Mikrotechnik für Raumfahrtanwendungen

This contribution describes the preparation, based upon a chemically amplified novolak resist (CAR), electron beam lithography, and ECR plasma etching, of structures with a high aspect ratio (10∶1) and lateral dimensions in the sub-micrometer range (150nm–300nm) which may serve as collector surfaces for sub-μm dust particles in a space experiment.     

Assessing multidisciplinary areas of science and technology: A synthetic bibliometric study of Dutch nuclear energy research

This paper presents a selection of results of a comprehensive quantitative, research literature-based study of Dutch energy research. The primary goal of this paper is to provide an overview of what bibliometric data from ISI and non-ISI databases may offer to describe the state of affairs in a scientific field. It illustrates the added value of combining bibliometric indicators of publication output, international visibility, international co-operation, and interdisciplinarity in a study of nuclear energy research in the 1980's when its budget decreased dramatically.     

The use of 15N-labeled dietary proteins for determining true ileal amino acid digestibilities is limited by their rapid recycling in the endogenous secretions of pigs

We assessed the use of 15N-labeled dietary proteins as a possible tool for the determination of the true ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility in pigs. The first experiment was designed to study the dietary N excretion pattern at the ileum subsequent to the ingestion of a single 15N-labeled meal. In a second experiment, we compared ileal endogenous AA outputs and true AA digestibility estimates obtained in pigs ingesting 15N-labeled dietary proteins in a single meal vs. intravenous infusion of [15N]leucine for 10 d during the ingestion of a pea-based diet and a protein-free starch diet. The proportion of endogenous N found in the ileal digesta differed when the label was delivered orally (50%) vs. intravenously (72%) and changed with time. As a consequence, the true ileal AA digestibilities measured with labeled diets were lower. A third experiment demonstrated that this was due to the rapid recycling of labeled dietary N in endogenous moieties, because 15N was found in blood within 10 min of consuming the labeled meal, within 50 min of consumption in pancreatic enzymes, 90 min in bile and 4 h in ileal mucins. We conclude that the use of 15N-labeled meals for determination of true ileal AA digestibilities is limited by the fast recycling of dietary N in endogenous secretions following a single 15N-labeled meal. The accuracy of results will depend on meaningful estimates of AA flow during a limited period and accurate estimates of 15N in AA.     

Object-extending class transformations

Reorganisation and evolution of class hierarchies is important for object-oriented system development and has received considerable attention in the literature. The contributions of this paper are: (1) a formal study of a set of extension relations and transformations on class hierarchies; (2) a presentation of a small set of primitive transformations which form a minimal and complete basis for the extension relations; and (3) an analysis of the impact of these transformations at the object level.The study leads to a better understanding of evolution and reuse of object-oriented software and class hierarchies. It also provides a terminology and a means of classification for design reuse. The theory presented in this paper is based on the Demeter data model, which gives a concise mathematical foundation for classes and their inheritance and part-of relationships. Parts of the theory have been implemented in the Demeter System ^TM C++, a CASE tool for object-oriented design and programming.     

Vital-Fluorochromization of Microorganisms Using 3′,6′-Diacetylfluorescein to Determine Damages of Cell Membranes and Loss of Metabolic Activity by Ozonation

Cell suspensions of Escherichia coli as a model for bacterial populations in wastewaters were treated with ozone as a disinfectant in a continuously operated pilot plant with a plug flow reactor. Suspensions with an initial number of CFU (colony forming units) of 10⁸ mL^?1 were ozonized with ozone concentrations up to 12 mg/L. Metabolic activities and membrane functions break down with increasing ozone concentrations. The fluorochromization using 3′,6′-diacetylfluorescein (FDA) proved to be a suitable method for the detection of an alteration in permeability of the cell membranes and an inactivation of metabolic activity. By fluorescence microscopic and photometric investigations it could be clearly demonstrated that, in the case of disinfection with ozone, inactivation of the cells includes first of all a damage of the cell membranes. In contrast to the determination of the number of CFU, fluorochromization allows the detection of alteration in metabolic activities.     

Cytotoxicity versus antibacterial activity of some antiseptics in vitro

The relationship between endometriosis and infertility is observed frequently. Patients with both conditions require a conservative approach to their management. Since hormonal therapy is one of those approaches, we sought to compare the efficacy of Danazol and Gestrinone in 80 infertile patients (48 and 32, respectively). Therapy lasted 6 months in both treatment groups, and all patients studied had laboratory tests performed and were clinically evaluated and classified through laparoscopy before and after therapy. The improvement of symptoms and favorable follow-up were similar with both treatments. The reestablishment of menstrual patterns and fertility were also nearly alike in both groups. However, Gestrinone was associated with fewer secondary effects and is easier to administer than Danazol. We conclude that Gestrinone is a useful medication in the management of the infertile patient with endometriosis.