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The discrepancy between observations from γ-ray astronomy of the ^{60}Fe/^{26}Al γ-ray flux ratio and recent calculations is an unresolved puzzle in nuclear astrophysics. The stellar ß-decay rate of ^{59}Fe is one of the major nuclear uncertainties impeding us from a precise prediction. The important Gamow-Teller strengths from the low-lying states in ^{59}Fe to the ^{59}Co ground state are measured for the first time using the exclusive measurement of the ^{59}Co(t,^{3}He+γ)^{59}Fe charge-exchange reaction. The new stellar decay rate of ^{59}Fe is a factor of 3.5±1.1 larger than the currently adopted rate at T=1.2 GK. Stellar evolution calculations show that the ^{60}Fe production yield of an 18 solar mass star is decreased significantly by 40% when using the new rate. Our result eliminates one of the major nuclear uncertainties in the predicted yield of ^{60}Fe and alleviates the existing discrepancy of the ^{60}Fe/^{26}Al ratio.

Selection of indicator contaminants of emerging concern when reusing reclaimed water for irrigation - A proposed methodology.

Organic and microbial contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), even though not yet regulated, are of great concern in reclaimed water reuse projects. Due to the large number of CECs and their different characteristics, it is useful to include only a limited number of them in monitoring programs. The selection of the most representative CECs is still a current and open question. This study presents a new methodology for this scope, in particular for the evaluation of the performance of a polishing treatment and the assessment of the risk for the environment and the irrigated crops. As to organic CECs, the methodology is based on four criteria (occurrence, persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity) expressed in terms of surrogates (respectively, concentrations in the secondary effluent, removal achieved in conventional activated sludge systems, Log Kow and predicted-no-effect concentration). It consists of: (i) development of a dataset including the CECs found in the secondary effluent, together with the corresponding values of surrogates found in the literature or by in-field investigations; (ii) normalization step with the assignment of a score between 1 (low environmental impact) and 5 (high environmental impact) to the different criteria based on threshold values set according to the literature and experts' judgement; (iii) CEC ranking according to their final score obtained as the sum of the specific scores; and (iv) selection of the representative CECs for the different needs. Regarding microbial CECs, the selection is based on their occurrence and their highest detection frequency in the secondary effluent and in the receiving water, the antibiotic consumption patterns, and recommendations by national and international organisations. The methodology was applied within the ongoing reuse project SERPIC resulting in a list of 30 indicator CECs, including amoxicillin, bisphenol A, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, erythromycin, ibuprofen, iopromide, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, Escherichia coli, faecal coliform, 16S rRNA, sul1, and sul2.

[The radiological and clinical features of Gardner's syndrome (author's transl)]. / Röntgendiagnostik und Klinik des Gardner-Syndroms.

Gardner's syndrome, completely expressed, consists of a trio of familial polyposis of the colon, osteomas and mesenchymal tumours of the skin. Inheritence is autosomal dominant. In many patients with familial polyposis of the colon, only mesenchymal skin tumours or osteomas can be demonstrated. It is therefore possible that Gardner's syndrome and familial polyposis represent two extremities of a single disease which is characterised by marked variability in the expressivity of the gene. Gardner's syndrome has been considered a rare condition occurring in only about 8% of patients with familial polyposis. Amongst the 20 patients with colonic polyposis from eleven families, mesenchymal and/or osseous lesions were found in seventeen (85%). Osteomas of the mandible were shown particularly frequently by orthopantomography. Since polyposis of the colon tends to remain symptomless for many years, the finding of osteomas in the facial skeleton, or recurrent skin tumours in young patients, should lead to further investigation.

Computer-based records. Still searching for the 'Holy Grail'.

The developers of three new databases propose to evaluate computer-based patient record systems in great detail. They promise to rigorously benchmark how CPR systems perform on a suite of tests in what they are calling a 'CPR certification laboratory.'

Shared information boosts competition in healthcare networks.

The time has come for healthcare providers to stop hoarding information. By building healthcare information networks, providers at all levels can gain a competitive edge not by "owning" information, but by better using richer, more complete, "shared" information.

A new definition for integration. Part I.

As information professionals, our challenge is to coordinate specialized resources from multiple entities. By transparently integrating the technical processes, users will be able to focus on the management purposes of their systems rather than how their information is obtained and manipulated.

Integrating distributed data processing.

The abundance and sophistication of technology can lead to solutions before a problem is understood. To maintain a proper focus on problem-solving, the second part of this series explains that we must be willing to rethink and redefine existing problems.

[Early postoperative functional differences between total knee arthroplasties supplied with mobile-bearing platform or fixed-bearing system--an analysis of gait pattern]. / Frühfunktionelle postoperative Unterschiede zwischen Knieendoprothesen mit rotierendem und festem Gleitlager - eine ganganalytische Studie.

AIM: The goal of this study was to analyze differences of gait patterns among patients with total knee arthroplasty supplied with mobile-bearing platform in contrast to patients supplied with fixed-bearing knee systems. METHOD: For that reason 17 patients with mobile-bearing knee systems and two groups of 15 patients each with fixed-bearing knee systems have been examined clinically, radiologically, and by means of gait analysis up to 6 months postoperatively. Additionally 20 knee-healthy control subjects have been gait-analyzed for comparison. RESULTS: There existed no different developments of gait characteristics between the groups of patients in the preoperative status. After the operation an increase of the ground reaction force of the operated leg was observed in all groups. The functional range of motion in the operated knee joint improved among patients postoperatively. Besides, in the group with the mobile-bearing knee a significantly stronger flection of the operated leg during the stance phase under load could be proven. Between the groups of patients the average values of the respective radiological alignments did not exhibit statistically significant differences. No severe complications have been observed. CONCLUSION: For the group of patients with fixed-bearing knee course samples have been registered, which approximate the reference values of healthy control subjects more strongly. The entire course sample is characterized by an increased range of motion of the opposite side and the adjacent joints. The parameters measurable in the gait analysis point to a better biomechanical situation after implantation of the mobile-bearing system.

The influence of storage time on the nucleotide concentration of canine platelets.

Nucleotide concentrations of canine platelets during storage for 50 days were determined to find out the variation in the concentration of various nucleotides in canine platelets during storage at +4 degrees C for 50 days. Platelets of 3 dogs were stored in whole blood in PVC bags containing CPDA-1 stabilizer. The bags were kept at 4 degrees C for 50 days. Changes in the energy metabolism of the platelets during storage were determined by successive measurements of the following nucleotides: adenosine-diphosphate (ADP), adenosine-tri-phosphate (ATP) and guanosine-tri-phosphate (GTP). In preparation for the measurement of their nucleotide content, the platelets were isolated from the blood at regular intervals and their membranes destroyed by deep freezing, thawing, double sonification in ice and protein precipitation with perchloric acid. The concentration of nucleotides within the platelets was determined by "High Pressure Liquid Chromatography" (HPLC). ADP, ATP and GTP were identified in the peak areas of the HPLC using 3 different techniques: comparison of retention time of standard nucleotide solutions as control samples, enzyme tests and thin layer chromatography. Adenosine-mono-phosphate (AMP), adenosine, hypoxanthine and inosine mono 5'-phosphate (IMP) were not found in dog platelets. Platelet ATP concentration decreased significantly during 50 days of storage (p < 0.001), and was reduced to 24% of the concentration measured after 1 hour of storage on day 50. ADP concentration also dropped significantly during 50 days of storage (p < 0.001). On day 50 the average ADP concentration was reduced to about 34% of the concentration measured after 1 hour of storage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)