochemical etching process. The proposed technique, enabling 20-fold on-chip variation of nanostructure height in a spatial range of a few micrometers, offers a new tool for the creation of novel types of nano-assemblies and metamaterials with interesting technological applications in fields such as nanophotonics, nanophononics, microfluidics or biomechanics.

Status of the diagnostics development for the first operation phase of the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X.

An overview of the diagnostics which are essential for the first operational phase of Wendelstein 7-X and the set of diagnostics expected to be ready for operation at this time are presented. The ongoing investigations of how to cope with high levels of stray Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) radiation in the ultraviolet (UV)/visible/infrared (IR) optical diagnostics are described.

Honey bee promoter sequences for targeted gene expression.

The honey bee, Apis mellifera, displays a rich behavioural repertoire, social organization and caste differentiation, and has an interesting mode of sex determination, but we still know little about its underlying genetic programs. We lack stable transgenic tools in honey bees that would allow genetic control of gene activity in stable transgenic lines. As an initial step towards a transgenic method, we identified promoter sequences in the honey bee that can drive constitutive, tissue-specific and cold shock-induced gene expression. We identified the promoter sequences of Am-actin5c, elp2l, Am-hsp83 and Am-hsp70 and showed that, except for the elp2l sequence, the identified sequences were able to drive reporter gene expression in Sf21 cells. We further demonstrated through electroporation experiments that the putative neuron-specific elp2l promoter sequence can direct gene expression in the honey bee brain. The identification of these promoter sequences is an important initial step in studying the function of genes with transgenic experiments in the honey bee, an organism with a rich set of interesting phenotypes.

Metal and metalloid removal in constructed wetlands, with emphasis on the importance of plants and standardized measurements: A review.

This review integrates knowledge on the removal of metals and metalloids from contaminated waters in constructed wetlands and offers insight into future R&D priorities. Metal removal processes in wetlands are described. Based on 21 papers, the roles and impacts on efficiency of plants in constructed wetlands are discussed. The effects of plant ecotypes and class (monocots, dicots) and of system size on metal removal are addressed. Metal removal rates in wetlands depend on the type of element (Hg > Mn > Fe = Cd > Pb = Cr > Zn = Cu > Al > Ni > As), their ionic forms, substrate conditions, season, and plant species. Standardized procedures and data are lacking for efficiently comparing properties of plants and substrates. We propose a new index, the relative treatment efficiency index (RTEI), to quantify treatment impacts on metal removal in constructed wetlands. Further research is needed on key components, such as effects of differences in plant ecotypes and microbial communities, in order to enhance metal removal efficiency.

Heavy ion beam probe coordinate mapping and calibration at WEGA stellarator.

The heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) is an established nonperturbing diagnostic for high spatially and temporary resolved measurements of magnetically confined plasma parameters such as potential, density, and temperature. These quantities can be determined from the change in the ion beam parameters (charge, intensity, and trajectory) passing through a plasma volume due to collisions with electrons and interaction with the confining magnetic field. One of the problems that should be solved during HIBP installation and tuning is the coordinate matching. Conventionally the coordinate mapping of the HIBP measurement point is provided by ray tracing calculations of the ion beam in the magnetic field. However, it is very difficult to include all physical effects and uncertainties in the model. Thus, the result of the calculations may differ from the real probing position. In order to improve the mapping precision of the HIBP installed at the WEGA stellarator an additional measurement of the beam position is provided using a primary beam detector array inside the vacuum vessel. This allows comparing the measured and calculated ion beam positions in order to prove the calculated coordinate precision and include adjustments in the calculation code if necessary. The principle and the results of this calibration, which is not specific to WEGA but could be adapted to other experiments as well, are presented in this work.